bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Milk Origin and Seasonality of Yogurt Acid Whey on Antioxidant Activity before and after In Vitro Gastrointestinal Digestion
Authors: Dalaka Eleni , Stefos Georgios C. , Politis Ioannis , Theodorou Georgios
Published: December 2023

Yogurt acid whey (YAW) is a by-product of Greek strained yogurt production. The disposal of YAW constitutes an environmental problem, and given the increasing demand of Greek yogurt worldwide, its handling is a challenge. However, whey-derived peptides, resulting from microbial fermentation as well as those resulting from further hydrolysis during the digestion process, have been linked to enhanced biological activities. In this study, the antioxidant capacity of 33 samples of YAW obtained from Greek dairy companies of bovine, ovine or caprine origin was investigated using both cell-free and cell-based assays. The YAW samples, their in vitro digestion products (YAW-Ds) and a fraction of the digests (less than 3 kDa; YAW-D-P3) were assessed using four biochemical assays, namely ORAC, ABTS, FRAP and P-FRAP. Our data revealed a higher antioxidant capacity for digested samples compared with undigested samples, with all four methods. ORAC values after in vitro digestion were higher for the ovine samples compared to their bovine (YAW-D and YAW-D-P3) and caprine (YAW-D-P3) counterparts. Furthermore, the YAW-D-P3 fraction derived from samples collected in the summer months exhibited higher ORAC values when compared to the respective fraction from the winter months’ samples. The cellular antioxidant activity of ovine YAW-D-P3 was improved in H2O2-treated HT29 cells compared to the control H2O2-treated cells. However, YAW-D-P3 could not trigger either the pathways involving the transcription factors NF-κB or NFE2L2 or the gene expression of SOD1, CAT and HMOX1 in LPS-challenged THP-1-derived macrophages. These results suggest that YAW, and particularly YAW from ovine origin, could be used as a natural source for its antioxidant potential in human and animal nutrition.
Cosmosiin Induces Apoptosis in Colorectal Cancer by Inhibiting PD-L1 Expression and Inducing ROS
Authors: Han Jung Ho , Lee Eun-Ji , Park Wonyoung , Choi Jang-Gi , Ha Ki-Tae , Chung Hwan-Suck
Published: December 2023

Immunotherapies, particularly those concerning immune checkpoint inhibitors, have transformed cancer treatment in recent years. Programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) is a key target for immunotherapy that is overexpressed in the cells of colorectal cancer, a widespread malignant cancer that poses a significant healthcare challenge. This study investigated the effects of cosmosiin treatment on colorectal cancer cell lines. Cosmosiin is a naturally occurring flavone glycoside compound that has potential health benefits, including antioxidant and immunomodulatory effects. This study showed that cosmosiin effectively suppresses the expression of PD-L1 and triggers apoptosis, which is facilitated through pathways that are related to reactive oxygen species. These outcomes suggest that cosmosiin could be a promising candidate for an immune checkpoint inhibitor in the treatment of colorectal cancer.
Portulaca Oleracea L. (Purslane) Extract Protects Endothelial Function by Reducing Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress and Oxidative Stress through AMPK Activation in Diabetic Obese Mice
Authors: Miao Lingchao , Zhou Chunxiu , Zhang Haolin , Cheong Meng Sam , Tan Yi , Wang Yuehan , Zhang Xutao , Yu Hua , Cheang Wai San
Published: December 2023

Portulaca oleracea L. (purslane) is a food and a traditional drug worldwide. It exhibits anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative, anti-tumor, and anti-diabetic bioactivities; but its activity on diabetic-associated endothelial dysfunction is unknown. This study aimed to investigate the effect of purslane on endothelial function and the underlying mechanisms. Male C57BL/6 mice had 14-week ad libitum access to a high-fat rodent diet containing 60% kcal% fat to induce obesity and diabetes whereas purslane extract (200 mg/kg/day) was administered during the last 4 weeks via intragastric gavage. Primary rat aortic endothelial cells and isolated mouse aortas were cultured with a risk factor, high glucose or tunicamycin, together with purslane extract. By ESI-QTOF-MS/MS, flavonoids and their glycoside products were identified in the purslane extract. Exposure to high glucose or tunicamycin impaired acetylcholine-induced endothelium-dependent relaxations in aortas and induced endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and oxidative stress with the downregulation of 5′ AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)/ endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) signaling. Co-incubation with purslane significantly ameliorated these impairments. The effects of purslane were abolished by Compound C (AMPK inhibitor). Four-week purslane treatment ameliorated aortic relaxations, ER stress, and oxidative stress in diabetic obese mice. This study supported that purslane protected endothelial function, and inhibited ER stress and oxidative stress in vasculature through AMPK/eNOS activation, revealing its therapeutic potential against vascular complications in diabetes.
Finite-Time Tracking Control of a Flexible Link Manipulator Based on an Extended State Observer
Authors: Jing Feng , Ma Caiwen , Xie Meilin , Wang Fan , Cao Yu , Fan Xiao
Published: December 2023

In this paper, the finite-time trajectory tracking control problem of a flexible link manipulator (FLM) system with unknown parameters is investigated in joint space. An adaptive nonsingular terminal sliding mode (ANTSM) controller based on an extended state observer (ESO) is proposed to ensure that the tracking error converges to a small neighborhood of zero. Firstly, an adaptive ESO is introduced, which is used to estimate unknown system parameters, including the unknown rigid-flexible coupling coefficient and the unknown control gain. Then, an ESO based on the parameters estimated above is proposed to estimate the unmodeled dynamics and external disturbances of the system in real-time. Finally, an ANTSM controller based on ESO is studied to achieve finite-time trajectory tracking control and vibration suppression without any prior knowledge of system uncertainties and external disturbances. The finite-time convergence ability of the closed-loop system is proved by Lyapunov theory. Experimental results on the Quanser Flexible Link System verify the effectiveness of the proposed controller.
Bi-Resolution Hash Encoding in Neural Radiance Fields: A Method for Accelerated Pose Optimization and Enhanced Reconstruction Efficiency
Authors: Guo Zixuan , Xie Qing , Liu Song , Xie Xiaoyao
Published: December 2023

NeRF has garnered extensive attention from researchers due to its impressive performance in three-dimensional scene reconstruction and realistic rendering. It is perceived as a potential pivotal technology for scene reconstruction in fields such as virtual reality and augmented reality. However, most NeRF-related research and applications heavily rely on precise pose data. The challenge of effectively reconstructing scenes in situations with inaccurate or missing pose data remains pressing. To address this issue, we examine the relationship between different resolution encodings and pose estimation and introduce BiResNeRF, a scene reconstruction method based on both low and high-resolution hash encoding modules, accompanied by a two-stage training strategy. The training strategy includes setting different learning rates and sampling strategies for different stages, designing stage transition signals, and implementing a smooth warm-up learning rate scheduling strategy after the phase transition. The experimental results indicate that our method not only ensures high synthesis quality but also reduces training time. Compared to other algorithms that jointly optimize pose, our training process is sped up by at least 1.3×. In conclusion, our approach efficiently reconstructs scenes under inaccurate poses and offers fresh perspectives and methodologies for pose optimization research in NeRF.
Enhancing Chatter Stability for Milling Thin-Walled Blades by Designing Non-Uniform Allowance
Authors: Li Yu , Ding Feng , Tian Weijun , Zhou Jinhua
Published: December 2023

During the milling of thin-walled blades, the removal of material exhibits strong time-varying dynamics, leading to chatter and a decrease in surface quality. To address the issue of milling vibrations in the machining of complex thin-walled blades used in aerospace applications, this work proposes a process optimization approach involving non-uniform allowances. The objective is to enhance of he stiffness of the thin-walled parts during the milling process by establishing a non-uniform allowance distribution for the finishing process of thin-walled blades. By applying the theory of sensitive process stiffness and conducting finite element simulations, two processing strategies, namely uniform allowances and non-uniform allowances, are evaluated through cutting experiments. The experimental results demonstrate that the non-uniform allowance processing strategy leads to a more evenly distributed acceleration spectrum and a 50% reduction in amplitude. Moreover, the surface exhibits no discernible vibration pattern, resulting in a 35% decrease in roughness. The non-uniform allowance-processing strategy proves to be effective in significantly improving the rigidity of the thin-walled blade processing system, thereby enhancing the stability of the cutting process. These findings hold significant relevance in guiding the machining of typical complex thin-walled aerospace components.
One-Pot Facile Synthesis of ZrO2-CdWO4: A Novel Nanocomposite for Hydrogen Production via Photocatalytic Water Splitting
Authors: Jawhari Ahmed Hussain
Published: December 2023

ZrO2-based nanocomposites are highly versatile materials with huge potential for photocatalysis. In this study, ZrO2-CdWO4 nanocomposites (NC) were prepared via the green route using aqueous Brassica rapa leaf extract, and its photocatalytic water-splitting application was evaluated. Brassica rapa leaf extract acts as a reducing agent and abundant phytochemicals are adsorbed onto the nanoparticle surfaces, improving the properties of ZrO2-CdWO4 nanocomposites. As-prepared samples were characterized by using various spectroscopic and microscopic techniques. The energy of the direct band gap (Eg) of ZrO2-CdWO4 was determined as 2.66 eV. FTIR analysis revealed the various functional groups present in the prepared material. XRD analysis showed that the average crystallite size of ZrO2 and CdWO4 in ZrO2-CdWO4 was approximately 8 nm and 26 nm, respectively. SEM and TEM images suggested ZrO2 deposition over CdWO4 nanorods, which increases the roughness of the surface. The prepared sample was also suggested to be porous. BET surface area, pore volume, and half pore width of ZrO2-CdWO4 were estimated to be 19.6 m2/g. 0.0254 cc/g, and 9.457 Å, respectively. PL analysis suggested the conjugation between the ZrO2 and CdWO4 by lowering the PL graph on ZrO2 deposition over CdWO4. The valence and conduction band edge positions were also determined for ZrO2-CdWO4. These band positions suggested the formation of a type I heterojunction between ZrO2 and CdWO4. ZrO2-CdWO4 was used as a photocatalyst for hydrogen production via water splitting. Water-splitting results confirmed the ability of the ZrO2-CdWO4 system for enhanced hydrogen production. The effect of various parameters such as photocatalyst amount, reaction time, temperature, water pH, and concentration of sacrificial agent was also optimized. The results suggested that 250 mg of ZrO2-CdWO4 could produce 1574 µmol/g after 5 h at 27 °C, pH 7, using 30 vol. % of methanol. ZrO2-CdWO4 was reused for up to seven cycles with a high hydrogen production efficiency. This may prove to be useful research on the use of heterojunction materials for photocatalytic hydrogen production.
Testing Cosmic Acceleration from the Late-Time Universe
Authors: Lozano Torres Jose Agustin
Published: December 2023

We investigate the accelerated cosmic expansion in the late universe and derive constraints on the values of the cosmic key parameters according to different cosmologies such as ΛCDM, wCDM, and w0waCDM. We select 24 baryon acoustic oscillation (BAO) uncorrelated measurements from the latest galaxy surveys measurements in the range of redshift z∈[0.106,2.33] combined with the Pantheon SNeIa dataset, the latest 33 H(z) measurements using the cosmic chronometers (CCs) method, and the recent Hubble constant value measurement measured by Riess 2022 (R22) as an additional prior. In the ΛCDM framework, the model fit yields Ωm=0.268±0.037 and ΩΛ=0.726±0.023. Combining BAO with Pantheon plus the cosmic chronometers datasets we obtain H0=69.76±1.71 km s−1 Mpc−1 and the sound horizon result is rd=145.88±3.32 Mpc. For the flat wCDM model, we obtain w=−1.001±0.040. For the dynamical evolution of the dark energy equation of state, w0waCDM cosmology, we obtain wa=−0.848±0.180. We apply the Akaike information criterion approach to compare the three models, and see that all cannot be ruled out from the latest observational measurements.
Impact of Hydroclimatic Changes on Water Security in the Cantareira Water Production System, Brazil
Authors: Tercini João Rafael Bergamaschi , Mello Júnior Arisvaldo Vieira
Published: December 2023

The Cantareira Water Production System (CWPS), which supplies water to the most populous region in Brazil, is facing significant challenges due to hydroclimate change, thus threatening its water security. This research integrates data from climate models and field observations with hydrological modeling, aimed at quantifying trends in key variables of the hydrological cycle. The GFDL-CM4 climate model, the most suitable for the study area, was employed to generate runoff data under both current conditions and future scenarios (SSP2-4.5 and SSP5-8.5). Our analysis reveals an increasing trend in the frequency of dry hydrological years. The Standard Precipitation Index (SPI) and Drought Magnitude (DM) confirm an increase in both the occurrence and duration of droughts in future scenarios. The runoff in all basins was reduced, causing a substantial decrease in minimum flows of 16.9%, medium flows of 11.8%, and high flows of 9.2% for the SSP5-8.5 scenario. This research introduces an approach to hydroclimate impact assessment, combining rigorous data analysis with advanced modeling techniques. Our findings not only provide a comprehensive understanding of the challenges faced by the CWPS, but also offer critical quantitative insights essential for developing effective public policies and adaptive strategies for sustainable water resource management.
Multiplication Operators on Weighted Zygmund Spaces of the First Cartan Domain
Authors: Jiang Zhi-Jie
Published: December 2023

Inspired by some recent studies of the multiplication operators on holomorphic function spaces of the classical domains such as the open unit disk, the unit ball and the unit polydisk, the purpose of the present paper is to study just the operators that are defined on weighted Zygmund spaces of the first Cartan domain. We obtain some necessary conditions and sufficient conditions for the operators to be bounded and compact.
Comparison of Traditional Impression and 3D Ear Scanning Techniques, Earmold Comfort, and Audiology Clinical Implications: A Pilot Study
Authors: Zheng Yunfang , Didion Karlina , Ferguson Nicole
Published: December 2023

This study investigated clinical aspects of the traditional ear impression and 3D ear scanning techniques. Adult earmold-users and non-users participated in this study. The earmold-users also participated in the earmold comfort comparison study by wearing earmolds from both techniques, one set a week according to a randomized sequence. Multiple clinical aspects of both techniques according to the participants and audiology professionals were recorded. Results revealed a preference for the 3D-scanning technique, which was perceived as more comfortable although both techniques were perceived as safe. Although the earmolds might have issues from both techniques, there was no significant difference in the perception of earmolds. Experience with the specific technique can affect the responses from the professionals. Compared to the traditional technique, 3D-scans had higher fixed but less variable costs and procedure times. A special clinical case was included and indicated that 3D-scans could be an option for specific patients. This study led to a better understanding of the two techniques clinically. With increasing involvement of new technology and more young professionals joining the profession of audiology, 3D ear scanning could be a viable consideration for audiology practices.
How Artificial Intelligence Is Shaping Medical Imaging Technology: A Survey of Innovations and Applications
Authors: Pinto-Coelho Luís
Published: December 2023

The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into medical imaging has guided in an era of transformation in healthcare. This literature review explores the latest innovations and applications of AI in the field, highlighting its profound impact on medical diagnosis and patient care. The innovation segment explores cutting-edge developments in AI, such as deep learning algorithms, convolutional neural networks, and generative adversarial networks, which have significantly improved the accuracy and efficiency of medical image analysis. These innovations have enabled rapid and accurate detection of abnormalities, from identifying tumors during radiological examinations to detecting early signs of eye disease in retinal images. The article also highlights various applications of AI in medical imaging, including radiology, pathology, cardiology, and more. AI-based diagnostic tools not only speed up the interpretation of complex images but also improve early detection of disease, ultimately delivering better outcomes for patients. Additionally, AI-based image processing facilitates personalized treatment plans, thereby optimizing healthcare delivery. This literature review highlights the paradigm shift that AI has brought to medical imaging, highlighting its role in revolutionizing diagnosis and patient care. By combining cutting-edge AI techniques and their practical applications, it is clear that AI will continue shaping the future of healthcare in profound and positive ways.
Improved Hypertension Risk Assessment with Photoplethysmographic Recordings Combining Deep Learning and Calibration
Authors: Cano Jesús , Bertomeu-González Vicente , Fácila Lorenzo , Hornero Fernando , Alcaraz Raúl , Rieta José J.
Published: December 2023

Hypertension, a primary risk factor for various cardiovascular diseases, is a global health concern. Early identification and effective management of hypertensive individuals are vital for reducing associated health risks. This study explores the potential of deep learning (DL) techniques, specifically GoogLeNet, ResNet-18, and ResNet-50, for discriminating between normotensive (NTS) and hypertensive (HTS) individuals using photoplethysmographic (PPG) recordings. The research assesses the impact of calibration at different time intervals between measurements, considering intervals less than 1 h, 1–6 h, 6–24 h, and over 24 h. Results indicate that calibration is most effective when measurements are closely spaced, with an accuracy exceeding 90% in all the DL strategies tested. For calibration intervals below 1 h, ResNet-18 achieved the highest accuracy (93.32%), sensitivity (84.09%), specificity (97.30%), and F1-score (88.36%). As the time interval between calibration and test measurements increased, classification performance gradually declined. For intervals exceeding 6 h, accuracy dropped below 81% but with all models maintaining accuracy above 71% even for intervals above 24 h. This study provides valuable insights into the feasibility of using DL for hypertension risk assessment, particularly through PPG recordings. It demonstrates that closely spaced calibration measurements can lead to highly accurate classification, emphasizing the potential for real-time applications. These findings may pave the way for advanced, non-invasive, and continuous blood pressure monitoring methods that are both efficient and reliable.
The Autonomization Principle in Vascularized Flaps: An Alternative Strategy for Composite Tissue Scaffold In Vivo Revascularization
Authors: Berkane Yanis , Kostyra David M. , Chrelias Theodoros , Randolph Mark A. , Lellouch Alexandre G. , Cetrulo Curtis L. , Uygun Korkut , Uygun Basak E. , Bertheuil Nicolas , Duisit Jérôme
Published: December 2023

Autonomization is a physiological process allowing a flap to develop neo-vascularization from the reconstructed wound bed. This phenomenon has been used since the early application of flap surgeries but still remains poorly understood. Reconstructive strategies have greatly evolved since, and fasciocutaneous flaps have progressively replaced muscle-based reconstructions, ensuring better functional outcomes with great reliability. However, plastic surgeons still encounter challenges in complex cases where conventional flap reconstruction reaches its limitations. Furthermore, emerging bioengineering applications, such as decellularized scaffolds allowing a complex extracellular matrix to be repopulated with autologous cells, also face the complexity of revascularization. The objective of this article is to gather evidence of autonomization phenomena. A systematic review of flap autonomization is then performed to document the minimum delay allowing this process. Finally, past and potential applications in bio- and tissue-engineering approaches are discussed, highlighting the potential for in vivo revascularization of acellular scaffolds.
The Enrichment of miRNA-Targeted mRNAs in Translationally Less Active over More Active Polysomes
Authors: Wang Tingzeng , Tian Shuangmei , Tikhonova Elena B. , Karamyshev Andrey L. , Wang Jing J. , Zhang Fangyuan , Wang Degeng
Published: December 2023

miRNAs moderately inhibit the translation and enhance the degradation of their target mRNAs via cognate binding sites located predominantly in the 3′-untranslated regions (UTR). Paradoxically, miRNA targets are also polysome-associated. We studied the polysome association by the comparative translationally less-active light- and more-active heavy-polysome profiling of a wild type (WT) human cell line and its isogenic mutant (MT) with a disrupted DICER1 gene and, thus, mature miRNA production. As expected, the open reading frame (ORF) length is a major determinant of light- to heavy-polysome mRNA abundance ratios, but is rendered less powerful in WT than in MT cells by miRNA-regulatory activities. We also observed that miRNAs tend to target mRNAs with longer ORFs, and that adjusting the mRNA abundance ratio with the ORF length improves its correlation with the 3′-UTR miRNA-binding-site count. In WT cells, miRNA-targeted mRNAs exhibit higher abundance in light relative to heavy polysomes, i.e., light-polysome enrichment. In MT cells, the DICER1 disruption not only significantly abrogated the light-polysome enrichment, but also narrowed the mRNA abundance ratio value range. Additionally, the abrogation of the enrichment due to the DICER1 gene disruption, i.e., the decreases of the ORF-length-adjusted mRNA abundance ratio from WT to MT cells, exhibits a nearly perfect linear correlation with the 3′-UTR binding-site count. Transcription factors and protein kinases are the top two most enriched mRNA groups. Taken together, the results provide evidence for the light-polysome enrichment of miRNA-targeted mRNAs to reconcile polysome association and moderate translation inhibition, and that ORF length is an important, though currently under-appreciated, transcriptome regulation parameter.
Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR) in NSCLC, Gastrointestinal, and Other Solid Tumors: Immunotherapy and Beyond
Authors: Mosca Mirta , Nigro Maria Concetta , Pagani Rachele , De Giglio Andrea , Di Federico Alessandro
Published: December 2023

In the era of immunotherapy, identifying biomarkers of immune system activation has become a high-priority challenge. The blood neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) has been largely investigated as a biomarker in several cancer types. NLR values have been shown to mirror the tumor-induced inflammatory status and have been demonstrated to be a reliable prognostic tool across stages of disease and therapeutic approaches. When integrated with other biomarkers of response to immunotherapy, such as PD-L1, tumor mutational burden, and tumor-associated immune cells, the NLR may allow to further stratify patients with different likelihoods of deriving a significant clinical benefit. However, despite its accessibility, low cost, and easy interpretation, the NLR is still poorly used as a prognostic tool in daily clinical practice. In this review, we analyze the role of the NLR in defining the relationship between cancer and the immune system, its usefulness in daily clinical practice, and its relationship with other established or emerging biomarkers of immunotherapy outcomes.
CD200/CD200R: Bidirectional Role in Cancer Progression and Immunotherapy
Authors: Nip Christopher , Wang Leyi , Liu Chengfei
Published: December 2023

As an immune checkpoint molecule, CD200 serves a foundational role in regulating immune homeostasis and promoting self-tolerance. While CD200 expression occurs in various immune cell subsets and normal tissues, its aberrant expression patterns in hematologic malignancies and solid tumors have been linked to immune evasion and cancer progression under pathological conditions, particularly through interactions with its cognate receptor, CD200R. Through this CD200/CD200R signaling pathway, CD200 exerts its immunosuppressive effects by inhibiting natural killer (NK) cell activation, cytotoxic T cell functions, and M1-polarized macrophage activity, while also facilitating expansion of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) and Tregs. Moreover, CD200/CD200R expression has been linked to epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and distant metastasis, further illustrating its role in cancer progression. Conversely, CD200 has also been shown to exert anti-tumor effects in certain cancer types, such as breast carcinoma and melanoma, indicating that CD200 may exert bidirectional effects on cancer progression depending on the specific tumor microenvironment (TME). Regardless, modulating the CD200/CD200R axis has garnered clinical interest as a potential immunotherapeutic strategy for cancer therapy, as demonstrated by early-phase clinical trials. However, further research is necessary to fully understand the complex interactions of CD200 in the tumor microenvironment and to optimize its therapeutic potential in cancer immunotherapy.
Neuromodulation for Craniofacial Pain and Headaches
Authors: Pak Ray , Ku Jun , Abd-Elsayed Alaa
Published: December 2023

Headaches and facial pain are highly prevalent diseases but are often difficult to treat. Though there have been significant advances in medical management, many continue to suffer from refractory pain. Neuromodulation has been gaining interest for its therapeutic purposes in many chronic pain conditions, including headaches and facial pain. There are many potential targets of neuromodulation for headache and facial pain, and some have more robust evidence in favor of their use than others. Despite the need for more high-quality research, the available evidence for the use of neuromodulation in treating headaches and facial pain is promising. Considering the suffering that afflicts patients with intractable headache, neuromodulation may be an appropriate tool to improve not only pain but also disability and quality of life.
Association between Food-Specific Immunoglobulin G4 Antibodies in Adults with Self-Reported Signs and Symptoms Attributed to Adverse Reactions to Foodstuffs
Authors: Pantoja-Arévalo Lisset , Gesteiro Eva , Matthias Torsten , Urrialde Rafael , González-Gross Marcela
Published: December 2023

Signs and symptoms attributed to adverse reactions to foodstuffs (ARFS) need tools for research and evaluation in clinical practice. The objectives of this study were (a) to evaluate the most frequent self-reported signs and symptoms attributed to ARFS in Spanish adults, (b) to determine the prevalence of food-specific IgG4 antibody reactions (AbRs), and (c) to investigate the association between self-reported ARFS symptomatology and food-specific IgG4 AbRs. Food-specific IgG4 AbRs against 57 common food and beverages (AESKUCARE-T2FA® in vitro point-of-care test kit, Aesku.Diagnostics GmbH, Germany) were determined in capillary blood samples of 205 volunteers living in the Region of Madrid (Spain). The most frequent self-reported signs and symptoms were related to skin (43%), digestive (41%), and nervous system (NS, 33%) problems. The prevalence of food-specific IgG4 AbRs was cow’s milk (73%), sheep’s milk (70%), casein (66%), and goat’s milk (56.10%). Positive IgG4 AbRs against tomato had a profile consisting of 3/4 of skin problems, more than half of digestive, and 2/5 of NS self-reported signs and symptoms. In conclusion, at least 1/3 of the studied sample reported skin, digestive, and NS signs and symptoms. The most frequent food-specific IgG4 AbRs were related to dairy. Skin problems were more frequent in positive tomato IgG4 AbRs.
A Prospective Study of Eplerenone in the Treatment of Patients with Glomerulonephritis
Authors: Papasotiriou Marios , Georgopoulou Georgia Andrianna , Mpratsiakou Adamantia , Ntrinias Theodoros , Lyras Georgios , Goumenos Dimitrios S. , Papachristou Evangelos
Published: December 2023

Background: High aldosterone levels contribute to kidney disease progression, while spironolactone in combination with ACEi or ARBs can potentially reduce proteinuria and ameliorate kidney function deterioration. However, evidence on the impact of eplerenone in patients with glomerulonephritis is scarce. Methods: In this prospective observational study, we assessed the effects of eplerenone in patients with biopsy-proven glomerulonephritis who were already treated with ACEi or ARBs. Patients received either eplerenone (25 mg daily) on top of ACEi or ARBs or standard treatment alone. Proteinuria (24 h total protein excretion), kidney function, blood pressure and serum K+ levels were assessed at 3, 6 and 12 months after the initiation of treatment. Results: Sixty-six patients were included in the study. Eplerenone was administered in 30 patients, while 36 received only ACEi or ARB. Proteinuria decreased from 1768 to 1152 mg/24 h after 1 year of eplerenone treatment, while it remained stable in controls. Eplerenone showed significant impact on proteinuria in those with baseline proteinuria of >1000 mg/24 h. Patients who received eplerenone showed a reduction in systolic blood pressure, while eGFR and serum K+ levels remained stable. Conclusions: Addition of eplerenone has a beneficial effect on proteinuria in patients with glomerulonephritis and significant baseline proteinuria.
CDKN2A Gene Mutations: Implications for Hereditary Cancer Syndromes
Authors: Danishevich Anastasiia , Bilyalov Airat , Nikolaev Sergey , Khalikov Nodirbec , Isaeva Daria , Levina Yuliya , Makarova Maria , Nemtsova Marina , Chernevskiy Denis , Sagaydak Olesya , Baranova Elena , Vorontsova Maria , Byakhova Mariya , Semenova Anna , Galkin Vsevolod , Khatkov Igor , Gadzhieva Saida , Bodunova Natalia
Published: December 2023

Malignant neoplasms, including pancreatic cancer and melanoma, are major global health challenges. This study investigates melanoma pancreatic syndrome, a rare hereditary tumor syndrome associated with CDKN2A gene mutations. CDKN2A mutations contribute to a lifetime risk of melanoma ranging from 28% to 67%. This study reports the clinical features of six individuals with CDKN2A mutations and identifies recurrent alterations such as c.307_308del, c.159G>C and c.71G>C. It highlights the need for CDKN2A mutation testing in suspected cases of familial atypical multiple mole melanoma. Clinically significant variants show associations with melanoma and pancreatic cancer. The challenges of treating individuals with CDKN2A mutations are discussed, and the lack of specific targeted therapies is highlighted. Preclinical studies suggest a potential benefit of CDK4/6 inhibitors, although clinical trials show mixed results. This study underscores the importance of continued research into improved diagnostic and therapeutic strategies to address the complexities of hereditary cancer syndromes.
Recent Therapeutic Progress and Future Perspectives for the Treatment of Hearing Loss
Authors: Lye Joey , Delaney Derek S. , Leith Fiona K. , Sardesai Varda S. , McLenachan Samuel , Chen Fred K. , Atlas Marcus D. , Wong Elaine Y. M.
Published: December 2023

Up to 1.5 billion people worldwide suffer from various forms of hearing loss, with an additional 1.1 billion people at risk from various insults such as increased consumption of recreational noise-emitting devices and ageing. The most common type of hearing impairment is sensorineural hearing loss caused by the degeneration or malfunction of cochlear hair cells or spiral ganglion nerves in the inner ear. There is currently no cure for hearing loss. However, emerging frontier technologies such as gene, drug or cell-based therapies offer hope for an effective cure. In this review, we discuss the current therapeutic progress for the treatment of hearing loss. We describe and evaluate the major therapeutic approaches being applied to hearing loss and summarize the key trials and studies.
Bone Regeneration Induced by Patient-Adapted Mg Alloy-Based Scaffolds for Bone Defects: Present and Future Perspectives
Authors: Manescu (Paltanea) Veronica , Antoniac Iulian , Antoniac Aurora , Laptoiu Dan , Paltanea Gheorghe , Ciocoiu Robert , Nemoianu Iosif Vasile , Gruionu Lucian Gheorghe , Dura Horatiu
Published: December 2023

Treatment of bone defects resulting after tumor surgeries, accidents, or non-unions is an actual problem linked to morbidity and the necessity of a second surgery and often requires a critical healthcare cost. Although the surgical technique has changed in a modern way, the treatment outcome is still influenced by patient age, localization of the bone defect, associated comorbidities, the surgeon approach, and systemic disorders. Three-dimensional magnesium-based scaffolds are considered an important step because they can have precise bone defect geometry, high porosity grade, anatomical pore shape, and mechanical properties close to the human bone. In addition, magnesium has been proven in in vitro and in vivo studies to influence bone regeneration and new blood vessel formation positively. In this review paper, we describe the magnesium alloy’s effect on bone regenerative processes, starting with a short description of magnesium’s role in the bone healing process, host immune response modulation, and finishing with the primary biological mechanism of magnesium ions in angiogenesis and osteogenesis by presenting a detailed analysis based on a literature review. A strategy that must be followed when a patient-adapted scaffold dedicated to bone tissue engineering is proposed and the main fabrication technologies are combined, in some cases with artificial intelligence for Mg alloy scaffolds, are presented with examples. We emphasized the microstructure, mechanical properties, corrosion behavior, and biocompatibility of each study and made a basis for the researchers who want to start to apply the regenerative potential of magnesium-based scaffolds in clinical practice. Challenges, future directions, and special potential clinical applications such as osteosarcoma and persistent infection treatment are present at the end of our review paper.
Complex-Exponential-Based Bio-Inspired Neuron Model Implementation in FPGA Using Xilinx System Generator and Vivado Design Suite
Authors: Ahmad Maruf , Zhang Lei , Ng Kelvin Tsun Wai , Chowdhury Muhammad E. H.
Published: December 2023

This research investigates the implementation of complex-exponential-based neurons in FPGA, which can pave the way for implementing bio-inspired spiking neural networks to compensate for the existing computational constraints in conventional artificial neural networks. The increasing use of extensive neural networks and the complexity of models in handling big data lead to higher power consumption and delays. Hence, finding solutions to reduce computational complexity is crucial for addressing power consumption challenges. The complex exponential form effectively encodes oscillating features like frequency, amplitude, and phase shift, streamlining the demanding calculations typical of conventional artificial neurons through levering the simple phase addition of complex exponential functions. The article implements such a two-neuron and a multi-neuron neural model using the Xilinx System Generator and Vivado Design Suite, employing 8-bit, 16-bit, and 32-bit fixed-point data format representations. The study evaluates the accuracy of the proposed neuron model across different FPGA implementations while also providing a detailed analysis of operating frequency, power consumption, and resource usage for the hardware implementations. BRAM-based Vivado designs outperformed Simulink regarding speed, power, and resource efficiency. Specifically, the Vivado BRAM-based approach supported up to 128 neurons, showcasing optimal LUT and FF resource utilization. Such outcomes accommodate choosing the optimal design procedure for implementing spiking neural networks on FPGAs.
Auditory Steady-State Responses in Schizophrenia: An Updated Meta-Analysis
Authors: Zouaoui Inès , Dumais Alexandre , Lavoie Marc E. , Potvin Stéphane
Published: December 2023

This meta-analysis investigates auditory steady-state responses (ASSRs) as potential biomarkers of schizophrenia, focusing on previously unexplored clinical populations, frequencies, and variables. We examined 37 studies, encompassing a diverse cohort of 1788 patients with schizophrenia, including 208 patients with first-episode psychosis, 281 at-risk individuals, and 1603 healthy controls. The results indicate moderate reductions in 40 Hz ASSRs in schizophrenia patients, with significantly greater reductions in first-episode psychosis patients and minimal changes in at-risk individuals. These results call into question the expected progression of ASSR alterations across all stages of schizophrenia. The analysis also revealed the sensitivity of ASSR alterations at 40 Hz to various factors, including stimulus type, level of analysis, and attentional focus. In conclusion, our research highlights ASSRs, particularly at 40 Hz, as potential biomarkers of schizophrenia, revealing varied implications across different stages of the disorder. This study enriches our understanding of ASSRs in schizophrenia, highlighting their potential diagnostic and therapeutic relevance, particularly in the early stages of the disease.
Limitations in Evaluating Machine Learning Models for Imbalanced Binary Outcome Classification in Spine Surgery: A Systematic Review
Authors: Ghanem Marc , Ghaith Abdul Karim , El-Hajj Victor Gabriel , Bhandarkar Archis , de Giorgio Andrea , Elmi-Terander Adrian , Bydon Mohamad
Published: December 2023

Clinical prediction models for spine surgery applications are on the rise, with an increasing reliance on machine learning (ML) and deep learning (DL). Many of the predicted outcomes are uncommon; therefore, to ensure the models’ effectiveness in clinical practice it is crucial to properly evaluate them. This systematic review aims to identify and evaluate current research-based ML and DL models applied for spine surgery, specifically those predicting binary outcomes with a focus on their evaluation metrics. Overall, 60 papers were included, and the findings were reported according to the PRISMA guidelines. A total of 13 papers focused on lengths of stay (LOS), 12 on readmissions, 12 on non-home discharge, 6 on mortality, and 5 on reoperations. The target outcomes exhibited data imbalances ranging from 0.44% to 42.4%. A total of 59 papers reported the model’s area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUROC), 28 mentioned accuracies, 33 provided sensitivity, 29 discussed specificity, 28 addressed positive predictive value (PPV), 24 included the negative predictive value (NPV), 25 indicated the Brier score with 10 providing a null model Brier, and 8 detailed the F1 score. Additionally, data visualization varied among the included papers. This review discusses the use of appropriate evaluation schemes in ML and identifies several common errors and potential bias sources in the literature. Embracing these recommendations as the field advances may facilitate the integration of reliable and effective ML models in clinical settings.
Treadmill Exercise Reverses the Adverse Effects of Intermittent Fasting on Behavior and Cortical Spreading Depression in Young Rats
Authors: Braz Amanda Ferraz , Figueira de Oliveira Maria Luísa , Costa Dominique Hellen Silva da , Torres-Leal Francisco Leonardo , Guedes Rubem Carlos Araújo
Published: December 2023

Intermittent fasting (IF) and physical exercise (PE) have beneficial psychological and physiological effects, improving memory and anxiety-like behavior. However, the impact of this combination on brain electrophysiological patterns is unknown. We aimed to evaluate the behavior and parameters of a brain excitability-related phenomenon named cortical spreading depression (CSD) in young rats (31–87 days of life) submitted to IF and treadmill PE for eight weeks. Sixty-four male and female Wistar rats aged 24 days were randomized into control, IF, PE, and IF+PE groups. Behavioral tests (open field (OF), object recognition, and elevated plus maze (EPM)) were performed, and the CSD propagation features were recorded. IF caused behavioral responses indicative of anxiety (lower number of entries and time spent in the OF center and EPM open arms). IF also reduced the discrimination index for object recognition memory tests and increased the propagation velocity of CSD. PE rats displayed more entries into the OF center and lowered CSD propagation speed. Data suggest that IF worsens anxiety-like behavior and memory and accelerates CSD in young rats. In contrast, PE reverted the unfavorable effects of IF. The brain effects of IF and PE at younger ages are recommended for study.
A Systematic Review of Nanomedicine in Glioblastoma Treatment: Clinical Efficacy, Safety, and Future Directions
Authors: Farooq Minaam , Scalia Gianluca , Umana Giuseppe , Parekh Urja , Naeem Faiza , Abid Sayeda , Khan Muhammad , Zahra Shah , Sarkar Hrishikesh , Chaurasia Bipin
Published: December 2023

Background: Glioblastoma (GBM) is categorized as a grade IV astrocytoma by the World Health Organization (WHO), representing the most aggressive and prevalent form of glioma. It presents a significant clinical challenge, with limited treatment options and poor prognosis. This systematic review evaluates the efficacy and safety of various nanotherapy approaches for GBM and explores future directions in tumor management. Nanomedicine, which involves nanoparticles in the 1–100 nm range, shows promise in improving drug delivery and targeting tumor cells. Methods: Following PRISMA guidelines, a systematic search of databases including Google Scholar, NCBI PubMed, Cochrane Library, and ClinicalTrials.gov was conducted to identify clinical trials on GBM and nanomedicine. The primary outcome measures were median overall survival, progression-free survival, and quality of life assessed through Karnofsky performance scores. The safety profile was assessed by adverse events. Results: The analysis included 225 GBM patients, divided into primary and recurrent sub-populations. Primary GBM patients had a median overall survival of 6.75 months, while recurrent GBM patients had a median overall survival of 9.7 months. The mean PFS period was 2.3 months and 3.92 months in primary GBM and recurrent GBM patients, respectively. Nanotherapy showed an improvement in quality of life, with KPS scores increasing after treatment in recurrent GBM patients. Adverse events were observed in 14.2% of patients. Notably, Bevacizumab therapy exhibited better survival outcomes but with a higher incidence of adverse events. Conclusions: Nanotherapy offers a modest increase in survival with fewer severe side effects. It shows promise in improving the quality of life, especially in recurrent GBM patients. However, it falls short in terms of overall survival compared to Bevacizumab. The heterogeneous nature of treatment protocols and reporting methods highlights the need for standardized multicenter trials to further evaluate the potential of nanomedicine in GBM management.
Fabrication of Carbon Nanotubes Derived from Waste Tire Pyrolytic Carbon and Their Application in the Dehydrogenation of Methylcyclohexane to Produce Hydrogen
Authors: Ye Hongli , Liu Shuangxi , Huang Dongmei , Jiang Chaojun , Yuan Rui , Zhang Cui
Published: December 2023

The accumulation of waste tires has resulted in very urgent environmental problems. Pyrolysis has been regarded as a green eco-friendly technology to deal with waste tires, and it is vital to make use of the pyrolysis carbon. Herein, we propose a new way to utilize pyrolysis carbon, to prepare carbon nanotubes with the help of ferrocene. The optimal preparation processes were determined by optimizing the parameters including the solvent, temperature, time, etc. The results of scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy evidenced the successful formation of carbon nanotubes. Meanwhile, the Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) method and N2-adsorption showed that the yielded carbon nanotubes featured a large surface area and abundant pore structure in comparison with the pyrolytic carbon. Finally, the as-prepared carbon nanotubes were applied as the supports for Pt-based catalysts for the dehydrogenation of methylcyclohexane to produce hydrogen. The results showed that the Pt/carbon-nanotubes catalyst exhibited the highest conversion of methylcyclohexane (28.6%), stability, and hydrogen evolution rate (336.9 mmol/gPt/min) compared to the resulting Pt/commercial-activated-carbon (13.6% and 160.2 mmol/gPt/min) and Pt/pyrolytic-carbon catalysts (0.19% and 2.23 mmol/gPt/min).
Possible Explanations for Rising Melanoma Rates Despite Increased Sunscreen Use over the Past Several Decades
Authors: Lapides Rebecca , Saravi Babak , Mueller Alina , Wang-Evers Michael , Maul Lara Valeska , Németh István , Navarini Alexander , Manstein Dieter , Roider Elisabeth
Published: December 2023

The incidence of cutaneous melanoma continues to rise despite the increased use of sunscreens within the last several decades. Some research even suggests that the use of sunscreen is associated with increased rates of melanoma. Given the aggressive, and often deadly, nature of cutaneous melanoma, the aim of this communication is to better elucidate the relationship between sunscreen use and melanoma development and if there are other preventative measures to be aware of. A search was performed to identify the studies that have investigated melanoma development in individuals who used sunscreen and those who did not. Study limitations and possible confounding variables were identified, which guided a subsequent search to determine what data were available to support that these limitations and confounding variables may explain the perplexing association between sunscreen use and melanoma development. Five hypotheses were generated, which were related to increased awareness and reporting, the relationship between sunscreen use and the duration of sun exposure, the importance of broad-spectrum protection, and the effect of sunscreen on reactive oxygen species formation. The main conclusion is that more recent studies that control for confounding variables are required to determine the true effect of adequate broad-spectrum sunscreen use today on the development of melanoma.