bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prediction of Fetal Blood Pressure during Labour with Deep Learning Techniques
Authors: Tolladay John , Lear Christopher A. , Bennet Laura , Gunn Alistair J. , Georgieva Antoniya
Published: June 2023

Our objective is to develop a model for the prediction of minimum fetal blood pressure (FBP) during fetal heart rate (FHR) decelerations. Experimental data from umbilical occlusions in near-term fetal sheep (2698 occlusions from 57 near-term lambs) were used to train a convolutional neural network. This model was then used to estimate FBP for decelerations extracted from the final 90 min of 53,445 human FHR signals collected using cardiotocography. Minimum sheep FBP was predicted with a mean absolute error of 6.7 mmHg (25th, 50th, 75th percentiles of 2.3, 5.2, 9.7 mmHg), mean absolute percentage errors of 17.3% (5.5%, 12.5%, 23.9%) and a coefficient of determination R2=0.36. While the model was unable to clearly predict severe compromise at birth in humans, there is positive evidence that such a model could predict human FBP with further development. The neural network is capable of predicting FBP for many of the sheep decelerations accurately but performed far from satisfactory at identifying FHR segments that correspond to the highest or lowest minimum FBP. These results indicate that with further work and a larger, more variable training dataset, the model could achieve higher accuracy.
Selection of Bifurcated Grafts’ Dimensions during Aorto-Iliac Vascular Reconstruction Based on Their Hemodynamic Performance
Authors: Tzirakis Konstantinos , Kamarianakis Yiannis , Kontopodis Nikolaos , Ioannou Christos V.
Published: June 2023

During the vascular surgical reconstruction of aorto-iliac occlusive/aneurysmal disease, bifurcated grafts are used where vascular surgeons intra-operatively select the size and the relative lengths of the parent and daughter portions of the graft. Currently, clinical practice regarding the selection of the most favorable geometric configuration of the graft is an understudied research subject: decisions are solely based on the clinical experience of the operating surgeon. This manuscript aims to evaluate the hemodynamic performance of various diameters, D, of bifurcated aortic grafts and relate those with proximal/distal part length ratios (the angle φ between the limbs is used as a surrogate marker of the main body-to-limb length ratio) in order to provide insights regarding the effects of different geometries on the hemodynamic environment. To this end, a computationally intensive set of simulations is conducted, and the resulting data are analyzed with modern statistical regression tools. A negative curvilinear relationship of TAWSS with both φ and D is recorded. It is shown that the angle between limbs is a more important predictor for the variability of TAWSS, while the graft’s diameter is an important determinant for the variability of OSI. Large percentages of the total graft area with TAWSS < 0.4 Pa, which correspond to thrombogenic stimulating environments, are only observed for large values of φ and D > 20 mm. This variable ranges from 10% (for the smallest values of φ and D) to 55% (for the largest φ and D values). Our findings suggest that grafts with the smallest possible angle between the limbs (i.e., smallest parent-to-daughter length ratio) present the most favorable hemodynamic performance, yielding the smallest percentage of total graft area under thrombogenic simulating environments. Similarly, grafts with the smallest acceptable diameter should be preferred for the same reason. Especially, grafts with diameters greater than 20 mm should be avoided, given the abrupt increase in estimated thrombogenic areas.
Phenotypic Modulation of Adipose-Derived Stem Cells and Fibroblasts Treated with Povidone–Iodine and Chlorhexidine in Mono and Coculture Models
Authors: Chelmuș-Burlacu Alina , Tang Eric , Pieptu Dragoș
Published: June 2023

Topical antiseptics are essential in wound treatment, and adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) have recently been proven to facilitate healing. However, the impact of antiseptics on ADSCs has not been fully elucidated, especially in relation to other relevant cell types present in the wound microenvironment, e.g., fibroblasts. This study evaluated the effects of chlorhexidine and povidone–iodine on four cellular constructs in 2D and 3D in vitro culture systems. Cell constructs were treated with two concentrations of each antiseptic, after which cell migration activity, α-SMA, and Ki67 marker expressions were assessed and compared. Both tested concentrations of povidone–iodine impaired migration and sprouting compared to chlorhexidine, which had minimal effects when used in low concentrations. The gap in the wound healing assay did not close after 24 h of povidone–iodine treatment, although, at the lower concentration, cells started to migrate in a single-cell movement pattern. Similarly, in 3D culture systems, sprouting with reduced spike formation was observed at high povidone–iodine concentrations. Both antiseptics modulated α-SMA and Ki67 marker expressions at 5 days following treatment. Although both antiseptics had cytotoxic effects dependent on drug concentration and cell type, povidone–iodine contributed more substantially to the healing process than chlorhexidine, acting especially on fibroblasts.
Screening for Bioactive Metabolites in Leaves, Branches, and Roots of Mansoa hirsuta: Phytochemical, Toxicological and Antioxidant Aspects
Authors: Alves Patrícia e Silva , Preet Gagan , Oliveira Maria , Dias Leandro , Silva Giovanna , Nascimento Maria Luísa , Reis Antonielly , Sousa João Marcelo , Júnior Joaquim , Lima Nerilson Marques , Andrade Teresinha , Feitosa Chistiane
Published: June 2023

In this study, secondary metabolites, toxicology and antioxidant properties of chloroform fractions from leaves (FCFMh), branches (FCGMh), and roots (FCRMh) of Mansoa hirsuta were investigated. The phytochemical screening detected flavonoids, especially chalcones. Through Liquid chromatography with mass spectrometry—LC–MS analysis, the flavonoids (isoorientin-2″-O-arabinoside), triterpenes (oleanolic acid and ursolic acid) and ceramide (phytosphingosine) were identified. From the Artemia salina assay, the fraction FCGMh was the most toxic (LC50 = 64.21 µg·mL−1), followed by FCRMh (LC50 = 87.61 µg·mL−1) and FCFMh (LC50 = 421.9 µg·mL−1). Concerning the cytotoxic potential, the root fraction (IC50 16.48 μg mL−1) displayed the highest cytotoxicity against the breast cancer cell line (4T1), followed by leaves (IC50 33.13 μg mL−1) and branches (IC50 of 47.13 μg mL−1). In conclusion, all the fractions of M. hirsuta showed cytotoxicity at the highest concentrations; however, remarkable biological properties were found for the root fractions. Computational analysis was performed using a molecular docking and pharmacophore approach to understand the antioxidant activity of its major metabolites.
Long-Term Vocational Outcome at 15 Years from Severe Traumatic and Non-Traumatic Brain Injury in Pediatric Age
Authors: Strazzer Sandra , Pastore Valentina , Frigerio Susanna , Colombo Katia , Galbiati Sara , Locatelli Federica , Galbiati Susanna
Published: June 2023

Background: Recent studies suggest that acquired brain injury with impaired consciousness in infancy is related to more severe and persistent effects and may have a cumulative effect on ongoing development. In this work, we aim to describe vocational outcome in a group of patients at 15 years from a severe brain lesion they suffered in developmental age. Methods: This study included a total of 147 patients aged 1.5 to 14 years with acquired brain lesion. Clinical and functional details (“Glasgow Outcome Scale”, “Functional Independent Measure” and Intelligence Quotient) were collected at the time of their first hospitalization and vocational outcome was determined after 15 years. Results: 94 patients (63.9%) presented with traumatic brain injury, while 53 patients (36.1%) presented with a brain lesion of other origin. Traumatic patients had a higher probability of being partly or fully productive than non-traumatic ones: 75.5% of traumatic subjects were working—taking into account limitations due to the traumatic event—versus 62.3% of non-traumatic ones. A relationship between some clinical variables and the vocational outcome was found. Conclusions: Rehabilitation should adequately emphasize “vocational rehabilitation” because a significant proportion of people experiencing a disorder of consciousness in childhood may show good social integration in adult age.
One Year of Outpatient Dialectical Behavioral Therapy and Its Impact on Neuronal Correlates of Attachment Representation in Patients with Borderline Personality Disorder Using a Personalized fMRI Task
Authors: Flechsig Ariane , Bernheim Dorothee , Buchheim Anna , Domin Martin , Mentel Renate , Lotze Martin
Published: June 2023

(1) Background: BPD is characterized by affect dysregulation, interpersonal problems, and disturbances in attachment, but neuroimaging studies investigating attachment representations in BPD are rare. No study has examined longitudinal neural changes associated with interventions targeting these impairments. (2) Methods: We aimed to address this gap by performing a longitudinal neuroimaging study on n = 26 patients with BPD treated with Dialectic Behavioral Therapy (DBT) and n = 26 matched healthy controls (HCs; post intervention point: n = 18 BPD and n = 23 HCs). For functional imaging, we applied an attachment paradigm presenting attachment related scenes represented in drawings paired with related neutral or personalized sentences from one’s own attachment narratives. In a prior cross-sectional investigation, we identified increased fMRI-activation in the human attachment network, in areas related to fear response and the conflict monitoring network in BPD patients. These were especially evident for scenes from the context of loneliness (monadic pictures paired with individual narrative sentences). Here, we tested whether these correlates of attachment representation show a near-to-normal development over one year of DBT intervention. In addition, we were interested in possible associations between fMRI-activation in these regions-of-interest (ROI) and clinical scores. (3) Results: Patients improved clinically, showing decreased symptoms of borderline personality organization (BPI) and increased self-directedness (Temperament and Character Inventory, TCI) over treatment. fMRI-activation was increased in the anterior medial cingulate cortex (aMCC) and left amygdala in BPD patients at baseline which was absent after intervention. When investigating associations between scores (BPI, TCI) and functional activation, we found significant effects in the bilateral amygdala. In contrast, aMCC activation at baseline was negatively associated with treatment outcome, indicating less effective treatment effects for those with higher aMCC activation at baseline. (4) Conclusions: Monadic attachment scenes with personalized sentences presented in an fMRI setup are capable of identifying increased activation magnitude in BPD. After successful DBT treatment, these increased activations tend to normalize which could be interpreted as signs of a better capability to regulate intensive emotions in the context of “social pain” towards a more organized/secure attachment representation. Amygdala activation, however, indicates high correlations with pre-treatment scores; activation in the aMCC is predictive for treatment gain. Functional activation of the amygdala and the aMCC as a response to attachment scenes representing loneness at baseline might be relevant influencing factors for DBT-intervention outcomes.
The Brain’s Glymphatic System: Drawing New Perspectives in Neuroscience
Authors: Ciurea Alexandru Vlad , Mohan Aurel George , Covache-Busuioc Razvan-Adrian , Costin Horia Petre , Saceleanu Vicentiu Mircea
Published: June 2023

This paper delves into the intricate structure and functionality of the brain’s glymphatic system, bringing forth new dimensions in its neuroscientific understanding. This paper commences by exploring the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)—its localization, production, and pivotal role within the central nervous system, acting as a cushion and vehicle for nutrient distribution and waste elimination. We then transition into an in-depth study of the morphophysiological aspects of the glymphatic system, a recent discovery revolutionizing the perception of waste clearance from the brain, highlighting its lymphatic-like characteristics and remarkable operations. This paper subsequently emphasizes the glymphatic system’s potential implications in Alzheimer’s disease (AD), discussing the connection between inefficient glymphatic clearance and AD pathogenesis. This review also elucidates the intriguing interplay between the glymphatic system and the circadian rhythm, illustrating the optimal functioning of glymphatic clearance during sleep. Lastly, we underscore the hitherto underappreciated involvement of the glymphatic system in the tumoral microenvironment, potentially impacting tumor growth and progression. This comprehensive paper accentuates the glymphatic system’s pivotal role in multiple domains, fostering an understanding of the brain’s waste clearance mechanisms and offering avenues for further research into neuropathological conditions.
Animal Models of Ischemic Stroke with Different Forms of Middle Cerebral Artery Occlusion
Authors: Zeng Lang , Hu Shengqi , Zeng Lingcheng , Chen Rudong , Li Hua , Yu Jiasheng , Yang Hongkuan
Published: June 2023

Ischemic stroke is a common type of stroke that significantly affects human well-being and quality of life. In order to further characterize the pathophysiology of ischemic stroke and develop new treatment strategies, ischemic stroke models with controllable and consistent response to potential clinical treatments are urgently needed. The middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) model is currently the most widely used animal model of ischemic stroke. This review discusses various methods for constructing the MCAO model and compares their advantages and disadvantages in order to provide better approaches for studying ischemic stroke.
Radiotherapy in Pancreatic Cancer: To Whom, When, and How?
Authors: Falco Michał , Masojć Bartłomiej , Sulikowski Tadeusz
Published: June 2023

The diagnosis rate of pancreatic cancer is steadily increasing. The average age of onset is close to 70 years. In most cases, the disease is diagnosed at an advanced stage. The indications for and techniques of radiotherapy are changing over time. The aim of this thesis is to present the role and possibilities of radiotherapy from the perspective of radiation oncologist. The most common cause of treatment failure in pancreatic cancer remains generalisation. The implementation of new systemic treatment regimens contributes to improved treatment outcomes regardless of the stage of the disease. With improved treatment outcomes in terms of the incidence of distant metastases, the impact of local curability on the length and quality of life of patients increases. Modern radiotherapy offers the opportunity to achieve high local cure rates. Postoperative radiotherapy in combination with chemotherapy seems justified in the group of postoperative pancreatic cancer patients with pT3 and pN+ features. In the group of patients with borderline resectable pancreatic cancer, the impact of radiotherapy in combination with the latest chemotherapy regimens is difficult to define clearly. In the setting of a diagnosis of advanced pancreatic cancer, radiotherapy, especially stereotactic radiotherapy, in combination with chemotherapy, contributes to improved local curability and allows to achieve a significantly reduced level of pain.
Presence of Myeloid Mutations in Patients with Chronic Myeloid Leukemia Increases Risk of Cardiovascular Event on Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor Treatment
Authors: Stuckey Ruth , Segura-Díaz Adrián , Sáez Perdomo María Nieves , Pérez Encinas Manuel Mateo , González San Miguel Jóse David , Florido Yanira , Sánchez-Sosa Santiago , López-Rodríguez Juan Francisco , Bilbao-Sieyro Cristina , Gómez-Casares María Teresa
Published: June 2023

For chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) patients with a known risk of cardiovascular events (CVE), imatinib is often recommended for first-line tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) treatment rather than a second-generation TKI (2G-TKI) such as nilotinib or dasatinib. To date, very few studies have evaluated the genetic predisposition associated with CVE development on TKI treatment. In this retrospective study of 102 CML patients, 26 CVEs were reported during an average follow-up of over 10 years. Next-generation sequencing identified pathogenic/likely pathogenic mutations in genes associated with myeloid malignancies in 24.5% of the diagnostic samples analyzed. Patients with a recorded CVE had more myeloid mutations (0.48 vs. 0.14, p = 0.019) and were older (65.1 vs. 55.7 years, p = 0.016). Age ≥ 60 years and receiving a 2G-TKI in first-line were CVE risk factors. The presence of a pathogenic somatic myeloid mutation was an independent risk factor for CVE on any TKI (HR 2.79, p = 0.01), and significantly shortened the CV event-free survival of patients who received first-line imatinib (by 70 months, p = 0.011). Indeed, 62% of patients on imatinib with mutations had a CVE vs. the 19% on imatinib with a mutation and no CVE. In conclusion, myeloid mutations detectable at diagnosis increase CVE risk, particularly for patients on imatinib, and might be considered for first-line TKI choice.
Higher Plasma Creatinine Is Associated with an Increased Risk of Death in Patients with Non-Metastatic Rectal but Not Colon Cancer: Results from an International Cohort Consortium
Authors: Ose Jennifer , Gigic Biljana , Brezina Stefanie , Lin Tengda , Peoples Anita R. , Schobert Pauline P. , Baierl Andreas , van Roekel Eline , Robinot Nivonirina , Gicquiau Audrey , Achaintre David , Scalbert Augustin , van Duijnhoven Fränzel J. B. , Holowatyj Andreana N. , Gumpenberger Tanja , Schrotz-King Petra , Ulrich Alexis B. , Ulvik Arve , Ueland Per-Magne , Weijenberg Matty P. , Habermann Nina , Keski-Rahkonen Pekka , Gsur Andrea , Kok Dieuwertje E. , Ulrich Cornelia M.
Published: June 2023

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is increasingly recognized as a heterogeneous disease. No studies have prospectively examined associations of blood metabolite concentrations with all-cause mortality in patients with colon and rectal cancer separately. Targeted metabolomics (Biocrates AbsoluteIDQ p180) and pathway analyses (MetaboAnalyst 4.0) were performed on pre-surgery collected plasma from 674 patients with non-metastasized (stage I–III) colon (n = 394) or rectal cancer (n = 283). Metabolomics data and covariate information were received from the international cohort consortium MetaboCCC. Cox proportional hazards models were computed to investigate associations of 148 metabolite levels with all-cause mortality adjusted for age, sex, tumor stage, tumor site (whenever applicable), and cohort; the false discovery rate (FDR) was used to account for multiple testing. A total of 93 patients (14%) were deceased after an average follow-up time of 4.4 years (60 patients with colon cancer and 33 patients with rectal cancer). After FDR adjustment, higher plasma creatinine was associated with a 39% increase in all-cause mortality in patients with rectal cancer. HR: 1.39, 95% CI 1.23–1.72, pFDR = 0.03; but not colon cancer: pFDR = 0.96. Creatinine is a breakdown product of creatine phosphate in muscle and may reflect changes in skeletal muscle mass. The starch and sucrose metabolisms were associated with increased all-cause mortality in colon cancer but not in rectal cancer. Genes in the starch and sucrose metabolism pathways were previously linked to worse clinical outcomes in CRC. In summary, our findings support the hypothesis that colon and rectal cancer have different etiological and clinical outcomes that need to be considered for targeted treatments.
Annotation-Efficient Deep Learning Model for Pancreatic Cancer Diagnosis and Classification Using CT Images: A Retrospective Diagnostic Study
Authors: Viriyasaranon Thanaporn , Chun Jung Won , Koh Young Hwan , Cho Jae Hee , Jung Min Kyu , Kim Seong-Hun , Kim Hyo Jung , Lee Woo Jin , Choi Jang-Hwan , Woo Sang Myung
Published: June 2023

The aim of this study was to develop a novel deep learning (DL) model without requiring large-annotated training datasets for detecting pancreatic cancer (PC) using computed tomography (CT) images. This retrospective diagnostic study was conducted using CT images collected from 2004 and 2019 from 4287 patients diagnosed with PC. We proposed a self-supervised learning algorithm (pseudo-lesion segmentation (PS)) for PC classification, which was trained with and without PS and validated on randomly divided training and validation sets. We further performed cross-racial external validation using open-access CT images from 361 patients. For internal validation, the accuracy and sensitivity for PC classification were 94.3% (92.8–95.4%) and 92.5% (90.0–94.4%), and 95.7% (94.5–96.7%) and 99.3 (98.4–99.7%) for the convolutional neural network (CNN) and transformer-based DL models (both with PS), respectively. Implementing PS on a small-sized training dataset (randomly sampled 10%) increased accuracy by 20.5% and sensitivity by 37.0%. For external validation, the accuracy and sensitivity were 82.5% (78.3–86.1%) and 81.7% (77.3–85.4%) and 87.8% (84.0–90.8%) and 86.5% (82.3–89.8%) for the CNN and transformer-based DL models (both with PS), respectively. PS self-supervised learning can increase DL-based PC classification performance, reliability, and robustness of the model for unseen, and even small, datasets. The proposed DL model is potentially useful for PC diagnosis.
Contrast-Enhanced Imaging in the Management of Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma: State of Art and Future Perspectives
Authors: Cerrito Lucia , Ainora Maria Elena , Borriello Raffaele , Piccirilli Giulia , Garcovich Matteo , Riccardi Laura , Pompili Maurizio , Gasbarrini Antonio , Zocco Maria Assunta
Published: June 2023

Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA) represents the second most common liver cancer after hepatocellular carcinoma, accounting for 15% of primary liver neoplasms. Its incidence and mortality rate have been rising during the last years, and total new cases are expected to increase up to 10-fold during the next two or three decades. Considering iCCA’s poor prognosis and rapid spread, early diagnosis is still a crucial issue and can be very challenging due to the heterogeneity of tumor presentation at imaging exams and the need to assess a correct differential diagnosis with other liver lesions. Abdominal contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) plays an irreplaceable role in the evaluation of liver masses. iCCA’s most typical imaging patterns are well-described, but atypical features are not uncommon at both CT and MRI; on the other hand, contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) has shown a great diagnostic value, with the interesting advantage of lower costs and no renal toxicity, but there is still no agreement regarding the most accurate contrastographic patterns for iCCA detection. Besides diagnostic accuracy, all these imaging techniques play a pivotal role in the choice of the therapeutic approach and eligibility for surgery, and there is an increasing interest in the specific imaging features which can predict tumor behavior or histologic subtypes. Further prognostic information may also be provided by the extraction of quantitative data through radiomic analysis, creating prognostic multi-parametric models, including clinical and serological parameters. In this review, we aim to summarize the role of contrast-enhanced imaging in the diagnosis and management of iCCA, from the actual issues in the differential diagnosis of liver masses to the newest prognostic implications.
Oral–Gut Microbiome Crosstalk in Cancer
Authors: Inamura Kentaro
Published: June 2023

Increased research efforts have led to a growing body of evidence on the human microbiota and its critical role in balanced health [...]
Association of Circulating Tumor Cells, Megakaryocytes and a High Immune-Inflammatory Environment in Metastatic Breast Cancer
Authors: Grašič Kuhar Cvetka , Silvester Jernej , Mencinger Marina , Ovčariček Tanja , Čemažar Maja , Miceska Simona , Modic Živa , Kuhar Anamarija , Jesenko Tanja , Kloboves Prevodnik Veronika
Published: June 2023

Liquid biopsy is becoming an important source of new biomarkers during the treatment of metastatic cancer patients. Using size-based microfluid technology, we isolated circulating tumor cells (CTCs) from metastatic breast cancer patients to evaluate their presence and cluster formation, as well as the presence of megakaryocytes and immune-inflammatory blood cells, and to correlate their presence with clinicopathological data and overall survival (OS). In total, 59 patients (median age 60.4 years) were included in the study: 62.7% luminal A/B-like, 20.3% HER2-positive, and 17% triple-negative. Our results showed that at least one CTC was present in 79.7% and ≥5 CTCs in 35.2% of the patients. CTC clusters were present in patients with ≥5 CTCs only (in 19.2% of them), and megakaryocytes were present in 52% of all patients. The presence of CTC clusters and megakaryocytes was positively associated with the CTC count. Patients with low pan-inflammatory value (PIV), low systemic immune-inflammatory index (SII), and low relative change from baseline (ΔPIV%, ΔSII%) were associated with significantly higher OS than their counterparts. ΔPIV%, the presence of infection in the last month, and a long duration of metastatic disease were identified as independent prognostic factors for OS. The interplay of CTCs, CTC clusters, megakaryocytes, and PIV needs to be further explored.
Benefit of Neoadjuvant Laparoscopic Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy and Bidirectional Chemotherapy for Patients with Gastric Cancer with Peritoneal Carcinomatosis Considering Cytoreductive Surgery
Authors: Yu Hsin-Hsien , Yonemura Yutaka , Ng Hui-Ji , Lee Ming-Che , Su Bor-Chyuan , Hsieh Mao-Chih
Published: June 2023

Comprehensive treatment comprising neoadjuvant laparoscopic HIPEC (L-HIPEC) and bidirectional intraperitoneal and systemic induction chemotherapy (BISIC) followed by cytoreductive surgery (CRS) for gastric cancer with peritoneal carcinomatosis (PC) has been developed. However, its benefits and patient selection criteria have not been thoroughly investigated. We retrospectively reviewed 113 patients, with 25 having received comprehensive treatment (L-HIPEC, BISIC, and then CRS-HIPEC; the BISIC group) and 88 having received direct CRS-HIPEC (the CRS group). The BISIC group showed greater tumor clearance in terms of post-CRS peritoneal cancer index ((PCI) 6 vs. 14, p = 0.002) compared to CRS group. The median survival was 20.0 months in the BISIC group and 8.6 months in the CRS group (p = 0.031). Multivariable analysis revealed that the factors associated with increased survival were the BISIC protocol, age, and post-CRS tumor clearance. BISIC significantly improved survival in cases of moderate severity (PCI 11–20) and severe cases (PCI 21–39) without increasing the morbidity rate. We recommend the use of this neoadjuvant strategy for patients with gastric cancer-associated PC and an initial PCI of >10 to provide superior survival outcomes.
Characteristics of Serum Exosomes after Burn Injury and Dermal Fibroblast Regulation by Exosomes In Vitro
Authors: Ding Jie , Pan Yingying , Raj Shammy , Schaffrick Lindy , Wong Jolene , Nguyen Antoinette , Manchikanti Sharada , Unsworth Larry , Kwan Peter , Tredget Edward
Published: June 2023

(1) Background: Exosomes (EXOs) have been considered a new target thought to be involved in and treat wound healing. More research is needed to fully understand EXO characteristics and the mechanisms of EXO-mediated wound healing, especially wound healing after burn injury. (2) Methods: All EXOs were isolated from 85 serum samples of 29 burn patients and 13 healthy individuals. We characterized the EXOs for morphology and density, serum concentration, protein level, marker expression, size distribution, and cytokine content. After a confirmation of EXO uptake by dermal fibroblasts, we also explored the functional regulation of primary human normal skin and hypertrophic scar fibroblast cell lines by the EXOs in vitro, including cell proliferation and apoptosis. (3) Results: EXOs dynamically changed their morphology, density, size, and cytokine level during wound healing in burn patients, which were correlated with burn severity and the stages of wound healing. EXOs both from burn patients and healthy individuals stimulated dermal fibroblast proliferation and apoptosis. (4) Conclusions: EXO features may be important signals that influence wound healing after burn injury; however, to understand the mechanisms by which EXOs regulates the fibroblasts in healing wounds, further studies will be required.
Cardiovascular Functions of Ena/VASP Proteins: Past, Present and Beyond
Authors: Benz Peter M. , Frömel Timo , Laban Hebatullah , Zink Joana , Ulrich Lea , Groneberg Dieter , Boon Reinier A. , Poley Philip , Renne Thomas , de Wit Cor , Fleming Ingrid
Published: June 2023

Actin binding proteins are of crucial importance for the spatiotemporal regulation of actin cytoskeletal dynamics, thereby mediating a tremendous range of cellular processes. Since their initial discovery more than 30 years ago, the enabled/vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein (Ena/VASP) family has evolved as one of the most fascinating and versatile family of actin regulating proteins. The proteins directly enhance actin filament assembly, but they also organize higher order actin networks and link kinase signaling pathways to actin filament assembly. Thereby, Ena/VASP proteins regulate dynamic cellular processes ranging from membrane protrusions and trafficking, and cell-cell and cell-matrix adhesions, to the generation of mechanical tension and contractile force. Important insights have been gained into the physiological functions of Ena/VASP proteins in platelets, leukocytes, endothelial cells, smooth muscle cells and cardiomyocytes. In this review, we summarize the unique and redundant functions of Ena/VASP proteins in cardiovascular cells and discuss the underlying molecular mechanisms.
Caries Experience in Preschoolers in Three Ecuadorian Communities
Authors: Vélez León Eleonor María , Albaladejo Martínez Alberto , Preciado Sarmiento Mónica Alejandra , Cordero López María Augusta , Armas Ana del Carmen , Encalada Verdugo Liliana Soledad , Melo María
Published: June 2023

Dental caries in the preschool population presents a significant challenge in the field of global public health, including Ecuador. Early detection of this disease is crucial for developing effective strategies for prevention and promotion of oral health, which can have a substantial impact on the quality of life of preschool-aged children. This study evaluated 600 children aged 3 to 5 years attending preschool education centers using the ICDAS II diagnostic criteria. The Student’s t-test was used to analyze differences between the means of two independent groups. Additionally, an analysis of variance (ANOVA) was conducted to assess differences between the means of three or more groups. The prevalence of caries was 87%, with a dft index of 3.85 in the three provinces studied. A high treatment need was observed in 84.17% of the population. No significant differences in the DFT index were found based on gender, although both groups exhibited elevated values. No significant differences were observed in relation to province and environment. The second molar was the most affected tooth, with a caries prevalence of 58.8%. Despite the lack of significant differences among the evaluated variables, a high prevalence and experience of dental caries were found in the studied population.
Exploring Parenting Styles Patterns and Children’s Socio-Emotional Skills
Authors: Vasiou Aikaterini , Kassis Wassilis , Krasanaki Anastasia , Aksoy Dilan , Favre Céline Anne , Tantaros Spyridon
Published: June 2023

In this study, we adopted parenting styles as a multidimensional and latent construct that includes different aspects of parenting, rather than solely focusing on a single parenting style. In a Web-based survey with 1203 Greek parents, we identified parenting styles and their SDQ reports on their children. According to our results by Latent Profile Analysis, we must use a more complex approach concerning parenting styles. We identified a “Highly Authoritative style” profile with high levels of authoritative, low levels of authoritarian and middle levels of permissive parenting styles. We additionally identified a profile called “Relaxed Authoritative style”, with still high but lower levels of authoritative style, low but slightly heightened levels of authoritarian style, and middle levels of permissive style. A further profile, named “Permissive Focused Authoritative style”, had a mix of high levels of authoritative, moderate levels of permissive, and elevated levels of authoritarian parenting styles. Finally, in a profile named “Inconsistent Parenting style”, we identified parents with a blend of still high, but the lowest of all four levels of authoritative and highest levels of permissive and authoritarian parenting styles. When combining the four identified parenting patterns with the SDQ results, we identified the “highly authoritative parenting style” profile to be the least connected to internalizing or externalizing problems of the respective children.
Multilocus Sequence Analysis and Detection of Copper Ion Resistance of Xanthomonas phaseoli pv. manihotis Causing Bacterial Blight in Cassava
Authors: Shi Tao , Li Chaoping , Wang Guofen , Huang Guixiu
Published: June 2023

Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) is an important tropical tuber crop around the world. Cassava bacterial blight, caused by Xanthomonas phaseoli pv. manihotis, is a key disease that influences cassava production worldwide. Between 2008 and 2020, 50 X. phaseoli pv. manihotis strains were isolated from diseased plant samples or acquired from China, Uganda, Cambodia, Colombia, Malaysia, and Micronesia. Using multilocus sequence analysis, the genetic diversity of X. phaseoli pv. manihotis strains was evaluated. A neighbor-joining phylogenetic dendrogram was constructed based on partial sequences of five housekeeping genes (atpD-dnaK-gyrB-efp-rpoD). The strains clustered into three groups whose clusters were consistent with atpD and RpoD gene sequences. Group I contained 46 strains from China, Uganda, Cambodia, and Micronesia, and the other two groups were comprised of strains from Colombia and Malaysia, respectively. The resistance of all these strains to copper ion (Cu2+) was determined, the minimal inhibitory concentration was between 1.3 and 1.7 mM, and there was no significant difference between strains from different geographic region. During genome annotation of the X. phaseoli pv. manihotis strain CHN01, homologous gene clusters of copLAB and xmeRSA were identified. The predicted amino acid sequences of two gene clusters were highly homologous with the copper-resistant protein from Xanthomonas strains. CopLAB and xmeRSA were amplified from all these strains, suggesting that the regulation of copper resistance is associated with two distinct metabolic pathways. CopLAB and xmeRSA were highly conserved among strains from different geographic regions, possibly associated with other conserved function.
A Study of the Efficiency of Mediterranean Container Ports: A Data Envelopment Analysis Approach
Authors: Moschovou Tatiana P. , Kapetanakis Dimitrios
Published: June 2023

The current paper presents the results of a study that analyzed and evaluated the efficiency of the largest container ports in the wider area of the Mediterranean Basin. The research question that this paper seeks to respond to is how the resources (inputs) of a container port reflect its level of activity and efficiency. In particular, what is the relationship between ports’ infrastructures, equipment and their productivity and the ports’ ability to attract economic activities as well as the extent of their effect on a port’s efficiency? The methodology uses the data envelopment analysis (DEA) output-oriented model following a cross-sectional approach. The research conducts two modeling approaches, the CCR and the BCC model. The analysis goes deeper and compares port efficiency estimates in relation to medium-sized and large ports’ classification and their total market share. The main findings indicated an average efficiency of 0.88 and 0.89 assuming constant and variable returns of scale, respectively, implying that the ports can increase their output levels up to approximately 1.2 times without any change in their inputs.
N-Doped Carbon Nanoparticles as Antibacterial Agents on Escherichia coli: The Role of the Size and Chemical Composition of Nanoparticles
Authors: Lopez-Diaz David , Merchán María Dolores , Pérez Pilar , Velázquez María Mercedes
Published: June 2023

In the last years N-doped carbon nanoparticles have been shown to have improved antibacterial activity over the undoped nanomaterial, but it is difficult to find correlations between the structure of the nanoparticle and its antibacterial activity. This prevents us from proposing a clear antibacterial mechanism and makes it difficult to select materials with the best physical and chemical properties for use as antibacterial agents. With this purpose, here, we analyze the effect of, the size and the surface chemical composition of four N-doped carbon nanoparticles on the growth of Escherichia coli bacteria, used in this work as a model of Gram-negative bacteria. Our results indicated great antibacterial activity as the concentration of the carbon nanoparticles increased. The IC50 values obtained ranged between 23 and 34 μg/mL, the lowest values found in the literature for CNPs in the absence of metals. The reduction rate was analyzed using a Ligand-Substrate model based on Monod’s equation, which allows us to interpret the dependence of the nanoparticle-bacteria affinity with the nanomaterial structure. The results of the model indicate the contribution of two mechanisms, oxidative stress and the nanoknife in the antibacterial process on Escherichia coli bacteria.
Effect of CaF2@SiO2 on Si3N4/TiC Composite Ceramic Materials: Molecular Dynamics Analysis and Material Preparation
Authors: Li Xuequan , Chen Zhaoqiang , Li Qi , Chen Hui , Xiao Guangchun , Yi Mingdong , Zhang Jingjie , Zhou Tingting , Xu Chonghai
Published: June 2023

Molecular dynamics simulations allow to investigate the microscopic evolution of a structure, and can also point the way to tool material design. In this paper, the effect of adding CaF2 and CaF2@SiO2 on the Si3N4/TiC system is studied using molecular dynamics simulations. The results show that the system with the addition of CaF2@SiO2 to the model has a higher hardness than the system with the addition of CaF2. In order to obtain the optimum parameters for self-lubricating ceramic tools, the effect of adding different amounts of CaF2@SiO2 on the Si3N4/TiC system was investigated. The Si3N4/TiC/CaF2@SiO2 system achieved optimum mechanical properties when four CaF2@SiO2 were included in the model. By analyzing the effect of the sintering temperature on the system, it was deduced that the hardness achieved a maximum value of 15.89 GPa and the modulus of elasticity reached 132.53 GPa when the sintering temperature was at 2073 K. Based on this sintering parameter, the Si3N4/TiC/CaF2@SiO2 composite ceramic tool material was experimentally prepared with the mechanical properties of 15.66 GPa hardness and 128.08 GPa modulus of elasticity. The experimental results were consistent with the simulation results.
Living through the Pandemic with a Disability: A Longitudinal Qualitative Study
Authors: Chan Janice , Mohammadi Somayyeh , Esfandiari Elham , Schmidt Julia , Mortenson W. Ben , Miller William C.
Published: June 2023

This study investigated the experiences of people with disabilities during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. Four semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted individually with 13 participants between May 2020 and February 2021. The data were thematically analyzed. Three themes were identified: (1) “Being an active agent in changing how things are done in the face of COVID restrictions”, revealed changes that participants made to their daily routines resulting from government-imposed and self-imposed restrictions; (2) “Pandemic restrictions wreak havoc”, explained participants challenges with adapting to the restrictions; and (3) “Trying to be resilient in the face of pandemic changes” described participants’ efforts to cope with life during the pandemic. The findings illustrate how life changed for people with disabilities during the pandemic. Participants reported specific types of challenges at each time point. As the vaccine rollout became more imminent, participants expressed more hope for the future and getting back to normal.
Scan-to-HBIM Reliability
Authors: Brusaporci Stefano , Maiezza Pamela , Marra Adriana , Tata Alessandra , Vespasiano Luca
Published: June 2023

The modeling of the historical architecture can be characterized by different levels of geometric development, more or less advanced, which correspond to different values of deviation between the real object and its three-dimensional representation. The aim of the paper is a critical study of the different levels of geometry (LoG) that the architectural elements of a model can have in relation to the efforts required to achieve them and the modeling objectives. More specifically, the contribution of this study proposes—on the basis of a survey campaign of a case study conducted by drone—the evaluation of the deviation between the point cloud and HBIM models with the different levels of development in order to assess their reliability according to specific objectives, such as the documentation of the architectural asset, feasibility study, restoration project, etc.
Deep Learning in Precision Agriculture: Artificially Generated VNIR Images Segmentation for Early Postharvest Decay Prediction in Apples
Authors: Stasenko Nikita , Shukhratov Islomjon , Savinov Maxim , Shadrin Dmitrii , Somov Andrey
Published: June 2023

Food quality control is an important task in the agricultural domain at the postharvest stage for avoiding food losses. The latest achievements in image processing with deep learning (DL) and computer vision (CV) approaches provide a number of effective tools based on the image colorization and image-to-image translation for plant quality control at the postharvest stage. In this article, we propose the approach based on Generative Adversarial Network (GAN) and Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) techniques to use synthesized and segmented VNIR imaging data for early postharvest decay and fungal zone predictions as well as the quality assessment of stored apples. The Pix2PixHD model achieved higher results in terms of VNIR images translation from RGB (SSIM = 0.972). Mask R-CNN model was selected as a CNN technique for VNIR images segmentation and achieved 58.861 for postharvest decay zones, 40.968 for fungal zones and 94.800 for both the decayed and fungal zones detection and prediction in stored apples in terms of F1-score metric. In order to verify the effectiveness of this approach, a unique paired dataset containing 1305 RGB and VNIR images of apples of four varieties was obtained. It is further utilized for a GAN model selection. Additionally, we acquired 1029 VNIR images of apples for training and testing a CNN model. We conducted validation on an embedded system equipped with a graphical processing unit. Using Pix2PixHD, 100 VNIR images from RGB images were generated at a rate of 17 frames per second (FPS). Subsequently, these images were segmented using Mask R-CNN at a rate of 0.42 FPS. The achieved results are promising for enhancing the food study and control during the postharvest stage.
Benign and Malignant Breast Tumor Classification in Ultrasound and Mammography Images via Fusion of Deep Learning and Handcraft Features
Authors: Cruz-Ramos Clara , García-Avila Oscar , Almaraz-Damian Jose-Agustin , Ponomaryov Volodymyr , Reyes-Reyes Rogelio , Sadovnychiy Sergiy
Published: June 2023

Breast cancer is a disease that affects women in different countries around the world. The real cause of breast cancer is particularly challenging to determine, and early detection of the disease is necessary for reducing the death rate, due to the high risks associated with breast cancer. Treatment in the early period can increase the life expectancy and quality of life for women. CAD (Computer Aided Diagnostic) systems can perform the diagnosis of the benign and malignant lesions of breast cancer using technologies and tools based on image processing, helping specialist doctors to obtain a more precise point of view with fewer processes when making their diagnosis by giving a second opinion. This study presents a novel CAD system for automated breast cancer diagnosis. The proposed method consists of different stages. In the preprocessing stage, an image is segmented, and a mask of a lesion is obtained; during the next stage, the extraction of the deep learning features is performed by a CNN—specifically, DenseNet 201. Additionally, handcrafted features (Histogram of Oriented Gradients (HOG)-based, ULBP-based, perimeter area, area, eccentricity, and circularity) are obtained from an image. The designed hybrid system uses CNN architecture for extracting deep learning features, along with traditional methods which perform several handcraft features, following the medical properties of the disease with the purpose of later fusion via proposed statistical criteria. During the fusion stage, where deep learning and handcrafted features are analyzed, the genetic algorithms as well as mutual information selection algorithm, followed by several classifiers (XGBoost, AdaBoost, Multilayer perceptron (MLP)) based on stochastic measures, are applied to choose the most sensible information group among the features. In the experimental validation of two modalities of the CAD design, which performed two types of medical studies—mammography (MG) and ultrasound (US)—the databases mini-DDSM (Digital Database for Screening Mammography) and BUSI (Breast Ultrasound Images Dataset) were used. Novel CAD systems were evaluated and compared with recent state-of-the-art systems, demonstrating better performance in commonly used criteria, obtaining ACC of 97.6%, PRE of 98%, Recall of 98%, F1-Score of 98%, and IBA of 95% for the abovementioned datasets.
Performance Baseline of Phase Transfer Entropy Methods for Detecting Animal Brain Area Interactions
Authors: Zhu Jun-Yao , Li Meng-Meng , Zhang Zhi-Heng , Liu Gang , Wan Hong
Published: June 2023

Objective: Phase transfer entropy (TEθ) methods perform well in animal sensory–spatial associative learning. However, their advantages and disadvantages remain unclear, constraining their usage. Method: This paper proposes the performance baseline of the TEθ methods. Specifically, four TEθ methods are applied to the simulated signals generated by a neural mass model and the actual neural data from ferrets with known interaction properties to investigate the accuracy, stability, and computational complexity of the TEθ methods in identifying the directional coupling. Then, the most suitable method is selected based on the performance baseline and used on the local field potential recorded from pigeons to detect the interaction between the hippocampus (Hp) and nidopallium caudolaterale (NCL) in visual–spatial associative learning. Results: (1) This paper obtains a performance baseline table that contains the most suitable method for different scenarios. (2) The TEθ method identifies an information flow preferentially from Hp to NCL of pigeons at the θ band (4–12 Hz) in visual–spatial associative learning. Significance: These outcomes provide a reference for the TEθ methods in detecting the interactions between brain areas.