bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet on Antioxidant Status and Metabolic Parameters in NAFLD Patients: A 24-Month Lifestyle Intervention Study
Authors: Quetglas-Llabrés Maria Magdalena , Monserrat-Mesquida Margalida , Bouzas Cristina , García Silvia , Argelich Emma , Casares Miguel , Ugarriza Lucía , Llompart Isabel , Tur Josep A. , Sureda Antoni
Published: April 2024

Background: The Mediterranean Diet (MedDiet) is recognized as a healthy dietary pattern. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is characterized by the excessive accumulation of fat in the liver. Objectives: To assess the antioxidant status in erythrocytes, plasma, and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of NAFLD patients following a 24-month lifestyle intervention based on the MedDiet. Adult patients (n = 40; aged 40–60 years) diagnosed with NAFLD by magnetic resonance imaging were divided into two groups based on their adherence to the MedDiet. Consumption was assessed using a validated 143-item semiquantitative Food Frequency Questionnaire. Anthropometrics, biochemistry parameters, intrahepatic fat contents (IFC), antioxidants, and inflammatory biomarkers were measured in plasma and erythrocytes before and after the intervention. Results: After the intervention, body mass index (BMI) and plasma levels of total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-chol), triglycerides, malondialdehyde (MDA), and cytokeratin-18 (CK18) decreased, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-chol) increased. Participants with high adherence to MedDiet showed lower IFC, hepatic enzyme (AST, ALT, and GGT), glycemia, oxidase LDL (oxLDL) plasma levels, and erythrocyte MDA levels. Higher antioxidant activity (erythrocyte catalase-CAT, superoxide dismutase-SOD, glutathione peroxidase-GPx, glutathione reductase-GRd, and total glutathione-GSH as well as PBMCs-CAT gene expression) was observed in these patients, along with a reduction of PBMCs reactive oxygen species production and Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) expression. Inverse associations were observed between adherence to the MedDiet and BMI, glycemia, AST, IFC, and CK18 plasma levels and oxLDL, CAT, SOD, and GRd activities in erythrocytes. A significant linear regression was observed between adherence to the MedDiet and antioxidant score. Conclusions: Adherence to the MedDiet is associated with improved plasma and PBMC antioxidant and inflammatory biomarker profiles and high antioxidant defences in erythrocytes.
Hormetic Nutrition and Redox Regulation in Gut–Brain Axis Disorders
Authors: Scuto Maria , Rampulla Francesco , Reali Giuseppe Maria , Spanò Sestina Maria , Trovato Salinaro Angela , Calabrese Vittorio
Published: April 2024

The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of hormetic nutrition for enhancing stress resilience and overall human health have received much attention. Recently, the gut–brain axis has attracted prominent interest for preventing and therapeutically impacting neuropathologies and gastrointestinal diseases. Polyphenols and polyphenol-combined nanoparticles in synergy with probiotics have shown to improve gut bioavailability and blood–brain barrier (BBB) permeability, thus inhibiting the oxidative stress, metabolic dysfunction and inflammation linked to gut dysbiosis and ultimately the onset and progression of central nervous system (CNS) disorders. In accordance with hormesis, polyphenols display biphasic dose–response effects by activating at a low dose the Nrf2 pathway resulting in the upregulation of antioxidant vitagenes, as in the case of heme oxygenase-1 upregulated by hidrox® or curcumin and sirtuin-1 activated by resveratrol to inhibit reactive oxygen species (ROS) overproduction, microbiota dysfunction and neurotoxic damage. Importantly, modulation of the composition and function of the gut microbiota through polyphenols and/or probiotics enhances the abundance of beneficial bacteria and can prevent and treat Alzheimer’s disease and other neurological disorders. Interestingly, dysregulation of the Nrf2 pathway in the gut and the brain can exacerbate selective susceptibility under neuroinflammatory conditions to CNS disorders due to the high vulnerability of vagal sensory neurons to oxidative stress. Herein, we aimed to discuss hormetic nutrients, including polyphenols and/or probiotics, targeting the Nrf2 pathway and vitagenes for the development of promising neuroprotective and therapeutic strategies to suppress oxidative stress, inflammation and microbiota deregulation, and consequently improve cognitive performance and brain health. In this review, we also explore interactions of the gut–brain axis based on sophisticated and cutting-edge technologies for novel anti-neuroinflammatory approaches and personalized nutritional therapies.
Potential of Natural Phenolic Compounds against Doxorubicin-Induced Chemobrain: Biological and Molecular Mechanisms Involved
Authors: Serini Simona , Calviello Gabriella
Published: April 2024

Chemotherapy-induced cognitive impairment or “chemobrain” is a prevalent long-term complication of chemotherapy and one of the more devastating. Most of the studies performed so far to identify the cognitive dysfunctions induced by antineoplastic chemotherapies have been focused on treatment with anthracyclines, frequently administered to breast cancer patients, a population that, after treatment, shows a high possibility of long survival and, consequently, of chemobrain development. In the last few years, different possible strategies have been explored to prevent or reduce chemobrain induced by the anthracycline doxorubicin (DOX), known to promote oxidative stress and inflammation, which have been strongly implicated in the development of this brain dysfunction. Here, we have critically analyzed the results of the preclinical studies from the last few years that have evaluated the potential of phenolic compounds (PheCs), a large class of natural products able to exert powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, in inhibiting DOX-induced chemobrain. Several PheCs belonging to different classes have been shown to be able to revert DOX-induced brain morphological damages and deficits associated with learning, memory, and exploratory behavior. We have analyzed the biological and molecular mechanisms implicated and suggested possible future perspectives in this research area.
An Enhanced Deep Knowledge Tracing Model via Multiband Attention and Quantized Question Embedding
Authors: Xu Jiazhen , Hu Wanting
Published: April 2024

Knowledge tracing plays a crucial role in effectively representing learners’ understanding and predicting their future learning progress. However, existing deep knowledge tracing methods, reliant on the forgetting model and Rasch model, often fail to account for the varying rates at which learners forget different knowledge concepts and the variations in question embedding covering the same concept. To address these limitations, this paper introduces an enhanced deep knowledge tracing model that combines the transformer network model with two innovative components. The first component is a multiband attention mechanism, which comprehensively summarizes a learner’s past response history across various temporal scales. By computing attention weights using different decay rates, this mechanism adaptively captures both long-term and short-term interactions for different knowledge concepts. The second component utilizes a quantized question embedding module to effectively capture variations among questions addressing the same knowledge concept. This module represents these differences in a rich embedding space, avoiding overparameterization or overfitting issues. The proposed model is evaluated on popular benchmark datasets, demonstrating its superiority over existing knowledge tracing methods in accuracy. This enhancement holds potential for improving personalized learning systems by providing more precise insights into learners’ progress.
A Variable-Scale Attention Mechanism Guided Time-Frequency Feature Fusion Transfer Learning Method for Bearing Fault Diagnosis in an Annealing Kiln Roller System
Authors: Xin Yu , Zhou Kangqu , Liu Songlin , Liu Tianchuang
Published: April 2024

Effective real-time health condition monitoring of the roller table and through shaft bearings in the annealing kiln roller system of glass production lines is crucial for maintaining their operational safety and stability for the quality and production efficiency of glass products. However, the collected vibration signal of the roller bearing system is affected by the low rotating frequency and strong mechanical background noise, which shows the width impact interval and non-stationary multi-component characteristics. Moreover, the distribution characteristics of monitoring data and probability of fault occurrence of the roller bearing and through shaft bearing improve the difficulty of the fault diagnosis and condition monitoring of the annealing kiln roller system, as well as the reliance on professional experience and prior knowledge. Therefore, this paper proposes a variable-scale attention mechanism guided time-frequency feature fusion transfer learning method for a bearing fault diagnosis at different installation positions in an annealing kiln roller system. Firstly, the instinct time decomposition method and the Gini–Kurtosis composed index are used to decompose and reconstruct the signal for noise reduction, wavelet transform with the Morlet basic function is used to extract the time-frequency features, and histogram equalization is introduced to reform the time-frequency map for the blur and implicit time-frequency features. Secondly, a variable-scale attention mechanism guided time-frequency feature fusion framework is established to extract multiscale time-dependency features from the time-frequency representation for the distinguished fault diagnosis of roller table bearings. Then, for through shaft bearings, the vibration signal of the roller table bearing is used as the source domain and the signal of the through shaft bearing is used as the target domain, based on the feature fusion framework and the multi-kernel maximum mean differences metric function, and the transfer diagnosis method is proposed to reduce the distribution differences and extract the across-domain invariant feature to diagnose the through shaft bearing fault speed under different working conditions, using a small sample. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed method is verified based on the vibration signal from the experimental platform and the roller bearing system of the glass production line. Results show that the proposed method can effectively diagnose roller table and through shaft bearings’ fault information in the annealing kiln roller system.
Earthquake-Induced Landslides in Italy: Evaluation of the Triggering Potential Based on Seismic Hazard
Authors: Azhideh Sina , Barani Simone , Ferretti Gabriele , Scafidi Davide
Published: April 2024

In this study, we defined screening maps for Italy that classify sites based on their potential for triggering landslides. To this end, we analyzed seismic hazard maps and hazard disaggregation results on a national scale considering four spectral periods (0.01 s, 0.2 s, 0.5 s, and 1.0 s) and three return periods (475, 975, and 2475 years). First, joint distributions of magnitude (M) and distance (R) from hazard disaggregation were analyzed by means of an innovative approach based on image processing techniques to find all modal scenarios contributing to the hazard. In order to obtain the M-R scenarios controlling the triggering of earthquake-induced landslides at any computation node, mean and modal M-R pairs were compared to empirical curves defining the M-R bounds associated with landslide triggering. Three types of landslides were considered (i.e., disrupted slides and falls, coherent slides, and lateral spreads and flows). As a result, screening maps for all of Italy showing the potential for triggering landslides based on the level of seismic hazard were obtained. The maps and the related data are freely accessible.
The Synthesis and Characterization of Geopolymers Based on Metakaolin and on Automotive Glass Waste
Authors: Perná Ivana , Havelcová Martina , Šupová Monika , Žaloudková Margit , Bičáková Olga
Published: April 2024

The presented article studies a metakaolin-based geopolymer matrix for which two types of non-recyclable automotive glass waste (AGW) have been used as an alternative aggregate. Their composition and character, as well as their influence on the properties and structure of geopolymer composites (AGW-Gs), have been investigated by means of X-ray fluorescence and X-ray diffraction analyses, scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectrometry and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. Infrared analysis has proven that the use of AGW does not affect the formation of geopolymer bonds. GC/MS analysis has revealed the presence of triethylene glycol bis(2-ethylhexanoate) in AGW and geopolymers, whose concentration varied according to the size of the fractions used. Preliminary compressive-strength tests have shown the promising potential of AGW-Gs. From the presented results, based on the study of two types of automotive glass waste, it is possible to assume that automotive glass will generally behave in the same or a similar manner in metakaolin-based geopolymer matrices and can be considered as potential alternative aggregates. The result is promising for the current search for new sources of raw materials, for ensuring resource security, for the promotion of sustainability and innovation and for meeting the needs of the growing world population while reducing dependence on limited resources.
Advance in Topology and Functional Analysis in Honour of María Jesús Chasco’s 65th Birthday
Authors: Domínguez Xabier , Martín-Peinador Elena , Stevens T. Christine , Tkachenko Mikhail
Published: April 2024

We are honoured to present this Special Issue of Axioms with the title “Topology and Functional Analysis” to showcase recent work on this and related topics and to provide an opportunity for María Jesús Chasco’s friends and colleagues to pay tribute to her mathematical career on the occasion of her 65th birthday [...]
The Vertex Gutman Index and Gutman Index of the Union of Two Cycles
Authors: Mei Yinzhen , Miao Hongli
Published: April 2024

The Wiener index is one of the most classic and widely used indicators in topology. It reflects the average distance of any node pair in the graph. It not only makes the boundaries of given graphs clearer but also continuously generates topological indices that are more suitable for new fields, such as the Gutman index. The Wiener index and Gutman index are two important topological indices, which are commonly used to describe the characteristics of molecular structure. They are closely related to the physical and chemical properties of molecular compounds. And they are widely used to predict the physical and chemical properties and biological activity of molecular compounds. In this paper, we study the vertex Gutman index and Gutman index and describe the structural characteristics of all cases of two simple cycles intersecting. We comprehensively analyze the Gutman index and vertex Gutman index in these cases in detail by means of classification discussion and analogical reasoning and characterize their maximum and minimum accordingly.
The Ability of Lacticaseibacillus paracasei MSMC 36-9 Strain with Probiotic Potential to Ferment Coconut Milk and Produce a Yogurt-Type Beverage
Authors: Vitheejongjaroen Porntipha , Phettakhu Pooyanee , Arsayot Wannicha , Taweechotipatr Malai , Pachekrepapol Ulisa
Published: April 2024

The efficacy of the Lacticaseibacillus paracasei MSMC 36-9 strain with probiotic potential to ferment coconut milk and produce coconut milk yogurt-type beverages was examined. Tapioca starch was used as a stabilizer at concentrations of 0, 1.0, and 2.0% (w/w). The samples were stored at 4 °C for 21 days and analyzed for viability and resistance to in vitro gastrointestinal conditions of L. paracasei MSMC 36-9, pH changes, radical scavenging activity using the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay, and apparent viscosity. The viability of the strain with probiotic potential in the samples remained stable during storage and ranged between 12 and 13 log CFU/g by the end of the storage period. The strain L. paracasei MSMC 36-9 from all samples survived under simulated gastrointestinal conditions. The pH levels of all samples decreased during storage due to post-acidification. The radical scavenging activity of the products fermented with L. paracasei MSMC 36-9 was higher than that of the sample fermented with the commercial yogurt starter culture. The addition of tapioca starch to fermented coconut milk increased the viscosity of the samples. The results suggested that L. paracasei MSMC 36-9 can be used as a starter culture in the production of coconut milk yogurt-type beverages with antioxidant potential.
Finite Element Analysis of Fixed Orthodontic Retainers
Authors: Hetzler Sebastian , Rues Stefan , Zenthöfer Andreas , Rammelsberg Peter , Lux Christopher J. , Roser Christoph J.
Published: April 2024

The efficacy of retainers is a pivotal concern in orthodontic care. This study examined the biomechanical behaviour of retainers, particularly the influence of retainer stiffness and tooth resilience on force transmission and stress distribution. To do this, a finite element model was created of the lower jaw from the left to the right canine with a retainer attached on the oral side. Three levels of tooth resilience and variable retainer bending stiffness (influenced by retainer type, retainer diameter, and retainer material) were simulated. Applying axial or oblique (45° tilt) loads on a central incisor, the force transmission increased from 2% to 65% with increasing tooth resilience and retainer stiffness. Additionally, a smaller retainer diameter reduced the uniformity of the stress distribution in the bonding interfaces, causing concentrated stress peaks within a small field of the bonding area. An increase in retainer stiffness and in tooth resilience as well as a more oblique load direction all lead to higher overall stress in the adhesive bonding area associated with a higher risk of retainer bonding failure. Therefore, it might be recommended to avoid the use of retainers that are excessively stiff, especially in cases with high tooth resilience.
NCI 159456 PERK Inhibitor as a Targeted Therapy for Lung Cancer: An In Vitro Study
Authors: Rozpędek-Kamińska Wioletta , Galita Grzegorz , Siwecka Natalia , Granek Zuzanna , Barczuk Julia , Saramowicz Kamil , Majsterek Ireneusz
Published: April 2024

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) represents the most common histological type of lung cancer, characterized by a five-year survival rate of 15% and poor prognosis. Accumulating evidence indicates a prominent role of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and the protein kinase RNA-like ER kinase (PERK)-dependent pathway of the unfolded protein response (UPR) in the pathogenesis of NSCLC. Increased expression of downstream targets of PERK was observed in various subtypes of NSCLC, and it was associated with a more aggressive phenotype, high risk of recurrence, and poor prognosis. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the biological effect of the selective PERK inhibitor NCI 159456 on A549 NSCLC cells and Human Pulmonary Fibroblasts (HPF) in vitro. Treatment of both normal and ER-stressed A549 cells with NCI 159456 resulted in a significant increase in the mRNA expression level of pro-apoptotic genes like activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4), DNA damage inducible transcript 3 (DDIT3), and BCL2 Associated X, Apoptosis Regulator (BAX) as well as a decreased level of the anti-apoptotic gene B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2). Cytotoxicity and genotoxicity analyses revealed that NCI 159456 significantly decreased viability and increased DNA damage in A549 cells under normal and ER stress conditions. Caspase-3 and reactive oxygen species (ROS) detection assays demonstrated that NCI 159456 significantly induced apoptosis and increased the ROS level in normal and ER-stressed A549 cells. Importantly, treatment with the inhibitor did not affect substantially normal HPF cells at any used concentration. The results indicate that PERK inhibitors could potentially be applied as a targeted therapy for NSCLC.
Fibrinaloid Microclots and Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Kell Douglas B. , Lip Gregory Y. H. , Pretorius Etheresia
Published: April 2024

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a comorbidity of a variety of other chronic, inflammatory diseases for which fibrinaloid microclots are a known accompaniment (and in some cases, a cause, with a mechanistic basis). Clots are, of course, a well-known consequence of atrial fibrillation. We here ask the question whether the fibrinaloid microclots seen in plasma or serum may in fact also be a cause of (or contributor to) the development of AF. We consider known ‘risk factors’ for AF, and in particular, exogenous stimuli such as infection and air pollution by particulates, both of which are known to cause AF. The external accompaniments of both bacterial (lipopolysaccharide and lipoteichoic acids) and viral (SARS-CoV-2 spike protein) infections are known to stimulate fibrinaloid microclots when added in vitro, and fibrinaloid microclots, as with other amyloid proteins, can be cytotoxic, both by inducing hypoxia/reperfusion and by other means. Strokes and thromboembolisms are also common consequences of AF. Consequently, taking a systems approach, we review the considerable evidence in detail, which leads us to suggest that it is likely that microclots may well have an aetiological role in the development of AF. This has significant mechanistic and therapeutic implications.
Trace Amine-Associated Receptors’ Role in Immune System Functions
Authors: Moiseenko Vyacheslav I. , Apryatina Vera A. , Gainetdinov Raul R. , Apryatin Sergey A.
Published: April 2024

Trace amines are a separate, independent group of biogenic amines, close in structure to classical monoamine neurotransmitters such as dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine that include many products of the endogenous or bacteria-mediated decarboxylation of amino acids. A family of G protein-coupled trace amine-associated receptors (in humans, TAAR1, TAAR2, TAAR5, TAAR6, TAAR8, and TAAR9) that senses trace amines was discovered relatively recently. They are mostly investigated for their involvement in the olfaction of volatile amines encoding innate behaviors and their potential contribution to the pathogenesis of neuropsychiatric disorders, but the expression of the TAAR family of receptors is also observed in various populations of cells in the immune system. This review is focused on the basic information of the interaction of trace amines and their receptors with cells of the general immune systems of humans and other mammals. We also overview the available data on TAARs’ role in the function of individual populations of myeloid and lymphoid cells. With further research on the regulatory role of the trace amine system in immune functions and on uncovering the contribution of these processes to the pathogenesis of the immune response, a significant advance in the field could be expected. Furthermore, the determination of the molecular mechanisms of TAARs’ involvement in immune system regulation and the further investigation of their potential chemotactic role could bring about the development of new approaches for the treatment of disorders related to immune system dysfunctions.
The Role of Gut Microbiota and Its Metabolites in Patients with Heart Failure
Authors: Cienkowski Krzysztof , Cienkowska Alicja , Kupczynska Karolina , Bielecka-Dabrowa Agata
Published: April 2024

Heart failure (HF) is a significant health concern; early detection and prevention are crucial. Recent studies suggest that the gut microbiota and its metabolites may influence HF development and risk factors. We explored this relationship by examining changes in gut microbiota composition and metabolite levels in HF patients. HF patients often exhibit decreased alpha and beta diversity compared to controls, suggesting lower bacterial richness and community variation. Changes in specific bacterial phyla were observed, with decreases in Firmicutes (e.g., Ruminococcus) and Bacteroidetes (e.g., Prevotella) and increases in Proteobacteria (e.g., Escherichia, Shigella, and Klebsiella) and Actinobacteria. Gut-microbiota-related metabolites have been identified, potentially affecting various body systems, including the cardiovascular system. Among these are short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), betaine, trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO), phenylalanine, tryptophan–kynurenine, and phenylacetylgutamine (PAGIn). Although SCFAs positively affect our organisms, patients with HF have been observed to experience a decline in bacteria responsible for producing these chemical compounds. There have been indications of possible links between betaine, TMAO, phenylalanine, tryptophan–kynurenine, PAGIn, and heart failure. TMAO and phenylalanine, in particular, show promise as potential prognostic factors. However, their clinical significance has not yet been thoroughly evaluated and requires further investigation.
Current Immunotherapy Treatments of Primary Breast Cancer Subtypes
Authors: Brown Savannah R. , Vomhof-DeKrey Emilie E.
Published: April 2024

Breast cancer receives the most funding when compared to any other cancer type, according to a global study conducted by The Lancet. Nevertheless, this malignancy remains the most diagnosed cancer among women and relies heavily on a neoadjuvant treatment regimen of chemotherapy and targeted therapy. After standard treatment, 25–30% of breast cancer patients still develop disease recurrence and must undergo cytoreductive debulking surgery followed by intensive chemotherapy. An array of targeted therapies are currently being utilized and developed to alleviate negative side effects, eradicate cancer growth, and diminish disease recurrence. Immunotherapy is a promising cancer therapy that upregulates one’s immune system to stimulate a therapeutic effect and is utilized for cancer management among other ailments such as immunodeficiencies, hypersensitivity reactions, autoimmune diseases, inflammatory disorders, tissue and organ transplantation, and infectious diseases. This review highlights the five primary subtypes of breast cancer, provides a brief history of immunotherapy, evaluates the current landscape of treating breast cancer with immunotherapy, analyzes selected ongoing or recently completed immunotherapy clinical trials for hormone receptor-positive, HER2-enriched, and triple-negative breast cancer, and examines future trends for the treatment of breast cancer with immunotherapeutic techniques. This review provides a formal summary categorized by breast cancer subtype rather than types of immunotherapeutic treatment.
Integrating Demographics and Imaging Features for Various Stages of Dementia Classification: Feed Forward Neural Network Multi-Class Approach
Authors: Cheung Eva Y. W. , Wu Ricky W. K. , Chu Ellie S. M. , Mak Henry K. F.
Published: April 2024

Background: MRI magnetization-prepared rapid acquisition (MPRAGE) is an easily available imaging modality for dementia diagnosis. Previous studies suggested that volumetric analysis plays a crucial role in various stages of dementia classification. In this study, volumetry, radiomics and demographics were integrated as inputs to develop an artificial intelligence model for various stages, including Alzheimer’s disease (AD), mild cognitive decline (MCI) and cognitive normal (CN) dementia classifications. Method: The Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) dataset was separated into training and testing groups, and the Open Access Series of Imaging Studies (OASIS) dataset was used as the second testing group. The MRI MPRAGE image was reoriented via statistical parametric mapping (SPM12). Freesurfer was employed for brain segmentation, and 45 regional brain volumes were retrieved. The 3D Slicer software was employed for 107 radiomics feature extractions from within the whole brain. Data on patient demographics were collected from the datasets. The feed-forward neural network (FFNN) and the other most common artificial intelligence algorithms, including support vector machine (SVM), ensemble classifier (EC) and decision tree (DT), were used to build the models using various features. Results: The integration of brain regional volumes, radiomics and patient demographics attained the highest overall accuracy at 76.57% and 73.14% in ADNI and OASIS testing, respectively. The subclass accuracies in MCI, AD and CN were 78.29%, 89.71% and 85.14%, respectively, in ADNI testing, as well as 74.86%, 88% and 83.43% in OASIS testing. Balanced sensitivity and specificity were obtained for all subclass classifications in MCI, AD and CN. Conclusion: The FFNN yielded good overall accuracy for MCI, AD and CN categorization, with balanced subclass accuracy, sensitivity and specificity. The proposed FFNN model is simple, and it may support the triage of patients for further confirmation of the diagnosis.
The Pharmacological Effect of Hemin in Inflammatory-Related Diseases: A Systematic Review
Authors: Estarreja João , Caldeira Gonçalo , Silva Inês , Mendes Priscila , Mateus Vanessa
Published: April 2024

Background: Hemin is clinically used in acute attacks of porphyria; however, recent evidence has also highlighted its capability to stimulate the heme oxygenase enzyme, being associated with cytoprotective, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects. Indeed, current preclinical evidence emphasizes the potential anti-inflammatory role of hemin through its use in animal models of disease. Nevertheless, there is no consensus about the underlying mechanism(s) and the most optimal therapeutic regimens. Therefore, this review aims to summarize, analyze, and discuss the current preclinical evidence concerning the pharmacological effect of hemin. Methods: Following the application of the search expression and the retrieval of the articles, only nonclinical studies in vivo written in English were considered, where the potential anti-inflammatory effect of hemin was evaluated. Results: Forty-nine articles were included according to the eligibility criteria established. The results obtained show the preference of using 30 to 50 mg/kg of hemin, administered intraperitoneally, in both acute and chronic contexts. This drug demonstrates significant anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities considering its capacity for reducing the expression of proinflammatory and oxidative markers. Conclusions: This review highlighted the significant anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of hemin, providing a clearer vision for the medical community about the use of this drug in several human diseases.
Optimal Volume Assessment for Serous Fluid Cytology
Authors: Christofidis Konstantinos , Theochari Maria , Mavropoulos Papoudas Stylianos , Kiohou Lamprini , Sousouris Stylianos , Dimitriadou Areti , Volakakis Nikolaos , Maounis Nicoletta , Mikou Panagiota
Published: April 2024

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the optimal volume of serous fluid needed for accurate diagnosis using The International System for Reporting Serous Fluid Cytopathology (TIS), as well as to provide information on the distribution of serous effusion cases in the TIS categories (ND: non-diagnostic, NFM: negative for malignancy, AUS: atypia of undetermined significance, SFM: suspicious for malignancy, MAL: malignant) and relevant epidemiological data. Methods: A retrospective analysis of 2340 serous effusion cases (pleural, peritoneal, and pericardial) from two hospitals between 2018 and 2020 was conducted. TIS categories were assigned to each case, and for 1181 cases, these were correlated with the volume of the analyzed fluid. Results: Our study found statistically significant differences in volume distributions between certain TIS categories. Statistically lower volumes were observed in NFM compared to MAL, in UNCERTAIN (ND, AUS, SFM) compared to both MAL and NFM, and in NOT MAL (ND, NFM, AUS, SFM) compared to MAL. However, these differences were not substantial enough to hold any clinical relevance. Conclusions: This study suggests that while fluid volume may slightly influence the TIS category, it does not impact the diagnostic accuracy of serous effusion cytology. Therefore, the ideal serous effusion specimen volume can be defined solely by practical parameters.
Isocitrate Dehydrogenase 1/2 Wildtype Adult Astrocytoma with WHO Grade 2/3 Histological Features: Molecular Re-Classification, Prognostic Factors, Clinical Outcomes
Authors: Gupta Meetakshi , Anjari Mustafa , Brandner Sebastian , Fersht Naomi , Wilson Elena , Thust Steffi , Kosmin Michael
Published: April 2024

Background: Isocitrate Dehydrogenase 1/2 (IDH 1/2)-wildtype (WT) astrocytomas constitute a heterogeneous group of tumors and have undergone a series of diagnostic reclassifications over time. This study aimed to investigate molecular markers, clinical, imaging, and treatment factors predictive of outcomes in WHO grade 2/3 IDH-WT astrocytomas (‘early glioblastoma’). Methodology: Patients with WHO grade 2/3 IDH-WT astrocytomas were identified from the hospital archives. They were cross-referenced with the electronic medical records systems, including neuroimaging. The expert neuro-pathology team retrieved data on molecular markers—MGMT, TERT, IDH, and EGFR. Tumors with a TERT mutation and/or EGFR amplification were reclassified as glioblastoma. Results: Fifty-four patients were identified. Sixty-three percent of the patients could be conclusively reclassified as glioblastoma based on either TERT mutation, EGFR amplification, or both. On imaging, 65% showed gadolinium enhancement on MRI. Thirty-nine patients (72%) received long-course radiotherapy, of whom 64% received concurrent chemotherapy. The median follow-up of the group was 16 months (range: 2–90), and the median overall survival (OS) was 17.3 months. The 2-year OS of the whole cohort was 31%. On univariate analysis, older age, worse performance status (PS), and presence versus absence of contrast enhancement on diagnostic MRI were statistically significant for poorer OS. Conclusion: IDH-WT WHO grade 2/3 astrocytomas are a heterogeneous group of tumors with poor clinical outcomes. The majority can be reclassified as glioblastoma, based on current WHO classification criteria, but further understanding of the underlying biology of these tumors and the discovery of novel targeted agents are needed for better outcomes.
A Sustainable Multi-Objective Model for Capacitated-Electric-Vehicle-Routing-Problem Considering Hard and Soft Time Windows as Well as Partial Recharging
Authors: Azadi Amir Hossein Sheikh , Khalilzadeh Mohammad , Antucheviciene Jurgita , Heidari Ali , Soon Amirhossein
Published: April 2024

Due to the high pollution of the transportation sector, nowadays the role of electric vehicles has been noticed more and more by governments, organizations, and environmentally friendly people. On the other hand, the problem of electric vehicle routing (EVRP) has been widely studied in recent years. This paper deals with an extended version of EVRP, in which electric vehicles (EVs) deliver goods to customers. The limited battery capacity of EVs causes their operational domains to be less than those of gasoline vehicles. For this purpose, several charging stations are considered in this study for EVs. In addition, depending on the operational domain, a full charge may not be needed, which reduces the operation time. Therefore, partial recharging is also taken into account in the present research. This problem is formulated as a multi-objective integer linear programming model, whose objective functions include economic, environmental, and social aspects. Then, the preemptive fuzzy goal programming method (PFGP) is exploited as an exact method to solve small-sized problems. Also, two hybrid meta-heuristic algorithms inspired by nature, including MOSA, MOGWO, MOPSO, and NSGAII_TLBO, are utilized to solve large-sized problems. The results obtained from solving the numerous test problems demonstrate that the hybrid meta-heuristic algorithm can provide efficient solutions in terms of quality and non-dominated solutions in all test problems. In addition, the performance of the algorithms was compared in terms of four indexes: time, MID, MOCV, and HV. Moreover, statistical analysis is performed to investigate whether there is a significant difference between the performance of the algorithms. The results indicate that the MOSA algorithm performs better in terms of the time index. On the other hand, the NSGA-II-TLBO algorithm outperforms in terms of the MID, MOCV, and HV indexes.
In Vitro Characterization of Hydroxyapatite-Based Coatings Doped with Mg or Zn Electrochemically Deposited on Nanostructured Titanium
Authors: Vranceanu Diana M. , Ungureanu Elena , Ionescu Ionut C. , Parau Anca C. , Pruna Vasile , Titorencu Irina , Badea Mihaela , Gălbău Cristina-Ștefania , Idomir Mihaela , Dinu Mihaela , (Dragomir) Alina Vladescu , Cotrut Cosmin M.
Published: April 2024

Biomaterials are an important and integrated part of modern medicine, and their development and improvement are essential. The fundamental requirement of a biomaterial is found to be in its interaction with the surrounding environment, with which it must coexist. The aim of this study was to assess the biological characteristics of hydroxyapatite (HAp)-based coatings doped with Mg and Zn ions obtained by the pulsed galvanostatic electrochemical method on the surface of pure titanium (cp-Ti) functionalized with titanium dioxide nanotubes (NTs TiO2) obtained by anodic oxidation. The obtained results highlighted that the addition of Zn or Mg into the HAp structure enhances the in vitro response of the cp-Ti surface functionalized with NT TiO2. The contact angle and surface free energy showed that all the developed surfaces have a hydrophilic character in comparison with the cp-Ti surface. The HAp-based coatings doped with Zn registered superior values than the ones with Mg, in terms of biomineralization, electrochemical behavior, and cell interaction. Overall, it can be said that the addition of Mg or Zn can enhance the in vitro behavior of the HAp-based coatings in accordance with clinical requirements. Antibacterial tests showed that the proposed HAp-Mg coatings had no efficiency against Escherichia coli, while the HAp-Zn coatings registered the highest antibacterial efficiency.
Racial and Socioeconomic Status among a Patient Population Presenting with Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage versus Unruptured Intracranial Aneurysm: A Single-Center Study
Authors: Hackett Ashia M. , Adereti Christopher O. , Walker Ariel P. , Nico Elsa , Scherschinski Lea , Rhodenhiser Emmajane G. , Eberle Adam T. , Naik Anant , Giraldo Juan P. , Hartke Joelle N. , Rahmani Redi , Winkler Ethan A. , Catapano Joshua S. , Lawton Michael T.
Published: April 2024

Racial and socioeconomic health disparities are well documented in the literature. This study examined patient demographics, including socioeconomic status (SES), among individuals presenting with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) and unruptured intracranial aneurysm (UIA) to identify factors associated with aSAH presentation. A retrospective assessment was conducted of all patients with aSAH and UIA who presented to a large-volume cerebrovascular center and underwent microsurgical treatment from January 2014 through July 2019. Race and ethnicity, insurance type, and SES data were collected for each patient. Comparative analysis of the aSAH and UIA groups was conducted. Logistic regression models were also employed to predict the likelihood of aSAH presentation based on demographic and socioeconomic factors. A total of 640 patients were included (aSAH group, 251; UIA group, 389). Significant associations were observed between race and ethnicity, SES, insurance type, and aneurysm rupture. Non-White race or ethnicity, lower SES, and having public or no insurance were associated with increased odds of aSAH presentation. The aSAH group had poorer functional outcomes and higher mortality rates than the UIA group. Patients who are non-White, have low SES, and have public or no insurance were disproportionately affected by aSAH, which is historically associated with poorer functional outcomes.
Effect of Physical Exercise on Executive Functions Using the Emotional Stroop Task in Perimenopausal Women: A Pilot Study
Authors: Wu Li-Yu , Hsu Hsiu-Chin , Ni Lee-Fen , Yan Yu-Jia , Hwang Ren-Jen
Published: April 2024

Exercise has beneficial effects on emotional cognitive control for the majority of the population. However, the impact of exercise on cognitive processes in perimenopausal women remains unclear. Therefore, this study investigated the effect of aerobic exercise on the cognitive processes of perimenopausal women using an emotional Stroop task (EST). Method: A quasi-experimental pilot study was conducted involving 14 perimenopausal women (Peri-MG) and 13 healthy young women (YG) who completed an EST before and after an aerobic cycling exercise. Mixed-effects models for repeated measures were used to analyze reaction times (RTs) and error rates (ERs) during emotional word processing (positive, negative, and neutral) for both groups. Results: Compared with the YG, the Peri-MG showed significantly shortened RTs for positive and negative emotions (p < 0.05) post-exercise, but not for neutral words. In addition, the Peri-MG exhibited significantly increased ERs for negative words at baseline compared with the YG (p < 0.05), but this difference was not observed during the post-exercise test. Conclusion: The findings suggest that aerobic exercise can enhance executive control performance in perimenopausal women. The Peri-MG exhibited marked behavioral plasticity in the form of reduced bias to salient cues that were significantly more sensitive to alterations due to exercise. This new evidence enhances the understanding of emotional vulnerability and beneficial susceptibility to exercise in perimenopausal women.
Perinatal Loss and Parents’ Grief Amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Mixed-Method Research
Authors: De Vincenzo Ciro , Cena Loredana , Trainini Alice , Nieddu Chiara , Iacona Erika , Ronconi Lucia , Testoni Ines
Published: April 2024

Losing a child is a traumatic event, disrupting life’s natural cycle, profoundly affecting the family system, and causing enduring grief. Perinatal death, including ectopic pregnancies, miscarriages, stillbirths, and neonatal deaths, exacerbates this distress. Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic has challenged healthcare systems and supporting services available to individuals in need. Thus, this research explores experiences of parents facing perinatal loss in 2020–2021, further focusing on the pandemic’s impact. Using a mixed-methods design with self-reports and qualitative interviews, this paper presents results from the quantitative protocol, involving an update and follow-up of a previous study. It compares measurements across scales: COVID-19: The Impact of Event Scale-Revised; The Prolonged Grief-13; The Parental Assessment of Paternal/Maternal Affectivity; The Dyadic Adjustment Scale (short version); The Daily Spiritual Experiences Scale; and The Inventory of Complicated Spiritual Grief. In the baseline measurement, 45 parents participated (37 mothers and 8 fathers), with 20 (13 mothers and 7 fathers) contributing to the follow-up and 9 engaging in interviews. Baseline results showed higher scores for mothers compared to fathers, with effect sizes ranging from small to medium (ranging from −0.02 to 0.29), though statistical significance was limited due to the small sample size. Multiple regression analysis for distress measures at baseline identified two significant predictors: maternal/paternal affectivity and gestational week. Additionally, positive support from healthcare professionals emerged as a mitigating factor, particularly in relation to Avoidance. A significant reduction in stress measures and parental affectivity was observed at the 6-month follow-up. Qualitative analysis revealed three themes: Shifts in Self-Perception and Post-Loss Growth; Conflicted Relationship with One’s Body; and Negative Impact of COVID-19 vs. Unexpectedly Positive Aspects. In conclusion, the findings emphasize the significance of psychological and psychosocial interventions based on meaning-making processes, along with the importance of spiritual care and empowerment for those navigating perinatal loss.
Coupling and Coordination Relationship between Traditional Mosques and Urbanization: A Case Study of the Grand Canal in Shandong Province, China
Authors: Huang Yuehao , Xue Qianming
Published: April 2024

The impact of urbanization is multifaceted, especially in China, the coordinated development between cities and traditional architecture is paramount. Therefore, to further promote the coordinated development between cities and traditional architecture, this study selects Traditional Mosques (TMs) along the Shandong section of the Grand Canal and their urban contexts as research subjects. By capturing Point of Information (POI) data from mosques along this section, the study observes the coupling relationship between traditional buildings and urban development within this area. The research reveals that TMs along the canal predominantly exhibit two distribution patterns: random and clustered. These patterns correspond to two types of relationships with urban development: alignment with the direction of the city and concentric inclusion. Within the random distribution pattern of TMs, a clustering phenomenon emerges, indicating a strengthening of the coupling and coordination between mosques and urban areas. Additionally, with the highest core densities of mosques at 212.2 and 106.1, it is evident that highly dense areas contribute to the agglomeration of the city’s economy and population, whereas less dense and isolated clusters have a lesser effect on the urban economy and population cohesion. Furthermore, the study finds that the central distribution of TMs is primarily driven by Hui migration and Muslim commercial settlement. Combined with the coupling and coordination values (C and D), it is observed that the distribution of mosques increasingly aligns and coordinates with urban development.
Double Drainage Consolidation Theory of Vertical Drains Based on Continuous Drainage Boundary Conditions
Authors: Zhang Yi , Hou Benchi , Ma Ke , Zhang Jing , Zong Mengfan , Kong Lingzhou
Published: April 2024

Conventionally, drainage boundaries are often assumed to be either perfectly permeable or completely impermeable. However, a more realistic approach considers continuous drainage boundaries. In this context, an analytical solution for double drainage consolidation in vertical drains is derived. The proposed method is evaluated against existing solutions and finite element simulations. The study investigates the impact of drainage capacity, soil nonlinearity, smear effect, and well resistance. The results show that the continuous drainage boundary parameters (i.e., b and c) significantly affect the distribution of excess pore water pressure and the consolidation rate. Increasing b and c allows realistic modeling of drainage capacity variations from impermeable to permeable boundaries. Notably, when b ≠ c, the maximum excess pore water pressure plane shifts from the mid-height of the foundation soil, diverging from conventional consolidation theory. Soil nonlinearity (Cc/Ck) and boundary permeability (b and c) jointly affect consolidation. Higher Cc/Ck values correlate with more detrimental consolidation effects. Minimizing disturbance around vertical drains during construction is crucial due to well resistance and smear zone effects, which can significantly slow down consolidation. This study provides an analytical solution considering soil nonlinearity for predicting consolidation in actual engineering scenarios involving vertical drainage trenches.