bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cumulative Effects of Watershed Disturbances and Run-of-river Dams on Mercury Cycling: Case Study and Recommendations for Environmental Managers
Authors: Amyot M. , Bilodeau F. , Tremblay A. , Planas D. , Walsh D. , Ponton D. E.
Published: May 2024

Run-of-river power plants (ROR) represent the majority of hydroelectric plants worldwide. Their environmental impacts are not well documented and are believed to be limited, particularly regarding the contamination of food webs by methylmercury (MeHg), a neurotoxin. RORs are typically installed in small rivers where combined effects of watershed disturbances with dam construction can complicate environmental management. We report a multi-year case study on the Saint-Maurice River (Canada) where an unpredicted temporary increase in MeHg accumulation in predator fish was observed after the construction of two ROR plants. The associated pondages acted as sedimentation basins for mercury (Hg) and organic matter from a watershed disturbed by a forest fire and by logging. This fresh organic carbon likely fueled microbial MeHg production. Hg methylation was more associated with environmental conditions than to the presence of Hg, and main methylating microbial groups were identified. A constructed wetland was a site of significant Hg methylation but was not the main source of the fish Hg increase. Organic carbon degradation was the main driver of MeHg accumulation at the base of the food chain whereas trophic levels explained the variations at the top of the food chain. Overall, carbon cycling was a key driver of Hg dynamics in this system, and ROR plants can cause temporary (ca. 12 years) Hg increase in food webs when developed in disturbed watersheds, although this increase is smaller than for large reservoirs. Recommendations for future ROR construction are to establish a good environmental monitoring plan with initial high temporal resolution and to consider recent and potential watershed disturbances in the plan.
Perception of skin cancer risk and sun protective practices in individuals with vitiligo: a prospective international cross-sectional survey
Authors: Gonzalez Sarah , Mora Hurtado Arielle Carolina , Syder Nicole C. , Rodman Jack , Elbuluk Nada
Published: May 2024

Many individuals with vitiligo are uncertain about their skin cancer risk, phototherapy risks, and recommended sun protective practices. This study examined the perceived skin cancer risk and sun protective practices among individuals living with vitiligo. A secondary objective was to understand where participants obtain this information. This was a prospective cross-sectional study. An online survey was distributed to vitiligo support group leaders globally who shared the survey with their members. Individuals over the age of 18 and with vitiligo were included. There were 209 survey respondents, the majority were between the ages 35–54 (45.5%, n = 95), female (70.8%, n = 148), White (66.0%, n = 138). Nearly half of respondents believed they were at increased risk of skin cancer because of their vitiligo (45.5%, n = 95) and nearly a quarter (22.5%, n = 47) believed that phototherapy increased their risk of skin cancer. Having vitiligo affected sun protective practices with less than a quarter (24.4%, n = 51) of respondents using sunscreen daily or often prior to their vitiligo diagnosis in comparison to the majority of respondents (60.3%, n = 126) using it after their vitiligo diagnosis. The three most common sources where patients obtained information were the internet and social media (46.4%, n = 97), vitiligo support groups (23.4%, n = 49), and dermatologists (20.6%, n = 43). Despite evidence indicating a decreased risk of skin cancer in individuals with vitiligo and supporting the safety of narrowband ultraviolet B phototherapy, many participants believed they were at an increased risk of skin cancer. Findings were sub-stratified and showed differences in sunscreen usage based on gender, skin color, and percent depigmentation. This study also found nearly half of respondents obtained information related to vitiligo from the internet and social media. The number of participants may limit the generalizability of the findings. Survey questionnaires are also subject to response bias. The findings from this study highlight demographic variations in sunscreen usage which may help guide the development of targeted interventions to improve sun protective behaviors among diverse populations with vitiligo. In addition, this study suggests certain sun protective practices and skin cancer risk perceptions may vary based on extent of depigmentation. Lastly, this study also demonstrates the internet and social media as a popular source for obtaining information, emphasizing the need for dermatologists to leverage various online communication channels to help disseminate accurate information.
How much of the variance in functional outcome related to intracerebral hemorrhage volume is already apparent in neurological status at admission?
Authors: Geest Vincent , Oblak Janja Pretnar , Popović Katarina Šurlan , Nawabi Jawed , Elsayed Sarah , Friedrich Constanze , Böhmer Maik , Akkurt Burak , Sporns Peter , Morotti Andrea , Schlunk Frieder , Steffen Paul , Broocks Gabriel , Meyer Lukas , Hanning Uta , Thomalla Götz , Gellissen Susanne , Fiehler Jens , Frol Senta , Kniep Helge
Published: May 2024

Background

Hematoma volume is a major pathophysiological hallmark of acute intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). We investigated how the variance in functional outcome induced by the ICH volume is explained by neurological deficits at admission using a mediation model.

Methods

Patients with acute ICH treated in three tertiary stroke centers between January 2010 and April 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. Mediation analysis was performed to investigate the effect of ICH volume (0.8 ml (5% quantile) versus 130.6 ml (95% quantile)) on the risk of unfavorable functional outcome at discharge defined as modified Rankin Score (mRS) ≥ 3 with mediation through National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) at admission. Multivariable regression was conducted to identify factors related to neurological improvement and deterioration.

Results

Three hundred thirty-eight patients were analyzed. One hundred twenty-one patients (36%) achieved mRS ≤ 3 at discharge. Mediation analysis showed that NIHSS on admission explained 30% [13%; 58%] of the ICH volume-induced variance in functional outcome at smaller ICH volume levels, and 14% [4%; 46%] at larger ICH volume levels. Higher ICH volume at admission and brainstem or intraventricular location of ICH were associated with neurological deterioration, while younger age, normotension, lower ICH volumes, and lobar location of ICH were predictors for neurological improvement.

Conclusion

NIHSS at admission reflects 14% of the functional outcome at discharge for larger hematoma volumes and 30% for smaller hematoma volumes. These results underscore the importance of effects not reflected in NIHSS admission for the outcome of ICH patients such as secondary brain injury and early rehabilitation.
Baseline characteristics and recruitment for SWOG S1820: altering intake, managing bowel symptoms in survivors of rectal cancer (AIMS-RC)
Authors: Sun Virginia , Thomson Cynthia A. , Crane Tracy E. , Arnold Kathryn B. , Guthrie Katherine A. , Freylersythe Sarah G. , Braun-Inglis Christa , Jones Lee , Carmichael Joseph C. , Messick Craig , Flaherty Devin , Ambrale Samir , Cohen Stacey A. , Krouse Robert S.
Published: May 2024

Purpose

Many survivors of rectal cancer experience persistent bowel dysfunction. There are few evidence-based symptom management interventions to improve bowel control. The purpose of this study is to describe recruitment and pre-randomization baseline sociodemographic, health status, and clinical characteristics for SWOG S1820, a trial of the Altering Intake, Managing Symptoms in Rectal Cancer (AIMS-RC) intervention.

Methods

SWOG S1820 aimed to determine the preliminary efficacy, feasibility, and acceptability of AIMS-RC, a symptom management intervention for bowel health, comparing intervention to attention control. Survivors with a history of cancers of the rectosigmoid colon or rectum, within 6–24 months of primary treatment completion, with a post-surgical permanent ostomy or anastomosis, and over 18 years of age were enrolled. Outcomes included total bowel function, low anterior resection syndrome, quality of life, motivation for managing bowel health, self-efficacy for managing symptoms, positive and negative affect, and study feasibility and acceptability.

Results

The trial completed accrual over a 29-month period and enrolled 117 participants from 34 institutions across 17 states and one US Pacific territory. At baseline, most enrolled participants reported self-imposed diet adjustments after surgery, persistent dietary intolerances, and bowel discomfort post-treatment, with high levels of constipation and diarrhea (grades 1–4).

Conclusions

SWOG S1820 was able to recruit, in a timely manner, a study cohort that is demographically representative of US survivors of rectal cancer. Baseline characteristics illustrate the connection between diet/eating and bowel symptoms post-treatment, with many participants reporting diet adjustments and persistent inability to be comfortable with dietary intake.

ClinicalTrials.gov registration date

12/19/2019.

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier

NCT#04205955.
Financial hardship experience in middle- and older-aged patients with advanced lung cancer
Authors: Takemura Naomi , Jia Shumin , Lin Chia-Chin
Published: May 2024

Purpose

Advancements in medical treatments have resulted in increased medical costs for cancer patients. More than half of the patients with advanced lung cancer reported unmet financial needs. The purpose of this study is to examine the differences in the prevalence and correlates of financial hardship between middle- and older-aged patients with advanced lung cancer, and its impact on multiple health-related outcomes.

Methods

This study presents a cross-sectional analysis involving 226 patients with advanced lung cancer, who were enrolled in a randomized controlled trial conducted between 2018 and 2020. Data collection was performed through self-reported questionnaires and electronic medical records. Multivariable logistic and linear regression models were adopted for analysis.

Results

58.0% reported experiencing financial hardships. Middle-aged participants who were single and had a lower education level were more likely to experience financial difficulties. However, males and higher performance status were associated with a lower likelihood of experiencing financial difficulties among older-aged participants. Financial hardship was significantly associated with anxiety (p < 0.001), depression (p < 0.001), sleep disturbances (p < 0.001), quality of life, global health status (p = 0.002), functional scale score (p < 0.001), symptom scale score (p < 0.001), and lung cancer-specific scale score (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

More than half of the patients with advanced lung cancer experienced financial hardships caused by cancer or its treatment, with a higher prevalence reported in middle-aged patients. Different sociodemographic and clinical variables correlated with financial hardship in middle- and older-aged participants, respectively. More attention should be paid to middle-aged patients with advanced lung cancer, particularly during routine assessments.
Focus on oliguria during renal replacement therapy
Authors: Zhang Qian , Wang Xiaoting , Chao Yangong , Liu Lixia
Published: May 2024

Oliguria is a clinical symptom characterized by decreased urine output, which can occur at any stage of acute kidney injury and also during renal replacement therapy. In some cases, oliguria may resolve with adjustment of blood purification dose or fluid management, while in others, it may suggest a need for further evaluation and intervention. It is important to determine the underlying cause of oliguria during renal replacement therapy and to develop an appropriate treatment plan. This review looks into the mechanisms of urine production to investigate the mechanism of oliguria during renal replacement therapy from two aspects: diminished glomerular filtration rate and tubular abnormalities. The above conditions all implying a renal oxygen supply–demand imbalance, which is the signal of worsening kidney injury. It also proposes a viable clinical pathway for the treatment and management of patients with acute kidney injury receiving renal replacement therapy.
Post-operative epidural haematoma as complication of overconsumption of dried fruit in lumbar spinal surgery: a case report and review of the literature
Authors: Geldenhuys Elsje-Márie , Ebrahim Mohammed Z. , Grobler Ruan , Stander Marietjie A. , Colling Janine , Vlok Adriaan J.
Published: May 2024

Purpose

Mebos, a traditional South Africa confection consisting of dried, pulped, and sugared apricots, is rich in fibre and vitamins, but also contains salicylic acid, flavonoids, and citric acid. We report a case of postoperative surgical site bleeding in a healthy patient who consumed approximately 2 kg of mebos per day prior to his elective spinal surgery.

Methods

The clinical course of a previously healthy 54-year-old male patient with cauda equina syndrome secondary to lumbar spinal stenosis who underwent surgical intervention with subsequent bleeding into the surgical site is discussed. The cause was investigated through biochemical analysis, thromboelastometry (ROTEM®) and mass and absorption spectrometry were applied to assess flavonoid, citric acid, and salicylic acid content.

Results

ROTEM® revealed an abnormal clotting profile with an increased clot forming time, suggesting intrinsic coagulopathy. Mass and absorption spectrometry revealed a high total flavonoid content as well as citric acid concentration in the mebos. Salicylic acid was at detection limits of the instrument.

Conclusion

Results highlighted the effect of flavonoids and citric acid and therefore explain the abnormal clotting profile in this patient. Inhibition of coagulation prior to elective surgery is a known contraindication and may pose great risks in spinal surgery. In the present report, we demonstrated an association between inhibition of coagulation and an excess of the flavonoids content and citric acid concentration in mebos consumed in the days prior to elective spinal surgery.
Sleeping and waking-state oral behaviors in TMD patients: their correlates with jaw functional limitation and psychological distress
Authors: Yap Adrian Ujin , Kim Sunghae , Lee Byeong-min , Jo Jung Hwan , Park Ji Woon
Published: May 2024

Objectives

This study investigated oral behaviors in various temporomandibular disorder (TMD) subtypes, assessing their frequency, extent, and associations with both jaw functional status and psychological distress.

Materials and methods

Anonymized data from consecutive "initial-visit" TMD patients at a university-affiliated oral medicine clinic were obtained. Alongside demographic information, patients completed various questionnaires including the Diagnostic Criteria for TMD (DC/TMD) Symptom Questionnaire, Oral Behavior Checklist (OBC), Jaw Functional Limitation Scale-20 (JFLS-20), Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), and General Anxiety Disorder Scale-7 (GAD-7). Patients underwent a protocolized clinical examination and received diagnoses of pain-related (PT), intra-articular (IT), or combined (CT) TMD using the DC/TMD diagnostic algorithms. Data were evaluated with Chi-square/non-parametric tests and logistic regression analyses (α = 0.05).

Results

The study comprised 700 patients (mean age 37.4 ± 15.7 years), with 12.6%, 15.1%, and 72.3% diagnosed with PT, IT, and CT, respectively. For all TMD subtypes, oral activities during sleep were more prevalent than those during wakefulness. While variations in total/subscale OBC scores were insignificant, substantial differences were observed in global/subscale JFLS (PT, CT > IT), depression (PT, CT > IT), and anxiety (CT > IT) scores. Near-moderate correlations (rs = 0,36–0.39) were discerned between overall/waking-state non-functional oral behaviors and depression/anxiety. Multivariate analysis indicated that the odds of different TMD subtypes were influenced by sex, age, and jaw functional status.

Conclusions

For all TMD patients, sleep-related oral activities were more commonly reported than waking-state activities. Factors such as sex, age, and jaw functional limitation are associated with the likelihood of different TMD subtypes.

Statement of clinical relevance

Oral behaviors, in themselves, do not predict distinct TMD subtypes, in contrast to factors such as sex, age, and jaw functional status.
The learner identity of adolescents with trajectories of resilience: the role of risk, academic experience, and gender
Authors: Matías-García Jose Antonio , Cubero Mercedes , Santamaría Andrés , Bascón Miguel Jesús
Published: May 2024

In at-risk areas of social exclusion, a higher number of adolescents drop out of school. Dropout from compulsory education and early school leaving are associated with unemployment, poverty, and greater health problems, posing a significant threat to the youth’s development and wellbeing. Nevertheless, some students manage to pursue formal education even in high-risk areas, exhibiting resilience. Interwoven between the processes of risk and resilience, the students’ identity development plays a vital role. The present study aimed to analyze the learner identity of students who exhibit a resilience trajectory in areas at risk of social exclusion, and its relation to the degree of risk they face, their academic experience, and their gender. The sample consisted of 132 students from at-risk neighborhoods in Spain who successfully completed compulsory secondary education and continued beyond that level. To measure their academic selves, a modified version of the Twenty Statement Test (TST) was used, which was analyzed using a category system that included four dimensions: organization of the self, emotional valence, plane of action, and thematic reference. The results indicate the participants primarily used personal, positive, evaluative self-descriptions related to the academic world, mostly based on effort. A higher degree of risk was associated to more self-descriptions referring good relationships with others and class attendance, while higher academic experience was associated to more independent selves. The study also found several gender differences. The implications of these findings for research and social intervention in at-risk contexts are discussed.
The effect of bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cell exosomes on acute myeloid leukemia’s biological functions: a focus on the potential role of LncRNAs
Authors: Jalilivand Sahar , Izadirad Mehrdad , Vazifeh Shiran Nader , Gharehbaghian Ahmad , Naserian Sina
Published: May 2024

Acute myeloid leukemia represents a group of malignant blood disorders that originate from clonal over-proliferation and the differentiation failure of hematopoietic precursors, resulting in the accumulation of blasts in the bone marrow. Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) have been shown to exert diverse effects on tumor cells through direct and indirect interaction. Exosomes, as one of the means of indirect intercellular communication, are released from different types of cells, including MSCs, and their various contents, such as lncRNAs, enable them to exert significant impacts on target cells. Our study aims to investigate the effects of BM-MSC exosomes on the cellular and molecular characterization of HL-60 AML cells, particularly detecting the alterations in the expression of lncRNAs involved in AML leukemogenesis, cell growth, drug resistance, and poor prognosis. BM-MSCs were cultured with serum-free culture media to isolate exosomes from their supernatants. The validation of exosomes was performed in three stages: morphological analysis using TEM, size evaluation using DLS, and CD marker identification using flow cytometry. Subsequently, the HL-60 AML cells were treated with isolated BM-MSC exosomes to determine the impact of their contents on leukemic cells. Cell metabolic activity was evaluated by the MTT assay, while cell cycle progression, apoptosis, ROS levels, and proliferation were assessed by flow cytometry. Furthermore, RT-qPCR was conducted to determine the expression levels of lncRNAs and apoptosis-, ROS-, and cell cycle-related genes. MTT assay and flow cytometry analysis revealed that BM-MSC exosomes considerably suppressed cell metabolic activity, proliferation, and cell cycle progression. Also, these exosomes could effectively increase apoptosis and ROS levels in HL-60 cells. The expression levels of p53, p21, BAX, and FOXO4 were increased, while the BCL2 and c-Myc levels decreased. MALAT1, HOTAIR, and H19 expression levels were also significantly decreased in treated HL-60 cells compared to their untreated counterparts. BM-MSC exosomes suppress cell cycle progression, proliferation, and metabolic activity while simultaneously elevating the ROS index and apoptosis ratio in HL-60 cells, likely by reducing the expression levels of MALAT1, HOTAIR, and H19. These findings suggest that BM-MSC exosomes might serve as potential supportive therapies for leukemia.
The clinical significance of TAT, PIC, TM, and t-PAIC in vascular events of BCR/ABL-negative myeloproliferative neoplasms
Authors: Huang Kangle , Mo Qiuyu , Liao Chushu , Feng Shan , Liu Guanghua , Jiang Duanfeng , Lei Ping
Published: May 2024

Predicting the likelihood vascular events in patients with BCR/ABL1-negative myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN) is essential for the treatment of the disease. However, effective assessment methods are lacking. Thrombin-antithrombin complex (TAT), plasmin-α2- plasmininhibitor complex (PIC), thrombomodulin (TM), and tissue plasminogen activator-inhibitor complex (t-PAIC) are the new direct indicators for coagulation and fibrinolysis. The aim of this study was to investigate the changes of these four new indicators in thrombotic and hemorrhagic events in BCR/ABL1-negative MPN. The study cohort of 74 patients with BCR/ABL negative myeloproliferative disorders included essential thrombocythemia, polycythemia vera, and primary myelofibrosis (PMF). A panel of 4 biomarkers, including TAT, PIC, TM, and t-PAIC were determined using Sysmex HISCL5000 automated analyzers, whereas fibrin/fibrinogen degradation products (FDP), D-dimer and Antithrombin III (ATIII) were analyzed using Sysmex CS5100 coagulation analyzer. A total of 24 (32.4%) patients experienced thrombotic events and hemorrhagic events occurred in 8 patients (10.8%). Compared to patients without hemorrhagic-thrombotic events, patients with thrombotic events had higher fibrinogen (FIB) level, FDP level and lower ATIII activity, while patients with hemorrhagic events had lower white blood cell count and hemoglobin level, higher FDP level (P < 0.05). Patients with a JAK2V617F mutation were more likely to experience thrombotic events (P < 0.05). In addtion, patients with thrombotic events had higher TAT, PIC, TM, and t-PAIC levels than patients without hemorrhagic-thrombotic events (P < 0.05), whereas patients with hemorrhagic events had a lower median value in TAT and TM (no statistical difference, P > 0.05). Patients with higher TAT, TM and t-PAIC were more likely to experience thrombotic events (P < 0.05), and only TAT was positively correlated with thrombotic events (Spearman  r =0.287, P = 0.019). TAT, PIC, TM, and t-PAIC combined with ATIII and FDP have a certain value for predicting thrombosis in patients with BCR/ABL1-negative MPN. These 6 parameters are worth further exploration as predictive factors and prognostic markers for early thrombotic events.
Vocal interactions of breeding partners predict duration of incubation bout in an Artic seabird
Authors: Devogel Marion , Le Fur Rozenn , Grissot Antoine , Kidawa Dorota , Araya-Salas Marcelo , Wojczulanis-Jakubas Katarzyna
Published: May 2024

In species with biparental care, coordination of parental activities can have important fitness consequences. However, specific behavioral mechanism allowing the coordination of breeding partners remains largely unexplored. Prevalence of biparental care in seabirds makes this group particularly interesting for investigation of behavioral underpinnings of parental coordination. Here, we examined vocal behavior at the nest site of breeding partners and its role in shaping their parental share during incubation in the little auk (Alle alle). We evaluated two hypotheses related to the mechanisms involved in parental coordination: (1) behavioral adjustment, where a parent adjusts its effort according to the preceding effort of its partner and (2) vocal negotiation, where effort is adjusted based on information exchanged during the preceding vocal interaction. We found that little auk partners equally share their incubation time, although, duration of nest attendance is highly variable. No immediate reciprocity between partners in the time allocated to parental activity was observed as predicted by behavioral adjustment. However, nest attendance appeared to be related to the vocal interaction between partners during turn-taking. The duration of a given attendance was positively associated to the pair’s vocal activity and amount of vocal overlap occurring during turn-taking at the nest. Our results suggest a role of vocalization for coordinating between breeding pairs, providing a potential mechanism for the communication of information enabling this complex interaction.
Associations between walking limitations and reported activity destinations among older adults
Authors: Tuomola Essi-Mari , Keskinen Kirsi E. , Rantanen Taina , Portegijs Erja
Published: May 2024

In old age, walking difficulty may reduce opportunities to reach valued activity destinations. Walking modifications, e.g., slower pace or using a walking aid, may enable individuals to continue going where they wish, and hence postpone the consequences of the onset of walking difficulties. We studied visited activity destinations (type, distance) among older people with varying degrees of walking limitations. Community-dwelling 75–85-year-old people living in Jyväskylä (N = 901) were asked to state whether they had no difficulty walking 2 km, had modified their walking, or had difficulty walking. On a digital map, participants located physical exercise, attractive, and regular destinations they had visited during the past month. Destination counts and median distance to destinations from home were computed. Participants with intact walking reported higher counts of physical exercise (IRR = 1.45, 95% CI [1.31, 1.61]) and attractive destinations (IRR = 1.23, 95% CI [1.10, 1.40]) than those with walking difficulty and also visited these destinations further away from home than the others (b = 0.46, 95% CI [0.20, 0.71]). Those with walking modifications reported higher counts of physical exercise destinations than those with walking difficulty (IRR = 1.23, 95% CI [1.09, 1.40]). Counts of regular destinations and distance traveled were not associated with walking limitations. Walking modifications may help people with walking difficulty reach destinations further away from home, potentially contributing to their sense of autonomy. For those with walking difficulty, a low count of destinations other than regular destinations, e.g., shops or healthcare facilities, may signal their abandonment of recreational activities and a decrease in their life space, potentially leading to reduced well-being.
Commodity cycles and financial instability in emerging economies
Authors: Andreev Mikhail , Peiris M. Udara , Shirobokov Alexander , Tsomocos Dimitrios P.
Published: May 2024

Commodity-exporting economies display procyclicality with the price of commodity exports. However, the evidence for the relative importance of commodity price shocks for aggregate fluctuations remains inconclusive. Using Russian data from 2001 to 2018 we estimate a small open economy New Keynesian model with a banking system and leveraged domestic firms who default on their unsecured domestic debt. We show that allowing default rates to vary endogenously over the business cycle amplifies the estimated contribution of commodity price shocks. Endogenous default introduces time-varying wedges that amplify the response of commodity price shocks through demand and income effects rather than the relative price effects that are found in the country risk-premium, balance sheet, and financial accelerator channels. We find that the contribution of commodity prices to explaining fluctuations in GDP rises from 2.5 to 33.6% while for deposits and non-performing loans, it increases from 5.3% and 1.6% to 71.3% and 60.4%, respectively.
Dietary Cyanus depressus (M. Bieb.) Soják plant extract enhances growth performance, modulates intestinal microbiota, and alters gene expression associated with digestion, antioxidant, stress, and immune responses in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)
Authors: Karataş Boran
Published: May 2024

This study aimed to assess the effects of dietary Cyanus depressus (CD) extract on rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) physiology and health. Fish with an average weight of 3.29 ± 0.34 g were allocated to four feeding groups, receiving diets containing CD extract at doses of 0 (Control), 0.5 (CD05), 1 (CD1), and 2 (CD2) g kg−1 for a period of 60 days. Results revealed significant improvements in final body weight, weight gain, and specific growth rate in groups supplemented with 1 and 2 g/kg of CD extract. Lipase activity increased notably in fish fed with CD0.5, CD1, and CD2 diets. The CD1 group exhibited the highest trypsin activity, while the groups receiving 1 g/kg and 2 g/kg of CD extract displayed the highest amylase activity. Analysis of gene expression levels for superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) showed marked increases across all groups compared to the control, with the most significant enhancement observed in fish fed with 2 g/kg of CD extract. Significant variations were observed in the expression of immunity-related genes among the treatments, with the highest expression levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) found in groups fed a diet enriched with CD extract. The increased activity of immune-related genes was more prominent in fish fed 2 g/kg of CD extract than in the control group. Notably, in fish fed with CD extract, heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) gene expression increased in the CD2 group, decreased in the CD05 group, and remained statistically unchanged in the CD1 group compared to the control. Additionally, supplementation with CD extract altered the composition and abundance of the intestinal microbiota in rainbow trout. In conclusion, our study suggests that Cyanusdepressus extract has significant potential for enhancing various physiological and health aspects of rainbow trout, particularly when supplemented at 2 g/kg.
Greenhouse Gas Disclosure: Evidence from Private Firms
Authors: Grahn Aline
Published: May 2024

Existing literature on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions disclosure has paid little attention to private firms, despite the fact that this type of firm is responsible for significant GHG emissions. This study empirically analyzes the GHG disclosure of German private firms. The results suggest that more pronounced information asymmetries due to a more dispersed ownership structure and/or multiple bank relationships are associated with more extensive GHG disclosure. This aligns with arguments from agency and stakeholder theory. While this result is not new for public firms, it is for private firms. Given the specific characteristics of this type of firms (no separation of ownership and control, private communication channels, close bank–borrower relationships), it is not a straightforward assumption that observations from public firms can be transferred to private firms one-to-one. Moreover, higher levels of actual GHG emissions are also associated with more GHG disclosure, indicating that legitimacy theory arguments hold for private firms as well.
Chaotic marine predator optimization algorithm for feature selection in schizophrenia classification using EEG signals
Authors: Garip Zeynep , Ekinci Ekin , Serbest Kasım , Eken Süleyman
Published: May 2024

Schizophrenia is a chronic mental illness that can negatively affect emotions, thoughts, social interaction, motor behavior, attention, and perception. Early diagnosis is still challenging and is based on the disease’s symptoms. However, electroencephalography (EEG) signals yield incredibly detailed information about the activities and functions of the brain. In this study, a hybrid algorithm approach is proposed to improve the search performance of the marine predator algorithm (MPA) based on chaotic maps. For evaluating the performance of the proposed chaotic-based marine predator algorithm (CMPA), benchmark datasets are used. The results of the suggested variation method on the benchmarks show that the Sine Chaotic-based MPA (SCMPA) significantly outperforms the other MPA variants. The algorithm was verified using a public dataset consisting of 14 subjects. Moreover, the proposed SCMPA is essential for EEG electrode selection because it minimizes model complexity and selects the best representative features for providing optimal solutions. The extracted features for each subject were used in the decision tree (DT), random forest (RF), and extra tree (ET) methods. Performance measures showed that the proposed model was successful at differentiating schizophrenia patients (SZ) from healthy controls (HC). In the end, it was demonstrated that the feature selection technique SCMPA, which is the subject of this research, performs significantly better in regard to classification using EEG signals.
MADESANT: malware detection and severity analysis in industrial environments
Authors: Jayalaxmi P. L. S. , Chakraborty Manali , Saha Rahul , Kumar Gulshan , Conti Mauro
Published: May 2024

Malware remains a persistent threat to industrial operations, causing disruptions and financial losses. Traditional malware detection approaches struggle with the increasing complexity of false positives and negatives. However, existing Intrusion Detection Systems (IDSs) often lack the capability to assess the severity of detected malware, crucial for effective threat mitigation. This paper presents a novel model, MAlware DEtection and Severity Analysis for eNcrypted Traffic (MADESANT), designed to detect and analyze malware severity in encrypted traffic data. MADESANT combines Deep Learning (DL)-based intrusion detection with Machine Learning (ML)-based severity analysis, specifically customized for the minutiae of IoT systems and assets. Notably, MADESANT introduces a cascading model integrating a Cascading Forward Back Propagation Neural Network (CFBPNN) with the J48 tree to systematically assess risk factors in network traffic. Our assessment, conducted on diverse encrypted datasets including UNSW-NB15, IoT23, and XIIoTID, highlights the remarkable efficacy of MADESANT. Impressively, it achieves a flawless 0% false positive rate in detecting binary attack instances, surpassing benchmarks set by conventional models. Additionally, MADESANT excels in accurately estimate malware severity, providing invaluable insights into the factors contributing to the risk. To further validate its efficiency, we compared MADESANT against prevalent Neural Network models like FeedForward and Recurrent Neural Networks, with MADESANT emerging as the superior choice. The experimentation encompasses both the entire dataset and subsets generated through meticulous risk factor analysis. These results underscore MADESANT’s prowess in not only identifying malware but also in evaluating its potential impact, signifying a significant leap forward in industrial cybersecurity.
Optimal Time Varying Parameters in Yield Curve Modeling and Forecasting: A Simulation Study on BRICS Countries
Authors: Castello Oleksandr , Resta Marina
Published: May 2024

The term structure of interest rates is a fundamental decision–making tool for various economic activities. Despite the huge number of contributions in the field, the development of a reliable framework for both fitting and forecasting under various market conditions (either stable or very volatile) still remains a topical issue. Motivated by this problem, this study introduces a methodology relying on optimal time–varying parameters for three and five factor models in the Nelson–Siegel class that can be employed for an effective in-sample fitting and out–of–sample forecasting of the term structure. In detail, for the in–sample fitting we discussed a two–step estimation procedure leading to optimal models parameters and evaluated the performances of this approach in terms of flexibility and fitting accuracy gains. For what it concerns the forecasting, we suggest an approach overcoming the well–known issue between the stability of factor models’ parameters and the optimal dynamic decay terms. To such aim, we use either autoregressive or machine learning techniques as local data generating processes based on the optimal parameters time series derived in the in–line fitting step. The so–obtained values are then employed to get day–ahead predictions of the yield curve. We assessed the proposed framework on daily spot rates of the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) bond market. The experimental analysis illustrated that (i) time–varying parameters ensure a significant boost in the models fitting power and a more faithful representation of the yield curves dynamics; (ii) the proposed approach provides also stable and accurate predictions.
Evolving or immutable - phase I solid tumor trials in the era of precision oncology
Authors: Stockton Shannon S. , Ayers G. Dan , Lee Cody , Laferriere Heather , Das Satya , Berlin Jordan
Published: May 2024

In the era of precision oncology (PO), systemic therapies for patients (pts) with solid tumors have shifted from chemotherapy (CT) to targeted therapy (TT) and immunotherapy (IO). This systematic survey describes features of trials enrolling between 2010 and 2020, focusing on inclusion criteria, type of dose escalation scheme (DES) utilized, and use of expansion cohorts (ECs). A literature search identified phase I studies in adults with solid tumors published January 1, 2000– December 31, 2020 from 12 journals. We included only studies enrolling between 2010 and 2020 to better capture the PO era. Two reviewers abstracted data; a third established concordance. Of 10,744 studies, 10,195 were non-topical or enrolled prior to 2010; 437 studies were included. The most common drug classes were TT (47.6%), IO (22%), and CT (6.9%). In studies which reported race, patients were predominantly white (61.7%) or Asian (25.7%), followed by black (6.5%) or other (6.1%). Heterogeneity was observed in the reporting and specification of study inclusion criteria. Only 40.1% of studies utilized ECs, and among the studies which used ECS, 46.6% were defined by genomic selection. Rule-based DES were used in 89% of trials; a 3+3 design was used in 80.5%. Of all drugs tested, 37.5% advanced to phase II, while 10.3% garnered regulatory licensure (for an indication tested in phase I). In the era of PO, TT and IO have emerged as the most studied agents in phase I trials. Rule-based DES, which are more relevant for escalating CT, are still chiefly utilized.
The Normative Power of Consent and Limits on Research Risks
Authors: Segal Aaron Eli , Wendler David S.
Published: May 2024

Research regulations around the world do not impose any limits on the risks to which consenting adults may be exposed. Nonetheless, most review committees regard some risks as too high, even for consenting adults. To justify this practice, commentators have appealed to a range of considerations which are external to informed consent and the risks themselves. Most prominently, some argue that exposing consenting adults to very high risks has the potential to undermine public trust in research. This justification assumes that it is not the magnitude of the risks themselves which raises concern, but the way in which the public might respond to them. This justification thus depends on the possibility that the public will find out about the risks and respond to them in the specified way. Like the other proposed external justifications, it thereby fails to offer a reason to think that exposing consenting adults to very high risks is problematic in itself. In the present paper, we describe and endorse a different justification. Rather than appealing to external factors, we argue that limits on risks for consenting adults trace to internal limits on informed consent, to limits on the things consent can and cannot make ethically permissible. In doing so, we aim to provide a firmer conceptual basis for the view that some research risks are unacceptably high, no matter how the research is conducted.
Nutritional value, bioactive composition, physico-chemical and sensory properties of Ulva sp. and Fucus vesiculosus depending on post-harvest processing: a drying comparison study
Authors: Wirenfeldt Cecilie Bay , Hermund Ditte B. , Feyissa Aberham Hailu , Hyldig Grethe , Holdt Susan Løvstad
Published: May 2024

Drying is an important post-harvest process to preserve seaweed as they are highly susceptible to spoilage due to their high moisture content. Drying can be performed in multiple ways by changing the temperature, pressure, air flow, and humidity. Therefore, the choice of drying method can affect the quality of the product in terms of sensory, chemical, and physicochemical properties. Seaweeds contain nutrients (protein, lipids, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals) and bioactive compounds. The compounds impact properties such as texture, taste, odor, and appearance. However, there is currently limited knowledge about how different drying methods affect the quality of seaweed products. In this paper we demonstrate, how different drying methods: i) convective drying (52 °C), ii) microwave-vacuum drying (-40 to 40 °C at 10 Pa), and iii) freeze-drying (-20 to 20 °C at 20 Pa) influence the food quality of Fucus vesiculosus and Ulva sp. by investigating physico-chemical properties such as water holding capacity, water absorption, and color, the changes in some of the chemical compounds such as macronutrients, fatty acids, amino acids, antioxidants, and pigments, as well as the taste, odor, appearance, and texture within sensory attributes. This study found that different drying methods have a species-dependent influence on the quality of seaweed, with Ulva sp. showing more similarities of using microwave-vacuum and freeze-drying methods, while the drying method for F. vesiculosus should be selected based on the desired food quality due to significant variations between the drying methods.
Exploring prospective teachers’ stances in making sense of students’ mathematical ideas
Authors: Scheiner Thorsten , Montes Miguel A.
Published: May 2024

In this paper, we explore the critical practice of making sense of students’ mathematical ideas. We extend previous research by studying stances prospective teachers adopt, the extent or depth to which they do so, and the types of prospective teachers making sense of students’ mathematical ideas. Analyzing the responses of 123 prospective teachers to students’ different ideas on an ambiguous mathematical task, our study identifies various stances—descriptive, evaluative, comparative, interpretive, inquiry-based, connective, and projective—and explores the complexity of attributing value, meaning, and significance to student ideas. Our findings offer insights into various types of making sense of students’ ideas and suggest that different kinds of attributions are at play for the purposes of observation, assessment, understanding and projection/prediction.
Variable Syndromic Immunodeficiency in Patients with Biallelic PRIM1 Mutations
Authors: Toskov Vasil , Kaiser-Labusch Petra , Lee-Kirsch Min Ae ,   PRIM1 study group, Wolf Christine , Speckmann Carsten , Ehl Stephan , Wegehaupt Oliver
Published: May 2024

Mutations in genes of the DNA polymerase complex have been linked to impaired immunological function next to distinct syndromic features. Biallelic mutations in PRIM1 are associated with a primordial dwarfism syndrome with variable hypogammaglobulinemia. The disease is mostly lethal in infancy due to pulmonary infections as well as hepatic cirrhosis. We studied 3 novel patients with PRIM1-deficiency with a focus on immunological consequences. All three shared dysmorphic features including a prominent forehead, triangular face and bilateral cryptorchidism. P1 carried the novel homozygous PRIM1 splice variant c.103+2T>G, allowing residual protein expression and associated with a mild clinical phenotype. P2 and P3 carried the known homozygous variant c.638+36C>G and died in infancy. Paradoxically, B cell lymphopenia was most pronounced in P1. No other significant lymphocyte abnormalities were detected. Interestingly, all 3 patients showed variable, but intermittently excessive Type I interferon signatures. In summary, the B-cell deficiency in PRIM1-deficiency is markedly variable and the severity of syndromic manifestations is not predictive of the immunological phenotype. We highlight a potential contribution of pathological type I interferon activation to disease pathogenesis which warrants further investigations.
Symmetrized Dot Pattern as an Alternative Method to Visualize the Dynamics of Tokamak Plasma Radiation
Authors: Jardin Agnieszka , Jardin Axel ,   the WEST Team
Published: May 2024

The unusual graphic representation of time series based on Symmetrized Dot Pattern (SDP) helps capturing subtle dynamics in the analyzed signals, otherwise difficult to identify when applying traditional techniques. SDP is creating features and forming a global percept easily readable and recognizable for a human observer. Thanks to this method, local correlations of the signals of any sampled data series can be visualized. This work describes the application of SDP to measurements of tokamak plasma radiation, namely the soft X-ray line-integrated brightness on WEST, where it was thus possible to analyze different phases of the discharge and in particular to identify sawtooth oscillations. In the future, the SDP method could be used to monitor the plasma state and to warn against the appearance of undesirable plasma behavior.
Prehistory to History: A New Archaeological Approach to Knowledge Transmission and the Inception of Literacy in Central Europe
Authors: Macháček Jiří
Published: May 2024

This paper reviews archaeological research on the transmission of writing knowledge between literate and pre-literate societies. It proposes the use of productive approaches, such as cultural epidemiology and cultural attraction theory (CAT). The case study focuses on East-Central Europe and discusses the role of writing in the construction of social group identity and the transition from local communities with a prehistoric mindset to a historically acting society during the first millennium AD. The study collects relevant archaeological records of Early Mediaeval writing and explains them using reflective archaeology. It is shown that interactions between literate and pre-literate societies are highly complex social processes that function not only at the cultural and cognitive levels of individuals but also among larger groups of people. By combining cultural attraction theory with empirical archaeological data, this study formulates a conclusive explanation for the introduction of writing among Europe’s Slavic-speaking population.