bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mapping cooperation: insights into Colombia's humanitarian response to migration from Venezuela
Authors: Romero Liss Dayana , Padilla Jose J. , Palacio Katherine , Frydenlund Erika
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Since 2015, Colombia has faced a significant humanitarian challenge, receiving 2.9 million displaced Venezuelans. This study examines organizational cooperation in the humanitarian response to this migration crisis, aiming to understand the coordination dynamics among key organizations and actors.

Methods

Our research combined interviews and web scraping to gather data on key actors and their relationships in the humanitarian response. We employed Social Network Analysis (SNA) to examine these relationships and the collaborative strategies among entities, focusing on how they address the migration challenges.

Results

The results indicate that cooperation occurred through mediated channels, where established NGOs collaborated via coordination mechanisms established by international non-governmental organizations (INGOs), often involving diaspora volunteer-based organizations and through ad-hoc coordination. We also identified that organizations specializing in specific activities often exhibited limited coordination with others operating in the same sector. Lastly, the results suggest that coordination mechanisms played a crucial role in driving activities and facilitating the diversification of responses, partly through allocating financial resources.

Discussion

This study contributes to the humanitarian aid and migration literature, focusing on Colombia's migration response. It employs a mixed-methods approach, including Social Network Analysis (SNA), to explore the dynamics within humanitarian networks. It highlights the role of the Venezuelan diaspora NGOs, challenging the conventional view of migrants solely as aid recipients. The research uncovers the complex roles of intermediaries and coordination mechanisms, offering new insights into constructing effective humanitarian network structures. It advocates for a collaborative and inclusive approach to managing migration situations.
Interferon autoantibodies as signals of a sick thymus
Authors: Oftedal Bergithe E. , Sjøgren Thea , Wolff Anette S. B.
Published: February 2024

Type I interferons (IFN-I) are key immune messenger molecules that play an important role in viral defense. They act as a bridge between microbe sensing, immune function magnitude, and adaptive immunity to fight infections, and they must therefore be tightly regulated. It has become increasingly evident that thymic irregularities and mutations in immune genes affecting thymic tolerance can lead to the production of IFN-I autoantibodies (autoAbs). Whether these biomarkers affect the immune system or tissue integrity of the host is still controversial, but new data show that IFN-I autoAbs may increase susceptibility to severe disease caused by certain viruses, including SARS-CoV-2, herpes zoster, and varicella pneumonia. In this article, we will elaborate on disorders that have been identified with IFN-I autoAbs, discuss models of how tolerance to IFN-Is is lost, and explain the consequences for the host.
Vitreous Olink proteomics reveals inflammatory biomarkers for diagnosis and prognosis of traumatic proliferative vitreoretinopathy
Authors: Guo Haixia , Wang Tian , Yu Jinguo , Shi Zhemin , Liang Minghui , Chen Siyue , He Tiangeng , Yan Hua
Published: February 2024

Background

The aim of this study was to identify inflammatory biomarkers in traumatic proliferative vitreoretinopathy (TPVR) patients and further validate the expression curve of particular biomarkers in the rabbit TPVR model.

Methods

The Olink Inflammation Panel was used to compare the differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) in the vitreous of TPVR patients 7–14 days after open globe injury (OGI) (N = 19) and macular hole patients (N = 22), followed by correlation analysis between DEPs and clinical signs, protein–protein interaction (PPI) analysis, area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) analysis, and function enrichment analysis. A TPVR rabbit model was established and expression levels of candidate interleukin family members (IL-6, IL-7, and IL-33) were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) at 0, 1, 3, 7, 10, 14, and 28 days after OGI.

Results

Forty-eight DEPs were detected between the two groups. Correlation analysis showed that CXCL5, EN-RAGE, IL-7, ADA, CD5, CCL25, CASP8, TWEAK, and IL-33 were significantly correlated with clinical signs including ocular wound characteristics, PVR scoring, PVR recurrence, and final visual acuity (R = 0.467–0.699, p < 0.05), and all with optimal AUC values (0.7344–1). Correlations between DEP analysis and PPI analysis further verified that IL-6, IL-7, IL-8, IL-33, HGF, and CXCL5 were highly interactive (combined score: 0.669–0.983). These DEPs were enriched in novel pathways such as cancer signaling pathway (N = 14, p < 0.000). Vitreous levels of IL-6, IL-7, and IL-33 in the rabbit TPVR model displayed consistency with the trend in Olink data, all exhibiting marked differential expression 1 day following the OGI.

Conclusion

IL-7, IL-33, EN-RAGE, TWEAK, CXCL5, and CD5 may be potential biomarkers for TPVR pathogenesis and prognosis, and early post-injury may be an ideal time for TPVR intervention targeting interleukin family biomarkers.
Dynamic interactions in the tumor niche: how the cross-talk between CAFs and the tumor microenvironment impacts resistance to therapy
Authors: Piwocka Oliwia , Piotrowski Igor , Suchorska Wiktoria M. , Kulcenty Katarzyna
Published: February 2024

The tumor microenvironment (TME) is a complex ecosystem of cells, signaling molecules, and extracellular matrix components that profoundly influence cancer progression. Among the key players in the TME, cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) have gained increasing attention for their diverse and influential roles. CAFs are activated fibroblasts found abundantly within the TME of various cancer types. CAFs contribute significantly to tumor progression by promoting angiogenesis, remodeling the extracellular matrix, and modulating immune cell infiltration. In order to influence the microenvironment, CAFs engage in cross-talk with immune cells, cancer cells, and other stromal components through paracrine signaling and direct cell-cell interactions. This cross-talk can result in immunosuppression, tumor cell proliferation, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition, contributing to disease progression. Emerging evidence suggests that CAFs play a crucial role in therapy resistance, including resistance to chemotherapy and radiotherapy. CAFs can modulate the tumor response to treatment by secreting factors that promote drug efflux, enhance DNA repair mechanisms, and suppress apoptosis pathways. This paper aims to understand the multifaceted functions of CAFs within the TME, discusses cross-talk between CAFs with other TME cells, and sheds light on the contibution of CAFs to therapy resistance. Targeting CAFs or disrupting their cross-talk with other cells holds promise for overcoming drug resistance and improving the treatment efficacy of various cancer types.
Management of essential tremor deep brain stimulation-induced side effects
Authors: Martinez-Nunez Alfonso Enrique , Sarmento Filipe P. , Chandra Vyshak , Hess Christopher William , Hilliard Justin David , Okun Michael S. , Wong Joshua K.
Published: February 2024

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is an effective surgical therapy for carefully selected patients with medication refractory essential tremor (ET). The most popular anatomical targets for ET DBS are the ventral intermedius nucleus (VIM) of the thalamus, the caudal zona incerta (cZI) and the posterior subthalamic area (PSA). Despite extensive knowledge in DBS programming for tremor suppression, it is not uncommon to experience stimulation induced side effects related to DBS therapy. Dysarthria, dysphagia, ataxia, and gait impairment are common stimulation induced side effects from modulation of brain tissue that surround the target of interest. In this review, we explore current evidence about the etiology of stimulation induced side effects in ET DBS and provide several evidence-based strategies to troubleshoot, reprogram and retain tremor suppression.
Prognostic value of bioelectrical impedance analysis in head and neck cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy: a VALOR® study
Authors: Prior-Sánchez Inmaculada , Herrera-Martínez Aura Dulcinea , Zarco-Martín María Teresa , Fernández-Jiménez Rocío , Gonzalo-Marín Montserrat , Muñoz-Garach Araceli , Vilchez-López Francisco Javier , Cayón-Blanco Manuel , Villarrubia-Pozo Ana , Muñoz-Jiménez Concepción , Zarco-Rodríguez Felisa Pilar , Rabat-Restrepo Juana María , Luengo-Pérez Luis Miguel , Boughanem Hatim , Martínez-Ramírez María José , García-Almeida Jose Manuel
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) serves as a method to estimate body composition. Parameters such as phase angle (PA), standardized phase angle (SPA), body mass cell (BCM), BCM index (BCMI), and fat-free mass (FFM) might significantly impact the prognosis of head and neck cancer (HNC) patients. The present study aimed to investigate whether bioelectrical parameters can be used to predict survival in the HNC population and establish the optimal cutoff points for predictive accuracy.

Methods

A multicenter observational study was performed across 12 tertiary hospitals in Andalusia (a region from the south of Spain). A total of 494 patients diagnosed with HNC between 2020 and 2022 at different stages were included in this study, with a minimum follow-up period of 12 months. The BIA assessment was carried out during the first 2 weeks of radical radiotherapy treatment with chemotherapy or other systemic treatments. A multivariate logistic regression analysis of overall survival, complications, hospital admission, and palliative care and its relationship with BIA nutritional assessment was performed.

Results

Significant prognostic factors identified in the multivariable analysis encompassed phase angle (PA), standardized phase angle (SPA), body cell mass (BCM), and BCM index (BCMI). Lower PA and BCM values were significantly associated with adverse clinical outcomes. A BCM threshold above 17 kg/m2 was the most significant predictor for predicting survival within the overall HNC population. The PA values of <5.1° in male and <4.8° in female patients showed the best predictive potential for mortality. Increased PA (as a continuous variable) demonstrated a significantly reduced risk for mortality (OR, 0.64; 95% CI, 0.43–0.94; p < 0.05) and a decreased likelihood of hospital admission (OR, 0.75; 95% CI, 0.52–1.07; p < 0.05). Higher BCM correlated with a lower risk of mortality (OR, 0.88; 95% CI, 0.80–0.96; p < 0.01) and a diminished probability of hospital admission (OR, 0.91; 95% CI, 0.83–0.99; p < 0.05).

Conclusion

BIA is a crucial tool in the nutritional assessment of HNC patients. BCM and PA are the main bioelectrical parameters used to predict clinical outcomes in this population. Future studies are needed to validate BIA variables in a large cohort to ensure whether early intensification of nutritional treatment would improve survival.
Aplastic anemia secondary to adjuvant Osimertinib therapy: a case report and a review of literature
Authors: Abdalhadi Ahmed , Omar Nabil E. , Kohla Samah , Aakel Hassan , Ekeibed Yeslem , Mohsen Reyad
Published: February 2024

Aplastic anemia is a rare hematological disorder characterized by suppressed hematopoiesis and pancytopenia. Although several drugs have been associated with aplastic anemia, its occurrence in response to Osimertinib, a third-generation epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI), is extremely rare. We present a case report of a 63-year-old patient with locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who developed aplastic anemia following adjuvant treatment with Osimertinib. Extensive investigations ruled out infectious etiology, and the absence of bone marrow involvement or other identifiable causes suggested a drug-induced etiology, specifically Osimertinib. This case report emphasizes the importance of recognizing this adverse event and considering it as a potential complication of Osimertinib therapy. Vigilant monitoring and prompt management are essential for optimizing patient outcomes. Further studies are needed to better understand the risk factors, underlying mechanisms, and management strategies for Osimertinib-induced aplastic anemia in the adjuvant settings.
Over-investigation and overtreatment in pediatrics: a survey from the European Academy of Paediatrics and Japan Pediatric Society
Authors: Jankauskaite Lina , Wyder Corinne , del Torso Stefano , Mamenko Marina , Trapani Sandra , Grossman Zachi , Hadjipanayis Adamos , Geitmann Karin , Matsui Hikoro , Saitoh Akihiko , Isayama Tetsuya , Karara Nora , Montemaggi Alessandra , Ud Din Farhan Saleem , Størdal Ketil
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Avoiding over-investigation and overtreatment in health care is a challenge for clinicians across the world, prompting the international Choosing Wisely campaign. Lists of recommendations regarding medical overactivity are helpful tools to guide clinicians and quality improvement initiatives. We aimed to identify the most frequent and important clinical challenges related to pediatric medical overactivity in Europe and Japan. Based on the results, we aim to establish a (European) list of Choosing Wisely recommendations.

Methods

In an online survey, clinicians responsible for child health care in Europe and Japan were invited to rate 18 predefined examples of medical overactivity. This list was compiled by a specific strategic advisory group belonging to the European Academy of Paediatrics (EAP). Participants were asked to rate on a Likert scale (5 as the most frequent/important) according to how frequent these examples were in their working environment, and how important they were considered for change in practice.

Results

Of 2,716 physicians who completed the survey, 93% (n = 2,524) came from 17 countries, Japan (n = 549) being the largest contributor. Pediatricians or pediatric residents comprised 89%, and 51% had 10–30 years of clinical experience. Cough and cold medicines, and inhaled drugs in bronchiolitis were ranked as the most frequent (3.18 and 3.07 on the Likert scale, respectively), followed by intravenous antibiotics for a predefined duration (3.01), antibiotics in uncomplicated acute otitis media (2.96) and in well-appearing newborns. Regarding importance, the above-mentioned five topics in addition to two other examples of antibiotic overtreatment were among the top 10. Also, IgE tests for food allergies without relevant medical history and acid blockers for infant GER were ranked high.

Conclusion

Overtreatment with antibiotics together with cough/cold medicines and inhaled drugs in bronchiolitis were rated as the most frequent and important examples of overtreatment across countries in Europe and Japan.
Protein pyrophosphorylation by inositol phosphates: a novel post-translational modification in plants?
Authors: Mihiret Yeshambel Emewodih , Schaaf Gabriel , Kamleitner Marília
Published: February 2024

Inositol pyrophosphates (PP-InsPs) are energy-rich molecules harboring one or more diphosphate moieties. PP-InsPs are found in all eukaryotes evaluated and their functional versatility is reflected in the various cellular events in which they take part. These include, among others, insulin signaling and intracellular trafficking in mammals, as well as innate immunity and hormone and phosphate signaling in plants. The molecular mechanisms by which PP-InsPs exert such functions are proposed to rely on the allosteric regulation via direct binding to proteins, by competing with other ligands, or by protein pyrophosphorylation. The latter is the focus of this review, where we outline a historical perspective surrounding the first findings, almost 20 years ago, that certain proteins can be phosphorylated by PP-InsPs in vitro. Strikingly, in vitro phosphorylation occurs by an apparent enzyme-independent but Mg2+-dependent transfer of the β-phosphoryl group of an inositol pyrophosphate to an already phosphorylated serine residue at Glu/Asp-rich protein regions. Ribosome biogenesis, vesicle trafficking and transcription are among the cellular events suggested to be modulated by protein pyrophosphorylation in yeast and mammals. Here we discuss the latest efforts in identifying targets of protein pyrophosphorylation, pointing out the methodological challenges that have hindered the full understanding of this unique post-translational modification, and focusing on the latest advances in mass spectrometry that finally provided convincing evidence that PP-InsP-mediated pyrophosphorylation also occurs in vivo. We also speculate about the relevance of this post-translational modification in plants in a discussion centered around the protein kinase CK2, whose activity is critical for pyrophosphorylation of animal and yeast proteins. This enzyme is widely present in plant species and several of its functions overlap with those of PP-InsPs. Until now, there is virtually no data on pyrophosphorylation of plant proteins, which is an exciting field that remains to be explored.
Anxiety and depression among cancer patients in Ethiopia: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Geremew Habtamu , Abdisa Samuel , Mazengia Elyas Melaku , Tilahun Werkneh Melkie , Haimanot Aysheshim Belaineh , Tesfie Tigabu Kidie , Mneneh Anteneh Lamesgen , Mengie Muluye Gebrie , Endalew Bekalu , Birhanu Molla Yigzaw , Asmare Lakew , Simegn Mulat Belay
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Anxiety and depression are among the common comorbidities of people diagnosed with cancer. However, despite the progress in therapeutic options and outcomes, mental health care and support have lagged behind for cancer patients. Estimating the extent and determinants of mental health disorders among cancer patients is crucial to alert concerned bodies for action. In view of this, we aimed to determine the pooled prevalence and determinants of anxiety and depression among cancer patients in Ethiopia.

Methods

Relevant literatures were searched on PubMed, African Journals Online, Hinari, Epistemonikos, Scopus, EMBASE, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, and Gray literature sources. Data were extracted into an Excel spreadsheet and analyzed using STATA 17 statistical software. The random effect model was used to summarize the pooled effect sizes with their respective 95% confidence intervals. The I2 statistics and Egger’s regression test in conjunction with the funnel plot were utilized to evaluate heterogeneity and publication bias among included studies respectively.

Results

A total of 17 studies with 5,592 participants were considered in this review. The pooled prevalence of anxiety and depression among cancer patients in Ethiopia were 45.10% (95% CI: 36.74, 53.45) and 42.96% (95% CI: 34.98, 50.93), respectively. Primary and above education (OR= 0.76, 95% CI: 0.60, 0.97), poor social support (OR= 2.27, 95% CI: 1.29, 3.98), occupational status (OR= 0.59; 95% CI: 0.43, 0.82), advanced cancer stage (OR= 2.19, 95% CI: 1.38, 3.47), comorbid illness (OR= 1.67; 95% CI: 1.09, 2.58) and poor sleep quality (OR= 11.34, 95% CI: 6.47, 19.89) were significantly associated with depression. Whereas, advanced cancer stage (OR= 1.59, 95% CI: 1.15, 2.20) and poor sleep quality (OR= 12.56, 95% CI: 6.4 1, 24.62) were the factors associated with anxiety.

Conclusion

This meta-analysis indicated that a substantial proportion of cancer patients suffer from anxiety and depression in Ethiopia. Educational status, occupational status, social support, cancer stage, comorbid illness and sleep quality were significantly associated with depression. Whereas, anxiety was predicted by cancer stage and sleep quality. Thus, the provision of comprehensive mental health support as a constituent of chronic cancer care is crucial to mitigate the impact and occurrence of anxiety and depression among cancer patients. Besides, families and the community should strengthen social support for cancer patients.

Systematic Review Registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, identifier CRD42023468621.
Algorithmic and sensor-based research on Chinese children’s and adolescents’ screen use behavior and light environment
Authors: Wang Jifang , Shen Yang , Zhao Jing , Wang Xiaoying , Chen Zhi , Han Tian , Huang Yangyi , Wang Yuliang , Zhao Wuxiao , Wen Wen , Zhou Xingtao , Xu Ye
Published: February 2024

Background

Myopia poses a global health concern and is influenced by both genetic and environmental factors. The incidence of myopia tends to increase during infectious outbreaks, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. This study examined the screen-time behaviors among Chinese children and adolescents and investigated the efficacy of artificial intelligence (AI)-based alerts in modifying screen-time practices.

Methods

A cross-sectional analysis was performed using data from 6,716 children and adolescents with AI-enhanced tablets that monitored and recorded their behavior and environmental light during screen time.

Results

The median daily screen time of all participants was 58.82 min. Among all age groups, elementary-school students had the longest median daily screen time, which was 87.25 min and exceeded 4 h per week. Children younger than 2 years engaged with tablets for a median of 41.84 min per day. Learning accounted for 54.88% of participants’ screen time, and 51.03% (3,390/6,643) of the participants used tablets for 1 h at an average distance <50 cm. The distance and posture alarms were triggered 807,355 and 509,199 times, respectively. In the study, 70.65% of the participants used the tablet under an illuminance of <300 lux during the day and 61.11% under an illuminance of <100 lux at night. The ambient light of 85.19% of the participants exceeded 4,000 K color temperature during night. Most incorrect viewing habits (65.49% in viewing distance; 86.48% in viewing posture) were rectified swiftly following AI notifications (all p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Young children are increasingly using digital screens, with school-age children and adolescents showing longer screen time than preschoolers. The study highlighted inadequate lighting conditions during screen use. AI alerts proved effective in prompting users to correct their screen-related behavior promptly.
Use of Hydrogen Peroxide Vapour for Microbiological Disinfection in Hospital Environments: A Review
Authors: Ayub Aaqib , Cheong Yuen Ki , Castro Jesus Calvo , Cumberlege Oliver , Chrysanthou Andreas
Published: February 2024

Disinfection of nosocomial pathogens in hospitals is crucial to combat healthcare-acquired infections, which can be acquired by patients, visitors and healthcare workers. However, the presence of a wide range of pathogens and biofilms, combined with the indiscriminate use of antibiotics, presents infection control teams in healthcare facilities with ongoing challenges in the selection of biocides and application methods. This necessitates the development of biocides and innovative disinfection methods that overcome the shortcomings of conventional methods. This comprehensive review finds the use of hydrogen peroxide vapour to be a superior alternative to conventional methods. Motivated by observations in previous studies, herein, we provide a comprehensive overview on the utilisation of hydrogen peroxide vapour as a superior high-level disinfection alternative in hospital settings. This review finds hydrogen peroxide vapour to be very close to an ideal disinfectant due to its proven efficacy against a wide range of microorganisms, safety to use, lack of toxicity concerns and good material compatibility. The superiority of hydrogen peroxide vapour was recently demonstrated in the case of decontamination of N95/FFP2 masks for reuse to address the critical shortage caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) during the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the significant number of studies demonstrating antimicrobial activity, there remains a need to critically understand the mechanism of action by performing studies that simultaneously measure damage to all bacterial cell components and assess the correlation of this damage with a reduction in viable cell count. This can lead to improvement in antimicrobial efficacy and foster the development of superior approaches.
Novel Interventions on Comorbidities in Patients with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD): An Integrative Review
Authors: Andreu-Fernández Vicente , La Maida Nunzia , Marquina Maribel , Mirahi Afrouz , García-Algar Oscar , Pichini Simona , Minutillo Adele
Published: February 2024

Prenatal exposure to alcohol can cause Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASDs) after birth, encompassing a spectrum of physical, cognitive, and behavioral abnormalities. FASD represents a severe non-genetic disability avoidable through alcohol abstinence during pregnancy and when planning it. Clinical severity depends on alcohol impact, symptomatology, and resulting disabilities. FASD is a permanent disability with no recognized specific medical care. Conversely, secondary FASD-related disabilities can be symptomatically treated. This integrative review aims to provide information about the novel pharmacological treatments of FASD-associated comorbidities by selecting the last ten years of studies carried out on animals and humans. PRISMA guidelines were followed to search human/animal model studies of pharmacological interventions on FASD comorbidities, using different databases (PubMed, Cochrane, etc.). From 1348 articles, 44 met the criteria after full-text analysis. Firstly, all the reported studies point out that early diagnosis and tailored interventions are the principal tools to reduce FASD-related secondary disabilities, due to the fact that there is currently no approved pharmacological treatment for the tissue damage which produces FASD. Despite limitations in study designs and small sample sizes, these review results highlight how the treatment strategies of children with FASD have changed. In the past, studies focused on treating symptoms, but in the last years, researchers have turned their attention to the prevention targeting central nervous system embryogenesis. Novel treatments like choline and natural antioxidants and nutritional supplements are the most investigated treatments in humans with promising results. More follow-up studies need to be performed, to confirm and generalize reported efficacy to a wide sample size.
Differential Role of Factor XIII in Acute Myocardial Infarction and Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Traub Jan , Weber Martin S. , Frey Anna
Published: February 2024

Factor XIII is a transglutaminase enzyme that plays a crucial role in hemostasis and wound healing. It crosslinks fibrin strands, stabilizing clots and promoting clot resistance to fibrinolysis. Additionally, Factor XIII has been found to have multiple other functions that extend beyond coagulation, including the regulation of inflammation and tissue repair processes. Emerging evidence suggests that Factor XIII may also have differential roles in acute myocardial infarction and ischemic stroke, two common cardiovascular events with significant morbidity and mortality. In acute myocardial infarction, Factor XIII has been implicated in promoting clot stability and reducing the risk of re-occlusion. In ischemic stroke, Factor XIII may also contribute to the pathogenesis of cerebral ischemia by promoting clot formation and exacerbating neuronal damage. Several studies have investigated the association between Factor XIII and these cardiovascular events, using various approaches such as genetic polymorphism analysis, animal models, and clinical data analysis. These studies have provided important insights into the role of Factor XIII in acute myocardial infarction and ischemic stroke, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic target for interventions aimed at improving outcomes in these conditions. In this review, we will summarize the current understanding of Factor XIII’s role in acute myocardial infarction and ischemic stroke.
Associations between Physical Activity, Mental Health, and Suicidal Behavior in Korean Adolescents: Based on Data from 18th Korea Youth Risk Behavior Web-Based Survey (2022)
Authors: Roh Suyeon , Mun Woolim , Kim Geunkook
Published: February 2024

This study aims to identify the current status and relationship between physical activity (PA), mental health, and suicidal behavior among Korean adolescents and recommend appropriate PA types and levels to lower the risk of mental health problems and suicidal behavior among adolescents. This study used the frequency of participation, three mental health factors, and four suicidal behavior factors, according to the seven types of PA, Vigorous PA (VPA), Strength training, Walks, PA on the move, and Physical education questions that 51,636 Korean adolescents responded to in the data of the 18th Korean Youth Health Behavior Survey in 2022. The results showed that physical activity levels and the mental health of female adolescents were the lowest, and the experience rate of suicidal behavior was the highest. Physical activity level and mental health were negative in the upper grades, and the experience rate of suicidal behavior was higher in the lower grades. Thus, the study proposes the following: To lower the overall risk of mental health and suicidal behavior experienced by adolescents, it is effective to encourage them to participate in physical activities which have higher exercise intensities than the Low-level Physical Activity (LPA) type of Walks and PA on the move.
Robotic Approach to Paediatric Gastrointestinal Diseases: A Systematic Review
Authors: Duhoky Rauand , Claxton Harry , Piozzi Guglielmo Niccolò , Khan Jim S.
Published: February 2024

Introduction: The use of minimally invasive surgery (MIS) for paediatric surgery has been on the rise since the early 2000s and is complicated by factors unique to paediatric surgery. The rise of robotic surgery has presented an opportunity in MIS for children, and recent developments in the reductions in port sizes and single-port surgery offer promising prospects. This study aimed to present a systematic overview and analysis of the existing literature around the use of robotic platforms in the treatment of paediatric gastrointestinal diseases. Materials and Methods: In accordance with the PRISMA Statement, a systematic review on paediatric robotic gastrointestinal surgery was conducted on Pubmed, Cochrane, and Scopus. A critical appraisal of the study was performed using the Newcastle Ottawa Scale. Results: Fifteen studies were included, of which seven were on Hirschsprung’s disease and eight on other indications. Included studies were heterogeneous in their populations, age, and sex, but all reported low incidences of intraoperative complications and conversions in their robotic cohorts. Only one study reported on a comparator cohort, with a longer operative time in the robotic cohort (180 vs. 152 and 156 min, p < 0.001), but no significant differences in blood loss, length of stay, intraoperative complications, postoperative complications, or conversion. Conclusions: Robotic surgery may play a role in the treatment of paediatric gastrointestinal diseases. There is limited data available on modern robotic platforms and almost no comparative data between any robotic platforms and conventional minimally invasive approaches. Further technological developments and research are needed to enhance our understanding of the potential that robotics may hold for the field of paediatric surgery.
The Significance of Coronary Artery Calcification for Percutaneous Coronary Interventions
Authors: Lis Paweł , Rajzer Marek , Klima Łukasz
Published: February 2024

The prevalence of calcium deposits in coronary arteries grows with age. Risk factors include, e.g., diabetes and chronic kidney disease. There are several underlying pathophysiological mechanisms of calcium deposition. Severe calcification increases the complexity of percutaneous coronary interventions. Invasive techniques to modify the calcified atherosclerotic plaque before stenting have been developed over the last years. They include balloon- and non-balloon-based techniques. Rotational atherectomy has been the most common technique to treat calcified lesions but new techniques are emerging (orbital atherectomy, intravascular lithotripsy, laser atherectomy). The use of intravascular imaging (intravascular ultrasound and optical coherence tomography) is especially important during the procedures in order to choose the optimal strategy and to assess the final effect of the procedure. This review provides an overview of the role of coronary calcification for percutaneous coronary interventions.
A Novel Loss Model to Include the Disruption Phase in the Quantification of Resilience to Natural Hazards
Authors: Forcellini Davide , Thamboo Julian , Sathurshan Mathavanayakam
Published: February 2024

Resilience of systems to natural hazards has become an interesting concept in civil engineering and it is based on the determination of the losses due to the impacts of natural hazards. In the last decades, many contributions have focused on the assessment of losses that may occur at the time of the event, as generally assumed for earthquakes. However, this assumption may be incorrect when the interval between the time of occurrence and the time when the system functionality reaches the minimum value needs to be considered. This paper aims to propose a novel method to quantify this interval, which is called disruption time, by proposing a novel formulation of the loss model based on infrastructure redundancy. The proposed method was herein applied to a case study that considers landslides in Sri Lanka. The main goal of the paper is to propose a formulation that can be implemented in a more comprehensive framework to calculate more realistically the resilience of systems to natural hazards.
Influence of SiC Doping on the Mechanical, Electrical, and Optical Properties of 3D-Printed PLA
Authors: Skorda Stefania , Bardakas Achilleas , Segkos Apostolos , Chouchoumi Nikoleta , Hourdakis Emmanouel , Vekinis George , Tsamis Christos
Published: February 2024

Additive manufacturing, also known as 3D printing or digital fabrication technology, is emerging as a fast-expanding technology for the fabrication of prototypes and products in a variety of applications. This is mainly due to the advantages of 3D printing including the ease of manufacturing, the use of reduced material quantities minimizing material waste, low-cost mass production as well as energy efficiency. Polylactic acid (PLA) is a natural thermoplastic polyester that is produced from renewable resources and is routinely used to produce 3D-printed structures. One important feature that makes PLA appealing is that its properties can be modulated by the inclusion of nano or microfillers. This is of special importance for 3D-printed triboelectric nanogenerators since it can enhance the performance of the devices. In this work we investigate the influence of SiC micron-sized particles on the mechanical, electrical, and optical properties of a PLA-SiC composite for potential application in triboelectric energy harvesting. Our result show that the ultimate tensile strength of the pure PLA and 1%-doped PLA decreases with the number of fatigue cycles but increases by about 10% when SiC doping increases to 2% and 3%, while the strain at max load was about 3% independent of doping and the effective hardness was increased reaching a plateau at about 2 wt% SiC, about 40% above the value for pure PLA. Our results show that the mechanical properties of PLA can be enhanced by the inclusion of SiC, depending on the concentration of SiC. In addition, the same behavior is observed for the dielectric constant of the composite material increases as the SiC concentration increases, while the optical properties of the resulting composite are strongly dependent on the concentration of SiC.
Optimizing Multi-Vessel Collision Avoidance Decision Making for Autonomous Surface Vessels: A COLREGs-Compliant Deep Reinforcement Learning Approach
Authors: Xie Weidong , Gang Longhui , Zhang Mingheng , Liu Tong , Lan Zhixun
Published: February 2024

Automatic collision avoidance decision making for vessels is a critical challenge in the development of autonomous ships and has become a central point of research in the maritime safety domain. Effective and systematic collision avoidance strategies significantly reduce the risk of vessel collisions, ensuring safe navigation. This study develops a multi-vessel automatic collision avoidance decision-making method based on deep reinforcement learning (DRL) and establishes a vessel behavior decision model. When designing the reward function for continuous action spaces, the criteria of the “Convention on the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea” (COLREGs) were adhered to, taking into account the vessel’s collision risk under various encounter situations, real-world navigation practices, and navigational complexities. Furthermore, to enable the algorithm to precisely differentiate between collision avoidance and the navigation resumption phase in varied vessel encounter situations, this paper incorporated “collision avoidance decision making” and “course recovery decision making” as state parameters in the state set design, from which the respective objective functions were defined. To further enhance the algorithm’s performance, techniques such as behavior cloning, residual networks, and CPU-GPU dual-core parallel processing modules were integrated. Through simulation experiments in the enhanced Imazu training environment, the practicality of the method, taking into account the effects of wind and ocean currents, was corroborated. The results demonstrate that the proposed algorithm can perform effective collision avoidance decision making in a range of vessel encounter situations, indicating its efficiency and robust generalization capabilities.
Transient Tests for Checking the Trieste Subsea Pipeline: Toward Field Tests
Authors: Meniconi Silvia , Brunone Bruno , Tirello Lorenzo , Rubin Andrea , Cifrodelli Marco , Capponi Caterina
Published: February 2024

Subsea pipelines are vital arteries transporting oil, gas, and water over long distances and play a critical role in the global resource supply chain. However, they are the most vulnerable to damage from both human-made and natural causes and are characterized by inherent inaccessibility. As a result, routine inspection and monitoring technologies, both reliable and at the lowest possible cost, are needed to ensure their longevity. To fill this need, the use of transient-test-based techniques is proposed. In this first paper of a set of two companion papers, attention is focused on the selection of the appropriate maneuver that generates pressure waves and then on the planned steps—i.e., the sequence of actions—functional to the execution of the transient tests in the best flow conditions for effective fault detection. A brief review of the available fault detection technologies with their limitations is also offered. Finally, the performance of the proposed procedure is evaluated mainly in terms of the stability of the pressure regime prior to the execution of the transient test.
An Overview on Structural Health Monitoring and Fault Diagnosis of Offshore Wind Turbine Support Structures
Authors: Yang Yang , Liang Fayun , Zhu Qingxin , Zhang Hao
Published: February 2024

The service environment of offshore wind turbine (OWT) support structures is harsh, and it is extremely difficult to replace these structures during their operational lifespan, making their failure a catastrophic event. The structural health monitoring (SHM) of OWT support structures is a crucial aspect of operational maintenance for OWT support structures, aiming to mitigate significant financial losses. This paper systematically summarizes the current monitoring methods and technologies for OWT support structures, including towers and foundations. Through the review of monitoring content and the evolution of monitoring techniques for supporting structures, it delves deeper into the challenges faced by wind turbine monitoring and highlights potential avenues for future development. Then, the current damage identification techniques for OWT towers and foundations are analyzed, exploring various methods including model-based, vibration-based, artificial intelligence and hybrid fault diagnosis methods. The article also examines the advantages and disadvantages of each approach and outlines potential future directions for research and development in this field. Furthermore, it delves into the current damage identification techniques for OWT towers and foundations, discussing prevalent challenges and future directions in this domain. This status review can provide reference and guidance for the monitoring design of OWT support structures, and provide support for the fault diagnosis of OWT support structures.
P53-Independent G1-Cell Cycle Arrest Increases SARS-CoV-2 RNA Replication
Authors: Husser Clara , Kwon Hyesoo , Andersson Klara , Appelberg Sofia , Montserrat Nuria , Mirazimi Ali , Monteil Vanessa M.
Published: February 2024

While having already killed more than 7 million of people worldwide in 4 years, SARS-CoV-2, the etiological agent of COVID-19, is still circulating and evolving. Understanding the pathogenesis of the virus is of capital importance. It was shown that in vitro and in vivo infection with SARS-CoV-2 can lead to cell cycle arrest but the effect of the cell cycle arrest on the virus infection and the associated mechanisms are still unclear. By stopping cells in the G1 phase as well as targeting several pathways involved using inhibitors and small interfering RNAs, we were able to determine that the cell cycle arrest in the late G1 is beneficial for SARS-CoV-2 replication. This cell cycle arrest is independent of p53 but is dependent on the CDC25A-CDK2/cyclin E pathway. These data give a new understanding in SARS-CoV-2 pathogenesis and highlight some possible targets for the development of novel therapeutic approaches.
Occurrence and Exposure Assessment of Nickel in Zhejiang Province, China
Authors: Han Junde , Zhang Ronghua , Tang Jun , Chen Jiang , Zheng Chenyang , Zhao Dong , Wang Jikai , Zhang Hexiang , Qi Xiaojuan , Wu Xiaoli , Weng Qin , Zeng Jinping , Du Jiaolan , Zhang Min , Wu Yinyin , Zhou Biao
Published: February 2024

Nickel (Ni) is a silver-white metal with high antioxidative properties, often existing in a bivalent form in the environment. Despite being the fifth most abundant metal on Earth, anthropogenic activities, including industrial processes, have elevated Ni levels in environmental media. This study investigated Ni contamination in various food groups in Zhejiang Province, China, mainly focusing on Ni levels in beans, vegetables, aquatic foods, meat products, cereal products, and fruits. A total of 2628 samples were collected and analyzed. Beans exhibited the highest Ni content in all samples. The overall detection rate of Ni was 86.5%, with variation among food categories. For plant-origin foods, legumes had the highest Ni concentration while for animal-origin foods, shellfish showed the highest median Ni concentration. The results indicate generally acceptable Ni exposure levels among Zhejiang residents, except for children aged 0–6. Beans were identified as the primary contributor to high Ni exposure risk. The paper suggests monitoring Ni contamination in food, especially for vulnerable populations, and provides insights into exposure risks in different age groups.
CONSTRUCCIÓN NACIONAL, IDENTIDAD Y PLURINACIONALIDAD EN AMÉRICA LATINA
Authors: Altmann Philipp
Published: February 2024

La identidad nacional (o plurinacional) está presente desde la “marea rosada” de los primeros años 2000 —y en sentido estricto desde las reformas de la década de 1990— y varias de las nuevas constituciones dan cuenta de ello. A veces meramente declarativos, esos cambios dan cuenta, no obstante, de la voluntad de dejar atrás las visiones homogéneas de la nación e incorporar las diversidades étnico-raciales. Al mismo tiempo, hemos visto, en el caso chileno, cómo esta voluntad puede chocar con resistencias poderosas, no solo en las élites sino en el conjunto de la sociedad. O, en el caso peruano, cómo las identidades étnico-regionales son el combustible de fuertes movimientos contestatarios. Este texto se propone revisitar los diversos pliegues de plurinacionalidad en el plano institucional y en el social, tanto como elemento de un nuevo orden como de combustible de la protesta social.
Maitrisimit Nom Bitig Üzerine Yapılan Çalışmaların Kronolojik Kaynakçası (1907-2023)
Authors: DERE Oktay , UÇAR Erdem
Published: February 2024

As a result of the expeditions organised to East Turkistan in the 20th century, the scientific community became acquainted with Old Uyghur texts. The first studies on Old Uyghur texts were carried out by individuals such as Le Coq, Müller, Bang-Kaup, Gabain and Arat, after which research in this field gradually expanded. Among the Old Uyghur texts, certain works stand out due to differences in volume, content, vocabulary, etc. As a result, these texts have attracted more attention from researchers, leading to an increase in the number of studies compared to other texts. One such notable work is the Maitrisimit Nom Bitig. The studies on the Maitrisimit Nom Bitig are extensive, which has led to the creation of this bibliography to assist and streamline the efforts of researchers working on this work. The bibliography includes various types of studies such as books, introductions, theses, articles and papers on the Maitrisimit Nom Bitig, presented in chronological order.
Método de ponderación de parámetros de modelos de poder implementados en el SocLab
Authors: López Garay Hernán , Gil Torres Ángel David , Rojas Salgado María Juliana
Published: February 2024

SocLab (Sibertin-Blanc et al., 2010,2013) es un laboratorio virtual (digital) para el estudio de relaciones de poder que facilita la modelización y simulación del poder en sistemas sociales de acción organizada (Crozier & Friedberg, 1990). El presente artículo describe un método de ponderación de los parámetros de estos modelos mediante el uso de “meta-narrativas” y diagramas tipo “rich pictures”. El método es ilustrado en el contexto de una investigación de la problemática de la movilidad urbana en la ciudad de Ibagué, Colombia. Como se verá, el método propuesto enriquece los métodos de ponderación propuestos por Sibertin (2013) basados fundamentalmente en encuestas. La propuesta facilita la construcción de un lenguaje común entre actores/stakeholders e investigadores, lo que a su vez les permite un diálogo fluido tanto durante el proceso de construcción del modelo como en el compartir y afinar la interpretación de los resultados que se obtengan con la simulación digital realizada con el SocLab.
Efectos del aprendizaje basado en proyectos en la cultura estadística en estudiantes universitarios
Authors: Córdova-Espinoza Mariela Lizety , Quiroz-Calderón Marcos Victoriano , Correa-Becerra Ramón Cosme , Armas-Juárez Ricardo Antonio
Published: February 2024

En virtud que los estudiantes de la Facultad de Ciencias de la Universidad Nacional de Piura tenían una cultura estadística deficiente, se propuso evaluar los efectos del Aprendizaje Basado en Proyectos (ABP) en la cultura estadística de estudiantes universitarios. Metodológicamente, la investigación se desarrolló bajo el paradigma cuantitativo con diseño experimental, siendo la técnica la encuesta y el instrumento el cuestionario. La población estuvo constituida por 66 estudiantes. Como resultado, se pudo determinar que existe una diferencia significativa favorable entre los niveles de competencia estadística antes y después de la aplicación de la estrategia didáctica.  Por tanto, se concluyó que la aplicación de esta estrategia influyó positivamente en la cultura estadística de los estudiantes universitarios.