bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Prognostic-Based Approach in Growth Hormone-Secreting Pituitary Neuroendocrine Tumors (PitNET): Tertiary Reference Center, Single Senior Surgeon, and Long-Term Follow-Up
Authors: Ferrés Abel , Reyes Luís , Di Somma Alberto , Topczewski Thomaz , Mosteiro Alejandra , Guizzardi Giulia , De Rosa Andrea , Halperin Irene , Hanzu Felicia , Mora Mireia , Alobid Isam , Aldecoa Iban , Bargalló Núria , Enseñat Joaquim
Published: January 2023

Postoperative deserved outcomes in acromegalic patients are to normalize serum insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1), reduce the tumoral mass effect, improve systemic comorbidities, and reverse metabolic alterations. Pituitary neuroendocrine tumors (PitNET) are characterized to present a heterogeneous behavior, and growth hormone (GH)-secreting PitNET is not an exception. Promptly determining which patients are affected by more aggressive tumors is essential to guide the optimal postoperative decision-making process [prognostic-based approach]. From 2006 to 2019, 394 patients affected by PitNET were intervened via endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal approach by the same senior surgeon. A total of 44 patients that met the criteria to be diagnosed as acromegalic and were followed up at least for 24 months (median of 66 months (26–156) were included in the present study. Multiple predictive variables [age, gender, preoperative GH and IGF-1 levels, maximal tumor diameter, Hardy’s and Knosp’s grade, MRI. T2-weighted tumor intensity, cytokeratin expression pattern, and clinicopathological classification] were evaluated through uni- and multivariate statistical analysis. Sparse probability of long-term remission was related to younger age, higher preoperative GH and- or IGF-1, group 2b of the clinicopathological classification, and sparsely granulated cytokeratin expression pattern. Augmented recurrence risk was related to elevated preoperative GH levels, tumor MRI T2-weighted hyperintensity, and sparsely granulated cytokeratin expression pattern. Finally, elevated risk for reintervention was related to group 2b of the clinicopathological classification, Knosp’s grade IV, and tumor MRI T2-weighted hyperintensity. In this study, the authors determined younger age, higher preoperative GH and- or IGF-1 levels, group 2b of the clinicopathological classification, Knosp’s grade IV, MRI T2-weighted tumor hyperintensity and sparsely granulated cytokeratin expression pattern are related to worse postoperative outcomes in long-term follow-up patients affected with GH-secreting PitNET.
Novel Strategies for the Bioavailability Augmentation and Efficacy Improvement of Natural Products in Oral Cancer
Authors: Sachdeva Alisha , Dhawan Dimple , Jain Gaurav K. , Yerer Mükerrem Betül , Collignon Taylor E. , Tewari Devesh , Bishayee Anupam
Published: January 2023

Oral cancer is emerging as a major cause of mortality globally. Oral cancer occupies a significant proportion of the head and neck, including the cheeks, tongue, and oral cavity. Conventional methods in the treatment of cancer involve surgery, radiotherapy, and immunotherapy, and these have not proven to completely eradicate cancerous cells, may lead to the reoccurrence of oral cancer, and possess numerous adverse side effects. Advancements in novel drug delivery approaches have gained popularity in cancer management with an increase in the number of cases associated with oral cancer. Natural products are potent sources for drug discovery, especially for anticancer drugs. Natural product delivery has major challenges due to its low solubility, poor absorption, inappropriate size, instability, poor permeation, and first-pass metabolism. Therefore, it is of prime importance to investigate novel treatment approaches for the delivery of bioactive natural products. Nanotechnology is an advanced method of delivering cancer therapy with minimal damage to normal cells while targeting cancer cells. Therefore, the present review elaborates on the advancements in novel strategies for natural product delivery that lead to the significant enhancement of bioavailability, in vivo activity, and fewer adverse events for the prevention and treatment of oral cancer. Various approaches to accomplish the desired results involve size reduction, surface property modification, and polymer attachment, which collectively result in the higher stability of the formulation.
Sentinel Lymph Node Mapping in Presumed Low- and Intermediate-Risk Endometrial Cancer Management (SLIM): A Multicenter, Prospective Cohort Study in The Netherlands
Authors: Burg Lara C. , Kruitwagen Roy F. P. M. , de Jong Annemarie , Bulten Johan , Bonestroo Tijmen J. J. , Kraayenbrink Arjan A. , Boll Dorry , Lambrechts Sandrina , Smedts Huberdina P. M. , Bouman Annechien , Engelen Mirjam J. A. , Kasius Jenneke C. , Bekkers Ruud L. M. , Zusterzeel Petra L. M.
Published: January 2023

The aim was to investigate the incidence of sentinel lymph node (SLN) metastases and the contribution of SLN mapping in presumed low- and intermediate-risk endometrial cancer (EC). A multicenter, prospective cohort study in presumed low- and intermediate-risk EC patients was performed. Patients underwent SLN mapping using cervical injections of indocyanine green and a minimally invasive hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy. The primary outcome was the incidence of SLN metastases, leading to adjusted adjuvant treatment. Secondary outcomes were the SLN detection rate and the occurrence of complications. Descriptive statistics and univariate general linear model analyses were used. A total of 152 patients were enrolled, with overall and bilateral SLN detection rates of 91% and 61%, respectively. At final histology, 78.9% of patients (n = 120) had truly low- and intermediate-risk EC. Macro- and micro-metastases were present in 11.2% (n = 17/152), and three patients had isolated tumor cells (2.0%). Nine patients (5.9%) had addition of adjuvant radiotherapy based on SLN metastases only. In 2.0% of patients with high-risk disease, adjuvant therapy was more limited due to negative SLNs. This study emphasizes the importance of SLN mapping in presumed early-stage, grade 1 and 2 EC, leading to individualized adjuvant management, resulting in less undertreatment and overtreatment.
A Cross-Sectional Study on the Acceptability of Implementing a Lung Cancer Screening Program in Belgium
Authors: Diab Garcia Paloma , Snoeckx Annemiek , Van Meerbeeck Jan P. , Van Hal Guido
Published: January 2023

Lung cancer is the most common and deadliest cancer in the world, and its incidence is expected to grow. Nonetheless, this growth can be contained through smoking cessation programs and effective lung cancer screening programs. In 2018, Belgium had the seventh highest incidence of lung cancer in the world, with lung cancer incidence accounting for 11.8% of all cancers diagnosed and 23.8% of all cancer-related deaths that same year. The aims of this study were to determine the overall acceptability of a lung cancer screening program in the Flemish population and to determine the main factors that would influence the overall acceptability of such a program. A questionnaire-based cross-sectional study was performed in the Flemish population and distributed online and on paper. The results are presented with the variables of interest and the main outcome, i.e., the acceptability of participating in such a program if implemented. Odds ratios were used to compare acceptability between subgroups. A multivariate regression model was used to determine the key factors that would have the largest impact on the level of acceptability and, thus, on the possible efficiency of such a program. This study estimated that acceptability of participating in a lung cancer screening program was 92%. Irrespective of the smoking status, levels of acceptability were higher than 89%. The key factors which could significantly influence the acceptability of a lung cancer screening program were individuals with low education, low protective factor knowledge and total knowledge, and lung cancer screening reimbursement, which were significantly associated with acceptability (0.01, 0.001, 0.01, and 0.05 respectively). Low protective factor knowledge decreased the log odds of acceptability 3.08-fold. In conclusion, the acceptability of implementing a lung cancer screening program in Flanders seems to be extremely high and would be well received by all. When implementing such a program, policymakers should aim for it to be reimbursed, campaigns should be gender-specific, focused on those with lower educational and socioeconomic status, and there should be investment in increasing total knowledge about lung cancer and knowledge about protective factors.
Dose Reduction to Motor Structures in Adjuvant Fractionated Stereotactic Radiotherapy of Brain Metastases: nTMS-Derived DTI-Based Motor Fiber Tracking in Treatment Planning
Authors: Diehl Christian D. , Rosenkranz Enrike , Schwendner Maximilian , Mißlbeck Martin , Sollmann Nico , Ille Sebastian , Meyer Bernhard , Combs Stephanie E. , Krieg Sandro M.
Published: January 2023

Background: Resection of brain metastases (BM) close to motor structures is challenging for treatment. Navigated transcranial magnetic stimulation (nTMS) motor mapping, combined with diffusion tensor imaging (DTI)-based fiber tracking (DTI-FTmot.TMS), is a valuable tool in neurosurgery to preserve motor function. This study aimed to assess the practicability of DTI-FTmot.TMS for local adjuvant radiotherapy (RT) planning of BM. Methods: Presurgically generated DTI-FTmot.TMS-based corticospinal tract (CST) reconstructions (FTmot.TMS) of 24 patients with 25 BM resected during later surgery were incorporated into the RT planning system. Completed fractionated stereotactic intensity-modulated RT (IMRT) plans were retrospectively analyzed and adapted to preserve FTmot.TMS. Results: In regular plans, mean dose (Dmean) of complete FTmot.TMS was 5.2 ± 2.4 Gy. Regarding planning risk volume (PRV-FTTMS) portions outside of the planning target volume (PTV) within the 17.5 Gy (50%) isodose line, the DTI-FTmot.TMS Dmean was significantly reduced by 33.0% (range, 5.9–57.6%) from 23.4 ± 3.3 Gy to 15.9 ± 4.7 Gy (p < 0.001). There was no significant decline in the effective treatment dose, with PTV Dmean 35.6 ± 0.9 Gy vs. 36.0 ± 1.2 Gy (p = 0.063) after adaption. Conclusions: The DTI-FTmot.TMS-based CST reconstructions could be implemented in adjuvant IMRT planning of BM. A significant dose reduction regarding motor structures within critical dose levels seems possible.
The Association between Baseline Proton Pump Inhibitors, Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors, and Chemotherapy: A Systematic Review with Network Meta-Analysis
Authors: Chang Yu , Lin Wan-Ying , Chang Yu-Cheng , Huang Chin-Hsuan , Tzeng Huey-En , Abdul-Lattif Eahab , Wang Tsu-Hsien , Tseng Tzu-Hsuan , Kang Yi-No , Chi Kuan-Yu
Published: January 2023

(1) Although emerging evidence suggests that proton pump inhibitor (PPI)-induced dysbiosis negatively alters treatment response to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) in cancer patients, no study systematically investigates the association between PPIs, ICIs, and chemotherapy; (2) Cochrane Library, Embase, Medline, and PubMed were searched from inception to 20 May 2022, to identify relevant studies involving patients receiving ICIs or chemotherapy and reporting survival outcome between PPI users and non-users. Survival outcomes included overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS). Network meta-analyses were performed using random-effects models. p-scores, with a value between 0 and 1, were calculated to quantify the treatment ranking, with a higher score suggesting a higher probability of greater effectiveness. We also conducted pairwise meta-analyses of observational studies to complement our network meta-analysis; (3) We identified 62 studies involving 26,484 patients (PPI = 8834; non-PPI = 17,650), including non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), urothelial carcinoma (UC), melanoma, renal cell carcinoma (RCC), hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the neck and head. Eight post-hoc analyses from 18 randomized–controlled trials were included in our network, which demonstrated that, in advanced NSCLC and UC, patients under ICI treatment with concomitant PPI (p-score: 0.2016) are associated with both poorer OS (HR, 1.49; 95% CI, 1.37 to 1.67) and poorer PFS (HR, 1.41; 95% CI, 1.25 to 1.61) than those without PPIs (p-score: 1.000). Patients under ICI treatment with concomitant PPI also had poorer OS (HR, 1.18; 95% CI, 1.07 to 1.31) and poorer PFS (HR, 1.30; 95% CI, 1.14 to 1.48) in comparison with those receiving chemotherapy (p-score: 0.6664), implying that PPIs may compromise ICI’s effectiveness, making it less effective than chemotherapy. Our pairwise meta-analyses also supported this association. Conversely, PPI has little effect on patients with advanced melanoma, RCC, HCC, and SCC of the neck and head who were treated with ICIs; (4) “PPI-induced dysbiosis” serves as a significant modifier of treatment response in both advanced NSCLC and UC that are treated with ICIs, compromising the effectiveness of ICIs to be less than that of chemotherapy. Thus, clinicians should avoid unnecessary PPI prescription in these patients. “PPI-induced dysbiosis”, on the other hand, does not alter the treatment response to ICIs in advanced melanoma, RCC, HCC, and SCC of the head and neck.
Balancing the Risk of Adverse Events against the Efficacy of Immunotherapy in Advanced Thymic Epithelial Tumors
Authors: Ohm Birte , Jungraithmayr Wolfgang
Published: January 2023

Thymic epithelial tumors (TETs) are rare thoracic malignancies with a favorable prognosis when complete surgical resection can be achieved. Therapeutic options for advanced, irresectable, or recurrent disease are limited and currently, a therapeutic standard treatment beyond platinum-based chemotherapy is undefined. Immune checkpoint inhibitors are effective against TETs, however their use is associated with a serious risk of immune-mediated toxicity. In this article, we highlight new insights regarding markers of predictive value for both treatment efficacy and risk of adverse effects in immune checkpoint inhibitor treatment for thymic epithelial tumors.
Ovarian Cancer in a Northern Italian Province and the Multidisciplinary Team
Authors: Mangone Lucia , Marinelli Francesco , Bisceglia Isabella , Braghiroli Maria Barbara , Mastrofilippo Valentina , Cerullo Loredana , Pellegri Carlotta , Zambelli Alessandro , Aguzzoli Lorenzo , Mandato Vincenzo Dario
Published: January 2023

Ovarian cancer represents one of the most aggressive female cancers in the world, remaining a tumor with high lethality. This study aims to present how a multidisciplinary team (MDT) approach can improve the prognosis in terms of recurrence and death of patients. In total, 448 ovarian cancer cases registered in an Italian Cancer Registry between 2012 and 2020 were included. Information on age, morphology, stage, and treatment was collected. Recurrence and death rates were reported 1 and 2 years after diagnosis, comparing MDT vs. non-MDT approaches. Ninety-three percent had microscopic confirmation, and most showed cystic-mucinous morphology. In total, 50% were older than 65 years old. The distribution by stage was 17.6%, 4%, 44.9%, and 32.6% for stages I, II, III, and IV, respectively. The women followed by the MDT were 24.1%. Disease-free survival 1-year post-diagnosis, recurrences, recurrences-deaths, and deaths were 67.5%, 14.5%, 8.4%, and 9.6%, respectively, better than the non-MDT group (46.2%, 13.2%, 20.8 %, and 19.8%, respectively) (p < 0.01). The same positive results were confirmed two years after diagnosis, particularly for stages III and IV. Albeit small numbers, the study confirms a better prognosis for women managed by MDT with fewer recurrences and deaths, especially within the first 24 months of diagnosis.
Utility of the Cerebral Organoid Glioma ‘GLICO’ Model for Screening Applications
Authors: Weth Freya R. , Peng Lifeng , Paterson Erin , Tan Swee T. , Gray Clint
Published: January 2023

Glioblastoma, a grade IV astrocytoma, is regarded as the most aggressive primary brain tumour with an overall median survival of 16.0 months following the standard treatment regimen of surgical resection, followed by radiotherapy and chemotherapy with temozolomide. Despite such intensive treatment, the tumour almost invariably recurs. This poor prognosis has most commonly been attributed to the initiation, propagation, and differentiation of cancer stem cells. Despite the unprecedented advances in biomedical research over the last decade, the current in vitro models are limited at preserving the inter- and intra-tumoural heterogeneity of primary tumours. The ability to understand and manipulate complex cancers such as glioblastoma requires disease models to be clinically and translationally relevant and encompass the cellular heterogeneity of such cancers. Therefore, brain cancer research models need to aim to recapitulate glioblastoma stem cell function, whilst remaining amenable for analysis. Fortunately, the recent development of 3D cultures has overcome some of these challenges, and cerebral organoids are emerging as cutting-edge tools in glioblastoma research. The opportunity to generate cerebral organoids via induced pluripotent stem cells, and to perform co-cultures with patient-derived cancer stem cells (GLICO model), has enabled the analysis of cancer development in a context that better mimics brain tissue architecture. In this article, we review the recent literature on the use of patient-derived glioblastoma organoid models and their applicability for drug screening, as well as provide a potential workflow for screening using the GLICO model. The proposed workflow is practical for use in most laboratories with accessible materials and equipment, a good first pass, and no animal work required. This workflow is also amenable for analysis, with separate measures of invasion, growth, and viability.
On the Origin and Evolution of Sperm Cells
Authors: Fisher Heidi S. , Roldan Eduardo R. S. , Avidor-Reiss Tomer , Rowe Melissah
Published: January 2023

Sperm cells have intrigued biologists since they were first observed nearly 350 years ago by Antonie van Leeuwenhoek and Johan Ham [...]
Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma Cells with Acquired Resistance to Erlotinib Are Sensitive to Anti-Cancer Effect of Quercetin via Pyruvate Kinase M2 (PKM2)
Authors: Chan Chien-Yi , Hong Shih-Cing , Chang Chin-Ming , Chen Yuan-Hong , Liao Pin-Chen , Huang Chun-Yin
Published: January 2023

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) frequently carries high epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) expression. Erlotinib, a small molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI), is an effective inhibitor of EGFR activity; however, resistance to this drug can occur, limiting therapeutic outcomes. Therefore, in the current study, we aimed to unveil key intracellular molecules and adjuvant reagents to overcome erlotinib resistance. First, two HSC-3-derived erlotinib-resistant cell lines, ERL-R5 and ERL-R10, were established; both exhibited relatively higher growth rates, glucose utilization, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and invasiveness compared with parental cells. Cancer aggressiveness-related proteins, such as N-cadherin, Vimentin, Twist, MMP-2, MMP-9, and MMP-13, and the glycolytic enzymes PKM2 and GLUT1 were upregulated in ERL-R cells. Notably, ERL-R cells were sensitive to quercetin, a naturally-existing flavonol phytochemical with anti-cancer properties against various cancer cells. At a concentration of 5 μM, quercetin effectively arrested cell growth, reduced glucose utilization, and inhibited cellular invasiveness. An ERL-R5-derived xenograft mouse model confirmed the growth-inhibitory efficacy of quercetin. Additionally, knock-down of PKM2 by siRNA mimicked the effect of quercetin and re-sensitized ERL-R cells to erlotinib. Furthermore, adding quercetin blocked the development of erlotinib-mediated resistance by enhancing apoptosis. In conclusion, our data support the application of quercetin in anti-erlotinib-resistant OSCC and indicate that PKM2 is a determinant factor in erlotinib resistance and quercetin sensitivity.
Anti-Oxidant and Pro-Oxidant Effects of Peroxiredoxin 6: A Potential Target in Respiratory Diseases
Authors: Jia Wenhui , Dong Chunling , Li Bo
Published: January 2023

Peroxiredoxin 6 (PRDX6) is widely distributed in several organs, especially the lungs. The role of PRDX6 in oxidative stress is controversial and even contradictory, as indicated by research conducted over the past 20 years. PRDX6 has anti-oxidant or pro-oxidant effects on oxidative stress in different diseases. It can even exhibit both anti-oxidant and pro-oxidant effects in the same disease. These findings are attributed to the fact that PRDX6 is a multifunctional enzyme. The peroxidase and phospholipase A2 activity of PRDX6 is closely related to its anti-oxidant and pro-oxidant effects, which leads to the conflicting regulatory effects of PRDX6 on oxidative stress in respiratory diseases. Moreover, PRDX6 interacts with multiple redox signaling pathways to interfere with cell proliferation and apoptosis. PRDX6 has become a new target in respiratory disease research due to its important regulatory role in oxidative stress. In this paper, the role of PRDX6 in oxidative stress in respiratory diseases and the research progress in targeting PRDX6 are reviewed.
CXCR3 Inhibition Blocks the NF-κB Signaling Pathway by Elevating Autophagy to Ameliorate Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Intestinal Dysfunction in Mice
Authors: Zhang Cheng , Deng Yian , Zhang Yingsi , Ba Tongtong , Niu Sai , Chen Yiqin , Gao Yuan , Dai Hanchuan
Published: January 2023

Autophagy is a cellular catabolic process in the evolutionarily conservative turnover of intracellular substances in eukaryotes, which is involved in both immune homeostasis and injury repairment. CXCR3 is an interferon-induced chemokine receptor that participates in immune regulation and inflammatory responses. However, CXCR3 regulating intestine injury via autophagy along with the precise underlying mechanism have yet to be elucidated. In the current study, we employed an LPS-induced inflammatory mouse model and confirmed that CXCR3 knockout significantly attenuates intestinal mucosal structural damage and increases tight junction protein expression. CXCR3 knockout alleviated the LPS-induced increase in the expression of inflammatory factors including TNF-α, IL-6, p-65, and JNK-1 and enhanced autophagy by elevating LC3II, ATG12, and PINK1/Parkin expression. Mechanistically, the function of CXCR3 regarding autophagy and immunity was investigated in IPEC-J2 cells. CXCR3 inhibition by AMG487 enhanced autophagy and reduced the inflammatory response, as well as blocked the NF-κB signaling pathway and elevated the expression of the tight junction protein marker Claudin-1. Correspondingly, these effects were abolished by autophagy inhibition with the selective blocker, 3-MA. Moreover, the immunofluorescence assay results further demonstrated that CXCR3 inhibition-mediated autophagy blocked p65 nuclear translocation, and the majority of Claudin-1 was located at the tight junctions. In conclusion, CXCR3 inhibition reversed LPS-induced intestinal barrier damage and alleviated the NF-κB signaling pathway via enhancing autophagy. These data provided a theoretical basis for elucidating the immunoregulatory mechanism by targeting CXCR3 to prevent intestinal dysfunction.
Ion Sensors for Pulsed and Continuous Detonation Combustors
Authors: Frolov Sergey M. , Shamshin Igor O. , Aksenov Viktor S. , Ivanov Vladislav S. , Vlasov Pavel A.
Published: January 2023

Presented in the article are the design and operation principles of ion sensors intended for detecting the propagating reaction fronts, the deflagration/detonation mode, apparent subsonic/supersonic propagation velocity of the reaction front, and duration of heat release by measuring the ion current in the reactive medium. The electrical circuits for ion sensors without and with intermediate amplifiers, with short response time and high sensitivity, as well as with the very wide dynamic range of operation in the reactive media with highly variable temperature and pressure, are provided and discussed. The main advantages of ion sensors are their very short response time of about 1 ms, versatility of design, and capability of detecting and monitoring reaction fronts of different intensities directly in combustion chambers. Several examples of ion sensor applications in sensing deflagration-to-detonation transition in pulsed detonation engines and developed detonations in rotating detonation engines operating on different fuel–air and fuel–oxygen mixtures are presented and discussed.
Dendritic Spine in Autism Genetics: Whole-Exome Sequencing Identifying De Novo Variant of CTTNBP2 in a Quad Family Affected by Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Xie Yingmei , Wang Hui , Hu Bing , Zhang Xueli , Liu Aiping , Cai Chunquan , Li Shijun , Chen Cheng , Wang Zhangxing , Yin Zhaoqing , Wang Mingbang
Published: January 2023

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) affects around 1% of children with no effective blood test or cure. Recent studies have suggested that these are neurological disorders with a strong genetic basis and that they are associated with the abnormal formation of dendritic spines. Chromosome microarray (CMA) together with high-throughput sequencing technology has been used as a powerful tool to identify new candidate genes for ASD. In the present study, CMA was first used to scan for genome-wide copy number variants in a proband, and no clinically significant copy number variants were found. Whole-exome sequencing (WES) was used further for genetic testing of the whole quad family affected by ASD, including the proband, his non-autistic sister, and his parents. Sanger sequencing and MassARRAY-based validation were used to identify and confirm variants associated with ASD. WES yielded a 151-fold coverage depth for each sample. A total of 98.65% of the targeted whole-exome region was covered at >20-fold depth. A de novo variant in CTTNBP2, p.M115T, was identified. The CTTNBP2 gene belongs to a family of ankyrin repeat domain-containing proteins associated with dendritic spine formation. Although CTTNBP2 has been associated with ASD, limited studies have been developed to identify clinically relevant de novo mutations of CTTNBP2 in children with ASD; family-based WES successfully identified a clinically relevant mutation in the CTTNBP2 gene in a quad family affected by ASD. Considering the neuron-specific expression of CTTNBP2 and its role in dendritic spine formation, our results suggest a correlation between the CTTNBP2 mutation and ASD, providing genetic evidence for ASD spine pathology. Although the present study is currently insufficient to support the assertion that the de novo mutation M115T in CTTNBP2 directly causes the autism phenotype, our study provides support for the assertion that this mutation is a candidate clinically relevant variant in autism.
Examining the Effectiveness of the Educational Program Developed for English Teachers Working with Students Aged 13–18 Who Have Specific Learning Disability
Authors: Uçak Yaşar , Sakalli Demirok Mukaddes
Published: January 2023

The current study examined the competencies of English teachers working with students having a special learning disability (SLD) and the effectiveness of the developed education program. The study was made during the pandemic, and the research group consists of voluntary 28 English teachers working at the level of second and third schools in the districts of Konya in the 2021–2022 academic year. A mixed method (qualitative + quantitative) was used in the research. The research was designed with a pretest-posttest control group experimental design. In the study, the proficiency levels of the teachers who participated in the training program in the sub-dimensions of SLD knowledge, SLD academic skills, SLD professional knowledge, and foreign language teaching knowledge were found to be statistically significantly higher than both the pre-test scores and the teachers who did not participate in the training. In addition, it was determined that there was a statistically significant and positive correlation between all sub-dimensions of English teachers’ proficiency levels in the field of SLD. These results indicate that the training program on SLD plays an important role in increasing the competence of English teachers in this field. Evidence obtained in the study will guide experts who prepare teacher training and in-service training programs.
Fruit and Vegetable Shopping Behavior and Intake among Low-Income Minority Households with Elementary-Aged Children
Authors: Metoyer Brittni N. , Chuang Ru-Jye , Lee MinJae , Markham Christine , Brown Eric , Almohamad Maha , Dave Jayna M. , Sharma Shreela V.
Published: January 2023

Low-income children and families do not meet the recommendations for fruit and vegetable (FV) intake. This study aimed to assess the association between FV shopping behavior and child FV intake through a cross-sectional study design analyzing self-reported surveys (n = 6074) from adult-child dyads of Hispanic/Latino and African American participants enrolled in the Brighter Bites co-op program. Through quantitative mixed effects linear regression models, accounting for school-level clustering and adjusting for covariates, child FV intake was positively associated with shopping for FV at large chain grocery stores (p < 0.001), natural/organic supermarkets (p < 0.001), warehouse club stores (p = 0.002), discount superstores (p < 0.001), small local stores/corner stores (p = 0.038), convenience stores (p = 0.022), ethnic markets (p = 0.002), farmers’ markets/co-op/school farm stands (p < 0.001), and gardens (p = 0.009) among Hispanic/Latinos participants. Among African American participants, there was significant positive association between child FV intake and shopping for FV at natural/organic supermarkets (p < 0.001), discount superstores (p = 0.005), and convenience stores (p = 0.031). The relationship between location and frequency of shopping for FV and child FV intake varied between races. Further research is needed to better understand the influence of cultural and physical environmental factors. Nutrition education programs are vital to encouraging families to make healthier food choices and purchases to improve child FV consumption.
Visual Acuity and Contrast Sensitivity in Preterm and Full-Term Children Using a Novel Digital Test
Authors: Pérez Roche María Teresa , Yam Jason C. , Liu Hu , Gutierrez Diego , Pham Chau , Balasanyan Victoria , García Gerardo , Cedillo Ley Mauricio , de Fernando Sandra , Ortín Marta , Pueyo Victoria ,   on behalf of the TrackAI Research Consortium
Published: January 2023

Visual assessment in preverbal children mostly relies on the preferential looking paradigm. It requires an experienced observer to interpret the child’s responses to a stimulus. DIVE (Device for an Integral Visual Examination) is a digital tool with an integrated eye tracker (ET) that lifts this requirement and automatizes this process. The aim of our study was to assess the development of two visual functions, visual acuity (VA) and contrast sensitivity (CS), with DIVE, in a large sample of children from 6 months to 14 years (y) of age, and to compare the results of preterm and full-term children. Participants were recruited in clinical settings from five countries. There were 2208 children tested, 609 of them were born preterm. Both VA and CS improved throughout childhood, with the maximum increase during the first 5 years of age. Gestational age, refractive error and age had an impact on VA results, while CS values were only influenced by age. With this study we report normative reference outcomes for VA and CS throughout childhood and validate the DIVE tests as a useful tool to measure basic visual functions in children.
Multifunctional Coatings on Implant Materials—A Systematic Review of the Current Scenario
Authors: Vishwakarma Vinita , Kaliaraj Gobi , Amirtharaj Mosas Kamalan
Published: January 2023

The challenges and demands of implant materials are changing as a result of the substantial expansion in the global population. Suitable implants are required for aged people, physical injuries, patients who need revised surgeries, contaminated implants, and accident victims. Hence, the requirement for implants is drastically increasing day by day. Metals, ceramics, and polymers are used as implant materials by biomedical industries for long-term suffering patients. Stainless steel, titanium and its alloys, aluminum alloys, cobalt, zirconium, etc. (metals), hydroxyapatite (ceramic), polyurethane, polyethylene, polyimide, etc. (polymers), are some of the examples that fulfill the implant requirements. There are many other obstructions, such as adhesion, inflammation, and bacterial attack, which minimize the implant’s performance and its activity. However, coatings on ideal implant materials are significant to avoid its failure and to enhance its durability and longevity. Advanced techniques, such as physical and chemical methods, are suitable coating approaches to promote the surface of implants with respect to mechanical, biological, and other multifunctional activities. This review paper focuses on and investigates several strategies for bioactive implants’ coatings, analysis, and emerging applications for biomedical industries.
Study of the Influence of V, Mo and Co Additives on the Carbide Formation and Microhardness during Thermal Diffusion Chrome Planting of X35CrNi2-3 Steel
Authors: Shaburova Nataliya , Pashkeev Igor , Samoilova Olga , Myasoedov Vyacheslav , Ostovari Moghaddam Ahmad
Published: January 2023

Saturation diffusion with chromium has not been adequately studied among all the surface thermochemical treatment (STCT) processes of steels. Especially, the complex saturation behavior when several elements are added directly for chemical treatment needs to be systematically studied. This work aims at determining the effect of V, Mo, and Co on the parameters of chromium thermal saturation diffusion (thickness, phase composition, microstructure, and microhardness) of the surface layer in X35CrNi2-3 steel. The process was carried out at a temperature of 1000 °C for 24 h. The results showed that complex structural chromium plating together with the addition of strong carbide-forming elements (V and Mo) has a significant effect on the phase composition of the fabricated layer, where the formation of VC and Mo2C carbides significantly increases the microhardness of the samples to 2000 HV and 2500 HV, respectively. On the other hand, the addition of Co with a less carbide-forming affinity has little effect on the phase composition of the coating, and nitride compounds predominated in the microstructure similar to the single-element chromium plating. The results indicate the possibility of improving and accelerating the traditional thermal chromium plating processes and opening up new horizons for obtaining gradient coatings with superior tribological properties.
Resolving Selected Problems in Surface Topography Analysis by Application of the Autocorrelation Function
Authors: Podulka Przemysław
Published: January 2023

In this paper, the validity of the application of an autocorrelation function for resolving some surface topography measurement problems was presented. Various types of surfaces were considered: plateau-honed, honed with burnished dimples, ground, turned, milled, laser-textured, or isotropic. They were measured with stylus and non-contact (optical) methods. Extraction of selected features, such as form and waviness (defined as an L-surface) and high-frequency measurement noise (S-surface) from raw measured data, was supported with an autocorrelation function. It was proposed to select the analysis procedures with an application of the autocorrelation function for both profile (2D) and areal (3D) analysis. Moreover, applications of various types of regular (available in the commercial software) analysis methods, such as least-square-fitted polynomial planes, selected Gaussian (regression and robust) functions, median filter, spline approach, and fast Fourier transform scheme, were proposed for the evaluation of surface topography parameters from ISO 25178 standards.
The Effect of Processing Parameters on the Mechanical Properties of Calcia-Stabilized Zirconia (CSZ) for Dental Use
Authors: Kannan M. , Singh Satyendra , Prasad Raja Ram
Published: January 2023

Three different compositions with 9%, 12%, and 15% of calcia-stabilised zirconia (CSZ) were prepared from commercially available submicron-sized powders by cryo-milling. The influence of the sintering conditions, temperature, and dwell time varied as 1400, 1500, and 1600 °C, at durations of 4, 3, and 2 h on mechanical properties is studied. SEM and XRD studies were performed on the pellets obtained by hydraulic pressing in a uniaxial press at 13 tonnes. The effect of sintering holding time and temperature on the mechanical properties, such as hardness, flexural strength, and compressive strength (in a universal testing machine), of CSZ is studied. It is seen that, with the increase in calcia, hardness, flexural strength, and compressive strength increase, until full stabilisation of zirconia is created due to calcium ion substitution in the ionic vacancies. An increase in sintering temperature and time has a positive effect until 1600 °C and 2 h on the flexural and compressive strengths of CSZ. Mechanical properties of CSZ obtained through cryo-milling and sintered at high temperature 1600 °C and shorter holding time is found suitable for dental applications.
Influence of the Nitrogen Flux Ratio on the Structural, Morphological and Tribological Properties of TiN Coatings
Authors: Fu Xiaojing , Guo Shuming , Wan Yong , Li Qiang , Liu Bingchang , Zheng Hui
Published: January 2023

In this study, the structural characteristics of TiN coatings deposited by DC magnetron sputtering on the surface of AISI 304 stainless steel were modulated by performing deposition at four different nitrogen flux ratios. The XRD results indicated that the coatings mainly contained face-centered cubic TiN phase. The experimental results showed that the nitrogen flux ratio played a major role in determining the microstructure and the mechanical and tribological properties of the TiN coatings. SEM images revealed that the thickness of the TiN coatings decreased linearly as the nitrogen flux ratio increased from 0.25 to 0.55. However, the grain size had a nonlinear relationship with the nitrogen flux ratio. When the nitrogen flux ratio was 0.45, the grain size was only 5.3 nm. Theoretical and experimental analysis showed that the TiN coating deposited at a nitrogen flux ratio of 0.45 had the best mechanical properties, which due to its minimum grain size and (111) orientation, and the best tribological performance under unlubricated conditions, may have been due to its higher fracture toughness and plastic deformation resistance among the four TiN coatings.
Special Issue: Recent Advances in Semiconducting Thin Films
Authors: Virt Ihor
Published: January 2023

The application of thin-films as development direction of integrated electronics is based on the sequential build-up of films of various materials on a common base (substrate) with the simultaneous formation of micro-parts (resistors, capacitors, contact pads, etc [...]
Formation and Morphological Transition of Diversified Eutectic Structures in Ag-Based Brazing Filler Metals with Sn Addition
Authors: Ding Zongye , Long Weimin , Jiu Yongtao , Zhong Sujuan , Jiang Danqing , Liu Chuan , Yang Jingwei , Qiao Jian
Published: January 2023

Eutectic structures in Ag-based brazing filler metals play an important role in improving the properties of alloys and brazed joints. The typical microstructures and morphological evolution of Ag-Cu eutectic structures in Ag-based brazing filler metals solidified at various cooling rates and with the addition of different Sn contents were investigated. The formation mechanisms of anomalous eutectic structure (AES) and the morphological transition from lamellar eutectic structure (LES) to AES were elucidated. The microstructures in alloys solidified at a slow cooling rate and with low Sn content consisted of the full AES, which was attributed to the remelting of the LES during recalescence. Increasing the Sn content and cooling rate promoted the formation of developed Ag dendrite, eutectic dendrite with branches, and AES with large dimensions. The AES in rapidly solidified filler metals with a high Sn content was ascribed to the decomposition of the Ag-rich dendrite skeleton and the growth of Cu-rich between the ternary dendrite arms.
Magnetic Behavior of Virgin and Lithiated NiFe2O4 Nanoparticles
Authors: Al-Senani Ghadah M. , Al-Fawzan Foziah F. , Almufarij Rasmiah S. , Abd-Elkader Omar H. , Deraz Nasrallah M.
Published: January 2023

A series of virgin and lithia-doped Ni ferrites was synthesized using egg-white-mediated combustion. Characterization of the investigated ferrites was performed using several techniques, specifically, X-ray Powder Diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and High-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM). XRD-based structural parameters were determined. A closer look at these characteristics reveals that lithia doping enhanced the nickel ferrite lattice constant (a), unit cell volume (V), stress (ε), microstrain (σ), and dislocation density (δ). It also enhanced the separation between magnetic ions (LA and LB), ionic radii (rA, rB), and bond lengths (A-O and B-O) between tetrahedral (A) and octahedral (B) locations. Furthermore, it enhanced the X-ray density (Dx) and crystallite size (d) of random spinel nickel ferrite displaying opposing patterns of behavior. FTIR-based functional groups of random spinel nickel ferrite were determined. HRTEM-based morphological properties of the synthesized ferrite were investigated. These characteristics of NiFe2O4 particles, such as their size, shape, and crystallinity, demonstrate that these manufactured particles are present at the nanoscale and that lithia doping caused shape modification of the particles. Additionally, the prepared ferrite’s surface area and total pore volume marginally increased after being treated with lithia, depending on the visibility of the grain boundaries. Last, but not least, as the dopant content was increased through a variety of methods, the magnetization of virgin nickel ferrite fell with a corresponding increase in coercivity. Uniaxial anisotropy, rather than cubic anisotropy, and antisite and cation excess defects developed in virgin and lithia-doped nickel ferrites because the squareness ratio (Mr/Ms) was less than 0.5. Small squareness values strongly recommend using the assessed ferrites in high-frequency applications.
Review of Creep-Thermomechanical Fatigue Behavior of Austenitic Stainless Steel
Authors: Zhao Jingwei , Qiu Feng , Xu Chuangang
Published: January 2023

Research on the creep-thermomechanical fatigue (CTMF) behaviors of austenitic stainless steel for nuclear power plant pipelines is reviewed in the present paper. The stress response behavior, the main damage mechanisms, including thermomechanical fatigue, creep, oxidation, and dynamic strain aging (DSA), as well as the effects of strain dwell type, dwell time, and temperature-strain phase angle on fatigue life behavior of austenitic stainless steel under CTMF loading conditions are systematically discussed, and the coupled effects of various damage mechanisms are revealed. It is emphasized that CTMF is closer to the actual service condition of nuclear power plant pipes. It is pointed out that the traditional method of life design based on the isothermal fatigue test data is not conservative. Finally, the research on CTMF behaviors of austenitic stainless steel for nuclear power plant is summarized and prospected.
Abnormal Domain Growth during Polarization Reversal in Lithium Niobate Crystal Modified by Proton Exchange
Authors: Savelyev Evgeniy , Akhmatkhanov Andrey , Kosobokov Mikhail , Tronche Hervé , Doutre Florent , Lunghi Tommaso , Baldi Pascal , Shur Vladimir
Published: January 2023

The results of an experimental study of the abnormal domain structure kinetics in lithium niobate single crystals with a surface layer modified by soft proton exchange are presented. Domain switching in a wide field range allowed two qualitatively different types of domain structure evolution to be revealed: (1) the traditional growth of hexagonal domains in fields higher than 21.5 kV/mm and (2) the abnormal growth of stripe domains oriented along the Y crystallographic directions in the field range from 3.8 to 21.5 kV/mm. The stripe domains had a width up to 4 µm and depth up to 30 µm. It was shown that the time dependence of the total length of stripe domains could be analyzed in terms of the modified Kolmogorov–Avrami approach, taking into account the transition from the one-dimensional β-model to the one-dimensional α-model. The possibility of the controllable creation of a quasi-periodic structure of stripe domains with an average period of 5 µm by a two-stage polarization switching process was demonstrated. The formation and growth of stripe domains were considered in terms of the kinetic approach to the evolution of the domain structure as a result of the domain walls’ motion under inefficient screening conditions caused by the presence of a modified surface layer. The abnormally low threshold fields were attributed to a presence of a “built-in” field facilitating switching, created by a composition gradient induced by soft proton exchange.
Magneto-Optical Spin Hall Effect Regulation at Terahertz Frequencies Based on Graphene–Gold Heterojunction
Authors: Luo Li , Guo Junlin , Peng Sui , Liu Bo , Wang Yuting , Liu Xiao
Published: January 2023

In this paper, we theoretically consider the magneto-optical spin Hall effect of light (MOSHEL) in a graphene–gold heterojunction structure at terahertz frequencies, and determine the maximum value of the transverse shift of the spin Hall effect of light (SHEL) in the designed structure by varying the terahertz frequency, the thickness of the metal layer, the Fermi energy level of the graphene, and the magnetic induction density. When the terahertz frequency was 1.2 THz, the metal layer thickness 50 nm, the Fermi level 0.2 eV, and the magnetic induction density B was 10 T, the SHEL shifts of left-handed circularly polarized (LHCP) and right-handed circularly polarized (RHCP) components was greatest at the critical angle (58°), with as value of 498μm, 1000 times larger than the visible light. At this point, graphene exhibited a significant magneto-optical effect, dramatically enhancing the splitting extrema of LHCP and RHCP. This structure will provide possibilities for enhancement of the transverse shift and efficient regulation of the optical spin Hall effect within the terahertz range.
Impurity Properties of Inversion Layers with Electronic and Substrate Quantum Screening
Authors: Aharonyan Kamo , Kokanyan Ninel , Kokanyan Edvard
Published: January 2023

In this paper, the combined effect of electronic and substrate screening on impurity states in inversion layers is investigated theoretically. An explicit expression of the screened impurity interaction potential with an effective screening parameter, depending on the material and structural parameters, is established analytically for the first time. The main physical results are (a) an enhancement of the carrier saturation effect and (b) the dependence of the nature of the screening mechanism on the dielectric type (low-κ and high-κ) of the oxide layer. An experimentally measurable impurity binding energy is studied and numerically presented for realistic InSb/SiO2/SiO2/metal (ll-) and InSb/S(sulfur)/HfO2/metal (lh-κ type) multi-layer structures. A substantial enhancement of the binding energy is obtained with the non-degenerate Q2D EG for the ll-κ-type structure, reaching an almost fourfold value of the InSb bulk sample (~0.66 meV).