bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Feasibility evaluation of the Versius surgical system: robot-assisted hysterectomy for benign and malignant gynaecological lesions
Authors: Sadlecki Pawel , Walentowicz-Sadlecka Malgorzata
Published: July 2024

Introduction

The application of minimally invasive surgery allows for radical and precise removal of the gynaecological lesion while simultaneously reducing the side effects and complications associated with surgical treatment. This paper aims to share our direct experience with the implementation of the CMR Versius robotic platform in the treatment of benign and malignant gynaecological lesions.

Methods

This study included patients who underwent hysterectomy in the Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology, and Gynaecologic Oncology at the Regional Polyclinical Hospital in Grudziadz, Poland. A total of 50 patients were included in the study: 29 underwent laparoscopic surgery and 21 underwent robot-assisted surgery using the CMR Versius system.

Results

It was found that in the case of non-radical hysterectomy, the duration of surgery differed significantly (96.5 vs. 134.6 min, p < 0.01) in the groups of patients undergoing laparoscopic and robotic surgery. There were also no statistically significant differences in loss of blood parameters, rate of complications and conversions to other type of surgery after the laparoscopic and robotic surgeries. Both groups did not differ significantly in terms of hospitalisation time after surgery.

Conclusion

Versius CMR surgical robot assistance provides safe and effective support for MIS procedures in gynaecology.
Reduced rate of force development under fatigued conditions is associated to the decline in force complexity in adult males
Authors: D’Emanuele Samuel , Boccia Gennaro , Angius Luca , Hayman Oliver , Goodall Stuart , Schena Federico , Tarperi Cantor
Published: July 2024

Purpose

This study aimed to verify whether the slowing of muscle contraction quickness, typically observed in states of fatigue, may worsen force control by decreasing the rate with which force fluctuations are modulated. Therefore, we investigated the relationship between rate of force development (RFD), and force fluctuations' magnitude (Coefficient of variation, CoV) and complexity (Approximate Entropy, ApEn; Detrended fluctuation analysis, DFAα).

Methods

Fourteen participants performed intermittent ballistic isometric contractions of the plantar dorsiflexors at 70% of maximal voluntary force until task failure (under 60% twice).

Results

Indices of RFD (RFDpeak, RFD50, RFD100, and RFD150) decreased over time by approximately 46, 32, 44, and 39%, respectively (p all ≤ 0.007). DFAα increased by 10% (p < 0.001), and CoV increased by 15% (p < 0.001), indicating decreased force complexity along with increased force fluctuations, respectively. ApEn decreased by just over a quarter (28%, p < 0.001). The linear hierarchical models showed negative associations between RFDpeak and DFAα (β =  − 3.6 10–4, p < 0.001), CoV (β =  − 1.8 10–3, p < 0.001), while ApEn showed a positive association (β = 8.2 × 10–5, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

The results suggest that exercise-induced reductions in contraction speed, lead to smoother force complexity and diminished force control due to slower adjustments around the target force. The fatigued state resulted in worsened force producing capacity and overall force control.
Evaluation of the relationship between intercostal muscle oxygenation measured by near-infrared spectroscopy and exercise capacity in group E COPD patients
Authors: Kerget Buğra , Çil Gizem , Aksakal Alperen
Published: July 2024

Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) can be used to demonstrate muscle metabolism and oxygenation. NIRS-based oximeters enable the noninvasive measurement of static and dynamic muscle oxygenation. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between NIRS readings and exercise capacity in group E COPD patients. The prospective study included 40 patients with group E COPD who presented to our outpatient clinic between May 2021 and June 2022. The patients were evaluated with pulmonary function testing, 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT), echocardiography, and dyspnea and quality of life assessments. NIRS muscle oxygen saturation (SmO2) levels at the start and end of the 6MWT were obtained. 6MWT distance was positively correlated with intercostal SmO2 and fingertip SO2 at the start (R = 0.679, p ≤ 0.001 and R = 0.321, p = 0.04, respectively) and end of the 6MWT (R = 0.693, p ≤ 0.001 and R = 0.635, p ≤ 0.001, respectively) and negatively correlated with the number of hospitalizations due to exacerbations in the last year and mean pulmonary arterial pressure (R =  − 0.648, p ≤ 0.001 and R =  − 0.676, p ≤ 0.001, respectively). SF-36 score was positively correlated with intercostal SmO2 at the beginning of the 6MWT (R = 0.336, p = 0.03). Intercostal SmO2 levels at the start of the 6MWT positively correlated with diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon dioxide (DLCO) (R = 0.388, p = 0.01) and ratio of DLCO to alveolar volume (DLCO/VA) levels (R = 0.379, p = 0.02), and these correlations persisted more strongly after the 6MWT (R = 0.524, p = 0.01; R = 0.500, p = 0.01, respectively). NIRS is a practical and noninvasive method for measuring muscle oxygenation and can be used as an alternative to 6MWT in the evaluation of exercise capacity in patients with group E COPD.
Noncrossing Partition Lattices from Planar Configurations
Authors: Cohen Stella , Dougherty Michael , Harsh Andrew D. , Martin Spencer Park
Published: July 2024

The lattice of noncrossing partitions is well-known for its wide variety of combinatorial appearances and properties. For example, the lattice is rank-symmetric and enumerated by the Catalan numbers. In this article, we introduce a large family of new noncrossing partition lattices with both of these properties, each parametrized by a configuration of n points in the plane.
The learning curve of laparoscopic splenectomy and esophagogastric devascularization for portal hypertension with 10-year follow-up
Authors: Wang Dong , Chen Xiao , Lv Ling , Yang Tao , Huang Bo , Cao Yanlong , Zhang Yong , Lu Jianguo , Yin Jikai
Published: July 2024

Introduction and objectives

Laparoscopic splenectomy and esophagogastric devascularization (LSED) are minimally invasive, effective, and safe in treating esophageal-fundic variceal bleeding with portal hypertension (PHT). The study aimed to assess the learning curve of LSED by cumulative summation (CUSUM) analysis. The 10-year follow-up data for LSED and open surgery were also examined.

Patients and methods

Five hundred and ninety-four patients were retrospectively analyzed. Operation time, intraoperative blood loss, open operation conversion, and postoperative complications were selected as the evaluation indicators of surgical ability. The learning curve of LESD was assessed by the CUSUM approach. Patient features, perioperative indices, and 10-year follow-up data were examined.

Results

Totally 236 patients underwent open surgery, and 358 underwent LSED. Patient characteristics were similar between groups. The LSED patients experienced less intraoperative blood loss, fewer complications, and faster recovery compared to the open surgery cohort. The learning curve of LESD was maximal for a case number of 50. Preoperative general characteristics were comparable for both stages. But the skilled stage had decreased operation time, reduced blood loss, less postoperative complications, and better recovery compared to the learning stage. The LSED group had higher recurrent hemorrhage-free survival rate and increased overall survival in comparison with cases administered open surgery in the 10-year follow-up. Free-liver cancer rates were similar between two groups.

Conclusions

About 50 cases are needed to master the LSED procedure. Compared to open surgery, LSED is a safer, feasible, and safe procedure for PHT patients, correlating with decreased rebleeding rate and better overall survival.
Reduced-port robotic pancreaticoduodenectomy with optimized surgical field deployment: early results of single-site plus-two ports method
Authors: Ninomiya Riki , Komagome Masahiko , Abe Satoru , Maruta Shohei , Matsudaira Shinichi , Okada Noriki , Mori Kazuhiro , Nagata Rihito , Chiyoda Takehiro , Kimura Akifumi , Takemura Nobuyuki , Maki Akira , Beck Yoshifumi , Hsieh Ching-Lung , Peng Cheng-Ming
Published: July 2024

Background

The adoption of Robotic Pancreaticoduodenectomy (RPD) is increasing globally. Meanwhile, reduced-port RPD (RPRPD) remains uncommon, requiring robot-specific techniques not possible with laparoscopy. We introduce a unique RPRPD technique optimizing surgical field exposure.

Methods

Our RPRPD utilizes a single-site plus-two ports technique, facilitated by a single-port platform through a 5-cm incision. The configuration of robotic arms (arm1, arm2, arm3, and arm4) were strategically designed for optimal procedural efficiency, with the arms2 and arm3, alongside the assistant trocar, mounted on the single-port platform, while the arms1 and arm4 were positioned laterally across the abdomen. Drainage was established via channels created at the arm1 and arm4 insertion sites. A “gooseneck traction” was principally employed with the robotic instrument to prop up the specimen rather than grasp, improving the surgical field’s visibility and access. Clinical outcomes of patients who underwent RPRPD performed between August 2020 and September 2023 by a single surgeon across two centers in Taiwan and Japan were reviewed.

Results

Fifty patients underwent RPRPD using the single-site plus-two ports technique. The gooseneck traction technique enabled goodsurgical field deployment and allowed for unrestricted movement of robotic arms with no collisions with the assistant instruments. The median operative time was 351 min (250–488 min), including 271 min (219–422 min) of console time and three minutes (2–10 min) of docking time. The median estimated blood loss was 80 mL (1–872 mL). All RPRPD procedures were successfully performed without the need for conversion to open surgery. Postoperative major morbidity (i.e., Clavien-Dindo grade ≥ IIIa) was observed in 6 (12%) patients and median postoperative hospital stay was 13 days.

Conclusions

The single-site plus-two ports RPRPD with the gooseneck traction proves to be a safe, feasible option, facilitating surgical field visibility and robotic arm maneuverability.

Graphical Abstract
Utility of the mFI-5 as a predictor of post-operative outcomes following gastrectomy for gastric cancer: an ACS-NSQIP analysis
Authors: Tran Ashley , Putnam Luke R. , Lipham John C. , Shiraga Sharon
Published: July 2024

Background

Gastric cancer is the 5th most common malignancy worldwide. Surgical treatment for the disease can often be highly morbid, especially in elderly patients. The modified 5-item frailty index (mFI-5), a recently developed tool for assessing patient frailty, has been shown to be an effective predictor of post-operative outcomes in various surgical fields. This study aims to assess the utility of the mFI-5 in predicting adverse postoperative outcomes following gastrectomy for gastric cancer.

Methods

The National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) database was queried for patients who underwent partial or total gastrectomy for gastric cancer between 2011 and 2021. The mFI-5 score was calculated based on the presence of hypertension, congestive heart failure, diabetes mellitus, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and partially or fully dependent functional status. Patients were stratified into 3 groups according to mFI-5 score (mFI-5 = 0, mFI-5 = 1, mFI-5 ≥ 2). Univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression were used to evaluate the association between mFI-5 score and post-operative outcomes.

Results

7438 patients were identified (mFI-5 = 0: 3032, mFI-5 = 1: 2805, mFI-5 ≥ 2: 1601). mFI-5 ≥ 2 was an independent predictor of overall complications (OR 1.43, p < 0.001), serious complications (OR 1.42, p < 0.001), pneumonia (OR 1.43, p = 0.010), MI (OR 2.91, p = 0.005), and readmission within 30 days (OR 1.33, p = 0.008). Patients with higher frailty were more likely to experience unplanned intubation (OR 2.06, p < 0.001; OR 2.47, p < 0.001), failure to wean from the ventilator (OR 1.68, p = 0.003; OR 2.00, p < 0.001), acute renal failure (OR 3.25, p = 0.003; OR 3.27, p = 0.005), 30-day mortality (OR 1.73, p = 0.009; OR 1.94, p = 0.004), and non-home discharge (OR 1.34, p = 0.001; OR 1.74, p < 0.001) relative to non-frail patients.

Conclusion

Higher frailty, as indicated by an increased mFI-5 score, raises the risk of serious post-operative complications in patients with gastric cancer undergoing gastrectomy. The mFI-5 has the potential to help identify high-risk patients and enhance pre-operative discussions and optimization.

Graphical abstract
YouTube videos on lymphedema as an information source for Spanish speaking breast cancer survivors
Authors: Fernandez-Alvarez Maria del Mar , Cachero-Rodríguez Judit , Fu Mei Rosemary , Sánchez-Fernández Paula , Ureña-Lorenzo Amalia , Martin-Payo Ruben
Published: July 2024

Background

Breast cancer-related lymphedema in the upper limb remains one of the most distressful complications of breast cancer treatment. YouTube is considered a potential digital resource for population health and decision making. However, access to inadequate information or misinformation could have undesirable impacts. This cross-sectional study aimed to evaluate the reliability, quality and content of YouTube videos on lymphedema as an information source for Spanish-speaking breast cancer survivors.

Methods

A search of YouTube was conducted in January 2023 using the key words “breast cancer lymphedema” and “lymphedema arm breast cancer.” Reliability and quality of the videos were evaluated using the Discern tool, content, source of production, number of likes, comments, views, duration, Video Power Index, likes ratio, view ratio and age on the platform.

Results

Amongst the 300 Spanish language videos identified on YouTube, 35 were selected for analysis based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Of the 35 selected videos, 82.9% (n = 29) were developed by healthcare or academic professionals and 17.1% (n = 9) by others. Reliability (p < 0.017) and quality (p < 0.03) were higher in the videos made by professionals. The Discern total score (r = 0.476; p = 0.004), reliability (r = 0.472; p = 0.004) and quality (r = 0.469; p = 0.004) were positively correlated with the duration of the videos.

Conclusions

Our findings provide a strong rationale for educating breast cancer survivors seeking lymphedema information to select videos made by healthcare or academic professionals. Standardised evaluation prior to video publication is needed to ensure that the end-users receive accurate and quality information from YouTube.
Leveraging AutoEncoders and chaos theory to improve adversarial example detection
Authors: Pedraza Anibal , Deniz Oscar , Singh Harbinder , Bueno Gloria
Published: July 2024

The phenomenon of adversarial examples is one of the most attractive topics in machine learning research these days. These are particular cases that are able to mislead neural networks, with critical consequences. For this reason, different approaches are considered to tackle the problem. On the one side, defense mechanisms, such as AutoEncoder-based methods, are able to learn from the distribution of adversarial perturbations to detect them. On the other side, chaos theory and Lyapunov exponents (LEs) have also been shown to be useful to characterize them. This work proposes the combination of both domains. The proposed method employs these exponents to add more information to the loss function that is used during an AutoEncoder training process. As a result, this method achieves a general improvement in adversarial examples detection performance for a wide variety of attack methods.
Detecting diabetes in an ensemble model using a unique PSO-GWO hybrid approach to hyperparameter optimization
Authors: Ulutas Hasan , Günay Recep Batuhan , Sahin Muhammet Emin
Published: July 2024

Diabetes is a chronic medical condition that disrupts the body's normal blood sugar levels. It is essential to detect this disease at an early stage in order to prevent organ and tissue injury. This study focuses on diagnosing diabetes by leveraging ensemble learning methods, which involve combining various machine learning techniques. The goal is to create an ensemble learning model that achieves the best classification performance by employing different classifiers and combining techniques. The study explores boosting, bagging, voting, and stacking ensemble learning methods, while also introducing an approach called PSO-GWO (Particle Swarm Optimization and Grey Wolf Optimization) hybrid method for optimizing the model's hyperparameters. The model consisting of combining various classifiers in the stacking ensemble learning method provided the highest classification performance in diagnosing diabetes. The 5-fold cross-validation method is used in the study. Within the scope of the study, the highest accuracy with (98.10%) is obtained with the random forest classifier. The results of the study are presented in comparison with other studies in the literature. These findings contribute to the field of diabetes diagnosis and highlight the potential for developing more accurate and reliable diagnostic systems in the future.
Polynomial Optimization Over Unions of Sets
Authors: Nie Jiawang , Zhang Linghao
Published: July 2024

This paper studies the polynomial optimization problem whose feasible set is a union of several basic closed semialgebraic sets. We propose a unified hierarchy of Moment-SOS relaxations to solve it globally. Under some assumptions, we prove the asymptotic or finite convergence of the unified hierarchy. Special properties for the univariate case are discussed. The application for computing (p, q)-norms of matrices is also presented.
Emergence of a novel FRI-type carbapenemase; blaFRI-12 in Enterobacter asburiae located on an IncR plasmid
Authors: Mataseje Laura F. , Doualla-Bell Florence , Fakharuddin Ken , Wong Simon , Yechouron Ariane
Published: July 2024

Carbapenem-resistance in Enterobacter spp due to acquisition of mobile carbapenemases is of concern. An Enterobacter spp grew on ChromID CARBA medium and was positive for the mCIM carbapenemase detection assay. Susceptibility testing showed resistance to aztreonam and reduced susceptibility to imipenem. Conventional PCR using FRI primers detected a blaFRI gene. Whole genome sequencing reveled a new variant; blaFRI−12 was closest in sequence to blaFRI−5 differing by 13 amino acids and was found on a unique 110Kb IncR plasmid. Given the intrinsic nature of Enterobacter spp. to be carbapenem non-susceptible, blaFRI-types may be under reported globally.
Toward SMEs digital transformation success: a systematic literature review
Authors: Sagala Gaffar Hafiz , Őri Dóra
Published: July 2024

The core success of digital transformation among small and medium enterprises (SMEs) still needs to be clarified and comprehensively discussed. Meanwhile, SMEs cannot exploit digital advantages due to their limited strategic empirical and practical knowledge. This study aims to (1) describe the research pattern in the SME’s digitalization area; (2) identify the core success factors of SMEs' digital transformation to gain business success; (3) search for relevant business aspects that are necessary for SME digital transformation; and (4) develop further research agenda in the field of SMEs’ digital transformation. This study uses a systematic literature review and thematic analysis to determine core success factors suggested by primary studies. The literature review suggests that (1) SMEs should consider their baseline, limitation, and idiosyncratic to develop an aligned digitalization strategy; (2) SMEs should consider starting with incremental and gradually improving digitalization; and (3) SMEs should commit to investing in education and continuous learning.
Post-earthquake rapid seismic demand estimation at unmonitored locations via Bayesian networks
Authors: Mesbahi Pooria , García-Macías Enrique , Breccolotti Marco , Ubertini Filippo
Published: July 2024

Post-earthquake safety assessment of buildings and infrastructure poses significant challenges, often relying on time-consuming visual inspections. To expedite this process, safety criteria based on a demand-capacity model are utilized. However, rapid assessment frameworks require accurate estimations of intensity measures (IMs) to estimate seismic demand and assess structural health. Unfortunately, post-earthquake IM values are typically only available at monitored locations equipped with sensors or monitoring systems, limiting broader assessments. Simple spatial interpolation methods, while possible, struggle to consider crucial physical factors such as earthquake magnitude, epicentral distance, and soil type, leading to substantial estimation errors, especially in areas with insufficient or non-uniform seismic station coverage. To address these issues, a novel framework, BN-GMPE, combining a Bayesian network (BN) and a ground motion prediction equation (GMPE), is proposed. BN-GMPE enables inference and prediction under uncertainty, incorporating physical parameters in seismic wave propagation. A further novelty introduced in this work regards separating the near and far seismic fields in the updating process to attain a clearer understanding of uncertainty and more accurate IM estimation. In the proposed approach, a GMPE is employed for the estimation, and the bias and standard deviation of the prediction error are updated after any new information is entered into the network. The proposed method is benchmarked against a classic Kriging interpolator technique, considering some recent earthquake shocks in Italy. The proposed BN framework can naturally extend for estimating the probability of failure of various structures in a targeted region, which represents the ultimate aim of this research.
Ultra-Wideband PIN-PD THz Emitter with > 5.5 THz Bandwidth
Authors: Deumer Milan , Nellen Simon , Lauck Sebastian , Keyvaninia Shahram , Berrios Shaffi , Kieper Matti , Schell Martin , Kohlhaas Robert B.
Published: July 2024

We present novel PIN photodiode (PD) continuous wave (cw) terahertz (THz) emitters with an increased responsivity and reduced substrate thickness compared to the state-of-the-art. Our improved devices feature up to 4 dB higher output power below 500 GHz with maximum power of -0.53 dBm at 115 GHz and strongly reduced THz absorption of the substrate for frequencies above 3 THz. The latter enables us to measure coherent cw THz spectra with a record bandwidth of 5.5 THz, for the first time, which is 1 THz (22%) more than the state-of-the-art.
Adaptive Optimization of Hyper-Parameters for Robotic Manipulation through Evolutionary Reinforcement Learning
Authors: Onori Giulio , Shahid Asad Ali , Braghin Francesco , Roveda Loris
Published: July 2024

Deep Reinforcement Learning applications are growing due to their capability of teaching the agent any task autonomously and generalizing the learning. However, this comes at the cost of a large number of samples and interactions with the environment. Moreover, the robustness of learned policies is usually achieved by a tedious tuning of hyper-parameters and reward functions. In order to address this issue, this paper proposes an evolutionary RL algorithm for the adaptive optimization of hyper-parameters. The policy is trained using an on-policy algorithm, Proximal Policy Optimization (PPO), coupled with an evolutionary algorithm. The achieved results demonstrate an improvement in the sample efficiency of the RL training on a robotic grasping task. In particular, the learning is improved with respect to the baseline case of a non-evolutionary agent. The evolutionary agent needs $$60$$

60

% fewer samples to completely learn the grasping task, enabled by the adaptive transfer of knowledge between the agents through the evolutionary algorithm. The proposed approach also demonstrates the possibility of updating reward parameters during training, potentially providing a general approach to creating reward functions.
Novel biostimulant bacterial exopolysaccharides production via solid-state fermentation as a valorisation strategy for agri-food waste
Authors: Garcia-Muchart Enric , Martínez-Avila Oscar , Mejias Laura , Gilles Eline , Bluteau Chloé , Lavergne Lucie , Ponsá Sergio
Published: July 2024

Bacterial exopolysaccharides (EPS) are extracellular polymer-based substances recently defined as potential plant biostimulants, as they can increase nutrient uptake, water retention, and resistance to abiotic stress. As sugar-based substances, the bacteria producing them need to grow in a sugar-rich substrate. Hence, some agri-food by-products could be used as suitable carbon sources for EPS production as a cost-effective and more sustainable alternative to conventional substrates. Thus, this study aimed to produce EPS from specific bacterial strains through solid-state fermentation (SSF) using agri-food waste as a low-cost substrate. Six residues and five bacterial strains were tested in a lab-scale SSF system. From the assessed substrate-strain combinations, Burkholderia cepacia with ginger juice waste (GJW) resulted in the most promising considering several process parameters (EPS production, cumulative oxygen consumption, biomass growth, reducing sugars consumption). Also, dynamic monitoring of the system allowed for establishing 5 days as a suitable fermentation time. Then, using response surface methodology (Box-Behnken design), the process was optimised based on airflow rate (AF), inoculum size (IS), and micronutrient concentration (MN). In this stage, the best conditions found were at 0.049 (± 0.014) L h−1 per gram of dry matter (DM) for AF, 8.4 (± 0.9) E + 09 CFU g−1 DM for IS, and 0.07 (± 0.01) mL g−1 DM for MN, reaching up to 71.1 (± 3.2) mg crude EPS g−1 DM. Results show the potential of this approach to provide a new perspective on the value chain for the agri-food industry by introducing it to a circular economy framework.
Finding my tribe: a qualitative interview study of how people living with metastatic breast cancer perceive support groups
Authors: Mackie Grace M. , Boyle Frances , Lewis Sophie , Smith Andrea L.
Published: July 2024

Purpose

This study explored the value of metastatic breast cancer (MBC) support groups, and factors that affect attendance, from the perspective of people with MBC.

Methods

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 28 women with MBC (support group attendees n = 16; non-attendees n = 12) between January 2022 and July 2023. Data were analysed using an inductive approach to thematic analysis.

Results

Three themes were generated: the value of sharing experiential knowledge, spaces for open and honest conversations, and opportunities to find connection and community. These factors were the main reasons that some participants valued, and chose to attend, an MBC support group. Stage-specificity and professional facilitation were identified as important aspects of group structure. Key reasons for non-attendance were concerns about misinformation, confronting the death of group members, and satisfaction with existing support networks.

Conclusions

MBC support groups are beneficial for some people with MBC, providing opportunities to connect with others with the same diagnosis. For others, different forms of peer support such as online forums or one-on-one support may be preferred. We argue that ensuring those with MBC have equal access to the peer support they need will be essential in supporting people to live as well as possible with MBC.

Implications for Cancer Survivors

MBC support groups, if appropriately led, can provide emotional and informational benefits for people with MBC. This research may also have relevance to other metastatic cancers where novel therapies are extending survival, resulting in an emerging cancer population with distinct supportive and survivorship needs.
The Potential of Human Monoclonal IgE Antibodies to Establish Biological Potency and Stability of Allergen Extracts
Authors: Rabin Ronald L.
Published: July 2024

Purpose of Review

Allergenic extracts are often standardized to control for potency, either by measuring concentrations of major allergens or “overall allergenicity” by competition for IgE in pooled sera from highly allergic subjects with a reference extract. Recent developments present an opportunity to use human mAb cloned from highly allergic subjects to define potency of allergenic extracts.

Recent Findings

Two recent developments present an opportunity for revising potency measurements of allergen extracts: cloning allergen specific IgE from allergic subjects and extensive epitope mapping of major allergenic proteins.

Because human IgE mAb recognize biologically relevant epitopes, they present a novel opportunity to determine the potencies of allergenic extracts and may contribute to the science base for allergen standardization.
Human–Robot Companionship: Current Trends and Future Agenda
Authors: Ahmed Eshtiak , Buruk Oğuz ‘Oz’ , Hamari Juho
Published: July 2024

The field of robotics has grown exponentially over the years, especially the social aspect, which has enabled robots to interact with humans meaningfully. Robots are now used in many domains, such as manufacturing, healthcare, education, entertainment, rehabilitation, etc. Along with their widespread usage in many real-life environments, robots have been used as companions to humans. With the increased amount of research done on human–robot companionship (HRC), it is important to understand how this domain is developing, in which direction, and what the future might hold. There is also a need to understand the influencing factors and what kind of empirical results are in the literature. To address these questions, we conducted a systematic literature review and analyzed a final number of 134 relevant articles. The findings suggest that anthropomorphic and zoomorphic robots are more popular as human companions, while there is a lack of interest in functional and caricatured robots. Also, human-like and animal-like features are implemented more in companion robots. Studies rarely exploit the mobility available in these robots in companionship scenarios, especially in outdoor settings. In addition to that, co-existence and co-performance-based implementation with humans have been observed rarely. Based on the results, we propose a future research agenda that includes thematic, theoretical, methodological, and technological agendas. This study will help us understand the current state and usage of robotic companions which will then potentially aid in determining how HRC can be leveraged and integrated more seamlessly into human lives for better effectiveness.
Reconstructing dietary practices at Tell Kamid el-Loz (Lebanon) during the Bronze and Iron Age III / Persian to Hellenistic periods using plant micro-remains from dental calculus and stable isotope analysis of bone collagen
Authors: Gur-Arieh Shira , Eisenmann Stefanie , Henry Amanda G. , Lucas Mary , Lenz Daniela , Paxinos Ptolemaios , Weber Hélène , Morandi Lionello F. , Stone Jeffery R. , Schultz Michael , Roberts Patrick , Stockhammer Philipp W.
Published: July 2024

Tell Kamid el-Loz (Lebanon) was an important Bronze Age urban center that dominated one of the central crossroads of the Ancient Near East, connecting Egypt and the Levant with northern Mesopotamia, Anatolia, and Syria, as well as the interior with the Mediterranean coast. However, by the early Iron Age, the site had shrunk to a small rural settlement. Later, in the Iron Age III / Persian-Hellenistic, only enigmatic pits and a large cemetery remained. In this paper, we analyzed plant micro-remains from the dental calculus of 15 individuals (3 from the Middle Bronze Age II and 12 from the Iron Age III / Persian-Hellenistic) and δ13C and δ15N stable isotope data from tbulk bone collagen of 74 individuals (10 from the Middle Bronze Age II and 64 from the Iron Age III / Persian-Hellenistic) and 13 Late Bronze Age animal bones (7 Ovis/Capra and 6 Bos). Our results indicate general stability of human diet throughout the Middle Bronze Age II and the Iron III / Persian-Hellenistic periods, with a reliance on C3 plant crops and terrestrial animals also consuming C3 plants. In the later period, the plant micro-remains indicate the consumption of C4 plants and sedges, and the stable isotope analysis indicates differences in diet between males and females.
Unraveling the spatial imprint of hominin and carnivore accumulations in Early Pleistocene African sites
Authors: Merino-Pelaz Amanda , Cobo-Sánchez Lucía , Organista Elia , Baquedano Enrique , Domínguez-Rodrigo Manuel
Published: July 2024

Reconstructions of palimpsest formation and dynamics in Early Pleistocene African archaeological deposits have undergone significant advances thanks to taphonomic research. However, the spatial imprint of different agents implicated in most of these accumulations still needs to be addressed. We hypothesize that different site formation dynamics may yield diverse spatial distributions of archaeological remains, reflecting the intervention of different agents (i.e., hominins, felids, hyaenids) in palimpsests. This study aims to investigate the spatial patterns of archaeological remains in a selected sample of Early Pleistocene accumulations with the goal of understanding and characterizing their spatial dynamics. Building on previous taphonomic interpretations of twelve paradigmatic archaeological deposits from Olduvai Bed I (FLK Zinj 22 A, PTK 22 A, DS 22B, FLK N 1–2 to 5, FLK NN 3, DK 1–3) and Koobi Fora (FxJj50, FxJj20 East and FxJj20 Main), we explore the spatial patterns of remains statistically and use hierarchical clustering on principal components analysis (HCPC) to group the highest-density spots at these sites based on a number of spatial variables. The results of this approach show that despite sharing a similar inhomogeneous pattern, anthropogenic sites and assemblages where carnivores played the main role display fundamentally different spatial features. Both types of spatial distributions also show statistical differences from modern hunter-gatherer campsites. Additional taphonomic particularities and differing formation processes of the analyzed accumulations also appear reflected in the classifications. This promising approach reveals crucial distinctions in spatial imprints related to site formation and agents’ behavior, prompting further exploration of advanced spatial statistical techniques for characterizing archaeological intra-site patterns.
Symptom Monitoring and Health-Related Quality of Life in Non-metastatic Breast Cancer Patients: A Systematic Review
Authors: Vrancken Peeters Noelle J. M. C. , Koppert Linetta B. , Jager Agnes , Hendriks Mathijs P. , Siesling Sabine , van den Hurk Corina J. G.
Published: July 2024

Purpose of Review

This review aims to investigate the effect of patient-reported symptom monitoring, defined as the process of active and systematic reporting of symptoms initiated by the patient, on the health-related quality of life of breast cancer patients.

Recent Findings

Evidence suggests that online patient-reported symptom monitoring has the potential to positively impact the health-related quality of life of non-metastatic breast cancer patients, who are receiving systemic therapy. However, there is a lack of literature specifically addressing patient-reported symptom monitoring and HRQoL in metastatic breast cancer patients.

Additional research on symptom monitoring and HRQoL in breast cancer patients at all stages and during all phases in the disease trajectory, including its impact on personalized treatment, is needed before integration into routine care can be considered. Validated questionnaires and current implementation frameworks should be used to accelerate knowledge development about symptom monitoring for patients and their healthcare professionals, ultimately enhancing symptom self-management and the efficiency of breast cancer healthcare in the future.
Parents’ Self-Compassion as a Moderator Between Children’s Emotional Regulation Difficulties and Parents’ Depressive Symptoms
Authors: Larrucea-Iruretagoyena Maite , Orue Izaskun , Calvete Esther
Published: July 2024

Objectives

Recent studies suggest that children’s emotional difficulties may impact their parents’ psychological well-being, and certain protective factors could mitigate this association. The existing literature points to self-compassion as a potential protective factor against stress and difficulties. To this end, the present study aimed to explore the potential protective role of parents’ self-compassion in the prospective relationship between children’s emotional regulation difficulties and parents’ depressive symptoms.

Method

The initial sample consisted of 214 children (53.3% girls; Mage = 12.71, SD = 1.37) and their parents: 209 mothers (Mage = 46.74 years, SD = 4.42) and 181 fathers (Mage = 48.85 years, SD = 5.42). The participants answered self-report questionnaires in a two-wave longitudinal study conducted over one year. A multilevel analysis was performed to examine the predictive pathways of parents’ depressive symptoms from children’s emotional regulation difficulties, parents’ self-compassion, and their interaction. Gender differences were addressed in the predictive associations.

Results

Children’s emotional regulation difficulties predicted their parents’ depressive symptoms after one year, and this association was found to become attenuated as parents’ self-compassion increased. No significant gender differences were found for depressive symptoms or self-compassion, and parents’ gender did not moderate any of the longitudinal associations.

Conclusion

Children’s emotional regulation difficulties may increase risk for parental depressive symptoms, but parental self-compassion mitigates this relationship.

Preregistration

This study was not preregistered.
Characterization of cuproptosis signature in clear cell renal cell carcinoma by single cell and spatial transcriptome analysis
Authors: Zou Xiaohong , Liu Xiaoqing , Wang Huiting , Li Zhenhua , Zhou Chen
Published: July 2024

Cuproptosis is a novel type to regulate cell death with copper-dependent manner, and has been reported to involve in the occurrence and development of various malignant tumors. However, the association between cuproptosis and the tumor microenvironment (TME) of clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) remained unclear. To address this question, we integrated the single cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) datasets of ccRCC across different stages, systematically examined the distinctive expression patterns of cuproptosis-related genes (CRGs) within the TME of ccRCC, and explored the crucial signatures using the spatial transcriptome sequencing (ST-seq) dataset. The cuproptosis activities reduced in cancer tissues along with the ccRCC development, and recovered after therapy. We identified HILPDA+ ccRCC1 subtype, characterized with hypoxia, as cuproptosis susceptible cells associated with a better prognosis. The main co-expression modules of HILPDA+ ccRCC1 subtype highlighted the role in anion transport, response to oxygen species and PD-L1-PD-1 pathway. Furthermore, the immunosuppressive cells might interact with HILPDA+ ccRCC1 subtype via HAVCR2-LGALS9, C3-C3AR1, HLA-A-CD8B and HLA-C-CD8A axises to shape the cuproptosis-related TME landscape. In summary, we anticipate that this study will offer valuable insights and potential strategies of cuproptosis for therapy of ccRCC.

Graphical Abstract
Productivity Paradox in Africa: Does Digitalization Foster Labor Productivity in African Economies?
Authors: Karacuka Mehmet , Myovella Godwin , Haucap Justus
Published: July 2024

How the advancement of information and communications technologies (ICT) and digitalization affect labor productivity is subject of an ongoing debate. While parts of the literature find the expected positive effects, other studies have found no effect, resulting in the so-called productiviy paradox. As most of the studies have focused on economically advanced economies such as OECD countries, evidence for less developed economies has been sparse. We use a digitalization composite index from a balanced panel of 40 Sub-Saharan African (SSA) economies, using data from 2006 to 2021, to assess the effect of digitalization on aggregate labor productivity in SSA economies. We employ generalized least squares (GLS) and system generalized methods of moments (GMM) methods to capture the effects of digitalization on labor productivity levels in agriculture, manufacturing, and service sectors. Our results show a weak association between digitalization and overall labor productivity. However, when sectors are analyzed separately, digitalization has a positive effect on labor productivity in agriculture and manufacturing sectors, whereas we find evidence for the productivity paradox in the service sector, with even a negative effect of digitalization on labor productivity.
3D Reconstruction of a High-Energy Diffraction Microscopy Sample Using Multi-modal Serial Sectioning with High-Precision EBSD and Surface Profilometry
Authors: Sparks Gregory , Mason Simon A. , Chapman Michael G. , Park Jun-Sang , Sharma Hemant , Kenesei Peter , Niezgoda Stephen R. , Mills Michael J. , Uchic Michael D. , Shade Paul A. , Obstalecki Mark
Published: July 2024

High-energy diffraction microscopy (HEDM) combined with in situ mechanical testing is a powerful nondestructive technique for tracking the evolving microstructure within polycrystalline materials during deformation. This technique relies on a sophisticated analysis of X-ray diffraction patterns to produce a three-dimensional reconstruction of grains and other microstructural features within the interrogated volume. However, it is known that HEDM can fail to identify certain microstructural features, particularly smaller grains or twinned regions. Characterization of the identical sample volume using high-resolution surface-specific techniques, particularly electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD), can not only provide additional microstructure information about the interrogated volume but also highlight opportunities for improvement of the HEDM reconstruction algorithms. In this study, a sample fabricated from undeformed “low solvus, high refractory” nickel-based superalloy was scanned using HEDM. The volume interrogated by HEDM was then carefully characterized using a combination of surface-specific techniques, including epi-illumination optical microscopy, zero-tilt secondary and backscattered electron imaging, scanning white light interferometry, and high-precision EBSD. Custom data fusion protocols were developed to integrate and align the microstructure maps captured by these surface-specific techniques and HEDM. The raw and processed data from HEDM and serial sectioning have been made available via the Materials Data Facility (MDF) at https://doi.org/10.18126/4y0p-v604 for further investigation.
Enhanced electrochemical validation of metal organic frameworks-derived TiO2/Fe-TiO2 as an active electrode for supercapacitors
Authors: Cherupurakal Nizamudeen , Krishnapriya R. , Bojarajan Arjunkumar , Ramachandran Tholkappiyan , Sangaraju Sambasivam , Mozumder Mohammad Sayem , Mourad Abdel-Hamid I.
Published: July 2024

Developing supercapacitor materials that are both efficient and durable, with high cycle life and specific energy, poses a significant challenge due to issues in electrodes such as volume expansion and electrode degradation that occur over time. This work reports a simple, novel, and cost-effective synthesis method to fabricate high surface area “Iron (Fe) doped TiO2 materials” via the metal-organic framework (MOF) route for supercapacitor application. Morphological analysis revealed a disc-like shaped pattern for pristine TiO2 (PT), and a cuboid form for Fe-doped TiO2 (FeT). The electrochemical investigation of MOF-derived PT and FeT electrode materials demonstrated the superior performance of FeT. Cyclic Voltammetry revealed enhanced electrochemical properties in FeT. Galvanostatic charge-discharge measurements confirmed FeT’s higher energy storage capacity, reaching a maximum specific capacitance of 925 Fg− 1. Long-term cycling tests exhibited excellent stability, with FeT retaining 67% of its initial capacitance after 6000 cycles and showing prolonged self-discharge. Overall, the results underscore the potential of Fe-doped TiO2 for high-performance supercapacitors.
More Climate Finance from More Countries?
Authors: Pauw W. Pieter , König-Sykorova Michael , Valverde María José , Zamarioli Luis H.
Published: July 2024

Purpose of Review

This paper analyses the options to broaden the base of climate finance provided by countries in a mixed-methods review. It (1) reviews Non-Annex II countries’ commitments in international agreements, declarations, and agendas; (2) provides and applies a literature-based review of criteria to identify countries’ responsibilities and capabilities to provide finance; (3) reviews institutional affiliation; and (4) reviews countries’ willingness to provide finance through their contributions to 27 relevant multilateral funds.

Recent Findings

Scaling up climate finance has been a political and operational priority for the UN climate negotiations. However, the Annex II list of countries that commit to support developing countries financially with mitigation and adaptation has hardly changed since 1992. Given countries’ diverse emission pathways and economic development as well as geopolitical dynamics, Annex II is turning into a weakness of the UNFCCC in times when developing countries’ climate finance needs are increasing.

Our largely qualitative analysis indicates that Eastern European countries, Russia, South Korea, Türkiye, Monaco, and Gulf States (including Saudi Arabia) meet many justifications for further negotiations about the expansion of the climate finance provider base. However, we argue against a continued rigid dichotomy of providers and recipients. We recommend four innovations going forward, including establishing ‘net recipients’ as a third category; this 1) broadens the base; 2) increases climate finance; and 3) could increase effectiveness and cooperation. More research is needed on the role of countries’ vulnerability and debt levels in discussions on climate finance provision.
Exploring microbial diversity and functional gene dynamics associated with the microbiome of Sof Umer cave, Ethiopia
Authors: Meka Abu Feyisa , Bekele Gessesse Kebede , Abas Musin Kelel , Gemeda Mesfin Tafesse
Published: July 2024

Sof Umer Cave is the largest cave in East Africa and located in southeastern Ethiopia, is an unexplored extreme environment harboring novel microbes and potential genetic resources. However, the microbial ecology and their potential genetic resource, remain undiscovered. The purpose of this study was to employ high-throughput shotgun sequencing to explore the microbial diversity and functional gene dynamics within the microbiomes of Sof Umer Cave. High-molecular-weight DNA was extracted from homogenized sample using the GeneAll DNA Soil Mini Kit and 1% CTAB-SDS method. Purified environmental DNA was sequenced using a NovaSeq PE150. Microbial gene analysis revealed that Sof Umer Cave is primarily inhabited by Protobacteria, Actinobacteria, Bacteroidota, Verrucomicrobiota, Acidobacteiota, and Cyanobacteria, according to the Micro-RN database. The functional genes identified through the KEGG, eggNOG, and CAZy databases included 44,780 genes involved in metabolism and the biosynthesis of bioactive compounds. However, 34,716 genes related to metabolic processes remained unidentified, suggesting the presence of potentially novel genes for the discovery of natural bioactive compounds. Additionally, functional gene modeling using the FBA-built metabolic model, Model seed and MS2-prokaryotic metabolic model revealed 1,742 reactions, 1,542 compounds, and the addition of 302 new reactions during gap filling. Finally, the results revealed that the Sof Umer Cave is a reservoir for novel microbes and diverse functional genes, offering potential for the discovery of natural bioactive compounds.