bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Residual Aneurysmal Sac Shrinkage Post-Endovascular Aneurysm Repair: The Role of Preoperative Inflammatory Markers
Authors: Pasqui Edoardo , de Donato Gianmarco , Molino Cecilia , Abu Leil Mustafa , Anzaldi Manfredi Giuseppe , Galzerano Giuseppe , Palasciano Giancarlo
Published: July 2023

Introduction: In this study, we evaluated the role of preoperative inflammatory markers as Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte (NLR) and Platelet-to-Lymphocyte (PLR) ratios in relation to post-endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) sac shrinkage, which is known to be an important factor for abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) healing. Methods: This was a single-center retrospective observational study. All patients who underwent the EVAR procedure from January 2017 to December 2020 were eligible for this study. Pre-operative blood samples of all patients admitted were used to calculate NLR and PLR. Sac shrinkage was defined as a decrease of ≥5 mm in the maximal sac diameter. The optimal NLR and PLR cut-offs for aneurysmal sac shrinkage were obtained from ROC curves. Stepwise multivariate analysis was performed in order to identify independent risk and protective factors for the absence of AAA shrinkage. Kaplan–Meier curves were used to evaluate survival rates with respect to the AAA shrinkage. Results: A total of 184 patients were finally enrolled. The mean age was 75.8 ± 8.3 years, and 85.9% were male (158/184). At a mean follow-up of 43 ± 18 months, sac shrinkage was registered in 107 patients (58.1%). No-shrinking AAA patients were more likely to be older, to have a higher level of NLR and PLR, and be an active smoker. Kaplan–Meier curves highlighted a higher rate of survival for shrinking AAA patients with respect to their counterparts (p < 0.03). Multivariate analysis outlined active smoking and NLR as independent risk factors for no-shrinking AAA. Conclusions: Inflammation emerged as a possible causative factor for no-shrinking AAA, playing a role in aneurysmal sac remodeling. This study revealed that inflammatory biomarkers, such as NLR and PLR, can be used as a preoperative index of AAA sac behavior after EVAR procedures.
Angiogenesis and Tissue Repair Depend on Platelet Dosing and Bioformulation Strategies Following Orthobiological Platelet-Rich Plasma Procedures: A Narrative Review
Authors: Everts Peter A. , Lana José Fábio , Onishi Kentaro , Buford Don , Peng Jeffrey , Mahmood Ansar , Fonseca Lucas F. , van Zundert Andre , Podesta Luga
Published: July 2023

Angiogenesis is the formation of new blood vessel from existing vessels and is a critical first step in tissue repair following chronic disturbances in healing and degenerative tissues. Chronic pathoanatomic tissues are characterized by a high number of inflammatory cells; an overexpression of inflammatory mediators; such as tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-1 (IL-1); the presence of mast cells, T cells, reactive oxygen species, and matrix metalloproteinases; and a decreased angiogenic capacity. Multiple studies have demonstrated that autologous orthobiological cellular preparations (e.g., platelet-rich plasma (PRP)) improve tissue repair and regenerate tissues. There are many PRP devices on the market. Unfortunately, they differ greatly in platelet numbers, cellular composition, and bioformulation. PRP is a platelet concentrate consisting of a high concentration of platelets, with or without certain leukocytes, platelet-derived growth factors (PGFs), cytokines, molecules, and signaling cells. Several PRP products have immunomodulatory capacities that can influence resident cells in a diseased microenvironment, inducing tissue repair or regeneration. Generally, PRP is a blood-derived product, regardless of its platelet number and bioformulation, and the literature indicates both positive and negative patient treatment outcomes. Strangely, the literature does not designate specific PRP preparation qualifications that can potentially contribute to tissue repair. Moreover, the literature scarcely addresses the impact of platelets and leukocytes in PRP on (neo)angiogenesis, other than a general one-size-fits-all statement that “PRP has angiogenic capabilities”. Here, we review the cellular composition of all PRP constituents, including leukocytes, and describe the importance of platelet dosing and bioformulation strategies in orthobiological applications to initiate angiogenic pathways that re-establish microvasculature networks, facilitating the supply of oxygen and nutrients to impaired tissues.
Change in Publication Frequency in 2023
Authors: Gorb Stanislav N.
Published: July 2023

We are pleased to announce that starting in July 2023, Biomimetics will publish 12 monthly online issues [...]
Organization of the Subdiaphragmatic Vagus Nerve and Its Connection with the Celiac Plexus and the Ovaries in the Female Rat
Authors: Rivera-Castro María E. , Pastelín César F. , Bravo-Benítez Juan , Morán Carolina
Published: July 2023

Communication between the ovaries and the central nervous system occurs by peripheral innervation through the celiac plexus, superior ovarian nerve, and ovarian plexus nerve. The vagus nerve is involved in regulating the ovaries, but the neuroanatomical pathway that links them is not clear. Adult female rats were used for gross anatomy, acetylcholinesterase histochemistry, and the immunofluorescence analysis of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), choline acetyltransferase (ChAT), and tryptophan hydroxylase 2 (TPH). The results obtained indicate that the right vagus nerve (RVN) travels parallel and caudal to the esophagus, where three nerve branches were identified. Also, a right vagal plexus (RVP) formed by microganglia was described, establishing communication with the celiac plexus, and was mainly reactive to tyrosine hydroxylase (TH); some serotoninergic and cholinergic neurons were also found. The left vagus nerve (LVN) travels over the esophagus, bifurcates before its insertion into the stomach and enters the RCG. This neuroanatomical and biochemical description of the RVN and LVN in the rat suggests the RVP is formed by presynaptic catecholaminergic terminals and cholinergic neurons. This information could support detailed studies of communication between the vagus nerve and the ovaries and identify the type of neural signaling involved in abdominal control of the vagus nerve.
Exoscopic Microsurgery: A Change of Paradigm in Brain Tumor Surgery? Comparison with Standard Operative Microscope
Authors: Di Cristofori Andrea , Graziano Francesca , Rui Chiara Benedetta , Rebora Paola , Di Caro Diego , Chiarello Gaia , Stefanoni Giovanni , Julita Chiara , Florio Santa , Ferlito Davide , Basso Gianpaolo , Citerio Giuseppe , Remida Paolo , Carrabba Giorgio , Giussani Carlo
Published: July 2023

Background: The exoscope is a high-definition telescope recently introduced in neurosurgery. In the past few years, several reports have described the advantages and disadvantages of such technology. No studies have compared results of surgery with standard microscope and exoscope in patients with glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). Methods: Our retrospective study encompassed 177 patients operated on for GBM (WHO 2021) between February 2017 and August 2022. A total of 144 patients were operated on with a microscope only and the others with a 3D4K exoscope only. All clinical and radiological data were collected. Progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) have been estimated in the two groups and compared by the Cox model adjusting for potential confounders (e.g., sex, age, Karnofsky performance status, gross total resection, MGMT methylated promoter, and operator’s experience). Results: IDH was mutated in 9 (5.2%) patients and MGMT was methylated in 76 (44.4%). Overall, 122 patients received a gross total resection, 14 patients received a subtotal resection, and 41 patients received a partial resection. During follow-up, 139 (73.5%) patients experienced tumor recurrence and 18.7% of them received a second surgery. After truncation to 12 months, the median PFS for patients operated on with the microscope was 8.82 months, while for patients operated on with the exoscope it was >12 months. Instead, the OS was comparable in the two groups. The multivariable Cox model showed that the use of microscope compared to the exoscope was associated with lower progression-free survival (hazard ratio = 3.55, 95%CI = 1.66–7.56, p = 0.001). Conclusions: The exoscope has proven efficacy in terms of surgical resection, which was not different to that of the microscope. Furthermore, patients operated on with the exoscope had a longer PFS. A comparable OS was observed between microscope and exoscope, but further prospective studies with longer follow-up are needed.
Modern Risk Stratification of Acute Myeloid Leukemia in 2023: Integrating Established and Emerging Prognostic Factors
Authors: Boscaro Eleonora , Urbino Irene , Catania Federica Maria , Arrigo Giulia , Secreto Carolina , Olivi Matteo , D’Ardia Stefano , Frairia Chiara , Giai Valentina , Freilone Roberto , Ferrero Dario , Audisio Ernesta , Cerrano Marco
Published: July 2023

An accurate estimation of AML prognosis is complex since it depends on patient-related factors, AML manifestations at diagnosis, and disease genetics. Furthermore, the depth of response, evaluated using the level of MRD, has been established as a strong prognostic factor in several AML subgroups. In recent years, this rapidly evolving field has made the prognostic evaluation of AML more challenging. Traditional prognostic factors, established in cohorts of patients treated with standard intensive chemotherapy, are becoming less accurate as new effective therapies are emerging. The widespread availability of next-generation sequencing platforms has improved our knowledge of AML biology and, consequently, the recent ELN 2022 recommendations significantly expanded the role of new gene mutations. However, the impact of rare co-mutational patterns remains to be fully disclosed, and large international consortia such as the HARMONY project will hopefully be instrumental to this aim. Moreover, accumulating evidence suggests that clonal architecture plays a significant prognostic role. The integration of clinical, cytogenetic, and molecular factors is essential, but hierarchical methods are reaching their limit. Thus, innovative approaches are being extensively explored, including those based on “knowledge banks”. Indeed, more robust prognostic estimations can be obtained by matching each patient’s genomic and clinical data with the ones derived from very large cohorts, but further improvements are needed.
Enzalutamide Prior to Radium-223 Is Associated with Better Overall Survival in Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer Patients Compared to Abiraterone—A Retrospective Study
Authors: Chen Hao Xiang , Tsai Li-Hsien , Chang Chao-Hsiang , Wu Hsi-Chin , Lin Ching-Chan , Lin Che-Hung , Yeh Chin-Chung , Yang Chi-Rei , Lien Chi-Shun , Chang Yi-Huei , Liang Ji-An , Chen Guan-Heng , Hsiao Po-Jen , Hsieh Po-Fan , Huang Chi-Ping
Published: July 2023

Metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) is a progressive stage of prostate cancer that often spreads to the bone. Radium-223, a bone-targeting radiopharmaceutical, has been shown to improve the overall survival in mCRPC in patients without visceral metastasis. However, the impact of prior systemic therapy on the treatment outcome of mCRPC patients receiving radium-223 remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the optimal choice of systemic therapy before radium-223 in mCRPC patients. The study included 41 mCRPC patients who received radium-223 therapy, with 22 receiving prior enzalutamide and 19 receiving prior abiraterone. The results showed that the median overall survival was significantly longer in the enzalutamide group than in the abiraterone group (25.1 months vs. 14.8 months, p = 0.049). Moreover, the number of patients requiring blood transfusion was higher in the abiraterone group than in the enzalutamide group (9.1% vs. 26.3%, p = 0.16). The study also found that the number of doses of Radium-223 received was significantly associated with overall survival (≥5 vs. <5, HR 0.028, 95%CI 0.003–0.231, p = 0.001). Our study provides insights into the optimal treatment choice for mCRPC prior to radium-223, indicating that enzalutamide prior to radium-223 administration may have better outcomes compared to abiraterone in mCRPC patients without visceral metastasis.
Optimal Time Interval between Neoadjuvant Platinum-Based Chemotherapy and Interval Debulking Surgery in High-Grade Serous Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Andrikopoulou Angeliki , Theofanakis Charalampos , Markellos Christos , Kaparelou Maria , Koutsoukos Konstantinos , Apostolidou Kleoniki , Thomakos Nikolaos , Haidopoulos Dimitrios , Rodolakis Alexandros , Dimopoulos Meletios-Athanasios , Zagouri Flora , Liontos Michalis
Published: July 2023

Background: There is limited data on the optimal time interval between the last dose of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) and interval debulking surgery (IDS) in high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma (HGSC). Methods: We retrospectively identified patients with stage IIIC/IV HGSC who received NACT followed by IDS during a 15-year period (January 2003–December 2018) in our Institution. Results: Overall, 115 patients with stage IIIC/IV HGSC were included. The median age of diagnosis was 62.7 years (IQR: 14.0). A total of 76.5% (88/115) of patients were diagnosed with IIIC HGSC and 23.5% (27/115) with IV HGSC. Median PFS was 15.7 months (95% CI: 13.0–18.5), and median OS was 44.7 months (95% CI: 38.8–50.5). Patients were categorized in groups according to the time interval from NACT to IDS: <4 weeks (group A); 4–5 weeks (group B); 5–6 weeks (group C); >6 weeks (group D). Patients with a time interval IDS to NACT ≥4 weeks had significantly shorter PFS (p = 0.004) and OS (p = 0.002). Median PFS was 26.6 months (95% CI: 24–29.2) for patients undergoing IDS <4 weeks after NACT vs. 14.4 months (95% CI: 12.6–16.2) for those undergoing IDS later (p = 0.004). Accordingly, median OS was 66.3 months (95% CI: 39.1–93.4) vs. 39.4 months (95% CI: 31.8–47.0) in the <4 week vs. >4 week time interval NACT to IDS groups (p = 0.002). On multivariate analysis, the short time interval (<4 weeks) from NACT to IDS was an independent factor of PFS (p = 0.004) and OS (p = 0.003). Conclusion: We have demonstrated that performing IDS within four weeks after NACT may be associated with better survival outcomes. Multidisciplinary coordination among ovarian cancer patients is required to avoid any unnecessary delays.
Editorial (Preface) for the Special Issue on Advances in Minimally Invasive Liver Resection for Cancer Therapies
Authors: Morise Zenichi
Published: July 2023

After the initial reports of laparoscopic liver resection (LLR) in the early 1990s, minimally invasive liver resection has been rapidly developing based on technical and instrumental improvements [...]
Dissecting the Methylomes of EGFR-Amplified Glioblastoma Reveals Altered DNA Replication and Packaging, and Chromatin and Gene Silencing Pathways
Authors: Kraus Theo F. J. , Langwieder Celina K. , Hölzl Dorothee , Hutarew Georg , Schlicker Hans U. , Alinger-Scharinger Beate , Schwartz Christoph , Sotlar Karl
Published: July 2023

Glioblastoma IDH wildtype is the most frequent brain tumor in adults. It shows a highly malignant behavior and devastating outcomes. To date, there is still no targeted therapy available; thus, patients’ median survival is limited to 12–15 months. Epithelial growth factor receptor (EGFR) is an interesting targetable candidate in advanced precision medicine for brain tumor patients. In this study, we performed integrated epigenome-wide DNA-methylation profiling of 866,895 methylation specific sites in 50 glioblastoma IDH wildtype samples, comparing EGFR amplified and non-amplified glioblastomas. We found 9849 significantly differentially methylated CpGs (DMCGs) with Δβ ≥ 0.1 and p-value < 0.05 in EGFR amplified, compared to EGFR non-amplified glioblastomas. Of these DMCGs, 2380 were annotated with tiling (2090), promoter (117), gene (69) and CpG islands (104); 7460 are located at other loci. Interestingly, the list of differentially methylated genes allocated eleven functionally relevant RNAs: five miRNAs (miR1180, miR1255B1, miR126, miR128-2, miR3125), two long non-coding RNAs (LINC00474, LINC01091), and four antisense RNAs (EPN2-AS1, MNX1-AS2, NKX2-2-AS1, WWTR1-AS1). Gene ontology (GO) analysis showed enrichment of “DNA replication-dependent nucleosome assembly”, “chromatin silencing at rDNA”, “regulation of gene silencing by miRNA”, “DNA packaging”, “posttranscriptional gene silencing”, “gene silencing by RNA”, “negative regulation of gene expression, epigenetic”, “regulation of gene silencing”, “protein-DNA complex subunit organization”, and “DNA replication-independent nucleosome organization” pathways being hypomethylated in EGFR amplified glioblastomas. In summary, dissecting the methylomes of EGFR amplified and non-amplified glioblastomas revealed altered DNA replication, DNA packaging, chromatin silencing and gene silencing pathways, opening potential novel targets for future precision medicine.
Waste Biomass Originated Biocompatible Fluorescent Graphene Nano-Sheets for Latent Fingerprints Detection in Versatile Surfaces
Authors: Bhati Kajol , Tripathy Divya Bajpai , Dixit Ashutosh Kumar , Kumaravel Vignesh , Sabir Jamal S.M. , Rather Irfan A. , Shukla Shruti
Published: July 2023

In recent years, the application of biocompatible and non-toxic nanomaterials for the detection of fingerprints has become the major interest in the forensic sector and crime investigation. In this study, waste chickpea seeds, as a natural resource, were bioprocessed and utilized for the synthesis of non-toxic graphene nano-sheets (GNSs) with high fluorescence. The graphene GNS were synthesized via pyrolysis at high temperatures and were characterized by TEM, XPS, fluorescence and UV-Vis spectroscopy, and FTIR analysis. The GNS exhibited excitation-independent emission at about 620 nm with a quantum yield of over 10% and showed more distinct blue light under a UV lamp. Biocompatibility of the synthesized GNS in terms of cell viability (88.28% and 74.19%) was observed even at high concentrations (50 and 100 mg/mL), respectively. In addition, the antimicrobial properties of the synthesized GNS-based coatings were tested with the pathogenic strain of Bacillus cereus via live/dead cell counts and a plate counting method confirming their biocompatible and antimicrobial nature for their potential use in safe fingerprint detection. The developed chickpea-originated fluorescent GNS-based spray coatings were tested on different surfaces, including plastic, glass, silicon, steel, and soft plastic for the detection of crime scene fingerprints. Results confirmed that GNS can be used for the detection of latent fingerprints on multiple non-porous surfaces and were easy to detect under a UV lamp at 395 nm. These findings reinforce the suggestion that the developed fluorescent GNS spray coating has a high potential to increase sensitive and stable crime traces for forensic latent fingerprint detection on nonporous surface material. Capitalizing on their color-tunable behavior, the developed chickpea-originated fluorescent GNS-based spray coating is ideal for the visual enhancement of latent fingerprints.
Inversely Regulated Inflammation-Related Processes Mediate Anxiety–Obesity Links in Zebrafish Larvae and Adults
Authors: Yehuda Hila , Madrer Nimrod , Goldberg Doron , Soreq Hermona , Meerson Ari
Published: July 2023

Anxiety and metabolic impairments are often inter-related, but the underlying mechanisms are unknown. To seek RNAs involved in the anxiety disorder–metabolic disorder link, we subjected zebrafish larvae to caffeine-induced anxiety or high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity followed by RNA sequencing and analyses. Notably, differentially expressed (DE) transcripts in these larval models and an adult zebrafish caffeine-induced anxiety model, as well as the transcript profiles of inherently anxious versus less anxious zebrafish strains and high-fat diet-fed versus standard diet-fed adult zebrafish, revealed inversely regulated DE transcripts. In both larval anxiety and obesity models, these included long noncoding RNAs and transfer RNA fragments, with the overrepresented immune system and inflammation pathways, e.g., the “interleukin signaling pathway” and “inflammation mediated by chemokine and cytokine signaling pathway”. In adulthood, overrepresented immune system processes included “T cell activation”, “leukocyte cell-cell adhesion”, and “antigen processing and presentation”. Furthermore, unlike adult zebrafish, obesity in larvae was not accompanied by anxiety-like behavior. Together, these results may reflect an antagonistic pleiotropic phenomenon involving a re-adjusted modulation of the anxiety–metabolic links with an occurrence of the acquired immune system. Furthermore, the HFD potential to normalize anxiety-upregulated immune-related genes may reflect the high-fat diet protection of anxiety and neurodegeneration reported by others.
Neurochemical Basis of Inter-Organ Crosstalk in Health and Obesity: Focus on the Hypothalamus and the Brainstem
Authors: Haspula Dhanush , Cui Zhenzhong
Published: July 2023

Precise neural regulation is required for maintenance of energy homeostasis. Essential to this are the hypothalamic and brainstem nuclei which are located adjacent and supra-adjacent to the circumventricular organs. They comprise multiple distinct neuronal populations which receive inputs not only from other brain regions, but also from circulating signals such as hormones, nutrients, metabolites and postprandial signals. Hence, they are ideally placed to exert a multi-tier control over metabolism. The neuronal sub-populations present in these key metabolically relevant nuclei regulate various facets of energy balance which includes appetite/satiety control, substrate utilization by peripheral organs and glucose homeostasis. In situations of heightened energy demand or excess, they maintain energy homeostasis by restoring the balance between energy intake and expenditure. While research on the metabolic role of the central nervous system has progressed rapidly, the neural circuitry and molecular mechanisms involved in regulating distinct metabolic functions have only gained traction in the last few decades. The focus of this review is to provide an updated summary of the mechanisms by which the various neuronal subpopulations, mainly located in the hypothalamus and the brainstem, regulate key metabolic functions.
Effect of a Phosphorus Additive on Luminescent and Scintillation Properties of Ceramics GYAGG:Ce
Authors: Ermakova Lydia V. , Smyslova Valentina G. , Dubov Valery V. , Kuznetsova Daria E. , Malozovskaya Maria S. , Saifutyarov Rasim R. , Karpyuk Petr V. , Sokolov Petr S. , Komendo Ilia Yu. , Bondarau Aliaksei G. , Mechinsky Vitaly A. , Korzhik Mikhail V.
Published: July 2023

The production of the scintillation ceramics can require the utilization of the phosphorus compounds at certain stages of 3D-printing, such as vat polymerization, applied for the formation of green bodies before sintering. The effect of phosphorus additive on the microstructure, optical, and scintillation parameters of Gd1.494Y1.494 Ce0.012Al2Ga3O12 (GYAGG:Ce) ceramics obtained by pressureless sintering at 1650 °C in an oxygen atmosphere was investigated for the first time. Phosphorus was introduced in the form of NH4H2PO4 into the initial hydroxocarbonate precipitate in a wide concentration range (from 0 to 0.6 wt.%). With increasing of phosphorus concentration, the density and the optical transmittance of garnet ceramics show a decrease, which is caused by an increase in the number of pores and inclusions. The light yield of fast scintillation, which is caused by Ce3+ ions, was found to be affected by the phosphorus additive as well. Moreover, an increase in phosphorescence intensity was recognized.
Phase Transformations upon Formation of Transparent Lithium Alumosilicate Glass-Ceramics Nucleated by Yttrium Niobates
Authors: Dymshits Olga , Bachina Anastasia , Alekseeva Irina , Golubkov Valery , Tsenter Marina , Zapalova Svetlana , Bogdanov Kirill , Danilovich Dmitry , Zhilin Alexander
Published: July 2023

Phase transformations in the lithium aluminosilicate glass nucleated by a mixture of yttrium and niobium oxides and doped with cobalt ions were studied for the development of multifunctional transparent glass-ceramics. Initial glass and glass-ceramics obtained by isothermal heat-treatments at 700–900 °C contain YNbO4 nanocrystals with the distorted tetragonal structure. In samples heated at 1000 °C and above, the monoclinic features are observed. High-temperature X-ray diffraction technique clarifies the mechanism of the monoclinic yttrium orthoniobate formation, which occurs not upon high-temperature heat-treatments above 900 °C but at cooling the glass-ceramics after such heat-treatments, when YNbO4 nanocrystals with tetragonal structure undergo the second-order transformation at ~550 °C. Lithium aluminosilicate solid solutions (ss) with β-quartz structure are the main crystalline phase of glass-ceramics prepared in the temperature range of 800–1000 °C. These structural transformations are confirmed by Raman spectroscopy and illustrated by SEM study. The absorption spectrum of the material changes only with crystallization of the β-quartz ss due to entering the Co2+ ions into this phase mainly in octahedral coordination, substituting for Li+ ions. At the crystallization temperature of 1000 °C, the Co2+ coordination in the β-quartz solid solutions changes to tetrahedral one. Transparent glass-ceramics have a thermal expansion coefficient of about 10 × 10−7 K−1.
The Genetics of Glucose-6-Phosphate-Dehydrogenase (G6PD) and Uridine Diphosphate Glucuronosyl Transferase 1A1 (UGT1A1) Promoter Gene Polymorphism in Relation to Quantitative Biochemical G6PD Activity Measurement and Neonatal Hyperbilirubinemia
Authors: Riskin Arieh , Bravdo Yulia , Habib Clair , Maor Irit , Mousa Julnar , Shahbarat Sizett , Shahak Elena , Shalata Adel
Published: July 2023

Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency and polymorphism in uridine diphosphate glucuronosyl transferase 1A1 (UGT1A1) were associated with significant neonatal hyperbilirubinemia (NHB) and increased risk for kernicterus. However, quantitative screening tests for G6PD enzyme activity proved unsatisfactory in estimating the risk for significant NHB, especially in heterozygous females that could present phenotype overlap between normal homozygotes, heterozygotes, and deficient homozygotes, resulting in a continuum of intermediate G6PD activity. Objective: To examine the association of genotype and phenotype in newborns with decreased G6PD activity and its relation to NHB. Study design: Quantitative G6PD enzyme activities were measured on umbilical cord blood samples. After accepting parental consent, samples were analyzed for G6PD mutations and UGT1A1 gene polymorphisms (number of TA repeats in the UGT1A1 promoter). The associations to quantitative G6PD activity and bilirubin levels were assessed. Results: 28 females and 27 males were studied. The Mediterranean mutation (NM_001360016.2(G6PD): c.563C>T (p.Ser188Phe)) was responsible for most cases of G6PD deficiency (20 hemizygous males, 3 homozygous and 16 heterozygous females). The association between this mutation, decreased G6PD activity and higher bilirubin levels was confirmed. Heterozygosity to 6/7 TA repeats in the UGT1A1 promoter was associated with increased NHB, especially in female newborns with G6PD deficiency. However, it seems that the interaction between G6PD deficiency, UGT1A1 promoter polymorphism, and NHB is more complex, possibly involving other genetic interactions, not yet described. Despite genotyping females with G6PD deficiency, the overlap between the upper range of borderline and the lower range of normal G6PD activity could not be resolved. Conclusions: The results of this study highlight the possibility for future implementation of molecular genetic screening to identify infants at risk for significant NHB, especially UGT1A1 polymorphism in heterozygous females with borderline G6PD deficiency. However, further studies are needed before such screening could be applicable to daily practice.
Social and Environmental Determinants of Diarrheal Diseases among Children under Five Years in Epworth Township, Harare
Authors: Chari Sandra , Mbonane Thokozani Patrick , Van Wyk Renay Helouise
Published: July 2023

Children five years or younger in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) are severely affected by diarrheal disease, especially in the sub-Saharan region. Hence, this study aimed at determining the prevalence and determinants of diarrhoea disease among children under 5 years in Epworth Township, Zimbabwe. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at a local clinic in Epworth Township, Harare. A convenience sampling strategy was used to recruit study participants for participation, and 386 children were enrolled in the study. The majority were male children (n = 229; 59.3%), whereas there were more female caregivers (n = 370; 95.9%) than male caregivers (n = 16; 4.1%). The prevalence of diarrhoea disease in the study was 25.1%. The determinants associated with diarrhoea were being partially vaccinated (AOR 2.38, CI: 95% 2.80–8.22), collecting water more than 1 kilometre from a household (AOR 4.55; CI: 95% 2.10–9.85), and using untreated water (AOR 6.22; CI: 95% 2.13–18.20). The age of the caregiver (being older than 21) and using a clean water container (AOR 0.05; CI: 95% 0.02–0.13) were protective factors. Provision of primary health care, especially the prevention of a disease through immunization and rendering environmental health services, could reduce the prevalence of diarrhoea in disadvantaged townships.
Unmet Parental Mental Health Service Needs in Neonatal Follow-Up Programs: Parent and Service Provider Perspectives
Authors: Pierce Shayna K. , Reynolds Kristin A. , Jakobson Lorna S. , Ricci M. Florencia , Roos Leslie E.
Published: July 2023

Parental mental health services in neonatal follow-up programs (NFUPs) are lacking though needed. This study aimed to determine (1) the unmet mental health needs of parents and (2) the parent and provider perspectives on barriers and opportunities to increase mental health service access. Study 1: Parents in a central Canadian NFUP (N = 49) completed a mixed-method online survey (analyzed descriptively and by content analysis) to elucidate their mental health, related service use, barriers to service use, and service preferences. Study 2: Virtual focus groups with NFUP service providers (N = 5) were run to inform service improvements (analyzed by reflexive thematic analysis). The results show that parents endorsed a 2–4 times higher prevalence of clinically significant depression (59.2%), anxiety (51.0%), and PTSD (26.5%) than the general postpartum population. Most parents were not using mental health services (55.1%) due to resource insecurity among parents (e.g., time, cost) and the organization (e.g., staffing, training, referrals). Consolidating parents’ and service providers’ perspectives revealed four opportunities for service improvements: bridging services, mental health screening, online psychoeducation, and peer support. Findings clarify how a central Canadian NFUP can address parental mental health in ways that are desired by parents and feasible for service providers.
Packaging of Fresh Poultry Meat with Innovative and Sustainable ZnO/Pectin Bionanocomposite Films—A Contribution to the Bio and Circular Economy
Authors: Przybyszewska Adrianna , Barbosa Cássia , Pires Filipa , Pires João , Rodrigues Carolina , Galus Sabina , Souza Victor , Alves Marta , Santos Catarina , Coelhoso Isabel , Fernando Ana
Published: July 2023

The development of innovative/sustainable materials capable of enlarging the shelf-life of food products has lately been a focus of research, aiming to reduce food waste. Due to their good antimicrobial properties, zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) can add activity to food packaging, improving its performance. Furthermore, these nanoparticles are considered GRAS by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which represents an advantage in their application. Through an innovative and sustainable approach using tomato and passionfruit extracts, ZnO NPs were produced and incorporated into pectin films. The resulting bionanocomposites were tested for their activity via in situ studies, using fresh poultry meat as a food matrix. Overall, the bionanocomposites presented good antimicrobial activity, with the intrinsic antimicrobial properties of pectin having shown to be enhanced by the incorporated ZnO NPs. When used as primary packaging for the meat, the deterioration rate of the poultry meat, measured through microbiological growth and total volatile basic nitrogen content, was reduced. However, the nanoparticles contributed to the increment of discoloration and meat oxidation processes. Nonetheless, it can be concluded that fresh poultry meat protected with the bionanocomposites presented an extension of its shelf-life time, and it was confirmed that this eco-friendly packaging has potential to be employed by the food industry.
The Influence of the Gravure Printing Quality on the Layer Functionality: The Study Case of LFP Cathode for Li-Ion Batteries
Authors: Montanino Maria , Paoletti Claudia , De Girolamo Del Mauro Anna , Sico Giuliano
Published: July 2023

In light of the growing interest in printed batteries, we recently demonstrated the possibility of employing industrial gravure printing in battery manufacturing. Gravure is the most appealing printing technique for the low-cost production of functional layers, but it is rarely investigated since the necessity to use diluted inks makes it difficult to obtain proper functionality, especially in the case of composites, and an adequate mass loading of the printed layer. For this reason, the ink formulation represents one of the main challenges; ruling on it could strongly boost the use of such a technique in industrial manufacturing. It is known that a viable method for obtaining good gravure printing quality is based on the Capillary number approaching unity. Taking into account such methods for the choice of ink and the process parameters, here a study of the printing quality influence on the functionality and the performances of the gravure printed layer is proposed in the case of an LFP-based cathode for Li-ion batteries. Good printing quality is necessary to obtain proper layer functionality, but specific parameters have to be considered for achieving high performance.
Detecting Smart Contract Vulnerabilities with Combined Binary and Multiclass Classification
Authors: Mezina Anzhelika , Ometov Aleksandr
Published: July 2023

The development of Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) is pushing toward automating decentralized data exchange processes. One of the key components of this evolutionary step is facilitating smart contracts that, in turn, come with several additional vulnerabilities. Despite the existing tools for analyzing smart contracts, keeping these systems running and preserving performance while maintaining a decent level of security in a constantly increasing number of contracts becomes challenging. Machine Learning (ML) methods could be utilized for analyzing and detecting vulnerabilities in DLTs. This work proposes a new ML-based two-phase approach for the detection and classification of vulnerabilities in smart contracts. Firstly, the system’s operation is set up to filter the valid contracts. Secondly, it focuses on detecting a vulnerability type, if any. In contrast to existing approaches in this field of research, our algorithm is more focused on vulnerable contracts, which allows to save time and computing resources in the production environment. According to the results, it is possible to detect vulnerability types with an accuracy of 0.9921, F1 score of 0.9902, precision of 0.9883, and recall of 0.9921 within reasonable execution time, which could be suitable for integrating existing DLTs.
Face-Down, Tail-Up: Unusual In Situ Behavior of the Blackchins Neoscopelus macrolepidotus, Neoscopelus microchir, and Scopelengys tristis (Myctophiformes: Neoscopelidae)
Authors: Bergman Leah A. , Fujiwara Yoshihiro , Assad Victoria E. , Perelman Jessica N. , Drazen Jeffrey C. , Lindsay Dhugal J.
Published: July 2023

Orienting vertically with the head facing upward allows fish to look for the shadow of their prey against ambient light, while also making their own shadow smaller to predators beneath them. Here, we describe the in situ behavior of three midwater fish in the family Neoscopelidae, Neoscopelus macrolepidotus, Neoscopelus microchir, and Scopelengys tristis, all of which were observed facing vertically with the head downward. This behavior allows the fish to diminish its shadow to hide from predators while hunting prey below. Assessing unique behaviors helps us better understand the role of these and other poorly studied deep-sea fishes.
Prediction of Distant Metastases in Patients with Kidney Cancer Based on Gene Expression and Methylation Analysis
Authors: Apanovich Natalya , Matveev Alexey , Ivanova Natalia , Burdennyy Alexey , Apanovich Pavel , Pronina Irina , Filippova Elena , Kazubskaya Tatiana , Loginov Vitaly , Braga Eleonora , Alimov Andrei
Published: July 2023

Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is the most common and aggressive histological type of cancer in this location. Distant metastases are present in approximately 30% of patients at the time of first examination. Therefore, the ability to predict the occurrence of metastases in patients at early stages of the disease is an urgent task aimed at personalized treatment. Samples of tumor and paired histologically normal kidney tissue from patients with metastatic and non-metastatic ccRCC were studied. Gene expression was analyzed using real-time PCR. The level of gene methylation was evaluated using bisulfite conversion followed by quantitative methylation-specific PCR. Two groups of genes were analyzed in this study. The first group includes genes whose expression is significantly reduced during metastasis: CA9, NDUFA4L2, EGLN3, and BHLHE41 (p < 0.001, ROC analysis). The second group includes microRNA genes: MIR125B-1, MIR137, MIR375, MIR193A, and MIR34B/C, whose increased methylation levels are associated with the development of distant metastases (p = 0.002 to <0.001, ROC analysis). Based on the data obtained, a combined panel of genes was formed to identify patients whose tumors have a high metastatic potential. The panel can estimate the probability of metastasis with an accuracy of up to 92%.
Diagnostic Efficacy of Carotid Ultrasound for Predicting the Risk of Perioperative Hypotension or Fluid Responsiveness: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Hung Kuo-Chuan , Huang Yen-Ta , Tsai Wen-Wen , Tan Ping-Heng , Wu Jheng-Yan , Huang Po-Yu , Liu Ting-Hui , Chen I-Wen , Sun Cheuk-Kwan
Published: July 2023

Despite the acceptance of carotid ultrasound for predicting patients’ fluid responsiveness in critical care and anesthesia, its efficacy for predicting hypotension and fluid responsiveness remains unclear in the perioperative setting. Electronic databases were searched from inception to May 2023 to identify observational studies focusing on the use of corrected blood flow time (FTc) and respirophasic variation in carotid artery blood flow peak velocity (ΔVpeak) for assessing the risks of hypotension and fluid responsiveness. Using FTc as a predictive tool (four studies), the analysis yielded a pooled sensitivity of 0.82 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.72 to 0.89) and specificity of 0.94 (95% CI: 0.88 to 0.97) for the risk of hypotension (area under curve (AUC): 0.95). For fluid responsiveness, the sensitivity and specificity of FTc were 0.79 (95% CI: 0.72 to 0.84) and 0.81 (95% CI: 0.75 to 0.86), respectively (AUC: 0.87). In contrast, the use of ΔVpeak to predict the risk of fluid responsiveness showed a pooled sensitivity of 0.76 (95% CI: 0.63 to 0.85) and specificity of 0.74 (95% CI: 0.66 to 0.8) (AUC: 0.79). The current meta-analysis provides robust evidence supporting the high diagnostic accuracy of FTc in predicting perioperative hypotension and fluid responsiveness, which requires further studies for verification.
Performance Evaluation of VIDAS® Diagnostic Assays Detecting Anti-Chikungunya Virus IgM and IgG Antibodies: An International Study
Authors: Pereira Geovana M. , Manuli Erika R. , Coulon Laurie , Côrtes Marina F. , Ramundo Mariana S. , Dromenq Loïc , Larue-Triolet Audrey , Raymond Frédérique , Tourneur Carole , Lázari Carolina dos Santos , Brasil Patricia , Filippis Ana Maria Bispo de , Paranhos-Baccalà Glaucia , Banz Alice , Sabino Ester C.
Published: July 2023

Chikungunya (CHIK) is a debilitating mosquito-borne disease with an epidemiology and early clinical symptoms similar to those of other arboviruses-triggered diseases such as dengue or Zika. Accurate and rapid diagnosis of CHIK virus (CHIKV) infection is therefore challenging. This international study evaluated the performance of the automated VIDAS® anti-CHIKV IgM and IgG assays compared to that of manual competitor IgM and IgG ELISA for the detection of anti-CHIKV IgM and IgG antibodies in 660 patients with suspected CHIKV infection. Positive and negative agreements of the VIDAS® CHIKV assays with ELISA ranged from 97.5% to 100.0%. The sensitivity of the VIDAS® CHIKV assays evaluated in patients with a proven CHIKV infection confirmed reported kinetics of anti-CHIKV IgM and IgG response, with a positive detection of 88.2–100.0% for IgM ≥ 5 days post symptom onset and of 100.0% for IgG ≥ 11 days post symptom onset. Our study also demonstrated the superiority of ELISA and VIDAS® assays over rapid diagnostic IgM/IgG tests. The analytical performance of VIDAS® anti-CHIKV IgM and IgG assays was excellent, with a high precision (coefficients of variation ≤ 7.4%) and high specificity (cross-reactivity rate ≤ 2.9%). This study demonstrates the suitability of the automated VIDAS® anti-CHIKV IgM and IgG assays to diagnose CHIKV infections and supports its applicability for epidemiological surveillance and differential diagnosis in regions endemic for CHIKV.
TGC-YOLOv5: An Enhanced YOLOv5 Drone Detection Model Based on Transformer, GAM & CA Attention Mechanism
Authors: Zhao Yuliang , Ju Zhongjie , Sun Tianang , Dong Fanghecong , Li Jian , Yang Ruige , Fu Qiang , Lian Chao , Shan Peng
Published: July 2023

Drone detection is a significant research topic due to the potential security threats posed by the misuse of drones in both civilian and military domains. However, traditional drone detection methods are challenged by the drastic scale changes and complex ambiguity during drone flight, and it is difficult to detect small target drones quickly and efficiently. We propose an information-enhanced model based on improved YOLOv5 (TGC-YOLOv5) for fast and accurate detection of small target drones in complex environments. The main contributions of this paper are as follows: First, the Transformer encoder module is incorporated into YOLOv5 to augment attention toward the regions of interest. Second, the Global Attention Mechanism (GAM) is embraced to mitigate information diffusion among distinct layers and amplify the global cross-dimensional interaction features. Finally, the Coordinate Attention Mechanism (CA) is incorporated into the bottleneck part of C3, enhancing the extraction capability of local information for small targets. To enhance and verify the robustness and generalization of the model, a small target drone dataset (SUAV-DATA) is constructed in all-weather, multi-scenario, and complex environments. The experimental results show that based on the SUAV-DATA dataset, the AP value of TGC-YOLOv5 reaches 0.848, which is 2.5% higher than the original YOLOv5, and the Recall value of TGC-YOLOv5 reaches 0.823, which is a 3.8% improvement over the original YOLOv5. The robustness of our proposed model is also verified on the Real-World open-source image dataset, achieving the best accuracy in light, fog, stain, and saturation pollution images. The findings and methods of this paper have important significance and value for improving the efficiency and precision of drone detection.
UAV Ad Hoc Network Routing Algorithms in Space–Air–Ground Integrated Networks: Challenges and Directions
Authors: Lu Yuxi , Wen Wu , Igorevich Kostromitin Konstantin , Ren Peng , Zhang Hongxia , Duan Youxiang , Zhu Hailong , Zhang Peiying
Published: July 2023

With the rapid development of 5G and 6G communications in recent years, there has been significant interest in space–air–ground integrated networks (SAGINs), which aim to achieve seamless all-area, all-time coverage. As a key component of SAGINs, flying ad hoc networks (FANETs) have been widely used in the agriculture and transportation sectors in recent years. Reliable communication in SAGINs requires efficient routing algorithms to support them. In this study, we analyze the unique communication architecture of FANETs in SAGINs. At the same time, existing routing protocols are presented and clustered. In addition, we review the latest research advances in routing algorithms over the last five years. Finally, we clarify the future research trends of FANET routing algorithms in SAGINs by discussing the algorithms and comparing the routing experiments with the characteristics of unmanned aerial vehicles.
Hierarchical Maneuver Decision Method Based on PG-Option for UAV Pursuit-Evasion Game
Authors: Li Bo , Zhang Haohui , He Pingkuan , Wang Geng , Yue Kaiqiang , Neretin Evgeny
Published: July 2023

Aiming at the autonomous decision-making problem in an Unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) pursuit-evasion game, this paper proposes a hierarchical maneuver decision method based on the PG-option. Firstly, considering various situations of the relationship of both sides comprehensively, this paper designs four maneuver decision options: advantage game, quick escape, situation change and quick pursuit, and the four options are trained by Soft Actor-Critic (SAC) to obtain the corresponding meta-policy. In addition, to avoid high dimensions in the state space in the hierarchical model, this paper combines the policy gradient (PG) algorithm with the traditional hierarchical reinforcement learning algorithm based on the option. The PG algorithm is used to train the policy selector as the top-level strategy. Finally, to solve the problem of frequent switching of meta-policies, this paper sets the delay selection of the policy selector and introduces the expert experience to design the termination function of the meta-policies, which improves the flexibility of switching policies. Simulation experiments show that the PG-option algorithm has a good effect on UAV pursuit-evasion game and adapts to various environments by switching corresponding meta-policies according to current situation.