bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploiting the therapeutic potential of contracting skeletal muscle-released extracellular vesicles in cancer: Current insights and future directions
Authors: Pinto Ana Carolina , Tavares Patrícia , Neves Bruno , Oliveira Pedro F. , Vitorino Rui , Moreira-Gonçalves Daniel , Ferreira Rita
Published: March 2024

The health benefits of exercise training in a cancer setting are increasingly acknowledged; however, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain poorly understood. It has been suggested that extracellular vesicles (EVs) released from contracting skeletal muscles play a key role in mediating the systemic benefits of exercise by transporting bioactive molecules, including myokines. Nevertheless, skeletal muscle-derived vesicles account for only about 5% of plasma EVs, with the immune cells making the largest contribution. Moreover, it remains unclear whether the contribution of skeletal muscle-derived EVs increases after physical exercise or how muscle contraction modulates the secretory activity of other tissues and thus influences the content and profile of circulating EVs. Furthermore, the destination of EVs after exercise is unknown, and it depends on their molecular composition, particularly adhesion proteins. The cargo of EVs is influenced by the training program, with acute training sessions having a greater impact than chronic adaptations. Indeed, there are numerous questions regarding the role of EVs in mediating the effects of exercise, the clarification of which is critical for tailoring exercise training prescriptions and designing exercise mimetics for patients unable to engage in exercise programs. This review critically analyzes the current knowledge on the effects of exercise on the content and molecular composition of circulating EVs and their impact on cancer progression.
Assembly Theory: What It Does and What It Does Not Do
Authors: Jaeger Johannes
Published: March 2024

A recent publication in Nature has generated much heated discussion about evolution, its tendency towards increasing diversity and complexity, and its potential status above and beyond the known laws of fundamental physics. The argument at the heart of this controversy concerns assembly theory, a method to detect and quantify the influence of higher-level emergent causal constraints in computational worlds made of basic objects and their combinations. In this short essay, I briefly review the theory, its basic principles and potential applications. I then go on to critically examine its authors’ assertions, concluding that assembly theory has merit but is not nearly as novel or revolutionary as claimed. It certainly does not provide any new explanation of biological evolution or natural selection, or a new grounding of biology in physics. In this regard, the presentation of the paper is starkly distorted by hype, which may explain some of the outrage it created.
Preoperative evaluation of mediastinal lymph nodes in non-small cell lung cancer using [68Ga]FAPI-46 PET/CT: a prospective pilot study
Authors: Kang Yeon-koo , Na Kwon Joong , Park Jimyung , Kwak Nakwon , Lee Yun-Sang , Choi Hongyoon , Kim Young Tae
Published: March 2024

Purpose

Mediastinal nodal staging is crucial for surgical candidate selection in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), but conventional imaging has limitations often necessitating invasive staging. We investigated the additive clinical value of fibroblast activation protein inhibitor (FAPI) PET/CT, an imaging technique targeting fibroblast activation protein, for mediastinal nodal staging of NSCLC.

Methods

In this prospective pilot study, we enrolled patients scheduled for surgical resection of NSCLC based on specific criteria designed to align with indications for invasive staging procedures. Patients were included when meeting at least one of the following: (1) presence of FDG-positive N2 lymph nodes, (2) clinical N1 stage, (3) central tumor location or tumor diameter of ≥ 3 cm, and (4) adenocarcinoma exhibiting high FDG uptake. [68Ga]FAPI-46 PET/CT was performed before surgery after a staging workup including [18F]FDG PET/CT. The diagnostic accuracy of [68Ga]FAPI-46 PET/CT for “N2” nodes was assessed through per-patient visual assessment and per-station quantitative analysis using histopathologic results as reference standards.

Results

Twenty-three patients with 75 nodal stations were analyzed. Histopathologic examination confirmed that nine patients (39.1%) were N2-positive. In per-patient assessment, [68Ga]FAPI-46 PET/CT successfully identified metastasis in eight patients (sensitivity 0.89 (0.52–1.00)), upstaging three patients compared to [18F]FDG PET/CT. [18F]FDG PET/CT detected FDG-avid nodes in six (42.8%) of 14 N2-negative patients. Among them, five were considered non-metastatic based on calcification and distribution pattern, and one was considered metastatic. In contrast, [68Ga]FAPI-46 PET/CT correctly identified all non-metastatic patients solely based on tracer avidity. In per-station analysis, [68Ga]FAPI-46 PET/CT discriminated metastasis more effectively compared to [18F]FDG PET/CT-based (AUC of ROC curve 0.96 (0.88–0.99) vs. 0.68 (0.56–0.78), P < 0.001).

Conclusion

[68Ga]FAPI-46 PET/CT holds promise as an imaging tool for preoperative mediastinal nodal staging in NSCLC, with improved sensitivity and the potential to reduce false-positive results, optimizing the need for invasive staging procedures.
Cine-cardiac magnetic resonance to distinguish between ischemic and non-ischemic cardiomyopathies: a machine learning approach
Authors: Cau Riccardo , Pisu Francesco , Pintus Alessandra , Palmisano Vitanio , Montisci Roberta , Suri Jasjit S. , Salgado Rodrigo , Saba Luca
Published: March 2024

Objective

This work aimed to derive a machine learning (ML) model for the differentiation between ischemic cardiomyopathy (ICM) and non-ischemic cardiomyopathy (NICM) on non-contrast cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR).

Methods

This retrospective study evaluated CMR scans of 107 consecutive patients (49 ICM, 58 NICM), including atrial and ventricular strain parameters. We used these data to compare an explainable tree-based gradient boosting additive model with four traditional ML models for the differentiation of ICM and NICM. The models were trained and internally validated with repeated cross-validation according to discrimination and calibration. Furthermore, we examined important variables for distinguishing between ICM and NICM.

Results

A total of 107 patients and 38 variables were available for the analysis. Of those, 49 were ICM (34 males, mean age 60 ± 9 years) and 58 patients were NICM (38 males, mean age 56 ± 19 years). After 10 repetitions of the tenfold cross-validation, the proposed model achieved the highest area under curve (0.82, 95% CI [0.47–1.00]) and lowest Brier score (0.19, 95% CI [0.13–0.27]), showing competitive diagnostic accuracy and calibration. At the Youden’s index, sensitivity was 0.72 (95% CI [0.68–0.76]), the highest of all. Analysis of predictions revealed that both atrial and ventricular strain CMR parameters were important for the identification of ICM patients.

Conclusion

The current study demonstrated that using a ML model, multi chamber myocardial strain, and function on non-contrast CMR parameters enables the discrimination between ICM and NICM with competitive diagnostic accuracy.

Clinical relevance statement

A machine learning model based on non-contrast cardiovascular magnetic resonance parameters may discriminate between ischemic and non-ischemic cardiomyopathy enabling wider access to cardiovascular magnetic resonance examinations with lower costs and faster imaging acquisition.

Key Points

• The exponential growth in cardiovascular magnetic resonance examinations may require faster and more cost-effective protocols.

• Artificial intelligence models can be utilized to distinguish between ischemic and non-ischemic etiologies.

• Machine learning using non-contrast CMR parameters can effectively distinguish between ischemic and non-ischemic cardiomyopathies.

Graphical Abstract
Space partitioning within groups of social coral reef fish
Authors: Engel Anael , Reuben Yaela , Kolesnikov Irina , Churilov Dmitri , Nathan Ran , Genin Amatzia
Published: March 2024

Site-attached fish that form social groups may face a trade-off between the advantages of group living and the disadvantages related to intra-group competition for food. A possible solution for the latter is space partitioning among group members. Technological limitations related to individual tagging and underwater tracking hindered such spatial studies in grouping fishes. Here, using underwater video cameras and recent developments in deep learning tools, we successfully tracked the 3D movements of individually tagged fish in 4 groups of the damselfish Dascyllus marginatus in the coral reef of Eilat, Red Sea. Our findings, based on tracking sessions lasting 3–11 min that were recorded during a period of > 1 month, show that the individual fish kept separate foraging spaces with minimal overlap and that this separation was stable in time. When the tidally driven current reversed, the separation was kept, and a corresponding reversal was found in the positions of each fish relative to the coral and its neighbors. We propose that the stable spatial partitioning observed in our study is a primary mechanism through which site-attached species can organize themselves in order to reduce intra-group competition.
Contribution of plant-based dairy and fish alternatives to iodine nutrition in the Swiss diet: a Swiss Market Survey
Authors: Khalil Zulekha Abbas , Herter-Aeberli Isabelle
Published: March 2024

Purpose

With dairy products and fish being major sources of iodine in Switzerland, the growing popularity of plant-based alternatives may impact iodine nutrition. This study aimed to assess the iodine content in plant-based dairy and fish alternatives available in the Swiss market and compare them with conventional products.

Methods

In 2022, a market survey was conducted in Zurich, Switzerland, to identify the plant-based dairy and fish alternatives available and assess their iodine content. To evaluate the impact of plant-based alternatives on iodine consumption in Switzerland, we modeled dietary scenarios by substituting the intake of dairy and fish items with plant-based alternatives. In addition, we investigated fortification with calcium, vitamins B2, B12, and D.

Results

Out of 477 identified products, only four milk-alternative products were iodine fortified (median iodine concentration: 22.5 μg/100 ml). The median iodine concentration in unfortified plant-based alternatives was negligible compared to conventional dairy and fish products (milk: 0.21 vs 9.5 μg/100 ml; yogurt 0.36 vs 6.1 μg/100 g; cheese: 0.10 vs 20 μg/100 g; fish 0.50 vs 44 μg/100 g). Three portions of dairy per day as recommended by the Swiss Food Pyramid provide 25% of the RDA for iodine (150 μg/day), whereas substituting those with unfortified alternatives provides only 0.7% of the RDA.

Conclusion

Only four out of 477 plant-based alternative products are iodine fortified in the Swiss market. Thus, the risk for consumers to miss out on the ca. 25% of the RDA for iodine by consuming plant-based alternatives is high, placing them at a risk for inadequate iodine intake.
Effectiveness of Comprehensive Intervention Programme on Quality of life, fatigue, self-efficacy, and psychosocial distress among head and neck cancer patients receiving radiotherapy
Authors: Nayak Shalini Ganesh , George Anice , Sharan Krishna , Nayak Baby S. , Ravishankar N.
Published: March 2024

Purpose

The study aimed at evaluating the Effectiveness of Comprehensive Intervention Programme (CIP) on Quality of life (QOL), fatigue, self-efficacy, and psychosocial distress among Head and Neck Cancer (HNC) patients receiving radiotherapy treatment.

Methods

Single-centre non-RCT time series study was conducted among 134 HNC patients (67 observed, followed by 67 subjected to CIP). FACT- H&N, FACT-F, Cancer Behavior Inventory and psychosocial distress scales were used to assess QOL, fatigue, self-efficacy, and psychosocial distress respectively. CIP was provided to the intervention arm twice a week during the course of radiation therapy along with the standard care; the control arm received only standard care. Data were collected before commencing radiotherapy, and post-test assessments were carried out at the end of radiotherapy treatment, and at 3 and 6 months after completion of radiotherapy.

Results

Repeated measures ANOVA revealed a statistically significant improvement with CIP in QOL (F (1.917) = 454.103, p = 0.001), fatigue (F (2.106) = 183.775, p = 0.001), self-efficacy (F (2.429) = 190.861, p = 0.001), and psychosocial distress (F (2.288) = 290.105, p = 0.001) in the intervention arm.

Conclusion

The CIP implemented to address multitude of issues in HNC patients receiving radiotherapy, proved to be effective in reducing the impact of treatment on QOL, fatigue, self-efficacy and psychosocial distress in HNC patients receiving radiotherapy.
A homogenization result in finite plasticity
Authors: Davoli Elisa , Gavioli Chiara , Pagliari Valerio
Published: March 2024

We carry out a variational study for integral functionals that model the stored energy of a heterogeneous material governed by finite-strain elastoplasticity with hardening. Assuming that the composite has a periodic microscopic structure, we establish the $$\Gamma $$
Γ
-convergence of the energies in the limiting of vanishing periodicity. The constraint that plastic deformations belong to $$\textsf{SL}(3)$$

SL
(
3
)

poses the biggest hurdle to the analysis, and we address it by regarding $$\textsf{SL}(3)$$

SL
(
3
)

as a Finsler manifold.
The Dirichlet problem for Lévy-stable operators with $$L^2$$-data
Authors: Grube Florian , Hensiek Thorben , Schefer Waldemar
Published: March 2024

We prove Sobolev regularity for distributional solutions to the Dirichlet problem for generators of 2s-stable processes and exterior data, inhomogeneity in weighted $$L^2$$

L
2

-spaces. This class of operators includes the fractional Laplacian. For these rough exterior data the theory of weak variational solutions is not applicable. Our regularity estimate is robust in the limit $$s\rightarrow 1-$$

s
→
1
-

which allows us to recover the local theory.
Central giant cell granuloma of the jaws—long-term clinical and radiological outcomes of surgical and pharmacological management
Authors: Capucha Tal , Krasovsky Andrei , Abdalla-Aslan Ragda , Ginini Jiriys George , Noy Dani , Emodi Omri , Rachmiel Adi , Shilo Dekel
Published: March 2024

Objectives

To compare long-term results of different treatment modalities in central giant cell granuloma of the maxillofacial-skeleton. Primary resection may result in major defects. Alternative treatments include pharmacological agents. As yet there has been no consensus on the use of the variety of treatment options, and few studies have reported clarifying long-term results.

Materials and methods

This retrospective study on 22 patients with 25 lesions evaluated clinical, radiological and histological features, treatment preformed and lesion recurrence. Success was defined as regression/calcification and failure as recurrence, progression or un-responsiveness.

Results

Of the presenting patients, 77% were under age 40. Lesion prevalence was higher in the anterior mandible and left posterior maxilla. Most cases exhibited pain, tooth-mobility or mucosal-expansion. The appearance was predominantly unilocular in the maxilla and multilocular in the mandible, which also exhibited higher prevalence of cortical perforation. Up to 80% of lesions were classified as aggressive.

Intralesional steroids/calcitonin were used in 7 cases. Mean follow-up was 39.8 months. Two cases showed recurrence. In 71% of the cases treated pharmacologically, calcification/regression were observed.

Conclusions

Our analysis indicates better outcomes using a combined approach, including both pharmacological and surgical treatments in large aggressive lesions. Pharmacological treatment resulted in decreased size or well-defined lesions, thus reducing the need for extensive bone resection. Dual treatment with corticosteroids and calcitonin showed no superior outcomes, but a larger cohort should be assessed.

Clinical Relevance

There are several protocols for treatment of central-giant-cell-granuloma lesions, but most are not fully established. It is important to report results that contribute to the establishment of proven protocols. This report attempts to establish the relevance of the combined approach: pharmacological treatment followed by surgical resection.
Serial reversal learning in nectar-feeding bats
Authors: Chidambaram Shambhavi , Wintergerst Sabine , Kacelnik Alex , Nachev Vladislav , Winter York
Published: March 2024

We explored the behavioral flexibility of Commissaris’s long-tongued bats through a spatial serial reversal foraging task. Bats kept in captivity for short periods were trained to obtain nectar rewards from two artificial flowers. At any given time, only one of the flowers provided rewards and these reward contingencies reversed in successive blocks of 50 flower visits. All bats detected and responded to reversals by making most of their visits to the currently active flower. As the bats experienced repeated reversals, their preference re-adjusted faster. Although the flower state reversals were theoretically predictable, we did not detect anticipatory behavior, that is, frequency of visits to the alternative flower did not increase within each block as the programmed reversal approached. The net balance of these changes was a progressive improvement in performance in terms of the total proportion of visits allocated to the active flower. The results are compatible with, but do not depend on, the bats displaying an ability to ‘learn to learn’ and show that the dynamics of allocation of effort between food sources can change flexibly according to circumstances.
Vanadium Accumulation and Reduction by Vanadium-Accumulating Bacteria Isolated from the Intestinal Contents of Ciona robusta
Authors: Yuliani Dewi , Morishita Fumihiro , Imamura Takuya , Ueki Tatsuya
Published: March 2024

The sea squirt Ciona robusta (formerly Ciona intestinalis type A) has been the subject of many interdisciplinary studies. Known as a vanadium-rich ascidian, C. robusta is an ideal model for exploring microbes associated with the ascidian and the roles of these microbes in vanadium accumulation and reduction. In this study, we discovered two bacterial strains that accumulate large amounts of vanadium, CD2-88 and CD2-102, which belong to the genera Pseudoalteromonas and Vibrio, respectively. The growth medium composition impacted vanadium uptake. Furthermore, pH was also an important factor in the accumulation and localization of vanadium. Most of the vanadium(V) accumulated by these bacteria was converted to less toxic vanadium(IV). Our results provide insights into vanadium accumulation and reduction by bacteria isolated from the ascidian C. robusta to further study the relations between ascidians and microbes and their possible applications for bioremediation or biomineralization.
The relationship between 11 different polygenic longevity scores, parental lifespan, and disease diagnosis in the UK Biobank
Authors: Don Janith , Schork Andrew J. , Glusman Gwênlyn , Rappaport Noa , Cummings Steve R. , Duggan David , Raju Anish , Hellberg Kajsa-Lotta Georgii , Gunn Sophia , Monti Stefano , Perls Thomas , Lapidus Jodi , Goetz Laura H. , Sebastiani Paola , Schork Nicholas J.
Published: March 2024

Large-scale genome-wide association studies (GWAS) strongly suggest that most traits and diseases have a polygenic component. This observation has motivated the development of disease-specific “polygenic scores (PGS)” that are weighted sums of the effects of disease-associated variants identified from GWAS that correlate with an individual’s likelihood of expressing a specific phenotype. Although most GWAS have been pursued on disease traits, leading to the creation of refined “Polygenic Risk Scores” (PRS) that quantify risk to diseases, many GWAS have also been pursued on extreme human longevity, general fitness, health span, and other health-positive traits. These GWAS have discovered many genetic variants seemingly protective from disease and are often different from disease-associated variants (i.e., they are not just alternative alleles at disease-associated loci) and suggest that many health-positive traits also have a polygenic basis. This observation has led to an interest in “polygenic longevity scores (PLS)” that quantify the “risk” or genetic predisposition of an individual towards health. We derived 11 different PLS from 4 different available GWAS on lifespan and then investigated the properties of these PLS using data from the UK Biobank (UKB). Tests of association between the PLS and population structure, parental lifespan, and several cancerous and non-cancerous diseases, including death from COVID-19, were performed. Based on the results of our analyses, we argue that PLS are made up of variants not only robustly associated with parental lifespan, but that also contribute to the genetic architecture of disease susceptibility, morbidity, and mortality.
A hierarchical multi-UAV cooperative framework for infrastructure inspection and reconstruction
Authors: Gao Chuanxiang , Wang Xinyi , Chen Xi , Chen Ben M.
Published: March 2024

Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are emerging as a powerful tool for inspections and repair works in large-scale and unstructured 3D infrastructures, but current approaches take a long time to cover the entire area. Planning using UAVs for inspections and repair works puts forward a requirement of improving time efficiency in large-scale and cluster environments. This paper presents a hierarchical multi-UAV cooperative framework for infrastructure inspection and reconstruction to balance the workload and reduce the overall task completion time. The proposed framework consists of two stages, the exploration stage and the exploitation stage, resolving the task in a sequential manner. At the exploration stage, the density map is developed to update global and local information for dynamic load-balanced area partition based on reconstructability and relative positions of UAVs, and the Voronoi-based planner is used to enable the UAVs to reach their best region. After obtaining the global map, viewpoints are generated and divided while taking into account the battery capacity of each UAV. Finally, a shortest path planning method is used to minimize the total traveling cost of these viewpoints for obtaining a high-quality reconstruction. Several experiments are conducted in both a simulated and real environment to show the time efficiency, robustness, and effectiveness of the proposed method. Furthermore, the whole system is implemented in real applications.
Centering School Leaders’ Expertise: Usability Evaluation of a Leadership-Focused Implementation Strategy to Support Tier 1 Programs in Schools
Authors: Collins Vaughan K. , Corbin Catherine M. , Locke Jill J. , Cook Clayton R. , Ehrhart Mark G. , Hatch Kurt D. , Lyon Aaron R.
Published: March 2024

Although there are a growing number of implementation strategies to increase the adoption, fidelity, and sustainment of evidence-based practices (EBP), they are often complex and bulky, which can interfere with their widespread application. To address these challenges, the Helping Educational Leaders Mobilize Evidence (HELM) strategy was created as an adaptation of the evidence-based Leadership and Organizational Change for Implementation (LOCI) implementation strategy to enhance elementary school principals’ use of strategic implementation leadership to support the adoption and delivery of Tier 1 (i.e., universal social, emotional, and behavioral) EBP. In service of its iterative development, a human-centered design methodology was employed to increase the successful uptake and use of HELM. The Cognitive Walkthrough for Implementation Strategies (CWIS), a novel mixed-methods approach to evaluate implementation strategy usability, was applied to identify and test HELM strategy tasks of critical importance. A sample of 15 elementary school principals participated in group cognitive walkthrough testing as either school principal recipients or HELM coaches. Both user types rated the strategy as acceptable (principal M = 77.8, SD = 15.5; coach M = 87.5, SD = 7.9). Five usability issues were identified using a highly structured common usability issue framework and provided direction for the generation of redesign solutions to be incorporated in a subsequent version of the HELM strategy. The evaluation of the strategy’s usability improved its alignment with user needs, expectations, and contextual constraints, rendering a more usable strategy and broadly applicable information surrounding the development of psychosocial implementation strategies in real-world settings.
Universal Primary School Interventions to Improve Child Social–Emotional and Mental Health Outcomes: A Systematic Review of Economic Evaluations
Authors: Abou Jaoude Gerard Joseph , Leiva-Granados Rolando , Mcgranahan Rose , Callaghan Patrick , Haghparast-Bidgoli Hassan , Basson Liz , Ebersöhn Liesel , Gu Qing , Skordis Jolene
Published: March 2024

Primary schools are key settings for social–emotional and mental health promotion. Reviews have assessed the effectiveness of primary school interventions delivered universally to all pupils for improving child social–emotional and mental health outcomes. This is the first study to review economic evaluations of such interventions and their value for money, which is key for informing policy. Peer-reviewed English language publications were systematically searched from database inception dates until 17 October 2022. We included economic evaluations of universal primary school interventions, or interventions with a universal component, to improve social–emotional and mental health outcomes in primary school children—regardless of evaluation methods or location. Key data and results were extracted from included studies for descriptive and narrative synthesis. Extracted costs were converted to International Dollars (Int$) and inflated to the year 2021. The reporting quality of included studies was appraised using the 2022 CHEERS checklist. Our review was prospectively registered on PROSPERO (CRD42020190148) and funded by the UK Economic and Social Research Council (ES/T005149/1). A total of 25 economic evaluations were included for analysis in our review. Full economic evaluations combining both costs and outcomes comprised 20 of the 25 evaluations, of which 16 used comparable outcomes. The remaining five economic evaluations were cost analyses (partial). Study quality varied substantially and was higher amongst full economic evaluations. Evaluated interventions consisted primarily of programmes and curricula (n = 9) and universal interventions combining a targeted component (n = 5), amongst other intervention types such as teacher practices (n = 3). Average annual costs per child varied substantially (Int$18.7-Int$83,656) across intervention types. Universal interventions combining a targeted component were the least costly (Int$26.9-Int$66.8), along with an intervention designed to improve school operational culture (Int$46.0), and most of the programmes and curricula evaluated (Int$21.4-Int$396). All except for one of the 16 full economic evaluations using comparable outcomes found interventions were cost-effective (cost-saving–Int$25,463/QALY) relative to country cost-effectiveness thresholds or yielded positive returns on investment (Int$1.31–11.55 for each Int$1 invested) compared with usual practice. We identified several low-cost interventions that likely provide good value for money and should be considered by policymakers in high-income countries. However, there is a need for more economic evaluations in low- and middle-income countries, and a need to improve study reporting quality and better value outcomes more generally.
How does the climate change effect on hydropower potential, freshwater fisheries, and hydrological response of snow on water availability?
Authors: Soomro Shan-e-hyder , Soomro Abdul Razzaque , Batool Sahar , Guo Jiali , Li Yinghai , Bai Yanqin , Hu Caihong , Tayyab Muhammad , Zeng Zhiqiang , Li Ao , Zhen Yao , Rui Kang , Hameed Aamir , Wang Yuanyang
Published: March 2024

Globally there is already a lot of pressure on water resources because of climate change, economic development, as well as an increasing global populace. Many rivers originate in the mountains, where snowfall fluctuations and the global climate’s inherent unpredictability affect the hydrological processes. Climate change sensitivity has been recognized in recent years and would affect hydropower, such as humidity, cloudiness, and precipitation, that are considered; global warming emerges as one of the most important contributors to climate change. The Yangtze River supports rich biodiversity and provides important ecosystem services for human survival and development. In addition, climate changes, particularly short-term and long-term precipitation and temperature fluctuations, influence the snow regime and the hydrological development of river flow response at the basin and sub-basin scales. More precise this review focused to understand the hydropower potential, freshwater fisheries, and hydrological response of snow dynamics in snow-dominated basins.
An insight into microelectronics industry wastewater treatment, current challenges, and future perspectives: a critical review
Authors: Noman Efaq Ali , Ali Al-Gheethi Adel , Al-Sahari Mohammed , Yashni G. , Mohamed Radin Maya Saphira Radin , Soon Chin Fhong , Nguyen Hong-Ha T. , Vo Dai-Viet N.
Published: March 2024

The microelectronics industry wastewater is attracting the scientific community and industry attention due to the high amount of organic and inorganic pollutants produced. Pollutants in microelectronic wastewater are considered qualitative contaminants, found in low concentrations but present with high risks to the environment and public health. The current paper highlights the most common pollutants in microelectronics wastewater and discusses the recent treatment technologies used to remove these contaminates. The review process was conducted based on the identification and screening of microelectronic wastewater and the principle of contaminant detection reported in previous research literature. It appears that tetramethylammonium hydroxide and ammonium are the major organic compounds in microelectronic wastewater, while heavy metals are among the inorganic pollutants with high environmental toxicity. The membrane filtration is the most efficient method for removing the pollutants (more than 90%) and producing ultrapure water. However, wastewater should be subjected to primary treatment using chemical and biological methods before undergoing the ultrafiltration process. The zero-discharge concept is more applicable in the microelectronics industries due to the stringent regulations associated with these industries. Microelectronic sludge represents the main challenge in wastewater recycling, while advanced treatment methods have been suggested for sludge treatment. More effort is required to recycle microelectronics owing to the high prices related to the disposal of these solids’ wastes.
Development and validation of the effective CNR analysis method for evaluating the contrast resolution of CT images
Authors: Igarashi Kengo , Imai Kuniharu , Matsushima Shigeru , Yamauchi-Kawaura Chiyo , Fujii Keisuke
Published: March 2024

Contrast resolution is an important index for evaluating the signal detectability of computed tomographic (CT) images. Recently, various noise reduction algorithms, such as iterative reconstruction (IR) and deep learning reconstruction (DLR), have been proposed to reduce the image noise in CT images. However, these algorithms cause changes in the image noise texture and blurred image signals in CT images. Furthermore, the contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) cannot be accurately evaluated in CT images reconstructed using noise reduction methods. Therefore, in this study, we devised a new method, namely, “effective CNR analysis,” for evaluating the contrast resolution of CT images. We verified whether the proposed algorithm could evaluate the effective contrast resolution based on the signal detectability of CT images. The findings showed that the effective CNR values obtained using the proposed method correlated well with the subjective visual impressions of CT images. To investigate whether signal detectability was appropriately evaluated using effective CNR analysis, the conventional CNR analysis method was compared with the proposed method. The CNRs of the IR and DLR images calculated using conventional CNR analysis were 13.2 and 10.7, respectively. By contrast, those calculated using the effective CNR analysis were estimated to be 0.7 and 1.1, respectively. Considering that the signal visibility of DLR images was superior to that of IR images, our proposed effective CNR analysis was shown to be appropriate for evaluating the contrast resolution of CT images.
Catheter-guided anvil insertion for circular stapler esophagojejunal anastomosis: a novel technique in laparoscopic total gastrectomy
Authors: Ye Zeyao , Yu Pengfei , Cao Yang , Du Yian
Published: March 2024

Objective

This study evaluates feasibility, safety, and short-term outcomes of employing the catheter-guided stapler anvil insertion technique for esophagojejunal anastomosis using a circular stapler during laparoscopic total gastrectomy (LTG).

Materials and methods

From September 2021 to April 2023, the catheter-guided stapler anvil insertion technique was employed in 80 patients undergoing laparoscopic total gastrectomy (LTG) for esophagojejunal anastomosis. A modified D2 dissection, according to the en bloc technique, was performed in the patients. Subsequently, a longitudinal incision, approximately 2 cm in length, was made on the anterior wall of the esophagus, about 2 cm above the tumor. The transection line was pre-marked with blue dye along the esophagus's minor axis, and the tail of the anvil was capped with a 10-cm length of catheter (F14 d4.7 mm). The surgeon secures the head of anvil and carefully inserts it into the esophagus, ensuring that only a 5-cm segment of the catheter remains outside the esophagus. A linear cutter was employed to transect and seal the lower end of the esophagus. Subsequently, esophagojejunostomy was performed under laparoscopic guidance using a circular stapler.

Results

Among patients undergoing esophagojejunal anastomosis with the new technique, postoperative complications included pneumonia or pleural effusion in 14 patients (17.5%), anastomotic stenosis in 3 patients (3.75%), abdominal infection in 2 patients (2.5%), and intestinal obstruction in 1 patient (1.25%). No instances of anastomotic leakage, anastomotic bleeding, or deaths were recorded. All patients experiencing complications improved with conservative treatment, without the need for secondary surgery.

Conclusion

The catheter-guided stapler anvil insertion technique is demonstrated to be a safe and effective method for esophagojejunostomy, potentially reducing the occurrence of anastomotic leakage.
CAFs vs. TECs: when blood feuds fuel cancer progression, dissemination and therapeutic resistance
Authors: Coursier Diane , Calvo Fernando
Published: March 2024

Neoplastic progression involves complex interactions between cancer cells and the surrounding stromal milieu, fostering microenvironments that crucially drive tumor progression and dissemination. Of these stromal constituents, cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) emerge as predominant inhabitants within the tumor microenvironment (TME), actively shaping multiple facets of tumorigenesis, including cancer cell proliferation, invasiveness, and immune evasion. Notably, CAFs also orchestrate the production of pro-angiogenic factors, fueling neovascularization to sustain the metabolic demands of proliferating cancer cells. Moreover, CAFs may also directly or indirectly affect endothelial cell behavior and vascular architecture, which may impact in tumor progression and responses to anti-cancer interventions. Conversely, tumor endothelial cells (TECs) exhibit a corrupted state that has been shown to affect cancer cell growth and inflammation. Both CAFs and TECs are emerging as pivotal regulators of the TME, engaging in multifaceted biological processes that significantly impact cancer progression, dissemination, and therapeutic responses. Yet, the intricate interplay between these stromal components and the orchestrated functions of each cell type remains incompletely elucidated. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of the dynamic interrelationships between CAFs and TECs, discussing the challenges and prospects for leveraging their interactions towards therapeutic advancements in cancer.
Begleitevaluation des „Bildungs- und Entwicklungsprojekt Kinästhetik“
Authors: Maurer Carola , Brenner Rouven , Wulfgramm Hildegund , Gattinger Heidrun
Published: March 2024

Kinästhetik hat sich mittlerweile v. a. im deutschsprachigen Raum etabliert. Die Samariterstiftung, ein großer Träger von stationären Langzeitpflegeeinrichtungen in Deutschland, hat sich zum Ziel gesetzt, die Kinästhetikkompetenz aller Pflege- und Betreuungspersonen in ihren Einrichtungen zu fördern. Dazu startete sie 2019 das „Bildungs- und Entwicklungsprojekt Kinästhetik“. Der vorliegende Artikel zielt darauf ab, den Prozess des Projekts (Prozessevaluation) sowie die Entwicklung der Kinästhetikkompetenz (summative Evaluation) zu beschreiben. Die Kinästhetikkompetenz der Mitarbeitenden wurde zu 2 Zeitpunkten (T1 und T2) mittels eines Fragebogens und anhand von Videodaten beurteilt. Für die Prozessevaluation erfolgten zu beiden Erhebungszeitpunkten Interviews mit Leitungspersonen, um die Fragebogenerhebung anhand strukturierter und offener Fragen zum Bildungsprojekt zu ergänzen. Bei der T2-Erhebung fanden Fokusgruppeninterviews mit Mitarbeitenden in den Einrichtungen statt.

Die Ergebnisse weisen insgesamt darauf hin, dass die Umsetzung dieses Pilotprojekts erfolgreich war. Sowohl die Leitungspersonen als auch die Mitarbeitenden möchten, dass die Kinästhetikkompetenz weiterhin in ihrer Einrichtung gefördert wird. Sie sehen jedoch die nachhaltige Umsetzung als Herausforderung an und machen sich vielfältige Gedanken, wie sie die Thematik weiterverfolgen können. Die Ergebnisse lassen darauf schließen, dass bei zukünftigen Durchführungen des Programms beispielsweise eine stärkere Einbindung der Betreuungsassistentinnen und -assistenten hilfreich wäre, ebenso ein frühzeitiges, praxisnahes „Vertrautmachen“ mit Kinästhetik (vor dem Grundkurs) oder das explizite Darlegen der einzelnen Kursziele.
Septin-dependent invasive growth by the rice blast fungus Magnaporthe oryzae
Authors: Eisermann Iris , Talbot Nicholas J.
Published: March 2024

Septin GTPases are morphogenetic proteins that are widely conserved in eukaryotic organisms fulfilling diverse roles in cell division, differentiation and development. In the filamentous fungal pathogen Magnaporthe oryzae, the causal agent of the devastating blast diseases of rice and wheat, septins have been shown to be essential for plant infection. The blast fungus elaborates a specialised infection structure called an appressorium with which it mechanically ruptures the plant cuticle. Septin aggregation and generation of a hetero-oligomeric ring structure at the base of the infection cell is indispensable for plant infection. Furthermore, once the fungus enters host tissue it develops another infection structure, the transpressorium, enabling it to move between living host plant cells, which also requires septins for its function. Specific inhibition of septin aggregation—either genetically or with chemical inhibitors—prevents plant infection. Significantly, by screening for inhibitors of septin aggregation, broad spectrum anti-fungal compounds have been identified that prevent rice blast and a number of other cereal diseases in field trials. We review the recent advances in our understanding of septin biology and their potential as targets for crop disease control.
Eutrophication of Inland Surface Waters in South Africa: An Overview
Authors: Lukhele Thabile , Msagati Titus Alfred Makudali
Published: March 2024

Eutrophication of fresh waterbodies is a global phenomenon that is exacerbated by increases in agricultural activities, industrialization, and urbanization, all driven by the global increase in human population. This paper reviews the state of inland waterbodies in South Africa, identifying the major drivers of eutrophication and discussing how different sectors of the economy are negatively impacted by eutrophication. Data indicate that up to 76% of major water impoundments and approximately 70% of major river systems are eutrophic to hypereutrophic and experience protracted periods of cyanobacterial blooms, particularly in the summer months. Negative impacts of eutrophication on the agricultural sector, potable water supply and tourism are well documented and are becoming more explicit. Evidently, nutrient loading patterns into water bodies have changed and become more complex. Although wastewater treatment plants remain the major contributors of nutrient loads to most waterbodies, non-point sources including agricultural runoff, untreated sewage from leaking and overflowing sewer systems, as well as runoff from informal settlements, also make substantial contributions. As a result, the strategies employed to prevent eutrophication, including within-waterbody remediation programs have fallen short in reducing the trophic status of water impoundments and thus ameliorating the symptoms of eutrophication. Tailor-made, integrated management initiatives that target point source, non-point source, and internal nutrient loads are, therefore, required.
Monotone iterations of two obstacle problems with different operators
Authors: Gonzálvez Irene , Miranda Alfredo , Rossi Julio D.
Published: March 2024

In this paper we analyze iterations of the obstacle problem for two different operators. We solve iteratively the obstacle problem from above or below for two different differential operators with obstacles given by the previous functions in the iterative process. When we start the iterations with a super or a subsolution of one of the operators this procedure generates two monotone sequences of functions that we show that converge to a solution to the two membranes problem for the two different operators. We perform our analysis in both the variational and the viscosity settings.
Fusing talent horizons: the transformative role of data integration in modern talent management
Authors: Asfahani Ahmed M.
Published: March 2024

This study elucidates the transformative influence of data integration on talent management in the context of evolving technological paradigms, with a specific focus on sustainable practices in human resources. Historically anchored in societal norms and organizational culture, talent management has transitioned from traditional methodologies to harnessing diverse data sources, a shift that enhances sustainable HR strategies. By employing a narrative literature review, the research traces the trajectory of HR data sources, emphasizing the juxtaposition of structured and unstructured data. The digital transformation of HR is explored, not only highlighting the evolution of Human Resource Information Systems (HRIS) but also underscoring their role in promoting sustainable workforce management. The integration of advanced technologies such as machine learning and natural language processing is examined, reflecting on their impact on the efficiency and ecological aspects of HR practices. This paper not only underscores the imperative of balancing data-driven strategies with the quintessential human element of HR but also provides concrete examples demonstrating this balance in action for practitioners and scholars in sustainable human resources.
Health risk assessment of exposure to benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylenes in a vehicle manufacturing industry in Iran
Authors: Sadeghi Amin Sina , Nasrabadi Touraj
Published: March 2024

Introduction

Considering the adverse carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic health effects of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) and specially Benzene, Toluene, Ethylbenzene and Xylenes (BTEX) which are widely used in vehicle manufacturing industry, it is clear that monitoring and control of occupational exposure to these substances is of utmost significance. More often than not the studies on occupational exposure to VOCs in vehicle manufacturing industry—specifically BTEX—have been carried out exclusively in paint shop units. The purpose of this study was to assess occupational BTEX exposure & health risk in different units of a vehicle manufacturing industry.

Material and methods

Foam injection unit (FIU), gluing unit (GU), repair shop unit (RSU), molding unit (MU) as well as paint shop units (PSU) were selected for this study. Sampling and analysis were conducted based on National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) 1501 guidelines by utilizing MSA personal sampling pumps set to 0.2 l/m and Gas Chromatography equipped with Flame Ionization Detector (GC-FID). Risk characterization and assessment was performed using Environmental Protection Agency Risk Assessment Information System (EPA RAIS).

Results and conclusion

The results revealed that the concentration of benzene in gluing and paint shop units was above occupational exposure limits. Carcinogenic risk levels in 8 out of 10 units registered in the 1E-2 to 1E-4 range, and only two units registered a risk level below EPA’s acceptable risk level (10–6). The highest risk levels were measured in gluing, paint shop and repair shop units. Furthermore, the total non-carcinogenic hazard quotient was measured higher than 1 in 8 out of 10 studied units. Considering the abundance and wide use of VOCs -most notably BTEX- and the adverse carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic health effects of these compounds, it is advised to: change the type of paint used in paint shops, improve the existing ventilation systems, develop new and more efficient ventilation systems and conduct consistent training.
Ways of Living Religion
Authors: Gschwandtner Christina M.
Published: March 2024

Ways of Living Religion provides a philosophical analysis of different types of religious experience - ascetic, liturgical, monastic, mystical, devotional, compassionate, fundamentalist - that focuses on the lived experience of religion rather than reducing it to mere statements of belief or doctrine. Using phenomenology, Christina M. Gschwandtner distinguishes between different kinds of religious experiences by examining their central characteristics and defining features, as well as showing their continuity with human experience more broadly. The book is the first philosophical examination of several of these types, thus breaking new ground in philosophical thinking about religion. It is neither a confessional treatment nor a reduction of the lived experience to psychological or sociological phenomena. While Gschwandtner's treatment focuses on Christian forms of expression of these different types, it opens the path to broader examinations of ways of living religion that might enable scholars to give a more nuanced account of their similarities and differences.