bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Construction of Phosphorus‐Doped g‐C3N4 Nanosheets and Activation of Sodium Percarbonate for Degradation of Organic Pollutants in Wastewater
Authors: Wang Lijuan , Gao Depeng , Zhang Rui , Liu Shuqing , Yuan Zifan , Li Yinghan
Published: April 2024

A novel phosphorus‐doped graphitic carbon nitride nanosheets (PS‐CN) photocatalyst was prepared by thermal polycondensation and thermal stripping method, and its physicochemical properties were characterized. The results show that PS‐CN formed a thin sheet and multi‐cavity structure by thermal delamination that could enhance the surface area, light reception, and adsorption capacity. The prepared PS‐CN activated sodium percarbonate system (PS‐CN/SPC) was developed for the degradation of dyeing wastewater with methylene blue (MB) as the target pollutant and the degradation mechanism was analyzed. At room temperature (20 °C), the degradation rate of MB in PS‐CN/SPC system within 10 min (88.13 %) was three times that of pure g‐C3N4. In addition, the MB was completely degraded under visible light within 60 min. Moreover, PS‐CN exhibited excellent reusability that the degradation rates of MB have remained above 96 % in five consecutive cycles. The free radical quenching experiments showed that hole (h+), hydroxyl radical (•OH) and superoxide radical (•O2−) all participated in MB degradation, and •OH was the main active species. The PS‐CN/SPC system would provide a high‐value solution for the treatment of dye wastewater due to the low cost of raw materials, superior photocatalytic activity, simple synthesis method, and reusability of the catalyst.
The use of a focussed abdominal ultrasonographic technique in sick rabbits: Five cases
Authors: Band Sarah A.
Published: April 2024

A focussed abdominal ultrasonographic imaging technique was evaluated in five rabbits. Five sick rabbits presented to a veterinary exotics centre were imaged using a rapid, focussed ultrasonographic technique via four acoustic windows, as part of the clinical investigation. During imaging, the rabbits were either fully conscious, or sedated with midazolam if they showed signs of stress. Appendicitis, megacolon, splenic pathology and an intestinal wall abscess were identified using this technique, the diagnosis being confirmed on laparotomy, histopathology or computed tomography. A liver lobe torsion was suspected in one case, with supporting evidence from subsequent monitoring and response to medical management. This rapid ultrasonographic technique identified abnormal abdominal organs providing valuable diagnostic information, without the need for profound sedation or causing undue stress to the patient, demonstrating the potential value of focussed imaging in this species.
Unsaturated hydraulic property measurements of subtropical anthropogenic (purple) soils in China
Authors: Zhuang Luwen , Chen Hao , Yan Ping , Liang Xingmei , Teixera Wenceslau G. , van Genuchten Martinus Th. , Lin Kairong
Published: April 2024

Many anthropogenic soils, often referred to as red bed or purple soils, are distributed in various areas of southern China. Purple soils typically are highly weathered and often lead to natural and engineering hazards because of their relatively poor water retention properties. Knowledge of the unsaturated soil hydraulic properties of purple soils is crucial for their optimal management and various assessment studies. In this work, the hydraulic properties of purple soils from southern China were measured in the laboratory over the full moisture range using a combination of evaporation (HYPROP) and psychrometer (WP4C) approaches. Measured data were analyzed in terms of four different unimodal and bimodal soil hydraulic models. The measurements and analyses showed that bimodality was not overly significant for most samples. The good fit of the Peters–Durner–Iden models furthermore suggested that corner and film flows were important under relative dry conditions. Existing soil pedotransfer functions were found to provide a fairly close match for the slope of water retention curves with the exception of near saturated water contents and the saturated conductivity. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time that unsaturated hydraulic data of purple soils are provided over the full moisture range.
Effects of chainsaw noise on the activity budgets and calling behaviour of the northern yellow‐cheeked crested gibbon (Nomascus annamensis)
Authors: McGrath Sarah J. , Malone Nicholas , Behie Alison M.
Published: April 2024

Wild animals are increasingly subjected to noisier environments as the scale and scope of human activities, such as development and resource extraction, encroach into their habitats. Anthropogenic noise alters the behaviour and vocalisations of wild animals including primates, yet our understanding of how noise affects small apes is limited. The large population of endangered northern yellow‐cheeked crested gibbons (Nomascus annamensis) inhabiting Veun Sai‐Siem Pang National Park (VSSP), in northeastern Cambodia, is frequently exposed to noise produced from illegal selective logging activities within the park. To determine the impacts of chainsaw noise on the gibbons' activity budgets and calling probability, we collected behavioural data on the only habituated gibbon group in VSSP during two consecutive dry seasons between 2017 and 2019. Our analyses of scan and focal‐animal samples revealed that when chainsaws were active, the group rested more and scanned less. The gibbons called more on mornings when there was no chainsaw activity; however, the trend was non‐significant. These findings suggest that despite long‐term exposure, chainsaw noise variably impacts important aspects of gibbon behaviour.
Regionale Unterschiede und Trends in gesunder Lebenserwartung in Deutschland
Authors: Loichinger Elke , Skora Thomas , Sauerberg Markus , Grigoriev Pavel
Published: April 2024

Hintergrund

Vor dem Hintergrund steigender Lebenserwartung stellt sich die Frage, in welchem Gesundheitszustand die hinzugewonnenen Lebensjahre verbracht werden. Ziel der vorliegenden Untersuchung ist die erstmalige Berechnung regional differenzierter Unterschiede in gesunder Lebenserwartung für Deutschland.

Methoden

Das Konzept der gesunden Lebenserwartung erlaubt es, regionale Unterschiede in Gesundheitszustand und Sterblichkeit in einer Maßzahl zu vereinen. Im vorliegenden Beitrag kommt das Konzept der partiellen gesunden Lebenserwartung zum Einsatz. Mit amtlichen Daten zu Todesfällen und Bevölkerungszahlen berechnen wir verkürzte Sterbetafeln. Die Daten des Sozio-oekonomischen Panels (SOEP) werden zur Ermittlung der alters- und geschlechtsspezifischen Prävalenzen des Gesundheitszustands herangezogen. Die Analyse regionaler Unterschiede erfolgt anhand einer Einteilung Deutschlands in 4 Regionen (Norden, Süden, Osten, Westen) von 2002 bis 2019.

Ergebnisse

Die regionalen Unterschiede in der gesunden Lebenserwartung in Deutschland sind größer als Unterschiede in der Lebenserwartung an sich und Trends der gesunden Lebenserwartung verlaufen teilweise anders als die entsprechenden Trends der Sterblichkeit. Diese Unterschiede im zeitlichen Verlauf variieren des Weiteren nach Alter: Während es bei der Bevölkerung zwischen 20 und 64 Jahren in der Tendenz zu einer Stagnation, teilweise zu Rückgängen in der gesunden Lebenserwartung gekommen ist, nahmen die Anzahl und der Anteil der Jahre in guter Gesundheit bei den Älteren bis Alter 79 zu.

Fazit

Es gibt auffällige regionale Unterschiede und Trends in der Verteilung der erwarteten Jahre in guter Gesundheit in Deutschland. Die rechtzeitige Identifikation regional abweichender Entwicklungen kann dazu beitragen, gezielte gesundheitsfördernde Maßnahmen zu ergreifen.
The collective wisdom of behavioral game theory
Authors: Huang Shu , Golman Russell
Published: April 2024

We apply an algorithm from the wisdom-of-crowds literature to optimally combine behavioral game theory models to more accurately predict strategic choice in one-shot, simultaneous-move games. We find that the optimal weighted average of seven behavioral game theory models predicts out-of-sample choice behavior significantly better than any of the individual models. The crowd of behavioral game theory models is wiser than any single one of them. Different strategic choice models complement each other by capturing distinct patterns of behavior. The field of behavioral game theory is enriched by having this diversity of models.
Updated component analysis method for naturally occurring sophorolipids from Starmerella bombicola
Authors: Kobayashi Yosuke , Li Qiushi , Ushimaru Kazunori , Hirota Makoto , Morita Tomotake , Fukuoka Tokuma
Published: April 2024

Sophorolipids (SLs) are promising glycolipid biosurfactants as they are easily produced and functional. SLs from microorganisms are comprised of mixtures of multiple derivatives that have different structures and properties, including well-known acidic and lactonic SL (ASLs and LSLs, respectively). In this study, we established a method for analyzing all SL derivatives in the products of Starmerella bombicola, a typical SL-producing yeast. Detailed component analyses of S. bombicola products were carried out using reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry. Methanol was used as the eluent as it is a good solvent for all SL derivatives. With this approach, it was possible to not only quantify the ratio of the main components of ASL, LSL, and SL glycerides but also confirm trace components such as SL mono-glyceride and bola-form SL (sophorose at both ends); notably, this is the first time these components have been isolated and identified successfully in naturally occurring SLs. In addition, our results revealed a novel SL derivative in which a fatty acid is bonded in series to the ASL, which had not been reported previously. Using the present analysis method, it was possible to easily track compositional changes in the SL components during culture. Our results showed that LSL and ASL are produced initially and that SL glycerides accumulate from the middle stage during the fermentation process.

Key points

• An easy and detailed component analysis method for sophorolipids (SLs) is introduced.

• Multiple SL derivatives were identified different from known SLs.

• A novel hydrophobic acidic SL was isolated and characterized.

Graphical Abstract
Combining T1rho and advanced diffusion MRI for noninvasively staging liver fibrosis: an experimental study in rats
Authors: Guo Yiwan , Guo Tingting , Huang Chen , Sun Peng , Wu Zhigang , Jin Ziwei , Zheng Chuansheng , Li Xin
Published: April 2024

Purpose

To investigate the value of imaging parameters derived from T1 relaxation times in the rotating frame (T1ρ or T1rho), diffusion kurtosis imaging (DKI) and intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) in assessment of liver fibrosis in rats and propose an optimal diagnostic model based on multiparametric MRI.

Methods

Thirty rats were divided into one control group and four fibrosis experimental groups (n = 6 for each group). Liver fibrosis was induced by administering thioacetamide (TAA) for 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks. T1ρ, mean kurtosis (MK), mean diffusivity (MD), perfusion fraction (f), true diffusion coefficient (D), and pseudo-diffusion coefficient (D*) were measured and compared among different fibrosis stages. An optimal diagnostic model was established and the diagnostic efficiency was evaluated by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis.

Results

The mean AUC values, sensitivity, and specificity of T1ρ and MD derived from DKI across all liver fibrosis stages were comparable but much higher than those of other imaging parameters (0.954, 92.46, 91.85 for T1ρ; 0.949, 92.52, 91.24 for MD). The model combining T1ρ and MD exhibited better diagnostic performance with higher AUC values than any individual method for staging liver fibrosis (≥ F1: 1.000 (0.884–1.000); ≥ F2: 0.935 (0.782–0.992); ≥ F3: 0.982 (0.852–1.000); F4: 0.986 (0.859–1.000)).

Conclusion

Among the evaluated imaging parameters, T1ρ and MD were superior for differentiating varying liver fibrosis stages. The model combining T1ρ and MD was promising to be a credible diagnostic biomarker to detect and accurately stage liver fibrosis.

Graphical abstract
Die Teilnahme Minderjähriger an klinischen Studien in Deutschland – Widersprüche zwischen dem deutschen AMG und der Verordnung EU 536/2014?
Authors: Gerst Christoph , Haußknecht Ronja , Ahmed Raees
Published: April 2024

Die VO (EU) 536/2014 und das AMG normieren die Voraussetzungen für die Durchführung von
klinischen Prüfungen mit Minderjährigen. Wie das Unionsrecht in Deutschland umgesetzt wurde und
wie es mit den Regelungen im BGB interagiert, wird in diesem Artikel genauer beleuchtet. Insbesondere wird
der Frage nachgegangen, ob die Regelungen aus dem BGB zur Geschäftsfähigkeit bei der Durchführung
von klinischen Prüfungen mit Minderjährigen herangezogen werden können. Sodann wird genauer
auf die scheinbar widersprüchlichen Regelungen aus Art. 31 CTR und Art. 32 CTR eingegangen. Vor
allem bei den für die Forschung sehr wichtigen gruppennützigen Prüfungen kommt es zu einem
Wertungswiderspruch. Nicht einwilligungsfähige volljährige Personen können an dieser Art
der Prüfung teilnehmen, während es für nicht einwilligungsfähige Minderjährige,
die auch nach Erreichen der Volljährigkeit nicht einwilligungsfähig werden, keine solche Möglichkeit
gibt.
ARTIS Pheno®: a potential tool for cochlear implant surgery
Authors: Schmidt S. , Tisch M. , Bahr-Hamm K. , Matthias C. , Overhoff D. , Waldeck S.
Published: April 2024

Purpose

Cochlear implantation is a standard approach to hearing rehabilitation and encompasses three main stages: appropriate patient selection, a challenging surgical procedure, which should be as atraumatic as possible and preserve cochlear structures, and lifelong postoperative follow-up. Computed tomography (CT) is performed to assess postoperative implant position. The Siemens Advanced Radar Target Identification System (ARTIS) Pheno provides fluoroscopic imaging during surgery and has so far been mainly used by cardiologists, neurosurgeons and trauma surgeons.

Methods

Six patients with difficult anatomy or a challenging medical history were selected for a surgical procedure, during which we planned to use the ARTIS Pheno to accurately position and assess implant position under fluoroscopy during and immediately after surgery. In all six cases, the ARTIS Pheno was used directly in the surgical setting. The procedures were performed in cooperation with the neuroradiology department in an interdisciplinary manner.

Results

In all six patients, fluoroscopy was used to visualise the procedure at different stages of surgery. In five patients, the procedure was successfully completed. This approach allowed us to finally assess implant position and confirm the correct and complete insertion of the electrode while the patient was still under anaesthesia.

Conclusion

These cases showed positive surgical outcomes. Although the procedure is more complex than a standard approach, patients can be managed in a safe, effective and appropriate manner. The assessment of implant position in real time during surgery leads to greater patient and surgeon satisfaction. The approach presented here ensures a high quality of cochlear implant surgery even in difficult surgical situations and meets the requirements of modern surgery.
Omphacite breakdown: nucleation and deformation of clinopyroxene-plagioclase symplectites
Authors: Zertani Sascha , Morales Luiz F. G. , Menegon Luca
Published: April 2024

The breakdown of omphacite plays an important role in the exhumation and retrogression of eclogites. Additionally, metamorphic reactions associated with grain size reduction have the potential to significantly impact deformation mechanisms and the rheology of crustal rocks. We analyze the breakdown reaction omphacite → diopsidic clinopyroxene + plagioclase ± amphibole and associated microstructures by electron backscatter diffraction. The reaction results in the formation of (diopsidic) clinopyroxene-plagioclase symplectites. Samples were chosen from localities on Holsnøy (western Norway) and Lofoten (northern Norway), that are representative of vermicular symplectites, partly recrystallized symplectites, and deformed symplectites. Interphase misorientation analysis based on the electron backscatter diffraction results reveals that the nucleation of (diopsidic) clinopyroxene-plagioclase symplectites was crystallographically controlled, with the diopside copying the lattice orientation of the omphacite, and the plagioclase growing along diopside planes with favorable, i.e., similar, interplanar spacing. Deformation of the (diopsidic) clinopyroxene-plagioclase symplectites occurred by fracturing, transitioning into grain boundary sliding accommodated by diffusion creep. The results indicate that the formation of vermicular symplectites is not associated with enhanced permeability and fluid flow. Subsequent recrystallisation and grain-size sensitive deformation of the symplectites facilitates fluid redistribution and weakening of the retrogressed eclogites.
Utilization and quality of palliative care in patients with hematological and solid cancers: a population-based study
Authors: Gebel Cordula , Ditscheid Bianka , Meissner Franziska , Slotina Ekaterina , Kruschel Isabel , Marschall Ursula , Wedding Ullrich , Freytag Antje
Published: April 2024

Background

Palliative care (PC) contributes to improved end-of-life care for patients with hematologic malignancies (HM) and solid tumors (ST) by addressing physical and psychological symptoms and spiritual needs. Research on PC in HM vs. ST patients is fragmented and suggests less use.

Methods

We analyzed claims data of all deceased members of a large German health insurance provider for the year before death. First, we analyzed the frequency and the beginning of different types of PC and compared patients with HM vs. ST. Second, we analyzed the adjusted impact of PC use on several end-of-life quality outcomes in patients with HM vs. ST. We performed simple and multiple (logistic) regression analysis, adjusted for relevant covariates, and standardized for age and sex.

Results

Of the 222,493 deceased cancer patients from 2016 to 2020, we included 209,321 in the first analysis and 165,020 in the second analysis. Patients with HM vs. ST received PC less often (40.4 vs. 55.6%) and later (34 vs. 50 days before death). PC use significantly improved all six quality indicators for good end-of-life care. HM patients had worse rates in five of the six indicators compared with ST patients. Interaction terms revealed that patients with ST derived greater benefit from PC in five of six quality indicators than those with HM.

Conclusion

The data highlight the need to integrate PC more often, earlier, and more effectively into the care of patients with HM.
The use of interventional procedures for cancer pain. A brief review
Authors: Lee Yi-Ching , Brake Timothy , Zhao Emma , Dumitrescu Alix , Lee Wei , Tassie Benjamin , Khor Kok-Eng , Wang Andy Yi-Yang
Published: April 2024

Context

Pain is a common experience in people living with cancer. Concerns around opioid prescribing have seen a move toward a multi-modality management approach, which includes interventional pain procedures.

Purpose

In this paper we discuss the interventional pain procedures used to treat cancer pain at two major tertiary centers in Australia.

Methods and results

This expert review provides practical insights on cancer pain management from healthcare providers in different specialties. These insights can be used to guide the management of a wide range of cancer pain types.

Conclusions

Furthermore, this review identifies the need for a systematic and comprehensive approach to the management of cancer pain that is broader than that of a single specialty. With recent advances in pain management procedures, an interdisciplinary approach is essential in order to provide an up to date, patient tailored approach to pain management.

This review will help inform the development of a cancer pain intervention registry.
Testing for periodicity at an unknown frequency under cyclic long memory, with applications to respiratory muscle training
Authors: Beran Jan , Näscher Jeremy , Pietsch Fabian , Walterspacher Stephan
Published: April 2024

A frequent problem in applied time series analysis is the identification of dominating periodic components. A particularly difficult task is to distinguish deterministic periodic signals from periodic long memory. In this paper, a family of test statistics based on Whittle’s Gaussian log-likelihood approximation is proposed. Asymptotic critical regions and bounds for the asymptotic power are derived. In cases where a deterministic periodic signal and periodic long memory share the same frequency, consistency and rates of type II error probabilities depend on the long-memory parameter. Simulations and an application to respiratory muscle training data illustrate the results.
First-line pembrolizumab plus chemotherapy for advanced/metastatic esophageal cancer: 1-year extended follow-up in the Japanese subgroup of the phase 3 KEYNOTE-590 study
Authors: Kato Ken , Kojima Takashi , Hara Hiroki , Tsuji Akihito , Yasui Hisateru , Muro Kei , Satoh Taroh , Ogata Takashi , Ishihara Ryu , Goto Masahiro , Baba Hideo , Nishina Tomohiro , Han ShiRong , Iwakami Keiichi , Yatsuzuka Naoyoshi , Doi Toshihiko
Published: April 2024

Background

First-line pembrolizumab plus chemotherapy (pembrolizumab–chemotherapy) demonstrated improved efficacy and a manageable safety profile versus placebo plus chemotherapy (placebo–chemotherapy) in the subgroup analysis of Japanese patients with advanced/metastatic esophageal cancer in KEYNOTE-590 at a median follow-up of 24.4 months. Longer-term data from the Japanese subgroup analysis of KEYNOTE-590 are reported.

Methods

Patients were randomly assigned 1:1 to pembrolizumab 200 mg or placebo every 3 weeks for ≤ 35 cycles plus chemotherapy (cisplatin 80 mg/m2 and 5-fluorouracil 800 mg/m2/day). Endpoints included overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS; investigator-assessed per RECIST v1.1; dual primary) and safety (secondary). Early tumor shrinkage (ETS) and depth of response (DpR) were assessed post hoc.

Results

Overall, 141 patients were enrolled in Japan. As of July 9, 2021, median follow-up was 36.6 months (range, 29.8–45.7). Pembrolizumab–chemotherapy showed a trend toward favorable OS (hazard ratio [HR], 0.70; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.47–1.03) and PFS (0.57; 0.39–0.83) versus placebo–chemotherapy. In the pembrolizumab–chemotherapy group, patients with ETS ≥ 20% (55/74; 74.3%) versus < 20% (19/74; 25.7%) had favorable OS (HR, 0.23; 95% CI 0.12–0.42) and PFS (0.24; 0.13–0.43). Patients with DpR ≥ 60% (31/74; 41.9%) versus < 60% (43/74; 58.1%) had favorable OS (HR, 0.37; 95% CI 0.20–0.68) and PFS (0.24; 0.13–0.43). Grade 3–5 treatment-related adverse events occurred in 55/74 patients (74.3%) with pembrolizumab–chemotherapy and 41/67 patients (61.2%) with placebo–chemotherapy.

Conclusions

With longer-term follow-up of Japanese patients with advanced/metastatic esophageal cancer, efficacy continued to favor pembrolizumab–chemotherapy compared with placebo–chemotherapy, with no new safety signals observed.

Clinical trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03189719.
Evaluation of novel PCR-based method to assess gill injuries in fish caused by the cnidarian Ectopleura larynx
Authors: Bloecher Nina , Østevik Liv , Floerl Oliver , Sivertsgård Rolf , Aas Marianne , Kvaestad Bjarne , Ribičić Deni , Netzer Roman
Published: April 2024

Gill disease is a major threat to aquaculture of Atlantic salmon, with an unknown and likely underestimated contribution from cnidarians such as jellyfish and biofouling hydroids. To better understand the risk and thus enable mitigation, technology for the certain identification of cnidarian-related gill damage is needed. We used the hydroid Ectopleura larynx in a case study to determine whether the exposure of salmon to nematocyst-bearing hydrozoans can be deducted via non-destructive PCR-based methods. In a field experiment, we evaluated (i) whether swabbing the inside of the gill operculum in farmed Salmo salar and subsequent PCR analysis can provide quantifiable information about the presence of E. larynx material in the gill chamber and, if so, (ii) whether the screening results correlate with histological assessments of gill damage.  

The developed PCR methods were able to detect the presence of biofouling hydroids in ambient water. However, despite exposure to suspended hydroid particle concentrations that did result in gill damage in some salmon, quantitative PCR results did not correlate with histological gill assessments. For opercular swabs to serve as a diagnostic tool for detecting biofouling-mediated gill damage in live salmon, increased specificity of genetic markers and improved sampling methods are needed.

Animal trial permit no. 24252 (granted 06.07.2020, Norwegian Food Safety Authority).
Different phenological behaviour of native and exotic grasses extends the period of pollen exposure with clinical implications in the Madrid Region, Spain
Authors: Galán Díaz Javier , Romero-Morte Jorge , Cascón Ángel , Gutiérrez-Bustillo Adela Montserrat , Cervigón Patricia , Rojo Jesús
Published: April 2024

Exotic allergenic species constitute an important element of global change and are an emergent health issue in Europe due to their potential allergenicity. The grass pollen season is of great importance from the allergic point of view because it includes pollen from ubiquitous species which are responsible for high sensitization rates. In this study, we used flowering phenology data for dominant grass species in the city of Madrid (Spain) and airborne pollen data to explore differences between native and exotic species and their potential contribution to the observed peaks of pollen exposure. We found that exotic grasses flowered later than Mediterranean native grasses, and that ornamental grass species (such as Cortaderia selloana and Pennisetum villosum) cause an unusual second pollen season in autumn with implications for public health. These results support the need to coordinate the efforts of plant ecologists and aerobiologists to protect the population by identifying sources of allergenic pollen and sustain the appropriate urban plans.
Microarray-based detection and expression analysis of drug resistance in an animal model of peritoneal metastasis from colon cancer
Authors: Yagublu Vugar , Bayramov Bayram , Reissfelder Christoph , Hajibabazade Javahir , Abdulrahimli Shalala , Keese Michael
Published: April 2024

Chemotherapy drugs efficiently eradicate rapidly dividing differentiated cells by inducing cell death, but poorly target slowly dividing cells, including cancer stem cells and dormant cancer cells, in the later course of treatment. Prolonged exposure to chemotherapy results in a decrease in the proportion of apoptotic cells in the tumour mass. To investigate and characterize the molecular basis of this phenomenon, microarray-based expression analysis was performed to compare tHcred2-DEVD-EGFP-caspase 3-sensor transfected C-26 tumour cells that were harvested after engraftment into mice treated with or without 5-FU. Peritoneal metastasis was induced by intraperitoneal injection of C-26 cells, which were subsequently reisolated from omental metastatic tumours after the mice were sacrificed by the end of the 10th day after tumour injection. The purity of reisolated tHcred2-DEVD-EGFP-caspase 3-sensor-expressing C-26 cells was confirmed using FLIM, and total RNA was extracted for gene expression profiling. The validation of relative transcript levels was carried out via real-time semiquantitative RT‒PCR assays. Our results demonstrated that chemotherapy induced the differential expression of mediators of cancer cell dormancy and cell survival-related genes and downregulation of both intrinsic and extrinsic apoptotic signalling pathways. Despite the fact that some differentially expressed genes, such as BMP7 and Prss11, have not been thoroughly studied in the context of chemoresistance thus far, they might be potential candidates for future studies on overcoming drug resistance.
Working Retirees? A Liberal Case for Retirement as Free Time
Authors: Valente Manuel Sá
Published: April 2024

Retirement is often viewed as a reward for a working life. While many have reason to want a work-free retirement, not everyone does. Should working retirees have to give up their retirement pension and, consequently, their status as retirees? The answer, I argue, boils down to whether we conceive of retirement as free time (need-free) or as leisure (work-free). In this article, I put forward a liberal case in favour of free time, despite whether our liberalism leans towards perfectionism or neutralism, with social primary goods being a case in point. Applying this case for free time to retirement yields two significant policy implications. First, it demands “free synchronic combination” – that retirees may use their retirement pensions however they see fit, including to work. Second, it also yields “free diachronic combination” – that, within limits, individuals have discretionary control over how to combine retirement and work across time – thus challenging the idea that retirement should be available only in old age and not earlier in life. So far, the literature on free time focused only on narrow temporal units, such as hours and days, but there is much to gain by extending the concept into retirement.
How do Children with Intellectual Disabilities Empathize in Comparison to Typically Developing Children?
Authors: Simon Poline , Nader-Grosbois Nathalie
Published: April 2024

Objectives

Two studies were conducted to better understand how children with intellectual disabilities (ID) empathize with the feelings of others during social interactions. The first study tested hypotheses of developmental delay or difference regarding empathy in 79 children with ID by comparing them with typically developing (TD) children, matched for developmental age or chronological age. The second study examined specific aspects of empathy in 23 children with Down syndrome (DS), compared with 23 nonspecific ID children, matched for developmental age, and TD children, matched for developmental age or chronological age.

Method

An empathy task was administered to the children while their parents completed the French versions of the Empathy Questionnaire and the Griffith Empathy Measure.

Results

The first study showed that ID children showed delayed empathy development but were perceived by their parents as deficient in cognitive empathy. The second study showed that DS children were perceived as being more attentive to the feelings of others than TD children and non-specific ID children, matched for developmental age, and as having affective empathy that was similar to that of TD children matched for chronological age.

Conclusion

These studies have drawn attention to delays or differences in different dimensions of empathy in children with ID and DS, which need to be taken into account in interventions.
Age-Differential Effects of Proactive Control in Dual Tasking: The Moderating Effect of Task Difficulty
Authors: Hu Yue , Fung Helene H. , Gong Xianmin
Published: April 2024

Dual tasking refers to the ability to perform two concurrent tasks. Using the psychological refractory period (PRP) paradigm, two experiments examined whether providing a prompt that facilitated proactive control could benefit dual-task performance among younger and older adults. In Experiment 1, difficulty-related prompt words (“difficult,” “easy,” or null) were presented before easier dual tasks with a longer stimulus onset asynchrony (SOA) of 800 ms or harder tasks with a shorter SOA of 100 ms. Experiment 2 extended the investigation by presenting these prompts (“difficult” or “easy”) before dual tasks with a fixed SOA of 150 ms. It also examined the moderating effects of actual task difficulty by manipulating task congruency. Both experiments suggested that proactive control triggered by difficulty-related prompts facilitated dual-task performance in both age groups. Notably, prompts benefited younger adults’ dual-task performance only when the actual task difficulty was relatively higher, but they benefited older adults’ dual-task performance regardless of the actual task difficulty. These findings contribute to our understanding of proactive control and the different effects of prompts on cognitive performance among younger and older adults.
Broad Perspectives of the Experience of Romantic Relationships and Sexual Education in Neurodivergent Adolescents and Young Adults
Authors: Smusz Magdalena , Allely Clare S. , Bidgood Amy
Published: April 2024

Neurodivergent young people tend to struggle with building and maintaining their romantic relationships. Despite this, there appears to be a lack of appropriate sexuality education delivered to them. This review aims to present and discuss the most current literature (conducted between 2015 and current) on romantic relationships and sexuality education in young people with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and ASD co-occurring with ADHD. Six internet-based bibliographic databases were used for the present review that followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Thirty-one studies were identified in this review. Twenty-six studies investigated the topic in the autistic young population. Four studies explored qualitatively and 11 quantitatively young people’s perspectives of their romantic relationship experiences. One study investigated qualitatively and three quantitatively young people’s perspectives on sexuality education. One study explored qualitatively and five quantitatively young people’s romantic relationship experiences and two explored qualitatively and three quantitatively sexuality education from caregivers’ perspectives. Five studies (all quantitative, self-reports) investigated romantic relationship experiences in the young population with ADHD. The studies conducted on the topic from the educational professionals’ perspectives were absent in the literature. The literature was also non-existent on the topic in the population with ASD co-occurring with ADHD. To the researchers’ knowledge, this is the first review exploring romantic relationships and sexuality education in three groups of neurodivergent young people (with ASD, ADHD, and ASD co-occurring with ADHD).
Punishing Women for Miscarriage: The role of Political Orientation and Hostile Sexism
Authors: Chalmers Jocelyn , Woodford Leif , Sutton Robbie M.
Published: April 2024

Women’s reproductive autonomy is an ideologically divisive issue, and this divisiveness goes beyond just attitudes toward abortion to include other outcomes such as miscarriage. Previous research has established that hostile sexism is positively associated with punitive attitudes toward pregnant women who flout conventional pregnancy proscriptions. Across three studies (N1 = 296; N2 = 580, N3 = 308) we conceptually replicated this research while shifting the focus from abstract attitudes to concrete policies punishing women for miscarriage, and moving beyond hostile sexism to examine the role of political orientation (including libertarianism). In all three studies, hostile sexism remained a significant positive predictor of support for punishing women for miscarriage even after controlling for political orientation. Conservative and libertarian self-identification were positively associated with support for punishment at zero-order, and in multiple regressions adjusting for sexism and demographic variables, conservatism remained significantly positively related to support for punishment in two studies. Libertarianism was no longer a significant predictor of support for punishment after adjusting for sexism; with this in mind, we conducted mediation analyses and found significant indirect paths from libertarian identification through hostile sexism in two of the three studies. These findings provide evidence for the role of sexism and political ideology in the increasingly punitive post-Roe vs. Wade United States.
Sniping at web applications to discover input-handling vulnerabilities
Authors: Brandi Ciro , Perrone Gaetano , Romano Simon Pietro
Published: April 2024

Web applications play a crucial role in modern businesses, offering various services and often exposing sensitive data that can be enticing to attackers. As a result, there is a growing interest in finding innovative approaches for discovering vulnerabilities in web applications. In the evolving landscape of web security, the realm of fuzz testing has garnered substantial attention for its effectiveness in identifying vulnerabilities. However, existing literature has often underemphasized the nuances of web-centric fuzzing methodologies. This article presents a comprehensive exploration of fuzzing techniques specifically tailored to web applications, addressing the gap in the current research. Our work presents a holistic perspective on web-centric fuzzing, introduces a modular architecture that improves fuzzing effectiveness, demonstrates the reusability of certain fuzzing steps, and offers an open-source software package for the broader security community. By addressing these key contributions, we aim to facilitate advancements in web application security, empower researchers to explore new fuzzing techniques, and ultimately enhance the overall cybersecurity landscape.
Long-term imaging and spatio-temporal control of living cells using targeted light based on closed-loop feedback
Authors: Wijewardhane Neshika , Denniss Ana Rubio , Uppington Matthew , Hauser Helmut , Gorochowski Thomas E. , Piddini Eugenia , Hauert Sabine
Published: April 2024

The ability to optically interact with cells on both an individual and collective level has applications from wound healing to cancer treatment. Building systems that can facilitate both localised light illumination and visualisation of cells can, however, be challenging and costly. This work takes the Dynamic Optical MicroEnvironment (DOME), an existing platform for the closed-loop optical control of microscale agents, and adapts the design to support live-cell imaging. Through modifications made to the imaging and projection systems within the DOME, a significantly higher resolution, alternative imaging channels and the ability to customise light wavelengths are achieved (Bio-DOME). This is accompanied by an interactive calibration procedure that is robust to changes in the hardware configuration and provides fluorescence imaging (Fluoro-DOME). These alterations to the fundamental design allow for long-term use of the DOME in an environment of higher temperature and humidity. Thus, long-term imaging of living cells in a wound, with closed-loop control of real-time frontier illumination via projected light patterns, is facilitated.
Bilateral adrenal neuroblastoma: peculiar pattern of a rare pediatric presentation
Authors: Fawzy Mohamed , Ahmed Gehad , Youssef Yasser , Elkinaai Naglaa , Refaat Amal , Elahmadawy Mai Amr , Said Fadwa , Elmenawi Salma
Published: April 2024

Background

Bilateral suprarenal neuroblastoma (BSN) is a rare presentation. Few previously published literature showed BSN patients to have favorable pattern and prognosis. This study aim was to evaluate clinical and biological features in relation to outcome of Egyptian patients with BSN.

Methods

Included patients were diagnosed from 2007 to 2017, retrospectively. Tissue biopsy, imaging and bone marrow were evaluated at presentation. Clinical, demographic, biological variables and risk group were determined and analyzed in relation to overall (OS) and event-free-survival (EFS).

Results

BSN patients (n = 33) represented 2% of hospital patients with neuroblastoma during the 10-year study period, 17 were males and 16 were females. Twenty-four patients (72.7%) were infants, and 9 patients (27.3%) were above 1 year of age (range: 1 month to 3 years). Metachronous disease was present in only one patient. Amplified MYCN was found in 10 patients. Initially, most patients (n = 25) had distant metastasis, 6 had stage 3 versus 2 stage 2. Fifteen were high risk (HR), 15 intermediate (IR), 1 low risk (LR) and 2 were undetermined due to inadequate tissue biopsy. Three-year OS for HR and IR patients were 40.5% and 83.9% versus 23.2% and 56.6% EFS; respectively.

Conclusion

BSN treatment is similar to unilateral disease. A more conservative surgical approach with adrenal tissue preservation on less extensive side should be considered. Biological variables and extent of disease are amongst the most important prognostic determinants. Future studies are warranted to further address the biologic profiling of BSN and highlight prognostic significance of size difference between both adrenal sides.
Diagnostic value of circulating tumor cells in patients with thyroid cancer: a retrospective study of 1478 patients
Authors: Zeng Qingxin , Zhong Haifeng , Rao Hui , Wang Yuedong
Published: April 2024

Background

Circulating tumor cell (CTC) detection is one form of liquid biopsy. It is a novel technique that is beginning to be applied in the field of thyroid cancer. The present study was designed to evaluate the diagnostic value of CTCs in patients with thyroid cancer.

Methods

A total of 1478 patients were retrospectively analyzed and divided into malignant group (n = 747) and benign group (n = 731). Peripheral blood was collected, and CTCs were enriched and quantified before surgery. The baseline data of the two groups were matched by Propensity Score Matching (PSM). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to evaluate the diagnostic efficiency of different indicators for thyroid cancer. The malignant group before PSM was further divided into subgroups according to the BRAF V600E mutation and lymphatic metastasis (N stage), and the number of CTCs in different subgroups was compared.

Results

After 1:1 PSM, baseline characteristics of the malignant group and benign group were matched and assigned 315 cases in each group. The number of CTCs and the TPOAb values were comparable in the two groups (p > 0.05). The TgAb values [1.890 (1.110 – 16.010) vs 1.645 (1.030 – 7.073) IU/mL, p = 0.049] were significantly higher in the malignant group than in the benign group. After PSM, ROC analyses showed that the areas under the curve (AUCs) of CTC, TgAb and ultrasound were 0.537 (sensitivity 65.6%, specificity 45.8%), 0.546 (sensitivity 40.0%, specificity 70.8%) and 0.705 (sensitivity 77.1%, specificity 63.2%), respectively. The AUCs of the combined detection of ‘CTC + ultrasound’ (combine 1) and the combined detection of ‘CTC + TgAb + ultrasound’ (combine 2) were 0.718 (sensitivity 79.3%, specificity 61.7%) and 0.724 (sensitivity 78.0%, specificity 63.3%), respectively. The AUC of ultrasound was significantly higher than CTC (p < 0.001). There was no statistically significant difference in AUC between combination 1 and ultrasound, and between combination 2 and ultrasound (p > 0.05). The number of CTCs between the N0 and N1 subgroups, and between the BRAF mutant and BRAF wild subgroups was comparable (p > 0.05).

Conclusions

As an emerging and noninvasive testing tool, the efficacy of CTCs in diagnosing thyroid cancer is limited.
Biosynthesized copper oxide nanoparticles by Psidium guajava plants with antibacterial, antidiabetic, antioxidant, and photocatalytic capacity
Authors: Relhan Ankush , Guleria Samriti , Bhasin Aparajita , Mirza Anis , Zhou John L.
Published: April 2024

With an increasing focus on green technologies, this research aimed to synthesize copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO-NPs) using leaf extracts from Allahabad Safeda and Hisar Safeda for environmental and health protection. A range of concentrations of leaf extracts were employed in the synthesis of nanoparticles, utilizing 1–9% extract from Allahabad Safeda and 3–11% extract from Hisar Safeda. The synthesized CuO-NPs were characterized by UV–visible spectrophotometry, Dynamic light scattering, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and Scanning electron microscope with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. CuO-NPs synthesized using 3% Allahabad Safeda extract and 5% Hisar Safeda extract exhibited a particle size of 15.88 nm and 14.05 nm, respectively. CuO-NPs synthesized with Allahabad Safeda extract exhibited superior antibacterial, antioxidant, antidiabetic, and photocatalytic properties. Their antibacterial tests demonstrated significant inhibition zones against Staphylococcus aureus (20.5 cm), Streptococcus latis (20.7 cm), Escherichia coli (19.5 cm), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (19.7 mm). Additionally, CuO-NPs from Allahabad Safeda extract (70 µg/mL) exhibited 68.23% of scavenging activity against 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl. Moreover, the same CuO-NPs at 100 µg/mL concentration showed 67.32% α-amylase inhibition and 75.18% α-glucosidase inhibition, confirming their antidiabetic activities. Furthermore, these nanoparticles demonstrated high performance in photocatalytic degradation, by degrading 82.31% methylene blue and 88.54% crystal violet within 150 min of UV irradiation. Overall, the findings highlight the feasibility of CuO-NPs synthesis using Allahabad Safeda extract and their potential applications in antibacterial treatment, combating diabetes, antioxidation, and environmentally friendly dye photodegradation process.

Graphical Abstract
Downregulation of GPX8 in hepatocellular carcinoma: impact on tumor stemness and migration
Authors: Tao Chen-Yang , Wu Xiao-Ling , Song Shu-Shu , Tang Zheng , Zhou Yu-Fu , Tian Meng-Xin , Jiang Xi-Fei , Fang Yuan , Zhu Gui-Qi , Huang Run , Qu Wei-Feng , Gao Jun , Chu Tian-Hao , Yang Rui , Chen Jia-Feng , Zhao Qian-Fu , Ding Zhen-Bin , Dai Zhi , Zhou Jian , Liu Wei-Ren , Shi Ying-Hong , Fan Jia
Published: April 2024

Purpose

GPX8, which is found in the endoplasmic reticulum lumen, is a member of the Glutathione Peroxidases (GPXs) family. Its role in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is unknown.

Methods

Immunohistochemical staining was used to detect the protein levels of GPX8 in HCC tissue microarrays. A short hairpin RNA lentivirus was used to knock down GPX8, and the main signaling pathways were investigated using transcriptome sequencing and a phosphorylated kinase array. The sphere formation assays, cloning-formation assays and cell migration assays were used to evaluate the stemness and migration ability of HCC cells. Identifying the GPX8-interacting proteins was accomplished through immunoprecipitation and protein mass spectrometry.

Results

The GPX8 protein levels were downregulated in HCC patients. Low expression of GPX8 protein was related to early recurrence and poor prognosis in HCC patients. GPX8 knockdown could enhance the stemness and migration ability of HCC cells. Consistently, Based on transcriptome analysis, multiple signaling pathways that include the PI3K-AKT and signaling pathways that regulate the pluripotency of stem cells, were activated after GPX8 knockdown. The downregulation of GPX8 could increase the expression of the tumor stemness markers KLF4, OCT4, and CD133. The in vivo downregulation of GPX8 could also promote the subcutaneous tumor-forming and migration ability of HCC cells. MK-2206, which is a small-molecule inhibitor of AKT, could reverse the tumor-promoting effects both in vivo and in vitro. We discovered that GPX8 and the 71-kDa heat shock cognate protein (Hsc70) have a direct interaction. The phosphorylation of AKT encouraged the translocation of Hsc70 into the nucleus and the expression of the PI3K p110 subunit, thereby increasing the downregulation of GPX8.

Conclusion

The findings from this study demonstrate the anticancer activity of GPX8 in HCC by inactivating the Hsc70/AKT pathway. The results suggest a possible therapeutic target for HCC.