bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Phenotypic Characterization of 2D and 3D Prostate Cancer Cell Systems Using Electrical Impedance Spectroscopy
Authors: Crowell Lexi L. , Yakisich Juan Sebastian , Aufderheide Brian , Adams Tayloria N. G.
Published: December 2023

Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of death in men. A challenge in treating prostate cancer is overcoming cell plasticity, which links cell phenotype changes and chemoresistance. In this work, a microfluidic device coupled with electrical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), an electrode-based cell characterization technique, was used to study the electrical characteristics of phenotype changes for (1) prostate cancer cell lines (PC3, DU145, and LNCaP cells), (2) cells grown in 2D monolayer and 3D suspension cell culture conditions, and (3) cells in the presence (or absence) of the anti-cancer drug nigericin. To validate observations of phenotypic change, we measured the gene expression of two epithelial markers, E-cadherin (CDH1) and Tight Junction Protein 1 (ZO-1). Our results showed that PC3, DU145, and LNCaP cells were discernible with EIS. Secondly, moderate phenotype changes based on differences in cell culture conditions were detected with EIS and supported by the gene expression of CDH1. Lastly, we showed that EIS can detect chemoresistant-related cell phenotypes with nigericin drug treatment. EIS is a promising label-free tool for detecting cell phenotype changes associated with chemoresistance. Further development will enable the detection and characterization of many other types of cancer cells.
Stakeholder Relationship in Construction Projects: A Mixed Methods Review
Authors: Yang Yingnan , Wei Ziyi , Zhang Zhicheng
Published: December 2023

Relationship management among different stakeholder groups plays an increasingly important role in construction innovation, which could explain the growing interest in stakeholder relationship studies of construction projects (SRCP) over the last two decades. However, most of the recent literature review studies have focused on stakeholder management, and there are very few studies systematically describing what types of relationships actually exist in construction projects. To fill the gap, a mixed-methods review is conducted to explore the state-of-the-art work on SRCP. 312 relevant peer-reviewed journal articles published between 2000 and 2022 were examined and analyzed using data from the Scopus and Web of Science databases. A follow-up systematic review of the identified literature was conducted with three main objectives: identifying the main research category, summarizing the main research topics, and proposing future research directions. It was found that over the past 20 years, SRCP has been extended to a greater variety of research topics, such as information technology, which needs to take into account the multi-dimensional research agendas. Overall, this study contributes to the research field in the SRCP domain by offering insightful information on the current state of SRCP and proposing potential future directions for research.
The Relationship between BIM Application and Project Sustainability Performance: Mediation Role of Green Innovation and Moderating Role of Institutional Pressures
Authors: Zhang Ming , Fan Lijun , Liu Yongmin , Zhang Sixiang , Zeng Dalin
Published: December 2023

Project sustainability has become a research hotspot in the construction industry and a crucial driving force for the successful delivery of projects. How enterprises can improve project sustainability performance and realize sustainable development by applying BIM has become an important research topic. In this study, based on the resource-based view and institutional theory, a relationship model of BIM application affecting project sustainability performance is constructed, and data from 449 questionnaires with electric power construction industry practitioners obtained by the two-stage data collection method are used to explore the relationship between BIM application and project sustainability performance, and to investigate the mediating role of green innovation and the moderating role of institutional pressures. The study found that: (1) BIM application has a significant positive impact on project sustainability performance; (2) BIM application has a significant positive predictive effect on green innovation, and green innovation plays a mediating role in the relationship between BIM application and project sustainability performance; and (3) under a high degree of institutional pressures, the positive relationship between BIM application and green innovation is strengthened, and, in this case, the mediating role of green innovation is enhanced. The study results help to expand the theoretical analysis of the relationship between BIM application and project sustainability performance and provide practical guidance for improving project sustainability. Finally, the data in this study only come from the power construction industry and do not differentiate between the types of green innovations, and further research could be conducted on these two aspects in the future.
The Architectural Legacy of Lithuanians in the United States during the Post-World War II Era: A Monument to the Cold War
Authors: Petrulis Vaidas , Tranavičiūtė Brigita , Laurinaitis Paulius Tautvydas
Published: December 2023

The architectural heritage directly related to the refugees from Europe who came to the USA as a result of World War II is still an under-researched topic. New post-war arrivals from the displaced persons camps resulted in a sizeable growth of the already well-established Lithuanian community, infusing it with highly educated professionals. This also included many architects who needed to adapt and continue their practice in a different environment while also finding a way to be useful for the objectives of their national group. The aim of this paper is to examine the architectural legacy of the Lithuanian community in the post-war decades in the USA, emphasizing buildings that were designed with a specific aspiration to implement national character. Research finds that buildings built for the Lithuanian community carried a strong symbolical language that was a peculiar, yet enriching case, in regard to the then-dominant mid-century modernist trends. These structures show the determination of the national group to use their built environment as a medium to reinforce their identity and use architecture as a political statement. The paper proposes to interpret this politically motivated and stylistically distinctive architecture as monuments testifying to the political atmosphere of the Cold War. In this way, the heritage value of these buildings is linked not to avant-garde architectural styles, but to the political needs of a specific community in exile.
Atypical Tongue Abscesses Mimicking Submucosal Malignancies: A Review of the Literature Focusing on Diagnostic Challenges
Authors: Rampi Andrea , Tettamanti Alberto , Bertotto Ilaria , Comini Lara Valentina , Howardson Bright Oworae , Luparello Paolo , Di Santo Davide , Bondi Stefano
Published: December 2023

Tongue abscesses are rare conditions that usually follow mucosal disruption due to mechanical trauma or foreign body impaction. They typically manifest abruptly as a rapidly growing, hard mass or swelling in the context of tongue muscles; the patient frequently complains of pain, difficulties in swallowing or speaking, and fever. Nonetheless, the features of its presentation, together with accurate clinical evaluation, blood tests, and appropriate imaging tests, are usually sufficient to easily discern a tongue abscess from a malignancy. However, in rare cases, they may occur with slowly progressing and subtle symptoms, nuanced objective and laboratory findings, and inconclusive radiological evidence, leading to difficult differential diagnosis with submucosal malignancy. Herein, we review the literature, available on Pubmed, Embase, and Scopus, on publications reporting tongue abscesses, with atypical presentation suggesting an oral tumor. Our review confirms that tongue abscesses may manifest as a slowly growing and moderately painful swelling without purulent discharge and minimal mucosal inflammation; in this case, they may constitute an actual diagnostic challenge with potentially severe impact on correct management. Atypical tongue abscesses must therefore be considered in the differential diagnosis of tongue malignancy with submucosal extension, even when other diagnostic elements suggest a neoplasia; in this case, a deep biopsy under general anesthesia is essential for differential diagnosis, and simultaneous drainage of the necrotic and abscessual material may resolve the condition.
Safety and Survival Outcomes of Liver Resection following Triple Combination Conversion Therapy for Initially Unresectable Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Long Yin , Huang Jue , Liao Jianguo , Zhang Dongbo , Huang Ziqi , He Xiaodong , Zhang Lei
Published: December 2023

Triple combination conversion therapy, involving transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) or hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy (HAIC) combined with tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) and immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), has shown an encouraging objective response rate (ORR) and successful conversion surgery rate in initially unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the safety and long-term survival outcomes of subsequent liver resection after successful conversion still remain to be validated. From February 2019 to February 2023, 726 patients were enrolled in this retrospective study (75 patients received hepatectomy after conversion therapy [CLR group], and 651 patients underwent pure hepatectomy [LR group]). Propensity score matching (PSM) was used to balance the preoperative baseline characteristics. After PSM, 68 patients in the CLR group and 124 patients in the LR group were analyzed, and all the matching variables were well-balanced. Compared with the LR group, the CLR group experienced longer Pringle maneuver time, longer operation time, and longer hospital stays. In addition, the CLR group had significantly higher incidence rates of intra-abdominal bleeding, biliary leakage, post-hepatectomy liver failure (PHLF), and Clavien–Dindo grade IIIa complications than the LR group. There were no significant statistical differences in overall survival (OS) (hazard ratio [HR] 0.724; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.356–1.474; p = 0.374) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) (HR 1.249; 95% CI 0.807–1.934; p = 0.374) between the two groups. Liver resection following triple combination conversion therapy in initially unresectable HCC may achieve favorable survival outcomes with manageable safety profiles; presenting as a promising treatment option for initially unresectable HCC.
Therapy of Locally Advanced and Oligometastatic Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Wahler Isabell Luisa , Damanakis Alexander , Große Hokamp Nils , Bruns Christiane , Schmidt Thomas
Published: December 2023

Pancreatic adenocarcinoma is a lethal disease, and surgical resection remains the only curative treatment option. Unfortunately, upon primary diagnosis, only 15–20% of all patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) have localized disease that is eligible for operation. The remainder of patients either have borderline resectable or locally advanced disease or present with distant metastasis. In this review, we present a comprehensive overview regarding the current strategies and future directions in the multimodal therapy of locally advanced and oligometastasized pancreatic adenocarcinoma and discuss the benefit of surgery following neoadjuvant therapy in these patients.
Early Evolution in Cancer: A Mathematical Support for Pathological and Genomic Evidence in Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Laruelle Annick , Manini Claudia , López José I. , Rocha André
Published: December 2023

Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (CCRCC) is an aggressive form of cancer and a paradigmatic example of intratumor heterogeneity (ITH). The hawk-dove game is a mathematical tool designed to analyze competition in biological systems. Using this game, the study reported here analyzes the early phase of CCRCC development, comparing clonal fitness in homogeneous (linear evolutionary) and highly heterogeneous (branching evolutionary) models. Fitness in the analysis is a measure of tumor aggressiveness. The results show that the fittest clone in a heterogeneous environment is fitter than the clone in a homogeneous context in the early phases of tumor evolution. Early and late periods of tumor evolution in CCRCC are also compared. The study shows the convergence of mathematical, histological, and genomics studies with respect to clonal aggressiveness in different periods of the natural history of CCRCC. Such convergence highlights the importance of multidisciplinary approaches for obtaining a better understanding of the intricacies of cancer.
Stability of Ruthenium/Carbon Catalytic Materials during Operation in Carbon Monoxide Methanation Process
Authors: Truszkiewicz Elżbieta , Latoszek Klaudia , Ojrzyńska Milena , Ostrowski Andrzej , Kępiński Leszek
Published: December 2023

The stable activity of catalysts is an important characteristic, which determines their suitability for industrial applications. The purpose of this study was to investigate the stability of ruthenium systems deposited on carbon under conditions simulating long-term operation in CO methanation. Two series of Ru/carbon catalysts were prepared and studied during CO methanation in a hydrogen-rich gas stream. Two graphitized carbons substantially differing in their surface area (23 and 1457 m2/g) were used as supports, and Ru loadings of 3 and 6 wt.% were applied. The stability of Ru/C catalysts was examined in a 240 h time-on-stream test. The samples were characterized by CO chemisorption, XRD, TEM, Raman spectroscopy, TG–MS studies and CO-TPD. The stability of the catalysts over 240 h in the CO + H2 mixture depended on the support type and Ru loading. The highest CO conversion and increased activity was observed for both catalysts with Ru dispersion above 80%. The tested systems were also resistant to carbon deposition. Interestingly, a similar level of activity was obtained for 3 wt.% Ru supported on the low surface area carbon. It is presumed that the similar activity observed for systems with such different ruthenium dispersion is related to the presence of active sites of different strength and structure on the surface of both small and large Ru particles.
The Cytotoxicity of Cotyledon orbiculata Aqueous Extract and the Biogenic Silver Nanoparticles Derived from the Extract
Authors: Tyavambiza Caroline , Meyer Mervin , Wusu Adedoja Dorcas , Madiehe Abram , Meyer Samantha
Published: December 2023

Green synthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have become popular because of their promising biological activities. However, for most of these nanoparticles, the cytotoxic effects have not been determined and their safety is not guaranteed. In a previous study, we successfully synthesized AgNPs (Cotyledon-AgNPs) using an extract of Cotyledon orbiculata, a medicinal plant traditionally used in South Africa to treat skin conditions. Cotyledon-AgNPs were shown to have significant antimicrobial and wound-healing activities. Fibroblast cells treated with extracts of C. orbiculata and Cotyledon-AgNPs demonstrated an enhanced growth rate, which is essential in wound healing. These nanoparticles therefore have promising wound-healing activities. However, the cytotoxicity of these nanoparticles is not known. In this study, the toxic effects of C. orbiculata extract and Cotyledon-AgNPs on the non-cancerous skin fibroblast (KMST-6) were determined using in vitro assays to assess oxidative stress and cell death. Both the C. orbiculata extract and the Cotyledon-AgNPs did not show any significant cytotoxic effects in these assays. Gene expression analysis was also used to assess the cytotoxic effects of Cotyledon-AgNPs at a molecular level. Of the eighty-four molecular toxicity genes analysed, only eight (FASN, SREBF1, CPT2, ASB1, HSPA1B, ABCC2, CASP9, and MKI67) were differentially expressed. These genes are mainly involved in fatty acid and mitochondrial energy metabolism. The results support the finding that Cotyledon-AgNPs have low cytotoxicity at the concentrations tested. The upregulation of genes such as FASN, SERBF1, and MKI-67 also support previous findings that Cotyledon-AgNPs can promote wound healing via cell growth and proliferation. It can therefore be concluded that Cotyledon-AgNPs are not toxic to skin fibroblast cells at the concentration that promotes wound healing. These nanoparticles could possibly be safely used for wound healing.
In Silico Identification of Natural Products and World-Approved Drugs Targeting the KEAP1/NRF2 Pathway Endowed with Potential Antioxidant Profile
Authors: Brogi Simone , Guarino Ilaria , Flori Lorenzo , Sirous Hajar , Calderone Vincenzo
Published: December 2023

In this study, we applied a computer-based protocol to identify novel antioxidant agents that can reduce oxidative stress (OxS), which is one of the main hallmarks of several disorders, including cancer, cardiovascular disease, and neurodegenerative disorders. Accordingly, the identification of novel and safe agents, particularly natural products, could represent a valuable strategy to prevent and slow down the cellular damage caused by OxS. Employing two chemical libraries that were properly prepared and enclosing both natural products and world-approved and investigational drugs, we performed a high-throughput docking campaign to identify potential compounds that were able to target the KEAP1 protein. This protein is the main cellular component, along with NRF2, that is involved in the activation of the antioxidant cellular pathway. Furthermore, several post-search filtering approaches were applied to improve the reliability of the computational protocol, such as the evaluation of ligand binding energies and the assessment of the ADMET profile, to provide a final set of compounds that were evaluated by molecular dynamics studies for their binding stability. By following the screening protocol mentioned above, we identified a few undisclosed natural products and drugs that showed great promise as antioxidant agents. Considering the natural products, isoxanthochymol, gingerenone A, and meranzin hydrate showed the best predicted profile for behaving as antioxidant agents, whereas, among the drugs, nedocromil, zopolrestat, and bempedoic acid could be considered for a repurposing approach to identify possible antioxidant agents. In addition, they showed satisfactory ADMET properties with a safe profile, suggesting possible long-term administration. In conclusion, the identified compounds represent a valuable starting point for the identification of novel, safe, and effective antioxidant agents to be employed in cell-based tests and in vivo studies to properly evaluate their action against OxS and the optimal dosage for exerting antioxidant effects.
Sports Analytics and Text Mining NBA Data to Assess Recovery from Injuries and Their Economic Impact
Authors: Sarlis Vangelis , Papageorgiou George , Tjortjis Christos
Published: December 2023

Injuries are an unfortunate part of professional sports. This study aims to explore the multi-dimensional impact of injuries in professional basketball, focusing on player performance, team dynamics, and economic outcomes. Employing advanced machine learning and text mining techniques on suitably preprocessed NBA data, we examined the intricate interplay between injury and performance metrics. Our findings reveal that specific anatomical sub-areas, notably knees, ankles, and thighs, are crucial for athletic performance and injury prevention. The analysis revealed the significant economic burden that certain injuries impose on teams, necessitating comprehensive long-term strategies for injury management. The results provide valuable insights into the distribution of injuries and their varied effects, which are essential for developing effective prevention and economic strategies in basketball. By illuminating how injuries influence performance and recovery dynamics, this research offers comprehensive insights that are beneficial for NBA teams, healthcare professionals, medical staff, and trainers, paving the way for enhanced player care and optimized performance strategies.
Enhanced Random Forest Classifier with K-Means Clustering (ERF-KMC) for Detecting and Preventing Distributed-Denial-of-Service and Man-in-the-Middle Attacks in Internet-of-Medical-Things Networks
Authors: Al-Abadi Abdullah Ali Jawad , Mohamed Mbarka Belhaj , Fakhfakh Ahmed
Published: December 2023

In recent years, the combination of wireless body sensor networks (WBSNs) and the Internet ofc Medical Things (IoMT) marked a transformative era in healthcare technology. This combination allowed for the smooth communication between medical devices that enabled the real-time monitoring of patient’s vital signs and health parameters. However, the increased connectivity also introduced security challenges, particularly as they related to the presence of attack nodes. This paper proposed a unique solution, an enhanced random forest classifier with a K-means clustering (ERF-KMC) algorithm, in response to these challenges. The proposed ERF-KMC algorithm combined the accuracy of the enhanced random forest classifier for achieving the best execution time (ERF-ABE) with the clustering capabilities of K-means. This model played a dual role. Initially, the security in IoMT networks was enhanced through the detection of attack messages using ERF-ABE, followed by the classification of attack types, specifically distinguishing between man-in-the-middle (MITM) and distributed denial of service (DDoS) using K-means. This approach facilitated the precise categorization of attacks, enabling the ERF-KMC algorithm to employ appropriate methods for blocking these attack messages effectively. Subsequently, this approach contributed to the improvement of network performance metrics that significantly deteriorated during the attack, including the packet loss rate (PLR), end-to-end delay (E2ED), and throughput. This was achieved through the detection of attack nodes and the subsequent prevention of their entry into the IoMT networks, thereby mitigating potential disruptions and enhancing the overall network efficiency. This study conducted simulations using the Python programming language to assess the performance of the ERF-KMC algorithm in the realm of IoMT, specifically focusing on network performance metrics. In comparison with other algorithms, the ERF-KMC algorithm demonstrated superior efficacy, showcasing its heightened capability in terms of optimizing IoMT network performance as compared to other common algorithms in network security, such as AdaBoost, CatBoost, and random forest. The importance of the ERF-KMC algorithm lies in its security for IoMT networks, as it provides a high-security approach for identifying and preventing MITM and DDoS attacks. Furthermore, improving the network performance metrics to ensure transmitted medical data are accurate and efficient is vital for real-time patient monitoring. This study takes the next step towards enhancing the reliability and security of IoMT systems and advancing the future of connected healthcare technologies.
Implementation of an Intelligent EMG Signal Classifier Using Open-Source Hardware
Authors: Cárdenas-Bolaño Nelson , Polo Aura , Robles-Algarín Carlos
Published: December 2023

This paper presents the implementation of an intelligent real-time single-channel electromyography (EMG) signal classifier based on open-source hardware. The article shows the experimental design, analysis, and implementation of a solution to identify four muscle movements from the forearm (extension, pronation, supination, and flexion), for future applications in transradial active prostheses. An EMG signal acquisition instrument was developed, with a 20–450 Hz bandwidth and 2 kHz sampling rate. The signals were stored in a Database, as a multidimensional array, using a desktop application. Numerical and graphic analysis approaches for discriminative capacity were proposed for feature analysis and four feature sets were used to feed the classifier. Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) were implemented for time-domain EMG pattern recognition (PR). The system obtained a classification accuracy of 98.44% and response times per signal of 8.522 ms. Results suggest these methods allow us to understand, intuitively, the behavior of user information.
Review of Community-Based Conservation Initiatives for Protecting a Primary Atlantic Forest Remnant: A Case Study
Authors: Studer Anita , de Sousa Marcelo Cardoso , Stoudmann Gwyneth , de Melo Leandro F. , da Silva Anita , de Araujo Guimarães José Rodrigo , de Oliveira Cleydeanne E. H. , Alves Marcio José Soares , de Lima Araujo Sonia M.
Published: December 2023

Effective forest conservation should go hand in hand with collaboration of the surrounding local communities. Bringing advancement and relief to marginalized communities is pivotal for conservation initiatives, with the objective of cultivating a sustainable ecosystem while protecting indigenous biodiversity. The linchpin for developing successful partnerships begins with fostering a shared understanding of the intricate relationship between humanity and the natural environment. This awareness can be nurtured by interactive education and tangible outcomes that illuminate the profound long-term benefits of conscientious environmental stewardship. Therefore, an emphasis on community-driven conservation and environmental education becomes imperative, serving as a conduit for disseminating crucial information, fostering practical knowledge, and nurturing the attitudes and skills essential in the quest for environmental protection and sustainable development. Education, in this context, operates as a reciprocal process, demanding that educators glean insights from the local populace to effectively tailor strategies that elevate and empower them toward sustainable advancement. This dynamic interaction is where capacity development (CD) becomes indispensable. This paper delves into the unfolding of a series of conservation endeavors, initially driven by Anita Studer’s commitment to preserving a fragment of the primary Atlantic Forest in northeastern Brazil. Evolving into a four-decade educational journey, the actions taken showcase enduring ripple effects across 14 states in Brazil, presenting a comprehensive survey of applied techniques in this unique context. The resources required to achieve collective conservation goals witness a continual upswing, a trend expounded in this paper. Hence, we have chronicled the history, methodology, and projects that transpired in response to the ever-evolving community needs. We will also look at the results and discuss the advancement that ensues following the CBD targets and goals presented at the 2022 UN Biodiversity Conference.
Development and Validation of a Methodology to Measure Exhaled Carbon Dioxide (CO2) and Control Indoor Air Renewal
Authors: Baselga Marta , Alba Juan J. , Schuhmacher Alberto J.
Published: December 2023

The measurement of carbon dioxide (CO2) has emerged as a cost-effective and straightforward technique for indirectly managing indoor air quality, aiding in the reduction of the potentially pathogen-laden aerosol concentrations to which we are exposed. Unfortunately, inadequate practices often limit the interpretation of CO2 levels and neglect methodologies that ensure proper air renewal. This study presents a novel methodology for measuring and controlling indoor CO2 levels in shared spaces, comprising four stages: analysis, diagnosis, correction protocols, and monitoring/control/surveillance (MCS). This methodology underwent validation in practical settings, including a cultural center (representing spaces with uniform activities) and 40 commercial spaces (with diverse activities) in Zaragoza, Spain. The results indicate the feasibility of swiftly implementing measures to enhance shared air renewal, with the immediate opening of doors and windows being the most direct solution. The proposed methodology is practical and has the potential to mitigate the risk of the aerosol transmission of respiratory diseases. Consequently, we anticipate that this work will contribute to establishing methodological foundations for CO2 measurement as a valuable, standardized, and reliable tool.
Plant Diversity Responses of Ulmus pumila L. Communities to Grazing Management in Hunshandak Sandy Land, China
Authors: Huang Wenda , He Yuanzheng , Zhao Xueyong , Yang Hongxiao , Gan Honghao , Zhao Xin
Published: December 2023

Biodiversity is sensitive to climate change and human activity. Grazing management practices have a profound impact on plant species–genetic diversity in grassland and woodland communities. In this study, we explored the responses of species and genetic diversity to grazing in Ulmus pumila L. communities in the Hunshandak Sandy Land, analyzed the relationship between species and genetic diversity, and revealed the effects of climate factors on them. We found that the dominant species were Spiraea trilobata, Caragana microphylla and Artemisia intramongolica in U. pumila communities. Plant species richness in the banned grazing (BG) and seasonal grazing (SG) communities was significantly higher than that in the delayed grazing (DG) community. Plant Simpson’s diversity index showed a downward trend with increasing grazing duration. There was no difference in allelic richness in nuclear DNA (nrDNA) of U (U. pumila) and chloroplast DNA (cpDNA) of NU (other dominant species besides U. pumila) among grazing management types. The expected heterozygosity of U in nrDNA and cpDNA was significantly affected by grazing management, and the trend was BG > SG > DG. The genetic diversity of U was lower than that of NU. The genetic diversity characteristics of U in cpDNA were lower than those in nrDNA. The analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) showed that 98.08% of the variation in U and 95.25% of the variation in NU was attributed within populations and the differences within grazing management types were 13.35% in U and 24.08% in NU (p < 0.001). The species richness of communities was positively correlated with the genetic diversity of U, NU and all dominant species (U + NU) in communities. The nineteen climatic variables together explained 94.24% and 79.08% of the total variation in U and NU genetic and species diversity. The mean temperature of the warmest quarter and temperature seasonality were the main factors affecting genetic diversity (p = 0.046; 0.01), while the maximum temperature of the warmest month was the main factor affecting species diversity (p = 0.05).
Comorbidity of Type 2 Diabetes and Dementia among Hospitalized Patients in Los Angeles County: Hospitalization Outcomes and Costs, 2019–2021
Authors: Robinson D’Artagnan M. , Regos-Stewart Dalia , Reyes Mariana A. , Kuo Tony , Barragan Noel C.
Published: December 2023

Hospitalizations for diabetes and dementia can impose a significant health and economic toll on older adults in the United States. This study sought to examine differences in hospitalization characteristics and outcomes associated with diabetes and dementia, separately and together, using 2019–2021 discharge record data from the California Department of Health Care Access and Information. The sampled group were residents of Los Angeles County who were aged 50+ at the time of the study. The multivariable linear regression analysis showed that compared to those with no diabetes or dementia, patients with diabetes alone exhibited the highest total charges, while those with comorbid diabetes and dementia exhibited lower charges (p < 0.05). The multinomial logistic regression found that patients with comorbid diabetes and dementia had the highest odds of having a length of stay of 7+ days (Adjusted Odds Ratio = 1.49; 95% Confidence Interval (CI) = 1.44–1.53). A matched case–control analysis revealed that comorbid diabetes and dementia were associated with significantly lower odds of hypertensive disease than diabetes alone (Matched Odds Ratio = 0.81; 95% CI = 0.67–0.97). Collectively, these results highlight the complex factors that may influence the variable hospitalization outcomes that are common occurrences in these three distinct disease profiles. Study findings suggest a need to consider these complexities when developing policies or strategies to improve hospitalization outcomes for these conditions.
Immunohistochemical Stain-Aided Annotation Accelerates Machine Learning and Deep Learning Model Development in the Pathologic Diagnosis of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma
Authors: Lin Tai-Pei , Yang Chiou-Ying , Liu Ko-Jiunn , Huang Meng-Yuan , Chen Yen-Lin
Published: December 2023

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is an epithelial cancer originating in the nasopharynx epithelium. Nevertheless, annotating pathology slides remains a bottleneck in the development of AI-driven pathology models and applications. In the present study, we aim to demonstrate the feasibility of using immunohistochemistry (IHC) for annotation by non-pathologists and to develop an efficient model for distinguishing NPC without the time-consuming involvement of pathologists. For this study, we gathered NPC slides from 251 different patients, comprising hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) slides, pan-cytokeratin (Pan-CK) IHC slides, and Epstein–Barr virus-encoded small RNA (EBER) slides. The annotation of NPC regions in the H&E slides was carried out by a non-pathologist trainee who had access to corresponding Pan-CK IHC slides, both with and without EBER slides. The training process utilized ResNeXt, a deep neural network featuring a residual and inception architecture. In the validation set, NPC exhibited an AUC of 0.896, with a sensitivity of 0.919 and a specificity of 0.878. This study represents a significant breakthrough: the successful application of deep convolutional neural networks to identify NPC without the need for expert pathologist annotations. Our results underscore the potential of laboratory techniques to substantially reduce the workload of pathologists.
Performance of a Point-of-Care Fluorescence Immunoassay Test to Measure the Anti-Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Corona Virus 2 Spike, Receptor Binding Domain Antibody Level
Authors: Tiara Marita Restie , Djauhari Hofiya , Rachman Febi Ramdhani , Rettob Antonius Christianus , Utami Darmastuti , Pulungan Fahda Cintia Suci , Purwanta Heru , Wisaksana Rudi , Alisjahbana Bachti , Indrati Agnes Rengga
Published: December 2023

Quantitative determination of anti-SARS-CoV2-S-RBD is necessary for the evaluation of vaccination effectiveness. The surrogate viral neutralization test (SVNT) is approved for measuring anti-SARS-CoV2-S-RBD, but a point-of-care platform is needed to simplify anti-SARS-CoV-2-S-RBD measurement. We aimed to evaluate the performance of a rapid fluorescent immunoassay-based kit, FastBio-RBDTM, compared to the SVNT. During April–September 2021, we enrolled two groups of subjects, convalescent subjects and subjects without a COVID-19 history. The subjects were tested for the anti-SARS-CoV2-S-RBD antibody using FastBio-RBDTM and the GenScript-cPASSTM SVNT. We measured the correlation coefficient and conducted an ROC analysis to determine the best cut-off value of anti-SARS-CoV2-S-RBD against the SVNT percent inhibition levels of 30% and 60%. We included 109 subjects. Anti-SARS-CoV-2-S-RBD strongly correlated to SVNT % inhibition with an R value of 0.866 (p < 0.0001). The ROC analysis showed that the anti-SARS-CoV-2-S-RBD of 6.71 AU/mL had 95.7% sensitivity and 87.5% specificity to detect a percentage inhibition of 30%. The anti-SARS-CoV-2-S-RBD of 59.76 AU/mL had a sensitivity of 88.1% and specificity of 97.0% to detect a percentage inhibition of 60%. FastBio-RBDTM could determine the presence and level of anti-SARS-CoV-2-S-RBD with good sensitivity and specificity. It has the potential to be deployed in health facilities with limited resources.
Comparison of Automated Keratometer and Scheimpflug Tomography for Predicting Refractive Astigmatism in Pseudophakic Eyes
Authors: Na Kyung-Sun , Savini Giacomo , Whang Woong-Joo , Næser Kristian
Published: December 2023

Purpose: To analyse the correspondence between refractive astigmatism and corneal astigmatism in pseudophakic eyes with non-toric intraocular lenses. Setting: Yeouido St. Mary hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea. Design: Evaluation of a diagnostic test instrument. Methods: This retrospective study included 95 eyes of 95 patients. Corneal astigmatism was measured with an automated keratometer (RK-5, Canon) and Scheimpflug tomography (Pentacam HR, Oculus). Refractive astigmatism was compared to keratometric astigmatism (based on anterior corneal measurements only), equivalent K-reading, and total corneal astigmatism (both based on anterior and posterior corneal measurements). Vector analysis was carried out by Næser’s polar value method. The accuracy was defined as the average magnitude of the vectorial difference in astigmatism (DA). Each corneal measurement was optimized in retrospect by a multiple linear regression equation between refractive and corneal astigmatism. Results: Keratometric astigmatism overestimated with-the-rule (WTR) refractive astigmatism and underestimated against-the-rule (ATR) refractive astigmatism. Several measurements based on both corneal surfaces’ values did not show any statistically significant difference with respect to refractive astigmatism. The mean corneal astigmatism by total corneal refractive power (TCRP) at 4.0 mm (zone/pupil) produced the lowest mean arithmetic DA and the highest percentage of eyes with a DA ≤ 0.50 dioptre. After optimization, the accuracies of automated KA and TCRP 4.0 mm (zone/pupil) were similar. Conclusions: Total corneal astigmatism measured by Scheimpflug tomography at a 4.0 mm zone centered on the pupil accurately reflects the refractive astigmatism in pseudophakic eyes. However, the accuracy of total corneal astigmatism is not different from automated KA after optimization.
Performance Evaluation of Three Antibody Binding Assays, a Neutralizing Antibody Assay, and an Interferon-Gamma Release Assay for SARS-CoV-2 According to Vaccine Type in Vaccinated Group
Authors: Nam Minjeong , Cha Jae Hyun , Kim Sang-Wook , Kim Sun Bean , Lee Ki-Byung , Chung You-Seung , Yun Seung Gyu , Nam Myung-Hyun , Lee Chang Kyu , Cho Yunjung
Published: December 2023

We evaluated the performance of SARS-CoV-2 assays in the vaccinated group using receptor-binding domain antibody assays (RBD Ab assay), neutralizing antibody assay (nAb assay), and interferon-gamma release assay (IGR assay). We also compared the performance of the SARS-CoV-2 assays based on vaccine type in a large population. We collected 1851 samples from vaccinated individuals with vector, mix-and-match (MM), and mRNA vaccines. The performance of the RBD Ab assays was assessed by SARS-CoV-2 IgG II Quant (Abbott Laboratories, Sligo, Ireland), SARS-CoV-2 IgG (Beckman Coulter, CA, USA), and anti-SARS-CoV-2 S (Roche Diagnostics GmbH, Mannheim, Germany). The nAb assay was assessed by cPass SARS-CoV-2 neutralization antibody detection kits (GenScript, NJ, USA). The IGR assay was assessed by QuantiFERON (Qiagen, Venlo, The Netherlands). Median values of the RBD Ab assays and nAb assay sequentially increased after the first and second vaccinations. RBD Ab assays and nAb assay showed very strong correlations. The median values of the RBD Ab, nAb, and IGR were higher in the mRNA vaccine group than in the vector and MM vaccine groups. The agreement and correlation among the RBD Ab assays, nAb assay, and IGR assay were higher in the mRNA vaccine group than in the vector and MM vaccine groups. We compared the performance of the RBD Ab assay, nAb assay, and IGR assay based on the vaccine types using the RBD Ab, nAb, and IGR assays. This study provides a better understanding of the assessment of humoral and cellular immune responses after vaccination.
Protective Effects of Sitagliptin on Streptozotocin-Induced Hepatic Injury in Diabetic Rats: A Possible Mechanisms
Authors: Alqahtani Qamraa H. , Alshehri Samiyah , Alhusaini Ahlam M. , Sarawi Wedad S. , Alqarni Sana S. , Mohamed Raessa , Kumar Meha N. , Al-Saab Juman , Hasan Iman H.
Published: December 2023

Diabetes is a ubiquitous disease that causes several complications. It is associated with insulin resistance, which affects the metabolism of proteins, carbohydrates, and fats and triggers liver diseases such as fatty liver disease, steatohepatitis, fibrosis, and cirrhosis. Despite the effectiveness of Sitagliptin (ST) as an antidiabetic drug, its role in diabetes-induced liver injury is yet to be fully investigated. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the effect of ST on hepatic oxidative injury, inflammation, apoptosis, and the mTOR/NF-κB/NLRP3 signaling pathway in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced liver injury. Rats were allocated into four groups: two nondiabetic groups, control rats and ST rats (100 mg/kg), and two diabetic groups induced by STZ, and they received either normal saline or ST for 90 days. Diabetic rats showed significant hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia, and elevation in liver enzymes. After STZ induction, the results revealed remarkable increases in hepatic oxidative stress, inflammation, and hepatocyte degeneration. In addition, STZ upregulated the immunoreactivity of NF-κB/p65, NLRP3, and mTOR but downregulated IKB-α in liver tissue. The use of ST mitigated metabolic and hepatic changes induced by STZ; it also reduced oxidative stress, inflammation, and hepatocyte degeneration. The normal expression of NF-κB/p65, NLRP3, mTOR, and IKB-α were restored with ST treatment. Based on that, our study revealed for the first time the hepatoprotective effect of ST that is mediated by controlling inflammation, oxidative stress, and mTOR/NF-κB/NLRP3 signaling.
Exposure to Climate Change Information on Affect and Pro-Environmental Behavioural Intentions: A Randomised Controlled Trial
Authors: Greaves Samantha , Harvey Caroline , Kotera Yasuhiro
Published: December 2023

Climate change and its impact are being acknowledged through extensive media coverage. Knowledge gaps between mental health and climate change have been highlighted, which is an increasingly prevalent issue. Furthermore, mental health impacts such as climate anxiety and its implications on behaviour remain unclear. The study aimed to investigate the effect of climate change exposure on affect and pro-environmental behavioural intentions in a randomised controlled trial. An online survey was completed by 100 adult participants and included measures of affect and pro-environmental behavioural intentions pre- and post-exposure. Participants were randomly allocated to a group that saw a climate change video (n = 55) or a group that saw a non-climate change video (n = 45). The findings were that participants in the climate change group showed a significant increase in negative affect and pro-environmental behavioural intention scores post-video exposure compared to the non-climate change video group. This suggests that climate change video exposure negatively influences affect but also potentially increases the intention to act pro-environmentally. These findings have the potential to support policies and societal change; however, further investigation into the type of contents, actual behaviour change, and impacts on diverse populations (e.g., minority groups) is needed.
Pedagogical Resocialization of Children and Youth with Behavioral Problems
Authors: Karamatić Brčić Matilda , Iveljić Ana Marija , Serdarević Iva
Published: December 2023

Deinstitutionalization of care and transformation of homes represent changes and improvement in the Croatian social welfare system’s work with children and young people. In the context of the deinstitutionalization processes in this article, we consider the resocialization process of children and youth with behavioral problems, and we are focused on pedagogical resocialization as one of the main prerequisites for its successful operationalization. Therefore, this research subject is considered from the point of view of an interdisciplinary approach. The aim of the qualitative research is to analyze opinions and experiences of educational specialists and educators of the Community-based Service Center in Zadar, by conducting semi-structural interviews about the implementation of the pedagogical resocialization of children and youth with behavioral problems in the above-mentioned institution. According to the obtained results, it is possible to recognize their affirmative attitude towards resocialization processes within the framework of deinstitutionalization, whose implementation they consider as a successful simulation of family life. They also mention some shortcomings within the social welfare system; but, at the same time, the results imply that deinstitutionalization, as a kind of progress within the social welfare system, can also represent an incentive for the progress of all other factors and systems cooperating in this matter, such as the educational system.
Functionalized Thermoplastic Polyurethane Nanofibers: An Innovative Triboelectric Energy Generator
Authors: Salas Julia Isidora , de Leon Diego , Abir Sk Shamim Hasan , Uddin M. Jasim , Lozano Karen
Published: December 2023

A triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) is one of the most significantly innovative microdevices for built-in energy harvesting with wearable and portable electronics. In this study, the forcespinning technology was used to synthesize a nanofiber (NF) mat-based TENG. Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) membrane was used as the negative triboelectric electrode/pole, and chemically designed and functionalized thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) was used as the positive electrode/pole for the TENG. The electronic interference, sensitivity, and gate voltage of the synthesized microdevices were investigated using chemically modified bridging of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) with a TPU polymer repeating unit and bare TPU-based positive electrodes. The chemical functionality of TPU NF was integrated during the NF preparation step. The morphological features and the chemical structure of the nanofibers were characterized using a field emission scanning electron microscope and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. The electrical output of the fabricated MWCNT-TPU/PVDF TENG yielded a maximum of 212 V in open circuit and 70 µA in short circuit at 240 beats per minute, which proved to be 79% and 15% higher than the TPU/PDVF triboelectric nanogenerator with an electronic contact area of 3.8 × 3.8 cm2, which indicates that MWCNT enhanced the electron transportation facility, which results in significantly enhanced performance of the TENG. This device was further tested for its charging capacity and sensory performance by taking data from different body parts, e.g., the chest, arms, feet, hands, etc. These results show an impending prospect and versatility of the chemically functionalized materials for next-generation applications in sensing and everyday energy harvesting technology.