bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Associations of Trans-3′-Hydroxy Cotinine, Cotinine, and the Nicotine Metabolite Ratio in Pediatric Patients with Tobacco Smoke Exposure
Authors: Mahabee-Gittens E. Melinda , Matt Georg E. , Jandarov Roman A. , Merianos Ashley L.
Published: April 2023

(1) Background: Trans-3′-hydroxy cotinine (3HC) and cotinine (COT) are tobacco smoke exposure (TSE) biomarkers and the 3HC/COT ratio is a marker of CYP2A6 activity, an enzyme which metabolizes nicotine. The primary objective was to assess the associations of these TSE biomarkers with sociodemographics and TSE patterns in children who lived with ≥1 smoker. (2) Methods: A convenience sample of 288 children (mean age (SD) = 6.42 (4.8) years) was recruited. Multiple linear regression models were built to assess associations of sociodemographics and TSE patterns with urinary biomarker response variables: (1) 3HC, (2) COT, (3) 3HC+COT sum, and (4) 3HC/COT ratio. (3) Results: All children had detectable 3HC (Geometric Mean [GeoM] = 32.03 ng/mL, 95%CI = 26.97, 38.04) and COT (GeoM = 10.24 ng/mL, 95%CI = 8.82, 11.89). Children with higher cumulative TSE had higher 3HC and COT (β^ = 0.03, 95%CI = 0.01, 0.06, p = 0.015 and β^ = 0.03, 95%CI = 0.01, 0.05, p = 0.013, respectively). Highest 3HC+COT sum levels were in children who were Black (β^ = 0.60, 95%CI = 0.04, 1.17, p = 0.039) and who had higher cumulative TSE (β^ = 0.03, 95%CI = 0.01, 0.06, p = 0.015). Lowest 3HC/COT ratios were in children who were Black (β^ = −0.42, 95%CI = −0.78, −0.07, p = 0.021) and female (β^ = −0.32, 95%CI = −0.62, −0.01, p = 0.044). (4) Conclusion: Results indicate that there are racial and age-related differences in TSE, most likely due to slower nicotine metabolism in non-Hispanic Black children and in younger children.
Postmortem Biochemistry and Immunohistochemistry in Anaphylactic Death Due to Hymenoptera Sting: A Forensic Case Report
Authors: Mondello Cristina , Baldino Gennaro , Cianci Vincenzo , Forzese Elena , Asmundo Alessio , Ieni Antonio , Ventura Spagnolo Elvira
Published: April 2023

Background: Postmortem assessment of anaphylactic death is a challenge for forensic pathologists. One of the most frequent elicitors of anaphylaxis is insect venom. Here, a case of anaphylactic death due to Hymenoptera stings is reported to highlight the contribution of postmortem biochemistry and immunohistochemistry in assessing the cause of death. Case report: A 59-year-old Caucasian man working on his farm was presumably stung by a bee and died. He had a history of previous sensitization to insect venom. The autopsy revealed no signs of insect puncture, mild edema of the larynx, and foamy edema in the bronchial tree and lungs. Routine histology showed endo-alveolar edema and hemorrhage, bronchospasm, and scattered bronchial obstruction due to mucus hyperproduction. Biochemical analysis was performed, and serum tryptase was equal to 189 µg/L, total IgE was 200 kU/L, and specific IgE dosage was positive for bee and yellow jacket species. Immunohistochemistry for tryptase detection was carried out, revealing mast cells and degranulated tryptase expression in the larynx, lungs, spleen, and heart. These findings led to the diagnosis of anaphylactic death due to Hymenoptera stings. Conclusions: The case highlights that the role of biochemistry and immunohistochemistry in the postmortem assessment of anaphylactic reactions should be stressed by forensic practitioners.
Community Health Worker-Led Cardiovascular Disease Risk Screening and Referral for Care and Further Management in Rural and Urban Communities in Rwanda
Authors: Niyibizi Jean Berchmans , Ntawuyirushintege Seleman , Nganabashaka Jean Pierre , Umwali Ghislaine , Tumusiime David , Ntaganda Evariste , Rulisa Stephen , Bavuma Charlotte Munganyinka
Published: April 2023

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a global health issue. Low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) are facing early CVD-related morbidity. Early diagnosis and treatment are an effective strategy to tackle CVD. The aim of this study was to assess the ability of community health workers (CHWs) to screen and identify persons with high risks of CVD in the communities, using a body mass index (BMI)-based CVD risk assessment tool, and to refer them to the health facility for care and follow-up. This was an action research study conducted in rural and urban communities, conveniently sampled in Rwanda. Five villages were randomly selected from each community, and one CHW per each selected village was identified and trained to conduct CVD risk screening using a BMI-based CVD risk screening tool. Each CHW was assigned to screen 100 fellow community members (CMs) for CVD risk and to refer those with CVD risk scores ≥10 (either moderate or high CVD risk) to a health facility for care and further management. Descriptive statistics with Pearson’s chi-square test were used to assess any differences between rural and urban study participants vis-à-vis the key studied variables. Spearman’s rank coefficient and Cohen’s Kappa coefficient were mainly used to compare the CVD risk scoring from the CHWs with the CVD risk scoring from the nurses. Community members aged 35 to 74 years were included in the study. The participation rates were 99.6% and 99.4% in rural and urban communities, respectively, with female predominance (57.8% vs. 55.3% for rural and urban, p-value: 0.426). Of the participants screened, 7.4% had a high CVD risk (≥20%), with predominance in the rural community compared to the urban community (8.0% vs. 6.8%, p-value: 0.111). Furthermore, the prevalence of moderate or high CVD risk (≥10%) was higher in the rural community than in the urban community (26.7% vs. 21.1%, p-value: 0.111). There was a strong positive correlation between CHW-based CVD risk scoring and nurse-based CVD risk scoring in both rural and urban communities, 0.6215 (p-value < 0.001) vs. 0.7308 (p-value = 0.005). In regard to CVD risk characterization, the observed agreement to both the CHW-generated 10-year CVD risk assessment and the nurse-generated 10-year CVD risk assessment was characterized as “fair” in both rural and urban areas at 41.6% with the kappa statistic of 0.3275 (p-value < 001) and 43.2% with kappa statistic of 0.3229 (p-value =0.057), respectively. In Rwanda, CHWs can screen their fellow CMs for CVD risk and link those with high CVD risk to the healthcare facility for care and follow-up. CHWs could contribute to the prevention of CVDs through early diagnosis and early treatment at the bottom of the health system.
Correction: Precup et al. Awareness, Knowledge, and Interest about Prebiotics—A Study among Romanian Consumers. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19, 1208
Authors: Precup Gabriela , Pocol Cristina Bianca , Teleky Bernadette-Emőke , Vodnar Dan Cristian
Published: April 2023

There was an error in the original publication [...]
The Influence of Perceptions of Competence on Motor Skills and Physical Activity in Middle Childhood: A Test of Mediation
Authors: Crane Jeff R. , Foley John T. , Temple Viviene A.
Published: April 2023

The mediating effect of perceptions of physical competence (PPC) on the relationship between motor competence and physical activity levels is documented in adolescence. However, it is unclear at what age this begins. In this study, we examined whether PPC mediated the relationship between moderate–vigorous physical activity (MVPA) or sedentary behaviour and motor competence in middle childhood. The participants were 129 children (mean age = 8.3 years) from eight elementary schools. MVPA and sedentary behaviour were measured using Actigraph accelerometers, and motor competence was assessed using the Test of Gross Motor Development, Second Edition. The Pictorial Scale of Perceived Competence and Social Acceptance for Young Children and The Self-Perception Profile for Children were used to assess PPC. In this study, PPC did not predict either MVPA or engagement in sedentary behaviours. Further, structural equation modelling revealed that PPC did not mediate the relationship between motor competence and MVPA or between motor competence and sedentary behaviour. These results suggest that at 8 years of age, children’s perceptions do not influence their participation in physical activities. It is possible that factors influencing PPC, such as peer comparisons and performance outcomes, have more impact in later childhood or adolescence. In turn, those perceptions may affect children’s or adolescents’ choices to opt in or out of physical activities.
Lipidome Analysis of Oropharyngeal Tumor Tissues Using Nanosecond Infrared Laser (NIRL) Tissue Sampling and Subsequent Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Stadlhofer Rupert , Moritz Manuela , Fuh Marceline M. , Heeren Jörg , Zech Henrike , Clauditz Till S. , Schlüter Hartmut , Betz Christian S. , Eggert Dennis , Böttcher Arne , Hahn Jan
Published: April 2023

Ultrashort pulse infrared lasers can simultaneously sample and homogenize biological tissue using desorption by impulsive vibrational excitation (DIVE). With growing attention on alterations in lipid metabolism in malignant disease, mass spectrometry (MS)-based lipidomic analysis has become an emerging topic in cancer research. In this pilot study, we investigated the feasibility of tissue sampling with a nanosecond infrared laser (NIRL) for the subsequent lipidomic analysis of oropharyngeal tissues, and its potential to discriminate oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) from non-tumorous oropharyngeal tissue. Eleven fresh frozen oropharyngeal tissue samples were ablated. The produced aerosols were collected by a glass fiber filter, and the lipidomes were analyzed with mass spectrometry. Data was evaluated by principal component analysis and Welch’s t-tests. Lipid profiles comprised 13 lipid classes and up to 755 lipid species. We found significant inter- and intrapatient alterations in lipid profiles for tumor and non-tumor samples (p-value < 0.05, two-fold difference). Thus, NIRL tissue sampling with consecutive MS lipidomic analysis is a feasible and promising approach for the differentiation of OPSCC and non-tumorous oropharyngeal tissue and may provide new insights into lipid composition alterations in OPSCC.
MicroRNA-155-5p Targets JADE-1, Promoting Proliferation, Migration, and Invasion in Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma Cells
Authors: Kalantzakos Thomas , Hooper Kailey , Das Sanjna , Sullivan Travis , Canes David , Moinzadeh Alireza , Rieger-Christ Kimberly
Published: April 2023

Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) incidence has been rising in recent years, with strong association between differential microRNA (miRNA) expression and neoplastic progression. Specifically, overexpression of miR-155-5p has been associated with promoting aggressive cancer in ccRCC and other cancers. In this study, we further investigate the role of this miRNA and one of its protein targets, Jade-1, to better understand the mechanism behind aggressive forms of ccRCC. Jade-1, a tumor suppressor, is stabilized by Von-Hippel Lindau (VHL), which is frequently mutated in ccRCC. Experiments featuring downregulation of miR-155-5p in two ccRCC cell lines (786-O and Caki-1) attenuated their oncogenic potential and led to increased levels of Jade-1. Conversely, knockdown experiments with an anti-Jade-1 shRNA in 786-O and Caki-1 cells showed increased metastatic potential through elevated proliferation, migration, and invasion rates. In a mouse xenograft model, downregulation of miR-155 decreased the rate of tumor implantation and proliferation. Direct interaction between miR-155-5p and Jade-1 was confirmed through a 3′UTR luciferase reporter assay. These findings further elucidate the mechanism of action of miR-155-5p in driving an aggressive phenotype in ccRCC through its role in regulating Jade-1.
NF-κB Signaling Modulates miR-452-5p and miR-335-5p Expression to Functionally Decrease Epithelial Ovarian Cancer Progression in Tumor-Initiating Cells
Authors: Kamdar Rahul D. , Harrington Brittney S. , Attar Emma , Korrapati Soumya , Shetty Jyoti , Zhao Yongmei , Tran Bao , Wong Nathan , House Carrie D. , Annunziata Christina M.
Published: April 2023

Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) remains the fifth leading cause of cancer-related death in women worldwide, partly due to the survival of chemoresistant, stem-like tumor-initiating cells (TICs) that promote disease relapse. We previously described a role for the NF-κB pathway in promoting TIC chemoresistance and survival through NF-κB transcription factors (TFs) RelA and RelB, which regulate genes important for the inflammatory response and those associated with cancer, including microRNAs (miRNAs). We hypothesized that NF-κB signaling differentially regulates miRNA expression through RelA and RelB to support TIC persistence. Inducible shRNA was stably expressed in OV90 cells to knockdown RELA or RELB; miR-seq analyses identified differentially expressed miRNAs hsa-miR-452-5p and hsa-miR-335-5p in cells grown in TIC versus adherent conditions. We validated the miR-seq findings via qPCR in TIC or adherent conditions with RELA or RELB knocked-down. We confirmed decreased expression of hsa-miR-452-5p when either RELA or RELB were depleted and increased expression of hsa-miR-335-5p when RELA was depleted. Either inhibiting miR-452-5p or mimicking miR-335-5p functionally decreased the stem-like potential of the TICs. These results highlight a novel role of NF-κB TFs in modulating miRNA expression in EOC cells, thus opening a better understanding toward preventing recurrence of EOC.
Oligomeric State and Holding Activity of Hsp60
Authors: Caruso Bavisotto Celeste , Provenzano Alessia , Passantino Rosa , Marino Gammazza Antonella , Cappello Francesco , San Biagio Pier Luigi , Bulone Donatella
Published: April 2023

Similar to its bacterial homolog GroEL, Hsp60 in oligomeric conformation is known to work as a folding machine, with the assistance of co-chaperonin Hsp10 and ATP. However, recent results have evidenced that Hsp60 can stabilize aggregation-prone molecules in the absence of Hsp10 and ATP by a different, “holding-like” mechanism. Here, we investigated the relationship between the oligomeric conformation of Hsp60 and its ability to inhibit fibrillization of the Ab40 peptide. The monomeric or tetradecameric form of the protein was isolated, and its effect on beta-amyloid aggregation was separately tested. The structural stability of the two forms of Hsp60 was also investigated using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), light scattering, and circular dichroism. The results showed that the protein in monomeric form is less stable, but more effective against amyloid fibrillization. This greater functionality is attributed to the disordered nature of the domains involved in subunit contacts.
Mutation Hotspots Found in Bladder Cancer Aid Prediction of Carcinogenic Risk in Normal Urothelium
Authors: Grant Sydney R. , Tang Li , Wei Lei , Foster Barbara A. , Paragh Gyorgy , Huss Wendy J.
Published: April 2023

More than 80,000 new cases of bladder cancer are estimated to be diagnosed in 2023. However, the 5-year survival rate for bladder cancer has not changed in decades, highlighting the need for prevention. Numerous cancer-causing mutations are present in the urothelium long before signs of cancer arise. Mutation hotspots in cancer-driving genes were identified in non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) and muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) tumor samples. Mutation burden within the hotspot regions was measured in normal urothelium with a low and high risk of cancer. A significant correlation was found between the mutation burden in normal urothelium and bladder cancer tissue within the hotspot regions. A combination of measured hotspot burden and personal risk factors was used to fit machine learning classification models. The efficacy of each model to differentiate between adjacent benign urothelium from bladder cancer patients and normal urothelium from healthy donors was measured. A random forest model using a combination of personal risk factors and mutations within MIBC hotspots yielded the highest AUC of 0.9286 for the prediction of high- vs. low-risk normal urothelium. Currently, there are no effective biomarkers to assess subclinical field disease and early carcinogenic progression in the bladder. Our findings demonstrate novel differences in mutation hotspots in NMIBC and MIBC and provide the first evidence for mutation hotspots to aid in the assessment of cancer risk in the normal urothelium. Early risk assessment and identification of patients at high risk of bladder cancer before the clinical presentation of the disease can pave the way for targeted personalized preventative therapy.
Characterization of Intrinsic Radiation Sensitivity in a Diverse Panel of Normal, Cancerous and CRISPR-Modified Cell Lines
Authors: Liberal Francisco D. C. Guerra , McMahon Stephen J.
Published: April 2023

Intrinsic radiosensitivity is a major determinant of radiation response. Despite the extensive amount of radiobiological data available, variability among different studies makes it very difficult to produce high-quality radiosensitivity biomarkers or predictive models. Here, we characterize a panel of 27 human cell lines, including those derived from lung cancer, prostate cancer, and normal tissues. In addition, we used CRISPR-Cas9 to generate a panel of lines with known DNA repair defects. These cells were characterised by measuring a range of biological features, including the induction and repair of DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs), cell cycle distribution, ploidy, and clonogenic survival following X-ray irradiation. These results offer a robust dataset without inter-experimental variabilities for model development. In addition, we used these results to explore correlations between potential determinants of radiosensitivity. There was a wide variation in the intrinsic radiosensitivity of cell lines, with cell line Mean Inactivation Doses (MID) ranging from 1.3 to 3.4 Gy for cell lines, and as low as 0.65 Gy in Lig4−/− cells. Similar substantial variability was seen in the other parameters, including baseline DNA damage, plating efficiency, and ploidy. In the CRISPR-modified cell lines, residual DSBs were good predictors of cell survival (R2 = 0.78, p = 0.009), as were induced levels of DSBs (R2 = 0.61, p = 0.01). However, amongst the normal and cancerous cells, none of the measured parameters correlated strongly with MID (R2 < 0.45), and the only metrics with statistically significant associations are plating efficiency (R2 = 0.31, p = 0.01) and percentage of cell in S phase (R2 = 0.37, p = 0.005). While these data provide a valuable dataset for the modelling of radiobiological responses, the differences in the predictive power of residual DSBs between CRISPR-modified and other subgroups suggest that genetic alterations in other pathways, such as proliferation and metabolism, may have a greater impact on cellular radiation response. These pathways are often neglected in response modelling and should be considered in the future.
Study on Physicochemical Properties of Biocomposite Films with Spent Coffee Grounds as a Filler and Their Influence on Physiological State of Growing Plants
Authors: Zdanowicz Magdalena , Rokosa Marta , Pieczykolan Magdalena , Antosik Adrian Krzysztof , Chudecka Justyna , Mikiciuk Małgorzata
Published: April 2023

The aim of the study was to plasticize corn starch with two selected urea (U)-rich plasticizers: choline chloride (CC):U or betaine (B):U eutectic mixtures at a molar ratio of 1:5 with a presence of spent coffee grounds as a filler. The biomaterials were prepared via a solventless one-step extrusion method and then extrudates were thermoformed using compression molding into sheets. The materials were characterized using mechanical and sorption tests, TGA, DMTA and FTIR. Additionally, a study on the biodegradation and remaining nitrogen content in soil was conducted. For the first time, an influence on physiological state of growing plants of the materials presence in soil was investigated. The addition of the coffee filler slightly increased the mechanical properties and decreased the swelling degree of the materials. The DMTA results indicated that biocomposites were easily thermoformable and the high filler addition (20 pph per polymer matrix) did not affect the processability. According to the biodegradation test results, the materials disappeared in soil within ca. 70 days. The results from this study on the physiological state of growing plants revealed that the materials, especially plasticized with CCU, did not exhibit any toxic effect on the yellow dwarf bean. The percentage of total nitrogen in the soil substrate in comparison with the control increased indicating an effective release of nitrogen from the TPS materials into the substrate.
Optimization of Magnetic and Paper-Based Molecularly Imprinted Polymers for Selective Extraction of Charantin in Momordica charantia
Authors: Nuchtavorn Nantana , Leanpolchareanchai Jiraporn , Visansirikul Satsawat , Bunsupa Somnuk
Published: April 2023

Charantin is a mixture of β-sitosterol and stigmastadienol glucosides, which effectively lowers high blood glucose. Novel molecularly imprinted polymers coated magnetic nanoparticles (Fe3O4@MIPs) and filter paper (paper@MIPs) were synthesized by sol-gel polymerization to selectively extract charantin. β-sitosterol glucoside was selected as a template for imprinting a specific recognition owing to its larger molecular surface area than that of 5,25-stigmastadienol glucoside. Factorial designs were used to examine the effects of the types of porogenic solvents and cross-linkers on the extraction efficiency and imprinting factor before investigating other factors (for example, amounts of template and coated MIPs, and types of substrates for MIP immobilization). Compared to traditional liquid–liquid extraction, the optimal Fe3O4@MIP-based dispersive micro-solid phase extraction and paper@MIP extraction provided excellent extraction efficiency (87.5 ± 2.1% and 85.0 ± 2.9%, respectively) and selectivity. Charantin was well separated, and a new unidentified sterol glucoside was observed using the developed high-performance liquid chromatography with diode-array detection (Rs ≥ 2.0, n > 16,400). The developed methods were successfully utilized to extract and quantify charantin from M. charantia fruit powder and herbal products. Moreover, these methods are rapid (<10 min), inexpensive, simple, reproducible, and environmentally friendly.
Breaking the Mold: Epigenetics and Genomics Approaches Addressing Novel Treatments and Chemoresponse in TGCT Patients
Authors: Cuevas-Estrada Berenice , Montalvo-Casimiro Michel , Munguia-Garza Paulina , Ríos-Rodríguez Juan Alberto , González-Barrios Rodrigo , Herrera Luis A.
Published: April 2023

Testicular germ-cell tumors (TGCT) have been widely recognized for their outstanding survival rates, commonly attributed to their high sensitivity to cisplatin-based therapies. Despite this, a subset of patients develops cisplatin resistance, for whom additional therapeutic options are unsuccessful, and ~20% of them will die from disease progression at an early age. Several efforts have been made trying to find the molecular bases of cisplatin resistance. However, this phenomenon is still not fully understood, which has limited the development of efficient biomarkers and precision medicine approaches as an alternative that could improve the clinical outcomes of these patients. With the aim of providing an integrative landscape, we review the most recent genomic and epigenomic features attributed to chemoresponse in TGCT patients, highlighting how we can seek to combat cisplatin resistance through the same mechanisms by which TGCTs are particularly hypersensitive to therapy. In this regard, we explore ongoing treatment directions for resistant TGCT and novel targets to guide future clinical trials. Through our exploration of recent findings, we conclude that epidrugs are promising treatments that could help to restore cisplatin sensitivity in resistant tumors, shedding light on potential avenues for better prognosis for the benefit of the patients.
Biotechnologies in Perfume Manufacturing: Metabolic Engineering of Terpenoid Biosynthesis
Authors: Manina Alessia Shelby , Forlani Fabio
Published: April 2023

The fragrance industry is increasingly turning to biotechnology to produce sustainable and high-quality fragrance ingredients. Microbial-based approaches have been found to be particularly promising, as they offer a more practical, economical and sustainable alternative to plant-based biotechnological methods for producing terpene derivatives of perfumery interest. Among the evaluated works, the heterologous expression of both terpene synthase and mevalonate pathway into Escherichia coli has shown the highest yields. Biotechnology solutions have the potential to help address the growing demand for sustainable and high-quality fragrance ingredients in an economically viable and responsible manner. These approaches can help compensate for supply issues of rare or impermanent raw materials, while also meeting the increasing demand for sustainable ingredients and processes. Although scaling up biotransformation processes can present challenges, they also offer advantages in terms of safety and energy savings. Exploring microbial cell factories for the production of natural fragrance compounds is a promising solution to both supply difficulties and the demand for sustainable ingredients and processes in the fragrance industry.
Designed on 0.18 μm CMOS Process Small Size Broadband Millimeter Wave Chip Antenna
Authors: Chung Ming-An , Huang Siao-Rong , Huang Pin-Rui
Published: April 2023

This paper proposes a small-size broadband triangular monopole chip antenna for millimeter wave band applications. Process using 0.18 μm CMOS process and antenna design using Met-al_6. Triangular patch design and feed line length analysis to achieve a better reflection coefficient and also dig three circular slots at the grounding point to achieve better impedance matching. The operating frequency of the chip antenna is 62–100 GHz below the reflection coefficient −10 dB standard, with a fractional bandwidth of 54%. The maximum gain is −0.4 dBi at 64 GHz. The efficiency is 40.9%. The overall chip size is 1.2 × 1.2 (mm2). After measurement and verification, the proposed antenna reflection coefficient is similar to the simulation trend and has better resonance. The chip antenna frequency range proposed in this article covers the 5G NR FR2 frequency band. The proposed chip antenna can be applied in related fields such as the Internet of Things, Industry 4.0, and biomedical electronics.
Diagnostic Performance of Cardiac Computed Tomography for Detecting Patent Foramen Ovale: Evaluation Using Transesophageal Echocardiography and Catheterization as Reference Standards
Authors: Miki Takashi , Nakagawa Koji , Ichikawa Keishi , Mizuno Tomofumi , Nakayama Rie , Ejiri Kentaro , Kawada Satoshi , Takaya Yoichi , Miyamoto Masakazu , Miyoshi Toru , Akagi Teiji , Ito Hiroshi
Published: April 2023

Background: Patent foramen ovale (PFO) is associated with various diseases such as cryptogenic stroke, migraine, and platypnea–orthodeoxia syndrome. This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic performance of cardiac computed tomography (CT) for PFO detection. Materials and Methods: Consecutive patients diagnosed with atrial fibrillation and who underwent catheter ablation with pre-procedural cardiac CT and transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) were enrolled in this study. The presence of PFO was defined as (1) the confirmation of PFO using TEE and/or (2) the catheter crossing the interatrial septum (IAS) into the left atrium during ablation. CT findings indicative of PFO included (1) the presence of a channel-like appearance (CLA) on the IAS and (2) a CLA with a contrast jet flow from the left atrium to the right atrium. The diagnostic performance of both a CLA alone and a CLA with a jet flow was evaluated for PFO detection. Results: Altogether, 151 patients were analyzed in the study (mean age, 68 years; men, 62%). Twenty-nine patients (19%) had PFO confirmed by TEE and/or catheterization. The diagnostic performance of a CLA alone was as follows: sensitivity, 72.4%; specificity, 79.5%; positive predictive value (PPV), 45.7%; negative predictive value (NPV), 92.4%. The diagnostic performance of a CLA with a jet flow was as follows: sensitivity, 65.5%; specificity, 98.4%; PPV, 90.5%; NPV, 92.3%. The diagnostic performance of a CLA with a jet flow was statistically superior to that of a CLA alone (p = 0.045), and the C-statistics were 0.76 and 0.82, respectively. Conclusion: A CLA with a contrast jet flow in cardiac CT has a high PPV for PFO detection, and its diagnostic performance is superior to that of a CLA alone.
Determining Factors of Alarm Fatigue among Nurses in Intensive Care Units—A Polish Pilot Study
Authors: Lewandowska Katarzyna , Mędrzycka-Dąbrowska Wioletta , Tomaszek Lucyna , Wujtewicz Magdalena
Published: April 2023

Introduction: With the development of medical technology, clinical alarms from various medical devices, which are rapidly increasing, are becoming a new problem in intensive care units. The aim of this study was to evaluate alarm fatigue in Polish nurses employed in Intensive Care Units and identify the factors associated with alarm fatigue. Methods: A cross-sectional study. The study used the nurses’ alarm fatigue questionnaire by Torabizadeh. The study covered 400 Intensive Care Unit nurses. The data were collected from February to June 2021. Results: The overall mean score of alarm fatigue was 25.8 ± 5.8. Participation in training programs related to the use of monitoring devices available in the ward, both regularly (ß = −0.21) and once (ß = −0.17), negatively correlated with nurses’ alarm fatigue. On the other hand, alarm fatigue was positively associated with 12 h shifts [vs. 8 h shifts and 24 h shifts] (ß = 0.11) and employment in Intensive Cardiac Surveillance Units—including Cardiac Surgery [vs. other Intensive Care Units] (ß = 0.10). Conclusion: Monitoring device alarms constitute a significant burden on Polish Intensive Care Unit nurses, in particular those who do not take part in training on the operation of monitoring devices available in their ward. It is necessary to improve Intensive Care Unit personnel’s awareness of the consequences of overburdening and alarm fatigue, as well as to identify fatigue-related factors.
Possible Association of Mutations in the MEFV Gene with the Intestinal Phenotype of Behçet’s Disease and Refractoriness to Treatment
Authors: Furuta Yoki , Gushima Ryosuke , Naoe Hideaki , Honda Munenori , Tsuruta Yuiko , Nagaoka Katsuya , Watanabe Takehisa , Tateyama Masakuni , Fujimoto Nahoko , Hirata Shinya , Miyagawa Eiko , Sakata Komei , Mizuhashi Yumiko , Iwakura Mikako , Murai Masayuki , Matsuoka Masao , Komohara Yoshihiro , Tanaka Yasuhito
Published: April 2023

Background: Mediterranean fever (MEFV) gene mutations are responsible for familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) and associated with other inflammatory diseases. However, the effects of MEFV gene mutations on intestinal Behçet’s disease (BD) are unknown. In this study, we investigated these mutations and clinical features in patients with intestinal BD. Methods: MEFV gene analysis was performed in 16 patients with intestinal BD, 10 with BD without intestinal lesions, and 50 healthy controls. Clinical features of patients with intestinal BD were retrospectively assessed. Results: The rates of MEFV gene mutations in patients with intestinal BD, BD without intestinal lesions, and healthy controls were 75%, 50%, and 38%, respectively. Only 2 of 12 patients with intestinal BD harboring MEFV gene mutations (17%) were controlled without immunosuppressive treatment, while 8 patients (67%) required therapy with tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors. Among patients with intestinal BD without MEFV gene mutations (four patients), three (75%) were controlled by the administration of 5-aminosalicylic acid with or without colchicine, and one (25%) required TNF inhibitors. All patients who underwent intestinal resection had MEFV gene mutations. Immunohistochemical analysis and in situ hybridization with interleukin-1β (IL-1β) showed a high expression of IL-1β only in injured areas, suggesting that IL-1β may be involved in the formation of ulcers in patients with intestinal BD carrying MEFV gene mutations. Conclusion: Mutations in the MEFV gene may be associated with intestinal lesions of BD and refractoriness to treatment.
Correction: Dimopoulos et al. Multi-Response Optimization of Ti6Al4V Support Structures for Laser Powder Bed Fusion Systems. J. Manuf. Mater. Process. 2023, 7, 22
Authors: Dimopoulos Antonios , Zournatzis Ilias , Gan Tat-Hean , Chatzakos Panagiotis
Published: April 2023

In the original publication [...]
A Comparative Study on Generation and Propagation of Nonlinear Waves in Shallow Waters
Authors: Liu Jiaqi , Hayatdavoodi Masoud , Ertekin R. Cengiz
Published: April 2023

This study is concerned with the generation and propagation of strongly nonlinear waves in shallow water. A numerical wave flume is developed where nonlinear waves of solitary and cnoidal types are generated by use of the Level I Green-Naghdi (GN) equations by a piston-type wavemaker. Waves generated by the GN theory enter the domain where the fluid motion is governed by the Navier–Stokes equations to achieve the highest accuracy for wave propagation. The computations are performed in two dimensions, and by an open source computational fluid dynamics package, namely OpenFoam. Comparisons are made between the characteristics of the waves generated in this wave tank and by use of the GN equations and the waves generated by Boussinesq equations, Laitone’s 1st and 2nd order equations, and KdV equations. We also consider a numerical wave tank where waves generated by the GN equations enter a domain in which the fluid motion is governed by the GN equations. Discussion is provided on the limitations and applicability of the GN equations in generating accurate, nonlinear, shallow-water waves. The results, including surface elevation, velocity field, and wave celerity, are compared with laboratory experiments and other theories. It is found that the nonlinear waves generated by the GN equations are highly stable and in close agreement with laboratory measurements.
New Insights into the Seamount Structure of the Northern Part of the Ninetyeast Ridge (Indian Ocean) through the Integrated Analysis of Geophysical Data
Authors: Yutsis Vsevolod , Levchenko Oleg , Ivanenko Alexander , Veklich Ilya , Turko Nataliya , Marinova Yulia
Published: April 2023

The linear Ninetyeast Ridge (NER) is the longest oceanic intraplate volcanic edifice and main feature in the Eastern Indian Ocean. Many seamounts are located on the ridge, whose origin and age remain unclear due to the lack of samples of the bedrock of which they are composed. Carbonate sedimentary caps on these seamounts prevent their direct geological sampling by dredging, therefore indirect geophysical methods are an alternative. Such integrated geophysical studies (the main methods are multibeam bathymetry and magnetic surveys) were carried out in cruise #42 of the R/V Akademik Boris Petrov in 2017 on a large seamount at the base of the NER’s western slope near 0.5° S. The collected data also includes seismic reflection data that reveal morphology, fault tectonics, depth structure, and an assumed origin of this volcanic feature. The Ninetyeast Ridge was formed by the Kerguelen plume magmatism at 50° S in the giant N-S fault. The seamount studied in cruise #42 of the R/V Akademik Boris Petrov was formed mainly to the north as a result of two-stage magmatism in a transverse strike-slip fault. The first stage (47 Ma) formed the main western part of the seamount at 20° S. The second stage (23 Ma) formed its eastern part at 8° S. The time intervals between the formation of the main massif of the Ninetyeast Ridge and the stages of subsequent magmatism that formed the western and eastern parts of the seamount are approximately 31 and 55 Ma, respectively.
Assessment of Heat Mitigation Services Provided by Blue and Green Spaces: An Application of the InVEST Urban Cooling Model with Scenario Analysis in Wuhan, China
Authors: Hu Yanxia , Wang Changqing , Li Jingjing
Published: April 2023

Natural infrastructure is essential in reducing thermal discomfort caused by the urban heat island (UHI) effect. Optimizing and planning green and blue spaces can help establish nature-based urban heat mitigation strategies that benefit sustainable urban development. Most current studies on urban heat mitigation have focused on the single heat reduction effect of green space or blue space, while there has been a lack of research on the combined cooling effects of blue and green spaces. Moreover, existing heat mitigation models and methods cannot directly guide the optimization of blue–green spatial patterns at the urban scale. This has led to an unclear relationship between heat mitigation effects and blue–green spatial patterns. Based on land use data, meteorological data, and biophysical information as inputs, this paper utilized the InVEST urban cooling model (UCM) and scenario analysis method to simulate urban heat mitigation patterns by setting up different blue–green space configuration scenarios. The relative contribution of blue–green space changes to the variation of heat mitigation benefits was quantitatively estimated using the difference comparison method, and the relationship between heat reduction effects and urban blue–green spatial patterns was elucidated using spatial analysis methods. The results show that the InVEST UCM captured some of the variability in the surface thermal response of Wuhan and can be applied to the modeling of urban heat mitigation patterns. Furthermore, they show that consideration of the cooling effect of water evaporation can improve the simulation accuracy to some extent. In Wuhan, there were regional differences in heat mitigation patterns and the heat mitigation effect was significantly higher in the suburbs than in the city. Additionally, urban parks, lakes, and mountains with surface or block distribution had noticeable cooling benefits. Finally, the scenario simulation results demonstrate that green space was more efficient at mitigating heat, while blue space was more critical for the geographical partitioning of the UHI. These findings can provide a reference for the planning and optimal management of urban blue and green spaces, as well as for the design of heat reduction policies.
The rs2682826 Polymorphism of the NOS1 Gene Is Associated with the Degree of Disability of Erectile Dysfunction
Authors: Perticarrara Ferezin Leticia , Kayzuka Cezar , Rondon Pereira Vitória Carolina , Ferreira de Andrade Murilo , Molina Carlos Augusto Fernandes , Tucci Silvio , Tanus-Santos Jose Eduardo , Lacchini Riccardo
Published: April 2023

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common male disorder, often associated with cardiovascular disease and ageing. The Sildenafil, a PDE5 inhibitor, can improve the erectile function by prolonging the nitric oxide (NO) downstream effect. NO is a molecule of pivotal importance in erection physiology and is mainly produced by neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) and endothelial NO synthase (eNOS). While it has been shown that eNOS and nNOS genetic polymorphisms could be associated with Sildenafil responsiveness in ED, no study so far has assessed whether nNOS polymorphisms and PDE5A polymorphism could be associated with increased risk to ED or with intensity of symptoms. A total of 119 ED patients and 114 controls were studied, with evaluation of the clinical disability by the International Index for Erectile Function instrument, plasma assessment of nitrite levels and genomic DNA analysis regarding the rs41279104 and rs2682826 polymorphisms of the NOS1 gene and the rs2389866, rs3733526 and rs13124532 polymorphisms of the PDE5A gene. We have found a significant association of the rs2682826 with lower IIEF scores in the clinical ED group. While this result should be confirmed in other populations, it may be helpful in establishing a genetic panel to better assess disease risk and prognosis on ED therapy.
Uncertainty Propagation for the Structures with Fuzzy Variables and Uncertain-but-Bounded Variables
Authors: Xia Yanjun , Ding Linfei , Liu Pan , Tang Zhangchun
Published: April 2023

Various uncertain factors exist in the practical systems. Random variables, uncertain-but-bounded variables and fuzzy variables are commonly employed to measure these uncertain factors. Random variables are usually employed to define uncertain factors with sufficient samples to accurately estimate probability density functions (PDFs). Uncertain-but-bounded variables are usually employed to define uncertain factors with limited samples that cannot accurately estimate PDFs but can precisely decide variation ranges of uncertain factors. Fuzzy variables can commonly be employed to define uncertain factors with epistemic uncertainty relevant to human knowledge and expert experience. This paper focuses on the practical systems subjected to epistemic uncertainty measured by fuzzy variables and uncertainty with limited samples measured by uncertain-but-bounded variables. The uncertainty propagation of the systems with fuzzy variables described by a membership function and uncertain-but-bounded variables defined by a multi-ellipsoid convex set is investigated. The combination of the membership levels method for fuzzy variables and the non-probabilistic reliability index for uncertain-but-bounded variables is employed to solve the uncertainty propagation. Uncertainty propagation is sued to calculate the membership function of the non-probabilistic reliability index, which is defined by a nested optimization problem at each membership level when all fuzzy variables degenerate into intervals. Finally, three methods are employed to seek the membership function of the non-probabilistic reliability index. Various examples are utilized to demonstrate the applicability of the model and the efficiency of the proposed method.
Enhancing the Thermoelectric Performance of GeSb4Te7 Compounds via Alloying Se
Authors: Wang Siyu , Xing Tong , Wei Tian-Ran , Zhang Jiawei , Qiu Pengfei , Xiao Jie , Ren Dudi , Shi Xun , Chen Lidong
Published: April 2023

Ge-Sb-Te compounds (GST), the well-known phase-change materials, are considered to be promising thermoelectric (TE) materials due to their decent thermoelectric performance. While Ge2Sb2Te5 and GeSb2Te4 have been extensively studied, the TE performance of GeSb4Te7 has not been well explored. Reducing the excessive carrier concentration is crucial to improving TE performance for GeSb4Te7. In this work, we synthesize a series of Se-alloyed GeSb4Te7 compounds and systematically investigate their structures and transport properties. Raman analysis reveals that Se alloying introduces a new vibrational mode of GeSe2, enhancing the interatomic interaction forces within the layers and leading to the reduction of carrier concentration. Additionally, Se alloying also increases the effective mass and thus improves the Seebeck coefficient of GeSb4Te7. The decrease in carrier concentration reduces the carrier thermal conductivity, depressing the total thermal conductivity. Finally, a maximum zT value of 0.77 and an average zT value of 0.48 (300–750 K) have been obtained in GeSb4Te5.5Se1.5. This work investigates the Raman vibration modes and the TE performance in Se-alloyed GeSb4Te7 sheddinglight on the performance optimization of other GST materials.
Engineering Cu/NiCu LDH Heterostructure Nanosheet Arrays for Highly-Efficient Water Oxidation
Authors: Wang Ao-Bing , Zhang Xin , Xu Hui-Juan , Gao Li-Jun , Li Li , Cao Rui , Hao Qiu-Yan
Published: April 2023

The development of stable and efficient electrocatalysts for oxygen evolution reaction is of great significance for electro-catalytic water splitting. Bimetallic layered double hydroxides (LDHs) are promising OER catalysts, in which NiCu LDH has excellent stability compared with the most robust NiFe LDH, but the OER activity is not satisfactory. Here, we designed a NiCu LDH heterostructure electrocatalyst (Cu/NiCu LDH) modified by Cu nanoparticles which has excellent activity and stability. The Cu/NiCu LDH electrocatalyst only needs a low over-potential of 206 mV and a low Tafel slope of 86.9 mV dec−1 at a current density of 10 mA cm−2 and maintains for 70 h at a high current density of 100 mA cm–2 in 1M KOH. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) showed that there was a strong electronic interaction between Cu nanoparticles and NiCu LDH. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations show that the electronic coupling between Cu nanoparticles and NiCu LDH can effectively improve the intrinsic OER activity by optimizing the conductivity and the adsorption energy of oxygen-containing intermediates.
Surface-Modified Silica Hydrogels for the Programmable Release of Bisphosphonate Anti-Osteoporosis Drugs: The Case of Etidronate
Authors: Alatzoglou Fanouria-Eirini G. , Vassaki Maria , Nirgianaki Kalliopi , Tripodianos Eleftherios , Turhanen Petri , Demadis Konstantinos D. , Papathanasiou Konstantinos E.
Published: April 2023

Bisphosphonate drugs constitute the primary treatment for bone diseases such as Paget’s disease and osteoporosis. Despite their effectiveness, they also exhibit severe drawbacks, such as rapid excretion and limited oral bioavailability. High doses are usually administered to counterbalance these drawbacks. Subsequently, side effects are triggered, such as osteonecrosis of the lower jaw and esophageal cancer. Controlled drug release systems may be viable candidates to overcome those issues. Herein, we present novel functionalized silica-based hydrogels loaded with the osteoporosis drug etidronate (1,1-hydroxyethylidene-diphosphonate) used to control the release profile of the drug. Various methodologies were evaluated to control the initial release rate and the final released concentration of the drug. These included the gel density, by systematically increasing the initial concentration of silicate used to prepare the hydrogels, the presence of metal cations (Ca2+ and Cu2+), and the internal surface functionalization of the gel with silane-based grafting agents (with anionic, cationic, and neutral groups). This study also contributes to our continuous effort to develop new a priori programmable drug-loaded gels for the controlled release of osteoporosis drugs.
Analysis of Vibration, Deflection Angle and Surface Roughness in Water-Jet Cutting of AZ91D Magnesium Alloy and Simulation of Selected Surface Roughness Parameters Using ANN
Authors: Biruk-Urban Katarzyna , Zagórski Ireneusz , Kulisz Monika , Leleń Michał
Published: April 2023

The use of magnesium alloys in various industries and commerce is increasing due to their properties such as high strength and casting properties, high vibration damping capability, good shielding of electromagnetic radiation and high machinability. Conventional machining methods can, however, pose a risk of ignition. AWJM is a safe alternative to conventional machining, but the deflection and vibration of the water jet can affect surface quality. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the effects of selected AWJM parameters on the surface quality and vibration of machined magnesium alloys. Jet deflection angle, surface roughness parameters and vibration during AWJM were investigated. The findings showed that higher skewness occurred at a lower abrasive flow rate, while higher average values of the Sku roughness parameter were obtained at ma = 8 g/s in the range of 60–140 mm/min. It was also observed that higher vibration values occurred at ma = 8 g/s. The input parameters for creating an artificial neural network (ANN) model used in this study were the cutting speed vf and the mass flow rate ma. The results of this study provided valuable insights into ways of ensuring a safe and efficient machining environment for magnesium alloys. The use of ANN modeling for predicting the vibration and surface roughness of AZ91D magnesium alloy after water-jet cutting could be an effective tool for optimizing AWJM parameters.