bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification and validation of miR-583 and mir-877-5p as biomarkers in patients with breast cancer: an integrated experimental and bioinformatics research
Authors: Foruzandeh Zahra , Alivand Mohammad Reza , Ghiami-Rad Mehdi , Zaefizadeh Mohammad , Ghorbian Saeid
Published: May 2023

Objectives

Breast cancer (BC) is one of the most common cancers with a high mortality rate in women worldwide. The advantages of early cancer diagnosis are apparent, and it is a critical factor in increasing the patient’s life and survival. According to mounting evidence, microRNAs (miRNAs) may be crucial regulators of critical biological processes. miRNA dysregulation has been linked to the beginning and progression of various human malignancies, including BC, and can operate as tumor suppressors or oncomiRs. This study aimed to identify novel miRNA biomarkers in BC tissues and non-tumor adjacent tissues of patients with BC. Microarray datasets GSE15852 and GSE42568 for differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and GSE45666, GSE57897, and GSE40525 for differentially expressed miRNAs (DEMs) retrieved from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database were analyzed using “R” software. A protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was created to identify the hub genes. MirNet, miRTarBase, and MirPathDB databases were used to predict DEMs targeted genes. Functional enrichment analysis was used to demonstrate the topmost classifications of molecular pathways. The prognostic capability of selected DEMs was evaluated through a Kaplan-Meier plot. Moreover, the specificity and sensitivity of detected miRNAs to discriminate BC from adjacent controls were assessed by area under the curve (AUC) using the ROC curve analysis. In the last phase of this study, gene expression on 100 BC tissues and 100 healthy adjacent tissues were analyzed and calculated by using the Real-Time PCR method.

Results

This study declared that miR-583 and miR-877-5p were downregulated in tumor samples in comparison to adjacent non-tumor samples (|logFC|< 0 and P ≤ 0.05). Accordingly, ROC curve analysis demonstrated the biomarker potential of miR-877-5p (AUC = 0.63) and miR-583 (AUC = 0.69). Our results showed that has-miR-583 and has-miR-877-5p could be potential biomarkers in BC.
Under storm risk, economic productivity of Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) H. Karst) in monoculture shows sharper decline than in mixture with European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.)
Authors: Bourke Robin , Yousefpour Rasoul , Hanewinkel Marc
Published: May 2023

Key message

By calibrating and validating a forest growth model for seven species in Germany and coupling it with a wind damage simulator, we specifically estimated the impact of wind damage on the net present value of Norway spruce and European beech in mixture and monoculture. Under risk, the net present value of spruce managements saw the sharpest declines, although the highest end net present value was still obtained through a heavily thinned spruce monoculture.

Context

Wind damage is one of the most important risks to Central European forests, and adaptation measures are essential.

Aim

Adaptive management strategies should simultaneously account for forest production and wind risk. We simulated the effect of adaptive measures on wind-risk in German forests.

Methods

A process-based forest growth model, “3-PG Mix”, was recalibrated and coupled with the storm damage risk model “Lothar”. We investigated the effect of thinning regimes on wind risk in monoculture and mixed species stands. The net present value of the simulated regimes was calculated and compared (risk vs. no risk).

Results

Spruce regimes achieved the highest net present values when risk was not considered. Considering risk in spruce and beech mixtures and monoculture, all regimes reached values below 3000 € ha−1 by year 120. The exception was a heavily thinned spruce monoculture at 4507 € ha−1, being the most profitable regime under risk.

Conclusion

We conclude, on the basis of this modelling study, that heavy thinning reduced storm risk and maintained a higher net present value in spruce. Species mixture of beech and spruce saw net present values levels remain more constant under risk, while beech monoculture increased.
Solutions to a $(p(x),q(x))$-biharmonic elliptic problem on a bounded domain
Authors: Khaleghi Ali , Razani Abdolrahman
Published: May 2023

Using variational methods and critical point results, we prove the existence and multiplicity of weak solutions of a $(p(x),q(x))$
(
p
(
x
)
,
q
(
x
)
)
-biharmonic elliptic equation along with a singular term under Navier boundary conditions.
Overview of the role of robots in upper limb disabilities rehabilitation: a scoping review
Authors: Moulaei Khadijeh , Bahaadinbeigy Kambiz , Haghdoostd Ali Akbar , Nezhad Mansour Shahabi , Sheikhtaheri Abbas
Published: May 2023

Background

Neuromotor rehabilitation and improvement of upper limb functions are necessary to improve the life quality of patients who have experienced injuries or have pathological outcomes. Modern approaches, such as robotic-assisted rehabilitation can help to improve rehabilitation processes and thus improve upper limb functions. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the role of robots in upper limb disability improvement and rehabilitation.

Methods

This scoping review was conducted by search in PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and IEEE (January 2012– February 2022). Articles related to upper limb rehabilitation robots were selected. The methodological quality of all the included studies will be appraised using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT). We used an 18-field data extraction form to extract data from articles and extracted the information such as study year, country, type of study, purpose, illness or accident leading to disability, level of disability, assistive technologies, number of participants in the study, sex, age, rehabilitated part of the upper limb using a robot, duration and frequency of treatment, methods of performing rehabilitation exercises, type of evaluation, number of participants in the evaluation process, duration of intervention, study outcomes, and study conclusions. The selection of articles and data extraction was made by three authors based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. Disagreements were resolved through consultation with the fifth author. Inclusion criteria were articles involving upper limb rehabilitation robots, articles about upper limb disability caused by any illness or injury, and articles published in English. Also, articles involving other than upper limb rehabilitation robots, robots related to rehabilitation of diseases other than upper limb, systematic reviews, reviews, and meta-analyses, books, book chapters, letters to the editor, and conference papers were also excluded. Descriptive statistics methods (frequency and percentage) were used to analyses the data.

Results

We finally included 55 relevant articles. Most of the studies were done in Italy (33.82%). Most robots were used to rehabilitate stroke patients (80%). About 60.52% of the studies used games and virtual reality rehabilitate the upper limb disabilities using robots. Among the 14 types of applied evaluation methods, “evaluation and measurement of upper limb function and dexterity” was the most applied evaluation method. “Improvement in musculoskeletal functions”, “no adverse effect on patients”, and “Safe and reliable treatment” were the most cited outcomes, respectively.

Conclusions

Our findings show that robots can improve musculoskeletal functions (musculoskeletal strength, sensation, perception, vibration, muscle coordination, less spasticity, flexibility, and range of motion) and empower people by providing a variety of rehabilitation capabilities.
Experimental Analysis and Evaluation of the Compressive Strength of Rubberized Concrete During Freeze–Thaw Cycles
Authors: Sun Sheng , Han Xiaoyan , Chen Aijiu , Zhang Qing , Wang Zhihao , Li Keliang
Published: May 2023

Recycling scrap tires provides an alternative source of fine aggregates for the production of rubberized concrete and this will lead to significant increase in concrete frost resistance, environmental protection, and conservation of natural sand and gravel resources. In this paper, a total of 25 groups of rubberized concrete were produced by adding scrap tire rubber particles of different sizes, contents, and pretreatment methods to replace the fine aggregate, and their compressive strength during freeze–thaw cycles was studied from both the macro- and meso-perspectives. The results indicated that the decrease in concrete strength and weight was notably restricted by the presence of rubber particles during freeze–thaw cycles. The rubber fine aggregate with smaller particle sizes enhanced the concrete frost resistance more significantly, and the F100 of concrete with rubber particles of 1.0–2.0 mm increased from 76.6 to 86.5% by increasing the rubber content from 0.0 to 5.6%. The effects of rubber fine aggregate on concrete compressive strength during freeze–thaw cycles were quantified. On this basis, a forecast model for rubberized concrete compressive strength in freeze–thaw cycles was proposed, and the effects of the particle size, content, and pretreatment of the rubber particles were considered. The calculated results agreed well with the test results both in this study and the relevant peer studies, indicating that the model can provide a good reference for the design and engineering application of rubberized concrete in frigid environments.
Gut microbiome transitions across generations in different ethnicities in an urban setting—the HELIUS study
Authors: van der Vossen Eduard W. J. , Davids Mark , Bresser Lucas R. F. , Galenkamp Henrike , van den Born Bert-Jan H. , Zwinderman Aeilko H. , Levin Evgeni , Nieuwdorp Max , de Goffau Marcus C.
Published: May 2023

Background

During the course of history, various important lifestyle changes have caused profound transitions of the gut microbiome. These include the introduction of agriculture and animal husbandry, a shift from a nomadic to a more sedentary lifestyle, and recently increased levels of urbanization and a transition towards a more Western lifestyle. The latter is linked with shifts in the gut microbiome that have a reduced fermentative capability and which are commonly associated with diseases of affluence. In this study, in which 5193 subjects are included, we investigated the direction of microbiome shifts that occur in various ethnicities living in Amsterdam by comparing 1st and 2nd generation participants. We furthermore validated part of these findings with a cohort of subjects that moved from rural Thailand to the USA.

Results

The abundance of the Prevotella cluster, which includes P. copri and the P. stercorea trophic network, diminished in the 2nd generation Moroccans and Turks but also in younger Dutch, whilst the Western-associated Bacteroides/Blautia/Bifidobacterium (BBB) cluster, which has an inverse correlation with α-diversity, increased. At the same time, the Christensenellaceae/Methanobrevibacter/Oscillibacter trophic network, which is positively associated with α-diversity and a healthy BMI, decreased in younger Turks and Dutch. Large compositional shifts were not observed in South-Asian and African Surinamese, in whom the BBB cluster is already dominant in the 1st generation, but ASV-level shifts towards certain species, associated amongst others with obesity, were observed.

Conclusion

The Moroccan and Turkish populations, but also the Dutch population are transitioning towards a less complex and fermentative less capable configuration of the gut microbiota, which includes a higher abundance of the Western-associated BBB cluster. The Surinamese, whom have the highest prevalence of diabetes and other diseases of affluence, are already dominated by the BBB cluster. Given the continuous increase in diseases of affluence, this devolution towards low-diversity and fermentatively less capable gut microbiome compositions in urban environments is a worrying development.

Graphical Abstract
Exploring the indirect effect of loneliness in the association between problematic use of social networks and cognitive function in Lebanese adolescents
Authors: Tarabay Rami , Gerges Sarah , Sarray El Dine Abir , Malaeb Diana , Obeid Sahar , Hallit Souheil , Soufia Michel
Published: May 2023

Background

Problematic use of social networks is a widespread problem that may exert deleterious impacts on cognitive functions. Moreover, studies have added an important link between loneliness and its harmful effect on cognitive functions. Other studies have also revealed that problematic use of social networks among teenagers has a pejorative influence on their social interactions, leading to increased social isolation. Therefore, the goal of our research was to investigate the link between problematic use of social networks and cognitive function in a group of Lebanese adolescents while also taking into consideration the indirect role of loneliness in this relationship.

Methods

This cross-sectional study, which was carried out between January and April 2022, included 379 teenagers (aged between 13 and 17 years), from all Lebanese governorates. The PROCESS SPSS Macro version 3.4, model four was used to compute three pathways. Pathway A determined the regression coefficient for the effect of problematic use of social networks on loneliness; Pathway B examined the association between loneliness and cognitive function, and Pathway C’ estimated the direct effect of problematic use of social networks on cognitive function.

Results

Higher negative social comparison, addictive consequences of problematic use of social networks, and loneliness were significantly associated with worse cognitive function. Loneliness mediated the association between negative social comparison and worse cognitive function, as well as between addictive consequences of problematic use of social networks and worse cognitive function. In addition, higher financial burden was significantly correlated with worse cognitive function, whereas higher physical activity was related to better cognitive function.

Conclusion

In sum, the current study supports that problematic use of social networks is negatively associated with adolescents’ cognitive function, where loneliness seems to play a pivotal role in this equation. The results thus endorse the importance of helping Lebanese adolescents to overcome problematic use of social networks and recover from their loneliness, to achieve a better cognitive/academic performance.
Comparison of quality of life in patients with advanced chronic kidney disease undergoing haemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis and conservative management in Johannesburg, South Africa: a cross-sectional, descriptive study
Authors: Mathew Neelu , Davies Malcolm , Kaldine Feroza , Cassimjee Zaheera
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Mental health and quality of life are under-appreciated clinical targets which affect patient and modality survival. Lack of dialysis availability in the resource-constrained public health sector in South Africa results in assignment to treatment modalities without regard to effects on these parameters. We assessed the effect of dialysis modality, demographic and laboratory parameters on mental health and quality of life measurements.

Methods

Size-matched cohorts were recruited from patients on haemodialysis (HD), peritoneal dialysis (PD), and patients on conservative management (CM) between September 2020 and March 2021. Responses to the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and Kidney Disease Quality of Life Short Form 36 (KDQOL-SF36) questionnaires and demographic and baseline laboratory parameters were compared between modalities. Multivariate linear regression was used to evaluate independent effect of baseline characteristics on HADS and KDQOL-SF36 scores between treatment groups where significant difference was observed.

Results

Anxiety, depression, and reduced KDQOL measures were widespread amongst respondents. Dialyzed patients reported higher anxiety and depression scores than those on CM (p = 0.040 and p = 0.028). Physical composite (PCS), role–physical (RP), vitality (VS), and emotional well-being (EWB) KDQOL-SF36 scores were poorer in dialyzed patients (p < 0.001 for all). PCS (p = 0.005), pain (p = 0.030), vitality (p = 0.005), and social functioning KDQOL scores were poorer in PD compared to HD; HADS anxiety (p < 0.001) and KDQOL-SF36 EWB scores (p < 0.001) were better in PD. PD patients were more likely to be employed (p = 0.008). Increasing haemoglobin concentration reduced anxiety (p < 0.001) and depression scores (p = 0.004), and improved PCS (p < 0.001), and pain scores (p < 0.001). Higher serum albumin improved PCS (p < 0.001) and vitality (p < 0.001) scores.

Conclusion

Advanced chronic kidney disease increases anxiety and depression and limits quality of life. PD improves mental health and emotional wellbeing and preserves the ability to undertake economic activity but limits social functioning and causes greater physical discomfort. Targeting haemoglobin may ameliorate modality effects on mental health and quality of life.
A multi-criteria decision-making approach to assessing the health risk of rockeries in Chinese classical gardens
Authors: Fu Li , Pan Jie , Tang Yizhou , Zhang Qingping
Published: May 2023

Owing to the lack of appropriate protection measures, natural and human factors have led to the deterioration of rockeries, which are a distinct cultural heritage with both aesthetic and historical value and an essential component of Chinese classical gardens. The state of rockeries is evaluated by craftsmen who assess the damage levels based on their experience. While this is a common practice, it lacks standardization, which may cause a great uncertainty that influences the efficiency of the protection of rockeries. The preservation and risk mitigation of cultural heritages require the use of reliable tools that provide an accurate diagnosis of their conditions. Multi-criteria decision-making techniques have been applied in several previous studies and proven to be a reliable method for conducting vulnerability or risk assessment for cultural heritage. Therefore, this study developed a health risk assessment tool based on multi-criteria decision-making techniques that can be applied to rockeries in Chinese classical gardens. In contrast to other multi-criteria decision-making methodologies, the proposed method emphasizes the detailed analysis of the health state of rockeries based on impartial and objective data. Moreover, based on the ultimate risk rating for rockeries, the decision makers can arrange the priorities of action in a hierarchical manner, and the cost-efficient protection measures can be identified. Results from the application of four different case studies are illustrated to demonstrate the usefulness of the proposed method.
Spontaneous changes in mandibular incisor crowding from mixed to permanent dentition: a systematic review
Authors: dos Santos Cibelle Cristina Oliveira , da Rosa Moreira Bastos Renata Travassos , Bellini-Pereira Silvio Augusto , Garib Daniela , Normando David
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Dental crowding is the most prevalent malocclusion in the mixed and permanent detitions and can have a major impact on dentofacial esthetics. However, adjustments to the development and growth of the dentition can potentiate self-correction of dental crowding during childhood.

Objective

To evaluate the physiological behavior of mandibular incisor crowding in the transition from mixed to permanent dentition.

Methodology

Five electronic databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, LILACS and LIVIVO) and part of the gray literature (Proquest and Google Scholar) were investigated, based on the eligibility criteria associated with the acronym PECO, until June 2022. The risk of bias was assessed using the ROBINS-E tool and the certainty of evidence, the GRADE tool.

Results

Among the 2.663 studies identified, five were selected for qualitative analysis, of which one have a low risk of bias, and four, a moderate risk. A total of 243 patients were evaluated. Evidence with a high level of certainty was generated indicating a tendency for improvement in mandibular incisor crowding from mixed to permanent dentition, with mandibular incisor crowding decreasing from 0.17 to 4.62 mm on average. The mandibular incisor crowding reduction seems to be associated with the amount of initial crowding and spontaneous dental arch dimensional changes that occur in the mixed dentition and culminate in the increase in arch perimeter, leeway space, incisor protrusion and transverse growth of the maxillary and mandibular arch.

Conclusion

Based on moderate scientific evidence, spontaneous longitudinal changes in dental arch in the transition from the mixed to the permanent dentition demonstrate a spontaneous improvement in mandibular incisor crowding by up to 4.62 mm. These evidence provide a scientific basis for planning only longitudinal follow-up in patients with mild to borderline moderate mandibular incisor crowding in the mixed dentition avoiding overtreatment.
BOARD-FTD-PACC: a graphical user interface for the synaptic and cross-frequency analysis derived from neural signals
Authors: Gauthier-Umaña Cécile , Valderrama Mario , Múnera Alejandro , Nava-Mesa Mauricio O.
Published: May 2023

In order to understand the link between brain functional states and behavioral/cognitive processes, the information carried in neural oscillations can be retrieved using different analytic techniques. Processing these different bio-signals is a complex, time-consuming, and often non-automatized process that requires customization, due to the type of signal acquired, acquisition method implemented, and the objectives of each individual research group. To this end, a new graphical user interface (GUI), named BOARD-FTD-PACC, was developed and designed to facilitate the visualization, quantification, and analysis of neurophysiological recordings. BOARD-FTD-PACC provides different and customizable tools that facilitate the task of analyzing post-synaptic activity and complex neural oscillatory data, mainly cross-frequency analysis. It is a flexible and user-friendly software that can be used by a wide range of users to extract valuable information from neurophysiological signals such as phase–amplitude coupling and relative power spectral density, among others. BOARD-FTD-PACC allows researchers to select, in the same open-source GUI, different approaches and techniques that will help promote a better understanding of synaptic and oscillatory activity in specific brain structures with or without stimulation.
Long-term survival with nivolumab followed by irinotecan after total gastrectomy in alpha-fetoprotein-producing gastric cancer: a case report and review of the literature
Authors: Ota Takayo , Sakashita Katsuya , Sawada Ryugo , Seki Kurumi , Maeda Hiroyuki , Tanaka Noriko , Tsujinaka Toshimasa
Published: May 2023

Background

Alpha-fetoprotein-producing gastric cancer (AFPGC) is a rare type of aggressive gastric cancer (GC) with a dismal prognosis. We present a patient with AFPGC who achieved long-term survival through a multidisciplinary approach.

Case presentation

A 67-year-old man with advanced GC was referred to our hospital for systemic chemotherapy. He was diagnosed with cStage IVB AFPGC. During 2nd-line treatment, we could not control bleeding from the GC itself. After complete resection, during chemotherapy, portal venous tumor thrombi (PVTTs) and liver metastases were identified. With nivolumab followed by irinotecan, the PVTTs and liver metastases disappeared. Without immunotherapy and chemotherapy for 23 months, the patient has survived for 48 months so far with no recurrence of GC.

Conclusion

Long-term survival with AFPGC can be accomplished by using several different approaches, such as surgery, immunotherapy, and chemotherapy.
Basal interhemispheric approach for sellar and juxta-sellar lesions
Authors: Agamy Mohammed Mostafa , Fayed Ahmed AbdelAziz , Madkour Amr Mohamed Elsayed
Published: May 2023

Background

Sellar and juxta-sellar lesions represent a surgical challenge due their deep and complex relationships to surrounding important neurovascular structures. The basal interhemispheric (BIH) approach, as a midline approach, has an advantage over the lateral approaches as it allows for the safe removal of these challenging tumors.

Aim

To describe the technique of BIH approach in a prospective cohort of 17 patients with sellar and juxta-sellar lesions with different pathologies presented to Alexandria Main University and affiliated hospitals. As well as the clinical outcome and complications of this technique, these cases were followed up for a mean period of 20 weeks.

Results

Gross total resection was achieved in 9 cases (52.9%), subtotal resection was achieved in 5 cases (29.5%), while partial resection was carried out in 3 cases (17.6%). Visual status improved following surgery in 10 patients (58.8%), remained stationary in 5 patients (29.4%) and worsened in 2 cases. Post-operative shunt was needed in three cases, and severe water and electrolyte disturbance was recorded in 3 cases and pan-hypopituitarism in a single case. A single mortality was recorded, but it was due to pulmonary embolism and was not related to the approach.

Conclusion

BIH could be a panoramic safe approach that allows tumor removal from multiple corridors with identification of the regional anatomy of the tumor thus elaborating the surgical strategy for gross total tumor removal.
Learning science through a collaborative invention project in primary school
Authors: Sormunen Kati , Vehmaa Saara , Seitamaa-Hakkarainen Pirita , Lavonen Jari , Hakkarainen Kai , Juuti Kalle
Published: May 2023

The study examines students’ disciplinary learning in physics and interdisciplinary science learning opportunities that students encounter during a collaborative invention project. Thirteen student teams (aged 11 to 12, N = 46) designed and constructed a prototype of a technology invention meant to solve one of the challenges students face in daily life. The data was collected from a physics achievement test taken both before and after the invention project and artifacts (student essays and process portfolios) that students constructed during the project. Seven inventions were categorized as physics-intensive and six as non-physics in nature. The change in students’ achievement prior to and after the invention project was rather modest, and the increase was related to the level of physics-intensity of the inventions made during the project. However, the process portfolios revealed various interdisciplinary science learning opportunities and physics learning that could not be identified with the achievement test. Further, the co-occurrence analysis revealed several interdisciplinary learning opportunities that connected physics contents to the interdisciplinary themes. Working with varied materials and technologies and experimenting with them enabled the students to ponder different science topics and perhaps deepen their understanding through creative problem-solving. We conclude that such collaborative invention projects challenge teachers to take an active role in designing invention challenges so as to more explicitly interlink students’ invention processes with science learning. In order to foster students’ science learning opportunities, teachers should intensively evaluate each student-team’s learning throughout the project and use portfolios to reflect on and scaffold their science learning systematically.
Update on Emerging Therapies for Advanced Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Alese Olatunji B. , Wu Christina , Chapin William J. , Ulanja Mark B. , Zheng-Lin Binbin , Amankwah Millicent , Eads Jennifer
Published: May 2023

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common malignancy worldwide. It is projected to increase by 3.2 million new cases and account for 1.6 million deaths by 2040. Mortality is largely due to limited treatment options for patients who present with advanced disease. Thus, the development of effective and tolerable therapies is crucial. Chemotherapy has been the backbone of systemic treatment of advanced CRC, but utility has been limited because of invariable resistance to therapy, narrow mechanisms of action, and unfavorable toxicity profile. Tumors that are mismatch repair-deficient have demonstrated remarkable response to immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy. However, most CRC tumors are mismatch repair-proficient and represent an unmet medical need. Although ERBB2 amplification occurs only in a few cases, it is associated with left-sided tumors and a higher incidence of brain metastasis. Numerous combinations of HER2 inhibitors have demonstrated efficacy, and antibody-drug conjugates against HER2 represent innovative strategies in this area. The KRAS protein has been classically considered undruggable. Fortunately, new agents targeting KRAS G12C mutation represent a paradigm shift in the management of affected patients and could lead the advancement in drug development for the more common KRAS mutations. Furthermore, aberrant DNA damage response is present in 15%-20% of CRCs, and emerging innovative combinations with poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitors could improve the current therapeutic landscape. Multiple novel biomarker-driven approaches in the management of patients with advanced CRC tumors are reviewed in this article.
The Utility of Salivary Cortisone in the Overnight Dexamethasone Suppression Test in Adrenal Incidentalomas
Authors: Issa Basil George , Hanna Fahmy W F , Fryer Anthony A , Ensah Grace , Ebere Ikenna , Marshall David , Keevil Brian
Published: May 2023

Context

Guidelines recommend the assessment of cortisol secretion in patients with adrenal incidentalomas (AI) using the overnight dexamethasone suppression test (ONDST). This requires attendance at a health care facility and venepuncture. Alternatively, the ONDST can be done by measuring salivary cortisol and cortisone, which can be collected at home.

Objective

We aimed to assess the utility of these measurements in patients with AI.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of data from 173 patients with AI who underwent an ONDST and salivary cortisol/cortisone diurnal studies. Serum and salivary cortisol and salivary cortisone were collected at 09:00, late night, and at 09:00 the following morning after dexamethasone. Dexamethasone levels were measured in the postdexamethasone samples. Serum and salivary samples were analyzed with liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry.

Results

We identified a strong correlation between salivary cortisone and serum cortisol after 1 mg of dexamethasone (r = 0.95). Stepwise multivariate regression showed that postdexamethasone salivary cortisone, baseline serum cortisol, salivary cortisone suppression (predexamethasone/postdexamethasone ratio), and sex were the only significant or near-significant independent variables. Performance of predictive indices using these 4 parameters (sensitivity = 88.5%, specificity = 91.2%; kappa 0.80) and postdexamethasone salivary cortisone alone (sensitivity = 85.3%, specificity = 91.7%; kappa 0.77) were comparable when used to predict an ONDST serum cortisol of ≤50 nmol/L. No correlation was observed with any of the other measured parameters.

Conclusion

In AI patients, after dexamethasone, salivary cortisone correlates very strongly with serum cortisol in the ONDST and could therefore be used as an alternative sampling method which does not require venepuncture or attendance at hospital.
Pituitary Abscess: A General Retrospective Diagnosis
Authors: Tenorio Hernández Ixchel Maydee , Vargas Ortega Guadalupe , González Virla Baldomero , García Sáenz Manuel Ramón
Published: May 2023

We present the case of a 27-year-old female who had a history of recurrent headaches and visual disturbances. Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain showed a lesion that suggested pituitary adenoma, with indications of a recent bleeding or cystic degeneration. Nonhormonal deficiencies were documented, restricted to nontumoral hyperprolactinemia. Transsphenoidal approach surgery was performed and the purulent material was drained, confirming the diagnosis of pituitary abscess. Sinusitis was considered to be the only possible cause of this condition. Empirical treatment to Gram-positive anaerobic cocci was administrated, with a satisfactory response.
Structural Engineering of Nanocarbons Comprising Graphene Frameworks via High-Temperature Annealing
Authors: Pirabul Kritin , Pan Zheng-Ze , Tang Rui , Sunahiro Shogo , Liu Hongyu , Kanamaru Kazuya , Yoshii Takeharu , Nishihara Hirotomo
Published: May 2023

High-temperature annealing is an effective way to heal the defects of graphene-based nanocarbons and enhance their crystallinity. However, the thermally induced vibration of the graphene building blocks often leads to unfavorable micro-, nano-structural evolution including layer stacking. Herein, the key structural factors to achieve highly crystalline graphene frameworks with desired microstructures upon annealing at 1800 °C is revealed. The structural changes of fullerenes, single-walled carbon nanotubes, and graphene-based porous frameworks are precisely analyzed by their structural parameters, such as the total number of graphene edge sites and precise graphene stacking structures, using a novel advanced vacuum temperature-programmed desorption technique up to 1800 °C. The stacked structure is differentiated into loose and tightly stacking, where the loosely stacked structure is found to induce further stacking at high-temperature. Moreover, a graphene framework with an inner space size of greater than 4–7 nm is beneficial to avoid structural change upon high-temperature annealing. These findings offer both a fundamental understanding of the solid-state chemistry of nanocarbons under high temperatures and a viable strategy for engineering edge-site free graphene frameworks with pre-designed microstructures.
Surveillance of the seashore using the KATERINA II geo-referenced detection system
Authors: Tsabaris Christos , Patiris Dionisis , Maramathas Christos , Androulakaki Efrosyni , Eleftheriou Georgios , Pappa Filothei , Alexakis Stylianos
Published: May 2023

In this work, the design and initial demonstration of the KATERINA II detection system for rapid mapping of radionuclides in areas near to seashore is presented. A new development has been realized by integrating a GPS module in KATERINA II detection system and synchronizing its data with the acquired spectra in real-time. The new system may be used in a backpack, for areas with low activity concentration, or can be installed in an unmanned vehicle, for observing and mapping the source(s) of radioactivity, e.g. at the seashore, in areas with high contamination. A quantitative solution is provided for natural and artificial radionuclides, taking into account the characteristics of the detector, the parameters of measurement geometry and a mean beach sand/sediment composition. This paper reports field results for site characterization issues through automated analysis of gamma-ray spectra including low-level and low-energy γ-emitters. Perspectives of the future application of the system in a worldwide basis are related to radionuclides mapping and the assessment of dose rates in seashore areas that may be contaminated due to the operation of nuclear power plants, desalination plants and NORM industries, and/or due to the decommissioning of nuclear installations.
Radiation Emission and Absorption by Astrophysical Jets from XRBs
Authors: Papavasileiou Theodora , Kosmas Odysseas , Sinatkas Ioannis
Published: May 2023

High-energy particles and radiation such as protons, pions, muons, neutrinos and gamma-ray photons are known to emit from collimated outflows of magnetized astrophysical plasma known as jets. They are being ejected by Active Galactic Nuclei or X-ray binary systems consisting of a companion star accreting mass onto a black hole or a neutron star. Our work focuses on the calculation of the produced particle energy distributions and mainly on the intensity of gamma-rays. We apply this model to prominent examples of Black Hole XRBs such as Cygnus X-1, SS 433, GRS 1915+105, etc. We also study and work on calculating the absorption of emitted gamma-rays by soft and hard X-ray radiation fields originating from the system’s accretion disc, corona and companion star that could strongly affect the jet’s gamma-ray intensity that finally reaches the Earth.
First results from the 63Cu(α,γ)67Ga reaction study for nuclear astrophysics purposes
Authors: Peoviti Maria , Patronis Nikolaos , Axiotis Michail , Foteinou Varvara , Rogalla Detlef , Maragkos Fotios , Harissopulos Sotirios
Published: May 2023

The 63Cu(α,γ)67Ga reaction cross-section was measured in the energy range between 5 and 9 MeV, which is relevant to p-process nucleosynthesis. The experiment was conducted at the Dynamitron Tandem Laboratory, of the Ruhr-University Bochum in Germany, by applying the 4π γ-summing method, using a 12"×12" NaI(Tl) single crystal scintillator. The preliminary results are compared with previous measurements and theoretical TALYS calculations as well.
Assessment of marine radiological impact after an hypothetical nuclear accident in Eastern Mediterranean Sea
Authors: Eleftheriou Georgios , Tsabaris Christos , Tsiaras Konstantinos , Triantafyllou Georgios
Published: May 2023

The consequences after an hypothetical nuclear accident at the Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant in the region of Eastern Mediterranean Sea are presented. The dispersion of the radioactive plume in the sea is simulated applying a regional hydrodynamic/Lagrangian drift model and the radioecological impact is estimated after the release of 137Cs, 238Pu and 131I. The doses to marine biota and the human habitants of the affected regions are presented, while the sensitivity analysis of the results revile the most vulnerable features of this marine environment.
Radioactivity measurements in eastern Lesvos, Greece
Authors: Pappa Filothei
Published: May 2023

The radioactive background of the eastern side of Lesvos Island in Greece, an island rich in natural radioactivity, was studied by means of gamma ray spectroscopy. Dose rates and concentrations of natural radionuclides (232Th series, 226Ra and 40K) and 137Cs were measured in-situ and in the laboratory, respectively. A total of twenty soil samples and ten beach sand samples was collected and processed according to the IAEA protocol. For the in-situ measurement and the dose rate determination a portable NaI scintillation detector was utilized. The activity concentration calculations were held in the laboratory, using a high-purity germanium detector. These activity concentrations were also used to estimate dose rates, so as to compare the obtained results with the in-situ measurements. The maximum detected values of activity concentrations of 232Th series, 226Ra, 40K and 137Cs were found to be 190, 90, 960 and 70 Bq kg-1, respectively. As for the dose rates, both measured and estimated, the maximum values were 230 and 190 nGy h-1, respectively. A significant difference regarding activity concentrations and dose rates was observed between the two matrices (soil, beach sand), with the values of soil samples quite surpassing those of beach sand samples. That can be attributed to the granulometry of each matrix. Furthermore, the study attempts to compare the radioactive background between the eastern and the western side of Lesvos Island, with the larger values being found in the eastern part.
Evaluation of periodontal status in women with polycystic ovary syndrome versus healthy women: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Pavankumar Sandhya , Yellarthi Pavan Kumar , JN Sandeep , Boyapati Ramanarayana , Damera Trinath Kishore , G Naveen Vital Kumar
Published: May 2023

Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) affects approximately 4% to 12% of females of reproductive age. Previous studies have shown an association between systemic and periodontal diseases. This study aimed to compare the prevalence of periodontal disease in women with PCOS and healthy women.Methods: A total of 196 women aged 17 to 45 years were included in this study. Oral hygiene index-simplified (OHI-S), gingival index (GI), community periodontal index (CPI), and loss of attachment (LA) were assessed. Individuals who smoked, were pregnant, had any systemic disease (such as type 1 or type 2 diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease, malignancy, osteoporosis, and thyroid dysfunction), had a history of systemic antibiotic use in the past three months, or received any periodontal intervention in the past 6 months of screening were excluded. Student t-test was used to analyze the data. A p-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant.Results: Despite similar OHI-S scores (p=0.972) in the two groups, women with PCOS had significantly higher GI, CPI, and LA scores than healthy women (p<0.001).Conclusion: Periodontal disease was more prevalent in women with PCOS than in healthy women. This finding may be due to the synergistic effects of PCOS and periodontitis on proinflammatory cytokines. PCOS may have an effect on periodontal disease, and vice versa. Hence, education on periodontal health and early detection and intervention for periodontal diseases is of paramount importance in patients with PCOS.
Analysis of single nucleotide polymorphisms associated with the vitamin D pathway in the placentas of women with gestational diabetes mellitus: a laboratory study
Authors: Kim Mi Ju , Kim Hyun Mi , Cha Hyun-Hwa , Seong Won Joon
Published: May 2023

Background: The aim of this study was to analyze the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of genes known to be involved in vitamin D metabolism in the placenta using the placental tissue of mothers diagnosed with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) to determine whether the SNPs and occurrence of GDM are related.Methods: We enrolled 80 women of the same gestational age, 40 with and 40 without GDM. The placenta was obtained from each woman after delivery and SNP genotyping was performed on seven SNPs in the CYP27B1 (rs10877012), CYP24A1 (rs2248359, rs6013897, and rs2209314), and GC (rs2282679, rs16847024, and rs3733359) genes. Maternal serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels were measured during the first trimester of pregnancy and before delivery.Results: At the time of delivery, vitamin D levels were lower (21.05±12.05 mg/dL vs. 31.31±20.72 mg/dL, p=0.012) and the frequency of vitamin D deficiency was higher (60.7% vs. 32.5%, p=0.040) in the GDM group. In women with GDM, the G allele of rs10877012 was more common (86.3% vs. 65.0%, p=0.002). The rs10877012 GG genotype was more common in the GDM group (72.5% vs. 42.5%, p=0.007) and the rs10877012 TT genotype was more common in the control group (12.5% vs. 0%, p=0.007).Conclusion: Mothers with GDM have lower serum concentrations of vitamin D before delivery than healthy controls and vitamin D deficiency is common. A polymorphism in CYP27B1 (rs10877012), is considered to be a cause of GDM pathogenesis.
The Contingent Relationship Between Purpose and Profits
Authors: Gartenberg Claudine
Published: May 2023

When do for-profit corporations pursue both purpose and profits and when do they prioritize one over the other? This study explores this question, measuring the strength of purpose based on the perceptions of nearly 1 million employees across 635 U.S. public companies within 14 industry categories. Two main findings emerge. First, the relationship between purpose and profits varies widely across companies and industries. Second, companies with higher levels of innovation intensity, intangible capital, or long-term investors tend to pursue both purpose and profits, whereas companies with lower levels of these factors tend to prioritize one over the other. This evidence suggests that purpose and profits are compatible in settings that rely on innovation and long temporal horizons for value creation and opposed in settings that do not.

History: This paper has been accepted for the Strategy Science Special Issue on Corporate Purpose.

Funding: C. Gartenberg acknowledges financial support from the Govil Family and the Wharton School.
Self-Care as an Ethical Principle: A Pre- and Post-Pandemic onset Integrative Review of Covid-19
Authors: Fischer Marta Luciane , Burda Tuany Anna Maciel
Published: May 2023

Self-care results in individual physical and mental health benefits, however, if understood and carried out from an ethical perspective that incorporates community values. We set out to characterize the academic and non-scientific communities conceptions of self-care through an integrative review, which the hypothesis that the COVID-19 pandemic engendered a more global community-based conception of self-care. The research of 800 scientific articles and 1045 popular media evidenced dissonance between the scientific community’s approach to self-care, which has a relatively more clinical focus and an individual and physical nature, and the popular notions of physical and mental self-care that focus on self-awareness and well-being. The pandemic has influenced the application of self-care with the intensification of clinical analyses and reports and containment measures in international studies. The dialogical, deliberative, and regulatory nature of bioethics underlies the importance of the educational process in shaping citizens who understand self-care as a biological and ethical principle. We conclude that the pandemic opens a new chapter in the history as it impels individuals to look at themselves and others mutually, thus revealing self-care as an ethical principle, which demands a decision-making from a critical, autonomous, and proactive awareness that aims to promote global health.
Alteration in the Antioxidant Enzymes Activities as Potential Biomarkers for Identification of Stress Caused by Afidopyropen Intoxication in Cyprinus Carpio.
Authors: Dodamani Mahantesh , David Muniswamy
Published: May 2023

This study comparatively investigated the afidopyropen-induced oxidative stress in the fish Cyprinus carpio which is mainly focused on some biochemical parameters such as SOD, CAT, GPx, LPO, ALT, ALP, and GGT activities. Fishes were exposed to different durations (1, 10, 20, and 30 days) in a semi-static method at a sub-lethal concentration of LC50 value. Results show that the duration elicited higher levels of LPO, ALT, and ALP. The LPO levels in the blood were higher in 30 days of exposed fish and this led to significant changes in GPx. The fish exposed for 1 day had found the least increment of 0.71%, and 2.08% in ALT, and ALP activity respectively. The assessment of CAT, GPx, and GGT they were decreased by sub-lethal concentration i.e., 0.2 mg/L of afidopyropen for 10, 20, and 30 days. The results conclude that the afidopyropen has a negative effect on the fish Cyprinus carpio and these differences are evidenced by sensitivity to afidopyropen in the aquatic environment.
Tree Diversity in the Shola Forests of Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary, Karnataka, India
Authors: Revathy Unnikrishnan , Nagaraja Badenahally Chikkarangappa , Sundarapandian Somaiah
Published: May 2023

Tree species composition and structure of the shola forest ecosystem were studied through 25 random quadrats of size 20 m × 20 m across the Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary, Karnataka, India. Sixty-five tree species (47 genera and 35 families) were enumerated with a stand density of 1507 (?1 cm DBH) trees in 1 ha area. The Shannon’s, Simpson and Fisher’s alpha diversity indices were 3.654, 0.960 and 15.471 respectively for the area studied. The basal area of trees inventoried was 31.19 m2 ha-1. Seventeen species were endemic (26%) to the Western Ghats. Symplocos cochinchinensis showed dominance in terms of density, followed by Celtis philippensis, Elaeocarpus serratus, Ligustrum robustum, and Cinnamomum malabatrum. Lauraceae was identified as the most speciose family with a total of 11 species, followed by Rubiaceae (6 species). The lower diameter class (?10cm DBH) individuals were having higher proportion (67% (1007 individuals)) than that of the adult class (500 individuals) which indicated that the forest shows a good regeneration potential. However, few species including two endemic species have poor regeneration status. This enlightens that a thorough understanding of those species’ regeneration potential is warranted in order to carry out proper management plans and conservation.