bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The record of Vannella species (Vannellidae, Discosea, Amoebozoa) from freshwater sources in Dakahlyia Governorate, Egypt
Authors: Marzouk Asmaa M. , Mashaly Mohamed I. , Reda Enayat S. , El-Naggar Mohamed M.
Published: February 2024

The River Nile is the main source of fresh water in Egypt, where its water is used for irrigation, drinking, fisheries, industrial uses, and recreation. For sustainable utilization of the River Nile and its branches in the Nile Delta region, it is necessary to monitor regular investigation for the biodiversity of protozoan fauna in the Damietta branch and other freshwater canals in Dakahlyia Governorate. Water samples were collected monthly from different water sources, for 1 year, and examined for protozoans, using phase-contrast microscopy and recorded video films, The genus Vannella Bovee 1965 is recorded for the first time in four freshwater localities: Demietta branch of the River Nile, Mansouria Canal, Bouhia Canal, and Bahr El-Saghir Canal. A detailed morphological description with a brief report of their locomotion has been given for four morphologically different Vannella species. The locomotive form of Vannella sp.1 has a long pointed posterior tail and 2 lateral posterior processes. Such a tail was absent in other Vannella species. Vannella sp.2 is unique among other recorded species, where its locomotive form possesses a long posterior rounded tail region and a frontal hyaloplasm provided with a wavy surface that forms several lobes and finger-like processes during locomotion. In addition, the hyaloplasm produces several transverse waves that vary in thickness and density. The floating form of Vannella sp.2 is of a radial type and has comparatively long hyaline pointed and spiral pseudopodia. The process of transformation of locomotive form to floating form in Vannella sp.2 has been followed up using several recorded video films. The locomotive form of Vannella sp.3 is bear-shaped, while that of Vannella sp.4 has variable shapes from semicircular to rectangular and sometimes fan-shaped. During movement in vivo, locomotive cells of all Vannella species, except Vannella sp.1, move in nearly a straight line, but there were variations in their rate of locomotion. Vannella sp.4 recorded the highest rate (6.8 µm/s), followed by Vannella sp.2 (4.5 µm/s), Vannella sp.3 (2.4 µm/s), and finally Vannella sp.1 (1.0 µm/s). Molecular studies and transmission electron microscope examinations are still needed to confirm the precise identity of each Vannella species.
Alleviation of pulmonary fibrosis by the dual PPAR agonist saroglitazar and breast milk mesenchymal stem cells via modulating TGFß/SMAD pathway
Authors: Attia Seba Hassan , Saadawy Sara F. , El-Mahroky Samaa M. , Nageeb Mahitab M.
Published: February 2024

Pulmonary fibrosis (PF) is a complex disorder with high morbidity and mortality. Limited efficacies of the available drugs drive researchers to seek for new therapies. Saroglitazar (Saro), a full (PPAR α/γ) agonist, is devoid of known PPAR-mediated adverse effects. Breast milk mesenchymal stem cells (BrMSCs) are contemplated to be the ideal cell type harboring differentiation/anti-inflammatory/immunosuppressive properties. Accordingly, our aims were to investigate the potential roles of Saro and/or BrMSCs in PF and to spot their underlying protective mechanisms. In this study, PF was induced by bleomycin (BLM) via intratracheal instillation. Treatment started 14 days later. Animals were treated with oral saroglitazar (3 mg/kg daily) or intraperitoneal single BrMSCs injection (0.5 ml phosphate buffer saline (PBS) containing 2 × 107 cells) or their combination with same previous doses. At the work end, 24 h following the 6 weeks of treatment period, the levels of oxidative (MDA, SOD), inflammatory (IL-1ß, IL-10), and profibrotic markers (TGF-ß, αSMA) were assessed. The autophagy-related genes (LC3, Beclin) and the expression of PPAR-α/γ and SMAD-3/7 were evaluated. Furthermore, immunohistochemical and histological work were evaluated. Our study revealed marked lung injury influenced by BLM with severe oxidative/inflammatory/fibrotic damage, autophagy inhibition, and deteriorated lung histology. Saro and BrMSCs repaired the lung structure worsened by BLM. Treatments greatly declined the oxidative/inflammatory markers. The pro-fibrotic TGF-ß, αSMA, and SMAD-3 were decreased. Contrarily, autophagy markers were increased. SMAD-7 and PPAR α/γ were activated denoting their pivotal antifibrotic roles. Co-administration of Saro and BrMSCs revealed the top results. Our findings support the study hypothesis that Saro and BrMSCs can be proposed as potential treatments for IPF.
Production of polyunsaturated fatty acids in pork backfat fermented by Mucor circinelloides
Authors: Shi Haisu , Zhang Yingtong , Lin Hao , Yan Yiran , Wang Ruhong , Wu Rina , Wu Junrui
Published: February 2024

Pork backfat (PB) contains excessive saturated fatty acids (SFAs), but lacks polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). Excessive SFAs can be used as a substrate for the growth of certain microorganisms that convert them into PUFAs and monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs), and the added value of PB can be enhanced. In this study, Mucor circinelloides CBS 277.49 and Lactiplantacillus plantarum CGMCC 24189 were co-cultured for conversion of PB into fermented pork backfat (FPB) with high level of PUFAs. Our results showed that the content of γ-linolenic acid (GLA) and linoleic acid (LA) in the surface of FPB reached 9.04 ± 0.14 mg/g and 107.31 ± 5.16 mg/g for 7-day fermentation, respectively. To convert the internal SFAs of PB, ultrasound combined with papain was used to promote the penetrative growth of M. circinelloides into the internal PB, and the GLA level in the third layer of fat reached 2.58 ± 0.31 mg/g FPB. The internal growth of M. circinelloides in PB was promoted by adjusting the oxygen rate and ventilation rate through the wind velocity sensor. When the oxygen rate is 2 m/s and the ventilation rate is 18 m3/h, the GLA level in the third layer of fat reached 4.13 ± 1.01 mg/g FPB. To further improve the level of PUFAs in PB, FPB was produced by M. circinelloides at 18 °C. The GLA content on the surface of FPB reached 15.73 ± 1.13 mg/g FPB, and the GLA yield in the second and third layers of fat reached 8.68 ± 1.77 mg/g FPB and 6.13 ± 1.28 mg/g FPB, the LA yield in the second and third layers of fat reached 105.45 ± 5.01 mg/g FPB and 98.46 ± 4.14 mg/g FPB, respectively. These results suggested that excessive SFAs in PB can be converted into PUFAs and provided a new technique for improving PUFAs in FPB.

Key points

• This article achieved the conversion of PUFAs in pork backfat by Mucor circinelloides CBS 277.49 and Lactiplantacillus plantarum CGMCC 24189.

• This article solved the internal growth of M. circinelloides CBS277.49 in pork backfat by ultrasound combined with papain.

• This article proposed an innovative of promoting the internal growth of M. circinelloides and increasing the PUFAs production by oxygen ventilation in pork backfat.
Profile of the gut microbiota of Pacific white shrimp under industrial indoor farming system
Authors: Li Meng , Ghonimy Abdallah , Chen Dai-Qiang , Li Ji-Tao , He Yu-Ying , López Greco Laura Susana , Dyzenchauz Fernando , Chang Zhi-Qiang
Published: February 2024

The gut microbial communities interact with the host immunity and physiological functions. In this study, we investigated the bacterial composition in Litopenaeus vannamei shrimp’s gut and rearing water under different host (developmental stage: juvenile and adult; health status: healthy and diseased) and environmental factors (temperature 25 °C and 28 °C; and light intensity: low and high). The PCoA analysis showed that all water samples were clustered together in a quarter, whereas the gut samples spread among three quarters. In terms of functional bacteria, gut samples of adult shrimp, healthy adult shrimp, adult shrimp raised at 28 °C, and juvenile shrimp under high light intensity exhibited a higher abundance of Vibrionaceae compared to each other opposite group. Gut samples of juvenile shrimp, infected adult shrimp, juvenile shrimp with low light intensity, and adult shrimp with a water temperature of 25 °C showed a higher abundance of Pseudoaltromonadaceae bacteria compared to each other opposite group. Gut samples of juvenile shrimp, healthy adult shrimp, adult shrimp raised at a water temperature of 28 °C, and juvenile shrimp with high light intensity showed the higher abundance of Firmicutes/Bacteroidota ratio compared to each other opposite group. Our results showed that L. vannamei juveniles are more sensitive to bacterial infections; besides, water temperature of 28 °C and high light intensity groups were both important conditions improving the shrimp gut bacterial composition under industrial indoor farming systems.

Key points

• Bacteria diversity was higher among shrimp intestinal microbiota compared to the rearing water.

• Shrimp juveniles are more sensitive to bacterial infection compared to adults.

• Water temperature of 28 °C and high light intensity are recommended conditions for white shrimp aquaculture.

Graphical Abstract
First-in-human validation of a DROP-IN β-probe for robotic radioguided surgery: defining optimal signal-to-background discrimination algorithm
Authors: Collamati Francesco , Morganti Silvio , van Oosterom Matthias N. , Campana Lorenzo , Ceci Francesco , Luzzago Stefano , Mancini-Terracciano Carlo , Mirabelli Riccardo , Musi Gennaro , Nicolanti Francesca , Orsi Ilaria , van Leeuwen Fijs W. B. , Faccini Riccardo
Published: February 2024

Purpose

In radioguided surgery (RGS), radiopharmaceuticals are used to generate preoperative roadmaps (e.g., PET/CT) and to facilitate intraoperative tracing of tracer avid lesions. Within RGS, there is a push toward the use of receptor-targeted radiopharmaceuticals, a trend that also has to align with the surgical move toward minimal invasive robotic surgery. Building on our initial ex vivo evaluation, this study investigates the clinical translation of a DROP-IN β probe in robotic PSMA-guided prostate cancer surgery.

Methods

A clinical-grade DROP-IN β probe was developed to support the detection of PET radioisotopes (e.g., 68 Ga). The prototype was evaluated in 7 primary prostate cancer patients, having at least 1 lymph node metastases visible on PSMA-PET. Patients were scheduled for radical prostatectomy combined with extended pelvic lymph node dissection. At the beginning of surgery, patients were injected with 1.1 MBq/kg of [68Ga]Ga-PSMA. The β probe was used to trace PSMA-expressing lymph nodes in vivo. To support intraoperative decision-making, a statistical software algorithm was defined and optimized on this dataset to help the surgeon discriminate between probe signals coming from tumors and healthy tissue.

Results

The DROP-IN β probe helped provide the surgeon with autonomous and highly maneuverable tracer detection. A total of 66 samples (i.e., lymph node specimens) were analyzed in vivo, of which 31 (47%) were found to be malignant. After optimization of the signal cutoff algorithm, we found a probe detection rate of 78% of the PSMA-PET-positive samples, a sensitivity of 76%, and a specificity of 93%, as compared to pathologic evaluation.

Conclusion

This study shows the first-in-human use of a DROP-IN β probe, supporting the integration of β radio guidance and robotic surgery. The achieved competitive sensitivity and specificity help open the world of robotic RGS to a whole new range of radiopharmaceuticals.
Optimal lamella geometry for mixed flow dryers
Authors: Keppler István , Bablena Adrienn
Published: February 2024

Drying harvested grain crops prior to storage is a crucial task in the prevailing climatic conditions of Europe. Drying is an extremely energy-intensive process. Its inappropriate application leads to environmental pollution, quality deterioration, and ultimately significant financial losses. Various methods are available for conducting drying operations, with the mixed flow dryer being one of the most employed approach. The mixed flow dryer utilizes air blower systems to redirect the flow of the granulate. Previous research has indicated that uneven distribution of grain flow around the air blower lamellae can cause drying irregularities. By leveraging insights from a long-established classical mechanical problem (the Brachistochrone problem) and harnessing the explicit dynamical modelling capabilities offered by contemporary computing technology (Discrete element method), we have successfully devised an optimized lamella geometry that minimizes the non-uniformity of particle flow.
Exploring the histogenesis of STK11 adnexal tumour using electron microscopy
Authors: Mascaro Nuria , Aboelnasr Lamia Sabry , Masood Motasim , Yague Ernesto , Moran Linda , El-Bahrawy Mona
Published: February 2024

STK11 adnexal tumour is a recently described female genital tract tumour, usually identified in a paratubal location, often associated with Peutz-Jeghers syndrome (PJS) and with STK11 gene alterations identified in most of the cases. Morphologically, this tumour is composed of cells arranged in a variety of patterns, including cords, trabeculae, tubules and cystic and acinar structures. The cells are only moderately pleomorphic and mitotic activity is variable. As tumour cells express epithelial, sex cord stromal and mesothelial markers, STK11 adnexal tumour may be of sex cord stromal, epithelial or mesothelial origin; a Wolffian origin has also been suggested. We report the ultrastructural features of two STK11 adnexal tumours and compare their ultrastructural features with those of other sex cord stromal tumours, a granulosa cell tumour cell line, as well as the known ultrastructural features of epithelial, mesothelial and Wolffian cells. On ultrastructural examination, two STK11 adnexal tumours showed an admixture of elongated cells with regular elongated nuclei and polygonal cells with nuclei showing markedly irregular outlines and prominent nucleoli. Extracellular collagen fibres were identified. These are common ultrastructural features of sex cord stromal tumours, principally sex cord tumour with annular tubules; no ultrastructural features of epithelial, mesothelial or Wolffian cells were found. These findings in conjunction with the shared clinical and genetic association with PJS and shared molecular changes in STK11 gene suggest that STK11 adnexal tumour represents a poorly differentiated sex cord tumour.
Kognitive Beeinträchtigung in Zusammenhang mit Schizophrenie (CIAS): Diagnostik und Therapie
Authors: Sachs Gabriele , Erfurth Andreas
Published: February 2024

Die Schizophrenie ist eine schwere psychiatrische Störung, die mit Positiv- und Negativsymptomen sowie kognitiven Beeinträchtigungen einhergeht. Durch die Fortschritte in der Pharmakologie seit den 1950er-Jahren ist es möglich geworden, die Erkrankung deutlich positiv zu beeinflussen: Antipsychotika können die Positivsymptome der Schizophrenie sowie die Agitation in der akuten Psychose deutlich verbessern.

In den letzten Jahren hat das Thema der kognitiven Beeinträchtigung im Zusammenhang mit Schizophrenie (Cognitive impairment associated with schizophrenia [CIAS]) zunehmend an Bedeutung gewonnen. Dieser Artikel soll einen Überblick über die neuesten Entwicklungen in Diagnostik und Therapie geben. Dazu gehören die Beschreibung umfassender kognitiver Testbatterien und kurzer Screeninginstrumente, die für den klinischen Alltag relevant sind, sowie die Vorstellung von Maßnahmen zur kognitiven Remediation und neuen pharmakologischen Ansätzen.
Generating interactive documents for domain-specific validation of formal models
Authors: Vu Fabian , Happe Christopher , Leuschel Michael
Published: February 2024

Especially in industrial applications of formal modeling, validation is as important as verification. Thus, it is important to integrate the stakeholders’ and the domain experts’ feedback as early as possible. In this work, we propose two approaches to enable this: (1) a static export of an animation trace into a single HTML file, and (2) a dynamic export of a classical B model as an interactive HTML document, both based on domain-specific visualizations. For the second approach, we extend the high-level code generator B2Program by JavaScript and integrate VisB visualizations alongside SimB simulations with timing, probabilistic and interactive elements. An important aspect of this work is to ease communication between modelers and domain experts. This is achieved by implementing features to run simulations, sharing animated traces with descriptions and giving feedback to each other. This work also evaluates the performance of the generated JavaScript code compared with existing approaches with Java and C++ code generation as well as the animator, constraint solver, and model checker ProB.
Reusable formal models for concurrency and communication in custom real-time operating systems
Authors: Adelt Julius , Gebker Julian , Herber Paula
Published: February 2024

In embedded systems, the execution semantics of the real-time operating system (RTOS), which is responsible for scheduling and timely execution of concurrent processes, is crucial for the correctness of the overall system. However, existing approaches for the formal verification of embedded systems typically abstract from the RTOS completely, or provide a detailed and synthesizable formal model of the RTOS. While the former may lead to unsafe systems, the latter is not compatible with industrial design processes. In this paper, we present an approach for reusable abstract formal models that can be configured for custom RTOS. Our key idea is to formally capture common execution mechanisms of RTOS like preemptive scheduling, event synchronization, and communication abstractly in configurable timed automata models. These abstract formal models can be configured for a concrete custom RTOS, and they can be combined into a formal system model together with a concrete application. Our reusable models significantly reduce the manual effort of defining a formal model that captures concurrency and real-time behavior, together with the functionality of an application. The resulting formal model enables analysis, verification, and graphical simulation. We validate our approach by formalizing and analyzing a rescue robot application running the custom open source RTOS EV3RT.
Abdominal computed tomography scoring systems and experienced radiologists in the radiological diagnosis of small bowel and mesenteric injury
Authors: O’Toole Devin M. , Warrington Nicole V. , Matthees Nicholas G , Kupanoff Kristina M. , Bogert James N. , Jones Michael D. , Soe-Lin Hahn , Huang Dih-Dih , Weinberg Jordan A.
Published: February 2024

Purpose

Blunt bowel and/or mesenteric injury requiring surgery presents a diagnostic challenge. Although computed tomography (CT) imaging is standard following blunt trauma, findings can be nonspecific. Most studies have focused on the diagnostic value of CT findings in identifying significant bowel and/or mesenteric injury (sBMI). Some studies have described scoring systems to assist with diagnosis. Little attention, has been given to radiologist interpretation of CT scans. This study compared the discriminative ability of scoring systems (BIPS and RAPTOR) with radiologist interpretation in identifying sBMI.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective chart review of trauma patients with suspected sBMI. CT images were reviewed in a blinded fashion to calculate BIPS and RAPTOR scores. Sensitivity and specificity were compared between BIPS, RAPTOR, and the admission CT report with respect to identifying sBMI.

Results

One hundred sixty-two patients were identified, 72 (44%) underwent laparotomy and 43 (26.5%) had sBMI. Sensitivity and specificity were: BIPS 49% and 87%, AUC 0.75 (0.67–0.81), P < 0.001; RAPTOR 46% and 82%, AUC 0.72 (0.64–0.79), P < 0.001; radiologist impression 81% and 71%, AUC 0.82(0.75–0.87), P < 0.001. The discriminative ability of the radiologist impression was higher than RAPTOR (P = 0.04) but not BIPS (P = 0.13). There was not a difference between RAPTOR vs. BIPS (P = 0.55).

Conclusion

Radiologist interpretation of the admission CT scan was discriminative of sBMI. Although surgical vigilance, including evaluation of the CT images and patient, remains fundamental to early diagnosis, the radiologist’s impression of the CT scan can be used in clinical practice to simplify the approach to patients with abdominal trauma.
Evaluating geographical disparities on clinical outcomes following cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy
Authors: Siu Adrian , Steffens Daniel , Ansari Nabila , Karunaratne Sascha , Solanki Henna , Ahmadi Nima , Solomon Michael , Moran Brendan , Koh Cherry
Published: February 2024

Background

Rural Australians typically encounter disparities in healthcare access leading to adverse health outcomes, delayed diagnosis and reduced quality of life (QoL) parameters. These disparities may be exacerbated in advanced malignancies, where treatment is only available at highly specialised centres with appropriate multidisciplinary expertise. Thus, this study aims to determine the association between patient residence on oncological, surgical and QoL outcomes following cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and hyperthermic intra-peritoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC).

Methods

A retrospective analysis was conducted on consecutive patients undergoing CRS and HIPEC at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital from January 2017 to March 2022. On the basis of their postcode of residence, patients were stratified into metropolitan and regional groups. Data encompassing demographics, oncological, surgical and QoL outcomes were compared. Statistical analysis included chi-square test, t-tests and Kaplan–Meier survival curves.

Results

Among the 317 patients, 228 (72%) were categorised as metropolitan and 89 (28%) as regional. Metropolitan patients presented higher rates of recurrence (61.8% versus 40.0%, p = 0.014) and shorter overall mean survival [3.8 years (95% CI: 3.44–4.09) versus 4.2 years (95% CI: 3.76–4.63), p = 0.019] compared with regional patients. No other statistically significant differences were observed in oncological, surgical and QoL outcomes.

Conclusions

Most oncological, surgical and QoL parameters did not differ by geographical location of patients undergoing CRS and HIPEC for peritoneal malignancies at a high-volume quaternary referral centre. Observed differences in recurrence and survival may be attributed to the selective nature of surgical referrals and variable follow-up patterns. Future research should focus on characterising referral pathways and its influence on post-operative outcomes.
Unravelling risk selection in Spanish general government employee mutual funds: evidence from cancer hospitalizations in the public health network
Authors: Pinilla Jaime , López-Valcárcel Beatriz G. , Bernal-Delgado Enrique
Published: February 2024

Government employees in Spain are covered by public Mutual Funds that purchase a uniform basket of benefits, equal to the ones served to the general population, from private companies. Companies apply as private bidders for a fixed per capita premium hardly adjusted by age. Our hypothesis is that this premium does not cover risks, and companies have incentives for risk selection, which are more visible in high-cost patients. We focus on a particularly costly disease, cancer, whose prevalence is similar among government employees and the general population. We compare hospitalisations in the public hospitals of the government employees that have chosen public provision and the general population. We analysed a database of hospital discharges in the Valencian Community from 2010 to 2015 (3 million episodes). Using exact matching and logistic models, we find significant risk selection; thus, in hospitalised government employees, the likelihood for a solid metastatic carcinoma and non-metastatic cancer to appear in the registry is 31% higher than in the general population. Lymphoma shows the highest odds ratio of 2.64. We found quantitatively important effects. This research provides indirect evidence of risk selection within Spanish Mutual Funds for government employees, prompting action to reduce incentives for such a practice. More research is needed to figure out if what we have observed with cancer patients occurs in other conditions.
Abundance of Vibrio aestuarianus, water temperature, and stocking density are associated with summer mortality of Pacific oysters in suspended culture
Authors: Cowan M. W. , Pearce C. M. , Green T. J. , Finston T. , Meyer G. R. , McAmmond B. , Van Hamme J. D. , Bottos E. M. , Marshall R. , Evans W. , Sutherland T. F. , de la Bastide P. Y.
Published: February 2024

High mortality rates of cultured Pacific oysters (Crassostrea gigas) during the summer months have regularly occurred on oyster farms in British Columbia, Canada over the last 10 years, but little is known about the microbial and environmental conditions that contribute to such mortality events. The objective of the study was to determine correlative factors associated with the onset of a summer mortality event in oysters (mean ± SD shell height: 14.2 ± 0.5 mm) grown in suspended culture at four stocking densities (150, 300, 450, 600 oysters tray−1) from May 11 to September 17, 2018. Variables examined included both biotic (oyster growth, mortality, reproductive development, and microbiome (approximately every week); Vibrio and harmful algal species abundance) and abiotic (temperature, salinity, turbidity, dissolved oxygen, pCO2, pH, and aragonite saturation) ones. Both the absolute abundance of V. aestuarianus and the relative abundance of Vibrio spp. increased with observed oyster mortality and declining health. Mortality was highest on August 12 and associated with a prior period of elevated temperatures (i.e., increasing temperatures from early July to early August) and increased oyster growth/reproductive development. At that time, systemic mixed microbial infections and necrotic gill tissue in histological cross sections were observed in 19% of oysters that appeared healthy macroscopically. Cumulative percent mortalities per tray ranged from 34 to 75%, the highest-density trays having significantly less mortality and smaller shell width, shell length, and gonad length than lower-density trays. This study demonstrates the significant impact of summer mortality on Pacific oysters and highlights the biotic (host growth, reproductive development, and microbiome composition as well as Vibrio spp. abundance) and abiotic (water temperature) factors associated with the observed mortality in this region.
Endogenous Cortisol Levels, Sleep or Vigilance: Which Factors Contribute to Better Exposure Therapy Outcomes in the Morning?
Authors: Sopp Marie Roxanne , Schäfer Sarah K. , Michael Tanja , Equit Monika , Ferreira de Sá Diana S. , Lass-Hennemann Johanna
Published: February 2024

Background

Research suggests that exposure therapy delivered in the morning is more successful than delivered in the evening, which is often explained by higher diurnal endogenous cortisol levels. However, this “morning exposure effect” might also be explained by other factors such as sleep or vigilance.

Methods

The current study aimed to disentangle these effects by assessing the impact of video-based exposure therapy delivered in the morning or in the evening, whilst considering pre-exposure sleep quality, vigilance, and cortisol levels. To this end, 80 snake fearful individuals were randomly assigned to receive exposure treatment in the morning or evening.

Results

Contrary to previous findings, groups did not differ in their pre-post and post-follow up decrease of snake anxiety. However, higher vigilance was found to be associated with a greater pre-post and post-follow-up decrease in snake anxiety. Moreover, pre-exposure sleep efficiency moderated the post-follow-up decrease in snake anxiety across groups: In individuals with high pre-exposure sleep efficiency, those receiving exposure in the morning were estimated to show a stronger decrease in snake anxiety than those receiving exposure in the evening. The opposite pattern was found in individuals with low pre-exposure sleep efficiency.

Conclusions

The results of this study illustrate that diurnal effects on exposure therapy might be more complex than previously assumed.

Trial Registration

The study was prospectively preregistered at the German Clinical Trial Register (https://drks.de/search/en/trial/DRKS00016183).
Semiconductor-based photodiodes with Ni and Zn-centered nicotinates interfacial layers
Authors: Karabulut Abdulkerim , Unlu M. , Yıldırım M. , Köse D. A. , Erdal M. O. , Yıldız D. E.
Published: February 2024

In order to fabricate the semiconductor-based photodetectors, Ni and Zn-centered nicotinate complexes were synthesized chemically. The synthesized Ni and Zn-centered nicotinates were analyzed using Ultraviolet–Visible (UV–Vis) spectrometry and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) techniques. The synthesized complex materials were coated between Al and p-Si by spin coating technique, and Al/Ni-centered nicotinate/p-Si and Al/Zn-centered nicotinate /p-Si sandwich structures were obtained. The photoelectrical characteristics of the produced devices were analyzed by photo-transient (I-t) and current–voltage (I–V) measurements under dark and different luminous power intensities. In light of the measurements made, series resistance, ideality factor, and barrier height values, which are very important electrical parameters, were obtained and evaluated in particular using different techniques. Various parameters such as specific detectivity, responsivity, and photosensitivity were calculated using I-t analysis based on exposed light power. In addition, external quantum efficiency (EQE) values were calculated with I-t measurements carried out under lighting conditions at different wavelengths. Last of all, the Al/Ni-centered nicotinate/p-Si and Al/Zn-centered nicotinate/p-Si structures have good performance in photodetector and photodiode designs and can be developed for use in optoelectronic technologies.
Improvement of tube heat exchanger performance with perforated ring inserts, tube rotation and using nanofluids
Authors: Mohamed Mohamed A. El-Magid , Meana-Fernández Andrés , Gutiérrez-Trashorras Antonio J.
Published: February 2024

Many engineering applications, such as waste heat recovery, air-conditioning and refrigeration systems, include heat exchangers. In this work, the performance of a double-tube heat exchanger with a rotating tube, perforated ring inserts and nanofluids as working fluids has been studied. After developing a 3D numerical model, verifying its discretization and validating it with experimental results, an optimal design for maximizing heat transfer while keeping a relatively low pressure drop was found (11 eight-holed rings with a 2.2 pitch ratio). Increasing the cold fluid Reynolds number to 4946 and the inner tube rotational speed to 500 rpm increased the heat transfer coefficient from around 7500 to 9500 W (m2 K)−1. Considering the nanofluids studied, the best performance was found with Cu nanoparticles, followed by Al2O3–Cu and Al2O3. With Cu nanoparticles at 3%, heat transfer coefficients above 12,100 W (m2 K)−1 were obtained, increasing heat exchanger effectiveness from 27 to 51%. Pressure drop levels increased up to 235 Pa, resulting in increasing pumping requirements by around 0.1 kJ kg−1. Hence, only very high flowrates would represent a problem when using the exchanger. Explanations for the underlying physical phenomena that cause the enhancement of heat transfer due to the rotational speed, the perforated rings and the nanofluids were provided. Turbulent kinetic energy contours, flow streamlines, and temperature contours were used to gain insight into the thermal and flow fields, identifying the mechanisms responsible for the enhancement of the heat exchanger effectiveness.
Finding climate smart agriculture in civil-society initiatives
Authors: Davila Federico , Jacobs Brent , Nadeem Faisal , Kelly Rob , Kurimoto Nami
Published: February 2024

International civil society and non-government organisations (NGOs) play a role in implementing agricultural projects, which contribute to the mitigation, adaptation, and food security dimensions of climate-smart agriculture (CSA). Despite the growth of CSA, it remains unclear how CSA is designed, conceptualised, and embedded into agricultural development projects led and implemented by NGOs, creating a lack of clarity as to the direction of future of agricultural development interventions. This paper examines the extent to which development programmes from the NGO sector actively incorporate CSA principles to benefit smallholder farmers under the major pillars of CSA. Drawing from six projects’ documentation since 2009, we conducted a thematic analysis to reveal the alignment of projects with the pillars of CSA and discuss the extent to which CSA allows for localised adaptability given the diverse agricultural contexts in which civil society and NGOs work. We find that despite a lack of clarity in CSA definition and focus, the agricultural practices in the six projects make heterogenous contributions to the adoption of CSA principles. We illustrate the diversity of ways in which CSA is ‘done’ by a global NGO across six areas: greening and forests, practices and knowledge exchange, markets, policy and institutions, nutrition, carbon and climate, and gender. We discuss the need for balance in contextual adaptability across the three pillars of CSA with explicit consideration of trade-offs to reduce unintended outcomes from CSA initiatives. We conclude with reflections on the role of civil society and NGOs as boundary agents in the agricultural development sector.
Contrasting roles of rice root iron plaque in retention and plant uptake of silicon, phosphorus, arsenic, and selenium in diverse paddy soils
Authors: Linam Franklin A. , Limmer Matt A. , Seyfferth Angelia L.
Published: February 2024

Background and aims

Iron (Fe) plaque on rice roots is a mixture of Fe oxide and oxyhydroxide minerals thought to protect rice from high levels of arsenic (As) in flooded paddy soils. Silicon (Si), phosphorus (P), and selenium (Se) also exist as oxyanions in rice paddies, but the impacts of Fe plaque on uptake of these nutrients are unknown.

Methods

We used natural variation in paddy soil chemistry to test how Si, P, As, and Se move from porewater to plaque to plant via multiple techniques. In a pot study, we monitored Fe plaque deposition and porewater chemistry in 5 different soils over time and measured plaque/plant chemistry and Fe plaque mineralogy at harvest. We normalized oxyanion concentrations by Fe to determine the preferential retention on plaque or plant uptake.

Results

Low phosphorus availability increased root Fe-oxidizing activity, while Fe, Si, P, As, and Se concentrations in plaque were strongly correlated with porewater. Plaque did not appreciably retain Si and Se, and the oxyanions did not compete for adsorption sites on the Fe plaque.

Conclusion

Root Fe plaque seems to protect rice from As uptake, does not interfere with Si and Se uptake, and roots adapt to maintain P nutrition even with retention of porewater P on plaque.
Synthesis and characterization of TiO2-based supported materials for industrial application and recovery in a pilot photocatalytic plant using chemometric approach
Authors: Ghibaudo Nicolò , Ferretti Maurizio , Al-Hetlani Entesar , Madkour Metwally , Amin Mohamed O. , Alberti Stefano
Published: February 2024

In this contribution, the performance of powdered titanium dioxide (TiO2)–based photocatalysts was evaluated in a pilot photocatalytic plant for the degradation of different dyes, with an investigated volume of 1 L and solar simulated light as irradiation source. Five different samples, synthesized in our laboratories, were tested in the pilot plant, each consisting of TiO2 nanoparticles (NPs) coupled with a different material (persistent luminescent material and semiconductor material) and treated in different thermal conditions. All synthesized samples have been subjected to X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller analysis (BET), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) characterization, to shed light on the influence of introducing other materials on titania characteristics. To study and evaluate the significance of the parameters affecting the process in the pilot plant, a chemometric approach was applied, by selecting a mathematical model (D-Optimal) to simultaneously monitor a large number of variables (i.e., 7), both qualitative and quantitative, over a wide range of levels. At the same time, the recovery of the synthesized photocatalysts was studied following a novel promising recuperation method, i.e., annulling the surface charge of the suspended samples by reaching the isoelectric point (pHPZC) of each sample, for the quantitative precipitation of TiO2 nanoparticles.

Graphical Abstract
Evaluation of climatic effects on moisture variation and performance of unbound pavements with sprayed seals
Authors: Maha Madakalapuge Chathuri , Dutta Troyee Tanu , Kodikara Jayantha
Published: February 2024

Over 90% of Australia's surfaced roads are unbound pavements with sprayed seals. However, achieving complete impermeability with these seals is challenging, leading to some moisture exchange between pavement layers and the environment. As moisture fluctuations influenced by climatic factors significantly affect the structural performance of particularly unbound granular layers, there is a pressing need to enhance Australian pavement design by incorporating climatic effects to meet better pavement performance. Hence, the current study numerically evaluates the degree of moisture saturation ($${S}_{r})$$

S
r

)

variations of pavement layers under different Australian climates. This paper reveals how ambient climate impacts the moisture variations of pavement layers based on the results of 126 numerical simulations performed. Results indicated that the annual rainfall is not an appropriate parameter to decide the service moisture condition of the UGM layer, but the ratio between annual rainfall and annual pan evaporation ($$\frac{P}{{\text{PE}}}$$

P
PE

) combined with the saturated permeability of the seal ($${K}_{{\text{s}}})$$

K
s

)

is found to be a better indicator. More importantly, this study develops a novel empirical model to predict the service moisture condition of the UGM layers aiming to advance the current Australian pavement design guide. Furthermore, a correlation between pavement moisture and a widely used climatic index, Thornthwaite Moisture Index ($${\text{TMI}}$$
TMI
) is presented in this study. Furthermore, this paper proposes a novel approach to integrating climatic factors into the current Australian pavement design of unbound pavements with thin seals. This study enhances understanding of the complex relationship between climate and pavement moisture by taking a multi-dimensional approach.
Automatic image registration on intraoperative CBCT compared to Surface Matching registration on preoperative CT for spinal navigation: accuracy and workflow
Authors: Frisk Henrik , Burström Gustav , Persson Oscar , El-Hajj Victor Gabriel , Coronado Luisa , Hager Susanne , Edström Erik , Elmi-Terander Adrian
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Spinal navigation solutions have been slower to develop compared to cranial ones. To facilitate greater adoption and use of spinal navigation, the relatively cumbersome registration processes need to be improved upon. This study aims to validate a new solution for automatic image registration and compare it to a traditional Surface Matching method.

Method

Adult patients undergoing spinal surgery requiring navigation were enrolled after providing consent. A registration matrix—Universal AIR (= Automatic Image Registration)—was placed in the surgical field and used for automatic registration based on intraoperative 3D imaging. A standard Surface Matching method was used for comparison. Accuracy measurements were obtained by comparing planned and acquired coordinates on the vertebrae.

Results

Thirty-nine patients with 42 datasets were included. The mean accuracy of Universal AIR registration was 1.20 ± 0.42 mm, while the mean accuracy of Surface Matching registration was 1.94 ± 0.64 mm. Universal AIR registration was non-inferior to Surface Matching registration. Post hoc analysis showed a significantly greater accuracy for Universal AIR registration. In Surface Matching, but not automatic registration, user-related errors such as incorrect identification of the vertebral level were seen.

Conclusion

Automatic image registration for spinal navigation using Universal AIR and intraoperative 3D imaging provided improved accuracy compared to Surface Matching registration. In addition, it minimizes user errors and offers a standardized workflow, making it a reliable registration method for navigated spinal procedures.
Experimental and Computational Thermal Analysis of Ti-Based Alloy Produced by Laser Metal Deposition Technique
Authors: Rudolf Kanyane L. , Malatji Nicholus , Patricia Popoola A. , Abiola Raji S. , Pityana Sisa , Brendon Shongwe M. , Tlotleng Monnamme
Published: February 2024

A Ti-Fe-Si-Cr-Nb alloy was fabricated using laser metal deposition (LMD) technique. The laser power and scanning speed were varied during fabrication to optimize the processing parameters. The thermal behavior during LMD processing was modeled and simulated by means of COMSOL Multiphysics 6.0 software. The samples produced were characterized using an optical microscope, X-ray diffractometer, and scanning electron microscope coupled with energy dispersive spectroscopy. The microhardness and wear behavior of the alloy were tested using a diamond indenter and ball-on-disk wear machine. The results obtained showed that the alloys exhibited similar dendritic microstructure for all processing parameters. The formation of cracks and pores were evident mainly in samples that were produced at high scanning speed and low laser power. A decrease in microhardness was noticed when the laser power was increased, while an increase in scanning speed yielded samples with high microhardness values. The alloy showed good tribological behavior, but no clear relationship between the wear resistance of the alloy and the variation of the laser processing parameters could be established.
Oral Health in Patients with History of Head and Neck Cancer: Complexity and Benefits of a Targeted Oral Healthcare Pathway
Authors: Florimond Marion , Duong Lucas T. , Lours Elodie , Brau Jean-Jacques , Ferré François C. , Fouilloux Isabelle , Boukpessi Tchilalo
Published: February 2024

Purpose of Review

This work consists in a literature review on the current state of knowledge regarding the oral management of patients with a history of head and neck cancer (HNC), corroborated by clinical cases and illustrated by clear infographic summaries. It aims to provide healthcare professionals with a comprehensive overview of the oral health status of HCN patients.

Recent Findings

Head and neck cancers (HNCs) represent the seventh most common type of cancer worldwide, with over 660,000 annual new cases. Despite the significant negative impact of HNCs on oral health, patients often receive no or inappropriate oral care while the significant impact of oral pathologies on cancer prognosis is commonly underestimated.

This work (i) describes the oral cavity during and after HNC through the prism of care complexity and (ii) highlights several potential key factors that could worsen long-time patients’ prognosis and quality of life. By investigating the biological, microbiological, functional, and psychological dimensions of the interrelationships between HNCs and oral health, the authors explored the barriers and benefits of a targeted oral healthcare pathway. This article emphasizes the importance of multidisciplinary care and highlights the need for further research elucidating the intricate relationships between oral health and HNCs, particularly through the microbiota.
Haemoadsorption in infective endocarditis: a systematic review
Authors: Thielmann Matthias , Dohle Daniel-Sebastian , Czerny Martin , Bonaros Nikolaos , Wendt Daniel , Folliguet Thierry , Baufreton Christophe , Lebreton Guillaume
Published: February 2024

Infective endocarditis surgical patients suffer from high rates of severe complications such as systemic inflammatory response, septic shock, and multi-organ failure leading to high mortality. Systemic inflammatory response based on cytokines as messengers plays an important role in these patients. The concept of intraoperative haemoadsorption has been proposed to remove such elevated cytokines in patients undergoing cardiac surgery for infective endocarditis. Haemoadsorption offers the possibility to stabilise haemodynamics, reduce sepsis-related mortality, and protect organ function. However, until now, there has been no general opinion and consensus regarding the clinical effectiveness of adjunctive intraoperative haemoadsorption in infective endocarditis. Therefore, we reviewed the current literature evaluating haemoadsorption in infective endocarditis patients undergoing cardiac surgery. The review was registered at PROSPERO (CRD42023457632).
“How Long Are You Gonna Stay?” Implications of Residents’ Perceptions of Refugees’ Occupational Future Time Perspective in Receiving Countries
Authors: Niemann Lena , Naudascher Hanna , Kuyumcu Umay , Hertel Guido
Published: February 2024

Occupational work is a cornerstone for refugees’ integration in a receiving country, and residents’ perceptions of refugees is a key factor in this process. As compared to migrants in general, refugee migrants have been forced to leave their home country, which should have multiple implications for their integration in receiving countries. In the current study, we investigated whether residents’ perception of migration forcedness affects their expectations about migrants’ occupational future time perspectives (OFTP) in the receiving country, which in turn should correspond to expectations about migrants’ occupational integration efforts. We tested our hypotheses in a preregistered online experiment with N = 190 working adults in Germany (71% women; age: M = 50.26, SD = 10.78). The results confirmed the hypothesized negative relation between perceived migration forcedness and expected OFTP, the hypothesized positive relation between expected OFTP and expected occupational integration efforts, and the hypothesized mediation mechanism of expected OFTP. Overall, our results demonstrate that residents’ perception of migration forcedness and related OFTP are relevant processes that affect the integration of migrants into the labor market of receiving countries.
Percutaneous Alginate Hydrogel Endomyocardial Injection with a Novel Dedicated Catheter Delivery System: An Animal Feasibility Study
Authors: Wang Bo , Gao Chao , Lim Scott , Wang Rutao , Zhu Cun-jun , Onuma Yoshinobu , Wang Yunbing , Gao Runlin , Serruys Patrick W. J. C. , Lee Randall J. , Tao Ling
Published: February 2024

The objective of this preclinical study was to evaluate the feasibility and safety of transcatheter endocardial alginate hydrogel injection (TEAi) in a large animal model, utilizing the high-stiffness XDROP® alginate hydrogel in combination with the dedicated EndoWings® catheter-based system. All swine (n = 9) successfully underwent TEAi without complications. Acute results from a subset of animals (n = 5) demonstrated the ability of the catheter to access a wide range of endomyocardial areas and achieve consecutive circumferential hydrogel distribution patterns within the mid-left ventricular wall. Histological examinations at 6 months (n = 4) demonstrated that the XDROP® remained localized within the cardiac tissue. In addition, serial echocardiographic imaging showed that XDROP® had no adverse impacts on LV systolic and diastolic functions. In conclusion, this innovative combination technology has the potential to overcome the translational barriers related to alginate hydrogel delivery to the myocardium.

Graphical abstract