bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Experience of living with psoriasis in Brazil: a Global Psoriasis Atlas online survey
Authors: Silva Jaquelini Barboza da , Wright Alison K. , Carvalho André V. E. , Griffiths Christopher E. M. , Ashcroft Darren M.
Published: July 2024

Background

Psoriasis significantly burdens patients' lives, but there is limited data on this in Brazil.

Methods

Between May 2022 and January 2023, we conducted a cross‐sectional online survey of 563 Brazilian residents aged ≥18 years who had been diagnosed with psoriasis. Spearman's correlation (r) was used to test the correlation between self‐assessed disease severity (Simplified Psoriasis Index [saSPI] extent score; range 0 [clear/minor] to 40 [widespread/severe]) and health‐related quality of life (QoL, score of 1 means perfect health) and capability (ICECAP‐A: score of 1 means full capability) measures. Multivariable linear regression was used to identify predictors of QoL and capability. A thematic analysis examined the free‐text responses and identified common themes.

Results

The mean age of participants was 42.1 ± 12.4 years, and over half had at least one other long‐term condition. The mean QoL score was 0.59 ± 0.25, and the mean capability score was 0.71 ± 0.21. At the time of survey completion, over 80% of respondents reported some level of pain and/or discomfort, and 86% reported feeling anxious and/or depressed. The mean self‐assessed saSPI was 7.8 ± 8.6, which negatively correlated with health‐related QoL (r = −0.49, P < 0.05) and capability (r = −0.44, P < 0.05). Significant predictors of poorer QoL and reduced capability included high saSPI, number of psoriasis flares and comorbidities, female gender, Black ethnicity, and employment status (unemployed, long‐term sick). Frequently reported areas that impacted patients were social stigma/prejudice, powerlessness, lack of education and public awareness, and difficulty obtaining appropriate care/treatment.

Conclusions

We found that the clinical manifestations, severity, and associated comorbidities of psoriasis negatively impacted health‐related QoL and capability, along with feelings of stigmatization and barriers to specialist treatment. This highlights the need for better access to care and awareness of the disease to improve the lives of people living with psoriasis in Brazil.
Enhancement of Waterlogging Tolerance and Improvement of Grain Quality in Waxy Maize With Exogenous EDAH: A Mixture of Ethephon and Diethyl Aminoethyl Hexanoate
Authors: Huang Chao , Liu Xuchen , Ma Shoutian , Qin Anzhen , Zhang Yingying , Xie Yuxiang , Gao Yang , Liu Zhandong
Published: July 2024

Global warming has led to more frequent extreme weather events, such as heavy summer rains, in the Huang‐Huai‐Hai region. These events significantly impede the growth and development of waxy maize in the area and disrupt the stable progression of the industry. However, there is a lack of effective agricultural measures to mitigate the impact of waterlogging, and the underlying regulation mechanisms remain unclear. To fill this knowledge gap, we conducted a two‐year experiment to assess whether exogenous EDAH (a mixture of ethephon and diethyl aminoethyl hexanoate (DA‐6), ethephon: DA‐6 = 27%: 3%) application during the waxy maize V6 stage, combined with 10 days of waterlogging treatment at the V6, VT and R2 growth stages. The results indicate that exogenous EDAH mitigates the adverse effects of waterlogging stress to a certain extent. It is noteworthy that exogenous EDAH increases the leaf area index and photosynthetic parameters of waxy maize, enhances the activity of catalase in ear leaves at the R3 stage, inhibits the accumulation of malondialdehyde and delays premature aging of plants. Furthermore, exogenous EDAH delays premature ripening of grains caused by waterlogging, increases the moisture content of fresh waxy maize grains during the fresh edible period, but does not effectively mitigate the yield losses caused by waterlogging. However, exogenous EDAH effectively improves grain quality under waterlogging stress, increasing the soluble sugar content and total protein content while reducing starch content, ultimately enhancing the edibility of fresh ears. Through TOPSIS comprehensive evaluation, it can be inferred that exogenous EDAH effectively mitigates the overall impact of waterlogging on waxy maize at both the V6 and VT stages. This research sheds light on potential strategies to mitigate the adverse effects of waterlogging on agricultural productivity and grain quality.
Unveiling Superabsorbent Hydrogels Efficacy Through Modified Agronomic Practices in Soybean–Wheat System Under Semi‐Arid Regions of South Asia
Authors: Adireddy Rajanna G. , Manna Suman , Patanjali Neeraj , Singh Anupama , Dass Anchal , Mahanta Dibakar , Singh Vinod Kumar
Published: July 2024

The sustainability of global agriculture at higher productivity level is a concern owing to climate change, serious environmental footprints, dipping factor productivity and shrinking availability of natural resources, especially. The situation is worsening in the ‘Food Bowl of India’—Indo‐Gangetic plains (IGP) by several amalgamated factors, such as declining groundwater, unpredictable precipitation owing to climate change and cultivation of heavy water duty crops. To neutralise these issues, a field experiment was executed for the period 2019–2021 to assess the efficacy of indigenous hydrogels (P‐hydrogel and Superabsorbent polymer hydrogel‐1118) and their application methods viz., seed treatment, slurry application and soil application on crop yield and water productivity, soil moisture dynamics and profitability in a soybean–wheat cropping system under irrigation and rainfed conditions. In both study years (2019–2020 and 2020–2021), due to higher seed germination percentage, irrigation application together with seed treatment and slurry application of superabsorbent polymer hydrogel‐1118 improved system productivity by 8.1%–26.7% and system water productivity by 17.6%–33.8% over control. Wheat grain yield was enhanced by 8.0% (2019–2020) to 32.2% (2020–2021) due to superabsorbent polymer hydrogel‐1118 hydrogel with 10 cm lesser use of irrigation water compared with control (no‐hydrogel). Soil moisture content in 0–15 cm soil layer was also found higher by 1.8%–2.4% in superabsorbent polymer hydrogel‐1118 and P‐hydrogel slurry‐applied plots. Therefore, higher gross profitability (31.8%), net profitability (89.8%) and B:C (26.9%) in wheat could be attributed to increased crop yields when seeds were treated with superabsorbent polymer hydrogel‐1118. Therefore, the utilisation of modified hydrogel application, in the form of seed treatment (seed coating) and slurry application has demonstrated improvement in seed germination, crop yield and water productivity and made soybean–wheat cultivation more economical. This approach presents a feasible solution to achieving a viable production system of soybean and wheat crops by reducing irrigation amounts in the IGP of India, as well as other comparable ecological places worldwide.
Small Stomates and Xylem Vessels Associated With Freeze Tolerance in Winter Barley
Authors: Liang Xi , Hu Gongshe , McDougall Lisa , Werth Jason , Yang Rui , Yang Jingya , Evans Chris , Satterfield Kathy
Published: July 2024

Freeze tolerance is a complex agronomic trait that is difficult to evaluate in the field because of year‐to‐year variation in weather. Discovering plant characteristics closely related to freeze tolerance would enable more effective selection for this important trait. To explore possible physiological mechanisms and search for useful characteristics related to freeze tolerance in winter barley, we conducted field and growth chamber experiments with seven freeze‐tolerant and seven freeze‐susceptible genotypes that exhibited contrasting winter survival in preliminary field screenings. In a 2‐year field experiment, malondialdehyde, proline and water‐soluble carbohydrate concentrations were measured during cold acclimation and deacclimation to investigate differences in osmoregulation and membrane stability between freeze‐tolerant and freeze‐sensitive genotypes. All parameters varied by sampling year, and significant differences between freeze tolerance groups were found mainly during cold deacclimation in the spring. In growth chamber experiments, the size of xylem vessels and stomates was measured with and without cold acclimation. Freeze‐tolerant genotypes had smaller xylem vessels and stomates than freeze‐sensitive genotypes with and without cold acclimation, and small stomatal length was associated with a small xylem vessel area. Thus, it may be possible to improve freeze tolerance in winter barley by selecting smaller xylem and stomate cells. This study also validated germplasms of winter barley with differential freeze tolerance for future projects on breeding for improving winter hardiness and on plant physiology and genetics in response to freezing stress.
Sleep‐specific repetitive negative thinking processes and prenatal insomnia symptoms: A naturalistic follow‐up study from mid‐ to late‐pregnancy
Authors: Wang Juan , Huang Yongqi , Wu Liuliu , Sun Yaoyao , Zhang Xuan , Cao Fenglin
Published: July 2024

Insomnia symptoms are highly prevalent during pregnancy; therefore, identifying modifiable risk markers is important for risk prediction and early intervention. This study aimed to examine the role of sleep‐specific rumination and sleep‐specific worry in prenatal insomnia symptoms. A total of 859 married pregnant women without history of psychiatric illnesses (mean [standard deviation] age, 30.15 [3.86] years; 593 [69.0%] with a bachelor's degree or above) were enrolled from the obstetrical outpatient departments of two tertiary comprehensive hospitals in Shandong, China, who completed assessments of sleep‐specific rumination, sleep‐specific worry, and insomnia symptoms at baseline (mid‐pregnancy) and follow‐up (late‐pregnancy). Measures included Daytime Insomnia Symptom Response Scale, Anxiety and Preoccupation about Sleep Questionnaire, and Insomnia Severity Index. Our results showed that after controlling for covariates, both sleep‐specific rumination and sleep‐specific worry showed significant concurrent and prospective associations with insomnia symptoms, and the increases in scores of sleep‐specific rumination and sleep‐specific worry over time were significantly associated with the increased likelihood of insomnia symptoms at follow‐up. Moreover, the increases in sleep‐specific rumination and sleep‐specific worry over time were significantly associated with the increased likelihood of reporting newly developed insomnia symptoms rather than persistent normal sleep. However, the changes in sleep‐specific rumination and sleep‐specific worry were not significantly associated with the likelihood of reporting persistent or remitted insomnia symptoms rather than persistent normal sleep. In conclusion, sleep‐specific rumination and sleep‐specific worry were significantly associated with concurrent or subsequent insomnia symptoms; thus, they may be promising cognitive risk markers and intervention targets.
Detection and severity assessment of obstructive sleep apnea according to deep learning of single‐lead electrocardiogram signals
Authors: Zhang Yitong , Shi Yewen , Su Yonglong , Cao Zine , Li Chengjian , Xie Yushan , Niu Xiaoxin , Yuan Yuqi , Ma Lina , Zhu Simin , Zhou Yanuo , Wang Zitong , Hei XinHong , Shi Zhenghao , Ren Xiaoyong , Liu Haiqin
Published: July 2024

Developing a convenient detection method is important for diagnosing and treating obstructive sleep apnea. Considering availability and medical reliability, we established a deep‐learning model that uses single‐lead electrocardiogram signals for obstructive sleep apnea detection and severity assessment. The detection model consisted of signal preprocessing, feature extraction, time–frequency domain information fusion, and classification segments. A total of 375 patients who underwent polysomnography were included. The single‐lead electrocardiogram signals obtained by polysomnography were used to train, validate and test the model. Moreover, the proposed model performance on a public dataset was compared with the findings of previous studies. In the test set, the accuracy of per‐segment and per‐recording detection were 82.55% and 85.33%, respectively. The accuracy values for mild, moderate and severe obstructive sleep apnea were 69.33%, 74.67% and 85.33%, respectively. In the public dataset, the accuracy of per‐segment detection was 91.66%. A Bland–Altman plot revealed the consistency of true apnea–hypopnea index and predicted apnea–hypopnea index. We confirmed the feasibility of single‐lead electrocardiogram signals and deep‐learning model for obstructive sleep apnea detection and severity evaluation in both hospital and public datasets. The detection performance is high for patients with obstructive sleep apnea, especially those with severe obstructive sleep apnea.
Improved brachial skin hydration and appearance with hyperdiluted calcium hydroxylapatite
Authors: Palo Juliana Schinzari , de Lima Faria Gladstone Eustáquio , McCarthy Alec D. , Boggio Ricardo Frota
Published: July 2024

Introduction

The search for minimally invasive treatments for areas not covered by clothing, such as the arms, has increased, particularly to combat flaccidity resulting from factors such as aging and weight loss. This study evaluated the efficacy of calcium hydroxyapatite (CaHA), an injectable biostimulator, in improving flaccidity and hydration of the skin of the arms.

Materials and Methods

Six women between 40 and 50 years old with visible signs of brachial flaccidity were selected. Calcium hydroxyapatite was injected into the arms in a 1:4 dilution (1.5 mL per side), with subjective evaluation based on the GAIS score and objective hydration analysis using corneometry.

Results

After a single application of CaHA, there was a significant increase in skin hydration (12.2%), objectively assessed by corneometry. Patient and physician satisfaction was high, evidenced by visible improvements in photographs and by the GAIS score. No significant adverse events were reported, demonstrating the safety of the procedure.

Discussion

Our clinical observations confirm the ability of CaHA to visibly improve arm flaccidity. In addition, hydration measures support previous histological studies demonstrating increases in dermal proteoglycans. Compared to other studies, the increase in skin hydration with CaHA was similar to those obtained with hyaluronic acid, suggesting comparable results with a more comfortable and less invasive technique.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates the efficacy of CaHA in improving hydration of brachial skin after a single treatment. Despite the limitations of the sample size, the research contributes to the medical literature, highlighting the utility of the 3 mL CaHA presentation for brachial treatment with objective results in skin hydration.
Evolving perspectives in Hymenoptera systematics: Bridging fossils and genomes across time
Authors: Zhang Y. Miles , Bossert Silas , Spasojevic Tamara
Published: July 2024

The recent advances in sequencing technologies, phylogenomics and divergence dating methods call for an integrative review of the current state of Hymenoptera systematics. We here explore the impact of these latest developments on the Hymenoptera phylogeny and our understanding of the timing of Hymenoptera evolution, while identifying the current methodological constraints and persistent knowledge gaps that warrant further investigation. Our review highlights the lack of consensus among the backbone phylogeny of Hymenoptera between key phylogenomic studies, as the higher level phylogeny remains unresolved in key nodes such as the relationships among Eusymphyta, the relationships within the Infraorder Proctotrupomorpha and the placements of the superfamilies Ichneumonoidea, Ceraphronoidea and Vespoidea. Furthermore, we underline the huge variation in divergence age estimates for Hymenoptera and detect several major gaps and/or disagreements between the fossil record and available age estimates, either due to the poorly studied fossil record or problematic age estimates, or both. To better understand the timing of Hymenoptera evolution and the role of key diversification factors, we will need continuous efforts to (i) reconcile conflicts among morphological and molecular phylogenies, by improving taxon sampling of underrepresented lineages, applying novel techniques to study morphology, making use of genome‐scale data and critically assessing incongruences in genetic markers; (ii) improve the Hymenoptera fossil record, by exercising integrative taxonomy and bringing together paleontologists and neontologists; and (iii) reconcile age estimates, by relying on tip dating approaches to bridge fossils, morphology and genomes across time.
Characterizing collaborative mapping projects. A methodological framework for analyzing volunteered geographic information and spatial data infrastructure convergence
Authors: Pedregal Belén , Orozco Gabriel , Osorio Joaquin , Díaz‐Cuevas Pilar
Published: July 2024

In this article, we compile and characterize a total of 43 collaborative web map projects by a set of parameters that enable the understanding and comparability of current and future projects. We then develop a comprehensive methodological framework to explore volunteered geographic information (VGI) and spatial data infrastructure (SDI) convergence based on this review. The main results show the dominance of citizen science projects, followed by initiatives promoting sustainability values, local development, and governance. Although values remain low, the potential to achieve convergence in VGI–SDI features is very high in citizen science projects, where the presence of experts and the funding of these projects by governments and decision‐making entities enable quality standards in the collection and distribution of the contributed information. The work concludes by addressing two major challenges facing current VGI projects: firstly, accessing affordable technological solutions that allow the creation of collaborative web maps with SDI‐like functions. Secondly, guaranteeing the project's sustainability and the preservation of the information gathered.
Oldest human genome comes from a Denisovan
Authors: Gibbons Ann
Published: July 2024

200,000-year-old DNA shows our now-extinct cousins mated with Neanderthals
Vulnerable transistors threaten $5 billion Europa Clipper probe
Authors: Voosen Paul
Published: July 2024

NASA investigates flaws in radiation-hardened electronics
Remdesivir treatment does not reduce viral titers in patients with COVID-19
Authors: Faghihi Isa , Yan Victoria C.
Published: July 2024

The relationship (or lack thereof) between the clinical activity of remdesivir and its ability to reduce viral titers in patients with COVID-19 has not been fully delineated. There is a misconception that remdesivir was FDA-approved for COVID-19 due to its ability to reduce viral titers. Here, we analyze all clinical studies of remedesivir in COVID-19 that quantifed SARS-CoV-2 titers. As of 28 June 2024, we show there is no significant decrease in SARS-CoV-2 viral titers in patients treted with remdesivir compared to placebo controls.
Complete genome sequence of
Arcanobacterium wilhelmae
strain DSM 102162 isolated from the genital tract of a
Rhinoceros unicornis
Authors: Borowiaka Maria , Kreitlow Antonia , Malorny Burkhard , Lämmler Christoph , Rau Jörg , Plötz Madeleine , Abdulmawjood Amir
Published: July 2024

Previous case reports indicate
Arcanobacterium
’s opportunistic pathogenic potential. However, the true diversity of the genus remains understudied. Here, we present the complete genome of
Arcanobacterium wilhelmae
isolated from a diseased rhinoceros, suspected to play a role in its condition. These genomic data may enable future advancements in understanding
Arcanobacterium
pathogenicity.
Characterization of First Cut Alfalfa and Grass Silage Management Practices on Canadian Dairy Farms
Authors: Plett C. , McLean Nancy L. , Lafreniere Carole , Bittman Shabtai , Ominski Kim , Plaizier J.C.
Published: July 2024

Production practices for first cut alfalfa (ALF), alfalfa-grass (AFG) and grass silages (GRS) were surveyed on dairy farms in four Canadian regions, i.e. British Columbia (BC, n=21), Prairies (PRA, n=32), Central Canada (CEN, n=218), and Atlantic Canada (ATL, n=17). Results are presented as percentages of responses by region; forage type, silo type, wilting method and inoculant use varied among regions. In CEN (93.0%), ATL (88.2%), and PRA (68.8%) AFG was most common. In BC, GRS was most common (66.7%). ALF was only reported in the PRA (28.1%) and CEN (5.6%). Respondents from BC only reported bunkers (52.4%) and baleage (28.6%). Bunkers were most common in PRA (31.3%), followed by baleage (28.1%), piles (18.8%) and tower silos (6.3%). In CEN tower silos were most common (37.2%), followed by bunkers (33.9%), baleage (22.0%), and piles (1.8%). In ATL bunkers (29.4%) and baleage (29.4%) were most common, followed by tower silos (17.7%), and piles (11.8%). Wilting was mostly done in windrows: BC (55.0%), PRA (45.0%), CEN (77.1%), and ATL (71.0%). In BC and ATL, 45% and 17.7%, respectively, of respondents used tedders to enhance wilting. In BC, CEN, ATL, and PRA, 55%, 58.3%, 64.7% and 44.8% respectively of respondents used inoculants.
ASSESSING CASH FLOW RISK IN MICROFINANCE INSTITUTIONS: A BOTTOM-UP APPROACH AND MONTE CARLO SIMULATION
Authors: TANG XIANGHUA
Published: July 2024

Microfinance institutions (MFIs) play a crucial role in the emerging financial system as well as in the innovation of rural financial systems. MFIs significantly promote capital flow, alleviate financing difficulties for small and micro enterprises, and address poverty in underserved areas. However, the demands to address poverty through development and meet social goals expose MFIs to financial risks, particularly cash flow risk associated with capital repayment, which can hinder normal operations. Therefore, it is essential to systematically study the cash flow risk faced by MFIs to enhance their sustainable development capabilities. This research utilizes the bottom-up approach along with Monte Carlo simulation (MCS) to compute the value at risk (VaR), assessing the financial flow of listed microfinance firms in China. The analysis provides a straightforward and specific measure of cash flow uncertainty for management, investors and analysts of microfinance institutions. By comparing the VaR of corporate cash flow and evaluating the VaR of cash flow, the study identifies the existence of cash flow risks within the entire microfinance industry. The study provides policy recommendations to mitigate cash flow risk in microfinance institutions, focusing on business strategy and internal control, to improve the industry’s ability to manage risks and promote sustainable development.
Passages
Authors: Groce Alex
Published: July 2024

Richard W. Hamming's The Art of Doing Science and Engineering: Learning to Learn is one of the true essentials, a book to be read by every scientist or engineer (and certainly software engineer) interested in the big picture; it may be safely skipped by those who aim only at a life and career where one has "merely survived and amused" oneself, as Hamming himself puts it in his final, summative, chapter.

The essence of this book is a combination of anecdote and aphorism drawn from a mature, active mind, reflecting on a great career spent at great places (Los Alamos, and then Bell Labs in its heyday, to be precise). There is also a great deal of mathematics, but the aphorism, backed by well-chosen anecdote(s), is fundamental; you do not need to know or care much about differential equations (and there are many here) to benefit from this book. It is hard to convey the value of the anecdotes, in a short review. The aphorisms, however, can be more than mentioned; what follows is, in reverse order, the entire set of Hamming's bolded, inset, aphorisms, by chapter (combining multiple chapters on the same topic, e.g., simulation). I have truncated one long item, which offers up a description of pure mathematics; you will have to read the book to get that one. The focus on aphorism is appropriate; I think Hamming himself would have agreed that this entire wonderful book is a kind of elaboration and proof of Pasteur's "Luck favors the prepared mind", which Hamming quotes not once, not twice, but seven times.
Debunking the Myths of Code Velocity: The Elusive Search for Speed
Authors: Kudrjavets Gunnar
Published: July 2024

We demonstrate that no empirical evidence supports long-held beliefs related to code velocity. The best-known pragmatic way to increase code velocity is to periodically nudge engineers to unblock the code review process. The industry needs to revisit the Modern Code Review process in light of the availability of various tools and techniques that analyze and prevalidate the proposed code changes. The code review bots are coming.
Report on the 1st International Workshop on Designing Software (Designing 2024)
Authors: Cai Yuanfang , Chaudron Michel R. V. , Kang Eunsuk , van der Hoek André
Published: July 2024

Software design is a set of activities and decisions involved in constructing a software system, ranging from high-level architecture and conceptual design to code design. Decisions made during the design process have a long-lasting impact on various qualities of a system, such as modularity, maintainability, scalability, robustness, security, usability, and performance. Despite its important role in software development, design is still considered something of an art-particularly in terms of design as an activity rather than design as a product or outcome. With the increasing societal impact of software and the potential use of AI in development, design has a new and larger role to play in the engineering of modern software systems. This new workshop aims to bring together researchers, practitioners, and educators who are interested in any aspect of software design, to discuss novel approaches to design, and to identify open challenges and future directions for the field.
SERP4IoT'24 Workshop Report
Authors: Morales Rodrigo , Saborido Rubén , Guéhéneuc Yann-Gaël , Rukh Humayoun Shah
Published: July 2024

We face a new software crisis. In 1968, computer scientists learned that developing robust software requires skills, methods, and tools. Today, software and hardware engineers realize that developing a robust Internet of Things (IoT) also pushes the states of their art and practice. Recent news illustrates the many problems IoT faces: from lack of interoperability to broken updates to massive security attacks. In this context, the 6th International Workshop on Software Engineering Research and Practices for the Internet of Things (SERP4IoT) aims to provide a highly interactive forum for researchers and practitioners to address the challenges of, find solutions for, and share experiences with the development, release, and testing of robust software for IoT systems.
Self-supervised Text Style Transfer Using Cycle-Consistent Adversarial Networks
Authors: La Quatra Moreno , Gallipoli Giuseppe , Cagliero Luca
Published: July 2024

Text Style Transfer (TST) is a relevant branch of natural language processing that aims to control the style attributes of a piece of text while preserving its original content. To address TST in the absence of parallel data, Cycle-consistent Generative Adversarial Networks (CycleGANs) have recently emerged as promising solutions. Existing CycleGAN-based TST approaches suffer from the following limitations: (1) They apply self-supervision, based on the cycle-consistency principle, in the latent space. This approach turns out to be less robust to mixed-style inputs, i.e., when the source text is partly in the original and partly in the target style; (2) Generators and discriminators rely on recurrent networks, which are exposed to known issues with long-term text dependencies; (3) The target style is weakly enforced, as the discriminator distinguishes real from fake sentences without explicitly accounting for the generated text's style. We propose a new CycleGAN-based TST approach that applies self-supervision directly at the sequence level to effectively handle mixed-style inputs and employs Transformers to leverage the attention mechanism for both text encoding and decoding. We also employ a pre-trained style classifier to guide the generation of text in the target style while maintaining the original content's meaning. The experimental results achieved on the formality and sentiment transfer tasks show that our approach outperforms existing ones, both CycleGAN-based and not (including an open-source Large Language Model), on benchmark data and shows better robustness to mixed-style inputs.
Learning Compressed Artifact for JPEG Manipulation Localization Using Wide-Receptive-Field Network
Authors: Li Fengyong , Zhai Huajun , Liu Teng , Zhang Xinpeng , Qin Chuan
Published: July 2024

JPEG image manipulation localization aims to accurately classify and locate tampered regions in JPEG images. Existing image manipulation localization schemes usually consider diverse data streams of spatial domain, e.g. noise inconsistency and local content inconsistency. They, however, easily ignore an objective scenario: data stream features of spatial domain are hard to directly apply to compressed image format, e.g., JPEG, because tampered JPEG images may contain severe re-compression inconsistency and re-compression artifacts, when they are re-compressed to JPEG format. As a result, the traditional localization schemes relying on general data streams of spatial domain may result in a large number of false detection of tampered region in JPEG images. To address the above problem, we a new JPEG image manipulation localization scheme, in which a wide-receptive-field attention network is designed to effectively learn JPEG compressed artifacts. We firstly introduce the wide-receptive-field attention mechanism to re-construct U-Net network, which can effectively capture contextual information of JPEG images and analyze tampering traces from different image regions. Furthermore, a flexible JPEG compressed artifact learning module is designed to capture the image noise caused by JPEG compression, in which the weights can be adjusted flexibly based on image quality, without the need for decompression operations on JPEG images. Our proposed method can significantly strength the differentiation capability of detection model for tampered and non-tampered regions. A series of experiments are performed over different image sets, and the results demonstrate that the proposed scheme can achieve an overall localization performance for multi-scale JPEG manipulation regions and outperform most of state-of-the-art schemes in terms of detection accuracy, generalization and robustness.
Synthesis, Studies of Inorganic Class of Mohrite (MOH) Crystals for Electrical, Electronic, Photonic, Phase Matching and Sensor Utilities by Theory and Practice
Authors: K. Suganya , R. Hariharasuthan , K. SenthilKannan , P. Saravanan , T. Jayanalina , K. S. Radha , R. Manikandan
Published: July 2024

The high-quality single crystals of Mohrite (MOH) with dimensions 7 × 6 × 3 mm3 were productively grown-up by the customary solution growth methodology. The fully grown crystals were focused to the appropriate structural, optical and electrical investigations. The MOH is monoclinic nature of the specimen with P21/c as the space group and lattice parameters are a as 6.2385 Å, b as 12.6076 Å, c as 9.2655 Å and beta is 106.526°. The crystalline structural authentication with single crystal XRD analysis and compared the same with software based associated results. FITR spectra reveal the vibrational modes of as grown crystals. Optical absorption spectral data divulges that the as-grown crystalline sample has higher optical transparent nature in the visible-NIR region. Photoluminescence intensity is remarkably enriched, shows high crystallinity of MOH. The results of UV, PL, electrical and photo conductivity, SEM, theoretical studies suggest MOH in photonic utility and device appliances especially in UV filters and in electronic filters, room temperature based sensor study for MOH is enabled and reported for red LED based work.
Stimulation of the internal superior laryngeal nerve as a potential therapy for obstructive sleep apnea in a porcine model
Authors: Maurer Joachim T. , Huseynov Jamal , Hochreiter Jakob , Perkins Justin D.
Published: July 2024

Electrostimulation before the introduction of an artificial obstruction to induce artificial sleep apnea in the pig model improves the response of the upper airway to negative pressure (NP). The electrostimulation creates a sustained therapeutic effect that outlasts the initial electrostimulation. The use of this therapy in clinical practice has the potential to treat obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
QSPR Analysis of Some Alzheimer’s Compounds via Topological Indices and Regression Models
Authors: Sardar Muhammad Shoaib , Hakami Khalil Hadi
Published: July 2024

Neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs) have received considerable interest from scientists for a long time due to their multifactorial nature. Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is of particular importance among pathologies, and despite approved drugs for its treatment, there is no effective pharmacological therapy to stop, halt, or repair neurodegeneration. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved certain medications to treat AD, including galantamine, donepezil, rivastigmine, memantine, tacrine, suvorexant, brexpiprazole, butein, and Licochalcone A. Topological indices and quantitative structure‐property relationships (QSPRs) are indispensable in drug discovery. They allow researchers to analyze, compare, and predict the properties of chemical compounds, thereby expediting the identification of promising drug candidates while minimizing experimental costs and efforts. Regression models are vital in QSPR analysis, especially when dealing with topological indices. They facilitate quantifying the relationship between chemical structure and properties, thereby facilitating drug design, material discovery, and other chemistry‐related applications. The objective of this study is to examine the efficacy of descriptors in correlating the physicochemical features of molecules associated with Alzheimer’s disease. We will use the computational method to calculate degree‐related, distance‐related, and eccentricity‐based topological indices for any chemical graph. QSPR models are developed utilizing degree‐based, distance‐based, and eccentricity‐based topological indices to estimate some physicochemical properties of AD drugs, including molecular weight (MW), boiling point (BP), topological polar surface area (TPSA), complexity (C), polarizability (P), and refractive index (R). The QSPRS studies are obtained using the linear regression technique. The present study found that the topological indices Randic index R, first Zagreb index M1, and atom‐bond connectivity index ABC provide valuable insights into the structure‐activity relationships of different drugs and help in designing more effective combinations for treating Alzheimer’s disease.
A SIR Model with Incomplete Data for the Analysis of Influenza A Spread in Ningbo
Authors: Wang Bingqing , Hu Yanyao , Cen Zhongdi , Huang Jian , He Tianfeng , Xu Aimin
Published: July 2024

In this article, the SIR model is used to fit the spread of influenza A in Ningbo, ranging from January 1, 2023 to June 30, 2023. The data that can be collected is the daily newly confirmed cases, but the daily number of infected individuals and recovered individuals is unknown. The initial number of susceptible individuals with exposure risk is also unknown. Based on the incompleteness of the data, the parameter estimation problem of the SIR model is transformed into an optimization problem. The Particle Swarm Optimization algorithm is used to solve the optimization problem. The goodness of fit (R2) of the daily cumulative number of confirmed cases is 0.998. The model can reflect the cycle, peak, and trend of the entire spread of influenza A and is consistent with reality during the post‐COVID‐19 period.
Cryoablation Does Not Significantly Contribute to Systemic Effector Immune Responses in a Poorly Immunogenic B16F10 Melanoma Model
Authors: Yakkala Chakradhar , Corria-Osorio Jesus , Kandalaft Lana , Denys Alban , Koppolu Bhanu , Duran Rafael
Published: July 2024

Purpose:

Cryoablation is a minimally invasive procedure implemented to destroy solid tumors. It also results in the release of tumor antigens into the systemic circulation. Preclinical studies using immunogenic tumor models have shown that cryoablation evokes antitumor immune responses. The mechanisms by which cryoablation impacts immune responses in poorly immunogenic tumors have not been sufficiently explored.

Experimental Design:

We used a bilateral B16F10 melanoma model devoid of strong immunogenic antigens. Cryoablation-induced effector immune responses were investigated, also in combination with a peritumoral STING agonist and systemic anti–PD-1. Selective immune cell depletion, T-cell migration arrest, in vivo T-cell transplantation, and cryoablation versus surgical removal techniques were used to determine the contribution of cryoablation and immunotherapies to systemic antitumor effector immune responses.

Results:

Treatment of a tumor with cryoablation + STING agonist + anti–PD-1 resulted in the rejection of unablated, contralateral tumors. Depletion studies demonstrated that tumor rejection is essentially dependent on CD8+ T cells. T-cell arrest in the lymph nodes had no effect on the rejection process. Splenic CD8+ T cells isolated from cryoablation-treated mice with B16F10 melanoma, upon transplantation into melanoma-bearing recipients, did not impact the recipient’s tumor growth. Finally, comparison of cryoablation + STING agonist + anti–PD-1 versus surgery + STING agonist + anti–PD-1 in the bilateral tumor model showed no difference in the rejection of contralateral tumors.

Conclusions:

Cryoablation does not significantly contribute to systemic antitumor effector immune responses in a B16F10 melanoma model. Cryoablation primarily performs tumor debulking, and immunotherapy functions independently of cryoablation in eliciting antitumor effector immune responses.
Engineered CAR-NK Cells with Tolerance to H2O2 and Hypoxia Can Suppress Postoperative Relapse of Triple-Negative Breast Cancers
Authors: Liu Yan , Chen Jiahui , Tian Jia , Hao Yu , Ma Xinxing , Zhou Yehui , Feng Liangzhu
Published: July 2024

Surgical resection is a primary treatment option for patients with triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), but it is associated with a high rate of postoperative local and metastatic relapse. Although chimeric antigen receptor–engineered NK (CAR-NK) cell therapy can specifically recognize and eradicate tumor cells, its therapeutic potency toward TNBCs is markedly suppressed by the hostile tumor microenvironment, which restricts the infiltration, survival, and effector functions of CAR-NK cells inside tumor masses. In this study, HER1-overexpressing TNBC-targeted CAR-NK (HER1-CAR-NK) cells were genetically engineered with catalase to endow them with tolerance toward the high levels of oxidative stress and hypoxia inside TNBC tumors through the catalytic decomposition of hydrogen peroxide, which is a principle reactive oxygen species inside tumors, into O2. We refer to these cells as HER1-CAR-CAT-NK cells. Upon intratumoral fixation with an injectable alginate hydrogel, HER1-CAR-CAT-NK cells enabled sustained tumor hypoxia attenuation and exhibited markedly enhanced persistence and effector functions inside TNBC tumors. As a result, locoregional HER1-CAR-CAT-NK cell therapy not only inhibited the growth of local primary residual tumors but also elicited systemic antitumor activity to suppress the growth of distant tumors. This study highlights that genetic engineering of HER1-CAR-NK cells with catalase is a promising strategy to suppress the postoperative local and distant relapse of TNBC tumors.
S:CORT members list from Stratification to Neoadjuvant Radiotherapy in Rectal Cancer by Regimen and Transcriptional Signatures
Authors: Mahmood Umair , Blake Andrew , Rathee Sanjay , Samuel Leslie , Murray Graeme , Sebag-Montefiore David , Gollins Simon , West Nicholas P. , Begum Rubina , Bach Simon P. , Richman Susan D. , Quirke Phil , Redmond Keara L. , Salto-Tellez Manuel , Koelzer Viktor H. , Leedham Simon J. , Tomlinson Ian , Dunne Philip D. , Buffa Francesca M. , Maughan Tim S. , Domingo Enric
Published: July 2024

S:CORT members list
Topische Immuntherapie bei aktinischer Keratose und Feldkanzerisierung
Authors: Bernal Laura , Cazafia Tamara Gracia , Alonso Isabel Bernad , Alvarez-Salafranca Marcial , Blasco Manuel Almenara , Rentero Maria Gallego , Juarranz de la Fuente Angeles , Gilaberte Yolanda
Published: July 2024

Diese umfassende Übersichtsarbeit gibt einen Überblick über verschiedene immuntherapeutische Ansätze zur Behandlung von aktinischen Keratosen (AKs), präkanzerösen Hautläsionen, die durch UV-Exposition verursacht werden. Neben Behandlungen, deren Hauptwirkmechanismus die Immunmodulation ist, wie Imiquimod oder Diclofenac, haben auch andere Behandlungen, die hauptsächlich auf dysplastische Zellen abzielen, eine gewisse immunologische Wirkung, die zu ihrer Wirksamkeit beiträgt. Während Behandlungen wie 5-Fluorouracil, Imiquimod, photodynamische Therapie und Nicotinamid bei der Behandlung von AKs vielversprechend sind, vor allem bei immunkompetenten Personen, ist ihre Wirksamkeit bei Empfängern solider Organtransplantate aufgrund der Immunsuppression eingeschränkt. Die Übersicht umfasst die optimale Kombination und fokussiert sich auf die Kryoimmuntherapie als relevanteste. Neue Immuntherapien sind Resimiquimod, Ingenoldisoxat, N-Phosphonacetyl-L-Aspartat (PALA) oder Anti-PD-1, die vielversprechende Ergebnisse erzielt haben, aber weitere Studien erfordern, um ihre Verwendung zu standardisieren.
Eine Dermatomyositis mit ungewöhnlichen Befunden und letalem Ausgang
Authors: Polke Markus
Published: July 2024

Background: Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is a frequently observed comorbidity in autoimmune diseases such as dermatomyositis/polymyositis (DM/PM), and it is significantly associated with specific autoantibody types. One unique antibody type is the anti-transcription intermediate factor-1γ antibody (anti-TIF-1γ Ab), which has a positive rate of only 7%. It is often found in combination with malignancy and rarely with ILD, particularly rapidly progressive ILD (RPILD). In some cases, the presence of ILD in individuals with DM may indicate a paraneoplastic syndrome. Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia (PJP) typically occurs due to intensive immunosuppressive therapy, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, or malignancy, and rarely as an isolated condition. Case Presentation: A 52-year-old man with a history of rapid weight loss but non-HIV infected and not immunosuppressed who presented with fever, cough, dyspnea, weakness of the extremities, characteristic rash and mechanic’s hand. Pathogenic tests suggested PJP, laboratory tests suggested a single anti-TIF-1γ Ab positive DM, imaging suggested ILD, and pathology revealed no malignancy. RPILD and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) developed after anti-infection and steroid hormone therapy. After mechanical support therapy such as Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO), the patient developed late-onset cytomegalovirus pneumonia (CMVP), complicated bacterial infection, and ultimately death. Additionally, we discuss the potential causes of rapid weight loss, the mechanisms by which anti-TIF-1γ Ab may lead to ILD, and the possible connection between anti-TIF-1γ Ab positivity, rapid weight loss, immune abnormalities, and opportunistic infections. Conclusions: This case emphasizes the importance of early recognition of malignant tumors and pulmonary lesions, assessment of the body’s immune status, prompt initiation of immunosuppressive treatment, and prevention of opportunistic infections in individuals with single anti-TIF-1γ Ab positive DM presenting with rapid weight loss. © The Author(s) 2023.
Kutanes Plattenepithelkarzinom: Fortschritte in der neoadjuvanten Immuntherapie mit Cemiplimab
Authors: Alter Mareike
Published: July 2024

Background: In a pilot study involving patients with cutaneous squamous-cell carcinoma, a high percentage of patients had a pathological complete response with the use of two doses of neoadjuvant cemiplimab before surgery. Data from a phase 2 study are needed to confirm these findings. Methods: We conducted a phase 2, confirmatory, multicenter, nonrandomized study to evaluate cemiplimab as neoadjuvant therapy in patients with resectable stage II, III, or IV (M0) cutaneous squamous-cell carcinoma. Patients received cemiplimab, administered at a dose of 350 mg every 3 weeks for up to four doses, before undergoing surgery with curative intent. The primary end point was a pathological complete response (the absence of viable tumor cells in the surgical specimen) on independent review at a central laboratory, with a null hypothesis that a pathological complete response would be observed in 25% of patients. Key secondary end points included a pathological major response (the presence of viable tumor cells that constitute ≤10% of the surgical specimen) on independent review, a pathological complete response and a pathological major response on investigator assessment at a local laboratory, an objective response on imaging, and adverse events. Results: A total of 79 patients were enrolled and received neoadjuvant cemiplimab. On independent review, a pathological complete response was observed in 40 patients (51%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 39 to 62) and a pathological major response in 10 patients (13%; 95% CI, 6 to 22). These results were consistent with the pathological responses determined on investigator assessment. An objective response on imaging was observed in 54 patients (68%; 95% CI, 57 to 78). Adverse events of any grade that occurred during the study period, regardless of whether they were attributed to the study treatment, were observed in 69 patients (87%). Grade 3 or higher adverse events that occurred during the study period were observed in 14 patients (18%). Conclusions: Neoadjuvant therapy with cemiplimab was associated with a pathological complete response in a high percentage of patients with resectable cutaneous squamous-cell carcinoma.
Psoriasis und Parodontitis: Optimierte Therapieergebnisse durch parodontale Interventionen
Authors: Philipp Sandra
Published: July 2024

Die Studie untersucht, wie sich eine nicht chirurgische Behandlung von Parodontitis im Vergleich zu herkömmlichen dermatologischen Methoden auf die Schwere und das Ausmaß der Psoriasis bei Patienten auswirkt, die unter beiden Krankheiten leiden. Insgesamt wurden dafür 74 Patienten mit Psoriasis und Parodontitis (Stadium I–IV) zufällig in zwei Gruppen eingeteilt: eine Gruppe erhielt eine nicht chirurgische Parodontaltherapie, während die andere Gruppe keine Behandlung erhielt (Kontrollgruppe). Beide Gruppen waren hinsichtlich der Verwendung von Psoriasis-Medikamenten gleich verteilt, wobei die Mehrheit Biologika als Monotherapie verwendete. Die Schwere der Psoriasis wurde hauptsächlich durch den Psoriasis- Area-Schweregrad-Index (PASI) bewertet, während die betroffene Körperoberfläche (BSA) und der dermatologische Lebensqualitätsindex (DLQI) zusätzliche Messgrößen darstellten. Auch parodontale Parameter wie die Tiefe der Zahnfleischtaschen und der gesamte Plaque- und Blutungsindex wurden gemessen. Nach 10 Wochen zeigte die Testgruppe signifikant niedrigere PASI-Werte im Vergleich zur Kontrollgruppe. Die Testgruppe wies auch Verbesserungen in der betroffenen Körperoberfläche und den parodontalen Parametern auf. Der dermatologische Lebensqualitätsindex verbesserte sich ebenfalls, jedoch nicht signifikant. Die nicht chirurgische Parodontaltherapie führte zu einer zusätzlichen Verbesserung der Psoriasis-Symptome im Vergleich zu herkömmlichen dermatologischen Behandlungen, indem sie die Schwere und das Ausmaß der Erkrankung reduzierte.