bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chemical reversion of age-related oocyte dysfunction fails to enhance embryo development in a bovine model of postovulatory aging
Authors: Ferreira Ana Filipa , Machado-Simões Juliana , Moniz Inês , Soares Maria , Carvalho Alexandra , Diniz Patrícia , Ramalho-Santos João , Sousa Ana Paula , Lopes-da-Costa Luís , Almeida-Santos Teresa
Published: June 2024

Purpose

There are no clinical treatments to prevent/revert age-related alterations associated with oocyte competence decline in the context of advanced maternal age. Those alterations have been attributed to oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction. Our study aimed to test the hypothesis that in vitro maturation (IVM) medium supplementation with antioxidants (resveratrol or phloretin) may revert age-related oocyte competence decline.

Methods

Bovine immature oocytes were matured in vitro for 23 h (young) and 30 h (aged). Postovulatory aged oocytes (control group) and embryos obtained after fertilization were examined and compared with oocytes supplemented with either 2 μM of resveratrol or 6 μM phloretin (treatment groups) during IVM.

Results

Aged oocytes had a significantly lower mitochondrial mass and proportion of mitochondrial clustered pattern, lower ooplasmic volume, higher ROS, lower sirtuin-1 protein level, and a lower blastocyst rate in comparison to young oocytes, indicating that postovulatory oocytes have a lower quality and developmental competence, thus validating our experimental model. Supplementation of IVM medium with antioxidants prevented the generation of ROS and restored the active mitochondrial mass and pattern characteristic of younger oocytes. Moreover, sirtuin-1 protein levels were also restored but only following incubation with resveratrol. Despite these findings, the blastocyst rate of treatment groups was not significantly different from the control group, indicating that resveratrol and phloretin could not restore the oocyte competence of postovulatory aged oocytes.

Conclusion

Resveratrol and phloretin can both revert the age-related oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction during postovulatory aging but were insufficient to enhance embryo developmental rates under our experimental conditions.
A novel, cassette-based nitric oxide delivery system with an advanced feedback control algorithm accurately delivers nitric oxide via the anesthesia machine independent of fresh gas flow rate and volatile anesthetic agent
Authors: Twite Mark D. , Roebuck Aaron W. , Anderson Stephanie R.
Published: June 2024

Nitric oxide (NO), a selective pulmonary vasodilator, can be delivered via conventional ICU and anesthesia machine ventilators. Anesthesia machines are designed for rebreathing of circulating gases, reducing volatile anesthetic agent quantity used. Current cylinder- and ionizing-based NO delivery technologies use breathing circuit flow to determine NO delivery and do not account for recirculated gases; therefore, they cannot accurately dose NO at FGF below patient minute ventilation (MV). A novel, cassette-based NO delivery system (GENOSYL® DS, Vero Biotech Inc.) uses measured NO concentration in the breathing circuit as an input to an advanced feedback control algorithm, providing accurate NO delivery regardless of FGF and recirculation of gases. This study evaluated GENOSYL® DS accuracy with different anesthesia machines, ventilation parameters, FGFs, and volatile anesthetics. GENOSYL® DS was tested with GE Aisys and Dräger Fabius anesthesia machines to determine NO dose accuracy with FGF < patient MV, and with a Getinge Flow-i anesthesia machine to determine NO dose accuracy when delivering various volatile anesthetic agents. Neonatal and adult mechanical ventilation parameters and circuits were used. GENOSYL® DS maintained accurate NO delivery with all three anesthesia machines, at low FGF with recirculation of gases, and with all volatile anesthetic agents at different concentrations. Measured NO2 levels remained acceptable at ≤ 1 ppm with set NO dose ≤ 40 ppm. GENOSYL® DS, with its advanced feedback control algorithm, is the only NO delivery system capable of accurately dosing NO with anesthesia machines with rebreathing ventilation parameters (FGF < MV) regardless of anesthetic agent.
Addressing Configuration Uncertainty in Well Conditioning for a Rule-Based Model
Authors: Ovanger Oscar , Eidsvik Jo , Skauvold Jacob , Hauge Ragnar , Aarnes Ingrid
Published: June 2024

Rule-based reservoir models incorporate rules that mimic actual sediment deposition processes for accurate representation of geological patterns of sediment accumulation. Bayesian methods combine rule-based reservoir modelling and well data, with geometry and placement rules as part of the prior and well data accounted for by the likelihood. The focus here is on a shallow marine shoreface geometry of ordered sedimentary packages called bedsets. Shoreline advance and sediment build-up are described through progradation and aggradation parameters linked to individual bedset objects. Conditioning on data from non-vertical wells is studied. The emphasis is on the role of ‘configurations’—the order and arrangement of bedsets as observed within well intersections in establishing the coupling between well observations and modelled objects. A conditioning algorithm is presented that explicitly integrates uncertainty about configurations for observed intersections between the well and the bedset surfaces. As data volumes increase and model complexity grows, the proposed conditioning method eventually becomes computationally infeasible. It has significant potential, however, to support the development of more complex models and conditioning methods by serving as a reference for consistency in conditioning.
Aerobic glycolysis of vascular endothelial cells: a novel perspective in cancer therapy
Authors: Xu Shenhao , Liao Jiahao , Liu Bing , Zhang Cheng , Xu Xin
Published: June 2024

Vascular endothelial cells (ECs) are monolayers of cells arranged in the inner walls of blood vessels. Under normal physiological conditions, ECs play an essential role in angiogenesis, homeostasis and immune response. Emerging evidence suggests that abnormalities in EC metabolism, especially aerobic glycolysis, are associated with the initiation and progression of various diseases, including multiple cancers. In this review, we discuss the differences in aerobic glycolysis of vascular ECs under normal and pathological conditions, focusing on the recent research progress of aerobic glycolysis in tumor vascular ECs and potential strategies for cancer therapy.
Analysis of population structure and genetic diversity of Camellia tachangensis in Guizhou based on SNP markers
Authors: Huang Dejun , Niu Suzhen , Bai Dingchen , Zhao Zhifei , Li Caiyun , Deng Xiuling , Wang Yihan
Published: June 2024

Background

Camellia tachangensis F. C. Zhang is a five-compartment species in the ovary of tea group plants, which represents the original germline of early differentiation of some tea group plants.

Methods and results

In this study, we analyzed single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) at the genome level, constructed a phylogenetic tree, analyzed the genetic diversity, and further investigated the population structure of 100 C. tachangensis accessions using the genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS) method. A total of 91,959 high-quality SNPs were obtained. Population structure analysis showed that the 100 C. tachangensis accessions clustered into three groups: YQ-1 (Village Group), YQ-2 (Forest Group) and YQ-3 (Transition Group), which was further consistent with the results of phylogenetic analysis and principal component analyses (PCA). In addition, a comparative analysis of the genetic diversity among the three populations (Forest, Village, and Transition Groups) detected the highest genetic diversity in the Transition Group and the highest differentiation between Forest and Village Groups.

Conclusions

C. tachangensis plants growing in the forest had different genetic backgrounds from those growing in villages. This study provides a basis for the effective protection and utilization of C. tachangensis populations and lays a foundation for future C. tachangensis breeding.
CH4 transport in wetland plants under controlled environmental conditions – separating the impacts of phenology from environmental variables
Authors: Ge Mengyu , Korrensalo Aino , Putkinen Anuliina , Laiho Raija , Kohl Lukas , Pihlatie Mari , Lohila Annalea , Makiranta Päivi , Siljanen Henri , Tuittila Eeva-Stiina , Wang Jinsong , Koskinen Markku
Published: June 2024

Background and Aims

Methane (CH4) fluxes at peatland plant surfaces are net results of transport of soil-produced CH4 and within-plant CH4 production and consumption, yet factors and processes controlling these fluxes remain unclear. We aimed to assess the effects of seasonality, environmental variables, and CH4 cycling microbes on CH4 fluxes from characteristic fen species.

Methods

Four species (Carex rostrata, Menyanthes trifoliata, Betula nana, Salix lapponum) were selected, and their CH4 fluxes determined in climate-controlled environments with three mesocosms per growing season per species. Microbial genes for CH4 cycling were analysed to check the potential for within-plant CH4 production and oxidation. Two extra experiments were conducted: removal of C. rostrata leaves to identify how leaves constrain CH4 transport, and a labelling experiment with S. lapponum to distinguish between plant-produced and soil-produced CH4 in the plant flux.

Results

All species showed seasonal variability in CH4 fluxes. Higher porewater CH4 concentration increased fluxes from C. rostrata and M. trifoliata, decreased fluxes from S. lapponum, and did not affect fluxes from B. nana. Air temperature only and negatively affected CH4 flux from C. rostrata. Light level did not impact CH4 fluxes. Both methanogens and methanotrophs were detected in shoots of S. lapponum and M. trifoliata, methanotrophs in B. nana, and neither in C. rostrata.

Conclusion

Our study demonstrates that the seasonal phase of the plants regulates the CH4 fluxes they mediate across species. The detection of methanogens and methanotrophs in herbs and shrubs suggests that microbial processes may contribute to their CH4 fluxes.
Secure two-party computation via measurement-based quantum computing
Authors: Rahmani Zeinab , Pinto Armando Humberto Moreira Nolasco , Barbosa Luis Manuel Dias Coelho Soares
Published: June 2024

Secure multiparty computation (SMC) provides collaboration among multiple parties, ensuring the confidentiality of their private information. However, classical SMC implementations encounter significant security and efficiency challenges. Resorting to the entangled Greenberger–Horne–Zeilinger (GHZ) state, we propose a quantum-based two-party protocol to compute binary Boolean functions, with the help of a third party. We exploit a technique in which a random Z-phase rotation on the GHZ state is performed to achieve higher security. The security and complexity analyses demonstrate the feasibility and improved security of our scheme compared to other SMC Boolean function computation methods. Additionally, we implemented the proposed protocol on the IBM QisKit and found consistent outcomes that validate the protocol’s correctness.
Using social networks to explore the social flexibility of urban vervet monkeys
Authors: Thatcher Harriet R. , Downs Colleen T. , Koyama Nicola F.
Published: June 2024

Increasing urbanisation reduces available habitat and increases human-wildlife interactions, presenting social and ecological challenges for many species; however, flexible generalist species, such as the vervet monkey, Chlorocebus pygerythrus, thrive under these pressures. In the urban mosaic, human-food sources represent clumped, monopolisable food that can increase contest competition. Social network analysis (SNA) is a powerful tool to monitor changes in social structure, yet it has rarely been used to study urban wildlife. Using SNA, we investigated the effect of anthropogenic food and human-wildlife interactions on social cohesion in five vervet monkey groups in urban KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Over six months, we conducted group scan samples every 30-min on each group and recorded all humans-vervet monkey interactions during dawn to dusk follows. We analysed the effect of foraging on natural and human-related food sources and human-vervet monkey interactions on social network metrics for grooming and aggression at group (density, clustering coefficient and distance) and individual (eigenvector centrality and degree) levels, using linear mixed models. Anthropogenic food influenced almost all social metrics. At the group level, foraging on anthropogenic food was related to increased density and cohesion in both grooming and aggression networks. At the individual level, increasing anthropogenic food affected high-ranking monkeys most: eigenvector centrality and outdegree in aggression networks increased with rank. Social network analysis can be a useful tool to document urban effects on wildlife groups, and aids our understanding of wildlife behavioural flexibility, a key tool in developing educated and effective management strategies.
Evolution of environmental chemistry study program curricula in tertiary education: a case study and general implications
Authors: Šebej Peter , Urík Jakub
Published: June 2024

Societal and scientific progress has led to the formation of new study programs, often with multidisciplinary curricula. Guarantors and teachers of such programs must be prepared to quickly adapt to the needs and demands of students, society, the job market, and the commercial sphere since many issues start surfacing during the first years of the programs’ life. Here we share our experience with such a process in the study program “Environment and Health” taught since 2019 at Masaryk University in Brno, Czech Republic. Feedback from students and alumni allows for improvement of the curriculum and organization of the program. We show feedback loops from three perspectives: Feedback from immediate short-term experience can be incorporated within a year, medium-term feedback loops can manifest after several years, and long-term ones even decades. While current students usually perceive only short- or medium-term issues, the philosophy and structure of the program must be built by predicting societal and commercial needs in the following decades. Such long-term aspects are often counterintuitive to students’ vision, but still have to be considered for the program to remain attractive to new applicants. Balancing the original vision, preparing and applying changes, and dealing with feedback on all levels are key managerial challenges of successful study programs.

Graphical Abstract
Soil structure dynamics in constructed Technosols for bioretention cells: X-ray microtomography study
Authors: Heckova Petra , Koestel John , Klement Ales , Kodesova Radka , Snehota Michal
Published: June 2024

Purpose

Constructed Technosols are frequently used to create the biofilter layer of blue-green infrastructure elements when the local soil does not possess the necessary properties. However, the long-term functioning of the biofilter is not entirely understood. The aim of this study is to elucidate changes in the structure of a constructed Technosol based biofilter of a bioretention cell (BC) by means of x-ray tomography and additional physical characterization during the first years after installation under two different water regimes.

Methods and materials

Two identical experimental BCs were studied to investigate structural changes in biofilter. The BCs exhibited different water regimes. BC1 collected naturally occurring rain concentrated from the nearby roof, while BC2 lacked a regular inflow of water except for several irrigation events and exhibited drier conditions overall. Biofilter was constructed using a mixture of 50% sand, 30% compost, and 20% topsoil. Undistributed soil samples were collected from the biofilter at 7, 12, 18, 23, and 31 months after BC installation. The changes in the soil pore system geometry were assessed by analyzing morphological parameters derived from X-ray computed microtomography images (μCT) and additional physical parameters. The μCT images were analyzed using the SoilJ software package.

Results

In both BCs, soil consolidation accompanied by a significant reduction in macroporosity and pore connectivity, occurred between months 7 and 18 in BC1 and between months 7 and 12 in BC2. Macroporosity then gradually increased in BC1 between months 18 and 31. During the same period, in the drier soil of BC2, macroporosity and pore connectivity decreased. In BC1, the water field capacity increased between months 7 and 18, but then returned to its initial values by month 31.

Conclusion

The μCT proved to be suitable for assessing the structural changes of constructed Technosol. Significant differences in soil structure development were observed in BC, depending on the water regime. These differences were particularly evident in the development of field capacity, total porosity, and macroporosity.
Ablation catheter–induced mechanical deformation in myocardium: computer modeling and ex vivo experiments
Authors: Ijima Yukako , Masnok Kriengsak , Perez Juan J. , González-Suárez Ana , Berjano Enrique , Watanabe Nobuo
Published: June 2024

Cardiac catheter ablation requires an adequate contact between myocardium and catheter tip. Our aim was to quantify the relationship between the contact force (CF) and the resulting mechanical deformation induced by the catheter tip using an ex vivo model and computational modeling. The catheter tip was inserted perpendicularly into porcine heart samples. CF values ranged from 10 to 80 g. The computer model was built to simulate the same experimental conditions, and it considered a 3-parameter Mooney-Rivlin model based on hyper-elastic material. We found a strong correlation between the CF and insertion depth (ID) (R2 = 0.96, P < 0.001), from 0.7 ± 0.3 mm at 10 g to 6.9 ± 0.1 mm at 80 g. Since the surface deformation was asymmetrical, two transversal diameters (minor and major) were identified. Both diameters were strongly correlated with CF (R2 ≥ 0.95), from 4.0 ± 0.4 mm at 20 g to 10.3 ± 0.0 mm at 80 g (minor), and from 6.4 ± 0.7 mm at 20 g to 16.7 ± 0.1 mm at 80 g (major). An optimal fit between computer and experimental results was achieved, with a prediction error of 0.74 and 0.86 mm for insertion depth and mean surface diameter, respectively.

Graphical Abstract
Examining the Drivers and Boundary Conditions of Social Innovation: Evidence from MNE Subsidiaries in a Developing Economy
Authors: Nkrumah Michael , Owusu-Yirenkyi Diana , Nyuur Richard B. , Donbesuur Francis , Essuman Dominic
Published: June 2024

Although social innovation can help multinational enterprise (MNE) subsidiaries create social value for developing countries, they often encounter significant challenges in successfully implementing social innovation projects. This research applies the knowledge-based perspective to propose and test a theoretical framework to explain why MNE subsidiaries differ in their ability to pursue social innovation successfully in a developing country. The framework contends that MNEs’ relationship learning contributes to social innovation variability under varying levels of subsidiary autonomy and mode of entry. Analysis of primary data collected from 207 subsidiaries of MNEs operating in Ghana shows that relationship learning has a positive relationship with social innovation. Further analysis reveals that subsidiary autonomy enhances the positive association between relationship learning and social innovation, and that this moderating effect is stronger for subsidiaries with equity entry mode as opposed to non-equity entry mode. These insights advance the limited understanding of the antecedents of MNEs’ social innovation in developing countries and offer guidance on how MNE subsidiaries can successfully pursue social innovation interventions in a developing country.
Exploring Elemental Powder Approach for Making Al and Ti Containing High-Entropy Alloys by Powder Bed Fusion
Authors: Bardo R. , Dziurka R. , Fryzowicz K. , Bała P.
Published: June 2024

This research aimed to produce high-entropy alloys (HEA), namely Mn–Fe–Co–Ni + 5Al and Mn–Fe–Co–Ni + 5Al + 5Ti, through the Powder Bed Fusion technique using elemental powders. Alloy composition has been selected to achieve a HEA matrix with strengthening intermetallic precipitates. Thermo-Calc software has been used to predict solidification behavior and phase stability for non-equilibrium conditions. The experiment involved the execution of an additive manufacturing process with a laser working in point-by-point exposure mode to produce samples using varying laser power and exposure time. The samples underwent investigation via macroscopic examination, porosity analysis, scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and hardness testing. Results have shown that processing parameters and alloy constituents directly influenced processability and sample traits. What is more, a high-energy laser beam introduction to the material during the process has helped mitigate the formation of large Ti or Al oxides. In addition, EDS analysis indicated that higher Volumetric Energy Density values enhanced the uniformity of chemical composition, indicating that homogeneity can be achieved by selecting appropriate melting parameters. The results clearly show that these alloys can be successfully (by means of porosity and homogeneity) manufactured from elemental powders via the powder bed fusion technique.
The use of radiomic analysis of magnetic resonance imaging findings in predicting features of early osteoarthritis of the knee—a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Davey Martin S. , Davey Matthew G. , Kenny Paddy , Gheiti Adrian J. Cassar
Published: June 2024

The primary aim of this study was to systematically review current literature evaluating the use of radiomics in establishing the role of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings in native knees in predicting features of osteoarthritis (OA). A systematic review was performed with respect to PRISMA guidelines in search of studies reporting radiomic analysis of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to analyse patients with native knee OA. Sensitivity and specificity of radiomic analyses were included for meta-analysis. Following our initial literature search of 1271 studies, only 5 studies met our inclusion criteria. This included 1730 patients (71.5% females) with a mean age of 55.4 ± 15.6 years (range 24–66). The mean RQS of included studies was 16.6 (11–21). Meta-analysis demonstrated the pooled sensitivity and specificity for MRI in predicting features of OA in patients with native knees were 0.74 (95% CI 0.71, 0.78) and 0.85 (95% CI 0.83, 0.87), respectively. The results of this systematic review suggest that the high sensitivities and specificity of MRI-based radiomics may represent potential biomarker in the early identification and classification of native knee OA. Such analysis may inform surgeons to facilitate earlier non-operative management of knee OA in the select pre-symptomatic patients, prior to clinical or radiological evidence of degenerative change.
The role of multiple board directorships in sustainability strategies: symbol or substance?
Authors: Bravo-Urquiza Francisco , Reguera-Alvarado Nuria
Published: June 2024

Multiple board directorships are a global phenomenon in the business environment and have come under intense debate from regulators, professionals, and academics alike. At the same time, sustainability has become a major challenge for firms in the current scenario. The main objective of this paper is to investigate whether multiple directorships lead firms to symbolic or substantive sustainability strategies. After performing different methodological approaches and robustness tests, our findings highlight that multiple directorships lead to symbolic sustainable development by significantly intensifying environmental, social and governance (ESG) reporting practices, although this is not supported by substantial ESG actions. This symbolic behaviour is even more evident in socially and environmentally sensitive industries. Given the ongoing regulatory and professional discussions concerning multiple board directorships, the ever-increasing importance of sustainability and the significant consequences of symbolic ESG strategies, our paper has direct implications for firms in the selection of board members, as well as for regulators and professionals when refining their legislation and recommendations concerning boards.
Caffeic Acid Encapsulated Centrifugally Spun Antioxidant Fibers: Characterization and Incorporation in Cakes
Authors: Guler Gunes Su , Sumnu Gulum , Yazicioglu Nalan
Published: June 2024

The primary aim of this study was to formulate a cake with high antioxidant activity through the incorporation of centrifugally spun gelatin-based fiber which was enriched with caffeic acid. Characterization analyses were conducted to evaluate fibers with different concentrations of caffeic acid (2% and 4%), while simultaneously the effects of thermal and citric acid crosslinking on the physical and functional properties of the encapsulated fibers were investigated. The study revealed varying encapsulation efficiencies of caffeic acid in gelatin fibers (56.34–94.55%), markedly affected by substantial reduction of thermal crosslinking, contrasting with citric acid’s minimal impact. Additionally, citric acid increased total phenolic content (TPC), but thermal treatment notably decreased antioxidant activity (AOA) due to its impact on radical scavenging and phenolic group dissociation. The addition of citric acid significantly reduced water vapor permeability by 22% suggesting an induced crosslinking in both thermal-treated caffeic acid and citric acid samples. The study highlighted reduced AOA and phenolic content in thermally treated fibers (thermally treated gelatin with 2% caffeic acid vs thermally treated gelatin with 4% caffeic acid), suggesting lower water solubility and improved thermal stability with approximately 24% remaining weight after thermogravimetric analysis. Despite this, cakes with thermally treated fibers had higher AOA due to improved heat resistance of fibers. Generally, adding fibers to cakes decreased hardness and pH while increasing TPC, AOA, and volume index, showing a novel approach using centrifugally spun fibers to enrich foods with antioxidants.
Lacrimal duct Surgery: Different Techniques and Long-Term Postoperative Results
Authors: Casasayas Maria , Massegur-Solench Humbert , Martel-Marín María , Kolanczak Kataryna Alicja , Holgado Anna , Gras-Cabrerizo Juan Ramón
Published: June 2024

Pre-saccal obstructions of the lacrimal duct can be solved with a conjunctivodacryocystorhinostomy while saccal or post-saccal obstructions are restored with an external, endoscopic or laser dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR). The aim of the present study is to review the indications for each technique and to compare the results achieved. Retrospective review of 335 patients in whom 440 surgeries of the lacrimal duct were performed, with at least 4 months of follow-up. Outcomes in terms of symptoms and endoscopic findings during follow-up were considered. Successful results understood as resolution of symptoms were observed in 85% of cases treated with endoscopic DCR and in 62% of cases after laser DCR (p < 0.001). Among patients with recurrence of epiphora after surgery, 32% showed a visible ostium during endoscopy. Sixty-eight conjunctivodacryocystorhinostomies were performed, 68% of which required a tube replacement due to obstruction or extrusion. The mean duration of the tubes replaced was 10 months (range 3 days – 95 months). Endoscopic DCR shows better success rates than laser DCR. A considerable percentage of failures after DCR surgery present a visible ostium on endoscopic examination. This fact should lead to reconsider the initial diagnosis, ruling out functional problems or canalicular obstructions.
SEOM clinical guidelines for cancer anorexia-cachexia syndrome (2023)
Authors: Soria Rivas Ainara , Escobar Álvarez Yolanda , Blasco Cordellat Ana , Majem Tarruella Margarita , Molina Mata Kevin , Motilla de la Cámara Marta , del Mar Muñoz Sánchez Mª , Zafra Poves Marta , Beato Zambrano Carmen , Cabezón Gutierrez Luis
Published: June 2024

Cancer-related anorexia-cachexia syndrome (CACS) is a debilitating condition afflicting up to 80% of advanced-stage cancer patients. Characterized by progressive weight loss, muscle wasting, and metabolic abnormalities, CACS significantly compromises patients’ quality of life and treatment outcomes. This comprehensive review navigates through its intricate physiopathology, elucidating its stages and diagnostic methodologies. CACS manifests in three distinct stages: pre-cachexia, established cachexia, and refractory cachexia. Early detection is pivotal for effective intervention and is facilitated by screening tools, complemented by nutritional assessments and professional evaluations. The diagnostic process unravels the complex interplay of metabolic dysregulation and tumor-induced factors contributing to CACS. Management strategies, tailored to individual patient profiles, encompass a spectrum of nutritional interventions. These include dietary counseling, oral nutritional supplements, and, when necessary, enteral nutrition and a judicious use of parenteral nutrition. Specific recommendations for caloric intake, protein requirements, and essential nutrients address the unique challenges posed by CACS. While pharmacological agents like megestrol acetate may be considered, their use requires careful evaluation of potential risks. At its core, this review underscores the imperative for a holistic and personalized approach to managing CACS, integrating nutritional interventions and pharmacological strategies based on a nuanced understanding of patient’s condition.
Help-seeking for Social Anxiety symptoms in Ghana: Looking through the lens of sexist attitudes
Authors: Adu Peter , Mbinta James , Badu Prempeh Amoapong Sikadwa , Grigoryev Dmitry , Jurcik Tomas
Published: June 2024

While health research has demonstrated the influence of cultural disparities on health outcomes, the impact of ambivalent sexism on mental health help-seeking has not been well understood. We investigated the links between sexist attitudes, Mental Health Literacy (MHL), and sociodemographic variables regarding symptoms of Social Anxiety among Ghanaians. In 2021, we recruited 601 Ghanaians to participate in an online vignette-based experimental study. Respondents were randomly assigned to two conditions (i.e., male, and female vignettes) depicting symptoms of Social Anxiety for a hypothetical person. Participants provided their impression of the hypothetical person and further completed self-report measures. Regarding help-seeking for the symptoms of Social Anxiety, results revealed that age positively predicted professional help-seeking among men assigned to the male condition, while age negatively predicted social support among women in the same condition. Education was found to relate positively to professional and social support help-seeking options but was negatively linked with spiritual help-seeking. Benevolent sexist attitudes towards women related to the endorsement of professional help-seeking, but participants with benevolent sexist attitudes towards men were less likely to recommend social support. Findings imply that optimal interventions for mental health could benefit from understanding help-seeking patterns, idioms of psychological distress and the cultural settings of individuals.
Depressive symptoms, avoidant coping, and alcohol use: differences based on gender and posttraumatic stress disorder in emerging adults
Authors: Danielson Carla Kmett , Hahn Austin M. , Bountress Kaitlin E. , Gilmore Amanda K. , Roos Lydia , Adams Zachary W. , Kirby Charli M. , Amstadter Ananda B.
Published: June 2024

Trauma exposure and alcohol use often co-occur. Unveiling predictors of drinking behavior, including among those with varying levels of trauma exposure, can inform behavioral health prevention and treatment efforts in at-risk populations. The current study examined associations between depressive symptoms, avoidant coping, gender, and alcohol use among emerging adults with and without trauma exposure and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Participants were 238 emerging adults between the ages of 21 and 30 years (M = 24.75; SD = 2.61) in one of three groups: trauma-exposed with PTSD (n = 70); trauma-exposed with no PTSD (n = 83); or a no trauma (control) group (n = 85). Demographics, parental alcohol problems, depressive symptoms, and avoidant coping were examined as predictors of drinks per drinking day. Chi-square, t-test, bivariate, and group path analysis were conducted. Among participants, men consumed greater amounts of alcohol than women across all three groups. Group assignment based on trauma history and PTSD significantly moderated the association between avoidant coping and alcohol use such that avoidant coping had a significant effect on alcohol use among participants in the trauma-exposed and PTSD groups. There was also a significant group × gender × avoidant coping interaction such that, among participants in the control group, men had attenuated alcohol use at low levels of avoidant coping and increased at high levels of avoidant coping. No effects of race were observed. Results highlight the importance of avoidant coping as a risk factor for problematic drinking, unveiling a specific intervention target for reducing co-occurring PTSD and problematic alcohol use.
A new model for basic needs: comparison of the second order factorial structures of young schema questionnaire and its relationship with symptoms of psychopathology
Authors: Karaosmanoğlu Hasan Alp , Köse Bahar , Aytaç Mert , Armağan Küçükseymen Zeynep Cansu
Published: June 2024

This study investigates the structure of Young’s early maladaptive schemas, core emotional needs, and their associations with psychopathological symptoms. Early maladaptive schemas and psychopathological symptoms were assessed in three clinical samples from Turkey (N1 = 1312, N2 = 999, N3 = 999). First-order Principal Component Analysis (PCA) identified 17 schemas, eight of which closely mirrored Young's original schemas. A second-order PCA revealed four schema domains: Impaired Autonomy, Disconnection, Impaired Limits, and Overvigilance. Confirmatory Factor Analyses were employed on distinct samples to compare the PCA model with alternative models, and the PCA model exhibited superior fit across various indices. The study reveals varying relationships between schemas and diverse psychopathological symptoms, providing nuanced insights for tailoring psychotherapeutic strategies and interventions. Symptoms related to interpersonal sensitivity had the strongest connections to schemas, and the factor representing vulnerability to harm and pessimism schemas had the most number of strong connections with psychopathological symptoms. While the study sheds light on the schemas in a Turkish context, future research is essential to validate these findings and explore the predictive aspects of schemas. In essence, this research contributes to understanding of schemas within the Turkish cultural context and its implications for clinical practice.
Is the Unified Protocol for transdiagnostic treatment of emotional disorders equally effective for men and women?
Authors: Ferreres-Galán V. , Peris-Baquero Ó. , Moreno-Pérez J. D. , Osma J.
Published: June 2024

Scientific literature has revealed that there are gender differences in aspects related to mental health. These differences are especially evident in the higher prevalence of emotional disorders (EDs) in women, the greater severity of some clinical variables and symptoms and, also, in the response to psychological treatment. The Unified Protocol (UP) is a transdiagnostic treatment specially designed to address EDs with growing evidence about its cost-effectiveness. The aim of this study is to analyze gender differences in clinical variables and the response to UP treatment applied in a group format. The sample consisted of 277 users (78.3% women) of the Spanish specialized public mental health system, all of them with a diagnosis of EDs. Depressive and anxiety symptomatology, neuroticism, extraversion, interference and quality of life were assessed at baseline, post-treatment, and at 3-, 6- and 12-month follow-ups. We found a statistically significant differences between men and women in severity of depressive and anxious symptomatology, with women presenting the highest scores at the beginning of the treatment. After the intervention, these differences were reduced until no statistically significant differences were found in any of the variables over the 12-month follow-up. The results of this study support the creation of gender-heterogeneous UP groups in the public mental health system for the transdiagnostic treatment of people with EDs. Trial NCT03064477 (March 10, 2017).
Predicting urban tomorrow: CA-Markov modeling and district evolution
Authors: Azabdaftari Anali , Sunar Filiz
Published: June 2024

The global population is experiencing exponential growth, resulting in a substantial increase in urbanization and subsequent urban expansion. This uncontrolled expansion, often termed urban sprawl, poses significant challenges to sustainable urban development. Understanding the importance of this concern, obtaining precise information about changes in Land Use/Land Cover (LULC) becomes crucial. This research examines the transformative processes of LULC and urban expansion over a 20-year period in two distinct study areas. For this purpose, built-up areas are first analysed using satellite-derived land surface temperature data, revealing temperature increase over time attributed to urban expansion. To project future trends using CA-Markov model, the suitability maps for each LULC class aggregated through the Multi Criteria Evaluation (MCE) method. Subsequently, the CA-Markov simulates the LULC maps for 2017 and 2018 for each study area, with a focus on the year 2050. Model calibrated by comparing the simulated maps with the actual maps in both study areas, and the reliability is affirmed by high Kappa coefficients (> 80%). Consequently, the study predicts LULC maps for 2050, revealing that both areas will experience a continued increase in built-up areas, a decrease in forested areas, and a relative stability in agricultural zones over the next 33 years.
Evaluating the Role of Households' Food Security Status and Socioeconomic Determinants on Child Mortality in Nigeria
Authors: Ogunniyi Adebayo Isaiah , Omotayo Abiodun Olusola , Olagunju Kehinde Oluseyi , Rufai Mistura Adedoyin , Salman Kabir Kayode , Omotayo Oluwadara Pelumi , Oyediran Bisola , Adejoorin Mobolaji Victoria , Awotide Bola Amoke , Aremu Adeyemi Oladapo
Published: June 2024

When addressing global development, it is imperative to recognize the relationship between food security and child mortality. Despite the targeted goals of SDGs 2 (zero hunger) and 3 (good health and well-being), Nigeria continues to grapple with relatively high rates of child malnutrition, alongside persistent challenges in child mortality and food insecurity that affect its population significantly. This study employed the Nigeria Living Standard Survey (NLSS) dataset with 11,655 households to estimate the impact of food (in)security on child mortality using the Propensity Score Matching (PSM). The study shows that food insecurity is predominant in the rural northern and urban southern part of Nigeria. Child mortality rates were found to be influenced by various factors such as maternal education, maternal age, geopolitical zones, place of residence, and access to healthcare facilities, showcasing a complex interplay of positive and negative impacts. The empirical estimates revealed that households’ food insecurity had a significant impact on child mortality in Nigeria. Hence, in order to achieve the SDG’s 2 and 3 in Nigeria, a more concerted effort should be geared towards food security and child mortality among the Nigerian rural and urban communities. The insights from this study underscore the importance of prioritizing interventions that drives food security, enhancing nutritional access, and tackling underlying social determinants to substantially reduce child mortality rates. It is imperative for policymakers, healthcare professionals, and communities to integrate complementarity approaches in developing sustainable solutions that safeguard the well-being and prospects of Nigeria's children.
Eco-Friendly Ozone Process for Denim Garments as an Alternative to Conventional Bleaching
Authors: Atav Rıza , Gündüz Öner , Yaz Sercan , Çakan Gizem , Sevgili Bahadırhan
Published: June 2024

In recent years, sustainability has become an important issue in production. The denim industry is environmentally problematic as an area where a wide variety of chemicals are used. Therefore, it is of great importance to replace various chemicals with clean technologies such as ozone. In this study, it was aimed to determine the effects of water content, treatment time and pH on both color fading and strength of the fabric during ozone treatment of denim textiles. Thus, optimum conditions of color fading with ozone in industrial applications have been revealed. It was found that it is most appropriate to work at 30% water content and the ozonation time should be changed according to the desired degree of color fading. Furthermore, it can be said that there is no significant difference between pH 4 and pH 7, but pH 11 is significantly different from them and the best color fading is obtained at pH 4. Since there is no significant difference between pH 4 and pH 7, it is thought that the pH 7 condition, which is simpler in practice and does not require the use of chemicals, would be optimal.
Investigating data storage security and retrieval for Fitbit wearable devices
Authors: Al-Sabaawi Aiman , Al-Dulaimi Khamael , Zhao Ying , Simpson Leonie
Published: June 2024

Purpose

The use of wearable devices to monitor aspects of personal health is increasing. The Fitbit is an example of a popular device used for this purpose.

It is unknown whether users’ privacy (i.e. sensitive data collected from wearable devices) would be leaked via unauthorized access. So, this investigation will answer the following questions; are the data transmissions protected against unauthorised access or modification? what data are transmitted between the device and the server? how much data can be collected by unauthorized access?

Method

This paper describes an investigation into data access in the Fitbit Blaze and, specifically, whether this is possible without connecting to the Fitbit server. A Man-In-The-Middle (MITM) attack was used in this investigation.

Result

In this experiment, the firmware image, transferred when the device connects to the Fitbit server, is first captured and analysed to obtain data. This was done to attempt to identify the encryption method and obtain the unique device MAC address. Secondly, some fitness data, namely, the authentication key, the cryptographic key and the Nonce, were extracted from the Fitbit application. We attempted to connect the Fitbit Blaze device and the Fitbit application directly without connecting via the Fitbit server. We also attempted direct access to the Fitbit Blaze using a charger cable. In addition, Fitbit Java files were extracted from the Fitbit application.

Conclusion

Finally, the outcomes of this investigation are compared with investigations into other Fitbit devices in the previous research.
Psychological Intervention and Breast Cancer
Authors: Ashton Kathleen , Oney Kim
Published: June 2024

Purpose of review

There are 4 million breast cancer survivors in the United States, making breast cancer one of the most common health issues affecting women. Given the significant psychosocial impact of breast cancer, the purpose of the present review is to recognize common psychological issues and evidenced based psychological treatments, while reviewing the impact of treatments on quality of life and cancer outcomes.

Recent findings

Common psychological concerns include adjustment disorder, depression, and anxiety. and treatments such as cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness-based interventions, and meaning centered psychotherapy are effective.

Psychological interventions have been found to decrease distress and improve quality of life among breast cancer patients, while additionally increasing length of disease-free survival and decreasing rates of recurrence and mortality. More research is needed on the impact of psychological interventions on breast cancer outcomes, as well as with diverse populations and telehealth interventions.
A city-centric approach to estimate and evaluate global Urban Air Mobility demand
Authors: Asmer Lukas , Jaksche Roman , Pak Henry , Kokus Petra
Published: June 2024

Urban Air Mobility is expected to effectively complement the existing transportation system by providing fast and safe travel options, contributing to decarbonization, and providing benefits to citizens and communities. A preliminary estimate of the potential global demand for UAM, the associated aircraft movements, and the required vehicles is essential for the UAM industry for their long-term planning, but also of interest to other stakeholders, such as governments and transportation planners, to develop appropriate strategies and actions to implement UAM. This paper proposes a city-centric forecasting methodology that provides preliminary estimates of the potential global UAM demand for intra-city air taxi services for 990 cities worldwide. By summing all city-specific results, an estimate of the global UAM demand is obtained. By varying the parameters of the UAM system, the impact of ticket price and vertiport density on UAM demand is shown. Considering low ticket prices and high vertiport densities, possible market development scenarios show that there is a market potential for UAM in over 200 cities worldwide by 2050. The study highlights the significant impact of low ticket prices and the need for high vertiport densities to drive UAM demand. This emphasises the need for careful optimization of system components to minimise costs and increase the quality of UAM services.
An integrated agroforestry-bioenergy system for enhanced energy and food security in rural sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: García-López Natxo , Bargués-Tobella Aida , Goodman Rosa C. , Uwingabire Solange , Sundberg Cecilia , Boman Christoffer , Nyberg Gert
Published: June 2024

Most people in rural sub-Saharan Africa lack access to electricity and rely on traditional, inefficient, and polluting cooking solutions that have adverse impacts on both human health and the environment. Here, we propose a novel integrated agroforestry-bioenergy system that combines sustainable biomass production in sequential agroforestry systems with biomass-based cleaner cooking solutions and rural electricity production in small-scale combined heat and power plants and estimate the biophysical system outcomes. Despite conservative assumptions, we demonstrate that on-farm biomass production can cover the household’s fuelwood demand for cooking and still generate a surplus of woody biomass for electricity production via gasification. Agroforestry and biochar soil amendments should increase agricultural productivity and food security. In addition to enhanced energy security, the proposed system should also contribute to improving cooking conditions and health, enhancing soil fertility and food security, climate change mitigation, gender equality, and rural poverty reduction.