bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Zoo professionals and volunteers in the U.S: experiences and prevalence of burnout, mental health, and animal loss
Authors: McDonald Shelby E. , Kogan Lori R. , Nageotte Nichole L. , Currin-McCulloch Jennifer , Dickler-Mann Rachel
Published: April 2024

Introduction

Burnout and mental health among animal care and health professionals (ACHPs) has received increasing attention in recent years. Despite rapid growth of research in this area, the wellbeing of individuals who work and/or volunteer in zoo settings has received minimal attention.

Method

An anonymous online survey was created to evaluate zoo staff and volunteers’ experiences of animal-related loss, rates of professional fulfillment and burnout, mental health, perceived organizational support, and resilience. Participants included 1695 zoo professionals (72% ACHPs, 20% other staff) and volunteers (7%) who were recruited through relevant professional listservs and online platforms, and flyers on zoo grounds.

Results

ACHPs reported higher levels of anxiety, depression, and burnout and lower levels of professional fulfillment than other zoo staff and volunteers. The most common animal-related losses experienced by ACHPs in the past year were unexpected death (80%) and anticipated loss (74%), with more than half of these losses occurring within the past 3 months. ACHPs’ reported bond with animals under their care was positively associated with depression and anxiety. Having a formal ritual or process following the death of an animal was positively associated with job fulfillment and perceived organizational support and negatively associated with depression and burnout—yet only 17% of participants in our sample indicated that their zoo had such a process or ritual.

Discussion

Our findings suggest that many ACHPs are struggling with burnout, anxiety, depression, and low rates of professional fulfilment and perceived organizational support. We recommend that zoos develop organizational plans that foster a culture which normalizes and validates grief/loss experiences and is proactive in responding to animal loss, related trauma, and other occupational stressors. The results of this research demonstrate the need for systemic changes within the zoo industry, for the betterment and welfare of both humans and the animals under their care.
Spatial mapping and predictors of ever-tested for HIV in adolescent girls and young women in Ethiopia
Authors: Shimbre Mulugeta Shegaze , Tunja Abayneh , Bodicha Belay Boda , Belete Abebe Gedefaw , Hailgebereal Samuel , Fornah Lovel , Ma Wei
Published: April 2024

Background

Adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) are expected to be healthy in life. However, the unique health challenges faced by AGYW include unsafe sex practices and substance abuse. Only 46.3% of AGYW in Africa are aware of their HIV status, and difficulties are underlined in HIV testing among adolescents and young people. To demarcate the areas with low and high HIV testing, this study aimed to map predictors of ever-tested for HIV among adolescent girls and young women in Ethiopia.

Methods

Secondary data analysis was conducted using the dataset from the 2016 Ethiopia Demographic and Health Survey (EHDS). We conducted spatial autocorrelation and Moran's I statistics to investigate the regional variance of HIV being ever-tested in AGYW. In addition, spatial regression analyses such as ordinary least squares (OLS) regression and geographically weighted regression (GWR) were carried out to determine the predictors of being ever-tested for HIV among AGYW.

Results

Addis Ababa, some parts of Amhara, Dire Dawa, Gambela, and Tigray were the primary regions and city administrations for being ever-tested for HIV among AGYW. A lesser proportion of AGYW being ever-tested for HIV was found in Somalia, Afar, Benshangul Gumuz, and southern nations. Spatial regression analyses identified an age range of 15–19 years, being Muslim, having no formal education, having no knowledge about HIV, and experiencing severe stigma as predictors of being ever-tested for HIV among AGYW.

Conclusion

The proportion of AGYW being ever-tested for HIV was high in Addis Ababa, some parts of Amhara, Dire Dawa, Gambela, and Tigray. Spatial regression analyses identified that AGYW aged 15–19 years, having no formal education, having no knowledge about HIV, and experiencing severe community stigma as predictors negatively affecting the proportion of being ever-tested for HIV, while being Muslim was a predictor that positively affected the proportion of being ever-tested for HIV. The governments and other stakeholders should focus on increasing HIV testing among these special groups of the population.
Comparing multimodal physiological responses to social and physical pain in healthy participants
Authors: Jang Eun-Hye , Eum Young-Ji , Yoon Daesub , Sohn Jin-Hun , Byun Sangwon
Published: April 2024

Background

Previous physiology-driven pain studies focused on examining the presence or intensity of physical pain. However, people experience various types of pain, including social pain, which induces negative mood; emotional distress; and neural activities associated with physical pain. In particular, comparison of autonomic nervous system (ANS) responses between social and physical pain in healthy adults has not been well demonstrated.

Methods

We explored the ANS responses induced by two types of pain—social pain, associated with a loss of social ties; and physical pain, caused by a pressure cuff—based on multimodal physiological signals. Seventy-three healthy individuals (46 women; mean age = 20.67 ± 3.27 years) participated. Behavioral responses were assessed to determine their sensitivity to pain stimuli. Electrocardiogram, electrodermal activity, photoplethysmogram, respiration, and finger temperature (FT) were measured, and 12 features were extracted from these signals.

Results

Social pain induced increased heart rate (HR) and skin conductance (SC) and decreased blood volume pulse (BVP), pulse transit time (PTT), respiration rate (RR), and FT, suggesting a heterogeneous pattern of sympathetic–parasympathetic coactivation. Moreover, physical pain induced increased heart rate variability (HRV) and SC, decreased BVP and PTT, and resulted in no change in FT, indicating sympathetic-adrenal-medullary activation and peripheral vasoconstriction.

Conclusion

These results suggest that changes in HR, HRV indices, RR, and FT can serve as markers for differentiating physiological responses to social and physical pain stimuli.
The Mediating Effect of Motivation between Internal Communication and Job Satisfaction
Authors: Santos Tânia , Santos Eulália , Sousa Marlene , Oliveira Márcio
Published: April 2024

Communication in organisations is essential for them to be competitive in a global world that is constantly changing. Internal communication especially can be a highly effective and useful strategic tool for improving organisational performance through employee motivation and satisfaction. Based on a questionnaire survey completed by 426 employees of Portuguese organisations, this work aims to understand, using a partial least squares structural equation model, the importance of internal communication in the motivation and satisfaction of Portuguese employees. The results show that internal communication in organisations directly influences job satisfaction and also indirectly, through motivation at work, giving motivation at work the role of mediator. It is therefore important for Portuguese organisations to invest in effective internal communication strategies in order to promote employee motivation and satisfaction, recognising motivation as a key mediator in the relationship between internal communication and job satisfaction.
Two Separate Brain Networks for Predicting Trainability and Tracking Training-Related Plasticity in Working Dogs
Authors: Deshpande Gopikrishna , Zhao Sinan , Waggoner Paul , Beyers Ronald , Morrison Edward , Huynh Nguyen , Vodyanoy Vitaly , Denney Thomas S. , Katz Jeffrey S.
Published: April 2024

Functional brain connectivity based on resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) has been shown to be correlated with human personality and behavior. In this study, we sought to know whether capabilities and traits in dogs can be predicted from their resting-state connectivity, as in humans. We trained awake dogs to keep their head still inside a 3T MRI scanner while resting-state fMRI data was acquired. Canine behavior was characterized by an integrated behavioral score capturing their hunting, retrieving, and environmental soundness. Functional scans and behavioral measures were acquired at three different time points across detector dog training. The first time point (TP1) was prior to the dogs entering formal working detector dog training. The second time point (TP2) was soon after formal detector dog training. The third time point (TP3) was three months’ post detector dog training while the dogs were engaged in a program of maintenance training for detection work. We hypothesized that the correlation between resting-state FC in the dog brain and behavior measures would significantly change during their detection training process (from TP1 to TP2) and would maintain for the subsequent several months of detection work (from TP2 to TP3). To further study the resting-state FC features that can predict the success of training, dogs at TP1 were divided into a successful group and a non-successful group. We observed a core brain network which showed relatively stable (with respect to time) patterns of interaction that were significantly stronger in successful detector dogs compared to failures and whose connectivity strength at the first time point predicted whether a given dog was eventually successful in becoming a detector dog. A second ontologically based flexible peripheral network was observed whose changes in connectivity strength with detection training tracked corresponding changes in behavior over the training program. Comparing dog and human brains, the functional connectivity between the brain stem and the frontal cortex in dogs corresponded to that between the locus coeruleus and left middle frontal gyrus in humans, suggestive of a shared mechanism for learning and retrieval of odors. Overall, the findings point toward the influence of phylogeny and ontogeny in dogs producing two dissociable functional neural networks.
Mitigation Potential of Herbal Extracts and Constituent Bioactive Compounds on Salmonella in Meat-Type Poultry
Authors: Orimaye Oluteru E. , Ekunseitan Deji A. , Omaliko Paul C. , Fasina Yewande O.
Published: April 2024

Herbal extracts have been widely evaluated in poultry production for their beneficial effects and potential substitute for antibiotics, which contribute to AMR and risks to human health through the consumption of infected meat. Salmonellosis is a systemic infection caused by Salmonella, an intracellular bacterium with the ability to cause systemic infections with significant implications for both the health and safety of farmers and consumers. The excessive use of antibiotics has escalated the incidence of antibiotic resistance bacteria in the poultry and livestock industry, highlighting the urgent need for alternatives especially in meat-type poultry. Both in vivo usage and in vitro studies of bioactive compounds from herbal extracts have demonstrated the effective antimicrobial activities against pathogenic bacteria, showing promise in managing Salmonella infections and enhancing poultry performance. Phytobiotic feed additives have shown promising results in improving poultry output due to their pharmacological properties, such as stimulating consumption, and enhancing antioxidant properties and preventing the increasing antimicrobial resistance threats. Despite potential for synergistic effects from plant-derived compounds, a further investigation into is essential to fully understand their role and mechanisms of action, for developing effective delivery systems, and for assessing environmental sustainability in controlling Salmonella in poultry production.
Beyond bNAbs: Uses, Risks, and Opportunities for Therapeutic Application of Non-Neutralising Antibodies in Viral Infection
Authors: Mader Kahlio , Dustin Lynn B.
Published: April 2024

The vast majority of antibodies generated against a virus will be non-neutralising. However, this does not denote an absence of protective capacity. Yet, within the field, there is typically a large focus on antibodies capable of directly blocking infection (neutralising antibodies, NAbs) of either specific viral strains or multiple viral strains (broadly-neutralising antibodies, bNAbs). More recently, a focus on non-neutralising antibodies (nNAbs), or neutralisation-independent effects of NAbs, has emerged. These can have additive effects on protection or, in some cases, be a major correlate of protection. As their name suggests, nNAbs do not directly neutralise infection but instead, through their Fc domains, may mediate interaction with other immune effectors to induce clearance of viral particles or virally infected cells. nNAbs may also interrupt viral replication within infected cells. Developing technologies of antibody modification and functionalisation may lead to innovative biologics that harness the activities of nNAbs for antiviral prophylaxis and therapeutics. In this review, we discuss specific examples of nNAb actions in viral infections where they have known importance. We also discuss the potential detrimental effects of such responses. Finally, we explore new technologies for nNAb functionalisation to increase efficacy or introduce favourable characteristics for their therapeutic applications.
A Study of Metabolites from Basidiomycota and Their Activities against Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Clericuzio Marco , Novello Giorgia , Bivona Mattia , Gamalero Elisa , Bona Elisa , Caramaschi Alice , Massa Nadia , Asteggiano Alberto , Medana Claudio
Published: April 2024

The World Health Organization (WHO) promotes research aimed at developing new drugs from natural compounds. Fungi are important producers of bioactive molecules, and they are often effective against other fungi and/or bacteria and are thus a potential source of new antibiotics. Basidiomycota crude extracts, which have previously been proven to be active against Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC27853, were subjected to liquid chromatographic separation by RP-18, leading to six macro-fractions for each fungal extract. The various fractions were tested for their bioactivities against P. aeruginosa ATCC27853, and ten of them were characterized by HPLC-HRMS and NMR. Further chromatographic separations were performed for a few selected macro-fractions, yielding seven pure compounds. Bioactivity was mainly found in the lipophilic fractions containing fatty acids and their derivatives, such as hydroxy or keto C-18 unsaturated acids, and in various complex lipids, such as glycolipids and related compounds. More hydrophilic molecules, such as GABA, phenethylamine, two chromogenic anthraquinoids and pistillarin, were also isolated, and their antibacterial activities were recorded. The novelties of this research are as follows: (i) the genera Cortinarius and Mycena have never been investigated before for the synthesis of antibiotic compounds; (ii) the molecules produced by these genera are known, but their production has never been reported in the investigated fungi; (iii) the determination of bacterial siderophore synthesis inhibition by certain compounds from Cortinarius and Mycena.
Euonymus alatus Leaf Extract Attenuates Effects of Aging on Oxidative Stress, Neuroinflammation, and Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Gurung Pallavi , Lim Junmo , Thapa Magar Til Bahadur , Shrestha Rajeev , Kim Yong-Wan
Published: April 2024

Our study aimed to explore the impact and mechanism of Euonymus alatus leaf extract on age-dependent oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and progressive memory impairments in aged mice. Twenty-four-month-old mice received EA-L3 (300 mg/kg/day) or the reference drug, donepezil (DPZ, 5 mg/kg/day), for 6 weeks, and learning and memory functions were detected using the Passive Avoidance Test (PAT). As expected, cognitive function deficits were detected in aged mice compared with young mice, and these deficits were significantly mitigated by dietary treatments with EA-L3. In parallel, it upregulated the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and subsequently activated the extracellular-signal-regulated kinase (ERK)/cAMP response element-binding (CREB) signaling in the mouse hippocampus and scopolamine-induced B35 and SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells. EA-L3 showed strong anti-inflammatory effects with decreased NF-κBp65, cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2), and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), increased interleukin (IL)-10, and doublecortin (DCX) protein expression in the hippocampus of aged mice. Similar results were also confirmed in LPS-induced BV-2 microglia and neuroblastoma cells upon treatment with EA-L3 extract. In addition, EA-L3 notably dose-dependently decreased ROS in BV2 cells after exposure to LPS. Taken together, EA-L3 might be used as a dietary supplement to alleviate oxidative stress, the deterioration of hippocampal-based memory tasks, and neuroinflammation in elderly people.
Intelligent Lighting System Using Color-Based Image Processing for Object Detection in Robotic Handling Applications
Authors: Akış Uğur , Dişlitaş Serkan
Published: April 2024

In applications reliant on image processing, the management of lighting holds significance for both precise object detection and efficient energy utilization. Conventionally, lighting control involves manual switching, timed activation or automated adjustment based on illuminance sensor readings. This research introduces an embedded system employing image processing methodologies for intelligent ambient lighting, focusing specifically on reference-color-based illumination for object detection and positioning within robotic handling scenarios. Evaluating the system’s efficacy entails analyzing the illuminance levels and power consumption through a tailored experimental setup. To minimize illuminance, the LED-based lighting system, controlled via pulse-width modulation (PWM), is calibrated using predetermined red, green, blue and yellow (RGBY) reference objects, obviating the need for external sensors. Experimental findings underscore the significance of color choice in detection accuracy, highlighting yellow as the optimal color requiring minimal illumination. Successful object detection based on color is demonstrated at an illuminance level of approximately 50 lx, accompanied by energy savings contingent upon ambient lighting conditions.
Study of Innovative Connector for Steel–Concrete Composite Structures
Authors: Derlatka Anna , Lacki Piotr , Kania Paweł , Gao Shan
Published: April 2024

The paper presents an analysis of the innovative connector for manufacturing a steel–concrete composite beam. The connector consists of a corrugated metal sheet in the shape of a dovetail and shot nails. The nails are shot through the sheet fold into the flange of the steel I-section. Experimental studies of push-out tests were carried out. The conducted tests proved that the proposed solution can be applied as the fastener for steel–concrete composite beams for the construction of ceilings in utility public buildings with small beam’s span. Considering the criteria presented in the Eurocode 4 standard and the results of the experiments, it was proven that all analyzed types of fasteners are ductile. The connector made of sheet with a thickness of 1.00 mm and 2 nails is characterized by a breaking load of 30.83 kN. The load-bearing capacity of the fastener can be adjusted by changing the corrugated sheet thickness and changing the number of nails shot in the single fold of the sheet.
The Fermentation of Orange and Black Currant Juices by the Probiotic Yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae var. boulardii
Authors: Patelski Andrea Maria , Dziekońska-Kubczak Urszula , Ditrych Maciej
Published: April 2024

Throughout history, the fermentation of fruit juices has served as a preservation method and has enhanced the retention of bioactive constituents crucial for human well-being. This study examined the possibility of orange and black currant juice fermentation with the probiotic yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae var. boulardii. Saccharomyces bayanus was used as the reference. The ethanol concentration of the orange juices fermented without added glucose was close to 27 g/L. Adding glucose to the juice increased the alcohol produced by up to 65.58 ± 1.84 g/L (for the orange juice). For the same wort fermented by S. bayanus, the final ethanol concentration was 71.23 ± 1.62 g/L. Regardless of the type of yeast and additives used, the samples retained much of the color of the unfermented juice. The polyphenols content in the fermented samples was close to the initial polyphenols content in the juices. The sensory attributes of the juices fermented by the probiotic yeast did not differ from the samples fermented by S. bayanus. Fermenting fruit juices with probiotic yeasts offers a commercially viable and sensorially appealing method to enhance the product’s value by imparting it with probiotic properties.
Enhancing Sensitivity of Double-Walled Carbon Nanotubes with Longitudinal Magnetic Field
Authors: Ahmadi Hamid Reza , Rahimi Zaher , Sumelka Wojciech
Published: April 2024

In this study, the behavior of double-walled carbon nanotubes (DWCNTs) used as mass sensors is explored under various boundary conditions; particular attention is paid to the crucial topic of resonant nanomechanical mass sensors. In the presented approach, nanotubes are subjected to a distributed transverse magnetic force and supported by an elastic foundation. The impacts of the longitudinal magnetic field, elastic medium, and diverse physical parameters on the responsiveness of the sensors are assessed. Using the energy method, governing equations are formulated to determine the frequency shifts of the mass nanosensors. Our findings reveal significant variations in the frequency shifts due to a longitudinal magnetic field, which depends on the applied boundary conditions. This research holds significance in the design of resonant nanomechanical mass sensors and provides valuable insights into the interplay of factors affecting their performance. Through exploring the intricate dynamics of DWCNTs used as mass sensors and thus contributing to the broader understanding of nanoscale systems, the implications for advancements in sensor design are offered and applications are introduced.
TTool: A Supervised Artificial Intelligence-Assisted Visual Pose Detector for Tool Heads in Augmented Reality Woodworking
Authors: Settimi Andrea , Chutisilp Naravich , Aymanns Florian , Gamerro Julien , Weinand Yves
Published: April 2024

We present TimberTool (TTool v2.1.1), a software designed for woodworking tasks assisted by augmented reality (AR), emphasizing its essential function of the real-time localization of a tool head’s poses within camera frames. The localization process, a fundamental aspect of AR-assisted tool operations, enables informed integration with contextual tracking, facilitating the computation of meaningful feedback for guiding users during tasks on the target object. In the context of timber construction, where object pose tracking has been predominantly explored in additive processes, TTool addresses a noticeable gap by focusing on subtractive tasks with manual tools. The proposed methodology utilizes a machine learning (ML) classifier to detect tool heads, offering users the capability to input a global pose and utilizing an automatic pose refiner for final pose detection and model alignment. Notably, TTool boasts adaptability through a customizable platform tailored to specific tool sets, and its open accessibility encourages widespread utilization. To assess the effectiveness of TTool in AR-assisted woodworking, we conducted a preliminary experimental campaign using a set of tools commonly employed in timber carpentry. The findings suggest that TTool can effectively contribute to AR-assisted woodworking tasks by detecting the six-degrees-of-freedom (6DoF) pose of tool heads to a satisfactory level, with a millimetric positional error of 3.9 ± 1 mm with possible large room for improvement and 1.19 ± 0.6° for what concerns the angular accuracy.
Application of Artificial Neural Networks to Numerical Homogenization of the Precast Hollow-Core Concrete Slabs
Authors: Gajewski Tomasz , Skiba Paweł
Published: April 2024

The main goal of this work is to combine the usage of the numerical homogenization technique for determining the effective properties of representative volume elements with artificial neural networks. The effective properties are defined according to the classical laminate theory. The purpose is to create and train a rapid surrogate model for the quick calculation of the mechanical properties of hollow concrete slabs. First, the homogenization algorithm was implemented, which determines membrane, bending and transverse shearing properties of a given parametrized hollow-core precast slab reinforced with steel bars. The algorithm uses the finite element mesh but does not require a formal solution of the finite element method problem. Second, the learning and training artificial intelligence framework was created and fed with a dataset obtained by optimal Latin hypercube sampling. In the study, a multilayer perceptron type of artificial neural network was used. This allows for obtaining rapid calculations of the effective properties of a particular hollow-core precast slab by using a surrogate model. In the paper, it has been proven that such a model, obtained via complex numerical calculations, gives a very accurate estimation of the properties and can be used in many practical tasks, such as optimization problems or computer-aided design decisions. Above all, the efficient setup of the artificial neural network has been sought and presented.
Last Glacial Maximum Climate and Glacial Scale Affected by the Monsoon Inferred from Reconstructing the Tianchi Area, Changbai Mountains, Eastern China
Authors: Zhao He , Zhang Wei
Published: April 2024

There are few studies on the climate and glacial scale in the mountains east of the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau. So, we used glacial features to determine the range of the area’s paleoglaciers and the equilibrium line altitude (ELA) of theGlA modern and paleoglaciers in the Tianchi area of the Changbai Mountains. Then, the GlaRe toolbox 2015 () was used to reconstruct the surface of the paleoglaciers. The probable air temperature during the glacial advances of the LGM was calculated by applying the P-T and LR models. The results showed the following: (1) the change in ELA is 950 m in the Tianchi area of the Changbai Mountains; (2) glacial coverage in the Tianchi area of the Changbai Mountains during the LGM period was ~27.05 km2 and the glacial volume was ~9.94 km3; and (3) the mean temperature in the Tianchi area of the Changbai Mountains during the LGM was 6.6–9.0 °C lower than today’s, and was the principal factor controlling the growth of glaciers. There is a difference in the climate change in monsoon-influenced mountains during the LGM, and this difference may be related to the precipitation in the mountains.
Synoptic Analysis and Subseasonal Predictability of an Early Heatwave in the Eastern Mediterranean
Authors: Mitropoulos Dimitris , Pytharoulis Ioannis , Zanis Prodromos , Anagnostopoulou Christina
Published: April 2024

Greece and the surrounding areas experienced an early warm spell with characteristics of a typical summer Mediterranean heatwave in mid-May 2020. The maximum 2 m temperature at Kalamata (southern Greece) reached 40 °C on 16 May and at Aydin (Turkey), it was 42.6 °C on 17 May. There was a 10-standard deviation positive temperature anomaly (relative to the 1975–2005 climatology) at 850 hPa, with a southwesterly flow and warm advection over Greece and western Turkey from 11 to 20 May. At 500 hPa, a ridge was located over the Eastern Mediterranean, resulting in subsidence. The aims of this study were (a) to investigate the prevailing synoptic conditions during this event in order to document its occurrence and (b) to assess whether this out-of-season heatwave was predictable on subseasonal timescales. The subseasonal predictability is not a well-researched scientific topic in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea. The ensemble global forecasts from six international meteorological centres (European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts—ECMWF, United Kingdom Met Office—UKMO, China Meteorological Administration—CMA, Korea Meteorological Administration—KMA, National Centers for Environmental Prediction—NCEP and Hydrometeorological Centre of Russia—HMCR) and limited area forecasts using the Weather Research and Forecasting model with the Advanced Research dynamic solver (WRF) forced by Climate Forecast System version 2 (CFSv.2; NCEP) forecasts were evaluated for lead times ranging from two to six weeks using statistical scores. WRF was integrated using two telescoping nests covering Europe, the Mediterranean basin and large part of the Atlantic Ocean, with a grid spacing of 25 km, and Greece–western Turkey at 5 km. The results showed that there were some accurate forecasts initiated two weeks before the event’s onset. There was no systematic benefit from the increase of the WRF model’s resolution from 25 km to 5 km for forecasting the 850 hPa temperature, but regarding the prediction of maximum air temperature near the surface, the high resolution (5 km) nest of WRF produced a marginally better performance than the coarser resolution domain (25 km).
Vertex Spans of Multilayered Cycle and Path Graphs
Authors: Šubašić Aljoša , Vojković Tanja
Published: April 2024

In this paper, we observe a special class of graphs known as multilayered graphs and their subclasses, namely multilayered cycles and multilayered paths. These graphs model layouts of shopping malls, city street grids, and even resemble the topology of certain famous board games. We analyze the values of all vertex spans (strong, direct, and Cartesian span) for these subclasses of graphs. Surprisingly, our results for multilayered cycles reveal that, regardless of the chosen movement rules, the span values depend solely on the length of the individual cycles, rather than the number of layers. This finding carries significant implications for the application of graph spans in maintaining safety distances.
COVID-Vaccines in Pregnancy: Maternal and Neonatal Response over the First 9 Months after Delivery
Authors: Proto Alice , Agliardi Stefano , Pani Arianna , Renica Silvia , Gazzaniga Gianluca , Giossi Riccardo , Senatore Michele , Di Ruscio Federica , Campisi Daniela , Vismara Chiara , Panetta Valentina , Scaglione Francesco , Martinelli Stefano
Published: April 2024

Vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 has been demonstrated to be safe during gestation. Nevertheless, there are no robust data investigating the entity of maternal antibodies’ transmission through the placenta to the newborn and the persistence of the antibodies in babies’ serum. The objective of this study is to assess the maternal antibody transmission and kinetics among newborns in the first months of life. Women having received one or two doses of anti-SARS-CoV-2 mRNA-vaccines during pregnancy at any gestational age, and their newborns, were recruited and followed-up over 9 months. Ninety-eight women and 103 babies were included. At birth, we observed a significant positive correlation between maternal and neonatal serum anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody levels and a significant negative correlation between the time since last dose and antibody levels in mothers with two doses. Over the follow-up, the birth antibody level significantly decreased in time according to the received doses number at 3, 6, and 9 months. During the follow-up, we registered 34 dyad SARS-CoV-2 infection cases. The decreasing trend was slower in the SARS-CoV-2 infection group and among breastfed non-infected babies. Antibodies from maternal anti-SARS-CoV-2 vaccination are efficiently transferred via the placenta and potentially even through breast milk. Among newborns, antibodies show relevant durability in the first months of life.
How Lifetime Evolution of Parkinson’s Disease Could Shape Clinical Trial Design: A Shared Patient–Clinician Viewpoint
Authors: Janssen Daalen Jules M. , Gerritsen Aranka , Gerritse Gijs , Gouman Jan , Meijerink Hannie , Rietdijk Leny E. , Darweesh Sirwan K. L.
Published: April 2024

Parkinson’s disease (PD) has a long, heterogeneous, pre-diagnostic phase, during which pathology insidiously accumulates. Increasing evidence suggests that environmental and lifestyle factors in early life contribute to disease risk and progression. Thanks to the extensive study of this pre-diagnostic phase, the first prevention trials of PD are being designed. However, the highly heterogenous evolution of the disease across the life course is not yet sufficiently taken into account. This could hamper clinical trial success in the advent of biological disease definitions. In an interdisciplinary patient–clinician study group, we discussed how an approach that incorporates the lifetime evolution of PD may benefit the design of disease-modifying trials by impacting population, target and outcome selection. We argue that the timepoint of exposure to risk and protective factors plays a critical role in PD subtypes, influencing population selection. In addition, recent developments in differential disease mechanisms, aided by biological disease definitions, could impact optimal treatment targets. Finally, multimodal biomarker panels using this lifetime approach will likely be most sensitive as progression markers for more personalized trials. We believe that the lifetime evolution of PD should be considered in the design of clinical trials, and that such initiatives could benefit from more patient–clinician partnerships.
Material Metabolism: Reducing Risk through Flexible Formwork Substitution
Authors: Louw Mike , Farrah Sally , Maxwell Max , Tomkins Sam
Published: April 2024

For this special issue, sustainability and safety are discussed through the tropes of both material and work process substitution. As an architecture and industrial design team, we examine the potential of William McDonough’s and Michael Braungart’s “cradle to cradle” material methodology, and David Pye’s “the workmanship of certainty” as relevant to the construction industry. Locating and revisiting the tenets of Gottfried Semper’s Stoffwechseltheorie, alongside contemporary critiques, demonstrates that if historically, material and technique substitution led to architectural innovation, the same conditions exist today. To demonstrate a contemporary Stoffwechsel (material substitution) a formwork prototype was constructed at the University of Canberra’s Workshop 7, by substituting timber with plastic, and 3D-printing the formwork. This prototype demonstrates a type of “technical nutrient” that is both recyclable as plastic, and reusable as formwork. This reveals the potential of substituting materials and processes not only to achieve material recovery, but rather, aiming for material recycling, reuse, or upcycling, therefore reducing socio-environmental risks in construction.
Analysis of the Influence of Shell Sand Content on the Performance of Ceramisite Lightweight Aggregate Concrete
Authors: Liu Di , Li Songhui , Lun Hengxuan , Wang Quanlei
Published: April 2024

This study investigates the impact of varying shell sand replacement rates (0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%) on the properties of clay ceramsite lightweight aggregate concrete (CLC) through six experimental groups. Results indicate that a 5% replacement rate of shell sand yields optimal mechanical properties and working performance in CLC. Examination of specimen failure diagrams, electron microscopy and theoretical analysis reveals that shell sand predominantly influences CLC’s overall performance by influencing internal pore development and the formation of a “bonding defect zone” between shell sand and cementitious material. This also elucidates why specimen failure predominantly arises from internal ceramic particle fracture.
Study on the Demand and Supply of Cultural Space for Different Groups of People from the Perspective of Sustainable Community Development: A Case Study from the Hanzhong Section of the Hanjiang River Basin, China
Authors: Zhang Feng , Zhang Pei , Wu Miao , Wang Tiantian , Gao Liyue , Cheng Yonghui
Published: April 2024

Cultural space (CS) holds significant importance for inheriting regional culture, serving people’s lives, and boosting sustainable community development. In this study, based on the research case of the Hanzhong section of the Hanjiang River Basin (HSHRB), the demand and supply matching relationships between three groups of people, namely residents, employees, and tourists, and four types of CS—memorial or religious space (MRS), cultural heritage space (CHS), cultural facilities space (CFS), and cultural industries space (CIS)—is analyzed, with communities as the units. Findings: (1) The CS demand–supply matching relationship exhibited the spatial distribution characteristics of high value balance in urbanized areas, significant lag in suburban supply, and low value balance in rural areas. (2) For the CS demands of residents, employees, and tourists, the total supply was in a substantial shortage, in general balance, and in significant surplus, respectively. (3) There were significant differences in the fairness and adequacy of the demand–supply matching of the four types of CS, with MRS and CHS more equitable and better able to meet the needs of different regions and populations. (4) Six community types with significantly different demand and supply characteristics were classified based on the demand–supply relationship within the community and the supply environment of neighboring communities. They presented a spatial structure of circles outward in the order of high-value-balanced communities, deprived communities, insufficient-supply communities, low-value-balanced communities, and shared communities, with urbanized areas as the core. Deprived communities and shared communities have shown spatial dynamics of urban expansion and village decay, respectively, and they require urgent attention. The study employs a more systematic categorization of CS supply and a more diverse perspective of demand entities, offering new evidence for the equitable distribution of cultural resources among heterogeneous groups and regions. Ultimately, it presents strategies for optimizing demand and supply as well as policy recommendations for community governance, bringing fresh insights into promoting sustainable community development.
Unlocking Overexpressed Membrane Proteins to Guide Breast Cancer Precision Medicine
Authors: Mendonça Júlia Badaró , Fernandes Priscila Valverde , Fernandes Danielle C. , Rodrigues Fabiana Resende , Waghabi Mariana Caldas , Tilli Tatiana Martins
Published: April 2024

Breast cancer (BC) is a prevalent form of cancer affecting women worldwide. However, the effectiveness of current BC drugs is limited by issues such as systemic toxicity, drug resistance, and severe side effects. Consequently, there is an urgent need for new therapeutic targets and improved tumor tracking methods. This study aims to address these challenges by proposing a strategy for identifying membrane proteins in tumors that can be targeted for specific BC therapy and diagnosis. The strategy involves the analyses of gene expressions in breast tumor and non-tumor tissues and other healthy tissues by using comprehensive bioinformatics analysis from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), UALCAN, TNM Plot, and LinkedOmics. By employing this strategy, we identified four transcripts (LRRC15, EFNA3, TSPAN13, and CA12) that encoded membrane proteins with an increased expression in BC tissue compared to healthy tissue. These four transcripts also demonstrated high accuracy, specificity, and accuracy in identifying tumor samples, as confirmed by the ROC curve. Additionally, tissue microarray (TMA) analysis revealed increased expressions of the four proteins in tumor tissues across all molecular subtypes compared to the adjacent breast tissue. Moreover, the analysis of human interactome data demonstrated the important roles of these proteins in various cancer-related pathways. Taken together, these findings suggest that LRRC15, EFNA3, TSPAN13, and CA12 can serve as potential biomarkers for improving cancer diagnosis screening and as suitable targets for therapy with reduced side effects and enhanced efficacy.
Further Clarification of Pain Management Complexity in Radiotherapy: Insights from Modern Statistical Approaches
Authors: Donati Costanza Maria , Galietta Erika , Cellini Francesco , Di Rito Alessia , Portaluri Maurizio , De Tommaso Cristina , Santacaterina Anna , Tamburella Consuelo , Mammini Filippo , Di Franco Rossella , Parisi Salvatore , Cossa Sabrina , Bianculli Antonella , Ziccarelli Pierpaolo , Ziccarelli Luigi , Genovesi Domenico , Caravatta Luciana , Deodato Francesco , Macchia Gabriella , Fiorica Francesco , Napoli Giuseppe , Cammelli Silvia , Cavallini Letizia , Buwenge Milly , Rossi Romina , Maltoni Marco , Morganti Alessio Giuseppe , Cilla Savino
Published: April 2024

Background: The primary objective of this study was to assess the adequacy of analgesic care in radiotherapy (RT) patients, with a secondary objective to identify predictive variables associated with pain management adequacy using a modern statistical approach, integrating the Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) algorithm and the Classification and Regression Tree (CART) analysis. Methods: This observational, multicenter cohort study involved 1387 patients reporting pain or taking analgesic drugs from 13 RT departments in Italy. The Pain Management Index (PMI) served as the measure for pain control adequacy, with a PMI score < 0 indicating suboptimal management. Patient demographics, clinical status, and treatment-related factors were examined to discern the predictors of pain management adequacy. Results: Among the analyzed cohort, 46.1% reported inadequately managed pain. Non-cancer pain origin, breast cancer diagnosis, higher ECOG Performance Status scores, younger patient age, early assessment phase, and curative treatment intent emerged as significant determinants of negative PMI from the LASSO analysis. Notably, pain management was observed to improve as RT progressed, with a greater discrepancy between cancer (33.2% with PMI < 0) and non-cancer pain (73.1% with PMI < 0). Breast cancer patients under 70 years of age with non-cancer pain had the highest rate of negative PMI at 86.5%, highlighting a potential deficiency in managing benign pain in younger patients. Conclusions: The study underscores the dynamic nature of pain management during RT, suggesting improvements over the treatment course yet revealing specific challenges in non-cancer pain management, particularly among younger breast cancer patients. The use of advanced statistical techniques for analysis stresses the importance of a multifaceted approach to pain management, one that incorporates both cancer and non-cancer pain considerations to ensure a holistic and improved quality of oncological care.
Clinical Outcome of Nivolumab Plus Ipilimumab in Patients with Locally Advanced Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer with Relapse after Concurrent Chemoradiotherapy followed by Durvalumab
Authors: Mouri Atsuto , Watanabe Satoshi , Tokito Takaaki , Nagai Yoshiaki , Saida Yu , Imai Hisao , Yamaguchi Ou , Kobayashi Kunihiko , Kaira Kyoichi , Kagamu Hiroshi
Published: April 2024

Nivolumab plus ipilimumab showed promising efficacy in patients with metastatic non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The efficacy of the nivolumab plus ipilimumab combination regimen in NSCLC patients who relapse after durvalumab consolidation following concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) has not been determined. Between January 2021 and June 2022, clinical data were retrospectively extracted from the medical records of patients with NSCLC who received nivolumab plus ipilimumab after CCRT and durvalumab consolidation. A total of 30 patients were included in this analysis. The median number of durvalumab treatment cycles was 11. Median PFS and OS with nivolumab plus ipilimumab were 4.2 months (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.7–7.7) and 18.5 months (95% CI: 3.5–33.5), respectively. The 6-month and 12-month PFS rates were 46.7% (95% CI: 28.8–64.5) and 36.4% (95% CI: 19.0–53.7). In multivariate analysis, a significant correlation was observed between a durvalumab treatment duration of 6 months or more and PFS (p = 0.04) as well as OS (p = 0.001). Grade 3 adverse events, including pneumonitis, dermatitis, and colitis, occurred in 10% of the patients. This study suggests that nivolumab plus ipilimumab is effective, especially in patients who have received durvalumab for 6 months or more, and tolerable for patients who relapsed after durvalumab following CCRT.
Mesenchymal-Stem-Cell-Based Therapy against Gliomas
Authors: Santillán-Guaján Sisa M. , Shahi Mehdi H. , Castresana Javier S.
Published: April 2024

Glioblastoma is the most aggressive, malignant, and lethal brain tumor of the central nervous system. Its poor prognosis lies in its inefficient response to currently available treatments that consist of surgical resection, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. Recently, the use of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) as a possible kind of cell therapy against glioblastoma is gaining great interest due to their immunomodulatory properties, tumor tropism, and differentiation into other cell types. However, MSCs seem to present both antitumor and pro-tumor properties depending on the tissue from which they come. In this work, the possibility of using MSCs to deliver therapeutic genes, oncolytic viruses, and miRNA is presented, as well as strategies that can improve their therapeutic efficacy against glioblastoma, such as CAR-T cells, nanoparticles, and exosomes.
Dilation of Pregnant Rat Uterine Arteries with Phenols from Extra Virgin Olive Oil Is Endothelium-Dependent and Involves Calcium and Potassium Channels
Authors: Esposito Milena , Gatto Mariacarmela , Cipolla Marilyn J. , Bernstein Ira M. , Mandalà Maurizio
Published: April 2024

During pregnancy, uterine vasculature undergoes significant circumferential growth to increase uterine blood flow, vital for the growing feto-placental unit. However, this process is often compromised in conditions like maternal high blood pressure, particularly in preeclampsia (PE), leading to fetal growth impairment. Currently, there is no cure for PE, partly due to the adverse effects of anti-hypertensive drugs on maternal and fetal health. This study aimed to investigate the vasodilator effect of extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) phenols on the reproductive vasculature, potentially benefiting both mother and fetus. Isolated uterine arteries (UAs) from pregnant rats were tested with EVOO phenols in a pressurized myograph. To elucidate the underlying mechanisms, additional experiments were conducted with specific inhibitors: L-NAME/L-NNA (10−4 M) for nitric oxide synthases, ODQ (10−5 M) for guanylate cyclase, Verapamil (10−5 M) for the L-type calcium channel, Ryanodine (10−5 M) + 2-APB (3 × 10−5 M) for ryanodine and the inositol triphosphate receptors, respectively, and Paxilline (10−5 M) for the large-conductance calcium-activated potassium channel. The results indicated that EVOO-phenols activate Ca2+ signaling pathways, generating nitric oxide, inducing vasodilation via cGMP and BKCa2+ signals in smooth muscle cells. This study suggests the potential use of EVOO phenols to prevent utero-placental blood flow restriction, offering a promising avenue for managing PE.