bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adaptive Compression-Aware Split Learning and Inference for Enhanced Network Efficiency
Authors: Mudvari Akrit , Vainio Antero , Ofeidis Iason , Tarkoma Sasu , Tassiulas Leandros
Published: August 2024

The growing number of AI-driven applications in mobile devices has led to solutions that integrate deep learning models with the available edge-cloud resources. Due to multiple benefits such as reduction in on-device energy consumption, improved latency, improved network usage, and certain privacy improvements, split learning, where deep learning models are split away from the mobile device and computed in a distributed manner, has become an extensively explored topic. Incorporating compression-aware methods (where learning adapts to compression level of the communicated data) has made split learning even more advantageous. This method could even offer a viable alternative to traditional methods, such as federated learning techniques. In this work, we develop an adaptive compression-aware split learning method (“deprune”) to improve and train deep learning models so that they are much more network-efficient, which would make them ideal to deploy in weaker devices with the help of edge-cloud resources. This method is also extended (“prune”) to very quickly train deep learning models through a transfer learning approach, which tradesoff little accuracy for much more network-efficient inference abilities. We show that the “deprune” method can reduce network usage by 4× when compared with a split-learning approach (that does not use our method) without loss of accuracy, while also improving accuracy over compression-aware split-learning by up to 4 percent. Lastly, we show that the “prune” method can reduce the training time for certain models by up to 6× without affecting the accuracy when compared against a compression-aware split-learning approach.
Notional machines: Retrieving background practices of perception and action
Authors: Tenenberg Josh
Published: August 2024

Notional machines have figured historically in many discussions in computing education. Under a common view in the computing education literature based in classical cognitive science, notional machines play a critical pedagogical role when they are brought into a student’s mind as mental models. A mental model simplifies the phenomenon that it models, and is correct to the extent that it corresponds to the modeled phenomenon. Such mental models of the notional machine are viewed as necessary for the student to program computers. In this paper, I argue that this classical cognitive science view overlooks two key aspects of human cognition that are brought to the forefront in “second generation” cognitive science and recent philosophy of knowledge and language. The first is the importance of embodied perception and action to ground the meaning of language and thought. In particular, models are representational not only due to their simplification and correspondence to what they model, but also require embodied representational practices by which these correspondences are constituted. The second concerns the way that these embodied practices can be sufficiently educated so that they withdraw into an unnoticed background so that reflective reasoning is not always required for skilled action. This paper thus advocates a shift in pedagogical attention from the inner aspect of student mentality to the external aspect of embodied interaction between student and notional machine. This leads to a focus on the background practices by which notional machines are intelligible as models of computation, and explicitly teaching these practices so that students can better leverage the benefits of notional machines to learn how to program a computer.
Arterial Mucosal Linear Enhancement at Contrast-enhanced MRI to Exclude Residual Tumor after Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy and Radiation Therapy for Rectal Cancer
Authors: Miao Gengyun , Liu Liheng , Liu Jingjing , Zeng Mengsu
Published: August 2024

Mucosal linear enhancement at arterial-phase contrast-enhanced MRI combined with negative lymph node metastasis status after neoadjuvant chemotherapy and radiation therapy for rectal cancer showed good performance in identifying pathologic complete response.
Quantification of Aortic Valve Fibrotic and Calcific Tissue from CTA: Prospective Comparison with Histology
Authors: Grodecki Kajetan , Olasińska-Wiśniewska Anna , Cyran Agata , Urbanowicz Tomasz , Kwieciński Jacek , Geers Jolien , Tamarappoo Balaji K. , Perek Bartłomiej , Gocoł Radosław , Nawara-Skipirzepa Joanna , Jemielity Marek , Kochman Janusz , Wojakowski Wojciech , Górnicka Barbara , Slomka Piotr J. , Jilaihawi Hasan , Makkar Raj R. , Huczek Zenon , Dey Damini
Published: August 2024

In participants with aortic stenosis, semiautomated quantification of aortic valve fibrotic and calcific tissue composition at CT angiography showed excellent concordance with histologic findings and demonstrated interobserver reproducibility.
A lentiviral toolkit to monitor airway epithelial cell differentiation using bioluminescence
Authors: Orr Jessica C. , Laali Asma , Durrenberger Pascal F. , Lazarus Kyren A. , El Mdawar Marie-Belle , Janes Sam M. , Hynds Robert E.
Published: August 2024

Orr et al. generated and validated new lentiviral vectors to monitor the differentiation of airway basal cells, goblet cells, or multiciliated cells using bioluminescence.
Dissecting the lung transcriptome of pulmonary fibrosis-associated pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Brownstein Adam J. , Mura Marco , Ruffenach Gregoire , Channick Richard N. , Saggar Rajan , Kim Airie , Umar Soban , Eghbali Mansoureh , Yang Xia , Hong Jason
Published: August 2024

An integrative systems biology approach that included transcriptomic analysis of explanted lung tissue from patients with pulmonary fibrosis (PF) with and without pulmonary hypertension (PH) undergoing lung transplantation, combined with hemodynamic correlation and pharmacotranscriptomics, identified modules of genes associated with pulmonary vascular disease severity. Comparison with an independent pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) dataset identified shared gene expression patterns between PAH and PF-PH.
Charting the Molecular Terrain of Exercise: Energetics, Exerkines, and the Future of Multiomic Mapping
Authors: Katz Daniel H. , Lindholm Maléne E. , Ashley Euan A.
Published: August 2024

Physical activity plays a fundamental role in human health and disease. Exercise has been shown to improve a wide variety of disease states, and the scientific community is committed to understanding the precise molecular mechanisms that underlie the exquisite benefits. This review provides an overview of molecular responses to acute exercise and chronic training, particularly energy mobilization and generation, structural adaptation, inflammation, and immune regulation. Furthermore, it offers a detailed discussion of known molecular signals and systemic regulators activated during various forms of exercise and their role in orchestrating health benefits. Critically, the increasing use of multiomic technologies is explored with an emphasis on how multiomic and multitissue studies contribute to a more profound understanding of exercise biology. These data inform anticipated future advancement in the field and highlight the prospect of integrating exercise with pharmacology for personalized disease prevention and treatment.
Evaluation of Virtual Commerce Applications for the Metaverse Using Spherical Linear Diophantine‐Based Modeling Approach
Authors: Bilquise Ghazala , Shaalan Khaled , AlKhatib Manar
Published: August 2024

The rise of the metaverse has ignited a surge of interest among researchers and decision‐makers, seeking to develop effective virtual commerce (v‐commerce) applications that cater to business demands and customer preferences. v‐commerce, an emerging concept, redefines the future of shopping experiences and customer‐product interactions. While businesses are actively exploring the potential of immersive technologies to deliver captivating and engaging shopping experiences, there remains a lack of consensus on what constitutes an ideal v‐commerce experience and how to identify optimal v‐commerce stores effectively. Considering this, benchmarking v‐commerce applications for the metaverse is crucial for its development. This endeavor falls within the realm of multiple‐criteria decision‐making, given various critical issues such as the multitude of design attributes, uncertainty regarding their relative importance, and data variability. This study proposes an innovative approach that extends the fuzzy‐weighted zero‐inconsistency (FWZIC) method with spherical linear Diophantine fuzzy sets (FSs) (SLDFSs) to determine the weights of v‐commerce attributes. The obtained weights are integrated with the ranking alternatives by trace median index (RATMI) method to select the optimal v‐commerce application for the metaverse. Criterion weighting results reveal that “ease of navigation” and “recommendation agents” are the most significant criteria in assessing v‐commerce solutions. Based on these results, 24 v‐commerce solutions were evaluated. Additionally, sensitivity analysis and comparative evaluation were used to assess the robustness and validity of the proposed framework. This research provides essential insights for decision‐makers and practitioners to facilitate business growth, consumer satisfaction, and further research in this domain.
Centrifuge Experiment on Capture Performance of Open‐Type Sabo Dam with Its Numerical Analysis
Authors: Lyu Gaoyuan , Hirooka Akihiko , Kiyokuni Hajime
Published: August 2024

Open‐type Sabo dam captures the advantage of solids mitigating the potential energy of fluids, but the disadvantage is that a small amount of debris flow passes through the dam, the reason for this comes from the grid size of the dam, the inclination angle of the dam, the stone size among the debris flow, etc. This study aims to investigate the influence of the inclination angle on the capture performance of the open‐type Sabo dam. A model experiment is conducted based on the centrifuge machine. Three open‐type Sabo dam models reflecting different inclination angles of 0° (vertical form), 20°, and 40° are used to capture the debris flow. The concentration of the large particle (CLP) for the debris flow configuration is set to 20% and 33%, respectively. The experimental results indicate that the open‐type Sabo dam with 0° inclination angle has the best capture rate, 93%–94%. An increase in inclination decreases the capture rate for debris flows. A 40° inclination angle decreases the capture rate by 2%–8%, and this decrease is exacerbated by an increase in CLP of the debris flow. Additionally, the smoothed‐particle hydrodynamics–distributed contact distinct element method (SPH–DCDEM) has a good reproduction for the experimental result of the capture rate, with an error of 12%–25%.
Correction of Peri‐Implant Soft Tissue Fenestration With Bony Dehiscence Associated With Intrabony Defect: A 2‐Year Case Report
Authors: Sangkhamanee Sujiwan Seubbuk , Teparat-Burana Thitiwan
Published: August 2024

Soft and hard tissue deficiencies around dental implants which can potentially compromise implant survival are commonly encountered. Complicated interventions are often required to address and resolve combinations of soft and hard tissue defects. This case report describes the management of peri‐implant soft tissue fenestration accompanied by bony dehiscence associated with intrabony defect through soft tissue modification. A 51‐year‐old female was referred to the Periodontics and Oral Medicine Clinic with labial soft tissue fenestration at the maxillary left canine implant‐supported crown. The patient complained of discomfort and malodor at the implant site. The implant showed mucosal fenestration and 6 mm probing depth (PD) with profuse bleeding at the distolabial site without mobility. A cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) demonstrated labial bony dehiscence associated with a 5.56‐mm intrabony defect at mesial and distal surfaces. The implant was diagnosed as peri‐implantitis with soft tissue deficiency. The treatment comprised oral hygiene instruction, debridement of the implant and all natural teeth, and mucogingival surgery with free connective tissue graft by the envelope technique. Two weeks after debridement, the mucosal margin of the implant disappeared, presenting soft tissue dehiscence of 4 × 4 mm. Mucogingival surgery was performed 3 weeks later. A 2‐year follow‐up revealed a stable mucosal margin with PD ranged 2–4 mm. In conclusion, modification of the soft tissue thickness around the implant together with excellent plaque control by the patient successfully maintained peri‐implant health.
Radiological Safety Assessment for Deep Geological Disposal of High‐Level Radioactive Waste
Authors: Jang Jiseon , Jeong Mi-Seon , Yoon Hyungjoo , Lee Jeong-Hwan , Jung Haeryong , Cho Chun-Hyung , Lim Youngsu , Kim Bolam , Lee Dae Sung
Published: August 2024

The radiological safety assessment of high‐level radioactive waste (HLW) deep geological disposal facilities is essential for ensuring responsible and sustainable nuclear waste management. This study aims to develop a radionuclide transport model using the GoldSim code to simulate radionuclide release from spent nuclear fuel, facilitating the safety assessment of HLW deep geological disposal. Two types of reference South Korea’s pressurized water reactor spent nuclear fuels (PWR SNFs), namely PLUS7 and ACE7, were utilized to calculate the radioactive inventory. Due to the absence of a high‐level waste disposal site in Korea, conservative input parameter values were adopted from the relevant literature for the conceptual modeling component. The radiological safety assessment indicated that the reference Korea’s PWR SNFs did not exceed 1 mSv/year, even lower than South Korea’s natural background rate (2.4 mSv/year). Both C‐14 and I‐129 were identified as the primary contributors to the total exposure dose compared to other radionuclides, and a sensitivity analysis was conducted for these radionuclides. The investigation into the influence of distribution coefficients (Kd) of C‐14 and I‐129 in the buffer and the host rock revealed that the radiological peak dose rate is more affected by the buffer than the host rock. Buffer sorption in the near field was found to significantly reduce the equivalent exposure dose. Overall, this study’s findings can inform the establishment of conditions for deep geological disposal and provide quantitative analysis methods using GoldSim for the crucial long‐term safety evaluation of a high‐level waste repository.
Impact of rs599839 Polymorphism on Coronary Artery Disease Risk in Saudi Diabetic Patients
Authors: Bogari Neda M. , Babalghith Ahmad O. , Azher Zohor Asaad , Mufti Ahmad Hasan , Bouazzaoui Abdellatif , Banni Hussain , Madkhali Abdulelah Awaji , Alahmadi Ahmed , Allam Reem M.
Published: August 2024

Background. Coronary artery diseases may be affected by several genetic and nongenetic factors. Single‐nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs599839 and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) can affect the occurrence and severity of coronary artery disease (CAD). Methods. Our aim was to investigate how T2DM and the rs599839 variant affected serum lipid levels and the degree of CAD patients’ coronary artery stenosis. rs599839 polymorphism genotyping was done on Saudi patients with coronary angiography performed previously. Patients enrolled were divided into group A (360 DM patients), group B (225 DM patients with CAD), and group C (190 healthy volunteers as control). Results. Individuals with diabetes and CAD who possessed the GG genotype in rs599839 exhibited markedly reduced means of total cholesterol (TC), low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C), and triglycerides (TG; 224.5, 116.2, and 221.4 versus 251.6, 131.3, and 261.7 mg/dl, p = 0.003, 0.007, and 0.025, respectively) than AA genotype. The odds ratio and the confidence interval of 95% for G allele carriers of rs599839 were OR = 0.62, 95% CI: 0.41–0.82, and p = 0.003, among diabetic patients with CAD. Conclusions. In patients with diabetic CAD, the locus 1p13.3 polymorphism rs599839 was found to be substantially correlated with serum lipid levels. Furthermore, among Saudi patients with diabetes, the G allele of rs599839 variant lowers the CAD risk.
Reproductive Biology of Black Jewfish (Protonibea diacanthus) off the East Coast of Australia
Authors: Williams Samuel M. , Mitchell Jonathan D. , Brunjes Naomi L. , Leahy Susannah , Barnett Adam , Middleton Heather , Whitehead Darryl L.
Published: August 2024

The black jewfish (Protonibea diacanthus) occurs in tropical coastal waters throughout the central Indo‐Pacific. It has long been valued as an important recreational and artisanal fishery species but has become increasingly targeted by commercial fisheries due to demand for its large swim bladder. To better understand how changes in fishing pressure may impact the sustainable exploitation of P. diacanthus populations throughout Eastern Australia, we evaluated the reproductive biology of the species across two management regions in Central Queensland. Reproductive characteristics studied included the size at maturity, fecundity, spawning mode, and season. Spawning periodicity was evaluated throughout the two major management regions and revealed an increase in the gonadosomatic index during the early austral spring, followed by evidence of spawning occurring from September through March with a peak from September to November. Females were found to produce ∼4.5 million ± 1.4 million oocytes (mean ± SE) per batch. Spawning periodicity did not vary latitudinally but was found to differ from other regions in northern Australia. The present study provides reliable maturity and fecundity information to improve future assessment and sustainable management of P. diacanthus.
Prosthetic Complications of Single Screw‐Retained Implant‐Supported Metal–Ceramic Fixed Prostheses: A Retrospective Observational Study
Authors: Palma-Carrió Cristina , Macconi Andrea , Rubert-Aparici Andrea , Vidal-Peiró Paula , Menéndez-Nieto Isabel , Blaya-Tárraga Juan Antonio
Published: August 2024

Purpose. To analyze prosthetic complications of single screw‐retained implant‐supported metal–ceramic fixed prostheses (SSIMCFPs). Materials and Methods. A total of 457 medical records of patients treated with implants at the University Dental Clinic of the European University of Valencia from 2016 to 2022 were reviewed. Of the 335 SSIMCFPs evaluated, 222 were included. The following data were collected from medical records: age, sex, prosthesis location, implant diameter, type of antagonist, date of prosthesis placement, type of prosthetic complications, and the date of the occurrence of complications. Statistical analysis was estimated at the patient level with a simple binary logistic regression and at the prosthesis level, a simple logistic regression with generalized estimating equation models (p  < 0.05). Results. A total of 222 SSIMCFPs were placed in 159 patients. The prevalence of complications was 23.3% at the patient level, equivalent to 21.6% of SSIMCFPs. A total of 48 complications were collected; screw loosening was the most frequent complication (16.2%), followed by ceramic fracture (3.1%), screw fracture (1.8%), and implant fracture (0.5%). There were no cases of abutment fracture. The mean time of the loosening of the screw was 10.5 months and ceramic fractures at 6.9 months. The factors that most influenced the occurrence of prosthetic complications were posterior position (p  < 0.001), implant diameter from 3.5 to 4.8 mm (p  < 0.01), and lower arch position (p  < 0.05). Conclusions. The most frequent complication of SSIMCFP was loosening of the screw followed by ceramic fracture. The appearance of these complications usually occurred during the first year after SSIMCFP placement. Factors related to the occurrence of complications were mandibular posterior location and implant diameter from 3.5 to 4.8 mm.
B-type Plexins Regulate Mitosis via RanGTPase
Authors: Mukhwana Nicholus , Garg Ritu , Azad Abul , Mitchell Alexandria R. , Williamson Magali
Published: August 2024

Aberrant mitosis can result in aneuploidy and cancer. The small GTPase, Ras-related nuclear protein (Ran), is a key regulator of mitosis. B-type plexins regulate Ran activity by acting as RanGTPase-activating proteins and have been implicated in cancer progression. However, whether B-type plexins have a role in mitosis has not so far been investigated. We show here that Plexin B1 functions in the control of mitosis. Depletion of Plexin B1 affects mitotic spindle assembly, significantly delaying anaphase. This leads to mitotic catastrophe in some cells and prolonged application of the spindle assembly checkpoint. Plexin B1 depletion also promoted acentrosomal microtubule nucleation and defects in spindle pole refocusing and increased the number of cells with multipolar or aberrant mitotic spindles. An increase in lagging chromosomes or chromosomal bridges at anaphase was also found upon Plexin B1 depletion. Plexin B1 localizes to the mitotic spindle in dividing cells. The mitotic defects observed upon Plexin B1 depletion were rescued by an RCC1 inhibitor, indicating that Plexin B1 signals, via Ran, to affect mitosis. These errors in mitosis generated multinucleate cells and nuclei of altered morphology and abnormal karyotype. Furthermore, semaphorin 4D treatment increased the percentage of cells with micronuclei, precursors of chromothripsis.

Implications: Defects in B-type plexins may contribute to the well-established role of plexins in cancer progression by inducing chromosomal instability.
Tumor-Associated Antigen Burden Correlates with Immune Checkpoint Blockade Benefit in Tumors with Low Levels of T-cell Exhaustion
Authors: Wang Yue , Hu Mengying , Finn Olivera J. , Wang Xiao-Song
Published: August 2024

Tumor-associated antigens (TAA) are important targets for cancer vaccines. However, TAA-based vaccines have not yet achieved their full potential in clinical trials. In contrast, immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) has emerged as an effective therapy, leading to durable responses in selected patients with cancer. To date, few generalizable associations between TAAs and ICB benefit have been reported, with most studies focusing on melanoma, which has the highest mutation rate in cancer. In this study, we developed a TAA burden (TAB) algorithm based on known and putative TAAs and investigated the association of TAB with ICB benefit. Analysis of the IMvigor210 patient cohort of urothelial carcinoma treated with anti-PDL1 revealed that high tumor mutation burden weakened the association of TAB with ICB benefit. Furthermore, TAB correlated with ICB efficacy in tumors characterized by negative PDL1 staining on immune cells; however, high levels of PDL1 staining on immune cells were linked to T-cell exhaustion. Validation across independent clinical datasets—including urothelial carcinoma cohorts treated with anti-PD1/PDL1 agents and neoadjuvant anti-PD1 trials for head and neck cancers—corroborated the finding that TAB correlates with ICB benefit in tumors with low T-cell exhaustion. Pan-cancer analyses revealed that in most cancer entities, tumors with higher T-cell exhaustion exhibited lower TAB levels, implying possible immunoediting of TAAs in tumors with established antitumor immunity. Our study challenges the prevailing notion of a lack of association between TAAs and ICB response. It also underscores the need for future investigations into the immunogenicity of TAAs and TAA-based vaccine strategies in tumors with low levels of T-cell exhaustion.
Figure S2 from BRCA Status Dictates Wnt Responsiveness in Epithelial Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Chehade Hussein , Gogoi Radhika , Adzibolosu Nicholas K. , Galoforo Sandra , Fehmi Rouba-Ali , Kheil Mira , Fox Alexandra , Kim Seongho , Rattan Ramandeep , Hou Zhanjun , Morris Robert T. , Matherly Larry H. , Mor Gil , Alvero Ayesha B.
Published: August 2024

Chord diagrams of top 10 differentially regulated Pathways and involved DEGs in BRCA2mt vs HRwt
Figure 4 from mTORC1-Driven Protein Translation Correlates with Clinical Benefit of Capivasertib within a Genetically Preselected Cohort of PIK3CA-Altered Tumors
Authors: Sobsey Constance A. , Froehlich Bjoern C. , Mitsa Georgia , Ibrahim Sahar , Popp Robert , Zahedi Rene P. , de Bruin Elza C. , Borchers Christoph H. , Batist Gerald
Published: August 2024

Schematic depicting proteins and pathways differently regulated in capivasertib-resistant cancers, as observed in patient tumors and breast cancer cell lines. Proteins with expression changes confirmed (FC > 1.3; P < 0.1) by MRM-MS data in cell lines are shown in red (increased), dark gray (no change), and green (decreased). Proteins with expression data from LFQ in patient tumor samples are shown in dark orange (increased) and dark blue (decreased). Light orange (activated) and light blue (inhibited) indicate proteins with predicted activity changes based on pathway analysis of the LFQ data. Proteins with no expression data are shown in light gray. (Figure Created with BioRender.com.)
Figure 1 from BRCA Status Dictates Wnt Responsiveness in Epithelial Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Chehade Hussein , Gogoi Radhika , Adzibolosu Nicholas K. , Galoforo Sandra , Fehmi Rouba-Ali , Kheil Mira , Fox Alexandra , Kim Seongho , Rattan Ramandeep , Hou Zhanjun , Morris Robert T. , Matherly Larry H. , Mor Gil , Alvero Ayesha B.
Published: August 2024

Transcriptomic differences between patients with BRCA1mt, BRCA2mt, and HRwt ovarian cancer. RNA-seq was performed on patients with HRwt (n = 375), BRCA1mt (n = 16), and BRCA2mt (n = 15) ovarian cancer. A, Volcano plots showing the distribution of DEGs (P = 0.05; FC > 1.5) in the compared groups as indicated. B, Venn diagram of DEGs in each of the groups compared showing 163 genes unique to BRCA2mt tumors. C, Venn diagram of differentially regulated pathways in each of the groups compared showing six pathways unique to BRCA2mt tumors compared with BRCA1mt and HRwt; these six pathways are shown in D.
No Yellow Fever Vaccine Reactions in IgE-Mediated Egg Allergic Patients
Authors: Ramírez-Giraldo Ruth-Helena , Giraldo-Avila Paola-Andrea , Calle Ana-Maria , Santamaria Luis-Carlos , Sánchez Jorge
Published: August 2024

Introduction: Egg allergy usually manifests during the initial 2 years of life, a period in which most vaccinations are administered. This often leads to delays in the application of some vaccines in patients with egg allergies, exposing them to a risk of contracting preventable infections. The aim of the study was to describe the frequency of reactions after applying the yellow fever vaccine (YFV) within a population with egg allergy. Methods: This was a cohort study with retrospective, multicenter data (2014–2023). Patient records diagnosed with egg allergy were gathered from their initial egg-related reactions until their YFV administration. Information was also collected about hypersensitivity tests conducted for egg and YFV such as the skin prick test (SPT) and intradermal test (IDT). Results: Among the 171 records analyzed, 23.9% of patients had a history of egg anaphylaxis. Out of these, 5 patients had a positive SPT and 21 IDT with the YFV. All patients tolerated the application of YFV without developing hypersensitivity reactions, regardless of the results of the YFV tests, the severity of egg reactions, the number of egg reactions, or the time since the last egg reaction. Out of the total patient cohort, 46.1% (79 individuals) encountered delays in receiving the YFV, and in this subset, 14% faced delays lasting longer than 12 months. Conclusion: The risk of allergic reactions with the YFV remains low. YFV tests generate delays in the vaccine application without providing high diagnostic accuracy. YFV should not be deferred even in patients with a history of severe egg reactions.
Diagnostic Utility of Preserved Dried Umbilical Cord Polymerase Chain Reaction in Intrauterine Herpes Simplex Virus Infection: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Tsuda Yasumasa , Matsushige Takeshi , Inoue Hirofumi , Hoshide Madoka , Hamano Hiroki , Hasegawa Keiko , Moriuchi Masako , Moriuchi Hiroyuki , Hasegawa Shunji
Published: August 2024

Introduction: Intrauterine herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection is uncommon and challenging to diagnose, requiring detection of HSV in skin lesions within 48 h post-birth. Case Presentation: A preterm female infant presented with the typical triad of blisters, microcephaly, and chorioretinitis, but the initial diagnostic approach was elusive due to negative results for TORCH pathogens from vesicles/serum. Referred at 7 months for developmental delay and epilepsy, her brain imaging showed calcification and cortical dysplasia. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) of her preserved dried umbilical cord detected HSV-2 DNA, diagnosing intrauterine HSV infection. HSV-2 was later found in relapsed blisters at 8 months but not in cerebrospinal fluid or brain tissue. A literature review identified 104 congenital/intrauterine HSV cases; 28.8% presented the typical triad, and 50% were diagnosed using specimens collected 48 h post-birth. Conclusion: This case marks the first retrospective diagnosis of intrauterine HSV infection via PCR on preserved umbilical cord, underscoring its diagnostic value.
Balloon Pulmonary Angioplasty for Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Disease: Success Rate and Complications among Different Patient Populations
Authors: Fu Zhihui , Xie Wanmu , Gao Qian , Zhang Shuai , Zhang Zhu , Zhang Yunxia , Wang Dingyi , Yao Ting , Wang Jinzhi , Li Xincheng , Sun Lu , Huang Qiang , Yang Peiran , Zhai Zhenguo
Published: August 2024

Introduction: Balloon pulmonary angioplasty (BPA) is an effective intervention for patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary disease (CTEPD). We aimed to identify the patient group with a low success rate or high complication rate of BPA, which is still unclear. Methods: Both CTEPD patients with or without pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH and NoPH-CTEPD) were included. CTEPH patients were divided into groups with or without pulmonary endarterectomy (PEA-CTEPH and NoPEA-CTEPH). The efficacy and safety of BPA were compared among the groups. Results: There were 450, 66, and 41 sessions in the NoPEA-CTEPH, PEA-CTEPH, and NoPH-CTEPD groups, respectively. The success rate (≥1 degree improvement in flow grade) in the PEA-CTEPH group was 94.5%, significantly lower than that in the NoPEA-CTEPH (97.1%) and NoPH-CTEPD (98.4%) groups (p = 0.014). The percentage of complete flow recovery in treated vessels was also lower in PEA-CTEPH group. BPA-related complication rate in NoPEA-CTEPH, PEA-CTEPH, and NoPH-CTEPD patients was 6.1%, 6.0%, and 0.0%, respectively (p = 0.309). One BPA-related death occurred (solely in NoPEA-CTEPH). Mean pulmonary artery pressure ≥41.5 mm Hg was a predictor of BPA-related complications. NoPEA-CTEPH patients had more improvement in 6-min walk distance (6MWD, 87 ± 93 m NoPEA-CTEPH vs. 40 ± 43 m PEA-CTEPH vs. 18 ± 20 m NoPH-CTEPD, p = 0.012). Conclusions: BPA was safe and effective for all CTEPD groups with less improvement for the PEA-CTEPH and NoPH-CTEPD groups. The success rate of BPA was lower in the PEA-CTEPH group and the complication rate was lower in the NoPH-CTEPD group. Pre-BPA treatment to lower pulmonary artery pressure should not be overlooked in CTEPD patients.
Reduction in Renal Interstitial Fibrosis in Aged Male Mice by Intestinal Microbiota Rejuvenation
Authors: Cui Shaoyuan , Huang Qi , Li Tian , Shen Wanjun , Chen Xiangmei , Sun Xuefeng
Published: August 2024

Introduction: Renal interstitial fibrosis is an important pathological basis for kidney ageing and the progression of ageing nephropathy. In the present research, we established an aged mouse model of faecal microbiota transplantation (FMT), identified the rejuvenation features of the kidney in aged male mice, and preliminarily analysed the possible mechanism by which the rejuvenation of the intestinal microbiota reduces renal interstitial fibrosis and delays senescence in aged male mice. Methods: We established an aged male mice model that was treated with FMT (FMT-Old) and a normal aged male mice control group (Old). Differentially expressed cytokines were identified using a cytokine array, and changes in protein expression related to signal transduction pathways in renal tissues were detected using a signalling pathway array. Senescence-associated β-galactosidase and Masson staining were performed to observe the degrees of renal senescence and tubule interstitial fibrosis. Immunohistochemistry was utilized to detect changes in the expression of the ageing markers p53 and p21 and the inflammation-related protein nuclear factor (NF-κB) subunit (RelA/p65). Results: The pathological features of renal senescence in the FMT-Old group were significantly alleviated, and the levels of the ageing indicators p53 and p21 were decreased (p < 0.05). Ingenuity Pathway Analysis revealed that six differentially expressed cytokines, MIP-3β (CCL-19), E-selectin (SELE), Fas ligand (Fas L/FASLG), CXCL-11 (I-TAC), CXCL-1 and CCL-3 (MIP-1α) were related to a common upstream regulatory protein, RelA/p65, and the expression of this protein was significantly different between groups according to the signalling pathway array. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that the intestinal microbiota regulates the renal microenvironment by reducing immune inflammatory responses through the inhibition of the NF-κB signalling pathway, thereby delaying renal senescence in aged male mice.
Technology Integration in Physical Education Curriculum Implementation in the Philippines: A Scoping Review
Authors: Tolentino Julius Ceazar G. , Campo Jaslee C. , Licup Tristan O. , Lumba Edison G. , Lingat Erika G.
Published: August 2024

The approach utilized in the study is a scoping review typically employed to map existing literature on a specific topic that undergoes an in-depth analysis, focusing on concepts, gaps, and findings. This study aimed to examine the technologies integrated into PE curriculum implementation and their benefits and challenges in the educational process in the Philippines. Moreover, in the methodological process, the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) framework are used to ensure the transparency and trustworthiness of the study. Three overarching themes were identified with the in-depth analysis of the literature selected. The first theme emphasized technology utilization in curriculum implementation in PE, which emphasizes integrated technologies and online education platforms. The second theme highlighted the benefits of technological integration in PE curriculum implementation, which has seen online learning and platforms as effective tools. Literature has stated that teachers, families, and the environment greatly impact the new learning modality. The third theme covered the challenges of technological integration in PE curriculum implementation, together with the resource and environmental challenges in online education. This also concerned components impacting teachers' and students' holistic development. Furthermore, this study found that from 2020 to 2024, online learning became a tool for continuous learning as an alternative to the COVID-19 pandemic. Institutions utilized various technologies for PE to support the curriculum implementation, as some foresaw the time as a learning experience and gained new skills, while others faced hindrances and challenges in these times.
Agricultura urbana e periurbana: análise de suas particularidades em Regente Feijó/SP e em Centre Wellington/ON – Canadá
Authors: Negri Bruna Trevisan , Hespanhol Antonio Nivaldo
Published: August 2024

Urban and peri-urban agriculture (UPA) is a type of agricultural production that takes place within cities and in their surroundings. Its recognized benefits, which encompass the social, environmental and economic spheres, have made this practice increasingly popular in several countries. The objective of this article is to understand the particularities of the UPA practiced in Regente Feijó, a municipality located in the interior of the Brazilian State of São Paulo, and Centre Wellington, located in the province of Ontario, in Canada; analyzing how this type of agriculture can contribute to the improvement of food security and the local food supply of both landscapes, and contributing to the dissemination of knowledge about UPA and the elaboration and implementation of public policies that stimulate and support its development. The primary data presented in this paper were collected mainly through interviews with urban and peri-urban farmers and other key people of UPA in both municipalities. The results revealed that, despite the UPA practices of researched municipalities being different in some aspects, such as the purpose of the productions - predominantly aimed at self-consumption in Regente Feijó and at commercialization in Centre Wellington - they contribute significantly to the improvement of food security and for local food supply in both locations. In addition, it was found that, both in the area studied in Brazil and in the area examined in Canada, UPA does not receive adequate government support, which is one of the main challenges to its development.
Segurança dos alimentos, percepção de risco e estratégias de redução dos riscos percebidos: os efeitos da COVID-19 na compra de refeições via aplicativos de delivery no Brasil
Authors: Vogas Amanda Viviani , Souza Anderson Gomes de
Published: August 2024

The gastronomic services sector was one of the most affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The operations of restaurants open to the public were interrupted, having to migrate to the system of meal delivery via apps. Despite the difficulties of changing the operating model, companies in the sector had to deal with the perception of risks on the part of consumers. In view of this, this study aims to verify how the strategies to reduce perceived risks adopted by Brazilian consumers, when purchasing meals via delivery apps during the pandemic, would affect the relationship between food safety and the perception of risk inherent to this purchase means. To this end, the study adopted a conclusive, descriptive model and quantitative approach. The study design was single cross-sectional, and the sample was selected using the non-probabilistic technique of snowball sampling. The data was obtained through an online survey, distributed via Instagram and WhatsApp, resulting in a total sample of 2,029 valid cases. The analysis was carried out using multiple linear regression, the results of which showed that the high perception of risk in relation to purchasing meals online generated greater concern among consumers regarding food safety. Furthermore, it was clear that the adoption of strategies to reduce perceived risks resulted in a weakening of the relationship between consumer safety regarding food purchased via delivery apps and the perception of risks in relation to purchasing meals online.
Blood-Brain Barrier Integrity Decreases With Higher Blood Pressure: A 7T DCE-MRI Study
Authors: van den Kerkhof Marieke , de Jong Joost J.A. , Voorter Paulien H.M. , Postma Alida A. , Kroon Abraham A. , van Oostenbrugge Robert J. , Jansen Jacobus F.A. , Backes Walter H.
Published: August 2024

BACKGROUND:

Blood-brain barrier (BBB) integrity is presumed to be impaired in hypertension, resulting from cerebral endothelial dysfunction. Hypertension precedes various cerebrovascular diseases, such as cerebral small vessel disease, and is a risk factor for developing neurodegenerative diseases for which BBB disruption is a preceding pathophysiological process. In this cross-sectional study, we investigated the relation between hypertension, current blood pressure, and BBB leakage in human subjects.

METHODS:

BBB leakage was determined in 22 patients with hypertension and 19 age- and sex-matched normotensive controls (median age [range], 65 [45–80] years; 19 men) using a sparsely time-sampled contrast-enhanced 7T magnetic resonance imaging protocol. Structural cerebral small vessel disease markers were visually rated. Multivariable regression analyses, adjusted for age, sex, cardiovascular risk factors, and cerebral small vessel disease markers, were performed to determine the relation between hypertension status, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, mean arterial pressure, drug treatment, and BBB leakage.

RESULTS:

Both hypertensive and normotensive participants showed mild scores of cerebral small vessel disease. BBB leakage did not differ between hypertensive and normotensive participants; however, it was significantly higher for systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and mean arterial pressure in the cortex, and diastolic blood pressure and mean arterial pressure in the gray matter. Effectively treated patients showed less BBB leakage than those with current hypertension.

CONCLUSIONS:

BBB integrity in the total and cortical gray matter decreases with increasing blood pressure but is not related to hypertension status. These findings show that BBB disruption already occurs with increasing blood pressure, before the presence of overt cerebral tissue damage. Additionally, our results suggest that effective antihypertensive medication has a protective effect on the BBB.

REGISTRATION:

URL:
https://trialsearch.who.int/
; Unique identifier: NL7537.
Update on Low-Renin Hypertension: Current Understanding and Future Direction
Authors: Shah Sonali S. , Fuller Peter J. , Young Morag J. , Yang Jun
Published: August 2024

Low-renin hypertension is common and affects 1 in 4 people with hypertension. Understanding the different causes and management of low-renin hypertension is becoming increasingly relevant as renin measurements are more widely ordered in clinical practice. Importantly, many people with low-renin hypertension do not fit traditional definitions of known causes, and the approach to management of these people is not unclear. This review provides an overview of our evolving understanding of the causes of low-renin hypertension, the expanding spectrums of pathophysiology, key differentiating characteristics, distinct management strategies, and highlights our knowledge gaps. It is important to distinguish the underlying pathophysiology of an individual with low-renin hypertension to individualize treatment.
Home Blood Pressure Variability Risk Prediction Score for Cardiovascular Disease Using Data From the J-HOP Study
Authors: Kario Kazuomi , Kanegae Hiroshi , Okawara Yukie , Tomitani Naoko , Hoshide Satoshi
Published: August 2024

BACKGROUND:

Home blood pressure (BP) is more closely associated with cardiovascular event risk than office BP, but cardiovascular risk prediction based on home BP variability is lacking. This study developed a simple cardiovascular event prediction score, including home BP variability data, from the J-HOP study (Japan Morning Surge-Home Blood Pressure).

METHODS:

The J-HOP study extended follow-up from December 2017 to May 2018 generated the study data set (4231 patients). Cardiovascular events included fatal/nonfatal stroke (n=94), coronary heart disease (n=124), heart failure (n=42), and aortic dissection (n=8). Cox proportional hazards models were used to predict overall cardiovascular risk. Potential covariates included age, sex, body mass index, smoking, history of diabetes, statin use, history of cardiovascular disease, total cholesterol:high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio, office systolic BP (SBP), mean of morning-evening average (MEave), home SBP, and average real variability of MEave home SBP. A risk score and models were constructed, and model performance was assessed.

RESULTS:

Model performance was best when average real variability of MEave SBP was included (C statistic, 0.760). The risk score assigns points for age (5-year bands), sex, cardiovascular disease history, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, mean MEave home SBP, and average real variability of MEave home SBP. Estimated 10-year cardiovascular risk ranged from ≤0.6% (score ≤0) to >32% (score ≥26). Calibration 2 statistics values for the model (2.66) and risk score (5.29) indicated excellent goodness of fit.

CONCLUSIONS:

This simple cardiovascular disease prediction algorithm, including day-by-day home BP variability, could be used as part of a home BP–centered approach to hypertension management in clinical practice.
Elevated Risk of Stroke in Young Adults After Traumatic Brain Injury: A Nationwide Study of 1 Million Individuals
Authors: Choi Yoonjeong , Jeon Jooeun , Ha Eun Jin , Kim Chi Kyung , Seo Han Gil , Oh Byung‐Mo , Leigh Ja‐Ho
Published: August 2024

Background

Although stroke is commonly perceived as occurring in older adults, traumatic brain injury, one of the risk factors for stroke, is a leading cause of death in the younger adults. This study evaluated stroke risk in young‐to‐middle‐aged adults based on traumatic brain injury severity and stroke subtypes.

Methods and Results

For this retrospective, population‐based, cohort study, data of adults aged 18 to 49 years who were diagnosed with traumatic brain injury were obtained from the Korean National Health Insurance Service between 2010 and 2017. Traumatic brain injury history was measured based on the
International Classification of Diseases
,
Tenth Revision (ICD‐10)
, codes. Posttraumatic brain injury stroke risk was analyzed using a time‐dependent Cox regression model. At baseline, 518423 patients with traumatic brain injury and 518 423 age‐ and sex‐matched controls were included. The stroke incidence rate per 1000 person‐years was 3.82 in patients with traumatic brain injury and 1.61 in controls. Stroke risk was approximately 1.89 times as high in patients with traumatic brain injury (hazard ratio, 1.89 [95% CI, 1.84–1.95]). After excluding stroke cases that occurred within 12 months following traumatic brain injury, these significant associations remained. In the subgroup analysis, patients with brain injury other than concussion had an approximately 9.34‐fold risk of intracerebral hemorrhage than did the controls.

Conclusions

Stroke prevention should be a priority even in young‐to‐middle‐aged adult patients with traumatic brain injury. Managing stroke risk factors through regular health checkups and modifying health‐related behaviors is necessary to prevent stroke.
Participating in Polycentric Climate Governance: The Partnership Choices of Latin American NGOs
Authors: Tosun Jale , Levario Saad Emiliano , Gutiérrez Denise
Published: August 2024

We build on research on polycentric climate governance and the strategic behavior of nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) to assess the factors that determine the partnership choices of climate NGOs. More precisely, we are interested in how these factors relate to the type of governance actors and the governance scale at which their partners operate. We concentrate on 195 NGOs based in twenty-one Latin American countries. Our hypotheses postulate that the perceived benefits are shaped by both country-level factors and NGO-specific factors. Our network analysis reveals that the NGOs have formed networks with different types of organizations, which are located at different scales of the polycentric governance system. The findings of our regression models show that these factors especially explain the governance scale at which the NGOs’ partners operate. The explanatory power of the models is lower for the types of actors with which the NGOs form partnerships, indicating the need for further theorizing.