bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Larval dispersal and physical connectivity of Pheronema carpenteri populations in the Azores
Authors: Viegas Cláudia , Juliano Manuela , Colaço Ana
Published: October 2024

The study of larval dispersal and connectivity between deep-sea populations is essential for the effective conservation and management of deep-sea environments and the design and implementation of Marine Protected Areas. Dense sponge aggregations, known as “sponge grounds”, are a key component of marine benthic ecosystems, by increasing the structural complexity of the sea floor and providing structure and habitat for many other species. These aggregations are characteristic of the Azores deep-sea environment. These sessile organisms rely primarily on larval dispersal for their reproduction. Connectivity between specific Pheronema carpenteri sponge aggregations in the Azores was studied using a 3-D biophysical dispersal model. Different biological trait scenarios were analyzed, considering spawning seasonality and pelagic larval duration. Model results indicate that regional circulation patterns drive larval dispersion, shaping population connectivity of P. carpenteri sponge aggregations in the Azores, particularly among aggregations in the Central Group of Azorean islands. Some areas present high retention rates, receiving larvae from several sponge aggregations while also being important larval source aggregations. In contrast, aggregations from the Eastern Group may be isolated from the others. Larval dispersal and connectivity patterns were analyzed concerning the current configuration of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) in the Azores. The results underscored the importance of maintaining protection efforts in existing MPAs and identified stepping-stone locations and specific sites where additional measures could enhance species connectivity in the Azores.
Quantitative structural organization of the sclera in chicks after deprivation myopia measured with second harmonic generation microscopy
Authors: Bueno Juan M. , Martínez-Ojeda Rosa M. , Fernández Enrique J. , Feldkaemper Marita
Published: October 2024

Visual deprivation causes enhanced eye growth and the development of myopia, which is associated with a change in the arrangement of collagen fibers within the sclera. A second harmonic generation (SHG) microscope has been used to image the collagen fibers of unstained scleral punches from the posterior part of chicken eyes. We aimed to analyze the fibrous scleral tissue and quantify the changes in collagen organization in relation to the extent of induced deprivation myopia. The scleral architecture was assessed with the Radon transform (RT) through the parameter called structural dispersion (SD) that provides an objective tool to quantify the level of organization of the collagen network. We found that final refraction and axial length changes were linearly correlated. However, no significant differences in scleral thickness were found for different amounts of induced myopia. In contrast, a significant correlation between SD and refraction was demonstrated, ranging from a non-organized (in the control sclerae) to a quasi-aligned distribution (with a dominant direction of the fibers, in the sclera of myopic chicks). These findings demonstrate a remodeling process of the scleral collagen associated with myopia progression that can be measured accurately combining SHG imaging microscopy and RT algorithms.
New insights into the roles of lactylation in cancer
Authors: Zhu Yajun , Liu Wenhui , Luo Zhiying , Xiao Feiyan , Sun Bao
Published: October 2024

Lactylation, a novel discovered posttranslational modification, is a vital component of lactate function and is prevalent in a wide range of cells, interacting with both histone and non-histone proteins. Recent studies have confirmed that lactylation as a new contributor to epigenetic landscape is involved in multiple pathological processes. Accumulating evidence reveals that lactylation exists in different pathophysiological states and leads to inflammation and cancer; however, few mechanisms of lactylation have been elaborated. This review summarizes the biological processes and pathophysiological roles of lactylation in cancer, as well as discusses the relevant mechanisms and potential therapeutic targets, aiming to provide new insights for targeted cancer therapy.
Investigating the influence of selenium and epibrassinolide on antioxidant activity, proline accumulation, and protein expression profiles in wheat plants experiencing heat and drought stress
Authors: Khan Tanveer Alam , Ahmad Aqeel , Saeed Taiba , Yusuf Mohammad , Faisal Mohammad , Alatar Abdulrahman Alatar
Published: October 2024

In the current investigation, the combination of selenium (Se) and epibrassinolide (EBL) exhibited a promising alleviative response against the concurrent stress of heat and drought in wheat plants. The compromised growth and photosynthetic performance of wheat plants under the combined stress of heat and drought were substantially improved with the treatment involving Se and EBL. This improvement was facilitated through the expression of Q9FIE3 and O04939 proteins, along with enhanced antioxidant activities. The heightened levels of antioxidant enzymes and the accumulation of osmoprotectant proline helped mitigate the overaccumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), including electrolyte leakage, H2O2 accumulation, and lipid peroxidation, thus conferring tolerance against the combined stress of heat and drought. Studies have demonstrated that Se and EBL can assist wheat plants in recuperating from the adverse effects of heat and drought. As such, they are essential components of sustainable farming methods that aim to increase crop productivity.
Investigation of immunosuppressive treatment compliance, dyspnea, anxiety, and depression levels in lung transplant recipients: online interview
Authors: Bulbuloglu Semra , Sayim Halil Ibrahim
Published: October 2024

Introduction

Following lung transplantation (LTx), it is important for recipients to comply with immunosuppressive treatment and cope with related problems. In the post-LTx period, the course of dyspnea and psychological problems it causes in case of progression are not known. Depression and anxiety may develop in recipients after LTx. However, the relationship between this situation and treatment compliance and dyspnea is uncertain.

Objective

The aim of this study was to investigate dyspnea, anxiety, and depression levels of recipients following LTx and their immunosuppressive treatment compliance.

Method

The study was planned as a descriptive, correlational, and cross-sectional study. Data were collected on various social media platforms via an online interview, and 65 LTx recipients were included in the sample (n = 65). A Participant Information Form, the Modified Borg Scale, the Beck Anxiety Inventory, the Beck Depression Inventory, and the Immunosuppressive Drug Compliance Scale were employed to collect data. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, the Mann–Whitney U test, and the Kruskal-Wallis test.

Results

The mean age of the participants was found to be 52.60 ± 9.44 years, and 56.9% were male. Forty percent of the participants were dependent on oxygen support, and 32.2% had hypertension. Their dyspnea levels were mild, anxiety levels were moderate, depression levels were high, and immunosuppressive treatment compliance levels were slightly above-average. According to the correlation analysis results, dyspnea was associated with anxiety and depression (p < 0.05). As depression increased, immunosuppressive treatment compliance decreased, and the correlation between the two variables was statistically significant (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

In this study, as the severity of dyspnea experienced by LTRs increased, the severity of their anxiety and depression also increased. Additionally, there was an inverse correlation between depression and immunosuppressive treatment compliance. LTRs demonstrated insufficient adherence to their immunosuppressive drug regimens, which is very significant in terms of graft survivability. These results suggest that LTRs should be closely monitored at home.
Self-regulatory and metacognitive instruction regarding student conceptions: influence on students’ self-efficacy and cognitive load
Authors: Hartelt Tim , Martens Helge
Published: October 2024

Self-regulatory and metacognitive instruction regarding student conceptions can help students become metacognitively (or more specifically, metaconceptually) aware of their conceptions and self-regulate their intuitive conceptions in scientific contexts when they are not appropriate. Two approaches have been found effective in enhancing conceptual knowledge: (a) self-assessing one’s conceptions and (b) acquiring conditional metaconceptual knowledge about why and in which contexts specific conceptions are appropriate or not. However, it is unclear how these approaches influence other cognitive and affective variables, such as self-efficacy and cognitive load. Nevertheless, it is essential to investigate whether making students aware of their intuitive conceptions affects their self-efficacy and to what extent reflecting on one’s conceptions requires additional (meta-)cognitive resources. Thus, we conducted an experimental intervention study using a 2×2 factorial design with N = 602 upper secondary biology students. Becoming metaconceptually aware of one’s (intuitive) conceptions did not lower students’ self-efficacy but enabled more accurate beliefs about their abilities. However, the self-assessment increased mental load, which partly suppressed the beneficial effect of the self-assessment on conceptual knowledge. In contrast, the instruction on conditional metaconceptual knowledge did not result in higher mental load and, thus, aligned more with students’ cognitive capacities. Furthermore, students with more pronounced general metaconceptual thinking reported lower mental load, implying that regular instruction focusing on metaconceptual thinking may reduce load. Thus, it is suggested to continuously promote students’ metaconceptual thinking and to embed metaconceptual activities (e.g., self-assessments) repeatedly across longer instructional units.
Functional excitation-inhibition ratio for social anxiety analysis and severity assessment
Authors: Chu Linh Ha , Chau Chi Que , Kamel Nidal , Thanh Huong Ha Thi , Yahya Norashikin
Published: October 2024

Introduction

Social anxiety disorder (SAD) is a prevalent psychiatric condition characterized by an intense fear of and avoidance of social situations. Traditional assessment methods for SAD primarily rely on subjective self-report questionnaires and clinical interviews, which can be prone to biases and inaccuracies. This study aims to explore the functional excitation-inhibition (fEI) ratio derived from EEG data as a potential objective biomarker for assessing SAD severity.

Methods

Resting-state EEG data were collected from 20 control subjects and 60 individuals with varying degrees of SAD severity (mild, moderate, and severe). The fEI ratio was estimated across different EEG bands and analyzed, focusing on differences between control subjects and SAD groups.

Results

Significantly higher fEI ratios were observed in the alpha and low beta EEG bands in individuals with SAD compared to controls, especially within the prefrontal cortex. Additionally, a positive correlation was found between the fEI ratio and the severity of social anxiety symptoms across SAD severity levels.

Discussion

The findings indicate that the fEI ratio in the alpha and low beta bands may serve as a promising biomarker for assessing SAD severity. These results contribute to a deeper understanding of the neural mechanisms underlying social anxiety, offering a potentially more objective approach to SAD assessment compared to traditional methods.
Nurses’ strategies for coping with stress in the face of the influx of war refugees from Ukraine to Poland
Authors: Kowalczuk Krystyna , Tomaszewska Katarzyna , Szpakow Andriej , Krajewska-Kułak Elżbieta , Sobolewski Marek , Hermanowicz Justyna Magdalena
Published: October 2024

Introduction

Russian military’s incursion into Ukraine sparked the largest refugee crisis in Europe since World War II. As Ukraine’s neighboring country, Poland became the primary destination for these refugees. Ukrainians staying in Poland under the EU’s Temporary Protection Directive receive humanitarian support similarly to asylum seekers, but the legal pathways, length of stay and integration processes differ significantly as the Directive provides for more immediate, collective protection without the complexity of individual asylum applications. The influx of war refugees generates extremely complex situations that health personnel, especially nurses, must face on a daily basis.

Aim

Identify whether and to what extent the emergence of a large number of patients with war-related experiences constituted a source of stress for nurses, and how Polish nurses coped with this issue.

Materials and method

A cross-sectional study was conducted in December 2022 in Białystok, Poland. It included 473 certified nurses working in hospitals affiliated with the District Chamber of Nurses in Białystok. Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10) questionnaire and Mini-COPE inventory (Polish version of Carver’a BriefCOPE inventory were used in the study.

Results

The average stress level among nurses was moderate, with nearly equal proportions of nurses experiencing low, medium, and high stress levels. Nurses who had contact with refugees in the last six months and/or helped them, did not present an increased level of stress - on the contrary, this level was lower. Nurses who helped refugees at work more often used a planning strategy in stressful situations, and less frequently reacted to stress using humour, religion, denial or venting.

Conclusions

The greater workload and more frequent contacts between Polish nurses and Ukrainian war refugees were a factor increasing work fatigue, but, paradoxically, at the same time reducing the level of stress in a situation giving the feeling of a duty well fulfilled. Empowering nurses through greater autonomy and fostering supportive work environments, especially in crisis situations like the care of war refugees has a positive impact on coping with stress.
Determinants of unsuccessful tuberculosis treatment outcome in Southwest Ethiopia regional state public hospitals, 2022: a multi-center case control study
Authors: Berihe Hiluf Solomon , Abera Abebe , Bahiru Mesfin , Kassie Birhanu
Published: October 2024

Background

Tuberculosis is the major cause of morbidity, and it is one of the top ten causes of death globally. In Africa, the overall pooled estimate of unsuccessful tuberculosis treatment outcome was reported to be 21.1%, which is above the World Health Organization defined threshold of 15%. Unsuccessful treatment outcomes result in drug resistance, prolonged periods of infection, and increased morbidity and mortality. Therefore, this study aimed to assess determinants of unsuccessful treatment outcomes among tuberculosis patients in Southwest Ethiopia regional state public hospitals, in 2022.

Method

A retrospective unmatched case–control study was employed by recruiting 570 study units (190 cases and 380 controls) in three randomly selected public hospitals from 1 August 2022 to 21 August 2022. Data were collected by using a data extraction checklist adapted from tuberculosis registration logbook. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression models were employed. A predictor variable with a p-value of less than 0.05 in the multivariate logistic regression model was taken as statistically significant. The odds ratio and 95% confidence level were used to measure the strength of the association.

Result

A total of 561 records (187 cases and 374 controls) were included from tuberculosis registers. In this study, the factors independently associated with unsuccessful tuberculosis treatment outcome were older age (AOR = 1.68, 95% CI: 1.142, 2.472), rural residence (AOR = 1.548, 95% CI: 1.055, 2.272), retreatment category (AOR = 2.12, 95% CI: 1.339, 3.357), underweight (BMI < 18.5 kg/m2) (AOR = 1.952, 95% CI: 1.240, 3.071), being HIV positive (AOR = 2.144, 95% CI: 1.372, 3.349) and having no treatment adherence support (AOR = 2.016, 95% CI: 1.270, 3.201).

Conclusion and recommendation

In this study, socio-demographic, clinical, and treatment-related factors contributed to the risk of unsuccessful treatment outcomes. Targeted interventions should be taken into consideration to diminish poor tuberculosis treatment outcomes among high-risk groups throughout the whole tuberculosis treatment course.
Educational needs and its associated factors among patients with ankylosing spondylitis in China: a multicenter cross-sectional study
Authors: Song Yuqing , Shen Weiping , Deng Xue , Xing Lu , Tang Yuping , Liu Mei , Jiang Qiaolin , Chen Yanling , He Benyi , Wang Li , Tang Fangmei , Wu Jianmei
Published: October 2024

Objective

Patient education is an important part of ankylosing spondylitis (AS) management. Effective patient education should be targeted at specific priorities and needs of the patients. However, the educational needs of patients with AS in China have not been systematically explored. The purpose of this study was to assess the level of educational needs and analyze associated factors in patients with AS in China.

Methods

This multicenter cross-sectional study was conducted at five hospitals in China. The Chinese version of the Educational Needs Assessment Tool (ENAT) was used to measure educational needs. Disease activity and physical function were assessed using the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index (BASFI) and Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI). Multiple linear regression analysis was used to identify the predictors of educational needs.

Results

This study included 163 patients with AS. The mean ENAT score was 86.25 (31.64). Patients wanted to know more about the arthritis process, self-help measures, and treatments. Multiple linear regression analysis indicated that younger age, being female, higher disease activity, and no family history of AS (p < 0.05) were positive predictors of educational needs.

Conclusion

Patients with AS in China have considerable educational needs, particularly in the domains of arthritis, self-help, and treatment. Female patients and patients with younger age, higher disease activity, and no family history may have higher educational needs. These factors should be considered when conducting need-based patient education programs. Healthcare professionals should integrate need-based patient education into rheumatology care in the future.
Bayesian inference: more than Bayes’s theorem
Authors: Loredo Thomas J. , Wolpert Robert L.
Published: October 2024

Bayesian inference gets its name from Bayes’s theorem, expressing posterior probabilities for hypotheses about a data generating process as the (normalized) product of prior probabilities and a likelihood function. But Bayesian inference uses all of probability theory, not just Bayes’s theorem. Many hypotheses of scientific interest are composite hypotheses, with the strength of evidence for the hypothesis dependent on knowledge about auxiliary factors, such as the values of nuisance parameters (e.g., uncertain background rates or calibration factors). Many important capabilities of Bayesian methods arise from use of the law of total probability, which instructs analysts to compute probabilities for composite hypotheses by marginalization over auxiliary factors. This tutorial targets relative newcomers to Bayesian inference, aiming to complement tutorials that focus on Bayes’s theorem and how priors modulate likelihoods. The emphasis here is on marginalization over parameter spaces—both how it is the foundation for important capabilities, and how it may motivate caution when parameter spaces are large. Topics covered include the difference between likelihood and probability, understanding the impact of priors beyond merely shifting the maximum likelihood estimate, and the role of marginalization in accounting for uncertainty in nuisance parameters, systematic error, and model misspecification.
The relationship between maximal lactate accumulation rate and sprint performance parameters in male competitive swimmers
Authors: Sengoku Yasuo , Shinno Anna , Kim Jaewoo , Homoto Kenta , Nakazono Yusaku , Tsunokawa Takaaki , Hirai Norimasa , Nobue Ayaka , Ishikawa Masaki
Published: October 2024

This study aimed to examine the relationship between the maximal lactate accumulation rate (ċLamax) and sprint performance parameters in male competitive swimmers. Seventeen male competitive swimmers volunteered to perform a 20 m maximal front crawl sprint without pushing off the wall from a floating position. ċLamax was determined by the 20-m sprint time and blood lactate measured before and after the 20 m sprint. For the sprint performance parameter, a 50 m time trial with the front crawl swimming stroke was conducted, and the times taken from 0 to 15 m, 15–25 m, 25–35 m, and 35–45 m were analyzed. A semi-tethered swimming test was conducted to investigate the load-velocity profile of each swimmer. From the load-velocity profile, theoretical maximal velocity (V0), maximal load (L0) and relative maximal load (rL0) were examined. The slope of the load-velocity profile was also determined. According to the results, ċLamax correlated with 50 m front crawl performance (r = −.546, p < .05). Moreover, a higher ċLamax was related to faster 0–35 m section time. Furthermore, ċLamax correlated with L0 (r = .837, p < .01), rL0 (r = .820, p < .01), and load-velocity slope (r = .804, p < .01). ċLamax is a good indicator of 50 m front crawl performance in male swimmers, and higher glycolytic power contributes to the faster time at the beginning of the sprint race. ċLamax could also evaluate the ability of a swimmer to apply force to the water during high-intensity swimming.
Comparative study on slaughter performance, meat quality, and rumen microbiota of Hainan Dong goat and its hybrid with Nubian goat
Authors: Shi Huiyu , Zhang Naifeng , Tu Yan , Yun Yanhong , Diao Qiyu , Ma Tao
Published: October 2024

Introduction

The Hainan Dong goat (DG) is a local meat breed widely raised in Hainan, China because of its good adaptability to local hot and humid weather. However, the growth rate of these DG is much slower than that of commercialised breeds improved in European countries, resulting in poor carcase characteristics, including smaller slaughter weight and carcase weight, which have become increasingly prominent. In recent decades, Nubian goats have been continuously imported into China to improve the production performance of local breeds.

Methods

In this study, the effects of breed on growth performance, carcase and meat quality, and ruminal microbiota were analysed in 40 goats, including 20 DGs and 20 hybrid F3 offspring generated by crossing the DG and Nubian hybrids (NH). All the goats were averagely aged 90 days and weighed at 11  ±  1.34  kg. They were assigned to two treatments, with three replicates per treatment. The two groups were fed the same diet for 90 days before slaughter.

Results

The results showed that the average daily gain, F/G ratio, slaughter weight, and carcase weight of the NH group were higher than those of the DG group (p < 0.05). However, tube circumference, meat-to-bone ratio, and eye muscle pH were lower in the NH group than in the DG group (p < 0.05). The NH group showed a smaller fibre crosssectional area and fibre diameter, but a larger fibre density than the DG group (p < 0.05). Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes were the most dominant phyla in the two groups; however, the two breeds had different ruminal microbial communities.

Discussion

In the present study, the differences in growth performance between two groups of goats under the same feeding environment and feed conditions were compared. The correlation between feed sources and rumen flora has been demonstrated, and the results of this study show that the same diet has similar effects on rumen microorganisms, which in turn have related effects on growth and production performance.

Conclusion

In summary, hybrids can improve the growth and slaughter performance of local breeds, which may be related to changes in the rumen microorganisms. This study revealed that crossbreeding of Nubian goats with Dong goats has the potential to be used in a wide range of applications owing to its effectiveness in increasing production efficiency.
Case report: use of pleural dialysis as an alternate means of renal replacement therapy in three cats
Authors: Vernier Mara E. , Fick Meghan E. , Johnson Tyler E. , Ueda Yu , Vigani Alessio
Published: October 2024

Objective

The objective of this case series is to describe the indications, methodology, and short-term outcomes of three cats with severe azotemia managed with pleural dialysis.

Case summary

Three cats were presented separately to the emergency room (ER) on referral for severe azotemia of varying etiologies. Despite aggressive medical and/or surgical management, none of the cats showed improvement in their blood urea nitrogen (BUN) or creatinine values. Renal replacement therapy was recommended, but for varying reasons, the patients were unable to undergo a traditional extracorporeal method, such as intermittent hemodialysis (IDH). Instead, pleural dialysis was performed, and all three cats showed improvement in their renal values during and after their treatment. No significant complications were documented as a result of pleural dialysis. Two of the three cats were discharged from the hospital and the third cat was humanely euthanized due to poor prognosis.

New or unique information provided

Pleural dialysis is a novel therapeutic procedure that is not documented in veterinary or human literature. This method of renal replacement therapy was well-tolerated and had no reported complications. Careful case selection and risk-benefit analysis should be considered before attempting this procedure. Further studies are necessary to further define the utility of this therapeutic intervention, evaluate the incidence of complications, and determine long term outcomes following the procedure.
GLMI: An Efficient Spatiotemporal Index Leveraging Geohash and Piecewise Linear Models for Optimized Query Performance
Authors: Chen Kun , Liu Gang , Chen Genshen , Weng Zhengping , Chen Qiyu
Published: October 2024

Spatiotemporal big data contain information in multiple dimensions such as space and time. Spatiotemporal data have the characteristics of large volume, intricate spatiotemporal relationship, and uneven spatiotemporal distribution. Index structure is one of the most important technologies used to improve system data analysis and workload. However, it is difficult to dynamically adjust with data density, resulting in increased maintenance costs and retrieval complexity. At the same time, maintaining the proximity of spatiotemporal data in spatial or temporal dimensions is crucial for efficient spatiotemporal analysis. To address these challenges, this paper proposes a learned index method, GLMI (Geohash and piecewise linear model-based index for spatiotemporal data). GLMI uses dynamic space partitioning based on the Hilbert curve to reduce the impact of data skew on index performance. In the time dimension, a piecewise linear model was constructed using the ShrinkingCone algorithm, and a buffer was designed to support the fast writing of spatiotemporal data. Compared with the current mainstream traditional high-dimensional indexes and the ZM index, GLMI has a smaller space consumption and shorter construction time compared to high-dimensional learned indexes on real traffic itinerary and trajectory record datasets. Meanwhile, GLMI also has an advantage in query efficiency.
Awareness of the Link Between Human Papilloma Virus Infection and Head and Neck Cancer Among the General Population and Practitioners: A Literature Review
Authors: Tosoni Alicia , Galvani Linda , Di Nunno Vincenzo , Gatto Lidia , Bartolini Stefania , Aprile Marta , D’Angelo Elisa , Pasquini Ernesto , Baietti Anna Maria , Franceschi Enrico
Published: October 2024

Background: Human papilloma virus (HPV) infection is responsible for 4.5% of cancers worldwide, i.e., for around 630,000 new cases per year. Around 38,000 cases per year of HPV-related cancers arise in the head and neck region, of which 21,000 cases are oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinomas (OPSCCs), with an increasing frequency in high-income countries. In our work, we aimed to collect the available evidence about the awareness of the relation between HPV infection and head and neck cancer among patients and practitioners. Methods: This review was based on all available prospective and retrospective studies, case reports, and review articles published up to May 2024 in PubMed. The search keywords used included “human papilloma virus” plus “head and neck cancer”, “awareness”, “infection”, “vaccination”, “awareness in patients and practitioners”, “oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma”, “HPV16-18”, “HPV awareness”, “cervical cancer”. Results: In the U.S.A., with more than 150.00 participants interviewed through different studies, the identification of HPV infection as a risk factor for head and neck cancer (HNC) was made by only 12–39% of the participants. Similar conclusions were drawn from European studies in which only 10–52% of the participants recognized HPV as a risk factor for HNC. HPV-related HNC awareness in health care providers and medical/dental students showed a high variability among studies, being otolaryngology and dental sciences specialists the most conscious in comparison to general practitioners, who demonstrated a low level of awareness. Conclusions: There is a dangerous lack of awareness about HPV infection and its potential role in HNC among both general populations and health care practitioners. A great effort should be made to increase awareness in both practitioners and the general population on this topic, also aiming to increase the HPV vaccination coverage.
Striving for Equity: Examining Health Disparities in Urologic Oncology
Authors: Puri Dhruv , Pandit Kshitij , Choi Noah , Rose Brent S. , McKay Rana R. , Bagrodia Aditya
Published: October 2024

Health disparities in urologic oncology, particularly in prostate, bladder, kidney, and testicular cancers, significantly impact patient outcomes across different demographic groups. This narrative review aims to investigate the extent and drivers of these disparities, focusing on the influence of race, socioeconomic status, and geographic location on diagnosis, treatment, and survival outcomes. We conducted a comprehensive review of the existing literature and analyzed data from national cancer databases to identify patterns of inequity. Our findings reveal that minority populations, individuals with lower socioeconomic status, and those residing in underserved areas are less likely to receive timely and guideline-based care, leading to worse outcomes. This review underscores the urgent need for targeted interventions, including policy reforms, health system restructuring, enhanced community outreach, and increased funding for disparity-focused research, to ensure equitable access to high-quality oncologic care. Addressing these disparities is crucial for improving cancer outcomes and achieving health equity in urologic oncology.
Cloning and Identification of Common Carp (Cyprinus carpio) PI3KC3 and Its Expression in Response to CyHV-3 Infection
Authors: Jiang Xiaona , Tian Lijing , Ren Wanying , Li Chitao , Hu Xuesong , Ge Yanlong , Cheng Lei , Shi Xiaodan , Jia Zhiying
Published: October 2024

Phosphoinositide 3-kinases (PI3Ks) are a class of key regulatory factors in eukaryotes that can inhibit viral replication by influencing autophagy. Currently, cyprinid herpesvirus 3 (CyHV-3) poses a serious threat to common carp culture. However, PI3K has not yet been identified in common carp. In this study, full-length PI3KC3 from common carp (CcPI3KC3), consisting of an open reading frame (ORF) of 2664 bp encoding a polypeptide of 887 amino acids, with a predicted molecular mass of 101.19 kDa and a theoretical isoelectric point (pI) of 5.97, was cloned. The amino acid and nucleotide sequences of CcPI3KC3 displayed high similarity to yellow catfish’s (Tachysurus fulvidraco) PI3KC3. The tissue expression profile revealed that the mRNA levels of CcPI3KC3 in the liver, spleen, and head kidney were significantly greater than those in the brain, heart, intestines, gills, eyes, testes, and ovaries of common carp. We compared the expression patterns of CcPI3KC3 between “Longke-11” mirror carp (CyHV-3-resistant carp) and German mirror carp (non-resistant to CyHV-3) at different times (0, 48, 96, 144 h, 192, 240, 288 h post-infection (hpi)) after CyHV-3 infection. The results revealed that CcPI3KC3 mRNA expression significantly increased in the early infection stage. In the CyHV-3-resistant mirror carp variety, the relative expression of CcPI3KC3 was significantly greater at 48, 96, and 144 hpi compared with the nonbreeding strain groups after infection (p < 0.001). These results indicate that the full-length CcPI3KC3 sequence was successfully cloned from common carp for the first time, and it might play an important role in the immune system of common carp against CyHV-3 infection. This study provides a theoretical basis for the molecular mechanism of CyHV-3 resistance.
Managing Select Immune-Related Adverse Events in Patients Treated with Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors
Authors: Cheema Parneet K. , Iafolla Marco A. J. , Abdel-Qadir Husam , Bellini Andrew B. , Chatur Nazira , Chandok Natasha , Comondore Vikram R. , Cunningham Morven , Halperin Ilana , Hu Anne B. , Jaskolka Diana , Darvish-Kazem Saeed , Khandaker Masud H. , Kitchlu Abhijat , Sachdeva Jasdip S. , Shapera Shane , Woolnough Nicholas R. J. , Nematollahi Massey
Published: October 2024

The increased use of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) across cancer programs has created the need for standardized monitoring and management of immune-related adverse events (irAEs). Delayed recognition without appropriate treatment can have serious and life-threatening consequences. The management of irAEs presents a unique set of challenges that must be addressed at a multidisciplinary level. Although various national and international guidelines and working groups provide high-level recommendations for the management of irAEs, practical guidance is lacking. Furthermore, timely collaboration between specialists requires institutional protocols that enable the early recognition, assessment, and treatment of irAEs. Such protocols should be developed by institution specialists and include algorithms for all healthcare providers involved in the care of patients treated with ICIs. At William Osler Health System in Brampton, Ontario, practical step-by-step multidisciplinary treatment approaches with recommendations for the management of irAEs were developed in collaboration with experts across Canada. Here, we provide an in-depth description of the approaches, outlining baseline investigations prior to the initiation of ICIs, as well as the monitoring and management of irAEs based on symptoms, severity, and involved organ systems. We encourage other centres to adapt and modify our approaches according to their specific needs and requirements.
Lack of Association Between BsmI and FokI Polymorphisms of the VDR Gene and Sporadic Colorectal Cancer in a Romanian Cohort—A Preliminary Study
Authors: Petre-Mandache Bianca , Burada Emilia , Cucu Mihai Gabriel , Atasie Diter , Riza Anca-Lelia , Streață Ioana , Mitruț Radu , Pleșea Răzvan , Dobrescu Amelia , Pîrvu Andrei , Popescu-Hobeanu Gabriela , Mitruț Paul , Burada Florin
Published: October 2024

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a major public health problem worldwide, currently ranking third in cancer incidence and second in mortality. Multiple genes and environmental factors have been involved in the complex and multifactorial process of CRC carcinogenesis. VDR is an intracellular hormone receptor expressed in both normal epithelial and cancer colon cells at various levels. Several VDR gene polymorphisms, including FokI and BsmI, have been evaluated for their possible association with CRC susceptibility. The aim of our study was to investigate these two SNPs for the first time in Romanian CRC patients. FokI (rs228570 C>T) and BsmI (rs1544410 A>G) were genotyped by real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) in 384-well plates using specific TaqMan predesigned probes on a ViiA™ 7 RT-PCR System. A total of 441 subjects (166 CRC patients and 275 healthy controls) were included. No statistically significant difference was observed between CRC patients and controls when we compared the wild-type genotype with heterozygous and mutant genotypes for both FokI (OR 0.85, 95% CI: 0.56–1.28; OR 0.95, 95% CI: 0.51–1.79, respectively) and BsmI (OR 0.97, 95% CI: 0.63–1.49; OR 1.10, 95% CI: 0.65–1.87, respectively) or in the dominant and recessive models. Also, we compared allele frequencies, and no correlation was found. Moreover, the association between these SNPs and the tumor site, TNM stage, and histological type was examined separately, and there was no statistically significant difference. In conclusion, our study did not show any association between FokI and BsmI SNPs and CRC susceptibility in a Romanian population. Further studies including a larger number of samples are needed to improve our knowledge regarding the influence of VDR polymorphism on CRC susceptibility.
A Decision-Making Model with Cloud Model, Z-Numbers, and Interval-Valued Linguistic Neutrosophic Sets
Authors: Chen Huakun , Shi Jingping , Lyu Yongxi , Jia Qianlei
Published: October 2024

Interval-valued linguistic neutrosophic sets (IVLNSs), Z-numbers, and the trapezium cloud model are powerful tools for expressing uncertainty and randomness. This paper aims to combine these methodologies. First, we review relevant concepts and operators, introducing a novel combination of IVLNSs and Z-numbers, which establishes a new form of expression. Subsequently, we propose the Z-interval-valued linguistic neutrosophic set-trapezium–trapezium cloud (Z-IVLNS-TTC) model, designed to minimize information loss and distortion during quantification. A novel method for calculating the objective weight vector is then developed using multi-objective programming (MOP). Drawing inspiration from the TOPSIS method, we propose a new approach for calculating the distance between Z-IVLNS-TTCs based on the p-norm. Finally, a group decision-making problem is presented to demonstrate the practical application of the proposed method. To validate the effectiveness and feasibility of the method, sensitivity analysis and comparisons with existing approaches are conducted.
Multi-Agent Deep Reinforcement Learning-Based Distributed Voltage Control of Flexible Distribution Networks with Soft Open Points
Authors: Zhang Liang , Yang Fan , Yan Dawei , Qian Guangchao , Li Juan , Shi Xueya , Xu Jing , Wei Mingjiang , Ji Haoran , Yu Hao
Published: October 2024

The increasing number of distributed generators (DGs) leads to the frequent occurrence of voltage violations in distribution networks. The soft open point (SOP) can adjust the transmission power between feeders, leading to the evolution of traditional distribution networks into flexible distribution networks (FDN). The problem of voltage violations can be effectively tackled with the flexible control of SOPs. However, the centralized control method for SOP may make it difficult to achieve real-time control due to the limitations of communication. In this paper, a distributed voltage control method is proposed for FDN with SOPs based on the multi-agent deep reinforcement learning (MADRL) method. Firstly, a distributed voltage control framework is proposed, in which the updating algorithm of the intelligent agent of MADRL is expounded considering experience sharing. Then, a Markov decision process for multi-area SOP coordinated voltage control is proposed, where the control areas are divided based on electrical distance. Finally, an IEEE 33-node test system and a practical system in Taiwan are used to verify the effectiveness of the proposed method. It shows that the proposed multi-area SOP coordinated control method can achieve real-time control while ensuring a better control effect.
Utilization of Biomass Waste Through Small-Scale Gasification Technology in the Eastern Cape Province in South Africa: Towards the Achievement of Sustainable Development Goal Number 7
Authors: Chivanga Shylet Yvonne , Mukumba Patrick
Published: October 2024

Despite being resource-richly endowed with various energy sources, and despite the connection of 89.8% of the households to the grid in South Africa, the Eastern Cape province, as compared to other provinces, has the lowest level of grid connection of about 64.5%. Some of the rural poor households in the Eastern Cape province supplement their free basic electricity with unclean energy alternatives. Using unclean energy alternatives is not only detrimental to the environment and health of the people, but it is a sign of energy poverty and among the contributing factors to depesantization, deagrarianization, and deindustrialization which prolongs the underdevelopment in rural areas. Innovation in energy technologies is a key ingredient in meaningful rural development. The utilization of small-scale biomass gasification technologies can be a solution to the South African energy crisis in rural areas, and it is in line with sustainable development goal number 7, which is about ensuring access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all. Alternative renewable energy sources cannot be ignored when dealing with the energy crises in South Africa. Renewable energy sources in the country include biomass, solar, wind, and hydropower. Despite its low utilization in the Eastern Cape province, small-scale biomass gasification technology remains pivotal in reducing energy crisis by producing electricity. However, the affordability of biomass gasification technology also plays a role in whether people will accept small-scale biomass gasification technology. The purpose of this paper is to determine the possibilities of using small-scale biomass gasification technology. This paper gives a comprehensive review of small-scale biomass gasification technology potential in the Eastern Cape province and the link between acceptance of small-scale gasification technology and affordability by evaluating the availability of biomass sources in the province and achievements with regards to small-scale biomass gasification. This paper also covers the impact of biomass gasification technology integration in the energy grid, what needs to be taken into consideration before its installation, its benefits and the barriers to its development in Eastern Cape province.
Advanced Modeling of Hydrogen Turbines Using Generalized Conformable Calculus
Authors: Sánchez-Sánchez Oscar Oswaldo , Gutiérrez-Corona Josué Neftalí , Polo-Labarrios Marco Antonio , Fernandez-Anaya Guillermo
Published: October 2024

This article addresses critical challenges in the transition to clean energy sources by highlighting the importance of advanced mathematical modeling and computational techniques in turbine design and operation. Specifically, we extend and generalize the work of Camporeale to advance the modeling of hydrogen turbine systems. By utilizing conformable calculus, we develop dynamic equations that analyze key aspects of turbine performance, including temperature variations in turbine blades, angular velocities of rotating shafts, and mass–energy balances within the plenum and combustion chamber. Furthermore, we incorporate Kirchhoff’s equation in its generalized conformable integral form, enhancing the precision of energy balance calculations and improving the representation of heat transfer processes in the combustion chamber. This methodology introduces novel perspectives in hydrogen turbine research, contributing to the advancement of sustainable and efficient technologies. Our comprehensive approach aims to provide more accurate and efficient predictions of turbine behavior, thereby impacting the design and optimization of hydrogen-based clean energy systems.
Capacity Optimization Allocation of Multi-Energy-Coupled Integrated Energy System Based on Energy Storage Priority Strategy
Authors: Liao Xiang , Lei Runjie , Ouyang Shuo , Huang Wei
Published: October 2024

As the global focus on environmental conservation and energy stability intensifies, enhancing energy efficiency and mitigating pollution emissions have emerged as pivotal issues that cannot be overlooked. In order to make a multi-energy-coupled integrated energy system (IES) that can meet the demand of load diversity under low-carbon economic operation, an optimal capacity allocation model of an electricity–heat–hydrogen multi-energy-coupled IES is proposed, with the objectives of minimizing operating costs and pollutant emissions and minimizing peak-to-valley loads on the grid side. Different Energy management strategies with different storage priorities are proposed, and the proposed NSNGO algorithm is used to solve the above model. The results show that the total profit after optimization is 5.91% higher on average compared to the comparison type, and the pollutant emission scalar function is reduced by 980.64 (g), which is 7.48% lower. The peak–valley difference of the regional power system before optimization is 0.5952, and the peak–valley difference of the regional power system after optimization is 0.4142, which is reduced by 30.40%, and the proposed capacity allocation method can realize the economic operation of the multi-energy-coupled integrated energy system.
Application of Bayesian Causal Inference in the Study of the Relationship Between Biodiversity and Aboveground Biomass of Subtropical Forest in Eastern China
Authors: Tao Yubo , Xia Yutong , Zheng Xiao , Ding Hui , Fang Yanming , Tian Chenlei , Ma Pei
Published: October 2024

The relationship between biodiversity and ecosystem function is crucial for understanding the structure and processes of subtropical forest ecosystems. However, the extent to which biodiversity influences subtropical forest biomass remains unclear. This study applies Bayesian causal inference to explore causal relationships between forest Aboveground Biomass (AGB) and its potential driving factors (biodiversity factors, biotic factors and abiotic factors) based on Huangshan Forest Dynamics Plots. Furthermore, hypothetical interventions are introduced to these driving factors within the causal network to estimate their potential impact on AGB. The causal relationship network reveals that species diversity and functional diversity are the most direct factors influencing AGB, whereas phylogenetic diversity exerts only an indirect effect. Biotic and abiotic factors also contribute indirect effects on AGB, potentially by influencing other mediating indexes. Intervention analysis shows that with low-level interventions on direct influencing factors, the probability of low AGB is as high as 84%. As the intervention level increases to high, the probability of low AGB decreases by 36%. Moreover, AGB demonstrates a particularly sensitive response to changes in Rao’s quadratic entropy (RaoQ) intervention levels, more so than to other factors, highlighting its critical role in maintaining forest biomass. Therefore, we contend that functional diversity, due to its direct reflection of species’ roles in ecosystem processes, is a more accurate measure of the impact of biodiversity on biomass compared to species or phylogenetic diversity and the interplay between abiotic and biotic factors and biodiversity should not be overlooked. This approach offers a powerful tool for exploring causal relationships, thereby providing a more nuanced and accurate understanding of the relationship between biodiversity and forest ecosystem function.