bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Incidence and predictors of in-stent restenosis following intervention for pulmonary vein stenosis due to fibrosing mediastinitis
Authors: Jia Mengfei , Su Hongling , Jiang Kaiyu , Wang Aqian , Guo Zhaoxia , Zhu Hai , Zhang Fu , Sun Xuechun , Shi Yiwei , Pan Xin , Cao Yunshan
Published: October 2024

Background

Fibrosing mediastinitis (FM) is a rare yet fatal condition, caused by different triggers and frequently culminating in the obstruction of the pulmonary vasculature and airways, often leading to pulmonary hypertension and right heart failure. Percutaneous transluminal pulmonary venoplasty (PTPV) is an emerging treatment for pulmonary vein stenosis (PVS) caused by FM. Our previous study showed as high as 24% of in-stent restenosis (ISR) in FM. However, the predictors of ISR are elusive.

Objectives

We sought to identify the predictors of ISR in patients with PVS caused by extraluminal compression due to FM.

Methods

We retrospectively enrolled patients with PVS-FM who underwent PTPV between July 1, 2018, and December 31, 2022. According to ISR status, patients were divided into two groups: the ISR group and the non-ISR group. Baseline characteristics (demographics and lesions) and procedure-related information were abstracted from patient records and analyzed. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to determine the predictors of ISR.

Results

A total of 142 stents were implanted in 134 PVs of 65 patients with PVS-FM. Over a median follow-up of 6.6 (3.4–15.7) months, 61 of 134 PVs suffered from ISR. Multivariate analysis demonstrated a significantly lower risk of ISR in PVs with a larger reference vessel diameter (RVD) (odds ratio (OR): 0.79; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.64 to 0.98; P = 0.032), and stenosis of the corresponding pulmonary artery (Cor-PA) independently increased the risk of restenosis (OR: 3.41; 95% CI: 1.31 to 8.86; P = 0.012). The cumulative ISR was 6.3%, 21.4%, and 39.2% at the 3-, 6-, and 12-month follow-up, respectively.

Conclusion

ISR is very high in PVS-FM, which is independently associated with RVD and Cor-PA stenosis.

Trail Registration

Chinese Clinical Trials Register; No.: ChiCTR2000033153. URL: http://www.chictr.org.cn.

Graphical Abstract
Promising predictors of diabetic peripheral neuropathy in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Abo Hola Ahmed S. , Abd El Naby Sameh A. , Allam Esraa T. , Gab Allah Ayaat A. , Hammad Dina A.
Published: October 2024

Background

Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is a growing issue, with controversial data in the terms of prevalence and evaluation timelines. Currently, there are no clear standards for its early detection. Therefore, our aim was to assess the contribution of the Michigan neuropathy screening instrument (MNSI), lipid profile, serum neuron specific enolase (NSE), and serum heat shock protein 27 (HSP 27) to the prediction of DPN in children and adolescents with T1DM.

Methods

In this case-control study, fifty children diagnosed with T1DM for at least five years were enrolled and evaluated through complete neurological examination, MNSI, and nerve conduction study (NCS). Additionally, HbA1c, lipid profile, serum NSE, and serum HSP 27 levels were measured for patients and controls.

Results

The prevalence of DPN in our study was 24% by NCS, and electrophysiological changes showed a statistically significant lower conduction velocity for the posterior tibial and sural nerves, as well as a prolonged latency period for the common peroneal and sural nerves in neuropathic patients. In these patients, older age, earlier age of diabetes onset, longer disease duration, higher total cholesterol, triglycerides, low density lipoprotein cholesterol, HbA1c, serum NSE, and HSP27 levels were observed. The MNSI examination score ≥ 1.5 cutoff point had an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.955, with 75% sensitivity and 94.74% specificity, according to receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. However, the questionnaire’s cutoff point of ≥ 5 had an AUC of 0.720, 75% sensitivity, and 63% specificity, with improved overall instrument performance when combining both scores. Regarding blood biomarkers, serum NSE had greater sensitivity and specificity in discriminating neuropathic patients than HSP27 (92% and 74% versus 75% and 71%, respectively). Regression analysis revealed a substantial dependency for MNSI and serum NSE in predicting DPN in patients.

Conclusions

Despite limited research in pediatrics, MNSI and serum NSE are promising predictive tools for DPN in children and adolescents with T1DM, even when they are asymptomatic. Poor glycemic control and lipid profile changes may play a critical role in the development of DPN in these patients, despite conflicting results in various studies.
Elevated Aβ aggregates in feces from Alzheimer’s disease patients: a proof-of-concept study
Authors: Pils Marlene , Dybala Alexandra , Schaffrath Anja , Rehn Fabian , Kutzsche Janine , Blömeke Lara , Tusche Markus , Özdüzenciler Pelin , Bujnicki Tuyen , Kraemer-Schulien Victoria , Gramespacher Hannes , Schmieschek Maximilian H.T. , Barbe Michael T. , Onur Oezguer A. , Fink Gereon R. , Tamgüney Gültekin , Bannach Oliver , Willbold Dieter
Published: October 2024

Background

Misfolding and aggregation of amyloid β (Aβ), along with neurofibrillary tangles consisting of aggregated Tau species, are pathological hallmarks of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) onset and progression. In this study, we hypothesized the clearance of Aβ aggregates from the brain and body into the gut.

Methods

To investigate this, we used surface-based fluorescence intensity distribution analysis (sFIDA) to determine the Aβ aggregate concentrations in feces from 26 AD patients and 31 healthy controls (HC).

Results

Aβ aggregates were detectable in human feces and their concentrations were elevated in AD patients compared to HC (specificity 90.3%, sensitivity 53.8%).

Conclusion

Thus, fecal Aβ aggregates constitute a non-invasive biomarker candidate for diagnosing AD. Whether digestion-resistant Aβ aggregates in feces are secreted via the liver and bile or directly from the enteric neuronal system remains to be elucidated.
Extracellular vesicles as therapeutic tools in regenerative dentistry
Authors: Xia Evelyn Jingwen , Zou Shasha , Zhao Xiu , Liu Wei , Zhang Yang , Zhao Irene Shuping
Published: October 2024

Dental and maxillofacial diseases are always accompanied by complicated hard and soft tissue defects, involving bone, teeth, blood vessels and nerves, which are difficult to repair and severely affect the life quality of patients. Recently, extracellular vesicles (EVs) secreted by all types of cells and extracted from body fluids have gained more attention as potential solutions for tissue regeneration due to their special physiological characteristics and intrinsic signaling molecules. Compared to stem cells, EVs present lower immunogenicity and tumorigenicity, cause fewer ethical problems, and have higher stability. Thus, EV therapy may have a broad clinical application in regenerative dentistry. Herein, we reviewed the currently available literature regarding the functional roles of EVs in oral and maxillofacial tissue regeneration, including in maxilla and mandible bone, periodontal tissues, temporomandibular joint cartilage, dental hard tissues, peripheral nerves and soft tissues. We also summarized the underlying mechanisms of actions of EVs and their delivery strategies for dental tissue regeneration. This review would provide helpful guidelines and valuable insights into the emerging potential of EVs in future research and clinical applications in regenerative dentistry.
Exercise, disease state and sex influence the beneficial effects of Fn14-depletion on survival and muscle pathology in the SOD1G93A amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) mouse model
Authors: Hazell Gareth , McCallion Eve , Ahlskog Nina , Sutton Emma R. , Okoh Magnus , Shaqoura Emad I. H. , Hoolachan Joseph M. , Scaife Taylor , Iqbal Sara , Bhomra Amarjit , Kordala Anna J. , Scamps Frederique , Raoul Cedric , Wood Matthew J. A. , Bowerman Melissa
Published: October 2024

Background

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a devastating and incurable neurodegenerative disease. Accumulating evidence strongly suggests that intrinsic muscle defects exist and contribute to disease progression, including imbalances in whole-body metabolic homeostasis. We have previously reported that tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-like weak inducer of apoptosis (TWEAK) and fibroblast growth factor inducible 14 (Fn14) are significantly upregulated in skeletal muscle of the SOD1G93A ALS mouse model. While antagonising TWEAK did not impact survival, we did observe positive effects in skeletal muscle. Given that Fn14 has been proposed as the main effector of the TWEAK/Fn14 activity and that Fn14 can act independently from TWEAK in muscle, we suggest that manipulating Fn14 instead of TWEAK in the SOD1G93A ALS mice could lead to differential and potentially improved benefits.

Methods

We thus investigated the contribution of Fn14 to disease phenotypes in the SOD1G93A ALS mice. To do so, Fn14 knockout mice (Fn14−/−) were crossed onto the SOD1G93A background to generate SOD1G93A;Fn14−/− mice. Investigations were performed on both unexercised and exercised (rotarod and/or grid test) animals (wild type (WT), Fn14−/−, SOD1G93A and SOD1G93A;Fn14−/−).

Results

Here, we firstly confirm that the TWEAK/Fn14 pathway is dysregulated in skeletal muscle of SOD1G93A mice. We then show that Fn14-depleted SOD1G93A mice display increased lifespan, myofiber size, neuromuscular junction endplate area as well as altered expression of known molecular effectors of the TWEAK/Fn14 pathway, without an impact on motor function. Importantly, we also observe a complex interaction between exercise (rotarod and grid test), genotype, disease state and sex that influences the overall effects of Fn14 deletion on survival, expression of known molecular effectors of the TWEAK/Fn14 pathway, expression of myosin heavy chain isoforms and myofiber size.

Conclusions

Our study provides further insights on the different roles of the TWEAK/Fn14 pathway in pathological skeletal muscle and how they can be influenced by age, disease, sex and exercise. This is particularly relevant in the ALS field, where combinatorial therapies that include exercise regimens are currently being explored. As such, a better understanding and consideration of the interactions between treatments, muscle metabolism, sex and exercise will be of importance in future studies.
Matched-pair analysis of mCRPC patients receiving 177Lu-labeled PSMA-targeted radioligand therapy in a 4-week versus 6-week treatment interval
Authors: Karimzadeh Amir , Hecker Charlotte-Sophie , Heck Matthias M. , Tauber Robert , D’Alessandria Calogero , Weber Wolfgang A. , Eiber Matthias , Rauscher Isabel
Published: October 2024

Background

The optimal regimen for 177Lu-labeled prostate-specific membrane antigen-targeted radioligand therapy, including treatment intervals, remains under study, with evidence suggesting shorter intervals could benefit patients with high disease volume and rapid progression. This retrospective analysis evaluated treatment toxicity, PSA response, PSA-progression-free survival (PSA-PFS), and overall survival (OS) in matched cohorts of mCRPC patients receiving 177Lu-PSMA-RLT at 4-week versus 6-week intervals.

Results

A PSA response (PSA decline ≥ 50%) was achieved in 47.8% and 21.7% of patients in the 4-week and 6-week treatment interval groups, respectively (p = 0.12). There was a trend towards longer PSA-PFS in the 4-week group compared to the 6-week group (median PSA-PFS, 26.0 weeks vs. 18.0 weeks; HR 0.6; p = 0.2). Although not statistically significant, there was a trend towards shorter OS in the 4-week group compared to the 6-week group (median OS, 15.1 months vs. 18.4 months; HR 1.3; p = 0.5). The 4-week group had a significantly greater decrease in leucocyte and platelet counts compared to the 6-week group (38.5% vs. 18.2% and 26.7% vs. 10.7%; p = 0.047 and p = 0.02). Severe adverse events were modest in both groups.

Conclusions

Intensifying treatment intervals from 6 weeks to 4 weeks showed some improvements in PSA response and PSA-PFS for mCRPC patients, but did not significantly affect OS. Additionally, bone marrow reserve was significantly reduced with the intensified regimen. Therefore, the overall benefit remains uncertain, and further prospective studies are needed to compare 4-week and 6-week intervals regarding toxicity, treatment response, and outcome.
Machine Learning Approach to Rapidly Evaluate Curling of Concrete Pavement
Authors: Han Sangyoung , Heo Taemin , Yeum Chul Min , Kim Kukjoo , Choi Jongkwon , Tia Mang
Published: October 2024

This paper focuses on the methodology for evaluating the degree of total curling in concrete pavement using machine learning. Deflection induced by falling weight deflectometer (FWD) testing is known as a direct correlation to total curling including built-in and daily curling. However, deflection measurement in the in-service road is also affected by others, such as environmental conditions, pavement geometry, subgrade stiffness, and mixture design. Thus, it is challenging to determine the level of curling from FWD data due to the complexity of influencing parameters. To navigate this complexity, prominent machine learning models are exploited to identify a non-linear relationship between curling and FWD deflections. A finite-element simulation of FWD is conducted to generate a vast data set, and a robust regression model is trained to estimate the total effective temperature difference (TETD) to quantify the effects of curling. Since input parameters for testing pavements can be measurable in the field, curling from TETD can be readily obtained using the proposed methodology. Comparative simulations highlight that the proposed models, with an MAE less than 0.5 °C significantly outperform the multiple regression performance, which registers an MAE of 3.45 °C in TETD, particularly in offering cost-effective and noise-tolerant prediction.
The detection, biological function, and liquid biopsy application of extracellular vesicle-associated DNA
Authors: Guo Shan , Wang Xin , Shan Danni , Xiao Yu , Ju Lingao , Zhang Yi , Wang Gang , Qian Kaiyu
Published: October 2024

Cell-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs), which carry diverse biomolecules such as nucleic acids, proteins, metabolites, and lipids reflecting their cell of origin, are released under both physiological and pathological conditions. EVs have been demonstrated to mediate cell-to-cell communication and serve as biomarkers. EV-associated DNA (EV-DNA) comprises genomic and mitochondrial DNA (i.e., gDNA and mtDNA) fragments. Some studies have revealed that EV-DNA can represent the full nuclear genome and mitochondrial genome of parental cells. Furthermore, DNA fragments loaded into EVs are stable and can be transferred to recipient cells to regulate their biological functions. In this review, we summarized and discussed EV-DNA research advances with an emphasis on EV-DNA detection at the population-EV and single-EV levels, gene transfer-associated biological functions, and clinical applications as biomarkers for disease liquid biopsy. We hope that this review will provide potential directions or guidance for future EV-DNA investigations.
Styled and characteristic Peking opera facial makeup synthesis with co-training and transfer conditional styleGAN2
Authors: Shen Yinghua , Duan Oran , Xin Xiaoyu , Yan Ming , Li Zhe
Published: October 2024

Against the backdrop of the deep integration of culture and technology, research and practice in digitization of intangible cultural heritage has continued to deepen. However, due to the lack of data and training, it is still very difficult to apply artificial intelligence to the field of cultural heritage protection. This article integrates image generation technology into the digital protection of Peking opera facial makeup, using a self-built Peking opera facial makeup dataset. Based on the StyleGAN2 network, we propose a style generative cooperative training network Co-StyleGAN2, which integrates the adaptive data augmentation (ADA) to alleviate the problem of discriminator overfitting and introduces the idea of cooperative training to stabilize the training process. We design a Peking opera facial makeup image transform conditional generation network TC-StyleGAN2 which is transferred from unconditional generation network. The weights of the unconditional pre-training model are fixed, and an adaptive filtering modulation module is added to modulate the category parameters to complete the conversion from unconditional to conditional StyleGAN2 to deal with the training difficulty of conditional GANs on limited data, which suffer from severe mode collapse. The experimental results show that the proposed training strategy is better than the comparison algorithms, and the image generation quality and diversity have been improved.
Serotype independent protection induced by a vaccine based on the IgM protease of Streptococcus suis and proposal for a new immunity-based classification system
Authors: Jacobs A. A. C. , Grommen A. W. F. , Badbanchi S. , van Hout A. J. , van Kasteren-Westerneng T. J. , Morales L. Garcia , Bron R. , Segers R. P. A. M.
Published: October 2024

The IgM protease (IdeSsuis gene; Gene ID 8153996) of Streptococcus suis is a putative virulence factor that has been shown to be a protective vaccine antigen for pigs (Seele et al. Vaccine 33:2207–12, 2015). To assess its potential as a cross-protective antigen, the amino acid variability among prevalent clinical isolates in various regions and among various serotypes was investigated. Multi-sequence alignment of full-length amino acid sequences of S. suis IgM protease, available in the public domain (status Jan-2022) supplemented with in-house sequences, i.e. a total of 1999 sequences, revealed that the IgM protease of S. suis clusters into three main evolutionary distinct branches: groups A, B and C. Group A, 82% of the sequences in the database, was associated with clinical isolates of various serotypes. Group B, 6% of the strains in the database, was associated with clinical isolates mainly in the EU and mainly belonging to serotype (st) 9. Group C, 12% of the strains in the database, was largely associated with healthy carrier isolates, i.e. nose or tonsil isolates of various serotypes but in particular with st9 and un-typable strains. Within the groups A, B and C, high levels of amino acid identity were observed (> 75%), whereas between groups A and B, the percentage amino acid identity was approximately 30% and between groups A and C approximately 55%. Experimental Escherichia coli expressed recombinant subunit vaccines based on the IgM protease group A sequence of st1 strain B10-99, st2 strain 10 or st7 strain 14009-1, induced serotype independent protection in pigs against challenge with all group A strains tested, i.e. strains of different parts of the phylogenetic tree and of different serotypes including st1, 2, 9 and 14. Protection was observed after vaccination of piglets at 3 and 5 weeks of age and subsequent challenge at 7 weeks but also after vaccination of gilts at 6 and 2 weeks before anticipated parturition and challenge of the offspring up to at least 8 weeks of age. No protection was observed against challenge with st9 strain SZ2000-6264 having group B IgM protease. A recombinant subunit vaccine based on the group B IgM protease sequence, also did not protect against challenge with the homologous group B st9 challenge strain. The results indicate that a vaccine based on a group A IgM protease induces protection against all S. suis strains that express the group A IgM protease. Depending on the geographical region such a vaccine is expected to protect against 60–100% of the virulent S. suis strains. Since the novel proposed IgM protease classification is highly relevant, a PCR was developed and validated, to be able to classify clinical isolates into IgM protease groups A, B and C and predict the cross-protection that can be expected from a group A based IgM protease vaccine.
3D ultrasound guidance for radiofrequency ablation in an anthropomorphic thyroid nodule phantom
Authors: Boers Tim , Braak Sicco J. , Brink Wyger M. , Versluis Michel , Manohar Srirang
Published: October 2024

Background

The use of two-dimensional (2D) ultrasound for guiding radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of benign thyroid nodules presents limitations, including the inability to monitor the entire treatment volume and operator dependency in electrode positioning. We compared three-dimensional (3D)-guided RFA using a matrix ultrasound transducer with conventional 2D-ultrasound guidance in an anthropomorphic thyroid nodule phantom incorporated additionally with temperature-sensitive albumin.

Methods

Twenty-four phantoms with 48 nodules were constructed and ablated by an experienced radiologist using either 2D- or 3D-ultrasound guidance. Postablation T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging scans were acquired to determine the final ablation temperature distribution in the phantoms. These were used to analyze ablation parameters, such as the nodule ablation percentage. Further, additional procedure parameters, such as dominant/non-dominant hand use, were recorded.

Results

Nonsignificant trends towards lower ablated volumes for both within (74.4 ± 9.1% (median ± interquartile range) versus 78.8 ± 11.8%) and outside of the nodule (0.35 ± 0.18 mL versus 0.45 ± 0.46 mL), along with lower variances in performance, were noted for the 3D-guided ablation. For the total ablation percentage, 2D-guided dominant hand ablation performed better than 2D-guided non-dominant hand ablation (81.0% versus 73.2%, p = 0.045), while there was no significant effect in the hand comparison for 3D-guided ablation.

Conclusion

3D-ultrasound-guided RFA showed no significantly different results compared to 2D guidance, while 3D ultrasound showed a reduced variance in RFA. A significant reduction in operator-ablating hand dependence was observed when using 3D guidance. Further research into the use of 3D ultrasound for RFA is warranted.

Relevance statement

Using 3D ultrasound for thyroid nodule RFA could improve the clinical outcome. A platform that creates 3D data could be used for thyroid diagnosis, therapy planning, and navigational tools.

Key Points

Twenty-four in-house-developed thyroid nodule phantoms with 48 nodules were constructed.

RFA was performed under 2D- or 3D-ultrasound guidance.

3D- and 2D ultrasound-guided RFAs showed comparable performance.

Real-time dual-plane imaging may offer an improved overview of the ablation zone and aid electrode positioning.

Dominant and non-dominant hand 3D-ultrasound-guided RFA outcomes were comparable.

Graphical Abstract
Apoptosis and genotoxicity effects of Zygophyllum album and Suaeda palaestina extracts on Ehrlich solid carcinoma in mice
Authors: El-Attar Marwa M. , Ahmad Ekram S. , Kamel Hedaya A. , Hassan Amal I. , Awad Abdel-Fattah A. , Abdel-Tawab Fatthy M.
Published: October 2024

Background

Various medicinal plants and their bioactive compounds exhibited promising anticancer activities by inducing apoptosis, inhibiting angiogenesis, and modulating several signaling pathways in cancer cells. This study aims to assess whether two medicinal plant extracts have anticancer properties, Suaeda Palaestina and Zygophyllum album.

Methods

This study used Ehrlich solid tumor mice as its in vivo model. We divided male mice into five groups (n = 5 per group). Group I was used as a control for Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC). Groups 2 and 3 were given Z. album extract 180 mg/kg and 360 mg/kg body weight intraperitoneally. Groups 4 and 5 were given the same dose of S. palaestina and treated three times a week for 2 weeks, starting on day 10 after EAC implantation. After 3 weeks, we collected blood samples and thigh skeletal muscle, homogenized them, and processed them for analysis. The results showed that Ehrlich solid rats (EST) treated with low-dose dichloromethane extracts from Z. album and S. palaestina had significantly smaller tumor sizes than the control group. Protein expression levels of p53, caspase 3, and Bcl-2 were quantified by western blotting.

Results

The extracts from both plants induced the hunger mechanism, leading to increased expression of p53 and caspase 3 and decreased expression of Bcl-2 at the protein level in EST mice treated with Z. album and S. palaestina. In addition, the comet assay indicated that these plants have a genotoxic potential for solid tumor cells. The T3 and T4 levels in EST blood samples revealed that both plants had significantly reduced the concentration of T3 and significantly increased T4 compared to the EST mice untreated group. Furthermore, these results showed that Z. album and S. palaestina had antiproliferative effects in EST mice through apoptosis-mediated genotoxicity.

Conclusions

These findings indicated that S. palaestina and Z. album could be considered potential natural sources of anticancer agents.
Can individual functional improvements be predicted in osteoarthritic patients after total knee arthroplasty?
Authors: Kim Sung Eun , Ro Du Hyun , Lee Myung Chul , Han Hyuk-Soo
Published: October 2024

Purpose

Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is an effective treatment for advanced osteoarthritis, and achieving optimal outcomes can be challenging due to various influencing factors. Previous research has focused on identifying factors that affect postoperative functional outcomes. However, there is a paucity of studies predicting individual postoperative improvement following TKA. Therefore, a quantitative prediction model for individual patient outcomes is necessary.

Materials and methods

Demographic data, radiologic variables, intraoperative variables, and physical examination findings were collected from 976 patients undergoing TKA. Preoperative and 1-year postoperative Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) scores were assessed, and multivariate regression analysis was conducted to identify significant factors influencing one-year WOMAC scores and changes in WOMAC scores. A predictive model was developed on the basis of the findings.

Results

The predictive accuracy of the model for 1-year WOMAC scores was poor (all adjusted R2 < 0.08), whereas the model for changes in WOMAC scores demonstrated strong predictability (all adjusted R2 > 0.75). Preoperative WOMAC scores, sex, and postoperative knee range of motion significantly affected all pain, stiffness, and physical function aspects of the WOMAC scores (all P < 0.05). Age, cerebrovascular disease, and patellar resurfacing were associated with changes in physical function (all P < 0.05).

Conclusions

The developed quantitative model demonstrated high accuracy in predicting changes in WOMAC scores after TKA. The identified factors influencing postoperative improvement in WOMAC scores can assist in optimizing patient outcomes after TKA.
Near-circularly polarized isolated attosecond pulse generation from a current-carrying state of Ar atom by two-color cross-linearly polarized laser fields
Authors: Gong Xue , Du Jin-Xu , Wei Pan , Li Xiao-Yong , Li Wei , Jiao Zhi-Hong , Wang Guo-Li , Zhao Song-Feng
Published: October 2024

We theoretically propose an efficient method to generate near-circularly polarized isolated attosecond (as) pulses (NCP-IAPs) from a current-carrying state of Ar atom driven by two-color cross-linearly polarized laser fields. We find that the ellipticity of high harmonics can be controlled by adjusting the crossing angle of two linearly polarized lasers and the near-circularly polarized supercontinuum harmonics are obtained when the crossing angle is around

. Furthermore, we can produce the NCP-IAPs with the ellipticity up to 0.94 and the shortest one achieves 196 as. This work demonstrates the possibility for generating the NCP-IAPs using a current-carrying state of atoms driven by two-color cross-linearly polarized laser fields.
Breeding zebra finches prioritize reproductive bout over self-maintenance under food restriction
Authors: Coutts Victoria M. , Pham Kevin , Gilbert Gabriella , Wada Haruka
Published: October 2024

Reproduction requires high amounts of energy, and challenging environments during breeding can force parents to prioritize their current reproductive bout over self-maintenance or vice versa. However, little is known about how common stressors, such as food restriction, can influence these trade-offs during breeding, and the physiological mechanisms for these trade-off decisions. In this study, adult zebra finches (Taeniopygia castanotis) were subjected to a control diet (ad libitum) or a 40% food restriction while raising nestlings and fledglings, and we measured body mass, furculum fat, plasma corticosterone (CORT) and blood glucose levels of the parents at the time of pairing, when their offspring fledged, and when their offspring reached nutritional independence. We also measured body mass and growth rate in the offspring from hatching until the end of the treatment period. Food-restricted parents had lower body mass when their offspring fledged and reached nutritional independence and higher baseline CORT when their offspring fledged compared to controls. Offspring did not differ in body mass or growth rate between treatment groups. However, there was no effect of food restriction on parents’ furculum fat, baseline glucose, the adrenocortical response, or the glucose response. Furthermore, path analysis results suggest that alterations in baseline glucose is the primary driver of changes in body mass in parents and offspring brood mass. Taken together, these results suggest that food restriction during chick rearing in a short-lived passerine drives parents to prioritize their current reproductive bout over self-maintenance, and glucose could potentially be a mechanism for diverting energy toward parental effort.
Sex hormone receptors, calcium-binding protein and Yap1 signaling regulate sex-dependent liver cell proliferation following partial hepatectomy
Authors: Zhu Mingkai , Li Yan , Shen Qiaosen , Gong Zhiyuan , Liu Dong
Published: October 2024

Partial hepatectomy (PH) is commonly used to treat patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. The recovery of patients from PH depends on the initiation of liver regeneration, a process that mainly relies on liver cell proliferation. As sex affects the human liver regeneration progress, we investigated sex disparity in PH-induced liver regeneration in adult zebrafish. We found that, after PH, males began liver regeneration earlier than females in terms of liver cell proliferation and liver mass recovery, and this was associated with earlier activation of Yap1 signaling in male than female livers. We also found that androgen receptors regulated the sex-biased liver regeneration in a Yap1-dependent manner and that activated estrogen receptors are responsible for the later onset of female hepatocyte proliferation. Furthermore, we identified that S100A1, a calcium-binding protein, regulates the sex disparity in liver regeneration, as heterozygous S100A1 knockout inhibited Yap1 activity in male livers and delayed hepatocyte proliferation in males following PH. Thus, multiple pathways and/or their interplays contribute to the sex disparity in liver regeneration, suggesting that sex-biased therapeutic strategies are required for patients who have received PH-based therapies.
Θεωρώντας τον Δον Κιχώτη του Miguel de Cervantes με βάση το πρώτο μέρος του έργου The Long Revolution του Raymond Williams
Authors: Καρφή Σωτηρία
Published: October 2024

Η ερευνητική μας προσπάθεια αποτελεί ένα εγχείρημα εφαρμογής των εννοιών και μεθόδων που προτείνονται από τον Raymond Williams σχετικά με τη δημιουργία, την κουλτούρα, τα άτομα και τις κοινωνίες και τις εικόνες της κοινωνίας στον Δον Κιχώτη του Μιγκέλ ντε Θερβάντες, αναδεικνύοντας την άλλοτε ολική ή την τυχόν μερική επιτυχία ή αποτυχία της ταύτισης των δύο διαφορετικών περιγραφών και οπτικών. Οι επιμέρους σκοποί της εργασίας, κατ’ επέκταση, επικεντρώνονται αρχικά στον εντοπισμό και στην κατανόηση των δύο οπτικών, στην ακόλουθη αντιπαραβολή τους, όπου αυτό είναι δυνατό, αλλά και στην εφαρμογή της θεωρίας του Williams στο σύνολο του έργου του Δον Κιχώτη στις περιπτώσεις όπου δεν εντοπίζονται αντίστοιχες και προτεινόμενες έννοιες από την πλευρά του Θερβάντες. Διευρύνοντας την έννοια της «κουλτούρας», ο Ουαλός θεωρητικός επιτυγχάνει να συμπεριλάβει περιοχές της πραγματικότητας που μέχρι τότε αδυνατούσαν να εισχωρήσουν στις ποικίλες θεωρητικές περιγραφές και στους σχετικούς ορισμούς, προσφέροντάς μας μια ολοκληρωμένη οπτική, η οποία συνέβαλε, με τη σειρά της, στην πληρέστερη κατανόηση του ανθρώπου και της κοινωνίας. Η συνοπτική αποτίμηση των δύο διακριτών οπτικών ανέδειξε την ανεκτίμητη συμβολή της τέχνης στη μελέτη των πολιτιστικών ζητημάτων, καθώς και την ανάγκη διεύρυνσης της οπτικής, με την οποία μελετάμε τα πολιτιστικά και, θα τολμούσαμε να ισχυριστούμε, τα κοινωνικά ζητήματα, εν γένει, και με την οποία αναζητούμε τρόπους ερμηνείας και κατανόησης της κοινωνίας.
From rarity to reality: the hidden abundance of critically endangered deep-sea little gulper shark (Centrophorus uyato) in the southern Adriatic Sea
Authors: GAJIĆ A. ANDREJ , SULIKOWSKI  A. JAMES
Published: October 2024

The little gulper shark, Centrophorus uyato (Rafinesque, 1810), is a critically endangered and poorly known deep-sea shark that is considered very rare in certain parts of the Mediterranean, particularly the Adriatic Sea. Between June and August 2023, a total of 47 individuals (25 females and 22 males) were documented 3 to 4.5 NM off Grama Bay in Vlorë, Albania, at depths ranging from 400 to 450 meters. All the recorded individuals were adults, measuring in average 90.53 cm total length and weighting 4.26 kg. Detailed examinations were performed on 10 individuals (5 males and 5 females), while the remaining specimens were retained by fishermen and subsequently sold for consumption. Local ecological knowledge revealed a consistent presence of the species in the longline catches in the studied area. The findings presented in the current manuscript indicate that the species may be more common in the southernmost Adriatic Sea than previously thought. Moreover, data herein support the postulation that the species prefer submarine canyons within the upper slopes.
Intercultural communication and competence: practices at the education level
Authors: Govaris Christos , Komi Niki , Καλδή Σταυρούλα
Published: October 2024

The present article focuses on the main theoretical aspects of the intercultural communication and intercultural competence in order to propose appropriate practices to be promoted at the education level. Based on the theoretical framework of Auerneheimer about intercultural communication and the challenges than can create barriers to intercultural communication we argue about the prerequisite of intercultural competence in order to propose certain practices in different levels of education
Μπορεί το μοντέλο της αντίστροφης τάξης να εφαρμοστεί στο μάθημα των Μαθηματικών; Απόψεις και εμπειρίες εκπαιδευτικών
Authors: Ρίζος Ιωάννης , Νίνου Γαρυφαλλιά , Ασβεστοπούλου Νεφέλη
Published: October 2024

Η εργασία εστιάζει στη διερεύνηση των απόψεων και την καταγραφή των εμπειριών 38 Ελλήνων εκπαιδευτικών που υπηρετούν σε όλες τις βαθμίδες της Δη­μόσιας Εκ­παίδευσης, σχετικά με την αξιοποίηση του διδακτικού μοντέλου της αντί­στροφης τά­ξης στο μάθημα των Μαθηματικών. Τα δεδομένα συλλέχθηκαν με διαδι­κτυακά ερω­τηματολόγια και ημιδομημένες συνεντεύξεις, και αναλύθηκαν στο πλαί­σιο της υπάρ­χουσας βιβλιογραφίας και των πρόσφατων σχετικών εμπειριών των συγ­γραφέων. Η έρευνα αποκαλύπτει σύγχυση των συμμετεχόντων γύρω από το τι είναι και πώς μπορεί να αντιστραφεί η τάξη, φωτίζει μέσα από το πρίσμα των δασκά­λων και των καθηγητών τα πλεονεκτήματα και τους ανασταλτικούς παράγοντες αξιοποίησης της μεθόδου, υποδεικνύει την ανάγκη για στήριξη των εκπαιδευτικών και, τελικά, μπορεί να φανεί χρήσιμη στους υπεύθυνους χάραξης της εκπαιδευτικής πολιτικής.
Σχεδίασμα Υπαρξιακής Αισθητικής
Authors: Θεοδωρόπουλος Ιωάννης
Published: October 2024

Η αισθητική της υπαρξιακής λογικής, είναι απόλυτη, επανερχόμαστε σ΄ αυτό,  με την έννοια ότι δεν στηρίζεται σε κανενός είδους δεκανίκια, πολιτικά, οικονομικά ή άλλα. Αυτή η αισθητική είναι δυνατή όχι μόνο λόγω της ύπαρξης του καλλιτέχνη, αλλά πρωτίστως εξαιτίας της πρωταρχικής ικανότητας της «λογικής ύπαρξης» να την γεννά. Προκύπτει η αισθητική αυτή ως δημιουργική επίδοση της λογικής ύπαρξης, δεν έχει αφ΄ εαυτής καμία οντότητα. Δεν πρόκειται εδώ για προσβλητική Reduktion της αισθητικής, για σχετικοποίησή της, για υποβάθμιση και παραπομπή της σε  μια τυφλή υπαρξιακή δύναμη. Πολύ περισσότερο αφορά την επανασύνδεσή της με την χυμώδη υπαρξιακή χώρα, από την οποία προέρχεται και αντλεί νόημα, υπερβαίνοντας την  ψευδο- αυτοτέλειά της.
A scoping review on what constitutes a good research culture
Authors: Blatch-Jones Amanda Jane , Lakin Kay , Thomas Sarah
Published: October 2024

Background

The crisis in research culture is well documented, covering issues such as a tendency for quantity over quality, unhealthy competitive environments, and assessment based on publications, journal prestige and funding. In response, research institutions need to assess their own practices to promote and advocate for change in the current research ecosystem. The purpose of the scoping review was to explore ‘What does the evidence say about the ‘problem’ with ‘poor’ research culture, what are the benefits of ‘good’ research culture, and what does ‘good’ look like?’

Aims

To examine the peer-reviewed and grey literature to explore the interplay between research culture, open research, career paths, recognition and rewards, and equality, diversity, and inclusion, as part of a larger programme of activity for a research institution.

Methods

A scoping review was undertaken. Six databases were searched along with grey literature. Eligible literature had relevance to academic research institutions, addressed research culture, and were published between January 2017 to May 2022. Evidence was mapped and themed to specific categories. The search strategy, screening and analysis took place between April-May 2022.

Results

1666 titles and abstracts, and 924 full text articles were assessed for eligibility. Of these, 253 articles met the eligibility criteria for inclusion. A purposive sampling of relevant websites was drawn from to complement the review, resulting in 102 records included in the review. Key areas for consideration were identified across the four themes of job security, wellbeing and equality of opportunity, teamwork and interdisciplinary, and research quality and accountability.

Conclusions

There are opportunities for research institutions to improve their own practice, however institutional solutions cannot act in isolation. Research institutions and research funders need to work together to build a more sustainable and inclusive research culture that is diverse in nature and supports individuals’ well-being, career progression and performance.
Factors influencing osteoradionecrosis progression during hyperbaric oxygen therapy: A case study
Authors: Mezri Sameh , Zitouni Chaima , Bahrini Khadija , Haggui Mounir , Boughzala Wiem , Gharsallah Hedi
Published: October 2024

Introduction Although relatively uncommon, osteoradionecrosis (ORN) remains a serious complication following radiotherapy. Various therapeutic approaches, including hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT), are utilized in managing ORN. This study aims to evaluate the role of HBOT in ORN management and to identify predictive factors influencing the evolution of head and neck ORN after HBOT. Methods This retrospective study includes 46 patients who received HBOT for head and neck ORN between 2017 and 2020. The patients were divided into two groups: Group 1 (n=36) included those with regression or stabilization of ORN, while Group 2 (n=10) comprised patients with worsening lesions. We performed a statistical study in order to identify factors influencing ORN progression under treatment. Results ORN affected the mandible in 93.5% of patients, the maxilla in 2 cases, and the skull base in 4 cases. All patients received HBOT, with an average of 44.65 sessions. Pre-operative HBOT was administered in 17% of cases, and post-operative HBOT was given in 42% of cases. After at least 20 sessions, ORN regressed in 33% of cases, stabilized in 45%, and worsened in 22%. Analysis of factors influencing ORN progression on the univariate study revealed significant associations with high blood pressure (p=0.046), larger tumor size (p=0.004), advanced tumor stages (p=0.048), mean radiation dose (p=0.002), delays between dental care and radiotherapy (p=0.045), and the location of ORN within the mandible (p=0.049). Additionally, the number of HBOT sessions significantly affected ORN evolution, with more sessions correlating with better outcomes (p=0.001). In the multivariate analysis, variables such as the average interval between dental care and radiotherapy (p=0.043) as well as the number of HBOT sessions (p=0.040) emerged as significant influencers of ORN evolution. Conclusion Our study provides valuable insights into the management of ORN by identifying key predictors that influence the post-therapeutic evolution of head and neck ORN after HBOT.
Recycling of collagen from solid tannery waste and prospective utilization as adhesives.
Authors: Flores Tapia Nelly Esther , Brito Moina Hannibal , Peñafiel Rodny , Pérez Aldás Lander Vinicio
Published: October 2024

Abstract This study explores the innovative potential of recycled collagen derived from tannery waste for use in high-performance adhesive formulations. The leather industry generates significant amounts of solid waste, primarily from chromium-tanned leather, which poses substantial environmental challenges. Recent advancements in recycling techniques have opened new avenues for repurposing this waste, particularly through collagen extraction, which comprises about 30-35% of tannery residues. This research systematically reviews the methods and applications of collagen extraction, highlighting the material’s versatility and environmental benefits when used as a bio-adhesive. The review identifies key challenges such as low water resistance, shear strength, and adhesiveness in collagen-based adhesives compared to synthetic counterparts. However, innovative solutions are emerging, including the incorporation of silane coupling agents and cross-linking technologies that significantly improve the water resistance and mechanical properties of these adhesives. Economic analyses further support the viability of using tannery waste-derived collagen in adhesive production, aligning with global sustainability goals and reducing reliance on petrochemical-based adhesives. Despite these advancements, the transition from laboratory research to commercial applications remains a significant challenge. Current studies primarily focus on small-scale experiments, with limited pilot-scale studies available. Nonetheless, the potential for collagen-based adhesives to replace harmful chemicals in industrial applications is promising, especially in sectors requiring biodegradable and non-toxic materials. This review concludes that while significant progress has been made, further research is necessary to overcome existing limitations and fully realize the commercial potential of collagen-based adhesives derived from tannery waste.
Stories of women's marriage and fertility experiences: Qualitative research on urban and rural cases in Bali, Indonesia
Authors: Titisari Anastasia Septya , Swandewi Luh Kadek Ratih , Warren Carol , Reid Anja
Published: October 2024

As a Hindu-majority province in Indonesia, Bali presents a unique and distinctive culture. Patrilocal (purusa) marriage and patrilineal inheritance as a continuation of the patriarchal system puts a male in the key role of family representative and successor. Having a son is a priority for a married couple in Balinese society. As a consequence, Balinese women experience several constraints related to their economic productive, reproductive, and adat (ritual) roles. When a family does not have a male heir, their daughter is pressed to find a spouse willing to accept sentana (daughter succession) marriage. This secondary form of marriage brings another complication for Balinese-Hindu women and does not necessarily relieve their submissive position. This study analyzes Balinese-Hindu women’s perspectives on their marriage experiences and fertility decisions in patrilineal society in changing rural and urban conditions. The data was collected in two areas representing rural (Gianyar) and urban (Denpasar) locations in Bali Province, Indonesia from November 2019 to February 2020. Primary data was based on in-depth interviews of six rural and six urban married Balinese-Hindu women. This qualitative inquiry into Balinese women's experience of the marriage system and fertility options in urban and rural Bali revealed varying degrees of social expectation to provide male descendants for their families. At the same time, economic burdens still haunted them in this development era and manifested conflicting implications for family size. Their stories of purusa and sentana marriage were complex because it has strongly associated with customary law (adat) in traditional society. Paradoxically, this study found that it was predominantly rural women who opted for the sentana arrangement and expressed a preference for smaller family sizes. This study explores women's fertility aspirations, notably regarding son precedence. It problematizes the sentana marriage alternative as a potential solution to alleviate the expectations and burdens placed on women.