bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of mentoring on the proactive behavior of new employees: moderated mediation effect of agreeableness
Authors: Yang Wenjie , Wang Yuxue , Choi Myeongcheol , Li Yannan
Published: March 2024

Objective

In recent years, faced with a complex economic development environment and the evolving dynamics of the Chinese workplace, talent has become a precious resource that is invaluable yet scarce for every enterprise. As Generation Z employees have gradually entered the labor market, they contribute new perspectives and energies to various enterprises and pose unique challenges. The traditional step-by-step approach no longer meets the needs of today’s businesses. Companies require more proactive talents to drive superior performance. Individuals with proactive behavior can effectively plan their career paths and are better equipped to fulfill core organizational tasks. Therefore, it is crucial for organizations to effectively mitigate the perceived negative impacts of proactive behavior, encouraging individuals to exhibit more positive proactive actions.

Methods

Based on the proactive motivation model, this study investigates the effects of mentoring, balanced psychological contract, proactive behavior, and agreeableness on the proactive behaviors of new employees. The research surveyed 417 new employees from Guangdong Province, China, who had graduated within the last three years, with a gender distribution of 49.4% male and 50.6% female.

Results

Structural Equation Modeling was used for data analysis, and the following results were obtained: First, mentoring positively affected the balanced psychological contract and new employees’ proactive behavior. Second, mentoring positively affected the new employees’ proactive behavior through the balanced psychological contract. Third, agreeableness played a moderating role in the relationship between mentoring and new employees’ proactive behavior, and in the relationship between mentoring and the balanced psychological contracts. Finally, the positive indirect effect of mentoring through the balanced psychological contract on new employees’ proactive behavior is positively moderated by agreeableness.

Conclusion

The results of this study offer new insights into mentoring research for new employees and provide practical guidance for fostering the balanced psychological contract and proactive behavior among new employees. This research enriches the existing literature on mentoring for new employees by demonstrating the integral roles of agreeableness and a balanced psychological contract in fostering proactive behavior, offering valuable insights for organizational practices aimed at enhancing employee proactivity.
The influence of concomitant antidepressant and antipsychotic medication on antidepressant effect and seizure duration of electroconvulsive therapy
Authors: Mohamad Sara , Trumm Samuel , Treskatsch Sascha , Drevs Alisha , Bajbouj Malek , Wiedemann Leonardo
Published: March 2024

Background

A significant proportion of patients with a depressive disorder show resistance to pharmacological and psychotherapeutic antidepressant treatments. Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is still one of the most effective treatment methods, especially in the acute phase. In everyday clinical practice, this usually accompanies pharmacological treatment. It has been shown that pharmacological treatment following acute ECT treatment reduces the rate of relapses. However, the effect of various antidepressants (ADs) and antipsychotics (APs) on the effect during the course of ECT has rarely been investigated

Methods

In this retrospective chart review study, the data of 104 depressive patients treated with ECT were examined. We analyzed the influence of concomitant administration of AD and AP or no psychotropic medication on the effect of ECT using the Montgomery–Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS). We further analyzed the influence of the ADs Bupropion, Venlafaxine, and Sertraline or no AD and the influence of augmentation with Aripiprazole or Quetiapine or Olanzapine.

Results/discussion

Psychotropic medication did not have an impact on antidepressant efficacy of ECT as measured with the MADRS scores. In addition, the comparison between the antidepressant or antipsychotic medications themselves did not show any significant difference. However, we found a significantly different seizure duration depending on the antidepressant substance that patients received during ECT (p = .008). ECT treatment itself led to a highly significant reduction of 13.3 points in the MADRS (p <.001).

Conclusion

Taken together, our study underlines that concomitant psychotropic medication while doing electroconvulsive therapy does not bare the risk of prolonged seizure duration or does it reduce the effectiveness of ECT. To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first to examine the effect of treatment with antidepressants in combination with antipsychotics while doing ECT. In light of our results, this combination therapy is safe and effective. Bearing in mind the delay in onset of antidepressant action of medication and the importance of antidepressant medication for relapse prevention, this study further supports the recommendation that psychotropic medication should be given in adjunction to ECT.
Exploring the association between social isolation and utilization of primary health services by older adults: evidence from China
Authors: Xie Xinlong , Lyu Yanxia , Li Xinyu , Zhuang Zhiruo , Xu Aijun
Published: March 2024

Objective

This study aims to investigate the impact of social isolation on the utilization of primary health services among older adults in China.

Methods

Data from the China Longitudinal Aging Social Survey (CLASS) conducted in 2018 were utilized. A binary logistic regression model was established, and propensity score matching (PSM) was employed for analysis.

Results

The results of the binary logistic regression showed that family isolation within social isolation had a significant negative impact on the utilization of primary health services for older adults. In contrast, there was no significant association between friend isolation, community isolation, and the utilization of primary health services. Furthermore, the PSM results, using three matching methods (nearest neighbor matching, radius matching, and kernel matching), confirmed that family isolation significantly reduced older adults’ utilization of primary health services, consistent with the baseline regression findings.

Conclusion

Reducing the occurrence of family isolation among older adults may be a cost-effective intervention measure. Efforts should be directed toward improving family support for older adults, promoting the utilization of primary health services, and strengthening disease prevention.
Study on the outdoor thermal comfort of college students under different activity intensities in a high-altitude climate zone
Authors: Zhang Yingzi , Zhang Xiaobo , Han Jiaqin , Liu Xinxing
Published: March 2024

Introduction

Research on the outdoor thermal comfort (OTC) of a university campus is beneficial to the physical and mental health of college students.

Methods

In this study, the OTC of students attending Tibet University in Lhasa, which experiences high-altitude cold climate conditions, under different activity intensities was studied using field measurements and a questionnaire survey.

Results

With the increase in activity intensity, the comfort physiologically equivalent temperature (PET) value gradually increased in summer, while the comfortable PET value gradually decreased in winter. The most comfortable PET value is 17.6°C in summer and 11.5°C in winter. The neutral PET of Tibetan college students during outdoor activities in summer was 16.3°C, and the neutral PET of outdoor activities in winter was 12.1°C. Gender and ethnicity had different effects on thermal sensation under different activity intensities. Under vigorous-intensity activities, PET in winter and summer had the greatest influence on thermal sensation. The situation was different under moderate-intensity activity. PET had the greatest influence on thermal sensation in summer, and Tmrt had the greatest influence on thermal sensation in winter.

Discussion

These findings provide a basis for an improved design of the outdoor environment under different outdoor activity intensities in high-altitude areas.
Assessing benefits and risks between the space economies and the sustainable development goals
Authors: Cernev Tom , Bland Jessica , Zilgalvis Gustavs , Kaleagasi Bartu , de Zwart Melissa , Tzachor Asaf , Richards Catherine E. , Chesley Bruce , McClintock Bruce , Agachi Anca
Published: March 2024

As humanity’s presence in space continues to advance, it is important to consider the positive and negative effects of space activities on sustainable development. This paper presents the findings from an expert elicitation process to assess the benefits and risks of the Earth-for-space, space-for-Earth, and space-for-space economies for the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Significant benefits and risks exist, with SDGs 6, 9, 12, 14, and 16 exhibiting numerous benefits, and SDGs 6, 8, 11, and 15 exhibiting various risks from activities across the space economies. Multi-sectoral, multi-disciplinary experts have identified benefits including space as a means to facilitate international agreement and cooperation, insights from space-based Earth observation, and advances in economic and technological development. Conversely, they identified risks of space advancement resulting in inequality, overexploitation of space resources, and the increase of global geopolitical tensions. These findings were used to suggest an SDG 18 for space, consisting of seven targets that address the concerns raised in the process.
Intersections in the digital society: cancel culture, fake news, and contemporary public discourse
Authors: Picarella Lucia
Published: March 2024

This article critically examines the intricate relationship between cancel culture and fake news, shedding light on their collective impact on current societies. The changing social landscape, marked by the transition from the “network society” to the “platform society,” has given rise to unprecedented phenomena such as cancel culture. Rooted in social media complaints, cancel culture intersects with the dissemination of intentionally created false information, forming a complex web of dynamics. The study explores the multifaceted nature of cancel culture, its unintended consequences and the nuanced definitions surrounding it. The synthesis of erasure culture and fake news prompts critical reflections on the democratization of information, the protection of fundamental rights, and the potential risks to democracies of an unbridled online narrative. As digital networks continue to play a central role in everyday life, understanding and addressing these challenges is essential to maintaining a balanced discourse that upholds democratic values.
The spatiotemporal characteristics and obstacle factors of the coupled and coordinated development of agricultural and rural digitalization and food system sustainability in China
Authors: Li Ye , Chen Yiyan
Published: March 2024

Introduction

The sustainable development of China’s food system is an essential requirement for realizing the digital transformation of agriculture and rural areas and the main target for the big release of agricultural and rural digitalization dividends and the scale of feedback. What are the current trends of change in China’s agricultural and rural digitization and sustainable development of the food system? Have they achieved a high level of coordinated development? What are the factors constraining their coordinated development?

Methods

This work is based on 30 Chinese provincial administrative areas from 2011 to 2020. We adopt the entropy weight method to calculate the comprehensive development index of the agricultural and rural digitization and food system sustainability, respectively. The coupling degree and coupling coordination degree of the two systems are calculated by applying the coupling coordination degree model. The obstacle degree model was used to diagnose the obstacles constraining the coupling and coordinated development of the coupled systems.

Results

This study found that the development index of China’s provincial agricultural and rural digitization and food system sustainability increased gradually from 2011 to 2020. The coupling of the two systems is mainly in the high-level coupling stage, but the coupling coordination degree is primarily in the low and medium coupling coordination intervals. These results are heterogeneous across China’s four geographic regions: east, center, west, and northeast. The level of rural digital platform construction and rural digital industrialization is the most essential indicator-level and element-level barriers to agricultural and rural digitalization, respectively. Per capita food possession and food stability are, respectively, the most critical indicator-level and element-level barriers to the food system sustainability.

Discussion

The research in this work contributes to a comprehensive understanding of the evolutionary trends in agriculture and rural digitalization and the food system sustainability in the country as a whole and within the country. Although the two systems have not achieved a high level of coordinated development, the coupling degree and coupled coordination degree show a positive feedback relationship. The analysis of the obstacle factors helps to recognize the main bottlenecks constraining the coupled and coordinated development of the systems at a more specific level.
Triple-negative accessory breast cancer occurring concurrently with primary invasive breast carcinoma: a case report
Authors: Chen Ling , Wu Zujian , Guo Chi , Wan Hengjin , Wu Shouguo , Wang Guoping
Published: March 2024

Introduction

Accessory breast cancer (ABC) is an extremely rare condition, particularly the presence of triple-negative ABC with ipsilateral invasive in situ breast cancer. Binary breast tumors are controversial in terms of surgical methods and comprehensive treatment.

Case presentation

We share the case of a 64-year-old postmenopausal woman who presented with an underarm mass for 3 months. Ultrasonography and computed tomography suggested possible breast cancer with axillary lymph node metastasis. The patient underwent a left modified radical mastectomy combined with axillary lymph node dissection. The postoperative pathology confirmed a binary tumor, prompting us to initiate comprehensive treatment.

Conclusion

We present the treatment approach for a rare case of triple-negative para-breast cancer complicated with carcinoma in situ of the breast, hoping to contribute new therapeutic ideas for the treatment of this disease.
Advancing One Health through veterinary education: a mixed methods needs assessment for implementing a WOAH-harmonized national veterinary medicine curriculum in Ethiopia
Authors: Bessler Andrea L. , Hoet Armando E. , Nigatu Shimelis , Swisher Samantha , Fentie Tsegaw , Admassu Bemrew , Molla Adugna , Brown Manon , Berrian Amanda M.
Published: March 2024

Introduction

International organizations now actively promote and implement One Health collaborative approaches to prevent, detect, and control diseases in humans and animals, recognizing the critical importance of the veterinary and agricultural sectors. Moreover, Veterinary Services are chronically under-resourced, especially in low- and middle-income countries. Given the importance of National Veterinary Services to food security, nutrition, poverty alleviation, and global health security, strengthening veterinary capacity is a priority for the international community. The World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) outlines a set of minimum competencies veterinarians need to support National Veterinary Services effectively. To improve the quality of veterinary education, Ethiopia has developed a new 2020 national curriculum that is harmonized with the WOAH competencies.

Methods

A mixed methods needs assessment was conducted to identify barriers and challenges that Ethiopian veterinary medicine programs have faced in implementing the new WOAH-harmonized national curriculum. Representatives from active veterinary programs granting a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree were invited to share their experiences via an online survey and follow-up focus group discussion.

Results

Fourteen veterinary programs, representing 93% of eligible programs nationwide, participated in the needs assessment. Quantitative analysis indicated that the most difficult topics associated with the new curriculum included Organization of Veterinary Services (Competency 3.1), Inspection and Certification Procedures (3.2), and practical applications of the regulatory framework for disease prevention and control (multiple competencies). Challenges associated with specific instructional methodologies, particularly the facilitation of off-site (private and public sector) student training, were also perceived as barriers to implementation. Focus group discussions elucidated reasons for these challenges and included limitations in faculty expertise, resource constraints (e.g., supplies, infrastructure), and access to off-site facilities for hands-on teaching.

Conclusion

The results of this needs assessment will be used to identify and prioritize solutions to implementation challenges, helping Ethiopian veterinary medicine programs move the new WOAH-harmonized curriculum from theory to practice. As veterinarians are integral partners in advancing One Health, strengthening the capacity of Veterinary Services can ultimately safeguard animal and human health, grow economies, and improve lives.
Contrast arthrography of the equine temporomandibular joint
Authors: Kim Clara S. , Reisbig Nathalie A. , Carmalt James L.
Published: March 2024

Background

Disorders of the equine temporomandibular joint (TMJ) cause clinical problems and detailed investigations of this joint are becoming more common. Specialist radiographic projections have the potential to highlight osseous abnormalities; however, the ability to assess the intra-articular soft tissue structures is currently limited to computed tomography (with, or without contrast enhancement) or magnetic resonance imaging. Both modalities are expensive and not readily accessible.

Objective

To develop a technique of contrast arthrography of both compartments of the equine TMJ in cadavers and then perform the refined technique in three living horses as a proof-of-principle.

Study design

A descriptive, experimental, study.

Methods

Contrast arthrography of the discomandibular and discotemporal joint compartments of both TMJs was performed in 12 cadaveric equine heads using needles placed in the caudal pouches of the respective joint compartments. Radiographs were taken using previously published techniques, repeated with the mouth open and after air had been injected into the joints, to perform a double-contrast study. The TMJs of three healthy horses were subsequently examined to determine the validity of the procedure in live animals.

Results

Single and double-contrast arthrography allowed delineation of the dorsal and ventral surfaces of the intra-articular disc in addition to filling the rostral and caudal joint pouches of the independent joint compartments. Contrast extravasation was common, and in two instances iatrogenic disc penetration resulted in the false diagnosis of pathologic disc perforation. The techniques were well tolerated in all three live horses.

Main limitations

Low number of horses.

Conclusion

Contrast arthrography allows interpretation of intra-articular soft tissue structures, but caution is advised in diagnosing intra-articular disc perforation. Even with experience, accessing the discomandibular joint can be challenging.
Identification of cost-effective biosecurity measures to reduce Salmonella along the pork production chain
Authors: Bester Clara , Käsbohrer Annemarie , Wilkins Neil , Correia Carreira Guido , Marschik Tatiana
Published: March 2024

The continued occurrence of salmonellosis cases in Europe attributed to the consumption of pork products highlights the importance of identifying cost-effective interventions. Certain biosecurity measures (BSMs) may be effective in reducing the prevalence of specific pathogens along the pork production chain and their presence in food products. The objective of this study was to identify pathogen-specific, cost-effective BSMs to reduce Salmonella at different stages of the pork production chain in two European countries - Austria (AT) and the United Kingdom (UK). For this purpose, a cost-benefit analysis was conducted based on the epidemiological output of an established quantitative microbiological risk assessment that simulated the implementation effect of the BSMs based on their risk ratios. For each of the BSMs, the associated costs and benefits were assessed individually and country-specifically. For both AT and UK, nine different BSMs were evaluated assuming a countrywide implementation rate of 100%. The results showed that four BSMs were cost-effective (benefit-cost ratio > 1) for AT and five for the UK. The uncertainty regarding the cost-effectiveness of the BSMs resulted from the variability of individual risk ratios, and the variability of benefits associated with the implementation of the BSMs. The low number of cost-effective BSMs highlights the need for holistic risk-based models and economic assessments. To increase the willingness to implement BSMs and maximize the benefits for stakeholders, who carry the majority of the implementation costs, epidemiological assessments of BSM effectiveness should consider the impact on several relevant pathogens simultaneously.
GDUI: Guided Diffusion Model for Unlabeled Images
Authors: Xie Xuanyuan , Zhao Jieyu
Published: March 2024

The diffusion model has made progress in the field of image synthesis, especially in the area of conditional image synthesis. However, this improvement is highly dependent on large annotated datasets. To tackle this challenge, we present the Guided Diffusion model for Unlabeled Images (GDUI) framework in this article. It utilizes the inherent feature similarity and semantic differences in the data, as well as the downstream transferability of Contrastive Language-Image Pretraining (CLIP), to guide the diffusion model in generating high-quality images. We design two semantic-aware algorithms, namely, the pseudo-label-matching algorithm and label-matching refinement algorithm, to match the clustering results with the true semantic information and provide more accurate guidance for the diffusion model. First, GDUI encodes the image into a semantically meaningful latent vector through clustering. Then, pseudo-label matching is used to complete the matching of the true semantic information of the image. Finally, the label-matching refinement algorithm is used to adjust the irrelevant semantic information in the data, thereby improving the quality of the guided diffusion model image generation. Our experiments on labeled datasets show that GDUI outperforms diffusion models without any guidance and significantly reduces the gap between it and models guided by ground-truth labels.
Analysis of a Two-Step Gradient Method with Two Momentum Parameters for Strongly Convex Unconstrained Optimization
Authors: Krivovichev Gerasim V. , Sergeeva Valentina Yu.
Published: March 2024

The paper is devoted to the theoretical and numerical analysis of the two-step method, constructed as a modification of Polyak’s heavy ball method with the inclusion of an additional momentum parameter. For the quadratic case, the convergence conditions are obtained with the use of the first Lyapunov method. For the non-quadratic case, sufficiently smooth strongly convex functions are obtained, and these conditions guarantee local convergence.An approach to finding optimal parameter values based on the solution of a constrained optimization problem is proposed. The effect of an additional parameter on the convergence rate is analyzed. With the use of an ordinary differential equation, equivalent to the method, the damping effect of this parameter on the oscillations, which is typical for the non-monotonic convergence of the heavy ball method, is demonstrated. In different numerical examples for non-quadratic convex and non-convex test functions and machine learning problems (regularized smoothed elastic net regression, logistic regression, and recurrent neural network training), the positive influence of an additional parameter value on the convergence process is demonstrated.
Trajectory Tracking Control of Remotely Operated Vehicles via a Fast-Sliding Mode Controller with a Fixed-Time Disturbance Observer
Authors: Zhou Huadong , Mu Xiangyang
Published: March 2024

Time-varying nonlinear external disturbances, as well as uncertainties in model and hydrodynamic parameters, make remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) trajectory tracking control complex and difficult. To solve this problem, this paper proposes a fast sliding mode controller with a fixed-time disturbance observer (FSMC-FDO), which consists of a sliding mode controller based on a fast reaching law and a novel fixed-time disturbance observer. The FSMC can solve the contradiction between system response time and chatter amplitude in sliding mode control. The FDO can compensate for time-varying external disturbances. The Lyapunov theory is used to prove the stability of the entire control scheme. Simulation results show that FSMC-FDO exhibits a good trajectory tracking performance with a better robustness than the conventional sliding mode control (CSMC) on the basis of exponential reaching law (ERL), while significantly reducing chatter.
The Application of Aluminium Powder as an Accumulation Medium of Mercury from Air
Authors: Modise Innocentia M. , Panichev Nikolai , Mandiwana Khakhathi L.
Published: March 2024

A gaseous elemental mercury (Hg0) sampler was developed for the assessment of mercury (Hg) pollution from the air and utilised aluminium (Al) powder as the accumulation medium. The Hg sampler is presented as an alternative cost-effective sorbent that can be used for the assessment of Hg pollution in atmospheric air in areas where natural bio-indicators such as lichens and moss do not grow, including the urban environments. The chemical treatment of Al materials was necessary to weaken the aluminium oxide (Al2O3) layer to increase the adsorption capability of Al material. Treated Al samples were exposed to Hg vapours for one hour to two weeks in a Hg atmosphere chamber. Other Al powder samples were exposed to the ambient air at areas of the Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality for six to ten months. The analysis of samples by an RA-915+ Zeeman mercury analyser showed that the limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ) for the determination of Hg in Al powder with a mass of 100 mg were found to be 0.31 ng g−1 and 1.0 ng g−1, respectively. The content of Hg that accumulated on Al powder was linear from 0.1 to 25 ng g−1, thus enabling the measurement of Hg accumulation from air at the global average concentration level. Mercury from air that accumulated on Al powder in the Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality ranged between 70 ng g−1 and 155 ng g−1.
Comparison of RegCM4.7.1 Simulation with the Station Observation Data of Georgia, 1985–2008
Authors: Elizbarashvili Mariam , Amiranashvili Avtandil , Elizbarashvili Elizbar , Mikuchadze George , Khuntselia Tamar , Chikhradze Nino
Published: March 2024

The global climate change, driven by natural processes and increasing human activities, is especially significant for Georgia. The region is experiencing increases in temperature, desertification, redistribution of precipitation, and a rise in the frequency and severity of extreme weather events. Georgia’s complex topography and its proximity to the Black and Caspian seas make it essential to employ high-resolution regional climate models to evaluate future climate change risks. In this study, we examine the results of a high-resolution simulation of mean and extreme precipitation and temperature using the Abdus Salam International Centre for Theoretical Physics Regional Climate Model version 4.7.1 for the period 1985–2008, providing an initial evaluation of the model’s performance for the territory of Georgia. The model domain (1524 km; 2388 km) encompasses the entirety of Georgia’s territory and surrounding regions. The simulation, conducted at a 12 km horizontal grid spacing using ERA5 data as boundary conditions, indicates that the least discrepancy between observed and modeled average annual temperatures and precipitation, falling within a −1 to 1 °C and −200 to 200 mm range, respectively, was observed at most stations of eastern Georgia. The largest disparities between the model and observed average annual precipitation totals were noted along the Black Sea coast, in the Kolkheti Lowland, and in some high mountain stations in western Georgia. The most significant differences in average annual temperatures between the model and observations were observed in Ambrolauri, Mt. Sabueti, and Dedoplistskaro. For Georgia territory, such a long run with such a high resolution using ERA5 as boundary conditions was conducted for the first time. Overall, the modeling results are quite satisfactory, providing a solid basis for the successful utilization of the regional climate model RegCM4.7.1 with the selected parameterization for modeling monthly mean and extreme temperatures and precipitation in Georgia.
Sensory Integration: A Novel Approach for Healthy Ageing and Dementia Management
Authors: Maneemai Ongart , Cujilan Alvarado Maira Cristina , Calderon Intriago Lina Graciela , Donoso Triviño Alicia Jeanette , Franco Coffré Joicy Anabel , Pratico Domenico , Schwartz Kristof , Tesfaye Tadele , Yamasaki Takao
Published: March 2024

Sensory processing is a fundamental aspect of the nervous system that plays a pivotal role in the cognitive decline observed in older individuals with dementia. The “sensory diet”, derived from sensory integration theory, may provide a tailored approach to modulating sensory experiences and triggering neuroplastic changes in the brain in individuals with dementia. Therefore, this review aimed to investigate the current knowledge regarding the sensory diet and its potential application to dementia. This review encompassed an extensive search across multiple databases, including PubMed, Google Scholar, covering articles published from 2010 to 2023. Keywords such as “sensory integration”, “sensory modulation”, “healthy aging”, and “dementia” were utilized to identify relevant studies. The types of materials retrieved included peer-reviewed articles, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses, ensuring a comprehensive overview of the current research landscape. This article offers a comprehensive exploration of the effectiveness of sensory diets such as tactile stimulation, auditory therapies, and visual interventions, which have demonstrated noteworthy efficacy in addressing challenges linked to aging and dementia. Research findings consistently report positive outcomes, such as improved cognitive function, elevated emotional well-being, and enhanced overall quality of life in older individuals. Furthermore, we found that the integration of sensory diets with the metaverse, augmented reality, and virtual reality opens up personalized experiences, fostering cognitive stimulation and emotional well-being for individuals during aging. Therefore, we conclude that customized sensory diets, based on interdisciplinary cooperation and leveraging technological advancements, are effective in optimizing sensory processing and improve the overall well-being of older individuals contending with sensory modulation challenges and dementia.
The Diagnostic Value of ACSL1, ACSL4, and ACSL5 and the Clinical Potential of an ACSL Inhibitor in Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Ma Yunxia , Nenkov Miljana , Berndt Alexander , Abubrig Mohamed , Schmidt Martin , Sandhaus Tim , Huber Otmar , Clement Joachim H. , Lang Susanne M. , Chen Yuan , Gaßler Nikolaus
Published: March 2024

Abnormal expression of ACSL members 1, 3, 4, 5, and 6 is frequently seen in human cancer; however, their clinical relevance is unclear. In this study, we analyzed the expression of ACSLs and investigated the effects of the ACSL inhibitor Triacsin C (TC) in lung cancer. We found that, compared to normal human bronchial epithelial (NHBE) cells, ACSL1, ACSL4, and ACSL6 were highly expressed, while ACSL3 and ACSL5 were lost in the majority of lung cancer cell lines. ACSL activity was associated with the expression levels of the ACSLs. In primary lung tumors, a higher expression of ACSL1, ACSL4, and ACSL5 was significantly correlated with adenocarcinoma (ADC). Moreover, ACSL5 was significantly reversely related to the proliferation marker Ki67 in low-grade tumors, while ACSL3 was positively associated with Ki67 in high-grade tumors. Combination therapy with TC and Gemcitabine enhanced the growth-inhibitory effect in EGFR wild-type cells, while TC combined with EGFR-TKIs sensitized the EGFR-mutant cells to EGFR-TKI treatment. Taken together, the data suggest that ACSL1 may be a biomarker for lung ADC, and ACSL1, ACSL4, and ACSL5 may be involved in lung cancer differentiation, and TC, in combination with chemotherapy or EGFR-TKIs, may help patients overcome drug resistance.
Long-Term Survival in Patients with Oligometastatic Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer by a Multimodality Treatment—Comparison with Stage III Disease
Authors: Guberina Maja , Pöttgen Christoph , Guberina Nika , Hoffmann Christian , Wiesweg Marcel , Richlitzki Cedric , Metzenmacher Martin , Aigner Clemens , Bölükbas Servet , Gauler Thomas , Eberhardt Wilfried E. E. , Forsting Michael , Herrmann Ken , Theegarten Dirk , Darwiche Kaid , Jendrossek Verena , Stuschke Martin , Schuler Martin
Published: March 2024

Background: In patients with oligometastatic NSCLC, a cT3–cT4 primary tumor or an cN2/cN3 lymph node status was reported to be associated with unfavorable outcome. The aim of this study was to assess the importance of definitive or neoadjuvant thoracic radiochemotherapy for long-term outcome of these patients in order to find more appropriate treatment schedules. Methods: Analysis of the West Cancer Centre (WTZ) institutional database from 08/2016 to 08/2020 was performed. Patients with primary synchronous OMD, all without actionable driver mutations, who received definitive thoracic radiochemotherapy (RCT) or neoadjuvant RCT followed by surgery (trimodality treatment) were included. Survival outcome is compared with stage III NSCLC. Results: Altogether, 272 patients received concurrent radiochemotherapy. Of those, 220 presented with stage III (158 with definitive RCT, 62 with trimodality approach). A total of 52 patients had OMD patients with cT3/cT4 or cN2/cN3 tumors. Overall survival (OS) at five years for OMD patients was 28.3% (95%-CI: 16.4–41.5%), which was not significantly different from OS of patients with stage III NSCLC treated with definitive or neoadjuvant RCT (34.9% (95%-CI: 27.4–42.8%)). However, the PFS of OMD patients at five years or last follow-up was significantly worse than that of stage III patients (13.0% vs. 24.3%, p = 0.0048). The latter was due to a higher cumulative incidence of distant metastases in OMD patients (50.2% vs. 20.4% at 48 months, p < 0.0001) in comparison to stage III patients. A cross-validated classifier that included severe comorbidity, ECOG performance status, gender and pre-treatment serum CRP level as the most important factors in the univariable analysis, was able to divide the OMD patient group into two equally sized groups with a four-year survival rate of 49.4% in the good prognosis group and 9.9% in the poor prognosis group (p = 0.0021). Laboratory chemistry and clinical parameters, in addition to imaging and high-precision therapies, can help to predict and improve prognosis. Conclusions: A multimodality treatment approach and local metastases-directed therapy in addition to chemoimmunotherapy can lead to good long-term survival in patients with cT3/cT4 or cN2/cN3 OMD NSCLC without severe comorbidities and in good performance status and is therefore recommended.
Clinical and Oncological Outcomes Following Percutaneous Cryoablation vs. Partial Nephrectomy for Clinical T1 Renal Tumours: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Nowak Łukasz , Janczak Dawid , Łaszkiewicz Jan , Guziński Maciej , Del Giudice Francesco , Tresh Anas , Chung Benjamin I. , Chorbińska Joanna , Tomczak Wojciech , Małkiewicz Bartosz , Szydełko Tomasz , Krajewski Wojciech
Published: March 2024

Percutaneous cryoablation (PCA) can be an alternative to partial nephrectomy (PN) in selected patients with stage T1 renal tumours. Existing meta-analyses regarding ablative techniques compared both laparoscopic and PCA with PN. That is why we decided to perform a meta-analysis that focused solely on PCA. The aim of this study was to compare the complications and functional and oncological outcomes between PCA and PN. A systematic literature search was performed in January 2024. Data for dichotomous and continuous variables were expressed as pooled odds ratios (ORs) and mean differences (MDs), both with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Effect measures for the local recurrence-free survival (LRFS), metastasis-free survival (MFS), cancer-specific survival (CSS) and overall survival (OS) were expressed as pooled hazard ratios with 95% CIs. Among 6487 patients included in the 14 selected papers, 1554 (23.9%) and 4924 (76.1%) underwent PCA and PN, respectively. Compared with the PN group, patients undergoing PCA had significantly lower overall and major postoperative complication rates. There was no difference in renal function between PCA and PN groups. When analysing collective data for cT1 renal carcinoma, PCA was associated with worse LRFS compared with PN. However, subgroup analysis revealed that in the case of PCA, LRFS was not decreased in patients with cT1a tumours. Moreover, patients undergoing robotic-assisted PN had improved LRFS compared with those undergoing PCA. No significant differences were observed between PCA and PN in terms of MFS and CSS. Finally, PCA was associated with worse OS than PN in both collective and subgroup analyses. In conclusion, PCA is associated with favourable postoperative complication rates relative to PN. Regarding LRFS, PCA is not worse than PN in cT1a tumours but has a substantially relevant disadvantage in cT1b tumours. Also, RAPN might be the only surgical modality that provides better LRFS than PCA. In cT1 tumours, PCA shows MFS and CSS comparable to PN. Lastly, PCA is associated with a shorter OS than PN.
The Effect of Retinoic Acid on Arsenite-Transformed Malignant UROtsa Bladder Cancer Cells: In Vitro Model of Basal Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer
Authors: Al-Marsoummi Sarmad , Mehus Aaron A. , Garrett Scott H. , Sens Donald A. , Somji Seema
Published: March 2024

Bladder cancer (BC) is the eighth most common cause of cancer death in the United States of America. BC is classified into non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) and muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC). Genetically, MIBCs are categorized into the more aggressive basal subtype or less aggressive luminal subtype. All-trans retinoic acid (tretinoin), the ligand for the RAR-RXR retinoic acid receptor, is clinically used as a differentiation therapy in hematological malignancies. This study aims to determine the effects of retinoic acid on arsenite-transformed malignant urothelial cells (UROtsa As), serving as a model for basal muscle-invasive bladder cancer. We treated three independent isolates of arsenite-transformed malignant human urothelial UROtsa cells (UROtsa As) with tretinoin for 48 h. Cell viability, proliferation, and apoptosis were analyzed using crystal violet staining and flow cytometry. mRNA and protein level analyses were performed using RT-qPCR and the Simple Western™ platform, respectively. Tretinoin was found to reduce cell proliferation and urosphere formation, as well as decrease the expression of basal markers (KRT1, KRT5, KRT6, EGFR) and increase the expression of luminal differentiation markers (GATA3, FOXA1). Mechanistically, the antiproliferative effect of tretinoin was attributed to the downregulation of c-myc. Our results suggest that targeting the retinoic acid pathway can diminish the aggressive behavior of basal muscle-invasive urothelial cancer and may enhance patient survival.
Natural Killer Cell Dysfunction in Premenopausal BRCA1 Mutation Carriers: A Potential Mechanism for Ovarian Carcinogenesis
Authors: Haran Shaun , Chindera Kantaraja , Sabry May , Wilkinson Nafisa , Arora Rupali , Zubiak Agnieszka , Bartlett Thomas E. , Evans Iona , Jones Allison , Reisel Daniel , Herzog Chiara , Alkasalias Twana , Newman Mark , Kim Jaeyeon , Rådestad Angelique Flöter , Gemzell-Danielsson Kristina , Rosenthal Adam N. , Dubeau Louis , Lowdell Mark W. , Widschwendter Martin
Published: March 2024

Background: Tissue-specificity for fimbrial fallopian tube ovarian carcinogenesis remains largely unknown in BRCA1 mutation carriers. We aimed to assess the cell autonomous and cell-nonautonomous implications of a germline BRCA1 mutation in the context of cancer immunosurveillance of CD3− CD56+ natural killer (NK) cells. Methods: Premenopausal BRCA1 mutation carriers versus age-matched non-carriers were compared. Daily urinary 5β-pregnanediol levels were used to determine progesterone metabolomics across an ovarian cycle. Using peripherally acquired NK cells the cell-mediated cytotoxicity of tumor targets (OVCAR-3, K-562) was determined using live cellular impedance (xCELLigence®) and multicolor flow cytometry. Hypoxia-inducible factor 1-alpha (HIF-1α) immunohistochemistry of cancer-free fallopian tube specimens allowed a comparison of proximal versus distal portions. Utilizing these findings the role of environmental factors relevant to the fimbrial fallopian tube (progesterone, hypoxia) on NK cell functional activity were studied in an ovarian phase-specific manner. Results: BRCA1 mutation carriers demonstrate a differential progesterone metabolome with a phase-specific reduction of peripheral NK cell functional activity. Progesterone exposure further impairs NK cell-mediated cytotoxicity in a dose-dependent manner, which is reversed with the addition of mifepristone (1.25 µM). The fimbrial fallopian tube demonstrated significantly higher HIF-1α staining, particularly in BRCA1 mutation carriers, reflecting a site-specific ‘hypoxic niche’. Exposure to hypoxic conditions (1% O2) can further impair tumor cytotoxicity in high-risk carriers. Conclusions: Phase-specific differential NK cell activity in BRCA1 mutation carriers, either systemically or locally, may favor site-specific pre-invasive carcinogenesis. These cumulative effects across a reproductive lifecycle in high-risk carriers can have a detrimental effect further supporting epidemiological evidence for ovulation inhibition.
Comprehensive 3DCRT Hypofractionated Radiotherapy Schedule for Localized Prostate Adenocarcinoma in the Era of IMRT: Dosimetric and Endoscopic Analysis
Authors: Kougioumtzopoulou Andromachi , Syrigos Nick , Zygogianni Anna , Georgakopoulos Ioannis , Platoni Kalliopi , Patatoukas George , Tzannis Kimon , Bamias Aristotelis , Kelekis Nikolaos , Kouloulias Vasileios
Published: March 2024

Background: Moderate hypofractionated radiotherapy (MHRT) has emerged as the preferred treatment modality for localized prostate cancer based on randomized controlled studies regarding efficacy and toxicity using contemporary radiotherapy techniques. In the setting of MHRT, available data on dosimetric parameters and late rectal toxicity are limited. Aim: To present the effects of MHRT on late rectal toxicity while conducting an extensive dosimetric analysis in conjunction with rectoscopy results. Methods: This is a prospective study including patients with intermediate-risk prostate adenocarcinoma. All patients were treated with MHRT 44 Gy in 16 fractions to the seminal vesicles and to the prostate, followed by a sequential boost to the prostate alone of 16.5 Gy in 6 fractions delivered with three-dimensional conformal radiation therapy (3DCRT). Acute and late toxicity were assessed. Endoscopy was performed at baseline, every 3 months post-therapy for the first year, and every 6 months for the year after. The Vienna Rectoscopy Score (VRS) was used to assess rectal mucosal injury related to radiotherapy. Dosimetric analysis for the rectum, rectal wall, and its subsegments (upper, mid, and low 1/3) was performed. Results: Between September 2015 and December 2019, 20 patients enrolled. Grade 1 late gastrointestinal toxicity occurred in 10% of the patients, whereas 5% had a grade ≥2. Twelve months post radiotherapy: 4 (20%) patients had VRS 1; 2 (10%) patients had VRS 2; 1(5%) patient had VRS 3. 24 months post radiotherapy, VRS 1 was observed in 4 patients (20%) and VRS 2 in 3 (15%) patients. The dosimetric analysis demonstrated noticeable variations between the rectum, rectal wall, and rectal wall subsegments. The dosimetric analysis of the rectum, rectal wall, and its mid and low segments with respect to rectoscopy findings showed that the higher dose endpoints V52.17Gy and V56.52Gy are associated with rectal mucosal injury. Conclusions: A thorough delineation of the rectal wall and its subsegments, together with the dosimetric analysis of these structures, may reduce late rectal toxicity. Dosimetric parameters such as V52.17Gy and V56.52Gy were identified to have a significant impact on rectal mucosal injury; additional dose endpoint validation and its relation to late GI toxicity is needed.
Low-Cost Non-Contact Forest Inventory: A Case Study of Kieni Forest in Kenya
Authors: Kiplimo Cedric , wa Maina Ciira , Okal Billy
Published: March 2024

Forests are a vital source of food, fuel, and medicine and play a crucial role in climate change mitigation. Strategic and policy decisions on forest management and conservation require accurate and up-to-date information on available forest resources. Forest inventory data such as tree parameters, heights, and crown diameters must be collected and analysed to monitor forests effectively. Traditional manual techniques are slow and labour-intensive, requiring additional personnel, while existing non-contact methods are costly, computationally intensive, or less accurate. Kenya plans to increase its forest cover to 30% by 2032 and establish a national forest monitoring system. Building capacity in forest monitoring through innovative field data collection technologies is encouraged to match the pace of increase in forest cover. This study explored the applicability of low-cost, non-contact tree inventory based on stereoscopic photogrammetry in a recently reforested stand in Kieni Forest, Kenya. A custom-built stereo camera was used to capture images of 251 trees in the study area from which the tree heights and crown diameters were successfully extracted quickly and with high accuracy. The results imply that stereoscopic photogrammetry is an accurate and reliable method that can support the national forest monitoring system and REDD+ implementation.