bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gypenoside induces apoptosis by inhibiting the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway and enhances T-cell antitumor immunity by inhibiting PD-L1 in gastric cancer
Authors: Wu Hongliang , Lai Wenjing , Wang Qiaoling , Zhou Qiang , Zhang Rong , Zhao Yu
Published: February 2024

Introduction: Gypenoside is a natural extract of Gynostemma pentaphyllum (Thunb.) Makino, a plant in the Cucurbitaceae family. It has been reported to have antitumor effects on the proliferation, migration and apoptosis of various types of cancer cells. However, the use of gypenoside in the treatment of gastric cancer has not been studied. In the present study, we explored the therapeutic effect of gypenoside on gastric cancer and the potential molecular mechanism.

Methods and Results: Our results showed that gypenoside induced apoptosis in HGC-27 and SGC-7901 cells in a time-dependent and dose-dependent manner. Network pharmacology analyses predicted that gypenoside exerts its therapeutic effects through the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway. Furthermore, molecular docking and western blot experiments confirmed that gypenoside induced the apoptosis of gastric cancer cells through the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway. In addition, network pharmacological analysis revealed that the common targets of gypenoside in gastric cancer were enriched in the immune effector process, PD-L1 expression, the PD-1 checkpoint pathway, and the Jak-STAT signaling pathway. Furthermore, molecular docking and western blot assays demonstrated that gypenoside could bind to STAT3 and reduce its phosphorylation. Thus, the transcription of PD-L1 was inhibited in gastric cancer cells. Moreover, coculture experiments of gastric cancer cells with gypenoside and primary mouse CD8+ T cells showed that gastric cancer cells treated with gypenoside could enhance the antitumor ability of T cells. Animal experiments confirmed the antitumor effect of gypenoside, and the expression of PD-L1 was significantly downregulated in the gypenoside-treated group.

Conclusion: Gypenoside induced the apoptosis of gastric cancer cells by inhibiting the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway and simultaneously inhibited the expression of PD-L1 in gastric cancer cells, thus enhancing the antitumor immunity of T cells. This study provides a theoretical basis for applying gypenoside as a new therapeutic agent to enhance the efficacy of immunotherapy in gastric cancer.
A hypoxia-related genes prognostic risk model, and mechanisms of hypoxia contributing to poor prognosis through immune microenvironment and drug resistance in acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Liu Xin , Wang Li , Kang Qian , Feng Cheng , Wang Jishi
Published: February 2024

Objective: Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a malignant hematologic cancer with poor prognosis. Emerging evidence suggests a close association between AML progression and hypoxia. The purpose of this study was to establish a new risk prognostic model for AML based on hypoxia-related genes, and to explore the mechanisms by which hypoxia-related genes affect the prognosis of AML based on tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) and drug resistance.

Methods: The AML patient samples obtained from Therapeutically Applicable Research to Generate Effective Treatments (TARGET) database were classified into C1 and C2 based on hypoxia-related genes, followed by analysis utilizing Gene Ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopaedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) and Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA). Through univariate and LASSO Cox regression analysis, the hypoxia-related hub genes 26S proteasome non-ATPase regulatory subunit 11 (PSMD11) and 26S proteasome non-ATPase regulatory subunit 14 (PSMD14) were identified to construct the model. AML patient samples were obtained from the TARGET and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) databases, serving as the training and the validation sets, and were stratified into high-risk and low-risk group according to the median risk score. The correlations between the model and TIME and anti-tumor drugs were analysed using CIBERSORT and Genomics of Drug Sensitivity in Cancer (GDSC) databases. The expressions of PSMD11/PSMD14 in clinical samples and AML sensitive and drug-resistant cell lines were detected by Western blot and real-time PCR.

Results: The C1 group with high expression of hypoxia-related genes had lower overall survival (OS). Immune-related signaling pathways were different between C1/C2, and hypoxia was positively correlated with the activation of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway. The model had good accuracy in both the training and the validation sets. The high-risk group exhibited lower OS and TIME activity, and was more sensitive to several anti-tumor drugs. PSMD11/PSMD14 were highly expressed in relapsed patients and AML drug-resistant cell lines.

Conclusion: The established novel risk prognostic model and experiment results offer valuable insights for predicting AML prognosis and guiding drug selection. It also provides a fundamental framework for the mechanisms through which hypoxia impacts AML prognosis by modulating TIME and drug resistance.
Resolving soft X-ray photons with a high-rate hybrid pixel detector
Authors: Hinger Viktoria , Barten Rebecca , Baruffaldi Filippo , Bergamaschi Anna , Borghi Giacomo , Boscardin Maurizio , Brückner Martin , Carulla Maria , Centis Vignali Matteo , Dinapoli Roberto , Ebner Simon , Ficorella Francesco , Fröjdh Erik , Greiffenberg Dominic , Hammad Ali Omar , Hasanaj Shqipe , Heymes Julian , King Thomas , Kozłowski Pawel , Lopez-Cuenca Carlos , Mezza Davide , Mozzanica Aldo , Moustakas Konstantinos , Paternoster Giovanni , Paton Kirsty A. , Ronchin Sabina , Ruder Christian , Schmitt Bernd , Sieberer Patrick , Thattil Dhanya , Xie Xiangyu , Zhang Jiaguo
Published: February 2024

Due to their high frame rates and dynamic range, large area coverage, and high signal-to-noise ratio, hybrid silicon pixel detectors are an established standard for photon science applications at X-ray energies between 2 keV and 20 keV. These properties also make hybrid detectors interesting for experiments with soft X-rays between 200 eV and 2 keV. In this energy range, however, standard hybrid detectors are limited by the quantum efficiency of the sensor and the noise of the readout electronics. These limitations can be overcome by utilizing inverse Low-Gain Avalanche Diode (iLGAD) sensors with an optimized X-ray entrance window. We have developed and characterized a prototype soft X-ray iLGAD sensor bonded to the charge integrating 75 µm pixel JUNGFRAU chip. Cooled to −22°C, the system multiplication factor of the signal generated by an impinging photon is ≥ 11. With this gain, the effective equivalent noise charge of the system is ≤5.5 electrons root-mean-square at a 5 µs integration time. We show that by cooling the system below −50°C, single photon resolution at 200 eV becomes feasible with a signal-to-noise ratio better than 5.
High effects of climate oscillations on population diversity and structure of endangered Myricaria laxiflora
Authors: Li Hao , Huang Guiyun , Qiu Liwen , Liu Jihong , Guo Yinhua
Published: February 2024

Exploring the effects of climate oscillations on the population diversity and structure of endangered organisms in the Three Gorges Reservoir (TGR) area is essential for hydrological environment changes on endangered organism evolution. Myricaria laxiflora is an endemic and endangered shrub restricted to the TGR along the banks of Yangtze River, China. Recently, six natural populations of this species were newly found upstream and downstream of the TGR, whose habitats have been dramatically changed by the summer flooding regulated by large dams. To study the water level fluctuations and climatic shifts on the genetic diversity and genetic differentiation of the six natural populations, 303 individuals from six populations were analyzed based on one nuclear DNA (ITS) and four chloroplast fragments (trnL-F, psbA-trnH, rps16, and rpl16). The phylogenetic tree and significant genetic divergence identified in the cpDNA and ITS with genetic isolation and limited gene flow among regions suggested that the six populations separated well to two groups distributed upstream and downstream. The MaxEnt modeling results indicated that obvious unidirectional eastward migration via Yangtze River gorges watercourse mediated from Last Interglacial to Last Glacial Maximum were showed with the narrow scale distributions of six remnant populations and nine extirpated populations. The initial habitat fragmentation could be triggered by the accumulation of local habitat loss of the impoundment of the TGR during the Present period and might remain stable restoration with bidirectional diffusion in the Future. Divergences among M. laxiflora populations might have been induced by the drastic changes of the external environment and limited seed/pollen dispersal capacity, as the results of long-term ecological adaptability of summer flooding stress. The haplotypes of nuclear gene could be used for population’s differentiation and germplasm protection. This identified gene flow and range dynamics have provided support for the gene-flow and geology hypothesis. It is also crucial for rescuing conservation to understand the impact of environmental dynamics on endangered organism evolution.
Song and dance: a memetic angle on the evolution of musicality and music via case studies of a musemeplex in Saint-Saëns and ABBA
Authors: Jan Steven
Published: February 2024

Applying the theory of memetics to music offers the prospect of reconciling general Darwinian principles with the style and structure of music. The nature of the units of cultural evolution in music—memes or, more specifically, musemes—can potentially shed light on the evolutionary processes and pressures attendant upon early-hominin musicality. That is, primarily conjunct, narrow-tessitura musemes (those conforming to Ratner's “singing style,” and its instrumental assimilations) and primarily disjunct, wide-tessitura musemes (those conforming to Ratner's “brilliant style,” and its vocal assimilations) appear to be the outcome of distinct cultural-evolutionary processes. Moreover, musemes in each category arguably acquire their fecundity (perceptual-cognitive salience, and thus transmissibility) by appealing to different music-underpinning brain and body subsystems. Given music's status as an embodied phenomenon, both singing-style and brilliant-style musemes recruit and evoke image schemata, but those in the former category draw primarily upon vocal images of line, direction and continuity; whereas those in the latter category draw primarily upon rhythmic impetus and energy. These two museme-categories may have been molded by distinct biological-evolutionary processes—the evolution of fine vocal control, and that of rhythmic synchronisation, respectively; and they might—via the process of memetic drive—have themselves acted as separate and distinct selection pressures on biological evolution, in order to optimize the environment for their replication. As a case-study of (primarily) singing-style musemes, this article argues that a passage from the love duet “Mon cœur s'ouvre à ta voix” from Camille Saint-Saëns' opera Samson et Dalila op. 47 (1877) is the cultural-evolutionary antecedent of the Introduction/Chorus/Outro material of ABBA's song “The Winner Takes It All.” Discussion of their melodic and harmonic similarities supports a memetic link between elements of Saint-Saëns' duet and ABBA's song. These relationships of cultural transmission are argued to have been impelled by the fecundity of the shared musemes, which arises from the image-schematic and embodied effects of the implication-realisation structures (in Narmour's sense) that comprise them; and which is underwritten by the coevolution of musemes with vocal- and rhythmic-production mechanisms, and associated perceptual-cognitive schemata.
Analysis of spelling errors from the ‘dyslexic sight words’ list
Authors: Cidrim Luciana , Batista Andrea Oliveira , Madeiro Francisco , Capellini Simone Aparecida
Published: February 2024

In this study the spelling errors of the ‘Dyslexic Sight Words - DSW’ list are analyzed according to the semiological classification. The spelling errors were made by schoolchildren with and without dyslexia. The high number of inaccuracies observed in the writing of the Group with dyslexia (GD) was often related to the complexity of syllabic structures and orthographic irregularity. The syllabic structures, in addition to the consonant-vowel (CV) pattern, often pose challenges for all students as they move through the alphabetic writing phase, early in literacy. This classification provides an understanding of the characteristics of Natural Spelling and Arbitrary Spelling, providing support for the teaching-learning of words by dyslexic students and is also relevant for the design of Portuguese language teacher training policies. In the teaching of the orthographic norm, the success and error when writing words should be followed by a reflection (metaorthographic skill) and monitoring of learning, both on the part of the teacher and on the part of the learner, reinforcing the knowledge of spelling patterns that will be triggered as the student is exposed to the explicit formal teaching of spelling.
Perceived discrimination as a mediator between cultural identity and mental health symptoms among racial/ethnic minority adults in the United States: insights from the Health Information National Trends Survey 6
Authors: Zhou Lulin , Nutakor Jonathan Aseye , Larnyo Ebenezer , Addai-Dansoh Stephen , Cui Yupeng , Dey Nutifafa Eugene Yaw
Published: February 2024

Objective

This study examined the role of perceived discrimination as a mediator between cultural identity and mental health symptoms among adults from racial/ethnic minority groups in the United States.

Methods

Data were gathered from the National Cancer Institute’s (NCI) Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS) 6, a nationally representative survey. The mediating role of perceived discrimination was investigated using structural equation modeling (SEM) analysis.

Results

The study found significant associations between demographic and lifestyle factors and mental health symptoms. Non-Hispanic Blacks or African Americans and Hispanics were less likely than Non-Hispanic Whites to have mental health symptoms. Individuals between the ages of 35 and 49, 50 to 64, 65 to 74, and 75 and older had lower odds of mental health symptoms. Gender differences revealed that females had a higher risk of mental health issues than males. Socioeconomic factors, such as household income and employment status, played a significant role, with higher household income and employment status being associated with a decreased likelihood of mental health symptoms. The study emphasizes the role of perceived discrimination as a mediator, suggesting that it fully mediated the association between cultural identity and mental health symptoms. These findings highlight the significance of addressing discrimination experiences in fostering the mental health of adults from diverse backgrounds.

Conclusion

The findings highlight the need to take racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic inequities, as well as cultural identity and prejudice, into account in mental health research and interventions. The identified risk and protective factors can guide interventions and policies to enhance this population’s mental health.
Development and validation of fall risk perception scale for patients with Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Yang Xin , Yao Meiqi , Guo Zhiting , Shen Xuhui , Jin Jingfen
Published: February 2024

Background

Perception assessment plays an important role in fall risk awareness and fall prevention. Parkinson’s disease patients with motor dysfunction are at high risk of falling. Currently, no instrument has been explicitly crafted to assess the risk perception of fall in PD patients. The purpose of this study was to develop and validate the fall risk perception scale for PD patients (FRPS-PD), providing healthcare professionals with a effective assessment tool to enhance proactive fall prevention initiatives.

Method

Based on the Proactive Health theory and Risk Perception Attitude (RPA) Framework, the questionnaire was developed through literature review, semi-structure interview, expert consultation and pilot testing. A total of 428 patients with PD from Grade A tertiary hospitals in Shanghai, Hangzhou and Anhui from January 2023 to July 2023 were recruited. The items and dimensions in the scale were explored and confirmed using item-analysis, content validity, exploratory factor analytical (EFA), confirmatory factor analytical (CFA), internal consistency and test–retest reliability analysis.

Results

A total of 16-items, 2-dimensions structure were identified, including 12 items of risk perception and 4 items of self-efficacy dimension. The cumulative variance of EFA model was 73.669%, further CFA showed that acceptable model fit (χ2/df = 2.226, RMSEA = 0.074, NF = 0.928, TLI = 0.951, CFI = 0.959, GFI = 0.887 and AGFI = 0.848). The content validity index was 0.956. The reliability of the scale was 0.952 using Cronbach’s α coefficient method. The test–retest reliability was 0.944.

Conclusion

The FRPS-PD is a valid and reliable measurement for evaluating fall risk perception level for individuals with PD in mainland China.
Is it okay to feel this way? Exploring the joint effect of emotional experiences and expectations on life satisfaction
Authors: Yeung June Chun , Roczniewska Marta , Krys Kuba
Published: February 2024

This research investigates the joint effect of individual emotional experiences and societal expectations on life satisfaction. Inspired by the Affect Valuation Theory and Self-Discrepancy Theory, we explored how discrepancies between actual emotional experiences and what society believes we “ought” to feel are linked with life satisfaction. A total of 301 U.S. online participants rated their emotional experiences and societal expectations for emotions, along with measures of life satisfaction. Response surface analyses were used to assess the effect of emotional experience-norm congruence on life satisfaction. Findings revealed that the highest life satisfaction reported by individuals infrequently experiencing negative emotions but perceiving high societal expectations for these emotions, while congruence effects were not supported. These findings suggest the potential benefits of a societal shift toward greater acceptance of a wider range of negative emotions. The study may potentially stimulate interventions to enhance individuals' life satisfaction by reconsidering societal beliefs about emotions.
Water, sanitation and hygiene at sex work venues to support menstrual needs
Authors: Phillips-Howard Penelope A. , Osire Edyth , Akinyi Cynthia , Zulaika Garazi , Otieno Fredrick O. , Mehta Supriya D.
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Adequate menstrual health and hygiene (MHH) is necessary for women's health and equity of all menstruators. Female sex workers (FSW) require good MHH to prevent discomfort and exposure to pathogens. No studies have evaluated water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) conditions of FSW. We report on a cross-sectional WASH assessment at FSW venues in Kisumu, western Kenya.

Methods

Stakeholders identified 77 FSW venues in Kisumu, of which 47 were randomly sampled and visited between April–May 2023. A standardized structured survey of WASH conditions was deployed by trained research staff using Android tablets after proprietor's consent. WASH scores ranging 0–3 were computed based on point each for direct observation of water available, soap available, and acceptable latrine. MHH scores ranging between 0–4 were computed (one point each) for direct observation of: currently available soap and water, locking door on a usable latrine, functional lighting, and a private area for changing clothes or menstrual materials, separate from the latrine(s). WASH and MHH scores were compared by venue type using non-parametric Kruskal-Wallis tests, and non-parametric Spearman rank tests.

Results

Full WASH criteria was met by 29.8% of venues; 34.0% had no adequate WASH facilities; 46.8% had no female latrine; and 25.5% provided soap and water in private spaces for women. While 76.6% had menstrual waste disposal only 14 (29.8%) had covered bins. One in 10 venues provided adequate MHM facilities. Poorest WASH facilities were in brothels and in bars, and three-quarters of bars with accommodation had no MHH facilities.

Discussion

WASH and MHH services were sub-optimal in the majority of FSW venues, preventing menstrual management safely, effectively, with dignity and privacy. This study highlights the unmet need for MHH support for this population. Poor MHH can deleteriously impact FSW health and wellbeing and compound the stigma and shame associated with their work and ability to stay clean. Acceptable and cost-effective solutions to sustainably improve WASH facilities for these populations are needed.

Trial registration

Clinicaltrial.gov NCT0566678.
A multimodal deep learning architecture for smoking detection with a small data approach
Authors: Lakatos Róbert , Pollner Péter , Hajdu András , Joó Tamás
Published: February 2024

Covert tobacco advertisements often raise regulatory measures. This paper presents that artificial intelligence, particularly deep learning, has great potential for detecting hidden advertising and allows unbiased, reproducible, and fair quantification of tobacco-related media content. We propose an integrated text and image processing model based on deep learning, generative methods, and human reinforcement, which can detect smoking cases in both textual and visual formats, even with little available training data. Our model can achieve 74% accuracy for images and 98% for text. Furthermore, our system integrates the possibility of expert intervention in the form of human reinforcement. Using the pre-trained multimodal, image, and text processing models available through deep learning makes it possible to detect smoking in different media even with few training data.
Chitogel improves long-term health economic outcomes following endoscopic sinus surgery in severe chronic rhinosinusitis patients
Authors: Barber Jacqueline M. , Bouras George , Robinson Grace S. , Robinson Simon R.
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Chronic rhinosinusitis causes severe symptoms that can affect patient quality of life. Endoscopic sinus surgery can be effective in improving symptoms, although surgical outcomes can be compromised post-operatively, and revision surgery is required in a proportion of patients. This study compares outcomes and healthcare resource use in patients undergoing sinus surgery with or without Chitogel as a post-operative dressing.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was conducted using deidentified audit data from adult patients with severe chronic rhinosinusitis, who underwent endoscopic sinus surgery between January 2016 and December 2021. Patients in the intervention group received Chitogel as a post-operative dressing, and control patients received standard best-practice care. Cox Proportional Hazards survival analysis was used to compare revision surgery rates and time to revision between treatment groups. The rate of revision surgery was used to estimate potential health sector savings associated with use of Chitogel following surgery compared to the control arm, considering initial treatment costs and the cost of revision surgery.

Results

Over 18–24 months, patients treated with Chitogel demonstrated significantly lower rates of revision surgery (p = 0.035), and a trend towards decreased use of post-operative steroids, compared to control. Potential health sector savings due to reduced rates of revision surgery following use of Chitogel are estimated as NZ $753,000 per 100 patients.

Conclusion

Severe chronic rhinosinusitis patients treated with Chitogel had lower rates of revision surgery within the first 18–24 months post-operative. These findings suggest that use of Chitogel can improve long-term patient outcomes and should improve health system efficiency.
GINGERINO: a high sensitivity ring laser gyroscope for fundamental and quantum physics investigation
Authors: Giovinetti Francesco , Altucci Carlo , Bajardi Francesco , Basti Andrea , Beverini Nicolò , Capozziello Salvatore , Carelli Giorgio , Castellano Simone , Ciampini Donatella , Di Somma Giuseppe , Di Virgilio Angela D. V. , Fuso Francesco , Lambiase Gaetano , Maccioni Enrico , Marsili Paolo , Ortolan Antonello , Porzio Alberto , Velotta Raffaele
Published: February 2024

Ring Laser Gyroscopes, based on the Sagnac effect, are currently the most sensitive rotation sensors. GINGERINO, a RLG installed underground, shows a proved sensitivity that enters the few frad/s regime in about 2.5 days of integration time. On one hand, this sensitivity is well below the shot–noise–level as predicted applying to GINGERINO the so called independent beam model. On the other hand, it paves the way to the use of RLG in fundamental and quantum physics research. Indeed, high sensitivity rotation measurement opens to test general relativity and alternative theory of gravity. Moreover, it make possible to study the interplay between quantum effects in the optical domain and non-inertial reference frames.
The relationship between urine heat shock protein 70 and congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract: UTILISE study
Authors: Aksu Bagdagul , Afonso Alberto Caldas , Akil Ipek , Alpay Harika , Atmis Bahriye , Aydog Ozlem , Bakkaloglu Sevcan , Bayazıt Aysun Karabay , Bayram Meral Torun , Bilge Ilmay , Bulut Ipek Kaplan , Cetinkaya Ayse Pinar Goksu , Comak Elif , Demir Belde Kasap , Dincel Nida , Donmez Osman , Durmus Mehmet Akif , Dursun Hasan , Dusunsel Ruhan , Duzova Ali , Ertan Pelin , Gedikbasi Asuman , Goknar Nilufer , Guven Sercin , Hacihamdioglu Duygu , Jankauskiene Augustina , Kalyoncu Mukaddes , Kavukcu Salih , Kenan Bahriye Uzun , Kucuk Nuran , Kural Bahar , Litwin Mieczysław , Montini Giovanni , Morello William , Obrycki Lukasz , Omer Beyhan , Misirli Ozdemir Ebru , Ozkayin Nese , Paripovic Dusan , Pehlivanoglu Cemile , Saygili Seha , Schaefer Franz , Schaefer Susanne , Sonmez Ferah , Tabel Yilmaz , Tas Nesrin , Tasdemir Mehmet , Teixeira Ana , Tekcan Demet , Topaloglu Rezan , Tulpar Sebahat , Turkkan Ozde Nisa , Uysal Berfin , Uysalol Metin , Vitkevic Renata , Yavuz Sevgi , Yel Sibel , Yildirim Tarik , Yildirim Zeynep Yuruk , Yildiz Nurdan , Yuksel Selcuk , Yurtseven Eray , Yilmaz Alev
Published: February 2024

Background

Congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract (CAKUT) are defined as structural malformations of the kidney and/or urinary tract. Heat shock proteins (HSPs) are expressed in the kidney in response to cellular changes, such as thermal, hemodynamic, osmotic, inflammatory, and mechanical stresses. This study aimed to assess uHSP70 levels during acute urinary tract infections (UTI) and non-infection periods in patients with CAKUT, and to evaluate whether uHSP70 is elevated in CAKUT subtypes.

Methods

Among patients with CAKUT, 89 patients with UTI (CAKUT-A), 111 without UTI (CAKUT-B), and 74 healthy children were included in the study. uHSP70 levels were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

Results

uHSP70 level was significantly higher in the CAKUT-A group than in the CAKUT-B and healthy control groups (p < 0.0001). Moreover, the level of uHSP70 was significantly higher in the CAKUT-B group than in the control group (p < 0.0001), but was not different between the CAKUT subtypes (p > 0.05).

Conclusion

Urine HSP70 can also be used to predict UTI in patients with CAKUT. Moreover, uHSP70 levels were higher in children with CAKUT during the non-infectious period than in healthy controls. This suggests that children with CAKUT are at risk of chronic non-infectious damage.
Importance of the dusk-dawn interplanetary magnetic field component (IMF By) to magnetospheric convection in Earth’s magnetotail plasma sheet
Authors: Pitkänen Timo , Kullen Anita , Chong Ghai Siung
Published: February 2024

The solar wind and its embedded magnetic field, the interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) together with magnetic reconnection power the large-scale plasma and magnetic flux circulation in the Earth’s magnetosphere-ionosphere system. This circulation is termed as convection and its strength is controlled by the north-south IMF component (IMFBz). In recent years, an interest has arisen to investigate the lesser-known role of the dusk-dawn component (IMFBy) in convection. It has been previously known though that prevailing nonzero IMFBycan cause plasma flow asymmetries in the high-latitude ionosphere, but how the magnetospheric flows, for instance, in the magnetotail plasma sheet are affected, remains to be investigated. In this article, we introduce the recent progress and the latest achievements in the research of the influence of IMFByon tail plasma sheet convection. The research progress has been rapid and it has revealed that both fast and slow convection are affected in a manner that is in accordance with the asymmetries observed in the ionospheric convection. The results indicate the significance of the IMFBycomponent on magnetospheric convection and they represent a major advance in the field of solar wind-magnetosphere coupling.
Incidence, Healthcare Resource Use and Costs Associated With Incisional Hernia Repair
Authors: Smith Laurie , Wilkes Emily , Rolfe Chris , Westlake Petra , Cornish Julie , Brooks Paul , Torkington Jared
Published: February 2024

Background: Incisional hernia (IH) is a common complication of abdominal surgery affecting between 12.8% and 30% of patients. In spite of this, rates of IH repair remain low, at around 5% in the literature. We aimed to assess the rate of IH repair in the UK across surgical specialties and the cost burden associated with IH repair.

Methods: This is a retrospective observational study of patients undergoing abdominal surgery in England between 2012 and 2022 using the Hospital Episode Statistics (HES) database. Index abdominal surgery was identified between March 2014 and March 2017. Diagnostic and surgical procedure codes were used to identify pre-operative risk factors, index surgeries, IH repair and healthcare contact. Healthcare resource use (HCRU) costs were derived for index surgery and all post-index, non-elective inpatient admissions and outpatient visits using Healthcare Resource Group (HRG) codes within HES.

Results: Of 297,134 patients undergoing abdominal surgery, 5.1% (n = 15,138) subsequently underwent incisional hernia repair. By specialty, rates were higher in Colorectal (10.0%), followed by Hepatobiliary (8.2%), Transplant (6.8%), Urological (4.0%), Bariatric (3.5%), Vascular (3.2%) and Gynaecological (2.6%) surgery. Patients undergoing IH repair had more healthcare contacts, longer length of inpatient stays and more A+E visits vs. those with no IH repair post index surgery (83% ≥ 1 A+E visit vs. 69%), as well as higher rates of referral to mental health services (19.8% vs. 11.5%). IH repair was associated with an average HCRU cost of £23,148 compared to £12,321 in patients with no IH repair.

Conclusion: Patients undergoing IH repair have a greater morbidity than those not undergoing repair, shown by higher HCRU and more healthcare contacts. Despite this, rates of surgery for IH are low, suggesting that most patients with hernias are not undergoing repair. Emphasis must be placed squarely on primary prevention, rather than cure.
Real-world data: a comprehensive literature review on the barriers, challenges, and opportunities associated with their inclusion in the health technology assessment process
Authors: Zisis Konstantinos , Pavi Elpida , Geitona Mary , Athanasakis Kostas
Published: February 2024

Objective: This review aimed to assess the current use and acceptance of real-world data (RWD) and real-world evidence (RWE) in health technology assessment (HTA) process. It additionally aimed to discern stakeholders’ viewpoints concerning RWD and RWE in HTA and illuminate the obstacles, difficulties, prospects, and consequences associated with the incorporation of RWD and RWE into the realm of HTA.

Methods: A comprehensive PRISMA-based systematic review was performed in July 2022 in PubMed/Medline, Scopus, IDEAS-RePEc, International HTA database, and Centre for Reviews and Dissemination with ad hoc supplementary search in Google Scholar and international organization websites. The review included pre-determined inclusion criteria while the selection of eligible studies, the data extraction process and quality assessment were carried out using standardized and transparent methods.

Results: Twenty-nine (n = 29) studies were included in the review out of 2,115 studies identified by the search strategy. In various global contexts, disparities in RWD utilization were evident, with randomized controlled trials (RCTs) serving as the primary evidence source. RWD and RWE played pivotal roles, surpassing relative effectiveness assessments (REAs) and significantly influencing decision-making and cost-effectiveness analyses. Identified challenges impeding RWD integration into HTA encompassed limited local data access, complexities in non-randomized trial design, data quality, privacy, and fragmentation. Addressing these is imperative for optimal RWD utilization. Incorporating RWD/RWE in HTA yields multifaceted advantages, enhancing understanding of treatment efficacy, resource utilization, and cost analysis, particularly via patient registries. RWE complements assessments of advanced therapy medicinal products (ATMPs) and rare diseases. Local data utilization strengthens HTA, bridging gaps when RCT data is lacking. RWD aids medical device decision-making, cancer drug reassessment, and indirect treatment comparisons. Challenges include data availability, stakeholder acceptance, expertise, and privacy. However, standardization, training, collaboration, and guidance can surmount these barriers, fostering enhanced RWD utilization in HTA.

Conclusion: This study highlights the intricate global landscape of RWD and RWE acceptance in HTA. Recognizing regional nuances, addressing methodological challenges, and promoting collaboration are pivotal, among others, for leveraging RWD and RWE effectively in healthcare decision-making.
A Split-Lung Ex Vivo Perfusion Model for Time- and Cost-Effective Evaluation of Therapeutic Interventions to the Human Donor Lung
Authors: Chilvers Nicholas J. S. , Gilmour Jenny , Brown Marnie L. , Bates Lucy , Pang Chong Yun , Pauli Henning , Dark John , Fisher Andrew J.
Published: February 2024

With the ongoing shortage of donor lungs, ex vivo lung perfusion (EVLP) offers the opportunity for objective assessment and potential therapeutic repair of marginal organs. There is a need for robust research on EVLP interventions to increase the number of transplantable organs. The use of human lungs, which have been declined for transplant, for these studies is preferable to animal organs and is indeed essential if clinical translation is to be achieved. However, experimental human EVLP is time-consuming and expensive, limiting the rate at which promising interventions can be assessed. A split-lung EVLP model, which allows stable perfusion and ventilation of two single lungs from the same donor, offers advantages scientifically, financially and in time to yield results. Identical parallel circuits allow one to receive an intervention and the other to act as a control, removing inter-donor variation between study groups. Continuous hemodynamic and airway parameters are recorded and blood gas, perfusate, and tissue sampling are facilitated. Pulmonary edema is assessed directly using ultrasound, and indirectly using the lung tissue wet:dry ratio. Evans blue dye leaks into the tissue and can quantify vascular endothelial permeability. The split-lung ex vivo perfusion model offers a cost-effective, reliable platform for testing therapeutic interventions with relatively small sample sizes.
The Manager’s Vision of CSR in an Emerging Economy: From Implementation to Market Impact
Authors: Chabán Omar , Flores-Hernández Alfredo , López-Pérez María Eugenia , Ruz-Mendoza Miguel A.
Published: February 2024

Society in general, and markets in particular, are increasingly sensitive to principles linked to corporate social responsibility (CSR) and sustainability. The literature is prolific in this vein—providing a broad range of research covering the terms’ meaning, implementation processes, drivers and brakes and the impact on variables of interest for business management. Far fewer studies, however, address these phenomena in the context of emerging economies. In response to the growing interest in developing countries in terms of the population and market, this study aims to deepen the vision of large-firm managers in an emerging LATAM economy—namely, Peru—while providing insights into the potential impact of a number of different cross-cultural traits. To this end, we opted for a grounded theory-based approach. Data were collected by way of nine semi-structured interviews with managers at the same number of Peruvian firms. Our findings both coincide with and differ from the extant CSR literature in terms of signification, implementation and intensity, perceived benefits and consumer behavior. Key theoretical and practical implications of our research are discussed in the final section.
Airport Microgrid and Its Incorporated Operations
Authors: Liaw Chang-Ming , Yang Chen-Wei , Jhou Pin-Hong
Published: February 2024

This paper presents the development of an airport bipolar DC microgrid and its interconnected operations with the utility grid, electric vehicle (EV), and more electric aircraft (MEA). The microgrid DC-bus voltage is established by the main sources, photovoltaic (PV) and fuel cell (FC), via unidirectional three-level (3L) boost converters. The proposed one-cycle control (OCC)-based current control scheme and quantitative and robust voltage control scheme are proposed to yield satisfactory responses. Moreover, the PV maximum power point tracking (MPPT) with FC energy-supporting approach is developed to have improved renewable energy extraction characteristics. The equipped hybrid energy storage system (HESS) consists of an energy-type battery and a power-type flywheel; each device is interfaced to the common DC bus via its own 3L bidirectional interface converter. The energy-coordinated operation is achieved by the proposed droop control. A dump load leg is added to avoid overvoltage due to an energy surplus. The grid-connected energy complementary operation is conducted using a neutral point clamped (NPC) 3L three-phase inverter. In addition to the energy support from grid-to-microgrid (G2M), the reverse mcrogrid-to-grid (M2G) operation is also conductible. Moreover, microgrid-to-vehicle (M2V) and vehicle-to-microgrid (V2M) bidirectional operations can also be applicable. The droop control is also applied to perform these interconnected operations. For the grounded aircraft, bidirectional microgrid-to-aircraft (M2A)/aircraft-to-microgrid (A2M) operations can be performed. The aircraft ground power unit (GPU) function can be preserved by the developed microgrid. The MEA on-board facilities can be powered by the microgrid, including the 115 V/400 Hz AC bus, the 270 V DC bus, the switched-reluctance motor (SRM) drive, etc.
Farmers’ Perceptions of Maize Production Constraints and the Effects of Push–Pull Technology on Soil Fertility, Pest Infestation, and Maize Yield in Southwest Ethiopia
Authors: Sime Mekonnen , Ballo Shifa , Abro Zewdu , Gugissa Desalegn Amlaku , Mendesil Esayas , Tefera Tadele
Published: February 2024

This study aimed to analyze farmers’ perceptions of maize production constraints and determine the effects of push–pull technology (PPT) on crop yield, pest control, and improving soil fertility status. Increasing fertilizer prices and pesticide prices, FAWs (fall armyworms) and stemborers, declining soil fertility, and drought are the main maize production constraints in the area. Seventy percent of the respondents indicated that an increase in input prices such as those of fertilizer and seeds is the major constraint in the area, while FAWs (55%) and stemborers (44.3%) were ranked the third and fourth major constraints. About 67% of farmers reported that stemborer damage to maize in PPT plots was either minimal or non-existent. Fifty-five percent of farmers stated that the damage caused to maize by FAWs was low or that there was no damage in PPT plots. PPT reduced stem borer infestation from 83% to 44%. The yield gained from PPT plots ranged from 18% to 31%. Soil samples taken from PPT plots showed improved soil organic carbon, organic matter, total nitrogen, and cation exchange capacity.
Substrate Comparison for Tomato Propagation under Different Fertigation Protocols
Authors: Chowdhury Milon , Espinoza-Ayala Alexandra , Samarakoon Uttara C. , Altland James E. , Yang Teng
Published: February 2024

Greenhouse tomato production faces multiple challenges, including the excessive use of nonrenewable substrates that are difficult to dispose of after use. Currently, most growers propagate tomatoes in rockwool, but there is an increasing demand for sustainable media. The objective of this research was to evaluate sustainable and organic alternatives for greenhouse propagation of tomato seedlings intended for high-wire production. Different organic and inorganic substrates were evaluated in three experiments, using a nutrient solution composed of a complete water-soluble fertilizer. Germination and growth parameters, including height, stem diameter, number of leaves, leaf area, foliar chlorophyll levels (SPAD), and shoot fresh and dry weight, were measured. In the first experiment, which employed overhead irrigation, rockwool, coir, wood fiber–coir mix, medium-grade pine bark, pine bark < 0.64 cm, and pine bark < 0.32 cm were evaluated. Tomato germination was faster and achieved higher percentages with pine bark < 0.64 cm compared to other substrates. However, growth performance was similar or better in coir than in rockwool four weeks after transplantation. For the second experiment with sub-irrigation only, rockwool, coir, wood fiber–coir mix, pine bark < 0.32 cm bark, and peat were evaluated at different container heights. Peat resulted in greater growth across all parameters, followed by wood fiber–coir mix in all container heights, while pine bark had the least growth across all measured parameters. In the third experiment with overhead irrigation, rockwool, wood fiber–coir mix, pine bark < 0.32 cm, and a commercial peat-based mixture were evaluated under different fertilizer rates (electrical conductivity of 1.1 and 2.2 mS·cm−1). Wood fiber–coir mix, peat-based mix, and rockwool were the substrates with the highest values for all evaluated parameters. While all the organic substrates showed potential for use in tomato propagation, pine bark < 0.32 cm bark and wood fiber–coir mix provided the best media for germination. Peat and wood fiber–coir mix showed the best media for subsequent seedling growth and demonstrated potential to be used as substitutes for rockwool.
The Effectiveness of Synthetic and Inorganic Substances in Different Apple Scab Control Strategies
Authors: Rancāne Regīna , Valiuškaitė Alma , Ozoliņa-Pole Laura , Bundzēna Guna , Fiļipovičs Maksims , Rasiukevičiūtė Neringa
Published: February 2024

A two-year trial (2021 and 2022) was performed with five different fungicide and foliar fertiliser application strategies to control apple scab (Venturia inaequalis) in integrated apple orchards in Latvia. A strategy of using inorganic fungicides or combining them with synthetic fungicides was compared to a strategy of applications with only synthetic fungicides and untreated control. Furthermore, two strategies included foliar fertilisers to determine whether they may affect apple scab used alone or combined with synthetic fungicides. The timing of the fungicide applications was based on the risk forecasted by the decision support system RIMpro, and fertilisers were used at certain growth stages of the crop. The disease incidence on untreated fruits on cv. Auksis ranged from 38.3% to 59.6%, and on cv. Ligol from 99.3% to 99.5%. Strategies including synthetic fungicides were the most effective against scab on shoot leaves and fruits. The strategy using only inorganic fungicides was effective for low-inoculum orchards. Combining synthetic and inorganic fungicides provided the best apple scab control strategy on fruits, likely helping reduce the resistance selection pressure and residues of synthetic fungicides. Foliar fertilisers were insufficient to control apple scab; they would supplement existing scab fungicide programs.
Impact of Soil Organic Layer Thickness on Soil-to-Atmosphere GHG Fluxes in Grassland in Latvia
Authors: Purviņa Dana , Zvaigzne Zaiga Anna , Skranda Ilona , Meļņiks Raitis Normunds , Petaja Guna , Līcīte Ieva , Butlers Aldis , Bārdule Arta
Published: February 2024

Drained organic soils in agricultural land are considered significant contributors to total greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, although the temporal and spatial variation of GHG emissions is high. Here, we present results of the study on soil-to-atmosphere fluxes of carbon dioxide (CO2), nitrous oxide (N2O) and methane (CH4) from drained organic (fen) soils in grassland. A two-year study (from July 2021 to June 2023) was conducted in three research sites in Latvia (Europe’s hemiboreal zone). Soil total respiration (Rtot), CH4 and N2O fluxes were determined using a manual opaque chamber technique in combination with gas chromatography, while soil heterotrophic respiration (Rhet) was measured with a portable spectrometer. Among research sites, the thickness of the soil organic layer ranged from 10 to 70 cm and mean groundwater level ranged from 27 to 99 cm below the soil surface. Drained organic soil in all research sites was a net source of CO2 emissions (mean 3.48 ± 0.33 t CO2-C ha−1 yr−1). No evidence was obtained that the thickness of the soil organic layer (ranging from 10 to 70 cm) and OC stock in soil can be considered one of the main affecting factors of magnitude of net CO2 emissions from drained organic soil. Drained organic soil in grassland was mostly a source of N2O emissions (mean 2.39 ± 0.70 kg N2O-N ha−1 yr−1), while the soil both emitted and consumed atmospheric CH4 depending on the thickness of the soil organic layer (ranging from −3.26 ± 1.33 to 0.96 ± 0.10 kg CH4-C ha−1 yr−1).
Evaluation of the Functional Parameters for a Single-Row Seedling Transplanter Prototype
Authors: Vlahidis Virgil , Roșca Radu , Cârlescu Petru-Marian
Published: February 2024

The development of an automatic seedling planting system for micro-farms requires testing under laboratory conditions to verify the theoretical relationships between essential functional parameters, working speed and planting time. The constructive dimensional values of the prototype, the results measured in stationary mode directly on the transplanter and the auxiliary equipment and the direct determinations of the working parameters on the soil bin are used. Depending on the characteristics of the soil bin trolley, a range of speeds is chosen at which the machine is tested. The data obtained validate the correct operation of the prototype at speeds close to those determined theoretically for the following indicators: distance between plants per row, planter wheel slippage, misplanted seedlings rate and seedling frequency, with results comparable to existing agronomic standards. Once the appropriate operating speeds of the machine have been obtained, between 0.304 and 0.412 m/s, with planting frequencies between 0.899 and 1.157 s−1 (respectively, 53.94 and 69.42 seedlings per minute), optimizations and adjustments of some machine components can be made, for subsequent testing in real field conditions.