bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transition of Youth’s Housing Issues: A Survey in the Nanjing Metropolitan Coordinating Region, China
Authors: Wu Yidong , Zha Yuanyuan , Zhang Lun , Zhao Jinping , Wang Yixin , Fang Liang
Published: December 2023

The housing problem of young people is one of the manifestations of the imbalanced and insufficient development of China’s housing market. Solving housing issues for young people and improving their living conditions is of great significance for promoting the sustainable and healthy development of the real estate market. In order to analyze the housing issues of young people in China during the post-pandemic era, this paper investigates young people in the Nanjing Metropolitan Coordinating Region through questionnaires and interviews. The content of the questionnaire survey mainly includes the current housing situation, choice of renting or purchasing a home, expectations of real estate market, and future plans for purchasing a house of young people. The research results indicate that there are problems in the current housing market, such as strong purchasing preferences, imbalanced supply structure in the rental market, limited financial support for purchasing housing, low housing security levels, and small coverage of the housing provident fund. In order to solve the housing problems of young people, government departments should actively promote the formation of a multi-level housing supply structure, accelerate the promotion of the same rights for renting and purchasing, establish a standardized housing rental market, optimize the housing security policy for young people, and expand the coverage of the housing provident fund. The findings of this study have significant policy implications for easing the housing pressure on young people and building a youth-development-oriented city.
L3MBTL3 Is a Potential Prognostic Biomarker and Correlates with Immune Infiltrations in Gastric Cancer
Authors: Gan Lin , Yang Changjiang , Zhao Long , Wang Shan , Ye Yingjiang , Gao Zhidong
Published: December 2023

Recent research has linked lethal (3) malignant brain tumor-like 3 (L3MBTL3) to cancer aggressiveness and a dismal prognosis, but its function in gastric cancer (GC) is unclear. This research investigated the association between L3MBTL3 expression and clinicopathological characteristics of GC cases, as well as its prognostic value and biological function based on large-scale databases and clinical samples. The results showed that L3MBTL3 expression was upregulated in malignant GC tissues, which was associated with a shortened survival time and poor clinicopathological characteristics, including TNM staging. A functional enrichment analysis including GO/KEGG and GSEA illustrated the enrichment of different L3MBTL3-associated pathways involved in carcinogenesis and immune response. In addition, the correlations between L3MBTL3 and tumor-infiltrating immune cells were determined based on the TIMER database; the results showed that L3MBTL3 was associated with the immune infiltration of macrophages and their polarization from M1 to M2. Furthermore, our findings suggested a possible function for L3MBTL3 in the regulation of the tumor immune microenvironment of GC. In summary, L3MBTL3 has diagnostic potential, and it also offers new insights into the development of aggressiveness and prognosis in GC.
Current Landscape of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors for Metastatic Urothelial Carcinoma: Is There a Role for Additional T-Cell Blockade?
Authors: Ogbuji Vanessa , Paster Irasema C. , Recio-Boiles Alejandro , Carew Jennifer S. , Nawrocki Steffan T. , Chipollini Juan
Published: December 2023

Urothelial carcinoma (UC) is the most common form of bladder cancer (BC) and is the variant with the most immunogenic response. This makes urothelial carcinoma an ideal candidate for immunotherapy with immune checkpoint inhibitors. Key immune checkpoint proteins PD-1 and CTLA-4 are frequently expressed on T-cells in urothelial carcinoma. The blockade of this immune checkpoint can lead to the reactivation of lymphocytes and augment the anti-tumor immune response. The only immune checkpoint inhibitors that are FDA-approved for metastatic urothelial carcinoma target the programmed death-1 receptor and its ligand (PD-1/PD-L1) axis. However, the overall response rate and progression-free survival rates of these agents are limited in this patient population. Therefore, there is a need to find further immune-bolstering treatment combinations that may positively impact survival for patients with advanced UC. In this review, the current immune checkpoint inhibition treatment landscape is explored with an emphasis on combination therapy in the form of PD-1/PD-L1 with CTLA-4 blockade. The investigation of the current literature on immune checkpoint inhibition found that preclinical data show a decrease in tumor volumes and size when PD-1/PD-L1 is blocked, and similar results were observed with CTLA-4 blockade. However, there are limited investigations evaluating the combination of CTLA-4 and PD-1/PD-L1 blockade. We anticipate this review to provide a foundation for a deeper experimental investigation into combination immune checkpoint inhibition therapy in metastatic urothelial carcinoma.
Antibiotic Exposure Concurrently with Anti-PD1 Blockade Therapy Reduces Overall Survival in Patients with Child–Pugh Class A Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Alshammari Kanan , Alotaibi Faizah M. , Alsugheir Futoon , Aldawoud Mohammad , Alolayan Ashwaq , Algarni Mohammed Ahmad , Sabatin Fouad , Mohammad Mohammad F. , Alosaimi Abdulaziz , Sanai Faisal M. , Odah Hassan , Alshehri Ahmed Saleh , Aldibasi Omar S. , Alrehaily Samah , Al Saleh Abdullah S.
Published: December 2023

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the third leading cause of cancer death worldwide with a poor prognosis. Treatment with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) has improved overall survival in patients with HCC. However, not all patients benefit from the treatment. In this study, 59 patients with HCC were enrolled from two medical centers in Saudi Arabia, with 34% using antibiotics concurrently with their Nivolumab (anti-PD1 blockade). The impact of antibiotic use on the clinical outcomes of patients with HCC undergoing treatment with anti-PD1 blockade was examined. The patients’ overall survival (OS) was 5 months (95% CI: 3.2, 6.7) compared to 10 months (95% CI: 0, 22.2) (p = 0.08). Notably, patients with Child–Pugh A cirrhosis receiving anti-PD1 blockade treatment without concurrent antibiotic use showed a significantly longer median OS reaching 22 months (95% CI: 6.5, 37.4) compared to those who were given antibiotics with a median OS of 6 months (95% CI: 2.7, 9.2) (p = 0.02). This difference in overall survival was particularly found in Child–Pugh class A patients receiving anti-PD1 blockade. These findings suggest that antibiotic use may negatively affect survival outcomes in HCC patients undergoing anti-PD1 blockade, potentially due to antibiotic-induced alterations to the gut microbiome impacting the anti-PD1 blockade response. This study suggests the need for careful consideration when prescribing antibiotics to patients with HCC receiving anti-PD1 blockade.
Cerium Doping Effect in 3DOM Perovskite-Type La2−xCexCoNiO6 Catalysts for Boosting Soot Oxidation
Authors: Chen Kaixuan , Xu Linsheng , Li Yuanfeng , Xiong Jing , Han Dawei , Ma Yaxiao , Zhang Peng , Guo Haoqi , Wei Yuechang
Published: December 2023

Herein, we present an in-depth investigation into the enhancement of catalytic soot oxidation through cerium-doped three-dimensional ordered macroporous (3DOM) La-Co-Ni-based perovskites synthesized with the colloidal crystal template (CCT) method. The 3DOM structure significantly contributes to the accessibility and interaction efficiency between soot and catalyst. Based on the results of powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), N2 adsorption-desorption measurements, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), temperature-programmed oxidation of NO (NO-TPO), temperature-programmed reduction of H2 (H2-TPR), in situ infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy (In-situ DRIFTS), and temperature-programmed oxidation (TPO) reactions, the role of cerium doping in modifying the structural and catalytic properties of 3DOM perovskite-type La2−xCexCoNiO6 catalysts was investigated systematically. The optimized cerium doping ratio in La2−xCexCoNiO6 catalysts can improve the microenvironment for efficient soot-catalyst contact, enhancing the catalytic activity of soot oxidation. Among the catalysts, the 3DOM La0.8Ce1.2CoNiO6 catalyst shows the highest catalytic activity for soot oxidation, whose T10, T50, and T90 values are 306 °C, 356 °C, and 402 °C, respectively. The mechanism of the cerium doping effect for boosting soot oxidation is proposed: The doping of Ce ions can increase the surface oxygen species, which is the main active species for promoting the key step of NO oxidation to NO2 in catalyzing soot oxidation. This research provides a new strategy to develop high-efficient non-noble metal catalysts for soot oxidation in pollution control and sustainable environmental practices.
Rational Engineering of Mesorhizobium Imine Reductase for Improved Synthesis of N-Benzyl Cyclo-tertiary Amines
Authors: Zhang Zi-Han , Wang An-Qi , Ma Bao-Di , Xu Yi
Published: December 2023

The effective synthesis of N-benzyl cyclo-tertiary amines using imine reductase, key components in natural products and pharmaceutical synthesis, is a green approach. Traditional methods faced challenges with enzyme activity and selectivity. This study focused on enhancing Mesorhizobium imine reductase (MesIRED) for better N-benzyl cyclo-tertiary amine production. Through alanine scanning and consensus mutation, 12 single-site MesIRED mutants were identified from 23 candidates, showing improved conversion of N-benzylpyrrolidine and N-benzylpiperidine. Notably, mutants from I177, V212, I213, and A241 significantly boosted conversions. The best-performing mutant for N-benzylpyrrolidine, MesIREDV212A/I213V (M1), increased conversion from 23.7% to 74.3%. For N-benzylpiperidine, MesIREDV212A/I177A/A241I (M2) enhanced conversion from 22.8% to 66.8%. Tunnel analysis revealed M1 and M2 have more efficient tunnels for larger product movement compared to wild-type MesIRED. Using recombinant E. coli coexpressing MesIRED and glucose dehydrogenase (GDH), high conversions were achieved: 75.1% for N-benzylpyrrolidine (M1) and 88.8% for N-benzylpiperidine (M2). A preparative experiment resulted in 86.2% conversion and 60.2% yield for N-benzylpiperidine. This research offers an efficient method for engineering IRED, significantly improving conversion and selectivity for N-benzyl cyclo-tertiary amines, aiding drug synthesis and providing insights into rational design of other enzymes.
Is There a Deficit in Product and Process of Handwriting in Children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder? A Systematic Review and Recommendations for Future Research
Authors: Puyjarinet Frédéric , Chaix Yves , Biotteau Maëlle
Published: December 2023

Handwriting abnormalities in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) have sometimes been reported both (i) at the product level (i.e., quality/legibility of the written trace and speed of writing) and (ii) at the process level (i.e., dynamic and kinematic features, such as on-paper and in-air durations, pen pressure and velocity peaks, etc.). Conversely, other works have failed to reveal any differences between ADHD and typically developing children. The question of the presence and nature of handwriting deficits in ADHD remains open and merits an in-depth examination. The aim of this systematic review was, therefore, to identify studies that have investigated the product and/or process of handwriting in children with ADHD compared to typically developing individuals. This review was conducted and reported in accordance with the PRISMA statement. A literature search was carried out using three electronic databases. The methodological quality of the studies was systematically assessed using the Critical Appraisal Skills Program (CASP) criteria. Twenty-one articles were identified. Of these, 17 described handwriting quality/legibility, 12 focused on speed and 14 analyzed the handwriting process. All the studies (100%) with satisfactory methodology procedures reported an impaired product (for quality/legibility) and 91.7% reported abnormalities in process, while only 25% evidenced a difference in the speed of production. Most importantly, the studies differed widely in their methodological approaches. Substantial gaps remain, particularly with regard to ascertaining comorbidities, ADHD subtypes and the medical status of the included children. The lack of overall homogeneity in the samples calls for higher quality studies. We conclude with recommendations for further studies.
Exploring the Prevalence and Predictors of Anxiety among Lithuanian Adolescents during Times of Crisis: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Šalčiūnaitė-Nikonovė Laura , Žemaitaitytė Monika , Šmigelskas Kastytis
Published: December 2023

Recent events in Europe, like the COVID-19 pandemic and the 2022 Russo–Ukrainian War (RUW), might have sparked anxiety among adolescents. This study aimed to compare anxiety levels in Lithuanian adolescents post-COVID-19 peak (Study 1, October 2021) and during the onset of the RUW (Study 2, April–June 2022). Data from 459 participants in Study 1 and 6637 in Study 2, aged 11–17, were collected through HBSC pilot and national surveys in Lithuania. Self-reported questionnaires assessed anxiety, social media use, stress, loneliness, self-efficacy, and peer support factors. Analysis was conducted using multivariable logistic regressions. Notably, anxiety prevalence in Lithuanian adolescents showed no significant difference between Study 1 and Study 2, stabilizing around 24%. In 2021, stress (OR = 5.89, 95% CI 3.11–11.17), problematic social media use (OR = 4.58, 95% CI 1.89–10.58), and female gender (OR = 2.87, 95% CI 1.58–5.22) significantly predicted anxiety. By 2022, stress (OR = 3.68, 95% CI 3.14–4.30), loneliness (OR = 2.85, 95% CI 2.43–3.35), and lower self-efficacy (OR = 1.40, 95% CI 1.20–1.60) emerged as important predictors. This study enhances our understanding of adolescent anxiety during crises, emphasizing the urgency of addressing multiple factors to manage and support vulnerable youth.
From Fruit Waste to Hydrogels for Agricultural Applications
Authors: Adi Sulianto Akhmad , Adiyaksa Ilham Putra , Wibisono Yusuf , Khan Elena , Ivanov Aleksei , Drannikov Aleksandr , Ozaltin Kadir , Di Martino Antonio
Published: December 2023

Here, we describe and assess a method for reusing specific food waste to make hydrogels, which can be employed to improve the efficacy of agrochemicals and water. It represents an approach for tackling current challenges, such as food waste, water management, and pesticide optimization. Depending on the formulation, the hydrogels were created by crosslinking pectin and starch with CaCl2 or sodium trimetaphosphate. FTIR and SEM were employed to investigate the methylation degree of the extracted pectin, as well as the surface morphology and interior structure of the hydrogels. The swelling behavior and water retention in sandy soil have been investigated. In addition to the hydrogels’ potential to control and reduce pesticide loss, the herbicide Picloram is a model compound. The results show that the hydrogels have important swelling, up to 300%, and a capacity to retain water, preserve, and increase the water content in sandy soil up to 12 days. Picloram experiments show that hydrogels can limit herbicide mobility for up to 30 days under controlled conditions. The conversion of food wastes to highly valuable materials is a promising approach to optimize the water consumption and the loss of agrochemicals regarding sustainable agriculture.
Internal Iliac Artery Ligation in Obstetrics and Gynecology: Surgical Anatomy and Surgical Considerations
Authors: Kostov Stoyan , Kornovski Yavor , Watrowski Rafał , Slavchev Stanislav , Ivanova Yonka , Yordanov Angel
Published: December 2023

The internal iliac artery (IIA) is the main arterial vessel of the pelvis. It supplies the pelvic viscera, pelvic walls, perineum, and gluteal region. In cases of severe obstetrical or gynecologic hemorrhage, IIA ligation can be a lifesaving procedure. Regrettably, IIA ligation has not gained widespread popularity, primarily due to limited surgical training and concerns regarding possible complications, including buttock claudication, impotence, and urinary bladder and rectum necroses. Nowadays, selective arterial embolization or temporary balloon occlusion are increasingly utilized alternatives, which can be applied preoperatively or intraoperatively for threatening severe genital or pelvic bleeding. However, IIA ligation retains its relevance, as the previously described procedures are not always available and have limitations. This article provides a step-by-step guide to the IIA ligation procedure and its possible complications. It also includes a detailed description of the anatomy of the IIA and pelvic arterial anastomoses. This review highlights the importance of a thorough understanding of pelvic anatomy as a prerequisite for safe IIA ligation and posits that training in this procedure should be an integral part of obstetrics and gynecology curricula.
Atomic Layer Deposition for Tailoring Tamm Plasmon-Polariton with Ultra-High Accuracy
Authors: Drazdys Mantas , Bužavaitė-Vertelienė Ernesta , Astrauskytė Darija , Balevičius Zigmas
Published: December 2023

In this study, we demonstrate the potential capability to control Tamm plasmon-polaritons (TPP) by applying atomic layer deposition (ALD) as a highly precise technique for plasmonic applications. Applications in plasmonics usually require tens of nanometers or less thick layers; thus, ALD is a very suitable technique with monolayer-by-monolayer growth of angstrom resolution. Spectroscopic ellipsometry and polarized reflection intensity identified the TPP resonances in the photonic band gap (PBG) formed by periodically alternating silicon oxide and tantalum oxide layers. The sub-nanometer control of the Al2O3 layer by ALD allows precise tailoring of TPP resonances within a few nanometers of spectral shift. The employing of the ALD method for the fabrication of thin layers with sub-nanometer thickness accuracy in more complex structures proves to be a versatile platform for practical applications where tunable plasmonic resonances of high quality are required.
Preparation and Characterization of Polymer-Based Electrospun Nanofibers for Flexible Electronic Applications
Authors: Mayakrishnan Gopiraman , Vanaraj Ramkumar , Kitauchi Takayasu , Kanthapazham Rajakumar , Kim Seong Cheol , Kim Ick Soo
Published: December 2023

This study was undertaken to synthesize and characterize PVDF/CB (polyvinylidene fluoride/carbon block) nanofiber composites for flexible, wearable electronic applications. Nanofibers were produced by electrospinning method and used to produce thin films. Fiber surface morphologies were investigated by FE-SEM and HR-TEM, crystalline structures by FT-IR and P-XRD, and thermal characteristics by TGA and DSC. The prepared materials are thermally stable up to 390 °C. Mechanical properties were ascertained using tensile characteristics, and results showed that the addition of carbon black (CB) powder to PVDF polymer solution decreased Young’s modulus values and reduced the dielectric constant of PVDF nanofiber films. The obtained dielectric constants of nanofibers loaded with various concentrations of CB were found from 1.4 to 2.0. Flexible electronics materials are essential for the production of wearable electronics and various biomedical engineering applications. The PVDF/CB nanofibers containing 1% showed maximum Young’s moduli of 101.29 ± 15.94. Nanofiber thin films offer various advantages, including simplicity of manufacture, low power consumption, flexibility, and exceptional stability, all of which are crucial for flexible, wearable device applications.
Machine Learning Modeling and Run-to-Run Control of an Area-Selective Atomic Layer Deposition Spatial Reactor
Authors: Tom Matthew , Wang Henrik , Ou Feiyang , Orkoulas Gerassimos , Christofides Panagiotis D.
Published: December 2023

Semiconducting materials require stringent design specifications that make their fabrication more difficult and prone to flaws that are costly and damaging to their computing and electrical properties. Area-selective atomic layer deposition is a process that addresses concerns associated with design imperfections but requires substantial monitoring to ensure that process regulation is maintained. This work proposes a run-to-run controller with an exponentially weighted moving average method for an area-selective atomic layer deposition rotary reactor by adjusting the rotation speed of the substrate to control the growth per cycle of the wafer, which is calculated through a multiscale model with machine learning integration for pressure field generation and kinetic Monte Carlo simulations to increase computational efficiency. Results indicate that the run-to-run controller was able to bring the process to the setpoint when subjected to moderate pressure and kinetic shift disturbances.
Design of Inhibitors That Target the Menin–Mixed-Lineage Leukemia Interaction
Authors: Arthur Moses N. , Bebla Kristeen , Broni Emmanuel , Ashley Carolyn , Velazquez Miriam , Hua Xianin , Radhakrishnan Ravi , Kwofie Samuel K. , Miller Whelton A.
Published: December 2023

The prognosis of mixed-lineage leukemia (MLL) has remained a significant health concern, especially for infants. The minimal treatments available for this aggressive type of leukemia has been an ongoing problem. Chromosomal translocations of the KMT2A gene are known as MLL, which expresses MLL fusion proteins. A protein called menin is an important oncogenic cofactor for these MLL fusion proteins, thus providing a new avenue for treatments against this subset of acute leukemias. In this study, we report results using the structure-based drug design (SBDD) approach to discover potential novel MLL-mediated leukemia inhibitors from natural products against menin. The three-dimensional (3D) protein model was derived from Protein Databank (Protein ID: 4GQ4), and EasyModeller 4.0 and I-TASSER were used to fix missing residues during rebuilding. Out of the ten protein models generated (five from EasyModeller and I-TASSER each), one model was selected. The selected model demonstrated the most reasonable quality and had 75.5% of residues in the most favored regions, 18.3% of residues in additionally allowed regions, 3.3% of residues in generously allowed regions, and 2.9% of residues in disallowed regions. A ligand library containing 25,131 ligands from a Chinese database was virtually screened using AutoDock Vina, in addition to three known menin inhibitors. The top 10 compounds including ZINC000103526876, ZINC000095913861, ZINC000095912705, ZINC000085530497, ZINC000095912718, ZINC000070451048, ZINC000085530488, ZINC000095912706, ZINC000103580868, and ZINC000103584057 had binding energies of −11.0, −10.7, −10.6, −10.2, −10.2, −9.9, −9.9, −9.9, −9.9, and −9.9 kcal/mol, respectively. To confirm the stability of the menin–ligand complexes and the binding mechanisms, molecular dynamics simulations including molecular mechanics Poisson–Boltzmann surface area (MM/PBSA) computations were performed. The amino acid residues that were found to be potentially crucial in ligand binding included Phe243, Met283, Cys246, Tyr281, Ala247, Ser160, Asn287, Asp185, Ser183, Tyr328, Asn249, His186, Leu182, Ile248, and Pro250. MI-2-2 and PubChem CIDs 71777742 and 36294 were shown to possess anti-menin properties; thus, this justifies a need to experimentally determine the activity of the identified compounds. The compounds identified herein were found to have good pharmacological profiles and had negligible toxicity. Additionally, these compounds were predicted as antileukemic, antineoplastic, chemopreventive, and apoptotic agents. The 10 natural compounds can be further explored as potential novel agents for the effective treatment of MLL-mediated leukemia.
Novel High-Temperature Modification of Belomarinaite KNaSO4: Crystal Structure and Thermal Order–Disorder Phase Transitions
Authors: Shablinskii Andrey , Bubnova Rimma , Shorets Olga , Krzhizhanovskaya Maria , Volkov Sergey , Filatov Stanislav
Published: December 2023

Belomarinaite KNaSO4 (space group P3m1, a = 5.6072(3), c = 7.1781(4) Å and Z = 2) has been studied by high-temperature single crystal X-ray diffraction. The K and Na atoms are disordered, and M1(1c) and M2(1b) sites merge into an M1(2d)(K50%/Na50%) site with increasing temperature, and novel translationsgleiche phase transition of belomarinaite KNaSO4 (P3m1 → P-3m1) was revealed at 123 °C. Then, the temperature increase leads to phase transition of P3¯m1-polymorph of KNaSO4 to α-KNaSO4 (P63/mmc) at 446 °C, and sodium and potassium atoms in K1(1a) and Na1(1b) sites merged into an M4(2a)(K50%/Na50%) site. Crystal structures of KNaSO4 were refined at 300, 500 and 750 °C to R1 = 0.057, 0.056 and 0.048, respectively. The BVS maps and bond-valence energy landscape (BVEL) have been calculated, and the probability of the Na+ migration has been predicted using structural data for belomarinaite at 25 °C. The Na+ ion migration can occur at 2.14 eV in the ab plane and 2.80 eV along the c axis at 25 °C.
Comprehensive Recovery of Point Defect Displacement Field Function in Crystals by Computer X-ray Diffraction Microtomography
Authors: Chukhovskii Felix N. , Konarev Petr V. , Volkov Vladimir V.
Published: December 2023

In the case of the point defect in a crystal, the inverse Radon’s problem in X-ray diffraction microtomography has been solved. As is known, the crystal-lattice defect displacement field function f(r) = h·u(r) determines phases − (±h)-structure factors incorporated into the Takagi–Taupin equations and provides the 2D image patterns by diffracted and transmitted waves propagating through a crystal (h is the diffraction vector and u(r) is the displacement field crystal-lattice-defects vector). Beyond the semi-kinematical approach for obtaining the analytical problem solution, the difference-equations-scheme of the Takagi–Taupin equations that, in turn, yield numerically controlled-accuracy problem solutions has been first applied and tested. Addressing the inverse Radon’s problem solution, the χ2-target function optimization method using the Nelder–Mead algorithm has been employed and tested in an example of recovering the Coulomb-type point defect structure in a crystal Si(111). As has been shown in the cases of the 2D noise-free fractional and integrated image patterns, based on the Takagi–Taupin solutions in the semi-kinematical and difference-scheme approaches, both procedures provide the χ2-target function global minimum, even if the starting-values of the point-defect vector P1 is chosen rather far away from the reference up to 40% in relative units. In the cases of the 2D Poisson-noise image patterns with noise levels up to 5%, the figures-of-merit values of the optimization procedures by the Nelder–Mead algorithm turn out to be high enough; the lucky trials number is 85%; and in contrast, for the statistically denoised 2D image patterns, they reach 0.1%.
Noise-Induced Defects in Honeycomb Lattice Structure: A Phase-Field Crystal Study
Authors: Ankudinov Vladimir , Galenko Peter K.
Published: December 2023

One of the classes of the kinetic phase-field model in the form of the two-mode hyperbolic phase-field crystal model (modified PFC model) is used for the study of the noise effect of the crystalline structure. Special attention is paid to the origin of the defect’s microstructure in the crystalline honeycomb lattice due to induced colored noise. It shows that the noise–time correlation coefficient τζ, comparable to the diffusion time, enhances the grain boundary mobilities. Instead, a small spatial correlation coefficient, λζ, close to the first lattice parameter of the honeycomb crystal, stabilizes the structure. The finite non-zero value of the relaxation time τ for the atomic flux significantly slows the local relaxation of the fluctuated field and leads to the grains’ fragmentation and formation of the disordered phases. The obtained results are applicable to the hexagonal atomic structures and, in particular, to honeycomb crystals, such as boron nitride, in which the lattice defects might be simulated through the induced colored noise.
Living Algal Community Voucher and Taxonomy in Dickinson County Iowa: A Case for Collection-Based Research
Authors: Johnson Katherine M. , Manoylov Kalina M.
Published: December 2023

Integrative taxonomy is necessary for advancing the field of phycology and understanding regional algal diversity. Collection-based studies for the purposes of providing descriptive voucher flora of living algal communities inform future long-term monitoring and genetic barcoding studies. In this study, littoral composite samples were taken from eight sites (Center Lake, Emerson Bay, Freda Haffner Kettlehole State Preserve, Millers Bay, East Okoboji Lake, West Okoboji Lake, Big Spirit Lake, Upper Gar Lake) in Dickinson County, Iowa, for the purposes of fine level taxonomy. This region has a history of eutrophication, and algal blooms have caused Iowa water resource issues in the past. Micrography for these voucher floras was conducted for taxa representing at least 10% or more of the total estimated algal biomass of evaluated slides. Our voucher floras comprise micrographs of living cells across nine different algal groups and 54 unique taxonomic entities. Unique taxa from these sites include Glaucocystis nostochinearum Itzigsohn, Draparnaldia acuta (C.Agardh) Kützing, and Chaetophoropsis elegans (Roth) B. Wen Liu, Qian Xiong, X.Dong Liu, Z. Yu Hu & G. Xiang Liu. We also document species belonging to toxin-producing Cyanobacteria genera Mycrocystis and Dolichospermum.
Increased Risk of Benign Prostate Hyperplasia (BPH) in Patients with Gout: A Longitudinal Follow-Up Study Using a National Health Screening Cohort
Authors: Bang Woo Jin , Choi Hyo Geun , Kang Ho Suk , Kwon Mi Jung , Kim Ji Hee , Kim Joo-Hee , Kim So Young
Published: December 2023

A previous study reported a high risk of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in patients with gout. This study intended to evaluate the risk of BPH in gout patients. A total of 514,866 Korean National Health Insurance Service—Health Screening Cohorts were retrieved from 2002 to 2019. Among these individuals, 14,961 gout patients and 58,764 control participants were matched based on demographic factors. The incidence of BPH during the follow-up periods was collected for both the gout and control groups. The risk of BPH was analyzed using stratified Cox proportional hazard models, and hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. Secondary analyses were conducted based on demographic factors and comorbidities. The incidence of BPH was 23.40% in gout patients and 20.70% in control participants. In the adjusted model, the HR of BPH was 1.13-fold higher in gout patients than in the control group (95% CI = 1.09–1.18). Compared with the ≥60-year-old group, the <60-year-old group demonstrated a higher HR for BPH in gout patients (1.19 [1.13–1.24] vs. 1.07 [1.01–1.13]). The risk of BPH in gout patients was consistent according to various comorbidities. Patients with gout demonstrated a greater risk of BPH than participants without gout. The young adult population had a higher risk of BPH related to gout.
The Rapid Phenotypic Susceptibility Testing in Real-Life Experience: How the MIC Values Impact on Sepsis Fast Diagnostic Workflow
Authors: Migliorisi Giuseppe , Calvo Maddalena , Collura Antonina , Di Bernardo Francesca , Perez Marianna , Scalia Guido , Stefani Stefania
Published: December 2023

The MIC value definition faithfully reflects antimicrobial sensitivity, profoundly impacting the infection's clinical outcome. Our study aimed to evaluate the Accelerate PhenoTM System in defining the importance of fast phenotypic susceptibility data. A number of 270 monomicrobial samples simultaneously underwent standard procedures and fast protocols after a contemporary Gram stain. Finally, we provided Turn-around Time (TAT) and statistical evaluations. The fast technology required a medium value of 7 h to complete ID and AST profiles. Although there were some spectrum limitations, it revealed an optimal success rate in microbial identification directly from positive blood cultures. The Gram-negative AST reached a 98.9% agreement between the Accelerate Pheno™ System and the standard method. In addition, the Gram-positive AST gathered a 98.7% agreement comparing the same systems. The chance to rapidly provide precise MIC values is one of the last frontiers in clinical microbiology, especially in high-prevalence antimicrobial resistance areas.
Clinical and Echocardiographic Predictors for the Presence of Late Gadolinium Enhancement on Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Patients with Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Authors: Cho Dong-Hyuk , Son Jung-Woo , Kim Young In , Lim Jihye , Jeon Ho-Sung , Ko Sung Min , Cha Yong Sung
Published: December 2023

Late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) on cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMRI) reflects the burden of myocardial damage in carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. This study aimed to identify the clinical and echocardiographic parameters that can predict myocardial LGE on CMRI in CO poisoning. This prospective observational study included patients who presented with acute CO poisoning and elevated troponin I and underwent echocardiography and CMRI to identify myocardial damage at a tertiary university hospital between August 2017 and May 2019 and August 2020 and July 2022. Based on the CMRI findings, participants were categorized into LGE and non-LGE groups. The median age of the 155 patients was 51.0 years, and 98 (63.2%) were males. Median times from emergency department arrival to either CMRI or echocardiography were 3.0 days each. The LGE group included 99 (63.9%) patients with LGE positivity on CMRIs. Time from rescue to hyperbaric oxygen therapy >4 h (odds ratio (OR): 3.31, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.28–8.56, p = 0.01); serum lactate levels >2 mmol/L (OR: 2.62, 95% CI: 1.20–5.73, p = 0.02); and left ventricular global longitudinal strain >−16% (OR: 2.95, 95% CI: 1.35–6.47, p = 0.007) were significant predictors of LGE positivity. The area under the curve of these predictors was 0.711. Our prediction model, which combines the clinical parameters with left ventricular global longitudinal strain, may be helpful in the early detection of LGE positivity.
Machine Learning Algorithm: Texture Analysis in CNO and Application in Distinguishing CNO and Bone Marrow Growth-Related Changes on Whole-Body MRI
Authors: Forestieri Marta , Napolitano Antonio , Tomà Paolo , Bascetta Stefano , Cirillo Marco , Tagliente Emanuela , Fracassi Donatella , D’Angelo Paola , Casazza Ines
Published: December 2023

Objective: The purpose of this study is to analyze the texture characteristics of chronic non-bacterial osteomyelitis (CNO) bone lesions, identified as areas of altered signal intensity on short tau inversion recovery (STIR) sequences, and to distinguish them from bone marrow growth-related changes through Machine Learning (ML) and Deep Learning (DL) analysis. Materials and methods: We included a group of 66 patients with confirmed diagnosis of CNO and a group of 28 patients with suspected extra-skeletal systemic disease. All examinations were performed on a 1.5 T MRI scanner. Using the opensource 3D Slicer software version 4.10.2, the ROIs on CNO lesions and on the red bone marrow were sampled. Texture analysis (TA) was carried out using Pyradiomics. We applied an optimization search grid algorithm on nine classic ML classifiers and a Deep Learning (DL) Neural Network (NN). The model’s performance was evaluated using Accuracy (ACC), AUC-ROC curves, F1-score, Positive Predictive Value (PPV), Mean Absolute Error (MAE) and Root-Mean-Square Error (RMSE). Furthermore, we used Shapley additive explanations to gain insight into the behavior of the prediction model. Results: Most predictive characteristics were selected by Boruta algorithm for each combination of ROI sequences for the characterization and classification of the two types of signal hyperintensity. The overall best classification result was obtained by the NN with ACC = 0.91, AUC = 0.93 with 95% CI 0.91–0.94, F1-score = 0.94 and PPV = 93.8%. Between classic ML methods, ensemble learners showed high model performance; specifically, the best-performing classifier was the Stack (ST) with ACC = 0.85, AUC = 0.81 with 95% CI 0.8–0.84, F1-score = 0.9, PPV = 90%. Conclusions: Our results show the potential of ML methods in discerning edema-like lesions, in particular by distinguishing CNO lesions from hematopoietic bone marrow changes in a pediatric population. The Neural Network showed the overall best results, while a Stacking classifier, based on Gradient Boosting and Random Forest as principal estimators and Logistic Regressor as final estimator, achieved the best results between the other ML methods.
Traumatic Pseudoaneurysms of the Internal Mammary Artery: Two Cases and Percutaneous Intervention
Authors: Aikins Kayla A. , Anderson Zoé N. , Koci Timothy M.
Published: December 2023

Pseudoaneurysms involving the internal mammary artery/internal thoracic artery (IMA/ITA) are rare occurrences, and the presentation and treatment approaches for such cases can be variable. Due to the potentially life-threatening risk of rupture, leading to conditions like hemothorax, it is important to have a comprehensive understanding of safe and effective diagnostic and therapeutic techniques. We present two cases of IMA/ITA artery pseudoaneurysms. A 91-year-old male presented to the emergency department following a motor vehicle accident. A CT scan of the chest revealed an anterior mediastinal hemorrhage with active extravasation. Percutaneous intervention revealed a pseudoaneurysm arising from a left IMA/ITA side branch. Coil embolization effectively treated the pseudoaneurysm. In the second case, a 79-year-old male presented with a sternal fracture after a ground-level fall, with parasternal hematoma and active bleeding (pseudoaneurysm) on Trauma Computerized Tomography of the chest with contrast. He underwent coil embolization, and subsequent post-procedure angiograms confirmed the effective occlusion of the left IMA/ITA, with no further visualization of the pseudoaneurysm. These two cases underscore the importance of tailored approaches in treating internal mammary artery pseudoaneurysms.
AI-Enhanced Predictive Modeling for Identifying Depression and Delirium in Cardiovascular Patients Scheduled for Cardiac Surgery
Authors: Nowakowska Karina , Sakellarios Antonis , Kaźmierski Jakub , Fotiadis Dimitrios I. , Pezoulas Vasileios C.
Published: December 2023

Several studies have demonstrated a critical association between cardiovascular disease (CVD) and mental health, revealing that approximately one-third of individuals with CVD also experience depression. This comorbidity significantly increases the risk of cardiac complications and mortality, a risk that persists regardless of traditional factors. Addressing this issue, our study pioneers a straightforward, explainable, and data-driven pipeline for predicting depression in CVD patients. Methods: Our study was conducted at a cardiac surgical intensive care unit. A total of 224 participants who were scheduled for elective coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG) were enrolled in the study. Prior to surgery, each patient underwent psychiatric evaluation to identify major depressive disorder (MDD) based on the DSM-5 criteria. An advanced data curation workflow was applied to eliminate outliers and inconsistencies and improve data quality. An explainable AI-empowered pipeline was developed, where sophisticated machine learning techniques, including the AdaBoost, random forest, and XGBoost algorithms, were trained and tested on the curated data based on a stratified cross-validation approach. Results: Our findings identified a significant correlation between the biomarker “sRAGE” and depression (r = 0.32, p = 0.038). Among the applied models, the random forest classifier demonstrated superior accuracy in predicting depression, with notable scores in accuracy (0.62), sensitivity (0.71), specificity (0.53), and area under the curve (0.67). Conclusions: This study provides compelling evidence that depression in CVD patients, particularly those with elevated “sRAGE” levels, can be predicted with a 62% accuracy rate. Our AI-driven approach offers a promising way for early identification and intervention, potentially revolutionizing care strategies in this vulnerable population.
Three-Dimensional Transperineal Ultrasound Guiding Early Secondary Repair of Obstetric Anal Sphincter Injury in an Incontinent Patient without Suture Dehiscence
Authors: Orsi Michele , Cappuccio Giuseppe , Kurihara Hayato , Rossi Gabriele , Perugino Giuseppe , Ferrazzi Enrico , Coppola Carmela
Published: December 2023

We present the case of a 36-year-old primigravida who gave birth to a 3200 g baby by vacuum-assisted (Kiwi OmniCup™) operative vaginal delivery with mediolateral episiotomy. A “y”-shaped perineal tear with a grade IIIC obstetric anal sphincter injury (OASI) was diagnosed and repaired. Two days after delivery, in the absence of suture dehiscence, she started experiencing complete anal incontinence. A decision was made in association with a proctologic surgeon for an early secondary repair. Before surgery, a Three-dimensional transperineal ultrasound (TPUS) was performed. The exam revealed a major defect of the external anal sphincter at the 11 o’clock position. This allowed for the reopening of only a circumscribed area of the perineal suture and repair of the sphincters using the end-to-end technique. The symptoms regressed completely, and follow-up TPUS demonstrated the gradual wound healing process. Anal incontinence, secondary to obstetric anal sphincter injury (OASI), has a severe negative impact on women’s quality of life. TPUS is an effective method to detect sphincter defects and monitor the healing process. This report investigates the feasibility of identifying the sphincter tear in an incontinent puerperal patient without suture dehiscence in order to target early secondary repair while minimizing its extent. TPUS has proven a safe and effective tool to guide early secondary repair of symptomatic OASI complications while minimizing the invasiveness of the procedure. Multidisciplinary management is crucial to ensure the adequate standard of care.
Sequence-Type Classification of Brain MRI for Acute Stroke Using a Self-Supervised Machine Learning Algorithm
Authors: Na Seongwon , Ko Yousun , Ham Su Jung , Sung Yu Sub , Kim Mi-Hyun , Shin Youngbin , Jung Seung Chai , Ju Chung , Kim Byung Su , Yoon Kyoungro , Kim Kyung Won
Published: December 2023

We propose a self-supervised machine learning (ML) algorithm for sequence-type classification of brain MRI using a supervisory signal from DICOM metadata (i.e., a rule-based virtual label). A total of 1787 brain MRI datasets were constructed, including 1531 from hospitals and 256 from multi-center trial datasets. The ground truth (GT) was generated by two experienced image analysts and checked by a radiologist. An ML framework called ImageSort-net was developed using various features related to MRI acquisition parameters and used for training virtual labels and ML algorithms derived from rule-based labeling systems that act as labels for supervised learning. For the performance evaluation of ImageSort-net (MLvirtual), we compare and analyze the performances of models trained with human expert labels (MLhumans), using as a test set blank data that the rule-based labeling system failed to infer from each dataset. The performance of ImageSort-net (MLvirtual) was comparable to that of MLhuman (98.5% and 99%, respectively) in terms of overall accuracy when trained with hospital datasets. When trained with a relatively small multi-center trial dataset, the overall accuracy was relatively lower than that of MLhuman (95.6% and 99.4%, respectively). After integrating the two datasets and re-training them, MLvirtual showed higher accuracy than MLvirtual trained only on multi-center datasets (95.6% and 99.7%, respectively). Additionally, the multi-center dataset inference performances after the re-training of MLvirtual and MLhumans were identical (99.7%). Training of ML algorithms based on rule-based virtual labels achieved high accuracy for sequence-type classification of brain MRI and enabled us to build a sustainable self-learning system.
Awareness of Forensic Odontology among Dental Students and Faculty in Cyprus: A Survey-Based Study
Authors: Giannakopoulos Kostis , Lambrou-Christodoulou Persefoni , Kaklamanos Eleftherios G.
Published: December 2023

This study aimed to evaluate the awareness, comprehension, and practices concerning forensic odontology among dental students and faculty at a Dental School in Cyprus. An online, cross-sectional, descriptive survey, employing an adapted, self-administered questionnaire, was disseminated to all dental students and faculty at the School of Dentistry, European University Cyprus, in November 2022. The survey assessed participants’ demographic information and explored their awareness with questions alluding to knowledge, attitudes and practices in forensic dentistry. Of those surveyed, 47 faculty members and 304 students responded, yielding response rates of 66.2% and 80%, respectively. Statistical analysis, including Kendall’s tau test and χ2 test were employed to examine correlations and associations, with Cramer’s V used to measure the strength of significant associations. The predetermined significance level was α = 0.05. Awareness levels were assessed through participants’ responses to specific questions in the survey. It was revealed that 87% of faculty and 65% of students were familiar with forensic odontology. A noteworthy 94% of faculty and 85% of students recognized teeth as DNA repositories. A high percentage, 98% of faculty and 89% of students, acknowledged the role of forensic odontology in the identification of criminals and deceased individuals. Awareness of age estimation through dental eruption patterns was evident in 85% of faculty and 81.6% of students. A substantial proportion (80% of faculty) maintained dental records, while 78% of students recognized the importance of dental record-keeping in ensuring quality care. Interestingly, 57% of students and 64% of faculty were aware of the possibility of dentists testifying as expert witnesses. The majority, 95.7% of faculty and 85% of students, concurred that physical harm, scars, and behavioral alterations predominantly indicate child abuse. The findings, revealing robust awareness among respondents, underscore the importance of enhancing faculty engagement in relevant seminars to further strengthen their knowledge. Additionally, emphasizing improved record-keeping practices for potential forensic applications emerges as a crucial aspect. These insights have implications for refining dental education in Cyprus and enhancing forensic practices by promoting ongoing professional development and emphasizing meticulous record-keeping within the dental community.