bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Outcome after cytoreductive surgery combined with hyperthermic intrathoracic chemotherapy in patients with secondary pleural metastases
Authors: Hassan Mohamed , Zimmermann Julia , Schmid Severin , Passlick Bernward , Kovács Julia , Hatz Rudolf , Winter Hauke , Klotz Laura V. , Eichhorn Martin E. , Markowiak Till , Müller Karolina , Huppertz Gunnar , Koller Michael , Hofmann Hans-Stefan , Ried Michael
Published: November 2023

Background

The role of cytoreductive surgery combined with hyperthermic intrathoracic chemotherapy (CRS+HITOC) for patients with secondary pleural metastases has scarcely been investigated.

Patients and Methods

We conducted a retrospective, multicentre study investigating the outcome of CRS+HITOC for 31 patients with pleural metastases from different primary tumours in four high-volume departments of thoracic surgery in Germany. The primary endpoint was overall survival (OS). Secondary endpoints included postoperative complications and recurrence/progression-free survival (RFS/PFS).

Results

The primary tumour was non-small cell lung cancer in 12 (39%), ovarian cancer in 5 (16%), sarcoma in 3 (10%), pseudomyxoma peritonei in 3 (10%), and others in 8 (26%) patients. A macroscopic complete resection (R/1) could be achieved in 28 (90%) patients. Major postoperative complications as classified by Clavien-Dindo (III-V) were observed in 11 (35%) patients. The postoperative mortality rate was 10% (n=3). A total of 13 patients received additive chemotherapy (42%). The median time of follow up was 30 months (95% CI = 17– 43). The median OS was 39 months (95% CI: 34-44 months) with 1-month, 3-month, 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival estimates of 97%, 89%, 77%, 66%, and 41%. There was a significantly prolonged OS in patients who received additive chemotherapy compared to patients with only CRS+HITOC (median OS 69 vs 38 months; p= 0.048). The median RFS was 14 months (95% CI: 7-21 months).

Conclusions

We observed that CRS+HITOC is a feasible approach with reasonable complications and prolonged survival as a part of multimodal concept for highly selected patients with secondary pleural metastases.
A case report and literature review on reactive cutaneous capillary endothelial proliferation induced by camrelizumab in a nasopharyngeal carcinoma patient
Authors: Lin Yao , Lin Yuxin , Zhong Xiaoping , Chen Qingshan , Tang Shijie , Chen Jiasheng
Published: November 2023

Camrelizumab, a monoclonal antibody, blocks programmed cell death protein-1 from binding to T cells and programmed cell death ligand 1 on tumor cells, thereby ensuring sustained T cell activation and blocking immune escape of various types of cancer, including nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Reactive cutaneous capillary endothelial hyperplasia (RCCEP) is the most common immune-related adverse event in patients treated with camrelizumab. We report a case nasopharyngeal carcinoma in a patient with camrelizumab-induced RCCEP. A 68-year-old man diagnosed with nasopharyngeal carcinoma developed RCCEP at multiple locations after 3 months of camrelizumab treatment. RCCEP of the right lower eyelid affected closure of the right eye. In this report, we also reviewed previous literature on camrelizumab-induced RCCEP. In summary, the mechanism underlying camrelizumab-induced RCCEP remains unclear. RCCEP typically gradually subsides after discontinuing camrelizumab treatment. Larger nodules can be treated with lasers, ligation, or surgery. Although surgical excision is effective, RCCEP may recur in patients undergoing camrelizumab treatment. RCCEP management may not be required in the absence of adverse effects on the patient’s daily life.
Circulating tumor DNA determining hyperprogressive disease after CAR-T therapy alarms in DLBCL: a case report and literature review
Authors: He Jiajie , Zou Rui , Kang Liqing , Yu Lingzi , Wang Peng , Shao Yang , Liang Junheng , Wu Depei , Jin Zhengming , Qu Changju
Published: November 2023

Chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy (CAR-T) has been widely applied in the clinical practice of relapse/refractory (R/R) diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) due to its promising effects. Hyperprogressive disease (HPD) has gained attention for rapid tumor progression and has become a therapeutic and prognostic challenge. Here, we present a patient who had suffered from several recurrences previously and controlled well with a very small tumor lesion left was infused with CD19/CD22 bispecific CAR-T, with no immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome, or cytokine release syndrome observed. However, rapid deterioration, subsequent imaging examination, circulating tumor DNA, and serum biomarkers detection identified HPD. The patient did not respond to salvage treatment and died 40 days after infusion. To our knowledge, only one case of HPD in DLBCL after CAR-T therapy has been reported. This fatal case alarmed the risk of HPD and the ctDNA profile monitoring we used was performed as a non-invasive method to diagnose HPD, providing far-reaching practical instruction for CAR-T therapy.
Mendelian randomization analysis to elucidate the causal relationship between small molecule metabolites and ovarian cancer risk
Authors: Chang Xin , Liu Shijia , Han Lu
Published: November 2023

Background

Small molecule metabolites are potential biomarkers for ovarian cancer. However, the causal relationship between small molecule metabolites and ovarian cancer remains unclear.

Methods

Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) correlated with 53 distinct small molecule metabolites were identified as instrumental variables (IVs) from comprehensive genome-wide association studies. Aggregate data encompassing 25,509 cases of ovarian cancer and 40,941 controls of European descent were procured from the Ovarian Cancer Association Consortium. To evaluate causative associations, four Mendelian randomization techniques—including inverse-variance weighted, weighted median, maximum likelihood, and MR-Egger regression—were employed.

Results

In total, 242 SNPs were delineated as IVs for the small molecule metabolites under consideration. A significant association with the overarching risk of ovarian cancer was observed for six distinct metabolites. Hexadecenoylcarnitine and methioninesulfoxide were associated with a 32% and 31% reduced risk, respectively. Fifteen metabolites were linked to subtype ovarian cancers. For instance, both methionine sulfoxide and tetradecanoyl carnitine exhibited an inverse association with the risk of clear cell and high-grade serous ovarian cancers. Conversely, tryptophan demonstrated a 1.72-fold elevated risk for endometrioid ovarian cancer.

Conclusion

This study identified several metabolites with putative causal effects on ovarian cancer risk using Mendelian randomization analysis. The findings provide insight into the etiological role of small molecule metabolites and highlight potential early detection biomarkers for ovarian cancer. Subsequent investigations are imperative to corroborate these findings and elucidate the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms.
The multiple roles of C-type lectin receptors in cancer
Authors: Li Qiao
Published: November 2023

C-type lectin receptors are a family of immune response receptors that can bind with a broad repertoire of ligands. It can function as innative immune receptors to surveillance bacteria, fungi, and virus invasions. The expressions of C-type lectin receptors (CLRs) are found in different types of tumors. But the role of C-type lectin receptors in cancer is not fully elucidated. And the underlying mechanisms of CLRs in carcinogenesis and tumor development remained unknown. It is known that CLRs bind to the glycosylated antigen on the cancer cells, regulating cancer cell invasion, migration, and metastasis. Meanwhile, the recognition of tumor glycans by antigen-presenting cells can stimulate antitumor immune response and induce immune tolerance. Also, some types of CLRs can be used as diagnostic markers for tumor cells, suggesting that C-type lectin can function as a new tumor therapeutic target and potential biomarkers. Given the therapeutic potential of CLRs in tumor treatments and the emerging roles of CLR in the tumor hallmarks, the multiple roles of CLRs in cancer were summarized in this review.
Case Report: Laparoscopy-assisted resection for intra-abdominal gossypiboma masquerading as a jejunal tumor (with video)
Authors: Han Yihui , Yang Wenming , Dai Wenshu , Ma Qin , Yuan Tao , Yang Yun , Lu Yanrong , Zhang Bo , Zhang Mingming
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Intra-abdominal gossypiboma, a cotton-based retained foreign body after an abdominal surgery, is associated with various clinical manifestations and complications. Its infrequent occurrence and unpredictability make its early diagnosis particularly challenging. We herein present an atypical case of intra-abdominal gossypiboma mistaken for a jejunal tumor.

Case presentation

A 33-year-old female presented to the emergency room with an acute episode of progressive abdominal pain and distention, nausea, and vomiting for 20 hours. She had undergone an urgent cesarean section due to fetal tachycardia seven years prior. The initial diagnosis of small bowel obstruction (SBO) due to a jejunal tumor was established by computed tomography. Subsequent to successful medical management of the SBO, a laparoscopy-assisted resection of the mass and the adherent jejunal segment was conducted, culminating in a primary side-to-side jejunojejunostomy. Examination of the excised tissue revealed an approximately spherical fibrous mass, 6 × 6 × 5 cm in dimension, embedded in the jejunal wall, housing a 20 × 20-cm gauze. Postoperative recovery and routine follow-up ensued without complications.

Conclusion

In light of this case, the need for clinicians to maintain an elevated awareness and suspicion of gossypiboma should be accentuated when evaluating an intra-abdominal mass, especially in patients with a prior history of high-risk laparotomy. Laparoscopic surgery stands out as a technically proficient and minimally invasive strategy for diagnosing and treating intra-abdominal gossypiboma. Besides, it is imperative to emphasize the importance of meticulous surgical procedures and postoperative protocols to prevent such oversights, reaffirming the need for consistent intraoperative counts and checks of surgical items.
Development and evaluation of RADA-PDGF2 self-assembling peptide hydrogel for enhanced skin wound healing
Authors: Deptuła M. , Sawicka J. , Sass P. , Sosnowski P. , Karpowicz P. , Zawrzykraj M. , Wardowska A. , Tymińska A. , Dzierżyńska M. , Pietralik-Molińska Z. , Peplińska B. , Zieliński J. , Kondej K. , Kozak M. , Sachadyn P. , Rodziewicz-Motowidło S. , Pikuła M.
Published: November 2023

Background: Wound healing complications affect numerous patients each year, creating significant economic and medical challenges. Currently, available methods are not fully effective in the treatment of chronic or complicated wounds; thus, new methods are constantly sought. Our previous studies showed that a peptide designated as PDGF2 derived from PDGF-BB could be a promising drug candidate for wound treatment and that RADA16-I can serve as a release system for bioactive peptides in wound healing. Based on that, in this work, we designed a new self-assembling hydrogel RADA-PDGF2, connecting both peptides by a sequence specific for neutrophil elastase, and evaluated its activity in wound healing.

Methods: The physicochemical properties of the designed scaffold were analyzed using transmission electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, cryoSEM microscopies, and circular dichroism spectroscopy. The enzymatic cleavage was performed using human neutrophil elastase and monitored using high-performance liquid chromatography and MS spectroscopic techniques. The aforementioned techniques (HPLC and MS) were also used to assess the stability of the peptide in water and human plasma. The biological activity was analyzed on human skin cells using a colorimetric XTT test, collagen synthesis evaluation, and a migration assay. The biocompatibility was analyzed with LDH cytotoxicity assay and flow cytometric analysis of activation of immune cells. Finally, RADA-PDGF2 activity in wound healing was checked in a mouse dorsal skin injury model.

Results: The analysis showed that RADA-PDGF2 can self-assemble, form a hydrogel, and release a bioactive sequence when incubated with human elastase. It shows pro-proliferative and pro-migratory properties and accelerates wound closure in the mouse model compared to RADA16-I. In addition, it is not cytotoxic to human cells and does not show immunogenicity. RADA-PDGF2 seems to be a promising drug candidate for wound management.
Roles and regulation of Aquaporin-3 in maintaining the gut health: an updated review
Authors: Zhu Cui , Nie Xiaoyan , Lu Qi , Bai Yinshan , Jiang Zongyong
Published: November 2023

Aquaporin-3 (AQP3) is a predominant water channel protein expressed in the intestine, and plays important roles in the gut physiology and pathophysiology due to its permeability to water, glycerol and hydrogen peroxide. In this review, we systematically summarized the current understanding of the expression of AQP3 in the intestine of different species, and focused on the potential roles of AQP3 in water transport, different types of diarrhea and constipation, intestinal inflammation, intestinal barrier function, oxidative stress, and autophagy. These updated findings have supported that AQP3 may function as an important target in maintaining gut health of human and animals.
Proteomic and metabolomic analyses uncover integrative mechanisms in Sesuvium portulacastrum tolerance to salt stress
Authors: Cao Dingding , Zhang Wenbin , Yang Nan , Li Ziling , Zhang Chaoyue , Wang Dan , Ye Guiping , Chen Jianjun , Wei Xiangying
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Salt stress is a major constraint affecting crop productivity worldwide. Investigation of halophytes could provide valuable information for improving economically important crops to tolerate salt stress and for more effectively using halophytes to remediate saline environments. Sesuvium portulacastrum L. is a halophyte species widely distributed in tropical and subtropical coastal regions and can absorb a large amount of sodium (Na). This study was to analyze S. portulacastrum responses to salt stress at morphological, physiological, proteomic, and metabolomic levels and pursue a better understanding of mechanisms behind its salt tolerance.

Methods

The initial experiment evaluated morphological responses of S. portulacastrum to different concentrations of NaCl in a hydroponic system, and subsequent experiments compared physiological, proteomic, and metabolomic changes in S. portulacastrum after being exposed to 0.4 M NaCl for 24 h as immediate salt stress (IS) to 14 days as adaptive salt stress (AS). Through these analyses, a working model to illustrate the integrative responses of S. portulacastrum to salt stress was proposed.

Results

Plants grown in 0.4 M NaCl were morphologically comparable to those grown in the control treatment. Physiological changes varied in control, IS, and AS plants based on the measured parameters. Proteomic analysis identified a total of 47 and 248 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) in leaves and roots, respectively. KEGG analysis showed that DEPs, especially those occurring in roots, were largely related to metabolic pathways. Root metabolomic analysis showed that 292 differentially expressed metabolites (DEMs) occurred in IS plants and 371 in AS plants. Among them, 20.63% of upregulated DEMs were related to phenolic acid metabolism.

Discussion

Based on the integrative analysis of proteomics and metabolomics, signal transduction and phenolic acid metabolism appeared to be crucial for S. portulacastrum to tolerate salt stress. Specifically, Ca2+, ABA, and JA signalings coordinately regulated salt tolerance in S. portulacastrum. The stress initially activated phenylpropanoid biosynthesis pathway through Ca2+ signal transduction and increased the content of metabolites, such as coniferin. Meanwhile, the stress inhibited MAPK signaling pathway through ABA and JA signal transduction, which promoted Na sequestration into the vacuole to maintain ROS homeostasis and enhanced S. portulacastrum tolerance to salt stress.
Spatial and temporal regeneration patterns within gaps in the primary forests vs. secondary forests of Northeast China
Authors: Wu Danni , Lu Deliang , Zhu Jiaojun , Ge Xiaowen , Zhang Jinxin , Lin Litao , Wang Xiaoyu , Liu Huaqi , Zhang Guangqi
Published: November 2023

Forest gaps play an important role during forest succession in temperate forest ecosystems. However, the differences in spatial distribution and replacement patterns of woody plants (trees and shrubs) between primary and secondary forests remain unclear during the gap-filling processes, especially for temperate forests in Northeast China. We recorded 45,619 regenerated trees and shrubs in young gaps (<10 years), old gaps (10~20 years), and closed forest stands (i.e., filled gaps) in the primary broadleaved Korean pine (Pinus koraiensis Sieb. Rt Zucc.) forests vs. secondary forests (degraded from primary forests). The gap-filling processes along horizontal (Cartesian coordinate system) and vertical (lower layer: 0~5 m, medium layer: 5~10 m, and upper layer: >10 m) dimensions were quantified by shade tolerance groups of trees and shrubs. We found that gap age, competition between species, and pre-existing regeneration status resulted in different species replacement patterns within gaps in primary vs. secondary forests. Gap formation in both primary and secondary forests increased species richness, with 33, 38, 39, and 41 in the primary closed stands, primary forest gaps, secondary closed stands, and secondary forest gaps, respectively. However, only 35.9% of species in primary forest gaps and 34.1% in secondary forest gaps successfully reached the upper layer. Based on the importance values (IVs) of tree species across different canopy heights, light-demanding trees in the upper layer of the secondary forests were gradually replaced by intermediate and shade-tolerant trees. In the primary forests, Korean pine exhibited intermittent growth patterns at different canopy heights, while it had continuous regeneration along vertical height gradients in the secondary forests. The differences in Korean pine regeneration between the primary and secondary forests existed before gap formation and continued during the gap-filling processes. The interspecific competition among different tree species gradually decreased with increasing vertical height, and compared to the primary forests, the secondary forests showed an earlier occurrence of competition exclusion within gaps. Our findings revealed the species replacement patterns within gaps and provided a further understanding of the competition dynamics among tree species during the gap-filling processes.
Executive function predictors of science achievement in middle-school students
Authors: Varma Keisha , Van Boekel Martin , Aylward Gary , Varma Sashank
Published: November 2023

Cognitive flexibility as measured by the Wisconsin Card Sort Task (WCST) has long been associated with frontal lobe function. More recently, this construct has been associated with executive function (EF), which shares overlapping neural correlates. Here, we investigate the relationship between EF, cognitive flexibility, and science achievement in adolescents. This is important because there are fewer educational neuroscience studies of scientific reasoning than of other academically relevant forms of cognition (i.e., mathematical thinking and language understanding). Eighth grade students at a diverse middle school in the Midwestern US completed classroom-adapted measures of three EFs (shifting, inhibition, and updating) and the WCST. Science achievement was indexed by students’ standardized test scores and their end-of-the-year science class grades. Among the EF measures, updating was strongly predictive of science achievement. The association between cognitive flexibility and science achievement was comparatively weaker. These findings illuminate the relationship between EF, cognitive flexibility, and science achievement. A methodological contribution was the development of paper-and-pencil based versions of standard EF and cognitive flexibility measures suitable for classroom administration. We expect these materials to help support future classroom-based studies of EF and cognitive flexibility, and whether training these abilities in adolescent learners improves their science achievement.
Exploring moral algorithm preferences in autonomous vehicle dilemmas: an empirical study
Authors: Sui Tingting
Published: November 2023

Introduction

This study delves into the ethical dimensions surrounding autonomous vehicles (AVs), with a specific focus on decision-making algorithms. Termed the “Trolley problem,” an ethical quandary arises, necessitating the formulation of moral algorithms grounded in ethical principles. To address this issue, an online survey was conducted with 460 participants in China, comprising 237 females and 223 males, spanning ages 18 to 70.

Methods

Adapted from Joshua Greene’s trolley dilemma survey, our study employed Yes/No options to probe participants’ choices and Likert scales to gauge moral acceptance. The primary objective was to assess participants’ inclinations toward four distinct algorithmic strategies—Utilitarianism, Rawlsianism, Egoism, and a Hybrid approach—in scenarios involving AVs

Results

Our findings revealed a significant disparity between participants’ preferences in scenarios related to AV design and those focused on purchase decisions. Notably, over half of the respondents expressed reluctance to purchase AVs equipped with an “egoism” algorithm, which prioritizes the car owner’s safety. Intriguingly, the rejection rate for “egoism” was similar to that of “utilitarianism,” which may necessitate self-sacrifice.

Discussion

The hybrid approach, integrating “Utilitarianism” and “Egoism,” garnered the highest endorsement. This highlights the importance of balancing self-sacrifice and harm minimization in AV moral algorithms. The study’s insights are crucial for ethically and practically advancing AV technology in the continually evolving realm of autonomous vehicles.
Dual burden of chronic physical conditions and mental disorders: Findings from the Saudi National Mental Health Survey
Authors: Altwaijri Yasmin , Al-Habeeb Abdulhameed , Al-Subaie Abdullah , Bruffaerts Ronny , Bilal Lisa , Hyder Sanaa , Naseem Mohammad Talal , Alghanim Abdullah J.
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Comorbidities of mental disorders and chronic physical conditions are a common medical burden reported among Western countries. National estimates of such comorbidities among the general population of Arab countries like Saudi Arabia are unknown. This study examined the prevalence of lifetime chronic physical conditions among the Saudi general population with DSM-IV 12-month mental disorders, and the associations with disability in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA).

Methods

The Saudi National Mental Health Survey, a cross-sectional household study – part of the World Mental Health (WMH) Survey Consortium – was conducted between 2013–2016 in the KSA, with 4,001 Saudi citizens aged 15–65 (response rate 61%). The World Health Organization Composite International Diagnostic Interview 3.0 was used to assess prevalence of lifetime chronic physical conditions and 12-month mental disorders; disability was measured in terms of days out of role.

Results

The prevalence of any comorbid 12-month mental disorder among those with chronic physical conditions was 24%. Major depressive disorder, social phobia, and adult separation anxiety disorder were the most common comorbid mental disorders across all chronic physical conditions. Gender, education, income, urbanicity, region, and employment were associated with the presence of any chronic physical condition. Respondents with mental / physical comorbidities had 2.97 days out of role (on average) in the last 30 days.

Conclusion

Comorbidities of mental disorders and chronic physical conditions are common among Saudis. National efforts are needed to increase awareness of such comorbidities among the general population, and develop prevention and treatment services tailored to the needs of individuals at-risk for comorbidities.
Sex and gender affect immune aging
Authors: Calabrò Anna , Accardi Giulia , Aiello Anna , Caruso Calogero , Candore Giuseppina
Published: November 2023

The proposed review aims to elucidate the intricate interplay between biological factors (sex differences) and socially constructed factors (gender differences) in the context of immune aging. While the influence of biological differences between men and women on various aspects of immune responses has long been recognized, it is crucial to acknowledge that gender, encompassing the social and cultural roles and expectations associated with being male or female, also significantly shapes these processes. Gender can either accelerate immune aging or promote longevity. By recognizing the impact of both biological and social factors, this work seeks to offer a comprehensive understanding of why men and women may experience divergent trajectories in immune aging and varying outcomes in terms of longevity. Discrepancies in perceived roles of the sexes, both within families and at work, contribute to differing patterns of antigen exposure. Additionally, variations in micronutrient intake and access to preventive healthcare facilities may exist. Health promotion knowledge often correlates with educational attainment, which is unequally represented between males and females in many cultures and across generations in the Western world. In countries without a universal healthcare system, access to healthcare relies on family prioritization strategies to cope with economic constraints, potentially limiting access to specific treatments and affecting immune responses negatively. As a result, both biological factors and social and behavioral factors associated with gender contribute to disparities in immune responses, susceptibility to infections, autoimmune diseases, and vaccine responses among older individuals. However, as demonstrated by the COVID-19 pandemic, older females exhibit greater resilience to infections than older males. Given the crucial role of the immune system in achieving longevity, it is not surprising that women live longer than men, and the number of female centenarians surpasses that of male centenarians.
Warming up through buildings and roads: what we know and should know about the urban heat island effect on bees
Authors: Polidori Carlo , Ferrari Andrea , Ronchetti Federico , Tommasi Nicola , Nalini Elia
Published: November 2023

Urbanization leads to cities having higher temperatures than surrounding non-urban areas [this is known as the urban heat island (UHI) effect]. Very little is known about the impacts of the UHI effect on bees, despite the importance of temperature on many aspects of bees’ life suggesting that these may be not negligible. In this study, we aimed to highlight how the UHI effect could impact relevant functional traits of bees in cities, proposing several ad hoc hypotheses for traits that have thus far been investigated only in few studies or not at all, based on what we know from non-urban studies. The UHI effect was shown to influence bee body size, and generally tended to reduce the body size of bees in cities. Urban temperature may also affect bees’ wing morphology, and thus their overall flight morphology parameters. Individuals may be more brightly colored in cities. Bee ommatidial size and the number of antennal thermoreceptors they have may be smaller and fewer, respectively, in cities than in non-urban areas. As expected, because urban bees face a higher risk of desiccation, higher proportions of alkanes and longer main-carbon chain lengths are expected in their cuticular hydrocarbon (CHC) profiles. Stress biomarkers can also occur at greater concentrations in bees in cities and specific bacteria in the bee gut may occur at lower abundances. Warm urban temperatures may impact the life cycle of pathogens by reducing their proliferation. Aggression levels may be increased, and eusocial species may present more worker phases per year due to the UHI effect. All of these proposed impacts could be likely more visible in solitary and primitively eusocial bee species, which are those suspected to have a more limited dispersal ability. Comparative studies would help in the proper testing of these hypotheses.
Kessler’s syndrome: a challenge to humanity
Authors: Mariappan Amrith , Crassidis John L.
Published: November 2023

Kessler’s Syndrome is a global phenomenon characterized by the presence of tens of millions of debris pieces of various sizes that disrupt satellite operations. This article delves into the potential outcomes of a Kessler’s Syndrome occurrence and its implications on satellite operations. The potential threats posed by this scenario are discussed, including the implications of minimal to no satellite function on human impacts, including crashes and minimized or disrupted functions in essential utility services, as these sectors heavily rely on satellites. In addition, we discuss how the loss of satellite communications could gradually or rapidly affect global affairs. As humans are a dominant force on Earth, their endangerment would reverberate throughout the ecological system, potentially leading to the demise of other species. It is crucial for policymakers and relevant stakeholders to recognize these implications and work towards safeguarding satellite communication to mitigate potential negative outcomes for humanity’s wellbeing and progress. The recycling of space debris emerges as a promising and long-term sustainable solution to the mitigation of space debris. By repurposing decommissioned satellites and debris into useful materials to support other space missions, this recycling strategy presents a win-win scenario, promoting environmental sustainability and resource efficiency in space exploration.
Haptic feedback in a virtual crowd scenario improves the emotional response
Authors: Venkatesan R. K. , Banakou Domna , Slater Mel , M. Manivannan
Published: November 2023

Research has shown that incorporating haptics into virtual environments can increase sensory fidelity and provide powerful and immersive experiences. However, current studies on haptics in virtual interactions primarily focus on one-on-one scenarios, while kinesthetic haptic interactions in large virtual gatherings are underexplored. This study aims to investigate the impact of kinesthetic haptics on eliciting emotional responses within crowded virtual reality (VR) scenarios. Specifically, we examine the influence of type or quality of the haptic feedback on the perception of positive and negative emotions. We designed and developed different combinations of tactile and torque feedback devices and evaluated their effects on emotional responses. To achieve this, we explored different combinations of haptic feedback devices, including “No Haptic,” “Tactile Stimulus” delivering tactile cues, and “Haptic Stimulus” delivering tactile and torque cues, in combination with two immersive 360-degree video crowd scenarios, namely, “Casual Crowd” and “Aggressive Crowd.” The results suggest that varying the type or quality of haptic feedback can evoke different emotional responses in crowded VR scenarios. Participants reported increased levels of nervousness with Haptic Stimulus in both virtual scenarios, while both Tactile Stimulus and Haptic Stimulus were negatively associated with pleasantness and comfort during the interaction. Additionally, we observed that participants’ sense of touch being real was enhanced in Haptic Stimulus compared to Tactile Stimulus. The “Haptic Stimulus” condition had the most positive influence on participants’ sense of identification with the crowd.
Contagious Cancers That Can Spread Between Ocean Organisms
Authors: Bruzos Alicia L. , Diaz Seila
Published: November 2023

Cancer is a disease that occurs when cells multiply uncontrollably. It can affect species on land or in water. Normally, cancer is not contagious; it only affects the organism in which it originates. However, recently, a new type of contagious cancer was found in some ocean animals. Contagious cancers have been discovered in clams, cockles, and mussels around the world. These cancer cells leave the body of the organism where they originated, survive in seawater, and then infect other individuals. In this article, we will tell you what makes contagious cancers different from normal cancers, the species in which contagious cancers have been detected, and the great importance of studying these rare cancers.
Numerical simulation of the equatorial plasma bubble: the effect of seeding by the vertical winds and random background noise perturbations
Authors: Zhu Yunzhou , Tang Qiong , Xu Tong , Liu Yi , Zhou Chen , Deng Zhongxin , Zhang Yuqiang , Zhao Zhengyu , Wei Fengsi , Xu Bin , Sun Shuji
Published: November 2023

A wide variety of small-amplitude waves widely exist in the ionosphere and have significant effects on the evolution of equatorial plasma bubbles. In this paper, we simulated equatorial plasma bubbles (EPB) seeded by vertical neutral wind perturbations with wavelengths of 125 km and 250 km, and compared the morphology characteristics of plasma bubble structures with those under random noise perturbations in the background density. The numerical results showed that both vertical winds and random background noise perturbations can contribute to the growth of plasma bubbles, and the perturbations under additional random background noise can promote the growth of the plasma bubble structures faster. Additionally, several processes of the nonlinear behavior of bifurcated EPB structures, including bifurcation, pinching, and small-scale turbulent structures, were successfully obtained. Our simulation captured supersonic flows within the low-density plasma structures characterized by vertical velocities of about 1.5 km/s, which is consistent with experimental studies found in the literature.
Body weight, gonadectomy, and other risk factors for diagnosis of osteoarthritis in companion dogs
Authors: Graves Jessica L. , McKenzie Brennen A. , Koch Zane , Naka Alexander , Spofford Nathaniel , Morrison JoAnn
Published: November 2023

Objective

The aim of this study is to evaluate age, sex, body weight, breed, neuter status, and age at neutering as risk factors for diagnosis of osteoarthritis in companion dogs.

Animals

Dogs seen as patients at Banfield Pet Hospital in the United States from 1998 to 2019 with a date of death in 2019. The final cohort consisted of 131,140 dogs.

Methods

In this retrospective cohort study, Cox proportional hazard models were used to test for associations between osteoarthritis incidence and age at baseline, sex, maximum body weight, maximum body condition score, neuter status, and age at neutering. The same model was used to test these associations in 12 representative breeds, chosen based on breed weight and sample size.

Results

Older age, higher adult body weight, gonadectomy, and younger age at gonadectomy were significantly associated with higher risks of osteoarthritis in the total cohort and in all 12 breeds evaluated. Higher body condition scores and sex were also significantly associated with osteoarthritis but with minimal effect sizes in the overall cohort, and these risk factors were not consistently significant in all breeds tested.

Clinical relevance

These results will assist veterinarians in identifying dogs at higher risk for osteoarthritis and applying appropriate diagnostic, preventative, and treatment interventions. An understanding of potentially modifiable risk factors, such as body condition and neutering, will support evidence-based discussions with dog owners about risk management in individual patients.
Evaluation of factors associated with bulk milk somatic cell count and total plate count in Indonesian smallholder dairy farms
Authors: Fadillah Achmad , van den Borne Bart H. P. , Poetri Okti Nadia , Hogeveen Henk , Slijper Thomas , Pisestyani Herwin , Schukken Ynte H.
Published: November 2023

Increasing milk quality in smallholder dairy farms will result in a greater quantity of milk being delivered to milk collection centers, an increased milk price for farmers and consequently an improved farmers’ livelihood. However, little research on milk quality has been performed on smallholder farms in Southeast Asia. The objective of this study was to identify risk factors associated with somatic cell count (SCC) and total plate count (TPC) in Indonesian smallholder dairy farms. One dairy cooperative in West Java, Indonesia was selected based on its willingness to participate. All 119 member farmers in the cooperative, clustered in six groups, were interviewed and a bulk milk sample from all farms was collected in April 2022. Risk factors associated with dairy farms’ SCC and TPC were investigated using multivariable population-averaged generalized estimating equations (GEE) models. The mean geometric SCC and TPC from these farms were 529,665 cells/mL of milk and 474,492 cfu/mL of milk, respectively. Five risk factors including manure removal frequency, receiving mastitis treatment training, washing the udder using soap, number of workers, and ownership of the pasture area were associated with SCC. Two risk factors, manure removal frequency and dairy income contribution, were associated with TPC. These findings can therefore be used as a starting point to improve udder health and milk quality in Indonesia and other countries where smallholder farmers play a significant role in milk production.
COVID-19 Vaccination Among Diverse Population Groups in the Northern Governorates of Iraq
Authors: Gubari Mohammed Ibrahim Mohialdeen , Wadi Falah , Hama-Ghareeb Khalid Anwar , Fatah Fatah H. , Hosseini Mostafa , Wale Karzan Rafiq , Hipgrave David , Ali Sazan Raouf , Mahmood Shaho Osman , Ezzat Khadium Waleed , Mohammed Hayman Hasan , Jaafer Sara Feal , Al Saadi Najeeb Mohammed , Mohammed Kardar Anwar , Saeed Shireen Salih , Mohammad Mohammad Yousif , Khudhur Waleed Hamid , Wael Saleh Mohammed , Sheat Yousra Saadi , Ibrahim Khaldoon Khaleel , Nabeil Salah Marwa , Abdullah Abdulmonem Hazim , Omer Dashne Shamall , Ghafur Rafeeq Naseraldeen , Mustafa Kashma Ali , Faraj Aryan Othman , Ali Trifa Bhjat , Aziz Enayat Kamal , Wahab Ronak Assi , Ali Al-Jaf Ibrahim Ahmed , Hama Amin Nazanin Hama , Jaff Dina Dlshad , Bra Aram Mohammed , Ahmed Shwan Kanabi , Rasool Banaz Nabi , Jamal Fatimah Khalis , Mohammed Tango Dhahir , Azeez Maryam Arab
Published: November 2023

Objectives: The present study was carried out to investigate COVID-19 vaccination coverage among populations of internally displaced persons (IDPs), refugees, and host communities in northern Iraq and the related underlying factors.

Methods: Through a cross-sectional study conducted in five governorates in April–May 2022, 4,564 individuals were surveyed. Data were collected through an adapted questionnaire designed to gather data on participants.

Results: 4,564 subjects were included (59.55% were 19–45 years old; 54.51% male). 50.48% of the participants (51.49% of host communities, 48.83% of IDPs, and 45.87% of refugees) had been vaccinated with at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine. 40.84% of participants (42.28% of host communities, 35.75% of IDPs, and 36.14% of refugees) had been vaccinated by two doses, and 1.56% (1.65% of host communities, 0.93% of IDPs, and 1.46% of refugees) were vaccinated with three doses.

Conclusion: Sociodemographic factors including age, gender, education, occupation, and nationality could affect vaccination coverage. Moreover, higher acceptance rate of vaccination is associated with belief in vaccine safety and effectiveness and trust in the ability of the vaccine to prevent complications.
Measurement of the Immunosuppressant Possession Ratio by Transplant Clinical Pharmacists Captures a Non-Adherence Associated With Antibody-Mediated Rejection
Authors: Chambord Jérémy , Chauveau Bertrand , Djabarouti Sarah , Vignaud Jean , Taton Benjamin , Moreau Karine , Visentin Jonathan , Merville Pierre , Xuereb Fabien , Couzi Lionel
Published: November 2023

Our objective was to calculate an immunosuppressant possession ratio (IPR) to diagnose non-adherence at the time of antibody-mediated rejection (ABMR). IPR was defined as the ratio of number of pills collected at the pharmacy to the number of pills prescribed over a defined period. In a first cohort of 91 kidney transplant recipients (KTRs), those with an IPR < 90% had more frequently a tacrolimus through level coefficient of variation >30% than patients with an IPR = 100% (66.7% vs. 29.4%, p = 0.05). In a case-control study, 26 KTRs with ABMR had lower 6 months IPRs than 26 controls (76% vs. 99%, p < 0.001). In KTRs with ABMR, non-adherence was more often diagnosed by a 6 months IPR < 90% than by clinical suspicion (73.1% vs 30.8%, p = 0.02). In the multivariable analysis, only de novo DSA and 6 months IPR < 90% were independently associated with ABMR, whereas clinical suspicion was not (odds ratio, 4.73; 95% CI, 1.17–21.88; p = 0.03; and odds ratio, 6.34; 95% CI, 1.73–25.59; p = 0.007, respectively). In summary, IPR < 90% is a quantifiable tool to measure immunosuppressant non-adherence. It is better associated with ABMR than clinical suspicion of non-adherence.
Special Issue on “Algorithms for Biomedical Image Analysis and Processing”
Authors: Antonelli Laura , Maddalena Lucia
Published: November 2023

Biomedical imaging is a broad field concerning image capture for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes [...]
Measuring the Performance of Ant Colony Optimization Algorithms for the Dynamic Traveling Salesman Problem
Authors: Mavrovouniotis Michalis , Anastasiadou Maria N. , Hadjimitsis Diofantos
Published: November 2023

Ant colony optimization (ACO) has proven its adaptation capabilities on optimization problems with dynamic environments. In this work, the dynamic traveling salesman problem (DTSP) is used as the base problem to generate dynamic test cases. Two types of dynamic changes for the DTSP are considered: (1) node changes and (2) weight changes. In the experiments, ACO algorithms are systematically compared in different DTSP test cases. Statistical tests are performed using the arithmetic mean and standard deviation of ACO algorithms, which is the standard method of comparing ACO algorithms. To complement the comparisons, the quantiles of the distribution are also used to measure the peak-, average-, and bad-case performance of ACO algorithms. The experimental results demonstrate some advantages of using quantiles for evaluating the performance of ACO algorithms in some DTSP test cases.
Bacterial Inoculation and Extracts of Opuntia Rackets or Marine Algae Trigger Distinct Proline Balances in Tomato Salt Stress Alleviation
Authors: Rai Abdelwahab , Santana Margarida M. , Maia Rodrigo Nascimento , Tavares João , Nabti Elhafid , Cruz Cristina
Published: November 2023

High salt levels in soil can severely limit plant development and diminish the positive effect of plant-growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR). However, extracts of organisms adapted to high salinity, such as Opuntia ficus-indica (OFI) and Enteromorpha intestinalis (EI), can restore the growth of PGPR. Therefore, we used OFI or EI extracts and their combination with the PGPR Achromobacter xylosoxidans BOA4 to evaluate salt stress relief in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum). The experimental setup consisted of a plant pot trial under greenhouse conditions with 12 treatments: control, irrigation with OFI extract; EI extract; BOA4-inoculated plus OFI extract and BOA4-inoculated plus EI extract under no salinity or salinity conditions (150 mM NaCl). The percentage of germination, and plant’s fresh and dry weight were registered 30 and 46 days after sowing. At 46 days, the ratio between proline and glutamic acid concentration (PR/GA) was determined, expecting high PR/GA ratios in plants more responsive to salt stress since proline is an osmolyte mainly synthesized from glutamate. The results showed that 52% of the control seeds under salt stress germinated, a figure that was increased to 92% in OFI-treated seeds. Tomato plants were shown to be very sensitive to salt stress since the dry weight was ca. one fourth that of the plants grown without salinity. However, EI or BOA4 plus EI stimulated plant biomass by ca. 3 times compared to the control with salt, restoring plant biomass to values comparable to those of control plants grown without salinity. The joint treatments with BOA4 and EI or OFI caused distinct PR/GA levels in plant tissues. An inverse relationship between the sum of relative shoot proline and glutamic acid contents and shoot biomass accumulation was observed, namely in treatments accumulating more biomass under no salinity and salinity conditions. This indicates that the proline/glutamate pathway represents a carbon sink that is needed to fight stress and is competing with the carbon flow used for growth.
Quantification and Diversity Analyses of Glucosinolates in 191 Broccoli Genotypes Highlight Valuable Genetic Resources for Molecular Breeding
Authors: Yan Meijia , Song Chenxue , Su Shiwen , Li Junliang , Hu Zhiwei , Lin Sue , Zou Huixi , Tang Zheng , Yan Xiufeng
Published: November 2023

Glucosinolates (GSLs), crucial secondary metabolites in cruciferous vegetables, hydrolyze upon consumption or mechanical damage, forming bioactive compounds with anti-cancer properties, such as glucoraphanin (GRA). Among cruciferous vegetables, broccoli stands out for its high GSL content, which varies significantly among different genotypes. This study aimed to characterize and quantify glucosinolate compounds in broccoli using LC-HRMS2 and UPLC. We identified thirteen GSLs in 191 broccoli genotypes, including seven aliphatic, five indole, and one aromatic glucosinolate. The GSL content in these genotypes ranged from 0.1705 to 5.8174 mg/g (DW). We also explored GSL diversity and content in seven developmental organs, finding high diversity and content in seedling roots and florets. Notably, genotype No. 300 had the highest GSL content (5.8174 mg/g, DW) and GRA (3.1545 mg/g, DW), along with a larger flower bulb diameter (13.4 cm) and a shorter growth stage (11 days), demonstrating its potential for breeding GRA-rich broccoli. To our knowledge, this study encompasses the largest number of broccoli genotypes to date, broadening our understanding of GSLs’ diversity and content in broccoli. These findings may provide valuable resources for future breeding or the commercial cultivation of GRA-rich broccoli.