bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diet and the Gut Microbiome as Determinants Modulating Metabolic Outcomes in Young Obese Adults
Authors: Livantsova Elena N. , Leonov Georgy E. , Starodubova Antonina V. , Varaeva Yurgita R. , Vatlin Aleksey A. , Koshechkin Stanislav I. , Korotkova Tatyana N. , Nikityuk Dmitry B.
Published: July 2024

Obesity, along with metabolic disorders such as dyslipidemia and insulin resistance, increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, various cancers, and other non-communicable diseases, thereby contributing to higher mortality rates. The intestinal microbiome plays a crucial role in maintaining homeostasis and influencing human metabolism. This study enrolled 82 young obese individuals, who were stratified into groups with or without metabolic disturbances. No significant differences in the alpha or beta diversity of the microbiota were observed among the groups. Insulin resistance was characterized by an increase in the number of Adlercreutzia and Dialister as well as a decrease in Collinsella, Coprococcus and Clostridiales. The dyslipidemia and dyslipidemia+insulin resistance groups had no significant differences in the gut microbiota. Dietary patterns also influenced microbial composition, with high protein intake increasing Leuconostoc and Akkermansia, and high fiber intake boosting Lactobacillus and Streptococcus. The genus Erwinia was associated with increases in visceral fat and serum glucose as well as a decrease in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Our findings highlight a significant association between gut microbiota composition and metabolic disturbances in young obese individuals, and they suggest that dietary modifications may promote a healthy microbiome and reduce the risk of developing metabolic disorders.
The Basics of Evolution Strategies: The Implementation of the Biomimetic Optimization Method in Educational Modules
Authors: Speck Olga , Speck Thomas , Baur Sabine , Herdy Michael
Published: July 2024

With a focus on education and teaching, we provide general background information on bioinspired optimization methods by comparing the concept of optimization and the search for an optimum in engineering and biology. We introduce both the principles of Darwinian evolution and the basic evolutionary optimization procedure of evolution strategies. We provide three educational modules in work sheets that can be used by teachers and students to improve their understanding of evolution strategies. The educational module “Optimization of a Milk Carton” shows that the material consumption in producing a milk carton can be minimized using an evolution strategy with a mutative step size control. The use of a standard dice and a pocket calculator enables new milk cartons to be generated, with the offspring having the lowest material consumption becoming the parent of the next generation. The other educational modules deal with the so-called brachistochrone problem. The module “Fastest and Shortest Marble Track” provides a construction plan for a marble track whereby students can experimentally compare the “path of shortest length” with the “path of shortest time”. The EvoBrach software, is used in the module “Various Marble Track Shapes” to compare the running times of a marble on a straight line, a parabola, and a brachistochrone. In conclusion, the introduction to the biomimetic method of evolution strategies and the educational modules should deepen the understanding of both optimization problems and biological evolution.
Label-Free Electrochemical Dopamine Biosensor Based on Electrospun Nanofibers of Polyaniline/Carbon Nanotube Composites
Authors: Kaewda Chanaporn , Sriwichai Saengrawee
Published: July 2024

The development of conducting polymer incorporated with carbon materials-based electrochemical biosensors has been intensively studied due to their excellent electrical, optical, thermal, physical and chemical properties. In this work, a label-free electrochemical dopamine (DA) biosensor based on polyaniline (PANI) and its aminated derivative, i.e., poly(3-aminobenzylamine) (PABA), composited with functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes (f-CNTs), was developed to utilize a conducting polymer as a transducing material. The electrospun nanofibers of the composites were fabricated on the surface of fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO)-coated glass substrate under the optimized condition. The PANI/f-CNTs and PABA/f-CNTs electrospun nanofibers were characterized by attenuated total reflectance–Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), which confirmed the existence of f-CNTs in the composites. The electroactivity of the electrospun nanofibers was investigated in phosphate buffer saline solution using cyclic voltammetry (CV) before being employed for label-free electrochemical detection of DA using differential pulse voltammetry (DPV). The sensing performances including sensitivity, selectivity, stability, repeatability and reproducibility of the fabricated electrospun nanofiber films were also electrochemically evaluated. The electrochemical DA biosensor based on PANI/f-CNTs and PABA/f-CNTs electrospun nanofibers exhibited a sensitivity of 6.88 µA·cm−2·µM−1 and 7.27 µA·cm−2·µM−1 in the linear range of 50–500 nM (R2 = 0.98) with a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.0974 µM and 0.1554 µM, respectively. The obtained DA biosensor showed great stability, repeatability and reproducibility with precious selectivity under the common interferences, i.e., glucose, ascorbic acid and uric acid. Moreover, the developed electrochemical DA biosensor also showed the good reliability under detection of DA in artificial urine.
Tissue-Level Integration Overrides Gradations of Differentiating Cell Identity in Beetle Extraembryonic Tissue
Authors: Mann Katie E. , Panfilio Kristen A.
Published: July 2024

During animal embryogenesis, one of the earliest specification events distinguishes extraembryonic (EE) from embryonic tissue fates: the serosa in the case of the insects. While it is well established that the homeodomain transcription factor Zen1 is the critical determinant of the serosa, the subsequent realization of this tissue’s identity has not been investigated. Here, we examine serosal differentiation in the beetle Tribolium castaneum based on the quantification of morphological and morphogenetic features, comparing embryos from a Tc-zen1 RNAi dilution series, where complete knockdown results in amnion-only EE tissue identity. We assess features including cell density, tissue boundary morphology, and nuclear size as dynamic readouts for progressive tissue maturation. While some features exhibit an all-or-nothing outcome, other key features show dose-dependent phenotypic responses with trait-specific thresholds. Collectively, these findings provide nuance beyond the known status of Tc-Zen1 as a selector gene for serosal tissue patterning. Overall, our approach illustrates how the analysis of tissue maturation dynamics from live imaging extends but also challenges interpretations based on gene expression data, refining our understanding of tissue identity and when it is achieved.
Differentiating Stages of Bipolar and Unipolar Depression—The Possible Role of sICAM-1 and sVCAM-1
Authors: Pantovic-Stefanovic Maja , Petronijevic Natasa , Dunjic-Kostic Bojana , Velimirovic Milica , Jurisic Vladimir , Nikolic Tatjana , Dodic Sara , Ivkovic Maja
Published: July 2024

Increased immune–inflammatory activation has been repeatedly linked to etiopathogenesis and the progression of both major depressive disorder (MDD) and bipolar depression (BD). We explore the role of soluble intercellular cell adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1) and soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (sVCAM-1) in diagnostic differentiation and disorder progression in patients with MDD and BD. Serum levels of sICAM-1 and sVCAM-1 were measured in 137 patients (MDD = 93 and BD = 44) and compared with 73 healthy controls. The severity of psychopathology was assessed using the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale and Clinical Global Impression Scale. After adjustment for multiple confounders, we noticed significant downregulation of sVCAM-1 and upregulation of sICAM-1 levels in both patient groups. Decreased sVCAM-1 levels were detected in patients with acute episodes of BD when compared to MDD. Immune mediators were related to indicators of progression in both mood disorders. They also followed different post-treatment normalization patterns in MDD and BD and in relation to the stage of each disorder. Adhesion molecules could potentially be useful in discriminating between patients with MDD and BD and determining the possible progression of the disorders. Future nosological methods should include time-dependent pathoplasticity and biological correlates, at least for affective disorders.
Effect of School-Based Educational Intervention on Childhood Obesity in Croatian Urban and Rural Settings
Authors: Cobal Sara , Bender Darija Vranešić , Kljusurić Jasenka Gajdoš , Rumora Samarin Ivana , Krznarić Željko
Published: July 2024

Background: Childhood obesity is a global public health concern. Development of effective public health interventions represents the only viable option for decreasing the prevalence of childhood obesity. The objective of this study was to assess the effectiveness of a school-based “PETICA—Play for Health” obesity prevention program in urban and rural areas in Croatia. Methods: This before-and-after study included 28 elementary schools in Croatia focused on pupils (n = 753, 2nd grade) and their guardians (n = 753) during the school year 2022/2023. “PETICA” multicomponent lessons and workshops (10) were implemented in the school curriculum and home settings (parents) as part of the intervention. Knowledge and lifestyle habit changes were evaluated via the questionnaire on knowledge and habits regarding nutrition and physical activity pre-/post-education. The Wilcoxon test for paired samples, Student’s t-test (dependent and independent samples), multiple Mann Whitney U tests (p < 0.05), Spearman’s correlation, and heatmaps were used. Results: The analysis showed a significant increase in acquired knowledge among pupils (both settings) and habits in the rural setting (increase in sports activities participation, breakfast, and vegetables consumption (p < 0.001, p = 0.003, p = 0.004)), decrease of sweets and salty snacks intake (p = 0.027, p = 0.011), and also, the link between parents’ and children’s physical activity levels (p = 0.028 vs. p = 0.022), emphasizing the importance of parents as healthy lifestyle role-models. Conclusion: The study shows that “PETICA” is an efficient school-based educational model that contributes to positive changes in children’s knowledge and lifestyle habits that are a prerequisite for childhood obesity prevention.
Association among Household Wealth, Maternal Employment, and Undernutrition in Children under Three Years of Age in Pakistan
Authors: Shahid Muhammad , Xie Yuantao , Bashir Shamshad , Noureen Nazia , Song Jiayi , Malik Najma Iqbal , Tang Kun
Published: July 2024

Background: There is an abundance of studies explaining the separate impact of female employment and household wealth status in reducing malnutrition. However, our study has unraveled the combined impact of maternal employment and household wealth on undernutrition among children under three in Pakistan. Methods: Using a sample of 1093 children under three years of age from the Pakistan Demographic and Health Survey 2017–2018, a binary logistic model was employed to gauge factors influencing the children’s undernutrition. Results: Our results indicated that children up to a certain age (three years old) with residence in certain regions (Pakistan) and recent episodes of diarrhea had an increased risk of undernutrition. Conversely, secondary and higher maternal education, access to improved water sources, and sanitation facilities lowered the chances of undernutrition in children under three in Pakistan. The interaction between maternal employment and household wealth showed that maternal employment significantly lowered the risk of stunting, being underweight, and wasting among the average, rich, and richest households; however, it did not contribute to child nutrition among the poorer and poor households. Notably, regardless of whether the mother was employed, the wealth status of being rich and richest reduced the risk of stunting, being underweight, and wasting. Conclusions: In overcoming undernutrition, maternal employment significantly contributed to middle-income households. However, in the richer and richest households, the wealth status played a more crucial role compared to the maternal employment. This indicates that while employment plays a supportive role in household resources, the wealth status is overall more influential in reducing undernutrition.
Medicinal Mushrooms in Metastatic Breast Cancer: What Is Their Therapeutic Potential as Adjuvant in Clinical Settings?
Authors: De Luca Fabrizio , Roda Elisa , Rossi Paola , Bottone Maria Grazia
Published: July 2024

Breast cancer (BC) is the most commonly diagnosed tumor, remaining one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in females worldwide, with the highest rates in Western countries. Among metastatic BC (MBC), triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is characterized by the lack of expression of specific receptors, and differs from other subgroups of BC for its increased growth and fast spreading, with reduced treatment possibilities and a worse outcome. Actually, MBC patients are extremely prone to metastasis and consequent relapses, which affect distant target organs (e.g., brain, lung, bone and liver). Hence, the comprehension of biological mechanisms underlying the BC metastatization process is a key requirement to conceive/set up innovative medicinal strategies, with the goal to achieve long-lasting therapeutic efficacy, reducing adverse effects, and also ameliorating Quality of Life (QoL). Bioactive metabolites isolated from medicinal mushrooms (MMs) used as a supportive treatment, combined with conventional oncology, have recently gained wide interest. In fact, mounting evidence has revealed their peculiar promising immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory and anticancer activities, even though these effects have to be further clarified. Among the group of most promising MMs are Lentinula edodes, Grifola frondosa, Ganoderma lucidum, Ophiocordyceps sinensis and Agaricus blazei, which are already employed in conventional cancer protocols in Asia and China. Recently, a growing number of studies have focused on the pharmacology and feasibility of MM-derived bioactive compounds as a novel valuable approach to propose an effective adjuvant therapy for MBC patients’ management. In this review, we summarized the current state of knowledge on the abovementioned MM-derived bioactive compounds and their therapeutic potential in clinical settings.
The Promising Potential of Caulerpa microphysa in Dermatology
Authors: Ho Chang-Hsun , Kuo Chan-Yen
Published: July 2024

In recent years, the search for natural compounds with therapeutic properties has gained momentum, with marine organisms emerging as rich sources of bioactive substances [...]
Targeting β-Cell Plasticity: A Promising Approach for Diabetes Treatment
Authors: Ghasemi Gojani Esmaeel , Rai Sweta , Norouzkhani Farzaneh , Shujat Salma , Wang Bo , Li Dongping , Kovalchuk Olga , Kovalchuk Igor
Published: July 2024

The β-cells within the pancreas play a pivotal role in insulin production and secretion, responding to fluctuations in blood glucose levels. However, factors like obesity, dietary habits, and prolonged insulin resistance can compromise β-cell function, contributing to the development of Type 2 Diabetes (T2D). A critical aspect of this dysfunction involves β-cell dedifferentiation and transdifferentiation, wherein these cells lose their specialized characteristics and adopt different identities, notably transitioning towards progenitor or other pancreatic cell types like α-cells. This process significantly contributes to β-cell malfunction and the progression of T2D, often surpassing the impact of outright β-cell loss. Alterations in the expressions of specific genes and transcription factors unique to β-cells, along with epigenetic modifications and environmental factors such as inflammation, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial dysfunction, underpin the occurrence of β-cell dedifferentiation and the onset of T2D. Recent research underscores the potential therapeutic value for targeting β-cell dedifferentiation to manage T2D effectively. In this review, we aim to dissect the intricate mechanisms governing β-cell dedifferentiation and explore the therapeutic avenues stemming from these insights.
Effect of Gas Flow Ratio on the Chemical and Electrochemical Properties of Bismuth-Oxygen Films Deposited in Reactive Phase Sputtering
Authors: Orozco-Hernandez Giovany , Olaya-Flórez Jhon Jairo , Alfonso-Orjuela Jose Edgar , Pineda-Hernandez Daniel Alejandro , Restrepo-Parra Elisabeth
Published: July 2024

In this work, the study of chemical, physical, and electrochemical behavior of bismuth and oxygen-based thin films, produced through an unbalanced magnetron sputtering (UMS) technique in reactive phase, is presented. The main aim of this investigation is to analyze the influence of Ar/O2 gas flow on the microstructure, chemical composition, and corrosion properties of bismuth and oxygen-based thin films. Coatings were grown keeping the power at 50 W with a mixture of Ar:O2 (80/20) as constants, while the gas flow rate was varied taking values of 12, 15, 20, 25, and 30 sccm. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses were carried out showing that films exhibited a polycrystalline Bi phase and no crystalline bismuth oxide phases. For elemental composition analysis, the Rutherford backscattering spectroscopy (RBS) technique was used. The results suggested that film compositions were a mixture of metallic bismuth and amorphous bismuth oxide; moreover, chemical elemental distribution was studied using proton-induced X-ray emission (PIXE) measurements determining that before the corrosion analysis, samples exhibited a uniform distribution of Bi and O. Finally, the influence of the gas flow on the films anticorrosive properties was discussed. Potentiodynamic polarization technique results revealed that the corrosive behavior highly depends on the sample production parameters; samples grown at 20 and 30 sccm showed the best corrosion resistance represented in lower corrosion current density. This behavior is probably due to the thickness of these films.
On the Representativeness of Proton Radiation Resistance Tests on Optical Coatings for Interplanetary Missions
Authors: Sytchkova Anna , Protopapa Maria Lucia , Olivero Paolo , Shen Zicai , Wang Yanzhi
Published: July 2024

Optical instrumentation used in space normally employs optical coatings. Future interplanetary space missions will be characterized by ever longer stays in environmental conditions where low energy protons represent one of the main types of radiation impacting the coating longevity and performance. To ensure the reliability of coated optics, environmental resistance tests should be accurately planned to be representative for a mission. To this end, the existing standards for coating tests and the test results interpretation have been constantly improved. In this study, we analyze the relevant standards of the European Space Agency (ESA) and of the Chinese Space Agency (CSA) for testing coated optics for interplanetary missions, and in particular for the missions at the Lagrange points. We focus in particular on the applicability of these standards and hence on their possible refinement when specifically implemented to the optical thin films and coatings. We proceed with the development of a methodology for reliable interpretation of the proton irradiation tests for the optical coatings for interplanetary missions, first briefly overviewing the existing tools which allow for space environment simulation and hence deriving the test conditions for the Lagrange points. Furthermore, we apply the approach to testing of aluminum oxide optical coatings for applications in the visible spectral range, concluding on the representativeness of the proposed approach and on possible refinement of the existing standards for coating tests when they are specifically developed for optical applications.
A Regularized Physics-Informed Neural Network to Support Data-Driven Nonlinear Constrained Optimization
Authors: Perez-Rosero Diego Armando , Álvarez-Meza Andrés Marino , Castellanos-Dominguez Cesar German
Published: July 2024

Nonlinear optimization (NOPT) is a meaningful tool for solving complex tasks in fields like engineering, economics, and operations research, among others. However, NOPT has problems when it comes to dealing with data variability and noisy input measurements that lead to incorrect solutions. Furthermore, nonlinear constraints may result in outcomes that are either infeasible or suboptimal, such as nonconvex optimization. This paper introduces a novel regularized physics-informed neural network (RPINN) framework as a new NOPT tool for both supervised and unsupervised data-driven scenarios. Our RPINN is threefold: By using custom activation functions and regularization penalties in an artificial neural network (ANN), RPINN can handle data variability and noisy inputs. Furthermore, it employs physics principles to construct the network architecture, computing the optimization variables based on network weights and learned features. In addition, it uses automatic differentiation training to make the system scalable and cut down on computation time through batch-based back-propagation. The test results for both supervised and unsupervised NOPT tasks show that our RPINN can provide solutions that are competitive compared to state-of-the-art solvers. In turn, the robustness of RPINN against noisy input measurements makes it particularly valuable in environments with fluctuating information. Specifically, we test a uniform mixture model and a gas-powered system as NOPT scenarios. Overall, with RPINN, its ANN-based foundation offers significant flexibility and scalability.
Cosmetic Efficacy of the Topical Probiotic Micrococcus luteus Q24 in Healthy Human Adults
Authors: McLoughlin Isabella J. , Voss Abigail L. , Hale John D. F. , Jain Rohit
Published: July 2024

Probiotics in cosmetics represent a new and burgeoning area of research, attracting attention from cosmetic manufacturers and customers looking for natural or additional alternatives in their skincare regimens. Probiotics not only promote beneficial microbiomes to improve skin health but can also modulate the visual, topographical, and mechanical attributes to improve skin quality. This study was conducted in healthy adults to determine the effect of direct skin application of a topical serum formulation containing the live probiotic Micrococcus luteus Q24 on several key cosmetic skin quality parameters and its beneficial impact on the modulation of the skin microbiome. Quantitative changes in various skin parameters were measured using a skin analyser device and skin swabs were analysed using whole-genome sequencing to monitor microbial diversity and levels of probiotic colonization. Compared to the baseline, significant reductions in the pores, spots, wrinkles, and impurities scores, and an increase of 101% in the hydration score were observed. Additionally, 45–80% of participants showed a decrease in pores, spots, wrinkles, and impurities and 90% of participants showed an increase in hydration after 25 days of probiotic serum application. The WGS analysis of the skin swab samples showed a significant increase in the relative abundance of M. luteus Q24. The results from this study indicate that topical application of a serum containing the probiotic M. luteus Q24 offers the benefit of improving skin health quality.
Ki-67 Labelling Index as a Predictor of Invasive Features in Thyroid Cancer: Retrospective Analysis and Implications
Authors: Chowdhury Raisa , Alsayegh Raihanah , Forest Véronique-Isabelle , Pusztaszeri Marc Philippe , da Silva Sabrina Daniela , Florianova Livia , Payne Richard J.
Published: July 2024

Background: Ki-67 immunostaining is commonly used in neuroendocrine tumors to estimate the proliferative index and for grading. This study investigates its association with the invasiveness of follicular-derived thyroid carcinomas (TCs). Methods: A retrospective analysis of patients with TC at three McGill University teaching hospitals between January 2018 and November 2023 was conducted. The inclusion criteria included patients with malignant thyroid tumors and accessible Ki-67 LI data from final pathology specimens. The data collected included patient demographics, Ki-67 LI values, and different invasiveness attributes, such as molecular mutations, the histological subtype, lymphovascular invasion (LVI), extrathyroidal extension (ETE), and positive lymph nodes (LNs). Results: In total, 212 patients met the inclusion criteria, of which 80.7% were females and 19.3% were males. The Ki-67 LI ranged from 1% to 30%, with the majority of the cases within the range of 1–15%. A significant association was observed between higher Ki-67 LI and high-risk histological subtypes of thyroid carcinoma (p < 0.001). Similarly, Ki-67 LI was significantly associated with LVI and positive LN metastasis (p < 0.001 and p = 0.036, respectively). However, no significant association was found between the Ki-67 LI and gene mutations or ETE (p = 0.133 and p = 0.190, respectively). Using percentiles to establish a cutoff, patients with a Ki-67 LI higher than 6.7 showed a higher likelihood of being associated with invasive features. Conclusion: Elevated Ki-67 LI can serve as an indicator of aggressiveness in follicular-derived TC, especially when associated with distinct histological subtypes, LVI and positive LNs.
Linking Perceived Biodiversity and Restorative Benefits in Urban Parks through Place Attachment—A Case Study in Fuzhou, China
Authors: Chen Jingru , Wu Binsheng , Dai Kunli , Yu Jiao
Published: July 2024

Enhanced understanding of environmental restoration can be achieved by examining how urban park visitors’ perceptions of biodiversity contribute to their sense of environmental rejuvenation. In this study, a questionnaire survey was conducted among 554 visitors from five representative urban parks in Fuzhou, China, and a structural equation model was used to explore the interactions among perceived biodiversity, place attachment, and self-rated repair. The main findings were as follows: (1) Perceived biodiversity had significant positive and direct effects on place dependence and self-rated restoration, but not on place identity. It is worth noting that place dependence has a deep and direct impact on place identity. (2) Self-rated restoration could be directly influenced by perceived biodiversity and place dependence. The direct impact of perceived biodiversity showed more intensity than place dependence. (3) Place dependence can be the only intermediary or link in the chain between perceived biodiversity and self-rated restoration. Conversely, place identity may not act as an independent intermediary but can play a key role in the chain of intermediaries. The study not only advances our understanding of the complex relationship between perceived biodiversity, place attachment, and self-assessed restoration; it also provides practical implications for urban green eco-design initiatives, thereby contributing to the field of urban landscape planning and formulation.
Reference Ranges of 2-Dimensional Placental Biometry and 3-Dimensional Placental Volume between 11 and 14 Weeks of Gestation
Authors: Trilla Solà Cristina , Parra Roca Juan , Llurba Olivé Elisa
Published: July 2024

Objective: The purpose of this study was to provide gestational age (GA) specific reference ranges for 2-dimensional (2D) placental biometry and 3-dimensional (3D) placental volume between 11 and 14 weeks of gestation. Methods: Placental biometry including 2D and 3D variables was calculated in 1142 first-trimester singleton pregnancies with non-complicated outcome between September 2016 and February 2020. Ultrasound datasets were obtained at the time of the first-trimester ultrasound, and 2D basal plate (BP), chorionic plate (CP), placental thickness (PT), and 3D placental volume (PV) were measured following a standardized methodology. Reference ranges for each variable were calculated according to GA and crown-rump-length (CRL). Results: A total of 1142 uncomplicated pregnancies were considered for analysis. All placental measurements increased significantly between 11 and 14 weeks, especially for PT (39.64%) and PV (64.4%). Reference ranges were constructed for each 2D and 3D first-trimester placental variable using the best-fit regression model for the predicted mean and SD as a function of GA and CRL. Conclusions: Reference ranges of 2D placental biometry and 3D placental volume between 11 and 14 weeks of gestation were constructed, generating reference values. Placental biometry showed a progressive increase during the first trimester. This highlights the importance of using reference range charts according to GA.
Interesting Images in Obstetrics and Gynecology
Authors: Gică Nicolae
Published: July 2024

Dear Readers, [...]
Nerve Sheath Myxoma in Pregnancy: A Case Report
Authors: De Chiara Elena , Vellone Valerio Gaetano , Ferro Jacopo , Trambaiolo Antonelli Chiara , Piro Liliana , Avanzini Stefano , Prono Valentina , Beccaria Andrea , Muraca Monica , Tallone Ramona
Published: July 2024

Nerve sheath myxoma (NSM) is a rare benign peripheral nerve sheath tumor that affects young adults. NSMs are asymptomatic, slow-growing swellings located in the upper extremities, more rarely in the lower extremities. Given the high risk of recurrence, it is recommended to perform a complete exeresis. To our knowledge, the evolution and management of NMS during pregnancy have not been described yet. We report the first case of recurrent pretibial NSM in a pregnant girl and its follow-up and outcome during and after pregnancy. NSM is difficult to diagnose clinically or using imaging. The final diagnosis remains histopathological. It is known how various types of benign and malignant skin tumors can develop or change during pregnancy. With our case, however, we documented that pregnancy does not affect the growth and evolution of NSM. Given the benign nature of the lesions and their tendency to grow slowly, during pregnancy, follow-up of NSMs can be conducted through ultrasonography and surgical treatment postponed after delivery. Our case highlights the importance of careful monitoring and individualized decision making, especially in rare scenarios such as NSM, where data on the progression of benign lesions are limited. Our case highlights the importance of a careful monitoring and a tailored treatment in rare scenarios such as NSM, where data on the progression of benign lesions are limited. Considering the benign nature of the lesions and their tendency to grow slowly, follow-up of NSMs during pregnancy can be conducted through ultrasonography, and surgical treatment can be postponed after delivery.
A Fluid–Structure Interaction Analysis to Investigate the Influence of Magnetic Fields on Plaque Growth in Stenotic Bifurcated Arteries
Authors: Iqbal Kaleem , Rossi di Schio Eugenia , Anwar Muhammad Adnan , Razzaq Mudassar , Shahzad Hasan , Valdiserri Paolo , Fabbri Giampietro , Biserni Cesare
Published: July 2024

A finite element method is employed to examine the impact of a magnetic field on the development of plaque in an artery with stenotic bifurcation. Consistent with existing literature, blood flow is characterized as a Newtonian fluid that is stable, incompressible, biomagnetic, and laminar. Additionally, it is assumed that the arterial wall is linearly elastic throughout. The hemodynamic flow within a bifurcated artery, influenced by an asymmetric magnetic field, is described using the arbitrary Lagrangian–Eulerian (ALE) method. This technique incorporates the fluid–structure interaction coupling. The nonlinear system of partial differential equations is discretized using a stable P2P1 finite element pair. To solve the resulting nonlinear algebraic equation system, the Newton-Raphson method is employed. Magnetic fields are numerically modeled, and the resulting displacement, velocity magnitude, pressure, and wall shear stresses are analyzed across a range of Reynolds numbers (Re = 500, 1000, 1500, and 2000). The numerical analysis reveals that the presence of a magnetic field significantly impacts both the displacement magnitude and the flow velocity. In fact, introducing a magnetic field leads to reduced flow separation, an expanded recirculation area near the stenosis, as well as an increase in wall shear stress.
Principal Attitudes towards Out-of-Field Teaching Assignments and Professional Learning Needs
Authors: Porsch Raphaela , Hobbs Linda
Published: July 2024

Research has shown that school leader practices can influence teachers’ lived experiences of teaching out-of-field. Less is understood about principals’ attitudes towards out-of-field teaching and their perceptions of the teachers’ professional development support needs. This qualitative multiple case study investigates principal attitudes and school practices relating to out-of-field teaching in Australia and Germany. The findings show that principals’ attitudes differed in relation to the importance of teachers’ subject background knowledge, what they regarded as quality teaching, and, consequently, the professional development needs of teachers. Four perspectives (teaching as pedagogical, passion, capability, and specialized) on principal’s attitudes and related professional development supports were identified to illustrate that there are multiple ways to regard out-of-field teaching from a school management perspective. Principal attitudes towards quality teaching were exposed through what they tolerate in terms of out-of-field teaching and the supports they deem suitable and necessary. We argue that principals need to be active in considering a comprehensive tailored approach when supporting teachers’ learning to teach a subject out-of-field.
Adverse Childhood Experience, Parental Bonding, and Fatherhood as Parenting Vulnerabilities to Social Anxiety Severity
Authors: Heshmati Rasoul , Seyed Yaghoubi Pour Nazanin , Haji Abbasoghli Parisa , Habibi Asgarabad Mojtaba
Published: July 2024

Background: The present study aims to elucidate the association between adverse childhood experiences, parental bonding, fatherhood, and social anxiety symptoms among emerging adults within an Iranian context. Methods: This prospective cross-sectional study utilized self-reported assessments to evaluate fatherhood, parental bonding, anxious thoughts, and childhood trauma. The study was administered to 242 university students exhibiting social anxiety symptoms. Among the participants, 181 (74.8%) were boys and 61 (25.2%) were girls between the ages of 18 and 29. In terms of educational background, 64.9% of them held a bachelor’s degree, and 35.1% held a master’s degree. A majority of them (84.3%) were of middle-class socio-economic status, 6.6% were of low income, and 9.1% were of high income. Results: Analysis via multiple linear regression revealed that individuals with adverse childhood experiences exhibited heightened levels of social anxiety symptoms (R2 = 0.32) compared to their counterparts without such experiences. Furthermore, fatherhood (R2 = 0.28), paternal bonding (R2 = 0.26), and maternal bonding (R2 = 0.26) were all significantly and equally associated with variance in social anxiety symptoms. The findings underscored the substantial correlation between ACEs, fatherhood, and both maternal and paternal bonding with social anxiety symptoms in adulthood. Conclusions: Accordingly, the study emphasizes the importance of thoroughly assessing the multifaceted contributors to social anxiety. Such insights are pivotal for the design and implementation of community-based preventive interventions aimed at reducing the societal burden of social anxiety disorders.
PerNet: Progressive and Efficient All-in-One Image-Restoration Lightweight Network
Authors: Li Wentao , Zhou Guang , Lin Sen , Tang Yandong
Published: July 2024

The existing image-restoration methods are only effective for specific degradation tasks, but the type of image degradation in practical applications is unknown, and mismatch between the model and the actual degradation will lead to performance decline. Attention mechanisms play an important role in image-restoration tasks; however, it is difficult for existing attention mechanisms to effectively utilize the continuous correlation information of image noise. In order to solve these problems, we propose a Progressive and Efficient All-in-one Image Restoration Lightweight Network (PerNet). The network consists of a Plug-and-Play Efficient Local Attention Module (PPELAM). The PPELAM is composed of multiple Efficient Local Attention Units (ELAUs) and PPELAM can effectively use the global information and horizontal and vertical correlation of image degradation features in space, so as to reduce information loss and have a small number of parameters. PerNet is able to learn the degradation properties of images very well, which allows us to reach an advanced level in image-restoration tasks. Experiments show that PerNet has excellent results for typical restoration tasks (image deraining, image dehazing, image desnowing and underwater image enhancement), and the excellent performance of ELAU combined with Transformer in the ablation experiment chapter further proves the high efficiency of ELAU.
Self-HCL: Self-Supervised Multitask Learning with Hybrid Contrastive Learning Strategy for Multimodal Sentiment Analysis
Authors: Fu Youjia , Fu Junsong , Xue Huixia , Xu Zihao
Published: July 2024

Multimodal Sentiment Analysis (MSA) plays a critical role in many applications, including customer service, personal assistants, and video understanding. Currently, the majority of research on MSA is focused on the development of multimodal representations, largely owing to the scarcity of unimodal annotations in MSA benchmark datasets. However, the sole reliance on multimodal representations to train models results in suboptimal performance due to the insufficient learning of each unimodal representation. To this end, we propose Self-HCL, which initially optimizes the unimodal features extracted from a pretrained model through the Unimodal Feature Enhancement Module (UFEM), and then uses these optimized features to jointly train multimodal and unimodal tasks. Furthermore, we employ a Hybrid Contrastive Learning (HCL) strategy to facilitate the learned representation of multimodal data, enhance the representation ability of multimodal fusion through unsupervised contrastive learning, and improve the model’s performance in the absence of unimodal annotations through supervised contrastive learning. Finally, based on the characteristics of unsupervised contrastive learning, we propose a new Unimodal Label Generation Module (ULGM) that can stably generate unimodal labels in a short training period. Extensive experiments on the benchmark datasets CMU-MOSI and CMU-MOSEI demonstrate that our model outperforms state-of-the-art methods.
Detection of Liquid Retention on Pipette Tips in High-Throughput Liquid Handling Workstations Based on Improved YOLOv8 Algorithm with Attention Mechanism
Authors: Yin Yanpu , Lei Jiahui , Tao Wei
Published: July 2024

High-throughput liquid handling workstations are required to process large numbers of test samples in the fields of life sciences and medicine. Liquid retention and droplets hanging in the pipette tips can lead to cross-contamination of samples and reagents and inaccurate experimental results. Traditional methods for detecting liquid retention have low precision and poor real-time performance. This paper proposes an improved YOLOv8 (You Only Look Once version 8) object detection algorithm to address the challenges posed by different liquid sizes and colors, complex situation of test tube racks and multiple samples in the background, and poor global image structure understanding in pipette tip liquid retention detection. A global context (GC) attention mechanism module is introduced into the backbone network and the cross-stage partial feature fusion (C2f) module to better focus on target features. To enhance the ability to effectively combine and process different types of data inputs and background information, a Large Kernel Selection (LKS) module is also introduced into the backbone network. Additionally, the neck network is redesigned to incorporate the Simple Attention (SimAM) mechanism module, generating attention weights and improving overall performance. We evaluated the algorithm using a self-built dataset of pipette tips. Compared to the original YOLOv8 model, the improved algorithm increased mAP@0.5 (mean average precision), F1 score, and precision by 1.7%, 2%, and 1.7%, respectively. The improved YOLOv8 algorithm can enhance the detection capability of liquid-retaining pipette tips, and prevent cross-contamination from affecting the results of sample solution experiments. It provides a detection basis for subsequent automatic processing of solution for liquid retention.
Systematic Design of Cathode Air Supply Systems for PEM Fuel Cells
Authors: Klütsch Johannes , Pischinger Stefan
Published: July 2024

To increase system efficiency and power density, the cathode air path of Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cells (PEM FCs) is supercharged using electrically driven air bearing centrifugal compressors. To maximize system efficiency, the cathode air supply system must be designed to optimally fulfill the requirements of the PEM FC system while obeying the design constraints imposed by the electric compressor drive and the air bearing system. This article proposes a dedicated design process for PEM FC cathode air compressors. Using physically based component models, the impact of varying cathode stoichiometry and operating pressure on PEM FC system performance is assessed to derive the system efficiency optimal compressor operating strategy. The centrifugal compressor stage is subsequently designed to achieve optimum efficiency on this operating line using meanline performance models and three-dimensional computational fluid dynamics simulations. Novel test procedures and measurement equipment are employed to validate the compressor design. The design process is demonstrated using a PEM FC passenger car application as an example. It is shown that significant performance and efficiency gains are achievable when tailoring the cathode air supply system to the application at hand. In the given example, effective compressor efficiency is increased by Δηeff = 12%. Along with an optimized compressor operating strategy, an overall PEM FC system efficiency gain of Δηsys = 2.7% is achieved.
A Resource-Bound Critical Analysis of the Decarbonisation Roadmaps for the UK Foundation Industries by 2050
Authors: Hafez Hisham , Drewniok Michal P. , Velenturf Anne P. M. , Purnell Phil
Published: July 2024

The foundation industries in the UK were responsible for emitting 42 Mt CO2eq in 2020, which is approximately 10% of the yearly territorial greenhouse gas emissions. The UK government decarbonisation roadmap issued in 2015 predicted that high-tech strategies such as carbon capture and utilisation, hydrogen and biofuels, as well as electrification of processes are key for achieving the climate mitigating targets by 2050. In this study, a critical assessment was performed on the limitations to achieve these high-tech strategies such as biomass availability, capital investment, and technology readiness. The study is the first to use the UK carbon budget values as the resource limit for the high-tech decarbonisation strategies. The findings show that the significant uncertainty associated with the high-tech scenarios limits their decarbonisation potential by 2050. More importantly, to stay within the mid-century carbon budget for the foundation industries, 20–40% reduction in production, through circular economic strategies such as material efficiency and/or changes in product specifications, is required in order to achieve the decarbonisation targets.
Human–AI Collaboration for Remote Sighted Assistance: Perspectives from the LLM Era
Authors: Yu Rui , Lee Sooyeon , Xie Jingyi , Billah Syed Masum , Carroll John M.
Published: July 2024

Remote sighted assistance (RSA) has emerged as a conversational technology aiding people with visual impairments (VI) through real-time video chat communication with sighted agents. We conducted a literature review and interviewed 12 RSA users to understand the technical and navigational challenges faced by both agents and users. The technical challenges were categorized into four groups: agents’ difficulties in orienting and localizing users, acquiring and interpreting users’ surroundings and obstacles, delivering information specific to user situations, and coping with poor network connections. We also presented 15 real-world navigational challenges, including 8 outdoor and 7 indoor scenarios. Given the spatial and visual nature of these challenges, we identified relevant computer vision problems that could potentially provide solutions. We then formulated 10 emerging problems that neither human agents nor computer vision can fully address alone. For each emerging problem, we discussed solutions grounded in human–AI collaboration. Additionally, with the advent of large language models (LLMs), we outlined how RSA can integrate with LLMs within a human–AI collaborative framework, envisioning the future of visual prosthetics.
Effects of Selenium Content on Growth, Antioxidant Activity, and Key Selenium-Enriched Gene Expression in Alfalfa Sprouts
Authors: Ren Yaru , Zhang Qian , Li Xiang , Zhang Tianyi , Tian Daicai , Liu Liang , Dong Xuyan , Wang Zeng-Yu , Chai Maofeng
Published: July 2024

To enhance the selenium (Se) intake of the general public, the present study implemented biofortification techniques in alfalfa sprouts. Alfalfa sprouts possess unique nutritional value and provide an optimal Se-enriched supplemental Se source. The impact of sodium selenite (Na2SeO3) on alfalfa shoot germination, shoot length, and biomass was assessed experimentally, and changes in the antioxidant capacity of sprouts treated with optimal Se concentrations were investigated. In addition, the transcriptome of alfalfa sprouts treated with the optimal Na2SeO3 concentration was sequenced. Gene co-expression networks, constructed through differential gene analysis and weighted gene co-expression network analysis, were used to identify the core genes responsible for Se enrichment in alfalfa sprouts. The findings of the present study offer novel insights into the effects of Se treatment on the nutrient composition of alfalfa sprouts, in addition to introducing novel methods and references that could facilitate production of Se-enriched alfalfa sprouts and associated products.