bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Machine Learning Models for Tracking Blood Loss and Resuscitation in a Hemorrhagic Shock Swine Injury Model
Authors: Gonzalez Jose M. , Ortiz Ryan , Holland Lawrence , Ruiz Austin , Ross Evan , Snider Eric J.
Published: October 2024

Hemorrhage leading to life-threatening shock is a common and critical problem in both civilian and military medicine. Due to complex physiological compensatory mechanisms, traditional vital signs may fail to detect patients’ impending hemorrhagic shock in a timely manner when life-saving interventions are still viable. To address this shortcoming of traditional vital signs in detecting hemorrhagic shock, we have attempted to identify metrics that can predict blood loss. We have previously combined feature extraction and machine learning methodologies applied to arterial waveform analysis to develop advanced metrics that have enabled the early and accurate detection of impending shock in a canine model of hemorrhage, including metrics that estimate blood loss such as the Blood Loss Volume Metric, the Percent Estimated Blood Loss metric, and the Hemorrhage Area metric. Importantly, these metrics were able to identify impending shock well before traditional vital signs, such as blood pressure, were altered enough to identify shock. Here, we apply these advanced metrics developed using data from a canine model to data collected from a swine model of controlled hemorrhage as an interim step towards showing their relevance to human medicine. Based on the performance of these advanced metrics, we conclude that the framework for developing these metrics in the previous canine model remains applicable when applied to a swine model and results in accurate performance in these advanced metrics. The success of these advanced metrics in swine, which share physiological similarities to humans, shows promise in developing advanced blood loss metrics for humans, which would result in increased positive casualty outcomes due to hemorrhage in civilian and military medicine.
MRI-Driven Alzheimer’s Disease Diagnosis Using Deep Network Fusion and Optimal Selection of Feature
Authors: Ali Muhammad Umair , Hussain Shaik Javeed , Khalid Majdi , Farrash Majed , Lahza Hassan Fareed M. , Zafar Amad
Published: October 2024

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a degenerative neurological condition characterized by cognitive decline, memory loss, and reduced everyday function, which eventually causes dementia. Symptoms develop years after the disease begins, making early detection difficult. While AD remains incurable, timely detection and prompt treatment can substantially slow its progression. This study presented a framework for automated AD detection using brain MRIs. Firstly, the deep network information (i.e., features) were extracted using various deep-learning networks. The information extracted from the best deep networks (EfficientNet-b0 and MobileNet-v2) were merged using the canonical correlation approach (CCA). The CCA-based fused features resulted in an enhanced classification performance of 94.7% with a large feature vector size (i.e., 2532). To remove the redundant features from the CCA-based fused feature vector, the binary-enhanced WOA was utilized for optimal feature selection, which yielded an average accuracy of 98.12 ± 0.52 (mean ± standard deviation) with only 953 features. The results were compared with other optimal feature selection techniques, showing that the binary-enhanced WOA results are statistically significant (p < 0.01). The ablation study was also performed to show the significance of each step of the proposed methodology. Furthermore, the comparison shows the superiority and high classification performance of the proposed automated AD detection approach, suggesting that the hybrid approach may help doctors with dementia detection and staging.
Research on Function of Ribosomal Protein S6 Kinases, 1α and β, Based on Molecular Cloning and siRNA-Based Interference in Juvenile Blunt Snout Bream (Megalobrama amblycephala)
Authors: Gu Jiaze , Mi Haifeng , Ren Mingchun , Huang Dongyu , Aboseif Ahmed Mohamed , Liang Hualiang , Zhang Lu
Published: October 2024

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of S6K1α and β on the expression of glycolysis- and gluconeogenesis-related genes in juvenile blunt snout bream. Two isoforms, α and β, of ribosomal protein S6 kinase 1 in blunt snout bream were cloned and characterized, and their expression patterns were examined in vivo. The sequence analysis showed that s6k1α and s6k1β contain open reading frames of 2217 and 1497 bp, encoding 738 and 498 amino acids, respectively. Both S6K1α and S6K1β consist of an S_TKc domain and an extended S_TK_X domain. s6k1α and s6k1β were abundantly expressed in the heart and gonads. siRNAs were designed, and the experiment showed that α-siRNA inhibited s6k1α and s6k1β expression, but β-siRNA exclusively inhibited s6k1α expression (p < 0.05). α-siRNA upregulated the expression levels of gk and pk, while β-siRNA upregulated pepck and g6p expression (p < 0.05). The expression of g6pdh was found to be downregulated, but the gs mRNA level was overexpressed after treatment with α-siRNA and β-siRNA (p < 0.05). In the present experiment, S6K1α was more intimately involved in the regulation of gluconeogenesis when only S6K1α was inhibited, whereas the inhibition of both S6K1α and S6K1β collectively co-regulated glycolysis.
Exploring the Dynamic Changes of Brain Lipids, Lipid Rafts, and Lipid Droplets in Aging and Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Cerasuolo Michele , Di Meo Irene , Auriemma Maria Chiara , Paolisso Giuseppe , Papa Michele , Rizzo Maria Rosaria
Published: October 2024

Aging induces complex changes in the lipid profiles across different areas of the brain. These changes can affect the function of brain cells and may contribute to neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease. Research shows that while the overall lipid profile in the human brain remains quite steady throughout adulthood, specific changes occur with age, especially after the age of 50. These changes include a slow decline in total lipid content and shifts in the composition of fatty acids, particularly in glycerophospholipids and cholesterol levels, which can vary depending on the brain region. Lipid rafts play a crucial role in maintaining membrane integrity and facilitating cellular signaling. In the context of Alzheimer’s disease, changes in the composition of lipid rafts have been associated with the development of the disease. For example, alterations in lipid raft composition can lead to increased accumulation of amyloid β (Aβ) peptides, contributing to neurotoxic effects. Lipid droplets store neutral lipids and are key for cellular energy metabolism. As organisms age, the dynamics of lipid droplets in the brain change, with evidence suggesting a decline in metabolic activity over time. This reduced activity may lead to an imbalance in lipid synthesis and mobilization, contributing to neurodegenerative processes. In model organisms like Drosophila, studies have shown that lipid metabolism in the brain can be influenced by diet and insulin signaling pathways, crucial for maintaining metabolic balance. The interplay between lipid metabolism, oxidative stress, and inflammation is critical in the context of aging and Alzheimer’s disease. Lipid peroxidation, a consequence of oxidative stress, can lead to the formation of reactive aldehydes that further damage neurons. Inflammatory processes can also disrupt lipid metabolism, contributing to the pathology of AD. Consequently, the accumulation of oxidized lipids can affect lipid raft integrity, influencing signaling pathways involved in neuronal survival and function.
Ca2+ Signaling in Cardiovascular Fibroblasts
Authors: Rinne Andreas , Pluteanu Florentina
Published: October 2024

Fibrogenesis is a physiological process required for wound healing and tissue repair. It is induced by activation of quiescent fibroblasts, which first proliferate and then change their phenotype into migratory, contractile myofibroblasts. Myofibroblasts secrete extracellular matrix proteins, such as collagen, to form a scar. Once the healing process is terminated, most myofibroblasts undergo apoptosis. However, in some tissues, such as the heart, myofibroblasts remain active and sensitive to neurohumoral factors and inflammatory mediators, which lead eventually to excessive organ fibrosis. Many cellular processes involved in fibroblast activation, including cell proliferation, protein secretion and cell contraction, are highly regulated by intracellular Ca2+ signals. This review summarizes current research on Ca2+ signaling pathways underlying fibroblast activation. We present receptor- and ion channel-mediated Ca2+ signaling pathways, discuss how localized Ca2+ signals of the cell nucleus may be involved in fibroblast activation and present Ca2+-sensitive transcription pathways relevant for fibroblast biology. When investigated, we highlight how the function of Ca2+-handling proteins changes during cardiac and pulmonary fibrosis. Many aspects of Ca2+ signaling remain unexplored in different types of cardiovascular fibroblasts in relation to pathologies, and a better understanding of Ca2+ signaling in fibroblasts will help to design targeted therapies against fibrosis.
The Role and Interactive Mechanism of Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress and Ferroptosis in Musculoskeletal Disorders
Authors: Guo Zhou , Chi Ruimin , Peng Yawen , Sun Kai , Liu Haigang , Guo Fengjing , Guo Jiachao
Published: October 2024

Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress is a cellular phenomenon that arises in response to the accumulation of misfolded proteins within the ER. This process triggers the activation of a signalling pathway known as the unfolded protein response (UPR), which aims to restore ER homeostasis by reducing protein synthesis, increasing protein degradation, and promoting proper protein folding. However, excessive ER stress can perturb regular cellular function and contribute to the development of diverse pathological conditions. As is well known, ferroptosis is a kind of programmed cell death characterized by the accumulation of lipid peroxides and iron-dependent reactive oxygen species (ROS), resulting in oxidative harm to cellular structures. In recent years, there has been increasing evidence indicating that ferroptosis occurs in musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), with emerging recognition of the complex relationship between ER stress and ferroptosis. This review presents a summary of ER stress and the ferroptosis pathway. Most importantly, it delves into the significance of ER stress in the ferroptosis process within diverse skeletal or muscle cell types. Furthermore, we highlight the potential benefits of targeting the correlation between ER stress and ferroptosis in treating degenerative MSDs.
Evaluation of the Accuracy of Point-of-Care Urine Chloride Measured via Strip Test in Patients with Heart Failure
Authors: Guzik Mateusz , Jankowiak Berenika , Ponikowski Piotr , Biegus Jan
Published: October 2024

Background: In clinical practice, patient self-monitoring is crucial in achieving therapeutic goals in various diseases. In heart failure (HF), it is particularly important due to the increasing role of urine composition. Therefore, we proposed this study to assess the accuracy of urine chloride (uCl−) assessment via strip test in relation to chloride and sodium (uNa+) measurements in a gold-standard laboratory method. Methods: Urine samples were collected before administering morning medications. Afterwards, they were analyzed concurrently using the strip test and gold-standard laboratory method. Results: The study cohort comprised 66 patients (82% male, mean age 68 ± 12 years), of whom 65% were diagnosed with HF and 35% without HF. Across the entire cohort, a strong correlation was observed between uCl− measured by both methods (r = 0.85; p < 0.001). However, the strip test was found to underestimate uCl− relative to the laboratory measurements (mean difference of 18 mmol/L). Furthermore, strong correlations were observed between the methods among patients with HF and without HF (r = 0.88 vs. r = 0.71, respectively; p < 0.001 for both), where they presented similar relationship patterns. Interestingly, in patients with a low glomerular filtration rate (eGFR ≤ 60 mL/min/1.73 m2), the correlation between both methods was greater compared to those with high eGFR (>60 mL/min/1.73 m2) (r = 0.94 vs. r = 0.76, respectively; p < 0.001 for both). The relationship between uCl− from the strip test and uNa+ from the laboratory measurement was weaker than for uCl−, but it was significant. Conclusions: These findings suggest that point-of-care strip tests for assessing urinary chloride demonstrate high accuracy and potential utility, particularly in patients with reduced eGFR.
Evolution of Thoracic Disc Herniation Surgery: Future Perspectives from a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Corazzelli Giuseppe , Corvino Sergio , Di Noto Giulio , Di Domenico Chiara , Russo Federico , Mariniello Giuseppe , Elefante Andrea , Bocchetti Antonio , Paolini Sergio , Esposito Vincenzo , Innocenzi Gualtiero , de Falco Raffaele , de Divitiis Oreste
Published: October 2024

Background: The neurosurgical treatment of thoracic disc herniation (TDH) has undergone dramatic changes over the years in terms of surgical approaches and intraoperative technological tools. There is still no unanimous consent on the criteria for approach selection, and the choice varies among Institutions. The aim of this study is to compare anterior and posterolateral approaches for TDH in terms of functional and surgical outcomes. Methods: A systematic literature review and meta-analysis according to PRISMA guidelines from EMBASE, PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and Google Scholar online databases up to May 2024 incorporated studies that reported outcomes of thoracic disc herniation surgeries. Analyzed factors included major peri- and postoperative complications, intraoperative blood loss, hospital stay, neurological improvement, and complete hernia resection. Random-effect models were used to calculate pooled odds ratios and mean differences. Results: The posterolateral approach was associated with significantly lower rates of major medical (OR 0.14, 95% CI: 0.07 to 0.27) and surgical complications (OR 0.61, 95% CI: 0.38 to 0.99) compared to the anterior approach. Additionally, posterolateral approaches reduced intraoperative blood loss and shorter hospital stays. Posterolateral techniques were linked to higher odds of neurological improvement (OR 0.65, 95% CI: 0.43 to 0.99) and higher rates of complete hernia resection (OR 0.38, 95% CI: 0.21 to 0.71). Conclusions: Posterolateral approaches offer advantages in terms of safety, recovery, neurological improvement, and complete hernia resection. More extensive prospective studies are needed to confirm these findings and refine surgical strategies. Emerging technologies, such as the exoscope and 45° endoscopy, may further enhance surgical outcomes.
Atypical Brain Connectivity During Pragmatic and Semantic Language Processing in Children with Autism
Authors: Márquez-García Amparo V. , Vakorin Vasily A. , Kozhemiako Nataliia , Iarocci Grace , Moreno Sylvain , Doesburg Sam M.
Published: October 2024

Background/Objectives: Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) face challenges in social communication due to difficulties in considering context, processing information, and interpreting social cues. This study aims to explore the neural processes related to pragmatic language communication in children with ASD and address the research question of how functional brain connectivity operates during complex pragmatic language tasks. Methods: We examined differences in brain functional connectivity between children with ASD and typically developing peers while they engaged in video recordings of spoken language tasks. We focused on two types of speech acts: semantic and pragmatic. Results: Our results showed differences between groups during the pragmatic and semantic language processing, indicating more idiosyncratic connectivity in children with ASD in the Left Somatomotor and Left Limbic networks, suggesting that these networks play a role in task-dependent functional connectivity. Additionally, these functional differences were mainly localized to the left hemisphere.
Microsurgical Clipping of Unruptured Middle Cerebral Artery Bifurcation Aneurysms: A Single-Center Experience
Authors: Stroh-Holly Nico , Rauch Philip , Stefanits Harald , Hermann Philipp , Wagner Helga , Sonnberger Michael , Gollwitzer Maria , Aspalter Stefan , Gruber Andreas , Gmeiner Matthias
Published: October 2024

Background/Objectives: Microsurgical clipping has traditionally been considered a standard treatment for middle cerebral artery (MCA) aneurysms. Recently, a caseload reduction related to improved endovascular treatment options has occurred in cerebrovascular neurosurgery. Therefore, studies that report the clinical and radiological outcomes after clipping are highly warranted. Methods: Patients with an unruptured MCA bifurcation aneurysm, who were surgically treated at the Department of Neurosurgery in Linz between 2002 and 2019, were included in this study. Clinical and radiological outcome parameters were evaluated for each patient. Results: Overall, 272 patients were eligible for inclusion. Complete aneurysm occlusion was demonstrated in 266 (99.3%) of the 268 (98.5%) patients who underwent postoperative digital subtraction angiography. In six (2.2%) patients, a permanent new neurological deficit (pNND) persisted after treatment. Intraoperative aneurysm rupture was a significant factor (p = 0.0049) in the logistic regression. At the last follow-up, only two patients (0.7%) had an unfavorable outcome (mRS > 2). More recent surgeries were associated with fewer cases of pNND (p = 0.009). A transient new neurological deficit occurred in 13 patients (4.8%), with aneurysm size being a significant risk factor (p = 0.009). Surgical site infections were reported in four patients (1.5%), with patient age (p = 0.039) and time (p = 0.001) being significant factors. Two patients died (0.7%) perioperatively and two patients (0.7%) needed a retreatment in the long-term follow-up. Conclusions: The findings indicate that microsurgical clipping is a safe procedure with minimal need for retreatment. It achieves a high occlusion rate while maintaining a very low rate of adverse outcomes. Continuous intraoperative enhancements over time have contributed to a progressive improvement in clinical outcomes in recent years. This trend is exemplified by the absence of detectable pNND in the era of ICG angiography. Consequently, these data support the conclusion that microsurgical clipping should still be considered an appropriate treatment option for unruptured MCA bifurcation aneurysms.
Boosting Resilience Attentional Bias in Previously Bullied University Students with Low Post-Traumatic Growth: A Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation Study
Authors: Ravelo Yennifer , Gonzalez-Mendez Rosaura , Alegre de la Rosa Olga M. , Marrero Hipólito
Published: October 2024

Background/Objectives: Post-traumatic growth (PTG) has the potential to draw positive consequences from trauma. Hence, there is interest in finding ways to promote PTG. Research has identified an attentional bias towards positive resilience-related words (e.g., “persistence”, “purpose”) in university students who report high PTG after experiencing adversities. Although people can respond to these experiences by showing low PTG, this bias seems to help with their struggle by making purposeful contents more accessible. Therefore, boosting attentional bias towards positive resilience-related words could help people with low PTG. Methods: In this study, the participants were thirty-six university students who had experienced bullying before entering university. Using a Stroop emotional task, they identified the color of resilience and neutral words, either positive or negative, before and after being submitted to transcranial direct current stimulation. Stimulation was targeted at the right temporal area involved in intentionality processing. Results: In the anodal condition, the results support a stimulation effect on the resilience attentional bias that could benefit participants with low PTG. A significant moderation of approach motivation for this effect was also found. Specifically, only when participants had medium or high approach motivation did stimulation boost the attentional bias in students with low PTG. Conclusions: These results support that tDCS stimulation in this brain area is effective in enhancing resilience attentional bias in low-PTG students. However, for this effect to occur it is necessary to have approach motivation, which is motivation related to goals.
Topiramate Inhibits Capsaicin-Induced Mast Cell Degranulation and CGRP Release in Rat Dura Mater
Authors: Costa Raisa Ferreira , Rosas Emanuela Paz , Paz Silvania Tavares , Freitas Manuela Figueiroa Lyra de , Souza Sandra Lopes de , Andrade Juliana Ramos de , Oliveira Daniella Araújo de , Jansen-Olesen Inger , Christensen Sarah Louise , Valença Marcelo Moraes
Published: October 2024

Background/Objectives: Migraine is a disease that stands out for its high prevalence and socioeconomic costs. It involves the entire trigeminovascular system, the signaling substances, and their targets. However, the role of meningeal mast cells in migraine is still unclear. To better understand one of the components of neurogenic inflammation underlying migraine pathophysiology, we developed an in vivo rat model in which the dura mater was exposed bilaterally to investigate the influence of topiramate on capsaicin-induced mast cell degranulation and CGRP release from dura mater. Methods: On the day of the experiment, rats were anesthetized, and a craniectomy was performed on each parietal bone. Test substances were applied in situ over the dura mater using the right and left sides of the dura mater for the test and control, respectively. After exposure, the dura mater was processed for mast cell staining and counting. Using this setup, the effect of capsaicin (10−3 M) was evaluated in rats of both sexes, and subsequently the effect of in situ (10−3 M, 20 µL) and (20 mg/kg/day for 10 days) topiramate treatment on mast cell degranulation and CGRP release were evaluated. Results: In both female and male rats, there was a greater amount of degranulated mast cells in the side stimulated by capsaicin compared to the control side in both females (18 ± 3% vs. 74 ± 3%; p = 0.016) and males (28 ± 2% vs. 74 ± 3%, p = 0.016). In the group treated with topiramate for 10 days prior to the experiments, capsaicin did not induce mast cell degranulation (control 20 ± 1% vs. capsaicin 22 ± 1%, p = 0.375) in contrast to animals treated for 10 days with gavage control (control 25 ± 1% vs. capsaicin 76 ± 1%, p = 0.016). Topiramate applied in situ concomitant with capsaicin did not protect the mast cells from degranulation in response to capsaicin (38 ± 2% vs. 44 ± 1%, p = 0.016). There was a significant reduction in CGRP release from the dura mater in the group treated with topiramate for 10 days compared to the control. Conclusions: This study demonstrates a novel experimental model wherein systemic administration of topiramate is observed to modulate the impact of capsaicin on meningeal mast cell degranulation.
Growing Greener: Cultivating Organisational Sustainability Through Leadership Development
Authors: Resanovich Sarah Lily , Hopthrow Tim , de Moura Georgina Randsley
Published: October 2024

Organisations significantly contribute to climate change, making them essential targets for climate mitigation strategies. There is an opportunity to curb organisations’ environmental impact by increasing the amount of pro-environmental behaviour (PEB) among employees. Many social and psychological factors impact an employee’s likelihood of performing PEBs. Among social–psychological factors influencing employee PEB, leadership is unique as it is a social–psychological factor that can control or influence other factors. Leadership makes performing PEBs at work and home different. Due to its unique position, leadership has garnered attention from practitioners and researchers for how it can affect organisational environmental sustainability. There is limited research focusing on how leadership development can promote employee PEB, thereby increasing organisational environmental sustainability. Researchers conducted a narrative review that provided an overview of how leadership uniquely affects employee PEB, bringing together findings from various fields. Through this review, the authors propose the ICERR model for leadership development, which outlines five key capability areas and three desired outcomes for leadership development related to environmental sustainability. This model consists of 14 proposals that provide a framework for future research and identify critical areas for leadership development programmes looking to impact environmental sustainability.
Dependency-Oriented Versus Autonomy-Oriented Help: Inferred Motivations and Intergroup Perceptions
Authors: Shi Huiyue , Dai Yan , Zhao Jinzhe , Jiao Liying , Xu Yan
Published: October 2024

Intergroup helping is a crucial interaction behavior between groups, which can be classified as either dependency-oriented or autonomy-oriented help. The widely recognized model of intergroup helping relations as status relations proposes that dependency-oriented help enables the helper group to maintain its dominant position. In other words, when a helper group has the motivation to preservation of their intergroup status, it will be more inclined to provide the recipient with dependency-oriented help. However, little research to date has focused on whether members of recipient groups recognize this status maintenance motivation, and how this might influence their inference of altruistic motivations or their perceptions of the helper’s warmth and competence. The results of three experiments involving a total of 677 participants indicated that compared to those receiving autonomy-oriented help, those receiving dependency-oriented help inferred a higher level of status maintenance and a lower level of altruistic motivation of the helper. Furthermore, they also perceived the helpers as having lower levels of warmth and competence. In response, these perceptions led to a reduced willingness to accept offers of help or cooperation. This effect was stronger when the help offered was needed more by the recipients, or when the helpers ignored requests for autonomy-oriented help and provided dependency-oriented help instead. This research complements the existing understandings of autonomy- and dependency-oriented help from the recipient’s perspective, while also outlining potential directions for future research.
Generation Method for HVAC Systems Design Schemes in Office Buildings Based on Deep Graph Generative Models
Authors: Wang Hongxin , Jin Ruiying , Xu Peng , Gu Jiefan
Published: October 2024

The design process of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems is complex and time consuming due to the need to follow design codes. Since the design standards are not fixed, the final outcome often depends on the designer’s experience. The development of building information modeling (BIM) technology has made information throughout the building lifecycle more integrated. BIM-based forward design is now widely used, providing a data foundation for combining HVAC system design with machine learning. This paper proposes an unsupervised learning method based on deep graph generative models to uncover hidden design patterns and optimization strategies from the design results. We trained and validated four deep graph generative models—GAE, GNF, GAN, and diffusion—using HVAC system terminal pipeline layout data. Accuracy and precision metrics were used to compare the generated designs with automated forward design solutions, assessing the models’ ability to capture both local variations and broader changes in design logic. A graph-neural-network-based evaluation method was employed to measure the models’ capacity to detect changes. The results indicate that all four models achieved prediction accuracies exceeding 90% and precision rates above 75%. The models effectively captured both local modifications made by designers and global design changes, showing greater sensitivity to global layout adjustments than to local updates. When comparing the results generated by deep graph generative models and the actual design, it is obvious that the accuracy of the predictions varies significantly due to the complexity of the test buildings.
Buckling Behaviour of Q355 Angles with Simulated Local Damages at Bolted Connections
Authors: Xu Cheng , Yan Hui-Qiang , Kang Shao-Bo
Published: October 2024

Transmission towers in service are highly susceptible to corrosion caused by environmental conditions. It is crucial to assess the residual load capacity of corroded angles in transmission towers. In this study, corrosion at the connection of angels was simulated by local damage using a mechanical cutting method, and compression tests and numerical simulations were performed to investigate the load capacity of corroded angles. A total of 24 angles were designed and tested in the experiments, and the parameters considered included the location and thickness of damage and slenderness. The local damage was designed on the loaded or non-loaded legs, with slendernesses of 80 and 140, and a thickness of damage of 1 mm and 2 mm. The residual load capacity, failure modes, and strain of the angles were analysed based on experimental results. Furthermore, corrosion was simulated by reducing the local thickness of angles using ABAQUS. The accuracy of numerical models was verified after comparing the numerical results with experimental data. Based on the verified model, parameter analysis was conducted, in which the slendernesses was extended to 100 and 120, and the local damage thickness was also set to be 0.5 mm and 1.5 mm to quantitatively study the influence on the residual load capacity. The tests results showed that with the damage depth at the ends of the angle increased, and the load capacity of the angle decreased by up to 6.7%. Finally, a design equation for calculating the residual load capacity of corroded angles was proposed using the numerical results. By comparing the design equation, experimental results, and load capacity calculated per existing standards, it was found that the load-bearing capacity of corroded angles can be accurately predicted by the equation.
Energy and Water Interventions That Contribute to the Climate-Proofing of Buildings on Multiple Scales: A Literature Review
Authors: Gavrouzou Maria , Apreda Carmela , Raggi Eva , Rivarola Marta , Lalaj Nensi , Vlachogiannis Diamando , Sfetsos Athanasios
Published: October 2024

In the framework of planning and designing resilient housing under a changing climate, the present study constitutes a comprehensive literature review exploring climate-proofing solutions for the built environment concerning energy supply and water availability. This study delved into a multitude of sources that included scientific papers and reports and European Union guidelines and tools. The identified solutions covered building, urban, and territorial scales. The hazards of interest included heatwaves, heavy precipitation, droughts, earthquakes, wildfires, and storms. Several types of solutions were found (e.g., nature-based, education/capacity-building, engineering/built environment, etc.) with different times of application and timescales of action (e.g., defensive measures, short-term solutions, long-term adaptive, etc.). The maturity of the identified solutions was assessed based on the Technology Readiness Level (TRL) and Societal Readiness Level (SRL). Moreover, each solution’s contribution to climate mitigation was investigated. The solutions were assessed in terms of self-sustainability and other key criteria, namely, effectiveness, contribution to resilience maturity and climate change mitigation, adaptive nature, financing access, risk reduction, and social cohesion. In total, 85 energy and water solutions were determined from the desk review analysis and 67 (30 for the energy sector and 37 for the water sector) solutions were finally retained and proposed.
Mechanical Properties and Microstructure of Alkali-Activated Cements with Granulated Blast Furnace Slag, Fly Ash and Desert Sand
Authors: Liu Yunpeng , Yang Xihao , Tian Wendi , Fu Zhenbo , Zhao Yimeng , Li Binghan , Li Shiji , Xu Da , Yu Shige , Yao Zhiyu , Zhao Tian , Ouyang Xinfeng , Wang Guangfei , Yu Hai , Li Dan , Guo Rongxin , Wei Yen , Niu Kangmin
Published: October 2024

In this study, desert sand was used as supplementary materials in alkali-activated cements (AAC) with granulated blast furnace slag (GBFS) and fly ash (FA). For the first time, a systematic investigation was conducted on the effects of various treatment methods and contents of desert sand on the strength and microstructure of AAC. This study also analyzed the X-ray diffractometer (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy-Energy Dispersive X-ray Microanalysis (SEM-EDX), Mercury Intrusion Porosimetry (MIP), pH values, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) properties of AAC pastes containing differently treated desert sand to uncover the mechanisms by which these treatments and dosages influence mechanical properties of AAC. Untreated desert sand (DS), temperature-treated desert sand (DS-T), and ground desert sand for two different durations (20 mins and 30 mins) all exhibited some pozzolanic activity but primarily acted as fillers in the AAC pastes. Among the samples, DS-T demonstrated the highest pozzolanic activity, though it was still less than that of fly ash (FA). The optimal dosage for the modified desert sands was determined to be 10%. However, The optimal dosage of different modified desert sands is 10%. The flexural strength of DS-G30-10 reaches 6.62 MPa and the compressive strength reaches 72.3 MPa, showing the best comprehensive mechanical properties.
Molecular Targets of Plant-Derived Bioactive Compounds in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Mitea Gabriela , Schröder Verginica , Iancu Irina Mihaela , Mireșan Horațiu , Iancu Valeriu , Bucur Laura Adriana , Badea Florin Ciprian
Published: October 2024

Background: With a significant increase in both incidence and mortality, oral cancer—particularly oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC)—is one of the main causes of death in developing countries. Even though there is evidence of advances in surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy, the overall survival rate for patients with OSCC has improved, but by a small percentage. This may be due, on the one hand, to the fact that the disease is diagnosed when it is at a too-advanced stage, when metastases are already present. Methods: This review explores the therapeutic potential of natural herbal products and their use as adjuvant therapies in the treatment of oral cancer from online sources in databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar, Research Gate, Scopus, Elsevier). Results: Even if classic therapies are known to be effective, they often produce many serious side effects and can create resistance. Certain natural plant compounds may offer a complementary approach by inducing apoptosis, suppressing tumor growth, and improving chemotherapy effectiveness. The integration of these compounds with conventional treatments to obtain remarkable synergistic effects represents a major point of interest to many authors. This review highlights the study of molecular mechanisms and their efficiency in in vitro and in vivo models, as well as the strategic ways in which drugs can be administered to optimize their use in real contexts. Conclusions: This review may have a significant impact on the oncology community, creating new inspirations for the development of more effective, safer cancer therapies with less toxic potential.
Exploring Multilingual Large Language Models for Enhanced TNM Classification of Radiology Report in Lung Cancer Staging
Authors: Matsuo Hidetoshi , Nishio Mizuho , Matsunaga Takaaki , Fujimoto Koji , Murakami Takamichi
Published: October 2024

Background/Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the accuracy of Tumor, Node, Metastasis (TNM) classification based on radiology reports using GPT3.5-turbo (GPT3.5) and the utility of multilingual large language models (LLMs) in both Japanese and English. Methods: Utilizing GPT3.5, we developed a system to automatically generate TNM classifications from chest computed tomography reports for lung cancer and evaluate its performance. We statistically analyzed the impact of providing full or partial TNM definitions in both languages using a generalized linear mixed model. Results: The highest accuracy was attained with full TNM definitions and radiology reports in English (M = 94%, N = 80%, T = 47%, and TNM combined = 36%). Providing definitions for each of the T, N, and M factors statistically improved their respective accuracies (T: odds ratio [OR] = 2.35, p < 0.001; N: OR = 1.94, p < 0.01; M: OR = 2.50, p < 0.001). Japanese reports exhibited decreased N and M accuracies (N accuracy: OR = 0.74 and M accuracy: OR = 0.21). Conclusions: This study underscores the potential of multilingual LLMs for automatic TNM classification in radiology reports. Even without additional model training, performance improvements were evident with the provided TNM definitions, indicating LLMs’ relevance in radiology contexts.
Intraoperative Radiation Therapy for Recurrent Cervical and Endometrial Cancer: Predicting Morbidity and Mortality in a Contemporary Cohort
Authors: Howlett Lindsay N. , Fadadu Priyal P. , Grcevich Leah O. , Fought Angela J. , McGree Michaela E. , Giannini Andrea , Butler Kristina A. , Tortorella Lucia , Marnholtz Amanda A. , Haddock Michael G. , Garda Allison E. , Langstraat Carrie L. , Dowdy Sean C. , Kumar Amanika
Published: October 2024

Background/Objectives: Our objective was to describe the use of intraoperative radiation therapy (IORT) for the treatment of recurrent/persistent cervical or endometrial cancer and assess predictors of postoperative complications and 3-year mortality. Methods: In this multi-site retrospective study, data were abstracted for recurrent/persistent endometrial or cervical cancer patients who underwent IORT from June 2004 to May 2021. Complications were graded on the six-point Accordion scale. Variables associated with complications were analyzed with univariate logistic regression, while variables associated with death within 3 years were analyzed with Cox proportional hazards modeling. Survival was analyzed with the Kaplan–Meier method. Results: Eighty patients had planned IORT for recurrent/persistent endometrial (n = 35) or cervical cancer (n = 45). The mean age of the cohort was 56.8 years (SD = 13.7), and the median disease-free interval from primary disease to recurrence was 20.0 months (IQR 10.0–63.1). The overall survival at 3 years was 48.6% (95% CI: 38.3–61.6%) with a median survival of 2.8 years. Within 30 days postoperative, 16 patients (20.1%) had grade 3–5 complications and one death (1.3%) occurred. Factors associated with grade 3+ complication included ECOG PS 2–3 (OR 18.00, p = 0.04), neoadjuvant chemotherapy and/or immunotherapy (OR 6.98, p < 0.01), and pelvic sidewall involvement (OR 8.80, p = 0.04). Factors associated with death within 3 years of surgery included ECOG PS 2–3 (HR 8.97, p < 0.01), neoadjuvant chemotherapy and/or immunotherapy (HR 2.34, p = 0.03), whether exenteration was performed (HR 2.64, p = 0.01), and positive resection margin (HR 3.37, p < 0.01). Conclusions: In well-selected patients, IORT is a feasible and safe option for the treatment of recurrent/persistent gynecologic malignancy with an appreciable survival benefit.
Unusual Mild Phenotype Presentation in an Elderly Patient with Homozygous Tangier Disease
Authors: Guardamagna Ornella , Bonardi Renato , Buganza Raffaele , Martino Francesco , Pisciotta Livia , de Sanctis Luisa , Bassareo Pier Paolo
Published: October 2024

Tangier disease (TD) is an extremely rare inherited disorder involving lipoprotein metabolism and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) recycling in particular. TD is linked with a mutation of the ABCA1 gene codifying for the transport protein ABCA1 which, in normal conditions, enables the efflux of cholesterol through the cell membrane to HDL and apolipoprotein A1. As such, early cardiovascular events and neuropathy are common in these patients, mostly in homozygous carriers. Here, we describe the unique case of a homozygous TD patient whose diagnosis was made in later life. He was affected by the A1046D protein mutation and suffered from mild neurological symptoms and asymptomatic atherosclerosis.
Photothermal CO2 Hydrogenation to Methanol over Ni-In2O3/g-C3N4 Heterojunction Catalysts
Authors: Shan Xuekai , Zhang Guolin , Zhang Ying , Zhang Shuobo , Guo Fang , Xu Qi
Published: October 2024

Selective CO2 hydrogenation faces significant technical challenges, although many efforts have been made in this regard. Herein, a Ni-doped In2O3 catalyst supported by g-C3N4 was prepared using the co-precipitation method, and its composition, morphology, specific surface area, and band gap were characterized using TEM, XPS, BET, XRD, CO2-TPD, H2-TPR, UV-Vis, etc. The catalytic hydrogenation reduction of CO2 to produce methanol was tested. Under low-photothermal conditions (1.0 MPa), the hydrogenation of carbon dioxide to methanol is stable, effective, and highly selective, with a spatiotemporal yield of 86.0 gMeOHh−1 kgcat−1, which is 30.9% higher than that of Ni-In2O3 without g-C3N4 loading under the same conditions.
Prognostic Significance of Tumor–Stroma Ratio (TSR) in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Girolami Ilaria , Damiani Domenico , Negro Rosa , Abousiam Monir , Gazzini Luca , Calabrese Luca , Hanspeter Esther
Published: October 2024

The management of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) relies heavily on TNM staging and WHO histologic grading; however, in recent years, the analysis of prognostic markers expressed in the tumor stroma has gained attention. The tumor–stroma ratio (TSR) quantifies the proportion of tumor tissue relative to the surrounding stromal tissue; it is assessed with the percentage of stromal tissue within the tumor area, with a cutoff point of 50% being widely used to discriminate high-stroma cancer. In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we investigated the potential prognostic role of the TSR in HNSCC. After a literature screening, 24 studies dealing with the TSR and survival outcomes were included. The TSR showed a significant association with overall survival (OS) in both unadjusted and adjusted measures (RR 2.04, CI 1.57–2.65, p < 0.01; HR 2.36 CI 1.89–2.94, p < 0.00001), with an even stronger prognostic potential in oral cavity/oral tongue cancers (RR 2.44 CI 1.84–3.22, p < 0.00001). The TSR also showed prognostic value when dealing with cancer-specific survival and was associated with a reduction in disease-free survival (DFS). In particular, the TSR also retained its prognostic role in terms of DFS when specifically considering early-stage cancers in both unadjusted and adjusted analyses (RR 1.81 CI 1.57–2.10, p < 0.00001; HR 2.09 CI 1.58–2.76, p < 0.00001). Therefore, we conclude that the TSR is a reliable prognostic marker that is easy to assess in routine histological slides and can be effectively implemented in the routine evaluation of HNSCC.
Overcoming Therapy Resistance in Colorectal Cancer: Targeting the Rac1 Signaling Pathway as a Potential Therapeutic Approach
Authors: Anselmino Luciano E. , Malizia Florencia , Avila Aylén , Cesatti Laluce Nahuel , Mamberto Macarena , Zanotti Lucía C. , Farré Cecilia , Sauzeau Vincent , Menacho Márquez Mauricio
Published: October 2024

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most commonly diagnosed type of cancer worldwide and is responsible for numerous deaths. 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) is an effective chemotherapy drug commonly used in the treatment of CRC, either as monotherapy or in combination with other drugs. However, half of CRC cases are resistant to 5-FU-based therapies. To contribute to the understanding of the mechanisms underlying CRC resistance or recurrence after 5-FU-based therapies, we performed a comprehensive study integrating in silico, in vitro, and in vivo approaches. We identified differentially expressed genes and enrichment of pathways associated with recurrence after 5-FU-based therapies. Using these bioinformatics data as a starting point, we selected a group of drugs that restored 5-FU sensitivity to 5-FU resistant cells. Interestingly, treatment with the novel Rac1 inhibitor, 1A-116, reversed morphological changes associated with 5-FU resistance.. Moreover, our in vivo studies have shown that 1A-116 affected tumor growth and the development of metastasis. All our data allowed us to postulate that targeting Rac1 represents a promising avenue for the development of new treatments for patients with CRC resistant to 5-FU-based therapies.
Therapeutic Potential of Stearoyl-CoA Desaturase1 (SCD1) in Modulating the Effects of Fatty Acids on Osteoporosis
Authors: Seo Young-Jin , Park Jin-Ho , Byun June-Ho
Published: October 2024

Osteoporosis is a common skeletal disease, primarily associated with aging, that results from decreased bone density and bone volume. This reduction significantly increases the risk of fractures in osteoporosis patients compared to individuals with normal bone density. Additionally, the bone regeneration process in these patients is slow, making complete healing difficult. Along with the decline in bone volume and density, osteoporosis is characterized by an increase in marrow adipose tissue (MAT), which is fat within the bone. In this altered bone microenvironment, osteoblasts are influenced by various factors secreted by adipocytes. Notably, saturated fatty acids promote osteoclast activity, inhibit osteoblast differentiation, and induce apoptosis, further reducing osteoblast formation. In contrast, monounsaturated fatty acids inhibit osteoclast formation and mitigate the apoptosis caused by saturated fatty acids. Leveraging these properties, we aimed to investigate the effects of overexpressing stearoyl-CoA desaturase 1 (SCD1), an enzyme that converts saturated fatty acids into monounsaturated fatty acids, on osteogenic differentiation and bone regeneration in both in vivo and in vitro models. Through this novel approach, we seek to develop a stem cell-based therapeutic strategy that harnesses SCD1 to improve bone regeneration in the adipocyte-rich osteoporotic environment.