bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Addition of Hydroxyapatite Nanoparticles on Implant Surfaces Modified by Zirconia Blasting and Acid Etching to Enhance Peri-Implant Bone Healing
Authors: Toscano Ricardo Alves , Barbosa Stéfany , Campos Larissa Gabriele , de Sousa Cecília Alves , Dallazen Eduardo , Mourão Carlos Fernando , Shibli Jamil Awad , Ervolino Edilson , Faverani Leonardo P. , Assunção Wirley Goncalves
Published: July 2024

This study investigated the impact of adding hydroxyapatite nanoparticles to implant surfaces treated with zirconia blasting and acid etching (ZiHa), focusing on structural changes and bone healing parameters in low-density bone sites. The topographical characterization of titanium discs with a ZiHa surface and a commercially modified zirconia-blasted and acid-etched surface (Zi) was performed using scanning electron microscopy, profilometry, and surface-free energy. For the in vivo assessment, 22 female rats were ovariectomized and kept for 90 days, after which one implant from each group was randomly placed in each tibial metaphysis of the animals. Histological and immunohistochemical analyses were performed at 14 and 28 days postoperatively (decalcified lab processing), reverse torque testing was performed at 28 days, and histometry from calcified lab processing was performed at 60 days The group ZiHa promoted changes in surface morphology, forming evenly distributed pores. For bone healing, ZiHa showed a greater reverse torque, newly formed bone area, and bone/implant contact values compared to group Zi (p < 0.05; t-test). Qualitative histological and immunohistochemical analyses showed higher features of bone maturation for ZiHa on days 14 and 28. This preclinical study demonstrated that adding hydroxyapatite to zirconia-blasted and acid-etched surfaces enhanced peri-implant bone healing in ovariectomized rats. These findings support the potential for improving osseointegration of dental implants, especially in patients with compromised bone metabolism.
Treatment of Anemia Associated with Chronic Kidney Disease: Plea for Considering Physiological Erythropoiesis
Authors: Kuragano Takahiro
Published: July 2024

Traditionally, the treatment of anemia associated with chronic kidney disease (CKD) involves prescribing erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) or iron preparations. The effectiveness and safety of ESAs and iron have been established. However, several clinical issues, such as hyporesponsiveness to ESAs or defective iron utilization for erythropoiesis, have been demonstrated. Recently, a new class of therapeutics for renal anemia known as hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)/proline hydroxylase (PH) inhibitors has been developed. Several studies have reported that HIF-PH inhibitors have unique characteristics compared with those of ESAs. In particular, the use of HIF-PH inhibitors may maintain target Hb concentration in patients treated with a high dose of ESAs without increasing the dose. Furthermore, several recent studies have demonstrated that patients with CKD with defective iron utilization for erythropoiesis had a high risk of cardiovascular events or premature death. HIF-PH inhibitors increase iron transport and absorption from the gastrointestinal tract; thus, they may ameliorate defective iron utilization for erythropoiesis in patients with CKD. Conversely, several clinical problems, such as aggravation of thrombotic and embolic complications, diabetic retinal disease, and cancer, have been noted at the time of HIF-PH inhibitor administration. Recently, several pooled analyses of phase III trials have reported the non-inferiority of HIF-PH inhibitors regarding these clinical concerns compared with ESAs. The advantages and issues of anemia treatment by ESAs, iron preparations, and HIF-PH inhibitors must be fully understood. Moreover, patients with anemia and CKD should be treated by providing a physiological erythropoiesis environment that is similar to that of healthy individuals.
Influence of Drought Stress on the Rhizosphere Bacterial Community Structure of Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz)
Authors: Huang Huling , Li Mingchao , Guo Qiying , Zhang Rui , Zhang Yindong , Luo Kai , Chen Yinhua
Published: July 2024

Drought presents a significant abiotic stress that threatens crop productivity worldwide. Rhizosphere bacteria play pivotal roles in modulating plant growth and resilience to environmental stresses. Despite this, the extent to which rhizosphere bacteria are instrumental in plant responses to drought, and whether distinct cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) varieties harbor specific rhizosphere bacterial assemblages, remains unclear. In this study, we measured the growth and physiological characteristics, as well as the physical and chemical properties of the rhizosphere soil of drought-tolerant (SC124) and drought-sensitive (SC8) cassava varieties under conditions of both well-watered and drought stress. Employing 16S rDNA high-throughput sequencing, we analyzed the composition and dynamics of the rhizosphere bacterial community. Under drought stress, biomass, plant height, stem diameter, quantum efficiency of photosystem II (Fv/Fm), and soluble sugar of cassava decreased for both SC8 and SC124. The two varieties’ rhizosphere bacterial communities’ overall taxonomic structure was highly similar, but there were slight differences in relative abundance. SC124 mainly relied on Gamma-proteobacteria and Acidobacteriae in response to drought stress, and the abundance of this class was positively correlated with soil acid phosphatase. SC8 mainly relied on Actinobacteria in response to drought stress, and the abundance of this class was positively correlated with soil urease and soil saccharase. Overall, this study confirmed the key role of drought-induced rhizosphere bacteria in improving the adaptation of cassava to drought stress and clarified that this process is significantly related to variety.
GRT-X Stimulates Dorsal Root Ganglia Axonal Growth in Culture via TSPO and Kv7.2/3 Potassium Channel Activation
Authors: El Chemali Léa , Boutary Suzan , Liu Song , Liu Guo-Jun , Middleton Ryan J. , Banati Richard B. , Bahrenberg Gregor , Rupprecht Rainer , Schumacher Michael , Massaad-Massade Liliane
Published: July 2024

GRT-X, which targets both the mitochondrial translocator protein (TSPO) and the Kv7.2/3 (KCNQ2/3) potassium channels, has been shown to efficiently promote recovery from cervical spine injury. In the present work, we investigate the role of GRT-X and its two targets in the axonal growth of dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons. Neurite outgrowth was quantified in DRG explant cultures prepared from wild-type C57BL6/J and TSPO-KO mice. TSPO was pharmacologically targeted with the agonist XBD173 and the Kv7 channels with the activator ICA-27243 and the inhibitor XE991. GRT-X efficiently stimulated DRG axonal growth at 4 and 8 days after its single administration. XBD173 also promoted axonal elongation, but only after 8 days and its repeated administration. In contrast, both ICA27243 and XE991 tended to decrease axonal elongation. In dissociated DRG neuron/Schwann cell co-cultures, GRT-X upregulated the expression of genes associated with axonal growth and myelination. In the TSPO-KO DRG cultures, the stimulatory effect of GRT-X on axonal growth was completely lost. However, GRT-X and XBD173 activated neuronal and Schwann cell gene expression after TSPO knockout, indicating the presence of additional targets warranting further investigation. These findings uncover a key role of the dual mode of action of GRT-X in the axonal elongation of DRG neurons.
Comorbidities, Clinical Presentation, Subtypes, and Treatment of HS Patients in Lithuania
Authors: Raudonis Tadas , Šakaitytė Austėja , Vileikis Tomas Petras , Černel Vitalij , Gancevičienė Rūta , Zouboulis Christos C.
Published: July 2024

Background: Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a persistent, recurring skin inflammatory condition linked to various comorbidities. Management involves antibiotics, hormone therapy, immune-modulating drugs, surgery, and treatment of comorbidities. The objectives of the study were to assess the comorbidities, clinical presentation subtypes, and applied treatment of patients with HS. Methods: Patients with HS who visited the Centre of Dermatovenereology at Vilnius University Hospital Santaros Klinikos in Lithuania underwent evaluation based on the guidelines of the European Hidradenitis Suppurativa Foundation Registry questionnaire. Results: The study included 49 patients, and 61.22% (n = 30) had comorbidities. A strong positive correlation was found between a family history of inflammatory diseases (69.38% (n = 34)) and the severity of HS according to Hurley stage (r = 0.71 p < 0.05). A statistically significant correlation (r = 0.944, p = 0.02) was found between metabolic comorbidities and Hurley stage. Patients on biologic treatment had a mean IHS4 of 7.38 at the beginning of treatment and 3.22 at follow-up (p < 0.05). For patients not on biologics, the initial IHS4 score was 6.21 and 5.42 at follow-up (p > 0.05). Conclusions: A family history of inflammatory diseases and metabolic comorbidities showed a strong correlation with HS severity. Treatment with biologics showed significant improvement in HS scores compared to systemic antibiotics.
Urological Challenges during Pregnancy: Current Status and Future Perspective on Ureteric Stent Encrustation
Authors: Di Bello Francesco , Califano Gianluigi , Morra Simone , Ruvolo Claudia Collà , Fraia Agostino , Pezone Gabriele , Di Mauro Ernesto , Aprea Salvatore , Napolitano Luigi , Saccone Gabriele , Creta Massimiliano , Longo Nicola
Published: July 2024

The management of ureter hydronephrosis and urolithiasis during pregnancy has been changed by the adoption of ureteric stents. Despite their broad use for several other conditions, from emergency to elective settings, their complications cannot be ignored. Being most prevalent during pregnancy, urinary tract infections and stent encrustations are particularly common and can affect either fetal growth or maternal–fetal homeostasis, leading to obstetric complications. The main concern associated with ureteric stents is the indwelling time, which could represent the potential trigger of those complications. However, to ensure the optimal management of a ureteric stent during pregnancy, factors such as the grading of encrustations and the presence, size, and location of stones should be evaluated in pre-operative planning. As a consequence, a multimodal approach, including obstetrics, gynecologists, urologists, and nurses, is essential to ensure a complication-free procedure and successful ureteric stent removal. Finally, future research should focus on utilizing biodegradable and biocompatible materials to reduce and even eliminate the complications related to forgotten stents in order to reduce the financial burden associated with stent replacement and the management of stent-encrustation-related complications.
Performance of the First-Trimester Cervical Consistency Index to Predict Preterm Birth
Authors: Becerra-Mojica Carlos H. , Parra-Saavedra Miguel A. , Martínez-Vega Ruth A. , Díaz-Martínez Luis A. , Martínez-Portilla Raigam J. , Torres-Torres Johnatan , Rincon-Orozco Bladimiro
Published: July 2024

Background/Objectives: Preterm birth (PTB) remains a significant global health challenge. Previous attempts to predict preterm birth in the first trimester using cervical length have been contradictory. The cervical consistency index (CCI) was introduced to quantify early cervical changes and has shown promise across various clinical scenarios in the mid-trimester, though testing in the first trimester is lacking. This study aims to assess the cervical consistency index performance in predicting preterm birth during the first trimester of pregnancy. Methods: In this prospective cohort study, focused exclusively on research, women with singleton pregnancies, both with and without a history of spontaneous preterm birth (sPTB), were included. The primary outcome was sPTB before 37 weeks, with a secondary outcome of sPTB before 34 weeks. CCI measurements were taken between 11+0 to 13+6 weeks of gestation. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were generated, and sensitivity and specificity were calculated for the optimal cut-off and for the 5th, 10th, and 15th percentile. Intraobserver and interobserver agreements were assessed using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Results: Among the 667 patients analyzed, the rates of sPTB before 37 and 34 weeks were 9.2% (61/667) and 1.8% (12/667), respectively. The detection rates (DRs) for CCI predicting PTB before 37 and 34 weeks were 19.7% (12/61) and 33.3% (4/12). Negative predictive values were 91.8% (546/595) and 98.7% (588/596), while the areas under the curve (AUC) for sPTB before 37 and 34 weeks were 0.62 (95% CI: 0.54–0.69) and 0.80 (95% CI: 0.71–0.89), respectively. Of the 61 patients with preterm birth, 13 (21.3%) had a preterm birth history; in this group, the CCI percentile 10th identified 39% (5/13). Intraobserver ICC was 0.862 (95% CI: 0.769–0.920), and interobserver ICC was 0.833 (95% CI: 0.722–0.902). Conclusions: This study suggests that utilizing CCI in the first trimester of pregnancy could serve as a valuable tool for predicting preterm birth before 34 weeks of gestation, demonstrating robust intraobserver and interobserver reliability.
Getting to the Core: Exploring the Embryonic Development from Notochord to Nucleus Pulposus
Authors: Ambrosio Luca , Schol Jordy , Ruiz-Fernández Clara , Tamagawa Shota , Joyce Kieran , Nomura Akira , de Rinaldis Elisabetta , Sakai Daisuke , Papalia Rocco , Vadalà Gianluca , Denaro Vincenzo
Published: July 2024

The intervertebral disc (IVD) is the largest avascular organ of the human body and plays a fundamental role in providing the spine with its unique structural and biomechanical functions. The inner part of the IVD contains the nucleus pulposus (NP), a gel-like tissue characterized by a high content of type II collagen and proteoglycans, which is crucial for the disc’s load-bearing and shock-absorbing properties. With aging and IVD degeneration (IDD), the NP gradually loses its physiological characteristics, leading to low back pain and additional sequelae. In contrast to surrounding spinal tissues, the NP presents a distinctive embryonic development since it directly derives from the notochord. This review aims to explore the embryology of the NP, emphasizing the pivotal roles of key transcription factors, which guide the differentiation and maintenance of the NP cellular components from the notochord and surrounding sclerotome. Through an understanding of NP development, we sought to investigate the implications of the critical developmental aspects in IVD-related pathologies, such as IDD and the rare malignant chordomas. Moreover, this review discusses the therapeutic strategies targeting these pathways, including the novel regenerative approaches leveraging insights from NP development and embryology to potentially guide future treatments.
Artificial Intelligence in Journalism: A Ten-Year Retrospective of Scientific Articles (2014–2023)
Authors: Ioscote Fabia , Gonçalves Adriana , Quadros Claudia
Published: July 2024

Academic interest in AI in journalism has been growing since 2018. Through a systematic review of the literature from 2014 to 2023, this study discusses the evolution of research in the field and how AI has changed journalism. The aim is to understand the impact of AI on journalism, based on a review of academic papers and a qualitative analysis of the most cited articles. This study combines: a systematic review of scientific articles extracted from Web of Science and Scopus (n = 699) and a qualitative approach with categorical content analysis of those with more than 50 citations (n = 59). The results (n = 699) highlight the prominence of authors from the Universities of Amsterdam and Santiago de Compostela. The United States has the largest number of authorships: 261 distributed across 99 institutions. The categorical content analysis (n = 59) shows a focus on issues like the work of the journalist, because AI is replacing journalists with repetitive and monotonous tasks, raising several questions about the role of the journalist. The findings show the rise of computational methods, highlighting the pervasiveness of AI in research, which has not been explored in previous work. Ethics, regulation, and journalism education remain under-discussed in research.
Coffee Consumption and CYP1A2 Polymorphism Involvement in Type 2 Diabetes in a Romanian Population
Authors: Popa Laura Claudia , Farcas Simona Sorina , Andreescu Nicoleta Ioana
Published: July 2024

Cytochrome P450 1A2 (CYP1A2) is known to be the main enzyme directly responsible for caffeine metabolism. Rs762551 (NC_000015.10:g.74749576C>A) is a single nucleotide polymorphism of the CYP1A2 gene, and it is known mainly for metabolizing caffeine. A significant worldwide health issue, type 2 diabetes (T2DM), has been reported to be negatively associated with coffee consumption. Yet, some studies have proven that high intakes of coffee can lead to a late onset of T2DM. Objectives: This study aims to find any significant correlations among CYP1A2 polymorphism, coffee consumption, and T2DM. Methods: A total of 358 people were enrolled in this study—218 diagnosed with T2DM, and 140 representing the control sample. The qPCR technique was performed, analyzing rs762551 (assay C_8881221) on the LightCycler 480 (Roche, Basel, Switzerland) with Gene Scanning software version 1.5.1 (Roche). Results: Our first observation was that the diabetic patients were likely to consume more coffee than the non-diabetic subjects. People with the AA genotype, or the fast metabolizers, are the least common, yet they are the highest coffee consumers and present the highest glucose and cholesterol levels. Another important finding is the correlation between coffee intake and glucose level, which showed statistically significant differences between the diabetic group (p = 0.0002) and the control group (p = 0.029). Conclusions: The main conclusion of this study is that according to genotype, caffeine levels, glucose, and cholesterol are interconnected and proportionally related, regardless of type 2 diabetes.
Bank Reputation and Trust: Impact on Client Satisfaction and Loyalty for Portuguese Clients
Authors: Cardoso António , Cardoso Marta
Published: July 2024

The aim of this article is to assess the most relevant factors influencing customer trust in the Portuguese banking sector following the Global Financial Crisis. It also aims to evaluate the impact of trust on satisfaction and satisfaction on loyalty. To address the research objectives and the hypotheses posed, a quantitative study with a descriptive design was conducted. Data was collected through an online survey administered to a sample of bank clients residing in Portugal. The findings indicate that respondents generally trust Portuguese banking institutions, although this trust has been affected by the Global Financial Crisis. The bank’s reputation and financial performance were identified as critical factors in the respondents’ choice of bank. Additionally, the results suggest that both global and domestic financial conditions, bank reputation, client satisfaction, and overall trust significantly influence client loyalty to the bank. This study provides valuable insights into client behavior and perceptions of banks, emphasizing the importance of factors such as trust, client satisfaction, and bank reputation in shaping client loyalty.
The Impact of Demonstration Cooperatives on the “Empty Shell” of Farmer Professional Cooperatives in China
Authors: Li Sixian , Zhou Yaodong , Li Chengjiang
Published: July 2024

With the advancement of farmer professional cooperatives in China, the prevalence of the “empty shell” phenomenon has posed a significant challenge to the health and sustainability of these cooperatives. Utilizing data from 1570 such cooperatives in Guizhou Province, China, this study uses the multi-time differential model and the spatial Durbin model to study the impact of demonstration cooperatives on the “empty shell” of cooperatives and the spatial spillover effect of demonstration cooperatives. The study results show the following: (1) Agricultural professional cooperatives are rated as national or provincial demonstration cooperatives, which are conducive to their development, and the policy evaluation of demonstration cooperatives can effectively inhibit the “empty shell” phenomenon of cooperatives. (2) National and provincial demonstration cooperatives can effectively inhibit the “empty shell” of cooperatives in the region. (3) When there are provincial demonstration cooperatives in the surrounding areas, there will be a spatial spillover effect and the empty shell of regional cooperatives will be inhibited. However, to restrain the “empty shell” of cooperatives, it is essential to capitalize on the spatial policy influence of “demonstration cooperatives” while being vigilant against potential spatial siphoning effects.
The High-Altitude Volcanic Caves of Mount Etna (Eastern Sicily): A Relevant Refuge for Some Ptero-Bryophyte Communities
Authors: Puglisi Marta , Bacilliere Giulia , Miraglia Giulia , Teri Dario , Sciandrello Saverio
Published: July 2024

A phytosociological analysis of the plant communities in high-altitude volcanic caves of Mount Etna (Sicily), based on literature data and unpublished relevés, is presented. A total of 147 phytosociological relevés were processed and analyzed using classification and ordination methods. Classification of the relevés, supported by ordination, showed two main vegetation groups: the first one includes communities of the Pohlion crudae alliance, and the other includes the vegetation from the Pohlio crudae–Asplenion septentrionalis alliance. Furthermore, two new communities, Pohlio crudae–Cystopteridetum dickieanae subass. amphidietosum mougeotii and Pohlio crudae–Cystopteridetum dickieanae subass. polystichetosum lonchitis, are proposed for Etna. The high-altitude caves can be considered a refuge for these ptero-bryophytic rare communities.
An Estimation Method for Passenger Flow Volumes from and to Bus Stops Based on Land Use Elements: An Experimental Study
Authors: Zhang Jianming , Cai Jun , Wang Mengjia , Zhang Wansong
Published: July 2024

To unravel the general relationship between bus travel and land use around bus stops and along bus routes and to promote their coordinated development, this paper explores a method to estimate passenger flow volumes from and to bus stops based on land use types, intensities, and spatial distributions around bus stops and along bus routes. Firstly, following the principle of the gravity model, which considers traffic volumes analogous to gravity based on trip generation and distance impedance between traffic analysis zones (TAZs), a gravitational logic estimation method for passenger flow volumes from and to bus stops was constructed with land use elements between bus stop TAZs and the upstream and downstream collections of bus stop TAZs. Building upon this, the passenger flow volumes from and to 38 bus stops in the Xueyuan Square area of Dalian during weekday morning peak hours were taken as the experimental objects. The basic estimation models of two gravity sets corresponding to passenger flow volumes from and to bus stops were constructed using the bus travel generation based on the aggregation of area-based origin unit method and the bus travel distance impedance based on the probability density method. Finally, the reliability of the estimation method of passenger flow volumes from and to bus stops was verified by regression fitting between the surveyed values of passenger flow volume and the estimated values of the basic models. The results indicate that the fuzzy estimation and transformation of bus travel based on land use elements, which serves as a crucial lever for facilitating strategic alignment in transit-oriented development (TOD), can be effectively achieved by using the area-based origin unit method to aggregate bus travel generation and the probability density method to evaluate the bus travel distance impedance.
Landscape Dynamics of the Mu Us Sandy Land Based on Multi-Source Remote Sensing Images
Authors: Fei Bingqiang , Ma Huirong , Yin Jie , Zhang Lingguang , Li Jia , Xiu Xiaomin , Zhou Dezheng , Pang Yingjun , Zhang Yandong , Jia Xiaohong , Wu Bo
Published: July 2024

This study meticulously investigates landscape alterations within the Mu Us Sandy Land, a critical region for desertification control in China. The research dissects the dynamic characteristics and inter-conversion of landscape elements across eleven distinct periods by employing multi-source remote sensing imagery spanning 1963 to 2020, alongside visual interpretation, random forest classification, and the desertification difference index (DDI). The analysis uncovers significant landscape transformations within the Mu Us Sandy Land over the past six decades, following a precise chronological sequence. A pivotal shift occurred around 1986, characterized by opposing trends within fixed and shifting sandy land. The earlier stage (pre-1986) witnessed a substantial decrease (66.9%) in the fixed sandy land area, accompanied by a corresponding rise (38.7%) in shifting sandy land. Conversely, the later stage (post-1986) era exhibited a remarkable increase (309.7%) in fixed sandy land, alongside a significant decline (78.9%) in shifting sand land coverage. This study identifies two stages of landscape transformation: a pre-1986 phase dominated by the conversion of fixed sandy land to semi-fixed sandy land and a post-1986 reversal toward shifting sand land into fixed sandy land. These sequential transformations have shaped the landscape pattern alterations observed in the Mu Us Sandy Land since 1963. The dramatic landscape improvements observed after 1986 can be primarily attributed to the implementation and continued investment in large-scale ecological restoration projects. This study’s findings, which reveal the intricate landscape dynamics and their implications for ecosystem management, provide a scientific foundation for refining and formulating comprehensive strategies to control desertification and manage the Mu Us Sandy Land’s unique ecosystem.
Distribution Characteristics, Risk Assessment, and Source Analysis of Heavy Metals in Farmland Soil of a Karst Area in Southwest China
Authors: Ma Yiqi , Ning Jing , Yang Hui , Zhang Liankai , Xu Can , Huang Chao , Liang Jianhong
Published: July 2024

Soil environmental quality related to the residents’ life, health, and safety, has been the hotspot issues in science of ecological environment protection. Evaluating the distribution characteristics, ecological risk, and source of heavy metals in farmland is important for protecting soil resources. The agricultural area of Lianhua town, Gongcheng County, Guilin is a typical karst landform. In response to the problem of heavy metal pollution and complex sources in the soil of this area, the characteristics and sources of heavy metal pollution in the soil profiles from farmland, abandoned land, and forest were studied using the single-factor index method, the geoaccumulation index (Igeo) principal component analysis (PCA) and positive matrix factorization (PMF) model. The results showed that: (1) that the contents of cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), and zinc (Zn) in the soil profile of the study area were higher than that of the soil elements background values in Guangxi. The total and available forms contents of all heavy metal elements exhibited the characteristics of accumulation in the surface profile; (2) among the six heavy elements, the contents of Cd were in a moderately to heavily polluted state. The contents of Cd in some soil profiles exceeded the control standard for agricultural land soil pollution. The contents of Zn and Ni were from slightly to moderately polluted in areas with frequent agricultural activities; (3) according to the PCA and PMF model, there were three main sources of heavy metals in the study area. Among them, Cd, Cu, Ni, and Zn are related to agricultural activities; the elements As, Cd, Cr, and Hg are closely related to geological background; Pb and Zn are mainly affected by atmospheric sedimentation of transportation. Agricultural activities and natural geological background are the main contribution sources of heavy metals in soil. Human activities are the main factors that cause the accumulation of heavy metals in soil. This research has theoretical guidance and practical significance for the prevention and control of soil heavy metal pollution and the protection of farmland environmental quality in the region.
Effects of Resistance Exercise with and without Blood Flow Restriction on Acute Hemodynamic Responses: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Macedo Anderson Geremias , Massini Danilo Alexandre , Almeida Tiago André Freire , dos Reis Luciana Maria , Galdino Giovane , Santos Adriana Teresa Silva , da Silva Júnior Osvaldo Tadeu , Venditti Júnior Rubens , Pessôa Filho Dalton Muller
Published: July 2024

Low-load intensity resistance exercise with blood flow restriction (BFR) is an alternative method for enhancing strength and muscle mass. However, acute cardiovascular responses to a complete training session remain uncertain compared to high-load intensity resistance exercise (HI). Therefore, the objective of this study to examine acute and post-exercise hemodynamic responses to low-load BFR and HI protocols. This systematic review and meta-analysis (RD42022308697) followed PRISMA guidelines to investigate whether the responses of heart rate (HR), blood systolic (SBP), blood diastolic pressure (DBP), and rate pressure product (RPP) immediately after and up to 60 min post-exercise from BFR were consistent with those reported after resistance exercises performed at HI in healthy individuals. Searches using PICO descriptors were conducted in databases from January 2011 to December 2023, and effect sizes were determined by Hedge’s g. The selected studies involved 160 participants in nine articles, for which the responses immediately after BFR and HI exercises showed no differences in HR (p = 0.23) or SBP (p = 0.57), but significantly higher DBP (p < 0.01) and lower RPP (p < 0.01) responses were found when comparing BFR to HI. Furthermore, the BFR and HI protocols showed no differences regarding SBP (p = 0.21) or DBP (p = 0.68) responses during a 15 to 60 min post-exercise period. Thus, these results indicated that hemodynamic responses are similar between BFR and HI, with a similar hypotensive effect up to 60 min following exercise.
Technology and Future of Multi-Cancer Early Detection
Authors: Milner Danny A. , Lennerz Jochen K.
Published: July 2024

Cancer remains a significant global health challenge due to its high morbidity and mortality rates. Early detection is essential for improving patient outcomes, yet current diagnostic methods lack the sensitivity and specificity needed for identifying early-stage cancers. Here, we explore the potential of multi-omics approaches, which integrate genomic, transcriptomic, proteomic, and metabolomic data, to enhance early cancer detection. We highlight the challenges and benefits of data integration from these diverse sources and discuss successful examples of multi-omics applications in other fields. By leveraging these advanced technologies, multi-omics can significantly improve the sensitivity and specificity of early cancer diagnostics, leading to better patient outcomes and more personalized cancer care. We underscore the transformative potential of multi-omics approaches in revolutionizing early cancer detection and the need for continued research and clinical integration.
Emerging Transcatheter Therapies for Valvular Heart Disease: Focus on Mitral and Tricuspid Valve Procedures
Authors: Ktenopoulos Nikolaos , Katsaros Odysseas , Apostolos Anastasios , Drakopoulou Maria , Tsigkas Grigorios , Tsioufis Constantinos , Davlouros Periklis , Toutouzas Konstantinos , Karanasos Antonios
Published: July 2024

The emergence of percutaneous treatment options provides novel therapeutic alternatives for older and feeble patients who are at high risk for any surgical procedure. The purpose of our review was to offer an up-to-date analysis of the rapidly expanding field of percutaneous technologies for mitral, tricuspid, and pulmonary procedures. Edge-to-edge repair is an established treatment for secondary mitral regurgitation (MR), while transcatheter mitral valve replacement is a potential and expanding option for managing both secondary and primary MR. However, additional advancements are necessary to enhance the safety and feasibility of this procedure. Transcatheter tricuspid intervention is an emerging option that was conceived after the success of transcatheter procedures in aortic and mitral valves, and it is currently still in the early stages of advancement. This can be attributed, at least in part, to the previously overlooked effect of tricuspid regurgitation on patient outcomes. The development of edge-to-edge repair represents the forefront of innovations in transcatheter procedures. There is a scarcity of data about tricuspid annuloplasty and replacement, and further study is necessary. Transcatheter mitral, tricuspid, and pulmonary procedures show prospects for the future, while their role in clinical practice has not been definitively established.
Multi-Objective Deep Q-Network Control for Actively Lubricated Bearings
Authors: Shutin Denis , Kazakov Yuri
Published: July 2024

This paper aims to study and demonstrate the possibilities of using reinforcement learning for the synthesis of multi-objective controllers for radial actively lubricated hybrid fluid film bearings (ALHBs), which are considered to be complex multi-physical systems. In addition to the rotor displacement control problem being typically solved for active bearings, the proposed approach also includes power losses due to friction and lubricant pumping in ALHBs among the control objectives to be minimized by optimizing the lubrication modes. The multi-objective controller was synthesized using the deep Q-network (DQN) learning technique. An optimal control policy was determined by the DQN agent during its repetitive interaction with the simulation model of the rotor system with ALHBs. The calculations were sped up by replacing the numerical model of an ALHB with its surrogate ANN-based counterpart and by predicting the shaft displacements in response to operation of two independent control loops. The controller synthesized considering the formulated reward function for DQN agent is able to find a stable shaft position that reduces power losses by almost half compared to the losses observed when using a passive system. It also is able to prevent the established limit of the minimum fluid film thickness being exceeded to avoid possible system damage, for example, when the rotor is unbalanced during the operation. Analysis of the development process and the results obtained allowed us to draw conclusions about the main advantages and disadvantages of the considered approach, and also allowed us to identify some important directions for further research.
Learning Experiences and Didactic Needs of German Healthcare Professions: A Focus Group Study for the Design of Personalized Interprofessional Further Education in Dementia Healthcare
Authors: Stelter Marie , Malek Manuela , Halek Margareta , Ehlers Jan , Nitsche Julia
Published: July 2024

Considering the multifaceted nature of neurodegenerative diseases like dementia and the necessity for interprofessional knowledge, this research extends its scope to encompass professionals with diverse levels of training and experience in dementia care. A need analysis for the project “My INdividual Digital EDucation.RUHR” (MINDED.RUHR) is conducted to develop an automatized recommender system for individual learning content using AI. In this sub-study, the aim was to reveal didactic specialties, knowledge gaps, and structural challenges of further education in dementia care of different health professions and to derive learning preference personae. Eight focus group interviews among nine health professions and up to six participants (N = 34) each took place to survey distinct didactic experiences and learning needs. The results reflect various learning preferences, with a propensity to multimedia, practical, and interactive tasks. Health professions are used to digital education but show aversions against synchronous e-learning formats. The derived learning preference personae constitute profound blueprints for a user-centered digital education design process, aiming to establish personalized and representative further education in dementia care applicable to various individual preferences and structural workplace challenges of healthcare professions.
Artificial Bee Colony Algorithm to Optimize the Safety Distance of Workers in Construction Projects
Authors: Forcael Eric , Carriel Ibzan , Opazo-Vega Alexander , Moreno Francisco , Orozco Francisco , Romo Rubén , Agdas Duzgun
Published: July 2024

This paper presents the results of a simulation model regarding the productivity and safety working space for construction workers through the floors of a building using swarm intelligence (SI), a field of artificial intelligence (AI), and specifically using artificial bee colony (ABC) optimization. After designing the algorithm used to build the simulation model, the simulation was used in an actual building project by comparing the travel times of workers conventionally transporting material with another group working on routes optimized by the algorithm. Thus, the proposed algorithm provides routes combining shorter travel times and correct distances between workers when transporting materials in a construction site, handling the interference between crews. After validating the algorithm on-site, no statistically significant differences were found between the travel times of workers and the times delivered by the algorithm. Additionally, the travel times using the routes obtained through the algorithm were significantly lower than those made by workers who moved freely without a predefined route. In summary, the algorithm proposed may help construction practitioners maintain safe movements that respond to hazard contexts imposed by any restriction that demands a safety distance.
Minimum Principles for Sturm–Liouville Inequalities and Applications
Authors: Ngo Phuc , Lan Kunquan
Published: July 2024

A minimum principle for a Sturm–Liouville (S-L) inequality is obtained, which shows that the minimum value of a nonconstant solution of a S-L inequality never occurs in the interior of the domain (a closed interval) of the solution. The minimum principle is then applied to prove that any nonconstant solutions of S-L inequalities subject to separated inequality boundary conditions (IBCs) must be strictly positive in the interiors of their domains and are increasing or decreasing for some of these IBCs. These positivity results are used to prove the uniqueness of the solutions of linear S-L equations with separated BCs. All of these results hold for the corresponding second-order differential inequalities (or equations), which are special cases of S-L inequalities (or equations). These results are applied to two models arising from the source distribution of the human head and chemical reactor theory. The first model is governed by a nonlinear S-L equation, while the second one is governed by a nonlinear second-order differential equation. For the first model, the explicit solutions are not available, and there are no results on the existence of solutions of the first model. Our results show that all the nonconstant solutions are increasing and are strictly positive solutions. For the second model, many results on the uniqueness of the solutions and the existence of multiple solutions have been obtained before. Our results are applied to prove that all the nonconstant solutions are decreasing and strictly positive.
Image Feature Extraction Using Symbolic Data of Cumulative Distribution Functions
Authors: Winarni Sri , Indratno Sapto , Arisanti Restu , Pontoh Resa
Published: July 2024

Symbolic data analysis is an emerging field in statistics with great potential to become a standard inferential technique. This research introduces a new approach to image feature extraction using the empirical cumulative distribution function (ECDF) and distribution function of distribution values (DFDV) as symbolic data. The main objective is to reduce the dimension of huge pixel data by organizing them into more coherent pixel-intensity distributions. We propose a partitioning method with different breakpoints to capture pixel intensity variations effectively. This results in an ECDF representing the proportion of pixel intensities and a DFDV representing the probability distribution at specific points. The novelty of this approach lies in using ECDF and DFDV as symbolic features, thus summarizing the data and providing a more informative representation of the pixel value distribution, facilitating image classification analysis based on intensity distribution. The experimental results underscore the potential of this method in distinguishing image characteristics among existing image classes. Image features extracted using this approach promise image classification analysis with more informative image representations. In addition, theoretical insights into the properties of DFDV distribution functions are gained.
Multidimensional Hyperbolic Equations with Nonlocal Potentials: Families of Global Solutions
Authors: Muravnik Andrey B.
Published: July 2024

In spaces of arbitrary dimensions, hyperbolic differential–difference equations with potentials undergoing translations along arbitrary spatial directions are investigated. The fundamental novelty of this study is that, unlike previous investigations, no restrictions are imposed on the symbol of the differential–difference operator contained in the equation. For the investigated equation, we succeed to explicitly construct a multiparametric family of classical global solutions.
Scleroderma-like Lesions in a Patient Undergoing Combined Pembrolizumab and Routine Chemotherapy: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Pai Hung-Liang , Liu Chin-Yin , Yeh Ming-Hsin
Published: July 2024

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) represents a challenging malignancy with limited treatment options and a poor prognosis. Adjuvant therapies, including chemotherapy and immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI), are commonly employed following breast conservation surgery. However, these treatments can lead to various adverse effects, including cutaneous complications and connective tissue disorders. Here, we present the case of a 54-year-old woman with TNBC who developed morphea, a form of localized scleroderma, following adjuvant chemotherapy and pembrolizumab administration. This case highlights the rarity of drug-induced morphea and emphasizes the importance of recognizing and managing such adverse events in breast cancer patients. We discuss the clinical characteristics, diagnostic challenges, and treatment considerations associated with drug-induced scleroderma-like lesions, as well as the potential mechanisms underlying their development. Furthermore, we review the literature on the incidence, clinical features, and outcomes of scleroderma-like lesions induced by chemotherapy and ICIs. This case underscores the need for increased awareness of immune-related adverse events in patients receiving immunotherapy, as well as the importance of individualized treatment approaches to optimize patient care and outcomes.
Factors Influencing Central Venous Catheter-Associated Bloodstream Infections in COVID-19 Patients
Authors: Neto Adriana Lemos de Sousa , Campos Thalita , Mendes-Rodrigues Clesnan , Pedroso Reginaldo dos Santos , Röder Denise Von Dolinger de Brito
Published: July 2024

During the pandemic of COVID-19, the rates of bloodstream infection associated with venous catheter in patients infected with the disease admitted to an intensive care unit rose significantly. In this study, we evaluated the occurrence of bloodstream infections in patients with SARS-CoV-2 and the variables that made the patients more susceptible to the catheter-associated bloodstream infection (CABSI). Blood culture results from patients interned between March 2020 and December 2021 (n= 109) were collected electronically from the hospital information system and then analyzed. The following variables presented statistical relevance after an adjusted model as follows: obesity (p = 0.003) and time of use of catheter before infection (p = 0.019). In conclusion, patients with shorter catheter use time and obesity had higher incidence of CABSI.
Comparative High-Throughput Sequencing Analysis of the Bacterial Community Associated with the Rhizosphere of Date Palm (Phoenix dactyllifera L.) Irrigated with Treated Wastewater and Groundwater
Authors: Kouadri Fayza
Published: July 2024

Water scarcity is a major agricultural issue in most arid and semi-arid regions of the world. Alternative water supplies, such as the reuse of wastewater for agricultural irrigation, have been introduced. However, little is known about their impact on the soil and rhizosphere microbiomes that receive irrigation. Therefore, this work evaluates the impact of treated wastewater (TWW) irrigation on the soil and rhizosphere bacterial communities of date palms in Al Madinah, Saudi Arabia. In this study, metagenomic DNA from the rhizosphere of the date palm was sequenced using Illumina high-throughput sequencing. According to the observed OTUs, Chao1 richness estimations, and Shannon diversity values, soils from groundwater-irrigated date palms showed higher microbial diversity than did soils from TWW-irrigated date palms. A total of 569 OTUs were generated; most of them (97.3%) were assigned into 15 different phyla, whereas 2.7% were marked as unclassified. DNA sequence analysis of the WWT-irrigated rhizosphere showed that the most abundant phyla were Firmicutes (43.6%), Bacteroidetes (17.3%), Proteobacteria (15.2%), and Actinobacteria (14.6%), representing more than 90.7% of the total community, while the soil of the rhizosphere irrigated with GW was dominated by Actinobacteria (44.1%), Proteobacteria (23.4%), Firmicutes (15.5%), and Gemmatimonadetes (4.9%). The most frequently observed species in the two soils were also different. The dominant species in TWW-irrigated soil was Planococcus plakortidis, which is prevalent in saline and moderately saline habitats and can play an important ecological role. The GW-irrigated rhizosphere exhibited higher levels of biocontrol bacteria, particularly Nocardioides mesophilus. These results provide a comprehensive understanding and insights into the population dynamics and microbiome of date palm rhizosphere. The findings show that the irrigation water quality has a significant impact on the microbiome composition. Identifying the microbial diversity is the first step toward determining the best way to use TWW in irrigation.