bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sub-Optimal Compliance to Long-Term Inhalation Strategies and Poorer Health Care Outcomes Associated with Extended Tattoos in Adolescents with Mild-to-Moderate Bronchial Asthma
Authors: Dal Negro Roberto W. , Turco Paola , Povero Massimiliano
Published: October 2024

Background: Patients’ compliance to inhalation therapy is usually sub-optimal in young asthmatics. Adolescents poorly compliant to regular anti-asthma treatments and those with tattoos (and the associated attitude) can share some personality traits and maladaptive behaviors. This relationship has not been investigated. Objective: To assess if “extended” tattoos can predict long-term compliance to regular therapy of adolescents with mild-to-moderate asthma. Methods: A 12-month retrospective observational investigation was conducted on non-smoker asthmatic adolescents of both genders. Patients assuming <70% of prescribed vilanterol/fluticasone furoate o.d. were defined as “non-compliant”. Tattoo surfaces were defined as “mild” or “extended” if they were < or ≥400 cm2, respectively. The relationship between tattoos and compliance on the evolution of resources consumption at 6 and 12 months was assessed by generalized estimating equation (GEE) models at the first and second semester of the treatment period. Results: It was found that 13.2% of compliant adolescents had mild tattoos, while 47.2% of non-compliant adolescents had mild-to-extended tattoos (odds ratio (OR) 6.91, 95% CI 2.49 to 19.17, p < 0.001). The mean annual adherence to treatment was 57.8% ± 10.1 SD expected doses in non-compliant subjects with “mild tattoos” (54.8 cm2 ± 36.9 SD), but 38.6% ± 11.4 SD expected doses in those with “extended tattoos” (568.4 cm2 ± 111.6 SD, p < 0.001). Total cost proved to be a linear trend from the lowest values of compliant patients with no/mild tattoos (EUR 65.22 at 6 months and EUR 33.63 at 12 months) to the highest values of non-compliant adolescents with extended tattoos (EUR 330.75 at 6 months and EUR 297.34 at 12 months). Conclusions: Tattoo extension might be used as a reliable predictor of poor compliance and higher health care costs in adolescents with mild-to-moderate asthma. Patients characterized by poor compliance to a long-term therapeutic strategy and tattooing attitude likely share some aspects of their personality profile.
Evaluation of Rz2 Gene Expression in Sugar Beet Hybrids Infected with Beet Necrotic Yellow Vein Virus
Authors: Moisseyev Ruslan , Pozharskiy Alexandr , Taskuzhina Aisha , Khusnitdinova Marina , Svanbayev Ualikhan , Sapakhova Zagipa , Gritsenko Dilyara
Published: October 2024

Sugar beet hybrids are essential in modern agriculture due to their superior yields, disease resistance, and adaptability. This study investigates the role of the Rz2 gene in conferring resistance to beet necrotic yellow vein virus (BNYVV) in 14 sugar beet hybrids cultivated in Kazakhstan, including local and European varieties. The Rz2 gene, encoding a CC-NB-LRR protein, is a known resistance factor against BNYVV. Using RT-qPCR, we assessed Rz2 expression and detected BNYVV in bait plants inoculated with virus-infested soil. Our findings identified two highly resistant varieties: the Kazakh cultivar ‘Abulhair’ and the French line 22b5006. Additionally, the Kazakh cultivar ‘Pamyati Abugalieva’ and the French hybrid ‘Bunker’ exhibited increased resistance, suggesting involvement of other resistance loci. Notably, the Danish hybrid ‘Alando’, despite resistance to rhizomania, did not effectively resist BNYVV, highlighting possible evasion of its genetic factors by local virus strains. Our results emphasize the importance of Rz2 in resistance breeding programs and advocate for further research on additional resistance genes and the genetic variability of BNYVV in Kazakhstan. This work pioneers the molecular evaluation of BNYVV resistance in sugar beet in Kazakhstan, contributing to sustainable disease management and improved sugar beet production.
Catecholamines Attenuate LPS-Induced Inflammation through β2 Adrenergic Receptor Activation- and PKA Phosphorylation-Mediated TLR4 Downregulation in Macrophages
Authors: Wang Cong , Feng Guo-Gang , Takagi Junko , Fujiwara Yoshihiro , Sano Tsuyoshi , Note Hideaki
Published: October 2024

Inflammation is a tightly regulated process involving immune receptor recognition, immune cell migration, inflammatory mediator secretion, and pathogen elimination, all essential for combating infection and restoring damaged tissue. However, excessive inflammatory responses drive various human diseases. The autonomic nervous system (ANS) is known to regulate inflammatory responses; however, the detailed mechanisms underlying this regulation remain incompletely understood. Herein, we aimed to study the anti-inflammatory effects and mechanism of action of the ANS in RAW264.7 cells. Quantitative PCR and immunoblotting assays were used to assess lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) expression. The anti-inflammatory effects of catecholamines (adrenaline, noradrenaline, and dopamine) and acetylcholine were examined in LPS-treated cells to identify the receptors involved. Catecholamines inhibited LPS-induced TNFα expression by activating the β2 adrenergic receptor (β2-AR). β2-AR activation in turn downregulated the expression of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) by stimulating protein kinase A (PKA) phosphorylation, resulting in the suppression of TNFα levels. Collectively, our findings reveal a novel mechanism underlying the inhibitory effect of catecholamines on LPS-induced inflammatory responses, whereby β2-AR activation and PKA phosphorylation downregulate TLR4 expression in macrophages. These findings could provide valuable insights for the treatment of inflammatory diseases and anti-inflammatory drug development.
Impact of Dupilumab on Skin Surface Lipid-RNA Profile in Severe Asthmatic Patients
Authors: Sato Yoshihiko , Sasano Hitoshi , Abe Sumiko , Sandhu Yuuki , Ueda Shoko , Harada Sonoko , Tanabe Yuki , Shima Kyoko , Kuwano Tetsuya , Uehara Yuya , Inoue Takayoshi , Okumura Ko , Takahashi Kazuhisa , Harada Norihiro
Published: October 2024

The analysis of skin surface lipid-RNAs (SSL-RNAs) provides a non-invasive method for understanding the molecular pathology of atopic dermatitis (AD), but its relevance to asthma remains uncertain. Although dupilumab, a biologic drug approved for both asthma and AD, has shown efficacy in improving symptoms for both conditions, its impact on SSL-RNAs is unclear. This study aimed to investigate the impact of dupilumab treatment on SSL-RNA profiles in patients with severe asthma. An SSL-RNA analysis was performed before and after administering dupilumab to asthma patients requiring this intervention. Skin samples were collected non-invasively from patients before and after one year of dupilumab treatment. Although 26 patients were enrolled, an SSL-RNA analysis was feasible in only 7 due to collection challenges. After dupilumab treatment, improvements were observed in asthma symptoms, exacerbation rates, and lung function parameters. Serum levels of total IgE and periostin decreased. The SSL-RNA analysis revealed the differential expression of 218 genes, indicating significant down-regulation of immune responses, particularly those associated with type 2 inflammation, suggesting potential improvement in epithelial barrier function. Dupilumab treatment may not only impact type 2 inflammation but also facilitate the normalization of the skin. Further studies are necessary to fully explore the potential of SSL-RNA analysis as a non-invasive biomarker for evaluating treatment response in asthma.
Metal Oxalates as a CO2 Solid State Reservoir: The Carbon Capture Reaction
Authors: Pastero Linda , Barella Vittorio , Allais Enrico , Pazzi Marco , Sordello Fabrizio , Wehrung Quentin , Pavese Alessandro
Published: October 2024

To maintain the carbon dioxide concentration below the no-return threshold for climate change, we must consider the reduction in anthropic emissions coupled to carbon capture methods applied in synergy. In our recent papers, we proposed a green and reliable method for carbon mineralization using ascorbic acid aqueous solution as the reducing agent for carbon (IV) to carbon (III), thus obtaining oxalic acid exploiting green reagents. Oxalic acid is made to mineralize as calcium (as the model cation) oxalate. Oxalates are solid-state reservoirs suitable for long-term carbon storage or carbon feedstock for manufacturing applications. The carbon mineralization reaction is a double-step process (carbon reduction and oxalate precipitation), and the carbon capture efficiency is invariably represented by a double-slope curve we formerly explained as a decrease in the reducing effectiveness of ascorbic acid during reaction. In the present paper, we demonstrated that the reaction proceeds via a “pure CO2-capture” stage in which ascorbic acid oxidizes into dehydroascorbic acid and carbon (IV) reduces to carbon (III) and a “mixed” stage in which the redox reaction competes with the degradation of ascorbic acid in producing oxalic acid. Despite the irreversibility of the reduction reaction, that was demonstrated in abiotic conditions, the analysis of costs according to the market price of the reagents endorses the application of the method.
Sleep Awareness of Japanese Outpatients: A Survey at a Psychiatry Department of a University Hospital
Authors: Soga Junya , Kawabe Kentaro , Horiuchi Fumie , Yoshino Yuta , Ozaki Yuki , Nakachi Kiwamu , Hosokawa Rie , Inoue Saori , Matsumoto Yu , Okazawa Maya , Iga Jun-ichi , Ueno Shu-Ichi
Published: October 2024

Background: Insomnia is common in patients with psychiatric disorders. However, patients’ awareness of sleep has seldom been examined in detail. In this study, we investigated sleep awareness in outpatients at the psychiatry department of a university hospital. Methods: The participants (n = 241) were recruited at the psychiatry department of Ehime University Hospital between 11 October and 5 November 2021. The following questionnaires were used: Clinical Global Impression Scale of Severity (CGI-S), Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF), General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-30), Athens Insomnia Scale (AIS), and Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS). Psychiatric disorders were diagnosed by certified psychiatrists using the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems 10. Participants with an AIS score of ≥6 were allocated to the insomnia group for statistical analysis. A logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify which items of sleep hygiene the patients with insomnia practiced using the Sleep Guidelines for Health Promotion. Results: Of 241 participants, 133 (55.2%) were allocated to the insomnia group. The mean scores for the CGI were significantly higher and the GAF scores were significantly lower in the insomnia group than in the healthy sleep group (p < 0.01). Of the 12 sleep guidelines proposed by the Japanese Government, “Do not go to bed until you are sleepful, do not delay getting up”, was the item that maximally influenced insomnia. Conclusions: The insomnia group had worse scores on various medical assessment scales compared to the healthy sleep group. Based on a survey of outpatients at the psychiatry department of the university hospital, appropriate stimulus control techniques may help clinicians to treat outpatients with insomnia.
The Romanian Translation and Cultural Adaptation of the Early Arthritis for Psoriatic Patients (EARP) Questionnaire, Psoriasis Epidemiology Screening Tool (PEST), and Toronto Psoriatic Arthritis Screen 2 (ToPAS 2)
Authors: Păsăran Emilia-Daniela , Opriș-Belinski Daniela , Berghea Florian , Orzan Olguța Anca , Oancea Corina , Bojincă Violeta-Claudia , Bojincă Mihai , Mardale Denise-Ani , Saulescu Ioana Cristina , Bălănescu Andra-Rodica
Published: October 2024

Background/Objectives: Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory condition mediated by the immune system with various manifestations. The increased prevalence of subclinical joint involvement has led to the development of early diagnostic methods for psoriatic arthritis, including several instruments that have been validated and used in clinical practice. The aim of this study was to perform the Romanian translation, cultural adaptation, and validation of three assessment tools: the Early Arthritis for Psoriatic Patients (EARP) Questionnaire, Psoriasis Epidemiology Screening Tool (PEST), and Toronto Psoriatic Arthritis Screen 2 (TOPAS 2), which are designed to evaluate early-stage arthritis in patients with psoriasis. Methods: All the activities were carried out in accordance with the internationally recognized methodology recommended by the International Society for Pharmacoeconomics and Outcome Research (ISPOR), the recommendations of the World Health Organization (WHO) regarding the translation process and the validation of instruments, and data from the international literature. These three questionnaires were administered to 29 patients with psoriasis diagnosed by biopsy. A descriptive study was conducted and the data were analyzed with appropriate statistical tests using the PSPP program. A reliability test was assessed using Cronbach’s alpha coefficient. Results: The obtained values were significant for the first two questionnaires, with a value of 0.89 for the EARP and 0.63 for the PEST, but the value was not as significant for ToPAS2, at 0.40. Conclusions: This pilot study revealed that the Romanian and original versions of the three questionnaires are similar.
Asymmetric Supercapacitor Performance Enhancement Through Fe-Doped MoS₂ Nanosheets Synthesized via Hydrothermal Method
Authors: Morankar Pritam J. , Sreekanth Thupakula V. M. , Amate Rutuja U. , Yewale Manesh A. , Teli Aviraj M. , Beknalkar Sonali A. , Jeon Chan-Wook
Published: October 2024

As modern civilization’s energy demands continue to rise, the need for efficient renewable energy solutions becomes increasingly critical. In addressing this challenge, our research explores the potential of newly developed iron (Fe)-doped molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) thin-film electrodes, synthesized through a simple hydrothermal method, as a promising energy storage device. By systematically varying the Fe doping levels, we aim to elucidate the relationship between Fe content and the structural, morphological, and electrochemical properties of the MoS2 electrodes. The optimized FM-3 electrode exhibited a remarkable areal capacitance of 8.25 F/cm2 at a current density of 10 mA/cm2 with an energy density of 0.22 mWh/cm2 and a power density of 2.2 mW/cm2. Furthermore, the FM-3 demonstrated impressive long-term cycling stability, retaining 85.58% of its initial capacitance after 10,000 charge–discharge cycles. To further explore practical applicability, an asymmetric pouch-type supercapacitor device was assembled using an FM-3 electrode and activated carbon. The device achieved an impressive areal capacitance of 0.43 F/cm2 at a current density of 20 mA/cm2, delivering an energy density of 0.133 mWh/cm2 and a power density of 7.5 mW/cm2. The exceptional performance of the FM-3 electrode can be attributed to the enhanced diffusion rate, charge transfer efficiency, and better carrier mobility induced by Fe doping. This work not only highlights the significant electrochemical performance improvements of Fe-doped MoS2 electrodes but also demonstrates their potential for scalable energy storage solutions, making a valuable contribution to the field of next-generation energy storage technologies.
Numerical Simulation and Experimental Study of Deposition Behavior for Cold Sprayed Dual Nano HA/30 wt.% Ti Composite Particle
Authors: Sun Miao , Chen Xiao , Wu Zecheng , Li Chengdi , Deng Xianfeng
Published: October 2024

Hydroxyapatite (HA, Ca10(PO4)6(OH)2) composite coatings added in the second phase could improve the mechanical properties and bonding strength. The cold spraying technique, as a technology for the deposition of solid particles at low temperatures, is employed to deposit HA ceramic composite coatings. The nano HA material possesses characteristics that enhance properties and promote interface bonding. Due to the exceptional mechanical properties of Ti material, adding Ti particles could improve the mechanical properties of nano HA/Ti composite coatings. In order to explore the deposition deformation mechanism of composite particles under different cold spraying conditions, numerical simulation and experimental testing of deposition behaviors of dual nano HA/Ti composite particles were analyzed. As the particle velocity increased from 400 m/s to 800 m/s in the numerical simulation analysis, the more serious the deposition deformation. Meanwhile, more cracking and splashing phenomena occurred on the surface of the particle. By analyzing the stress value curve of Ti and HA units under different particle velocities, it was found that the adiabatic shear instability phenomenon occurred during the particle deposition on the substrate. In addition, the degree of particle deformation increased with the decrease in the particle size. The results of the experimental investigation were consistent with that of the numerical simulation.
Enhancing Passivation Behaviors and Wear Resistance of Biomedical Ti-15Mo Alloy via {332} Twinning Pre-Tension and Aging
Authors: Zhang Shanshan , Yang Fazhan , Sun Wei , Cui Ning , Xu Tiewei
Published: October 2024

The purpose of this investigation was to determine the extent to which a combination of pre-deformation and aging procedures could enhance the corrosion and wear resistance of the Ti-15Mo alloy for biomedical materials. The initial grains were refined with {332} twins and other defects after the pre-deformation, increasing the amount of precipitation nucleation and forming finer α phases during aging. The finer precipitates with numerous boundaries are beneficial in forming a thicker passivation film in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) solution, and the corrosion resistance of the 20% pre-deform plus aged alloy is improved by 4.23 times. The result indicates that the corrosion passivation behavior and film structure of the biomedical Ti-15Mo alloy are significantly influenced by its microstructure. The worn track and debris of the alloy after pre-tension and aging gradually decreases with the increase in pre-deformation rates, caused by the increase in the hardness and wear resistance. The mechanism of corrosion and wear resistance in PBS solution were revealed, which showed the pre-tension and aging processes that were performed on the Ti-15Mo alloy. This study proposes that pre-tension with {332} twins contributed to precipitation refinement, which would enhance the passivation behaviors and wear resistance of the biomedical β titanium alloy.
The Potential of Colloidal Systems Based on Carbamate-Containing Hexadecylpiperidinium Surfactants in Biomedical Applications
Authors: Kushnazarova Rushana , Mirgorodskaya Alla , Bekrenev Dmitry , Kuznetsov Denis , Lyubina Anna , Voloshina Alexandra , Zakharova Lucia
Published: October 2024

New hexadecylpiperidinium surfactants, containing one or two butylcarbamate fragments, were synthesized. The antimicrobial activity, toxicity, aggregation behavior in aqueous solutions, and solubilization capacity of these surfactants towards the hydrophobic drug ibuprofen were characterized. These surfactants demonstrated a high antimicrobial activity against a wide range of pathogenic bacteria, including both Gram-positive and Gram-negative strains, as well as fungi. By forming mixed-micellar compositions of the cationic surfactant 1-CB(Bu)-P-16 and the nonionic surfactant Brij®35, highly functional and low-toxic formulations were obtained. Furthermore, the transition from mixed micelles to niosomes was accomplished, enhancing their potential as drug delivery systems. Niosomes were found to be less toxic compared to mixed micelles, while also increasing the solubility of ibuprofen in water. The modification of niosomes with cationic surfactants made it possible to increase the stability of the system and improve the solubility of the drug. The data obtained indicate that these new carbamate-containing hexadecylpiperidinium surfactants have significant potential in biomedical applications, particularly in the formulation of advanced drug delivery systems.
Powders Synthesized from Calcium Carbonate and Water Solutions of Potassium Hydrosulfate of Various Concentrations
Authors: Safronova Tatiana V. , Laptin Peter D. , Zybina Alexandra I. , Liao Xiaoling , Shatalova Tatiana B. , Boytsova Olga V. , Khayrutdinova Dinara R. , Akhmedov Marat M. , Xu Zichen , Kolesnik Irina V. , Kaimonov Maksim R. , Gavlina Olga T. , Akhmedov Muslim R.
Published: October 2024

Powders with a phase composition including syngenite (K2Ca(SO4)2·H2O) and/or calcium sulfate dihydrate (gypsum, CaSO4·2H2O) were synthesized from the powder of calcium carbonate (CaCO3) and water solutions of potassium hydrosulfate (KHSO4) of various concentrations (0.5 M, 1 M, and 2 M). A molar ratio of starting salts, KHSO4/CaCO3 = 2, was used to provide the formation of syngenite (K2Ca(SO4)2·H2O). But when using a 0.5 M water solution of potassium hydrosulfate (KHSO4), the phase composition of the synthesized powder was presented by calcium sulfate dihydrate (gypsum, CaSO4·2H2O). When using 1 M and 2 M water solutions of potassium hydrosulfate (KHSO4), the syngenite (K2Ca(SO4)2·H2O) was found as the predominant phase in synthesized powders. According to estimations made from thermal analysis data, powders synthesized using 1.0 M and 2.0 M water solutions of potassium hydrosulfate (KHSO4) contained no more than 7.9 and 1.9 mass % of calcium sulfate dihydrate (gypsum, CaSO4·2H2O), respectively. The phase composition of products isolated from mother liquors via water evaporation consisted of syngenite (K2Ca(SO4)2·H2O) and potassium sulfate (arcanite, K2SO4). Synthesized powders can be used in preparation of biocompatible bioresorbable materials with phase compositions in the K2O-CaO-SO3-H2O system; as matrix of thermo- or photo-luminescent materials; as components reducing the setting time and increasing the strength of sulfate cements; in the fertilizing industry; and also as components of Martian regolith simulants.
Classification of Acoustic Tones and Cardiac Murmurs Based on Digital Signal Analysis Leveraging Machine Learning Methods
Authors: Shakhovska Nataliya , Zagorodniy Ivan
Published: October 2024

Heart murmurs are abnormal heart sounds that can indicate various heart diseases. Although traditional auscultation methods are effective, they depend more on specialists’ knowledge, making it difficult to make an accurate diagnosis. This paper presents a machine learning-based framework for the classification of acoustic sounds and heart murmurs using digital signal analysis. Using advanced machine learning algorithms, we aim to improve the accuracy, speed, and accessibility of heart murmur detection. The proposed method includes feature extraction from digital auscultatory recordings, preprocessing using signal processing techniques, and classification using state-of-the-art machine learning models. We evaluated the performance of different machine learning algorithms, such as convolutional neural networks (CNNs), random forests (RFs) and support vector machines (SVMs), on a selected heart noise dataset. The results show that our framework achieves high accuracy in differentiating normal heart sounds from different types of heart murmurs and provides a robust tool for clinical decision-making.
Formulation and Evaluation of Radiance Serum Containing Astaxanthin–Zeaxanthin Nanoemulsions as an Anti-Wrinkle Agent: Stability, Ex Vivo, and In Vivo Assessments
Authors: Nurdianti Lusi , Setiawan Fajar , Maya Ira , Rusdiana Taofik , Kusumawulan Cahya Khairani , Gozali Dolih , Virgianti Dewi Peti
Published: October 2024

Reactive oxygen species (ROS), commonly known as free radicals, induced by UV radiation can compromise the dermal structure, leading to a loss of skin elasticity and subsequent wrinkle formation. A promising strategy to prevent and mitigate skin aging involves the use of topical formulations with potent antioxidant properties. Secondary metabolites such as astaxanthin and zeaxanthin are known for their robust antioxidant activities, which surpass those of tocopherol, offering significant benefits for skin health and protection against UV-induced damage. These properties suggest their potential application in anti-aging products. This study aims to evaluate the stability, ex vivo penetration, and in vivo efficacy of a radiance serum containing an astaxanthin–zeaxanthin nanoemulsion (AZ-NE) designed as an anti-wrinkle agent for topical application. The research was conducted in four stages: production of the astaxanthin–zeaxanthin nanoemulsion (AZ-NE), formulation of the AZ-NE radiance serum, stability, and efficacy testing. In this study, the formulated radiance serum demonstrated stability over three months under specified storage conditions. Ex vivo penetration studies indicated efficient diffusion of the active ingredients, with astaxanthin showing a penetration rate of 25.95%/cm2 and zeaxanthin at 20.80%/cm2 after 120 min. In vivo irritation tests conducted on human subjects revealed no adverse effects. Moreover, the serum exhibited substantial anti-wrinkle efficacy, with 15 female participants experiencing a wrinkle reduction of 80% to 93% over a 28-day period.
Alcohol-Based Hand Sanitizers Used for COVID-19 Prevention in the Informal Settlements of Cape Town, South Africa
Authors: Dalasile Sisanda , Itoba Tombo Elie , Madonsela Benett Siyabonga , Mpungose Philani Perfect , Mshicileli Ndumiso , Menziwa Makabongwe
Published: October 2024

The COVID-19 pandemic and other infectious diseases continue to threaten public health, particularly in densely populated informal settlements. Effective hand hygiene, supported by alcohol-based hand sanitizers (ABHS), plays a critical role in preventing disease transmission. This study assessed the quality, safety, and compliance of ABHS used in informal settlements around Cape Town. A total of 78 samples were collected from spaza shops, with 72 analyzed using gas chromatography with flame ionization detection. The results showed that 76% of ethanol-based sanitizers met compliance standards, while 24% did not. Isopropanol compliance (≥70%) was only observed in 36% of samples, with 64% failing to meet Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines. Overall, 74% of hand sanitizers complied with recommended alcohol concentrations by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and CDC, while 26% posed a health risk due to non-compliance. These findings emphasize the urgent need for stricter regulation and public education to ensure effective hand sanitizers are used, thereby reducing infection risks in vulnerable populations. The study aims to inform public health policies and improve regulatory standards.
Tailoring the Synthesis Method of Metal Oxide Nanoparticles for Desired Properties
Authors: Schiopu Adriana-Gabriela , Iordache Daniela Monica , Oproescu Mihai , Cursaru Laura Mădălina , Ioța Adriana-Miruna
Published: October 2024

Metal oxide nanoparticles (MONs) are particles with at least one dimension in the nanoscale range (1–100 nm). Their unique properties, significantly different from their bulk counterparts, make them promising materials for a wide range of applications in fields such as medicine, electronics, catalysis, environmental remediation, and energy storage. The precise control of MONs’ properties, including size, shape, composition, crystallinity, and surface chemistry, is significant for optimizing their performance. This study aims to investigate the characteristics of synthesis methods of MONs. Correlation between synthesis parameters and properties highlights that creating nanomaterials with defined and controlled dimensions is a complex task that requires a deep understanding of various factors. Also, this study presents a model with adaptive parameters for synthesis conditions to acquire desired nanometric scale for particles size, which represents an essential task.
Integrating and Exploiting Molecular, Supramolecular, and Time Crystal Synthons in Advanced Synthesis
Authors: Chakraborty Indrajit , Dutta Tusar Kanti , Ray Sudipta , Kumar Deepak , Sahoo Pathik
Published: October 2024

Molecular reactions occur through functional groups that drive covalent synthesis. These reactions often proceed via catalytic processes, leading to the formation of time crystals, which can be integrated into shared molecules or reactions—a concept referred to as the time crystal synthon. The concept of time crystal synthons, introduced by Sahoo, pushes these ideas into the temporal realm, where molecular assemblies exhibit periodic behavior over time. This temporal aspect allows the creation of materials with unique functionalities, such as enhanced stability and responsiveness to external stimuli. A molecular synthon generates a specifically designed molecule within a catalytic reaction cycle or a time crystal. If this molecule or any associated reaction steps can be transferred or shared with a neighboring time crystal to facilitate their integration, it can be identified as a time crystal synthon. Supramolecular synthons, in contrast, enable the assembly of complex structures through non-covalent interactions among the molecules, playing a crucial role in crystal engineering. This paper further explores the applications of these synthons in various domains, including supramolecular architecture design, the integration of time crystal cycles, and the development of advanced materials. By mastering these interconnected synthons, scientists can gain greater control over molecular and material properties, driving advances in nanotechnology, materials science, and beyond. This paper explores the interconnected paradigms of molecular, supramolecular, and time crystal synthons within their respective engineering fields. Molecular synthons are foundational units within molecules, essential for designing and synthesizing new compounds with targeted properties.
Searching for New Biomarkers of Neuroendocrine Tumors: A Comparative Analysis of Chromogranin A and Inflammatory Cytokines in Patients with Neuroendocrine Tumors
Authors: Budek Marlena , Nuszkiewicz Jarosław , Czuczejko Jolanta , Maruszak-Parda Marta , Wróblewska Joanna , Wojtasik Jakub , Hołyńska-Iwan Iga , Pawłowska Marta , Woźniak Alina , Szewczyk-Golec Karolina
Published: October 2024

Neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs) present a diagnostic challenge due to their heterogeneous nature and non-specific clinical manifestations. This study aimed to explore novel biomarkers for NENs. Serum chromogranin A (CgA) levels and a panel of 48 inflammatory cytokines were analyzed in a cohort of 84 NEN patients and 40 healthy controls using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and multiplex ELISA. Significant alterations in cytokine levels were observed in the NEN patients compared to the controls, including elevated levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), and reduced levels of angiogenic factors like platelet-derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB) and tumor necrosis factor beta (TNF-β). Notably, cytokines such as growth-regulated alpha protein (GRO-α) and TNF-β demonstrated strong potential as diagnostic markers, with receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses showing high sensitivity and specificity. Additionally, a positive correlation was found between CgA levels and several inflammatory cytokines, suggesting their synergistic role in tumor progression. These findings highlight the limited reliability of CgA alone as a diagnostic marker and underscore the importance of a multi-marker approach in diagnosing and monitoring NENs. Further research on a larger cohort is necessary to validate these biomarkers and their potential clinical applications.
Effects of Symptom Burden on Quality of Life in Patients with Lung Cancer
Authors: Chiou Ling-Jan , Lin Yun-Yen , Lang Hui-Chu
Published: October 2024

Lung cancer patients suffer from numerous symptoms that impact their quality of life. This study aims to identify the symptom burden on quality of life in lung cancer patients. This survey used a structured questionnaire to collect data from 8 March 2021 to 12 May 2021. Patient demographic information was collected. The data on symptom burden and quality of life (QOL) of patients were obtained from the QLQ-C30 and the QLQ-LC13. The stepwise multiple regression analysis was used to estimate lung cancer-related symptom burden in relation to quality of life. The study included 159 patients with lung cancer who completed the questionnaire. The mean age of the patients was 63.12 ± 11.4 years, and 64.8% of them were female. The Global Quality of Life score of the QLQ-C30 was 67.87 ± 22.24, and the top five lung cancer-related symptoms were insomnia, dyspnea, and fatigue from the QLQ-C30, and coughing and dyspnea from the QLQ-LC13. The multiple regression analysis showed that appetite loss was the most frequently associated factor for global QOL (β = −0.32; adjusted R2: 27%) and cognitive function (β = −0.15; adjusted R2: 11%), while fatigue was associated with role function (β = −0.35; adjusted R2: 43%), emotional function (β = −0.26; adjusted R2: 9%), and social function (β = −0.26; adjusted R2: 27%). Dyspnea was associated with physical function (β = −0.45; adjusted R2: 42%). Appetite loss, fatigue, and dyspnea were the main reasons causing symptom burdens on quality of life for lung cancer patients. Decreasing these symptoms can improve the quality of life and survival for patients with lung cancer.
Enhancing Thoracic Surgery with AI: A Review of Current Practices and Emerging Trends
Authors: Aleem Mohamed Umair , Khan Jibran Ahmad , Younes Asser , Sabbah Belal Nedal , Saleh Waleed , Migliore Marcello
Published: October 2024

Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly becoming integral to medical practice, potentially enhancing outcomes in thoracic surgery. AI-driven models have shown significant accuracy in diagnosing non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), predicting lymph node metastasis, and aiding in the efficient extraction of electronic medical record (EMR) data. Moreover, AI applications in robotic-assisted thoracic surgery (RATS) and perioperative management reveal the potential to improve surgical precision, patient safety, and overall care efficiency. Despite these advancements, challenges such as data privacy, biases, and ethical concerns remain. This manuscript explores AI applications, particularly machine learning (ML) and natural language processing (NLP), in thoracic surgery, emphasizing their role in diagnosis and perioperative management. It also provides a comprehensive overview of the current state, benefits, and limitations of AI in thoracic surgery, highlighting future directions in the field.
No Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Early Mortality for Thyroid Cancer in the US. Comment on Lee et al. Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Thyroid Cancer Surgery. Curr. Oncol. 2024, 31, 3579–3590
Authors: Nocini Riccardo , Lippi Giuseppe , Mattiuzzi Camilla
Published: October 2024

Thyroid cancer is relatively rare in the general population compared to other malignancies, but its incidence appears to have increased in recent decades [...]
Ultrasound Evaluation of Onset Core Muscle Activity in Subjects with Non-Specific Lower Back Pain and Without Lower Back Pain: An Observational Case–Control Study
Authors: Cervera-Cano María , Valcárcel-Linares David , Fernández-Carnero Samuel , López-González Luis , Lázaro-Navas Irene , Pecos-Martin Daniel
Published: October 2024

Lower back pain (LBP) has been the leading cause of disability since 1990. Objectives: The main objective of this observational case–control study was to evaluate, using ultrasound, whether there were differences in the onset and ratio of core muscle contraction between subjects with non-specific chronic lower back pain and healthy subjects. Methods: A total of 60 participants (52% women), split between those with non-specific chronic lower back pain (n = 26) and healthy (n = 34) subjects, were recruited. Initial muscle contraction of the lateral abdominal wall, pelvic floor, lumbar multifidus, and respiratory diaphragm was measured using ultrasound. The abdominal drawing-in maneuver, contralateral arm elevation, the Valsalva maneuver, and voluntary contraction of the pelvic floor in seated and standing positions were performed. The muscle thickness of the lateral abdominal wall and lumbar multifidus and excursion of the pelvic floor and diaphragm at rest and during testing were also analyzed. Results: No differences were found between the groups in the initial contraction. Statistically significant differences were found in the following variables: diaphragm excursion (p = 0.032, r = 0.277) and lumbar multifidus ratio (p = 0.010, r = 0.333) in the standing–abdominal retraction maneuver; pelvic floor excursion (p = 0.012, r = 0.325) in the standing–contralateral arm raise; and transverse abdominis ratio (p = 0.033, r = 0.275) in the sitting–contralateral arm raise. A statistically significant interaction between the groups and body mass index was observed in resting diaphragm excursion (p = 0.018, partial eta squared = 0.096) during sitting–voluntary pelvic floor contraction. Conclusions: It cannot be concluded that there is a specific pattern of core activation in any of the groups. However, statistically significant differences were found in the contraction indexes of the lumbopelvic musculature.
The Predictive Role of Radiomics in Breast Cancer Patients Imaged by [18F]FDG PET: Preliminary Results from a Prospective Cohort
Authors: Gelardi Fabrizia , Cavinato Lara , De Sanctis Rita , Ninatti Gaia , Tiberio Paola , Rodari Marcello , Zambelli Alberto , Santoro Armando , Fernandes Bethania , Chiti Arturo , Antunovic Lidija , Sollini Martina
Published: October 2024

Background: Recently, radiomics has emerged as a possible image-derived biomarker, predominantly stemming from retrospective analyses. We aimed to prospectively assess the predictive role of [18F]FDG-PET radiomics in breast cancer (BC). Methods: Patients affected by stage I–III BC eligible for neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) staged with [18F]FDG-PET/CT were prospectively enrolled. The pathological response to NAC was assessed on surgical specimens. From each primary breast lesion, we extracted radiomic PET features and their predictive role with respect to pCR was assessed. Uni- and multivariate statistics were used for inference; principal component analysis (PCA) was used for dimensionality reduction. Results: We analysed 93 patients (53 HER2+ and 40 triple-negative (TNBC)). pCR was achieved in 44/93 cases (24/53 HER2+ and 20/40 TNBC). Age, molecular subtype, Ki67 percent, and stage could not predict pCR in multivariate analysis. In univariate analysis, 10 radiomic indices resulted in p < 0.1. We found that 3/22 radiomic principal components were discriminative for pCR. Using a cross-validation approach, radiomic principal components failed to discriminate pCR groups but predicted the stage (mean accuracy = 0.79 ± 0.08). Conclusions: This study shows the potential of PET radiomics for staging purposes in BC; the possible role of radiomics in predicting the pCR response to NAC in BC needs to be further investigated.
Use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles for Monitoring Pastures and Forages in Agricultural Sciences: A Systematic Review
Authors: Santos Wagner Martins dos , Martins Lady Daiane Costa de Sousa , Bezerra Alan Cezar , Souza Luciana Sandra Bastos de , Jardim Alexandre Maniçoba da Rosa Ferraz , Silva Marcos Vinícius da , Souza Carlos André Alves de , Silva Thieres George Freire da
Published: October 2024

With the growing demand for efficient solutions to face the challenges posed by population growth and climate change, the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) emerges as a promising solution for monitoring biophysical and physiological parameters in forage crops due to their ability to collect high-frequency and high-resolution data. This review addresses the main applications of UAVs in monitoring forage crop characteristics, in addition to evaluating advanced data processing techniques, including machine learning, to optimize the efficiency and sustainability of agricultural production systems. In this paper, the Scopus and Web of Science databases were used to identify the applications of UAVs in forage assessment. Based on inclusion and exclusion criteria, the search resulted in 590 articles, of which 463 were filtered for duplicates and 238 were selected after screening. An analysis of the data revealed an annual growth rate of 35.50% in the production of articles, evidencing the growing interest in the theme. In addition to 1086 authors, 93 journals and 4740 citations were reviewed. Finally, our results contribute to the scientific community by consolidating information on the use of UAVs in precision farming, offering a solid basis for future research and practical applications.
A Nonlinear Adaptive Control and Robustness Analysis for Autonomous Landing of UAVs
Authors: Feng Yue , Hu Quanwen , Wu Weihan , Wu Liaoni , Guo Qiuquan , Zhang Haitao
Published: October 2024

The UAV landing process has higher requirements for automatic flight control systems due to factors such as wind disturbances and strong constraints. Considering the proven effective adaptation of the out-of-loop L1 adaptive control (OLAC) system proposed in previous studies, this paper applies it to landing control to enhance robustness and control accuracy in the presence of complex uncertainties. Based on modern control theory, an LQR-based OLAC algorithm for multi-input–multi-output (MIMO) systems is proposed, which is conducive to the coupling control of the flight attitude mode. To evaluate the robustness of the designed system, an equivalence stability margin analysis method for nonlinear systems is proposed based on parameter linearization. Along with a detailed autonomous landing strategy, including trajectory planning, control, and guidance, the effectiveness of the proposed methods is verified on a high-fidelity simulation platform. The Monte–Carlo simulation is implemented in the time domain, and the results demonstrate that OLAC exhibits strong robustness and ensures the state variables strictly meet the flight safety constraints.
Digital Traffic Lights: UAS Collision Avoidance Strategy for Advanced Air Mobility Services
Authors: McCorkendale Zachary , McCorkendale Logan , Kidane Mathias Feriew , Namuduri Kamesh
Published: October 2024

With the advancing development of Advanced Air Mobility (AAM), there is a collaborative effort to increase safety in the airspace. AAM is an advancing field of aviation that aims to contribute to the safe transportation of goods and people using aerial vehicles. When aerial vehicles are operating in high-density locations such as urban areas, it can become crucial to incorporate collision avoidance systems. Currently, there are available pilot advisory systems such as Traffic Collision and Avoidance Systems (TCAS) providing assistance to manned aircraft, although there are currently no collision avoidance systems for autonomous flights. Standards Organizations such as the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), Radio Technical Commission for Aeronautics (RTCA), and General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) are working to develop cooperative autonomous flights using UAS-to-UAS Communication in structured and unstructured airspaces. This paper presents a new approach for collision avoidance strategies within structured airspace known as “digital traffic lights”. The digital traffic lights are deployed over an area of land, controlling all UAVs that enter a potential collision zone and providing specific directions to mitigate a collision in the airspace. This strategy is proven through the results demonstrated through simulation in a Cesium Environment. With the deployment of the system, collision avoidance can be achieved for autonomous flights in all airspaces.
Mesh Refinement Investigation to Simulate Tip Vortex Cavitation under Non-Cavitating Conditions
Authors: Huynh Le Hong Thai , Tran Dinh Tu , Truong Dac Dung
Published: October 2024

Marine propeller design requirements have risen in quantity and quality in recent decades. Reduced propeller cavitation is targeted to ensure that comfort requirements and environmental regulations are met. This paper presents the development of a mesh refinement process for the numerical prediction of tip vortex cavitation (TVC) using the commercial CFD package STAR-CCM+. Given the strong dependence on the mesh resolution within the areas of interest, mesh refinement and the use of field functions for adaptive meshing were demonstrated. The developed numerical model was substantiated against relevant published test data. Subsequently, the validated mesh refinement process was extended to scaled-up models representing medium- and full-scale propellers. The results showed that this process can be applied to CFD simulations to capture the minimum pressure within a tip vortex core. This process is also applicable to different types of hydrodynamic propulsors at both model scale and full scale. Additionally, the cavitation inception scaling law was evaluated for all small-scale and full-scale models, and it was found that the scaling parameter obtained using the developed refinement process was somewhat close to that obtained using existing methods. It is expected that the mesh refinement process developed in this study can be used to investigate the effect of scaling on tip vortex cavitation inception.
FLCMC: Federated Learning Approach for Chinese Medicinal Text Classification
Authors: Hu Guang , Fang Xin
Published: October 2024

Addressing the privacy protection and data sharing issues in Chinese medical texts, this paper introduces a federated learning approach named FLCMC for Chinese medical text classification. The paper first discusses the data heterogeneity issue in federated language modeling. Then, it proposes two perturbed federated learning algorithms, FedPA and FedPAP, based on the self-attention mechanism. In these algorithms, the self-attention mechanism is incorporated within the model aggregation module, while a perturbation term, which measures the differences between the client and the server, is added to the local update module along with a customized PAdam optimizer. Secondly, to enable a fair comparison of algorithms’ performance, existing federated algorithms are improved by integrating a customized Adam optimizer. Through experiments, this paper first conducts experimental analyses on hyperparameters, data heterogeneity, and validity on synthetic datasets, which proves that the proposed federated learning algorithm has significant advantages in classification performance and convergence stability when dealing with heterogeneous data. Then, the algorithm is applied to Chinese medical text datasets to verify its effectiveness on real datasets. The comparative analysis of algorithm performance and communication efficiency shows that the algorithm exhibits strong generalization ability on deep learning models for Chinese medical texts. As for the synthetic dataset, upon comparing with comparison algorithms FedAvg, FedProx, FedAtt, and their improved versions, the experimental results show that for data with general heterogeneity, both FedPA and FedPAP show significantly more accurate and stable convergence behavior. On the real Chinese medical dataset of doctor–patient conversations, IMCS-V2, with logistic regression and long short-term memory network as training models, the experiment results show that in comparison to the above three comparison algorithms and their improved versions, FedPA and FedPAP both possess the best accuracy performance and display significantly more stable and accurate convergence behavior, proving that the method in this paper has better classification effects for Chinese medical texts.