bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Automated vision-based bolt loosening detection and localization for operating hydraulic turbine rotors
Authors: Meng Yang , Lei Wenyang , Yuan Fang , Yi Tongqiang , Shi Yongjie , Ke Yiming , Guo Jiang , Wu Tao
Published: January 2025

Turbine rotors are susceptible to bolt loosening and detachment due to factors such as vibration, stress concentration, and material degradation during the prolonged operation of hydropower units. These issues can result in significant safety incidents and economic losses. This article presents a novel vision-based automatic detection method for identifying loose bolts in turbine rotors by analyzing the angle between marking lines on the top surfaces of studs and nuts. The proposed method integrates enhanced you only look once version 8 (YOLOv8) for object detection, DeepSORT for multitarget tracking, DeepLabV3+ for image segmentation, and Theil-Sen estimation for line fitting. This approach effectively locates loose bolts on the rotor and determines the loosening angle. Experiments were conducted during the commissioning of a large hydroelectric unit, yielding results that demonstrate an average loosening angle calculation error 0.633°. With a loosening threshold established at 2°, the method achieves a detection accuracy of 98.88%. The proposed method does not depend on the historical states of the bolts and provides precise identification of bolt loosening angle up to 180°, thereby making it suitable for application to operating turbine rotors.
Dynamics of VEGF-А, Аngiopoietin-2 and HIF-1α Levels in Patients with Brain Metastases Treated with Cyberknife Radiosurgery
Authors: Popov Veselin , Raycheva Gabriela , Grudeva-Popova Zhanet
Published: January 2025

The contemporary concept of carcinogenesis summarizes the role of hypoxia, neoangiogenesis, and hemostasis, including in the stage of progression and metastasis of the tumor process. Metastatic disease is a serious therapeutic challenge for any oncological condition. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the dynamics of specific indicators of neoangiogenesis and hypoxia as potential biomarkers for therapeutic efficacy or risk of disease progression in patients with brain metastases (BM) undergoing robotic stereotactic radiosurgery. Two groups of patients (lung cancer and other types of cancers) with oligometastatic disease and brain metastases were included. The patients (n = 66) were treated CyberKnife system. Human Angiopoietin-2, Hypoxia inducible factor 1 α (HIF-1α) and human Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor-А (VEGF-А) were measured in this prospective longitudinal study. Analysis of human Angiopoietin-2, HIF-1α, human VEGF-A in the post-treatment period showed a statistically significant decrease between the baseline and the 6 months post-treatment time point in both patient groups. The baseline value of serum VEGF-А in the group with lung cancer decreased by 40%, Аngiopoietin-2-by 48%, HIF-1α –by 43%. In the group with other types of cancers, VEGF-А decreased by 54.75%, Аngiopoietin-2–by 52%, HIF-1α –by 39.5%. Despite the significant reduction, the levels remained significantly higher in both groups than in healthy controls. This study underscores the potential of integrating molecular markers like VEGF-A, Angiopoietin-2, and HIF-1α into clinical decision-making to enhance outcomes for patients with brain metastases undergoing RSRS.
Mobile health delivered physical activity after mild stroke or transient ischemic attack: Is it feasible and acceptable?
Authors: Thurston Charlotte , Humphries Sophia , Bezuidenhout Lucian , Johansson Sverker , Holmlund Lisa , von Koch Lena , English Coralie , Moulaee Conradsson David
Published: January 2025

Background and aims:

Physical activity is a key component of secondary stroke prevention. Mobile health (mHealth) interventions show promise for enhancing post-stroke physical activity, but most studies have combined mHealth with onsite services. This study evaluated the feasibility and acceptability of a fully digitalized mHealth intervention for physical activity among individuals post-stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA) in Sweden.

Methods:

In this two-arm feasibility randomized controlled trial, adults with stroke or TIA were randomized to one of the following 6-month interventions: (1) the experiment group, receiving mHealth-delivered supervised exercise (two sessions weekly during months 1 to 3, one session weekly during months 4 to 6) and behavioral change techniques for physical activity (including two individual counseling and six follow-up sessions) or (2) the control group, receiving two mHealth-delivered individual counseling and three follow-up sessions. Feasibility (reach, retention, adherence, fidelity, safety) and acceptability were assessed according to pre-specified progression criteria.

Results:

Of 114 participants, 105 (92%) completed the 6-month intervention and 102 (89%) completed the 12-month follow-up assessment. The intervention reached individuals from 20 of 21 Swedish regions. Sixty-eight percent of participants had a stroke (of which 96% were mild), 64% were female, and the average age was 71 years (standard deviation = 9). Ninety-five percent were born in Sweden, had a high level of education (61%), and an average daily step count of 6451 steps. Completion of outcome measures included digital questionnaires (98%), sensor-derived physical activity (92%), and blood pressure monitoring (97%). A total of 1781 supervised exercise sessions were delivered to the experiment group, with an adherence rate of 76%, and adherence to individual counseling and follow-up sessions was 96%. Ninety-five adverse events were recorded, of which 16 were related to the intervention (predominantly pain or muscle soreness) but non-serious. Overall satisfaction with the mobile app was 71%, and 76% of the experiment group believed the app could partly replicate in-person visits.

Conclusion:

The mHealth intervention was overall feasible and acceptable; however, there is a need to develop recruitment procedures to increase diversity of included participants regarding socioeconomic status and physical activity level, prior to a phase 3 trial.

Trial Registration:

ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05111951).
Developing skill within the context of a Game-Based Approach
Authors: Barrett Luke , Kinnerk Paul , Kearney Philip E.
Published: January 2025

Limited research has examined continued skill development in adult high-performance sport. In addition, while game-based approaches emphasise the concurrent development of technical excellence and tactical nous, there is a lack of clarity in relation to how coaches develop skill within a games-based approach. As such, this paper explored coaches’ understanding of skill and their approaches to the development of skill within high-performance cohorts through a game-based approach. Individual, semi-structured interviews were conducted with eight coaches with experience coaching at the highest level of Gaelic football; these coaches self-identified as adhering to a game-based approach, albeit not to a particular framework. Reflexive thematic analysis was applied to the resulting transcripts. The analysis identified two key challenges coaches faced in relation to skill development through a game-based approach: competing priorities for coaches in relation to team preparation within training sessions, compounded by competing priorities for players in terms of athletic development outside of training sessions. Despite these competing priorities, the coaches endorsed skill development as an important function of the high-performance coach and reported a sophisticated definition of skill. The coaches described a variety of activities which were used to support players’ development of skill, consistent with their espoused games-based approach to coaching. However, more sophisticated game design, better integration of unopposed activities and games, developing player self-regulatory skills and enhanced coherence between coaches appear to be ways in which skill development could be enhanced to address the challenges coaches identified and maximise the benefits of employing a game-based approach.
Clarity unveiled: A journey through time in cataract surgery
Authors: Bates Ann
Published: January 2025

This historical research article offers a comprehensive examination of the evolution of cataract surgery from ancient practices to modern innovations. The historical trajectory of cataract treatment will be explored, beginning with ancient techniques such as couching in ancient civilisations and progressing through critical milestones in surgical advancement. The research delves into the challenges faced by early practitioners, the emergence of novel techniques and the pivotal contributions of pioneering surgeons throughout history. From the rudimentary procedures of antiquity to the sophisticated technologies of the present day, the journey through time reveals medical professionals’ remarkable ingenuity and perseverance in their quest to restore vision and improve the quality of life for patients afflicted by cataracts. Drawing upon historical sources, medical texts and scholarly research, this article provides insights into the social, cultural and technological factors that shaped the development of cataract surgery over millennia. It also examines the impact of crucial innovations such as extracapsular and intracapsular extraction, the advent of intraocular lens implants and the introduction of minimally invasive surgical techniques. Moreover, this research highlights the transformative effect of cataract surgery on individuals and societies from the ancient to the modern era. Hopefully, this research offers a compelling narrative of human ingenuity, scientific progress and the quest for clarity in treating cataracts.
Antidopaminergic medications in Huntington's disease
Authors: Tan Andrew M , Geva Michal , Goldberg Y Paul , Schuring Henk , Sanson Bernd-Jan , Rosser Anne , Raymond Lynn , Reilmann Ralf , Hayden Michael R , Anderson Karen
Published: January 2025

Huntington's disease (HD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder marked by motor, cognitive, and behavioral impairments. Antidopaminergic medications (ADMs), such as VMAT2 inhibitors and antipsychotics, are commonly used to manage HD motor disturbances and behavioral disorders. For patients and caregivers, ADMs are an important tool for managing symptoms that negatively affect daily life. However, the impact of ADM use in HD is not firmly understood due to a lack of robust, systematic studies that assessed their overall effect on HD disease. A mounting body of evidence suggests these medications may be associated with worse clinical measures of cognitive function and functional impairment. While regulatory guidelines highlight adverse effects like sedation, cognitive dysfunction, and extrapyramidal symptoms, it is unclear whether ADMs directly impact disease progression or if the side effects mimic or exacerbate measures of HD symptoms in clinical trials. Given ADM effects on the central nervous system and biological uncertainty within HD outcomes, clinical trial designs should recognize the impact of ADMs on key outcomes, as measured by acceptable scales including Total Functional Capacity, Stoop Word Reading, Symbol Digit Modality Test, and the composite Unified Huntington's Disease Rating Scale. The development of novel HD interventions requires consideration of concomitant ADM use that may influence measures of disease presentation. In this review, we highlight the role of ADMs in HD management, their symptomatic benefits and potential risks, especially with high dose associated side effects, interactions with CYP2D6 inhibitors, and the individualized need for careful dose monitoring for clinical care and trial design.
Bring your whole self into work, keep your whole self out
Authors: Eustace Alan
Published: January 2025

This article identifies the ‘worker expression’ problem as not merely a manifestation of the age-old conflict between workers and employers, but a contradiction at the heart of labour law itself: between what the article calls the ‘whole self’ approach on the one hand, and the ‘work-self’ approach on the other. Protecting workers from sanctions for expression fits with the desire for ‘freedom from work’, and thus a ‘work-life’ (or ‘work-self’) balance. On the other hand, expression can be part of ‘bringing one's whole self to work’. The worker expression problem creates conflict between and within these rationales – for one person's ‘whole self’ may turn out to be incompatible with another's. The ‘whole self’ attitude encourages people to both identify intersubjective dignitary harms in the workplace, and to engage in expressive acts which may generate such harms, potentially pitting workers against each other. This also drives the exclusion of the ‘whole self’ of a worker with beliefs to which managers, colleagues or customers object from the workplace, either through suspension or dismissal. This creates a ‘HR hokey-cokey’, whereby workers bring their whole selves into work, and are then told to keep their whole selves out… Labour law theory and practice in many jurisdictions is being ‘shaken all about’ by this problem.
Because of the Color of My Skin: Addressing Structural Racism with Police Recruits and Returning Citizens
Authors: Wozniak Jesse S.G. , Conti Norman
Published: January 2025

This article presents an ethnographic case study of dialogues between police recruits and returning citizens facilitated in the wake of the murder of George Floyd and the January 6th Insurrection. The dialogues were part of Police Training Inside-Out (PTI-O), a program that brings police recruits/officers into prison to study as peers with incarcerated citizens. The analysis considers how a group of largely white recruits were emotionally triggered by the perspectives of their classmates—a group of entirely Black returning citizens—and how that interaction generated a negotiated dialogue in order to bring the combined group to a point of common ground. This article demonstrates how PTI-O can aid in moving past ineffective police training methods to help navigate difficult conversations between officers and the communities they serve.
Shifting Time Zones, Shifting Narratives: NBC’s Primetime Broadcast Portrayal of Men and Women Athletes During the 2020 Tokyo and 2022 Beijing Olympic Games
Authors: Smith Lauren Reichart , MacArthur Paul J.
Published: January 2025

Content analysis was used to examine NBC’s primetime broadcast commentary from the 2020 Tokyo Summer Olympic Games (62 hours) and the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympic Games (61.5 hours) to ascertain differences in how male and female athletes were described. Using an expanded taxonomy to analyze the descriptor word(s) assigned to each athlete, NBC’s commentary diverged based on athlete sex in a number of categories in both Games, though differences were not consistent between the two Games, with one notable exception. A number of firsts were found with respect to significant differences in descriptors in the Tokyo Games, while significant differences found in the Beijing commentary repeated previous findings. Commentary during the Tokyo Games appeared to present females as athletes first, as compared to men, focusing on their commitment, intelligence, and athletic backgrounds. Men were significantly more likely to have their attractiveness discussed, a result in opposition to previous studies. The attractiveness finding from Tokyo was also replicated for men during the Beijing Games. Overall, Tokyo commentary presented significant differences in 10 different categories, while the Beijing commentary presented significant differences in 5 different categories. The divergences are examined within their given Olympiad and also analyzed in a longitudinal context.
Advanced Radiotherapy Technologies in Spine Tumors: What the Surgeon Needs to Know
Authors: Chen Hanbo , Ghia Amol J. , Maralani Pejman J. , Bettegowda Chetan , Boriani Stefano , Dea Nicolas , Fisher Charles G. , Gasbarrini Alessandro , Gokaslan Ziya L. , Laufer Ilya , Lazary Aron , Reynolds Jeremy , Verlaan Jorrit-Jan , Rhines Laurence D. , Sahgal Arjun
Published: January 2025

Study Design

Narrative review of existing literature.

Objectives

Significant technological advancements in radiotherapy planning and delivery have enabled new radiotherapy techniques for the management of spine tumors. The objective of this study was to provide a comprehensive summary of these treatment techniques for practicing spine surgeons.

Methods

A narrative review of the existing literature on stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) and particle beam therapy (PBT) for the treatment of spine tumors was performed. The characteristics, implementation and evidence supporting these strategies in the management of primary spinal neoplasms were summarized.

Results

The clinical effectiveness of SBRT for the control and symptom palliation of metastatic spinal tumors are well demonstrated in multiple clinical trials. Risks such as fracture, radiculopathy and plexopathy exist after spine SBRT, necessitating an individualized approach in a well experienced multidisciplinary setting. SBRT should be considered a key component of a well-rounded treatment plan for metastatic spine tumors in combination with surgery, vertebral augmentation, and drug therapy, where indicated, to achieve optimal patient outcomes. Additionally, PBT and SBRT are also leading to promising results for primary spine tumors, though comparative effectiveness studies and prospective clinical trials are required to establish these modalities more formally as alternatives to conventionally fractionated photon radiotherapy.

Conclusions

SBRT and PBT are emerging as effective and well tolerated treatment options for primary and metastatic spine tumors. Additional investigation is needed to personalize these treatment options and further strengthen these approaches as key components in a multidisciplinary approach to the management of spinal neoplasms.
Overview of Molecular Prognostication for Common Solid Tumor Histologies – What the Surgeon Should Know
Authors: Goodwin C. Rory , De la Garza Ramos Rafael , Bettegowda Chetan , Barzilai Ori , Shreyaskumar Patel , Fehlings Michael G. , Laufer Ilya , Sahgal Arjun , Rhines Laurence D. , Reynolds Jeremy J. , Lazary Aron , Gasbarrini Alessandro , Dea Nicolas , Verlaan Jorrit-Jan , Sullivan Patricia Zadnik , Gokaslan Ziya L. , Fisher Charles G. , Boriani Stefano , Shin John H. , Hornicek Francis J. , Weber Michael H. , Goodwin Matthew L. , Charest-Morin Raphaële ,   AO Spine Knowledge Forum Tumor
Published: January 2025

Study design

Narrative Literature review.

Objective

To provide a general overview of important molecular markers and targeted therapies for the most common neoplasms (lung, breast, prostate and melanoma) that metastasize to the spine and offer guidance on how to best incorporate them in the clinical setting.

Methods

A narrative review of the literature was performed using PubMed, Google Scholar, Medline databases, as well as the histology-specific National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines to identify relevant articles limited to the English language. Relevant articles were reviewed for commonly described molecular mutations or targeted therapeutics, as well as associated clinical outcomes, and surgery-related risks.

Results

Molecular markers and targeted therapies have dramatically improved the survival of cancer patients. The increasing importance of prognostic molecular markers and targeted therapies provides rationale for their incorporation into clinical decision-making for patients diagnosed with metastatic spine disease. In this review, we discuss the molecular markers/mutations and targeted therapies associated with the most common malignancies that metastasize to the spine and provide a framework that the surgeon can utilize when evaluating patients for potential intervention. Finally, we provide case examples that highlight the importance of molecular prognostication and therapies in surgical decision-making.

Conclusion

An integrated understanding of the implications of surgery, radiation, molecular markers and targeted therapies that guide prognostication and treatment is warranted in order to achieve the most favorable outcomes for patients with metastatic spine disease.
Role of Posterior Carbon Fiber Implants in Spine Tumor Surgery
Authors: Alvarez-Breckenridge Christopher A. , North Robert , Tatsui Claudio , Kumar Naresh , Lo Sheng-fu , Mohammed Karim , Reynolds Jeremy , Lazary Aron , Laufer Ilya , Verlaan Jorrit Jan , Gokaslan Ziya , Luzzati Alessandro , Cecchinato Riccardo , Shin John , Hornicek Francis , Disch Alexander , Goodwin Matthew , Goodwin Rory , Sahgal Arjun , Gasbarrini Alessandro , Boriani Stefano
Published: January 2025

Study Design

Narrative Review.

Objective

The management of spinal tumors requires a multi-disciplinary approach including surgery, radiation, and systemic therapy. Surgical approaches typically require posterior segmental instrumentation to maintain long-term spinal stability. Carbon fiber reinforced pedicle screws (CFRP) are increasingly used in the oncologic setting due to reductions in both imaging artifacts and radiotherapy perturbations compared to titanium implants. We performed a review of the literature and highlight advantages and future areas of study for CFRP.

Methods

We performed a systematic review of the literature using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines and identified 10 articles including 573 patients. Across all studies we reviewed patient demographics, tumor types treated, hardware-related features, complication rates, recurrence, survival, and follow-up.

Results

Across 10 studies, a total of 1371 screws placed. Surgical and non-surgical complications were reported in 18.3% of patients. Disease progression at the surgical site was detected in 7.3% of patients. There was no significant difference in clinical or hardware complications between CFRP or titanium implants. The most frequent complication attributable to implanted CFRP hardware included screw breakage in 2.4% and loosening in 1.7% of patients, respectively.

Conclusion

CFRP provide a unique tool in the setting of spinal oncology. With a safety profile comparable to titanium, we review the documented advantages of CFRP posterior implants compared to titanium, while also addressing their current limitations. Additionally, we highlight several areas of future research to identify the optimal patients who will achieve the greatest benefit of CFRP.
Assessing the impact of greenery on urban heat using opportunistic drive-by sensing
Authors: Merdymshaeva Elina , Mora Simone , Machida Yuki , Zhang Fan , Duarte Fábio , Paul Sanjana , Ratti Carlo , Mörtberg Ulla
Published: January 2025

The urban heat island (UHI) phenomenon is recognized as a main urban sustainability problem in the face of a changing climate, affecting human health, energy consumption, and other socio-economic considerations. The UHI can be mitigated by urban greenery, but it needs further investigation of detailed impacts across the urban landscape. The aim was to study UHI and model the relation to greenery in combination with urban grey structures, at a high spatiotemporal resolution across the urban landscape, in Stockholm. Temperature data was collected through opportunistic drive-by sensors on electric three-wheeled taxis. Data on greenview and skyview factors were used to inform on greenery and building density along the roads. During night and morning hours, the surface temperature was in general higher than air temperature, indicating that some densely built-up environments stored heat overnight. Hot zones were unevenly distributed throughout the city, while greenery had a cooling effect, especially when combined with skyview as an inverse measure of building density. Our results provide information on the spatiotemporal distribution of heat that can be used to inform efforts to use greenery for mitigating impacts of UHI on urban residents.
Novel donepezil-tacrine hybrid (TAHB3) induces neurodifferentiation, neuroprotective effects, and activates the PI3K/AKT pathway on PC12 cells
Authors: dos Santos Ono Renata Melo , dos Santos Moreira Natália Chermont , Carvalho Ivone , Passos Geraldo Aleixo , Sakamoto-Hojo Elza Tiemi
Published: January 2025

Background

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by the impairment of cognitive functions and neuronal loss. AD has no cure; current treatments like acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (AChEI) alleviate symptoms but do not halt disease progression.

Objective

We aimed to evaluate the effects and mechanisms of two novel AChEI hybrid compounds (TAHB3 and TA8Amino), regarding cytotoxicity, neuroprotection and neurodifferentiation in PC12 cells.

Methods

The effects of TAHB3 and TA8Amino on neurodifferentiation were analyzed on PC12 cells which were treated with AChEI compounds for seven days, following morphological, and quantitative analyses to calculate the differentiation percentages, neurite length, and protein expression. Regarding cytotoxicity and neuroprotection assays, PC12 cells were differentiated into mature neurons, then treated with TAHB3 or TA8Amino, following a posttreatment with H2O2 (an inducer of oxidative damage); the analyses were performed using the XTT assay and flow cytometry.

Results

The hybrid compound TAHB3 induced differentiation of PC12 cells, but TA8Amino did not cause the same effect. Both compounds did not show cytotoxic effects to PC12 cells and did not change the cell cycle progression, nor induce cell death. Only TAHB3 showed neuroprotective potential against induced-oxidative damage, and TAHB3 increased the levels of p-AKT, suggesting its action through the activation of the PI3K/AKT pathway.

Conclusions

Our results showed that TAHB3 can induce neurodifferentiation, besides a neuroprotective activity, indicating the potential of AChEI hybrid compounds as novel candidates to be explored for the establishment of novel therapeutic strategies for patients with AD.
Gut microbiota may affect Alzheimer's disease through synaptic function mediated by CAMs pathway: A study combining Mendelian randomization and bioinformatics
Authors: Liu Ji-yun , Tan Cong-yan , Luo Li , Yin Xuan
Published: January 2025

Background

The association between gut microbes and Alzheimer's disease (AD) has not been entirely elucidated.

Objective

We aimed to demonstrate the association between gut microbes and AD and to further investigate the pathogenesis of microbes with a causal relationship to AD.

Methods

Mendelian randomization analyses were used to determine the significant causal relationship between gut microbes and AD. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was used to identify the hub genes. Functional enrichment analysis was used to reveal the pathogenesis theoretically between gut microbes and AD.

Results

In the present study, a total of 32 microbes were identified that were significantly associated with AD. Subsequently, DLGAP2, NRXN3, NEGR1, NTNAP2, MYH9, and SCN3A were identified as hub genes. The genes NRXN3, NEGR1, and NTNAP2 were enriched in the cell adhesion molecules (CAMs) signaling, and the taxons of gut microbes that corresponded to these were Bifidobacterium adolescentis, Actinomycetales, and Intestinimonas massiliensis.

Conclusions

Bifidobacterium adolescentis, Actinomycetales, and Intestinimonas massiliensis may promote the progression of AD through the regulation of the CAMs signaling pathway-mediated synaptic function. Hence, the in-depth study of gut microbes may increase the efficiency of screening and diagnosis of AD.
Proposing critical realism and second-generation environmental justice for advancing sacrifice zone analysis
Authors: Cobs-Muñoz Víctor , Westerholt René
Published: January 2025

This article addresses the complex social-ecological challenges faced by sacrifice zones—territories subjected to severe environmental degradation and social injustices. Traditional environmental justice research, with its emphasis on distributive justice, often fails to capture the intricate dynamics of these often not-recognized areas. In light of these limitations, this article proposes a second-generation environmental justice approach, employing a critical realist paradigm, to identify sacrifice zones and explore their deeper causal mechanisms. This approach, which transcends the distributional focus of traditional research, reveals mechanisms commonly observed in these zones. These mechanisms enable and sustain environmental degradation and social injustices through dynamics such as economic exploitation, policy failures, and power imbalances. Intertwined within social-ecological systems, these dynamics create cycles of poverty, health disparities, and ecological harm. Moreover, the article offers a methodological reflection on the theoretical proposal and planning practices toward environmental justice. It concludes with recommendations for future research, emphasizing the importance of systemic change and inclusive policy-making to achieve environmental justice and sustainability.
Time and the state in digital society
Authors: Addie Jean-Paul D.
Published: January 2025

In this commentary, I argue that while the digitalizing state mobilizes the anticipatory imaginary of network time, its own temporal ontology remains anchored in the modern construction of “homogeneous and empty time.” Acknowledging the generative insights Datta and Hoefsloot's analysis of temporal statecraft offers, I consider how their analytic use of timing might inform a wider reading of the spatial history of the digitalizing state but raise questions about the limits of framing the state as an auteur.
Furthering the agenda of algorithmic resistance: Integrating gender and decolonial perspectives
Authors: Bonini Tiziano , Treré Emiliano
Published: January 2025

Not only are books written from positions that are never neutral, but they are also read from positions which are also never neutral. The three commentaries we received come from diverse perspectives (labor, gender, and decolonial studies) and each of them generates different readings and raises important questions. In the following response we will address the labor, gender, and decolonial issues raised by the reviewers.
Non-Linear Increase of the Real Contact Area of PMMA Blocks and the Related Contact Model
Authors: Luo Zhijun , Wu Kai , Yan Shaoze
Published: January 2025

Many experiments have supported the contact models, such as the GW and MB models, but the majority of previous validations have been performed under light loads, resulting in a linear relationship between normal force and contact area. However, the real contact area fraction should never equal one; there must be a limit smaller than the apparent area, implying that the real contact area cannot increase linearly indefinitely. In this paper, the real contact area between two polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) blocks under heavy load is measured using the total reflection method, and the contact area is analyzed using the image processing method. The results show that the real contact area increases with normal load linearly in light loads but non-linearly in heavy loads; the number of contact spots increases with load linearly in light loads but also non-linearly in heavy loads, synchronous with the change in the real contact area. The GW, MB, and Zhao, Maietta, and Chang (ZMC) models were used to predict the experiment results, but none of them predicted the non-linear stage. A revised GW model based on the bulk deformation hypothesis performs better in predicting the non-linear stage. The study’s findings can be applied to PMMA or other similar materials, and they can serve as a useful reference for future research on the contact mechanisms of other materials.
Integration of silver nanostructures in wireless sensor networks for enhanced biochemical sensing
Authors: Sheela M. Sahaya , Kumarganesh S. , Pandey Binay Kumar , Lelisho Mesfin Esayas
Published: January 2025

Integrating noble metal nanostructures, specifically silver nanoparticles, into sensor designs has proven to enhance sensor performance across key metrics, including response time, stability, and sensitivity. However, a critical gap remains in understanding the unique contributions of various synthesis parameters on these enhancements. This study addresses this gap by examining how factors such as temperature, growth time, and choice of capping agents influence nanostructure shape and size, optimizing sensor performance for diverse conditions. Using silver nitrate and sodium borohydride, silver seed particles were created, followed by controlled growth in a solution containing additional silver ions. The size and morphology of the resulting nanostructures were regulated to achieve optimal properties for biochemical sensing in wireless sensor networks. Results demonstrated that embedding these nanostructures in Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA) matrices led to superior stability, maintaining 93% effectiveness over 30 days compared to 70% in Polyethylene Glycol (PEG). Performance metrics revealed significant improvements: reduced response times (1.2 ms vs. 1.5 ms at zero analyte concentration) and faster responses at higher analyte levels (0.2 ms). These outcomes confirm that higher synthesis temperatures and precise shape control contribute to larger, more stable nanostructures.The enhanced stability and responsiveness underscore the potential of noble metal nanostructures for scalable and durable sensor applications, offering a significant advancement over current methods.
Solu: a cloud platform for real-time genomic pathogen surveillance
Authors: Saratto Timo , Visuri Kerkko , Lehtinen Jonatan , Ortega-Sanz Irene , Steenwyk Jacob L. , Sihvonen Samuel
Published: January 2025

Background

Genomic surveillance is extensively used for tracking public health outbreaks and healthcare-associated pathogens. Despite advancements in bioinformatics pipelines, there are still significant challenges in terms of infrastructure, expertise, and security when it comes to continuous surveillance. The existing pipelines often require the user to set up and manage their own infrastructure and are not designed for continuous surveillance that demands integration of new and regularly generated sequencing data with previous analyses. Additionally, academic projects often do not meet the privacy requirements of healthcare providers.

Results

We present Solu, a cloud-based platform that integrates genomic data into a real-time, privacy-focused surveillance system.

Evaluation

Solu’s accuracy for taxonomy assignment, antimicrobial resistance genes, and phylogenetics was comparable to established pathogen surveillance pipelines. In some cases, Solu identified antimicrobial resistance genes that were previously undetected. Together, these findings demonstrate the efficacy of our platform.

Conclusions

By enabling reliable, user-friendly, and privacy-focused genomic surveillance, Solu has the potential to bridge the gap between cutting-edge research and practical, widespread application in healthcare settings. The platform is available for free academic use at https://platform.solugenomics.com.
Psychometric properties of the Swedish version of the Patient Health Questionnaire-9: an investigation using Rasch analysis and confirmatory factor analysis
Authors: Forsström David , Badinlou Farzaneh , Johansson Magnus , Ojala Olivia , Alaoui Samir El , Månsson Kristoffer N. T. , Rozental Alexander , Lundin Johan , Jangard Simon , Shahnavaz Shervin , Sörman Karolina , Jayaram-Lindström Nitya , Lundgren Tobias , Jansson-Fröjmark Markus , Hedman-Lagerlöf Maria
Published: January 2025

Depression is one of the most common psychiatric conditions. Given its high prevalence and disease burden, accurate diagnostic procedures and valid instruments are warranted to identify those in need of treatment. The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) is one of the most widely used self-report measures of depression, and its validity and reliability has been evaluated in several languages. However, the Swedish translation has yet not been subject to psychometric evaluation, and no previous psychometric evaluation of the instrument have used both Rasch analysis and classic test theory. The aim of this study was to investigate validity and reliability of the PHQ-9 in a Swedish sample of individuals with self-reported current or past mental health problems using Rasch analysis and confirmatory factor analysis. A sample of 4958 participants was recruited from an online survey covering different aspects of covid-19 and mental health targeted towards individuals with mental health problems. Results showed that a one-factor solution fit the data after removing one item and that some items had a different response pattern for older respondents. Furthermore, after removing item 2 and merging the two middle response categories for item 9, the Swedish translation of PHQ-9 showed adequate psychometric properties. The findings suggests that the Swedish translation of PHQ-9 may need to be adapted in order to make adequate interpretations of an individual score and to differentiate between populations. Further tests of its validity and reliability in other Swedish samples are needed to fully understand the properties of the Swedish version of PHQ-9.
%diag_test: a generic SAS macro for evaluating diagnostic accuracy measures for multiple diagnostic tests
Authors: Muthusi Jacques K. , Young Peter W. , Mboya Frankline O. , Mwalili Samuel M.
Published: January 2025

Background

Measures of diagnostic test accuracy provide evidence of how well a test correctly identifies or rules-out disease. Commonly used diagnostic accuracy measures (DAMs) include sensitivity and specificity, predictive values, likelihood ratios, area under the receiver operator characteristic curve (AUROC), area under precision-recall curves (AUPRC), diagnostic effectiveness (accuracy), disease prevalence, and diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) etc. Most available analysis tools perform accuracy testing for a single diagnostic test using summarized data. We developed a SAS macro for evaluating multiple diagnostic tests using individual-level data that creates a 2 × 2 summary table, AUROC and AUPRC as part of output.

Methods

The SAS macro presented here is automated to reduce analysis time and transcription errors. It is simple to use as the user only needs to specify the input dataset, “standard” and “test” variables and threshold values. It creates a publication-quality output in Microsoft Word and Excel showing more than 15 different accuracy measures together with overlaid AUROC and AUPRC graphics to help the researcher in making decisions to adopt or reject diagnostic tests. Further, it provides for additional variance estimation methods other than the normal distribution approximation.

Results

We tested the macro for quality control purposes by reproducing results from published work on evaluation of multiple types of dried blood spots (DBS) as an alternative for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) viral load (VL) monitoring in resource-limited settings compared to plasma, the gold-standard. Plasma viral load reagents are costly, and blood must be prepared in a reference laboratory setting by a qualified technician. On the other hand, DBS are easy to prepare without these restrictions. This study evaluated the suitability of DBS from venous, microcapillary and direct spotting DBS, hence multiple diagnostic tests which were compared to plasma specimen. We also used the macro to reproduce results of published work on evaluating performance of multiple classification machine learning algorithms for predicting coronary artery disease.

Conclusion

The SAS macro presented here is a powerful analytic tool for analyzing data from multiple diagnostic tests. The SAS programmer can modify the source code to include other diagnostic measures and variance estimation methods. By automating analysis, the macro adds value by saving analysis time, reducing transcription errors, and producing publication-quality outputs.
Uterine histomorphological and immunohistochemical investigation during the follicular phase of estrous cycle in Saidi sheep
Authors: Abd-Elkareem Mahmoud , Khormi Mohsen A. , Alfattah Mohammed A. , Hassan Mervat S.
Published: January 2025

Background

Saidi sheep are one of the most important farm animals in Upper Egypt, particularly in the Assiut governorate. Since they can provide meat, milk, fiber, and skins from low-quality roughages, sheep are among the most economically valuable animals bred for food in Egypt. Regarding breeding, relatively little is known about the Saidi breed. In mammals, the uterus is a crucial reproductive organ. Therefore, the purpose of this work was to provide further details on the histological, histochemical, and immunohistochemical analyses of superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2), glutathione reductase (GR), and progesterone receptor alpha (PRA) as well as terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT) dUTP nick-end labeling assay (TUNEL) of the uterus during the follicular phase of estrous cycle in Saidi sheep. Thus, 11 healthy Saidi ewes (38.5 ± 2.03 kg weight) ranging in age from 2 to 5 years were used to examine the histological changes in the uterus.

Results

In Saidi sheep, the uterine histological and immunological picture during the follicular phase of the estrous cycle was characterized by epithelial and stromal proliferation and apoptosis. Leucocytic recruitment (lymphocytes, plasma, and mast cells) was also observed. Uterine gland adenogenesis, vascular angiogenesis, oxidative marker expression, and PRA expression in the muscles, stroma, and epithelium were the most noticeable features of the follicular phase.

Conclusion

This study provides new evidence of the role of PRA, SOD2, GR, and mast cells in controlling uterine epithelial proliferation and apoptosis in the Saidi sheep during the follicular phase of the estrus cycle. These findings have growing significance in understanding the key mechanisms that characterize successful reproduction and enhancing the fertility and reproductive efficiency in Saidi Sheep.
An assessment of burden associated with problem joints in children and adults with moderate or severe haemophilia A: analysis of the CHESS-Paediatrics and CHESS II cross-sectional studies
Authors: McLaughlin Paul , De la Corte-Rodriguez Hortensia , Burke Tom , Nissen Francis , Aizenas Martynas , Moreno Katya , O’Hara Jamie
Published: January 2025

Background

Clinical research has offered many definitions and fragmented perspectives of joint morbidity in haemophilia. As joint damage, pain and mobility impairment can be present without clinical record of persistent bleeding, a person-centric joint morbidity characterisation remained a priority for the haemophilia community, giving rise to the ‘problem joint’ concept.

As diagnosing and managing joint morbidity is critical, the aim of this study was to analyse the holistic burden of problem joints in people with moderate or severe haemophilia A (HA).

Data from the ‘Cost of Haemophilia in Europe: a Socioeconomic Survey’ (CHESS) cross-sectional studies were used. CHESS-Paediatrics included male paediatric patients (≤ 17 years) with congenital moderate or severe haemophilia, while CHESS II included adult males (≥ 18 years) of any severity. Both studies sought to collect detailed information on the clinical, economic and humanistic burden of haemophilia.

Demographics, clinical outcomes, treatment regimen, adherence, physical activity, healthcare resource use and number of problem joints were evaluated and described by HA severity and number of problem joints (none, 1, ≥ 2).

Results

In total, 1171 people with non-inhibitor moderate or severe HA from CHESS-Paediatrics (n = 703) and CHESS II (n = 468) were included in this analysis.

Presence of problem joints was more prevalent among CHESS II participants (44%) than in CHESS-Paediatrics (14%). Around two-thirds (67%) of CHESS-Paediatrics and 39% of CHESS II participants received prophylactic factor VIII replacement therapy. The presence of chronic pain was greater in severe HA with ‘ ≥ 2’ problem joints in both cohorts. Clinical symptoms and bleed-related hospitalizations were more prevalent in the presence of problem joints regardless of HA severity in both cohorts.

Conclusions

This analysis of the CHESS population studies has expanded on previous work by examining the relevance of the problem joint measure of haemophilic morbidity and its associated burden. Adverse clinical symptoms and increased bleed-related hospitalizations were observed in the presence of problem joints in both children/adolescents and adults across HA severities. Use of person-centric characterizations of joint morbidity may improve analysis of long-term outcomes and lead to improvements in future haemophilia care.
Upregulated astrocyte HDAC7 induces Alzheimer-like tau pathologies via deacetylating transcription factor-EB and inhibiting lysosome biogenesis
Authors: Ye Jinwang , Zhong Suyue , Wan Huali , Guo Xing , Yao Xuanbao , Liu Qiong , Chen Liming , Wang Jian-Zhi , Xiao Shifeng
Published: January 2025

Background

Astrocytes, the most abundant glial cell type in the brain, will convert into the reactive state in response to proteotoxic stress such as tau accumulation, a characteristic feature of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and other tauopathies. The formation of reactive astrocytes is partially attributed to the disruption of autophagy lysosomal signaling, and inhibiting of some histone deacetylases (HDACs) has been demonstrated to reduce the molecular and functional characteristics of reactive astrocytes. However, the precise role of autophagy lysosomal signaling in astrocytes that regulates tau pathology remains unclear.

Methods

We investigated the expression of class IIa HDAC7 in astrocytes from AD patients and PS19 mice. PS19 mice were treated with AAVs expressing shRNA for HDAC7 with astrocyte-specific promoter and with a selective class IIa HDAC inhibitor, TMP195, and the effects on tau pathology, gliosis, synaptic plasticity and cognition-related behavioral performance were measured. Tau uptake and degradation assays in cultured astrocytes were utilized to investigate the role of HDAC7 on astrocyte-mediated tau clearance. Immunoprecipitation, immunofluorescence, western blotting, RT-qPCR, mass spectrometric, and luciferase reporter assay were used to identify HDAC7 substrates, modification site and related signaling pathways in astrocyte-tau clearance. We generated a new antibody to clarify the role of HDAC7-mediated signaling in AD patients and PS19 mice.

Results

Here, we found that the level of histone deacetylase 7 (HDAC7) was remarkably increased in the astrocytes of AD patients and P301S tau transgenic (PS19) mice. Genetic or pharmacological inhibition of HDAC7 effectively enhanced astrocytic clearance of tau with improved cognitive functions in PS19 mice. HDAC7 could modulate astrocytic uptake and lysosomal degradation of tau proteins through a transcriptional factor EB (TFEB) acetylation-dependent manner. Specifically, deacetylation of TFEB at K310 site by HDAC7 prevented TFEB nuclear translocation with reduced lysosomal biogenesis and tau clearance in astrocytes, whereas inhibiting HDAC7 restored astrocytic TFEB acetylation level at K310 with improved tau pathology and cognitive functions in PS19 mice.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that upregulation of HDAC7 induces AD-like tau pathologies via deacetylating TFEB and inhibiting lysosomal biogenesis in astrocytes, and downregulating HDAC7-TFEB signaling is promising for arresting AD and other tauopathies.