bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Data-Driven Approach to Revolutionize Children’s Vaccination with the Use of VR and a Novel Vaccination Protocol
Authors: Antonopoulos Stavros , Wallace Manolis , Poulopoulos Vassilis
Published: December 2024

Background: This study aims to revolutionize traditional pediatric vaccination protocols by integrating virtual reality (VR) technology. The purpose is to minimize discomfort in children, ages 2–12, during vaccinations by immersing them in a specially designed VR short story that aligns with the various stages of the clinical vaccination process. In our approach, the child dons a headset during the vaccination procedure and engages with a virtual reality (VR) short story that is specifically designed to correspond with the stages of a typical vaccination process in a clinical setting. Methods: A two-phase clinical trial was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of the VR intervention. The first phase included 242 children vaccinated without VR, serving as a control group, while the second phase involved 97 children who experienced VR during vaccination. Discomfort levels were measured using the VACS (VAccination disComfort Scale) tool. Statistical analyses were performed to compare discomfort levels based on age, phases of vaccination, and overall experience. Results: The findings revealed significant reductions in discomfort among children who experienced VR compared to those in the control group. The VR intervention demonstrated superiority across multiple dimensions, including age stratification and different stages of the vaccination process. Conclusions: The proposed VR framework significantly reduces vaccination-related discomfort in children. Its cost-effectiveness, utilizing standard or low-cost headsets like Cardboard devices, makes it a feasible and innovative solution for pediatric practices. This approach introduces a novel, child-centric enhancement to vaccination protocols, improving the overall experience for young patients.
Insufficient Sleep and Alzheimer’s Disease: Potential Approach for Therapeutic Treatment Methods
Authors: Trinh Dieu Quynh , Mai Nhu Huynh , Pham Toan Duc
Published: December 2024

The interaction between Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and sleep deprivation has recently gained attention in the scientific literature, and recent advances suggest that AD epidemiology management should coincide with the management of sleeping disorders. This review focuses on the aspects of the mechanisms underlying the link between AD and insufficient sleep with progressing age. We also provide information which could serve as evidence for future treatments of AD from the early stages in connection with sleep disorder medication.
Elusive Gains of Cognitive Training: Limited Effects on Neural Activity Across Sessions
Authors: Juras Luka , Vranic Andrea , Hromatko Ivana
Published: December 2024

Background/Objectives: Cognitive training paradigms rely on the idea that consistent practice can drive neural plasticity, improving not only connectivity within critical brain networks, but also ultimately result in overall enhancement of trained cognitive functions, irrespective of the specific task. Here we opted to investigate the temporal dynamics of neural activity and cognitive performance during a structured cognitive training program. Methods: A group of 20 middle-aged participants completed 20 training sessions over 10 weeks. Quantitative EEG (qEEG) parameters, including alpha and theta power, alpha/theta ratio, and fronto-parietal coherence, were analyzed at four time points to assess changes in neural activity. Results: Results revealed significant overall improvements in the trained task (n-back) performance, without an effect on the untrained task (OSPAN). qEEG analyses showed increased change in posterior (and a less robust in frontal) alpha power, particularly during mid-training, suggesting an improved neural efficiency in regions associated with attentional allocation and task engagement. Theta power remained stable across sessions, indicating a limited influence on neural processes underlying working memory and attentional control. The parietal alpha/theta ratio showed weak increases during mid-training, reflecting subtle shifts in the neural efficacy and cognitive engagement. There were no significant changes in functional connectivity between frontal and parietal locations. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that cognitive training primarily influences localized neural activity, rather than network-level connectivity. This lack of a longer-range network-level effect might also explain the failure of cognitive training paradigms to induce performance enhancements on the untrained tasks.
The Role of Virtual Reality in Postural Rehabilitation for Patients with Parkinson’s Disease: A Scoping Review
Authors: Agostini Francesco , Conti Marco , Morone Giovanni , Iudicelli Giovanni , Fisicaro Andrea , Savina Alessio , Mangone Massimiliano , Paoloni Marco
Published: December 2024

Parkinson’s disease is the second most common neurodegenerative disease worldwide, characterized by bradykinesia, rigidity, tremor, and postural instability. These symptoms often lead to significant postural deformities and an increased risk of falls, severely impacting the quality of life. Conventional rehabilitation methods have shown benefits, but recent advancements suggest that virtual reality (VR) could offer a promising alternative. This scoping review aims to analyze the current literature to evaluate the effectiveness of VR in the postural rehabilitation of patients with PD. A scientific literature search was performed using the following databases: PubMed, PEDro, Cochrane, and Google Scholar, focusing on randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published in English. Our selection criteria included studies that compared VR-based rehabilitation to traditional methods regarding posture-related outcomes. We identified and analyzed nine RCTs that met our inclusion criteria. The results consistently demonstrated that VR-based rehabilitation leads to greater improvements in balance and gait compared to conventional therapy. Key findings include significant enhancements in balance confidence and postural control and a reduction in fall rates. The superior efficacy of VR-based rehabilitation can be attributed to its engaging and immersive nature, which enhances patient motivation and adherence to therapy. VR allows for precise, repeatable training scenarios tailored to individual patient needs, providing a safe environment to practice and improve motor skills. In conclusion, VR-based rehabilitation represents an innovative approach with substantial potential to improve the quality of life for PD patients. However, limitations such as small sample sizes and short intervention durations in existing studies highlight the need for larger multicenter trials with longer follow-up periods to confirm these findings.
Development of Speech and Communication in Polish Children with 22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Moćko Natalia , Rudzki Marcin , Miodońska Zuzanna , Olesiak Julia , Jochymczyk-Woźniak Katarzyna , Kręcichwost Michał
Published: December 2024

Background/Objectives: 22q11.2 microdeletion syndrome (22q11DS) is a genetic disease caused by aberration of chromosome 22 that results in some phenotypic features and developmental disorders. This paper presents a cross-sectional study on speech and communication of Polish children with 22q11DS. Methods: Individuals affected with 22q11DS may show difficulties in functioning, including speech and hearing. Therefore, we prepared a speech development questionnaire and employed it to obtain data from parents (or legal guardians) of 54 children with 22q11DS. The questionnaire covered the following speech and communication development stages: babbling, using first words, first sentences, verbal and non-verbal communication, speech disfluencies, hearing loss, speech intelligibility, difficulties in interpersonal contact, and participation in speech therapy. The obtained answers underwent statistical analysis to verify relationships between the stages of personal development and selected dysfunctions and disorders. Results: In the study group we observed delays in achieving subsequent speech developmental stages and that hearing loss was associated with delays in producing first words. Hearing loss was reported in about a quarter of cases, but a significant proportion of children (55.56%) reported speech disfluencies, which had not been emphasized in previous works, where hearing loss is considered a common co-occurring disorder. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that this may represent a phenomenon associated with 22q11DS that warrants further investigation using standardized tests for assessing disfluencies. Additionally, we observed that speech therapists and caregivers were perceived as not fully aware of the speech development impairments caused by 22q11DS. These preliminary observations point to the need for future studies and increased awareness efforts in this area.
Schizophasia and Cognitive Impairment in Schizophrenia: A Literature Review
Authors: Niedźwiadek Sylwia , Szulc Agata
Published: December 2024

Background: Cognitive functions are the basis for the development of language skills. Cognitive disorders occur in schizophrenia and may be present even before the first symptoms of psychosis. Language deficits are also mentioned as one of the diagnostic symptoms of this disease. Methods: A literature search was performed using the PubMed database. Articles comparing linguistic and cognitive functioning in schizophrenia were searched for. Following the inclusion and exclusion criteria, twenty-six original articles were selected. Results: Most studies have observed a partial correlation between language and cognitive deficits. The correlation most often involved some cognitive functions or some components of language assessment. Conclusions: The correlation reported in many studies shows that there is a correlation between language and cognitive deficits in schizophrenia. However, numerous studies contradict these reports. It is, therefore, possible that this correlation exists, but not in all patients. Future research should therefore be aimed at identifying in which patients this correlation is present.
A Task-Related EEG Microstate Clustering Algorithm Based on Spatial Patterns, Riemannian Distance, and a Deep Autoencoder
Authors: Pan Shihao , Shen Tongyuan , Lian Yongxiang , Shi Li
Published: December 2024

Background: The segmentation of electroencephalography (EEG) signals into a limited number of microstates is of significant importance in the field of cognitive neuroscience. Currently, the microstate analysis algorithm based on global field power has demonstrated its efficacy in clustering resting-state EEG. The task-related EEG was extensively analyzed in the field of brain–computer interfaces (BCIs); however, its primary objective is classification rather than segmentation. Methods: We propose an innovative algorithm for analyzing task-related EEG microstates based on spatial patterns, Riemannian distance, and a modified deep autoencoder. The objective of this algorithm is to achieve unsupervised segmentation and clustering of task-related EEG signals. Results: The proposed algorithm was validated through experiments conducted on simulated EEG data and two publicly available cognitive task datasets. The evaluation results and statistical tests demonstrate its robustness and efficiency in clustering task-related EEG microstates. Conclusions: The proposed unsupervised algorithm can autonomously discretize EEG signals into a finite number of microstates, thereby facilitating investigations into the temporal structures underlying cognitive processes.
ViT-Based Face Diagnosis Images Analysis for Schizophrenia Detection
Authors: Liu Huilin , Cao Runmin , Li Songze , Wang Yifan , Zhang Xiaohan , Xu Hua , Sun Xirong , Wang Lijuan , Qian Peng , Sun Zhumei , Gao Kai , Li Fufeng
Published: December 2024

Objectives: Computer-aided schizophrenia (SZ) detection methods mainly depend on electroencephalogram and brain magnetic resonance images, which both capture physical signals from patients’ brains. These inspection techniques take too much time and affect patients’ compliance and cooperation, while difficult for clinicians to comprehend the principle of detection decisions. This study proposes a novel method using face diagnosis images based on traditional Chinese medicine principles, providing a non-invasive, efficient, and interpretable alternative for SZ detection. Methods: An innovative face diagnosis image analysis method for SZ detection, which learns feature representations based on Vision Transformer (ViT) directly from face diagnosis images. It provides a face features distribution visualization and quantitative importance of each facial region and is proposed to supplement interpretation and to increase efficiency in SZ detection while keeping a high detection accuracy. Results: A benchmarking platform comprising 921 face diagnostic images, 6 benchmark methods, and 4 evaluation metrics was established. The experimental results demonstrate that our method significantly improves SZ detection performance with a 3–10% increase in accuracy scores. Additionally, it is found that facial regions rank in descending order according to importance in SZ detection as eyes, mouth, forehead, cheeks, and nose, which is exactly consistent with the clinical traditional Chinese medicine experience. Conclusions: Our method fully leverages semantic feature representations of first-introduced face diagnosis images in SZ, offering strong interpretability and visualization capabilities. It not only opens a new path for SZ detection but also brings new tools and concepts to the research and application in the field of mental illness.
The Effects of Action Observation Speed on Motor Function in Patients with Chronic Low Back Pain: From Observation to Execution
Authors: Grande-Alonso Mónica , Estradera-Bel Manuel , Forner-Álvarez Carlos , Cuenca-Martínez Ferran , Vidal-Quevedo Celia , Paris-Alemany Alba , La Touche Roy
Published: December 2024

Objective: The objective of this study was to examine the effect of observing actions at different speeds on the speed of motor task performance in subsequent actions. Methods: Sixty individuals, divided equally between those with non-specific chronic low back pain (NSCLBP) and asymptomatic subjects, were enrolled. Participants were further split into subgroups to observe lumbar flexion and Timed Up and Go (TUG) test actions at either a slow or fast pace, following a randomized assignment. For post-video observation, participants replicated the observed actions three times without specific performance instructions, allowing for the assessment of their execution speed. Results: The analysis revealed that individuals observing actions at a faster pace executed the subsequent motor tasks significantly quicker than their counterparts who viewed the same actions at a slower speed. This was consistent across both NSCLBP sufferers and asymptomatic subjects, indicating that the action observation (AO) speed directly influenced the execution speeds of lumbar flexion and TUG test movements. Conclusions: The findings demonstrate that AO speed significantly affects the pace of motor execution, irrespective of NSCLBP presence. This underscores the potential of utilizing varied AO speeds as a strategic component in clinical practice, particularly for enhancing motor planning and execution in physical therapy settings. The study highlights the importance of incorporating AO speed variations into therapeutic interventions for improving patient outcomes in motor task performance.
The Stress and Adversity Inventory for Adults (Adult STRAIN) in Korean: Initial Validation and Associations with Psychiatric Disorders
Authors: Kim Eun Soo , Kim Yun Tae , Oh Kang-Seob , Shin Young Chul , Jeon Sang-Won , Shin Dong-Won , Cho Sung Joon , Slavich George M. , Kim Junhyung
Published: December 2024

Background/Objectives: Stressors occurring across the life course are considered to have a cumulative impact on health, but there is no instrument for assessing lifetime stressor exposure in Korea. Therefore, we validated the Stress and Adversity Inventory (Adult STRAIN) in Korean. Methods: We translated the Adult STRAIN into Korean and examined its concurrent, predictive, and comparative predictive validity in 218 Korean adults (79 men, 139 women; Mage = 29.5; 19–50 years old) recruited from a psychiatric setting. We assessed concurrent validity using Pearson’s correlations, predictive validity using multiple regression models, and comparative predictive validity using multivariate logistic regression to identify participants with lifetime psychiatric diagnoses. Results: The Korean STRAIN exhibited sufficient usability and acceptability; good concurrent validity with other measures of early adversity, life events, and perceived stress (rs = 0.48–0.61); and strong predictive validity in relation to anxiety and depressive symptoms (β = 0.08–0.47; ΔR2 = 0.11–0.21). Each domain of Korean-style stress, based on the timing, type, life domain, and sociopsychological characteristics of stress exposure, showed a different distribution of lifetime psychiatric diagnosis probabilities (odds ratios = 1.20–4.85). Finally, the test–retest reliability for total lifetime stressor count and severity over four weeks was high. Conclusions: The Korean STRAIN is a practical, valid, and reliable instrument for researchers and clinicians to efficiently assess lifetime stressor exposure.
Syllable as a Synchronization Mechanism That Makes Human Speech Possible
Authors: Xu Yi
Published: December 2024

Speech is a highly skilled motor activity that shares a core problem with other motor skills: how to reduce the massive degrees of freedom (DOF) to the extent that the central nervous control and learning of complex motor movements become possible. It is hypothesized in this paper that a key solution to the DOF problem is to eliminate most of the temporal degrees of freedom by synchronizing concurrent movements, and that this is performed in speech through the syllable—a mechanism that synchronizes consonantal, vocalic, and laryngeal gestures. Under this hypothesis, syllable articulation is enabled by three basic mechanisms: target approximation, edge-synchronization, and tactile anchoring. This synchronization theory of the syllable also offers a coherent account of coarticulation, as it explicates how various coarticulation-related phenomena, including coarticulation resistance, locus, locus equation, diphone, etc., are byproducts of syllable formation. It also provides a theoretical basis for understanding how suprasegmental events such as tone, intonation, phonation, etc., are aligned to segmental events in speech. It may also have implications for understanding vocal learning, speech disorders, and motor control in general.
Validation of the Italian Sense of Agency Scale and Its Relevance to Well-Being: An Iterative Bootstrap Approach
Authors: Di Plinio Simone , Greco Claudia , Arnò Simone , Innamorati Marco , Ebisch Sjoerd J. H.
Published: December 2024

The Sense of Agency (SoA) refers to the subjective experience of controlling one’s actions and the external events resulting from those actions. This study aimed to critically evaluate the construct validity, robustness, and clinical utility of the Sense of Agency Scale (SoAS) in an Italian-speaking population, using a data-driven approach to explore potential factor structures. A sample of 992 adults completed the SoAS alongside other validated psychological measures, allowing for a comprehensive analysis of the scale’s psychometric properties. An iterative process of exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses (EFA and CFA) was implemented to assess both two-factor and bifactor models. A refined 10-item version of the SoAS was established, comprising two distinct factors: Sense of Positive Agency (SoPA, five items) and Sense of Negative Agency (SoNA, five items). The results favored a two-factor solution supported by satisfying fit indices, factor loadings, and stability. The revised scale demonstrated strong internal consistency, with McDonald’s omega values of 0.79 (SoNA) and 0.87 (SoPA). This study extends the literature by providing evidence of the scale’s convergent and divergent validity, with significant correlations in the expected directions with constructs such as sense of self, hopelessness, impulsiveness, psychosis-like experiences, and schizotypal traits. These findings support the revised SoAS as a reliable and valid measure for assessing the Sense of Agency and highlight its broader applicability in understanding psychological and psychopathological constructs.
Evaluating the Effectiveness of Patient-Centered Standardized Prophylaxis Processes in Enhancing Patient Satisfaction and Return Intentions
Authors: Tao Wen , Liu Tingfang
Published: December 2024

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a patient-centered standardized prophylaxis process in improving patient satisfaction and intentions to return to dental clinics. Conducted in a first-tier city in China from 9 June to 26 July 2023, the cross-sectional survey included 826 patients from 38 dental clinics. Among the respondents, 438 received standardized prophylaxis services, while 388 were in the non-standardized group, with a mean age of 38.2 ± 12.1 years and 50.24% male participation. The results revealed that patients in the standardized prophylaxis group reported significantly higher satisfaction scores (average 4.74 vs. 3.34, p < 0.0001) and greater intentions to return (average 4.77 vs. 4.10, p < 0.0001) compared to those receiving non-standardized care. The ordinal logistic regression analysis identified patient satisfaction as a strong predictor of return intention, with an odds ratio of 24.487, while the standardized service group had an odds ratio of 16.063, indicating a substantial positive effect on satisfaction. Age was also found to significantly affect return intention, reflected in an odds ratio of 0.969. Furthermore, the model showed strong predictive accuracy, which was supported by a Somers’ D value of 0.806. Additionally, an impressive 89.9% of the observations were correctly ordered, which strengthens the reliability of the findings. These outcomes highlight the significant contribution of patient-centered, standardized practices to the satisfaction of the patients as well as the development of their desire to return for follow-up care. However, the findings should be interpreted with caution due to the study’s cross-sectional nature, which limits causal inferences, and the specific demographic characteristics that may affect the general applicability of the results. Further research is needed to explore these dynamics across diverse populations and settings.
Psychological Distress and Online Academic Difficulties: Development and Validation of Scale to Measure Students’ Mental Health Problems in Online Learning
Authors: Curelaru Mihai , Curelaru Versavia
Published: December 2024

In the present study, a short instrument (eight-item self-report, five-point Likert scales) was developed and validated to assess self-perceived mental health problems in online learning. The participants were 398 Romanian university students from nine different faculties. The factor structure of the scale was assessed using Exploratory Factor Analysis (Principal Axis Factoring extraction method) and Confirmatory Factor Analysis. The high goodness-of-fit indices validated a second-order factor model of mental health problems, with two distinct but correlated sub-constructs, psychological distress, and online academic difficulties, integrated under a single higher-level factor. Psychological distress comprises indicators such as anxiety and stress, while online academic difficulties contain, for instance, indicators such as decreased performance, fatigue or lack of motivation. The results of applying multiple assessment criteria showed good reliability (e.g., McDonald’s omega), as well as convergent validity (e.g., Average Variance Extracted) and discriminant validity (e.g., the heterotrait–monotrait ratio of correlations) of the scale. Also, correlations analysis between mental health problems occurred in online learning context and other measures indicated a strong negative relation with online course satisfaction and weak negative relations with subjective academic performance, perceived social competence, and perceived digital competence. In conclusion, the scale appears to be a valid instrument for measuring some negative mental health outcomes in online learning, perceived by university students. The implications of the results and limitations of this study are also discussed. In conclusion, the scale has multiple possible applications, the most important being (1) the assessment of mental health problems both in ordinary online learning situations and in emergency ones, which would allow the early detection of these issues, (2) the possibility of assessing relations between the sub-constructs of the scale and other psychological constructs of interest in scientific research, and (3) the feedback for teaching staff involved in the online learning system.
Current Status and Future Directions of Artificial Intelligence in Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: A Literature Measurement Analysis
Authors: Wan Ruoyu , Wan Ruohong , Xie Qing , Hu Anshu , Xie Wei , Chen Junjie , Liu Yuhan
Published: December 2024

This study aims to explore the current state of research and the applicability of artificial intelligence (AI) at various stages of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), including prevention, diagnosis, treatment, patient self-management, and drug development. We conducted a bibliometric analysis using software tools such as Bibliometrix (version 4.1), VOSviewer (version 1.6.19), and CiteSpace (version 6.3.R1) on the relevant literature from the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC). The analysis reveals a significant increase in publications since 2017. Kerry J. Ressler has emerged as the most influential author in the field to date. The United States leads in the number of publications, producing seven times more papers than Canada, the second-ranked country, and demonstrating substantial influence. Harvard University and the Veterans Health Administration are also key institutions in this field. The Journal of Affective Disorders has the highest number of publications and impact in this area. In recent years, keywords related to functional connectivity, risk factors, and algorithm development have gained prominence. The field holds immense research potential, with AI poised to revolutionize PTSD management through early symptom detection, personalized treatment plans, and continuous patient monitoring. However, there are numerous challenges, and fully realizing AI’s potential will require overcoming hurdles in algorithm design, data integration, and societal ethics. To promote more extensive and in-depth future research, it is crucial to prioritize the development of standardized protocols for AI implementation, foster interdisciplinary collaboration—especially between AI and neuroscience—and address public concerns about AI’s role in healthcare to enhance its acceptance and effectiveness.
Evaluating the Effectiveness of Green Transformation of Resource-Based Cities: A Case Study of Shandong Province, China
Authors: Zhang Lin , He Jiarui , Zhang Youquan
Published: December 2024

Resource-based cities are vulnerable to the depletion of natural resources and urgently need to undergo a green transformation to avoid the so-called “resource curse” and achieve sustainable development. At present, there is a lack of a scientific and reasonable indicator system and theoretical model to guide the evaluation of the effectiveness of green transformation of resource-based cities. To undertake a comprehensive analysis of the causality of indicators, this study employs the DPSIR (Driving Force–Pressure–State–Impact–Response) model to construct an evaluation index system for the effectiveness of green transformation of resource-based cities. The DEMATEL (Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory) method is employed to explore the level of importance of the evaluation indicators and the causal relationships between the evaluation indicators. The VIKOR (‘VlseKriterijumska Optimizacija I Kompromisno Resenje’ in Serbian) method is introduced to evaluate the effectiveness of green transformation of resource-based cities. This study selects Shandong Province, a strategically important energy resource region in China, as an example. The results of the study show that the effectiveness of green transformation of resource-based cities in Shandong Province as a whole was on an upward trend from 2013 to 2021. This study categorizes the phases into rapid start-up period, adjustment and optimization period, and recovery and acceleration period. Currently, the green transformation shows remarkable effectiveness. The effectiveness of green transformation within each dimension of the DPSIR model reveals a ranking of response > pressure > driving force > state > impact. By incorporating regional characteristics, this study explores and proposes recommendations to enhance the green transformation of resource-based cities. It can not only furnish policy references for green transformation of similar resource-based cities, but also offer case study practices for different types of resource-based cities to achieve sustainable development.
Development of Optical Fiber Light-Transmitting Concrete (LTC)—A Review
Authors: Bai Jian , Zhang Weiguo , Tian Jun , Wu Xiaowei , Zheng Mingfang
Published: December 2024

In recent years, the use of new and unique building materials to achieve green building goals has attracted a lot of attention. Optical fiber light-transmitting concrete (LTC) makes it possible for light to pass through concrete. Its ornamental value and excellent light transmission have received much attention from scholars. However, the application of optical fiber LTC in the construction industry has not yet been promoted due to the tedious preparation process and insufficient research on its mechanical properties and durability. This paper reviews the research results of optical fiber LTC in terms of product preparation, light transmission, mechanical properties, durability, and microstructures. The light transmission of optical fiber LTCs is positively correlated with fiber content and negatively correlated with fiber diameter and fiber spacing. However, how the combination of these factors affects LTC transmittance remains to be investigated. In addition to fiber parameters, cement matrix properties and other environmental factors (light intensity, incidence angle, and aging) should also be considered to explore the suitability of LTC. The fiber–matrix interface bond strength needs further investigation and efforts should be made to improve it. This paper also summarizes the future challenges and research directions of optical fiber LTC, which is expected to provide guidance for the application of optical fiber LTC. It is anticipated that fiber-optic LTC will be promoted as a new building material.
Dynamic Collision Alert System for Collaboration of Construction Equipment and Workers
Authors: Dzeng Ren-Jye , Fan Binghui , Hsieh Tian-Lin
Published: December 2024

The construction industry is considered one of the most hazardous industries. The accidents associated with construction equipment are a leading cause of fatalities in the U.S., with one-quarter of all fatalities in the construction industry due to equipment-related incidents, including collisions, struck-by events, and rollovers. While close collaboration among multiple equipment and humans is common, conventional collision alert mechanisms for equipment usually rely on distance sensors with static thresholds, often resulting in too many false alarms, causing drivers’ ignorance. Considering the collaborative operation scenario, this research proposes and develops a dynamic-threshold alert system by recognizing hazardous events based on the types of nearby objects with their orientation or postures and their distances to the system carrier equipment based on image-based recognition and Sim2Real techniques. Two experiments were conducted, and the results show that the system successfully reduced a large number of false near-collision alarms for the collaboration scenarios. Although the accuracy of object recognition and image-based distance estimation is feasible for practical use, it is also easily degraded in the self-obstruction scenario or for equipment with large and movable parts due to incorrect recognition of the bounding boxes of the target objects.
Development and Characterization of Biomass-Derived Carbons for the Removal of Cu2+ and Pb2+ from Aqueous Solutions
Authors: Rahimi Vahid , Pimentel Catarina Helena , Gómez-Díaz Diego , Freire María Sonia , Lazzari Massimo , González-Álvarez Julia
Published: December 2024

This research explores the synthesis and application of carbon-based adsorbents derived from olive stones and almond shells as low-cost biomass precursors through carbonization at 600 °C combined with chemical activation using KOH, H3PO4, and ZnCl2 with carbon/activating agent (C/A) ratios of 1:2 and 1:4 (w/w) at 850 °C for the removal of Cu2+ and Pb2+ ions from aqueous solutions. The carbons produced were characterized using different techniques including SEM-EDX, FTIR, XRD, BET analysis, CHNS elemental analysis, and point of zero charge determination. Batch-mode adsorption experiments were carried out at adsorbent doses of 2 and 5 g L−1, initial metal concentrations of 100 and 500 mg L−1, and natural pH (around 5) with agitation at 350 rpm and 25 °C for 24 h. KOH-activated carbons, especially at a 1:4 (w/w) ratio, exhibited superior adsorption performance mainly due to their favorable surface characteristics and functionalities. Pb2+ was entirely removed (100%) at the highest initial concentration of 500 mg L−1 and an adsorbent dosage of 5 g L−1, while for Cu2+, the maximum adsorption efficiency was 86.29% at an initial concentration of 100 mg L−1 and a dosage of 2 g L−1. The results of this study will help advance knowledge in the design and optimization of adsorption processes for heavy metal removal, benefiting industries seeking green technologies to mitigate environmental pollution.
Artificial Intelligence-Based Classification and Segmentation of Bladder Cancer in Cystoscope Images
Authors: Hwang Won Ku , Jo Seon Beom , Han Da Eun , Ahn Sun Tae , Oh Mi Mi , Park Hong Seok , Moon Du Geon , Choi Insung , Yang Zepa , Kim Jong Wook
Published: December 2024

Background/Objectives: Cystoscopy is necessary for diagnosing bladder cancer, but it has limitations in identifying ambiguous lesions, such as carcinoma in situ (CIS), which leads to a high recurrence rate of bladder cancer. With the significant advancements in deep learning in the medical field, several studies have explored its application in cystoscopy. This study aimed to utilize the VGG19 and Deeplab v3+ deep learning models to classify and segment cystoscope images, respectively. Methods: We classified cystoscope images obtained from 772 patients based on morphology (normal, papillary, flat, mixed) and biopsy results (normal, Ta, T1, T2, CIS, etc.). Experienced urologists annotated and labeled the lesion areas and image categories. The classification model for bladder cancer lesion, annotated with pathological results, was developed using VGG19 with an additional fully connected layer, utilizing sparse categorical cross-entropy as the loss function. The Deeplab v3+ model was used for segmenting each morphological type of bladder cancer in the cystoscope images, employing the dice coefficient loss function. The classification model was evaluated using validation accuracy and correlation with biopsy results, while the segmentation model was assessed using the Intersection over Union (IoU) combined with binary accuracy. Results: The dataset was split into training and validation sets with a 4:1 ratio. The VGG19 classification model achieved an accuracy score of 0.912. The Deeplab v3+ segmentation model achieved an IoU of 0.833 and a binary accuracy of 0.951. Visual analysis revealed a high similarity between the lesions identified by Deeplab v3+ and those labeled by experts. Conclusions: In this study, we applied two deep learning models using well-annotated datasets of cystoscopic images. Both VGG19 and Deeplab v3+ demonstrated high performance in classification and segmentation, respectively. These models can serve as valuable tools for bladder cancer research and may aid in the diagnosis of bladder cancer.
Machine Learning and Computed Tomography Radiomics to Predict Disease Progression to Upfront Pembrolizumab Monotherapy in Advanced Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer: A Pilot Study
Authors: Janzen Ian , Ho Cheryl , Melosky Barbara , Ye Qian , Li Jessica , Wang Gang , Lam Stephen , MacAulay Calum , Yuan Ren
Published: December 2024

Background/Objectives: Pembrolizumab monotherapy is approved in Canada for first-line treatment of advanced NSCLC with PD-L1 ≥ 50% and no EGFR/ALK aberrations. However, approximately 55% of these patients do not respond to pembrolizumab, underscoring the need for the early intervention of non-responders to optimize treatment strategies. Distinguishing the 55% sub-cohort prior to treatment is a real-world dilemma. Methods: In this retrospective study, we analyzed two patient cohorts treated with pembrolizumab monotherapy (training set: n = 97; test set: n = 17). The treatment response was assessed using baseline and follow-up CT scans via RECIST 1.1 criteria. Results: A logistic regression model, incorporating pre-treatment CT radiomic features of lung tumors and clinical variables, achieved high predictive accuracy (AUC: 0.85 in training; 0.81 in testing, 95% CI: 0.63–0.99). Notably, radiomic features from the peritumoral region were found to be independent predictors, complementing the standard CT evaluations and other clinical characteristics. Conclusions: This pragmatic model offers a valuable tool to guide first-line treatment decisions in NSCLC patients with high PD-L1 expression and has the potential to advance personalized oncology and improve timely disease management.
Radiological Assessment and Therapeutic Evaluation in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Differentiation and Treatment Response with Japanese Guidelines
Authors: Tsurusaki Masakatsu , Sofue Keitaro , Murakami Takamichi , Tanigawa Noboru
Published: December 2024

The liver is supplied by a dual blood flow system consisting of the portal vein and hepatic artery. Imaging techniques for diagnosing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) have been developed along with blood flow imaging, which visualizes the amount of arterial and portal blood flow. The diagnosis of HCC differentiation is important for early-stage liver cancer screening and determination of treatment strategies. Dynamic computed tomography/magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) includes blood flow imaging and MRI with contrast-enhanced ultrasound and liver-specific contrast agents are used in combination. In addition, unlike the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) (version 1.1), which is the standard for determining treatment efficacy for solid tumors in general, tumor necrosis is generally considered a treatment effect in HCC, and the modified RECIST and Liver Cancer Direct Effectiveness Criteria (RECICL) are widely used. Familiarity with the definitions, criteria, and potential challenges of the mRECIST and RECICL is essential for their effective application in clinical practice. This review integrates the latest advancements in systemic treatments and imaging techniques, including the role of LI-RADS and updates on molecular-targeted therapies such as regorafenib, supported by some systematic review and meta-analysis.
Computational Mutagenesis of GPx7 and GPx8: Structural and Stability Insights into Rare Genetic and Somatic Missense Mutations and Their Implications for Cancer Development
Authors: Sobitan Adebiyi , Buhari Nosimot , Youssri Zainab , Wen Fayuan , Kidane Dawit , Teng Shaolei
Published: December 2024

Background/Objectives: Somatic and genetic mutations in glutathione peroxidases (GPxs), including GPx7 and GPx8, have been linked to intellectual disability, microcephaly, and various tumors. GPx7 and GPx8 evolved the latest among the GPx enzymes and are present in the endoplasmic reticulum. Although lacking a glutathione binding domain, GPx7 and GPx8 possess peroxidase activity that helps the body respond to cellular stress. However, the protein mutations in these peroxidases remain relatively understudied. Methods: By elucidating the structural and stability consequences of missense mutations, this study aims to provide insights into the pathogenic mechanisms involved in different cancers, thereby aiding clinical diagnosis, treatment strategies, and the development of targeted therapies. We performed saturated computational mutagenesis to analyze 2926 and 3971 missense mutations of GPx7 and GPx8, respectively. Results: The results indicate that G153H and G153F in GPx7 are highly destabilizing, while E93M and W142F are stabilizing. In GPx8, N74W and G173W caused the most instability while S70I and S119P increased stability. Our analysis shows that highly destabilizing somatic and genetic mutations are more likely pathogenic compared to stabilizing mutations. Conclusions: This comprehensive analysis of missense mutations in GPx7 and GPx8 provides critical insights into their impact on protein structure and stability, contributing to a deeper understanding of the roles of somatic mutations in cancer development and progression. These findings can inform more precise clinical diagnostics and targeted treatment approaches for cancers.
Identification of B Cell Subpopulations with Pro- and Anti-Tumorigenic Properties in an Immunocompetent Mouse Model of Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Sonntag Michael , Stanojevic Sandra , Laban Simon , Schuler Patrick J. , Hoffmann Thomas K. , Brunner Cornelia
Published: December 2024

Due to their high developmental diversity and different regulatory and functional roles, B cell subpopulations can promote or inhibit tumor growth. An orthotopic murine HNSCC model was applied to investigate the B cell composition and function in HNSCCs. Using flow cytometry approaches, cells from the spleen, lymph nodes and tumors were analyzed. Additionally, immunoglobulin (Ig) levels post-tumor induction were tracked via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA). Following tumor induction, GCs, as well as increasing numbers of GL7+CD95+ GC B cells in the spleen and tumor tissues, were detected. In parallel, we observed CD39+CD73+ B cells in tumors and spleens of tumor-bearing mice. Notably, CD39+CD73+ expression was primarily detected on MZ B cells and to a lesser extent on follicular (FO) and non-follicular, newly formed (NF) B cells, supposing an immunosuppressive function of MZ B cells in the TME. Parallel to increased MZ B cell numbers in secondary lymphoid organs (SLOs) as well as in the tumor tissue, IgM antibody (Ab) levels rose continuously. In contrast, IgG1, IgG2, and IgG3 levels increased at later time points. Understanding the complex interactions between B cell subsets and the TME could lead to new strategies for enhancing the treatment and prognosis of HNSCC patients.
Dysregulation of Podocyte BK Channels and Nephrosis: Effects of Circulating Factors and Auxiliary β4 Subunits
Authors: Kim Eun Young , Rachubik Patrycja , Dryer Stuart E.
Published: December 2024

Podocytes express large-conductance Ca2+-activated K+ channels (BK channels) and at least two different pore-forming KCa1.1 subunit C-terminal splice variants, known as VEDEC and EMVYR, along with auxiliary β and γ subunits. Podocyte KCa1.1 subunits interact directly with TRPC6 channels and BK channels become active in response to Ca2+ influx through TRPC6. Here, we confirmed that Ca2+ influx through TRPC channels is reduced following the blockade of BK channels by paxilline. The overall abundance of KCa1.1 subunits, as well as that of β4 and γ3 subunits, were increased in glomeruli isolated from Sprague Dawley rats during chronic puromycin aminonucleoside (PAN) nephrosis. Exposing cultured mouse podocytes for 24 h to recombinant TNFα, a circulating factor implicated in pediatric nephrotic syndromes, did not affect the total abundance of KCa1.1, but did evoke significant increases in both β4 and γ3. However, TNFα evoked a marked increase in the surface abundance of KCa1.1 subunits, similar to that of its previously reported effects on TRPC6 channels. The effect of TNFα on the surface expression of KCa1.1 was eliminated following siRNA knockdown of the β4 subunits, suggesting a role for this subunit in KCa1.1 trafficking to the cell surface. By contrast, treating podocytes with suPAR did not affect the total or surface expression of KCa1.1. The coordinated activation of KCa1.1 channels may promote Ca2+ influx through TRPC channels during normal and abnormal podocyte function by maintaining a membrane potential that allows for the efficient permeation of divalent cations through TRPC pores.
Inherited Thrombocytopenia Related Genes: GPS2 Mediates the Interplay Between ANKRD26 and ETV6
Authors: Capaci Valeria , Zanchetta Melania Eva , Fontana Giorgia , Ammeti Daniele , Bottega Roberta , Faleschini Michela , Savoia Anna
Published: December 2024

Mutations in the genes ANKRD26, RUNX1, and ETV6 cause three clinically overlapping thrombocytopenias characterized by a predisposition to hematological neoplasms. The ANKRD26 gene, which encodes a protein involved in protein-protein interactions, is downregulated by RUNX1 during megakaryopoiesis. Mutations in 5′UTR of ANKRD26, leading to ANKRD26-RT, disrupt this regulation, resulting in the persistent expression of ANKRD26, which leads to impaired platelet biogenesis and an increased risk of leukemia. Although ANKRD26 and ETV6 exhibit inverse expression during megakaryopoiesis, ETV6 does not regulate the ANKRD26 expression. Hypothesizing an interplay between ETV6 and ANKRD26 through in vitro studies, we explored the interactions between the two proteins. In this study, we found that ANKRD26 interacts with ETV6 and retains it in the cytoplasm, phenocopying ETV6-RT-related mutants. We found that GPS2, a component of the NCoR complex, binds both ANKRD26 and ETV6, mediating this interaction. Furthermore, ANKRD26 overexpression deregulates ETV6 transcriptional repression, supporting a common pathogenic mechanism underlying ANKRD26-RT, FPD/AML, and ETV6-RT. Our results unveil a novel ANKRD26-ETV6-GPS2 axis, providing new insights to investigate the molecular mechanism underlying thrombocytopenias with a predisposition to myeloid neoplasms that need to be further characterized.
Characterization of the Astrocyte Calcium Response to Norepinephrine in the Ventral Tegmental Area
Authors: Speggiorin Michele , Chiavegato Angela , Zonta Micaela , Gómez-Gonzalo Marta
Published: December 2024

Astrocytes from different brain regions respond with Ca2+ elevations to the catecholamine norepinephrine (NE). However, whether this noradrenergic-mediated signaling is present in astrocytes from the ventral tegmental area (VTA), a dopaminergic circuit receiving noradrenergic inputs, has not yet been investigated. To fill in this gap, we applied a pharmacological approach along with two-photon microscopy and an AAV strategy to express a genetically encoded calcium indicator in VTA astrocytes. We found that VTA astrocytes from both female and male young adult mice showed a strong Ca2+ response to NE at both soma and processes. Our results revealed that Gq-coupled α1 adrenergic receptors, which elicit the production of IP3, are the main mediators of the astrocyte response. In mice lacking the IP3 receptor type-2 (IP3R2−/− mice), we found that the astrocyte response to NE, even if reduced, is still present. We also found that in IP3R2−/− astrocytes, the residual Ca2+ elevations elicited by NE depend on the release of Ca2+ from the endoplasmic reticulum, through IP3Rs different from IP3R2. In conclusion, our results reveal VTA astrocytes as novel targets of the noradrenergic signaling, opening to new interpretations of the cellular and molecular mechanisms that mediate the NE effects in the VTA.