bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comprehensive Analysis of Metabolome and Transcriptome in Fruits and Roots of Kiwifruit
Authors: Zhang Long , Tang Zhengmin , Zheng Hao , Zhong Caihong , Zhang Qiong
Published: January 2023

Kiwifruit (Actinidia chinensis) roots instead of fruits are widely used as Chinese medicine, but the functional metabolites remain unclear. In this study, we conducted comparative metabolome analysis between root and fruit in kiwifruit. A total of 410 metabolites were identified in the fruit and root tissues, and of them, 135 metabolites were annotated according to the Kyoto Encyclopaedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway. Moreover, 54 differentially expressed metabolites (DEMs) were shared in root and fruit, with 17 DEMs involved in the flavonoid pathway. Of the 17 DEMs, three flavonols (kaempferol-3-rhamnoside, L-Epicatechin and trifolin) and one dihydrochalcone (phloretin) showed the highest differences in the content level, suggesting that flavonols and dihydrochalcones may act as functional components in kiwifruit root. Transcriptome analysis revealed that genes related to flavonols and dihydrochalcones were highly expressed in root. Moreover, two AP2 transcription factors (TFs), AcRAP2-4 and AcAP2-4, were highly expressed in root, while one bHLH TF AcbHLH62 showed extremely low expression in root. The expression profiles of these TFs were similar to those of the genes related to flavonols and dihydrochalcones, suggesting they are key candidate genes controlling the flavonoid accumulation in kiwifruit. Our results provided an insight into the functional metabolites and their regulatory mechanism in kiwifruit root.
A Mutation in Mouse MT-ATP6 Gene Induces Respiration Defects and Opposed Effects on the Cell Tumorigenic Phenotype
Authors: Moreno-Loshuertos Raquel , Movilla Nieves , Marco-Brualla Joaquín , Soler-Agesta Ruth , Ferreira Patricia , Enríquez José Antonio , Fernández-Silva Patricio
Published: January 2023

As the last step of the OXPHOS system, mitochondrial ATP synthase (or complex V) is responsible for ATP production by using the generated proton gradient, but also has an impact on other important functions linked to this system. Mutations either in complex V structural subunits, especially in mtDNA-encoded ATP6 gene, or in its assembly factors, are the molecular cause of a wide variety of human diseases, most of them classified as neurodegenerative disorders. The role of ATP synthase alterations in cancer development or metastasis has also been postulated. In this work, we reported the generation and characterization of the first mt-Atp6 pathological mutation in mouse cells, an m.8414A>G transition that promotes an amino acid change from Asn to Ser at a highly conserved residue of the protein (p.N163S), located near the path followed by protons from the intermembrane space to the mitochondrial matrix. The phenotypic consequences of the p.N163S change reproduce the effects of MT-ATP6 mutations in human diseases, such as dependence on glycolysis, defective OXPHOS activity, ATP synthesis impairment, increased ROS generation or mitochondrial membrane potential alteration. These observations demonstrate that this mutant cell line could be of great interest for the generation of mouse models with the aim of studying human diseases caused by alterations in ATP synthase. On the other hand, mutant cells showed lower migration capacity, higher expression of MHC-I and slightly lower levels of HIF-1α, indicating a possible reduction of their tumorigenic potential. These results could suggest a protective role of ATP synthase inhibition against tumor transformation that could open the door to new therapeutic strategies in those cancer types relying on OXPHOS metabolism.
Does an Information System Security Notice Format Influence Users’ Compliance Willingness from the Perspective of the Framing Effect?
Authors: Sun Linhui , Li Xun , Gao Jie , Cheng Fangming
Published: January 2023

Information security issues have triggered both academic and practical circles to think about operation management and the sustainable development of information systems. Based on the theory of framing effect, this study constructs a theoretical model of the presentation framework of security notice information on users’ compliance willingness and empirically tests the proposed research hypotheses using a combination of behavioral experiments and questionnaires to analyze the mechanism of the information presentation framework on compliance willingness. The results show that (1) the information presentation framework has a significant effect on users’ decision to comply, but it varies according to specific frameworks. While the attribute and risk frameworks have a significant effect on users’ decision to comply, the goal framework does not have a significant effect on users’ decision to comply. (2) The security notice situation moderates the relationship between the security notice information presentation frame and users’ compliance willingness, but this varies according to the specific situation of the specific framework. The security notice situation moderates the relationship between the attribute framework, the risk framework, and users’ compliance willingness but not the relationship between the goal framework and users’ compliance willingness. (3) Information security cognition has a moderating effect on the relationship between the security notice presentation framework and users’ compliance willingness, but it varies by the specific frameworks. Information security cognition moderates the relationship between attribute frames, risk frames, and users’ compliance willingness but not the relationship between goal frames and users’ compliance willingness.
A Digital Twin for Monitoring the Construction of a Wind Farm
Authors: Ospina-Bohórquez Alejandra , López-Rebollo Jorge , Muñoz-Sánchez Pedro , González-Aguilera Diego
Published: January 2023

Digital twins (DTs) represent an emerging technology that allows interaction between assets and their virtual replicas and enclose geometry from modeling procedures and dynamism from AI. DTs serve different purposes, e.g., testing how devices behave under diverse conditions or monitoring processes and supporting improvement. However, until now, the use of DTs for monitoring constructions has been limited, as they are frequently used only as a high-quality 3D digital representation without connecting to other systems, dynamic analysis, or simulation. This work proposes creating a DT for monitoring the construction of a wind farm. It draws a comparison between the as-designed models (from the design phase) and the as-built models (that represent the actual construction at different times). As a result, the DT can help to control deviations that may occur during construction. The authors propose using Unreal Engine to create an interface that includes as-designed models obtained from the building information modeling (BIM) and as-built models corresponding to different steps during the construction. The result is a video game-type interactive application with a timeline tool that allows going through the construction stages recorded in the as-built models and comparing them to the as-designed model.
Drivers’ Speeding Behavior in Residential Streets: A Structural Equation Modeling Approach
Authors: Alizadeh Mahdi , Davoodi Seyed Rasoul , Shaaban Khaled
Published: January 2023

Speeding in residential areas is a rampant high-risk driving behavior that occurs worldwide. This study investigated the intention and behavior of speeding in residential streets (with a speed limit of 30 km/h) in Iran based on the Theory of extended Planned Behavior (TPB). A total of 480 participants filled out the TPB-based questionnaire online. Nine different factors were identified by exploratory factor analysis. The interrelationship of these factors, as well as their connection with speeding intention and behavior, was analyzed using the Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) method. The results suggested that the adoption of the extended TPB framework to identify factors related to speeding in residential areas was effective in predicting speeding intention and behavior. Affective attitude, descriptive and personal norms, perceived behavioral control, habits, and specification of residential streets were direct predictors of speeding intention. The intention was also strongly associated with speeding behavior in residential areas, serving as the only factor that directly predicts speeding behavior. The two factors of specification and facilities were also significantly related to speeding behavior on residential streets. The results of this study can have positive implications for preventing and reducing crashes on residential streets.
Modification of Pulse Decay Method for Determination of Permeability of Crystalline Rocks
Authors: Malkovsky Victor I. , Zharikov Andrey V. , Ojovan Michael I.
Published: January 2023

An improvement of the pulse decay method of rock permeability measurement is presented. The technique is based on fitting experimental data to analytical and numerical solutions of the filtration equations derived with regard to the variation of flowing gas properties with temperature and pressure. A special apparatus and software for the implementation of this method were developed. A single experiment in which gas is used as a flowing medium enables determining both the permeability of a sample to water and the Klinkenberg constant. The permeability measurements on the samples of different types of rock with various reservoir properties were carried out and demonstrated satisfactory accuracy and efficiency of the method. An effective method for anisotropic permeability measurement is proposed as a development of this technique.
The Cost Effectiveness of Coronary CT Angiography and the Effective Utilization of CT-Fractional Flow Reserve in the Diagnosis of Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Burch Rex A. , Siddiqui Taha A. , Tou Leila C. , Turner Kiera B. , Umair Muhammad
Published: January 2023

Given the high global disease burden of coronary artery disease (CAD), a major problem facing healthcare economic policy is identifying the most cost-effective diagnostic strategy for patients with suspected CAD. The aim of this review is to assess the long-term cost-effectiveness of coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) when compared with other diagnostic modalities and to define the cost and effective diagnostic utilization of computed tomography-fractional flow reserve (CT-FFR). A search was conducted through the MEDLINE database using PubMed with 16 of 119 manuscripts fitting the inclusion and exclusion criteria for review. An analysis of the data included in this review suggests that CCTA is a cost-effective strategy for both low risk acute chest pain patients presenting to the emergency department (ED) and low-to-intermediate risk stable chest pain outpatients. For patients with intermediate-to-high risk, CT-FFR is superior to CCTA in identifying clinically significant stenosis. In low-to-intermediate risk patients, CCTA provides a cost-effective diagnostic strategy with the potential to reduce economic burden and improve long-term health outcomes. CT-FFR should be utilized in intermediate-to-high risk patients with stenosis of uncertain clinical significance. Long-term analysis of cost-effectiveness and diagnostic utility is needed to determine the optimal balance between the cost-effectiveness and diagnostic utility of CT-FFR.
Elderly with Varying Extents of Cardiac Disease Show Interindividual Fluctuating Myocardial TRPC6-Immunoreactivity
Authors: Federspiel Jan Michael , Gartner Jil , Lipp Peter , Schmidt Peter , Tschernig Thomas
Published: January 2023

Both particular myocardial locations in the human heart and the canonical transient receptor potential 6 (TRPC6) cation channel have been linked with cardiac pathophysiologies. Thus, the present study mapped TRPC6-protein distribution in select anatomic locations associated with cardiac disease in the context of an orienting pathological assessment. Specimens were obtained from 5 body donors (4 formalin fixation, 1 nitrite pickling salt-ethanol-polyethylene glycol (NEP) fixation; median age 81 years; 2 females) and procured for basic histological stains and TRPC6-immunohistochemistry. The latter was analyzed descriptively regarding distribution and intensity of positive signals. The percentage of positively labelled myocardium was also determined (optical threshold method). Exclusively exploratory statistical analyses were performed. TRPC6-protein was distributed widespread and homogenously within each analyzed sample. TRPC6-immunoreactive myocardial area was comparable regarding the different anatomic regions and sex. A significantly larger area of TRPC6-immunoreactive myocardium was found in the NEP-fixed donor compared to the formalin fixed donors. Two donors with more severe heart disease showed smaller areas of myocardial TRPC6-immunoreactivity overall compared to the other 3 donors. In summary, in the elderly, TRPC6-protein is widely and homogenously distributed, and severe cardiac disease might be associated with less TRPC6-immunoreactive myocardial area. The tissue fixation method represents a potential confounder.
Airway Findings in Patients with Hunter Syndrome Treated with Intravenous Idursulfase
Authors: De Vuyst Richard , Jalazo Elizabeth , Tsujimoto Tamy Moraes , Lin Feng-Chang , Muenzer Joseph , Muhlebach Marianne S.
Published: January 2023

People with Hunter syndrome are known to be affected by a variety of airway pathologies. Treatment of Hunter syndrome with the enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) idursulfase is now the standard of care. However, it is not known how ERT changes the progression of airway involvement. To evaluate this, we performed a retrospective analysis of bronchoscopies performed on children with Hunter syndrome who were part of intrathecal ERT trials. Findings for airway pathology were extracted from bronchoscopy reports and analyses were performed for cross-sectional and longitudinal changes in airway disease. One-hundred and thirty bronchoscopies from 23 subjects were analyzed. Upper airway disease (adenoid hypertrophy and/or pharyngomalacia) was reported in 93% and 87% of bronchoscopies, respectively. Laryngeal abnormalities were recognized in 46% of cases. There were lower airway (tracheal and or bronchial) findings in 64% of all bronchoscopies and prevalence increased with age. Evaluations over time adjusted for repeat evaluations showed that increasing airway involvement was associated with older age (p = 0.0007) despite ongoing ERT. No association was discovered between age of intravenous ERT initiation and progression of airway disease. Individuals with Hunter syndrome who are receiving intravenous enzyme replacement therapy showed the progression of airways disease supporting the need for regular airway monitoring and intervention.
Prevalence and Risk Factors of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms Detected with Ultrasound in Korea and Belgium
Authors: Kim Hyangkyoung , Cho Sungsin , Sakalihasan Natzi , Hultgren Rebecka , Joh Jin Hyun
Published: January 2023

The objective was to investigate the prevalence of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) and the diameters of the aorta and common iliac arteries (CIAs) in a Korean cohort and secondly to analyze the differences in aortic diameter by comparison with a European cohort. The Korean cohort included participants ≥ 50 years who consented to AAA screening and data were analysed retrospectively. Aortic and common iliac diameters were measured using the outer-to-outer diameter method and prevalence rates were calculated. Common risk factors such as smoking, body mass index, pulmonary disease, hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidaemia, ischaemic heart disease, and cerebrovascular disease were reported in association with AAA occurrence and AAA development. The aortic diameters were then compared with those in a Belgian cohort of 2487 participants identified in the Liège AAA Screening Program. An aortic size index (ASI) was also calculated to account for the potential size differences in the Belgian and Korean populations. A total of 3124 Korean participants were examined using ultrasound. The prevalence of AAAs in this cohort was 0.7%. The combined prevalence of subaneurysmal dilatation and AAA was 1.5%. The prevalence in male smokers older than 65 years was 2.7% (19/715). The mean infrarenal aortic diameter was 17.3 ± 3.1 mm in men and 15.7 ± 2.7 mm in women; the corresponding values in Belgian participants were 19.4 ± 3.0 mm in men and 17.9 ± 2.4 mm in women. The median aortic size index was 0.99 (interquartile range 0.88–1.12). The mean infrarenal aortic diameter was significantly smaller in the Korean cohort than in the Belgian cohort. Considering the observed prevalence of AAAs in different age groups, the age groups which would contribute to most cases was male persons above 66 years in both cohorts.
Association of Advanced Lipoprotein Subpopulation Profiles with Insulin Resistance and Inflammation in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Bakillah Ahmed , Obeid Khamis Khamees , Al Subaiee Maram , Soliman Ayman Farouk , Al Arab Mohammad , Bashir Shahinaz Faisal , Al Hussaini Arwa , Al Otaibi Abeer , Mubarak Sindiyan Al Shaikh , Iqbal Jahangir , Al Qarni Ali Ahmed
Published: January 2023

Plasma lipoproteins exist as several subpopulations with distinct particle number and size that are not fully reflected in the conventional lipid panel. In this study, we sought to quantify lipoprotein subpopulations in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) to determine whether specific lipoprotein subpopulations are associated with insulin resistance and inflammation markers. The study included 57 patients with T2DM (age, 61.14 ± 9.99 years; HbA1c, 8.66 ± 1.60%; mean body mass index, 35.15 ± 6.65 kg/m2). Plasma lipoprotein particles number and size were determined by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Associations of different lipoprotein subpopulations with lipoprotein insulin resistance (LPIR) score and glycoprotein acetylation (GlycA) were assessed using multi-regression analysis. In stepwise regression analysis, VLDL and HDL large particle number and size showed the strongest associations with LPIR (R2 = 0.960; p = 0.0001), whereas the concentrations of the small VLDL and HDL particles were associated with GlycA (R2 = 0.190; p = 0.008 and p = 0.049, respectively). In adjusted multi-regression analysis, small and large VLDL particles and all sizes of lipoproteins independently predicted LPIR, whereas only the number of small LDL particles predicted GlycA. Conventional markers HbA1c and Hs-CRP did not exhibit any significant association with lipoprotein subpopulations. Our data suggest that monitoring insulin resistance-induced changes in lipoprotein subpopulations in T2DM might help to identify novel biomarkers that can be useful for effective clinical intervention.
Association of the Cumulative Live Birth Rate with the Factors in Assisted Reproductive Technology: A Retrospective Study of 16,583 Women
Authors: Wang Qiumin , Qi Dan , Zhang Lixia , Wang Jingru , Du Yanbo , Lv Hong , Yan Lei
Published: January 2023

The cumulative live birth rate (CLBR) can better reflect the overall treatment effect by successive treatments, and continuous rather than categorical variables as exposure variables can increase the statistical power in detecting the potential correlation. Therefore, the dose–response relationships might find an optimal dose for the better CLBR, offering evidence-based references for clinicians. To determine the dose–response relationships of the factors and the optimal ranges of the factors in assisted reproductive technology (ART) associated with a higher CLBR, this study retrospectively analyzed 16,583 patients undergoing the first in vitro fertilization (IVF) or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) from January 2017 to January 2019. Our study demonstrated the optimal ranges of age with a higher CLBR were under 32.10 years. We estimated the CLBR tends to increase with increased levels of AMH at AMH levels below 1.482 ng/mL, and the CLBR reaches a slightly high level at AMH levels in the range from 2.58–4.18 ng/mL. The optimal ranges of basal FSH with a higher CLBR were less than 9.13 IU. When the number of cryopreserved embryos was above 1.055 and the number of total transferred embryos was 2, the CLBR was significantly higher. In conclusion, there is a non-linear dose–response relationship between the CLBR with age, AMH, basal FSH, and the number of cryopreserved embryos and total transferred embryos. We proposed the optimal ranges of the five factors that were correlated with a higher CLBR in the first oocyte retrieval cycle, which may help consultation at IVF clinics.
A Systematic Review of the Prognostic Significance of the Body Mass Index in Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
Authors: Zinellu Angelo , Carru Ciriaco , Pirina Pietro , Fois Alessandro G. , Mangoni Arduino A.
Published: January 2023

The identification of novel prognostic biomarkers might enhance individualized management strategies in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). Although several patient characteristics are currently used to predict outcomes, the prognostic significance of the body mass index (BMI), a surrogate measure of excess fat mass, has not been specifically investigated until recently. We systematically searched PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus, from inception to July 2022, for studies investigating associations between the BMI and clinical endpoints in IPF. The Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklist was used to assess the risk of bias. The PRISMA 2020 statement on the reporting of systematic reviews was followed. Thirty-six studies were identified (9958 IPF patients, low risk of bias in 20), of which 26 were published over the last five years. Significant associations between lower BMI values and adverse outcomes were reported in 10 out of 21 studies on mortality, four out of six studies on disease progression or hospitalization, and two out of three studies on nintedanib tolerability. In contrast, 10 out of 11 studies did not report any significant association between the BMI and disease exacerbation. Our systematic review suggests that the BMI might be useful to predict mortality, disease progression, hospitalization, and treatment-related toxicity in IPF (PROSPERO registration number: CRD42022353363).
Prediction of Cobb Angle Using Deep Learning Algorithm with Three-Dimensional Depth Sensor Considering the Influence of Garment in Idiopathic Scoliosis
Authors: Ishikawa Yoko , Kokabu Terufumi , Yamada Katsuhisa , Abe Yuichiro , Tachi Hiroyuki , Suzuki Hisataka , Ohnishi Takashi , Endo Tsutomu , Ukeba Daisuke , Ura Katsuro , Takahata Masahiko , Iwasaki Norimasa , Sudo Hideki
Published: January 2023

Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is the most common pediatric spinal deformity. Early detection of deformity and timely intervention, such as brace treatment, can help inhibit progressive changes. A three-dimensional (3D) depth-sensor imaging system with a convolutional neural network was previously developed to predict the Cobb angle. The purpose of the present study was to (1) evaluate the performance of the deep learning algorithm (DLA) in predicting the Cobb angle and (2) assess the predictive ability depending on the presence or absence of clothing in a prospective analysis. We included 100 subjects with suspected AIS. The correlation coefficient between the actual and predicted Cobb angles was 0.87, and the mean absolute error and root mean square error were 4.7° and 6.0°, respectively, for Adam’s forward bending without underwear. There were no significant differences in the correlation coefficients between the groups with and without underwear in the forward-bending posture. The performance of the DLA with a 3D depth sensor was validated using an independent external validation dataset. Because the psychological burden of children and adolescents on naked body imaging is an unignorable problem, scoliosis examination with underwear is a valuable alternative in clinics or schools.
The Advantage of Using an Optical See-Through Head-Mounted Display in Ultrasonography-Guided Needle Biopsy Procedures: A Prospective Randomized Study
Authors: Shimizu Tadafumi , Oba Takaaki , Ito Ken-ichi
Published: January 2023

An optical see-through head-mounted display (OST-HMD) can potentially improve the safety and accuracy of ultrasonography (US)-guided fine-needle aspiration. We aimed to evaluate the usefulness of an OST-HMD in US-guided needle-puncture procedures. We conducted a prospective randomized controlled study in which we compared the accuracy and safety of the US-guided needle puncture procedure and the stress on the practitioner when using OST-HMD versus standard US display (SUD). Inexperienced medical students were enrolled and randomly divided into two groups. A breast phantom was used to evaluate the required time and accuracy of the US-guided needle puncture. Practitioner stress was quantified using a visual analog scale (VAS). When the procedure was performed for the first time, the time required to reach the target lesion at a shallow depth was significantly shorter in the OST-HMD group (39.8 ± 39.9 s) than in the SUD group (71.0 ± 81.0 s) (p = 0.01). Using the OST-HMD significantly reduced the unintentional puncture of a non-target lesion (p = 0.01). Furthermore, the stress felt by the practitioners when capturing the image of the target lesion (p < 0.001), inserting and advancing the needle more deeply (p < 0.001), and puncturing the target lesion (p < 0.001) was significantly reduced in the OST-HMD group compared with that in the SUD group. Use of OST-HMD may improve the accuracy and safety of US-guided needle puncture procedures and may reduce practitioner stress during the procedure.
Does Surgical Resection Significantly Prolong the Long-Term Survival of Patients with Oligometastatic Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma? A Cross-Sectional Study Based on 18 Registries
Authors: Li Zheng , Zhang Xiaojie , Sun Chongyuan , Li Zefeng , Fei He , Zhao Dongbing
Published: January 2023

Background: Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a type of lethal gastrointestinal malignancy. It is mainly discovered at, and diagnosed with, an advanced stage of metastasis. As the only potentially curative treatment for PDAC, surgical resection has an uncertain impact on the survival of these patients. As such, we aimed to investigate if patients with metastatic PDAC (mPDAC) benefit from surgery. Methods: Patients with pancreatic cancer in 18 registries of the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database between 2000 and 2018 were reviewed retrospectively. According to the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC), the eighth edition staging system was utilized. Propensity score matching was applied to strengthen the comparability of the study. The impact of surgery on survival was evaluated by restricted mean survival time (RMST) and Kaplan–Meier analysis. Results: A total of 210 well-matched mPDAC patients were included in the study. The 1 year, 3 year, and 5 year overall survival (OS) of patients undergoing surgery was 34.3%, 15.2%, and 11.0%, respectively. The 1 year, 3 year, and 5 year cancer-specific survival (CSS) of these patients was 36.1%, 19.7%, and 14.2%, respectively. RMST analysis revealed that mPDAC patients with surgery had better OS and CSS than those without (OS: 9.49 months vs. 6.45 months, p < 0.01; CSS: 9.76 months vs. 6.54 months, p < 0.01). Nevertheless, subgroup analysis demonstrated that such statistical significance especially existed in oligometastatic PDAC patients, which refers to those metastases that were limited in number and concentrated to a single organ in this study. Additionally, surgery was identified as a significant predictor for the long-term prognosis of patients (OS: [HR, hazard ratio] = 0.48, 95% CI: 0.36–0.65, p < 0.001; CSS: HR = 0.45, 95% CI: 0.33–0.63, p < 0.001). Lastly, a nomogram was established to predict whether an individual was suitable for surgical treatment in this study. Conclusions: Surgical resection significantly prolonged the long-term prognosis of oligometastatic PDAC patients. Such insights might broaden the management of patients with mPDAC to a large extent. However, a prospective clinical trial should be conducted before a recommendation of surgery in these patients.
Three-Month Safety and Efficacy Outcomes for the Smaller-Incision New-Generation Implantable Miniature Telescope (SING IMT™)
Authors: Toro Mario Damiano , Vidal-Aroca Faustino , Montemagni Marina , Xompero Claudio , Fioretto Gaetano , Costagliola Ciro
Published: January 2023

The smaller-incision new-generation implantable miniature telescope (SING IMT™) is the second generation of the IMT™, a telescope prosthesis that is indicated for monocular implantation in patients with stable vision impairment caused by bilateral central scotomas associated with end-stage Age-related macular degeneration (AMD). This non-comparative retrospective study is the first and largest single-surgeon case series to evaluate the short-term (3 months) safety and efficacy of the device in patients with disciform scars or geographic atrophy at baseline. The main outcome measures included best-corrected distance and near visual acuity (CDVA and CDNVA, respectively), endothelial cell density (ECD) loss, and the incidence of complications. At postoperative month 3 in the study eyes, mean CDVA and CDNVA improved by +14.9 ± 7.1 letters and +7.7 ± 3.2 Jaeger levels, respectively. Importantly, 70.83% of patients gained ≥ 2 lines, 58.33% ≥ 3 lines, and 25.00% ≥ 4 lines of CDVA. From baseline, ECD loss in the study eyes was 10.4 ± 13.3% at 3 months, however, ECD was comparable between the study and fellow eyes at all time points. The most common complication was corneal edema. In all, these short-term outcomes suggest that the SING IMT™ delivers lower ECD loss than the first-generation IMT ™, but similar visual outcomes and safety.
Handheld Ultrasound or Conventional Ultrasound Devices in Patients Undergoing HCT: A Validation Study
Authors: Duminuco Andrea , Cupri Alessandra , Massimino Rosario , Leotta Salvatore , Milone Giulio Antonio , Garibaldi Bruno , Giuffrida Giulia , Garretto Orazio , Milone Giuseppe
Published: January 2023

Abdominal ultrasound exams play a major role in the diagnosis of sinusoidal obstruction syndrome/veno-occlusive disease (SOS/VOD). The development of portable hand-held ultrasound devices (HHUS) has been shown to facilitate the diagnosis of many diseases, but little data on the value of HHUS in the diagnosis of SOS/VOD are available. We performed a study aimed at validating portable ultrasound (US) devices in the setting of hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HCT). Sixteen evaluable patients undergoing allogeneic HCT were studied using conventional US and HHUS during the first 3 weeks after transplant. The results obtained demonstrate that there is a close correlation between conventional and handheld ultrasound examination in the measurement of the right hepatic lobe (r = 0.912, p < 0.0001), the left hepatic lobe (r = 0.843, p < 0.0001), the portal vein (PV) (r = 0.724, p < 0.0001), and the spleen (r = 0.983, p < 0.0001) based on Pearson’s correlation. The same data, analyzed through Lin’s concordance correlation coefficient, evidenced a substantial level of agreement in the comparison of the spleen and right hepatic lobe, while a lower grade of agreement in the measurement of the portal vein and left hepatic lobe. Moreover, there was good agreement between results obtained by the two types of ultrasound devices in assessing ascites (p < 0.0001), gallbladder thickening (p < 0.0001), and the direction of PV flow (p < 0.0001). HHUS device allows the study of HokUs-10 parameters with an excellent agreement with conventional US, and may contribute to SOS/VOD diagnosis.
Special Issue: “Spinal Deformity: Diagnosis, Complication and Treatment in Adolescent Patients”
Authors: Scaramuzzo Laura
Published: January 2023

Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is a structural deformity of the spine involving all three planes of the space and arises in otherwise healthy children at or around puberty [...]
Adsorptive Removal of As(III) by Cellulose-Sn(IV) Biocomposite
Authors: Shekhawat Anita , Jugade Ravin , Gomase Vaishnavi , Kahu Shashikant , Dhandayutham Saravanan , Pandey Sadanand
Published: January 2023

Cellulose-Sn(IV) (CSn) biocomposite was synthesized by cellulose and stannic chloride in ethanol medium using microwave irradiation for 2 min with 30 s of intermittent time intervals. The incorporation of Sn(IV) into the cellulose matrix was confirmed through FT-IR, XRD, TGA, SEM- EDS, and BET. The prepared composite CSn has been used for the adsorptive removal of As(III) from water. Parameters, such as initial concentration, adsorbent dose, initial As(III) concentration, and time required for the adsorption process, were optimized through the batch-adsorption process. The adsorption capacity of the CSn for As(III) adsorption was found to be 16.64 mg/g at pH 7.0. Freundlich isotherm was found to be more suitable for the adsorption process based on regression coefficient values. Pseudo-second-order kinetic model was found to be more suitable for understanding the kinetics of the adsorption of As(III). Weber–Morris model with non-zero intercept revealed that the mechanism of adsorption was not limited to the diffusion process only. The adsorption process was spontaneous and exothermic and showed a decrease in randomness. Chloride ions decreased the percentage removal of As(III) when the concentration of chloride ions was ten times that of As(III) concentration according to the results obtained through the effect of co-anions study. In this study, 5% (w/v) NaCl solution has been used for the regeneration of the material, and during up to five adsorption–desorption cycles, there was a gradual decrease in percentage removal of As(III) from 95% to 78% only, which proves the greener aspect of the CSn. The breakthrough volume of 1.25 L of 10 mg/L of As(III) in column studies revealed that the CSn could be applicable for larger sample volumes also.
An Experimental Anodized Titanium Surface for Transgingival Dental Implant Elements—Preliminary Report
Authors: Hadzik Jakub , Kubasiewicz-Ross Paweł , Gębarowski Tomasz , Waloszczyk Natalia , Maciej Artur , Stolarczyk Agnieszka , Gedrange Tomasz , Dominiak Marzena , Szajna Ernest , Simka Wojciech
Published: January 2023

The characteristics such as microtopography, physical and chemical properties influence the behavior of an implant in a soft tissue. Anodization—as a potent method of titanium alloy surface modification—of the transgingival abutment or healing screw, has achieved some improvement. One of the possible surface treatment method is low-pressure radiofrequency oxygen plasma treatment. The aim of the study was to evaluate the chemical properties and cytocompatibility of the experimental surface. Titanium discs made of grade-23 titanium alloy (Ti-6Al-4V) anodized (A sample) with different voltage parameters (28, 67, 78, and 98 V) were included in the study. Half of the samples regarded as the “S” group were additionally treated with low-pressure radiofrequency oxygen plasma treatment. The surfaces were characterized using scanning electron microscopy, X-ray spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopy, and electrochemically investigated via a corrosion test. Furthermore, two cell lines were used, including the CHO-compatible reference line and a primary human fibroblast line for the MTT assay; direct (contact) cytotoxicity of the materials was tested with the cells, and the growth of fibroblasts on the surfaces of the different materials was tested. The morphology of the “S”-treated samples did not differ from the morphology of only-anodized samples. However, the oxygen concentration on the surface in that group slightly increased by about 1% as a result of post-trial treatment. The highest corrosion resistance was observed for both A-78 V and S-78 V samples. The cytotoxicity assay revealed no changes in cell morphology or vitality. The MTT test proved comparable culture viability among all groups; however, the “S” samples showed statistically significantly higher fibroblast proliferation and adhesion scores compared to the “A” samples. Through the in vitro study, the low-pressure radiofrequency oxygen plasma treatment of the anodized Ti-6Al-4V alloy presented itself as an auspicious option in the field of transgingival element surface modification of implants.
Flexible Lead-Free Piezoelectric Ba0.94Sr0.06Sn0.09Ti0.91O3/PDMS Composite for Self-Powered Human Motion Monitoring
Authors: Deng Lin , Deng Weili , Yang Tao , Tian Guo , Jin Long , Zhang Hongrui , Lan Boling , Wang Shenglong , Ao Yong , Wu Bo , Yang Weiqing
Published: January 2023

Piezoelectric wearable electronics, which can sense external pressure, have attracted widespread attention. However, the enhancement of electromechanical coupling performance remains a great challenge. Here, a new solid solution of Ba1−xSrxSn0.09Ti0.91O3 (x = 0.00~0.08) is prepared to explore potential high-performance, lead-free piezoelectric ceramics. The coexistence of the rhombohedral phase, orthorhombic phase and tetragonal phase is determined in a ceramic with x = 0.06, showing enhanced electrical performance with a piezoelectric coefficient of d33~650 pC/N. Furthermore, Ba0.94Sr0.06Sn0.09Ti0.91O3 (BSST) is co-blended with PDMS to prepare flexible piezoelectric nanogenerators (PENGs) and their performance is explored. The effects of inorganic particle concentration and distribution on the piezoelectric output of the composite are systematically analyzed by experimental tests and computational simulations. As a result, the optimal VOC and ISC of the PENG (40 wt%) can reach 3.05 V and 44.5 nA, respectively, at 138.89 kPa, and the optimal sensitivity of the device is up to 21.09 mV/kPa. Due to the flexibility of the device, the prepared PENG can be attached to the surface of human skin as a sensor to monitor vital movements of the neck, fingers, elbows, spine, knees and feet of people, thus warning of dangerous behavior or incorrect posture and providing support for sports rehabilitation.
Focus of Attention in Coach Instructions for Technique Training in Sports: A Scrutinized Review of Review Studies
Authors: Werner Inge , Federolf Peter
Published: January 2023

Literature reports superior performance when focusing one’s attention during a movement on environmental effects of that movement (external focus, EF) compared to focusing on the moving body (internal focus, IF). Nevertheless, IF instructions still play an important role in the daily practice of coaches, trainers, and therapists. The current review compiles evidence for focus-of-attention concepts on movement form corrections and technique training. Reviews on the topic and selected additional papers addressing the effect of attentional focus on movement form or on kinetic, kinematic or muscle activity data were included. Both EF and IF instructions affect movement form. The reviews revealed that IF instructions seem to be better applicable to direct movement form changes than EF instructions. In contrast, EF instructions better facilitate optimization within the whole-body coordination, often resulting in better performance outcomes not directly linked to movement pattern changes. Several studies discuss focus-of-attention effects in the context of the optimal feedback control theory expanding on the constrained action hypothesis. In summary, EF and IF instructions both affect form and performance of movements, however, their relative efficacy is situation dependent. The often-purported superiority of EF over IF instructions cannot be generalized to all application contexts.
Survey on Low-Cost Underwater Sensor Networks: From Niche Applications to Everyday Use
Authors: Campagnaro Filippo , Steinmetz Fabian , Renner Bernd-Christian
Published: January 2023

Traditionally, underwater acoustic modems and positioning systems were developed for military and Oil & Gas industries, that require deep water deployments and extremely reliable systems, focusing on high power expensive systems and leaving the use of low-cost devices only attractive for academic studies. Conversely, recent developments of low-cost unmanned vehicles, such as remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) and autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs), suitable for shallow water coastal missions, and the need of sensors network deployments for measuring water quality and studying the effect of climate change in coastal areas, called to the need of low-cost and low-power acoustic modems and positioning systems that are gaining more and more momentum to date. The use of these devices can enable a wide set of applications, often based on low-cost AUV swarm formations, where an acoustic link between the vehicles is required to coordinate the mission, perform the maneuvers, and maintain the formation along the time. Moreover, they can make environmental wireless sensor deployment cost effective by substituting wired systems. Underwater positioning systems, usually used in large-scale operations, can be finally applied to small-scale application thanks to the reduction in costs, at the price of a lower transmission and positioning range and precision. While in open-sea application this performance reduction is a huge limitation, in river, lagoon, port and lake deployments this is not an issue, given that the extremely shallow water and the presence of many obstacles would deteriorate the acoustic signal anyway, not allowing long range transmissions even with expensive and sophisticated acoustic devices. In this paper, we review the recent developments of low-cost and low-power acoustic communication and positioning systems, both analyzing University prototypes and new commercial devices available in the market, identifying advantages and limitations of these devices, and we describe potential new applications that can be enabled by these systems.
Model and Simulation of a Floating Hybrid Wind and Current Turbines Integrated Generator System, Part I: Kinematics and Dynamics
Authors: Tamarit Fernando , García Emilio , Quiles Eduardo , Correcher Antonio
Published: January 2023

This initial publication is part of a series of publications that will appear soon, which pursue a final objective for the proposal of a fully integrated and controlled hybrid system composed of a floating wind turbine—type “OC3-Hywind”—and two marine current turbines with the aim of increasing the energy generated by the floating installation and, at the same time, use the set of turbines as actuators as part of an integral cooperative control system of the floating hybrid system to ensure the structural stability of the floating hybrid generator system (FHGS) in harsh weather conditions, which is a key issue in this type of floating systems. A specially designed tool to design, analyze, and control this type of FHGSs was developed using Matlab®. In this tool, named Floating Hybrid Generator Systems Simulator (FHYGSYS), several tests were carried out on the structural stability of the system considering the interactive phase of the acting forces. Working in a programming environment like Matlab® allows design freedom and the possibility of evaluating the system with different geometries, aerodynamic airfoils, and external meteorological conditions, and also including or eliminating certain elements, etc. This versatility will be helpful in future studies aimed at evaluating this system and maximizing the production of energy.
Effects of Anticyclonic Eddies on the Unique Tropical Storm Deliwe (2014) in the Mozambique Channel
Authors: Bai Linfei , Lü Haibin , Huang Haojie , Muhammad Imran Shahzad , Ding Xiaoqi , Zhang Yuanzhi
Published: January 2023

The unique tropical storm (TS) Deliwe (2014) occurred in the northern Mozambique Channel on 17 January 2014 and turned right during its whole life cycle, moving south along the west coast of Madagascar Island. During the development of the TS, the anticyclonic eddies in the Mozambique Channel had an important influence on the intensity and track of Deliwe, which existed for months. In this study, multisource reanalysis, conductivity temperature depth (CTD) and Argo buoy data were used to investigate the mechanism of dynamics. The results showed that the anticyclonic eddies in the Mozambique Channel were a major cause of Deliwe strengthening, weakening and then deflection to the right. On 17 January, the maximum latent heat flux of anticyclonic eddy W1 reached 103.1 w/m2. After Deliwe passed, the tropical cyclone heat potential (TCHP) of anticyclonic eddy W1 was significantly reduced by 3 kJ/cm2. The mixed layer of anticyclonic eddy W1 was deeper than the surrounding waters, supporting the development of Deliwe. As the TS intensity decreased, the low-pressure center of 500 hPa moved above anticyclonic eddy W2, and the westerly wind belt moved northward to form a westerly trough of low pressure, which caused the TS to keep turning right and formed a unique TS track. This study provides a new understanding of the influence of marine anticyclonic eddies on the development of tropical cyclones (TCs) in the Mozambique channel.
Impact of Salinity Changes on the Antioxidation of Juvenile Yellowfin Tuna (Thunnus albacares)
Authors: Zhou Shengjie , Zhang Ninglu , Fu Zhengyi , Yu Gang , Ma Zhenhua , Zhao Lei
Published: January 2023

To understand the impacts of salinity stress on the antioxidation of yellowfin tuna Thunnus albacares, 72 fishes (646.52 ± 66.32 g) were randomly divided into two treatments (32‰ and 29‰) and sampled at four time points (0 h, 12 h, 24 h, and 48 h). The salinity of the control group (32‰) was based on natural filtered seawater and the salinity of the stress group (29‰) was reduced by adding tap water with 24 h aeration to the natural filtered seawater. The superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and malondialdehyde (MDA) from liver, gill, and muscle tissues were used as the antioxidant indexes in this study. The results showed that the changes of SOD and GSH-Px in the gills were first not significantly different from the control group (p > 0.05) and finally significantly higher than the control group (SOD: 50.57%, GSH-Px: 195.95%, p < 0.05). SOD activity in fish liver was not significantly changed from 0 h to 48 h (p > 0.05), and was not significantly different between the stress group and control group (p > 0.05). With the increase in stress time, GSH-Px and MDA activities in the liver of juvenile yellowfin tuna increased first (GSH-Px: 113.42%, MDA: 137.45%) and then reduced (GSH-Px: −62.37%, MDA: −16.90%) to levels similar to the control group. The SOD activity in the white and red muscle of juvenile yellowfin tuna first decreased (white muscle: −27.51%, red muscle: −15.52%) and then increased (white muscle: 7.30%, red muscle: 3.70%) to the level of the control group. The activities of GSH-Px and MDA in white and red muscle increased first (white muscle GSH-Px: 81.96%, red muscle GSH-Px: 233.08%, white muscle MDA: 26.89%, red muscle MDA: 64.68%) and then decreased (white muscle GSH-Px: −48.03%, red muscle GSH-Px: −28.94%, white muscle MDA: −15.93%, red muscle MDA: −28.67%) to the level observed in the control group. The results from the present study indicate that low salinity may lead to changes in the antioxidant function of yellowfin tuna juveniles. In contrast, yellowfin tuna juveniles have strong adaptability to the salinity of 29‰. However, excessive stress may consume the body’s reserves and reduce the body’s resistance.