bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
MgAl-Layered Double Hydroxide-Coated Bio-Silica as an Adsorbent for Anionic Pollutants Removal: A Case Study of the Implementation of Sustainable Technologies
Authors: Abduarahman Muna Abdualatif , Vuksanović Marija M. , Knežević Nataša , Banjanac Katarina , Milošević Milena , Veličković Zlate , Marinković Aleksandar
Published: November 2024

The adsorption efficiency of Cr(VI) and anionic textile dyes onto MgAl-layered double hydroxides (LDHs) and MgAl-LDH coated on bio-silica (b-SiO2) nanoparticles (MgAl-LDH@SiO2) derived from waste rice husks was studied in this work. The material was characterized using field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM/EDS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopic (XPS) techniques. The adsorption capacities of MgAl-LDH@SiO2 were increased by 12.2%, 11.7%, 10.6%, and 10.0% in the processes of Cr(VI), Acid Blue 225 (AB-225), Acid Violet 109 (AV-109), and Acid Green 40 (AG-40) dye removal versus MgAl-LDH. The obtained results indicated the contribution of b-SiO2 to the development of active surface functionalities of MgAl-LDH. A kinetic study indicated lower intraparticle diffusional transport resistance. Physisorption is the dominant mechanism for dye removal, while surface complexation dominates in the processes of Cr(VI) removal. The disposal of effluent water after five adsorption/desorption cycles was attained using enzymatic decolorization, photocatalytic degradation of the dyes, and chromate reduction, satisfying the prescribed national legislation. Under optimal conditions and using immobilized horseradish peroxidase (HRP), efficient decolorization of effluent solutions containing AB-225 and AV-109 dyes was achieved. Exhausted MgAl-LDH@SiO2 was processed by dissolution/precipitation of Mg and Al hydroxides, while residual silica was used as a reinforcing filler in polyester composites. The fire-proofing properties of composites with Mg and Al hydroxides were also improved, which provides a closed loop with zero waste generation. The development of wastewater treatment technologies and the production of potentially marketable composites led to the successful achievement of both low environmental impacts and circular economy implementation.
Blood-Based Biomarkers in Frontotemporal Dementia: A Narrative Review
Authors: Liampas Ioannis , Kyriakoulopoulou Panagiota , Karakoida Vasiliki , Kavvoura Panagiota Andriana , Sgantzos Markos , Bogdanos Dimitrios P. , Stamati Polyxeni , Dardiotis Efthimios , Siokas Vasileios
Published: November 2024

This narrative review explores the current landscape of blood biomarkers in Frontotemporal dementia (FTD). Neurofilament light chain (NfL) may be useful in the differentiation of behavioral variant FTD from primary psychiatric disorders (PPDs) or dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB). In prodromal FTD and presymptomatic mutation carriers (GRN, MAPT, C9orf72), elevated NfL may herald pheno-conversion to full-blown dementia. Baseline NfL correlates with steeper neuroanatomical changes and cognitive, behavioral and functional decline, making NfL promising in monitoring disease progression. Phosphorylated neurofilament heavy chain (pNfH) levels have a potential limited role in the demarcation of the conversion stage to full-blown FTD. Combined NfL and pNfH measurements may allow a wider stage stratification. Total tau levels lack applicability in the framework of FTD. p-tau, on the other hand, is of potential value in the discrimination of FTD from Alzheimer’s dementia. Progranulin concentrations could serve the identification of GRN mutation carriers. Glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) may assist in the differentiation of PPDs from behavioral variant FTD and the detection of GRN mutation carriers (additional research is warranted). Finally, TAR DNA-binding protein-43 (TDP-43) appears to be a promising diagnostic biomarker for FTD. Its potential in distinguishing TDP-43 pathology from other FTD-related pathologies requires further research.
Gyrophoric Acid, a Secondary Metabolite of Lichens, Exhibits Antidepressant and Anxiolytic Activity In Vivo in Wistar Rats
Authors: Urbanska Nicol , Karasova Martina , Jendzelovska Zuzana , Majerník Martin , Kolesarova Mariana , Kecsey Dajana , Jendzelovsky Rastislav , Bohus Peter , Kiskova Terezia
Published: November 2024

Gyrophoric acid (GA) is a secondary metabolite of various lichens. It exhibits various biological activities in vitro, but only one study has been carried out in vivo. Because our previous study showed that GA stimulates neurogenesis in healthy rats, the current study aimed to explore the potential of GA during stress-induced depressive-like states in male Wistar rats. In the experiment, pregnant females were used. In the last week of pregnancy, females were subjected to restraint stress. After birth, progeny aged 60 days were stressed repeatedly. The males were divided into three groups: control animals (CTR; n = 10), males with a depression-like state (DEP; n = 10), and GA-treated animals (GA; n = 10). GA males were treated with GA (per os 10 mg/kg) daily for one month, starting from the 60th postnatal day. Our results indicate that GA acts as an antioxidant, as shown by a lowered ROS level in leukocytes (p < 0.01). Moreover, it prolonged the time spent in open arms in the elevated plus maze (p < 0.001). Concomitantly, the stimulation of proliferative activity in hippocampal regions was seen (hilus p < 0.01; subgranular zone p < 0.001) when compared with DEP males. Additionally, the number of mature neurons in the CA1 region of the hippocampus increased markedly (p < 0.01), indicating the role of GA in the maturation process of neurons. Thus, our study points to the potential anxiolytic/antidepressant activity of GA. However, future studies are needed in this complex area.
A DFT Study of Band-Gap Tuning in 2D Black Phosphorus via Li+, Na+, Mg2+, and Ca2+ Ions
Authors: Mu Liuhua , Jiang Jie , Gao Shiyu , Li Xiao-Yan , Sheng Shiqi
Published: November 2024

Black phosphorus (BP) and its two-dimensional derivative (2D-BP) have garnered significant attention as promising anode materials for electrochemical energy storage devices, including next-generation fast-charging batteries. However, the interactions between BP and light metal ions, as well as how these interactions influence BP’s electronic properties, remain poorly understood. Here, we employed density functional theory (DFT) to investigate the effects of monovalent (Li+ and Na+) and divalent (Mg2+ and Ca2+) ions on the valence electronic structure of 2D-BP. Molecular orbital analysis revealed that the adsorption of divalent cations can significantly reduce the band gap, suggesting an enhancement in charge transfer rates. In contrast, the adsorption of monovalent cations had minimal impact on the band gap, suggesting the preservation of 2D-BP’s intrinsic electrical properties. Energetic and charge analyses indicated that the extent of charge transfer primarily governs the ability of ions to modulate 2D-BP’s electronic structure, especially under high-pressure conditions where ions are in close proximity to the 2D-BP surface. Moreover, charge polarization calculations revealed that, compared with monovalent cations, divalent cations induced greater polarization, disrupting the symmetry of the pristine 2D-BP and further influencing its electronic characteristics. These findings provide a molecular-level understanding of how ion interactions influence 2D-BP’s electronic properties during ion-intercalation processes, where ions are in close proximity to the 2D-BP surface. Moreover, the calculated diffusion barrier results revealed the potential of 2D-BP as an effective anode material for lithium-ion, sodium-ion, and magnesium-ion batteries, though its performance may be limited for calcium-ion batteries. By extending our understanding of interactions between ions and 2D-BP, this work contributes to the design of efficient and reliable energy storage technologies, particularly for the next-generation fast-charging batteries.
Identification of Genes and Long Non-Coding RNAs Putatively Related to Portunus trituberculatus Sex Determination and Differentiation Using Oxford Nanopore Technology Full-Length Transcriptome Sequencing
Authors: Jia Shaoting , Li Guang , Huang Yuchao , Hou Yashi , Gao Baoquan , Lv Jianjian
Published: November 2024

The swimming crab (Portunus trituberculatus) is an economically important species in China, and its growth traits show obvious sexual dimorphism. Thus, it is important to study the mechanism of sex determination and differentiation in this species. Herein, we identified 2138 differentially expressed genes and 132 differentially expressed long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) using Oxford Nanopore Technology full-length transcriptome sequencing. We predicted 561 target genes of the differentially expressed lncRNAs according to their location and base pair complimentary principles. Furthermore, pathways related to sex determination, differentiation, and reproduction were enriched for lncRNAs according to gene ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analyses. This indicated that lncRNAs might play regulatory roles in these pathways. Our results could form the basis for future studies of sex determination and differentiation in P. trituberculatus.
The Association of TP53, BCL2, BAX and NOXA SNPs and Laryngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma Development
Authors: Jakstas Tomas , Bartnykaite Agne , Padervinskis Evaldas , Vegiene Aurelija , Juozaityte Elona , Uloza Virgilijus , Ugenskiene Rasa
Published: November 2024

Head and neck cancer is the seventh leading cancer diagnosis worldwide. One of the most common cancers in the head and neck region is laryngeal cancer. In past years, the incidence of laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma has risen by 23%, and despite progress in treatment modalities, the survival rate has not changed. It is well known that genetic alterations may contribute to individuals’ susceptibility to cancer. Research of genetic alterations, such as single nucleotide polymorphisms, is essential to understanding carcinogenesis and susceptibility of laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma. A total of 200 LSCC patients and 200 controls were included in this retrospective case-control study; both groups were matched by age and sex. In the present study, we analyzed six SNPs in genes essential for apoptosis regulation: TP53 (rs9895829, rs17884306), BCL2 (rs1564483, rs4987855), BAX (rs704243), NOXA (PMAIP1) (rs1041978, rs78800940). We evaluated their associations with the risk of LSCC development, its pathomorphological manifestation, and patients’ overall survival rate. Genotyping was carried out using RT-PCR. The AG genotype of rs9895829 was more prevalent in controls than in cancer patients, leading to lower susceptibility to LSCC (OR = 0.301; 95%CI 0.096–0.940; p = 0.039). None of the analyzed SNPs showed an association with pathomorphological features of LSCC, but NOXA rs1041978 T allele carriers were found to be diagnosed with LSCC at an older age (OR = 1.962; 95%CI 1.072–3.592; p = 0.031). There was no statistically significant association between investigated SNPs and patient OS. The present study indicates that the AG genotype of rs9895829 provides a protective effect against LSCC development.
Analysis of GCRV Pathogenesis and Therapeutic Measures Through Proteomic and Metabolomic Investigations in GCRV-Infected Tissues of Grass Carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella)
Authors: Xie Juhong , Jia Zhihui , Li Yangyang , Liao Lanjie , Zhu Zuoyan , Wang Yaping , Huang Rong
Published: November 2024

Hemorrhagic disease caused by grass carp reovirus (GCRV) infection is a major problem affecting the grass carp aquaculture industry. Therefore, inhibiting the spread of GCRV infection is of great economic significance. Herein, we sequenced five tissues (gill, liver, intestine, kidney, and muscle) from grass carp before and after GCRV infection using data-independent acquisition proteomic and untargeted metabolomic technologies, and quantitatively identified 10,808 proteins and 4040 metabolites. Then, we analyzed the differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) and metabolites (DEMs) before and after GCRV infection in the five tissues. Gene ontology analysis revealed that the five tissue DEPs were enriched in metabolic, including carbohydrate and lipid metabolic processes. Chemical taxonomy analysis showed that the categories of DEMs mainly included carbohydrates and lipids, such as fatty acids, glycerophospholipids, steroids, and their derivatives. Both the proteomic and the metabolomic data showed that GCRV affected the carbohydrate and lipid metabolism in the host. Shared pathway analysis was performed at both the protein and metabolic levels, showing significant enrichment of the glycolysis and pentose phosphate pathways (p < 0.001). Further analysis of glycolysis and pentose phosphate pathway inhibitors revealed that these two pathways are important for GCRV replication. As the kidney was the most affected among the five tissues, we analyzed the butanoate metabolism in the kidney, which revealed that most of the differentially expressed proteins and differently expressed metabolites in the butanoate metabolism were related to the TCA cycle. Further investigation showed that fumaric acid, an intermediate product in the TCA cycle, significantly inhibited GCRV replication in the CIK cells (p < 0.001), and that this inhibitory effect may be related to its induction of interferon system activation. The addition of fumaric acid to feed increased the survival rate of juvenile grass carp by 19.60% during GCRV infection, and protected the tissues of those infected with GCRV, making it a potential anti-GCRV feed additive. Our results provide new perspectives on GCRV pathogenesis and antiviral strategies for grass carp.
Rotationally Induced Local Heat Transfer Features in a Two-Pass Cooling Channel: Experimental–Numerical Investigation
Authors: Gutiérrez de Arcos David , Waidmann Christian , Poser Rico , von Wolfersdorf Jens , Göhring Michael
Published: November 2024

Turbine blades for modern turbomachinery applications often exhibit complex twisted designs that aim to reduce aerodynamic losses, thereby improving the overall machine performance. This results in intricate internal cooling configurations that change their spanwise orientation with respect to the rotational axis. In the present study, the local heat transfer in a generic two-pass turbine cooling channel is investigated under engine-similar rotating conditions (Ro={0…0.50}) through the transient Thermochromic Liquid Crystal (TLC) measurement technique. Three different angles of attack (α={−18.5°;+8°;+46.5°}) are investigated to emulate the heat transfer characteristics in an internal cooling channel of a real turbine blade application at different spanwise positions. A numerical approach based on steady-state Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) simulations in ANSYS CFX is validated against the experimental method, showing generally good agreement and, thus, qualifying for future heat transfer predictions. Experimental and numerical data clearly demonstrate the substantial impact of the angle of attack on the local heat transfer structure, especially for the radially outward flow of the first passage, owing to the particular Coriolis force direction at each angle of attack. Furthermore, results underscore the strong influence of the rotational speed on the overall heat transfer level, with an enhancement effect for the radially outward flow (first passage) and a reduction effect for the radially inward flow (second passage).
Stacking Ensemble Technique Using Optimized Machine Learning Models with Boruta–XGBoost Feature Selection for Landslide Susceptibility Mapping: A Case of Kermanshah Province, Iran
Authors: Yousefi Zeynab , Alesheikh Ali Asghar , Jafari Ali , Torktatari Sara , Sharif Mohammad
Published: November 2024

Landslides cause significant human and financial losses in different regions of the world. A high-accuracy landslide susceptibility map (LSM) is required to reduce the adverse effects of landslides. Machine learning (ML) is a robust tool for LSM creation. ML models require large amounts of data to predict landslides accurately. This study has developed a stacking ensemble technique based on ML and optimization to enhance the accuracy of an LSM while considering small datasets. The Boruta–XGBoost feature selection was used to determine the optimal combination of features. Then, an intelligent and accurate analysis was performed to prepare the LSM using a dynamic and hybrid approach based on the Adaptive Fuzzy Inference System (ANFIS), Extreme Learning Machine (ELM), Support Vector Regression (SVR), and new optimization algorithms (Ladybug Beetle Optimization [LBO] and Electric Eel Foraging Optimization [EEFO]). After model optimization, a stacking ensemble learning technique was used to weight the models and combine the model outputs to increase the accuracy and reliability of the LSM. The weight combinations of the models were optimized using LBO and EEFO. The Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) and Area Under the Receiver Operating Characteristic Curve (AUC-ROC) parameters were used to assess the performance of these models. A landslide dataset from Kermanshah province, Iran, and 17 influencing factors were used to evaluate the proposed approach. Landslide inventory was 116 points, and the combined Voronoi and entropy method was applied for non-landslide point sampling. The results showed higher accuracy from the stacking ensemble technique with EEFO and LBO algorithms with AUC-ROC values of 94.81% and 94.84% and RMSE values of 0.3146 and 0.3142, respectively. The proposed approach can help managers and planners prepare accurate and reliable LSMs and, as a result, reduce the human and financial losses associated with landslide events.
Domain Adaptive Urban Garbage Detection Based on Attention and Confidence Fusion
Authors: Yuan Tianlong , Lin Jietao , Hu Keyong , Chen Wenqian , Hu Yifan
Published: November 2024

To overcome the challenges posed by limited garbage datasets and the laborious nature of data labeling in urban garbage object detection, we propose an innovative unsupervised domain adaptation approach to detecting garbage objects in urban aerial images. The proposed method leverages a detector, initially trained on source domain images, to generate pseudo-labels for target domain images. By employing an attention and confidence fusion strategy, images from both source and target domains can be seamlessly integrated, thereby enabling the detector to incrementally adapt to target domain scenarios while preserving its detection efficacy in the source domain. This approach mitigates the performance degradation caused by domain discrepancies, significantly enhancing the model’s adaptability. The proposed method was validated on a self-constructed urban garbage dataset. Experimental results demonstrate its superior performance over baseline models. Furthermore, we extended the proposed mixing method to other typical scenarios and conducted comprehensive experiments on four well-known public datasets: Cityscapes, KITTI, Sim10k, and Foggy Cityscapes. The result shows that the proposed method exhibits remarkable effectiveness and adaptability across diverse datasets.
Perceptions of AI Integration in the UAE’s Creative Sector
Authors: Hassouni Asma , Mellor Noha
Published: November 2024

This study explores the perceptions of artificial intelligence (AI) within the creative sector of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) based on 13 semi-structured interviews and a survey with 224 participants among media professionals and their stakeholders. The findings indicate considerable enthusiasm surrounding AI’s potential to augment creativity and drive operational efficiency, a perspective that the study’s participants share. However, there are also apprehensions regarding job displacement and the necessity for strategic upskilling. Participants generally regard AI as an unavoidable technological influence that demands adaptation and seamless integration into daily workflows. The study underscores the disparity between the UAE’s government-led digital transformation objectives and the actual implementation within organizations, underscoring the urgent need for cohesive strategic alignment. The findings caution that the absence of clear directives and strategic planning may precipitate a new digital schism, impeding progress in the sector.
Electrochemical Performances of a Solid Oxide Electrolysis Short Stack Under Multiple Steady-State and Cycling Operating Conditions
Authors: Ma Qinhui , Zuo Yuhang , Lu Kaifeng , Rong Yangyiming , Su Wei , Chen Hanming , Xu Xinhai
Published: November 2024

Solid oxide electrolysis cells (SOECs) are increasingly utilized in hydrogen production from renewable energy sources, yet high degradation rates and unclear degradation mechanisms remain significant barriers to their large-scale application. Consequently, endurance testing of stacks under various operating conditions and studying the degradation mechanisms associated with these conditions is imperative. However, due to the generally poor performance consistency among stacks, multi-condition data from numerous stacks lack reliability. In this experimental study, having established a specific SOEC stack’s performance and optimal conditions, durability tests under varied conditions, including various current densities, current operation modes (cyclic or constant current), fuel utilization rates, and temperature cycles were conducted. Electrochemical analysis tools like electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and distribution of relaxation time were employed to analyze the causes of voltage fluctuations under high current densities. The results confirmed that the SOEC stack could handle current cycling at low current densities and constant-current electrolysis at high current densities and withstand at least two temperature cycles.
Improvement and Characterisation of the ArCLight Large-Area Dielectric Light Detector for Liquid-Argon Time Projection Chambers
Authors: Bürgi Jonas , Calivers Livio , Diurba Richard , Frieden Fabian , Gauch Anja , Iacob Laura Francesca , Kreslo Igor , Kunzmann Jan , Parsa Saba , Weber Michele
Published: November 2024

The detection of scintillation light in noble-liquid detectors is necessary for identifying neutrino interaction candidates from beam, astrophysical, or solar sources. Large monolithic detectors typically have highly efficient light sensors, like photomultipliers, mounted outside their electric field. This option is not available for modular detectors that wish to maximize their active volume. The ArgonCube light readout system detectors (ArCLights) are large-area thin-wavelength-shifting (WLS) panels that can operate in highly proximate modular detectors and within the electric field. The WLS plastic forming the bulk structure of the ArCLight has Tetraphenyl Butadiene (TPB) and sheets of dichroic mirror layered across its surface. It is coupled to a set of six silicon photomultipliers (SiPMs). This publication compares TPB coating techniques for large surface areas and describes quality control methods for large-scale production.
Effects of Respiratory Muscle Training Pre- and Post-Cardiac Surgery in Adults: A Scoping Review
Authors: Starko Giulia , Müller Daniel , Lipka Antoine , Feiereisen Patrick , Corbellini Camilo , Abreu Raphael Martins de
Published: November 2024

Background: Coronary artery bypass grafts (CABGs) and cardiac valve replacement surgeries (CVRSs) are common lifesaving cardiac surgeries. They are linked to an increased risk of postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs). This review scopes the effects of inspiratory muscle training (IMT) on adult patients, considering mainly exercise capacity, lung function, and the occurrence of PPCs. Methods: This scoping review was built using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR). Four databases were searched in May 2024. Three reviewers independently screened the articles. The data were extracted and summarised in text and tables. Results: Five studies were included in the final analysis, where IMT was compared to sham or placebo IMT, and some studies added an exercise program to both groups. PeakVO2, the six-minute walking test (6MWT), maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP), quality of life (QoL), PPCs, and spirometry outcomes showed significant improvements between the intervention group (IG) and control group (CG) and intragroup over time. Conclusions: IMT can be a non-conventional training method to prevent respiratory muscle weakness. It can be applied in pre- or post-surgical contexts, potentially affecting exercise capacity and quality of life in adult patients undergoing cardiac surgery.
Pregnant Woman in Outcomes with Prosthetic Heart Valves
Authors: Sefiyeva Giunai , Shadrina Ulyana , Vavilova Tatiana , Sirotkina Olga , Bautin Andrey , Chynybekova Aigul , Pozhidaeva Anna , Stepanovykh Ekaterina , Starshinova Anna , Kudlay Dmitry , Irtyuga Olga
Published: November 2024

We here sought to assess thrombotic and hemorrhagic complications and associated risk factors during pregnancy, delivery, and postpartum in women with prosthetic heart valves (PHV). Methods: The retrospective cohort study covered January 2011 to December 2022. The objective of the study was to assess the risk factors and frequency of thrombotic and hemorrhagic complications during pregnancy, delivery, and the postpartum period in women with PHV based on the experience of one perinatal center. We included 88 pregnancies with 77 prosthetic heart valves (PHV), which were divided into two groups, mechanical valve prostheses (MVP) (n = 64) and biological valve prosthesis (BVP) (n = 24). In the study we analyzed pregnancy outcomes, as well as thrombotic and hemorrhagic complication frequencies. Results: Of 88 pregnancies, 79 resulted in live births. In the MVP group, there were six miscarriages (9.4%) and two medical abortions (3.1%), including one due to Warfarin’s teratogenic effects. No miscarriages were reported in the BVP group, but one fetal mortality case (4.2%) occurred. During pregnancy, 11 MVP cases (17.2%) experienced thrombotic complications. In the BVP group, one patient (4.2%) had transient ischemic attack (TIA). Two MVP cases required surgical valve repair during pregnancy, and one in the post-delivery stage was caused by thrombotic complications. Postpartum, two MVP cases had strokes, and in one MVP patient, pulmonary embolism was registered, while no thrombotic complications occurred in the BVP group. Hemorrhagic complications affected 15 MVP cases (17.9%) in the postpartum period. There were no registered cases of maternal mortality. Conclusions: The effective control of anti-factor Xa activity reduced thrombotic events. However, the persistently high incidence of postpartum hemorrhagic complications suggests a need to reassess anticoagulant therapy regimens, lower target levels of anti-Xa, and reduce INR levels for discontinuing heparin bridge therapy. Despite the heightened mortality risk in MVP patients, our study cohort did not have any mortality cases, which contrasts with findings from other registries.
Kidney-Sparing Surgery for Upper Tract Urothelial Carcinoma—Modalities, Outcomes, and Limitations
Authors: Head Dennis J. , Raman Jay D.
Published: November 2024

Upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) accounts for 5–10% of urothelial cancers and is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Increasing incidence of UTUC has been observed since the 1970’s, alongside the evolution of advance imaging techniques, precision biopsy equipment, and risk stratification models. The high morbidity of radical nephroureterectomy (RNU) which is still the gold-standard treatment for high-risk UTUC, has driven the development of kidney-sparing surgery alternatives for low-risk UTUC. Now, several treatment approaches have outcomes comparable to RNU for low-risk UTUC and guidelines are recommending kidney-sparing surgery for favorable low-risk disease. The main categories of kidney-sparing surgery include segmental ureterectomy, endoscopic ablation, chemoablation, and vascular-targeted phototherapy. These treatments are highly nuanced making them difficult to compare, but for most cases of favorable low-grade disease, we recommend endoscopic laser ablation with optional adjuvant intracavitary therapy. Adverse events associated with kidney-sparing surgery include ureteral stricture, bleeding requiring transfusion, and bladder recurrence of UTUC. Limitations of kidney-sparing surgery include appropriate tissue sampling (contributing to under-grading and under-staging), higher rates of ipsilateral recurrence, and potential for grade and stage progression. Collectively, these may subsequently necessitate RNU. Here, we review the technical variations and evidence behind kidney-sparing therapies as well as their practicality in the real world.
Cerebral Overperfusion Despite Reduced Cortical Metabolism Is Associated with Postoperative Delirium in Cardiac Surgery Patients: A Prospective Observational Study
Authors: Thudium Marcus , Braun Lara , Stroemer Annika , Mayr Andreas , Menzenbach Jan , Saller Thomas , Soehle Martin , Kornilov Evgeniya , Hilbert Tobias
Published: November 2024

Background: Decreased cerebral oximetry (rSO2) in cardiac surgery is associated with postoperative delirium (POD). However, interventions optimizing intraoperative rSO2 are inconclusive. Methods: In this prospective observational cohort study, the relationship between rSO2, middle cerebral artery blood flow velocity (MCAV), and processed EEG was assessed in cardiac surgery patients with and without POD. MCAV was continuously recorded by transcranial Doppler sonography (TCD), together with continuous rSO2 and bispectral index (BIS) monitoring. Cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) flow rate was adjusted according to body surface area. The cohort was divided into the POD and control groups, according to the postoperative results of the confusion assessment method (CAM/CAM-ICU), the 4A’s test (4AT), and the Delirium Observation Scale (DOS). A mixed model analysis was performed for intraoperative raw data. The cerebral autoregulation index was calculated from TCD, rSO2, and arterial pressure values. Differences in impaired autoregulation were compared using the Mann–Whitney U test. Results: A total of 41 patients were included in this study. A total of 13 patients (36.11%) developed postoperative delirium. There were no significant differences in the baseline characteristics of patients with or without POD. Patients with POD had lower BIS values during CPB (adjusted mean difference −4.449 (95% CI [−7.978, −0.925])). RSO2 was not significantly reduced in POD, (adjusted mean difference: −5.320, 95% CI [−11.508, 0.874]). In contrast, MCAV was significantly increased in POD (10.655, 95% CI [0.491, 20.819]). The duration of cerebral autoregulation impairment did not differ significantly for TCD and cerebral oximetry-derived indices (p = 0.4528, p = 0.2715, respectively). Conclusions: Our results suggest that disturbed cerebral metabolism reflects a vulnerable brain which may be more susceptible to overperfusion during CPB, which can be seen in increased MCAV values. These phenomena occur irrespectively of cerebral autoregulation.
A Multifaceted Exploration of Status Asthmaticus: A Retrospective Analysis in a Romanian Hospital
Authors: Trusculescu Adriana Ana , Ancusa Versavia Maria , Pescaru Camelia Corina , Wellmann Norbert , Fira-Mladinescu Corneluta , Oancea Cristian Iulian , Fira-Mladinescu Ovidiu
Published: November 2024

Background: Status asthmaticus is a severe, life-threatening asthma exacerbation requiring urgent medical intervention. This study aims to examine its epidemiology in Timis County, Romania, over 11 years. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted using hospital records from 2013 to 2023, focusing on demographic, geospatial, and temporal distributions. Network analysis of the recorded comorbidities was used to identify phenotypic clusters among patients. Results: Females and older adults were disproportionately affected. Several triggers and geospatial patterns were identified. Five phenotypic clusters were determined: two in the T2-high endotype, two in T2-low, and a mixed one. Conclusions: The findings highlight the need for personalized asthma management strategies and public healthcare interventions in Timiș County, addressing specific demographic and geospatial factors. This study also provides a valuable reference for similar regions.
Effectiveness of Robotic Devices for Medical Rehabilitation: An Umbrella Review
Authors: Kiyono Kei , Tanabe Shigeo , Hirano Satoshi , Ii Takuma , Nakagawa Yuki , Tan Koki , Saitoh Eiichi , Otaka Yohei
Published: November 2024

Background/Objectives: Clinical trials have investigated the efficacy of rehabilitation robotics for various pathological conditions, but the overall impact on rehabilitation practice remains unclear. We comprehensively examined and analyzed systematic reviews (SRs) of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating rehabilitative interventions with robotic devices. Methods: Four databases were searched using term combinations of keywords related to robotic devices, rehabilitation, and SRs. The SR meta-analyses were categorized into “convincing”, “highly suggestive”, “suggestive”, “weak”, or “non-significant” depending on evidence strength and validity. Results: Overall, 62 SRs of 341 RCTs involving 14,522 participants were identified. Stroke was most frequently reported (40 SRs), followed by spinal cord injury (eight SRs), multiple sclerosis (four SRs), cerebral palsy (four SRs), Parkinson’s disease (three SRs), and neurological disease (any disease causing limited upper- and lower-limb functioning; three SRs). Furthermore, 38, 21, and 3 SRs focused on lower-limb devices, upper-limb devices, and both upper- and lower-limb devices, respectively. Quantitative synthesis of robotic intervention effects was performed by 51 of 62 SRs. Robot-assisted training was effective for various outcome measures per disease. Meta-analyses offering suggestive evidence were limited to studies on stroke. Upper-limb devices were effective for motor control and activities of daily living, and lower-limb devices for walking independence in stroke. Conclusions: Robotic devices are useful for improving impairments and disabilities in several diseases. Further high-quality SRs including RCTs with large sample sizes and meta-analyses of these RCTs, particularly on non-stroke-related diseases, are required. Further research should also ascertain which type of robotic device is the most effective for improving each specific impairment or disability.
Hip Flexor Muscle Activation During Common Rehabilitation and Strength Exercises
Authors: Juan Jessica , Leff Gretchen , Kevorken Kate , Jeanfavre Michael
Published: November 2024

Background/Objectives: The iliopsoas muscle plays an essential role in lumbopelvic and hip anterior stability, which is particularly important in the presence of limited osseous acetabular coverage anteriorly as in hip dysplasia and/or hip micro-instability. The purpose of this systematic review is to (1) describe iliopsoas activation levels during common rehabilitation exercises and (2) provide an evidence-based exercise progression for strengthening the iliopsoas based on electromyography (EMG) studies. Methods: In total, 109 healthy adult participants ranging from ages 20 to 40 were included in nine studies. PubMed, CINAHL, and Embase databases were systematically searched for EMG studies of the psoas, iliacus, or combined iliopsoas during specific exercise. The Modified Downs and Black Checklist was used to perform a risk of bias assessment. PROSPERO guidelines were followed. Results: Nine studies were included. Findings suggest that the iliopsoas is increasingly activated in ranges of hip flexion of 30–60°, particularly with leg lowering/raising exercises. Briefly, >60% MVIC activity of the iliopsoas was reported in the active straight leg raise (ASLR) in ranges around 60° of hip flexion, as well as with supine hip flexion and leg lifts. In total, 40–60% MVIC was found in exercises including the mid-range of the ASLR around 45° of hip flexion and lifting a straight trunk while in a hip flexed position. Conclusions: The findings suggest that exercises in increased hip flexion provide greater activation of the iliopsoas compared to exercises where the trunk is moving on the lower extremity. Iliopsoas activation can be incrementally progressed from closed to open kinetic chain exercises, and eventually to the addition of external loads. The proposed exercise program interprets the results and offers immediate translation into clinical practice.
The Triple Procedure in Patients with Congenital Aniridia
Authors: Wowra Bogumił Henryk , Łach-Wojnarowicz Olga , Wysocka-Kosmulska Marzena , Dobrowolski Dariusz , Wylęgała Edward
Published: November 2024

Background: Aniridia is a rare panocular, bilateral, and congenital disease characterized by complete or partial iris hypoplasia and foveal hypoplasia, leading to decreased visual acuity and nystagmus. AAK, also referred to as aniridic keratopathy, manifests as corneal surface damage, epithelial thinning or loss, inflammation with immune cell infiltration, vascularization, and chronic progressive opacification. Methods: Twenty-one eyes in eighteen patients with aniridia underwent the triple procedure for visual rehabilitation. Subjects with stromal scarring with mild limbal deficiency were qualified for surgery. The majority of them developed stage II (15), and a few of them had third-degree (6) aniridic keratopathy. Results: The mean patient age was 38.4 ± 8.8. Visual acuity after one year of observation ranged from 0.4 in two eyes to 0.2 in nine eyes to below 0.1 in ten eyes. In the second year, VA remained at the same level in 13 patients (72.2%). In the third year, four patients (22.2%) experienced recurrence of AAK. Conclusions: A majority of the ARK cases (72.2%) had a graft providing useful vision for the patient 2 years after corneal transplantation, but the visual gain was modest at best. Longer follow-up time is required to evaluate functional graft outcomes.
Investigation of Dynamic-Cyclic, Dynamic-Impact, and Timber-Construction-Relevant Characteristics of Wood–Textile Composites
Authors: von Boyneburgk Claudia L. , Zarges Jan-Christoph , Seim Werner , Heim Hans-Peter
Published: November 2024

Wood–Textile Composites (WTCs) are a new type of composite material based on willow wood strips and polypropylene that combines the properties of classic natural-fiber-reinforced polymers with an innovative textile wood design. While the basic quasi-static properties have already been investigated and described, there is a lack of knowledge about the behavior of the material under dynamic-cyclic and dynamic-impact loading as well as in relation to basic wood construction parameters. The present study is intended to contribute to the later use of the developed material, e.g., in architecture. For this purpose, fatigue tests, dart drop tests (impact and penetration), impact bending tests, and embedment tests were carried out. It was shown that embedding wood fabrics in a thermoplastic matrix leads to a significant increase in resistance to impact loads compared to the neat basic materials. It was also shown that the ratio of the failure stress in the fatigue test to the tensile strength of the WTC corresponds to that of other fiber-reinforced thermoplastics at around 70%. The embedment tests showed that WTC has good values compared to neat wood.
Effects of Extrinsic and Intrinsic Motivation on Selective Activation of Shoulder Girdle Muscles During the Barbell Bench Press Exercise
Authors: Strońska-Garbień Katarzyna , Terbalyan Artur , Gepfert Mariola , Roczniok Robert , Drozd Miłosz , Gołaś Artur , Zając Adam
Published: November 2024

Background/Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the effects of intrinsic and extrinsic motivation on selective muscle activation of the shoulder girdle during the barbell bench press. Specifically, this research focused on how attentional focus on individual muscles, such as the anterior deltoid (AD), pectoralis major (PM), and triceps brachii long (TBL), could influence their electromyographic (EMG) activity during the exercise. Methods: Twelve male participants, with at least five years of strength training experience, performed bench press exercises under two conditions: with extrinsic motivation (no specific focus on muscle activity) and with intrinsic motivation (internal focus on specific muscles). Surface electromyography (sEMG) was used to measure muscle activity during three sets of bench presses at 60% of one repetition maximum (1RM). Participants were instructed to focus on the activation of specific muscles in a randomized sequence. Results: The intrinsic motivation condition significantly increased muscle activation compared to extrinsic motivation. Electromyographic activity of the AD, PM, and TBL muscles was notably higher when participants focused their attention on these muscles. AD activation increased from 71.78 ± 11.13%MVC (extrinsic) to 88.03 ± 8.84%MVC (intrinsic) (p = 0.0019), while PM and TBL activation also demonstrated significant increases under intrinsic focus. Conclusions: The study concludes that intrinsic motivation, or an internal focus on specific muscle activation, can significantly enhance EMG activity in target muscles during the bench press exercise. This finding has important implications for resistance training and rehabilitation, where focused muscle activation can be utilized to improve training outcomes and muscle engagement.
Current Situation of Heat Stress Studies on Kendo Players: A Scoping Review
Authors: Shishido Hatsune , Kagawa Masaharu
Published: November 2024

Background/Objectives: Global warming and the rise in the average temperature in recent years have increased the risk of heat stroke and also deteriorated performance among athletes. Kendo, a traditional Japanese martial art and also a competitive sport, is reported to have high incidents of heat stroke and related mortality. However, there is no heat management guideline for this specific sport to date and research on its heat management practices and risk factors for heat stroke are limited. The present study conducted a scoping review on studies focused on heat stress and the heat management practices of Kendo players. Methods: A literature search was conducted using five databases (PubMed, SCOPUS, Ichu-shi Web, CiNii, and Google Scholar) and also manually from the references of searched articles. Results: Overall, the studies that have investigated the heat stress of Kendo players are scarce and outdated. Of the 15 references that met screening criteria, 11 studies were conducted in a field setting. The vast majority were conducted on male university students and there was a lack of research on females and on different age groups. Common measures of heat management practices used in previous studies were weight changes before and after training (n = 14), body temperature (n = 9), and heart rate (n = 8). Only a few studies used multiple measures to determine heat stress. Conclusions: Considering the continuation of global warming and the increasing risk of heat stroke, further investigation on heat stress, its association with health and performance, and current heat management practices in Kendo players are warranted.
Physical Activity Levels During Physical Education Classes and Their Impact on Physical Fitness in 10-Year-Old School Children: A Comparative Study
Authors: Pelemiš Vladan , Pavlović Slobodan , Mitrović Nebojša , Nikolić Ivko , Stević Dalibor , Trajković Nebojša
Published: November 2024

Background/Objectives: The aim of this research was to determine the differences in physical fitness according to the level of physical activity (PA) during physical education classes in 10-year-old school children. Methods: The research included 315 primary school children (age 10 ± 1.3 years), divided into three groups by level of PA: low, moderate and high. A Eurofit test battery was used to evaluate the physical fitness of children. Physical activity (volume (number of steps) and intensity) was measured using a Coach Gear pedometer and a Suunto Memory Belt heart rate monitor. Results: Presented results indicate that there are significant differences between groups of children of both genders in relation to the level of PA. Group of boys with low PA showed lower values in sit and reach (p = 0.01), standing long jump (p = 0.02), bent arm hang (p = 0.04) and polygon backwards (p = 0.01) compared to the remaining two groups. Girls with low physical activity showed significant differences in sit and reach (p = 0.01) and bent arm hang (p = 0.01) compared to the other two groups, while in hand tapping, the high PA group showed better results compared to the other two groups (p = 0.03). Conclusions: The results reported in this research support the significant effects of PA level on physical fitness in school children. Less active children generally showed poorer physical fitness in both genders.
Convolutional Neural Network-Based Deep Learning Methods for Skeletal Growth Prediction in Dental Patients
Authors: Mohammed Miran Hikmat , Omer Zana Qadir , Aziz Barham Bahroz , Abdulkareem Jwan Fateh , Mahmood Trefa Mohammed Ali , Kareem Fadil Abdullah , Mohammad Dena Nadhim
Published: November 2024

This study aimed to predict the skeletal growth maturation using convolutional neural network-based deep learning methods using cervical vertebral maturation and the lower 2nd molar calcification level so that skeletal maturation can be detected from orthopantomography using multiclass classification. About 1200 cephalometric radiographs and 1200 OPGs were selected from patients seeking treatment in dental centers. The level of skeletal maturation was detected by CNN using the multiclass classification method, and each image was identified as a cervical vertebral maturation index (CVMI); meanwhile, the chronological age was estimated from the level of the 2nd molar calcification. The model’s final result demonstrates a high degree of accuracy with which each stage and gender can be predicted. Cervical vertebral maturation reported high accuracy in males (98%), while females showed high accuracy of 2nd molar calcification. CNN multiclass classification is an accurate method to detect the level of maturation, whether from cervical maturation or the calcification of the lower 2nd molar, and the calcification level of the lower 2nd molar is a reliable method to trust in the growth level, so the traditional OPG is enough for this purpose.
An Enhanced Deep Learning Model for Effective Crop Pest and Disease Detection
Authors: Yuan Yongqi , Sun Jinhua , Zhang Qian
Published: November 2024

Traditional machine learning methods struggle with plant pest and disease image recognition, particularly when dealing with small sample sizes, indistinct features, and numerous categories. This paper proposes an improved ResNet34 model (ESA-ResNet34) for crop pest and disease detection. The model employs ResNet34 as its backbone and introduces an efficient spatial attention mechanism (effective spatial attention, ESA) to focus on key regions of the images. By replacing the standard convolutions in ResNet34 with depthwise separable convolutions, the model reduces its parameter count by 85.37% and its computational load by 84.51%. Additionally, Dropout is used to mitigate overfitting, and data augmentation techniques such as center cropping and horizontal flipping are employed to enhance the model’s robustness. The experimental results show that the improved algorithm achieves an accuracy, precision, and F1 score of 87.09%, 87.14%, and 86.91%, respectively, outperforming several benchmark models (including AlexNet, VGG16, MobileNet, DenseNet, and various ResNet variants). These findings demonstrate that the proposed ESA-ResNet34 model significantly enhances crop pest and disease detection.