bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diagnostics and Description of a New Subspecies of Calluna vulgaris (L.) Hull from Western Siberia
Authors: Cherepanova Olga , Petrova Irina , Sannikov Stanislav , Mishchihina Yulia
Published: March 2023

The article presents the results of the study of fifty populations of common heather (Calluna vulgaris (L.) Hull) collected throughout its range. A phased comparative analysis (genetic, biochemical, anatomical, morphological, and ecological) was carried out with the estimation of indicators that included two key populations—Zavodouspenskoe (Pritobolye, Western Siberia) and Luga (Baltic, Eastern Europe). It was concluded that heather growing in Western Siberia should be identified as a separate taxonomic group, giving it the status of a subspecies. The gene pool of Pritobolye populations (including Zavodouspenskoe) is represented by the completely dominant (100%) monohaplotype S, which is not found anywhere else. The heather plant growing in Zavodouspenskoe has a longer lifespan. It is distinguished by larger linear leaf dimensions (length 2.06 ± 0.09 mm), thicker cuticle (4.77 ± 0.33 μm), increased number of trichomes (18.98 ± 0.56), and a reduced number of stomata (13.60 ± 0.63) than that growing in Luga. The new subspecies differs in biochemical composition: twice less content of epicatechin (average 1.992 ± 0.005 mg g−1), three times more myricetin (average 2.975 ± 0.005 mg g−1), twice as much chlorogenic acid (average 2.763 ± 0.004 mg g−1). An ecological feature is that C. vulgaris does not grow in the swamps of Western Siberia and has a small population. This species has a high horticultural potential and requires protection as its population in Western Siberia continues to decline rapidly.
Identification of Causal Gene-Specific SNP Markers for the Development of Gynoecious Hybrids in Cucumber (Cucumis sativa L.) Using the PathoLogic Algorithm
Authors: Narayanan Manikanda Boopathi , Mohan Shobhana V. Gnanapanditha , Subramanyam Praneetha , Venkatachalam Rajasree , Markkandan Kesavan
Published: March 2023

Although the genome sequence of cucumber is publicly available, only a limited number of functional markers are in store for developing gynoecious hybrids using Indian genotypes. This study reported novel SNPs and InDels in the exonic regions of genes involved in gynoecy using two parents and their hybrid with genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS) by generating 3.547 Gb of raw data. Using NSDC reference genome GCA_000004075.2, a total of 40,143, 181,008 and 43,612 SNPs were identified, among which 514 were polymorphic between male and female parents but monomorphic between the male parent and the hybrid (confirming hybridity). We further identified that, out of those 514 SNPs, 74 were within the exonic regions of the sex-specific genes. The most interesting functional marker in this study was SNP 2,13,85,488, identified in the gene CsaV3_6G037780 G3I-38214 on chromosome 6, encoding 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate oxidase 1 (ACS1), which plays a key role in female flower production, as indicated in CuCyc with the PathoLogic algorithm. The InDel analysis also identified a variation inside the gene CsaV3_6G304050 G3I-37940, encoding histone lysine N-methyl transferase, involved in flowering and female gametophyte development. Thus, this study has identified gynoecy-specific functional markers; upon further validation, these markers will accelerate the evolution of gynoecious hybrids in India and global cucumber breeding programs.
Botulinum Neurotoxin A4 Has a 1000-Fold Reduced Potency Due to Three Single Amino Acid Alterations in the Protein Receptor Binding Domain
Authors: Tepp William H. , Bradshaw Marite , Gardner Alexander P. , Kaufman Rebecca L. , Barbieri Joseph T. , Pellett Sabine
Published: March 2023

Botulinum neurotoxin subtype A4 (BoNT/A4) is ~1000-fold less potent than BoNT/A1. This study addresses the basis for low BoNT/A4 potency. Utilizing BoNT/A1-A4 and BoNT/A4-A1 Light Chain-Heavy Chain (LC-HC) chimeras, HC-A4 was responsible for low BoNT/A4 potency. Earlier studies showed BoNT/A1-receptor binding domain (Hcc) bound a β-strand peptide (556–564) and glycan-N559 within Luminal Domain 4 (LD4) of SV2C, the BoNT/A protein receptor. Relative to BoNT/A1, the Hcc of BoNT/A4 possesses two amino acid variants (D1141 and N1142) within the β-peptide binding interface and one amino acid variant (R1292) located near the SV2C glycan-N559. Introduction of BoNT/A4 β-strand peptide variant (D1141 and N1142) into BoNT/A1 reduced toxin potency 30-fold, and additional introduction of the BoNT/A4 glycan-N559 variant (D1141, N1142, and R1292) further reduced toxin potency to approach BoNT/A4. While introduction of BoNT/A1 glycan-N559 variant (G1292) into BoNT/A4 did not alter toxin potency, additional introduction of BoNT/A1 β-strand peptide variants (G1141, S1142, and G1292) resulted in potency approaching BoNT/A1 potency. Thus, outcomes from these functional and modeling studies indicate that in rodent models, disruption of Hcc -SV2C β-peptide and -glycan-N559 interactions mediate low BoNT/A4 potency, while in human motor neurons, disruption of Hcc-SV2C β-peptide alone mediates low BoNT/A4 potency, which link to a species-specific variation at SV2C563.
Characterization and Comparative Genomic Analysis of Three Virulent E. coli Bacteriophages with the Potential to Reduce Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria in the Environment
Authors: Śliwka Paulina , Weber-Dąbrowska Beata , Żaczek Maciej , Kuźmińska-Bajor Marta , Dusza Izabela , Skaradzińska Aneta
Published: March 2023

The emerging global crisis of antibiotic resistance demands new alternative antibacterial solutions. Although bacteriophages have been used to combat bacterial infections for over a century, a dramatic boost in phage studies has recently been observed. In the development of modern phage applications, a scientific rationale is strongly required and newly isolated phages need to be examined in detail. In this study, we present the full characterization of bacteriophages BF9, BF15, and BF17, with lytic activity against extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBLs)- and AmpC β-lactamases (AmpC)-producing Escherichia coli, the prevalence of which has increased significantly in livestock in recent decades, representing a great hazard to food safety and a public health risk. Comparative genomic and phylogenetic analysis indicated that BF9, BF15, and BF17 represent the genera Dhillonvirus, Tequatrovirus, and Asteriusvirus, respectively. All three phages significantly reduced in vitro growth of their bacterial host and retained the ability to lyse bacteria after preincubation at wide ranges of temperature (−20–40 °C) and pH (5–9). The results described herein indicate the lytic nature of BF9, BF15, and BF17, which, along with the absence of genes encoding toxins and bacterial virulence factors, represents an undoubted asset in terms of future phage application.
Molecular Markers of Blood Cell Populations Can Help Estimate Aging of the Immune System
Authors: Rybtsova Natalia , Berezina Tatiana N. , Rybtsov Stanislav
Published: March 2023

Aging of the immune system involves functional changes in individual cell populations, in hematopoietic tissues and at the systemic level. They are mediated by factors produced by circulating cells, niche cells, and at the systemic level. Age-related alterations in the microenvironment of the bone marrow and thymus cause a decrease in the production of naive immune cells and functional immunodeficiencies. Another result of aging and reduced tissue immune surveillance is the accumulation of senescent cells. Some viral infections deplete adaptive immune cells, increasing the risk of autoimmune and immunodeficiency conditions, leading to a general degradation in the specificity and effectiveness of the immune system in old age. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the state-of-the-art application of mass spectrometry, multichannel flow cytometry, and single-cell genetic analysis have provided vast data on the mechanisms of aging of the immune system. These data require systematic analysis and functional verification. In addition, the prediction of age-related complications is a priority task of modern medicine in the context of the increase in the aged population and the risk of premature death during epidemics. In this review, based on the latest data, we discuss the mechanisms of immune aging and highlight some cellular markers as indicators of age-related immune disbalance that increase the risk of senile diseases and infectious complications.
Immunology of Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome after COVID-19 in Children: A Review of the Current Evidence
Authors: Filippatos Filippos , Tatsi Elizabeth-Barbara , Michos Athanasios
Published: March 2023

Immune responses following severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in children are still under investigation. Even though coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is usually mild in the pediatric population, some children exhibit severe clinical manifestations, require hospitalization, or develop the most severe condition: a multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection. The activated innate, humoral and T-cell-mediated immunological pathways that lead certain pediatric populations to present with MIS-C or remain asymptomatic after SARS-CoV-2 infection are yet to be established. This review focuses on the immunological aspects of MIS-C with respect to innate, humoral, and cellular immunity. In addition, presents the role of the SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein as a superantigen in the pathophysiological mechanisms, discusses the great heterogeneity among the immunological studies in the pediatric population, and highlights possible reasons why some children with a certain genetic background present with MIS-C.
Endogenous Neural Stem Cell Activation after Low-Intensity Focused Ultrasound-Induced Blood–Brain Barrier Modulation
Authors: Seo Younghee , Han Sangheon , Song Byeong-Wook , Chang Jin Woo , Na Young Cheol , Chang Won Seok
Published: March 2023

Endogenous neural stem cells (eNSCs) in the adult brain, which have the potential to self-renew and differentiate into functional, tissue-appropriate cell types, have raised new expectations for neurological disease therapy. Low-intensity focused ultrasound (LIFUS)-induced blood–brain barrier modulation has been reported to promote neurogenesis. Although these studies have reported improved behavioral performance and enhanced expression of brain biomarkers after LIFUS, indicating increased neurogenesis, the precise mechanism remains unclear. In this study, we evaluated eNSC activation as a mechanism for neurogenesis after LIFUS-induced blood–brain barrier modulation. We evaluated the specific eNSC markers, Sox-2 and nestin, to confirm the activation of eNSCs. We also performed 3′-deoxy-3′[18F] fluoro-L-thymidine positron emission tomography ([18F] FLT-PET) to evaluate the activation of eNSCs. The expression of Sox-2 and nestin was significantly upregulated 1 week after LIFUS. After 1 week, the upregulated expression decreased sequentially; after 4 weeks, the upregulated expression returned to that of the control group. [18F] FLT-PET images also showed higher stem cell activity after 1 week. The results of this study indicated that LIFUS could activate eNSCs and induce adult neurogenesis. These results show that LIFUS may be useful as an effective treatment for patients with neurological damage or neurological disorders in clinical settings.
Effects of Semaglutide and Empagliflozin on Inflammatory Markers in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Reppo Ingrid , Jakobson Maili , Volke Vallo
Published: March 2023

Low-grade inflammation is associated with complications of type 2 diabetes. Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists and sodium-glucose transporter-2 inhibitors have shown cardioprotective effects that are independent of their glucose-lowering effects. Cardio-protection could be mediated by the anti-inflammatory effects of these medications, but there is currently limited evidence to support this hypothesis. We conducted a prospective clinical study in patients with type 2 diabetes requiring treatment intensification. Ten patients were assigned to receive empagliflozin 10 mg and 10 patients to receive s/c semaglutide (titrated to 1 mg once a week) in a non-randomised manner. All parameters were measured at baseline and after 3 months. Fasting plasma glucose and glycated haemoglobin improved significantly in both treatment groups, with no between-group differences. Body weight and body mass index reduced significantly more in the semaglutide group, whereas waist circumference decreased only in the empagliflozin group. There was a trend for high-sensitivity CRP reduction in both treatment groups that did not reach statistical significance. Interleukin-6 and the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio did not change in either group. Ferritin and uric acid decreased significantly only in the empagliflozin group, and ceruloplasmin decreased significantly only in the semaglutide group. Though there were clinically meaningful improvements in diabetes control in both treatment arms, we could detect only minor changes in some inflammatory markers.
New 4,5-Diarylimidazol-2-ylidene–iodidogold(I) Complexes with High Activity against Esophageal Adenocarcinoma Cells
Authors: Schleser Sebastian W. , Ghosh Hindole , Hörner Gerald , Seib Jonathan , Bhattacharyya Sangita , Weber Birgit , Schobert Rainer , Dandawate Prasad , Biersack Bernhard
Published: March 2023

Inspired by the vascular-disrupting agent combretastatin A-4 and recently published anticancer active N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) complexes of Au(I), a series of new iodidogold(I)–NHC complexes was synthesized and characterized. The iodidogold(I) complexes were synthesized by a route involving van Leusen imidazole formation and N-alkylation, followed by complexation with Ag2O, transmetalation with chloro(dimethylsulfide)gold(I) [Au(DMS)Cl], and anion exchange with KI. The target complexes were characterized by IR spectroscopy, 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy, and mass spectrometry. The structure of 6c was validated via single-crystal X-ray diffraction. A preliminary anticancer screening of the complexes using two esophageal adenocarcinoma cell lines showed promising nanomolar activities for certain iodidogold(I) complexes accompanied with apoptosis induction, as well as c-Myc and cyclin D1 suppression in esophageal adenocarcinoma cells treated with the most promising derivative 6b.
Ginger-Derived 3HDT Exerts Antiproliferative Effects on Breast Cancer Cells by Apoptosis and DNA Damage
Authors: Chen Chung-Yi , Chen Yan-Ning , Shiau Jun-Ping , Tang Jen-Yang , Hou Ming-Feng , Chang Hsueh-Wei
Published: March 2023

Ginger-derived compounds are abundant sources of anticancer natural products. However, the anticancer effects of (E)-3-hydroxy-1-(4′-hydroxy-3′,5′-dimethoxyphenyl)-tetradecan-6-en-5-one (3HDT) have not been examined. This study aims to assess the antiproliferation ability of 3HDT on triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells. 3HDT showed dose-responsive antiproliferation for TNBC cells (HCC1937 and Hs578T). Moreover, 3HDT exerted higher antiproliferation and apoptosis on TNBC cells than on normal cells (H184B5F5/M10). By examining reactive oxygen species, mitochondrial membrane potential, and glutathione, we found that 3HDT provided higher inductions for oxidative stress in TNBC cells compared with normal cells. Antiproliferation, oxidative stress, antioxidant signaling, and apoptosis were recovered by N-acetylcysteine, indicating that 3HDT preferentially induced oxidative-stress-mediated antiproliferation in TNBC cells but not in normal cells. Moreover, by examining γH2A histone family member X (γH2AX) and 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine, we found that 3HDT provided higher inductions for DNA damage, which was also reverted by N-acetylcysteine. In conclusion, 3HDT is an effective anticancer drug with preferential antiproliferation, oxidative stress, apoptosis, and DNA damage effects on TNBC cells.
An Improved Co-Training and Generative Adversarial Network (Diff-CoGAN) for Semi-Supervised Medical Image Segmentation
Authors: Li Guoqin , Jamil Nursuriati , Hamzah Raseeda
Published: March 2023

Semi-supervised learning is a technique that utilizes a limited set of labeled data and a large amount of unlabeled data to overcome the challenges of obtaining a perfect dataset in deep learning, especially in medical image segmentation. The accuracy of the predicted labels for the unlabeled data is a critical factor that affects the training performance, thus reducing the accuracy of segmentation. To address this issue, a semi-supervised learning method based on the Diff-CoGAN framework was proposed, which incorporates co-training and generative adversarial network (GAN) strategies. The proposed Diff-CoGAN framework employs two generators and one discriminator. The generators work together by providing mutual information guidance to produce predicted maps that are more accurate and closer to the ground truth. To further improve segmentation accuracy, the predicted maps are subjected to an intersection operation to identify a high-confidence region of interest, which reduces boundary segmentation errors. The predicted maps are then fed into the discriminator, and the iterative process of adversarial training enhances the generators’ ability to generate more precise maps, while also improving the discriminator’s ability to distinguish between the predicted maps and the ground truth. This study conducted experiments on the Hippocampus and Spleen images from the Medical Segmentation Decathlon (MSD) dataset using three semi-supervised methods: co-training, semi-GAN, and Diff-CoGAN. The experimental results demonstrated that the proposed Diff-CoGAN approach significantly enhanced segmentation accuracy compared to the other two methods by benefiting on the mutual guidance of the two generators and the adversarial training between the generators and discriminator. The introduction of the intersection operation prior to the discriminator also further reduced boundary segmentation errors.
Incidence and Prognostic Role of Pleural Effusion in Patients with Pulmonary Embolism: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Li Ping , An Jing , Wang Shuyan , Hu Xueru , Zeng Tingting , Wan Chun , Shen Yongchun , Wang Tao
Published: March 2023

Background: Pleural effusion is a common pulmonary embolism (PE) complication, which has been documented to increase the risk of death in PE and relate to disease progression. However, the incidence of pleural effusion varies among studies and its association with PE outcome is still unclear. This study sought to determine the pooled incidence and prognostic value of pleural effusion events in patients with PE. Methods: We systematically searched the PubMed, EMBASE, SCOPE, Web of Science, Cochrane, LILACS, CINAHL, EBSCO, AMED, and OVID databases from the inception of each database to 7 September 2022 with a restriction on human studies, to identify studies assessing the association between pleural effusion and PE including all prospective and retrospective clinical studies. An exploratory meta-analysis was performed using a random-effects model. We evaluated the heterogeneity and performed subgroup analyses. Results: The final meta-analysis included 29 studies involving 13,430 PE patients. The pooled incidence of pleural effusion in PE patients was 41.2% (95% CI: 35.7–46.6%), which tended to be unilateral (pooled incidence: 60.8%, 95% CI: 45.7–75.8%) and small (pooled incidence: 85.9%, 95% CI: 82.6–89.1%). Pooled analysis using a random-effects model (I2 = 53.2%) showed that pleural effusion was associated with an increased risk of 30-day mortality (RR 2.19, 95% CI: 1.53–3.15, p < 0.001, I2 = 67.1%) and in-hospital mortality (RR 2.39, 95% CI: 1.85–3.09, p < 0.001, I2 = 37.1%) in patients with PE. Conclusions: Our meta-analysis found that PE patients had a high incidence of pleural effusion, which was usually unilateral and small. Pleural effusion generally increases 30-day and in-hospital mortality in patients with PE, and it is recommended that physicians be aware of the risk of death from PE, especially when patients have pleural effusion. Further investigations focusing on PE with pleural effusion are warranted.
Sympathetic Ophthalmia after Vitreoretinal Surgery without Antecedent History of Trauma: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Ripa Matteo , Panos Georgios D. , Rejdak Robert , Empeslidis Theodoros , Toro Mario Damiano , Costagliola Ciro , Ferrara Andrea , Gotzaridis Stratos , Frisina Rino , Motta Lorenzo
Published: March 2023

Background: To evaluate the morbidity frequency measures in terms of the cumulative incidence of sympathetic ophthalmia (SO) triggered by single or multiple vitreoretinal (VR) surgery procedures in eyes without an antecedent history of trauma and previous ocular surgery, except for previous or concomitant uneventful lens extraction, and to further investigate the relationship between VR surgery and SO. Methods: A literature search was conducted using PubMed, Embase, and Scopus from inception until 11 November 2022. The Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) critical appraisal checklist for the case series and the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale were used to assess the risk of bias. The research was registered with the PROSPERO database (identifier, CRD42023397792). Meta-analyses were conducted using the measurement of risk and a 95% confidence interval (CI) for each study. Results: A random-effect meta-analysis demonstrated that the pooled cumulative incidence of SO triggered by single or multiple VR surgery procedures in eyes without an antecedent history of trauma and previous ocular surgery, except for previous or concomitant uneventful lens extraction among patients who developed SO regardless of the main trigger, was equal to 0.14 with a CI between 0.08 and 0.21 (I2 = 78.25, z: 7.24, p < 0.01). The pooled cumulative incidence of SO triggered by single or multiple VR surgery procedures in eyes without an antecedent history of trauma and previous ocular surgery, except for previous or concomitant uneventful lens extraction among patients who underwent VR surgery, was equal to 0.03 for every 100 people, with a confidence interval (CI) between 0.02% and 0.004% (I2 = 27.77, z: 9.11, p = 0.25). Conclusions: Despite postsurgical SO being a rare entity, it is a sight-threatening disease. VR surgery should be viewed as a possible inciting event for SO and considered when counseling patients undergoing VR surgery.
Laparoscopic-Assisted Colorectal Resection Can Reduce the Inhibition of Immune Function Compared with Conventional Open Surgery: A Retrospective Clinical Study
Authors: Shi Bo , Tai Qingliang , Chen Junjie , Shi Xinyu , Chen Guoliang , Yao Huihui , Mi Xiuwei , Sun Jinbing , Zhou Guoqiang , Gu Wen , He Songbing
Published: March 2023

Background: Immune function is an important indicator for assessing postoperative recovery and long-term survival in patients with malignancy, and laparoscopic surgery is thought to have a less suppressive effect on the immune response than open surgery. This study aimed to investigate this effect in a retrospective clinical study. Methods: In this retrospective clinical study, we enrolled 63 patients with colorectal cancer in the Department of General Surgery of the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University and assessed the changes in their postoperative immune function by measuring CD3+T, CD4+T, CD8+T lymphocytes, and CD4+/CD8+ ratio. Results: Compared with open surgery, laparoscopic colorectal surgery was effective in improving the postoperative decline in immune function. We determined that the number of CD4+, CD8+T lymphocytes, and the CD4+/CD8+ ratio was not significantly reduced in the laparoscopic group. Conclusion: Laparoscopic-assisted colorectal resection can reduce the inhibition of immune functions compared with conventional open surgery.
Aortic Stiffness: A Major Risk Factor for Multimorbidity in the Elderly
Authors: Triposkiadis Filippos , Xanthopoulos Andrew , Lampropoulos Konstantinos , Briasoulis Alexandros , Sarafidis Pantelis , Skoularigis John , Boudoulas Harisios
Published: March 2023

Multimorbidity, the coexistence of multiple health conditions in an individual, has emerged as one of the greatest challenges facing health services, and this crisis is partly driven by the aging population. Aging is associated with increased aortic stiffness (AoStiff), which in turn is linked with several morbidities frequently affecting and having disastrous consequences for the elderly. These include hypertension, ischemic heart disease, heart failure, atrial fibrillation, chronic kidney disease, anemia, ischemic stroke, and dementia. Two or more of these disorders (multimorbidity) often coexist in the same elderly patient and the specific multimorbidity pattern depends on several factors including sex, ethnicity, common morbidity routes, morbidity interactions, and genomics. Regular exercise, salt restriction, statins in patients at high atherosclerotic risk, and stringent blood pressure control are interventions that delay progression of AoStiff and most likely decrease multimorbidity in the elderly.
A Scoping Review on the Incidence, Risk Factors, and Outcomes of Proximal Neck Dilatation after Standard and Complex Endovascular Repair for Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms
Authors: Mezzetto Luca , D’Oria Mario , Lepidi Sandro , Mastrorilli Davide , Calvagna Cristiano , Bassini Silvia , Taglialavoro Jacopo , Bruno Salvatore , Veraldi Gian Franco
Published: March 2023

Background: To define proximal neck dilation (PND) after standard endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) and fenestrated EVAR (FEVAR), determining: incidence and risk factors; evidence base that links PND to outcomes of patients; recurring themes or gaps in the literature. Methods: We performed a scoping review and included only full-text English articles with follow-up focusing on PND in patients undergoing EVAR or FEVAR, published between 2000 and 2022. The following PICO question was used to build the search equation: in patients with abdominal-aortic-aneurysm (AAA) (Population) undergoing endovascular repair (Intervention), what are the incidence, risk factors and prognosis of radiologically defined PND (Comparison) on short-term and long-term outcomes (Outcomes)? Results: 15 articles were included after review. Measurement protocols for proximal aortic neck (PAN) varied among individual studies and the definition of PND resulted as heterogeneous. Rate of patients with a PND ranged between 0% and 41%. Large proximal neck (>28 mm) and excessive graft sizing (30%) were predictors for PND. New endografts with low outward radial forces and FEVAR seemed to be protective. Surgical conversion was the definitive option in the case of patients unfit for other endovascular treatments. Conclusions: PND is a frequent finding after EVAR and FEVAR. Excessive graft oversizing and large baseline PAN were predictors of neck enlargement, independently by the type of standard endograft used. FEVAR may be considered protective against complications, together with endografts using low outward radial forces. Lifelong radiological follow-up is mandatory.
A Goal-Directed Program for Wheelchair Use for Children and Young People with Cerebral Palsy in Uganda: An Explorative Intervention Study
Authors: Andrews Carin , Kakooza-Mwesige Angelina , Kamusiime Sauba , Forssberg Hans , Eliasson Ann-Christin
Published: March 2023

In this exploratory study, we investigate whether goal-directed intervention for wheelchairs can increase the activities of daily living for children and young people with cerebral palsy (CP) when implemented in rural Uganda. Thirty-two children and young people with CP (aged 3–18 years) participated in a home-visit intervention program, which included donating wheelchairs and setting individual goals. Goal achievement, frequency of wheelchair use, condition of wheelchairs, and caregivers’ perspectives were collected by interviews at 6–10 month after the start of intervention and the after three years. Our result show that most wheelchairs were in good condition and frequently used after 6–10 month with 83% goal achievement (132/158 goals; mean 4.3 (range 0–7). The caregivers reported several advantages (e.g., the child being happier) and few disadvantages (e.g., poor design and durability). At the three-year follow-up, only eleven wheelchairs were still used by 23 available participants (seven deceased and two moved). The children achieved 60% of their goals (32/53 goals mean 2.9; range 1–5). This demonstrates that the goal-directed intervention program for wheelchairs can be successfully implemented in a low-income setting with a high rate of goal achievement and frequent wheelchair use, facilitating participation. However, maintenance services are crucial to obtain sustainable results.
Time-Varying Risk Factors for Incident Fractures in Kidney Transplant Recipients: A Nationwide Cohort Study in South Korea
Authors: Eum Sang Hun , Kim Da Won , Lee Jeong-Hoon , Jeon Jin Seok , Jun Heungman , Yang Jaeseok , Kim Myoung Soo , Yoon Hye Eun ,   on Behalf of the Korean Organ Transplantation Registry Study Group
Published: March 2023

Little is known about the time-varying risk factors for fractures in kidney transplant recipients (KTRs). Using the Korea Organ Transplantation Registry, a nationwide cohort study of KTRs, the incidence, locations, and time-varying predictors of fractures were analyzed, including at baseline and post-transplant 6-month variables in KTRs who underwent KT between January 2014 and June 2019. Among 4134 KTRs, with a median follow-up of 2.94 years (12,441.04 person-years), 63 patients developed fractures. The cumulative 5-year incidence was 2.10%. The most frequent locations were leg (25.40%) and foot/ankle (22.22%). In multivariable analysis, older recipient age at baseline (hazard ratio [HR], 1.035; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.007–1.064; p = 0.013) and higher tacrolimus trough level (HR, 1.112; 95% CI, 1.029–1.202; p = 0.029) were associated with higher risks for fractures. Pretransplant diabetes mellitus had a time-dependent impact on fractures, with increasing risk as time elapses (HR for diabetes mellitus 1.115; 95% CI, 0.439–2.832; HR for diabetes mellitus × time, 1.049; 95% CI, 1.007–1.094; p = 0.022). In conclusion, KTRs had a high risk of peripheral skeletal fractures in the first 5 years. At baseline recipient age, pretransplant diabetes mellitus and tacrolimus trough level after KT were responsible for the fractures in KTRs.
Rate and Predictors of Unforeseen PN1/PN2-Disease in Surgically Treated cN0 NSCLC-Patients with Primary Tumor > 3 cm: Nationwide Results from Italian VATS-Group Database
Authors: Lococo Filippo , Nachira Dania , Chiappetta Marco , Sperduti Isabella , Congedo Maria Teresa , Meacci Elisa , Leoncini Fausto , Trisolini Rocco , Crisci Roberto , Curcio Carlo , Casiraghi Monica , Margaritora Stefano ,   on the behalf of the Italian VATS Group
Published: March 2023

Background. Since no robust data are available on the real rate of unforeseen N1-N2 disease (uN) and the relative predictive factors in clinical-N0 NSCLC with peripheral tumours > 3 cm, the usefulness of performing a (mini)invasive mediastinal staging in this setting is debated. Herein, we investigated these issues in a nationwide database. Methods. From 01/2014 to 06/2020, 15,784 thoracoscopic major lung resections were prospectively recorded in the “Italian VATS-Group” database. Among them, 1982 clinical-N0 peripheral solid-type NSCLC > 3 cm were identified, and information was retrospectively reviewed. A mean comparison of more than two groups was made by ANOVA (Bonferroni correction for multiple comparisons), while associations between the categorical variables were estimated with a Chi-square test. The multivariate logistic regression model and Kaplan–Meyer method were used to identify the independent predictors of nodal upstaging and survival results, respectively. Results. At pathological staging, 229 patients had N1-involvement (11.6%), and 169 had uN2 disease (8.5%). Independent predictors of uN1 were SUVmax (OR: 1.98; CI 95: 1.44–2.73, p = 0.0001) and tumour-size (OR: 1.52; CI: 1.11–2.10, p = 0.01), while independent predictors of uN2 were age (OR: 0.98; CI 95: 0.96–0.99, p = 0.039), histology (OR: 0.48; CI 95: 0.30–0.78, p = 0.003), SUVmax (OR: 2.07; CI 95: 1.15–3.72, p = 0.015), and the number of resected lymph nodes (OR: 1.03; CI 95: 1.01–1.05, p = 0.002). Conclusions. The unforeseen N1-N2 disease in cN0/NSCLCs > 3 cm undergoing VATS resection is observable in between 12 and 8% of all cases. We have identified predictors that could guide physicians in selecting the best candidate for (mini)invasive mediastinal staging.
Amperometric Miniaturised Portable Enzymatic Nanobiosensor for the Ultrasensitive Analysis of a Prostate Cancer Biomarker
Authors: Hroncekova Stefania , Lorencova Lenka , Bertok Tomas , Hires Michal , Jane Eduard , Bučko Marek , Kasak Peter , Tkac Jan
Published: March 2023

Screen-printing technology is a game changer in many fields including electrochemical biosensing. Two-dimensional nanomaterial MXene Ti3C2Tx was integrated as a nanoplatform to immobilise enzyme sarcosine oxidase (SOx) onto the interface of screen-printed carbon electrodes (SPCEs). A miniaturised, portable, and cost-effective nanobiosensor was constructed using chitosan as a biocompatible glue for the ultrasensitive detection of prostate cancer biomarker sarcosine. The fabricated device was characterised with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and cyclic voltammetry (CV). Sarcosine was detected indirectly via the amperometric detection of H2O2 formed during enzymatic reaction. The nanobiosensor could detect sarcosine down to 7.0 nM with a maximal peak current output at 4.10 ± 0.35 × 10−5 A using only 100 µL of a sample per measurement. The assay run in 100 μL of an electrolyte showed the first linear calibration curve in a concentration window of up to 5 μM with a slope of 2.86 μA·μM−1, and the second linear calibration curve in the range of 5–50 μM with a slope of 0.32 ± 0.01 μA·μM−1 (R2 = 0.992). The device provided a high recovery index of 92.5% when measuring an analyte spiked into artificial urine, and could be used for detection of sarcosine in urine for at least a period of 5 weeks after the preparation.
Reliability, Validity, and Comparison of Barbell Velocity Measurement Devices during the Jump Shrug and Hang High Pull
Authors: Suchomel Timothy J. , Techmanski Baylee S. , Kissick Cameron R. , Comfort Paul
Published: March 2023

This study examined the reliability, potential bias, and practical differences between the GymAware Powertool (GA), Tendo Power Analyzer (TENDO), and Push Band 2.0 (PUSH) during the jump shrug (JS) and hang high pull (HHP) performed across a spectrum of loads. Fifteen resistance-trained men performed JS and HHP repetitions with 20, 40, 60, 80, and 100% of their 1RM hang power clean, and mean (MBV) and peak barbell velocity (PBV) were determined by each velocity measurement device. Least-products regression and Bland–Altman plots were used to examine instances of proportional, fixed, and systematic bias between the TENDO and PUSH compared to the GA. Hedge’s g effect sizes were also calculated to determine any meaningful differences between devices. The GA and TENDO displayed excellent reliability and acceptable variability during the JS and HHP while the PUSH showed instances of poor–moderate reliability and unacceptable variability at various loads. While the TENDO and PUSH showed instances of various bias, the TENDO device demonstrated greater validity when compared to the GA. Trivial–small differences were shown between the GA and TENDO during the JS and HHP exercises while trivial–moderate differences existed between GA and PUSH during the JS. However, despite trivial–small effects between the GA and PUSH devices at 20 and 40% 1RM during the HHP, practically meaningful differences existed at 60, 80, and 100%, indicating that the PUSH velocity outputs were not accurate. The TENDO appears to be more reliable and valid than the PUSH when measuring MBV and PBV during the JS and HHP.
GANs for Medical Image Synthesis: An Empirical Study
Authors: Skandarani Youssef , Jodoin Pierre-Marc , Lalande Alain
Published: March 2023

Generative adversarial networks (GANs) have become increasingly powerful, generating mind-blowing photorealistic images that mimic the content of datasets they have been trained to replicate. One recurrent theme in medical imaging, is whether GANs can also be as effective at generating workable medical data, as they are for generating realistic RGB images. In this paper, we perform a multi-GAN and multi-application study, to gauge the benefits of GANs in medical imaging. We tested various GAN architectures, from basic DCGAN to more sophisticated style-based GANs, on three medical imaging modalities and organs, namely: cardiac cine-MRI, liver CT, and RGB retina images. GANs were trained on well-known and widely utilized datasets, from which their FID scores were computed, to measure the visual acuity of their generated images. We further tested their usefulness by measuring the segmentation accuracy of a U-Net trained on these generated images and the original data. The results reveal that GANs are far from being equal, as some are ill-suited for medical imaging applications, while others performed much better. The top-performing GANs are capable of generating realistic-looking medical images by FID standards, that can fool trained experts in a visual Turing test and comply to some metrics. However, segmentation results suggest that no GAN is capable of reproducing the full richness of medical datasets.
Deterministic Input, Noisy Mixed Modeling for Identifying Coexisting Condensation Rules in Cognitive Diagnostic Assessments
Authors: Zhan Peida
Published: March 2023

In cognitive diagnosis models, the condensation rule describes the logical relationship between the required attributes and the item response, reflecting an explicit assumption about respondents’ cognitive processes to solve problems. Multiple condensation rules may apply to an item simultaneously, indicating that respondents should use multiple cognitive processes with different weights to identify the correct response. Coexisting condensation rules reflect the complexity of cognitive processes utilized in problem solving and the fact that respondents’ cognitive processes in determining item responses may be inconsistent with the expert-designed condensation rule. This study evaluated the proposed deterministic input with a noisy mixed (DINMix) model to identify coexisting condensation rules and provide feedback for item revision to increase the validity of the measurement of cognitive processes. Two simulation studies were conducted to evaluate the psychometric properties of the proposed model. The simulation results indicate that the DINMix model can adaptively and accurately identify coexisting condensation rules, existing either simultaneously in an item or separately in multiple items. An empirical example was also analyzed to illustrate the applicability and advantages of the proposed model.
The Experimental and Modeling Study of Femtosecond Laser-Ablated Silicon Surface
Authors: Liu Yi-Hsien , Cheng Chung-Wei
Published: March 2023

In this study, monocrystalline silicon was ablated by a single 1030 nm femtosecond laser pulse. Variable laser fluence (0.16–3.06 J/cm2) was used, and two ablation thresholds (0.8 and 1.67 J/cm2) were determined experimentally. A two-temperature model was established based on the dynamic optical model, the carrier density model, and the phase explosion model for comparison with experimental results. The melting (0.25 J/cm2) and vaporization (0.80 J/cm2) thresholds were determined when the lattice temperature reached melting and boiling points, so as to overcome the latent heat. Finally, the ablation depth was calculated using the phase explosion model, and the ablation threshold was 1.5 J/cm2. The comparisons show that the proposed model can predict the ablation depth obtained by a single femtosecond laser pulse.
A Novel Intelligent Ship Detection Method Based on Attention Mechanism Feature Enhancement
Authors: Ye Yingdong , Zhen Rong , Shao Zheping , Pan Jiacai , Lin Yubing
Published: March 2023

The intelligent perception ability of the close-range navigation environment is the basis of autonomous decision-making and control of unmanned ships. In order to realize real-time perception of the close-range environment of unmanned ships, an enhanced attention mechanism YOLOv4 (EA-YOLOv4) algorithm is proposed. First of all, on the basis of YOLOv4, the convolutional block attention module (CBAM) is used to search for features in channel and space dimensions, respectively, to improve the model’s feature perception of ship targets. Then, the improved-efficient intersection over union (EIoU) loss function is used to replace the complete intersection over union (CIoU) loss function of the YOLOv4 algorithm to improve the algorithm’s perception of ships of different sizes. Finally, in the post-processing of algorithm prediction, soft non-maximum suppression (Soft-NMS) is used to replace the non-maximum suppression (NMS) of YOLOv4 to reduce the missed detection of overlapping ships without affecting the efficiency. The proposed method is verified on the large data set SeaShips, and the average accuracy rate of mAP0.5–0.95 reaches 72.5%, which is 10.7% higher than the original network YOLOv4, and the FPS is 38 frames/s, which effectively improves the ship detection accuracy while ensuring real-time performance.
New Methodology for Shoreline Extraction Using Optical and Radar (SAR) Satellite Imagery
Authors: Zollini Sara , Dominici Donatella , Alicandro Maria , Cuevas-González María , Angelats Eduard , Ribas Francesca , Simarro Gonzalo
Published: March 2023

Coastal environments are dynamic ecosystems, constantly subject to erosion/accretion processes. Erosional trends have unfortunately been intensifying for decades due to anthropic factors and an accelerated sea level rise might exacerbate the problem. It is crucial to preserve these areas for safeguarding not only coastal ecosystems and cultural heritage, but also the population living there. In this context, monitoring coastal areas is essential and geomatics techniques, especially satellite remote sensing imagery, might prove very advantageous. In this paper, a semi-automatic methodology to extract shorelines from SAR (Synthetic Aperture Radar) Sentinel-1 and optical Sentinel-2 satellite images was developed. An experimental algorithm, called J-Net Dynamic, was tested in two pilot sites. The semi-automatic methodology was validated with GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) reference shorelines and demonstrated to be a powerful tool for a robust extraction of the shoreline both from optical and SAR images. The experimental algorithm was able to extract the shoreline closer to the reference with SAR images on the natural beach of Castelldefels and it was demonstrated to be less sensitive to speckle effects than the commonly used Canny Edge Detector. Using the SAR images of the urban beach of Somorrostro, the Canny detector was not able to extract the shoreline, while the new algorithm could do it but with low accuracy because of the noise induced by man-made structures. For further investigation, the Sentinel-2-extracted shorelines were also compared to the ones extracted by a state-of-the-art tool, CoastSat, in the two beaches using both automatic and manual thresholds. The mean errors obtained with J-Net Dynamic were generally higher than the ones from CoastSat using the manual threshold but lower if using the automatic one. The proposed methodology including the J-Net Dynamic algorithm proves to extract the shorelines closer to the reference in most of the cases and offers the great advantage of being able to work with both optical and SAR images. This feature could allow to reduce the time lag between satellite derived shorelines paving the way to an enhanced monitoring and management of coastal areas.
Natural Frequency Analysis of Monopile Supported Offshore Wind Turbines Using Unified Beam-Column Element Model
Authors: Wan Jian-Hong , Bai Rui , Li Xue-You , Liu Si-Wei
Published: March 2023

Assessment of the natural frequency of the offshore wind turbine (OWT) system is a critical task in design to avoid resonance. The natural frequency of the monopile supported OWT may change during operation and needs to be calculated regularly. Conventional numerical methods separately model different components of the OWT system using various element types, which require tedious data manipulations and are inefficient to assess the changing natural frequency of the monopile supported OWTs. This paper develops a unified beam-column element by directly integrating the soil-pile interactions in element formulation. The proposed method is applicable for different components of the OWT system, including the rotor, the tower, the transition piece, and the monopile foundation, which enables an integrated and efficient OWT analysis by using only one type of element. The pile-soil interactions are directly considered in the element formulation. The tedious soil spring elements are avoided. Definitions and formulations of the proposed element are provided and the numerical solution procedure for the natural frequency analysis of OWTs is illustrated. The accuracy of the proposed element is validated against several closed-form solutions and the distributed spring model. The proposed method is also applied to analyze the natural frequencies of six OWTs in practice. The calculated results are consistent with the field measured data.
A Review to do Fishermen Boat Automation with Artificial Intelligence for Sustainable Fishing Experience Ensuring Safety, Security, Navigation and Sharing Information for Omani Fishermen
Authors: Amuthakkannan Rajakannu , Vijayalakshmi K. , Al Araimi Saleh , Ali Saud Al Tobi Maamar
Published: March 2023

Fishing wealth is one of the richest resources in the Sultanate of Oman. It is considered as one of the most important economic developments that nation depends on in a larger way. The Sultanate of Oman is characterized by the presence of a large fishing fleet as the number of fishing vessels and boats in it. Good research with the application of modern technology in fishermen boats is required to increase the quality of fishing by providing fishermen with a safe and secure fishing experience. Artificial intelligence (AI) in boat automation technology is new and it is a mandatory demand for Oman’s fisheries sector. At the time of fishing, there are a lot of problems fishermen face such as weather changes, border tracking, navigation, illegal fishing, pirate attack, oil spill, technical fault in boats, etc. Therefore, the application of AI and related techniques in boat automation, information sharing, and preparation of documentation resources is very important in this sector. The main requirement for a fisherman is a high-quality fishing boat with proper communication devices to provide all the required information to fishermen and the control room. In this paper, a review has been made on fishermen’s boats with artificial intelligence for a sustainable fishing experience ensuring safety, security, navigation, and sharing information for Omani fishermen.