bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Early and Mid-Term Outcomes of Using the Chimney Technique in Redo Mitral Valve Replacement in Patients with a Small Mitral Annulus
Authors: Yang Mingyuan , Song Laichun , Xiao Yong , Tao Liang
Published: January 2024

The outcomes of redo mitral valve replacement (Re-MVR) in a small mitral annulus with the use of the chimney technique are not well documented. The purpose of this study is to present our early experience with this group of patients, illustrating the periop-erative complications and mortality outcomes. From 2019 to 2020, 77 consecutive patients underwent Re-MVR with the use of the chimney technique because of a small mitral annulus. To evaluate heart structural integrity and clinical outcomes, postoperative clinical data and echocardiograms were examined. The mean age was 56.7 ± 15.98 years. All patients underwent mitral valve surgery, of which 62 were mitral valve replacements, 7 mitral valve repairs, and 8 double valve replacements. The preoperative mitral valve mean gradient was 18.07 ± 9.40 mmHg, and the postoperative mitral prosthesis size was 28.51 ± 1.22 mm. The median increment of mitral size enlargement was 4 (0, 6) valve sizes. The mean mitral gradient coming out of the operating room was 10.34 ± 2.12 mmHg, and at the follow-up echocardiogram performed at 3 years after the procedure, it was 10.36 ± 1.70 mmHg. One-year survival was 93.3%, while the 4-year survival rate was 89.3%, with no reoperation. The use of the chimney technique in small mitral valve re-mitral valve replacement results in larger valve sizes. Moreover, the mean gradients over the mitral valve are acceptable both intraoperatively and over time.
Clinical Course and Management of Patients with Emergency Surgery Treated with Direct Oral Anticoagulants or Vitamin K Antagonists—Results of the German Prospective RADOA-Registry
Authors: Last Jana , Herrmann Eva , Birschmann Ingvild , Lindau Simone , Konstantinides Stavros , Grottke Oliver , Nowak-Göttl Ulrike , Zydek Barbara , von Heymann Christian , Sümnig Ariane , Beyer-Westendorf Jan , Schellong Sebastian , Meybohm Patrick , Greinacher Andreas , Lindhoff-Last Edelgard
Published: January 2024

(1) Background: The clinical management of anticoagulated patients treated with direct oral anticoagulants (DOAC) or Vitamin K antagonists (VKA) needing emergency surgery is challenging. (2) Methods: The prospective German RADOA registry investigated treatment strategies in DOAC- or VKA-treated patients needing emergency surgery within 24 h after admission. Effectiveness was analysed by clinical endpoints including major bleeding. Primary observation endpoint was in hospital mortality until 30 days after admission. (3) Results: A total of 78 patients were included (DOAC: 44; VKA: 34). Median age was 76 years. Overall, 43% of the DOAC patients and 79% of the VKA patients were treated with prothrombin complex concentrates (PCC) (p = 0.002). Out of the DOAC patients, 30% received no hemostatic treatment compared to 3% (1/34) of the VKA patients (p = 0.002), and 7% of the DOAC patients and 21% of the VKA patients developed major or clinically relevant non-major bleeding at the surgical site (p = 0.093). In-hospital mortality was 13% with no significant difference between the two treatment groups (DOAC: 11%, VKA: 15%; p > 0.20). (4) Conclusions: The 30-day in-hospital mortality rate was comparable between both patient groups. VKA patients required significantly more hemostatic agents than DOAC patients in the peri- and postoperative surgery period.
WD Repeat Domain 5 Inhibitors for Cancer Therapy: Not What You Think
Authors: Weissmiller April M. , Fesik Stephen W. , Tansey William P.
Published: January 2024

WDR5 is a conserved nuclear protein that scaffolds the assembly of epigenetic regulatory complexes and moonlights in functions ranging from recruiting MYC oncoproteins to chromatin to facilitating the integrity of mitosis. It is also a high-value target for anti-cancer therapies, with small molecule WDR5 inhibitors and degraders undergoing extensive preclinical assessment. WDR5 inhibitors were originally conceived as epigenetic modulators, proposed to inhibit cancer cells by reversing oncogenic patterns of histone H3 lysine 4 methylation—a notion that persists to this day. This premise, however, does not withstand contemporary inspection and establishes expectations for the mechanisms and utility of WDR5 inhibitors that can likely never be met. Here, we highlight salient misconceptions regarding WDR5 inhibitors as epigenetic modulators and provide a unified model for their action as a ribosome-directed anti-cancer therapy that helps focus understanding of when and how the tumor-inhibiting properties of these agents can best be understood and exploited.
Correlations between Resting Electrocardiogram Findings and Disease Profiles: Insights from the Qatar Biobank Cohort
Authors: Qafoud Fatima , Kunji Khalid , Elshrif Mohamed , Althani Asma , Salam Amar , Al Suwaidi Jassim , Darbar Dawood , Asaad Nidal , Saad Mohamad
Published: January 2024

Background: Resting electrocardiogram (ECG) is a valuable non-invasive diagnostic tool used in clinical medicine to assess the electrical activity of the heart while the patient is resting. Abnormalities in ECG may be associated with clinical biomarkers and can predict early stages of diseases. In this study, we evaluated the association between ECG traits, clinical biomarkers, and diseases and developed risk scores to predict the risk of developing coronary artery disease (CAD) in the Qatar Biobank. Methods: This study used 12-lead ECG data from 13,827 participants. The ECG traits used for association analysis were RR, PR, QRS, QTc, PW, and JT. Association analysis using regression models was conducted between ECG variables and serum electrolytes, sugars, lipids, blood pressure (BP), blood and inflammatory biomarkers, and diseases (e.g., type 2 diabetes, CAD, and stroke). ECG-based and clinical risk scores were developed, and their performance was assessed to predict CAD. Classical regression and machine-learning models were used for risk score development. Results: Significant associations were observed with ECG traits. RR showed the largest number of associations: e.g., positive associations with bicarbonate, chloride, HDL-C, and monocytes, and negative associations with glucose, insulin, neutrophil, calcium, and risk of T2D. QRS was positively associated with phosphorus, bicarbonate, and risk of CAD. Elevated QTc was observed in CAD patients, whereas decreased QTc was correlated with decreased levels of calcium and potassium. Risk scores developed using regression models were outperformed by machine-learning models. The area under the receiver operating curve reached 0.84 using a machine-learning model that contains ECG traits, sugars, lipids, serum electrolytes, and cardiovascular disease risk factors. The odds ratio for the top decile of CAD risk score compared to the remaining deciles was 13.99. Conclusions: ECG abnormalities were associated with serum electrolytes, sugars, lipids, and blood and inflammatory biomarkers. These abnormalities were also observed in T2D and CAD patients. Risk scores showed great predictive performance in predicting CAD.
What Is New in Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease in Lean Individuals: From Bench to Bedside
Authors: Danpanichkul Pojsakorn , Suparan Kanokphong , Kim Donghee , Wijarnpreecha Karn
Published: January 2024

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) affects more than 30% of the world’s adult population. While it is associated with obesity and metabolic syndrome, emerging evidence has shown that a substantial number of MASLD patients have a normal body mass index (“lean individuals with MASLD”). In this article, we provide an overview of the definition, epidemiology, pathogenesis, and clinical outcomes associated with lean individuals with MASLD and updates on current management.
Exercise-Induced Asthma: Managing Respiratory Issues in Athletes
Authors: Ora Josuel , De Marco Patrizia , Gabriele Mariachiara , Cazzola Mario , Rogliani Paola
Published: January 2024

Asthma is a complex respiratory condition characterized by chronic airway inflammation and variable expiratory airflow limitation, affecting millions globally. Among athletes, particularly those competing at elite levels, the prevalence of respiratory conditions is notably heightened, varying between 20% and 70% across specific sports. Exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB) is a common issue among athletes, impacting their performance and well-being. The prevalence rates vary based on the sport, training environment, and genetics. Exercise is a known trigger for asthma, but paradoxically, it can also improve pulmonary function and alleviate EIB severity. However, athletes’ asthma phenotypes differ, leading to varied responses to medications and challenges in management. The unique aspects in athletes include heightened airway sensitivity, allergen, pollutant exposure, and temperature variations. This review addresses EIB in athletes, focusing on pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment. The pathogenesis of EIB involves complex interactions between physiological and environmental factors. Airway dehydration and cooling are key mechanisms, leading to osmotic and thermal theories. Airway inflammation and hyper-responsiveness are common factors. Elite athletes often exhibit distinct inflammatory responses and heightened airway sensitivity, influenced by sport type, training, and environment. Swimming and certain sports pose higher EIB risks, with chlorine exposure in pools being a notable factor. Immune responses, lung function changes, and individual variations contribute to EIB in athletes. Diagnosing EIB in athletes requires objective testing, as baseline lung function tests can yield normal results. Both EIB with asthma (EIBA) and without asthma (EIBwA) must be considered. Exercise and indirect bronchoprovocation tests provide reliable diagnoses. In athletes, exercise tests offer effectiveness in diagnosing EIB. Spirometry and bronchodilation tests are standard approaches, but the diagnostic emphasis is shifting toward provocation tests. Despite its challenges, achieving an optimal diagnosis of EIA constitutes the cornerstone for effective management, leading to improved performance, reduced risk of complications, and enhanced quality of life. The management of EIB in athletes aligns with the general principles for symptom control, prevention, and reducing complications. Non-pharmacological approaches, including trigger avoidance and warming up, are essential. Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) are the cornerstone of asthma therapy in athletes. Short-acting beta agonists (SABA) are discouraged as sole treatments. Leukotriene receptor antagonists (LTRA) and mast cell stabilizing agents (MCSA) are potential options. Optimal management improves the athletes’ quality of life and allows them to pursue competitive sports effectively.
Beyond Belief: Exploring the Alignment of Self-Efficacy, Self-Prediction, Self-Perception, and Actual Performance Measurement in a Squat Jump Performance—A Pilot Study
Authors: Cudicio Alessandro , Agosti Valeria
Published: January 2024

It is widely accepted that athletic performance emerges from a complex interaction between physical and cognitive features. Several studies highlighted self-efficacy (SE) in the cognitive domain of athletic performance, but no studies have correlated SE with sport-specific tasks. According to Bandura, this study explored SE and its relationship with self-prediction (SP), self-perception (PSJ), and actual performance in a squat jump (SJ). Thirty-nine healthy collegiate students were assessed using an SE questionnaire, an SP measurement tool, and a validated optical system for actual SJ performance. An SE score and an SE esteem index (SEE) were determined. The alignment between an individual’s SP of their SJ performance and their SE beliefs was also examined. The data revealed a significant correlation between SE score and both SJ (r = 0.432; p = 0.006) and SP (r = 0.441; p = 0.005). Furthermore, disparities among the actual SJ, SP, and SEE were statistically non-significant, implying a congruence between self-belief and performance. With a deeper understanding of the interaction between SE, SP, and sport-specific tasks, sports professionals could develop targeted interventions to enhance athletes’ overall athletic achievements and apply SE as a feature linking physical and cognitive athletic performance.
Balance Training and Shooting Performance: The Role of Load and the Unstable Surface
Authors: Kounalakis Stylianos , Karagiannis Anastasios , Kostoulas Ioannis
Published: January 2024

Military and law enforcement members’ shooting ability is influenced by their postural balance, which affects their performance and survivability. This study aimed to investigate the effects of a proprioception training program (standing or walking on unstable surfaces) on postural balance and shooting performance. Twenty participants, divided into two groups, completed 60 shots in a shooting simulator while standing, before and after a 4-week proprioception training program. One group (n = 10) followed the training program (EXP), while the other group followed the regular military academy program (CON). The shooting was conducted under four conditions: without load on a stable surface, with load on a stable surface, without load on an unstable surface, and with load on an unstable surface. The findings reveal that the training program had a significant impact on the EXP, improving their balance (p < 0.01). Additionally, only in the EXP, shooting score and the percentage center of gravity increased (p < 0.01) and the stability of the shots, measured by holding time on the target, doubled from 2.2 to 4.5 s (p < 0.01). These improvements were more pronounced when participants had a load and/or were on an unstable surface. In conclusion, a proprioception training program could be beneficial for improving postural balance and shooting performance.
Ship Engine Model Selection by Applying Machine Learning Classification Techniques Using Imputation and Dimensionality Reduction
Authors: Skarlatos Kyriakos , Papageorgiou Grigorios , Biris Panagiotis , Skamnia Ekaterini , Economou Polychronis , Bersimis Sotirios
Published: January 2024

The maritime is facing a gradual proliferation of data, which is frequently coupled with the presence of subpar information that contains missing and duplicate data, erroneous records, and flawed entries as a result of human intervention or a lack of access to sensitive and important collaborative information. Data limitations and restrictions have a crucial impact on inefficient data-driven decisions, leading to decreased productivity, augmented operating expenses, and the consequent substantial decline in a competitive edge. The missing or inadequate presentation of significant information, such as the vessel’s primary engine model, critically affects its capabilities and operating expenses as well as its environmental impact. In this study, a comprehensive study was employed, using and comparing several machine learning classification techniques to classify a ship’s main engine model, along with different imputation methods for handling the missing values and dimensionality reduction methods. The classification is based on the technical and operational characteristics of the vessel, including the physical dimensions, various capacities, speeds and consumption. Briefly, three dimensionality reduction methods (Principal Component Analysis, Uniform Manifold Approximation and Projection, and t-Distributed Stochastic Neighbor Embedding) were considered and combined with a variety of classifiers and the appropriate parameters of the dimensionality reduction methods. According to the classification results, the ExtraTreeClassifier with PCA with 4 components, the ExtraTreeClassifier with t-SNE with perplexity equal to 10 and 3 components, and the same classifier with UMAP with 10 neighbors and 3 components outperformed the rest of the combinations. This classification could provide significant information for shipowners to enhance the vessel’s operation by optimizing it.
Isolation and Cultivation of Carotenoid-Producing Strains from Tidal Flat Sediment and Proposal of Croceibacterium aestuarii sp. nov., a Novel Carotenoid-Producing Species in the Family Erythrobacteraceae
Authors: Sun Xiao-Yan , Dong Han , Zhang Yu , Gao Jia-Wei , Zhou Peng , Sun Cong , Xu Lin
Published: January 2024

Carotenoids are extensively used in drugs, cosmetics, nutrients, and foods, owing to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory characteristics. Diverse marine heterotrophic prokaryotes can accumulate carotenoids and become promising alternatives for the advancement of carotenoids production. In this research, 55 strains were isolated and cultivated from tidal flat sediment in Zhoushan and classified into the phyla Pseudomonadota (n = 24), Bacillota (n = 18), Bacteroidota (n = 9), and Actinomycetota (n = 4). Nine of them accumulated carotenoids, and most of them belonged to the families Flavobacteriaceae (n = 4) and Erythrobacteraceae (n = 4). Among those carotenoid-producing strains, one strain, designated as D39T, was proposed as one novel species belonging to the genus Croceibacterium through polyphasic taxonomy approaches. Genomic annotations and carotenoid compound determinations revealed that strain D39T encoded crtEBIYZG genes and mainly accumulated zeaxanthin as major carotenoids. Furthermore, carotenoid biosynthesis pathway in the majority of Croceibacterium strains were identical with that in the strain D39T, implying that Croceibacterium members can be sources of producing zeaxanthin. This study enhances knowledge of microbial biodiversity in tidal flats, proposes a novel carotenoid-producing Croceibacterium species, and elucidates carotenoid biosynthesis pathway in the genus Croceibacterium, which contribute to enriching marine carotenoid-producing strains and promoting a comprehensive insight into genomic contents of them.
Study of a Center Pipe Oscillating Column Wave Energy Converter Combined with a Triboelectric Nanogenerator Device
Authors: Huang Yan , Yang Shaohui , Fan Jianyu , Du Zhichang , Lin Beichen , Tu Yongqiang , Pan Lei
Published: January 2024

Wave energy is one of the most widely distributed and abundant energies in the ocean, and its conversion technology has been broadly researched. In this paper, a structure that combines a traditional center pipe oscillating water column and a triboelectric nanogenerator is proposed. Firstly, the structural characteristics and geometric parameters of the device are designed. The working process of the device is introduced, the motion equation of the device is established, and the power generation principle of the triboelectric nanogenerator is deduced and analyzed theoretically. Secondly, hydrodynamic modeling and simulation are carried out, the influence of the bottom shape of the main floating body and the structural parameters of the sag plate on the hydrodynamic force of the device is analyzed, and an electric field simulation of the generation process of the friction nanogenerator is carried out. Finally, experiments involving the wave water tank of the proposed device are conducted, including charging the capacitor of the device under different wave conditions and directly lighting the LED lamp. The performance of the proposed device under different wave conditions is discussed. According to the test results, the feasibility of the proposed device for wave energy conversion is confirmed.
Radiation Dose to Critical Cardiac Structures from Three-Dimensional Conformal Radiation Therapy (3D-CRT), Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) and Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy (VMAT) Techniques for Left-Sided Breast Cancer
Authors: Konstantinou Evgenia , Varveris Antonis , Solomou Georgia , Antoniadis Chrysostomos , Tolia Maria , Mazonakis Michalis
Published: January 2024

A comparison of the radiation exposure to the left anterior descending artery (LAD) and left ventricle (LV) was performed for twenty-three left breast cancer patients. For each participant, two tangential fields 3D-CRT, two- and seven-field IMRT and two and four partial arcs VMAT plans were created. Dose constraints for CTV, ipsilateral lung and heart were followed. The V40Gy, V30Gy, Dav of LAD and V23Gy, V5Gy, Dav of LV were calculated and extracted from the plans. Parametric and non-parametric tests were applied to compare the parameters derived from the five treatment techniques. All generated plans fulfilled the dose constraints. The Dav ranges of the LAD and LV from all examined techniques were 11.77–14.73 Gy and 5.37–6.40 Gy, respectively. The V40Gy and V30Gy ranges of the LAD were 2.90–12.91% and 10.80–18.51%, respectively. The V23Gy and V5Gy of the LV were 4.29–7.43% and 18.24–30.05%, respectively. The VMAT plans and seven-field IMRT significantly reduced the V40Gy, V30Gy of LAD and V23Gy of LV compared with the two-field treatments (p < 0.05). However, 3D-CRT plans provided statistically lower values for V5Gy of LV over the other techniques (p < 0.05). The presented results provide a detailed dataset of the radiation burden of two critical cardiac structures from five radiotherapy techniques.
The Study of Exotic and Invasive Plant Species in Gullele Botanic Garden, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Authors: Girmay Mehari , Gebrehiwot Kflay , Atinafe Ergua , Tareke Yared , Belay Birhanu
Published: January 2024

The Gullele Botanic Garden was established to preserve and safeguard indigenous, rare, endemic, endangered, and economically important plant species. The objective of this study was to identify and map the exotic, invasive, and potentially invasive plant species that are present in the garden’s various land use types, such as natural vegetation, plantations, roadsides and garden edges. The research involved laying plots at different distances in each land use type and collecting vegetation data with geo-location information. Sorensen’s similarity index was used to measure the floristic similarity between the sampled land use types. Data on species density and abundance were analyzed using the corresponding formula. The Shannon–Wiener diversity index and evenness were used to compute the diversity of the species in each land use type using R packages. ArcGIS version 10.5 was used to track the geographical distribution and map the exotic, invasive, and potentially invasive species that exist in all land use types of the garden. A total of 80 plant species belonging to 70 genera in 44 families were recorded in the garden. Asteraceae, Myrtaceae, and Fabaceae comprised the highest number of species. Acacia decurrens, Acacia melanoxylon, Cuscuta campestris, Galinsoga parviflora, Nerium oleander, and Cyathula uncinulata were the most prevalent invasive and potentially invasive species. The study found that the roadside and garden edge land use types had the most diverse exotic and invasive plants. The total density of exotic species was 2.36 plants/m2. The potential possibility of these plants in displacing the native plant species is quite high unless the introduction of exotic plant species is inspected and appropriate management strategies for invasive species are put in place.
Public Private Partnership to Brownfield Remediation Projects in China: A Combined Risk Evaluation Approach
Authors: Han Qingye , Qin Yan , Zhang Heng , Ke Ginger Y.
Published: January 2024

Brownfields have been receiving significant attention all over the world because of their potential threats to the environment and public health. However, a funding shortage constitutes the main obstacle to the brownfield remediation (BR). In China, to ease financial dilemmas, the governments seek collaborations with private-sector companies, i.e., the Public Private Partnership (PPP) mode. Despite all the benefits, BR and PPP contain high risks, making stakeholders extremely cautious about investing in such projects. To support the decision-making process of the public and private parties, this paper designs a comprehensive approach to evaluate the risks of BR PPP projects in China. In more detail, several commonly used risk methods, such as TOPSIS, GRE, and FSE, are employed to construct a combined risk evaluation process, which applies multiple combined evaluation techniques to iteratively integrate individual results from those methods until a valid common result is achieved. To show the practical implementation procedure of the proposed combined approach, a hypothetical case study is performed to assess the risks of seven BR PPP projects. The analytical process also verifies that the consistency and reliability of the risk evaluation result can be achieved effectively and efficiently by jointly deploying multiple risk methods through combined techniques. The proposed decision framework facilitates a novel research idea in evaluating complicated risk situations, and can be applied to other similar scenarios where uncertainties and inconsistencies are inevitable.
Spatiotemporal Distribution and Fragmentation Driving Mechanism in Paddy Fields and Dryland of Urban Agglomeration in the Middle Reaches of the Yangtze River
Authors: Li Dehua , Duo Linghua , Bao Chenhao , Zhang Xiaoping , Zou Zili
Published: January 2024

The spatial-temporal distribution pattern of China’s cultivated land has changed dramatically from 1990 to 2020, and the problem of cultivated land fragmentation has become more prominent. However, the existing research lacks a focus on the two specific land use types, paddy fields and dryland. In this study, the spatiotemporal distribution pattern and the fragmentation driving mechanism of paddy field and dryland during the years 1990 to 2020 were identified by using the center of gravity center migration model, standard deviation ellipse, and land-use dynamic model for the urban agglomeration in the middle reaches of the Yangtze River as an example. The results show that there are significant differences in the spatiotemporal distribution characteristics of paddy field and dryland in the MRYRUA. Among the provinces and cities, Hubei province and its Xiangyang city showed the most obvious trend of change. The loss and gain of paddy fields and dryland is related to economic and policy contexts in each period. The main driving factor of paddy field and dryland fragmentation is natural condition, whereas a relatively important factor is the per capita disposable income of rural residents. The effects of each factor on paddy field and dryland fragmentation were not independent; any two factor interactions had a stronger effect on paddy field and dryland fragmentation than a single factor. In general, this study provides guidance and references for the main grain-producing areas undergoing rapid urbanization relating to cultivated land conservation, food security, and sustainable agricultural utilization.
Evidence-Based Approaches to Anticoagulation in Reconstructive Microsurgery—A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Biermann Niklas , Chak Juy Chi , Wiesmeier Anna , Klein Silvan M. , Ruewe Marc , Spoerl Steffen , Kruppa Philipp , Prantl Lukas , Anker Alexandra M.
Published: January 2024

This systematic review addresses the crucial role of anticoagulation in microsurgical procedures, focusing on free flap reconstruction and replantation surgeries. The objective was to balance the prevention of thrombotic complications commonly leading to flap failure, with the risk of increased bleeding complications associated with anticoagulant use. A meticulous PubMed literature search following Evidence-Based-Practice principles yielded 79 relevant articles, including both clinical and animal studies. The full-texts were carefully reviewed and evaluated by the modified Coleman methodology score. Clinical studies revealed diverse perioperative regimens, primarily based on aspirin, heparin, and dextran. Meta-analyses demonstrated similar flap loss rates with heparin or aspirin. High doses of dalteparin or heparin, however, correlated with higher flap loss rates than low dose administration. Use of dextran is not recommended due to severe systemic complications. In animal studies, systemic heparin administration showed predominantly favorable results, while topical application and intraluminal irrigation consistently exhibited significant benefits in flap survival. The insights from this conducted systematic review serve as a foundational pillar towards the establishment of evidence-based guidelines for anticoagulation in microsurgery. An average Coleman score of 55 (maximum 103), indicating low overall study quality, however, emphasizes the need for large multi-institutional, randomized-clinical trials as the next vital step.
Supply Chain Complexity and Its Impact on Knowledge Transfer: Incorporating Sustainable Supply Chain Practices in Food Supply Chain Networks
Authors: Ahmed Hareer Fatima , Hosseinian-Far Amin , Sarwar Dilshad , Khandan Rasoul
Published: January 2024

Background: The dynamics of supply chain networks have changed due to increasing complexities. Global expansions and knowledge transfer in supply chain networks bring efficiency and effectiveness to companies. However, the probability of supply chain complexity has also been seen increasing. The barriers to sustainable supply chain networks need to be tackled in an effective manner as they impact business operations. Therefore, it is essential to eliminate and reduce the supply chain complexities, as it will facilitate the process of knowledge transfer and increase the implementation of sustainable practises in supply chain networks. In the previous research, four supply chain complexity drivers were identified. Previous research identified four supply chain complexity drivers by conducting a systematic review. This study investigates which of the four complexity drivers impacts knowledge transfer in the context of the food supply chain sector. Methods: In this research, knowledge transfer is therefore examined from the perspective of sustainable food supply chains. Thirty exploratory qualitative interviews were conducted in this study and analysed using Nvivo (v12) software. This study utilised thematic analysis techniques for the evaluation of the interviews to gather results. Results: The results illustrated six main factors classified under broad categories: integration of Knowledge Transfer, incorporation of technological advancements in supply chain networks, supply chain complexity solutions, supply chain complexity drivers, sustainable supply chain networks, and capability to reduce supply chain complexity. The findings of this study highlight that process complexity significantly influences the process of knowledge transfer in food supply chain networks. The research findings contribute to both academic and practical domains. This study contributes to the aggregation of supply chain complexity and its impact on Knowledge Transfer. Additionally, the findings support supply chain networks, which strive to achieve efficient Knowledge Transfer to attain sustainable value in business operations. Conclusion: This study has proven that robust knowledge transfer reduces supply chain complexity as it makes supply chain systems more resilient and well-coordinated in many potential ways.
Correction: Bysiec et al. Numerical Analysis of Steel Geodesic Dome under Seismic Excitations. Materials 2021, 14, 4493
Authors: Bysiec Dominika , Maleska Tomasz
Published: January 2024

In the original publication [...]
Investigation of the Chemical Composition, Microstructure, Density, Microhardness, and Elastic Modulus of the New β Ti-50Nb-xMo Alloys for Biomedical Applications
Authors: Martins Junior José Roberto Severino , Kuroda Pedro Akira Bazaglia , Grandini Carlos Roberto
Published: January 2024

β-type titanium alloys with a body-centered cubic structure are highly useful in orthopedics due to their low elastic modulus, lower than other commonly used alloys such as stainless steel and Co-Cr alloys. The formation of the β phase in titanium alloys is achieved through β-stabilizing elements such as Nb, Mo, and Ta. To produce new β alloys with a low modulus of elasticity, this work aimed to produce our alloy system for biomedical applications (Ti-50Nb-Mo). The alloys were produced by arc-melting and have the following compositions Ti-50Nb-xMo (x = 0, 3, 5, 7, and 12 wt% Mo). The alloys were characterized by density, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, microhardness, and elastic modulus. It is worth highlighting that this new set of alloys of the Ti-50Nb-Mo system produced in this study is unprecedented; due to this, there needs to be a report in the literature on the production and structural characterization, hardness, and elastic modulus analyses. The microstructure of the alloys has an exclusively β phase (with bcc crystalline structure). The results show that adding molybdenum considerably increased the microhardness and decreased the elastic modulus, with values around 80 GPa, below the metallic materials used commercially for this type of application. From the produced alloys, Ti-50Nb-12Mo is highlighted due to its lower elastic modulus.
Stenotrophomonas maltophilia Infections in Haematological Malignancies and Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation: A Case Series including Cefiderocol-Based Regimens
Authors: Lupia Tommaso , Carnevale-Schianca Fabrizio , Vita Davide , Busca Alessandro , Caravelli Daniela , Crisà Elena , Gregorc Vanesa , Curtoni Antonio , Cerutti Alessandro , Shbaklo Nour , Corcione Silvia , De Rosa Francesco Giuseppe
Published: January 2024

Background and Objectives: Stenotrophomonas maltophilia is a ubiquitous, aerobic, Gram-negative bacillus causing increasing concern in patients affected by haematological malignancies. Materials and Methods: We report a case series from two centres in Northern Italy to describe the characteristics, outcome and microbiological response of S. maltophilia infections in patients with haematological malignancies and/or allogenic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (aHSCT). Results: Ten patients were included. The median age was 67 years, and seven patients (70%) were males. The median Charlson Comorbidity Index was 6 (IQR: 4–8). The most frequent haematological comorbidities were acute myeloid leukaemia (AML; n = 3; 30%) and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (n = 3; 30%). Three (30%) patients underwent aHSCT before infection, all for AML. All the patients had undergone a recent antibiotics course and had an indwelling central venous catheter before infection. The main clinical presentations were nosocomial pneumonia, with (2; 20%) or without (4; 40%) secondary bloodstream infection and CRBSI (3; 30%). Four patients were treated with cefiderocol in monotherapy or combinations therapy with cotrimoxazole. The rest of the patients were treated with cotrimoxazole or levofloxacin in monotherapy. Conclusions: Despite a high rate of clinical improvement (90%) after starting antimicrobial therapy, we faced high 30-day mortality (30%) and in-hospital mortality (50%) rates in a highly comorbid population.
Rate of Vaginal Cuff Dehiscence When Using Vicryl (Poliglactyn 910) Compared to PDS (Polydioxanone) for Vaginal Cuff Closure in Laparoscopic Hysterectomy
Authors: Cannone Francesco Giuseppe , Cormaci Livia , Ettore Carla , Gulino Ferdinando Antonio , Incognito Giosuè Giordano , Benvenuto Domenico , Ettore Giuseppe
Published: January 2024

Objective: To compare the vaginal cuff dehiscence (VCD) rates using Vicryl (Poliglactyn 910) and Polydioxanone (PDS) in patients who underwent laparoscopic hysterectomy. Materials and methods: A retrospective, monocentric study was conducted, including all patients undergoing laparoscopic hysterectomy at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Azienda di Rilievo Nazionale e di Alta Specializzazione (ARNAS) Garibaldi Nesima, Catania, between January 2014 and December 2021. Patients underwent hysterectomy for benign gynecologic pathologies (endometriosis, leiomyomas, or benign pelvic pathologies) or malignant gynecologic pathologies (endometrium cancer, complex endometrial hyperplasia, ovarian cancer, cervix cancer, or uterine carcinosarcoma). The Z-score calculation was performed to find eventual statistically significant differences between the two populations regarding VCD rates. Results: Laparoscopic vaginal cuff closure was performed, with Vicryl sutures in 202 patients and PDS sutures in 184 women. Demographic and baseline characteristics were not significantly different in the two groups. VCD occurred in three patients in the Vicryl group and did not occur in the PDS group. The three cases of VCD were precipitated by intercourses that occurred within 90 days of surgery. However, there was not a significant statistical difference between the two groups regarding VCD (p = 0.09). Conclusions: Vicryl and PDS sutures seem to be similar for vaginal cuff closure in laparoscopic hysterectomy. The VCD rate was low, and the observed differences between the Vicryl and PDS groups did not reach statistical significance. Further research through prospective studies is essential.
Dental Treatment in Special Needs Patients and Uncooperative Young Children: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Biasotto Matteo , Poropat Augusto , Porrelli Davide , Ottaviani Giulia , Rupel Katia , Preda Magdalena Theodora Bogdan , Di Lenarda Roberto , Gobbo Margherita
Published: January 2024

Background and Objectives: Special Needs Patients (SNPs) and young non-collaborative children are more predisposed to develop oral pathologies due to poor collaboration and scarce access to dental treatment. The aim of this retrospective study was to analyze a sample of SNPs who received dental treatments either under general anesthesia (GA) or deep sedation (DS) over a period of 6 years. The number and type of procedure were analyzed. Materials and Methods: In total, 131 patients were included and mostly (>90%) treated under GA. Patients were either uncooperative and phobic (Group 1) or affected by mental, behavioral, and neurological disorders (Group 2), diseases of the nervous system (Group 3), or developmental anomalies (Group 4). Results: Patients in Group 2 required more invasive dental treatments than those in the other groups. Therapies were mainly preventive and restorative, except in Groups 3 and 4, where extractions were more frequent. The type of dental treatment significantly varied according to age and systemic condition. Only 5.3% of the patients needed a second intervention, despite only 17.6% of patients respecting the scheduled follow-up. Conclusions: Treatment under GA is effective, but the poor adherence to follow-ups and the risk of reintervention should be contrasted by improving the perception by parents/guardians of the importance of oral hygiene and periodic visits.
A Potential Radiomics–Clinical Model for Predicting Failure of Lymph Node Control after Definite Radiotherapy in Locally Advanced Head and Neck Cancer
Authors: Lee Seunghak , Park Sunmin , Rim Chai Hong , Lee Young Hen , Kwon Soon Young , Oh Kyung Ho , Yoon Won Sup
Published: January 2024

Background and Objectives: To optimally predict lymph node (LN) failure after definite radiotherapy (RT) in head and neck cancer (HNC) with LN metastases, this study examined radiomics models extracted from CT images of different periods during RT. Materials and Methods: This study retrospectively collected radiologic and clinical information from patients undergoing definite RT over 60 Gy for HNC with LN metastases from January 2010 to August 2021. The same largest LNs in each patient from the initial simulation CT (CTpre) and the following simulation CT (CTmid) at approximately 40 Gy were indicated as regions of interest. LN failure was defined as residual or recurrent LN within 3 years after the end of RT. After the radiomics features were extracted, the radiomics alone model and the radiomics plus clinical parameters model from the set of CTpre and CTmid were compared. The LASSO method was applied to select features associated with LN failure. Results: Among 66 patients, 17 LN failures were observed. In the radiomics alone model, CTpre and CTmid had similar mean accuracies (0.681 and 0.697, respectively) and mean areas under the curve (AUC) (0.521 and 0.568, respectively). Radiomics features of spherical disproportion, size zone variance, and log minimum 2 were selected for CTpre plus clinical parameters. Volume, energy, homogeneity, and log minimum 1 were selected for CTmid plus clinical parameters. Clinical parameters including smoking, T-stage, ECE, and regression rate of LN were important for both CTpre and CTmid. In the radiomics plus clinical parameters models, the mean accuracy and mean AUC of CTmid (0.790 and 0.662, respectively) were more improved than those of CTpre (0.731 and 0.582, respectively). Conclusions: Both models using CTpre and CTmid were improved by adding clinical parameters. The radiomics model using CTmid plus clinical parameters was the best in predicting LN failure in our preliminary analyses.
Extracellular Vesicles’ Role in Angiogenesis and Altering Angiogenic Signaling
Authors: Ateeq Maryam , Broadwin Mark , Sellke Frank W. , Abid M. Ruhul
Published: January 2024

Angiogenesis, the process of new blood vessels formation from existing vasculature, plays a vital role in development, wound healing, and various pathophysiological conditions. In recent years, extracellular vesicles (EVs) have emerged as crucial mediators in intercellular communication and have gained significant attention for their role in modulating angiogenic processes. This review explores the multifaceted role of EVs in angiogenesis and their capacity to modulate angiogenic signaling pathways. Through comprehensive analysis of a vast body of literature, this review highlights the potential of utilizing EVs as therapeutic tools to modulate angiogenesis for both physiological and pathological purposes. A good understanding of these concepts holds promise for the development of novel therapeutic interventions targeting angiogenesis-related disorders.
Thermodynamics and Magnetism of SmFe12 Compound Doped with Zr, Ce, Co and Ni: An Ab Initio Study
Authors: Landa Alexander , Söderlind Per , Moore Emily E. , Perron Aurélien
Published: January 2024

Alloys that are Ni-doped, such as the (Sm1−yZry)(Fe1−xCox)12 and (Ce0.5Sm0.5)Fe10Co2 systems, are studied because of their magnetic properties. The (Sm1−yZry)(Fe1−xCox)11−zTiz and (Ce.1−xSmx)Fe9Co2Ti alloys are considered contenders for vastly effective permanent magnets because of their anisotropy field and Curie temperature. Ti can act as a stabilizer for the SmFe12 compound but substantially suppresses saturation magnetization. To maintain the saturation magnetization in the scope of 1.3–1.5 T, we propose substituting a particular quantity of Fe and Co in the (Sm1−yZry)(Fe1−xCox)12 and (Ce0.5Sm0.5)Fe10Co2 alloys with Ni. By performing ab initio calculations, we show that Ni incorporation results in increased thermodynamic stability and, in contrast to Ti, has a parallel spin moment aligned to the moment of the SmFe12 compound and improves its saturation magnetization without affecting the anisotropy field or Curie temperature.
The Influence of Rapid Tempering on the Mechanical and Microstructural Characteristics of 51CrV4 Steel
Authors: Kaijalainen Antti , Haiko Oskari , Sadeghpour Saeed , Javaheri Vahid , Kömi Jukka
Published: January 2024

The microstructure and mechanical properties of a low-alloy medium carbon steel (Fe-0.5C-0.9Mn-1Cr-0.16V, in wt.%) were investigated after rapid tempering and compared with a conventionally tempered counterpart. The conventional thermal cycle was performed in a laboratory-scale box furnace while rapid heat treatments were carried out using the Gleeble 3800 thermomechanical simulator machine. In the rapid heat treatments, the heating rate was 50 °C/s for austenitizing and 60 °C/s for the tempering process, with a cooling rate of 60 °C/s for both treatments. Austenitization was performed at 900 °C for 3 s and tempering was conducted at 300 °C and 500 °C for 2 s. For conventional routes, the heating rate for both austenitization and tempering was 5 °C/s. Likewise, the austenitization was carried out at 900 °C for 45 min and tempering was carried out at 300 °C and 500 °C for 30 min. The results revealed that rapid tempering resulted in a significantly increased impact toughness compared to conventional tempering, while maintaining a consistent high strength level. The quenched samples showed the highest hardness and tensile strength but obtained the lowest toughness values. The optimum combination of strength and toughness was achieved with the sample rapidly tempered at 300 °C, resulting in a tensile strength of 2050 MPa and impact energy of 14 J for sub-sized CVN samples. These desirable mechanical properties were achieved throughout the tempered martensitic microstructure with a minor fraction of pearlitic strings.
Optimizing MS-Based Multi-Omics: Comparative Analysis of Protein, Metabolite, and Lipid Extraction Techniques
Authors: Mok Jeong-Hun , Joo Minjoong , Cho Seonghyeon , Duong Van-An , Song Haneul , Park Jong-Moon , Lee Hookeun
Published: January 2024

Multi-omics integrates diverse types of biological information from genomic, proteomic, and metabolomics experiments to achieve a comprehensive understanding of complex cellular mechanisms. However, this approach is also challenging due to technical issues such as limited sample quantities, the complexity of data pre-processing, and reproducibility concerns. Furthermore, existing studies have primarily focused on technical performance assessment and the presentation of modified protocols through quantitative comparisons of the identified protein counts. Nevertheless, the specific differences in these comparisons have been minimally investigated. Here, findings obtained from various omics approaches were profiled using various extraction methods (methanol extraction, the Folch method, and Matyash methods for metabolites and lipids) and two digestion methods (filter-aided sample preparation (FASP) and suspension traps (S-Trap)) for resuspended proteins. FASP was found to be more effective for the identification of membrane-related proteins, whereas S-Trap excelled in isolating nuclear-related and RNA-processing proteins. Thus, FASP may be suitable for investigating the immune response and bacterial infection pathways, whereas S-Trap may be more effective for studies focused on the mechanisms of neurodegenerative diseases. Moreover, regarding the choice of extraction method, the single-phase method identified organic compounds and compounds related to fatty acids, whereas the two-phase extraction method identified more hydrophilic compounds such as nucleotides. Lipids with strong hydrophobicity, such as ChE and TG, were identified in the two-phase extraction results. These findings highlight that significant differences among small molecules are primarily identified due to the varying polarities of extraction solvents. These results, obtained by considering variables such as human error and batch effects in the sample preparation step, offer comprehensive and detailed results not previously provided by existing studies, thereby aiding in the selection of the most suitable pre-processing approach.