bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Predictive Modeling of Long-Term Survivors with Stage IV Breast Cancer Using the SEER-Medicare Dataset
Authors: Adam Nabil , Wieder Robert
Published: December 2024

Importance: Treatment of women with stage IV breast cancer (BC) extends population-averaged survival by only a few months. Here, we develop a model for identifying individual circumstances where appropriate therapy will extend survival while minimizing adverse events. Objective: Our goal is to develop high-confidence deep learning (DL) models to predict survival in individual stage IV breast cancer patients based on their unique circumstances generated by patient, cancer, treatment, and adverse event variables. We previously showed that predictive DL survival modeling of potentially curable stage I–III patients can be improved by combining time-fixed and time-varying covariates. Here, we demonstrate that DL-based predictive survival modeling in stage IV patients, where treatment does not offer a cure, can generate accurate individual survival predictions by considering subsequent lines of potential treatment to guide therapy. This guidance is rarely obtainable in the nearly limitless scenarios of metastatic disease. Design, Setting, and Participants: We applied the SEER-Medicare linked dataset from 1991 to 2016 to investigate 14,312 unique stage IV patients with 1,880,153 entries. We used DeepSurv- and DeepHit-, Nnet-survival- and Cox-Time DL-based predictive models to consider the combination of time-fixed and time-varying covariates at each visit for each patient. We adopted random sampling to divide the input dataset into training, validation, and testing sets. We verified the models’ implementation using the pycox package and fine-tuned the models using the open-source library Amazon SageMaker Python SDK 2.232.2 (software development kit). Our results demonstrated the proof of principle of the models by generating individual patients’ survival curves. Conclusions and Relevance: By extending the survival prediction models to consider stage IV BC patients’ time-fixed and time-varying covariates, we achieved a prediction error below 10%. Based on their circumstance-specific situations, these models can predict survival in individual stage IV patients with high confidence. The models will serve as an important adjunct to treatment decisions in patients with stage IV BC and test what-if scenarios of treatment or no treatment options to optimize therapy for extending patient lives and minimizing adverse events.
Evaluation of Different Risk Factors for Metastatic Sentinel Lymph Nodes in Endometrial Cancer
Authors: Peiretti Michele , Altieri Alfonso , Candotti Giorgio , Fais Giuseppina , Ungredda Andrea , Mais Valerio , Fanni Daniela , Angioni Stefano
Published: December 2024

Background/Objectives: This study investigates which demographic, clinical and pathological factors of women with early-stage presurgical EC could be considered risk factors for the presence of different subtypes of metastases in sentinel lymph nodes (SLNs). Methods: This is a retrospective single-center study that collected data between December 2015 and April 2024. EC patients who underwent total hysterectomy with salpingo-oophorectomy and SLN mapping with indocyanine green (ICG) were recorded. Results: Data from 98 women with EC were analyzed. The endometrioid histotype was present in 85 (86%) women, and the non-endometrioid histotype was present in 13 (13%) women. High-grade EC (G3) was present in 21 (21.4%) patients, and low-grade EC (G1-G2) was present in 77 (78.6%) patients. The total number of women with SLN metastasis was 21/98 (21%). Of 21 women, 5 had MAC, 6 had MIC and 10 had ITCs. Conclusions: Preliminary analysis identified three risk factors for nodal involvement: age greater than 67 years, high-grade endometrial carcinomas and myometrial invasion greater than or equal to 50%. Lymphovascular space invasion, histotype 2 and p53 mutation showed a slight, but not statistically significant, tendency to be risk factors for SLN positivity. A deeper analysis with univariate uninominal logistic regression showed that high-grade EC is related to a greater probability of MACs, as shown in other studies, and that low-grade EC (grades 1 and 2) had a strong relationship with low-volume metastasis (LVM); further studies are needed to confirm these results.
Perioperative Treatment in Gastric Cancer: A Fast-Changing Field
Authors: Costa Mafalda , Lopes Fernandes Catarina , Magalhães Helena
Published: December 2024

Gastric cancer is the fifth most common cancer worldwide and its incidence is rising. Surgery is the only curative strategy and its association with perioperative chemotherapy is now standard treatment for most resectable tumors. Despite treatment advances, disease relapse is high, even in early stages, and continued improvement in curative treatment is imperative. With deeper knowledge of gastric cancer heterogeneity, molecular subtypes, and the tumor immune microenvironment, new standard treatment strategies may emerge in the near future. This paper provides a comprehensive review of the current treatment landscape in resectable gastric cancer and future perspectives for the next decade regarding new agents such as targeted therapies, immunotherapy, antibody–drug conjugates, and the combination of multiple treatment modalities.
The Lymphatic Vascular System in Extracellular Vesicle-Mediated Tumor Progression
Authors: Lodha Pragati , Acari Alperen , Rieck Jochen , Hofmann Sarah , Dieterich Lothar C.
Published: December 2024

Tumor growth and progression require molecular interactions between malignant and host cells. In recent years, extracellular vesicles (EVs) emerged as an important pillar of such interactions, carrying molecular information from their donor cells to distant recipient cells. Thereby, the phenotype and function of the recipient cells are altered, which may facilitate tumor immune escape and tumor metastasis to other organs through the formation of pre-metastatic niches. A prerequisite for these effects of tumor cell-derived EVs is an efficient transport system from the site of origin to the body periphery. Here, we highlight the role of the lymphatic vascular system in the distribution and progression-promoting functions of tumor cell-derived EVs. Importantly, the lymphatic vascular system is the primary drainage system for interstitial fluid and its soluble, particulate, and cellular contents, and therefore represents the principal route for regional (i.e., to tumor-draining lymph nodes) and systemic distribution of EVs derived from solid tumors. Furthermore, recent studies highlighted the tumor-draining lymph node as a crucial site where tumor-derived EVs exert their effects. A deeper mechanistic understanding of how EVs gain access to the lymphatic vasculature, how they interact with their recipient cells in tumor-draining lymph nodes and beyond, and how they induce phenotypic and functional maladaptation will be instrumental to identify new molecular targets and conceive innovative approaches for cancer therapy.
A Global Regional Comparison of the Risk of Breast Cancer in Woman Using Oral Contraceptives—Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Drab Agnieszka , Wdowiak Krystian , Kanadys Wiesław , Malm Maria , Dolar-Szczasny Joanna , Zieliński Grzegorz , Borowska Mariola , Religioni Urszula
Published: December 2024

Background: Incidence of breast cancer (BrCa) may be correlated with country development, with a rise in cases anticipated in regions of the world that are currently undergoing an economic transformation. Herein, differences with regard to the occurrence of breast cancer between individual countries may depend on the distribution of risk factors, the level of early detection, also ethnicity and race, as well as clinical characteristics. The aim of our study was to identify and then investigate observational studies in which the risk of breast cancer was associated with the use of oral hormonal contraceptives (OCs), with particular emphasis on geographic region, and to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of the obtained data. Methods: RR (relative risk) was calculated and displayed in forest plots for visual interpretation. Accordingly, 74 studies involving a total of 198,579 women were eligible for inclusion in the meta-analysis. This is the first meta-analysis to comprehensively summarize the evidence between OC use and BrCa risk in connection with geographical region. Results: The cumulative results of the meta-analysis for specific parts of the world are: Africa (RR = 1.16, p = 0.216) and the Americas (RR = 1.03, p = 0.597); Asia (RR = 1.29, p = 0.014); European countries (RR = 1.01, p = 0.904); and Middle East countries (RR = 1.29, p = 0.043). Subgroup analyses showed an increased risk of BrCa for the analyzed variables that depended upon the geographical region. Conclusions: Our meta-analysis suggests that OC use may be associated with a higher BrCa risk, although a statistically significant association was not found for all geographical regions of the world.
Pre-Surgical Endoscopic Biopsies Are Representative of Esophageal and Esophago-Gastric Junction Adenocarcinoma Histologic Classes and Survival Risk
Authors: Gambella Alessandro , Fiocca Roberto , Lugaresi Marialuisa , D’Errico Antonietta , Malvi Deborah , Spaggiari Paola , Tomezzoli Anna , Albarello Luca , Ristimäki Ari , Bottiglieri Luca , Bonora Elena , Krishnadath Kausilia K. , Raulli Gian Domenico , Rosati Riccardo , Romario Uberto Fumagalli , De Manzoni Giovanni , Räsänen Jari , Mattioli Sandro , Grillo Federica , Mastracci Luca
Published: December 2024

Background and Objectives: The Esophageal Adenocarcinoma Study Group Europe (EACSGE) recently proposed a granular histologic classification of esophageal–esophago-gastric junctional adenocarcinomas (EA-EGJAs) based on the study of naïve surgically resected specimens that, when combined with the pTNM stage, is an efficient indicator of prognosis, molecular events, and response to treatment. In this study, we compared histologic classes of endoscopic biopsies taken before surgical resection with those of the surgical specimen, to evaluate the potential of the EACSGE classification at the initial diagnostic workup. Methods: A total of 106 EA-EGJA cases with available endoscopic biopsies and matched surgical resection specimens were retrieved from five Italian institutions. Histologic classification was performed on all specimens to identify well-differentiated glandular adenocarcinoma (WD-GAC), poorly differentiated glandular adenocarcinoma (PD-GAC), mucinous muconodular carcinoma (MMC), infiltrative mucinous carcinoma (IMC), diffuse desmoplastic carcinoma, diffuse anaplastic carcinoma (DAC), and mixed subtypes. Related risk subgroups (low-risk versus high-risk) were also assessed. The correlations of histologic classes and risk subgroups between diagnostic biopsies and surgical resection specimens were explored with Spearman’s correlation test. Sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, true positives, true negatives, false positives, and false negatives were also calculated. Results: A strong positive correlation between biopsies and surgical specimens occurred for both histologic classes (coefficient: 0.75, p < 0.001) and risk subgroups (coefficient: 0.65, p < 0.001). The highest sensitivities and specificities were observed for MMC, IMC, and DAC (100% and 99% for all), followed by WD-GAC (sensitivity 91%, specificity 79%) and PD-GAC (sensitivity 722%, specificity 86%). The low-risk and high-risk groups presented a sensitivity and specificity of 89% and 76% (low-risk) and 76% and 89% (high-risk). Conclusions: The EACSGE histologic classification of EA-EGJAs and associated prognostic subgroups can be reliably assessed on pre-operative diagnostic biopsies. Further studies on larger and more representative cohorts of EA-EGJAs will allow us to validate our findings and confirm if the EA-EGJA biopsy histomorphology and clinical TNM staging will be as efficient as the surgical specimen histomorphology and pTNM in predicting patient prognoses and tailoring personalized therapeutic approaches.
Role of Podoplanin (PDPN) in Advancing the Progression and Metastasis of Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM)
Authors: Sharma Bharti , Agriantonis George , Shafaee Zahra , Twelker Kate , Bhatia Navin D. , Kuschner Zachary , Arnold Monique , Agcon Aubrey , Dave Jasmine , Mestre Juan , Arora Shalini , Ghanta Hima , Whittington Jennifer
Published: December 2024

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is a malignant primary brain tumor categorized as a Grade 4 astrocytic glioma by the World Health Organization (WHO). Some of the established risk factors of GBM include inherited genetic syndromes, body mass index, alcohol consumption, use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and therapeutic ionizing radiation. Vascular anomalies, including local and peripheral thrombosis, are common features of GBM. Podoplanin (PDPN), a ligand of the C-type lectin receptor (CLEC-2), promotes platelet activation, aggregation, venous thromboembolism (VTE), lymphatic vessel formation, and tumor metastasis in GBM patients. It is regulated by Prox1 and is expressed in developing and adult mammalian brains. It was initially identified on lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs) as the E11 antigen and on fibroblastic reticular cells (FRCs) of lymphoid organs and thymic epithelial cells as gp38. In recent research studies, its expression has been linked with prognosis in GBM. PDPN-expressing cancer cells are highly pernicious, with a mutant aptitude to form stem cells. Such cells, on colocalization to the surrounding tissues, transition from epithelial to mesenchymal cells, contributing to the malignant carcinogenesis of GBM. PDPN can be used as an independent prognostic factor in GBM, and this review provides strong preclinical and clinical evidence supporting these claims.
The In Vitro Cytotoxic Effect of Elesclomol on Breast Adenocarcinoma Cells Is Enhanced by Concurrent Treatment with Glycolytic Inhibitors
Authors: Modica-Napolitano Josephine S. , Murray Morgan , Thibault Jacob , Haley-Read John-Paul , Nixdorf Lauren , Shanahan Bridget , Iacovella Nicholas , Reyes Carlos
Published: December 2024

Background/Objectives: Glycolysis and mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation are the two major metabolic pathways for cellular ATP production. The metabolic plasticity displayed by cancer cells allows them to effectively shift between each of these pathways as a means of adapting to various growth conditions, thus ensuring their survival, proliferation and disease progression. Metabolic plasticity also provides cancer cells with the ability to circumvent many traditional monotherapies aimed at only one or the other of the major ATP-producing pathways. The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of a dual treatment strategy aimed simultaneously at both pathways of ATP production in human breast cancer cells. It was hypothesized that concurrent exposure of these cells to the mitochondria-targeting chemotherapeutic agent, elesclomol, in combination with either of two glycolytic inhibitors, 2-deoxy-D-glucose or 3-bromopyruvate, would yield greater in vitro anticancer effects than those observed for any of the compounds used as a single agent. Methods: Cytotoxicity and clonogenic assays were employed to assess the survival and proliferation of MCF7 and MDA-MB-231 human breast adenocarcinoma cells exposed to the compounds alone and in combination. Results: The data obtained show that the cancer-cell-killing and antiproliferative effects of the dual treatment were significantly enhanced compared to those observed for any of the compounds alone. Conclusions: The results of this study are important in that they suggest the possibility of a novel and effective chemotherapeutic strategy for breast cancer cell killing.
Beta-Cell-Derived Extracellular Vesicles: Mediators of Intercellular Communication in the Islet Microenvironment in Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Dekkers Mette C. , Pu Xudong , Enciso-Martinez Agustin , Zaldumbide Arnaud
Published: December 2024

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is a chronic autoimmune disorder characterised by an autoimmune response specifically mounted against the insulin-producing beta cells. Within the islet, high cellular connectivity and extensive vascularisation facilitate intra-islet communication and direct crosstalk with the surrounding tissues and the immune system. During the development of T1D, cytokines and extracellular vesicles released by beta cells can contribute to the recruitment of immune cells, further amplifying autoimmunity and aggravating beta cell damage and dysfunction. In this review, we will evaluate the role of beta-cell-derived extracellular vesicles as mediators of the autoimmune response and discuss their potential for early diagnosis and new therapeutic strategies in T1D.
Deficiencies of Inducible Costimulator (ICOS) During Chronic Infection with Toxoplasma gondii Upregulate the CD28-Dependent Cytotoxicity of CD8+ T Cells and Their Effector Function Against Tissue Cysts of the Parasite
Authors: Mani Rajesh , Balu Kanal E. , Suzuki Yasuhiro
Published: December 2024

We recently identified that the cerebral mRNA expression of inducible costimulator (ICOS) and its ligand, ICOSL, both significantly increase during the elimination of Toxoplasma gondii cysts from the brains of infected mice by the perforin-mediated cytotoxic activity of CD8+ T cells. In the present study, we examined the role of ICOS in activating the effector activity of CD8+ T cells in response to the presence of cysts in infected mice. Following the adoptive transfer of splenic CD8+ T cells from chronically infected ICOS-deficient (ICOS−/−) and wild-type (WT) mice to infected SCID mice, fewer CD8+ T cells were detected in the brains of the recipients of ICOS−/− CD8+ T cells than the recipients of WT CD8+ T cells. Interestingly, even with the lower migration rate of the ICOS−/− CD8+ T cells, those T cells eliminated T. gondii cysts more efficiently than WT CD8+ T cells did in the brains of the recipient mice. Consistently, the ICOS−/− CD8+ T cells secreted greater amounts of granzyme B in response to T. gondii antigens in vitro than WT CD8+ T cells did. We identified that CD8+ T cells of infected ICOS−/− mice express significantly greater levels of CD28 on their surface than CD8+ T cells of infected WT mice, and the relative expression of CD28 mRNA to CD8β mRNA levels in the brains of the recipients of those CD8+ T cells were strongly correlated with their relative expression levels of mRNA for T-bet transcription factors and perforin. Furthermore, blocking CD28 signaling using a combination of anti-CD80 and anti-CD86 antibodies eliminated the increased cytotoxic activity of the ICOS−/− CD8+ T cells in vitro. The present study uncovered notable compensatory interactions between ICOS and CD28, which protected the cytotoxic effector activity of CD8+ T cells against microbial infection in a murine model of chronic infection with T. gondii.
Leadership and Climate Change Mitigation: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: McPherson Corey , Clarke Amelia
Published: December 2024

This systematic literature review (SLR) explores leadership and climate change mitigation in cities. In doing so, it investigates explicit meanings of leadership, enablers of leadership, and leadership similarities and differences across regions. The review utilized three databases on 8 March 2024—Scopus, ProQuest, and Web of Science—curating an initial 496 results, resulting in 30 studies in the final analysis, using a two-reviewer screening process to limit bias and ensure consistency of approach. Inclusion criteria included English-language peer-reviewed articles over a ten-year period. The timeframe used was limited to January 2014 to December 2023 (10 years) to focus on the lead up to and post-implementation of the Paris Agreement. Further, empirical and conceptual studies were included to provide readers of this review with a thorough understanding of leadership work completed since 2014. Exclusion criteria included any studies that focus on adaptation measures and forms of leadership where the focus is on the private business, state, or national level, including leadership and climate change mitigation outside the influence of the local government. The study highlights five distinct meanings of leadership using the Braun and Clarke method of thematic analysis. It found leadership themes related to people (e.g., mayors), policy (e.g., ambitious climate plans), ideas (e.g., new concepts), collective action (e.g., motivating others), and mobilizing power (e.g., through regulations). The enablers of leadership included polycentricity, social capital influences, co-creational and mayor leadership, climate governance, and multi-actor coordination. This review segments the studies based on the findings from the literature, which focus on three continents (North America, Europe, and Asia) with a distinct difference in the meaning and enablers of leadership based on region. The 30 articles shared similarities in content, such as strong mayoral influence, but also had some distinct differences, such as how leadership is enacted based on leveraging market mechanisms, policy, and horizontal and vertical coordination. Finally, research gaps were identified, such as the scant focus on leadership and climate change mitigation in the Global South, to enable future research. Limitations of this study include the utilization of three databases, a focus on only English-language peer-reviewed articles, and a strong climate change mitigation focus.
Temperature and Flexural Endurances of Aluminum-Doped Zinc Oxide Thin Films on Flexible Polyethylene Terephthalate Substrates: Pathways to Enhanced Flexibility and Conductivity
Authors: Hamasha Mohammad M. , Hamasha Sa’d , Alzoubi Khalid , Obeidat Mohammed Said , Massadeh Raghad
Published: December 2024

This work investigates the endurance and performance of aluminum-doped zinc oxide (AZO) thin films fabricated on flexible polyethylene terephthalate (PET) substrates, providing new insights into their degradation linked to mechanical flexing and accelerated thermal cycling (ATC). The current study uniquely combines cyclic bending fatigue at 23 °C and 70 °C with ATC between 0 °C and 100 °C, simulating operational stresses in real-world environments, in contrast to previous research that has focused primarily on either isolated mechanical or thermal effects. The 425 nm thick films showed high transparency and conductivity, making them suitable materials for flexible electronics and optoelectronic devices. In this work, electrical resistivity, one of the most important performance parameters, was investigated after each mechanical or thermal cycle. The results indicate that mechanical cycling at high temperatures can drastically enhance the crack formation and electrical degradation, with an over 250% change in the electrical resistance (PCER) after 12,000 cycles at 70 °C and more than 300% after 500 thermal cycles. The highly deleterious effects of combined stressors on the structural integrity and electrical properties of AZO films are underlined by these observations. This study further suggests that the design of more robust AZO-based materials/coatings would contribute toward achieving better durability in flexible electronic applications. These findings also go hand in glove with the ninth goal of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, specifically Target 9.5: Enhance Research and Upgrade Industrial Technologies.
Foaming Properties of Chlorella sorokiniana Microalgal Biomass
Authors: Georgiou Despoina , Charisis Aggelos , Theocharidou Athina , Ritzoulis Christos , Papapanagiotou Georgia , Samara Christina , Chatzidoukas Christos , Kalogianni Eleni P.
Published: December 2024

Chlorella sorokiniana is a well-studied microalga with significant nutritional potential due to its health-promoting nutrients. C. sorokiniana is rich in proteins (~50%), lipids (~14%), vitamins, and other bioactive compounds, making it an attractive ingredient for the food industry. Other properties of C. sorokiniana, such as its foaming properties, have not been extensively investigated. The present work examines the foaming properties of C. sorokiniana biomass and of its fractions, namely the foaming properties of the whole-cell biomass, the disrupted-cell biomass, the water-soluble protein-rich extract, and the disrupted-cell biomass residue after oil extraction. The water/air interfacial tension, zeta potential, foaming capacity, foam stability, and foam morphology of C. sorokiniana biomass and its fractions were determined. Furthermore, the effect of the pH on the foaming properties of the water-soluble protein-rich extract was also investigated. The results show that the examined fractions decrease the water-air interfacial tension and form foams. The type of biomass fraction affects strongly the foam characteristics and foam stability. Furthermore, the stability and characteristics of the foam are significantly affected by pH. Overall, the water-soluble protein-rich extract at pH 7 presented the best foam stability, as the foam remained stable for more than 24 h and had a narrow bubble size distribution. The obtained results suggest that fractionated microalgae biomass could be used as an effective foaming agent in different commercial applications.
Chebyshev Polynomials in the Physics of the One-Dimensional Finite-Size Ising Model: An Alternative View and Some New Results
Authors: Tonchev Nicholay S. , Dantchev Daniel
Published: December 2024

For studying the finite-size behavior of the Ising model under different boundary conditions, we propose an alternative to the standard transfer matrix technique approach based on Abelès theorem and Chebyshev polynomials. Using it, one can easily reproduce the known results for periodic boundary conditions concerning the Lee–Yang zeros, the exact position-space renormalization-group transformation, etc., and can extend them by deriving new results for antiperiodic boundary conditions. Note that in the latter case, one has a nontrivial order parameter profile, which we also calculate, where the average value of a given spin depends on the distance from the seam with the opposite bond in the system. It is interesting to note that under both boundary conditions, the one-dimensional case exhibits Schottky anomaly.
Dominant Species Composition, Environmental Characteristics and Dynamics of Forests with Picea jezoensis Trees in Northeast China
Authors: Duan Jichen , Jia Zhiyuan , Ge Shusen , Li Yutang , Kang Dongwei , Li Junqing
Published: December 2024

To describe the characteristics and dynamics of the Picea jezoensis (PJ) community, a survey of 48 forest plots containing PJ trees was conducted in Northeast China. Methods of community grouping, analysis of variance, and linear regression, and indicators of relative basal area (RBA, reflecting the dominance degree of species in the community) and temporary stability (TS, reflecting the stability of forest plant community), were employed. The objectives were to describe the dominant species composition and environment of the PJ community and to quantify the changes in PJ’s dominance status. Communities with PJ trees were divided into four groups: PJ as the first dominant species; PJ as the second dominant species; PJ being co-dominant but ranked third or lower; and PJ as a non-dominant species. Among them, the PJ community (i.e., where PJ is the first dominant species) occupied sites at the highest elevation with a mean value of 1408 m, on gentle slopes ≤ 10°, where the tree species occurring with PJ mainly included Betula costata and Abies nephrolepis. A linear relationship was found between the TS and RBA. The threshold for PJ shifting between being the first and second dominant species in the community was RBA = 0.387. This study provides a scientific basis for judging the attributes and status of PJ community and the protection and restoration of PJ forests. These findings also provide comparable information for ecological research and conservation of PJ forests in other areas.
Comment on Lone et al. Phylogenetic Relationships in Earthworm Megascolex Species (Oligochaeta: Megascolecidae) with Addition of Two New Species. Diversity 2022, 14, 1006
Authors: Narayanan Sasankan Prasanth , Paliwal Rahul , Thomas Ambattu Paili , Julka Jatinder Mohan
Published: December 2024

Currently, on a global scale, integrated taxonomical works, by incorporating the molecular approach and traditional taxonomic methods have gained acceptance. Recently, Lone et al. (Diversity 2022, Phylogenetic Relationships in Earthworm Megascolex Species (Oligochaeta: Megascolecidae) with Addition of Two New Species) studied eleven Megascolex species (including two new species) from the Western Ghats biodiversity hotspot region of the Kerala state, India, by incorporating the integrated methods. The analysis of the results provided in Lone et al. indicated several discrepancies and shortcomings. They have overlooked or incorrectly described many key characters used in the Megascolex species identification and provided faulty figures. Apart from these, the paper had many factual as well as systematic errors. In this comment, based on the data provided by Lone et al., we critically reviewed their work, citing the errors and defects so as to help them to avoid similar issues in their future works and to obviate further confusions in the field of earthworm taxonomy.
Ecological Niche Modeling of Five Azorella Species in the High Andean Páramo Ecosystem of South America: Assessing Climate Change Impacts Until 2040
Authors: Rosero-Erazo Carlos Rolando , Frey Catherine , Armijos-Arcos Freddy , Abdo-Peralta Paula , Hernández-Allauca Andrea Damaris , García-Pumagualle Cristian , Ortega-Castro John , Otero X. L. , Toulkeridis Theofilos
Published: December 2024

The current study aims to analyze the fundamental ecological niches of five páramo species in the high Andean zones of South America. Hereby, the research focuses on the typical flora species of this ecosystem, such as Azorella aretioides, Azorella crenata, Azorella biloba, Azorella corymbosa, and Azorella pedunculata, testing whether their niches are more similar than expected. The study area in the Ecuadorian Andes encompasses altitudinal gradients between 2000 and 5000 m above sea level, where the species were previously registered. For the methodology, we used data from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) and identified the determining bioclimatic variables for the model as Bio1, Bio2, Bio3, Bio4, Bio12, Bio13, Bio14, Bio18, and Bio19. Moreover, we considered two alternative socioeconomic scenarios of climate change (SSP126 and SSP 245) projected for the period 2021–2040. In the same way, ecological niche models were evaluated and applied in order to identify areas of reduction in geographic space and the ecological space of the five species. Subsequently, the analysis revealed significant sensitivity of these high mountain species to variations in temperature and precipitation, with potential risks to associated species and water resources. In conclusion, changes in the fundamental niche were observed, with all species indicating reductions in distribution for 2040. This occurs particularly under the SSP245 scenario and especially in the equatorial zone, which currently exhibits extraordinary richness concerning the Azorella genus. Therefore, the study highlights evidently the vulnerability of páramo species to climate change, emphasizing the need for conservation efforts.
Effects of Surrounding Landscape Context on Threatened Wetland Bird Diversity at the Global Scale
Authors: Li Lihe , Liu Yiwen , Wang Haokun , Zhu Yemeng , Li Yuxiang , Xu Chi , Teng Shuqing N.
Published: December 2024

Wetland birds are undergoing severe population declines globally, primarily attributed to extensive wetland loss and degradation. The attributes of the landscape surrounding a focal locality, referred to as ‘landscape context’, have been shown to influence the diversity of wetland birds living in the given area. At a global scale, however, the landscape context effects on wetland birds have not been assessed. Here, we assessed the effect of landscape context on the richness of threatened bird species recorded in 334 inland Ramsar wetland sites across the globe. Generalized linear mixed models were used to quantify the relationship between the richness of these bird species and the landscape context of the Ramsar sites. Variation partitioning was used to quantify the independent explanatory power of landscape context for comparison between migratory and non-migratory species. The overall and independent explanatory power of landscape context for the global-scale richness pattern of threatened avifauna reached ca. 17% and 3%, respectively, with the scale of peak explanatory power being 5 times the area of a focal Ramsar site. The independent explanatory power of landscape context was significantly higher for migratory species (ca. 30%) than for non-migratory ones (ca. 3%). Among the landscape context metrics, wetland habitat loss and fragmentation were most strongly associated with the global-scale richness of threatened migrant species at Ramsar sites. Our results suggest that even at macroecological scales, landscape context contributes to shaping the richness pattern of threatened bird species, especially for migrants. These findings provide useful insight for managing landscapes surrounding Ramsar sites, in order to improve conservation effectiveness for wetland birds worldwide.
Biodiversity of Coleoptera (Insecta) in Central European Russia
Authors: Egorov Leonid V. , Sazhnev Aleksey S. , Dedyukhin Sergey V. , Ruchin Alexander B. , Trushitsyna Olga S. , Nikolaeva Anna M. , Esin Mikhail N. , Lobachev Evgeniy A.
Published: December 2024

(1) Background: Beetles (Insecta: Coleoptera) are the most diverse order of insects. The beetle species live in many ecosystems around the globe and their roles in ecosystems are very diverse; therefore, it is important to know the local and regional biodiversity. Conservation of the entomofauna in individual macroregions requires effort to study the distribution and abundance of insects. To this end, databases are being created to record this information so that the status of a species can be objectively assessed and, if necessary, measures taken to protect it. (2) Methods: The materials were collected from the territory of eleven regions of European Russia (Ryazan, Tambov, Penza, Voronezh, Lipetsk, Moscow (including the city of Moscow), Vladimir, Kursk, Tula and Kaluga Oblasts and the Republic of Mordovia), mainly during the last approximately 20 years (2005–2024). The beetles were collected by different means (manual collection; the use of soil traps, fermental crown traps, and Malaise traps; light fishing; sweeping with an entomological net on plants and under water, etc.). (3) Results: The dataset presents data on 1310 species and subspecies of Coleoptera from 74 families found in the Eastern Part of the Eastern European Plain. In total, there are 65,100 samples and 10,771 occurrences in the dataset. (4) Conclusions: The largest families in terms of species diversity are Curculionidae (198 species), Carabidae (183 species), Staphylinidae (121 species) and Chrysomelidae (120 species).
Enhanced Panoramic Radiograph-Based Tooth Segmentation and Identification Using an Attention Gate-Based Encoder–Decoder Network
Authors: Özçelik Salih Taha Alperen , Üzen Hüseyin , Şengür Abdulkadir , Fırat Hüseyin , Türkoğlu Muammer , Çelebi Adalet , Gül Sema , Sobahi Nebras M.
Published: December 2024

Background: Dental disorders are one of the most important health problems, affecting billions of people all over the world. Early diagnosis is important for effective treatment planning. Precise dental disease segmentation requires reliable tooth numbering, which may be prone to errors if performed manually. These steps can be automated using artificial intelligence, which may provide fast and accurate results. Among the AI methodologies, deep learning has recently shown excellent performance in dental image processing, allowing effective tooth segmentation and numbering. Methods: This paper proposes the Squeeze and Excitation Inception Block-based Encoder–Decoder (SE-IB-ED) network for teeth segmentation in panoramic X-ray images. It combines the InceptionV3 model for encoding with a custom decoder for feature integration and segmentation, using pointwise convolution and an attention mechanism. A dataset of 313 panoramic radiographs from private clinics was annotated using the Fédération Dentaire Internationale (FDI) system. PSPL and SAM augmented the annotation precision and effectiveness, with SAM automating teeth labeling and subsequently applying manual corrections. Results: The proposed SE-IB-ED network was trained and tested using 80% training and 20% testing of the dataset, respectively. Data augmentation techniques were employed during training. It outperformed the state-of-the-art models with a very high F1-score of 92.65%, mIoU of 86.38%, and 92.84% in terms of accuracy, precision of 92.49%, and recall of 99.92% in the segmentation of teeth. Conclusions: According to the results obtained, the proposed method has great potential for the accurate segmentation of all teeth regions and backgrounds in panoramic X-ray images.
Maternal Supplementation with Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus GG Improves Glucose Tolerance and Modulates the Intestinal Microbiota of Offspring
Authors: Correia Gomes Dayane , Meza Alvarado José Enrique , Zamora Briseño Jesus Alejandro , Cano Sarmiento Cynthia , Camacho Morales Alberto , Viveros Contreras Rubi
Published: December 2024

Introduction: Consuming hypercaloric diets during pregnancy induces metabolic, immune, and maternal intestinal dysbiosis disorders. These conditions are transferred to the offspring through the placenta and breastfeeding, increasing susceptibility to metabolic diseases. We investigated the effect of L. rhamnosus GG supplementation on offspring maternally programmed with a hypercaloric diet. Methods: Our study involved sixteen female Wistar rats aged ten weeks, which were divided into four groups based on their diets: control (Ctrl), cafeteria (CAF), control + probiotic (PRO), and cafeteria + probiotic (CPRO). The control + probiotic and cafeteria + probiotic groups received a daily oral administration of 250 μL of L. rhamnosus GG cell suspension (equivalent to 109 UFC) for nine weeks. The body weight of the animals was recorded weekly, and their food intake was monitored every 24 h. An oral glucose tolerance test was conducted on the offspring at seven weeks of age. At the ninth week of age, animals were euthanized, and blood, tissues, and organs were collected. Results: Maternal supplementation with L. rhamnosus GG decreased food intake and the average birth weight, improved glucose sensitivity, and lowered the levels of LDL, cholesterol, triglycerides, and mesenteric adipose tissue in offspring compared with the control and cafeteria groups. Conclusions: Our findings indicate that supplementing with LGG during maternal programming could protect offspring from metabolic disruptions caused by a hypercaloric maternal diet.
Visual Servoing Using Sliding-Mode Control with Dynamic Compensation for UAVs’ Tracking of Moving Targets
Authors: Carvajal Christian P. , Andaluz Víctor H. , Varela-Aldás José , Roberti Flavio , Del-Valle-Soto Carolina , Carelli Ricardo
Published: December 2024

An Image-Based Visual Servoing Control (IBVS) structure for target tracking by Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) is presented. The scheme contains two stages. The first one is a sliding-model controller (SMC) that allows one to track a target with a UAV; the control strategy is designed in the function of the image. The proposed SMC control strategy is commonly used in control systems that present high non-linearities and that are always exposed to external disturbances; these disturbances can be caused by environmental conditions or induced by the estimation of the position and/or velocity of the target to be tracked. In the second instance, a controller is placed to compensate the UAV dynamics; this is a controller that allows one to compensate the velocity errors that are produced by the dynamic effects of the UAV. In addition, the corresponding stability analysis of the sliding mode-based visual servo controller and the sliding mode dynamic compensation control is presented. The proposed control scheme employs the kinematics and dynamics of the robot by presenting a cascade control based on the same control strategy. In order to evaluate the proposed scheme for tracking moving targets, experimental tests are carried out in a semi-structured working environment with the hexarotor-type aerial robot. For detection and image processing, the Opencv C++ library is used; the data are published in an ROS topic at a frequency of 50 Hz. The robot controller is implemented in the mathematical software Matlab.
Reindustrialization, Innovative Sustainable Economic Development, and Societal Values: A Cluster Analysis Approach
Authors: Maslyukova Elena , Volchik Vyacheslav , Strielkowski Wadim
Published: December 2024

Our paper explores the challenges of industrial development by examining two contrasting theoretical frameworks: (i) the mainstream economic approach which emphasizes capital accumulation, innovation, and profit maximization within a globalized context, and (ii) the classical institutional economics perspective, rooted in the so-called “Veblen Dichotomy”. The latter contrasts monetary institutions focused on short-term profits with those centered on organizational, social, environmental, and business values that foster long-term technological progress. We analyze reindustrialization processes and assess the hypothesis that the conflict between these divergent institutions and social values plays a critical role in creating an institutional environment conducive to innovation and economic development. Our research highlights how technological advancements contribute to the physical and geographical fragmentation of industrial activities, thereby driving the spatial restructuring of economies. Furthermore, this paper addresses the growing prominence of intangible production, noting how deindustrialization, driven by shifts toward service-based economies, is closely related to the broader processes of globalization. The paper employs cluster analysis to explore the links between reindustrialization, institutional dynamics, and societal values across four groups (clusters) of countries. Our results reveal differences and similarities between these groups of countries and offer policy implications and suggestions for improvements. These results might be of special interest for relevant stakeholders and policymakers, as well as for researchers focused on innovative industrial and economic development.
Research on High-Efficiency Routing Protocols for HWSNs Based on Deep Reinforcement Learning
Authors: Song Yu , Liu Zhigui , Li Kunran , He Xiaoli , Zhu Weizhuo
Published: December 2024

In heterogeneous wireless sensor networks (HWSNs), optimizing energy efficiency presents significant challenges due to variations in node energy levels and the complexity of the network environment. This paper introduces an energy efficiency optimization algorithm for HWSNs based on the Deep Q-Network (HDQN). The algorithm aims to address these challenges by selecting the optimal information transmission path. The HDQN leverages energy differences between nodes and real-time environmental data to enhance network efficiency. Its reward function takes into account node distance, remaining energy, and relay node count to balance node participation and minimize overall energy consumption. The Deep Q-Network (DQN) uses the mean squared error for precise reward estimation, and an improved packet header structure supports effective routing decisions. Simulation results show that the HDQN significantly outperforms existing algorithms—EEHCHR, 2L-HMGEAR, NCOGA, DEEC, and SEP—in terms of energy efficiency, network lifetime, and robustness, demonstrating its potential to advance the performance of HWSNs. The research results of the paper provide a theoretical basis for future energy efficiency research in wireless communication and contribute to the study of the new generation of wireless networks.
Improved Instantaneous Current Value-Based Protection Methods for Faulty Synchronizations of Synchronous Generators
Authors: Mahtani Kumar , Guerrero José M. , Platero Carlos A.
Published: December 2024

Faulty synchronizations of synchronous generators can cause significant detrimental effects, primarily due to a large current and high electromagnetic torque. These effects not only impact the generator but they can also extend to the prime mover and the step-up transformer. Furthermore, such events can trigger disturbances in the power system, potentially leading to system collapse if not promptly cleared. Although the autosynchronizers and synchro-check technologies are well established in the industry, faulty synchronizations, such as those caused by incorrect wiring during maintenance or commissioning operations, can go undetected by these systems. Existing protections do not allow for the detection of faulty synchronizations in a timely manner. This paper presents novel protection methods specifically designed for this issue: one based on instantaneous current value and the other on the instantaneous current-derivative value. These schemes are activated exclusively during the synchronizations process, allowing for faster fault detection compared to existing methods, thereby reducing the duration of harmful electrical and mechanical stresses after a faulty synchronization. The effectiveness of the proposed schemes has been validated through computer simulations of a 362 MVA turbo-generator from a thermal power plant and also through experimental tests on a 5 kVA synchronous generator using a specialized laboratory synchronization test bench, yielding promising results.
SVTR-SRNet: A Deep Learning Model for Scene Text Recognition via SVTR Framework and Spatial Reduction Mechanism
Authors: Zhao Ming , Li Yalong , Zhang Chaolin , Du Quan , Peng Shenglung
Published: December 2024

Most deep learning models suffer from the problems of large computational complexity and insufficient feature extraction. To achieve a dynamic balance and tradeoff between computational complexity and performance, an enhanced SVTR-based scene text recognition model (SVTR-SRNet) was designed in this paper. In the SVTR-SRNet, we first created a bottom-up jump connection network that increases the number of information transfer pathways between the top and bottom features and improves the accuracy of information extraction. Second, we modified the attention mechanism by adding a new intermediate parameter called SR(Q) (Spatial Reduction (Q)), which finds a suitable compromise between the representational power and computing efficiency. In contrast to the conventional attention mechanism, the novel technique maintains the ability to model the global context while also enhancing efficiency. Ultimately, we developed a novel adaptive hybrid loss function to mitigate the shortcomings of a singular loss function’s inadequate generalization capacity and enhance the model’s resilience in handling a variety of challenging scenarios. Our technique outperforms existing standard models in terms of recognition performance on both the English and Chinese datasets, which deal with a high number of similar characters. As the model possesses great efficiency and outstanding cross-linguistic adaptability, it has a wide range of practical applications.