bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Novel Ti surface coated with PVA hydrogel and chitosan nanoparticles with antibacterial drug release: An experimental in vitro study
Authors: Carrazco Ávila Pablo Yael , Arias Moliz Teresa , Rosales Leal Juan Ignacio , Baca Pilar , Rodríguez Valverde Miguel Ángel , Morales Hernandez María Encarnación
Published: February 2024

Objectives

The aims of this study were to design a novel titanium surface coated with a PVA hydrogel matrix and chitosan‐based nanoparticles and to investigate the antibiotic release and its ability to inhibit microbial activity.

Methods

Two drug delivery systems were developed and mixed. Chitosan‐based nanoparticles (NP) and a polyvinyl alcohol film (PVA). The size, ζ‐potential, stability, adhesive properties, and encapsulation profile of NP, as well as the release kinetics of drug delivery systems and their antimicrobial ability of PVA and PVANP films, were studied on Ti surfaces. The systems were loaded with doxycycline, vancomycin, and doxepin hydrochloride.

Results

Nanoparticles presented a ζ‐potential greater than 30 mV for 45 days and the efficiency drug encapsulation was 26.88% ± 1.51% for doxycycline, 16.09% ± 10.24% for vancomycin and 17.57% ± 11.08% for doxepin. In addition, PVA films were loaded with 125 μg/mL of doxycycline, 125 μg/mL of vancomycin, and 100 μg/mL of doxepin. PVANP‐doxycycline achieved the antibacterial effect at 4 h while PVA‐doxycycline maintained its effect at 24 h.
Lessons for conservation from the mistakes of the COVID‐19 pandemic: The promise and peril of big data and new communication modalities
Authors: Golding Jessie , Chmura Helen
Published: February 2024

New datasets and information infrastructure are revolutionizing how societies respond to environmental crises, while creating novel challenges. Conservation biology can learn from other fields that have confronted crises while navigating changes in the scientific process. The COVID‐19 pandemic offers one such opportunity. We identify lessons from the use of big data and the sharing of preliminary scientific information in an increasingly “networked” communication system during the pandemic. Although big data were central to early pandemic responses, acquisition and sharing of big data alone were insufficient to produce knowledge for effective crisis response. Some shortcomings could be addressed by validating and automating processing of big data. Preliminary scientific information was widely available and shared through a broad communication infrastructure during the pandemic, contributing to widespread misinformation. Diverse actions connecting information producers and consumers could help mitigate misinformation risk. By examining pandemic lessons, conservation biologists may be better equipped to handle conservation crises.
Knowledge and attitudes on implementing cardiovascular pharmacogenomic testing
Authors: Russell Callan , Campion MaryAnn , Grove Megan E. , Matsuda Kelly , Klein Teri E. , Ashley Euan , Naik Hetanshi , Wheeler Matthew T. , Scott Stuart A.
Published: February 2024

Pharmacogenomics has the potential to inform drug dosing and selection, reduce adverse events, and improve medication efficacy; however, provider knowledge of pharmacogenomic testing varies across provider types and specialties. Given that many actionable pharmacogenomic genes are implicated in cardiovascular medication response variability, this study aimed to evaluate cardiology providers' knowledge and attitudes on implementing clinical pharmacogenomic testing. Sixty‐one providers responded to an online survey, including pharmacists (46%), physicians (31%), genetic counselors (15%), and nurses (8%). Most respondents (94%) reported previous genetics education; however, only 52% felt their genetics education prepared them to order a clinical pharmacogenomic test. In addition, most respondents (66%) were familiar with pharmacogenomics, with genetic counselors being most likely to be familiar (p < 0.001). Only 15% of respondents had previously ordered a clinical pharmacogenomic test and a total of 36% indicated they are likely to order a pharmacogenomic test in the future; however, the vast majority of respondents (89%) were interested in pharmacogenomic testing being incorporated into diagnostic cardiovascular genetic tests. Moreover, 84% of providers preferred pharmacogenomic panel testing compared to 16% who preferred single gene testing. Half of the providers reported being comfortable discussing pharmacogenomic results with their patients, but the majority (60%) expressed discomfort with the logistics of test ordering. Reported barriers to implementation included uncertainty about the clinical utility and difficulty choosing an appropriate test. Taken together, cardiology providers have moderate familiarity with pharmacogenomics and limited experience with test ordering; however, they are interested in incorporating pharmacogenomics into diagnostic genetic tests and ordering pharmacogenomic panels.
The combined immunohistochemical expression of AMBRA1 and SQSTM1 identifies patients with poorly differentiated cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma at risk of metastasis: A proof of concept study
Authors: Alexander Michael H. , Cousins William J. , Ewen Tom , South Andrew P. , Lovat Penny , Stefanos Niki
Published: February 2024

Background

Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) incidence continues to increase globally with, as of yet, an unmet need for reliable prognostic biomarkers to identify patients at increased risk of metastasis. The aim of the present study was to test the prognostic potential of the combined immunohistochemical expression of the autophagy regulatory biomarkers, AMBRA1 and SQSTM1, to identify high‐risk patient subsets.

Methods

A retrospective cohort of 68 formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded primary cSCCs with known 5‐year metastatic outcomes were subjected to automated immunohistochemical staining for AMBRA1 and SQSTM1. Digital images of stained slides were annotated to define four regions of interest: the normal and peritumoral epidermis, the tumor mass, and the tumor growth front. H‐score analysis was used to semi‐quantify AMBRA1 or SQSTM1 expression in each region of interest using Aperio ImageScope software, with receiver operator characteristics and Kaplan–Meier analysis used to assess prognostic potential.

Results

The combined loss of expression of AMBRA1 in the tumor growth front and SQSTM1 in the peritumoral epidermis identified patients with poorly differentiated cSCCs at risk of metastasis (*p < 0.05).

Conclusions

Collectively, these proof of concept data suggest loss of the combined expression of AMBRA1 in the cSCC growth front and SQSTM1 in the peritumoral epidermis as a putative prognostic biomarker for poorly differentiated cSCC.
Liquid biopsy‐based circulating tumour (ct)DNA analysis of a spectrum of myeloid and lymphoid malignancies yields clinically actionable results
Authors: Mata Douglas A , Lee Jessica K , Shanmugam Vignesh , Marcus Chelsea B , Schrock Alexa B , Williams Erik A , Ritterhouse Lauren L , Hickman Richard A , Janovitz Tyler , Patel Nimesh R , Kroger Benjamin R , Ross Jeffrey S , Mirza Kamran M , Oxnard Geoffrey R , Vergilio Jo‐Anne , Elvin Julia A , Benhamida Jamal K , Decker Brennan , Xu Mina L
Published: February 2024

Aims

Liquid biopsy (LBx)‐based next‐generation sequencing (NGS) of circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA) can facilitate molecular profiling of haematopoietic neoplasms (HNs), particularly when tissue‐based NGS is infeasible.

Methods and Results

We studied HN LBx samples tested with FoundationOne Liquid CDx, FoundationOne Liquid, or FoundationACT between July 2016 and March 2022. We identified 271 samples: 89 non‐Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), 43 plasma‐cell neoplasm (PCN), 41 histiocytoses, 27 myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), 25 diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL), 22 myeloproliferative neoplasm (MPN), 14 Hodgkin lymphoma (HL), and 10 acute myeloid leukaemia (AML). Among 73.4% with detectable pathogenic alterations, median maximum somatic allele frequency (MSAF) was 16.6%, with AML (36.2%), MDS (19.7%), and MPN (44.5%) having higher MSAFs than DLBCL (3.9%), NHL (8.4%), HL (1.5%), PCN (2.8%), and histiocytoses (1.8%) (P = 0.001). LBx detected characteristic alterations across HNs, including in TP53, KRAS, MYD88, and BTK in NHLs; TP53, KRAS, NRAS, and BRAF in PCNs; IGH in DLBCL; TP53, ATM, and PDCD1LG2 in HL; BRAF and MAP2K1 in histiocytoses; TP53, SF3B1, DNMT3A, TET2, and ASXL1 in MDS; JAK2 in MPNs; and FLT3, IDH2, and NPM1 in AML. Among 24 samples, the positive percent agreement by LBx was 75.7% for variants present in paired buffy coat, marrow, or tissues. Also, 75.0% of pairs exhibited alterations only present on LBx. These were predominantly subclonal (clonal fraction of 3.8%), reflecting the analytical sensitivity of LBx.

Conclusion

These data demonstrate that LBx can detect relevant genomic alterations across HNs, including at low clonal fractions, suggesting a potential clinical utility for identifying residual or emerging therapy‐resistant clones that may be undetectable in site‐specific tissue biopsies.
Has the pandemic altered luxury consumption and marketing? A sectoral and thematic analysis
Authors: Hati Sri Rahayu Hijrah , Kamarulzaman Yusniza , Omar Nor Asiah
Published: February 2024

This study analyzes the literature available on consumer luxury consumption and the marketing of luxury products during the COVID‐19 pandemic. The Scopus database was utilized to search for research on luxury products during the pandemic. The study followed the SPAR‐4‐SLR procedure, with 59 articles analyzed using VOSviewer to provide network and density visualization. Triangulation of analysis was conducted using NVivo as the software offers rigor in the systematic literature review. The VOSviewer network and density visualization show that the analysis of the luxury industry literature can be elucidated by sectors and themes. The results indicate that the majority of the literature on luxury discussed hospitality, especially the hotel setting, followed by luxury fashion and tourism. Many sectors, such as luxury automotive, beauty, arts, and so forth were overlooked. Online landscape, branding, social responsibility, communication, sustainability, the self, and culture are the dominant themes in literature. The study sheds light on important themes, sectors, and research gaps, benefiting academic scholars and industry practitioners in understanding and navigating the challenges and opportunities in the luxury market during crises.
NK cell profiling in West Nile virus encephalitis reveals potential metabolic basis for functional inhibition
Authors: Spiteri Alanna G , Wishart Claire L , Pinget Gabriela V , Purohit Shivam K , Macia Laurence , King Nicholas JC , Niewold Paula
Published: February 2024

Natural killer (NK) cells are cytotoxic lymphocytes important for viral defense. West Nile virus (WNV) infection of the central nervous system (CNS) causes marked recruitment of bone marrow (BM)‐derived monocytes, T cells and NK cells, resulting in severe neuroinflammation and brain damage. Despite substantial numbers of NK cells in the CNS, their function and phenotype remain largely unexplored. Here, we demonstrate that NK cells mature from the BM to the brain, upregulate inhibitory receptors and show reduced cytokine production and degranulation, likely due to the increased expression of the inhibitory NK cell molecule, MHC‐I. Intriguingly, this correlated with a reduction in metabolism associated with cytotoxicity in brain‐infiltrating NK cells. Importantly, the degranulation and killing capability were restored in NK cells isolated from WNV‐infected tissue, suggesting that WNV‐induced NK cell inhibition occurs in the CNS. Overall, this work identifies a potential link between MHC‐I inhibition of NK cells and metabolic reduction of their cytotoxicity during infection.
Risk factors and clinical characteristics of surgical site infections in athletes undergoing Achilles tendon repair surgery
Authors: Guo Chenhao , Zhang Yuze , Dong Wenhan , Huang Bo , Liu Yinghai
Published: February 2024

Achilles tendon ruptures are common in athletes, requiring surgical intervention. However, the risk of surgical site infections (SSIs) post‐surgery poses significant challenges. This study aims to analyse the risk factors and microbial aetiology associated with SSIs in athletes undergoing Achilles tendon repair. A comprehensive retrospective analysis was conducted from May 2021 to July 2023. The study included 25 patients with SSIs (case group) and 50 patients without SSIs (control group) post Achilles tendon repair surgery. Inclusion criteria encompassed patients with medically confirmed Achilles tendon ruptures who underwent surgical repair. Exclusion criteria included prior tendon pathologies and significant chronic illnesses. Diagnostic criteria for SSIs involved symptoms like elevated body temperature and localized tenderness, along with laboratory confirmations such as positive microbiological cultures. The study utilized VITEK® 2 for bacterial identification and involved statistical analyses like univariate and multivariate logistic regression. The study identified Staphylococcus aureus as the primary pathogen in SSIs. Significant risk factors included lack of prophylactic antibiotic use, presence of diabetes, open wounds and prolonged surgery duration. Univariate analysis revealed stark contrasts in these factors between infected and non‐infected groups, while multivariate analysis underscored their importance in SSI development. S. aureus emerged as the predominant pathogen in SSIs post Achilles tendon repair. Critical risk factors such as absence of prophylactic antibiotics, diabetes, open wounds and extended surgery duration play a vital role in SSIs. Addressing these factors is essential for better postoperative outcomes in Achilles tendon repair surgeries.
Depth of invasion of oral squamous cell carcinoma in Nos2‐knockout mice correlated to alterations in systemic inflammatory markers following 4NQO treatment
Authors: Santos Débora de Oliveira , Costa Anaíra Ribeiro Guedes Fonseca , Duarte Pedro Victor Silva , Pitorro Tássio Edno Atanásio , Fonseca Lúbia Cristina , Cardoso Sérgio Vitorino , de Faria Paulo Rogério , Loyola Adriano Mota
Published: February 2024

Background

Peripheral blood analysis is a non‐invasive and low‐cost technique of prognostic value for several diseases, including oral cancer. Considering the role of inducible nitric oxide synthase in tumor‐associated inflammation, this study purposed to evaluate the influence of this enzyme on peripheral blood parameters and systemic inflammatory biomarkers during murine oral carcinogenesis.

Methods

A 50 μg/mL solution of 4‐nitroquinoleine‐N‐oxide was provided to 15 C57BL/6J (Nos2+/+) and 16 B6.129P2‐Nos2tm1Lau/J (Nos2−/−) for 16 weeks. Animals were followed for 8 weeks after treatment. Blood samples and tongues were collected for hematological and histopathological analyses. Red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelet cell parameters were analyzed. The neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio, platelet‐to‐lymphocyte ratio, and the systemic immune‐inflammation index were also calculated. The depth of invasion of all carcinomas was measured.

Results

Differences were found in several blood parameters. The depth of invasion in Nos2−/− was lower than in Nos2+/+ (p = 0.009), and strong correlations were found between depth of invasion and neutrophil count (ρ = −0.68, p = 0.017), lymphocyte count (ρ = 0.72, p = 0.011), neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (ρ = −0.65, p = 0.025), platelet‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (ρ = −0.73, p = 0.013), and systemic immune‐inflammation index (ρ = −0.67, p = 0.037) in Nos2−/− mice.

Conclusion

Inducible nitric oxide synthase seems to have an important role in OSCC invasion and progression, which might be associated to alterations in immune‐inflammatory cell dynamics evidenced by peripheral blood and systemic inflammatory biomarkers.
Decoding bilingualism from resting‐state oscillatory network organization
Authors: Amoruso Lucia , García Adolfo M. , Pusil Sandra , Timofeeva Polina , Quiñones Ileana , Carreiras Manuel
Published: February 2024

Can lifelong bilingualism be robustly decoded from intrinsic brain connectivity? Can we determine, using a spectrally resolved approach, the oscillatory networks that better predict dual‐language experience? We recorded resting‐state magnetoencephalographic activity in highly proficient Spanish‐Basque bilinguals and Spanish monolinguals, calculated functional connectivity at canonical frequency bands, and derived topological network properties using graph analysis. These features were fed into a machine learning classifier to establish how robustly they discriminated between the groups. The model showed excellent classification (AUC: 0.91 ± 0.12) between individuals in each group. The key drivers of classification were network strength in beta (15–30 Hz) and delta (2–4 Hz) rhythms. Further characterization of these networks revealed the involvement of temporal, cingulate, and fronto‐parietal hubs likely underpinning the language and default‐mode networks (DMNs). Complementary evidence from a correlation analysis showed that the top‐ranked features that better discriminated individuals during rest also explained interindividual variability in second language (L2) proficiency within bilinguals, further supporting the robustness of the machine learning model in capturing trait‐like markers of bilingualism. Overall, our results show that long‐term experience with an L2 can be “brain‐read” at a fine‐grained level from resting‐state oscillatory network organization, highlighting its pervasive impact, particularly within language and DMN networks.
Making way for memes in the social science classroom: How generational media preferences may impact discussions of racial inequities
Authors: Poudel Anna , Dance Lory Janelle , Marvin Sutton
Published: February 2024

This pilot study analyzes student responses to two political cartoons which satirize racism in varying national contexts. Eight moderated focus groups viewed political cartoons then shared reactions via survey and discussion. We found that participants responded negatively to a French cartoon which they perceived endorsed racist attitudes. Participants had more positive responses to an American cartoon which they perceived to “punch up” at the racial hierarchy. A third, unanticipated set of findings relates to participants' spontaneous feedback that though they welcomed the use of popular comedy in teaching, political cartoons felt less engaging than other media formats. This left us with a new question to explore in a future second phase of our project: How can instructors consider generational differences regarding media preferences when selecting popular comedy materials for use in classroom discussions of racism? We speculate that memes, rather than political cartoons, may provide a more effective springboard for discussion. We plan to incorporate memes in the second phase of this project, a cross‐national study regarding the use of popular comedy materials as springboards to classroom discussions about racism.
Environmental and sociodemographic factors associated with zoonotic pathogen occurrence in Norway rats (Rattus norvegicus) from Windsor, Ontario
Authors: Robinson Sarah J. , Pearl David L. , Himsworth Chelsea G. , Weese J. Scott , Lindsay L. Robbin , Dibernardo Antonia , Huynh Chris , Hill Janet E. , Fernando Champika , Jardine Claire M.
Published: February 2024

Aims

Rat‐associated zoonotic pathogen transmission at the human–wildlife interface is a public health concern in urban environments where Norway rats (Rattus norvegicus) thrive on abundant anthropogenic resources and live in close contact with humans and other animal species. To identify potential factors influencing zoonotic pathogen occurrence in rats, we investigated associations between environmental and sociodemographic factors and Leptospira interrogans and Bartonella spp. infections in rats from Windsor, Ontario, Canada, while controlling for the potential confounding effects of animal characteristics (i.e., sexual maturity and body condition).

Methods and Results

Between November 2018 and June 2021, 252 rats were submitted by collaborating pest control professionals. Kidney and spleen samples were collected for L. interrogans and Bartonella spp. PCR and sequencing, respectively. Of the rats tested by PCR, 12.7% (32/252) were positive for L. interrogans and 16.3% (37/227) were positive for Bartonella species. Associations between infection status and environmental and sociodemographic variables of interest were assessed via mixed multivariable logistic regression models with a random intercept for social group and fixed effects to control for sexual maturity and body condition in each model. The odds of L. interrogans infection were significantly higher in rats from areas with high building density (odds ratio [OR]: 3.76; 95% CI: 1.31–10.79; p = 0.014), high human population density (OR: 3.31; 95% CI: 1.20–9.11; p = 0.021), high proportion of buildings built in 1960 or before (OR: 11.21; 95% CI: 2.06–60.89; p = 0.005), and a moderate number of reports of uncollected garbage compared to a low number of reports (OR: 4.88; 95% CI: 1.01–23.63; p = 0.049). A negative association was observed between median household income and Bartonella spp. infection in rats (OR: 0.26; 95% CI: 0.08–0.89; p = 0.031).

Conclusions

Due to the complexity of the ecology of rat‐associated zoonoses, consideration of environmental and sociodemographic factors is of critical importance to better understand the nuances of host–pathogen systems and inform how urban rat surveillance and intervention efforts should be distributed within cities.
Localization of eigenfunctions in the Dirichlet beaker
Authors: Cardone G. , Nazarov S. A. , Taskinen J.
Published: February 2024

We construct the asymptotics of the eigenpairs of the Dirichlet problem for the Laplace operator in a thin‐walled beaker and prove the localization effect for the functions near the bottom edge, a smooth closed contour, of the beaker. The main asymptotic terms are described by the eigenpairs of an ordinary differential equation on the edge and by the single eigenvalue belonging to the discrete spectrum of the Dirichlet Laplacian in an ‐shaped infinite waveguide. The corresponding eigenfunctions are shown to decay exponentially at some distance from the edge. Also, we find the asymptotics of eigenvalue sequences generated by planar Dirichlet problems on the bottom and walls of the limit beaker of zero thickness. Open questions related to other sequences of eigenvalues are discussed.
Vietnam's Long-run Growth: Connecting the Dots through Climate Damage Spillovers
Authors: Mania Elodie , Nguyen Thi Thu-Ha , Rieber Arsène , Tran Thi Anh-Dao
Published: February 2024

We propose to examine how climate damage may transform Vietnam's long-run growth rate. Because of cross-country linkages forged by bilateral trade, there are two channels through which international damage spillovers may occur. First, the dynamics of partners' growth determine future trends in Vietnam's volume of exports. Second, since the domestic impact of climate change may be heterogeneous across countries, there will be a differentiated impact on export and import market shares. Both terms play a critical role in changing trade patterns that are likely to shift Vietnam's external constraint. This demand-side view of growth based on the balance-of-payments constraint is a powerful predictor of inter-country growth differences. Our study show that the consequences of climate change could equate to a 2.5% reduction in Vietnam's growth rate over the period 2020-2060. Our decomposition exercise by effect and by partner area shows that international damage spillovers result from very different individual behaviours.
Costs-effectiveness and cost components of pharmaceutical and non-pharmaceutical interventions affecting antibiotic resistance outcomes in hospital patients: a systematic literature review
Authors: Allel Kasim , Hernández-Leal María José , Naylor Nichola R , Undurraga Eduardo A. , Abou Jaoude Gerard Joseph , Bhandari Priyanka , Flanagan Ellen , Haghparast-Bidgoli Hassan , Pouwels Koen B , Yakob Laith
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Limited information on costs and the cost-effectiveness of hospital interventions to reduce antibiotic resistance (ABR) hinder efficient resource allocation.

Methods

We conducted a systematic literature review for studies evaluating the costs and cost-effectiveness of pharmaceutical and non-pharmaceutical interventions aimed at reducing, monitoring and controlling ABR in patients. Articles published until 12 December 2023 were explored using EconLit, EMBASE and PubMed. We focused on critical or high-priority bacteria, as defined by the WHO, and intervention costs and incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER). Following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic review and Meta-Analysis guidelines, we extracted unit costs, ICERs and essential study information including country, intervention, bacteria-drug combination, discount rates, type of model and outcomes. Costs were reported in 2022 US dollars ($), adopting the healthcare system perspective. Country willingness-to-pay (WTP) thresholds from Woodset al2016 guided cost-effectiveness assessments. We assessed the studies reporting checklist using Drummond’s method.

Results

Among 20 958 articles, 59 (32 pharmaceutical and 27 non-pharmaceutical interventions) met the inclusion criteria. Non-pharmaceutical interventions, such as hygiene measures, had unit costs as low as $1 per patient, contrasting with generally higher pharmaceutical intervention costs. Several studies found that linezolid-based treatments for methicillin-resistantStaphylococcus aureuswere cost-effective compared with vancomycin (ICER up to $21 488 per treatment success, all 16 studies’ ICERs<WTP). Infection control measures such as hand hygiene and gown usage (ICER=$1160/QALY or $4949 per ABR case averted, all ICERs<WTP) and PCR or chromogenic agar screening for ABR detection were highly cost-effective (eg, ICER=$1206 and $1115 per life-year saved in Europe and the USA). Comparisons were hindered by within-study differences.

Conclusion

Robust information on ABR interventions is critical for efficient resource allocation. We highlight cost-effective strategies for mitigating ABR in hospitals, emphasising substantial knowledge gaps, especially in low-income and middle-income countries. Our study serves as a resource for guiding future cost-effectiveness study design and analyses.

PROSPERO registration numberCRD42020341827 and CRD42022340064
A Liquidity Analysis System for Large-scale Video Streams in the Oilfield
Authors: Ma Qiang , Yuan Hao , Hu Zhe , Wang Xu , Yang Zheng
Published: February 2024

This article introduces LinkStream, a liquidity analysis system based on multiple video streams designed and implemented for oilfield. LinkStream combines a variety of technologies to solve several problems in computing power and network latency. First, the system adopts an edge-central architecture and tailoring based on spatio-temporal correlation, which greatly reduces computing power requirements and network costs, and enables real-time analysis of large-scale video stream on limited edge devices. Second, it designed a set of liquidity information to describe the liquidity status in the oilfield. Finally, it uses object tracking technology to design a counting algorithm for the unique tubing object in the oilfield. We have deployed LinkStream in an oilfield in Iraq. LinkStream can perform real-time inference on over 200 video streams with acceptable resource overhead.
Funny Headlines: Laugh at Your Peril
Authors: Yaffe Philip
Published: February 2024

Each "Communication Corner" essay is self-contained; however, they build on each other. For best results, before reading this essay and doing the exercise, go to the first essay "How an Ugly Duckling Became a Swan," then read each succeeding essay.

Have you ever been reading a newspaper or magazine and come across a headline that seemed unclear, or puzzling, or that made you laugh out loud because of its apparent stupidity? Almost certainly you have. But how do these bizarre lapses happen---and what can they teach us about our own writing?
Camouflage: Utility-Aware Obfuscation for Accurate Simulation of Sensitive Program Traces
Authors: Pal Asmita , Desai Keerthana , Chatterjee Rahul , San Miguel Joshua
Published: February 2024

Trace-based simulation is a widely used methodology for system design exploration. It relies on realistic traces that represent a range of behaviors necessary to be evaluated, containing a lot of information about the application, its inputs and the underlying system on which it was generated. Consequently, generating traces from real-world executions risks leakage of sensitive information. To prevent this, traces can be obfuscated before release. However, this can undermine their ideal utility, i.e., how realistically a program behavior was captured. To address this, we propose Camouflage, a novel obfuscation framework, designed with awareness of the necessary architectural properties required to preserve
trace utility
, while ensuring secrecy of the inputs used to generate the trace. Focusing on memory access traces, our extensive evaluation on various benchmarks shows that camouflaged traces preserve the performance measurements of the original execution, with an average τ correlation of 0.66. We model input secrecy as an input indistinguishability problem and show that the average security loss is 7.8%, which is better than traces generated from the state-of-the-art.
Podocytes from hypertensive and obese mice acquire an inflammatory, senescent, and aged phenotype
Authors: McKinzie Sierra R. , Kaverina Natalya , Schweickart Robert Allen , Chaney Christopher P. , Eng Diana G. , Pereira Beatriz Maria Veloso , Kestenbaum Bryan , Pippin Jeffrey W. , Carroll Thomas , Wessely Oliver , Shankland Stuart J.
Published: February 2024

Hypertension and obesity can lead to glomerular dysfunction in patients, causing podocyte injury and depletion. Here, young mice given deoxycorticosterone acetate or a high-fat diet to induce hypertension or obesity, respectively. mRNA sequencing of isolated podocytes showed transcriptional changes consistent with senescence, a senescent-associated secretory phenotype, and aging, which was confirmed by immunostaining. Ongoing studies are determining the mechanistic roles of the accelerated aging podocyte phenotype in experimental hypertension and obesity.
Benefits of intratracheal and extrathoracic high-frequency percussive ventilation in a model of capnoperitoneum
Authors: Peták Ferenc , Südy Roberta , Diaper John , Fontao Fabienne , Bizzotto Davide , Dellacà Raffaele L. , Habre Walid , Schranc Álmos
Published: February 2024

The present study examines an alternative and innovative mechanical ventilation modality in improving oxygen delivery, CO2 clearance, and respiratory mechanical abnormalities in a clinically relevant experimental model of capnoperitoneum. Our data reveal that high-frequency oscillations combined with conventional ventilation improve gas exchange, with intratracheal oscillations being more effective than extrathoracic oscillations in this clinically relevant translational model.
Body composition in early pubescent children with obesity: effects following 1 year of nonintervention
Authors: Babb Tony G. , Wilhite Daniel P. , Martinez-Fernandez Tanya , Liu Yulun , Gupta Olga T. , Barlow Sarah , Bhammar Dharini M.
Published: February 2024

Little is known about changes in body composition in children with and without obesity following 1 year of nonintervention. We report that without intervention, fat mass gain is significantly greater in children with obesity after 1 year compared with those without obesity. Body mass index (BMI) and %body fat measurements after 1 year yielded no significant increase suggesting that BMI and %fat alone are not suitable measures for tracking changes in adiposity among children.
Leaf Extracts of Moringa oleifera Cultivated in Baghdad: Characterization and Antimicrobial Potential against Endodontic Pathogens
Authors: Shafiq Nada E. , Mahdee Anas F. , Mohammed Hasan Zainab Y.
Published: February 2024

The use of medicinal plant preparations to clean and disinfect root canal infection is gaining popularity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the bioactive composition of leaf extracts of Moringa oleifera plants cultivated in Iraq (specifically Baghdad) and their antimicrobial activity against selected root canal pathogens for potential application in endodontic treatment. Materials and Methods. Moringa leaf extracts were prepared either through cold maceration or warm digestion techniques to perform an ethanolic or aqueous extraction, respectively. Phytochemical detection was performed before thin layer chromatography (TLC) and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) to measure flavonoids and phenolic compounds within both extracts. Then, their antimicrobial activities were investigated against Streptococcus mutans, Enterococcus faecalis, and Candida albicans through minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC), minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC), and agar well diffusion assay in comparison to NaOCl and Ca(OH)2. Results. Phytochemical screening showed several active ingredients but with higher expression of flavonoids and phenolic compounds. Also, different types of these compounds were detected through TLC and quantified by HPLC. MIC values for ethanolic extract against Streptococcus mutans, Enterococcus faecalis, and Candida albicans were 60, 65, and 55, respectively, while for aqueous extract, MIC values were 70, 80, and 50, respectively. Aqueous extract showed a higher inhibition zone than ethanolic extract for both Streptococcus mutans and Enterococcus faecalis with a statistically significant difference (p≤0.001) for all tested materials except with NaOCl and Ca(OH)2 in Streptococcus mutans and Enterococcus faecalis, respectively. The ethanolic extract showed a higher inhibition zone against Candida albicans, with a statistically significant difference (p≤0.001) for all tested materials. Conclusion. Ethanolic and aqueous extracts of Moringa oleifera leaves cultivated in Baghdad contain considerable quantities of phytochemicals, especially flavonoid and phenolic compounds, and demonstrated antimicrobial activities against selected endodontic pathogens. Therefore, Moringa leaf extracts could be suggested as an alternative antimicrobial material in endodontic treatment.
FIGURE 3 from Cumulative Incidence, Risk Factors, and Overall Survival of Disease Recurrence after Curative Resection of Stage II–III Colorectal Cancer: A Population-based Study
Authors: Boute Tara C. , Swartjes Hidde , Greuter Marjolein J.E. , Elferink Marloes A.G. , van Eekelen Rik , Vink Geraldine R. , de Wilt Johannes H.W. , Coupé Veerle M.H.
Published: February 2024

Forest plot of risk for diagnosis with recurrent disease in patients with primary colon and rectal cancer, based on multivariable competing risk regression models. HR; Hazard ratio. ASA; American Society of Anesthesiologists. R0; resection margin of ≥1 mm. R1; resection margin of 0–1 mm. R2; macroscopically incomplete resection margin. IMVI; intramural vascular invasion. EMVI; extramural vascular invasion.
Impact of Intervention on Students’ Mastery Level and Analysis of Misconceptions in Operations on Integers
Authors: Harun Nurul Ain , Cuevas Kyrille Grace , Sagdi Lorence James , Sapilin Ailinda , Nasilon Nurmina , Kadil Misra , ALVIAR JAYSON , SOLON LEO JAY
Published: February 2024

One of the fundamental mathematics concepts expected of a high school student to master is integers. However, many students exhibit misconceptions in operating integers which affect their performance as they advanced to the higher level of mathematics. The purpose of this study is to determine the impact of the intervention on students’ mastery level and analyze the misconceptions in operations on integers. In this study, a quasi-experimental one-group pretest-post-test design was employed. A total of fifty-six (56) grade 7 students were conveniently chosen of which twenty-six (26) were males and thirty (30) were females. Among these, twenty-nine (29) students belonged to Grade 7A, and twenty-seven (27) students belonged to Grade 7B. The data collected were analyzed using JAMOVI, an open statistical software. The Mean Percentage Score (MPS) was calculated to determine the mastery level exhibited by the students. Results revealed significant increase in the mastery level of grade 7 students after the intervention. In addition, there were no significant differences in the mastery level of the students in terms of the gender and section. Although the mastery level of the students improved, there were recurring misconceptions observed after the intervention. The researchers suggest   further study evaluating the benefits of intervention in addressing the students' misconceptions in the four fundamental operations on integers.
Potential Challenges and Implications of Implementing Accrual Accounting in the Public Sector in Sri Lanka
Authors: Najimudeen ALM
Published: February 2024

This study investigated revenue recognition, expense recording, asset presentation, and liability reporting in accrual-basis accounting in financial statements as it examined the difficulties of implementing accrual accounting in the public sector in Sri Lanka. Questionnaires were used to gather data, and ordinal regression analysis was used to examine participant replies. The findings showed a strong association between potential challenges and a number of independent variables, such as accountants' proficiency with accrual accounting, non-accountants understanding of financial statements, non-finance managers' support, regulatory and legal barriers, and the availability of qualified personnel. The results emphasized the difficulties in making the switch to accrual accounting in the public sector and offer guidance for practitioners and policymakers who want to solve these issues.
Inducing the Growth and Yield of Mungbeans Applied with Different Level of Concentrations of Bio-Stimulant Solutions
Authors: Oñal, Jr. Paulino A , Baldonebro Jessel Jane G. , Cortez Manuel D. , Andrade Francis E.
Published: February 2024

The study sought to determine the effects of different levels of concentrations of bio-stimulant solution (BSS) in inducing the growth, flower, and yield of mung bean. The study was conducted at UNO-R School of Agriculture, Philippines last February to April 2022.  Pag-asa 3 variety was used as planting material. The study was laid out in RCBD) with four treatments and replicated 4 times. The BSS was diluted in water and applied 6 inches from the base of the plant as per research protocol. Statistical analysis revealed highly significant differences among treatments in growth parameters such as plant height and leaf area index (LAI) at 35DAS. Likewise, there was high significant difference among treatments on the days to 50% flowering of the plant. Furthermore, results showed highly significant differences among treatments in the number of pods per plant, pod weight per plant, number of seeds per pod, 100 seed weight, and yield of mung bean. For the highest plant height, LAI, and period of flowering they were obtained from plants applied with 150ml BSS, followed by 100ml BSS, and 50ml BSS. On the other hand, untreated plants have the shortest height, narrower leaves, and late in flower initiation. Mung bean pods per plant were great in number, heavier in weight from plants treated with 150ml BSS among the other treatments, the most number of seeds per pod, and the heaviest per 100-seed weight as well as the highest seed yield per hectare. This study recommends the use of 150ml BSS in inducing the growth and higher yield of mung bean plant production.
The Relationship between Service Quality and Customer Satisfaction with the Intention to Choose a Hospital Again
Authors: Wulansari Oktufiani Dwi , Suryanto  , Santi Dyan Evita
Published: February 2024

The aim of this research is to examine the relationship between service quality and consumer satisfaction with the intention to choose a hospital again. The hypothesis in this research is that there is a relationship between service quality and consumer satisfaction with the intention to choose a hospital again. The subjects of this research were 104 respondents who had used hospital services. Data was obtained using the intention to choose hospital return scale, service quality scale and patient satisfaction scale. The results of this study show that there is a positive relationship between service quality and consumer satisfaction with the intention to choose a hospital again (ρ < 0.05). This means that the higher the quality of service and customer satisfaction, the higher their intention to reuse the hospital's services.
Implementation of Green Supply Chain Management Practices in Uzbekistan.
Authors: Shahparan Mohammad , Klykov Artem
Published: February 2024

reen supply chain management (GSCM) practices are essential in ensuring the sustainability of the supply chain while minimizing the negative environmental impact. This paper investigates the implementation of GSCM practices in Uzbekistan. The research objective is to assess the current status of GSCM practices in Uzbekistan and identify the challenges and opportunities for implementing GSCM practices in the country. The research methodology involves a mixed-methods approach, including a survey of supply chain managers in Uzbekistan and a review of academic and industry literature. The results indicate that the implementation of GSCM practices in Uzbekistan is still in its early stages, with several challenges faced by supply chain managers, including a lack of awareness, limited resources, and a lack of regulatory support. However, opportunities for improving GSCM practices in Uzbekistan were identified, including stakeholder engagement, training and education, and government support. Drawing on the rich literature, an attempt is made to present the needs for GSCM practices and organizational environmental sustainability.
Etnografando a arqueologia: dado etnográfico, prática etnográfica e conhecimento arqueológico
Authors:   Universidade de São Paulo. Museu de Arqueologia e Etnologia, Silva Fabíola Andréa
Published: February 2024

Este livro visa demonstrar a importância do dado etnográfico e da prática etnográfica na construção do conhecimento arqueológico, do século XIX até a atualidade. Trata-se de uma revisão bibliográfica sobre este tema, contemplando majoritariamente, a produção científica das arqueologias anglo-americana e brasileira sobre analogia etnográfica, etnoarqueologia, etnografia arqueológica, arqueologia do/no presente, etnografia da arqueologia, arqueologia etnográfica. O trabalho também busca mostrar algumas características e tendências da disciplina arqueológica, ao longo do tempo.
Emergency Department Use and Hospital Mortality Among Heart Transplant Recipients in the United States
Authors: Holzhauser Luise , Reza Nosheen , Edwards Jonathan J. , Birati Edo Y. , Owens Anjali T. , McLean Rhondalyn , Maeda Katsuhide , O'Connor Matthew J. , Rossano Joseph W. , Mondal Antara , Katcoff Hannah , Edelson Jonathan B.
Published: February 2024

Background

Annual heart transplant (HT) volumes have increased, as have post‐HT outpatient care needs. Data on HT‐related emergency department (ED) visits are limited.

Methods and Results

A retrospective analysis of 177 450 HT patient ED visits from the 2009 to 2018 Nationwide Emergency Department Sample was conducted. HT recipients, primary diagnoses, and comorbidities associated with ED visits were identified via
International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision
(
ICD‐9
) and
International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision
(
ICD‐10
) codes. Multivariable logistic regression was used to predict outcomes of hospital admission and death. HT volumes and HT‐related ED visits increased from 2009 to 2018. Infection was the most common primary diagnosis (24%), and cardiac primary diagnoses represented 10% of encounters. Hospital admissions occurred in 48% of visits, but overall mortality was low (1.6%). Length of stay was 3.1 days (interquartile range, 1.6–5.9 days), and comorbidity burden was high: 42% had hypertension, 38% had diabetes, and 31% had ≥2 comorbidities. Those aged ≥65 years had significantly higher odds of admission (odds ratio [OR], 2.14 [95% CI, 1.97–2.33]) and death (OR, 2.06 [95% CI, 1.61–2.62]). Comorbidities increased odds of admission (OR, 1.62 [95% CI, 1.51–1.75]) but not death. Renal primary diagnosis had the highest risk of admission (OR, 4.1 [95% CI, 3.6–4.6]), but cardiac primary diagnosis had the highest odds of death (OR, 11.6 [95% CI, 9.1–14.8]).

Conclusions

HT‐related ED visits increased from 2009 to 2018 with high admission rates but low in‐hospital mortality, suggesting an opportunity to improve prehospital care. Older patients and those with cardiac primary diagnoses had the highest risk of death. The observed contrast between predictors of admission and mortality signals a need for further study to improve risk stratification and outpatient care strategies.
Secondary Ischemia Assessment in Murine and Rat Preclinical Subarachnoid Hemorrhage Models: A Systematic Review
Authors: Fürstenau Elias , Lindauer Ute , Koch Henner , Höllig Anke
Published: February 2024

Background

Delayed cerebral ischemia represents a significant contributor to death and disability following aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage. Although preclinical models have shown promising results, clinical trials have consistently failed to replicate the success of therapeutic strategies. The lack of standardized experimental setups and outcome assessments, particularly regarding secondary vasospastic/ischemic events, may be partly responsible for the translational failure. The study aims to delineate the procedural characteristics and assessment modalities of secondary vasospastic and ischemic events, serving as surrogates for clinically relevant delayed cerebral ischemia, in recent rat and murine subarachnoid hemorrhage models.

Methods and Results

We conducted a systematic review of rat and murine in vivo subarachnoid hemorrhage studies (published: 2016–2020) using delayed cerebral ischemia/vasospasm as outcome parameters. Our analysis included 102 eligible studies. In murine studies (n=30), the endovascular perforation model was predominantly used, while rat studies primarily employed intracisternal blood injection to mimic subarachnoid hemorrhage. Particularly, the injection models exhibited considerable variation in injection volume, rate, and cerebrospinal fluid withdrawal. Peri‐interventional monitoring was generally inadequately reported across all models, with body temperature and blood pressure being the most frequently documented parameters (62% and 34%, respectively). Vasospastic events were mainly assessed through microscopy of large cerebral arteries. In 90% of the rat and 86% of the murine studies, only male animals were used.

Conclusions

Our study underscores the substantial heterogeneity in procedural characteristics and outcome assessments of experimental subarachnoid hemorrhage research. To address these challenges, drafting guidelines for standardization and ensuring rigorous control of methodological and experimental quality by funders and journals are essential.

Registration

URL:
https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/
; Unique identifier: CRD42022337279.