bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
SHAP, LightGBM, and Correlation Matrix Based Framework for Analyzing Household Energy Data: Towards Electricity Self-Sufficiency
Authors: Singh Nitin Kumar , Nagahara Masaaki
Published: July 2024

This article aims to analyze household energy data to predict electricity self-sufficiency and identify the key features that impact it. For this purpose, we use SHAP (Shapley Additive Explanations), LightGBM (Light Gradient Boosting Machine), and a correlation heatmap-based framework to analyze 12 months of energy and questionnaire survey data collected from over 200 smart houses in Kitakyushu, Japan. We use the SHAP summary plot to identify the impact-wise order of key features influencing the electricity self-sufficiency rate (ESSR). Using SHAP, we demonstrated that key features are; housing types, average monthly electricity bill, floor heating, electric capacity, number of washing and drying machines, fee plans, occupation of household head, total floor area, average monthly gas bill, cooking equipment, etc. Furthermore, we adopted the LightGBM classifier with $\ell^1$ regularization to extract the most significant features and predict the electricity self-sufficiency rate of households. This LightGBM-based model can also predict the electricity self-sufficiency rate of households that did not participate in the questionnaire survey. A heat map is also used to analyze the correlation among household variables. The findings discussed in this article offer valuable insights for energy policymakers to achieve the targets of energy self-sufficient houses.
Aloe Vera as a Printed Coating to Demote the Wear of Textiles
Authors: Karypidis Michail , Stalika Amalia , Zarkogianni Maria , Korlos Apostolos , Andriotis Eleftherios G.
Published: July 2024

Aloe vera is well known for its biological properties as a bioflavonoid-anti-inflammatory, antibacterial agent. It has been used frequently in the food sector as food coating for its hygroscopic properties and as an ingredient in the lucrative industry. Studies have also included Aloe vera as an eco-friendly green solution based on these properties. The current research focuses on the use of Aloe vera gel in printing pastes as an alternative sustainable solution to synthetic thickeners, evaluating its wet performance and ease of fabric stitching, and has been inspired by studies that similarly used this substance measuring its effect on the fabric's coefficient of friction and antimicrobial action. In the current study, printing pastes with natural colourants and Aloe vera gel thickener derived from natural leaves from Crete increased the fabric's mechanical resistance to abrasion compared to the untreated pastes. The measured performance did not differ substantially from prints with traditional synthetic pastes, hence tolerating the substitution with the non-contaminant variant. The enhanced resistance to abrasion and wear prolongates the fabric's serviceable life and resulting garments, decreasing the need for high industry processing volumes and, as a result, reducing pollution. The resistance to wear was evaluated using the dominant method in textile testing of the Martindale apparatus, which measured the cycles to failure, weight loss, and general appearance deterioration using the official photographic standards.
New Look on Nuclear Diffraction Scattering Mechanism
Authors: Wojciechowski Henryk
Published: July 2024

Any material object vibrating or rotating excites in spacetime around gravitational waves. Atomic nucleus being highly dynamical object also excites continuously micro gravitational waves which might form around the nucleus specific structure resembling optical diffraction grating and which gives huge effect to nuclear elastic scattering cross sections. The close similarity between the nuclear diffractive scattering and the optical Debye-Sears Effect is shown.
Modelling the Herbicide-Resistance Evolution in Lolium rigidum (Gaud.) Populations at the Landscape Scale
Authors: Gonzalez-Diaz Lucia , Gonzalez-Garcia Irene , Gonzalez-Andujar Jose L.
Published: July 2024

The repeated application of herbicides has led to the development of herbicide resistance. Models are useful for identifying key processes and understanding the evolution of resistance. This study developed a spatially explicit model at a landscape scale to examine the dynamics of Lolium rigidum populations in dryland cereal crops and the evolution of herbicide resistance under var-ious management strategies. Resistance evolved rapidly under repeated herbicide use, driven by weed fecundity and herbicide efficacy. Although fitness costs associated with resistant plants re-duced resistance evolution, they did not affect the speed of spread. The most effective strategies to slow resistance involved diversifying cropping sequences (e.g., crop rotation) and the herbicide applications (e.g., rotating different herbicide modes of action). Pollen flow was the main disper-sal vector, with seed dispersal also contributing significantly. Strategies limiting seed dispersal effectively decreased resistance spread. However, the use of a seed-catching device at harvest could unintentionally enrich resistance in the area. It would be beneficial to optimise the move-ment of harvesters between fields. The model presented here is a useful tool that may assist in the exploration of novel management strategies within the context of site-specific weed management at the landscape scale, as well as in the advancement of our understanding of resistance dynamics.
Evaluating the Preparedness of Healthcare Providers for Prone Position CPR Across Jordan's Healthcare Sectors
Authors: AL HROUB AHMAD , Al-Yatim Sami , Al-Ruzzieh Majeda
Published: July 2024

Background: Health care providers (HCPs) may required to initiate a cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) while patients are in a prone position. Healthcare providers must possess the necessary information, abilities and experience to do cardiopulmonary resuscitation in a prone position (PPCPR) confidently.
Aim: This study aimed to assess healthcare providers' (HCPs) preparedness to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation in a prone position at specialized units in Jordan's healthcare sectors.
Methods: In eight tertiary hospitals, a descriptive cross-sectional survey was carried out. An on-line questionnaire was conducted among 332 healthcare professionals who are employed in operating rooms, intensive care units or interventional procedure rooms.
Results: Preparedness levels among healthcare providers were 24.4% excellent, 2.1% acceptable and 73.5% poor. The average preparedness score was 32.38 (SD = 39.90), indicating significant variability. A lack of targeted training was associated with lower preparedness levels. Notably, providers with Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) training showed significantly higher preparedness.
Conclusion: The HCPs in Jordan are poorly prepared to perform PPCPR whenever indicated. However, the study findings represent a significant step towards improving HCPs' preparedness to perform PPCPR. They serve as a baseline assessment and highlight the gaps in HCPs' readiness, which help their organizations develop and implement targeted training strategies and interventions. Nevertheless, incorporating this training in the hospital orientation, training policies, and clinical guidelines is equally important to enhance their capabilities for better outcomes.
Implications for Clinical Practice: The findings emphasize the urgent need for hospitals to integrate PPCPR training into their standard orientation and ongoing training programs. Providing comprehensive ACLS training and regular PPCPR drills will enhance HCPs' competence and confidence, leading to improved patient outcomes during emergency situations involving prone position CPR.
“Who Are We”: Civilizational Ideas of Classical Eurasianism and Their Evolution
Authors: Lishuang Guo ,   Fudan University, Jialiang Wang , Jing Xu ,   Fudan University,   Fudan University
Published: July 2024

Classical Eurasianism inherited the “genes” of Slavic resistance to the European cultural monopoly, it offered its own view on the typology of civilizations and geopolitics and created its own political philosophy. Based on criticism of the universality of Western civilization, classical Eurasianists put forward the concept of Russia as a unique Eurasian civilization and gave their answer to the questions “who are we?” and “where are we going?” L.N. Gumilev, who called himself “the last Eurasianist,” became the author of a civilizational theory in which geographical features corresponded to certain characteristics of civilization, at the same time his views were based on geopolitics and on the desire to rethink the concept of the Russian spirit. Classical Eurasian political philosophy is closely related to the problem of choice that Russia is now facing; it offers its own view of the roots of Russian civilization, being a direct ideological predecessor of neo-Eurasian political philosophy. Its research has positive implications not only for Russia in its fight against historical nihilism and in restoring its national identity, but also for providing reference for the self-cultural construction of all ethnic groups in the process of globalization. The concept of community of human destiny put forward by China advocates taking into account interests of other countries when pursuing its own interests, and promoting the common good of all countries in the pursuit of own development, which may provide reference for the theoretical construction of Eurasianism.
Problems of War and Peace in the Philosophical and Political Journalism of Li Dazhao
Authors: Xu Wang ,   Nanjing University
Published: July 2024

The article is devoted to the study of the evolution of views on the problem of war and peace of a prominent Chinese educator and political figure, one of the first in the country to take the path of comprehending Marxism and playing a key role in its establishment in China. Having received a classical Con - fucian education, the future first Chinese Marxist and one of the founders of the Communist Party of China went through a difficult path of ideological evolution – from liberal democracy to revolutionary and further to Marxism. In this context, the main vector of changes in his views on the problems of war and peace was determined by a gradual transition from consistent anti-militarism to an understanding of the class essence of war. The turn that was determined in Li Dazhao’s views under the influence of the First World War was finally consolidated by the revolutionary events of 1917 in Russia. Considering war an inevitable companion of capitalism, which, under the conditions of imperialism, strives to extract maximum profit by erasing state borders and creating superempires, Li Dazhao ultimately came to the conclusion that the only way to combat militarism and prevent the threat of new wars of conquest is to change the existing system and establish new ones relations in the spheres of labor and property. At the same time, the main instrument of these changes should be the proletarian state.
Can Electroencephalography-Based Neurofeedback Treat Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder? A Meta-Analysis Study
Authors: Matsuyanagi Kana
Published: July 2024

Objective: Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) remains a significant clinical challenge with limited treatment options. Although electroencephalogram (EEG) neurofeedback has garnered attention as a prospective treatment modality for PTSD, no comprehensive meta-analysis has been conducted to assess its efficacy and compare different treatment protocols. This study aims to provide a multi-variable meta-regression analysis of EEG neurofeedback's impact on PTSD symptoms, while also assessing variables that may influence treatment outcomes.
Methods: A systematic review was performed to identify controlled studies exploring for the efficacy of EEG neurofeedback on PTSD. The overall effectiveness was evaluated through meta-analysis, and a multi-variable meta-regression was employed to discern fact0rs affecting the EEG neurofeedback efficacy.
Results: EEG neurofeedback yielded a statistically significant reduction in PTSD symptoms immediately post-intervention, with sustained effects at one and three months follow-up. A sub-analysis of sham-controlled studies confirmed that outcomes were not driven by placebo effects. Our findings also identified the target frequency and region, as well as feedback modality, as significant factors for treatment success. In contrast, variables related to treatment duration were not found to be significant moderators, suggesting cost-effectiveness.
Conclusions: EEG neurofeedback emerges as a promising and cost-effective treatment modality for PTSD with the potential for long-term benefits. Our findings challenge commonly utilized protocols and advocate for further research into alternative methodologies to improve treatment efficacy.
Comprehensive characterization of tumor innervation in colorectal cancer
Authors: HUO RX , Huo Ruixue , Wang Hao , He Kexin , Gao Yuan , He Wei , Li Weihan , Zhang Shan , Jiang Shu-Heng , Yu Minhao , Xue Junli
Published: July 2024

Purpose
Complex innervation occurs at colorectal cancer (CRC) sites, and these nerves play a certain role in the occurrence and development of tumors. This study aimed to reveal the morphological changes in the nervous system in CRC and the corresponding clinical relevance of these changes.
Methods
The neurofilament-specific marker NF-L and glial cell-specific marker S100β were used to define infiltrated nerves by immunofluorescence analysis in a CRC cohort (n = 155). Neural density and diameter at off-tumor and on-tumor sites (including core regions and peritumoral regions) were quantified.
Results
In CRC, tumor cells frequently erode surrounding nerves, causing interruption of the submucosal and muscular plexus, as well as deformation of nerve fibers. Compared to off-tumor sites, on-tumor sites showed decreased nerve density and increased nerve diameter. At on-tumor sites, the nerve density at the core region was significantly lower than the peritumoral nerve density. According to the subgroup analysis, KRAS mutations were associated with decreased nerve density in the core region. The presence of perineural invasion (PNI) was associated with larger nerve diameters and greater nerve densities in the core region. As the tumor size increased, the nerve density decreased in both the core and peritumoral regions. With increasing T stage (infiltration depth) from T1 to T3, the nerve diameter increased in both the core and peritumoral regions, while the opposite trend was found for the peritumoral nerve density. Similar results were also found for stages I to III (AJCC stage). In patients with metastasis (M1 or stage IV), the nerve density increased in the core region.
Conclusion
Our study revealed the landscape of innervation in CRC and its clinical associations, thus providing a reference for subsequent mechanistic research on nerve-cancer interactions and the development of nerve-based antitumor drugs.
Clinical and radiological pattern of olaparib- induced interstitial lung disease
Authors: Brudon Alexandre , Fournier Dorine , Selle Frédéric , Seront Emmanuel , Conforti Rosa , Veyrac Gwenaëlle , Gouraud Aurore , Lebrun-Vignes Bénédicte , Khalil Antoine , Zalcman Gérard , Gounant Valérie
Published: July 2024

Background:PARP inhibitors (PARPi) are used in the treatment of ovarian, breast, pancreatic, and prostate cancers. Pneumonitis has been identified as a potential side effect, with a higher meta-analysis-assessed risk for olaparib versus other PARPi. Olaparib-induced interstitial lung disease (O-ILD) was first described within the Japanese population, with few information available for Caucasian patients.
Methods: We performed a retrospective study by pooling data from the French and Belgian pharmacovigilance databases from 2018 to 2022. Patients with O-ILD were included following a central review by: 1) pharmacologists using the French drug causality assessment method; 2) senior pneumologists or radiologists, using the Fleischner Society’s recommendations.
Results:Five patients were identified and analysed. All were females, with ovarian or breast cancer. Median age at O-ILD diagnosis was 71 (38-72) years old, with no smoking history. Median delay between treatment initiation and symptom occurrence was 12 (6-33) weeks. Pneumonitis severity assessed using the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events V5 was Grade 3 (n=4) or 2 (n=1). CT-scan review (n=3) described hypersensitivity pneumonitis as a common pattern. Bronchioalveolar lavage (n=4) revealed lymphocytic alveolitis. Treatments relied on olaparib discontinuation (n=5) and glucocorticoid intake (n=4), with no fatal issue. Safe re-challenge with PARPi occurred in two patients. Forty additional O-ILD cases were identified in the WHO VigiBase database, including one fatal case.
Conclusions:PARPi-ILD is a rare but potentially life-threatening disease, presenting as a hypersensitivity pneumonitis pattern within 3 months of PARPi initiation. Treatment primarily relies on medication discontinuation. Re-challenging with another PARPi could be considered.
Clinical trial number : CEPRO #2023-010
Identifying causal genes in alopecia areata using integrative analysis of differential expression and Mendelian randomization
Authors: Zhao Huixia , He Xiaoyuan , Zhang Yuting , Ning Xiaoli , Hu Zhian , Zhan Zhenrun , Gao Chong , Luo Jing
Published: July 2024

Background
Compared with sporadic patients with Alopecia areata (AA), the familial cases have a poorer prognosis. At present, the genetic basis of AA still needs further study to improve treatment and prognosis. The aim of this study is to identify the causal genes related to AA.
Methods
We first used bioinformatics analysis to screen the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) related to AA, and then analyzed large-scale eQTL data and AA GWAS summary data using Mendelian randomization (MR). The enrichment analysis of causal gene functions and pathways as well as immune cell infiltration analysis were also performed, and finally the screened causal genes were analyzed and validated in the experimental group of AA and the normal control group.
Results
Differential expressed gene (DEG) analysis identified 429 up-regulated and 423 down-regulated genes. Among DEGs, MR screened out four intersecting genes, GIMAP6 and AA (IVW OR: 1.868; 95% CI: 1.175–2.970, p = 0.008), ALOX15 and AA (IVW OR: 1.616; 95% CI: 1.167–2.239, p = 0.004), GALNT6 and AA (IVW OR: 0.710; 95% CI: 0.533–0.945, p = 0.019), HEG1 and AA (IVW OR: 0.648; 95% CI: 0.431–0.975, p = 0.037). Indicating that all four intersecting genes have a causal relationship with AA, they are the four causal genes most related to AA. Among them, genes GIMAP6 and ALOX15 are risk factors for AA, while genes GALNT6 and HEG1 are protective factors for AA. Finally, validation analysis was conducted on the four causal genes between the AA experimental group and the normal control group, and significant differences were found in the GALNT6 and HEG1 genes in the validation group.
Conclusion
In this study, we identified four causal genes for AA and found that genes GIMAP6 and ALOX15 are risk factors for AA and genes GALNT6 and HEG1 are protective factors for AA. Our data analysis showed significant differences between the GALNT6 and HEG1 genes in the validation group. This study will provide new research directions for the pathogenesis and clinical diagnosis and treatment of AA.
RILEM TC 275 - Moisture Buffer Value of vegetal concrete - Results of round-robin testing
Authors: collet florence , Mertens Stijn , Faria Paulina
Published: July 2024

The moisture buffering characterization of bio-based building materials and products is investigated to accurately define a test methodology, as previous studies have shown some discrepancies and difficulties for comparison. An industrial hemp concrete was selected. The applicability of the NORDTEST protocol, with complementary details, was assessed by two round robin tests (RRT) with seven participating laboratories to achieve robustness and validation. The first RRT specified a method for previously conditioning the specimens and identified that: the exchange surface widely impacted the MBV results; a lower MBV was found for molded surface; the moisture flux direction versus the compaction direction did not show a high impact on the results; climatic chambers with Peltier technology are less efficient in desorption phase; the impact of air velocity was not highlighted, as the air velocity was similar in all labs; the test can be performed with vertical or horizontal exchange surfaces. For the second RRT, the conditioning protocol was reduced and simplified but complementary details were provided: the exchange surface was molded and the moisture flux was perpendicular to the compaction direction; the necessity to well remove dust before sealing was emphasized; more caution was taken when sealing the other specimen surfaces. This RRT confirmed that the exchange surface finishing widely affects the MBV results and the less efficiency of climate chambers with Peltier technology. Moreover, it underlined the effect of air velocity. The results obtained following this more detailed protocol were comparable between laboratories, suggesting their robustness to assess MBV of bio-based products.
Patient request amplifies other determinants of providing low value care: A factorial survey experiment in physicians’ decision-making
Authors: Roczniewska Marta , Augustsson Hanna , Ingvarsson Sara , Rundgren Emma Hedberg , Szymański Kamil , Schwarz Ulrica von Thiele , Nilsen Per , Hasson Henna
Published: July 2024

Background
Low-value care (LVC) is a term describing practices that persist in healthcare, despite being ineffective, inefficient, or causing harm. The professionals are central in the challenge of de-implementing LVC as they ultimately decide whether or not to provide a particular practice. Several determinants for the provision of LVC have been identified, but understanding how these factors influence professionals’ decisions, individually or together, is a necessary next step to guide de-implementation. This study addresses the gaps in understanding how primary care physicians make decisions about providing LVC, by experimentally testing the influence of different determinants related to their decision-making.
Methods
A factorial survey experiment was employed, using vignettes that presented hypothetical medical scenarios among 593 primary care physicians across Sweden. Each vignette varied systematically by factors such as patient age, patient request for the LVC, physician’s perception of this practice, practice cost to the primary care center, and time taken to deliver it. For each scenario, we measured the reported likelihood of providing the LVC. We also collected information about the physician’s age, work experience, and their general worry about missing a serious illness.
Results
Multilevel modeling revealed that patient request and physicians’ positive perceptions of the LVC were the factors that most impacted the decisions to provide it. Additionally, when the LVC was described as being low cost or not time-consuming, patient request increased the reported likelihood of providing it. On the other hand, credible evidence against the LVC and its high cost reduced the role of patient request. Furthermore, physicians’ fear of missing a serious illness was linked with higher likelihood of providing LVC, and the credibility of the evidence against the LVC reduced the role of this anxiety in decisions.
Conclusions
The findings highlight the dominant role of patient requests and the mitigating effect of evidence credibility. Strategies to reduce LVC should include enhancing physicians’ communication skills and incorporating decision-support tools to better manage patient expectations and align clinical practices with current evidence.
Developing Codes of Ethics in E-Learning: A Survey of Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Dental Students and Attending of Dental School of Tehran University of Medical Sciences
Authors: Zubeidi Zuhair , Hashemikamangar Sedighe Sadat , Behniafar Behnaz , Zolfaghari Mitra
Published: July 2024

Background
Due to the lack of legal frameworks and specific ethical codes in e-learning, this educational method can lead to problems for students, professors, and educational institutions, including Faculty of Dentistry. Therefore, this study aims to develop codes of ethics in e-learning and to determine the level of knowledge, attitude, and practice of dental students and professors of Tehran University of Medical Sciences about them in 2023.
Methods
This cross-sectional study was conducted on dental students and professors of Tehran University of Medical Sciences in 2023. Firstly, based on the codes of top 100 universities in the world (according to the Shanghai ranking) and the opinion of experts in the field of e-learning and dentistry, ethical codes and then 2 questionnaires, each containing 33 questions, were defined. An expert panel of 8 evaluated them in terms of content validity and face validity. Finally, the questionnaires were given to professors and students. After collection, the data was analyzed using SPSS software 25.
Results
According to the results of the present study, the average score of knowledge was 10.88 out of -24 to 24, attitude was 41.5 out of 0 to 56 and practice was 7.98 out of 0 to 12 for professors. Also, for students, the average score of knowledge was 7.36 out of -19 to 19, attitude was 38.9 out of 0 to 56 and practice was 7.49 out of 0 to 13. Also, by comparing the obtained averages with demographic information, it was found that the findings were independent of the gender of professors and students, and there was no significant relationship between the attitude-practice and attitude-awareness of the professors, but there was a relationship between the awareness-practice of the professors. For students, there was no significant relationship between attitude-awareness and awareness-practice, while a significant relationship was observed between students' attitude-practice. (p < 0.05)
Conclusion
Awareness of the professors and students of the Faculty of Dentistry of Tehran University of Medical Sciences about the codes of ethics in e-learning is in the medium frequency range and their attitude and practice is good and far from ideal. The findings were independent of the gender of the professors and students, and there was no relationship between the academic degree of the professors and the knowledge and attitude, and only about the practice of the professors and the rank of the professors. A significant relationship between them was observed.
Assessing Landslide Risk Probability in the Garhwal Himalayas, India Using a GIS-Based Bivariate Statistical Approach
Authors: Kaur Harjeet , Badola Shubham , Singh Ravinder , Parkash Surya
Published: July 2024

Landslides is deadliest disasters which occur frequently without warning causing damages and human causalities in the vulnerable areas. The topography of the region affects the frequency of landslides occurrences, as well as the impact of outside factors including intense rain, seismic activity, changes in groundwater levels, snowmelt, stream erosion, flooding, or any combination of these natural events. The research study investigates the risk probability of Garhwal Himalaya with the help of several causative factors, including slope, aspect, curvature, elevation, proximity to river, proximity to road, rainfall, lineament density, NDVI, NDBI and census data of 2011. Landslide inventory was prepared and classified into training data (70%) and testing data (30%). The landslide risk probability and susceptibility for the area of interest have been obtained using the frequency ratio (FR) approach. The resultant susceptibility and risk probability maps were classified into five i.e very low, low, medium, high, very high. The study reveals that 15.8% of the areas fall under the very high susceptibility zone, while 17.3% area in the very high risk zone. Further, the receiver operating characteristic-area under the curve (ROC-AUC) was used to calculate the landslide risk probability map's overall model accuracy, that turned up to 75.25%. The findings can be used further by planners and relevant authorities for landslip mitigation and control.
Securely Stressed: Association between Attachment and Empathic Stress in Romantic Couples
Authors: Gallistl Mathilde , Handke Lydia , Kungl Melanie , Gabler Sandra , Croy Ilona , Vrticka Pascal , Engert Veronika
Published: July 2024

Stress-related disorders are common in modern societies. What adds to the burden is empathic stress, arising when observing another’s stress elicits a stress response in the observer. In romantic couples, we investigated the association between empathic stress and adult attachment – a deep emotional bond in relationships – to understand facets of risk and resilience inherent to attachment. Psychosocial stress was induced in one partner (“target”) while the other passively observed the situation (“observer”). Stress reactivity was measured in both partners via salivary cortisol, heart rate, high-frequency heart rate variability (HF-HRV), and questionnaires. Observers’ attachment representations were assessed using the Adult Attachment Interview. As hypothesized, we found higher cortisol and HF-HRV resonance, that is, proportionality in stress reactivity in targets and observers, in dyads with securely as opposed to insecurely attached observers (specifically insecure-dismissing). Consistent with attachment as a resilience factor, our results suggest that securely attached individuals are physiologically more in tune with their partners during psychosocially stressful situations, possibly allowing for mutual understanding and triggering supportive behavior. However, suggesting a potential risk inherent to attachment security, in contexts of frequent or extreme partner stress, securely attached individuals may be prone to excessive empathic stress activation and subsequent health impairments.
Therapeutic use of mesenchymal stem cells may be a means of transmitting leishmaniasis in dogs
Authors: Bilharinho Vitor Pegorer , Obata Malú Mateus Santos , Bittar Joely Ferreira Figueiredo , Rosado Isabel Rodrigues , Serakides Rogéria , Alves Endrigo Gabellini Leonel
Published: July 2024

The aim of this case report is to record the finding of leishmaniasis-causing parasites in mesenchymal stem cells from dogs from a non-endemic area, which were negative when submitted to the RIFI and ELISA tests, a fact that had not been documented until now. This demonstrates that this widely distributed and lethal zoonosis can escape traditional means of diagnosis and that stem cell therapy has the potential to be a source of transmission of the disease. Although the relative safety of stem cell therapy is presumed, the possible risks associated with its use, especially the risk of parasite transmission, cannot be ignored. It is therefore essential to develop rigorous screening and testing protocols to ensure the safety of stem cell therapy.
Study A high mobility of p-AlN:ZnO thin films doped by RF sputtering
Authors: Ismail A. , Alabsi Badr I. , Qaeed Motahher , AL-Farga Ammar
Published: July 2024

Achieving high conductivity p-type zinc oxide (ZnO) thin films remains a great challenge, hence the need for co-doping with AlN via RF sputtering. RF sputtering was applied across a range of target power (150, 175, 200, 225 and 250 W) with Ar (20%) and N2 (80%) at room temperature. ZnO (002) peak of wurzite structure showed in all the prepared films. Recombination of free excitons was identified using PL technique. The Raman peaks that denoted as ZnO:AlN and ZnO:N were shown at 578.58 cm-1 and 276 cm-1 respectively. AZO23 and AZO25 samples exhibited p-type conductivity behaviour with hole concentrations of 3.06 ×10+ 16 cm-3 and 1.83 ×10+ 18 cm-3 and matching mobilities of 117 cm2 V-1 s-1and 19.1 cm2 V-1 s-1, respectively. The p-type behavior of the ZnO sample doped at RF power of 175 W is due to the formation N-Al-N complex which serves as a shallow acceptor derived from the substitution of Zn+ 2 ions with Al+ 3 ions. On the other hand, the p-type behavior of the sample doped at RF power of 225 W can be due to the replacement of O-2 ions site (radius of 0.140 nm) with the larger N-3 ions (radius of 0.146 nm) and the formation (N)O acceptors and (N2)O donors. Nonetheless, the effect of (N)O acceptors is more significant than that of (N2)O donors, leading to the p-type conductivity observed in these samples. The higher mean free path/crystallite size (Ɩ/D) ratio recorded for the sample doped at 175 W accounts for its higher mobility (117 cm2 V-1 s-1). Hence, RF power values of 175 and 225 W are effective for the successful doping of ZnO wuth AIN to obtain p-type ZnO.
Protective effect and efficacy evaluation of lychee seed fermentation broth on oxidative damage of cells
Authors: YAN Yaqian , FU Hao , Tang Yuling , Huang Tiantian , zou Xun , Su Ning , Wang Dongdong , Wang Changtao , li meng
Published: July 2024

Background
Lychee seeds were fermented by three kinds of bacteria (Lactobacillus plantarum, Saccharomyces cerevillus and ganoderma lucidum mycelium), and two effective strains were selected by two indexes of activity content and antioxidant, so as to further verify whether lychee seeds have waste multiplication effect and can protect cells damaged by oxidation from anti-inflammatory, anti-aging and safety.
Results
The contents of polyphenols, flavonoids and proteins in the solution fermented by Ganoderma lucidum mycelium did not increase, thus affecting the antioxidant capacity of the solution was far less than that of the water extract. The active content of the other two fermentation solutions was higher than that of the water extract, and the ability of scavenging free radicals of the two solutions increased with the increase of the volume fraction. At the cellular level, the two fermentation solutions showed repair effects on UVA-induced damaged cells. The contents of type I collagen (COL-1), total antioxidant capacity and ELN were increased, the contents of reactive oxygen species and MDA were decreased, and the expressions of inflammatory factors IL-6, TNF-a, iNOS and COX-2 were decreased in HaCaT cells.From the gene level, the mRNA contents of IL-6, TNF-a, Caspase-3, Caspase-9, Bax and Bcl were significantly decreased.The test of chick embryo chorioallantoic membrane (HTET CAM) showed that there was no bleeding and litchi seed fermentation liquid was not irritating.
Conclusions
Therefore, two kinds of litchi seed fermentation can be used as natural plant raw materials for cosmetics, and have strong antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-aging functions on skin, and also have good human safety.
Outcomes in Stage IIA vs. Stage IIB/III in the PALLAS Trial [ABCSG-42/AFT-05/PrE0109/BIG-14-13])
Authors: DeMichele Angela , Dueck Amylou , Hlauschek Dominik , Martin Miguel , Burstein Hal , Pfeiler Georg , Zdenkowski Nick , Wolff Antonio , Bellet-Ezquerra Meritxell , Winer Eric , Balic Marija , Miller Kathy , Colleoni Marco , Lake Diana , Rubovsky Gabor , Cameron David , Balko Justin , Singer Christian , Nowecki Zbigniew , Iwata Hiroji , Wolmark Norman , Parraga Kepa Amilano , Rugo Hope , Steger Guenther G , Traina Tiffany , Werutsky Gustavo , Czajkowska Dorota , Metzger Otto , El-Abed Sarra , Theall Kathy Puyana , Lu Ray Dongrui , O’Brien Patrick , Fesl Christian , Mayer Erica , Gnant Michael
Published: July 2024

Background
The PALLAS trial investigated the addition of palbociclib to standard adjuvant endocrine therapy reduces breast cancer recurrence. This pre-specified analysis was conducted to determine whether adjuvant palbociclib benefited patients diagnosed with lower risk stage IIA disease compared to those with higher stage disease.
Methods
PALLAS was an international, multicenter, randomized, open-label, phase III trial, representing a public-private partnership between Pfizer, the Austrian Breast Cancer Study Group and, the U.S. ALLIANCE Foundation. Patients diagnosed with stage II-III, hormone-receptor-positive, HER2/neu negative breast cancer who were within 12 months of diagnosis, and had completed all definitive therapy aside from endocrine therapy, which was started within 6 months prior to study entry. All patients were required to submit a formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tumor block. Patients were randomly assigned 1:1 to receive standard adjuvant endocrine therapy (of physicians’ choice) for at least 5 years with or without 2 years of Palbociclib, administered orally at a starting dose of 125 mg daily, given for 21 days followed by a 7-day break.
Results
A total of 5,796 patients with HR+/HER2- early breast cancer (including 1,010 with stage IIA) were enrolled. Median follow-up was 50 months for stage IIA patients and 43.1 months overall. In the stage IIA cohort, four-year iDFS in the palbociclib arm was 92.9% versus 92.1% for ET alone (HR 0.75, 95%CI 0.48–1.19, p = 0.23). There was no differential benefit by histologic grade, chemotherapy receipt, age, or anatomic/clinical risk. Additionally, no benefit to palbociclib was seen in this cohort in invasive breast cancer-free survival (iBCFS), locoregional relapse-free survival (LRFS), distant relapse-free survival (DRFS), or overall survival (OS). For the stage IIB/III patients, 4-year iDFS was 85.3% for palbociclib + ET versus 83.6% for ET alone (HR 0.91, 95% CI 0.77–1.07, p = 0.24).
Conclusions and Relevance:
While there were substantial differences in outcome for stage IIA versus IIB/III patients at 4 years of follow-up, the addition of 2 years of palbociclib did not improve outcomes for patients, regardless of stage.
Trial Registration:
The study was registered on Clinicaltrials.gov on July 31, 2015, and was assigned the clinical trial number (NCT02513394).
Drug-eluting beads bronchial arterial chemoembolization in advanced and standard treatment-refractory/ineligible NSCLC
Authors: Cui Wei , Li Jing , Tian Jie , Deng Yi , Chen Jingjing , Cui Jinghua , Wang Qi , Mai Qicong , Chen Xiaoming , Zhang Jing , Xu Rongde
Published: July 2024

OBJECTIVES: The treatment strategy for previously standard treated non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) still remained challenge. This study was to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of epirubicin-loaded drug-eluting bead transbronchial artery chemoembolization (D-BACE) plus bronchial artery infusion chemotherapy (BAIC) in patients with refractory advanced NSCLC.
METHODS: Between January 2018 and December 2022, 32 patients with refractory advanced NSCLC (26 males; mean age of 64±9.3years [range 41-78]; 19 squamous carcinomas [59.4%]) who had received one or more previous standard treatments and received D-BACE (epirubicin 50mg) plus BAIC (lobaplatin 30 mg/m2) were included in our study. The study evaluated several parameters including local tumor response based on RECIST 1.1 criteria, progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and complication rates. To examine the impact of different factors on PFS and OS, Kaplan–Meier and Cox regression analyses were performed.
RESULTS: A total of 68 D-BACE plus BAIC sessions (median, 1, range 1-7) were performed. Overall response and disease control rates were 25% and 100%, respectively. The median PFS and median overall survival were 6.0 months (95% confidence interval (CI): 4.1–7.9) and 14.0 months (95% CI: 4.8–23.2), respectively. The number of cycles in the D-BACE plus BAIC treatment was found to be an independent predictor of PFS and OS. There were no instances of severe procedure-related complications or deaths during the study.
CONCLUSIONS: The combination of D-BACE and BAIC shows great potential as a treatment choice for patients with refractory advanced NSCLC.
Triglyceride glucose index is associated with myocardial ischemia in patients with minimal to moderate CAD
Authors: Huang Zengfa , Tang Ruiyao , Ding Yi , Wang Wanpeng , Du Xinyu , Wang Xi , Li Zuoqin , Xiao Jianwei , Wang Xiang
Published: July 2024

Background
The triglyceride glucose (TyG) index has been suggested as a reliable substitute indicator of insulin resistance. However, the association between the TyG index and the prevalence of myocardial ischemia in patients with minimal to moderate CAD is still lacking.
Hypothesis:
We aimed to investigate the association between the triglyceride glucose (TyG) index and the incidence of myocardial ischemia in patients with minimal to moderate coronary artery disease (CAD).
Methods
1697 patients underwent coronary CTA examinations and with minimal to moderate CAD were retrospectively included in the study. TyG index and computed tomography–derived fractional flow reserve (CT-FFR) was used to assess insulin resistance (IR) and myocardial ischemia, respectively. Myocardial ischemia was defined as a CT-FFR value ≤ 0.80. Logistic regression models were performed to explore the association between the TyG index and myocardial ischemia. A 1-SD increase in TyG index was correlated with 19–24% elevated risk of myocardial ischemia when regarding TyG as a continuous variable.
Results
The prevalence of myocardial ischemia was higher in the highest TyG index tertile (T3) group than that in the lowest TyG index tertile (T1) group. After adjusting for other variables, the T3 group remained to be associated with a higher risk of myocardial ischemia when regarded the T1 group as the reference (OR, 1.43, 95% CI, 1.01–2.04, p = 0.047). Subgroups analysis showed the similar effects.
Conclusion
The TyG index was associated with the prevalence of myocardial ischemia detected by CT-FFR in patients with minimal to moderate CAD.
A meta-analysis on safety and efficacy of CD19 directed CAR T-cells generated using sleeping beauty transposon system
Authors: Rajput Anugya , Sajjad Syed Ammar , Kumar Anup , Singh Kulwant
Published: July 2024

Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy has emerged as a potentially curative approach for hematological malignancies. The sleeping beauty (SB) transposon system represents a non-viral approach to CAR T-cell generation offering several advantages including low immunogenicity, scalability, and cost-effectiveness over existing methods. Despite significant clinical advances, the efficacy and safety of SB-generated CAR T-cells have not been adequately addressed. This meta-analysis aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of SB-generated CAR T-cell therapy across B-cell malignancies. A systematic literature search was conducted through databases, PubMed, Google Scholar, Open Alex, and Semantic scholar from 2012 to January 2024. A total of 10 studies encompassing 153 patients were found eligible. The pooled analysis demonstrated an overall response rate of 71%, with complete response achieved in 66% of patients. Moreover, 55% of patients demonstrated progression-free survival (PFS) with a median follow-up of 30 months and 55% of patients achieved measurable residual disease (MRD) negative remission. Notably, few patients experienced cytokine release syndrome (CRS) of grade 1-2; however, neurotoxicity were not described as prevalent side effects. SB-generated anti-CD19 CAR T-cell therapy demonstrates promising efficacy in B-cell malignancies, with favorable safety profiles. However, the outcomes of this meta-analysis underscore the need for further clinical development. PROSPERO registration No. CRD42024507597. Keywords: CD19, hematological malignancies, sleeping beauty chimeric antigen receptor, meta-analysis, clinical trial, non-viral gene transfer.
PROSPERO registration No. CRD42024507597.
A psychological construct for aiming in First-Person Shooters
Authors: Koïdé Nami , Altakroury Hamza , Poli Alizée , Mahdar-Recorbet Loann , Trognon Arthur
Published: July 2024

The complexities of the structure of aiming skills in competitive first-person shooters (FPS) have prompted much discussion within online communities but little-to-no empirical scrutiny within academia. This study aims to address this gap by employing psychometric methods to validate the construct validity and factorial structure of the aiming skills in FPS games, thought to rely on two "Tracking" and "Flicking" sub-skills. In this work, 61 FPS gamers were recruited to complete a playlist of six training exercises widely recognized within the gaming community designed to measure basic "Tracking" and "Flicking" abilities. Internal consistency was assessed using Cronbach’s alpha and Confirmatory factor analysis was conducted to test the two-factor model of aiming. Cronbach's alpha indicated high internal consistency across all exercises, but with values exceeding the recommended threshold. In other hands, confirmatory factor analysis revealed that the two-factor model for "Tracking" and "Flicking" fit satisfactorily, with strong factor loadings for each exercise and a significant correlation between the factors. These findings contribute to the evidence of the existence of specific psychomotor skillsets required in FPS games and suggest that such measures can effectively capture the dimensionality of aiming skills. Future research should further refine these measures to enhance training and performance in FPS gaming contexts.
Chronic Kidney Disease and Adherence Improvement Program by Clinical Pharmacist-provided Medication Therapy Management; A Quasi-experimental Assessment of Patients’ Self-care Perception and Practice
Authors: Mohammadnezhad Ghader , Ehdaivand Sadaf , Azadmehr Behniya , Ziaie Shadi , Esmaily Hadi
Published: July 2024

Objectives
This study aimed to assess the perceptions, adherence, and performance of the patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) to the clinical pharmacist-provided MTM before and after receiving this service.
Method
A cross-sectional survey was conducted from June 2023 to January 2024. A validated questionnaire assessed patients' knowledge, attitude, and performance, and the Morisky medication adherence scale evaluated the medical adherence of the patients before and after the clinical pharmacist-provided MTM. Inclusion criteria were patients with CKD according to NKF KDOQI guidelines and GFR < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2. Before and after the MTM service, CKD patients' knowledge, attitude, performance, and adherence to their pharmacotherapy were assessed.
Results
A total of 100 patients enrolled in the study and completed the questionnaire. Before and after the MTM service, total knowledge was 3.38 ± 1.82 and 7.59 ± 1.11, respectively. Before and after the MTM service, the attitude score was 54.53 ± 5.05 and 59.24 ± 4.68, respectively. Before and after the MTM service, the mean performance score was 30.15 ± 4.27 and 34.54 ± 2.56, respectively. Adherence score to medications before and after the MTM service was 4.86 ± 1.99 and 6.22 ± 1.39, respectively. In all fields, outcomes significantly improved (P < 0.05).
Conclusion
The current study showed the critical role of clinical pharmacists in training patients about medications and improving adherence to their pharmacotherapy.