bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Baduanjin on motor function in children with developmental coordination disorders: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Gao Jiaxin , Ke Xiaohua , Huang Dunbing , Wu Yangxin , Xu Xiaqing , Ren Hongfei , Zhang Anren , Song Wei
Published: December 2024

Introduction

Children diagnosed with developmental coordination disorder (DCD) exhibit a range of challenges in both gross and fine motor skills, characterised by sluggish and awkward movements. Additionally, they experience deficits in balance and coordination. Without appropriate intervention, these difficulties may endure into adolescence and adulthood, impacting various facets of their daily lives, including learning, social interactions and recreational activities.

Methods and analysis

Employing a randomised controlled trial design, 60 children diagnosed with DCD will be randomly assigned to two groups. The experimental group will receive Baduanjin training in addition to health education, while the control group will undergo health education alone. Following an 8-week intervention period, assessments using motor assessment battery for children-second edition, ProKin 254 Balance Test System will be conducted to evaluate the impact of Baduanjin on the motor coordination and balance in children with DCD. Furthermore, functional near-infrared spectroscopy will be employed to capture haemodynamic data from the children’s brain movement-related cortex during functional activities. These data will be analysed to assess the level of cortical activation, strength of functional connectivity and their correlation with changes in motor function, with the goal of investigating the cerebral blood oxygenation mechanisms underlying the effectiveness of the Baduanjin intervention.

Ethics and dissemination

This study has been submitted for approval and has received ethical clearance from the Medical Ethics Committee of Shanghai Fourth People’s Hospital (2023080-001). The results of the study will be published in a peer-reviewed scientific journal.

Trial registration number

ChiCTR2300078980.
Protocol for a multicentre randomised triple-blind controlled trial assessing the clinical efficacy of intra-articular platelet-rich plasma injections versus placebo in symptomatic knee osteoarthritis (PIKOA)
Authors: Eymard Florent , Oubaya Nadia , Ornetti Paul , Sellam Jeremie , Richette Pascal , Chevalier Xavier
Published: November 2024

Introduction

Despite their exponential use, intra-articular (IA) injections of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) are not part of the recommended treatments for knee osteoarthritis (OA) by most international scientific societies. The most recent clinical trials have shown conflicting results, and some did not find any clinical benefit of PRP injections. The PRP In Knee OsteoArthritis (PIKOA) trial was designed to assess the clinical efficacy and structural benefit of IA injections of PRP vs saline solution (placebo) in symptomatic knee OA.

Methods and analysis

PIKOA is an academic phase 3, superiority, triple-blind (patients, investigators and injectors), multicentre, randomised placebo-controlled trial (1:1 ratio). It compares the efficacy of 1 weekly IA injection of 5 mL PRP or placebo (saline solution) for 3 weeks with a 6-month follow-up. The trial will enrol 210 participants ≥40 years old with symptomatic and moderate radiographic knee OA (Kellgren and Lawrence grade 2 or 3). PRP is prepared with the A-CP-Kit-T (20 mL) kit and its cellular composition is characterised for each patient. The main objective is to compare change in pain on a 0 mm to 100 mm visual analogue scale (VAS) between W0 and W14. The secondary objectives are to compare the two groups in terms of decrease in VAS pain, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index total score and subscores, analgesics consumption, OMERACT-Osteoarthritis Research Society International responder rate and improvement in quality of life measured by the EQ-5D-5L score. All these criteria are assessed at W8, W14 and W26. The decrease in serum Coll2-1 and Coll2-1 NO₂ levels (catabolic markers, reflecting cartilage destruction or joint inflammation) and increase in N-propeptide of cartilage IIA level (reflecting cartilage formation) are assessed at W8 and W14. Adverse events and study withdrawals are collected during the study.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethics approval was obtained from the Nord Ouest ethical committee (2021-A00742-39). All participants need to provide written informed consent. The findings will be published in peer-reviewed journals.

Trial registration number

NCT05378815(ClinicalTrials.gov); pre-results.

Protocol version and number: V.3 of 17 July 2023.
Cohort profile: AI-driven national Platform for CCTA for clinicaL and industriaL applicatiOns (APOLLO)
Authors: Baskaran Lohendran , Leng Shuang , Dutta Utkarsh , Teo Lynette , Yew Min Sen , Sia Ching-Hui , Chew Nicholas WS , Huang Weimin , Lee Hwee Kuan , Vaughan Roger , Ngiam Kee Yuan , Lu Zhongkang , Wang Xiaohong , Tan Eddy Wei Ping , Cheng Nicholas Zi Yi , Tan Swee Yaw , Chan Mark Y , Zhong Liang
Published: December 2024

Purpose

Coronary CT angiography (CCTA) is well established for the diagnostic evaluation and prognostication of coronary artery disease (CAD). The growing burden of CAD in Asia and the emergence of novel CT-based risk markers highlight the need for an automated platform that integrates patient data with CCTA findings to provide tailored, accurate cardiovascular risk assessments. This study aims to develop an artificial intelligence (AI)-driven platform for CAD assessment using CCTA in Singapore’s multiethnic population. We will conduct a hybrid retrospective-prospective recruitment of patients who have undergone CCTA as part of the diagnostic workup for CAD, along with prospective follow-up for clinical endpoints. CCTA images will be analysed locally and by a core lab for coronary stenosis grading, Agatston scoring, epicardial adipose tissue evaluation and plaque analysis. The images and analyses will also be uploaded to an AI platform for deidentification, integration and automated reporting, generating precision AI toolkits for each parameter.

Participants

CCTA images and baseline characteristics have been collected and verified for 4196 recruited patients, comprising 75% Chinese, 6% Malay, 10% Indian and 9% from other ethnic groups. Among the participants, 41% are female, with a mean age of 55±11 years. Additionally, 41% have hypertension, 51% have dyslipidaemia, 15% have diabetes and 22% have a history of smoking.

Findings to date

The cohort data have been used to develop four AI modules for training, testing and validation. During the development process, data preprocessing standardised the format, resolution and other relevant attributes of the images.

Future plans

We will conduct prospective follow-up on the cohort to track clinical endpoints, including cardiovascular events, hospitalisations and mortality. Additionally, we will monitor the long-term impact of the AI-driven platform on patient outcomes and healthcare delivery.

Trial registration number

NCT05509010.
Correlation between colonoscopy difficulty and personality traits: study protocol for a prospective, observational, multicentre study
Authors: Wang Duan , Zhang Shengyu , Jiang Yinan , Ren Yutang , Kuai Dayu , Zhao Ruihong , Wu Dong
Published: December 2024

Background

Colonoscopy is widely used for screening and treatment of early colonic lesions and is critical for the early diagnosis of colorectal cancer. However, due to its invasive nature, colonoscopy can cause pain and discomfort for patients and is often associated with prolonged insertion times or failed attempts. Difficult colonoscopy is characterised by a caecal insertion time greater than 10 min, multiple insertion attempts or failed insertion, with an incidence rate of approximately 25%. Studies have shown that objective factors such as gender, age, body mass index, bowel preparation quality and history of abdominal or pelvic surgery can make colonoscopy difficult. Integrating clinical evidence and the established impact of personality traits on certain gastrointestinal conditions, a patient’s personality traits and emotional and psychological states may also influence caecal insertion time during colonoscopy. Currently, no studies have investigated the predictive role of patients’ personality on the difficulty of colonoscopy. This study used the Chinese-Language 44-Item Big Five Personality Inventory to assess patients' personality traits, aiming to observe whether there is a correlation between the degree of difficulty of colonoscopy and any of the personality traits.

Methods and analysis

This is a prospective, observational, multicentre study. Patients undergoing colonoscopy will be required to complete the Big Five Inventory, the General Anxiety Disorder 7-item scale and the Patient Health Questionnaire 9-item Depression Scale before colonoscopy. During the colonoscopy, the endoscopist will record the primary endpoint of caecal insertion time. The Boston Bowel Preparation Scale, patients pain scores and willingness to undergo a subsequent colonoscopy will be recorded as the secondary endpoints. The study plans to enrol a total of 322 patients. Survival analysis will be used to examine the correlation between colonoscopy difficulty and the Big Five personality traits.

Ethics and dissemination

This study was approved by the Ethics Committee of the Peking Union Medical College Hospital (No. K2128). All participants in this study will provide written informed consent. The results of this study will be published in an open-access way. There is no independent data monitoring committee because this is an observational and low-risk study.

Trial registration number

NCT05584423.
Spatial distribution and determinants of early postnatal discharge among vaginally delivered mothers in Ethiopia: spatial and multilevel analysis of Ethiopian demographic survey data
Authors: Bitew Desalegn Anmut , Getnet Mihret , Maru Lemlemu , Adugna Dagnew Getnet , Tesfaye Ephrem
Published: November 2024

Background

Postnatal hospital care is aimed to detect any complications for both mother and child. Postnatal care should start as early as possible, especially during the first 24 hours. No study assessed the hotspot areas of early postnatal discharge and its community and individual level determinants in Ethiopia. Therefore this study aimed to fill the mentioned gap.

Methods

This study used the Ethiopian demographic and health survey 2016. A total of 2443 delivered mothers were included in the analysis. The non-spatial analysis was conducted using Stata V.14. A mixed-effect multilevel logistic regression model was fitted. Model comparison was done using Akaike’s information criterion and log-likelihood ratio. Global Moran’s index, spatial autocorrelations and spatial scan statistics were conducted. Multicollinearity was checked. P values <0.25 and 0.05 were used as a cut-off point to declare statistical significance for the bivariable and multivariable regression models, respectively.

Results

The early postnatal discharge was spatially clustered (Moran’s index=0.077, p<0.05). Hotspots of early postnatal discharge were detected in most parts of Benishangul Gumuz, central Amhara, north east Southern Nations, Nationalities, and Peoples' Region (SNNPR) and western Oromiya. Being literate, no media exposure, having three to four antenatal care visits, size of child and history of abortion were statistical significant determinants of early postnatal discharge.

Conclusions

Hotspot areas of early postnatal discharge were detected in parts of central Amhara region, Benishangul gumz, the northeastern parts of SNNPR and western Oromiya. Sociodemographic and reproductive related factors determine early postnatal discharge.
Impact of immunological aging on T cell-mediated therapies in older adults with multiple myeloma and lymphoma
Authors: Ullrich Fabian , Bröckelmann Paul J , Turki Amin T , Khan Abdullah M , Chiru Elena-Diana , Vetter Marcus , Tresckow Bastian von , Wirth Rainer , Cordoba Raul , Ortiz-Maldonado Valentín , Fülöp Tamas , Neuendorff Nina Rosa
Published: December 2024

The treatment landscape for lymphoma and multiple myeloma, which disproportionally affect older adults, has been transformed by the advent of T cell-mediated immunotherapies, including immune checkpoint inhibition, T cell-engaging bispecific antibodies, and chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy, during the last decade. These treatment modalities re-enable the patient’s own immune system to combat malignant cells and offer the potential for sustained remissions and cure for various diseases.

Age profoundly affects the physiological function of the immune system. The process of biological aging is largely driven by inflammatory signaling, which is reciprocally fueled by aging-related alterations of physiology and metabolism. In the T cell compartment, aging contributes to T cell senescence and exhaustion, increased abundance of terminally differentiated cells, a corresponding attrition in naïve T cell numbers, and a decrease in the breadth of the receptor repertoire. Furthermore, inflammatory signaling drives aging-related pathologies and contributes to frailty in older individuals. Thus, there is growing evidence of biological aging modulating the efficacy and toxicity of T cell-mediated immunotherapies.

Here, we review the available evidence from biological and clinical studies focusing on the relationship between T cell-mediated treatment of hematologic malignancies and age. We discuss biological features potentially impacting clinical outcomes in various scenarios, and potential strategies to improve the safety and efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors, T cell-engaging bispecific antibodies, and CAR-T cell therapy in older patients.
Effect of optimisation to contemporary HFrEF medical therapy with sacubitril/valsartan (Entresto) and dapaglifloziN on left Ventricular reverse remodelling as demonstrated by cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) Imaging: the ENVI study
Authors: Zheng Alice , Adam Robert , Peebles Charles , Harden Stephen , Shambrook James , Abbas Ausami , Vedwan Katharine , Adam Georgina , Haydock Paul , Cowburn Peter , Young Christopher , Long Jane , Walkden Michelle , Smith Simon , Greenwood Elizabeth , Olden Paula , Flett Andrew
Published: December 2024

Introduction

Heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) guidelines recommend ‘four pillars’ of medical therapy and device therapy if left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) remains ≤35% after 3 months optimum medical therapy.

We conducted the first study to examine the effects of optimisation to contemporary medical therapy on cardiac reverse remodelling, as demonstrated by cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR).

We hypothesised a proportion of patients would undergo beneficial remodelling and LVEF improvement above the threshold for complex device prescription after 6 months.

Methods

HFrEF patients with symptomatic LVEF≤35% despite ACE inhibitor/beta blocker/mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist therapy, and qualified for sacubitril/valsartan switchover were recruited to this single centre prospective study.

CMR was performed at baseline and at follow-up. Clinical, volumetric and outcome data were collected and compared.

Results

Between June 2021 and August 2022, 49 patients were recruited. The majority (80%) were male, mean age 63±14 years. 35 (71%) had non-ischaemic cardiomyopathy. 2 (4%) patients died and 47 were followed up for a median of 7.4 months. There were no heart failure hospitalisations.

Significant reductions were seen in median indexed left atrial volume: 54 mL/m2(41–72) to 39 mL/m2(30–60) (p<0.001); indexed left ventricular end-diastolic volume: 109 mL/m2(74–125) to 76 mL/m2(58–102) (p<0.001); indexed left ventricular end-systolic volume: 74mL/m2(50–92) to 43 mL/m2(27–58) (p<0.001) and mean indexed left ventricular mass: 72±13 g/m2to 62±13 g/m2(p<0.001).

Median LVEF increased by 12 points from 31% to 43% (p<0.001). 29 (59%) patients improved to LVEF>35%. 13 (27%) patients improved to LVEF≥50%.

Median N-terminal pro B type natriuretic peptide (NTproBNP) reduced from 883 ng/L (293–2043) to 429 ng/L (171–1421) (p<0.001).

Conclusions

Optimisation to contemporary HFrEF medical therapy results in beneficial cardiac reverse remodelling and significant improvements in LVEF and NTproBNP at 6 months as demonstrated by CMR. 59% of our cohort no longer met complex device indications. Guidelines suggest re-assessment of LVEF at 3 months, but our data suggests a longer period is required.

Trial registration number

NCT05348226.
Diagnostic performance of a point-of-care high-sensitivity cardiac troponin I assay among Chinese patients with chest pain
Authors: Ho Jonathan Ka Ming , Wong Janet Yuen Ha , Tse Gary , Chong Andy Chun Yin , Chau Calvin Chi Wai , Wong Chi Yip , Tse Johnson Wai Keung , Tam Jeremy Yan Hon , Lam Simon Ching
Published: December 2024

Background

A novel handheld point-of-care high-sensitivity cardiac troponin I analyser has recently been introduced to the market. Evaluating its diagnostic performance against laboratory standards is imperative, given the variations in cardiac troponin levels across populations. This study compared the diagnostic performance between the point-of-care high-sensitivity cardiac troponin I assay (Siemens Healthineers Atellica VTLi) and a laboratory high-sensitivity cardiac troponin I assay (Abbott ARCHITECT STAT High Sensitive Troponin-I) performed using blood samples from various populations (overall, male, female, younger and older) of Chinese patients with chest pain.

Methods

This cross-sectional study included 585 consecutive Chinese patients (age ≥18 year) who presented to an emergency department with chest pain (lasting >5 min) and were managed following the chest pain protocol between 1 August 2023 and 12 June 2024. For both assays, blood samples were collected at two time points (0 hour (initial) and 3 hour (subsequent)). The primary outcome was the diagnostic performance of the two assays, evaluated with their 99th percentile upper reference limits used as the cut-off values for diagnosing myocardial infarction. The gold standard for comparison was the final diagnoses made by attending physicians.

Results

The point-of-care and laboratory assays exhibited equivalent sensitivity and negative predictive values (both 100%) for blood samples collected at both time points. However, the point-of-care assay outperformed the laboratory assay in terms of specificity (initial: 90.5% to 96.3% vs 79.8% to 94.7%; subsequent: 87.8% to 94.8% vs 77.7% to 92.4%) and positive predictive value (initial: 24.4% to 30.8% vs 11.6% to 23.5%; subsequent: 12.5% to 25.0% vs 5.9% to 18.8%), particularly in older patients.

Conclusion

The point-of-care assay is recommended for rapid clinical decision-making. Future studies should explore the effects of its integration into clinical practice and the feasibility of using sex–race–age-specific 99th percentile upper reference limits to enhance its diagnostic performance.
Rotating charged black holes in EMS theory: shadow studies and constraints from EHT observations
Authors: Yunusov Odil , Rayimbaev Javlon , Sarikulov Furkat , Zahid Muhammad , Abdujabbarov Ahmadjon , Stuchlík Zdeněk
Published: December 2024

One of the possible ways to test gravity theories and get constraints on parameters of a gravity theory and a black hole is based on studies of black hole shadow applying Event Horizon Telescope (EHT) data from the shadow sizes of M87* and Sgr A*. In this sense, we study the shadow of rotating charged black holes in Einstein–Maxwell scalar (EMS) theory. First, we obtain a rotating EMS black hole solution and analyze the horizon properties. We derive the effective potential for the circular motion of photons along null geodesics around the rotating black hole and obtain the black hole shadow using celestial coordinates. The effects of the black charge and spin and EMS theory parameters on the shape of the black hole shadow, its radius, and distortion parameters are analyzed in detail. We have obtained upper and lower limits for spin and black hole charges of Sgr A* and M87* using their shadow size for various values of EMS parameters. Lastly, we computed and examined the standard shadow radius, equatorial, and polar quasinormal modes using the geometric-optic relationship between the parameters of the quasinormal mode and the conserved values along the geodesics.
Bifurcation Analysis of a Diffusive Two-Species Model with Memory-Based Cross-Diffusions
Authors: Dou Ruying , Wang Chuncheng
Published: November 2024

A class of reaction–diffusion models for two interacting species with two memory-based cross-diffusions is considered in this paper. Stability and bifurcation analyses at the steady states are conducted to investigate the joint effects of memory-based diffusion rates and time delays. It is found that memory-based diffusion rates will induce Turing bifurcations, and the first Turing bifurcation curves have more complicated structures than the ones for the classic reaction–diffusion equations, in that they are composed of an asymptotic curve of Turing bifurcation curves with different modes. Furthermore, using time delays as varying parameters, we also find all the stability switching curves, and provide sufficient conditions for determining the shapes of these curves. With the aid of normal form computation, it is proved that Hopf bifurcation will occur on these stability switching curves. Based on these results, predator–prey and competition models with memory-based diffusions are studied, and various temporal or spatial patterns for the models can be observed, including the spatially inhomogeneous steady-state and inhomogeneous periodic solutions.
Bifurcation Analysis of a Multiple-Delayed Predator–Prey System with Habitat Complexity
Authors: Ma Zhihui , Wang Jingjing
Published: November 2024

This paper presents a generalized delayed predator–prey system with habitat complexity. First, the dynamical behaviors of the considered system, including positivity and boundedness, stability property and the existence of Hopf bifurcation and super-critical bifurcation without time delay, are analyzed. Second, the effect of time delay on the dynamical behavior of the presented system is considered in four cases, and sufficient conditions for the existence of Hopf bifurcation are obtained. Moreover, the explicit formulas to determine the direction, stability and period of bifurcating periodic solutions are derived by applying the center manifold theory and normal form theory. Finally, numerical simulations are conducted to verify the corresponding theoretical results.
A quantitative structure–property relationship approach to predict the biological activities of newly discovered anti-cancer agents with applications in implications of drug development
Authors: Danish Muhammad , Liaquat Tehreem , Zaman Shahid , Ali Parvez
Published: December 2024

There are multiple implications for topological indices (TIs) in the realm of anti-tumour, anti-cancer, anti-viral agents, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, anti-fungal, anti-oxidant, and enzyme inhibition potentials. One such utilisation involves predicting the effectiveness of compounds, where TIs shed light on these sulfonamides’ chemical structures and associated characteristics. Analysts can pinpoint the most suitable treatments for certain cancer types by examining the degree-based TIs of various compounds. This paper explores the functions of mathematical descriptors as TIs in estimating the anatomical and pharmacological features of emerging drugs utilised for chemotherapy for cancer. Analysing the compounds of sulfonamide is carried out utilising graph-based TIs computed by employing edge partitioning. The establishment of a QSPR model then follows using a linear regression approach. The conclusions highlight the significant capability of TIs as valuable assets in exploring and characterising compounds within the domains of anti-tumour, anti-cancer, anti-viral agents, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, anti-fungal, anti-oxidant, and enzyme inhibition.
Unsupervised Outlier Detection with Reinforced Noise Discriminator
Authors: Zhang Zhongping , Liu Daoheng , Zhu Jinwei , Wu Youxi
Published: December 2024

Outlier detection is one of the hot topics in the field of machine learning and data mining. At present, there are many kinds of outlier detection algorithms. The accuracies of traditional outlier detection algorithms are often affected by unique parameters, and an increase in the amount of data and the dimensions of the data can seriously affect their efficiency and effectiveness. Methods based on generative adversarial networks (GANs) can solve the above problems, but they are unacceptable since the model often collapses during the training period. In this article, to solve the problems of curse of dimensionality and model collapse, we propose a novel reinforced noise discriminator (RND) method for unsupervised outlier detection in tabular data. We consider outlier detection as a binary classification problem. Thus, we apply a learnable reinforced discriminator and generate a large number of potential outliers with a uniform distribution and potential outliers that are close to the original data that are used as a negative sample to train the discriminator, which learns the distribution of the original data to detect outliers. We empirically compare the proposed approach with ten state-of-the-art outlier detection methods on both synthetic and real-world tabular datasets. The experimental results show that RND outperforms its competitors in the majority of cases. The codes used to perform the experiments described in this article are available at
https://github.com/urlhearts/r-n-d
.
Mechanizing AADL in Coq - Extended Abstract
Authors: Hugues J.
Published: December 2024

In this extended abstract, we present a mechanization of the SAE AADL language using Coq along with specific analysis capabilities. Our contribution provides an unambiguous semantics for a large set of the language and can be used as a foundation to build rich analysis capabilities. Our contribution differs from typical language mechanization, it provides support for manipulating modeling constructs, perform verification - ranging from syntactic and semantics checks to formal verification of key properties, and support simulation capabilities.
Software-Based Security Framework for Edge and Mobile IoT
Authors: Cecílio José , Oliveira de Sá Alan , Souto André
Published: December 2024

With the proliferation of Internet of Things (IoT) devices, ensuring secure communications has become imperative. Due to their low cost and embedded nature, many of these devices operate with computational and energy constraints, neglecting the potential security vulnerabilities that they may bring. This work-in-progress is focused on designing secure communication among remote servers and embedded IoT devices to balance security robustness and energy efficiency. The proposed approach uses lightweight cryptography, optimizing device performance and security without overburdening their limited resources. Our architecture stands out for integrating Edge servers and a central Name Server, allowing secure and decentralized authentication and efficient connection transitions between different Edge servers. This architecture enhances the scalability of the IoT network and reduces the load on each server, distributing the responsibility for authentication and key management.
Supporting Ada in the ROSE Compiler
Authors: Pirkelbauer Peter , Liao Chunhua , Lin Pei-Hung , Wright David , Reynolds Charles , Quinlan Daniel
Published: December 2024

Manual code maintenance of large code bases is tedious, time-consuming, and error-prone. To enable the engineering of source code maintenance tools for Ada, a mature infrastructure that provides capabilities for parsing, unparsing, semantic analysis, and transformations is needed.

This work discusses our progress of adding Ada support to ROSE, a mature source-to-source translation infrastructure. The paper discusses the design of ROSE, the extensions required for adding Ada, difficulties we encountered with processing existing code bases, and several prototype analysis and translation tools enabled by the new Ada support in ROSE.
Task-to-Thread Mapping in OpenMP Using Fuzzy Decision Making
Authors: Samadi Mohammad , Carvalho Tiago , Miguel Pinho Luís , Royuela Sara
Published: December 2024

The performance of shared-resource multi-core hardware platforms in complex cyber-physical systems (CPSs), e.g., automotive industry, can be improved using task-based parallelism through OpenMP. However, most CPS require certain level of predictability, which challenges the efficient implementation of the task-to-thread mapping process. This exploratory work build on the fact that existing mapping methods mostly use elementary or heuristic algorithms, and the idea that artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms can be used to enhance the efficiency of such processes. Accordingly, this paper (1) evaluates the suitability of AI-based techniques in improving the performance of task-to-thread mapping in the OpenMP framework, and (2) proposes a hypothesis to perform an intelligent mapping using fuzzy logic for multi-queue schedulers to improve the predictability of the system.
Update on the Potential of Punica granatum L. Traditional Uses and Pharmacological Uses: A Review
Authors: Dogara Abdulrahman Mahmoud , Hama Harmand A. , Ozdemir Dogan
Published: November 2024

Since the dawn of civilization, humans have turned to plants as a reliable source of safe and efficient treatment for a wide variety of medical conditions. The medicinal value of Punica granatum has been recognized for some time. Inflammation, diabetes, parasitic infections, cancer, and many other diseases have all been treated with its components. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the current biological data (those from 2018 to 2023 are included in the preclinical studies while articles of clinical studies have no limit due to their scarcity) and explores the potential applications of P. granatum as a novel platform for treating various disease conditions. Electronic searches for scholarly articles were performed using Elsevier, Springer, Google Scholar, Taylor & Francis, PubMed, and Scopus. Research the following terms: “Punica granatum,” “chemical composition,” “antioxidant,” “antibacterial,” “anti‐diabetic,” “anticancer,” and other relevant terms. It has been scientifically proven that the fruit peel exhibits antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, antimicrobial, antiparasitic, antidiabetic, hepatoprotective, nerve‐recovery, antihypertensive, anti‐asthma, wound healing, and anticancer activities. Based on both preclinical and clinical experimentation on P. granatum, there is considerable evidence that supports the use of P. granatum extract as therapeutic agent for different ailments. The review paved the ground to precursor evidence of P. granatum extract benefits with its antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antidiabetic properties. Furthermore, clinical trials stand out as a substrate supporting these effects with the enhancements of ailments including post menstrual, menstrual pain, semen quality, knee joint arthritis, and cardiovascular‐related diseases. Nonetheless, more controlled large‐scale clinical trials are needed for all the conditions to determine the effectiveness and risk benefit profile of P. granatum extract for these diseases.
Prescribing Paradigms: Understanding General Practitioner Inclinations Towards Medical and Social Prescribing
Authors: Watkins Scott , Barnett Julie , Corbett Estelle , Barden Ruth , Kasperzyk-Hordern Barbara , Hafner Rebecca
Published: November 2024

General practitioners (GPs) face complex decisions when choosing between prescribing medication or referring patients to social prescriptions. Increasing awareness of overprescribing and the risks of polypharmacy are a key driver of patient‐centred preventative approaches to healthcare. One such approach, increasingly common in the United Kingdom, is social prescribing (SP). GPs have a central role in prescribing medication or referring to a social prescription. Following a thematic analysis of data from interviews with 12 GPs, this study used the concept of mindlines to frame a consideration of their reasoning about the appropriateness of social prescriptions as adjuncts to or alternatives for medical prescriptions. We identified seven considerations that shaped their decision‐making process. These factors spanned the patient’s socioeconomic circumstances, the severity of their symptoms and their expectations. Additionally, GPs factored in their time constraints, the extent to which medical options had been exhausted, and finally issues related to the SP system itself—specifically, the integration of SP workflows in GP practices and resource constraints. SP is, in theory at least, a part of the healthcare system that offers the possibility of improved health both for people and the environment. Our consideration of the role of the GP in this suggests that the challenges for design and evaluation of SP interventions that result in a reduction in medical prescriptions are considerable.
A Novel Transformer‐Based Anomaly Detection Model for the Reactor Coolant Pump in Nuclear Power Plants
Authors: Zhou Guangrong , Zheng Sheng , Yang Senquan , Yi Shuang
Published: November 2024

As a key equipment of the reactor coolant system, the reactor coolant pump’s operational state can have a direct impact on the coolant circulation. However, the harsh working environment can accelerate the process of equipment deterioration for the reactor coolant pump while the current alarm mechanism cannot detect the deterioration of equipment performance at the early stage. This issue may lead to anomalies developing into faults and causing unplanned shutdowns and reactor trips. In this paper, we proposed a transformer‐based anomaly detection model for reactor coolant pump condition monitoring. On the basis of retaining the time‐dependent capture ability of the original transformer network for sequence data, the proposed model has obtained a stronger learning ability of the spatial correlation between variables through the application of the attention mechanism. Historical operating data under normal conditions are used for the training process and the reconstruction errors of input signals are utilized to identify anomalies. The experimental results have indicated that the proposed model possesses stronger feature learning capabilities, evidenced by improved performance in signal reconstruction and anomaly detection, which can help to detect the abnormal status at an earlier stage.
Antimicrobial Potential of Three Nepalese Medicinal Plants Against Multidrug Resistance Escherichia coli Isolates From Normal Individuals
Authors: Timilsina Rabindra Prasad , Baral Soma Kanta , Dhakal Abinash , Dhungana Binod , Acharya Bipin
Published: November 2024

Escherichia coli is one of the most common human and animal pathogens responsible for a broad spectrum of diseases. It has also been shown to be a significant reservoir of genes coding for antimicrobial drug resistance (AMR) and, therefore, is a useful indicator for resistance in bacterial communities. Azadirachta indica A. Juss (Neem), Zanthoxylum armatum DC (Timur), and Curcuma longa L. (Turmeric) are Nepalese medicinal plants that are known to be used against various illnesses by traditional healers. In this study, we investigated the antimicrobial activity of the ethanolic extracts of selected medicinal plants against multi‐drug resistant (MDR) E. coli isolated from normal individuals. All three plant extracts showed antibacterial properties against isolated multidrug resistant (MDR) E. coli with, 100% efficacy by Curcuma longa, 94.4% by Zanthoxylum armatum, and 68.51% by Azadirachta indica. From the total of 278 stool samples cultured, 241 E. coli were isolated, and 54 were identified as MDR. Among 54 MDR E. coli, 20.37% were extended‐spectrum beta‐lactamases (ESBL) producers, metallo beta‐lactamase (MBL) producers were identified as 0% and 70.37% were AmpC beta‐lactamases producers. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) values were reported as 40 mg/mL and 80 mg/mL for Curcuma longa, 40 mg/mL and 80 mg/mL for Zanthoxylum armatum, and 20 mg/mL and 40 mg/mL for Azadirachta indica, respectively. Thus, based on our results, these plant extracts can be good options against MDR E. coli‐related diseases and demonstrated that folk medicine can be as effective as modern medicine in combating pathogenic microorganisms. Medicinal plants have great potential for finding new clinically effective antimicrobial compounds.
Supplementary Data from MYC Drives mRNA Pseudouridylation to Mitigate Proliferation-Induced Cellular Stress during Cancer Development
Authors: Ding Jane , Bansal Mohit , Cao Yuxia , Ye Bingwei , Mao Rui , Gupta Anamika , Sudarshan Sunil , Ding Han-Fei
Published: December 2024

Figure S1. PUS7 is a direct transcriptional target of MYC oncoproteins. Figure S2. High PUS7 expression is associated with poor prognosis and is required for the proliferation and tumorigenicity MYC-driven cancer cells. Figure S3. Functional annotation of PUS7 target genes. Figure S4. PUS7 sustains amino acid biosynthesis and adaptive stress responses. Figure S5. PUS7 protects cells from MYCN-induced cellular stress by enabling ATF4-mediated adaptive responses. Figure S6. PUS7 targets MCTS1 to sustain ATF4 mRNA translation.
Tales of Cancer-Induced Bone Disease from the Senescent Osteocyte Crypt
Authors: Frieling Jeremy S. , Lynch Conor C.
Published: December 2024

Cancer-induced bone disease greatly diminishes the quality of life for patients with bone metastatic breast cancer, resulting in painful skeletal-related events including bone loss and fracture. Improved understanding of the roles of osteoblasts and osteoclasts, and how tumors alter their biology, has led to blockbuster therapies that significantly reduce skeletal-related events, but the disease remains incurable. However, emerging technologies and tools for studying the role of other stromal and immune components in controlling tumor–host interactions have begun to reveal new insights that may yield tractable therapeutic targets to further mitigate the painful effects of bone metastases. In this issue of Cancer Research, Kaur and colleagues study osteocytes, which are terminally differentiated osteoblasts and entombed within the bone matrix, from established bone metastatic breast cancer and report how the disease ages them as characterized by a senescence-associated secretory phenotype. This premature development of osteocyte senescence in turn enhances bone destruction and osteoclastogenic potential. Targeting senescent cells using senolytics suppressed bone resorption and preserved bone mass. Collectively, these findings underscore osteocyte involvement in the “vicious cycle” of bone metastasis, and targeting senescent osteocytes represents a new avenue for managing cancer-induced bone disease.

See related article by Kaur et al., p. 3936
Supplementary Table S6 from Determination of MYD88 and CXCR4 Mutations for Clinical Detection and Their Significance in Waldenström Macroglobulinemia
Authors: Yan Yuting , Yu Ying , Xiong Wenjie , Wang Jun , Yao Yao , Jia Yujiao , Huang Yanshan , Li Yuxi , Wang Tingyu , Lyu Rui , Sun Hao , Wang Haoxu , Wang Qi , Liu Wei , An Gang , Sui Weiwei , Xu Yan , Huang Wenyang , Yu Zhen , Zou Dehui , Hao Mu , Xiao Zhijian , Wang Jianxiang , Qiu Lugui , Yi Shuhua
Published: December 2024

Supplementary Table 6. The test performance of three methods in detection of CXCR4 mutations
Supplementary Table S5 from Determination of MYD88 and CXCR4 Mutations for Clinical Detection and Their Significance in Waldenström Macroglobulinemia
Authors: Yan Yuting , Yu Ying , Xiong Wenjie , Wang Jun , Yao Yao , Jia Yujiao , Huang Yanshan , Li Yuxi , Wang Tingyu , Lyu Rui , Sun Hao , Wang Haoxu , Wang Qi , Liu Wei , An Gang , Sui Weiwei , Xu Yan , Huang Wenyang , Yu Zhen , Zou Dehui , Hao Mu , Xiao Zhijian , Wang Jianxiang , Qiu Lugui , Yi Shuhua
Published: December 2024

Supplementary Table 5. Detection of MYD88 and CXCR4 mutation by different methods, NGS, next generation sequencing; AS-PCR, real-time
Supplementary Figure S2 from Combinations of HDAC Inhibitor and PPAR Agonist Induce Ferroptosis of Leukemic Stem Cell–like Cells in Acute Myeloid Leukemia
Authors: Zhou Hui , Qin Dongmei , Xie Chendi , Zhou Jie , Jia Shuman , Zhou Ziwei , Qiu Yi , Xu Bing , Zha Jie
Published: December 2024

Supplementary Figure S2. The combination of CS055 and chiglitazar synergistic inhibited AML progression in vivo. (A) Schematic outline of the CDX models. (B) CS055 and Chiglitazar were synergistic inhibited the AML progression in CDX mice models (n = 5/group). The AML progression was measured by the living imaging system. (C) Image and weight of representative spleens from CDX mice models (n = 3/group). (D-E) The human CD45 positive cell insulation rate was measured by flow cytometry in bone marrow (D) and spleen (E) (n = 3/group). (F) The combination of CS055 and chiglitazar improved the survival of CDX mice models (n = 5/group), and animal survival was analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier survival curve. (G) Statistical results of body weight from CDX mice models (n = 5/group). *P < 0.05, **P < 0.01.
Supplementary Figure S9 from Determination of MYD88 and CXCR4 Mutations for Clinical Detection and Their Significance in Waldenström Macroglobulinemia
Authors: Yan Yuting , Yu Ying , Xiong Wenjie , Wang Jun , Yao Yao , Jia Yujiao , Huang Yanshan , Li Yuxi , Wang Tingyu , Lyu Rui , Sun Hao , Wang Haoxu , Wang Qi , Liu Wei , An Gang , Sui Weiwei , Xu Yan , Huang Wenyang , Yu Zhen , Zou Dehui , Hao Mu , Xiao Zhijian , Wang Jianxiang , Qiu Lugui , Yi Shuhua
Published: December 2024

Supplementary Figure 9. The survival of patients according to IPSSWM risk model. (A) The overall survival of the whole cohort; (B) The overall survival in patients treated with BTKi-based therapy
Supplementary Figure S2 from Determination of MYD88 and CXCR4 Mutations for Clinical Detection and Their Significance in Waldenström Macroglobulinemia
Authors: Yan Yuting , Yu Ying , Xiong Wenjie , Wang Jun , Yao Yao , Jia Yujiao , Huang Yanshan , Li Yuxi , Wang Tingyu , Lyu Rui , Sun Hao , Wang Haoxu , Wang Qi , Liu Wei , An Gang , Sui Weiwei , Xu Yan , Huang Wenyang , Yu Zhen , Zou Dehui , Hao Mu , Xiao Zhijian , Wang Jianxiang , Qiu Lugui , Yi Shuhua
Published: December 2024

Supplementary Figure 2. The IGHV-D-J repertoire in patients with mutated and wild-type MYD88. Distribution of major VH family gene segments in wild-type group (A) and mutated group (B); Distribution of major DH family gene segments in wild-type group (C) and mutated group (D); Distribution of major JH family gene segments in wild-type group (E) and mutated group (F)
Active Surveillance in Patients with Extra-abdominal Desmoid-Type Fibromatosis: A Pooled Analysis of Three Prospective Observational Studies
Authors: Colombo Chiara , Hakkesteegt Stefanie , Le Cesne Axel , Barretta Francesco , Blay Jean-Yves , Grünhagen Dirk J. , Penel Nicolas , Lam Laurent , Fiore Marco , Palassini Elena , Grignani Giovanni , Tolomeo Francesco , Collini Paola , Merlini Alessandra , Perrone Federica , Stacchiotti Silvia , Verhoef Cornelis ,   for the Dutch Grafiti Group, Bonvalot Sylvie ,   for the French Sarcoma Group, Gronchi Alessandro
Published: December 2024

Purpose:

Three prospective observational studies (Italy, the Netherlands, and France) on active surveillance (AS) in patients with extra-abdominal desmoid-type fibromatosis support AS as a first-line approach. Identifying prognostic factors for the failure of AS will help determine the strategy. The aim of this study was to investigate the prognostic impact of clinical and molecular variables in a larger series.

Experimental Design:

Data available as of January 31, 2024, from the three studies, in which patients were followed for ≥3 years, were pooled. Patients ≥18 years of age, with primary sporadic desmoid-type fibromatosis, and with CTNNB1 mutations available were eligible. The primary study endpoint was treatment-free survival (TFS). Secondary endpoints included the incidence of RECIST progression, spontaneous RECIST regression, and regression post-RECIST progression.

Results:

Patients (n = 282) with a median follow-up of 53 months (IQR, 39–63) were included. The 3- and 5-year TFS rates were 67% and 66%, respectively; the 3- and 5-year crude cumulative incidences were 33% and 34% for RECIST progression, 26% and 34% for RECIST regression, and 33% and 38% for regression post-RECIST progression, respectively. In multivariable analysis, larger tumor size, mutation type, and tumor locations were associated with lower TFS. The specific mutation (S45F), larger tumor size, and extremity and trunk locations were all associated with a lower probability of spontaneous RECIST regression.

Conclusions:

This study confirms that spontaneous regression occurs in a significant proportion of patients and that two-thirds are treatment free at 5 years. Initial tumor size, CTNNB1 mutation, and location should be factored into the initial decision-making process.
Figure S9 from TREM2-Expressing Multinucleated Giant Macrophages Are a Biomarker of Good Prognosis in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Gessain Grégoire , Anzali Ahmed-Amine , Lerousseau Marvin , Mulder Kevin , Bied Mathilde , Auperin Anne , Stockholm Daniel , Signolle Nicolas , Sassi Farah , Marques Da Costa Maria Eugenia , Marchais Antonin , Sayadi Alexandre , Weidner Daniela , Uderhardt Stefan , Blampey Quentin , Nakkireddy Sumanth Reddy , Broutin Sophie , Dutertre Charles-Antoine , Busson Pierre , Walter Thomas , Marhic Alix , Moya-Plana Antoine , Guerlain Johanne , Breuskin Ingrid , Casiraghi Odile , Gorphe Philippe , Classe Marion , Scoazec Jean-Yves , Blériot Camille , Ginhoux Florent
Published: December 2024

Microscopic visualization of MGC
LD-SCLC: Die prognostische Bedeutung des Glasgow Prognostic Score (GPS) für das Überleben nach Radiochemotherapie
Authors: Otto Susanne , Schütte Wolfgang
Published: December 2024

Introduction: Established biomarkers for predicting chemoradiotherapy efficacy for limited-disease small cell lung cancer (LD-SCLC) are lacking. The inflammation-based Glasgow Prognostic Score (GPS), comprising serum C-reactive protein (CRP) and albumin levels, can predict survival in advanced cancer. This study investigated whether metabolic and inflammatory markers, including the GPS, can predict the efficacy of chemoradiotherapy in patients with LD-SCLC. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 124 patients who underwent chemoradiotherapy for LD-SCLC at two institutions between April 2007 and June 2021, and assessed the prognostic significance of various metabolic and inflammatory markers. The GPS was calculated using the CRP and albumin concentrations, and categorized as follows: 0, CRP <1.0 mg/dL and albumin ≥3.5 mg/dL; 1, elevated CRP or decreased albumin; and 2, CRP ≥1.0 mg/dL and albumin<3.5 mg/dL. Differences in progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were examined using Kaplan-Meier curves and Cox proportional-hazard models. Results: The overall response rate was 95.1% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 89.6-97.9%). The median PFS and OS from chemoradiotherapy initiation were 12.6 (95% CI: 9.9-15.4) and 29.0 (95% CI: 24.8-45.5) months, respectively. The GPS demonstrated independent predictive ability for the effectiveness of chemoradiotherapy, wherein favorable scores (GPS 0-1) were significantly correlated with superior PFS and OS compared to unfavorable scores (GPS 2: PFS: 14.8 vs. 6.7 months, p = 0.0001; OS: 35.4 vs. 11.0 months, p < 0.0001).