bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Deconstructing demographic bias in speech-based machine learning models for digital health
Authors: Yang Michael , El-Attar Abd-Allah , Chaspari Theodora
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Machine learning (ML) algorithms have been heralded as promising solutions to the realization of assistive systems in digital healthcare, due to their ability to detect fine-grain patterns that are not easily perceived by humans. Yet, ML algorithms have also been critiqued for treating individuals differently based on their demography, thus propagating existing disparities. This paper explores gender and race bias in speech-based ML algorithms that detect behavioral and mental health outcomes.

Methods

This paper examines potential sources of bias in the data used to train the ML, encompassing acoustic features extracted from speech signals and associated labels, as well as in the ML decisions. The paper further examines approaches to reduce existing bias via using the features that are the least informative of one’s demographic information as the ML input, and transforming the feature space in an adversarial manner to diminish the evidence of the demographic information while retaining information about the focal behavioral and mental health state.

Results

Results are presented in two domains, the first pertaining to gender and race bias when estimating levels of anxiety, and the second pertaining to gender bias in detecting depression. Findings indicate the presence of statistically significant differences in both acoustic features and labels among demographic groups, as well as differential ML performance among groups. The statistically significant differences present in the label space are partially preserved in the ML decisions. Although variations in ML performance across demographic groups were noted, results are mixed regarding the models’ ability to accurately estimate healthcare outcomes for the sensitive groups.

Discussion

These findings underscore the necessity for careful and thoughtful design in developing ML models that are capable of maintaining crucial aspects of the data and perform effectively across all populations in digital healthcare applications.
Research on the remaining life prediction technology of environmentally friendly gas switchgear based on approximate dynamic programming
Authors: Zhang Ziyu , Ye Yirong , Xue Lin , Tang Baofeng , He Lei , Zhao Hongtao , Zhang Pengliang , Sun Shengxia , Fan Jie
Published: July 2024

The transformation of energy structure has brought about new changes in the power system, and the environmentally friendly gas switchgear with the goal of low carbon and environmental protection has been widely spread and applied, but due to its short application time and the accumulation of related research, it continues to carry out life prediction to improve the related operation and maintenance system. The article proposes the environmental protection gas switchgear data processing technology based on data enhancement technology, proposes the environmental protection gas switchgear life prediction technology based on approximate dynamic planning, and verifies the algorithm through case analysis, which proves the effectiveness and accuracy of the proposed method.
Distribution of native and non-indigenous bivalves and their settlers along an urban gradient
Authors: Gauff Robin Pierre Maximilien , Mugnai Francesco , Mancuso Francesco Paolo , Porri Francesca , Costantini Federica , Airoldi Laura
Published: July 2024

Marine coastal habitats are often characterized by strong gradients of anthropogenic disturbance such as pollution, typically most severe at urban waterfronts. These variations create stress for local organisms leading to their distribution along the disturbance as a function of their tolerance. non-indigenous species (NIS) are considered more tolerant to anthropogenic disturbances than their native counterparts, thriving in urban areas, where native species are sparser. It is however not yet entirely clear if these distribution patterns are due to larval behavior and preferential settlement or post-settlement processes. In the present study, we investigated the abundance of adults and settlers of two native (Ostrea edulis, Mytilus galloprovincialis) and two non-indigenous (Magallana gigas, Xenostrobus securis) bivalves along a strong marine urban environmental gradient. Oysters had sparse abundances of both adults and settlers at all sites, with no obvious distributional gradients. The two mussel species showed different settler-adult distributions along the gradient. Both settlers and adults of the native mussel M. galloprovincialis strongly decreased moving from the outermost periurban site to the innermost urban site, consistent with preferential settlement of larvae according to environmental conditions. The non-indigenous adult mussel X. securis showed a distribution pattern opposite to that of M. galloprovincialis, markedly increasing in abundance from the outermost to the innermost site. This was not paralleled by the distribution of X. securis settlers, which established over a larger area, including sites where adults were essentially absent. The mismatch between settler and adult distributions for X. securis suggests that post-settlement factors dictate spatial adult distribution.
Risk stratification and prediction of severity of COVID-19 infection in patients with preexisting cardiovascular disease
Authors: Matejin Stanislava , Gregoric Igor D. , Radovancevic Rajko , Paessler Slobodan , Perovic Vladimir
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by SARS-CoV-2 is a highly contagious viral disease. Cardiovascular diseases and heart failure elevate the risk of mechanical ventilation and fatal outcomes among COVID-19 patients, while COVID-19 itself increases the likelihood of adverse cardiovascular outcomes.

Methods

We collected blood samples and clinical data from hospitalized cardiovascular patients with and without proven COVID-19 infection in the time period before the vaccine became available. Statistical correlation analysis and machine learning were used to evaluate and identify individual parameters that could predict the risk of needing mechanical ventilation and patient survival.

Results

Our results confirmed that COVID-19 is associated with a severe outcome and identified increased levels of ferritin, fibrinogen, and platelets, as well as decreased levels of albumin, as having a negative impact on patient survival. Additionally, patients on ACE/ARB had a lower chance of dying or needing mechanical ventilation. The machine learning models revealed that ferritin, PCO2, and CRP were the most efficient combination of parameters for predicting survival, while the combination of albumin, fibrinogen, platelets, ALP, AB titer, and D-dimer was the most efficient for predicting the likelihood of requiring mechanical ventilation.

Conclusion

We believe that creating an AI-based model that uses these patient parameters to predict the cardiovascular patient’s risk of mortality, severe complications, and the need for mechanical ventilation would help healthcare providers with rapid triage and redistribution of medical services, with the goal of improving overall survival. The use of the most effective combination of parameters in our models could advance risk assessment and treatment planning among the general population of cardiovascular patients.
Dietary gangliosides rescue GM3 synthase deficiency outcomes in mice accompanied by neurogenesis in the hippocampus
Authors: Inokuchi Jin-ichi , Go Shinji , Suzuki Akemi , Nakagawasai Osamu , Odaira-Satoh Takayo , Veillon Lucas , Nitta Takahiro , McJarrow Paul , Kanoh Hirotaka , Inamori Kei-ichiro , Tan-No Koichi , Collett Michael
Published: July 2024

Ganglioside GM3 synthase is a key enzyme involved in the biosynthesis of gangliosides. GM3 synthase deficiency (GM3SD) causes an absence of GM3 and all downstream biosynthetic derivatives, including all the a-, b-, c-series gangliosides, commonly found in neural tissues. The affected individuals manifest with severe irritability, intractable seizures, hearing loss, blindness, and profound intellectual disability. It has been reported that oral ganglioside supplementation has achieved some significant improvements in clinical symptoms, growth parameters, and developmental and cognitive scores in GM3SD patients. To gain insight into the molecular mechanisms of this supplementation, we performed supplementation of oral bovine milk gangliosides to GM3 synthase-deficient mice from early weaning periods. The oral milk ganglioside preparations were dominated by GM3 and GD3 gangliosides. Oral milk ganglioside supplementation improved the decreased cognitive function observed in GM3 synthase-deficient mice. The improvement in cognitive function was accompanied by increased ganglioside levels and neurogenesis in the hippocampus in the supplemented animals.
Observation of intracranial artery and venous sinus hemodynamics using compressed sensing-accelerated 4D flow MRI: performance at different acceleration factors
Authors: Cao Jiajun , Yuan Chang , Zhang Yukun , Quan Yue , Chang Peipei , Yang Jing , Song Qingwei , Miao Yanwei
Published: July 2024

Objective

To investigate the feasibility and performance of 4D flow MRI accelerated by compressed sensing (CS) for the hemodynamic quantification of intracranial artery and venous sinus.

Materials and methods

Forty healthy volunteers were prospectively recruited, and 20 volunteers underwent 4D flow MRI of cerebral artery, and the remaining volunteers underwent 4D flow MRI of venous sinus. A series of 4D flow MRI was acquired with different acceleration factors (AFs), including sensitivity encoding (SENSE, AF = 4) and CS (AF = CS4, CS6, CS8, and CS10) at a 3.0 T MRI scanner. The hemodynamic parameters, including flow rate, mean velocity, peak velocity, max axial wall shear stress (WSS), average axial WSS, max circumferential WSS, average circumferential WSS, and 3D WSS, were calculated at the internal carotid artery (ICA), transverse sinus (TS), straight sinus (SS), and superior sagittal sinus (SSS).

Results

Compared to the SENSE4 scan, for the left ICA C2, mean velocity measured by CS8 and CS10 groups, and 3D WSS measured by CS6, CS8, and CS10 groups were underestimated; for the right ICA C2, mean velocity measured by CS10 group, and 3D WSS measured by CS8 and CS10 groups were underestimated; for the right ICA C4, mean velocity measured by CS10 group, and 3D WSS measured by CS8 and CS10 groups were underestimated; and for the right ICA C7, mean velocity and 3D WSS measured by CS8 and CS10 groups, and average axial WSS measured by CS8 group were also underestimated (all p < 0.05). For the left TS, max axial WSS and 3D WSS measured by CS10 group were significantly underestimated (p = 0.032 and 0.003). Similarly, for SS, mean velocity, peak velocity, average axial WSS measured by the CS8 and CS10 groups, max axial WSS measured by CS6, CS8, and CS10 groups, and 3D WSS measured by CS10 group were significantly underestimated compared to the SENSE4 scan (p = 0.000–0.021). The hemodynamic parameters measured by CS4 group had only minimal bias and great limits of agreement compared to conventional 4D flow (SENSE4) in the ICA and every venous sinus (the max/min upper limit to low limit of the 95% limits of agreement = 11.4/0.03 to 0.004/−5.7, 14.4/0.05 to −0.03/−9.0, 12.6/0.04 to −0.03/−9.4, 16.8/0.04 to 0.6/−14.1; the max/min bias = 5.0/−1.2, 3.5/−1.4, 4.5/−1.1, 6.6/−4.0 for CS4, CS6, CS8, and CS10, respectively).

Conclusion

CS4 strikes a good balance in 4D flow between flow quantifications and scan time, which could be recommended for routine clinical use.
The clinical effect of sevoflurane anesthesia with laryngeal mask airway in the extraction of teeth in children
Authors: Wang Bin , Han Minglin
Published: July 2024

Objective

To evaluate the effect of sevoflurane general anesthesia with laryngeal mask airway in the extraction of teeth.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was performed on 88 children who underwent extraction of teeth in the Department of Anesthesiology of our hospital from June 2022 to April 2023, including 44 patients who received traditional anesthesia as the control group and 44 patients who received laryngeal mask airway sevoflurane general anesthesia as the observation group. Anesthesia and operation records of patients in the two groups were analyzed, including intraoperative vital signs, anesthesia induction time, recovery time of spontaneous breathing, first feeding time within 24 h after surgery, postoperative pain score, incidence of adverse reactions, Ramsay score and wake agitation, and other indicators were collected, and statistical analysis was conducted.

Results

The recovery time of the observation group was 7.88 ± 4.95 min, and the recovery time of spontaneous respiration was 10.58 ± 3.64 min, which were significantly shorter than 15.23 ± 5.12 min and 14.41 ± 3.56 min of the control group (P < 0.001). There were no significant differences between the two groups in anesthesia induction, operation duration and first feeding time within 24 h after operation (P > 0.05). There was no significant difference in postoperative pain scores between the two groups (P > 0.05). The overall incidence of adverse reactions was 6.82% in the observation group compared with 22.73% in the control group (χ² = 4.423, P = 0.035). In addition, the Ramsay score of the observation group was significantly improved compared with the control group (P < 0.05), and the incidence of agitation during the recovery period was also significantly decreased (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Laryngeal mask airway sevoflurane anesthesia can significantly accelerate the recovery process of children after extraction of teeth, and reduce the occurrence of adverse reactions, providing a safer and more efficient choice than traditional anesthesia.
The association between symptoms of developmental coordination disorder and neuropsychological characteristics in children with and without ADHD
Authors: Lee Taeyeop , Lim Jongseok , Kim Seonok , Kim Jichul , Park Kee Jeong , Joung Yoo-Sook , Kim Hyo-Won
Published: July 2024

Objective

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) frequently co-occurs with developmental coordination disorder (DCD). This study aimed to evaluate the association between DCD symptoms and neuropsychological characteristics in children with and without ADHD.

Methods

We recruited 298 children aged 5–12 years. Motor performance was assessed using the Developmental Coordination Disorder Questionnaire (DCDQ), while ADHD symptoms were assessed using the ADHD Rating Scale (ARS) and the Advanced Test of Attention (ATA). Cognitive characteristics were measured using the Wechsler Intelligence Scale, and behavioral characteristics were assessed using the Korean Personality Rating Scale for Children.

Results

The children had a mean age of 7.6 ± 1.7 years, with 214 (71.8%) being boys. Among children diagnosed with ADHD (n = 176), 39.2% exceeded the DCDQ cutoff score, compared to 4.1% in the neurotypical group (n = 122). In the correlation analysis, the DCDQ total score was significantly correlated with ARS, omission and commission errors in visual and auditory ATA, and full-scale intellectual quotient. In addition, symptoms of depression, social dysfunction, and psychosis were correlated with the DCDQ total score. In the between-group analysis, children with both ADHD and DCD exhibited more omission errors on the auditory ATA and behavioral problems related to depression, social dysfunction, and psychosis compared to children with ADHD only.

Conclusion

Our study indicates that children with ADHD exhibit more difficulties in motor performance. Children with both ADHD and DCD may present with a greater burden of psychiatric conditions than children with ADHD only, suggesting the need for careful monitoring in clinical practice.
The validity and reliability of a hydraulic resistance device for assessing resisted sprint time
Authors: Sašek Matic , Cvjetičanin Oskar , Šarabon Nejc
Published: July 2024

Introduction

The aim of this study was to assess the validity and reliability of a hydraulic resistance device (HRD) for monitoring sprint split times under different loads within and between sessions.

Methods

Three 20-m sprints with low (15 N), medium-low (40 N), medium-high (50 N), and high (130 N) HRD resistance levels (loads) were performed on two separate occasions 14 days apart. Twenty-four student athletes (24.8 ± 3.8 years) participated in the first session and 13 (24.1 ± 3.2 years) of them in the second session. Resisted sprints split times over a distance of 0–20 m (t0–5, t0–10, t0–20, t5–10, t10–15, t15–20) were measured simultaneously with magnetic incremental encoder embedded in the HRD and a system of single-beam timing gates.

Results

The results showed acceptable to high within session (ICC3,1 = 0.91–0.99; CV = 0.92%–3.38%) and between session (ICC3,1 = 0.82–0.99; CV = 1.62%–4.84%) reliability of HRD for measuring all split times at all loads. The minimal detectable change between sessions ranged from 3.3% at high load to 9.9% at low load. The HRD systematically underestimated timing gates times at all loads (bias = 2.01–11.08%), yet good to excellent consistency was observed between the HRD and timing gates, specifically for t0–10 and t0–20 (ICC3,k lower 95% CI = 0.84–0.99).

Discussion

Due to high reliability and good validity in monitoring resisted sprint times, the HRD holds potential for practical and research applications.
A Concept for Preoperative and Intraoperative Molecular Imaging and Detection for Assessing Extent of Disease of Solid Tumors
Authors: Hitchcock Charles L. , Chapman Gregg J. , Mojzisik Cathy M. , Mueller Jerry K. , Martin Edward W.
Published: July 2024

The authors propose a concept of “systems engineering,” the approach to assessing the extent of diseased tissue (EODT) in solid tumors. We modeled the proof of this concept based on our clinical experience with colorectal carcinoma (CRC) and gastrinoma that included short and long-term survival data of CRC patients. This concept, applicable to various solid tumors, combines resources from surgery, nuclear medicine, radiology, pathology, and oncology needed for preoperative and intraoperative assessments of a patient’s EODT. The concept begins with a patient presenting with biopsy-proven cancer. An appropriate preferential locator (PL) is a molecule that preferentially binds to a cancer-related molecular target (i.e., tumor marker) lacking in non-malignant tissue and is the essential element. Detecting the PL after an intravenous injection requires the PL labeling with an appropriate tracer radionuclide, a fluoroprobe, or both. Preoperative imaging of the tracer’s signal requires molecular imaging modalities alone or in combination with computerized tomography (CT). These include positron emission tomography (PET), PET/CT, single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), SPECT/CT for preoperative imaging, gamma cameras for intraoperative imaging, and gamma-detecting probes for precise localization. Similarly, fluorescent-labeled PLs require appropriate cameras and probes. This approach provides the surgeon with real-time information needed for R0 resection.
A Volume-Adjustable Artificial Womb for Extremely Preterm Infants
Authors: Heyer Jan , Schubert Franziska , Seitz Alexander L. , Steinle Yannick , Arens Jutta , Orlikowsky Thorsten , Steinseifer Ulrich , Schmitz-Rode Thomas , Jansen Sebastian V. , Schoberer Mark
Published: July 2024

More than 13 million children are born preterm annually. Prematurity-related mortality accounts for 0.9 million deaths worldwide. The majority of those affected are Extremely Preterm Infants (gestational age less than 28 weeks). Immaturity causes organ failure and specific morbidities like germinal matrix hemorrhage, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, and necrotizing enterocolitis. Artificial womb and placenta technologies address these issues. As a bridge-to-life technology, they provide a liquid environment to allow organ maturation under more physiological conditions. The proposed artificial womb can adapt to fetal growth. Volume adjustment is achieved by removing fluid from the interspace between an inner and outer chamber. Results of the in vitro tests showed a temperature constancy of 36.8°C ± 0.3°C without pressure loss over 7 days. The volume of the inner sac was variable between 3.6 and 7.0 L. We designed a filtration and disinfection system for this particular purpose. This system has proven strong disinfection capabilities, effective filtering of metabolic waste, and the ability to avoid phospholipid washout. The presented artificial womb has sufficient volume variability to adapt to the physiologic growth of an extremely preterm neonate over a 4-week period. We regard this as an important step in the development of this bridge-to-life technology.
Trajectory Classification and Recognition of Planar Mechanisms Based on ResNet18 Network
Authors: Wang Jianping , Wang Youchao , Chen Boyan , Jia Xiaoyue , Pu Dexi
Published: July 2024

This study utilizes the ResNet18 network to classify and recognize trajectories of planar mechanisms. This research begins by deriving formulas for trajectory points in various typical planar mechanisms, and the resulting trajectory images are employed as samples for training and testing the network. The classification of trajectory images for both upright and inverted configurations of a planar four-bar linkage is investigated. Compared with AlexNet and VGG16, the ResNet18 model demonstrates superior classification accuracy during testing, coupled with reduced training time and memory consumption. Furthermore, the ResNet18 model is applied to classify trajectory images for six different planar mechanisms in both upright and inverted configurations as well as to identify whether the trajectory images belong to the upright or inverted configuration for each mechanism. The test results affirm the feasibility and effectiveness of the ResNet18 network in the classification and recognition of planar mechanism trajectories.
Assessing the Microbial Impact on the Performance of Bentonite Clay at Different Thermo-Hydro-Geochemical Conditions
Authors: Mitzscherling Julia , Schleicher Anja M. , Genderjahn Steffi , Bonitz Marie , Wagner Dirk
Published: July 2024

Because of its swelling capacity, compacted bentonite clay is a suitable buffer material in deep geological repositories for high-level nuclear waste. However, this only applies if the swelling capacity is maintained. Accordingly, bentonites have to be stable to changing temperature, humidity, infiltrating fluids or microbial activity. In batch experiments, we investigated combined microbial and thermo-hydro-geochemical effects on the swelling capacity of uncompacted bentonite MX-80. Bentonite was exposed to fluids of different ionic strength and the bacterium Stenotrophomonas bentonitica. Bacterial growth was monitored by counting colony-forming units while the swelling capacity of bentonite was evaluated using in situ XRD at varied temperatures and humidity. The presence of bentonite prolonged the survival of S. bentonitica. However, electron microscopy, XRD and ICP-OES analyses showed neither an interaction of S. bentonitica with bentonite, nor significant changes in the swelling capacity or element composition. The swelling capacity and diffraction peak intensity were, however, strongly reduced by the ionic strength of the fluid and the exposure time. The study highlights that bentonite is affected by thermo-hydro-geochemical and microbial processes to different degrees and that the complexity of different co-occurring factors in potential nuclear waste repositories is important to consider in safety assessments.
Multiplex-PCR Detection of an Atypical Leuconostoc mesenteroides subsp. jonggajibkimchii Phenotype Dominating the Terminal Spoilage Microbial Association of a Fresh Greek Whey Cheese Stored at 4 °C in Vacuum
Authors: Sameli Nikoletta , Sioziou Eleni , Bosnea Loulouda , Paramithiotis Spiros , Samelis John
Published: July 2024

A species-specific multiplex-PCR method and phenotypic tests were combined to evaluate biochemical and genotypic differences between 24 representative Leuconostoc mesenteroides diverse isolates previously found to dominate in spoiled, vacuum-packed Anthotyros whey cheeses stored at 4 °C for 40 days and identified by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Based on their phenotypic (API 50 CHL) profiles, the 24 isolates comprised 6 multi-strain and 7 single-strain biotypes. Only two single-strain biotypes (L4A and L4B) produced slime (dextran) from sucrose, and only four biotypes (L2A–L2C, L3; 7 isolates) fermented L-arabinose; the remaining 15 isolates (biotypes L1A–L1F) were dextran-negative, oligofermenting Ln. mesenteroides variants, able to ferment D-xylose and grow at 37 °C. Based on their multiplex-PCR (rpoB, araA, dsr, and sorA) gene profiles in comparison with those of the type strains of the four Ln. mesenteroides subsp. cremoris (rpoB), dextranicum (rpoB/dsr), mesenteroides (rpoB/araA/dsr/sorA), and jonggajibkimchii (rpoB/araA/dsr), no isolate was assigned to the first two subspecies and only four isolates (L2A and L2C) to the subsp. mesenteroides. Ten isolates shared the subsp. jonggajibkimchii profile, while the other ten ones have a fifth atypical profile (rpoB/dsr/sorA), seemingly being closer to the subsp. dextranicum. Particularly the atypical biotype L1B representatives of the most prevalent psychrotrophic Ln. mesenteroides subsp. jonggajibkimchii (rpoB/araA/dsr) genotype at Anthotyros whey cheese spoilage deserve further biochemical and molecular characterization studies.
Transfer-Learning Approach for Enhanced Brain Tumor Classification in MRI Imaging
Authors: Amarnath Amarnath , Al Bataineh Ali , Hansen Jeremy A.
Published: July 2024

Background: Intracranial neoplasm, often referred to as a brain tumor, is an abnormal growth or mass of tissues in the brain. The complexity of the brain and the associated diagnostic delays cause significant stress for patients. This study aims to enhance the efficiency of MRI analysis for brain tumors using deep transfer learning. Methods: We developed and evaluated the performance of five pre-trained deep learning models—ResNet50, Xception, EfficientNetV2-S, ResNet152V2, and VGG16—using a publicly available MRI scan dataset to classify images as glioma, meningioma, pituitary, or no tumor. Various classification metrics were used for evaluation. Results: Our findings indicate that these models can improve the accuracy of MRI analysis for brain tumor classification, with the Xception model achieving the highest performance with a test F1 score of 0.9817, followed by EfficientNetV2-S with a test F1 score of 0.9629. Conclusions: Implementing pre-trained deep learning models can enhance MRI accuracy for detecting brain tumors.
Bioinspired Synthesis and Characterization of Dual-Function Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles from Saccharopolyspora hirsuta: Exploring Antimicrobial and Anticancer Activities
Authors: Sholkamy Essam N. , Abdelhamid Mohamed A. A. , Khalifa Hazim O. , Ki Mi-Ran , Pack Seung Pil
Published: July 2024

Microbial synthesis offers a sustainable and eco-friendly approach for nanoparticle production. This study explores the biogenic synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) utilizing the actinomycete Saccharopolyspora hirsuta (Ess_amA6) isolated from Tapinoma simrothi. The biosynthesized ZnO-NPs were characterized using various techniques to confirm their formation and properties. UV–visible spectroscopy revealed a characteristic peak at 372 nm, indicative of ZnO-NPs. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis confirmed the crystalline structure of the ZnO-NPs as hexagonal wurtzite with a crystallite size of approximately 37.5 ± 13.60 nm. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis showed the presence of both spherical and roughly hexagonal ZnO nanoparticles in an agglomerated state with a diameter of approximately 44 nm. The biogenic ZnO-NPs exhibited promising biomedical potential. They demonstrated selective cytotoxic activity against human cancer cell lines, demonstrating higher efficacy against Hep-2 cells (IC50 = 73.01 µg/mL) compared to MCF-7 cells (IC50 = 112.74 µg/mL). Furthermore, the biosynthesized ZnO-NPs displayed broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity against both Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus with clear zones of inhibition of 12.67 mm and 14.33 mm, respectively. The MIC and MBC values against P. aeruginosa and S. aureus ranged between 12.5 and 50 µg/mL. These findings suggest the potential of S. hirsuta-mediated ZnO-NPs as promising biocompatible nanomaterials with dual applications as antimicrobial and anticancer agents.
The Effects of Disturbance Intensity on Tropical Forest Bird Communities and Vegetation Structure after Two Decades of Recovery
Authors: Glass Alex , Arcilla Nico
Published: July 2024

As tropical forests are frequently impacted by human disturbance, forests in various stages of disturbance recovery are increasingly important for maintaining biodiversity. However, much remains unclear regarding the impacts of prior disturbance intensity on wildlife in regenerating forests. Here, we used mist net capture data to compare bird communities in three tropical forest habitats representing various disturbance intensities: undisturbed primary forest, selectively logged forest (low disturbance), and secondary forest regenerating on abandoned agricultural fields (high disturbance). We found that after a 19-year recovery period, low-disturbance sites contained similar bird communities to undisturbed sites. High-disturbance sites, however, had lower species richness and distinct bird communities, with fewer insectivores and more nectarivores than other sites. Structural equation models revealed that the impacts of disturbance intensity on bird communities were partially explained by changes in vegetation structure: ant-following insectivore abundance declined with disturbance intensity as ground cover vegetation increased, and nectarivore abundance increased with disturbance intensity as tree density decreased. Our results suggest that selectively logged forests can regain pre-disturbance bird diversity and vegetation structure within two decades, provided that they are protected from further disturbance and located near source species pools. Increasing tree density and decreasing ground-level vegetation in secondary forests may improve these areas as habitats for forest-interior birds.
A Cross-Sectional Survey of Healthcare Professionals’ Knowledge, Attitude and Current Behaviours towards Female Fertility Preservation Services within the UK
Authors: Kasaven Lorraine S. , Mitra Anita , Chawla Mehar , Murugesu Sughashini , Anson Nicholas , Ben Nagi Jara , Theodorou Efstathios , Rimmer Michael P. , Al-Wattar Bassel , Yazbek Joseph , Jones Benjamin P. , Saso Srdjan
Published: July 2024

(1) Background: This study aims to establish the knowledge, attitudes and current behaviours towards female fertility preservation (FP) services amongst healthcare professionals (HCPs) in the UK. (2) Methods: An online survey was advertised publicly on the social media platform Instagram between 25 February 2021 and 11 March 2021. (3) Results: In total, 415 participants fulfilled the inclusion criteria and completed the survey. The majority of HCPs discussed FP techniques either never 39.5% (n = 164), once a year 20.7% (n = 86) or once a month 17.8% (n = 74). The majority rated their knowledge of each type of FP method as ‘very poor’ or ‘poor’ and strongly disagreed 14.2% (n = 59) or disagreed 42.2% (n = 175) with the statement they ‘felt confident to counsel a patient on FP’. The majority either agreed 37.8% (n = 157) or strongly agreed 22.2% (n = 92) that it was their responsibility to discuss FP and 38.1% (n = 158) agreed or strongly agreed 19.5% (n = 81) they considered the desire for future fertility when planning treatment. The majority 87.2% (n = 362) had not experienced formal training on FP. (4) Conclusions: Discrepancies in knowledge remain regarding techniques of FP, referral pathways, awareness of facilities offering services and existing educational resources. Many HCPs recognise the importance of FP and their responsibility to initiate discussions. The knowledge that FP may not delay the treatment of cancer has also improved; however, training in FP is scarce.
Photodynamic Action of Synthetic Curcuminoids against Staphylococcus aureus: Experimental and Computational Evaluation
Authors: Melo Nícolas J. , Soares Jennifer M. , Dovigo Lívia N. , Carmona-Vargas Christian , Aguiar Antônio S. N. , dos Passos Adriana C. , de Oliveira Kleber T. , Bagnato Vanderlei S. , Dias Lucas D. , Inada Natalia
Published: July 2024

Natural curcumin is composed of three curcuminoids, namely curcumin (CUR), deme-thoxycurcumin (DMC) and bis-demethoxycurcumin (BDMC). These compounds are utilized in various biophotonics applications, including photodynamic therapy (PDT). This work aimed to evaluate the photodynamic action (alternative to antibiotics) of synthetic curcuminoids against Staphylococcus aureus. Herein, we evaluated an optimal proportion of the three curcuminoids mixed in solution to improve photoinactivation effects. Therefore, a set of computational calculations was carried out to understand the photodynamic action (stability and mechanism) of curcuminoids. Regarding computational analysis, the curcuminoid molecules were optimized using DFT with the hybrid exchange–correlation functional M06-2X, which includes long-range correction, and the 6-311++G(d,p) basis set. DMC and BDMC were more effective as photosensitizers than curcumin at a very low concentration of 0.75 µM, inactivating more than five orders of magnitude of S. aureus. Theoretical UV-vis absorption spectra showed that at maximum absorption wavelengths, electronic transitions of the π→π* type originated from H→L excitations. The BDMC was more stable than the other two curcuminoids after photobleaching, and the fluorescence emission was also higher, which could lead to its usage as a fluorescence dye to track bacteria. In fact, the results of electronic structure calculations proved that the stability order of curcuminoids is CUR < DMC < BDMC. The mixture of synthetic curcuminoids was more effective in the inactivation of S. aureus compared to curcumin by itself; for all proposed mixtures, an equal or superior reduction was achieved.
Roles of SMAD and SMAD-Associated Signaling Pathways in Nerve Regeneration Following Peripheral Nerve Injury: A Narrative Literature Review
Authors: Lee Jeongmin , Yon Dong Keon , Choi Yong Sung , Lee Jinseok , Yeo Joon Hyung , Kim Sung Soo , Lee Jae Min , Yeo Seung Geun
Published: July 2024

Although several methods are being applied to treat peripheral nerve injury, a perfect treatment that leads to full functional recovery has not yet been developed. SMAD (Suppressor of Mothers Against Decapentaplegic Homolog) plays a crucial role in nerve regeneration by facilitating the survival and growth of nerve cells following peripheral nerve injury. We conducted a systematic literature review on the role of SMAD in this context. Following peripheral nerve injury, there was an increase in the expression of SMAD1, -2, -4, -5, and -8, while SMAD5, -6, and -7 showed no significant changes; SMAD8 expression was decreased. Specifically, SMAD1 and SMAD4 were found to promote nerve regeneration, whereas SMAD2 and SMAD6 inhibited it. SMAD exerts its effects by promoting neuronal survival and growth through BMP/SMAD1, BMP/SMAD4, and BMP/SMAD7 signaling pathways. Furthermore, it activates nerve regeneration programs via the PI3K/GSK3/SMAD1 pathway, facilitating active regeneration of nerve cells and subsequent functional recovery after peripheral nerve damage. By leveraging these mechanisms of SMAD, novel strategies for treating peripheral nerve damage could potentially be developed. We aim to further elucidate the precise mechanisms of nerve regeneration mediated by SMAD and explore the potential for developing targeted nerve treatments based on these findings.
Identifying Universal Fish Biomarker Genes in Response to PCB126 Exposure by Comparative Transcriptomic Analyses
Authors: Agrawal Ira , Lee Ai Qi , Gong Zhiyuan
Published: July 2024

Water pollution remains a major environmental concern, with increased toxic by-products being released into water bodies. Many of these chemical contaminants persist in the environment and bio-accumulate in aquatic organisms. At present, toxicological tests are mostly based on laboratory tests, and effective methods for monitoring wild aquatic environments remain lacking. In the present study, we used a well-characterized toxic chemical, 3,3′,4,4′,5-polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB126), as an example to try to identify common biomarker genes to be used for predictive toxicity of this toxic substance. First, we used two laboratory fish models, the zebrafish (Danio rerio) and medaka (Oryzias latipes), to expose PCB126 to obtain liver transcriptomic data by RNA-seq. Comparative transcriptomic analyses indicated generally conserved and concerted changes from the two species, thus validating the transcriptomic data for biomarker gene selection. Based on the common up- and downregulated genes in the two species, we selected nine biomarker genes to further test in other fish species. The first validation experiment was carried out using the third fish species, Mozambique tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus), and essentially, all these biomarker genes were validated for consistent responses with the two laboratory fish models. Finally, to develop universal PCR primers suitable for potentially all teleost fish species, we designed degenerate primers and tested them in the three fish species as well as in another fish species without a genomic sequence available: guppy (Poecilia reticulata). We found all the biomarker genes showed consistent response to PCB126 exposure in at least 50% of the species. Thus, our study provides a promising strategy to identify common biomarker genes to be used for teleost fish analyses. By using degenerate PCR primers and analyzing multiple biomarker genes, it is possible to develop diagnostic PCR arrays to predict water contamination from any wild fish species sampled in different water bodies.
Injection of Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem/Stromal Cells Suppresses Muscle Atrophy Markers and Adipogenic Markers in a Rat Fatty Muscle Degeneration Model
Authors: Koung Ngeun Sai , Shimizu Miki , Kaneda Masahiro
Published: July 2024

Fatty muscle degeneration and muscle atrophy have not been successfully treated due to their irreversible pathology. This study evaluated the efficacy of rat adipose-derived mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (ADP MSCs) in treating fatty muscle degeneration (FD). A total of 36 rats were divided into three groups: the control (C) group (n = 12); FD model group, generated by sciatic nerve crushing (n = 12); and the group receiving ADP MSC treatment for FD (FD+MSCs) (n = 12). In Group FD+MSCs, ADP MSCs were injected locally into the gastrocnemius muscle one week after the FD model was created (Day 8). On Day 22 (n = 18) and Day 43 (n = 18), muscle morphology, histopathology, and molecular analyses (inflammation, muscle atrophy, adipocytes, and muscle differentiation markers) were performed. In Group FD+MSCs, the formation of immature myofibers was observed on Day 22, and mitigation of fatty degeneration and muscle atrophy progression was evident on Day 43. Gene expression of muscle atrophy markers (FBXO32, TRIM63, and FOXO1) and adipogenic markers (ADIPOQ, PPARG, FABP4, and PDGFRA) was lower in Group FD+MSCs than Group FD on Day 43. ADP MSCs induce anti-inflammatory effects, inhibit fat accumulation, and promote muscle regeneration, highlighting their potential as promising therapy for FD and atrophy.
The Effect of Oncology Nurse Navigation on Mental Health in Patients with Cancer in Taiwan: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial
Authors: Yu Wei-Zhen , Wang Hsin-Fang , Lin Yen-Kuang , Liu Yen-Lin , Yen Yun , Whang-Peng Jacqueline , Huang Tsai-Wei , Chang Hsiu-Ju
Published: July 2024

In this study, we investigated the prevalence of mental health problems among patients with cancer and whether oncology nurse navigation improved their mental health outcomes and medical experience. In this randomized controlled clinical trial, we recruited 128 outpatients with cancer via purposive sampling from a teaching hospital in northern Taiwan. Participants were randomly assigned to the navigation group (N = 61) or the usual care group (N = 67). Data were collected from January 2019 to July 2020 using questionnaires, including the self-reported Distress Thermometer, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Demoralization Scale, and Patient Assessment of Chronic Illness Care. Data were collected at baseline and after three and six months of the intervention. Descriptive and analytical statistical analyses were performed. The prevalence rates of anxiety, depression, distress, and demoralization were 17.9%, 15.7%, 29.7%, and 29.7%, respectively. After three months, the participants in the navigation group exhibited significantly reduced levels of anxiety, demoralization, and emotional distress (reduced by 92%, 75%, and 58%, respectively) and reported a better medical experience (odds ratio = 1.40) than those in the usual care group.
New Insight for Axillary De-Escalation in Breast Cancer Surgery: “SoFT Study” Retrospective Analysis
Authors: Vanni Gianluca , Materazzo Marco , Paduano Floriana , Pellicciaro Marco , Di Mauro Giordana , Toscano Enrica , Tacconi Federico , Longo Benedetto , Cervelli Valerio , Berretta Massimiliano , Buonomo Oreste Claudio
Published: July 2024

Background: The SOUND study demonstrated that an axillary de-escalation may be sufficient in locoregional and distant disease control in selected early breast cancer (EBC) patients. To establish any preoperative variables that may drive sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) omission, a study named sentinel omission risk factor (SOFT) 1.23 was planned. Methods: A single-center retrospective study from a prospectively maintained database was designed, aiming at underlying preoperative prognostic factors involved in sentinel lymph node (SLN) metastasis (lymph node involvement (LN+) vs. negative lymph node (LN−) group). Secondary outcomes included surgical room occupancy analysis for SLNB in patients fulfilling the SOUND study inclusion criteria. The institutional ethical committee Area Territoriale Lazio 2 approved the study (n° 122/23). Results: Between 1 January 2022 and 30 June 2023, 160 patients were included in the study and 26 (%) were included in the LN+ group. Multifocality, higher cT stage, and larger tumor diameter were reported in the LN+ group (p = 0.020, p = 0.014, and 0.016, respectively). Tumor biology, including estrogen and progesterone receptors, and molecular subtypes showed association with the LN+ group (p < 0.001; p = 0.001; and p = 0.001, respectively). A total of 117 (73.6%) patients were eligible for the SOUND study and the potential operating room time saved was 2696.81 min. Conclusions: De-escalating strategies may rationalize healthcare activities. Multifactorial risk stratification may further refine the selection of patients who could benefit from SLNB omission.
The Ethical Complexity of Medical Decision Making in the Adolescent Oncology Patient
Authors: Nash Ariel Paige , Harden Avis , Sheth Rachna Kalapi
Published: July 2024

Adolescent Medical Decision Making (aMDM) is frequently discussed but presents a significant challenge in practice, especially in cases of adolescents with life threatening or life limiting illnesses. In this paper, we present a case that explores the importance of aMDM, the difficulties for providers when engaging adolescents in these discussions, and how certain skills may be incorporated into pediatric practice. Literature suggests that patients of this age group, while being legally without capacity, have meaningful insights into their care. However, unless physicians feel comfortable and competent engaging adolescents in a manner that honors their developmentally appropriate understanding of their illness, these insights can be lost.
Clinical Pharmacist-Led Interventions for Improving Breast Cancer Management—A Scoping Review
Authors: Staynova Radiana , Gavazova Evelina , Kafalova Daniela
Published: July 2024

Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death in women worldwide and the fifth most common cause of cancer death overall. Most women with breast cancer have a good prognosis if the cancer is detected at an early stage and the patients have access to the appropriate treatment and disease management. This study aims to evaluate the impact of pharmacist-led interventions on breast cancer management and health outcomes. A literature review was carried out through the scientific databases PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science using predefined keywords. Only full-text original articles written in English that investigated the role of the pharmacist in the management of breast cancer were included in the final analysis. No publication date limits were set. A total of 1625 articles were retrieved from the electronic databases, of which 14 met the inclusion criteria. The current scoping review consists of different study types, including randomized controlled trials, cross-sectional studies, pre-post studies, retrospective cohort studies, quality improvement projects, case-control studies, and one pharmacoeconomic study. Pharmacists commonly provided the following interventions: consultations regarding chemotherapy treatment, risk assessment and patient education, adverse drug reactions and drug-drug interactions detection, and adherence assessment. This scoping review highlights the beneficial effects of the involvement of pharmacists in breast cancer management, such as better quality of life, reduced drug interaction risk, greater adherence rates, and improved patient knowledge. This confirms the importance of including the pharmacist in the oncology team caring for patients with breast cancer.
Phase-Based and Lifetime Health System Costs of Care for Patients Diagnosed with Leukemia and Lymphoma: A Population-Based Descriptive Study
Authors: Agarwal Anubhav , Kekre Natasha , Atkins Harold , Imsirovic Haris , Hutton Brian , Coyle Doug , Thavorn Kednapa
Published: July 2024

Hematologic cancers, notably leukemias and lymphomas, pose significant challenges to healthcare systems globally, due to rising incidence rates and increasing costs. This study aimed to estimate the phase and lifetime health system total costs (not net costs) of care for patients diagnosed with leukemia and lymphoma in Ontario, Canada. We conducted a population-based study of patients diagnosed between 2005 and 2019, using data from the Ontario Cancer Registry linked with health administrative databases. Costs were estimated using a phase-based approach and stratified by care phase and cancer subtype. Acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) patients had the highest mean monthly initial (CAD 19,519) and terminal (CAD 41,901) costs among all cancer subtypes, while acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients had the highest mean monthly cost (CAD 7185) during the continuing phase. Overall lifetime costs were highest for ALL patients (CAD 778,795), followed by AML patients (CAD 478,516). Comparatively, patients diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma (CAD 268,184) and non-Hodgkin lymphoma (CAD 321,834) had lower lifetime costs. Major cost drivers included inpatient care, emergency department visits, same-day surgeries, ambulatory services, and specialized cancer drugs. Since 2005, the cost structure has evolved with rising proportions of interventional drug costs. Additionally, costs were higher among males and younger age groups. Understanding these costs can help guide initiatives to control healthcare spending and improve cancer care quality.