bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploring the use of metacognitive monitoring cues following a diagram completion intervention
Authors: Noushad Babu , Van Gerven Pascal W. M. , de Bruin Anique B. H.
Published: January 2024

Studying texts constitutes a significant part of student learning in health professions education. Key to learning from text is the ability to effectively monitor one’s own cognitive performance and take appropriate regulatory steps for improvement. Inferential cues generated during a learning experience typically guide this monitoring process. It has been shown that interventions to assist learners in using comprehension cues improve their monitoring accuracy. One such intervention is having learners to complete a diagram. Little is known, however, about how learners use cues to shape their monitoring judgments. In addition, previous research has not examined the difference in cue use between categories of learners, such as good and poor monitors. This study explored the types and patterns of cues used by participants after being subjected to a diagram completion task prior to their prediction of performance (PoP). Participants’ thought processes were studied by means of a think-aloud method during diagram completion and the subsequent PoP. Results suggest that relying on comprehension-specific cues may lead to a better PoP. Poor monitors relied on multiple cue types and failed to use available cues appropriately. They gave more incorrect responses and made commission errors in the diagram, which likely led to their overconfidence. Good monitors, on the other hand, utilized cues that are predictive of learning from the diagram completion task and seemed to have relied on comprehension cues for their PoP. However, they tended to be cautious in their judgement, which probably made them underestimate themselves. These observations contribute to the current understanding of the use and effectiveness of diagram completion as a cue-prompt intervention and provide direction for future research in enhancing monitoring accuracy.
Exploring data mining and machine learning in gynecologic oncology
Authors: Idlahcen Ferdaous , Idri Ali , Goceri Evgin
Published: January 2024

Gynecologic (GYN) malignancies are gaining new and much-needed attention, perpetually fueling literature. Intra-/inter-tumor heterogeneity and “frightened” global distribution by race, ethnicity, and human development index, are pivotal clues to such ubiquitous interest. To advance “precision medicine” and downplay the heavy burden, data mining (DM) is timely in clinical GYN oncology. No consolidated work has been conducted to examine the depth and breadth of DM applicability as an adjunct to GYN oncology, emphasizing machine learning (ML)-based schemes. This systematic literature review (SLR) synthesizes evidence to fill knowledge gaps, flaws, and limitations. We report this SLR in compliance with Kitchenham and Charters’ guidelines. Defined research questions and PICO crafted a search string across five libraries: PubMed, IEEE Xplore, ScienceDirect, SpringerLink, and Google Scholar—over the past decade. Of the 3499 potential records, 181 primary studies were eligible for in-depth analysis. A spike (60.53%) corollary to cervical neoplasms is denoted onward 2019, predominantly featuring empirical solution proposals drawn from cohorts. Medical records led (23.77%, 53 art.). DM-ML in use is primarily built on neural networks (127 art.), appoint classification (73.19%, 172 art.) and diagnoses (42%, 111 art.), all devoted to assessment. Summarized evidence is sufficient to guide and support the clinical utility of DM schemes in GYN oncology. Gaps persist, inculpating the interoperability of single-institute scrutiny. Cross-cohort generalizability is needed to establish evidence while avoiding outcome reporting bias to locally, site-specific trained models. This SLR is exempt from ethics approval as it entails published articles.
A hybrid method to solve reliability-cost-oriented bi-objective machine configuration problem for a flow shop system
Authors: Yeh Cheng-Ta , Yeng Louis Cheng-Lu , Lin Yi-Kuei , Chao Yu-Lun
Published: January 2024

Machine configuration is a crucial strategic decision in designing a flow shop system (FSS) and directly affects its performance. This involves selecting device suppliers and determining the number of machines to be configured. This study addresses a bi-objective optimization problem for an FSS that considers repair actions and aims to determine the most suitable machine configuration that balances the production reliability and purchase cost. A nondominated sorting genetic algorithm II (NSGA-II) is used to determine all the Pareto solutions. The technique for order preference by similarity to an ideal solution is then used to identify a compromise alternative. It is necessary to assess the production reliability of any machine configuration identified by the NSGA-II. The FSS under the machine configuration is modeled as a multistate flow shop network, and Absorbing Markov Chain and Recursive Sum of Disjoint Products are integrated into the NSGA-II for reliability evaluation. The experimental results of solar cell manufacturing demonstrate the applicability of the proposed hybrid method and validate the efficiency of the NSGA-II compared with an improved strength Pareto evolutionary algorithm.
Exploring the Experiences of Compassion Fatigue Amongst Peer Support Workers in Homelessness Services
Authors: Steenekamp Bronwyn Leigh , Barker Stephanie L.
Published: January 2024

Peer support workers have lived experiences of the challenges their clients face. While research has shown peer work can benefit recovery, the negative consequences have not been clearly addressed. This study aimed to explore the experiences of compassion fatigue amongst peer support workers in homelessness services, and the coping strategies used. An explorative qualitative design was adopted. Six peer support workers, in homelessness services, were recruited via snowball sampling. Data was collected using semi-structured interviews and analysed using thematic analysis. Five themes were identified: relentless nature of working in homelessness services, change, making meaning of past experiences, organisational support, and personal coping strategies. There were two novel findings: (1) multiple clients recounting traumatic experiences, and (2) being unfairly blamed for lack of progress, exacerbating compassion fatigue. The findings of this study furthers limited research on compassion fatigue and can be used to develop protocols and practices for organisations that utilise peer support.
A Mechanical Theory of Growth
Authors: Chen Yi-chao
Published: January 2024

A theory of growth is developed, utilizing the notion of a directional density function that captures the number and distribution of the material particles and their changes in time. A spatial (or Eulerian) description of kinematics is adopted, and the constitutive theory for a growing body is developed that relates the stress to the directional density function. The equation that governs the evolution of the directional density function is derived. An example of internal surface growth is presented.
Synbit: synthesizing bidirectional programs using unidirectional sketches
Authors: Yamaguchi Masaomi , Matsuda Kazutaka , David Cristina , Wang Meng
Published: January 2024

We propose a technique for synthesizing bidirectional programs from the corresponding unidirectional code plus input/output examples. The core ideas are: (1) constructing a sketch using the given unidirectional program as a specification, and (2) filling the sketch in a modular fashion by exploiting the properties of bidirectional programs. These ideas are enabled by our choice of programming language, HOBiT, which is specifically designed to maintain the unidirectional program structure in bidirectional programming, and keep the parts that control bidirectional behavior modular. To evaluate our approach, we implemented it in a tool called Synbit and used it to generate bidirectional programs for intricate microbenchmarks, as well as for a few larger, more realistic problems. We also compared Synbit to a state-of-the-art unidirectional synthesis tool on the task of synthesizing backward computations. This is an extended version of the paper “Synbit: Synthesizing Bidirectional Programs using Unidirectional Sketches”, published at OOPSLA 2021. In addition to the OOPSLA’21 paper, this journal will contain additional formalization and detailed examples.
Mass spectrometry developments of 232Th and 238U radiopurity measurements for LEGEND
Authors: Kaizer Jakub , Bujdoš Marek , Buompane Raffaele , Dulanská Silvia , Ješkovský Miroslav , Kontuľ Ivan , Nisi Stefano , Povinec Pavel P. , Sirignano Carmina , Terrasi Filippo , Zeman Jakub
Published: January 2024

The LEGEND collaboration has been developing a 76Ge-based double-beta decay experimental program where precise radiopurity measurements of ultraclean materials are crucial. Ultralow concentrations of thorium and uranium, the main contributors to the detector background via their decay products, can be determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICPMS) and accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS). Here we shall present recent developments in thorium and uranium mass spectrometry methods, together with basics of separation chemistry applied to process different samples. The new possibilities to measure 232Th and 238U by ICPMS and AMS at the Comenius University in Bratislava are discussed as well.
An architectural framework of elderly healthcare monitoring and tracking through wearable sensor technologies
Authors: Alsadoon Abeer , Al-Naymat Ghazi , Jerew Oday D.
Published: January 2024

The growing elderly population in smart home environments necessitates increased remote medical support and frequent doctor visits. To address this need, wearable sensor technology plays a crucial role in designing effective healthcare systems for the elderly, facilitating human–machine interaction. However, wearable technology has not been implemented accurately in monitoring various vital healthcare parameters of elders because of inaccurate monitoring. In addition, healthcare providers encounter issues regarding the acceptability of healthcare parameter monitoring and secure data communication within the context of elderly care in smart home environments. Therefore, this research is dedicated to investigating the accuracy of wearable sensors in monitoring healthcare parameters and ensuring secure data transmission. An architectural framework is introduced, outlining the critical components of a comprehensive system, including Sensing, Data storage, and Data communication (SDD) for the monitoring process. These vital components highlight the system's functionality and introduce elements for monitoring and tracking various healthcare parameters through wearable sensors. The collected data is subsequently communicated to healthcare providers to enhance the well-being of elderly individuals. The SDD taxonomy guides the implementation of wearable sensor technology through environmental and body sensors. The proposed system demonstrates the accuracy enhancement of healthcare parameter monitoring and tracking through smart sensors. This study evaluates state-of-the-art articles on monitoring and tracking healthcare parameters through wearable sensors. In conclusion, this study underscores the importance of delineating the SSD taxonomy by classifying the system's major components, contributing to the analysis and resolution of existing challenges. It emphasizes the efficiency of remote monitoring techniques in enhancing healthcare services for the elderly in smart home environments.
Crop index insurance as a tool for climate resilience: lessons from smallholder farmers in Nigeria
Authors: Aina Ifedotun , Ayinde Opeyemi , Thiam Djiby , Miranda Mario
Published: January 2024

Crop farmers in arid and semi-arid regions face a covariate risk that is of paramount importance, namely, the threat of catastrophic crop loss triggered by natural disasters and climate hazards. Such an occurrence not only jeopardizes the livelihoods of these farmers but may also lead to persistent poverty. Promoting sustainable development requires control over climate-related shocks, which negatively affect the most vulnerable population in the developing world. This study investigates the option of choosing crop area-yield index insurance to mitigate the adverse effects associated with climate stress. In addition, we assessed the amount farmers are willing to pay for an insurance product that insures yields below 70% of the local average in the study area. Our results show that access to extension services and economic association membership offers farmers social capital and encourages their decision to purchase index insurance. We also find that the long-run welfare impact of index insurance policy on vulnerable households could be significant as an alternative insurance mechanism to traditional insurance. This study contributes to filling the gaps on the uptake of index insurance and provide guidance to policymakers in their approach to mitigating the effects of climate change on crop production in Nigeria.
Drivers of sustainable tourism in Europe: how to design efficient business strategies
Authors: Bassi Francesca , Martín Juan Antonio Marmolejo
Published: January 2024

This article studies the willingness of the citizens of the 27 EU countries to change their travel and tourism habits to assume a more sustainable behavior. The study wants to contribute to the recent literature on the topic of interconnections between tourism and sustainability. The data comes from the Flash Eurobarometer survey 499, involving more than 25,000 European citizens. The survey took place in October 2021 and wanted to analyze travel behavior and the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on it, booking channels and information sources for travel preparation, reasons for selecting destinations, options and information on sustainable tourism. The hierarchical structure of the data—citizens within countries—is assumed applying a multilevel approach of analysis that considers heterogeneity between and within countries. The estimation of the multilevel latent class model allowed to identify seven groups of European citizens similar by their willingness to adopt tourism-related sustainability practices, and the association of these latent groups with the 27 European countries. Using sociodemographic variables, it was also possible to profile these groups as well as to describe the typical citizen belonging to each cluster. Moreover, drivers of sustainable tourism are identified, both at country and citizen level. The results of the analyses give many useful information for strategic management in the tourism sector.
Predictive tissue markers in testicular germ cell tumors: Immunohistochemical expression of MLH1 and REV-7 proteins
Authors: Spinos Theodoros , Zografos Eleni , Koutsoukos Konstantinos , Zagouri Flora , Kosmas Christos , Driva Tatiana S. , Goutas Dimitrios , Gakiopoulou Charikleia , Agrogiannis George , Theochari Eirini , Tzavara Chara , Lazaris Andreas C.
Published: January 2024

Purpose

Testicular Germ Cell Tumors (TGCTs) are the most frequent solid malignancies in young adult men. Regardless of differences in their cell of origin, all TGCTs are considered highly curable malignancies. However, approximately 3–5% of all TGCTs do not respond to platinum-based chemotherapies. The purpose of our paper is to investigate whether immunohistochemical expression of MLH1 and REV-7 can be used as predictive tissue markers for TGCTs.

Material and Methods

The main demographic and clinicopathological characteristics of 64 male patients with TGCTs who underwent orchiectomy from 2007 to 2022 were retrospectively obtained from two large Oncology Clinics in Greece. Both patients with chemosensitive and chemoresistant disease were included. Immunohistochemical staining for MLH1 and REV-7 proteins was applied in specimens of these patients.

Results

31 seminomas and 33 non-seminomas were included. 48 patients had chemosensitive disease, while 16 had chemoresistant disease. 53 specimens showed preserved MLH1 expression, while 11 specimens had lost MLH1 expression. Expression of MLH1 was only significantly associated with patients’ age. 16 specimens showed positive REV-7 expression, while 48 specimens were REV-7 negative. Interestingly, 50% of patients with chemoresistant disease and 16,7% of patients with chemosensitive disease were REV-7 positive. This difference was statistically significant. Moreover, REV-7 positivity was significantly associated with chemoresistance, various clinicopathological parameters and patients’ prognosis and survival.

Conclusion

Loss of MLH1 expression was only found to be significantly associated with lower patients’ age. Positive immunohistochemical REV-7 expression was significantly associated with various clinicopathological parameters, while it was also associated with significantly lower survival and greater hazard. REV-7 positive percentages were significantly higher in patients with chemoresistant disease. Our findings imply that immunohistochemical staining for REV-7 could potentially be used as a predictive tissue marker for TGCT tumors. Moreover, targeting of REV-7 protein, could represent a potential therapeutic strategy for chemoresistant TGCT cases. The implementation of well-designed studies on a larger scale is of utmost importance, in order to draw safer conclusions. Additional studies are needed so as to draw safer conclusions.
A hybrid Eulerian–Lagrangian approach for non-self-similar expansion analysis of a cylindrical cavity in saturated and unsaturated critical state soils
Authors: Yang He , Zhuang Pei-Zhi , Zhang Jia-Liang , Ma Yue , Yu Hai-Sui , Chen Xiaohui
Published: January 2024

This paper proposes a powerful hybrid Eulerian–Lagrangian (HEL) approach for the analysis of cavity expansion problems. The new approach is applied to analysing the non-self-similar expansion process of a hollow cylinder of critical state soils, considering arbitrary saturation states of soils and both drained and undrained conditions. A closed-form solution for the stresses and displacements in the elastic zone is presented, taking the state-dependent soil moduli and outer boundary effect of the soil cylinder into account. Adopting large strain theory in the plastic zone, the non-self-similar cavity expansion process is formulated into a set of partial differential equations in terms of both Eulerian and Lagrangian descriptions, which is solved by a newly proposed algorithm. The HEL approach is compared with the conventional Eulerian and Lagrangian approaches for the cavity expansion analyses. It is found that the new approach can reduce to the Eulerian approach when the self-similar assumption is satisfied and to the Lagrangian approach when stress–total strain relationships are obtained analytically. Finally, the expansion process is proven to be non-self-similar by showing the stress and deformation paths, and the finite thickness of soil cylinders may greatly influence the cavity expansion behaviour, especially with a small thickness ratio. The HEL approach can provide useful tools for validating advanced numerical techniques for both saturated and unsaturated soils and interpreting pressuremeter tests in small-size calibration chambers.
Surgical phase and instrument recognition: how to identify appropriate dataset splits
Authors: Kostiuchik Georgii , Sharan Lalith , Mayer Benedikt , Wolf Ivo , Preim Bernhard , Engelhardt Sandy
Published: January 2024

Purpose

Machine learning approaches can only be reliably evaluated if training, validation, and test data splits are representative and not affected by the absence of classes. Surgical workflow and instrument recognition are two tasks that are complicated in this manner, because of heavy data imbalances resulting from different length of phases and their potential erratic occurrences. Furthermore, sub-properties like instrument (co-)occurrence are usually not particularly considered when defining the split.

Methods

We present a publicly available data visualization tool that enables interactive exploration of dataset partitions for surgical phase and instrument recognition. The application focuses on the visualization of the occurrence of phases, phase transitions, instruments, and instrument combinations across sets. Particularly, it facilitates assessment of dataset splits, especially regarding identification of sub-optimal dataset splits.

Results

We performed analysis of the datasets Cholec80, CATARACTS, CaDIS, M2CAI-workflow, and M2CAI-tool using the proposed application. We were able to uncover phase transitions, individual instruments, and combinations of surgical instruments that were not represented in one of the sets. Addressing these issues, we identify possible improvements in the splits using our tool. A user study with ten participants demonstrated that the participants were able to successfully solve a selection of data exploration tasks.

Conclusion

In highly unbalanced class distributions, special care should be taken with respect to the selection of an appropriate dataset split because it can greatly influence the assessments of machine learning approaches. Our interactive tool allows for determination of better splits to improve current practices in the field. The live application is available at https://cardio-ai.github.io/endovis-ml/.
An efficient versatile video coding motion estimation hardware
Authors: Ahmad Waqar , Mahdavi Hossein , Hamzaoglu Ilker
Published: January 2024

Versatile Video Coding (VVC) is the latest video coding standard. It provides higher compression efficiency than the previous video coding standards at the cost of significant increase in computational complexity. Motion estimation (ME) is the most time consuming and memory intensive module in VVC encoder. Therefore, in this paper, we propose an efficient VVC ME hardware. It is the first VVC ME hardware in the literature. It has real time performance with small hardware area. This efficiency is achieved by using a 64 × 64 systolic processing element array to support maximum coding tree unit (CTU) size of 128 × 128 and by using a novel memory-based sum of absolute differences (SAD) adder tree to calculate SADs of 128 × 128 CTUs. The proposed VVC ME hardware reduces memory accesses significantly by using an efficient data reuse method. It can process up to 30 4 K (3840 × 2160) video frames per second.
A computational and experimental investigation of novel synthesis fused pyrazolopyrimidine as zinc corrosion inhibitor in 1 M HNO3
Authors: Gaber Ghalia A. , Hassan Aisha Y. , Kadh Mona S. , Saleh Nashwa M. , Abou-Amra Eman S. , Amira M. Hyba
Published: January 2024

Two compound derived from fused Pyrazolo-Triazolo-Pyrimidine (C1 and C2), have inhibitory action against corrosion of Zinc in 1 M HNO3 examined experimentally by electrochemical tests and theoretically by density functional theory (DFT). The findings demonstrate that zinc corrodes in acidic conditions with greater corrosion resistance than C1 and C2. Concentration and corrosion inhibition directly relate to one another. The two Pyrazolopyrimidine-derived compounds had optimum inhibition efficiency of 92.06 and 79.36% for C1 and C2, respectively, at 700 ppm. In accordance to the polarization curves, the antagonists feature a mixed but primarily anodic inhibitor and a Langmuir process. DFT computations validated the compounds apparent antagonistic response. SEM also show the development of a barrier on the zinc surface. In conclusion, these two antagonists, C1 and C2, are successful in avoiding zinc dissolution in HNO3.
Hepatitis C community prevalence is over-estimated: a prospective, birth cohort study
Authors: McCormick P. Aiden , O’Grady Marie , De Gascun Cillian F. , Lambert John S. , Crosbie Orla , McKiernan Susan , Skelly Maeve , Holder Paul , Courtney Garry , Hennessy Brian , Walsh Kevin , Twohig Roisin , Browne Kate , O’Gorman Tessa , Crowley Vivion , Costelloe Seán J. , O’Byrne Roz , Whitney Elizabeth , Gildea Orla , Montgomery Noreen
Published: January 2024

Background

Hepatitis C virus infection is often asymptomatic, and many patients may be unaware they are infected. Community-based, birth cohort screening has been advocated to identify these patients. It has been estimated that 0.7–1% of individuals born between 1965 and 1985 in Ireland are infected. The cost-effectiveness of screening is critically dependent on the population prevalence.

Aims

The aim is to determine the community prevalence of hepatitis C virus infection in the birth cohort 1965–1985.

Methods

Residual serum samples from blood tests ordered by community general practitioners were anonymised and analysed for the presence of hepatitis C antibody ± antigen. Twelve large general hospitals throughout the country participated.

Results

A total of 14,320 samples were tested, 9347 of which were from the birth cohort 1965–1985. Seventy-two samples were positive for hepatitis C antibody of which 12 were positive for hepatitis C antigen (17%). The overall prevalence of hepatitis C antigen in the birth cohort was 0.09%. A higher prevalence (0.39%) was identified in males in two urban areas of Dublin.

Conclusions

Hepatitis C virus seroprevalence was much lower than previously estimated. The proportion of antibody positive patients with hepatitis C antigen was also lower than expected suggesting the effects of treatment and/or high spontaneous viral clearance. Universal birth cohort screening is unlikely to be cost-effective. Targeted birth cohort screening in high prevalence areas could be considered.
The Role of 5-Hydroxymethylcytosine as a Potential Epigenetic Biomarker in a Large Series of Thyroid Neoplasms
Authors: Canberk Sule , Gonçalves João , Rios Elisabete , Povoa Antónia A. , Tastekin Ebru , Sobrinho-Simões Manuel , Uguz Aysun , Aydin Ozlem , Ince Umit , Soares Paula , Máximo Valdemar
Published: January 2024

Cytosine modifications at the 5-carbon position play a critical role in gene expression regulation and have been implicated in cancer development. 5-Hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC), arising from 5-methylcytosine (5-mC) oxidation, has shown promise as a potential malignancy marker due to its depletion in various human cancers. However, its significance in thyroid tumors remains underexplored, primarily due to limited data. In our study, we evaluated 5hmC expression levels by immunohistochemistry in a cohort of 318 thyroid tumors. Our analysis revealed significant correlations between 5hmC staining extension scores and nodule size, vascular invasion, and oncocytic morphology. Nuclear 5hmC staining intensity demonstrated associations with focality, capsule status, extrathyroidal extension, vascular invasion, and oncocytic morphology. Follicular/oncocytic adenomas exhibited higher 5hmC expression than uncertain malignant potential (UMP) or noninvasive follicular thyroid neoplasms with papillary-like nuclear features (NIFTP), as well as malignant neoplasms, including papillary thyroid carcinomas (PTCs), oncocytic carcinomas (OCAs), follicular thyroid carcinomas (FTCs), and invasive encapsulated follicular variants of PTC (IEFV-PTC). TERT promoter mutation cases showed notably lower values for the 5hmC expression, while RAS (H, N, or K) mutations, particularly HRAS mutations, were associated with higher 5hmC expression. Additionally, we identified, for the first time, a significant link between 5hmC expression and oncocytic morphology. However, despite the merits of these discoveries, we acknowledge that 5hmC currently cannot segregate minimally invasive from widely invasive tumors, although 5hmC levels were lower in wi-FPTCs. Further research is needed to explore the potential clinical implications of 5hmC in thyroid tumors.
Emotional dysregulation and eating symptoms in gender dysphoria and eating disorders: the mediating role of body uneasiness
Authors: Mirabella Marta , Carone Nicola , Franco Anna , Rugo Michele Angelo , Speranza Anna Maria , Mazzeschi Claudia , Lingiardi Vittorio , Muzi Laura
Published: January 2024

Emotional dysregulation is a key transdiagnostic dimension of several clinical conditions, including eating disorders (EDs) and gender dysphoria (GD). Not only is there frequent comorbidity between EDs and GD, but GD individuals also commonly experience ED symptoms and body-image disturbances. However, more research is needed to understand how specific body-related experiences may differently interact with difficulties in emotion regulation and dysfunctional eating behaviors in EDs and GD. Thus, the present study aimed at exploring potential associations between emotional dysregulation and ED symptomatology in individuals diagnosed with anorexia nervosa (AN), bulimia nervosa (BN), or gender dysphoria (GD), also considering the mediating role of specific dimensions of body uneasiness. A national sample of N = 96 help-seekers assigned female at birth (n = 32 with AN, n = 32 with BN, n = 32 with GD) was recruited from two specialized care centers. Participants completed the Eating Disorder Inventory-3 (EDI-3) and the Body Uneasiness Test (BUT), while the Shedler-Westen Assessment Procedure–200 (SWAP-200) was used to evaluate emotional dysregulation. Findings showed that several body uneasiness dimensions mediated the relationship between emotional dysregulation and ED symptoms, in both AN-BN and GD participants. In GD individuals, body avoidance emerged as a significant mediator of the relationship between emotional dysregulation and ED symptoms, whereas in both AN-BN patients and GD individuals, depersonalization toward the body emerged as a significant mediator. The results suggest that the interplay between emotional dysregulation, body uneasiness, and ED symptoms may be crucial for the development of comprehensive and tailored prevention strategies.
A first-in-man study of [18F] FEDAC: a novel PET tracer for the 18-kDa translocator protein
Authors: Tamura Kentaro , Nishii Ryuichi , Tani Kotaro , Hashimoto Hiroki , Kawamura Kazunori , Zhang Ming-Rong , Maeda Takamasa , Yamazaki Kana , Higashi Tatsuya , Jinzaki Masahiro
Published: January 2024

Purpose

N-benzyl-N-methyl-2-[7, 8-dihydro-7-(2-[18F] fluoroethyl) -8-oxo-2-phenyl-9H-purin-9-yl] acetamide ([18F] FEDAC) is a novel positron emission tomography (PET) tracer that targets the translocator protein (TSPO; 18 kDa) in the mitochondrial outer membrane, which is known to be upregulated in various diseases such as malignant tumors, neurodegenerative diseases, and neuroinflammation. This study presents the first attempt to use [18F]FEDAC PET/CT and evaluate its biodistribution as well as the systemic radiation exposure to the radiotracer in humans.

Materials and Methods

Seventeen whole-body [18F]FEDAC PET/CT (injected dose, 209.1 ± 6.2 MBq) scans with a dynamic scan of the upper abdomen were performed in seven participants. Volumes of interest were assigned to each organ, and a time–activity curve was created to evaluate the biodistribution of the radiotracer. The effective dose was calculated using IDAC-Dose 2.1.

Results

Immediately after the intravenous injection, the radiotracer accumulated significantly in the liver and was subsequently excreted into the gastrointestinal tract through the biliary tract. It also showed high levels of accumulation in the kidneys, but showed minimal migration to the urinary bladder. Thus, the liver was the principal organ that eliminated [18F] FEDAC. Accumulation in the normal brain tissue was minimal. The effective dose estimated from biodistribution in humans was 19.47 ± 1.08 µSv/MBq, and was 3.60 mSV for 185 MBq dose.

Conclusion

[18F]FEDAC PET/CT provided adequate image quality at an acceptable effective dose with no adverse effects. Therefore, [18F]FEDAC may be useful in human TSPO-PET imaging.
STAT6 mutations enriched at diffuse large B-cell lymphoma relapse reshape the tumor microenvironment
Authors: Benoit Alexandre , Abraham Madelyn J. , Li Sheena , Kim John , Estrada-Tejedor Roger , Bakadlag Rowa , Subramaniam Nivetha , Makhani Kiran , Guilbert Cynthia , Tu Raymond , Salaciak Matthew , Klein Kathleen Oros , Coyle Krysta Mila , Hilton Laura K. , Santiago Raoul , Dmitrienko Svetlana , Assouline Sarit , Morin Ryan D. , del Rincon Sonia V. , Johnson Nathalie A. , Mann Koren K.
Published: January 2024

Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) relapses in approximately 40% of patients following frontline therapy. We reported that STAT6D419 mutations are enriched in relapsed/refractory DLBCL (rrDLBCL) samples, suggesting that JAK/STAT signaling plays a role in therapeutic resistance. We hypothesized that STAT6D419 mutations can improve DLBCL cell survival by reprogramming the microenvironment to sustain STAT6 activation. Thus, we investigated the role of STAT6D419 mutations on DLBCL cell growth and its microenvironment. We found that phospho-STAT6D419N was retained in the nucleus longer than phospho-STAT6WT following IL-4 stimulation, and STAT6D419N recognized a more restricted DNA-consensus sequence than STAT6WT. Upon IL-4 induction, STAT6D419N expression led to a higher magnitude of gene expression changes, but in a more selective list of gene targets compared with STATWT. The most significantly expressed genes induced by STAT6D419N were those implicated in survival, proliferation, migration, and chemotaxis, in particular CCL17. This chemokine, also known as TARC, attracts helper T-cells to the tumor microenvironment, especially in Hodgkin’s lymphoma. To this end, in DLBCL, phospho-STAT6+ rrDLBCL cells had a greater proportion of infiltrating CD4+ T-cells than phospho-STAT6− tumors. Our findings suggest that STAT6D419 mutations in DLBCL lead to cell autonomous changes, enhanced signaling, and altered composition of the tumor microenvironment.
Cross-cultural adaptation and validation of the Italian version of the Western Ontario Rotator Cuff (WORC) index
Authors: Milano G. , Fresta L. , Cerciello S. , Cattaneo S. , Paderno M. , Galante C. , Passiatore M. , Saccomanno M. F.
Published: January 2024

The aim of the study was to accomplish translation, cross-cultural adaptation and validation of the Western Ontario Rotator Cuff (WORC) Index questionnaire for its use in Italy. The WORC original version was translated and cross-culturally adapted into Italian. Subsequently, it was administered to a population of 60 patients suffering from rotator cuff disease to evaluate the validity and reliability of the Italian version. The content validity evaluated the correlation between questions and total score of each domain through Pearson’s correlation coefficient. The construct validity was similarly assessed through Pearson’s correlation coefficient by testing the correlation between the Italian WORC and the Italian version of the Disability of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) questionnaire. Reliability was assessed using two methods: internal consistency by calculating the Cronbach’s alpha coefficient for each domain; and test–retest by means of the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). The translation and cross-cultural adaptation of the Italian version did not reveal any major problems. No significant floor or ceiling effects were found. All the questions were linearly related to the concept expressed by the domain of belonging. Overall correlation with the DASH score was 0.75. Internal consistency was very high overall (α = 0.93) as well as reliability (overall ICC = 0.87). The Italian version of the WORC questionnaire is a valid and reproducible measuring instrument and can be considered a valid tool for the evaluation of the effectiveness of a treatment in terms of quality of life, in Italian patients affected by rotator cuff diseases.

Level of evidence Diagnostic study, level II.
Evaluating BPMN Extensions for Continuous Processes Based on Use Cases and Expert Interviews
Authors: Strutzenberger Diana , Mangler Juergen , Rinderle-Ma Stefanie
Published: January 2024

The majority of (business) processes described in literature are discrete, i.e., they result in an identifiable and distinct outcome such as a settled customer claim or a produced part. However, there also exists a plethora of processes in process and control engineering that are continuous, i.e., processes that require real-time control systems with constant inlet and outlet flows as well as temporally stable conditions. Examples comprise chemical synthesis and combustion processes. Despite their prevalence and relevance a standard method for modeling continuous processes with BPMN is missing. Hence, the paper provides BPMN modeling extensions for continuous processes enabling an exact definition of the parameters and loop conditions as well as a mapping to executable processes. The BPMN modeling extensions are evaluated based on selected use cases from process and control engineering and interviews with experts from three groups, i.e., process engineers and two groups of process modelers, one with experience in industrial processes and one without. The results from the expert interviews are intended to identify (i) the key characteristics for the representation of continuous processes, (ii) how experts evaluate the current usability and comprehensibility of BPMN for continuous processes, and (iii) potential improvements can be identified regarding the introduced BPMN modeling extensions.
Long-term neurotoxicity among childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia survivors enrolled between 1971 and 1998 in EORTC Children Leukemia Group studies
Authors: de Ville de Goyet Maëlle , Kicinski Michal , Suciu Stefan , Vandecruys Els , Uyttebroeck Anne , Ferster Alina , Freycon Claire , Plat Geneviève , Thomas Caroline , Barbati Mélissa , Dresse Marie-Françoise , Paillard Catherine , Pluchart Claire , Simon Pauline , Chantrain Christophe , Minckes Odile , van der Werff ten Bosch Jutte , Bertrand Yves , Rohrlich Pierre , Millot Frederic , Paulus Robert , Benoit Yves , Piette Caroline ,   the European Organisation for Research, Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) Children’s Leukemia Group (CLG)
Published: January 2024

Survival after childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) has increased over the last 40 years with an overall survival above 90%. Survivors may experience neurological late effects secondary to chemotherapy and radiotherapy. This observational retrospective study evaluated the cumulative incidence of neurological late effects among 890 childhood ALL survivors treated in EORTC CLG trials (58741, 58831/2 and 58881) between 1971 and 1998. Median follow-up was 19 years and interquartile range of the follow-up was 15–22 years. At 20 years from the end of treatment, approximately 66% of patients from the 58741 trial (accrual time: 1971–1978) and approximately 15% from the more recent trials had cognitive disturbance grade 1 or higher. Cumulative incidences at 20 years from treatment end of seizures, stroke and leukoencephalopathy were respectively 45%, 16% and 62% in study 58741, 13%, 2% and 5% in study 58831/2, and 8%, 2% and 3% in study 58881. Patients who were 10–17 years of age at diagnosis had a higher incidence of stroke and leukoencephalopathy as compared to those less than 6 years of age. Noteworthy, all neurological late effects continued to occur beyond 5 years after end of treatment. This retrospective study highlights the frequency of neurological late effects in survivors of childhood ALL. With the increase of the overall survival of ALL patients, the role and potential benefit of longitudinal neurological screening should be evaluated in further studies as these neurological late effects become an important public health challenge. This study is part of the larger EORTC CLG 58 Late Adverse Effects (LAE) study (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier NCT01298388, date of registration February 16, 2011).
Additive manufacturing of patient specific bolus for radiotherapy: large scale production and quality assurance
Authors: Basaula Deepak , Hay Barry , Wright Mark , Hall Lisa , Easdon Alan , McWiggan Peter , Yeo Adam , Ungureanu Elena , Kron Tomas
Published: January 2024

Bolus is commonly used to improve dose distributions in radiotherapy in particular if dose to skin must be optimised such as in breast or head and neck cancer. We are documenting four years of experience with 3D printed bolus at a large cancer centre. In addition to this we review the quality assurance (QA) program developed to support it. More than 2000 boluses were produced between Nov 2018 and Feb 2023 using fused deposition modelling (FDM) printing with polylactic acid (PLA) on up to five Raise 3D printers. Bolus is designed in the radiotherapy treatment planning system (Varian Eclipse), exported to an STL file followed by pre-processing. After checking each bolus with CT scanning initially we now produce standard quality control (QC) wedges every month and whenever a major change in printing processes occurs. A database records every bolus printed and manufacturing details. It takes about 3 days from designing the bolus in the planning system to delivering it to treatment. A ‘premium’ PLA material (Spidermaker) was found to be best in terms of homogeneity and CT number consistency (80 HU +/- 8HU). Most boluses were produced for photon beams (93.6%) with the rest used for electrons. We process about 120 kg of PLA per year with a typical bolus weighing less than 500 g and the majority of boluses 5 mm thick. Print times are proportional to bolus weight with about 24 h required for 500 g material deposited. 3D printing using FDM produces smooth and reproducible boluses. Quality control is essential but can be streamlined.
Semi-industrial Bio-fabrication of ZnO/MnO2 Nanocomposite Using Endophytic Streptomyces coelicolor: Characterization, Statistical Design, Exponential Pulse Fed-Batch Fermentation, and Its Antimicrobial Application
Authors: EL-Moslamy Shahira H. , Rezk Ahmed H. , Elkady M. F. , Shokry Hassan Hassan
Published: January 2024

In our study, we examined how well six Streptomyces strains bio-fabricated ZnONPs, MnONPs, and/or ZnO/MnO2 nanocomposite. The most potent strain that generated efficient antimicrobial nanoparticles was then picked to increase the production of those particles in a semi-industrial pilot plant unit. Consequently, the intracellular extract of endophytic Streptomyces coelicolor strain E72 was used to achieve the bio-fabrication reaction of the spherical ZnO/MnO2 nanocomposite (6–18 nm). The bio-fabricated ZnO/MnO2 nanocomposite was validated and characterized using FTIR, XRD, SEM, TEM, TGA, and EDS analyses. Additionally, the production of this ZnO/MnO2 nanocomponent was scaled up to a pilot plant unit with a semi-industrial size. The Plackett–Burman experimental method was used to maximize the production of ZnO/MnO2 nanocomposites, which had increased 2.7-fold from their initial state. The bio-fabricated ZnO/MnO2 nanocomposite was subsequently scaled up 31.25 times using an exponential pulse-feeding fermentation technique in a 70-L bioreactor. This ZnO/MnO2 nanocomposite exhibited effective antimicrobial efficacy against all tested antibiotic-resistant human pathogens. The antimicrobial effects against Salmonella paratyphi (53.17 ± 2.8 mm) and Candida albicans (50.2 ± 1.01 mm) were the most potent at 90 and 130 µg/ml of ZnO/MnO2 nanocomposite, respectively. This is the first full explanation of the ZnO/MnO2 nanocomposite bio-fabrication at a semi-industrial scale employing endophytic strain E72 extract as a reducing/capping agent that reacted with MnCl2·4H2O and Zn (CH3COO)2·2H2O as precursors. This bio-fabricated ZnO/MnO2 nanocomposite has the potential to be utilized in the development of pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, wound dressings, and burn therapy due to its powerful antimicrobial capabilities.
Helix surfaces for Berger-like metrics on the anti-de Sitter space
Authors: Calvaruso Giovanni , Onnis Irene I. , Pellegrino Lorenzo , Uccheddu Daria
Published: January 2024

We consider the Anti-de Sitter space $$\mathbb {H}^3_1$$

H

1
3

equipped with Berger-like metrics, that deform the standard metric of $$\mathbb {H}^3_1$$

H

1
3

in the direction of the hyperbolic Hopf vector field. Helix surfaces are the ones forming a constant angle with such vector field. After proving that these surfaces have (any) constant Gaussian curvature, we achieve their explicit local description in terms of a one-parameter family of isometries of the space and some suitable curves. These curves turn out to be general helices, which meet at a constant angle the fibers of the hyperbolic Hopf fibration.
Evaluation of Aflatoxins Occurrence and Exposure in Cereal-Based Baby Foods: An Update Review
Authors: Açar Yasemin , Akbulut Gamze
Published: January 2024

Purpose of Review

The first stages of human life, which include the fetal period, infancy, and early childhood, are the most critical for human growth and development. This is the most vulnerable phase to health challenges due to the immature immune system and rapid development. Mycotoxins such as aflatoxins, ochratoxin A, patulin, fumonisins, zearalenone, and deoxynivalenol are secondary metabolites secreted by various fungal species, primarily Aspergillus, Fusarium, Penicillium, and Alternaria. Aflatoxins are one of the major mycotoxins produced in cereals and cereal-based foods by several species of Aspergillus, mainly Aspergillus flavus. In this context, this review provides a brief overview of the occurrence, exposure, legal regulations, and health effects of aflatoxins (B1, B2, G1, G2, and M1) in cereal-based baby foods and breast milk.

Recent Findings

Human aflatoxin exposure in utero and through breast milk, infant formulas, cereals, and cereal-based foods has been linked to various health consequences, including adverse birth outcomes, impaired growth and development, immune system suppression, and hepatic dysfunction. Recent evidence suggests that especially infants and children are more susceptible to aflatoxins due to their lower body weight, lowered capacity to detoxify harmful substances, more restrictive diet, immature metabolism and elimination, and faster rates of growth and development.

It is essential for both food safety and infant and child health that aflatoxins in cereal and cereal-based products are precisely detected, detoxified, and managed.
Improving the Industrial Efficiency of Recycling Aluminum Alloy Chips Using Friction Stir Extrusion: Thin Wires Production Process
Authors: Buffa Gianluca , Campanella Davide , Adnan Muhammad , La Commare Umberto , Ingarao Giuseppe , Fratini Livan
Published: January 2024

Friction stir extrusion is one of the most promising solid-state chip recycling techniques because of its relative simplicity and high efficiency. One of the most straightforward applications for the process is the production of recycled wires to be utilized as filler material in welding or welding-based additive manufacturing processes, in order to create an industrial symbiosis link, fostering a circular economy and enhancing the technology readiness level of the process. The scalability of the process to the thin wires needed for such applications has not been investigated so far. In this paper, an experimental and numerical analysis was developed. A dedicated numerical model was first validated and then used to design the tool geometry. The effect of tool rotation and tool force on both “standard” mechanical properties, as Ultimate Tensile Strength and microhardness, and specific properties for the envisaged application, as the wrapping around reels with different radii, was investigated. The numerical model results were used to explain the influence of the process parameters on the material flow as well as on the distribution of the primary field variables, namely temperature, strain, and strain rate. Finally, the energy demand was measured, and the specific energy consumption (SEC) was evaluated. It was found that a conical shoulder surface favors the conditions for effective solid bonding. Low values of the extrusion force have detrimental effects on the wires properties as they result either in insufficient strain, or hot cracking defects. High values of extrusion force results in lower SEC, unlocking the potential of the process as symbiotic link enabler.