bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modification Strategies of Hexagonal Boron Nitride Nanomaterials for Photocatalysis
Authors: Liu Dongao , Wang Yuqing , Gong Quanxin , Xia Yupeng , Li Lei , Xue Yuhua , Yang Junhe , Li Shengjuan
Published: July 2024

Although hexagonal boron nitride (h‐BN) was initially considered a less promising photocatalyst due to its large band gap and apparent chemical inertness, its unique two‐dimensional lamellar structure coupled with high stability and environmental friendliness, as the second largest van der Waals material after graphene, provides a unique platform for photocatalytic innovation. This review not only highlights the intrinsic qualities of h‐BN with photocatalytic potentials, such as high stability, environmental compatibility, and tunable bandgap through various modification strategies but also provides a comprehensive overview of the recent advances in h‐BN‐based nanomaterials for environmental and energy applications, as well as an in‐depth description of the modification methods and fundamental properties for these applications. In addition, we discuss the challenges and prospects of h‐BN‐based nanomaterials for future photocatalysis.
The effect of hydroxy‐selenomethionine on the productive and reproductive performance of old broiler breeders
Authors: Manafi Ahmad , Ebrahimnezhad Yahya , Shahryar Habib Aghdam , Teli Abdolahad Shaddel , Gorbani Abolfazl , Maheri‐Sis Naser
Published: July 2024

Background

Selenium (Se) is a rare essential element that plays a vital role in the health and performance of animals. By interfering in the production of antioxidant enzymes such as glutathione peroxidase, thioredoxin reductase and methionine sulfoxide, Se plays a role in reducing the effects of oxidative stress and animal performance.

Objectives

This study aimed to investigate the effect of hydroxy‐selenomethionine (OH‐SeMet) in the diet of broiler breeder and old broiler breeder roosters on productive performance, reproduction and sperm quality parameters.

Methods

For this purpose, 260 broiler breeders of the Ross 308 strain were used in a completely randomized design with four treatments and five replications (13 hens and one rooster in each replication). Experimental treatments included: (1) a basal diet without OH‐SeMet (T1:control), (2) a broiler breeder diet without OH‐SeMet and a rooster diet containing 0.1 mg/kg OH‐SeMet (T2), (3) broiler breeder diet containing 0.1 mg/kg OH‐SeMet and rooster diet without OH‐SeMet (T3) and (4) broiler breeder and rooster diet contained 0.1 mg/kg OH‐SeMet (T4).

Results

The results showed that T3 and T4 treatments improved egg production, egg weight, egg mass and feed conversion ratio (FCR) compared to the control treatment (p < 0.05). The fertility and hatchability percentages of T4 and T2 treatments increased compared to T1 and T3 treatments (p < 0.05). The rate of embryonic losses in T1 was higher than in other treatments. However, grade one chickens were higher in T4 than in other treatments (p < 0.05). Total motility and viability of sperms were significantly higher in T2 and T4 treatments than in T1 and T3 treatments. The sperm abnormality percentage and sperm MDA concentration decreased in T2 and T4 treatments.

Conclusions

Therefore, using OH‐SeMet may be a practical approach to help old broiler breeders’ production and reproduction performance.
Synthesis of a new Schiff base acceptor–donor molecule as a UV stabilizer for enhanced poly(lactic acid) (PLA) photoprotection
Authors: Mohammad Hamid J. , Ahmed Ayysha Shihab , Saleh Taiseer Abdul‐kader , Anwer Mohammed Basil , Hamzah Hussein A. , Alshareef Sohad A. , Alhuwaymil Zamzam , Jwad Rasha Saad , Al‐Mashhadani Mohammed H.
Published: July 2024

Poly(lactic acid) (PLA) is a biodegradable aliphatic polyester of significant interest. Owing to its traits, PLA stands out as one of the most widely used polymers in various fields. Nevertheless, environmental conditions, such as heat, UV light, and humidity have negative impacts on the polymer's performance as a result of the accelerating aging process. In this study, we present a novel acceptor–donor (AD) Schiff base molecule that demonstrates significant UV stabilization when incorporated into the polymer's matrix. The stabilization effect of the AD molecule was studied by using the weight loss method and tracking the functional group indices of CO (ICO) and OH (IOH) that emerge because of polymer degradation after irradiation with UV light for 300 h. The films' structures were studied by scanning electronic microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscope (AFM), and energy‐dispersive x‐ray spectroscopy (EDX) to evaluate the stabilization enhancement of AD moiety. The results exhibit a significant decrease in weight loss for blended PLA, in contrast to blank PLA. The weight loss percentage reduced from 2.5 for blank PLA to less than 0.7 for blended PLA. Furthermore, ICO and IOH indices witness a remarkable reduction which verifies the improved photodegradation resulting from AD moiety. The suggested method involves the efficient absorption of UV radiation produced during photo‐degradation by the AD molecule, which then emits this light as visible blue light without causing any damage to PLA film's chemical structure. Our results demonstrate the adaptability of AD molecules as PLA photo‐stabilizers and point to their wider significance for sustainable material applications. This work advances the stability of PLA films and provides opportunities for the creation of novel stabilization techniques based on organic electrical principles. Future studies may examine the multipurpose uses of the AD molecule in sensor materials and other contexts.

Highlights

Presenting a novel acceptor–donor Schiff base as a phot stabilizer of PLA.

Using the weight loss method and tracking the functional group indices to test the degradation.

A significant decrease in weight loss for blended PLA, in contrast to blank PLA.

The Schiff base absorbing UV light, excited electrons from ground state to excited state.

They return to the ground state and produce bright blue light.

These movement of electrons cause no damage to the PLA polymer chains.
Oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma in a blue‐fronted Amazon parrot (Amazona aestiva)
Authors: Vieu Sabrina , Mortier Jeremy , Le Dudal Marine , Pignon Charly , Coquelle Mélanie , Coutant Thomas
Published: July 2024

A 14‐year‐old, female, blue‐fronted Amazon parrot was referred for episodes of regurgitation. The differential diagnosis mainly included bornavirus infection, infectious or traumatic ingluvitis, gastro‐oesophageal reflux, gastritis/enteritis, heavy metal poisoning, metabolic disease (severe hepatic or renal disease), coelomitis, digestive neoplasia, extra‐digestive masses, organomegaly or foreign body. No improvement was noted with symptomatic treatment. Radiographs, avian bornavirus polymerase chain reaction and serology, biochemistry, haematology, crop cytology and ultrasonography failed to provide a definitive diagnosis. Lethargy, weight loss and crop stasis after 1 month motivated computed tomography, which revealed focal thickening of the oesophageal wall. Fine‐needle aspiration under computed tomography guidance of the mass was non‐diagnostic, and the bird died during recovery from anaesthesia. Oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma was confirmed by histopathology. This case illustrates the benefit of advanced diagnostic imaging to investigate chronic refractory regurgitations and describes the use of computed tomography‐guided fine‐needle aspiration in an avian patient.
Ammonium oxidation from concentrated synthetic wastewater and landfill leachate using partial nitritation in sequencing batch reactor
Authors: Patel Harsh V. , Zhao Renzun , Eramo Alessia , Blanc Sophia , Fahrenfeld Nicole L. , Brazil Brian , Luster‐Teasley Stephanie
Published: July 2024

Partial nitritation (PN) is a novel treatment for nitrogen removal using aerobic ammonium oxidation with reduced oxygen requirements compared to conventional nitrification. This study evaluated the performance of the PN process and the factors influencing nitrogen removal from landfill leachate. During the reactivation of biomass, the results showed 70% ammonium removal, but only 20% total nitrogen removal. Further analysis showed that low nitrite accumulation and high nitrate production promoted the growth of nitrite‐oxidizing bacteria (NOB). The ammonium removal activity after soaking the cultivated biomass in synthetic water and leachate was measured to be 0.57, 0.1, 0.17, and 0.25 g N•g VSS−1•d−1 for synthetic wastewater and leachate soaking for synthetic wastewater, 12 h, 3 days, and 7 days, respectively. The study found abundant ammonium‐oxidizing bacteria (AOB) and NOBs in biomass soaked in synthetic wastewater. However, soaking in leachate promoted AOB growth and inhibited NOB growth making leachate suitable for PN.

Practitioner Points

The study found that with a longer leachate‐soaking period for biomass, ammonium removal activity increases, which in turn increases ammonium conversions during the PN process.

Ammonium‐oxidizing bacteria (AOB) can acclimate to landfill leachate substrate and grow with a longer soaking period.

Nitrite‐oxidizing bacteria (NOB) were inhibited by landfill leachate substrate, which is beneficial for nitrite accumulation.

Anabolized DO can convert nitrite to nitrate rapidly, which results in higher nitrate accumulation compared to nitrite accumulation.

Hence, the DO level has to be sufficiently low to prevent nitrite oxidation and nitrate accumulation.
Optimizing Airborne Flight Line Spacing for Geoid Determination with Full Gravity Vectors
Authors: Foroughi Ismael , Goli Mehdi , Ferguson Stephen , Pagiatakis Spiros
Published: July 2024

The horizontal components of the airborne gravity vector are equivalent to the deflection of the vertical at the flight level and contain signals of the slope of Earth’s gravity field. We test the contribution of such components in finding the optimum flight line spacing for geoid modelling. We use the one-step integration method and create a system of linear equations containing the three components of the airborne gravity vector as observations and solve the geodetic boundary value problem on the reference ellipsoid as an overdetermined weighted least-squares problem. We test our methodology in the Colorado region in the USA given that it is one of the most challenging areas for geoid modelling. We show that by incorporating the horizontal components at the flight level, one can increase the flight line spacing by almost 40%, thereby significantly reducing the cost of airborne surveys while maintaining the same accuracy in the estimated geoid heights as when the scalar value of gravity is used.
Wandel, Change und Transformation
Authors: Tokarski Kim Oliver , Endrissat Nada , Kissling-Näf Ingrid
Published: July 2024

Der Begriff der Transformation ist allgegenwärtig, eine allgemeingültige Definition jedoch nur schwer zu finden. In diesem Einleitungskapitel wird sich mit den Begriffen Wandel, Change und Transformation auseinandergesetzt und auf die besondere Bedeutung der Antizipation und Gestaltung der Zukunft (Proaktivität) eingegangen, die dem Begriff der Transformation inhärent ist. Frei nach dem Motto „Wandel korrigiert die Vergangenheit, Transformation schafft die Zukunft“ werden zentrale Aspekte skizziert, die für eine solche Zukunftsgestaltung wesentlich sind. Dabei wird auf bekannte Wandelkonzepte zurückgegriffen und von diesen abgegrenzt, wann immer es notwendig erscheint. Da sich das Wirtschaftssystem aufgrund der veränderten technologischen, ökologischen, demografischen und werteorientierten Dimensionen aktuell in einem Umbruch befindet, welcher nach neuen Parametern und Paradigmen verlangt, wird die Relevanz der proaktiven Zukunftsgestaltung im Sinne einer Transformation weiter zunehmen.
Die Transformation von Gründer:innen
Authors: Rüegsegger Til , Schell Sabrina
Published: July 2024

Der Gründungsprozess gliedert sich in mehrere Phasen, in denen sich sowohl das Unternehmen, als auch die Gründer:innen verändern. Insbesondere die Veränderung und Weiterentwicklung von Humankapital und Sozialkapital im Zeitverlauf spielt eine entscheidende Rolle für den langfristigen Erfolg des Unternehmens und der Gründer:innen. Wie und warum sich diese verändern untersucht dieser Beitrag. Mit einer systematischen Literaturanalyse und Interviews mit Gründer:innen und Expert:innen wird ein Modell entwickelt, welches die Transformation der Gründer:innen und insbesondere Ihrer Fähigkeiten und Fertigkeiten im Zeitverlauf illustriert und Hinweise für Wissenschaft und Praxis gibt.
Digitalisierung der öffentlichen Verwaltung
Authors: Perez Luca , Zumstein Joël , Schwarz Daniel
Published: July 2024

Die Schweiz weist im internationalen Vergleich von digitalen Dienstleistungen der öffentlichen Verwaltung (e-Government) großes Verbesserungspotenzial auf. Insbesondere die Basisdienstleistungen sind vergleichsweise wenig digitalisiert. Ausgehend von der theoretischen Grundlage zur Verwaltungsdigitalisierung sowie zu Erfolgsfaktoren der Digitalisierung, ordnet der Beitrag den Stand der Schweiz im internationalen Vergleich ein. Darauf aufbauend wird anschließend der Digitalisierungsgrad aus personeller, technologischer und organisatorischer Perspektive in ausgewählten Berner Gemeinden empirisch untersucht. Die Forschungsergebnisse zeigen, dass insbesondere bei der Erarbeitung von strategischen Grundlagen, bei der Anpassung des Führungsstils, der Kommunikation sowie bei der Adaption von Aufbau- und Ablauforganisation Handlungsbedarf besteht.
Naturbasierte Lösungen in einer Smart City
Authors: Friedli Pia-Andrea , Wäspi Flurina
Published: July 2024

Phänomene wie der Klimawandel und die fortlaufende Urbanisierung stellen Städte vor vielfältige Herausforderungen: Der Ressourcenverbrauch, die wachsende Mobilität wie auch die Raumknappheit wirken auf städtische Ökosysteme ein, welche im Kontext der Agenda 2030 dringend nachhaltiger werden müssen. Dieses Kapitel beschäftigt sich mit dem Zusammenspiel von naturbasierten Lösungen (NBS) und Smart Cities. Es werden inhaltliche Überschneidungen der beiden Konzepte aus theoretischer Perspektive diskutiert und aufgezeigt, inwiefern NBS ein Werkzeug für Smart Cities auf dem Weg zu mehr Nachhaltigkeit und zur Anpassung an den Klimawandel darstellt. NBS bieten einer Smart City durch ihre Multifunktionalität zahlreiche Zusatznutzen und dimensionsübergreifende Chancen. Damit sich diese Chancen realisieren können, empfiehlt sich, NBS direkt in der Stadtplanung zu berücksichtigen, städtische Stakeholder einzubeziehen, geeignete Technologien einzusetzen sowie die Wirtschaftlichkeit der NBS frühzeitig zu beachten.
Leichtathletikvereine im strategischen Wandel
Authors: Gubler Daniela , Schellinger Jochen
Published: July 2024

Die Leichtathletik gehört seit jeher zu den beliebtesten Sportarten weltweit. Während sich die Disziplinen kaum verändert haben, sind die Ansprüche der Athleten gewachsen, und die Komplexität und die Menge der Aufgaben in den Vereinen haben zugenommen. Dies zwingt viele Vereine dazu, sich zu professionalisieren. Der Weg zur Professionalisierung bedingt für die Vereine den Aufbau von zusätzlichen Ressourcen sowie die Anpassung von den Vereinskulturen und -strukturen. Im Rahmen dieses Beitrags wurde auf Basis herkömmlicher Unternehmensentwicklungsmodelle ein spezifisches Entwicklungsmodell für Leichtathletikvereine konzipiert und mittels Expert*innenbefragungen und einer Fallstudie empirisch fundiert. Es kann von Vereinen auf dem Weg vom Amateurverein zu einem teil- oder vollprofessionalisierten Verein als theorie- und erfahrungsbasierte Orientierungshilfe herangezogen werden.
Scale symmetry breaking and generation of mass at quantum critical points
Authors: Cresswell-Hogg Charlie , Litim Daniel F.
Published: July 2024

Abstract

We study an asymptotically free theory of N relativistic Dirac fermions and a real scalar field coupled by Yukawa and scalar self-interactions in three dimensions using functional renormalisation. In the limit of many fermion flavours, the cubic scalar coupling becomes exactly marginal due to quantum fluctuations, leading to a line of strongly-coupled infrared fixed points. Fermion mass can be generated through a quantum phase transition even if chiral symmetry is absent. The line of fixed points terminates at a critical endpoint due to the loss of vacuum stability. Exactly at the endpoint, scale symmetry is broken spontaneously, leading to the generation of fermion mass. Intriguingly, the absence of chiral symmetry is a prerequisite for the spontaneous generation of fermion mass, and not a consequence thereof. We also highlight close similarities between Gross-Neveu and Gross-Neveu-Yukawa theories at and away from critical points, and establish the large-N equivalence of their functional RG flows and quantum effective actions. Further implications including for conformal field theories are indicated.
A semi-analytical x-space solution for parton evolution — Application to non-singlet and singlet DGLAP equation
Authors: Haug Juliane , Schüle Oliver , Wunder Fabian
Published: July 2024

Abstract

We present a novel semi-analytical method for parton evolution. It is based on constructing a family of analytic functions spanning x-space which is closed under the considered evolution equation. Using these functions as a basis, the original integro-differential evolution equation transforms into a system of coupled ordinary differential equations, which can be solved numerically by restriction to a suitably chosen finite subsystem. The evolved distributions are obtained as analytic functions in x with numerically obtained coefficients, providing insight into the analytic behavior of the evolved parton distributions. As a proof-of-principle, we apply our method to the leading order non-singlet and singlet DGLAP equation. Comparing our results to traditional Mellin-space methods, we find good agreement. The method is implemented in the code POMPOM in Mathematica as well as in Python.
The 1 → 3 massive splitting functions from QCD factorization and SCET
Authors: Craft Evan , Gonzalez Mark , Lee Kyle , Meçaj Bianka , Moult Ian
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Splitting functions are universal functions describing the collinear dynamics of gauge theories, and as such are crucial ingredients for a wide variety of calculations in perturbative QCD. We present analytic results for the triple collinear splitting functions in QCD with a single massive parton. We derive the splitting functions using two distinct methods; first by expanding the squared matrix elements in the collinear limit, and secondly by using soft-collinear effective theory with massive quarks. We find agreement between these two approaches, providing a strong check of our results. Additionally, we also check all iterated and soft limits of our results, finding agreement with predictions from factorization. Our results provide an important ingredient for higher order perturbative calculations involving massive partons, and for the description of the collinear dynamics of heavy flavor jets.
Lattice-Based Polynomial Commitments: Towards Asymptotic and Concrete Efficiency
Authors: Fenzi Giacomo , Moghaddas Hossein , Nguyen Ngoc Khanh
Published: July 2024

Polynomial commitments schemes are a powerful tool that enables one party to commit to a polynomialpof degreed, and prove that the committed function evaluates to a certain valuezat a specified pointu, i.e.$$p(u) = z$$p(u)=z, without revealing any additional information about the polynomial. Recently, polynomial commitments have been extensively used as a cryptographic building block to transform polynomial interactive oracle proofs (PIOPs) into efficient succinct arguments. In this paper, we propose a lattice-based polynomial commitment that achieves succinct proof size and verification time in the degreedof the polynomial. Extractability of our scheme holds in the random oracle model under a natural ring version of the BASIS assumption introduced by Wee and Wu (EUROCRYPT 2023). Unlike recent constructions of polynomial commitments by Albrecht et al. (CRYPTO 2022), and by Wee and Wu, we do not require any expensive preprocessing steps, which makes our scheme particularly attractive as an ingredient of a PIOP compiler for succinct arguments. We further instantiate our polynomial commitment, together with the PIOP (EUROCRYPT 2020), to obtain a publicly-verifiable trusted-setup succinct argument for Rank-1 Constraint System (R1CS). Performance-wise, we achieve$$17$$17MB proof size for$$2^{20}$$220constraints, which is$$15$$15X smaller than currently the only publicly-verifiable lattice-based SNARK proposed by Albrecht et al.
Adaptive member adding for truss topology optimization: application to elastic design
Authors: Fairclough Helen E.
Published: July 2024

This paper provides a rigorous and computationally efficient means of identifying compliance-based optimal truss topologies from high-resolution ground structures—problems involving over 30 million potential elements can be solved in under 1 h on a typical laptop. The adaptive ‘member adding’ approach is shown to provide significant savings in computational time and memory usage compared to directly solving the full optimization problem, whilst obtaining the same optimal solution; this paper presents the first application of this powerful principle to the well-known linear-elastic design problem. The computational advantages are particularly notable for multiple load-case problems, as the numerical structure of these cannot be effectively exploited without understanding of the physical nature of the problem. For such cases, the member adding process reduces the computational time required from approximately $$O(m^2)$$

O
(

m
2

)

to O(m), where m is the number of potential elements; here, the time required is reduced by a factor of up to 60 for the relatively small problems that could be solved with both approaches. By using the member adding approach, compliance-optimized structures are obtained at a significantly higher resolution than has previously been possible. The findings of this paper have the potential to deliver a step change in the size of problems that can be solved in compliance-based truss topology optimization, and an accompanying Python code is provided to facilitate this.
Nugget and corona bond size measurement through active thermography and transfer learning model
Authors: Santoro Luca , Razza Valentino , De Maddis Manuela
Published: July 2024

Resistance spot welding (RSW) is considered a preferred technique for joining metal parts in various industries, mainly for its efficiency and cost-effectiveness. The mechanical properties of spot welds are pivotal in ensuring structural integrity and overall assembly performance. In this work, the quality attributes of resistance spot welding, such as both nugget and corona bond sizes, are assessed by analyzing the thermal behavior of the joint using a physical information neural network (PINN). Starting from the thermal signal phase gradient and amplitude gradient maps, a convolutional neural network (CNN) estimates the size of nuggets and corona bonds. The CNN architecture is based on the Inception V3 architecture, a state-of-the-art neural network that excels in image recognition tasks. This study suggests adopting a new methodology for automatic RSW quality control based on thermal signal analysis.
Incidence of and Risk Factors for Post-Operative Urinary Retention Following Surgery for Perineal Tears Among Ugandan Women: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Kayondo Musa , Byamukama Onesmus , Ainomugisha Brenda , Kajabwangu Rogers , Kalyebara Paul Kato , Tibaijuka Leevan , Lugobe Henry Mark , Geissbühler Verena
Published: July 2024

Introduction and Hypothesis

We aimed to determine the incidence and risk factors for post-operative urinary retention (POUR) following surgery for perineal tears, and to determine the time to normal voiding after POUR.

Methods

This was a prospective cohort study of women who underwent surgery for old (≥ 3 months) obstetric perineal tears from January 2022 to December 2023. The diagnosis of POUR was made in a woman who completely failed to void despite a full bladder or, one who had post-void residual (PVR) > 150 ml within 10 min of voiding. Return to normal voiding was considered if a patient with POUR had two consecutive PVRs of ≤ 150 ml. Descriptive analyses and multivariable logistic regression were performed to determine risk factors for POUR.

Results

A total of 153 participants were enrolled in this study with a mean age of 35.9 (SD ± 10.8) years. The incidence of POUR was 19.6% (30/153, 95% CI 14.02–26.7), and the median time to normal voiding for these patients was 42.4 h (range 24–72). Risk factors for POUR included repeat perineal tear surgery (RR = 4.24; 95% CI 1.16–15.52; p = 0.029) and early urinary catheter removal (RR = 2.89; 95% CI 1.09–7.67; p = 0.033).

Conclusion

Post-operative urinary retention following surgery for perineal tears is common. The time to return to normal voiding in patients with POUR is short. Women having repeat perineal tear surgery and those in whom the urinary catheter is removed early were more likely to experience POUR. Delayed urinary catheter removal could be considered, especially in patients undergoing repeat perineal tear surgery.
A possible role of lncRNA MEG3 and lncRNA MAFG-AS1 on miRNA 147-b in the pathogenesis of Behcet’s disease
Authors: Abobakr Shimaa , Shaker Olfat , Hegazy Mohamed Tharwat , Hany Ayman Mohamed
Published: July 2024

Behcet’s disease (BD) is a multisystem disease with altered Toll-like receptors (TLRs) on macrophages. Long noncoding RNA Maternally expressed gene 3 (lncRNA MEG3) and lncRNA Musculoaponeurotic fibrosarcoma oncogene family, protein G antisense 1 (MAFG-AS1) are regulators of microRNA (miRNA) 147-b, which is induced upon TLR stimulation. We included fifty BD patients, and fifty age and sex-matched controls. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to measure the expression levels of serum lncRNA MEG3, lncRNA MAFG-AS1, and miRNA 147-b. LncRNA MEG3 and lncRNA MAFG-AS1 were significantly downregulated while miRNA 147-b was significantly upregulated in the BD patients' serum compared to the controls with p-value <0.001. Receiver operation characteristics (ROC) curve analysis revealed that the three biomarkers can discriminate between BD and control subjects with 76%, 100%, and 70% sensitivity respectively, and 100% specificity for all of them. There was a lower expression level of lnc RNA MEG3 among patients who had new eye involvement in the last month in comparison to those without new eye involvement (p-value=0.017). So, LncRNA MEG3, lncRNA MAFG-AS1, and miRNA147-b are promising diagnostic markers and therapeutic targets for BD patients. LncRNA MEG3 can be used as a predictor for new BD ocular involvement.
A new standardization for the use of chicken embryo: selection of target from the phage display library and infection
Authors: de Souza Jessica Brito , Sommerfeld Simone , Almeida-Souza Hebréia Oliveira , Vaz Emília Rezende , Bastos Luciana Machado , Santos Fabiana de Almeida Araújo , Rodrigues Alessandra Castro , Medeiros-Ronchi Alessandra Aparecida , Goulart Luiz Ricardo , Fonseca Belchiolina Beatriz
Published: July 2024

The filamentous bacteriophage M13KO7 (M13) is the most used in phage display (PD) technology and, like other phages, has been applied in several areas of medicine, agriculture, and in the food industry. One of the advantages is that they can modulate the immune response in the presence of pathogenic microorganisms, such as bacteria and viruses. This study evaluated the use of phage M13 in the chicken embryos model. We inoculated 13-day-old chicken embryos with Salmonella Pullorum (SP) and then evaluated survival for the presence of phage M13 or E. coli ER2738 (ECR) infected with M13. We found that the ECR bacterium inhibits SP multiplication in 0.32 (M13-infected ECR) or 0.44 log UFC/mL (M13-uninfected ECR) and that the ECR-free phage M13 from the PD library can be used in chicken embryo models. This work provides the use of the chicken embryo as a model to study systemic infection and can be employed as an analysis tool for various peptides that M13 can express from PD selection.

Key points

• SP-infected chicken embryo can be a helpful model of systemic infection for different tests.

• Phage M13 does not lead to embryonic mortality or cause serious injury to embryos.

• Phage M13 from the PD library can be used in chicken embryo model tests.
Regorafenib plus FOLFIRINOX as first-line treatment for patients with RAS-mutant metastatic colorectal cancer (FOLFIRINOX-R trial): a dose-escalation study
Authors: Adenis Antoine , Ghiringhelli François , Gauthier Ludovic , Mazard Thibault , Evesque Ludovic , Evrard Alexandre , Chalbos Patrick , Moussion Aurore , Gourgou Sophie , Ychou Marc
Published: July 2024

Purpose

The combination of bevacizumab and FOLFIRINOX is used in patients with RAS-mutant metastatic colorectal cancer (RASm-mCRC). Regorafenib, an oral multi-tyrosine kinase inhibitor, has antiangiogenic properties, cytostatic effects and also true cytotoxic effects, unlike bevacizumab. The aim of this study was to determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) and the recommended phase 2 dose (RP2D) of the regorafenib-FOLFIRINOX combination in patients with RASm-mCRC.

Methods

The FOLFIRINOX-R trial was a phase 1/2 study where the dose-escalation part (3 + 3 design with three dose levels, DLs) was completed before its early termination. FOLFIRINOX (14-day cycle) included oxaliplatin (standard dose), folinic acid, fluorouracil and irinotecan (150 or 180 mg/m²). Regorafenib (120 or 160 mg daily) was given from day 4 to day 10 of each cycle. Dose-limiting toxicity (DLT) was studied in the first three cycles. Eligibility criteria included ECOG performance status ≤ 1 and not previously treated RASm-mCRC.

Results

Thirteen patients (median age: 65 years; min-max: 40–76) were enrolled. DLT could not be evaluated in one patient (DL3) due to poor observance. The median treatment duration and median follow-up were 6.2 (min-max: 2.3–10) and 13.4 (min-max: 3.8–18.0) months, respectively. Dose was modified in 12/13 (92%) patients. One grade 3 hypokalemia occurred at DL2. MTD was not reached at DL3. Grade 3 diarrhea was recorded in 7/13 patients (13 events) equally distributed in all DLs.

Conclusion

The RP2D for this regorafenib-FFX combination could not be determined due to a high prevalence of grade 3 diarrhea related to treatment as advised by our Independent Data Monitoring Committee.

Trial registration numbers

ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT03828799.
ProsTAV, a clinically useful test in prostate cancer: an extension study
Authors: Gómez-Gómez Enrique , Martínez-Salamanca Juan Ignacio , Bianco Fernando , Miles Brian J , Burgos Javier , Quintas Juan Justo , Cano-Castiñeira Roque , Gómez-Ferrer Álvaro , Rodríguez-Antolín Alfredo , Chéchile Gilberto , Fernández Luis , Martín Almudena , Hidalgo Paloma , Parramón Mónica
Published: July 2024

Purpose

To assess the clinical performance of ProsTAV®, a blood-based test based on telomere associate variables (TAV) measurement, to support biopsy decision-making when diagnosing suspicious prostate cancer (PCa).

Methods

Preliminary data of a prospective observational pragmatic study of patients with prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels 3–10 ng/ml and suspicious PCa. Results were combined with other clinical data, and all patients underwent prostate biopsies according to each center’s routine clinical practice, while magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) before the prostate biopsy was optional. Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predicted values, and subjects where biopsies could have been avoided using ProsTAV were determined.

Results

The mean age of the participants (n = 251) was 67.4 years, with a mean PSA of 5.90 ng/ml, a mean free PSA of 18.9%, and a PSA density of 0.14 ng/ml. Digital rectal examination was abnormal in 21.1% of the subjects, and according to biopsy, the prevalence of significant PCa was 47.8%. The area under the ROC curve of ProsTAV was 0.7, with a sensitivity of 0.90 (95% CI, 0.85–0.95) and specificity of 0.27 (95% CI, 0.19–0.34). The positive and negative predictive values were 0.53 (95% CI, 0.46–0.60) and 0.74 (95% CI, 0.62–0.87), respectively. ProsTAV could have reduced the biopsies performed by 27% and showed some initial evidence of a putative benefit in the diagnosis pathway combined with MRI.

Conclusions

ProsTAV increases the prediction capacity of significant PCa in patients with PSA between 3 and 10 ng/ml and could be considered a complementary tool to improve the patient diagnosis pathway.
Strong s-box construction approach based on Josephus problem
Authors: Artuğer Fırat
Published: July 2024

There are two basic requirements for symmetric encryption algorithms. The first of these is diffusion. The second and most important is confusion. In these algorithms, this requirement is usually met by s-box structures. Therefore, s-box structures must be strong. So, a cryptographically good s-box will make the encryption algorithm difficult to crack. However, obtaining a strong s-box is a rather difficult problem. In this study, Josephus circle logic is used to solve this problem. Initially, with a random s-box structure, the elements are replaced according to their Josephus positions, and the s-box is made stronger. In the proposed algorithm, according to the Josephus logic, the elements that kill each other are replaced and this process continues until one element remains. The last 30 surviving elements are replaced with all elements. In this way, three different s-boxes were obtained. In two of them, the nonlinearity value was 110.5, and in one of them, the nonlinearity value was 110.75. Fixed points in the proposed s-box structures were identified and eliminated. In addition, it has been proven because of the analysis that the obtained s-box structures also meet other cryptographic requirements. In addition to leaving behind most studies in the literature, the proposed method will also provide strong s-box structures for encryption algorithms to be built in the future.
Communication patterns in families affected by parental cancer from the healthy parents’ perspective—process evaluation of the complex intervention Family-SCOUT
Authors: Heier L. , Weiß J. , Heuser C. , Nakata H. , Brock-Midding E. , Horbach-Bremen R. , Brümmendorf T. H. , Brüne M. , Dohmen M. , Drueke B. , Geiser F. , Holsteg S. , Icks A. , Karger A. , Panse J. , Petermann-Meyer A. , Viehmann A. , Ernstmann N.
Published: July 2024

Purpose

Within families affected by parental cancer, open communication impacts the well-being of parents and their children; however, limited research exists on communication patterns in these families. This sub-study addresses this through the Family-SCOUT study, a multicenter, prospective, interventional, and non-randomized investigation with intervention (IG) and control group (CG). The purpose of this sub-study was to identify and compare the differences in communication patterns between the IG and CG as part of the process evaluation. The research question was addressed in both groups: What communication patterns do healthy parents perceive within their families?

Methods

Using a qualitative approach, the study involved interviewing healthy parents as surrogates for their families. The interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and coded using a template analysis. The resulting data were analyzed at the group level.

Results

Twenty-three interviews were conducted in the IG and 27 interviews in the CG. The analysis of themes centered on communication patterns as seen in the family structure. Both groups exhibited instances of open communication about fears and wishes as well as the use of child-friendly language when discussing cancer. Notable differences were observed: challenges in open communication with children were sorely reported in CG interviews, and “the illness is discussed when necessary” was sorely described in IG interviews.

Conclusion

This study underscores the need to address and encourage open communication within families with parental cancer.
Breaking the silence: the role of sexual communication on quality of life in women with cervical cancer
Authors: Liberacka-Dwojak Magdalena , Wiłkość-Dębczyńska Monika , Perkowski Radosław
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Cervical cancer (CC) and its treatments impact various dimensions of quality of life (QoL), including physical, psychological, and sexual functioning. Sexual health, a crucial QoL aspect, is often compromised, highlighting the necessity for open sexual communication.

Materials and methods

This study involved 60 women diagnosed with stage IIb-IIIa CC. The 36-Item Short Form Survey (SF-36) was used to measure physical and psychological components of QoL, the Female Sexual Function Index-6 (FSFI-6) to assess its sexual component, and the Sexual Communication Self-Efficacy Scale (SCSES) to diagnose communication confidence. Self-administered questions gauged patient-provider sexual communication. The results include quotes from participants, providing additional insight.

Results

Sexual communication self-efficacy and patient-provider communication correlated significantly with QoL components. Only 23.33% discussed sexual issues with their doctors. Participants’ experiences highlighted the impact of cancer on sexuality and the need for tailored support.

Discussion

Post-diagnosis psychosexual changes emphasize the importance of communication in renegotiating sexual identity and needs. Effective communication is associated with improved QoL, highlighting the role of healthcare professionals in addressing psychosexual issues. Integrating PLISSIT and BETTER models provides a comprehensive approach to sexual communication in the cancer context.

Conclusion

The study demonstrates the importance of sexual communication self-efficacy in QoL of CC patients and highlights the need for healthcare professionals to include sexual communication education in cancer care.
On the Neumann (p, q)-eigenvalue problem in Hölder singular domains
Authors: Garain Prashanta , Pchelintsev Valerii , Ukhlov Alexander
Published: July 2024

In the article we study the Neumann (p, q)-eigenvalue problems in bounded Hölder $$\gamma $$
γ
-singular domains $$\Omega _{\gamma }\subset {\mathbb {R}}^n$$

Ω
γ

⊂

R

n

. In the case $$1<p<\infty $$

1
<
p
<
∞

and $$1<q<p^{*}_{\gamma }$$

1
<
q
<

p
γ

∗

we prove solvability of this eigenvalue problem and existence of the minimizer of the associated variational problem. In addition, we establish some regularity results of the eigenfunctions and some estimates of (p, q)-eigenvalues.
The majority of patients report satisfaction more than 24 years after temporomandibular joint discectomy
Authors: Bäckström Esmeralda , Wänman Anders , Sjöström Mats
Published: July 2024

Purpose

To retrospectively evaluate long-term outcomes after temporomandibular joint (TMJ) discectomy.

Methods

Included patients (n = 64) had undergone discectomy during 1989-1998 at Umeå University Hospital. A questionnaire was used to evaluate pre- and postoperative symptoms, postoperative complications, general pain, and subjective opinion about the outcome of the surgery.

Results

The results are based on responses from 47 patients (40 women/7 men), including 36 (30 women/6 men) who completed the questionnaire and 11 (10 women/1 man) who were contacted by telephone and answered selected questions. Seventeen patients were excluded because of death, a move abroad, declining to participate, or no available patient information. Among the respondents, 41 (87%) were satisfied with the results, five (11%) were unsatisfied, and one (2%) patient did not answer the question. The results showed a significant long-term improvement in locking, clicking/crepitation, and pain when chewing or opening the jaw (p = 0.001). The prevalence of headaches had decreased significantly at follow-up (p = 0.001). Reported impaired jaw-opening capacity showed no significant improvement (p = 0.08). Of the 47 respondents, 19 (40%) had asked for additional treatment after the discectomy, and six of the 19 patients (13%) had undergone more surgery of the joint.

Conclusion

The results of this retrospective long-term follow-up study indicate that TMJ discectomy has a high success rate, as most patients were satisfied with the postoperative results. Discectomy is thus an effective surgical intervention for patients with disabling TMJ pain and dysfunction when conservative interventions have been unsuccessful.
Intersecting realms: a cross-disciplinary examination of VR quality of experience research
Authors: Zheleva Aleksandra , De Marez Lieven , Talsma Durk , Bombeke Klaas
Published: July 2024

The advent of virtual reality (VR) technology has necessitated a reevaluation of quality of experience (QoE) models. While numerous recent efforts have been dedicated to creating comprehensive QoE frameworks it seems that the majority of the factors studied as potential influencers of QoE are often limited to single disciplinary viewpoints or specific user-related aspects. Furthermore, the majority of literature reviews in this domain seem to have predominantly focused on academic sources, overlooking industry insights. To address these points, the current research took an interdisciplinary literature review approach to examine QoE literature covering both academic and industry sources from diverse fields (i.e., psychology, ergonomics, user experience, communication science, and engineering). Based on this rich dataset, we created a QoE model that illustrated 252 factors grouped into four branches - user, system, context, and content. The main finding of this review emphasized the substantial gap in the current research landscape, where complex interactions among user, system, context, and content factors in VR are overlooked. The current research not only identified this crucial disparity in existing QoE studies but also provided a substantial online repository of over 200 QoE-related factors. The repository serves as an indispensable tool for future researchers aiming to construct a more holistic understanding of QoE.
Evidence for telemedicine heterogeneity in rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases care: a scoping review
Authors: El Aoufy Khadija , Melis Maria Ramona , Magi Camilla Elena , Bellando-Randone Silvia , Tamburini Matteo , Bandini Giulia , Moggi-Pignone Alberto , Matucci-Cerinic Marco , Bambi Stefano , Rasero Laura
Published: July 2024

Telemedicine and digital health represent alternative approaches for clinical practice; indeed, its potential in healthcare services for prevention, diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation, and disease monitoring is widely acknowledged. These are all crucial issues to consider when dealing with chronic Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Diseases (RMDs). The aim was to determine the current state of telemedicine in the field of rheumatology, considering the tools and devices in use as well as the Patient Reported Outcomes. A scoping review was performed following the PRISMA-ScR, retrieving articles through five databases from 1990 to 2022. Inclusion criteria were as follows: (I) adult patients with RMDs, (II) original research papers in the English language with available abstracts, and (III) telehealth and telemedicine are provided as healthcare services. Within the 62 included studies, multiple tools of telemedicine were used: 21/62 websites/online platforms, 18/62 mobile applications, 16/62 telephone contacts, 5/62 video-consultations, and 1/62 wearable devices. Outcomes were classified based on the economic, clinical, and humanistic framework. Clinical outcomes assessed through digital tools were pain, disease activity, and serum uric acid levels. Humanistic outcomes have been grouped according to four categories (e.g., mental and physical function, health management, and health perception). The heterogeneity of digital tools in the field of rheumatology highlights the challenge of implementing reliable research into clinical practice. Effective telerehabilitation models have been presented, and the use of a tight control strategy has also been mentioned. Future research should focus on establishing studies on other RMDs as well as summarizing and formulating clinical guidelines for RMDs.

Key Points

• Evidence for the usefulness of telemedicine and digital health for managing and monitoring rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases is progressively increasing.• Several digital tools effectively measure clinical and humanistic and patient reported outcomes in rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases.• Integrating diverse digital tools in rheumatology is challenging yet promising.• Future research should focus on developing standardized recommendations for practical use of telemedicine in daily practice.
Green business process management in a Polish municipal waste treatment plant-regional case study
Authors: Brajer-Marczak Renata , Seruga Przemysław , Jarossova Małgorzata Agnieszka , Krzywonos Małgorzata
Published: July 2024

Despite COVID-19, the world economy still contributes to the growth of production and consumption worldwide. Waste disposal, recycling management and energy generation are challenges for many companies in developing economies, including Poland. This article aims to assess the operation of a municipal waste treatment plant (MWTP) from the perspective of green business process management (BMP) solutions. The processes implemented in the MWTP were discussed, with specific consideration of the mechanical waste processing (sorting) process, including the reuse and recycling of materials, composting, energy production (anaerobic process), landfill storage and efficiency parameters of the sorting line. A sustainable waste management system was identified; the cost as well as social and environmental perspectives were analyzed. Also, strategic goals and key performance indicators were considered. The performed analysis included costs, environmental criteria and key environmental indicators. This paper has shown the successful implementation of green BPM, with potential cost and material savings results. The findings of this case study are expected to inspire other waste management companies to adopt green BPM. The presented case study might help raise awareness and promote the implementation of green BPM in municipal plants in Eastern and Southern Europe.