bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ANN‐based analysis of the effect of SCM on recycled aggregate concrete
Authors: Mosquera Carlos H. , Acosta Melissa P. , Rodríguez William A. , Mejía‐España Diego A. , Torres Jonhatan R. , Martinez Daniela M. , Abellán‐García Joaquín
Published: July 2024

Rising environmental awareness has prompted in‐depth studies on how the concrete industry affects the environment. Using recycled concrete aggregates (RCAs) and supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) in concrete manufacturing provides advantages for sustainability. However, the broader chemical composition of SCMs and the inferior qualities of RCAs compared with natural aggregates (NAs) often lead to a decrease in concrete mechanical strength. The difficulty lies in foreseeing how the inclusion of SCMs and RCAs will affect the concrete compressive strength. The artificial neural network (ANN) approach presented herein can precisely forecast the recycled aggregate concrete (RAC) compressive strength, even when incorporates SCMs. The analysis employing the connection weight approach (CWA) determines how input variables influence compressive strength. Results indicate silica fume contributes most to compressive strength, followed by cement content, silica modulus, fine natural aggregate dosage, and coarse natural aggregate. Additionally, the amount of water utilized, the water/cement ratio, and the presence of RCA are all detrimental to compressive strength. The adverse effect of the cementitious materials' alumina modulus can be attributed to increased water demand during their reaction. Performance metrics of the final ANN model on the testing data subset include R2 = 0.94, and RMSE = 3.11, utilizing 834 data observations after outlier treatment for training and validation purposes. In summary, the ANN‐based approach demonstrates its efficacy in predicting concrete compressive strength when incorporating SCMs and RCAs, shedding light on the influential factors in concrete performance.
Evidence for seasonal shift in the reproduction of Aldabra giant tortoises (Aldabrachelys gigantea) in managed care in the Northern hemisphere compared to the natural habitat in the Southern hemisphere
Authors: Cigler Pia , Davis Leyla R. , Gmür Sarah‐Lisa , Clauss Marcus , Hatt Jean‐Michel , Ohlerth Stefanie , Mastromonaco Gabriela , Kummrow Maya
Published: July 2024

Ex situ breeding constitutes an important tool for species conservation; however, many reptile species are not managed sustainably under human care due to poor fecundity in ex situ settings. In this study, we tested whether the translocation of a seasonally reproducing species to a different environment results in decoupling of extrinsic signals and intrinsic conditions. The endocrinological patterns of plasma steroid sex hormones, follicular development, and mating behaviour of two female and two male sexually mature Aldabra tortoises (Aldabrachelys gigantea) in a zoological institution in the Northern hemisphere was aligned with enclosure climate data (mean monthly daylight duration, temperature, and precipitation) and compared with respective hormone patterns of wild individuals and climate conditions in the native habitat on the Aldabra Atoll in the Southern hemisphere. Whereas occurrence of mating behaviour was not considered a limiting factor, lack of ovulation and subsequent follicular atresia was the main reason for the lack of reproductive output. While it was impossible to elucidate the triggering factors of ovulation and the multifactorial complexity of reproduction was not fully addressed, this study indicates suboptimal temperature conditions and relative temporal shifts of interacting external triggers (temperature and photoperiod) in the zoo setting.
Final Thoughts on Sustainable Urbanization
Authors: Evers David , Katurić Ivana , van der Wouden Ries
Published: July 2024

This chapter contributes to the scholarly and policy debate on sustainable urbanization by discussing the substantive, conceptual, and methodological innovations our pan-European research. Recommendations are provided for policymakers committed to making urbanization more sustainable in the form of inspiration rather than instruction. Recommendations are also provided for future research by noting loose ends and untested hypotheses. We conclude with a call for more attention for sustainability among spatial planners and more attention for spatial planning among environmentalists.
Short-chain fatty acids suppresses astrocyte activation by amplifying Trp-AhR-AQP4 signaling in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis mice
Authors: Lin Xiuli , Peng Yufeng , Guo Zhimei , He Wuhui , Guo Wenyuan , Feng Junmin , Lu Lin , Liu Qin , Xu Pingyi
Published: July 2024

The function of astrocytes in response to gut microbiota-derived signals has an important role in the pathophysiological processes of central nervous system (CNS) diseases. However, the specific effects of microbiota-derived metabolites on astrocyte activation have not been elucidated yet. Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) was induced in female C57BL/6 mice as a classical MS model. The alterations of gut microbiota and the levels of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) were assessed after EAE induction. We observed that EAE mice exhibit low levels of Allobaculum, Clostridium_IV, Clostridium_XlVb, Lactobacillus genera, and microbial-derived SCFAs metabolites. SCFAs supplementation suppressed astrocyte activation by increasing the level of tryptophan (Trp)-derived AhR ligands that activating the AhR. The beneficial effects of SCFAs supplementation on the clinical scores, histopathological alterations, and the blood brain barrier (BBB)-glymphatic function were abolished by intracisterna magna injection of AAV-GFAP-shAhR. Moreover, SCFAs supplementation suppressed the loss of AQP4 polarity within astrocytes in an AhR-dependent manner. Together, SCFAs potentially suppresses astrocyte activation by amplifying Trp-AhR-AQP4 signaling in EAE mice. Our study demonstrates that SCFAs supplementation may serve as a viable therapy for inflammatory disorders of the CNS.
Exploring the impact of ‘hostile environment’ policies on psychological distress of ethnic groups in the UK: a differences-in-differences analysis
Authors: Dotsikas K. , McGrath M. , Osborn D. P. J. , Walters K. , Dykxhoorn J.
Published: July 2024

Purpose

In 2012, the UK government announced legislation changes and heightened immigration controls designed to create a ‘hostile environment for illegal migration.’ We measured changes in psychological distress among people from minoritised ethnic groups compared to White British controls before and throughout the implementation of these policies.

Methods

We used the UK Household Longitudinal Survey to estimate difference-in-difference models for six ethnic groups (Bangladeshi, African, Caribbean, Indian, Pakistani, and White British) in three eras: pre-policy (2009–2012); (2) transition (2012–2016); and (3) ongoing policy (2016–2020). We calculated the adjusted marginal mean psychological distress score at each era using the 12-item General Health Questionnaire (GHQ).

Results

In the pre-policy era, we found higher psychological distress for the Pakistani, Bangladeshi, and Caribbean groups compared to the White British group. We observed patterns consistent with increasing psychological distress during the transition era for the Pakistani and Bangladeshi groups, with further increases in the ongoing era for the Bangladeshi group. Levels of psychological distress the Indian and African groups were similar to the White British group in the pre-policy era and decreased over successive eras. A small decrease was observed in the Caribbean group across policy eras, while levels remained stable in the White British group.

Conclusion

We found evidence that psychological distress increased among Pakistani and Bangladeshi individuals following the introduction of hostile environment policies but did not detect increased distress in other ethnic groups. This finding underscores the importance of disaggregating analyses by ethnic group to capture the distinct experiences.
Update on cannabis in human sexuality
Authors: Lissitsa Denis , Hovers May , Shamuilova Michal , Ezrapour Tal , Peled-Avron Leehe
Published: July 2024

Rationale

Sexuality is a central aspect of being human that encompasses many facets. Cannabis, a widely used psychoactive substance, has been associated with various effects on sexuality. The relationship between cannabis and sexuality is complex and multifaceted, involving physiological, psychological, and social factors.

Objectives

This review aims to provide an overview of the current literature on the effects of cannabis on several sexual functions, including sexual desire, arousal, orgasm, and sexual satisfaction. It also discusses the potential mechanisms underlying these effects, as well as the impact of dose and frequency of use.

Results

This review has revealed a complex relationship between cannabis dosage and its influence on sexuality. It appears that the frequency of cannabis use in humans has been associated with the frequency of sexual activities. Individuals who use cannabis more frequently tend to report higher levels of sexual activity. Moreover, there is a notable gender difference in how cannabis affects sexuality. In addition, we found lower doses of cannabis to be linked to heightened sexual desire and enjoyment, whereas higher doses may lead to a decrease in sexual desire and performance.

Conclusions

Overall, the association between cannabis and sexuality is complex and warrants further research to better understand the psychological and neurological mechanisms that underlie the effect of cannabis on these sexuality functions and its implications for sexual health. To advance in this endeavor, a crucial step is establishing a precise measurement of dosage in human studies.
The Structure of the LysR-type Transcriptional Regulator, CysB, Bound to the Inducer, N-acetylserine
Authors: Verschueren Koen H. G. , Dodson Eleanor J. , Wilkinson Anthony J.
Published: July 2024

In Escherichia coli and Salmonella typhimurium, cysteine biosynthesis requires the products of 20 or more cys genes co-ordinately regulated by CysB. Under conditions of sulphur limitation and in the presence of the inducer, N-acetylserine, CysB binds to cys promoters and activates the transcription of the downstream coding sequences. CysB is a homotetramer, comprising an N-terminal DNA binding domain (DBD) and a C-terminal effector binding domain (EBD). The crystal structure of a dimeric EBD fragment of CysB from Klebsiella aerogenes revealed a protein fold similar to that seen in Lac repressor but with a different symmetry in the dimer so that the mode of DNA binding was not apparent. To elucidate the subunit arrangement in the tetramer, we determined the crystal structure of intact CysB in complex with N-acetylserine. The tetramer has two subunit types that differ in the juxtaposition of their winged helix-turn-helix DNA binding domains with respect to the effector binding domain. In the assembly, the four EBDs form a core with the DNA binding domains arranged in pairs on the surface. N-acetylserine makes extensive polar interactions in an enclosed binding site, and its binding is accompanied by substantial conformational rearrangements of surrounding residues that are propagated to the protein surface where they appear to alter the arrangement of the DNA binding domains. The results are (i) discussed in relation to the extensive mutational data available for CysB and (ii) used to propose a structural mechanism of N-acetylserine induced CysB activation.
Early and late assessment of renal allograft dysfunction using intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) and diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI): a prospective study
Authors: El-Ksas Mostafa , EL-Metwally Dina , Fahmy Dalia , Shebel Haytham
Published: July 2024

Purpose

To evaluate the ability of the Intravoxel Incoherent Motion (IVIM) and monoexponentially ADC in renal allograft function in the early and late phases of transplantation, and to predict their effectiveness in discrimination of the graft pathology.

Methods

This is a prospective study included participants scanned with quantitative diffusion and perfusion sequences on a 3-T MR scanner (Philips, Ingenia); the ADC and IVIM parameters; were calculated. Correlations and regression analysis with the eGFR, transplantation periods, and pathology were assessed.

Results

This study included 105 renal allograft recipients (85 males, and 20 females with mean age = 32.4 ± 11.9 years and age range = 22–61 years). There was a significant positive correlation between the whole parameters of the ADC and IVIM with eGFR however, the cortical parameters showed higher significant correlation coefficients (p < 0.001). Regression analysis revealed the most significant model can predict eGFR groups included cortical pseudo diffusion (D*) and cortical ADC (p < 0.001). In graft dysfunction eGFR was 61.5 ml/min and normal graft was 64 ml/min. This model demonstrates a high performance of an AUC 96% [0.93–0.97]. In the late transplantation, there is a higher correlation with D* compared to ADC, p-values = 0.001.

Conclusion

IVIM and ADC Values are significant biomarkers for renal allograft function assessment, cortical ADC, and D* had the highest performance even in situations with mild impairment that is not affect the eGFR yet as cases of proteinuria with normal eGFR. Furthermore, D* is superior to ADC in the late assessment of the renal transplant.

Graphical abstract
Tip Surgery in Dorsal Preservation Rhinoplasty: The Effect of Modified Low Septal Strip Septoplasty on Tip Plasty
Authors: Çelik Vasfi , Tuluy Yavuz , Çakır Bozkurt Gökçen
Published: July 2024

Background

The aim in tip surgery is to provide rotation, derotation, projection and deprojection. In this study, we aimed to show the effects of modified low septal strip septoplasty, septal extension graft, TIG technique and additional maneuvers on tip shape in dorsal preservation rhinoplasty (DPR) and to discuss our clinical results.

Patients and Methods

One hundred eighty-nine patients who underwent DPR with modified low septal strip septoplasty between November 2021 and August 2023 were included in the study. Demographic data, complications, revision surgeries and follow-up periods of the patients were analyzed retrospectively.

Results

The mean age of the patients is 29.58±9.04 (17-65). The mean follow-up period was 14, 50±2,98 months. Complications were observed in 1.1% of the patients (n=2/189). Revision surgery was performed in all these patients. Residual hump in 2 were observed and dorsum rasping was performed under local anesthesia. No tip revision was performed on any patient.

Conclusions

A strong tip fixation is achieved with the modified low septal septoplasty technique described in this publication, and when combined with septal extension graft, tongue in groove technique and other suture techniques, an effective and permanent tip plasty can be performed in DPR.

Level of Evidence II

This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266.
Recurrent pelvic organ prolapse after hysterectomy; a 10-year national follow-up study
Authors: Kuittinen Tea , Mentula Maarit , Tulokas Sari , Brummer Tea , Jalkanen Jyrki , Tomas Eija , Mäkinen Juha , Sjöberg Jari , Härkki Päivi , Rahkola-Soisalo Päivi
Published: July 2024

Purpose

Hysterectomy may be a risk factor for pelvic organ prolapse (POP). We assessed the risk of recurrent POP (operations and visits) after hysterectomy among women with previous POP. We also studied patient and operation related risk factors for POP recurrence.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study included 1697 women having previous POP diagnosis or POP at the time of hysterectomy (FINHYST 2006 cohort). Follow-up was until the end of 2016. The data was derived from the Finnish National Care register linked to the cohort. Hysterectomy approaches and other demographics were compared to the risk of a prolapse diagnosis and/or surgery. Cox regression model was used to identify hazard ratios.

Results

Following hysterectomy, a total of 280 women (16.5%) had a POP reoperation and 359 (21.2%) had an outpatient visit due to POP. Vaginal vault prolapse repair was the most common POP reoperation (n = 181, 10.7%), followed by anterior wall repair (n = 120, 7.1%). Median time to POP reoperation was 3.7 years. Hysterectomy approach did not affect reoperations or visits. Previous cesarean section and anterior repair during hysterectomy were associated with decreased risk, whereas concomitant sacrospinous fixation and uterus prolapse as the main indication led to increased risk of anterior/vault prolapse reoperations. Concomitant posterior repair decreased posterior reoperations and visits, but uterus weight over 500 g caused a fivefold increased risk of posterior prolapse visit. Residential status was associated with elevated risk of any POP reoperations and visits.

Conclusions

Approximately one out of five women suffering from POP ensue POP reoperation or visit after hysterectomy. These high rates are independent on hysterectomy approach, but probably indicate that hysterectomy may worsen previous pelvic floor dysfunction.
Bedside diagnosis of silent aspiration using mobile dynamic digital radiography: a preliminary study
Authors: Koyama Yuji , R.A. Yukuo Morohoshi , SLP Tetsuji Ohta , Toyokura Minoru , Mizuno Katsuhiro , Masakado Yoshihisa
Published: July 2024

Purpose

This study aimed to assess reliable options for bedside diagnosis of silent aspiration in the intensive care unit by examining the use of default grayscale images (DGI) obtained using a mobile, general-purpose, radiography system capable of dynamic digital radiography (M-DDR) and inverted grayscale images (IGI) of DGI.

Methods

This cohort study (exploratory and preliminary) involved 18 adult patients (mean age, 89.0 years) for whom a swallowing assessment request was received from their primary physicians. Fifty-six IGI videoclips were evaluated by three specialists using the penetration-aspiration scale (PAS), with the gold standard being the consensus reading of all three specialists. Another three speech-language pathologists (SLPs) assessed 56 DGI and IGI videoclips using the PAS. PAS scores 1 and 2 were classified as normal range, PAS scores 3–5 as pathological laryngeal penetration, and PAS scores 6–8 as aspiration. The correct rates with IGI and DGI were then determined, and the level of agreement of IGI and DGI evaluations was evaluated.

Results

The correct rate of all evaluators was 100% for normal range, 80–100% for pathological laryngeal penetration, and 83–100% for aspiration with IGI and 100% for normal range, 90% for pathological laryngeal penetration, and 83% for aspiration with DGI. The kappa coefficient for IGI and DGI showed almost complete agreement for abnormal conditions.

Conclusion

Dynamic imaging of swallowing 2–5 ml of liquid using M-DDR performed for elderly patients at the bedside showed that aspiration assessments by SLPs obtained from DGI videos immediately after imaging are acceptable.
Perichondritis of the auricle: bacterial or fungal? (A case series)
Authors: Hu Ming , Cheng Yan
Published: July 2024

Background

Suppurative perichondritis of the auricle is a common disease that can easily cause malformations if it develops into an uncontrolled infection. In nearly half of the cases, otolaryngologists cannot identify the pathogens involved.

Case presentation

In the present work, we described two cases of pyogenic perichondritis, with negative on conventional culture. However, using metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS), we detected fungal infections in the patients and after the patients were given anti-fungal treatment, the patients achieved a good prognosis.

Conclusions

These cases highlighted the possibility that fungi might be the involved pathogens in patients who have had multiple negative bacterial cultures, and mNGS should be applied in these cases. mNGS could be used as a supplement to traditional culture methods.
Neurosteroids and translocator protein 18 kDa (TSPO) ligands as novel treatment options in depression
Authors: Riebel Marco , Brunner Lisa-Marie , Nothdurfter Caroline , Wein Simon , Schwarzbach Jens , Liere Philippe , Schumacher Michael , Rupprecht Rainer
Published: July 2024

Recently, the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) system has come into focus for the treatment of anxiety, postpartum depression, and major depressive disorder. Endogenous 3α-reduced steroids such as allopregnanolone are potent positive allosteric modulators of GABAA receptors and have been known for decades. Current industry developments and first approvals by the U.S. food and drug administration (FDA) for the treatment of postpartum depression with exogenous analogues of these steroids represent a major step forward in the field. 3α-reduced steroids target both synaptic and extrasynaptic GABAA receptors, unlike benzodiazepines, which bind to synaptic receptors. The first FDA-approved 3α-reduced steroid for postpartum depression is brexanolone, an intravenous formulation of allopregnanolone. It has been shown to provide rapid relief of depressive symptoms. An orally available 3α-reduced steroid is zuranolone, which also received FDA approval in 2023 for the treatment of postpartum depression. Although a number of studies have been conducted, the efficacy data were not sufficient to achieve approval of zuranolone in major depressive disorder by the FDA in 2023. The most prominent side effects of these 3α-reduced steroids are somnolence, dizziness and headache. In addition to the issue of efficacy, it should be noted that current data limit the use of these compounds to two weeks. An alternative to exogenous 3α-reduced steroids may be the use of substances that induce endogenous neurosteroidogenesis, such as the translocator protein 18 kDa (TSPO) ligand etifoxine. TSPO has been extensively studied for its role in steroidogenesis, in addition to other functions such as anti-inflammatory and neuroregenerative properties. Currently, etifoxine is the only clinically available TSPO ligand in France for the treatment of anxiety disorders. Studies are underway to evaluate its antidepressant potential. Hopefully, neurosteroid research will lead to the development of fast-acting antidepressants.
Psychosocial factors affect the occurrence of nonsuicidal self-injury in adolescents with major depressive disorder through chain mediation
Authors: Ren Tian , Wen Yujiao , Ma Lu , Qiao Dan , Li Gaizhi , Li Hong , Wang Xiao , Liu Zhifen
Published: July 2024

In the adolescent group, about half of adolescents with major depressive disorder (MDD) have NSSI. Psychosocial factors are associated with the development of NSSI. Clarifying the relationship between psychosocial factors and NSSI in adolescents with MDD can help us achieve early prevent. Demographic data, Hamilton Depression Scale-24 (HAMA24), childhood trauma questionnaire, emotional intelligence scale and interpersonal reactivity index were collected from 187 adolescents with MDD. Use ANOVA, Chi-square test, Binary Logistic Regression, Pearson correlation analysis, Mediation effect analysis and the Structural Equation Model for data analysis. The results of ANOVA showed that there was significant difference between the two groups in HAMD24 total score, impulsiveness, emotional intelligence, and empathy (p < 0.05). In the regression analysis, women, depression degree, motor impulsiveness (MI), personal distress (PD) and appraisal of other’s emotions empathy were the risk factors for MDD adolescents to produce NSSI behavior. Among the indicators that were significantly related to MDD and NSSI, MI and PD mediate the relationship between MDD and NSSI. The structural equation model showed that MDD, PD and MI had a direct impact on NSSI, but PD and MI had multiple intermediary effected in the relationship between MDD and NSSI. Emotional intelligence, emotional neglect and cognitive impulsiveness indirectly affected the occurrence of NSSI behavior. Impulsiveness, personal distress, emotional neglect, and emotional intelligence are important risk factors that affect NSSI behavior in adolescents with MDD, and they affect the occurrence of NSSI in adolescents with MDD through chain mediation.
Hippocampal hub failure is linked to long-term memory impairment in anti-NMDA-receptor encephalitis: insights from structural connectome graph theoretical network analysis
Authors: Hechler André , Kuchling Joseph , Müller-Jensen Leonie , Klag Johanna , Paul Friedemann , Prüss Harald , Finke Carsten
Published: July 2024

Background

Anti-N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) encephalitis is characterized by distinct structural and functional brain alterations, predominantly affecting the medial temporal lobes and the hippocampus. Structural connectome analysis with graph-based investigations of network properties allows for an in-depth characterization of global and local network changes and their relationship with clinical deficits in NMDAR encephalitis.

Methods

Structural networks from 61 NMDAR encephalitis patients in the post-acute stage (median time from acute hospital discharge: 18 months) and 61 age- and sex-matched healthy controls (HC) were analyzed using diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI)-based probabilistic anatomically constrained tractography and volumetry of a selection of subcortical and white matter brain volumes was performed. We calculated global, modular, and nodal graph measures with special focus on default-mode network, medial temporal lobe, and hippocampus. Pathologically altered metrics were investigated regarding their potential association with clinical course, disease severity, and cognitive outcome.

Results

Patients with NMDAR encephalitis showed regular global graph metrics, but bilateral reductions of hippocampal node strength (left: p = 0.049; right: p = 0.013) and increased node strength of right precuneus (p = 0.013) compared to HC. Betweenness centrality was decreased for left-sided entorhinal cortex (p = 0.042) and left caudal middle frontal gyrus (p = 0.037). Correlation analyses showed a significant association between reduced left hippocampal node strength and verbal long-term memory impairment (p = 0.021). We found decreased left (p = 0.013) and right (p = 0.001) hippocampal volumes that were associated with hippocampal node strength (left p = 0.009; right p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Focal network property changes of the medial temporal lobes indicate hippocampal hub failure that is associated with memory impairment in NMDAR encephalitis at the post-acute stage, while global structural network properties remain unaltered. Graph theory analysis provides new pathophysiological insight into structural network changes and their association with persistent cognitive deficits in NMDAR encephalitis.
Polarized running training adapted to versus contrary to the menstrual cycle phases has similar effects on endurance performance and cardiovascular parameters
Authors: Kubica Claudia , Ketelhut Sascha , Nigg Claudio Renato
Published: July 2024

Purpose

This study compared the effects of polarized running training adapted to the menstrual cycle (MC) phases versus polarized training adapted contrary to the MC on endurance performance and cardiovascular parameters.

Methods

Thirty-three naturally menstruating, moderately trained females (age: 26 ± 4 years; BMI: 22.3 ± 3.2 kg/m2; $$\dot{V}$$

V
˙

O2max/rel: 40.35 ± 4.61 ml/min/kg) were randomly assigned to a control (CON) and intervention (INT) group. Both groups participated in a load-matched eight-week running training intervention. In the INT, high-intensity sessions were aligned with the mid and late follicular phase, low-intensity sessions with the early and mid-luteal phase, and recovery with the late luteal and early follicular phase. In the CON, high-intensity sessions were matched to the late luteal and early follicular phase, and recovery to the mid and late follicular phase. Endurance performance and cardiovascular parameters were assessed at baseline and after the intervention.

Results

Twenty-six females completed the intervention. A repeated measures ANOVA determined no time × group interaction effect for any parameter. A significant time effect was found for maximal oxygen uptake (F(1,12) = 18.753, p = 0.005, ηp2 = 0.630), the velocity at the ventilatory threshold one (F(1,12) = 10.704, p = 0.007, ηp2 = 0.493) and two (F(1,12) = 7.746, p = .018, ηp2 = .413).

Conclusion

The training intervention improved endurance performance in both groups, with no further benefit observed from the MC-adapted polarized training in a group-based analysis. Replications with an extended intervention period, a larger sample size, and a more reliable MC determination are warranted.
Effects of the subtypes of apolipoprotein E on immune inhibition and prognosis in patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Gao Bowen , Zhou Peiyun , Wang Li , Wang Zhutao , Yi Yong , Li Xian , Zhou Jian , Fan Jia , Qiu Shuangjian , Xu Yang
Published: July 2024

Purpose

To investigate whether prognosis of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is affected by the abundance and subgroups of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) as well as subtypes and expression of apolipoprotein E (apoE).

Methods

31 HCC patients were divided into three groups according to blood total apoE level for detecting the abundance of immunoregulatory cells by flow cytometry. Tumour tissue microarrays from 360 HCC patients were evaluated about the abundance and subgroups of MDSCs and the expression of apoE2, apoE3, apoE4 by immunofluorescence staining and immunohistochemistry staining. Survival analysis by means of univariate, multivariate COX regression and Kaplan-Meier methods of the 360 patients was performed based on clinical and pathological examinations along with 10 years’ follow-up data.

Results

The lower apoE group presented higher abundance of MDSCs in the peripheral blood of HCC patients than higher apoE group. The abundance of monocyte-like MDSCs (M-MDSCs) was higher in the apoE low level group than high level group (p = 0.0399). Lower H-score of apoE2 (HR = 6.140, p = 0.00005) and higher H-score of apoE4 (HR = 7.001, p = 0.009) in tumour tissue were significantly associated with shorter overall survival (OS). The higher infiltration of polymorphonuclear granulocyte-like MDSCs (PMN-MDSCs, HR = 3.762, p = 0.000009) and smaller proportion of M-MDSCs of total cells (HR = 0.454, p = 0.006) in tumour tissue were independent risk factors for shorter recurrence-free survival (RFS).

Conclusion

The abundance of MDSCs in HCC patients’ plasma negatively correlates with the level of apoE. The expression of apoE4 in HCC tissue indicated a poor prognosis while apoE2 might be a potential protective factor.
Drug-induced ER stress leads to induction of programmed cell death pathways of the malaria parasite
Authors: Unal Sinem , Kina Umit Y. , Kamil Mohd , Aly Ahmed S. I. , Palabiyik Bedia
Published: July 2024

The rapid emergence of drug resistance against the mainstream antimalarial drugs has increased the need for development of novel drugs. Recent approaches have embarked on the repurposing of existing drugs to induce cell death via programmed cell death pathways. However, little is known about the ER stress response and programmed cell death pathways of the malaria parasite. In this study, we treated ex vivo Plasmodium berghei cultures with tunicamycin, 5-fluorouracil, and chloroquine as known stress inducer drugs to probe the transcriptional changes of autophagy and apoptosis-related genes (PbATG5, PbATG8, PbATG12, and PbMCA2). Treatments with 5-fluorouracil and chloroquine resulted in the upregulation of all analyzed markers, yet the levels of PbATG5 and PbATG12 were dramatically higher in chloroquine-treated ex vivo cultures. In contrast, tunicamycin treatment resulted in the downregulation of both PbATG8 and PbATG12, and upregulation of PbMCA2. Our results indicate that the malaria parasite responds to various ER stressors by inducing autophagy- and/or apoptosis-like pathways.
Cardiac safety of ribociclib evaluated with 24-hour rhythm Holter electrocardiogram
Authors: Yasin Ayse Irem , Uluganyan Mahmut , Isleyen Zehra Sucuoglu , Topcu Atakan , Shbair Abdallah Tm , Simsek Melih , Besiroglu Mehmet , Ersoy Yeliz Emine , Türk Hacı Mehmet , Seker Mesut
Published: July 2024

Objective

We aimed to evaluate cardiac safety profile of ribociclib with 24-h rhythm Holter ECG.

Material and method

Forty-two female metastatic breast cancer patients were included in the study. Rhythm Holter ECG was performed before starting treatment with ribociclib and after 3 months of the treatment initiation.

Results

The mean age of the patients was 56.36 ± 12.73. 52.4% (n = 22) of the patients were using ribociclib in combination with fulvestrant and 47.6% (n = 20) with aromatase inhibitors. None of the patients developed cardiotoxicity. When the rhythm Holter results before and in third month of the treatment were compared, there was no statistically significant difference.

Conclusion

This is the first study evaluating effects of ribociclib treatment on cardiac rhythm with Holter ECG. The findings suggested ribociclib has a low risk of causing early cardiotoxicity.
Optimizing pre-copy live virtual machine migration in cloud computing using machine learning-based prediction model
Authors: Haris Raseena M. , Barhamgi Mahmoud , Nhlabatsi Armstrong , Khan Khaled M.
Published: July 2024

One of the preconditions for efficient cloud computing services is the continuous availability of services to clients. However, there are various reasons for temporary service unavailability due to routine maintenance, load balancing, cyber-attacks, power management, fault tolerance, emergency incident response, and resource usage. Live Virtual Machine Migration (LVM) is an option to address service unavailability by moving virtual machines between hosts without disrupting running services. Pre-copy memory migration is a common LVM approach used in cloud systems, but it faces challenges due to the high rate of frequently updated memory pages known as dirty pages. Transferring these dirty pages during pre-copy migration prolongs the overall migration time. If there are large numbers of remaining memory pages after a predefined iteration of page transfer, the stop-and-copy phase is initiated, which significantly increases downtime and negatively impacts service availability. To mitigate this issue, we introduce a prediction-based approach that optimizes the migration process by dynamically halting the iteration phase when the predicted downtime falls below a predefined threshold. Our proposed machine learning method was rigorously evaluated through experiments conducted on a dedicated testbed using KVM/QEMU technology, involving different VM sizes and memory-intensive workloads. A comparative analysis against proposed pre-copy methods and default migration approach reveals a remarkable improvement, with an average 64.91% reduction in downtime for different RAM configurations in high-write-intensive workloads, along with an average reduction in total migration time of approximately 85.81%. These findings underscore the practical advantages of our method in reducing service disruptions during live virtual machine migration in cloud systems.
Sinus membrane thickness of healthy endodontically treated maxillary molars
Authors: Yanık Deniz , Nalbantoğlu Ahmet Mert , Er Kürşat
Published: July 2024

Objective

The study aimed to investigate the sinus membrane thickness (SMT) adjacent to healthy endodontically-treated maxillary molars with or without protruded apical foramen into the sinus cavity using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT).

Materials and methods

Images of 207 non-smoker patients aged 18–40 were retrospectively analyzed, 140 were endodontically treated, and 136 were without endodontic treatment. Patients with any sinus pathology, teeth that have symptoms, or poor root filling were excluded. Study groups consisted of Group EM-I (endodontically treated and protruded apical foramen), Group EM-C (endodontically treated and contacted apical foramen), and similarly without endodontic treatment; Group M-I and Group M-C. SMT upon the mesial, distal, and palatal roots was measured. One-way ANOVA and Student’s t-tests were performed.

Results

Group EM-I had the thickest sinus membrane compared to other groups (p = 0.013). SMT values were 2.37–2.60 mm in Group EM-I, and 1.34–1.58 mm in other groups. Thickening (> 2 mm) percentages were 33.45% in Group EM-I and between 4.25 and 8.25% in other groups. No statistical difference was detected between first and second molars and genders (p > 0.05).

Conclusion

When the apical foramen protruded into the sinus cavity, the conventional root canal treatment caused a minimal (between 2.37 mm and 2.60 mm) sinus membrane thickening with a rate of 33.45% based upon CBCT examinations.
Deep learning for lungs cancer detection: a review
Authors: Javed Rabia , Abbas Tahir , Khan Ali Haider , Daud Ali , Bukhari Amal , Alharbey Riad
Published: July 2024

Although lung cancer has been recognized to be the deadliest type of cancer, a good prognosis and efficient treatment depend on early detection. Medical practitioners’ burden is reduced by deep learning techniques, especially Deep Convolutional Neural Networks (DCNN), which are essential in automating the diagnosis and classification of diseases. In this study, we use a variety of medical imaging modalities, including X-rays, WSI, CT scans, and MRI, to thoroughly investigate the use of deep learning techniques in the field of lung cancer diagnosis and classification. This study conducts a comprehensive Systematic Literature Review (SLR) using deep learning techniques for lung cancer research, providing a comprehensive overview of the methodology, cutting-edge developments, quality assessments, and customized deep learning approaches. It presents data from reputable journals and concentrates on the years 2015–2024. Deep learning techniques solve the difficulty of manually identifying and selecting abstract features from lung cancer images. This study includes a wide range of deep learning methods for classifying lung cancer but focuses especially on the most popular method, the Convolutional Neural Network (CNN). CNN can achieve maximum accuracy because of its multi-layer structure, automatic learning of weights, and capacity to communicate local weights. Various algorithms are shown with performance measures like precision, accuracy, specificity, sensitivity, and AUC; CNN consistently shows the greatest accuracy. The findings highlight the important contributions of DCNN in improving lung cancer detection and classification, making them an invaluable resource for researchers looking to gain a greater knowledge of deep learning’s function in medical applications.
Long-term outcomes of canaloplasty and phaco-canaloplasty in the treatment of open angle glaucoma: a single-surgeon experience
Authors: Tognetto Daniele , Cirigliano Gabriella , Gouigoux Stefano , Grotto Alberto , Guerin Pier Luigi , Inferrera Leandro , Marangoni Dario
Published: July 2024

Purpose

To evaluate and compare the long-term outcomes of canaloplasty and phaco-canaloplasty in the treatment of open angle glaucoma and assess the prognostic factors associated with surgical outcome.

Methods

A 48-month retrospective analysis was performed on n = 133 open angle glaucoma eyes treated with canaloplasty and n = 57 open angle glaucoma eyes treated with phaco-canaloplasty by a single surgeon. Surgical success was defined according to six criteria, achieving a target intraocular pressure (IOP) ≤ 21, 18 or 15 mmHg on glaucoma medications (qualified success) or without any further treatment (complete success), including laser therapy or surgery. Kaplan–Meier survival analysis and Cox regression analysis were performed to evaluate surgical success and preoperative factors associated with surgical outcome. Surgical complications in the early postoperative period were compared between canaloplasty and phaco-canaloplasty.

Results

Canaloplasty and phaco-canaloplasty significantly reduced postoperative IOP and number of glaucoma medications (p = 0.001 for both). Phaco-canaloplasty showed higher rates of cumulative surgical success over canaloplasty, but only for target IOP ≤ 21 and ≤ 18 (p = 0.018 and p = 0.011, respectively). A preoperative number of > 4 glaucoma medications predicted surgical failure. Phaco-canaloplasty was associated with a higher rate of IOP peaks in the first month compared with canaloplasty (40.4% vs 12.7%, p = 0.000).

Conclusion

Canaloplasty and phaco-canaloplasty demonstrated long-term efficacy in the treatment of open angle glaucoma, with phaco-canaloplasty showing higher rates of surgical success compared to canaloplasty, but not for target IOPs lower than 16 mmHg. Patients on more than 4 preoperative glaucoma medications may not be good candidates for canaloplasty and may benefit from other surgical options.
Radiological differentiation between bacterial orbital cellulitis and invasive fungal sino-orbital infections
Authors: Ang Terence , Lim Wanyin , Chaggar Viraj , Patel Sandy , Selva Dinesh
Published: July 2024

Purpose

Invasive fungal orbital infections (IFOI) may be difficult to differentiate from sinogenic bacterial orbital cellulitis (OC). This study investigates the features differentiating OC from IFOI on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Methods

Retrospective study of adult patients with sinogenic OC and IFOI with pre-intervention MRI. Patients without post-septal involvement, non-sinogenic OC (e.g.: secondary to trauma) and poor-quality scans were excluded. Independent Sample’s t test and Fisher’s exact test were conducted with p < 0.05 deemed statistically significant.

Results

Eleven cases each of OC (Mean age: 41.6 ± 18.4 years-old, Male: 10) and IFOI (Mean age: 65.0 ± 16.6 years-old, Male: 9) between 2006 and 2023. IFOI patients were older, more likely immunocompromised and had a lower mean white-cell count (p value = 0.005, 0.035 and 0.017, respectively). The ethmoid and maxillary sinuses were most commonly involved in both entities. Pre-septal and lacrimal gland involvement were more common in OC (p = 0.001 and 0.008, respectively). Infiltrative OC orbital lesions were poorly demarcated, whilst those in IFOI were expansile/mass-like invading the orbit from the adjacent paranasal sinuses. Specific IFOI features included loss-of-contrast-enhancement (LoCE) of paranasal sinus tissues with orbital extension. Extra-orbital and -sinonasal extension indicative of IFOI included contiguous skull base or pterygopalatine fossa involvement, retro-antral and masticator space stranding and vasculitis.

Conclusion

This study describes the key MRI features of IFOI including differentiating markers from OC. These specific features, such as LoCE of the paranasal and orbital soft tissues, the location and pattern of contiguous soft-tissue involvement, provide expedient identification of IFOI which necessitate early surgical intervention for microbiological confirmation of an invasive fungal pathology.
Virtual Experiences, Real Memories? A Study on Information Recall and Recognition in the Metaverse
Authors: Xi Nannan , Chen Juan , Gama Filipe , Korkeila Henry , Hamari Juho
Published: July 2024

There are high expectations towards extended reality (XR), namely the “metaverse”. However, human performance in the metaverse has been called into question when undertaking everyday activities (e.g., working, shopping, and learning etc.), as complex human-technology interaction required may hinder cognitive abilities such as processing of information. Therefore, this study attempts to address whether and how XR impacts abilities to recall and recognize information in daily-life settings. We investigated the effects of VR and AR in a 2 (VR: yes vs. no) × 2 (AR: yes vs. no) between-subjects design experiment related to a shopping task (N = 153) on textual (product names) and pictorial (product pictures) recognition and recall. The results show that textual information recall and pictorial information recognition did not significantly suffer in XR compared to shopping in a brick-and-mortar store. While regarding textual information recognition performance, the results show that fully physical environments offered the highest performance compared to the different XR technologies being used. Overall, the study provides important findings and guidance for the use of extended reality technologies in consumer-facing businesses, as well as the use of XR in everyday life in general.
Integrated renal and sympathetic mechanisms underlying the development of sex- and age-dependent hypertension and the salt sensitivity of blood pressure
Authors: Frame Alissa A. , Nist Kayla M. , Kim Kiyoung , Puleo Franco , Moreira Jesse D. , Swaldi Hailey , McKenna James , Wainford Richard D.
Published: July 2024

Aging is a non-modifiable understudied risk factor for hypertension. We hypothesized that sympathetically mediated activation of renal sodium reabsorption drives age-dependent hypertension and the salt sensitivity of blood pressure (BP). Using 3-, 8-, and 16-month-old male and female Sprague–Dawley rats as a model of normal aging, we assessed BP, indices of sympathetic tone, and the physiological responses to acute and chronic sodium challenge including sodium chloride cotransporter (NCC) regulation. The effects of renal nerve ablation and NCC antagonism were assessed in hypertensive male rats. We observed sex-dependent impaired renal sodium handling (24 h sodium balance (meq), male 3-month 0.36 ± 0.1 vs. 16-month 0.84 ± 0.2; sodium load excreted during 5% bodyweight isotonic saline volume expansion (%) male 3-month 77 ± 5 vs. 16-month 22 ± 8), hypertension (MAP (mmHg) male 3-month 123 ± 4 vs. 16-month 148 ± 6), and the salt sensitivity of BP in aged male, but not female, rats. Attenuated sympathoinhibitory afferent renal nerve (ARN) responses contributed to increased sympathetic tone and hypertension in male rats. Increased sympathetic tone contributes to renal sodium retention, in part through increased NCC activity via a dysfunctional with-no-lysine kinase-(WNK) STE20/SPS1-related proline/alanine-rich kinase signaling pathway, to drive hypertension and the salt sensitivity of BP in aged male rats. NCC antagonism and renal nerve ablation, which reduced WNK dysfunction and decreased NCC activity, attenuated age-dependent hypertension in male Sprague–Dawley rats. The contribution of an impaired sympathoinhibitory ARN reflex to sex- and age-dependent hypertension in an NCC-dependent manner, via an impaired WNK1/WNK4 dynamic, suggests this pathway as a mechanism-based target for the treatment of age-dependent hypertension.
Deformations and q-Convolutions. Old and New Results
Authors: Bożejko Marek , Bożejko Wojciech
Published: July 2024

This paper is the survey of some of our results related to q-deformations of the Fock spaces and related to q-convolutions for probability measures on the real line $$\mathbb {R}$$
R
. The main idea is done by the combinatorics of moments of the measures and related q-cumulants of different types. The main and interesting q-convolutions are related to classical continuous (discrete) q-Hermite polynomial. Among them are classical ($$q=1$$

q
=
1

) convolutions, the case $$q=0$$

q
=
0

, gives the free and Boolean relations, and the new class of q-analogue of classical convolutions done by Carnovole, Koornwinder, Biane, Anshelovich, and Kula. The paper contains many questions and problems related to the positivity of that class of q-convolutions. The main result is the construction of Brownian motion related to q-Discrete Hermite polynomial of type I.