bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inter-Rater Variability of Prostate Lesion Segmentation on Multiparametric Prostate MRI
Authors: Jeganathan Thibaut , Salgues Emile , Schick Ulrike , Tissot Valentin , Fournier Georges , Valéri Antoine , Nguyen Truong-An , Bourbonne Vincent
Published: December 2023

Introduction: External radiotherapy is a major treatment for localized prostate cancer (PCa). Dose escalation to the whole prostate gland increases biochemical relapse-free survival but also acute and late toxicities. Dose escalation to the dominant index lesion (DIL) only is of growing interest. It requires a robust delineation of the DIL. In this context, we aimed to evaluate the inter-observer variability of DIL delineation. Material and Methods: Two junior radiologists and a senior radiation oncologist delineated DILs on 64 mpMRIs of patients with histologically confirmed PCa. For each mpMRI and each reader, eight individual DIL segmentations were delineated. These delineations were blindly performed from one another and resulted from the individual analysis of the T2, apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), b2000, and dynamic contrast enhanced (DCE) sequences, as well as the analysis of combined sequences (T2ADC, T2ADCb2000, T2ADCDCE, and T2ADCb2000DCE). Delineation variability was assessed using the DICE coefficient, Jaccard index, Hausdorff distance measure, and mean distance to agreement. Results: T2, ADC, T2ADC, b2000, T2 + ADC + b2000, T2 + ADC + DCE, and T2 + ADC + b2000 + DCE sequences obtained DICE coefficients of 0.51, 0.50, 0.54, 0.52, 0.54, 0.55, 0.53, respectively, which are significantly higher than the perfusion sequence alone (0.35, p < 0.001). The analysis of other similarity metrics lead to similar results. The tumor volume and PI-RADS classification were positively correlated with the DICE scores. Conclusion: Our study showed that the contours of prostatic lesions were more reproducible on certain sequences but confirmed the great variability of prostatic contours with a maximum DICE coefficient calculated at 0.55 (joint analysis of T2, ADC, and perfusion sequences).
Therapist-Reported Differences between Teletherapy via Phone and via Videoconferencing
Authors: Békés Vera , Ménard Cédric Gill , Schmitz Natale , Aafjes-van Doorn Katie
Published: December 2023

When therapists provide teletherapy they can choose between teletherapy via phone and teletherapy via videoconferencing, however, little is known about differences between using these two teletherapy formats. We aimed to compare therapists’ attitudes, level of professional self-doubt, and experience of the therapeutic relationship in sessions conducted via phone versus via videoconferencing. We administered an online survey to 117 therapists who had experience with sessions both via phone and videoconferencing. The results suggested that therapists’ attitudes and perceptions of the therapeutic relationship were similar. However, therapists’ level of professional self-doubt was higher in sessions conducted via videoconferencing. Therapists with previous experience of conducting teletherapy via phone perceived phone sessions more positively. Thus, familiarity with videoconferencing technology might be more important in shaping therapists’ attitudes and confidence than the type of technology per se. This highlights the importance of practicing with new technologies.
Theoretical Analysis on Thermo-Mechanical Bending Behavior of Timber–Concrete Composite Beams
Authors: Guan Bin , Dai Yunchun , Zhang Tianyi , Wu Peng , Zhang Jiandong
Published: December 2023

In this study, an analytical approach is introduced for predicting the bending behavior of a timber–concrete composite (TCC) beam subjected to a mechanical load and a non-uniform temperature field, in which the orthotropy of timber as well as interfacial slip are taken into consideration. The analytical model addresses the non-uniform temperature field using Fourier series expansion based on the heat transport theory. The stresses and displacements of the TCC beam under the thermo-mechanical condition are governed by the thermo-elasticity theory, and the corresponding solution is derived analytically by solving a group of non-homogeneous partial differential equations. The proposed solution is in good agreement with the finite element solution and exhibits higher accuracy compared to the Euler–Bernoulli beam solution that relies on the assumption of transverse shear deformation and isotropy. An extensive investigation is carried out to analyze how the bending behavior of TCC beams is influenced by variations in interfacial shear stiffness and temperature field.
In Search for Untapped Energy-Saving Potential in Green and Smart Higher Educational Buildings—An Empirical Case Study Involving the Building Occupants
Authors: Bäcklund Katarina , Molinari Marco , Lundqvist Per
Published: December 2023

Energy-intense activities and the unpredictable and complex behavior of building occupants lead to an increase in building energy demand. It is, therefore, crucial to study underlying factors for building energy demand related to the users. Higher educational buildings are relevant to study for several reasons: they host the future workforce and citizens, they are predicted to increase in numbers, and they represent a building type less studied. Furthermore, green-rated buildings equipped with smart building systems also represent a research gap that is relevant to address since such a building design involves IoT-functionalities and digital features for the building occupants to interact with. There is also a conceivable risk that if the users know that the building is green-rated and technologically advanced, this may alter their perception of the building operation and thus their behavior. To study the relationship between building occupants and such green and smart educational structure, a survey was conducted in a Swedish higher educational building; as a result, 300 responses were collected and analyzed. The responses revealed that the building occupants act with energy awareness, and they are conscious about energy-saving behaviors. One building feature in particular was studied: the Digital Room Panels (DRPs). The DRP allows the building occupants to modify the indoor temperature and is, therefore, essential for thermal comfort. One key finding from the survey revealed that 70% of the building occupants did not know how the DRPs operate. This study argues that this result can be explained with a lack of communication and user friendliness. Inadequate interactions with building systems could also result in opportunities for energy saving might not be realized. The findings of this case study led to valuable recommendations and suggestions for future research endeavors.
Unlocking Glioblastoma Secrets: Natural Killer Cell Therapy against Cancer Stem Cells
Authors: Du Yuanning , Pollok Karen E. , Shen Jia
Published: December 2023

Glioblastoma (GBM) represents a paramount challenge as the most formidable primary brain tumor characterized by its rapid growth, aggressive invasiveness, and remarkable heterogeneity, collectively impeding effective therapeutic interventions. The cancer stem cells within GBM, GBM stem cells (GSCs), hold pivotal significance in fueling tumor advancement, therapeutic refractoriness, and relapse. Given their unique attributes encompassing self-renewal, multipotent differentiation potential, and intricate interplay with the tumor microenvironment, targeting GSCs emerges as a critical strategy for innovative GBM treatments. Natural killer (NK) cells, innate immune effectors recognized for their capacity to selectively detect and eliminate malignancies without the need for prior sensitization, offer substantial therapeutic potential. Harnessing the inherent capabilities of NK cells can not only directly engage tumor cells but also augment broader immune responses. Encouraging outcomes from clinical investigations underscore NK cells as a potentially effective modality for cancer therapy. Consequently, NK cell-based approaches hold promise for effectively targeting GSCs, thereby presenting an avenue to enhance treatment outcomes for GBM patients. This review outlines GBM’s intricate landscape, therapeutic challenges, GSC-related dynamics, and elucidates the potential of NK cell as an immunotherapeutic strategy directed towards GSCs.
The Effect of Visfatin on the Functioning of the Porcine Pituitary Gland: An In Vitro Study
Authors: Szymanska Karolina , Rytelewska Edyta , Zaobidna Ewa , Kiezun Marta , Gudelska Marlena , Kopij Grzegorz , Dobrzyn Kamil , Mlyczynska Ewa , Kurowska Patrycja , Kaminska Barbara , Nynca Anna , Smolinska Nina , Rak Agnieszka , Kaminski Tadeusz
Published: December 2023

Visfatin (VIS), also known as nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase (NAMPT), is the rate-limiting enzyme in the biosynthesis of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+). Recently, VIS has been also recognized as an adipokine. Our previous study revealed that VIS is produced in the anterior and posterior lobes of the porcine pituitary. Moreover, the expression and secretion of VIS are dependent on the phase of the estrous cycle and/or the stage of early pregnancy. Based on this, we hypothesized that VIS may regulate porcine pituitary function. This study was conducted on anterior pituitary (AP) glands harvested from pigs during specific phases of the estrous cycle. We have shown the modulatory effect of VIS in vitro on LH and FSH secretion by porcine AP cells (determined by ELISA). VIS was also found to stimulate cell proliferation (determined by Alamar Blue) without affecting apoptosis in these cells (determined using flow cytometry technique). Moreover, it was indicated that VIS may act in porcine AP cells through the INSR, AKT/PI3K, MAPK/ERK1/2, and AMPK signaling pathways (determined by ELISA or Western Blot). This observation was further supported by the finding that simultaneous treatment of cells with VIS and inhibitors of these pathways abolished the observed VIS impact on LH and FSH secretion (determined by ELISA). In addition, our research indicated that VIS affected the mentioned processes in a manner that was dependent on the dose of VIS and/or the phase of the estrous cycle. Thus, these findings suggest that VIS may regulate the functioning of the porcine pituitary gland during the estrous cycle.
Nanomaterials and Equipment for Chemical–Mechanical Polishing of Single-Crystal Sapphire Wafers
Authors: Li Shaoping , Fu Jieni , He Zhaobo , Luo Yue , Wu Shuilin
Published: December 2023

Single-crystal sapphire (α-Al2O3) has been widely used in semiconductor, optics, communication, national defense, and other fields. Before application, an ultra-smooth surface which is scratch free and subsurface damage free is essential. Furthermore, the sapphire has unique qualities such as significant rigidity and chemical stability, which make it extremely arduous to process. Chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) is recognized as the final process to reduce the roughness and eliminate surface defects of a sapphire surface. In this review, the materials and equipment used for the chemical polishing of a sapphire wafer are summarized, and the surface nanoscale changes of sapphire wafer are reviewed from the angles of regulating polishing-process parameters, composition of polishing slurry including that which is nano-abrasive, a pH regulator, a complexing agent, and other additives, as well as hybrid CMP technologies. The outlook and future applications are also summarized.
Bioinspired Multipurpose Approach to the Sampling Problem
Authors: Tolstikhin Anton
Published: December 2023

Currently, the sampling problem has gained wide popularity in the field of autonomous mobile agent control due to the wide range of practical and fundamental problems described with its framework. This paper considers a combined decentralized control strategy that incorporates both elements of biologically inspired and gradient-based approaches. Its key feature is multitasking, consisting in the possibility of solving several tasks in parallel included in the sampling problem: localization and monitoring of several sources and restoration of the given level line boundaries.
Optical Biosensing of Polarized Light
Authors: Kudreyko Aleksey , Chigrinov Vladimir
Published: December 2023

Interactions between liquid crystal molecules and target analytes open up various biosensing applications for quick screening and point-of-care applications. In this review, we categorized biosensors by type, depending on the liquid crystal mesophase, and considered several applications for the detection of biomolecules, point-of-care diagnostics and environmental monitoring. We also discuss interactions between polarized light and target pathogens dispersed in biological fluids, which result in the change of the polarization state. An array of the Stokes parameters can be compared with the pattern, and a proper pathogen can be manifested. We suggest that a combination of a micropolarizer array and a complementary metal oxide semiconductor sensor is an optimal setup for the detection of pathogens. Herein, we discuss the working principles of liquid crystal biosensors and their fabrication principles. In addition, relevant theoretical and practical issues related to liquid crystal biosensors are outlined. In general, this review gives an in-depth survey of the research on liquid crystal-based sensors, making it easier for researchers to locate their niche and make contributions to this subject from multiple viewpoints.
Identification of Intermetallic Phases Limiting the Growth of Austenite Grains in the Low-Pressure Carburizing Process
Authors: Dybowski Konrad , Klimek Leszek
Published: December 2023

This article presents the results of a study to identify intermetallic phases whose role is to limit austenite grain growth in the low-pressure carburizing process. A drawback of high-temperature low-pressure carburizing is the austenite grain growth during the process. Using low-pressure carburizing with pre-nitriding technology (PreNitLPC®) offers the possibility of reducing austenite grain growth. This technology involves the application of doses of ammonia during the heating stage of the steel, at the carburizing temperature, to introduce nitrogen into the surface layer of the steel and to form nitrides. It is these phases that cause restrictions on austenite grain growth during carburizing. The research carried out in this article was aimed at identifying these phases. The research was carried out on one of the basic steels used for carburizing—16MnCr5 steel. The carburizing of this steel with and without pre-nitriding was performed, followed by an evaluation of the austenite grain size after these processes and the identification of the intermetallic phases present in the surface layer of the steel.
Congenital High Airway Obstructive Syndrome (CHAOS) Survival of a Newborn with Laryngeal Atresia
Authors: Heriseanu Carmen , Bizubac Mihaela , Draghia Loredana , Marcu Veronica , Gheorghe Dan , Cirstoveanu Catalin
Published: December 2023

Congenital high airway obstructive syndrome (CHAOS) is a rare congenital anomaly, frequently caused by laryngeal or tracheal atresia, tracheal stenosis, and obstructing laryngeal cysts. This is a congenital malformation, often fatal, with an unknown prevalence. Laryngeal atresia is the most frequent cause. We report a case of an intrauterine diagnosis of CHAOS and ascites in a 17-week fetus delivered at 38 weeks of gestation without other associated malformations. A fetoscopic procedure was performed at 22 weeks of gestation. An attempt was made to perforate the affected area to ensure pulmonary fluid circulation and the ascites’ resolution. After birth, a tracheostomy was performed. The patient was mechanically ventilated until 11 months of age, when she was discharged with no cerebral or other complications of immediate postnatal anoxia or episodes of respiratory arrest. A laryngotracheoplasty was performed at 2 years old, but decannulation was not possible due to certain complications. At 5 years old, a new surgical intervention was performed, which allowed decannulation 6 months later.
Rare Pancreatic/Peripancreatic Cystic Lesions Can Be Accurately Characterized by EUS with Through-the-Needle Biopsy—A Unique Pictorial Essay with Clinical and Histopathological Correlations
Authors: Conti Bellocchi Maria Cristina , Manfrin Erminia , Brillo Alessandro , Bernardoni Laura , Lisotti Andrea , Fusaroli Pietro , Parisi Alice , Sina Sokol , Facciorusso Antonio , Gabbrielli Armando , Crinò Stefano Francesco
Published: December 2023

Due to their aspecific macroscopic appearance, uncommon pancreatic cystic lesions (PCLs) are often misdiagnosed as mucinous lesions and improperly resected. We aimed to evaluate the endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided through-the-needle biopsy (TTNB) capacity of the preoperative diagnosis of uncommon PCLs. Overall, 136 patients with PCLs who underwent EUS-TTNB between 2016 and 2022 were retrospectively identified. Common histotypes (e.g., IPMN, serous cystadenoma, and mucinous cystadenoma) were excluded and 26 (19.1%) patients (15 female, mean age 52.9 ± 10.4) were analyzed. The EUS findings, adverse events (AEs), and TTNB outcomes in uncommon PCLs were evaluated. The cysts histotype was accurately diagnosed by TTNB in 24/26 (92.3%) cases (seven cystic neuroendocrine tumors, four squamoid cysts, three acinar cells cystadenomas, two lymphoepithelial cysts, two mucinous non-neoplastic cysts, two bronchogenic cysts, two cystic lymphangiomas, one solid-pseudopapillary neoplasm, and one schwannoma). In the remaining two cases, lymphangioma was eventually diagnosed after resection. Surgery was performed in 15/26 (57.7%) patients. The mean follow-up of non-surgical patients was 32.5 months. One severe acute case of pancreatitis (3.8%) that required surgery occurred after EUS-TTNB. Uncommon pancreatic/peripancreatic lesions represent the 19.1% of PCLs in our series, with mainly benign histotypes. TTNB demonstrated a high diagnostic performance with a low rate of AEs in this setting, representing a reliable tool with which to avoid useless surgery.
Attention-Based Semantic Segmentation Networks for Forest Applications
Authors: Lim See Ven , Zulkifley Mohd Asyraf , Saleh Azlan , Saputro Adhi Harmoko , Abdani Siti Raihanah
Published: December 2023

Deforestation remains one of the key concerning activities around the world due to commodity-driven extraction, agricultural land expansion, and urbanization. The effective and efficient monitoring of national forests using remote sensing technology is important for the early detection and mitigation of deforestation activities. Deep learning techniques have been vastly researched and applied to various remote sensing tasks, whereby fully convolutional neural networks have been commonly studied with various input band combinations for satellite imagery applications, but very little research has focused on deep networks with high-resolution representations, such as HRNet. In this study, an optimal semantic segmentation architecture based on high-resolution feature maps and an attention mechanism is proposed to label each pixel of the satellite imagery input for forest identification. The selected study areas are located in Malaysian rainforests, sampled from 2016, 2018, and 2020, downloaded using Google Earth Pro. Only a two-class problem is considered for this study, which is to classify each pixel either as forest or non-forest. HRNet is chosen as the baseline architecture, in which the hyperparameters are optimized before being embedded with an attention mechanism to help the model to focus on more critical features that are related to the forest. Several variants of the proposed methods are validated on 6120 sliced images, whereby the best performance reaches 85.58% for the mean intersection over union and 92.24% for accuracy. The benchmarking analysis also reveals that the attention-embedded high-resolution architecture outperforms U-Net, SegNet, and FC-DenseNet for both performance metrics. A qualitative analysis between the baseline and attention-based models also shows that fewer false classifications and cleaner prediction outputs can be observed in identifying the forest areas.
Development of Human Rhinovirus RNA Reference Material Using Digital PCR
Authors: Ju Dong U , Park Dongju , Kim Il-Hwan , Kim Seil , Yoo Hee Min
Published: December 2023

The human rhinovirus (RV) is a positive-stranded RNA virus that causes respiratory tract diseases affecting both the upper and lower halves of the respiratory system. RV enhances its replication by concentrating RNA synthesis within a modified host membrane in an intracellular compartment. RV infections often occur alongside infections caused by other respiratory viruses, and the RV virus may remain asymptomatic for extended periods. Alongside qualitative detection, it is essential to accurately quantify RV RNA from clinical samples to explore the relationships between RV viral load, infections caused by the virus, and the resulting symptoms observed in patients. A reference material (RM) is required for quality evaluation, the performance evaluation of molecular diagnostic products, and evaluation of antiviral agents in the laboratory. The preparation process for the RM involves creating an RV RNA mixture by combining RV viral RNA with RNA storage solution and matrix. The resulting RV RNA mixture is scaled up to a volume of 25 mL, then dispensed at 100 µL per vial and stored at −80 °C. The process of measuring the stability and homogeneity of RV RMs was conducted by employing reverse transcription droplet digital polymerase chain reaction (RT-ddPCR). Digital PCR is useful for the analysis of standards and can help to improve measurement compatibility: it represents the equivalence of a series of outcomes for reference materials and samples being analyzed when a few measurement procedures are employed, enabling objective comparisons between quantitative findings obtained through various experiments. The number of copies value represents a measured result of approximately 1.6 × 105 copies/μL. The RM has about an 11% bottle-to-bottle homogeneity and shows stable results for 1 week at temperatures of 4 °C and −20 °C and for 12 months at a temperature of −80 °C. The developed RM can enhance the dependability of RV molecular tests by providing a precise reference value for the absolute copy number of a viral target gene. Additionally, it can serve as a reference for diverse studies.
Exploring the Holistic Needs of People Living with Cancer in Care Homes: An Integrative Review
Authors: Craig Stephanie , Cao Yanting , McMahon James , Anderson Tara , Stark Patrick , Brown Wilson Christine , Creighton Laura , Gonella Silvia , Bavelaar Laura , Vlčková Karolina , Mitchell Gary
Published: December 2023

Up to 26% of individuals residing in care homes are impacted by cancer. This underscores the importance of understanding the holistic needs of care home residents living with cancer to enhance the quality of their care. The primary objective of this integrative literature review was to consolidate the available evidence concerning the comprehensive needs of people living with cancer in care home settings, providing valuable insights into addressing their diverse needs. An integrative literature review was conducted using a systematic approach. Extensive searches were conducted in three databases, complemented by a thorough examination of grey literature and reference lists of relevant papers. The review focused on literature published between 2012 and 2022. The screening process involved two independent reviewers, with a third reviewer resolving any discrepancies. The review identified twenty research papers that met the eligibility criteria. These papers shed light on three primary themes related to the holistic needs of care home residents with cancer: physical, psychological, and end-of-life needs. Physical needs encompassed pain management, symptom control, and nutrition, while psychological needs involved social support, emotional well-being, and mental health care. End-of-life needs addressed end-of-life care and advance care planning. These themes highlight the multifaceted nature of cancer care in care homes and underscore the importance of addressing residents’ holistic needs in a comprehensive and integrated manner. Improving care home education about cancer and integrating palliative and hospice services within this setting are vital for addressing the diverse needs of residents with cancer.
Neurological Improvement via Lysophosphatidic Acid Administration in a Rodent Model of Cardiac Arrest-Induced Brain Injury
Authors: Nishikimi Mitsuaki , Choudhary Rishabh C. , Shoaib Muhammad , Yagi Tsukasa , Becker Lance B. , Kim Junhwan
Published: December 2023

Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) serves as a fundamental constituent of phospholipids. While prior studies have shown detrimental effects of LPA in a range of pathological conditions, including brain ischemia, no studies have explored the impact of LPA in the context of cardiac arrest (CA). The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of the intravenous administration of an LPA species containing oleic acid, LPA (18:1) on the neurological function of rats (male, Sprague Dawley) following 8 min of asphyxial CA. Baseline characteristics, including body weight, surgical procedure time, and vital signs before cardiac arrest, were similar between LPA (18:1)-treated (n = 10) and vehicle-treated (n = 10) groups. There was no statistically significant difference in 24 h survival between the two groups. However, LPA (18:1)-treated rats exhibited significantly improved neurological function at 24 h examination (LPA (18:1), 85.4% ± 3.1 vs. vehicle, 74.0% ± 3.3, p = 0.045). This difference was most apparent in the retention of coordination ability in the LPA (18:1) group (LPA (18:1), 71.9% ± 7.4 vs. vehicle, 25.0% ± 9.1, p < 0.001). Overall, LPA (18:1) administration in post-cardiac arrest rats significantly improved neurological function, especially coordination ability at 24 h after cardiac arrest. LPA (18:1) has the potential to serve as a novel therapeutic in cardiac arrest.
High-Resolution Structure and Internal Mobility of a Plant 40S Ribosomal Subunit
Authors: Kravchenko Olesya V. , Baymukhametov Timur N. , Afonina Zhanna A. , Vassilenko Konstantin S.
Published: December 2023

Ribosome is a major part of the protein synthesis machinery, and analysis of its structure is of paramount importance. However, the structure of ribosomes from only a limited number of organisms has been resolved to date; it especially concerns plant ribosomes and ribosomal subunits. Here, we report a high-resolution cryo-electron microscopy reconstruction of the small subunit of the Triticum aestivum (common wheat) cytoplasmic ribosome. A detailed atomic model was built that includes the majority of the rRNA and some of the protein modifications. The analysis of the obtained data revealed structural peculiarities of the 40S subunit in the monocot plant ribosome. We applied the 3D Flexible Refinement approach to analyze the internal mobility of the 40S subunit and succeeded in decomposing it into four major motions, describing rotations of the head domain and a shift in the massive rRNA expansion segment. It was shown that these motions are almost uncorrelated and that the 40S subunit is flexible enough to spontaneously adopt any conformation it takes as a part of a translating ribosome or ribosomal complex. Here, we introduce the first high-resolution structure of an isolated plant 40S subunit and the first quantitative analysis of the flexibility of small ribosomal subunits, hoping that it will help in studying various aspects of ribosome functioning.
Comparison of Plasma-Polymerized Thin Films Deposited from 2-Methyl-2-oxazoline and 2-Ethyl-2-oxazoline: I Film Properties
Authors: St’ahel Pavel , Mazánková Věra , Prokeš Lubomír , Buršíková Vilma , Stupavská Monika , Lehocký Marián , Pištěková Hana , Ozaltin Kadir , Trunec David
Published: December 2023

Poly(2-oxazoline) is a promising new class of polymeric materials due to their antibiofouling properties and good biocompatibility. Poly(2-oxazoline) coatings can be deposited on different substrates via plasma polymerization, which can be more advantageous than other coating methods. The aim of this study is to deposit poly(2-oxazoline) coatings using a surface dielectric barrier discharge burning in nitrogen at atmospheric pressure using 2-methyl-2-oxazoline and 2-ethyl-2-oxazoline vapours as monomers and compare the film properties. For the comparison, the antibacterial and cytocompatibility tests were peformed according to ISO norms. The antibacterial tests showed that all the deposited films were highly active against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli bacteria. The chemical composition of the films was studied using FTIR and XPS, and the film surface’s properties were studied using AFM and surface energy measurement. The cytocompatibility tests showed good cytocompatibility of all the deposited films. However, the films deposited from 2-methyl-2-oxazoline exhibit better cytocompatibility. This difference can be explained by the different chemical compositions and surface morphologies of the films deposited from different monomers.
Genome-Wide Identification of PEBP Gene Family in Two Dendrobium Species and Expression Patterns in Dendrobium chrysotoxum
Authors: Zhang Meng-Meng , Zhao Xuewei , He Xin , Zheng Qinyao , Huang Ye , Li Yuanyuan , Ke Shijie , Liu Zhong-Jian , Lan Siren
Published: December 2023

The PEBP gene family plays a significant role in regulating flower development and formation. To understand its function in Dendrobium chrysotoxum and D. nobile flowering, we identified 22 PEBP genes (11 DchPEBPs and 11 DnoPEBPs) from both species. We conducted analyses on their conserved domains and motifs, phylogenetic relationships, chromosome distribution, collinear correlation, and cis elements. The classification results showed that the 22 PEBPs were mainly divided into three clades, as follows: FT, MFT, and TFL1. A sequence analysis showed that most PEBP proteins contained five conserved domains, while a gene structure analysis revealed that 77% of the total PEBP genes contained four exons and three introns. The promoter regions of the 22 PEBPs contained several cis elements related to hormone induction and light response. This suggests these PEBPs could play a role in regulating flower development by controlling photoperiod and hormone levels. Additionally, a collinearity analysis revealed three pairs of duplicate genes in the genomes of both D. chrysotoxum and D. nobile. Furthermore, RT-qPCR has found to influence the regulatory effect of DchPEBPs on the development of flower organs (sepals, petals, lip, ovary, and gynostemium) during the flowering process (bud, transparent stage, and initial bloom). The results obtained imply that DchPEBP8 and DchPEBP9 play a role in the initial bloom and that DchPEBP7 may inhibit flowering processes. Moreover, DchPEBP9 may potentially be involved in the development of reproductive functionality. PEBPs have regulatory functions that modulate flowering. FT initiates plant flowering by mediating photoperiod and temperature signals, while TFL1 inhibits flowering processes. These findings provide clues for future studies on flower development in Dendrobium.
Molecular Mechanisms Linking Diabetes with Increased Risk of Thrombosis
Authors: Batten Lucy , Sathyapalan Thozhukat , Palmer Timothy M.
Published: December 2023

This review will provide an overview of what is currently known about mechanisms linking poor glycaemic control with increased thrombotic risk. The leading causes of death in people with diabetes are strokes and cardiovascular disease. Significant morbidity is associated with an increased risk of thrombosis, resulting in myocardial infarction, ischaemic stroke, and peripheral vascular disease, along with the sequelae of these events, including loss of functional ability, heart failure, and amputations. While the increased platelet activity, pro-coagulability, and endothelial dysfunction directly impact this risk, the molecular mechanisms linking poor glycaemic control with increased thrombotic risk remain unclear. This review highlights the complex mechanisms underlying thrombosis prevalence in individuals with diabetes and hyperglycaemia. Post-translational modifications, such as O-GlcNAcylation, play a crucial role in controlling protein function in diabetes. However, the role of O-GlcNAcylation remains poorly understood due to its intricate regulation and the potential involvement of multiple variables. Further research is needed to determine the precise impact of O-GlcNAcylation on specific disease processes.
Field-Measurement of Surface Wind and Sediment Transport Patterns in a Coastal Dune Environment, Case Study of Cala Tirant (Menorca, Spain)
Authors: Mir-Gual Miquel , Pons Guillem X. , Delgado-Fernández Irene , Smyth Thomas A. G.
Published: December 2023

Blowouts are integral features of coastal dune fields. Their presence enhances both geomorphological and ecological diversity and enables the movement of sand by wind. Their role as a ‘transport corridor’ may be, however, considered negative from a coastal management perspective in heavily touristic areas, where the existence of blowouts close to the foredune can enhance the loss of sediment from the beach. This paper investigated the relationship between airflow dynamics and patterns of sediment transport from the beach to established dunes through a trough blowout located on the foredune. Seven three-cup anemometers were used to measure wind speed and direction over a 24 h sampling period at a frequency of 1 min under onshore (parallel to the blowout axis) medium and high wind speeds (max of 17.9 ms−1). To measure sediment transport, a total of 12 vertical sand traps were located at three positions along the length of the deflation basin. The results indicated that small amounts of sediments went into the blowout from the beach and that the highest rates of sediment remobilization took place within the deflation basin. These results highlight two processes: (a) flow channelization induced by the blowout topography caused an increase in wind speed and sediment transport toward the depositional lobe, and (b) the presence of embryo dunes and herbaceous vegetation at the beach–blowout boundary effectively reduced the amount of sediment transport from the beach to the landform. The results confirmed the significant role that vegetation plays in controlling sediment movement and conserving the beach–dune system.
Adverse Drug Events after Kidney Transplantation
Authors: Rostaing Lionel , Jouve Thomas , Terrec Florian , Malvezzi Paolo , Noble Johan
Published: December 2023

Introduction: Kidney transplantation stands out as the optimal treatment for patients with end-stage kidney disease, provided they meet specific criteria for a secure outcome. With the exception of identical twin donor–recipient pairs, lifelong immunosuppression becomes imperative. Unfortunately, immunosuppressant drugs, particularly calcineurin inhibitors like tacrolimus, bring about adverse effects, including nephrotoxicity, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, infections, malignancy, leukopenia, anemia, thrombocytopenia, mouth ulcers, dyslipidemia, and wound complications. Since achieving tolerance is not feasible, patients are compelled to adhere to lifelong immunosuppressive therapies, often involving calcineurin inhibitors, alongside mycophenolic acid or mTOR inhibitors, with or without steroids. Area covered: Notably, these drugs, especially calcineurin inhibitors, possess narrow therapeutic windows, resulting in numerous drug-related side effects. This review focuses on the prevalent immunosuppressive drug-related side effects encountered in kidney transplant recipients, namely nephrotoxicity, post-transplant diabetes mellitus, leukopenia, anemia, dyslipidemia, mouth ulcers, hypertension, and viral reactivations (cytomegalovirus and BK virus). Additionally, other post-kidney-transplantation drugs such as valganciclovir may also contribute to adverse events such as leukopenia. For each side effect, we propose preventive measures and outline appropriate treatment strategies.
A New Approach to Virtual Occlusion in Orthognathic Surgery Planning Using Mixed Reality—A Technical Note and Review of the Literature
Authors: Wilkat Max , Liu Shufang , Schwerter Michael , Schrader Felix , Saigo Leonardo , Karnatz Nadia , Kübler Norbert R. , Rana Majeed
Published: December 2023

Orthognathic surgery plays a vital role in correcting various skeletal discrepancies of the maxillofacial region. Achieving optimal occlusion is a fundamental aspect of orthognathic surgery planning, as it directly influences postoperative outcomes and patient satisfaction. Traditional methods for setting final occlusion involve the use of dental casts which are time-consuming, prone to errors and cannot be easily shared among collaborating specialties. In recent years, advancements in digital technology have introduced innovative approaches, such as virtual occlusion, which may offer enhanced accuracy and efficiency in orthognathic surgery planning. Furthermore, the emergence of mixed reality devices and their 3D visualization capabilities have brought about novel benefits in the medical field, particularly in computer-assisted planning. This paper presents for the first time a prototype tool for setting virtual occlusion during orthognathic surgery planning using mixed reality technology. A complete walkthrough of the workflow is presented including an explanation of the implicit advantages of this novel tool. The new approach to defining virtual occlusion is set into context with other published methods of virtual occlusion setting, discussing advantages and limitations as well as concepts of surgical occlusion for orthognathic surgery.
Fifteen Years after the Definition of Trypanosoma cruzi DTUs: What Have We Learned?
Authors: Zingales Bianca , Macedo Andréa M.
Published: December 2023

Trypanosoma cruzi, the protozoan causative of Chagas disease (ChD), exhibits striking genetic and phenotypic intraspecific diversity, along with ecoepidemiological complexity. Human-pathogen interactions lead to distinct clinical presentations of ChD. In 2009, an international consensus classified T. cruzi strains into six discrete typing units (DTUs), TcI to TcVI, later including TcBat, and proposed reproducible genotyping schemes for DTU identification. This article aims to review the impact of classifying T. cruzi strains into DTUs on our understanding of biological, ecoepidemiological, and pathogenic aspects of T. cruzi. We will explore the likely origin of DTUs and the intrinsic characteristics of each group of strains concerning genome organization, genomics, and susceptibility to drugs used in ChD treatment. We will also provide an overview of the association of DTUs with mammalian reservoirs, and summarize the geographic distribution, and the clinical implications, of prevalent specific DTUs in ChD patients. Throughout this review, we will emphasize the crucial roles of both parasite and human genetics in defining ChD pathogenesis and chemotherapy outcome.
The Fusion of Wide Field Optical Coherence Tomography and AI: Advancing Breast Cancer Surgical Margin Visualization
Authors: Levy Yanir , Rempel David , Nguyen Mark , Yassine Ali , Sanati-Burns Maggie , Salgia Payal , Lim Bryant , Butler Sarah L. , Berkeley Andrew , Bayram Ersin
Published: December 2023

This study explores the integration of Wide Field Optical Coherence Tomography (WF-OCT) with an AI-driven clinical decision support system, with the goal of enhancing productivity and decision making in breast cancer surgery margin assessment. A computationally efficient convolutional neural network (CNN)-based binary classifier is developed using 585 WF-OCT margin scans from 151 subjects. The CNN model swiftly identifies suspicious areas within margins with an on-device inference time of approximately 10 ms for a 420 × 2400 image. In independent testing on 155 pathology-confirmed margins, including 31 positive margins from 29 patients, the classifier achieved an AUROC of 0.976, a sensitivity of 0.93, and a specificity of 0.98. At the margin level, the deep learning model accurately identified 96.8% of pathology-positive margins. These results highlight the clinical viability of AI-enhanced margin visualization using WF-OCT in breast cancer surgery and its potential to decrease reoperation rates due to residual tumors.
Effects of Manufactured Sand and Steam-Curing Temperature on the Compressive Strength of Recycled Concrete with Different Water/Binder Ratios
Authors: Liu Xiaolin , Wang Xinjie , Zhang Tianrui , Zhu Pinghua , Liu Hui
Published: December 2023

New building materials (manufactured sand and recycled coarse aggregates) can conserve raw materials and protect the environment. Prefabricated members can shorten the construction time of a structure. To use manufactured sand and recycled coarse aggregate in the preparation of precast member concrete, an economical and practical steam-curing scheme must be developed such that the compressive strength of precast manufactured sand recycled concrete (MRC) meets the requirements for hoisting. The effects of different steam-curing temperatures (standard curing, 40 °C, 50 °C, 60 °C, 70 °C, and 80 °C) on the compressive strength of MRC with three water/binder ratios (W/B) (0.46, 0.42, and 0.38) were studied. In addition, the microstructure of MRC was examined using a scanning electron microscope. The equivalent age–compressive strength model was used to estimate the recycled concrete with manufactured sand. The results showed that the strength of MRC with a water–cement ratio of 0.46, 0.42, and 0.38 reached 33.9, 38.7, and 45.1 MPa, respectively, after 28 days of standard curing. The results also indicated that an increase in the steam-curing temperature had a positive effect on the early compressive strength of MRC and a negative effect on the 28 d compressive strength. This behavior was more obvious for MRC with a low W/B ratio. For MRC with a W/B of 0.46, 0.42, and 0.38, after steam-curing for 6 h, the compressive strength reached 32–65%, 36–70%, and 40–77% of the design strength, respectively. The optimum steam-curing temperatures for MRC with W/B of 0.46, 0.42, and 0.38 were 60 °C, 60 °C, and 50 °C. A decrease in W/B has a negative impact on the accuracy of MRC estimation using the equivalent age–compressive strength model. The maximum deviation of the prediction was within 10%, and the accuracy of the model was acceptable. This study provides a useful reference for the production of prefabricated MRC components in factories and subsequent construction.
Adsorption Behavior of Organoarsenicals over MnFe2O4-Graphene Hybrid Nanocomposite: The Role of Organoarsenic Chemical Structures
Authors: Gu Binxian , Zhang Haijie , Ye Meng , Zhou Ting , Yi Jianjian , Hu Qingsong
Published: December 2023

As a kind of emerging contaminant, organoarsenic compounds have drawn wide concern because of their considerable solubilities in water, and the highly toxic inorganic arsenic species formed during their biotic and abiotic degradation in the natural environment. Thus, the effective removal and studying of the adsorption mechanism of organoarsenic compounds are of significant urgency. In this work, MnFe2O4 and MnFe2O4/graphene were prepared through a facile solvothermal method. From the results of the Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM) characterization, it can be found that MnFe2O4 nanoparticles were uniformly distributed on the surface of the graphene. And the specific surface area of the MnFe2O4/graphene was about 146.39 m2 g−1, much higher than that of the MnFe2O4 (86.15 m2 g−1). The interactions between organoarsenic compounds and adsorbents were conducted to study their adsorption behavior and mechanism. The maximum adsorption capacities of MnFe2O4/graphene towards p-arsanilic acid (p-ASA) and roxarsone (ROX) were calculated to be 22.75 and 30.59 mg g−1. Additionally, the ionic strength, negative ions, and humus were introduced to investigate the adsorption performance of organoarsenic compounds. Electrostatic adsorption and surface complexation are the primary adsorption mechanisms on account of X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and the Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) analysis. This research extends the knowledge into studying the interaction between organoarsenic species and hybrid nanomaterials in the natural environment.
Three-Point Safety Polymeric Belt Webbing versus Four-Point Belt for a Race Car in Frontal Crashes
Authors: Itu Calin , Vlase Sorin
Published: December 2023

Polyester is currently the main material used for the manufacture of safety belts used in car transport for the protection of passengers and the driver. The seat belt is the main passive safety element used in vehicle engineering. In this work, the behavior of two safety belts, one with three-point fastening and the other with four-point fastening, which equip the seat of a racing car used in Formula Student for use in a frontal impact with a vertical wall. A model with finite elements is used to describe the entire car–driver shock-absorber assembly. The von Mises stresses calculated for both cases under consideration are below the tensile strength. The tensions arising in the belt and the accelerations required at various points of the driver’s body are determined by both the properties of the utilized polyester and the chosen construction variant. The obtained results justify the use of the three-point and four-point belt in the cases of both common and race cars.
Effect of Comprehensive and Integrative Medical Services on Patients with Degenerative Lumbar Spinal Stenosis: A Pilot Study
Authors: Ko Sang Bong , Kwak Sang Gyu
Published: December 2023

Background and Objectives: Two types of medicinal systems are available in Korea: Western and oriental. These exist as separate services that independently provide medical care to patients. We determined the utility and benefits of compressive and integrated medical services (CIMS) comprising 12 sessions of acupuncture and healing programs over 6 weeks. Methods and Methods: In this two-group parallel single-center randomized controlled assessor-blinded trial, 25 participants were assigned to either the experimental (conventional medical treatment plus CIMS, n = 12) or control (conventional medical treatment, n = 13) group. Spinal nerve root block was performed on the compressed spinal nerve root (identified using magnetic resonance imaging) when no improvement was observed after the initial treatment. The experimental group received 12 cycles of acupuncture and manual therapy for 6 weeks; the control group received conventional medical treatment alone. Results: The average age of participants in the experimental and control groups was 70.73 ± 5.95 and 67.33 ± 8.89 years, respectively. There were no significant differences between the groups in terms of age, body mass index, Leeds Assessment of Neuropathic Symptoms and Signs, sex, and current medical history. We found high compliance for both programs (acupuncture and healing). On exclusion of between-group effects, the visual analog scale (VAS) score improved significantly over time (p = 0.045). Further, comparison of the groups after excluding the effects of visits revealed significantly lower VAS scores in the experimental group than in the control group (p = 0.000). Conclusions: Patients with degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis who mainly complain of radiating pain in the lower leg may benefit from CIMS after spinal nerve root block for ≤3 months after treatment. Our study findings suggest that this treatment improves spinal function and Oswestry Disability Index score. However, CIMS did not improve QoL.