bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
MetaSem: metamorphic testing based on semantic information of autonomous driving scenes
Authors: Yang Zhen , Huang Song , Bai Tongtong , Yao Yongming , Wang Yang , Zheng Changyou , Xia Chunyan
Published: May 2024

The development of artificial intelligence and information communication technology has significantly propelled advancements in autonomous driving. The advent of autonomous driving has a profound impact on societal development and transportation methods. However, as intelligent systems, autonomous driving systems (ADSs) often make wrong judgements in specific scenarios, resulting in accidents. There is an urgent need for comprehensive testing and validation of ADSs. Metamorphic testing (MT) techniques have demonstrated effectiveness in testing ADSs. Nevertheless, existing testing methods primarily encompass relatively simple metamorphic relations (MRs) that only verify ADSs from a single perspective. To ensure the safety of ADSs, it is essential to consider the various elements of driving scenarios during the testing process. Therefore, this paper proposes MetaSem, a novel metamorphic testing method based on semantic information of autonomous driving scenes. Based on semantic information of the autonomous driving scenes and traffic regulations, we design 11 MRs targeting different scenario elements. Three transformation modules are developed to execute addition, deletion and replacement operations on various scene elements within the images. Finally, corresponding evaluation metrics are defined based on MRs. MetaSem automatically discovers inconsistent behaviours according to the evaluation metrics. Our empirical study on three advanced and popular autonomous driving models demonstrates that MetaSem not only efficiently generates visually natural and realistic scene images but also detects 11,787 inconsistent behaviours on three driving models.
A simple, accurate, and explicit form of the Green–Ampt model to estimate infiltration, sorptivity, and hydraulic conductivity
Authors: Sadeghi S. H. , Loescher H. W. , Jacoby P. W. , Sullivan P. L.
Published: May 2024

Finding an explicit solution to the widely used Green–Ampt (G–A) one‐dimensional infiltration model has been subject of efforts for more than half a century. We derived an explicit semiempirical approach that combines accuracy with simplicity, a concept that has been generally neglected in previous studies. The equation is , with F (L), Ks (L/T), S (L/T0.5) and t (T) being cumulative infiltration, saturated hydraulic conductivity, sorptivity, and time, respectively. Relative errors (ɛ) by the application of this equation generally do not exceed ±0.3% in most applied infiltration problems faced by water resources engineering today. We show both numerically and mathematically that │ɛ│> 0.3% could only occur if Kst/F > 0.904, a criterion that could apply to sand and loamy sand soils (i.e., coarse texture) and if they experience infiltration rates for over 6 h and 19 h, respectively. Hence, we also derived a simple linear adjustment in the model as Fadj ≅ 0.9796 F + 0.335 S2/Ks to address these longer infiltration rates, and to assure that ɛ remains within the expected ±0.3% range of uncertainty. A linearized regression technique was also developed to accurately estimate S and Ks when the G–A model is used. We numerically demonstrated that our fitting method could be used even when the G–A approach is less valid (diffusive soils), provided that the actual value of the capillary length (λ) is initially known. An added benefit of our approach is that by setting λ equal to 1/3 and 2/3, it can significantly limit the range of initializing, unknown, a priori values of S and Ks, as these two parameters are estimated through the inverse solution of implicit infiltration models. Due to the model's simplicity and accuracy, our solution should find application among hydrologists, natural resource scientists, and engineers who wish to easily derive accurate estimations from the G–A infiltration approach and/or estimate sorptivity and hydraulic conductivity without encountering divergence problems.
Food insecurity and dietary diversity among food aid recipients in urban and rural areas at the covid‐19 outbreak: An exploratory study
Authors: Carrillo‐Álvarez Elena , Costa‐Tutusaus Lluís , Milà‐Villaroel Raimon , Shankar Krishnan Nithya , Salinas‐Roca Blanca
Published: May 2024

The covid‐19 pandemic has affected food aid. This paper reports an exploratory study to estimate the prevalence and degree of food insecurity, household dietary diversity score (HDDS), and the association with demographic, social, and economic characteristics of health status in a sample of food aid recipients in urban and rural areas of Catalonia, Spain. Cross‐sectional data on food insecurity, dietary diversity, household income, health, and sociodemographic characteristics were obtained from the survey taken at seven different food aid distribution points from urban and rural locations. Sixty‐six percent of the participants identified as new users since the covid‐19 crisis. Only 12.5% of the sample lived in households where all adults were unemployed, and 44.8% were employed. Almost a third of the sample (32.3%) reported having someone in their household who suffered from a diet‐related illness or disease. The prevalence of severe food insecurity was 52.1%, followed by 28.1% suffering moderate food insecurity. New food aid users due to covid‐19 pandemic showed a significantly higher prevalence of food insecurity. No significant differences were found in terms of HDDS. This paper provides evidence that much of the gap in food insecurity is related to dietary diversity and children in households considering different urban or rural areas.
ChatGPT im Einsatz für „technology-enhanced learning“ in Anästhesiologie und Notfallmedizin und potenzielle klinische Anwendung von KI‑Sprachmodellen
Authors: Humbsch Philipp , Horn Evelyn , Bohm Konrad , Gintrowicz Robert
Published: May 2024

Hintergrund

Der Einsatz von KI-Sprachmodellen in der Lehre und Wissenschaft ist aktuell Gegenstand der Forschung, und auch die Anwendung im klinischen Alltag ist in der Erprobung. Untersuchungen verschiedener Arbeitsgruppen haben gezeigt, dass Sprachmodelle Prüfungsfragen für das medizinische Staatsexamen beantworten können, und auch in der medizinischen Lehre sind Anwendungen von Sprachmodellen denkbar.

Fragestellung

Es soll untersucht werden, inwiefern sich Sprachmodelle der aktuellen Version für den Einsatz bei medizinischen Fragestellungen bewähren, inwiefern sie in der medizinischen Lehre eingesetzt werden können, und welche Herausforderungen in der Arbeit mit KI-Sprachmodellen noch bestehen.

Methode

Das Programm ChatGPT, basierend auf GPT 3.5, wurde genutzt, um 1025 Fragen des M2-Staatsexamens zu beantworten, und es wurde untersucht, ob und welche Fehler dabei auftraten. Außerdem wurde das Sprachmodell vor die Aufgabe gestellt, Aufsätze zu den Lernzielen der Musterweiterbildungsordnung für die Facharztweiterbildung in Anästhesiologie und die Zusatzbezeichnung in Notfallmedizin zu verfassen. Diese wurden auf Fehler und Auffälligkeiten hin untersucht.

Ergebnis

Es zeigte sich, dass ChatGPT die Fragen zur mehr als 69 % richtig beantworten konnte, selbst wenn in den Aufgabenstellungen Verweise auf Abbildungen vorhanden waren. Damit konnte eine Verbesserung der Richtigkeit in der Beantwortung von Staatsexamensfragen im Vergleich zu einer Untersuchung aus dem März gefunden werden. Bei dem Verfassen von Aufsätzen zeigte sich dagegen eine hohe Fehlerrate.

Diskussion

Bei dem aktuellen Tempo der fortwährenden Verbesserungen von KI-Sprachmodellen ist der breite klinische Einsatz, insbesondere in der Rettungsstelle, aber auch in der Notfall- und Intensivmedizin, bei der Arbeit von Assistenzärzten ein denkbares Szenario, die damit Hinweise für die eigene Arbeit bekommen, ohne sich nur auf das Sprachmodell verlassen zu müssen. Der Einsatz in der Lehre bedeutet für die Anwender aktuell noch einen hohen Kontrollaufwand. Aufgrund von Halluzinationen bei teils ungeeigneter Trainingsumgebung des Sprachmodells können die erstellten Texte vom aktuellen Stand der Wissenschaft abweichen. Der direkte Einsatz am Patienten außerhalb der direkten Verantwortung eines Arztes erscheint aktuell noch nicht realisierbar.
Relationship among EPR oxidative stability and spectrophotometric parameters connected to antioxidant activity in beer samples
Authors: Porcu Maria Cristina , Fadda Angela , Sanna Daniele
Published: May 2024

A relationship between EPR and spectrophotometric parameters related to beer staling and antioxidant activity, was identified. AUC (area under the curve), intensity at 150 min (T150), radical scavenging activity (RSA), total phenolic compounds (TPC), hydroxyl radical scavenging capacity (HRSC) and one parameter linked to staling degree of beers (thiobarbituric index, TBI) were related. Temperature was modified to find the proper working conditions for EPR spin-trapping experiments and it was found that it affected the kinetic of PBN adduct evolution. For the samples reaching a maximum intensity signal, the higher the heating temperature, the shorter the time interval needed to reach it. No linear relationship was detected among parameters obtained with EPR spin trapping experiments and RSA, TPC, TPI, and HRSC when correlating one parameter with another. On the contrary, a good linear relationship was found among AUC or T150 and a combination of RSA, TPC, TPI, and HRSC (R2 = 0.9562 and 0.9694, respectively). The goodness of fit increased to R2 = 1 when a combination of AUC and T150 was related to a combination of RSA, TPC, and TPI, and HRSC.
Threshold dynamics of a reaction–advection–diffusion schistosomiasis epidemic model with seasonality and spatial heterogeneity
Authors: Wu Peng , Salmaniw Yurij , Wang Xiunan
Published: May 2024

Most water-borne disease models ignore the advection of water flows in order to simplify the mathematical analysis and numerical computation. However, advection can play an important role in determining the disease transmission dynamics. In this paper, we investigate the long-term dynamics of a periodic reaction–advection–diffusion schistosomiasis model and explore the joint impact of advection, seasonality and spatial heterogeneity on the transmission of the disease. We derive the basic reproduction number $${\mathcal {R}}_0$$

R
0

and show that the disease-free periodic solution is globally attractive when $${\mathcal {R}}_0<1$$

R
0

<
1

whereas there is a positive endemic periodic solution and the system is uniformly persistent in a special case when $${\mathcal {R}}_0>1$$

R
0

>
1

. Moreover, we find that $${\mathcal {R}}_0$$

R
0

is a decreasing function of the advection coefficients which offers insights into why schistosomiasis is more serious in regions with slow water flows.
Surgical management of complex curvature in Peyronie’s disease
Authors: Kadıoğlu Ateş , Gürcan Mehmet , Rakhmonovich Abdurakhmonov Farkod , Dursun Murat
Published: May 2024

Purpose

About 10% of Peyronie's patients are complex cases with severe curvature (>60 degrees), ventral plaque, multiplanar curvature, hour-glass/hinge deformity, notching deformity, and ossified plaque. In patients with complex Peyronie’s disease (PD), different techniques (shortening procedures, lengthening procedures, and penile prosthesis implantation (IPP)) may be necessary to achieve successful result. This review aims to analyze the various surgical techniques employed in the management of Peyronie's disease, with a specific focus on patients with complex deformity.

Methods

Articles focusing on the surgical management of complex curvature in Peyronie’s disease were searched in MEDLINE and PubMed published between 1990 and 2023.

Results

Shortening procedures are linked to penile shortening and are not recommended for complex cases such as notching, hour-glass deformity, or ossified plaque. Lengthening procedures are suitable for addressing complex curvatures without erectile dysfunction (ED) and are a more appropriate method for multiplanar curvatures. Penile prosthesis implantation (IPP), with or without additional procedures, is the gold standard for patients with ED and Peyronie's disease. IPP should also be the preferred option for cases of penile instability (hinge deformity) and has shown high satisfaction rates in all complex cases.

Conclusion

While surgical interventions for complex curvature in Peyronie's disease carry inherent risks, careful patient selection, meticulous surgical techniques, and post-operative care can help minimize complications and maximize positive outcome.
Risk factors for migration of retrievable covered expandable metallic stent in patients with persistent benign ureter strictures
Authors: Xu Yuyu , Li Xiezhao , Cai Zhiduan , Chen Shuangxing , Zhu Rui , Zhuang Haishan , Wan ShawPong , Xu Guibin
Published: May 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the incidence, risk factors, and salvage management of retrievable covered expandable metallic stent (RCEMS) migration in patients with persistent benign ureter strictures.

Materials and methods

A retrospective study was performed on 117 consecutive patients who underwent implantation of RCEMS. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to identify prognostic factors for stent migration, including stricture location and length, hydronephrosis–cortex ratio, ureteral dilation, and the diameter of the narrowest portion of the stricture.

Results

Stent migration occurred in 22 (19.5%) of 113 patients who met inclusion criteria. Of the 22 patients, 16 (72.7%) had ordinary ureteral stricture, 3 (13.6%) had stricture in transplanted kidneys, and 3 patients (13.6%) had ureter stricture in orthotopic neobladders. The mean creatinine for the entire cohorts showed significant improvement (p = 0.038). Multivariate analysis identified the following prognostic factors for migration: distal ureteral stricture (p = 0.006), patients who underwent balloon dilation (p = 0.003), hydronephrosis–cortex ratio ≧10 (p = 0.017), larger diameter of wasting of RCEMS (p < 0.001), and patients with a shorter stricture length (p = 0.006). Salvage management was required in 4 of the 22 patients. The strictures in the remaining 18 patients improved with observation.

Conclusions

Stent migration is more likely to occur in patients with the five prognostic factors mentioned above. Our study developed a nomogram to predict stent migration in patients with ureteral strictures treated using RCEMS.
Effect of fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FENO)-based asthma management during pregnancy versus usual care on infant development, temperament, sensory function and autism signs
Authors: Whalen Olivia M. , Campbell Linda E. , Lane Alison E. , Karayanidis Frini , Mallise Carly A. , Woolard Alix J. , Holliday Elizabeth G. , Mattes Joerg , Collison Adam , Gibson Peter G. , Murphy Vanessa E.
Published: May 2024

Asthma during pregnancy is associated with a range of adverse perinatal outcomes. It is also linked to increased rates of neurodevelopmental conditions in the offspring. We aimed to assess whether fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FENO)-based asthma management during pregnancy improves child developmental and behavioural outcomes compared to usual care. The Breathing for Life Trial was a randomised controlled trial that compared FENO-based asthma management during pregnancy to usual care. Participants were invited to the developmental follow-up, the Breathing for Life Trial – Infant Development study, which followed up infants at 6 weeks, 6 months and 12 months. The primary outcomes were measured in infants at 12 months using the Bayley-III: Cognitive, Language and Motor composite scores. Secondary outcomes included Bayley-III social-emotional and adaptive behaviour scores, autism likelihood and sensory and temperament outcomes. The exposure of interest was the randomised intervention group. Two hundred and twenty-two infants and their 217 participating mothers were recruited to the follow-up; 107 mothers were in the intervention group and 113 were in the control group. There was no evidence of an intervention effect for the primary outcomes: Bayley-III cognitive (mean = 108.9 control, 108.5 intervention, p = 0.93), language (mean = 95.9 control, 95.6 intervention, p = 0.87) and motor composite scores (mean = 97.2 control, 97.9 intervention, p = 0.25). Mean scores for secondary outcomes were also similar among infants born to control and FENO group mothers, with few results reaching p < 0.05.

Conclusion: In this sample, FENO-guided asthma treatment during pregnancy did not improve infant developmental outcomes in the first year of life.

Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: ACTRN12613000202763.

What is Known:• Maternal asthma during pregnancy has been associated with increased rates of neurodevelopmental conditions in offspring, including intellectual disability and autism.

What is New:• This is the first study to examine how managing asthma during pregnancy via a FENO-guided algorithm or usual care affects infant developmental and behavioural outcomes. While the results of the study showed no impact of the intervention, and therefore do not support the integration of FENO-based management of asthma in antenatal settings for optimal infant development, they do send a positive message about the implications of active asthma management during pregnancy on infant developmental outcomes.
Correlation of pathological examination with indocyanine green (ICG) intensity gradients: a prospective study in patients with liver tumor
Authors: She Wong Hoi , Chan Miu Yee , Tsang Simon Hing Yin , Dai Wing Chiu , Chan Albert Chi Yan , Lo Chung Mau , Cheung Tan To
Published: May 2024

Background

Intraoperative indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescence imaging has been shown to be a new and innovative way to illustrate the optimal resection margin in hepatectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma. This study investigated its accuracy in resection margin determination by looking into the correlation of ICG intensity gradients with pathological examination results of resected specimens.

Methods

This was a prospective, single-center, non-randomized controlled study. Patients who had liver tumors indicating liver resection were recruited. The hypothesis was that the use of intraoperative near-infrared/ICG fluorescence imaging would be a promising guiding tool for removing hepatocellular carcinoma with a better resection margin. Patients were given ICG (0.25 mg/kg) 1 day before operation. Resected specimens were inspected under a fluorescent imaging system. Biopsies were taken from tumors and normal tissue. Color signals obtained from ICG fluorescence imaging were compared with biopsies for analysis.

Results

Twenty-two patients were recruited for study. The median size of their tumors was 2.25 cm. One patient had resection margin involvement. Under ICG fluorescence, the tumors typically lighted up as yellow color, wrapped by a zone of green color. Tumors of 17 patients (77.3%) displayed yellow color and were confirmed malignancy, while tumors of 12 patients (54.5%) displayed green color and were confirmed malignancy. Receiver operating characteristic curve was used to measure the sensitivity and specificity of the green color to look for a clear resection margin. The area under the curve was 85.3% (p = 0.019, 95% confidence interval 0.696–1.000), with a sensitivity of 0.706 and specificity of 1.000.

Conclusion

The use of ICG fluorescence can be helpful in determining resection margins. Resection of tumor should include complete resection of the green zone shown in the fluorescence image.
The effect of synthetic grass sports surfaces on the thermal environment: A systematic review
Authors: Singh Gurpreet , Peterson Benjamin , Jay Ollie , Stevens Christopher J.
Published: May 2024

There are concerns regarding high surface temperatures on synthetic grass sports surfaces influencing the surrounding thermal environment, potentially increasing heat stress and impacting athlete safety. As such, studies have investigated changes to the thermal environment surrounding synthetic grass surfaces in comparison to both natural grass, and synthetic surfaces with different features, but this body of research has not been systematically reviewed. Therefore, this systematic review aimed to (i) determine if there are differences in the thermal environment surrounding synthetic grass surfaces compared with natural grass surfaces, and (ii) determine if there are differences in the thermal environment between different types of synthetic grass surfaces. A systematic review adhering to the PRISMA guidelines was performed. The eligibility criteria required investigations to report at least one of the following environmental parameters on or directly above both a synthetic surface and a comparator group of either natural grass or an alternative synthetic grass surface used in sport: Air temperature, mean radiant temperature, humidity, wind velocity, unified heat stress indices (i.e. wet-bulb-globe temperature and heat index) and/or surface temperature. Twenty-three studies were identified. The only parameters that were consistently higher on synthetic grass compared to natural grass were the air temperature (range: 0.5–1.2 °C) and surface temperature (range: 9.4–33.7 °C), while the mean radiant temperature, humidity, wind velocity and wet-bulb-globe temperature remained similar or required more data to determine if any differences exist. Synthetic grass surfaces consisting of styrene butadiene rubber infill or a shock pad had increased surface temperatures, whereas surfaces with thermoplastic elastomer infill, Cool climate turf fibres or HydroChill had lower surface temperatures. This systematic review has demonstrated that air and surface temperatures can be increased on synthetic sports surfaces, compared to natural grass surfaces. However, it is uncertain whether the differences are enough to increase an individual’s heat stress risk and cause concern for athlete safety. While modifications to the turf infill or fibres can reduce synthetic surface temperatures, the effect of these features on the thermal environment as a whole is unclear. This review was prospectively registered with the Open Science Framework (Open Science Framework registration  https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/BTKGE).
A Novel Thermo-Alkaline Stable GDSL/SGNH Esterase with Broad Substrate Specificity from a Deep-Sea Pseudomonas sp.
Authors: Rodríguez-Mejía José Luis , Hidalgo-Manzano Itzel Anahí , Muriel-Millán Luis Felipe , Rivera-Gomez Nancy , Sahonero-Canavesi Diana X. , Castillo Edmundo , Pardo-López Liliana
Published: May 2024

Marine environments harbor a plethora of microorganisms that represent a valuable source of new biomolecules of biotechnological interest. In particular, enzymes from marine bacteria exhibit unique properties due to their high catalytic activity under various stressful and fluctuating conditions, such as temperature, pH, and salinity, fluctuations which are common during several industrial processes. In this study, we report a new esterase (EstGoM) from a marine Pseudomonas sp. isolated at a depth of 1000 m in the Gulf of Mexico. Bioinformatic analyses revealed that EstGoM is an autotransporter esterase (type Va) and belongs to the lipolytic family II, forming a new subgroup. The purified recombinant EstGoM, with a molecular mass of 67.4 kDa, showed the highest hydrolytic activity with p-nitrophenyl octanoate (p-NP C8), although it was also active against p-NP C4, C5, C10, and C12. The optimum pH and temperature for EstGoM were 9 and 60 °C, respectively, but it retained more than 50% of its activity over the pH range of 7–11 and temperature range of 10–75 °C. In addition, EstGoM was tolerant of up to 1 M NaCl and resistant to the presence of several metal ions, detergents, and chemical reagents, such as EDTA and β-mercaptoethanol. The enzymatic properties of EstGoM make it a potential candidate for several industrial applications.
Automatic Skeleton Segmentation in CT Images Based on U-Net
Authors: Milara Eva , Gómez-Grande Adolfo , Sarandeses Pilar , Seiffert Alexander P. , Gómez Enrique J. , Sánchez-González Patricia
Published: May 2024

Bone metastasis, emerging oncological therapies, and osteoporosis represent some of the distinct clinical contexts which can result in morphological alterations in bone structure. The visual assessment of these changes through anatomical images is considered suboptimal, emphasizing the importance of precise skeletal segmentation as a valuable aid for its evaluation. In the present study, a neural network model for automatic skeleton segmentation from bidimensional computerized tomography (CT) slices is proposed. A total of 77 CT images and their semimanual skeleton segmentation from two acquisition protocols (whole-body and femur-to-head) are used to form a training group and a testing group. Preprocessing of the images includes four main steps: stretcher removal, thresholding, image clipping, and normalization (with two different techniques: interpatient and intrapatient). Subsequently, five different sets are created and arranged in a randomized order for the training phase. A neural network model based on U-Net architecture is implemented with different values of the number of channels in each feature map and number of epochs. The model with the best performance obtains a Jaccard index (IoU) of 0.959 and a Dice index of 0.979. The resultant model demonstrates the potential of deep learning applied in medical images and proving its utility in bone segmentation.
Time varying risk aversion and its connectedness: evidence from cryptocurrencies
Authors: Corbet Shaen , Hou Yang , Hu Yang , Oxley Les
Published: May 2024

Changing patterns of risk aversion may follow a non-linear counter-cyclical process. However, the evidence so far has not considered developing cryptocurrency markets. Given some unique features of cryptocurrencies, it is interesting to distinguish how these assets differ from traditional products. This paper investigates the time effects of periodicity on risk aversion for a selection of major cryptocurrencies compared to major financial assets. Significant periodic time-varying patterns are identified when analysing risk aversion. Further, bilateral and bidirectional Granger causalities are identified within cryptocurrencies, as well as between cryptocurrencies and traditional financial assets. Bitcoin is identified as a leading information transmitter of the spillover of risk aversion upon other cryptocurrencies, while estimated risk aversion of traditional financial markets plays a dominant role in the spillover processes upon the cryptocurrency cluster. The latter finding presents further evidence of developing cryptocurrency market maturity. The COVID-19 pandemic is found to have significantly influenced the connectedness of risk aversion among cryptocurrency and traditional financial markets.
The Nexus Between Sources of Workers’ Power in the Garment Manufacturing Industries of Lesotho and Eswatini
Authors: Jeppesen Søren , Bezuidenhout Andries
Published: May 2024

Workers in the garment manufacturing industry are often subjected to violations of their rights and are exposed to low wages and difficult working conditions. In response to the exposure of these violations in the media, major fashion brands and retailers subject their suppliers to labour codes of conduct. Despite these codes of conduct being largely ineffective, this comparative case study of garment manufacturers operating from Lesotho and Eswatini illustrates that such codes provide workers and trade unions with access to bargaining leverage that they would otherwise not have. A framework with a synthesis of potential sources of workers’ power is developed and related to global production networks, collective mobilisation, the nature of the state, as well as national and transnational scales of organising. Based on historical case studies of the two countries, this paper illustrates how unions in the two countries followed different approaches to using this source of power in relation to other sources of power. These approaches were shaped by their contexts and strategic choices. Theoretically, it is argued that sources of workers’ power are analytically distinct, but are relational and operate best when seen as mutually reinforcing. The term ‘power resource nexus’ is used to frame this potential mutual reinforcement of sources of power.
Retinoic acid mitigates the NSC319726-induced spermatogenesis dysfunction through cuproptosis-independent mechanisms
Authors: Yi Haisheng , Chen Tong , He Guitian , Liu Lingyun , Zhao Jiantao , Guo Kaimin , Cao Yin , Sun Penghao , Zhou Xu , Zhang Boqi , Li Chunjin , Wang Hongliang
Published: May 2024

Copper ionophore NSC319726 has attracted researchers' attention in treating diseases, particularly cancers. However, its potential effects on male reproduction during medication are unclear. This study aimed to determine whether NSC319726 exposure affected the male reproductive system. The reproductive toxicity of NSC319726 was evaluated in male mice following a continuous exposure period of 5 weeks. The result showed that NSC319726 exposure caused testis index reduction, spermatogenesis dysfunction, and architectural damage in the testis and epididymis. The exposure interfered with spermatogonia proliferation, meiosis initiation, sperm count, and sperm morphology. The exposure also disturbed androgen synthesis and blood testis barrier integrity. NSC319726 treatment could elevate the copper ions in the testis to induce cuproptosis in the testis. Copper chelator rescued the elevated copper ions in the testis and partly restored the spermatogenesis dysfunction caused by NSC319726. NSC319726 treatment also decreased the level of retinol dehydrogenase 10 (RDH10), thereby inhibiting the conversion of retinol to retinoic acid, causing the inability to initiate meiosis. Retinoic acid treatment could rescue the meiotic initiation and spermatogenesis while not affecting the intracellular copper ion levels. The study provided an insight into the bio-safety of NSC319726. Retinoic acid could be a potential therapy for spermatogenesis impairment in patients undergoing treatment with NSC319726.
Integration of clinical phenoms and metabolomics facilitates precision medicine for lung cancer
Authors: Yan Furong , Liu Chanjuan , Song Dongli , Zeng Yiming , Zhan Yanxia , Zhuang Xibing , Qiao Tiankui , Wu Duojiao , Cheng Yunfeng , Chen Hao
Published: May 2024

Lung cancer is a common malignancy that is frequently associated with systemic metabolic disorders. Early detection is pivotal to survival improvement. Although blood biomarkers have been used in its early diagnosis, missed diagnosis and misdiagnosis still exist due to the heterogeneity of lung cancer. Integration of multiple biomarkers or trans-omics results can improve the accuracy and reliability for lung cancer diagnosis. As metabolic reprogramming is a hallmark of lung cancer, metabolites, specifically lipids might be useful for lung cancer detection, yet systematic characterizations of metabolites in lung cancer are still incipient. The present study profiled the polar metabolome and lipidome in the plasma of lung cancer patients to construct an inclusive metabolomic atlas of lung cancer. A comprehensive analysis of lung cancer was also conducted combining metabolomics with clinical phenotypes. Furthermore, the differences in plasma lipid metabolites were compared and analyzed among different lung cancer subtypes. Alcohols, amides, and peptide metabolites were significantly increased in lung cancer, while carboxylic acids, hydrocarbons, and fatty acids were remarkably decreased. Lipid profiling revealed a significant increase in plasma levels of CER, PE, SM, and TAG in individuals with lung cancer as compared to those in healthy controls. Correlation analysis confirmed the association between a panel of metabolites and TAGs. Clinical trans-omics studies elucidated the complex correlations between lipidomic data and clinical phenotypes. The present study emphasized the clinical importance of lipidomics in lung cancer, which involves the correlation between metabolites and the expressions of other omics, ultimately influencing clinical phenotypes. This novel trans-omics network approach would facilitate the development of precision therapy for lung cancer.

Graphical Abstract

1. Integrating multiple biomarkers or trans-omics results improves diagnostic accuracy and reliability in heterogeneous lung cancer.

2. Metabolomics and lipidomics, along with clinical phenotypes, construct a comprehensive metabolic profile of lung cancer patients.

3. TAG expression shows strong positive correlation with polar metabolites, potentially impacting clinical phenotypic changes in lung cancer patients.
Land Subsidence Impacts and Optimal Groundwater Management in South Africa
Authors: Ndahangwapo Nelson Ndakolute , Thiam Djiby Racine , Dinar Ariel
Published: May 2024

Fresh surface water is increasingly becoming scarcer worldwide, leading to significant groundwater over-extraction. However, groundwater over-extraction could result in many environmental externalities including various land subsidence (LS) effects. LS causes the gradual reduction of the voids and the subsequent ground surface sinking. The loss of aquifer system storage capacity, owing to LS, is one such negative externality that is seldom discussed in the economic literature. In this paper, we investigate the indirect loss of the aquifer system storage capacity due to LS along with other direct LS negative externalities. We develop a dynamic economic optimization model for groundwater utilization and evaluate various policy instruments (quota systems, taxes on land sinking and aquifer storage loss, and packaging and sequencing of taxes and quotas) to prevent overexploitation externalities. The model is calibrated to South African data. We found that taxes on land sinking and aquifer system storage capacity reduction have a significant effect on withdrawals and water table levels. Taxes provide larger social welfare. In addition, under certain circumstances, quotas are preferable when it comes to supporting groundwater conservation practices. Packaging and sequencing provide the second largest social benefits.
Solvent Acidity and Basicity Scales: Analysis of Catalan’s SB and SA Scales and Gutmann’s Acceptor Number and Comparison with Kamlet and Taft’s β and α Solvent Scales, Gutmann’s Donor Number and Abraham’s B and A Solute Scales
Authors: Waghorne W. Earle
Published: May 2024

The use of experimental parameters to quantify solvent properties, for example in linear free energy relationships, is well established and several scales of solvent acidity, basicity and polarity/polarizability have been developed. The success of this approach raises questions of which molecular properties contribute to particular solvent parameters and whether these contributions are found in all parameters representing a particular solvent property. In the present study, Catalan’s hydrogen bond basicity and acidity parameters, SB and SA, and Gutmann’s acceptor number, AN, a measure of a solvent’s Lewis acidity, are correlated with molecular properties derived from computational chemistry. The results are compared with the results of similar correlations with Kamlet and Taft’s β and α Solvent Scales, Gutmann’s donor number DN) and Abraham’s B and A solute scales. The results show that measures of solvent basicity, SB, β and DN all correlate strongly with the partial charge on the most negative atom in the solvent molecule and the energy of the donor orbital and, in all cases, the parameter values for hydrogen-bonded solvents are anomalous. Abraham’s B, a measure of solute hydrogen basicity, depends only on the partial charge on the most negative atom and there is no anomaly in the values for solutes that, in the pure state, form hydrogen-bonded liquids. Similarly, all measures of solvent acidity, SA, α and AN, and Abraham’s A, a measure of solute hydrogen bond acidity, depend on the partial charge on the most positive hydrogen on the molecule.
The Lichnerowicz Laplacian Acting on Symmetric Tensor Fields — The Bochner Technique Point of View
Authors: Mikeš J. , Stepanov S. E. , Tsyganok I. I.
Published: May 2024

In this paper, we prove vanishing theorems for the null space of the Laplacian admitting the Weizenböck decomposition and acting on the space of smooth sections of a Riemannian bundle and, in particular, the space of smooth sections of a bundle of symmetric tensors over complete and closed Riemannian manifolds. In addition, we give a general estimate for eigenvalues of the Laplacian admitting the Weizenböck decomposition and acting on the space of smooth sections of a bundle of symmetric tensors over closed Riemannian manifolds.
Autopsy findings in cancer patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 show a milder presentation of COVID-19 compared to non-cancer patients
Authors: Kocsmár Éva , Kocsmár Ildikó , Elamin Flóra , Pápai Laura , Jakab Ákos , Várkonyi Tibor , Glasz Tibor , Rácz Gergely , Pesti Adrián , Danics Krisztina , Kiss András , Röst Gergely , Belicza Éva , Schaff Zsuzsa , Lotz Gábor
Published: May 2024

COVID-19, caused by SARS-CoV-2, manifests with differing severity across distinct patient subgroups, with outcomes influenced by underlying comorbidities such as cancer, which may cause functional and compositional alterations of the immune system during tumor progression. We aimed to investigate the association of SARS-CoV-2 infection and its complications with cancer in a large autopsy series and the role of COVID-19 in the fatal sequence leading to death. A total of 2641 adult autopsies were investigated, 539 of these were positive for SARS-CoV-2. Among the total number of patients analyzed, 829 had active cancer. Overall, the cohort included 100 patients who simultaneously had cancer and SARS-CoV-2 infection. The course of COVID-19 was less severe in cancer patients, including a significantly lower incidence of viral and bacterial pneumonia, occurring more frequently as a contributory disease or coexisting morbidity, or as SARS-CoV-2 positivity without viral disease. SARS-CoV-2 positivity was more frequent among non-metastatic than metastatic cancer cases, and in specific tumor types including hematologic malignancies. COVID-19 was more frequently found to be directly involved in the fatal sequence in patients undergoing active anticancer therapy, but less frequently in perioperative status, suggesting that the underlying malignancy and consequent surgery are more important factors leading to death perioperatively than viral disease. The course of COVID-19 in cancer patients was milder and balanced during the pandemic. This may be due to relative immunosuppressed status, and the fact that even early/mild viral infections can easily upset their condition, leading to death from their underlying cancer or its complications.
Newer treatment paradigm improves outcomes in the most common neurosurgical disease of the elderly: a literature review of middle meningeal artery embolization for chronic subdural hematoma
Authors: Debs Luca H. , Walker Samantha E. , Rahimi Scott Y.
Published: May 2024

Chronic subdural hematoma (cSDH) is one of the most prevalent neurosurgical diseases, especially in the elderly. Yet, its incidence is predicted to increase further, paralleling the growth of the geriatric population. While surgical evacuation is technically straightforward, it is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. In fact, 30% of patients are expected to have hematoma recurrence and to need repeat surgical evacuation, and 20% of patients are expected to lose independence and require long-term care. A pathophysiology more complex than originally presumed explains the disappointing results observed for decades. At its core, the formation of microcapillaries and anastomotic channels with the middle meningeal artery (MMA) perpetuates a constant cycle resulting in persistence of hematoma. The rationale behind MMA embolization is simple: to stop cSDH at its source. Over the last few years, this “newer” option has been heavily studied. It has shown tremendous potential in decreasing hematoma recurrence and improving neurological outcomes. Whether combined with surgical evacuation or performed as the only treatment, the scientific evidence to its benefits is unequivocal. Here, we aimed to review cSDH in the elderly and discuss its more recent treatment options with an emphasis on MMA embolization.
Mechanical and Electrochemical Properties Comparison of Additively Manufactured Ti-6Al-4V Alloys by Electron Beam Melting and Selective Laser Melting
Authors: Romero Reséndiz Liliana , Sánchez Cano Tonantzin , Naeem Muhammad , Ur Rehman Asif , Salamci Elmas , Torres Mendoza Vianey , Degalez Duran Eduardo , Bazán Díaz Lourdes , Salamci Metin U.
Published: May 2024

This work involves additively manufactured Ti-6Al-4V alloys, which are widely used in automobile, biomedical, and aircraft components for a comparison of the microstructure–properties relationship between electron beam melted (EBM) and selective laser melted (SLM) alloys after hot isostatic pressing treatment. We carried out microstructural, mechanical, and electrochemical measurements on both alloys. They showed comparable α and β phase contents with slightly higher lattice parameters in the EBM sample compared to the SLM. The EBM sample showed higher yield strength and uniform elongation due to the activation of multistage defects-driven strengthening and strain hardening mechanisms. Cracking during the tensile test nucleated mainly at the α phase near high-mechanical mismatch α/β interfaces. This mechanism was consistent with the reported generation of hetero-deformation-induced strengthening and strain hardening. Both alloys showed similar electrochemical behavior, but the SLM sample was more susceptible to corrosion than the EBM alloy.
Comparative effect of Tai Chi and aerobic exercise on cognitive function in advanced lung cancer survivors with perceived cognitive impairment: a three-arm randomized controlled trial with mediation analysis
Authors: Takemura Naomi , Cheung Denise Shuk Ting , Fong Daniel Yee Tak , Lee Anne Wing Mui , Lam Tai-Chung , Ho James Chung-Man , Kam Tsz Yeung , Chik Jeannie Yin Kwan , Lin Chia-Chin
Published: May 2024

Purpose

Cancer-related cognitive impairment is prevalent in metastatic lung cancer survivors. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of aerobic exercise and Tai Chi on perceived cognitive function and the mediating role of psychoneurological symptoms with perceived cognitive impairment.

Methods

In a subgroup of a parent randomized clinical trial, participants who reported cognitive impairment underwent a 16-week aerobic exercise (n = 49), Tai Chi (n = 48), and control (n = 54) groups. Measures included perceived cognitive function and psychoneurological symptoms (sleep disturbance, fatigue, anxiety, and depression) assessed at baseline (T0), 16-week (T1), and 1 year (T2).

Results

Participants in Tai Chi showed significant improvements compared to aerobic exercise and control groups in perceived cognitive function at T1 (AE: between-group difference, 6.52; P < 0.001; CG: 8.34; P < 0.001) and T2 (AE: between-group difference, 3.55; P = 0.05; CG: 5.94; P < 0.001). Sleep disturbance, fatigue, anxiety, and depression at month 12 explained 24%, 31%, 32%, and 24% of the effect of the intervention on cognitive function at month 12, respectively. Only anxiety at month 4 explained 23% of the intervention effect at month 12.

Conclusions

Tai Chi demonstrated beneficial effects on cognitive function in advanced lung cancer survivors with perceived cognitive impairment. Improvement in cognitive function was mediated by reducing sleep disturbance, fatigue, anxiety, and depression, highlighting the importance of addressing these symptoms in future interventions to improve cognitive function, with anxiety playing a significant role at an earlier stage.

Implications for Cancer Survivors

Tai Chi is a potentially safe complementary therapeutic option for managing cognitive impairment in this vulnerable population.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT04119778; retrospectively registered on 8 October 2019.
Teaching Adolescents about Stress Using a Universal School-Based Psychoeducation Program: A Cluster Randomised Controlled Trial
Authors: Vogelaar Simone , Miers Anne C. , Saab Nadira , Dusseldorp Elise , van Loon Amanda W. G. , Creemers Hanneke E. , Asscher Jessica J. , Westenberg P. Michiel
Published: May 2024

Psychoeducation programs may increase knowledge about stress and help adolescents cope with stress. However, research about the effectiveness of psychoeducation programs about stress for adolescents is limited. The present study aimed to fill this gap by evaluating the effect of a brief school-based universal psychoeducation program about stress, the Stress Lessons, in terms of knowledge and experienced stress. A total of 1613 adolescents (M = 13.41 years) from Dutch secondary schools participated. A cluster randomised controlled design was employed: classes were randomly assigned to an experimental or control condition. The experimental condition received three Stress Lessons between pre- and post-test. The Stress Lessons provided information about stress, how to recognize stress, and how to cope with and prevent stress. Questionnaires were used to assess knowledge about stress as well as experienced stress. Multilevel analyses were conducted to examine the effectiveness of the Stress Lessons and the moderating effect of gender, educational track, and ethnic background. Results showed that knowledge gain was significantly greater in the experimental than in the control condition. Experienced stress did not change due to the Stress Lessons. Moderator analyses revealed a larger effect of the Stress lessons in terms of knowledge about stress for girls compared to boys and for adolescents who followed academic compared to vocational education. Overall, the findings show that a brief psychoeducation program leads to a better understanding of stress. Therefore, it may be useful for schools to implement such programs to enhance adolescents’ awareness.
Elateriform beetle larvae preserved in about 100-million-year-old Kachin amber
Authors: Zippel Ana , Haug Carolin , Müller Patrick , Haug Joachim T.
Published: May 2024

Beetle larvae show high diversity in forms and ecological roles. Beetle larvae are often roughly categorised into certain larval types, for example: campodeiform, onisciform, scarabeiform, or elateriform. Larvae of the latter type are virtually absent from the fossil record. Here, we report three amber pieces from Cretaceous Kachin amber, Myanmar (about 100 million years old) that together include nine elateriform beetle larvae. One of the amber pieces has a single specimen included. The specimen is interpreted as a larva of Elateridae, the group of click beetles, possibly of the ingroup Elaterinae; yet accessible details are limited. Eight specimens within the other two amber pieces show certain similarities with larvae of Elateridae, but show significant differences in the trunk end, which bears two lobes armed with hooks in these fossils. This very specific structure is well known in modern larvae of Ptilodactylidae (toed-winged beetles). Therefore, the fossils are interpreted as larvae of Ptilodactylidae. Both types of here reported elateriform larvae represent the first fossil record of larvae of their respective groups. It is well known that larval morphology does not evolve in concert with adult morphology, and a modern-type morphology of the one may precede that of the other. Hence, the new fossils are important indicators of the appearance of the modern larval morphologies of their respective lineages. We also briefly discuss the fossil record of larvae of Elateriformia (of which Elateridae and Ptilodactylidae are ingroups) in general.