bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On the presence of the epibiont (ectosymbiont) Lagenophrys lenticulata (Kellicott, 1885) (Ciliophora) on Hyalella cursvispina Schoemaker, 1942: is it possible to find it on Chilean Hyalella populations?
Authors: De los Ríos-Escalante Patricio , Jara-Seguel Pedro , Contreras Angel , Gonzalez Exequiel R.
Published: February 2024

The amphipods of the genus Hyalella have many endemic species throughout South America, and these may have poorly studied associated species as epibionts. The aim of the present study was to review the literature on the presence of the protozoon Lagenophrys lenticulata (Kellicott, 1885) on species of Hyalella and contrast the results with the geographical distribution of the reported hosts. The literature records the presence of L. lenticulata on populations of H. azteca from Canada, Mexico and the United States of America, and on populations of H. curvispina from Uruguay. The literature also reports that H. curvispina is widespread throughout southern South America, including Argentina and Chile, and that it would be possible to find the presence of epibionts on other populations of H. curvispina. The corresponding biogeographical and evolutionary topics are discussed.
Sustainable fishing technology for shrimp in Cape Verde’s semi-deep waters – A 20-year cooperative journey: from surveying to sustainable exploitation of a virgin resource
Authors: González José A. , Triay-Portella Raül , Lorenzo José M. , Pajuelo José G. , Gaztañaga Iñaki , Correia Sandra , Monteiro Carlos , Martins Albertino , Évora Anísio , Correia Maria A.
Published: February 2024

Sustainable fishing technology for shrimp in Cape Verde’s semi-deep waters. A 20-year cooperative journey: from surveying to sustainable exploitation of a virgin resource.
Redescription of Biacanthus pleuronichthydis (Yamaguti, 1939) (Copepoda, Cyclopoida, Taeniacanthidae), recovered from Paralichthys olivaceus (Temminck & Schlegel, 1846) (Actinopterygii) in Japan
Authors: Izawa Kunihiko
Published: February 2024

Biacanthus pleuronichthydis (Yamaguti, 1939) is redescribed based on specimens of the female, recovered from the body surface of the bastard halibut, Paralichthys olivaceus (Temminck & Schlegel, 1846) (Pleuronectiformes, Paralichthyidae), which is a new host for the species.
Revisiting the phylogenetic status of a field crab (Decapoda, Brachyura) from Chelari, Malappuram District (Kerala, India): an integrative approach through morphological and molecular taxonomy
Authors: Lal Nishita , Gopinathan Anilkumar
Published: February 2024

The phylogeny of field crabs has been under profuse discussion for several decades. At this juncture, this paper reassesses the “decades old” phylogenetic status of an edible field crab, hitherto referred to as Paratelphusa hydrodromous, inhabiting the paddy fields of Chelari village (Kerala, India). After Alcock’s (1910) description, there has hardly been any serious attempt at ascertaining its precise taxonomic status. Through an integrated approach, using parsimony analysis and molecular methods, the present study reveals the candidate form’s (species’) closer affinity to the genus Oziotelphusa. Comparison of morphological and molecular characteristics with its closest phylogenetic neighbours (O. biloba, O. wagrakarowensis, O. kerala and O. aurantia) has shown that the candidate form is a taxonomically distinct entity, qualified to be considered as an unreported species; its suggested revised nomenclature is Oziotelphusa chelarensis, reminiscent of the village Chelari. Further, the paper views the relevance of this taxonomic study from conservational angles as well.
A new dwarf gecko of the genus Pseudogonatodes (Squamata: Sphaerodactylidae) from the eastern slope of the Andean Cordillera de Mérida in northern South America
Authors: ROJAS-RUNJAIC FERNANDO J. M. , KOCH CLAUDIA , CASTROVIEJO-FISHER SANTIAGO , PRUDENTE ANA L. C.
Published: February 2024

Pseudogonatodes is a poorly known genus of small bodied, diurnal, ground-dwelling geckos widely distributed in northern South America. No additional species have been described in over two decades. Herein we describe a new species from the eastern slope of the Cordillera de Mérida in the Venezuelan Andes. The new species is readily diagnosable morphologically from the other seven recognized species of Pseudogonatodes by having a single postnasal scale—a putative autapomorphy. Furthermore, it is characterized by a unique combination of phenotypic characters that includes granular dorsal scales, three large postrostrals, five to six loreals, mental U-shaped, four to six postmentals, 26–29 ventrals between anterior levels of fore- and hind limbs, third lamella under fourth toe not distinctly enlarged, and subcaudal pattern 1’1”. In addition to characterizing the external morphology, we present a description of the skull, based on 3D digital models reconstructed from high resolution computed microtomography scans. The discovery of this new species highlights the still underestimated diversity of this group of Neotropical dwarf geckos and underscores the need for further studies on its systematics and taxonomy.
Taxonomic study of the genus Spilonota Stephens (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae: Olethreutinae: Eucosmini) with descriptions of two new species in Korea
Authors: CHOI SEOKHOON , KIM JEONG-NAM , BAYARSAIKHAN ULZIIJARGAL , JANG CHANG MOON , KIM HANUL , NASU YOSHITSUGU , BAE YANG-SEOP
Published: February 2024

A taxonomic study of Spilonota Stephens, 1834, in Korea is conducted, and S. prognathana (Snellen, 1883) which had previously been merged with S. albicana (Motschulsky, 1866) is separated again. Additionally, as a result of research based on materials from Incheon National University two new species; S. samseong Choi, Bae & Nasu, S. laticucullusa Choi, Bae & Nasu proposed from Korea. The study provides brief descriptions of Spilonota species in Korea, with illustrations of the adult and genital morphology. Identification key for the known species reported from Korea is included.
A new species of the leafhopper genus Satsumanus Ishihara, 1953 from India (Hempiptera: Cicadellidae: Deltocephalinae)
Authors: SUNIL SUNIL , MESHRAM NARESH M.
Published: February 2024

A new species of the leafhopper, Satsumanus robusta Sunil and Meshram sp. nov. of the genus Satsumanus Ishihara is described and illustrated from India.
Diet breadth and biodiversity in the pre-hispanic South-Central Andes (Western South America) during the Holocene: An exploratory analysis and review
Authors: Belotti López de Medina Carlos R
Published: February 2024

This paper presents an exploratory study on the taxonomic diversity of pre-Hispanic archaeofaunas in the South-Central Andes (SCA; western South America) from the Pleistocene-Holocene boundary to the Late-Holocene. The SCA is a complex of diverse environments and has undergone distinct climate events for the last 13,000 years, such as the occurrence of warmer and drier conditions in the Middle-Holocene. The South-Central Andean area was part of the larger Andes interaction area, which was a primary center for animal and plant domestication and the emergence of agro-pastoralist economies. Since subsistence was key to these processes, the SCA provides a relevant case study on the interactions among environment, foodways and sociocultural evolution. Taxonomic diversity was used here as a proxy for diet breadth. A total of 268 archaeofaunal assemblages were sampled from the zooarchaeological literature. Reviewed variables included the cultural chronology and spatial coordinates of the assemblages, as well as the presence and abundance of taxa at the family rank. Taxonomic diversity covered two dimensions: composition (families present in each assemblage) and structure (quantitative relationships among taxa), which was measured through richness (NTAXA), ubiquity and relative abundance (NISP based rank-order). Despite the uneven distribution of samples, the analyses revealed the following trends: (1) a moderate relationship between NTAXA and distance from coastline for most of the Holocene; (2) a potential decrease in assemblage richness for coastal ecoregions during the Late-Holocene; and (3) a generalized increase in the relative abundance of Camelidae.
CNCA aligns small annotated genomes
Authors: Lorenzi Jean-Noël , Graner François , Courtier-Orgogozo Virginie , Achaz Guillaume
Published: February 2024

Background

To explore the evolutionary history of sequences, a sequence alignment is a first and necessary step, and its quality is crucial. In the context of the study of the proximal origins of SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, we wanted to construct an alignment of genomes closely related to SARS-CoV-2 using both coding and non-coding sequences. To our knowledge, there is no tool that can be used to construct this type of alignment, which motivated the creation of CNCA.

Results

CNCA is a web tool that aligns annotated genomes from GenBank files. It generates a nucleotide alignment that is then updated based on the protein sequence alignment. The output final nucleotide alignment matches the protein alignment and guarantees no frameshift. CNCA was designed to align closely related small genome sequences up to 50 kb (typically viruses) for which the gene order is conserved.

Conclusions

CNCA constructs multiple alignments of small genomes by integrating both coding and non-coding sequences. This preserves regions traditionally ignored in conventional back-translation methods, such as non-coding regions.
The influence of placenta microbiota of normal term pregnant women on immune regulation during pregnancy
Authors: Yang Ping , Lu Tong , Liang Xinyuan , Huang Ting , Wu Lulu , He Zonglin , Xiao Xiaomin , Fan Shangrong
Published: February 2024

Background

The concerted regulation of placenta microbiota and the immune responses secures the occurrence and development of pregnancy, while few studies reported this correlation. This study aimed to explore the relationship between the placenta microbiota and immune regulation during pregnancy.

Methods

Twenty-six healthy pregnant women scheduled for elective cesarean section in the First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University who met the inclusion criteria were recruited. Placenta and peripheral venous blood samples were collected. Microbiota in placental tissue was detected using high-throughput sequencing. Flow cytometry was used to detect immune cells in placental tissue and peripheral venous blood. ELISA and Luminex liquid chip technology were used to detect the content of cytokines in placental tissue and peripheral venous blood, respectively.

Results

The placental microbiota has stimulating effects on the local immunity of the placenta and mainly stimulates the placental balance ratio CD56 + CD16 + /CD56 + CD16 and the placental macrophages, that is, it plays the role of immune protection and supporting nutrition. The stimulating effect of placental microbiota on maternal systemic immunity mainly induces peripheral Treg cells and B lymphocytes.

Conclusion

The placental microbiota may be an important factor mediating local immune regulation in the placenta, and placental microbiota participates in the regulatory function of the maternal immune system.
Hygiene-based measures for the prevention of cytomegalovirus infection in pregnant women: a systematic review
Authors: Rodríguez-Muñoz María F. , Martín-Martín Clara , Kovacheva Katina , Olivares Maria Eugenia , Izquierdo Nuria , Pérez-Romero Pilar , García-Ríos Estéfani
Published: February 2024

Background

Human Cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is the most frequent congenital infection worldwide causing important sequelae. However, no vaccine or antiviral treatments are currently available, thus interventions are restricted to behavioral measures. The aim of this systematic review was to assess evidence from available intervention studies using hygiene-based measures to prevent HCMV infection during pregnancy.

Methods

Studies published from 1972 to 2023 were searched in Medline, PsycInfo, and Clinical Trials (PROSPERO, CRD42022344840) according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Methodological quality was assessed by two authors, using ROBE-2 and MINORS.

Results

After reviewing 6 selected articles, the outcome analysis suggested that implementation of hygiene-based interventions during pregnancy prevent, to some extent, the acquisition of congenital HCMV.

Conclusions

However, these conclusions are based on limited and low-quality evidence available from few studies using this type of intervention in clinical practice. Thus, it would be necessary to perform effective and homogeneous intervention studies using hygiene-based measures, evaluated in high-quality randomized controlled trials (RCTs).
Predictors of prolonged length of hospital stay and in-hospital mortality in patients aged 1–24 months with acute bronchiolitis in Douala, Cameroon
Authors: Eposse Ekoube Charlotte , Heles Nsang Emmanuel , Épée Patricia , Mandeng Ma Linwa Edgar , Djike Puepi Yolande , Mbono Betoko Ritha , Noukeu Njinkui Diomède , Enyama Dominique , Mbonjo Bitsie Dora , Disso Massako Jeannette , Abba Soumaiyatou , Ngo Linwa Esther Eleonore , Ida Penda Calixte
Published: February 2024

Introduction

In Cameroon, acute bronchiolitis has been reported as the third commonest lower respiratory infection and is usually associated with low mortality. Nonetheless, respiratory distress associated with non-adherence to management guidelines can prolong hospital stay. This study aimed to explore predictors of prolonged hospital stay (≥ 5 days) and mortality in patients aged < 2years hospitalised for acute bronchiolitis.

Methodology

We conducted a retrospective cohort study at three paediatric units in the city of Douala, Cameroon. Factors associated with prolonged hospital stay and mortality were determined using multivariable linear regression model. Threshold for significance was set at p ≤ 0.05.

Results

A total of 215 patients with bronchiolitis were included with mean age of 6.94 ± 5.71 months and M/F sex ratio of 1.39/1. Prolonged hospital stay was reported in 46.98% and mortality in 10.70% of patients hospitalised for bronchiolitis. Factors independently associated with prolonged hospital duration were oxygen administration [b = 0.36, OR = 2.35 (95% CI:1.16–4.74), p = 0.017], abnormal respiratory rate [b = 0.38, OR = 2.13 (1.00-4.55), p = 0.050] and patients presenting with cough [b = 0.33, OR = 2.35 (95% CI: 1.22–4.51), p = 0.011], and diarrhoea [b = 0.71, OR = 6.44 (95% CI: 1.6-25.86), p = 0.009] on admission. On the other hand, factors independently associated with mortality were age of the patient [b= -0.07, OR = 0.84 (95% CI: 0.74–0.97), p = 0.014] and oxygen administration [b = 1.08, OR = 9.64 (95% CI:1.16–79.85), p = 0.036]

Conclusion

Acute bronchiolitis represented 1.24% of admissions and was common in the rainy season, in males and 3–11-month-old patients. Management guidelines were poorly respected. Prolonged length of stay was reported in half of the patients hospitalized and mortality was high, especially in younger patients and in patients receiving oxygen.
Psychometrics of the breastfeeding self-efficacy scale and short form: a systematic review
Authors: Dennis Cindy-Lee , McQueen Karen , Dol Justine , Brown Hilary , Beck Cheryl , Shorey Shefaly
Published: February 2024

Background

The Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale and its short-form were developed in Canada and have been used internationally among numerous maternal populations. However, the psychometric properties of the scales have not been reviewed to confirm their appropriateness in measuring breastfeeding self-efficacy in culturally diverse populations. The purpose of this research was to critically appraise and synthesize the psychometric properties of the scales via systematic review.

Methods

The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were followed. Three databases (EMBASE, MEDLINE, and PsycINFO) were searched from 1999 (original publication of the Scale) until April 27, 2022. The search was updated on April 1, 2023. Studies that assessed the psychometric properties of the BSES or BSES-SF were included. Two researchers independently extracted data and completed the quality appraisals.

Results

Forty-one studies evaluated the psychometrics of the BSES (n = 5 studies) or BSES-SF (n = 36 studies) among demographically or culturally diverse populations. All versions of the instrument demonstrated good reliability, with Cronbach's alphas ranging from .72 to .97. Construct validity was supported by statistically significant differences in mean scores among women with and without previous breastfeeding experience and by correlations between the scales and theoretically related constructs. Predictive validity was demonstrated by statistically significant lower scores among women who ultimately discontinued breastfeeding compared to those who did not.

Conclusion

The BSES and BSES-SF appear to be valid and reliable measures of breastfeeding self-efficacy that may be used globally to (1) assess women who may be at risk of negative breastfeeding outcomes (e.g., initiation, duration and exclusivity), (2) individualize breastfeeding support, and (3) evaluate the effectiveness of breastfeeding interventions.
Contribution of HLA class I (A, B, C) and HLA class II (DRB1, DQA1, DQB1) alleles and haplotypes in exploring ethnic origin of central Tunisians
Authors: Ben Bnina Amène , Yessine Amri , El Bahri Yasmine , Chouchene Saoussen , Ben Lazrek Nada , Mimouna Mariem , Mlika Zeineb , Messoudi Aziza , Zellama Dorsaf , Sahtout Wissal , Bouatay Amina
Published: February 2024

Background

Estimation of HLA (Human leukocyte Antigen) alleles’ frequencies in populations is essential to explore their ethnic origin. Anthropologic studies of central Tunisian population were rarely reported. Then, in this work, we aimed to explore the origin of central Tunisian population using HLA alleles and haplotypes frequencies.

Methods

HLA class I (A, B, C) and HLA class II (DRB1, DQA1, DQB1) loci genotyping of 272 healthy unrelated organ donors was performed by Polymerase Chain Reaction-Sequence Specific Oligonucleotide (PCR-SSO). We compared central Tunisians with other populations (Arabs, Berbers, Mediterraneans, Europeans, Africans, etc.) using alleles and haplotypes frequencies, genetic distances, Neighbour-Joining dendrogram and correspondence analysis.

Results

Among the 19 HLA A alleles, the 26 HLA B alleles, the 13 HLA C alleles, the 15 HLA DRB1 alleles, the 6 HLA DQA1 alleles and the 5 HLA DQB1 alleles identified in the studied population, HLA A*02 (22.8%), HLA B*50 (13.1%), HLA C*06 (21.8%), HLA DRB1*07 (17.8%), HLA DQA1*01 (32.1%) and HLA DQB1*03 (31.6%) were the most frequent alleles. The extended haplotypes HLA A*02-B*50-C*06-DRB1*07-DQA1*02-DQB1*02 (1.97%) was the most frequent HLA six-loci haplotype.

Conclusion

Central Tunisians were very close to other Tunisian populations, to Iberians and North Africans. They were rather distant from sub-Saharan populations and eastern Mediterraneans especially Arabs although the strong cultural and religious impact of Arabs in this population.
Development of finely tuned liposome nanoplatform for macrophage depletion
Authors: Choi Tae Hyeon , Yoo Ran Ji , Park Ji Yong , Kim Ji Yoon , Ann Young Chan , Park Jeongbin , Kim Jin Sil , Kim Kyuwan , Shin Yu Jin , Lee Yong Jin , Lee Kyo Chul , Park Jisu , Chung Hyewon , Seok Seung Hyeok , Im Hyung-Jun , Lee Yun-Sang
Published: February 2024

Background

Immunotherapy with clodronate-encapsulated liposomes, which induce macrophage depletion, has been studied extensively. However, previously reported liposomal formulation-based drugs (Clodrosome® and m-Clodrosome®) are limited by their inconsistent size and therapeutic efficacy. Thus, we aimed to achieve consistent therapeutic effects by effectively depleting macrophages with uniform-sized liposomes.

Results

We developed four types of click chemistry-based liposome nanoplatforms that were uniformly sized and encapsulated with clodronate, for effective macrophage depletion, followed by conjugation with Man-N3 and radiolabeling. Functionalization with Man-N3 improves the specific targeting of M2 macrophages, and radioisotope labeling enables in vivo imaging of the liposome nanoplatforms. The functionalized liposome nanoplatforms are stable under physiological conditions. The difference in the biodistribution of the four liposome nanoplatforms in vivo were recorded using positron emission tomography imaging. Among the four platforms, the clodronate-encapsulated mannosylated liposome effectively depleted M2 macrophages in the normal liver and tumor microenvironment ex vivo compared to that by Clodrosome® and m-Clodrosome®.

Conclusion

The newly-developed liposome nanoplatform, with finely tuned size control, high in vivo stability, and excellent ex vivo M2 macrophage targeting and depletion effects, is a promising macrophage-depleting agent.

Graphical Abstract
Mammographically detected breast clustered microcalcifications localized by chest thin-section computed tomography
Authors: Liu Xinjie , Bao Yuhan , Sui Laijian , Cao Jianqiao , Wang Yidan , Yu Chao , Qiao Guangdong , Cong Yizi
Published: February 2024

Background

To explore the capability and clinical significance of chest thin-section computed tomography (CT) for localization of mammographically detected clustered microcalcifications.

Methods

A total of 69 patients with 71 mammographically detected clustered microcalcifications received surgical biopsy under the guidance of mammography (MG), CT was used to localize calcifications combined with MG if calcifications can be seen on CT. Intraoperative mammography of the specimens were performed in all cases for identification of the resected microcalcifications. The clinical, imaging and pathological information of these patients were analyzed.

Results

A total of 42 (59.15%) cases of calcifications were localized by CT + MG, 29 (40.85%) cases were guided only by the mammography. All suspicious calcifications on the mammography were successfully removed. Pathological results showed 42 cases were cancer, 23 cases were benign, and 6 cases were atypical hyperplasia. The mean age in the CT + MG group was older than that of the MG group (54.12 vs. 49.27 years; P = 0.014). The maximum diameter of clusters of microcalcifications on mammography in the CT + MG group was larger than that of the MG group [(cranio-caudal view, 1.52 vs. 0.61 mm, P = 0.000; mediolateral oblique (MLO) view, 1.53 vs. 0.62 mm, P = 0.000)]. The gray value ratio (calcified area / paraglandular; MLO, P = 0.004) and the gray value difference (calcified area - paraglandular; MLO, P = 0.005) in the CT + MG group was higher than that of the MG group. Multivariate analysis showed that the max diameter of clusters of microcalcifications (MLO view) was a significant predictive factor of localization by CT in total patients (P = 0.001).

Conclusions

About half of the mammographically detected clustered microcalcifications could be localized by thin-section CT. Maximum diameter of clusters of microcalcifications (MLO view) was a predictor of visibility of calcifications by CT. Chest thin-section CT may be useful for localization of calcifications in some patients, especially for calcifications that are only visible in one view on the mammography.
Contouring practices and artefact management within a synthetic CT-based radiotherapy workflow for the central nervous system
Authors: Rossi Elia , Emin Sevgi , Gubanski Michael , Gagliardi Giovanna , Hedman Mattias , Villegas Fernanda
Published: February 2024

Background

The incorporation of magnetic resonance (MR) imaging in radiotherapy (RT) workflows improves contouring precision, yet it introduces geometrical uncertainties when registered with computed tomography (CT) scans. Synthetic CT (sCT) images could minimize these uncertainties and streamline the RT workflow. This study aims to compare the contouring capabilities of sCT images with conventional CT-based/MR-assisted RT workflows, with an emphasis on managing artefacts caused by surgical fixation devices (SFDs).

Methods

The study comprised a commissioning cohort of 100 patients with cranial tumors treated using a conventional CT-based/MR-assisted RT workflow and a validation cohort of 30 patients with grade IV glioblastomas treated using an MR-only workflow. A CE-marked artificial-intelligence-based sCT product was utilized. The delineation accuracy comparison was performed using dice similarity coefficient (DSC) and average Hausdorff distance (AHD). Artefacts within the commissioning cohort were visually inspected, classified and an estimation of thickness was derived using Hausdorff distance (HD). For the validation cohort, boolean operators were used to extract artefact volumes adjacent to the target and contrasted to the planning treatment volume.

Results

The combination of high DSC (0.94) and low AHD (0.04 mm) indicates equal target delineation capacity between sCT images and conventional CT scans. However, the results for organs at risk delineation were less consistent, likely because of voxel size differences between sCT images and CT scans and absence of standardized delineation routines. Artefacts observed in sCT images appeared as enhancements of cranial bone. When close to the target, they could affect its definition. Therefore, in the validation cohort the clinical target volume (CTV) was expanded towards the bone by 3.5 mm, as estimated by HD analysis. Subsequent analysis on cone-beam CT scans showed that the CTV adjustment was enough to provide acceptable target coverage.

Conclusion

The tested sCT product performed on par with conventional CT in terms of contouring capability. Additionally, this study provides both the first comprehensive classification of metal artefacts on a sCT product and a novel method to assess the clinical impact of artefacts caused by SFDs on target delineation. This methodology encourages similar analysis for other sCT products.
Interpreting drug synergy in breast cancer with deep learning using target-protein inhibition profiles
Authors: Srithanyarat Thanyawee , Taoma Kittisak , Sutthibutpong Thana , Ruengjitchatchawalya Marasri , Liangruksa Monrudee , Laomettachit Teeraphan
Published: February 2024

Background

Breast cancer is the most common malignancy among women worldwide. Despite advances in treating breast cancer over the past decades, drug resistance and adverse effects remain challenging. Recent therapeutic progress has shifted toward using drug combinations for better treatment efficiency. However, with a growing number of potential small-molecule cancer inhibitors, in silico strategies to predict pharmacological synergy before experimental trials are required to compensate for time and cost restrictions. Many deep learning models have been previously proposed to predict the synergistic effects of drug combinations with high performance. However, these models heavily relied on a large number of drug chemical structural fingerprints as their main features, which made model interpretation a challenge.

Results

This study developed a deep neural network model that predicts synergy between small-molecule pairs based on their inhibitory activities against 13 selected key proteins. The synergy prediction model achieved a Pearson correlation coefficient between model predictions and experimental data of 0.63 across five breast cancer cell lines. BT-549 and MCF-7 achieved the highest correlation of 0.67 when considering individual cell lines. Despite achieving a moderate correlation compared to previous deep learning models, our model offers a distinctive advantage in terms of interpretability. Using the inhibitory activities against key protein targets as the main features allowed a straightforward interpretation of the model since the individual features had direct biological meaning. By tracing the synergistic interactions of compounds through their target proteins, we gained insights into the patterns our model recognized as indicative of synergistic effects.

Conclusions

The framework employed in the present study lays the groundwork for future advancements, especially in model interpretation. By combining deep learning techniques and target-specific models, this study shed light on potential patterns of target-protein inhibition profiles that could be exploited in breast cancer treatment.
Efficacy of propofol-supplemented cardioplegia on biomarkers of organ injury in patients having cardiac surgery using cardiopulmonary bypass: a statistical analysis plan for the ProMPT-2 randomised controlled trial
Authors: Smartt Helena , Angelini Gianni D. , Gibbison Ben , Rogers Chris A.
Published: February 2024

Background

The ProMPT-2 trial (Propofol for Myocardial Protection Trial #2) aims to compare the safety and efficacy of low- and high-dose propofol supplementation of the cardioplegia solution during adult cardiac surgery versus sham supplementation. This update presents the statistical analysis plan, detailing how the trial data will be analysed and presented. Outlined analyses are in line with the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials and the statistical analysis plan has been written prior to database lock and the final analysis of trial data to avoid reporting bias (following recommendations from the International Conference on Harmonisation of Good Clinical Practice).

Methods/design

ProMPT-2 is a multi-centre, blinded, parallel three-group randomised controlled trial aiming to recruit 240 participants from UK cardiac surgery centres to either sham cardioplegia supplementation, low dose (6 µg/ml) or high dose (12 µg/ml) propofol cardioplegia supplementation. The primary outcome is cardiac-specific troponin T levels (a biomarker of cardiac injury) measured during the first 48 h following surgery.

The statistical analysis plan describes the planned analyses of the trial primary and secondary outcomes in detail, including approaches to deal with missing data, multiple testing, violation of model assumptions, withdrawals from the trial, non-adherence with the treatment and other protocol deviations. It also outlines the planned sensitivity analyses and exploratory analyses to be performed.

Discussion

This manuscript prospectively describes, prior to the completion of data collection and database lock, the analyses to be undertaken for the ProMPT-2 trial to reduce risk of reporting and data-driven analyses.

Trial registration

ISRCTN ISRCTN15255199. Registered on 26 March 2019.
Whisper-based spoken term detection systems for search on speech ALBAYZIN evaluation challenge
Authors: Tejedor Javier , Toledano Doroteo T.
Published: February 2024

The vast amount of information stored in audio repositories makes necessary the development of efficient and automatic methods to search on audio content. In that direction, search on speech (SoS) has received much attention in the last decades. To motivate the development of automatic systems, ALBAYZIN evaluations include a search on speech challenge since 2012. This challenge releases several databases that cover different acoustic domains (i.e., spontaneous speech from TV shows, conference talks, parliament sessions, to name a few) aiming to build automatic systems that retrieve a set of terms from those databases. This paper presents a baseline system based on the Whisper automatic speech recognizer for the spoken term detection task in the search on speech challenge held in 2022 within the ALBAYZIN evaluations. This baseline system will be released with this publication and will be given to participants in the upcoming SoS ALBAYZIN evaluation in 2024. Additionally, several analyses based on some term properties (i.e., in-language and foreign terms, and single-word and multi-word terms) are carried out to show the Whisper capability at retrieving terms that convey specific properties. Although the results obtained for some databases are far from being perfect (e.g., for broadcast news domain), this Whisper-based approach has obtained the best results on the challenge databases so far so that it presents a strong baseline system for the upcoming challenge, encouraging participants to improve it.
Differences in physical and mental health symptoms among residents living near municipal solid waste sites: a cross sectional study in the Ashanti Region, Ghana
Authors: Peprah Prince , Agyemang-Duah Williams , Morgan Anthony Kwame , Onyina Ellen , Asare Evelyn Serwaa
Published: February 2024

Objective

Physical and mental health concerns and symptoms, including sleep problems, low mood, extreme tiredness, and appetite loss are prevalent among people living near waste sites. This research examines differences in health symptoms among residents living near municipal solid waste sites in the Ashanti Region, Ghana.

Methods

The study used cross-sectional data from 827 residents living near three municipal waste sites, including Besease, Asokore, and Dompoase sites in the Ashanti Region, Ghana. Descriptive statistics, Pearson’s chi-square, and binary logistic regressions were performed to examine the differences and associations between the variables.

Results

Health symptoms, including sleep problems/insomnia, frequent extreme tiredness, low mood, loss of appetite, stress, anxiety, and depression, were reported by the majority of the participants. Residents near open dumpsites (Besease and Asokore) exhibit significantly higher likelihoods of experiencing various health symptoms such as extreme fatigue, depression, psychological disorders, thinking and concentration problems, low mood, loss of appetite, and anxiety compared to those near the engineered Oti landfill in Dompoase.

Conclusion

While emphasizing the importance of proper landfill design and management in Ghana, this study underscores the need for further longitudinal and clinical investigations. Clinically establishing the link between dumpsites and health symptoms is imperative for informed public health interventions and policy decisions aimed at mitigating the potential adverse health effects of landfills on residents' well-being.
The relationship between substance use and self-reported aspects of social functioning in patients with a psychotic disorder
Authors: van der Heijden HS , Kikkert Martijn , de Haan Lieuwe , Segeren Menno , Molman Simone , Schirmbeck Frederike , Vermeulen Jentien
Published: February 2024

Background

In patients with a psychotic disorder, rates of substance use (tobacco, cannabis, and alcohol) are higher compared to the general population. However, little is known about associations between substance use and self-reported aspects of social functioning in patients with a psychotic disorder.

Methods

In this cross-sectional study of 281 community-dwelling patients with a psychotic disorder, linear regression models were used to assess associations between substance use (tobacco, cannabis, or alcohol) and self-reported aspects of social functioning (perceived social support, stigmatization, social participation, or loneliness) adjusting for confounders (age, gender, and severity of psychopathology).

Results

Compared to nonsmokers, both intermediate and heavy smokers reported lower scores on loneliness (E = −0.580, SE = 0.258, p = 0.025 and E = −0.547, SE = 0,272, p = 0.046, respectively). Daily cannabis users reported less social participation deficits than non-cannabis users (E = −0.348, SE = 0.145, p = 0.017). Problematic alcohol use was associated with more perceived social support compared to non-alcohol use (E = 3.152, SE = 1.102, p = 0.005). Polysubstance users reported less loneliness compared to no users (E = −0.569, SE = 0.287, p = 0.049).

Conclusions

Substance use in patients with psychosis is associated with more favorable scores on various self-reported aspects of social functioning.
Caste Capitalism and Queer Theory: Beyond Identity Politics in India
Authors: Shah Svati P.
Published: February 2024

This article uses “caste capitalism” as a framework for thinking through the entanglements of sexuality politics, caste, and capital in contemporary India. The author uses a queer hermeneutic of heritability and endogamy, drawing inspiration from Indian feminist, queer, anti-caste, and Marxist critiques, and from racial capitalism as theorized by Cedric Robinson. The author argues that caste capitalism, read through a queer hermeneutic, makes the historicity of caste rules clearer, showing how they are both enforced through violent social norms, and, at the same time, selectively or intermittently ignored, e.g., in spaces of non-normative sexuality and gender expression. The use of this hermeneutic emphasizes the normative functions of caste-based endogamy while undoing the idea of sexuality as a scientized aspect of the privatized and “private” self, which is understood here as an effect of conceiving the body as hived off from questions of land rights, economic autonomy, and historically contingent iterations of caste categories and relations. This use of caste capitalism contributes to countermanding Hindu nationalist deployments of homonationalist rhetoric that rely on the ahistoricity of caste as a central aspect of arguing for a timeless and territorially coherent religion and culture that must now be defended through violent and autocratic means.
Guest Editors’ Introduction
Authors: Nguyen Minh T. N. , Wilcox Phill , Lin Jake
Published: February 2024

The emergent quest for the good life in rapidly transforming China, Laos, and Vietnam can only be understood as part of the political economy of late socialism. This special issue critically engages with the notion of the good life and its ramifications in late-socialist social life through the perspectives of people and communities living amid political economic changes. In this introduction, we weave together the volume's nine empirical contributions by conceptualizing the good life as a field of struggle in which people grapple with the contradictions of late socialism to realize their vision of a good life. We underscore four domains of action in which people articulate and act out their vision: comfort and pleasure, caring and being cared for, cosmology and nature, and freedom and autonomy. Their practices reveal how the paradoxical value frameworks of late socialism impose limits on the possibilities of living well together. Yet, they also indicate the moral agency of people circulating between seemingly incommensurable social orders.
Philanthropy Fever from Below: On the Possibilities of a Good Life in Late-Socialist China
Authors: Fengjiang Jiazhi
Published: February 2024

For ordinary people in late-socialist China, the good life seems to be singularly shaped: in the future and the elsewhere, it is oriented toward one's own well-being and the well-being of future generations. This article aims to open up discussion about the different possibilities that ordinary people have for shaping a good life, despite and within the restrictions caused by their limited possession of power or wealth. The exploration draws from my long-term ethnographic fieldwork on caogen gongyi 草根公益 (grassroots philanthropy) in southeast China. It shows that care for the well-being of people beyond one's immediate family in the form of organized charity and volunteerism offers opportunities for many ordinary people with limited resources to engage socially and politically in ways that are central to their experience of the good life in contemporary China. Unlike the better-off philanthropists and volunteers, whose philanthropic activities tend to enhance their status and dominance, the ordinary people presented in this article experience major tensions between providing for their family and caring for others in society, between ensuring the material conditions of the good life and being able to live an ethical life as a contributing member of society and to be socially recognized for doing so. Hence pursuing the good life can require extremely hard work and be emotionally draining for many ordinary people. Philanthropic engagement does not lead to substantial and sustainable material returns, yet the creative imaginations and public actions of ordinary people open up possibilities for valorizing life in social arenas, despite and within the prevailing economic valorization of life.
Does the Squeaky Wheel Get More Grease? The Direct and Indirect Effects of Citizen Participation on Environmental Governance in China
Authors: Buntaine Mark T. , Greenstone Michael , He Guojun , Liu Mengdi , Wang Shaoda , Zhang Bing
Published: February 2024

We conducted a nationwide field experiment in China to evaluate the direct and indirect impacts of assigning firms to public or private citizen appeals when they violate pollution standards. There are three main findings. First, public appeals to the regulator through social media substantially reduce violations and pollution emissions, while private appeals cause more modest environmental improvements. Second, public appeals appear to tilt regulators’ focus away from facilitating economic growth and toward avoiding pollution-induced public unrest. Third, pollution reductions by treated firms are not offset by control firms, based on randomly varying the proportion of treated firms at the prefecture level. (JEL D22, L82, P28, P31, Q52, Q53, Q58)
Recent and subfossil malacofauna of Witkowe Rocks in the Jerzmanowice area (Kraków-Częstochowa Upland, Southern Poland)
Authors: Alexandrowicz Witold Paweł , Laskowska Paulina
Published: February 2024

Malacological analysis was carried out on the deposits filling small karst forms within Witkowe Rocks in the southern part of the Kraków-Częstochowa Upland (Southern Poland). The study included six profiles and was supplemented by observations of the contemporary mollusc fauna inhabiting the area. Four types of subfossil faunal assemblages, characterised by different taxonomic composition and zoogeographic and ecological structures, were identified. The observed diversity of malacofauna indicates that the sediments filling the analysed forms accumulated in different climatic phases of the Holocene. In the oldest deposits, cold-loving taxa no longer found in the Upland were common. These sediments represent the Early Holocene or Late Glacial. The younger generation of fillings included an assemblage with shade-loving taxa with high thermal tolerance representing the Early Holocene. In the most recent fills, assemblages with composition and structure similar to contemporary malacocoenoses are present, varying depending on local environmental factors and corresponding to the period of the last few hundred years. No significant anthropogenic conversion of habitats was identified within Witkowe Rocks, and the observed diversity of malacofauna is due to natural factors operating at a local scale.
Porosty wysp leśnych w okolicach Wieruszowa (Polska południowa)
Authors: Fałtynowicz Wiesław , Wierzchołek Emilia
Published: February 2024

The article presents the results of lichenological research conducted in 2015-2016 in the area of four forest islands located south of Wieruszów. The aim of the study was to prepare the most detailed list of lichens in the selected forest areas and to investigate the relationship whether and to what extent the size of the forest island and the way of its use affect the diversity of lichens occurring there. A total of 102 lichen species were found in the study area. The number of species and the diversity of lichens were shown to be directly proportional to the area of the forest island, and it was also found that more favorable conditions for lichens existed in state forests than in private forests.
Presença digital dos CEOs no LinkedIn
Authors: Bogéa Felipe , Carvalho Lilian , Vieira Ana Rosa , Colombelli Leonardo
Published: February 2024

Pesquisa mostra que praticamente metade dos líderes prefere se ausentar do LinkedIn, mas a análise dos 5% mais atuantes na plataforma revela caminhos para lidar com riscos e colher benefícios reputacionais.
Specific Features of Court Translation Communicative Situation in the Context of Communicative-Functional Approach
Authors: Larin A. , Obidina L. , Sdobnikov V.
Published: February 2024

The article examines specific features of the communicative situation of court translation and interpreting in the context of the communicative-functional approach. Based on legislation and translation practice analysis, the authors formulate purposes and objectives of court translation and interpreting, its features distinguishing it from other types of translation and interpreting activities, such as unequal social status of communicants, the forced nature of the communication and the lack of professionalism on one side. The authors propose specific ways to improve the quality of court translation and interpreting, provide a brief summary of their previous efforts towards institutionalizing court translation and creating a unified register of court translators and interpreters of the Russian Federation. The authors' work plan within the framework of the project supported by the Moscow Mayor's Grant Fund "Development and testing of the regional model of the Institute of court translation in Moscow" is disclosed
Russian Musical Jargon as an Object of Linguistic Study
Authors: Karasik Vladimir , Hao Czelun'
Published: February 2024

e paper deals with Russian musical jargon treated as a professional sociolect of musicians. The material has been taken from the data presented in the Internet. Stylistically, musical jargon belongs to a colloquial register of the Russian language. A thematic classification of Russian musical jargon has been offered. This class of words and expressions may be subdivided into two unequal groups – specialized and non-specialized jargon units. The former comprises units reflecting the sphere of musical performance whereas the latter refer to various spheres of everyday life. Specialized musical jargon group is subdivided into three subgroups – nominations of subjects, objects and ways of musical performance. Nomination technique of the jargon described includes occasional affixal word formation, word composition, metaphorical transference, borrowings (mainly from the English language), dialectal and dated words, and onomatopoeia. Transference of musical notions into various sphere of reality is also a feature of the jargon described.
Communication under Uncertainty and the Role of Founders’ Information Advantage: Evidence from SPAC IPOs
Authors: Naumovska Ivana , Harmon Derek
Published: February 2024

This study develops a novel framework about how a firm’s financing outcome will be shaped by its communication under different types of uncertainty. Whereas prior work has largely focused on uncertainties that arise because of founders having a knowledge advantage over investors, we examine a firm’s communication in situations of more fundamental uncertainty when both founders and investors face knowledge problems. Our framework proposes that in situations where founders have a knowledge advantage over investors (i.e., when there is information asymmetry), firms that reduce uncertainty by sending signals of quality and express less uncertainty in their communications will enjoy better financing outcomes. However, we argue that in situations characterized by high unknowability, and where founders do not have a significant knowledge advantage over investors (i.e., when there is Knightian uncertainty), firms that acknowledge this unknowability by expressing more uncertainty in their communications will have more favorable financing outcomes. Studying the full population of special purpose acquisition companies (SPACs) that sought to complete an initial public offering from the emergence of the sector in 2003–2019, we find support for our predictions. This study expands our understanding of the role of uncertainty in investment decisions, offers deeper insight into how language operates in financial markets, and sheds light on the increasingly popular, but understudied, SPAC vehicle.

Funding: Ivana Naumovska received financial support from the INSEAD R&D Committee and the INSEAD Dean’s Annual Fund.

Supplemental Material: The online appendix is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/stsc.2022.0043 .