bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of resting time on rheological properties of glass bead suspensions: Depletion and bridging force among particles
Authors: Ji Yanliang , Becker Simon , Lu Zichen , Mezhov Alexander , von Klitzing Regine , Wolfram Schmidt , Stephan Dietmar
Published: September 2023

The effect of resting time on the rheological properties of cement suspensions is generally explained by early formed structure and overconsumption of polycarboxylate superplasticizers (PCEs). In this paper, we propose that the influence of resting time on the rheological properties is closely related to size variation of non‐absorbed PCE. To identify this, glass bead suspensions were prepared with various amounts of PCE and ionic solution, and their rheological properties were evaluated at various times. We found that the yield stress increases with time at higher PCE concentrations and higher ionic strength solutions. Adsorbed PCE during resting tends to bridge the particles rather than disperse them. In addition, it was found that hydrodynamic radius of PCE increased with resting time, and depletion forces resulting from non‐absorbed PCE size changes correlate well with the increased yield stress.
Serious immune‐related upper gastrointestinal toxicity of immune checkpoint inhibitors: a multicenter case series
Authors: Bresteau Clément , Bonnet Pauline , Robert Caroline , Mussini Charlotte , Saiag Philippe , Buecher Bruno , Lebbe Celeste , Allez Matthieu , Benamouzig Robert , Hagège Hervé , Bécheur Hakim , Meyer Antoine , Carbonnel Franck
Published: September 2023

Background

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) improve the prognosis of many cancers but cause immune‐related adverse events (IrAEs). Limited data are available on upper gastrointestinal (UGI) IrAEs. We describe the clinical characteristics, prognosis, and efficacy of medical therapy in patients with UGI IrAEs.

Methods

This is a retrospective, multicenter cohort study of patients with UGI symptoms and moderate to severe endoscopic UGI lesions, occurring after ICI. Efficacy of induction medical therapy and at the most recent follow‐up was assessed.

Results

Forty patients were included; of these, 34 (85%) received anti‐PD(L)1, either alone (n = 24) or combined with anti CTLA‐4 (n = 10). Eighteen patients (45%) had concomitant enterocolitis. All patients had severe endoscopic lesions (erosions, ulcerations, hemorrhage, or necrotic lesions). Three patients who received an inefficient initial medical treatment had a complicated course: One patient died of enterocolitis, one had a pneumomediastinum, and one developed an ulcerated stricture of the pylorus. Thirty‐five patients (88%) were treated with corticosteroids; 28 patients (80%) responded, and 20 (57%) reached clinical remission. Eight patients were treated with infliximab, and six responded (75%). After a median follow‐up of 11 months, 36 patients (90%) were in corticosteroid‐free clinical remission for their UGI symptoms. Endoscopic lesions persisted in 68% of patients.

Conclusions

ICI cause severe UGI IrAEs, which are associated with enterocolitis in approximately half of the patients. Most patients with UGI IrAEs respond to corticosteroids or infliximab. These data support the recommendation to treat these patients without delay and in the same way as those with enterocolitis.
The olfactory striae: A historical perspective on the inconsistent anatomy of the bulbar projections
Authors: De Cannière Gilles
Published: September 2023

Central olfactory pathways (i.e., projection axons of the mitral and tufted cells), and especially olfactory striae, lack common terminology. This is due to their high degree of intra‐ and interindividual variability, which has been studied in detail over the past century by Beccari, Mutel, Klass, Erhart, and more recently, by Duque Parra et al. These variations led to some confusion about their number and anatomical arrangement. Recent advances in fiber tractography have enabled the precise in vivo visualization of human olfactory striae and the study of their projections. However, these studies require their algorithms to be set up according to the presumed anatomy of the analyzed fibers. A more precise definition of the olfactory striae is therefore needed, not only to allow a better analysis of the results but also to ensure the quality of the data obtained. By studying the various published works on the central olfactory pathways from the first systematic description by Soemmerring to the present, I have traced the different discussions on the olfactory tracts and summarized them here. This review adopts a systematic approach by addressing each stria individually and tracing the historical background of what was known about it in the past, compared to the current knowledge. The chronological and organized approach used provides a better understanding of the anatomy of these essential structures of the olfactory system.
Is constant needle motion during soft tissue filler injections a safer procedure? A theoretical mathematical model for evaluating patient safety
Authors: Gonchar Ivan V. , Alfertshofer Michael , Nikolis Andreas , Hong Wei‐Jin , Biesman Brian , Cotofana Sebastian
Published: September 2023

Background

The safety rationale behind the constant needle motion injection technique is based on the assumption that due to the constant needle motion and simultaneous soft tissue filler material administration a smaller amount of product per area may be injected into an artery if an artery within the range of the moving needle is inadvertently entered.

Objective

To perform mathematical calculations for determining the probability for causing intra‐arterial product administration when constantly moving the needle during facial aesthetic soft tissue filler injections.

Methods

This study was designed as a theoretical investigation into the probabilities for causing adverse events due to intravascular injection of soft tissue filler material when constantly moving a 27‐G needle during facial soft tissue filler administration.

Results

It was revealed that with a higher number of conducted injection passes a greater soft tissue area can be covered by the needle. The odds of encountering an artery within the covered soft tissue volume and the odds of injecting any volume greater than zero into the arterial blood stream increases with the number of performed injection passes. This increase is greatest between 1 and 10 performed injection passes.

Conclusion

This model demonstrates that the constant needle motion technique increases the probability of encountering an artery within the treatment area and thus increases the odds for intra‐arterial product administration. The constant needle motion technique does not increase safety but rather may increase the odds of causing intra‐arterial product administration with the respective adverse consequences for the patient.
Safety of fluoroless radiofrequency catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation in patients with pre‐existing cardiac implantable electronic device: A single‐center study
Authors: Iqbal Arshad Muhammad , Li Kai Yu , Mahmood Mobasser , Gautam Sandeep
Published: September 2023

Background

Radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFA) for atrial fibrillation (AF) is being increasingly performed without fluoroscopy. This study aims to determine the safety of fluoroless RFA for patients with pre‐existing cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIED).

Methods

This is a single‐center, single‐operator, retrospective, observational study of 225 consecutive fluoroless RFA procedures for AF from June 1, 2019 to June 1, 2022. All procedures were performed with intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) support. Patients with pre‐existing CIED were extracted from the database. Each CIED was interrogated at the start and end of each procedure and at 30‐day follow‐up. Pre‐ and post‐procedure CIED interrogations were compared for any change in device or lead parameters. Patients were tracked for any subsequent device malfunction.

Results

Out of 225 fluoroless AF ablations, 25 (10.2%) had pre‐existing CIED (14 dual‐chamber pacemakers, three dual‐chamber defibrillators, three single‐chamber defibrillators, one single chamber pacemaker, and four biventricular devices). Mean patient age was 71 ± 6 years. The mean duration of indwelling CIED was 1804 ± 1645 days (range: 78–6267 days). One (4%) patient had lead‐related fibrin on ICE imaging. There was no significant difference in lead(s) threshold, impedance, or sensing post procedure or at 30‐day follow‐up compared to pre procedure. None of the patients required lead revision. There were no intra‐ or post‐op thromboembolic events or subsequent device infection. One patient underwent CIED extraction after 11 months for an unrelated secondary device infection.

Conclusions

Radiofrequency catheter ablation for AF can be safely performed without fluoroscopy in patients with pre‐existing CIED.
Effects of interventions on the screening behavior in female first‐degree relatives of breast cancer patients: A systematic review
Authors: Shi Yanyan , Ma Zhuyue , Yao Shanshan , Lu Ningning , Wu Yuqing , Cheng Fang
Published: September 2023

Background

Women are more likely to develop breast cancer if their first‐degree relatives (FDRs) have the disease, but they are often unaware of their individual risk and conduct screening behaviors.

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of interventions in increasing breast self‐examination, clinical breast examination, and mammography rates in FDRs of breast cancer patients.

Methods

We selected randomized clinical trials and quasi‐experimental studies in eight databases. Interventions in each study were categorized as “promising”, or “non‐promising” according to whether they led to a positive change in screening behaviors. Interventions were also coded using the Behavioral Change Techniques (BCTs) Taxonomy and a promise ratio calculated for each. BCTs with a promise ratio ≥2 was classified as “promising”.

Results

Thirteen studies with 21 different BCTs were included. The most frequent BCTs were “Prompts/cues”, “Credible source”, and “Instructions on how to perform the behavior”. Seven BCTs had a promise ratio of ≥2 and the four most promising were “Information about health consequences” (promise ratio = 6), “Problem solving” (promise ratio = 4), “Demonstration of the behavior” (promise ratio = 4), and “Adding objects to the environment” (promise ratio = 4).

Conclusions

This review indicated an overall weak use of theory, and an insufficient description of several interventions to support the assessment of how specific BCTs were activated.
Applying Natural Ventilation for Commercial Buildings With Atrium: Indoor Environment Prediction and Outdoor Pollutant Impact
Authors: Zhai Zhiqiang (John) , Baum Jack , Griego Danielle
Published: September 2023

The use of natural ventilation for commercial buildings becomes ever attractive due to the potential for economic savings and increased occupant satisfaction. However, it has proven to be particularly challenging to predict the indoor air temperature and airflow distribution from natural ventilation in more complex building geometries such as those with an atrium. This study used the energy-simulation-coupled computational fluid dynamics (CFD) method to predict the indoor temperatures of a typical multi-story, open-floorplan office building with a central atrium. The prediction accuracy using CFD was slightly improved for the periods with extreme outdoor conditions, where large temperature disparities often occur between simulation and experiment. For the tested cases, adjustment of window opening sizes seems to have marginal impacts on the simulation results. This paper further explores the impacts of outdoor gas-phase pollutants on indoor air quality of such a naturally ventilated commercial building with an atrium. A few architectural features such as window blockers and double skin façade (DSF) designs were numerically investigated for their performance to lower the indoor pollution levels while still maintaining adequate building ventilation rates. The results reveal that the features affecting the wind patterns around and above the building have a strong influence on the contamination rates on each floor of the building. DSF can not only reduce indoor pollution levels but also reduce the ventilation rate. When a pollutant source is not close to the building, a conventional central atrium design is preferred for better ventilation rates.
DUX4-r exerts a neomorphic activity that depends on GTF2I in acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Campolungo Daniele , Salomé Mara , Biferali Beatrice , Tascini Anna Sofia , Gabellini Davide
Published: September 2023

Translocations producing rearranged versions of the transcription factor double homeobox 4 (DUX4-r) are one of the most frequent causes of B cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL). DUX4-r retains the DNA binding domain of wild-type DUX4 but is truncated on the C-terminal transcription activation domain. The precise mechanism through which DUX4-r causes leukemia is unknown, and no targeted therapy is currently available. We found that the rearrangement leads to both a loss and a gain of function in DUX4-r. Loss of CBP/EP300 transcriptional coactivator interaction leads to an inability to bind and activate repressed chromatin. Concurrently, a gain of interaction with the general transcription factor 2 I (GTF2I) redirects DUX4-r toward leukemogenic targets. This neomorphic activity exposes an Achilles’ heel whereby DUX4-r–positive leukemia cells are exquisitely sensitive to GTF2I targeting, which inhibits DUX4-r leukemogenic activity. Our work elucidates the molecular mechanism through which DUX4-r causes leukemia and suggests a possible therapeutic avenue tailored to this B-ALL subtype.
Complete coding sequence of Tembusu virus isolated from geese in Taiwan in 2020
Authors: Chen Yen-Ping , Huang Chih-Wei , Lee Fan
Published: September 2023

We reported the complete coding sequence of a Tembusu virus (TMUV) isolated from sick geese in Taiwan in 2020. The nucleotide sequence of the 20120008 isolate was most closely related to the strain TP1906 isolated from mosquitoes in Taiwan and clustered within a subgroup of Cluster 4 of the Tembusu virus.
Quantifying unmet need in General Practice: a retrospective cohort study of administrative data
Authors: McConnachie Alex , Ellis David A , Wilson Philip , McQueenie Ross , Williamson Andrea E
Published: September 2023

Objectives

To assess whether patients attending general practices (GPs) in socioeconomically (SE) deprived areas receive the same amount of care, compared with similar patients (based on age, sex and level of morbidity) attending GPs in less deprived areas. If not, to quantify the additional resource that would be required by GPs in deprived areas to achieve parity.

Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting

150 GPs in Scotland, UK, divided into two groups: 80 practices in Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation (SIMD) deciles 1–5 (more SE deprived); 70 practices in SIMD deciles 6–10 (less SE deprived).

Patients

437 590 patients registered with a more SE deprived GP, and 333 994 patients registered with a less SE deprived GP, for the whole study period (2013–2016), who made at least one appointment.

Outcomes

The number of contacts and total contact time between patients and clinical staff.

Results

Patients in more SE deprived areas had slightly more discrete contacts over 3 years (11.8 vs 11.4), but each patient had marginally less contact time (146.1 vs 149.5 min). Stratified by sex and age, differences were also small. Stratified by the number of long-term conditions (LTCs), practices in more SE deprived areas delivered significantly less contact time than practices in less SE deprived areas. Over 3 years, 8 fewer minutes for patients with no LTCs, and 24, 27, 38 and 28 fewer minutes for patients with 1, 2, 3–4 or 5+LTCs, respectively.

Conclusion

If GPs in more SE deprived areas were to give an equal amount of direct contact time to patients with the same level of need served by GPs in less SE deprived areas, this would require a 14% increase in patient contact time. This represents a significant unmet need, supporting the case for redistribution of resources to tackle the inverse care law.
Development and validation of a prognostic nomogram for predicting cancer-specific survival in advanced endometrial carcinoma after surgery: a retrospective analysis of the SEER Database
Authors: Zheng Chunqin , Chen Weiqiang , Zheng Zhixiang , Liang Xiaoling , Xu Xiuxia , Fang Danmei , Ma Ruijun , Fan Fufang , Ni Yanhong , Zhang Peili , Wu Xuanhua
Published: September 2023

Objective

We aimed to construct and validate a prognostic nomogram to predict cancer-specific survival (CSS) after surgery in patients with advanced endometrial carcinoma (EC).

Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting and participants

The Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) Database contains cancer incidence and survival data from population-based cancer registries in the USA. A total of 5445 patients from the SEER Database diagnosed with advanced EC between 2004 and 2015 were included and randomised 7:3 into a training cohort (n=3812) and a validation cohort (n=1633).

Outcome measure

CSS.

Results

The nomograms for CSS included 10 variables (positive regional nodes, age, tumour size, International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage, grade, ethnicity, income, radiation, chemotherapy and historical stage) based on the forward stepwise regression results. They revealed discrimination and calibration using the concordance index (C-index) and area under the time-dependent receiver operating characteristic curve, with a C-index value of 0.7324 (95% CI=0.7181 to 0.7468) and 0.7511 (95% CI=0.7301 to 0.7722) for the training and validation cohorts, respectively. Using calibration plots, a high degree of conformance was shown between the predicted and observed results. Additionally, a comparison of the nomogram and FIGO staging based on changes in the C-index, net reclassification index and integrated discrimination improvement demonstrated that the nomogram had better accuracy and efficacy.

Conclusions

We successfully constructed an accurate and effective nomogram to predict CSS in patients with advanced EC, which may help clinicians determine optimal individualised treatment strategies for patients with advanced EC. The predictive performance of the nomogram was evaluated thoroughly, but only internally. Therefore, further validation using different data sources is warranted in future related studies.
Plasma type I collagen α1 chain in relation to coronary artery disease: findings from a prospective population-based cohort and an acute myocardial infarction prospective cohort in Sweden
Authors: Hammaréus Filip , Nilsson Lennart , Ong Kwok-Leung , Kristenson Margareta , Festin Karin , Lundberg Anna K , Chung Rosanna W S , Swahn Eva , Alfredsson Joakim , Holm Nielsen Signe , Jonasson Lena
Published: September 2023

Objectives

To investigate the association between type I collagen α1 chain (COL1α1) levels and coronary artery disease (CAD) by using absolute quantification in plasma. Also, to investigate the correlates of COL1α1 to clinical characteristics and circulating markers of collagen metabolism.

Design

Life conditions, Stress and Health (LSH) study: prospective cohort study, here with a nested case–control design.

Assessing Platelet Activity in Coronary Heart Disease (APACHE) study: prospective cohort study.

Setting

LSH: primary care setting, southeast Sweden.

APACHE: cardiology department, university hospital, southeast Sweden.

Participants

LSH: 1007 randomly recruited individuals aged 45–69 (50% women). Exclusion criteria was serious disease. After 13 years of follow-up, 86 cases with primary endpoint were identified and sex-matched/age-matched to 184 controls.

APACHE: 125 patients with myocardial infarction (MI), 73 with ST-elevation MI and 52 with non-ST-elevation MI. Exclusion criteria: Intervention study participation, warfarin treatment and short life expectancy.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Primary outcome was the association between baseline COL1α1 and first-time major event of CAD, defined as fatal/non-fatal MI or coronary revascularisation after 13 years. Secondary outcomes were the association between the collagen biomarkers PRO-C1 (N-terminal pro-peptide of type I collagen)/C1M (matrix metalloproteinase-mediated degradation of type I collagen) and CAD; temporal change of COL1α1 after acute MI up to 6 months and lastly, correlates between COL1α1 and patient characteristics along with circulating markers of collagen metabolism.

Results

COL1α1 levels were associated with CAD, both unadjusted (HR=0.69, 95% CI=0.56 to 0.87) and adjusted (HR=0.55, 95% CI=0.41 to 0.75). PRO-C1 was associated with CAD, unadjusted (HR=0.62, 95% CI=0.47 to 0.82) and adjusted (HR=0.61, 95% CI=0.43 to 0.86), while C1M was not. In patients with MI, COL1α1 remained unchanged up to 6 months. COL1α1 was correlated to PRO-C1, but not to C1M.

Conclusions

Plasma COL1α1 was independently and inversely associated with CAD. Furthermore, COL1α1 appeared to reflect collagen synthesis but not degradation. Future studies are needed to confirm whether COL1α1 is a clinically useful biomarker of CAD.
Sensitivity and specificity of the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9, PHQ-8, PHQ-2) and General Anxiety Disorder scale (GAD-7, GAD-2) for depression and anxiety diagnosis: a cross-sectional study in a Peruvian hospital population
Authors: Villarreal-Zegarra David , Barrera-Begazo Juan , Otazú-Alfaro Sharlyn , Mayo-Puchoc Nikol , Bazo-Alvarez Juan Carlos , Huarcaya-Victoria Jeff
Published: September 2023

Objectives

The Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ) and Generalised Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD) are widely used screening tools, but their sensitivity and specificity in low-income and middle-income countries are lower than in high-income countries. We conducted a study to determine the sensitivity and specificity of different versions of these scales in a Peruvian hospital population.

Design

Our study has a cross-sectional design.

Setting

Our participants are hospitalised patients in a Peruvian hospital. The gold standard was a clinical psychiatric interview following ICD-10 criteria for depression (F32.0, F32.1, F32.2 and F32.3) and anxiety (F41.0 and F41.1).

Participants

The sample included 1347 participants. A total of 334 participants (24.8%) were diagnosed with depression, and 28 participants (2.1%) were diagnosed with anxiety.

Results

The PHQ-9’s≥7 cut-off point showed the highest simultaneous sensitivity and specificity when contrasted against a psychiatric diagnosis of depression. For a similar contrast against the gold standard, the other optimal cut-off points were: ≥7 for the PHQ-8 and ≥2 for the PHQ-2. In particular, the cut-off point ≥8 had good performance for GAD-7 with sensitivity and specificity, and cut-off point ≥10 had lower levels of sensitivity, but higher levels of specificity, compared with the cut-off point of ≥8. Also, we present the sensitivity and specificity values of each cut-off point in PHQ-9, PHQ-8, PHQ-2, GAD-7 and GAD-2. We confirmed the adequacy of a one-dimensional model for the PHQ-9, PHQ-8 and GAD-7, while all PHQ and GAD scales showed good reliability.

Conclusions

The PHQ and GAD have adequate measurement properties in their different versions. We present specific cut-offs for each version.
Comparative evaluation of 16S rRNA metagenomic sequencing in the diagnosis and understanding of bacterial endophthalmitis
Authors: Asao Kazunobu , Hashida Noriyasu , Maruyama Kazuichi , Motooka Daisuke , Tsukamoto Teruhisa , Usui Yoshihiko , Nakamura Shota , Nishida Kohji
Published: September 2023

Objective

To evaluate the usefulness of metagenomic analysis in the search for causative organisms of bacterial endophthalmitis.

Methods and analysis

Twenty-one consecutive treatment-naïve patients (13 men and 8 women; mean age, 60.8±19.8 years) with suspected endophthalmitis were recruited. Vitrectomy was performed to diagnose and treat endophthalmitis. Bacterial culture and metagenomic analysis of the vitreous body were performed. Extracted DNA was analysed using 16S rRNA sequences, and libraries were sequenced on an Illumina MiSeq sequencer. To compare the bacterial composition in each case, α and β diversities were determined.

Results

Patients were categorised into three groups: endophthalmitis cases with matching predominant organisms according to metagenomic analysis and bacterial culture, those with negative results for bacterial culture and those with negative results in both cases. In 7 of 15 culture-negative cases, results from metagenomic analysis could detect pathogens. The diversity of bacterial populations was significantly lower in the group with positive results for predominant bacteria according to culture and metagenomic analysis. All patients with uveitis were included in the group for which the causative pathogen could not be determined by culture or metagenomic analysis. The structures of bacterial populations significantly differed between the positive and negative groups by culture and metagenomic analysis.

Conclusions

Metagenomic analysis could be useful for prompt detection of causative pathogens, for precise diagnosis of infection, and as a marker of inflammation processes such as uveitis.
Revisiting the ought implies can dictum in light of disruptive medical innovation
Authors: De Proost Michiel , Segers Seppe
Published: September 2023

It is a dominant dictum in ethics that ‘ought implies can’ (OIC): if an agent morally ought to do an action, the agent must be capable of performing that action. Yet, with current technological developments, such as in direct-to-consumer genomics, big data analytics and wearable technologies, there may be reasons to reorient this ethical principle. It is our modest aim in this article to explore how the current wave of allegedly disruptive innovation calls for a renewed interest for this dictum. As an effect of prevention and prediction oriented technological innovation, an increased focus on assumedly controllable lifestyle risks may be anticipated. For lay people who might turn into patients, this may entail a reinforced behavior-based individual responsibilisation. Holding on to the OIC dictum, such responsibilisation seems to require that individuals can actually control what is framed as ‘lifestyle risks’ when there is not always a reliable consensus about what one should do. As such, reference to OIC may be mobilised in function of a political task of designing institutions so as to enable such choice and control.
They are not all wolves: menstruation, young adult fiction and nuancing the teenage boy
Authors: Walton Jemma
Published: September 2023

Before the 2020 publication of Elana K. Arnold’sRed Hoodand Sarah Cuthew’sBlood Moon,Judy Blume’s 1970 novelAre You There God? It’s Me, Margaret,which ends with the heroine praising God for blessing her with menarche, was one of the only young adult novels to feature menstruation as a central theme. This paper opens with a brief overview of recent English and American menstrual activism and a discussion of scholarly considerations of the menstrual cycle in literature. Then, through a close comparative reading of works by Arnold and Cuthew, I argue that both novels fulfil their feminist agendas by representing the stigmatised experience of the physicality of menses, and by depicting young women negotiating instances of the kinds of misogyny that punctuate contemporary Western culture. At the same time, the novels share an overly simplistic, binarised attitude towards male adolescents. That aspect highlights the need for the development of affirmative feminist boys studies. Such progress would foster more nuanced literary depictions of young males—and address the challenges of building a more equitable world, thereby responding to some of the motivating concerns ofRed HoodandBlood Moon.
Tobacco industry corporate social responsibility activities and other interference after ratification of a strong tobacco law in Ethiopia
Authors: Mengesha Sisay Derso , Brolan Claire , Gartner Coral E
Published: September 2023

Background

Since strict new tobacco control laws were introduced in 2019 and 2020, the National Tobacco Enterprise (NTE), the main manufacturer and distributor of cigarettes in Ethiopia, strategically engaged in corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities and other tactics to interfere in tobacco control policymaking. This study systematically identified and reviewed tobacco industry activities that undermine Ethiopia’s strict new tobacco control laws.

Methods

We collated, reviewed and analysed evidence on tobacco industry CSR activities from February 2019 to November 2022 in Ethiopia, including newspapers, organisational websites, social media and government documents related to tobacco industry activities, contract agreements and other policy interference attempts.

Results

NTE’s CSR activities included: (1) Funding educational programmes (eg, postgraduate scholarships); (2) Community service (eg, donating COVID-19 prevention materials, providing water, sanitation and hygiene supplies); and (3) Supporting government programmes (eg, greening initiatives and training programmes). NTE facilitated CSR activities via a contract agreement with the Ethiopian government that was created when Japan Tobacco International purchased the Government’s majority share in NTE. NTE subsequently partnered with the Japanese Embassy in Addis Ababa and private law firms on CSR activities. The tobacco control community stopped NTE distributing free COVID-19 prevention products in Addis Ababa but had limited impact on other identified breaches of laws prohibiting tobacco advertising promotion and sponsorship.

Conclusion

The new laws have not stopped NTE using multiple CSR activities to interfere in tobacco control policy. Regular monitoring of tobacco industry CSR activities to identify potential breaches is recommended. Moreover, the Ethiopian government should revise its contractual agreement with NTE to end NTE’s participation in law-making processes and partnerships on illicit tobacco control.
Utilizing different artificial intelligence techniques for efficient condition assessment of building components
Authors: Ahmed Hani , Mostafa Kareem , Hegazy Tarek
Published: September 2023

Facility management maintains building service quality through cycles of condition assessments and rehabilitation. Building components, however, differ in their nature, service lives, deterioration patterns, and textual/visual inspection data. This complicates the condition assessment process and subsequent rehabilitation decisions. This paper proposes a smart condition assessment framework that uses different artificial intelligence (AI) techniques that suit the condition data analysis of different building components. The framework has been applied to a dataset of over 2000 maintenance requests for roof and heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems across a 600-villa portfolio. To address their varying needs, convolutional neural networks were used on images of roof defects, while enhanced data mining was used on textual data of HVAC systems. Accordingly, work packages of deteriorated components were identified, and a 60-day schedule was developed to repair 203 HVAC units. This research shows how AI can assist facility management with respect to condition assessment, rehabilitation planning, and resource allocation.
Differential susceptibility of Iowa waterhemp (Amaranthus tuberculatus) populations to 2,4-D, dicamba, and glufosinate
Authors: Hamberg Ryan C. , Yadav Ramawatar , Owen Micheal D.K. , Licht Mark A.
Published: September 2023

Multiple herbicide-resistant waterhemp ( Amaranthus tuberculatus (Moq.) J.D. Sauer) has limited herbicide options for Iowa row crop production. Soybean ( Glycine max (L.) Merr.) cultivars and corn ( Zea mays L.) hybrids resistant to 2,4-D, dicamba, and glufosinate have provided more herbicide options for waterhemp management. A probability-based survey of Iowa fields was conducted in fall 2019 wherein waterhemp seeds were collected and their susceptibility to 2,4-D, dicamba, and glufosinate was determined. The average survival of all populations treated with 1× 2,4-D, dicamba, and glufosinate was 17%, 5%, and 4%, respectively. Seven percent of treated populations exhibited ≥50% survival to 1× rates of 2,4-D.
Thought experiments in electromagnetic theory and the ordinary Hall effect
Authors: Mareš Jiří J. , Špička Václav , Hubík Pavel
Published: September 2023

Thought experiments are effective tools of theoretical physics, and historically they have led to the discovery of many useful ideas and relations. Yet they also give rise to paradoxes that persist for long periods of time despite enormous efforts to resolve them. A problem par excellence, one that falls within the realm of classical electrodynamics and has been investigated exclusively by means of thought experiments, is the famous problem of hidden momentum. It concerns the conversion of the electromagnetic momentum generated by static electromagnetic fields into momentum of a non-electromagnetic nature and the resulting momentum balance. As a rule, this effect, which takes place in ponderable systems, is very subtle, of the order of $$\sim$$
∼
1/c2; thus, until now it has only been studied theoretically and has never been demonstrated experimentally. The main subject of this paper is the analysis of a robust and experimentally well-established phenomenon operating in static electromagnetic fields—the ordinary Hall effect—which has been interpreted anew in terms of the Poynting vector and proven to be sufficiently sensitive for direct comparison with typical quantitative estimates encountered in the hidden momentum problem. Confrontation of hypothetical models with a real experiment enables us to formulate the general conditions and rules that should be observed when designing thought experiments in classical electrodynamics.
The Impact of a Community of Practice Scholarship Program on Students’ Computing Identity
Authors: Kargarmoakhar Maral , Ross Monique , Hazari Zahra , Secules Stephen , Weiss Mark Allen , Georgiopoulos Michael , Christensen Kenneth , Solis Tiana
Published: September 2023

While computing programs in the U.S. are experiencing growth in enrollment trends, they are still grappling with matters related to retention and persistence of computing undergraduates. One construct identified by scholars as having an impact on persistence in computing is computing identity, which is shaped by constructs such as recognition, performance/competence beliefs, sense of belonging, and interest. Likewise, participation in what scholars call communities of practice (CoPs) can aid in the development of their computing identity. To help foster computing identity development, an initiative was designed at three large public universities named Flit-Path (Florida IT Pathways to Success). Flit-Path was established using the principles inherent to communities of practice with the goal of recruiting and retaining computing students. The Flit-Path program leveraged curricular and co-curricular support to engage academically talented students with financial need in computing disciplines (e.g., computer engineering, computer science, and information technology) and provided financial assistance via scholarships. The guiding research question for this study was, What is the impact of a computing community of practice (the Flit-Path program) on students’ computing identity, specifically the constructs of recognition, performance/competence, sense of belonging, and interest? In order to address this question, a validated survey instrument was used to compare 64 computing students who enrolled in the Flit-Path program with students from the same universities with matched years in college, computing GPA, race/ethnicity, gender, home/environment support, and work hours outside the home. For comparing the two groups, the research team used multivariate matching methods in R. The results of the study revealed that students in the Flit-Path program demonstrated substantially higher computing identities. Students who participated in the Flit-Path program experienced higher recognition, performance/competence, and sense of belonging in the computing field than their non-Flit-Path counterparts. There was also a borderline positive effect for interest. Together, the results indicate that well-designed CoP interventions in computing programs can have a significant effect on students’ identification with computing and ultimately their persistence.
Frameworks for Interpreting the Early Fossil Record of Eukaryotes
Authors: Porter Susannah M. , Riedman Leigh Anne
Published: September 2023

The origin of modern eukaryotes is one of the key transitions in life's history, and also one of the least understood. Although the fossil record provides the most direct view of this process, interpreting the fossils of early eukaryotes and eukaryote-grade organisms is not straightforward. We present two end-member models for the evolution of modern (i.e., crown) eukaryotes—one in which modern eukaryotes evolved early, and another in which they evolved late—and interpret key fossils within these frameworks, including where they might fit in eukaryote phylogeny and what they may tell us about the evolution of eukaryotic cell biology and ecology. Each model has different implications for understanding the rise of complex life on Earth, including different roles of Earth surface oxygenation, and makes different predictions that future paleontological studies can test.
Visualized Quantitative Evaluation of Gastrointestinal Activity in Healthy Volunteers Using a Noninvasive Single-Channel Electroamplifier
Authors: Aikawa Gen , Kotani Misaki , Sakuramoto Hideaki , Ouchi Akira , Ikeda Mitsuki , Hoshino Tetsuya , Araki Nobuyuki , Enomoto Yuki , Shimojo Nobutake , Inoue Yoshiaki
Published: September 2023

Background. Electrogastrography and electroenterography are noninvasive methods for measuring gastric and intestinal electrical activities, respectively. Few studies have measured electroenterography in healthy humans; however, no studies have measured electrogastrography and electroenterography simultaneously. This study was performed to provide basic electrogastrography and electroenterography data for comparison with future studies in patients. Methods. Simultaneous preprandial and postprandial measurements of electrogastrography and electroenterography were taken for 30 min each in 50 healthy volunteers. Power spectrum analysis was performed to calculate dominant frequency, dominant power, and power ratio. Results. Gastric and small intestinal dominant frequencies were not significantly different between preprandial and postprandial periods. In preprandial and postprandial periods, normogastria was seen in 49 (98%) and 44 (88%) patients (

p
=
0.063

), bradygastria in 1 (2%) and 6 (12%) patients (

p
=
0.063

), and tachygastria in 0 (0%) patients, respectively. Dominant power was significantly increased in the stomach (828 [460–3203] μV2 vs. 1526 [759–2958] μV2,

p
=
0.016

) and small intestine (49 [27–86] μV2 vs. 68 [37–130] μV2,

p
<
0.001

). The power ratio was 1.6 (0.9–2.5) in the stomach and 1.4 (1.0–2.5) in the small intestine. Body mass index showed a negative correlation with the stomach and small intestinal dominant power in preprandial and postprandial periods (

r

s

=
−
0.566

,

p
<
0.001

;

r

s

=
−
0.534

,

p
<
0.001

;

r

s

=
−
0.459

,

p
<
0.001

; and

r

s

=
−
0.529

,

p
<
0.001

, respectively). The Bristol Stool Form Scale correlated positively with the small intestinal power ratio (

r

s

=
−
0.430

,

p
=
0.002

). Conclusion. There was no change in frequency in the stomach or small intestine, but power significantly increased in both the stomach and small intestine.
Dynamic Trajectory Planning for Automated Lane Changing Using the Quintic Polynomial Curve
Authors: Li Yang , Li Linbo , Ni Daiheng
Published: September 2023

As one of the key algorithms in supporting AV (autonomous vehicle) to complete the LC (lane changing) maneuver, the LTP (LC trajectory planning) algorithm generates safe and efficient LC trajectory for the AV. This paper proposes a novel dynamic LTP algorithm based on the quintic polynomial curve. This algorithm is capable of adjusting LC trajectory according to the state changes of the surrounding driving environment. The formulation of our proposed algorithm mainly consists the underlying form of trajectory equation, the optimization objective function, the corresponding constrains, and the SQP (sequential quadratic programming) algorithm. For each planning step, the time-based quintic polynomial function is introduced to model the trajectory equation. The problem of solving the parameters of the corresponding equation is then transformed into an optimization problem, which takes driver’s safety, comfort, and efficiency into account. After that, the SQP algorithm is employed to solve this optimization problem. Finally, both numerical simulation and field-data validation are used to verify the effectiveness of our proposed algorithm. We anticipate that the research could provide certain valuable insights for developing more reliable LC algorithms for AVs.
Data from ESRRB inhibits the TGF-β signaling pathway to drive cell proliferation in cervical cancer
Authors: Li Qin-Shu , Zheng Peng-Sheng
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Estrogen-related receptor β (ESRRB) is a member of the orphan nuclear receptor family and mediates stem cell self-renewal and early embryonic development. Previous studies have also reported that ESRRB plays a role in development and progression of breast cancer and prostate cancer. In this study, we observed that ESRRB was highly expressed in cervical cancer (CC) and was associated with disease progression. Knocking out ESRRB using CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing in cervical cancer cells induced cell cycle arrest at the transition from the G0/G1 phase to the S phase, resulting in inhibition of cell proliferation in vitro and reduced tumor growth in vivo. Conversely, ectopic expression of ESRRB significantly promoted the proliferation of cervical cancer cells. ESRRB activated transcription of SMAD7, a TGF-β pathway inhibitor, which blocked phosphorylation and nuclear translocation of SMAD2/3 to the nucleus, thereby downregulating CDKN1A and upregulating CCNA2 and MYC. In turn, MYC transactivated ESRRB and upregulated SMAD7, thus forming a positive feedback loop with ESRRB. Together, these findings identify the tumor promoting function of ESRRB in cervical cancer and reveal a mechanism by which ESRRB stimulates cell proliferation to promote cancer progression.
Data from Trackable Intratumor Microdosing and Spatial Profiling Provide Early Insights into Activity of Investigational Agents in the Intact Tumor Microenvironment
Authors: Derry Jonathan M.J. , Burns Connor , Frazier Jason P. , Beirne Emily , Grenley Marc , DuFort Christopher C. , Killingbeck Emily , Leon Michael , Williams Claire , Gregory Mark , Houlton Jeffrey , Clayburgh Daniel , Swiecicki Paul , Huszar Dennis , Berger Allison , Klinghoffer Richard A.
Published: September 2023

AbstractPurpose:
Cancer drug development is currently limited by a paradigm of preclinical evaluation that does not adequately recapitulate the complexity of the intact human tumor microenvironment (TME). To overcome this, we combined trackable intratumor microdosing (CIVO) with spatial biology readouts to directly assess drug effects in patient tumors in situ.
Experimental Design:
In a first-of-its-kind phase 0 clinical trial, we explored the effects of an investigational stage SUMOylation-activating enzyme (SAE) inhibitor, subasumstat (TAK-981) in 12 patients with head and neck carcinoma (HNC). Patients scheduled for tumor resection received percutaneous intratumor injections of subasumstat and vehicle control 1 to 4 days before surgery, resulting in spatially localized and graded regions of drug exposure (∼1,000–2,000 μm in diameter). Drug-exposed (n = 214) and unexposed regions (n = 140) were compared by GeoMx Digital Spatial Profiler, with evaluation at single-cell resolution in a subset of these by CosMx Spatial Molecular Imager.
Results:
Localized regions of subasumstat exposure revealed SUMO pathway inhibition, elevation of type I IFN response, and inhibition of cell cycle across all tumor samples. Single-cell analysis by CosMx demonstrated cell-cycle inhibition specific to the tumor epithelium, and IFN pathway induction commensurate with a TME shift from immune-suppressive to immune-permissive.
Conclusions:
Pairing CIVO with spatial profiling enabled detailed investigation of response to subasumstat across a diverse sampling of native and intact TME. We demonstrate that drug mechanism of action can be directly evaluated in a spatially precise manner in the most translationally relevant setting: an in situ human tumor.
Abstract PO-099: Short-term outcomes of an extended endoscopic endonasal resection of a clival giant cell tumor with adjuvant RANK-L inhibitor therapy: Case report
Authors: Zaheer Myra A. , Ramesh Abhisri , Mehta Aadit P. , Fonseca Adriana S. , Donoho Daniel A.
Published: September 2023

Background Clival giant cell tumors (GiCT) are rare neoplasms that commonly target the epiphysis. Recently, skull base GiCTs have been reported, predominantly in the sphenoid and temporal bones. Although typically benign, GiCTs of the skull-base can cause neurologic deficits due to compression of cranial nerves or intracranial contents. The efficacy of adjuvant chemotherapy in treating GiCTs is not known. One potential treatment option neoplastic mononuclear stromal cells in GiCTs express NF-κB ligands (RANK-L), which can be therapeutically targeted with Denosumab, a monoclonal antibody against RANK-L. Here, we describe the case of a GiCT invasive to the clivus, an extended endoscopic endonasal resection of the tumor, and management of the lesion with Denosumab. Methods A retrospective chart review was performed on the patient of interest. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) scans were used to assess disease growth and response to surgical and therapeutic intervention. Case presentation A previously healthy seventeen-year-old female presented with headaches and numbness of the left V2 and V3. A diagnosis of a clival giant cell tumor was confirmed with strict pathologic, radiographic, and clinical correlation. She was found to have a clival mass extending into the sphenoid sinus. Surgical excision was performed by both the otolaryngology and neurosurgery departments at a single institution. She underwent an extended endoscopic endonasal resection of the clival mass. Following surgery, the numbness on the left V2 and V3 distribution improved. She occasionally reported bilateral V3 distribution symptoms without definite anatomic correlates for right sided complaints. Due to the presence of residual tumor, we recommended adjunctive medical therapy. We performed adjunctive medical therapy with Denosumab, a RANKL inhibitor. Discussion When complete surgical excision with negative margins is not feasible in lesions of the skull base, adjuvant treatment is commonly required to achieve local disease control. Our case demonstrates the efficacy of a combined approach where surgery is used to achieve a histologic diagnosis, decompression and evaluate for respectability. Adjuvant medical therapy using RANKL inhibitors is a promising approach that may be effective to achieve lifelong disease control but requires continued maintenance on therapy.

Citation Format: Myra A. Zaheer, Abhisri Ramesh, Aadit P. Mehta, Adriana S. Fonseca, Daniel A. Donoho. Short-term outcomes of an extended endoscopic endonasal resection of a clival giant cell tumor with adjuvant RANK-L inhibitor therapy: Case report [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR-AHNS Head and Neck Cancer Conference: Innovating through Basic, Clinical, and Translational Research; 2023 Jul 7-8; Montreal, QC, Canada. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Clin Cancer Res 2023;29(18_Suppl):Abstract nr PO-099.