bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characteristic of new Phaffia rhodozyma yeast strains isolated from birch slime fluxes in Poland
Authors: Kot Anna M. , Pobiega Katarzyna , Kieliszek Marek , Michalak Katarzyna , Błażejak Stanisław
Published: October 2024

Three new strains of Phaffia rhodozyma yeast have recently been isolated in Poland. The aim of this study was to phenotypically characterize these strains and to compare them with the properties of the reference strain. The potential for carotenoid biosynthesis in these strains was also determined, depending on temperature, carbon, and nitrogen sources in the medium. Phaffia rhodozyma yeasts were also identified by MALDI-TOF MS. There were minor differences in cell morphology among the strains. All strains reproduced asexually by budding and formed spherical chlamydospores. No ability for sexual reproduction was observed. Physiological tests showed minor variations between the reference strain and the isolates, likely due to the geographical specificity of the habitat from which they were originally isolated. Analysis of protein spectra showed that the tested yeast isolates had seven common peaks of different intensities, with masses at 2200, 2369, 3213, 3628, 3776, 3921, and 4710 m/z. Moreover, additional strain-dependent spectra were found. The amount of synthesized carotenoids varied with the carbon and nitrogen sources used, as well as the temperature. The best producer of carotenoids was the P. rhodozyma CMIFS 102 isolate.
High SHBG and Low Bioavailable Testosterone are Strongly Causally Associated with Increased Forearm Fracture Risk in Women: An MR Study Leveraging Novel Female-Specific Data
Authors: Quester Johan , Nethander Maria , Coward Eivind , Reimann Ene , Mägi Reedik ,   Estonian Biobank Research Team, Metspalu Andres , Milani Lili , Esko Tõnu , Mägi Reedik , Nelis Mari , Hudjashov Georgi , Pettersson-Kymmer Ulrika , Hveem Kristian , Ohlsson Claes
Published: October 2024

The effects of androgens on women’s bone health are not fully understood. Mendelian randomization (MR) studies using sex-combined data suggest that sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) and bioavailable testosterone (BioT) causally affect bone traits. Given significant sex differences in hormone regulation and effects, female-specific MR studies are necessary. In the current study, we explored the causal relationships of SHBG, BioT, and total testosterone (TT) with forearm fracture (FAFx) risk in women using two-sample MR analyses. We utilized a unique female-specific FAFx outcome dataset from three European biobanks (UFO, HUNT, Estonian Biobank) comprising 111,351 women and 8823 FAFx cases, along with female-specific genetic instruments of SHBG, BioT, and TT identified in the UK Biobank. We also assessed bone mineral density (BMD) at the forearm (FA), femoral neck (FN), and lumbar spine (LS) using female-specific GWAS data from the GEFOS consortium. High SHBG (odds ratio per standard deviation increase (OR/SD): 1.53, 95% confidence intervals (CIs): 1.34–1.75), low BioT (OR/SD: 0.77, 0.71–0.84) and low TT (OR/SD 0.90, 0.83–0.98) were causally associated with increased FAFx risk. BioT was positively, and SHBG inversely, causally associated with especially FA-BMD, but also LS-BMD and FN-BMD, while TT was only significantly positively associated with FA-BMD and LS-BMD. We propose that endogenous androgens and SHBG are important for women’s bone health at distal trabecular-rich bone sites such as the distal forearm and may serve as predictors for FAFx risk.
Partial migration pays off in black-faced cormorants: insights from post-breeding GPS tracking
Authors: Cansse Thomas , Lens Luc , Orben Rachael A. , Sutton Grace J. , Botha Jonathan A. , Arnould John P.Y.
Published: October 2024

Seasonal variation in food availability or adverse weather patterns can create challenging conditions for year-round survival. Birds experiencing such fluctuations may migrate to locations with better food availability in the non-breeding period. While some species are obligate migrants, others are facultative migrants where various post-breeding strategies exist within populations. Several cormorant and shag species are facultative migrants with a range of post-breeding movement strategies within populations. Currently, most of the information available on cormorant post-breeding strategies originates from banding studies and little is known about their movements, time budget or habitat use during the non-breeding period. In the present study, Australian endemic black-faced cormorants (Phalacrocorax fuscescens), breeding on Notch Island, Victoria, were tracked with GPS data loggers during the non-breeding period. Different post-breeding strategies were observed. Individuals were either resident (N = 36, 69%), remaining within a short distance of the colony (16.7 ± 2.2 km) or migratory (N = 16, 31%), travelling greater distances (250.7 ± 24.4 km) to establish a new central place foraging location. Data from individuals which covered the entire non-breeding period indicated that, across strategies, individual birds had one area of residency during the non-breeding period. Migratory individuals were found to have lower daily activity levels, spending less time flying and foraging, than resident individuals during the early non-breeding period, possibly indicating that they had access to greater prey resources. Regardless of the post-breeding strategy, individuals utilised foraging locations that were of similar seabed depths year-round suggesting individual specialisation in prey resources or foraging habitats.
Elevated Atmospheric Co2 Levels Impact Soil Protist Functional Core Community Compositions
Authors: C.-Dupont Alessandra Ö. , Rosado-Porto David , Sundaram Indhu Shanmuga , Ratering Stefan , Schnell Sylvia
Published: October 2024

Protists, known as microeukaryotes, are a significant portion of soil microbial communities. They are crucial predators of bacteria and depend on bacterial community dynamics for the growth and evolution of protistan communities. In parallel, increased levels of atmospheric CO2 significantly impact bacterial metabolic activity in rhizosphere soils. In this study, we investigated the effect of elevated atmospheric CO2 levels on the metabolically active protist community composition and function and their co-occurrences with bacteria from bulk and rhizosphere soils from the Giessen Free-Air CO2 enrichment grassland experiment. Metabarcoding sequencing data analyses of partial 18S rRNA from total soil RNA showed that elevated CO2 concentrations stimulated only a few ASVs of phagotrophic predators of bacteria and other microeukaryotes, affecting protist community composition (P = 0.006, PERMANOVA). In parallel, phagotrophic and parasitic lineages appeared slightly favoured under ambient CO2 conditions, results that were corroborated by microbial signature analyses. Cross-comparisons of protist-bacteria co-occurrences showed mostly negative relations between prokaryotes and microeukaryotes, indicating that the ongoing increase in atmospheric CO2 will lead to changes in microbial soil communities and their interactions, potentially cascading to higher trophic levels in soil systems.
Trans-arterial embolization for treatment of acute lower gastrointestinal bleeding—a multicenter analysis
Authors: Hosse Clarissa , Moos Maximilian , Becker Lena S. , Sieren Malte , Müller Lukas , Stoehr Fabian , Schaarschmidt Benedikt M. , Barbone Gianluca , Collettini Federico , Fehrenbach Uli , Hinrichs Jan B. , Kloeckner Roman , Geisel Dominik , Tacke Frank , Gebauer Bernhard , Auer Timo A.
Published: October 2024

Purpose

To assess the technical feasibility, safety, and clinical success rate of trans-arterial embolization (TAE) as an emergency treatment for acute lower gastrointestinal bleeding (LGIB).

Materials and methods

Consecutive patients who received urgent TAE due to active LGIB at five academic centers in Germany were retrospectively analyzed. LGIB was confirmed and localized using contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) or endoscopy. Outcome parameters including technical and clinical success rates as well as ischemia-related adverse events were analyzed. Furthermore, treatment-related variables that may affect technical and clinical success were analyzed using a regression model.

Results

One hundred and forty-one patients were included. TAE was performed in 91% (128/141) of patients. In 81% (114/141) of patients, TAE was performed due to active bleeding visible at angiography, the remaining 10% (14/141) underwent empiric embolization based on pre-interventional imaging. In 9% (13/141) of patients, no TAE was performed. Microcoils were the most used embolic 48.5% (62/128), followed by glue 23.5% (30/128) and Microparticles (8%; 10/128). In the case of bleeding visible in angiography, the technical success rate was 100% (114/114); the clinical success rate was 93.6% (120/128). Severe ischemia-related adverse events necessitating bowel surgery occurred in 14% (18/128) of all patients after embolization. Thirty-day mortality was 14% (21/141). Regression analysis revealed no significant correlations but a statistical trend toward a higher incidence of bowel resection when glue was used (p = 0.090) and toward a higher 30-day mortality when an unselective embolization was performed (p = 0.057).

Conclusion

TAE for LGIB has a high technical and clinical success rate. Severe ischemia-related adverse events necessitating bowel surgery occurred in 14% of patients without identifying a significant correlation to the embolization technique or an embolic.

Key Points

QuestionIs trans-arterial embolization (TAE) viable as an emergency treatment for acute lower gastrointestinal bleeding (LGIB)?

FindingsTAE demonstrated a 100% technical and 93.6% clinical success rate in treating acute LGIB, with severe ischemia-related adverse events occurring in 14% of patients.

Clinical relevanceTAE is highly effective and has an acceptable complication rate in treating lower gastrointestinal bleeding, emphasizing the need for a direct head-to-head comparison between endovascular and endoscopic therapy.
Follow-up analysis of lesion characteristics of enchondromas and atypical cartilaginous tumours of the knee and shoulder region on MRI
Authors: Woltsche Johannes Nikolaus , Smolle Maria Anna , Szolar Dieter , Leithner Andreas
Published: October 2024

Objective

Enchondromas (ECs) and atypical cartilaginous tumours (ACTs), respectively, represent benign and intermediate cartilaginous bone tumours. Differentiation between these tumour entities bears difficulties, as histology and MRI cannot always provide exact diagnoses. Observation of the natural course of ECs/ACTs via follow-up MRIs might support tumour distinction without needing biopsy harbouring sampling error.

Materials and methods

Reports of patients that had undergone MRI exams of the knee (n = 44.762) or shoulder (n = 21.550) at a single radiology institute between 01.01.2007 and 01.03.2020 were searched for ECs/ACTs with at least one follow-up MRI. Scans of 176 patients (with 182 cartilage lesions) fulfilling these criteria were subsequently re-examined together with corresponding MRI reports to evaluate morphological tumour development over time, focusing on potential alterations of lesion size, tumour-related oedema, and scalloping.

Results

Median follow-up time was 27 ± 53 months for knee tumours and 26 ± 32 months for shoulder lesions. Presence of tumour growth was significantly higher in ACTs than in ECs both at the knee (p = 0.04) and shoulder (p = 0.03). While ACTs were associated with median tumour growth rates of 0.039 mm/month (knee) and 0.083 mm/month (shoulder), ECs of the knee and shoulder showed lower median growth rates equivalent to 0.0 mm/month (p < 0.01, p < 0.01). ECs and ACTs both presented stable regarding tumour-related oedema and scalloping during follow-up.

Conclusion

ACTs and ECs show different tumour growth rates. Growth rates are slow for both, ECs and ACTs, supporting the current concept of watchful waiting. ECs may decrease in size. Follow-up MRIs may support the radiological differentiation of cartilage lesions.

Key Points

QuestionBoth singular MRI and histological examination have limitations regarding differentiation of enchondromas (EC) and atypical cartilaginous tumours (ACTs).

FindingsMedian ACT growth rates were 0.039 mm/month (knee) and 0.083 mm/month (shoulder), while median growth rates of EC in the knee and shoulder were 0.0 mm/month.

Clinical relevanceActive surveillance is a safe strategy when dealing with ECs and ACTs of the long bones; follow-up MRIs may support tumour distinction of cartilage lesions, as ECs and ACTs show different growth behaviour.
Scrolling through adolescence: a systematic review of the impact of TikTok on adolescent mental health
Authors: Conte Giulia , Iorio Giorgia Di , Esposito Dario , Romano Sara , Panvino Fabiola , Maggi Susanna , Altomonte Benedetta , Casini Maria Pia , Ferrara Mauro , Terrinoni Arianna
Published: October 2024

Amidst rising concerns about mental health in adolescents, the role of social media (SM), particularly highly visual platforms such as TikTok, has become a growing focus of investigation. In the extant literature, conclusive evidence is limited by the aggregate analysis of very heterogeneous SM platforms. This systematic scoping review examines the relationship between TikTok and mental health in adolescents. Additionally, it aims to highlight potential interactions between typical developmental processes and the unique aspects of TikTok, exploring their relevance to mental health within this demographic. Following PRISMA guidelines, a systematic search across PubMed, Scopus, Web of Knowledge, and PsychINFO yielded 20 studies that met the inclusion criteria, encompassing a total of 17,336 subjects from 10 countries. The retrieved studies analyzed four main topics related to TikTok use, i.e., the overall impact on adolescents’ mental health, risk of problematic use and behavioral addiction, consequences on body image and self-esteem, and possible spreading of mental illness behaviors. While TikTok offers creative opportunities for self-expression and peer connection, the literature raises concerns about its potential negative effects on teens, such as lower life satisfaction, increased risk of “contagion” of certain psychiatric symptoms, and problematic usage patterns. Significant variations in study methodologies and outcome measures were observed. In the current era of evolving SM landscapes, a comprehensive approach informed by developmentally grounded research is critically needed to further understand the interplay between SM and adolescent mental health, providing insights for health authorities and policymakers.
Videotelefonie in Notrufzentralen – Erfahrungen zwei Jahre nach Einführung bei der Kantonalen Walliser Rettungsorganisation
Authors: Schneiter Anja , Steffen Richard , Roten Fredy-Michel , Knapp Jürgen
Published: October 2024

Einleitung

Die inzwischen weite Verbreitung von Smartphones macht den Einsatz der Videotelefonie für Notrufzentralen und Rettungsleitstellen interessant. Es gibt aber nur wenig wissenschaftliche Erkenntnisse über Nutzen und Probleme der Videotelefonie als Ergänzung zu den herkömmlichen telefonischen Notrufen außerhalb von Reanimationssituationen. Wir haben die Erfahrungen einer großen Notrufzentrale in der Schweiz seit Einführung der Videotelefonie vor gut zwei Jahren evaluiert und präsentieren unser Fazit aus dem Projekt, um so die Diskussion um den Nutzen der Videotelefonie mit erster Evidenz zu unterstützen.

Methoden

Zur Qualitätssicherung wurden die Notrufe der Kantonalen Walliser Rettungsorganisation (KWRO), bei denen Videotelefonie eingesetzt wurde, konsekutiv erfasst und prospektiv dokumentiert. Zudem wurden 284 stichprobenartig ausgewählte Anrufer nach einem Notruf mit Videotelefonie nachbefragt. Zwei Jahre nach Einführung wurden die Disponenten der Notrufzentrale anhand eines einheitlichen Fragebogens hinsichtlich ihrer Erfahrungen und ihrer Zufriedenheit mit der Videotelefonie retrospektiv nachbefragt.

Ergebnisse

Zwischen November 2021 und Januar 2024 wurde bei insgesamt 1972 Notrufen versucht, eine Videoverbindung aufzubauen. In 82 % kam ein Videotelefonat zustande. Aus technischen Gründen hat die Videotelefonie in 238 Anrufen (12 %) nicht funktioniert. Die Qualität der Bild- und Tonübermittlung wird in 91 % als gut beurteilt. Insbesondere zur Beurteilung von Blutungen, der Atmung und des Bewusstseinszustands und in Reanimationssituationen scheint die Videotelefonie sehr hilfreich zu sein. Wir berichten mehrere Fälle, in denen die Kommunikation mit dem Anrufer und die Disposition der Rettungsmittel durch die Videotelefonie verbessert werden konnten. Die Bereitschaft der Anrufer, die Videotelefonie anzuwenden, ist hoch. Nur in 32 Notrufen (2 %) lehnte der Anrufer eine Videotelefonie ab. Die große Mehrheit der Anrufer (94 %) fühlt sich durch die Videotelefonie sicherer.

Schlussfolgerung

Eine Implementierung der Videotelefonie auf Notrufzentralen bietet eine große technische Zuverlässigkeit bei sehr hoher Zufriedenheit von Disponenten und Akzeptanz der Anrufenden. Sie zeigt großes Potenzial, zukünftig die Qualität der Notrufabfrage und der Disposition zu verbessern.
The survey on the dual nature of xAI challenges in intrusion detection and their potential for AI innovation
Authors: Pawlicki Marek , Pawlicka Aleksandra , Kozik Rafał , Choraś Michał
Published: October 2024

In the rapidly evolving domain of cybersecurity, the imperative for intrusion detection systems is undeniable; yet, it is increasingly clear that to meet the ever-growing challenges posed by sophisticated threats, intrusion detection itself stands in need of the transformative capabilities offered by the explainable artificial intelligence (xAI). As this concept is still developing, it poses an array of challenges that need addressing. This paper discusses 25 of such challenges of varying research interest, encountered in the domain of xAI, identified in the course of a targeted study. While these challenges may appear as obstacles, they concurrently present as significant research opportunities. These analysed challenges encompass a wide spectrum of concerns spanning the intersection of xAI and cybersecurity. The paper underscores the critical role of xAI in addressing opacity issues within machine learning algorithms and sets the stage for further research and innovation in the quest for transparent and interpretable artificial intelligence that humans are able to trust. In addition to this, by reframing these challenges as opportunities, this study seeks to inspire and guide researchers towards realizing the full potential of xAI in cybersecurity.
Siblings of Persons with Disabilities: A Systematic Integrative Review of the Empirical Literature
Authors: Levante Annalisa , Martis Chiara , Del Prete Cristina Maria , Martino Paola , Primiceri Patrizia , Lecciso Flavia
Published: October 2024

The systematic review aimed to systematize the empirical literature on the psychological impact of disability on the siblings of persons with disabilities, to inform research and provide clinical recommendations. Two research questions addressed the review: (1) What are the main psychological constructs investigated in siblings of persons with disability? (2) What is the main role of each psychological construct in siblings of persons with disability experience? The electronic search was conducted in 7 databases and the PRISMA diagram was used. The inclusion criteria were: Papers published in English and in peer-reviewed journals; papers published between January 2014 and June 2024; qualitative, quantitative, and mixed studies; and papers on the psychological impact of disabilities and/or chronic illnesses on the experience of siblings of persons with disabilities. The standardized Mixed Method Appraisal Tool protocol was used to appraise the methodological quality of the studies. To summarize the findings, a narrative approach was adopted. A total of 60 studies have been reviewed. According to the methodological quality appraisal of studies, most of them reported a high (n = 45) and medium (n = 15) quality. They involved 10,146 participants. Findings revealed that sibling relationships, sibling-focused parentification, and emotional/behavioral adjustment are the main psychological constructs investigated by existing literature. Few studies focused on siblings’ well-being. Studies exploring more than a psychological construct were included as a hybrid. Only one study examined the siblings’ psychological experience during the COVID-19 pandemic. The quality of the sibling relationship ranged from good to poor; the caregiver is the main role played by siblings of persons with disabilities; anxiety, depression, and aggressive behaviors are the main emotional/behavioral symptoms revealed. Most studies (n = 39) recruited participants with brothers or sisters with mental disorders. The findings of this systematic review may play a role in the clinical field, as they might help to design gender- and age-specific intervention programs.
Revisiting products of the form X times a linearized polynomial L(X)
Authors: Beierle Christof
Published: October 2024

For a q-polynomial L over a finite field

$$\mathbb {F}_{q^n}$$

F

q
n

, we characterize the differential spectrum of the function

$$f_L:\mathbb {F}_{q^n} \rightarrow \mathbb {F}_{q^n}, x \mapsto x \cdot L(x)$$

f
L

:

F

q
n

→

F

q
n

,
x
↦
x
·
L

(
x
)

and show that, for

$$n \le 5$$

n
≤
5

, it is completely determined by the image of the rational function

$$r_L :\mathbb {F}_{q^n}^* \rightarrow \mathbb {F}_{q^n}, x \mapsto L(x)/x$$

r
L

:

F

q
n

∗

→

F

q
n

,
x
↦
L

(
x
)

/
x

. This result follows from the classification of the pairs (L, M) of q-polynomials in

$$\mathbb {F}_{q^n}[X]$$

F

q
n

[
X
]

,

$$n \le 5$$

n
≤
5

, for which

$$r_L$$

r
L

and

$$r_M$$

r
M

have the same image, obtained in Csajbók et al. (Ars Math Contemp 16(2):585–608, 2019). For the case of

$$n>5$$

n
>
5

, we pose an open question on the dimensions of the kernels of

$$x \mapsto L(x) - ax$$

x
↦
L
(
x
)
-
a
x

for

$$a \in \mathbb {F}_{q^n}$$

a
∈

F

q
n

. We further present a link between functions

$$f_L$$

f
L

of differential uniformity bounded above by q and scattered q-polynomials and show that, for odd values of q, we can construct CCZ-inequivalent functions

$$f_M$$

f
M

with bounded differential uniformity from a given function

$$f_L$$

f
L

fulfilling certain properties.
Decoding error probability of random parity-check matrix ensemble over the erasure channel
Authors: Chan Chin Hei , Fu Fang-Wei , Xiong Maosheng
Published: October 2024

In this paper we carry out an in-depth study on the average decoding error probability of the random parity-check matrix ensemble over the erasure channel under three decoding principles, namely unambiguous decoding, maximum likelihood decoding and list decoding. We obtain explicit formulas for the average decoding error probabilities of the random parity-check matrix ensemble under these three decoding principles and compute the error exponents. Moreover, for unambiguous decoding, we compute the variance of the decoding error probability of the random parity-check matrix ensemble and the error exponent of the variance, which implies a strong concentration result, that is, roughly speaking, the ratio of the decoding error probability of a random linear code in the ensemble and the average decoding error probability of the ensemble converges to 1 with high probability when the code length goes to infinity.
The Curve Fitting Problem, Data Validation, and Inductive Generalization in Machine Learning
Authors: Tamir Michael , Shech Elay
Published: October 2024

Aris Spanos and Deborah Mayo’s error-statistical approach to statistical modeling and inference adopts the reliability of inductive inference as a primary criterion for statistical model and estimator selection (e.g., curve fitting). In this paper, we expand the error-statistical approach’s adoption of reliable inductive inference by scrutinizing the epistemic legitimacy of contemporary techniques leveraged in data science. We argue that data validation and testing potentially provides a direct, measurable method of evaluating evidence for reliable inductive inferences in cases where the error-statistical approach is not easily applied, and conclude with an exploration of core methodological foils to the reliability of inductive inference revealed by this argument.
A Biogeographical Debate at the Origins of Limnology in Switzerland and Italy: The Issue over Pelagic Fauna Between Pietro Pavesi and François-Alphonse Forel
Authors: Pireddu Pier Luigi
Published: October 2024

This article explores the early biogeographical debates that shaped the beginning of limnology, focusing on the differences of opinion concerning the origins of pelagic fauna between two pioneering scientists: Pietro Pavesi and François-Alphonse Forel. The study examines how Pavesi’s hypothesis of a marine origin for pelagic fauna contrasts with Forel’s theory of passive distribution, situating their arguments within a broader Darwinian framework. The first part of the paper provides a historical overview of Italian limnology, highlighting Pavesi’s contributions and interpreting Forel’s writings to underscore the significance of discovering pelagic fauna in conceptualizing lakes as microcosms. The second part compares Pavesi’s and Forel’s hypotheses, emphasizing their impact on the scientific understanding of freshwater ecosystems. The importance of this discovery, in both historical and scientific contexts, lies in recognizing the presence of plankton in lakes as a crucial element for the mature formulation of ecological concepts, such as the ecosystem.
Coupling effects on class C predictions of soft soil settlements
Authors: Huang Shan , Huang Jinsong , Kelly Richard , Jiang Shui-Hua , Jonse Merrick , Kamruzzaman A. H. M.
Published: October 2024

In uncoupled consolidation analysis, settlement and pore water pressure are solved independently, whereas in coupled analysis, they are solved simultaneously to ensure continuity (i.e., the volume change in soil due to compression must equal the water volume change caused by dissipation). This study investigates the coupling effects of soil deformation and pore water pressure dissipation in the back analysis of soft soil settlements. It further evaluates the suitability of both coupled and uncoupled constitutive models with different types of monitoring data, providing practical guidance for selecting consolidation models and achieving reliable long-term predictions. The one-dimensional governing equations for soft soil consolidation, incorporating prefabricated vertical drains and creep deformation, are first reviewed. A case study of a trial embankment in Ballina, New South Wales, Australia, is then used to demonstrate the impact of coupling effects and monitoring data on settlement predictions. The results show that considering coupling effects not only improves long-term settlement predictions but also reduces uncertainties in the updated soil parameters, especially when both settlement and pore water pressure data are used.
Prospective evaluation of PI-RADSv2.1 using multiparametric and biparametric MRI for detecting clinically significant prostate cancer based on MRI/US fusion-guided biopsy
Authors: Yamaya Naohiro , Kimura Koichiro , Ichikawa Ryota , Kawanishi Masaaki , Kawasaki Yusuke , Higuchi Subaru , Fukui Kenichi , Tsuchiya Junichi , Kobayashi Masaki , Yoshida Soichiro , Fujii Yasuhisa , Tateishi Ukihide
Published: October 2024

Purpose

To evaluate the cancer detection rates for each category of Prostate Imaging-Reporting and Data System version 2.1 (PI-RADSv2.1) using multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) and biparametric MRI (bpMRI) based on MRI/ultrasound (US)-fusion biopsy.

Materials and methods

This prospective study included participants who underwent mpMRI or bpMRI with a PI-RADSv2.1 interpretation and subsequently received MRI/US-fusion biopsy between August 2022 and December 2023. The lesion-based detection rates of clinically significant prostate cancer (csPCa) in each PI-RADSv2.1 category and the correlation between PI-RADSv2.1 categories and International Society of Urological Pathology (ISUP) grade groups were analyzed. The diagnostic performance of PI-RADSv2.1 in predicting csPCa was evaluated, and diagnostic performance of mpMRI and bpMRI was compared using cut-offs, with PI-RADSv2.1 categories ≥ 3 or ≥ 4 defined as positive.

Results

A total of 247 lesions from 216 participants were included in this study. A total of 157 patients underwent mpMRI and the remaining 59 underwent bpMRI. The csPCa detection rates for each PI-RADSv2.1 category of mpMRI and bpMRI were as follows: category 1, 0% (0/11); 2, 13% (3/23); 3, 16% (5/31); 4, 60% (43/72); 5, 65% (26/40), in mpMRI; category 1, 0% (0/4); 2, 33% (1/3); 3, 25% (3/12); 4, 61% (19/31); 5, 75% (15/20) in bpMRI. PI-RADSv2.1 categories were significantly positively associated with csPCa detection rates in both mpMRI and bpMRI (p < 0.0001 and p = 0.00048, respectively). PI-RADSv2.1 categories correlated with ISUP grade groups for mpMRI and bpMRI (p < 0.0001 for both). There were no significant differences in the detection rates between mpMRI and bpMRI for PI-RADS v2.1 positive and negative lesions.

Conclusion

PI-RADSv2.1 using mpMRI and bpMRI could stratify the risk of csPCa, and the csPCa detection rate of bpMRI was compatible with that of mpMRI using cut-offs of PI-RADSv2.1 categories ≥ 3 or ≥ 4.
Risk of Malignancy in Indeterminate Liver Nodules Among Patients with Cirrhosis: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Yahia Yousef , Qasem Ma’mon , Abbarh Shahem , Saffo Husam , Obeidat Ibrahim M. , Barjas Haidar Hussein , Faisal Mohanad Mohammed , Halabiya Malik , Chandra Prem , Derbala Moutaz
Published: October 2024

Background

Several studies have shown a higher risk of liver cancer from indeterminate liver nodules, but the exact occurrence and predictors of liver cancer in this group are still unclear. Our aim is to study the development of liver cancer in this population and identify any potential risk factors.

Methods

This retrospective study evaluated cirrhotic patients with indeterminate liver nodules from 2013 to 2023.Data from electronic patient records was analyzed to assess the association between HCC and baseline factors. Subgroup exploratory analysis compared characteristics of patients with de novo HCC and those with nodule transformation HCC.

Results

Out of 116 patients with liver nodules, 19 (16%) developed HCC in up to 7.5-year follow-up. Univariate Cox regression analysis showed a significant association between HCC incidence and smoking [hazard ratio (HR) 2.60, 95% Confidence Interval [CI] 1.01–6.74), nodule diameter exceeding 2 cm (HR 5.41, 95% CI 1.45–20.18), and baseline LI-RADS score 3 (HR 3.78, 95% CI 1.36–19.52). Multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed significant independent associations with nodule diameters 1 cm to < 2 cm (adjusted HR 3.35, 95% CI 1.06–10.60) and greater than 2 cm (adjusted HR 5.85, 95% CI 1.10–31.16), as well as with LI-RADS 3 lesions (adjusted HR 3.75, 95% CI 1.16–12.11) with adjusting other potential predictors and covariates.

Conclusion

Our findings show a higher incidence of HCC in patients with indeterminate liver nodules, increasing over time and reaching 30% at seven years. Nodules larger than 1–2 cm or LI-RADS 3 lesions pose increased risk for HCC. Enhanced surveillance is necessary given the lack of clear management guidelines.
Generic Level Sets in Mean Curvature Flow are BV Solutions
Authors: Ullrich Anton , Laux Tim
Published: October 2024

We show that a generic level set of the viscosity solution to mean curvature flow is a distributional solution in the framework of sets of finite perimeter by Luckhaus and Sturzenhecker, which in addition saturates the optimal energy dissipation rate. This extends the fundamental work of Evans and Spruck (J Geom Anal 5(1):79–116, 1995), which draws a similar connection between the viscosity solution and Brakke flows.
Roman White Marbles in Northern Marche Region (Italy): An Archaeometric Provenance Study
Authors: Amadori Maria Letizia , Santi Patrizia , Frapiccini Nicoletta , Tufi Sergio Rinaldi , Gorgoni Carlo , Pallante Paolo
Published: October 2024

Archaeometric investigations were conducted on Roman marble statues, engraved slabs, and memorial bases discovered in various archaeological sites located in the present Marche Region (Italy), including Fanum Fortunae, Pisaurum, and Potentia. These artefacts are currently housed in the Archaeologic Museum of Fano, the Archaeologic Museum of Pesaro, and the Archaeologic Museum of Porto Recanati (Macerata). Spanning from the Republican age to the Severan dynasty and up until the middle of the fourth century AD, these archaeological artefacts attest to the existence of numerous urbanized Roman colonies adorned with monuments and marble decorations. Mineralogical and petrographic examinations, along with C-O stable isotopic and chemical analyses (MgO and Sr), were carried out to both characterize the marble features and determine their provenance. This research aimed to delineate the specific use and distribution of these marbles across different chronological periods. The results indicated that Proconnesian marble was mainly used in the engraved slabs from Fanum Fortunae, with one exception in which Pentelic marble was identified. The sculptures from Fanum Fortunae and Potentia were carved from white marbles, including Lunense and Parian marbles (Parian-1 and Parian-2 types), with limited use of Pentelic and Thasian marbles, notably the Thasian-3 variety. Memorial bases from Pisaurum were identified to be made from Parian, Proconnesian, and Thasianmarbles. The archaeometric provenance of the different marbles was correlated with the archaeological dating of the artefacts to establish a chronological framework describing their use over time. This work provides an opportunity to appreciate Roman artifacts crafted from precious white marbles, which are housed in various museums throughout the Marche Region. The archaeometric investigation offers a significant contribution to the dissemination of knowledge and serves as a valuable tool for the enhancement of this archaeological and cultural heritage, potentially informing policies aimed at promoting geotourism.
Hop to It! A Systematic Review and Longitudinal Meta-analysis of Hop Performance After ACL Reconstruction
Authors: Girdwood Michael A. , Crossley Kay M. , Rio Ebonie K. , Patterson Brooke E. , Haberfield Melissa J. , Couch Jamon L. , Mentiplay Benjamin F. , Hedger Michael , Culvenor Adam G.
Published: October 2024

Background

Hop testing is widely used by clinicians to monitor rehabilitation and decide when to return to sport following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR); however, the trajectory of long-term hop performance has not been summarised.

Objective

To investigate hop performance change over time after ACLR.

Design

Systematic review with longitudinal meta-analysis.

Data Sources

MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, Scopus, Cochrane CENTRAL and SPORTDiscus to 28 February 2023.

Eligibility Criteria

Studies with ≥ 50 participants following primary ACLR, with mean participant age of 18–40 years, reporting a quantitative measure of hop performance (e.g. single forward hop distance). Results had to be reported for the ACLR limb and compared with (1) the contralateral limb (within person) and/or (2) an uninjured control limb (between person).

Results

We included 136 studies of 23,360 participants. Performance was similar across different hop tests, with steep initial improvements in within-person symmetry, tailing off after 18–24 months. ACLR limb hop performance was 5–10% lower compared with the contralateral limb at 1 year post-surgery, with largest deficits observed for vertical hop [87.0% contralateral limb (95% CI 85.3–88.8) compared with single forward hop 93.8% (95% CI 92.8–94.9)]. By 3–5 years, results were similar between ACLR and contralateral limbs. There were limited data for between-person comparisons (n = 17 studies). Exploratory analyses showed deficits in all forward hopping tests to be very strongly correlated with each other [e.g. single forward and triple hop rho = 0.96 (95% CI 0.90–0.99)], though there was discordance in the relationship between single forward hop and vertical hop performance [rho = 0.27 (95% CI − 0.53 to 0.79)].

Conclusions

Hop performance is comparable to the uninjured limb by 3–5 years post-ACLR, with the greatest deficits in within-person symmetry present in vertical and side hop tests. Assessment of hopping in multiple planes and comparison with uninjured controls, may provide the most complete evaluation of functional performance.
Blue-cloud DAB: developing a platform to harmonize, assess and disseminate marine metadata collections
Authors: Boldrini Enrico , Roncella Roberto , Papeschi Fabrizio , Mazzetti Paolo , Schaap Dick , Thijsse Peter , Weerheim Paul , Nativi Stefano
Published: October 2024

The integration and harmonization of marine data from diverse sources are vital for advancing global oceanographic research and ensuring seamless discovery and access of critical datasets. This paper presents a comprehensive analysis of the metadata harmonization efforts within the Blue-cloud 2026 project, which brokers data from numerous Blue Data Infrastructures (BDIs), leveraging the Discovery and Access Broker technology. The platform enables discovery and analysis of marine data collections while facilitating interoperability with other components of the marine digital ecosystem, such as virtual laboratories and the Semantic Analyzer. It also supports the flow of Blue-cloud information to other initiatives like the Global Earth Observations System of Systems. For data managers, the findings emphasize the importance of enhancing metadata quality, revealing discrepancies in core metadata elements, and the need for more consistent use of controlled vocabularies. For cyberinfrastructure developers, the study details the challenges of accommodating a wide array of interfaces from different data systems, highlighting the adoption of an extensible brokering architecture that harmonizes metadata models and protocols. The study also emphasizes the importance of metadata analysis in ensuring effective searches for end users, highlighting challenges in aggregating diverse sources, where data providers may have structured the content with different objectives compared to those of the system of systems. End users will gain insights into the current metadata content of Blue-cloud, enabling them to search and access data from multiple BDIs with an understanding of the technical complexities behind the scenes.
Existence results for elliptic equation involving polyharmonic operator and a critical growth
Authors: Benhamida Asma , Hadiji Rejeb , Yazidi Habib
Published: October 2024

In this work, we study the two following minimization problems for $$r \in \mathbb {N}^{*}$$

r
∈

N

∗

, $$\begin{aligned} \begin{array}{ccc} S_{0,r}(\varphi )=\displaystyle \inf _{u\in H_{0}^{r}(\Omega ),\,\Vert u+\varphi \Vert _{L^{2^{*r}}}=1}\Vert u\Vert _{r}^{2}&\text { and }\,\,&S_{\theta ,r}(\varphi )=\displaystyle \inf _{u\in H_{\theta }^{r}(\Omega ),\,\Vert u+\varphi \Vert _{L^{2^{*r}}}=1}\Vert u\Vert _{r}^{2}, \end{array} \end{aligned}$$

S

0
,
r

(
φ
)

=

inf

u
∈

H

0

r

(
Ω
)

,

‖
u
+
φ
‖

L

2

∗
r

=
1

‖
u
‖

r

2

and

S

θ
,
r

(
φ
)

=

inf

u
∈

H

θ

r

(
Ω
)

,

‖
u
+
φ
‖

L

2

∗
r

=
1

‖
u
‖

r

2

,

where $$\Omega \subset \mathbb {R}^{N}, $$

Ω
⊂

R

N

,

$$N > 2r$$

N
>
2
r

, is a smooth bounded domain, $$2^{*r}=\frac{2N}{N-2 r}$$

2

∗
r

=

2
N

N
-
2
r

, $$\varphi \in L^{2^{*r}} (\Omega ) \cap C(\Omega )$$

φ
∈

L

2

∗
r

(
Ω
)

∩
C

(
Ω
)

and the norm $$\Vert . \Vert _{r}=\displaystyle { \int _{\Omega } |(-\Delta )^{\alpha }.|^{2}dx}$$

‖
.
‖

r

=

∫
Ω

|

(
-
Δ
)

α

.
|

2

d
x

where $$ \alpha =\frac{r}{2} $$

α
=

r
2

if r is even and $$\Vert . \Vert _{r}=\displaystyle { \int _{\Omega } |\nabla (-\Delta )^{\alpha }. |^{2}dx }$$

‖
.
‖

r

=

∫
Ω

|
∇

(
-
Δ
)

α

.
|

2

d
x

where $$\alpha = \frac{r-1}{2}$$

α
=

r
-
1

2

if r is odd. Firstly, we prove that, when $$\varphi \not \equiv 0, $$

φ
≢
0
,

the infimum in $$S_{0,r}(\varphi )$$

S

0
,
r

(
φ
)

and $$S_{\theta ,r}(\varphi )$$

S

θ
,
r

(
φ
)

are achieved. Secondly, we show that $$ S_{\theta ,r}(\varphi )< S_{0,r}(\varphi ) $$

S

θ
,
r

(
φ
)

<

S

0
,
r

(
φ
)

for a large class of $$\varphi $$
φ
.
A micro-scale look into pedestrian thermophysiological comfort in an urban environment
Authors: Silva Tiago , Lopes António , Vasconcelos João
Published: October 2024

Different spatial scales enable the analysis of thermophysiological conditions of pedestrians in an urban environment. A higher resolution hotspot analysis was conceived using GIS technology in some areas of Lisbon with different morphological conditions. Eleven hotspots were found across six study areas, located in high to moderate urban density conditions and in different types of urban spaces. So, six hotspots were found in avenues (high urban density conditions), three in streets, and two in general open spaces (moderate urban density conditions). These spaces are characterized by being busy areas with high anthropogenic influence, with high-absorbing and reflective materials, and with very poor green infrastructure. Environmental conditions, namely, radiation, mean radiant temperature, and air temperature, were the main cause of hotspot existence, and the main propellers for UTCI intensification. The urban density variable was also found to be important, especially in avenues and open spaces. In these areas, the adjusted component for environmental and urban density conditions can increase 0.60 to 1.35 °C in open spaces and 0.30 to 0.60 °C in avenues, each time there is a one-unit increase in the component. Trees, either in the street or in parks, have generally been found to decrease the UTCI.
Heme Oxygenase-1 Protected Against Severe Acute Pancreatitis by Inhibiting Inflammatory Response
Authors: Sun Yuansong , Qi Jinwei , Yao Tingting , Yin Chunlin , Yang Min , Ge Weiwei
Published: October 2024

Background

Activation of NLPR3 inflammasome promotes the maturation and secretion of IL-1β and IL-18, leading to a series of inflammatory reactions, while inhibition of NLRP3 inflammasome alleviates the severity of Severe Acute Pancreatitis (SAP). An inducible enzyme responsible for heme decomposition, heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-proliferative effects. HO-1 activity profoundly affects the host ability to forbear infection by reducing tissue damage or affecting resistance and increasing the capacity to pathogen load. We postulated that hemin, a strong HO-1 inducer, could decrease NLRP3 inflammasome activation, which would alleviate the severity of SAP and acute lung injury caused by pancreatitis.

Methods

By administering intraperitoneal injections of caerulein (Cae) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS), the SAP rat model was created. Then, the SAP rats were pretreated with Hemin or zinc protoporphyrin IX (Znpp, a HO-1 inhibitor) to stimulate or inhibit the HO-1 enzyme respectively, and the effects and mechanisms were investigated.

Results

The pancreas and lung tissue of the SAP rats suffered considerable pathological damage after Cae and LPS injection, with significant increases of amylase, lipase, IL-1β and IL-18 levels in the serum. Hemin pretreatment decreased IL-1β and IL-18 release in the serum and prevented pancreatic and pulmonary damage. Hemin dramatically reduced oxidative stress, downregulated the expression of NLRP3, ASC, and Caspase-1, and elevated HO-1 expression. On the contrary, there were no discernible changes between the SAP control and Znpp treated groups.

Conclusion

These results showed that hemin prevented Cae and LPS-induced lung and pancreatic injury through suppression of the inflammatory response. The impact of hemin on the activity of the NLRP3 inflammasome was depending critically on HO-1 activity. The protective role and mechanism HO-1 against the acute and severe inflammatory responses may provide a novel and effective therapeutic approach for SAP treatment.
Authentic or artificial intelligence? Faculty’s perspectives on the ChatGPT’s impact on U.S. urban planning Ph.D. programs
Authors: Ye Xinyue , Zhai Wei , Du Jiaxin , Van Zandt Shannon , Ye Yuning
Published: October 2024

This commentary article explores the impact of ChatGPT on Urban Planning Ph.D. programs within universities in the United States. Our survey reveals a high awareness of Artificial Intelligence tools (e.g. ChatGPT) among faculty yet highlights a cautious approach to integrating ChatGPT into curricula and preliminary exam settings. While some educators recognize ChatGPT’s potential to enhance research efficiency and language proficiency, especially for international students, concerns about academic integrity and the over-reliance on AI are prevalent. The commentary underscores the need for a balanced approach, advocating for ChatGPT’s use as a supplementary tool while maintaining critical thinking in doctoral preliminary exams.
Business deserts politics under weak institutions: evidence from Russia, 2003–2010
Authors: Grigoriev Ivan S. , Zhirkov Kirill
Published: October 2024

Businesspeople are expected to invest in political connections when the institutions are weak. Using an original dataset from Russia in 2003–2010, we document changes in political connections of the richest businesspeople and show that within the institutional environment of a fledgling autocracy political engagement stops paying off, and the businesspeople retreat from politics. The businesspeople’s political disengagement reveals their insider assessment of the quality of Russian political institutions, indicating that as autocracy consolidated in Russia, its political institutional structure was in decay. This finding contributes to our understanding of authoritarian institutions, suggesting that even though autocracies nowadays might be institutionalized to a much higher degree, in the short-run autocracy is still detrimental to institutionalization.
Using the Translational Science Benefits Model to assess the impact of the Penn Implementation Science Center in Cancer Control
Authors: Schnoll Robert , Bekelman Justin E. , Blumenthal Daniel , Asch David A. , Buttenheim Alison M. , Chaiyachati Krisda H. , Domchek Susan M. , Fayanju Oluwadamilola M. , Gabriel Peter , Jenssen Brian P. , Leone Frank T. , McCarthy Anne Marie , Nathanson Katherine L. , Parikh Ravi B. , Rendle Katharine A. , Shelton Rachel C. , Shulman Lawrence N. , Takvorian Samuel U. , Ware Susan , Wileyto E. Paul , Beidas Rinad S.
Published: October 2024

Traditional approaches for evaluating the impact of scientific research – mainly scholarship (i.e., publications, presentations) and grant funding – fail to capture the full extent of contributions that come from larger scientific initiatives. The Translational Science Benefits Model (TSBM) was developed to support more comprehensive evaluations of scientific endeavors, especially research designed to translate scientific discoveries into innovations in clinical or public health practice and policy-level changes. Here, we present the domains of the TSBM, including how it was expanded by researchers within the Implementation Science Centers in Cancer Control (ISC3) program supported by the National Cancer Institute. Next, we describe five studies supported by the Penn ISC3, each focused on testing implementation strategies informed by behavioral economics to reduce key practice gaps in the context of cancer care and identify how each study yields broader impacts consistent with TSBM domains. These indicators include Capacity Building, Methods Development (within the Implementation Field) and Rapid Cycle Approaches, implementing Software Technologies, and improving Health Care Delivery and Health Care Accessibility. The examples highlighted here can help guide other similar scientific initiatives to conceive and measure broader scientific impact to fully articulate the translation and effects of their work at the population level.