Browse Articles
Discover research articles across all indexed journals
Blockchain driven medical image encryption employing chaotic tent map in cloud computing
Negative global-scale association between genetic diversity and speciation rates in mammals
Proton or photon? Comparison of survival and toxicity of two radiotherapy modalities among pediatric brain cancer patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Background With the introduction of new therapy modalities and the resulting increase in survival rates, childhood brain cancers have become a focal point of research in pediatric oncology. In current protocols, besides surgical resection and chemotherapy, radiotherapy is required to ensure optimal survival. Our aim was to determine which of the two major irradiation options, proton (PT) or photon (XRT), was the least harmful yet effective for children with brain tumors. Methods The protocol was registered on PROSPERO in advance (CRD42022374443). A systematic search was performed in four databases (MEDLINE via (PubMed), Embase, Cochrane Library, and Scopus) on 23 April 2024. Odd ratios (OR) and mean differences (MD) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated using a random-effects model. Survival and six major types of side effects were assessed based on data in the articles and reported using the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) version 5.0. Heterogeneity was assessed using Higgins and Thompson’s I2 statistics. Results Altogether, 5848 articles were screened, of which 33 were eligible for data extraction. The 5-year overall survival results showed statistically no significant difference between the two radiotherapy modalities (OR = 0.80, 95% CI: 0.51–1.23, p = 0.22, I2 = 0%). In terms of toxicity rates, an advantage was found for PT, particularly in terms of chronic endocrine side effects (hypothyroidism OR: 0.22, 95% CI: 0.10–0428, p = 0.002, I2 = 68%), neurocognitive decline (global IQ level MD: 13.06, 95% CI: 4.97–21.15, p = 0.009, I2 = 68%). As for hematological, acute side effects, neurological changes and ophthalmologic disorders PT can be beneficial for survivors in terms of reducing them. Conclusions In comparison with XRT, PT can reduce most side effects, without significantly decreasing the survival rate. There is considerable clinical relevance in the findings, even not all of them are statistically significant, which may facilitate the development of protocols regarding the usage of radiotherapy methods, and may encourage the establishment of more proton centers, where more studies can be done.
Development of a battery free, solar powered, and energy aware fixed wing unmanned aerial vehicle
Abstract Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) hold immense potential across various fields, including precision agriculture, rescue missions, delivery services, weather monitoring, and many more. Despite this promise, the limited flight duration of the current UAVs stands as a significant obstacle to their broadscale deployment. Attempting to extend flight time by solar panel charging during midflight is not viable due to battery limitations and the eventual need for replacement. This paper details our investigation of a battery-free fixed-wing UAV, built from cost-effective off-the-shelf components, that takes off, remains airborne, and lands safely using only solar energy. In particular, we perform a comprehensive analysis and design space exploration in the contemporary solar harvesting context and provide a detailed accounting of the prototype’s mechanical and electrical capabilities. We also derive the Greedy Energy-Aware Control (GEAC) and Predictive Energy-Aware Control (PEAC) solar control algorithm that overcomes power system brownouts and total-loss-of-thrust events, enabling the prototype to perform maneuvers without a battery. Next, we evaluate the developed prototype in a bench-top setting using artificial light to demonstrate the feasibility of batteryless flight, followed by testing in an outdoor setting using natural light. Finally, we analyze the potential for scaling up the evaluation of batteryless UAVs across multiple locations and report our findings.
Semicircular canals shed light on bottleneck events in the evolution of the Neanderthal clade
Perceptions, experiences, barriers, facilitators, learning outcomes, and modes of assessment of digital clinical placements for pre-registration physiotherapy students internationally: a systematic review protocol
Introduction The shift to digital clinical placements for physiotherapy education due to COVID-19 prompts a need for evaluation of current evidence. Existing studies highlight benefits of digital technology in clinical placements, but lack of a systematic review focused on pre-registration physiotherapy students is a key gap. This systematic review will address this gap by synthesizing the evidence for digital clinical placements for pre-registration physiotherapy students internationally. Methods and analysis This systematic review is designed using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocols (PRISMA-P) statement and Cochrane Handbook – it is registered on PROSPERO (CRD42024571696). Search terms will be adapted to each database, including EMBASE, MEDLINE, PROSPERO, ERIC, and CINAHL. Key journals, forward citation tracking, references of included studies, and professional organization websites will also be searched. The search will include studies published since database inception to 31/05/24. There will be no limit to study design or language. Studies that report on perceptions, experiences, barriers, facilitators, learning outcomes, and modes of assessment of digital clinical placements for pre-registration physiotherapy students will be included. Meta-aggregation will be used to synthesize themes from findings which enables the generation of themes without the need to re-interpret data and the loss of study specific context. Ethics and dissemination Ethics approval is not required. The results of this study will be written up for publication in relevant peer-reviewed scientific journals and contribute to a developing area of research. Results will also be presented at national or international conferences, events for the physiotherapy profession, or education events.
Effect of polypropylene and polyvinyl alcohol fiber on mechanical properties of AASCM-SS after high temperature
Access to N-α-deuterated amino acids and DNA conjugates via Ca(II)-HFIP-mediated reductive deutero-amination of α-oxo-carbonyl compounds
Classroom settings for visually impaired schoolchildren: A scoping review
Visually impaired schoolchildren require classrooms tailored to their visual abilities and needs, as outlined in existing literature detailing optimal modifications, recommendations, and guidelines. The study aims to review existing literature on classroom modifications for visually impaired schoolchildren, outlining recommendations for creating ideal classrooms within mainstream physical settings. After initial screening, 712 publications (698 from databases and registers, and 14 from other methods) were identified for detailed review, of which 17 were ultimately eligible for inclusion. Through a systematic review of PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases, along with additional sources up to February 2024, this research analyzed articles published from 1999 to 2024. A qualitative, thematic analysis was conducted on the included articles. Criteria included peer-reviewed journals, theses, and conference papers focusing on classroom settings for visually impaired schoolchildren aged 7 to 18. Key questions addressed are: 1) What classroom settings suit the needs of visually impaired schoolchildren? 2) What recommendations are tailored to visually impaired schoolchildren to create a conducive classroom environment? Analysis of 7 journal articles and 10 other publications revealed two main themes: optimizing classroom configuration and enhancing visual comfort. Articles primarily focused on suggestions for classroom layout, particularly furnishing arrangement (41%, n = 7) and enhancing lighting conditions (41% n = 7). However, concerns were raised about standard furniture designs and the need for tailored seating arrangements to meet the visual demands of visually impaired schoolchildren. Conclusion: This review provides valuable insights into creating optimal classroom settings for visually impaired schoolchildren, ensuring equal learning opportunities in a supportive environment tailored to their needs.
Gut microbial predictors of first-line immunotherapy efficacy in advanced NSCLC patients
Deciphering response dynamics and treatment resistance from circulating tumor DNA after CAR T-cells in multiple myeloma
Abstract Despite advances in treatments, multiple myeloma (MM) remains an incurable cancer where relapse is common. We developed a circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) approach in order to characterize tumor genomics, monitor treatment response, and detect early relapse in MM. By sequencing 412 specimens from 64 patients with newly diagnosed or relapsed/refractory disease, we demonstrate the correlation between ctDNA and key clinical biomarkers, as well as patient outcomes. We further extend our approach to simultaneously track CAR-specific cell-free DNA (CAR-cfDNA) in patients undergoing anti-BCMA CAR T-cell (BCMA-CAR) therapy. We demonstrate that ctDNA levels following BCMA-CAR inversely correlate with relative time to progression (TTP), and that measurable residual disease (MRD) quantified by peripheral blood ctDNA (ctDNA-MRD) was concordant with clinical bone marrow MRD. Finally, we show that ctDNA-MRD can anticipate clinical relapse and identify the emergence of genomically-defined therapy-resistant clones. These findings suggest multiple clinical uses of ctDNA for MM in molecular characterization and disease surveillance.
Beyond the SAFE strategy: Systematic review and meta-analysis of prevalence and associated factors of active trachoma among children in Ethiopia
Background Although the Surgery, Antibiotic, facial cleanliness, and environmental improvement (SAFE) strategy was adopted in Ethiopia over the last five years, there is still a high incidence of trachoma in areas with poor hygiene. In Ethiopia, a systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted before the implementation of SAFE implying, a need for the update. Therefore, this review gives the updated pooled prevalence and associated factors of active trachoma in Ethiopia after the implementation of SAFE. Method The literature search was performed from PubMed, Google Scholar, EMBASE, HINARI, Scopus, and Web of Sciences from January 1–30, 2024. Data were extracted by using a pre-tested and standardized data extraction format and analyzed using STATA 17 statistical software. I2 tests to appraise the heterogeneity across the included studies, a random-effect model to estimate the pooled prevalence, and a sub-group analysis to discern the viable source of heterogeneity were executed. Potential publication bias was also assessed by funnel plot, Egger’s weighted correlation, and Begg’s regression. The odds ratio with its 95% confidence was used to reckon the association between the prevalence and factors. Result From 504 identified studies, 20 articles were included. After the SAFE intervention, the national pooled prevalence of active trachoma among children was 21.16% (95% CI 17.28, 25.04). Fly-eye contact(Adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 3.83, 95% CI: 2.25, 6.52), facial uncleanliness(AOR = 5.48, 95% CI: 3.02, 9.96), non-utilization of latrine (AOR = 3.30, 95% CI: 2.10, 5.18), and retrieving water from river(AOR = 2.94; 95%CI: 1.42, 6.05) were significantly associated with active trachoma. Conclusion In Ethiopia, the pooled prevalence of active trachoma after SAFE intervention was much higher than the World Health Organization (WHO) threshold prevalence. It continues to pose a significant public health concern and is far from the elimination of trachoma as a public health problem. Fly-eye contact, facial cleanliness, latrine utilization, and source of water increase the odds of active trachoma. Therefore, it is imperative to fine-tune the intervention focus on personal hygiene-related activities in removing dirt, fly-eye contact, and a well-structured approach for both constructing and ensuring the functionality of household taps and latrines. Additionally, It is crucial to initiate a reliable SAFE intervention in Ethiopia.
Evaluation of basil essential oils for antifungal and anti-aflatoxigenic activity against Aspergillus flavus
Earth’s mysterious inner core really is changing shape
Ketogenic diet suppresses colorectal cancer through the gut microbiome long chain fatty acid stearate
Abstract Colorectal cancer (CRC) patients have been shown to possess an altered gut microbiome. Diet is a well-established modulator of the microbiome, and thus, dietary interventions might have a beneficial effect on CRC. An attenuating effect of the ketogenic diet (KD) on CRC cell growth has been previously observed, however the role of the gut microbiome in driving this effect remains unknown. Here, we describe a reduced colonic tumor burden upon KD consumption in a CRC mouse model with a humanized microbiome. Importantly, we demonstrate a causal relationship through microbiome transplantation into germ-free mice, whereby alterations in the gut microbiota were maintained in the absence of continued selective pressure from the KD. Specifically, we identify a shift toward bacterial species that produce stearic acid in ketogenic conditions, whereas consumers were depleted, resulting in elevated levels of free stearate in the gut lumen. This microbial product demonstrates tumor-suppressing properties by inducing apoptosis in cancer cells and decreasing colonic Th17 immune cell populations. Taken together, the beneficial effects of the KD are mediated through alterations in the gut microbiome, including, among others, increased stearic acid production, which in turn significantly reduces intestinal tumor growth.
Editors-in-chief in social sciences: Mapping the institutional, geographical, and gender representation between academic fields
This study systematically maps the network structure of the editors-in-chief in social sciences journals, focusing on their gender representation, geographical distribution, and institutional composition. Drawing upon large-scale data from 3,320 JCR-ranked journals of 57 different fields in the social sciences (4,868 editors-in-chief from 1,485 affiliations of 71 countries), the study aims to illustrate the current connections of editorial leadership in social sciences. Findings reveal that two countries—the U.S. and the U.K.—and their institutions shape almost all fields of the social sciences, with institutions from other geographies, particularly non-English-speaking countries, being substantially underrepresented. However, there is no central institution that dominates across all fields, but within dominant geographies, a reduced number of different affiliations prevail in the most important intellectual terrains. In terms of gender representation, there is a significant imbalance across all dimensions under study. Male editors-in-chief outnumber females across most fields (66.67%), countries (76.60%), and affiliations (63.16%). All in all, by critically mapping the connections of editors-in-chief in social sciences journals, this study seeks to advance our understanding of the current structure of editorial governance and, in turn, stimulate initiatives aimed at fostering a more representative leadership in social science, keeping levels of scientific excellence constant.
An optimized fractional order virtual synchronous generator with superconducting magnetic energy storage unit for microgrid frequency regulation enhancement
Abstract The Virtual Synchronous Generator (VSG) provides inertia and damping virtually, which plays a crucial role in enhancing the frequency stability of the microgrid. However, the virtual inertia added in the VSG increases the order of the system, which increases the likelihood of output real power fluctuations in the transient state, which is potentially dangerous for system stability. Hence, this paper introduces a new approach for frequency regulation in an isolated microgrid using a Fractional Order Virtual Synchronous Generator (FOVSG) which involves more degrees of freedom, integrated with a Superconducting Magnetic Energy Storage (SMES) unit. The parameters of the FOVSG and Fractional Order Proportional Integral Derivative (FOPID) controllers are optimized by the African Vulture Optimization Algorithm (AVOA) using the Integral Time Absolute Error criterion. The suggested system is simulated using MATLAB for multiple scenarios, and the outcomes are compared with the frequency regulation model using the traditional VSG with SMES unit. The performance of the suggested controller is confirmed further by utilizing a classical proportional integral derivative controller. From the results, the proposed frequency regulation model using an FOVSG and SMES unit combination with FOPID controller has superior system dynamics than the system using a traditional VSG with SMES unit. Furthermore, the suggested system using a FOVSG with SMES unit enhances the frequency responsiveness by 83.61% and 73.38% in maximum overshoot and settling period, respectively.
Chimpanzees adapt their exploration to key properties of the environment
Abstract Exploration is an important strategy for reducing the uncertainty that pervades daily life. Yet the evolutionary roots of adaptive exploration are poorly understood. We harness and adapt the human decisions-from-experience paradigm to investigate exploration under uncertainty in chimpanzees. In our study, chimpanzees (N = 15; eight females) are simultaneously confronted with an uncertain option (with outcome variance) and a safe option (without outcome variance) and tested in both stable and changing environments. Results reveal that, as in human exploration, how and how much chimpanzees explore depends on the environment. One key environmental property is change: Chimpanzees explore more across trials in changing than in stable conditions. Consistent with the assumption of classic economic models that variance indicates risk, chimpanzees also explore more when they experience variance in the options’ outcomes. Individual risk and uncertainty preferences did not have a statistically significant effect on exploratory efforts. These findings suggest that chimpanzees and humans share key similarities in the way they respond to risk and uncertainty.
Evaluation of an automatic image classifier for analysis of bacterial growth on a multiple-agar plate developed for bovine mastitis
Rapid identification of mastitis-causing bacteria is crucial for effective treatment decisions. Several multi-media agar plates have been developed to aid pathogen identification on farms or by veterinarians, but these methods require trained operators. Advances in AI-based automatic image analysis have shown potential for detecting bacterial growth on agar plates in both agriculture and medicine. This study aimed to evaluate the accuracy of an AI-based image bacterial classifier compared to a gold-standard laboratory assessment. A secondary objective was to examine how sample transportation affects diagnoses by comparing results from an on-farm bacterial classifier with those from a laboratory-placed classifier. A total of 1,299 milk samples were collected and analysed at the Swedish Veterinary Agency’s Mastitis Laboratory using both accredited laboratory standards and the bacterial classifier. The image classifier is capable of identifying growth of eight different bacteria types on SELMA + multi-agar plates. Out of 1,212 samples that met the analysis criteria, the bacterial classifier provided diagnoses for 70%, while 30% required further evaluation. The classifier demonstrated high specificity for all diagnoses and high sensitivity for common pathogens such as Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and non-beta-haemolytic streptococci, though sensitivity was lower for less common pathogens. In a subset of samples analysed by both on-farm and in-lab classifiers and the Mastitis Laboratory, 62% showed consistent diagnoses. The average transportation time was 4.9 days, which influenced bacterial growth. Interestingly, fewer mixed infections were detected post-transport. Automated image classifiers, like Bacticam, hold promise for on-farm mastitis diagnosis, supporting targeted antibiotic treatment and reducing antimicrobial use.