bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
“Enhancing power system stability: an innovative approach using coordination of FOPID controller for PSS and SVC FACTS device with MFO algorithm”
Authors: Ibrahim Nader M. A. , El-said Ehab A. , Attia Hossam E. M. , Hemade Bassam A.
Published: October 2023

This paper investigates an optimal methodology for mitigating low-frequency oscillation concerns in power systems. The study explores the synergistic integration of a power system stabilizer (PSS) and a flexible alternating current transmission system (FACTS) to formulate an intelligent controller. A comprehensive analysis encompasses various PSS design strategies, including lead-lag (LL), proportional-derivative-integral (PID), and fractional-order proportional-integral-derivative (FOPID) controllers. The FACTS device selected for this investigation is a static VAR compensator (SVC), highlighting the exceptional efficacy of FOPID-based PSS over alternative strategies with a power oscillation damper. The study extends its scope to encompass a comparative assessment of two distinct optimization algorithms: the moth flame optimization (MFO) and the antlion optimization (ALO). The research is conducted using a single-machine infinite bus power system (SMIB) as the case study platform. A total of four diverse test scenarios are executed under varying operating conditions. The evaluation of the developed method employs six distinct performance indices to investigate the developed controller thoroughly. The outcomes reveal that the MFO-optimized FOPID-PSS and SVC controller outperforms other control schemes. This optimized configuration demonstrates substantial improvements across all performance indices. These findings underscore the superior capabilities of the proposed approach in enhancing power system stability and performance.
Preise in der Pathologie – eine Männerdomäne?
Authors: Malik Elisa , Halling Thorsten , Dreher Annegret , Marazia Chantal , Esposito Irene , Loerbroks Adrian , Hansson Nils
Published: October 2023

Hintergrund

Preise verhelfen ihren Empfänger*innen zu Ruhm, Anerkennung und erleichtern in der Folge durch erhöhte Sichtbarkeit anschließende Veröffentlichungen und die Akquise von Drittmitteln. Wir stellen die zu prüfende Hypothese auf, dass Frauen trotz zunehmender Vertretung in der Pathologie als Preisträgerinnen in der Fachgesellschaft unterrepräsentiert sind und folglich ein damit verbundenes Ungleichgewicht zwischen den Geschlechtern besteht.

Material und Methoden

Ausgewertet wurden veröffentlichte Daten der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Pathologie zu Preisträger*innen im Jahreszeitraum von 2000 bis 2022. Betrachtet wurden Preise, die dem Fachgebiet der Pathologie gewidmet sind. Zudem wurden die öffentlich verfügbaren Daten der Bundesärztekammer zu Geschlechter- und Altersverteilung von Pathologinnen und Pathologen in Deutschland als Referenzmaterial betrachtet.

Ergebnisse

Es wurden insgesamt 6 verschiedene Preise in der Analyse berücksichtigt. Unter den 143 Preisträger*innen bei insgesamt 150 Einzelpreisvergaben im Zeitraum 2000 bis 2022 waren 55 der Preisträger*innen weiblich. Somit waren durchschnittlich 38,4 % der Preisträger*innen weiblich bei einem durchschnittlichen Pathologinnenanteil von 31 % in der deutschen Fachärzteschaft für Pathologie über den betrachteten Zeitraum von 23 Jahren. Dies bedeutet, dass die Preisträgerinnen in der Pathologie, wenn man die nationalen Statistiken zum Frauenanteil unter den Fachärzten in der Pathologie berücksichtigt, nicht unterrepräsentiert waren.

Betrachtet man allerdings die Verteilung von Preisträgerinnen in den einzelnen Preiskategorien bzw. Preisen, dann konnte beobachtet werden, dass Frauen vermehrt bei weniger prestigeträchtigen Forschungs- und Promotionspreisen vertreten waren, Männer hingegen einen großen Anteil der Preisträger*innen von Ehrenpreisen (0 % Frauenanteil) und prestigeträchtigen Preisen ausmachten (17 % Frauenanteil).
3-D-Skoliosekorrekturtraining im Fitnessstudio
Authors: Schröder Jan , Meyer Mathilda , Reer Rüdiger
Published: October 2023

Hintergrund

Die physiotherapeutische skoliosespezifische Bewegungstherapie (PSSE) gilt als evident wirksam in der konservativen Progressionsprävention und Skoliosetherapie und auch sportlichem Training werden positive Wirkungen attestiert. Für Kinder und Jugendliche mit adoleszenter idiopathischer Skoliose (AIS) werden komplementäre Alternativtrainingsformen mit höherem Motivationscharakter vorgeschlagen; für Erwachsene (ADIS) besteht hier eine Erkenntnislücke.

Ziel

In dieser Machbarkeitsstudie soll explorativ evaluiert werden, ob eine trainingstherapeutische Adaption von 3‑D-Derotationsübungen im Fitnessstudio-Setting ebenfalls zu positiven skoliosespezifischen Effekten führen kann.

Methodik

In einer Einzelfallvergleichsstudie (ambulantes Schroth-Training vs. 3‑D-Derotation 1:1-Betreuung in Präsenz oder via Videocall) wurden Veränderungen der thorakalen axialen Rumpfrotation (ATR) und des videorasterstereographischen thorakalen Skoliosewinkels (VRS) nach 6‑wöchigen Interventionen für Erwachsene (ADIS, VRS-Skoliosewinkel 26–44°) ermittelt.

Ergebnisse

Für das ambulante Schroth-Training wurde eine Verbesserung von 8° in der ATR und 6° im Skoliosewinkel beobachtet. Beim Fitnessstudio-3-D-Derotationstraining gab es Responder mit ähnlichen positiven Effekten im Skoliosewinkel (9°), aber auch Nonresponder (1°). Unbedeutend blieben ATR-Verbesserungen beim Fitnessstudio-3-D-Derotationstraining (1–2°).

Diskussion

In dieser vorläufigen Pilotstudie erwies sich die Fitnessstudio-3-D-Derotationstrainingsvariante als machbar, die Ergebnisse sind aber nicht verallgemeinerbar. Für die ATR konnte keine dem Schroth-Training vergleichbare Wirkung erzielt werden, beim Skoliosewinkel gab es Responder und Nonresponder. Weiterführende Kohortenstudien mit der Erfassung von Adhärenz und Compliance im Langzeitverlauf müssen folgen.

Graphic abstract
The influence of preoperative urodynamic parameters on clinical results in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia after transurethral resection of the prostate
Authors: Yang Jiyao , Song Hongde , Zhan Hui , Ding Mingxia , Luan Ting , Chen Jian , Wei Hairong , Wang Jiansong
Published: October 2023

Purpose

To identify the urodynamic parameters affecting the clinical outcomes of transurethral resection of the prostate(TURP) surgery for patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia(BPH) by multifactor analysis and establish a regression model with diagnostic values.

Methods

The medical records of patients who underwent TURP surgery for BPH between December 2018 and September 2021 were collected from the urology department of the Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China. The patients’ clinical data and urodynamic parameters were collected before surgery. The urodynamic parameters affecting surgical efficacy were identified by multifactor analysis, and a regression model with diagnostic values was established and evaluated.

Results

A total of 201 patients underwent TURP, of whom 144 had complete preoperative urodynamic data. Each urodynamic factor was subjected to multifactor analysis, and the bladder contractility index (BCI), bladder outflow obstruction index (BOOI), bladder residual urine, and bladder compliance (BC) were found to be independent influence factors on the efficacy of TURP in patients with BPH. The diagnostic value of the regression model was analyzed by receiver operating characteristics (ROC) analysis, and it was found that the AUC = 0.939 (95% CI 0.886–0.972), for which the sensitivity and specificity were 95.19% and 80%, respectively.

Conclusions

The regression model had high diagnostic sensitivity and specificity in predicting the efficacy of surgery, and the diagnostic value was higher than that of individual urodynamic factors. Therefore, BCI, BOOI, bladder residual urine, and BC should be considered as independent influence factors on the efficacy of TURP surgery for BPH.
Ionic, not the osmotic component, is responsible for the salinity-induced inhibition of greening in etiolated wheat (Triticum aestivum L. cv. Mv Béres) leaves: a comparative study
Authors: Sóti Adél , Ounoki Roumaissa , Kósa Annamária , Mysliwa-Kurdziel Beata , Sárvári Éva , Solymosi Katalin
Published: October 2023

Main conclusion

Greening was partially (in 300 mM NaCl, CaCl2, 600 mM KNO3or KCl) or fully inhibited (in 600 mM NaCl, NaNO3or NaCl:KCl) by the ionic and not the osmotic component of salinity.

Although high soil salinity is an increasing global problem, not much is known about how direct exposure to salinity affects etiolated leaves of seedlings germinating in the soil and then reaching the surface. We investigated the effect of various salt treatments on the greening process of leaves in 8- to 11-day-old etiolated wheat (Triticum aestivumL. Mv. Béres) seedlings. Etiolated leaf segments pre-treated on different salt (600 mM NaCl:KCl 1:1, 600 mM NaCl, 600 mM KCl, 600 mM NaNO3, 600 mM KNO3, 300 mM KCl, 300 mM NaCl or 300 mM CaCl2) or isosmotic polyethylene glycol 6000 (PEG) solutions for 1.5 h in the dark and then greened for 16 h on the same solutions were studied. Leaf segments greened on PEG (osmotic stress) or on 300 mM KCl had similar chloroplasts compared to control samples greened on Hoagland solution. Slightly slower development of chloroplast structure and function (photosynthetic activity) was observed in segments greened on 300 mM NaCl or CaCl2, 600 mM KNO3or KCl. However, etioplast-to-chloroplast transformation and chlorophyll accumulation were fully inhibited and peculiar prothylakoid swelling occurred in segments greened on 600 mM NaCl, NaNO3or NaCl:KCl (1:1) solutions. The data indicate that not the high osmolarity of the used salt solution, but its ions, especially Na+, had the strongest negative impact on these processes.

Graphical abstract
A multi-resolution physics-informed recurrent neural network: formulation and application to musculoskeletal systems
Authors: Taneja Karan , He Xiaolong , He QiZhi , Chen Jiun-Shyan
Published: October 2023

This work presents a multi-resolution physics-informed recurrent neural network (MR PI-RNN), for simultaneous prediction of musculoskeletal (MSK) motion and parameter identification of the MSK systems. The MSK application was selected as the model problem due to its challenging nature in mapping the high-frequency surface electromyography (sEMG) signals to the low-frequency body joint motion controlled by the MSK and muscle contraction dynamics. The proposed method utilizes the fast wavelet transform to decompose the mixed frequency input sEMG and output joint motion signals into nested multi-resolution signals. The prediction model is subsequently trained on coarser-scale input–output signals using a gated recurrent unit (GRU), and then the trained parameters are transferred to the next level of training with finer-scale signals. These training processes are repeated recursively under a transfer-learning fashion until the full-scale training (i.e., with unfiltered signals) is achieved, while satisfying the underlying dynamic equilibrium. Numerical examples on recorded subject data demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed framework in generating a physics-informed forward-dynamics surrogate, which yields higher accuracy in motion predictions of elbow flexion–extension of an MSK system compared to the case with single-scale training. The framework is also capable of identifying muscle parameters that are physiologically consistent with the subject’s kinematics data.
Interdisziplinäre multimodale Schmerztherapie bei postviralen Syndromen und ME/CFS
Authors: Luchting Benjamin , Behrends Uta , Eigner Bianca , Stojanov Silvia , Warlitz Cordula , Haegele Matthias , Neuwirth Eva , Mihatsch Lorenz , Richter Hans Peter
Published: October 2023

Hintergrund

Multimodale Schmerztherapien erfolgen üblicherweise im Rahmen von mehrwöchigen Gruppentherapien und basieren auf einem generell aktivierenden Ansatz. Durch die Besonderheit einer Belastungsintoleranz mit postexertioneller Malaise (PEM) bei Patient:innen mit postviralen Syndromen muss in diesen Fällen eine körperliche sowie psychische Überlastung dringend vermieden werden. Diese Aspekte können in gängigen schmerzmedizinischen Therapiekonzepten jedoch nur unzureichend berücksichtigt werden.

Methodik

Zusammenfassung der aktuellen Literatur und Darstellung klinischer Besonderheiten sowie Vorstellung eines therapeutischen Modellprojekts für eine interdisziplinäre multimodale Schmerztherapie bei postviralen Syndromen mit PEM.

Modellkonzept

Das vorgestellte Modellkonzept beschreibt ein der individuellen Belastbarkeit angepasstes tagesklinisches Behandlungssetting für die multimodale Schmerztherapie mit Minimierung des Risikos einer belastungsinduzierten Zustandsverschlechterung.
Experimental Study of Compact Sandstone Deformation Under Axisymmetric Triaxial Loading Along Specific Paths in Stress Space
Authors: Janeček Ivan , Mishra Deepak Amban , Vishnu Chitralekha Satheesan , Ščučka Jiří , Vaculíková Lenka , Martinec Petr
Published: October 2023

The deformation of rocks well below their ultimate strengths is frequently described through the constant stiffness moduli of the linear elasticity theory. In addition, the isotropic material approximation is usually used as the basic approach. Particularly in sedimentary rocks, local inhomogeneities, anisotropy, and irreversible processes, mainly related to the gradual breakage of grain joints, can affect their deformation behavior from the beginning of the loading. Consequently, the stiffness moduli measured under triaxial conditions are effective parameters, which may depend on the loading path in the stress space. Therefore, a complex experimental study of the deformation response of compact sedimentary rock (Brenna sandstone) along various paths in triaxial stress space was prepared to understand this dependence. In addition, a detailed analysis of the rock composition and structure of this compact sandstone was carried out. This paper presents an initial experimental study that is based on a loading method using alternative stress paths that correspond to different modes of the monotonic increase in differential stress from an initial isotropic compression state. In the experiment, the dependence of stiffness moduli on the loading path was found. Differences in rock deformation for conventional triaxial compression and extension can be attributed to a slight rock anisotropy originating from the stratification. The different behavior of deformation and related stiffness moduli along so-called reduced triaxial paths and conventional paths indicates that irreversible processes must be taken into account.
Sichtbarkeit von Forschung in Deutschland zur Förderung wissenschaftlicher Zusammenarbeit
Authors: Hakimi M. , Gombert A. , Mulorz J. , Jung G. , Oberhuber A. , Cotta L. , Böckler D. ,   Forschungskommission der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Gefäßchirurgie und Gefäßmedizin e. V.
Published: October 2023

Hintergrund

Die Deutsche Gesellschaft für Gefäßchirurgie und Gefäßmedizin (DGG) hat mit der Einführung der digitalen Forschungslandkarte ein innovatives Projekt realisiert, das einen umfassenden Überblick über Arbeitsgruppen, Forschungsthemen und deren Ausstattung zur Verfügung stellt.

Initiierung und Umsetzung

Eine 2022 vom Vorstand der DGG berufene Forschungskommission erfragte bei den Forschungseinrichtungen mithilfe standardisierter Fragebögen, welche Parameter die Landkarte zeigen soll. Zum Start waren 18 Standorte abgebildet.

Ergebnisse

Ziel der digitalen Forschungslandkarte ist es, eine benutzerfreundliche Plattform zu schaffen, auf der schnell und einfach Informationen zu den verschiedenen Forschungsgruppen abgerufen werden können. Die Forschungslandkarte der DGG unterscheidet sich dabei von vergleichbaren Projekten durch die Kenntlichmachung des translationalen Aspekts. Es werden wissenschaftliche Forschungsgruppen und die Gesamtkonstellation der klinischen akademischen universitären Einrichtung.

Schlussfolgerung

Die digitale Forschungslandkarte der DGG dient der Zusammenarbeit und dem Informationsaustausch in der vaskulären Forschung. Zudem erhöht sie die Sichtbarkeit des Fachs gegenüber Studierenden, Forschenden anderer Fachbereiche, den Medien, der Industrie sowie Interessierten aus dem Ausland.
Modifying the Growing Media and Bio Stimulants Supply for Healthy Gerbera (Gerbera jamesonii) Flowers
Authors: Ali Islam A. A. , Hassan Soheir E. , Abdelhafez Ahmed A. , Hewidy Mohammed , Nasser Mohamed A. , Saudy Hani Saber , Hassan Karim M. , Abou-Hadid Ayman F.
Published: October 2023

Gerbera (Gerbera jamesonii) cv. Jaguar Yellow is an ornamental plant of the Asteraceae family. Ordinarily, farmers use expensive materials such as peat moss as a media substrate in gerbera production, in addition to application high nitrogen fertilizers. Therefore, the current study was designed to assess the yield and quality changes of gerbera flowers owing to utilizing environment-friendly inputs under unheated plastic greenhouse conditions for two seasons of 2017/18 and 2018/19. The experiments were laid out in a randomized complete block design with 3 replicates, each replicate involved 5 pots per treatment. For preparing the soil substrate mixtures, four substances were used which involved peat moss (P), sand (S), vermicompost (V), and compost (C). P + S, P + S + V and P + S + C were assembled whether with or without Azotobacter+Azospirillum as bio stimulant (Bio) addition to obtain six combinations. Results showed that P + S + V + Bio was the effective practice for enhancing gerbera plant height, leaf width, root weight plant plant-1 and leaves weight plant-1. Also, P + S + V + Bio produced the maximum values of leaf chlorophyll, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium contents. The differences in flowering initiation between P + S and each of P + S + V, P + S + V + Bio, P + S + C and P + S + C + Bio were not significant. P + S + V + Bio (for flowering duration and flower yield), in addition to P + S + V (for flowering duration) recorded the highest values in both seasons.
Point-of-care ultrasonography for the diagnosis and manual detorsion of testicular torsion
Authors: Hosokawa Takahiro , Tanami Yutaka , Sato Yumiko , Oguma Eiji
Published: October 2023

Testicular torsion is a urological emergency caused by the loss of testicular tissue due to ischemic damage. Rapid diagnosis and urgent treatment play a crucial role in the management of testicular torsion. Manual detorsion can be performed at the bedside, thereby reducing the duration of ischemia. Recent studies have reported the use of point-of-care ultrasonography for diagnosing testicular torsion; however, no review article has focused on the ultrasonographic findings pertaining to manual detorsion. This review describes the diagnosis of testicular torsion and the ultrasonographic indications for manual detorsion. Spermatic cord twisting or the whirlpool sign, absence of or decreased blood flow within the affected testis, abnormal testicular axis, abnormal echogenicity, and enlargement of the affected testis and epididymis due to ischemia are the sonographic findings associated with testicular torsion. The following findings are considered indications for manual detorsion: direction of testicular torsion, i.e., inner or outer direction (ultrasonographic accuracy of 70%), and the degree of spermatic cord twist. The following sonographic findings are used to determine whether the treatment was successful: presence of the whirlpool sign and the degree and extent of perfusion of the affected testis. Misdiagnosis of the direction of manual detorsion, a high degree of spermatic cord twisting and insufficient detorsion, testicular compartment syndrome, and testicular necrosis were found to result in treatment failure. The success of manual detorsion is determined based on the symptoms and sonographic findings. Subsequent surgical exploration is recommended in all cases, regardless of the success of manual detorsion.
The concept of quality of life and its application using the World Value Survey Wave 7: Slovak experience
Authors: Murgaš František , Macků Karel , Grežo Henrich , Petrovič František
Published: October 2023

The paper is focused on the spatial differentiation of the quality of life at a district level, drawing data from the World Value Survey Round 7 (2017–2022). Spatial quality of life research in the traditional sense is based on the premise that quality of life is experienced by the individual in a physical geographical space, and therefore the research focuses on the objective, spatial dimension of quality of life, measured using the objective indicators, usually from statistical sources. The novelty of the paper lies in the premise that a spatial investigation of the subjective dimension of quality of life is also possible, focusing on the question of where people are satisfied with their lives. The indicator of this dimension is a self-related evaluation, obtained using the face-to-face method or the internet. In the case of the World Value Survey 7, data collection was done using the Computer-Assisted Personal Interviewing (CAPI) technique. The aim of the paper is to conceptualize the subjective dimension of quality of life, apply the concept using data from WVS 7 and to find out which of the selected variables—also contained in WVS 7—are predictors of quality of life.
Artificial intelligence models in prediction of response to cardiac resynchronization therapy: a systematic review
Authors: Nazar Wojciech , Szymanowicz Stanisław , Nazar Krzysztof , Kaufmann Damian , Wabich Elżbieta , Braun-Dullaeus Rüdiger , Daniłowicz-Szymanowicz Ludmiła
Published: October 2023

The aim of the presented review is to summarize the literature data on the accuracy and clinical applicability of artificial intelligence (AI) models as a valuable alternative to the current guidelines in predicting cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) response and phenotyping of patients eligible for CRT implantation. This systematic review was performed according to the PRISMA guidelines. After a search of Scopus, PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Embase databases, 675 records were identified. Twenty supervised (prediction of CRT response) and 9 unsupervised (clustering and phenotyping) AI models were analyzed qualitatively (22 studies, 14,258 patients). Fifty-five percent of AI models were based on retrospective studies. Unsupervised AI models were able to identify clusters of patients with significantly different rates of primary outcome events (death, heart failure event). In comparison to the guideline-based CRT response prediction accuracy of 70%, supervised AI models trained on cohorts with > 100 patients achieved up to 85% accuracy and an AUC of 0.86 in their prediction of response to CRT for echocardiographic and clinical outcomes, respectively. AI models seem to be an accurate and clinically applicable tool in phenotyping of patients eligible for CRT implantation and predicting potential responders. In the future, AI may help to increase CRT response rates to over 80% and improve clinical decision-making and prognosis of the patients, including reduction of mortality rates. However, these findings must be validated in randomized controlled trials.
Refugee entrepreneurship motivations in Sweden and Germany: a comparative case study
Authors: Zalkat Ghazal , Barth Henrik , Rashid Lubna
Published: October 2023

Refugee entrepreneurs can make a significant contribution to sustainable growth and development in host countries. However, comprehensive comparative studies of refugee entrepreneurial motivations are scarce, particularly in the absence of a theoretical framework on entrepreneurship motivation that is suitable for such contexts. This is a research topic that is increasingly of interest to scholars and policymakers working with refugee workforce integration, particularly in light of forecasted increases in global forced displacement over the next years. This paper tests and extends newly constructed entrepreneurship motivation measures, comparing person-related factors and the perceptions of environmental-related factors for Syrian refugee entrepreneurs in Sweden and Germany. The results indicate that their motivations differ between the two countries with respect to market conditions, the educational environment, dissatisfaction, and know-how. However, refugee entrepreneurs in both countries have similar levels of entrepreneurial ambition and attitude and are motivated by similar perceptions of social environments and cultural norms. This paper identifies how entrepreneurship motivation differences could be considered by governments to better shape and inform host countries’ programs and policies to improve refugee entrepreneurship and subsequent integration.
Towards Improving the Efficacy of PSMA-Targeting Radionuclide Therapy for Late-Stage Prostate Cancer—Combination Strategies
Authors: Arbuznikova Daria , Eder Matthias , Grosu Anca-Ligia , Meyer Philipp T. , Gratzke Christian , Zamboglou Constantinos , Eder Ann-Christin
Published: October 2023

Purpose of Review

[177Lu]Lu-PSMA-617 is a radiopharmaceutical that emits beta-minus radiation and targets prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA)-positive prostate cancer. Despite its clinical success, there are still patients not showing sufficient response rates. This review compiles latest studies aiming at therapy improvement in [177Lu]Lu-PSMA-617-naïve and -resistant patients by alternative or combination treatments.

Recent Findings

A variety of agents to combine with [177Lu]Lu-PSMA-617 are currently under investigation including alpha radiation-emitting pharmaceuticals, radiosensitizers, taxane chemotherapeutics, androgen receptor pathway inhibitors, immune checkpoint inhibitors, and external beam radiation. Actinium-225 (225Ac)-labeled PSMA-targeting inhibitors are the most studied pharmaceuticals for combination therapy or as an alternative for treatment after progression under [177Lu]Lu-PSMA-617 therapy.

Alpha emitters seem to have a potential of achieving a response to PSMA-targeting radionuclide therapy in both initial non-responders or responders to [177Lu]Lu-PSMA-617 later developing treatment resistance. Emerging evidence for immunostimulatory effects of radiopharmaceuticals and first prospective studies support the combination of [177Lu]Lu-PSMA-617 and immune checkpoint inhibition for late-stage prostate cancer.
Transforming Perspectives in Cardiac Cell Therapy: Hypothesis and Commentary Following Updated Results of a Pilot Study Investigating Very Long-Term Clinical Outcomes in Severe AMI Patients Following Trans-Epicardial Injection of Peripheral Blood CD34+ Cells
Authors: Hénon Philippe , Bischoff Nicolas , Dallemand Robert
Published: October 2023

Ischemic heart attack is the leading cause of death worldwide. Ten percent of cases will die within an hour. Of the survivors, around 30% will have suffered a severe infarction which will lead to the irreparable destruction of 1 to 2 billion myocardial cells, causing an irreversible secondary heart failure with a poor prognosis in the short. The heart is a totally differentiated organ with a very low capacity for self-regeneration. No current treatment can prevent this fatal outcome, but only slow it down. For these reasons, cell therapy has generated enormous hope, but achieved somewhat disappointing results, depending on the type/source of cells which were used. From the end of 2002, our group conducted a Pilot study using immuno-selected autologous peripheral-blood (PB) CD34+ cells in a small cohort of patients who had experienced a heart attack with poor prognosis. Three of these patients were immediately considered for heart transplant but lacked a readily available donor. CD34+ cells were trans-epicardially delivered at the end of a coronary artery by-pass graft (CABG) operation without reperfusing the ischemic area, which was performed on a compassionate basis. All but one patient showed a marked and sustained improvement in their cardiac function parameters from the baseline values, associated with both cardiac tissue repair and revascularization, as demonstrated by PetScan examination. The patients’ outcomes have been recently updated. Six out of seven patients have survived in good enough conditions for at least 12 years after cell therapy, including those three initially recommended for heart transplant and who have avoided it. Presently, five out of seven patients are still alive with an average follow-up of 17 years (range 16–20 years), which is very unusual after CABG for patients with such a poor initially prognosis.

Graphical Abstract
Gender differences in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in obese children and adolescents: a large cross-sectional study
Authors: Jin Binghan , Wu Zhaoyuan , Wang Shan , Yu Zhu , Ullah Rahim , Liang Xinyi , Wu Wei , Huang Ke , Ni Yan , Wang Jianbing , Dong Guanping , Fu Junfen
Published: October 2023

Objective

Previous studies have reported sex differences in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) among adults; however, little is known about its occurrence in children and adolescents. This study aims to examine the prevalence of NAFLD among them and investigate the relationship between sex hormones and NAFLD.

Method

This study included 2999 obese Chinese children aged 2–18 years. We examined the prevalence of NAFLD by sex, age, and Tanner stage. The regression model and principal component analysis were used to analyze the relationship between sex hormones and NAFLD.

Results

The prevalence of NAFLD increased with age in both sexes, and the gender difference appeared before puberty. The prevalence in boys tended to stabilize at the age of 11 years, whereas girls reached their peak temporarily. NAFLD prevalence was positively associated with estradiol in boys (p = 0.011), but the opposite trend was observed in girls (p = 0.031). Testosterone levels decreased with the increase of NAFLD prevalence in boys (p < 0.001). Luteinizing hormone and prolactin were inversely associated with NAFLD prevalence in boys and girls, respectively. Results from the principal component analysis showed that sex hormone levels and fat distribution were important risk factors for the prevalence of NAFLD in obese children (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

The significant difference in NAFLD prevalence between genders in obese children begins in early childhood. This distinction emerges long before puberty onset and tends to stabilize during late adolescence. Sex hormones are associated with NAFLD prevalence and are influenced by the Tanner stages and fat distribution.
Machine learning models to complete rainfall time series databases affected by missing or anomalous data
Authors: Lupi Andrea , Luppichini Marco , Barsanti Michele , Bini Monica , Giannecchini Roberto
Published: October 2023

In recent years, artificial intelligence in geosciences is spreading more and more, thanks to the availability of a large amount of data. In particular, the development of automatic raingauges networks allows to get rainfall data and makes these techniques effective, even if the performance of artificial intelligence models is a consequence of the coherency and quality of the input data. In this work, we intended to provide machine learning models capable of predicting rainfall data starting from the values of the nearest raingauges at one historic time point. Moreover, we investigated the influence of the anomalous input data on the prediction of rainfall data. We pursued these goals by applying machine learning models based on Linear Regression, LSTM and CNN architectures to several raingauges in Tuscany (central Italy). More than 75% of the cases show an R2 higher than 0.65 and a MAE lower than 4 mm. As expected, we emphasized a strong influence of the input data on the prediction capacity of the models. We quantified the model inaccuracy using the Pearson's correlation. Measurement anomalies in time series cause major errors in deep learning models. These anomalous data may be due to several factors such as temporary malfunctions of raingauges or weather conditions. We showed that, in both cases, the data-driven model features could highlight these situations, allowing a better management of the raingauges network and rainfall databases.
Towards a Socio-Legal Robotics: A Theoretical Framework on Norms and Adaptive Technologies
Authors: Larsson Stefan , Liinason Mia , Tanqueray Laetitia , Castellano Ginevra
Published: October 2023

While recent progress has been made in several fields of data-intense AI-research, many applications have been shown to be prone to unintendedly reproduce social biases, sexism and stereotyping, including but not exclusive to gender. As more of these design-based, algorithmic or machine learning methodologies, here called adaptive technologies, become embedded in robotics, we see a need for a developed understanding of what role social norms play in social robotics, particularly with regards to fairness. To this end, we (i) we propose a framework for a socio-legal robotics, primarily drawn from Sociology of Law and Gender Studies. This is then (ii) related to already established notions of acceptability and personalisation in social robotics, here with a particular focus on (iii) the interplay between adaptive technologies and social norms. In theorising this interplay for social robotics, we look not only to current statuses of social robots, but draw from identified AI-methods that can be seen to influence robotics in the near future. This theoretical framework, we argue, can help us point to concerns of relevance for questions of fairness in human–robot interaction.
PIK3CD correlates with prognosis, epithelial–mesenchymal transition and tumor immune infiltration in breast carcinoma
Authors: He Wenxing , Zhang Haoyi , Cheng Hong , Wen Jianfeng , Li Dongmei
Published: October 2023

Background

Breast carcinoma (BRCA) is one of the most common, fatal, and aggressive cancers, with increasing morbidity that has a major impact on human health. PIK3CD appears to have important roles in the beginning and advancement of various forms of human cancer, according to mounting data. However,the particular role and mechanism of PIK3CD in BRCA remains not fully identified.

Methodology

The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA, https://portal.gdc.cancer.gov/), Genotype-Tissue Expression (GTEx) data and the UCSC Xena browser (https://xenabrowser.net) data were used in this study’s initial pan-cancer analysis of PIK3CD expression and prognosis. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) that regulated the expression of PIK3CD were subsequently found using a combination of in silico investigations of expression, correlation, and survival. Measurements of PIK3CD expression and an analysis of the in vitro function of PIK3CD in BRCA cells were performed using real-time RT-PCR, Western blotting and Transwell assays.

Results

In BRCA GLI2, RAB32, LAMB1, MGAT2, ITGA8, CHF, COL6A3 and PRRX1-miR-30b-5p axis was identified as the most likely upstream CircRNA-related route of PIK3CD. PIK3CD was correlated with the expression of EMT markers. The PIK3CD cDNA improved the capacity for invasion and migration. The expression of PIK3CD was linked to some of the m1A/m5C/m6A regulators. Additionally, it was discovered that the expression of PIK3CD was found to be highly connected to the expression of immunological checkpoints, immune cell biomarkers, and tumor immune cell invasion.

Conclusions

Our findings reveal that PIK3CD expression is associated with prognosis, EMT, and tumor immune infiltration in BRCA patients.
Experimental investigation and prediction of saturation exponent in carbonate rocks: the significance of rock-fluid properties
Authors: Saadat Kazem , Rahimpour-Bonab Hossain , Tavakoli Vahid , Gholinezhad Jebraeel
Published: October 2023

Hydrocarbon reserves are commonly estimated from electrical logs based on the Archie’s law. Therefore, understanding the concepts and precise determination of Archie’s parameters play an essential role in reservoir studies. The electrical properties of carbonates are affected by both microstructures and wetting characteristics of these heterogeneous rocks. Understanding of these effects and prediction of Archie’s parameters are significant theoretical and experimental challenges. In this paper, these effects were analyzed separately using rocks with various lithologies including limestone, dolomitic limestone and dolostones. Samples with different sedimentary textures (grainstones and packstones), porosities and pore types were also considered under different laboratory conditions. For microstructure effects analysis, 16 heterogeneous carbonate samples having a wide range of microstructures were selected. To decrease wetting effect, the washed samples were tested in air–brine injection system at ambient conditions to measure saturation exponent. Subsequently, in order to investigate the influence of the wetting characteristics on this exponent, 25 homogeneous limestone samples were employed for water–oil injection under reservoir conditions. The porous plate was used as a standard technique to determine the saturation exponent as an electrical index. The results showed that pore connectivity and wettability are the main factors affecting the saturation exponent. Heterogeneity, including the presence of large pores and bimodal texture, is another effective factor that complicates the relationship between saturation exponent and wettability. Furthermore, results indicate variation of the saturation exponent with fluid saturation. Finally, equations were obtained to interpret and calculate the saturation exponent using capillary pressure data by mercury injection method. The derived equations clearly demonstrate the significant impact of the studied parameters on the saturation exponent in carbonate rocks.
Extended reality (xR) flight simulators as an adjunct to traditional flight training methods: a scoping review
Authors: Ross Glen , Gilbey Andrew
Published: October 2023

Over the next 20 years, it is predicted that an additional 760,000 new pilots will be needed to meet the growing demands of the global aviation industry. With current training capability, this may be difficult to achieve. A potential means of improving the efficiency and lowering the cost of flight training, which arguably may be prohibitively expensive to many potential trainee pilots, is to use extended reality simulation in place of traditional flight simulators and aircraft for at least some of the required training. To provide a better understanding of the possibilities in this regard, and where current research has advanced, a scoping review was undertaken. In total, 18 studies were identified as meeting the inclusion criteria. It was concluded that extended reality technology has the potential to be successfully employed in flight training—saving time and money, whilst also enabling increased training capability, although some potential limitations were identified. The interest in this technology, combined with evidence pointing to its potential usefulness in flight training, suggests that further examination in this area by academia and industry is warranted.
First report of Plasmodiophora brassicae in Lao People’s Democratic Republic
Authors: Vorlachith Viengvilay , Khanthilad Somchith , Phitsanoukane Phitsamay , Sengdala Khamphou , Chittarhat Khonesavane , Lyall Jillian , Tesoriero Len , Bailey Jordan , Forbes Wendy , Callaghan Sophia , Williams Adam , Burgess Lester
Published: October 2023

Cabbage production is promoted as a cash crop for small-land holders to support poverty alleviation on the Bolaven Plateau in Champasak Province, Lao People’s Democratic Republic (PDR). A stunted cabbage crop in Paksong was inspected due to a near total yield loss. Examination of the root systems revealed the presence of enlarged roots. Subsequently the disease was found in another round-head cabbage crop, and in a Chinese cabbage crop in a polyhouse. Air-dried clubroot specimens were forwarded to Australia where molecular methods confirmed the presence of Plasmodiophora brassicae. This is the first report of the obligate pathogen Plasmodiophora brassicae in the Lao PDR.
Functionalization of Biomass-derived Activated Carbon and Electrochemical Reduction for the Recovery of Gold from Mobile Phone Leachate
Authors: Firmansyah Mochamad Lutfi , Amalina Ilma , Rizki Intan Nurul , Alfaza Asmaul Mashad , Jiwanti Prastika Krisma , Jalil Aishah Abdul , Goto Masahiro
Published: October 2023

In this age of cutting-edge technology, electronic equipment consumption, such as mobile phones, has increased tremendously. This was followed by a staggering increase in electronic waste (e-waste). However, it has been known that e-wastes contain higher amounts of precious metals than pristine sources, such as Au, which is valuable as an alternative precious metal source. Due to its various advantages, adsorption has emerged as one of the most common metal removal or recovery methods. A crucial aspect of adsorption is developing a cost-effective adsorbent for selective recovery of Au from the e-wastes. Thus, functionalized biomass-based adsorbent was developed to recover precious metals from e-waste. Functionalized activated carbon (ACIL900) has an appealing high adsorption capacity (116.2 mg g−1) performance and follows the chemisorption route, which fits with the monolayer model. The presence of IL boosts the adsorption efficiency due to its compatible interaction with the metal complexes. Remarkably, ACIL900 could quantitatively adsorb precious metals and several base metals from mobile phone leachate. The selective recovery of Au from the adsorbent was performed by sequential desorption using various solutions. Finally, Au was successfully recovered from the desorption solution using an electrochemical reduction process. ACIL900 was also found to maintain its performance for three adsorption–desorption cycles. This work reported the full recovery of Au from e-waste to its final pure product through the combination of adsorption, sequential desorption, and electrochemical reduction.
How Food Choices Impact on Male Fertility
Authors: Pecora Giulia , Sciarra Francesca , Gangitano Elena , Venneri Mary Anna
Published: October 2023

Purpose of Review

Increasing evidence on the significance of nutrition in reproduction is emerging from both animal and human studies, suggesting an association between nutrition and male fertility. Here, we have highlighted the impact of the various food groups on reproductive hormones and on spermatogenesis, and the effects of classical and latest dietary patterns such as Mediterranean diet, Western diet, intermittent fasting, ketogenic diet, and vegan/vegetarian diet on male fertility.

Recent Findings

Nutrients are the precursors of molecules involved in various body’s reactions; therefore, their balance is essential to ensure the correct regulation of different systems including the endocrine system. Hormones are strongly influenced by the nutritional status of the individual, and their alteration can lead to dysfunctions or diseases like infertility. In addition, nutrients affect sperm production and spermatogenesis, controlling sexual development, and maintaining secondary sexual characteristics and behaviors.

The consumption of fruit, vegetables, fish, processed meats, dairy products, sugars, alcohol, and caffeine importantly impact on male fertility. Among dietary patterns, the Mediterranean diet and the Western diet are most strongly associated with the quality of semen. Nutrients, dietary patterns, and hormonal levels have an impact on male infertility. Therefore, understanding how these factors interact with each other is important for strategies to improve male fertility.
A Review of the Role of Bioreactors for iPSCs-Based Tissue-Engineered Articular Cartilage
Authors: Reina-Mahecha Alejandro , Beers Martine J. , van der Veen Hugo C. , Zuhorn Inge S. , van Kooten Theo G. , Sharma Prashant K.
Published: October 2023

Background:

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common degenerative joint disease without an ultimate treatment. In a search for novel approaches, tissue engineering (TE) has shown great potential to be an effective way for hyaline cartilage regeneration and repair in advanced stages of OA. Recently, induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) have been appointed to be essential stem cells for degenerative disease treatment because they allow a personalized medicine approach. For clinical translation, bioreactors in combination with iPSCs-engineerd cartilage could match patients needs, serve as platform for large-scale patient specific cartilage production, and be a tool for patient OA modelling and drug screening. Furthermore, to minimize in vivo experiments and improve cell differentiation and cartilage extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition, TE combines existing approaches with bioreactors.

Methods:

This review summarizes the current understanding of bioreactors and the necessary parameters when they are intended for cartilage TE, focusing on the potential use of iPSCs.

Results:

Bioreactors intended for cartilage TE must resemble the joint cavity niche. However, recreating human synovial joints is not trivial because the interactions between various stimuli are not entirely understood.

Conclusion:

The use of mechanical and electrical stimulation to differentiate iPSCs, and maintain and test chondrocytes are key stimuli influencing hyaline cartilage homeostasis. Incorporating these stimuli to bioreactors can positively impact cartilage TE approaches and their possibility for posterior translation into the clinics.
Orientation Mixing in Active Suspensions
Authors: Coti Zelati Michele , Dietert Helge , Gérard-Varet David
Published: October 2023

We study a popular kinetic model introduced by Saintillan and Shelley for the dynamics of suspensions of active elongated particles where the particles are described by a distribution in space and orientation. The uniform distribution of particles is the stationary state of incoherence which is known to exhibit a phase transition. We perform an extensive study of the linearised evolution around the incoherent state. We show (i) in the non-diffusive regime corresponding to spectral (neutral) stability that the suspensions experience a mixing phenomenon similar to Landau damping and we provide optimal pointwise in time decay rates in weak topology. Further, we show (ii) in the case of small rotational diffusion $$\nu $$
ν
that the mixing estimates persist up to time scale $$\nu ^{-1/2}$$

ν

-
1
/
2

until the exponential decay at enhanced dissipation rate $$\nu ^{1/2}$$

ν

1
/
2

takes over. The interesting feature is that the usual velocity variable of kinetic models is replaced by an orientation variable on the sphere. The associated orientation mixing leads to limited algebraic decay for macroscopic quantities. For the proof, we start with a general pointwise decay result for Volterra equations that may be of independent interest. While, in the non-diffusive case, explicit formulas on the sphere allow to conclude the desired decay, much more work is required in the diffusive case: here we prove mixing estimates for the advection-diffusion equation on the sphere by combining an optimized hypocoercive approach with the vector field method. One main point in this context is to identify good commuting vector fields for the advection-diffusion operator on the sphere. Our results in this direction may be useful to other models in collective dynamics, where an orientation variable is involved.