bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Study on the Mechanism of Rock Brazilian Disk Splitting Based on the Constitutive Model With Different Tensile and Compressive Moduli
Authors: Pengcheng Liu , Minglu Xing , Shiwei Chen , Yubao Zhang , Longfei Li
Published: December 2024

Due to the significant tension–compression asymmetry of rocks, the disparity between the results of Brazilian splitting tests and those derived from the linear elastic constitutive theory has been a topic of extensive discussion. In order to delve into the stress–strain field evolution and crack propagation process of Brazilian splitting tests under tension–compression varying modulus constitutive models, finite element software was employed. By means of self‐developed subroutines, a method was employed to control the rock’s tension and compression with different modulus. Comparative analysis was conducted to scrutinize the distinctions between linear elastic constitutive models and variational modulus constitutive models. The results elucidate that under the variational modulus constitutive model: (1) Stress concentration in the x‐direction does not occur at the center of the rock but is offset toward the two sides of the rock loading end, with stress peaks similar to linear elasticity; (2) under the variable modulus constitutive model, shear effects are pronounced at both ends of the rock loading axis, and initial cracks in the rock originate near the two sides of the loading end, forming initial cracks of tensile‐shear mixed mode; and (3) due to the influence of shear stresses at both ends of the rock loading, the ultimate load of the rock is lower than that of a linear elastic structure, and the calculated tensile strength is lower than the true strength of the rock.
RWP‐NSGA II: Reinforcement Weighted Probabilistic NSGA II for Workload Allocation in Fog and Internet of Things Environment
Authors: Raissouli Hafsa , Belhaouari Samir Brahim , Ariffin Ahmad Alauddin Bin
Published: December 2024

The explosion of the IoT and the immense increase in the number of devices around the world, as well as the desire to meet the quality of service in the best way possible, have challenged cloud computing. Fog computing has been introduced to reduce the distance between the IoT and the cloud and to process time‐sensitive tasks in an efficient and speedy manner. IoT devices can process a portion of the workload locally and offload the rest to the fog layer. This workload is then allocated to the fog nodes. The distribution of workload between IoT devices and fog nodes should account for the constrained energy resources of the IoT device, while still prioritizing the primary objective of fog computing, which is to minimize delay. This study investigates workload allocation in the IoT node and the fog nodes by optimizing delay and energy consumption. This paper proposes an improved version of NSGA II, namely, reinforcement weighted probabilistic NSGA II, which uses weighted probabilistic mutation. This algorithm replaces random mutation with probabilistic mutation to enhance exploration of the solution space. This method uses domain‐specific knowledge to improve convergence and solution quality, resulting in reduced delay and better energy efficiency compared to traditional NSGA II and other evolutionary algorithms. The results demonstrate that the proposed algorithm reduces delay by nearly 2 s while also achieving an improvement in energy efficiency, surpassing the state of the art by nearly 3 units.
Enhanced Linear State Observer–Based PLL‐Less Vector‐Oriented Control Method for a Three‐Phase PWM Rectifier
Authors: Defdaf Mabrouk , Ziane Djamel , Chebabhi Ali , Barkat Said , Benkhoris Mohamed Fouad , Kessal Abdelhalim
Published: December 2024

In practical three‐phase PWM rectifiers, external disturbances, such as changes in load and grid voltage, and internal disturbances, such as DC capacitor uncertainty, have caused major problems, including DC‐link voltage fluctuations, harmonic distortion, and power factor degradation. They can also cause problems with power balance, stability, system dynamics, reduced efficiency, and increased stress. This paper proposes an enhanced linear state observer (ELSO) with a PLL‐less voltage‐oriented control (PLL‐less VOC) method for a three‐phase PWM rectifier in the synchronous coordinate frame (dq coordinate), aiming to simultaneously improve the DC‐link voltage dynamics, disturbance rejection ability, and the grid current control loop’s transient response. The ELSO is suggested instead of the load current sensor not only to estimate the disturbance but also to estimate the overall switching losses of the PWM rectifier, resulting in good DC‐link voltage disturbance rejection and transient fluctuation suppression, high robustness against DC capacitance change, low size and cost, and high reliability. Furthermore, contrary to the traditional VOC method, where the PLL and Park transforms are important parts for controlling the rectifier in the dq coordinate, the PLL‐less VOC method can control the grid currents directly in the dq coordinate without needing PLL and Park transforms, which can offer a fast transient response and low computational burden. The frequency domain analysis of the ELSO is used to identify its gains and enhance its stability and disturbance rejection capability. Finally, hardware‐in‐the‐loop (HIL) simulation using the OPAL‐RT 4510 real‐time simulator is also given to confirm the superiority and efficacy of the suggested control method.
Angiotensin (1–7) Improves Pancreatic Islet Function via Upregulating PDX‐1 and GCK: A Dose‐Dependent Study in Mice
Authors: Lin Ziwei , Lin Jiaqi , Huang Anqi , Zhang Zixu , Wu Xinyi , Yin Guoshu , Wei Chiju , Xu Wencan
Published: December 2024

Purpose: This study aimed to verify the effect of angiotensin (1–7) on improving islet function and further explore the signaling pathway that may be involved in this improvement. It also aimed to explore the effects of angiotensin (1–7) on blood glucose levels, islet function, and morphological changes in db/db mice and its potential signal pathway.

Methods: Forty‐five db/db mice were divided randomly into a model control group and different doses of angiotensin (1–7) intervention groups (0, 150, 300, and 600 μg/kg/d), while seven db/m mice were assigned as the normal control group. The angiotensin (1–7) intervention groups received daily intraperitoneal administration for 8 weeks, whereas the normal control group was injected intraperitoneally with an equal volume of normal saline every day for 8 weeks. Changes in weight and food intake of mice were detected. Effect of angiotensin (1–7) on lipid metabolism, islet function, the morphology of pancreatic islets, and β‐cell mass on mice were evaluated. The expression of PDX‐1 and GCK in pancreatic tissue was verified.

Results: The group receiving angiotensin (1–7) at a dosage of 600 μg/kg/d showed a significant decrease in body weight, triglyceride levels, and fasting blood glucose, along with an improvement in glucose tolerance. In the 300 μg/kg/d group, angiotensin (1–7) tended to increase the total volume of islets. Moreover, the intervention groups exhibited a significant increase in the ratio of β cells, small islets (30–80 μm in diameter), as well as the expression levels of PDX‐1 and GCK in pancreatic tissue.

Conclusion: Angiotensin (1–7) could improve glucose and lipid metabolism and islet function by promoting the expression of PDX‐1 and GCK genes in the pancreas of db/db mice.
Optimal CMOS Analog Amplifier Circuit Design Using a Modified PSO for Consumer Electronic Applications
Authors: Das Rajalaxmi , De Bishnu Prasad , Ghosh Sumalya , Kar Rajib , Mandal Durbadal , Appasani Bhargav
Published: December 2024

CMOS analog amplifier circuits are integral components in the signal‐processing stages of consumer electronics. They also find applications in advanced imaging systems, augmented reality devices, smartphone audio applications, power management circuits, etc. The differential and two‐stage operational amplifier circuits must be optimally designed for next‐generation consumer electronics devices, where speed and sizing are important constraints. This nonlinear constrained optimization problem can be resolved using evolutionary optimization techniques. This article proposes an efficient design technique for a CMOS differential amplifier circuit and CMOS two‐stage op‐amplifier. A well‐known optimization problem is the particle swarm optimization (PSO). PSO is a robust optimization method but may suffer from premature convergence and slow convergence speed. The evolutionary technique used here is the modified version of the PSO, named Levy flight, power function, and Singer map utilized PSO (LPSPSO). In PSO, the Levy flight can enhance the exploration capability and improve the convergence speed. The proposed evolutionary technique reduces the individual circuits’ area and design time while satisfying the design constraint. The LPSPSO‐based results are authenticated with SPICE. SPICE results demonstrate that LPSPSO is an efficient evolutionary technique than formerly reported methods in designing analog amplifiers in terms of MOS area, gain, power dissipation, etc.
Isolation of Terpenoids and Derivatives From a Bangladeshi Mangrove Plant, Rhizophora mucronata Lam., and Its Bioactivity Evaluation: In Vitro and In Silico Study
Authors: Das Punam Sourav , Ashrafi Sania , Anjum Juhaer , Hossain Md. Emdad , Reza Md. Selim , Ahsan Monira
Published: December 2024

Rhizophoramucronata Lam., a plant with a rich history of traditional use in various cultures, was subjected to chemical investigation, resulting in the isolation of five terpenoids and derivatives. The structures of these compounds, namely, 1,1,5,7‐tetramethyl‐4,5‐dihydroacenaphthylen‐3(1H)‐one (1), 3β‐hydroxy‐11‐oxo‐olean‐12 enyl palmitate (2), taraxerol (3), 3‐(Z)‐coumaroyltaraxerol (4), and 3β‐(E)‐coumaroyltaraxerol (5), were elucidated through extensive NMR spectroscopic analysis like 1H NMR, 13C NMR, COSY, HSQC, and HMBC, as well as comparison with those of similar compounds described in the literature. These phytochemicals were subjected to computational assessment through molecular docking against superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), catalase (CAT), cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2), epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), and cyclin‐dependent kinase 2 (CDK‐2), in addition to ADME/T analyses. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulation was conducted for the compounds showing highest binding affinity toward respective receptor. Different fractions of the crude methanol (MeOH) extract were evaluated for their antioxidant, cytotoxicity, thrombolytic, and anti‐inflammatory activities. The ethyl acetate soluble fraction (RME) exhibited the highest DPPH free radical scavenging activity, with an IC50 value of 1.73 μg/mL, compared to the standard (1.68 μg/mL). In the brine shrimp lethality cytotoxicity, the chloroform soluble fraction (RMC) and RME demonstrated substantial lethality, with LC50 values of 0.95 and 1.17 μg/mL, respectively, in comparison to the standard (0.35 μg/mL). Furthermore, the petroleum ether soluble fraction (RMP) and RME displayed substantial activity in the thrombolytic assay, with 86.12% and 73.12% clot lysis, respectively (p < 0.001), compared to the standard (97.11%). In the membrane stabilizing assay, the RMC and RME exhibited significant inhibition of hypotonic solution and heat‐induced hemolysis. The isolated compounds demonstrated impressive binding scores when interacting with SOD, GPX, CAT, and EGFR receptors. However, their performance was notably lacking when it came to binding with COX‐2 and CDK‐2 receptors.
Computing Some Topological Indices of Two Kinds of Dendrimer Graphs G[n] and H[n]
Authors: Kaviani Hojat , Pourfaraj Lotfallah
Published: December 2024

Dendrimer molecules are macromolecules which have many applications in nanosciences, drug delivery, biology, and different areas of sciences. Topological indices of chemical graph theory are numerical descriptor of a molecular structure. The dendrimer graph G[n] is obtained by attaching the new paths P9, joined each pendant vertex of G[n − 1] to central vertex of P9. Also, the dendrimer graph H[n] is obtained by attaching the new paths P15, joined each pendant vertex of H[n − 1] to central vertex of P15. In this paper, we study topological indices of dendrimer graphs G[n] and H[n]. Also, we obtain the Szeged index, Wiener index, Steiner k–Wiener index, Schultz index, Gutman index, Padmakar–Ivan index, first Zagreb index, and second Zagreb index of dendrimer graphs G[n] and H[n].
Patient Safety Culture and Teamwork in Hospital Wards: Registered Nurses’ and Nursing Assistants’ Perceptions and Attitudes
Authors: Hall-Lord Marie Louise , Bååth Carina , Nordin Anna
Published: December 2024

Background: Strong patient safety culture and effective teamwork are necessary for patient safety. Registered nurses (RNs) and nursing assistants (NAs) work closely with patients, and effective teamwork and communication skills are essential.

Aim: To describe and compare the perceptions of patient safety culture, teamwork, and attitudes toward teamwork among RNs and NAs in hospital wards (medical and intensive care), and to explore the potential associations between teamwork and patient safety culture.

Methods: A cross‐sectional study was conducted in two hospitals in a single region of Sweden. In one hospital, RNs (n = 103) and NAs (n = 59) in medical care, and RNs (n = 41) and NAs (n = 28) in intensive care were invited to participate. In the other hospital, RNs (n = 67) and NAs (n = 66) involved in medical care were invited. The survey included the Swedish version of Hospital Survey on Patient Safety Culture (S‐HSOPS), the TeamSTEPPS Teamwork Perceptions Questionnaire (T‐TPQ), and the TeamSTEPPS Teamwork Attitudes Questionnaire (T‐TAQ).

Results: In total, 155 nurses responded to the survey (response rate = 43%). Overall and in medical care, NAs had a significantly higher score than RNs in “handoffs and transitions” and in intensive care in “information and support to patients and family who have suffered an adverse event” (S‐HSOPS). RNs and NAs in intensive care reported higher scores in “communication” (T‐TPQ) than RNs and NAs in medical care. Overall and in medical care, RNs had more positive attitudes than NAs in total T‐TAQ, “mutual support,” and “communication.” T‐TPQ were associated with “overall perceptions of patient safety” and T‐TAQ were associated with “frequency of error reported.”

Conclusion: This study shows differences between RNs and NAs working in medical and intensive care in their perceptions of patient safety culture, teamwork, and attitudes toward teamwork. Teamwork perceptions are important for overall patient safety.
STING Agonist VB-85247 Induces Durable Antitumor Immune Responses by Intravesical Administration in a Non–Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer
Authors: Prabagar Miglena G. , McQueney Michael , Bommireddy Venu , Siegel Rachael , Schieven Gary L. , Lu Ku , Husanov Ruziboy , Deepak Reema , Diller David , Huang Chia-Yu , Mordechai Eli , Eraslan Rukiye-Nazan
Published: December 2024

Bacillus Calmette–Guérin (BCG) is the current standard of care for non–muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC), but recurrence is common. Additional therapeutic options are a major unmet medical need for treating unresponsive patients. Stimulator of IFN genes (STING) plays a central role in mounting innate and adaptive immune responses to tumor cells, and activation of STING is a promising immunotherapeutic approach. In this study, we developed STING agonist VB-85247 for treating NMIBC by intravesical delivery as a strategy to provide a sustained period of exposure to bladder cancer cells while avoiding potential issues associated with intratumoral injection of STING agonists, which to date have shown only limited clinical efficacy. VB-85247 induced complete response in an orthotopic NMIBC model in contrast to treatment with BCG, which was not efficacious in the model. The efficacious dose was well tolerated and induced an immune response with immunologic memory that protected from rechallenge without further treatment. Activation of the STING pathway via VB-85247 induced upregulation of inflammatory cytokines IFNα/β, TNFα, IL6, and CXCL10, along with maturation and activation of dendritic cells. In addition, VB-85247 provided a therapeutic benefit in combination with immune checkpoint blockade using anti-PD-1 antibody treatment. Together, these preclinical data support the potential utility of VB-85247 for treating BCG-unresponsive patients with NMIBC and for enhancing the clinical benefit of potential of anti-PD-1 in bladder cancer. Based on these data, VB-85247 is being advanced into clinical development.

Significance: STING agonist VB-85247 administered by the intravesical route achieves prolonged tumor regression, induces immunologic memory, and provides additive benefits to anti-PD-1 treatment in non-muscle invasive bladder cancer.
Single-Cell RNA Sequencing before and after Light Chain Escape Reveals Intrapatient Multiple Myeloma Subpopulations with Divergent Osteolytic Gene Expression
Authors: Ohlstrom Denis , Walker Zachary J. , Pandey Abhishek , Davis Lorraine N. , Engel Krysta L. , Pan Zenggang , Forsberg Peter A. , Mark Tomer M. , Gillen Austin E. , Sherbenou Daniel W.
Published: December 2024

High-risk multiple myeloma is genomically unstable, comprising heterogeneous populations of tumor cells that evolve over time. Light chain escape (LCE) is a clinical phenomenon observed when light chains rise separately from M-spike values, which implies divergent tumor evolution. We sought to understand LCE by performing high-depth transcriptomic and phenotypic studies. We performed single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq) and ex vivo drug sensitivity profiling on serial bone marrow biopsies from a patient with LCE at diagnosis, first relapse, and relapsed/refractory timepoints. scRNA-seq revealed distinct transcriptomic subpopulations with phenotypes that could be tracked separately by clinical serum light chain and M-spike values. Genes differentially expressed between subpopulations were assessed for generalizable effects on prognosis from the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation CoMMpass and GSE24080 datasets. Notably, the LCE subpopulation exhibited gene expression profile featuring prominent LAMP5 overexpression, which was associated with risk for osteolytic bone lesions. Ex vivo drug sensitivity testing displayed differential sensitivity of the subpopulations. Copy number variant inference showed that the transcriptomic subpopulation underlying LCE was related to a genetic subclone that evolved over time. Our findings illustrate that malignant subpopulations underly LCE in multiple myeloma. These studies imply that LCE and LAMP5 gene overexpression portends for increased risk of osteolytic bone disease and adverse prognosis, findings that were confirmed in the subset of patients from the CoMMpass database with LCE.

Significance:

scRNA-seq was used to study a patient with high-risk multiple myeloma featuring LCE. LCE was rooted in a transcriptomic subpopulation that corresponded to a genetic subclone and established novel links between LCE and LAMP5 overexpression to osteolysis and prognosis, validated in RNA-seq databases.
Molecular Differences in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinomas from Black versus White Patients
Authors: Mandal Saurabh , Teslow Emily A. , Huang Minxuan , Yu Yingying , Sridhar Swathi , Crawford Howard C. , Hockenberry Adam J. , Stoppler Melissa C. , Levin Albert M. , Huang Ling
Published: December 2024

Pancreatic cancer is the third leading cause of cancer-related death in the United States. Black or African American patients have a higher incidence of pancreatic cancer compared with other racial groups. It is unclear whether distinct molecular mechanisms are involved in the development of pancreatic cancer in different racial groups. To identify tumor molecular features that are distinctly associated with race in Black or African American and White patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (the main subtype of pancreatic cancer), we analyzed deidentified patient records, including tumor sequencing data and expression of PD-L1, from the Tempus multimodal database. Patients with a primary diagnosis of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma and who received molecular testing between November 2017 and March 2023 were included in analyses. Among 4,249 patients analyzed in this study, 452 (10.6%) were Black or African American, and 3,797 (89.4%) were White. Black patients had a higher prevalence of TP53 mutations compared with White patients (P < 0.001). KRASG12R mutations occurred more frequently in female patients in the Black versus White group (P = 0.007). Compared with White patients, Black patients had a higher tumor mutational burden (P < 0.001) and PD-L1 overexpression (P = 0.047). In a separate analysis of recent clinical trials testing immunotherapies for pancreatic cancer, we found that Black patients and other minorities were underrepresented in most trials. These findings suggest race-associated molecular differences in tumors that may impact patient responses to immunotherapies. Our study also supports the importance of improving patient diversity in clinical trials on pancreatic cancer treatments.

Significance:

By analyzing the records of patients with pancreatic cancer in the Tempus multimodal database, we identified genomic mutations and PD-L1 overexpression occurred more frequently in Black patients compared with their White counterparts. These molecular features may contribute to racial disparities in pancreatic cancer.
Frieden’s Group-V Aplasia Cutis Congenita with in utero Scarring in a Dichorionic Twin: A Case Report and Comprehensive Literature Review
Authors: Paraparambil Vellamgot Anvar , Pattu Valappil Rajesh , Tomerak Ahmed Hosny , Khatib Hakam , Salameh Khalil
Published: December 2024

Introduction: Aplasia cutis congenita (ACC) is a rare congenital disorder characterized by the localized absence of skin at birth, primarily affecting the scalp but also affecting the trunk and limbs. Nine different presentations have been reported. Group V-ACC (G-V ACC) is a rare type associated with fetus papyraceus. The pathogenesis is speculated to involve ischemia from acute hypovolemia or disseminated intravascular coagulation due to thrombotic tissue affecting the surviving twin. Management of ACC depends on lesion severity, focusing on preventing infection and promoting healing, with conservative measures in most cases and surgical intervention in some cases. The long-term prognosis for isolated G-V ACC is generally favorable unless associated with systemic complications. Case Presentation: We report a neonate diagnosed with Group G-V ACC associated with fetus papyraceus from a dichorionic diamniotic twin pregnancy. Born to a 28-year-old Asian mother, this female infant presented with extensive, healed, scar-like lesions on her flanks and upper thighs. These lesions were consistent with the “H”-shaped distribution commonly described in ACC linked to fetus papyraceus. Despite significant dermatological manifestations, the infant showed no other external abnormalities or systemic involvement, and comprehensive screenings, including ultrasounds and chromosomal microarray, were normal. Conclusion: This discussion highlights the rarity of ACC associated with fetus papyraceus, with only a few over 100 cases reported globally. This case underscores the importance of recognizing the patterns and potential complications of ACC in twins, contributing to better diagnostic acumen and management strategies for neonatal care.
Assessing Cancer Knowledge among Health Students in Portugal
Authors: Barros Ana , Pereiro Madalena , Espanha Rita
Published: December 2024

Introduction: Cancer is the second leading cause of death worldwide and its incidence has been increasing. It is estimated that almost half of all cancer cases could be prevented by lifestyles changes. Cancer Knowledge may be key to addressing this growing trend. This study focused on health students and its primary objective was to evaluate students’ knowledge and perceptions about cancer. Methods: In this study, the tool “Students Knowledge and Perceptions about Cancer” was used to retrieve quantitative data about students’ knowledge. Their perceptions were evaluated using a Likert scale that ranged from “Don’t know” to “Know almost everything”. This tool was shared on LinkedIn and Facebook, making the sampling method non-probabilistic. Results and discussion: From a sample of 170 health students, 72.4% (123) got more than half of the questions right. Lung cancer is the topic with lower knowledge. Overall, there seems to be a positive statistically significant correlation between students' knowledge and their perceptions about their knowledge (p≤0.05). Despite the satisfactory levels of general knowledge about cancer, there should be more campaigns that are appealing to students that emphasize prevention as a mean to reduce cancer incidence. There is still work to be done to have more awareness among health students, especially regarding risk behaviours and screenings related to cancer. New studies with more representative samples should be conducted.
Aging Alters the Sense of Force but Not the Sense of Position in the Wrist and Ankle Joints
Authors: Henry Mélanie , Baudry Stéphane
Published: December 2024

Introduction: The impact of aging on proprioceptive senses remains an open question. As the senses of position and force may rely on different neural substrates, we investigated the effect of aging on both senses to provide original and more comprehensive data on age-related changes in proprioception. Methods: The senses of position and force were assessed in several conditions using position- and force-reproduction tasks in young (20–40 years) and older (60–90 years) adults in the wrist (experiment 1, n = 41, 20 older adults) and ankle joints (experiment 2, n = 46, 24 older adults). Results: In both experiments, older adults exhibited larger force-reproduction errors than young adults at low (5% maximal force, p < 0.001) but not moderate forces (20% maximal force, p > 0.056). No age-related decline was observed for position-reproduction errors (p > 0.30), regardless of movement amplitude. Rare weak-to-moderate correlations were observed between position- and force-reproduction errors (r ≤ 0.53, p ≥ 0.009). Conclusion: In wrist and ankle joints, the age-related decline in proprioception is limited to the sense of force, especially for low forces. This nonuniform decline in proprioception across proprioceptive senses and testing conditions could reflect a decline in the central processing of proprioceptive information.
Analysis of Risk Factors for Restenosis after Interventional Treatment of Tuberculous Airway Stenosis
Authors: Huang Wei , Xu Chao , Wei Baochu , Li Xuyang , Wu Fanqi , Hou Yue , Wang Hong
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACT
Objective: Analysis of risk factors for restenosis after intervention for tuberculous airway stenosis.
Methods: We retrospectively collected the clinical data of patients diagnosed with tuberculous airway stenosis in the Second Hospital of Lanzhou University and Lanzhou Pulmonary Hospital from January 2021 to June 2023. The patients were divided into the restenosis group and the non-restenosis group according to whether or not restenosis occurred in the airway within 1 year after the intervention, and the differences in the clinical data between the two groups were compared, and the variables with statistically significant differences in the univariate analysis were analyzed by multifactorial binary logistic regression.
Results: A total of 154 patients with tuberculous airway stenosis were included in this study, including 64 patients in the stenosis group, with a restenosis rate of 41.6%. The results of univariate analysis showed that the systemic immune inflammation index (SII) level was higher in the restenosis group compared with the non-restenosis group, and the composition of patients with diabetes mellitus, a stenosis length of >3cm, and a positive antacid staining of tracheal secretions was higher (all P<0.05). The composition of microscopic inactivity, antituberculosis treatment prior to intervention, and performing balloon dilatation was lower (all P<0.05). The results of multifactorial binary logistic regression analysis showed that diabetes(OR=5.758, 95%CI: 1.434~23.119), stenosis length (OR=6.349, 95%CI: 2.653~15.197), SII level (OR=1.002, 95%CI: 1.001~1.003), prior to interventional anti-tuberculosis treatment (OR=0.250, 95%CI: 0.084~0.746), and TBTB microscopic classification and staging(OR=0.306, 95%CI: 0.099~0.941) were independent influences on restenosis after interventional treatment for tuberculous airway stenosis.
Conclusion: Diabetes, stenosis length>3cm, and high SII were independent risk factors for restenosis after intervention for tuberculous airway stenosis, prior to interventional anti-tuberculosis treatment and microscopic inactivity were independent protective factors.
Glucosamine use and risk of first-ever optic neuritis: A nationwide 16-year longitudinal analysis
Authors: Yang Yung-Yu , Chien Wu-Chien , Chung Chi-Hsiang , Weng Tsu-Hsuan , Chen Ying-Jen
Published: December 2024

Introduction: Evidence of neuroprotective effects of glucosamine on Asian optic neuritis (ON) patients remains sparse. We aimed to examine the longitudinal association between glucosamine use and the incidence of first-ever ON to identify the factors contributing to reducing ON risk in older Asian populations.

Methods: This nationwide cohort study from 2000 to 2015 evaluated 24,155 individuals. The International Classification of Diseases-9-Clinical Modification code 377 determined newly diagnosed ON. Outcomes include the annual trend of first-ever ON incidence, crude/adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) of incident ON stratified by sociodemographic characteristics and comorbidities.

Results: Glucosamine exposure has been significantly associated with reduced ON incidence (Log-rank p < 0.001) since the fifth year of clinical surveillance. The overall adjusted HR of ON among glucosamine users was 0.718 (CI = 0.524–0.901, p = 0.001), and in the glucosamine-exposed group, disease onset was approximately 129 days later than in non-users (6.83 ± 4.27 vs. 6.47 ± 4.01 years to ON, p < 0.001). Moreover, glucosamine was associated with reduced ON risk in patients without diabetes mellitus, hypertension, tobacco use and chronic heart failure. While administering glucosamine, the risk was reduced by more than half among individuals aged between 45 and 64 years (aHR = 0.433, CI = 0.316–0.544, p < 0.001) and patients from medical centers (aHR = 0.453, CI = 0.330–0.568, p < 0.001).

Conclusion: Taiwanese glucosamine users have a decreased risk of developing ON. Our work provides a theoretical basis for expanding glucosamine indications in regions with minimal prevalence of ON.
Insights into thyroid and salivary gland cytopathology: highlights from a 45th ECC slide seminar
Authors: Brochard Camille , Kowalewski Adam , Vigliar Elena , Luis Rita , Aydin Ozlem , Klijanienko Jerzy , Canberk Sule
Published: December 2024

Introduction: Thyroid and salivary gland cytopathology frequently present diagnostic challenges due to complex presentations, overlapping features between benign and malignant conditions, particularly with grey-zone entities and rare pathologies. To address these issues, the 45th European Congress of Cytology (ECC) held a slide seminar focused on challenging cases. This article reviews key findings from the six cases discussed, emphasizing the importance of a comprehensive diagnostic approach. The objective of this article is to illustrate the diagnostic challenges of rare thyroid and salivary gland lesions through case presentations, showing the need for a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach to accurately reach a final diagnosis and steer the patient’s management.
Case Presentation: The seminar presented cases involving fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) followed by histopathological correlation, molecular and cytogenetic analyses or immunohistochemistry (IHC) markers to elucidate cytomorphological features, differential diagnoses, and final diagnoses of rare cases in thyroid and salivary gland cytopathology. Challenging thyroid cytology cases included differentiating thyroid sarcoidosis from malignancy, identifying intrathyroidal ectopic thymus versus lymphoid neoplasms, and recognizing poorly differentiated thyroid carcinoma initially misinterpreted as a benign follicular neoplasm. Complex salivary gland cases addressed the distinction of basal cell adenocarcinoma from adenoid cystic carcinoma, metastatic SMARCB1-deficient carcinoma diagnosed via immunohistochemistry and a parotid mass initially identified as a Warthin tumor.
Conclusion: These cases highlight the critical role of integrating cytological, clinical and histopathological data to navigate the diagnostic complexities of thyroid and salivary gland lesions. A multidisciplinary approach and standardized algorithms are essential for improving diagnostic accuracy and patient outcomes.
Community Collaboration in Public Health Genetic Literacy: Methods for Co-Designing Educational Resources for Equitable Genomics Research and Practice
Authors: Salunke Juhi , Byfield Grace , Powell Sabrina N. , Torres Daniel F. , Leon-Lozano Grace , Jackson Jahnelle , Orphanides Andreas K. , Shaw Jonathan , Owens Thomas , Berg Jonathan S. , Branch Elizabeth , Caro Lennin , Giric Stefanija , O'Daniel Julianne M. , Powell Bradford C. , Ray Ken , Robinson Carla , Schilling Samantha , Shaw Nicole , Song Erin , Waltz Margaret , Roberts Megan C. , Foreman Ann Katherine M. , Foss Kimberly , Milko Laura V.
Published: December 2024

Introduction: Unequal representation in genetic and genomic research is due to various factors, including historically inequitable and unjust institutional research practices, potential mistrust of biomedical research among underrepresented populations, and lack of access to or awareness of research opportunities. Facilitating sustainable dialog between diverse communities and genetic researchers can cultivate trusting, bidirectional relationships, potentially encouraging greater participation in research. Herein, we describe the co-creation of public health educational materials and dissemination plans using an approach designed to address inequities and foster community dialog. Methods: In this Methods article, we describe the iterative co-creation of genetics and genomics educational modules by genetics clinicians, researchers, and community members. The goal of these modules is to enhance the genetic literacy of the lay population and to facilitate informed decision-making regarding genetic research and health services. We used Designing for Dissemination and Sustainability, grounded in Dissemination and Implementation science, and its Fit to Context process framework to guide the process. This approach ensures that the public health context and writing for a diverse audience are considered throughout the modules’ development. Conclusion: This article offers an evidence-based template for adoption or adaptation by other community-engaged groups, aimed at bolstering equity and sustainability in the development of healthcare interventions and with an emphasis on accessible public health literacy. The co-creation by researchers and community members of both materials and dissemination plans may improve the cultural appropriateness and relevance of public health genetics campaigns. Ongoing research is needed to assess the impact of this approach on receptiveness and participation.
Cultura material e digital em diálogo
Authors: Martire Alex da Silva ,   Universidade Federal do Rio Grande, Pina Amanda Daltro de Viveiros ,   Universidade de São Paulo. Museu de Arqueologia e Etnologia, Jordani Angélica Borges ,   Gaia Consultoria em Arqueologia, Ávila Camila de ,   Universidade Unisinos, Branco Leonardo Ogassawara de Araújo ,   Instituto Brasileiro de Direito Tributário, Cruz Matheus Morais ,   Universidade de São Paulo. Museu de Arqueologia e Etnologia, Cafagne Tomás Partiti ,   Grupo de Pesquisa ARISE, Carvalho Vinicius Marino ,   Universidade Estadual de Campinas
Published: December 2024

Buscando trazer conteúdos e métodos inovadores para o campo de estudo baseado na cultura material e digital, este livro aborda temas como a digitalização de acervos arqueológicos e museológicos, os recursos digitais enquanto objetos de aprendizagem sobre Arqueologia, as tecnologias digitais como objeto de estudo arqueológico, arqueologia na literatura de James Joyce, direito dos robôs e arqueologia espacial. A obra apresenta um conjunto de dez entrevistas - organizadas na forma de capítulos - que foram realizadas entre 2020 e 2021 com especialistas de diversos países do mundo. Quando envolveram pesquisadores/as estrangeiros, as entrevistas foram traduzidas do inglês para o português, a fim de proporcionar a necessária acessibilidade e compreensão. A passagem da oralidade para o texto escrito apresentada neste livro decorre da realização de um tratamento (artesanal) de transcrição e textualização inspirado nos conhecimentos do campo da História Oral Aplicada. Esta obra é um dos desdobramentos dos trabalhos realizados pelo Grupo de Pesquisa CNPq “Arqueologia Interativa e Simulações Eletrônicas” (ARISE), criado em 2017 no âmbito do Museu de Arqueologia e Etnologia da Universidade de São Paulo (MAE-USP), tendo sido liderado pelo Prof. Dr. Vagner Carvalheiro Porto do MAE-USP e pelo Prof. Adj. Alex da Silva Martire da Universidade Federal do Rio Grande (FURG).
Socioeconomic Status and Stroke: A Review of the Latest Evidence on Inequalities and Their Drivers
Authors: Pantoja-Ruiz Camila , Akinyemi Rufus , Lucumi-Cuesta Diego I. , Youkee Daniel , Emmett Eva , Soley-Bori Marina , Kalansooriya Wasana , Wolfe Charles , Marshall Iain J.
Published: December 2024

The latest research on socioeconomic status (SES) and stroke continues to demonstrate that individuals with low SES are at a higher risk of stroke, receive lower-quality care, and experience poorer outcomes. Despite growing evidence on the impact of SES on stroke, gaps remain in understanding the underlying mechanisms and the influence of SES in different contexts, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. This narrative review builds upon our previous reviews from 2006 to 2015, focusing on studies published since 2015 to update on the influence of SES on stroke. Reports from nationwide or population-based observational studies in the past decade have confirmed that these inequalities persist globally and have provided new evidence on their mechanisms. In high-income countries, inadequate control of cardiovascular risk factors (hypertension, diabetes, obesity, and dyslipidemia) among lower socioeconomic groups has been found to explain much of the inequality in stroke risk. Exposure to particulate air pollution (both environmental and indoor from solid fuel cooking) synergizes with cardiovascular risk factors, especially hypertension, as major causes in low- and middle-income countries. Lower SES is persistently associated with disparities in care and increased poststroke disability and mortality. Lower SES also exacerbates other causes of health inequality among women, ethnic minorities, and migrants. Addressing stroke inequalities requires an interdisciplinary approach. Targeting cardiovascular risk factors, providing equitable quality of acute and rehabilitative stroke care, enacting legislative measures, and implementing societal changes remain leading global priorities.
Acute Infarct Core Volume Estimation on Noncontrast Computed Tomography With a Deep Learning Algorithm
Authors: Ortega‐Gutierrez Santiago , Vivanco‐Suarez Juan , Rodriguez‐Calienes Aaron , Salvia Victor , Galecio‐Castillo Milagros , Dibas Mahmoud , Lu Yujing , Rey Alba Garcia , Marti Cristian , Tanzi Leonardo , Hernandez‐Perez Maria , Jovin Tudor , Ribo Marc
Published: December 2024

BACKGROUND

A simplified patient selection paradigm with noncontrast computed tomography (NCCT) can reduce the time to reperfusion and widen the eligibility of acute ischemic stroke large vessel occlusions (LVOs) for endovascular therapy. The objectives of this article are (1) to develop, train, and internally validate a deep learning algorithm that estimates baseline infarct core volume (ICV) on NCCT in anterior circulation LVO patients, and (2) by using an external set, to ascertain how this algorithm's (aICV‐NCCT) predictive performance compares with Alberta Stroke Program Early Computed Tomography Score‐NCCT and ICV‐CT perfusion in its capacity to estimate the final infarct volume established on diffusion‐weighted magnetic resonance imaging at 24‐ to 48‐hour follow‐up.

METHODS

In the first phase, stroke activations with baseline NCCT and CT angiography were used to train an aICV‐NCCT. The algorithm was then internally validated using intraclass correlations and Intersection over Union. In the external set, patients with LVO treated with endovascular therapy achieving modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction score ≥2b and available baseline NCCT, CT angiography, and CT perfusion were included.

RESULTS

A total of 2858 studies of patients with stroke alerts were used for training (80%) and internal validation (20%). We obtained a high correlation (intraclass correlation coefficient, 0.78; CI, 0.73–0.83) and an acceptable Intersection over Union of 0.24 on the internal validation set. The external set consisted on 230 patients with an LVO. When predicting final infarct volume on the external set, our aICV‐NCCT was similar to ICV‐CT perfusion (intraclass correlation coefficient, 0.50 versus 0.54;
P
= 0.764) and Alberta Stroke Program Early Computed Tomography Score‐NCCT (r
s
, −0.41;
P
= 0.436).

CONCLUSION

In this study, we developed and validated a deep learning algorithm that demonstrates an at least equivalent performance to CT perfusion in estimating core volume on acute stroke imaging studies in patients with suspected anterior circulation LVO strokes. The algorithm's robust performance holds significant potential in settings with limited access to advanced imaging technologies across diverse healthcare environments.
Uncertainty Hotspots in Global Hydrologic Modeling: The Impact of Precipitation and Temperature Forcings
Authors: Tang Guoqiang , Clark Martyn P. , Knoben Wouter J. M. , Liu Hongli , Gharari Shervan , Arnal Louise , Wood Andrew W. , Newman Andrew J. , Freer Jim , Papalexiou Simon Michael
Published: December 2024

Quantifying hydrologic modeling uncertainties originating from meteorological uncertainties is crucial yet unexplored on the global scale. This study integrates a novel ensemble meteorological dataset with process-based hydrologic models, assessing the impact of precipitation and temperature uncertainties across approximately three million subbasins globally. We introduce two metrics to identify uncertainty hotspots: one tracing the uncertainty propagation from inputs to model outputs and the other measuring the uncertainty magnitude relative to hydrologic climatology (i.e., ratio between uncertainty and climate average). Our findings reveal different uncertainty responses across hydrologic variables to the combined precipitation and temperature uncertainties. For routed river streamflow, uncertainty propagation is strong in tropical rain forests and Europe (except the Scandinavian Peninsula) but weak in the deserts, which is partly attributed to the regional differences in baseflow ratios. In contrast, both uncertainty metrics indicate low streamflow uncertainties in cryosphere areas and downstream areas of major rivers. The substantial modeling uncertainties observed, particularly in the Southern Hemisphere and less developed regions, underscore the need to improve global spatial meteorological datasets.
Multiancestry Genome-Wide Association Study of Early Childhood Caries
Authors: Shrestha P. , Graff M. , Gu Y. , Wang Y. , Avery C.L. , Ginnis J. , Simancas-Pallares M.A. , Ferreira Zandoná A.G. , Alotaibi R.N. , Orlova E. , Ahn H.S. , Nguyen K.N. , Highland H.M. , Lin D.Y. , Preisser J.S. , Slade G.D. , Marazita M.L. , North K.E. , Divaris K.
Published: December 2024

Early childhood caries (ECC) is the most common noncommunicable childhood disease—an important health problem with known environmental and social/behavioral influences lacking consensus genetic risk loci. To address this knowledge gap, we conducted a genome-wide association study of ECC in a multiancestry population of U.S. preschool-age children ( N = 6,103) ages 3 to 5 y participating in a community-based epidemiologic study of early childhood oral health. Calibrated examiners used International Caries Detection and Assessment System criteria to measure ECC; the primary trait was the number of primary tooth surfaces with caries experience (i.e., dmfs index). We estimated heritability and concordance rates and conducted genome-wide association analyses to estimate overall genetic effects as well as stratified by sex, household water fluoride, and dietary sugar and leveraged combined gene/gene-environment effects using 2-degree-of-freedom joint tests. Common genetic variants explained 24% of ECC phenotypic variance among unrelated individuals, while concordance rates were 0.64 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.42–0.79) among monozygotic twins and 0.44 (95% CI = 0.34–0.53) among first-degree relatives. Across all analyses, we identified 21 novel nonoverlapping genome-wide significant loci ( P < 5 × 10−8) and 1 genome-wide significant gene ( TAAR6) associated with ECC. The taste receptor activity gene set, with known roles in chemosensing, bacterial recognition, and innate immunity in the oral cavity, was strongly associated with ECC. While no locus remained significant after studywise multiple-testing correction, 3 loci were nominally significant ( P < 0.05) and directionally consistent in external cohorts of 285,248 adults (rs1442369, DLGAP1 and rs74606067, RP11-856F16.2) and 18,994 children (rs71327750, SLC41A3). Meanwhile, the strongest marker known to be associated with adult caries (rs1122171, tagging the long noncoding RNA PITX1-AS1) was nominally significant ( P = 0.01) and directionally consistent with ECC in our study. Taken together, the results of this study add to the genomics knowledge base for early childhood caries, offer several plausible candidates for future mechanistic studies, and underscore the importance of accounting for sex and pertinent environmental exposures in genetic investigations.
Flexibility and Stability in Lexical Tone Recalibration: Evidence from Tone Perceptual Learning
Authors: Luo Yingyi , Mitterer Holger , Zhou Xiaolin , Chen Yiya
Published: December 2024

Listeners adjust their perception of sound categories when confronted with variations in speech. Previous research on speech recalibration has primarily focused on segmental variation, demonstrating that recalibration tends to be specific to individual speakers and situations and often persists over time. In this study, we present findings on the perceptual learning of lexical tone in Standard Chinese, a suprasegmental feature signaled primarily through pitch variations to distinguish morpheme/word meanings. Native speakers of Standard Chinese showed a recalibration of tone category boundaries immediately following exposure to ambiguous tonal pitch contours. However, this recalibration effect significantly weakened after 12 hours. Furthermore, participants trained at night did not exhibit delayed stabilization, a phenomenon commonly observed during sleep-induced consolidation. Our results replicate previous findings and provide new evidence suggesting that while our perceptual system can flexibly adapt to real-time sensory inputs, subsequent consolidation processes, such as those occurring during sleep, may exhibit selectivity and, under certain conditions, may be ineffective.