bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Microplastics and environmental effects: investigating the effects of microplastics on aquatic habitats and their impact on human health
Authors: Yarahmadi Aref , Heidari SeyedeMozhgan , Sepahvand Parisa , Afkhami Hamed , Kheradjoo Hadis
Published: June 2024

Microplastics (MPs) are particles with a diameter of <5 mm. The disposal of plastic waste into the environment poses a significant and pressing issue concern globally. Growing worry has been expressed in recent years over the impact of MPs on both human health and the entire natural ecosystem. MPs impact the feeding and digestive capabilities of marine organisms, as well as hinder the development of plant roots and leaves. Numerous studies have shown that the majority of individuals consume substantial quantities of MPs either through their dietary intake or by inhaling them. MPs have been identified in various human biological samples, such as lungs, stool, placenta, sputum, breast milk, liver, and blood. MPs can cause various illnesses in humans, depending on how they enter the body. Healthy and sustainable ecosystems depend on the proper functioning of microbiota, however, MPs disrupt the balance of microbiota. Also, due to their high surface area compared to their volume and chemical characteristics, MPs act as pollutant absorbers in different environments. Multiple policies and initiatives exist at both the domestic and global levels to mitigate pollution caused by MPs. Various techniques are currently employed to remove MPs, such as biodegradation, filtration systems, incineration, landfill disposal, and recycling, among others. In this review, we will discuss the sources and types of MPs, the presence of MPs in different environments and food, the impact of MPs on human health and microbiota, mechanisms of pollutant adsorption on MPs, and the methods of removing MPs with algae and microbes.
Supporting pension decisions with value clarification methods or testimonials: two studies showing mixed effects on activation and feeling of preparation
Authors: Strikwerda Jelle , Holleman Bregje , Hoeken Hans
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Pension participants need appropriate support when making (complex) pension decisions. Grounded in Fuzzy-Trace Theory, we argue that suitable decisions require participants to (accurately) understand meaningful differences between decision alternatives. Based on this, we investigated the effectiveness of different types of decision support for the decision when to retire.

Methods

We conducted two experiments among participants of four Dutch pension funds (Study 1: N = 2,328, Study 2: N = 500) on the effectiveness of three different types of decision support: (a) a traditional pros and cons text, (b) a Value Clarification Method (VCM), and (c) testimonials.

Results

The studies showed mixed results. In the first study, we found an activating effect of the VCM and the testimonials: participants who received one of these two types of decision support were more likely to visit a web page with additional information. In the second study, we found no differences between the three types of decision support.

Conclusion

We discuss possible explanations for the effects found, as well as implications for future (research on) pension decision support.
Towards evidence-based practice 2.0: leveraging artificial intelligence in healthcare
Authors: Nilsen Per , Sundemo David , Heintz Fredrik , Neher Margit , Nygren Jens , Svedberg Petra , Petersson Lena
Published: June 2024

Background

Evidence-based practice (EBP) involves making clinical decisions based on three sources of information: evidence, clinical experience and patient preferences. Despite popularization of EBP, research has shown that there are many barriers to achieving the goals of the EBP model. The use of artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare has been proposed as a means to improve clinical decision-making. The aim of this paper was to pinpoint key challenges pertaining to the three pillars of EBP and to investigate the potential of AI in surmounting these challenges and contributing to a more evidence-based healthcare practice. We conducted a selective review of the literature on EBP and the integration of AI in healthcare to achieve this.

Challenges with the three components of EBP

Clinical decision-making in line with the EBP model presents several challenges. The availability and existence of robust evidence sometimes pose limitations due to slow generation and dissemination processes, as well as the scarcity of high-quality evidence. Direct application of evidence is not always viable because studies often involve patient groups distinct from those encountered in routine healthcare. Clinicians need to rely on their clinical experience to interpret the relevance of evidence and contextualize it within the unique needs of their patients. Moreover, clinical decision-making might be influenced by cognitive and implicit biases. Achieving patient involvement and shared decision-making between clinicians and patients remains challenging in routine healthcare practice due to factors such as low levels of health literacy among patients and their reluctance to actively participate, barriers rooted in clinicians' attitudes, scepticism towards patient knowledge and ineffective communication strategies, busy healthcare environments and limited resources.

AI assistance for the three components of EBP

AI presents a promising solution to address several challenges inherent in the research process, from conducting studies, generating evidence, synthesizing findings, and disseminating crucial information to clinicians to implementing these findings into routine practice. AI systems have a distinct advantage over human clinicians in processing specific types of data and information. The use of AI has shown great promise in areas such as image analysis. AI presents promising avenues to enhance patient engagement by saving time for clinicians and has the potential to increase patient autonomy although there is a lack of research on this issue.

Conclusion

This review underscores AI's potential to augment evidence-based healthcare practices, potentially marking the emergence of EBP 2.0. However, there are also uncertainties regarding how AI will contribute to a more evidence-based healthcare. Hence, empirical research is essential to validate and substantiate various aspects of AI use in healthcare.
Achieving sustainable, environmentally viable, solarized vaccine cold chain system and vaccination program—an effort to move towards clean and green energy-driven primary healthcare in Lebanon
Authors: Kapuria Bhrigu , Sami Hamadeh Randa , Mazloum Farah , Korbane Joe Akl , Aung Kyaw , Kamal Doaa , Chamoun Nariman , Syed Sabin
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Lebanon faces severe economic and energy crises, impacting its healthcare system, particularly vaccine storage. Traditional gas or kerosene-powered refrigerators often fail to maintain necessary temperatures for vaccine efficacy. This study explores transitioning to solar direct-drive (SDD) refrigerators to ensure reliable vaccine storage.

Methods

A multi-phase methodology was employed, beginning with an inventory assessment of existing cold chain equipment. The implementation involved stepwise replacement of identified refrigerators across health facilities, including Primary Health Care Centers (PHCCs) and dispensaries. Feasibility, cost-effectiveness, and environmental impact were evaluated.

Results

Findings indicate that solarization significantly reduces vaccine wastage, ensures stable temperatures, and cuts operational costs by decreasing dependence on non-renewable energy sources. Over 1,000 SDD units were installed across more than 800 health facilities. Additionally, PHCC solarization improved vaccine preservation and enhanced the resilience of health services overall.

Discussion

The solarization initiative demonstrates the critical role of renewable energy in strengthening healthcare infrastructure, especially in crisis-hit regions. Solar-powered systems provide a reliable and sustainable solution for vaccine storage, reduce carbon footprints, and build public trust in the immunization system. Challenges included geographical and structural limitations, which were addressed through comprehensive planning and collaboration with local stakeholders. Solarization of Lebanon's vaccine cold chain and PHCCs marks a significant step towards sustainable and resilient healthcare infrastructure. The model offers a robust framework for other regions facing similar economic and energy challenges, highlighting the importance of renewable energy solutions in healthcare.
Visuo-dynamic self-modelling of soft robotic systems
Authors: Marques Monteiro Richard , Shi Jialei , Wurdemann Helge , Iida Fumiya , George Thuruthel Thomas
Published: June 2024

Soft robots exhibit complex nonlinear dynamics with large degrees of freedom, making their modelling and control challenging. Typically, reduced-order models in time or space are used in addressing these challenges, but the resulting simplification limits soft robot control accuracy and restricts their range of motion. In this work, we introduce an end-to-end learning-based approach for fully dynamic modelling of any general robotic system that does not rely on predefined structures, learning dynamic models of the robot directly in the visual space. The generated models possess identical dimensionality to the observation space, resulting in models whose complexity is determined by the sensory system without explicitly decomposing the problem. To validate the effectiveness of our proposed method, we apply it to a fully soft robotic manipulator, and we demonstrate its applicability in controller development through an open-loop optimization-based controller. We achieve a wide range of dynamic control tasks including shape control, trajectory tracking and obstacle avoidance using a model derived from just 90 min of real-world data. Our work thus far provides the most comprehensive strategy for controlling a general soft robotic system, without constraints on the shape, properties, or dimensionality of the system.
Visual perception and user satisfaction in video see-through head-mounted displays: a mixed-methods evaluation
Authors: de Souza Jessica , Tartz Robert
Published: June 2024

Objective

Our study addresses the challenges limiting the adoption of Extended Reality (XR) Head-Mounted Displays (HMDs), mainly focusing on device quality and cybersickness. We aim to investigate the impact of hardware and software on user experience and task performance while wearing Video See-Through (VST) HMDs. We employ a novel methodology designed to bridge the gaps identified in previous research.

Methods

This study uses a convergent mixed-methods approach, combining qualitative and quantitative data in a within-subjects evaluation involving 20 participants. This comprehensive evaluation examines visual perception, visual quality, and user experience through a range of tasks. Usability, comfort, and cybersickness are assessed, with insights derived from both user performance metrics and subjective measures collected through in-depth interviews and comments. The study includes three distinct HMDs—two prototypes (PD1 and PD2) and one commercial device (CD1)—to provide a broad analysis of the technology.

Findings

Our findings reveal that while participants were generally satisfied with VST mode, their preferences varied across devices. CD1 was preferred for its realistic color representation and superior reading task performance due to its high-resolution display and camera. However, visual disturbances and temporal issues differed across devices, with CD1 exhibiting fewer artifacts when stationary but showing more disturbances when participants were moving. Participants found PD1 and PD2 more comfortable for extended use and fewer cybersickness symptoms, but they highlighted color and display resolution issues. These variations underscore the importance of considering both qualitative and quantitative measures in HMD evaluations.

Conclusion

This mixed-methods evaluation emphasizes the limitations of relying solely on visual perception performance measures for VST HMDs. By integrating both quantitative and qualitative insights, we offer a more detailed evaluation framework to identify design flaws and user experience issues that quantitative metrics alone might miss. This methodology contributes to the field by illustrating how a mixed-methods approach provides a broader perspective on XR technology, guiding future improvements and enhancing VST adoption in future applications.
Can We Help Stop Bleeding in Badly Injured People
Authors: Piercy James , Lindsay Charlotte , Davenport Ross
Published: June 2024

Serious bleeding, known as major hemorrhage, is the most common cause of death in people with serious injuries. People with major hemorrhage often have a lower amount of an important protein called fibrinogen in their blood, which makes it more difficult to stop the bleeding. In a big randomized controlled trial called CRYOSTAT 2, we looked at whether giving people extra fibrinogen soon after their injury helped stop bleeding and increased the number of people who survived. We were surprised to find that fibrinogen did not help as much as we expected, and that it may even make some people more likely to die. In this article, we talk about the CRYOSTAT-2 experiment and how it shows we cannot treat all bleeding patients in the same way.
Social exclusion, corruption, recall of authorities, inequality and fiscal centralization: inducers of social conflict in Peru (2016–2023)
Authors: Lauracio Ticona Teófilo , Coyla Zela Mario Aurelio , Ramos Rojas Jarol Teófilo , Morales Rocha José Luis , Serruto Medina Genciana , Vargas Torres Nakaday Irazema
Published: June 2024

The objective of the article was to investigate the possible inducing factors that contributed to determine the frequency of social conflicts at the subnational level in Peru between 2016 and 2021, including income inequality, social exclusion, fiscal centralism, corruption and revocation of authorities, for which four regression models were built. Disaggregated official data from the 24 departments and the provinces of Lima and Callao were analyzed. Economic inequality was associated with the Gini coefficient. To establish the association between social conflict and the inducers, it was estimated using Spearman’s Rho correlation coefficient. Statistical calculation was also employed to appreciate the collinearity between the inducers. The results showed that the revocation of subnational authorities determines 42.5% of social conflict. On the other hand, corruption and fiscal centralism determine 28.5% of the perception of suffering social exclusion. Inequality and social conflict determined 21.8% of the relevance of the execution and quality of public spending by the national government in the regions. Sixty percent of social conflicts in Peru are of an environmental nature. The population that has declared the greatest discrimination corresponds to Puno (28%). 55.6% of those surveyed consider corruption to be one of the country’s main problems. Corruption and social exclusion have a negative impact on the effectiveness of economic results and promote social conflicts. Inefficient use of fiscal resources translates into low quality of services and diminished credibility of the national and subnational governments. This situation highlights the need to design public policies that reduce conflicts and promote adequate governance.
Pre and post-competitive anxiety and self-confidence and their relationship with technical-tactical performance in high-level men's padel players
Authors: Conde-Ripoll Rafael , Escudero-Tena Adrián , Bustamante-Sánchez Álvaro
Published: June 2024

Introduction

This study aimed to analyze the variations in pre- and post-competitive anxiety and self-confidence considering match outcomes, the performance according to the result and the correlation among performance and psychological variables.

Methods

The sample consisted on 12 matches in which 11 high-level padel players from Finland (top 24) voluntarily participated. CSAI-2R and STAI-S were used to assess psychological variables and technical-tactical performance was evaluated by a certified padel coach.

Results

Losing players presented higher cognitive (p = .004), somatic (p = .020) and state (p = .001) anxiety and lower selfconfidence (p = .014), and winning players showed higher state anxiety (p = .022), after than before the matches. Post-match, winning players exhibited higher self-confidence (p = .015) than losing players. Winning players made more winners (p = .010) than losing players. There are direct correlations between unforced errors and post-state anxiety (p = .015), unforced errors and state anxiety (p = .009) and winners and cognitive anxiety (p = .033), in winning players; between generators of forced error and post-cognitive anxiety (p = .034), forced errors and cognitive anxiety in losing players (p = .001). There are indirect correlations between forced errors and pre-cognitive anxiety (p = .009), winners and somatic anxiety (p = .046), unforced errors and state anxiety (p = .042) in losing players.

Discussion

The outcomes imply the need for intervention programs to equip players, especially those facing defeat, with tools for anxiety management and self-confidence enhancement. Likewise, coaches are advised to incorporate exercises that promote the occurrence of winners.
VALIDATE—Utilization of the Viz.ai mobile stroke care coordination platform to limit delays in LVO stroke diagnosis and endovascular treatment
Authors: Devlin Thomas , Gao Lan , Collins Oleg , Heath Gregory W. , Figurelle Morgan , Avila Amanda , Boyd Caitlyn , Ayub Hira , Sevilis Theresa
Published: June 2024

Background

Thousands of hospitals worldwide have adopted mobile artificial intelligence (AI)-based stroke care coordination platforms. Studies exploring the benefit of these platforms have been scrutinized due to small sample size, serial cohort design, and measurement of metrics with multiple determinants. In this large multi-center study, we evaluated the ability of an AI-based stroke care coordination platform to expedite contact with the interventionalist (NIR) for potential thrombectomy.

Methods

Acute stroke consultations seen by TeleSpecialists, LLC physicians at 166 facilities (17 states) utilizing Viz.ai software (AI) vs. no AI software (non-AI) were extracted from the TeleCare by TeleSpecialists™ database from December 1, 2021, through March 31, 2022. The primary outcome was time from patient arrival to first contact with the interventionalist to discuss need for potential thrombectomy (Arrival-to-NIR notification).

Results

A total of 14,116 cases were analyzed. Compared to the non-AI cohort, Arrival-to-NIR notification in the AI cohort was: (1) 39.5 min faster (44.13% reduction, p < 0.001) in the overall analysis; (2) 33.0 min faster (34.0% reduction, p < 0.001) in the non-thrombectomy (non-TC) facility subgroup analysis; and (3) 34.0 min faster (43.59% reduction, p < 0.001) in the thrombectomy capable (TC) facility subgroup analysis. IQR range comparison demonstrated a significant improvement in uniformity of stroke workflow across all AI subgroups. Significant, albeit small, confounding biases were revealed in the data. The presence of AI within the non-TC subgroup correlated with a lower acceptance rate for thrombectomy by the NIR (delta = −10.79% absolute and 23.17% relative reduction, p < 0.0001).

Conclusions

While this study was limited by our inability to capture detailed neuroimaging timelines and patient outcomes, it suggests a potential significant benefit of AI-based stroke care coordination platforms and underscores the critical need to development robust “big data” systems to study the effects of AI, and other emerging technologies, on stroke systems of care.
Food sovereignty, food security, and international trade: evidence from Chile
Authors: Silva Andres , Barrera Arturo , Ribera Luis , del Valle Martin
Published: June 2024

Introduction

There is an ongoing debate regarding the role of international trade on food security and food sovereignty. While food security is a concept with a recognized definition and methodologies to assess it, food sovereignty has multiple definitions, and it is not clear how to measure it. Our purpose is to analyze the evolution of cherry and avocado domestic purchases as an illustrative example of the role of international trade on food security and food sovereignty.

Method

Using a descriptive analysis, we analyse export data at country level and household data representative of urban centers.

Results

We found that cherry and avocado exports have increased over the last decades. We found that domestic cherry and avocado purchases have been stable, while the overall fruit and vegetable purchases have been decreasing. Besides, the cherry seasons are showing some signs of expansion. In terms of disparities, households from quintiles 1 and 2, the two lowest income quintiles, increased cherry purchases. Moreover, households from quintiles 4 and 5, the two highest income quintiles, decreased cherry purchases.

Discussion

International trade can also help to increase domestic purchases and decrease purchases disparities, which can be linked to food access and food security. However, the increased of off-season imports of avocado can be linked to a decreased food sovereignty. We expect to contribute to illustrate how international trade, food security and food sovereignty are linked, while the concept of food sovereignty keeps developing.
Study on consumers' motivation to buy green food based on meta-analysis
Authors: Cheng Ling , Cui Haiyang , Zhang Zhiyong , Yang Mingwei , Zhou Yingling
Published: June 2024

Introduction

There exists a noticeable gap between consumers' willingness to purchase green food and their actual purchase behavior. However, the awareness of green development is a crucial factor influencing this purchase behavior and acts as an internal driving force promoting green consumption. Consumers' green development awareness is shaped by various psychological motivations, including environmental concern, health consciousness, knowledge, norms, and price considerations. The existing literature often focuses on specific regions or groups, lacking comprehensive cross-regional and multivariate evaluations, and frequently overlooks the potential impact of moderating variables such as economic development level, product type, and behavior type.

Methods

To clarify the overall effect of each motivational factor on green food purchase behavior, this study conducted a meta-analysis. We selected eight causal variables and three moderating variables that significantly influence consumers' green food purchase behavior. The analysis included 132 independent effect values from 45 research papers.

Results

The meta-analysis revealed that: Consumers' green food purchase behavior is significantly positively correlated with eight motivational factors: environmental awareness, health awareness, green attitude, green knowledge, subjective norms, price awareness, perceived behavior control, and perceived usefulness. Economic development level, product type, and behavior type significantly affect consumers' green food purchase behavior. The impact of motivational factors on actual purchase behavior is weaker than on purchase intention, suggesting that interventions should focus on converting purchase intentions into actual purchase behavior. The findings indicate that environmental responsibility, government policies, and marketing strategies can influence consumers' psychological motives, guiding them toward more responsible consumption choices.

Discussion

Enhancing consumers' environmental and health awareness is essential, and policy support and marketing strategies can effectively promote green food consumption. These insights underscore the importance of targeted interventions to bridge the gap between green purchase intention and behavior.
Phytochemicals: a promising approach to control infectious bursal disease
Authors: Tahir Ifrah , Alsayeqh Abdullah F.
Published: June 2024

Infectious bursal disease (IBD) is one of the dangerous diseases of poultry that affects the bursa of Fabricius, which is an important organ of the bird’s immune system. IBD virus is resistant to many drugs, making its control difficult. Vaccination of IBD is in practice for a long time worldwide to control IBD, but secondary issues like vaccine failure and lower efficacy lead to their reduced use in the field. Multiple medicines are currently used, but the phytochemicals have emerged as promising agents for controlling IBD. The drugs to be developed should possess direct antiviral properties by targeting viral entry mechanisms, enhancing the host immune response, and inhibiting viral protein synthesis. Phytochemicals have potential to contribute to food security by minimizing the possibility of disease outbreaks and ensuring that consumers worldwide obtain healthy poultry products. It has been now claimed that direct and indirect activities of phytochemicals can be effective in the control of IBDV. Although available evidence suggest that the phytochemicals can contribute in controlling occurrence IBDV, there is a definite need of focused studies to gain more insight and develop rational strategies for their practical use. This review highlights the disease caused by IBDV, inhibition of viral replication, boosting the immune system, disruption of viral membrane, and important phytochemicals showing antiviral activities against IBDV.
Comparative effectiveness of treatments on time to remission in atopic dermatitis: real-world insights
Authors: Sato Emi , Arima Hisatomi , Ito Kotaro , Iwata Mayuko , Imafuku Shinichi
Published: June 2024

Introduction

It remains unclear which therapy contributes to atopic dermatitis (AD) remission and to what extent. We aimed to clarify which therapy contributes to the treatment of AD by investigating the time-to-remission and remission hazard ratios for each therapy using real-world data.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study included 110 patients diagnosed with AD after their first visit to the Department of Dermatology at Fukuoka University Hospital between 2016 and 2022. The patients were categorized into six treatment groups: 1) topical treatment alone or topical treatment plus 2) ultraviolet light, 3) oral steroids, 4) oral cyclosporine, 5) dupilumab, and 6) oral Janus kinase inhibitors (JAKi). The topical therapy alone group served as the control, and the hazard ratios for remission (Investigator’s Global Assessment [IGA] 0/1) were calculated.

Results

Forty patients achieved remission, while 70 did not (IGA ≥2) with the first treatment regimen. A multivariate Cox proportional hazards analysis adjusted for age, sex, and severity at the first visit (IGA) revealed that the hazard ratios for remission were 4.2 (95% confidence interval (C.I.): 1.28–13.83, p = 0.018) for the oral cyclosporine group, 5.05 (95% C.I.: 1.96–13, p = 0.001) for the dupilumab group, and 67.56 (95% C.I.: 12.28–371.68, p < .0001) for the oral JAKi group. The median time to remission was 3 months for JAKi, cyclosporine, and steroid was shorter than 6 months for dupilumab. No serious adverse events were observed.

Conclusion

Oral therapy with small molecules requires a shorter duration to achieve remission. However, long-term safety and recurrence are important indicators.
European Society for Organ Transplantation (ESOT) Consensus Statement on the Use of Non-invasive Biomarkers for Cardiothoracic Transplant Rejection Surveillance
Authors: Nikolova Andriana , Agbor-Enoh Sean , Bos Saskia , Crespo-Leiro Marisa , Ensminger Stephan , Jimenez-Blanco Marta , Minervini Annamaria , Perch Michael , Segovia Javier , Vos Robin , Khush Kiran , Potena Luciano
Published: June 2024

While allograft rejection (AR) continues to threaten the success of cardiothoracic transplantation, lack of accurate and repeatable surveillance tools to diagnose AR is a major unmet need in the clinical management of cardiothoracic transplant recipients. Endomyocardial biopsy (EMB) and transbronchial biopsy (TBBx) have been the cornerstone of rejection monitoring since the field’s incipience, but both suffer from significant limitations, including poor concordance of biopsy interpretation among pathologists. In recent years, novel molecular tools for AR monitoring have emerged and their performance characteristics have been evaluated in multiple studies. An international working group convened by ESOT has reviewed the existing literature and provides a series of recommendations to guide the use of these biomarkers in clinical practice. While acknowledging some caveats, the group recognized that Gene-expression profiling and donor-derived cell-free DNA (dd-cfDNA) may be used to rule out rejection in heart transplant recipients, but they are not recommended for cardiac allograft vasculopathy screening. Other traditional biomarkers (NT-proBNP, BNP or troponin) do not have sufficient evidence to support their use to diagnose AR. Regarding lung transplant, dd-cfDNA could be used to rule out clinical rejection and infection, but its use to monitor treatment response is not recommended.
Optimal Monetary Policy Transmission Mechanism for Economic Growth of Developing Countries
Authors: Usmabn Muhammad , Hameed Gulnaz , Bibi Hajra , Hassan Shoaib
Published: June 2024

This paper assesses the role of monetary policy on economic growth in selected developingcountries and empirically estimates a dynamic model for exploring the performance of monetarypolicy in developing countries. The panel data is collected for 44 developing countries from 1974to 2018. The analysis is carried out through the Generalized Method of Moment (GMM) which isefficient to handle the problem of endogeneity and serial correlation. The results of monetaryindicators show that expansionary monetary policy is best suited for economic growth indeveloping countries. The results of the money supply and banks reserve ratio suggested thatexpansionary monetary policy is more appropriate for selected countries over contractionarymonetary policy. In a similar line, population growth performs a negative impact on economicgrowth while the developing countries are labor-abundant, and analysis supports that the laborforce has a positive role in economic growth. Based on empirics, it is suggested that expansionary monetary policy is more effective for economic growth and economic stability in selectedcountries.
Low-Profile Circularly Polarized HF Helical Phased Array: Design, Analysis, and Experimental Evaluation
Authors: Constantinides Antonios , Kousioumari Charalampos , Najat Saam , Haralambous Haris
Published: June 2024

This paper presents the design, development, and performance evaluation of a compact wideband phased array active helical antenna for monitoring HF interference. Traditional multi-element HF antenna designs are often subjected to size restrictions. The front-to-back ratio of the proposed circularly polarized phased array exceeds 20 dB across the operating range. This array enables the simultaneous monitoring of vertically and horizontally polarized signals, offering a practical alternative to larger antennas, particularly in space-constrained scenarios. Through advanced low-noise amplifier design, efficiency and bandwidth are optimized while mitigating mutual coupling effects. Optimal beamformer design enhances array performance with respect to more traditional array design approaches. The test results verify exceptional performance with an average axial ratio of 2 dB and a high front-to-back ratio beyond the desired frequency range. This study offers valuable insights into the design and deployment of compact wideband phased array antennas, providing an effective solution for monitoring HF interference.
Immunohistochemical Profiling of SSTR2 and HIF-2α with the Tumor Microenvironment in Pheochromocytoma and Paraganglioma
Authors: Uchihara Masaki , Tanabe Akiyo , Kojima Yuki , Shimoi Tatsunori , Maeshima Akiko Miyagi , Umamoto Kotaro , Shimomura Akihiko , Shimizu Chikako , Yamazaki Yuto , Nakamura Eijiro , Matsui Yoshiyuki , Takemura Nobuyuki , Miyazaki Hideyo , Sudo Kazuki , Yonemori Kan , Kajio Hiroshi
Published: June 2024

Metastatic pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas (PPGLs) are rare endocrine malignancies with limited effective treatment options. The association between the tumor microenvironment (TME) with somatostatin receptor 2 (SSTR2) and hypoxia-induced factor-2α (HIF-2α) in PPGLs, critical for optimizing combination therapeutic strategies with immunotherapy, remains largely unexplored. To evaluate the association of SSTR2 and HIF-2α immunoreactivity with the TME in patients with PPGLs, we analyzed the expression of SSTR2A, HIF-2α, and TME components, including tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (CD4 and CD8), tumor-associated macrophages (CD68 and CD163), and PD-L1, using immunohistochemistry in patients with PPGLs. The primary outcome was to determine the association of the immune profiles with SSTR2A and HIF-2α expression. Among 45 patients with PPGLs, SSTR2A and HIF2α were positively expressed in 21 (46.7%) and 14 (31.1%) patients, respectively. The median PD-L1 immunohistochemical score (IHS) was 2.0 (interquartile range: 0–30.0). Positive correlations were observed between CD4, CD8, CD68, and CD163 levels. A negative correlation was found between the CD163/CD68 ratio (an indicator of M2 polarization) and SSTR2A expression (r = −0.385, p = 0.006). HIF-2α expression showed a positive correlation with PD-L1 IHS (r = 0.348, p = 0.013). The co-expression of PD-L1 (HIS > 10) and HIF-2α was found in seven patients (15.6%). No associations were observed between SDHB staining results and the CD163/CD68 ratio, PD-L1, or SSTR2A expression. Our data suggest the potential of combination therapy with immunotherapy and peptide receptor radionuclide therapy or HIF-2α inhibitors as a treatment option in selected PPGL populations.
Development and Validation of Prognostic Models Using Radiomic Features from Pre-Treatment Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Images in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma (HNSCC) Patients
Authors: Philip Mahima Merin , Watts Jessica , McKiddie Fergus , Welch Andy , Nath Mintu
Published: June 2024

High-dimensional radiomics features derived from pre-treatment positron emission tomography (PET) images offer prognostic insights for patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Using 124 PET radiomics features and clinical variables (age, sex, stage of cancer, site of cancer) from a cohort of 232 patients, we evaluated four survival models—penalized Cox model, random forest, gradient boosted model and support vector machine—to predict all-cause mortality (ACM), locoregional recurrence/residual disease (LR) and distant metastasis (DM) probability during 36, 24 and 24 months of follow-up, respectively. We developed models with five-fold cross-validation, selected the best-performing model for each outcome based on the concordance index (C-statistic) and the integrated Brier score (IBS) and validated them in an independent cohort of 102 patients. The penalized Cox model demonstrated better performance for ACM (C-statistic = 0.70, IBS = 0.12) and DM (C-statistic = 0.70, IBS = 0.08) while the random forest model displayed better performance for LR (C-statistic = 0.76, IBS = 0.07). We conclude that the ML-based prognostic model can aid clinicians in quantifying prognosis and determining effective treatment strategies, thereby improving favorable outcomes in HNSCC patients.
Effects of Weight Loss on Key Obesity-Related Biomarkers Linked to the Risk of Endometrial Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Clontz Angela D. , Gan Emma , Hursting Stephen D. , Bae-Jump Victoria L.
Published: June 2024

Endometrial cancer (EC) includes various histologic types, with estrogen-dependent endometrioid carcinoma being the most common. Obesity significantly increases the risk of developing this type, especially in postmenopausal women, due to elevated estrogen production by adipocytes. This review examines the impact of weight loss from different interventions on reducing obesity-related risk factors for endometrioid EC. A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted on three weight loss interventions: bariatric surgery, pharmacotherapy, and lifestyle changes. The effects of these interventions on inflammatory biomarkers (CRP, TNF-α, IL-6) and hormones (leptin, estrogen) were analyzed. Data from controlled studies were pooled to assess the significance of weight loss in reducing these biomarkers. Despite heterogeneity, bariatric surgery resulted in an overall 25.8% weight reduction, outperforming lifestyle and pharmacotherapy interventions. Weight loss reduced CRP levels by 33.5% and IL-6 levels by 41.9%. TNF-α levels decreased by 13% with percent weight loss over 7%. Leptin levels also decreased significantly, although the exact weight loss percentage was not statistically significant. Weight loss effectively reduces proinflammatory markers and hormones associated with increased risk of endometrioid EC. The strengths of this review include a comprehensive examination of different weight-loss interventions and a large pool of participants. However, limitations include high heterogeneity among studies and only 43% of the participants being postmenopausal. Limited data on sex hormones and racial disparities underscore the need for further research.
Anti-Inflammatory and Antithrombotic Potential of Metal-Based Complexes and Porphyrins
Authors: Tsoupras Alexandros , Pafli Sofia , Stylianoudakis Charilaos , Ladomenou Kalliopi , Demopoulos Constantinos A. , Philippopoulos Athanassios
Published: June 2024

Inflammation and thrombosis are implicated in several chronic disorders. Recent studies have outlined the way in which several compounds can offer protection against inflammation. Within this comprehensive review the so-far reported anti-inflammatory health-promoting effects of several metal-based complexes, both in vitro and in vivo, are thoroughly presented. These metal-based compounds usually interfere with various biochemical processes associated with the inflammatory response and thrombus formation and become capable of inhibiting these biochemical pathways with proposed health benefits. Emphasis is given to the multifaceted actions of metal-based complexes that have exhibited potent anti-inflammatory and antithrombotic activities against the inflammatory mediator, platelet-activating factor (PAF), and its thrombo-inflammatory signaling, as well as on their anti-platelet and antitumor health promoting properties. Furthermore, the enhancement of the anti-inflammatory potency of well-established bioactive compounds by their incorporation as ligands in several metal-based complexes is discussed. Metal-based complexes bearing natural anti-inflammatory bioactives are also outlined. Characteristic examples of both free and metal-based porphyrins are explored. These compounds are recognized to have anti-inflammatory and antithrombotic assets, in addition to other pleiotropic advantages including antibacterial or anticancer actions. Additionally, applications of metal complexes in various models of inflammatory and thrombotic complications are demonstrated. The combined results of this study show that further research is required towards the preparation of several metal-based complexes with improved pharmacological profiles. Finally, restrictions on the application of these metal-based compounds are also covered, along with their prospects for the future and the need for additional study in order to improve their efficacy and safety.
Multimodel Approaches Are Not the Best Way to Understand Multifactorial Systems
Authors: Bolker Benjamin M.
Published: June 2024

Information-theoretic (IT) and multi-model averaging (MMA) statistical approaches are widely used but suboptimal tools for pursuing a multifactorial approach (also known as the method of multiple working hypotheses) in ecology. (1) Conceptually, IT encourages ecologists to perform tests on sets of artificially simplified models. (2) MMA improves on IT model selection by implementing a simple form of shrinkage estimation (a way to make accurate predictions from a model with many parameters relative to the amount of data, by “shrinking” parameter estimates toward zero). However, other shrinkage estimators such as penalized regression or Bayesian hierarchical models with regularizing priors are more computationally efficient and better supported theoretically. (3) In general, the procedures for extracting confidence intervals from MMA are overconfident, providing overly narrow intervals. If researchers want to use limited data sets to accurately estimate the strength of multiple competing ecological processes along with reliable confidence intervals, the current best approach is to use full (maximal) statistical models (possibly with Bayesian priors) after making principled, a priori decisions about model complexity.
Correction: Sulatskaya et al. Structural Features of Amyloid Fibrils Formed from the Full-Length and Truncated Forms of Beta-2-Microglobulin Probed by Fluorescent Dye Thioflavin T. Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2018, 19, 2762
Authors: Sulatskaya Anna I. , Rodina Natalia P. , Polyakov Dmitry S. , Sulatsky Maksim I. , Artamonova Tatyana O. , Khodorkovskii Mikhail A. , Shavlovsky Mikhail M. , Kuznetsova Irina M. , Turoverov Konstantin K.
Published: June 2024

In the original publication [...]
Limited Nerve Regeneration across Acellular Nerve Allografts (ANAs) Coincides with Changes in Blood Vessel Morphology and the Development of a Pro-Inflammatory Microenvironment
Authors: Acevedo Cintrón Jesús A. , Hunter Daniel A. , Schellhardt Lauren , Pan Deng , Mackinnon Susan E. , Wood Matthew D.
Published: June 2024

The use of acellular nerve allografts (ANAs) to reconstruct long nerve gaps (>3 cm) is associated with limited axon regeneration. To understand why ANA length might limit regeneration, we focused on identifying differences in the regenerative and vascular microenvironment that develop within ANAs based on their length. A rat sciatic nerve gap model was repaired with either short (2 cm) or long (4 cm) ANAs, and histomorphometry was used to measure myelinated axon regeneration and blood vessel morphology at various timepoints (2-, 4- and 8-weeks). Both groups demonstrated robust axonal regeneration within the proximal graft region, which continued across the mid-distal graft of short ANAs as time progressed. By 8 weeks, long ANAs had limited regeneration across the ANA and into the distal nerve (98 vs. 7583 axons in short ANAs). Interestingly, blood vessels within the mid-distal graft of long ANAs underwent morphological changes characteristic of an inflammatory pathology by 8 weeks post surgery. Gene expression analysis revealed an increased expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines within the mid-distal graft region of long vs. short ANAs, which coincided with pathological changes in blood vessels. Our data show evidence of limited axonal regeneration and the development of a pro-inflammatory environment within long ANAs.
Chlorogenic Acid and Cinnamaldehyde in Combination Inhibit Metastatic Traits and Induce Apoptosis via Akt Downregulation in Breast Cancer Cells
Authors: Olayiwola Yusuff , Gollahon Lauren S.
Published: June 2024

Most reported breast cancer-associated deaths are directly correlated with metastatic disease. Additionally, the primary goal of treating metastatic breast cancer is to prolong life. Thus, there remains the need for more effective and safer strategies to treat metastatic breast cancer. Recently, more attention has been given to natural products (or phytochemicals) as potential anticancer treatments. This study aimed to investigate the synergistic effects of the combination of the phytochemicals chlorogenic acid and cinnamaldehyde (CGA and CA) toward inhibiting metastasis. The hypothesis was that CGA and CA in combination decrease the metastatic potential of breast cancer cells by inhibiting their invasive and migratory abilities as well as the induction of apoptosis via the downregulation of the Akt, disrupting its signal transduction pathway. To test this, wound-healing and Transwell™ Matrigel™ assays were conducted to assess changes in the migration and invasion properties of the cells; apoptosis was analyzed by fluorescence microscopy for Annexin V/propidium iodide; and immunoblotting and FACSort were performed on markers for the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition status. The results show that CGA and CA significantly downregulated Akt activation by inhibiting phosphorylation. Consequently, increased caspase 3 and decreased Bcl2-α levels were observed, and apoptosis was confirmed. The inhibition of metastatic behavior was demonstrated by the attenuation of N-cadherin, fibronectin, vimentin, and MMP-9 expressions with concomitant increased expressions of E-cadherin and EpCAM. In summary, the present study demonstrated that CGA and CA in combination downregulated Akt activation, inhibited the metastatic potential, and induced apoptosis in different breast cancer cell lines.
Immature Surfactant Protein B Increases in the Serum of Patients with Calcific Severe Aortic Stenosis
Authors: Eligini Sonia , Savini Carlo , Ghilardi Stefania , Mallia Alice , Vieceli Dalla Sega Francesco , Fortini Francesca , Mikus Elisa , Munno Marco , Modafferi Gloria , Agostoni Piergiuseppe , Tremoli Elena , Banfi Cristina
Published: June 2024

Valvular disease is a complex pathological condition that impacts countless individuals around the globe. Due to limited treatments, it is crucial to understand its mechanisms to identify new targets. Valve disease may result in pulmonary venous hypertension, which is linked to compromised functioning of the alveolar and capillary membranes and hindered gas exchange. Nonetheless, the correlation between surfactant proteins (SPs) and valve disease remains unexplored. A total of 44 patients were enrolled in this study, with 36 undergoing aortic valve replacement and 8 needing a second aortic valve substitution due to bioprosthetic valve degeneration. Ten healthy subjects were also included. The results showed that patients who underwent both the first valve replacement and the second surgery had significantly higher levels of immature SP-B (proSP-B) compared to control subjects. The levels of the extra-lung collectin SP-D were higher in patients who needed a second surgery due to bioprosthetic valve degeneration, while SP-A levels remained unchanged. The research also showed that there was no reciprocal relationship between inflammation and SP-D as the levels of inflammatory mediators did not differ between groups. The present study demonstrates that circulating proSP-B serves as a reliable marker of alveolar–capillary membrane damage in patients with valvular heart disease.