bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Changes in Skin Cancer-Related Behaviors, Distress, and Beliefs in Response to Receipt of Low- to Moderate-Penetrance Genetic Test Results for Skin Cancer Risk
Authors: Khadka Monica , Lacson John Charles A. , Sutton Steven K. , Kim Youngchul , Vadaparampil Susan T. , Soto-Torres Brenda , Hay Jennifer L. , Kanetsky Peter A.
Published: December 2024

Background. Little is known about the impact of low- to moderate-penetrance genetic testing for skin cancer, which is a promising approach to skin cancer prevention. Methods. To address this deficit, we conducted an analysis comparing changes in skin cancer-related behaviors, distress, and beliefs measured at a baseline and twice after the receipt of skin cancer precision prevention materials containing MC1R risk feedback (higher or average risk) among 568 non-Hispanic White (NHW) and 463 Hispanic participants. Results. Regression analyses identified decreased average weekend hours in the sun (β = −0.25; 95% CI, −0.46–[−0.04]) and increased average skin cancer worry (β = 0.09; 95% CI, 0.01–0.18) among higher-risk NHW participants at the first but not second follow-up. On average, higher-risk NHW and Hispanic participants reported a persistent increased risk of developing skin cancer compared with similar others (β = 0.49; 95% CI, 0.33, 0.65; β = 0.42; 95% CI, 0.17, 0.67, respectively). Conclusions.MC1R genetic testing resulted in durable elevated skin cancer risk perceptions and shorter-term behavior changes among higher-risk individuals. Although higher-risk participants reported slight heightened worry at the first follow-up, the overall levels of skin cancer-related distress were low. The lack of sustained behavioral changes highlights the need for intervention reinforcement in precision prevention approaches to reduce cancer risk.
Unveiling the HSF1 Interaction Network: Key Regulators of Its Function in Cancer
Authors: Vladimirova Snezhana A. , Kokoreva Nadezhda E. , Guzhova Irina V. , Alhasan Bashar A. , Margulis Boris A. , Nikotina Alina D.
Published: December 2024

Heat shock factor 1 (HSF1) plays a central role in orchestrating the heat shock response (HSR), leading to the activation of multiple heat shock proteins (HSPs) genes and approximately thousands of other genes involved in various cellular functions. In cancer cells, HSPs play a particular role in coping with the accumulation of damaged proteins resulting from dysregulated translation and post-translational processes. This proteotoxic stress is a hallmark of cancer cells and causes constitutive activation of HSR. Beyond its role in the HSR, HSF1 regulates diverse processes critical for tumor cells, including proliferation, cell death, and drug resistance. Emerging evidence also highlights HSF1’s involvement in remodeling the tumor immune microenvironment as well as in the maintenance of cancer stem cells. Consequently, HSF1 has emerged as an attractive therapeutic target, prompting the development of specific HSF1 inhibitors that have progressed to clinical trials. Importantly, HSF1 possesses a broad interactome, forming protein–protein interactions (PPIs) with components of signaling pathways, transcription factors, and chromatin regulators. Many of these interactors modulate HSF1’s activity and HSF1-dependent gene expression and are well-recognized targets for cancer therapy. This review summarizes the current knowledge on HSF1 interactions with molecular chaperones, protein kinases, and other regulatory proteins. Understanding the key HSF1 interactions promoting cancer progression, along with identifying factors that disrupt these protein complexes, may offer valuable insights for developing innovative therapeutic strategies against cancer.
High Rate of Thromboembolic Events in the Last Year of Life of Cancer Patients: A Registry Study
Authors: Strang Peter , Schultz Torbjörn
Published: December 2024

Background/Objectives: Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is associated with cancer, but we wanted to show VTE data for the last year of life, adjusting for age, sex, socioeconomic status and comorbidities. We also wanted to study the possible increase in VTE month by month, as well as time trends from 2015 to 2023. Methods: A cohort of 27,423 deceased people with cancer were analyzed with t-tests, chi-square tests and binary logistic regression models. Results: In total, 13.6% had at least one VTE episode during the last year of life and the VTE rate increased month by month (p < 0.0001). In adjusted models, higher VTE rates were associated with younger age and being a woman (p < 0.0001), both for all VTE as well as separately for pulmonary embolism (PE). The VTE rate increased by 47% from 11.1% in 2015 to 16.3% in 2023, and with significant differences for the pre-COVID-19 and COVID-19 years (i.e., 2015–2019 compared to 2020–2023, p < 0.0001). Conclusions: VTE is common in the last year of life and increases month by month. Higher frequencies are associated with female sex but especially with being younger, or having certain cancer forms such as pancreatic, gynecologic or lung cancer. The rate of VTE increased from 2015 to 2023. This is of interest as VTE has been associated with higher treatment intensity and with poorer prognosis and should be considered in the decision-making process.
The Impact of Socioeconomic Status and Comorbidities on Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer Recurrence After Image-Guided Superficial Radiation Therapy
Authors: Ma Liqiao , Digby Michael , Wright Kevin , Germain Marguerite A. , McClure Erin M. , Kartono Francisca , Rahman Syed , Friedman Scott D. , Osborne Candace , Desai Alpesh
Published: December 2024

Background: Non-melanoma skin cancers (NMSCs) are the most common cancers in the United States. Image-guided superficial radiation therapy (IGSRT) is an effective treatment for NMSCs. Patient comorbidities and socioeconomic status (SES) are known contributors to health disparities. However, the impact of comorbidities or SES on the outcomes of IGSRT-treated NMSCs has not yet been studied. This study evaluated freedom from recurrence in IGSRT-treated NMSCs stratified by SES and the number of comorbidities. Methods: This large retrospective cohort study evaluated associations between SES (via Area Deprivation Index (ADI)) or comorbidity (via Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI)) and 2-, 4-, and 6-year year freedom from recurrence in patients with IGSRT-treated NMSC (n = 19,988 lesions). Results: Freedom from recurrence in less (ADI ≤ 50) vs. more (ADI > 50) deprived neighborhoods was 99.47% vs. 99.61% at 6 years, respectively (p = 0.2). Freedom from recurrence in patients with a CCI of 0 (low comorbidity burden) vs. a CCI of ≥7 (high comorbidity burden) was 99.67% vs. 99.27% at 6 years, respectively (p = 0.9). Conclusions: This study demonstrates that there are no significant effects of SES or comorbidity burden on freedom from recurrence in patients with IGSRT-treated NMSC. This supports the expansion of IGSRT in deprived neighborhoods to increase access to care, and IGSRT should be a consideration even in patients with a complex comorbidity status.
Intraoperative Transbronchial Metallic Coil Marking for Small Peripheral Pulmonary Lesions in a Hybrid Operation Room
Authors: Kawakita Naoya , Toba Hiroaki , Miyamoto Naoki , Sakamoto Shinichi , Sumitomo Hiroyuki , Takeuchi Taihei , Morishita Atsushi , Baba Ayaka , Takehara Emi , Fujimoto Keisuke , Goto Masakazu , Takizawa Hiromitsu
Published: December 2024

Background/Objectives: Computed tomography (CT)-guided transbronchial metallic coil marking is useful for identifying the locations of small peripheral pulmonary lesions. Even deeply located lesions may be accurately identified and resected with adequate margins. This method is also applicable to multiple lesions. The present study examined the efficacy of our marking method using cone-beam CT (CBCT) under general anesthesia in a hybrid operation room. Methods: In the hybrid operation room, an ultrathin bronchoscope was inserted into the objective bronchus under virtual bronchoscopic navigation, and a metallic coil was installed under CBCT guidance. The lesion was then resected with wedge resection by single- or 3-port video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery under fluorescence guidance. Eighty-seven patients with 90 lesions were treated between October 2016 and December 2022. The median lesion size was 11 mm and the median distance from the pleural surface was 8.7 mm. Lesions comprised 19 pure ground-glass nodule (GGN), 35 partly solid, and 36 solid types. Results: All lesions were visualized by CBCT, and metallic coils were installed into the objective bronchi. The median distance from lesions to coils was 3.6 mm, and the median marking time was 23.5 min. All lesions were resected with sufficient margins. In total, 57 lesions were diagnosed as primary lung cancer, 26 as metastatic lung tumors, 3 as nodular lymphoid hyperplasia, and 4 as others. There were no complications associated with the marking procedure. Conclusions: CBCT represents an alternative modality for identifying peripheral lung lesions due to its ability to visualize even small GGNs. It is a minimally invasive technique because the treatment sequence is completed under general anesthesia with the same quality as previous methods performed in a CT-equipped interventional radiology suite.
Reply to Narayanan et al. Comment on “Lone et al. Phylogenetic Relationships in Earthworm Megascolex Species (Oligochaeta: Megascolecidae) with Addition of Two New Species. Diversity 2022, 14, 1006”
Authors: Lone Azhar Rashid , Thakur Samrendra Singh , Tiwari Pooja , James Samuel Wooster , Yadav Shweta
Published: December 2024

We acknowledge and value the feedback provided by Narayanan et al [...]
Soil Microorganisms: Their Role in Enhancing Crop Nutrition and Health
Authors: Chen Qingxia , Song Yingjie , An Yuxing , Lu Yinglin , Zhong Guohua
Published: December 2024

Maintaining soil health is fundamental to sustaining agricultural productivity, however, the intricate role of soil microbial diversity in this process is not fully understood. Current research acknowledges that soil microorganisms including bacteria, fungi, and archaea are pivotal in driving essential soil functions such as nutrient cycling, organic matter decomposition, and disease suppression. However, the impacts of global environmental changes and intensive agricultural practices on the diversity of these microorganisms remain a critical gap in the literature. This gap is significant because a decline in microbial diversity could severely compromise soil health, and consequently crop productivity. Here, we provide a comprehensive review of the factors influencing soil microbial diversity and examine their implications for crop performance. We assess both natural factors such as soil pH, moisture, temperature, and vegetation type as well as human-induced factors including tillage systems and fertilizer application. The review synthesizes recent findings on how these factors shape microbial communities and their functional roles in nutrient cycling, soil structure formation, and disease suppression. Our analysis highlights the mechanisms by which microbial diversity enhances plant growth and yield, addressing the gap in understanding the direct links between microbial diversity and agricultural outcomes. Our findings underscore the urgent need for sustainable agricultural practices that protect and enhance microbial diversity to safeguard long-term soil fertility and crop productivity. By addressing the challenges in manipulating soil microbial communities and integrating microbial ecology with crop management practices, this research advances our ability to sustain agricultural systems in the face of global environmental changes.
Dramatic Enhancement of Macrozoobenthic Species β-Diversity in Response to Artificial Breakwater Construction Along a Tropical Coastline
Authors: Lee Huan Chiao , Glasby Christopher J. , Schulze Anja , Raven Han , Tan Siong Kiat , Arai Takaomi , Jin Amirah Md , Tal’ah Nurun Nazihah , Zarifi Ainina , Marshall David J.
Published: December 2024

The beneficial or detrimental effects of human-built marine structures (piers, breakwaters, and seawalls) on macrozoobenthic assemblages and diversities are currently underexplored. The present study investigated the enhancement of β-diversity of oysterbed-associated species on breakwaters constructed along sandy beaches. We compared habitat complexities and species assemblages among artificial breakwater shores (ABS), a natural rocky shore (NS), and an embayment shore (ES). Oysterbed habitat complexity was found to be greatest on the ABS due to the successional colonization of the reef-forming estuarine oyster, Saccostrea echinata, followed by the colonization of boring bivalves and burrowing annelids. High-resolution taxonomic data revealed that the ABS supports the greatest species richness, including 48.1% unique species and 33.3% species shared with the embayment shore. The other shores uniquely or in combination with ABS support up to 11.1% of the total species richness associated with the oysterbeds (n = 81). Taxonomic dominance in terms of species number was Mollusca > Annelida > Arthropoda. This study reveals that ABS enhances β-diversity by ~91% (Jaccard dissimilarity index), which is driven by the sequential cascading events of (1) sheltering of shores, (2) colonization of novel habitat-forming oysters, (3) novel macrozoobenthic species recruitment from adjacent shores and sheltered embayments, including habitat-forming bivalves and annelids, and (4) the recruitment of macrozoobenthic species to boreholes. ABS habitat complexity derives from a spatially distinct, three-tiered ecological engineering system, involving (1) breakwater construction (100 m), (2) reef-forming oysters (10 m), and (3) boring bivalves and burrowing annelids (<10 cm). Irrespective of the purpose of their construction, breakwaters along extended sandy shores can potentially increase the resilience (β-diversity) and regional interconnectivity of hard surface macrozoobenthic species.
Can High Temperatures Affect Body Size in Insects? The Case of Rubyspot Damselflies in the Colombian Western Andes
Authors: Bota-Sierra Cornelio A. , Cordero-Rivera Adolfo , Novelo-Gutiérrez Rodolfo , Sánchez-Herrera Melissa , Londoño Gustavo A.
Published: December 2024

Basal metabolic rates (BMRs) increase with temperature and body mass. Environmental temperatures rapidly change in tropical mountains due to elevation (macro scale) and vegetation structure (micro scale). Thus, tropical mountains are good settings for testing the effects of temperature on BMRs. We measured the BMRs at four temperature ranges on six territorial and closely related species of Rubyspot damselflies (Hetaerina, Calopterygidae), which also share very similar behavior and morphology and are segregated by habitat and elevation across the Western Colombian Andes. We analyzed the effects of body mass, habitat, elevation, temperature, and sex on their BMRs, using a phylogenetic framework. We found that the main factors regulating their niche partition seemed to be environmental temperature, body size, and BMR. We found differences in their BMRs related to elevation when the temperatures were close to those experienced by the damselflies at their elevational range. As predicted, the larger species associated with colder habitats, forests, and highlands had higher BMRs. However, at high stressful temperatures, only the body mass was positively related to the BMR, showing that smaller individuals can keep their BMRs lower under high temperatures compared to bigger ones. Habitat use was not associated with changes in the BMR. Finally, phylogenetic reconstruction showed all species clustered in three clades. Each clade in the phylogenetic tree shares similar habitat preferences, pointing to a mixture of evolutionary history, thermal adaptations, and body mass differences as a possible explanation for the great diversity of these damselflies in a small area. Under the global warming scenario, we expect Rubyspots with smaller body sizes to be favored since they will tolerate higher temperatures, which would ultimately lead to populations with smaller body sizes overall, which could negatively affect their fitness.
Overharvesting Is the Leading Conservation Issue of the Endangered Flagship Species Artemisia granatensis Boiss
Authors: Lorite Juan
Published: December 2024

Here I examine the overexploitation of Artemisia granatensis, a narrow endemic medicinal plant species from Sierra Nevada, Spain, and the consequences for its conservation. With over 50,000 flowering plant species used for medicinal purposes worldwide, many species face sustainability issues due to overharvesting and habitat loss. Historical documentation of A. granatensis use dates back to the 13th century, highlighting its significance in traditional medicine. However, this species has suffered extensive overexploitation, particularly in the 19th and 20th centuries, leading to a significant decline in populations. Conservation concerns were first raised in 1909, and despite the species being legally protected since 1982, illegal collection and environmental pressures persist. Today, A. granatensis is critically endangered, with fewer than 2000 individuals remaining in fragmented populations. The study synthesizes the historical and recent literature to understand the long-standing pressures on this species and the limited conservation efforts made. Cultivation of A. granatensis is proposed as a crucial strategy to reduce pressure on wild populations and ensure the survival of this flagship important plant species.
Federated Learning: Navigating the Landscape of Collaborative Intelligence
Authors: Lazaros Konstantinos , Koumadorakis Dimitrios E. , Vrahatis Aristidis G. , Kotsiantis Sotiris
Published: December 2024

As data become increasingly abundant and diverse, their potential to fuel machine learning models is increasingly vast. However, traditional centralized learning approaches, which require aggregating data into a single location, face significant challenges. Privacy concerns, stringent data protection regulations like GDPR, and the high cost of data transmission hinder the feasibility of centralizing sensitive data from disparate sources such as hospitals, financial institutions, and personal devices. Federated Learning addresses these issues by enabling collaborative model training without requiring raw data to leave its origin. This decentralized approach ensures data privacy, reduces transmission costs, and allows organizations to harness the collective intelligence of distributed data while maintaining compliance with ethical and legal standards. This review delves into FL’s current applications and its potential to reshape IoT systems into more collaborative, privacy-centric, and flexible frameworks, aiming to enlighten and motivate those navigating the confluence of machine learning and IoT advancements.
TCAD Simulation of an E-Mode Heterojunction Bipolar p-FET with Imax > 240 mA/mm
Authors: Zhang Wenqian , Ge Mei , Li Yi , Tan Shuxin , Yu Chenhui , Chen Dunjun
Published: December 2024

This work demonstrates an enhancement mode heterojunction bipolar p-FET (HEB-PFET) structure with a AlGaN/GaN heterojunction bipolar transistor (HBT) integrated on the drain side. Such device design notably contributes to the ultra-high output current density, which is conventionally limited by the low hole mobility and concentration in the p-FETs. The HEB-PFET exhibits an output current density of 241 mA/mm, which is 134 times larger compared to the conventional p-FET (C-PFET) and 2.4 times of the homojunction bipolar p-FET (HOB-PFET). This can be attributed to a better current gain of HBT than homojunction bipolar transistor (BJT). An optimized HEB-PFET of 6 nm p-GaN layer beneath the gate is proposed, where ION/IOFF is >1011, and Vth is −0.44 V. Additionally, thermal stabilities are studied with temperature changes from 300 K to 425 K. Moreover, a semi-empirical compact model is presented to visually explain the working principle of the HEB-PFET.
Analysis on Correlation Model Between Fracture Network Complexity and Gas-Well Production: A Case in the Y214 Block of Changning, China
Authors: Gu Zhibin , Liu Bingxiao , Liu Wang , Liu Lei , Wei Haiyu , Yu Bo , Dong Lifei , Zhong Pinzhi , Lin Hun
Published: December 2024

The fracture network of the Y214 block in the Changning area of China is complex, and there are significant differences in the productivity of different shale gas wells. However, traditional machine learning models have problems such as missing key parameters, poor fitting effects and low prediction accuracy, which make it difficult to effectively evaluate the impact of crack network complexity on productivity. Therefore, the Pearson correlation coefficient was used to analyze the correlation between evaluation parameters, such as mineral content, horizontal stress difference, natural fractures and gas production. Combined with the improved particle swarm optimization (IPSO) algorithm and support vector machine (SVM) algorithm, a fracture network index (FNI) model was proposed to effectively evaluate the complexity of fracture networks, and the model was verified by comparing it with the performance evaluation results from the other two traditional models. Finally, the correlation between the fracture network index and the actual average daily gas production of different fracturing sections was calculated and analyzed. The results showed that the density of natural fractures was the key factor in controlling gas production (the Pearson correlation coefficient was 0.39), and the correlation between other factors was weak. In the process of fitting the actual data, the coefficient of determination, R², of the IPSO-SVM-FNI model training set increased by 8% and 24% compared with the two traditional models, and the fitting effect was greatly improved. In the prediction process based on actual data, the R² of the IPSO-SVM-FNI model test set was improved by 22% and 20% compared with the two traditional models, and the prediction accuracy was also significantly improved. The fracture index was concentrated, and its main distribution range was in the range of [0.2, 0.8]. The fracturing section with a higher FNI showed higher average daily gas production, and there was a significant positive correlation between fracture network complexity and gas production. Indeed, the research results provide some ideas and references for the evaluation of fracturing effects in shale reservoirs.
An Early Micro Internal Short Circuit Fault Diagnosis Method Based on Accumulated Correlation Coefficient for Lithium-Ion Battery Pack
Authors: Wang Juntao , Yang Zhengye , Wang Shihao , Yang Hui , Du Mingzhe , Song Jifeng
Published: December 2024

Early micro internal short circuit (ISC) fault diagnosis is crucial for the safe and reliable operation of lithium-ion batteries. In order to solve the problem that the early micro ISC fault is difficult to identify due to its weak fault characteristics, this paper proposes a fault diagnosis method based on the accumulated correlation coefficient. Specifically, the method uses the accumulated voltage value within the time window as the input feature, constructs an adjustment factor based on the distance difference of the accumulated voltage value to amplify the difference between the fault voltage correlation coefficient and the normal voltage correlation coefficient, and finally achieves the purpose of highlighting the faulty cell. The effectiveness and diagnostic capability of the proposed method are verified in experiments of short circuit faults of different severity. The results show that the proposed method can effectively identify and locate early micro ISC faults within 200 s, and improve the diagnostic capability up to 0.02 C short-circuit severity. In addition, a multi-level diagnostic warning mechanism can be established according to the decrease of the fault voltage correlation coefficient, so as to measure the severity of the fault and track the fault evolution process.
Efficient Approximation Procedure for Magnetization Characteristics Used in Performance Analysis of Highly Saturated Electrical Machines
Authors: Hadžiselimović Miralem , Marčič Tine , Zagradišnik Ivan
Published: December 2024

The analytical and especially the numerical calculations of the magnetic fields of highly saturated electrical machines require a correctly given magnetizing curve. In practice, professional software may use many points of the magnetizing curve (sometimes 50 or more points). There is a high probability that a point will be entered or measured incorrectly. We have therefore set ourselves three objectives. The first is to reduce the number of points given. The second is to ensure that the curve is given analytically (in the form of orthogonal polynomials) and is as smooth as possible. This means that the derivatives of the reluctance are also as smooth as possible. Therefore, the Newton–Raphson iteration procedure in numerical calculations converges rapidly. The third objective was to make the magnetizing curve continue beyond a magnetic field density of 2 T up to about 3 T. Most professional programs simply limit the magnetizing curve to about 2.2 T. This limitation makes it impossible to calculate accurately the magnetic field in the bridges, especially when the slots in the rotor are closed. Local fields can exceed values of 2.2 T. A solution has been found. It uses higher order orthogonal polynomials. It has been shown that 12 given points of the magnetizing curve is enough to give a good approximation of the measured curve. However, one polynomial function is not enough. We need three functions and another exponential function for magnetic field densities above around 2 T up to a value of relative permeability equal to 1. In the numerical calculation of the field, we thus achieve the desired error (residual) vector of the Newton–Raphson iterative procedure in 10 ÷ 15 steps for semi-closed slots and 20 ÷ 30 steps for closed slots.
NMR-Based Investigation of Pore–Fracture Structure Heterogeneity in Deep Coals of Different Macrolithotypes in the Daning-Jixian Block, Ordos Basin
Authors: Zhang Wei , Zhang Zheng , Bian Liheng , Shi Rui , Zhang Hewei , Shen Jian
Published: December 2024

Deep coalbed methane (CBM) demonstrates significant production potential, and a fervent exploration and development boom is currently underway in China. The permeability of coal reservoirs is heavily influenced by pore–fracture structure heterogeneity. Some researches have been conducted on deep coals’ pore–fracture structure; however, these studies mostly consider coal as a homogeneous material, neglecting the heterogeneity of the macrolithotypes within the coal. In this study, 33 deep coals with burial depths of more than 2000 m were obtained from the Daning-Jixian block of the Ordos Basin, covering all macrolithotypes: bright coal (BC), semi-bright coal (SBC), semi-dull coal (SDC), and dull coal (DC). These samples were subjected to three sets of NMR tests in dry, fully saturated, and irreducible water conditions, with the pore–fracture structure characteristics being analyzed. The results demonstrate that the sampled deep coals’ pore–fracture structure is highly heterogeneous, with transitional pores being dominant, followed by mesopores, “macropores and fractures”, and micropores. The NMR T2C ranges from 0.61 to 2.44 ms, with an average of 1.19 ms; a higher T2C value indicates more developed micropores. The ranges for producible water porosity (φpr) and producible water saturation (Spr) are 0.31–7.24% (avg. 2.42%) and 6.97–71.47% (avg. 31.06%), respectively. Both of them exhibit a high positive correlation with the total volumes of “macropores and fractures” and mesopores. Compared to SDC and DC, the BC and SBC, especially the former, overall contain more “macropores and fractures” and mesopores, fewer transitional pores and micropores, and higher φpr and Spr. These findings suggest that regions with abundant BC and SBC should be prioritized during deep CBM exploration and production due to the inherently superior permeability and gas extraction potential of BC and SBC, and these coals are likely to require less intensive stimulation to achieve higher recovery rates and could provide more sustainable gas production over time.
A Review of Renewable Energy Technologies in Municipal Wastewater Treatment Plants (WWTPs)
Authors: Lima Derick , Li Li , Appleby Gregory
Published: December 2024

The global trend towards sustainable development has included the implementation of renewable energy recovery technologies in municipal wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). WWTPs are energy-intensive consumers with high operational costs and often are dependent from the electricity supplied by the main grid. In this context, the integration of renewable energy recovery technologies into WWTPs emerges as an environment-friendly strategy that enhances energy efficiency, sustainability and reduces energy operating costs. Renewable energy recovery technologies, such as anaerobic digestion, microbial fuel cells, and sludge gasification, can offer multiple benefits for a WWTP. Anaerobic digestion is the most widely adopted technology due to its efficiency in treating sewage sludge and its ability to generate biogas—a valuable renewable energy source. The use of biogas can offset the energy demands of the wastewater treatment process, potentially leading to energy self-sufficiency for the WWTP and a reduction in reliance from the electricity supply from the main grid. Similarly, microbial fuel cells harness the electrochemical activity of bacteria to produce electricity directly from wastewater, presenting a promising alternative for low-energy processes for sustainable power generation. Gasification of sewage sludge is a promising technology for managing municipal sewage sludge, offering key advantages, especially by generating a renewable energy production (sludge is converted into syngas), which further decreases the sludge volume and operating costs with sludge management, helps to eliminate odour associated with sewage sludge, and effectively destroys the pathogens. Adoption of renewable energy sources in WWTPs can be a great alternative to overcome issues of high operating costs and high dependency of electricity from the main grid, but their successful integration requires addressing challenges such as technological maturity, economic feasibility, and regulatory frameworks. This study aims to comprehensively explore the significance of different renewable energy technologies in municipal WWTPs, including site-specific and non-site-specific sources, evaluating their impact on sustainability, energy efficiency, and overall operational effectiveness. This review also highlights some studies in which different strategies were adopted to generate extra revenue and/or reduce operating costs. Through a comprehensive review of current practices and emerging technologies, this study underscores the transformative potential of these innovations in advancing low-emission wastewater management.
Analysis of the Selected Design Changes in a Wheel Hub Motor Electromagnetic Circuit on Motor Operating Parameters While Car Driving
Authors: Dukalski Piotr , Krok Roman
Published: December 2024

The drive system of an electric car must meet road requirements related to overcoming obstacles and driving dynamics depending on the class and purpose of the vehicle. The driving dynamics of modern cars as well as size and weight limitations mean that wheel hub motors operate with relatively high current density and high power supply frequency, which may generate significant power losses in the windings and permanent magnets and increase their operating temperature. Designers of this type of motor often face the need to minimize the motor’s weight, as it constitutes the unsprung mass of the vehicle. Another limitation for motor designers is the motor dimensions, which are limited by the dimensions of the rim, the arrangement of suspension elements and the braking system. The article presents two directions in the design of wheel hub motors. The first one involves minimizing the length of the stator magnetic core, which allows for shortening of the axial dimension and mass of the motor but involves increasing the thermal load and the need for deeper de-excitation. The second one involves increasing the number of pairs of magnetic poles, which reduces the mass, increases the internal diameter of the motor and shortens the construction of the fronts, but is associated with an increase in the motor operating frequency and increased power losses. Additionally, increasing the number of pairs of magnetic poles is often associated with reducing the number of slots per pole and the phase for technological reasons, which in turn leads to a greater share of spatial harmonics of the magnetomotive force in the air gap and may lead to the generation of higher power losses and higher operating temperatures of permanent magnets. The analysis is based on a simulation of the motor operation, modeled on the basis of laboratory tests of the prototype, while the car is driving in various driving cycles.
Anxiety and Depression Disorders in Undergraduate Medical Students During the COVID-19 Pandemic: An Integrative Literature Review
Authors: Sartorao Ana Luisa Varrone , Sartorao-Filho Carlos Izaias
Published: December 2024

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic has triggered several challenges on the front of mental health. Undergraduate medical students face considerable stress in their academic routines. Thus, there is a need to explore the implications for the mental health of undergraduate medical students during the COVID-19 pandemic. Objective: To review the global literature about anxiety and depressive disorders in undergraduate medical students during the COVID-19 pandemic. Method: We developed an integrative literature review on the occurrence of anxiety and depressive symptoms in undergraduate medical students during the COVID-19 pandemic. We included the manuscripts that used the PHQ-9 and/or GAD-7 questionnaires. We excluded systematic reviews, narrative reviews, integrative reviews, meta-analyses, and qualitative analytical studies. We assessed the results on the occurrence of anxiety and depression and the severity of symptoms in medical students during the COVID-19 pandemic using quantitative studies applying the GAD-7 questionnaire for anxiety or the PHQ-9 for depression. Results: We reviewed 85 selected studies, and the results showed a significant prevalence of moderate and severe symptoms of anxiety and depression, with 28.2% of participants presenting scores of ≥10 on the GAD-7 and 38.9% on the PHQ-9. Statistical analyses using simple and multiple regression tests revealed associations between higher rates of anxiety symptoms among students from developing countries and data collected after the lockdown period in 2020 during the pandemic lockdown. In addition, female students were at risk of depressive disorders. We emphasize as a limitation that the diagnosis of depression and anxiety requires a detailed clinical evaluation, which is not focused on in this actual study. Conclusions: Our findings highlight the need for specific interventions to support the mental health of undergraduate medical students, especially female students from developing countries, during a pandemic crisis.
Preserving Spatial Patterns in Point Data: A Generalization Approach Using Agent-Based Modeling
Authors: Knura Martin , Schiewe Jochen
Published: December 2024

Visualization and interpretation of user-generated spatial content such as Volunteered Geographic Information (VGI) is challenging because it combines enormous data volume and heterogeneity with a spatial bias. When dealing with point data on a map, these characteristics can lead to point clutter, reducing the readability of the map product and misleading users to false interpretations of patterns in the data, e.g., regarding specific clusters or extreme values. With this work, we provide a framework that is able to generalize point data, preserving spatial clusters and extreme values simultaneously. The framework consists of an agent-based generalization model using predefined constraints and measures. We present the architecture of the model and compare the results with methods focusing on extreme value preservation as well as clutter reduction. As a result, we can state that our agent-based model is able to preserve elementary characteristics of point datasets, such as the point density of clusters, while also retaining the existing extreme values in the data.
Exploring Bioinformatics Tools to Analyze the Role of CDC6 in the Progression of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome to Endometrial Cancer by Promoting Immune Infiltration
Authors: Song Yuhang , Zhang Jing , Li Yao , Cheng Lufeng , Song Hua , Zhang Yuhang , Du Guoqing , Yu Sunyue , Zou Yizhou , Xu Qi
Published: December 2024

Cell division cycle 6 (CDC6) is essential for the initiation of DNA replication in eukaryotic cells and contributes to the development of various human tumors. Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a reproductive endocrine disease in women of childbearing age, with a significant risk of endometrial cancer (EC). However, the role of CDC6 in the progression of PCOS to EC is unclear. Therefore, we examined CDC6 expression in patients with PCOS and EC. We evaluated the relationship between CDC6 expression and its prognostic value, potential biological functions, and immune infiltrates in patients with EC. In vitro analyses were performed to investigate the effects of CDC6 knockdown on EC proliferation, migration, invasion, and apoptosis. CDC6 expression was significantly upregulated in patients with PCOS and EC. Moreover, this protein caused EC by promoting the aberrant infiltration of macrophages into the immune microenvironment in patients with PCOS. A functional enrichment analysis revealed that CDC6 exerted its pro-cancer and pro-immune cell infiltration functions via the PI3K-AKT pathway. Moreover, it promoted EC proliferation, migration, and invasion but inhibited apoptosis. This protein significantly reduced EC survival when mutated. These findings demonstrate that CDC6 regulates the progression of PCOS to EC and promotes immune infiltration.
MicroRNAs as Biomarkers and Therapeutic Targets in Female Infertility
Authors: Chico-Sordo Lucía , García-Velasco Juan A.
Published: December 2024

The study of microRNAs (miRNAs) has emerged in recent decades as a key approach to understanding the pathophysiology of many diseases, exploring their potential role as biomarkers, and testing their use as future treatments. Not only have neurological, cardiovascular diseases, or cancer benefited from this research but also infertility. Female infertility, as a disease, involves alterations at multiple levels, such as ovarian and uterine alterations. This review compiles the latest studies published in humans that link female disorders that affect fertility with altered miRNA profiles. Studies on ovarian alterations, including diminished ovarian reserve (DOR), poor ovarian response to stimulation (POR), premature ovarian insufficiency (POI), and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), are summarized and classified based on the expression and type of sample analyzed. Regarding uterine disorders, this review highlights upregulated and downregulated miRNAs primarily identified as biomarkers for endometriosis, adenomyosis, decreased endometrial receptivity, and implantation failure. However, despite the large number of studies in this field, the same limitations that reduce reproducibility are often observed. Therefore, at the end of this review, the main limitations of this type of study are described, as well as specific precautions or safety measures that should be considered when handling miRNAs.
RNA Editing Signatures Powered by Artificial Intelligence: A New Frontier in Differentiating Schizophrenia, Bipolar, and Schizoaffective Disorders
Authors: Checa-Robles Francisco J. , Salvetat Nicolas , Cayzac Christopher , Menhem Mary , Favier Mathieu , Vetter Diana , Ouna Ilhème , Nani João V. , Hayashi Mirian A. F. , Brietzke Elisa , Weissmann Dinah
Published: December 2024

Mental health disorders are devastating illnesses, often misdiagnosed due to overlapping clinical symptoms. Among these conditions, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and schizoaffective disorder are particularly difficult to distinguish, as they share alternating positive and negative mood symptoms. Accurate and timely diagnosis of these diseases is crucial to ensure effective treatment and to tailor therapeutic management to each individual patient. In this context, it is essential to move beyond standard clinical assessment and employ innovative approaches to identify new biomarkers that can be reliably quantified. We previously identified a panel of RNA editing biomarkers capable of differentiating healthy controls from depressed patients and, among depressed patients, those with major depressive disorder and those with bipolar disorder. In this study, we integrated Adenosine-to-Inosine RNA editing blood biomarkers with clinical data through machine learning algorithms to establish specific signatures for bipolar disorder and schizophrenia spectrum disorders. This groundbreaking study paves the way for the application of RNA editing in other psychiatric disorders, such as schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder. It represents a first proof-of-concept and provides compelling evidence for the establishment of an RNA editing signature for the diagnosis of these psychiatric conditions.
The Underestimated Role of Iron in Frontotemporal Dementia: A Narrative Review
Authors: Ferretti Sara , Zanella Isabella
Published: December 2024

The term frontotemporal dementia (FTD) comprises a group of neurodegenerative disorders characterized by the progressive degeneration of the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain with language impairment and changes in cognitive, behavioral and executive functions, and in some cases motor manifestations. A high proportion of FTD cases are due to genetic mutations and inherited in an autosomal-dominant manner with variable penetrance depending on the implicated gene. Iron is a crucial microelement that is involved in several cellular essential functions in the whole body and plays additional specialized roles in the central nervous system (CNS) mainly through its redox-cycling properties. Such a feature may be harmful under aerobic conditions, since it may lead to the generation of highly reactive hydroxyl radicals. Dysfunctions of iron homeostasis in the CNS are indeed involved in several neurodegenerative disorders, although it is still challenging to determine whether the dyshomeostasis of this essential but harmful metal is a direct cause of neurodegeneration, a contributor factor or simply a consequence of other neurodegenerative mechanisms. Unlike many other neurodegenerative disorders, evidence of the dysfunction in brain iron homeostasis in FTD is still scarce; nonetheless, the recent literature intriguingly suggests its possible involvement. The present review aims to summarize what is currently known about the contribution of iron dyshomeostasis in FTD based on clinical, imaging, histological, biochemical and molecular studies, further suggesting new perspectives and offering new insights for future investigations on this underexplored field of research.
Ulva pertusa Modulated Colonic Oxidative Stress Markers and Clinical Parameters: A Potential Adjuvant Therapy to Manage Side Effects During 5-FU Regimen
Authors: Repici Alberto , Capra Anna Paola , Hasan Ahmed , Basilotta Rossella , Scuderi Sarah Adriana , Campolo Michela , Paterniti Irene , Esposito Emanuela , Ardizzone Alessio
Published: December 2024

One of the most used chemotherapy agents in clinical practice is 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU), a fluorinated pyrimidine in the category of antimetabolite agents. 5-FU is used to treat a variety of cancers, including colon, breast, pancreatic, and stomach cancers, and its efficacy lies in its direct impact on the patient’s DNA and RNA. Specifically, its mechanism blocks the enzymes thymidylate synthetase and uracil phosphatase, inhibiting the synthesis of uracil, which cannot be incorporated into nuclear and cytoplasmic RNA. Despite being one of the most used drugs in oncology, it is associated with several significant side effects, including inflammation of the mouth, loss of appetite, and reduction in blood cells. In our study, we examined the reduction of side effects in a 5-FU regimen administered at doses of 15 mg/kg and 6 mg/kg for 14 days in 6-week-old male Sprague-Dawley rats. On the 14th day, the rats were treated orally for 2 weeks with 100 mg/kg of Ulva pertusa, a well-known seaweed from the Ulvaceae family, which has demonstrated powerful biological properties. The administration of this green alga alleviated the side effects of 5-FU, improving several parameters including body weight, food intake, and diarrhea index. It also helped reduce side effects in the blood, kidneys, and liver. Histological and molecular analyses were conducted on serum and colon tissues from the rats, examining changes in colon structure and the release of oxidative stress markers such as iNOS, COX-2, and nitrotyrosine. Several biochemical indicators, including SOD, CAT, GSH, MDA, and ascorbic acid, were also evaluated. Overall, our data indicated Ulva pertusa to be a promising therapeutic against 5-FU’s adverse effects, therefore, it could be worthwhile to investigate the possibility of using this alga in safer cancer treatment formulations. Certainly, future preclinical and clinical studies could assess the alga’s efficacy in diverse cancer treatment regimens, exploring its role as an adjuvant therapy that may reduce chemotherapy-related toxicity without compromising therapeutic outcomes.
Allergic Disposition of IVF-Conceived Mice
Authors: Ahmadi Hamid , Bognar Zoltan , Csabai-Tanics Timea , Obodo Basil Nnaemeka , Szekeres-Bartho Julia
Published: December 2024

With the increased utilization of assisted reproductive technology (ART), concerns about the potential health risks for ART-conceived babies have also been raised. Increased prevalences of allergic and metabolic diseases have been reported among ART offspring. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of IVF on the tendency to develop allergic responses following ovalbumin (OVA) sensitization in IVF-conceived mice. Mice were divided into four groups (non-OVA naturally conceived, OVA naturally conceived, non-OVA IVF-conceived, and OVA IVF-conceived). In the OVA groups, the mice were subjected to intraperitoneal and intranasal immunization with OVA. Two days after the final immunization, blood samples were taken, and the serum levels of IgE and IL-4 were detected by ELISA. The mice were sacrificed by cervical dislocation, their spleens and lungs were removed, and their weights were measured and recorded. Sensitization with OVA resulted in significantly increased concentrations of IL-4 and total IgE, as well as increased lung and spleen weights, among offspring from both natural and IVF conception. The concentrations of IgE and IL-4 and the lung and spleen weights in IVF-conceived mice were significantly higher compared to those in naturally conceived mice before and after sensitization with OVA. It is concluded that compared to naturally conceived mice, IVF-conceived mice exhibit a greater tendency to develop allergic responses against OVA.