bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Variation in Water Deficit and Its Association with Climate Indices in Weihe River Basin, China
Authors: Liu Wen
Published: March 2024

Based on the 24 meteorological stations in the Weihe River Basin (WRB) from 1951 to 2013, as well as the runoff data from the mainstream of the Weihe River, the temporal and spatial variations in water balance in the WRB and its relationships with runoff, the drought index, and the climate index were analyzed. The results indicate that the water balance in the WRB has been in a deficit state over the past 63 years, showing a weak declining trend with a decreasing rate of −20.04 mm/decade. Water balance is closely related to potential evapotranspiration (ET0) and precipitation (P). At the annual time scale, P plays a dominant role in water balance for 6–8 months in the WRB. The distribution of the water deficit (WD) in the WRB is uneven throughout the year, with the largest deficit occurring in June and the smallest values generally occurring in September. Furthermore, there are significant multi-scale correlations between water deficit and climate indices such as Arctic Oscillation (AO), Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO), and Sea Surface Temperature (SST) in the WRB. In addition, water deficit is also influenced by human activities, such as irrigation, as well as climate factors and socio-economic factors. Studying the temporal and spatial variation characteristics of water deficit and its influencing factors in the WRB is helpful toward deeply understanding the supply and demand dynamics of water resources in the basin and providing a theoretical basis and scientific guidance for the rational utilization of water resources and the high-quality development of the basin.
Nontrivial Solutions for a Class of Quasilinear Schrödinger Systems
Authors: Zhang Xue , Zhang Jing
Published: March 2024

In this thesis, we research quasilinear Schrödinger system as follows in which 3<N∈R, 2
0, and nonlinear terms f,h∈C(RN×R2,R). We find a nontrivial solution (u,v) for all ι>ι1(k) by means of the mountain-pass theorem and change of variable theorem. Our main novelty of the thesis is that we extend Δ to Δp and Δq to find the existence of a nontrivial solution.
Quantification of Thermal Acclimation in Immune Functions in Ectothermic Animals
Authors: Sandmeier Franziska C.
Published: March 2024

This short review focuses on current experimental designs to quantify immune acclimation in animals. Especially in the face of rapidly changing thermal regimes, thermal acclimation of immune function has the potential to impact host–pathogen relationships and the fitness of hosts. While much of the field of ecoimmunology has focused on vertebrates and insects, broad interest in how animals can acclimate to temperatures spans taxa. The literature shows a recent increase in thermal acclimation studies in the past six years. I categorized studies as focusing on (1) natural thermal variation in the environment (e.g., seasonal), (2) in vivo manipulation of animals in captive conditions, and (3) in vitro assays using biological samples taken from wild or captive animals. I detail the strengths and weaknesses of these approaches, with an emphasis on mechanisms of acclimation at different levels of organization (organismal and cellular). These two mechanisms are not mutually exclusive, and a greater combination of the three techniques listed above will increase our knowledge of the diversity of mechanisms used by animals to acclimate to changing thermal regimes. Finally, I suggest that functional assays of immune system cells (such as quantification of phagocytosis) are an accessible and non-taxa-specific way to tease apart the effects of animals upregulating quantities of immune effectors (cells) and changes in the function of immune effectors (cellular performance) due to structural changes in cells such as those of membranes and enzymes.
The Development of LAT1 Efflux Agonists as Mechanistic Probes of Cellular Amino Acid Stress
Authors: Sekhar Vandana , Ikhlef Houssine , Bunea Alexandra , Nguyen Viet S. , Joo Johan , Tantak Mukund P. , Moots Holly , Phanstiel Otto
Published: March 2024

Amino acid restriction induces cellular stress and cells often respond via the induction of autophagy. Autophagy or ‘self-eating’ enables the recycling of proteins and provides the essential amino acids needed for cell survival. Of the naturally occurring amino acids, methionine restriction has pleiotropic effects on cells because methionine also contributes to the intracellular methyl pools required for epigenetic controls as well as polyamine biosynthesis. In this report, we describe the chemical synthesis of four diastereomers of a methionine depletion agent and demonstrate how controlled methionine efflux from cells significantly reduces intracellular methionine, S-adenosylmethionine (SAM), S-adenosyl homocysteine (SAH), and polyamine levels. We also demonstrate that human pancreatic cancer cells respond via a lipid signaling pathway to induce autophagy. The methionine depletion agent causes the large amino acid transporter 1 (LAT1) to preferentially work in reverse and export the cell’s methionine (and leucine) stores. The four diastereomers of the lead methionine/leucine depletion agent were synthesized and evaluated for their ability to (a) efflux 3H-leucine from cells, (b) dock to LAT1 in silico, (c) modulate intracellular SAM, SAH, and phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) pools, and (d) induce the formation of the autophagy-associated LC3-II marker. The ability to modulate the intracellular concentration of methionine regardless of exogenous methionine supply provides new molecular tools to better understand cancer response pathways. This information can then be used to design improved therapeutics that target downstream methionine-dependent processes like polyamines.
Non-Coding RNAs: Novel Regulators of Macrophage Homeostasis in Ocular Vascular Diseases
Authors: Zhang Qiuyang , Liu Qing , Feng Siguo , Li Xiumiao , Jiang Qin
Published: March 2024

Ocular neovascularization can impair vision and threaten patients’ quality of life. However, the underlying mechanism is far from transparent. In all mammals, macrophages are a population of cells playing pivotal roles in the innate immune system and the first line of defense against pathogens. Therefore, it has been speculated that the disfunction of macrophage homeostasis is involved in the development of ocular vascular diseases. Moreover, various studies have found that non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) regulate macrophage homeostasis. This study reviewed past studies of the regulatory roles of ncRNAs in macrophage homeostasis in ocular vascular diseases.
Application of Video Laryngoscopy for Minimally Invasive Surfactant Therapy: A Retrospective Comparative Cohort Study
Authors: Jahmani Tamara , Miller Michael R. , da Silva Orlando , Bhattacharya Soume
Published: March 2024

Minimally invasive surfactant therapy (MIST) has emerged as a preferred method of surfactant delivery. Pioneers of this technique have described the use of direct laryngoscopy (DL) for MIST. With the increasing application of video laryngoscopy (VL) for neonatal airway management, it is speculated that MIST techniques can be adapted for use with VL. Objective: To compare procedural success, operator ease of use, and complication of MIST using VL vs. MIST using DL. Methods: This was a retrospective, observational cohort study conducted at a tertiary-level neonatal intensive care unit after obtaining ethical approval. We included neonates who received MIST between 1 October 2020 and 31 October 2022. Baseline demographic characteristics, along with procedural data, were collected. Primary outcome measures included the overall procedural success rate, the need for multiple attempts, and the total number of attempts. Secondary outcome measures included the occurrence of adverse events, the need for a second dose of surfactant, and the need for intubation within 7 days of the procedure. Means and SDs, independent t-tests, frequencies, and chi-square were used as appropriate. p-values < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results: Of the 79 neonates included, 37 neonates received MIST via VL, while 42 received MIST via DL. The median gestational age was lower in the VL group at 29.0 weeks vs. 30.5 weeks (p = 0.011) in the DL group. The median birthweight in the VL group was 1260 g, IQR (1080, 1690), which was significantly lower than the DL group, which was 1575 g, IQR (1220, 2251), p = 0.028. Purpose-built catheter use was higher in the DL group. The overall procedural success was similar between groups. The need for multiple attempts was lower with VL in comparison to DL [4 (11%) vs. 13 (31%); p = 0.034)] at the univariate level but not significant at multivariate analysis (p = 0.131). Procedural complications, the need for a second dose of surfactant, the need for mechanical ventilation post-MIST, and operator ease of use were similar. User comments emphasized the value of VL in providing real-time visual information to confirm catheter placement and guide operators/trainees. Conclusion: Overall, in our cohort, despite VL being a more recently adapted technology used more in smaller, sicker, and more premature neonates, procedural success, complications, and operator ease of use for MIST using VL and DL were comparable. Our findings show the successful application of VL for MIST and suggest procedural advantages that might facilitate universal adoption.
An Approach for Personalized Dynamic Assessment of Chronic Kidney Disease Progression Using Joint Model
Authors: Liao Chen-Mao , Kao Yi-Wei , Chang Yi-Ping , Lin Chih-Ming
Published: March 2024

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) poses significant challenges to public health and healthcare systems, demanding a comprehensive understanding of its progressive nature. Prior methods have often fallen short in capturing the dynamic and individual variability of renal function. This study aims to address this gap by introducing a novel approach for the individualized assessment of CKD progression. A cohort of 1042 patients, comprising 700 with stage 3a and 342 with stage 3b to stage 5 CKD, treated at a veteran general hospital in Taiwan from 2006 to 2019, was included in the study. A comprehensive dataset spanning 12 years, consisting of clinical measurements, was collected and analyzed using joint models to predict the progression to hemodialysis treatment. The study reveals that the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) can be considered an endogenous factor influenced by innate biochemical markers. Serum creatinine, blood pressure, and urinary protein excretion emerged as valuable factors for predicting CKD progression. The joint model, combining longitudinal and survival analyses, demonstrated predictive versatility across various CKD severities. This innovative approach enhances conventional models by concurrently incorporating both longitudinal and survival analyses and provides a nuanced understanding of the variables influencing renal function in CKD patients. This personalized model enables a more precise assessment of renal failure risk, tailored to each patient’s unique clinical profile. The findings contribute to improving the management of CKD patients and provide a foundation for personalized healthcare interventions in the context of renal diseases.
Review on Panic Buying Behavior during Pandemics: Influencing Factors, Stockpiling, and Intervention Strategies
Authors: Jazemi Reza , Farahani Sajede , Otieno Wilkistar , Jang Jaejin
Published: March 2024

Panic buying poses significant challenges for individuals and societies. This paper provides a literature review on the process by which a pandemic crisis evolves into panic buying behavior. The review offers a comprehensive perspective on studies related to panic buying and mitigation efforts, categorizing them based on their contributions in three stages: factors influencing panic buying, the process of transforming panic into increased demand and stockpiling, and applicable intervention strategies to mitigate panic situations. The paper introduces the Socio-Economic Framework of Panic (SEFP) to illustrate the interaction between demand and supply during a panic. The review identifies a lack of quantitative models explicitly correlating influencing factors with panic and estimating panic demand. Additionally, it reveals that suggested intervention strategies often lack practical implementation guidelines. Using the SEFP, the importance of considering interventions at various stages is highlighted, ranging from controlling influencing factors and panic demands to overseeing stockpiling and supply-related activities. The paper also identifies research gaps in both qualitative and quantitative modeling, policymaking, and governance.
The Influence of Mindful Parenting on Children’s Creative Tendencies: The Chain Mediating Effect of Parent–Child Intimacy and Connectedness to Nature
Authors: He Jingyu , Wang Ziming , Zhang Yue , Feng Shuo , Han Jinxia , Quan Hehong , Li Chun
Published: March 2024

(1) Objectives: The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between mindful parenting and children’s creative tendencies and to investigate the mediating role of parent–child intimacy and connectedness to nature in the relationship between mindful parenting and children’s creative tendencies. (2) Methods: In this cross-sectional study, nearly 800 mothers of children aged 3–6 were enrolled. General sociodemographic data, the Mindfulness in Parenting Questionnaire (MIPQ), the Creativity Assessment Packet (CAP), the Child–Parent Relationship Scale—Short Form (CPRS-SF), and the Connectedness to Nature Index—Parents of Preschool Children (CNI-PPC) were all included in the questionnaire survey. (3) Results: There were significant positive correlations among mindful parenting, parent–child intimacy, connectedness to nature, and children’s creative tendencies. Mindful parenting had a positive predictive effect on children’s creative tendencies. Parent–child intimacy played a mediating role between mindful parenting and children’s creative tendencies. Connectedness to nature played a mediating role between mindful parenting and children’s creative tendencies. The correlation between mindful parenting and children’s creative tendencies may be impacted by the chain mediation effects of parent–child intimacy and connectedness to nature. (4) Conclusions: By promoting parent–child intimacy and connectedness to nature, and by utilizing the chain mediating effects of both, mindful parenting positively impacted children’s creative tendencies.
Household Decision-Making Choices: Investment in Children’s Education or Self-Consumption
Authors: Jiang Heng , Liu Lili , Zhang Yonglin
Published: March 2024

Analyzing the sustainable decision-making mechanism between household consumption and education investment can theoretically develop education. This study uses the continuous-time utility model to demonstrate the independent characteristics of consumption and education investment, as well as the principle of decision incompatibility in the decision-making process of the utility maximization problem. Then, we establish a three-phase logarithmic utility model to obtain the intertemporal decision-making path of a family. The analysis shows that the investment allocation ratio between the two phases depends on the expected and discounted level of the offsprings’ abilities, while the total investment level is related to parental altruism. When parents, with foresight, factor in prospective transfer payments from progeny, the optimal decision is to maximize their children’s ultimate human capital within a given total investment. Education investment not only squeezes out consumption but also promotes consumption in various periods due to future transfer payments. The decision-making process of three typical growth stages indicates that as offspring mature and their human capital increases, parents’ willingness to invest in education decreases while self-consumption escalates. This study provides a new perspective and theoretical basis for studying household education expenditure, motivation, and related policy formulation.
External Wall Systems in Passive House Standard: Material, Thermal and Environmental LCA Analysis
Authors: Mazur Łukasz , Szlachetka Olga , Jeleniewicz Katarzyna , Piotrowski Michał
Published: March 2024

The construction sector, a significant consumer of energy, possesses the potential to realize substantial environmental and economic advantages through the adoption of innovative technologies and design approaches. Notably, the Passive House standard, exemplified by energy-efficient single-family homes, emerges as a prominent solution. This study analyzes five external wall systems across multiple stages: (i) a literature review and examination of external wall techniques within the passive standard, utilizing the Passive House Database; (ii) a material and technological assessment of three wood-based and two masonry constructions; (iii) an in-depth thermal performance analysis of selected external partitions; and (iv) a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of the external wall systems. Our findings indicate that among the single-family homes built to the passive standard, 50.94% utilized timber constructions, while 34.21% employed masonry. Thermal analysis revealed that the masonry wall, EW-M-01, exhibited superior thermal efficiency with a heat transfer coefficient (U-value) of 0.0889 W/m2K. Meanwhile, the wooden wall, EW-T-01, led its category with a U-value of 0.1000 W/m2K. The LCA highlighted that the wooden wall EW-T-02 presented the lowest integrated non-renewable energy demand (PENTR) at 425.70 MJ/kg and the most favorable Global Warming Potential (GWP), with a reduction of 55.51 kg CO2e. Conversely, the masonry wall EW-M-01 recorded the highest energy demand and CO2e emissions, at 780.96 MJ/kg and 90.59 kg CO2e, respectively. Water consumption was lowest for the EW-T-02 wooden wall (0.08 m3) and highest for the EW-M-02 masonry wall (0.19 m3). Conclusively, our analysis of passive house external walls demonstrates that wood-based systems offer superior performance in terms of materials, thermal efficiency, and LCA indicators, positioning them as the preferred option for sustainable passive construction.
Equivalent Linearization and Parameter Optimization of the Negative Stiffness Bistable Damper
Authors: Fan Liming , Huang Chen , Huo Linsheng
Published: March 2024

The negative stiffness bistable damper (NSBD) was proposed to suppress structural dynamic responses in our previous study. The vibration mitigation performance of the NSBD is influenced by its design parameters, including negative stiffness, cubic stiffness, and damping coefficients. However, it is extremely challenging to directly acquire the ideal design parameters of the NSBD owing to its inherent nonlinearity. To address this disadvantage, the optimal design approach for the NSBD, based on the equivalent linearization method (ELM) and genetic algorithm (GA), is presented in this paper. The nonlinear NSBD system can be transformed to a linear system utilizing the ELM based on the pseudo-excitation method (PEM). The linearization model that corresponds to the nonlinear NSBD is fairly accurate in its approximation and can be indicated from the numerical results. Then, the main structure’s peak response is minimized through the optimization of the design parameters of the NSBD using the H∞ norm and GA. Moreover, the proposed approach’s effectiveness is assessed using the optimal parameters to calculate the displacement responses of a tall building equipped with the NSBD during various seismic excitations. As revealed by the numerical results, the displacement of the tall building can be effectively restrained by the optimized NSBD.
Carbon Emission Accounting Model for Comprehensive Medical Facilities Based on Population Flow
Authors: Yan Xikang , Luo Qinyu , Chen Zeyu , Yan Yunhan , Qiu Tian , Cheng Peng
Published: March 2024

China is striving to reach a peak in its carbon dioxide emissions by 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2060. The accurate accounting of carbon emissions is important for achieving these dual carbon goals. An extensive literature review and field measurements were conducted to investigate the specific impact of population density on carbon emissions in large integrated healthcare organizations. This research uses VOSviewer to visualize the literature analysis. We determined that the flow of people is a key factor affecting carbon emissions during the operational phase of large-scale comprehensive medical institutions. Through field measurements, the relationship between the density of pedestrian flow and indoor environment measurements was derived, and the incremental equipment operating loads caused by changes in the indoor environment were analyzed. Using the carbon emission factor method advocated by the IPCC, a carbon emission accounting model based on different flow intervals was constructed, and the energy consumption of different equipment was fully considered according to its proportion. The validation results showed that the error between the calculated value and the actual values of the model was 3.07% (less than 5%), which has good validity. The model calculates the direct and indirect carbon emissions in the operational phase based on the population flow perspective, which can provide a reference for the energy-saving design and green operation of large-scale comprehensive medical institutions. The research will continue to focus on the population flow, and the accounting model will be further optimized through machine learning algorithms.
Out-of-Plane Strengthening of Existing Timber Floors with Cross Laminated Timber Panels Made of Short Supply Chain Beech
Authors: Spera Luca , Sciomenta Martina , Bedon Chiara , Fragiacomo Massimo
Published: March 2024

Establishing short supply chains for timber has become important especially in Italy, which is an historically wood-importer country. Timber is an environmentally friendly construction material and a potential mean to reduce carbon footprint produced every year by the building sector. In addition to its sustainability benefits, reversible strengthening interventions can be attained for existing structures. As such, timber can be efficiently used to preserve and protect historical buildings which are, due to architectural and aesthetic values, fundamental components of the Italian cultural heritage. In this study, the use and potential of novel cross-laminated (X-Lam or CLT) timber panels made of Italian hardwood (i.e., beech) for strengthening of existing timber floors is investigated. A quantitative comparison between the mechanical performances of the proposed wood-based product and common retrofitting techniques, such as double-crossed timber planks and reinforced concrete slabs, is carried out in terms of bending stiffness (which is evaluated according to Eurocode 5), influence of weight and reversibility of intervention. It is shown that CLT panels represent a good compromise/alternative for the realisation of reversible and sustainable reinforcing interventions, with rather well promising performances.
Characterization of Thyroid Cancer among Hispanics in California, USA, from 2010 to 2020
Authors: Hsu Robert C. , Tsai Kai-Ya , Benjamin David J. , Chennapan Krithika , Wojcik Katherine Y. , Lee Alice W. , Thomas Jacob S. , Nieva Jorge J. , Liu Lihua
Published: March 2024

Background: Previous studies on Hispanic thyroid cancer cases show sex disparities and an increased prevalence of large tumor sizes and nodal involvement. Here, we characterized Hispanic thyroid cancer cases in California. Methods: We identified thyroid cancer cases from 2010 to 2020 using the California Cancer Registry by sex, race/ethnicity, histology, TNM stage, tumor size, lymph node involvement, and Charlson comorbidity score. The age-adjusted incidence rate (AAIR) and age-adjusted mortality rate (AAMR) for all causes of death were calculated. A Cox proportional hazards regression analysis was performed to evaluate the mortality risk from all causes of death by race. Results: Overall, 56,838 thyroid cancer cases were identified, including 29.75% in Hispanics. Hispanics had the highest female-to-male incidence rate ratio (IRR 3.54) and the highest prevalence of T3/T4 tumor size (28.71%), the highest N1 nodal status (32.69%), and the highest AAMR (0.79 per 100,000 people). After adjusting for demographic and tumor covariates, compared to non-Hispanic White people, Hispanic ethnicity, with an HR of 1.22 (95% CI 1.18–1.25, p < 0.0001), remained a significant independent contributor to mortality risk. Conclusions: Hispanics had the greatest female-to-male IRR ratio, a greater prevalence of advanced disease features at diagnosis, along with the highest AAMR and increased mortality risk despite adjustments for demographic and tumor covariates. Further investigation into other risk factors is needed.
Combined Ultrahypofractionated Whole-Breast Irradiation and IORT-Boost: A Safety and Feasibility Analysis
Authors: Burgos-Burgos Javier , Vega Víctor , Macias-Verde David , Gómez Virginia , Vicente Elena , Murias Carmen , Santana Carlos , Lara Pedro C.
Published: March 2024

Background: The current standard of local treatment for patients with localized breast cancer (BC) includes whole breast irradiation (WBI) after breast-conserving surgery (BCS). Ultrahypofractionated WBI schemes (1-week treatment) were shown not to be inferior to the standard WBI. Tumor bed boost using photon intraoperative radiotherapy (IORT) is safe and feasible in combination with standard WBI. The aim of the present study is to assess, for the first time, the feasibility and safety of combining photon IORT with ultrahypofractionated WBI. Methods: Patients diagnosed with low-risk early BC candidates for BCS were included in this prospective study. IORT was administered at a dose of 20 Gy to the surface’s applicator, and WBI was administered 3–5 weeks after surgery at a total dose of 26 Gy in five consecutive days. Results: From July 2020 to December 2022, seventy-two patients diagnosed with low-risk early BC and treated in our institution were included in this prospective study. All patients completed the proposed treatment, and no severe acute or late grade 3 toxicity was observed 3 and 12 months after WBI, respectively. Conclusions: Our results confirm for the first time that the combination of ultrafractionation WBI and photon-IORT after BCS is a feasible and safe option in patients with early BC.
Screening Implications for Distribution of Colorectal Cancer Subsite by Age and Role of Flexible Sigmoidoscopy
Authors: Lin Gloria , Hein David M. , Liu Po-Hong , Singal Amit G. , Sanford Nina N.
Published: March 2024

Objectives: The effectiveness of colonoscopy to reduce colorectal cancer (CRC) mortality is extrapolated from cohort studies in the absence of randomized controlled trial (RCT) data, whereas flexible sigmoidoscopy is supported by RCT data and may be easier to implement in practice. We characterized the anatomic distribution of CRC to determine the proportion that is visible with sigmoidoscopy. Methods: Patients with a primary diagnosis of colorectal adenocarcinoma were identified in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results program (2000–2020). Tumors from the rectum to the descending colon were categorized as visible by sigmoidoscopy, whereas more proximal tumors required colonoscopy. Differential prognosis between tumor locations, stratified by age groups and stage, was assessed using the overall restricted mean survival time (RMST) at 2, 5, and 10 years. Results: Among 309,466 patients, 58% had tumors visible by sigmoidoscopy, including 73% of those under age 50 (OR 2.10, 95% CI 2.03–2.16 age < 45, OR 2.20, 95% CI 2.13–2.27 age 45–49 versus age ≥ 50). Male sex (OR 1.54, 95% CI 1.51–1.56) and Asian or Pacific Islander race (OR 1.60, 95% CI 1.56–1.64) were also positively associated with tumors visualizable by sigmoidoscopy. Across age groups, for local disease, RMST was comparable for tumors visible versus not visible on sigmoidoscopy. For regional and metastatic cancer, patients with tumors visible by sigmoidoscopy had improved RMST versus those with more proximal tumors. Conclusions: 58% of CRC arises in locations visible by flexible sigmoidoscopy. Flexible sigmoidoscopy should be considered as a viable option for CRC screening, particularly in younger patients unwilling or unable to undergo colonoscopy.
Upper Tract Urothelial Cancer: Guideline of Guidelines
Authors: Pandolfo Savio Domenico , Cilio Simone , Aveta Achille , Wu Zhenjie , Cerrato Clara , Napolitano Luigi , Lasorsa Francesco , Lucarelli Giuseppe , Verze Paolo , Siracusano Salvatore , Quattrone Carmelo , Ferro Matteo , Bologna Eugenio , Campi Riccardo , Del Giudice Francesco , Bertolo Riccardo , Amparore Daniele , Palumbo Sara , Manfredi Celeste , Autorino Riccardo
Published: March 2024

Background: Upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) is a rare disease with a potentially dismal prognosis. We systematically compared international guidelines on UTUC to analyze similitudes and differences among them. Methods: We conducted a search on MEDLINE/PubMed for guidelines related to UTUC from 2010 to the present. In addition, we manually explored the websites of urological and oncological societies and journals to identify pertinent guidelines. We also assessed recommendations from the International Bladder Cancer Network, the Canadian Urological Association, the European Society for Medical Oncology, and the International Consultation on Bladder Cancer, considering their expertise and experience in the field. Results: Among all the sources, only the American Urologist Association (AUA), European Association of Urology (EAU), and the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines specifically report data on diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of UTUC. Current analysis reveals several differences between all three sources on diagnostic work-up, patient management, and follow-up. Among all, AUA and EAU guidelines show more detailed indications. Conclusions: Despite the growing incidence of UTUC, only AUA, EAU, and NCCN guidelines deal with this cancer. Our research depicted high variability in reporting recommendations and opinions. In this regard, we encourage further higher-quality research to gain evidence creating higher grade consensus between guidelines.
A Systematic Review of Diagnostic Modalities and Strategies for the Assessment of Complications in Adult Patients with Neurofibromatosis Type 1
Authors: Rana Sounak , Low Chen Ee , Karthikeyan Manasadevi , Koh Mark Jean Aan , Ngeow Joanne , Chiang Jianbang
Published: March 2024

Background: Neurofibromatosis Type 1 is an autosomal dominant tumour-predisposition condition commonly diagnosed in childhood and fully penetrant by adulthood. Long-term monitoring through imaging is inconsistent and varies between high- and low-income countries. Implementation of a clinical practice guideline through a multidisciplinary clinic is instrumental to the care of adult Neurofibromatosis Type 1 patients. We aim to systematically review international diagnostic modalities and strategies to evaluate any association between a country’s socioeconomic status and diagnostic modalities or strategies used for Neurofibromatosis Type 1 patients. Methods: We searched PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane. Relevant clinical information on the surveillance of adult Neurofibromatosis Type 1 patients worldwide was reviewed, extracted, and synthesised. Results: We identified 51 papers reporting on 7724 individuals. Multiple imaging modalities are actively employed in high-income and upper-middle-income countries for surveying adult Neurofibromatosis Type 1 patients. We did not find any relevant papers from low- and middle-income countries. Conclusions: This systematic review suggests that there is robust data on diagnostic modalities for adult Neurofibromatosis Type 1 patients in high-income countries, but not for low- and middle-income countries. There is a lack of data on consolidated diagnostic strategies from both high- and low-income countries. Efforts should be made to publish data on usual clinical practice in low- and middle-income countries to develop clinical practice guidelines describing best medical practice to fit a local context.
Impact of Bisphosphonate Therapy on Oral Health in Patients with Breast and Prostate Cancer and Bone Metastases: A Comprehensive Study
Authors: Calik Jacek , Calik Katarzyna , Sauer Natalia , Zdzisław Bogucki , Giedziun Piotr , Mackiewicz Jacek , Murawski Marek , Dzięgiel Piotr
Published: March 2024

This study investigates the impact of bisphosphonate therapy on the stomatognathic system in 80 patients with cancer of the breast and prostate with bone metastases. Bisphosphonates are integral for managing skeletal complications in these malignancies but are associated with bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (BRONJ), affecting 0.8–18.5% of patients. BRONJ manifests with pain, neuropathy, tissue swelling, mucosal ulceration, tooth mobility, and abscesses, yet its pathogenesis remains elusive, complicating risk prediction. The research employed comprehensive dental and radiological evaluations. Dental status was assessed using DMFT and OHI-S indices, Eichner’s classification, and clinical periodontal measurements like the pocket depth (PD), clinical attachment loss (CAL), and modified Sulcus Bleeding Index (mSBI). A radiological analysis included panoramic X-rays for radiomorphometric measurements and TMJ lateral radiographs. Results indicated a significant decline in oral hygiene in patients with cancer after bisphosphonate therapy, marked by increased DMFT and OHI-S scores. Periodontal health also showed deterioration, with increased PD and CAL readings. The incidence of BRONJ symptoms was noted, although exact figures are not quantified in this abstract. The study also revealed changes in radiomorphometric parameters, suggesting bisphosphonates’ impact on bone density and structure. No substantial alterations were observed in TMJ function, indicating a need for extended observation to understand bisphosphonates’ long-term effects on the stomatognathic system. These findings highlight the importance of continuous dental monitoring and prophylaxis in patients undergoing bisphosphonate therapy. Implementing meticulous oral care protocols is essential for mitigating BRONJ risk and managing the complex oral health challenges in patients with cancer.
Deciphering the Pivotal Reaction Conditions for Hydrogen Production from Tar Catalytic Cracking by Perovskite
Authors: Chen Wang-Mi , Xi Bei-Dou , Li Ming-Xiao , Ye Mei-Ying , Hou Jia-Qi , Wei Yu-Fang , Yu Cheng-Ze , Meng Fan-Hua
Published: March 2024

The catalytic cracking of pyrolysis gasification tar into H2 has garnered significant attention due to its exceptional conversion efficiency. In this study, the effects of pollutant concentration, residence time, weight hourly space velocity (WHSV), and reaction temperature on the hydrogen performance of LaFe0.5Ni0.5O3 perovskite were comprehensively investigated. Results revealed that moderate pollutant concentration (0.3 g/L), low-medium residence time (250 SCCM), and low WHSV (0.24 gtoluene/(gcat·h)) facilitated efficient interaction between LaFe0.5Ni0.5O3 and toluene, thus achieving high hydrogen production. An increase in reaction temperature had minimal effect on the hourly hydrogen production above 700 °C but caused a significant increase in methane production. Additionally, the effects of oxygen evolution reactions, methane reactions, and methane catalytic cracking reactions of perovskite induced by different reaction conditions on tar cracking products were discussed in detail. Compared to previous reports, the biggest advantages of this system were that the hydrogen production per gram of tar was as high as 1.002 L/g, and the highest hydrogen content in gas-phase products reached 93.5%, which can maintain for approximately 6 h. Finally, LaFe0.5Ni0.5O3 showed good thermal stability, long-term stability, and catalyst reactivation potential.
The Influence of Sulfurization and Carbonization on Mo-Based Catalysts for CH3SH Synthesis
Authors: Wang Hao , Zhang Wenjun , Zheng Dalong , Li Yubei , Fang Jian , Luo Min , Lu Jichang , Luo Yongming
Published: March 2024

Sulfur-resistant Mo-based catalysts have become promising for the one-step synthesis of methanethiol (CH3SH) from CO/H2/H2S, but the low reactant conversion and poor product selectivity have constrained its development. Herein, we synthesized K-MoS2/Al2O3 and K-Mo2C/Al2O3 catalysts via the sulfurization and carbonization of K-Mo-based catalysts in the oxidized state, respectively. During the synthesis of CH3SH, both K-Mo2C/Al2O3 and K-MoS2/Al2O3 showed excellent catalytic performance, and the activity of the former is superior to that of the latter. The effect of different treatments on the catalytic performance of Mo-based catalysts was investigated by XRD, BET, Raman spectroscopy, H2-TPR, and reactants-TPD characterization. The results showed that the sulfide-treated sample showed stronger metal-support interactions and contributed to the formation of K2S, which exposed more active sites and stabilized the formation of C-S bonds. Carbonized samples enhanced the activation of H2, which promoted the hydrogenation of the intermediate species of carbonyl sulfide (COS) and thus improved the selectivity of CH3SH.
NF-κB as an Inducible Regulator of Inflammation in the Central Nervous System
Authors: Anilkumar Sudha , Wright-Jin Elizabeth
Published: March 2024

The NF-κB (nuclear factor K-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells) transcription factor family is critical for modulating the immune proinflammatory response throughout the body. During the resting state, inactive NF-κB is sequestered by IκB in the cytoplasm. The proteasomal degradation of IκB activates NF-κB, mediating its translocation into the nucleus to act as a nuclear transcription factor in the upregulation of proinflammatory genes. Stimuli that initiate NF-κB activation are diverse but are canonically attributed to proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines. Downstream effects of NF-κB are cell type-specific and, in the majority of cases, result in the activation of pro-inflammatory cascades. Acting as the primary immune responders of the central nervous system, microglia exhibit upregulation of NF-κB upon activation in response to pathological conditions. Under such circumstances, microglial crosstalk with other cell types in the central nervous system can induce cell death, further exacerbating the disease pathology. In this review, we will emphasize the role of NF-κB in triggering neuroinflammation mediated by microglia.
Low Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Decreases the Expression of Adenosine A2A Receptor and Lipid Rafts-Protein Flotillin-1: Insights on Cardiovascular Risk of Hypercholesterolemia
Authors: Chaptal Marie-Charlotte , Maraninchi Marie , Musto Giorgia , Mancini Julien , Chtioui Hedi , Dupont-Roussel Janine , Marlinge Marion , Fromonot Julien , Lalevee Nathalie , Mourre Florian , Beliard Sophie , Guieu Régis , Valero René , Mottola Giovanna
Published: March 2024

High blood levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol (LDL-C) are associated with atherosclerosis, mainly by promoting foam cell accumulation in vessels. As cholesterol is an essential component of cell plasma membranes and a regulator of several signaling pathways, LDL-C excess may have wider cardiovascular toxicity. We examined, in untreated hypercholesterolemia (HC) patients, selected regardless of the cause of LDL-C accumulation, and in healthy participants (HP), the expression of the adenosine A2A receptor (A2AR), an anti-inflammatory and vasodilatory protein with cholesterol-dependent modulation, and Flotillin-1, protein marker of cholesterol-enriched plasma membrane domains. Blood cardiovascular risk and inflammatory biomarkers were measured. A2AR and Flotillin-1 expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) was lower in patients compared to HP and negatively correlated to LDL-C blood levels. No other differences were observed between the two groups apart from transferrin and ferritin concentrations. A2AR and Flotillin-1 proteins levels were positively correlated in the whole study population. Incubation of HP PBMCs with LDL-C caused a similar reduction in A2AR and Flotillin-1 expression. We suggest that LDL-C affects A2AR expression by impacting cholesterol-enriched membrane microdomains. Our results provide new insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying cholesterol toxicity, and may have important clinical implication for assessment and treatment of cardiovascular risk in HC.
Unilateral Sensorineural Hearing Loss in Children: Etiology, Audiological Characteristics, and Treatment
Authors: Aldè Mirko , Zanetti Diego , Ambrosetti Umberto , Monaco Eleonora , Gasbarre Anna Maria , Pignataro Lorenzo , Cantarella Giovanna , Barozzi Stefania
Published: March 2024

The aim of this study was to evaluate audiological characteristics and parents’ opinions on hearing device use in children with unilateral sensorineural hearing loss (USNHL) who attended a tertiary-level audiologic center. The medical charts of 70 children aged 6 to 12 years with USNHL were reviewed. In 51.4% of cases, the children were diagnosed with USNHL after the age of 2 years. The main causes of USNHL were congenital cytomegalovirus infection (21.4%) and unilateral cochlear nerve hypoplasia (12.9%). The percentage of patients wearing a hearing device was 45.7% (32/70); of these, 28 (87.5%) wore a conventional hearing aid, 2 (6.3%) a CROS device, and 2 (6.3%) a cochlear implant. Regarding the choice to use a hearing device, no significant differences were found between the subcategories of hearing loss degree (p = 0.55) and audiometric configuration (p = 0.54). Most parents of children with mild-to-severe USNHL observed improved attention (90.9%), and reduced fatigue and restlessness (86.4%) using the hearing aid. These children performed significantly better on all audiological tests (speech perception in quiet and in noise conditions, and sound localization) while wearing the hearing aid (p < 0.001). More efforts should be made to raise awareness among professionals and parents about the negative consequences of uncorrected USNHL.
Influential Social Determinants of Adherence to Preventive and Health Promotion Activities during Pregnancy and the First Year of Life: Systematic Review
Authors: Romero-Barranca Julia , Garcia-Cabrera Emilio , Román Encarnación , Quintero-Flórez Angélica , Luque-Romero Luis , Vilches-Arenas Ángel
Published: March 2024

Effective monitoring throughout pregnancy and the first year of life is a crucial factor in achieving lower rates of maternal and infant mortality. Currently, research on socioeconomic factors that influence the lack of adherence to preventive and control measures during pregnancy and the first year of life is limited. The objective of this review is to examine the available evidence on social determinants that influence participation in health promotion and preventive activities throughout the pregnancy journey and in infants during their first year of life. We performed a systematic review of the literature searching in the major scientific databases (PubMed, Scopus, EMBASE, WOS, and Cochrane Library) for articles from February 2017 to May 2023 containing information on health inequities that impact participation in health promotion and preventive measures from pregnancy through the first year of an infant’s life. A total of 12 studies were selected; these studies were performed in ten different countries on five different continents. The selected studies cover preventive measures during maternal care, vaccination, and immunization during pregnancy and the first year of life, newborn screening, and follow-up of the first 12 months of life. The social factors associated with low adherence to health promotion activities during pregnancy and the first year of life include education, income, ethnicity, place of residence, and family characteristics. Despite the diverse geographical distribution, it is observed that there are common social factors linked to a decrease in the adherence to preventive measures during pregnancy and in the early years of life.
Parental Attitudes towards Child Oral Health and Their Structural Analysis
Authors: Zaborskis Apolinaras , Razmienė Jaunė , Razmaitė Augustė , Andruškevičienė Vilija , Narbutaitė Julija , Bendoraitienė Eglė Aida , Kavaliauskienė Aistė
Published: March 2024

The relationship between parental attitudes towards health and child development has been a topic of interest for many years; however, research results in this field are still inconsistent. This study aimed to develop a structural equation model of the Parental Attitudes toward Child Oral Health (PACOH) scale, using this model to analyse the relationship between parental attitudes with demographic variables and the oral health-related behaviour of parents and children. A total of 302 parents (87% mothers) answered questions regarding their own and their children’s, aged 4–7 years, oral health-related actions and completed the 38-item PACOH scale. The structural equation model indicated that parental attitudes captured by the PACOH scale can be fitted to a second-order factorial model, even with the scale shortened to 21 items. The model demonstrated good fit characteristics (CFI = 0.925; IFI = 0.927; GFI = 0.915; RMSEA = 0.049), making it a reliable tool for examining the structure of parental attitudes. This model was employed in the multi-group analysis, revealing the close relationship between positive parents’ attitudes towards their child’s oral health and oral health-promoting behaviour both in parents and children, such as regular tooth brushing (p < 0.001), visiting the dentist (p = 0.027), and parents helping their child brush his/her teeth (p < 0.001). In light of these findings, it was concluded that Parental Attitudes towards Child Oral Health should be considered an essential factor influencing the development of oral health-promoting behaviour in children.
XPS and ARXPS for Characterizing Multilayers of Silanes on Gold Surfaces
Authors: Casula Giulio , Fantauzzi Marzia , Elsener Bernhard , Rossi Antonella
Published: March 2024

X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and angle-resolved XPS (ARXPS) characterization of surface layers resulting from the functionalization of polymers such as polyvinylchloride (PVC) modified with 3(mercaptopropyl)-trimethoxysilane (MPTMS) and (3-aminopropyl) triethoxysilane (APTES) is challenging due to the overlap in signals, deriving both from the substrate and the functionalized layers. In this work, a freshly cleaved, ideally flat gold surface was used as carbon-free model substrate functionalized with MPTMS and subsequently grafted with APTES. Avoiding the overlap of signals from carbon atoms present in the substrate, the signals in the C1s, O1s, Si2p, S2p and N1s high-resolution spectra could be assigned to the MPTMS/APTES functionalized layer only and the curve-fitting parameters could be determined. Quantitative analysis was in very good agreement with the expected stoichiometry of the functionalized layer, confirming the adopted curve-fitting procedure. In addition, it was found that one molecule of APTES grafted two MPTMS via silane groups. ARXPS allowed for determining the thickness of the functionalized layers: MPTMS thickness was found to be 0.5 (0.2) nm, whereas MPTMS + APTES thickness 1.0 (0.2) nm was in good agreement with Avogadro model calculations. This approach can be considered a powerful tool for characterizing functionalized surfaces of more complex systems by XPS.
Correction: Ghnatios et al. A Regularized Real-Time Integrator for Data-Driven Control of Heating Channels. Computation 2022, 10, 176
Authors: Ghnatios Chady , Champaney Victor , Pasquale Angelo , Chinesta Francisco
Published: March 2024

There was an error in the original publication, section data availability, stating “Data is available upon request” [...]
Joint Expedition: Exploring Clinical Medical Imaging and Artificial Intelligence as a Team Integration
Authors: Giansanti Daniele
Published: March 2024

The field of clinical medical imaging has seen remarkable advancements in recent years, particularly with the introduction of artificial intelligence (AI) techniques [...]