bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Catch per Unit Effort of Decapod Species, C. pagurus and H. gammarus, from a Voluntary Marine Reserve
Authors: Easton Blair Alexander Andrew , Scott Kevin , Richards Joe , Rees Adam
Published: July 2023

C. pagurus and H. gammarus are deemed to be declining in abundance in the Berwickshire Marine Reserve from personal communications with local inshore fishers. Fisheries data in the form of catch per unit effort (CPUE) were collected for these two commercially important decapods. Other explanatory variables from fishing activity such as the creel and bait type used, the soak time of the fishing gear, and deployment depth were recorded to provide as much detail as possible to describe the effort applied to catch these decapod species. In this study, CPUE was higher for H. gammarus and C. pagurus outside the Berwickshire Marine Reserve. General additive models (GAMs) were used to describe the effects of the explanatory variables and showed that soak time (days) and depth (m) significantly affected CPUE for C. pagurus, not H. gammarus. Sea temperature (°C) showed a negative correlation with the CPUE of both H. gammarus and C. pagurus; however, a positive correlation was found with the number of C. pagurus caught. The data collected in this study provide a foundation in understanding the current abundance of C. pagurus and H. gammarus in a voluntary marine reserve on the east coast of Scotland, which can be used to inform future changes in fisheries management in Berwickshire.
Effect of Conventional Preservatives and Essential Oils on the Survival and Growth of Escherichia coli in Vegetable Sauces: A Comparative Study
Authors: Hanková Kateřina , Lupoměská Petra , Nový Pavel , Všetečka Daniel , Klouček Pavel , Kouřimská Lenka , Hlebová Miroslava , Božik Matěj
Published: July 2023

Essential oils have gained attention as natural alternatives to chemical preservatives in food preservation. However, more information is needed regarding consumer acceptance of essential oils in actual food products. This study aimed to compare the effects of conventional preservatives, heat treatment, and essential oils derived from thyme, oregano, and lemongrass on the survival and growth of pathogenic Escherichia coli in vegetable sauces. The results demonstrated a gradual decrease in pathogen numbers over time, even in untreated samples. On the fifth day of storage, heat treatment, sodium chloride, and acidification using citric acid (pH 3.2) exhibited reductions of 4.4 to 5.3 log CFU/g compared to the untreated control. Among the essential oils tested, lemongrass essential oil at a concentration of 512 mg/kg demonstrated the most remarkable effectiveness, resulting in a reduction of 1.9 log CFU/g compared to the control. Fifteen days after treatment, the control samples exhibited a contamination rate of 6.2 log CFU/g, while E. coli numbers in treated samples with heat, sodium chloride, citric acid (pH 3.2), and lemongrass essential oil (512 mg/kg) were below the detection limits. Additionally, sensory evaluation was conducted to assess the acceptability of the treated samples. The findings provide valuable insights into the potential utilisation of essential oils as natural preservatives in vegetable sauces and their impact on consumer acceptance.
Isolation of Biofilm-Forming Staphylococci from the Bulk-Tank Milk of Small Ruminant Farms in Greece
Authors: Lianou Daphne T. , Michael Charalambia K. , Solomakos Nikolaos , Vasileiou Natalia G. C. , Petinaki Efthymia , Mavrogianni Vasia S. , Tzora Athina , Voidarou Chrysoula , Fthenakis George C.
Published: July 2023

The objectives of this study were (i) to describe staphylococcal isolates recovered from bulk-tank raw milk collected from sheep and goat farms during a countrywide study performed in Greece, (ii) to study management factors potentially associated with their presence in bulk-tank milk and (iii) to provide evidence regarding their association with the quality of the milk. In total, 312 staphylococcal isolates, recovered from samples of bulk-tank raw milk from 444 small ruminant farms in Greece, were evaluated in this work. The in vitro formation of biofilm by the isolates was tested by combining the findings of (a) culture appearance on Congo Red agar plates and (b) results of a microplate adhesion test. The most frequently identified species was Staphylococcus aureus (75 isolates); other frequently recovered species were S. simulans (44 isolates), S. equorum (34 isolates) and S. haemolyticus (26 isolates); in total, 23 species were identified. In total, 224 (71.8%) isolates were biofilm-forming and were recovered from the bulk-tank milk samples of 148 sheep flocks (45.5%) and 55 goat herds (46.2%). There was evidence of seasonality in the isolation of staphylococci: during spring, mostly biofilm-forming isolates were recovered, whilst during summer, mostly non-biofilm-forming isolates were recovered. Among farms applying machine-milking, the proportion of farms from which biofilm-forming isolates were recovered was higher where water with temperature < 50 °C or ≥90 °C was used to clean the milking parlour. In the multivariable analyses, for farms applying machine-milking, the temperature of the water emerged as the only significant variable (p = 0.024), whilst in farms applying hand-milking, the only tendency that emerged was for the frequency of collection of milk from the farm tank (p = 0.08). In sheep flocks, recovery of biofilm-forming staphylococci from the bulk-tank milk was associated with higher somatic cell counts and higher total bacterial counts in the milk. The study identified abiotic factors related to the presence and isolation of these bacteria, specifically the temperature of water used for the cleaning of the milking parlour (in farms where machine-milking is applied) and the frequency of milk collection from the farm tank. These factors apply after the production of milk, and they could thus be regulated appropriately in order to reduce bacterial load and improve the quality of milk delivered to dairy plants. In sheep farms, an association was also seen between recovery of biofilm-forming staphylococci and high somatic cell counts in milk.
Effects of Protein Hydrolysate from Silkworm (Bombyx mori) pupae on the C2C12 Myogenic Differentiation
Authors: Kang Hyeong-Seok , Park Ji , Auh Joong-Hyuck
Published: July 2023

This study investigated the effects and active compounds of silkworm pupae, an edible insect, on C2C12 muscle differentiation. The protein of silkworm pupae was extracted using sonication after defatting with hexane. Subsequently, the extract was rehydrated using Alcalase to obtain a protein hydrolysate. The silkworm pupae protein hydrolysate effectively promoted C2C12 myogenic differentiation without cytotoxicity. Subsequently, the hydrolysate was fractionated into four subfractions using preparative high-performance liquid chromatography (Prep-HPLC). Subfraction 1 was the most effective in promoting C2C12 myogenic differentiation and significantly upregulated the expression of myoblast transcription factors, 1.5-fold of myoblast determination protein 1 (MyoD), 2-fold of myogenin, and 3-fold of myosin heavy chain (MyHC). Liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) and multivariate statistical analysis were used to identify the active peptides in silkworm pupae responsible for the observed effects; then, dipeptides and essential amino acids, such as isoleucine (Ile), valine (Val), and methionine (Met), were identified. In addition, Val, Ile, and two dipeptides underwent quantification to determine the potential bioactive peptides that enhanced C2C12 myogenic differentiation. This study suggests that the peptides from silkworm pupae could be used as a nutraceutical to enhance muscle growth.
Patients’ Perceptions of Safety in Primary Healthcare Settings: A Cross-Sectional Study in the Qassim Region of Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alasqah Ibrahim
Published: July 2023

This study assessed patients’ perceptions of safety and experiences in primary healthcare in the Qassim region of Saudi Arabia. Between July and September 2022, 730 patients from primary healthcare centers were surveyed using a multi-staged cluster random sampling approach. The Patient-Reported Experiences and Outcomes of Safety in Primary Care (PREOS-PC) questionnaire was used to measure patients’ perceived safety and experience in primary healthcare settings within the past year. Descriptive analyses were performed to report patients’ perceived safety experiences. The statistical analysis examined individual items and scales. A considerable proportion of patients reported encountering safety problems, ranging from 11% (vaccine-related) to 27% (diagnosis-related). Diagnostic errors were the most common perceived safety problem (26.7%), followed by communication issues (24.1%) and medication errors (16.3%). Between 26% and 40% experienced harm, including financial problems (40%), increased care needs (32.4%), physical health issues (32%), limitations in activities (30.6%), increased healthcare needs (30.2%), and mental health concerns (26.8%). Patient-reported safety experiences reported in our study offer valuable insights into primary care safety in Saudi Arabia. Collecting routine patient feedback is crucial for addressing identified safety problems and implementing standardized procedures.
Forecasting Stock Market Prices Using Machine Learning and Deep Learning Models: A Systematic Review, Performance Analysis and Discussion of Implications
Authors: Sonkavde Gaurang , Dharrao Deepak Sudhakar , Bongale Anupkumar M. , Deokate Sarika T. , Doreswamy Deepak , Bhat Subraya Krishna
Published: July 2023

The financial sector has greatly impacted the monetary well-being of consumers, traders, and financial institutions. In the current era, artificial intelligence is redefining the limits of the financial markets based on state-of-the-art machine learning and deep learning algorithms. There is extensive use of these techniques in financial instrument price prediction, market trend analysis, establishing investment opportunities, portfolio optimization, etc. Investors and traders are using machine learning and deep learning models for forecasting financial instrument movements. With the widespread adoption of AI in finance, it is imperative to summarize the recent machine learning and deep learning models, which motivated us to present this comprehensive review of the practical applications of machine learning in the financial industry. This article examines algorithms such as supervised and unsupervised machine learning algorithms, ensemble algorithms, time series analysis algorithms, and deep learning algorithms for stock price prediction and solving classification problems. The contributions of this review article are as follows: (a) it provides a description of machine learning and deep learning models used in the financial sector; (b) it provides a generic framework for stock price prediction and classification; and (c) it implements an ensemble model—“Random Forest + XG-Boost + LSTM”—for forecasting TAINIWALCHM and AGROPHOS stock prices and performs a comparative analysis with popular machine learning and deep learning models.
Foods Containing Pantoea agglomerans LPS Reduce Eye-Nose Allergies—A Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Randomized, Parallel-Group Comparative Pilot Study
Authors: Kohchi Chie , Uehiro Miyuki , Yamashita Masashi , Inagawa Hiroyuki , Soma Gen-Ichiro
Published: July 2023

In this study, the effects of foods containing lipopolysaccharide (LPS) from Pantoea agglomerans (LPSp) on immunity were preliminarily investigated using a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized, parallel-group comparative study design. Thirty healthy subjects aged ≥ 20 years (four males and twenty-six females; mean age 49 ± 9.2 years) were randomly assigned to the LPS-containing food group (488 μg/day; LPS) or placebo group. Each food was consumed for 8 weeks, and a subjective survey of cold symptoms (Wisconsin Upper Respiratory Symptom Questionnaire) and allergic symptoms of the eyes and nose were conducted. Phagocytic capacity and lymphocyte counts were measured as indicators of immune function. There were no significant between-group differences with respect to any of the investigated items. On sub-group analysis of eye–nose allergy symptom score, confined only to subjects who reported eye–nose allergic symptoms in previous years, the LPS group showed a trend toward milder symptoms compared to the placebo group. In addition, when the symptom scores were compared only for subjects who developed eye–nose allergies during the study period, the LPS group showed significantly lower overall scores and eye symptom scores compared to the placebo group. These results suggest that the consumption of LPS-containing foods may alleviate or prevent eye–nose allergies. There were no statistically predominant changes in hematology and blood biochemistry tests, indicating that continued consumption of LPS-containing foods is safe. (UMIN000046154).
How Can Curricular Elements Affect the Motivation to Study?
Authors: Bopp Catherine , Salzmann Aline , Ohlmeier Silke , Caspar Melanie , Schmok Erik , Volz-Willems Sara , Jäger Johannes , Dupont Fabian
Published: July 2023

(1) Background: This qualitative study aimed to identify and describe course components which affect a student’s motivation to learn within a blended-learning competency-based curriculum. (2) Methods: The data were gathered via two consecutive semi-structured group interviews. The participants were purposefully sampled from medical students attending the Family Medicine (FM) class at Saarland University (UdS) in Winter 2020. The two interviews were transcribed verbatim and inductively analysed using content analysis. (3) Results: Three categories of curricular components that affected motivation were inductively formed: (a) the provision of structure (curriculum design), where providing external learning milestones to self-regulated learning positively influenced an interviewee’s learning motivation; (b) the provision of interpersonal interactions and emotional relatedness by staff, where constructive feedback and enthusiasm from a teacher facilitated intrinsic motivation and real-life examples helped the students to remember content more easily; and (c) perceived gain in self-efficacy, where a participant’s motivation to learn a particular subject area was especially high if it appeared to be highly relevant to practice or exams and the applicability of the knowledge gained was readily apparent. (4) Conclusions: It is important for educators to be aware of how they influence a student’s motivation. This study may help to provide an orientation on what to avoid and what to include in a curriculum design project to purposefully foster motivation in students.
Differences in Demographics, in-Hospital Management and Short-Term Prognosis in Admissions for Acutely Decompensated Heart Failure to Cardiology vs. Internal Medicine Departments: A Prospective Study
Authors: Bazmpani Maria-Anna , Papanastasiou Christos A. , Giampatzis Vasilios , Kamperidis Vasileios , Zegkos Thomas , Zebekakis Pantelis , Savopoulos Christos , Karvounis Haralambos , Efthimiadis Georgios K. , Ziakas Antonios , Karamitsos Theodoros D.
Published: July 2023

Heart failure (HF) is among the leading causes of unplanned hospital admissions worldwide. Patients with HF carry a high burden of comorbidities; hence, they are frequently admitted for non-cardiac conditions and managed in Internal Medicine Departments (IMD). The aim of our study was to investigate differences in demographics, in-hospital management, and short-term outcomes of HF patients admitted to IMD vs. cardiology departments (CD). A prospective cohort study enrolling consecutive patients with acutely decompensated HF either as primary or as secondary diagnosis during the index hospitalization was conducted. Our primary endpoint was a combined endpoint of in-hospital mortality and 30-day rehospitalization for HF. A total of 302 patients participated in the study, with 45% of them admitted to IMD. Patients managed by internists were older with less pronounced HF symptoms on admission. In-hospital mortality was higher for patients admitted to IMD vs. CD (21% vs. 6%, p < 0.001). The composite endpoint of in-hospital death and heart failure hospitalizations at 30 days post-discharge was higher for patients admitted to IMD both in univariate [OR: 3.2, 95% CI (1.8–5.7); p < 0.001] and in multivariate analysis [OR 3.74, 95% CI (1.72–8.12); p = 0.001]. In addition, the HF rehospitalization rate at 6 months after discharge was higher in IMD patients [HR 1.65, 95% CI (1.1, 2.4), p = 0.01]. Overall, HF patients admitted to IMD have worse short-term outcomes compared to patients admitted to CD.
Cardiologist-Directed Sedation Management in Patients Undergoing Transvenous Lead Extraction: A Single-Centre Retrospective Analysis
Authors: Bock Matthias , O’Connor Matthew , Chouchane Amir , Schmidt Philip , Schaarschmidt Claudia , Knoll Katharina , Bahlke Fabian , Englert Florian , Storz Theresa , Kottmaier Marc , Trenkwalder Teresa , Reents Tilko , Bourier Felix , Telishevska Marta , Lengauer Sarah , Hessling Gabriele , Deisenhofer Isabel , Kolb Christof , Lennerz Carsten
Published: July 2023

Background: The demand for transvenous lead extraction (TLE) has increased. In line with this, the safety of such procedures has also increased. Traditionally, TLE is performed under resource-intensive general anaesthesia. This study aims to evaluate the safety and outcomes of Cardiologist-lead deep sedation for TLE. Methods: We retrospectively analysed 328 TLE procedures performed under deep sedation from 2016 to 2019. TLE procedures were performed by experienced electrophysiologists. Sedation was administered by a specifically trained cardiologist (bolus midazolam/fentanyl and propofol infusion). Procedural sedation data including blood pressure, medication administration and sedation time were collected. Complications related to sedation and the operative component of the procedure were analysed retrospectively. Results: The sedation-associated complication rate during TLE was 22.0%. The most common complication (75% of complications) was hypotension requiring noradrenaline, followed by bradycardia requiring atropine (13% of complications). Additionally, the unplanned presence of an anaesthesiologist was needed in one case (0.3%). Deep sedation was achieved with midazolam (mean dose 42.9 ± 26.5 µg/kg), fentanyl (mean dose 0.4 ± 0.6 µg/kg) and propofol (mean dose 3.5 ± 1.2 mg/kg/h). There was no difference in medication dosage between those with a sedation-associated complication and those without. Sedation-associated complications appeared significantly more in patients with reduced LVEF (p = 0.01), renal impairment (p = 0.01) and a higher American Society of Anaesthesiologists (ASA) class (p = 0.01). Conclusion: Deep sedation for TLE can be safely performed by a specifically trained cardiologist, with a transition to general anaesthesia required in only 0.3% of cases. We continue to recommend the on-call availability of an anaesthesiologist and cardiac surgeon in case of major complications.
Image-Guided Ablations in Patients with Recurrent Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Aurilio Gaetano , Mauri Giovanni , Rossi Duccio , Della Vigna Paolo , Bonomo Guido , Varano Gianluca Maria , Maiettini Daniele , Rocca Maria Cossu , Verri Elena , Cullurà Daniela , Nolé Franco , Orsi Franco
Published: July 2023

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is one of the most frequently diagnosed tumors and a leading cause of death. The high risk of local recurrence and distant metastases represent a significant clinical issue. Different image-guided ablation techniques can be applied for their treatment as an alternative to surgery, radiotherapy or systemic treatments. A retrospective analysis was conducted at our institution, including a total number of 34 RCC patients and 44 recurrent RCC tumors in different locations (kidney, lung, adrenal gland, liver, pancreas, pararenal and other) using microwave ablation, radiofrequency ablation, cryoablation and laser ablation. The estimated time to local and distant tumor progression after treatment were 22.53 ± 5.61 months and 24.23 ± 4.47 months, respectively. Systemic treatment was initiated in 10/34 (29%) treated patients with a mean time-to-systemic-therapy of 40.92 ± 23.98 months. Primary technical success was achieved in all cases and patients while the primary efficacy rate was achieved in 43/44 (98%) cases and 33/34 (97%) patients, respectively, with a secondary technical success and efficacy rate of 100%. At a mean follow-up of 57.52 months ± 27.86 months, local tumor progression occurred in 3/44 (7%) cases and distant progression in 25/34 (74%) patients. No significant complications occurred. Image-guided ablations can play a role in helping to better control recurrent disease, avoiding or delaying the administration of systemic therapies and their significant adverse effects.
Current Opinions in Open and Endovascular Treatment of Major Arterial Injuries in Pediatric Patient
Authors: Franchin Marco , Righini Paolo , D’Oria Mario , Mazzaccaro Daniela , Nano Giovanni , Tozzi Matteo , Selmo Gabriele , Piffaretti Gabriele
Published: July 2023

Pediatric major arterial vascular injuries may belong to the same principal categories as adults, but have been poorly documented, with an estimated overall incidence of <2% of all vascular traumas. Open surgery has been the mainstay of treatment, but no clear guidelines have been developed to recommend the best practice patterns in terms of strategy or repair as well as postoperative pharmacological regimen. Herein, we report three cases and a narrative review of the available literature regarding the main aspects when dealing with pediatric arterial injuries based on the predominant series available from the most recent published literature.
Blood-Derived Systemic Inflammation Markers and Risk of Nodal Failure in Stage Ia Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: A Multicentric Study
Authors: Tacconi Federico , Mangiameli Giuseppe , Voulaz Emanuele , Patirelis Alexandro , Carlea Federica , Rocca Eleonora La , Tamburrini Alessandro , Vanni Gianluca , Ambrogi Vincenzo
Published: July 2023

Background: Unexpected spread to regional lymph nodes can be found in up to 10% of patients with early stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), thereby affecting both prognosis and treatment. Given the known relation between systemic inflammation and tumor progression, we sought to evaluate whether blood-derived systemic inflammation markers might help to the predict nodal outcome in patients with stage Ia NSCLC. Methods: Preoperative levels of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and systemic inflammation score (SII, platelets × NLR) were collected from 368 patients who underwent curative lung resection for NSCLC. After categorization, inflammatory markers were subjected to logistic regression and time-event analysis in order to find associations with occult nodal spread and postoperative nodal recurrence. Results: No inflammation marker was associated with the risk of occult nodal spread. SII showed a marginal effect on early nodal recurrence at a quasi-significant level (p = 0.065). However, patients with T1c tumors and elevated PLR and/or SII had significantly shorter times to nodal recurrence compared to T1a/T1b patients (p = 0.001), while patients with T1c and normal PLR/SII did not (p = 0.128). Conclusions: blood-derived inflammation markers had no value in the preoperative prediction of nodal status. Nevertheless, our results might suggest a modulating effect of platelet-derived inflammation markers on nodal progression after the resection of tumors larger than 2 cm.
Comparative Efficacy and Safety of Mycophenolate Mofetil and Azathioprine in Combination with Corticosteroids in the Treatment of Lymphocytic Myocarditis
Authors: Blagova Olga , Rud’ Ruslan , Kogan Evgeniya , Zaitsev Alexander , Nedostup Alexander
Published: July 2023

Aims: This paper aimed to study the efficacy and safety of mycophenolate mofetil (MM) in combination with corticosteroids in the treatment of lymphocytic myocarditis (LM) when compared to the standard combination of corticosteroids and azathioprine. Methods. The study included 50 adult patients (47.8 ± 10.8 y.o.) in a NYHA III functional class due to LM who were verified using endomyocardial biopsy. The main group included 29 patients who received MM at 2 g/day. The comparison group comprised 21 patients who received azathioprine at 150 [50; 150] mg/day. Both groups were administered with methylprednisolone. The average follow-up period was 30 [22; 35] months, but no less than 6 months. Results. The groups were comparable in the baseline parameters and standard drug therapy. In both groups, there was a comparable significant increase in the ejection fraction (from 30.6 ± 7.7% to 44.0 ± 9.4% vs. 29.2 ± 7.7% to 46.2 ± 11.8%, p < 0.001), and a decrease in systolic pressure in the pulmonary artery and the dimensions of the left ventricle and atrium. The frequency of death was two (6.9%) and two (9.5%), transplantation was one (3.4%) and one (4.8%) patient and the “death + transplantation” endpoint was three (10.3%) and three (14.3%) without differences between the groups. The presence of the parvovirus B19 in the myocardium in 6/5 patients did not affect the results. The incidence of infectious complications was comparable. The most severe infectious complications were pneumonia and fatal purulent encephalitis (both cases in the azathioprine group), leptospirosis meningitis (in the mycophenolate mofetil group). Conclusions. In the patients with LM, the combination of corticosteroids with MM at a dose of 2 g/day was at least no less effective than with azathioprine. There was a tendency toward a better tolerance using MM.
Physical Activity Profiles among Patients Admitted with Acute Exacerbations of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Authors: Byron Christopher , Osadnik Christian R.
Published: July 2023

People with hospitalised acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) exhibit low levels of physical activity (PA) and increased risks of future exacerbations. While methods to objectively measure and express PA are established for people with stable COPD, less clarity exists for people during AECOPD. Further, the relationship between PA during AECOPD and clinically relevant outcomes remains uncertain. The purpose of the study was to evaluate how much PA (step count and intensity) people accumulate during hospitalised AECOPDs, and the effect of accumulated inpatient PA (expressed via differing metrics) on length of stay (LOS), PA recovery, and readmission risk. This study was a secondary analysis of prospective observational cohort data collected with Actigraph wActiSleep-BT devices from patients with AECOPD in a Melbourne hospital from 2016 to 2018. Step counts and PA intensity throughout the hospital admission and at one-month follow-up were collected and analysed. Sixty-eight participants were recruited for inpatient measurement, and 51 were retained for follow-up. There were no significant changes in step count or intensity across the inpatient days, but 33/51 (65%) of participants demonstrated a clinically meaningful improvement in steps per day from 3817.0 to 6173.7 at follow-up. Participants spent most time sedentary and in light PA, with both PA metrics demonstrating significant influences on LOS and follow-up PA intensity, but with generally low explanatory power (R2 value range 7–22%). Those who had LOS < 5 days spent significantly less time sedentary and more time in light PA than those with LOS ≥ 5 days (p < 0.001 for both). Time spent sedentary or in light PA appears to be the most promising metric to associate with clinically relevant outcomes related to recovery following AECOPD. These findings can inform future clinical practice for the evaluation of inpatient PA to better establish its role in the clinical management of patients with AECOPD.
Sex/Gender Differences in the Language Profiles of Italian Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Barsotti Jessica , Mangani Gloria , Nencioli Roberta , Narzisi Antonio , Pfanner Lucia , Chilosi Anna Maria , Cipriani Paola , Mancini Alice , Cosenza Angela , Tancredi Raffaella , Calderoni Sara
Published: July 2023

Sex/gender (S/G) differences in ASD language profiles have been poorly investigated. The present study aims to explore whether male (M) and female (F) children with ASD and with normal non-verbal cognitive abilities differ in their linguistic profiles. A sample of 76 Italian children with ASD (range: 4.9–8 years), including 50 Ms and 26 Fs, was retrospectively recruited. Language profiles were analyzed using standardized tests for the evaluation of receptive and expressive vocabulary as well as grammar. Grammatical comprehension was the most impaired domain compared to the other language measures in both M and F children. Comparing language profiles between S/G, Fs showed significantly better scores than Ms in grammatical production (p = 0.002), and Ms showed better active negative sentence comprehension (p = 0.035). Moreover, comparing the language profiles between Ms and Fs with a receptive disorder, Fs had significantly worse grammatical comprehension and better grammatical production than Ms. Even among children without a receptive disorder, Fs had significantly higher grammatical production scores. The S/G differences in language profile, particularly better expressive language in Fs than Ms, can partially contribute to the delayed ASD diagnosis or underdiagnosis of Fs without intellectual disability. Finally, the results document the importance of accurately investigating both expressive and receptive abilities in children with ASD.
Ventilation Targets for Patients Undergoing Mechanical Thrombectomy for Acute Ischemic Stroke: A Systematic Review
Authors: Scudellari Alessandro , Dudek Paula , Marino Luca , Badenes Rafael , Bilotta Federico
Published: July 2023

Mechanical thrombectomy (MT) has become a standard treatment for acute ischemic stroke (AIS) caused by large vessel occlusion (LVO). Recent evidence suggests that general anesthesia (GA) and mechanical ventilation do not lead to inferior neurologic outcomes if compared to non-GA. However, the guidelines lack specific recommendations for ventilation targets during MT under GA. This systematic review aims to identify ventilation strategies correlating with better neurological outcomes in AIS patients undergoing MT, particularly focusing on oxygenation and carbon dioxide (CO2) targets. A systematic search of multiple databases was conducted to identify human studies reporting the correlation between ventilation strategies and neurological outcomes in MT for AIS. Eligible studies included clinical trials, observational studies, and case–control studies. Out of 157 studies assessed, 11 met the inclusion criteria. Five studies investigated oxygenation targets, while six studies explored CO2 targets. The published studies highlighted the controversial role of supplemental normobaric oxygen therapy and its potential association with worse outcomes. Regarding CO2 targets, the studies identified a potential association between end tidal CO2 levels and functional outcomes, with hypocapnia being unfavorable. This systematic review demonstrates that the current available evidence still lacks strength to suggest specific ventilation targets, but it highlights the potential risks of hyperoxia and hypocapnia in this specific cohort of patients.
From Waste to Strength: Unveiling the Mechanical Properties of Peanut-Shell-Based Polymer Composites
Authors: Mandala Radhika , Hegde Gurumurthy , Kodali Deepa , Kode Venkateswara R.
Published: July 2023

Peanut-shell-based polymer composites have gained significant attention as sustainable and cost-effective materials with potential applications as food packaging films, ceiling tiles, insulation panels, supercapacitors, and electrodes in various industries like the packaging industry, construction, furniture, and electronics. This review article presents a systematic roadmap of the mechanical properties of peanut-shell-based polymer composites, analyzing the influence of factors such as filler content, surface modification techniques, interfacial adhesion, and processing methods. Through an extensive literature review, we highlight the mechanical properties of peanut-shell-based polymer composites. Furthermore, challenges and ongoing research efforts in this field are discussed. This comprehensive review provides valuable insights for researchers, industry professionals, and policymakers, promoting the development and utilization of peanut-shell-based polymer composites for various applications.
Potential of Bacterial Cellulose in Reconstructive Surgery of Body Integumentary System: Preliminary Studies in Animals
Authors: Błażyńska-Spychalska Agata , Kur Martyna , Brzeski Tomasz , Zając Wacław , Pankiewicz Teresa , Bielecki Stanisław , Woliński Jarosław , Jankau Jerzy
Published: July 2023

The aim of the study is to present the preliminary results of the in vivo application of Komagataeibacter xylinum E25 bacterial cellulose (BC) as a replacement material for produced defects during operations. Three pigs (sus scrofa domestica) had the same defects in the ear cartilage (4 × 4 cm) and in the rectus abdominis muscle (6 × 10 cm) with BC membranes implanted into them. The time of observation of the condition of the animals was 3 months. Implantation sites did not show clinical signs of complications in the form of inflammation or necrosis. Histologically, a normal scar was produced as a result of the material healing into the host’s body. In one case, no residual implant material was found at the site of implantation, and the remodeled scar confirmed healing. No systemic inflammatory reaction was observed in any of the animals. The host organism’s reaction to the bacterial cellulose allows us to believe that it meets the expectations as a material that can be widely used in reconstructive surgery. Nevertheless, this requires further research on a larger group and also using other foreign bodies. The next step would be an experiment on a group consisting of people.
The State of the Art in Transcriptomics and Proteomics of Clinically Relevant Sporothrix Species
Authors: Procópio-Azevedo Anna Carolina , de Abreu Almeida Marcos , Almeida-Paes Rodrigo , Zancopé-Oliveira Rosely Maria , Gutierrez-Galhardo Maria Clara , de Macedo Priscila Marques , Novaes Evandro , Bailão Alexandre Melo , de Almeida Soares Célia Maria , Freitas Dayvison Francis Saraiva
Published: July 2023

Proteomics provide a robust approach to profile and quantify proteins within cells, organs, or tissues, providing comprehensive insights about the dynamics of cellular processes, modifications, and interactions. Similarly, understanding the transcriptome is essential to decipher functional elements of the genome, unraveling the mechanisms of disease development and the molecular constituents of cells and tissues. Some thermodimorphic fungi of the genus Sporothrix cause sporotrichosis, a subcutaneous mycosis of worldwide relevance. The transcriptome and proteome of the main Sporothrix species of clinical interest can elucidate the mechanisms underlying pathogenesis and host interactions. Studies of these techniques can contribute to the advancement of novel diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. A literature review was carried out, addressing all articles based on proteomics using mass spectrometry and transcriptomics of Sporothrix spp. Twenty-one studies were eligible for this review. The main findings include proteins and genes involved in dimorphism, cell differentiation, thermotolerance, virulence, immune evasion, metabolism, cell adhesion, cell transport, and biosynthesis. With the spread and emergence of sporotrichosis in different countries, ongoing research efforts and new discoveries are welcome to advance knowledge about this mycosis and its agents.
Characteristics and Treatment Outcomes of Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrests Occurring in Public Places: A National Population-Based Observational Study
Authors: Oh Young Taeck , Ahn Chiwon
Published: July 2023

Sudden cardiac arrest, particularly out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA), is a global public health concern. However, limited research exists on the epidemiology of OHCAs occurring in public places, trends and impact of bystander intervention, and influence of extraordinary circumstances. This study investigated the epidemiological factors, bystander characteristics, and outcomes of OHCAs that occurred in public places in South Korea from 2016 to 2021 and analyzed the impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. A retrospective analysis was conducted using an Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest Surveillance database, including 33,206 cases of OHCA that occurred in public places. Cases with do-not-resuscitate orders or insufficient data were excluded. A steady increase in bystander-performed cardiopulmonary resuscitation over the years and a constant decrease in bystander automated external defibrillator (AED) use were observed. Survival-to-discharge rates for OHCAs remained relatively steady until a marginal decrease was observed during the pandemic (pandemic, 13.1%; pre-pandemic, 14.4%). Factors affecting survival included the presence of a shockable rhythm, witnessed arrest, cardiac arrest due to disease, use of bystander AED, and period relative to the COVID-19 pandemic. These findings emphasize the critical role of bystanders in outcomes of OHCAs and inform public health strategies on better management of OHCAs in public places.
The Use of the Partitioning Theorem to Prove Further Results Regarding the Distribution of IRRs: And an Open Question
Authors: Cuthbert James Rutherford
Published: July 2023

In 2018, Cuthbert proved that any transaction vector can be uniquely partitioned into a sequence of pure investments with strictly decreasing internal rates of return (IRRs). In a subsequent paper, Cuthbert used the partitioning theorem to derive a new sufficient condition for a transaction to have a unique IRR and proved some results regarding how the IRRs of a transaction must be distributed. This paper proves some further results on the distribution of IRRs. It also poses an open question regarding the possible relationship between the number of IRRs of a transaction and the relative sizes of the smallest and largest IRRs of the terms in the unique partition of that transaction.
Long-Term Clinical Outcomes of Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease with Sarcopenia
Authors: Choi Yong Jun , Kim Taehee , Park Hye Jung , Cho Jae Hwa , Byun Min Kwang
Published: July 2023

Background and objective: Sarcopenia with muscle wasting and weakness is a common occurrence among patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). We aimed to evaluate the clinical outcomes of sarcopenia in patients with COPD. Methods: We reviewed the electronic medical records of 71 patients with COPD between 1 January 2012, and 31 December 2018. We longitudinally analyzed clinical outcomes in patients with COPD with and without sarcopenia. Results: Compared to the non-sarcopenia group COPD, the sarcopenia group showed a higher rate of acute exacerbation events of COPD (AE COPD, 84.6% vs. 31.0%, p = 0.001), all-cause mortality (30.8% vs. 5.2%, p = 0.022), and pneumonia occurrence per year (median [first quartile–third quartile]; 0.2 [0.0–1.6] vs. 0.0 [0.0–0.2], p = 0.025). Sarcopenia was an independent risk factor for AE COPD in Cox regression analysis (hazard ratio, 5.982; 95% confidence interval, 1.576–22.704). Hand grip strength was associated with the COPD Assessment Test (CAT) score and annual Charlson’s comorbidity index score change. Total skeletal muscle mass index (SMMI) was associated with the modified medical research council dyspnea scale score, CAT score, body mass index, airflow obstruction, dyspnea, and exercise (BODE) index, and alanine transaminase. Trunk SMMI was significantly associated with AE COPD, while appendicular SMMI was associated with BODE index and annual intensive care unit admissions for AE COPD. Conclusions: Sarcopenia is associated with clinical prognosis, pneumonia occurrence, and the acute exacerbation of COPD requiring intensive care in patients with COPD. Therefore, it is important to carefully monitor sarcopenia development as well as recommend appropriate exercise and nutritional supplementation in patients with COPD.
Clinical and Ultrasonographic Characterization of Hidradenitis Suppurativa in Female Patients: Impact of Early Recognition of the Disease
Authors: Di Cesare Antonella , Rosi Elia , Amerio Paolo , Prignano Francesca
Published: July 2023

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is considered a post-pubertal disease; however, earlier onset is not infrequent. The burden of HS on the female population is very relevant, and early identification might reduce the quality of life impairment and improve the therapeutic approach. In this study, we investigated clinical biomarkers of HS that could impact the management of patients affected by HS. Female patients affected by stable HS were prospectively included in this study. Anamnestic data, clinical and ultrasonographic features were collected and analyzed. Overall, 53 patients were included in this study. The median age of onset was 19 (IQR: 14–25). Early onset was reported by 22/53 patients (median age of onset: 14; IQR: 11–16). Four patients had pre-menstruation occurrence. Early-onset patients had an earlier first-menstrual-cycle age and more frequent genital localization of HS, and were more often treated with biologics. Patients with early-onset-HS and genital localization had more severe disease with a higher number of areas affected, Hurley, and IHS4 scores. Genital involvement might be prevalent in patients with early-onset HS, leading to a worse impact on the global severity of the disease and tailored treatment protocols, including multidisciplinary approaches, in order to improve the early recognition of hidden lesions.
Accelerated Atherosclerosis and Cardiovascular Toxicity Induced by Radiotherapy in Breast Cancer
Authors: Stefan Miruna Florina , Herghelegiu Catalin Gabriel , Magda Stefania Lucia
Published: July 2023

The number of patients diagnosed with breast cancer and cardiovascular disease is continuously rising. Treatment options for breast cancer have greatly evolved, but radiotherapy (RT) still has a key role in it. Despite many advances in RT techniques, cardiotoxicity is one of the most important side effects. The new cardio-oncology guidelines recommend a baseline evaluation, risk stratification and follow-up of these patients. Cardiotoxicity induced by RT can be represented by almost all forms of cardiovascular disease, with atherosclerosis being the most frequent. An interdisciplinary team should manage these patients, in order to have maximum therapeutic effect and minimum cardiovascular toxicity. This review will summarize the current incidence, risk factors, mechanisms and follow-up of RT-induced cardiovascular toxicity.
Design of Novel Modified Double-Ended Forward Converter for Stepper Motor Drive
Authors: Natarajan Shanmugavadivu , Kannadasan Raju , Alsaif Faisal , Alsharif Mohammed H.
Published: July 2023

This paper presents the design and analysis of a modified double-ended forward converter (DEFC) for stepper motor-based robotic applications. The proposed converter topology provides galvanic isolation between the input and output while also higher efficiency with a smooth operative system, making it suitable for use in robotic systems that require both power and control signals to be transmitted. The paper also discusses the control strategy for the converter, which uses Proportional Integral (PI) to regulate the output voltage and current. The control strategy is implemented using a microcontroller-based system, which provides precise control of the output parameters. The converter is tested using a stepper motor-based load, and the results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed topology and control strategy. In addition to the experimental results, the paper also presents a detailed analysis of the converter’s performance. The analysis includes the input voltage and current, capacitor voltage, MOSFET parameters, output voltage and current, and calculation of efficiency. The analysis results show that the proposed converter topology and control strategy offer high efficiency comparing to existing converting approaches. Overall, the proposed double-ended forward converter offers a suitable solution for stepper motor-based robotic applications, providing efficient and reliable power and control signals. The results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed converter topology and control strategy, making it a promising option for use in future robotic systems.
Mathematical Modeling of Gas-Solid Two-Phase Flows: Problems, Achievements and Perspectives (A Review)
Authors: Varaksin Aleksey Yu. , Ryzhkov Sergei V.
Published: July 2023

Mathematical modeling is the most important tool for constructing theories of different kinds of two-phase flows. This review is devoted to the analysis of the introduction of mathematical modeling to two-phase flows, where solid particles mainly serve as the dispersed phase. The main problems and features of the study of gas-solid two-phase flows are included. The main characteristics of gas flows with solid particles are discussed, and the classification of two-phase flows is developed based on these characteristics. The Lagrangian and Euler approaches to modeling the motion of a dispersed phase (particles) are described. A great deal of attention is paid to the consideration of numerical simulation methods that provide descriptions of turbulent gas flow at different hierarchical levels (RANS, LES, and DNS), different levels of description of interphase interactions (one-way coupling (OWC), two-way coupling (TWC), and four-way coupling (FWC)), and different levels of interface resolution (partial-point (PP) and particle-resolved (PR)). Examples of studies carried out on the basis of the identified approaches are excluded, and they are also excluded for the mathematical modeling of various classes of gas-solid two-phase flows.
Multivariate Process Control Chart Pattern Classification Using Multi-Channel Deep Convolutional Neural Networks
Authors: Cheng Chuen-Sheng , Chen Pei-Wen , Hsieh Yu-Chin , Wu Yu-Tang
Published: July 2023

Statistical process control (SPC) charts are commonly used to monitor quality characteristics in manufacturing processes. When monitoring two or more related quality characteristics simultaneously, multivariate T2 control charts are often employed. Like univariate control charts, control chart pattern recognition (CCPR) plays a crucial role in multivariate SPC. The presence of non-random patterns in T2 control charts indicates that a process is influenced by one or more assignable causes and that corrective actions should be taken. In this study, we developed a deep learning-based classification model for recognizing control chart patterns in multivariate processes. To address the problem of the insufficient representation of one-dimensional (1D) data, we explore the advantages of using two-dimensional (2D) image data obtained from a threshold-free recurrence plot. A multi-channel deep convolutional neural network (MCDCNN) model was developed to incorporate both 1D and 2D representations of control chart data. This model was tested on multivariate processes with different covariance matrices and compared with other traditional algorithms. Moreover, the effects of imbalanced datasets and dataset size on classification performance were analyzed. Simulation studies revealed that the developed MCDCNN model outperforms other techniques in identifying multivariate non-random patterns. For the most significant one, our proposed MCDCNN method achieved a 10% improvement over traditional methods. The overall results suggest that the developed MCDCNN model can be beneficial for intelligent SPC.