bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Overweight or Obesity among Chinese Han People with Schizophrenia: Demographic, Clinical and Cognitive Correlations
Authors: Huang Xiao , Sun Yuan , Wu Anshi , Zhang Xiangyang
Published: August 2023

People with schizophrenia are more likely to be afflicted by obesity or overweight compared to the general population. This study aimed to explore the incidence of overweight and obesity, clinical features and cognitive performance of Chinese Han patients with chronic schizophrenia who had overweight or obesity. We obtained data from 985 schizophrenia inpatients about overweight and obesity through body mass index (BMI). All patients were evaluated with the positive and negative syndrome scale, the Mini-mental State Examination (MMSE) and the repeated battery for evaluation of the neuropsychological status (RBANS) scale. We collected demographic and clinical data using self-reported questionnaires. We divided patients into normal weight (BMI < 24 kg/m2), overweight (24 ≤ BMI < 28 kg/m2) and obese (≥28 kg/m2) groups according to the Working Group on Obesity in China (WGOC) criteria. We compared the clinical data between the three groups and then conducted binary logistic regression and linear regression to assess variables that were significantly associated with overweight and obesity and higher BMI. Of the sample, 324 (32.9%) and 191 (19.4%) patients had overweight and obesity, respectively. Patients who had overweight and obesity were younger, had less education, had higher waist and hip circumferences, higher rates of diabetes and a higher sumPANSP score (compared with patients in the normal group, p < 0.05). There were more female patients with obesity (compared with patients in the normal and overweight groups, p < 0.05). Logistic regression analysis indicated that overweight and obesity were associated with sumPANSP (OR = 1.03, 95%CI = 1–1.061, p = 0.049) and diabetes (OR = 1.891, 95%CI = 1.255–2.849, p = 0.002). Further linear regression showed that age (B = −0.004, t = −2.83, p = 0.005), educational level (B = −0.037, t = −2.261, p = 0.024), diabetes (B = 0.133, t = 2.721, p = 0.007) and sumPANSP (B = 0.008, t = 2.552, p = 0.011) were risk factors for higher BMI. We did not find cognitive performance differences between patients with or without overweight and obesity. Overweight and obesity were associated with some demographic and clinical factors in patients with persistent schizophrenia.
History of Childhood/Adolescence Referral to Speciality Care or Treatment in Adult Patients with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: Mutual Relations with Clinical Presentation, Psychiatric Comorbidity and Emotional Dysregulation
Authors: Brancati Giulio Emilio , De Rosa Ugo , De Dominicis Francesco , Petrucci Alessandra , Nannini Alessandro , Medda Pierpaolo , Schiavi Elisa , Perugi Giulio
Published: August 2023

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that only rarely remits in adulthood. While several studies underlined differences between child and adult ADHD, the relationship between adult clinical presentation and early referral/treatment has been rarely investigated. In our study, 100 adults with ADHD were recruited and subdivided according to a history of referral to speciality care or treatment with methylphenidate (MPH) during childhood/adolescence. The early referral was associated with a history of disruptive behaviors during childhood/adolescence. Current ADHD symptoms were more pronounced in patients first referred during childhood/adolescence but never treated with MPH. Early MPH treatment was associated with lower rates of mood disorders and lower severity of emotional dysregulation at the time of assessment. Negative emotionality mediated the relationship between MPH treatment and mood disorders comorbidity. ADHD patients first referred during childhood/adolescence are characterized by more externalizing features than those first referred in adulthood. MPH treatment during the developmental age may have a role in preventing mood disorders in patients with ADHD, possibly by reducing emotional dysregulation.
Investigation of Stability and Underlying Mechanism of Unstable Subgrades Loess Modified by Carbide Slag in Road Construction Projection
Authors: He Pengli , Guo Jinjun , Zhang Shixu
Published: August 2023

The repurposing of carbide slag (CS) coupled with the advancement of eco-friendly engineering methodologies promises a novel approach to addressing the technical challenges inherent in loess refinement. This inquiry delves into the feasibility of employing CS as an economically viable and ecologically sustainable remedy to amplify the engineering attributes of loess within the context of optimal preservation. In this investigation, assorted quantities of CS, spanning from 1% to 6%, were infused into the loess. The efficacy of CS as an additive was ascertained through a comprehensive array of tests administered across varied curing durations (0, 5, 10, 20, and 30 days), concentrating on its influence over the soil’s mechanical attributes. The study conducted various tests such as dual hydrometer, Attberg limit, specific gravity, compaction, unconfined compressive strength (UCS), consolidation, physico-chemical properties (pH, conductivity), and chemical analysis (sodium percentage and sodium adsorption rate). The study demonstrated that the incorporation of CS into loess resulted in an increase in hydraulic conductivity, UCS, and optimum water content while reducing maximum dry density, plasticity, and compressibility. Specifically, the application of 6% CS resulted in a significant 6.7-fold increase in UCS from 226.8 (kPa) to 1508.8 (kPa) over a 30-day curing period. It was also observed that the addition of CS and curing period resulted in a decrease in soil pH from 8.5 to 7.5 and an increase in electrical conductivity (EC) from 250 to 490 μs/cm. When the CS concentration was increased to 6%, the amount of Na+ ions, the total soluble salts, and the percentage of Na in the loess decreased. The phenomenon can be ascribed to the replacement of Ca2+ for Na+, leading to a more slender, diffuse double layer and heightened stability. The application of calcium silicate in loess subgrades enhances their stability and potency, concurrently providing an ecologically sound waste management resolution. Consequently, it emerges as a profoundly viable choice for ameliorating loess within the realm of the construction sector.
Bilobar Radioembolization Carries the Risk of Radioembolization-Induced Liver Disease in the Treatment of Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Safety and Efficacy Comparison to Systemic Therapy with Atezolizumab/Bevacizumab
Authors: Jeschke Matthias , Ludwig Johannes M. , Leyh Catherine , Pabst Kim M. , Weber Manuel , Theysohn Jens M. , Lange Christian M. , Herrmann Ken , Schmidt Hartmut H. -J. , Jochheim Leonie S.
Published: August 2023

Recommended treatment options for advanced-stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) include systemic therapy (ST) and trans-arterial radioembolization (TARE) with Yttrium-90 (Y90). Before the approval of immune-checkpoint inhibitors, a similar safety profile was reported for TARE and ST with tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI). However, whole-liver treatment and underlying cirrhosis were identified as risk factors for potentially lethal radioembolization-induced liver disease (REILD). Therefore, the safety and efficacy of TARE and ST with atezolizumab/bevacizumab were compared in patients with advanced HCC involving at least both liver lobes in a retrospective real-world cohort. In total, 74 patients with new or recurrent advanced-stage HCC (BCLC stage B/C) were included if treated with either bilobar TARE (n = 33) or systemic combination therapy with atezolizumab plus bevacizumab (n = 41). Most patients had compensated liver function (90.5% were classified as Child-Pugh Score A, 73% as ALBI Grade 1) at baseline. Although not significant, patients treated with ST showed a more prolonged overall survival than those treated with Y90 TARE (7.1 months vs. 13.0 months, p = 0.07). While a similar disease control rate could be achieved with bilobar TARE and atezolizumab/bevacizumab, in the TARE group, overall survival was curtailed by the occurrence of REILD. In patients with underlying liver cirrhosis, the liver function at baseline was a predictor for REILD.
How A Patient with Resectable or Borderline Resectable Pancreatic Cancer should Be Treated—A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Kwaśniewska Daria , Fudalej Marta , Nurzyński Paweł , Badowska-Kozakiewicz Anna , Czerw Aleksandra , Cipora Elżbieta , Sygit Katarzyna , Bandurska Ewa , Deptała Andrzej
Published: August 2023

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is an aggressive disease with high morbidity and mortality in which long-term survival rates remain disastrous. Surgical resection is the only potentially curable treatment for early pancreatic cancer; however, the right patient qualification is crucial for optimizing treatment outcomes. With the rapid development of radiographic and surgical techniques, resectability decisions are made by a multidisciplinary team. Upfront surgery (Up-S) can improve the survival of patients with potentially resectable disease with the support of adjuvant therapy (AT). However, early recurrences are quite common due to the often-undetectable micrometastases occurring before surgery. Adopted by international consensus in 2017, the standardization of the definitions of resectable PDAC (R-PDAC) and borderline resectable PDAC (BR-PDAC) disease was necessary to enable accurate interpretation of study results and define which patients could benefit from neoadjuvant therapy (NAT). NAT is expected to improve the resection rate with a negative margin to provide significant local control and eliminate micrometastases to prolong survival. Providing information about optimal sequential multimodal NAT seems to be key for future studies. This article presents a multidisciplinary concept for the therapeutic management of patients with R-PDAC and BR-PDAC based on current knowledge and our own experience.
scGEM: Unveiling the Nested Tree-Structured Gene Co-Expressing Modules in Single Cell Transcriptome Data
Authors: Zhang Han , Lu Xinghua , Lu Binfeng , Chen Lujia
Published: August 2023

Background: Single-cell transcriptome analysis has fundamentally changed biological research by allowing higher-resolution computational analysis of individual cells and subsets of cell types. However, few methods have met the need to recognize and quantify the underlying cellular programs that determine the specialization and differentiation of the cell types. Methods: In this study, we present scGEM, a nested tree-structured nonparametric Bayesian model, to reveal the gene co-expression modules (GEMs) reflecting transcriptome processes in single cells. Results: We show that scGEM can discover shared and specialized transcriptome signals across different cell types using peripheral blood mononuclear single cells and early brain development single cells. scGEM outperformed other methods in perplexity and topic coherence (p < 0.001) on our simulation data. Larger datasets, deeper trees and pre-trained models are shown to be positively associated with better scGEM performance. The GEMs obtained from triple-negative breast cancer single cells exhibited better correlations with lymphocyte infiltration (p = 0.009) and the cell cycle (p < 0.001) than other methods in additional validation on the bulk RNAseq dataset. Conclusions: Altogether, we demonstrate that scGEM can be used to model the hidden cellular functions of single cells, thereby unveiling the specialization and generalization of transcriptomic programs across different types of cells.
The Effect of Partial Electrical Insulation of the Tip and Active Needle Length of Monopolar Irreversible Electroporation Electrodes on the Electric Field Line Pattern and Temperature Gradient to Improve Treatment Control
Authors: Hogenes Annemiek M. , Slump Cornelis H. , te Riet o. g. Scholten Gerben A. , Stommel Martijn W. J. , Fütterer Jurgen J. , Verdaasdonk Rudolf M.
Published: August 2023

Unintentional local temperature effects can occur during irreversible electroporation (IRE) treatment, especially near the electrodes, and most frequently near the tip. Partial electrical insulation of the IRE electrodes could possibly control these temperature effects. This study investigated and visualized the effect of partial electrical insulation applied to the IRE electrodes on the electric field line pattern and temperature gradient. Six designs of (partial) electrical insulation of the electrode tip and/or active needle length (ANL) of the original monopolar 19G IRE electrodes were investigated. A semolina in castor oil model was used to visualize the electric field line pattern in a high-voltage static electric field. An optical method to visualize a change in temperature gradient (color Schlieren) was used to image the temperature development in a polyacrylamide gel. Computational models were used to support the experimental findings. Around the electrode tip, the highest electric field line density and temperature gradient were present. The more insulation was applied to the electrodes, the higher the resistance. Tip and ANL insulation together reduced the active area of and around the electrodes, resulting in a visually enlarged area that showed a change in temperature gradient. Electrically insulating the electrode tip together with an adjustment in IRE parameter settings could potentially reduce the uncontrollable influence of the tip and may improve the predictability of the current pathway development.
Dysregulation of Type I Interferon (IFN-I) Signaling: A Potential Contributor to Racial Disparity in Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC)
Authors: Reghupaty Saranya Chidambaranathan , Kanwal Sadia , Mendoza Rachel G. , Davis Eva , Li Haiwen , Lai Zhao , Dozmorov Mikhail G. , Faison Milton Omar , Siddiqui Rafat Ali , Sarkar Devanand
Published: August 2023

African-American (AA)/Black hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients have increased incidence and decreased survival rates compared to non-Hispanic (White) patients, the underlying molecular mechanism of which is not clear. Analysis of existing RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) data in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and in-house RNA-sequencing of 14 White and 18 AA/Black HCC patients revealed statistically significant activation of type I interferon (IFN-I) signaling pathway in AA/Black patients. A four-gene signature of IFN-stimulated genes (ISGs) showed increased expression in AA/Black HCC tumors versus White. HCC is a disease of chronic inflammation, and IFN-Is function as pro-inflammatory cytokines. We tested efficacy of ginger extract (GE), a dietary compound known for anti-inflammatory properties, on HCC cell lines derived from White (HepG2), AA/Black (Hep3B and O/20) and Asian (HuH-7) patients. GE exhibited a significantly lower IC50 on Hep3B and O/20 cells than on HepG2 and HuH-7 cells. The GE treatment inhibited the activation of downstream mediators of IFN-I signaling pathways and expression of ISGs in all four HCC cells. Our data suggest that ginger can potentially attenuate IFN-I-mediated signaling pathways in HCC, and cells from AA/Black HCC patients may be more sensitive to ginger. AA/Black HCC patients might benefit from a holistic diet containing ginger.
TNFR1 and TNFR2, Which Link NF-κB Activation, Drive Lung Cancer Progression, Cell Dedifferentiation, and Metastasis
Authors: Shi Gongping , Hu Yinling
Published: August 2023

TNFR1 and TNFR2, encoded by TNFRSF1A and TNFRSF1B, respectively, are the most well-characterized members among the TNFR superfamily. TNFR1 is expressed in most cell types, while TNFR2 has been reported to be preferentially expressed in leukocytes. Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer mortality worldwide but TNFRs’ activities in lung cancer development have not been fully evaluated. Recently, overexpressed TNFR1 was reported in a large proportion of human lung squamous cell carcinomas. Increased TNFR1 coupled with increased UBCH10 caused lung SCC cell dedifferentiation with epithelial–mesenchymal transition features and the metastasis in a combined spontaneous lung SCC and TNFR1 transgenic mouse model. UBCH10, an E2 ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme that is an oncogene, increased Sox2, c-Myc, Twist1, and Bcl2 levels. Increased TNFR1 upregulated UBCH10 expression by activating c-Rel and p65 NF-κB. Lung SCC patients overexpressing TNFRSF1A and one of these target genes died early compared to lung SCC patients expressing lower levels of these genes. Recently, we also revealed that TNFR2 was required for lung adenocarcinoma progression, delivering a signaling pathway of TNF/TNFR2/NF-κB-c-Rel, in which macrophage-produced ROS and TNF converted CD4 T cells to Foxp3 Treg cells, generating an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment and promoting lung ADC progression. In human lung ADC cohorts, TNFRSF1B expression was highly correlated with TNF, FOXP3, and CD4 expression. Of note, TNF stimulated the activities of TNFR1 and TNFR2, two membrane-binding receptors, which accelerate tumorigenesis through diverse mechanisms. This review focuses on these new findings regarding the roles of TNFR1 and TNFR2 in lung SCC and ADC development in humans and mice, and highlights the potential therapeutic targets of human lung cancers.
The Eye of the Storm: Investigating the Long-Term Cardiovascular Effects of COVID-19 and Variants
Authors: Vishwakarma Nandini , Goud Reshma B. , Tirupattur Myna Prakash , Katwa Laxmansa C.
Published: August 2023

COVID-19 had stormed through the world in early March of 2019, and on 5 May 2023, SARS-CoV-2 was officially declared to no longer be a global health emergency. The rise of new COVID-19 variants XBB.1.5 and XBB.1.16, a product of recombinant variants and sub-strains, has fueled a need for continued surveillance of the pandemic as they have been deemed increasingly infectious. Regardless of the severity of the variant, this has caused an increase in hospitalizations, a strain in resources, and a rise of concern for public health. In addition, there is a growing population of patients experiencing cardiovascular complications as a result of post-acute sequelae of COVID-19. This review aims to focus on what was known about SARS-CoV-2 and its past variants (Alpha, Delta, Omicron) and how the knowledge has grown today with new emerging variants, with an emphasis on cardiovascular complexities. We focus on the possible mechanisms that cause the observations of chronic cardiac conditions seen even after patients have recovered from the infection. Further understanding of these mechanisms will help to close the gap in knowledge on post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 and the differences between the effects of variants.
A 3D-Printed Electrochemical Immunosensor Employing Cd/Se ZnS QDs as Labels for the Rapid and Ultrasensitive Detection of Salmonella typhimurium in Poultry Samples
Authors: Angelopoulou Michailia , Kourti Dimitra , Mertiri Maria , Petrou Panagiota , Kakabakos Sotirios , Kokkinos Christos
Published: August 2023

Salmonella is one of the leading causes of foodborne illnesses worldwide, with poultry products being a major source of contamination. Thus, the detection of salmonella in commercial poultry products is crucial to minimize the effects on public health. Electrochemical sensors are promising tools for bacteria detection due to their sensitivity, simplicity, and potential for on-site analysis. In this work, a three-dimensional (3D) printed electrochemical immunosensor for the determination of Salmonella typhimurium in fresh chicken through a sandwich immunoassay employing biotinylated anti-S. typhimurium antibody followed by streptavidin labeled with Cd/Se ZnS quantum dots (QDs) is presented. The device features three carbon-black polylactic acid electrodes and a holder, and the quantification of S. typhimurium is performed by anodic stripping voltametric (ASV) determination of the Cd(II) released after acidic dissolution of the QDs. To enhance sensitivity, an electroplated bismuth film was deposited on the working electrode, achieving a detection limit of 5 cfu/mL in a total assay time of 25 min, whereas 5 h of sample pre-enrichment was required for the detection of 1 cfu/25 mL of chicken rinse and chicken broth. The method is accurate, with %recovery values ranging from 93.3 to 113% in fresh chicken samples, and repeatable with intra- and inter- assay coefficient of variations <2 and 5%, respectively, indicating the suitability of the proposed immunosensor for the detection of S. typhimurium at the point-of-need.
State of the Evidence for Use of Psychotropic Medications in School-Age Youth
Authors: Shahidullah Jeffrey D. , Roberts Holly , Parkhurst John , Ballard Rachel , Mautone Jennifer A. , Carlson John S.
Published: August 2023

Psychotropic medications are commonly prescribed to school-aged youth for the management of mental health concerns. This paper describes the current state of evidence for psychotropic medications in school-aged youth. More specifically, the following sections summarize relevant medication research trials and practice parameters pertaining to psychotropic medication prescribing as well as the specific medications indicated for a range of commonly presenting disorders and symptom clusters in school-aged youth. For each of these disorders and symptom clusters, key findings pertaining to the current state of science and practice are highlighted for the purpose of offering patients, clinicians, researchers, and policymakers with nuanced considerations for the role of psychopharmacology within the context of a larger “whole-child” approach to care that relies on the collaboration of providers and services across systems of care to promote optimal child and family health and wellness. The paper concludes with a discussion about supporting the use of medication treatments in schools, including considerations for ensuring effective family-school-health system collaboration to best meet youth mental health needs.
Mimicking Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy in a Newborn with 21q Deletion Originating from Ring Chromosome 21
Authors: Moon Ja Un , Yum Sook Kyung
Published: August 2023

Partial deletion of the long arm (q) in chromosome 21 is an extremely rare condition with various phenotypes, including microcephaly, neurodevelopmental delay, dysmorphic features, and epileptic seizures. Neonatal hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) is an encephalopathy associated with a hypoxic-ischemic event in the brain where seizures usually occur in the earliest days of life. Neonatal encephalopathy is a distinct entity resulting from metabolic disorders, congenital infections or genetic abnormalities that could often mimic HIE features, leading to a misdiagnosis of HIE. Here, we present a case of a newborn who was initially misdiagnosed with HIE due to HIE-like features, and eventually was diagnosed to have a de novo ring chromosome 21 with 21q microdeletion. Clinical findings, including severe hypotonia with respiratory/feeding difficulties and intractable seizures, and radiologic findings of ischemic encephalopathy were discovered. Subsequent atypical findings of the clinical presentation ultimately led to her undergoing genetic testing confirming that she had a neonatal encephalopathy with a genetic abnormality. Our case highlights the importance of identifying non-HI neonatal encephalopathy by careful and structured evaluation for current history with a clinical course and a multidisciplinary approach including genetic testing, to provide an accurate diagnosis, treat curable inherited disorders, and develop future genetic counseling.
Uganda’s Hydropower System Resilience to Extreme Climate Variability
Authors: Mujjuni Francis , Betts Thomas , Blanchard Richard
Published: August 2023

This study was motivated by the high reliance on hydropower plants (HPPs) developed and planned along the river Nile and the fact that drought events are the most imminent and drastic threats to Uganda’s power production. The study aimed to assess HPPs’ resilience and the effectiveness of selected adaptation measures. The climate, land, energy, and water system (CLEWs) framework was employed to assess resilience amidst competing water demands and stringent environmental flow requirements. Under extreme dry conditions, power generation could plummet by 91% over the next 40 years, which translates into an annual per capita consumption of 19 kWh, barely sufficient to sustain a decent socioeconomic livelihood. During arid conditions, climate models predicted an increase in streamflow with increasing radiative forcing. Restricting the ecological flow to 150 m3/s could improve generation by 207%. In addition, if planned power plants were to be built 5 years ahead of schedule, the normalized mean annual plant production could increase by 23%. In contrast, increasing reservoir volumes for planned power plants will have no significant impact on generation. The path to HPP resilience could entail a combination of diversifying the generation mix, installing generators with varying capacities, and incorporating adjustable orifices on reservoirs.
A New Linear Model for the Calculation of Routing Metrics in 802.11s Using ns-3 and RStudio
Authors: Ochoa-Aldeán Juan , Silva-Cárdenas Carlos
Published: August 2023

Wireless mesh networks (WMNs) offer a pragmatic solution with a cost-effective ratio when provisioning ubiquitous broadband internet access and diverse telecommunication systems. The conceptual underpinning of mesh networks finds application not only in IEEE networks, but also in 3GPP networks like LTE and the low-power wide area network (LPWAN) tailored for the burgeoning Internet of Things (IoT) landscape. IEEE 802.11s is well known for its facto standard for WMN, which defines the hybrid wireless mesh protocol (HWMP) as a layer-2 routing protocol and airtime link (ALM) as a metric. In this intricate landscape, artificial intelligence (AI) plays a prominent role in the industry, particularly within the technology and telecommunication realms. This study presents a novel methodology for the computation of routing metrics, specifically the ALM. This methodology implements the network simulator ns-3 and the RStudio as a statistical computing environment for data analysis. The former has enabled for the creation of scripts that elicit a variety of scenarios for WMN where information is gathered and stored in databases. The latter (RStudio) takes this information, and at this point, two linear predictions are supported. The first uses linear models (lm) and the second employs general linear models (glm). To conclude this process, statistical tests are applied to the original model, as well as to the new suggested ones. This work substantially contributes in two ways: first, through the methodological tool for the metric calculation of the HWMP protocol that belongs to the IEEE 802.11s standard, using lm and glm for the selection and validation of the model regressors. At this stage the ANOVA and STEPWIZE tools of RStudio are used. The second contribution is a linear predictor that improves the WMN’s performance as a priori mechanism before the use of the ns-3 simulator. The ANCOVA tool of RStudio is employed in the latter.
In Vitro Regeneration Protocol for Securidaca longepedunculata Fresen., a Threatened Medicinal Plant within the Region of Lubumbashi (Democratic Republic of the Congo)
Authors: Mulumbati Magnifique Chuimika , Godoy Jara Mario , Baboy Longanza Louis , Bogaert Jan , Werbrouck Stefaan , Sikuzani Yannick Useni , Mazinga Kwey Michel
Published: August 2023

Securidaca longepedunculata Fresen. is an overexploited forest species in the Lubumbashi region (south-eastern DR Congo), as its roots are highly valued in traditional medicine. Conventional propagation of this species is affected by seed dormancy and a high mortality rate during early seedling development. To improve on existing methods, we developed an in vitro seed germination protocol. After observing the germination rates, the effects of different doses (0.5, 1, 1.5, and 2 mg/L) of cytokinins (6-benzylaminopurine, kinetin, and meta-topolin) on S. longepedunculata seedling development were compared. Our results showed that soaking for 10 min in NaOCl (10%) followed by 5 min in ethanol (70%) effectively reduced the death rate of seeds while increasing the germination rate to almost 77%. The addition of cytokinins improved plantlet growth: a 12.2× increase in the number of plantlets was obtained with 1.5 mg/L meta-topolin, while only a single stem was obtained from the control. The effects of different auxin types on rhizogenesis did not differ significantly. The best recovery and rooting were noted with microcuttings from the basal parts of S. longepedunculata plantlets. Finally, the seedlings produced survived during the acclimatisation phase regardless of the type of substrate used. The established protocol provides a means for large-scale production of S. longepedunculata plantlets for the restoration of degraded landscapes and agroforestry.
Two Cases of Durable and Deep Responses to Immune Checkpoint Inhibition-Refractory Metastatic Melanoma after Addition of Camu Camu Prebiotic
Authors: Pang Steph A. , Elkrief Arielle , Capella Mariana Pilon , Miller Wilson H.
Published: August 2023

Camu camu (CC) is a prebiotic that selectively stimulates growth and activity of beneficial gut microbiota. Work in murine models demonstrated that castalagin, the active compound in CC, preferentially binds to beneficial gut microbiome bacteria, promoting a stronger CD8+T cell anti-cancer response. We present two patients with metastatic melanoma whose cancer progressed on immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) and developed clinically significant immune-related adverse events (irAEs). They were rechallenged with ICIs in combination with CC. The first patient is a 71-year-old woman with metastatic melanoma, whose ICI treatment was complicated by immune-related pneumonitis and colitis. Upon progression on maintenance nivolumab, CC was added to nivolumab, leading to a near complete response (CR). The second patient is a 90-year-old man with recurrent unresectable melanoma, treated with nivolumab, complicated by immune-related rash and diabetes. He developed new subcutaneous calf lesions and a metastatic popliteal lymph node. CC was added to nivolumab. One month later, the patient experienced a CR. Both patients have been on nivolumab and CC with durable responses for more than a year, with minimal irAEs. These two cases suggest that CC may modulate the microbiome, synergizing with ICIs to produce deep, durable responses with minimal irAEs.
Do Bats Avoid the Urban Core in the Breeding Season? A Case Study from Temperate Latitudes
Authors: Vlaschenko Anton , Rodenko Olena , Hukov Vitalii , Kovalov Viktor , Prylutska Alona , Kravchenko Kseniia
Published: August 2023

Seasonal utilization of urban areas by bats remains inadequately explored. This study aimed to comprehensively survey the species composition and population dynamics of bats during both the breeding season (May–July) and autumn migration season (August–September) within a large urban area, specifically Kharkiv city, Ukraine. We conducted multiyear data collection from 2014 to 2016, employing a combination of acoustic recordings, mist-netting, and registration of opportunistically found bats. The results revealed the identification of seven bat species using all methods (Eptesicus serotinus, Nyctalus noctula, N. leisleri, Pipistrellus pygmaeus, P. kuhlii, P. nathusii, and Vespertilio murinus), with notable differences in species composition between the studied periods. During the migration season, N. noctula was a numerically predominant species, while P. kuhlii and E. serotinus were the most abundant during the breeding season. The urban core bat population during the breeding season primarily consisted of males and solitary reproductive females, mainly represented by P. kuhlii and E. serotinus. Acoustic recording data indicated that N. noctula actively avoided the urban core during the breeding season, but was more common on the city periphery. In contrast, during the migration season, the city experienced a significant surge in bat abundance, both in general and specifically among noctule bats, with their numbers increasing tenfold compared to the breeding season. Moreover, a considerable number of young individuals were observed during the migration season. These findings provide evidence that bats tend to avoid the urban core in large cities at temperate latitudes during the breeding season but actively utilize urban areas during autumn migration. Understanding the seasonal preferences and movements of bats in urban environments is crucial for effective conservation and management strategies.
Habitat Selection Differences of Two Sympatric Large Carnivores in the Southwestern Mountains of China
Authors: Tian Tengteng , Chen Xing , Pan Han , Jin Yuyi , Zhang Xiaodian , Xiang Yang , Song Dazhao , Yang Biao , Zhang Li
Published: August 2023

Large terrestrial carnivores play a crucial role in the top–down control of terrestrial ecosystems by maintaining ecosystem stability and biodiversity. However, intense interspecific competition typically occurs among large sympatric carnivores, leading to population reduction or extinction. Spatial partitioning through divergent habitat selection mitigates such competition. In this study, we analyzed the main environmental factors influencing the habitat selection and fragmentation of suitable habitats in Xinlong County, Sichuan Province, using 410 infrared cameras from 2015 to 2023. By employing generalized linear and maximum entropy models, we developed an ensemble model to predict the suitable habitat distribution of leopards (Panthera pardus) and wolves (Canis lupus). The results revealed significant disparities in suitable habitat distributions of leopards and wolves as coexisting large carnivores. Leopards prefer understory, whereas wolves prefer high-altitude meadows. Wolves spatially avoid leopards, who secure relatively superior resources and relegate wolves to inferior habitats. Although suitable habitat patches for both species cluster intensely, habitat connectivity remains low owing to pronounced anthropogenic disturbances, which is especially evident in the higher fragmentation of wolf habitats. These results suggest that sympatric large carnivores can reduce spatial competition intensity and promote spatial partitioning by selecting divergently suitable habitats, thereby facilitating species coexistence.
Interprofessional Education in Diabetes Care—Findings from an Integrated Review
Authors: Sidani Samira , Patel Kunal D.
Published: August 2023

Diabetes is a leading non-communicable disease with a huge and predictably increasing burden on individuals, societies and governments. Interprofessional education (IPE) aims to enhance healthcare providers’ competence and patient care by providing well-organised, coordinated interprofessional care (IPC) within teams of healthcare professionals of different disciplines. Interprofessional practices are crucial in diabetes care. However, evidence on the effect of diabetes-specific IPE on diabetes outcomes is limited. This study aims to survey and report recent findings on the impact of interprofessional approaches on the outcomes of diabetes management. A systematic search of PubMed and Google Scholar from 2008 was adopted to identify relevant studies. After screening for relevance, the studies used in this review were thematically analysed, and two main categories of the findings were isolated: the impact of IPE and IPC on enhanced care provision and on improved diabetes self-management. The results indicate that healthcare professionals and students and people with diabetes benefit from IPE/IPC to improve diabetes outcomes and quality of care. However, improving diabetes care is achieved when inhibitors are addressed to incorporate IPE in health professions curricula and to support IPC in clinical settings.
Factors Influencing Patient Satisfaction and Loyalty as Perceived by Dentists and Their Patients
Authors: Szabó Réka Magdolna , Buzás Norbert , Braunitzer Gábor , Shedlin Michele Goldzieher , Antal Mark Ádám
Published: August 2023

Objective: This study aimed to identify the key aspects of patients’ dental care experience that influenced their self-perceived satisfaction and loyalty. Also examined was the agreement between patients and dentists regarding these factors. Methods: Questionnaires were administered to 1121 patients and 77 dentists, focusing on demographic information and 15 selected items related to the patients’ last dental visit. Descriptive and linear regression analyses were conducted. Results: The study included participants from 41 practices. Factors significantly influencing satisfaction and loyalty included location convenience, treatment quality, trust in dentists’ decisions, visit frequency satisfaction, clear treatment explanations, dentist’s interest in symptoms, patient-dental personnel attachment, and dentist’s knowledge of the patient and their medical records. While overall agreement between patients and dentists was high, some areas exhibited notable disagreement. Conclusions: The findings mostly align with existing literature, underscoring the importance of communication, trust, and a personal patient-dentist relationship in promoting satisfaction and loyalty. However, they also show that local, generally not reported factors might be at play, which necessitates dentists’ awareness and consideration of the local context for optimal outcomes.
The Ethics of Fractional-Reserve Banking System: A Private Property Rights Approach
Authors: Espinosa Víctor I. , Alonso-Neira Miguel A. , Huerta de Soto Jesús
Published: August 2023

It is generally stated that the fractional-reserve banking system (FRBS) is consistent with sustainable economic growth and development. While it assumes that depositors will not be a joint demand who will claim all their money simultaneously, it supposes that a monetary aggregate greater than the monetary base will not harm economic performance. However, the FRBS’s call to central banks casts doubt on the sustainability argument and its ethical support. This article explores the FRBS from the ethics of private property, proving a radically different course to promote sustainable economic growth and development. After reviewing and discussing the ethics of private property for the FRBS and its call for central banks, the case of fiat inflation and business cycles clarifies the narrow relationship between ethics and sustainability. These findings are applied to some modern ethical dilemmas around the FRBS, proving novel avenues for policy reform and research opportunities.
Children’s Informal Learning in Mathematics through Parental Involvement with Play-Based Activities: A Nonformal Training Program
Authors: Panaoura Rita , Nitsiou Chrisa
Published: August 2023

The present study examines the role of everyday play-based activities, planned and implemented by parents, on the development of children’s mathematical thinking at the age of up to 3 years old. Parents’ knowledge and beliefs were measured by using an online questionnaire, while a nonformal training program was developed and implemented with the participation of a group of parents using technological tools. The aim was to improve their knowledge on how to use relevant play-based activities and the understanding of their role. Results indicated that parents asked for the contribution of experts in order to acquire the relevant knowledge and skills and develop positive self-efficacy beliefs about their role. They found the training practical, through the use of digital tools, as well as useful for collaboration and communication. The shared examples by them indicated that the training has to concentrate further on the use of daily activities outside of the school-based context, which is more known to the parents.
Examining the Setting of Significant Learning Events during the Engineering School-to-Work Transition
Authors: Lutz Benjamin , Paretti Marie C.
Published: August 2023

The school-to-work transition is a critical time for engineers that involves rapid learning across multiple fronts, but relatively little is known about the setting (i.e., how, where, and with whom) of significant learning experiences during this time. The purpose of the study is to examine the setting of significant learning events for recent engineering graduates. We used a multi-case study in which 12 recent engineering graduates responded to weekly reflective journal prompts for the first twelve weeks of their transition from school to work. Participants described significant learning events through a series of open-ended questions. We used both deductive and inductive coding to identify the setting of the event in terms of how, where, and with whom engineers engaged in learning at work. The findings highlight the emergent, social nature of workplace learning and point to critical differences across school and work. To better prepare students for professional practice, engineering educators should consider how they might create learning environments that promote effective transfer of knowledge and skills.
Black Women’s Narratives Navigating Gendered Racism in Student Affairs
Authors: Quaye Stephen John , Satterwhite Erin M. , Abukar Jasmine
Published: August 2023

White people, Black men, and non-Black People of Color often expect Black women to care for others, often to the detriment of Black women being able to prioritize their own needs. This feeling is even more pronounced in helping professions, such as student affairs, and is consistent with a history of expectations that Black women care for others’ needs. In this manuscript, we use Black Feminist Thought to explore racial battle fatigue and how Black women student affairs educators worked to center themselves and focus on their healing from gendered racism. We employed a narrative inquiry methodology to center participants’ stories. Findings illustrate differences between self-care and healing, the importance of community, and efforts to support future generations of Black women. Our work builds on Black Feminist Thought as a theoretical framework and contributes to the literature on the particular ways racial battle fatigue manifests and strategies for healing in the midst of navigating gendered racism.
Efficient On-Chip Learning of Multi-Layer Perceptron Based on Neuron Multiplexing Method
Authors: Zhang Zhenyu , Wang Guangsen , Wang Kang , Gan Bo , Chen Guoyong
Published: August 2023

An efficient on-chip learning method based on neuron multiplexing is proposed in this paper to address the limitations of traditional on-chip learning methods, including low resource utilization and non-tunable parallelism. The proposed method utilizes a configurable neuron calculation unit (NCU) to calculate neural networks in different degrees of parallelism through multiplexing NCUs at different levels, and resource utilization can be increased by reducing the number of NCUs since the resource consumption is predominantly determined by the number of NCUs and the data bit-width, which are decoupled from the specific topology. To better support the proposed method and minimize RAM block usage, a weight segmentation and recombination method is introduced, accompanied by a detailed explanation of the access order. Moreover, a performance model is developed to facilitate parameter selection process. Experimental results conducted on an FPGA development board demonstrate that the proposed method has lower resource consumption, higher resource utilization, and greater generality compared to other methods.
Video Blockchain: A Decentralized Approach for Secure and Sustainable Networks with Distributed Video Footage from Vehicle-Mounted Cameras in Smart Cities
Authors: Moolikagedara Kasun , Nguyen Minh , Yan Wei Qi , Li Xue Jun
Published: August 2023

In this paper, we explore video blockchain for establishing connectivity among vehicles in a smart city through utilizing blockchain technology. By leveraging intelligent vehicular systems that provide location-based visualization through multiple deployed cameras in vehicles, we expand the scope of collecting video surveillance data for observation, thereby enhancing overall situational awareness. We utilize the decentralized nature of blockchain to implement a vehicle-based surveillance system across a smart city. To ensure reliability, the integration of two cryptographic functions, hashing and signing, with the blockchain is employed. This integration ensures secure and tamper-proof solutions for the existing intelligent surveillance system. In this paper, our primary focus is on combining blockchain technology to achieve sustainable and robust smart solutions for intelligent vehicular distributed video networks while eliminating the need for third-party intermediaries. Through extensive experiments and analysis, we demonstrate the effectiveness and feasibility of our proposed video blockchain approach. The results indicate that this innovative framework provides enhanced security, privacy, and scalability for intelligent vehicular distributed networks in smart cities, paving the way for a connected and efficient urban environment.
Low-Cost W-Band Dual-Mode SIW Bandpass Filters Using Commercially Available Printed-Circuit-Board Technology
Authors: Huang Xiaolong , Liu Zheng
Published: August 2023

W-band filters play a crucial role in modern millimeter-wave communication and radar systems, finding applications in 5G/6G networks, automotive radar, and passive imaging. With the growing demand for higher data rates and efficient wireless communication, W-band filter development has gained significant attention in recent years. Various design techniques and fabrication technologies have been explored for improved performance and integration possibilities. This paper presents a planar substrate-integrated waveguide (SIW) dual-mode cavity filter as a solution to the challenges faced by previous designs in terms of integration, size, and cost. The dual-mode cavity coupling principle and design parameters are analyzed to optimize the filter’s performance. A W-band 4th-order dual-mode filter prototype is designed and fabricated on a 0.127-mm-thick RO5880 substrate, and a finline waveguide-to-microstrip transition structure is employed for compatibility with the test instrument. Simulation and experimental results demonstrate that the proposed filter exhibits low insertion loss, good in-band standing wave performance, and improved out-of-band suppression. Moreover, a visible high-frequency out-of-band transmission zero is implemented to enhance the steep roll-off characteristics in the high-frequency out-of-band region.
Cooperative Decisions of a Multi-Agent System for the Target-Pursuit Problem in Manned–Unmanned Environment
Authors: Han Le , Song Weilong , Yang Tingting , Tian Zeyu , Yu Xuewei , An Xuyang
Published: August 2023

With the development of intelligent technology, multi-agent systems have been widely applied in military and civilian fields. Compared to a single platform, multi-agent systems can complete more dangerous, difficult, and heavy tasks. However, due to the limited autonomy of unmanned platforms and the regulatory needs of personnel, multi-agent systems cooperating with manned platforms to perform tasks have been more widely promoted at this stage of development. This paper addresses a differential game method for cooperative decision-making of a multi-agent system cooperating with the manned platform for the target-pursuit problem. The manned platform pursues the target according to a certain trajectory, and its state can be obtained by the multi-agent system. Firstly, for the case that the target moves with a fixed trajectory, the target-pursuit problem in a manned–unmanned environment is viewed in the form of game based on a communication graph among agents. Secondly, strategies of all agents are proposed while maintaining their group cohesion. A set of coupled differential equations is solved to implement strategy calculation. Compared to purely unmanned systems, the strategies combine the advantages of the manned platform and add a reference item, which can achieve team cohesion relatively quickly. Furthermore, a brief analysis is made on the scenarios where the target is in another case or adopts other strategies. Finally, comparative simulations have verified the effectiveness and synergy of the strategy.