bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Prevalence and Risk Factors of Stress Urinary Incontinence Among Women in Saudi Arabia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Alhamoud Mohammed Abdullah Saad , Julaih Fatimah Ali , Al-Aqil Hadi Dhafer Hadi , Almalki Naif Abdullah S. , Alharthi Faisal Abdullah G. , Alghamdi Ahmed Abdullah , Alshehri Sulaiman Ali K. , Alqhtani Ahmad Saeed , Alasiri Mohammed Abdulrahman , Alaqil Abdullah Sulaiman , Alhumaidi Bandar Naffaa , Saraiva Ariana , Carrascosa Conrado , Raposo António
Published: December 2024

Background: Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is a prevalent condition among women in Saudi Arabia, characterized by involuntary urine leakage during physical activities that increase abdominal pressure, such as coughing or sneezing. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the prevalence of SUI and identify its key risk factors. Methods: A comprehensive search of PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science was conducted for studies published up to July 2024, following PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Results: Ten observational studies involving 18,245 participants met the inclusion criteria, and study quality was assessed using the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale. A random-effects model was employed for meta-analysis, with subgroup and sensitivity analyses performed to address heterogeneity. The pooled prevalence of SUI was 26% (95% CI: 14–41%, I2 = 99%, p < 0.001), with rates ranging from 3.3% to 50%. Subgroup analysis showed a prevalence of 17% (95% CI: 1–42%, I2 = 99%, p < 0.001) in the general population and 33% (95% CI: 19–48%, I2 = 99%, p < 0.001) in specific groups, such as postpartum women and those with low back pain. Significant risk factors included age, obesity, high parity, and chronic conditions like diabetes. Despite high heterogeneity, sensitivity analyses confirmed the robustness of these findings. Conclusions: The findings underscore the need for public health strategies focused on weight management, pelvic floor rehabilitation, and increased awareness about SUI. Effective preventive measures could significantly reduce the burden of SUI and improve the quality of life for women in Saudi Arabia.
Effects of Stage Lighting on Visual Comfort at Summer Festivals: A Study in Portugal
Authors: Oliveira Ana Paula , Ferreira Gonçalo , Martinez-Perez Clara
Published: December 2024

Background: The primary objective of this study was to assess the visual comfort and health impacts of stage lighting on attendees at summer festivals. Specifically, the study aimed to evaluate the effects of different types of lighting, including natural, artificial, and stage lighting, on symptoms such as glare, eye strain, tearing, and temporary vision loss. Methods: A survey was conducted among attendees of various summer festivals in Portugal. Participants were asked about their perceptions of lighting conditions and the related visual symptoms they experienced. The survey addressed sensitivity to different types of lighting, the impact of smoke on eye discomfort, and potential strategies for improving visual comfort. Data analysis was performed using IBM SPSS® v.27 to explore trends and correlations. Results: The findings indicated that cooler stage lighting was associated with a higher incidence of glare, with male participants reporting greater discomfort than females. However, there were no significant differences between gender, age, or refractive status when examining the effects of smoke on symptoms like dry eyes and tearing. Notably, participants aged 19–25 experienced more frequent tearing under stage lighting. Key recommendations included the use of high-quality LED lighting, supported by 44.81% of respondents, and the provision of low-light areas for visual rest, which 37.66% of participants deemed essential. Additional suggestions included minimizing intermittent lights and increasing the awareness of vision protection to improve visual comfort. Conclusions: This study highlights the importance of optimizing stage lighting to enhance visual comfort at summer festivals. Festival organizers are encouraged to implement high-quality LED lighting and directional lighting technologies, as well as to create low-light zones for visual rest. Reducing the use of flashing or intermittent lights and providing eye protection information to attendees are also crucial steps to improve the overall visual experience and safeguard eye health at large-scale events.
Impact of COVID-19 Restrictions on Elderly Mobility and Emergency SOS Alarm Responses: A GPS-Based Study in the Czech Republic
Authors: Janovský Vít , Maška Marek , Hána Karel
Published: December 2024

Background: Understanding the impact of pandemic measures on elderly mobility is crucial for shaping public health responses. This retrospective study assesses the changes in mobility of 216 elderly individuals (average age 84 years) in the Czech Republic before and during COVID-19 restrictions, using two years of GPS tracking data. Methods: We conducted statistical analyses across various physical, demographic, and social factors. Data were analyzed for mobility patterns, SOS alarm usage, and relationships between mobility and factors such as age group, body mass index, sex, city size, and housing type. Results: During the study, 4409 SOS alarms were triggered, with only 16.6% requiring action. Alarms triggered outside the home decreased from 34% pre-COVID-19 to 29% during COVID-19, reflecting reduced outdoor activity. Mobility decreased by 43.9% overall during the pandemic. The largest year-on-year decline in mobility was in May, reaching 57.6%. However, 10% of the participants exhibited increased mobility. Factors such as age group, body mass index, sex, city size, and type of housing were analyzed, and we found that city size and housing type did not significantly influence mobility levels. Conclusions: These findings highlight the substantial decline in elderly mobility during the COVID-19 pandemic and emphasize the need for tailored interventions, such as outdoor mobility programs and telemedicine, to support elderly populations during public health crises.
Occurrence of Stress and Burnout Among Nurses Employed in a Psychiatric Hospital and a Somatic Hospital—A Comparative Analysis (Nursing Workload KEGA č. 011KU-4/2024)
Authors: Tomaszewska Katarzyna , Kowalczuk Krystyna , Kadučáková Helena , Lehotská Mária , Papp Katalina , Majchrowicz Bożena
Published: December 2024

Work-related stress has been linked to various negative outcomes among healthcare professionals. For nurses, stress can arise from numerous sources, including their interactions with patients. It is often perceived that nurses working in psychiatric hospitals experience greater stress and occupational burnout compared to nurses working in somatic hospitals. However, there is limited research addressing this specific issue. To bridge this gap, a study was conducted to compare the stress levels of nurses working in a psychiatric hospital and a somatic hospital within the same city. Background/Objectives: The aim of this paper was to report on the prevalence of stress and burnout among surveyed nurses employed in a somatic hospital and in a psychiatric hospital. Methods: The study group consisted of a total of 379 nurses—189 employed at a somatic hospital and 190 employed at a psychiatric hospital. The primary test used for statistical analyses was the nonparametric Mann–Whitney U test for assessing differences. Additionally, correlations between ordinal or quantitative variables were analyzed using Spearman’s rho coefficient. Results: Among respondents working at a somatic hospital, the average levels of occupational burnout, emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and sense of personal accomplishment were moderate. Similar results were observed among respondents employed at a psychiatric hospital. Conclusions: The workplace does not significantly differentiate professional burnout or coping strategies among the nurses surveyed. Among nurses working in hospitals for somatic patients, levels of depersonalization, turning to religion, and seeking support increase with age and seniority. In contrast, psychiatric nurses show higher levels of emotional exhaustion and overall MBI burnout as they age.
Establishment of Efficient Method for Evaluation of Heat Stress Tolerance of Herbaceous Plant Species and Selection of Heat-Tolerant Plants
Authors: Park Dong-Jin , Kim Do-Hyun , Yong Seong-Hyeon , Kim Seon-A , Park Kwan-Been , Cha Seung-A , Lee Ji-Hyun , Choi Myung-Suk
Published: December 2024

Due to climate change, heat-tolerant species have become increasingly important; however, the selection system for herbaceous plants has yet to be well established. This study aimed to establish a selection system for heat-tolerant plant species and to identify such species. Heat stress at 50 °C for 120 min was applied to 27 plant species using a heat treatment and recovery model. Among them, four herbaceous species—Hemerocallis fulva, Heliopsis longipes, Hosta plantagines, and Scilla scilloides—were selected by measuring their electrolyte leakage index (ELI). Additionally, species with high ELI values (Centaurea cyanus) and low ELI values (S. scilloide) were selected to determine the optimal temperature and time for the heat treatment using linear regression analysis. The selected heat-tolerant herbaceous plants survived under optimal heat stress conditions (120 min at 50 °C). The degree of cell death in the selected plant species was measured using Evans blue staining. The results showed that the cell death indexes of heat-tolerant species were less than 22% after heat treatment, compared to over 57% in heat-sensitive species. Furthermore, the recovery ability at room temperature after heat treatment was assessed using the DAB staining method. The selected heat-tolerant plant species recovered quickly (within 90 min), whereas the heat-sensitive species required over 480 min for recovery. The analytical method developed in this study can more accurately determine the response of various plants to heat stress and has high reproducibility. Therefore, it is considered an excellent method for establishing a heat-tolerant plant selection system.
Comparative Transcriptome Analysis Revealed the New Role of Hormones in Flower Bud Differentiation of Peach Trees Under Different Chilling Hours
Authors: Niu Ruxuan , Huang Juanjuan , Wang Falin , Zhang Yiwen , Wang Chenbing
Published: December 2024

Peach bud differentiation is commercially significant for fruit production. Bud differentiation in peach production is closely linked to chilling requirements. This study investigates the mechanisms of flower bud differentiation in peach varieties L12 and N1 under varying chilling requirements by comparing paraffin sections, hormone content changes, and transcriptomes during four chilling hours and the same physiological stage. At 400 chilling hours, significant changes in flower bud differentiation were observed. During this period, the hormone levels of auxin and gibberellin reached their peak, while abscisic acid levels were at their lowest. This finding indicates that 400 chilling hours has a significant regulatory effect on flower bud development. Transcriptome analysis revealed that 4719 differentially expressed genes were identified in the flower bud differentiation of L12-4 and N1-4, and 2717 differentially expressed genes of L12-8 and N1-2, many of which are involved in IAA, GA, and ABA signal transduction pathways. In N1, the differentially expressed genes AUX/IAA, SAUR, and DELLA were significantly higher than in L12, whereas genes associated with the ABA synthesis pathway, such as PYL2, PYL8, and SRK2A, remained at the lowest level. This study provides a crucial molecular basis for understanding the regulation of plant hormones and their effects on flower bud development under varying chilling hours.
(Don’t) Use Your Hands: The South Levantine Late Chalcolithic (ca. 4500–3900 cal BC) Spoons and Their Significance
Authors: Rosenberg Danny , Gur-Arieh Shira , Pearl Motti , Ahituv Hadar
Published: December 2024

The Late Chalcolithic period in the southern Levant saw notable changes in almost every aspect of daily life. Some of the most significant shifts during this time seem to have been anchored in the subsistence economy and involved food and its cooking, processing, storage, serving, and handling with vessels and tools. The paper offers a comprehensive overview and analysis of one utensil that is likely to have been caught up in these developments—the Late Chalcolithic spoon. While spoons first appeared in the region during the Pottery Neolithic period, the Chalcolithic period witnessed a rise in their frequency and distribution. Nonetheless, they were few in number. While their functions remain unclear, we have presupposed their association with food and kitchenware and have explored them in this vein. This paper delves into their morphological characteristics and distribution and ponders their significance in light of other changes that occurred during the Late Chalcolithic period in the southern Levant.
The Impact of Resident Adipose Tissue Macrophages on Adipocyte Homeostasis and Dedifferentiation
Authors: Neugebauer Julia , Raulien Nora , Arndt Lilli , Akkermann Dagmar , Hobusch Constance , Lindhorst Andreas , Fröba Janine , Gericke Martin
Published: December 2024

Obesity is concurrent with immunological dysregulation, resulting in chronic low-grade inflammation and cellular dysfunction. In pancreatic islets, this loss of function has been correlated with mature β-cells dedifferentiating into a precursor-like state through constant exposure to inflammatory stressors. As mature adipocytes likewise have the capability to dedifferentiate in vitro and in vivo, we wanted to analyze this cellular change in relation to adipose tissue (AT) inflammation and adipose tissue macrophage (ATM) activity. Using our organotypic AT explant culture method combined with a double-reporter mouse model for labeling ATMs and mature adipocytes, we were able to visualize and quantify dedifferentiated fat (DFAT) cells in AT explants. Preliminary testing showed increased dedifferentiation after tamoxifen (TAM) stimulation, making TAM-dependent lineage-tracing models unsuitable for quantification of naturally occurring DFAT cells. The regulatory role of ATMs in adipocyte dedifferentiation was shown through macrophage depletion using Plexxicon 5622 or clodronate liposomes, which significantly increased DFAT cell levels. Subsequent bulk RNA sequencing of macrophage-depleted explants revealed enrichment of the tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) signaling pathway as well as downregulation of associated genes. Direct stimulation with TNFα decreased adipocyte dedifferentiation, while application of a TNFα-neutralizing antibody did not significantly alter DFAT cell levels. Our findings suggest a regulatory role of resident ATMs in maintaining the mature adipocyte phenotype and preventing excessive adipocyte dedifferentiation. The specific regulatory pathways as well as the impact that DFAT cells might have on ATMs, and vice versa, are subject to further investigation.
The Phytochemical Profile of the Petroleum Ether Extract of Purslane Leaves and Its Anticancer Effect on 4-(Methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-buta-4 None (NNK)-Induced Lung Cancer in Rats
Authors: Abd Elkarim Asmaa S. , Mohamed Safaa H. , Ali Naglaa A. , Elsayed Ghada H. , Aly Mohamed S. , Elgamal Abdelbaset M. , Elsayed Wael M. , El-Newary Samah A.
Published: December 2024

Lung cancer is a prevalent and very aggressive sickness that will likely claim 1.8 million lives by 2022, with an estimated 2.2 million additional cases expected worldwide. The goal of the current investigation was to determine whether petroleum ether extract of purslane leaf could be used to treat lung cancer induced by 4-(Methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-buta-4 none (NNK) in rats. In the in vitro extract recorded, promising anticancer effects in A540 cell lines with IC50 were close to the reference drug, doxorubicin (14.3 and 13.8 μg/mL, respectively). A dose of 500 mg/kg/day orally for 20 weeks exhibited recovery effects on NNK-induced lung cancer with a good safety margin, where Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1 (ICAM-1), the lung cancer biomarker, was significantly reduced by about 18.75% compared to cancer control. Purslane exhibited many anticancer mechanisms, including (i) anti-proliferation as a significant reduction in Ki67 level (20.42%), (ii) anti-angiogenesis as evident by a considerable decrease in Matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) expression (79%), (iii) anti-inflammation as a remarked decline in Insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) expression (62%), (iv) pro-apoptotic effect as a significant activation in Forkhead box protein O1 (FOXO1) expression (262%), and (v) anti-oxidation as remarkable activation on antioxidant biomarkers either non-enzymatic or enzymatic concurrent with considerable depletion on oxidative stress biomarker, in comparison to cancer control. The histopathological examination revealed that Purslane extract showed markedly improved tissue structure and reduced pathological changes across all examined organs caused by NNK. The anti-lung cancer effect exhibited by the extract may be linked to the active ingredients of the extract that were characterized by LC–MS, such as α-linolenic acid, linoleic acid, palmitic acid, β-sitosterol, and alkaloids (berberine and magnoflorine).
Metabolomics-Based Machine Learning Models Accurately Predict Breast Cancer Estrogen Receptor Status
Authors: Arumalla Kamala K. , Haince Jean-François , Bux Rashid A. , Huang Guoyu , Tappia Paramjit S. , Ramjiawan Bram , Ford W. Randolph , Vaida Maria
Published: December 2024

Breast cancer is a global concern as a leading cause of death for women. Early and precise diagnosis can be vital in handling the disease efficiently. Breast cancer subtyping based on estrogen receptor (ER) status is crucial for determining prognosis and treatment. This study uses metabolomics data from plasma samples to detect metabolite biomarkers that could distinguish ER-positive from ER-negative breast cancers in a non-invasive manner. The dataset includes demographic information, ER status, and metabolite levels from 188 breast cancer patients and 73 healthy controls. Recursive Feature Elimination (RFE) with a Random Forest (RF) classifier identified an optimal subset of 30 features—29 biomarkers and age—that achieved the highest area under the curve (AUC). To address the class imbalance, Gaussian noise-based augmentation and Adaptive Synthetic Oversampling (ADASYN) were applied, ensuring balanced representation during training. Four machine learning (ML) algorithms—Random Forest, Support Vector Classifier (SVC), XGBoost, and Logistic Regression (LR)—were evaluated using grid search. The Random Forest classifier emerged as the top performer, achieving an AUC of 0.95 and an accuracy of 93%. These results suggest that ML has great promise for identifying specific metabolites linked to ER expression, paving the development of a novel analytical tool that can minimize current challenges in identifying ER status, and improve the precision of breast cancer subtyping.
First-Principles Study of the Consequences of Cerium Doping on the Photocatalytic Activity of Zinc Oxide
Authors: Rodriguez-Mena Eimy Y. , Alcalá-Varilla Luis A. , Ortiz-Romero José D.
Published: December 2024

Recent experimental studies have shown that the photocatalytic activity of zinc oxide is enhanced when doped with cerium and that these enhancements depend on the doping concentration; in particular, the highest photocatalytic activity rates have been reported for cerium concentrations in zinc oxide close to 3.00% or 5.00%. So far, there is no sufficient explanation why the maximum photocatalytic activity rates of cerium-doped zinc oxide occur for the above concentrations. The main objective of this work is to try explain the above-mentioned. For this purpose, we performed a study based on density functional theory on the effects generated on the structural and electronic properties of different cerium concentrations in zinc oxide, and found that the relative position of the fermi level (closeness to the valence band) could be related to the peaks of a higher photocatalytic activity of Zn1−xCexO. We also found that for a low cerium concentration rate, the value of the c lattice parameter became lower than the value it had in pure ZnO, while the value of the a lattice parameter of the Zn1−xCexO system was always higher than the value observed in pure ZnO.
Targeting Ferroptosis in Parkinson’s Disease: Mechanisms and Emerging Therapeutic Strategies
Authors: Zhou Minghao , Xu Keyang , Ge Jianxian , Luo Xingnian , Wu Mengyao , Wang Ning , Zeng Jianfeng
Published: December 2024

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a common neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra and the accumulation of α-synuclein in the brain. Ferroptosis, a recently identified form of regulated cell death, is critical in PD pathogenesis due to its association with iron deposition, overproduction of reactive oxygen species, iron-dependent lipid peroxidation and impaired lipid peroxidation clearance. This cell death mechanism is closely linked to several pathogenic processes in PD, including α-synuclein aggregation, oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, microglia-induced neuroinflammation, and neuromelanin accumulation. Given the significant role of ferroptosis in these mechanisms, there is increasing interest in targeting ferroptosis for PD treatment. Several drugs have shown potential in alleviating PD symptoms by inhibiting ferroptosis. This review aims to consolidate current knowledge on ferroptosis in PD and assess the therapeutic potential of anti-ferroptosis drugs, highlighting promising directions for future research and clinical applications.
Characterization of an Activated Metabolic Transcriptional Program in Hepatoblastoma Tumor Cells Using scRNA-seq
Authors: Monge Claudia , Francés Raquel , Marchio Agnès , Pineau Pascal , Desterke Christophe , Mata-Garrido Jorge
Published: December 2024

Hepatoblastoma is the most common primary liver malignancy in children, with metabolic reprogramming playing a critical role in its progression due to the liver’s intrinsic metabolic functions. Enhanced glycolysis, glutaminolysis, and fatty acid synthesis have been implicated in hepatoblastoma cell proliferation and survival. In this study, we screened for altered overexpression of metabolic enzymes in hepatoblastoma tumors at tissue and single-cell levels, establishing and validating a hepatoblastoma tumor expression metabolic score using machine learning. Starting from the Mammalian Metabolic Enzyme Database, bulk RNA sequencing data from GSE104766 and GSE131329 datasets were analyzed using supervised methods to compare tumors versus adjacent liver tissue. Differential expression analysis identified 287 significantly regulated enzymes, 59 of which were overexpressed in tumors. Functional enrichment in the KEGG metabolic database highlighted a network enriched in amino acid metabolism, as well as carbohydrate, steroid, one-carbon, purine, and glycosaminoglycan metabolism pathways. A metabolic score based on these enzymes was validated in an independent cohort (GSE131329) and applied to single-cell transcriptomic data (GSE180665), predicting tumor cell status with an AUC of 0.98 (sensitivity 0.93, specificity 0.94). Elasticnet model tuning on individual marker expression revealed top tumor predictive markers, including FKBP10, ATP1A2, NT5DC2, UGT3A2, PYCR1, CKB, GPX7, DNMT3B, GSTP1, and OXCT1. These findings indicate that an activated metabolic transcriptional program, potentially influencing epigenetic functions, is observed in hepatoblastoma tumors and confirmed at the single-cell level.
Deubiquitinase MYSM1: An Important Tissue Development and Function Regulator
Authors: Qin Qiaozhen , Ruan Huaqiang , Zhang Heyang , Xu Zhenhua , Pan Wenting , Yan Xinlong , Jiang Xiaoxia
Published: December 2024

MYSM1, a deubiquitinating enzyme, plays a pivotal role in diverse biological processes. Both MYSM1 knockout mice and patients with Mysm1 gene mutations exhibit developmental abnormalities across multiple tissues and organs. Serving as a crucial regulator, MYSM1 influences stem cell function, immune responses, and the pathogenesis of diverse diseases. This review comprehensively details MYSM1’s deubiquitinating activities in both the nucleus and cytoplasmic compartments, its effects on stem cell proliferation, differentiation, and immune cell function, and its involvement in cancer, aging, and depression. The high sequence homology between murine and human MYSM1, along with similar phenotypes observed in Mysm1-deficient models, provides valuable insights into the etiology of human Mysm1-deficiency syndromes. This review aims to offer a foundation for future comprehensive research on MYSM1.
Thermodynamics of Micelle Formation of Selected Homologous 7-Alkyl Derivatives of Na-Cholate in Aqueous Solution: Steroid Skeleton and the Alkyl Chain Conformation
Authors: Kumar Dileep , Poša Mihalj
Published: December 2024

Bile acid salts are steroid biosurfactants that build relatively small micelles compared to surfactants with an alkyl chain due to the rigid conformation of the steroid skeleton. In order to increase the capacity of micellar solubilization of the hydrophobic molecular guest, certain C7 alkyl derivatives were synthesized. Namely, introducing an alkyl group in the C7 position of the steroid skeleton results in a more effective increase in the micelle’s hydrophobic domain (core) than the introduction in the C3 position. In comparison, fewer synthetic steps are required than if alkyl groups are introduced into the C12 position of cholic acid in the Grignard reaction. Here, the thermodynamic parameters of micellization (demicellization) of C7 alkyl (number of C atoms in the alkyl group: 2, 3, 4, and 8) derivatives of cholic acid anion in an aqueous solution without additives are examined (which have not yet been determined) in the temperature interval T (10–40) °C. The critical micellar concentration and the change in the standard molar enthalpy of demicellization (∆hdemic0) are determined by isothermal calorimetric titration (ICT). From the temperature dependence of ∆hdemic0, the change in the standard molar heat capacity of demicellization is obtained (∆Cdemic0), the value of which is proportional to the hydrophobic surface of the monomer, which in the micellar state is protected from hydrophobic hydration. The values of ∆Cdemic0 indicate that in the case of C7-alkyl derivatives of cholic acid anion with butyl and octyl chains, parts of the steroid skeleton and alkyl chain remain shielded from hydration after disintegration of the micelle. Conformational analysis can show that starting from the C7 butyl chain in the alkyl chain, sequences with gauche conformation are also possible without the formation of steric repulsive strain between the alkyl chain and the steroid skeleton so that the C7 alkyl chain takes an orientation above the convex surface of the steroid skeleton instead of an elongated conformation toward the aqueous solution. This is a significant observation, namely, if the micelle is used as a carrier of a hydrophobic drug and after the breakdown of the micelle in the biological system, the released drug has a lower tendency to associate with the monomer if its hydrophobic surface is smaller, i.e., the alkyl chain is oriented towards the angular methyl groups of the steroid skeleton (the ideal monomer increases the hydrophobic domain of the micelle, but in aqueous solution, it adopts a conformation with the as small hydrophobic surface as possible oriented towards the aqueous solution)—which then does not disturb the passage of the drug through the cell membrane.
CircRNAs and miRNAs: Key Player Duo in Breast Cancer Dynamics and Biomarkers for Breast Cancer Early Detection and Prevention
Authors: Maatouk Nour , Kurdi Abdallah , Marei Sarah , Nasr Rihab , Talhouk Rabih
Published: December 2024

Breast cancer (BC) remains a significant global health issue, necessitating advanced molecular approaches for early detection and prevention. This review delves into the roles of microRNAs (miRNAs) and circular RNAs (circRNAs) in BC, highlighting their potential as non-invasive biomarkers. Utilizing in silico tools and databases, we propose a novel methodology to establish mRNA/circRNA/miRNA axes possibly indicative of early detection and possible prevention. We propose that during early tumor initiation, some changes in oncogene or tumor suppressor gene expression (mRNA) are mirrored by alterations in corresponding circRNAs and reciprocal changes in sponged miRNAs affecting tumorigenesis pathways. We used two Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) datasets and identified five mRNA/circRNA/miRNA axes as early possible tumor initiation biomarkers. We further validated the proposed axes through a Kaplan–Meier (KM) plot and enrichment analysis of miRNA expression using patient data. Evaluating coupled differential expression of circRNAs and miRNAs in body fluids or exosomes provides greater confidence than assessing either, with more axes providing even greater confidence. The proposed methodology not only improves early BC detection reliability but also has applications for other cancers, enhancing preventive measures.
Newborn Genetic Screening Improves the Screening Efficiency for Congenital Hypothyroidism: A Prospective Multicenter Study in China
Authors: Ye Liang , Zhang Yinhong , Feng Jizhen , Huang Cidan , Wang Xiaohua , Han Lianshu , Huang Yonglan , Zou Hui , Zhu Baosheng , Miao Jingkun
Published: December 2024

Newborn congenital hypothyroidism (CH) screening has been widely used worldwide. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of applying biochemical and gene panel sequencing as screening tests for CH and to analyze the mutation spectrum of CH in China. Newborns were prospectively recruited from eight hospitals in China between February and December 2021. Clinical characteristics were collected. Second-generation sequencing was used to detect four CH-related genes, and the genetic patterns of the pathogenic genes were analyzed. We analyzed the relationship between genotype and biochemical phenotype. A total of 29,601 newborns were screened for CH. Gene panel sequencing identified 18 patients, including 10 patients affected by biochemically and genetically screened disorders and 8 patients affected by solely genetically screened disorders. The predictive positive value of genetic screening was 34.62%, which was much greater than that of biochemical screening alone (17.99%). A total of 94 cases of congenital thyroid dysfunction were confirmed by biochemical and genetic screening, including 30 CHs and 64 isolated hyperthyrotropinemia (HTT), with an incidence of 1/987 for CH and 1/463 for HTT, and a total incidence of 1/315 for hypothyroidism. The incidence rate and number of patients in Jinan were the highest, and the incidence rates in Shijiazhuang and Shanghai were the lowest. The gene mutation rate in this study was 19.1%, mainly DUOX2 mutation. The most common variant of DUOX2 was c.1588A>T(p.Lys530*). There was only a difference in sFT4 between groups with gene mutations and those without mutations. Genetic screening is a supplement to biochemical screening. Combining biochemical screening with genetic screening is useful for improving screening efficiency. The incidence of CH in China according to a multicenter study of nearly 30,000 NBS surveys was 1/315. DUOX2 gene mutations are commonly detected in these patients.
Enabling Perspective-Aware Ai with Contextual Scene Graph Generation
Authors: Platnick Daniel , Alirezaie Marjan , Rahnama Hossein
Published: December 2024

This paper advances contextual image understanding within perspective-aware Ai (PAi), an emerging paradigm in human–computer interaction that enables users to perceive and interact through each other’s perspectives. While PAi relies on multimodal data—such as text, audio, and images—challenges in data collection, alignment, and privacy have led us to focus on enabling the contextual understanding of images. To achieve this, we developed perspective-aware scene graph generation with LLM post-processing (PASGG-LM). This framework extends traditional scene graph generation (SGG) by incorporating large language models (LLMs) to enhance contextual understanding. PASGG-LM integrates classical scene graph outputs with LLM post-processing to infer richer contextual information, such as emotions, activities, and social contexts. To test PASGG-LM, we introduce the context-aware scene graph generation task, where the goal is to generate a context-aware situation graph describing the input image. We evaluated PASGG-LM pipelines using state-of-the-art SGG models, including Motifs, Motifs-TDE, and RelTR, and showed that fine-tuning LLMs, particularly GPT-4o-mini and Llama-3.1-8B, improves performance in terms of R@K, mR@K, and mAP. Our method is capable of generating scene graphs that capture complex contextual aspects, advancing human–machine interaction by enhancing the representation of diverse perspectives. Future directions include refining contextual scene graph models and expanding multi-modal data integration for PAi applications in domains such as healthcare, education, and social robotics.
Harnessing AI in Anxiety Management: A Chatbot-Based Intervention for Personalized Mental Health Support
Authors: Manole Alexia , Cârciumaru Răzvan , Brînzaș Rodica , Manole Felicia
Published: December 2024

Anxiety disorders represent one of the most widespread mental health challenges globally, yet access to traditional therapeutic interventions remains constrained, particularly in resource-limited settings. This study evaluated the effectiveness of an AI-powered chatbot, developed using ChatGPT, in managing anxiety symptoms through evidence-based cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) techniques. Fifty participants with mild to moderate anxiety symptoms engaged with the chatbot over two observational phases, each lasting seven days. The chatbot delivered personalized interventions, including mindfulness exercises, cognitive restructuring, and breathing techniques, and was accessible 24/7 to provide real-time support during emotional distress. The findings revealed a significant reduction in anxiety symptoms in both phases, with an average improvement of 21.15% in Phase 1 and 20.42% in Phase 2. Enhanced engagement in Phase 2 suggested the potential for sustained usability and familiarity with the chatbot’s functions. While participants reported high satisfaction with the accessibility and personalization of the chatbot, its inability to replicate human empathy underscored the importance of integrating AI tools with human oversight for optimal outcomes. This study highlights the potential of AI-driven interventions as valuable complements to traditional therapy, providing scalable and accessible mental health support, particularly in regions with limited access to professional services.
Towards Designing a Set of Usability and Accessibility Heuristics Focused on Cognitive Diversity: An Exploratory Case Study with Generative Artificial Intelligence
Authors: Pascual Almenara Afra , Sayago Barrantes Sergio
Published: December 2024

This paper discusses the design and evaluation of a set of heuristics (U + A) to assess the usability and accessibility of interactive systems in terms of cognitive diversity in an integrated way. Method: An analysis of the usability and accessibility aspects that have the greatest impact on people with cognitive disabilities is presented. A set of cognitive usability and accessibility heuristics targeted at people with cognitive disabilities is generated with the support of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI). Result: Several interactive systems are evaluated to validate the U + A heuristics. A quantitative classification of the evaluated systems is obtained, i.e., the “U + A-index”, which reveals the most and least usable and accessible systems for people with cognitive and learning disabilities. Conclusions: This study demonstrates that it is possible to carry out a classification of heuristic criteria considering accessibility, usability, and cognitive disability. The results also show that the selection of criteria proposed by GenAI is optimal and that this technology can be used to improve usability and accessibility of interactive systems in a practical way. Yet, further evaluations are needed to support the results of the analyzed proposal.
Using an Improved Regularization Method and Rigid Transformation for Super-Resolution Applied to MRI Data
Authors: Zerva Matina Christina , Chantas Giannis , Kondi Lisimachos Paul
Published: December 2024

Super-resolution (SR) techniques have shown significant promise in enhancing the resolution of MRI images, which are often limited by hardware constraints and acquisition time. In this study, we introduce an advanced regularization method for MRI super-resolution that integrates spatially adaptive techniques with a robust denoising process to improve image quality. The proposed method excels in preserving high-frequency details while effectively suppressing noise, addressing common limitations of conventional SR approaches. The validation of clinical MRI datasets demonstrates that our approach achieves superior performance compared to traditional algorithms, yielding enhanced image clarity and quantitative improvements in metrics such as the peak signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR) and structural similarity index (SSIM).
Interference Mitigation in B5G Network Architecture for MIMO and CDMA: State of the Art, Issues, and Future Research Directions
Authors: Yang Haoxuan , Qamar Faizan , Kazmi Syed Hussain Ali , Jafri Syed Talib Abbas , Ariffin Khairul Akram Zainol , Nguyen Quang Ngoc
Published: December 2024

The emergence of Beyond 5G (B5G) networks introduces novel challenges related to interference management, particularly within the context of Multiple-Input, Multiple-Output (MIMO) and Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) technologies. In this comprehensive review paper, we delve into the intricacies of interference mitigation techniques within the B5G framework, with a specific focus on MIMO and CDMA systems. Firstly, we provide a brief overview of MIMO and CDMA principles, emphasizing their significance in B5G networks. MIMO leverages spatial diversity by employing multiple antennas in both the transmitter and the receiver, thereby enhancing capacity and reliability. CDMA, on the other hand, enables multiple users to share the same frequency band by assigning unique codes to each user. Next, we categorize the various types of interference encountered in MIMO and CDMA systems. These include co-channel interference, adjacent-channel interference, and multiuser interference. Understanding these interference sources is crucial for designing effective mitigation strategies. Our exploration of interference mitigation techniques covers state-of-the-art approaches tailored for MIMO and CDMA scenarios. Lastly, we discuss future research directions in interference mitigation for B5G networks. This review paper provides valuable insights for researchers, practitioners, and network designers seeking to enhance the robustness and efficiency of B5G communication systems by effectively mitigating interference in MIMO and CDMA contexts.
Post-Natural Disasters Emergency Response Scheme Selection: An Integrated Application of Probabilistic T-Spherical Hesitant Fuzzy Set, Penalty-Incentive Dynamic Attribute Weights, and Non-Compensation Approach
Authors: Ding Xuefeng , Pei Zijiang
Published: December 2024

This paper presents an innovative methodology for the dynamic emergency response scheme selection (ERSS) problem in post-major natural disasters. It employs a combination of subjective and objective composite weights and the integrated ELECTRE-score approach. The study aims to provide a practical approach for continuously determining optimal decision schemes at various time points during the decision period in the aftermath of significant natural disasters while accommodating evolving real-world scenarios. Firstly, the probabilistic T-spherical hesitant fuzzy set (Pt-SHFS) captures decision-makers’ ambivalence and hesitation regarding diverse evaluation attributes of different schemes. Subsequently, Pt-SHFS is integrated with the best–worst method (BWM) to determine subjective weights, followed by the structured CRITIC method to amalgamate subjective weights and derive the final combination weights of criteria. Additionally, this paper proposes applying a penalty-incentive mechanism to establish dynamic attribute weights during scenario evolution. Furthermore, the ELECTRE-score method, which may fully exploit the advantages of non-compensation situations, is adopted to obtain more reliable dynamic optimal decision outcomes. Consequently, based on these foundations, an integrated dynamic ERSS approach is formulated to determine optimal dynamic emergency response schemes. Finally, a case study on the Gansu Jishishan earthquake, sensitivity analysis, comparative analysis, and continuous analysis are conducted to verify the practicality, stability, and effectiveness of the proposed approach. The result shows that the proposed comprehensive approach can depict variances among experts’ information, dynamically adjust attribute weights in response to evolving scenarios, and assign a score range and a representative score to each scheme at each decision state. Sensitivity and comparative analyses show this model has strong stability and dynamics. Furthermore, the proposed approach can effectively deal with the complex dynamic situation in the earthquake rescue process, such as the secondary collapse of buildings after the earthquake, the damage of materials caused by heavy rain, and the occurrence of aftershocks. The model can continuously optimize decision-making and provide scientific and reliable support for emergency decision-making.
Identification of Cancer Stem Cell (CSC)-Associated Genes, Prognostic Value, and Candidate Drugs as Modulators of CSC-Associated Signaling in Carcinomas Through a Multiomics Data Analysis Approach
Authors: Mondal Pallabi , Singh Poulami , Mahanti Krishna , Bhattacharyya Sankar
Published: December 2024

Background: Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a small subpopulation of cancer cells that have the potential for self-renewal and a strong proliferative capacity, and sustain tumorigenesis capabilities. This ability of CSCs to escape immune responses makes the CSCs a primary source of functionally altered, immune-resistant, chemoresistant, aggressive tumor cells. These characteristics determine the potential advantage of targeting CSCs for the treatment of solid tumors. Method: First, we downloaded different gene expression datasets of CSCs from the NCBI-GEO (National Center for Biotechnology Information–Gene Expression Omnibus) database and identified common genes by using a suitable Venn tool. Subsequently, we explored the prognostic significance of the particular genes in particular cancers and analyzed the expression of these genes at the protein level in human solid tumors by using KM plotter (Kaplan-Meier plotter) and an HPA (The Human Protein Atlas) database, respectively. Finally, using a comparative toxicogenomic database, we selected several important drugs or chemicals. Result: From this study, we identified APOC1 as a common upregulated gene in breast cancer and SLC44A5 and CAV2 as common up- and downregulated genes in lung cancer. In ovarian cancer, PRRG4 is a commonly upregulated gene, and ADCY7, AKAP12, TPM2, and FLNC are commonly downregulated genes. These genes also show prognostic significance in respective cancers. Several drugs that are capable of targeting the expression or signaling network of designated genes of CSC were also identified, which may contribute in CSC-targeted cancer therapy. Conclusion: Our study suggests a need for more in-depth experimental investigations to determine the actual functional activity and the mechanism of action of these CSC-associated genes.
Transforming Service Quality in Healthcare: A Comprehensive Review of Healthcare 4.0 and Its Impact on Healthcare Service Quality
Authors: Al-Assaf Karam , Bahroun Zied , Ahmed Vian
Published: December 2024

This systematic review investigates the transformative impact of Healthcare 4.0 (HC4.0) technologies on healthcare service quality (HCSQ), focusing on their potential to enhance healthcare delivery while addressing critical challenges. This study reviewed 168 peer-reviewed articles from the Scopus database, published between 2005 and 2023. The selection process used clearly defined inclusion and exclusion criteria to identify studies focusing on advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), and big data analytics. Rayyan software facilitated systematic organization and duplicate removal, while manual evaluation ensured relevance and quality. The findings highlight HC4.0’s potential to improve service delivery, patient outcomes, and operational efficiencies but also reveal challenges, including interoperability, ethical concerns, and access disparities for underserved populations. The results were synthesized descriptively, uncovering key patterns and thematic insights while acknowledging heterogeneity across studies. Limitations include the absence of a formal risk-of-bias assessment and the diversity of methodologies, which precluded quantitative synthesis. This review emphasizes the need for future research on integration frameworks, ethical guidelines, and equitable access policies to realize HC4.0’s transformative potential. No external funding was received, and no formal protocol was registered.
Revealing the Immune Response of Sitona callosus Gyllenhal to Entomopathogenic Fungi Beauveria bassiana Infection Through Integrative Analyses of Transcriptomics and Metabolomics
Authors: Li Nan , Gu Xin , Xin Ming , Wang Xinpu
Published: December 2024

In this study, we selected Sitona callosus, one of the primary insect pests of alfalfa, as the experimental insect and infected it with Beauveria bassiana. Transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses were conducted to explore alterations in gene expression and metabolic processes in S. callosus at 48, 96, and 144 h post infection with B. bassiana. The transcriptomic analysis unveiled that B. bassiana infection boosted immune responses in tubercula, affecting carbohydrate metabolism, cytochrome P450 activity, lysosome function, apoptosis regulation, phagosome formation, glutathione metabolism, amino acid metabolism, and pathogen response pathways. Subsequent metabolomics analysis confirmed that glycerophospholipids, carboxylic acids and derivatives, organooxygen compounds, keto acids and derivatives, and azane immune metabolites were significantly upregulated in response to B. bassiana infection. Additionally, we utilized the Pearson correlation coefficient method to examine the relationships between differentially expressed immune-related genes and metabolites, revealing notably strong correlations between these two sets of variables. By leveraging the WGCNA method to analyze immune metabolite data for immune-related genes, we identified hub genes crucial at various stages of immune activation. These central genes predominantly included C-type lectin receptors for pattern recognition, cytochrome P450 enzymes linked to detoxification processes, and cathepsin proteases. By combining transcriptome and metabolome analyses, it was determined that autophagy and arachidonic acid metabolism play significant roles in the response of S. callosus to infection by B. bassiana. This research will facilitate the understanding of the immune response to B. bassiana infection in adult S. callosus, laying a theoretical groundwork for future biological control strategies targeting S. callosus.