Search

This paper conducts a systematic literature review (SLR) to evaluate the effectiveness of computational persuasion technology (CPT) in the eHealth domain. Over the past fifteen years, CPT has been used in various scenarios, from promoting healthy diets to supporting chronic disease management. Despite the proliferation of intelligent systems and Web-based applications, the ethical and legal nuances of these technologies have become increasingly significant. The review follows a structured methodology, assessing 92 primary studies through sixteen research questions covering demographics, application scenarios, user requirements, objectives, functionalities, technologies, advantages, limitations, proposed solutions, ethical and legal implications, and the role of explainable AI (XAI). The findings indicate that while CPT holds promise in inducing behavioral change, many prototypes remain untested on a large scale (60% of surveyed studies only developed at a conceptual level), and long-term effectiveness is still uncertain (36% report attaining their goals, but none focuses on long-term assessment). The study highlights the need for more comparative analyses of persuasion models and tailored approaches to meet diverse user needs. Ethical and legal concerns, such as patient consent, data privacy, and potential for users’ manipulation, are under-explored and require deeper investigation. The paper recommends a bottom-up regulatory approach to create more effective and flexible ethical and legal guidelines for CPT applications.In conclusion, significant advancements have been made in CPT for eHealth, but ongoing research is essential to address current limitations, enhance user acceptability and adherence, and ensure ethical and legal soundness.

ABSTRACT Neisserial adhesin A (NadA) is a meningococcal surface protein included as recombinant antigen in 4CMenB, a protein-based vaccine able to induce protective immune responses against Neisseria meningitidis serogroup B (MenB). Although NadA is involved in the adhesion/invasion of epithelial cells and human myeloid cells, its function in meningococcal physiology is still poorly understood. To clarify the role played by NadA in the host-pathogen interaction, we sought to identify its cellular receptors. We screened a protein microarray encompassing 2,846 human and 297 mouse surface/secreted recombinant proteins using recombinant NadA as probe. Efficient NadA binding was revealed on the paired sialic acid-binding immunoglobulin-type lectins receptors 5 and 14 (Siglec-5 and Siglec-14), but not on Siglec-9 therein used as control. The interaction was confirmed by biochemical tools with the determination of the KD value in the order of nanomolar and the identification of the NadA binding site by hydrogen-deuterium exchange coupled to mass spectrometry. The N-terminal domain of the Siglec-5 that recognizes the sialic acid was identified as the NadA binding domain. Intriguingly, exogenously added recombinant soluble Siglecs, including Siglec-9, were found to decorate N. meningitidis surface in a NadA-dependent manner. However, Siglec-5 and Siglec-14 transiently expressed in CHO-K1 cells endorsed NadA binding and increased N. meningitidis adhesion/invasion while Siglec-9 did not. Taken together, Siglec-5 and Siglec-14 satisfy all features of NadA receptors suggesting a possible role of NadA in the acute meningococcal infection.IMPORTANCEBacteria have developed several strategies for cell colonization and immune evasion. Knowledge of the host and pathogen factors involved in these mechanisms is crucial to build efficacious countermoves. Neisserial adhesin A (NadA) is a meningococcal surface protein included in the anti-meningococcus B vaccine 4CMenB, which mediates adhesion to and invasion of epithelial cells. Although NadA has been shown to bind to other cell types, like myeloid and endothelial cells, it still remains orphan of a defined host receptor. We have identified two strong NadA interactors, Siglec-5 and Siglec-14, which are mainly expressed on myeloid cells. This showcases that NadA is an additional and key player among the Neisseria meningitidis factors targeting immune cells. We thus provide novel insights on the strategies exploited by N. meningitidis during the infection process, which can progress to a severe illness and death.

In the present study, a series of isatin bis-imidathiazole hybrids was designed and synthesized to develop a new class of heterocyclic compounds with improved antimicrobial activity against pathogens responsible for hospital- and community-acquired infections. A remarkable inhibitory activity against Staphylococcus aureus was demonstrated for a subset of compounds (range: 13.8–90.1 µM) in the absence of toxicity towards epithelial cells and human red blood cells. The best performing derivative was further investigated to measure its anti-biofilm potential and its effectiveness against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus strains. A structure–activity relationship study of the synthesized molecules led to the recognition of some important structural requirements for the observed antibacterial activity. Molecular docking followed by molecular dynamics (MD) simulations identified the binding site of the active compound FtsZ, a key protein in bacterial cell division, and the mechanism of action, i.e., the inhibition of its polymerization. The overall results may pave the way for a further rational development of isatin hybrids as FtsZ inhibitors, with a broader spectrum of activity against human pathogens and higher potency.

Questo lavoro riporta alcuni risultati preliminari di un progetto di ricerca volto a indagare il rapporto tra il benessere percepito e il lavoro personale in psicoterapia della Gestalt. Nello specifico, presentiamo nel seguente articolo, i risultati relativi alla dinamica e ai cambiamenti che alcuni pazienti, che hanno liberamente partecipato alla ricerca, hanno mostrato riguardo al proprio senso di benessere, costrutto qui indagato attraverso l’uso di una scala autovalutativa nella sua versione adattata e standardizzata per la popolazione italiana. METODOLOGIA. Si tratta di un disegno sperimentale longitudinale qualitativo che ha coinvolto cinque pazienti per tre mesi, tutti presi in carico da psicologi psicoterapeuti di approccio Gestalt fenomenologico-esistenziale. I dati sono stati raccolti ogni quattro sedute individuali.

Purpose – The tourism and hospitality sectors are experiencing radical innovation boosted by the advancements in Information and Communication Technologies. Increasingly sophisticated chatbots are introducing novel approaches, re-shaping the dynamics among tourists and service providers, and fostering a remarkable behavioral change in the overall sector. Therefore, the objective of this paper is two-folded: (1) to highlight the academic and industrial standing points with respect to the current chatbots designed/deployed in the tourism sector and (2) to develop a proof-of-concept embodying the most prominent opportunities in the tourism sector. Design/methodology/approach – This work elaborates on the outcomes of a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) and a Focus Group (FG) composed of experts from the tourism industry. Moreover, it presents a proof-of-concept relying on the outcomes obtained from both SLR and FG. Eventually, the proof-of-concept has been tested with experts and practitioners of the tourism sector. Findings – Among the findings elicited by this paper, we can mention the quick evolution of chatbot-based solutions, the need for continuous investments, upskilling, system innovation to tackle the eTourism challenges and the shift toward new dimensions (i.e. tourist-to-tourist-to-chatbot and personalized multi-stakeholder systems). In particular, we focus on the need for chatbot-based activity and thematic aggregation for next-generation tourists and service providers. Originality/value – Both academic- and industrial-centered findings have been structured and discussed to foster the practitioners' future research. Moreover, the proof-of-concept presented in the paper is the first of its kind, which raised considerable interest from both technical and business-planning perspectives.

PurposeGermline testing (GT) for prostate cancer (PCA) is now central to treatment and hereditary cancer assessment. With rising demand for and shortage of genetic counseling (GC), tools to deliver pretest informed consent across practice settings are needed to improve access to GT and precision care. Here, we report on Evaluation and Management for Prostate Oncology, Wellness, and Risk (EMPOWER), a patient-choice study for pretest video-based genetic education (VBGE) versus GC to inform urgent practice needs.Patients and methodsMen with PCA or at risk for PCA (family history of PCA) were eligible and could choose pretest VBGE or GC. Outcomes included decisional conflict for GT, change in genetics knowledge, satisfaction, and intention to share results with family and/or providers. Descriptive statistics summarized results with counts and percentages for categorical variables and mean ± standard deviation for continuous variables. Data were compared with Fisher's exact, chi-squared, or Wilcoxon two-sample tests. Mean change in genetics knowledge was compared with t tests. The significance level was set a priori at .05.ResultsData on the first 127 participants were analyzed. Characteristics were White (85.8%), bachelor's degree (66.9%), and PCA diagnosis (90.6%). The majority chose VBGE (71%) versus GC (29%; P < .001). No differences were observed in decisional conflict for GT or satisfaction. Cancer genetics knowledge improved in both groups without significant difference (+0.9 VBGE, +1.8 GC, P = .056). Men who chose VBGE had higher intention to share GT results (96.4% VBGE v 86.4% GC, P = .02). Both groups had high rates of GT uptake (VBGE 94.4%, GC 92%).ConclusionA substantial proportion of men opted for pretest VBGE, with comparable patient-reported outcomes and uptake of GT. The results support the use of pretest video to address the critical GC shortage in the precision era.

PurposeGermline testing (GT) is a central feature of prostate cancer (PCA) treatment, management, and hereditary cancer assessment. Critical needs include optimized multigene testing strategies that incorporate evolving genetic data, consistency in GT indications and management, and alternate genetic evaluation models that address the rising demand for genetic services.MethodsA multidisciplinary consensus conference that included experts, stakeholders, and national organization leaders was convened in response to current practice challenges and to develop a genetic implementation framework. Evidence review informed questions using the modified Delphi model. The final framework included criteria with strong (> 75%) agreement (Recommend) or moderate (50% to 74%) agreement (Consider).ResultsLarge germline panels and somatic testing were recommended for metastatic PCA. Reflex testing-initial testing of priority genes followed by expanded testing-was suggested for multiple scenarios. Metastatic disease or family history suggestive of hereditary PCA was recommended for GT. Additional family history and pathologic criteria garnered moderate consensus. Priority genes to test for metastatic disease treatment included BRCA2, BRCA1, and mismatch repair genes, with broader testing, such as ATM, for clinical trial eligibility. BRCA2 was recommended for active surveillance discussions. Screening starting at age 40 years or 10 years before the youngest PCA diagnosis in a family was recommended for BRCA2 carriers, with consideration in HOXB13, BRCA1, ATM, and mismatch repair carriers. Collaborative (point-of-care) evaluation models between health care and genetic providers was endorsed to address the genetic counseling shortage. The genetic evaluation framework included optimal pretest informed consent, post-test discussion, cascade testing, and technology-based approaches.ConclusionThis multidisciplinary, consensus-driven PCA genetic implementation framework provides novel guidance to clinicians and patients tailored to the precision era. Multiple research, education, and policy needs remain of importance.

Katarzyna Malarz,1,&ast; Julia Korzuch,2,&ast; Tainah Dorina Marforio,3 Katarzyna Balin,1 Matteo Calvaresi,3 Anna Mrozek-Wilczkiewicz,1 Robert Musiol,2 Maciej Serda2 1A. Che&lstrok;kowski Institute of Physics, University of Silesia in Katowice, Chorzów, Poland; 2Institute of Chemistry, University of Silesia in Katowice, Katowice, Poland; 3Department of Chemistry “Giacomo Ciamician”, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy&ast;These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Maciej Serda; Katarzyna Malarz, Email maciej.serda@us.edu.pl; katarzyna.malarz@us.edu.plIntroduction: Thanks to recent advances in synthetic methodology, water-soluble fullerene nanomaterials that interfere with biomolecules, especially DNA/RNA and selected proteins, have been found with tremendous potential for applications in nanomedicine. Herein, we describe the synthesis and evaluation of a water-soluble glycine-derived [60]fullerene hexakisadduct (HDGF) with Th symmetry, which is a first-in-class BTK protein inhibitor.Methods: We synthesized and characterized glycine derived [60]fullerene using NMR, ESI-MS, and ATR-FT-IR. DLS and zeta potential were measured and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) observations were performed. The chemical composition of the water-soluble fullerene nanomaterial was examined by X-ray photoelectron spectrometry. To observe aggregate formation, the cryo-TEM analysis was carried out. The docking studies and molecular dynamic simulations were performed to determine interactions between HDGF and BTK. The in vitro cytotoxicity was evaluated on RAJI and K562 blood cancer cell lines. Subsequently, we examined the induction of cell death by autophagy and apoptosis by determining the expression levels of crucial genes and caspases. We investigated the direct association of HDGF on inhibition of the BTK signalling pathway by examining changes in the calcium levels in RAJI cells after treatment. The inhibitory potential of HDGF against non-receptor tyrosine kinases was evaluated. Finally, we assessed the effects of HDGF and ibrutinib on the expression of the BTK protein and downstream signal transduction in RAJI cells following anti-IgM stimulation.Results: Computational studies revealed that the inhibitory activity of the obtained [60]fullerene derivative is multifaceted: it hampers the BTK active site, interacting directly with the catalytic residues, rendering it inaccessible to phosphorylation, and binds to residues that form the ATP binding pocket. The anticancer activity of produced carbon nanomaterial revealed that it inhibited the BTK protein and its downstream pathways, including PLC and Akt proteins, at the cellular level. The mechanistic studies suggested the formation of autophagosomes (increased gene expression of LC3 and p62) and two caspases (caspase-3 and − 9) were responsible for the activation and progression of apoptosis.Conclusion: These data illustrate the potential of fullerene-based BTK protein inhibitors as nanotherapeutics for blood cancer and provide helpful information to support the future development of fullerene nanomaterials as a novel class of enzyme inhibitors.Graphical Abstract: Keywords: fullerenes, BTK inhibitor, anticancer agent, autophagy, apoptosis