bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Developing Forest Road Recognition Technology Using Deep Learning-Based Image Processing
Authors: Lee Hyeon-Seung , Kim Gyun-Hyung , Ju Hong Sik , Mun Ho-Seong , Oh Jae-Heun , Shin Beom-Soo
Published: August 2024

This study develops forest road recognition technology using deep learning-based image processing to support the advancement of autonomous driving technology for forestry machinery. Images were collected while driving a tracked forwarder along approximately 1.2 km of forest roads. A total of 633 images were acquired, with 533 used for the training and validation sets, and the remaining 100 for the test set. The YOLOv8 segmentation technique was employed as the deep learning model, leveraging transfer learning to reduce training time and improve model performance. The evaluation demonstrates strong model performance with a precision of 0.966, a recall of 0.917, an F1 score of 0.941, and a mean average precision (mAP) of 0.963. Additionally, an image-based algorithm is developed to extract the center from the forest road areas detected by YOLOv8 segmentation. This algorithm detects the coordinates of the road edges through RGB filtering, grayscale conversion, binarization, and histogram analysis, subsequently calculating the center of the road from these coordinates. This study demonstrates the feasibility of autonomous forestry machines and emphasizes the critical need to develop forest road recognition technology that functions in diverse environments. The results can serve as important foundational data for the future development of image processing-based autonomous forestry machines.
Unveiling the Centrality of Knowledge in Stakeholder Involvement Strategies Regarding Public Forest Management
Authors: Ferreira Carla , Fernandes Maria Eduarda , Figueiredo Elisabete
Published: August 2024

Stakeholder involvement can foster more socially and environmentally sustainable management of natural resources, including forests. However, few studies have approached the effect of knowledge on stakeholders’ involvement in forest management. This study intends to contribute to filling this gap by exploring the relationship between access to knowledge, involvement, stakeholders’ profiles, and levels of influence and interest regarding public forest management strategies. To this end, this article examines the data collected through a questionnaire directed to all the stakeholders potentially interested in the management of the Matas do Litoral. Matas do Litoral are part of the 3% of publicly managed forests in Portugal. The results reveal a discrepancy between the high levels of interest regarding Matas do Litoral management, and low levels of influence on those processes. Most of the stakeholders surveyed know forest management strategies, and their involvement in those strategies is limited. The proximity and role of governmental organizations are key factors underlying knowledge levels among the various stakeholders. Furthermore, knowledge acts as a critical factor in encouraging the stakeholders’ influence and involvement in management strategies and policies. This study gives insights regarding the need for knowledge management as a tool for empowering local stakeholders and promoting their involvement in bottom-up forest management strategies.
Construction of a Genetic Transformation System for Populus wulianensis
Authors: Wang Yan , Song Chenxia , Han Yi , Wang Ruilong , Guan Lingshan , Mu Yanjuan , Sun Tao , Xie Xiaoman , Zhao Yunchao , Xu Jichen , Lu Yizeng
Published: August 2024

Transgenic technology is a potent tool for verifying gene functions, and poplar serves as a model system for genetically transforming perennial woody plants. However, the current poplar genetic transformation system is limited to a few genotypes. In this study, we developed an efficient transformation system based on the Agrobacterium-mediated transformation of Populus wulianensis, a rare and endangered tree species endemic to Shandong Province. Aseptic seedlings of P. wulianensis were used as experimental materials, and the optimal medium for inducing adventitious buds was explored as 1/2(NH4NO3) MS + 0.05 mg/L naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) + 0.5 mg/L 6-benzylaminopurine (6-BA), resulting in up to 35 adventitious buds. The selection resistance critical pressure of 300 mg/L for timentin can effectively inhibit the growth of Agrobacterium while promoting the induction of adventitious buds in leaves. The critical screening pressure for kanamycin for producing resistant adventitious buds and inducing resistant rooting seedlings was 100 mg/L. We optimized several independent factors, which significantly enhanced the efficiency of genetic transformation. The leaves were infected with Agrobacterium suspension diluted twice by adding 100 μmol/L acetylsyringone (β-AS) (OD600 = 0.6) for 15 min, followed by co-culture in the dark for 3 d. Using this improved transformation system, we obtained transgenic P. wulianensis clones overexpressing the enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) gene through direct organogenesis. Among the 112 resistant buds obtained, 17 developed resistant rooting in seedlings. Eight positive plants were identified through DNA, RNA, and protein level analyses, with a positivity rate of 47.06%. This study provides a foundation for developing and utilizing P. wulianensis germplasm resources and lays the groundwork for resource improvement.
Integration of Phenotypes, Phytohormones, and Transcriptomes to Elucidate the Mechanism Governing Early Physiological Abscission in Coconut Fruits (Cocos nucifera L.)
Authors: Lu Lilan , Dong Zhiguo , Yin Xinxing , Chen Siting , Mehvish Ambreen
Published: August 2024

The abscission of fruits has a significant impact on yield, which in turn has a corresponding effect on economic benefits. In order to better understand the molecular mechanism of early coconut fruit abscission, the morphological and structural characteristics, cell wall hydrolysis and oxidase activities, phytohormones, and transcriptomes were analyzed in the abscission zone (AZ) from early-abscised coconut fruits (AFs) and non-abscised coconut fruits (CFs). These results indicated that the weight and water content of AFs are significantly lower than those of CFs, and the color of AFs is a grayish dark red, with an abnormal AZ structure. Cellulase (CEL), polygalacturonase (PG), pectinesterase (PE), and peroxidase (POD) activities were significantly lower than those of CFs. The levels of auxin (IAA), gibberellin (GA), cytokinins (CKs), and brassinosteroid (BR) in AFs were significantly lower than those in CFs. However, the content of abscisic acid (ABA), ethylene (ETH), jasmonic acid (JA), and salicylic acid (SA) in AFs was significantly higher than in CFs. The transcriptome analysis results showed that 3601 DEGs were functionally annotated, with 1813 DEGs upregulated and 1788 DEGs downregulated. Among these DEGs, many genes were enriched in pathways such as plant hormone signal transduction, carbon metabolism, peroxisome, pentose and gluconate interconversion, MAPK signaling pathway—plant, and starch and sucrose metabolism. Regarding cell wall remodeling-related genes (PG, CEL, PE, POD, xyloglucan endoglucosidase/hydrogenase (XTH), expansin (EXP), endoglucanase, chitinase, and beta-galactosidase) and phytohormone-related genes (IAA, GA, CKs, BR, ABA, JA, SA, and ETH) were significantly differentially expressed in the AZ of AFs. Additionally, BHLH, ERF/AP2, WRKY, bZIP, and NAC transcription factors (TFs) were significantly differently expressed, reflecting their crucial role in regulating the abscission process. This study’s results revealed the molecular mechanism of early fruit abscission in coconuts. This provided a new reference point for further research on coconut organ development and abscission.
Timber Tracking of Jacaranda copaia from the Amazon Forest Using DNA Fingerprinting
Authors: Capo Lorena Frigini Moro , Degen Bernd , Blanc-Jolivet Celine , Tysklind Niklas , Cavers Stephen , Mader Malte , Meyer-Sand Barbara Rocha Venancio , Paredes-Villanueva Kathelyn , Honorio Conorado Eurídice Nora , García-Dávila Carmen Rosa , Troispoux Valérie , Delcamp Adline , Sebbenn Alexandre Magno
Published: August 2024

We investigated the utility of nuclear and cytoplasmic single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers for timber tracking of the intensively logged and commercialized Amazonian tree Jacaranda copaia. Eight hundred and thirty-two trees were sampled (cambium or leaves) from 38 sampling sites in Bolivia, Brazil, French Guiana, and Peru. A total of 128 SNP markers (113 nuclear, 11 chloroplastic, and 4 mitochondrial) were used for genotyping the samples. Bayesian cluster analyses were carried out to group individuals into homogeneous genetic groups for tests to self-assign groups of individuals or individuals to their population of origin. Cluster analysis based on all the SNP markers detected seven main genetic groups. Genetic differentiation was high among populations (0.484) and among genetic groups (0.415), and populations showed a strong isolation-by-distance pattern. Self-assignment testing of the groups of individuals for all loci was able to determine the population origin of all the samples (accuracy = 100%). Self-assignment tests of individuals were able to assign the origin of 94.5%–100% of individuals (accuracy: 91.7%–100%). Our results show that the use of the 128 SNP markers is suitable to correctly determine the origin of J. copaia timber, and they should be considered a useful tool for customs and local and international police.
Leveraging Internet News-Based Data for Rockfall Hazard Susceptibility Assessment on Highways
Authors: Nguyen Kieu Anh , Jiang Yi-Jia , Huang Chiao-Shin , Kuo Meng-Hsun , Chen Walter
Published: August 2024

Over three-quarters of Taiwan’s landmass consists of mountainous slopes with steep gradients, leading to frequent rockfall hazards that obstruct traffic and cause injuries and fatalities. This study used Google Alerts to compile internet news on rockfall incidents along Taiwan’s highway system from April 2019 to February 2024. The locations of these rockfalls were geolocated using Google Earth and integrated with geographical, topographical, environmental, geological, and socioeconomic variables. Employing machine learning algorithms, particularly the Random Forest algorithm, we analyzed the potential for rockfall hazards along roadside slopes. The model achieved an overall accuracy of 0.8514 on the test dataset, with a sensitivity of 0.8378, correctly identifying 83.8% of rockfall locations. Shapley Additive Explanations (SHAP) analysis highlighted that factors such as slope angle and distance to geologically sensitive areas are pivotal in determining rockfall locations. The study underscores the utility of internet-based data collection in providing comprehensive coverage of Taiwan’s highway system, and enabled the first broad analysis of rockfall hazard susceptibility for the entire highway network. The consistent importance of topographical and geographical features suggests that integrating detailed spatial data could further enhance predictive performance. The combined use of Random Forest and SHAP analyses offers a robust framework for understanding and improving predictive models, aiding in the development of effective strategies for risk management and mitigation in rockfall-prone areas, ultimately contributing to safer and more reliable transportation networks in mountainous regions.
Relationship between Capillaroscopic Architectural Patterns and Different Variant Subgroups in Fabry Disease: Analysis of Cases from a Multidisciplinary Center
Authors: Faro Denise Cristiana , Di Pino Francesco Lorenzo , Rodolico Margherita Stefania , Costanzo Luca , Losi Valentina , Di Pino Luigi , Monte Ines Paola
Published: August 2024

Anderson–Fabry disease (AFD) is a genetic lysosomal storage disorder caused by mutations in the α-galactosidase A gene, leading to impaired lysosomal function and resulting in both macrovascular and microvascular alterations. AFD patients often exhibit increased intima-media thickness (IMT) and reduced flow-mediated dilation (FMD), indicating non-atherosclerotic arterial thickening and the potential for cardiovascular events. Nailfold capillaroscopy, a non-invasive diagnostic tool, has shown potential in diagnosing and monitoring microcirculatory disorders in AFD, despite limited research. This study evaluates nailfold capillaroscopy findings in AFD patients, exploring correlations with GLA gene variant subgroups (associated with classical or late-onset phenotypes and variants of uncertain significance (VUSs)), and assessing morpho-functional differences between sexes. It aims to determine whether capillaroscopy can assist in the early identification of individuals with multiorgan vascular involvement. A retrospective observational study was conducted with 25 AFD patients from AOUP “G. Rodolico-San Marco” in Catania (2020–2023). Patients underwent genetic testing, enzyme activity evaluation, and nailfold capillaroscopy using Horus basic HS 200 videodermatoscopy. Parameters like angiotectonic disorder, vascular areas, capillary density, and intimal thickening were assessed. The study identified significant differences in capillaroscopy findings among patients with different GLA gene variant subgroups. Classic AFD variant patients showed reduced capillary length and signs of erythrocyte aggregation and dilated subpapillary plexus. No correlation was found between enzymatic activity and capillaroscopy parameters. However, Lyso-Gb3 levels were positively correlated with average capillary length (ῤ = 0.453; p = 0.059). Sex-specific differences in capillaroscopy findings were observed in neoangiogenesis and average capillary length, with distinct implications for men and women. This study highlights the potential of nailfold capillaroscopy in the diagnostic process and clinical management of AFD, particularly in relation to specific GLA gene mutations, as a valuable tool for the early diagnosis and monitoring of AFD.
Clinical Features and Disease Progression in Older Individuals with Rett Syndrome
Authors: Neul Jeffrey L. , Benke Timothy A. , Marsh Eric D. , Suter Bernhard , Fu Cary , Ryther Robin C. , Skinner Steven A. , Lieberman David N. , Feyma Timothy , Beisang Arthur , Heydemann Peter , Peters Sarika U. , Ananth Amitha , Percy Alan K.
Published: August 2024

Although long-term survival in Rett syndrome (RTT) has been observed, limited information on older people with RTT exists. We hypothesized that increased longevity in RTT would be associated with genetic variants in MECP2 associated with milder severity, and that clinical features would not be static in older individuals. To address these hypotheses, we compared the distribution of MECP2 variants and clinical severity between younger individuals with Classic RTT (under 30 years old) and older individuals (over 30 years old). Contrary to expectation, enrichment of a severe MECP2 variant (R106W) was observed in the older cohort. Overall severity was not different between the cohorts, but specific clinical features varied between the cohorts. Overall severity from first to last visit increased in the younger cohort but not in the older cohort. While some specific clinical features in the older cohort were stable from the first to the last visit, others showed improvement or worsening. These data do not support the hypothesis that mild MECP2 variants or less overall severity leads to increased longevity in RTT but demonstrate that clinical features change with increasing age in adults with RTT. Additional work is needed to understand disease progression in adults with RTT.
Impact Assessment of Digital Elevation Model (DEM) Resolution on Drainage System Extraction and the Evaluation of Mass Movement Hazards in the Upper Catchment
Authors: Akbar Ahmad Qasim , Mitani Yasuhiro , Nakanishi Ryunosuke , Djamaluddin Ibrahim , Sugahara Takumi
Published: August 2024

Worldwide, landslides claim many lives each year, with an average of 162.6 deaths reported in Japan from 1945 to 2019. There is growing concern about a potential increase in this number due to climate change. The primary source of shallow and rapid landslides within watersheds is the 0-order basins, which are located above the 1st order drainage system. These active geomorphological locations govern the frequency of mass movement. Despite the recognition of their importance, little attention has been paid to the role of 0-order basins in initiating landslides. Drainage systems can be extracted using the Digital Elevation Model (DEM) in GIS software. However, the effect of DEM resolution on the extraction of 1st order basins remains unexplained. This research develops an algorithm to assess the impact of DEM resolution on the extraction of first-order basins, channel head points, and the identification of approximate 0-order basins. The study includes algorithms to evaluate the correlation between DEM resolution and 1st order drainage system extraction using fuzzy classification techniques for approximate 0-order basins. The algorithm was applied in Toho Village, Fukuoka, Japan, defining the most appropriate DEM and stream definition threshold with an 86.48% accuracy and ±30 m error margin for channel head points. Critical slip surfaces were identified inside the 0-order basins and validated with a landslide inventory map with a 91% accuracy. The developed algorithms support hazard management and land use planning, providing valuable tools for sustainable development.
Gulf War Illness Is Associated with Host Gut Microbiome Dysbiosis and Is Linked to Altered Species Abundance in Veterans from the BBRAIN Cohort
Authors: Trivedi Ayushi , Bose Dipro , Moffat Kelly , Pearson Elisabeth , Walsh Dana , Cohen Devra , Skupsky Jonathan , Chao Linda , Golier Julia , Janulewicz Patricia , Sullivan Kimberly , Krengel Maxine , Tuteja Ashok , Klimas Nancy , Chatterjee Saurabh
Published: August 2024

Gulf War Illness (GWI) is a debilitating condition marked by chronic fatigue, cognitive problems, pain, and gastrointestinal (GI) complaints in veterans who were deployed to the 1990–1991 Gulf War. Fatigue, GI complaints, and other chronic symptoms continue to persist more than 30 years post-deployment. Several potential mechanisms for the persistent illness have been identified and our prior pilot study linked an altered gut microbiome with the disorder. This study further validates and builds on our prior preliminary findings of host gut microbiome dysbiosis in veterans with GWI. Using stool samples and Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory (MFI) data from 89 GW veteran participants (63 GWI cases and 26 controls) from the Boston biorepository, recruitment, and integrative network (BBRAIN) for Gulf War Illness, we found that the host gut bacterial signature of veterans with GWI showed significantly different Bray–Curtis beta diversity than control veterans. Specifically, a higher Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes ratio, decrease in Akkermansia sp., Bacteroides thetaiotamicron, Bacteroides fragilis, and Lachnospiraceae genera and increase in Blautia, Streptococcus, Klebsiella, and Clostridium genera, that are associated with gut, immune, and brain health, were shown. Further, using MaAsLin and Boruta algorithms, Coprococcus and Eisenbergiella were identified as important predictors of GWI with an area under the curve ROC predictive value of 74.8%. Higher self-reported MFI scores in veterans with GWI were also significantly associated with an altered gut bacterial diversity and species abundance of Lachnospiraceae and Blautia. These results suggest potential therapeutic targets for veterans with GWI that target the gut microbiome and specific symptoms of the illness.
Effectiveness of a Social-Media-Based Diet and Physical Activity Programme for Fathers in Japan: A Randomised Controlled Trial
Authors: Maruyama Kayo , Morita Kumiko
Published: August 2024

Provision of healthy lifestyle support for fathers can improve the lifestyles and health awareness of not only fathers but also their children and families. Few studies have examined the effectiveness of education targeting healthy fathers provided via social media. Hence, we aimed to clarify the effects of providing fathers with information on healthy lifestyle habits via social media on their awareness and behaviours regarding diet, physical activity, and healthcare, in addition to such a programme’s indirect effects on their children. This randomised controlled trial included 73 fathers of primary school children in Japan. The intervention group received information on ‘healthy lifestyle’, ‘lifestyle-related diseases’, ‘healthy diet’, and ‘healthy physical activity’ via social media six times every 2 weeks. Data were collected before, 3 months after, and 4 months after the intervention. The intervention was effective in improving some awareness regarding diet, physical activity, and healthcare. In addition, the fathers in the intervention group demonstrated significantly improved interest in their child’s diet and exercise habits. Social-media-based diet and physical activity programmes for fathers improved their awareness and behaviour. Therefore, social-media-based health education programmes can be an important tool for increasing fathers’ interest in their own health and in their children’s lifestyles.
Real-World Comparison of Health-Related Quality of Life Associated with Use of Immune-Checkpoint Inhibitors in Oncology Patients
Authors: Alwhaibi Abdulrahman , Alenazi Miteb A. , Alnofaie Saad D. , Aldekhail Abdullah M. , Alanazi Rakan J. , Alghadeer Sultan , Alghamdi Abdulrhman A. , Alanazi Saleh A.
Published: August 2024

Background: Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) offer a new treatment approach for cancer, with an improvement in patient survival. However, it remains unclear whether their use impacts the quality of life of treated patients. This study aims to compare the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of patients treated with different anti-PD-1 and anti-PD-L1 drugs, including several single or combination therapies. Methods: This is a prospective observational study conducted with adult cancer patients who received at least one dose of anti-PD-1 or anti-PD-L1. The HRQoL of all adult patients was assessed using the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) Quality of Life Questionnaire-Core 30 module (QLQ-C30), version 3, Arabic version. Results: A total of 199 patients were found to be eligible for this study. Of these, 93 patients (82 on a single medication and 11 on multiple ICIs) completed the questionnaire, with a response rate of 46.7%. The majority of patients were treated with pembrolizumab (39.8%), followed by a smaller number treated with nivolumab (35.5%). Most of the patients were diagnosed with solid and advanced malignancies—88.2% (p = 0.023) and 87.1% (p = 0.021), respectively—with a significant difference between treatment groups. The median functioning score was 84.7%, with no significant difference between treatment groups (p = 0.752). Fatigue and pain were noted in >50% of patients, influencing the overall cohort’s score related to these symptoms, with scores of 88.8% and 83.3%, respectively. Although a non-significant variation was found in the scores of all combined symptoms among all groups, ranging from 82.1% to 90.4% (p = 0.931), patients receiving anti-PD-1 + anti-PD-L1 tended to more frequently complain about fatigue, pain, dyspnea, and constipation and hence, exhibited the worst, yet non-significant, scores compared to those of the other groups, with p = 0.234, p = 0.79, p = 0.704, and p = 0.86, respectively. All combined groups scored 83.3% on the global health scale. Nevertheless, the nivolumab-treated patients scored 75%, which was the worst global health score compared with those of the other groups, but this score was not statistically significant (p = 0.809). Conclusions: Our findings revealed no significant difference in the impact of different ICIs on the HRQoL of cancer patients. However, a larger number of cases would be necessary to provide a robust analysis and to yield conclusive results.
Insights into the Interplay between the Urinary Microbiome and Bladder Cancer: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Pallares-Mendez Rigoberto , Brassetti Aldo , Bove Alfredo Maria , Simone Giuseppe
Published: August 2024

New insights in the urinary microbiome have led to a better understanding being built of the shifts in bacterial representations from health to disease; these hold promise as markers for diagnosis and therapeutic responses. Although several efforts have been made to identify a “core urinary microbiome”, different fingerprints have been identified in men and women that shift with age. The main bacterial groups overall include Firmicutes, Actinobacteria, Fusobacteria, and Bacteroidetes. Although patients with bladder cancer have a microbiome that is similar to that of healthy individuals, differences have been observed at the species level with Fusobacterium nucleatum and Ralstonia, and at the genus level with Cutibacterium. Different bacterial representations may influence extracellular matrix composition, affecting tumor metastatic spreading and tumorigenic metalloproteinase expression. Furthermore, gene expression affecting targets of immune therapy, such as PD-L1, has been associated with changes in bacterial representations and therapeutic response to BCG. This comprehensive review aims to examine the influence of the urinary microbiome in bladder cancer.
ACL Injury Etiology in Its Context: A Systems Thinking, Group Model Building Approach
Authors: Tsarbou Charis , Liveris Nikolaos I. , Xergia Sofia A. , Papageorgiou George , Kvist Joanna , Tsepis Elias
Published: August 2024

Background/Objectives: Given the complex nature of Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injury, it is important to analyze its etiology with suitable approaches in order to formulate intervention strategies for effective prevention. The present study employs system thinking techniques to develop a Causal Loop Diagram (CLD) Model for investigating the risk factors for ACL Injury (CLD-ACLI), through a Group Model Building approach. Methods: A two-stage procedure was applied involving a comprehensive literature review followed by several systems thinking group-modeling co-creation workshops with stakeholders. Results: Based on input from experts and stakeholders, combined with the latest scientific findings, the derived CLD-ACLI model revealed a series of interesting complex nonlinear interrelationships causal loops between the likelihood of ACL injury and the number of risk factors. Particularly, the interaction among institutional, psychological, neurocognitive, neuromuscular, malalignment factors, and trauma history seem to affect neuromuscular control, which subsequently may alter the biomechanics of landing, predisposing the ACL to injury. Further, according to the proposed CLD-ACLI model, the risk for injury may increase further if specific environmental and anatomical factors affect the shear forces imposed on the ACL. Conclusions: The proposed CLD-ACLI model constitutes a rigorous useful conceptual presentation agreed upon among experts on the dynamic interactions among potential intrinsic and extrinsic risk factors for ACL injury. The presented causal loop model constitutes a vital step for developing a validated quantitative system dynamics simulation model for evaluating ACL injury-prevention strategies prior to implementation.
Retrospective Longitudinal Observational Study on the Long-Term Effects of Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter-2 Inhibitors on the Development of Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease in Type 2 Diabetic Japanese Patients
Authors: Katsuyama Hisayuki , Horinaka Seiichi , Hakoshima Mariko , Adachi Hiroki , Yanai Hidekatsu
Published: August 2024

Background/Objectives: The health burden of metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MASLD) has been increasing lately. Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the main cause of death in MASLD patients; therefore, the treatments for MASLD should improve both CV risk factors such as obesity, diabetes, and dyslipidemia, in addition to an improvement in liver function. The evidence on the long-term effects of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2is) on the progression of MASLD in Asian populations is very limited. Methods: The retrospective longitudinal study was performed by using the medical records at our institute. We picked up patients with type 2 diabetes who had taken SGLT2is for at least 3 years or longer between 1 April 2014 and 31 March 2018. We collected the data on metabolic parameters, including laboratory data and anthropometric parameters, and compared the data before and after the initiation of SGLT2is treatment. Results: During the observation period, 324 patients had taken SGLT2is for 3 years. Three-year SGLT2is treatment significantly reduced body weight, hemoglobin A1c, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglyceride, and non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-C). Such favorable changes in serum lipids were remarkable in patients with statins. Furthermore, this treatment significantly improved liver function and the markers for hepatic steatosis and hepatic fibrosis. Conclusions: Considering that the development of CVD determines the prognosis of MASLD patients, long-term SGLT2is treatment may be an ideal therapy for MASLD patients.
Mechanical Assessment of Denture Polymers Processing Technologies
Authors: Modiga Cristina , Stoia Andreea , Leretter Marius Traian , Chiş Ana Codruţa , Ardelean Andreea-Violeta , Azar Edward-Ronald , Kapor Gabriel , Pop Daniela-Maria , Romînu Mihai , Sinescu Cosmin , Negruţiu Meda-Lavinia , Petrescu Emanuela-Lidia
Published: August 2024

Background: Removable prostheses have seen a fundamental change recently because of advances in polymer materials, allowing improved durability and performance. Despite these advancements, notable differences still occur amongst various polymer materials and processing technologies, requiring a thorough grasp of their mechanical, physical, and therapeutic implications. The compressive strength of dentures manufactured using various technologies will be investigated. Methods: Traditional, injection molding, and additive and subtractive CAD/CAM processing techniques, all utilizing Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) as the main material, were used to construct complete dentures. The specimens underwent a compressive mechanical test, which reveals the differences in compressive strength. Results: All the specimens broke under the influence of a certain force, rather than yielding through flow, as is characteristic for plastic materials. For each specimen, the maximum force (N) was recorded, as well as the breaking energy. The mean force required to break the dentures for each processing technology is as follows: 4.54 kN for traditional packing-press technique, 17.92 kN for the injection molding technique, 1.51 kN for the additive CAD/CAM dentures, and 5.9 kN for the subtractive CAD/CAM dentures. Conclusions: The best results were obtained in the case of the thermoplastic injection system and the worst results were recorded in the case of 3D printed samples. Another important aspect depicted is the standard deviation for each group, which reveal a relatively unstable property for the thermoplastic injected dentures. Good results here in terms of absolute property and stability of the property can be conferred to CAD/CAM milled group.
PAI1 Regulates Cell Morphology and Migration Markers in Trastuzumab-Resistant HER2-Positive Breast Cancer Cells
Authors: Boz Er Asiye Busra , Er Idris
Published: August 2024

HER2-positive breast cancer is a significant cause of mortality. Overcoming trastuzumab resistance requires a deeper understanding of its molecular mechanisms to develop effective therapies. This study investigates the role of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI1) in migration and drug resistance in trastuzumab-resistant HER2-positive breast cancer. Trastuzumab resistance poses a significant challenge in clinical management due to its association with aggressive disease behaviour and limited treatment options. This study focuses on PAI1, a key player in the TGF-β signalling pathway, which is implicated in cancer progression and metastasis. Trastuzumab-resistant cell lines (SKBR3 and HCC1954) demonstrated markedly elevated PAI1 expression levels, up to 40-fold compared to parental lines. This elevation was accompanied by increased expression of migration markers such as Col4a1, Fibronectin, ICAM1, Timp2, and Vimentin. Through overexpression and silencing experiments, we observed that modulating PAI1 levels significantly impacts cell morphology, transitioning cells from an epithelial to mesenchymal phenotype. Importantly, combining trastuzumab with aleplasinin, a PAI1 inhibitor, synergistically reduced PAI1 expression in both parental and resistant cell lines. This suggests a potential therapeutic strategy to overcome trastuzumab resistance. These findings emphasise PAI1 as a critical mediator of migration and therapeutic response in HER2-positive breast cancer, offering insights into novel treatment approaches targeting PAI1 to improve clinical outcomes in drug resistance.
Salivary Gland Sonography in Patients with Primary Fibromyalgia—A Pilot Study
Authors: Lin Ching-Tsai , Chen Der-Yuan , Chen Yi-Hsing , Lai Chien-Chen , Tang Kuo-Tung
Published: August 2024

Primary Sjogren’s syndrome (pSS) is often concomitant with fibromyalgia (FM). Salivary gland sonography aids in the diagnosis of pSS. We aimed to discover, in primary FM patients, the presence of pSS in undiagnosed patients through salivary gland sonography. We prospectively recruited 42 primary FM patients. FM symptoms were evaluated based on the revised Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQR). Salivary gland sonography was performed. Patients with positive findings underwent salivary gland biopsy. Comparisons were undertaken using the Mann–Whitney U tests and Chi-squared test. In primary FM patients, the prevalence of dry eye was 83%, and dry mouth was 90%. The salivary gland sonographic score did not differ between patients with and without dry eye/mouth. One patient with a positive finding at salivary gland sonography had a positive result of salivary gland biopsy. In the other four patients who received salivary gland biopsy, despite negative findings in salivary gland sonography, only one had a positive result of salivary gland biopsy. To be noted, scores evaluated by salivary gland sonography were negatively associated with levels of pain (rho = −0.360, p= 0.023) and levels of sleep quality (rho = −0.447, p = 0.004). Our pilot study demonstrated the potential of salivary gland biopsy in detecting undiagnosed pSS in primary FM patients.
A Novel Technique for Corneal Transepithelial Electrical Resistance Measurement in Mice
Authors: Mohamed Yasser Helmy , Uematsu Masafumi , Kusano Mao , Inoue Daisuke , Tang Diya , Suzuki Keiji , Kitaoka Takashi
Published: August 2024

We developed a technique that can measure corneal transepithelial electrical resistance (TER) in mice, which was used for evaluating corneal toxicity induced by ophthalmic drugs. We used a tissue culture well and its insert to mount the mouse globe and separated the cornea from the rest of the globe to enable corneal TER measurements to be taken. The explanted mouse eyes were divided into groups, and the corneal epithelia were exposed to different concentrations of BAC. Half of these eyes were fixed for transmission electron microscopy (TEM) examination and the other for ZO-1 immunohistochemical (IHC) evaluation. After exposure to control, 0.1%, 0.2%, and 0.5% BAC, the TER was 100 ± 0%, 91 ± 14%, 83 ± 13%, and 34 ± 12% of the pre-exposure TER at 1 min, respectively, with a statistically significant decrease in the 0.5% group. After 3 min, the TER showed a statistically significant decrease in the 0.2% and 0.5% groups. The TEM examinations showed a loss of epithelial tight junctions between superficial cells in the 0.2% and 0.5% groups. The IHC examination showed decreased ZO-1 staining of the corneal epithelium of the same groups as compared to the control. To the best of our knowledge, we succeeded in developing an innovative technique for corneal TER measurement in mice.
Barium Chloride-Induced Cardiac Arrhythmia Mouse Model Exerts an Experimental Arrhythmia for Pharmacological Investigations
Authors: Zeng Mengting , Huang Liyue , Zheng Xiaohui , Weng Lebin , Weng Ching-Feng
Published: August 2024

Aim: Cardiac arrhythmias are among the most important pathologies that cause sudden death. The exploration of new therapeutic options against arrhythmias with low undesirable effects is of paramount importance. Methods: However, the convenient and typical animal model for screening the potential lead compound becomes a very critical modality, particularly in anti-arrhythmia. In this study, mice were intraperitoneally (i.p.) injected with BaCl2, CaCl2, and adrenaline to induce arrhythmia, and simultaneously compared with BaCl2-induced rats. Results: Electrocardiogram (ECG) showed that the majority of mice repeatedly developed ventricular bigeminy, ventricular tachycardia (VT), and ventricular fibrillation (VF) after BaCl2-injection as seen in rats. The ECG of mice developed ventricular bigeminy and VT after CaCl2 and AT after adrenaline i.p. injection. Additionally, acute cardiac arrhythmia after BaCl2 i.p. injection could be reverted by drugs (lidocaine and amiodarone) administration. Additionally, the different routes of administration for various chemical-induced arrhythmia in both mice and rats were also retrieved from PubMed and summarized. Comparing this approach with previous studies after the literature review reveals that arrhythmia of BaCl2-induced i.p. mice is compatible with the induction of other routes. Conclusions: This study brings an alternative experimental model to investigate antiarrhythmic theories and provides a promising approach to discovering new interventions for acute arrhythmias.
Computational Research of the Efficiency of Using a Three-Layer Panel Made of Highly Porous Polystyrene Concrete
Authors: Rakhimova Galiya , Zhangabay Nurlan , Samoilova Tatyana , Rakhimov Murat , Kropachev Pyotr , Stanevich Victor , Karacasu Murat , Ibraimova Ulzhan
Published: August 2024

This paper presents linking computational research of the multilayer structure of the cladding of a three-layer panel made of highly porous polystyrene concrete developed using a new technology in comparison with traditional ones. The calculation of the thermal efficiency of the exterior fence was carried out in three stages, where the thermal regime was calculated from the values of temperature fields in the ELCUT 6.6 system, and the humidity and air modes were determined by the analytical method in the Maple system. The territory of central Kazakhstan (Karaganda) was selected as the research region, where the research showed that equating the thickness by the values of the actual and required heat transfer resistances of traditional multilayer structures to the developed one, the thickness of traditional structures increases from 3.09% to 27.83%. Moisture accumulation relative to the developed one occurs in all the studied structures. Thus, if in some cases of traditional structures moisture is collected by 2.61% and 9.48% less, in others moisture is collected by 27.94% and 119% more. However, the value of evaporated moisture during the drying period showed that all the moisture will evaporate during the specified period. Thus, all the structures meet the conditions for the inadmissibility of moisture for the annual period and the period of moisture accumulation. Moreover, the values of the actual and required permeabilities to air satisfy the condition, which affected the values of the temperature fields taking into account air filtration; the developed structure showed a positive effect for this value, and in traditional structures, the value of τint decreased to 1.35 °C depending on the option. The analytical results of the thermal inertia values of the developed and traditional multilayer structures showed that the developed structure exceeds traditional ones by up to 30.04% depending on the option, which is positive in the cold period. It was also found that the market prices of all traditional structures exceed the developed one by 1.2–2.5 times, depending on the design, which also emphasizes the positive aspects of the new design. Thus, the findings of this research will positively complement the catalog of products of external multilayer cladding structures made of effective materials and can be used by research communities and design organizations in the design of residential buildings.
Effect of Stearyl Methacrylate Comonomer on the Mechanical and Physical Properties of Dimethacrylate-Based Dental Resins
Authors: Karadag Mecit , Dolekcekic Emrah , Erdem Murat , Özcan Mutlu
Published: August 2024

This study evaluated the effect of stearyl methacrylate addition on the physical and mechanical properties of bisphenol A glycidyl methacrylate- and triethylene glycol dimethacrylate-based polymers, which are traditionally used in dental applications. Methacrylate-based monomer compositions are polymerized under the visible blue light spectrum. An analysis of double bond conversion, surface microhardness test, three-point bending test and water sorption and water solubility were tested to determine the physical and mechanical properties of the dental polymers. The results indicated that stearyl methacrylate addition up to 25 wt% reduced the water sorption of the polymers. At amounts of stearyl methacrylate higher than 25 wt%, the solubility of the polymer in water increases due to the monofunctional structure. Mechanical properties are negatively affected by the increasing stearyl methacrylate ratio. Further, the addition of stearyl methacrylate slightly increased thermal stability. As such, the amount of stearyl methacrylate in a polymer composition is critical for the optimization of its mechanical and physical properties. According to the results, the amount of stearyl methacrylate has to be between 12.5–25 wt%.
Impact of Heat Treatment on the Structural, Optical, Magnetic and Photocatalytic Properties of Nickel Oxide Nanoparticles
Authors: Alharshan Gharam A. , Almohammedi A. , Uosif M. A. M. , Shaaban E. R. , Emam-Ismail M.
Published: August 2024

The precursor nanoparticles of nickel hydroxide (Ni(OH)2) and nickel oxide (NiO) were successfully converted into the latter by the reaction of nickel chloride with hydrazine at ambient temperature. (TGA) and (DSC) were adapted for annealing the precursor products at different annealing temperatures (210, 285, 350, 390, 425, and 450 °C). XRD, TEM, and UV-VIS absorption spectroscopy were used to characterize the products. Both the band edge and energy gap values decrease with increasing annealing temperatures. Hysteresis loops are visible in the M-H curves of annealed (350 °C and 390 °C) precursor NiO NPs, indicating the presence of ferromagnetic Ni domains. However, NiO nanoparticles annealed at higher temperatures (425 °C and 450 °C) had a straight M-H curve, indicating paramagnetic properties. NiO NPs were used to study photocatalysis in the degradation of the MB dye. As annealing temperatures increased, the catalyst caused the degradation of MB. The sample that was annealed at 450 °C, however, exhibits the maximum photocatalytic activity, reaching up to 72.4% after being exposed to visible light. In other words, it was discovered that as the catalyst’s annealing temperature rose, so did the rate of MB’s photocatalytic degradation.
Modeling Study of Si3N4 Waveguides on a Sapphire Platform for Photonic Integration Applications
Authors: Zhang Diandian , Yu Shui-Qing , Salamo Gregory J. , Soref Richard A. , Du Wei
Published: August 2024

Sapphire has various applications in photonics due to its broadband transparency, high-contrast index, and chemical and physical stability. Photonics integration on the sapphire platform has been proposed, along with potentially high-performance lasers made of group III–V materials. In parallel with developing active devices for photonics integration applications, in this work, silicon nitride optical waveguides on a sapphire substrate were analyzed using the commercial software Comsol Multiphysics in a spectral window of 800~2400 nm, covering the operating wavelengths of III–V lasers, which could be monolithically or hybridly integrated on the same substrate. A high confinement factor of ~90% near the single-mode limit was obtained, and a low bending loss of ~0.01 dB was effectively achieved with the bending radius reaching 90 μm, 70 μm, and 40 μm for wavelengths of 2000 nm, 1550 nm, and 850 nm, respectively. Furthermore, the use of a pedestal structure or a SiO2 bottom cladding layer has shown potential to further reduce bending losses. The introduction of a SiO2 bottom cladding layer effectively eliminates the influence of the substrate’s larger refractive index, resulting in further improvement in waveguide performance. The platform enables tightly built waveguides and small bending radii with high field confinement and low propagation losses, showcasing silicon nitride waveguides on sapphire as promising passive components for the development of high-performance and cost-effective PICs.
Influence of Mineral Additives on Strength Properties of Standard Mortar
Authors: Rogojsz Grzegorz , Rudnicki Tomasz
Published: August 2024

In the article, the authors presented the results of research on the assessment of the effect of selected mineral additives on the strength properties of the standard mortar. The modification of the composition of the standard mortar made on the basis of CEM I 42.5R cement and quartz sand consisted of using seven selected mineral additives in the form of compacted microsilica, Mikrosill microsilica, limestone flour, glass flour, glass granulate, basalt flour, and fly ash in the amounts of 10 and 20% in relation to cement as its substitute. Reducing the share of cement in the standard mortar by 10% has a beneficial effect on improving the compressive strength by over 40% with the addition of microsilica, and in the case of bending strength, even by 10%.
Temperature Effect on Deformation Mechanisms and Mechanical Properties of Welded High-Mn Steels for Cryogenic Applications
Authors: Park Minha , Lee Gang Ho , Park Geon-Woo , Jang Gwangjoo , Kim Hyoung-Chan , Noh Sanghoon , Jeon Jong Bae , Kim Byoungkoo , Kim Byung Jun
Published: August 2024

High-manganese steel (high-Mn) is valuable for its excellent mechanical properties in cryogenic environments, making it essential to understand its deformation behavior at extremely low temperatures. The deformation behavior of high-Mn steels at extremely low temperatures depends on the stacking fault energy (SFE) that can lead to the formation of deformation twins or transform to ε-martensite or α′-martensite as the temperature decreases. In this study, submerged arc welding (SAW) was applied to fabricate thick pipes for cryogenic industry applications, but it may cause problems such as an uneven distribution of manganese (Mn) and a large weldment. To address these issues, post-weld heat treatment (PWHT) is performed to achieve a homogeneous microstructure, enhance mechanical properties, and reduce residual stress. It was found that the difference in Mn content between the dendrite and interdendritic regions was reduced after PWHT, and the SFE was calculated. At cryogenic temperatures, the SFE decreased below 20 mJ/m2, indicating the martensitic transformation region. Furthermore, an examination of the deformation behavior of welded high-Mn steels was conducted. This study revealed that the tensile deformed, as-welded specimens exhibited ε and α′-martensite transformations at cryogenic temperatures. However, the heat-treated specimens did not undergo α′-martensite transformations. Moreover, regardless of whether the specimens were subjected to Charpy impact deformation before or after heat treatment, ε and α′-martensite transformations did not occur.