bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Expansion of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes from head and neck squamous cell carcinoma to assess the potential of adoptive cell therapy
Authors: Choi Sangjoon , Hossain Mofazzal , Lee Hyun , Baek Jina , Park Hye Seon , Lim Chae-Lyul , Han DoYeon , Park Taehyun , Kim Jong Hyeok , Gong Gyungyub , Kweon Mi-Na , Lee Hee Jin
Published: April 2024

Background

Adoptive transfer of in vitro expanded tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) has been effective in regressing several types of malignant tumors. This study assessed the yield and factors influencing the successful expansion of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) from head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), along with their immune phenotypes.

Methods

TILs were expanded from 47 surgically resected HNSCC specimens and their metastasized lymph nodes. The cancer tissues were cut into small pieces (1–2 mm) and underwent initial expansion for 2 weeks. Tumor location, smoking history, stromal TIL percentage, human papillomavirus infection, and programmed death-ligand 1 score were examined for their impact on successful expansion of TILs. Expanded TILs were evaluated by flow cytometry using fluorescence-activated cell sorting. A second round of TIL expansion following the rapid expansion protocol was performed on a subset of samples with successful TIL expansion.

Results

TILs were successfully expanded from 36.2% samples. Failure was due to contamination (27.6%) or insufficient expansion (36.2%). Only the stromal TIL percentage was significantly associated with successful TIL expansion (p = 0.032). The stromal TIL percentage also displayed a correlation with the expanded TILs per fragment (r = 0.341, p = 0.048). On flow cytometry analysis using 13 samples with successful TIL expansion, CD4 + T cell dominancy was seen in 69.2% of cases. Effector memory T cells were the major phenotype of expanded CD4 + and CD8 + T cells in all cases.

Conclusion

We could expand TILs from approximately one-third of HNSCC samples. TIL expansion could be applicable in HNSCC samples with diverse clinicopathological characteristics.
Impact of health and digital health literacy on quality of life following radical prostatectomy for prostate cancer: prospective single-center cohort study
Authors: Keles Ahmet , Kose Muhammed , Somun Umit Furkan , Culpan Meftun , Yaksi Nese , Yıldırım Asıf
Published: April 2024

Purpose

The importance of health literacy (HL) and digital health literacy (e-HL) in promoting healthy behavior and informed decision making is becoming increasingly apparent. This study aimed to assess the effects of HL and e-HL on the quality of life (QoL) of men who underwent radical prostatectomy (RP) for localized prostate cancer.

Materials and methods

This prospective observational study included 104 patients who underwent RP for localized prostate cancer. HL and e-HL were evaluated using the validated eHealth Literacy Scale and European Health Literacy Survey Questionnaire Short Form before RP. We evaluated patients’ physical, psychological, social, and global QoL using the validated EORTC QLQ-C30 8 weeks after RP. The exclusion criterion was any difficulties in language and comprehension. We employed one-way ANOVA to compare continuous variables across groups in univariate analysis and used MANOVA for exploring relationships among multiple continuous variables and groups in the multivariate analysis.

Results

Multivariate analyses showed that poorer e-HL and HL were associated with being older (p = 0.019), having less education (p < 0.001), and not having access to the internet (p < 0.001). Logistic regression analysis revealed significant associations between improved e-HL (p = 0.043) and HL (p = 0.023), better global health status, and higher emotional functioning (p = 0.011). However, the symptom scales did not differ significantly between the e-HL and HL groups.

Conclusion

Our study showed a positive association between self-reported HL/e-HL and QoL, marking the first report on the impact of HL/e-HL on the QoL in men who underwent RP for clinically localized prostate cancer.
Current status of undergraduate teaching in forensic & legal medicine in Europe
Authors: Payne-James Jason , Payne-James Grace , Cecchi Rossana , Cusack Denis , Keller Eva , Ludes Bertrand , Madea Burkhard , Väli Marika , Vieira Duarte Nuno , Sajantila Antti
Published: April 2024

The European Council of Legal Medicine (ECLM) is the body established in 1992 to represent practitioners forensic & legal medicine and is composed of delegates of the countries of the European Union (EU) and from other countries which form part of Europe to a current total of 34 member countries. The aims of this study were to determine the current status of undergraduate forensic & legal medicine teaching in the curriculum of medical studies in ECLM countries and to use the results of this study to determine whether it would be appropriate to develop new guidelines and standards for harmonising the content of undergraduate forensic medicine training across ECLM member countries. A detailed questionnaire was sent to all individuals or organisations listed on the ECLM contact database. Responses were received from 21 of 33 countries on the database. These responses showed considerable emphasis on undergraduate teaching of forensic medicine in all countries with the exception of Belgium and the United Kingdom. There was great general consistency in the subjects taught. The data from this survey provide a baseline which should assist in developing a strategy to harmonise forensic & legal medicine undergraduate training in member countries of the ECLM. The ECLM is now in a good position to establish a pan-European working group to coordinate a consensus document identifying an appropriate and modern core undergraduate forensic medicine curriculum that can be presented to the medical education authorities in each country, and which can be adapted for local requirements, based on available personnel, the forensic medicine structure in the country, and most importantly, the needs of the local population.
Invivo generated autologous plasmin enzyme assisted vitrectomy, partial circumferential-oral retinotomy, silicone oil injection in patients with chronic retinal detachment without posterior vitreous detachment
Authors: Aras Cengiz , Senturk Fevzi , Erdur Sevil Karaman , Dogramaci Mahmut , Kocabora Mehmet Selim , Demircan Ali , Budak Yunus Emre
Published: April 2024

Purpose

To report the results of invivo generated autologous plasmin enzyme(IVAP) assisted vitrectomy, partial circumferential-oral retinotomy and silicone oil injection for surgical treatment of patients with chronic retinal detachment without posterior vitreous detachment(PVD).

Methods

Study was performed in retrospective, comparative manner. A total of 16 consecutive eyes with chronic retinal detachment who had intravitreal injection of 50 µgr of t-PA and 0.1 ml of autologous whole blood, 3 days before surgery, underwent lens extraction with phacoemulsification, IVAP assisted vitrectomy, partial circumferential-oral retinotomy, and silicone oil injection(Study Group) were compared to a similar group of 15 eyes who had undergone vitrectomy, with or without lens extraction and silicone oil injection(Control Group) for the treatment of chronic retinal detachment. Primary outcome measures were initial retinal reattachment and number of operations at postoperative 6 months.

Results

Mean age of 16 patients of whom 7 were female, was 39.31 ± 17.76 years in study group and 15 patients of whom 4 were female, was 35.40 ± 11.92 years (p = 0.607). Mean follow-up time was 10.68 ± 7.15 months in study group and 29.13 ± 18.83 months in control group (p = 0.001). Initial retinal reattachment was achieved in 87.50% (14 out of 16 patients) in the study group, whereas it was 46.66% (7 out of 15 patients) in the control group (p = 0.017). The mean number of operations for reattachment in the study group was 1.12 ± 0.34, whereas it was 1.46 ± 0.51 in the control group (p = 0.039) at postoperative 6 months While the preoperative LogMAR visual acuity was 1.25 ± 0.64, it was 0.53 ± 0.37 at postoperative 6 months in study group (p = 0.001). Conversely, in the control group, the preoperative LogMAR visual acuity was 1.22 ± 0.33, it was 1.20 ± 0.89 at postoperative 6 months (p = 0.780). At postoperative 6 months,, epiretinal membrane developed in 2 eyes of the study group, 1 eye in the control group, and phthisis bulbi occurred in 1 eye of control group.

Conclusion

IVAP assisted vitrectomy, partial circumferential-oral retinotomy and silicone oil injection is effective and safe for the surgical treatment of chronic retinal detachment without PVD.
A study of non-uniform imperfect contact in shear wave propagation in a magneto-electro-elastic laminated periodic structure
Authors: Chaki Mriganka Shekhar , Bravo-Castillero Julián
Published: April 2024

The present study deals with shear wave propagation in a fully coupled Magneto-Electro-Elastic (MEE) multi-laminated periodic structure having non-uniform and imperfect interfaces. As a solution methodology, we applied a more general low-frequency dynamic asymptotic homogenization technique where the solution will be single-frequency dependent and the obtained results generalize those published in Chaki and Bravo-Castillero (Compos Struct 322:117410, 2023b) where the perfect contact case was studied. Effective homogenized dispersive equations of motion in second- and fourth-order approximations, also known as “Good” Boussinesq equations in elastic case, are derived. Local problems, closed-form expression of dispersion equations in second and fourth-order approximations and closed-form solutions of first and second local problems in second-order approximation for tri-laminated MEE periodic structure have been obtained and also validated for elastic laminates with imperfect contact case and MEE laminates with perfect contact case. The effect of non-uniform and imperfect contact, angle of incidence, unit cell size, volume fraction and ME-coupling on the wave propagation is illustrated through dispersion graphs. The effect of non-uniform and imperfect contact on dispersion curve serves as the highlight of the present work.
Imaging for local recurrence of breast cancer
Authors: Schlaiss T. , Bott L. , Herbert S.-L. , Bartmann C. , Kiesel M. , Salmen J. , Sauer S. T. , Christner S. A. , Petritsch B. , Grunz J.-P. , Woeckel A. , Löb S. , Diessner J.
Published: April 2024

Purpose

Isolated locoregional recurrence of breast cancer (ILRR) and contralateral breast cancer (CBC) affect up to 20% of all breast cancer (BC) patients in the first 20 years after primary diagnosis. Treatment options comprise surgical interventions and further systemic therapies depending on the histological subtype. Patients with hereditary breast or ovarian cancer (HBOC) undergo MRI, mammography, and ultrasound in the aftercare of BC, while non-HBOC (nHBOC) patients do not regularly receive MRI. Since early detection is crucial for morbidity and mortality, the evaluation and constant improvement of imaging methods of the breast is necessary.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed the data of 1499 former BC patients that received imaging of the breast at a tertiary-care university hospital between 2015 and 2020. The analysis comprised various patient characteristics, such as breast density, age, tumor size and subtype, and their influence on BC detection rates by the different imaging methods.

Results

Within the patient sample, 176 individuals (11.7% of former BC patients) were diagnosed with either ILRR or CBC. CBC was observed in 32.4% of patients, while both ILRR and secondary breast cancer occurred in 20.5% and 23.9% of all patients. Sensitivity of MRI, mammography, and ultrasound for recurrent malignancy was 97.9%, 66.3%, and 67.8%, respectively. ILRR and CBC detection rates were similar for patients with and without HBOC history. Lower breast density and larger tumor size increased the detection rates of all imaging modalities.

Conclusion

In breast cancer survivors, MRI might improve the early detection of ILRR and CBC in both HBOC and nHBOC patients.
Transient computational homogenisation of one-dimensional periodic microstructures
Authors: Yağmuroğlu İrem , Ozdemir Zuhal , Askes Harm
Published: April 2024

This paper presents a methodology where a macroscopic linear material response incorporates microscopic variations, such as transient interactions and micro-inertia effects. This is achieved by implementing the temporal coupling between macro and microstructures, along with the spatial coupling, within a dynamic computational homogenisation framework. In the context of dynamic multiscale modelling, the temporal coupling method offers significant advantages by effectively reducing deviations emerging from micro-inertia effects and transient phenomena. The effectiveness of the developed procedure is validated by a comparison of the macroscopic results with the solutions of direct numerical simulation for a one-dimensional periodic laminate bar with different contrast levels. The homogenised results obtained using the developed procedure indicate that a better prediction of the macroscopic requires a larger Representative Volume Element (RVE) which improves the estimation of multiscale strain energy and a larger time window which improves the estimation of multiscale kinetic energy. The simultaneous increase in the RVE size and the time averaging window yields the best results in predicting the macroscopic response.
Relating preoperative MCS-12 to microdiscectomy outcomes
Authors: Heard Jeremy C. , Lee Yunsoo , Ezeonu Teeto , Lambrechts Mark J. , Narayanan Rajkishen , Yeung Caleb , Wright Justin , Paulik John , Purtill Caroline , Mangan John J. , Kurd Mark F. , Kaye Ian D. , Canseco Jose A. , Hilibrand Alan S. , Vaccaro Alexander R. , Schroeder Gregory D. , Kepler Christopher K.
Published: April 2024

Purpose

To determine the impact of poor mental health on patient-reported and surgical outcomes after microdiscectomy.

Methods

Patients ≥ 18 years who underwent a single-level lumbar microdiscectomy from 2014 to 2021 at a single academic institution were retrospectively identified. Patient-reported outcomes (PROMs) were collected at preoperative, three-month, and one-year postoperative time points. PROMs included the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), Visual Analog Scale Back and Leg (VAS Back and VAS Leg, respectively), and the mental and physical component of the short form-12 survey (MCS and PCS). The minimum clinically important differences (MCID) were employed to compare scores for each PROM. Patients were categorized as having worse mental health or better mental health based on a MCS threshold of 50.

Results

Of 210 patients identified, 128 (61%) patients had a preoperative MCS score ≤ 50. There was no difference in 90-day surgical readmissions or spine reoperations within one year. At 3- and 12-month time points, both groups demonstrated improvements in all PROMs (p < 0.05). At three months postoperatively, patients with worse mental health had significantly lower PCS (42.1 vs. 46.4, p = 0.004) and higher ODI (20.5 vs. 13.3, p = 0.006) scores. Lower mental health scores were associated with lower 12-month PCS scores (43.3 vs. 48.8, p < 0.001), but greater improvements in 12-month ODI (− 28.36 vs.  − 18.55, p = 0.040).

Conclusion

While worse preoperative mental health was associated with lower baseline and postoperative PROMs, patients in both groups experienced similar improvements in PROMs. Rates of surgical readmissions and reoperations were similar among patients with varying preoperative mental health status.
GALNT2 expression is associated with glucose control and serum metabolites in patients with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Trischitta Vincenzo , Antonucci Alessandra , Adamski Jerzy , Prehn Cornelia , Menzaghi Claudia , Marucci Antonella , Di Paola Rosa
Published: April 2024

Aims

Aim of this study was to investigate in type 2 diabetes whether expression level of GALNT2, a positive modulator of insulin sensitivity, is associated with a metabolic signature.

Methods

Five different metabolite families, including acylcarnitines, aminoacids, biogenic amines, phospholipids and sphingolipids were investigated in fasting serum of 70 patients with type 2 diabetes, by targeted metabolomics. GALNT2 expression levels were measured in peripheral white blood cells by RT-PCR. The association between GALNT2 expression and serum metabolites was assessed using false discovery rate followed by stepwise selection and, finally, multivariate model including several clinical parameters as confounders. The association between GALNT2 expression and the same clinical parameters was also investigated.

Results

GALNT2 expression was independently correlated with HbA1c levels (P value = 0.0052), a finding that is the likely consequence of the role of GALNT2 on insulin sensitivity. GALNT2 expression was also independently associated with serum levels of the aminoacid glycine (P value = 0.014) and two biogenic amines phenylethylamine (P value = 0.0065) and taurine (P value = 0.0011). The association of GALNT2 expression with HbA1c was not mediated by these three metabolites.

Conclusions

Our data indicate that in type 2 diabetes the expression of GALNT2 is associated with several serum metabolites. This association needs to be further investigated to understand in depth its role in mediating the effect of GALNT2 on insulin sensitivity, glucose control and other clinical features in people with diabetes.
The effect of high-intensity laser therapy on pain and lower extremity function in patellofemoral pain syndrome: a single-blind randomized controlled trial
Authors: Ozlu Ozge , Atilgan Esra
Published: April 2024

Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) is a set of symptoms that negatively affect the daily life activities of the individual, leading to functional disability and significant loss of labor, especially in young adults. PFPS is usually due to weakness of the vastus medialis obliquus (VMO) resulting in abnormal patellar tracking and pain. Our study aims to compare the efficacy of high-intensity laser therapy (HILT) on pain and lower extremity function in the treatment of PFPS with different electrophysical agents (EPAs). The study was designed as a single-blind randomized controlled trial. Forty-five people with PFPS (aged 25–45 years) were included in the study. The patients were randomly divided into three groups and a total of ten sessions of treatment were administered to all three groups for 2 weeks, 5 days a week. High-intensity laser (HILT) and exercise program were applied to group 1. Ultrasound (US), transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), and exercise program were applied to group 2. In group 3, US, interferential current (IFC), and exercise program were applied. Both groups underwent three evaluations: pre-treatment, post-treatment, and 12 weeks after treatment. Outcome measures included the visual analog scale for pain severity (VAS), knee flexion range of motion (FROM), Q angle, pain threshold, muscle strength of quadriceps and hamstring, Kujala patellofemoral scoring, lower extremity functional scale (LEFS), and Timed Up and Go Test (TUG). The ANOVA was used for comparing the data of the groups, and two-way repeated measure ANOVA was used to compare at the pre-post and post-intervention 3rd month. The LSD and Bonferroni post hoc tests were also used to identify the between-group differences. Groups 2 and 3 were statistically effective in pain and functionality (p < 0.05). Group 1 was found to be statistically more effective than other groups in reducing pain (95% confidence interval (CI), 0.000/0.000; p = 0.000), increasing knee flexion angle (95% CI, 127.524/135.809; p = 0.000), and increasing lower extremity function (95% CI, 75.970/79.362; p = 0.000). This study indicated that high-intensity laser therapy was found to be a more effective method in the treatment of patellofemoral pain syndrome after 3 months of follow-up compared to US-TENS combination and US-interferential current combination treatments. Also, HILT can be used as an effective method in combination with an appropriate exercise program including vastus medialis strengthening to reduce pain and increase functionality in the patients with PFPS.
Adding salt to food at table as an indicator of gastric cancer risk among adults: a prospective study
Authors: Kronsteiner-Gicevic Selma , Thompson Alysha S. , Gaggl Martina , Bell William , Cassidy Aedín , Kühn Tilman
Published: April 2024

Background

While dietary salt intake has been linked with gastric cancer risk in Asian studies, findings from Western populations are sparse and limited to case—control studies. Our aim was to evaluate the frequency of adding salt to food at table in relation to gastric cancer risk among UK adults.

Methods

We evaluated associations between the frequency of adding salt to food and the risk of gastric cancer in the UK Biobank (N = 471,144) using multivariable Cox regression. Frequency of adding salt to food was obtained from a touchscreen questionnaire completed at baseline (2006–2010). 24-h urinary sodium excretion was estimated using INTERSALT formulae. Cancer incidence was obtained by linkage to national cancer registries.

Results

During a median follow-up period of 10.9 years, 640 gastric cancer cases were recorded. In multivariable models, the gastric cancer risk among participants reporting adding salt to food at table “always” compared to those who responded “never/rarely” was HR = 1.41 (95% CI: 1.04, 1.90). There was a positive linear association between estimated 24-h urinary sodium levels and the frequency of adding salt to food (p-trend <0 .001). However, no significant association between estimated 24-h urinary sodium with gastric cancer was observed (HR = 1.19 (95% CI: 0.87, 1.61)).

Conclusions

“Always adding salt to food” at table was associated with a higher gastric cancer risk in a large sample of UK adults. High frequency of adding salt to food at table can potentially serve as a useful indicator of salt intake for surveillance purposes and a basis for devising easy-to-understand public health messages.
Japanese Planocerid Flatworms: Difference in Composition of Tetrodotoxin and Its Analogs and the Effects of Ingestion by Toxin-Bearing Fishes in the Ryukyu Islands, Japan
Authors: Ueda Hiroyuki , Ito Masaaki , Yonezawa Ryo , Hayashi Kentaro , Tomonou Taiga , Kashitani Maho , Oyama Hikaru , Shirai Kyoko , Suo Rei , Yoshitake Kazutoshi , Kinoshita Shigeharu , Asakawa Shuichi , Itoi Shiro
Published: April 2024

Tetrodotoxin (TTX), known as pufferfish toxin, is a potent neurotoxin blocking sodium channels in muscle and nerve tissues. TTX has been detected in various taxa other than pufferfish, including marine polyclad flatworms, suggesting that pufferfish toxin accumulates in fish bodies via food webs. The composition of TTX and its analogs in the flatworm Planocera multitentaculata was identical to those in wild grass puffer Takifugu alboplumbeus. Previously, Planocera sp. from Okinawa Island, Japan, were reported to possess high level of TTX, but no information was available on TTX analogs in this species. Here we identified TTX and analogs in the planocerid flatworm using high-resolution liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry, and compared the composition of TTX and analogs with those of another toxic and non-toxic planocerid species. We show that the composition of TTX and several analogs, such as 5,6,11-trideoxyTTX, dideoxyTTXs, deoxyTTXs, and 11-norTTX-6(S)-ol, of Planocera sp. was identical to those of toxic species, but not to its non-toxic counterpart. The difference in the toxin composition was reflected in the phylogenetic relationship based on the mitochondrial genome sequence. A toxification experiment using predatory fish and egg plates of P. multitentaculata demonstrated that the composition of TTX and analogs in wild T. alboplumbeus juveniles was reproduced in artificially toxified pufferfish. Additionally, feeding on the flatworm egg plates enhanced the signal intensities of all TTX compounds in Chelonodon patoca and that of deoxyTTXs in Yongeichthys criniger.
Trade in Prevost’s squirrels: legality, risk for introduction and disease transmission
Authors: Nijman Vincent , Abdullah Abdullah , Ardiansyah Ahmad , Campera Marco , Chavez Jessica , Dewi Tungga , Hankinson Emma , Hedger Katherine , Imron Mohammad Ali , Manson Sophie , Morcatty Thais Q. , Payuse I Nyoman Aji Duranegara , Rapone Brittany C. , Shepherd Chris R. , Siriwat Penthai , Svensson Magdalena S. , Nekaris K.A.I.
Published: April 2024

Squirrels traded for pets or consumption have the potential to be vectors for zoonotic disease transmission and to establish themselves as invasive species. Callosciurus spp. (Greek for beautiful squirrel) are popular in the pet trade due to their medium size and many colour variants, though several feral populations have established themselves in various parts of the world and these wild-caught individuals can carry and spread infectious diseases. Here, we investigate the live trade in Prevost’s squirrels (C. prevosti) in Indonesia where they are naturally found on the islands of Sumatra, Bangka and Borneo. Between 2016 and 2024, we recorded 284 Prevost’s squirrels for sale, viz., 115 in the physical markets and 169 online. We detected the species for sale in Sumatra (13 individuals), Bangka (7) and Borneo (3), i.e. within their natural range, but also on Java (242) and Bali (4). The mean asking price per individual was US$63, and younger individuals commanded higher prices than older ones. Asking prices were not higher in cities further away from the species’ native range nor in cities with higher purchasing power. All individuals were wild-caught, and with a domestic quota of five individuals allowed to be traded as pets per year (45 over the study period) most of this trade is illegal under Indonesian law. This is distinctly different from trade in Prevost’s squirrels in for instance Europe or the USA where legally captive-bred individuals are offered for sale. In Indonesia the illegal trade happens in the open and despite the risk of the spread of zoonotic diseases wherever it is traded there appears to be little incentive on the side of the authorities to curb this trade. Their widespread availability on Java and Bali risks the accidental or deliberate introduction on these two islands. Better coordination is needed between the Indonesian authorities, online sales sites, pet traders and consumers to stop the sale of illegally obtained Prevost’s squirrels to limit the risk of them becoming invasive species or contributing to the spread of emerging infectious diseases.
The role of long-term preparatory factors in mass rock creep deforming slopes: insights from the Zagros Mts. belt (Iran)
Authors: Delchiaro Michele , Della Seta Marta , Martino Salvatore , Moumeni Mohammad , Nozaem Reza , Marmoni Gian Marco , Esposito Carlo
Published: April 2024

The long-term evolution of slopes affected by Mass Rock Creep deformations is controlled by both time-invariant predisposing factors, such as the geo-structural inheritance, and time-dependent preparatory conditions, including regional uplift and landscape evolution rates. However, the relationship among Deep-seated Gravitational Slope Deformations, drainage network evolution, and tectonics remains poorly defined. Here, we focused on an undocumented Deep-seated Gravitational Slope Deformation affecting an area of about 8 km2 in the SE tip termination of the Siah Kuh anticline in the Lorestan arc (Zagros Mts., Iran), upstream to the Mountain Front Fault. To assess the evolution processes which involved the slope up to the present, we integrated quantitative geomorphic analysis, optically stimulated luminescence dating of geomorphic markers, and SAR interferometry techniques. In detail, we semi-automatically extracted the river terrace treads to which we associated an elevation above the thalweg based on the Relative Elevation Model allowing the order definition. The plano-altimetric distribution of the treads and the OSL ages of two levels of strath terraces sampled in the field have been correlated along the river longitudinal profile, allowing the estimation of an uplift rate of 2.8 ± 0.2 mm year−1 and 0.42 ± 0.03 mm year−1, respectively upstream and downstream of the Mountain Front Fault. SAR interferometry was used to spot present-day shallow ground displacements associated with the ongoing slope deformation, by processing 279 satellite Sentinel-1 (A and B) radar images of the ascending and descending orbit spanning from 06 October 2014 to 31 March 2019. Different landslide mechanisms were distinguished across the fold axis, rototranslative to lateral spreading interpreted as two different evolutionary stages of the same process transposed spatially through the fold axis. Indeed, the rototranslative mechanism represents an advanced stage of the strain evolution while the lateral spreading is an earlier one. Finally, we infer that the variability in the spatial distribution of the slope deformation styles and patterns in the Lorestan arc is strictly related to the coupled evolution of the drainage system and tectonics. Involved volumes (from 0.6 up to 44 km3), local relief (from 400 up to 2000 m), incision rates (from 0.8 to 2.8 ± 0.2 mm year−1), and persistence time (from 104 to 105 years) represent the most important preparatory conditions and are predisposed by a moderately dipping downslope (from 8 to 25°) sedimentary sequence characterised by units with significantly different rheological behaviour.
Towards a Reliable Uncertainty Quantification in Residual Stress Measurements with Relaxation Methods: Finding Average Residual Stresses is a Well-Posed Problem
Authors: Beghini M. , Grossi T.
Published: April 2024

Background

In a previous work, the problem of identifying residual stresses through relaxation methods was demonstrated to be mathematically ill-posed. In practice, it means that the solution process is affected by a bias-variance tradeoff, where some theoretically uncomputable bias has to be introduced in order to obtain a solution with a manageable signal-to-noise ratio.

Objective

As a consequence, an important question arises: how can the solution uncertainty be quantified if a part of it is inaccessible? Additional physical knowledge could—in theory—provide a characterization of bias, but this process is practically impossible with presently available techniques.

Methods

A brief review of biases in established methods is provided, showing that ruling them out would require a piece of knowledge that is never available in practice. Then, the concept of average stresses over a distance is introduced, and it is shown that finding them generates a well-posed problem. A numerical example illustrates the theoretical discussion

Results

Since finding average stresses is a well-posed problem, the bias-variance tradeoff disappears. The uncertainties of the results can be estimated with the usual methods, and exact confidence intervals can be obtained.

Conclusions

On a broader scope, we argue that residual stresses and relaxation methods expose the limits of the concept of point-wise stress values, which instead works almost flawlessly when a natural unstressed state can be assumed, as in classical continuum mechanics (for instance, in the theory of elasticity). As a consequence, we are forced to focus on the effects of stress rather than on its point-wise evaluation.
Lateral pressure on pile foundations in cohesive soils due to horizontal soil movements
Authors: Bauer Jörg , Reul Oliver
Published: April 2024

In soft soil layers, piles are frequently loaded laterally by horizontal soil movements. In many cases, the lateral pressure acting on piles due to horizontal soil movements is calculated with empirically or analytically based approaches, respectively. However, most of these design approaches do not consider possible influences on the resulting pile loads. This paper presents the results of model tests and numerical simulations on single piles and pile groups in cohesive soil subjected to lateral loads which were carried out to overcome limitations of available design approaches. Based on extensive small-scale 1 × g-model tests and numerical investigations with the finite element method, influencing factors on the lateral pressure, such as the roughness of the pile–soil interface, the pile size, the pile shape and the pile spacing were identified. A parametric study with the numerical model quantified the most relevant factors influencing the development of lateral pressure on piles due to adjacent surface loads and lead to the development of a simplified analysis approach.
Induction of somatic embryogenesis and ectopic proliferation in Tecoma stans (L.) Juss. ex Kunth cell suspension culture
Authors: Omar Rowida , Kushkevych Ivan , Abd El-Salam Mohamed
Published: April 2024

Somatic embryogenesis is a developmental pathway where somatic cells of plants generate embryogenic cells that subsequently mature into somatic embryos under favorable conditions. This process is one of the most important in vitro techniques for plant propagation, with diverse practical implications. In this study, ectopic proliferation and somatic embryos from Tecoma stans (L.) Juss. ex Kunth cell cultures were induced by employing primary conditioning Murashige and Skoog medium supplemented with 1.0 mg L−1 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid. Subsequently, a secondary induction medium supplemented with a combination of 1.0 mg L−1 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid with various concentrations of 6-benzyladenine cytokinin (1 to 5 mg L−1) was used to promote embryogenesis. The results revealed the successful formation of pre-embryonic and embryonic stages, including globular, heart, torpedo, and cotyledon stages within a 2-wk incubation period under the specified hormonal conditions, leading to subsequent development into the mature vegetative phase after an additional 4 wk. Significant embryo production (16 ± 2.0 torpedo stage embryos per 50 mL culture media) was observed in Murashige and Skoog medium enriched with 1.0 mg L−1 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid and 2.0 mg L−1 6-benzyladenine, surpassing the results observed with other concentrations (p-value < 0.0001). The generated somatic embryos can serve as a potential in vitro tool for the propagation, generation, and organogenesis of T. stans, contributing to its role as both an ornamental and medicinal plant. Moreover, the induction of somatic embryogenesis opens avenues for the potential production of T. stans bioactive secondary metabolites and diverse applications in biotechnology, biotransformation, and biocatalysis, particularly in the conversion of both exogenous and endogenous substrates, such as tecomine—the principal antidiabetic alkaloid in the leaf extract.
The organic geochemistry of crude oil in the Saltpond Basin (Ghana): Organic source input, depositional environment, and thermal maturity
Authors: Amoako Kojo , Zhong Ningning , Osei-Boakye Nancy Pearl , Apesegah Ebenezer
Published: April 2024

The Saltpond Basin, situated within the South Atlantic margin of Ghana, is a significant area for petroleum exploration but has received relatively limited research attention. Previous studies have examined source rock composition, but data on crude oil organic chemistry are lacking, hindering understanding of the basin’s petroleum system and evolution. To address this gap, we analyzed biomarkers and stable carbon-isotope ratios in Saltpond Basin crude oil using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry and gas chromatography–isotope ratio mass spectrometry to elucidate organic matter source, depositional environment, and thermal maturity. Findings were compared with oils from the West African segment of the South Atlantic margin, namely the Tano Basin and the Niger Delta Basin, to identify potential correlations and gain insights into regional variations. Molecular and isotopic results unveiled a significant prevalence of organic matter derived from lower marine organisms. Patterns of organic matter deposition and preservation in Saltpond oil samples suggested a suboxic marine transitional environment, contradicting conventional understanding of terrestrial dominance in such settings. Moreover, the potential for degradation processes to obscure differentiation between terrestrial and marine organic matter origins underscores the complex nature of organic matter dynamics in transitional marine environments. Analysis of molecular thermal maturity indices suggested Saltpond oils were expelled from source rocks exhibiting thermal maturity at the early maturity stage. Correlation analysis unveiled genetic disparities among crude oils sourced from the Saltpond Basin and those from the Tano and Niger Delta Basin, primarily due to variations in source input and depositional environment conditions. Saltpond oil exhibits lower terrestrial organic input than Tano Basin’s crude oils, which also have less terrestrial input than Niger Delta Basin crude oils. Additionally, its paleodepositional environment notably differs from oils in the Tano Basin (anoxic transitional marine-lacustrine settings) and the Niger Delta Basin (suboxic–oxic terrigenous deltaic or marine or lacustrine environments). Thermal maturity range of Saltpond oil is comparable to oils in the Tano Basin but lower than oils in the Niger Delta Basin. These findings provide valuable insights into petroleum generation history and unique organic geochemical characteristics within the Saltpond Basin, essential for exploration, production, and environmental management efforts in the region. Furthermore, correlation studies provide evidence that distinct biological, geological, and paleoenvironmental conditions shaped various oil types in the West African segment of the South Atlantic margin.
Innovation ecosystem for smart product: empirical quantification of its key dimensions in SMEs of 21 European countries
Authors: Khatami Fahimeh , De Bernardi Paola , Vilamová Šárka , Cagno Enrico , Ricciardi Francesca
Published: April 2024

This paper aims to quantify the innovation ecosystem model for allowing the development of smart products at the country level. In this regard, the research used an empirical approach to scale and validate the six dimensions of an innovation ecosystem model among the small and medium-sized enterprises of 21 European countries. The quantitative methods of panel data analysis and Pearson correlation tests between variables of the innovation ecosystem and smart products were considered to examine six research hypotheses. Three dimensions of the innovation ecosystem model, i.e., configuration, change, and capability, have enough effects to accelerate high levels of smart products in the small and medium-sized enterprises of European countries, supporting the external and internal economic partnerships of institutions and companies, cultural changes in functional status, and knowledge-based capabilities of technological skills in each ecosystem. In addition, hierarchical clustering analysis for the classification of the countries showed that some countries, e.g., the United Kingdom, Netherlands, Sweden, Switzerland, Germany, Denmark, France, and Norway, could support their powerful smart products for small and medium-sized enterprises at the national level due to their high mean innovation ecosystem values. Overall, the research can describe the managerial implications regarding the knowledge-based capabilities of the technological skills in each ecosystem to be utilized by managers and stakeholders in small and medium-sized enterprises.
EEG Lie Detection Evidence and Potential Australian Jurors
Authors: Wilcoxson Rebecca , Browne Matthew , Brooks Nathan , Duckett Paul
Published: April 2024

Electroencephalogram (EEG) lie detection is a proposed method of determining criminal culpability, though it is currently unknown how this method will impact juror decisions. The present study investigated the persuasiveness of EEG lie detection with potential Australian jurors. Through a vignette-based experiment, participants (N = 421) were required to make juror-based decisions (i.e. guilty, not guilty and unsure) on a 1989 U.S. trial involving the brutal murder of a young woman. Participants read about forensic evidence (blood, shoeprint and fibre analysis) presented at the 1989 trial that led to the suspect’s conviction. Half of the participants also read about an EEG lie detection test conducted 11 years post-conviction that indicated the convicted man was innocent. Chi-square analysis showed the EEG information significantly affected determinations of guilt. Guilty verdicts were made by 41% of participants who did not read the EEG evidence. However, only 27% of participants who read the EEG evidence voted guilty. The implications of implementing EEG lie detection are discussed.
Schulsozialarbeit nach der „neuen Normalität“
Authors: Hettler Ingo S. , Rahn Sebastian
Published: April 2024

Nach fast drei Jahren Corona-Pandemie geht der Beitrag der Frage nach, inwieweit Schulsozialarbeiter_innen tätigkeits- und kooperationsbezogene Veränderungen im Vergleich zur Vorpandemie-Zeit beobachten und welche Themen und Bedarfe auf Seiten der jungen Menschen sie nach der Pandemie verstärkt wahrnehmen. Grundlage des Beitrags bildet eine quantitative Befragung von 591 Fachkräften in Baden-Württemberg.
Human Brain Organoid Transplantation: Testing the Foundations of Animal Research Ethics
Authors: Erler Alexandre
Published: April 2024

Alongside in vitro studies, researchers are increasingly exploring the transplantation of human brain organoids (HBOs) into non-human animals to study brain development, disease, and repair. This paper focuses on ethical issues raised by such transplantation studies. In particular, it investigates the possibility that they might yield enhanced brain function in recipient animals (especially non-human primates), thereby fundamentally altering their moral status. I assess the critique, raised by major voices in the bioethics and science communities, according to which such concerns are premature and misleading. I identify the assumptions underlying this skeptical critique, and mention some objections against them, followed by some possible replies. I proceed to argue that the skeptical position is ultimately implausible, because it presupposes an unreasonably high standard of full moral status. My argument appeals to David DeGrazia’s idea of a “borderline person”, and to the need for consistency with existing animal research regulations. I outline the practical implications of my view for the conduct of studies that might result in the development of full moral status in a transplanted animal. I also discuss some of the ethical implications of animal enhancement (particularly of rodents) below the threshold associated with full moral status. I conclude that far from being premature, further debate on these issues is urgently needed to help clarify the prospects that a neural chimera might attain full moral status in the foreseeable future, and the level of quality of life required to make it acceptable to knowingly create such a being via HBO transplantation.
Establishment and characterization of novel high mucus-producing lung tumoroids derived from a patient with pulmonary solid adenocarcinoma
Authors: Iwai Miki , Yokota Etsuko , Ishida Yuta , Yukawa Takuro , Naomoto Yoshio , Monobe Yasumasa , Haisa Minoru , Takigawa Nagio , Fukazawa Takuya , Yamatsuji Tomoki
Published: April 2024

Among mucus-producing lung cancers, invasive mucinous adenocarcinoma of the lung is a rare and unique subtype of pulmonary adenocarcinoma. Notably, mucus production may also be observed in the five subtypes of adenocarcinoma grouped under the higher-level diagnosis of Invasive Non-mucinous Adenocarcinomas (NMA). Overlapping pathologic features in mucus-producing tumors can cause diagnostic confusion with significant clinical consequences. In this study, we established lung tumoroids, PDT-LUAD#99, from a patient with NMA and mucus production. The tumoroids were derived from the malignant pleural effusion of a patient with lung cancer and have been successfully developed for long-term culture (> 11 months). Karyotyping by fluorescence in situ hybridization using an alpha-satellite probe showed that tumoroids harbored aneuploid karyotypes. Subcutaneous inoculation of PDT-LUAD#99 lung tumoroids into immunodeficient mice resulted in tumor formation, suggesting that the tumoroids were derived from cancer. Xenografts from PDT-LUAD#99 lung tumoroids reproduced the solid adenocarcinoma with mucin production that was observed in the patient's metastatic lymph nodes. Immunoblot analysis showed MUC5AC secretion into the culture supernatant of PDT-LUAD#99 lung tumoroids, which in contradistinction was barely detected in the culture supernatants of NCI-A549 and NCI-H2122 pulmonary adenocarcinoma cells known for their mucin-producing abilities. Here, we established a novel high-mucus-producing lung tumoroids from a solid adenocarcinoma. This preclinical model may be useful for elucidating the pathogenesis of mucus-producing lung cancer.
Predicting the efficacy of donepezil intervention in Alzheimer’s disease patients using regional homogeneity in the inferior orbitofrontal cortex
Authors: Dai Min , Guo Zhongwei , Xia Honglian , Zhu Hong , Li Jiapeng , Hou Hongtao , Zhao Guizhi , Liu Xiaozheng
Published: April 2024

Background

Although donepezil is a commonly used drug for treating Alzheimer's disease (AD), the mechanisms by which it affects patients’ functional brain activity, and thus modulates clinical symptoms, remain unclear.

Methods

In the present study, we used resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and regional homogeneity (ReHo) to investigate the effects of donepezil on local brain activity in AD patients. Resting-state functional MRI data were collected from 32 subjects: 16 healthy controls and 16 AD patients. All 16 AD patients underwent 6 months of donepezil treatment and received two MRI scans (pre- and post-intervention). Analysis of covariance and post hoc analyses were used to compare ReHo differences among the healthy controls, pre-intervention AD patients, and post-intervention AD patients. Pearson correlation analysis was used to examine relationships between ReHo values in differential brain regions and clinical symptoms.

Results

Compared with healthy controls, post-intervention AD patients had reduced ReHo in the orbital part of the inferior frontal gyrus, and pre-intervention AD patients had reduced ReHo in the orbital part of the right inferior frontal gyrus. Pattern recognition models revealed that pre-intervention ReHo values in abnormal brain regions of AD patients were 76% accurate for predicting the efficacy of donepezil on cognitive function and 65% accurate for predicting its efficacy on depressive symptoms.

Conclusions

These findings deepen our understanding of the brain mechanisms underlying the clinical efficacy of donepezil in AD patients, and provide a novel way to predict its clinical efficacy in such patients.