bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhancing the Performance of SQL Injection Attack Detection through Probabilistic Neural Networks
Authors: Alarfaj Fawaz Khaled , Khan Nayeem Ahmad
Published: March 2023

SQL injection attack is considered one of the most dangerous vulnerabilities exploited to leak sensitive information, gain unauthorized access, and cause financial loss to individuals and organizations. Conventional defense approaches use static and heuristic methods to detect previously known SQL injection attacks. Existing research uses machine learning techniques that have the capability of detecting previously unknown and novel attack types. Taking advantage of deep learning to improve detection accuracy, we propose using a probabilistic neural network (PNN) to detect SQL injection attacks. To achieve the best value in selecting a smoothing parament, we employed the BAT algorithm, a metaheuristic algorithm for optimization. In this study, a dataset consisting of 6000 SQL injections and 3500 normal queries was used. Features were extracted based on tokenizing and a regular expression and were selected using Chi-Square testing. The features used in this study were collected from the network traffic and SQL queries. The experiment results show that our proposed PNN achieved an accuracy of 99.19% with a precision of 0.995%, a recall of 0.981%, and an F-Measure of 0.928% when employing a 10-fold cross-validation compared to other classifiers in different scenarios.
Two-Path Conventional Neural Network Based Signal-to-Noise Ratio Evaluation for UAV Communication Link
Authors: Xiong Yiyang , Yang Yuzhou , Jing Xiaojun
Published: March 2023

With the development of information technology, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) have become an indispensable and important part of daily life and they have brought great convenience to life. Evaluating the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of UAV communication link is vital to improve the communication performance between UAV and the user. The classical SNR evaluation schemes of UAV communication link are limited in terms of performance, while deep learning (DL) based schemes are always at the expense of computation complexity. To solve the issues mentioned above, a two-path convolution neural network (TP-CNN) is proposed therein to evaluate the SNR of UAV communication link. Firstly, a two-dimensional dataset of UAV control signal is built and expanded thereafter. Then the TP-CNN model is designed and modified by feature fusion of input samples. Finally, the simulations are conducted, and the simulation results indicate that the performance of our proposed model is superior to that of the baseline model in terms of mean absolute error (MAE) and mean relative error (MRE).
Use of Association Algorithms in Air Quality Monitoring
Authors: Soares Paulo Henrique , Monteiro Johny Paulo , Gaioto Fernando José , Ogiboski Luciano , Andrade Cid Marcos Gonçalves
Published: March 2023

Over the years, there has been a gradual increase in the emission of pollutants, and it is imperative to establish mechanisms to monitor air quality. In addition to carbon dioxide (CO2), particulate matter (PM) is considered one of the main types of air pollution. However, there is a wide variety of pollutants, and high investment is required to carry out detailed air quality monitoring. We present the third version of a previously proposed air quality monitoring platform based on CO2 concentration measurements. In this new version, a specific sensor for PM measurements and an artificial intelligence algorithm were added. The added algorithm traced associations between measurements of CO2 and PM concentrations. Thus, the measurement of a pollutant can be used for estimating the concentration of another. This can contribute to the development of a simpler and cheaper monitoring system. The acquisition of CO2 and PM concentrations was carried out daily over a period of one month. Pollutant measurements were taken in three strategic locations in a Brazilian city. It was possible to determine a correlation between pollutant concentrations for the monitored locations. Thus, it would be possible to efficiently estimate the PM concentration based on the measured CO2 concentration.
Homogeneity Test of Many-to-One Relative Risk Ratios in Unilateral and Bilateral Data with Multiple Groups
Authors: Li Yuxin , Li Zhiming , Mou Keyi
Published: March 2023

In medical clinical studies, we often encounter paired organs’ unilateral or bilateral data. For bilateral data, there exists an intraclass correlation between paired organs. Under an intraclass correlation model, this paper proposes asymptotic statistics for testing the equality of many-to-one relative risk ratios in combined unilateral and bilateral data. Furthermore, we calculate the explicit expressions of these statistics. Moreover, these procedures are adequate to solve the hypothesis problems of unilateral or bilateral data. Through comparison, the simulation results show that the score test has a robust empirical type-I error rate and sufficient power. We provide a clinical trial of acute otitis media to illustrate our proposed methods.
On Bochner Flat Kähler B-Manifolds
Authors: Bejan Cornelia-Livia , Nakova Galia , Blaga Adara M.
Published: March 2023

We obtain on a Kähler B-manifold (i.e., a Kähler manifold with a Norden metric) some corresponding results from the Kählerian and para-Kählerian context concerning the Bochner curvature. We prove that such a manifold is of constant totally real sectional curvatures if and only if it is a holomorphic Einstein, Bochner flat manifold. Moreover, we provide the necessary and sufficient conditions for a gradient Ricci soliton or a holomorphic η-Einstein Kähler manifold with a Norden metric to be Bochner flat. Finally, we show that a Kähler B-manifold is of quasi-constant totally real sectional curvatures if and only if it is a holomorphic η-Einstein, Bochner flat manifold.
Uncovering the Correlation between COVID-19 and Neurodegenerative Processes: Toward a New Approach Based on EEG Entropic Analysis
Authors: Cataldo Andrea , Criscuolo Sabatina , De Benedetto Egidio De , Masciullo Antonio , Pesola Marisa , Schiavoni Raissa
Published: March 2023

COVID-19 is an ongoing global pandemic caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus. Although it primarily attacks the respiratory tract, inflammation can also affect the central nervous system (CNS), leading to chemo-sensory deficits such as anosmia and serious cognitive problems. Recent studies have shown a connection between COVID-19 and neurodegenerative diseases, particularly Alzheimer’s disease (AD). In fact, AD appears to exhibit neurological mechanisms of protein interactions similar to those that occur during COVID-19. Starting from these considerations, this perspective paper outlines a new approach based on the analysis of the complexity of brain signals to identify and quantify common features between COVID-19 and neurodegenerative disorders. Considering the relation between olfactory deficits, AD, and COVID-19, we present an experimental design involving olfactory tasks using multiscale fuzzy entropy (MFE) for electroencephalographic (EEG) signal analysis. Additionally, we present the open challenges and future perspectives. More specifically, the challenges are related to the lack of clinical standards regarding EEG signal entropy and public data that can be exploited in the experimental phase. Furthermore, the integration of EEG analysis with machine learning still requires further investigation.
Virtual and In Vitro Screening of Natural Products Identifies Indole and Benzene Derivatives as Inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 Main Protease (Mpro)
Authors: Ang Dony , Kendall Riley , Atamian Hagop
Published: March 2023

The rapid spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) resulted in serious health, social, and economic consequences. While the development of effective vaccines substantially reduced the severity of symptoms and the associated deaths, we still urgently need effective drugs to further reduce the number of casualties associated with SARS-CoV-2 infections. Machine learning methods both improved and sped up all the different stages of the drug discovery processes by performing complex analyses with enormous datasets. Natural products (NPs) have been used for treating diseases and infections for thousands of years and represent a valuable resource for drug discovery when combined with the current computation advancements. Here, a dataset of 406,747 unique NPs was screened against the SARS-CoV-2 main protease (Mpro) crystal structure (6lu7) using a combination of ligand- and structural-based virtual screening. Based on 1) the predicted binding affinities of the NPs to the Mpro, 2) the types and number of interactions with the Mpro amino acids that are critical for its function, and 3) the desirable pharmacokinetic properties of the NPs, we identified the top 20 candidates that could potentially inhibit the Mpro protease function. A total of 7 of the 20 top candidates were subjected to in vitro protease inhibition assay and 4 of them (4/7; 57%), including two beta carbolines, one N-alkyl indole, and one Benzoic acid ester, had significant inhibitory activity against Mpro protease. These four NPs could be developed further for the treatment of COVID-19 symptoms.
An Antiphospholipid Antibody Profile as a Biomarker for Thrombophilia in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: Hisada Ryo , Atsumi Tatsuya
Published: March 2023

Despite recent advances in treatment and significant improvements in prognosis, thrombosis remains the major cause of death in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL) are the main triggers of thrombosis in patients with SLE, with a frequency of approximately 30–40%. Lupus anticoagulant, anticardiolipin, and anti-β2-glycoprotein I antibodies, which are included in the criteria for antiphospholipid syndrome, and ‘non-criteria’ aPL such as anti-phosphatidylserine/prothrombin complex antibodies, are risk factors for thrombosis in patients with SLE. Multiple positivity for aPL is also associated with an increased risk of thrombosis, and scores calculated from aPL profiles can predict the risk of developing thrombosis. Although there is insufficient evidence for treatment, aPL-positive SLE patients should/may be treated with anticoagulants and/or low-dose aspirin as appropriate. This review summarises the evidence on the clinical significance of the aPL profile as a biomarker of thrombophilia in patients with SLE.
Diagnostic Impact of Dual-Time PET/CT with 68Gallium-PSMA in Prostate Cancer and 68Gallium-DOTATOC in Neuroendocrine Tumors
Authors: Librizzi Damiano , Eilsberger Friederike , Ottenthaler Stefan , Ebrahimifard Ali , Luster Markus , Yousefi Behrooz H.
Published: March 2023

Background: The timing of imaging for 68gallium (68Ga)-PSMA and 68Ga-DOTATOC are stated to be around 60 min post-injection (p.i.). In some lesions, late imaging (3–4 h p.i.) showed advantages. The aim of our evaluation was to demonstrate the relevance of an “early” late acquisition. Methods: We retrospectively evaluated 112 patients who underwent 68Ga-DOTATOC-PET/CT and 82 patients who underwent 68Ga-PSMA-PET/CT. The first scan was acquired 60 min (±15 min) after application. In cases of diagnostic ambiguity, a second scan was performed 30–60 min later. Pathological lesions were analyzed. Results: Almost half of all 68Ga-DOTATOC cases and about one-third of all 68Ga-PSMA examinations showed a change in findings due to the second acquisition. In total, 45.5% of neuroendocrine tumor (NET) patients and 66.7% of prostate cancer (PCa) patients showed relevant TNM classification changes. For 68Ga-PSMA, there were significant increases in sensitivity and specificity from 81.8% to 95.7% and from 66.7% to 100%, respectively. Statistically significant improvements in sensitivity (from 53.3% to 93.3%) and specificity (from 54.6% to 86.4%) were demonstrated for NET patients. Conclusion: Early second images can improve diagnostics with 68Ga-DOTATOC and 68Ga-PSMA PET/CT.
The Role of Decompressive Craniectomy on Functional Outcome, Mortality and Seizure Onset after Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Pingue Valeria , Boetto Valentina , Bassetto Anna , Nava Maruska , Nardone Antonio , Mele Chiara
Published: March 2023

Background: Decompressive craniectomy (DC) to treat increased intracranial pressure after a traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a common but controversial choice in clinical practice. This study aimed to determine the impact of DC on functional outcomes, mortality and the occurrence of seizures in a large cohort of patients with TBI. Methods: This retrospective study included patients with TBI consecutively admitted for a 6-month neurorehabilitation program between 1 January 2009 and 31 December 2018. The radiological characteristics of brain injury were determined with the Marshall computed tomographic classification. The neurological status and rehabilitation outcome were assessed using the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) and the Functional Independence Measure (FIM), which were both assessed at baseline and on discharge. Furthermore, the GCS was recorded on arrival at the emergency department. The DC procedure, prophylactic antiepileptic drug (AED) use, the occurrence of early or late seizures (US, unprovoked seizures) and death during hospitalization were also recorded. Results: In our cohort of 309 adults with mild-to-severe TBI, DC was performed in 98 (31.7%) patients. As expected, a craniectomy was more frequently performed in patients with severe TBI (p < 0.0001). However, after adjusting for the confounding variables including GCS scores, age and the radiological characteristics of brain injury, there was no association between DC and poor functional outcomes or mortality during the inpatient rehabilitation period. In our cohort, the independent predictors of an unfavorable outcome at discharge were the occurrence of US (β = −0.14, p = 0.020), older age (β = −0.13, p = 0.030) and the TBI severity on admission (β = −0.25, p = 0.002). Finally, DC (OR 3.431, 95% CI 1.233–9.542, p = 0.018) and early seizures (OR = 3.204, 95% CI 1.176–8.734, p = 0.023) emerged as the major risk factors for US, independently from the severity of the brain injury and the prescription of a primary prophylactic therapy with AEDs. Conclusions: DC after TBI represents an independent risk factor for US, regardless of the prescription of prophylactic AEDs. Meanwhile, there is no significant association between DC and mortality, or a poor functional outcome during the inpatient rehabilitation period.
The Comorbidity of Depression and Anxiety Symptoms in Tinnitus Sufferers: A Network Analysis
Authors: Chen Xuemin , Ren Lei , Xue Xinmiao , Yu Ning , Liu Peng , Shen Weidong , Zhou Hanwen , Wang Ben , Zhou Jingcheng , Yang Shiming , Jiang Qingqing
Published: March 2023

Objective: Sufferers of tinnitus, especially of the prolonged type, frequently suffer from comorbid depression and anxiety. From the perspective of the network model, this comorbidity is thought to be an interacting system of these two symptoms. In our study, we conducted a network analysis of depression and anxiety comorbidity in tinnitus sufferers, aiming to identify the central and bridge symptoms and make informed suggestions for clinical interventions and psychotherapy. Method: A total of 566 tinnitus sufferers were enrolled in our study. The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-Item Questionnaire (GAD-7) were selected to evaluate depression and anxiety symptoms, respectively, followed by network analysis to construct the interacting networks. Results: The findings identified six edges of strongest regularized partial correlations in this network. Of these, three were depression symptoms and three were anxiety symptoms. The anxiety symptoms “Unable to control worry” and “Relaxation difficulty” and the depression symptom “Feeling depressed or hopeless” had the highest expected influence centrality. The analysis results also revealed three bridge symptoms: “Afraid something awful might happen”, “Feeling of worthlessness”, and “Trouble concentrating”. As for “Suicidal ideation”, the direct relations between this symptom and “Afraid something awful might happen” and “Feeling depressed or hopeless” were the strongest. Conclusions: The central and bridge symptoms of the interacting network of depression and anxiety symptoms in tinnitus sufferers can be considered a significant transdiagnostic intervention target for the management of this comorbidity. In particular, clinical prevention and psychotherapy should be implemented, targeting the symptoms that have the strongest associations with suicidal ideation.
Keeping Morality “on the Straight” and Never “on the Bend”: Metaphorical Representations of Moral Concepts in Straightness and Curvature
Authors: Zhu Xiaoyan , Huang Yanbing , Liu Wenxuan , Yu Zhao , Duan Yan , He Xianyou , Zhang Wei
Published: March 2023

The study of moral conceptual metaphors has been an important topic in recent years. In Chinese culture, the concepts of curvature and straightness are given certain semantic contents, in which curvature refers to being sly while straightness refers to having integrity. In the present study, we used the Implicit Association Test (IAT) paradigm (Experiment 1) and the Stroop paradigm (Experiment 2) to investigate whether there are metaphorical representations of curvature and straightness in moral concepts. The results revealed that the mean reaction time in compatible trials (i.e., moral words accompanied by a straight pattern and immoral words accompanied by a curved pattern) was significantly shorter than that in incompatible trials (i.e., moral words accompanied by a curved pattern and immoral words accompanied by a straight pattern). The Stroop paradigm showed that reaction times were significantly reduced when moral words were presented in a straight font, but there was no significant difference between the presentation of immoral words in a straight font and that in a curved font. The results suggest that mental representations of moral concepts are associated with straightness and curvature in Chinese culture.
Nano Engineered Paraffin-Based Phase Change Material for Building Thermal Management
Authors: Paul John , Samykano Mahendran , Pandey Adarsh , Kadirgama Kumaran , Tyagi Vineet
Published: March 2023

Thermal energy storage (TES) and harvesting is an effective technique for optimum building thermal management. Phase-change materials (PCMs) are commonly used for TES applications but are troubled by their degraded thermal conductivity. Recent research progress in latent heat energy storage using PCMs and nano additives provides a viable solution for solar TES. A series of hybrid nano-enhanced phase change materials (HNePCMs) were prepared via two-step synthesis. Hybrid graphene–silver nanofillers were dispersed in commercial paraffin (melting point 25 °C) under different dispersion rates (0.1%, 0.3%, 0.5%). Different characterization techniques, e.g., FESEM, FT-IR, UV-VIS, TGA, XRD, DSC, and Tempos, were used in material characterization. A maximum enhancement of 6.7% in latent heat and 5% in heat storage efficiency was noted for nanocomposites with 0.3 wt% of additives. The nanocomposite with 0.3 Wt% showed great potential in shielding UV rays and showed a reduction of 6.5% in bandgap energy. Furthermore, the thermal conductivity of samples was boosted by a maximum of 90% (from 0.2 W/mK-0.39 W/mK) with 0.3 wt% dispersion of graphene–silver nanofillers. The thermophysical characterization results establish that the synthesized paraffin/graphene–silver hybrid nanocomposites are well suited for building thermal management.
Productivity Analysis and Associated Risks in Steel Structures
Authors: Petroutsatou Kleopatra , Kantilierakis Dimitrios
Published: March 2023

Construction can be analyzed at industry, firm, project, and activity/task levels. Given that there are differences between the concepts of productivity and uses of productivity data, depending on the level of analysis, there is no single meaning of construction productivity, except of an output/input ratio. Furthermore, there is little knowledge in the extant literature about steel structure productivity, sustainability, and risks. Moreover, through the investigation of the grey literature, i.e., the national or European reports on construction productivity, the indexes given are at aggregate levels. This paper aims to fill this gap and provide a holistic approach to the levels of productivity, sustainability, and the risks involved in the construction process in several steel structure types from similar projects constructed by a company that has operated within the field of steel structures for several decades. From a homogeneous database of 71 steel structure projects constructed in the last decade, several curves are derived concerning productivity per work phase. For this research, productivity is construed as a ratio of output/(cycle time). Through a literature review and interviews with experienced site engineers, a risk registry was compiled by the authors concerning sixteen (16) risks encountered in the construction process. The TOPSIS multi-criteria analysis program is used for the prioritization of risks and the @RISK program for the probabilistic cost analysis of the identified risks.
The Complex Cyto-Molecular Landscape of Thyroid Nodules in Pediatrics
Authors: Seminati Davide , Ceola Stefano , Pincelli Angela Ida , Leni Davide , Gatti Andrea , Garancini Mattia , L’Imperio Vincenzo , Cattoni Alessandro , Pagni Fabio
Published: March 2023

Thyroid fine-needle aspiration (FNA) is a commonly used diagnostic cytological procedure in pediatric patients for the evaluation of thyroid nodules, triaging them for the detection of thyroid cancer. In recent years, greater attention has been paid to thyroid FNA in this setting, including the use of updated ultrasound score algorithms to improve accuracy and yield, especially considering the theoretically higher risk of malignancy of these lesions compared with the adult population, as well as to minimize patient discomfort. Moreover, molecular genetic testing for thyroid disease is an expanding field of research that could aid in distinguishing benign from cancerous nodules and assist in determining their clinical management. Finally, artificial intelligence tools can help in this task by performing a comprehensive analysis of all the obtained data. These advancements have led to greater reliance on FNA as a first-line diagnostic tool for pediatric thyroid disease. This review article provides an overview of these recent developments and their impact on the diagnosis and management of thyroid nodules in children.
Metabolic Interventions in Tumor Immunity: Focus on Dual Pathway Inhibitors
Authors: Chen Min , Lan Huanrong , Yao Shiya , Jin Ketao , Chen Yun
Published: March 2023

The metabolism of tumors and immune cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME) can affect the fate of cancer and immune responses. Metabolic reprogramming can occur following the activation of metabolic-related signaling pathways, such as phosphoinositide 3-kinases (PI3Ks) and the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR). Moreover, various tumor-derived immunosuppressive metabolites following metabolic reprogramming also affect antitumor immune responses. Evidence shows that intervention in the metabolic pathways of tumors or immune cells can be an attractive and novel treatment option for cancer. For instance, administrating inhibitors of various signaling pathways, such as phosphoinositide 3-kinases (PI3Ks), can improve T cell-mediated antitumor immune responses. However, dual pathway inhibitors can significantly suppress tumor growth more than they inhibit each pathway separately. This review discusses the latest metabolic interventions by dual pathway inhibitors as well as the advantages and disadvantages of this therapeutic approach.
Rotating Gantries Provide Individualized Beam Arrangements for Charged Particle Therapy
Authors: Chinniah Siven , Deisher Amanda J. , Herman Michael G. , Johnson Jedediah E. , Mahajan Anita , Foote Robert L.
Published: March 2023

Purpose: This study evaluates beam angles used to generate highly individualized proton therapy treatment plans for patients eligible for carbon ion radiotherapy (CIRT). Methods and Materials: We retrospectively evaluated patients treated with pencil beam scanning intensity modulated proton therapy from 2015 to 2020 who had indications for CIRT. Patients were treated with a 190° rotating gantry with a robotic patient positioning system. Treatment plans were individualized to provide maximal prescription dose delivery to the tumor target volume while sparing organs at risk. The utilized beam angles were grouped, and anatomic sites with at least 10 different beam angles were sorted into histograms. Results: A total of 467 patients with 484 plans and 1196 unique beam angles were evaluated and characterized by anatomic treatment site and the number of beam angles utilized. The most common beam angles used were 0° and 180°. A wide range of beam angles were used in treating almost all anatomic sites. Only esophageal cancers had a predominantly unimodal grouping of beam angles. Pancreas cancers showed a modest grouping of beam angles. Conclusions: The wide distribution of beam angles used to treat CIRT-eligible patients suggests that a rotating gantry is optimal to provide highly individualized beam arrangements.
Cancer Incidence in Korean Healthcare Workers in Hospitals
Authors: Lee Dong-Wook , Kim Hyeonjun , Lee Wanhyung , Lee Woo-Ri , Yoo Ki-Bong , Choi Jun-Hyeok , Lee Kyung-Eun , Yoon Jin-Ha
Published: March 2023

Objectives: Healthcare workers in hospitals (HHCWs), a notably increasing workforce, face various occupational hazards. A high incidence of cancer among HHCWs has been observed; however, the cancer incidence status among HHCWs in South Korea is yet to be studied. This study aimed to assess cancer incidence among HHCWs in South Korea. Methods: We constructed a retrospective cohort of HHCWs using National Health Insurance claims data, including cancer incidence status and vital status, from 2007 to 2015. Those who had worked in hospitals for at least three years were defined as HHCWs. Standardized incidence ratios (SIRs) for all cancer types and standardized mortality ratios were calculated. Results: A total of 107,646 HHCWs were followed up, and the total follow-up duration was 905,503 person-years. Compared to the total workers, female HHCWs showed significantly higher SIR for all cancers (observed cases = 1480; SIR = 1.25; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.06–1.47). The incidence of breast cancer among female HHCWs was significantly higher compared to that among total workers (observed cases = 376; SIR = 1.21; 95% CI = 1.09–1.36). Conclusions: Our findings indicate that female HHCWs have an elevated probability of developing cancer, which suggests that occupational risk factors such as night-shift work, anti-neoplastic medications, stressful jobs, and ionizing radiation should be assessed. Further investigation and occupational environment improvement activities are required.
Fluorescence and Intraoperative Ultrasound as Surgical Adjuncts for Brain Metastases Resection: What Do We Know? A Systematic Review of the Literature
Authors: Di Cristofori Andrea , Carone Giovanni , Rocca Alessandra , Rui Chiara Benedetta , Trezza Andrea , Carrabba Giorgio , Giussani Carlo
Published: March 2023

(1) Background: brain metastases (BMs) are the most common neoplasm of the central nervous system; despite the high incidence of this type of tumour, to date there is no universal consensus on the most effective treatment in patients with BMs, even if surgery still plays a primary role. Despite this, the adjunct systems that help to reach the GTR, which are well structured for other tumour forms such as ultrasound and fluorescence systems, are not yet well employed and standardised in surgical practice. The aim of this review is to provide a picture of the current state-of-art of the roles of iOUS and intraoperative fluorescence to better understand their potential roles as surgical tools. (2) Methods: to reach this goal, the PubMed database was searched using the following string as the keyword: (((Brain cerebral metastasis [MeSH Major Topic])OR (brain metastasis, [MeSH Major Topic])) AND ((5-ala, [MeSH Terms]) OR (Aminolevulinicacid [All fields]) OR (fluorescein, [MeSH Terms]) OR (contrast enhanced ultrasound [MeSH Terms])OR ((intraoperative ultrasound. [MeSH Terms]))) AND (english [Filter]) AND ((english [Filter]) AND (2010:2022 [pdat])) AND (english [Filter]). (3) Results: from our research, a total of 661 articles emerged; of these, 57 were selected. 21 of these included BMs generically as a secondary class for comparisons with gliomas, without going deeply into specific details. Therefore, for our purposes, 36 articles were considered. (4) Conclusions: with regard to BMs treatment and their surgical adjuncts, there is still much to be explored. This is mainly related to the heterogeneity of patients, the primary tumour histology and the extent of systemic disease; regardless, surgery plays a paramount role in obtaining a local disease control, and more standardised surgical protocols need to be made, with the aim of optimizing the use of the available surgical adjuncts and in order to increase the rate of GTR.
Olaparib-Resistant BRCA2MUT Ovarian Cancer Cells with Restored BRCA2 Abrogate Olaparib-Induced DNA Damage and G2/M Arrest Controlled by the ATR/CHK1 Pathway for Survival
Authors: Biegała Łukasz , Gajek Arkadiusz , Marczak Agnieszka , Rogalska Aneta
Published: March 2023

The PARP inhibitor (PARPi) olaparib is currently the drug of choice for serous ovarian cancer (OC), especially in patients with homologous recombination (HR) repair deficiency associated with deleterious BRCA1/2 mutations. Unfortunately, OC patients who fail to respond to PARPi or relapse after treatment have limited therapeutic options. To elucidate olaparib resistance and enhance the efficacy of olaparib, intracellular factors exploited by OC cells to achieve decreased sensitivity to PARPi were examined. An olaparib-resistant OC cell line, PEO1-OR, was established from BRCA2MUT PEO1 cells. The anticancer activity and action of olaparib combined with inhibitors of the ATR/CHK1 pathway (ceralasertib as ATRi, MK-8776 as CHK1i) in olaparib-sensitive and -resistant OC cell lines were evaluated. Whole-exome sequencing revealed that PEO1-OR cells acquire resistance through subclonal enrichment of BRCA2 secondary mutations that restore functional full-length protein. Moreover, PEO1-OR cells upregulate HR repair-promoting factors (BRCA1, BRCA2, RAD51) and PARP1. Olaparib-inducible activation of the ATR/CHK1 pathway and G2/M arrest is abrogated in olaparib-resistant cells. Drug sensitivity assays revealed that PEO1-OR cells are less sensitive to ATRi and CHK1i agents. Combined treatment is less effective in olaparib-resistant cells considering inhibition of metabolic activity, colony formation, survival, accumulation of DNA double-strand breaks, and chromosomal aberrations. However, synergistic antitumor activity between compounds is achievable in PEO1-OR cells. Collectively, olaparib-resistant cells display co-existing HR repair-related mechanisms that confer resistance to olaparib, which may be effectively utilized to resensitize them to PARPi via combination therapy. Importantly, the addition of ATR/CHK1 pathway inhibitors to olaparib has the potential to overcome acquired resistance to PARPi.
Inhibition of LRRK2 Attenuates Depression-Related Symptoms in Mice with Moderate Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Filippone Alessia , Cucinotta Laura , Bova Valentina , Lanza Marika , Casili Giovanna , Paterniti Irene , Campolo Michela , Cuzzocrea Salvatore , Esposito Emanuela
Published: March 2023

Moderate traumatic brain injury (mTBI) has been associated with emotional dysregulation such as loss of consciousness, post-traumatic amnesia and major depressive disorder. The gene Leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) is involved in protein synthesis and degradation, apoptosis, inflammation and oxidative stress, processes that trigger mTBI. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of LRRK2 in reducing depression-related symptoms after mTBI and to determine whether inhibition of LRRK2 mediated by PF-06447475 could have antidepressant effects. Moderate traumatic brain injury was induced by controlled cortical impact (CCI) and mice were treated with PF-06447475 at doses of 1, 2.5 and 5 mg/kg once daily for 14 days. We performed histological, immunohistochemical and molecular analyses of brain tissue 24 days after mTBI. Furthermore, the tissue changes found in the hippocampus and amygdala confirmed the depression-like behavior. PF-treatment with 06447475 significantly reduced the histological damage and behavioral disturbances. Thus, this study has shown that mTBI induction promotes the development of depression-like behavioral changes. LRRK2 inhibition showed an antidepressant effect and restored the changes in the copper/glutamate/N-methyl-D-aspartic acid receptor (Cu/NMDAR) system.
Dual-Response Photofunctional Covalent Organic Framework for Acid Detection in Various Solutions
Authors: Ma Wenyue , Gu Zijian , Pan Guocui , Li Chunjuan , Zhu Yu , Liu Zhaoyang , Liu Leijing , Guo Yupeng , Xu Bin , Tian Wenjing
Published: March 2023

The detection of acid in different solution environments plays a significant role in chemical, environmental and biological fields. However, reducing the constraints of detecting environment, such as aqueous, organic solvents and mixed phases of aqueous and organic phases, remains a challenge. Herein, by combining N, N, N′, N′-tetrakis(4-aminophenyl)-1,4-phenylenediamine (TPBD) and terephthalaldehyde (TA) via Shiff-base condensation, we constructed a covalent organic framework (COF) TPBD-TA COF. The COF exhibits color change from red to dark red as well as fluorescence quenching with the increase of acid contents in either aqueous or organic solvents, or a mixture of aqueous and organic solvents, due to the weak donor-acceptor interactions within the COF as well as the weak proton ionization ability of the solutions. Therefore, regardless of the detection environment, TPBD-TA COF can realize color and fluorescence dual-response to acid with the detection limit as low as 0.4 μmol/L and 58 nmol/L, respectively, due to the protonation of the nitrogen atoms on imine bonds of the COF.
A Low-Cost Virtual Sensor for Underwater pH Monitoring in Coastal Waters
Authors: Viciano-Tudela Sandra , Parra Lorena , Sendra Sandra , Lloret Jaime
Published: March 2023

In coastal water monitoring, abrupt pH changes might indicate different pollution sources. Existing sensors for pH monitoring in coastal waters at low cost are mainly based on a glass membrane and a reference electrode. Virtual sensors are elements capable of measuring certain parameters based on data from other parameters or variables. The aim of this paper is to propose the use of a virtual pH sensor based on measuring different physical effects of H+ on the electromagnetic field generated by an inductor. Double inductors based on two solenoids of 40 and 80 spires are used as sensing elements. Samples with pH from 4 to 11 are used, and the effect of temperature is evaluated using samples from 10 to 40 °C. The induced voltage and the delay of the signal are measured for powering frequencies from 100 to 500 kHz. These data of delay, induced voltage, frequency, and temperature are included in a probabilistic neural network to classify these data according to the pH. The results indicate low accuracy for samples with a pH of 11. A second analysis, excluding these data, offered correctly classified cases of 88.9%. The system can achieve considerable high accuracy (87.5%) using data gathered at a single frequency, from 246 to 248 kHz. The predicted versus observed data is correlated with a linear model characterized by an R2 of 0.69, which is similar to the ones observed in other virtual sensors.
A Sensitive Public Health Issue—The Vaccine Acceptancy and the Anti-Pertussis Immune Status of Pregnant Women from a Romanian Metropolitan Area
Authors: Herdea Valeria , Tarciuc Petruta , Ghionaru Raluca , Pana Bogdan , Chirila Sergiu , Varga Andreea , Mărginean Cristina Oana , Diaconescu Smaranda , Leibovitz Eugene
Published: March 2023

(1) Background: Immunization of pregnant women (PWs) against Bordetella pertussis infection is still a challenging health matter. (2) Methods: We gathered questionnaire data from 180 PWs regarding their expectancies and current opinion on infectious disease prevention. For the group of PWs who agreed to further investigations, the serum levels of Ig G anti-B. pertussis antibodies (IgG-PT) titer were measured and analyzed. (3) Results: A total of 180 PWs completed the questionnaire and 98 (54.44%, study group) accepted to perform the laboratory tests. During the first two pregnancy trimesters, PWs were found to be more willing (compared with the control group) to test for identifying high-risk situations that could affect themselves and their future infant (p < 0.001). Most of the participating PWs (91, 91.9%) had low levels of anti-pertussis antibodies (values < 40 IU/mL). Declared vaccine coverage of the PWs newborn infants for DTaP-1 and Prevenar 13 (at 2 months) and DTaP-2 and Prevenar 13 (at 4 months) vaccination reached 100% in the study group, while in the control group only 30/82 (36.59%) PWs accepted to be vaccinated during pregnancy, none of them providing data on their infants’ vaccine coverage. (4) Conclusions: Enrolled PWs faced a waning immunity against the B. pertussis infection. By raising maternal confidence in the protective role of vaccines against infectious diseases, better vaccine acceptance and better infant vaccine coverage can be achieved.
Cerebrospinal Fluid Protein Concentrations in Hydrocephalus
Authors: Wilhelmy Florian , Krause Matthias , Schob Stefan , Merkenschlager Andreas , Wachowiak Robin , Härtig Wolfgang , Meixensberger Jürgen , Gburek-Augustat Janina , Wende Tim
Published: March 2023

CSF protein levels are altered in neurological disorders, such as hydrocephalus of different etiologies. In this retrospective observational study, we analyzed cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples in hydrocephalic diseases such as aqueductal stenosis (AQS, n = 27), normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH, n = 24), hydrocephalus communicans (commHC, n = 25) and idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH)/pseudotumor cerebri (PC, n = 7) in comparison with neurological patients without hydrocephalic configuration (control, n = 95). CSF was obtained through CSF diversion procedures and lumbar punction and analyzed for protein concentrations according to the institution’s laboratory standards. We found significantly decreased CSF protein levels in patients suffering from AQS (0.13 mg/dL [0.1–0.16 mg/dL] p = 2.28 × 10−8) and from PC (0.18 mg/dL [0.12–0.24 mg/dL] p = 0.01) compared with controls (0.34 mg/dL [0.33–0.35 mg/dL]). Protein levels were not altered in patients suffering from commHC and NPH compared with neurologically healthy individuals. We propose that a decrease in CSF protein levels is part of an active counterregulatory mechanism to lower CSF volume and, subsequently, intracranial pressure in specific diseases. Research regarding said mechanism and more specific proteomic research on a cellular level must still be performed to prove this hypothesis. Differences in protein levels between different diseases point to different etiologies and mechanisms in different hydrocephalic pathologies.
Epidemiology and Risk Factor Analysis of Children with Bronchiolitis Admitted to the Intensive Care Unit at a Tertiary Care Center in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Osman Sara , Alaa adeen Abdulqader , Hetta Omar , Alsiraihi Abdulaziz , Bader Mahmoud , Aloufi Alwaleed , Abushouk Amir , Al-hindi Mohammed Yasir
Published: March 2023

Bronchiolitis is a leading cause of hospitalization worldwide for children aged ≤2 years. Few studies have compared general ward and pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) admissions, particularly in Saudi Arabia. This retrospective cohort study aimed to compare the demographic and clinical characteristics of children with bronchiolitis admitted to the general ward with those admitted to the PICU. Children (≤6 years) previously diagnosed with bronchiolitis and admitted to the PICU or general ward at a tertiary center in Saudi Arabia between May 2016 and May 2021 were included. Multiplex polymerase chain reaction was used to identify respiratory viruses. Of the 417 patients enrolled, 67 (16.06%) were admitted to the PICU. The PICU group was younger (median, 2 months; interquartile range [IQR], 1–5 months) vs. (6 months; IQR, 2.65–13.25 months). There was a dramatic reduction in bronchiolitis admissions during the COVID-19 pandemic. The most common causative virus was respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) (54.9%). In the multivariate regression analysis, hypoxia, hyperinflation on X-ray, and non-RSV bronchiolitis were independently associated with PICU admission. However, a higher chronological age and cough were protective. Children with Down syndrome, immunodeficiency, or neuromuscular disorders, and intermediate preterm infants (29–33 weeks of gestation) are at a high risk of PICU admission (adjusted odds ratio: 2.4, 7.1, 2.9, and 2.9; p = 0.037, 0.046, 0.033, and 0.029, respectively). Bronchiolitis is still one of the leading causes of PICU admission. Particular attention should be paid to preventive measures, especially in the post-COVID-19 era, targeting high-risk groups.
Multiscale Wear Simulation in Textured, Lubricated Contacts
Authors: Maier Michael , Pusterhofer Michael , Grün Florian
Published: March 2023

Specific surface textures may reduce the friction and increase the lifting forces in lubricated contacts. For the detrimental operating condition of mixed friction, wear is induced by the solid contact. In this study, a methodology for wear calculation in textured, lubricated contacts is presented that considers the wear-induced surface topography evolution. Based on the Reynolds differential equation, the mass-conserving cavitation model according to Jakobsson, Floberg, and Olsson (JFO), a wear-dependent asperity contact pressure curve and the wear equation according to Archard, wear in a wedge-shaped, textured lubrication gap was calculated. The results show the wear behavior of textured lubrication gaps. Based on the wear simulations, the tribological behavior of the textured surfaces compared to smooth surfaces is discussed. It is evident that textures, which improve the tribological performance in the hydrodynamic lubrication regime, are not necessarily associated with low wear values in a lubrication condition in the mixed friction regime. The analysis of the wear-dependent parameters initially showed a ‘recovery’ of the tribological system with increasing wear until the performance decreased again after a specific reversal point. This behavior is attributed to the relative position of the surface textures in the lubrication gap.
Determination of Nicotine in Human Saliva Using Electrochemical Sensor Modified with Green Synthesized Silver Nanoparticles Using Phyllanthus reticulatus Fruit Extract
Authors: Sridharan Gokul , Babu Kaushik L. , Ganapathy Dhanraj , Atchudan Raji , Arya Sandeep , Sundramoorthy Ashok K.
Published: March 2023

In this study, for the first time, Phyllanthus Reticulatus fruit extract was utilized as a reducing agent in the synthesis of silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs). For sample analysis, a number of approaches were employed. The synthesized Ag-NPs have a spherical shape and a homogeneous in size. The well-known crystal structure and optical energy absorption spectrum of Ag-NPs were respectively revealed by the XRD and UV-VIS analysis. This new method is simple and eco-friendly for producing silver and other noble metals in large quantities. The Ag-NPs modified glassy carbon electrode was prepared for nicotine oxidation which indicated that Ag NPs had the ability to enhance the electron transfer rate of the oxidation process. In 0.1 M phosphate buffer (pH of 7.4), a significant increase in the oxidation peak current of nicotine was observed at the modified electrode. Cyclic voltammetry, amperometry, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy characterizations showed that Ag-NPs had better electrocatalytic performance toward nicotine (NIC) oxidation with good stability, and selectivity. This sensor showed a linear response with the concentration of NIC in the range of 2.5 to 105 μM. The limit of detection (LOD) was estimated to be 0.135 μM. The interference analysis was carried out on the Ag-NPs/GCE with various molecules like acetic acid, ascorbic acid, calcium chloride, glucose, magnesium chloride, urea, and uric acid. Hence, these molecules did not interfere with NIC detection, indicating a perfect selectivity of Ag-NPs/GCE. Moreover, the Ag-NPs/GCE sensor was effectively applied to detect NIC in a real-world sample (saliva) of a tobacco chewer. Furthermore, the Ag-NPs/GCE sensor exhibited very good stability and repeatability in human saliva samples. Finally, Ag-NPs/GCE was also successfully applied to detect spiked nicotine in saliva samples with high recovery value, indicating its high accuracy and effectiveness in NIC analysis.
Investigation of the Influence of High-Pressure Torsion and Solution Treatment on Corrosion and Tribocorrosion Behavior of CoCrMo Alloys for Biomedical Applications
Authors: Yilmazer Hakan , Caha Ihsan , Dikici Burak , Toptan Fatih , Isik Murat , Niinomi Mitsuo , Nakai Masaaki , Alves Alexandra
Published: March 2023

In this study, the influence of the high-pressure torsion (HPT) processing parameters and solution treatment (ST) on the corrosion and tribocorrosion behavior of CoCrMo (CCM) alloys was investigated for possible usage in biomedical applications. The corrosion behavior of the CCM alloys was investigated by using potentiodynamic scanning (PDS) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) tests. Tribocorrosion tests were carried out in a reciprocating ball-on-plate tribometer at 1 Hz, 1 N load, and 3 mm stroke length for 2 h. All electrochemical measurements were performed using a potentiostat in standard phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) solution at body temperature (37 ± 2 °C). The samples were characterized by using a scanning electron microscope (SEM), transmission electron microscope (TEM), optical microscope (OM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The deepness and width of wear tracks were examined by using a profilometer. The results showed that HPT and ST processes did not affect significantly the corrosion resistance of samples. However, the ST-treated samples had a higher material loss during sliding in standard phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) at body temperature as compared to HPT-treated samples.