1181. Plastics in cyanobacterial blooms - genotoxic effects of binary mixtures of cylindrospermopsin and bisphenols in HepG2 cellsKlara Hercog, Alja Štern, Sara Maisanaba Hernández, Metka Filipič, Bojana Žegura, 2020, original scientific article Abstract: Ever-expanding environmental pollution is causing a rise in cyanobacterial blooms and the accumulation of plastics in water bodies. Consequently, exposure to mixtures of cyanotoxins and plastic-related contaminants such as bisphenols (BPs) is of increasing concern. The present study describes genotoxic effects induced by co-exposure to one of the emerging cyanotoxins—cylindrospermopsin (CYN)—(0.5 µg/mL) and BPs (bisphenol A (BPA), S (BPS), and F (BPF); (10 µg/mL)) in HepG2 cells after 24 and 72 h of exposure. The cytotoxicity was evaluated with an MTS assay and genotoxicity was assessed through the measurement of the induction of DNA double strand breaks (DSB) with the γH2AX assay. The deregulation of selected genes (xenobiotic metabolic enzyme genes, DNA damage, and oxidative response genes) was assessed using qPCR. The results showed a moderate reduction of cell viability and induction of DSBs after 72 h of exposure to the CYN/BPs mixtures and CYN alone. None of the BPs alone reduced cell viability or induced DSBs. No significant difference was observed between CYN and CYN/BPs exposed cells, except with CYN/BPA, where the antagonistic activity of BPA against CYN was indicated. The deregulation of some of the tested genes (CYP1A1, CDKN1A, GADD45A, and GCLC) was more pronounced after exposure to the CYN/BPs mixtures compared to single compounds, suggesting additive or synergistic action. The present study confirms the importance of co-exposure studies, as our results show pollutant mixtures to induce effects different from those confirmed for single compounds.
Keywords: cylindrospermopsin, CYN, bisphenols, BPA, BPS, BPF, BPAF, co-exposure, genotoxicity, cytotoxicity
Published in DiRROS: 23.07.2024; Views: 313; Downloads: 223
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1182. Protocol of the study for predicting empathy during VR sessions using sensor data and machine learningEmilija Kizhevska, Kristina Šparemblek, Mitja Luštrek, 2024, original scientific article Abstract: Virtual reality (VR) technology is often referred to as the ‘ultimate empathy machine’ due to its capability to immerse users in alternate perspectives and environments beyond their immediate physical reality. In this study, participants will be immersed in 3-dimensional 360˚ VR videos where actors express different emotions (sadness, happiness, anger, and anxiousness). The primary objective is to investigate the potential relationship between participants’ empathy levels and the changes in their physiological attributes. The empathy levels will be self-reported with questionnaires, and physiological attributes will be measured using different sensors. The main outcome of the study will be a machine learning model to predict a person’s empathy level based on their physiological responses while watching VR videos. Despite the existence of established methodologies and metrics in research and clinical domains, our aim is to contribute to addressing the gap of a universally accepted “gold standard” for assessing empathy. Additionally, we expect to deepen our understanding of the relationship between different emotions and psychological attributes, gender differences in empathy, and the impact of narrative context on empathic responses.
Published in DiRROS: 23.07.2024; Views: 267; Downloads: 117
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1183. A ǂFramework for applying data-driven AI/ML models in reliabilityRok Hribar, Margarita Antoniou, Gregor Papa, 2024, independent scientific component part or a chapter in a monograph Abstract: In this chapter, we present a framework for applying artificial intelligence (AI)/machine learning (ML) in reliability, in the context of the iRel40 project. Data-driven models are becoming an increasingly fruitful tool for detecting patterns in complex data and identifying the circumstances in which they occur. Using only data, gathered along the value chain, data-driven methods are now being used to detect indications of potential early failures, signs of wear out or degradation, and other unwanted events within the development, fabrication, or service phases of the electronic components and systems. We present general considerations that were found to be important during the iRel40 project, when designing pipelines that combine data processing with the AI/ML models for predicting or detecting reliability issues. This chapter serves as an introduction to the definitions and concepts used within the specific use cases that rely on the AI/ML methodology within the iRel40 project.
Keywords: machine learning, artificial intelligence, data-driven models
Published in DiRROS: 23.07.2024; Views: 215; Downloads: 91
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1184. Reliability improvements for in-wheel motorGašper Petelin, Rok Hribar, Stane Ciglarič, Jernej Herman, Anton Biasizzo, Peter Korošec, Gregor Papa, 2024, independent scientific component part or a chapter in a monograph Abstract: Setting up a reliable electric propulsion system in the automotive sector requires an intelligent condition monitoring device capable of reliably assessing the state and the health of the electric motor. To allow for a massive integration of such monitoring devices, they must be inexpensive and small. These requirements limit their accuracy. However, we show in this chapter that these limitations can be significantly reduced by appropriate processing of the sensor data. We have used machine learning models (random forest and XGBoost) to transform very noisy motor winding insulation resistance measurements made by a low-cost device into a much more reliable value that can compete with measurements made by a high-priced state-of-the-art measurement system. The proposed method is an important building block for a future smart condition monitoring system and enables a cost-effective and accurate assessment of the condition of electric motor health in connection with the condition of their winding insulation.
Keywords: machine learning models, low-cost device, electric motor
Published in DiRROS: 23.07.2024; Views: 263; Downloads: 118
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1185. Disease control with prior platinum-based chemotherapy is prognostic for survival in patients with metastatic urothelial cancer treated with atezolizumab in real-world practiceMarina Mencinger, Dushan Mangaroski, Urška Bokal, 2021, original scientific article Abstract: Background. Atezolizumab, a programmed-death ligand-1 (PD-L1) inhibitor, is a novel treatment option for patients with metastatic urothelial cancer (mUC). Clinical prognostic factors, survival outcomes, and the safety of patients with mUC treated with atezolizumab, in a real-world setting, were investigated.Patients and methods. 62 patients with mUC, treated at the Institute of Oncology Ljubljana between May 8th 2018 and Dec 31st 2019, were included. Response rates and immune-related adverse events (irAE) were collected. Progression-free survival and overall survival times were assessed using the Kaplan-Meier method. The Cox propor-tional hazards model was applied to identify the factors affecting survival. Results. Of 62 patients, five (8.1%) have not yet been evaluated and 20 (32%) died prior to the first radiographic evaluation. We observed clinical benefit in 19 (33%), objective response in 12 (21%), and complete response in five (9%) patients. Median overall survival for the whole population was 6.8 (95% CI, 2.6–11.0), for platinum-naïve 8.7 (95% CI: 0.8–16.5), and for the platinum-treated group 6.8 (95% CI, 3.7–10) months. At the 5.8 (0.3–23.1) month median follow-up, the median duration of the response was not reached. IrAE occurred in 20 (32%) patients and seven (11%) of them discontinued the treatment. Multivariate analysis in platinum-treated patients showed that a treatment-free interval of more than six months was prognostic for overall survival (OS). Conclusions. Responses to atezolizumab led to long disease remission in a subset of our patients. The median OS in our real-world population was compromised by a large percentage of patients with poor ECOG performance status (PS). A treatment-free interval from chemotherapy was associated with the longer survival of platinum-treated pa-tients with mUC receiving further atezolizumab.
Keywords: PD-L1 inhibitor, urothelial cancer, bladder, atezolizumab
Published in DiRROS: 23.07.2024; Views: 285; Downloads: 159
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1186. Clinical outcomes in stage III non-small cell lung cancer patients treated with durvalumab after sequential or concurrent platinum-based chemoradiotherapy : single institute experienceMartina Vrankar, Karmen Stanič, Staša Jelerčič, Eva Ćirić, Ana Lina Vodušek, Jasna But-Hadžić, 2021, original scientific article Abstract: Chemoradiotherapy (ChT-RT) followed by 12-month durvalumab is the new standard treatment for unresectable stage III non-small cell lung cancer. Survival data for patients from everyday routine clinical practice is scarce, as well as potential impact on treatment efficacy of sequential or concomitant chemotherapy and the us-age of gemcitabine.Patients and methods. We retrospectively analysed unresectable stage III NSCLC patients who were treated with durvalumab after radical concurrent or sequential chemotherapy (ChT) from December 2017 and completed treat-ment until December 2020. We assessed progression free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS) and toxicity regarding baseline characteristic of patients.Results. Eighty-five patients with median age of 63 years of which 70.6% were male, 56.5% in stage IIIB and 58.8% with squamous cell carcinoma, were included in the analysis. Thirty-one patients received sequential ChT only, 51 patients received induction and concurrent ChT and 3 patients received concurrent ChT only. Seventy-nine patients (92.9%) received gemcitabine and cisplatin as induction chemotherapy and switched to etoposide and cisplatin during con-current treatment with radiotherapy (RT). Patients started durvalumab after a median of 57 days (range 12–99 days) from the end of the RT and were treated with the median of 10.8 (range 0.5–12 months) months. Forty-one patients (48.2%) completed treatment with planned 12-month therapy, 25 patients (29.4%) completed treatment early due to the toxicity and 16 patients (18.8%) due to the disease progression. Median PFS was 22.0 months, 12- and estimated 24-month PFS were 71% (95% CI: 61.2–80.8%) and 45.8% (95% CI: 32.7–58.9%). With the median follow-up time of 23 months (range 2–35 months), median OS has not been reached. Twelve- and estimated 24-month OS were 86.7% (95% CI: 79.5–93.9%) and 68.6% (95% CI: 57.2–79.9%).Conclusions. Our survival data are comparable with published research as well as with recently published real-world reports. Additionally, the regimen with gemcitabine and platinum-based chemotherapy as induction treatment was efficient and well tolerated.
Keywords: non-small cell lung cancer, stage III, chemoradiotherapy, durvalumab, acute toxicity
Published in DiRROS: 23.07.2024; Views: 312; Downloads: 81
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1187. Preoperative intensity-modulated chemoradiotherapy with simultaneous integrated boost in rectal cancer : five-year follow-up results of a phase II studyJasna But-Hadžić, Anja Meden Boltežar, Tina Škerl, Vesna Zadnik, Vaneja Velenik, 2021, original scientific article Abstract: We conducted a phase II study to investigate the feasibility and safety of preoperative radiochemo-therapy experimental fractionation, using intensity-modulated radiation therapy with simultaneous integrated boost (IMRT SIB) to shorten the overall treatment time without dose escalation in intermediate/locally advanced rectal cancer with the aim to improving treatment outcome.Patients and methods. A total of 51 patients with operable stage II–III rectal carcinoma were included between January 2014 and January 2015. Fifty patients completed preoperative IMRT treatment with an elective dose of 41.8 Gy and simultaneously delivered 46.2 Gy to T2/T3 and 48.4 Gy to T4 tumour in 22 fractions, with concomitant capecit-abine (825 mg/m2/12 h, including at weekends). Median follow-up was 70 months (range 11–80 m).Results. Forty-seven patients completed treatment per protocol. Acute toxicity occurred in 2 (4%) patients. R0 resec-tion was achieved in all but 1 and pathologic complete response (pCR) in 12 (25.5%) patients who had 5-year overall survival (OS), disease-free survival (DFS) and local control (LC) of 91.7%, 100% and 100%, respectively. The intention-to-treat analysis showed that the type of surgery significantly moderated OS and DFS, while total downstaging and pN were predictive for DFS only. For treatment per protocol 5-year OS, DFS and LC were 80.9% (95% confidence interval [CI] 69.7–92.1), 77.1% (95% CI 65.1–89.1) and 95.2% (95% CI 88.7–100), respectively. The proportion of patients with severe late (CTCAE G ≥ 3) gastrointestinal, urinary and sexual toxicity was 15%, 2% and 8% respectively, with one reported secondary carcinoma.
Keywords: rectal cancer, IMRT, simultaneous integrated boost, preoperative radiochemotherapy, acute toxicity
Published in DiRROS: 23.07.2024; Views: 298; Downloads: 112
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1188. Bridging biotremology and chemical ecology : a new terminologyValerio Mazzoni, Gianfranco Anfora, Reginald Bifield Cocroft, Fatouros Nina E., Meta Virant-Doberlet, 2024, review article Abstract: Living organisms use both chemical and mechanical stimuli to survive in their environment. Substrate-borne vibrations play a significant role in mediating behaviors in animals and inducing physiological responses in plants, leading to the emergence of the discipline of biotremology. Biotremology is experiencing rapid growth both in fundamental research and in applications like pest control, drawing attention from diverse audiences. As parallels with concepts and approaches in chemical ecology emerge, there is a pressing need for a shared standardized vocabulary in the area of overlap for mutual understanding. In this article, we propose an updated set of terms in biotremology rooted in chemical ecology, using the suffix ‘-done’ derived from the classic Greek word ‘δονέω’ (pronounced ‘doneo’), meaning ‘to shake’.
Keywords: vibrational communication, chemical ecology, biotremology, semiophysicals, pherodones, allelodones, zoology
Published in DiRROS: 23.07.2024; Views: 324; Downloads: 186
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1189. Scaphoideus titanus forecasting and management : quo vadis?Elena Gonella, Giovanni Benelli, Nathalie Arricau-Bouvery, Domenico Bosco, Meta Virant-Doberlet, 2024, review article Abstract: Scaphoideus titanus Ball (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) is a major pest for European viticulture due to its high efficiency in the transmission of one of the most destructive pathogens for grapevine, namely flavescence dorée phytoplasmas. Although it plays a major role in spreading this disease, S. titanus is part of a complex epidemiological cycle involving several alternative vectors with variable relevance for phytoplasma spread. Here we provide an updated review on S. titanus monitoring and modelling, as well as the available tools for management of this pest and for limiting phytoplasma transmission and, thus, also spread. Insecticide-based control is examined; additional emphasis is placed on innovative and low-impact control approaches, such as vibrational mating disruption, biocontrol, and methods to reduce vector competence. We also discuss the main emerging challenges to the implementation of effective and sustainable control programs against S. titanus.
Keywords: epidemiology, pest monitoring, modelling, Integrated Pest Management, vibrational mating disruption, biological control, plant resistance elicitors, RNA-interference, symbiotic control, entomology, insects, plant protection
Published in DiRROS: 23.07.2024; Views: 296; Downloads: 208
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1190. Scaphoideus titanus up-to-the-minute : biology, ecology, and role as a vectorElena Gonella, Giovanni Benelli, Nathalie Arricau-Bouvery, Domenico Bosco, Meta Virant-Doberlet, 2024, review article Abstract: Native to the Nearctic region, Scaphoideus titanus Ball (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) has become a major threat for grapevine production after being unintentionally introduced into Europe, where it became the main vector of flavescence dorée phytoplasma, being mainly associated with the genus Vitis. Scaphoideus titanus is a highly efficient vector of the most important phytoplasma affecting grapevine. For this reason, compulsory insecticide treatments have been introduced against this pest in many European countries. Moreover, the continuous expansion of its geographical distribution makes this leafhopper a serious threat for several non-European Countries. In this article, we review the current knowledge about its taxonomy, morphology, biology, ecology, and its role as a vector. Finally, we point out the main challenges for research aimed at reducing S. titanus and flavescence dorée expansion across Europe and avoiding spread of the disease outside the Old World.
Keywords: vector distribution, life cycle, morphology, taxonomy, feeding behaviour, entomology, insects
Published in DiRROS: 23.07.2024; Views: 355; Downloads: 175
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