bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hermite–Hadamard–Mercer Inequalities Associated with Twice-Differentiable Functions with Applications
Authors: Ali Muhammad Aamir , Sitthiwirattham Thanin , Köbis Elisabeth , Hanif Asma
Published: February 2024

In this work, we initially derive an integral identity that incorporates a twice-differentiable function. After establishing the recently created identity, we proceed to demonstrate some new Hermite–Hadamard–Mercer-type inequalities for twice-differentiable convex functions. Additionally, it demonstrates that the recently introduced inequalities have extended certain pre-existing inequalities found in the literature. Finally, we provide applications to the newly established inequalities to verify their usefulness.
Development of End-to-End Artificial Intelligence Models for Surgical Planning in Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion
Authors: Bui Anh Tuan , Le Hieu , Hoang Tung Thanh , Trinh Giam Minh , Shao Hao-Chiang , Tsai Pei-I , Chen Kuan-Jen , Hsieh Kevin Li-Chun , Huang E-Wen , Hsu Ching-Chi , Mathew Mathew , Lee Ching-Yu , Wang Po-Yao , Huang Tsung-Jen , Wu Meng-Huang
Published: February 2024

Transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) is a commonly used technique for treating lumbar degenerative diseases. In this study, we developed a fully computer-supported pipeline to predict both the cage height and the degree of lumbar lordosis subtraction from the pelvic incidence (PI-LL) after TLIF surgery, utilizing preoperative X-ray images. The automated pipeline comprised two primary stages. First, the pretrained BiLuNet deep learning model was employed to extract essential features from X-ray images. Subsequently, five machine learning algorithms were trained using a five-fold cross-validation technique on a dataset of 311 patients to identify the optimal models to predict interbody cage height and postoperative PI-LL. LASSO regression and support vector regression demonstrated superior performance in predicting interbody cage height and postoperative PI-LL, respectively. For cage height prediction, the root mean square error (RMSE) was calculated as 1.01, and the model achieved the highest accuracy at a height of 12 mm, with exact prediction achieved in 54.43% (43/79) of cases. In most of the remaining cases, the prediction error of the model was within 1 mm. Additionally, the model demonstrated satisfactory performance in predicting PI-LL, with an RMSE of 5.19 and an accuracy of 0.81 for PI-LL stratification. In conclusion, our results indicate that machine learning models can reliably predict interbody cage height and postoperative PI-LL.
Evaluating the Metabolic Basis of α-Gal A mRNA Therapy for Fabry Disease
Authors: Zhang Zhendong , Liu Qi , Deng Zhiwen , Liu Jun , Li Shuang , Hong Mei , Peng Yucai
Published: February 2024

mRNA injection-based protein supplementation has emerged as a feasible treatment for Fabry disease. However, whether the introduction of LNP-encapsulated mRNA results in the alteration of metabolomics in an in vivo system remains largely unknown. In the present study, α-galactosidase A (α-Gal A) mRNA was generated and injected into the Fabry disease mouse model. The α-Gal A protein was successfully expressed. The level of globotriaosylsphingosine (Lyso-Gb3), a biomarker for Fabry disease, as well as pro-inflammatory cytokines such as nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB), interleukin 6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), were greatly decreased compared to the untreated control, indicating the therapeutic outcome of the mRNA drug. Metabolomics analysis found that the level of 20 metabolites was significantly altered in the plasma of mRNA-injected mice. These compounds are primarily enriched in the arachidonic acid metabolism, alanine, aspartate and glutamate metabolism, and glycolysis/gluconeogenesis pathways. Arachidonic acid and 5-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (5-HETE), both of which are important components in the eicosanoid pathway and related to inflammation response, were significantly increased in the injected mice, possibly due to the presence of lipid nanoparticles. Moreover, mRNA can effectively alter the level of metabolites in the amino acid and energy metabolic pathways that are commonly found to be suppressed in Fabry disease. Taken together, the present study demonstrated that in addition to supplementing the deficient α-Gal A protein, the mRNA-based therapeutic agent can also affect levels of metabolites that may help in the recovery of metabolic homeostasis in the full body system.
Dupilumab Efficacy on Asthma Functional, Inflammatory, and Patient-Reported Outcomes across Different Disease Phenotypes and Severity: A Real-Life Perspective
Authors: Caminati Marco , Maule Matteo , Benoni Roberto , Bagnasco Diego , Beghè Bianca , Braido Fulvio , Brussino Luisa , Cameli Paolo , Candeliere Maria Giulia , Carpagnano Giovanna Elisiana , Costanzo Giulia , Crimi Claudia , D’Amato Mariella , Del Giacco Stefano , Guarnieri Gabriella , Yacoub Mona-Rita , Micheletto Claudio , Nicola Stefania , Olivieri Bianca , Pini Laura , Schiappoli Michele , Vaia Rachele , Vianello Andrea , Visca Dina , Spanevello Antonio , Senna Gianenrico
Published: February 2024

Dupilumab is currently approved for the treatment of Type 2 severe asthma and chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP). Few studies have specifically reported on dupilumab efficacy on asthma outcomes as a primary objective in a real-life setting, in patients with and without CRSwNP. Our study aimed to explore the efficacy of dupilumab on functional, inflammatory, and patient-reported outcomes in asthma patients across different disease phenotypes and severity, including mild-to-moderate asthma coexisting with CRSwNP. Data from 3, 6, and 12 months follow-up were analyzed. Asthma (FEV1%, Tiffeneau%, ACT, FeNO, oral steroid use, exacerbation rate, and blood eosinophilia) and polyposis (SNOT22, VAS, NPS) outcomes showed a rapid (3 months) and sustained (6 and 12 months) significant change from baseline, despite most of the patients achieving oral steroid withdrawal. According to the sensitivity analysis, the improvement was not conditioned by either the presence of polyposis or severity of asthma at baseline. Of note, even in the case of milder asthma forms, a significant further improvement was recorded during dupilumab treatment course. Our report provides short-, medium-, and long-term follow-up data on asthma outcomes across different diseases phenotypes and severity, contributing to the real-world evidence related to dupilumab efficacy on upper and lower airways T2 inflammation.
Hypoglycemia Unawareness—A Review on Pathophysiology and Clinical Implications
Authors: Hölzen Laura , Schultes Bernd , Meyhöfer Sebastian M. , Meyhöfer Svenja
Published: February 2024

Hypoglycemia is a particular problem in people with diabetes while it can also occur in other clinical circumstances. Hypoglycemia unawareness describes a condition in which autonomic and neuroglycopenic symptoms of hypoglycemia decrease and hence are hardly perceivable. A failure to recognize hypoglycemia in time can lead to unconsciousness, seizure, and even death. The risk factors include intensive glycemic control, prior episodes of severe hypoglycemia, long duration of diabetes, alcohol consumption, exercise, renal failure, and sepsis. The pathophysiological mechanisms are manifold, but mainly concern altered brain glucose sensing, cerebral adaptations, and an impaired hormonal counterregulation with an attenuated release of glucagon, epinephrine, growth hormone, and other hormones, as well as impaired autonomous and neuroglycopenic symptoms. Physiologically, this counterregulatory response causes blood glucose levels to rise. The impaired hormonal counterregulatory response to recurrent hypoglycemia can lead to a vicious cycle of frequent and poorly recognized hypoglycemic episodes. There is a shift in glycemic threshold to trigger hormonal counterregulation, resulting in hypoglycemia-associated autonomic failure and leading to the clinical syndrome of hypoglycemia unawareness. This clinical syndrome represents a particularly great challenge in diabetes treatment and, thus, prevention of hypoglycemia is crucial in diabetes management. This mini-review provides an overview of hypoglycemia and the associated severe complication of impaired hypoglycemia awareness and its symptoms, pathophysiology, risk factors, consequences, as well as therapeutic strategies.
Advanced Research in Age-Related Macular Degeneration: Special Issue
Authors: Kozhevnikova Oyuna
Published: February 2024

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is an eye disease that is the leading cause of irreversible vision loss in people over 55 years of age [...]
Deep Learning Techniques to Characterize the RPS28P7 Pseudogene and the Metazoa-SRP Gene as Drug Potential Targets in Pancreatic Cancer Patients
Authors: Salgado Iván , Prado Montes de Oca Ernesto , Chairez Isaac , Figueroa-Yáñez Luis , Pereira-Santana Alejandro , Rivera Chávez Andrés , Velázquez-Fernandez Jesús Bernardino , Alvarado Parra Teresa , Vallejo Adriana
Published: February 2024

The molecular explanation about why some pancreatic cancer (PaCa) patients die early and others die later is poorly understood. This study aimed to discover potential novel markers and drug targets that could be useful to stratify and extend expected survival in prospective early-death patients. We deployed a deep learning algorithm and analyzed the gene copy number, gene expression, and protein expression data of death versus alive PaCa patients from the GDC cohort. The genes with higher relative amplification (copy number >4 times in the dead compared with the alive group) were EWSR1, FLT3, GPC3, HIF1A, HLF, and MEN1. The most highly up-regulated genes (>8.5-fold change) in the death group were RPL30, RPL37, RPS28P7, RPS11, Metazoa_SRP, CAPNS1, FN1, H3−3B, LCN2, and OAZ1. None of their corresponding proteins were up or down-regulated in the death group. The mRNA of the RPS28P7 pseudogene could act as ceRNA sponging the miRNA that was originally directed to the parental gene RPS28. We propose RPS28P7 mRNA as the most druggable target that can be modulated with small molecules or the RNA technology approach. These markers could be added as criteria to patient stratification in future PaCa drug trials, but further validation in the target populations is encouraged.
The Role of the ADAMTS18 Gene-Induced Immune Microenvironment in Mouse Kidney Development
Authors: Xu Ben , Zhang Jia-En , Ye Lin , Yuan Chang-Wei
Published: February 2024

The aim of this study is to investigate the role of the ADAMTS18 gene in regulating the renal development of mice. PAS staining was used to observe the kidney development of E12.5–E17.5 mice, while immunofluorescence staining and RT-PCR were used to observe the expression of ADAMTS18. Ureteric bud (UB) branches were observed using immunofluorescence staining using the UB marker E-cadherin, and the apoptosis and proliferation of posterior renal mesenchymal cells were analyzed using TUNEL and PH3 fluorescence staining. Flow cytometry was used to analyze the immune cell infiltration, and western blotting (WB) was used to analyze the expression of PD-1/PD-L1 and CTLA-4. As a result, the ADAMTS18 gene expression gradually increased as the kidney continued to mature during embryonic development. Compared with that in the control and vector groups, UB branching was significantly reduced in the ADAMTS18 deletion group (p < 0.05), but that deletion of ADAMTS18 did not affect posterior renal mesenchymal cell proliferation or apoptosis (p > 0.05). Compared with those in the control and vector groups, the proportion of embryonic kidney B cells and the proportion of CD8+ cells were significantly greater after ADAMTS18 was knocked down (p < 0.05), but the difference in neutrophil counts was not significant (p > 0.05). The WB analysis revealed that the PD-1/PD-L1 and CTLA-4 expression was significantly increased after ADAMTS18 was knocked down (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the ADAMTS18 gene may be involved in mice kidney development by regulating the immune microenvironment and activating immune checkpoints. Deletion of the ADAMTS18 gene may be unfavorable for kidney development.
Exploring the Multifaceted Landscape of MASLD: A Comprehensive Synthesis of Recent Studies, from Pathophysiology to Organoids and Beyond
Authors: Soto Allison , Spongberg Colby , Martinino Alessandro , Giovinazzo Francesco
Published: February 2024

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a widespread contributor to chronic liver disease globally. A recent consensus on renaming liver disease was established, and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease, MASLD, was chosen as the replacement for NAFLD. The disease’s range extends from the less severe MASLD, previously known as non-alcoholic fatty liver (NAFL), to the more intense metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), previously known as non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), characterized by inflammation and apoptosis. This research project endeavors to comprehensively synthesize the most recent studies on MASLD, encompassing a wide spectrum of topics such as pathophysiology, risk factors, dietary influences, lifestyle management, genetics, epigenetics, therapeutic approaches, and the prospective trajectory of MASLD, particularly exploring its connection with organoids.
A Study on the Impact of Financial Literacy and Digital Capabilities on Entrepreneurial Intention: Mediating Effect of Entrepreneurship
Authors: Kang Gyung-Lan , Park Cheol-Woo , Jang Seung-Hwan
Published: February 2024

In the post-COVID-19 era, the content of work and the necessary skills are rapidly changing due to the digital transformation of the way people work. Entrepreneurial adaptability and digital capability are the most necessary competencies for exploring opportunities and quickly turning them into a professional career amid a crisis. Financial literacy is also essential for expanding skills in economic and social life. The purpose of this study is to verify the influence of university students’ financial literacy and digital capability on entrepreneurial intention and the mediating effect of entrepreneurship. To this end, a survey was conducted on university students in Busan and Gyeongnam, and a sample of 162 respondents was verified using SPSS 28.0. As a result of the study, it was found that financial literacy had a partially positive effect on entrepreneurship and entrepreneurial intention. Digital capability was found to have a positive effect on entrepreneurship and entrepreneurial intention. It was found that entrepreneurship had a partially positive effect on entrepreneurial intention. It was found that entrepreneurship had a partially positive mediating effect between financial literacy and entrepreneurial intention. It was found that entrepreneurship had a positive mediating effect between digital capability and entrepreneurial intention. As a result of this study, it was confirmed that financial literacy, digital capability, and entrepreneurship are very important competencies for university students to adapt to new trends and promote start-ups in a rapidly changing job environment after COVID-19, suggesting the need for further education.
Temporal Landmarks and Nostalgic Consumption: The Role of the Need to Belong
Authors: Song Sigen , Tian Min , Fan Qingji , Zhang Yi
Published: February 2024

This study investigates the influence of temporal landmarks on nostalgic consumption through the mediating role of the need to belong. In particular, the study identifies end landmarks as one of the triggers of landmarks, a phenomenon that has not been studied in the existing nostalgic consumption literature. The research is composed of one pilot study and three experiments to test our research hypotheses. The results show that end temporal landmarks trigger feelings of nostalgia, which leads to nostalgic consumption through the need to belong. This study underscores the mediating role of the need to belong, which plays an important role in leading to nostalgic consumption. Building upon theoretical perspectives on the need to belong, our study enriches the research literature by linking extreme consumer emotional statuses, such as social anxiety, to the consumer need to belong, showing that consumer nostalgic consumption can become a coping strategy that counteracts these negative feelings and helps in regaining connection and supporting social relationship networks. Marketers may use the signs of end temporal landmarks to increase consumers’ nostalgia, which, in turn, will enhance consumers’ need to belong and thus lead to the purchasing and consumption of nostalgic products.
A BIM-Based Approach for Assessing Occupational Health Risks in a Building Construction Project
Authors: Jangam Apurva , Cheriyan Daniel , Choi Jae-Ho
Published: February 2024

Construction work sites and the surrounding built environments are notable contributors to atmosphere dust particulate matter (PM) emissions. PM produced in construction processes contain a range of chemically hazardous substances, posing significant health risks (HR) to individuals. As such, the evaluation of occupational HR in construction has become a focal point of interest internationally. Initiated in the early 2000s, there has been a growing demand within the construction research community for the creation of a unified PM database that encapsulates a wide array of construction activities. Previous studies have endeavored to establish a PM database for various construction contexts, yet they have fallen short in thoroughly addressing the diversity of construction materials and the levels of toxic substances (TS) within the PM. This research introduced a comprehensive PM and TS dataset and conducted a case study to measure the HR associated with diverse construction processes. This was accomplished by implementing a semi-automated Building Information Modeling (BIM) version 2020-based plugin, which streamlines the assessment of occupational HR in construction projects. This system provides construction supervisors with a tool to visually assess the HR of daily operations, thereby facilitating the adoption of preemptive measures to protect the health of construction workers.
Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer—Tumor Biology
Authors: Rojiani Mumtaz V. , Rojiani Amyn M.
Published: February 2024

Lung cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related mortality worldwide among men and women [...]
A Multifunctional, Low Cost and Sustainable Neonatal Database System
Authors: Pinheiro Joaquim M. B. , Fisher Marilyn , Munshi Upender K. , Khalak Rubia , Tauber Kate A. , Cummings James J. , Cerone Jennifer B. , Monaco-Brown Meredith , Geis Gina , Chowdhry Rehman , Fay Mary , Paul Anshu A. , Levine Carolyn , Pan Phillip , Horgan Michael J.
Published: February 2024

Continuous improvement in the clinical performance of neonatal intensive care units (NICU) depends on the use of locally relevant, reliable data. However, neonatal databases with these characteristics are typically unavailable in NICUs using paper-based records, while in those using electronic records, the inaccuracy of data and the inability to customize commercial data systems limit their usability for quality improvement or research purposes. We describe the characteristics and uses of a simple, neonatologist-centered data system that has been successfully maintained for 30 years, with minimal resources and serving multiple purposes, including quality improvement, administrative, research support and educational functions. Structurally, our system comprises customized paper and electronic components, while key functional aspects include the attending-based recording of diagnoses, integration into clinical workflows, multilevel data accuracy and validation checks, and periodic reporting on both data quality and NICU performance results. We provide examples of data validation methods and trends observed over three decades, and discuss essential elements for the successful implementation of this system. This database is reliable and easily maintained; it can be developed from simple paper-based forms or used to supplement the functionality and end-user customizability of existing electronic medical records. This system should be readily adaptable to NICUs in either high- or limited-resource environments.
The Yinshan Mountains Record over 10,000 Landslides
Authors: Sun Jingjing , Xu Chong , Feng Liye , Li Lei , Zhang Xuewei , Yang Wentao
Published: February 2024

China boasts a vast expanse of mountainous terrain, characterized by intricate geological conditions and structural features, resulting in frequent geological disasters. Among these, landslides, as prototypical geological hazards, pose significant threats to both lives and property. Consequently, conducting a comprehensive landslide inventory in mountainous regions is imperative for current research. This study concentrates on the Yinshan Mountains, an ancient fault-block mountain range spanning east–west in the central Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, extending from Langshan Mountains in the west to Damaqun Mountains in the east, with the narrow sense Xiao–Yin Mountains District in between. Employing multi-temporal high-resolution remote sensing images from Google Earth, this study conducted visual interpretation, identifying 10,968 landslides in the Yinshan area, encompassing a total area of 308.94 km2. The largest landslide occupies 2.95 km2, while the smallest covers 84.47 m2. Specifically, the Langshan area comprises 331 landslides with a total area of 11.96 km2, the narrow sense Xiao–Yin Mountains include 3393 landslides covering 64.13 km2, and the Manhan Mountains, Damaqun Mountains, and adjacent areas account for 7244 landslides over a total area of 232.85 km2. This research not only contributes to global landslide cataloging initiatives but also serves as a robust foundation for future geohazard prevention and management efforts.
Data in Astrophysics and Geophysics: Novel Research and Applications
Authors: Srećković Vladimir A. , Dimitrijević Milan S. , Mijić Zoran R.
Published: February 2024

Rapid development of communication technologies and constant technological improvements as a result of scientific discoveries require the establishment of specific databases [...]
Current Trends in Diagnosis and Treatment Approach of Diabetic Retinopathy during Pregnancy: A Narrative Review
Authors: Rosu Luminioara M. , Prodan-Bărbulescu Cătălin , Maghiari Anca Laura , Bernad Elena S. , Bernad Robert L. , Iacob Roxana , Stoicescu Emil Robert , Borozan Florina , Ghenciu Laura Andreea
Published: February 2024

Diabetes mellitus during pregnancy and gestational diabetes are major concerns worldwide. These conditions may lead to the development of severe diabetic retinopathy during pregnancy or worsen pre-existing cases. Gestational diabetes also increases the risk of diabetes for both the mother and the fetus in the future. Understanding the prevalence, evaluating risk factors contributing to pathogenesis, and identifying treatment challenges related to diabetic retinopathy in expectant mothers are all of utmost importance. Pregnancy-related physiological changes, including those in metabolism, blood flow, immunity, and hormones, can contribute to the development or worsening of diabetic retinopathy. If left untreated, this condition may eventually result in irreversible vision loss. Treatment options such as laser therapy, intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor drugs, and intravitreal steroids pose challenges in managing these patients without endangering the developing baby and mother. This narrative review describes the management of diabetic retinopathy during pregnancy, highlights its risk factors, pathophysiology, and diagnostic methods, and offers recommendations based on findings from previous literature.
68Ga-DOTATATE and 68Ga-Pentixafor PET/CT in a Patient with Castleman Disease of the Retroperitoneum
Authors: Zuo Rui , Xu Lu , Pang Hua
Published: February 2024

This is a case of a 42-year-old man with recurrent symptoms of dizziness and a newly found retroperitoneal mass with no 131I-MIBG uptake who was referred for restaging with 68Ga-DOTATATE PET/CT and local 68Ga-pentixafor PET/CT. The examinations both showed intense radioactivity uptake in the retroperitoneal mass and no abnormal uptake in the right adrenal nodule. Two lesions showed distinct properties of radioactivity uptake, which suggested the possibility of different sources. A postoperative pathological test revealed that the morphology and immunohistochemistry of the retroperitoneal mass was found to be consistent with Castleman disease, and the right adrenal gland was normal tissue.
Appointments Needed for Complete Denture for Frail Older Adults Residing in Long-Term Care Facilities: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Altuwaijri Sahr H. , Champirat Tharee , Wyatt Chris
Published: February 2024

Frail older adults who reside in long-term care (LTC) facilities face multiple barriers in receiving dental care. In edentulous LTC patients, the fabrication of complete dentures (CDs) can present challenges, leading to an increase in procedural or post-insertion appointments. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to document the number of fabrication and post-insertion follow-up appointments for CDs in frail older adults residing in LTC facilities. Data were collected from electronic patient records (AxiUm) and the Index of Clinical Oral Disorder in Elders (CODE) software utilized by the University of British Columbia Geriatric Dentistry Program from 2002 to 2018. A total of 362 CDs were fabricated between 2002 and 2018 in 272 patients. The mean number of visits required was 4.13 and 4.32, with standard deviations (Std) of 1.45 and 1.25 needed to fabricate maxillary CDs and mandibular CDs, respectively. The mean number of follow-up visits was 1.04 for maxillary dentures and 1.09 for mandibular dentures, with an Std of 1.25 for both, similar to the results obtained for adult patients in community dental clinics. Several factors were found to be associated with an increased number of CD fabrication and follow-up visits. Pre-operative assessment of the patient’s cognitive/physical status and intra-oral condition may indicate the estimated time needed to fabricate CDs.
Revitalizing Sustainability in Mathematics Education: The Case of the New Norwegian Curriculum
Authors: Tesfamicael Solomon A. , Enge Ole
Published: February 2024

This paper aims to discuss the revitalization of education for sustainable development (ESD) in mathematics education, particularly in relation to mathematics curricula for grades 1–10, using the example of the new Norwegian curriculum, LK20, which came into effect at the beginning of the 2020 school year. Several studies in the past two decades have identified disengagement of sustainability learning (SL) within mathematics education and called for a change in the philosophy of mathematics education to integrate sustainability into the teaching and learning of mathematics. Using the qualitative content analysis method, we examined three types of documents: the core curriculum, the mathematics curriculum, and one Norwegian mathematics textbook series called Matemagisk. We find that sustainable development (SD) is one of the interdisciplinary issues addressed in LK20. Even though the mathematics curriculum does not explicitly incorporate terms such as ‘sustainability’ or ‘sustainable development’, indicating that mathematics and sustainability are unconnected, its six core elements—exploration and problem-solving, modeling and applications, reasoning and argumentation, representation and communication, abstraction and generalization, and mathematical fields of knowledge—provide opportunities for integrating sustainability learning (SL). On the other hand, looking at one of the mathematics textbook series, Matemagisk, for grades 4, 7, and 10, it appears that tasks that use sustainability contexts were included implicitly or explicitly, indicating another opportunity to facilitate sustainable learning. By including sustainability contexts in tasks and mathematical activities, it is possible to boost the process of embedding ESD in mathematics education without compromising content.
Beyond Legal Constraints: Understanding Barriers to Humanizing Responses in the Aftermath of Hate Speech at Private Universities
Authors: Epstein Eliza Morse Bentley , Ngaosi Nicole Cruz , Khalayleh Noor , Garces Liliana M. , Pedota Jackie
Published: February 2024

Supreme Court rulings prevent public institutions from censoring hate speech for content—even if that content has damaging consequences for marginalized students and conflicts with other institutional objectives. This case study examines administrator responses to hate speech and impacts for racial inclusion at a private university unconstrained by First Amendment protections. The findings illustrate that, even in contexts where administrators have both the constitutional leeway to enact stricter speech policies and a deep investment in building an anti-racist community, normative understandings about freedom of expression hamper efforts for racial inclusion and humanizing responses. We propose an “inclusive freedom” approach that leverages norms of academic freedom as a path forward for postsecondary institutions to address harm in the aftermath of hate speech.
Unsupervised Learning for Enhanced Computed Photoacoustic Microscopy
Authors: Yang Lulin , Chen Wenjing , Kou Tingdong , Li Chenyang , You Meng , Shen Junfei
Published: February 2024

Photoacoustic microscopy (PAM) is a medical-imaging technique with the merits of high contrast and resolution. Nevertheless, conventional PAM scans specimens in a diameter-by-diameter fashion, resulting in a time-consuming process. Furthermore, deep-learning-based PAM image enhancement necessitates acquiring ground-truth data for training purposes. In this paper, we built an optical-resolution photoacoustic microscopy system and introduced an innovative unsupervised-learning algorithm. First, we enhanced the rotational-scanning method, transitioning from a diameter-by-diameter approach to a sector-by-sector one, significantly reducing imaging time (from 280 s to 109 s). Second, by establishing a metric for unsupervised learning, we eliminated the need for collecting reliable and high-quality ground truth, which is a challenging task in photoacoustic microscopy. A total of 324 pairs of datasets (mouse ears) were collected for unsupervised learning, with 274 for training and 50 for testing. Additionally, carbon-fiber data were sampled for lateral resolution and contrast evaluation, as well as the effective rate evaluation of the algorithm. The enhanced images demonstrated superior performance compared with that of maximum projection, both subjectively and objectively. A 76% improvement in the lateral resolution was observed. The effective rate of the algorithm was measured to be 100%, which was tested on 50 random samples. The technique presented in this paper holds substantial potential for image postprocessing and opens new avenues for unsupervised learning in photoacoustic microscopy.
Analysis of Factors Driving Subtropical Forest Phenology Differentiation, Considering Temperature and Precipitation Time-Lag Effects: A Case Study of Fujian Province
Authors: Ma Menglu , Zhang Hao , Qin Jushuang , Liu Yutian , Wu Baoguo , Su Xiaohui
Published: February 2024

Subtropical forest phenology differentiation is affected by temperature, precipitation, and topography. Understanding the primary contributing elements and their interactions with forest phenology can help people better comprehend the subtropical forest growth process and its response to climate. Meanwhile, the temporal and spatial variations of phenological rhythms are important indicators of climatic impacts on forests. Therefore, this study aimed to analyze both a total area and different forest growth environments within the whole (i.e., coastal site areas (II, IV) and inland site areas (I, III)) as to spatiotemporal patterns associated with subtropical forests in Fujian Province, which is located at the boundary between the middle and south subtropical zones. Considering the asymmetric effects of climate and forest growth, this study chose pre-seasonal and cumulative temperature and precipitation factors and utilized the GeoDetector model to analyze the dominant drivers and interactions within phenology differentiation in Fujian Province. The results show the following: (1) All of the phenological parameters were advanced or shortened over the 19-year observation period; those of shrubland and deciduous broadleaf forests fluctuated greatly, and their stability was poor. (2) The phenological parameters were more distinct at the borders of the site areas. Additionally, the dates associated with the end of the growth season (EOS) and the date-position of peak value (POP) in coastal areas (i.e., II and IV) were later than those in inland areas (i.e., I and III). Among the parameters, the length of the growth season (LOS) was most sensitive to altitude. (3) Precipitation was the main driving factor affecting the spatial heterogeneity of the start of the growth season (SOS) and the EOS. The relatively strong effects of preseason and current-month temperatures on the SOS may be influenced by the temperature threshold required to break bud dormancy, and the relationship between the SOS and temperature was related to the lag time and the length of accumulation. The EOS was susceptible to the hydrothermal conditions of the preseason accumulation, and the variation trend was negatively correlated with temperature and precipitation. Spatial attribution was used to analyze the attribution of phenology differentiation from the perspectives of different regions, thus revealing the relationships between forest phenology and meteorological time-lag effects, the result which can contribute to targeted guidance and support for scientific forest management.
Fermentation Techniques and Biotechnological Applications of Modified Bacterial Cellulose: An Up-to-Date Overview
Authors: Sayah Islam , Gervasi Claudio , Achour Sami , Gervasi Teresa
Published: February 2024

Bacterial cellulose (BC) is a pure exocellular polysaccharide produced by micro-organisms. It has several properties in comparison with plant-derived cellulose that make it perfectly suitable for many applications, ranging from the food industry to the biomedical area. Different production methods and modification or functionalization procedures have been investigated in response to the many possible attractive applications of BC. This review overviews the different fermentation techniques and functionalization methods together with the main possible biotechnological applications of BC for food industry and biomedical purposes.
Mixotrophic Syngas Conversion Enables the Production of meso-2,3-butanediol with Clostridium autoethanogenum
Authors: Oppelt Anne , Rückel Anton , Rupp Markus , Weuster-Botz Dirk
Published: February 2024

Providing simultaneously autotrophic and heterotrophic carbon sources is a promising strategy to overcome the limits of autotrophic syngas fermentations. D-xylose and L-arabinose are particularly interesting as they can be obtained by the hydrolysis of lignocellulosic biomass. The individual conversion of varying initial concentrations of these pentoses and D-fructose as reference was studied with C. autoethanogenum in fully controlled stirred-tank reactors with a continuous syngas supply. All mixotrophic batch processes showed increased biomass and product formation compared to an autotrophic reference process. Simultaneous CO and D-xylose or L-arabinose conversion was observed in contrast to D-fructose. In the mixotrophic batch processes with L-arabinose or D-xylose, the simultaneous CO and sugar conversion resulted in high final alcohol-to-acid ratios of up to 58 g g−1. L-arabinose was superior as a mixotrophic carbon source because biomass and alcohol concentrations (ethanol and 2,3-butanediol) were highest, and significant amounts of meso-2,3-butanediol (>1 g L−1) in addition to D-2,3-butanediol (>2 g L−1) were solely produced with L-arabinose. Furthermore, C. autoethanogenum could not produce meso-2,3 butanediol under purely heterotrophic conditions. The mixotrophic production of meso-2,3-butanediol from L-arabinose and syngas, both available from residual lignocellulosic biomass, is very promising for use as a monomer for bio-based polyurethanes or as an antiseptic agent.
The Effect of Copper–Cadmium Co-Exposure and Hormone Remediation on the Ovarian Transcriptome of Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)
Authors: Wu Yijie , Chen Liting , Yan Xin , Xiao Jun , Ma Zhirui , Tang Zhanyang , Guo Zhongbao , Li Liping , Tong Guixiang , Tan Honglian , Chen Fuyan , Wei Xinxian , Huang Ting , Luo Yongju
Published: February 2024

The escalating problem of copper (Cu) and cadmium (Cd) pollution in aquatic environments poses a significant threat to the ovarian tissue and reproductive capacity of fish, hindering the development of the aquaculture industry. However, the combined effects of Cu and Cd on fish gonadal development remain unclear. In this study, the fish species Nile tilapia was stressed with rearing water containing 300 μg/L Cu2+ and 100 μg/L Cd2+ for 30 days, followed by an intraperitoneal injection of luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH-α) and human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) at various concentrations. We investigated the ovarian transcriptome profiles before and after injection. Prior to injection, combined treatment with Cu and Cd resulted in reproductive dysfunction and metal ion imbalance in tilapia. Transcriptomic profiling revealed differential gene annotation concentrated in the MAPK signaling pathway and regulation of GTPase activity. Post-injection, all concentrations of LHRH-α and HCG groups showed an upregulated gonadosomatic index (G.S.I) and higher levels of vitellogenin (VTG), gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), gonadotropin (GTH), and estrogen (E2) in serum compared to the negative control group. Transcriptomic analysis revealed alterations in various ovarian signaling pathways, preliminarily revealing the in vivo molecular mechanisms and differences in LHRH-α and HCG. The findings from this study could help us better understand how to counteract the effects of combined Cu and Cd exposure on tilapia ovarian development, which has significant implications for the Nile tilapia aquaculture industry.
In Vitro Hypoglycemic Activities of Lactobacilli and Bifidobacterium Strains from Healthy Children’s Sources and Their Effect on Stimulating GLP-1 Secretion in STC-1 Cells
Authors: Cheng Zhiliang , Chen Jingru , Zhang Yulong , Li Xinyi , Zhang Ning , Liu Fei , Jiao Yuehua
Published: February 2024

A long-term use of chemical drugs cannot cure type II diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and their numerous toxic side effects can be harmful to human health. In recent years, probiotics have emerged as a natural resource to replace chemical drugs in alleviating many human ailments. Healthy children’s intestines have a lot of colonized Lactobacilli and Bifidobacterium, and these beneficial bacteria can help promote overall health. The objective of this study was to isolate potential antidiabetic probiotic strains from healthy children and evaluate their application prospects. Firstly, Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium strains were isolated from healthy children’s feces and identified by the pheS or clpC genes with their respective 16S rRNA genes. Then, hydrophobicity, artificial gastrointestinal fluid tolerance, α-Glucosidase and Dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP-IV) inhibitory activities of isolated strains were determined, and antioxidant activities and promoting secretion of GLP-1 in STC-1 cells of candidate strains were tested. Results showed that 6 strains of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium were obtained from the feces of healthy children aged 3 years, respectively, including Lacticaseibacillus paracasei L-21 and L-25, Levilactobacillus brevis L-16, Lentilactobacillus buchneri L-9, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum L-8 and L-3, Bifidobacterium bifidum 11-1 and B-84, Bifidobacterium longum subsp. longum 6-1, 6-2, B42 and B53. The hydrophobicity and auto-aggregation levels of all these strains were higher than 30% and 50%, respectively, and the decrease in the number of colonies of all strains in the artificial gastrointestinal fluid was less than 2 log CFU/mL. Strains L-3, L-8, L-9, L-21, 6-1, 11-1, B53 and B84 were selected based on their high α-glucosidase inhibitory activity and DPP-IV inhibitory activity, and results of the antioxidant capacity assay showed that the remaining strains all had intense comprehensive antioxidant activity. Additionally, Lacticaseibacillus paracasei L-21 and Bifidobacterium longum subsp. longum B-53 had the most substantial prompting effect on GLP-1 secretion in the STC-1 cell line. These results indicated that Lacticaseibacillus paracasei L-21 and Bifidobacterium longum subsp. longum B-53 could be used as a potential antidiabetic strain; thus, its application as a food supplement and drug ingredient could be recommended after in vivo mitigation of type II diabetes test.
Effects of Quality Enhancement of Frozen Tuna Fillets Using Ultrasound-Assisted Salting: Physicochemical Properties, Histology, and Proteomics
Authors: He Yuke , Zhao Zhou , Wu Yaogang , Lu Zhiyuan , Zhao Caibo , Xiao Juan , Guo Zhiqiang
Published: February 2024

Salting pretreatment is an effective method to improve the quality of frozen fish. This study investigated the quality changes and proteomic profile differences of frozen yellowfin tuna fillets pretreated with ultrasound-assisted salting (UAS) and static salting (SS). This study was centered on three aspects: physicochemical indicators’ determination, histological observation, and proteomic analysis. The results showed that UAS significantly increased yield, salt content, and water-holding capacity (WHC), decreased total volatile base nitrogen (TVBN) compared to SS (p < 0.05), and significantly increased water in the protein matrix within myofibrils. Histological observations showed that the tissue cells in the UAS group were less affected by frozen damage, with a more swollen structure and rougher surface of myofibrils observed. Furthermore, 4D label-free proteomics revealed 56 differentially abundant proteins (DAPs) in UAS vs. NT comparison, mainly structural proteins, metabolic enzymes, proteasomes, and their subunits, which are associated with metabolic pathways such as calcium signaling pathway, gap junction, actin cytoskeletal regulation, and necroptosis, which are intimately associated with quality changes in freeze-stored tuna fillets. In brief, UAS enhances the potential for the application of salting pretreatment to improve frozen meat quality, and 4D label-free proteomics provides knowledge to reveal the potential links between quality and molecular changes in processed frozen meat to optimize future UAS meat processing.
What Is the Effect of Seismic Swarms on Short-Term Seismic Hazard and Gutenberg-Richter b-Value Temporal Variation? Examples from Central Italy, October–November 2023
Authors: Spassiani Ilaria , Taroni Matteo
Published: February 2024

A seismic hazard can be quantified by using probabilities. Modern seismic forecasting models (e.g., Operational Earthquake Forecasting systems) allow us to quantify the short-term variations in such probabilities. Indeed these probabilities change with time and space, in particular after strong seismic events. However, the short-term seismic hazard could also change during seismic swarms, i.e., a sequence with several small-/medium-sized events. The goal of this work is to quantify these changes, using the Italian Operational Earthquake Forecasting system, and also estimate the variations in the Gutenberg–Richter b-value. We focus our attention on three seismic swarms that occurred in Central Italy in October–November 2023. Our results indicate that short-term variations in seismic hazard are limited, less than an order of magnitude, and also that b-value variations are not significant. Placing our findings in a more general context, we can state that according to currently available models and catalogs, the occurrence of seismic swarms does not significantly affect the short-term seismic hazard.
Personalizing Communication of Clinicians with Chronically Ill Elders in Digital Encounters—A Patient-Centered View
Authors: Gabay Gillie , Ornoy Hana , Gere Attila , Moskowitz Howard
Published: February 2024

Background: Chronically ill elderly patients are concerned about losing the personal connection with clinicians in digital encounters and clinicians are concerned about missing nonverbal cues that are important for the diagnosis, thus jeopardizing quality of care. Aims: This study validated the expectations and preferences of chronically ill elderly patients regarding specific communication messages for communication with clinicians in telemedicine. Methods: The sample comprised 600 elderly chronically ill patients who use telehealth. We used a conjoint-based experimental design to test numerous messages. The outcome variable is elder patient expectations from communication with clinicians in telemedicine. The independent variables were known categories of patient–clinician communication. Respondents rated each of the 24 vignettes of messages. Results: Mathematical clustering yielded three mindsets, with statistically significant differences among them. Members of mindset 1 were most concerned with non-verbal communication, members of mindset 2 prefer communication that enhances the internal locus of control, and members of mindset 3 have an external locus of control and strongly oppose any dialogue about their expectations from communication. Conclusions: The use of the predictive algorithm that we developed enables clinicians to identify the belonging of each chronically ill elderly patient in the clinic to a sample mindset, and to accordingly personalize the communication in the digital encounters while structuring the encounter with greater specificity, therefore enhancing patient-centered care.
Fear of Cancer Progression: A Comparison between the Fear of Progression Questionnaire (FoP-Q-12) and the Concerns about Recurrence Questionnaire (CARQ-4)
Authors: Hinz Andreas , Schulte Thomas , Mehnert-Theuerkauf Anja , Richter Diana , Sender Annekathrin , Brock Hannah , Friedrich Michael , Briest Susanne
Published: February 2024

As cancer patients often suffer from fear of cancer progression (FoP), valid screening for FoP is of high relevance. The aims of this study were to test psychometric properties of two FoP questionnaires, to determine their relationship to other anxiety-related constructs, and to analyze the impact of sociodemographic and clinical factors on the FoP. Our sample consisted of n = 1733 patients with mixed cancer diagnoses. For measuring FoP, the Fear of Progression questionnaire (FoP-Q-12) and the Concerns About Cancer Recurrence Questionnaire (CARQ-4) were used. The mean scores of the FoP-Q-12 and the CARQ-4 were 30.0 ± 10.4 and 16.1 ± 10.8, respectively, indicating relatively high levels of FoP. Both questionnaires showed excellent internal consistency coefficients, α = 0.895 and α = 0.915, respectively. The correlation between the two FoP questionnaires was r = 0.72. Female patients reported more FoP than male patients (d = 0.84 and d = 0.54, respectively). There was a nonlinear age dependency of FoP, with an increase found in the age range from 18 to 50 years and a decrease in the older age range. Radiation, chemotherapy, and antibody therapy, but not surgery, lead to an increase in FoP. Both questionnaires show good psychometric properties and can be recommended for use in an oncological routine. Female patients and patients in the middle-age range deserve special attention from healthcare providers.