bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effectiveness of Group Physical Exercise in Treating Major Depressive Disorder: An Analysis of Secondary Data from an Aborted Randomized Trial
Authors: Elgendy Hossam , Shalaby Reham , Agyapong Belinda , Lesage Deanna , Paulsen Lacey , Delday Amy , Duiker Sherianna , Surood Shireen , Wei Yifeng , Nkire Nnamdi , Agyapong Vincent Israel Opoku
Published: March 2024

Background: Depression is highly prevalent and a significant cause of mortality and morbidity across the globe. Although antidepressants and/or psychotherapy are often used to treat depression, some recent studies indicate that exercise may play an important role in lowering depression symptoms among patients meeting the clinical criteria of a depressive episode. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the mental health and wellbeing of adult participants diagnosed with major depressive disorder (MDD) after fourteen weeks of receiving a supervised physical exercise program. Methods: In a pre-post design, the assessments were performed at baseline, seven weeks and fourteen weeks following the exercise intervention program using facilitated self-reported psychometric scales. The Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-2) and Clinical Outcomes in Routine Evaluation—Outcome Measure (CORE-OM) were used to assess depression. The short form of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) was used for the self-reporting of participants’ physical activity. Results: At the beginning of the study, the baseline total mean scores and standard deviations for the BDI-2, CORE-OM, and IPAQ in both genders did not differ significantly (p-value > 0.05). Patients showed significant improvement in all assessment scales after completing fourteen weeks of the physical exercise program. Based on the BDI-2, the baseline score dropped from 31.25 (indicating moderate to severe depression) to 14.25 (indicating mild to minimal depression), with a p-value of <0.001. The CORE-OM total mean score was reduced from 1.91 to 0.98 with a significant p-value < 0.005 indicating effective clinical improvement in depression symptoms. The IPAQ total MET-minutes/week mean score increased from 1713.22 to 4367.62, indicating an improvement in the participants’ weekly P.E. intake; however, the change was not statistically significant (p = 0.07). Conclusions: Exercise treatment is linked with considerable therapeutic improvement in patients with MDD, particularly when exercise is sustained over time. The BDI-2 and CORE-OM total scores significantly decreased after the fourteen-week P.E. programme, indicating a change from moderate and severe depression to minimal and mild depression. Our findings offer insightful information to primary care doctors and psychiatrists, indicating that prescribing exercise to depressed patients may be a helpful adjunctive therapy.
The Relationship between Family Factors and Academic Achievement of Junior High School Students in Rural China: Mediation Effect of Parental Involvement
Authors: Gu Xiaoxia , Hassan Norlizah Che , Sulaiman Tajularipin
Published: March 2024

This study aims to understand how socioeconomic status and the family environment impact students’ academic achievement through the mediation of parental involvement in rural China. To achieve this, a cross-sectional design was adopted, and a total of 525 parents of rural junior high school students from S province in southwest China were surveyed. The proposed conceptual framework was tested by structural equation modeling. The results claimed that both socioeconomic status and the family environment are important factors affecting the academic achievement of rural students, and the role of the family environment is more pronounced. Furthermore, parental involvement has a significant mediating effect between socioeconomic status and academic achievement, especially between the family environment and academic achievement. The findings highlighted the importance of the family environment and parental involvement to compensate for the negative impact of disadvantaged family socioeconomic status on academic achievement.
Study on the Mechanism of Water and Sand Leakage in a Foundation Pit Retaining Structure Based on the Computational Fluid Dynamics–Discrete Element Method
Authors: Xu Shuo , Zhang Xueming , Wang Lichuan , Yue Changcheng , Chen Xiafei , Luo Zhiyang , Zhang Jingjing , Fu Lei
Published: March 2024

The existence of defects in the enclosure structure is the primary cause of water and sand leakage in foundation pits, as well as being a significant source of danger in pit construction, but current research lacks an in-depth investigation of the generation mechanism and gestation process. In this paper, which comprehensively considers the microscopic particles and macroscopic level, the development mechanism of a water and sand leakage disaster in a foundation pit with a water-rich sand layer was studied using the principle of computational fluid dynamics and discrete element method coupled analysis (CFD–DEM); moreover, based on the anisotropy of the particle force and fluid energy analysis, the deformation of the stratum and ground stress field were analyzed. The results show that the stress field will produce a plugging effect at a certain distance from the defect, and the strata exhibit a dominant displacement tendency in the vertical direction, resulting in the emergence of a gradually concave stress relaxation zone and an elliptical contour in the strata displacement map near the defect. The fluid energy describes the displacement of the sand layer very well, and it is separated into the sand layer’s centralized loss region and the major loss area based on the high and low levels of the fluid energy class. The impact of fluid at the defect reaches the maximum kinetic energy, which penetrates the structural weakness and causes the loss of sand particles, and the cross-section of the water influx near the defect gradually expands with the loss of particles, indicating that there is a danger of further expansion of the defect under the impact of water flow. These results have technical implications for the management of water and sand leakage disasters in foundation pit engineering.
Low PRKAB2 Expression Is Associated with Poor Outcomes in Pediatric Adrenocortical Tumors, and Treatment with Rottlerin Increases the PRKAB2 Level and Inhibits Tumorigenic Aspects in the NCI-H295R Adrenocortical Cancer Cell Line
Authors: Xavier Alcides Euzebio Tavares , Veronez Luciana Chain , Nagano Luís Fernando Peinado , Correa Carolina Alves Pereira , Baroni Mirela , Ramos Milena Silva , Queiroz Rosane de Gomes de Paula , Fernandes Molina Carlos Augusto , Yunes José Andres , Brandalise Silvia Regina , Antonini Sonir Antonio Rauber , Tone Luiz Gonzaga , Valera Elvis Terci , Scrideli Carlos Alberto
Published: March 2024

Pediatric adrenocortical tumors (ACTs) are rare, highly heterogeneous neoplasms with limited therapeutic options, making the investigation of new targets with potential therapeutic or prognostic purposes urgent. The PRKAB2 gene produces one of the subunits of the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) complex and has been associated with cancer. However, little is known about the role AMPK plays in ACTs. We have evaluated how PRKAB2 is associated with clinical and biological characteristics in 63 pediatric patients with ACTs and conducted in vitro studies on the human NCI-H295R ACC cell line. An analysis of our cohort and the public ACC pediatric dataset GSE76019 showed that lower PRKAB2 expression was associated with relapse, death, metastasis, and lower event-free and overall survival rates. Multivariate analysis showed that PRKAB2 expression was an independent prognostic factor when associated with age, tumor weight and volume, and metastasis. In vitro tests on NCI-H295R cells demonstrated that Rottlerin, a drug that can activate AMPK, modulated several pathways in NCI-H295R cells, including AMPK/mTOR, Wnt/β-catenin, SKP2, HH, MAPK, NFKB, and TNF. Treatment with Rottlerin decreased cell proliferation and migration, clonogenic capacity, and steroid production. Together, these results suggest that PRKAB2 is a potential prognostic marker in pediatric ACTs, and that Rottlerin is promising for investigating drugs that can act against ACTs.
Effects of Eribulin on the RNA Content of Extracellular Vesicles Released by Metastatic Breast Cancer Cells
Authors: Giulietti Matteo , Piva Francesco , Cecati Monia , Maggio Serena , Guescini Michele , Saladino Tiziana , Scortichini Laura , Crocetti Sonia , Caramanti Miriam , Battelli Nicola , Romagnoli Emanuela
Published: March 2024

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are small lipid particles secreted by almost all human cells into the extracellular space. They perform the essential function of cell-to-cell communication, and their role in promoting breast cancer progression has been well demonstrated. It is known that EVs released by triple-negative and highly aggressive MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells treated with paclitaxel, a microtubule-targeting agent (MTA), promoted chemoresistance in EV-recipient cells. Here, we studied the RNA content of EVs produced by the same MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells treated with another MTA, eribulin mesylate. In particular, we analyzed the expression of different RNA species, including mRNAs, lncRNAs, miRNAs, snoRNAs, piRNAs and tRNA fragments by RNA-seq. Then, we performed differential expression analysis, weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA), functional enrichment analysis, and miRNA-target identification. Our findings demonstrate the possible involvement of EVs from eribulin-treated cells in the spread of chemoresistance, prompting the design of strategies that selectively target tumor EVs.
To Repair a Broken Heart: Stem Cells in Ischemic Heart Disease
Authors: Stougiannou Theodora M. , Christodoulou Konstantinos C. , Dimarakis Ioannis , Mikroulis Dimitrios , Karangelis Dimos
Published: March 2024

Despite improvements in contemporary medical and surgical therapies, cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains a significant cause of worldwide morbidity and mortality; more specifically, ischemic heart disease (IHD) may affect individuals as young as 20 years old. Typically managed with guideline-directed medical therapy, interventional or surgical methods, the incurred cardiomyocyte loss is not always completely reversible; however, recent research into various stem cell (SC) populations has highlighted their potential for the treatment and perhaps regeneration of injured cardiac tissue, either directly through cellular replacement or indirectly through local paracrine effects. Different stem cell (SC) types have been employed in studies of infarcted myocardium, both in animal models of myocardial infarction (MI) as well as in clinical studies of MI patients, including embryonic stem cells (ESCs) and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), Muse cells, multipotent stem cells such as bone marrow-derived cells, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and cardiac stem and progenitor cells (CSC/CPCs). These have been delivered as is, in the form of cell therapies, or have been used to generate tissue-engineered (TE) constructs with variable results. In this text, we sought to perform a narrative review of experimental and clinical studies employing various stem cells (SC) for the treatment of infarcted myocardium within the last two decades, with an emphasis on therapies administered through thoracic incision or through percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI), to elucidate possible mechanisms of action and therapeutic effects of such cell therapies when employed in a surgical or interventional manner.
User-Centered Pipeline for Synthetic Augmentation of Anomaly Detection Datasets
Authors: Rosbak-Mortensen Alexander , Jansen Marco , Muhlig Morten , Kristensen Tøt Mikkel Bjørndahl , Nikolov Ivan
Published: March 2024

Automatic anomaly detection plays a critical role in surveillance systems but requires datasets comprising large amounts of annotated data to train and evaluate models. Gathering and annotating these data is a labor-intensive task that can become costly. A way to circumvent this is to use synthetic data to augment anomalies directly into existing datasets. This far more diverse scenario can be created and come directly with annotations. This however also poses new issues for the computer-vision engineer and researcher end users, who are not readily familiar with 3D modeling, game development, or computer graphics methodologies and must rely on external specialists to use or tweak such pipelines. In this paper, we extend our previous work of an application that synthesizes dataset variations using 3D models and augments anomalies on real backgrounds using the Unity Engine. We developed a high-usability user interface for our application through a series of RITE experiments and evaluated the final product with the help of deep-learning specialists who provided positive feedback regarding its usability, accessibility, and user experience. Finally, we tested if the proposed solution can be used in the context of traffic surveillance by augmenting the train data from the challenging Street Scene dataset. We found that by using our synthetic data, we could achieve higher detection accuracy. We also propose the next steps to expand the proposed solution for better usability and render accuracy through the use of segmentation pre-processing.
The Integration of the Internet of Things, Artificial Intelligence, and Blockchain Technology for Advancing the Wine Supply Chain
Authors: Adamashvili Nino , Zhizhilashvili Nino , Tricase Caterina
Published: March 2024

The study presents a comprehensive examination of the recent advancements in the field of wine production using the Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Blockchain Technology (BCT). The paper aims to provide insights into the implementation of these technologies in the wine supply chain and to identify the potential benefits associated with their use. The study highlights the various applications of IoT, AI, and BCT in wine production, including vineyard management, wine quality control, and supply chain management. It also discusses the potential benefits of these technologies, such as improved efficiency, increased transparency, and reduced costs. The study concludes by presenting the framework proposed by the authors in order to overcome the challenges associated with the implementation of these technologies in the wine supply chain and suggests areas for future research. The proposed framework meets the challenges of lack of transparency, lack of ecosystem management in the wine industry and irresponsible spending associated with the lack of monitoring and prediction tools. Overall, the study provides valuable insights into the potential of IoT, AI, and BCT in optimizing the wine supply chain and offers a comprehensive review of the existing literature on the study subject.
Correction: van Delft et al. Two- and Three-Dimensional Superconducting Phases in the Weyl Semimetal TaP at Ambient Pressure. Crystals 2020, 10, 288
Authors: van Delft Maarten R. , Pezzini Sergio , König Markus , Tinnemans Paul , Hussey Nigel E. , Wiedmann Steffen
Published: March 2024

In the original publication [...]
Comparison of Transoral and Transcervical Ultrasonography with MRI for the Diagnostic Work-Up of Oropharynx Tumors: A Protocol for a Multicenter Clinical Trial (SPOTUS)
Authors: Garset-Zamani Martin , Hvilsom Gitte Bjørn , Kjærgaard Thomas , Plaschke Christina Caroline , Hahn Christoffer Holst , Kaltoft Mikkel , O’Leary Padraig , Frid Natalie Lassen , Norling Rikke , Dejanovic Danijela , Hall Johanna Maria , Agander Tina Klitmøller , Nielsen Signe Bergliot , Ersbøll Annette Kjær , Wessel Irene , Buchwald Christian von , Todsen Tobias
Published: March 2024

This study protocol for a prospective, multicenter, diagnostic, clinical trial describes the integration of transoral and transcervical ultrasonography (US) in the initial clinical work-up of patients referred to tertiary head and neck cancer centers with suspected oropharyngeal cancer. The study evaluates the blinded detection rate of oropharyngeal tumors and their US-estimated size and T-stage before histopathology and cross-sectional imaging are available. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans will be prospectively rated while blinded to T-site histopathology and US. The primary outcome measures of diagnostic accuracy, including sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, and overall accuracy, will be reported for both US and MRI. A sub-analysis of prospectively rated 18F-Fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography/computerized tomography (PET/CT) scans in patients with clinically suspected unknown primary tumors will also be compared to US and MRI. Secondary outcome measures, including a comparison of tumor size estimation between US, MRI, and CT, will also be reported. This prospective multicenter study will provide clinically impactful information regarding the use of transoral and transcervical US for the diagnostic work-up of oropharyngeal cancer.
ChatGPT’s Response Consistency: A Study on Repeated Queries of Medical Examination Questions
Authors: Funk Paul F. , Hoch Cosima C. , Knoedler Samuel , Knoedler Leonard , Cotofana Sebastian , Sofo Giuseppe , Bashiri Dezfouli Ali , Wollenberg Barbara , Guntinas-Lichius Orlando , Alfertshofer Michael
Published: March 2024

(1) Background: As the field of artificial intelligence (AI) evolves, tools like ChatGPT are increasingly integrated into various domains of medicine, including medical education and research. Given the critical nature of medicine, it is of paramount importance that AI tools offer a high degree of reliability in the information they provide. (2) Methods: A total of n = 450 medical examination questions were manually entered into ChatGPT thrice, each for ChatGPT 3.5 and ChatGPT 4. The responses were collected, and their accuracy and consistency were statistically analyzed throughout the series of entries. (3) Results: ChatGPT 4 displayed a statistically significantly improved accuracy with 85.7% compared to that of 57.7% of ChatGPT 3.5 (p < 0.001). Furthermore, ChatGPT 4 was more consistent, correctly answering 77.8% across all rounds, a significant increase from the 44.9% observed from ChatGPT 3.5 (p < 0.001). (4) Conclusions: The findings underscore the increased accuracy and dependability of ChatGPT 4 in the context of medical education and potential clinical decision making. Nonetheless, the research emphasizes the indispensable nature of human-delivered healthcare and the vital role of continuous assessment in leveraging AI in medicine.
Metaverse Solutions for Educational Evaluation
Authors: Zi Lingling , Cong Xin
Published: March 2024

This study aims to give a comprehensive overview of the application of the metaverse in educational evaluation. First, we characterize the metaverse and illustrate how it can support educational evaluation from the perspectives of virtual reality, augmented reality, and blockchain. Then, we outline the metaverse exploration framework and summarize its technical advantages. Based on this, we propose a metaverse-based implementation scheme to address the issues of reliability, accuracy, and credibility in educational evaluation. Finally, we show its implementation difficulties, performance evaluation, and future work. This proposed scheme opens up new research directions for the reform of educational evaluation while expanding the potential and reach of metaverse applications in education. We think that this study can help researchers in building an ecosystem for educational evaluation that is trustworthy, equitable, and legitimate.
Multisource Sparse Inversion Localization with Long-Distance Mobile Sensors
Authors: Ren Jinyang , Qi Peihan , Li Chenxi , Zhu Panpan , Li Zan
Published: March 2024

To address the threat posed by unknown signal sources within Mobile Crowd Sensing (MCS) systems to system stability and to realize effective localization of unknown sources in long-distance scenarios, this paper proposes a unilateral branch ratio decision algorithm (UBRD). This approach addresses the inadequacies of traditional sparse localization algorithms in long-distance positioning by introducing a time–frequency domain composite block sparse localization model. Given the complexity of localizing unknown sources, a unilateral branch ratio decision scheme is devised. This scheme derives decision thresholds through the statistical characteristics of branch residual ratios, enabling adaptive control over iterative processes and facilitating multisource localization under conditions of remote blind sparsity. Simulation results indicate that the proposed model and algorithm, compared to classic sparse localization schemes, are more suitable for long-distance localization scenarios, demonstrating robust performance in complex situations like blind sparsity, thereby offering broader scenario adaptability.
Forecasting East and West Coast Gasoline Prices with Tree-Based Machine Learning Algorithms
Authors: Sofianos Emmanouil , Zaganidis Emmanouil , Papadimitriou Theophilos , Gogas Periklis
Published: March 2024

This study aims to forecast New York and Los Angeles gasoline spot prices on a daily frequency. The dataset includes gasoline prices and a big set of 128 other relevant variables spanning the period from 17 February 2004 to 26 March 2022. These variables were fed to three tree-based machine learning algorithms: decision trees, random forest, and XGBoost. Furthermore, a variable importance measure (VIM) technique was applied to identify and rank the most important explanatory variables. The optimal model, a trained random forest, achieves a mean absolute percent error (MAPE) in the out-of-sample of 3.23% for the New York and 3.78% for the Los Angeles gasoline spot prices. The first lag, AR (1), of gasoline is the most important variable in both markets; the top five variables are all energy-related. This paper can strengthen the understanding of price determinants and has the potential to inform strategic decisions and policy directions within the energy sector, making it a valuable asset for both industry practitioners and policymakers.
FLC-Based Ultra-Low-Frequency Oscillation Suppression Scheme for Interconnected Power Grids
Authors: Xing Chao , Liu Mingqun , Peng Junzhen , Wang Yuhong , Zhou Yichen , Zheng Zongsheng , Gao Shilin , Liao Jianquan
Published: March 2024

The appearance of ultra-low-frequency oscillations in the grid at the sending end, after asynchronous grid interconnection, poses a significant threat to the stable operation of the system. For post-asynchronous interconnection in a multi-DC transmission system, an investigation is conducted to analyze the causes of ultra-low-frequency oscillations and the utilization of a Frequency Limit Controller (FLC) which aims to suppress these oscillations. Furthermore, a method is developed to rank DC sensitivity, considering the hydroelectric distribution in the sending-end grid, by combining the DC FLC impact factor and DC control sensitivity. Subsequently, a novel approach for ultra-low-frequency oscillation suppression is proposed. This approach employs the stochastic subspace method for parameter estimation and the NSGA-II optimization algorithm to convert the multi-DC optimization challenge into multiple sequential cyclic optimization problems, each focusing on a single DC, ensuring a more effective suppression of ultra-low-frequency oscillations. The proposed scheme’s effectiveness is validated through simulations using a specific locations’ interconnected power grid.
Current Challenges in Operation, Performance, and Maintenance of Photovoltaic Panels
Authors: Orosz Tamás , Rassõlkin Anton , Arsénio Pedro , Poór Peter , Valme Daniil , Sleisz Ádám
Published: March 2024

The installed solar capacity in the European Union has expanded rapidly in recent years. The production of these plants is stochastic and highly dependent on the weather. However, many factors should be considered together to estimate the expected output according to the weather forecast so that these new PV plants can operate at maximum capacity. Plants must be operated in coordination with maintenance operations and considering actual energy market prices. Various methods have recently been developed in the literature, ranging from the most impactful artificial-intelligence-based generation estimation methods to various diagnostic and maintenance methods. Moreover, the optimal operational and maintenance strategy usually depends on market regulation, and there are many concerns related to the distribution system operator. This review article aims to summarize and illustrate the challenges of operating and maintaining solar power plants and the economic and technical importance of these problems.
Optimal Selection of Seed-Trees Using the Multi-Objective NSGA-II Algorithm and a Seed Dispersal Model
Authors: Nanos Nikos , Garcia-del-Rey Eduardo , Gil Luis
Published: March 2024

Optimal seed-tree selection during natural regeneration of shade-intolerant species requires ensuring an ample and uniform seed supply from residual trees with the smallest possible seed-tree density. Here, we propose a novel approach for seed-tree selection using the genetic algorithm. Data are derived from a 3-hectare even-aged stand of Pinus canariensis C.Sm. ex DC, comprising 364 mature trees and 103 seed-traps. Seeds were collected in 2007 and 2008. After constructing a seed-dispersal model for each seed-crop year, we employ the multi-objective non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm to identify the smallest seed-tree set that maximizes post-treatment seed supply and its spatial homogeneity. Optimal solutions range from a maximum of 68.4% to a minimum of 38.1% reduction in stand density, resulting in a 59.5% to 28% reduction in post-felling seed supply. The coefficient of variation of among-site seed-flux varies from 28% to 59.5%. Proposing a treatment involving the removal of 240 trees (65.9% stand-density reduction) and leaving 40 seed-trees per hectare, our findings provide insights into balancing the conflicting objectives of sufficient post-treatment seed supply at a minimum seed-tree density. This approach marks a departure from traditional practices, as the decision about which trees to cut is historically left to the discretion of field managers.
Effects of Forest Fires on Boreal Permafrost and Soil Microorganisms: A Review
Authors: Liu Jing , Li Xiaoying , Xu Tao , Han Yilun , Li Jingtao , Shen Yang , Chen Kui
Published: March 2024

The frequency of forest fires has increased dramatically due to climate change. The occurrence of forest fires affects the carbon and nitrogen cycles and react to climate change to form a positive feedback mechanism. These effects further impact the distribution of microbial biomass carbon (MBC) and microbial biomass nitrogen (MBN) and the soil microbial community structure. In addition, permafrost degradation can significantly affect the microorganisms in the soil. Based on these findings, this review examines the effects of fire intensity and post-fire recovery time on permafrost, the soil microbial community, MBC, MBN, and their interrelationships. This review demonstrated that (1) fires alter the condition of surface vegetation, reduce the organic layer thickness, redistribute snow, accelerate permafrost degradation, and even lead to permanent changes, where the restoration of the pre-fire state would require several decades or even centuries; (2) soil microbial community structure, soil MBC, and MBN negatively correlate with fire intensity, and the effects become more pronounced with increasing fire intensity; and (3) the structural diversity and stability of the soil microbial community were improved with time, and the amount of MBC and MBN increases as the years after a fire go by; it would still take more than ten years to recover to the pre-fire level. However, the relationship between permafrost degradation and soil microbes after forest fires is still unclear due to a lack of quantitative research on the mechanisms underlying the changes in soil microorganisms resulting from fire-induced permafrost degradation. Therefore, expanding quantitative studies and analyses of the mechanisms of interactions between forest fires, permafrost, and soil microorganisms can provide a scientific basis for understanding ecosystem carbon pools and dual-carbon targets in Arctic–boreal permafrost regions.
The Controlled Release of Abscisic Acid (ABA) Utilizing Alginate–Chitosan Gel Blends: A Synergistic Approach for an Enhanced Small-Molecule Delivery Controller
Authors: Valdes Oscar , Bustos Daniel , Guzmán Luis , Muñoz-Vera Marcelo , Urra Gabriela , Castro Ricardo I. , Morales-Quintana Luis
Published: March 2024

The integration of abscisic acid (ABA) into a chitosan–alginate gel blend unveils crucial insights into the formation and stability of these two substances. ABA, a key phytohormone in plant growth and stress responses, is strategically targeted for controlled release within these complexes. This study investigates the design and characterization of this novel controlled-release system, showcasing the potential of alginate–chitosan gel blends in ABA delivery. Computational methods, including molecular dynamics simulations, are employed to analyze the structural effects of microencapsulation, offering valuable insights into complex behavior under varying conditions. This paper focuses on the controlled release of ABA from these complexes, highlighting its strategic importance in drug delivery systems and beyond. This controlled release enables targeted and regulated ABA delivery, with far-reaching implications for pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and plant stress response studies. While acknowledging context dependency, the paper suggests that the liberation or controlled release of ABA holds promise in applications, urging further research and experimentation to validate its utility across diverse fields. Overall, this work significantly contributes to understanding the characteristics and potential applications of chitosan–alginate complexes, marking a noteworthy advancement in the field of controlled-release systems.
A Fully Integrated Microfluidic Device with Immobilized Dyes for Simultaneous Detection of Cell-Free DNA and Histones from Plasma Using Dehydrated Agarose Gates
Authors: Shahriari Shadi , Selvaganapathy P. Ravi
Published: March 2024

Sepsis, a life-threatening condition resulting from a failing host response to infection, causes millions of deaths annually, necessitating rapid and simple prognostic assessments. A variety of genomic and proteomic biomarkers have been developed for sepsis. For example, it has been shown that the level of plasma cell-free DNA (cfDNA) and circulating histones increases considerably during sepsis, and they are linked with sepsis severity and mortality. Developing a diagnostic tool that is capable of assessing such diverse biomarkers is challenging as the detection methodology is quite different for each. Here, a fully integrated microfluidic device capable of detecting a genomic biomarker (cfDNA) and a proteomic biomarker (total circulating histones) using a common detection platform has been demonstrated. The microfluidic device utilizes dehydrated agarose gates loaded with pH-specific agarose to electrophoretically trap cfDNA and histones at their respective isoelectric points. It also incorporates fluorescent dyes within the device, eliminating the need for off-chip sample preparation and allowing the direct testing of plasma samples without the need for labeling DNA and histones with fluorescent dyes beforehand. Xurography, which is a low-cost and rapid method for fabrication of microfluidics, is used in all the fabrication steps. Experimental results demonstrate the effective accumulation and separation of cfDNA and histones in the agarose gates in a total processing time of 20 min, employing 10 and 30 Volts for cfDNA and histone accumulation and detection, respectively. The device can potentially be used to distinguish between the survivors and non-survivors of sepsis. The integration of the detection of both biomarkers into a single device and dye immobilization enhances its clinical utility for rapid point-of-care assessment of sepsis prognosis.
Trisomy 22 Mosaicism from Prenatal to Postnatal Findings: A Case Series and Systematic Review of the Literature
Authors: Trevisan Valentina , Meroni Anna , Leoni Chiara , Sirchia Fabio , Politano Davide , Fiandrino Giacomo , Giorgio Valentina , Rigante Donato , Limongelli Domenico , Perri Lucrezia , Sforza Elisabetta , Leonardi Francesca , Viscogliosi Germana , Contaldo Ilaria , Orteschi Daniela , Proietti Luca , Zampino Giuseppe , Onesimo Roberta
Published: March 2024

Background: Among aneuploidies compatible with life, trisomy 22 mosaicism is extremely rare, and only about 25 postnatal and 18 prenatal cases have been described in the literature so far. The condition is mainly characterized by facial and body asymmetry, cardiac heart defects, facial dysmorphisms, growth failure, delayed puberty, and variable degrees of neurodevelopmental delay. Problem: The scattered information regarding the condition and the dearth of data on its natural history and developmental outcomes restrict genetic counseling, particularly in prenatal settings. Moreover, a prompt diagnosis is frequently delayed by the negative selection of trisomic cells in blood, with mosaicism percentage varying among tissues, which often entails the need for further testing. Purpose/topic: The aim of our work is to provide assistance in prenatal and postnatal genetic counseling by systematically delineating the current knowledge of the condition. This entails defining the prenatal and postnatal characteristics of the condition and presenting novel data from three cases, both prenatally and postnatally. Additionally, we report the developmental outcomes observed in two new patients.
Pelvic Vein Obstruction in Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension: A Novel Association
Authors: Vaidya Anjali , Vaidy Anika , Al-Otaibi Mohamad , Zlotshewer Brooke , Oliveros Estefania , Zhao Huaqing , Sadek Ahmed , Lakhter Vladimir , Forfia Paul R. , Bashir Riyaz
Published: March 2024

Background: Pelvic venous obstruction (PVO), defined as greater than 50% stenosis or occlusion of pelvic veins, is a known risk factor for deep vein thrombosis (DVT). DVT is a known risk factor for chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH), but the prevalence of PVO in CTEPH is unknown. Methods: This cross-sectional study at Temple University’s tertiary referral center for Pulmonary Hypertension, Right Heart Failure, and CTEPH sought to identify the presence of PVO in patients with CTEPH who underwent cardiac catheterization, pulmonary angiography, and venography. Results: A total of 193 CTEPH patients were referred for pulmonary angiography, and among these, 148 underwent venography. PVO was identified in 65 (44%) patients. Lower extremity (LE) DVT was associated with PVO (p = 0.004). The severity of pulmonary hypertension was similar with and without PVO (mean pulmonary artery pressure 43.0 ± 10.3 mm Hg vs. 43.8 ± 12.4 mm Hg, p = 0.70), as was the need for pulmonary thromboendarterectomy (69.2% vs. 61.4%, p = 0.32). Conclusions: Pelvic vein obstruction is common and a novel clinical association in patients with CTEPH, particularly in patients with a history of LE DVT. PVO and its role in CTEPH warrants further study, including the potential role of revascularization to mitigate further risk.
Analysis of Patients with Severe ARDS on VV ECMO Treated with Inhaled NO: A Retrospective Observational Study
Authors: Muenster Stefan , Nadal Jennifer , Schewe Jens-Christian , Ehrentraut Heidi , Kreyer Stefan , Putensen Christian , Ehrentraut Stefan Felix
Published: March 2024

(1) Background: This retrospective study focused on severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) patients treated with veno-venous (VV) extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) and who inhaled nitric oxide (NO) for pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and/or right ventricular failure (RV failure). (2) Methods: Out of 662 ECMO-supported patients, 366 received VV ECMO, including 48 who inhaled NO. We examined the NO’s indications, dosing, duration, and the ability to lower PAH. We compared patients with and without inhaled NO in terms of mechanical ventilation duration, ECMO weaning, organ dysfunction, in-hospital mortality, and survival. (3) Results: Patients received 14.5 ± 5.5 ppm NO for 3 days with only one-third experiencing decreased pulmonary arterial pressure. They spent more time on VV ECMO, had a higher ECMO weaning failure frequency, and elevated severity scores (SAPS II and TIPS). A Kaplan–Meier analysis revealed reduced survival in the NO group. Multiple variable logistic regression indicated a twofold increased risk of death for ARDS patients on VV ECMO with NO. We observed no increase in continuous renal replacement therapy. (4) Conclusions: This study suggests that persistent PAH and/or RV failure is associated with poorer outcomes in severe ARDS patients on VV-ECMO, with an inhaled NO responder rate of only 30%, and it does not impact acute kidney failure rates.
Clinical Efficacy and Tolerability of a New Experimental Mucoadhesive Patch for Topical Anesthesia of Oral Mucosa in Pediatric Dentistry
Authors: Ferrazzano Gianmaria Fabrizio , Di Fabio Giuseppe , Caruso Sara , Gatto Roberto , Goyal Varinder , Caruso Silvia
Published: March 2024

Background: The injection of local anesthetics is the procedure that still causes the most fear and anxiety in a dental session; to minimize this problem, we can use topical anesthesia. The aim of this study is to analyze the tolerability and the clinical efficacy in the control of pain, during the subsequent injection of the local anesthetic, of an experimental anesthetic patch with a new formulation, which was previously tested in gel formula. Methods: A total of 150 children, aged 4 to 9 years, were included in the study. Each patient was treated using three different pre-anesthesia methods (placebo gel, experimental gel, and experimental patch), according to a split-mouth procedure, within a week of each other. The injection pain was analyzed using the WBFPRS and FLACC scales. Patients’ caregivers’ satisfaction was recorded at the end of the procedures. The data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA-RM, Wilcoxon–Mann–Whitney, Mann–Whitney U, and χ2 tests. Results: In this study, significantly higher pain ratings were observed with the topical placebo gel and lower pain ratings were observed with the experimental patch. Conclusion: The use of the patch proved to be very effective in reducing pain both subjectively and objectively, in the absence of both local and systemic side effects, validating its use in the oral mucosa.
The Effect of Sex on the Risk of Long-COVID and Cardiovascular Complications in Healthy Patients without Comorbidities: Data from a Polish Long-COVID Cardiovascular (PoLoCOV-CVD) Study
Authors: Bielecka-Dabrowa Agata , Sakowicz Agata , Gryglewska-Wawrzak Katarzyna , Kapusta Joanna , Banach Maciej , Jankowski Piotr , Chudzik Michał
Published: March 2024

Background: The prevalence of long-COVID (LC) presents a significant challenge to healthcare systems globally. There are still some discrepancies on the role of sex as an independent risk factor of LC complications. Thus, we aimed to determine the differences in clinical and cardiovascular complications between males and females without comorbidities after COVID-19. Methods: Clinical data on the course of the disease with the accompanying symptoms and post-COVID-19 symptoms were compiled from both male and female subjects with a minimum 12-week interval after COVID-19 recovery. Next, the patients were followed for 12 months. ECG, echocardiography, 24 h ECG monitoring, 24 h ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM), and selected biochemical tests were performed. LC was diagnosed based on the World Health Organization (WHO) definition. To reduce the impact of confounders, i.e., body mass index (BMI) and age, on the results of the study, the nearest neighbour (NN) propensity score matching (PSM) method with a 1:1 ratio was used. Results: The results were obtained following the removal of cases with comorbidities from the database consisting of 1237 males and 2192 females, and PSM of the new database included 886 cases (443 males and 443 females). At both the 3-month and 1-year post-recovery marks, females consistently reported a higher frequency of LC symptoms compared to males (p < 0.001 for both comparisons). Moreover, after 1 year of follow-up, females exhibited a higher prevalence of LC compared to males, with rates of 14% versus 8.3%, respectively (p = 0.013). The symptoms that significantly differed between females and males in the 12-month follow-up were hair loss (5.4 vs. 0.7%, p < 0.001), memory and concentration disturbances (8.4 vs. 4.3%, p = 0.013), and headaches (4.3 vs. 1.4%, p = 0.008). Females presented lower mean arterial pressure (MAP) [89 (83–95) mmHg versus (vs.) 94 (89–100); p < 0.001] and lower pulse pressure (PP) [46 (42–52) mmHg vs. 51 (48–57); p < 0.001] in 24 h ABPM and more elevated heart rates (HRs) in 24 h ECG monitoring as well as arrhythmia (p < 0.001 and p = 0.018, respectively). Males had a higher occurrence of ECG abnormalities such as QRS >= 120 ms, ST-T changes, T inversion, arrhythmia, and QRS fragmentation (27.3% vs. 19.2%; p = 0.004). No significant differences were observed between males and females concerning physical activity levels, stress, fatigue, alcohol consumption, and smoking habits. Conclusions: One year post-COVID-19 recovery, regardless of age and BMI, healthy females more often suffered from LC symptoms than males. They had lower MAP and PP in 24 h ABPM, more often had higher HRs and arrhythmia in 24 h ECG monitoring, and fewer ECG abnormalities than males.
Robotic-Assisted Epicardial Hybrid Ablation and Left Appendage Closure in Persistent Atrial Fibrillation: First European Experience
Authors: Agnino Alfonso , Giroletti Laura , Graniero Ascanio , Gerometta Piersilvio , Parrinello Matteo , Albano Giovanni , Celentano Eduardo , Cristiano Ernesto , Nasso Giuseppe , de Groot Natasja M. S.
Published: March 2024

Background: Pulmonary vein isolation is currently considered to be the gold standard for ablating paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. However, its efficacy is limited in patients with persistent atrial fibrillation. The convergent procedure has emerged as a hybrid ablation. This study aims, for the first time in the literature, to introduce a hybrid approach that includes epicardial ablation with cutting-edge robotic technology and subsequent electrophysiological study to verify and an endocardial ablation to complete the ablation lines. Methods: We present 18 cases of robotic-assisted epicardial hybrid ablation performed between April and December 2023 on patients with long-standing persistent atrial fibrillation (mean age: 64 ± 5 years; mean duration: 4 ± 2 years). All of the procedures were performed at “Humanitas Gavazzeni Hospital”, Bergamo, Italy. Robot-assisted epicardial ablation performed using the “Epi-Sense AtriCure” device was guided by monitoring electrogram morphology and point-by-point impedance drop. This approach also included left atrial appendage occlusion and the disconnection of the ligament of Marshall. An electrophysiological study and endocardial ablation were planned three months after the procedure. Results: The procedure was successfully executed in all patients with no major complications and a mean operative time of 142 ± 22 min. None of the cases required conversion to full sternotomy or minithoracotomy. The procedure was performed in all cases without extracorporeal circulation and on a beating heart. Fifteen patients (83%) were extubated in the operating room. The length of stay in the intensive care unit was less than 24 h. Acute restoration of sinus rhythm was achieved in 12 out of the 18 patients (67%); the median duration of their hospital stay was two days. In the electrophysiological study, seven pts had sinus rhythm, two had atrial fibrillation, and one patient developed atrial flutter at 3-month follow-up. Patients underwent transcatheter ablation to complete the lesion set and, at the time of discharge, were all in sinus rhythm. Conclusions: In our initial experience, surgical atrial fibrillation ablation consisting of a unilateral thoracoscopic technique facilitated by a robotic platform and continuous EGM monitoring has proven to be safe and feasible. For the electrophysiological study at 3 months, completing the gaps in the surgical ablation lines could improve the clinical results of the technique in terms of sinus rhythm stability. However, mid- and long-term follow-up is required to demonstrate this.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging as a Diagnostic Tool for Ilio-Femoro-Caval Deep Venous Thrombosis
Authors: Lyhne Lisbeth , Houlind Kim Christian , Christensen Johnny , Vijdea Radu L. , Hansen Meinhard R. , Pedersen Malene Roland V. , Precht Helle
Published: March 2024

This study aimed to test the accuracy of a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-based method to detect and characterise deep venous thrombosis (DVT) in the ilio-femoro-caval veins. Patients with verified DVT in the lower extremities with extension of the thrombi to the iliac veins, who were suitable for catheter-based venous thrombolysis, were included in this study. Before the intervention, magnetic resonance venography (MRV) was performed, and the ilio-femoro-caval veins were independently evaluated for normal appearance, stenosis, and occlusion by two single-blinded observers. The same procedure was used to evaluate digital subtraction phlebography (DSP), considered to be the gold standard, which made it possible to compare the results. A total of 123 patients were included for MRV and DSP, resulting in 246 image sets to be analysed. In total, 496 segments were analysed for occlusion, stenosis, or normal appearance. The highest sensitivity compared occlusion with either normal or stenosis (0.98) in MRV, while the lowest was found between stenosis and normal (0.84). Specificity varied from 0.59 (stenosis >< occlusion) to 0.94 (occlusion >< normal). The Kappa statistic was calculated as a measure of inter-observer agreement. The kappa value for MRV was 0.91 and for DSP, 0.80. In conclusion, MRV represents a sensitive method to analyse DVT in the pelvis veins with advantages such as no radiation and contrast and the possibility to investigate the anatomical relationship in the area.
Reduction of Fine Dust and Alleviation of Heat Island Effect: An Analysis of Cold Air Flow in Pohang City, South Korea
Authors: Jung Woonkun , Kim Gunwoo
Published: March 2024

The urban heat island (UHI) effect poses a significant challenge for cities like Pohang, South Korea, which suffer from environmental pollution. Integrating a ventilation corridor into city planning can mitigate this issue. Despite wind’s potential as a resource for urban areas, its role remains under-studied in urban planning and design. To address this gap, this study analyzes the wind environment of Pohang City to identify effective strategies for reducing the UHI effect through the implementation of wind corridors, thereby enhancing the city’s thermal environment and sustainability. We used the KLAM_21 model to simulate and analyze the cold airflow. The results indicate that the land cover of Pohang, including residential and commercial areas, consists of urbanized dry areas. The wind direction over the past 10 years (2013–2022) has generally been west–southwest (247.5°). The cold air height and flow direction range expanded around the Hyeongsan River, eventually affecting the central city after 5 h. In the simulations, cold air accumulated above 30 m at specific locations near the valley’s base. After 2 h, the flow range of the cold air height increased. The green area ratio (GAR) and cold air speed positively correlated (+0.153). Thus, creating a wind-corridor forest could effectively address Pohang’s fine dust and UHI phenomena.