bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification of a 16‐MTGs Prognostic Signature in Diffuse Large B‐Cell Lymphoma
Authors: Wang Shijun , Wang Xiaoqin , Li Guixia , Feng Pengcheng
Published: January 2024

Background. Diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is one of the largest lymphoma subcategories. Usually, 50%–70% of DLBCL patients can be cured by the standard treatment. But, at least one third have bad prognosis. Based on this situation, the research on DLBCL therapy strategy is still indispensable. Methods. A prognostic signature was built according to the public data and bioinformatics methods, the stability and reliability was assessed and validated. GSEA was performed to explore the difference in different groups. Consensus clustering and immune infiltration analysis were conducted comprehensively. Results. In this work, a signature based on multiple metabolism‐associated genes (MTGs) was established, containing 16 MTGs, to predict the prognosis of DLBCL patients. The accuracy and effectiveness of this signature have been verified by three external validation sets. According to the risk formula, DLBCL patients were divided into high‐ and low‐risk groups, and the survival rate of the low‐risk group was significantly higher than that of the high‐risk group. Furthermore, gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) demonstrated that beta‐alanine metabolism and regulation of actin cytoskeleton signal pathways were enriched in the low‐risk group. The actual survival and nomogram‐predicted survival matched well both in the training cohort and verification cohorts. Conclusion. In general, our prognostic signature can provide reliable and valuable information for medical workers in predicting the prognosis of DLBCL. A preprint was made available by the research square in the following link: “https://www.researchsquare.com/article/rs-1468741/v2.”
The Stability of Sugar Yield in Promising Sugarcane Genotypes (Saccharum officinarum L.)
Authors: Fouladvand Mahmoud , Ebrahimi Asa , Rahaie Mahdi , Shariati Vahid
Published: January 2024

Stability analysis is one of the most important steps that a breeder should use to release a new variety for a region. To identify and introduce the best sugarcane genotypes, an experiment with 26 promising Sugarcane genotypes along with four commercial varieties was planned and implemented during 2017–2019. This study aimed to determine a promising stable sugarcane genotype for the sugarcane-growing areas of Khuzestan Province in Iran. The effects of genotype × environment interactions on the sugar yield of 26 promising sugarcane genotypes and four standard varieties as controls were investigated for the new plant (P), first ratoon (R1), and second ratoon (R2) at three locations (Amir Kabir, Imam Khomeini, and Mianab) for three cropping seasons. For the final analysis every year, quantitative and qualitative characteristics were measured by sampling 10 stalks of each genotype in each replication and each experiment. A combined analysis was conducted with regard to the fixed effects of the genotype and environment and the random effect of the year. The sugar yield stability of the genotypes was evaluated based on nonparametric, ecovalence, Shukla, simultaneous selection, and AMMI statistical methods. According to the results, g2,g4,g5,g7,g11,g12,g14,g16,g19,g20,g21,g23,g24,g26,g27,g28,g29, and g30 are the most stable genotypes based on statistical analyses. As these genotypes have general stability and can be cultivated in three crops, they are introduced for commercial cultivation. According to an AMMI biplot, genotype g6 was considered to have special adaptation to the first location (Imam Khomeini), genotypes g8 and g15 were specifically adapted to the second location (Amir Kabir), and genotypes g10,g17, and g22 showed special adaptation to the third location (Mianab). Therefore, these genotypes are introduced for commercial cultivation in the mentioned locations.
Single-Center Outcomes of Epstein–Barr Virus DNAemia in Adult Solid Organ Transplant Recipients
Authors: Dong Sara W. , Blair Barbra M. , Alonso Carolyn D.
Published: January 2024

Background. Immunosuppression in solid organ transplantation (SOT) increases the risk of Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) DNAemia, which may herald development of posttransplant lymphoproliferative disease (PTLD). Few studies have characterized the incidence, risk factors, and clinical impact of EBV DNAemia in adult SOT recipients (SOTR). Methods. A single-center, retrospective review of adult (≥18 years) SOTR between 01 January 2015 and 31 December 2019 was conducted. Patients were stratified by the primary study endpoint of development of EBV DNAemia (whole blood EBV DNA PCR > 200 copies/mL). Secondary endpoints included development of PTLD, reduction in immunosuppression (RIS), use of pre-emptive therapy, and all-cause mortality. Results. Among 442 adult SOTR, the predominant transplant organs were the kidney (258, 58%) and liver (141, 31.9%). EBV serostatus in most subjects (430, 97%) was classified as intermediate risk (R+). Eight subjects (2%) were high risk (donor (D+/R−), and 4 (1%) were low risk (D−/R−). The overall incidence of EBV DNAemia was 4.1% (18/442) with a median time to detection of 14 months (range 3–60). The highest proportion of DNAemia was observed in D+/R− subjects (37.5%; p<0.001). Development of PTLD was significantly associated with EBV DNAemia and occurred in 3/18 patients with DNAemia (16.7%) vs. 3/424 (0.7%) without DNAemia (p<0.001). All patients with PTLD were managed with RIS and rituximab. Conclusion. We observed that EBV D+/R− serostatus and development of sustained EBV DNAemia were high risk features associated with subsequent development of PTLD in our cohort of adult SOTR.
Rare Causes of Musculoskeletal Pain: Thinking beyond Common Rheumatologic Diseases
Authors: Charles Julia F. , Malabanan Alan O. , Krolczyk Stan , Dahir Kathryn M.
Published: January 2024

Objectives. Rare metabolic bone diseases can present with symptoms mimicking more common rheumatological conditions including spondyloarthritis, osteoarthritis, and fibromyalgia. Increasing awareness of these rare diseases within the rheumatology community is vital to ensure that affected patients are diagnosed and appropriately treated. The literature includes several reports of tumour‐induced osteomalacia initially diagnosed as rheumatic disease, but other rare diseases such as X‐linked hypophosphatemia (XLH) and hypophosphatasia (HPP) also deserve attention. Here, we describe two cases of adult patients incorrectly diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis and osteoarthritis who, upon referral to a metabolic bone disease specialist, were subsequently diagnosed with XLH and HPP, respectively, profoundly altering their management. Methods. The cases were collected from Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA, and Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA. Results. Details of the patients’ respective medical and family histories are presented, and the clinical and biochemical investigations undertaken to reach the correct diagnoses are described. Conclusion. Rheumatologists should be encouraged to think beyond common rheumatological diseases when faced with symptoms such as bone pain, muscle pain, and stiffness, especially when accompanied by manifestations including atraumatic fractures, poor dentition, and hearing loss. In cases where one of these rare diseases is suspected, referral to a metabolic bone disease specialist for confirmation of diagnosis is encouraged as effective treatment options have recently become available.
Structure and Rank of a Cyclic Code over a Class of Nonchain Rings
Authors: Jain Nikita , Dutt Sucheta , Sehmi Ranjeet
Published: January 2024

The rings Z4+νZ4 have been classified into chain rings and nonchain rings based on the values of ν2∈Z4+νZ4. In this paper, the structure of a cyclic code of arbitrary length over the rings Z4+νZ4 for those values of ν2 for which these are nonchain rings has been established. A unique form of generators for a cyclic code over these rings has also been obtained. Furthermore, the rank and cardinality of a cyclic code over these rings have been established by finding a minimal spanning set for the code.
Supplementary Figure S2 from FASN Gene Methylation is Associated with Fatty Acid Synthase Expression and Clinical-genomic Features of Prostate Cancer
Authors: Dairo Oluwademilade , DePaula Oliveira Lia , Schaffer Ethan , Vidotto Thiago , Mendes Adrianna A. , Lu Jiayun , Huynh Sophie Vo , Hicks Jessica , Sowalsky Adam G. , De Marzo Angelo M. , Joshu Corrine E. , Hanratty Brian , Sfanos Karen S. , Isaacs William B. , Haffner Michael C. , Lotan Tamara L.
Published: January 2024

Digital quantification of FASN immunostaining in prostate tumor cells
Effect of Black Rice Bran ‘Sembada Hitam’ on T47D Breast Cancer Cells
Authors: Cios Conara Flafiani , Oktavya Galuh , Asih Purwestri Yekti , Nuriliani Ardaning
Published: January 2024

Indonesians have a rich tradition of incorporating black rice into their diet as a functional food due to its high antioxidant content. This research investigates the effects of the ethanolic extract of "Sembada Hitam" black rice bran on T47D breast cancer cells, specifically its cytotoxic, cell growth, and apoptotic induction properties. The MTT assay method was used to evaluate the cytotoxicity of the black rice bran extract on T47D cells after 24 and 48 hours of incubation. The acridine orange/propidium iodide (AO/PI) dye double staining method was employed to assess the apoptosis-inducing properties of the extract. Additionally, a cell growth assay was conducted to evaluate the effect of the extract on cell growth, with observations recorded on days 0, 3, and 6. The results revealed that the ethanolic extract of black rice bran "Sembada Hitam," when administered at various concentrations ranging from 7.81 to 1000 µg/mL, did not exhibit cytotoxic effects on T47D cells during the 24 and 48 hours of incubation. The cell growth assay revealed that T47D cells treated with the ethanolic extract of "Sembada Hitam" black rice bran at concentrations of 250 and 500 µg/mL exhibited lower growth rates than the 1% DMSO group from the 3rd to 6th day after incubation. The ethanolic extract of "Sembada Hitam" at concentrations of 250, 500, and 1000 µg/mL resulted in cell death of 10.64 ± 2.98%, 9.99 ± 5.87%, and 5.84 ± 0.78%, respectively. In conclusion, this study found that the ethanolic extract of "Sembada Hitam" black rice bran did not demonstrate significant cytotoxic effects on T47D breast cancer cells and is, therefore, unlikely to be a suitable candidate for an anti-cancer agent.
Review on Bioactive Compounds and Pharmacological Properties of Cleome rutidosperma DC
Authors: Nguyen Trang
Published: January 2024

Cleome rutidosperma DC., a species of flowering plant in the Cleomaceae family, is commonly known as "fringed spider flower" or "purple cleome". It is distributed in the tropical and subtropical regions of Asia and Africa. The plant species is widely utilized in folk medicinal practices. According to traditional medicinal reports, the plant has been used to alleviate pain, spasms, and skin diseases, as well as to reduce symptoms of deafness, earaches, and convulsions. This study aims to consolidate the available information on traditional medicine, botanical aspects, phytochemistry, and pharmacology of C. rutidosperma. Published articles on this species since 2000 were comprehensively analyzed. Databases, such as Google Scholar, Scopus, ScienceDirect, and PubMed, were employed. Pharmacological studies have demonstrated that C. rutidosperma possesses various bioactivities, including analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, and anticancer effects. Multiple phytochemicals have been identified in the plant. These phytoconstituents could contribute to the high antioxidant properties and multiple bioactivities of C. rutidosperma that hold great potential for human health
Dissidência corporal e monstruosidade em Monstrans: Experimentando horrormônios
Authors: Gonçalves Ícaro Silva
Published: January 2024

In 2012, the cartoonist Lino Arruda published the graphic novel Monstrans: experimentando horrormônios, where he explores his experiences with disabilities, transmasculinity, and lesbianity, representing himself shifting shapes between human and creature. The study developed here seeks to analyze this representation, raising questions of dissidente corporealities, gender and sexuality, observing how they are represented by the cartoonist as he narrates and fictionalizes his own experiences. Thus, the theories developed by Groensteen (2015), and Baetens and Frey (2015), the analysis of graphic representation of horror by Reijonen (2021), Klinger’s thesis on writing of the self (2012), as well as the 17th edition of Gender Troubles (BUTLER, 2019), and Paul B. Preciado’s speech to the academy of psychoanalysts in 2019, Can the monster speak?, where he makes observations on trans lives in psychoanalysis theory, were considered in the study
Orientalismo e X-Men: uma análise da representação da personagem Pó
Authors: Corrêa Junior Vandercleo Costa
Published: January 2024

It aims to analyze the presence of the character Sooraya Qadir, also known by the alias 'Dust,' in the comic book New X-Men, written by Grant Morrison. It seeks to understand how her inclusion in the story is related to the historical context of the comic’s original publication, marked by the 09/11 terrorist attacks and the United States' declaration of the War on Terror. The main concept utilized is Orientalism, created by Edward Said, which exposes the existence of discourses based on asymmetrical power relations that are employed to justify domination and violence exerted upon Another. Following this logic, the main objective is to understand if the way the character in question is portrayed reproduces certain negative conceptions about the so-called Orient in general, and muslim women, in particular.
Vamos contar de novo? gêneros discursivos, adaptação e memória cultural em filmes do Homem-Aranha
Authors: Costa Robson Santos
Published: January 2024

It aims to analyze the role of memory and cultural memory in the adaptation process between and within discursive genres in the superhero movies market. As corpus of analysis we selected three adaptations of the comic book character Spider-Man: Spider-Man, from 2002; The Amazing Spider-Man, from 2012 and Spider-Man, Homecoming, from 2017. As a theoretical framework, we will work with Bakhtin (1997) who understands speech genres as a group of self-identical utterances; Assmann (2011), Erll (2010) and Heller (2003) to conceptualize cultural memory, seen as a construction arising from the traces that come from cultural works; Hutcheon (2013), who understands adaptation as a process that builds something new; and Todorov (2013) in his idea of the tension between difference and repetition in elaboration of storytellings. Methodologically, we will use Vanoye and Goliot-Lété (2011), with the idea of construction of meaning through filmic fragments. We conclude that adaptation uses memory as an element of the utterance construction process, being fundamental in the production of the cultural industries products and its dynamics of difference and repetition for the cultural memory production.
Associations of Sarcopenia and Body Composition Measures With Mortality After Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement
Authors: Stein Elliot J. , Neill Colin , Nair Sangeeta , Terry J. Greg , Carr J. Jeffrey , Fearon William F. , Elmariah Sammy , Kim Juyong B. , Kapadia Samir , Kumbhani Dharam J. , Gillam Linda , Whisenant Brian , Quader Nishath , Zajarias Alan , Welt Frederick G. , Bavry Anthony A. , Coylewright Megan , Piana Robert , Mallugari Ravinder R. , Vatterott Anna , Jackson Natalie , Huang Shi , Lindman Brian R.
Published: January 2024

Background:

Frailty associates with worse outcomes after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). Sarcopenia underlies frailty, but the association between a comprehensive assessment of sarcopenia—muscle mass, strength, and performance—and outcomes after TAVR has not been examined.

Methods:

From a multicenter prospective registry of patients with symptomatic severe aortic stenosis undergoing TAVR, 445 who had a preprocedure computed tomography and clinical assessment of frailty were included. Cross-sectional muscle (psoas and paraspinal) areas were measured on computed tomography and indexed to height. Gait speed and handgrip strength were obtained, and patients were dichotomized into fast versus slow; strong versus weak; and normal versus low muscle mass. As measures of body composition, cross-sectional fat (subcutaneous and visceral) was measured and indexed to height.

RESULTS:

The frequency of patients who were slow, weak, and had low muscle mass was 56%, 59%, and 42%, respectively. Among the 3 components of sarcopenia, only slower gait speed (muscle performance) was independently associated with increased post-TAVR mortality (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.12 per 0.1 m/s decrease [95% CI, 1.04–1.21];
P
=0.004; adjusted hazard ratio, 1.38 per 1 SD decrease [95% CI, 1.11–1.72];
P
=0.004). Meeting multiple sarcopenia criteria was not associated with higher mortality risk than fewer. Lower indexed visceral fat area (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.48 per 1 SD decrease [95% CI, 1.15–1.89];
P
=0.002) was associated with mortality but indexed subcutaneous fat was not. Death occurred in 169 (38%) patients.

CONCLUSIONS:

Among patients with symptomatic severe aortic stenosis and comprehensive sarcopenia and body composition phenotyping, gait speed was the only sarcopenia measure associated with post-TAVR mortality. Lower visceral fat was also associated with increased risk pointing to an obesity paradox also observed in other patient populations. These findings reinforce the clinical utility of gait speed as a measure of risk and a potential target for adjunctive interventions alongside TAVR to optimize clinical outcomes.
Sexual dimorphism and ecomorphology of the Berthold’s bush anole (Polychrus gutturosus) in Costa Rica
Authors: Barquero Marco D. , Arguedas Viviana , Ovares Lizbeth , Vargas Rodolfo , Arguedas Randall
Published: January 2024

Morphological variation present within a species is the result of sexual or natural selection and determines the ecological relationships (i.e., ecomorphology) and the degree of sexual dimorphism. For most lizard species, either males or females are the larger sex, suggesting that selection operates differently on each sex. Thus, differences in morphology can determine the habitat use made by males and females. Here we use the Berthold’s bush anole (Polychrus gutturosus), a rare arboreal, diurnal lizard, to examine whether morphological and ecological measures differ among sexes and whether such potential differences emerge as a result of resource partitioning. We measured the morphology of wild individuals from one population and from preserved specimens collected in Costa Rica. We collected data on nine morphological measurements, nocturnal body and air temperatures, and sleeping perch height. We measured 45 wild individuals (22 males and 23 females) and 17 preserved specimens (6 males and 11 females). We found a female-biased body size, and male-biased tail length, head dimensions, and limb lengths. We also observed differences between males and females in body color and the size and shape of femoral pores, although these differences require quantification. We did not find sex differences in sleeping perch height or nocturnal body temperature. Our results demonstrate that resource partitioning does not explain differences among sexes, and that female-biased body size in P. gutturosus might reflect selection operating on increased fecundity.
Hydroporus queneyi sp. n. from southern France, a new semi-subterranean diving beetle of the Hydroporus normandi-complex (Coleoptera, Dytiscidae, Hydroporini)
Authors: MANUEL MICHAËL , FERREIRA JULES
Published: January 2024

Hydroporus queneyi sp. n. is described from the area of Montpellier in southern France. It is a member of the Hydroporus normandi-complex (within the H. memnonius-group) and shares with other species of the complex the typical suite of morphological features associated with a semi-subterranean ecology. The new species differs from all previously known species of the complex by the antennomeres V–XI distinctly darkened, and by a diagnostic combination of features notably of the habitus, surface sculpture and pubescence, aspect of the metacoxal lines and posterior wing venation. Its morphology is compared with that of related species, as well as described and illustrated. Collecting circumstances for the new species are described and an updated map of the distribution of H. normandi-complex species is provided. Newly produced partial sequences of the mitochondrial marker CO1 from specimens of H. queneyi sp. n., H. galloprovincialis Manuel, 2013 and two subspecies of H. normandi Régimbart, 1903 were analysed together with publicly available sequences. In the resulting CO1 tree, haplotypes from the respective morphospecies are well separated within the H. normandi-complex, and H. queneyi sp. n. is positioned closer to the Balearic Islands endemic H. lluci Fery, 1999 than to its continental relatives H. galloprovincialis and H. normandi.
Finite element analysis of the effect of crystallinity on low-velocity impact performance of poly (aryl ether ketone) composites
Authors: Xie Huaming , Liu Gang , Yao Jia’nan , Zhang Daijun , Wang Chengbo , Cao Rui , Zhang Jindong , Chen Chunhai
Published: January 2024

A new copolymer poly (aryl ether ketone) (PAEK) resin was used as a matrix to prepare carbon fiber (CF) reinforced composites with different crystallinity by slow and rapid cooling. Finite element (FE) models were constructed according to micromechanics, and the progressive damage method based on the three-dimensional (3D) PUCK damage criterion was used to analyze the low-velocity impact damage mechanism of the CF/PAEK composites. The experimental results show that the composites with lower crystallinity have higher impact resistance and smaller impact damage area. In the FE simulated impact damage evolution process, the damage of the impact side is mainly compressive damage of the matrix and the fiber, while that of the impact back side is mainly tensile damage of the matrix. Moreover, due to their high interfacial bonding strength, the main damage modes of rapid-cooled composites with lower crystallinity are severe matrix tensile damage and slight fiber tensile damage in the impact back side. However, the slow-cooled composites show more delamination. In addition, for the damage evolution of compression after impact, the FE simulation shows that fiber compression, matrix tension, matrix compression and delamination expand along the transverse to the compression load. Furthermore, the in-plane damage expansion occurs earlier in the rapid-cooled composites, which also have graver interlaminar damage.
The Interwar Period International Trade in Arms: A New Dataset
Authors: Mehrl Marius , Thurner Paul W.
Published: January 2024

International weapons transfers send military capabilities, make arms production economically feasible, and construct security relations. They influence buyers’ and sellers’ foreign policies, domestic politics, and military spending behavior. However, data availability has limited their study to the bipolar Cold War and unipolar post-Cold War periods. We thus introduce the Interwar Period International Trade in Arms (IPITA) data, covering dyadic transfers of small arms, light weapons, ammunition, explosives, and major conventional weapons in the years 1920–1939. The IPITA data will offer new avenues to study the drivers, dynamics, and consequences of arms transfers, both in past and future multipolar systems.
Institutional Failures as Structural Determinants of Suicide: The Opioid Epidemic and the Great Recession in the United States
Authors: Simon Daniel H. , Masters Ryan K.
Published: January 2024

We investigate recent trends in U.S. suicide mortality using a “structural determinants of health” framework. We access restricted-use multiple cause of death files to track suicide rates among U.S. Black, White, American Indian/Alaska Native, and Latino/a men and women between 1990 and 2017. We examine suicide deaths separately by poisonings and nonpoisonings to illustrate that (1) women’s suicide rates from poisonings track strongly with increases in prescription drug availability and (2) nonpoisoning suicide rates among all adult Americans track strongly with worsening economic conditions coinciding with the financial crash and Great Recession. These findings suggest that institutional failures elevated U.S. suicide risk between 1990 and 2017 by increasing access to more lethal means of self-harm and by increasing both exposure and vulnerability to economic downturns. Together, these results support calls to scale up to focus on the structural determinants of U.S. suicide.
A Citations-Based Ranking of Black Economists in Academe
Authors: Mixon Franklin G. , Upadhyaya Kamal P.
Published: January 2024

It has been more than 20 years since a study of the research productivity or impact of Black economists has appeared in the economics literature. This study revisits the subject, and in the process combines methodological features from each of the two prior studies. In addition to a ranking of the top 200 Black academic economists in the United States, we also examine other aspects of the data, such as the prevalence of clinical faculty and female professors.
Parental Influence and Religious Context: A Cross-Level Perspective on Volunteering during Adolescence and Early Adulthood
Authors: Nie Fanhao
Published: January 2024

Different religions may have different cultural values toward volunteering in the wider community. Although prior research has examined how individual religious characteristics may influence volunteering, comparatively less is known about how different religious contexts in which one is embedded may bring about variations in volunteering. To fill in this gap, this study applied multilevel analyses to merged data from the National Study of Youth and Religion (NSYR), the U.S. Census, and the Religious Congregations and Membership Study (RCMS). Results suggest that a county’s Catholic population share was positively associated with the frequency of youth volunteering even after controlling for a wide range of individual and county-level variables. Surprisingly, an increasing county-level Catholic population share may even strengthen the positive effect of parental volunteering influence on youth volunteering. In contrast, the county-level evangelical Protestant population share bear a negative relationship with youth volunteering frequency, which was mediated by county-level socioeconomic controls.
Machine learning approach for carbon disclosure in the Korean market: The role of environmental performance
Authors: Lee Jeong Hwan , Cho Jin Hyung , Kim Bong Jun , Lee Won Eung
Published: January 2024

Over the past few decades, scholars have employed a wide range of methodologies to determine the factors influencing firms’ voluntary carbon disclosure. Most of these studies have been conducted in advanced markets. This article aims to examine the trend of voluntary carbon disclosure in the Korean financial market by utilizing machine learning models such as Random Forest and Gradient Boosted Decision Tree. Based on a set of hand-collected carbon disclosure data, we initially demonstrated significantly better performance of machine learning models compared to the traditional logistic model. Regarding the factors influencing disclosure, we consistently find the importance of environmental scores, emphasizing the role of the emerging mega-trend of ESG management practices in disclosure decisions. However, in contrast to recent studies, we do not find that the unique Korean governance structure, chaebol, has any significantly different implications in terms of prediction performance and variable importance in carbon disclosure decisions.
Reviewing Review: Administrative Justice and the Immigration Assessment Authority
Authors: Elton Amy
Published: January 2024

The Immigration Assessment Authority (‘IAA’) provides the final merits review mechanism for people seeking asylum by boat in Australia. For fast-track applicants, the outcome of IAA review is incredibly significant, with consequences ranging from resettlement in Australia, removal to an applicant’s country of origin or indefinite immigration detention in harsh conditions. Eight years since its introduction, this article asks whether the IAA has realised the goal of promoting efficient review whilst meeting other important administrative objectives. The article takes a novel approach, applying a pre-formulated theory of administrative justice to analyse whether the IAA has balanced administrative justice properties. In so doing, this article offers a unique lens to critically reflect on the role of the IAA and whether, once its mandate is ended, this new model of review should be abandoned or revived for future merits review of asylum claims.
A randomized controlled trial of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation plus donepezil vs donepezil alone for mild to moderate cognitive impairment due to small vessel cerebrovascular disease
Authors: Shou Bijiang , Chen Xuan , Hou Yuli
Published: January 2024

Objectives

Small vessel cerebrovascular disease (SVCVD) accounts for 35% to 67% of vascular dementias, and may be overlooked by healthcare providers due to its insidious onset. SVCVD involves chronic cerebral ischemia and hypoperfusion, endothelial dysfunction, blood-brain barrier disruption, and interstitial fluid reflux. The purpose of this study was to investigate the clinical efficacy of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) combined with donepezil hydrochloride compared to donepezil alone in the treatment of mild-to-moderate cognitive impairment in patients with SVCVD.

Material and methods

A cohort of 115 individuals with mild-to-moderate cognitive impairment due to SVCVD was purposefully selected and randomized into two groups: a test group and a control group. The test group received a combination of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) and oral donepezil hydrochloride (10 mg/day), while the control group received oral donepezil alone (10 mg/day). The Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) scores were evaluated in both groups prior to and following the interventions.

Results

Following 6 weeks of treatment, both groups demonstrated enhancement in cognitive function. However, a statistically significant difference was observed between the test group and the control group ( p < .05 on both the MMSE and the MOCA), favoring the test group.

Conclusions

Compared to donepezil alone, the combination of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) and donepezil has a significantly greater effect on enhancing cognitive function among individuals experiencing mild-to-moderate cognitive impairment resulting from SVCVD.
A novel technique for stability analysis of linear time-invariant and nonlinear continuous-time control systems based on Markov parameters and Hankel matrices
Authors: Fatoorehchi Hooman , Ehrhardt Matthias
Published: January 2024

In this paper, we present an innovative approach for assessing the stability of linear time-invariant (LTI) systems. The key innovations in our methodology include the calculation of Markov parameters, the extension to nonlinear continuous-time systems, and significantly improved computational efficiency. Our novel approach leverages Markov parameters derived from the characteristic polynomial of the system. Unlike traditional methods, we employ the Leverrier-Takeno algorithm to efficiently determine the coefficients of the characteristic polynomial for state-space representation. The systematic calculation of Markov parameters using a specialized Maclaurin series expansion enhances our method’s precision. One of our major achievements is the rigorous verification of stability through Hankel matrices, ensuring positive definiteness using the Cholesky decomposition algorithm. In addition, we introduce a second stability criterion based on iterated polynomial long divisions, although we acknowledge its limitations in handling high-order systems due to computational inefficiency. Our pioneering contributions extend beyond LTI systems. We adapt our innovative techniques to analyze the local stability of nonlinear continuous-time systems by introducing the concept of Jacobian matrices and employing the indirect Lyapunov method. This expansion broadens the applicability of our approach to a wider range of real-world systems. Notably, our approach exhibits remarkable computational efficiency. According to CPU-time analysis, our first stability criterion outperforms the classical Routh–Hurwitz method by more than 12 times for dynamic systems with orders ranging from 2 to 180. This significant reduction in computation time positions our method as a valuable option for real-time stability analysis applications.
How Does Embodiment Enable the Acquisition of Tacit Knowledge in Organizations? From Polanyi to Merleau-Ponty
Authors: Hadjimichael Demetris , Ribeiro Rodrigo , Tsoukas Haridimos
Published: January 2024

We address the question of how embodiment enables tacit knowledge acquisition in the workplace. Although references to tacit knowledge in organizational research are common, we still lack a refined theoretical account of how tacit knowledge is acquired, especially in relation to embodiment. Following Polanyi, we start with the premise that to know something tacitly implies a movement from subsidiary to focal awareness. We provide a process account of how embodiment enables tacit knowledge acquisition, by developing further Polanyi’s insights through Merleau-Ponty’s phenomenology and phenomenologically oriented cognitive science. We argue that tacit knowledge is inferred to exist when fluency is manifested in task-specific performance. In particular, task-specific tacit knowledge is acquired once the objective body, having engaged in indwelling, is co-operatively turned to a phenomenal body that develops focal/subsidiary awareness and task-specific body schemas. The phenomenal body is capable of responding to the solicitations of the task at hand, thus striving to find an optimal grip on task-related particulars. This ability develops through authoritative guidance by more experienced others, in the effort to improve the fluency of task execution by focusing on and scrutinizing subsidiary particulars. We illustrate this process with several examples and discuss its implications for organizational research.
Transferability of Lessons From Program Evaluations: Iron Laws, Hiding Hands and the Evidence Ecosystem
Authors: Ling Tom
Published: January 2024

Assessing the transferability of lessons from social research or evaluation continues to raise challenges. Efforts to identify transferable lessons can be based on two different forms of argumentation. The first draws upon statistics and causal inferences. The second involves constructing a reasoned case based on weighing up different data collected along the causal chain from designing to delivery. Both approaches benefit from designing research based upon existing evidence and ensuring that the descriptions of the programme, context, and intended beneficiaries are sufficiently rich. Identifying transferable lessons should not be thought of as a one-off event but involves contributing to the iterative and learning of a scientific community. To understand the circumstances under which findings can be confidently transferred, we need to understand: (1) How far and why outcomes of interest have multiple, interacting and fluctuating causes. (2) The program design and implementation capacity. (3) Prior knowledge and causal landscapes (and how far these are included in the theory of change). (4) New and relevant knowledge; what can we learn in our ‘disputatious community of truth seekers’.
Report of the First ONTOX Stakeholder Network Meeting: Digging Under the Surface of ONTOX Together With the Stakeholders
Authors: Diemar Michael G. , Vinken Mathieu , Teunis Marc , Krul Cyrille A.M. , Busquet Francois , Zajac Julia Dominika , Kandarova Helena , Corvi Raffaella , Rosso Matteo Z. , Kharina Anastasiia , Bryndum Louise Stab , Santillo Michael , Bloch Denise , Kucheryavenko Olena , Panagiotakos Demosthenes , Rogiers Vera , Beekhuijzen Manon , Giusti Arianna , Najjar Abdulkarim , Courage Carol , Koenig Torben , Kolle Susanne , Boonen Harrie , Dhalluin Stephane , Boberg Julie , Müller Boris P. , Kukic Predrag , Ritskes-Hoitinga Merel , Grasselli Elena , Zietek Tamara , Stoddart Gilly , Heusinkveld Harm J. , Castell Jose V. , Benfenati Emilio , Yang Huan , Perera Simón , Paini Alicia , Kramer Nynke I. , Hartung Thomas , Janssen Manoe , Fritsche Ellen , Jennen Danyel G.J. , Piumatti Matteo , Rathman James , Marusczyk Jörg , Milec Lucia , Roggen Erwin L.
Published: January 2024

The first Stakeholder Network Meeting of the EU Horizon 2020-funded ONTOX project was held on 13–14 March 2023, in Brussels, Belgium. The discussion centred around identifying specific challenges, barriers and drivers in relation to the implementation of non-animal new approach methodologies (NAMs) and probabilistic risk assessment (PRA), in order to help address the issues and rank them according to their associated level of difficulty. ONTOX aims to advance the assessment of chemical risk to humans, without the use of animal testing, by developing non-animal NAMs and PRA in line with 21st century toxicity testing principles. Stakeholder groups (regulatory authorities, companies, academia, non-governmental organisations) were identified and invited to participate in a meeting and a survey, by which their current position in relation to the implementation of NAMs and PRA was ascertained, as well as specific challenges and drivers highlighted. The survey analysis revealed areas of agreement and disagreement among stakeholders on topics such as capacity building, sustainability, regulatory acceptance, validation of adverse outcome pathways, acceptance of artificial intelligence (AI) in risk assessment, and guaranteeing consumer safety. The stakeholder network meeting resulted in the identification of barriers, drivers and specific challenges that need to be addressed. Breakout groups discussed topics such as hazard versus risk assessment, future reliance on AI and machine learning, regulatory requirements for industry and sustainability of the ONTOX Hub platform. The outputs from these discussions provided insights for overcoming barriers and leveraging drivers for implementing NAMs and PRA. It was concluded that there is a continued need for stakeholder engagement, including the organisation of a ‘hackathon’ to tackle challenges, to ensure the successful implementation of NAMs and PRA in chemical risk assessment.
Enhanced corrosion resistance of CoCrMo by laser-based surface modification
Authors: Vidyasagar K. E. Ch. , Kalyanasundaram Dinesh
Published: January 2024

Biomedical grade cobalt–chromium–molybdenum (CoCrMo) alloys are extensively used for load-bearing biomedical applications such as hip and knee implants due to their exceptional biocompatible and biomechanical properties. However, the strain-induced martensite ε-phase development during contact loading results in thin oxide layers that are prone to fracture leading to corrosion. The formation of thin oxide layers is undesirable for long-term deployment. We employed laser-texturing to enhance the corrosion resistance of the material in simulated body fluid by the formation of hcp ε-phase martensite and via the formation of oxide layers. However, partial formation of hcp ε-phase martensite was observed. By means of central composite design-based response surface methodology, three laser parameters such as average laser power, texture density and the number of passes were optimised for maximal open circuit potential, an indicator for minimal corrosion. The textured surfaces were found to assist in the cellular proliferation of fibroblasts and inhibit bacterial growth.
Severe COVID-19 post pregnancy complicated by acute thromboemboli resulting in ST-elevation myocardial infarction – A case report
Authors: Fu Danni , Park Byung Joon , Rao Gaurav , Makaryus John
Published: January 2024

Introduction: It has been shown that pregnancy can cause alterations in the severity of COVID-19 infection. We demonstrate an immediate post-partum patient diagnosed with severe COVID-19 and subsequently developed acute thrombosis of coronary artery.

Case Summary: 35-year-old female unvaccinated for COVID-19 presented in labor and delivered on the same day. Several hours later, she was found to be in respiratory distress and tested positive for COVID-19. On day 7, computerized tomography (CT) of chest revealed bilateral pneumonia and pneumomediastinum. On day 8, she developed chest pain with electrocardiogram (EKG) showing inferior STelevations with troponin I of 0.6 ng/mL. She was intubated for airway protection and emergent diagnostic angiogram revealed thrombus occlusion of the third right posterolateral segment that resulted in thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) 0 flow without evidence of underlying atherosclerotic disease in the remaining vessels. Intracoronary IIb/IIIa inhibitor was administered. Arterial blood gas in the lab revealed profound hypoxia despite being on 100% inspired oxygen. Multidisciplinary decision was made to cannulate patient for venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) to treat severe COVID-19 pneumonia. She was finally decannulated from ECMO on day 65. After prolonged hospital stay, she eventually recovered and was discharged to rehabilitation.

Conclusions: The center for disease control (CDC) surveillance has reported that pregnant patients with COVID-19 are more likely to require invasive ventilation and ECMO, and die given the immunological changes during pregnancy. Hypercoagulable state caused by combination of pregnancy and COVID-19 resulting in coronary thrombosis is rarely described in literature, our case demonstrated the paucity of this phenomenon.
A scoping review of the use of creative activities in stroke rehabilitation
Authors: Liu Shuang , Huang XianYi , Liu Yan , Yue Jie , Li Yu , Chen Li
Published: January 2024

Objective

Clarifying the distinctions between art-based creative activities in the domains of occupational therapy and art therapy in the context of stroke rehabilitation, while also describing the effects of art-based creative activities on stroke rehabilitation.

Design

Scoping review.

Data source

A systematic search was performed in nine databases (Web of Science, PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, CINAHL and four Chinese database) from their inception to December 2023.

Review methods

The study included randomized and non-randomized controlled trials involving art-based creative activities, as well as qualitative research providing detailed intervention measures. The study focused on stroke patients, with primary outcomes related to patients’ physiological recovery, psychological well-being, ADL, etc. Data extraction included information on intervention strategies and study results.

Results

Seventeen studies were included, extracting six similarities and differences in creative activity between two domains. Creative activities were observed to have positive impacts on daily living activities, limb motor function, fine motor ability, and emotional well-being in stroke patients.

Conclusion

Creative activities, whether in occupational therapy or art therapy, involve providing participants with tangible crafting materials for the creation of artistic works. Future stroke rehabilitation practices should tailor activities and intervention focus based on patients’ rehabilitation needs, preferences, and cultural background. The current comprehensive analysis provides initial support for the potential positive role of creative activities in stroke rehabilitation, but further in-depth research is needed to confirm their effectiveness.
The role of serum/glucocorticoid-regulated kinase 1 in brain function following cerebral ischemia
Authors: Wu Celeste Yin-Chieh , Zhang Yulan , Xu Li , Huang Zhihai , Zou Peibin , Clemons Garrett A , Li Chun , Citadin Cristiane T , Zhang Quanguang , Lee Reggie Hui-Chao
Published: January 2024

Cardiopulmonary arrest (CA) is a major cause of death/disability in the U.S. with poor prognosis and survival rates. Current therapeutic challenges are physiologically complex because they involve hypoperfusion (decreased cerebral blood flow), neuroinflammation, and mitochondrial dysfunction. We previously discovered novel serum/glucocorticoid-regulated kinase 1 (SGK1) is highly expressed in brain of neurons that are susceptible to ischemia (hippocampus and cortex). We inhibited SGK1 and utilized pharmacological (specific inhibitor, GSK650394) and neuron-specific genetic approaches (shRNA) in rodent models of CA to determine if SGK1 is responsible for hypoperfusion, neuroinflammation, mitochondrial dysfunctional, and neurological deficits after CA. Inhibition of SGK1 alleviated cortical hypoperfusion and neuroinflammation (via Iba1, GFAP, and cytokine array). Treatment with GSK650394 enhanced mitochondrial function (via Seahorse respirometry) in the hippocampus 3 and 7 days after CA. Neuronal injury (via MAP2, dMBP, and Golgi staining) in the hippocampus and cortex was observed 7 days after CA but ameliorated with SGK1-shRNA. Moreover, SGK1 mediated neuronal injury by regulating the Ndrg1-SOX10 axis. Finally, animals subjected to CA exhibited learning/memory, motor, and anxiety deficits after CA, whereas SGK1 inhibition via SGK1-shRNA improved neurocognitive function. The present study suggests the fundamental roles of SGK1 in brain circulation and neuronal survival/death in cerebral ischemia-related diseases.
Comparison of the diagnostic effectiveness of ultrasound imaging coupled with three mathematical models for discriminating thyroid nodules
Authors: Li Lu , Deng Hongyan , Chen Wenqin , Wu Liuxi , Li Yong , Wang Jie , Ye Xinhua
Published: January 2024

Background

The overlapping nature of thyroid lesions visualized on ultrasound (US) images could result in misdiagnosis and missed diagnoses in clinical practice.

Purpose

To compare the diagnostic effectiveness of US coupled with three mathematical models, namely logistic regression (Logistics), partial least-squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA), and support vector machine (SVM), in discriminating between malignant and benign thyroid nodules.

Material and Methods

A total of 588 thyroid nodules (287 benign and 301 malignant) were collected, among which 80% were utilized for constructing the mathematical models and the remaining 20% were used for internal validation. In addition, an external validation cohort comprising 160 nodules (80 benign and 80 malignant) was employed to validate the accuracy of these mathematical models.

Results

Our study demonstrated that all three models exhibited effective predictive capabilities for distinguishing between benign and malignant nodules, whose diagnostic effectiveness surpassed that of the TI-RADS classification, particularly in terms of true negative diagnoses. SVM achieved a higher diagnostic rate for malignant thyroid nodules (93.8%) compared to Logistics (91.5%) and PLS-DA (91.6%). PLS-DA exhibited higher diagnostic rates for benign thyroid nodules (91.9%) compared to Logistics (86.7%) and SVM (88.7%). Both the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) values of PLS-DA (0.917) and SVM (0.913) were higher than that of Logistics (0.891).

Conclusion

Our findings indicate that SVM had significantly higher rates of true positive diagnoses and PLS-DA exhibited significantly higher rates of true negative diagnoses. All three models outperformed the TI-RADS classification in discriminating between malignant and benign thyroid nodules.