bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Protocol of a cluster-randomised trial to improve adolescent bicycling safety education programme efficacy
Authors: Hamann Cara J , Dusil Ryan , Rockwell Laura C , Spears Steven , Pae Gilsu , Ghanbari Amir , Peek-Asa Corinne , Plumert Jodie M , Cavanaugh Joseph E
Published: November 2024

Introduction

Second to motor vehicles, bicycles contribute to more childhood injuries than any other consumer product. Youth bicycling safety education programmes are one avenue of prevention, but despite a plethora of programmes, little is known about their impact on bicycling safety behaviour. This paper summarises a cluster-randomised trial to evaluate the impact of a bicycle safety education programme for young adolescents.

Methods and analysis

Adolescents aged 9–12 years old who bike at least two times per week and a parent/guardian are recruited via email listservs, flyers and word of mouth. Participants are screened for eligibility before they are consented/assented into the study. Adolescent-parent dyads are randomised to one of the three study arms (Control, Bike Club, Bike Club Plus) based on the school they attend. The Bike Club intervention arm evaluates the bicycle safety club programme and the Bike Club Plus intervention arm evaluates the addition of an active parent engagement component. Control group participants receive no intervention, but they are told that other participants in the study will receive the education intervention so that they understand why they are asked to record their bicycling trips for two separate weeks. The intervention involves 12 hours of classroom and on-bike lessons covering a variety of bike safety skills for independent riding in mixed traffic. Adolescents record their bike rides using a Global Positioning System (GPS)/video camera system for 2 weeks, 1 week before and 1 week after the education programme for participants in the intervention arms and approximately 1 month between data collection weeks for participants in the control group. All participants complete baseline and follow-up surveys. Primary outcomes include rates safety-relevant events (eg, crashes, near crashes) and safety behaviours (eg, helmet use, traffic law violations, hazard avoidance) per 100 miles/min ridden, and the proportion of positive and negative behaviours relative to the overall number of instances of a given event behaviour. Secondary outcomes include differences in knowledge test scores, mean ratings of perceptions, mean ratings of self-efficacy, and identification and recall of cues to action related to bicycling safety.

Ethics and dissemination

This study has ethical approval from the University of Iowa Institutional Review Board (IRB# 202105148). Study results will be disseminated through presentations at national and international scientific conferences, peer-reviewed manuscripts, outreach to stakeholders and digital media outlets.

Trial registration number

NCT05265689.
Development of a deep learning method to identify acute ischaemic stroke lesions on brain CT
Authors: Fontanella Alessandro , Li Wenwen , Mair Grant , Antoniou Antreas , Platt Eleanor , Armitage Paul , Trucco Emanuele , Wardlaw Joanna M , Storkey Amos
Published: November 2024

Background

CT is commonly used to image patients with ischaemic stroke but radiologist interpretation may be delayed. Machine learning techniques can provide rapid automated CT assessment but are usually developed from annotated images which necessarily limits the size and representation of development data sets. We aimed to develop a deep learning (DL) method using CT brain scans that were labelled but not annotated for the presence of ischaemic lesions.

Methods

We designed a convolutional neural network-based DL algorithm to detect ischaemic lesions on CT. Our algorithm was trained using routinely acquired CT brain scans collected for a large multicentre international trial. These scans had previously been labelled by experts for acute and chronic appearances. We explored the impact of ischaemic lesion features, background brain appearances and timing of CT (baseline or 24–48 hour follow-up) on DL performance.

Results

From 5772 CT scans of 2347 patients (median age 82), 54% had visible ischaemic lesions according to experts. Our DL method achieved 72% accuracy in detecting ischaemic lesions. Detection was better for larger (80% accuracy) or multiple (87% accuracy for two, 100% for three or more) lesions and with follow-up scans (76% accuracy vs 67% at baseline). Chronic brain conditions reduced accuracy, particularly non-stroke lesions and old stroke lesions (32% and 31% error rates, respectively).

Conclusion

DL methods can be designed for ischaemic lesion detection on CT using the vast quantities of routinely collected brain scans without the need for lesion annotation. Ultimately, this should lead to more robust and widely applicable methods.
Notes on solution phase space and BTZ black hole
Authors: Guo Wei
Published: November 2024

In this paper, we use the solution phase space approach based on the covariant phase space formalism to compute the conserved charges of the BTZ black hole, namely mass, angular momentum, and entropy. Furthermore, we discuss the first law of the BTZ black hole and the Smarr relation. For completeness, outer horizon and inner horizon cases have been all included. Additionally, the results of the three-dimensional Kerr-dS spacetime have also been obtained. Our results are consistent with previous investigations. Considering the simplicity of the circumstances, we have presented the most detailed possible information, with the aim of facilitating rsearch in related fields.
STABILITY ANALYSIS OF A FRACTIONAL ORDERED QUADROTOR UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLE CHAOTIC SYSTEM
Authors: LOUDAHI LAMIA , YUAN JING , DIOUBI FATENE
Published: November 2024

A Caputo fractional-order derivative is used in a Quadrotor Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (QUAV) chaotic system to transform it into fractional ordered QUAV (FoQUAV) chaotic system for the first time. Therefore, this study explores three control (adaptive, active, and passive) strategies applied on the FoQUAV system. Further, utilizing Lyapunov theory, we established global stability around the equilibrium point and conducted numerical simulations for validation and comparison. In this work, adaptive control technique is used by considering [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], and [Formula: see text] as unknown parameters and are derived using updated law. Similarly, active control technique is derived using two sub-controllers including [Formula: see text] with [Formula: see text]; linear and [Formula: see text]; nonlinear controllers, respectively. Finally, a feedback linearization-based, passive controller is used, which has predefined control input and converges to a stable equilibria. Moreover, this work also revealed, during performing numerical simulations, that the open loop system stabilizes at times [Formula: see text] s, [Formula: see text] s, and [Formula: see text] s, respectively, for adaptive, active, and passive controllers. Finally, the passive controller face several challenges during stabilizing the yaw of a considered system and overall is proved that adaptive controller perform best with respect to time consumption and quick performance in comparison.
HAUSDORFF DIMENSION OF A CLASS OF COLORED SUBSTITUTION NETWORKS
Authors: ZENG QINGCHENG , XUE YUMEI
Published: November 2024

In 2023, Xi et al. introduced the Hausdorff dimension of a family of networks which inspired by the potential theoretic methods in fractal geometry. In this paper, we will construct a class of colored substitution networks and obtain its Hausdorff dimension using the self-similarity.
On momentum map for the Maxwell–Lorentz equations with spinning particle
Authors: Komech A. I. , Kopylova E. A.
Published: November 2024

We develop the theory of the momentum map for the Maxwell–Lorentz equations for a spinning extended charged particle. The development relies on the Hamilton–Poisson structure of the system. This theory is indispensable for the study of long-time behavior and radiation of the solitons of this system, in particular for the proof of orbital stability of the corresponding solitons moving with constant speed and rotating with constant angular velocity.

We apply the theory to the translation and rotation symmetry groups of the system. The general theory of the momentum map results in formal equations for the corresponding invariants. We solve these equations obtaining expressions for the momentum and the angular momentum.

We check the conservation of these expressions and their coincidence with known classical invariants. For the first time, we specify a general class of finite energy initial states which provide the conservation of angular momentum.
SonicID: User Identification on Smart Glasses with Acoustic Sensing
Authors: Li Ke , Agarwal Devansh , Zhang Ruidong , Gunda Vipin , Mo Tianjun , Mahmud Saif , Chen Boao , Guimbretiěre François , Zhang Cheng
Published: November 2024

Smart glasses have become more prevalent as they provide an increasing number of applications for users. They store various types of private information or can access it via connections established with other devices. Therefore, there is a growing need for user identification on smart glasses. In this paper, we introduce a low-power and minimally-obtrusive system called SonicID, designed to authenticate users on glasses. SonicID extracts unique biometric information from users by scanning their faces with ultrasonic waves and utilizes this information to distinguish between different users, powered by a customized binary classifier with the ResNet-18 architecture. SonicID can authenticate users by scanning their face for 0.06 seconds. A user study involving 40 participants confirms that SonicID achieves a true positive rate of 97.4%, a false positive rate of 4.3%, and a balanced accuracy of 96.6% using just 1 minute of training data collected for each new user. This performance is relatively consistent across different remounting sessions and days. Given this promising performance, we further discuss the potential applications of SonicID and methods to improve its performance in the future.
DEDector: Smartphone-Based Noninvasive Screening of Dry Eye Disease
Authors: Ganatra Vaibhav , Gun Soumyasis , Joshi Pallavi , Balasubramaniam Anand , Murali Kaushik , Kwatra Nipun , Jain Mohit
Published: November 2024

Dry Eye Disease (DED) is an eye condition characterized by abnormalities in tear film stability. Despite its high prevalence, screening for DED remains challenging, primarily due to the invasive nature of most diagnostic tests. The Fluorescein Break-Up Time (FBUT) test, which involves instilling fluorescein dye in the eye, is a widely used method for assessing tear film stability. In this work, we propose DEDector, a low-cost, smartphone-based automated Non-Invasive Break-Up Time (NIBUT) measurement for DED screening. Utilizing a 3D-printed Placido ring attachment on a smartphone's camera, DEDector projects concentric rings onto the cornea, capturing a video for subsequent analysis using our proposed video processing pipeline to identify tear film stability. We conducted a real-world evaluation on 46 eyes, comparing DEDector with the traditional FBUT method. DEDector achieved a sensitivity of 77.78% and specificity of 82.14%, outperforming FBUT.
Smartphone Haptics Can Uncover Differences in Touch Interactions Between ASD and Neurotypicals
Authors: Monarca Ivonne , Cibrian Franceli L. , Hurtado Isabel López , Tentori Monica
Published: November 2024

Utilizing touch interactions from smartphones for gathering data and identifying digital markers for screening and monitoring neurological disorders, such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), is an emerging area of research. Smartphones provide multiple benefits for this kind of study, including unobtrusive data collection via built-in sensors, integrated haptic feedback systems, and the capability to create specialized applications. Acknowledging the significant yet understudied presence of tactile processing differences in individuals with ASD, we designed and developed Feel and Touch, a mobile game that leverages the haptic capabilities of smartphones. This game provides vibrotactile feedback in response to touch interactions and collects data on these interactions. We conducted a deployment study with 83 Mexican children who played Feel and Touch to capture their interactions with the game. Our analysis, comparing touch interactions between children with ASD and neurotypical (NT) peers, uncovered three digital markers based on phone tilt and touch patterns that distinguish the two groups. Additionally, we demonstrated the ability of a machine learning model to accurately classify these interactions between ASD and NT children. Our findings discuss the implications in terms of accessibility and ubiquity, as well as the possibilities for the development of digital markers and their application in pervasive computing for healthcare.
WEAR: An Outdoor Sports Dataset for Wearable and Egocentric Activity Recognition
Authors: Bock Marius , Kuehne Hilde , Van Laerhoven Kristof , Moeller Michael
Published: November 2024

Research has shown the complementarity of camera- and inertial-based data for modeling human activities, yet datasets with both egocentric video and inertial-based sensor data remain scarce. In this paper, we introduce WEAR, an outdoor sports dataset for both vision- and inertial-based human activity recognition (HAR). Data from 22 participants performing a total of 18 different workout activities was collected with synchronized inertial (acceleration) and camera (egocentric video) data recorded at 11 different outside locations. WEAR provides a challenging prediction scenario in changing outdoor environments using a sensor placement, in line with recent trends in real-world applications. Benchmark results show that through our sensor placement, each modality interestingly offers complementary strengths and weaknesses in their prediction performance. Further, in light of the recent success of single-stage Temporal Action Localization (TAL) models, we demonstrate their versatility of not only being trained using visual data, but also using raw inertial data and being capable to fuse both modalities by means of simple concatenation. The dataset and code to reproduce experiments is publicly available via: mariusbock.github.io/wear/.
Longitudinal Effects of External Communication of Automated Vehicles in the USA and Germany: A Comparative Study in Virtual Reality and Via a Browser
Authors: Colley Mark , Kornmüller Daniel , Dey Debargha , Ju Wendy , Rukzio Enrico
Published: November 2024

Automated vehicles are expected to communicate with vulnerable road users. In two longitudinal studies, we investigated the impact of external Human-Machine Interfaces (eHMI) on pedestrian safety and behavior when interacting with automated vehicles. Utilizing LED strips for communication, these studies probed various factors, including mixed traffic scenarios, presence of eHMIs, and being from Germany or the USA. Our experimental approaches included a Virtual Reality study with 24 participants in Germany and an online study with 28 participants from the USA and Germany. Results revealed that repeated interactions with automated vehicles featuring eHMI significantly enhance pedestrian Trust, Understanding, and perceived safety, while simultaneously diminishing mental workload. Notably, the positive effects of eHMI were consistent across the two countries. US participants exhibited a tendency for higher risk-taking in crossing situations and reported lower mental workloads, underscoring the importance of considering cultural nuances in designing eHMI systems for mixed-traffic environments.
BreathePulse: Peripheral Guided Breathing via Implicit Airflow Cues for Information Work
Authors: Gemicioglu Tan , Viranda Thalia , Zhao Yiran , Yessenbayev Olzhas , Arora Jatin , Wang Jane , Lopes Pedro , Adams Alexander T. , Choudhury Tanzeem
Published: November 2024

Workplace stress contributes to poor performance and adverse health outcomes, yet current stress management tools often fall short in the fast-paced modern workforce. Guided slow breathing is a promising intervention for stress and anxiety, with peripheral breathing guides being explored for concurrent task use. However, their need for explicit user engagement underscores the need for more seamless, implicit interventions optimized for workplaces. In this mixed-method, controlled study, we examined the feasibility and effects of BreathePulse, a laptop-mounted device that delivers pulsing airflow to the nostrils as an implicit cue, on stress, anxiety, affect, and workload during two levels of a memory (N-Back) task with 23 participants. We found that BreathePulse, the first airflow-only breathing guide, effectively promoted slow breathing, particularly during the easy memory task. Participants' breathing rates aligned with BreathePulse's guidance across tasks, with the longest maintenance of slow breathing - over 40% of the time - during the easy task. Although BreathePulse increased workload and had little impact on stress, it promoted mindfulness, indicating its potential for stress management in the workplace.
EffFix: Efficient and Effective Repair of Pointer Manipulating Programs
Authors: Zhang Yuntong , Costea Andreea , Shariffdeen Ridwan , McCall Davin , Roychoudhury Abhik
Published: November 2024

This work introduces EffFix, a tool that applies a novel static analysis-driven automated program repair (APR) technique for fixing memory errors. APR tools typically rely on a given test-suite to guide the repair process. Apart from the need to provide test oracles, this reliance is also one of the main contributors to the over-fitting problem. Static analysis based APR techniques bypass these issues only to introduce new ones, such as soundness, scalability, and generalizability. This work demonstrates how we can overcome these challenges and achieve
sound
memory bug repair
at scale
by leveraging static analysis (specifically incorrectness separation logic (ISL)) to guide repair. This is the first repair approach to use ISL. Our key insight is that the abstract domain used by static analysis to detect the bugs also contains key information to derive correct patches. Our proposed approach
learns
what a desirable patch is by inspecting how close a patch is to fixing the bug based on the feedback from ISL based static analysis (specifically the Pulse analyzer), and turning this information into a distribution of probabilities over context free grammars. This approach to repair is
generic
in that its learning strategy allows for finding patches without relying on the commonly used patch templates. Furthermore, to achieve efficient program repair, instead of focusing on heuristics for reducing the search space of patches, we make repair scalable by creating
classes of equivalent patches
according to the effect they have on the symbolic heap. We then conduct candidate patch validation only once per patch equivalence class. This allows EffFix to efficiently discover quality repairs even in the presence of a large pool of patch candidates. Experimental evaluation of fixing real world memory errors in medium to large scale subjects like OpenSSL, Linux Kernel, swoole, shows the efficiency and effectiveness of EffFix— in terms of automatically producing repairs from large search spaces. In particular, EffFix has a fix ratio of 66% for memory leak bugs and 83% for Null Pointer Dereferences for the considered dataset.
Elastic and Radiation Shielding Properties of Cadmium and Lead-Incorporated Zinc Barium Phosphate Glass
Authors: Banoqitah E. , Moustafa E. B. , Abdelghaffar Mohamed , Hammad A. H.
Published: November 2024

Invert zinc-barium phosphate (ZnO–BaO–P2O5) glass networks were fabricated using the melt-annealing technique. The base glass was modified with cadmium oxide (CdO), lead oxide (PbO), and a mix between CdO and PbO. The elastic parameters were discussed using the Makishima-Mackenzie approach. The calculated values of Young’s (E), bulk (B), and shear (S) moduli decreased after the CdO, CdO+PbO, and PbO were introduced to the network from 53.704 to 52.019 GPa, 34.034 to 32.860 GPa, and 23.184 to 22.473 GPa, respectively. XCOM database was used to compute the mass attenuation coefficient (MAC) and estimate the radiation shielding properties of such glasses. For example, the MAC for the base sample at 0.06 MeV was 3.365 cm2/g, which rose to 3.554 cm2/g for the sample containing PbO. The mean free path (MFP), tenth value layer (TVL), and effective atomic number (Z

eff
) were all discussed. The MFP values depend on the glass composition, which decreased from 0.091 cm (the base sample) to 0.082 cm (the glass with PbO) at 0.06 MeV. The phosphate glass, which contains PbO and CdO+PbO, is more suitable for radiation shielding applications.
The impact of diet-induced obesity on 5 fluorouracil-induced tumor and liver immune cell cytotoxicity
Authors: VanderVeen Brandon N. , Cardaci Thomas D. , Bullard Brooke M. , Unger Christian A. , Freeman Jeffrey C. , Enos Reilly T. , Shtutman Michael , Wyatt Michael D. , Fan Daping , Murphy E. Angela
Published: November 2024

The current study aimed to examine the impact of obesity on tumorigenesis and 5FU safety and efficacy with two established murine models of colorectal cancer. Diet-induced obesity increased tumor burden in both models, and 5FU’s antitumor efficacy remained and extended survival with both tumor models. Obese mice demonstrated increased 5FU-induced immune cell cytotoxicity following multiple cycles of 5FU with distinct changes to liver macrophages, suggesting an increased propensity for liver metastasis.
Perceived Value and Purchase Influence of YouTube Beauty Vlog Content Amongst Generation Y Female Consumers
Authors: Bevan-Dye Ayesha L.
Published: November 2024

Globally and in South Africa, the beauty industry, which includes high‐involvement products such as skincare, fragrance, makeup, and haircare products, is experiencing robust growth, something partially attributed to the rapidly growing influence of beauty social media influencers. While increased attention is being paid to social media influencer marketing in academic literature, most of these studies focus on the characteristics of the social media influencer rather than on the content that they deliver. Moreover, there is a paucity of studies that specifically consider YouTube vlogs in relation to beauty products and Generation Y female consumers. The purpose of this research was to determine the perceived value and purchase influence of beauty vlog content on YouTube amongst Generation Y female (females born from 1986 to 2005) consumers from the emerging market perspective of South Africa. The study adopted an explanatory research design, whereby data were collected using an electronic questionnaire from 340 Generation Y female consumers. The results of the path analysis indicate that the beauty vlog content dimensions of informativeness, entertainment, and credibility collectively account for 72% of the variability in Generation Y female consumers’ perceived value of beauty vlog content on YouTube. In turn, this perceived value, along with its predictors, accounts for almost 50% of the variance in the purchase influence of such vlogs amongst Generation Y female consumers. These findings confirm the salience of beauty brands engaging with YouTube beauty vloggers when targeting Generation Y female consumers. Moreover, when choosing which beauty vloggers to engage with, the results highlight the need to seek out those with a proven track record for delivering informative and interesting beauty product content and who consistently exercise a high degree of integrity in their beauty product review vlogs.
Application Research on Image Recovery Technology Based on GAN
Authors: Han Xue , Ma Jun , Cheng Hong Lin
Published: November 2024

Image restoration is a critical task in computer vision that involves recovering an original image from corrupted or damaged versions of it. Traditional image restoration relies on interpolation and completion techniques, such as Navier–Stokes equations and the fast multipole boundary element method. However, these methods often fail to capture the advanced semantic information of an image, leading to inaccurate restoration results. In recent years, generative adversarial networks (GANs) have emerged as a practical approach in computer vision for image restoration tasks, as they can address image restoration issues related to damaged or missing image information. GANs are a deep‐learning network structure with a generator and discriminator. In image restoration, the generator is employed to restore damaged images, and the discriminator is used to assess the authenticity of the repair results. Competition between the generator and discriminator improves the quality of the repair results. This study proposes a novel generative image restoration method that utilizes contextual and perceptual semantic information mechanisms to strengthen GANs. Our approach demonstrates the effectiveness of GANs in restoring images through learning how to fuse the missing or damaged parts of an image with the undamaged parts surrounding them, resulting in visually appealing restoration results.
rTMS and TENS Relieve Neuropathic Pain in CCI Model Rats by Modulating Central Nervous System TRPV1 and Neuroinflammation
Authors: Xu Zhangyu , Zhong Quanzhen , Xing Fei , Zhu Yuanliang , Hu Yue , Huang Maomao , Zhou Mouwang , Wang Jianxiong
Published: November 2024

Background: Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) of the prefrontal cortex (PFC) and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) have both been demonstrated as effective at alleviating neuropathic pain (NP). However, the comparative efficacy of these two neuromodulation techniques and the specific neural mechanisms underlying their effects remain unclear.

Objective: This study aims to compare the efficacy of rTMS in the PFC and TENS in mitigating peripheral NP and to investigate the impact of rTMS on neuroinflammation.

Methods: Eighteen adult male Sprague–Dawley rats were randomly divided into three groups: NP (chronic constriction injury [CCI] group, n = 6), rTMS (n = 6), and TENS (n = 6). rTMS was applied to the PFC, while TENS was applied to the right hind limb of the rats 1 week postoperatively. This treatment regimen was administered once daily, 5 days a week, for 4 consecutive weeks. The paw withdrawal mechanical threshold (PWMT) was measured to assess the pain‐alleviating effects of rTMS and TENS. We further conducted enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) to measure the levels of interleukin (IL)‐1β, IL‐6, and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF‐α) in the PFC and L4–L6 spinal cord to evaluate their impact on neuroinflammation. Additionally, we examined transient receptor potential vanilloid type 1 (TRPV1) expression in the PFC and the L4‒L6 spinal cord using western blotting and real‐time quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR) to explore the potential mechanisms involved. Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining of the sciatic nerve was further performed to observe pathological changes.

Results: Compared to the CCI group, both the rTMS and TENS groups exhibited a significant increase in PWMT, with the rTMS group demonstrating a notably greater PWMT than the TENS group. Furthermore, rTMS treatment triggered a significant decrease in IL‐1β, IL‐6, and TNF‐α levels in the PFC and spinal cord, while TENS only decreased IL‐1β expression in these regions. In both treatment groups, TRPV1 expression was significantly lower in the spinal cord, while H&E staining indicated improved pathological manifestations in the sciatic nerve.

Conclusion: Both rTMS and TENS effectively ameliorated CCI‐induced NP, with rTMS of the PFC showing superior performance. Both treatments reduced TRPV1 expression and suppressed neuroinflammation in the spinal cord, indicating that this may be one of the mechanisms through which they exert their therapeutic effects.
Table 1 from The Significance of Comprehensive Metabolic Phenotypes in Cancer Risk: A Japan Multi-Institutional Collaborative Cohort Study
Authors: Watanabe Takeshi , Nguyen Tien Van , Katsuura-Kamano Sakurako , Arisawa Kokichi , Ishizu Masashi , Unohara Taichi , Tanaka Keitaro , Shimanoe Chisato , Nagayoshi Mako , Tamura Takashi , Kubo Yuko , Kato Yasufumi , Oze Isao , Ito Hidemi , Michihata Nobuaki , Nakamura Yohko , Tanoue Shiroh , Koriyama Chihaya , Suzuki Sadao , Nakagawa-Senda Hiroko , Koyama Teruhide , Tomida Satomi , Kuriki Kiyonori , Takashima Naoyuki , Harada Akiko , Wakai Kenji , Matsuo Keitaro
Published: November 2024

Background characteristics of participants according to obesity classification
Adult Height in Girls with Central Precocious Puberty with Onset after 6 Years: Effects of Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Analog Therapy
Authors: Saito Reiko , Ozaki Kayo , Baba Yoshiro , Ikegawa Kento , Nagasaki Keisuke , Nakamura Akie , Hamajima Takashi , Higuchi Shinji , Hasegawa Yukihiro
Published: November 2024

Introduction: Precocious puberty (PP), which is sometimes divided into gonadotropin-dependent or gonadotropin-independent PP, is a pathological condition characterized by premature secretion of gonadal steroids resulting in the early development of secondary sexual characteristics. Girls younger than 6 years with idiopathic gonadotropin-dependent PP (referred to as central PP or CPP) who receive gonadotropin-releasing hormone analog (GnRHa) therapy experience an increase in their adult height (AH) in contrast to girls who are aged 6 years or more, who show no consistent pattern of increase even with GnRHa therapy. Methods: In total, 133 girls aged 6 years or more who visited any one of the seven study centers between April 2000 and March 2020 and who met the diagnostic criteria for PP in Japan were retrospectively examined. The participants were divided into a treatment (n = 56) and no-treatment group (n = 77). The AH and target height (TH) were compared between the groups, and the factors influencing the AH were examined. Results: The patients receiving GnRHa therapy achieved significantly greater increase in their AH, AH − TH, and predicted AH at the age of 6, 7, and 8 years (6 ≤ years < 9) than those without the treatment. The TH and height at the start and end of treatment influenced the AH of the former group. Conclusion: GnRHa therapy was effective in improving the AH in girls with CPP onset at the age of 6, 7, or 8 years. The TH was a strong determinant of the AH.
Global, regional, and national prevalence and disability-adjusted life-years for female infertility: Results from a global burden of disease study, 1990–2019
Authors: Shen DongYi , Yang Sen , Qi Cong , Yang Hong
Published: November 2024

Introduction: Female infertility has a devastating impact on the physical and mental health of individuals and national fertility. However, most of the previous studies on this subject were conducted on rather small sample sizes and have certain limitations. Therefore, we aimed to determine the prevalence of female infertility in 204 countries and territories from 1990 to 2019.
Methods: We examined female infertility in terms of prevalence, age-standardized prevalence rates (ASR), and disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) across different age groups in 204 countries and territories from 1990 to 2019 using data from the Global Health Data Exchange query tool.
Results: From 1990 to 2019, ASR and DALYs for female infertility increased globally. At the socio-demographic index (SDI) quintile level, middle-SDI and high-middle-SDI countries exhibited a faster increase in the ASR of female infertility. In 2019, with the highest female infertility rate recorded among those between the ages of 30–34 years and the lowest among those between the ages of 45–49 years. In 2019, high-income North America recorded the highest proportion of primary infertility, while East Asia recorded the lowest proportion.
Limitations: First, the GBD database lacks data for some countries and regions. Second, data access and quality differ across locations. Third, the causes of infertility are not comprehensive, data on Klinefelter in GBD2019 in relation to primary infertility was 0.
Conclusion: Globally, the prevalence of DALYs and age-standardized female infertility increased from 1990 to 2019.
Ongoing Challenges in Maintaining the Diagnostic Quality of Cervical Cytopathology: Is It Possible to Minimize Differences in Morphological Interpretations?
Authors: Longatto-Filho Adhemar , Schmitt Fernando C.
Published: November 2024

Background: The efficiency of the cytological test largely depends on the control and quality assurance of laboratory procedures, to avoid false results. The objectives of this descriptive review were to point out and discuss the main mechanisms for controlling and ensuring the quality of cytological diagnosis. Summary: A critical revision was performed to identify the principal challenges involved in the processes of all the main issues related to the morphological alterations that characterize a true-related lesion in the daily routine of the Pap test examination. Principles of QC and QA are already being implemented worldwide, and the positive aspects and limitations of these are discussed as well as proposing alternatives when pertinent. Most of the articles evaluated highlighted the necessity of implementing audit mechanisms to control the performance of the professionals involved with the cytology evaluation. Key Message: Promising data from the new image-based technological arsenal appear to be a remarkable tool for improving cytological evaluation, reducing errors of interpretation and serving as a powerful arm for cytology teaching.
Association of the Brain White Matter Hyperintensity with the Cognitive Performance in Middle-Aged Population
Authors: Hannawi Yousef , Yanek Lisa R. , Kral Brian G. , Becker Lewis C. , Vaidya Dhananjay , Nyquist Paul A.
Published: November 2024

Introduction: White matter hyperintensity (WMH) is typically classified into periventricular- and deep-WMH (PVWMH and DWMH) based on its proximity to the ventricles. While WMH volume has been associated with the cognitive performance and decline in patients with cerebral small vessel disease (cSVD), the relative contributions of PVWMH and DWMH to the cognitive profile of these patients remain unclear. Therefore, we aimed to determine the differences in association of PVWMH and DWMH with a battery of cognitive tests in a group of middle-aged population at risk for cardiovascular disease.
Methods: Participants in the Genetic Study for Atherosclerosis Risk (GeneSTAR) who had a brain MRI, a cognitive battery, and were older than 50 years of age were studied. The relative association of PVWMH and DWMH with each of the cognitive measures was tested using multilevel linear regression models adjusting for age, intracranial volume, and cardiovascular risk factors. Adjustment for multiple comparisons was completed by using Benjamini-Hochberg procedure for the primary outcome and q-value of < 0.1 was considered significant. Maximal likelihood estimation analysis was used to explore whether age moderated the difference in association of PVWMH and DWMH with the cognitive tests.
Results: 435 participants (age 58.9±6.14 years, 58.38% women, and 39.54% black) were studied. We identified a greater association of PVWMH than DWMH with a worse performance on grooved peg board test (q-value=0.06) including the dominant (q-value=0.098) and non-dominant hand (q-value=0.098) performance as well as the delayed word recall test in its short form (q-value=0.098). Age did not moderate the differences in the association of PVWMH and DWMH with these cognitive tests.
Conclusions: Our findings indicate a greater effect of PVWMH than DWHM on manipulative manual dexterity and delayed word recall functions suggesting potential injury of the white matter tracts that are relevant to these function by PVWMH. These findings need to be confirmed in future large prospective studies.
MINDSET 2050: Navigating the Future of Enterprenurship
Authors: Toring Eugene E , Toring Kimberly N , Legaspi Nonita P
Published: November 2024

"Mindsets 2050 is a comprehensive exploration of the evolving landscape of entrepreneurship. It delves into the key mindset shifts and strategies that will define success in the years to come. As technology continues to reshape industries and consumer behavior, entrepreneurs must adapt and innovate to stay ahead of the curve. This book provides a roadmap for navigating the complexities of the future business environment. It explores topics such as: The Impact of Technology. How emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, blockchain, and the Internet of Things are transforming industries and creating new opportunities. Social Entrepreneurship and Sustainability. The importance of ethical and sustainable business practices in addressing global challenges. The Future of Work. The changing nature of work and the skills needed to thrive in the future workforce. Leadership and Innovation. The qualities and strategies that successful entrepreneurs must possess to lead their businesses into the future. By examining these trends and challenges, Mindsets 2050 equips readers with the knowledge and tools they need to thrive in the 21st-century economy. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or a seasoned business leader, this book offers valuable insights and practical advice to help you navigate the future of entrepreneurship."
Long-Term Management of Right Ventricular Outflow Tract Dysfunction in Repaired Tetralogy of Fallot: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association
Authors: Geva Tal , Wald Rachel M. , Bucholz Emily , Cnota James F. , McElhinney Doff B. , Mercer-Rosa Laura M. , Mery Carlos M. , Miles Andrea Leann , Moore Jeremy ,   on behalf of the American Heart Association Council on Lifelong Congenital Heart Disease and Heart Health in the Young; Council on Cardiovascular Surgery and Anesthesia; Council on Clinical Cardiology; and Council on Cardiovascular and Stroke Nursing
Published: November 2024

Right ventricular outflow dysfunction, manifesting as stenosis, regurgitation, or both, is nearly universal in patients with repaired tetralogy of Fallot, precipitating a complex pathophysiological cascade that leads to increasing rates of morbidity and mortality with advancing age. As the number of adolescent and adult patients with repaired tetralogy of Fallot continues to grow as a result of excellent survival during infancy, the need to improve late outcomes has become an urgent priority. This American Heart Association scientific statement provides an update on the current state of knowledge of the pathophysiology, methods of surveillance, risk stratification, and latest available therapies, including transcatheter and surgical pulmonary valve replacement strategies, as well as management of life-threatening arrhythmias. It reviews emerging evidence on the roles of comorbidities and patient-reported outcomes and their impact on quality of life. In addition, this scientific statement explores contemporary evidence for clinical choices such as transcatheter or surgical pulmonary valve replacement, discusses criteria and options for intervention for failing implanted bioprosthetic pulmonary valves, and considers a new approach to determining optimal timing and indications for pulmonary valve replacement.
S100A1ct: A Synthetic Peptide Derived From S100A1 Protein Improves Cardiac Performance and Survival in Preclinical Heart Failure Models
Authors: Kehr Dorothea , Ritterhoff Julia , Glaser Manuel , Jarosch Lukas , Salazar Rafael E. , Spaich Kristin , Varadi Karl , Birkenstock Jennifer , Egger Michael , Gao Erhe , Koch Walter J. , Sauter Max , Freichel Marc , Katus Hugo A. , Frey Norbert , Jungmann Andreas , Busch Cornelius , Mather Paul J. , Ruhparwar Arjang , Busch Martin , Völkers Mirko , Wade Rebecca C. , Most Patrick
Published: November 2024

BACKGROUND:

The EF-hand Ca
2+
sensor protein S100A1 has been identified as a molecular regulator and enhancer of cardiac performance. The ability of S100A1 to recognize and modulate the activity of targets such as SERCA2a (sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca
2+
ATPase) and RyR2 (ryanodine receptor 2) in cardiomyocytes has mostly been ascribed to its hydrophobic C-terminal α-helix (residues 75–94). We hypothesized that a synthetic peptide consisting of residues 75 through 94 of S100A1 and an N-terminal solubilization tag (S100A1ct) could mimic the performance-enhancing effects of S100A1 and may be suitable as a peptide therapeutic to improve the function of diseased hearts.

METHODS:

We applied an integrative translational research pipeline ranging from in silico computational molecular modeling and in vitro biochemical molecular assays as well as isolated rodent and human cardiomyocyte performance assessments to in vivo safety and efficacy studies in small and large animal cardiac disease models.

RESULTS:

We characterize S100A1ct as a cell-penetrating peptide with positive inotropic and antiarrhythmic properties in normal and failing myocardium in vitro and in vivo. This activity translates into improved contractile performance and survival in preclinical heart failure models with reduced ejection fraction after S100A1ct systemic administration. S100A1ct exerts a fast and sustained dose-dependent enhancement of cardiomyocyte Ca
2+
cycling and prevents β-adrenergic receptor–triggered Ca
2+
imbalances by targeting SERCA2a and RyR2 activity. In line with the S100A1ct-mediated enhancement of SERCA2a activity, modeling suggests an interaction of the peptide with the transmembrane segments of the sarcoplasmic Ca
2+
pump. Incorporation of a cardiomyocyte-targeting peptide tag into S100A1ct (cor-S100A1ct) further enhanced its biological and therapeutic potency in vitro and in vivo.

CONCLUSIONS:

S100A1ct is a promising lead for the development of novel peptide-based therapeutics against heart failure with reduced ejection fraction.
MRI-Proven Incident Ischemia: A New Marker of Disease Progression in Small Vessel Diseases
Authors: Grosset Lina , Dimitrovic Ana , Guillonnet Antoine , Tamazyan Ruben , Benzakoun Joseph , Dusonchet Antoine , Chabriat Hugues , Oppenheim Catherine , Zuber Mathieu , Calvet David , Jouvent Eric
Published: November 2024

BACKGROUND:

In ischemic cerebral small vessel diseases (cSVD), recurrent ischemic stroke is rare (2%–3% per year). Because acute ischemia may not always lead to stroke in cSVD due to the small size of lesions, acute stroke may not reliably reflect ischemic activity or the risk of further clinical worsening, as both incident lacunes and incidental diffusion-weighted imaging–positive lesions can occur without stroke symptoms. We aimed to evaluate the total ischemic activity by measuring the incidence of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)–proven incident ischemia, independent of the presence of stroke symptoms in a large cohort of cSVD.

METHODS:

DHU-LAC is an ongoing French multicenter cohort study of MRI-proven ischemic stroke presumably due to cSVD. We report data on patients recruited between June 2018 and October 2023. In DHU-LAC, patients are enrolled within 15 days of stroke onset and are cared for according to current guidelines. During the first 6 months, patients are systematically reassessed clinically and by brain MRI: (1) at any time if stroke symptoms occur and (2) at the end of the period. We defined MRI-proven incident ischemia as either recurrent ischemic stroke or at least 1 incident lacune or incidental diffusion-weighted imaging–positive lesion on brain MRI at 6 months.

RESULTS:

Two hundred forty-nine patients were included, of whom 172 had available data at both inclusion and after 6 months. They were aged 63±6 years, 28% were women, and 65% had hypertension. Six (3%) had a recurrent ischemic stroke, but 25 more (15%) had at least 1 incident lacune or incidental diffusion-weighted imaging–positive lesion on brain MRI. MRI-proven ischemia occurs about 5× more frequently than ischemic stroke in cSVD.

CONCLUSIONS:

As data confirming the detrimental clinical effect of both incident lacunes and incidental diffusion-weighted imaging–positive lesions accumulate, MRI-proven incident ischemia may become a plausible outcome for future clinical trials in cSVD.

REGISTRATION:

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
; Unique identifier: NCT03552926.
Public Procurement and Child Labour in Ghana and Nigeria
Authors: Mbah-Amanze Miriam
Published: November 2024

Despite numerous domestic laws and treaties prohibiting child labour, the practice persists in many African countries, including in government supply chains. It is important to highlight the connection between public procurement and child labour in Africa because the continent hosts over 50% of the world’s child labourers. Furthermore, tackling child labour through public procurement processes has not attracted much academic and policy attention. In order to shift this narrative, this article examines the public procurement frameworks of Ghana and Nigeria to reveal how they address child labour throughout the process of planning, tendering, contract award and contract management. It finds that the selected countries’ legal frameworks are inadequate in addressing child labour and recommends measures to improve the identified limitations.
Obligations to Protect and Preserve Marine Environment from Land-Based Sources of Pollution: A Case of the Indian Ocean in Tanzania
Authors: Massawe Martin Patrice
Published: November 2024

The 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) regulates marine pollution from land-based sources worldwide. It provides a comprehensive framework for the development of regional conventions and national laws addressing marine pollution from land-based sources. UNCLOS is closely tied to human rights treaties, since the environment and human rights are interconnected. This study examines Tanzania’s legal system and its adherence to international and regional commitments to protect the maritime environment. Based on a review of relevant documents, the study finds that Tanzania’s regulatory framework largely aligns with international and regional conventions on marine pollution from land-based sources. However, the study concludes that environmental pollution caused by land-based sources remains a significant concern in the Indian Ocean in Tanzania. This may be attributed to factors such as unplanned settlements, limited institutional capacity for waste management, inadequate fines for environmental offenses, insufficient enforcement of environmental regulations, and restricted locus standi. By addressing these shortcomings, Tanzania can better fulfill its obligations under international agreements to improve environmental protection and promote sustainable development.
Defects of English Rules of Contractual Interpretation and Their Challenges for African Businesses
Authors: Iheme Williams C.
Published: November 2024

The Law Society of England and Wales, as well as English politicians and judges, claim that English (contract) law is admirable, settled and predictable, and non-English legal systems are “laxer systems” whose judges are not as exceptionally knowledgeable as English judges. These claims of legal superiority attract foreign litigants such as African businesspeople to use English laws and forums to resolve their contractual disputes. This article aims to disprove these claims by rigorously assessing them from an Afrocentric lens, as well as from the prediction theory of law, English case law, and rules of contractual interpretation. It finds that English contract law and dispute resolution mechanisms are far from predictable and settled. Also, there is a staggering level of disagreement among English judges regarding their interpretation of commercial contracts. The article exposes the defects of English contract laws to enable foreign businesses to make informed decisions about their choice of laws and forums to resolve their contractual disputes.