bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nicotine exacerbates liver damage in a mice model of Ehrlich ascites carcinoma through shifting SOD/NF-κB/caspase-3 pathways: ameliorating role of Chlorella vulgaris
Authors: Abu-Zeid Ehsan H. , El-Hady Eman W. , Ahmed Gehan A. , Abd-Elhakim Yasmina M. , Ibrahim Doaa , Abd-Allah Noura A. , Arisha Ahmed H. , Sobh Mohammed S. , Abo-Elmaaty Azza M. A.
Published: May 2024

Nicotine, a pervasive global environmental pollutant, is released throughout every phase of the tobacco’s life cycle. This study examined the probable ameliorative role of Chlorella vulgaris (ChV) extract against nicotine (NIC)-induced hepatic injury in Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) bearing female Swiss mice. Sixty female Swiss mice were assigned to four equal groups orally gavaged 2% saccharin 0.2 mL/mouse (control group), orally intubated 100 mg ChV /kg (ChV group), orally intubated 100 µg/mL NIC in 2% saccharin (NIC group), and orally intubated NIC + ChV as in group 3 and 2 (NIC+ChV group). The dosing was daily for 4 weeks. Mice from all experimental groups were then inoculated intraperitoneally with viable tumor cells 2.5 × 106 (0.2 mL/mouse) in the fourth week, and the treatments were extended for another 2 weeks. The results have shown that NIC exposure significantly altered the serum levels of liver function indices, lipid profile, LDH, and ALP in the NIC-exposed group. NIC administration significantly increased hepatic inflammation, lipid peroxidation, and DNA damage-related biomarkers but reduced antioxidant enzyme activities. NIC exposure downregulated SOD1, SOD2, CAT, GPX1, and GPX2 but upregulated NF-κB hepatic gene expression. Notably, the presence of the EAC cells outside the liver was common in all mice groups. Liver tissue of the NIC-exposed group showed multifocal expansion of hepatic sinusoids by neoplastic cells. However, with no evidence of considerable infiltration of EAC cells inside the sinusoids or in periportal areas in the NIC + ChV groups. NIC significantly altered caspase-3, Bax, and BcL2 hepatic immune expression. Interestingly, ChV administration significantly mitigates NIC-induced alterations in hepatic function indices, lipid profile, and the mRNA expression of antioxidant and NF-κB genes and regulates the caspase-3, Bax, and BcL2 immunostaining. Finally, the in vivo protective outcomes of ChV against NIC-induced hepatic injury combined with EAC in female Swiss mice could suggest their helpful role for cancer patients who are directly or indirectly exposed to NIC daily.
Imaging CAR-NK cells targeted to HER2 ovarian cancer with human sodium-iodide symporter-based positron emission tomography
Authors: Shalaby Nourhan , Xia Ying , Kelly John J , Sanchez-Pupo Rafael , Martinez Francisco , Fox Matthew S , Thiessen Jonathan D , Hicks Justin W , Scholl Timothy J , Ronald John A.
Published: May 2024

Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) cell therapies utilize CARs to redirect immune cells towards cancer cells expressing specific antigens like human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2). Despite their potential, CAR T cell therapies exhibit variable response rates and adverse effects in some patients. Non-invasive molecular imaging can aid in predicting patient outcomes by tracking infused cells post-administration. CAR-T cells are typically autologous, increasing manufacturing complexity and costs. An alternative approach involves developing CAR natural killer (CAR-NK) cells as an off-the-shelf allogeneic product. In this study, we engineered HER2-targeted CAR-NK cells co-expressing the positron emission tomography (PET) reporter gene human sodium-iodide symporter (NIS) and assessed their therapeutic efficacy and PET imaging capability in a HER2 ovarian cancer mouse model.

NK-92 cells were genetically modified to express a HER2-targeted CAR, the bioluminescence imaging reporter Antares, and NIS. HER2-expressing ovarian cancer cells were engineered to express the bioluminescence reporter Firefly luciferase (Fluc). Co-culture experiments demonstrated significantly enhanced cytotoxicity of CAR-NK cells compared to naive NK cells. In vivo studies involving mice with Fluc-expressing tumors revealed that those treated with CAR-NK cells exhibited reduced tumor burden and prolonged survival compared to controls. Longitudinal bioluminescence imaging demonstrated stable signals from CAR-NK cells over time. PET imaging using the NIS-targeted tracer 18F-tetrafluoroborate ([18F]TFB) showed significantly higher PET signals in mice treated with NIS-expressing CAR-NK cells.

Overall, our study showcases the therapeutic potential of HER2-targeted CAR-NK cells in an aggressive ovarian cancer model and underscores the feasibility of using human-derived PET reporter gene imaging to monitor these cells non-invasively in patients.
Ultra-low-dose vs. standard-of-care-dose CT of the chest in patients with post-COVID-19 conditions—a prospective intra-patient multi-reader study
Authors: Wassipaul Christian , Kifjak Daria , Milos Ruxandra-Iulia , Prayer Florian , Roehrich Sebastian , Winter Melanie , Beer Lucian , Watzenboeck Martin L. , Pochepnia Svitlana , Weber Michael , Tamandl Dietmar , Homolka Peter , Birkfellner Wolfgang , Ringl Helmut , Prosch Helmut , Heidinger Benedikt H.
Published: May 2024

Objectives

To conduct an intrapatient comparison of ultra-low-dose computed tomography (ULDCT) and standard-of-care-dose CT (SDCT) of the chest in terms of the diagnostic accuracy of ULDCT and intrareader agreement in patients with post-COVID conditions.

Methods

We prospectively included 153 consecutive patients with post-COVID-19 conditions. All participants received an SDCT and an additional ULDCT scan of the chest. SDCTs were performed with standard imaging parameters and ULDCTs at a fixed tube voltage of 100 kVp (with tin filtration), 50 ref. mAs (dose modulation active), and iterative reconstruction algorithm level 5 of 5. All CT scans were separately evaluated by four radiologists for the presence of lung changes and their consistency with post-COVID lung abnormalities. Radiation dose parameters and the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of ULDCT were calculated.

Results

Of the 153 included patients (mean age 47.4 ± 15.3 years; 48.4% women), 45 (29.4%) showed post-COVID lung abnormalities. In those 45 patients, the most frequently detected CT patterns were ground-glass opacities (100.0%), reticulations (43.5%), and parenchymal bands (37.0%). The accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of ULDCT compared to SDCT for the detection of post-COVID lung abnormalities were 92.6, 87.2, and 94.9%, respectively. The median total dose length product (DLP) of ULDCTs was less than one-tenth of the radiation dose of our SDCTs (12.6 mGy*cm [9.9; 15.5] vs. 132.1 mGy*cm [103.9; 160.2]; p < 0.001).

Conclusion

ULDCT of the chest offers high accuracy in the detection of post-COVID lung abnormalities compared to an SDCT scan at less than one-tenth the radiation dose, corresponding to only twice the dose of a standard chest radiograph in two views.

Clinical relevance statement

Ultra-low-dose CT of the chest may provide a favorable, radiation-saving alternative to standard-dose CT in the long-term follow-up of the large patient cohort of post-COVID-19 patients.
Robotic transanal minimally invasive surgery (R-TAMIS): current evidence in the treatment of early rectal neoplasia
Authors: O’Sullivan Niall J. , Temperley Hugo C. , Larkin John , McCormick Jacob J. , Rausa Emanuele , McCormick Paul , Heriot Alexander , Mehigan Brian J. , Warrier Satish , Kelly Michael E.
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Robotic transanal minimally invasive surgery (R-TAMIS) was introduced in 2012 for the excision of benign rectal polyps and low grade rectal cancer. Ergonomic improvements over traditional laparoscopic TAMIS (L-TAMIS) include increased dexterity within a small operative field, with possibility of better surgical precision. We aim to collate the existing data surrounding the use of R-TAMIS to treat rectal neoplasms from cohort studies and larger case series, providing a foundation for future, large-scale, comparative studies.

Methods

Medline, EMBASE and Web of Science were searched as part of our review. Randomised controlled trials (RCTs), cohort studies or large case series (≥ 5 patients) investigating the use of R-TAMIS to resect rectal neoplasia (benign or malignant) were eligible for inclusion in our analysis. Quality assessment of included studies was performed via the Newcastle Ottawa Scale (NOS) risk of bias tool. Outcomes extracted included basic participant characteristics, operative details and histopathological/oncological outcomes.

Results

Eighteen studies on 317 participants were included in our analysis. The quality of studies was generally satisfactory. Overall complication rate from R-TAMIS was 9.7%. Clear margins (R0) were reported in 96.2% of patients. Local recurrence (benign or malignant) occurred in 2.2% of patients during the specified follow-up periods.

Conclusion

Our review highlights the current evidence for R-TAMIS in the local excision of rectal lesions. While R-TAMIS appears to have complication, margin negativity and recurrence rates superior to those of published L-TAMIS series, comparative studies are needed.
Effect of a higher protein diet and lifestyle camp intervention on childhood obesity (The COPE study): results from a nonrandomized controlled trail with 52-weeks follow-up
Authors: Jakobsen Dorthe D. , Brader Lea , Bruun Jens M.
Published: May 2024

Purpose

In adults, diets rich in protein seem beneficial in relation to satiety, weight loss, and weight management; however, studies investigating dietary protein and weight development in children are scarce and inconsistent. This nonrandomized controlled trial aimed to investigate the effect of a higher protein diet during lifestyle intervention on anthropometry and metabolic biomarkers in children with overweight and obesity.

Methods

Children (n:208) were recruited from two multicomponent lifestyle camps. One camp was assigned as the intervention group. In the intervention group, carbohydrates-rich foods at breakfast and two in-between-meals were replaced with protein-containing foods to increase the amount of protein from ~ 10–15 energy percent (E%) per day to ~ 25E% per day. Other components were similar between groups. Anthropometry and biochemical measurements were collected at baseline, 10 weeks (after camp) and 52 weeks.

Results

The intervention group had a non-significant improvement in BMI-SDS (− 0.07 SD (− 0.19; 0.05), p = 0.24) compared to the control group, but in general, there was no effect of a higher protein diet on anthropometry and metabolic biomarkers. Overall, 10 weeks at camp resulted in a more favorable body composition [− 6.50 kg (p < 0.00), − 0.58 BMI-SDS (p < 0.00), and − 5.92% body fat (p < 0.00)], and improved metabolic health, with most changes maintained at 52 weeks.

Conclusion

A higher protein diet had no significant effect on body composition and metabolic health; however, these lifestyle camps are an efficiatious treatment strategy for childhood obesity.

Clinical trial registration: clinicaltrials.gov with ID: NCT04522921. Preregistered August 21st 2020.
Diagnostics of allergic rhinitis under dupilumab therapy
Authors: Huber Patrick , Gröger Moritz , Stihl Clemens , Frankenberger Hanna , Bertlich Mattis , Haubner Frank , Gellrich Donata
Published: May 2024

Background

Allergic rhinits is a prevalent condition, affecting a substantial proportion of the population. This study investigates the impact of ongoing biologic therapy, specifically with Dupilumab, on allergy diagnostics in patients with allergic rhinits.

Methods

Various tests, including the Skin Prick Test, serum IgE levels and Allergy Screening Panels, were examined for their effectiveness in detecting sensitizations during biologic treatment.

Results

The results indicate a significant decline in total IgE levels following biologic therapy initiation, aligning with previous findings on Dupilumab's inhibitory effects on IL-4 and IL-13. However, the specific IgE to total IgE ratio for major allergens was not significantly reduced. Comparing diagnostic tools, the Skin Prick Test demonstrates an impressive retention rate of sensitizations (98%) during Dupilumab treatment, outperforming the Allergy Screening Panel, which shows a 75% detection rate. Notably, the panel displays limitations in capturing lower sensitization levels.

Conclusion

In summary, this study underscores that, despite the influence of biologic therapy on certain markers, standard allergy tests remain viable while emphasizing the importance of considering specific IgE levels rather than relying solely on CAP classes. The Skin Prick Test in particular proves to be a reliable tool for identifying sensitizations during Dupilumab treatment. The results offer valuable guidance for the diagnostic management of Allergic rhinits in individuals subjected to Dupilumab treatment.
Foot and ankle problems in children and young people: a population-based cohort study
Authors: Rezel-Potts Emma , Bowen Catherine , Dunn Kate M. , Jones Christopher I. , Gulliford Martin C. , Morrison Stewart C.
Published: May 2024

The aim of this research was to describe the epidemiology, presentation and healthcare use in primary care for foot and ankle problems in children and young people (CYP) across England. We undertook a population-based cohort study using data from the Clinical Practice Research Datalink Aurum database, a database of anonymised electronic health records from general practices across England. Data was accessed for all CYP aged 0–18 years presenting to their general practitioner between January 2015 and December 2021 with a foot and/or ankle problem. Consultation rates were calculated and used to estimate numbers of consultations in an average practice. Hierarchical Poisson regression estimated relative rates of consultations across sociodemographic groups and logistic regression evaluated factors associated with repeat consultations. A total of 416,137 patients had 687,753 foot and ankle events, of which the majority were categorised as “musculoskeletal” (34%) and “unspecified pain” (21%). Rates peaked at 601 consultations per 10,000 patient-years among males aged 10–14 years in 2018. An average practice might observe 132 (95% CI 110 to 155) consultations annually. Odds for repeat consultations were higher among those with pre-existing diagnoses including juvenile arthritis (OR 1.73, 95% CI 1.48 to 2.03).

    Conclusions: Consultations for foot and ankle problems were high among CYP, particularly males aged 10 to 14 years. These data can inform service provision to ensure CYP access appropriate health professionals for accurate diagnosis and treatment.

What is Known:• Foot and ankle problems can have considerable impact on health-related quality of life in children and young people (CYP).• There is limited data describing the nature and frequency of foot and ankle problems in CYP.

What is New:• Foot and ankle consultations were higher in English general practice among CYP aged 10 to 14 years compared to other age groups, and higher among males compared to females.• The high proportion of unspecified diagnoses and repeat consultations suggests there is need for greater integration between general practice and allied health professionals in community-based healthcare settings.
Weight loss, glycolipid profile changes in type 2 diabetes patients after esophagectomy: a propensity score matching analysis
Authors: Yang Jingrong , Lai Jiabin , Chen Xiangrui , Xia Wenxuan , Li Yaxin , Huang Jialei , Wang Yu
Published: May 2024

Background

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a common co-morbidity in patients who receive esophagectomy and has unfavorable effects on glucose and lipid metabolism in patients. This study examines how weight and glycolipid metabolism change in patients with T2DM following esophagectomy.

Methods

This retrospective, one-center, observational analysis with a propensity score matching analysis (PSM) included 114 patients who underwent esophageal surgery in the Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, the 900th Hospital of Joint Logistic Support Force from 2017 to 2020, which were separated into T2DM group and Non-T2DM group. Weight, body mass index (BMI), fasting plasma glucose (FPG), triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) were measured and analyzed before and after the operation.

Results

Two groups showed similar reductions in weight and BMI after surgery. In the T2DM group, weight decreased from 63.10(10.31) before surgery to 55.10(11.60) kg at 6 months (P < 0.001) with BMI decreasing from 22.67 (2.90) to 19.77 (3.48); While in the Non-T2DM group, weight decreased from 61.42 (8.46) to 53.19 (9.26) kg at 6 months after surgery with BMI decline from 22.49 (2.77) before operation to 19.45 (3.08) at 6 months after surgery. Fasting plasma glucose levels showed a significant decrease (P = 0.035) in the T2DM group at a six-month point of 7.00 (2.21) mmol/L compared to preoperative levels of 7.67 (2.32) mmol/L. HDL levels increased significantly in the Non-T2DM group at six months postoperatively at 1.52 (0.05) with P < 0.001 compared to preoperative levels of 1.22(0.04) mmol/L. TG, LDL, and TC levels decreased significantly in both groups from the preoperative to the 6-month point.

Conclusions

Esophagectomy induces weight loss in T2DM and Non-T2DM groups, improves long-term glucose metabolism in the T2DM group, and enhances lipid metabolism in both groups. Further research is needed to understand their mechanisms.
False springs in the Netherlands: climate change impact assessment with the false spring damage indicator model
Authors: Bosdijk Joep , de Feiter Vincent S. , Gaiser Annika , Smink Thijs , Thorkelsdottir Gudrun , van Vliet Arnold J. H. , Luedeling Eike
Published: May 2024

Strong night frosts in spring have the potential to cause severe damage to fruit trees, causing up to €3.3 billion of damage in Europe in 2017. If temperatures drop below − 2.2 °C after the growing season starts, this phenomenon is referred to as a false spring. For the Netherlands, the risk of false spring damage increased during the past 70 years, due to the decreasing time between the last strong night frost and the flower budburst. This raises the question of whether this trend will continue under future influences of climate change. To analyse the development of false spring damage risks, we developed the False Spring Damage Indicator (FSDI) model. Applying this model to the Dutch KNMI’14 climate change scenarios for 2050 and 2085 showed a decrease in false spring damage risk. The historical risk for 60% bud damage was reduced to around 40% for the moderate scenario in 2050 and to less than 15% for the severe scenario in 2050 and all scenarios in 2080. False spring damage varied spatially throughout the Netherlands. Currently, more severe damage can be expected in the east, while coastal regions in the north and west are less prone to false spring damage. In the future, this is expected to become more uniform over the Netherlands, as the risk in the east is predicted to decrease strongly, becoming similar to the low damage risk in the coastal regions.
Reduced Variance Random Batch Methods for Nonlocal PDEs
Authors: Pareschi Lorenzo , Zanella Mattia
Published: May 2024

Random Batch Methods (RBM) for mean-field interacting particle systems enable the reduction of the quadratic computational cost associated with particle interactions to a near-linear cost. The essence of these algorithms lies in the random partitioning of the particle ensemble into smaller batches at each time step. The interaction of each particle within these batches is then evolved until the subsequent time step. This approach effectively decreases the computational cost by an order of magnitude while increasing the amount of fluctuations due to the random partitioning. In this work, we propose a variance reduction technique for RBM applied to nonlocal PDEs of Fokker-Planck type based on a control variate strategy. The core idea is to construct a surrogate model that can be computed on the full set of particles at a linear cost while maintaining enough correlations with the original particle dynamics. Examples from models of collective behavior in opinion spreading and swarming dynamics demonstrate the great potential of the present approach.
The role of sheltered habitats in biodiversity conservation of species sensitive to drought: a case study using ground beetles (Coleoptera, Carabidae) in the Gorongosa National Park
Authors: Baptista Martim , Carvalho Rui , Boieiro Mário , Bartz Marie , Mendes Sara , Timóteo Sérgio , Azevedo-Pereira Henrique M.V.S. , Alves Joana , Alves da Silva António , Briones Maria J.I. , Serrano Artur R.M. , Sousa José Paulo , Martins da Silva Pedro
Published: May 2024

In the aftermath of 2019’ tropical cyclones Idai and Kenneth, we assessed ground beetle communities of the Gorongosa National Park (GNP) in Mozambique. The influence of habitat shelters, namely the buffering role of closed microhabitat conditions on Alpha diversity and community trait values during a long period of drought, was evaluated across the main habitat types of the park: miombo forests, mixed forests, transitional forests, and grasslands (open savannas). These habitat types comprised a distance gradient in relation to lake Urema, in the center of GNP. Miombo forests were farther from the lake while grasslands and transitional forests were in the floodplain area. Ground beetle communities were sampled using pitfall traps set up at 25 sites of each habitat type along an environmental gradient of tree canopy cover during the last twenty days of the dry season. Higher species richness of ground beetles was found in closed habitat shelters along the distance gradient to lake Urema. A higher functional diversity was also found along the canopy gradient, with larger sized and wingless species being more abundant in closed habitats than in open areas. This result highlights the crucial role of habitat closedness in the protection of sensitive ground beetles. In particular, the buffer effect of tree canopy and the protection of the understory plants and the litter layer was critical for the survival of hygrophilous species and will be key in conservation strategies to face climate aridification and habitat fragmentation.
An Analytic Element Model for Seepage Forces in Fractured Media
Authors: Toller Erik A. L. , Strack Otto D. L.
Published: May 2024

There are many situations where groundwater flow has high flow rates, causing large seepage forces. Examples are flows around highly conductive fractures and tunnels. We present a new analytic element for a tunnel in an elastic medium. We combined the analytic element method for groundwater flow with that for linear elasticity, and include the seepage force as a body force in the linearly elastic model. We represent tunnels and fractures as analytic elements. The solution for the case considered is limited to steady state flow and fluid-to-solid coupling. We present examples of the computed seepage forces around a tunnel and a fracture as well as a comparison with another numerical model.
The impact of artificial intelligence in the early retirement decision
Authors: Casas Pablo , Román Concepción
Published: May 2024

This paper examines the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on early retirement (ER) decisions in Europe. For the analysis, we utilize microdata from the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe, along with occupation-level data on AI advances and AI exposure. Initially, we investigate the influence of AI advances and AI exposure separately, finding in both instances a significant reduction in ER likelihood, though this only applies to workers with higher education. Subsequently, we explore the interaction between AI advances and AI exposure concerning ER probability. This interaction proves critical in determining AI’s impact on ER transitions. Specifically, we observe a significant reduction in ER probabilities for workers whose occupations exhibit high levels of AI advances and high expectations for further implementation of this technology in the future. Finally, we jointly analyse the interaction between AI advances, AI exposure, and education level. This analysis highlights that workers’ ER probabilities may either increase or decrease in response to the AI revolution, depending on their education level and the characteristics of their occupations in terms of AI advances and AI exposure.
Design and validation of the perception of risk towards environmental unsustainability scale (PREUS)
Authors: Cuadrado E. , Molero-Jarilla E. M. , Muñoz-García I. M. , Torres-Porras J. , Alcántara-Manzanares J.
Published: May 2024

No validated scales are available to assess the perception of risk towards environmental unsustainability (PREU), which is a key construct for the adoption of sustainable behaviors. To fill this literature gap, the objective of this study was to develop and validate the PREU scale (PREUS). To this end, a total of 519 Spanish participants answered a survey composed of the PREUS and other psychosocial variables. The exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses ratify the bifactorial structure of the scale. The two factors refer to perceived risk to oneself and one’s own family (anthropocentric view of risk), and risk for the planet (ecocentric view), respectively. The structural equation modelling analyses confirmed (1) the expected relationships between both factors and other constructs of their nomological network, and (2) the mediating role of the ascription of responsibility in the relationship established between risk perception and sustainable behavior, offering empirical support for the external validity of the scale. Finally, both metric and scalar gender invariance were granted and, as expected, women showed higher PREU than men. The study provides a brief, easy-to-complete, reliable, valid, and sex-invariant instrument that can be useful for researchers and educators to assess the extent to which individuals perceive the risk that environmental unsustainability can pose.
Intersection bodies of polytopes: translations and convexity
Authors: Brandenburg Marie-Charlotte , Meroni Chiara
Published: May 2024

We continue the study of intersection bodies of polytopes, focusing on the behavior of IP under translations of P. We introduce an affine hyperplane arrangement and show that the polynomials describing the boundary of $$I(P+t)$$

I
(
P
+
t
)

can be extended to polynomials in variables $$t\in \mathbb {R}^d$$

t
∈

R

d

within each region of the arrangement. In dimension 2, we give a full characterization of those polygons such that their intersection body is convex. We give a partial characterization for general dimensions.
Older Chinese and Filipino American Immigrants with Type 2 Diabetes and their Adult Child: A Qualitative Dyadic Exploration of Family Support
Authors: Peregrina Hillary Nicole , Bayog Maria L. G. , Pagdilao Adam , Bender Melinda S. , Doan Therese , Yoo Grace J.
Published: May 2024

Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) among older Asian American immigrants (AA) is a growing concern. Asian Americans represent 9% of diagnosed diabetes. Very little is known on how older Asian American immigrants with T2D navigate diabetes management, in particular the role of family support. This qualitative study examines Chinese and Filipino Americans, the two largest Asian subgroups in the US (4.2 million, and 3.6 million, respectively), and family support dynamics among adult children and their parents diagnosed with T2D. Ten dyads (n = 20) made up of adult children and aging parents participated in in-depth and dyadic interviews. Results indicate that family support occurs in a trajectory of stages. The following thematic patterns emerged in these dyads around support: independence, transitions, partnership, and stepping in. The findings point to various supportive stages that Asian American adult children and aging parents with T2D experience and the importance of developing supportive interventions for both adult children and aging parents at these various stages.
Photosensitive properties of Schottky type photodiodes prepared by spin coating of isoniazid Schiff base thin film on p-Si
Authors: Tezcan Ali Osman , Oruç Pınar , Tuğluoğlu Nihat , Eymur Serkan
Published: May 2024

In this study, a layer of isonicotinohydrazide and pyrene-based Schiff base (PyMIs) was formed on the front side of a p-Si semiconductor using the spin coating method, and an Al/PyMIs/p-Si/Al diode was fabricated. The I-V characteristics of the fabricated diode were measured under dark and from 20 to 100 mW/cm2 illumination intensities for both forward and reverse bias. Diode parameters, including saturation current ($${I}_{0}$$), ideality factor (n), and barrier height ($${\varphi }_{b}$$) were investigated for all measurements based on thermionic emission theory. The values n changed from 2.51 to 2.05, and the $${\varphi }_{b}$$ changed from 0.77 eV to 0.86 eV as light intensity increased from dark to 100 mW/cm2. The series resistance ($${R}_{s}$$) values of the diode were investigated using the modified Norde’s function and Cheung’s functions. An analysis of the forward $$log\left( I \right) - log\left( V \right)$$ plot of Al/PyMIs/p-Si (MOmS)-type diode specified the carrier transport domination by ohmic conduction in the lower bias regions, by the space-charge-limited current (SCLC) at medium bias regions and the trap-charge limit current (TCLC) transport mechanism at higher bias regions. The fabricated diode exhibited typical photodiode behavior with reverse current values increasing from 9.13 × 10− 6 A to 1.05 × 10− 4 A, respectively. Furthermore, $$I-V$$ characteristics illuminated from 20 to 100 mW/cm2 were also studied, and they indicated that the Al/PyMIs/p-Si diode could operate in a photovoltaic regime.
Soliton solutions of nonlinear stochastic Fitz-Hugh Nagumo equation
Authors: Iqbal Muhammad S. , Inc Mustafa , Yasin Muhammad W. , Ahmed Nauman , Tawfiq Ferdous M. , Bilal Muhammad , Baber Muhammad Z. , Rezapour Shahram
Published: May 2024

This study deals with the stochastic Fitz-Hugh Nagumo (FHN) equation and its multiple soliton solutions. The underlying model has numerous applications in neuroscience that express the pulse behavior of neurons. In general, different kinds of noise affect neurons, e.g., oscillations in the opening and closing of ion stations within cell membranes and the fluctuations of the different conductivities in the system. This fluctuation creates a sequence of stochastic excitation. Various applications are branching Brownian motion process, flame propagation, nuclear reactor theory, autocatalytic chemical reaction, mobility in neurons, population growth in the open environment, and liquid environment. So, need of the hour to consider the FHN equation under the impact of noise. The $$\phi ^6$$

ϕ
6

-model expansion method is used to extract the analytical solutions that give a dynamic attitude of the transmission for the nerve impulses of a nervous system. The different constraint conditions for the existence of these solutions are also discussed. The solutions of this model are represented in hyperbolic, trigonometric, and rational forms. The 2 and 3-dimensional behavior of these solutions are depicted by choosing the different values of parameters. The impact of noise on the physical system is analyzed and its real-world applications are discussed. The spikes in the solutions are controlled through the Borel function. These important results will open a new horizon of research for the young researchers.
The cybersecurity entrepreneur
Authors: Hodgins Mark W.
Published: May 2024

Cybersecurity is a major U.S. policy issue with a sizable coalition asserting that self-regulation is failing, primarily due to rampant low quality security products and a dearth of threat information sharing. State intervention proponents, however, generally disregard the role of cybersecurity entrepreneurial activity in fixing disequilibria. My research identifies how entrepreneurs adeptly satisfy consumers’ cybersecurity preferences by developing strong self-regulating mechanisms where data valuations are relatively high. I then empirically examine how entrepreneurial innovations have ameliorated discoordination and significantly improved market outcomes over time through the application of the market process and price theory.
Water Pricing and Quotas: A Quantitative Analysis from a Private and Social Perspective
Authors: Valle-García Ángela , Gutiérrez-Martín Carlos , Montilla-López Nazaret M.
Published: May 2024

The current situation of structural water scarcity due to the rise in demand, the reduction in supply as a consequence of climate change, increasingly frequent drought periods, and overall quantitative pressure on water resources creates a need for economic instruments to reduce the amount of water used, especially in the agricultural sector. Thus, water pricing and allocation quotas (proportional reduction of allocations) may be suitable tools to reduce demand or allocate scarce water resources. For a comparative analysis of the performance of these two measures, a Positive Mathematical Programming model has been developed, using the Guadalquivir River Basin as a case study. Additionally, the analysis takes into account the revenue generated from water pricing and the marginal cost of public funds. The results indicate that, from the farmer’s perspective, quotas result in smaller losses than water pricing. However, when considering water pricing along with the revenue generated from this measure, this mechanism would be more beneficial for society as a whole, since the taxes collected could be used for other purposes, albeit with efficiency losses measured by the marginal cost of public funds and the excess burden of taxation.
Urban Development and Climate Change: Implications for Educational Tourism Destination Planning
Authors: Rezapouraghdam Hamed , Hidalgo-García David
Published: May 2024

Global warming caused by greenhouse gas emissions, transportation, and the transformation of land use caused by population growth is a critical problem that requires immediate and urgent interventions, especially in popular tourism destinations where the impact on quality of life is intense. In recent years, while new urban developments have been carried out for higher education institutions, less attention has been paid to the environmental implications of such expansions. Surprisingly, despite a growing interest in climate change action in educational institutions, little is known about the link between Land Surface Temperature (LST) variability and Surface Urban Heat Island (SUHI) of university campuses and their host communities. To fill the gaps mentioned earlier, this study aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the spatial and temporal variability of the SUHI and the LST within a university campus and its surrounding urban environment. Using Sentinel 3 images and the TsHARP algorithm, the LST was determined, the SUHI was calculated, and the hot spots were obtained in an educational tourism hub; Famagusta, Cyprus. The Panel Data and ANOVA techniques were used for the subsequent analysis of the findings. Findings indicated that due to its low-rise buildings and large green areas, the studied campus not only had little contribution to the creation of SUHI but even minimized its effects on the urban areas attached to it. These findings provide valuable implications for authorities in standardizing criteria for future university establishments.
Secondary fracture prevention in Spanish primary care: results of the PREFRAOS Study
Authors: Martínez-Laguna Daniel , Carbonell Abella Cristina , Bastida José-Carlos , González Milagros , Micó-Pérez Rafael M. , Vargas Francisco , Díaz Torres Eva , Canals Laura ,   on behalf of the PREFRAOS Group
Published: May 2024

This study demonstrated a large treatment gap in elderly subjects experiencing fragility fracture in Spanish primary care, a low treatment persistence among subjects who do receive treatment, and more than one-quarter having no follow-up visits post-fracture. These data highlight the need to improve secondary fracture prevention in primary care.

Purpose

To describe osteoporosis (OP) treatment patterns and follow-up in subjects with fragility fracture seen in Spanish primary care (PC).

Methods

This observational, retrospective chart review included subjects aged ≥ 70 years listed in the centers' records (November 2018 to March 2020), with ≥ 1 fragility fracture and prior consultation for any reason; subjects who had participated in another study were excluded. Outcomes included OP treatments and follow-up visits post-fragility fracture.

Results

Of 665 subjects included, most (87%) were women; overall mean (SD) age, 82 years. Fewer than two thirds (61%) had received any prior OP treatment (women, 65%; men, 38%); of these, 38% had received > 1 treatment (women, 25%; men, 13%). Among treated subjects, the most frequent first-line treatments were alendronate (43%) and RANKL inhibitor denosumab (22%), with a higher discontinuation rate and shorter treatment duration observed for alendronate (discontinuation, 42% vs 16%; median treatment duration, 2.5 vs 2.1 years). Over one-quarter (26%) of subjects had no follow-up visits post-fragility fracture, with this gap higher in women than men (35% versus 25%). The most common schedule of follow-up visits was yearly (43% of subjects with a fragility fracture), followed by half-yearly (17%) and biennial (10%), with a similar trend in men and women. Most OP treatments were prescribed by PC physicians, other than teriparatide and zoledronate.

Conclusions

Across Spanish PC, we observed a large gap in the treatment and follow-up of elderly subjects experiencing a fragility fracture. Our data highlights the urgent need to improve secondary fracture prevention in PC.
Variation in amylose content in three rice variants predominantly influences the properties of sushi rice
Authors: Hebishy Essam , Buchanan Dominic , Rice Julie , Oyeyinka Samson A.
Published: May 2024

Sushi rice is a ready-to-eat traditional Japanese dish seasoned with vinegar, sugar and salt that has gained popularity worldwide. There are many rice cultivars grown in the world which vary in their cooking, sensory, and processing quality. The aim of this study was to analyse chemical, physical, and functional properties of three rice varieties (Vietnamese, Italian, and Australian) to determine their suitability for sushi rice production. Rice was cooked using industry norms and vinegar was then added; samples with no vinegar were prepared for comparison. The rice was stored during 5 days at 4 °C after cooking for texture profile analysis and samples were taken on day 1 and day 5. Flour composition as well as amylose content, gelatinisation properties using differential scanning calorimeter, pasting properties using Rapid Visco Analyser, water absorption capacity (WAC), oil absorption capacity (OAC) and swelling power of extracted starch were determined. Results showed that the amylose content (16.51 to 21.37%) had a large impact on the functional and quality characteristics of the rice variants including texture, pasting, gelatinisation and WAC properties. Australian starch showed the highest amylose content, setback viscosity, final viscosity, pasting temperature and lowest gelatinisation temperature. The lower amylose content and gelatinisation temperature contributed to a softer texture in the Vietnamese rice samples over life. The added vinegar aided in keeping the texture soft during the shelf-life of the rice. Since sushi rice is usually prepared with vinegar, Italian and Vietnamese rice are better candidates for sushi rice based on their lower hardness after 5 days of storage when compared to the Australian variety.
Essential oils combat Botrytis cinerea in apples: unveiling sugar, vitamin, and antioxidant dynamics
Authors: Karakus Sinem , Atıcı Okkes , Turan Metin , Kaya Ozkan
Published: May 2024

This study investigated the effects of individual and combination applications of EOCs against Botrytis Cinerea in apple fruits, with a focus on sugar, vitamin, and antioxidant enzyme dynamics. In protective and curative treatments, sucrose content varied between 18.9 and 87.9 g.L-1, with the “CT” group exhibiting significantly higher sucrose levels (87.9 g.L-1). Glucose content ranged from 6.2 g.L-1 (“CT” and “C + F”) to 35.5 g.L-1 (“T + C + E + F”). Fructose content varied significantly, with the “F + T + C + E” treatment showing the highest (11.4 g.L-1) and the “CT” group the lowest (2.5 g.L-1). Rhamnose content in the curative treatment reached 14.9 g.L-1 (“F + T”) and in the protective treatment, the “C + E + F” group had the highest (3.3 g.L-1). Galactose content ranged from 0.1 to 13.0 g.L-1. Xylose content in curative treatment ranged from 12.1 to 13.6 g.L-1, with the combination “F + T” displaying the highest. In preventive treatment, arabinose content ranged from 0.7 to 3.0 g.L-1, with the “T + C + F” group having the highest. In terms of vitamins, the combination “T + F” showed the highest B1 (25.4 mg.100 g-1) and B2 (24.6 mg.100 g-1) content. Vitamin A, B1, and B2 increased in the “F + T” group, and vitamin C increased in the “F + T + C” group (33.4 mg.100 g-1). The quantification of oxidative stress markers and antioxidant enzymes revealed significant reductions in H2O2, MDA, and proline levels in EOC applications. In preventive treatment, the combination “T + C + E + F” exhibited the most effective improvement in SOD activity (556.5 EU mg-1 ), CAT activity increased significantly in the “T + C + F” group (189.3 EU mg-1), and APX activity saw the highest increase in the “T + C + E + F” group (185.6 EU mg-1). Contrastingly, curative treatments showed higher H2O2, MDA, and proline levels. The most significant decrease in H2O2 level occurred in the “T + C + E + F” group (36.7 nmol.g-1), and a significant decrease in MDA level was noted in the same group. Notable changes were observed in the activities of antioxidant enzymes, with the “F + T + C + E” group displaying the highest SOD activity (440.7 EU mg-1), and the “F + T” group showing the highest GST activity (542.0 EU mg-1). This research provided comprehensive insights into the biochemical responses of apple fruits to EOC treatments, offering potential strategies for effective fungal management in agriculture.
Effects of Process Conditions on Drying of Tomato Pomace in a Novel Daylight Simulated Photovoltaic-Assisted Drying System
Authors: Bayana Damla , İçier Filiz
Published: May 2024

The tomato pomace (TP), which is a by-product of the production of tomato paste, was dried in a novel custom-designed daylight simulated photovoltaic assisted dryer (DPVD). The different light applications (daylight, UV light, daylight + UV light, and without light), different air velocities (1.5 and 2 m/s), and different heating source modes (hot air and infrared) were applied to dry TP having a moisture content of 80.60 ± 0.73% to the moisture content of 7.66 ± 1.72%. The average water activity values of all dried samples were measured as 0.52 ± 0.08. Analysis was conducted to compare sun drying with the effects of process conditions on the quality (color properties, lycopene, β-carotene, and total mesophilic aerobic bacteria count) and performance (energy efficiency, exergy efficiency, specific moisture evaporation rate, and improvement potential) characteristics of TP. The effects of process conditions for each heating source mode were determined separately, and the improvement of the system performance for each mode was investigated. The effect of the process conditions on total aerobic mesophilic bacteria (TAMB) count was similar in general. In the infrared heating mode, the loss in lycopene and β-carotene contents was 59.55 ± 2.22 and 57.87 ± 2.51 minimum for 1.5 m/s air velocity without light application and for 2 m/s with ultraviolet + daylight application. In general, the performance of the system decreased in case of using ultraviolet light. The retention in the lycopene and β-carotene contents was higher in the infrared mode with light applications compared to hot air mode without light. The optimum drying conditions were air velocity of 2 m/s with “daylight” assistance in the hot air heating mode and with “ultraviolet + daylight” assistance in the infrared heating mode. All the energy and the daylight source used in drying applications were obtained from the sun, a renewable energy source, thanks to the photovoltaic panel and the solar tube units in the novel custom-designed drying system.
Microelements, Fatty Acid Profile, and Selected Biomarkers in Grass Carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) Muscle Tissue: Seasonal Variations and Health Risk Assessment
Authors: Kovacik Anton , Helczman Marek , Arvay Julius , Tomka Marian , Snirc Marek , Janco Ivona , Fik Martin , Stefunkova Nikola , Dupak Rudolf , Harangozo Lubos , Tokarova Katarina , Kovacikova Eva , Jambor Tomas , Andreji Jaroslav , Massanyi Peter
Published: May 2024

The study assesses associations between microelement levels, fatty acid composition, and oxidative stress markers in grass carp muscle in the summer and autumn seasons. Additionally, various factors were considered, including the estimated daily intake (EDI), target hazard quotient (THQ), total THQ (TTHQ), and metal pollution index (MPI), to evaluate potential health risks for consumers. The microelements (Al, As, Ba, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, Li, Mn, Ni, Pb, Se, Sr, and Zn) were determined using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES), and total mercury was determined using cold-vapor atomic absorption spectroscopy (CV-AAS). Fatty acid profiling was realized using gas chromatography (GC) detection with a flame ionization detector (FID). The overall tendency of microelement levels was as follows: Fe > Zn > Al > Sr > Ba > Ni > Se > Cr> Cu > Mn > Pb > As > Li > Hg; <LOQ (below limit of quantification): Cd, and Co. The correlation analysis between concentrations of trace elements (Al, Ba, Cr, Cu, Mn, Li, Sr, Zn, and Hg) and the fatty acids (C16:0, C16:1, C18:1n9c, C18:2n6c, C20:4n6c, EPA, and DHA), as well as between Al, Ba, Fe, or Hg and oxidative stress markers (superoxide dismutase—SOD, glutathione peroxidase—GPx, or total antioxidant status—TAS), revealed statistically significant interactions in different seasons. THQ values were lower than 1; TTHQ values ranged from 0.27 to 0.76. The main toxic elements forming TTHQ were Hg and Ni (49%). The calculated health risk assessment indices indicate a low concentration of observed elements and low risks associated with the consumption of grass carp muscle from the tested location, although concentrations and THQ of mercury and nickel may be of slight concern.