bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Aneuploidy detection in pooled polar bodies using rapid nanopore sequencing
Authors: Madritsch Silvia , Arnold Vivienne , Haider Martha , Bosenge Julia , Pfeifer Mateja , Weil Beatrix , Zechmeister Manuela , Hengstschläger Markus , Neesen Jürgen , Laccone Franco
Published: April 2024

Purpose

Various screening techniques have been developed for preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A) to reduce implantation failure and miscarriages in women undergoing in vitro fertilisation (IVF) treatment. Among these methods, the Oxford nanopore technology (ONT) has already been tested in several tissues. However, no studies have applied ONT to polar bodies, a cellular material that is less restrictively regulated for PGT-A in some countries.

Methods

We performed rapid short nanopore sequencing on pooled first and second polar bodies of 102 oocytes from women undergoing IVF treatment to screen for aneuploidy. An automated analysis pipeline was developed with the expectation of three chromatids per chromosome. The results were compared to those obtained by array-based comparative genomic hybridisation (aCGH).

Results

ONT and aCGH were consistent for 96% (98/102) of sample ploidy classification. Of those samples, 36 were classified as euploid, while 62 were classified as aneuploid. The four discordant samples were assessed as euploid using aCGH but classified as aneuploid using ONT. The concordance of the ploidy classification (euploid, gain, or loss) per chromosome was 92.5% (2169 of 2346 of analysed chromosomes) using aCGH and ONT and increased to 97.7% (2113/2162) without the eight samples assessed as highly complex aneuploid using ONT.

Conclusion

The automated detection of the ploidy classification per chromosome and shorter duplications or deletions depending on the sequencing depth demonstrates an advantage of the ONT method over standard, commercial aCGH methods, which do not consider the presence of three chromatids in pooled polar bodies.
Exploring the Benefits and Acceptance of Blended Positive Psychotherapy as an Adjunctive Treatment for Clients with Residual Depressive Symptoms: A Mixed-Method Study
Authors: Vergeer-Hagoort Femke , Kraiss Jannis T. , Drossaert Constance H. C. , Bohlmeijer Ernst T.
Published: April 2024

A proof-of-concept study was conducted to explore the acceptability and potential benefits of a blended positive psychotherapy intervention for clients with residual depressive symptoms. A single-arm pilot study was conducted in 2022 and 2023 with 24 Dutch adults experiencing residual depressive symptoms after treatment. Clients who had recently received an evidence-based treatment for depressive disorder were approached to participate in this study through opportunity sampling. The intervention consisted of nine sessions with a therapist and a six-week self-guided digital positive psychology intervention. Acceptability was examined using semi-structured interviews (n = 15). Participants filled out questionnaires pre- (n = 21), mid- (n = 14) and post-intervention (n = 8). Potential benefits were assessed in terms of changes in mental well-being (MHC-SF), depression (PHQ-9) and personal recovery (QPR). Quantitative data and qualitative data were analysed using linear mixed-effects models and framework analysis, respectively. The analyses were primarily based on Sekhon’s theoretical framework of acceptability. Linear mixed-effects analyses showed changes over time in most mental health indicators, including mental well-being (Hedge’s g = 1.58), depression (g = 1.43) and personal recovery (g = 1.96). Most of the interviewed participants considered blended positive psychotherapy a valuable adjunctive treatment; it connected well with their wish to become more positive in their daily life without ignoring difficult experiences. For some participants, shifting towards a positive treatment approach was difficult, resulting in early dropout. This study’s findings suggest that blended positive psychotherapy is acceptable to most people with residual depressive symptoms after treatment. Its impact is yet to be established in larger samples of studies involving more robust designs.
Patrilocality at the Beginning of Farming? An Isotopic Approach from SE Moravia
Authors: Morell-Rovira Berta , Tvrdý Zdeněk , Díaz-Zorita Bonilla Marta , Bickle Penny , Tóth Peter , Přichystal Michal , Bedáňová Alžběta , Masclans Alba
Published: April 2024

This research combines Strontium (87Sr/86Sr) and Oxygen (δ18O) isotope analysis to challenge the prevailing interpretation of patrilocal exogamic practices among eastern European Early Neolithic Linearbandkeramik (LBK) communities. Patrilocality has been considered the key factor influencing the mobility patterns of central Europe’s first farmers (c. 5500–4900 cal. BC), especially in the south-eastern Moravian region (Czech Republic). Focusing our attention on both male and female tooth enamel samples from cemeteries, settlement graves and small clusters of graves, this paper reassesses the correlation between mobility, biological sex, and funerary practices. This task is accomplished by establishing a new isotopic footprint using new 87Sr/86Sr data, as well as significantly increasing the number of sampled individuals for 87Sr/86Sr and δ18O. The outcome of this research contributes to a better understanding of the mobility patterns among early farmers in central Europe, challenging existing theories and providing new insights into their social and cultural dynamics.
Combining machine learning with computational fluid dynamics using OpenFOAM and SmartSim
Authors: Maric Tomislav , Fadeli Mohammed Elwardi , Rigazzi Alessandro , Shao Andrew , Weiner Andre
Published: April 2024

Combining machine learning (ML) with computational fluid dynamics (CFD) opens many possibilities for improving simulations of technical and natural systems. However, CFD+ML algorithms require exchange of data, synchronization, and calculation on heterogeneous hardware, making their implementation for large-scale problems exceptionally challenging. We provide an effective and scalable solution to developing CFD+ML algorithms using open source software OpenFOAM and SmartSim. SmartSim provides an Orchestrator that significantly simplifies the programming of CFD+ML algorithms enables scalable data exchange between ML and CFD clients. We show how to leverage SmartSim to effectively couple different segments of OpenFOAM with ML, including pre/post-processing applications, function objects, and mesh motion solvers. We additionally provide an OpenFOAM sub-module with examples that can be used as starting points for real-world applications in CFD+ML.
Dissipativity Analysis of Memristive Inertial Competitive Neural Networks with Mixed Delays
Authors: Yang Jin , Jian Jigui
Published: April 2024

Without altering the inertial system into the two first-order differential systems, this paper primarily works over the global exponential dissipativity (GED) of memristive inertial competitive neural networks (MICNNs) with mixed delays. For this purpose, a novel differential inequality is primarily established around the discussed system. Then, by applying the founded inequality and constructing some novel Lyapunov functionals, the GED criteria in the algebraic form and the linear matrix inequality (LMI) form are given, respectively. Furthermore, the estimation of the global exponential attractive set (GEAS) is furnished. Finally, a specific illustrative example is analyzed to check the correctness and feasibility of the obtained findings.
Statistical analysis of flood risk perception: a case study for Eastern Black Sea Basin, Turkey
Authors: Anılan Tuğçe , Bayram Selahattin , Sayıl Mahmut Cenk , Yüksek Osman
Published: April 2024

It is very essential in terms of flood risk management to consider social expectations such as risk perception, flood awareness, preparedness, and socio-economic dynamics together with engineering designs. Understanding the way people perceive flood risk can enhance our capability of improving existing flood risk management methods, thus helps us creating disaster resilient societies. In this study, results of a questionnaire which was used for a previous study and had been administered to participants from Eastern Black Sea Region of Turkey were further investigated using statistical methods. The main aim was to understand how demographic factors such as age, gender and education level affect people’s flood risk perception. It was also desired to see that whether they were aware of the parties responsible for taking mitigation measures, or whether they know about possible flood mitigation measures or not. Using the same data with the previous study, but in addition using SPSS software to do statistical analysis, questionnaire results were investigated using convenient statistical tests for each parameter, analysis results were interpreted, and conclusions were drawn. Same tests were conducted using weight coefficients adopted using a certain methodology which is explained in the paper, in order to make a better investigation. Also, results were compared with the results of the previous study. It was seen that there were some consistencies and contradictions between the results of the previous study and this study’s results.
Quantifying future changes of flood hazards within the Broadland catchment in the UK
Authors: Gudde Ross , He Yi , Pasquier Ulysse , Forstenhäusler Nicole , Noble Ciar , Zha Qianyu
Published: April 2024

Flooding represents the greatest natural threat to the UK, presenting severe risk to populations along coastlines and floodplains through extreme tidal surge and hydrometeorological events. Climate change is projected to significantly elevate flood risk through increased severity and frequency of occurrences, which will be exacerbated by external drivers of risk such as property development and population growth throughout floodplains. This investigation explores the entire flood hazard modelling chain, utilising the nonparametric bias correction of UKCP18 regional climate projections, the distributed HBV-TYN hydrological model and HEC-RAS hydraulic model to assess future manifestation of flood hazard within the Broadland Catchment, UK. When assessing the independent impact of extreme river discharge and storm surge events as well as the impact of a compound event of the two along a high emission scenario, exponential increases in hazard extent over time were observed. The flood extent increases from 197 km2 in 1990 to 200 km2 in 2030, and 208 km2 in 2070. In parallel, exponential population exposure increases were found from 13,917 (1990) to 14,088 (2030) to 18,785 (2070). This methodology could see integration into policy-based flood risk management by use of the developed hazard modelling tool for future planning and suitability of existing infrastructure at a catchment scale.
The contributions of transcription skills to paper-based and computer-based text composing in the early years
Authors: Malpique Anabela Anabela , Asil Mustafa , Pino-Pasternak Deborah , Ledger Susan , Teo Timothy
Published: April 2024

Digital tools are an integral part of most writing communities across the globe, enhancing the criticality of gaining a comprehensive understanding of both paper and computer-based writing acquisition and development. The relationships between transcription skills and children’s paper-based writing performance are well documented. Less is known about the relationships between transcription skills and children’s computer-based writing performance. In this study, we examined the unique contributions of transcription skills (i.e., handwriting automaticity, keyboarding automaticity and spelling) in predicting Grade 2 students (N = 544) paper-based and computer-based writing performance (i.e., compositional quality and productivity) after controlling for other student-level factors (i.e., gender, word reading, reading comprehension, and attitudes towards writing) and classroom-level factors (i.e., amount of time teaching handwriting, keyboarding, and spelling). Multilevel modelling showed that, compared to handwriting automaticity, spelling skills accounted for a larger percentage of unique variance in predicting paper-based compositional quality; handwriting automaticity accounted for a larger percentage of unique variance in explaining paper-based compositional productivity. Findings further showed that keyboarding automaticity accounted for a larger percentage of unique variance in students’ computer-based compositional quality and productivity when compared to spelling. Gender and word reading skills were also found to be uniquely related to students’ writing performance across modalities. These findings underscore the need for educators to address and nurture the automaticity of inscription and spelling skills to enhance students' compositional quality and productivity, whether in traditional paperbased or computer-based text composing.
An empirical analysis of individual and collective determinants of international research collaboration
Authors: de Frutos-Belizón Jesús , García-Carbonell Natalia , Guerrero-Alba Félix , Sánchez-Gardey Gonzalo
Published: April 2024

International research collaboration is a crucial determinant of scientific productivity, but it remains an underdeveloped task for governments, universities and research systems. Despite important economic and institutional efforts to promote collaborations, not all researchers establish successful international connections during their academic careers. This lack of international contacts hinders knowledge transfer from a broader perspective, limiting, in a way, the advancement of science. This paper analyses these factors—individual and collective—affecting research collaboration in the international context through a hierarchical multiple regression analysis of a sample of 954 Spanish academic researchers. We found that collective factors such as research team social capital—including structural and cognitive dimensions—and team orientation toward research and team productivity clearly affect international collaboration levels. Furthermore, contrary to our expectations, researchers’ human capital and motivation, and the principal investigator’s knowledge-oriented leadership, exerted only a very weak effect, which also is discussed in the paper’s final section.
Impaired fibrinolysis in patients with atrial fibrillation and elevated circulating lipopolysaccharide
Authors: Sadowski Marcin , Ząbczyk Michał , Undas Anetta
Published: April 2024

It is unknown whether elevated gut-derived serum lipopolysaccharide (LPS) can affect thrombin generation, fibrinolysis, and fibrin clot properties in atrial fibrillation (AF). We aimed to evaluate associations of circulating LPS with prothrombotic markers in AF patients. A total of 157 (women, 57.3%) ambulatory anticoagulant-naïve AF patients aged from 42 to 86 years were recruited. Clinical data together with serum LPS, inflammation, endothelial injury, coagulation and fibrinolysis markers, including fibrin clot permeability (Ks) and clot lysis time (CLT), were analyzed. A median LPS concentration was 73.0 (58.0-100.0) pg/mL and it showed association with CLT (r = 0.31,p < 0.001) and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1,r = 0.57,p < 0.001), but not other fibrinolysis proteins, thrombin generation, inflammatory markers, or Ks. There were weak associations of LPS with von Willebrand factor (vWF,r = 0.2,p = 0.013), cardiac troponin I (r = 0.16,p = 0.045), and growth differentiation factor-15 (r = 0.27,p < 0.001). No associations of LPS and CHA2DS2-VASc or other clinical variables were observed. Multivariable regression adjusted for potential confounders showed that serum LPS ≥ 100 pg/mL was an independent predictor of prolonged CLT. This study is the first to demonstrate antifibrinolytic effects of elevated LPS in AF patients largely driven by enhanced PAI-1 release.
Optimization of Rhizobium rhizogenes-mediated transformation, regeneration and characterization of Malus domestica Borkh. Ri lines
Authors: Rüter Philipp , Eeckhaut Tom , Dhooghe Emmy , De Keyser Ellen , Doan Manh Hung , Bartels Jens , Winkelmann Traud
Published: April 2024

This study explored the establishment and optimization of Ri (root inducing) technology for apple breeding, using the bacterium Rhizobium rhizogenes to obtain Ri lines with compact shoots and stronger root systems. The transformation and shoot regeneration for Malus domestica cultivars was studied in detail. Various R. rhizogenes strains, scion and rootstock genotypes, explant types, wounding methods and explant orientations were tested for hairy root induction. Most of the 16 tested strains, especially those with plasmid type III, induced hairy roots in the rootstock genotype ‘M26’. Although apple genotypes differed in response, in most of them roots were successfully induced using strains ATCC 15834, LMG 63 and LMG 150, with leaf blades outperforming petioles as explants. Wounding by scratching or sonication further improved transformation efficiency, as did placing leaf blades with their abaxial side upward on root induction medium. The majority (94%) of roots formed in one transformation experiment were tested PCR-positive for at least one T-DNA gene. Shoot regeneration experiments investigated salt concentrations, gelling agents, cytokinin types, concentrations, and a resting period on hormone-free medium. Shoot regeneration was highly genotype-dependent varying between 0 and 83%, whereas only minor, non-significant effects were observed for the treatments tested. Copy numbers of T-DNA genes were estimated using digital PCR for the first time in apple Ri lines. In the greenhouse, two Ri lines showed compact shoots and shorter leaves, but no enhanced root system. The improved protocol provides a valuable tool for breeders and scientists to obtain and further use Ri lines.
Effect of dietary inclusion of Pennisetum purpureum (Napier) grass on growth performance, rumen fermentation and meat quality of feedlot sussex red steers
Authors: Rabatseta T P , Fourie P , Nkosi B D , Malebana I M M
Published: April 2024

The aim of this study was to evaluate the growth performance, fermentation indices and meat quality of Sussex steers fed totally mixed rations that composed of graded inclusion levels of Napier grass (NP). Three experimental diets designated as diet 1 (0.0 g kg–1 NP: Control), diet 2 (300 g kg–1 NP grass) and diet 3 (600 g kg–1 NP) were formulated. Twenty-four male steers aged 8 months with an average body weight of 185.0 ± 30 kg were used. In a completely randomized design, the animals were allocated to the diets and fed for 120 days. Dietary NP inclusion reduced (P < 0.05) the animals’ average daily gain and increased the feed efficiency. The steers’ daily feed intake and final body weight decreased (P < 0.05) with a 600 g kg–1 inclusion level. The fermentation indices were not affected (P > 0.05) by the inclusion. While the inclusion reduced (P < 0.05) warm muscle temperature, it had no effect (P > 0.05) on carcass dressing percentage, warm and cold initial and ultimate pH. However, 600 g kg–1 inclusion level reduced (P > 0.05) warm and cold carcass weights. Meat physical attributes, moisture characteristics and tenderness were not affected (P > 0.05) by dietary treatments, except for the 7-days aged meat thaw loss, which increased at 600 g kg–1 inclusion level. Inclusion of 300 g kg–1 increased meat protein and fat, but dry and organic matter contents decreased with increasing inclusion levels. Dietary inclusion of NP grass up to 300 g kg–1 in steers’ diets improved feed intake, carcass traits and yielded meat high in protein and fat.
Impacts of noise pollution from high-speed rail and road on bird diversity: a case study in a protected area of Italy
Authors: Bergamini Ester , Prandelli Sofia , Minelli Fausto , Gatti Roberto Cazzolla
Published: April 2024

The disturbance of infrastructures may affect biological communities that are exposed to them. This study assesses the impact of high-speed (highway and railway) infrastructures in a protected study site, the Natural Reserve Fontanili di Corte Valle Re (Emilia–Romagna, Italy). We compared bird diversity with sound intensity and frequency in three sampling areas, increasingly distant from the infrastructures at the border with the reserve, during the last 4 years (2019–2022), monitoring sedentary, nesting, and migratory bird species. We hypothesize a decreasing diversity closer to the source of disturbance, which is mostly attributable to noise pollution. Our findings confirmed this trend, and we show that, in particular, disturbance seems to influence species richness more than the total abundance of birds. We also discovered that highway disturbance was much higher than railway in terms of frequency and duration. In light of these results, we suggest that some species, which have a behavioral ecology strongly based on singing to communicate with each other for their reproductive and defensive strategies, may suffer more from constant acoustic disturbance. The installation of effective noise barriers to shield the sound produced by the highways should be considered a mandatory request not only in proximity to houses but also in the vicinity of protected areas.
Variants of Bernstein’s theorem for variational integrals with linear and nearly linear growth
Authors: Bildhauer Michael , Fuchs Martin
Published: April 2024

Using a Caccioppoli-type inequality involving negative exponents for a directional weight we establish variants of Bernstein’s theorem for variational integrals with linear and nearly linear growth. We give some mild conditions for entire solutions of the equation $$\begin{aligned} {\text {div}} \Big [Df(\nabla u)\Big ] = 0 \,, \end{aligned}$$

div

[

D
f
(
∇
u
)

]

=
0

,

under which solutions have to be affine functions. Here f is a smooth energy density satisfying $$D^2 f>0$$

D
2

f
>
0

together with a natural growth condition for $$D^2 f$$

D
2

f

.
Epicardial Adipose Tissue Thickness and Preserved Ejection Fraction Heart Failure
Authors: Dhore-Patil Aneesh , Urina-Jassir Daniela , Samson Rohan , Le Jemtel Thierry H. , Oparil Suzanne
Published: April 2024

Purpose of the Review

Preserved ejection fraction heart failure and obesity frequently coexist. Whether obesity plays a consistent role in the pathogenesis of preserved ejection fraction heart failure is unclear. Accumulation of visceral adiposity underlies the pathogenic aftermaths of obesity. However, visceral adiposity imaging is assessed by computed tomography or magnetic resonance and thus not routinely available. In contrast, epicardial adiposity thickness is assessed by echocardiography and thus routinely available. We review the rationale for assessing epicardial adiposity thickness in patients with preserved ejection fraction heart failure and elevated body mass index.

Recent Findings

Body mass index correlates poorly with visceral, and epicardial adiposity. Visceral and epicardial adiposity enlarges as preserved ejection fraction heart failure progresses. Epicardial adiposity may hasten the progression of coronary artery disease and impairs left ventricular sub-endocardial perfusion and diastolic function.

Epicardial adiposity thickness may help monitor the therapeutic response in patients with preserved ejection failure heart failure and elevated body mass index.
Clinicopathologic Features and Cytologic Correlation of ALK-Rearranged Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma: A Series of Eight Cases
Authors: Shih Kun-Ping , Lee Yu-Cheng , Tsai Jia-Jiun , Lin Shu-Hui , Liu Chih-Yi , Li Wan-Shan , Li Chien-Feng , Hang Jen-Fan
Published: April 2024

Anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) gene fusions are rare in papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) but may serve as a therapeutic target. This study aims to evaluate the preoperative cytologic findings and clinicopathologic features of a series of eight ALK-rearranged PTCs from our pathology archives and consultations. All cases were confirmed by ALK D5F3 immunohistochemistry and six with additional targeted RNA-based next-generation sequencing (NGS). The original fine-needle aspiration (FNA) cytology diagnosis included the Bethesda System (TBS) category II in three (37.5%), TBS III in two (25%), TBS V in two (25%), and TBS VI in one (12.5%). Six cases had available FNA cytology and were reviewed. The cytologic features showed microfollicular architecture as well as limited or reduced nuclear elongation and chromatin alterations in all six. Nuclear grooves and pseudoinclusions were absent in two cases, rarely or focally noted in three, and frequently found in one. Two cases initially diagnosed as TBS II, showing microfollicular architecture without well-developed nuclear features, were revised to TBS III (with architectural atypia only). For histologic correlations, four were infiltrative follicular variant PTCs, three as classic subtype PTC with predominant follicular growth, and one as solid/trabecular subtype PTC. All eight cases demonstrated reduced PTC nuclear features with respect to nuclear elongation and chromatin alterations compared to those typically identified in “BRAF-like” PTCs. The NGS testing revealed EML4::ALK fusion in three, STRN::ALK fusion in two, and ITSN2::ALK fusion in one. In conclusion, although ALK-rearranged PTCs have been associated with neutral gene expression profile from a BRAF-RAS scoring perspective, the “RAS-like” nuclear features were more commonly identified in this series, resulting in frequent indeterminate diagnosis of preoperative FNA.
Dose-Ranging Effects of the Intracerebral Administration of Atsttrin in Experimental Model of Parkinson’s Disease Induced by 1-Methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) in Mice
Authors: Poniatowski Łukasz A. , Joniec-Maciejak Ilona , Wawer Adriana , Sznejder-Pachołek Anna , Machaj Ewa , Ziętal Katarzyna , Mirowska-Guzel Dagmara
Published: April 2024

Parkinson’s disease is one of the most common neurodegenerative disorders characterized by a multitude of motor and non-motor clinical symptoms resulting from the progressive and long-lasting abnormal loss of nigrostriatal dopaminergic neurons. Currently, the available treatments for patients with Parkinson’s disease are limited and exert only symptomatic effects, without adequate signs of delaying or stopping the progression of the disease. Atsttrin constitutes the bioengineered protein which ultrastructure is based on the polypeptide chain frame of the progranulin (PGRN), which exerts anti-inflammatory effects through the inhibition of TNFα. The conducted preclinical studies suggest that the therapeutic implementation of Atsttrin may be potentially effective in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases that are associated with the occurrence of neuroinflammatory processes. The aim of the proposed study was to investigate the effect of direct bilateral intracerebral administration of Atsttrin using stereotactic methods in the preclinical C57BL/6 mouse model of Parkinson’s disease inducted by 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) intoxication. The analysis of the dose dependency effects of the increasing doses of Atsttrin has covered a number of parameters and markers regarding neurodegenerative processes and inflammatory responses including IL-1α, TNFα, IL-6, TH, and TG2 mRNA expressions. Accordingly, the evaluation of the changes in the neurochemical profile included DA, DOPAC, 3-MT, HVA, NA, MHPG, 5-HT, and 5-HIAA concentration levels. The intracerebral administration of Atsttrin into the striatum effectively attenuated the neuroinflammatory reaction in evaluated neuroanatomical structures. Furthermore, the partial restoration of monoamine content and its metabolic turnover were observed. In this case, taking into account the previously described pharmacokinetic profile and extrapolated bioavailability as well as the stability characteristics of Atsttrin, an attempt was made to describe as precisely as possible the quantitative and qualitative effects of increasing doses of the compound within the brain tissue microenvironment in the presented preclinical model of the disease. Collectively, this findings demonstrated that the intracerebral administration of Atsttrin may represent a potential novel therapeutic method for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease.
Sequential RAS mutations evaluation in cell-free DNA of patients with tissue RAS wild-type metastatic colorectal cancer: the PERSEIDA (Cohort 2) study
Authors: Valladares-Ayerbes Manuel , Safont Maria José , González Flores Encarnación , García-Alfonso Pilar , Aranda Enrique , Muñoz Ana-Maria López , Falcó Ferrer Esther , Cirera Nogueras Luís , Rodríguez-Salas Nuria , Aparicio Jorge , Llanos Muñoz Marta , Pimentel Cáceres Paola Patricia , Castillo Trujillo Oscar Alfredo , Vidal Tocino Rosario , Salgado Fernández Mercedes , Salud-Salvia Antonieta , Massuti Sureda Bartomeu , Garcia-Carbonero Rocio , Vicente Conesa Maria Ángeles , Lloansí Vila Ariadna ,   the PERSEIDA investigators
Published: April 2024

Purpose

RAS (KRAS/NRAS) mutational status on a tumor biopsy is mandatory to guide the best treatment in metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). Determining the RAS mutational status by tumor-tissue biopsy is essential in guiding the optimal treatment decision for mCRC. RAS mutations are negative predictive factors for the use of EGFR monoclonal antibodies. Cell-free DNA (cfDNA) analysis enables minimally invasive monitoring of tumor evolution.

Methods/patients

PERSEIDA was an observational, prospective study assessing cfDNA RAS, BRAF and EGFR mutations (using Idylla™) in first-line mCRC, RAS wild-type (baseline tumor-tissue biopsy) patients (cohort 2). Plasma samples were collected before first-line treatment, after 20 ± 2 weeks, and at disease progression.

Results

117 patients were included (103 received panitumumab + chemotherapy as first-line treatment). At baseline, 7 (6.8%) patients had RAS mutations, 4 (3.9%) BRAF mutations and no EGFR mutations were detected (cfDNA, panitumumab + chemotherapy subpopulation [panitumumab + Ch]). The baseline RAS mutational status concordance between tissue and liquid biopsies was 94.0% (93.2%, panitumumab + Ch). At 20 weeks, only one patient in the study (included in the panitumumab + Ch) had an emerging cfDNA RAS mutation. No emerging BRAF or EGFR mutations were reported. At disease progression, 6 patients had emergent mutations not present at baseline (RAS conversion rate: 13.3% [6/45]; 15.0% [6/40], panitumumab + Ch).

Conclusions

The concordance rate between liquid and solid biopsies at baseline was very high, as previously reported, while our results suggest a considerable emergence of RAS mutations during disease progression. Thus, the dynamics of the genomic landscape in ctDNA may provide relevant information for the management of mCRC patients.
Redating the arrival of Tropaeolum minus in Italy
Authors: Buldrini Fabrizio , Mossetti Umberto , Morales Juan Francisco
Published: April 2024

At a European level, Tropaeolum minus is the first species of this genus that arrived in our continent, around 1570, immediately used as an ornamental, vegetable and pharmaceutical plant. According to Italian sources, instead, T. minus arrived in Italy only in 1642: the species of this genus which was known in Italy at the time was T. majus, imported in 1596. However, in the Italian Renaissance herbaria, there are four specimens dated to the last decades of 1500, clearly recognisable as T. minus, which would confirm its import around 1570. Thanks to the analysis of these herbarium specimens and documental sources of the second half of the XVI century (Ulisse Aldrovandi’s manuscripts and watercolour plates, the lists of species cultivated in that period in the principal Italian botanical gardens, the manuscript code I cinque libri di piante by Pietro Antonio Michiel), it is possible to demonstrate that the arrival of T. minus in Italy has to be redated at the second half of the XVI century. Furthermore, this work allowed the specimens of Tropaeolum preserved in the Erbario Aldrovandi to be identified correctly, which were formerly attributed to T. majus following the Italian scientific literature available so far.

Graphical abstract
Remarks on the Relation of Log-Concave and Contoured Distributions in $${\mathbb {R}}^n$$
Authors: Dafnis Nikos , Tsolomitis Antonis
Published: April 2024

We provide a characterization of those log-concave distributions in $${{\mathbb {R}}}^n$$

R

n

that are contoured distributions, through the $$K_p$$

K
p

-bodies of the distribution, defined by Ball. Our method uses the logarithmic integral for the solution of a Bernstein type approximation problem. In the second part of the paper we state a question for contoured distributions that would provide an alternative approach to the isotropic constant problem.
The Curvature Operator of the Second Kind in Dimension Three
Authors: Fluck Harry , Li Xiaolong
Published: April 2024

This article aims to understand the behavior of the curvature operator of the second kind under the Ricci flow in dimension three. First, we express the eigenvalues of the curvature operator of the second kind explicitly in terms of that of the curvature operator (of the first kind). Second, we prove that $$\alpha $$
α
-positive/$$\alpha $$
α
-nonnegative curvature operator of the second kind is preserved by the Ricci flow in dimension three for all $$\alpha \in [1,5]$$

α
∈
[
1
,
5
]

.
The Role of Verbal Fluency in the Cerebellar Cognitive Affective Syndrome Scale in Friedreich Ataxia
Authors: Corben Louise A. , Blomfield Eliza , Tai Geneieve , Bilal Hiba , Harding Ian H. , Georgiou-Karistianis Nellie , Delatycki Martin B. , Vogel Adam P.
Published: April 2024

Cerebellar pathology engenders the disturbance of movement that characterizes Friedreich ataxia (FRDA), yet the impact of cerebellar pathology on cognition in FRDA remains unclear. Numerous studies have unequivocally demonstrated the role of the cerebellar pathology in disturbed cognitive, language and affective regulation, referred to as Cerebellar Cognitive Affective Syndrome (CCAS), and quantified by the CCAS-Scale (CCAS-S). The presence of dysarthria in many individuals with ataxia, particularly FRDA, may confound results on some items of the CCAS-S resulting in false-positive scores. This study explored the relationship between performance on the CCAS-S and clinical metrics of disease severity in 57 adults with FRDA. In addition, this study explored the relationship between measures of intelligibility and naturalness of speech and scores on the CCAS-S in a subgroup of 39 individuals with FRDA. We demonstrated a significant relationship between clinical metrics and performance on the CCAS-S. In addition, we confirmed the items that returned the greatest rate of failure were based on Verbal Fluency Tasks, revealing a significant relationship between these items and measures of speech. Measures of speech explained over half of the variance in the CCAS-S score suggesting the role of dysarthria in the performance on the CCAS-S is not clear. Further work is required prior to adopting the CCAS-S as a cognitive screening tool for individuals with FRDA.
A case of methotrexate-related lymphoproliferative disease showing multiple liver lesions in a patient with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Nagata Yamato , Akiba Shotaro , Horiuchi Hidekazu , Okumoto Kazuo , Hachinohe Shigemi , Ohe Rintaro
Published: April 2024

A 66-year-old woman with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) who had been receiving methotrexate (MTX) for 2 years presented with tarry stools. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) of the abdomen revealed irregular wall thickening in the ileocecal region and multiple low-contrast masses in both lobes of the liver. Lower gastrointestinal endoscopy revealed a type 2 tumor in the ileocecal region with a semi-peripheral ulcer. Histological examination of liver and colon biopsies showed other iatrogenic immunodeficiency-associated lymphoproliferative disorder (Oi-LPD), diffuse large B-cell lymphoma type, with positivity for Epstein-Barr virus DNA. After withdrawal of MTX, the LPD lesions disappeared and the patient achieved remission. We considered this to be a sporadic case of Oi-LPD, diffuse large B-cell lymphoma type, in the liver and colon due to treatment with MTX. There has been no previous report of this condition with simultaneous hepatic and colonic lesions, and the present case is thought to be highly informative in relation to the pathogenesis.
Capstone Portfolios as an Accreditation and Professional Development Tool: Early Childhood Candidates' Experience
Authors: Al-Salmi Laila
Published: April 2024

This study aims to investigate the perceptions of teacher candidates enrolled in an early childhood program (BEd) towards the importance of producing the capstone portfolio. The purpose of using capstone portfolios is to provide evidence that Early Childhood Education candidates (ECEC) have met international accreditation standards as stipulated by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and realize the culminating development of their study in shaping the desired teacher qualities in their program of study. The perspectives of two cohorts of teacher candidates (a total of six participants) were investigated to report their views on the experience of creating capstone portfolios. Interviews and artefact analysis were used to collect data. The study revealed that Early Childhood Education candidates consolidated theory and practice through their capstone portfolios. The findings also revealed that the capstone portfolio, besides being evidence for meeting the National Association for the Education of Young Children accreditation standards, served as a means for learning and professional development. These findings show that capstone portfolios are effective not only for meeting accreditation standards but also for allowing candidates to connect the dots and fully view their overall learning as ECE professionals.
Strength and Durability of Superplasticizer Concrete Based on Different Component Parameters: An Experimental and Statistical Study
Authors: Tugrul Tunc Esra
Published: April 2024

Concrete, which forms the skeleton of buildings, is the most important building material to ensure the continuity of a building’s durability and to survive a possible earthquake. Concrete durability is directly related to its constituent materials. In this study, it was investigated how concrete aggregate and chemical admixture change the strength of concrete according to their type. The research question of this study is: what is the place and importance of aggregate and chemical admixture in increasing concrete strength? Recent earthquakes, especially in Turkey, have shown that most of the buildings that collapsed had poor-quality concrete. The aim of this study is to determine the concrete mix designs for the production of superplasticizer concrete for the production of concrete with the desired strength depending on the tested parameters. In this study, the effect of the parameters that make up the tested concrete content on concrete strength was investigated both experimentally and statistically. Water–cement ratio, aggregate type, Los Angeles abrasion resistance of aggregates, aggregate–cement ratio and new-generation polycarboxylate-supported superplasticizer chemical admixture are the parameters in the concrete content. Statistical analysis was carried out with SPSS, an up-to-date software, using the experimental findings. There was a very good agreement between both measured and predicted values. The equations with a coefficient of determination R
2 > 0.96 were derived. The developed statistical method was found to be unique and highly accurate. Thus, it is aimed to provide safe, economical, practical and time-saving pre-mix designs.
Parametric Analysis of a Retaining System Formed by Anchored Piles in Urban Excavations
Authors: Gil-Hernandez Jackson Andres , Suaza-Cortes Julián Alberto , Zapata-Medina David Guillermo
Published: April 2024

The earth-retaining system made up of discontinuous anchored piles is widely used in urban areas because it uses construction methods that are easy to install and low cost. These retention systems typically comprise a line of discontinuous piles, anchors, and a capping beam connecting all piles in the row. This study evaluated the influence of geometric parameters and horizontal deformations in the containment system comprising discontinuous piles. For the above, a three-dimensional Finite Element Model was calibrated based on the geomechanical characteristics of the soil profile and the deformations in the retaining system. Variations were made to the numerical model in the values of the surcharge, the inclination of the anchors, the diameter of the piles, the embedment of the pile, and the use of the capping beam. The results showed that the surcharge, the piles' embedment, and the piles' diameter directly affect the retention system's horizontal deformations. It was observed that the optimal inclination of the anchors is 10°–20° concerning the horizontal, and the use of the capping beam plays an essential role in the control of deformations at the top of the retaining system.
Advantages of Using a Seismic Piezocone Penetration Test for Analysis of a Single Screw In Situ Displacement Pile in Silty Soils
Authors: Leetsaar Lehar , Korkiala-Tanttu Leena
Published: April 2024

The determination of pile bearing capacity using the load–settlement relationship has been widely recognised as an effective means of directly determining the bearing capacity of a pile through in situ tests. Among the various techniques available for such investigations, the seismic cone penetration test (SCPTu) stands out as one of the most reliable. One key advantage of this test is its ability to measure the shear wave velocity (Vs) during the sounding process. In this study, the range of Vs values was examined specifically in silty soils. The data for this study were obtained from six SCPTu soundings and load tests conducted on seven screw in situ displacement piles. In addition to the four known correlations between the cone penetration test (CPTu) and Vs, three new correlations were developed, showing promising results for most of the soil layers examined. Moreover, a correlation between the normalised operative shear stiffness and the normalised pseudo-strain was established based on back-calculations using the results of static pile load tests. The findings of this study highlight the complexity of the correlation between CPTu readings and Vs in silty soils, emphasising the need for further research in this area.
E-learning Supporting Surgical Training in Low-Resource Settings
Authors: O’Flynn Eric , Ahmed Ahmed , Biswas Arushi , Bempong-Ahun Nefti , Perić Ines , Puyana Juan Carlos
Published: April 2024

Purpose of Review

Surgical training is most needed in low-resource settings (LRSs) worldwide. Technological advances provide new tools to expand and enhance surgical training in these settings. Accessible technologies such as e-learning can achieve an immediate impact on training.

Recent Findings

LRS trainees regard both e-learning resources specifically designed for their context, and those designed for other contexts, as valuable. However, LRS trainees have some specific learning needs which are best addressed through LRS learner-centred content. Challenges to creating valuable educational experiences include infrastructural deficiencies, difficulties in finding and accessing resources, variable quality of material, incompleteness, repetition, and a lack of context- and curricula-focused material.

Future efforts should focus on improving the findability, quality, and contextual appropriateness of educational resources, while emphasizing sustainability and local ownership. The appropriateness, acceptability, and impact of available e-learning resources in LRSs should be evaluated.
Recent Progress in High-Efficiency Transparent Vacuum Insulation Technologies for Carbon Neutrality
Authors: Jung Wonyeong , Kim Dohyung , Ko Seung Hwan
Published: April 2024

Enhancing energy efficiency in buildings is a pivotal strategy for reducing energy consumption and mitigating greenhouse gas emissions. As part of global efforts to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, there is a heightened focus on improving window insulation because windows are a significant source of thermal loss, representing nearly 40% of a building's heat dissipation. This study explores the development and application of vacuum insulation glazing (VIG), a cutting-edge insulation technology, to substantially reduce heat transfer through windows, thereby contributing to building energy savings. With its superior insulation performance, achieving thermal transmittance levels around 0.5W/m2·K, VIG technology presents a promising advancement over traditional double-glazed or gas-filled insulating glass units (IGUs). However, the adoption of VIG is challenged by economic factors, with costs significantly higher than standard IGUs and triple-glazed windows meeting passive house standards. The production of VIG, characterized by lengthy evacuation times and high processing temperatures, contributes to its elevated price. This research identifies the potential for cost reduction through optimizing manufacturing processes, including using low-melting-point solders for hermetic sealing and localized heating techniques to shorten production times. Despite the high initial cost, the potential for integrating VIG with other smart technologies suggests a promising future for achieving carbon neutrality in buildings. The study calls for further research and standardization in VIG production to overcome current technical and economic barriers, paving the way for its wider adoption and realizing next-generation energy-efficient building materials.
Fuzzy graphs and their applications in finding the best route, dominant node and influence index in a network under the hesitant bipolar-valued fuzzy environment
Authors: Raja Jambi Ratna , Lee Jeong Gon , Dhotre Dhanraj , Mane Pravin , Rajankar Omprakash Sugdeo , Kalampakas Antonios , Jambhekar Navin D. , Bhalke D. G.
Published: April 2024

This paper introduces the concept of hesitant bipolar-valued fuzzy graph (HBVFG), which captures the two opposing perspectives, namely the positive and negative opinions. The novelty, importance and implications of this concept are illustrated by some results, examples, and graphical representations. There are, respectively, some theoretical terms of graphs such as partial directed hesitant bipolar-valued fuzzy subgraph (HBVFSG), directed HBVFSG, directed spanning HBVFSG, strong directed HBVFG and complete directed HBVFG which are introduced. The operations, such as Cartesian, direct, lexicographical, and strong products, are also defined between two HBVFGs with examples. The mapping relations, such as homomorphism, isomorphism, weak isomorphism, and co-weak isomorphism, are derived with an example. The applications of directed HBVFGs with algorithms for finding the optimal path in a network and the dominant node and influence of index with the self-persistence degree of a node in a social network are presented. For each problem, an algorithm is developed and its effectiveness is demonstrated by examples. The proposed concept is assessed in terms of theory and practice. The benefits of the proposed solution are highlighted and a clear comparison is made with the existing methods.