bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of the Effect of Topical Prostaglandin Analog Treatment on Orbital Structures in Open-Angle Glaucoma with Computed Tomography
Authors: Durmuş Ece Berire Şeyma , Yozgat Zübeyir , Bayramlı Hüseyin , Ece Bunyamin , Aydin Sonay
Published: September 2024

Background/Objectives: This study aims to evaluate the computed tomography (CT) scans of glaucoma patients using prostaglandin analogs (PGA) in one eye, investigate findings associated with prostaglandin-associated periorbitopathy (PAP), and compare these findings with those of the contralateral eyes. Methods: Patients with open-angle glaucoma who had CT images of the orbital region taken for another reason at least one month after starting PGA treatment in one eye were included in the study. Enophthalmos measurements from thin-slice CT images, along with 3D volume measurements of orbital fat tissue, periorbital muscles, and the optic nerve, were performed. Ophthalmological examination findings and treatment information were collected. The values were compared with those of the contralateral eyes of the same patients not using PGA. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) were computed to evaluate measurement repeatability. Results: Forty patients were included in the study. Among them, 29 (72.5%) used latanoprost, 9 (22.5%) used bimatoprost, and 2 (5%) used travoprost. The mean enophthalmos values on the treated side (15.5 ± 2.0 mm) were lower than on the untreated side (16.1 ± 1.4 mm), but this difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.07). In 29 patients (72.5%), enophthalmos measurements were smaller on the treated side, with 7 patients (17.5%) showing a difference of 2 mm or more. No significant correlation was found between the duration of PGA use and enophthalmos measurements (p = 0.768 r = −0.048). Additionally, no significant differences were found in orbital fat volume, total extraocular muscle volume, and optic nerve volume (p > 0.05). ICC values demonstrated excellent reliability (ICC > 0.75) for all measurements. Conclusions: We did not find significant differences in enophthalmos measurements, orbital fat volume, total muscle volume, and optic nerve volume between the PGA-treated and untreated eyes.
Association between Periodontal Disease and Bone Loss among Ambulatory Postmenopausal Women: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Ahmad Sophie , Tahir Nataliyah , Nauman Rafae , Gupta Ashok , Gewelber Civon , Batra Kavita , Izuora Kenneth
Published: September 2024

Background/Objectives: Osteoporosis and periodontal disease (PD) are associated with significant morbidity and mortality especially among post-menopausal women. The attributable causes of mortality include bone fragility, hip fractures, surgical risks, complications associated with immobility/disability, and mental health issues. This cross-sectional study aims to investigate the association between oral health and bone diseases along with the factors that predict this association. Methods: This study included post-menopausal women undergoing routine bone density evaluation. Following informed consent, case histories were collected using an investigator-administered questionnaire. The oral cavity was inspected for the health of the oral structures and periodontium. Bone density data, interpreted by a radiologist, were also collected. Data were analyzed using chi-square and logistic regression tests with the significance level set at 5%. Results: Among 100 eligible participants, mean age and body mass index (BMI) were 68.17 ± 8.33 years and 29.59 ± 6.13 kg/m2, respectively. A total of 23 participants (23.0%) had T2DM, 29 (29.0%) had < 20 natural teeth, and 17 (17.0%) had normal bone mineral density. Except for age (aOR 1.171, p < 0.001), BMI (aOR 0.763, p < 0.001), and past osteoporotic fractures (aOR 21.273, p = 0.021), all other factors were insignificant predictors of bone loss. Conclusions: Although the unadjusted results suggest a relationship between oral health indicators and bone loss, these relationships were not present when other factors were included in an adjusted model. Our findings suggest PD by itself may not be a risk factor for bone loss but that the two conditions may have similar risk factors.
Comparative Analysis of Metastatic Thyroid Carcinoma versus Ectopic Thyroid Carcinoma in Lateral Neck Masses without Identifiable Primary Thyroid Carcinoma
Authors: Shim Hye-kyung , Kim Mi Ra
Published: September 2024

Background/Objectives: Thyroid carcinoma, presenting as a lateral neck mass without an identifiable primary tumor within the thyroid, poses a diagnostic challenge. This comparative analysis aimed to explore the differences between metastatic thyroid carcinoma and ectopic thyroid carcinoma, as both present with a lateral neck mass without evidence of primary thyroid carcinoma. Methods: Searches were conducted for studies on thyroid carcinoma in the lateral neck without evidence of primary thyroid carcinoma. A total of 39 patients were identified from 32 reported studies. Results: Metastatic and ectopic thyroid carcinomas were found in 11 and 28 patients, respectively. Metastatic thyroid carcinoma is characterized by evidence of spontaneous primary tumor regression within the thyroid and commonly associated with multiple lymph node metastases in central and lateral neck compartments. Ectopic thyroid carcinoma is more commonly diagnosed in younger patients and is frequently identified in branchial cleft cysts. The coexistence of normal thyroid tissue adjacent to the ectopic thyroid carcinoma was confirmed, and patients with ectopic thyroid carcinoma exhibited significantly higher rates of second-stage thyroidectomy or neck dissection. When complete surgical excision was considered adequate, excision alone was chosen for patients with ectopic thyroid carcinoma. Conclusions: Identifying these differences is valuable for the differential diagnosis and development of treatment strategies for metastatic and ectopic thyroid carcinomas in lateral neck masses without evidence of primary thyroid tumor.
Enhancing Oral Cancer Detection: A Systematic Review of the Diagnostic Accuracy and Future Integration of Optical Coherence Tomography with Artificial Intelligence
Authors: Jerjes Waseem , Stevenson Harvey , Ramsay Daniele , Hamdoon Zaid
Published: September 2024

Introduction: Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) has emerged as an important imaging modality in non-invasive diagnosis for oral cancer and can provide real-time visualisation of tissue morphology with the required high resolution. This systematic review aims to assess the diagnostic accuracy of OCT in the detection of oral cancers, and to explore the potential integration of OCT with artificial intelligence (AI) and other imaging techniques to enhance diagnostic precision and clinical outcomes in oral healthcare. Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted across PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Google Scholar, Cochrane Central Register, and Web of Science from inception until August 2024. Studies were included if they employed OCT for oral cancer detection, reported diagnostic outcomes, such as sensitivity and specificity, and were conducted on human subjects. Data extraction and quality assessment were performed independently by two reviewers. The synthesis highlights advancements in OCT technology, including AI-enhanced interpretations. Results: A total of 9 studies met the inclusion criteria, encompassing a total of 860 events (cancer detections). The studies spanned from 2008 to 2022 and utilised various OCT techniques, including clinician-based, algorithm-based, and AI-driven interpretations. The findings indicate OCT’s high diagnostic accuracy, with sensitivity ranging from 75% to 100% and specificity from 71% to 100%. AI-augmented OCT interpretations demonstrated the highest accuracy, emphasising OCT’s potential in early cancer detection and precision in guiding surgical interventions. Conclusions: OCT could play a very prominent role as a new diagnostic tool for oral cancer, with very high sensitivity and specificity. Future research pointed towards integrating OCT with other imaging methods and AI systems in providing better accuracy of diagnoses, plus more clinical usability. Further development and validation with large-scale multicentre trials is imperative for the realisation of this potential in changing the way we practice oral healthcare.
Electrical Tumor Detection Probe Calibrated to Diagnose Gastrointestinal Cancer Mass in Real-Time
Authors: Yousefpour Narges , Mahmoodzadeh Habibollah , Mahdavi Reihane , Fattahi Mohammad Reza , Jalaeefar Amirmohsen , Ataee Hossein , Ameli Fereshteh , Hajighasemi Farzane , Mokhtari Dowlatabad Hadi , Mansouri Sepideh , Nabavian Omid , Miri Seyed Rouhollah , Abdolahad Mohammad
Published: September 2024

Background: The primary objective of this research is to propose an intra-operative tumor detection probe calibrated on human models of gastrointestinal (G.I.) cancers, enabling real-time scanning of dissected masses. Methods: Electrical Gastrointestinal Cancer Detection (EGCD) measures impedimetric characteristics of G.I. masses using a handpiece probe and a needle-based head probe. Impedance Phase Slope (IPS) and impedance magnitude (Z1kHz) are extracted as the classification parameters. EGCD was tested on palpable G.I. masses and compared to histopathology results. Results: Calibration was carried out on 120 GI mass samples. Considering pathological results as the gold standard, most cancer masses showed Z1kHz between 100 Ω and 2500 Ω while their IPS was between −15 and −1. The EGCD total sensitivity and specificity of this categorization in G.I. cancer patients with palpable tumors were 86.4% and 74.4%, respectively (p-value < 0.01). Conclusion: EGCD scoring can be used for 3D scanning of palpable tumors in G.I. tumors during surgery, which can help clarify the tumors’ pathological response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy or the nature of intra-operative newly found G.I. tumors for the surgeon to manage their surgical procedure better.
Impact of Preoperative Sinus Rhythm on Concomitant Surgical Ablation’s One-Year Success in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation: A Prospective Registry Cohort Study
Authors: Vondran Maximilian , Ghazy Tamer , Choi Yeong-Hoon , Ouarrak Taoufik , Niemann Bernd , Caliskan Etem , Doll Nicolas , Senges Jochen , Hanke Thorsten , Rastan Ardawan J. , CASE-AF Investigators
Published: September 2024

Background: The surgical ablation (SA) of atrial fibrillation (AF) during cardiac surgery is performed in only 8–40% of patients. We performed a subgroup analysis of the 1-year follow-up from the German CArdioSurgEry Atrial Fibrillation (CASE-AF) registry to determine how preoperative sinus rhythm (SR) prior to SA affected the outcomes. Methods: The CASE-AF registry enrolled AF patients scheduled for cardiac surgery with concomitant SA. The in-hospital and one-year follow-up data were collected prospectively and analyzed retrospectively. Results: From September 2016 to August 2020, 964 patients were enrolled in the CASE-AF registry. Among them, 333 patients were in SR immediately before surgery (study cohort). A complete follow-up was achieved for 95.6%. Both the severity of the AF (modified European Heart Rhythm Association symptom classification, p < 0.001) and the frequency of AF symptoms (p = 0.006) were significantly reduced at one year compared to the preoperative baseline. Almost 90 percent of the patients underwent left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) during the procedure. The one-year mortality (4.1%) and stroke rates (3.2%) were low. SR was evident in 70.3% of the patients at the one-year follow-up. Conclusions: Patients with AF who have SR at the time of surgery should not be excluded from SA, as it appears to be a safe and effective procedure.
Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Jain Molly , Crites Morgan Kay , Rich Patricia , Bajantri Bharat
Published: September 2024

Mesotheliomas are hyperplastic tumors that envelop the serosal membranes that safeguard the body’s external surfaces. Although certain instances may exhibit indolent characteristics, a significant number of tumors demonstrate rapid progression and a poor prognosis. Mesotheliomas are typically categorized as benign or malignant, with malignant mesothelioma being more frequently linked to asbestos exposure. Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) predominantly impacts males and often emerges in the late 50 s or beyond, characterized by a median age of early 70 s among patients exposed to asbestos lasting from 2 to 4 decades. Respiratory exposure to asbestos particles leads to the development of malignant mesothelioma, characterized by recurrent inflammation, disruption of cell division, activation of proto-oncogenes, and generation of free radicals. In pleural mesothelioma, BAP1, CDKN2A, and NF are the most often mutated genes. Accurate diagnosis and assessment usually require the use of chest computed tomography (CT) scans, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and positron emission tomography (PET). Radiation therapy, immunotherapy, chemotherapy, and surgery are some of the treatment options that are currently available. This systematic review provides a comprehensive analysis of the latest research, biomarkers, evaluation, and management strategies for malignant pleural mesothelioma.
Artificial Intelligence in Coloproctology: A Review of Emerging Technologies and Clinical Applications
Authors: Mota Joana , Almeida Maria João , Martins Miguel , Mendes Francisco , Cardoso Pedro , Afonso João , Ribeiro Tiago , Ferreira João , Fonseca Filipa , Limbert Manuel , Lopes Susana , Macedo Guilherme , Castro Poças Fernando , Mascarenhas Miguel
Published: September 2024

Artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a transformative tool across several specialties, namely gastroenterology, where it has the potential to optimize both diagnosis and treatment as well as enhance patient care. Coloproctology, due to its highly prevalent pathologies and tremendous potential to cause significant mortality and morbidity, has drawn a lot of attention regarding AI applications. In fact, its application has yielded impressive outcomes in various domains, colonoscopy being one prominent example, where it aids in the detection of polyps and early signs of colorectal cancer with high accuracy and efficiency. With a less explored path but equivalent promise, AI-powered capsule endoscopy ensures accurate and time-efficient video readings, already detecting a wide spectrum of anomalies. High-resolution anoscopy is an area that has been growing in interest in recent years, with efforts being made to integrate AI. There are other areas, such as functional studies, that are currently in the early stages, but evidence is expected to emerge soon. According to the current state of research, AI is anticipated to empower gastroenterologists in the decision-making process, paving the way for a more precise approach to diagnosing and treating patients. This review aims to provide the state-of-the-art use of AI in coloproctology while also reflecting on future directions and perspectives.
A Comparative Study between Single-Level Oblique Lumbar Interbody Fusion with Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion for Lumbar Adjacent Segment Disease
Authors: Chang Chung-Tse , Lin Yu-Hsien , Wu Yun-Che , Shih Cheng-Min , Chen Kun-Hui , Pan Chien-Chou , Lee Cheng-Hung
Published: September 2024

Background/Objectives: Various surgical approaches have been proposed for treating adjacent segment disease (ASD) after lumbar fusion. However, studies using oblique lumbar interbody fusion (OLIF) to treat ASD are lacking. The current study assessed the postoperative outcomes of single-level OLIF for ASD, comparing the results with those for patients undergoing transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF). Methods: Patients who underwent single-level OLIF or TLIF for lumbar ASD were retrospectively included. Clinical outcomes, that is, the results of assessments using the Euroqol 5-Dimension quality of life scale (EQ-5D), the Oswestry Disability Index, and the visual analog scale, were evaluated. Radiologic parameters, including disc height (DH), segmental lordosis (SL), segmental coronal angle (SCA), lumbar lordosis, and pelvic incidence–lumbar lordosis mismatch, were also assessed. Results: A total of 65 patients were enrolled: 32 in the OLIF group and 33 in the TLIF group. The median follow-up time was 24.0 months in both groups. The clinical outcomes and radiologic parameters significantly improved in both groups postoperatively. According to intergroup comparisons, the OLIF group had significantly less blood loss and superior improvement in radiologic parameters (DH, SL, and SCA) whereas the TLIF group had significantly shorter operation times. For the OLIF patients who did not undergo posterior decompression, the operation time was similar to that of the TLIF group, but the surgical blood loss and length of hospital stay were significantly reduced compared with the TLIF group. Conclusions: Compared with TLIF, OLIF provides similar clinical outcomes, leads to less surgical blood loss, and has superior radiologic parameters; however, the operation time is significantly longer. OLIF without posterior decompression may be a superior option to TLIF for certain patients.
The Integration of Gold Nanoparticles into Dental Biomaterials as a Novel Approach for Clinical Advancement: A Narrative Review
Authors: Jongrungsomran Saharat , Pissuwan Dakrong , Yavirach Apichai , Rungsiyakull Chaiy , Rungsiyakull Pimduen
Published: September 2024

Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) have gained significant attention in the biomedical field owing to their versatile properties. AuNPs can be customized by modifying their size, shape and surface characteristics. In recent years, extensive research has explored the integration of AuNPs into various dental materials, including titanium, polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) and resin composites. This review aims to summarize the advancements in the application of modified AuNPs in dental materials and to assess their effects on related cellular processes in the dental field. Relevant articles published in English on AuNPs in association with dental materials were identified through a systematic search of the PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus and ScienceDirect databases from January 2014 to April 2024. Future prospects for the utilization of AuNPs in the field of dentistry are surveyed.
Small-Scale Biophysical Interactions and Dinophysis Blooms: Case Study in a Strongly Stratified Chilean Fjord
Authors: Díaz Patricio A. , Pérez-Santos Iván , Baldrich Ángela M. , Álvarez Gonzalo , Schwerter Camila , Araya Michael , Aravena Álvaro , Cantarero Bárbara , Carbonell Pamela , Díaz Manuel , Godoy Humberto , Reguera Beatriz
Published: September 2024

Diarrhetic shellfish poisoning (DSP) toxins and pectenotoxins (PTXs) produced by endemic species of Dinophysis, mainly D. acuta and D. acuminata, threaten public health and negatively impact the shellfish industry worldwide. Despite their socioeconomic impact, research on the environmental drivers of DSP outbreaks in the Chilean fjords is scanty. From 22 to 24 March 2017, high spatial–temporal resolution measurements taken in Puyuhuapi Fjord (Northern Patagonia) illustrated the short-term (hours, days) response of the main phytoplankton functional groups (diatoms and dinoflagellates including toxic Dinophysis species) to changes in water column structure. Results presented here highlight the almost instantaneous coupling between time–depth variation in density gradients, vertical shifts of the subsurface chlorophyll maximum, and its evolution to a buoyancy-driven thin layer (TL) of diatoms just below the pycnocline the first day. A second shallower TL of dinoflagellates, including Dinophysis acuta, was formed on the second day in a low-turbulence lens in the upper part of the pycnocline, co-occurring with the TL of diatoms. Estimates of in situ division rates of Dinophysis showed a moderate growth maximum, which did not coincide with the cell density max. This suggests that increased cell numbers resulted from cell entrainment of off-fjord populations combined with in situ growth. Toxin profiles of the net tow analyses mirrored the dominance of D. acuminata/D. acuta at the beginning/end of the sampling period. This paper provides information about biophysical interactions of phytoplankton, with a focus on Dinophysis species in a strongly stratified Patagonian fjord. Understanding these interactions is crucial to improv predictive models and early warning systems for toxic HABs in stratified systems.
Algorithm Design for an Online Berth Allocation Problem
Authors: Chen Cong , Wang Fanxin , Pan Jiayin , Xu Lang , Gao Hongming
Published: September 2024

In this paper, we investigate an online berth allocation problem, where vessels arrive one by one and their information is revealed upon arrival. Our objective is to design online algorithms to minimize the maximum load of all berths (makespan). We first demonstrate that the widely used Greedy algorithm has a very poor theoretical guarantee; specifically, the competitive ratio of the Greedy algorithm for this problem is lower bounded by Ω(log⁡m/log⁡log⁡m), which increases with the number of berths m. On account of this, we borrow an idea from algorithms for the online strip packing problem and provide a comprehensive theoretical analysis of the Revised Shelf (RS) algorithm as applied to our berth allocation problem. We prove that the competitive ratio of RS for our problem is 5, improving on the original competitive ratio of 6.66 for the online strip packing problem. Through numerical studies, we examine the RS algorithm and Greedy algorithm in an average case. The numerical simulation of competitive ratios reveals distinct advantages for different algorithms depending on job size. For smaller job sizes, the Greedy algorithm emerges as the most efficient, while for medium-sized jobs, the RS algorithm proves to be the most effective.
Biodeterioration Risk Assessment in Libraries by Airborne Fungal Spores
Authors: Camargo-Caicedo Yiniva , Borja Pérez Hilary , Muñoz Fuentes Maryann , Vergara-Vásquez Eliana , Vélez-Pereira Andrés M.
Published: September 2024

Fungal growth on cellulose-based materials in libraries can have detrimental effects on books and documents. This biodeterioration affects their physical, chemical, and esthetical characteristics. Thus, this work aimed to assess fungal aerosols’ concentrations and biodeterioration risk in two public libraries with artificial ventilation: the Banco de la República and CAJAMAG libraries. Air sampling was performed using a two-stage viable Andersen cascade impactor with Sabouraud dextrose agar at 4% on Petri dishes. Also, the temperature and relative humidity were measured with a digital thermo-hygrometer HOBO U12 Data Logger. The concentrations were low, with values of around 35 CFU/m3. Aspergillus, Cladosporium, and Penicillium were the predominant genera in the two libraries, with A. niger being the most abundant species. The thermo-hygrometric conditions inside the libraries were stable, with a mean temperature of 25.2 °C and a mean relative humidity of 52.1%. The calculated potential risk associated with fungal aerosols was seen to be medium in both libraries, where Aspergillus genera reported the highest cellulosic activity and hence had a higher risk of biodeterioration.
Bioremediation of Contaminated Soil by Fungi: A Call for Research
Authors: Wang Fayuan , Fang Linchuan , Shi Zhaoyong
Published: September 2024

Soil contamination represents a global environmental challenge, posing a threat to soil ecosystems, agricultural production, and human health [...]
Dynamic Soluble IL-6R/Soluble gp130 Ratio as a Potential Indicator for the Prostate Malignancy Phenotype—A Multicenter Case–Control Study
Authors: Ene Cosmin-Victor , Geavlete Bogdan , Mares Cristian , Nicolae Ilinca , Ene Corina Daniela
Published: September 2024

Objective: Prostate tumors, if prostate cancer or adenoma, represent a major public health challenge. Progress in research on inflammation has revealed a connection between inflammation, immunity, and cancer. In this context, this study aimed to find IL-6 signaling systemic abnormalities in the inflammatory tumor microenvironment. Material and methods: This study was case–controlled, multicentered, and included 86 patients, 43 diagnosed with BPH and 43 diagnosed with PCa, between January 2019 and January 2020. The study group was homogenous and the studied parameters were IL-6 complex (IL-6, soluble receptor IL-6R, soluble glycoprotein gp130), acute phase proteins (C reactive protein—CRP, acid alpha1 glycoprotein—AGPA, ferritin, albumin, transferrin), and oxidative stress-associated variables (malondialdehyde—MDA, carbonylated protein—PCO, 8-hydroxy-deoxy guanosine-8-OHdG, total antioxidant status—bTAS). Results: The inflammatory microenvironment determined IL-6 signaling alterations (over-regulation of sIL-6R and suppression of sgp130 in PCa versus BPH), changes in acute phase reaction markers (increased serum levels of CRP, AGPA, ferritin, and decreased serum levels of albumin, transferrin) that were much more evident in PCa compared to BPH, an imbalance between macromolecular oxidative damage (MDA, PCO, 8-OHdG) and endogenous antioxidants (TAS) that was more accentuated in PCa compared with BPH, and a representative association between the sIL-6R/sgp130 ratio and inflammatory/oxidative stress-related factors only in PCa patients. Conclusions: Our study reconfirms the anterior concept that IL-6 promotes prostatic tumorigenesis. In this study, we first demonstrated that a high sIL-6R/sgp130 ratio facilitates prostate malignancy.
Sex Differences in Intracranial Aneurysms: A Matched Cohort Study
Authors: Swiatek Vanessa M. , Amini Amir , Marinescu Michelle , Dumitru Claudia A. , Spitz Lena , Stein Klaus-Peter , Saalfeld Sylvia , Rashidi Ali , Sandalcioglu I. Erol , Neyazi Belal
Published: September 2024

Background: Aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) predominantly affects women, accounting for 65% of cases. Women have a 1.3 times higher relative risk than men, with the incidence rising particularly in women aged 55–85 years. Women also have a higher prevalence of unruptured intracranial aneurysms (IAs), especially after the age of 50 years, and are at greater risk of aneurysm growth and rupture. This study aimed to isolate the influence of sex on rupture rate, bleeding severity, functional outcomes, and complications by using a matched cohort, while also examining the impact of sex on aneurysm localization and multiplicity. Methods: We utilized a retrospectively collected database of 300 patients with 511 IAs. Inclusion criteria included the availability of clinical data and 3D angiography for semi-automatic reconstruction of IA morphology. Female patients and their IA were matched with male patients according to clinical parameters and 21 morphological characteristics using an interactive visual exploration tool for multidimensional matching. Results: Contrary to previously published results, our study found no significant sex differences in rupture rates or vasospasm rates between male and female patients. The severity of SAH, functional outcomes, and complications such as hydrocephalus were also similar in women and men. However, women exhibited a higher prevalence of multiple aneurysms and distinct localization patterns. Conclusions: This study underscores the complex role of sex in IA development and rupture. Although sex-specific biological factors influence aneurysm characteristics, they do not necessarily translate into differences in clinical outcomes. Further research is needed to explore these factors and their impact on aneurysm development and management.
Assessment of the Impact of Bone Quality and Abutment Configuration on the Fatigue Performance of Dental Implant Systems Using Finite Element Analysis (FEA)
Authors: Erdoğdu Meryem , Demirel Mehmet Gökberkkaan , Mohammadi Reza , Güntekin Neslihan
Published: September 2024

Background and Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of abutment angulation, types, and bone quality on fatigue performance in dental implant systems. Materials and Methods: Three-dimensional models of maxillary 3-unit fixed implant-supported prostheses were analyzed. Abutments with different angles and types were used. Healthy bone (Hb) and resorbed bone (Rb) were used. Conducted on implants, a force of 150 N was applied obliquely, directed from the palatal to the buccal aspect, at a specific angle of 30 degrees. The stress distribution and fatigue performance were then evaluated considering the types of bone used and the angles of the three different abutments. The simulation aspect of the research was carried out utilizing Abaqus 2020 software. Results: In all models, fatigue strengths in healthy bone were higher than in resorbed bone. Maximum stress levels were seen in models with angled implants. In almost all models with resorbed bone, fatigue performances were slightly lower. Conclusions: Increasing the abutment angle has been shown to increase stress levels and decrease fatigue performance in the adjacent bone and along the implant–abutment interface. In general, implants applied to healthy bone were found to have a higher success rate. It has also been suggested that multiunit abutments have beneficial effects on stress distribution and fatigue performance compared to resin cemented abutments. The type or angle of abutment and the quality of the bone can lead to biomechanical changes that affect the force distribution within the bone structure surrounding the implant. Clinicians can influence the biomechanical environment of the implant site by varying the abutment angle and type to suit the condition of bone health, potentially affecting the long-term success of implant treatment.
Impact of Anti—Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Treatment on Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration with and without Retinal Pigment Epithelial Detachment: A Real-World Study
Authors: Kuo Yu-Wei , Lee Cheng-Yung , Hsieh Yi-Ting , Yang Chung-May , Ho Tzyy-Chang , Lai Tso-Ting , Yang Chang-Hao
Published: September 2024

Background/Objectives: This study evaluates the impact of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) treatment on neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) with and without pigment epithelial detachment (PED) over a one-year period. Methods: Conducted at a tertiary referral center in Taiwan, this retrospective analysis included 88 eyes treated with intravitreal aflibercept injections. Patients were categorized into four groups based on the presence or absence of PED at baseline and 12 months post-treatment. Results: Significant reductions in central macular thickness (CMT) and PED height were observed, although no statistical difference was found in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA). The presence or type of PED did not negatively impact visual outcomes. Among nAMD patients with persistent PED throughout the first year of anti-VEGF treatment, linear regression analysis showed that mixed-type PED revealed poor final BCVA compared to those with serous PED. The analysis also identified older age and poorer initial BCVA as predictors of less favorable visual outcomes. Conclusions: This study highlights the effectiveness of anti-VEGF therapy in real-world settings and offers insights into factors influencing visual outcomes for nAMD patients with PED.
Mapping Risk–Return Linkages and Volatility Spillover in BRICS Stock Markets through the Lens of Linear and Non-Linear GARCH Models
Authors: Singh Raj Kumar , Singh Yashvardhan , Kumar Satish , Kumar Ajay , Alruwaili Waleed S.
Published: September 2024

This paper explores the influence of the risk–return relationship and volatility spillover on stock market returns of emerging economies, with a particular focus on the BRICS countries. This research is undertaken in a context where discussions on de-dollarization and the expansion of BRICS membership are gaining momentum, making it a novel and distinct exercise compared to prior studies. Utilizing econometric techniques to investigate daily market returns from 1 April 2008 to 31 March 2023, a period that witnessed major events like the global financial crisis, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the Russia–Ukraine conflict, linear and non-linear models like ARCH, GARCH, GARCH-M, EGARCH, and TGARCH, are employed to assess stock return volatility behaviour, assuming a Gaussian distribution of error terms. The diagnostic test confirms that the distribution is non-normal, stationary, and heteroscedastic. The key findings indicate a lack of the risk–return relationship across all BRICS stock markets, except for South Africa; a more pronounced effect of unpleasant news over pleasant news; a slow mean-reverting process in volatility; the EGARCH model is the best fit model as evidenced by a higher log likelihood and lower Akaike information criterion and Schwardz information criterion parameters; and finally, the presence of significant bidirectional and unidirectional spillover effects in the majority of instances. These findings are valuable for investors, regulators, and policymakers in enhancing returns and mitigating risk through portfolio diversification and informed decision making.
Equity Market Pricing and Central Bank Interventions: A Panel Data Approach
Authors: Rincon Carlos J.
Published: September 2024

This paper analyzes the effects of central bank interventions via large-scale purchases of government debt securities on the pricing of stock market indices. This study examines the effects of changes in the size of the Federal Reserve’s balance sheet in three intervention scenarios: during the 2008–2013 period, the 2020–2022 period, and in the years between by using the instrumental variables three-stage least squares (3SLS) method for a time series approach, and calculates the effects of these interventions on each index in a fund of funds setup using the panel data strategy. This study confirms that large-scale purchases of government debt securities in response to the Great Recession and COVID-19 crises influenced the pricing of equity markets via their effect on the pricing of treasury bonds, with different degrees of sensitivity of each index to the effects on yields. Although the findings apply to the U.S. market, the results indicate that the pricing of small capitalization indices such as the Russell 2000 are less sensitive to changes in treasury yields caused by central bank interventions than large capitalization indices such as the DJIA. This research contributes to the understanding of financial asset pricing, particularly by identifying price distortions within equity market portfolios.
Empirical Analysis on the Mechanism of Industrial Park Driving Urban Expansion: A Case Study of Xining City
Authors: Tian Ming , He Zhuo , Wei Jinpeng , Tian Yicong
Published: September 2024

Taking Xining City as an example, this article analyzes the mechanism by which industrial park construction drives the expansion of urban population size and built-up area, based on a review of the process of industrial park development and urban population growth. It also discusses future urban governance models in light of urban development trends. The research finds: (1) In the process of urban development, industrial park construction is often the initial factor in the cumulative and cyclical development of a city; (2) As the level of development improves and the mode of economic growth changes, the government should timely adjust its strategies, shifting from the expansion of industrial park construction towards structural optimization and quality improvement. The most significant difference from previous research is that this paper emphasizes the importance of government planning. This study can not only demonstrate the general process of industrial parks promoting urban expansion, but more importantly, it explains the fundamental reasons for the transition of urban expansion to adjustment from a mechanism perspective, thereby eliminating the drawbacks of simply predicting urban scale evolution through data models.
Classification and Distribution of Traditional Grass-Roofed Dwellings in China Based on Deep Learning
Authors: Tao Jin , Zeng Yuxin , Zhuo Xiaolan , Wang Zhibo , Xu Jihang , Ren Peng
Published: September 2024

Traditional grass-roofed dwellings are important components of Chinese vernacular architecture. Building a comprehensive nationwide database of traditional grass-roofed dwellings is crucial for the inherence of this cultural heritage and its traditional ecological technologies. This study proposes classifying traditional Chinese grass-roofed dwellings into three types according to recognizable appearance features. Based on the YOLOv8 deep learning framework, a recognition model is constructed to recognize and spatially locate various grass-roofed dwellings from the image dataset on a county-level. Further, by conducting spatial overlap analysis with a variety of natural and socio-environmental factors on ArcGIS, their influences on the distribution pattern of traditional grass-roofed dwellings were examined. The study findings are as follows: (1) Traditional grass-roofed dwellings are concentrated on the southeast side of the Hu Line with different distribution patterns according to their types. (2) The natural environment influences the original construction and distribution of traditional grass-roofed dwellings in terms of the growth of grass resources and the ecological adaptability of grass material. (3) The development of economy, population, and urbanization pose challenges to the retention of grass-roofed dwellings. This research provides useful references for the precise preservation of various grass-roofed dwellings and introduced a novel approach for the classification of traditional buildings.
Study on the Performance Evaluation Method and Application of Drainage Nonwoven Geotextile in the Yellow River Sediment Filling Reclamation Area
Authors: Sun Huang , Hu Zhenqi , Song Deyun , Nie Xinran , Wang Shuai
Published: September 2024

Technical challenges associated with drainage and filling efficacy confront the Yellow River sediment filling reclamation, a novel approach to reclaiming coal-mined subsided lands. This study proposes an improved geotextile performance evaluation method to address the shortcomings of current geotextile screening methodologies in the drainage of the Yellow River sediment. This method comprehensively considers essential characteristics under working conditions, such as permeability, soil conservation, and blockage prevention properties, including indicators such as the permeability coefficient and sediment retention rate of geotextiles under pressure. Indoor flume filling and drainage experiments were implemented to verify the efficacy of geotextile drainage. The improved method identified thermal-bonded nonwoven geotextiles of 200 and 250 g·m−2 as having the highest comprehensive evaluation scores. The experimental results showed that these geotextiles significantly improved their drainage efficiency and better met the specific requirements of the Yellow River sediment filling reclamation. Traditional screening methods may be unsuitable for sediment drainage conditions, necessitating sediment interception and rapid drainage due to the streaming water–sediment mixture. Therefore, the newly established performance evaluation method is more appropriate for the specific requirements. It is recommended that a simple vibrating device be installed to maintain 20 vibrations per minute to keep drainage channels clear and provide stable drainage performance in engineering applications.
Optimization of an Urban Microgreen Space Distribution Based on the PS-ACO Algorithm: A Case Study of Shenyang, China
Authors: Chen Xi , Dong Yukuan , Wang Xiaoshi , Wang Qiushi
Published: September 2024

In this study, optimization of the microgreen space distribution through multistage regulation is investigated, with the goal of alleviating the imbalance between the supply and demand of green resources in the central urban area of Shenyang. An optimized evaluation model of green space supply and demand is employed to calculate the green space accessibility index at a 100-m grid scale and identify different levels of green space resource supply and demand. Priority is given to supplementing resources for the elderly population by balancing the green space supply in vulnerable areas. Particle swarm—ant colony optimization (PS-ACO) is used to select microgreen space sites within each priority level. On the basis of the “important-urgent” quadrant analysis, S1-priority residential areas account for 8.12% of the grid, S2-priority areas account for 67.01%, and S3-priority areas account for 24.87%. The PS-ACO algorithm outputs potential microgreen space sites within each priority level to accurately regulate the green space distribution in residential areas with different supply pressures and limited land availability. A spatial correlation analysis of the new sites reveals good spatial dispersion within service units, effectively alleviating demand pressures, and good aggregation at a regional scale to address imbalances in the supply of green space in a targeted manner. Thus, the optimized results of the PS-ACO algorithm are effective, providing reliable site-selection references for subsequent urban microgreen space distributions.
Fast Green FCF Improves Depiction of Extracellular Matrix in Ex Vivo Fluorescence Confocal Microscopy
Authors: Nackenhorst Maja Carina , Hummel Adrian , Koeller Maximilian Christian , Gollackner Bernd , Regele Heinz
Published: September 2024

Rapid microscopic analysis of tissue is an essential diagnostic tool in oncological surgery. The gold standard for intraoperative histological tissue evaluation is frozen sections. However, frozen sections are prone to a variety of artefacts and require skilled staff and specialized lab equipment. A potential method for rapid intraoperative tissue evaluation that does not require fixation, freezing, or sectioning of the tissue is ex vivo fluorescence confocal microscopy (FCM). The visualization of the structurally important extracellular matrix (ECM) in conventional ex vivo FCM lags behind the standards of conventional histology. The objective of this study was to find a stain that would improve the depiction of the ECM to resemble FFPE H&E sections as closely as possible. Eleven different tissue stains were tested on 122 tissue samples submitted to the Department of Pathology at the Medical University of Vienna. This study was conducted on the RS-G4 Upright (Caliber I.D. Rochester, NY, USA, distributed in Europe by MAVIG GmbH, Munich, Germany). Fast Green FCF (FGFCF) in combination with acridine orange as a nuclear stain improved the visibility of the structural details of the ECM. Morphological details in FCM were equivalent or even superior to frozen sections in most analyzed categories. The addition of FGFCF to the conventional staining protocol improves the assessment of the ECM and analysis of fibrosis. The rapid staining protocol is compatible with an application in intraoperative microscopy.
Responses of Jumbo Quail to a Diet Containing Corticated Marama Bean (Tylosema esculentum) Meal Pre-Treated with Fibrolytic Multi-Enzymes
Authors: Marareni Mveleli , Egbu Chidozie Freedom , Lebopa Cornelia Kedidimetse , Mnisi Caven Mguvane
Published: September 2024

The nutritional utility of leguminous products such as corticated marama bean (Tylosema esculentum) meal (CMBM) in quail diets is limited by high fibre levels. This study evaluated the impact of dietary CMBM pre-treated with fibrolytic multi-enzyme (FMENZ) on growth performance, and physiological and meat quality responses in Jumbo Coturnix quail. Two hundred and forty 7-day-old Jumbo quail (29.4 ± 2.72 g initial live weight) were randomly distributed to five experimental diets, with six replicate cages each (eight birds/cage). The diets were a grower diet without CMBM, and the same grower diet plus 100 g/kg CMBM pre-treated with 0, 1, 1.5, and 2% (v/w) FMENZ. Positive quadratic responses (p < 0.05) were recorded for overall feed intake and body weight gain in weeks 2 and 3. The control diet promoted the highest (p < 0.05) gain-to-feed ratio in weeks 2 and 3, and the best weight gains and glucose levels, but reduced lipase levels. Final body weights declined linearly [p = 0.037] with FMENZ levels. Breast pH increased linearly, while haemoglobin and 1 h post-mortem chroma showed positive quadratic effects (p < 0.05) with FMENZ levels. The use of the enzymes did not improve the feed value of CMBM in Jumbo quail diets.
Association between Tomographic Characteristics of Pterygium and Preoperative Anterior and Posterior Topography Measured by Anterior Segment Optical Coherence Tomography
Authors: Aguilar-González Marina , España-Gregori Enrique , Pascual-Camps Isabel , Pinazo-Durán M. Dolores , Peris-Martínez Cristina
Published: September 2024

Background: The utilities of anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) for characterization, differential diagnosis, postoperative monitoring, and evaluation/comparison of surgical techniques in pterygium are described. Through AS-OCT, it is also possible to study the corneal astigmatic effect of pterygium. Our purpose is to study the associations between the anatomical characteristics of pterygium and the corneal topography through AS-OCT. Methods: Fifty eyes with primary pterygium in a tertiary hospital were evaluated before surgery by measuring 10 anatomical variables of pterygium and 13 topographic variables using AS-OCT (Casia 2; Tomey Corp., Nagoya, Japan). Statistical analysis was used to study the association between them. Results: Pterygium classified as flat pattern exhibited lower preoperative values of flat keratometry (K1), real flat keratometry (K1r), average keratometry (AvgK), and real average keratometry (AvgKr) compared to nodular ones. The flat pattern showed greater cylinder (CYL) and real cylinder (CLYr) values. The horizontal corneal invasion proportionally increased CYL and CYLr. Overall, larger anatomical pterygium measurements (limbus thickness (LimbusT), central pterygium thickness (CentreT), head pterygium thickness (HeadT), epithelial thickness at 1 mm (EpitT1mm), stromal thickness at 1 mm (stromT1mm), total thickness at 1 mm (TotalT1mm), total thickness at 2 mm (TotalT2mm), and total thickness at 3 mm (TotalT3mm)) resulted in lower anterior K1, K1r, AvgK, and AvgKr, and posterior K1 and AvgK values. CentreT was greater in astigmatisms against the rule than in oblique ones. Conclusions: This study demonstrates associations between preoperative topography and the NF (nodular or flat) classification of pterygium and its anatomical measurements assessed by AS-OCT.
Tyre Wear under Urban, Rural, and Motorway Driving Conditions at Two Locations in Spain and China
Authors: Giechaskiel Barouch , Grigoratos Theodoros , Li Liang , Zang Sheng , Lu Bo , Lopez David , García Juan J.
Published: September 2024

The recently introduced Euro 7 emissions standard regulation foresees the addition of abrasion limits for tyres sold in the European Union. The measurement procedures for tyre abrasion are described in the newly introduced Annex 10 of the United Nations (UN) Regulation 117. However, the limits are not yet defined as there is no data available regarding the new procedure. For this reason, a market assessment campaign is ongoing under the auspices of the UN Task Force on Tyre Abrasion (TFTA). Recent reviews on the topic also concluded that there is a lack of studies measuring the abrasion rates of tyres. In this study, we measured the abrasion rate of one tyre model at two different locations (Spain and China) with the aim of deep diving into possible influencing factors. Additionally, wear rates were studied separately for urban, rural, and motorway routes to get more insight into the impact of the route characteristics. The abrasion rates varied from 22 mg/km to 123 mg/km per vehicle, depending on the route (urban, rural, motorway) and ambient temperature. The overall average trip abrasion rates were 75 mg/km and 45 mg/km per vehicle at the two locations, respectively. However, when corrected for the different ambient temperatures, the rates were 63 mg/km and 60 mg/km per vehicle, respectively. The impacts of other parameters, such as driving dynamics and road surface, on the final results are also discussed. The average tread depth reduction was estimated to be 0.8–1.4 mm every 10,000 km.