bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Salvage Reirradiation with Proton Beam Therapy for Locoregionally Recurrent Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Ning Matthew S. , Odwuor Abigael , Chang Joe Y. , Gandhi Saumil , Liao Zhongxing , Lin Steven H. , Chen Aileen , Welsh James W. , Nguyen Quynh-Nhu , O’Reilly Michael S. , Chun Stephen G. , Bronk Julianna , Qian David , Lee Percy
Published: October 2024

Background/Objectives: This retrospective study evaluates outcomes of 66 patients who underwent reirradiation (re-RT) with proton beam therapy (PBT) for recurrent non-small cell lung cancer. Methods: Toxicity was scored via the CTCAE v5.0, and outcomes estimated using the Kaplan–Meier method, with associations evaluated via Cox proportional hazards and logistic regression analyses. Results: Patients were treated to a median re-RT prescription of 66 Gy/33 fxs (BED10 = 79 Gy; IQR: 71–84 Gy) at an interval of 1.4 years from prior RT. Half (50%) received concurrent chemotherapy. At 14 months follow-up, the median OS and PFS were 5 months (95%CI: 13–17) and 12.5 months (95%CI: 10–15), respectively. On multivariable analysis, a higher RT dose (BED10 > 70 Gy) [HR0.37; 95%CI: 0.20–0.68, p = 0.001] and concurrent chemotherapy (HR0.48; 95%CI: 0.28–0.81, p = 0.007) were associated with improved PFS, while treatment site overlap was adversely associated (HR1.78; 95%CI: 1.05–3.02, p = 0.031). The median PFS for definitive RT with concurrent chemotherapy (n = 28), definitive RT alone (BED10 > 70 Gy) [n = 22], and lower prescription RT (BED10 < 70 Gy) [n = 16] was 15.5 months (95%CI: 7.3–23.7), 14.1 months (95%CI: 10.9–17.3), and 3.3 months (95%CI: 0–12.3), respectively (log-rank, p = 0.006), with corresponding 2-year estimates of 37% (±9), 18% (±8), and 12.5% (±8), respectively. The incidence of Grade 3+ toxicity was 10.5% (6% pulmonary; 3% esophageal; and 1.5% skin), including one Grade 4 bronchopulmonary hemorrhage but no Grade 5 events. Cases with central site overlap had higher composite Dmax to the esophagus (median 87 Gy [IQR:77–90]), great vessels (median 120 Gy [IQR:110–138]), and proximal bronchial tree (median 120 Gy [IQR:110–138]) as compared to other cases (p ≤ 0.001 for all). However, no significant associations were identified with Grade 3+ events. Conclusions: Thoracic re-RT with PBT is an option for recurrent NSCLC with acceptable outcomes and toxicity for select patients. When feasible, higher prescription doses (BED10 > 70 Gy) should be delivered for definitive intent, and concurrent chemotherapy may benefit individual cases.
Progress in Microstructure Design and Control of High-Hardness Fe-Based Alloy Coatings via Laser Cladding
Authors: Liu Lipei , Lin Yinghua , Peng Longsheng , Kang Xin , Wang Xinlin
Published: October 2024

High-hardness iron-based alloy coatings are extensively utilized in aerospace, automotive, and industrial equipment due to their exceptional wear resistance and long service life. Laser cladding has emerged as one of the primary techniques for fabricating these coatings, owing to its rapid cooling and dense microstructure characteristics. However, the production of high-hardness iron-based alloy coatings via laser cladding continues to face numerous challenges, particularly when controlling the morphology, quantity, and distribution of the reinforcing phases, which can lead to cracking during processing and service, thus compromising their usability. The cracks of the cladding layer will be suppressed through good microstructure design and control, resulting in a wide range of performance for high-hardness Fe-based alloy coatings. This paper reviews recent advancements in the design and control of the organization and structure of high-hardness iron-based alloy coatings from the perspectives of material composition, processing parameters, and external assistance techniques. It summarizes the properties and applications of various materials, including different alloying elements, ceramic particles, and rare earth oxides, while systematically discussing how processing parameters influence microstructure and performance. Additionally, the mechanisms by which external auxiliary energy fields affect the melt pool and solidified microstructure during laser cladding are elucidated. Finally, the future development directions of laser cladding technology for high-hardness iron-based coatings are anticipated, emphasizing the need for further quantification of the optimal coupling relationships among the gain effects of composite energy fields.
Qualitative Study to Identify the Training and Resource Needs of Secondary School Teachers in Responding to Students with SEN and SENS
Authors: Rodríguez-Jiménez María del Carmen , Puerta-Araña Irene , González-Afonso Miriam Catalina
Published: October 2024

The purpose of this article is to provide an analysis of secondary school teacher training in order to identify existing needs and the resources currently available to respond to SENS and SEN students. A qualitative and descriptive research method was used. Semi-structured interviews were carried out to gather information. The sample consisted of 45 teachers who were distributed throughout the autonomous community of the Canary Islands (Spain). The analysis was carried out using the qualitative data analysis programme MAXQDA, version 20. The main findings show that teachers, in general, do not feel prepared to deal with students with SEN and SENS and, therefore, ask for experts to support them in this task and for training in emotional education in order to acquire the competencies and skills for classroom management.
Estimation of Forest Above-Ground Biomass in the Study Area of Greater Khingan Ecological Station with Integration of Airborne LiDAR, Landsat 8 OLI, and Hyperspectral Remote Sensing Data
Authors: Wang Lu , Ju Yilin , Ji Yongjie , Marino Armando , Zhang Wangfei , Jing Qian
Published: October 2024

Accurate estimation of forest above-ground biomass (AGB) is significant for understanding changes in global carbon storage and addressing climate change. This study focuses on 53 samples of natural forests at the Greater Khingan Ecological Station, exploring the potential of integrating Canopy Height Model (CHM) with multi-source remote sensing (RS) data—airborne LiDAR, Landsat 8 OLI, and hyperspectral data to estimate forest AGB. Firstly, RS features with strong horizontal and vertical correlation with the forests AGB are optimized by a partial least squares algorithm (PLSR). Then, multivariate linear stepwise regression (MLSR) and K-nearest neighbor with fast iterative features selection (KNN-FIFS) are applied to estimate forest AGB using seven different data combinations. Finally, the leave-one-out cross-validation method is selected for the validation of the estimation results. The results are as follows: (1) When forest AGB is estimated using a single data source, the inversion results of using LiDAR are better, with R2 = 0.76 and RMSE = 21.78 Mg/ha. (2) The estimation accuracy of two models showed obvious improvement after using fused CHM into RS information. The MLSR model showed the best performance, with R2 increased by 0.41 and RMSE decreased to 14.15 Mg/ha. (3) The estimation results based on the KNN-FIFS model using the combined data of LiDAR, CHM + Landsat 8 OLI, and CHM + Hyperspectral imaging were the best in this study, with R2 = 0.85 and RMSE = 18.17 Mg/ha. The results of the study show that fusing CHM into multi-spectral data and hyperspectral data can improve the estimation accuracy a lot; the forest AGB estimation accuracies of the multi-source RS data are better than the single data source. This study provides an effective method for estimating forest AGB using multi-source data integrated with CHM to improve estimation accuracy.
Effects of Woodland Conversion to Tea Plantations and Tea Planting Age on Soil Organic Carbon Accrual in Subtropical China
Authors: Zou Shun , Huang Chumin , Feng Tu , Chen Yang , Bai Xiaolong , Li Wangjun , He Bin
Published: October 2024

Tea (Camellia sinensis (L.) Kuntze) plantations have been rapidly expanding in recent years in developing countries, but there is a lack of knowledge about the effects of woodland conversion to tea plantations and tea plantation aging on soil organic carbon (SOC) accumulation in subtropical regions, which may be a critical issue for accurately estimating the regional C balance in tea planting areas. Thus, in this study, we selected four tea plantations with ages ranging from 5 to 23 years, along with an adjacent mature pine forest (PF, more than 60 years of age), to investigate the effects of woodland conversion to tea plantations and stand age on SOC. Lignin phenols and amino sugars were used to distinguish the contributions of plant-derived C and microbial-derived C to SOC. The results showed that when PF is converted to a tea plantation, 54.12% of the SOC content in the topsoil is lost, with reductions of 84.77% in plant-derived C and 10.23% in microbial-derived C; however, there is a slight increase in microbial-derived C in the deep-layer soil. The tea planting age only has a negative effect on microbial-derived C in the topsoil. Additionally, the plant aboveground biomass, ratio of carbon to nitrogen, total nitrogen concentration, and clay–silt content are key environmental variables influencing SOC accrual, explaining 59.8% of the total variance. SOC and plant-derived C are thus implicated in the quick response to decreasing plant inputs with land conversion and do not accumulate with increasing tea plantation age under the current tea plantation management practices. Generally, more attention should be focused on SOC loss with woodland conversion to tea plantations at the regional scale, and more effective practices can be applied to enhance SOC accrual in subtropical tea plantations.
Response of Non-Structural Carbohydrates and Carbon, Nitrogen, and Phosphorus Stoichiometry in Pinus yunnanensis Seedlings to Drought Re-Watering
Authors: Liu Chengyao , Wu Junwen , Gu Jianyao , Duan Huaijiao
Published: October 2024

Pinus yunnanensis is an endemic tree species in southwest China that has high ecological and economic benefits. Nowadays, global climate change is remarkable, the frequency of drought is increasing day by day, the distribution of rainfall is unbalanced, and even the phenomenon of alternating drought and flood has appeared, which is unfavorable to the growth of P. yunnanensis. We set up four treatments, namely normal water (CK), light drought (LD), moderate drought (MD), and severe drought (SD), and water content was controlled by the weighing method. After continuous drought for 30 days, re-watering was performed for 7 days. The stoichiometric characteristics of non-structural carbohydrates (NSC), soluble sugars (SS), and starch (ST), as well as carbon (C), nitrogen (N), and phosphorus (P), in various organs of P. yunnanensis seedlings were measured. The results revealed significant effects of re-watering on NSC and its components in P. yunnanensis seedlings. The SS and NSC contents in the leaves of P. yunnanensis seedlings treated with SD were significantly higher than those of the control. The C content in the leaves and stems of P. yunnanensis seedlings recovered to the CK level after re-watering under different drought degrees. The contents of N in different organs and P in the fine roots of P. yunnanensis seedlings increased after re-watering with the LD, MD, and SD treatments, while the C/N ratio decreased. In summary, the recovery mechanism of P. yunnanensis seedlings to re-watering varied with the drought degree. The contents and ratios of NSC, C, N, and P in different organs of P. yunnanensis seedlings were significantly affected by re-watering. Combining the phenotypic plasticity index and PCA results, seedlings of P. yunnanensis adapted to drought re-watering by adjusting leaf NSC, leaf P, stem SS/ST, fine root ST, and fine root NSC.
Transparent Coating Systems Applied on Spruce Wood and Their Colour Stability on Exposure to an Accelerated Ageing Process
Authors: Kúdela Jozef , Hrčka Richard , Svocák Ján , Molčanová Simona
Published: October 2024

The objective of this study was to investigate the colour stability of spruce wood surfaces treated with coating systems (CS) and exposed to accelerated ageing. The tested CSs were transparent and three-layered; the top layer was modified with ultraviolet (UV) absorbers, while the base layer was modified with lignin stabiliser. Spruce wood surfaces treated with unmodified CSs were not colour-stable during the accelerated ageing process, with the surface exhibiting colour change after just 100 ageing hours. Adding specific UV absorbers into the top layer and lignin stabiliser into the base layer significantly improved the colour stability of the surface-treated wood. In all cases, however, the colour variation associated with ongoing ageing was significant. An additional study task was to determine whether the discolouration of surface-treated wood is caused by the discolouration of the wood substrate alone or also by the CS discolouration. Consequently, there was also the examination of discolouration of the individual coating materials or coating systems applied to glass slides. This testing proved that in the case of wood surface-treated with CS, without lignin stabiliser, the discolouration was the same as that of the substrate, and this was true throughout the whole ageing process. In the case of wood surface-treated with CS, but with lignin stabiliser, there were, in some cases, significant differences in discolouration between surface-treated wood and the wood substrate. These variations were especially evident during the initial 300 ageing hours.
A Leaky Deep Intronic Splice Variant in CLRN1 Is Associated with Non-Syndromic Retinitis Pigmentosa
Authors: Elasal Maria Abu , Khateb Samer , Panneman Daan M. , Roosing Susanne , Cremers Frans P. M. , Banin Eyal , Sharon Dror , Sarma Asodu Sandeep
Published: October 2024

Background: Inherited retinal diseases (IRDs) are clinically complex and genetically heterogeneous visual impairment disorders with varying penetrance and severity. Disease-causing variants in at least 289 nuclear and mitochondrial genes have been implicated in their pathogenesis. Methods: Whole exome sequencing results were analyzed using established pipelines and the results were further confirmed by Sanger sequencing and minigene splicing assay. Results: Exome sequencing in a 51-year-old Ashkenazi Jewish patient with non-syndromic retinitis pigmentosa (RP) identified compound heterozygous variants in the CLRN1 gene: a known pathogenic missense [p.(N48K)] and a novel deep intronic variant c.254-643G>T. A minigene splicing assay that was performed aiming to study the effect of the c.254-643G>T variant on CLRN1 pre-mRNA splicing revealed the inclusion of a pseudo-exon that was also reported to be included in the transcript due to an adjacent variant, c.254-649T>G. However, unlike the reported c.254-649T>G variant, c.254-643G>T showed aberrant splicing in a leaky manner, implying that the identified variant is not totally penetrant. Conclusion: We report on a novel deep intronic variant in CLRN1 causing non-syndromic RP. The non-syndromic phenotype observed in this index case may be attributed to the leaky nature of this variant, which is causing some normal transcripts to be produced.
The Role of Female and Male Genes in Regulating Pollen Tube Guidance in Flowering Plants
Authors: Zheng Siyuan , Wang Feng , Liu Zehui , Zhang Hongbin , Zhang Liangsheng , Chen Dan
Published: October 2024

In flowering plants, fertilization is a complex process governed by precise communication between the male and female gametophytes. This review focuses on the roles of various female gametophyte cells—synergid, central, and egg cells—in facilitating pollen tube guidance and ensuring successful fertilization. Synergid cells play a crucial role in attracting the pollen tube, while the central cell influences the direction of pollen tube growth, and the egg cell is responsible for preventing polyspermy, ensuring correct fertilization. The review also examines the role of the pollen tube in this communication, highlighting the mechanisms involved in its growth regulation, including the importance of pollen tube receptors, signal transduction pathways, cell wall dynamics, and ion homeostasis. The Ca2+ concentration gradient is identified as a key factor in guiding pollen tube growth toward the ovule. Moreover, the review briefly compares these communication processes in angiosperms with those in non-flowering plants, such as mosses, ferns, and early gymnosperms, providing evolutionary insights into gametophytic signaling. Overall, this review synthesizes the current understanding of male–female gametophyte interactions and outlines future directions for research in plant reproductive biology.
Pathogenesis and Clinical Characteristics of Hereditary Arrhythmia Diseases
Authors: Guo Shuang , Zha Lingfeng
Published: October 2024

Hereditary arrhythmias, as a class of cardiac electrophysiologic abnormalities caused mainly by genetic mutations, have gradually become one of the most important causes of sudden cardiac death in recent years. With the continuous development of genetics and molecular biology techniques, the study of inherited arrhythmias has made remarkable progress in the past few decades. More and more disease-causing genes are being identified, and there have been advances in the application of genetic testing for disease screening in individuals with disease and their family members. Determining more refined disease prevention strategies and therapeutic regimens that are tailored to the genetic characteristics and molecular pathogenesis of different groups or individuals forms the basis of individualized treatment. Understanding advances in the study of inherited arrhythmias provides important clues to better understand their pathogenesis and clinical features. This article provides a review of the pathophysiologic alterations caused by genetic variants and their relationship to disease phenotypes, including mainly cardiac ion channelopathies and cardiac conduction disorders.
Molecular Diagnosis of the Main Hemoparasites of Dairy Cows in the State of Ceará
Authors: Rodrigues Gilderlândio Pinheiro , Fernandes Beatriz Dantas , Araújo Bruno Vinicios Silva de , Costa Jaciara de Oliveira Jorge , Silva Milena Melo , Medeiros André de Macêdo , Marcili Arlei , Braga Juliana Fortes Vilarinho , Macedo Michelly Fernandes de
Published: October 2024

Background/Objectives: Trypanosomiasis and bovine babesiosis correspond to important diseases that cause great economic losses, but there are still no studies evaluating their occurrence in herds of dairy cattle in Ceará. The aim of this study was to perform molecular diagnosis of the main hemoparasites of dairy cows in the microregion of the central hinterland of Ceará. Methods: For the molecular diagnosis of parasites, genomic material was extracted and polymerase chain reaction directed to the cdCatL-like gene for Trypanossoma vivax and SS rRNA of Babesia bigemina and Babesia. bovis was performed. In addition, the mean corpuscular volume of the samples was evaluated. The data were statistically processed. Results: T. vivax was detected in 0.40% (1/246) of the samples, while B. bigemina and B. bovis were detected in 20.62% (33/160) and 11.87% (19/160) of the samples, respectively. It was found that there was a reduction in mean corpuscular volume in animals that presented with co-infection and those infected by B. bovis only, but not in those hosting B. bigemina alone. The variables “purchase of recent animals” and “tick control” had no association with or influence on B. bovis and/or B. bigemina infection. It was possible to identify epidemiologically important factors that may facilitate the transmission of trypanosoma to healthy animals, such as the recent purchase of animals and use of the same needle and syringe for oxytocin application. Conclusions: The pathogens studied were present in the evaluated population. Daily cow management practices can facilitate the transmission of the diseases they cause.
Comparative Study on Postoperative Immobilization in Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty: 4 Weeks vs. 6 Weeks of Immobilization Yields Similar Clinical and Functional Outcomes
Authors: Hochberger Felix , Wild Moritz Friedrich , Heinz Tizian , Rudert Maximilian , List Kilian
Published: October 2024

Background/Objectives: To investigate clinical and functional outcomes of patients undergoing reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA) using a rehabilitation protocol of either 4 or 6 weeks of immobilization. Methods: This comparative study analyzed a consecutive patient cohort that underwent RTSA in a single institute from January 2021–February 2023. Patients were assigned to groups according to the duration of postoperative immobilization and were followed up for a minimum of one year. Patient demographics, range of motion (ROM), functional outcomes using the Simple Shoulder Test (SST) and the American Shoulder and Elbow Score (ASES) as well as postoperative complications were recorded. The minimum clinically important difference (MCID) was used to assess whether the differences between the groups in SST, ASES, SWB, and VAS were clinically relevant. Results: Sixty patients met the inclusion criteria (35 patients in the 6-week immobilization group (6 WG) and 25 patients in the 4-week immobilization group (4 WG)) and were available for the total follow-up period. Similar baseline demographics were observed between the groups. Active ROM significantly improved for both groups, with abduction and forward flexion improving the most. In terms of functional outcomes, significant improvement (p < 0.001) was demonstrated for both groups (ASES, SST, VAS, and SWB). However, patients in the 4 WG reached significantly better results in VAS and SWB at 6 weeks and 3 months, as well as in ASES 3 months postoperatively, whereas both groups leveled off at the end of the follow-up period after 1 year. Taking into account the MCID, these differences for ASES at 3 months, as well as VAS and SWB at 6 weeks and 3 months postoperatively, were significant. Surprisingly, there were no differences between the groups over the entire follow-up period in terms of the SST. Conclusions: The author’s findings suggest faster clinical recovery at 6 weeks and 3 months in patients undergoing postoperative immobilization of 4 weeks compared to 6 weeks following RTSA. However, clinical and functional outcomes were equal for 4 WG and 6 WG at one year follow up.
Investigations on Spin Power Losses Generated in a Planetary Gear Set Using Thermal Network Method
Authors: Winger Marie , Marchesse Yann , Touret Thomas , Changenet Christophe , Ville Fabrice , Gédin Patrice
Published: October 2024

This paper introduces an experimental approach to study the distribution of power losses in an oil jet-lubricated planetary gear set, with the aim of increasing the efficiency of these gearboxes. A thermal model is developed to estimate power losses associated with temperature distribution. This model is applied to analyze experimental data collected from a dedicated test setup. Different configurations are studied to progressively validate the thermal network. In this paper, only a configuration composed of a rotating ring gear and a fixed planet carrier is studied. This configuration enables the validation of a thermal network developed from a basic configuration where power loss sources are not numerous. The study reveals that, for this configuration, load-independent power losses are primarily attributed to hydrodynamic losses in the bearings, while the gear windage effects are of second order. The power losses are then compared to those generated by the same planetary gear set but using a rotating planet carrier. The comparison shows that the configuration composed of the rotating ring gear and fixed planet carrier produces less power loss than the other configuration.
Material Model Fidelity Comparison for the Efficacy of Predicting Residual Stresses in L-PBF Additively Manufactured IN718 Components
Authors: Failla David P. , Dantin Matthew J. , Nguyen Chuyen J. , Priddy Matthew W.
Published: October 2024

Internal state variable models are well suited to predict the effects of an evolving microstructure as a result of metal-based additive manufacturing (MBAM) processes in components with complex features. As advanced manufacturing techniques such as MBAM become increasingly employed, accurate methods for predicting residual stresses are critical for insight into component performance. To this end, the evolving microstructural model of inelasticity (EMMI) is suited to modeling these residual stresses due to its ability to capture the evolution of rate- and temperature-dependent material hardening as a result of the rapid thermal cycling present in MBAM processes. The current effort contrasts the efficacy of using EMMI with an elastic–perfectly plastic (EPP) material model to predict the residual stresses for an Inconel 718 component produced via laser powder bed fusion (L-PBF). Both constitutive models are used within a thermo-mechanical finite element framework and are validated by published neutron diffraction measurements to demonstrate the need for higher-fidelity models to predict residual stresses in complex components. Both EPP and EMMI can qualitatively predict the residual stresses trends induced by the L-PBF local raster scanning effects on the component, but the influence of the temperature-dependent yield and lack of plastic strain hardening allowed EPP to perform similar to EMMI away from free surfaces. EMMI offered the most insight at the free surfaces and around critical component features, but this work also highlights EMMI as a process–property-dependent model that needs be calibrated to specimens produced with a similar reference structure for microstructure evolution effects to be accurately predicted.
Earlier Age at Menopause, Plasma Metabolome, and Risk of Premature Mortality
Authors: Yang Zeping , Huang Ninghao , Zhuang Zhenhuang , Jin Ming , Zhang Ziyi , Song Yimin , Cui Haoliang , Zhang Shan , Huang Tao , Liu Xiaojing , Li Nan
Published: October 2024

Background/Objectives: Menopause and related metabolites are associated with mortality. However, the relationship between earlier menopause, premature mortality, and the role of metabolomic signatures remains underexplored. This study investigated the association between earlier menopause and premature mortality, and the mediating effect of metabolomic signatures. Methods: This prospective cohort study used data from the UK Biobank, including 33,687 post-menopausal women aged 40–69 years. Age at menopause was obtained from a baseline self-reported questionnaire and analyzed both as a continuous variable and in categories (<40, 40–49, and ≥50 years). Premature mortality was defined as deaths before 75 years. Cox regression was used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs), and elastic net regression identified metabolomic signatures related to menopause age. Mediation analysis was conducted to assess the proportion of the association explained by the metabolomic signature. Results: During a median follow-up of 13.7 years, 1612 cases of premature mortality occurred. Compared to menopause at ≥50 years, earlier menopause (HR 1.17, 95% CI 1.04–1.30) and premature menopause (HR 1.60, 95% CI 1.28–2.00) were associated with higher risks of premature mortality. A metabolomic signature inversely associated with premature mortality (HR per SD increment, 0.79; 95% CI, 0.75–0.83) mediated 13.6% (95% CI, 1.9%–28.3%) of the association between earlier menopause and premature mortality. Conclusions: Earlier menopause is associated with an increased risk of premature mortality, partially mediated by a metabolomic signature related to age at menopause. These findings highlight the importance of metabolomic profiling in understanding menopause and mortality risks.
Development of a Low-Cost Sensor System for Accurate Soil Assessment and Biological Activity Profiling
Authors: Ruiz-Gonzalez Antonio , Kempson Harriet , Haseloff Jim
Published: October 2024

The development of low-cost tools for rapid soil assessment has become a crucial field due to the increasing demands in food production and carbon storage. However, current methods for soil evaluation are costly and cannot provide enough information about the quality of samples. This work reports for the first time a low-cost 3D printed device that can be used for soil classification as well as the study of biological activity. The system incorporated multiple physical and gas sensors for the characterisation of sample types and profiling of soil volatilome. Sensing data were obtained from 31 variables, including 18 individual light wavelengths that could be used to determine seed germination rates of tomato plants. A machine learning algorithm was trained using the data obtained by characterising 75 different soil samples. The algorithm could predict seed germination rates with high accuracy (RSMLE = 0.01, and R2 = 0.99), enabling an objective and non-invasive study of the impact of multiple environmental parameters in soil quality. To allow for a more complete profiling of soil biological activity, molecular imprinted-based fine particles were designed to quantify tryptophol, a quorum-sensing signalling molecule commonly used by fungal populations. This device could quantify the concentration of tryptophol down to 10 nM, offering the possibility of studying the interactions between fungi and bacterial populations. The final device could monitor the growth of microbial populations in soil, and offering an accurate assessment of quality at a low cost, impacting germination rates by incorporating hybrid data from the microsensors.
CO2 Utilization and Sequestration in Organic and Inorganic Nanopores During Depressurization and Huff-n-Puff Process
Authors: Guo Jiadong , Kong Shaoqi , Li Kunjie , Ren Guoan , Yang Tao , Dong Kui , Liu Yueliang
Published: October 2024

CO2 injection in shale reservoirs is more suitable than the conventional recovering methods due to its easier injectivity and higher sweep efficiency. In this work, Grand Canonical Monte Carlo (GCMC) simulation is employed to investigate the adsorption/desorption behavior of CH4-C4H10 and CH4-C4H10-CO2 mixtures in organic and inorganic nanopores during pressure drawdown and CO2 huff and puff processes. The huff and puff process involves injecting CO2 into the micro- and mesopores, where the system pressure is increased during the huffing process and decreased during the puffing process. The fundamental mechanism of shale gas recovery using the CO2 injection method is thereby revealed from the nanopore-scale perspective. During primary gas production, CH4 is more likely to be produced as the reservoir pressure drops. On the contrary, C4H10 tends to be trapped in these organic nanopores and is hard to extract, especially from micropores and inorganic pores. During the CO2 huffing period, the adsorbed CH4 and C4H10 are recovered efficiently from the inorganic mesopores. On the contrary, the adsorbed C4H10 is slightly extracted from the inorganic micropores during the CO2 puffing period. During the CO2 puff process, the adsorbed CH4 desorbs from the pore surface and is thus heavily recovered, while the adsorbed C4H10 cannot be readily produced. During CO2 huff and puff, the recovery efficiency of CH4 is higher in the organic pores than that in the inorganic pores. More importantly, the recovery efficiency of C4H10 reaches the highest levels in both the inorganic and organic pores during the CO2 huff and puff process, suggesting that the CO2 huff and puff method is more advanced for heavier hydrocarbon recovery compared to the pressure drawdown method. In addition to CO2 storage, CO2 sequestration in the adsorbed state is safer than that in the free state. In our work, it was found that the high content of organic matter, high pressure, and small pores are beneficial factors for CO2 sequestration transforming into adsorbed state storage.
Evaluation of a Comprehensive Approach for the Development of the Field E* Master Curve Using NDT Data
Authors: Georgouli Konstantina , Plati Christina , Loizos Andreas
Published: October 2024

Non-destructive testing (NDT) systems are essential tools and are widely used for assessing the condition and structural integrity of pavement structures without causing any damage. They are cost-effective, provide comprehensive data, and are time efficient. The bearing capacity and structural condition of a flexible pavement depends on several interrelated factors, with asphalt layers stiffness being dominant. Since asphalt mix is a viscoelastic material, its performance can be fully captured by the dynamic modulus master curve. However, in terms of evaluating an in-service pavement, although a dynamic load is applied and the time history of deflections is recorded during testing of FWD, only the peak deflection is considered in the analysis. Therefore, the modulus of stiffness estimated by backcalculation is the modulus of elasticity. While several methods have been introduced for the determination of the field dynamic modulus master curve, the MEPDG approach provides significant advantages in terms of transparency and robustness. This study focuses on evaluating the methodology’s accuracy through an experimental study. The data analysis and validation process showed that routine measurements with the FWD and GPR, within the framework of a pavement monitoring system, can provide valuable input parameters for the evaluation of in-service pavements.
The Burden of Food Insecurity on Quality of Life in Adults with Diabetes
Authors: Walker Rebekah J. , Egede Joshua K. , Thorgerson Abigail , Mosley-Johnson Elise , Campbell Jennifer A. , Egede Leonard E.
Published: October 2024

Background: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between food insecurity and physical- and mental-health-related quality of life in adults with diabetes. Methods: Using two years of national Medical Expenditure Panel Survey data (2016–2017), we investigated the relationship between food insecurity and physical-health-related (PCS) and mental-health-related (MCS) quality of life in adults with diabetes. PCS and MCS were measured with the Short-Form 12 health survey and food insecurity was measured with the USDA 10-item adult scale. Analyses were weighted to represent the US adult population. Adjusted linear regression models, including covariates of age, gender, education, race/ethnicity, marital status, region, poverty level, employment status, health insurance, and comorbidities were used. Results: After adjustment, food-insecure adults with diabetes maintained significantly lower quality of life compared to food-secure adults with diabetes (PCS: −3.44, 95%CI −4.63, −2.25; MCS: −5.37, 95%CI −6.68, −4.06). This drop in PCS was larger than the drop for chronic conditions, including arthritis (−3.77, 95%CI −5.02, −2.52), emphysema (−2.82, 95%CI −5.12, −0.53), stroke (−2.63, 95%CI −4.11, −1.15), cancer (−2.59, 95%CI −4.00, −1.17), and heart attack (2.58, 95%CI 4.68, 0.48). Similarly, the drop for MCS was larger than for chronic pain (−2.37, 95%CI −3.24, −1.50) and arthritis (−1.31, 95%CI −2.28, −0.33). Conclusions: Food insecurity was associated with a significant reduction in both physical- and mental-health-related quality of life in adults with diabetes, with a magnitude of effect greater than adjusted estimates for the drop in quality of life for key chronic conditions. Addressing food insecurity through integration of social and medical care may lead to improvements in quality of life for adults with diabetes.
Selective Feeding—An Under-Recognised Contributor to Picky Eating
Authors: Chiong Terri X. B. , Tan Michelle L. N. , Lim Tammy S. H. , Quak Seng Hock , Aw Marion M.
Published: October 2024

Background: Amongst children presenting to an interdisciplinary clinic with complaints of picky eating, we aim to identify the proportion who have underlying selective feeding and to describe its implications on growth and nutrition, as well as parental coping responses. Methods: We conducted a retrospective chart review of first-visit consults from January 2020 to July 2022. Caregiver and child mealtime behaviours were assessed using the standardised Caregiver’s Feeding Styles Questionnaire (CFSQ) and by direct observation. Caloric intake and oromotor skills were assessed by dietitians and speech therapists, respectively. Medical concerns were addressed by the doctor. Results: Out of 152 children referred for concerns of “picky eating”, 128 (84.2%) were diagnosed as having selective eating, while the rest were diagnosed with delayed oromotor skills, poor appetite, oral aversion and 4 were deemed to have normal feeding behaviour for their age. Of the 128 selective eaters, 67 (52%) children had comorbidities such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD) (n = 59), attention-deficit/hyperactivity (ADHD) (n = 2) and underlying medical conditions (n = 6). The remaining 61 children were “otherwise well”. Of the “otherwise well” children, 47.5% had inadequate caloric intake and 31% had failure to thrive. The commonest feeding style among caregivers of “otherwise well” picky eaters was authoritarian (36%). The majority (80%) of these caregivers also experienced helplessness. Conclusions: We conclude that picky eating in young children is a symptom with several possible underlying aetiologies. It is associated with nutritional consequences for the child and significant stress on caregivers. Being able to recognise those who need referral for specialist intervention and multidisciplinary management (such as selective feeding and delayed oromotor skills) would be important.
Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles and Gold Nanoparticles Used as Biosensors for the Detection of Human Serum Albumin-Diagnosed Kidney Disease
Authors: Thongwattana Tiarpa , Chaiyo Ronnakorn , Ponsanti Khanittha , Tangnorawich Benchamaporn , Pratumpong Patcharee , Toommee Surachet , Jenjob Ratchapol , Yang Su-Geun , Parcharoen Yardnapar , Natphopsuk Sitakan , Pechyen Chiravoot
Published: October 2024

Background/Objectives: This study aims to develop a screen-printed carbon electrode (SPCE) modified with silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) for the detection of human serum albumin (HSA). The objectives include utilizing green synthesis methods for nanoparticle production and evaluating the electrochemical performance of the modified electrodes. Methods: AgNPs and AuNPs were synthesized using Phulae pineapple peel extract (PPA) as a reducing agent. The nanoparticles were characterized using UV-visible spectrophotometry (UV-vis), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The electrochemical performance of AgNP/SPCE and AuNP/SPCE was assessed by cyclic voltammetry (CV) studies, and the electrodes were functionalized with anti-HSA antibodies for HSA detection. Results: Characterization revealed spherical nanoparticles ranging from 10 to 30 nm. Both AgNP/SPCE and AuNP/SPCE demonstrated improved electrochemical performance compared to bare SPCEs. The modified sensors could detect serum albumin concentrations from 10 to 400 μg/mL, with high correlation values of 0.97 and 0.99 for AgNPs and AuNPs, respectively. Conclusions: This research demonstrates the potential of using agricultural waste for green synthesis of nanoparticles and highlights the application of AgNPs and AuNPs in developing sensitive biosensing platforms for the detection of human serum albumin.
Advice to the FDA to Improve Its Proposed Guidelines to Rationalize Clinical Trials by Restricting Placebo Control, Preventing Low-Powered Studies, and Disallowing Studies Where Bioavailability Is Not Proven
Authors: Niazi Sarfaraz K.
Published: October 2024

Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are the gold standard for testing the safety and efficacy of new drugs and biologicals. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has proactively improved the trial designs to make them scientifically rational while avoiding unnecessary human exposure. Several new guidelines by the FDA have come in 2024 that address consolidating the RCTs with the Real-World Evidence (RWE) trials, decentralizing the testing platforms, and allowing the point-of-use clinicians to participate. However, the issue of placebo control remains, which is part of RCTs, and it should be reduced or removed given the organic impact of placebo that compounds the efficacy evaluation (explanatory trials), as opposed to effectiveness trials (pragmatic trials), which measure the degree of beneficial effects in “real-world” clinical settings. Additionally, clinical trials with low study power should be allowed, and when the proof of bioavailability at the site of action is not present, it should be removed. It is advised that the FDA issue a comprehensive guideline to consolidate its several guidelines and consider the role of placebo in making drug development a more affordable exercise while meeting the requirement to minimize the abuse of humans in such trials.
Insights into the Incidence, Course, and Management of Lithium-Induced Hypothyroidism in Real-World Psychiatric Practice in Italy
Authors: Pardossi Simone , Pinzi Mario , Cattolico Matteo , Rescalli Maria Beatrice , Nicchi Lorenzo , Tuci Benedetta , Mariantoni Elisa , Cuomo Alessandro
Published: October 2024

Background: Lithium is a cornerstone in the treatment of bipolar disorder (BD). However, lithium use requires careful monitoring of thyroid function due to associated dysfunctions. The aim of our real-world study is to retrospectively evaluate the impact of lithium on thyroid function and how these thyroid alterations can be measured and managed. Methods: A retrospective observational study was performed on 150 patients with BD who started lithium treatment at the University Hospital of Siena. Thyroid function was assessed at baseline and after the introduction of lithium by measuring TSH, T3, and T4 levels at baseline and after 3, 6, 9, and 12 months, during which changes in psychiatric symptoms were also evaluated using specific psychometric scales. Results: Significant increases in TSH levels were observed at 3 and 6 months, while T3 and T4 levels decreased significantly at 3 months. Transient thyroid dysfunction occurred in 36.7% of patients, but normalized without the discontinuation of lithium or need for thyroid replacement therapy in most cases; however, replacement therapy was initiated in 8.7% of patients. There were no significant differences in treatment response between patients with and without thyroid abnormalities, as the abnormalities were transient or resolved. Conclusions: In our sample, lithium induced some cases of hypothyroidism, which, being transient or corrected with replacement therapy, did not interfere with symptomatic improvement. These findings underscore the necessity for continuous thyroid function monitoring during lithium therapy. Clinicians should be prepared to initiate thyroid replacement therapy, when necessary, as timely management can prevent the interruption of lithium treatment and ensure ongoing symptomatic improvement in BD patients. Future studies could include larger and more diverse populations to validate these findings further, extending the follow-up period beyond 12 months to better observe long-term thyroid function trends and management outcomes.
Potential Protective Effect of Orlistat: A Formulation of Nanocrystals Targeting Inflammation, Oxidative Stress, and Apoptosis in an Experimental Model of Doxorubicin-Induced Cardiotoxicity
Authors: Alsunbul Maha , El-Masry Thanaa A. , El Zahaby Enas I. , Gaballa Mohamed M. S. , El-Nagar Maysa M. F.
Published: October 2024

Background: Doxorubicin (DOX) is a widely used chemotherapeutic agent; nevertheless, cardiotoxicity limits its effectiveness. Orlistat (Orli) is an irreversible lipase enzyme inhibitor with poor solubility and bioavailability. Furthermore, Orli has a favorable impact on the decrease in cardiometabolic risk variables. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the novel use of Orlistat Nanocrystals (Orli-Nanocrystals) to mitigate DOX-induced cardiotoxicity and to identify probable pathways behind the cardioprotective effects. Methods: The pharmacokinetic parameters—area under % dose/g heart time curve (AUC0→4h), Drug targeting index (DTI), and relative targeting efficiency (RTE)—were calculated. Furthermore, experimental design mice were categorized into six groups: a (1) Normal control group, (2) Orli-Free group, (3) Orli-Nanocrystals group, (4) DOX group, (5) Orli-Free-DOX group, and (6) Orli-Nanocrystals-DOX group. All treatments were intraperitoneally injected once daily for 14 days with a single dose of DOX (15 mg/kg) on the 12th day for 4, 5, and 6 groups. Results: The pharmacokinetic parameters (Cmax, AUC) following oral administration of Orli-Nanocrystals presented a significant difference (higher values) in comparison to Orli due to the enhanced extent of the absorption of nanocrystals and, subsequently, their distribution to the heart. The study results indicated that DOX caused significant cardiotoxicity, as revealed by a remarkable rise in cardiac function biomarkers like LDH and CK-MB, which involve enzyme activities. Additionally, cardiac MDA content also increased; however, glutathione peroxidase, catalase, and superoxide dismutase activities were decreased. In the same context, DOX was found to have a remarkable downregulation in Nrf2, HO-1, Sirt-1, and Bcl2, while the upregulation of NF-κB, TNF-α, and BAX gene and protein expression occurred. Pretreatment with Orli-Nanocrystals displayed the most notable recovery of the altered immunohistochemical, histological, and biochemical characteristics as compared to the Orli-Free group. Conclusions: This work is the first investigation into the potential use of antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic characteristics of Orli-Nanocrystals to protect against DOX-induced cardiotoxicity in vivo.
Advances in the Oral Administration of Somatostatin Receptor Ligands in Acromegaly: A Systematic Review Focusing on Biochemical Response
Authors: Reverdiau Clémence , Denimal Damien
Published: October 2024

Recent advances in pharmaceutical technology, aimed at overcoming poor drug permeation across the intestinal–epithelial membrane and the challenges posed by the acidic gastrointestinal environment, have led to the development of orally administered somatostatin receptor ligands (SRLs). This development represents a promising step forward in the management of acromegaly, offering an alternative to the limitations associated with injectable SRLs. Several key clinical findings have emerged in the past two years, notably including the results from the extension phase of the MPOWERED trial, which evaluated oral octreotide capsules (OOCs), and the placebo-controlled PATHFNDR-1 trial using paltusotine. This prompted us to conduct a systematic review of the literature focusing on the efficacy of oral SRLs in controlling acromegaly, based on biochemical response. Of the 136 reports identified through our search on Medline and ClinicalTrials.gov, twelve were included, encompassing data from five interventional trials. Both OOCs and paltusotine demonstrated the ability to maintain biochemical control in patients previously controlled with injectable SRLs. While long-term maintenance was confirmed for OOCs, no data are yet available for paltusotine. Several gaps remain, such as the need for head-to-head comparisons between OOCs and paltusotine, and clinical trials in patients who have not received prior injectable SRL treatment.