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Objectives: This study discusses work performed within the context of the SAINT R&D project concerning the correlation of the prices of cybercrime services with the costs of investing in cyber security technologies. The main goal is to investigate how various financial and business-related cybercrime parameters relate to cybersecurity costs. In this context, the paper also examines the involved stakeholders and how they interact with each other. Methods/Analysis: Given the above considerations, from a theoretical standpoint, it is to describe a generic model for pricing illicit cybercrime products and services. This model, namely the Capacity Value Based Pricing (CVBP) model, has been proposed in the context of pricing “normal” products and services. Our study adapts this model suitably to apply the pricing modeling of illicit cybercrime products and services. Findings: The findings elucidate the professionalization of cybercrime, the significance of the emerging market for illicit services, and the pressing need for advanced AI methods to process qualitative data into quantitative insights. Novelty/Improvement:This paper contributes to establishing theoretical and econometric models vital for stakeholders navigating the financial terrain of the cybercrime economy. Future research should refine the methodologies presented and enhance data reliability for such critical analyses. Doi: 10.28991/ESJ-2024-08-04-06 Full Text: PDF

The explosion of data volume in the digital age has completely changed the corporate and industrial environments. In-depth analysis of large datasets to support strategic decision-making and innovation is the main focus of this paper’s exploration of big data management engineering. A thorough examination of the basic elements and approaches necessary for efficient big data use—data collecting, storage, processing, analysis, and visualization—is given in this paper. With real-life case studies from several sectors to complement our exploration of cutting-edge methods in big data management, we present useful applications and results. This document lists the difficulties in handling big data, such as guaranteeing scalability, governance, and data quality. It also describes possible future study paths to deal with these issues and promote ongoing creativity. The results stress the need to combine cutting-edge technology with industry standards to improve decision-making based on data. Through an analysis of approaches such as machine learning, real-time data processing, and predictive analytics, this paper offers insightful information to companies hoping to use big data as a strategic advantage. Lastly, this paper presents real-life use cases in different sectors and discusses future trends such as the utilization of big data by emerging technologies.

Abstract Variations in physical activity energy expenditure can make accurate prediction of total energy expenditure (TEE) challenging. The purpose of the present study was to determine the accuracy of available equations to predict TEE in individuals varying in physical activity (PA) levels. TEE was measured by DLW in 56 adults varying in PA levels which were monitored by accelerometry. Ten different models were used to predict TEE and their accuracy and precision were evaluated, considering the effect of sex and PA. The models generally underestimated the TEE in this population. An equation published by Plucker was the most accurate in predicting the TEE in our entire sample. The Pontzer and Vinken models were the most accurate for those with lower PA levels. Despite the levels of accuracy of some equations, there were sizable errors (low precision) at an individual level. Future studies are needed to develop and validate these equations.

Abstract Background The proliferation antigen Ki-67 has been widely used in clinical settings for cancer staging for many years, but investigations on its biological functions have lagged. Recently, Ki-67 has been shown to regulate both the composition of the chromosome periphery and chromosome behaviour in mitosis as well as to play a role in heterochromatin organisation and gene transcription. However, how the different roles for Ki-67 across the cell cycle are regulated and coordinated remain poorly understood. The progress towards understanding Ki-67 function have been limited by the tools available to deplete the protein, coupled to its abundance and fluctuation during the cell cycle. Results Here, we use a doxycycline-inducible E3 ligase together with an auxin-inducible degron tag to achieve a rapid, acute and homogeneous degradation of Ki-67 in HCT116 cells. This system, coupled with APEX2 proteomics and phospho-proteomics approaches, allows us to show that Ki-67 plays a role during DNA replication. In its absence, DNA replication is severely delayed, the replication machinery is unloaded, causing DNA damage that is not sensed by the canonical pathways and dependent on HUWE1 ligase. This leads to defects in replication and sister chromatids cohesion, but it also triggers an interferon response mediated by the cGAS/STING pathway in all the cell lines tested. Conclusions We unveil a new function of Ki-67 in DNA replication and genome maintenance that is independent of its previously known role in mitosis and gene regulation.

Air pollution is one of the most severe environmental health hazards, and airborne nanoparticles (diameter

Study objective: Transgender persons face increased risk in developing cardiovascular diseases due to administration of hormonal therapy used for gender expression, or due to the presence of other risk factors, such as minority stress and difficulty to have full access to health care. Even though the need for gender diversity in research has been identified, the number of clinical trials including transgender persons remains low. The aim of this study was to highlight gaps in inclusion of transgender individuals in cardiovascular clinical research. Design, setting: A search in the pubmed.com database, as well as in the clinicaltrials.gov repository, was performed with search terms regarding transgender persons and cardiovascular diseases. Main outcome measure(s): The inclusion of transgender persons in cardiovascular clinical trials was evaluated. Results and conclusions: This study revealed that there is only a small number of cardiovascular clinical trials including or studying transgender persons. This finding demonstrates the overall lack of clinical trials regarding cardiovascular health in transgender individuals and is indicative of their under-representation in clinical research.

Based on the definition of the γ-order generalized normal, the γ-order generalized standard normal is obtained, and applications are referred. We proceed on the definition of the γ-order generalized chi-square, [Formula: see text] and the probability density function (pdf) is evaluated. Moreover, the moment generating function (mgf) of the [Formula: see text] is evaluated and in the case of γ = 2 the mgf of the well known [Formula: see text] is obtained. The same procedure is followed for the moments of the [Formula: see text] One step forward is the evaluation of the convolution of two [Formula: see text] and therefore [Formula: see text] is obtained eventually and the corresponding pdf is evaluated. Finally examples and applications of [Formula: see text] are discussed.

Tenosynovial giant cell tumor (TGCT) is a rare and locally aggressive benign tumor arising from the synovium of joints, bursae, and tendon sheaths. It is classified into localized (L-TGCT) and diffuse (D-TGCT) forms based on the extent of involvement. Surgical resection is the primary treatment, though achieving a definitive cure remains challenging due to the high recurrence rates, especially in D-TGCT. Systemic therapies targeting the CSF1-CSF1R axis have emerged as promising treatment options. CSF1R tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) such as imatinib, nilotinib, pexidartinib, and vimseltinib, alongside anti-CSF1R antibodies like emactuzumab, cabiralizumab, and lacnotuzumab, have shown encouraging results in managing TGCT, particularly when surgery is not feasible or poses significant morbidity. Other potential therapies, including local treatments and anti-inflammatory drugs, are being explored for TGCT management. This review provides an overview of systemic treatment options for D-TGCT, highlighting emerging therapeutic modalities and their potential implications. Effective management is crucial due to TGCT’s significant morbidity despite its non-life-threatening nature, necessitating novel approaches to improve patient prognosis and quality of life.

Introduction: 5-phosphodiesterase inhibitors (PDE-5I) have been investigated as a treatment for urinary dysfunction for almost a decade. The general perception is that they play a significant role in managing lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), particularly those associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). However, the specific biochemical processes by which PDE-5I repairs urinary function are still poorly understood and there is little instrumental evidence of significant improvement in urinary symptoms. Therefore, we explore the role of 5-phosphodiesterase inhibitors (PDE-5I) as complementary to the conventional treatment of symptomatic BPH; we provide the suggested biological procedures involved in the association between PDE-5 inhibitor use and improvement in LUTS; and we propose new approaches to this topic. Material and Methods: A systematic search for clinical trials, experimental studies, and systematic reviews was performed in electronic libraries (PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus) using the terms “benign prostate hypertrophy”, “benign prostate hyperplasia”, “lower urinary tract symptoms”, “storage symptoms”, “voiding symptoms”, “bladder outlet obstruction” and the keywords “mechanism of action”, “synergy”, “PDE-5 inhibitor”, “alpha1-adrenergic antagonist”, “5-alpha-reductase inhibitors” in various combinations. There was no restriction on publication date. Results: To date, only a few randomized studies have been published in which the effect of the combination of a conventional drug for the treatment of symptomatic BPH and a PDE-5I was investigated. Almost all showed significant improvement in IPSS and QoL. Some studies showed significant improvements in maximum urine flow (Qmax) and postvoiding residual volume (PVR) with combination therapy compared with a single agent alone. Conclusions: PDE-5I seems effective in relieving symptoms of some BPH patients when administered as complementary to agents currently used to treat BPH. However, the mechanism of action of PDE-5 inhibitors in LUTS remains poorly understood and it is difficult to determine the specific subset of BPH patients who will benefit from the combination of PDE-5 inhibitors with the current treatment. Well-designed, sufficiently informative comparative studies focusing on specific target group profiles (age, urogenital parameters) are needed to define new therapeutic options.

Sepsis is an insidious and frequent condition of severe inflammation due to infections. Several biomarkers have been established for initial screening, but the non-specific nature of the existing biomarkers has led to the investigation of more sensitive and specific tools, such as microRNAs (miRs). These non-coding RNAs are involved in several diseases, including sepsis, due to their roles in cellular homeostasis. Herein, a literature overview was attempted to distinguish the most prominent miRs identified in septic conditions and their usefulness in diagnosis, prognosis and even classification of sepsis. miRs implicated in the regulation of pro and anti-inflammatory mechanisms, such as MIR-146a, MIR-155, MIR-181b, MIR-223-5p, MIR-494-3p, MIR-2055b, MIR-150 and MIR-143 have been pinpointed as acceptable testing tools. Furthermore, the use of miRs as screening panels, specific for septic parameters, such as type of causal infection, inflammation immune pathways affected (NF-kB, STAT/JACK), organs inflicted, as well as parallel screening of certain miRs alongside other long non-coding RNAs (LNCs), as co-regulators of sepsis progression. Overall, miRs exhibit benefits in terms of specificity and sensitivity, as well as practical ease of use and test stability. Furthermore, miRs could offer valuable insights into the molecular basis of disease causality and provide valuable therapeutic information.

Purpose: Chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS) is characterized by a multiform clinical presentation requiring a differentiated treatment based on different phenotypes including the psychosocial and sexual domains. The aim of this study was assessing the complex correlations between somatic, psychological, and sexual symptoms of CP/CPPS patients. Materials and methods: We performed a cross-sectional study on patients attending a Prostatitis Clinic. Patients were administered the following questionnaires: National Institutes of Health- Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index (NIH-CPSI), International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF), Premature Ejaculation Diagnostic Tool (PEDT), Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item (GAD-7), Oxford Happiness Questionnaire (OHQ), and Temperament Evaluation of Memphis, Pisa, Paris and San Diego Autoquestionnaire (TEMPS-A). Results: Linear regression analyses show highly significant correlations between scores of the NIH-CPSI and the scores of the GAD-7, PHQ-9 and OHQ psychometric questionnaires. IPSS scores correlate significantly with the psychometric scores only when a non-parametric analysis is performed. IIEF and PEDT sexual function scores did not correlate with any of the psychometric tests. NIH-CPSI scores correlate positively with most of the TEMPS-A profiles but the hyperthymic profile correlated negatively with the total and QoL NIH-CPSI and with PEDT scores. Conclusions: Scores measuring anxiety, depression, and psychological well-being in patients with CP/CPPS are strictly correlated with prostatitis-like symptoms although they are poorly correlated with symptoms of prostatism, as measured by IPSS, and not correlated with scores of sexual dysfunctions, as measured by IIEF and PEDT. A hyperthymic temperament may increase resilience against the disease.

The synthesis of a substituted diimine with a bipydirine-type backbone, (3-(2-pyridyl)-5,6-diphenyl-1,2,4-triazine, L) and its coordination towards Cu(I) and Ag(I) is studied in the presence of diphosphine ligand bis(diphenylphosphino)methane, dppm. The metal complexes are characterized by IR, 1H, and 13C NMR and single crystal X ray diffraction studies. They are dinuclear, as they are held by diphosphine bridges between the tetrahedral metal centers, forming eight-membered ring with the participation of the bridging diphosphinomethane ligands. Within each ring, the planar orientations of M2P2 and of all four P atoms are realized. Solid state excitation spectra are dominated by metal-to-ligand charge transfer bands (MLCT), while geometry relaxation permits only low-intensity emission for the copper compound.

The technique of percutaneous thrombin injection (PTI) under contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) guidance for control of acute hemorrhage-active extravasation not associated with pseudoaneurysm is demonstrated in three cases: 1) Massive spontaneous retroperitoneal hematoma in a patient with multiple comorbidities. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) showed extensive active extravasation, which was only partially controlled by transarterial embolization. CEUS was performed in the angiography suite. Contrary to unenhanced US and colour Doppler US (CDUS), CEUS confirmed persistent extravasation; CEUS-guided PTI was performed immediately thereafter. 2) Large rectus sheath hematoma in a patient on anticoagulant therapy. Contrast-enhanced CT and unenhanced US/CD could not definitely diagnose extravasation. CEUS clearly showed extravasation and was used for guidance of PTI. 3) Chest wall hematoma complicating central venous catheter placement in a patient with coronavirus on anticoagulant therapy. CDUS was inconclusive. CEUS was performed at the bedside, clearly showed active extravasation, and was used for guidance of PTI. In all three cases, post-PTI CEUS confirmed the absence of residual enhancement of the hematomas, and the hemodynamic status of the patients improved. PTI appears to be effective in selected cases of hematomas associated with active extravasation. In this context, CEUS may be the most suitable modality for guidance and for an immediate evaluation of the treatment effect.