bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Self-differentiation and parenting stress in adolescent mothers. An exploratory study
Authors: Salerno Alessandra , Tosto Monica , Raciti Iolanda , Merenda Aluette
Published: April 2024

Introduction

Adolescent motherhood, a phenomenon that has a strong social impact, is explored, focusing particularly on the mother's psychosocial development, parental role, skill, and parenting-related stress.

Methods

This study aims to analyze the connection between maternal self-differentiation in first-time mothers (aged between 15 and 20 years old) and parenting stress levels, including some moderating variables, such as dyadic adjustment, maternal self-esteem, and perceived social support.

Results

The analyses highlighted the following significant results: emotional cutoff and fusion with others are predictors of parenting stress (β = −0.38, p < 0.05, and β = 0.36, p = 0.05, respectively); emotional cutoff is also found to be a significant predictor of parent–child dysfunctional interaction (β = −0.42, p < 0.05), while fusion with others predicts a mother's perception of her child as difficult (β = 0.39, p < 0.05); a predictive effect of the positive self-worth on a mother's perception of having a difficult child is found (β = −0.37, p < 0.05); and a predictive effect of dyadic cohesion on a mother's perception of having a difficult child (β = −0.40, p < 0.05) is found.

Discussion

The results are discussed from a sociocultural perspective, and their implications on early motherhood, especially in Italy, are considered.
Microwave plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (MP-AES)—A useful tool for the determination of silicon contents in plant samples?
Authors: Puppe Daniel , Buhtz Christian , Kaczorek Danuta , Schaller Jörg , Stein Mathias
Published: April 2024

The accurate quantification of silicon (Si) contents in plant materials represents a fundamental prerequisite for agricultural plant-soil system or terrestrial ecosystem studies. Si contents in plants are usually calculated from Si concentrations determined spectroscopically in corresponding plant extracts. Inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) is widely used in environmental sciences for Si measurements, because this technique is characterized by relatively high sensitivity and low expenditure of human labor. However, as an ICP-OES instrument is also characterized by relatively high acquisition and running costs, it is not readily available to most laboratories. Microwave plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (MP-AES) might represent a cost-effective alternative to ICP-OES. In our study we compared the results obtained from ICP-OES and MP-AES measurements of Si concentrations in Tiron extracts of husk and straw samples of winter wheat (Triticum aestivum) to evaluate the capability of the MP-AES technique for the determination of Si contents in plant materials. Moreover, we correlated these results with data on plant available Si concentrations in corresponding soil samples as well as phytolith contents in the husk and straw samples to evaluate the performance of MP-AES in biogeochemical Si plant-soil studies. Based on our results we found MP-AES to represent a suitable technique for the reliable determination of Si concentrations in Tiron extracts with negligible matrix effects. Our results clearly indicate that MP-AES represents a promising alternative for all researchers with a focus on biogeochemical Si cycling in general.
The aerodynamic performance of a platoon of lorries in close-proximity during an overtaking manoeuvre
Authors: Marshall Samuel David , Snape Karl , Soper David , Sterling Mark , Gillmeier Stefanie
Published: April 2024

For the first time, this paper examines the aerodynamic forces that arise in a platoon of Heavy Goods Vehicle lorries travelling in close proximity during an overtaking manoeuvre. Through an in-depth programme of wind tunnel experiments it is demonstrated that there is a complex relationship between the drag and side force coefficients, with a possible hysteresis-like behaviour shown. The influence of the overtaken lorry on the overtaking lorry is shown to be key in terms of the aerodynamic-induced forces experienced by the latter. Furthermore, the overtaking lorry is shown to benefit aerodynamically from the overtaken lorry, and this is attributed to the elliptical nature of the Navier-Stokes equations. In addition to examining the forces that arise during overtaking, the variation of the wind-induced forces with respect to yaw on a single lorry is compared to those on a middle lorry in a 3-lorry platoon. The aerodynamic benefits arising from platooning/vehicles travelling in close proximity are again demonstrated, although it is shown that these benefits may only exist over a limited range of yaw angles, raising questions about the real-world application of this approach. This has important implications for platooning in crosswinds and the drag force reduction that is assumed due to platooning.
Utilization of carbon catabolite repression for efficiently biotransformation of anthraquinone O-glucuronides by Streptomyces coeruleorubidus DM
Authors: Tao Chen , Wang Quyi , Ji Junyang , Zhou Ziyue , Yue Bingjie , Zhang Ran , Jiang Shu , Yuan Tianjie
Published: April 2024

Carbon catabolite repression (CCR) is a highly conserved mechanism that regulates carbon source utilization in Streptomyces. CCR has a negative impact on secondary metabolite fermentation, both in industrial and research settings. In this study, CCR was observed in the daunorubicin (DNR)-producing strain Streptomyces coeruleorubidus DM, which was cultivated in high concentration of carbohydrates. Unexpectedly, DM exhibited a high ability for anthraquinone glucuronidation biotransformation under CCR conditions with a maximum bioconversion rate of 95% achieved at pH 6, 30°C for 24 h. The co-utilization of glucose and sucrose resulted in the highest biotransformation rate compared to other carbon source combinations. Three novel anthraquinone glucuronides were obtained, with purpurin-O-glucuronide showing significantly improved water solubility, antioxidant activity, and antibacterial bioactivity. Comparative transcript analysis revealed that glucose and sucrose utilization were significantly upregulated as DM cultivated under CCR condition, which strongly enhance the biosynthetic pathway of the precursors Uridine diphosphate glucuronic acid (UDPGA). Meanwhile, the carbon metabolic flux has significantly enhanced the fatty acid biosynthesis, the exhaust of acetyl coenzyme A may lead to the complete repression of the biosynthesis of DNR, Additionally, the efflux transporter genes were simultaneously downregulated, which may contribute to the anthraquinones intracellular glucuronidation. Overall, our findings demonstrate that utilizing CCR can be a valuable strategy for enhancing the biotransformation efficiency of anthraquinone O-glucuronides by DM. This approach has the potential to improve the bioavailability and therapeutic potential of these compounds, opening up new possibilities for their pharmaceutical applications.
Risk factors and a predictive model for the occurrence of adverse outcomes in patients with new-onset refractory status epilepsy
Authors: Luo Qiuyan , Lai Rong , Su Miao , Wu Zichao , Feng Huiyu , Zhou Hongyan
Published: April 2024

Objectives

To determine risk factors for the occurrence of adverse outcomes in patients with new-onset refractory status epilepsy (NORSE) and to construct a concomitant nomogram.

Methods

Seventy-six adult patients with NORSE who were admitted to the Department of Neurology, First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University between January 2016 and December 2022 were enrolled for the study. Participants were divided into two—those with good and poor functional outcomes—and their pertinent data was obtained from the hospital medical recording system. Univariate analysis was used to identify potential causes of poor outcomes in both groups and a multivariate logistic regression model was used to identify risk factors for the occurrence of poor outcomes. Using the R programming language RMS package, a nomogram was created to predict the occurrence of poor outcomes.

Results

The NORSE risk of adverse outcome nomogram model included four predictors, namely duration of mechanical ventilation (OR = 4.370, 95% CI 1.221–15.640, p = 0.023), antiviral therapy (OR = 0.045, 95% CI 0.005–0.399, p = 0.005), number of anesthetics (OR = 13.428, 95% CI 2.16–83.48, p = 0.005) and neutrophil count/lymphocyte count ratio (NLR) (OR = 5.248, 95% CI 1.509–18.252, p = 0.009). The nomogram had good consistency and discrimination in predicting risk and can thus assist clinical care providers to assess outcomes for NORSE patients. Through ordinary bootstrap analyses, the results of the original set prediction were confirmed as consistent with those of the test set.

Conclusion

The nomogram model of risk of adverse outcomes in NORSE adult patients developed in this study can facilitate clinicians to predict the risk of adverse outcomes in NORSE patients and make timely and reasonable interventions for patients at high risk of adverse outcomes.
Structural and physicochemical effects on the starch quality of the high-quality wheat genotype caused by delayed sowing
Authors: Huang Xiaomei , Zhou Xin , Liu Xueqing , Zhong Wen , Wang Xinyu , Ju Zhengchun , Yin Yan , Xin Qingguo , Liu Ning , Liu Ximei , Jin Yuli , Wang Guie , Wang Jiangchun , Ma Pengtao
Published: April 2024

Background

Bread wheat is one of the most important food crops associated with ensuring food security and human nutritional health. The starch quality is an important index of high-quality wheat. It is affected by a complex series of factors; among which, suitable sowing time is a key factor.

Aim and methods

To analyze the integrative effects of sowing time on the starch quality of high-quality wheat, in the present study, we selected a high-quality bread wheat cultivar Jinan 17 and investigated the effect of different sowing times on the starch properties and the related genes by analyzing X-ray diffraction patterns, apparent amylose content, thermal properties, pasting properties, in vitro starch digestibility, and qRT-PCR. Meanwhile, we also investigated the agronomic and yield performance that may be associated with the starch properties.

Results

Delayed sowing had little effect on starch crystalline morphology, but there was a tendency to reduce the formation of crystals within wheat starch granules: (1) delayed sowing for 15 days altered the thermal properties of starch, including onset, peak and termination temperatures, and enthalpy changes; (2) delayed sowing for 30 days changed the thermal characteristics of starch relatively insignificant; (3) significant differences in pasting characteristics occurred: peak viscosity and hold-through viscosity increased, while final viscosity, breakdown viscosity, and setback viscosity tended to increase and then decrease, suggesting that delayed sowing caused changes in the surface of the starch granules resulting in a decrease in digestibility. Analysis of related genes showed that several key enzymes in starch biosynthesis were significantly affected by delayed sowing, leading to a reduction in apparent straight-chain starch content. In addition to starch properties, thousand-kernel weight also increased under delayed sowing conditions compared with normal sowing.

Conclusion

The impact of delayed sowing on starch quality is multifaceted and complex, from the fine structure, and functional properties of the starch to the regulation of key gene expression. Our study holds significant practical value for optimizing wheat planting management and maximizing the potential in both quality and yield.
Dual targeting of glutamine and serine metabolism in acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Hameed Kanwal M. , Bollino Dominique R. , Shetty Amol C. , Carter-Cooper Brandon , Lapidus Rena G. , Emadi Ashkan
Published: April 2024

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a heterogeneous hematological malignancy characterized by disrupted blood cell production and function. Recent investigations have highlighted the potential of targeting glutamine metabolism as a promising therapeutic approach for AML. Asparaginases, enzymes that deplete circulating glutamine and asparagine, are approved for the treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia, but are also under investigation in AML, with promising results. We previously reported an elevation in plasma serine levels following treatment with Erwinia-derived asparaginase (also called crisantaspase). This led us to hypothesize that AML cells initiate the de novo serine biosynthesis pathway in response to crisantaspase treatment and that inhibiting this pathway in combination with crisantaspase would enhance AML cell death. Here we report that in AML cell lines, treatment with the clinically available crisantaspase, Rylaze, upregulates the serine biosynthesis enzymes phosphoglycerate dehydrogenase (PHGDH) and phosphoserine aminotransferase (PSAT1) through activation of the Amino Acid Response (AAR) pathway, a cellular stress response mechanism that regulates amino acid metabolism and protein synthesis under conditions of nutrient limitation. Inhibition of serine biosynthesis through CRISPR-Cas9-mediated knockout of PHGDH resulted in a ~250-fold reduction in the half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) for Rylaze, indicating heightened sensitivity to crisantaspase therapy. Treatment of AML cells with a combination of Rylaze and a small molecule inhibitor of PHGDH (BI4916) revealed synergistic anti-proliferative effects in both cell lines and primary AML patient samples. Rylaze-BI4916 treatment in AML cell lines led to the inhibition of cap-dependent mRNA translation and protein synthesis, as well as a marked decrease in intracellular glutathione levels, a critical cellular antioxidant. Collectively, our results highlight the clinical potential of targeting serine biosynthesis in combination with crisantaspase as a novel therapeutic strategy for AML.
A comparative analysis of transcriptomics of newly diagnosed multiple myeloma: exploring drug repurposing
Authors: Giannakoulas Angelos , Nikolaidis Marios , Amoutzias Grigorios D. , Giannakoulas Nikolaos
Published: April 2024

Multiple myeloma (MM) is an incurable malignant plasma cell disorder characterized by the infiltration of clonal plasma cells in the bone marrow compartment. Gene Expression Profiling (GEP) has emerged as a powerful investigation tool in modern myeloma research enabling the dissection of the molecular background of MM and allowing the identification of gene products that could potentially serve as targets for therapeutic intervention. In this study we investigated shared transcriptomic abnormalities across newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (NDMM) patient cohorts. In total, publicly available transcriptomic data of 7 studies from CD138+ cells from 281 NDMM patients and 44 healthy individuals were integrated and analyzed. Overall, we identified 28 genes that were consistently differentially expressed (DE) between NDMM patients and healthy donors (HD) across various studies. Of those, 9 genes were over/under-expressed in more than 75% of NDMM patients. In addition, we identified 4 genes (MT1F, PURPL, LINC01239 and LINC01480) that were not previously considered to participate in MM pathogenesis. Meanwhile, by mining three drug databases (ChEMBL, IUPHAR/BPS and DrugBank) we identified 31 FDA-approved and 144 experimental drugs that target 8 of these 28 over/under-expressed MM genes. Taken together, our study offers new insights in MM pathogenesis and importantly, it reveals potential new treatment options that need to be further investigated in future studies.
Anti-stigmatizing: a collaborative autoethnography on recovery from depression
Authors: Zhu Danlei , Lyu Keyi
Published: April 2024

Introduction

Despite extensive research on clinical treatments for depression, there remains a significant gap in understanding of the lived experiences and recovery journeys of those with depression. This study sought to explore the recovery process through an “anti-stigmatizing” lens, emphasizing the cultural–psychological mechanisms at play and the importance of personal narratives in shaping the recovery trajectory.

Methods

Using a collaborative autoethnographic approach, this report focuses on the first author’s journey of depression recovery. This research methodology allows for an in-depth exploration of subjective experiences, with a specific emphasis on the interaction between societal stigma, personal identity, and mental-health challenges.

Results

It is found that the depression-recovery experience can be divided into four stages from an anti-stigma perspective: (1) encountering the public stigma of emotions; (2) internalizing the stigma to a self-stigma; (3) “decriminalizing” the expected stigma of a “depressed” identity through diagnosis; and (4) being able to cope with and understanding the public stigma relating to depression when facing it again. Key factors that were found to contribute to recovery were self-awareness, community empowerment, and recognition and acceptance by close friends and family.

Discussion

We propose a reconceptualization of depression that incorporates a societal perspective on internalized stigma. Recovery from depression is not merely a medical process; it also pertains to how the patient frees themselves from public stigma. The results strongly indicate the need for a paradigm shift toward a more inclusive and empathetic approach to mental-health care, and we emphasize the importance of personal narratives in depression recovery.
Machine learning models predict the emergence of depression in Argentinean college students during periods of COVID-19 quarantine
Authors: López Steinmetz Lorena Cecilia , Sison Margarita , Zhumagambetov Rustam , Godoy Juan Carlos , Haufe Stefan
Published: April 2024

Introduction

The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated mental health challenges, particularly depression among college students. Detecting at-risk students early is crucial but remains challenging, particularly in developing countries. Utilizing data-driven predictive models presents a viable solution to address this pressing need.

Aims

1) To develop and compare machine learning (ML) models for predicting depression in Argentinean students during the pandemic. 2) To assess the performance of classification and regression models using appropriate metrics. 3) To identify key features driving depression prediction.

Methods

A longitudinal dataset (N = 1492 college students) captured T1 and T2 measurements during the Argentinean COVID-19 quarantine. ML models, including linear logistic regression classifiers/ridge regression (LogReg/RR), random forest classifiers/regressors, and support vector machines/regressors (SVM/SVR), are employed. Assessed features encompass depression and anxiety scores (at T1), mental disorder/suicidal behavior history, quarantine sub-period information, sex, and age. For classification, models’ performance on test data is evaluated using Area Under the Precision-Recall Curve (AUPRC), Area Under the Receiver Operating Characteristic curve, Balanced Accuracy, F1 score, and Brier loss. For regression, R-squared (R2), Mean Absolute Error, and Mean Squared Error are assessed. Univariate analyses are conducted to assess the predictive strength of each individual feature with respect to the target variable. The performance of multi- vs univariate models is compared using the mean AUPRC score for classifiers and the R2 score for regressors.

Results

The highest performance is achieved by SVM and LogReg (e.g., AUPRC: 0.76, 95% CI: 0.69, 0.81) and SVR and RR models (e.g., R2 for SVR and RR: 0.56, 95% CI: 0.45, 0.64 and 0.45, 0.63, respectively). Univariate models, particularly LogReg and SVM using depression (AUPRC: 0.72, 95% CI: 0.64, 0.79) or anxiety scores (AUPRC: 0.71, 95% CI: 0.64, 0.78) and RR using depression scores (R2: 0.48, 95% CI: 0.39, 0.57) exhibit performance levels close to those of the multivariate models, which include all features.

Discussion

These findings highlight the relevance of pre-existing depression and anxiety conditions in predicting depression during quarantine, underscoring their comorbidity. ML models, particularly SVM/SVR and LogReg/RR, demonstrate potential in the timely detection of at-risk students. However, further studies are needed before clinical implementation.
A supervisory Volt/Var control scheme for coordinating voltage regulators with smart inverters on a distribution system
Authors: Muthukaruppan Valliappan , Shi Yue , Baran Mesut
Published: April 2024

This paper concentrates on the efficient utilization of smart inverters for Volt/Var control (VVC) within a distribution system. Although new smart inverters possess Var support capability, their effective deployment necessitates coordination with existing Volt/Var schemes. To address this, a novel VVC scheme is proposed to facilitate such synchronization. The proposed scheme bifurcates the issue into two levels. The initial level involves utilizing Load Tap Changer (LTC) and Voltage Regulators (VRs), coordinating their control with smart inverters to regulate the circuit's voltage levels within the desired range. The subsequent level determines the Var support required from smart inverters to minimize overall power loss in the circuit. The supervisory control results are communicated to the respective devices equipped with their local controllers. To minimize frequent dispatch, smart inverters are supervised by adjusting their Volt/Var characteristics as necessary. This approach enables the smart inverters to operate near their optimal control while meeting the limited communication prerequisites in a distribution system. A case study employing the IEEE 34 bus system illustrates the efficacy of this supervisory control scheme in contrast to traditional Volt/Var schemes.
Identification and Genetic Diversity of Spodoptera frugiperda J. E. Smith (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in Egypt
Authors: Lebody Kreema A. El , Salim Rasha G. , El-Sayed Ghada M. , Mahmoud Shaymaa H.
Published: April 2024

Fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda, is a serious agricultural pest native to tropical and subtropical regions of the Western Hemisphere and has invaded Africa and further spread into most countries of Asia within two years. In Egypt, researchers have conducted thorough investigations into the behavior of the fall armyworm and various methods to manage its impact. This study aims to further our understanding of the genetic diversity of fall armyworm populations in Egypt. By collecting specimens from five provinces across the country, we sought to analyze their genetic makeup. Through examination of partial sequences of the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI), we identified three distinct haplotypes. Phylogenetic analysis suggests that the primary sources of Spodoptera frugiperda in Egypt likely stem from both Asian and African origins. Employing the PCR-RFLP technique on the complete COI sequence, we were able to discern genotype patterns within the fall armyworm population. Our findings indicate the presence of two distinct strains—the Corn and Rice strains—within Egypt. This research contributes essential insights into the genetic diversity of insects in Egypt, providing valuable knowledge that can inform more effective strategies for managing this agricultural pest.
Application of the Single Source—Detector Separation Algorithm in Wearable Neuroimaging Devices: A Step toward Miniaturized Biosensor for Hypoxia Detection
Authors: Nguyen Thien , Park Soongho , Park Jinho , Sodager Asma , George Tony , Gandjbakhche Amir
Published: April 2024

Most currently available wearable devices to noninvasively detect hypoxia use the spatially resolved spectroscopy (SRS) method to calculate cerebral tissue oxygen saturation (StO2). This study applies the single source—detector separation (SSDS) algorithm to calculate StO2. Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) data were collected from 26 healthy adult volunteers during a breath-holding task using a wearable NIRS device, which included two source—detector separations (SDSs). These data were used to derive oxyhemoglobin (HbO) change and StO2. In the group analysis, both HbO change and StO2 exhibited significant change during a breath-holding task. Specifically, they initially decreased to minimums at around 10 s and then steadily increased to maximums, which were significantly greater than baseline levels, at 25–30 s (p-HbO < 0.001 and p-StO2 < 0.05). However, at an individual level, the SRS method failed to detect changes in cerebral StO2 in response to a short breath-holding task. Furthermore, the SSDS algorithm is more robust than the SRS method in quantifying change in cerebral StO2 in response to a breath-holding task. In conclusion, these findings have demonstrated the potential use of the SSDS algorithm in developing a miniaturized wearable biosensor to monitor cerebral StO2 and detect cerebral hypoxia.
Computational Retinal Microvascular Biomarkers from an OCTA Image in Clinical Investigation
Authors: Lu Bingwen , Li Yiming , Xie Like , Chiu Kin , Hao Xiaofeng , Xu Jing , Luo Jie , Sham Pak-Chung
Published: April 2024

Retinal structural and functional changes in humans can be manifestations of different physiological or pathological conditions. Retinal imaging is the only way to directly inspect blood vessels and their pathological changes throughout the whole body non-invasively. Various quantitative analysis metrics have been used to measure the abnormalities of retinal microvasculature in the context of different retinal, cerebral and systemic disorders. Recently developed optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) is a non-invasive imaging tool that allows high-resolution three-dimensional mapping of the retinal microvasculature. The identification of retinal biomarkers from OCTA images could facilitate clinical investigation in various scenarios. We provide a framework for extracting computational retinal microvasculature biomarkers (CRMBs) from OCTA images through a knowledge-driven computerized automatic analytical system. Our method allows for improved identification of the foveal avascular zone (FAZ) and introduces a novel definition of vessel dispersion in the macular region. Furthermore, retinal large vessels and capillaries of the superficial and deep plexus can be differentiated, correlating with retinal pathology. The diagnostic value of OCTA CRMBs was demonstrated by a cross-sectional study with 30 healthy subjects and 43 retinal vein occlusion (RVO) patients, which identified strong correlations between OCTA CRMBs and retinal function in RVO patients. These OCTA CRMBs generated through this “all-in-one” pipeline may provide clinicians with insights about disease severity, treatment response and prognosis, aiding in the management and early detection of various disorders.
Low-Temperature Deposition of Diamond Films by MPCVD with Graphite Paste Additive
Authors: Guu Stephen Yang-En , Lin Fu-Cheng , Chien Yu-Sen , Jhang Alen , Tzeng Yon-Hua
Published: April 2024

Modern integrated circuits (ICs) take advantage of three-dimensional (3D) nanostructures in devices and interconnects to achieve high-speed and ultra-low-power performance. The choice of electrical insulation materials with excellent dielectric strength, electrical resistivity, strong mechanical strength, and high thermal conductivity becomes critical. Diamond possesses these properties and is recently recognized as a promising dielectric material for the fabrication of advanced ICs, which are sensitive to detrimental high-temperature processes. Therefore, a high-rate low-temperature deposition technique for large-grain, high-quality diamond films of the thickness of a few tens to a few hundred nanometers is desirable. The diamond growth rate by microwave plasma chemical vapor deposition (MPCVD) decreases rapidly with lowering substrate temperature. In addition, the thermal conductivity of non-diamond carbon is much lower than that of diamond. Furthermore, a small-grain diamond film suffers from poor thermal conductivity due to frequent phonon scattering at grain boundaries. This paper reports a novel MPCVD process aiming at high growth rate, large grain size, and high sp3/sp2 ratio for diamond films deposited on silicon. Graphite paste containing nanoscale graphite and oxy-hydrocarbon binder and solvent vaporizes and mixes with gas feeds of hydrogen, methane, and carbon dioxide to form plasma. Rapid diamond growth of diamond seeds at 450 °C by the plasma results in large-grained diamond films on silicon at a high deposition rate of 200 nm/h.
First-Line LV5FU2 with or without Aflibercept in Patients with Non-Resectable Metastatic Colorectal Cancer: A Randomized Phase II Trial (PRODIGE 25-FFCD-FOLFA)
Authors: Legoux Jean-Louis , Faroux Roger , Barrière Nicolas , Le Malicot Karine , Tougeron David , Lorgis Véronique , Guerin-Meyer Véronique , Bourgeois Vincent , Malka David , Aparicio Thomas , Baconnier Matthieu , Lebrun-Ly Valérie , Egreteau Joëlle , Khemissa Akouz Faïza , Terme Magali , Lepage Côme , Boige Valérie
Published: April 2024

Fluropyrimidine monotherapy is an option for some patients with inoperable metastatic colorectal cancer. Unlike bevacizumab, the addition of aflibercept, an antibody acting as an anti-angiogenic agent, has never been evaluated in this context. The aim of the study was to determine whether aflibercept could increase the efficacy of fluoropyrimidine monotherapy without increasing toxicity. This multicenter phase II non-comparative trial evaluated the addition of aflibercept to infusional 5-fluorouracil/folinic acid (LV5FU2 regimen) as first-line treatment in patients unfit to receive doublet cytotoxic chemotherapy. The primary endpoint was 6-month progression-free survival (PFS). The clinical hypotheses expected a PFS rate at 6 months of over 40% (60% expected). A total of 117 patients, with a median age of 81 years, were included: 59 in arm A (LV5FU2-aflibercept) and 58 in arm B (LV5FU2 alone). Six-month PFS was 54.7% in both arms (90% CI 42.5–66.5 in both). Median overall survival was 21.8 months (arm A) and 25.1 months (arm B). Overall toxicity was more common in arm A: grade ≥ 3 toxicity in 82% versus 58.2%. Given the 6-month PFS, the study can be considered positive. However, the toxicity of aflibercept in this population was high, and continuation of the trial into phase III is not envisaged.
Exploring Potential Mechanisms Accounting for Iron Accumulation in the Central Nervous System of Patients with Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: LeVine Steven M.
Published: April 2024

Elevated levels of iron occur in both cortical and subcortical regions of the CNS in patients with Alzheimer’s disease. This accumulation is present early in the disease process as well as in more advanced stages. The factors potentially accounting for this increase are numerous, including: (1) Cells increase their uptake of iron and reduce their export of iron, as iron becomes sequestered (trapped within the lysosome, bound to amyloid β or tau, etc.); (2) metabolic disturbances, such as insulin resistance and mitochondrial dysfunction, disrupt cellular iron homeostasis; (3) inflammation, glutamate excitotoxicity, or other pathological disturbances (loss of neuronal interconnections, soluble amyloid β, etc.) trigger cells to acquire iron; and (4) following neurodegeneration, iron becomes trapped within microglia. Some of these mechanisms are also present in other neurological disorders and can also begin early in the disease course, indicating that iron accumulation is a relatively common event in neurological conditions. In response to pathogenic processes, the directed cellular efforts that contribute to iron buildup reflect the importance of correcting a functional iron deficiency to support essential biochemical processes. In other words, cells prioritize correcting an insufficiency of available iron while tolerating deposited iron. An analysis of the mechanisms accounting for iron accumulation in Alzheimer’s disease, and in other relevant neurological conditions, is put forward.
Using Implementation Research to Inform Scaling of Parenting Programs: Independently Conducted Case Studies from Zambia and Bhutan
Authors: Aboud Frances , Choden Karma , Hapunda Given , Sichimba Francis , Chaluda Ania , Contreras Gomez Rafael , Hatch Rachel , Dang Sara , Dyenka Karma , Banda Cecilia , Omoeva Carina
Published: April 2024

Two case studies of parenting programs for parents of children 0 to 36 months of age, developed and implemented by Save the Children/Ministry of Health/Khesar Gyalpo University in Bhutan and UNICEF Zambia, were conducted by an independent research group. The focus was on how program delivery and scale-up were revised on the basis of feedback from implementation research. Feedback on workforce delivery quality was based on observations of deliveries using a monitoring form, as well as survey and interview data collected from the workforce. In-depth interviews with the resource team during the fourth year of implementation revealed how the feedback was used to address horizontal and vertical scaling. Delivery quality was improved in some cases by revising the delivery manual, offering refresher courses, and instituting regular monitoring. Scaling challenges in Zambia included slow progress with regard to reaching families in the two districts, which they addressed by trialing group sessions, and stemming workforce attrition. The challenges in Bhutan were low attendance and reducing the workload of providers. Vertical scaling challenges for both countries concerned maintaining demand through continuous advocacy at community and government levels to sustain financing and to show effectiveness in outcomes.
Establishment of a Uniaxial Tensile Fracture Inversion Model Based on Fracture Surface Reconstruction (FRASTA)
Authors: Jia Haidong , Jiao Zhenghao , Dai Lianshuang , Que Yongbin , Feng Qingshan , Yang Ming , Cao Yuguang
Published: April 2024

In order to infer the load on the component after the experimental uniaxial tensile fracture inversion model based on cross-sectional reconstruction, (FRASTA) was proposed to infer the load on the tested components. This model can combine the fracture surface characteristics of experimental specimens to reconstruct the fracture surface morphology and invert the fracture process of uniaxial tensile specimens. Based on the assumption of rectangular rod fracture, a quantitative inversion model for a unidirectional stress load based on dissipative plasticity characteristics was established, and the inversion results based on cross-sectional reconstruction were compared with the experimental measurement results. The results indicate that when only considering the unidirectional stress state, the two have a high degree of consistency, with a maximum measurement error of 5.3%, fully verifying the accuracy of the fracture surface reconstruction and inversion model.
Systematic Review on the Effectiveness and Outcomes of Nivolumab Treatment Schemes in Advanced and Metastatic Cervical Cancer
Authors: Petre Ion , Vernic Corina , Petre Izabella , Vlad Cristian Sebastian , Sipos Simona Ioana , Bordianu Anca , Luciana Marc , Dragomir Radu Dumitru , Fizedean Camelia Melania , Daliborca Cristina Vlad
Published: April 2024

Advanced and metastatic cervical cancer remains a formidable challenge in oncology, with immune checkpoint inhibitors such as the PD-1 inhibitor nivolumab emerging as a potential therapeutic option. This systematic review rigorously assesses the effectiveness and outcomes of various nivolumab treatment regimens within this patient cohort, drawing from clinical trials and real-world evidence up to December 2023. Following a comprehensive search across PubMed, Scopus, and Embase, four studies were deemed eligible, involving a collective total of 80 patients. One preliminary trial data were excluded from the final analysis, as well as four other proceedings and abstracts on the efficacy and safety of nivolumab on advanced cervical cancer. The patients’ average age across these studies was 48 years, with an average of 38% having an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status of 1. Notably, 64% of all patients were positive for high-risk HPV, and 71% exhibited PD-L1 positivity, indicating a substantial target population for nivolumab. The analysis revealed a pooled objective response rate (ORR) of 48%, with a disease control rate (DCR) averaging 71%. Moreover, progression-free survival (PFS) at 6 months was observed at an average rate of 50%, reflecting the significant potential of nivolumab in managing advanced stages of the disease. The review highlights the influence of PD-L1 status on response rates and underscores the enhanced outcomes associated with combination therapy approaches. By delineating the variability in treatment efficacy and pinpointing key factors affecting therapeutic response and survival, this systematic review calls for further investigations to refine nivolumab’s clinical application, aiming to improve patient outcomes in advanced and metastatic cervical cancer.
Impact of Regional Pressure Dissipation on Carbon Capture and Storage Projects: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Hawez Haval Kukha , Asim Taimoor
Published: April 2024

Carbon capture and storage (CCS) is a critical technology for mitigating greenhouse gas emissions and combating climate change. CCS involves capturing CO2 emissions from industrial processes and power plants and injecting them deep underground for long-term storage. The success of CCS projects is influenced by various factors, including the regional pressure dissipation effects in subsurface geological formations. The safe and efficient operation of CCS projects depends on maintaining the pressure in the storage formation. Regional pressure dissipation, often resulting from the permeability and geomechanical properties of the storage site, can have significant effects on project integrity. This paper provides a state-of-art of the impact of regional pressure dissipation on CCS projects, highlights its effects, and discusses ongoing investigations in this area based on different case studies. The results corroborate the idea that the Sleipner project has considerable lateral hydraulic connectivity, which is evidenced by pressure increase ranging from <0.1 MPa in case of an uncompartmentalized reservoir to >1 MPa in case of substantial flow barriers. After five years of injection, pore pressures in the water leg of a gas reservoir have increased from 18 MPa to 30 MPa at Salah project, resulting in a 2 cm surface uplift. Furthermore, artificial CO2 injection was simulated numerically for 30 years timespan in the depleted oil reservoir of Jurong, located near the Huangqiao CO2-oil reservoir. The maximum amount of CO2 injected into a single well could reach 5.43 × 106 tons, potentially increasing the formation pressure by up to 9.5 MPa. In conclusion, regional pressure dissipation is a critical factor in the implementation of CCS projects. Its impact can affect project safety, efficiency, and environmental sustainability. Ongoing research and investigations are essential to improve our understanding of this phenomenon and develop strategies to mitigate its effects, ultimately advancing the success of CCS as a climate change mitigation solution.
Are Local Commune Governments Interested in the Development of Photovoltaics in Their Area? An Inside View of Poland
Authors: Kocur-Bera Katarzyna
Published: April 2024

A growing number of installations for generating energy from renewable sources has provoked an increased response in society. The tendency to support such investments is noticeable. The main actors in the PV market include investors, administrative bodies that issue relevant permits, and communities in locations where such investment projects are planned. Not every property should be allotted for such investments. Some entities are interested in having Renewable Energy Source (RES) installed in their area. This study aims to demonstrate the benefits that local commune governments can gain from implementing PV farms in their area and to perform an analysis of socio-economic and spatial determinants of locating PV farms at the regional level. The scenario method and a multiple regression analysis were applied in this study. The research was conducted for the territory of Poland, taking into consideration the number of PV farms in individual regions/voivodeships (NUTS-2). The results show that the number of PV farms in Poland is not growing evenly. The growth of the investment project number is the greatest in the north and the northwest of Poland. Local commune governments are interested in implementing PV farms because of a much higher income from the real estate tax and because of a decrease in the rate of unemployment among agricultural farm owners. All of these results should be observed from a longer-term perspective to confirm the trends.
Navigating the Green Transition: The Influence of Low-Carbon City Policies on Employment in China’s Listed Firms
Authors: He Zekai , Wen Caihong , Yang Xinyou
Published: April 2024

This study explores the impact of China’s low-carbon city policy on employment using a quasi-natural experiment approach based on microdata from A-share listed companies (2007–2021). The findings indicate a statistically significant positive effect on employment levels, with an average increase of 7.27% in pilot compared to non-pilot cities. This boost in employment is primarily linked to green innovation, improved financing conditions, and increased sales activities. The policy disproportionately benefits high-skilled workers and positively affects employment in sales, research and development, and management while having a lesser impact on low-skilled and production workers. The employment gains are particularly significant in non-polluting sectors, regions with high marketization, and in the eastern areas of China. This study underscores the complex interplay between environmental policies and labor markets, emphasizing the need for skill differentiation in policy frameworks.
A Copula Approach for Predicting Tree Sap Flow Based on Vapor Pressure Deficit
Authors: Ouyang Ying , Sun Changyou
Published: April 2024

While using sap-flow sensor measurements is a well-established technique for quantifying leaf water transpiration in tree species, installing and maintaining a large number of sensors and data loggers in large-scale plantations to obtain accurate measurements is both costly and time-consuming. We developed a copula-based approach to predict sap flows based on readily available vapor pressure deficits (VPDs) and found that the Normal copula was the best among five commonly used copulas. The Normal-copula approach was validated using our field-measured eastern cottonwood (Populus deltoides (Bartr. ex Marsh.)) sap flow data, yielding solid statistical measures, including Mann–Kendall’s τ = 0.59, R2 = 0.81, and p-value < 0.01. The approach was applied to predict sap flows of eastern cottonwood during the growing period from 1 March to 31 October 2015 as well as the 5-year growing period from 2019 to 2023. It successfully replicated the characteristic diurnal sap flow pattern, with rates increasing during the day and decreasing at night, as well as the typical seasonal pattern, with rates rising from winter to summer and decreasing from summer to next winter. Our study suggests that the copula-based approach is a reliable tool for estimating sap flows based on VPD data.
Image-Based Evaluation of Cracking Degrees on Wood Fiber Bundles: A Machine Learning Approach
Authors: Chai Zheming , Liu Heng , Guo Haomeng , Xu Jinmei , Yu Yanglun , Yang Jianhua
Published: April 2024

In this study, a machine learning-based method to assess and predict the cracking degree (CD) on wood fiber bundles (WFB) was developed, which is crucial for enhancing the quality control and refining the production process of wood scrimber (WS). By roller-cracking poplar wood one to three times, three distinct CD levels were established, and 361 WFB specimens were analyzed, using their water absorption rate (WAR) as the foundation for CD prediction. Through crack image analysis, four key quantitative parameters were identified—cracking density, coherence degree, crack count, and average width—and this study found through discriminant analysis that the discrimination accuracy on the CD levels by cracking density or coherence degree over 90%, emphasizing their significance in evaluation. Cluster analysis grouped the specimens into three clusters based on four key quantitative parameters, aligning with the CD levels. This study developed specialized prediction models for each CD level, integrating principal component analysis for dimensionality reduction with polynomial fitting, achieving mean squared error (MSE) of 0.0132, 0.0498, and 0.0204 for levels 1, 2, and 3, respectively. An integrated model, with an accuracy of 94.3% and predictions within a 20% error margin, was created, demonstrating the effectiveness of using surface crack image features to predict WAR of WFB. This research establishes a methodological framework for assessing CDs on WFB, contributing to enhancing WS product quality and helping to better understand wood cracking and water absorption mechanisms.
Seasonal Photosynthetic Activity in the Crown Compartments of European Ash (Fraxinus excelsior)
Authors: Majewski Robert Stanislaw , Barták Miloš , Weger Jan , Čermák Jan , Urban Josef
Published: April 2024

Leaves facing different directions (north, south, east, and west) receive differing levels of illumination, resulting in spatial differences in photosynthesis PN in the crowns of mature trees. We measured diurnal trends in PN for a semi-solitary European ash (Fraxinus excelsior) over spring, summer, and autumn and compared these data with leaf biometric traits and leaf area distribution. The highest light-saturated PN (PNmax) was to the south and west, and the lowest to the north. Likewise, intrinsic water use efficiency, defined as the ratio (PN:gS) of photosynthetic rate (PN) and stomatal conductance (gS), was also lowest to the north. The thickest leaves were found on the northern face and the thinnest in the south, suggesting differences in leaf anatomy may have contributed to differences in PN. The greatest leaf area was recorded in the southern crown quadrant, which contributed more than 50% of the tree’s accumulated PN. Our research emphasises the importance of choosing representative leaves for gas exchange measurements. In-depth studies into the spatial distribution of leaves and their traits will be necessary for accurate upscaling of leaf-level photosynthesis to whole tree and canopy levels.