bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Use of Calcium Phosphate Bioceramics for the Treatment of Osteomyelitis
Authors: Oliveira Cláudia Suellen Ferro , Negut Irina , Bita Bogdan
Published: November 2024

Bone infections, particularly osteomyelitis, present significant clinical challenges due to their resistance to treatment and risk of progressing to chronic disease. Conventional therapies, including systemic antibiotics and surgical debridement, often prove insufficient, especially in cases where biofilms form or infection sites are difficult to access. As an alternative, calcium phosphate bioceramics have emerged as a promising strategy for treating bone infections. These materials offer key advantages such as biocompatibility, osteoconductivity, and the ability to be engineered for controlled drug delivery. Calcium phosphate bioceramics can serve as scaffolds for bone regeneration while simultaneously delivering antibiotics locally, thus addressing the limitations of systemic therapies and reducing infection recurrence. This review provides an overview of osteomyelitis, including its pathogenesis and conventional treatment approaches, while exploring the diverse therapeutic possibilities presented by calcium phosphate bioceramics. Special attention is given to hydroxyapatite, tricalcium phosphate, and their composites, with a focus on their therapeutic potential in the treatment of bone infections. The discussion highlights their mechanisms of action, integration with antimicrobial agents, and clinical efficacy. The dual capacity of calcium phosphate bioceramics to promote both bone healing and infection management is critically evaluated, highlighting opportunities for future research to address current challenges and enhance their clinical application in orthopedics and dentistry. Future research directions should focus on developing calcium phosphate bioceramic composites with enhanced antibacterial properties, optimizing drug-loading capacities, and advancing minimally invasive delivery methods to improve clinical outcomes. Further in vivo studies are essential to validate the long-term efficacy and safety of calcium phosphate bioceramic applications, with an emphasis on patient-specific formulations and rapid prototyping technologies that can personalize treatment for diverse osteomyelitis cases.
Molecular Conductors Based on Dimethylcyclohexene-Fused Tetrathiafulvalene
Authors: Fujisaki Masahiro , Naito Ryoya , Shirahata Takashi , Kawasugi Yoshitaka , Tajima Naoya , Misaki Yohji
Published: November 2024

Chiral electroactive materials have attracted attention for the effects of electrical magnetochiral anisotropy (eMChA) and chirality-induced spin selectivity (CISS). The combination of tetrathiafulvalene (TTF) with chiral moieties is one way to access chiral electroactive materials. In this paper, we have focused on the fused 2,3-dimethylcyclohexene (DMCh) ring as a substituent with chiral carbon atoms and without heteroatoms, which has not been used in the field of molecular conductors, and we synthesized a new TTF derivative (rac-DMCh-EDT-TTF). We have developed novel molecular conductors (rac-DMCh-EDT-TTF)2X (X− = PF6−, AsF6− and ClO4−), which have bilayer conducting sheets composed of the two crystallographically independent molecules. All salts exhibited semiconducting behavior from room temperature down to low temperatures, and a resistivity anomaly was observed at 180–250 K. X-ray structure analysis at 100 K and 263 K and molecular orbital calculations using the results of X-ray structure analysis indicated the emergence of a charge disproportionation between Layers 1 and 2 at the low-temperature phase.
Exploring the Feasibility and Acceptability of a Brief Online Dialogic Book-Sharing Training for Teaching Support Staff
Authors: Hutchings Judy , Lothian Rebecca , Jones Anwen , Williams Margiad E.
Published: November 2024

Background/Objectives: In the UK, significant and rising numbers of children arrive in schools with marked deficits in key skills such as oral language. This rise has been further negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Given this, the foundation phase of primary school education is a necessary environment for targeting language deficits. There is evidence to suggest that teaching assistant (TA)-led interventions can be effective when adequate training and support are provided. This study explored the feasibility of providing a brief, online dialogic book-sharing training to TAs, and whether this training would be effective in upskilling TAs and enable them to improve the language outcomes of children aged 3–7 years in a school context. Methods: North Wales primary schools were invited to nominate TAs for the two half-day training sessions. Five schools responded, and eleven TA–child dyads participated. Data were collected on recruitment, training acceptability and baseline, and post-training measures from TAs and children (2–3 weeks after the final training session) and 4–6 weeks after the first follow-up. Measures of TA competence and behavior were collected, along with measures of child language and behavior. Results: Schools and TAs were recruited; TAs reported positively to the training, and the results showed small to large effect size benefits on all TA skills and child expressive language with significant positive post-training effects on TAs’ use of reflections and child language abilities. However, these effects were somewhat reduced at follow-up. Conclusions: Overall, the results of this feasibility study provide positive evidence for this training as an accessible way for schools to strengthen their prevention infrastructures by professionalizing a growing, but relatively untrained, group within the school workforce.
Long-Term Outcomes in Patients with EGFR Positive Lung Adenocarcinoma and Subgroup Analysis Based on Presence of Liver Metastases
Authors: Ćeriman Krstić Vesna , Soldatović Ivan , Samardžić Natalija , Gajić Milija , Kontić Milica , Reljić Aleksandar , Savić Milan , Roksandić Milenković Marina , Jovanović Dragana
Published: November 2024

Lung cancer represents the most common cause of cancer related death. Patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and liver metastases (LM) have worse prognosis with an overall survival (OS) of three to six months. The aim of this study was to investigate long-term outcomes in patients with EGFR mutated (EGFRmut) lung adenocarcinoma as well as the presence of LM. (A total of 105 patients were included in the analysis). They were divided into two groups based on the presence of LM. OS was 13 months for the whole group and also 13 months for patients with and without LM. The 9-year survival rate for patients with and without LM was 12.5% and 3.4%, respectively. Further, the 9-year survival rate for the whole group of patients was 4.8%. There are few data about survival rates beyond 5 years for patients with locally advanced and metastatic EGFRmut NSCLC, mainly because patients with lung cancer rarely live for such a long time. Regarding patients with liver metastases, the results of our study showed similar outcomes compared to patients without LM. As these patients represent a significant number of patients, we need a wider range of therapeutic options. It might be that combination therapies represent a better therapeutic option.
Treatment Options for Patients with Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer and Liver Metastases
Authors: Ćeriman Krstić Vesna , Samardžić Natalija , Gajić Milija , Savić Milan , Šeha Biljana , Roksandić Milenković Marina , Jovanović Dragana
Published: November 2024

Lung cancer represents the most common cause of cancer-related death. Patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and liver metastases have worse prognosis, with an overall survival (OS) from three to six months. The majority of them have a poor response to chemotherapy, and the data are controversial regarding the response to immunotherapy. This could be because the liver is considered to be an immune-tolerant organ, which is characterized by T-cell anergy and immunosuppressive signals. This review evaluates current treatment options for patients with NSCLC and liver metastases. Combination therapies might be a better treatment option for this subgroup of patients. The addition of radiotherapy to immunotherapy could also be an option in selected patients. The resection of single liver metastasis should also be considered.
Regulation Roles of Juvenile Hormone Epoxide Hydrolase Gene 2 in the Female River Prawn Macrobrachium nipponense Reproductive Process
Authors: Wang Jisheng , Zhang Mengying , Fu Hongtuo , Zhang Wenyi , Xiong Yiwei , Jin Shubo , Qiao Hui , Jiang Sufei
Published: November 2024

In this study, we investigated the regulatory roles of the juvenile hormone epoxide hydrolase (JHEH) gene in the reproductive process of female Macrobrachium nipponense. Its total cDNA length was 1848 bp, encoding for 460 amino acids. It contained conserved domains typical of epoxide hydrolases, such as the Abhydrolase family domain, the EHN epoxide hydrolase superfamily domain, and the “WWG” and “HGWP” motifs. The qPCR results showed that the expression of Mn-JHEH was the highest in hepatopancreas. Mn-JHEH was expressed at all stages of the embryonic and larval stages. The expression of Mn-JHEH at different developmental periods of the ovary was positively correlated with ovarian maturation. In situ hybridization showed that it was mainly located in the cytoplasmic membrane and nucleus of oocytes. The RNA interference technique was used to study the role of Mn-JHEH in the process of ovarian maturation. The knockdown of Mn-JHEH with dsRNA in the experimental group resulted in a significant decrease in the percentage of ovaries exceeding stage O-III and the gonadal index compared with the control group. On day 14 (the second molt), the molt frequency was significantly higher in the control group than in the experimental group. The results showed that Mn-JHEH played an important role in ovarian maturation and molting.
Protective Effect of Escin Against Kidney Injury: Histopathological and Biochemical Evaluations
Authors: Cengiz Mustafa , Peker Cengiz Betül , Teixeira Andrade Alanna , Ayhanci Adnan
Published: November 2024

The purpose of the current study was to find out whether escin (ES) safeguarded experimental rats against cyclophosphamide (CP)-induced kidney injury. Twenty-four rats were randomly divided into four groups (n = 6). After the examination, histological and biochemical analyses were performed to assess the alterations in kidney tissue. According to histologic and biochemical analyses, renal tissue in the CP group suffered significant damage by CP. There was a significant improvement in histological damage in the group receiving CP+ES together. This suggests that ES significantly protects the kidney’s functional characteristics. The present study concludes by highlighting histological and biochemical studies to illustrate the ability of ES to cure kidney injury caused by CP and its influence on the relationship between oxidative stress, apoptosis, and renal failure.
SPP1 mRNA Expression Is Associated with M2 Macrophage Infiltration and Poor Prognosis in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
Authors: Chen Yu-Chia , Chen Chia-Ching , Chen Rong-Fu , Chen Hsin-Hung , Chen Po-Ming
Published: November 2024

(1): Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an especially aggressive form of breast cancer defined by a poor prognosis and a lack of effective treatment options. There is a pressing need for validated predictive and prognostic biomarkers to assist in making treatment decisions and improve the prognostic accuracy for patients with this challenging disease. (2): We analyzed the RNA-seq data from three TNBC tissue samples alongside their corresponding normal tissues. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) identified potential pathways. Additionally, we examined SPP1 mRNA expression datasets available in the Kaplan–Meier plotter and investigated the SPP1 protein expression patterns in our own tissue microarray cohort via immunohistochemistry. (3): The results revealed that genes associated with the Toll-like receptor signaling pathway showed a significant increase in activity in TNBC tissues when compared to normal breast tissues. Furthermore, SPP1 expression was found to be elevated in the TCGA TNBC dataset and correlated with a poor prognosis. This pattern was corroborated at the protein level in our TNBC tissue cohort; however, SPP1 protein expression did not demonstrate a significant impact on survival. Notably, SPP1 mRNA expression was strongly linked to tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), particularly the M2 macrophage subtype, indicating a substantial association in the context of TNBC. (4): Our research highlights the significance of SPP1 mRNA as a key prognostic indicator and a potential molecular responder for TNBC treatment utilizing targeted therapies that focus on Toll-like receptor signaling pathways.
Open-Source Artificial Intelligence Privacy and Security: A Review
Authors: Al-Kharusi Younis , Khan Ajmal , Rizwan Muhammad , Bait-Suwailam Mohammed M.
Published: November 2024

This paper reviews the privacy and security challenges posed by open-source artificial intelligence (AI) models. The increased use of open-source machine learning models, while beneficial for resource efficiency and collaboration, has introduced significant privacy risks and security vulnerabilities. Key threats include model inversion, membership inference, data leakage, and backdoor attacks, which could expose sensitive data or compromise system integrity. Our review highlights that many open-source models are vulnerable to these attacks due to their transparency and accessibility. We also identify that adversarial training, differential privacy (DP), and model sanitization techniques can effectively mitigate some of these risks, though achieving a balance between transparency and security remains a challenge. The findings highlight the need for continuous research and innovation to ensure that open-source AI models remain both secure and privacy-compliant in increasingly critical applications across various industries.
Assessing the Effects of Unit-Based Pricing on Household Waste Reduction During COVID-19 in Japan
Authors: Karasawa Michiko , Taguchi Hiroyuki
Published: November 2024

Focusing on the COVID-19 period in Japan, this study identifies the effectiveness of a municipal unit-based pricing (UBP) system on household waste reduction through a panel data analysis targeting 770 cities for 2013–2022. It focuses on simple unit pricing (SUP) and two-tiered pricing (TTP) systems as the UBP components. As previous studies have not considered the COVID-19 period when assessing UBP, this study significantly contributes to the literature by providing new evidence. The main findings are as follows: First, SUP effectively reduced household waste even during the COVID-19 period; however, its effectiveness was slightly neutralized owing to the pandemic environment. Second, TTP also restrained household waste efficiently; however, its effect was smaller than that of SUP, and its reduction effect accelerated during the COVID-19 period (in 2020) because people became cautious about excessive waste volumes beyond the TTP criteria. The study implicates the need to expand the municipal adoption of the UBP system for household waste reduction.
Adverse Childhood Experiences and Vulnerability to Mood and Anxiety Disorders During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Patten Scott B.
Published: November 2024

The COVID-19 pandemic had a global impact on mental health. Identification of individuals at higher or lower risk of mental health problems may assist with targeting prevention, support and treatment efforts during future pandemics. Using a Canadian national mental health survey that collected data during the pandemic period (March 2022–December 2022), this study examined the vulnerability of participants reporting abuse during their childhood by examining the annual prevalence of mood, anxiety and substance use disorders. Psychiatric disorders were identified using a version of the Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI). Because childhood adversities are well-known risk factors for mental disorders, the analysis focused on interactions between childhood adversities and pandemic-related stressors by estimating the relative excess risk due to interaction (RERI). RERIs provide evidence of synergy based on the occurrence of greater than additive interactions. Physical and sexual abuse interacted synergistically with pandemic-related stressors in predicting mood and anxiety disorders. No synergies were found for substance use disorders. Childhood adversities increase vulnerability to later stressors and may be useful for the identification of individuals more likely to have mental health needs during this type of public health emergency.
Prevalence and Significance of Incidental PET/CT Findings of Cancer Detected in Patients Evaluated for Their Primary Hematologic Malignancy: A Systematic Review
Authors: Luo Jessie , Bahlis Nizar J. , Chan Denise , Duggan Peter , Jimenez-Zepeda Victor H. , Lee Holly , McCulloch Sylvia , Neri Paola , Tay Jason
Published: November 2024

In the evaluation of a patient’s primary hematologic malignancy, positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) imaging may incidentally detect a concerning abnormality suggestive of a second concurrent cancer. Despite accounting for nearly 10% of all cancers diagnosed in Canada, there has yet to be a systematic review focused on the prevalence and significance of these incidental PET/CT findings in the context of primary hematologic malignancies. As such, a systematic search strategy was employed on MEDLINE and Embase to document the prevalence and clinical significance of incidental PET/CT findings suggestive of a second concurrent cancer detected in patients evaluated for their primary hematologic malignancy. Thirteen studies published between 2008 and 2022 were reviewed, including conference abstracts (n = 8) and journal articles (n = 5). Clinically significant incidental cancers were detected with a median of 2.4% (range: 1.1–10.3%) in patients with myeloma/plasma cell disorders, compared to a median of 1.5% (range: 0.3–2.8%) in patients with lymphoproliferative diseases. The most common anatomic regions of clinically significant incidental malignancies were identified in the gastrointestinal tract (44.4%), followed by the thyroid gland (22.2%) and lungs (7.9%). In most cases, early detection of incidental cancers led to successful early interventions. PET/CT scans occasionally identify second primary malignancies that require additional attention. These findings may affect the treatment of a patient’s primary hematologic malignancy, and as such, timely coordinated management is important for improved outcomes. This review may inform physicians and administrators of the risk of incidental second malignancies and may highlight a need for enhanced cancer treatment pathways.
Key Risk Factors, Sex Differences, and the Influence of High-Intensity Exercise on Colorectal Carcinogenesis: A 10-Year Cohort Study Based on 1,120,377 Individuals from the NHISS Data
Authors: Jee Hyunseok
Published: November 2024

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer globally. Therefore, this study aims to examine data from the National Health Insurance Sharing Service (NHISS) to investigate factors influencing colon cancer incidence, focusing on key variables and optimal cutoff points. The patient cohort from the NHISS database included 1,120,377 individuals aged 1–85 years. CRC data were retrieved using diagnostic codes from the Korean Standard Classification of Diseases and Causes of Death. Analyses included logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic curve assessments. In this retrospective cohort study, 1,120,377 patients were analyzed for over 10 years, including 2802 with CRC via propensity score matching (PSM). Key risk factors were blood pressure, fasting blood sugar, liver somatic index, alcohol consumption, smoking duration, and hemoglobin levels. Patients with CRC showed sex differences in gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT). High-intensity exercise (3 days/week) reduced CRC risk by 26% (p < 0.05). Optimal threshold points for GGT and Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) were 23.50 U/L (AUC, 0.52) and 1.50 (AUC, 0.58), respectively. CCI scores were higher in patients with cancer, especially men with peptic ulcers and both sexes with metastatic cancer (p < 0.01). Our findings reveal new risk factors and interventions, including tailored exercise programs for CRC management, highlighting the importance of enhanced preventive strategies and personalized care.
An Evaluation of 90Y Bremsstrahlung SPECT Image Quality in the Presence of 99mTc: A Technical Perspective on Same-Day Radioembolization
Authors: Keane Grace , van Rooij Rob , Lam Marnix , Braat Arthur , Smits Maarten , de Jong Hugo
Published: November 2024

In same-day radioembolization, 99mTc-MAA SPECT/CT, 90Y radioembolization, and post-treatment 90Y SPECT/CT procedures are conducted on the same-day, resulting in a dual-isotope environment of 90Y and 99mTc during post-treatment imaging. This study aimed to quantify the impact of 99mTc on 90Y bremsstrahlung-SPECT/CT image quality and to establish an optimised imaging protocol for both clinical practice, and with advanced reconstruction techniques. Utilising a NEMA IQ phantom, contrast recovery coefficients (CRCs) were measured to evaluate the 90Y image quality degradation caused by 99mTc. SPECT/CT scans of 90Y-only and 90Y with varying amounts of 99mTc were conducted using a standard protocol (90–120 keV energy window, high-energy collimator) and various dual-isotope protocols. The standard protocol resulted in a marked CRC reduction, with the largest sphere’s CRC decreasing from 0.21 (90Y-only) to 0.05 when 99mTc activity was 5% of 90Y. For an optimised protocol (160–200 keV energy window, high-energy collimator) CRC values were 0.16 for 90Y-only and 0.15 for 90Y+99mTc. The highest CRC values were achieved with an advanced Monte Carlo-based reconstruction, showing 0.58 for 90Y-only and 0.46 for 90Y+99mTc. Image quality degradation was noted in dual-isotope settings even when using an optimised protocol. Advanced reconstruction techniques markedly improved post-treatment image quality.
How Arterial Embolization Is Transforming Treatment of Oncologic and Degenerative Musculoskeletal Disease
Authors: Papalexis Nicolas , Peta Giuliano , Carta Michela , Quarchioni Simone , Di Carlo Maddalena , Miceli Marco , Facchini Giancarlo
Published: November 2024

Background: Arterial embolization is a minimally invasive treatment that occludes blood vessels supplying pathological tissue. Developed to control bleeding without surgery, it has evolved over decades and is now applied in musculoskeletal oncology as a preoperative treatment, palliative care, or standalone therapy for select tumors. Recently, its use has expanded globally in treating chronic pain syndromes and osteoarthritis. Materials and Methods: We reviewed the literature on arterial embolization in various musculoskeletal conditions. The focus was on established oncologic indications for primary and metastatic bone or soft tissue tumors, and emerging evidence on degenerative diseases like osteoarthritis, inflammatory musculoskeletal pathology, and intractable pain. Emphasis was placed on leading studies regarding efficacy, complications, and recurrence rates. Discussion: Arterial embolization has progressed from bleeding control to a versatile therapeutic option in musculoskeletal medicine. It offers symptom relief, reduces tumor size, and improves quality of life. Applications include oncologic interventions and management of degenerative and inflammatory conditions. Despite its benefits, variations in complications and recurrence rates highlight the need for standardized protocols and further research. Conclusions: Arterial embolization is a safe and effective minimally invasive tool in the multidisciplinary management of a wide range of musculoskeletal pathologies. Ongoing research is crucial to understand long-term efficacy, optimize protocols, and broaden its applications.
Empirical Assessments of the Type and Strength of Stream Fish Habitat Associations Can Advance Understanding of Functional Diversity and Promote Effective Conservation
Authors: Hitchman Sean M. , Mather Martha E. , Smith Joseph M.
Published: November 2024

The ability to accurately quantify biodiversity is fundamental to understanding ecological trends, identifying drivers of declines, and selecting effective conservation options. Scientists and resource managers have grappled with what metrics best show relevant biodiversity patterns and are still practical enough to aid on-the-ground resource conservation. Our purpose is to construct empirically derived, functional habitat guilds for prairie stream fish, then recommend future directions for constructing and using diversity metrics that aid field-based conservation. Working in the Upper Neosho River, KS, USA, we used univariate methods, cluster analysis, non-metric multi-dimensional scaling, and an analysis of similarity to functionally group stream fish taxa. The 11 most abundant fish species grouped into seven ecological guilds: riffle specialist, pool specialist, riffle generalist, pool generalist, riffle–run generalist, pool–run generalist, and generalist. Combining the habitat type and strength of association added ecological accuracy to our species groups. Employing multiple statistical methods increased confidence and generality in our grouping results. Moving forward will require a coordinated, coalition-driven, conservation-related strategy on which researchers and practitioners collaborate to synthesize diverse empirical results, organize general principles of structure and function, and balance accuracy with practicality.
The Study of Biting Midges Culicoides Latreille, 1809 (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) and the Prevalence of Haemoproteus Kruse, 1890 (Haemosporida: Haemoproteidae) on the Curonian Spit of the Baltic Sea
Authors: Platonova Elena , Erokhina Maria , Mukhina Alexandra , Davydov Alexander , Mukhin Andrey
Published: November 2024

The part of the life cycle concerning the vectors of avian haemosporidians of the genus Haemoproteus remains only partially studied. This work presents the results of capturing and analyzing female Culicoides biting midges for Haemoproteus infection, collected on the Curonian Spit of the Baltic Sea. The midges were collected from April to August 2023 in dry and wet habitats of the Spit using light traps. Each parous female midge was identified to the species level and then its salivary glands were isolated to prepare a thin smear. The preparation was examined under a light microscope for the presence of parasite stages infecting the birds (sporozoites). PCR analysis was also conducted to assess the prevalence of infection in the midges and the genetic diversity of Haemoproteus spp. among vectors on the Curonian Spit. As a result, 995 Culicoides females belonging to 12 species were collected over the course of 4 months. The highest number of midges was recorded in June. The dominant species were Culicoides kibunensis and Culicoides pictipennis. Molecular analysis showed that 2.71% (n = 27) of the examined individuals contained DNA of Haemoproteus spp. Parasites were found in midges of C. pictipennis, C. kibunensis, C. segnis, C. obsoletus, C. punctatus, C. reconditus, C. festivipennis, and C. pallidicornis from May 15 to July 13. The DNA of the identified parasites belonged to six genetic lineages of Haemoproteus—Haemoproteus parabelopolskyi hSYAT02, H. asymmetricus hTUPHI01, H. minutus hTURDUS2, H. spp. hBRAM1, hHAWF6, and hHIICT1. Sporozoites of H. parabelopolskyi hSYAT02 were detected in two individuals of C. pictipennis and one of C. kibunensis. Thus, taking into account the previous results of other studies, we have assumed that these two midge species are competent vectors for Haemoproteus parasites on the Curonian Spit.
The Diversity of Macrofungi in the Forests of Ningxia, Western China
Authors: Deng Xiaojuan , Li Minqi , Dai Yucheng , Zhu Xuetai , Yan Xingfu , Wei Zhaojun , Yuan Yuan
Published: November 2024

The diversity of macrofungi has been closely associated with forest diversity and stability. However, such a correlation has not been established for the forests of the Ningxia Autonomous Region due to the lack of systematic data on its macrofungal diversity. Therefore, for the present study, we collected 3130 macrofungal specimens from the forests of the Helan Mts., Luo Mts., and Liupan Mts. in Ningxia and assessed them using morphological and molecular approaches. We identified 468 species belonging to 157 genera, 72 families, 18 orders, 11 classes, and 2 phyla. Among them, 31 species were ascomycetes, and 437 species were basidiomycetes. Tricholomataceae, with 96 species of 22 genera, was the most species-rich family, and Inocybe was the most species-rich genus (6.2%). The Jaccard similarity index measurement revealed the highest similarity in macrofungal species (16.15%) between the Helan and Liupan Mountains and the lowest (7.72%) between the Luo and Liupan Mountains. Further analyses of the macrofungal population of Ningxia showed that 206 species possess considerable potential for utilization, including 172 edible, 70 medicinal, and 36 edible–medicinal ones. Meanwhile, 54 species were identified as being poisonous. In these forests, saprophytic fungi were the most abundant, with 318 species (67.95%), followed by symbiotic fungi (31.62%) and parasitic fungi (0.04%). Grouping based on the geographical distribution indicated that the fungi of Ningxia are composed mainly of the cosmopolitan and north temperate types. These observations unveil the diversity and community structure of macrofungi in Ningxia forests.
High Genetic Diversity of Hirudo verbana Carena, 1820 (Annelida: Hirudinea: Hirudinidae) in Romania Confirms That the Balkans Are Refugia Within Refugium
Authors: Popa Oana Paula , Ștefan Andrei , Baltag Emanuel Ștefan , Stratan Ana Alexandra , Popa Luis Ovidiu , Surugiu Victor
Published: November 2024

This study presents the first data on the distribution of the Mediterranean medicinal leech Hirudo verbana in Romania, as well as the first molecular characterization of the Romanian populations, using mitochondrial DNA markers. In total, 133 specimens from 19 populations in Romania were surveyed for mitochondrial COI and 12S markers. Available GenBank sequences from other localities throughout Europe were included to place the Romanian populations in a broader phylogeographical context. The Romanian H. verbana samples belong to 23 COI haplotypes, 4 of which are previously known from Serbia and Ukraine, while 19 haplotypes are herein reported for the first time. For 12S, the number of haplotypes identified was 12, from which only 5 are unique to Romania. The Romanian H. verbana cluster within the previously reported eastern phylogroup, known to occur from Serbia to North Caucasus, Turkey, and Uzbekistan. The mismatch distribution analysis and the results of neutrality tests suggest that the Romanian H. verbana currently undergoes a population dispersal. This study also revealed that the lower Danube basin is a hotspot of genetic diversity of H. verbana, where different lineages from the Balkan and Anatolian glacial refugia mixed in the postglacial period. Species Distribution Models (SDMs) indicated that the main ecological variables influencing the current distribution of H. verbana are wetland coverage and elevation. Following the IUCN Red List categories and criteria, the present conservation status of the Mediterranean medicinal leech H. verbana in Romania was assessed as Vulnerable (VU). Our study contributes towards a more refined understanding of the genetic diversity of H. verbana and of the factors that led to its current geographical distribution in Romania and Europe.
Novel Immunohistochemical Profiling of Small-Cell Lung Cancer: Correlations Between Tumor Subtypes and Immune Microenvironment
Authors: Vigdorovits Alon , Olteanu Gheorghe-Emilian , Pascalau Andrei-Vasile , Pirlog Radu , Berindan-Neagoe Ioana , Pop Ovidiu-Laurean
Published: November 2024

Background/Objectives: Small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) is a highly aggressive malignancy with an emerging molecular classification based on the expression of the transcription factors ASCL1, NEUROD1, and POU2F3. This study aimed to explore the relationship between these novel subtypes and the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME), particularly CD8+ and CD4+ tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs). Methods: In 51 cases of patients with SCLC, immunohistochemical (IHC) stains for ASCL1, NEUROD1, POU2F3, CD56, Ki67, CD8, and CD4 were performed. H-scores for the novel transcription factors were calculated to determine tumor subtype. CD8+ and CD4+ TIL counts were averaged across 10 high-power fields. The Kruskal–Wallis test and subsequent post hoc Dunn tests were used to determine the differences in transcription factor expression and TILs across subtypes. Results: In our cohort, 68.62% of our cases were SCLC-A, 9.80% were SCLC-N, 7.84% were SCLC-P, and 13.72% were SCLC-I. Significant differences were observed in the expression of ASCL1, NEUROD1, and POU2F3 across subtypes. CD8+ TILs were more abundant in SCLC-P and SCLC-I. CD8+ TILs were negatively correlated with ASCL1 expression (p < 0.05) and positively correlated with POU2F3 expression (p < 0.005). Conclusions: This study highlights the need to integrate the novel SCLC classification with data regarding the TIME to better inform patient prognosis and treatment.
Circulating HPV Tumor DNA and Molecular Residual Disease in HPV-Positive Oropharyngeal Cancers: A Scoping Review
Authors: Migliorelli Andrea , Ciorba Andrea , Manuelli Marianna , Stomeo Francesco , Pelucchi Stefano , Bianchini Chiara
Published: November 2024

The aim of this review is to assess the utility of circulating HPV tumor DNA (ctHPVDNA) clearance in the monitoring of molecular residual disease in HPV-related oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) patients. Recently, ctHPVDNA in patient plasma was found to be a promising biomarker for HPV OPSCC. Changes in this biomarker appear to be associated with treatment response and may be useful for identifying molecular residual disease. A review of the literature was performed using PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases according to the PRISMA criteria for scoping reviews (from 2017 to July 2024). A total of 5 articles and 562 patients have been included. Three studies examine the role of ctHPVDNA clearance in CRT, while the remaining two studies consider surgery as a treatment option. The results of this scoping review indicate that ctHPVDNA has a potential role to serve as a valuable biomarker in the assessment of molecular residual disease. Further studies are required to confirm the efficacy of this marker for stratifying this group of patients.
Anatomy and Pathologies of the Spinous Process
Authors: Ariyaratne Sisith , Jenko Nathan , Iyengar Karthikeyan P. , Davies Mark , Azzopardi Christine , Hughes Simon , Botchu Rajesh
Published: November 2024

The spinous processes act as a lever for attachments of muscles and ligaments. Spinal imaging is commonly performed as a diagnostic test for pain and radiculopathy. A myriad of incidental or unexpected findings, both potentially asymptomatic and symptomatic, may be encountered during the interpretation of these images, which commonly comprise radiographs, Computed Tomography (CT) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). Isolated lesions of the spinous process, although less common, are some of the lesions that may be encountered and can present a diagnostic dilemma. These can range from congenital abnormalities, traumatic lesions, neoplasms and lesions of inflammatory, infective and metabolic aetiology. The literature specifically reviewing these lesions is sparse. The article reviews a range of pathologies affecting the spinous process, along with their pertinent imaging features, based on isolated pathologies of spinous process lesions identified on imaging by the authors at a tertiary orthopaedic centre over a 10-year period. A search on the hospital Picture Archive and Communication System (PACS) and Radiology Information System (RIS) was performed using the keyword “spinous process” and a list of the isolated pathologies of the spinous process based on the imaging reports was compiled for the purpose of this narrative review. It is important that radiologists consider these lesions when they are identified on routine imaging of the spine.
Survey of Path Planning for Aerial Drone Inspection of Multiple Moving Objects
Authors: Sikora Toma , Papić Vladan
Published: November 2024

Recent advancements in autonomous mobile robots (AMRs), such as aerial drones, ground vehicles, and quadrupedal robots, have significantly impacted the fields of infrastructure inspection, emergency response, and surveillance. Many of these settings contain multiple moving elements usually neglected in the planning process. While a large body of work covers topics addressing scenarios with stationary objects, promising work with dynamic points of interest has only recently gained traction due to computational complexity. The nature of the problem brings with it the challenges of motion prediction, real time adaptability, efficient decision-making, and uncertainty. Concerning aerial drones, while significantly constrained computationally, good understanding and the relative simplicity of their platform gives way to more complex prediction and planning algorithms needed to work with multiple moving objects. This paper presents a survey of the current state-of-the-art solutions to the path planning problem for multiple moving object inspection using aerial drones. The presented algorithms and approaches cover the challenges of motion and intention prediction, obstacle avoidance, planning in dynamic environments, as well as scenarios with multiple agents. Potential solutions and future trends were identified primarily in the form of heuristic and learning methods, state-of-the-art probabilistic prediction algorithms, and further specialization in regard to every scenario.
Multi-UAV Path Planning for Air-Ground Relay Communication Based on Mix-Greedy MAPPO Algorithm
Authors: Wang Yiquan , Cui Yan , Yang Yu , Li Zhaodong , Cui Xing
Published: November 2024

With the continuous development of modern UAV technology and communication technology, UAV-to-ground communication relay has become a research hotspot. In this paper, a Multi-Agent Reinforcement Learning (MARL) method based on the ε-greedy strategy and multi-agent proximal policy optimization (MAPPO) algorithm is proposed to address the local optimization problem, improving the communication efficiency and task execution capability of UAV cluster control. This paper explores the path planning problem in multi-UAV-to-ground relay communication, with a special focus on the application of the proposed Mix-Greedy MAPPO algorithm. The state space, action space, communication model, training environment, and reward function are designed by comprehensively considering the actual tasks and entity characteristics such as safe distance, no-fly zones, survival in a threatened environment, and energy consumption. The results show that the Mix-Greedy MAPPO algorithm significantly improves communication probability, reduces energy consumption, avoids no-fly zones, and facilitates exploration compared to other algorithms in the multi-UAV ground communication relay path planning task. After training with the same number of steps, the Mix-Greedy MAPPO algorithm has an average reward score that is 45.9% higher than the MAPPO algorithm and several times higher than the multi-agent soft actor-critic (MASAC) and multi-agent deep deterministic policy gradient (MADDPG) algorithms. The experimental results verify the superiority and adaptability of the algorithm in complex environments.
Simultaneously Transmitting and Reflecting Reconfigurable Intelligent Surfaces Empowered Cooperative Rate Splitting with User Relaying
Authors: Zhao Kangchun , Mao Yijie , Shi Yuanming
Published: November 2024

In this work, we unveil the advantages of synergizing cooperative rate splitting (CRS) with user relaying and simultaneously transmitting and reflecting reconfigurable intelligent surface (STAR RIS). Specifically, we propose a novel STAR RIS-assisted CRS transmission framework, featuring six unique transmission modes that leverage various combinations of the relaying protocols (including full duplex-FD and half duplex-HD) and the STAR RIS configuration protocols (including energy splitting-ES, mode switching-MS, and time splitting-TS). With the objective of maximizing the minimum user rate, we then propose a unified successive convex approximation (SCA)-based alternative optimization (AO) algorithm to jointly optimize the transmit active beamforming, common rate allocation, STAR RIS passive beamforming, as well as time allocation (for HD or TS protocols) subject to the transmit power constraint at the base station (BS) and the law of energy conservation at the STAR RIS. To alleviate the computational burden, we further propose a low-complexity algorithm that incorporates a closed-form passive beamforming design. Numerical results show that our proposed framework significantly enhances user fairness compared with conventional CRS schemes without STAR RIS or other STAR RIS-empowered multiple access schemes. Moreover, the proposed low-complexity algorithm dramatically reduces the computational complexity while achieving very close performance to the AO method.
An Information-Theoretic Method for Identifying Effective Treatments and Policies at the Beginning of a Pandemic
Authors: Golan Amos , Mumladze Tinatin , Perloff Jeffery M. , Wilson Danielle
Published: November 2024

Identifying effective treatments and policies early in a pandemic is challenging because only limited and noisy data are available and biological processes are unknown or uncertain. Consequently, classical statistical procedures may not work or require strong structural assumptions. We present an information-theoretic approach that can overcome these problems and identify effective treatments and policies. The efficacy of this approach is illustrated using a study conducted at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. We applied this approach with and without prior information to the limited international data available in the second month (24 April 2020) of the COVID-19 pandemic. To check if our results were plausible, we conducted a second statistical analysis using an international sample with millions of observations available at the end of the pandemic’s pre-vaccination period (mid-December 2020). Even with limited data, the information-theoretic estimates from the original study performed well in identifying influential factors and helped explain why death rates varied across nations. Later experiments and statistical analyses based on more recent, richer data confirm that these factors contribute to survival. Overall, the proposed information-theoretic statistical technique is a robust method that can overcome the challenges of under-identified estimation problems in the early stages of medical emergencies. It can easily incorporate prior information from theory, logic, or previously observed emergencies.
MODE: Minimax Optimal Deterministic Experiments for Causal Inference in the Presence of Covariates
Authors: Xu Shaohua , Liu Songnan , Zhou Yongdao
Published: November 2024

Data-driven decision-making has become crucial across various domains. Randomization and re-randomization are standard techniques employed in controlled experiments to estimate causal effects in the presence of numerous pre-treatment covariates. This paper quantifies the worst-case mean squared error of the difference-in-means estimator as a generalized discrepancy of covariates between treatment and control groups. We demonstrate that existing randomized or re-randomized experiments utilizing Monte Carlo methods are sub-optimal in minimizing this generalized discrepancy. To address this limitation, we introduce a novel optimal deterministic experiment based on quasi-Monte Carlo techniques, which effectively minimizes the generalized discrepancy in a model-independent manner. We provide a theoretical proof indicating that the difference-in-means estimator derived from the proposed experiment converges more rapidly than those obtained from completely randomized or re-randomized experiments using Mahalanobis distance. Simulation results illustrate that the proposed experiment significantly reduces covariate imbalances and estimation uncertainties when compared to existing randomized and deterministic approaches. In summary, the proposed experiment serves as a reliable and effective framework for controlled experimentation in causal inference.
Digital Competence for Pedagogical Integration: A Study with Elementary School Teachers in the Azores
Authors: Loureiro Ana Claudia , Santos Ana Isabel , Meirinhos Manuel
Published: November 2024

This study builds on previous research carried out in 2021 on the self-perception of elementary school teachers in Portugal regarding their digital competences for the pedagogical integration of technologies in educational contexts. In order to verify this perception throughout the country, we extended the research to include teachers from the Autonomous Region of the Azores (ARA), considering the following objectives: (i) to verify teachers’ digital competences; (ii) to identify their levels of digital competence; and (iii) to identify the level of influence of training on the categorization of teachers’ level of digital competence. This is an exploratory study that used an online questionnaire based on the digital competences in Area 2 of the DigCompEdu framework. Two hundred seven teachers took part in this study. The results revealed that teachers seem to feel capable of using technology but need to improve their ability to adapt digital resources for student learning. The global mapping of digital competences will make it possible to verify these competences, these attitudes and abilities, and the integration of ICT into teaching practices as well as helping to outline future projects and guidelines in the area of teacher training in the ARA in particular.
Exploring Factors Contributing to Graduate Outcomes: Using Career Registration Methodology (CRM) to Track Students’ Employability Activities, Career Readiness, and Graduate Outcomes
Authors: Lin-Stephens Serene , Leon Luella C. , Manuguerra Maurizio , Barkatsas Tasos , Russell Leoni
Published: November 2024

Graduate outcomes are a key indicator of university performance, yet the progression of students in career preparation during university is ill-understood. The Career Registration Methodology (CRM) addresses this gap by tracking students’ career planning and participation in employability and professional experiences (EPEs) throughout their university enrolment. This research used CRM to monitor students’ employability development and career readiness, assessing their impact on graduate outcomes. By analysing longitudinal CRM data and Graduate Outcomes Survey (GOS) results from 1653 students, this study examined how EPEs and career readiness influenced full-time employment, job offers, the perceived value of qualifications, and perceptions of overqualification. Correlation and trend analyses revealed positive associations between career readiness over time and employment outcomes, with regression analyses identifying EPEs as the most significant factor. Practical implications of the findings highlight CRM’s value in aiding higher education institutions, especially Work Integrated Learning (WIL) and Career Development Learning (CDL) educators, to identify trends and tailor support whilst students are still in the university. As the first CRM study in Australia based on the first available cohort, the exploratory nature of this research is acknowledged along with recommendations to refine periodic, non-intrusive measurements such as CRM for enhanced validity and reliability.