bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ЦИФРОВІ ТЕХНОЛОГІЇ ДОСЛІДЖЕННЯ ВПЛИВУ ОСОБЛИВОСТЕЙ НЕРВОВОЇ СИСТЕМИ НА КОГНІТИВНІ МОЖЛИВОСТІ СТУДЕНТІВ
Authors: Буров Олександр Юрійович , Пінчук Ольга Павлівна
Published: February 2023

Стаття присвячена використанню можливостей комп’ютерної методики та результатам аналізу її використання для дослідження взаємозв’язку між компонентами інтелекту, рисами особистості та особливостями нервової системи (ОНС) досвідчених фахівців та студентів-магістрів у професіях, пов’язаних з пізнавальною діяльністю. Наводиться опис психологічних тестів, що реалізовані у складі цифрової технології, розробленої за участю авторів і використаною для дослідження інших аспектів впливу цифровізації навчання (модифікований тест структури інтелекту Р. Амтхауера, визначення психологічних типів за Майерс-Бріггс, оригінальна та модифікована методики Хільченка-Макаренка для вимірювання сили та функціональної рухливості нервових процесів, у т.ч. в умовах дії перешкод), а також результати дослідження: особистостей нервової системи та перешкодостійкості під час виконання простих пізнавальних завдань, впливу властивостей сили нервової системи та функціональної рухливості нервових процесів на розвиток складників інтелекту та на формування особистісних властивостей. Аналіз експериментальних даних виконаний з використанням пакетів STATISTICA 5.1 та JASP. На експериментальних даних показано, що запропонована авторами дослідницька комп’ютерно орієнтована технологія забезпечує надійну оцінку ОНС випробувачів. Показано, що використання авторської технології дозволило виконати експериментальне дослідження зв’язку структурних компонентів інтелекту з ОНС – сила нервової системи, функціональна рухливість нервових процесів, пов’язаних з ними показників в умовах дії перешкод – і деяких особистісних властивостей обстежуваних. Доведено, що моделювання структурних компонентів інтелекту шляхом використання зазначених властивостей з відбором найбільш інформативних показників забезпечує високий і достовірний рівень кореляційного зв’язку на рівні 0,93 і вище. Показано можливість побудови надійних моделей зв’язку психотипологічних властивостей особистості (за двома критеріальними шкалами: інтуїція N – сенсорика S та мислення T – відчуття F) з дослідженими ОНС. За допомогою факторної моделі показано зв’язок ОНС із структурою інтелекту та структурою особистості.
First Francisella novicida Case Report in Argentina
Authors: Vilches Viviana , Barberis Claudia , Sadorin Roxana , Montaña Sabrina , Cervino Iván , Harispe Eugenia , Vay Carlos A.
Published: February 2023

The authors present a case report caused by Francisella novicida, a rare opportunistic human pathogen that may cause a tularemia-like disease in patients who are immunocompromised. The diagnosis is a challenge since it can be confused with Pasteurella or Brucella, and matrix-assisted laser desorption ionisation time-of-flight systems are limited due to its poor performance in identification.
A desmistificação do autogerenciamento no trabalho em plataformas digitais
Authors: Araujo Sara Nogueira de
Published: February 2023

A ampliação do uso das tecnologias de informação e de comunicação possibilitou novos modelos de gestão do trabalho. Com isso, esse artigo tem como objetivo analisar os principais processos que têm contribuído para construção desse novo modelo de gestão e como ele se dá na esfera do trabalho em plataformas digitais, que apesar de se considerarem somente mediadoras, em verdade, têm domínio sobre as ofertas, premiações e horários de cada um de seus “parceiros”. Esse estudo foi desenvolvido a partir de uma abordagem qualitativa baseada em pesquisa bibliográfica e aplicação de questionários survey, por meio de entrevistas.A partir das informações levantadas, foi possível observar que a tecnologia pode ser utilizada como ferramenta na manutenção do controle de uma organização sobre os(as) trabalhadores(as), ao gerir a produtividade que simultaneamente possibilitam a ocultação da imagem patronal, além de desvincular o indivíduo do processo de trabalho e manter a opacidade em relação aos dados relevantes sobre as atividades exercidas. Vale o ressalvo que o intuito dessa pesquisa não foi trazer uma perspectiva tecnofóbica em relação ao trabalho em plataformas digitais, mas dar ênfase aos fenômenos que favorecem o controle nesse modelo de gestão do trabalho.
A relação entre points e consciência de classe para os entregadores por aplicativo
Authors: Borges Pedro Burity
Published: February 2023

O artigo faz uma análise dos espaços coletivos de descanso e espera de entregadores por aplicativos, conhecidos como points, observando se há neles um processo de construção de uma consciência de classe por parte da categoria. Para isso, foram analisadas as rotinas dos entregadores nesses locais, através de entrevistas, notícias de jornais e dos dados e reflexões da pesquisa de campo que originaram o relatório “Condições de trabalho, direitos e diálogo social para trabalhadoras/es do setor de entrega por apps em Brasília e Recife”, organizado pela CUT-OIT, que investigou os entregadores por aplicativo no Distrito Federal, durante o primeiro semestre de 2021. Através de um enfoque lukacsiano e de uma análise descritiva das paralisações, conhecidas como Breque dos Apps, foi possível identificar a relevância dos points para a mobilização e para a construção de consciência de classe entre entregadores por aplicativo.
Integrating Ivatan Indigenous Games to Learning Module in Physics: Its Effect to Student Understanding, Motivation, Attitude, and Scientific Sublime
Authors:   Batanes National Science High School, Department of Education – Division of Batanes, Philippines., Moro Kym Clyde , Billote William Jo Se M. ,   Batanes State College, Commission on Higher Education – Regional Office 2
Published: February 2023

The Philippines is lagging behind in physics education based on recent results of national and international assessments. With a continuing endeavor to address this problem, a game-based learning module was innovated using the ADDIE model, integrating Ivatan indigenous games in a learning module in physics, to probe the effect of the developed module on Ivatan students’ understanding, motivation, attitudes, and scientific sublime. Furthermore, the study aimed to reintroduce the Ivatan indigenous games to the younger Ivatan learners of Batanes, Philippines, through physics, in an attempt to help preserve its culture and traditions by integrating it to the teaching-learning process. The module underwent validation among four experts which yielded a Highly Acceptable and a Good Agreement rating. The material was tested with twenty SHS students under the STEM strand in a quasi-experimental research setup. A thirty-item test, the PMQ-II, the CLASS, and open-ended journal questions were the instruments used to test the module’s effectiveness. Results revealed a significant difference [Mdiff= -2.65] in student understanding with a 0.31 small effect size; students’ motivation revealed a significant difference [Mdiff = -0.91] with a large effect size of 0.86; and student attitudes revealed a significant difference [Mdiff = -0.44] with a medium effect size of 0.78. The correlation between understanding, motivation, and attitudes [rund-mot = 0.65; rund-att = 0.83; rmot-att = 0.72] were all positive uphill relationships. Lastly, responses from the journal revealed that the most common feedback among learners was the extreme feeling of happiness while generating only 5% of sublime feelings such as extreme awe/amazement/overwhelmed. These results revealed that the developed material effectively improved students’ understanding, motivation, and altering attitudes to a favorable state while realizing that it is unsuccessful in fostering scientific sublime.
Secondary School Students’ Cognitive Structures Regarding Educational Games
Authors:   Department of Mathematics and Science Education, Trabzon University, Trabzon, Turkey, Yaman Havva , Bekar Şeyma Nur ,   Department of Mathematics and Science Education, Trabzon University, Trabzon, Turkey, Yildiz Hakan ,   Ministry of Education, Trabzon, Turkey, Koyun Salih ,   Ministry of Education, Trabzon, Turkey, Nas Sibel Er ,   Department of Mathematics and Science Education, Trabzon University, Trabzon, Turkey
Published: February 2023

To employ educational games in education as intended, it is required to show students’ cognitive structures for this concept. As a result, the purpose of this research was to reveal the cognitive structures of secondary school students regarding educational games. The research was a survey-based descriptive study. A total of 340 secondary school students were included for this research, which included fifth graders (n=80), sixth graders (n=95), seventh graders (n=69), and eighth graders (n=96). Simple random sampling was used to choose the participants. Data were gathered using the Word Association Test (WAT) and a drawing test. Six categories are used to organize the students' responses to the educational game's concept. ‘Individual gains,’ ‘lessons,’ ‘sports,’ ‘lesson tools/applications,’ ‘games,’ and ‘features of games’ were all of these. Four categories were used to categorize the drawings made by the students to represent the concept of educational games: ‘physical ability games,’ ‘intelligent and strategy games,’ ‘puzzle,’ and ‘mixed games.’ As a result of this research, it is possible to conclude that students’ cognitive structures for the concept of educational games include games played in classes, and educational games highlight the game aspect more. Besides that, there was little vocabulary diversity in their cognitive structures for the educational dimension. To enhance students' cognitive structures toward educational games, focus should be given to the instructional feature of educational games in research to be undertaken in the relevant field.
Editorial
Authors:   College of Education, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand, Sexton Steven S.
Published: February 2023

Editorial for Volume 34, issue 1, 2023
Assessing the performance of genetic risk score for stratifying risk of post-sepsis cardiovascular complications
Authors: McElligott Brian , Shi Zhuqing , Rifkin Andrew S. , Wei Jun , Zheng S. Lilly , Helfand Brian T. , Woo Jonathan S. H. , Xu Jianfeng
Published: February 2023

Background

Patients with sepsis are at increased risk for cardiovascular complications, including myocardial infarction (MI), ischemic stroke (IS), and venous thromboembolism (VTE). Our objective is to assess whether genetic risk score (GRS) can differentiate risk for these complications.

Methods

A population-based prospective cohort of 483,177 subjects, derived from the UK Biobank, was followed for diagnosis of sepsis and its complications (MI, IS, and VTE) after the study recruitment. GRS for each complication was calculated based on established risk-associated single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Time to incident MI, IS, and VTE was compared between subjects with or without sepsis and GRS risk groups using Kaplan–Meier log-rank test and Cox-regression analysis.

Results

During an average of 12.6 years of follow-up, 10,757 (2.23%) developed sepsis. Patients with sepsis had an overall higher risk than non-sepsis subjects for each complication, but the risk differed by time after a sepsis diagnosis; exceedingly high in short-term (0–30 days), considerably high in mid-term (31 days to 2 years), and reduced in long-term (>2 years). Furthermore, in White subjects, GRS was a significant predictor of complications, independent of sepsis and other risk factors. For example, GRSMI further differentiated their risk in patients with sepsis; 3.49, 4.73, and 9.03% in those with low- (<0.5), intermediate- (0.5–1.99), high- GRSMI (≥2.0), Ptrend < 0.001.

Conclusion

Risk for post-sepsis cardiovascular complications differed considerably by time after a sepsis diagnosis and GRS. These findings, if confirmed in other ancestry-specific populations, may guide personalized management for preventing post-sepsis cardiovascular complications.
Neonatal testosterone voids sexually differentiated microglia morphology and behavior
Authors: Simões-Henriques Carla Filipa , Rodrigues-Neves A. Catarina , Sousa Fábio J. , Gaspar Rita , Almeida Inês , Baptista Filipa I. , Ambrósio António F. , Gomes Catarina A.
Published: February 2023

The involvement of immunity in psychiatric disorders, such as anxiety, is typified by the morphologic adaptation of microglia, immune cells of the brain, to anxiogenic stimuli. We previously reported sexually differentiated microglia morphology in adult rodents, in brain locations implicated in anxiety, including the pre-frontal cortex. These physiologic differences likely drive sex-dependent patterns of microglia morphologic remodeling in response to varied stress conditions in different periods of life, that correlate with sex-dependent behavioral adaptation to anxiogenic stimuli. The time-window of appearance of sex differences in microglia, correlating with sex-specific behavioral performance in anxiogenic conditions are still unknown. In rodents, a postnatal peak of the sexual hormone testosterone is determinant for the so-called brain masculinization and sex-determined behavioral traits. In the present work we aim to clarify if differences in microglia morphology are present at birth or can be driven by postnatal testosterone and impacts on the ability to deal with an anxiogenic context. Differences in microglia morphology are not present at birth, but are observable at adolescence (increased complexity of male microglia, particularly in branches more proximal to the soma), when differences in behavior are also observed. Our data also show that adolescent females neonatally treated with testosterone exhibit masculinized microglia and behavior. Importantly, between adolescence and adulthood, a sex-determined shift in the pattern of complexity takes place and microglia from females become more complex. When testosterone is administered, this morphological effect is partially abolished, approximating microglia and behavior to the male phenotype.
Multiproxy approach to reconstruct fossil primate feeding behavior: Case study for macaque from the Plio-Pleistocene site Guefaït-4.2 (eastern Morocco)
Authors: Ramírez-Pedraza Iván , Martínez Laura M. , Aouraghe Hassan , Rivals Florent , Tornero Carlos , Haddoumi Hamid , Estebaranz-Sánchez Ferran , Rodríguez-Hidalgo Antonio , van der Made Jan , Oujaa Aïcha , Ibáñez Juan José , Mhamdi Hicham , Souhir Mohamed , Aissa Al Mahdi , Chacón M. Gema , Sala-Ramos Robert
Published: February 2023

The genus Macaca belongs to Cercopithecidae (Old World monkeys), Cercopithecinae, Papionini. The presence of Macaca in North Africa is well known from the Late Miocene to the Late Pleistocene. However, the diet of fossil Macaca has been poorly described in the literature. In this study, we investigated the feeding habits of Macaca cf. sylvanus (n = 4) from the Plio-Pleistocene site Guefaït-4.2 in eastern Morocco through multiproxy analysis combining analyses of stable carbon and oxygen isotopes from tooth enamel, buccal microtexture, and low-magnification occlusal dental microwear. For both microwear analyses, we compared the macaques with a new reference collection of extant members of Cercopithecoidea. Our occlusal microwear results show for the fossil macaque a pattern similar to the extant Cercocebus atys and Lophocebus albigena, African forest-dwelling species that are characterized by a durophagous diet based mainly on hard fruit and seed intake. Buccal microtexture results also suggest the consumption of some grasses and the exploitation of more open habitats, similar to that observed in Theropithecus gelada. The δ13C of M. cf. sylvanus indicates a C3 based-diet without the presence of C4 plants typical of the savanna grassland in eastern Africa during this period. The high δ18O values of M. cf. sylvanus, compared with the contemporary ungulates recovered from Guefaït-4.2, could be associated with the consumption of a different resource by the primate such as leaves or fresh fruits from the upper part of trees. The complementarity of these methods allows for a dietary reconstruction covering a large part of the individual’s life.
Response of wood decomposition to different forms of N deposition in subtropical forests
Authors: Wu Chunsheng , Shu Chunjie , Yuan Xi , Deng Bangliang , Shen Fangfang , Zhang Yi , Liu Yuanqiu
Published: February 2023

Aims

Wood decomposition plays an important role in ecosystem soil fertility and nutrient cycling, but how different forms of nitrogen (N) affect these biogeochemical processes is still unclear. The effects of N deposition on wood decomposition have been widely studied, but the decomposition process and biotic driver response to different forms of N have rarely been studied.

Methods

In this study, we conducted a two-year field factorial fertilization experiment with different N forms in a subtropical Chinese forest. Glycine and urea were selected as organic N (ON), and ammonium nitrate was selected as inorganic N (IN). Six different ratios (control, 0:10, 3:7, 5:5, 7:3, 10:0) of IN:ON with equal N amounts were uniformly added to the studied wood.

Results

We found that both forms of N deposition, i.e., ON and IN, accelerated the wood decomposition rates across the four studied species, and the magnitude of the increase was species specific. Mixed fertilizer with ON and IN resulted in the highest responses in the wood decomposition rate, which was 1.73- and 1.48-fold higher than that in the control and in response to IN addition alone across species. The ON + IN treatment resulted in the highest faunal and microbial community abundance of the decomposing wood.

Conclusion

In summary, our results indicate that different forms of anthropogenic N enrichment can promote wood decomposition through the modification of microbial and faunal communities in the wood decomposition process. Our results show that future studies need to consider N forms and components when estimating exogenous N deposition effects on the woody material nutrient cycle and terrestrial ecosystem carbon cycles.
Outcome of COVID-19 in allogeneic stem cell transplant recipients: Results from the EPICOVIDEHA registry
Authors: Busca Alessandro , Salmanton-García Jon , Marchesi Francesco , Farina Francesca , Seval Guldane Cengiz , Van Doesum Jaap , De Jonge Nick , Bahr Nathan C. , Maertens Johan , Meletiadis Joseph , Fracchiolla Nicola S. , Weinbergerová Barbora , Verga Luisa , Ráčil Zdeněk , Jiménez Moraima , Glenthøj Andreas , Blennow Ola , Tanase Alina Daniela , Schönlein Martin , Prezioso Lucia , Khanna Nina , Duarte Rafael F. , Žák Pavel , Nucci Marcio , Machado Marina , Kulasekararaj Austin , Espigado Ildefonso , De Kort Elizabeth , Ribera-Santa Susana José-María , Marchetti Monia , Magliano Gabriele , Falces-Romero Iker , Ilhan Osman , Ammatuna Emanuele , Zompi Sofia , Tsirigotis Panagiotis , Antoniadou Anastasia , Zambrotta Giovanni Paolo Maria , Nordlander Anna , Karlsson Linda Katharina , Hanakova Michaela , Dragonetti Giulia , Cabirta Alba , Berg Venemyr Caroline , Gräfe Stefanie , Van Praet Jens , Tragiannidis Athanasios , Petzer Verena , López-García Alberto , Itri Federico , Groh Ana , Gavriilaki Eleni , Dargenio Michelina , Rahimli Laman , Cornely Oliver A. , Pagano Livio ,   EPICOVIDEHA Consortium
Published: February 2023

Background

The outcome of COVID-19 in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) recipients is almost uniformely considered poor. The aim of present study was to retrospectively analyse the outcome and risk factors for mortality in a large series of patients who developed COVID-19 infection after an allogeneic HSCT.

Methods

This multicenter retrospective study promoted by the European Hematology Association – Infections in Hematology Study Working Group, included 326 adult HSCT patients who had COVID-19 between January 2020 and March 2022.

Results

The median time from HSCT to the diagnosis of COVID-19 was 268 days (IQR 86-713; range 0-185 days). COVID-19 severity was mild in 21% of the patients, severe in 39% and critical in 16% of the patients. In multivariable analysis factors associated with a higher risk of mortality were, age above 50 years, presence of 3 or more comorbidities, active hematologic disease at time of COVID-19 infection, development of COVID-19 within 12 months of HSCT, and severe/critical infections. Overall mortality rate was 21% (n=68): COVID-19 was the main or secondary cause of death in 16% of the patients (n=53).

Conclusions

Mortality in HSCT recipients who develop COVID-19 is high and largely dependent on age, comorbidities, active hematologic disease, timing from transplant and severity of the infection.
The role of mesenchymal stem cell-derived EVs in diabetic wound healing
Authors: Jiang Min , Jiang Xupin , Li Hongmei , Zhang Can , Zhang Ze , Wu Chao , Zhang Junhui , Hu Jiongyu , Zhang Jiaping
Published: February 2023

Diabetic foot is one of the most common complications of diabetes, requiring repeated surgical interventions and leading to amputation. In the absence of effective drugs, new treatments need to be explored. Previous studies have found that stem cell transplantation can promote the healing of chronic diabetic wounds. However, safety issues have limited the clinical application of this technique. Recently, the performance of mesenchymal stem cells after transplantation has been increasingly attributed to their production of exocrine functional derivatives such as extracellular vesicles (EVs), cytokines, and cell-conditioned media. EVs contain a variety of cellular molecules, including RNA, DNA and proteins, which facilitate the exchange of information between cells. EVs have several advantages over parental stem cells, including a high safety profile, no immune response, fewer ethical concerns, and a reduced likelihood of embolism formation and carcinogenesis. In this paper, we summarize the current knowledge of mesenchymal stem cell-derived EVs in accelerating diabetic wound healing, as well as their potential clinic applications.
The PPN and motor control: Preclinical studies to deep brain stimulation for Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Lin Caixia , Ridder Margreet C. , Sah Pankaj
Published: February 2023

The pedunculopontine nucleus (PPN) is the major part of the mesencephalic locomotor region, involved in the control of gait and locomotion. The PPN contains glutamatergic, cholinergic, and GABAergic neurons that all make local connections, but also have long-range ascending and descending connections. While initially thought of as a region only involved in gait and locomotion, recent evidence is showing that this structure also participates in decision-making to initiate movement. Clinically, the PPN has been used as a target for deep brain stimulation to manage freezing of gait in late Parkinson’s disease. In this review, we will discuss current thinking on the role of the PPN in locomotor control. We will focus on the cytoarchitecture and functional connectivity of the PPN in relationship to motor control.
Knocking down GALNT6 promotes pyroptosis of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma cells through NF-κB/NLRP3/GSDMD and GSDME signaling pathway
Authors: Ding Mengyang , Liu Jingyu , Lv Honghui , Zhu Yanlin , Chen Yumiao , Peng Hui , Fan Sairong , Chen Xiaoming
Published: February 2023

Background

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), the most prevalent type of pancreatic cancer, is a highly lethal malignancy with poor prognosis. Polypeptide N-acetylgalactosaminyltransferase-6 (GALNT6) is frequently overexpressed in PDAC. However, the role of GALNT6 in the PDAC remains unclear.

Methods

The expression of GALNT6 in pancreatic cancer and normal tissues were analyzed by bioinformatic analyses and immunohistochemistry. CCK8 and colony formation were used to detect cell proliferation. Flow cytometry was applied to detect cell cycle.The pyroptosis was detected by scanning electron microscopy. The mRNA expression was detected by qRT-PCR. The protein expression and localization were detected by western blot and immunofluorescence assay. ELISA was used to detect the levels of inflammatory factors.

Results

The expression of GALNT6 was associated with advanced tumor stage, and had an area under curve (AUC) value of 0.919 in pancreatic cancer based on the cancer genome atlas (TCGA) dataset. Knockdown of GALNT6 inhibited cell proliferation, migration, invasion and cell cycle arrest of PDAC cells. Meanwhile, knockdown of GALNT6 increased the expression levels of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-18 (IL-18), the release of inflammasome and an increasing of Gasdermin D (GSDMD), N-terminal of GSDMD (GSDMD-N), Gasdermin E (GSDME) and N-terminal of GSDME (GSDME-N) in PDAC cells. GALNT6 suppressed the expression of NOD-like receptor thermal protein domain associated protein 3 (NLRP3) and GSDMD by glycosylation of NF-κB and inhibiting the nucleus localization of NF-κB. Additionally, GALNT6 promotes the degradation of GSDME by O-glycosylation.

Conclusion

We found that GALNT6 is highly expressed in pancreatic cancer and plays a carcinogenic role. The results suggested that GALNT6 regulates the pyroptosis of PDAC cells through NF-κB/NLRP3/GSDMD and GSDME signaling. Our study might provides novel insights into the roles of GALNT6 in PDAC progression.
The association of cemiplimab plus sonidegib for synchronous cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma of the head and neck: Two case reports
Authors: Colombo Elena , Gurizzan Cristina , Ottini Arianna , Caspani Francesca , Bergamini Cristiana , Locati Laura D. , Marchiselli Chiara , Alberti Andrea , Lorini Luigi , Licitra Lisa F. , Bossi Paolo , Resteghini Carlo
Published: February 2023

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) are the most frequent cancers in humans, with cumulative ultraviolet radiation exposure, aging, and immunodepression as the main risk factors. In most cases, these malignancies arise in the head and neck area, and they can be treated with locoregional therapies. A minority of cases require systemic therapy. Currently, Sonic Hedgehog inhibitors (i.e., vismodegib and sonidegib) have been approved for advanced BCC, while the PD-1 checkpoint inhibitor cemiplimab has been approved as a first-line treatment for cSCC and as a second-line treatment for BCC. Nevertheless, there is a clinical need for an effective and safe systemic therapies for advanced synchronous (syn) BCC/cSCC not amenable to local treatments. International guidelines do not provide specific recommendations for patients affected by this condition, and no case reports on the full-dose association of these medications have been previously reported. Here, we present the cases of two elderly patients affected by synBCC/cSCC of the head and neck, who received combined therapy with cemiplimab and sonidegib at full dose and standard schedule, achieving remarkable clinical benefit and long-term responses, without major adverse events. The instance of a feasible treatment for patients with advanced synBCC/cSCC will become increasingly frequent with the advancement of life expectancy in the global population, and the synergistic activity of targeted therapies and immunotherapy—administered either in association or sequentially—deserves to be further explored.
On the importance of interpretable machine learning predictions to inform clinical decision making in oncology
Authors: Lu Sheng-Chieh , Swisher Christine L. , Chung Caroline , Jaffray David , Sidey-Gibbons Chris
Published: February 2023

Machine learning-based tools are capable of guiding individualized clinical management and decision-making by providing predictions of a patient’s future health state. Through their ability to model complex nonlinear relationships, ML algorithms can often outperform traditional statistical prediction approaches, but the use of nonlinear functions can mean that ML techniques may also be less interpretable than traditional statistical methodologies. While there are benefits of intrinsic interpretability, many model-agnostic approaches now exist and can provide insight into the way in which ML systems make decisions. In this paper, we describe how different algorithms can be interpreted and introduce some techniques for interpreting complex nonlinear algorithms.
Photo-functionalized TiO2 film for facile immobilization of EpCAM antibodies and efficient enrichment of circulating tumor cells
Authors: Deng Huan , Liu Xiangqin , Chen Jie , He Yi , Lin Lanke , Liu Xin , Chen Jiang , Liu Xiaoqi
Published: February 2023

The highly efficient capture of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in the blood is essential for the screening, treatment, and assessment of the risk of metastasis or recurrence of cancer. Immobilizing specific antibodies, such as EpCAM antibodies, on the material’s surface is currently the primary method for efficiently capturing CTCs. However, the strategies for immobilizing antibodies usually have the disadvantages of requiring multiple chemical reagents and a complex pre-treatment process. Herein we developed a simple strategy for the immobilization of EpCAM antibodies without additional chemical reagents. By utilizing the positive charge property of the photo-functionalized titanium dioxide (TiO2), the negatively charged carboxyl terminal of EpCAM antibodies was immobilized by electrostatic interaction, allowing the antibodies to expose the antigen binding site fully. The experimental results showed that the photo-functionalized TiO2 surface had a marked positive charge and super-hydrophilic properties that could immobilize large amounts of EpCAM antibodies and keep excellent activity. CTCs capture experiments in vitro showed that the EpCAM antibodies-modified photo-functionalized TiO2 could efficiently capture CTCs. The results of blood circulation experiments in rabbits showed that the EpCAM antibodies-modified photo-functionalized TiO2 could accurately capture CTCs from the whole body’s blood. It was foreseen that the strategy of simple immobilization of EpCAM antibodies based on photo-functionalized TiO2 is expected to serve in the efficient capture of CTCs in the future.
Influence of home chaos on preschool migrant children’s resilience: A moderated mediation model
Authors: Zhao Jinghui , Cui Haiyan , Zhou Jing , Zhang Limin
Published: February 2023

Increasing attention has been drawn to the development of preschool migrant children’s resilience recently. Resilience refers to the positive internal strengths and qualities of individuals in adverse situations, and is an essential psychological quality for preschool migrant children to cope with adversity. Home chaos as a risk factor, has an important impact on the development of individual’s resilience, but the specific mechanisms under which home chaos works have yet to be explored, especially for preschool migrant children. Based on resilience model theory, 3,135 preschool migrant children and their families were surveyed and a moderated mediating effect mode was constructed to test the effect of home chaos on preschool migrant children’s resilience. The results showed that after controlling for gender and age, home chaos significantly and negatively predicted preschool migrant children’s resilience. Family resilience played a mediating role in the relationship between home chaos and preschool migrant children’s resilience. Meanwhile, social support positively moderated the mediating effects of family resilience. The findings of this study suggested that low home chaos was conducive to promoting family resilience, which in turn fostered children’s resilience, and that social support could play its protective role in weakening the negative effects of home chaos and this had certain guiding implications for the development of resilience in preschool migrant children.
Relationships reduce risks for child maltreatment: Results of an experimental trial of Infant Mental Health Home Visiting
Authors: Julian Megan M. , Riggs Jessica , Wong Kristyn , Lawler Jamie M. , Brophy-Herb Holly E. , Ribaudo Julie , Stacks Ann , Jester Jennifer M. , Pitzen Jerrica , Rosenblum Katherine L. , Muzik Maria ,   on behalf of The Michigan Collaborative for Infant Mental Health Research (MCIMHR)
Published: February 2023

Background

Research examining the effectiveness of home visiting programs that reduce child maltreatment or associated risks yield mixed findings; some find positive significant impacts on maltreatment, whereas others find small to no effects. The Michigan Model of Infant Mental Health Home Visiting (IMH-HV) is a manualized, needs-driven, relationship-focused, home-based intervention service that significantly impacts maternal and child outcomes; the effect of this intervention on child maltreatment has not been sufficiently evaluated.

Objective

The current study examined associations between treatment and dosage of IMH-HV and child abuse potential in a longitudinal, randomized controlled trial (RCT).

Participants and setting

Participants included 66 mother-infant dyads (Mother M age = 31.93 years at baseline; child M age = 11.22 months at baseline) who received up to 1 year of IMH-HV treatment (Mdn = 32 visits) or no IMH-HV treatment during the study period.

Methods

Mothers completed a battery of assessments including the Brief Child Abuse Potential Inventory (BCAP) at baseline and at the 12-month follow-up assessment.

Results

Regression analyses indicated that after controlling for baseline BCAP scores, those who received any IMH-HV treatment had lower 12-month BCAP scores compared to those who received no treatment. Additionally, participation in more visits was associated with lower child abuse potential at 12 months, and a reduced likelihood of scoring in the risk range.

Conclusion

Findings suggest that greater participation in IMH-HV is associated with decreased risk for child maltreatment 1 year after initiating treatment. IMH-HV promotes parent-clinician therapeutic alliance and provides infant-parent psychotherapy which differentiate it from traditional home visiting programs.
Thermal strain is greater in the late afternoon than morning during exercise in the gym without airflow and air conditioning on a clear summer day
Authors: Otani Hidenori , Goto Takayuki , Kobayashi Yuki , Goto Heita , Shirato Minayuki , Hosokawa Yuri , Tokizawa Ken , Kaya Mitsuharu
Published: February 2023

Introduction

There are no reports examining the time-of-day effect on team training sessions in the gym without airflow and air conditioning on thermal strain in the summer heat. We investigated this effect during badminton training sessions on a clear summer day.

Methods

Nine male high school badminton players (Mean ± SD; age 17.1 ± 0.6 y, height 171 ± 4 cm, body mass 59 ± 7 kg) completed two 2.5-h badminton training sessions in the gym without airflow and air conditioning. The training sessions were started at 0900 h (AM) and 1600 h (PM) on separate days in August. Skin temperatures (chest, triceps, thigh, calf), infrared tympanic temperature, heart rate, thermal sensation and rating of perceived exertion were recorded at rest and at regular intervals during the sessions.

Results

Indoor and outdoor environmental heat stress progressively increased in AM and decreased in PM during the sessions. Ambient temperature (AM 30.1 ± 0.9°C; PM 33.2 ± 1.0°C: P < 0.001) and wet-bulb globe temperature (AM 28.1 ± 0.5°C; PM 30.0 ± 0.9°C: P = 0.001) during the sessions in the gym were higher in PM than AM. Mean skin temperature (AM 34.2 ± 1.0°C; PM 34.7 ± 0.7°C: P < 0.001), infrared tympanic temperature (AM 37.8 ± 0.5°C; PM 38.1 ± 0.4°C: P = 0.001) and thermal sensation (AM 2.7 ± 1.4; PM 3.3 ± 1.0: P < 0.001) during the sessions were higher in PM than AM. Body heat storage (AM 159 ± 30 W·m−2; PM 193 ± 30 W·m−2: P < 0.05) was greater in PM than AM. There were no time-of-day differences in the average heart rate (AM 75 ± 4% age-predicted maximal heart rate; PM 76 ± 5 age-predicted maximal heart rate: P = 0.534), body mass loss (AM 0.6 ± 0.3 kg; PM 0.8 ± 0.2°C: P = 0.079), the volume of water ingested (AM 1.5 ± 0.1 L; PM 1.6 ± 0.3 L: P = 0.447) and rating of perceived exertion (AM 16 ± 2; PM 16 ± 3: P = 0.281).

Conclusions

This study indicates greater thermal strain in PM trial than in AM trial during team training sessions in the gym without airflow and air conditioning on a clear summer day. Therefore, athletes and coaches of indoor sports should perceive that athletes may be exposed to a greater risk for thermal strain in the late afternoon from 1600 h than in the morning from 0900 h during the sessions in the gym under these conditions.
Twenty Years of Unspecified Kidney Donation: Unspecified Donors Looking Back on Their Donation Experiences
Authors: Pronk Mathilde C. , Zuidema Willij C. , Weimar Willem , Van De Wetering Jacqueline , Ismail Sohal Y. , Massey Emma K.
Published: February 2023

The Netherlands was the first European country to implement unspecified kidney donation in 2000. This qualitative study aimed to evaluate the experiences of unspecified kidney donors (UKDs) in our transplant institute to improve the care for this valuable group of donors. We conducted semi-structured interviews with 106 UKDs who donated between 2000–2016 (response rate 84%). Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and independently coded by 2 researchers in NVivo using thematic analysis. The following 14 themes reflecting donor experiences were found: Satisfaction with donation; Support from social network; Interpersonal stress; Complaints about hospital care; Uncertainty about donor approval; Life on hold between approval and actual donation; Donation requires perseverance and commitment; Recovery took longer than expected; Normalization of the donation; Becoming an advocate for living kidney donation; Satisfaction with anonymity; Ongoing curiosity about outcome or recipient; Importance of anonymous communication; Anonymity is not watertight. The data reinforced that unspecified kidney donation is a positive experience for donors and that they were generally satisfied with the procedures. Most important complaints about the procedure concerned the length of the assessment procedure and the lack of acknowledgment for UKDs from both their recipients and health professionals. Suggestions are made to address the needs of UKDs.
IEg67 kDa Bovine Hydatid Cyst Antigen: A Candidate for Developing Sero-Diagnostic Assays for Cystic Echinococcosis, a Disease of One Health Importance
Authors: Khan Sakandar , Cable Jo , Younus Muhammad , Rashid Muhammad Imran , Hailer Frank , Akbar Haroon
Published: February 2023

Cystic echinococcosis (hydatidosis) is a world-wide zoonotic disease of mainly humans, livestock and dogs, caused by Echinococcus granulosus. The disease can negatively impact food production and animal welfare and causes socio-economic hardship. Here, we aimed to identify the local bovine hydatid cyst fluid (BHCF) antigen for developing a sero-diagnostic assay to be used for the pre-slaughter screening of food animals. In total, 264 bovines approved for slaughter in Pakistan were subjected to serum collection and post-mortem screening for hydatid cysts. These cysts were assessed microscopically to assess fertility and viability, and by PCR for molecular confirmation of species. A BHCF antigen was identified from positive sera via SDS-PAGE, confirmed by Western blot, and quantified via a bicinchoninic acid (BCA) assay. The quantified crude BHCF antigen (iEg67 kDa) was then used in ELISA screening to test all sera collected from known positive and negative animals based on hydatid cyst presence/absence. Of the 264 bovines examined, 38 (14.4%) showed hydatid cysts during post-mortem examination. All of these individuals, plus an additional 14 (total: 52; 19.6%) tested positive based on less time-consuming ELISA examination. Based on ELISA, occurrence in females (18.8%) was significantly higher than in males (9.2%) and was higher in cattle (19.5%) compared to buffalo (9.5%). The infection rate increased with age in both host species: cumulatively, 3.6% in animals aged 2–3 years, 14.6% in 4–5-year-olds and 25.6% in 6–7-year-olds. The occurrence of cysts in cattle was significantly higher in the lungs (14.1%) compared to their livers (5.5%), whereas the opposite was true in buffalo (6.6% livers, 2.9% lungs). For both host species, most cysts in the lungs were fertile (65%), while the majority in the liver were sterile (71.4%). We conclude that the identified iEg67 kDa antigen is a strong candidate for the development of a sero-diagnostic screening assay for the pre-slaughter diagnosis of hydatidosis.
Cross-Domain Fusion Constellation Design of Communication, Navigation and Remote Sensing
Authors: Qin Junxiang , Li Xuan , Ma Xiaotian , Guo Xiye , Yang Jun
Published: February 2023

Low earth orbit (LEO) mega-constellations have once again triggered a wave of space-based system construction. On the one hand, LEO communication, LEO navigation, LEO remote sensing constellations and so on are proposed. On the other hand, with the continuous development of software-defined satellite and intelligent satellite technology, space-based systems are developing in the direction of multi-function, integration and cross-domain integration. The whole space-based system is no longer the traditional working mode of a single functional constellation, but a genral cross-domain fusion constellation (CDFC) system for complex tasks. Like the terrestrial global Internet, the space-based system will serve as a global infrastructure for integrating communication, navigation and remote sensing, that is, the intelligent space-based system, to provide services for the global demand. The traditional method of designing constellation for a certain type of function is no longer applicable to this type of constellation design. To solve this problem, this paper proposes a design and optimization method of cross-domain fusion constellation of communication, navigation and remote sensing based on reverse design. The paper optimizes the CDFC through resource coverage. Through experiments, we prove that the number of satellites in the CDFC can be reduced by 30.60% compared with the independent and combined constellations in each domain, and the coverage and service performance of the constellation can be improved. The cost can be reduced by 18.31% compared with the combined constellation. When the same number of satellites is used, the resource coverage of the cross-domain fusion constellation is increased by at least eight times.
Earthquake Hazard Mitigation for Uncertain Building Systems Based on Adaptive Synergetic Control
Authors: Al-Dujaili Ayad Q. , Humaidi Amjad J. , Allawi Ziyad T. , Sadiq Musaab E.
Published: February 2023

This study presents an adaptive control scheme based on synergetic control theory for suppressing the vibration of building structures due to earthquake. The control key for the proposed controller is based on a magneto-rheological (MR) damper, which supports the building. According to Lyapunov-based stability analysis, an adaptive synergetic control (ASC) strategy was established under variation of the stiffness and viscosity coefficients in the vibrated building. The control and adaptive laws of the ASC were developed to ensure the stability of the controlled structure. The proposed controller addresses the suppression problem of a single-degree-of-freedom (SDOF) building model, and an earthquake control scenario was conducted and simulated on the basis of earthquake acceleration data recorded from the El Centro Imperial Valley Earthquake. The effectiveness of the adaptive synergetic control was verified and assessed via numerical simulation, and a comparison study was conducted between the adaptive and classical versions of synergetic control (SC). The vibration suppression index was used to evaluate both controllers. The numerical simulation showed the capability of the proposed adaptive controller to stabilize and to suppress the vibration of a building subjected to earthquake. In addition, the adaptive controller successfully kept the estimated viscosity and stiffness coefficients bounded.
Bayesian Analysis of Spatial Model for Frequency of Tornadoes
Authors: Zheng Haitao , Zhang Yi , Chen Qiaoju , Yang Qingshan , Huang Guoqing , Wang Dahai , Liu Ruili
Published: February 2023

Frequency analysis of tornadoes is very important for risk analysis and disaster control. In this paper, the annual frequency of tornadoes that occurred in the United States from 1967 to 2016 is analyzed. The simple analysis shows that frequencies of tornadoes of different sites are spatially correlated and over-dispersed. To explain the two characteristics of the data, the Bayesian hierarchical model is proposed. For comparison purposes, the Bayesian model with negative binomial distribution, Poisson distribution, Polya distribution, and first-order, non-negative, integer-valued autoregressive model with Bell innovations(BL-INAR(1)) are considered to fit the frequency of tornado. The distribution parameters of all sites are assumed to be spatially correlated, and the corresponding Bayesian hierarchical models were established. MCMC (Markov Chain Monte Carlo) method is applied to parameter estimations and relative statistical inference. By comparison of the analysis results, the negative binomial distribution is recommended to analyze the overdispersion and spatial correlation among the sites of the data. The comparison between the simulated frequencies based on the proposed model and the actual frequencies also verifies that the proposed method is a better model for the data.
A Study of Two High Intensity Fires across Corsican Shrubland
Authors: Fayad Jacky , Morandini Frédéric , Accary Gilbert , Chatelon François-Joseph , Wandon Clément , Burglin Antoine , Rossi Lucile , Marcelli Thierry , Cancellieri Dominique , Cancellieri Valérie , Morvan Dominique , Meradji Sofiane , Pieri Antoine , Planelles Gilles , Costantini René , Briot Patrice , Rossi Jean-Louis
Published: February 2023

This paper reports two experimental fires conducted at field-scale in Corsica, across a particular mountain shrubland. The orientation of the experimental plots was chosen in such a way that the wind was aligned along the main slope direction in order to obtain a high intensity fire. The first objective was to study the high intensity fire behavior by evaluating the propagation conditions related to its speed and intensity, as well as the geometry of the fire front and its impact on different targets. Therefore, an experimental protocol was designed to determine the properties of the fire spread using UAV cameras and its impact using heat flux gauges. Another objective was to study these experiments numerically using a fully physical fire model, namely FireStar3D. Numerical results concerning the fire dynamics, particularly the ROS, were also compared to other predictions of the FireStar2D model. The comparison with experimental measurements showed the robustness of the 3D approach with a maximum difference of 5.2% for the head fire ROS. The fire intensities obtained revealed that these experiments are representative of high intensity fires, which are very difficult to control in the case of real wildfires. Other parameters investigated numerically (flame geometry and heat fluxes) were also in fairly good agreement with the experimental measurements and confirm the capacity of FireStar3D to predict surface fires of high intensity.