bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Turning Back the Clock: A Retrospective Single-Blind Study on Brain Age Change in Response to Nutraceuticals Supplementation vs. Lifestyle Modifications
Authors: Fingelkurts Andrew A. , Fingelkurts Alexander A.
Published: March 2023

Background: There is a growing consensus that chronological age (CA) is not an accurate indicator of the aging process and that biological age (BA) instead is a better measure of an individual’s risk of age-related outcomes and a more accurate predictor of mortality than actual CA. In this context, BA measures the “true” age, which is an integrated result of an individual’s level of damage accumulation across all levels of biological organization, along with preserved resources. The BA is plastic and depends upon epigenetics. Brain state is an important factor contributing to health- and lifespan. Methods and Objective: Quantitative electroencephalography (qEEG)-derived brain BA (BBA) is a suitable and promising measure of brain aging. In the present study, we aimed to show that BBA can be decelerated or even reversed in humans (N = 89) by using customized programs of nutraceutical compounds or lifestyle changes (mean duration = 13 months). Results: We observed that BBA was younger than CA in both groups at the end of the intervention. Furthermore, the BBA of the participants in the nutraceuticals group was 2.83 years younger at the endpoint of the intervention compared with their BBA score at the beginning of the intervention, while the BBA of the participants in the lifestyle group was only 0.02 years younger at the end of the intervention. These results were accompanied by improvements in mental–physical health comorbidities in both groups. The pre-intervention BBA score and the sex of the participants were considered confounding factors and analyzed separately. Conclusions: Overall, the obtained results support the feasibility of the goal of this study and also provide the first robust evidence that halting and reversal of brain aging are possible in humans within a reasonable (practical) timeframe of approximately one year.
Cannabinoid Receptor Agonist WIN55, 212-2 Attenuates Injury in the Hippocampus of Rats after Deep Hypothermic Circulatory Arrest
Authors: Yu Ming-Huan , Yang Qin , Zhang You-Peng , Wang Jia-Hui , Zhang Ren-Jian-Zhi , Liu Zhi-Gang , Liu Xiao-Cheng
Published: March 2023

Objectives: Postoperative neurological deficits remain a challenge in cardiac surgery employing deep hypothermic circulatory arrest (DHCA). This study aimed to investigate the effect of WIN55, 212-2, a cannabinoid agonist, on brain injury in a rat model of DHCA. Methods: Twenty-four male Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided into three groups: a control group (which underwent cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) only), a DHCA group (CPB with DHCA), and a WIN group (WIN55, 212-2 pretreatment before CPB with DHCA). Histopathological changes in the brain were evaluated by hematoxylin–eosin staining. Plasma levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and proinflammatory cytokines including interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-a) were determined using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The expression of SOD in the hippocampus was detected by Western blot and immunofluorescence staining. Levels of apoptotic-related protein caspase-3 and type 1 cannabinoid receptor (CB1R) in the hippocampus were evaluated by Western blot. Results: WIN55, 212-2 administration attenuated histopathological injury of the hippocampus in rats undergoing DHCA, associated with lowered levels of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α (p < 0.05, p < 0.001, and p < 0.01, vs. DHCA, respectively) and an increased level of SOD (p < 0.05 vs. DHCA). WIN55, 212-2 treatment also increased the content of SOD in the hippocampus. The protein expression of caspase-3 was downregulated and the expression of CB1R was upregulated in the hippocampus by WIN55, 212-2. Conclusions: the administration of WIN55, 212-2 alleviates hippocampal injury induced by DHCA in rats by regulating intrinsic inflammatory and oxidative stress responses through a CB1R-dependent mechanism.
Emojis Are Comprehended Better than Facial Expressions, by Male Participants
Authors: Dalle Nogare Linda , Cerri Alice , Proverbio Alice Mado
Published: March 2023

Emojis are colorful ideograms resembling stylized faces commonly used for expressing emotions in instant messaging, on social network sites, and in email communication. Notwithstanding their increasing and pervasive use in electronic communication, they are not much investigated in terms of their psychological properties and communicative efficacy. Here, we presented 112 different human facial expressions and emojis (expressing neutrality, happiness, surprise, sadness, anger, fear, and disgust) to a group of 96 female and male university students engaged in the recognition of their emotional meaning. Analyses of variance showed that male participants were significantly better than female participants at recognizing emojis (especially negative ones) while the latter were better than male participants at recognizing human facial expressions. Quite interestingly, male participants were better at recognizing emojis than human facial expressions per se. These findings are in line with more recent evidence suggesting that male individuals may be more competent and inclined to use emojis to express their emotions in messaging (especially sarcasm, teasing, and love) than previously thought. Finally, the data indicate that emojis are less ambiguous than facial expressions (except for neutral and surprise emotions), possibly because of the limited number of fine-grained details and the lack of morphological features conveying facial identity.
Framework of 3D Concrete Printing Potential and Challenges
Authors: Al-Tamimi Adil K. , Alqamish Habib H. , Khaldoune Ahlam , Alhaidary Haidar , Shirvanimoghaddam Kamyar
Published: March 2023

The technology of additive manufacturing, especially 3D concrete printing (3DCP), has been recently adopted in the construction industry as a viable alternative to traditional construction methods. Although the technology offers a wide variety of structural, economic, and environmental benefits, it is still restricted in use due to certain limitations that are still under research. This paper explains the fundamentals of the 3D printing process, its potential, challenges, as well as the different 3D printing systems. The recent literature is explored for recommended materials that possess the required properties for 3D printing, as well as reinforcement methods and techniques. This paper also reviews 3D printing extrusion using concrete and foam and explores the effect of both materials and extruding systems on the final product. The application of different additive construction systems with Building Information Modeling (BIM)-integrated algorithms are also discussed in this paper. It is believed that with providing a comprehensive knowledge of 3D printing for concrete construction, there is a huge potential to change the way cementitious materials are formulated and sustainability aspects are implemented, especially for complicated designs.
Computational Simulation of the Correlations in a Port–Hinterland System from a Tourism Spatial Optimization Perspective
Authors: Wang Rui , Gao Dashuai , Luo Huasong , Chen Yong , Liu Hang , Chen Jingjing
Published: March 2023

From the perspective of tourism space optimization, the application of computer technology in creating computational simulations of correlation effects in tourism space systems is a core issue in research related to ports and hinterlands. Using a computer simulation analysis of the gray correlation, taking Mohan port–Yunnan economic hinterland as an example, the relationship between Mohan port and the Yunnan economic hinterland was quantitatively measured based on the indicators of cross-border tourism from 2006 to 2020. The study aimed to identify the driving mechanisms behind the synchronized development of Mohan port–Yunnan economic hinterland. The results are as follows: (1) due to the influence of administrative interventions and the competition of the neighboring ports, the correlation between the Mohan port and the Yunnan hinterland from 2006 to 2020 showed a rising–falling trend; (2) the correlation between the Mohan port and Xishuangbanna prefecture showed an obvious fluctuating trend, and the original port–city development relationship evolved to a competitive status; (3) the degree of spatial correlation of the Mohan port–Yunnan hinterland system evolved in a north–south-central–south direction, with “border zone–central region–northern region” distribution characteristics; (4) the natural conditions of the location, national policies, competition of nearby ports, infrastructure and traffic conditions, and economic strength are the main driving factors affecting the correlation change between Mohan port and the Yunnan hinterland. These findings can help enrich the theoretical research system of buildings economics, and expand the application of computational decision-making support in tourism spatial optimization.
Comparison of T1/2 Tongue Carcinoma with or without Radial Forearm Flap Reconstruction Regarding Post-Therapeutic Function, Survival, and Gender
Authors: El-Shabrawi Katharina , Storck Katharina , Weitz Jochen , Wolff Klaus-Dietrich , Knopf Andreas
Published: March 2023

Background: Flap reconstruction is commonly used in advanced tongue carcinoma in order to compensate for the loss of tongue tissue and function. Surprisingly, a large number of reconstructed early-stage tongue cancer can be found. Survival or functional benefits in these cases remain unclear. Methods: A retrospective data analysis of 384 surgically treated tongue carcinoma patients was conducted aiming to find epidemiologic and survival differences between patients with (n = 158) or without flap reconstruction (n = 226). A prospective functional analysis was performed on 55 early-stage tongue cancer patients, 33 without and 22 with radial-forearm flap reconstruction, focusing on post-therapeutic swallowing function as the primary endpoint, speech as the secondary endpoint, xerostomia, quality of life, and mouth opening. Results: Consistent with the current literature, we demonstrated the significantly more frequent use of flap grafts in advanced tongue carcinomas. For the first time, we depicted a higher female ratio in the reconstructed group (p = 0.02). There were no significant differences in survival or functional outcomes between the groups. The none-reconstructed group showed more frequent use of adjuvant C/RT despite presenting fewer N+ stages. Conclusions: The higher female ratio in the reconstruction group is plausible due to the anatomically smaller oral cavity and relatively larger carcinoma in women. A higher presence of close margins in the none-reconstruction group may explain the more frequent use of adjuvant C/RT. Since we found no survival or functional differences between the groups, we propose a critical approach toward flap reconstruction in T1/2 tongue carcinoma. At the same time, proportional aspects and adequate resection margins should be taken into account.
The Promise of Nanoparticles-Based Radiotherapy in Cancer Treatment
Authors: Haque Munima , Shakil Md Salman , Mahmud Kazi Mustafa
Published: March 2023

Radiation has been utilized for a long time for the treatment of cancer patients. However, radiotherapy (RT) has many constraints, among which non-selectivity is the primary one. The implementation of nanoparticles (NPs) with RT not only localizes radiation in targeted tissue but also provides significant tumoricidal effect(s) compared to radiation alone. NPs can be functionalized with both biomolecules and therapeutic agents, and their combination significantly reduces the side effects of RT. NP-based RT destroys cancer cells through multiple mechanisms, including ROS generation, which in turn damages DNA and other cellular organelles, inhibiting of the DNA double-strand damage-repair system, obstructing of the cell cycle, regulating of the tumor microenvironment, and killing of cancer stem cells. Furthermore, such combined treatments overcome radioresistance and drug resistance to chemotherapy. Additionally, NP-based RT in combined treatments have shown synergistic therapeutic benefit(s) and enhanced the therapeutic window. Furthermore, a combination of phototherapy, i.e., photodynamic therapy and photothermal therapy with NP-based RT, not only reduces phototoxicity but also offers excellent therapeutic benefits. Moreover, using NPs with RT has shown promise in cancer treatment and shown excellent therapeutic outcomes in clinical trials. Therefore, extensive research in this field will pave the way toward improved RT in cancer treatment.
Incidence of Concomitant Neoplastic Diseases, Tumor Characteristics, and the Survival of Patients with Lung Adenocarcinoma or Squamous Cell Lung Carcinoma in Tobacco Smokers and Non-Smokers—10-Year Retrospective Single-Centre Cohort Study
Authors: Ochman Błażej , Kiczmer Paweł , Ziora Paweł , Rydel Mateusz , Borowiecki Maciej , Czyżewski Damian , Drozdzowska Bogna
Published: March 2023

Changes in smoking trends and changes in lifestyle, together with worldwide data regarding the incidence of lung cancer in the group of patients with no previous history of smoking, leads to consideration of the differences in the course of the disease, the time of cancer diagnosis, the survival rate, and the occurrence of comorbidities in this group of patients. This study aimed to determine the occurrence of non-smokers among patients undergoing anatomical resection of the lung tissue due to lung carcinoma and to investigate the differences between the course of lung cancer, survival, and the comorbidities in the groups of patients with lung cancer depending on the history of tobacco smoking. The study included a cohort of 923 patients who underwent radical anatomical resection of the lung tissue with lung primary adenocarcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma. The Chi2 Pearson’s test, the t-test, the Mann–Whitney U test, the Kaplan–Meier method, the Log-rank test with Mantel correction, and the Cox proportional hazard model were used for data analysis. We observed a significantly higher mean age of smoking patients compared to the mean age of non-smoking patients. The coexistence of former neoplastic diseases was significantly more frequent in the group of non-smokers compared to the group of smoking patients. We did not observe differences depending on smoking status in the tumor stage, grade, vascular and pleural involvement status in the diagnostic reports. We did not observe differences in the survival between smokers vs. non-smokers, however, we revealed better survival in the non-smoker women group compared to the non-smoker men group. In conclusion, 22.11% of the patients undergoing radical anatomical resection of the lung tissue due to lung cancers were non-smokers. More research on survival depending on genetic differences and postoperative treatment between smokers and non-smokers is necessary.
Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts: Master Tumor Microenvironment Modifiers
Authors: Wright Kellen , Ly Thuc , Kriet Matthew , Czirok Andras , Thomas Sufi Mary
Published: March 2023

Cancer cells rely on the tumor microenvironment (TME), a composite of non-malignant cells, and extracellular matrix (ECM), for survival, growth, and metastasis. The ECM contributes to the biomechanical properties of the surrounding tissue, in addition to providing signals for tissue development. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are stromal cells in the TME that are integral to cancer progression. Subtypes of CAFs across a variety of cancers have been revealed, and each play a different role in cancer progression or suppression. CAFs secrete signaling molecules and remodel the surrounding ECM by depositing its constituents as well as degrading enzymes. In cancer, a remodeled ECM can lead to tumor-promoting effects. Not only does the remodeled ECM promote growth and allow for easier metastasis, but it can also modulate the immune system. A better understanding of how CAFs remodel the ECM will likely yield novel therapeutic targets. In this review, we summarize the key factors secreted by CAFs that facilitate tumor progression, ECM remodeling, and immune suppression.
The Pro-Tumorigenic Role of Chemotherapy-Induced Extracellular HSP70 from Breast Cancer Cells via Intratumoral Macrophages
Authors: Yamaguchi-Tanaka Mio , Takagi Kiyoshi , Miki Yasuhiro , Sato Ai , Iwabuchi Erina , Miyashita Minoru , Suzuki Takashi
Published: March 2023

Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) contribute to tumor progression and chemoresistance; it is therefore important to clarify the altered functions of macrophages following chemotherapy. While extracellular heat shock protein (HSP) 70 is associated with therapeutic resistance, the effects of HSP70 on TAMs remain largely unknown. Here, we conducted in vitro experiments and immunohistochemistry in 116 breast carcinoma specimens to determine whether the secretion of HSP70 from breast cancer cells following chemotherapy affects macrophage function. It was revealed that the interaction of epirubicin (EPI)-exposed breast cancer cells with macrophages enhanced tumor progression, and EPI promoted the secretion of extracellular HSP70 from breast cancer cells. The expression of pro-tumorigenic macrophage marker CD163 was decreased in macrophages treated with a conditioned medium (CM) from HSP70-silenced breast cancer cells. Breast cancer cells treated with CM from HSP70-silenced breast cancer cells showed decreased expression of transforming growth factor (TGF)-β, and the pro-tumorigenic effects of macrophages were impaired when TGF-β signaling was inhibited. Immunohistochemistry demonstrated that HSP70 served as a poor prognostic factor in conjunction with macrophage infiltration. It was therefore concluded that extracellular HSP70 levels increased following chemotherapy and enhanced the pro-tumorigenic effects of TAMs, either directly or indirectly, by regulating TGF-β expression in breast cancer cells.
Treatment Costs and Social Burden of Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Cipora Elżbieta , Partyka Olga , Pajewska Monika , Czerw Aleksandra , Sygit Katarzyna , Sygit Marian , Kaczmarski Mateusz , Mękal Dominika , Krzych-Fałta Edyta , Jurczak Anna , Karakiewicz-Krawczyk Katarzyna , Wieder-Huszla Sylwia , Banaś Tomasz , Bandurska Ewa , Ciećko Weronika , Deptała Andrzej
Published: March 2023

(1) Background: Pancreatic cancer is the cancer with the third-highest mortality rate, and forecasts indicate its growing share in morbidity. The basis of treatment is inpatient chemotherapy and there is a strong focus on palliative care. (2) Methods: A literature review was conducted based on the rapid review methodology in PubMed and Cochrane databases. The search was supplemented with publications from the snowball search. Qualitative assessment of included publications was performed using AMSTAR2 modified scheme. (3) Results: The review included 17 publications, of which majority concerned direct costs related to the adopted treatment regimen. Most of the publications focused on comparing the cost-effectiveness of drug therapies and the costs of palliative treatment. Other publications concerned indirect costs generated by pancreatic cancer. They particularly focused on the economic burden of lost productivity due to sickness absence. (4) Conclusion: The increase in the incidence of pancreatic cancer translates into an increase in the costs of the health care system and indirect costs. Due to the significant share of hospitalization in the health care structure, direct costs are increasing. The inpatient treatment regimen and side effects translate into a loss of productivity for patients with pancreatic cancer. Among gastrointestinal cancers, pancreatic cancer generates the second largest indirect costs, although it has a much lower incidence rate than the dominant colorectal cancer. This indicates a significant problem of the economic burden of this cancer.
BiPO4/Ov-BiOBr High-Low Junctions for Efficient Visible Light Photocatalytic Performance for Tetracycline Degradation and H2O2 Production
Authors: Tang Minghui , Li Xibao , Deng Fang , Han Lu , Xie Yu , Huang Juntong , Chen Zhi , Feng Zhijun , Zhou Yingtang
Published: March 2023

Through a two-step solvothermal method, different molar ratios of BiPO4 were grown in situ on the surface of oxygen-vacancy-rich BiOBr (Ov-BiOBr), successfully constructing a BiPO4/Ov-BiOBr heterojunction composite material. By constructing a novel type I high-low junction between the semiconductor BiPO4 and Ov-BiOBr, stronger oxidative holes or reductive electrons were retained, thereby improving the redox performance of the photocatalyst. The composite catalyst with a 10% molar content of BiPO4 demonstrated the highest degradation rate of tetracycline (TC), degrading over 95% within 90 min, with a rate constant of 0.02534 min−1, which is 2.3 times that of Ov-BiOBr and 22 times that of BiPO4. The 10% BiPO4/Ov-BiOBr sample displayed the best photocatalytic activity, producing 139 μmol·L−1 H2O2 in 120 min, which is 3.6 times the efficiency of Ov-BiOBr and 19 times that of BiPO4. This was due to the appropriate bandgap matching between BiPO4 and Ov-BiOBr, the photo-generated electron transfer channel via Bi-bridge, and efficient charge separation. It was inferred that the free radical species ·OH and ·O2− played the dominant role in the photocatalytic process. Based on experimental and theoretical results, a possible photocatalytic mechanism was proposed.
Structural Effects of Microcrystalline Cellulose-Derived Carbon Supports on Catalytic Performance of the Pd(OH)2/C Catalysts for the Hydrogenolytic Debenzylation of Hexanitrohexaazaisowurtzitane Derivatives
Authors: Wang Yuling , Chen Yun , Ding Xinlei , Song Jianwei , Wei Gaixia , Dai Hengwei , Wang Hanyang , Liu Yadong , Bai Guangmei , Qiu Wenge
Published: March 2023

In order to reduce the noble metal palladium dosage in the preparation of CL-20 so as to reduce its production cost, several carbon supports were prepared successfully using the hydrothermal carbonization method in the absence or presence of urea using microcrystalline cellulose (MC) as the carbon source, and the corresponding Pd(OH)2/C catalysts were fabricated using the deposition–precipitation method, which showed high activity in the debenzylation reaction of hexabenzylhexaazaisowurtzitane (HBIW) and tetraacetyldibenzylhexaazaisowurtzitane (TADB). It was found that all the catalysts showed a high efficiency in the debenzylation of HBIW, indicating that the structure of the used carbon supports had a limited impact on the catalyst performance in this reaction. On the contrary, the activities of the catalysts in the debenzylation of TADB were quite different. The results of the nitrogen sorption isotherm measurement (BET), scanning electron microscope (SEM), scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM), powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), element analysis and temperature programmed desorption (TPD), as well as X-ray photoelectron spectra (XPS) characterizations of the supports and catalysts, showed that the relatively high activity of Pd/HTC in the debenzylation of TADB was related to the high Pd dispersion and novel mesoporous structure, while the further higher activity and stability of Pd/HTC-N1:1 in the same reaction were related with its high Pd dispersion, high total oxidized Pd species, and high surface pyridinic N contents as well as the eggshell distribution of Pd species on the support.
Green Oxidative Catalytic Processes for the Preparation of APIs and Precursors
Authors: García-Fernández Pedro D. , Coto-Cid Juan M. , de Gonzalo Gonzalo
Published: March 2023

Asymmetric oxidation processes have constituted a valuable tool for the synthesis of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), especially for the preparation of optically active sulfoxides, compounds with interesting biological properties. Classical approaches for these oxidative procedures usually require the application of non-sustainable conditions that employ hazardous reagents and solvents. In the last decades, chemists have tried to combine the preparation of valuable compounds of high yields and selectivities with the development of more sustainable protocols. To achieve this objective, greener solvents, reagents, and catalysts are employed, together with the use of novel chemical techniques such as flow catalysis or photocatalysis. The last efforts in the development of greener approaches for the preparation of APIs and their intermediates using oxidative procedure will be reviewed herein. Most of these approaches refer to biocatalytic methods, in which mild reaction conditions and reagents are employed, but other novel techniques such as photocatalysis will be described.
Ethylene Dimerization Performance of NiBTCs Synthesized Using Different Solvents
Authors: Wang Cong , Li Gang , Guo Hongchen
Published: March 2023

MOFs have attracted widespread attention in the field of catalytic ethylene dimerization. Compared with post-synthetic modification, ion exchange and other methods to introduce external active centers, the direct use of MOF materials as catalysts is still the most convenient and prospective. Herein, the NiBTCs are synthesized using a one-pot method in two kinds of solvent and characterized by XRD, FT–IR, ICP–OES, XPS, TGA and N2 physical adsorption. After treatment at 150 °C, the catalytic activities of both materials in ethylene dimerization are up to 470.9, and 647.0 gpro./(gcat.·h) and the selectivity of 1-butene in all products could reach 83.2% and 81.7%, respectively. Stability testing of the catalysts demonstrated that they do not decompose during the reaction, but their reuse performance is degraded. In addition, a probable Cossee–Arlman–type mechanism is proposed. The NiBTCs are shown to have superior catalytic performance in ethylene dimerization compared to employing Ni(pyz)2Cl2 or α–Ni(im)2 as catalysts.
Effect of Magnesium Dopant on the Grain Boundary Stability of Nanocrystalline Aluminum Powders during Cryomilling
Authors: Kushwaha Amanendra K. , Misra Manoranjan , Menezes Pradeep L.
Published: March 2023

In this investigation, pure aluminum (Al) powders were cryomilled with and without magnesium dopants to study (a) the effect of cryomilling time on the crystallite size and (b) the effect of magnesium dopant on Al to achieve grain boundary stability. The cryomilling process was carried out using liquid nitrogen for different durations. The characterization of the cryomilled powders was carried out using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) to understand the particle morphology, crystallite size, and elemental composition. The results demonstrated that the size of the crystallites in both Al and Mg-doped Al powders reduces as the cryomilling duration increases. The results also indicated that the preferential segregation of Mg dopant at the grain boundaries of Al provides stability to the cryomilled powders at elevated temperatures. This article discusses the mechanism for the changes in crystallite size and the effect of the Mg dopant on the grain boundary stability in Al powders.
Low-Risk Women with Suspicious Microcalcifications in Mammography—Can an Additional Breast MRI Reduce the Biopsy Rate?
Authors: Pöschke Patrik , Wenkel Evelyn , Hack Carolin C. , Beckmann Matthias W. , Uder Michael , Ohlmeyer Sabine
Published: March 2023

Background: In the German Mammography Screening Program, 62% of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) and 38% of invasive breast cancers are associated with microcalcifications (MCs). Vacuum-assisted stereotactic breast biopsies are necessary to distinguish precancerous lesions from benign calcifications because mammographic discrimination is not possible. The aim of this study was to investigate if breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRM) could assist the evaluation of MCs and thus help reduce biopsy rates. Methods: In this IRB-approved study, 58 women (mean age 58 +/− 24 years) with 59 suspicious MC clusters in the MG were eligible for this prospective single-center trial. Additional breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was conducted before biopsy. Results: The breast MRI showed a sensitivity of 86%, a specificity of 84%, a positive predictive value (PPV) of 75% and a negative predictive value (NPV) of 91% for the differentiation between benign and malignant in these 59 MCs found with MG. Breast MRI in addition to MG could increase the PPV from 36% to 75% compared to MG alone. The MRI examination led to nine additional suspicious classified lesions in the study cohort. A total of 55% (5/9) of them turned out to be malignant. A total of 32 of 59 (54 %) women with suspicious MCs and benign histology were classified as non-suspicious by MRI. Conclusion: An additionally performed breast MRI could have increased the diagnostic reliability in the assessment of MCs. Further, in our small cohort, a considerable number of malignant lesions without mammographically visible MCs were revealed.
Superselective Catheter Angiographies of the Wrist (SCAW): Approaches for Vascularized Bone Grafts
Authors: Goelz Leonie , Kim Simon , Eisenschenk Andreas , Mutze Sven , Asmus Ariane
Published: March 2023

Background: This study assesses the variability of the palmar radiocarpal artery (PRCA), dorsal carpal branch of the ulnar artery (DCBUA), and anterior interosseous artery (AIA) in superselective catheter angiographies of the wrist (SCAW). Methods: Secondary analysis of consecutive SCAW (2009–2011). Measurements of the distances of the PRCA to the midface of the radiocarpal joint, the DCBUA to the styloid process of the ulnar, and maximum diameters of PRCA, DCBUA, and AIA. Results: Seven female and ten male patients (mean 35 years) received SCAW. All patients suffered from Kienbock’s disease. The mean distance from the PRCA to the radiocarpal joint was 7.9 ± 2.3 mm and the distance from the DCBUA to the styloid process of the ulna was 29.6 ± 13.6 mm. The mean maximum diameter of the PRCA was 0.6 ± 0.2 mm, that of the DCBUA was 1.1 ± 0.4 mm, and that of the AIA 1.2 ± 0.3 mm. In six cases (35%), all three arteries contributed to the PRCA; in eight cases (47%), the radial and AIA; in two cases (12%), the radial and ulnar artery; and in one case (6%), only the radial artery contributed. Conclusions: SCAW are feasible to assist in preoperative planning. Os pisiforme transfer with DCBUA might be the best choice for a vascular bone graft in Kienbock’s disease.
Relationship between Selected Cephalometric Parameters, Nasolabial Angle and Its Components in Adolescent Females
Authors: Gołębiowski Mikołaj , Świątkowska Agnieszka , Pastuszak Przemysław , Rahnama Mansur
Published: March 2023

Nasolabial angle is commonly used to assess the soft tissue profile of the subnasal region. The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the relationship between the nasolabial angle, the inclination of the lower border of the nose and upper lip, upper incisor inclination and upper lip thickness. A sample of 142 female adolescents aged 13–18 years was chosen. A modified cephalometric analysis was performed with the nasolabial angle, and its components were traced according to Fitzgerald’s method. All analysed parameters showed a statistically significant correlation with the nasolabial angle (NLA). The highest correlation was found for the labial (L/FH) and nasal (N/FH) components of the nasolabial angle, respectively. Upper incisor inclinations (1+:SN, U1FA) and upper lip thickness (ULT) had a stronger correlation with L/FH than NLA, but no correlation was found between these parameters and N/FH. Upper lip thickness did not influence the relationship between incisor inclination and NLA or L/FH. The position of the upper incisors and upper lip thickness influence the nasolabial angle indirectly through its labial component (L/FH). Therefore, it seems purposeful to assess the nasolabial angle as a sum of two independent angles, of which only one (L/FH) can be influenced by orthodontic treatment.
Ultrasound Placental Remodeling Patterns and Pathology Characteristics in Patients with History of Mild SARS-CoV-2 Infection during Pregnancy
Authors: Staicu Adelina , Albu Camelia , Nemeti Georgiana , Bondor Cosmina Ioana , Boitor-Borza Dan , Preda Andreia Paraschiva , Florian Andreea , Goidescu Iulian Gabriel , Sachelaru Diana , Bora Nelida , Constantin Roxana , Surcel Mihai , Stamatian Florin , Rotar Ioana Cristina , Cruciat Gheorghe , Muresan Daniel
Published: March 2023

Introduction: This research aims to describe a progressive pattern of ultrasound placental remodeling in patients with a history of SARS-CoV-2 infection during pregnancy. Materials and Methods: This was a longitudinal, cohort study which enrolled 23 pregnant women with a history of former mild SARS-CoV-2 infection during the current pregnancy. Four obstetricians analyzed placental ultrasound images from different gestational ages following COVID infection and identified the presence and degree of remodeling. We assessed the inter-rater agreement and the interclass correlation coefficients. Pathology workup included placental biometry, macroscopic and microscopic examination. Results: Serial ultrasound evaluation of the placental morphology revealed a progressive pattern of placental remodeling starting from 30–32 weeks of gestation towards term, occurring approximately 8–10 weeks after the SARS-CoV-2 infection. Placental changes—the “starry sky” appearance and the “white line” along the basal plate—were identified in all cases. Most placentas presented normal subchorionic perivillous fibrin depositions and focal stem villi perivillous fibrin deposits. Focal calcifications were described in only 13% of the cases. Conclusions: We identified two ultrasound signs of placental remodeling as potential markers of placental viral shedding following mild SARS-CoV-2. The most likely pathology correspondence for the imaging aspect is perivillous and, respectively, massive subchorionic fibrin deposits identified in most cases.
Quantitative Assessment of Lung Volumes and Enhancement in Patients with COVID-19: Role of Dual-Energy CT
Authors: Foti Giovanni , Longo Chiara , Faccioli Niccolò , Guerriero Massimo , Stefanini Flavio , Buonfrate Dora
Published: March 2023

Dual-energy computed tomography (DECT) has been used for detecting pulmonary embolism, but the role of lung perfusion DECT as a predictor of prognosis of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has not been defined yet. The aim of our study was to explore whether the enhancement pattern in COVID-19+ patients relates to the disease outcome. A secondary aim was to compare the lung volumes in two subgroups of patients. In this observational study, we considered all consecutive COVID-19+ patients who presented to the emergency room between January 2021 and December 2021 with respiratory symptoms (with mild to absent lung consolidation) and were studied by chest contrast-enhanced DECT to be eligible. Two experienced radiologists post-processed the images using the “lung-analysis” software (SyngoVia). Absolute and relative enhancement lung volumes were assessed. Patients were stratified in two subgroups depending on clinical outcome at 30 days: (i) good outcome (i.e., discharge, absence of clinical or imaging signs of disease); (ii) bad outcome (i.e., hospitalization, death). Patient sub-groups were compared using chi-square test or Fisher test for qualitative parameters, chi-square test or Spearman’s Rho test for quantitative parameters, Students’ t-test for parametric variables and Wilcoxon test for non-parametric variables. We enrolled 78 patients (45M), of whom, 16.7% had good outcomes. We did not observe any significant differences between the two groups, both in terms of the total enhancement evaluation (p = 0.679) and of the relative enhancement (p = 0.918). In contrast, the average lung volume of good outcome patients (mean value of 4262 mL) was significantly larger than that of bad outcome patients (mean value of 3577.8 mL), p = 0.0116. All COVID-19+ patients, with either good or bad outcomes, presented similar enhancement parameters and relative enhancements, underlining no differences in lung perfusion. Conversely, a significant drop in lung volume was identified in the bad outcome subgroup eligible compared to the good outcome subgroup.
MicroRNA-155 and Disease-Related Immunohistochemical Parameters in Cutaneous Melanoma
Authors: Fawzy Manal , Ibrahiem Afaf , Bayomy Naglaa , Makhdoom Amin , Alanazi Khalid , Alanazi Abdulaziz , Mukhlef Abdulaziz , Toraih Eman
Published: March 2023

Cutaneous melanoma is a severe and life-threatening form of skin cancer with growing incidences. While novel interventions have improved prognoses for these patients, early diagnosis of targeted treatment remains the most effective approach. MicroRNAs have grown to good use as potential biomarkers for early detection and as targets for treatment. miR-155 is well-studied for its role in tumor cell survival and proliferation in various tissues, although its role in melanoma remains controversial. In silico data analysis was performed in the dbDEMC v.3 to identify differentially expressed miRNA. We validated gene targets in melanoma using TarBase v8.0 and miRPath v3.0 and determined protein-protein interactions of the target genes. One hundred forty patients (age range 21–90 years) with cutaneous melanoma who underwent resection were included. Molecular assessment using Real-Time RT-qPCR, clinicopathological associations, and a literature review for the different roles of miR-155 in melanoma were performed. Analysis of the dbDEMC reveals controversial findings. While there is evidence of upregulation of miR-155 in primary and metastatic melanoma samples, others suggest decreased expression in later-stage melanoma and cases with brain metastasis. miR-155 has been overexpressed in prior cases of melanoma and precancerous lesions, and it was found to be dysregulated when compared to benign nevi. While miR-155 expression was associated with favorable outcomes in some studies, others showed an association with metastasis. Patients with high levels of miR-155 also noted reduction after receiving anti-PD-1 treatment, correlated with more prolonged overall survival. In our patient’s cohort, 22.9% relapsed during treatment, and 45% developed recurrence, associated with factors such as lymph node infiltration, high mitotic index, and positive staining for CD117. Although overall analysis revealed miR-155 downregulation in melanoma specimens compared to non-cancer tissues, increased expression of miR-155 was associated with cases of superficial spreading melanoma subtype (p = 0.005) and any melanoma with a high mitotic rate (p = 0.010). The analysis did not identify optimum cutoff values to predict relapse, recurrence, or mortality. In conclusion, miR-155 could have, in part, a potential prognostic utility in cutaneous melanoma. Further mechanistic studies are required to unravel the multifunctional role of miR-155 in melanoma.
The Sarcoma-Specific Instrument to Longitudinally Assess Health-Related Outcomes of the Routine Care Cycle
Authors: Mosku Nasian , Heesen Philip , Christen Salome , Scaglioni Mario F. , Bode Beata , Studer Gabriela , Fuchs Bruno
Published: March 2023

Patient-based health related quality of life (HRQoL) measurements are associated with an improvement in quality of care and outcomes. For a complex disease such as sarcoma, there is no disease-specific questionnaire available which covers all clinically relevant dimensions. Herein, we report on the development of an electronically implemented, sarcoma-specific instrument to assess health-related outcomes, which encompasses a combination of generic questionnaires tailored to the respective disease and treatment status covering the entire longitudinal care cycle. An interoperable digital platform was designed to provide a node between patients and physicians and to integrate the sarcoma-specific HRQoL instrument with patient and physician-based quality indicators to allow longitudinal structured real-world-time data evidence analytics. This approach enables the prediction modeling of disease, and by attributing cost tags to quality indicators, treatment effectiveness for a given disease will be directly correlated with financial expenses, which may ultimately lead to a more sustainable healthcare system.
A Novel Data Partitioning Method for Active Privacy Protection Applied to Medical Records
Authors: Alharbe Nawaf , Aljohani Abeer , Rakrouki Mohamed Ali
Published: March 2023

In recent years, cloud computing has attracted extensive attention from industry and academia due to its convenience and ubiquity. As a new Internet-based IT service model, cloud computing has brought revolutionary changes to traditional computing and storage services. More and more individual users and enterprises are willing to deploy their own data and applications on the cloud platform, but the accompanying security issues have also become an obstacle to the development of cloud computing. Multi-tenancy and virtualization technologies are the main reasons why cloud computing faces many security problems. Through the virtualization of storage resources, multi-tenant data are generally stored as shared physical storage resources. To distinguish the data of different tenants, labels are generally used to distinguish them. However, this simple label cannot resist the attack of a potential malicious tenant, and data still has the risk of leakage. Based on this, this paper proposed a data partitioning method in a multi-tenant scenario to prevent privacy leakage of user data. We demonstrate the use of the proposed approach in protecting patient data in medical records in health informatics. Experiments show that the proposed algorithm can partition the attributes more fine-grained and effectively protect the sensitive information in the data.
Contamination Deposit and Model of Insulator
Authors: Zhang Zhijin , Zhang Hang , Yue Song , Wang Hao
Published: March 2023

Insulators are widely used in transmission lines as insulating elements [...]
Contribution of Tree Size and Species on Aboveground Biomass across Land Cover Types in the Taita Hills, Southern Kenya
Authors: Amara Edward , Adhikari Hari , Mwamodenyi James M. , Pellikka Petri K. E. , Heiskanen Janne
Published: March 2023

Tropical landscapes comprise a variety of land cover (LC) types with characteristic canopy structure and tree species. Depending on the LC type, large-diameter trees and certain tree species can contribute disproportionately to aboveground biomass (AGB), and these patterns are not described at landscape-level in LC type specific studies. Therefore, we investigated the impact of large trees and tree species on AGB across a range of LC types in Taita Hills, Kenya. Data included 239 field plots from seven LC types: Montane forest, Plantation forest, Mixed forest, Riverine forest, Bushland, Grassland, and Cropland and homestead. Our results show that the contribution of large trees (DBH > 60 cm) on AGB was greatest in Riverine forest, Montane forest and Mixed forest (34–87%). Large trees were also common in Plantation forests and Cropland and homestead. Small trees (DBH < 20 cm) covered less than 10% of the total AGB in all forest types. In Grassland, and Cropland and homestead, smaller DBH classes made a greater contribution. Bushland differed from other classes as large trees were rare. Furthermore, the results show that each LC type had characteristic species with high AGB. In the Montane and Mixed forest, Albizia gummifera contributed 21.1% and 18.3% to AGB, respectively. Eucalyptus spp., exotic species planted in the area, were important in Mixed and Plantation forests. Newtonia hildebrandtii was the most important species in Riverine forests. In Bushland, Acacia mearnsii, species with invasive character, was abundant among trees with DBH < 30 cm. Vachellia tortillis, a common species in savannahs of East Africa, made the largest contribution in Grassland. Finally, in Cropland and homestead, Grevillea robusta was the most important species (>25% of AGB). Our results highlight the importance of conserving large trees and certain species to retain AGB stocks in the landscape. Furthermore, the results demonstrate that exotic tree species, even though invasive, can have large contribution to AGB.
The Macroscopic Structure of Wood
Authors: Ruffinatto Flavio , Negro Francesco , Crivellaro Alan
Published: March 2023

Understanding the macroscopic structure of wood and its formation is essential to identifying wood and evaluating its properties and quality. Depending on genetic background, environmental conditions, and tree developmental stage, the macroscopic structure of wood can vary greatly and produce specific macroscopic signatures. Here, a comprehensive outline of the wood’s macroscopic structure and the features that can be used to identify wood by macroscopic examination is presented. The planes of observations are first depicted, and the fundamental differences between softwoods and hardwoods are outlined. Then, all the different cell characteristics, arrangements, and distributions that can be macroscopically observed are illustrated with their influence on wood figure and texture and non-anatomical features.
Potential Use of Two Forest Species (Salix alba and Casuarina glauca) in the Rhizofiltration of Heavy-Metal-Contaminated Industrial Wastewater
Authors: Bousbih Malek , Lamhamedi Mohammed S. , Abassi Mejda , Khasa Damase P. , Béjaoui Zoubeir
Published: March 2023

The discharge of raw industrial wastewater (IWW) into ecosystems is a major environmental problem that adversely affects water quality, soil physicochemical properties, the food chain and, therefore, human health. Injection of treated IWW into irrigation and “fertigation” systems is an ecological, sustainable and economical approach for its appropriate disposal. Seedlings of two forest species (Salix alba, Casuarina glauca) were grown hydroponically and subjected to 25% diluted IWW and control (tap water) treatments for 35 days. Morphological and physiological traits were evaluated, including leaf symptoms, stem and root dry masses, leaf water potential, relative water content, chlorophyll content, photosystem II efficiency, hydrogen peroxide, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, bioaccumulation and translocation factor estimates and removal efficiency for various heavy metals. Application of 25% IWW stress affected many aspects of plant morphology: chlorosis and necrosis in leaves, epinasty, leaf curling, early leaf senescence and root browning. In both species, the 25% IWW treatment reduced leaf, stem and root dry masses relative to controls. S. alba exhibited greater removal capacity for heavy metal ions and could be effective as a remediator of toxic-metal-polluted industrial effluent water.