bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Does thyroglossal duct arborization play a role in the post-surgical outcome of Sistrunk procedure in children?
Authors: Spinelli Claudio , Ghionzoli Marco , Ugolini Clara , Oreglio Chiara , Guglielmo Carla , Morabito Antonino , Patrizio Armando , Fallahi Poupak , Ferrari Silvia Martina , Antonelli Alessandro
Published: April 2024

Purpose

The purpose of the present study is to analyze thyroglossal duct cyst (TGDC) histopathological features, with focus on “arborization”, in a cohort of pediatric patients who underwent surgical removal, and evaluate a possible correlation with clinical recurrences.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of all patients who underwent surgical resection for TGDC at the division of Pediatric Surgery of the University of Pisa from 2015 to 2020 was performed; for each patient, the following data were recorded: age, sex, clinical presentation, localization, size of the lesion, diagnostic tools, histopathological features, perioperative complications, recurrence and follow-up.

Results

With respect to arborization, following histopathological analysis 25/30 patients (83.3%) presented thyroglossal duct branching. After a median follow-up of 3.5 years, only 2 out of 30 patients (6.7%), one male and one female, respectively aged 4 y.o. and 6 y.o., presented recurrence within one year from first surgery.

Conclusion

Surgery for TGDC remains a challenge for pediatric surgeons, while arborization was present in most of our cases which underwent surgery. With respect to the role of arborization, our study did not highlight sufficient conclusive data regarding their role in recurrence: instead, it showed wide resection as satisfactory, being the arborization present in most of the cases at histopathology.
On the power of bounded asynchrony: convergence by autonomous robots with limited visibility
Authors: Kirkpatrick David , Kostitsyna Irina , Navarra Alfredo , Prencipe Giuseppe , Santoro Nicola
Published: April 2024

A distributed algorithm $${\mathcal {A}}$$
A
solves the Point Convergence task if an arbitrarily large collection of entities, starting in an arbitrary configuration, move under the control of $${\mathcal {A}}$$
A
to eventually form and thereafter maintain configurations in which the separation between all entities is arbitrarily small. This fundamental task in the standard $$\mathcal {OBLOT}$$
OBLOT
model of autonomous mobile entities has been previously studied in a variety of settings, including full visibility, exact measurements (including distances and angles), and synchronous activation of entities. Our study concerns the minimal assumptions under which entities, moving asynchronously with limited and unknown visibility range and subject to limited imprecision in measurements, can be guaranteed to converge in this way. We present an algorithm operating under these constraints that solves Point Convergence, for entities moving in two or three dimensional space, with any bounded degree of asynchrony. We also prove that under similar realistic constraints, but unbounded asynchrony, Point Convergence in the plane is not possible in general, contingent on the natural assumption that algorithms maintain the (visible) connectivity among entities present in the initial configuration. This variant, that we call Cohesive Convergence, serves to distinguish the power of bounded and unbounded asynchrony in the control of autonomous mobile entities, settling a long-standing question whether in the Euclidean plane synchronously scheduled entities are more powerful than asynchronously scheduled entities.
Machine learning in the prediction and detection of new-onset atrial fibrillation in ICU: a systematic review
Authors: Glaser Krzysztof , Marino Luca , Stubnya Janos Domonkos , Bilotta Federico
Published: April 2024

Atrial fibrillation (AF) stands as the predominant arrhythmia observed in ICU patients. Nevertheless, the absence of a swift and precise method for prediction and detection poses a challenge. This study aims to provide a comprehensive literature review on the application of machine learning (ML) algorithms for predicting and detecting new-onset atrial fibrillation (NOAF) in ICU-treated patients. Following the PRISMA recommendations, this systematic review outlines ML models employed in the prediction and detection of NOAF in ICU patients and compares the ML-based approach with clinical-based methods. Inclusion criteria comprised randomized controlled trials (RCTs), observational studies, cohort studies, and case–control studies. A total of five articles published between November 2020 and April 2023 were identified and reviewed to extract the algorithms and performance metrics. Reviewed studies sourced 108,724 ICU admission records form databases, e.g., MIMIC. Eight prediction and detection methods were examined. Notably, CatBoost exhibited superior performance in NOAF prediction, while the support vector machine excelled in NOAF detection. Machine learning algorithms emerge as promising tools for predicting and detecting NOAF in ICU patients. The incorporation of these algorithms in clinical practice has the potential to enhance decision-making and the overall management of NOAF in ICU settings.
Multi-battle contests over complementary battlefields
Authors: Stephenson Daniel
Published: April 2024

This paper studies contests with complementary prizes where each agent simultaneously distributes a fixed budget over multiple battlefields. Each battlefield has a single prize which is divided among the competitors in proportion to an arbitrary power function of their investment levels. A unique pure strategy Nash equilibrium is shown to exist under arbitrarily sensitive battlefield success functions if objective functions exhibit constant subunitary elasticity of substitution between prize shares. In contrast, Blotto contests with linear objectives have only mixed strategy Nash equilibria if battlefield success functions are sufficiently sensitive to investment levels. Sufficient complementarity between prize shares allows pure strategy Nash equilibria to exist under arbitrarily sensitive battlefield success functions.
Optimized trans-cranial direct current stimulation for prolonged consciousness disorder in a patient with titanium mesh cranioplasty
Authors: Im Sun , Park Geun-Young , Kim Tae-Woo , Lim Seong Hoon
Published: April 2024

Background

Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) has been used for the restoration of awareness in patients with a minimal consciousness state (MCS). Most brains of patients in MCS may structurally and electrophysiologically differ from un-damaged brains. Moreover, tDCS is currently contraindicated for patients with craniotomy or skull with metallic implants.

Case Presentation

We present a case with prolonged MCS over 1 year, who had severe brain damage, ventriculoperitoneal shunt, and cranioplasty with a titanium mesh, which was treated with tDCS which optimized with the simulation of the electric field based on the patient’s brain MRI. The patient was resulting in emergence from MCS. Six months later, she ate meals orally and started walking with assistance.

Discussion and perspective

This personalized simulation based on MRI would make the treatment available even to patients with severe brain structural changes and metallic instrumentation.
Evaluation of school-based interventions including homework to promote healthy lifestyles: a systematic review with meta-analysis
Authors: Masini Alice , Salussolia Aurelia , Anastasia Alessandra , Grao-Cruces Alberto , Soldà Giorgia , Zanutto Giorgia , Riegger Stephan , Mulato Raffaela , Sánchez-Oliva David , Ceciliani Andrea , Marini Sofia , Dallolio Laura
Published: April 2024

Aim

It is important to promote healthy lifestyles in youth through initiatives in school, which is a preferred setting to implement health-related interventions also targeted at families to be more effective. This study aimed to synthesise school-based interventions including homework and extracurricular activities for the promotion of healthy lifestyles, especially healthy nutrition and physical activity, in children and adolescents.

Methods

This systematic review was conducted according to the PRISMA guidelines. Quality assessment was performed using the Cochrane Tool for Quality Assessment for randomized and non-randomized control trials, while the STROBE (Strengthening the Reporting of Observational studies in Epidemiology) guidelines were used for observational studies.

Results

From the 1356 studies identified, eight were included. Across studies, a significant effect was found in increasing fruit and vegetable consumption and reducing snack and sugar intake, while no effect was found for moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) unless for light PA (LPA) and step counts. The results of BMI and waist circumference are still unclear after performing a meta-analysis of three studies.

Conclusion

School-based interventions including homework and extracurricular activities were shown to improve nutritional behaviour, step counts, and LPA. Despite some statistically significant results, the effects of BMI and waist circumference are still unclear. Further studies are needed to demonstrate that these intervention s can represent an effective strategy for obesity prevention.
Automated sample preparation for electrospray ionization mass spectrometry based on CLOCK-controlled autonomous centrifugal microfluidics
Authors: Futami Masahiro , Naito Hiroki , Ninomiya Satoshi , Chen Lee Chuin , Iwano Tomohiko , Yoshimura Kentaro , Ukita Yoshiaki
Published: April 2024

We report a centrifugal microfluidic device that automatically performs sample preparation under steady-state rotation for clinical applications using mass spectrometry. The autonomous microfluidic device was designed for the control of liquid operation on centrifugal hydrokinetics (CLOCK) paradigm. The reported device was highly stable, with less than 7% variation with respect to the time of each unit operation (sample extraction, mixing, and supernatant extraction) in the preparation process. An agitation mechanism with bubbling was used to mix the sample and organic solvent in this device. We confirmed that the device effectively removed the protein aggregates from the sample, and the performance was comparable to those of conventional manual sample preparation procedures that use high-speed centrifugation. In addition, probe electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (PESI-MS) was performed to compare the device-treated and manually treated samples. The obtained PESI-MS spectra were analyzed by partial least squares discriminant analysis, and the preparation capability of the device was found to be equivalent to that of the conventional method.
Recreational physical activity and breast cancer risk by menopausal status and tumor hormone receptor status: results from the Nurses’ Health Studies
Authors: Fortner Renée T. , Brantley Kristen D. , Tworoger Shelley S. , Tamimi Rulla M. , Rosner Bernard , Holmes Michelle D. , Willett Walter C. , Eliassen A. Heather
Published: April 2024

Purpose

Physical activity is associated with lower breast cancer risk, especially in postmenopausal women. Associations in premenopausal women are less well established.

Methods

We evaluated recreational physical activity and breast cancer risk in the Nurses’ Health Study (NHS) and NHSII (187,278 women; n = 12,785 breast cancers; follow-up: NHS = 1986–2016, NHSII = 1989–2017) by menopausal status and estrogen (ER) and progesterone (PR) receptor status. Physical activity was evaluated as updated cumulative average of metabolic equivalent of task (MET)-h/week. Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate multivariable hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI).

Results

Recreational physical activity was inversely associated with breast cancer risk in pre- and postmenopausal women. Higher activity levels were associated with lower risk of ER+/PR + breast cancer in both pre- and postmenopausal women (e.g., total recreational activity, ≥ 27 vs < 3 MET-h/week, premenopausal HR = 0.83, 95%CI = (0.70–0.99), postmenopausal HR = 0.86 (0.78–0.95); pheterogeneity = 0.97). Results were attenuated with adjustment for current body mass index (BMI) among postmenopausal, but not premenopausal, women (e.g., ≥ 27 vs < 3 MET-h/week, premenopausal HR = 0.83 (0.69–0.98); postmenopausal HR = 0.95 (0.85–1.05); pheterogeneity = 0.99). In analyses of moderate-vigorous activity and breast cancer risk, no heterogeneity by menopausal status was observed (phet ≥ 0.53; e.g., ≥ 27 vs < 3 MET-h/week, ER+/PR+, premenopausal HR = 0.88 (0.69–1.11); postmenopausal HR = 0.71 (0.58–0.88). No associations were observed for ER−/PR− disease.

Conclusions

Recreational physical activity was associated with lower breast cancer risk in both pre- and postmenopausal women, supporting recreational physical activity as an accessible, modifiable exposure associated with reduced breast cancer risk regardless of menopausal status.
Clinical evaluation of deep learning-based risk profiling in breast cancer histopathology and comparison to an established multigene assay
Authors: Wang Yinxi , Sun Wenwen , Karlsson Emelie , Kang Lövgren Sandy , Ács Balázs , Rantalainen Mattias , Robertson Stephanie , Hartman Johan
Published: April 2024

Purpose

To evaluate the Stratipath Breast tool for image-based risk profiling and compare it with an established prognostic multigene assay for risk profiling in a real-world case series of estrogen receptor (ER)-positive and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-negative early breast cancer patients categorized as intermediate risk based on classic clinicopathological variables and eligible for chemotherapy.

Methods

In a case series comprising 234 invasive ER-positive/HER2-negative tumors, clinicopathological data including Prosigna results and corresponding HE-stained tissue slides were retrieved. The digitized HE slides were analysed by Stratipath Breast.

Results

Our findings showed that the Stratipath Breast analysis identified 49.6% of the clinically intermediate tumors as low risk and 50.4% as high risk. The Prosigna assay classified 32.5%, 47.0% and 20.5% tumors as low, intermediate and high risk, respectively. Among Prosigna intermediate-risk tumors, 47.3% were stratified as Stratipath low risk and 52.7% as high risk. In addition, 89.7% of Stratipath low-risk cases were classified as Prosigna low/intermediate risk. The overall agreement between the two tests for low-risk and high-risk groups (N = 124) was 71.0%, with a Cohen’s kappa of 0.42. For both risk profiling tests, grade and Ki67 differed significantly between risk groups.

Conclusion

The results from this clinical evaluation of image-based risk stratification shows a considerable agreement to an established gene expression assay in routine breast pathology.
Percentages and reasons: AI explainability and ultimate human responsibility within the medical field
Authors: Herrmann Markus , Wabro Andreas , Winkler Eva
Published: April 2024

With regard to current debates on the ethical implementation of AI, especially two demands are linked: the call for explainability and for ultimate human responsibility. In the medical field, both are condensed into the role of one person: It is the physician to whom AI output should be explainable and who should thus bear ultimate responsibility for diagnostic or treatment decisions that are based on such AI output. In this article, we argue that a black box AI indeed creates a rationally irresolvable epistemic situation for the physician involved. Specifically, strange errors that are occasionally made by AI sometimes detach its output from human reasoning. Within this article it is further argued that such an epistemic situation is problematic in the context of ultimate human responsibility. Since said strange errors limit the promises of explainability and the concept of explainability frequently appears irrelevant or insignificant when applied to a diverse set of medical applications, we deem it worthwhile to reconsider the call for ultimate human responsibility.
Towards NICE-by-Design Cybersecurity Learning Environments: A Cyber Range for SOC Teams
Authors: Karagiannis Stylianos , Magkos Emmanouil , Karavaras Eleftherios , Karnavas Antonios , Nikiforos Maria Nefeli , Ntantogian Christoforos
Published: April 2024

Cybersecurity has become an increasingly important field as cyber threats continue to grow in number and complexity. The NICE framework, developed by NIST, provides a structured approach to cybersecurity education. Despite the publication of cybersecurity frameworks, scenario design in cybersecurity is not yet governed by structured design principles, leading to ambiguous learning outcomes. This research uses the NICE framework to provide structure design and development of a cyber range and the relevant scenarios. The proposed methodology and research results can assist the scenario design in cybersecurity and as a methodological procedure for evaluation. Finally, the research provides a better understanding of the NICE framework and demonstrates how it can assist in creating practical cybersecurity scenarios.
Grey Zone Healers and the COVID-19 Pandemic in Chechnya, Russia
Authors: Zakharova Evgenia , Kołodziejska Iwa , Kaliszewska Iwona
Published: April 2024

The Chechen authorities’ focus upon population health is enacted both through the principles of Islamic medicine and approved biomedical practices. Any healing practices beyond these domains are met with deep suspicion. Practitioners of unofficial complementary and alternative medicine healers may abruptly find themselves regarded as enemies of the state. In light of this precarious circumstance, it becomes pertinent to inquire: How do these healers employ their daily tactics to negotiate the intricate power dynamics between the formidable state apparatus and the established biomedical order? Drawing from our meticulous fieldwork conducted in the year 2021, we investigated the intricate tactics employed by unofficial healers in the Chechen medical landscape during COVID-19. Our research centred on discerning the nuanced tactics aimed at mitigating potential risks. We conclude that healers, having embodied tactics to creatively manoeuvre within the confines of the authoritarian state, perceived the challenges posed by COVID-19 as merely another, often inconsequential, obstacle in their enduring struggle.
Novel GCN Model Using Dense Connection and Attention Mechanism for Text Classification
Authors: Peng Yinbin , Wu Wei , Ren Jiansi , Yu Xiang
Published: April 2024

Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) or Recurrent Neural Network (RNN) based text classification algorithms currently in use can successfully extract local textual features but disregard global data. Due to its ability to understand complex text structures and maintain global information, Graph Neural Network (GNN) has demonstrated considerable promise in text classification. However, most of the GNN text classification models in use presently are typically shallow, unable to capture long-distance node information and reflect the various scale features of the text (such as words, phrases, etc.). All of which will negatively impact the performance of the final classification. A novel Graph Convolutional Neural Network (GCN) with dense connections and an attention mechanism for text classification is proposed to address these constraints. By increasing the depth of GCN, the densely connected graph convolutional network (DC-GCN) gathers information about distant nodes. The DC-GCN multiplexes the small-scale features of shallow layers and produces different scale features through dense connections. To combine features and determine their relative importance, an attention mechanism is finally added. Experiment results on four benchmark datasets demonstrate that our model’s classification accuracy greatly outpaces that of the conventional deep learning text classification model. Our model performs exceptionally well when compared to other text categorization GCN algorithms.
Towards social life cycle assessment of food delivery: findings from the Italian case study
Authors: Ruggeri Marco , Zaki Mary Giò , Vinci Giuliana
Published: April 2024

Purpose

The growth of global food delivery (FD), which could reach a market value of 1510 billion dollars by 2027, could raise significant sustainability concerns, especially in terms of the social impact related to the expansion of the gig economy. This study, therefore, aims to analyze the social sustainability of the FD, taking Italy as a case study. The results could be a baseline to suggest practices that could promote a more socially responsible FD sector.

Methods

Social life cycle assessment (S-LCA) was used, following the guidelines of the Product Social Impact Life Cycle Assessment (PSILCA) and considering four categories of stakeholders (workers, value chain actors, society, and local community), 11 risk categories, and 13 subcategories, mainly based on both the availability of data and their adherence to the objectives of the study and FD.

Results and discussion

The main risks are associated with low wages, improper working hours, high accidentality, and approximation in food handling. Specifically, the wages of riders, 23% of whom are migrants, are just 14% above the poverty line in Italy and 67% below the median income. With 30-h work weeks, moreover, riders may face high risks of economic vulnerability. Stressful working conditions and the absence of mandatory protective equipment have resulted in 17 fatalities × 100,000 workers and 25 accidents × 1000 workers, which could generate a medium risk that violations of labor laws will occur. All this is also due to the low unionization in the Italian FD. Finally, results also show a flaw in food safety, as riders are not required to have HACCP and ATP attestation.

Conclusions

Italian legislation and the business models of FD companies are still shown to be insufficient to guarantee the fairness of protections for riders, which are substantiated by low wages, high accident rates, poor union rights, and improper working hours. In addition, doubts are raised about the hygiene of containers carrying food during transport, as they could induce a potential microbiological health risk for consumers, especially related to food handling during transport.
Advice to a Young Mathematical Biologist
Authors: Roberts Paul A.
Published: April 2024

This paper offers advice to early-mid career researchers in Mathematical Biology from ten past and current Presidents of the Society for Mathematical Biology. The topics covered include deciding if a career in academia is right for you; finding and working with a mentor; building collaborations and working with those from other disciplines; formulating a research question; writing a paper; reviewing papers; networking; writing fellowship or grant proposals; applying for faculty positions; and preparing and giving lectures. While written with mathematical biologists in mind, it is hoped that this paper will be of use to early and mid career researchers across the mathematical, physical and life sciences, as they embark on careers in these disciplines.
Development of an Incest Scale in the Turkish Language and Culture: Validity and Reliability Study
Authors: Bulut Meryem Berrin , Ömerca Beyza Naile , Polat Kübra , Kuzu Münevver
Published: April 2024

This study aims to develop a valid and reliable tool for measuring beliefs and attitudes regarding incest. Incest can be considered a widespread social problem. Despite the prevalence of incest, a tool that can measure knowledge of and attitudes toward incest in Turkey is still a necessity. In this study, 457 adults participated in the first and 255 adults in the second stage. To collect the data, Incest Scale, Childhood Emotional Incest Scale and demographic form were used. Exploratory/Confirmatory factor analysis, parallel analysis, reliability analysis were performed, and criterion validity was tested. A 23-item and 5-factor scale was obtained. The fit indexes obtained as a result of confirmatory factor analysis were satisfactory. Positive significant correlations were found between incest and childhood emotional incest. The reliability coefficients ​​were found to be within acceptable limits. This study is expected to fill a significant gap in the field, promote awareness regarding incest, and make an important contribution to the field to combat incest effectively.
Is mental regulation related to self-esteem? Testing a basic metacognitive model
Authors: Solheim Marte , Pukstad Erlend , Anyan Frederick , Strand Eivind R. , Nordahl Henrik
Published: April 2024

Individual differences in global self-esteem are associated with general psychological functioning and well-being, and lower self-esteem could be a target for prevention and treatment interventions. Traditionally, self-esteem is assumed to be influenced by the content of self-beliefs, but the metacognitive model of psychological disorders presents an alternative. It emphasizes mental regulation over the content in self-beliefs and suggests a role for metacognitive beliefs and corresponding metacognitive strategies. Thus, the metacognitive model has the potential to advance our understanding of self-esteem and provide new treatment interventions. Therefore, the aim of this study was to test a basic metacognitive model of self-esteem. In a cross-sectional design, 522 participants from a convenience sample completed a battery of self-report questionnaires. A metacognitive model where metacognitive strategies mediated the relationship between metacognitive beliefs and self-esteem was tested using structural equation modelling. Stronger endorsements of dysfunctional metacognitions were associated with more use of unhelpful metacognitive strategies, which further was significantly related to lower self-esteem. These relationships held even when controlling gender, age, anxiety, and personality traits as covariates. The results suggests that there is a role for dysfunctional metacognitive beliefs and strategies in self-esteem of which metacognitive strategies are the most proximal influence. This observation indicates that individual differences in mental regulation are relevant to understanding and possibly improving self-esteem. Interventions which effectively lead to metacognitive change are likely to have a positive effect on self-esteem.
Night-time use of electronic devices, fear of missing out, sleep difficulties, anxiety, and well-being in UK and Spain: a cross-cultural comparison
Authors: Caba-Machado V. , Mcilroy D. , Padilla-Adamuz F. M.
Published: April 2024

Electronic devices such as smartphones have become a primary part of young people's lives. Fear of missing out seems to influence the ability to set boundaries around sleep time. This study aims to explore (1) the use of electronic media devices in pre-sleep time, quality of sleep, anxiety, and well-being in females and males’ university students in the UK and Spain, (2) whether university students’ fear of missing out (FoMO) is associated with a higher usage of electronic devices at night-time by gender. A cross-sectional, quantitative design through Qualtrics.com was used. Samples were formed by N = 159 British participants, and N = 172 Spanish. Findings from this study suggest that fear of missing out in females is a predictor, in both countries, of electronic devices usage at night-time but not in males. Night-time usage of electronic devices is a predictor of: higher sleep difficulties in British males and females and in Spanish females, higher FoMO in females from both countries but not in males, and higher negative experiences in Spanish females. Night-time usage of electronic devices did not predict satisfaction with life or loneliness. There is a lack in the literature examining general electronic devices usage habits during night-time, fear of missing out, well-being and mental health, a lack of cross-cultural studies and that consider well-being not with positive or negative factors but from a broad perspective of the construct. Findings suggest the necessity to evaluate students’ levels of FoMO in clinical practice, especially in females, and to incorporate this construct in prevention and intervention programs.
Coupling of BiOCl Ultrathin Nanosheets with Carbon Quantum Dots for Enhanced Photocatalytic Performance
Authors: Song Pin , Fang Xiaoyu , Jiang Wei , Cao Yuyang , Liu Daobin , Wei Shiqiang , Du Jun , Sun Lang , Zhao Lei , Liu Song , Zhou Yuzhu , Di Jun , Lv Chade , Tang Bijun , Yang Jiefu , Kong Tingting , Xiong Yujie
Published: April 2024

Over the past few decades, photocatalysis technology has received extensive attention because of its potential to mitigate or solve energy and environmental pollution problems.Designing novel materials with outstanding photocatalytic activities has become a research hotspot in this field. In this study, we prepared a series of photocatalysts in which BiOCl nanosheets were modified with carbon quantum dots (CQDs) to form CQDs/BiOCl composites by using a simple solvothermal method. The photocatalytic performance of the resulting CQDs/BiOCl composite photocatalysts was assessed by rhodamine B and tetracycline degradation under visible-light irradiation. Compared with bare BiOCl, the photocatalytic activity of the CQDs/BiOCl composites was significantly enhanced, and the 5 wt% CQDs/BiOCl composite exhibited the highest photocatalytic activity with a degradation efficiency of 94.5% after 30 min of irradiation. Moreover, photocatalytic N2 reduction performance was significantly improved after introducing CQDs. The 5 wt% CQDs/BiOCl composite displayed the highest photocatalytic N2 reduction performance to yield NH3 (346.25 μmol/(g h)), which is significantly higher than those of 3 wt% CQDs/BiOCl (256.04 μmol/(g h)), 7 wt% CQDs/BiOCl (254.07 μmol/(g h)), and bare BiOCl (240.19 μmol/(g h)). Our systematic characterizations revealed that the key role of CQDs in improving photocatalytic performance is due to their increased light harvesting capacity, remarkable electron transfer ability, and higher photocatalytic activity sites.

Graphical Abstract

This work reports a novel CQDs/BiOCl composite photocatalyst for efficiently removing contaminants from water.
TNF receptor 2 knockout mouse had reduced lung cancer growth and schizophrenia-like behavior through a decrease in TrkB-dependent BDNF level
Authors: Yeo In Jun , Yu Ji Eun , Kim Sung-Hyun , Kim Dae Hwan , Jo Miran , Son Dong Ju , Yun Jaesuk , Han Sang-Bae , Hong Jin Tae
Published: April 2024

The relationship between schizophrenia (SCZ) and cancer development remains controversial. Based on the disease-gene association platform, it has been revealed that tumor necrosis factor receptor (TNFR) could be an important mediatory factor in both cancer and SCZ development. TNF-α also increases the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and tropomyosin receptor kinase B (TrkB) in the development of SCZ and tumor, but the role of TNFR in mediating the association between the two diseases remains unclear. We studied the vital roles of TNFR2 in the progression of tumor and SCZ-like behavior using A549 lung cancer cell xenografted TNFR2 knockout mice. TNFR2 knockout mice showed significantly decreased tumor size and weight as well as schizophrenia-like behaviors compared to wild-type mice. Consistent with the reduced tumor growth and SCZ-like behaviors, the levels of TrkB and BDNF expression were significantly decreased in the lung tumor tissues and pre-frontal cortex of TNFR2 knockout mice. However, intravenous injection of BDNF (160 μg/kg) to TNFR2 knockout mice for 4 weeks increased tumor growth and SCZ-like behaviors as well as TrkB expression. In in vitro study, significantly decreased cell growth and expression of TrkB and BDNF by siTNFR2 transfection were found in A549 lung cancer cells. However, the addition of BDNF (100 ng/ml) into TNFR2 siRNA transfected A549 lung cancer cells recovered cell growth and the expression of TrkB. These results suggest that TNFR2 could be an important factor in mediating the comorbidity between lung tumor growth and SCZ development through increased TrkB-dependent BDNF levels.
Patient Education Materials for Immobilisation Masks in Radiation Therapy for Adult Head and Neck Cancer Patients: A Scoping Review
Authors: Wood Lucy , Holman Ruby , Nguyen Uyen , Nguyen Helen , Senaratna Aurora , Adams Misha , Apath Apajok
Published: April 2024

Immobilisation masks (IMs) are used for people with head and neck cancer (HNC) undergoing radiation therapy (RT) treatment to ensure accuracy and reproducibility between treatments. Claustrophobia-related mask anxiety in HNC patients is common and can compromise treatment due to patient distress. This scoping review aimed to describe the content of publicly available Patient Education Materials (PEMs) for people with HNC undergoing RT. Three search engines (Bing, Yahoo, and Google) were systematically searched using standard terms. PEMs in audio-visual or written formats were eligible for inclusion if the target readership was adults with HNC and included content on IMs for RT. Content was appraised using the Patient Education Materials Assessment Tool for Printable and Audio-Visual Materials to assess understandability and actionability. In total, 304 PEMs were identified of which 20 met the inclusion criteria. Sixteen PEMs were webpages, three were PDF format, and one was a standalone video. The understandability and actionability of PEMs ranged between 47 to 100% and 0 to 80%, respectively. PEMs authored by Foundations/Organisations scored higher in understandability (80–100%) and were more likely to discuss mask anxiety coping strategies. In comparison, News sites and IM manufacturers published PEMs with the lowest understandability scores (20–80%). The significant variations in the quality of IM PEMs identified suggest that some sources may be more effective at informing patients about IMs. Although multiple aspects of the PEMs were consistent across the reviewed materials, many PEMs lacked information, and a stronger focus on understandability and actionability is required.
Metronidazole adsorption by bio-synthesized silver-zinc ferrite nanoadsorbent in presence of chitosan from aqueous media: response surface methodology
Authors: Rajabi Saeed , Derakhshan Zahra , Hashemi Majid , Feilizadeh Mehrzad , Heidari Kochaki Saeed , Hashemi Hassan , Salehi Mohammadhossein , Zare Amirreza , Shourabi Narges Sadat , Moradalizadeh Saeideh
Published: April 2024

A novel magnetic biocomposite adsorbent, denoted as AgZnFe2O4@Ch, was utilized for the degradation of Metronidazole (MNZ) from water. Various analytical techniques, including vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), were applied to investigate the characteristics of the magnetic biocomposite adsorbent. XRD examination confirmed the formation of spinel ferrites phases. FESEM assessment indicated a notable reduction in sample aggregation. The ferromagnetic character of the adsorbent was well demonstrated by VSM analysis. The saturation magnetization value for straightforward separating by the outside magnetic fields was 14.64 emu/g. An analytical modeling approach was used to evaluate and analyze the impacts of factors including MNZ initial concentration, temperature, contact time, adsorbent dosage, and pH. Optimized conditions involved an adsorbent dosage of 0.9 g/L, pH of 7, MNZ initial concentration of 10 mg/L, and a contact time of 50 min, resulting in a peak adsorption efficiency of 65.53% under favorable circumstances. A good degree of fit was achieved with the linear model. The experimental equilibrium data fitting to the Langmuir, Freundlich, and Temkin isotherm models demonstrates that the Langmuir model was an effective and appropriate model for evaluating adsorption. Intraparticle kinetic modeling was also shown to be better suitable for characterizing the MNZ adsorption onto the adsorbent. The thermodynamic analysis indicated that the process of MNZ adsorption by AgZnFe2O4@Ch was characterized by exothermicity and lacked spontaneity.
Efficient removal of malathion using biosynthesized chitosan-MgO/Zeolite hybrid material: kinetic studies and response surface methodology investigation
Authors: Hamad Mohammed Taha Moustaf Hussien , Mahran Belal N. A.
Published: April 2024

The presence of agricultural effluents in water poses significant threats, adversely impacting both human health and the ecosystem. To address these challenges, this study employs a multifaceted approach involving the incorporation of a novel chitosan/MgO/Zeolite adsorbent and the utilization of an isolated fungal strain, Aspergillus fumigatus. The adsorbent properties were carefully characterized using X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The optimization results indicated that the maximum adsorption 86.1% for malathion was observed with CS/MgO/Zeolite after 40 min, dosage 0.4 g/l, malathion concentration 10mgL−1 and pH(7). The adsorption capacity of CS/MgO/Zeolite for malathion, as determined by the Langmuir isotherm, is reported to be 83.3 mgg−1. The Freundlich isotherm and the pseudo-second-order kinetic model were applied to the adsorption data, resulting in an impressive R2 value of 0.99.The results from desorption and regeneration investigations demonstrate that the CS/MgO/Zeolite composite remains effective for up to five cycles.
Semi-parametric Spatio-Temporal Hawkes Process for Modelling Road Accidents in Rome
Authors: Alaimo Di Loro Pierfrancesco , Mingione Marco , Fantozzi Paolo
Published: April 2024

We propose a semi-parametric spatio-temporal Hawkes process with periodic components to model the occurrence of car accidents in a given spatio-temporal window. The overall intensity is split into the sum of a background component capturing the spatio-temporal varying intensity and an excitation component accounting for the possible triggering effect between events. The spatial background is estimated and evaluated on the road network, allowing the derivation of accurate risk maps of road accidents. We constrain the spatio-temporal excitation to preserve an isotropic behaviour in space, and we generalize it to account for the effect of covariates. The estimation is pursued by maximizing the expected complete data log-likelihood using a tailored version of the stochastic-reconstruction algorithm that adopts ad hoc boundary correction strategies. An original application analyses the car accidents that occurred on the Rome road network in the years 2019, 2020, and 2021. Results highlight that car accidents of different types exhibit varying degrees of excitation, ranging from no triggering to a 10% chance of triggering further events.
Evaluating plans for sustainable development in Arctic cities
Authors: DiNapoli Benjamin , Jull Matthew
Published: April 2024

Cities located in the Arctic often have extreme geographic and environmental contexts and unique sociopolitical and economic trajectories that, when combined with amplified effects of climate change in the region, impact future sustainable development. Well-recognized and standardized sustainable development indicator (SDI) frameworks such as ISO 37120 or UN-Habitat City Prosperity Index are often used to compare data across cities globally using comprehensive sets of indicators. While such indexes help characterize progress toward development and guide short- and long-term decision-making, they often lack relevance to specific contexts or characterize future visions of urban growth. To evaluate the extent of these deficiencies and to provide a comparative analysis of approaches to sustainable urban growth in the Arctic, this paper analyzes city planning documents for five northern cities - Anchorage (USA), Utqiagvik (USA), Reyjavik (ISL), Iqaluit, (CAN), Whitehorse, (CAN) - for goals, targets, and indicators and compare these to thematic areas and indicators defined by ISO 37120:2018 Sustainable Cities and Communities. The results confirm that although international SDI frameworks may be useful for comparative analysis of cities across diverse regions, they exclude important local factors that influence goal-oriented urban sustainability planning strategies employed in the Arctic region.
Sapovirus: an emerging pathogen in kidney transplant recipients?
Authors: Rippl Michaela , Burkhard-Meier Anton , Schönermarck Ulf , Fischereder Michael
Published: April 2024

Purpose

Diarrhea is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in immunocompromised patients. After including sapovirus to the viral gastroenteritis screening of our institution’s laboratory, we noticed an increase in sapovirus infections among kidney transplant recipients. Therefore, we assumed former gastrointestinal tract infections with unidentified pathogens could have been caused by sapovirus. To better understand the characteristics of a sapovirus infection in a high-risk group we initiated this study.

Methods

Over a period of 6 months, all transplant recipients with diarrhea and later identified viral/unknown pathogens were included. Kidney function, levels of immunosuppressants and  c-reactive protein, acid–base balance, onset of symptoms and time of hospitalization were analyzed.

Results

Among 13 hospitalized kidney transplant recipients sapovirus was detected in four patients, while in the remaining nine, three were diagnosed with norovirus, one with cytomegalovirus, one with inflammatory bowel disease and in four patients no pathogen was identified. Even though statistically not significant, creatinine levels at admission tended to be higher in sapovirus patients (median: sapovirus: 3.3 mg/dl (1.3; 5.0), non-sapovirus: 2.5 mg/dl (1.1; 4.9), p = 0.710). Also, Tacrolimus levels showed the same trend (sapovirus: 13.6 ng/ml (12.9; 13.6), non-sapovirus: 7.1 ng/ml (2.6; 22.6), p = 0.279). On discharge creatinine levels improved equally in both groups (sapovirus: 1.7 mg/dl (1.4; 3.2), non-sapovirus: 2 mg/dl (1.0; 3.6), p = 0.825).

Conclusion

In high-risk patients, early symptomatic treatment remains crucial to protect the transplant`s function. In our cohort all patients recovered well. Larger cohorts and longer follow-up times are needed to detect the long-term consequences and a potential need for further research regarding specific treatment.

Trial registration

The study has been registered on DRKS (trialsearch.who.int), Reg. Nr. DRKS00033311 (December 28th 2023).
Association of kidney function with physical performance: the Maastricht study
Authors: Bellos Ioannis , Marinaki Smaragdi , Lagiou Pagona , Boletis Ioannis N. , Koster Annemarie , van Greevenbroek Marleen M. J. , Eussen Simone J. P. M. , Savelberg Hans H. C. M. , Wesselius Anke , Benetou Vassiliki
Published: April 2024

Background

Kidney failure has been associated with decreased physical capacity, although evidence regarding the physical performance of individuals with earlier stages of chronic kidney disease (CKD) remains limited.

Methods

Cross-sectional data were derived from the prospective, population-based Maastricht Study. Multivariate linear regression models were fitted to assess the association of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and albuminuria categories with physical performance test outcomes.

Results

Overall, 7396 participants were included. Compared to eGFR 60–90 ml/min/1.73 m2, values < 60 ml/min/1.73 m2 were associated with significantly shorter 6-min walk distance (β: − 13.04 m, 95% confidence intervals-CI − 19.95; − 6.13), worse timed chair rise stand test time (β: 0.91 s, 95% CI 0.36; 1.47), lower maximal grip (β: − 0.83 kg, 95% CI − 1.50; − 0.15) and elbow flexion (β: − 3.64 Nm, 95% CI − 7.11; − 0.16) strength. Additionally, eGFR > 90 ml/min/1.73 m2 was linked to significantly shorter 6-min walk distance (β: − 6.13 m, 95% CI − 9.44; − 2.82). Urinary albumin excretion > 30 mg/24 h was associated with shorter 6-min walk distance (β: − 12.48 m, 95% CI − 18.28; − 6.68), worse timed chair rise stand test time (β: 0.51 s, 95% CI 0.11; 1.06), lower maximal grip (β: − 1.34 kg, 95% CI − 1.91; − 0.76) and elbow flexion strength (β: − 3.31 Nm, 95% CI − 5.80; − 0.82).

Conclusions

Reduced eGFR and higher albuminuria levels were associated with worse physical performance, especially shorter 6-min walk distance and lower muscle strength. The relationship between eGFR and physical function was non-linear, with also high eGFR values being associated with worse performance, especially in the six-minute walk test.

Graphical abstract
UCDCN: a nested architecture based on central difference convolution for face anti-spoofing
Authors: Zhang Jing , Guo Quanhao , Wang Xiangzhou , Hao Ruqian , Du Xiaohui , Tao Siying , Liu Juanxiu , Liu Lin
Published: April 2024

The significance of facial anti-spoofing algorithms in enhancing the security of facial recognition systems cannot be overstated. Current approaches aim to compensate for the model’s shortcomings in capturing spatial information by leveraging spatio-temporal information from multiple frames. However, the additional branches to extract inter-frame details increases the model’s parameter count and computational workload, leading to a decrease in inference efficiency. To address this, we have developed a robust and easily deployable facial anti-spoofing algorithm. In this paper, we propose Central Difference Convolution UNet++ (UCDCN), which takes advantage of central difference convolution and improves the characterization ability of invariant details in diverse environments. Particularly, we leverage domain knowledge from image segmentation and propose a multi-level feature fusion network structure to enhance the model’s ability to capture semantic information which is beneficial for face anti-spoofing tasks. In this manner, UCDCN greatly reduces the number of model parameters as well as achieves satisfactory metrics on three popular benchmarks, i.e., Replay-Attack, Oulu-NPU and SiW.
Compliant Iontronic Triboelectric Gels with Phase-Locked Structure Enabled by Competitive Hydrogen Bonding
Authors: Du Guoli , Shao Yuzheng , Luo Bin , Liu Tao , Zhao Jiamin , Qin Ying , Wang Jinlong , Zhang Song , Chi Mingchao , Gao Cong , Liu Yanhua , Cai Chenchen , Wang Shuangfei , Nie Shuangxi
Published: April 2024

Rapid advancements in flexible electronics technology propel soft tactile sensing devices toward high-level biointegration, even attaining tactile perception capabilities surpassing human skin. However, the inherent mechanical mismatch resulting from deficient biomimetic mechanical properties of sensing materials poses a challenge to the application of wearable tactile sensing devices in human–machine interaction. Inspired by the innate biphasic structure of human subcutaneous tissue, this study discloses a skin-compliant wearable iontronic triboelectric gel via phase separation induced by competitive hydrogen bonding. Solvent-nonsolvent interactions are used to construct competitive hydrogen bonding systems to trigger phase separation, and the resulting soft-hard alternating phase-locked structure confers the iontronic triboelectric gel with Young's modulus (6.8–281.9 kPa) and high tensile properties (880%) compatible with human skin. The abundance of reactive hydroxyl groups gives the gel excellent tribopositive and self-adhesive properties (peel strength > 70 N m−1). The self-powered tactile sensing skin based on this gel maintains favorable interface and mechanical stability with the working object, which greatly ensures the high fidelity and reliability of soft tactile sensing signals. This strategy, enabling skin-compliant design and broad dynamic tunability of the mechanical properties of sensing materials, presents a universal platform for broad applications from soft robots to wearable electronics.