bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Debulking of the Femoral Stem in a Primary Total Hip Joint Replacement: A Novel Method to Reduce Stress Shielding
Authors: Sunavala-Dossabhoy Gulshan , Saba Brent M. , McCarthy Kevin J.
Published: April 2024

In current-generation designs of total primary hip joint replacement, the prostheses are fabricated from alloys. The modulus of elasticity of the alloy is substantially higher than that of the surrounding bone. This discrepancy plays a role in a phenomenon known as stress shielding, in which the bone bears a reduced proportion of the applied load. Stress shielding has been implicated in aseptic loosening of the implant which, in turn, results in reduction in the in vivo life of the implant. Rigid implants shield surrounding bone from mechanical loading, and the reduction in skeletal stress necessary to maintain bone mass and density results in accelerated bone loss, the forerunner to implant loosening. Femoral stems of various geometries and surface modifications, materials and material distributions, and porous structures have been investigated to achieve mechanical properties of stems closer to those of bone to mitigate stress shielding. For improved load transfer from implant to femur, the proposed study investigated a strategic debulking effort to impart controlled flexibility while retaining sufficient strength and endurance properties. Using an iterative design process, debulked configurations based on an internal skeletal truss framework were evaluated using finite element analysis. The implant models analyzed were solid; hollow, with a proximal hollowed stem; FB-2A, with thin, curved trusses extending from the central spine; and FB-3B and FB-3C, with thick, flat trusses extending from the central spine in a balanced-truss and a hemi-truss configuration, respectively. As outlined in the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 7206 standards, implants were offset in natural femur for evaluation of load distribution or potted in testing cylinders for fatigue testing. The commonality across all debulked designs was the minimization of proximal stress shielding compared to conventional solid implants. Stem topography can influence performance, and the truss implants with or without the calcar collar were evaluated. Load sharing was equally effective irrespective of the collar; however, the collar was critical to reducing the stresses in the implant. Whether bonded directly to bone or cemented in the femur, the truss stem was effective at limiting stress shielding. However, a localized increase in maximum principal stress at the proximal lateral junction could adversely affect cement integrity. The controlled accommodation of deformation of the implant wall contributes to the load sharing capability of the truss implant, and for a superior biomechanical performance, the collared stem should be implanted in interference fit. Considering the results of all implant designs, the truss implant model FB-3C was the best model.
Antihypertensive Potential of Japanese Quail (Couturnix Couturnix Japonica) Egg Yolk Oil (QEYO) in Sprague Dawley Rats
Authors: Ismaila Muhammad Sani , Balogun-Raji Sherifat Olayemi , Hamza Fahad , Sadiya Usman Bello , Salisu Buhari , Umar Mohammed , Aminu Ishaka , Jones Kegan Romelle
Published: April 2024

Oils from animal sources have been used for centuries in the management of diseases. This research was conducted to screen the ex vivo and in vivo toxicity of quail egg yolk oil (QEYO) extracts and assess their effects on the management of hypertension in rats. QEYO was extracted using gentle heating (GH) and n-hexane (NHN). The extracts were subjected to toxicity testing using the hen’s egg test on chorioallantoic membrane (HET-CAM) and bovine corneal histology test. Acute and sub-chronic toxicity (28 days) were evaluated in rats. Hypertension was induced in rats by administering 80 mg/kg of Nω-L-Arginine Methyl Ester (L-NAME) per day for 28 days. Treatments commenced on the 14th day; Nifedipine at 30 mg/kg and 1 mL of distilled water were administered as positive and negative controls. Blood pressure (BP), lipid profiles, and oxidative stress markers were quantified. No irritation was observed using the HET-CAM test in the egg treated with both extracts. Bovine corneal histology showed no lesions in all treated groups. No signs of toxicity were observed in either acute or sub-chronic toxicity studies. A significant reduction in blood pressure was observed in rats treated with the extracts (p < 0.05). Changes in total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TGs), low-density lipoproteins (LDLPs), and high-density lipoproteins (HDLPs) were not significant compared to the control (p > 0.05). Oxidative stress markers (SOD and CAT) increased significantly in the treated groups compared to the control, while the malondialdehyde levels decreased (p < 0.05). QEYO was safe in both ex vivo and in vivo studies and can be said to have the potential to lower blood pressure as well as cardio-protective effects in hypertensive rats. This research provides evidence based on which QEYO could be used safely as an adjuvant therapy in eye drops and cosmetics and can be considered an effective choice for preventing hypertension.
Systemic Effects of a Phage Cocktail on Healthy Weaned Piglets
Authors: Liu Yankun , Lin Yan , Zhu Weiyun
Published: April 2024

Numerous studies have demonstrated that bacteriophages (phages) can effectively treat intestinal bacterial infections. However, research on the impact of phages on overall body health once they enter the intestine is limited. This study utilized weaned piglets as subjects to evaluate the systemic effects of an orally administered phage cocktail on their health. Twelve 21-day-old weaned piglets were divided into control (CON) and phage gavage (Phages) groups. The phage cocktail consisted of five lytic phages, targeting Salmonella enterica serovar Choleraesuis (S. choleraesuis), Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC), and Shiga tox-in-producing Escherichia coli (STEC). The phages group received 10 mL of phage cocktail orally for 20 consecutive days. The results show that the phage gavage did not affect the piglets’ growth performance, serum biochemical indices, or most organ indices, except for the pancreas. However, the impact on the intestine was complex. Firstly, although the pancreatic index decreased, it did not affect the secretion of digestive enzymes in the intestine. Secondly, phages increased the pH of jejunum chyme and relative weight of the ileum, and enhanced intestinal barrier function without affecting the morphology of the intestine. Thirdly, phages did not proliferate in the intestine, but altered the intestinal microbiota structure and increased concentrations of microbial metabolites isobutyric acid and isovaleric acid in the colonic chyme. In addition, phages impacted the immune status, significantly increasing serum IgA, IgG, and IgM, as well as serum and intestinal mucosal IFN-γ, IL-1β, IL-17, and TGF-β, and decreasing IL-4 and IL-10. They also activated toll-like receptors TLR-4 and TLR-9. Apart from an increase in basophil numbers, the counts of other immune cells in the blood did not change. This study indicates that the impact of phages on body health is complex, especially regarding immune status, warranting further attention. Short-term phage gavage did not have significant negative effects on health but could enhance intestinal barrier function.
The Female-Biased General Odorant Binding Protein 2 of Semiothisa cinerearia Displays Binding Affinity for Biologically Active Host Plant Volatiles
Authors: Tu Jingjing , Wang Zehua , Yang Fan , Liu Han , Qiao Guanghang , Zhang Aihuan , Wang Shanning
Published: April 2024

Herbivorous insects rely on volatile chemical cues from host plants to locate food sources and oviposition sites. General odorant binding proteins (GOBPs) are believed to be involved in the detection of host plant volatiles. In the present study, one GOBP gene, ScinGOBP2, was cloned from the antennae of adult Semiothisa cinerearia. Reverse-transcription PCR and real-time quantitative PCR analysis revealed that the expression of ScinGOBP2 was strongly biased towards the female antennae. Fluorescence-based competitive binding assays revealed that 8 of the 27 host plant volatiles, including geranyl acetone, decanal, cis-3-hexenyl n-valerate, cis-3-hexenyl butyrate, 1-nonene, dipentene, α-pinene and β-pinene, bound to ScinGOBP2 (KD = 2.21–14.94 μM). The electrical activities of all eight ScinGOBP2 ligands were confirmed using electroantennography. Furthermore, oviposition preference experiments showed that eight host volatiles, such as decanal, cis-3-hexenyl n-valerate, cis-3-hexenyl butyrate, and α-pinene, had an attractive effect on female S. cinerearia, whereas geranyl acetone, 1-nonene, β-pinene, and dipentene inhibited oviposition in females. Consequently, it can be postulated that ScinGOBP2 may be implicated in the perception of host plant volatiles and that ScinGOBP2 ligands represent significant semiochemicals mediating the interactions between plants and S. cinerearia. This insight could facilitate the development of a chemical ecology-based approach for the management of S. cinerearia.
Transgenic Overexpression of HDAC9 Promotes Adipocyte Hypertrophy, Insulin Resistance and Hepatic Steatosis in Aging Mice
Authors: Veerapaneni Praneet , Goo Brandee , Ahmadieh Samah , Shi Hong , Kim David S. , Ogbi Mourad , Cave Stephen , Chouhaita Ronnie , Cyriac Nicole , Fulton David J. , Verin Alexander D. , Chen Weiqin , Lei Yun , Lu Xin-Yun , Kim Ha Won , Weintraub Neal L.
Published: April 2024

Histone deacetylase (HDAC) 9 is a negative regulator of adipogenic differentiation, which is required for maintenance of healthy adipose tissues. We reported that HDAC9 expression is upregulated in adipose tissues during obesity, in conjunction with impaired adipogenic differentiation, adipocyte hypertrophy, insulin resistance, and hepatic steatosis, all of which were alleviated by global genetic deletion of Hdac9. Here, we developed a novel transgenic (TG) mouse model to test whether overexpression of Hdac9 is sufficient to induce adipocyte hypertrophy, insulin resistance, and hepatic steatosis in the absence of obesity. HDAC9 TG mice gained less body weight than wild-type (WT) mice when fed a standard laboratory diet for up to 40 weeks, which was attributed to reduced fat mass (primarily inguinal adipose tissue). There was no difference in insulin sensitivity or glucose tolerance in 18-week-old WT and HDAC9 TG mice; however, at 40 weeks of age, HDAC9 TG mice exhibited impaired insulin sensitivity and glucose intolerance. Tissue histology demonstrated adipocyte hypertrophy, along with reduced numbers of mature adipocytes and stromovascular cells, in the HDAC9 TG mouse adipose tissue. Moreover, increased lipids were detected in the livers of aging HDAC9 TG mice, as evaluated by oil red O staining. In conclusion, the experimental aging HDAC9 TG mice developed adipocyte hypertrophy, insulin resistance, and hepatic steatosis, independent of obesity. This novel mouse model may be useful in the investigation of the impact of Hdac9 overexpression associated with metabolic and aging-related diseases.
What Is the Role of Basal Weekly Insulin in Clinical Practice? The State of the Art
Authors: Argano Christiano , Priola Laura , Manno Francesco , Corrao Salvatore
Published: April 2024

Despite the advent of innovative therapies in the treatment of diabetes, ever-increasing awareness is still directed to the role of insulin since it has continued to be at the centre of diabetes therapy for decades, as a therapeutic integration of innovative agents in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), as the only replacement therapy in type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) and also in gestational diabetes. In this context, the study of molecules such as weekly basal insulins, both for their technological and pharmacodynamic innovation and their manageability and undoubted benefits in compliance with drug therapy, can only be a turning point in diabetes and for all its phenotypes. This review aims to provide insight into the knowledge of basal weekly insulins and their use in type 1 and 2 diabetes mellitus by examining their safety, efficacy, manageability and increased therapeutic compliance.
The Role of Pretreatment Serum Interleukin 6 in Predicting Short-Term Mortality in Patients with Advanced Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Park Se Jun , Park Ju Yeon , Shin Kabsoo , Hong Tae Ho , Kim Younghoon , Kim In-Ho , Lee MyungAh
Published: April 2024

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is notorious for its aggressive progression and dismal survival rates, with this study highlighting elevated interleukin 6 (IL-6) levels in patients as a key marker of increased disease severity and a potential prognostic indicator. Analyzing pre-treatment serum from 77 advanced PDAC patients via ELISA, the research determined optimal cutoff values for IL-6 and the IL-6:sIL-6Rα ratio using receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, which then facilitated the division of patients into low and high IL-6 groups, showing significantly different survival outcomes. Notably, high IL-6 levels correlated with adverse features such as poorly differentiated histology, higher tumor burden, and low albumin levels, indicating a stronger likelihood of poorer prognosis. With a median follow-up of 9.28 months, patients with lower IL-6 levels experienced markedly better median overall survival and progression-free survival than those with higher levels, underscoring IL-6’s role in predicting disease prognosis. Multivariate analysis further confirmed IL-6 levels, alongside older age, and elevated neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, as predictors of worse outcomes, suggesting that IL-6 could be a critical biomarker for tailoring treatment strategies in advanced PDAC, warranting further investigation into its role in systemic inflammation and the tumor microenvironment.
Analysis and Simulation of the Compressive Strength of Bioinspired Lightweight Structures Manufactured by a Stereolithography 3D Printer
Authors: Alía García Cristina , Rodríguez Ortiz Álvaro , Arenas Reina José Manuel , Cano-Moreno Juan David , Gómez Gómez Manuel
Published: April 2024

The use of metamaterials is a good alternative when looking for structures that can withstand compression forces without increasing their weight. In this sense, using nature as a reference can be an appropriate option to design this type of material. Therefore, in this work, a comparative study of a selection of eight representative models of a wide variety of existing solutions, both bioinspired and proposed by various researchers, is presented. These models have been manufactured using stereolithography (SLA) printing, which allows complex geometries to be obtained in a simple way that would be more complicated to achieve by other procedures. Additionally, the manufacturing cost of each model has been determined. The compression tests of the different models have made it possible to evaluate the breaking force and its corresponding deformation. Likewise, a finite element analysis of the manufactured models has been carried out to simulate their behavior under compression, achieving results very similar to those obtained in the experimental tests. In this way, it has been concluded that, among the three-dimensional patterns, the structure called “3D auxetic” is the one that supports the greatest breaking force due to the topographic characteristics of its bar structure. Similarly, among the two-dimensional patterns, the structure called “Auxetic 1”, with a topography based on curves, is capable of supporting the greatest deformation in the compression direction before breaking. Moreover, the highest resistance-force-to-cost ratio has been obtained with a “3D auxetic” structure.
Diatom-Inspired Structural Adaptation According to Mode Shapes: A Study on 3D Structures and Software Tools
Authors: Andresen Simone , Ahmad Basri Ahmad Burhani
Published: April 2024

Diatoms captivate both biologists and engineers with their remarkable mechanical properties and lightweight design principles inherent in their shells. Recent studies have indicated that diatom frustules possess optimized shapes that align with vibrational modes, suggesting an inherent adaptation to vibratory loads. The mode shape adaptation method is known to significantly alter eigenfrequencies of 1D and 2D structures to prevent undesired vibration amplitudes. Leveraging this insight, the diatom-inspired approach to deform structures according to mode shapes was extended to different complex 3D structures, demonstrating a significant enhancement in eigenfrequencies with distinct mode shapes. Through extensive parameter studies, frequency increases exceeding 200% were obtained, showcasing the method’s effectiveness. In the second study part, the studied method was integrated into a user-friendly, low-code software facilitating swift and automated structural adjustments for eigenfrequency optimization. The created software tools, encompassing various components, were successfully tested on the example structures demonstrating the versatility and practicality of implementing biomimetic strategies in engineering designs. Thus, the present investigation does not only highlight the noteworthiness of the structural adaptation method inspired by diatoms in maximizing eigenfrequencies, but also originate software tools permitting different users to easily apply the method to distinct structures that have to be optimized, e.g., lightweight structures in the mobility or aerospace industry that are susceptible toward vibrations.
Use of Nanoparticles in Regenerative Dentistry: A Systematic Review
Authors: Pecci-Lloret María Pilar , Gea-Alcocer Silvia , Murcia-Flores Laura , Rodríguez-Lozano Francisco Javier , Oñate-Sánchez Ricardo Elías
Published: April 2024

Introduction: nanoparticles are tiny-sized materials whose characteristics and properties mean that their association with dental materials is being investigated to ascertain their effects and possible benefits on tooth structures. This systematic review aimed to qualitatively collect in vitro studies that address the potential application of different nanoparticles in dental regeneration. Following an exhaustive search and article selection process, 16 in vitro studies that met our eligibility criteria were included. BG-NPs were analyzed across five studies, with three demonstrating their impact on the growth and differentiation of human hDPSCs. CS-NPs were examined in three studies, with findings from two indicating a significant effect on the differentiation of SCAPs. Nanoparticles’ therapeutic potential and their stimulatory effect on promoting the regeneration of cells of the dentin-pulp complex have been proven. Their effect is altered according to the type of nanoparticle, concentration, and substances associated with them and, depending on these variables, they will affect the pulp, dentine, and dental cementum differently.
Assessing the Psychometric Properties of the Illness Management and Recovery Scale: A Systematic Review Using the Consensus-Based Standards for the Selection of Health Measurement Instruments (COSMIN)
Authors: Martín-Ordiales Nuria , Hidalgo María Dolores , Martín-Chaparro María Pilar , Ballester-Plané Júlia , Barrios Maite
Published: April 2024

The Illness Management and Recovery Scale (IMR-S) is based on the IMR program, developed to assess the recovery process for people with severe mental disorders by considering the perceptions of clients and clinicians involved in it. The aim of this study was to analyze the psychometric properties of the IMR-S so as to determine the reliability and suitability of its scores for evaluating recovery. Two coders searched five databases for studies, published between January 2004 and May 2023, that describe the psychometric assessment of the IMR-S. Studies were assessed using the COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement INstruments (COSMIN) Risk of Bias checklist. Finally, 46 papers were included. Methodological quality was very good for most of the studies that provide information on internal validity, and limited for those that report on responsiveness. Measurement properties were positive for convergent validity and measurement error. The quality of evidence was high for structural validity studies. Although this study only includes research published in English and may have overlooked certain psychometric properties evaluated in studies published in other languages, our findings suggest that the IMR-S is a valid and reliable instrument, demonstrating its potential to offer guidance for clinical practice.
The Impact of Ground-Floor Elevation of School Buildings on Courtyard Wind Environment
Authors: Wen Qiang , Liu Haiqiang , Zhou Qiang , Guo Qinghai , Wang Pinliang , Zhang Luyao
Published: April 2024

Poor wind conditions in metropolitan areas can result in inadequate ventilation and degradation of the thermal environment. Several researches have demonstrated that the building ground floor elevation (BGFE) enhances the wind conditions surrounding buildings. Further investigation is required to thoroughly examine the BGFE’s impact on the wind conditions in the courtyard area. We researched how the various overhead placements affect the ventilation of a U-shaped school building’s courtyard space in different wind directions. We performed Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) numerical simulation experiments on 93 overhead scenarios based on field measurements and validation. The statistical analysis of the experimental data revealed that the BGFE had significant effects on reducing the mean air age (p < 0.001), standard deviation of air age (p < 0.01), standard deviation of wind speed (p < 0.001), and mean wind speed (p < 0.01) in the courtyard space. The BGFE in the northeastern zone of the U-shaped school building significantly increased the mean air age (p < 0.05), while the BGFE in the middle and southwestern zones significantly decreased the mean air age (p < 0.001), and the BGFE in the southeastern zone significantly decreased the mean wind speed (p < 0.05). The BGFE facilitates the entry of fresh air and offers even ventilation while significantly reducing wind speed. Choose sites C and D to enhance the U-shaped courtyard’s ventilation and avoid locations B and E. This paper’s findings provide theoretical guidance for designing the elevation of courtyard space from a ventilation perspective and for the green rehabilitation of existing buildings.
The Effect of Demolition Concrete Waste on the Physical, Mechanical, and Durability Characteristics of Concrete
Authors: Tang Jian , Cao Jingying , Luo Hua , Chen Weihua , Jia Zhiyou , Cunha Sandra , Aguiar José
Published: April 2024

With the development of urbanization, more and more construction and demolition waste (CDW) is generated. To enhance the mechanical properties and durability of concrete through the incorporation of recycled aggregate, the water/cement ratio was controlled to optimize the properties of concrete. In this work, one reference concrete with a water/cement ratio of 0.5 was prepared. The demolition concrete waste from East China was used, and 50% and 100% of the natural aggregates of the reference concrete were substituted. Furthermore, the water/cement ratio of concrete with 50% and 100% CDW was reduced to 0.3, and the superplasticizer was used to justify the workability of fresh concrete. Finally, the workability of fresh concrete was determined. After curing for 28 days, the density, water absorption, and resistance to chloride penetration of concrete were realized. The compressive and flexural strength were examined at 14 and 28 days, and the electrical resistivity test was conducted at 7, 14, and 28 days. The results indicate that with increasing CDW content, the mechanical properties and durability of concrete decreased. However, when the water/cement ratio decreased to 0.3, the concrete properties were optimized, such as the compressive strength and resistance to chloride penetration of concrete with 50% CDW increased by 74.2% and 28%, respectively.
Breaking Barriers: Modulation of Tumor Microenvironment to Enhance Bacillus Calmette–Guérin Immunotherapy of Bladder Cancer
Authors: Ibrahim Omar M. , Kalinski Pawel
Published: April 2024

The clinical management of bladder cancer continues to present significant challenges. Bacillus Calmette–Guérin (BCG) immunotherapy remains the gold standard of treatment for non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC), but many patients develop recurrence and progression to muscle-invasive disease (MIBC), which is resistant to BCG. This review focuses on the immune mechanisms mobilized by BCG in bladder cancer tumor microenvironments (TME), mechanisms of BCG resistance, the dual role of the BCG-triggered NFkB/TNFα/PGE2 axis in the regulation of anti-tumor and tumor-promoting aspects of inflammation, and emerging strategies to modulate their balance. A better understanding of BCG resistance will help develop new treatments and predictive biomarkers, paving the way for improved clinical outcomes in bladder cancer patients.
Probing the Effects of Retinoblastoma Binding Protein 6 (RBBP6) Knockdown on the Sensitivity of Cisplatin in Cervical Cancer Cells
Authors: Mehta Harshini , Ambele Melvin Anyasi , Mokgautsi Ntlotlang , Moela Pontsho
Published: April 2024

Cervical cancer is a major cause of death in women despite the advancement of current treatment modalities. The conventional therapeutic agent, cisplatin (CCDP), is the standard treatment for CC; however, resistance often develops due to the cancer’s heterogeneity. Therefore, a detailed elucidation of the specific molecular mechanisms driving CC is crucial for the development of targeted therapeutic strategies. Retinoblastoma binding protein 6 (RBBP6) is a potential biomarker associated with cell proliferation and is upregulated in cervical cancer sites, exhibiting apoptosis and dysregulated p53 expression. Furthermore, RBBP6 has been demonstrated to sensitize cancer cells to radiation and certain chemotherapeutic agents by regulating the Bcl-2 gene, thus suggesting a crosstalk among RBBP6/p53/BCL-2 oncogenic signatures. The present study, therefore, investigated the relationship between cisplatin and RBBP6 expression in CC cells. Herein, we first explored bioinformatics simulations and identified that the RBBP6/p53/BCL-2 signaling pathway is overexpressed and correlated with CC. For further analysis, we explored the Genomics of Drug Sensitivity in Cancer (GDSC) and found that most of the CC cell lines are sensitive to CCDP. To validate these findings, RBBP6 was silenced in HeLa and Vero cells using RNAi technology, followed by measurement of wild-type p53 and Bcl-2 at the mRNA level using qPCR. Cells co-treated with cisplatin and siRBBP6 were subsequently analyzed for apoptosis induction and real-time growth monitoring using flow cytometry and the xCELLigence system, respectively. Cancer cells in the co-treatment group showed a reduction in apoptosis compared to the cisplatin-treated group. Moreover, the real-time growth monitoring revealed a reduced growth rate in RBBP6 knockdown cells treated with cisplatin. Although wild-type p53 remained unchanged in the co-treatment group of cancer cells, Bcl-2 was completely repressed, suggesting that RBBP6 is necessary for sensitizing cervical cancer cells to cisplatin treatment by downregulating Bcl-2. The Vero cell population, which served as a non-cancerous control cell line in this study, remained viable following treatment with both siRBBP6 and cisplatin. Findings from this study suggest that RBBP6 expression promotes cisplatin sensitivity in HeLa cells through Bcl-2 downregulation. Knockdown of RBBP6 limits apoptosis induction and delays cell growth inhibition in response to cisplatin. The knowledge obtained here has the potential to help improve cisplatin efficacy through personalized administration based on the expression profile of RBBP6 among individual patients.
Lipidomic Analysis of Plasma Extracellular Vesicles Derived from Alzheimer’s Disease Patients
Authors: Krokidis Marios G. , Pucha Krishna A. , Mustapic Maja , Exarchos Themis P. , Vlamos Panagiotis , Kapogiannis Dimitrios
Published: April 2024

Analysis of blood-based indicators of brain health could provide an understanding of early disease mechanisms and pinpoint possible intervention strategies. By examining lipid profiles in extracellular vesicles (EVs), secreted particles from all cells, including astrocytes and neurons, and circulating in clinical samples, important insights regarding the brain’s composition can be gained. Herein, a targeted lipidomic analysis was carried out in EVs derived from plasma samples after removal of lipoproteins from individuals with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and healthy controls. Differences were observed for selected lipid species of glycerolipids (GLs), glycerophospholipids (GPLs), lysophospholipids (LPLs) and sphingolipids (SLs) across three distinct EV subpopulations (all-cell origin, derived by immunocapture of CD9, CD81 and CD63; neuronal origin, derived by immunocapture of L1CAM; and astrocytic origin, derived by immunocapture of GLAST). The findings provide new insights into the lipid composition of EVs isolated from plasma samples regarding specific lipid families (MG, DG, Cer, PA, PC, PE, PI, LPI, LPE, LPC), as well as differences between AD and control individuals. This study emphasizes the crucial role of plasma EV lipidomics analysis as a comprehensive approach for identifying biomarkers and biological targets in AD and related disorders, facilitating early diagnosis and potentially informing novel interventions.
Health Literacy of Children and Adolescents with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) and Parents of IBD Patients—Coping and Information Needs
Authors: Kaul Kalina , Schumann Stefan , Sander Cornelia , Däbritz Jan , de Laffolie Jan
Published: April 2024

Background: The number of children and adolescents with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is increasing. Many chronically ill children and adolescents have low health literacy. Patient empowerment (PE) enables positive changes and control over one’s disease through specific activities, information, and counseling. The CEDNA (IBD Needs Assessment) Survey aimed to provide the necessary data to improve PE in pediatric IBD (PIBD). Methods: Questionnaires were distributed to adolescent IBD patients and parents of children and adolescents with IBD throughout Germany. The answers were given anonymously. Based on the available data, a subgroup analysis was conducted in relation to the age of the patients and the period since diagnosis. For the parents’ responses, the same age groups were analyzed for comparison with the patients’ responses. Results: From October 2021 to April 2022, 2810 questionnaires were distributed and 1158 questionnaires were completed (n = 708 parents [61.1%], n = 450 patients [38.9%]). The results indicate that health literacy in children with IBD is low. Significant gaps in knowledge of important IBD topics were identified, and a comparison of responses regarding preferred methods and timing of obtaining information revealed differences between patient and parent preferences. The greatest need for knowledge on IBD topics was found in the group of 16–17-year-old patients on transition (n = 214, 31.8%) and in the group of patients diagnosed 1–2 years ago on the causes of IBD (n = 288, 17.4%). The willingness to seek advice was unexpectedly low. Conclusions: The analysis of all findings according to the patient’s age structure and duration since diagnosis can be used to enable age-appropriate communication at certain stages of the disease. This tailored information should increase patients’ health literacy, improve their management of the disease, and reduce the burden on their families.
Using Privacy-Preserving Algorithms and Blockchain Tokens to Monetize Industrial Data in Digital Marketplaces
Authors: Bordel Sánchez Borja , Alcarria Ramón , Ladid Latif , Machalek Aurel
Published: April 2024

The data economy has arisen in most developed countries. Instruments and tools to extract knowledge and value from large collections of data are now available and enable new industries, business models, and jobs. However, the current data market is asymmetric and prevents companies from competing fairly. On the one hand, only very specialized digital organizations can manage complex data technologies such as Artificial Intelligence and obtain great benefits from third-party data at a very reduced cost. On the other hand, datasets are produced by regular companies as valueless sub-products that assume great costs. These companies have no mechanisms to negotiate a fair distribution of the benefits derived from their industrial data, which are often transferred for free. Therefore, new digital data-driven marketplaces must be enabled to facilitate fair data trading among all industrial agents. In this paper, we propose a blockchain-enabled solution to monetize industrial data. Industries can upload their data to an Inter-Planetary File System (IPFS) using a web interface, where the data are randomized through a privacy-preserving algorithm. In parallel, a blockchain network creates a Non-Fungible Token (NFT) to represent the dataset. So, only the NFT owner can obtain the required seed to derandomize and extract all data from the IPFS. Data trading is then represented by NFT trading and is based on fungible tokens, so it is easier to adapt prices to the real economy. Auctions and purchases are also managed through a common web interface. Experimental validation based on a pilot deployment is conducted. The results show a significant improvement in the data transactions and quality of experience of industrial agents.
Controlled Crystallization of Hybrid Perovskite Films from Solution Using Prepared Crystal Centers
Authors: Moshnikov Vyacheslav , Muratova Ekaterina , Aleshin Andrey , Maksimov Alexandr , Nenashev Gregory , Vrublevsky Igor , Lushpa Nikita , Tuchkovsky Alexandr , Zhilenkov Anton , Kichigina Olga
Published: April 2024

The crystallization conditions from the solution play an important role in determining the morphology, phase composition, and photovoltaic properties of perovskite films. Post-processing of the obtained films can have a crucial role in increasing the grain size of perovskite and enhancing its crystallinity. It has been shown that the formation of crystal nuclei can be utilized to accelerate crystallization. In this case, crystallization occurs through the growth of seed crystals created in the solution, enabling the formation of relatively large crystals. For the deposition of CH3NH3PbI3 hybrid halide perovskite films from a solution of the perovskite in dimethylformamide, the spin coating technique was employed. Pre-crystallization was achieved by annealing the films at a temperature of 100 or 110 °C. The dissolution process involved adding a drop of dimethylformamide onto the substrate surface and allowing it to partially dissolve the perovskite film. Subsequently, residual solvent was removed through spin coating. The morphological analysis of the perovskite film surface after recrystallization at temperatures ranging from 80 to 130 °C was performed. The infrared transmission spectra of the obtained perovskite films were investigated, and their light absorption characteristics were studied through transmission spectra. The perovskite structure in the obtained films was confirmed by the peaks observed in the X-ray diffraction patterns. It has been shown that the photocurrent values for solar cells with perovskite films obtained by recrystallization are 15–20% higher than those of perovskite films obtained by traditional crystallization methods.
Numerical Analysis of a High-Pressure Spatial Chemical Vapor Deposition (HPS-CVD) Reactor for Flow Stability at High Pressures
Authors: Enayati Hooman , Pimputkar Siddha
Published: April 2024

Highly indium-rich group-III nitrides are attracting attention for advancing our capacity to create highly effective optical emitters at extended visible/IR wavelengths or for enhancing bandgap engineering possibilities within the group-III nitride material framework. Current methods of synthesis are constrained in their efficacy, partially owing to the low decomposition temperature of indium nitride. Implementation of a new design of a vertical high-pressure spatial chemical vapor deposition (HPS-CVD) reactor with six separated precursor source zones and a rotating wafer carrier disk carrying four 2-inch wafers is proposed and analyzed using COMSOL Multiphysics as a commercial computational fluid dynamics (CFD) program to study the fluid phenomena inside the numerical domain. This study focuses on understanding the different flow patterns within the chambers at super-atmospheric conditions (5 atm to 30 atm) and identifying suitable operating conditions under which smooth and dominant vortex-free flow is achieved. Four 2-inch wafers are heated to maintain a temperature of 1200–1300 K at each pressure and gas type. Three different gas types (nitrogen, hydrogen, and ammonia) are used, and the impacts of different inlet flow velocities and rotational speeds are investigated and discussed. An operating matrix is presented for each analyzed system pressure providing suitable combinations of these operational variables for smooth flow in the chambers. Each gas type was identified to have a range of suitable rotational and inlet velocity regimes at each operating pressure. Overlap of these three gas-specific operating condition windows resulted in the identification of a generally suitable operating condition for smooth flow patterns in the system regardless of the gas type used, as required for the growth of group-III nitride materials.
The Role of CT Imaging in a Fractured Coronary Stent with Pseudoaneurysm Formation
Authors: Baz Radu Octavian , Gherghescu George , Mustafa Adnan , Enyedi Mihaly , Scheau Cristian , Baz Radu Andrei
Published: April 2024

We report a case of a 63-year-old male patient with multiple cardiovascular risk factors and previous myocardial infarction who was referred to the emergency department on September 2023 with symptoms and clinical and biological data consistent with an acute coronary event. A coronary angiography revealed severe ostial stenosis of the left anterior descending artery (LAD) and intrastent thrombotic occlusion in the first two segments of the LAD. Two drug-eluting stents were implanted and the patient was discharged when hemodynamically stable; however, three weeks later, he returned to the emergency department complaining of fever, anterior chest pain, dyspnea at rest, and high blood pressure values at home. High levels of troponin T, C-reactive protein, and NT-proBNP were detected and blood cultures showed methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. The computed tomography (CT) examination showed a saccular dilatation had developed between two fragments of a stent mounted at the level of the LAD, surrounded by a hematic pericardial accumulation. LAD pseudoaneurysm ablation and a double aortocoronary bypass with inverted saphenous vein autograft were performed and the patient showed a favorable postoperative evolution. In this case, surgical revascularization was proven to be the appropriate treatment strategy, demonstrating the need to choose an individualized therapeutic option depending on case-specific factors.
Proposal of Practical Sound Source Localization Method Using Histogram and Frequency Information of Spatial Spectrum for Drone Audition
Authors: Hoshiba Kotaro , Komatsuzaki Izumi , Iwatsuki Nobuyuki
Published: April 2024

A technology to search for victims in disaster areas by localizing human-related sound sources, such as voices and emergency whistles, using a drone-embedded microphone array was researched. One of the challenges is the development of sound source localization methods. Such a sound-based search method requires a high resolution, a high tolerance for quickly changing dynamic ego-noise, a large search range, high real-time performance, and high versatility. In this paper, we propose a novel sound source localization method based on multiple signal classification for victim search using a drone-embedded microphone array to satisfy these requirements. In the proposed method, the ego-noise and target sound components are extracted using the histogram information of the three-dimensional spatial spectrum (azimuth, elevation, and frequency) at the current time, and they are separated using continuity. The direction of arrival of the target sound is estimated from the separated target sound component. Since this method is processed with only simple calculations and does not use previous information, all requirements can be satisfied simultaneously. Evaluation experiments using recorded sound in a real outdoor environment show that the localization performance of the proposed method was higher than that of the existing and previously proposed methods, indicating the usefulness of the proposed method.
Friston, Free Energy, and Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy
Authors: Holmes Jeremy
Published: April 2024

This paper outlines the ways in which Karl Friston’s work illuminates the everyday practice of psychotherapists. These include (a) how the strategic ambiguity of the therapist’s stance brings, via ‘transference’, clients’ priors to light; (b) how the unstructured and negative capability of the therapy session reduces the salience of priors, enabling new top-down models to be forged; (c) how fostering self-reflection provides an additional step in the free energy minimization hierarchy; and (d) how Friston and Frith’s ‘duets for one’ can be conceptualized as a relational zone in which collaborative free energy minimization takes place without sacrificing complexity.
Stein-like Common Correlated Effects Estimation under Structural Breaks
Authors: Parsaeian Shahnaz
Published: April 2024

This paper develops a Stein-like combined estimator for large heterogeneous panel data models under common structural breaks. The model allows for cross-sectional dependence through a general multifactor error structure. By utilizing the common correlated effects (CCE) estimation technique, we propose a Stein-like combined estimator of the CCE full-sample estimator (i.e., estimation using both the pre-break and post-break observations) and the CCE post-break estimator (i.e., estimation using only the post-break sample observations). The proposed Stein-like combined estimator benefits from exploiting the pre-break sample observations. We derive the optimal combination weight by minimizing the asymptotic risk. We show the superiority of the CCE Stein-like combined estimator over the CCE post-break estimator in terms of the asymptotic risk. Further, we establish the asymptotic properties of the CCE mean group Stein-like combined estimator. The finite sample performance of our proposed estimator is investigated using Monte Carlo experiments and an empirical application of predicting the output growth of industrialized countries.
Leaders’ Social and Disability Justice Drive to Cultivate Inclusive Schooling
Authors: Tracy-Bronson Chelsea P.
Published: April 2024

The purpose of this article is to understand administrators’ personal beliefs and experiences related to inclusive education and social justice that are critical to their commitment, the leadership provided, and types of special education services that prevail in their districts. This study is embedded within a conceptual framework centered on inclusive education, and existing theoretical framings of leadership for social justice and disability studies in education. Further, it contributes to the conversation in a recent call to reimagine educational approaches in the United States that challenge systems, focus on racial and disability justice, and serve the public good. A qualitative research methodology with in-depth interviewing as the data collection method was used to understand the lived experiences and practices of seven district-level special education leaders. It specifically looks at the leaders’ drive to carry out social justice work and their overall value-based mission of socially just, equity-oriented inclusive education at the district level. It provides a research study on (1) how leaders come to carry out social justice and disability justice work in schools, (2) poignant career events that shape their justice work, and (3) their intentions to prepare under-represented and traditionally marginalized students to engage in society. The overall premise is that since district-level leaders are vital in shaping public schooling spaces, understanding their social and disability justice grounding is critical to disrupt marginalizing practices in PreK-12.
Enhancing Teachers’ Interdisciplinary Professional Development through Teacher Design Teams: Exploring Facilitating Conditions and Sustainability
Authors: Gryson Tina , Strubbe Katrien , Valcke Tony , Vanderlinde Ruben
Published: April 2024

Teachers in secondary vocational education face challenges in interdisciplinary teaching due to their traditional teacher education within specific subject domains. Collaborative efforts—like those implemented in Teacher Design Teams (TDTs)—can prepare and support teachers for interdisciplinary teaching. Research has demonstrated the factors determining the effectiveness of TDTs. However, it is noted that the sustainable continuation of TDTs remains uncertain over the years. This research investigates the conditions that facilitate the sustainability of TDTs within the context of interdisciplinary teaching. Over the course of three school years, this qualitative study monitored 14 teachers participating in four TDTs within the context of an interdisciplinary vocational education course. During the initial two school years, the TDTs received external support from the main researcher, transitioning to an autonomous operation in the third school year. A yearly interview with each participating teacher and meeting reports were collected and analysed with thematic analysis. One of the main findings reveals that while the internal coach contributes to supporting TDTs’ progress, the support of the school leader is particularly crucial for sustainability. Although this study focused on school-based TDTs, it underscores the importance of support from outside the school for TDTs’ sustainability.
Examination of Accurate Exocentric Distance Estimates in a Virtual Environment Using a Desktop Display and the Gear VR
Authors: Guzsvinecz Tibor , Szűcs Judit , Perge Erika
Published: April 2024

Spatial perception plays a critical role in virtual worlds and real environments, as it can impact navigation abilities. To understand this influence, the conducted study investigated the effects of human characteristics and immersion levels on the exocentric distance estimation process in virtual environments. As the first step, a virtual environment was implemented for both desktop and Gear VR head-mounted displays. Afterward, the exocentric distance estimation skills of 229 university students were examined. Out of these students, 157 used the desktop display, and 72 used the Gear VR. Using logistic regression analysis and linear regression analysis methods, their effects on the probabilities of accurate estimates and their estimation times were investigated. According to the results, gender, video game playtime per week, height, and display device had significant effects on the former, whereas dominant hand, video game playtime per week, height, and display device had significant effects on the latter. The results also show that by using the head-mounted display, the likelihood of the students estimating exocentric distances accurately significantly decreased; however, they were significantly faster with it. These findings can influence the development of more accessible and effective virtual environments in the future.