bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Bioremediation of Industrial Effluents by Phanerochaete chrysosporium: The COD, TOC Removal Efficiency and Biochemical Assessment for Dreissena polymorpha
Authors: Serdar Osman , Yıldırım Numan , Onder Erguven Gokhan , Ketenalp Zozan , Cikcikoglu Yildirim Nuran , Durmus Barbaros
Published: April 2024

Bioremediation is one of the cheapest and easy method for biological treatment for most kind of industial wastewater. Bioremediation potential of the Phanerochaete chrysosporium for industrial wastewater from Industrial Zone Wastewater plant in Mardin, Turkey, was evaluated. The chemical oxygen demand (COD) and total organic carbon (TOC) reduction efficiencies of P. chrysoporium of on wastewater studied using biomarkers such as catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), Thiobarbituric Acid (TBARS) and reduced glutathione (GSH) levels in Dreissena polymorpha. The level of TBARS, a marker of lipid peroxidation was found to be high because of wastewater exposure after treatment. TBARS levels decreased (from 20.2 to 31.6 and from 20.8 to 37.5). GSH levels (from 52.3 to 15.9), CAT levels (from, 119.7 to 15.3 and from 91.1 to 13.4) SOD levels (from 3.8 to 0.9 and from 3.4 to 1.2) and GPX activity (from 177.2 to 104.4 and 174.2 to 100.5) decreased in the wastewater exposure groups during 24 and 96th hour compared to the control groups. GSH levels, CAT, SOD and GPX activity increased after treatment by P. chrysosporium. Results indicate that industrial wastewater caused oxidative stress in Dreissena polymorpha. The findings revealed that the highest removal efficiency for COD and TOC, at 86.3 % and 80.3 % respectively, occurred in the 1/20 diluted medium. P. chrysosporium has proven to be effective in the bioremediation of wastewater from the Industrial Zone Changes in biochemical parameters before and after bioremediation showed that antioxidant parameters such as CAT, SOD, GPx activities and GSH and TBARS levels can be used as biomarker to evaluate bioremediation efficiency.
Effect of TiO2 Drying Conditions on the Catalytic Activity of Pt for Ammonia Synthesis from NO−H2
Authors: Chaudhari Chandan , Manaka Yuichi , Nanba Tetsuya
Published: April 2024

The effect of drying conditions on the physicochemical and catalytic properties of TiO2 were examined for NO to ammonia reaction. TiO2 prepared by different drying conditions such as evaporation (EP), evaporation under reduced pressure (ER) and evaporation under freeze drying conditions (EF) was used for support for Pt loading. At low temperature (below 175 °C), the order for ammonia formation was Pt/TiO2(ER)>Pt/TiO2(EP)>Pt/TiO2(EF). Notably, Pt/TiO2(ER) catalyst was more effective than Pt/TiO2 prepared from commercially available TiO2. The characterization of these catalysts revealed that rutile‐rich phase TiO2, high Pt dispersion and moderate acidic sites were influential factors for ammonia formation. TiO2 drying conditions modified surface properties of TiO2 and consequently, catalytic activity for ammonia formation.
Design, Synthesis, Characterization, Enzyme Inhibition, Molecular Docking, and Pharmacological Evaluation of New Chalcone‐Sulfonate Derivatives Bearing Thiophene
Authors: Aslan Hakan , Yetişsin Fuat , Korkmaz Adem , Bursal Ercan
Published: April 2024

The novel chalcone‐sulfonate derivatives bearing thiophene motif were synthesized and characterized using 1H NMR, 13C NMR, and HRMS analysis. The evaluation of in vitro and in silico potential pancreatic lipase inhibition activity of the novel chalcone‐sulfonate derivatives bearing thiophene motif was scanned. IC50 values of compounds 5 i (28.76±2.11 μM) and 5 f (30.58±0.45 μM) were determined to be more effective pancreatic lipase inhibitors for in vitro studies. The best potential inhibitor for pancreatic lipase binding affinity was found as compound 5 f (−9.8 kcal mol−1) for in silico studies. Although compounds 5 f and 5 i were identified as the best pancreatic lipase inhibitor candidates in vitro and molecular docking studies, compounds 5 f and 5 i were predicted mutagenic and carcinogenic properties in mice according to ADMET studies. Deeply, compound 5 h was a more effective pancreatic lipase inhibitor according to enzyme inhibition, molecular docking, and ADMET studies. It can be said that compound 5 h may be a more efficient drug candidate than orlistat in the treatment of obesity.
Defect Engineering Simultaneously Regulating Exciton Dissociation in Carbon Nitride and Local Electron Density in Pt Single Atoms Toward Highly Efficient Photocatalytic Hydrogen Production
Authors: Liu Dongjie , Zhang Chunyang , Shi Jinwen , Shi Yuchuan , Nga Ta Thi Thuy , Liu Maochang , Shen Shaohua , Dong Chun‐Li
Published: April 2024

The high exciton binding energy (Eb) and sluggish surface reaction kinetics have severely limited the photocatalytic hydrogen production activity of carbon nitride (CN). Herein, a hybrid system consisting of nitrogen defects and Pt single atoms is constructed through a facile self‐assembly and photodeposition strategy. Due to the acceleration of exciton dissociation and regulation of local electron density of Pt single atoms along with the introduction of nitrogen defects, the optimized Pt‐MCT‐3 exhibits a hydrogen production rate of 172.0 µmol h−1 (λ ≥ 420 nm), ≈41 times higher than pristine CN. The apparent quantum yield for the hydrogen production is determined to be 27.1% at 420 nm. The experimental characterizations and theoretical calculations demonstrate that the nitrogen defects act as the electron traps for the exciton dissociation, resulting in a decrease of Eb from 86.92 to 43.20 meV. Simultaneously, the stronger interaction between neighboring nitrogen defects and Pt single atoms directionally drives free electrons to aggregate around Pt single atoms, and tailors the d‐band electrons of Pt, forming a moderate binding strength between Pt atoms and H* intermediates.
γ‐MnO2 as an Electron Reservoir for RuO2 Oxygen Evolution Catalyst in Acidic Media
Authors: Jia Wenqi , Cao Xuejie , Chen Xiaojie , Qin Hongye , Miao Licheng , Wang Qinglun , Jiao Lifang
Published: April 2024

Developing highly active and durable catalysts in acid conditions remains an urgent issue due to the sluggish kinetics of oxygen evolution reaction (OER). Although RuO2 has been a state‐of‐the‐art commercial catalyst for OER, it encounters poor stability and high cost. In this study, the electronic reservoir regulation strategy is proposed to promote the performance of acidic water oxidation via constructing a RuO2/MnO2 heterostructure supported on carbon cloth (CC) (abbreviated as RuO2/MnO2/CC). Theoretical and experimental results reveal that MnO2 acts as an electron reservoir for RuO2. It facilitates electron transfer from RuO2, enhancing its activity prior to OER, and donates electrons to RuO2, improving its stability after OER. Consequently, RuO2/MnO2/CC exhibits better performance compared to commercial RuO2, with an ultrasmall overpotential of 189 mV at 10 mA cm−2 and no signs of deactivation even after 800 h of electrolysis in 0.5 m H2SO4 at 10 mA cm−2. When applied as the anode in a proton exchange membrane water electrolyzer, the cost‐efficient RuO2/MnO2/CC catalyst only requires a cell voltage of 1.661 V to achieve the water‐splitting current of 1 A cm−2, and the noble metal cost is as low as US$ 0.00962 cm−2, indicating potential for practical applications.
Nanosafety: a Perspective on Nano‐Bio Interactions
Authors: Fadeel Bengt , Keller Arturo A.
Published: April 2024

Engineered nanomaterials offer numerous benefits to society ranging from environmental remediation to biomedical applications such as drug or vaccine delivery as well as clean and cost‐effective energy production and storage, and the promise of a more sustainable way of life. However, as nanomaterials of increasing sophistication enter the market, close attention to potential adverse effects on human health and the environment is needed. Here a critical perspective on nanotoxicological research is provided; the authors argue that it is time to leverage the knowledge regarding the biological interactions of nanomaterials to achieve a more comprehensive understanding of the human health and environmental impacts of these materials. Moreover, it is posited that nanomaterials behave like biological entities and that they should be regulated as such.
Nickel Oxide Hole Injection Layers for Balanced Charge Injection in Quantum Dot Light‐Emitting Diodes
Authors: Wan Haoyue , Jung Eui Dae , Zhu Tong , Park So Min , Pina Joao M. , Xia Pan , Bertens Koen , Wang Ya‐Kun , Atan Ozan , Chen Haijie , Hou Yi , Lee Seungjin , Won Yu‐Ho , Kim Kwang‐Hee , Hoogland Sjoerd , Sargent Edward H.
Published: April 2024

Quantum dot (QD) light‐emitting diodes (QLEDs) are promising for next‐generation displays, but suffer from carrier imbalance arising from lower hole injection compared to electron injection. A defect engineering strategy is reported to tackle transport limitations in nickel oxide‐based inorganic hole‐injection layers (HILs) and find that hole injection is able to enhance in high‐performance InP QLEDs using the newly designed material. Through optoelectronic simulations, how the electronic properties of NiOx affect hole injection efficiency into an InP QD layer, finding that efficient hole injection depends on lowering the hole injection barrier and enhancing the acceptor density of NiOx is explored. Li doping and oxygen enriching are identified as effective strategies to control intrinsic and extrinsic defects in NiOx, thereby increasing acceptor density, as evidenced by density functional theory calculations and experimental validation. With fine‐tuned inorganic HIL, InP QLEDs exhibit a luminance of 45 200 cd m−2 and an external quantum efficiency of 19.9%, surpassing previous inorganic HIL‐based QLEDs. This study provides a path to designing inorganic materials for more efficient and sustainable lighting and display technologies.
Laser‐Induced Graphene‐Based Sensors in Health Monitoring: Progress, Sensing Mechanisms, and Applications
Authors: Li Zihao , Huang Libei , Cheng Le , Guo Weihua , Ye Ruquan
Published: April 2024

The rising global population and improved living standards have led to an alarming increase in non‐communicable diseases, notably cardiovascular and chronic respiratory diseases, posing a severe threat to human health. Wearable sensing devices, utilizing micro‐sensing technology for real‐time monitoring, have emerged as promising tools for disease prevention. Among various sensing platforms, graphene‐based sensors have shown exceptional performance in the field of micro‐sensing. Laser‐induced graphene (LIG) technology, a cost‐effective and facile method for graphene preparation, has gained particular attention. By converting polymer films directly into patterned graphene materials at ambient temperature and pressure, LIG offers a convenient and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional methods, opening up innovative possibilities for electronic device fabrication. Integrating LIG‐based sensors into health monitoring systems holds the potential to revolutionize health management. To commemorate the tenth anniversary of the discovery of LIG, this work provides a comprehensive overview of LIG's evolution and the progress of LIG‐based sensors. Delving into the diverse sensing mechanisms of LIG‐based sensors, recent research advances in the domain of health monitoring are explored. Furthermore, the opportunities and challenges associated with LIG‐based sensors in health monitoring are briefly discussed.
Calculation of the mechanical properties of high‐performance concrete employing hybrid and ensemble‐hybrid techniques
Authors: Zhang Leilei , Zhao Yuwei
Published: April 2024

This study aims to execute machine learning methods to predict the mechanical properties containing TS and CS of HPC. They are essential parameters for the durability, workability, and efficiency of concrete structures in civil engineering. In this regard, obtaining the estimation of the mechanical properties of HPC is complex energy and time‐consuming. Due to this, an observed database was compiled, including 168 datasets for CS and 120 for TS. This database trained and validated two machine learning models: SVR and RT. The models combine the prediction outputs from the meta‐heuristic algorithms to build hybrid and ensemble‐hybrid models, which include dwarf mongoose optimization, PPSO, and moth flame optimization. According to the observed outputs, the ensemble models have great potential to be a recourse to deal with the overfitting problem of civil engineering, thus leading to the development of more supportable and less polluting concrete structures. This research significantly improves the efficiency and accuracy of predicting vital mechanical properties in high‐performance concrete by integrating machine learning and metaheuristic algorithms, offering promising avenues for enhanced concrete structure design and development.
Impact of herd mobility on brucellosis seroprevalence and spread risk resulting from cross‐border transhumance
Authors: Oyetola Wilfried Délé , Daou Samba , Bonfoh Bassirou , Bada Alambedji Rianatou
Published: April 2024

Background

Cross‐border livestock mobility through transhumance is mainly practiced in West African countries for seasonal access to resources and market. Cross‐border herds are involved in the dynamic of transboundary animal diseases among them brucellosis taken as model. Brucellosis is a zoonotic disease causing abortion.

Objectives

This study explores the seroprevalence of brucellosis according to mobility and infection spread between Mali and Côte d'Ivoire in the context of seasonal cross‐border transhumance.

Methods

From February to April 2021, a transversal serological survey of brucellosis was conducted on 521 cattle from 111 transhumant herds and 283 cattle from 59 sedentary herds, all from Mali.

Results

The global individual seroprevalence for Brucella spp. in transhumant and sedentary cattle from Mali was 8.2% (95% CI = 6.0–10.5). At herd level, seroprevalence was 21.2% with a significant variation between transhumant (11.7%) and sedentary (39.0%) herds. For herds in transhumance, cattle seropositivity was associated with a previous infection suspected by herdsmen odds ratio (OR = 4.4; 95% CI = 1.1–18.1) and unknown abortion aetiology (OR = 4.3; 95% CI = 1.0–17.3). The departure region (coming from Sikasso) and previous brucellosis infection or unexplained abortion could be used to predict Brucella infection in transhumant herds with a probability of around 60%. The risk of brucellosis introduction in host regions was high despite the individual animal seroprevalence of 3.6% and a low sale rate in transhumant cattle.

Conclusions

The findings suggest that testing transhumant during border control and survey of cattle markets and sales could improve risk control of the spread of disease at regional scale.
A mass balance approach for quantifying the role of natural decay and fate mechanisms on SARS‐CoV‐2 genetic marker removal during water reclamation
Authors: Carine Madeline R. , Pagilla Krishna R.
Published: April 2024

The recent SARS‐CoV‐2 outbreak yielded substantial data regarding virus fate and prevalence at water reclamation facilities (WRFs), identifying influential factors as natural decay, adsorption, light, pH, salinity, and antagonistic microorganisms. However, no studies have quantified the impact of these factors in full scale WRFs. Utilizing a mass balance approach, we assessed the impact of natural decay and other fate mechanisms on genetic marker removal during water reclamation, through the use of sludge and wastewater genetic marker loading estimates. Results indicated negligible removal of genetic markers during P/PT (primary effluent (PE) p value: 0.267; preliminary and primary treatment (P/PT) accumulation p value: 0.904; and thickened primary sludge (TPS) p value: 0.076) indicating no contribution of natural decay and other fate mechanisms toward removal in P/PT. Comparably, adsorption and decomposition was found to be the dominant pathway for genetic marker removal (thickened waste activated sludge (TWAS) log loading 9.75 log10 GC/day); however, no estimation of log genetic marker accumulation could be carried out due to high detections in TWAS.

Practitioner Points

The mass balance approach suggested that the contribution of natural decay and other fate mechanisms to virus removal during wastewater treatment are negligible compared with adsorption and decomposition in P/PT (p value: 0.904).

During (P/PT), a higher viral load remained in the (PE) (14.16 log10 GC/day) compared with TPS (13.83 log10 GC/day); however, no statistical difference was observed (p value: 0.280) indicting that adsorption/decomposition most probably did not occur.

In secondary treatment (ST), viral genetic markers in TWAS were consistently detected (13.41 log10 GC/day) compared with secondary effluent (SE), indicating that longer HRT and the potential presence of extracellular polymeric substance‐containing enriched biomass enabled adsorption/decomposition.

Estimations of total solids and volatile solids for TPS and TWAS indicated that adsorption affinity was different between solids sampling locations (p value: <0.0001).
Evaluation and Counseling of Candidates
Authors: Barba Pere , Rambaldi Alessandro
Published: April 2024

Enric Carreras
Documentation of Engraftment and Chimerism After HCT
Authors: Bader Peter , Kreyenberg Hermann , Bacigalupo Andrea
Published: April 2024

It is of central interest to document that the newly developing hematopoiesis post-transplant is of donor or recipient origin. The investigations of the genotype origin of post-transplant hematopoiesis are called chimerism analysis. The term “chimerism” was first introduced into medicine in 1951. Andresen wrote that an organism with cells from two or more distinct zygote lineages is a “chimera.” Since 1956, this term was used in field of transplantation (Ford et al. Nature 177:452–4, 1956). Chimera refers itself to the Greek mythology where Homer described a fire-spitting monster with the head of a lion, a tail of a serpent, and the body of a goat terrorizing Lycia, a region in Minor Asia.
Psychological Morbidity and Care
Authors: Polomeni Alice , Scherwath Angela
Published: April 2024

The growing scientific knowledge in the field of allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (alloHCT) has enabled a greater number of patients to access this curative therapy. However, advances in alloHCT such as the expansion of treatment indications and the age of eligible patients, new preemptive protocols and the development of haploidentical transplantation raise new ethical and clinical questions.
The HCT Unit
Authors: Rasheed Walid , Niederwieser Dietger W. , Aljurf Mahmoud
Published: April 2024

Hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) is an advanced therapeutic intervention that is required for a number of malignant and nonmalignant medical conditions, often for critically ill patients. The establishment of an HCT program requires the efforts of experienced and appropriately trained personnel to lead the program. Clearly, this also requires financial, legal, ethical, and other institutional support. Without the commitment of the hospital director, allocation of resources, support of the national health authorities, and politicians, an HCT program will not be successful. For newly starting programs, it would be essential to identify minimal requirements for establishing an HCT unit in order to optimize resource utilization as well as maintain safe patient care. While these minimal requirements also apply to well-established units, its structure helps to understand and implement additional steps for larger units which plan to offer additional transplant services and have access to more resources. The recent advent of more cellular therapy types, including immune effector cell therapy, has added another layer of complexity necessitating additional requirements by HCT programs to ensure patient safety.
Posttransplant Lymphoproliferative Syndromes
Authors: Styczynski Jan , Giebel Sebastian
Published: April 2024

Posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorders (PTLD) constitute a heterogeneous group of lymphoproliferative diseases that occur in the setting of transplantation and result from the uncontrolled neoplastic proliferation of lymphoid or plasmacytic cells in the context of extrinsic immunosuppression after transplantation.
Iron Overload
Authors: Angelucci Emanuele , Raiola Anna Maria
Published: April 2024

Iron overload/toxicity is an unavoidable consequence in several diseases characterized by anemia and red blood cell transfusion requirement. Iron toxicity can impact on transplant outcome by increasing oxidative stress. Impact of iron toxicity is different in the different stages of HCT.
Hepatic Complications
Authors: Carreras Enric , Ruutu Tapani , Mohty Mohamad , Corbacioglu Selim , de la Cámara Rafael
Published: April 2024

The frequency and severity of hepatic complications during hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) markedly decreased in the last decade, thanks to improvements in preventive and therapeutic measures for most frequent complications, as fungal infections, hepatotropic viruses, sinusoidal obstruction syndrome/veno-occlusive disease (SOS/VOD), hepatic graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), and improved management of hepatotoxic drugs and iron overload (Hockenbery et al. 2016).
JACIE Accreditation of HCT Programs
Authors: Saccardi Riccardo , Rintala Tuula , McGrath Eoin , Snowden John A.
Published: April 2024

The complexity of HCT as a medical technology and the frequent need for close interaction and interdependence between different services, teams, and external providers (donor registries, typing laboratories, etc.) distinguish it from many other medical fields. This complexity led to efforts by transplantation professionals to standardize processes based on consensus as a way to better manage inherent risks of this treatment. HCT was, and continues to be, a pioneer in the area of quality and standards.
Gastrointestinal Complications
Authors: Basak Grzegorz W.
Published: April 2024

The gastrointestinal (GI) tract is one of the systems most commonly affected by transplant complications. It is due to the high vulnerability of the gut mucosa composed of dividing cells, which are susceptible to chemotherapy-induced damage, rich vasculature, constant contact with intestinal microflora, and high content of immune-competent cells.
Cardiovascular Diseases and Metabolic Syndrome
Authors: Galvan Elisa Roldan , Snowden John A. , Greenfield Diana M.
Published: April 2024

An increased incidence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) has been shown after HCT, either autologous or allogeneic, compared with the normal population, with a cumulative incidence of cardiovascular events 15 years after HCT up to 6%. Screening of all patients who undergone an HCT is recommended in the international consensus guidelines. Knowing the risk factors and management of these complications and working with a multidisciplinary approach is essential to ensure the appropriate care of these patients.
Role of Umbilical Cord Blood Transplantation
Authors: Sanz Jaime , Rocha Vanderson
Published: April 2024

Similar to UCBT, haploidentical HCT can also be used on an urgent basis and extends donor availability to the vast majority of patients. In addition, haploidentical HCT allows a DLI if necessary.
Biological Properties of Hematopoietic Stem Cells: Scientific Basis for Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation
Authors: Aiuti Alessandro , Scala Serena , Chabannon Christian
Published: April 2024

Hematopoiesis—from the Greek term for “blood making”—is the adaptive process by which mature and functional blood cells are continuously replaced over the entire lifetime of an individual. Erythrocytes, platelets, and the various subsets of leukocytes all have finite although different life spans. As a consequence, the daily production of red blood cells, platelets, and neutrophils under homeostatic conditions amounts to more than 300 billion cells.
AML in Adults
Authors: Versluis Jurjen , Cornelissen Jan J. , Craddock Charles , Sanz Miguel Á. , Nagler Arnon
Published: April 2024

AML is a malignancy of hematopoietic immature precursors (myeloblasts) that accumulate in the BM at the expense of their normal counterparts. AML is increasingly being recognized as a heterogenous malignancy based on distinct disease biology and underlying cytogenetic and molecular profiles. These profiles and measurable residual disease after induction therapy direct post-remission strategies in a risk-adapated approach, which also includes the assessment of the risk of treatment-related mortality. In primary refractory AML, allo-HSCT remains a curative treatment option in fit patients. Allo-HSCT in acute promyelocytic leukemia is only recommended for specific cases, particularly when not in moleculair remission after treatment for first relapse.
Biological Properties of Cells Other Than HSCs
Authors: Bondanza Attilio , Koehl Ulrike , Hoffmann Andrea , Toubert Antoine
Published: April 2024

The array of cellular players involved in the biology of hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) clearly extends beyond hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) themselves and, in the case of transplantation from allogeneic sources, importantly includes cells of the innate and adaptive immune systems. Historically, the discovery of the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) system and the functional characterization of the different immune cell types had a transformational impact on our current understanding of the pathobiological “sequelae” of allo-HCT (rejection, graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), graft-versus-leukemia (GVL) effect). This body of knowledge coupled to the most recent “exploitation” of biotechnology has allowed us to design strategies for in vivo stimulation or adoptive transfer of specific immune cell types with the potential to dramatically improve transplantation outcome.
Introduction
Authors: Sawer Marian , Maley Maria
Published: April 2024

Almost 100 years after the arrival of women in the masculine domain of parliament they began breaking the silence about sexual harassment and bullying they experienced. This chapter introduces concepts relating to this experience, including toxic parliaments, sexual and sex-based harassment and bullying, as well as the broader concept of violence against women in politics and its disproportionate impact on those from minority backgrounds. Characteristics particularly associated with Westminster parliaments such as adversarialism and conventions of parliamentary privilege are briefly introduced, along with the distinctive nature of the parliamentary workforce. Feminist institutionalism provides the theoretical framework for the overall argument—that in Australia parliamentary reform took longer than in other Westminster parliaments but that a combination of timing and local mobilisation created a critical juncture and powerful momentum. The chapter ends with an overview of the rest of the book.
When a Phenomenon-Based University Course Went Online: Students’ Experiences and Reflections After Sauna Bathing
Authors: Wolff Lili-Ann , Heikkilä Emma , Wallinheimo Kirsi , Blomberg Wilhelm
Published: April 2024

This chapter presents and discusses results from data in form of learning diaries that a group of Finnish students wrote on a distance university course arranged during the COVID-19 lockdown. Initially, the course was planned to take place at a World Heritage site, but because of the pandemic, it had to be released online, and in the students’ own outdoor surroundings with limited physical interaction between the students. The first version of the course was run before the COVID-19pandemic, but it had to be totally modified first to an online version, and then to a hybrid version during the pandemic restrictions. For this reason, the World Heritage site as learning environment and focus had to quickly incorporate a current Finnish Cultural Heritage, the sauna bathing culture, in the course. The students were instructed to write or record their diaries in the form of stream of consciousness after their sauna bathing or other bathing, and these diaries were used as data in our study. The theoretical approach of the study is phenomenology, and we analysed the diaries employing hermeneutic/interpretative phenomenology. The result shows that the sauna diaries were a successful course element that made it possible for the students to express themselves and reflect on their daily lives in a critical situation, but also to reflect deeply on the course, and their own role in that context.
Changes in treatment of intracranial aneurysms during the last decade in a large European neurovascular center
Authors: Calvanese Francesco , Auricchio Anna Maria , Pohjola Anni , Hafez Ahmad , Nurminen Ville , Korja Miikka , Numminen Jussi , Lehecka Martin , Raj Rahul , Niemelä Mika
Published: April 2024

Objective

Treatment modality for ruptured and unruptured intracranial aneurysms has shifted during the last two decades from microsurgical treatment towards endovascular treatment. We present how this transition happened in a large European neurovascular center.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective observational study consecutive patients treated for an unruptured or ruptured intracranial aneurysm at Helsinki University Hospital during 2012–2022. We used Poisson regression analysis to report age-adjusted treatment trends by aneurysm location and rupture status.

Results

A total of 2491 patients with intracranial aneurysms were treated (44% ruptured, 56% unruptured): 1421 (57%) surgically and 1070 (43%) endovascularly. A general trend towards fewer treated aneurysms was noted. The proportion of patients treated surgically decreased from 90% in 2012 to 20% in 2022. The age-adjusted decrease of surgical versus endovascular treatment was 6.9%/year for all aneurysms, 6.8% for ruptured aneurysms, and 6.8% for unruptured aneurysms. The decrease of surgical treatment was most evident in unruptured vertebrobasilar aneurysms (10.8%/year), unruptured communicating artery aneurysms (10.1%/year), ruptured communicating artery aneurysms (10.0%/year), and ruptured internal carotid aneurysms (9.0%/year). There was no change in treatment modality for middle cerebral artery aneurysms, of which 85% were still surgically treated in 2022. A trend towards an increasing size for treated ruptured aneurysms was found (p = 0.033).

Conclusion

A significant shift of the treatment modality from surgical to endovascular treatment occurred for all aneurysm locations except for middle cerebral artery aneurysms. Whether this shift has affected long-term safety and patient outcomes should be assessed in the future.
Antinuclear antibodies may predict the development of immune-related adverse events in asymptomatic patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors: results from a single-center cohort
Authors: Ceccarelli Fulvia , Natalucci Francesco , Picciariello Licia , Cirillo Alessio , Olivieri Giulio , Veroli Margherita , Pisegna Simona , Ciancarella Claudia , Gelibter Alain , Picone Vincenzo , Santini Daniele , Botticelli Andrea , Conti Fabrizio
Published: April 2024

We aim at investigating the association between subclinical autoimmunity and immune-related adverse events (irAEs) in a cohort of patients treated by immune checkpoint inhibitors for solid metastatic cancer. In the context of an oncology/rheumatology outpatient clinic, we evaluated patients treated with anti-PD-1 or anti-PD-L1. Before treatment, each patient underwent a physical evaluation and a blood sample to identify the presence of a set of autoantibodies. Indeed, all the patients were followed during treatment to identify irAEs and to assess the association with autoantibodies. Fifty-one patients (M/F 16/35; median age 70 years, IQR 16.5) were evaluated; 34.8% of patients showed ANA positivity, 6.5% ENA positivity (anti-SSA), 4.3% Ratest positivity, and 2.1% (one patient) ACPA positivity. During a median period of 21 months (IQR 38.75), 39.2% of patients developed irAEs. Musculo-skeletal manifestations, in particular arthritis, were the most frequent. We found a significant association between the positivity for ANA and the development of irAES (p = 0.03, RR 2.01, 95% CI 1.03–3.92). Furthermore, the progression-free survival was significantly longer in patients developing irAEs compared to those who are not experiencing these events (p = 0.007). This study underlines the potential role of ANA positivity as a predictive biomarker for the development of irAEs.
Financial sustainability and automatic balance mechanisms for NDC pension systems with disability benefits
Authors: Levantesi Susanna , Menzietti Massimiliano , Fratoni Lorenzo
Published: April 2024

The need for Long term care (LTC) service continues to rise due to the increasing number of elderly in the world, which stresses the healthcare systems. As most of the LTC recipients are over age 65, several authors studied retirement products combining a lifetime annuity with a long-term care benefit (typical examples are Enhanced Pension and Life Care Annuity). The development of an integrated strategy may help to address the issue of the cost of care for pensioners affected by disability. In this paper, we contribute to the debate on the introduction of LTC benefits into a notional defined contribution (NDC) pension system by using a multivariate stochastic model to represent the future evolution of transition probabilities and economic variables, which allows investigation of the financial sustainability of the system in a stochastic environment. The presence of LTC adds new risk elements, such as the uncertainty related to disability rates and mortality rates of the disabled, which may jeopardize the financial equilibrium of the integrated system. To restore the system’s equilibrium, we apply two types of automatic balance mechanisms (ABM), one based on the solvency ratio, and the other on the liquidity ratio. Both act on the indexation of pensions and the notional rate.
6Pgdh polymorphism in wild bulb mite populations: prevalence, environmental correlates and life history trade-offs
Authors: Unnikrishnan Pranav , Grzesik Szymon , Trojańska Magdalena , Klimek Beata , Plesnar-Bielak Agata
Published: April 2024

Genetic polymorphism in key metabolic genes plays a pivotal role in shaping phenotypes and adapting to varying environments. Polymorphism in the metabolic gene 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase (6Pgdh) in bulb mites, Rhizoglyphus robini is characterized by two alleles, S and F, that differ by a single amino acid substitution and correlate with male reproductive fitness. The S-bearing males demonstrate a reproductive advantage. Although the S allele rapidly fixes in laboratory settings, the persistence of polymorphic populations in the wild is noteworthy. This study examines the prevalence and stability of 6Pgdh polymorphism in natural populations across Poland, investigating potential environmental influences and seasonal variations. We found widespread 6Pgdh polymorphism in natural populations, with allele frequencies varying across locations and sampling dates but without clear geographical or seasonal clines. This widespread polymorphism and spatio-temporal variability may be attributed to population demography and gene flow between local populations. We found some correlation between soil properties, particularly cation content (Na, K, Ca, and Mg) and 6Pgdh allele frequencies, showcasing the connection between mite physiology and soil characteristics and highlighting the presence of environment-dependent balancing selection. We conducted experimental fitness assays to determine whether the allele providing the advantage in male–male competition has antagonistic effects on life-history traits and if these effects are temperature-dependent. We found that temperature does not differentially influence development time or juvenile survival in different 6Pgdh genotypes. This study reveals the relationship between genetic variation, environmental factors, and reproductive fitness in natural bulb mite populations, shedding light on the dynamic mechanisms governing 6Pgdh polymorphism.
Design and analysis of an adaptive radiation resilient RRAM subsystem for processing systems in satellites
Authors: Reiser Daniel , Chen Junchao , Knödtel Johannes , Baroni Andrea , Krstić Miloš , Reichenbach Marc
Published: April 2024

Among the numerous benefits that novel RRAM devices offer over conventional memory technologies is an inherent resilience to the effects of radiation. Hence, they appear suitable for use as a memory subsystem in a computer architecture for satellites. In addition to memory devices resistant to radiation, the concept of applying protective measures dynamically promises a system with low susceptibility to errors during radiation events, while also ensuring efficient performance in the absence of radiation events. This paper presents the first RRAM-based memory subsystem for satellites with a dynamic response to radiation events. We integrate this subsystem into a computing platform that employs the same dynamic principles for its processing system and implements modules for timely detection and even prediction of radiation events. To determine which protection mechanism is optimal, we examine various approaches and simulate the probability of errors in memory. Additionally, we are studying the impact on the overall system by investigating different software algorithms and their radiation robustness requirements using a fault injection simulation. Finally, we propose a potential implementation of the dynamic RRAM-based memory subsystem that includes different levels of protection and can be used for real applications in satellites.
How the support that students receive during online learning influences their academic performance
Authors: García-Machado Juan José , Martínez Ávila Minerva , Dospinescu Nicoleta , Dospinescu Octavian
Published: April 2024

In recent years educational institutions are increasingly using online learning and because of this trend it is necessary to investigate its impact on student academic performance. Although this topic has been addressed in different educational fields before, there is an objective justification for our approach. Thus, the reasoning behind this particular research is the fact that recent findings have shown that the academic performance of students using online education is affected by a series of motivating factors which can have an impact on their performance. The main goal of this paper is to highlight and analyze the mediating effect of intrinsic student motivation and student academic engagement and how they affect the relationship between the range of support, which students receive during their online learning and thus their academic performance. This study was conducted in two higher educational institutions in Mexico and Romania, with a sample of 822 students. The data was analyzed using a second generational PLS-SEM technique. The results confirm that the support students enjoy during online learning has no direct impact on their academic performance, unless it is fully mediated by their own intrinsic motivation and academic engagement. The influence of Gender was also analyzed, but it was not found to be a determining factor of academic performance in both higher educational institutions. These findings not only have theoretical and practical implications for students, teachers and education authorities, they also help us to broaden the field of knowledge in the e-learning environment.
Palmatine Alleviates Particulate Matter-Induced Acute Lung Injury by Inhibiting Pyroptosis via Activating the Nrf2-Related Pathway
Authors: Zuo Hao , Zhou Wanting , Chen Yijing , Zhou Binqian , Wang Zhengkai , Huang Shuai , Alinejad Tahereh , Chen Chengshui
Published: April 2024

Particulate matter (PM) induces and enhances oxidative stress and inflammation, leading to a variety of respiratory diseases, including acute lung injury. Exploring new treatments for PM-induced lung injury has long been of interest to researchers. Palmatine (PAL) is a natural extract derived from plants that has been reported in many studies to alleviate inflammatory diseases. Our study was designed to explore whether PAL can alleviate acute lung injury caused by PM. The acute lung injury model was established by instilling PM (4 mg/kg) into the airway of mice, and PAL (50 mg/kg and 100 m/kg) was administrated orally as the treatment groups. The effect and mechanism of PAL treatment were examined by immunofluorescence, immunohistochemistry, Western Blotting, ELISA, and other experiments. The results showed that oral administration of PAL (50 mg/kg and 100 m/kg) could significantly alleviate lung inflammation and acute lung injury caused by PM. In terms of mechanism, we found that PAL (50 mg/kg) exerts anti-inflammatory and anti-damage effects mainly by enhancing the activation of the Nrf2-related antioxidant pathway and inhibiting the activation of the NLRP3-related pyroptosis pathway in mice. These mechanisms have also been verified in our cell experiments. Further cell experiments showed that PAL may reduce intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) by activating Nrf2-related pathways, thereby inhibiting the activation of NLRP3-related pyroptosis pathway induced by PM in Beas-2B cell. Our study suggests that PAL can be a new option for PM-induced acute lung injury.
The Effect of Mindset Interventions on Stress and Academic Motivation in College Students
Authors: Meyer Heidi H. , Stutts Lauren A.
Published: April 2024

Stress levels are high among college students in the United States. Growth mindset and stress-is-enhancing mindset interventions offer ways to reduce stress, but minimal research has examined them. This study’s aim was to examine the effect of mindset interventions on mindsets, stress, academic motivation, and responses to hypothetical academic scenarios. Participants included 210 college students who were randomized to one of four groups: growth mindset (intelligence is malleable), stress mindset (stress is beneficial), synergistic (intelligence is malleable, and stress is beneficial), or control (brain functions). The growth mindset and the synergistic mindset group increased in growth mindset, and the growth mindset group had higher growth mindset than the stress mindset and control group post-intervention. The stress mindset and the synergistic group increased in stress-is-enhancing mindset, and both groups had higher stress-is-enhancing mindsets than the growth mindset and control group post-intervention. All groups decreased in stress and increased in academic motivation. The synergistic group was the only group to improve on all the main outcomes, and students in this group were less likely to want to withdraw from a course in both negative hypothetical academic scenarios (if they failed an assignment or were faced with a professor with a fixed mindset). Our findings suggest that students would benefit from increased access to mindset interventions.
Optical soliton solutions of generalized Pochammer Chree equation
Authors: Tarla Sibel , Ali Karmina K. , Günerhan Hatıra
Published: April 2024

This research investigates the utilization of a modified version of the Sardar sub-equation method to discover novel exact solutions for the generalized Pochammer Chree equation. The equation itself represents the propagation of longitudinal deformation waves in an elastic rod. By employing this modified method, we aim to identify previously unknown solutions for the equation under consideration, which can contribute to a deeper understanding of the behavior of deformation waves in elastic rods. The solutions obtained are represented by hyperbolic, trigonometric, exponential functions, dark, dark-bright, periodic, singular, and bright solutions. By selecting suitable values for the physical parameters, the dynamic behaviors of these solutions can be demonstrated. This allows for a comprehensive understanding of how the solutions evolve and behave over time. The effectiveness of these methods in capturing the dynamics of the solutions contributes to our understanding of complex physical phenomena. The study’s findings show how effective the selected approaches are in explaining nonlinear dynamic processes. The findings reveal that the chosen techniques are not only effective but also easily implementable, making them applicable to nonlinear model across various fields, particularly in studying the propagation of longitudinal deformation waves in an elastic rod. Furthermore, the results demonstrate that the given model possesses solutions with potentially diverse structures.
Indiscernibility and the grounds of identity
Authors: Elgin Samuel Z.
Published: April 2024

I provide a theory of the metaphysical foundations of identity: an account of what grounds facts of the form $$a=b$$

a
=
b

. In particular, I defend the claim that indiscernibility grounds identity. This is typically rejected because it is viciously circular; plausible assumptions about the logic of ground entail that the fact that $$a=b$$

a
=
b

partially grounds itself. The theory I defend is immune to this circularity.
The playing field of empirical facts: on the interrelations between moral and empirical beliefs in reflective equilibrium
Authors: Cordes Manuel
Published: April 2024

What exactly is the role of empirical beliefs in moral reflective equilibrium (RE)? And if they have a part to play, can changes in our empirical beliefs effectuate changes in the moral principles we adopt? Conversely, can empirical beliefs be adjusted in light of certain moral convictions? While it is generally accepted that empirical background theory is of importance to the method of wide reflective equilibrium (WRE), this article focuses on a different aspect, namely the role of empirical beliefs that is intrinsic to the coherence relation of moral beliefs in any (narrow or wide) conception of RE. First, it is shown that in the application of RE, empirical beliefs are crucial to the procedure of matching principles to considered judgments. Changes in our empirical beliefs may therefore upset the relevant coherence relation and motivate changes in the moral principles we adopt. This more detailed account of the interplay between empirical and moral beliefs can help evaluate the overall philosophical appeal of RE. Finally, it is argued that, at least in WRE, the relation between empirical and moral beliefs need not be a one-way street, that is, moral convictions can provide us with some epistemic means of adjudicating between competing empirical descriptions of the world.