bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Towards standardization of tau PET imaging corresponding to various tau PET tracer: multi-center phantom study
Authors: Wagatsuma Kei , Miwa Kenta , Akamatsu Go , Yamao Tehsho , Kamitaka Yuto , Sakurai Minoru , Fujita Naotoshi , Hanaoka Kohei , Matsuda Hiroshi , Ishii Kenji
Published: March 2023

Objective: Tau positron emission tomography (PET) imaging is a recently developed non-invasive tool that can detect the density and extension of tau neurofibrillary tangles. Tau PET tracers have been validated to harmonize and accelerate their development and implementation in clinical practice. Whereas standard protocols including injected dose, uptake time, and duration have been determined for tau PET tracers, reconstruction parameters have not been standardized. The present study conducted phantom experiments based on tau pathology to standardize quantitative tau PET imaging parameters and optimize reconstruction conditions of PET scanners at four Japanese sites according to the results of phantom experiments.
Methods: The activity of 4.0 and 2.0 kBq/mL for 3D Hoffman brain and cylindrical phantoms, respectively was estimated from published studies of brain activity using [18F]flortaucipir, [18F]THK5351, and [18F]MK6240. We developed an original tau-specific volume of interest (VOI) template for the brain based on pathophysiological tau distribution in the brain defined as Braak stages. We acquired brain and cylindrical phantom images using four PET scanners. Iteration numbers were determined as contrast and recover coefficients (RCs) in grey (GM) and white (WM) matter, and the magnitude of the Gaussian filter was determined from image noise.
Results: Contrast and RC converged at ≥ 4 iterations, the error rates of RC for GM and WM were < 15% and 1%, respectively, and noise was < 10% in Gaussian filters of 2–4 mm in images acquired using the four scanners. Optimizing the reconstruction conditions for phantom tau PET images acquired by each scanner, improved contrast and image noise.
Conclusions: The phantom activity was comprehensive for first- and second-generation tau PET tracers. The mid-range activity that we determined could be applied to later tau PET tracers. We propose an analytical tau-specific VOI template based on tau pathophysiological changes in patients with AD to standardize tau PET imaging. Phantom images reconstructed under the optimized conditions for tau PET imaging achieved excellent image quality and quantitative accuracy.
Development of novel and low-cost readout electronics for large FOV gamma camera detector
Authors: Radnia Aram , Alikhani Amirhossein , Teimourian Behnoosh , Nejad Mahyar Youser , Farahani Mohammad Hossein , Pashaei Fakhereh , Rahmim Arman , Ay Mohammad Reza
Published: March 2023

Objective: Gamma cameras based on scintillation crystals play a crucial role in nuclear medicine. We designed a readout method for a large field-of-view (FOV) gamma detector, reducing N × M analog signals of photomultiplier tubes (PMTs) to N + M analog sums of each row and column, thus improving complexity and cost considerations while preserving image quality.
Methods: In this study, we developed a gamma detector consisting of 48 square PMTs using novel readout electronics, reducing 6 × 8 to 6 + 8 analog signals. All 14 analog signals were converted to digital signals using AD9257 high-speed analog to digital converters (ADC) driven by the SPARTAN-6 family of field-programmable gate arrays (FPGA) in order to calculate the signal integrals. The positioning algorithm was based on the digital correlated signal enhancement (CSE) algorithm, which was implemented in the acquisition software. The performance characteristics of the developed gamma camera were measured using the NEMA NU1 standard.
Results: The measured energy resolution in the developed detector was 8.7%, intrinsic spatial resolution was 3.9 mm, uniformity was within 0.6%, and linearity was within 0.1%.
Conclusions: The performance evaluation demonstrated that the developed detector has proper specifications for imaging purposes.
Some Fourier transforms involving confluent hypergeometric functions
Authors: Berisha Nimete , Berisha Faton , Fejzullahu Bujar
Published: March 2023

In this paper, we derive some Fourier transforms of confluent hypergeometric functions. We give generalizations of several well-known results involving Fourier transforms of gamma functions. In particular, the generalizations include some Ramanujan's remarkable formulas.
2010 Mathematics Subject Classification. 33C15, 42A38, 44A20.
Cost-effectiveness of MOdified DIagnostic strateGy to safely ruLe-out pulmonary embolism in the emergency depArtment: A Non-Inferiority cluster crossover randomized trial (MODIGLIA- NI)
Authors: OSSIMA Arnaud NZE , SIAHA Bibi Fabiola NGALEU , MIMOUNI Maroua , MEZAOUR Nadia , DARLINGTON meryl , BERARD Laurence , Cachanado Marine , Simon Tabassome , Freund Yonathan , DURAND-ZALESKI Isabelle
Published: March 2023

Background: The aim of this trial-based economic evaluation was to assess the incremental costs and cost-effectiveness of the modified diagnostic strategy combining the YEARS rule and age-adjusted D-dimer threshold compared with the control (which used the age-adjusted D-dimer threshold only) for the diagnosis of pulmonary embolism (PE) in the Emergency Department (ED).
Methods: Economic evaluation from a healthcare system perspective alongside a non-inferiority, crossover, and cluster-randomized trial conducted in 16 EDs in France and two in Spain with three months of follow-up. The primary endpoint was the additional cost of a patient without failure of the diagnostic strategy, defined as venous thromboembolism (VTE) diagnosis at 3months after exclusion of PE during the initial ED visit. Mean differences in 3-month failure and costs were estimated using mixed linear regression models, adjusted for strategy type, period, and the interaction between strategy and period as fixed effects and the hospital as a random effect. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) was obtained by dividing the incremental costs by the incremental frequency of VTE.
Results: Of the 1414 included patients, 1217 (86%) were analyzed in the per-protocol analysis (648 in the intervention group and 623 in the control group). At three month, there were no statistically significant differences in total costs (€-47; 95% CI: €-103 to €4), and the failure rate was non inferior in the intervention group (-0.64%, one-sided 97.5% CI: -∞ to 0.21%, non-inferiority margin 1.5%) between groups. The point estimate of the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) calculated that each patient without diagnostic failure was associated with cost savings of €7,343 in the intervention strategy compared with the controls. There was a 90% probability that the intervention was dominant. Similar results were found in the as randomized population.
Conclusions: This trial suggests that there is an economic advantage to using the YEARS rule combined with the PERC rule and the age-adjusted D-dimer threshold in PERC-positive patients, as this strategy is non-inferior and less costly than the standard diagnostic strategy.
Trial registration number ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04032769; July 25, 2019
ATPase H+ Transporting V0 Subunit C regulates Twinfilin Actin Binding Protein 1 and promotes metastatic ability of esophageal cancer
Authors: Qiao Bingzhang , Yu Weijie , Ainiwaer Julaiti , Niyaz Madinyat , Zhang Liwei , Sheyhidin Ilyar
Published: March 2023

We aimed at investigating the implication of ATP6V0C in esophageal cancer (ECa) and exploring how ATP6V0C participates in this process. ATP6V0C expression in 46 pairs of ECa tissues was determined by RT-PCR analysis, and the relationship between ATP6V0C and clinicopathological indicators as wells as prognosis of ECa patients was analyzed. Results demonstrated that ATP6V0C was significantly increased in ECa.Participants with high- ATP6V0C exhibited markedly higher incidence of metastasis and shorter survival rates. Inhibition of ATP6V0C attenuated cell invasive and metastasis abilities. Meanwhile, Luciferase assay confirmed the binding between ATP6V0C and TWF1. TWF1 expression showed an increase in ECa cell lines and tissues, which was positively correlated with ATP6V0C level. In addition, we found that overexpression of TWF1 counteracted the effects of knockdown of ATP6V0C on the proliferation and migration of ECa, and thus affect the malignant progression of ECa. ATP6V0C and TWF1 are both highly expressed and positively correlated in tumor tissues of ECa patients. In addition, ATP6V0C accelerated the malignant progression of ECa cells through interacting with TWF1.
Triglyceride glucose-body mass index and cardiovascular mortality in patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Zhan Cuixia , Peng Yuan , Ye Hongjian , Diao Xiangwen , Yi Chunyan , Guo Qunying , Chen Wei , Yang Xiao
Published: March 2023

Background: Recent studies have shown that triglyceride glucose-body mass index (TyG-BMI) is associated with the risk of ischemic stroke and coronary artery disease.
However, little attention has been paid to the association between TyG-BMI and cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality in patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis (PD). Therefore, this study aimed to explore the relationship between TyG-BMI and CVD mortality in Southern Chinese patients undergoing PD.
Methods: Incident patients receiving PD during January 1, 2006, to December 31, 2018, with baseline serum triglycerides, glucose, and body mass index (BMI) information, were recruited for this single-center retrospective cohort study. TyG-BMI was calculated based on fasting plasma glucose, triglyceride, and BMI values. The association between TyG-BMI, CVD and all-cause mortality was evaluated using a multivariate-adjusted Cox proportional hazard regression model.
Results: Of 2,335 patients, the mean age was 46.1±14.8 years; 1,382 (59.2%) were male, and 564 (24.2%) had diabetes. The median TyG-BMI was 183.7 (165.5–209.2). Multivariate linear regression showed that advanced age, male sex, history of CVD, higher levels of albumin and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and higher urine output were correlated with a higher TyG-BMI (P<0.05). During a median follow-up period of 46.6 (22.4–78.0) months, 615 patients died, of which 297 (48.2%) died as a result of CVD. After adjusting for demographics and comorbidities, TyG-BMI was significantly associated with an increased risk of CVD mortality (hazard ratio [HR] 1.51, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.05–2.17) and all-cause mortality (HR 1.36, 95%CI 1.05–1.75). After full adjustment, 28% risk of CVD mortality (HR 1.28, 95%CI 1.13‒1.45) and 19% risk of all-cause mortality elevated (HR 1.19, 95%CI 1.09‒1.31) when TyG-BMI increased by 1-Stand Deviation (SD) (34.2).
Conclusions: A higher baseline TyG-BMI was independently associated with an increased risk of CVD and all-cause mortality in patients receiving PD.
Aggregation pheromones released by nymphs of the stick tea thrips (Dendrothrips minowai): identification and analysis of their potential utility for controlling thrips in tea plantations
Authors: Xiu Chunli , Zhang Fengge , Pan Hongsheng , Luo Zongxiu , Bian Lei , Li Zhaoqun , Fu Nanxia , Zhou Li , Magsi Fida Hussain , Cai Xiaoming Cai , Chen Zongmao
Published: March 2023

BACKGROUND
The stick tea thrips, Dendrothrips minowai Priesner, is one of the most important sucking pests that seriously infest tea plants (Camellia sinensis) in China. Obvious D. minowai nymph aggregation behaviors are typically detected in tea plantations. The objectives in our study were to identify D. minowai aggregation pheromones and evaluate their potential utility for controlling thrips infestations in tea plantations.
RESULTS
Dendrothrips minowai nymphs, females, and males were significantly attracted to nymph volatiles rather than the volatiles secreted by females and males in H-tube olfactometer assays under laboratory conditions. Our gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis of volatiles collected from D. minowai revealed that nymphs can produce dodecyl acetate and tetradecyl acetate. Additionally, the D. minowai females and males responded positively to dodecyl acetate, tetradecyl acetate, and the mixture (dodecyl acetate : tetradecyl acetate = 1 : 1.5) according to in behavioral experiments under laboratory conditions. Moreover, both aggregation pheromones and the mixture increased the number of D. minowai adults on sticky traps by 0.9- to 2.5-times (compared with the traps containing the solvent control) in tea plantations. Most importantly, at 10 days after adding sticky traps with D. minowai aggregation pheromones to tea plantations, the number of adult thrips per 100 leaves decreased by 57–75%, which was significantly higher than those of 39% decrease induced by the solvent control.
CONCLUSION
Dodecyl acetate and tetradecyl acetate were identified as D. minowai nymph-produced aggregation pheromones that can significantly attract conspecifics under laboratory conditions. More importantly, combining the aggregation pheromones with sticky traps can significantly decrease the thrips population in tea plantations. The findings of this study on thrips pheromones may be useful for developing new methods for managing thrips that do not require potentially harmful insecticides.
Clinicopathological features of incidentally detected metastatic thyroid papillary carcinoma in cervical lymph nodes of non-thyroid cancer patients: a retrospective analysis of 31cases
Authors: Hu Chunfang , Zhang Haifeng , Chu Lixia , Qiu Tian , Lu Haizhen
Published: March 2023

Background
The incidental finding of thyroid inclusions in lymph nodes of neck dissections of non-thyroid cancer patients is an unusual event. It is still controversial for pathologists for whether this represents benign inclusions or metastatic papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). This study is to analyze clinicopathological features of such cases in attempt to explore their clinical implications.
Methods
Pathological data were searched for incidentally detected PTC of cervical lymph nodes in non-thyroid cancer cases. Clinicopathological characteristics were reevaluated and recorded. BRAF V600E protein expression and sequencing analysis was then performed in cases with sufficient tissues.
Results
31 patients had an incidental finding of PTC in lymph nodes of patients with non-thyroid cancer. BRAF immunohistochemical staining were performed in 17 metastatic lymph nodes with sufficient tumor tissues, and 6 were positive. BRAF V600E point mutation was detected in 5 of 6 BRAF V600E positive cases. Subsequent imaging examination of the thyroid showed undetected nodules or calcifications/benign nodules in twenty patients, and suspected malignant nodules in 5 patients. 12 patients underwent total thyroidectomy or ipsilateral lobectomy, and 6 showed PTC in postoperative pathological examinations. The remaining 19 patients without surgery were kept under active surveillance, and no one had recurrence of PTC.
Conclusion
Incidentally discovered PTC in lymph nodes have usually interpreted as metastasis from a clinical occult thyroid primary cancer, but primary PTC was not always detected. This suggests it would be double occult lesions. With regards to concurrence with highly malignant tumor, most patients could keep regular surveillance.
Determination of Magnetic Susceptibility and Metal Enrichment Sediments Traps of High Altitude Himalayan Lake, The Chandratal Spiti, Himachal Pradesh, India
Authors: Rout Sonam Priyadharshini , S Vasudevan , S Baranidharan , J Vigneshwar , G Sathiyamoorthy
Published: March 2023

High Altitude Lake have a complex mechanism because they are influenced by glacial climatic conditions, weathering of bedrocks and river transportation and deposition, which causes enrichment of metal concentration and magnetic components in the zone. The present study investigated the magnetic properties and their relation between geochemistry of 11 surface sediment samples and 01 core sediment sample in the High Altitude Himalayan Lake, The Chandratal Spiti. The Geoaccumulation Index of the all metals concentration shows extremely high values than standard ranges > 5 (extremely polluted). The Magnetic susceptibility of χLF substantial higher at surface sampling point 8 and core sediment at depth of 42 to 44 cm and 80 to 82 cm. Simultaneously the χFD% (< 2% - No super paramagnetic grains/multi domain grain size) shows drastically decrease at χLF maximum points. With the XRD mineralogy analysis shows mostly Zircon, Illite and Quartz minerals proves the lake sedimentology. The χLF / χFD ratio were found to be an obvious parameter for identifying areas of sediment traps and metal enrichment in the surface sediment and temporal sediments of High Altitude Lake. The high χLF / χFD at surface sampling point 8 and at depth as 42 to 44 cm and 84 to 86 cm probably arose because the point is in large magnetic sediment traps zone. The Pb210 and Cs137 has linearly correlated with the χLF / χFD sediment trapped peak of the core sediment at the depth 42 to 44 cm infers the age as 1991 and 1993 years.
Robotic versus laparoscopic proctectomy: A comparative study of short-term economic and clinical outcomes
Authors: Larach José Tomás , Flynn Julie , Tew Michelle , Fernando Diharah , Apte Sameer , Mohan Helen , Kong Joseph , McCormick Jacob J. , Warrier Satish K. , Heriot Alexander G.
Published: March 2023

Aim: This study aims to compare the financial and clinical outcomes of robotic and laparoscopic proctectomy within a public healthcare system.
Methods:Consecutive patients undergoing laparoscopic and robotic proctectomy between January 2017 and June 2020 in a public quaternary centre were included. Demographic characteristics, baseline clinical, tumour and operative variables, perioperative, histopathological outcomes and costs were compared between the laparoscopic and robotic groups. Simple linear regression and generalised linear model analyses with gamma distribution and log-link function were used to determine the impact of the surgical approach on overall costs.
Results: During the study period, 113 patients underwent minimally invasive proctectomy. Of these, 81 (71.7%) underwent a robotic proctectomy. A taTME component was more often utilised in the laparoscopic group (34.4% versus 13.6%;P=0.003). Demographic and baseline clinical variables were otherwise similar between groups. A robotic approach was associated with a lower conversion rate (2.5% versus 21.8%;P=0.002) at the expense of longer operating times (284±83.4 versus 243±89.8 minutes;P=0.025). Regarding financial outcomes, robotic surgery was associated with increased theatre costs (A$23019±8235 versus A$15525±6382; P<0.001) and overall costs (A$34350±14770 versus A$26083±12647; P=0.003). Hospitalisation costs were similar between both approaches. An ASA ≥ 3, non-metastatic disease, low rectal cancer, neoadjuvant therapy, non-restorative resection, extended resection, and a robotic approach were identified as drivers of overall costs in the univariate analysis. However, after performing a multivariate analysis, a robotic approach was not identified as an independent driver of overall costs during the inpatient episode (P=0.1).
Conclusion: Robotic proctectomy was associated with increased theatre costs but not with increased overall inpatient costs within a public healthcare setting. Conversion was less common for robotic proctectomy at the expense of increased operating time. Larger studies will be needed to confirm these findings and examine the cost-effectiveness of robotic proctectomy to further justify its penetration in the public healthcare system.
Management of marandu grass pasture increases soil carbon and nitrogen stocks in forest grazing systems in the Brazilian Cerrado
Authors: Anésio Arnon Henrique Campos , Santos Márcia Vitória , Frazão Leidivan Almeida , Teixeira Rafael Bastos , Tuffi-Santos Leonardo David , Pegoraro Rodinei Facco , Barboza Josiane Aparecida de Souza , Dumont Mariana Almeida , Paschoaloto Josimari Regina
Published: March 2023

This paper aimed to evaluate the influence of management practices of marandu grass, at eucalyptus shading levels in a forest grazing system, on organic carbon (OC) and nitrogen (N) stocks, and on soil chemical characteristics in the Brazilian Cerrado. The experimental design adopted was entirely random with five repetitions. In the plots were allocated the environments with different light availability, and a treatment with marandu grass in full sun. The management of marandu grass pasture was distributed in the subplots with pre-pasture at 30, 40, 50, and 60 cm high. Evaluations were repeated in two crop cycles in year 1 and year 2. Soil chemical characteristics, OC and N stocks were analyzed. The management of marandu grass at 50 cm height in the forest grazing system provided higher levels of OC, N, organic matter in the soil and an increase in fertility, compared to monoculture pasture, with repercussions in two years. The integration of eucalyptus and marandu grass pasture contributes with greater stocks of OC and N in the soil strips closest to the tree row, due to greater nutrient cycling. Marandu grass in forest grazing systems with shading varying from 40 to 60% present greater efficiency and maintenance of soil chemical attributes, demonstrating greater sustainability compared to monoculture pastures.
Return to work improves quality of life and reduces psychosocial distress after radical cystectomy – data from a contemporary series of 230 German Patients
Authors: Bahlburg Henning , Reike Moritz , Tully Karl , Bach Peter , Butea-Bocu Marius Cristian , Roghmann Florian , Noldus Joachim , Müller Guido
Published: March 2023

Purpose:
This study aims to evaluate health-related quality of life (HRQoL), psychosocial distress, and return to work (RTW) two years after radical cystectomy (RC) and inpatient rehabilitation (IR).
Material and Methods:
The study relied on prospectively collected data for 842 patients, who underwent three weeks of IR after RC and creation of an ileal conduit (IC) or ileal neobladder (INB). Validated questionnaires surveyed patients on HRQoL and psychosocial distress (EORTC QLQ-C30, QSC-R10). Furthermore, employment status was evaluated. Regression was performed to identify predictors for HRQol, psychosocial distress, and RTW.
Results:
Two-hundred and thirty patients were employed pre-surgery (77.8% INB, 22.2% IC). Patients with an IC suffered significantly more often from locally advanced disease (≥pT3: 43.1% vs 22.9%; p=0.004). Two years after surgery, 16.1% of patients had died (median days of survival 302 (IQR 204-482). Global HRQoL improved steadily, while high psychosocial distress was present in 46.5% of patients two years after surgery. Employment was reported by 68.2% of patients, of which 90.3% worked full-time. Retirement was reported by 18.5%. Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified age ≤59 years as the only positive predictor for RTW two years after surgery (OR 7.730; 95% CI 3.369-17.736; p<0.001). Gender, surgical technique, tumor stage, and socioeconomic status did not influence RTW in this model. In multivariate linear regression analysis, RTW was identified as an independent predictor of better global HRQoL (p=0.018) and lower psychosocial distress (p<0.001), whereas younger patient age was identified as an independent predictor for higher psychosocial distress (p=0.002).
Conclusion:
Global HRQoL and RTW are high among patients two years after RC. However, role, emotional, cognitive, and social functioning were significantly impaired, while high psychosocial distress persists in a material number of patients.
Implications for Cancer Survivors:
Our study highlights, how a successful RTW decreases psychosocial distress and increases QoL in patients after RC for urothelial cancer. Nonetheless, additional efforts by employers and healthcare providers are needed in aftercare after creation of an INB or IC.
Hydrogeological structure of the subterranean river system of Yutang and a karst depression reservoir in Yunnan Province, China
Authors: Zhang Wenping , Pan Xiaodong , Liang Jianhong , Zeng Jie , Song Chen
Published: March 2023

Karst groundwater resources are rich, and they have important water supply significance. However, the complex hydrogeological structure of karst areas and the many subterranean river conduits make the development and utilization of karst groundwater resources very challenging. Therefore, the Yibasan Karst reservoir (YKR) was selected as the focus of this study. The hydrogeological structure of the subterranean river system of Yutang (SRSY) was identified and the hydraulic connections between the subterranean river conduits were determined using tracer experiment and groundwater dynamic monitoring. Furthermore, the development location and depth of the karst seepage zone of the YKR were determined using geophysical exploration. The results showed that there were three subterranean river conduits in the SRSY, and there was no hydraulic connection. The northern and southern pressure and torsion faults on the sides constituted the impervious boundary of the SRSY, which provided good catchment conditions for the formation of the YKR. Additionally, the northern and main conduits of the SRSY provide a sufficient groundwater source for the YKR. Moreover, the development width of the karst seepage zone of the YKR ranged between 40 and 60 m, and the elevation ranged between 1275 and 1355 m. The research results not only provide an effective basis for the treatment of the karst seepage problem of the YKR but also provide an important reference for the development and utilization of groundwater resources in similar karst areas.
Automatically detecting stereotyped behaviors from surveillance videos of zoos and animal reserves for captive animal welfare
Authors: Yin Zixuan , Zhao Yaqin , Xu Zhihao , Yu Qiuping
Published: March 2023

Animal welfare plays the importance role in protecting the ecological environment, developing the animal industry, and regulating the human-animal relationship and maintaining the balance of species and ecosystems. Unfortunately, captive animals often suffer from poor welfare due to their long-term confinement in small and narrow environment, resulting in depressive and stereotyped behaviors such as repetitive running or pacing. Early detection and intervention of these behaviors contribute to improve the captive animal welfare. However, the traditional methods on manually observing and analyzing animal behaviors are labor-intensive and require specialized personnel. In recent years, many zoos and animal reserves are equipped with video surveillance systems, which can be conveniently used for animal behaviour analysis, but most research on the animal behaviour is reported for domestic animal. In this paper, we propose the novel method utilizing the videos from surveillance systems to automatically track and recognize animals’ stereotyped behaviors. Our approach employs a novel target tracking method based on Siamese relation network, which can accurately track target animals in complex environments and distinguish different individuals. We then identify the stereotyped behaviors by counting the cycle number that an animal repeats similar motion trajectories, such as repeatedly running around a similar circular trajectory. The experiments are conducted on the video datasets including three kinds of moving trajectories. The experimental results show that can accurately detect the cycle number of the repeated trajectories to recognized wild animal stereotypes.
Effects of vitamin D supplementation on inflammatory response in patients with cancer and precancerous lesions: systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized trials.
Authors: Gwenzi Tafirenyika , Zhu Anna , Schrotz-King Petra , Schöttker Ben , Hoffmeister Michael , Brenner Hermann
Published: March 2023

Purpose
Inflammation plays a key role in tumor development and progression. Vitamin D has potential tumor suppressing effects through modulation of inflammatory processes. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was to summarize and evaluate the effects of vitamin D3 supplementation (VID3S) on serum inflammatory biomarkers among patients with cancer or pre-cancerous lesions (PROSPERO Reg #: CRD42022295694).
Methods
We searched PubMed, Web of Science and Cochrane databases until November 2022. The effects of VID3S were estimated from pooled standardized mean differences (SMDs) with their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for inflammatory biomarker follow-up levels between intervention and control groups. The study was conducted according to the PRISMA guidelines and quality assessment of included studies was conducted using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool.
Results
Eight RCTs with a total of 592 patients who had cancer or pre-cancerous conditions were included in the meta-analyses. VID3S significantly lowered serum levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α [SMD (95%CI): -1.65 (-3.07; -0.24)]. VID3S also reduced serum levels of interleukin (IL)-6 and C-reactive protein (CRP) but the effects did not reach statistical significance [SMD (95%CI): -0.83 (-1.78; 0.13) and − 0.09 (-0.35; 0.16), respectively]. VID3S did not have any effect on IL-10 serum levels [SMD (95%CI): 0.00 (-0.50; 0.49)].
Conclusions
Our study shows evidence of a significant reduction of TNF-α levels by VID3S for patients with cancer or precancerous lesions. Patients with cancer or precancerous lesions may benefit from personalized VID3S in suppressing tumour-promoting inflammatory response.
WITHDRAWN: Research on spatial distribution and accessibility of public sports venues in Shanghai based on GIS
Authors: Yang Jiankang , oh Eung-soo
Published: March 2023

Participating in sports activities plays a crucial role in improving the health of urban residents. Public sports venues (PSVs) are the main venues where urban residents can participate in sports activities, and their number and distribution significantly affect residents’ participation in sports activities. This paper focuses on the research area of Shanghai, the most economically developed city in China, to investigate and analyze residential areas and PSVs in Shanghai. The geographic information systems (GIS) visualization technique, as well as analytical indicators like mean center, standard deviational ellipse and kernel density, are used to examine the distribution of PSVs in residential areas of Shanghai. The results show that: 1. The density of PSV distribution is larger in the seven major central districts and smaller in suburban districts; changes in distribution density present a “cliff fall” along an extension towards the suburban districts; PSV is also unevenly distributed across different suburban districts, with remote areas having a significantly smaller distribution density; there is an uneven spatial distribution of PSVs in Shanghai. 2. The 15-minute walking accessibility is basically achievable in the seven central districts of Shanghai, as opposed to poorer performance in the indicator in suburban districts. The following suggestions are made: 1. Construction of public sports amenities in central districts should shift towards inventory optimization and in the meantime, the construction of public transport networks between central districts and suburban districts should be enhanced. 2. Urban renewal should be promoted. Construction can be focused on urban fringe areas with sophisticated transport and central suburban districts. 3. Schools should be encouraged to open their sports stadiums to the public, thus filling up the void of PSVs in Shanghai.
Science Teachers’ Uptake of Heuristic Educative Curriculum Materials to Develop Students’ Habit of Questioning and Posing Problem
Authors:   St Paul’s Institution (Primary), Jalan Sungai Ujong, Seremban, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia, Row Bavani Nageswana , Sathasivam Renuka V ,   Department of Mathematics and Science Education, Faculty of Education, Universiti Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Published: March 2023

Science teachers lack the pedagogical knowledge and skills to develop students’ habit of questioning and posing problems (HQP), which is vital for scientific inquiry. Prescriptive curriculum materials do not promote professional growth and development in teachers. In contrast, heuristic educative curriculum materials allow teachers to choose and learn as and when is more feasible. Heuristic design curriculum materials contain educative features that provide suggestions and rationales for instructional activities, empowering teachers to enact more flexibly. In a larger study, a heuristic curriculum material called Skilful Thinking Educative Pedagogical Support (STEPS) was prepared and encompassed three components – specific thinking strategies, habits of mind, and metacognition. STEPS was prepared using findings from needs analysis, a review of additional curriculum materials and the Malaysian Year 4 science syllabus. This paper focuses HQP which is one of the sixteen components of habits of mind. The research objective was to investigate how three Year 4 science teachers up-took educative features in STEPS to develop students’ HQP. The study utilised a qualitative exploratory research design. Classroom observations, open-ended interviews, and document analysis were the data sources. We used tracers in the educative features, such as teachers’ uttered phrases, cues, and suggested tools to indicate HQP implementation. The findings showed fidelity between STEPS and teacher implementation as teachers had used the suggested tools, encouraged students’ HQP skills by using cues, and gave justifications on why HQP is important. The teachers also gave space and scaffolded their students’ question generation and problem-posing. Moreover, teachers adapted the educative features most relevant to their teaching context. Implications for teachers, school leaders, researchers and teacher educators were discussed.
Predictors of Student Engagement in Science Learning: The Role of Science Laboratory Learning Environment and Science Learning Motivation
Authors:   Department of Science, Institut Pendidikan Guru Kampus Temenggong Ibrahim, Jalan Datin Halimah, 80350 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia, Haw Law Hui , Sharif Sabariah Bte ,   Faculty of Psychology and Education, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, 88400 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia, Han Crispina Gregory K ,   Faculty of Psychology and Education, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, 88400 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia
Published: March 2023

Student engagement is one of the indicators of a successful teaching and learning process. Many studies claim that student engagement is associated with the performance and achievement of students. In this study, the researchers aimed to determine the effects of science laboratory environments and science learning motivation towards student engagement in learning science among non-science students. 468 upper secondary non-science students in Sarawak were involved in this survey with the administration of three sets of questionnaires on science laboratory environment, science learning motivation and student engagement in science learning. Multiple regression was used to analyse the research questions. Both science laboratory learning environment (r = 0.523) and science learning motivation (r = 0.670) are found positively correlated to student engagement. The results also revealed that the science laboratory learning environment and science learning motivation are significant predictors of student engagement in learning science with R2 = 0.463. Specifically, student cohesiveness, open-endedness, integration and material environment in the science laboratory learning environment and all the dimensions of motivation predict student engagement in science learning. The findings suggest that educators, especially science teachers, should utilise the laboratory effectively and keep students motivated to ensure their active engagement in science learning.
The effect of variety seeking and status consumption on generation Y consumers’ attitude toward beauty products: The mediating role of innovativeness
Authors: C. Dalziel Riané , Sharp Kirsty-Lee
Published: March 2023

The cosmetic industry is a highly lucrative market in South Africa. Individuals of the Generation Y cohort represent an essential current and future market segment for various industries, including the beauty product industry. The purpose of this study is to determine the direct and indirect effects of variety seeking and status consumption on attitudes through beauty product innovativeness among female Generation Y students. This study used a self-administered questionnaire. The sample includes female Generation Y students at a traditional university, a comprehensive university, and a university of technology in the Gauteng province. The study yielded 610 adequate responses. The data were analyzed using principal component factor analysis, descriptive statistics, Pearson’s product-moment correlation, and path analysis with mediation tests. The study presents a four-factor model: status consumption, variety seeking, beauty product innovativeness, and consumer attitude. Status consumption statistically, significantly, and positively affect beauty product innovativeness (β = 0.350, p = 0.000 < 0.01) and consumer attitude (β = 0.107, p = 0.053 < 0.01). Variety seeking has a statistically significant and positive influence on beauty product innovativeness (β = 0.276, p = 0.000 < 0.01) but an insignificant on consumer attitude (β = 0.043, p = 0.459 > 0.01). Lastly, beauty product innovativeness was a statistically significant predictor of attitude (β = 0.286, p = 0.000 < 0.01). These results suggest that beauty product innovativeness mediates the relationship between variety-seeking and consumer attitudes of the Generation Y cohort toward beauty products.
Enzyme-Aided Treatment of Fruit Juice: A Review
Authors: Pui Liew Phing , Saleena Lejaniya Abdul Kalam
Published: March 2023

Enzymatic treatment is a common method of fruit juice production that facilitates juice extraction from plant cells. The choice of enzyme depends on the fruit composition. Pectinase and cellulase are the most popular enzymes while amylase remains less wide-spread. For some raw materials, enzymatic procedures are more efficient than mechanical comminution or thermal processing. The fruit juice industry uses enzymes for streamlining. Enzymes maximize juice extraction from raw materials and improve such processes as pressing, solid settling, and solid removal. Juices that underwent enzymatic treatment are clear and, as a result, more aesthetically appealing to consumers.

The review covered the most recent and influential publications on the enzyme treatment of fruit juices (2000–2021). The list of enzymes included pectinase, cellulase, and amylase. The research included the factors that affect the juice fermentation process, i.e., hydromodule, enzyme concentration, incubation time, temperature, and enzyme combination. The methods included data extraction, data analysis, and data compilation, as well as literature search and screening.

The review focuses on the effects that individual parameters have on specific responses, e.g., yield, viscosity, total soluble solids, acidity, turbidity, clarity, pigment concentration, phenolic content, color, and solids. A greater enzyme concentration, incubation time, and temperature decrease the viscosity of juice and turbidity but cause color changes. If used in different combinations and at different concentrations, enzymes boost the production of bael pulp, banana, sapodilla, durian, pawpaw, grape, white pitaya, and water melon juices. A longer incubation period improves the production of bael pulp, citron, date, and pawpaw juices. However, higher incubation temperatures seem to have no positive effect on the juice yield. Cellulases, pectinases, amylases, and their combinations are able to produce more fruit juice of higher quality with a more favorable time-temperature combination of incubation.

The optimal enzyme concentration, incubation time, and temperature can increase the juice yield. Therefore, enzymatic treatment is an effective method that ensures favorable properties of the finished product.
Extracting Hydrophilic Components from Pomegranate Peel and Pulp
Authors: Hafizov Samir , Musina Olga , Hafizov Gharib
Published: March 2023

Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) processing focuses on the extraction of polyphenols from peel. However, pomegranate peel is also rich in other biologically active water-soluble components, and their commercial extraction remains understudied. The research objective was to evaluate the degree of extraction of hydrophilic substances, such as simple sugars, organic acids, and polyphenols, from raw pomegranate peel and pulp under different experimental conditions in order to select the optimal extraction parameters.

The study featured pomegranates of the Iridanaly variety (Geokchay, Azerbaijan). Raw peel and pulp were crushed to the state of a coarse gruel. Extraction occurred by maceration at a hydromodulus of 1:2 and a temperature of 40 or 60°C with pure water and aqueous ethanol solutions (10–14 % vol.). The process lasted 30, 60, or 90 min in one or two stages with separate extraction at each stage. The research involved standard physicochemical methods.

In 31.0 ± 2.0 g/100 g of dry peel, the hydrophilic fraction accounted for 85.32%; in 35.7 ± 2.8 g/100 g of dry pulp, it was 59.36%. Only 54.6% solids were extracted from raw peel after 30 min of extraction with pure water at a hydromodulus of 1:2 and 60°C. Pomegranate peel contained hydrophilic colloids, which caused water absorption and reduced the yield. The optimal extraction included an aqueous solution of ethanol with an ethanol concentration of 10–14 % vol. and two thirty-minute stages. The coagulating effect of ethyl alcohol on water-soluble pectin made it possible to increase the degree of extraction of water-soluble substances to 83.93 and 91.4% of their initial content in raw peel and raw pulp, respectively. Such extraction yielded 4 kg of mixed extract from 1 kg of raw pulp. The extract was boiled under vacuum and yielded 260 g of concentrate with 60 wt.% solids, including 46.70 g/100 g simple sugars, 4.73 g/100 g organic acids, 3.70 g/100 g polyphenols, and 10.10 mg/100 g vitamin C.

The extraction of raw pomegranate peel and pulp with aqueous ethanol (10–14 % vol.) provided the maximal degree of extraction of hydrophilic substances and facilitated the separation of the resulting extracts. However, strong alcohol solutions may increase the cost of distillation of alcohol from the extract. To eliminate this shortcoming, the extraction can be carried out with pure water and a pectolytic enzyme.
Hybrid Gel as a Substitute for Hard Fats in Confectionery
Authors: Kutsenkova Vasilissa , Nepovinnykh Nataliia , Yeganehzad Samira
Published: March 2023

The World Health Organization recommends reducing the intake of saturated fatty acids. However, a direct replacement of solid fats with liquid oils affects the technological and consumer properties of food. The research objective was to develop a hybrid gel with a dense structure based on oleogel and hydrogel to replace saturated fats in semi-finished confectionery products.

The study featured samples of oleogel from sunflower oil and beeswax at a concentration of 10, 15, and 20% and hybrid gels prepared by mixing the oleogel with a 2% aqueous solution of sodium alginate at ratios of 99:1, 95:5, and 90:10. The samples were tested for strength, adhesive power, viscosity index, consistency, and Young modulus using a TA-XT Plus texture analyzer (Stable Micro Systems Ltd., UK). The water activity was studied using a water activity analyzer LabMaster (Novasina, Lab Master, Switzerland).

The oleogel samples with wax concentrations of 20 and 15% demonstrated good adhesive strength. The best hybrid gel was the oleogel with 20% wax at the ratio of 95:5 to hydrogel. This ratio resulted in a considerable gel strength (≤ 408.222) while maintaining a dense and uniform texture (Young modulus ≤ 17.05) for a long time. The oleogels had low moisture content (Aw = 0.6 ± 0). The shelf life at 4–10°C was 6 months. The samples had good sensory properties, i.e., clear taste and smell, strong uniform structure and consistency, etc. The paper introduces a formulation for a semi-finished confectionery product with a hybrid gel instead of 30% cocoa butter substitute.

Hybrid gels can be recommended as a substitute for cocoa butter or confectionery fats to reduce the amount of saturated and trans fatty acids. Such a replacement improves the consumer properties of semi-finished and finished products.
Comparison of data-driven methods in the prediction of hydro-socioeconomic parameters
Authors: Rezaee Alireza , Bozorg-Haddad Omid , Chu Xuefeng
Published: March 2023

One of the weaknesses of water resources management is the neglect of the nonstructural aspects that involve the most important relationships between water resources and socioeconomic parameters. Particularly, socioeconomic evaluation for different regions is crucial before implementing water resources management policies. To address this issue, 14 countries in the world that have continuous increasing trends of using renewable water per capita (RWPC) during 1998–2017 were used for the estimation of eight socioeconomic parameters associated with four key indicators (i.e., economy, demographics, technology communication, and health sanitation) by using four different data-driven methods, including artificial neural networks, support vector machines (SVMs), gene expression programming (GEP), and wavelet-gene expression programming (WGEP). The performances of the models were evaluated by using correlation coefficient (R), root-mean-square error (RMSE), and mean absolute error (MAE). It was found that the WGEP model had the best performance in estimating all parameters. The mathematical expressions for these socioeconomic parameters were explored and their potential to be expanded in different spatial and temporal dimensions was assessed. The derived equations provide a quantitative means for the future estimation of the socioeconomic parameters in the studied countries.
Optimization of the geometry of double-chamber basin-type passive solar stills to maximize yield
Authors: Mwanzia Kelvin Mutevu , Ondimu Stephen , Ajwang Patrick
Published: March 2023

Developing countries require simple low-technology methods to desalinate drinking water. Passive solar stills are an example of a simple low-technology innovation that can desalinate saline water for small populations. Compared to single-chamber solar stills, double-chamber solar stills have the potential of increasing the yield of solar stills due to an increased condensation surface area. An experiment was carried out to determine the optimal angle of double-chamber solar stills. The set-up comprised double-chamber solar stills with angles of 10°, 20°, 30° and 40°, with a control set-up of a 20° single-chamber solar still. The experiment was conducted in January 2022 at Juja in Kiambu County, Kenya. The double-chamber solar stills comprised an evaporation chamber and a condensation chamber. The dimensions of the chambers were 0.5 m × 0.5 m with a height of 0.25 m. The main assumptions were that there existed steady-state conditions and that the solar still was leakproof. The research found that the 40° double-chamber solar still had the highest yield of 3.756 l/m2/day and the 10° double-chamber solar still had the least yield of 1.644 l/m2/day. Comparing the 20° double-chamber still and the 20° single-chamber still (control), the double-chamber solar still had a higher external efficiency.