bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Ethics of Automating Legal Actors
Authors: Valvoda Josef , Thompson Alec , Cotterell Ryan , Teufel Simone
Published: June 2024

The introduction of large public legal datasets has brought about a renaissance in legal NLP. Many of these datasets are composed of legal judgments—the product of judges deciding cases. Since ML algorithms learn to model the data they are trained on, several legal NLP models are models of judges. While some have argued for the automation of judges, in this position piece, we argue that automating the role of the judge raises difficult ethical challenges, in particular for common law legal systems. Our argument follows from the social role of the judge in actively shaping the law, rather than merely applying it. Since current NLP models are too far away from having the facilities necessary for this task, they should not be used to automate judges. Furthermore, even in the case that the models could achieve human-level capabilities, there would still be remaining ethical concerns inherent in the automation of the legal process.
Scope Ambiguities in Large Language Models
Authors: Kamath Gaurav , Schuster Sebastian , Vajjala Sowmya , Reddy Siva
Published: June 2024

Sentences containing multiple semantic operators with overlapping scope often create ambiguities in interpretation, known as scope ambiguities. These ambiguities offer rich insights into the interaction between semantic structure and world knowledge in language processing. Despite this, there has been little research into how modern large language models treat them. In this paper, we investigate how different versions of certain autoregressive language models—GPT-2, GPT-3/3.5, Llama 2, and GPT-4—treat scope ambiguous sentences, and compare this with human judgments. We introduce novel datasets that contain a joint total of almost 1,000 unique scope-ambiguous sentences, containing interactions between a range of semantic operators, and annotated for human judgments. Using these datasets, we find evidence that several models (i) are sensitive to the meaning ambiguity in these sentences, in a way that patterns well with human judgments, and (ii) can successfully identify human-preferred readings at a high level of accuracy (over 90% in some cases).1
Guapurium caipirinha (Myrtaceae), a new species of jaboticaba from Brazil with pentamerous flowers
Authors: ALVARENGA BRAGA JOÃO MARCELO , FERREIRA DA SILVA DIEGO , ARANTES DE MELO EUGENIO , CAIXETA TIBÚRCIO HÉLIO , PEREIRA DA SILVA ADELÍCIO , BORGES FERREIRA RODRIGO , TÚLIO CÔRTES DE LACERDA MARCO , LORENZI HARRI
Published: June 2024

Guapurium caipirinha (Myrtaceae) is a new species of jaboticaba from Minas Gerais state, Southeastern Brazil, which morphologically resembles Plinia oblongata, from which it differs in being a shrub or treelet 1–4 m height, with exclusively pentamerous flowers, and membranous epicarp with very sweet pulp. A detailed morphological description, etymology and vernacular names, information on history, phenology, conservation, habitat and taxonomic notes, a distribution map, and images of living plants and the type specimen are provided.
Effective Stress Detection and Classification System Using African Buffalo Optimization and Recalling-Enhanced Recurrent Neural Network for Nano-Electronic Typed Data
Authors: Irshad Reyazur Rashid , Abosaq Hamad Ali , Yami Mohammed Al , Hamdi Mohammed , Hassan Eman Abdelkreem , Siddiqui Md. Ashraf , Babu Sangita , Rasool Mohammed Ashique , Badr Mohammed Mehdi , Balobaid Sultan Saleh Saeed
Published: June 2024

A body’s altered emotional reactions to a variety of conditions, including despair, anxiety, rage, grief, guilt, low self-worth, etc., can lead to stress. Stress hurts a person’s performance and is the underlying cause of many mental health issues, including dementia and
depression. Numerous prevailing approaches to stress detection are exploited with deep learning, but it needs to categorize the stress precisely, and it takes high computation time. To engulf these complications, an African buffalo optimization and the Recalling-Enhanced Recurrent Neural Network
(RE-RNN) are newly proposed for accurately detecting stress. At first, the stress dataset is collected from the Kaggle website, which actually hold the records for the data generated using the nanoelectronic and optoelectronic devices. Afterward, the preprocessing method eliminates noise and
improves input data by utilizing adaptive filter method. Next, the preprocessing output is fed to the Feature extraction section. The features are extracted based on discrete wavelet Transform (DWT). After that, the extracted data are updated to the classification process using a Recalling-Enhanced
Recurrent Neural Network (RE-RNN) to accurately detect stress. Hence, the African Buffalo Optimization (ABO) is proposed to adjust RE-RNN, which precisely classifies stress detection. The performance of the proposed RE-RNN approach attains 99.89%, 98 98.76 and 98.07% high accuracy, and 0.1%,
0.2%, and 0.2% lower computation Time.
Design and Analysis of Dual Monopole Antennas for Long-Term Evolution and Ultra-Wideband Applications: Narrow and Wide Band Variants
Authors: Ramya  , Alharbi Fares , Kumar Naresh
Published: June 2024

Wireless communication systems continue to evolve, with LTE and UWB technologies at the forefront of this advancement. LTE (Long-Term Evolution) networks demand efficient antennas to support high-speed data transmission, while UWB (Ultra-Wideband) systems require antennas capable of
operating across a broad spectrum. Monopole antennas have emerged as promising candidates for meeting these demands due to their compact size and versatility. In this study, we delve into the design and analysis of dual monopole antennas, tailored to cater to both LTE and UWB applications,
with variants optimized for narrow and wide bands. The methodology adopted in this study involves a systematic approach to antenna design and analysis. Initially, the design parameters are carefully chosen to meet the frequency requirements of LTE and UWB systems, considering both narrow and
wide band variants. Advanced simulation tools are employed to optimize the antenna geometry and ensure impedance matching across the desired frequency bands. Additionally, rigorous electromagnetic analysis techniques are utilized to evaluate radiation characteristics, including antenna gain,
directivity, and radiation efficiency. Through iterative refinement and optimization, the performance of the dual monopole antennas is systematically enhanced to meet the stringent requirements of LTE and UWB applications. The results of our study demonstrate the efficacy of the proposed dual
monopole antennas for LTE and UWB applications. The good agreement is observed in the measured and simulated return loss with a narrow bandwidth of 0.45 GHz (1.65 to 2.10 GHz) for LTE band and a wide bandwidth of 12.42 GHz (4.74 to 17.16 GHz) for UWB applications.
Climate and Kidney Injury: A Look at the Impact of Meteorological Factors on Kidney Function within Colorado
Authors: Macaluso Francesca , Vaughn Amber , Wheat Stefan , Hamman Richard F. , James Katherine A.
Published: June 2024

Acute kidney injury (AKI) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) are serious health conditions with an enormous global health burden. There is evidence to suggest that CKD rates are increasing within the United States despite declines in traditional risk factors for kidney injury and disease, disproportionately impacting certain populations. Changes in meteorological factors because of climate change may be partially responsible for this increase in kidney injury. This study evaluated the association between AKI and meteorological factors controlling for demographic and health factors among adults within the San Luis Valley, Colorado, a rural, biethnic agrarian community at increased risk for health impacts from climate change, over a 15-yr period. Relative humidity was a significant predictor of AKI controlling for age, sex, history of hypertension, and history of diabetes. Changing weather patterns may increase the risk of AKI and the subsequent development of CKD within the United States. These findings may help public health practitioners and medical professionals to identify populations at risk of incurring acute or chronic kidney injury as seasonal weather patterns change. Further research should investigate the role of heat, heat stress, and dehydration in developing CKD in the United States.
The “Dark Side” of Community Ties: Collective Action and Lynching in Mexico
Authors: Nussio Enzo
Published: June 2024

Lynching remains a common form of collective punishment for alleged wrongdoers in Latin America, Africa, and Asia today. Unlike other kinds of collective violence, lynching is usually not carried out by standing organizations. How do lynch mobs overcome the high barriers to violent collective action? I argue that they draw on local community ties to compensate for a lack of centralized organization. Lynch mobs benefit from solidarity and peer pressure, which facilitate collective action. The study focuses on Mexico, where lynching is prevalent and often amounts to the collective beating of thieves. Based on original survey data from Mexico City and a novel lynching event dataset covering the whole of Mexico, I find that individuals with more ties in their communities participate more often in lynching, and municipalities with more highly integrated communities have higher lynching rates. As community ties and lynching may be endogenously related, I also examine the posited mechanisms and the causal direction. Findings reveal that municipalities exposed to a recent major earthquake—an event that tends to increase community ties—subsequently experienced increased levels of lynching. Importantly, I find that interpersonal trust is unrelated to lynching, thus showing that different aspects of social capital have diverging consequences for collective violence, with community ties revealing a “dark side.”
Signals of Financial Sustainability: Exploring Organizational and Board Factors as Correlates of Having Endowment Reserves and Conducting Audits for Three Types of Smaller Arts-oriented U.S. Nonprofits
Authors: Klein Alexander , Blau Gary , Hill TL
Published: June 2024

When deciding to support nonprofits, donors value evidence of financial sustainability, including direct evidence in the form of financial audits and endowment reserves (ER). Using a signaling theory framework, we explore the relationships between ER and audits, on the one hand, and organizational and board attributes—specifically, organization age, organization size, board size, percentage of board-contributed operating funds, and average board volunteer hours—that might serve as indirect signals of financial accountability and sustainability. We tested our predictions using a sample of 458 small arts-oriented U.S. nonprofits from three sub-sectors—Support/Advocacy/Community (SAC), Arts Education (AE), and Museums. We found that ER and audits are correlated but independent measures of financial sustainability, and that the association between these indicators of financial health and organizational and board attribute signals varies across the three sub-sectors. More specifically, board size was associated with both audits and ER for the SAC segment and with audits for the AE segment. For museums, the segment within our system with more mature and slightly larger (but still small) organizations, organizational age was associated with both ER and audits, and the percentage of board members’ contributing to funding was associated with ER. These findings provide practical insight for funders and nonprofit leaders about the organizational and board attributes that signal financial sustainability and suggest several avenues for additional research into the contingency, evolution, and interactivity of signals of nonprofit financial health.
Impact of intimate partner violence on quality of life and disease activity in women with systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Campos-Tinajero Emmanuel , Ortiz-Nuño Maria Fernanda , Flores-Gutierrez Diana Paola , Esquivel-Valerio Jorge Antonio , Garcia-Arellano Gisela , Cardenas-de la Garza Jesus Alberto , Aguilar-Rivera Estefania , Galarza-Delgado Dionicio A , Serna-Peña Griselda
Published: June 2024

Objective

Stress and trauma are psychosocial factors with an impact on the course of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The influence of violence on SLE has not been entirely explored, even though women (including patients with rheumatic diseases) are a vulnerable population to any form of violence. This study aims to assess the prevalence and impact of intimate partner violence (IPV) on health-related quality of life in women with SLE.

Methods

An observational, cross-sectional, and analytical study was conducted at a rheumatology clinic of a university hospital from September 2022 and September 2023. We evaluated the presence of IPV in 85 women with SLE with the Hurt, Insulted, Threatened with Harm and Screamed at (HITS) questionnaire and the Index of Spouse Abuse (ISA), and quality of life with LupusQoL.

Results

The prevalence by HITS score of past-year IPV was 24.4% and of lifetime IPV was 36.5%. Past-year non-physical violence was present in 17.1% of patients by ISA, and 27.1% were victims in their lifetime. While in physical violence, 7.3% were victims in the previous year and 21.2% in their lifetime. The total quality of life and the emotional domain by LupusQoL were diminished in victims of past-year IPV, compared to those who weren’t exposed ( p = .018 and p = .036, respectively). Past-year HITS score correlated with the Physician Global Assessment (PGA) (rho = 0.301, p = .006), while lifetime HITS score correlated with PGA (rho = 0.329, p = .002) and SLEDAI-2K (rho = 0.277, p = .010).

Conclusion

We found that one in four women suffered IPV in the previous year, and those who were exposed had diminished quality of life. Also, the severity of the abuse correlated with disease activity. Our findings emphasize the importance of comprehensive care for patients with SLE.
Blockchain Adoption Strategy from the Perspective of Organization, Technology and Environment Theory: A Hybrid SEM and ANN Approach
Authors: Alnoor Alhamzah , Atiyah Abbas Gatea , Abbas Sammar
Published: June 2024

Blockchain technology has revolutionized organizational and strategic processes and ways of doing business. Nonetheless, blockchain technology adoption strategy presents a persistent challenge to technology, organization and environment processes. The adoption of blockchain technology has attained the attention of scholars significantly. Though there is enormous research related to blockchain technology adoption; however, owing to the technological revolution and everyday inventions, there is always a need to continue research efforts to explore the opportunities, potential issues and factors that foster or hinder blockchain technology adoption. Our study is an effort in the same direction which is aimed to investigate the role of technology, organization and environment theory and innovation resistance theory in blockchain technology adoption strategy. This study targeted 42 oil supply companies in Iraq. Data were collected through 363 questionnaires distributed among the senior level employees including heads of departments and managers. The study used a hybrid artificial neural network (ANN) and partial least squares-structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) approach to reveal the linear and non-linear relationships among the study variables. The findings confirmed the influence of technology, organization and environment theory and innovation resistance theory factors on blockchain technology adoption strategy in addition to the fully mediating role of innovation resistance theory. ANN results indicated that innovation resistance theory is the greatest contributing variable to the blockchain technology adoption strategy, subsequently regulatory uncertainty, data quality, network enhancement and technology volatility. Assessment of earlier works uncovered the scarcity of study on the subject of technology, organization and environment theory and innovation resistance theory in adopting blockchain technology. The findings revealed some important factors of blockchain technology adoption which are of worth to the oil companies’ managers to address the issue of resistance to blockchain technology adoption for better performance.
Assessment of Occupational Radiation Exposures at Ghana Research Reactor-1 Facility
Authors: Gyamfi Kwame , Owusu-Manteaw Philip , Shitsi Edward , Amoatey Edith Amoakie
Published: June 2024

The annual occupational doses for workers at the Ghana Research Reactor-1 facility were assessed for the period 2018–2021. The dose records of monitored staff were retrieved and analysis done for dose distribution and collective effective doses. Thermoluminiscent dosimeters were used to monitor the occupational exposures. The dosimeters were evaluated for the cumulative radiation dose levels using the Harshaw 6600 TLD reader system. Annual dose of 1.52 mSv/year was the maximum acquired by an individual. An annual average effective dose range of 0.20–1.36 mSv was determined for all workers. The annual total collective effective dose was established to be in the range of 0.40–10.08 man-Sv. The 20 mSv annual limit for occupational exposure was not exceeded for monitored workers. The assessment shows that the GHARR-1 facility, in terms of radiation health effects, is a favorable environment for workers since exposures are mostly below occupational exposure limit.
Response to Biologic Therapy in Skin of Colour Participants With Moderate-to-Severe Psoriasis and Atopic Dermatitis: A Systematic Review
Authors: Rijal Hibo , Bouadi Naïla , Abduelmula Abrahim , Maliyar Khalad , Bourkas Adrienn N. , Georgakopoulos Jorge-Ryan , Yeung Jensen
Published: June 2024

There has been a call to action to enhance representation of non-white individuals in dermatology clinical trials. Investigations in differential response to treatment across populations are limited, particularly in conditions of commonality, impact, distinct presentation, and diagnosis in non-white participants, such as atopic dermatitis and psoriasis. This systematic review summarized and identified if biologic treatment outcomes in moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis and psoriasis varied in skin of colour (SOC) participants in phase 3 trials. MEDLINE, COCHRANE, and EMBASE databases were used to conduct the search following PROSPERO registration. Following screening of 3209 articles, 11 studies were collected with 1781 SOC participants with a mean age of 40.99 ± 6.3 years (range: 30.6-51.6 years). Male participants accounted for 76.9% (n = 1370/1781) of the sample, and Chinese, Japanese, Taiwanese, and Korean participants accounted for 64.3%, 24.2%, 4.5%, and 3.4% of participants, respectively. Participants with atopic dermatitis were treated with dupilumab (n = 216/388) and participants with psoriasis were treated with adalimumab (n = 313/1393), bimekizumab (n = 62/1393), ixekizumab (n = 13/1393), secukinumab (n = 117/1393), and ustekinumab (n = 289/1393). No significant SOC population-based outcomes were found across treatment groups. However, differences in baseline characteristics or comorbidities were found, suggesting race or ethnic background should be considered when treatment is prescribed in psoriasis or atopic dermatitis. Although no significant SOC participant differential response to treatment were found, large-scale randomized controlled trials investigating comparable treatment outcomes and stratifying results by SOC population in atopic dermatitis and psoriasis are warranted to confirm these findings.
The framing of contemporary violence policy in England and Wales: An examination of the contributing roles of alcohol and illegal drugs
Authors: Lightowlers Carly , Duke Karen
Published: June 2024

Background: In 2018, the UK Government published its Serious Violence Strategy setting out the Government's commitment to adopting a public health approach to ‘serious violence’ in England and Wales and encouraging a multi-agency, whole system public health approach to violence prevention. There has been very little research attention and commentary on the roles of alcohol and illegal drugs in the construction of “serious violence” within the Strategy. Method: Drawing on thematic analysis of key policy documents, the ways in which drugs and alcohol have been conceptualised in recent violence policy in the English and Welsh context are explored through the analytical framework of “framing”. Results: The overwhelming emphasis on violence associated with the drugs market has skewed attention towards exceptional and sensationalist forms of “serious” violence and diverted it from more common and widespread forms of “everyday” violence, including domestic and alcohol-related violence. Omitting these from the policy purview has implications for those affected and how resources are allocated. Conclusion: To advance inclusive and holistic violence prevention, a wider framing of violence is required and both illegal drugs and alcohol need to be embedded for meaningful working across populations and organisational boundaries.
Does Mandala Art Therapy Improve Psychological Well-Being of Gynecological Cancer Patients During the Perioperative Period? A Quasi-Experimental Study
Authors: Mengqin Zhang , Xing Liu , Yan Huang , Jianhua Ren
Published: June 2024

Background:

Women with gynecological cancer often experience psychological distress, particularly in response to surgical procedures. The impact of mandala art therapy (MAT) during the perioperative period for gynecological cancer patients remains uncertain. We aimed to examine the effects of the MAT program in women with gynecological cancer.

Methods:

Employing a quasi-experimental design, we recruited 126 gynecological cancer patients from a university hospital through convenience sampling. Participants were assigned to either receive the MAT program or standard perioperative care. The interventions comprised a three-session MAT program guided by a team of trained mandala psychologists. Generalized estimating equations (GEE) were employed to analyze the effects of MAT over time.

Results:

A total of 126 patients were enrolled, and 118 completed the entire study. Over 90% of participants completed the perioperative MAT interventions, reporting relatively high satisfaction with the program (7.70 out of 10). Individuals in the MAT group exhibited improved therapeutic effects on STAI-S, VASS, and vital signs over time. Notably, significant group*time interaction effects were noted in STAI-S scores at both the first evaluation, T1 (β = −4.220, P < .005) and the third evaluation, T3 (β = −3.797, P < .05), and VASS scores at T1 (β = −11.186, P < .005), T2 (β = −9.915, P < .05) and T3 (β = −9.831, P < .05). Regarding vital signs, the multivariate GEE model revealed significant interaction effects in systolic blood pressure values at both T1 (β = −7.102, P < .05) and T3 (β = −10.051, P < .005), diastolic blood pressure values at T3 (β = −6.441, P < .005), and pulse values at T1 (β = −6.085, P < .005). No significant differences were observed between groups for pain, hope, or self-acceptance.

Conclusion:

This study posited that MAT could serve as a valuable complementary approach in perioperative care for addressing the psychological needs of women with gynecological cancer. Subsequent research employing more robust methodologies and larger, more diverse participant samples will be necessary to validate these conclusions.
Examining Attitudes Toward Online Learning Classes Amidst Covid-19 Pandemic Among Students at the University of Lusaka
Authors: Mumba Brian , Sultana-Muchindu Yasmin
Published: June 2024

The study examined students’ attitudes toward online learning classes introduced during the pandemic lockdown among students at the University of Lusaka. The study adopted a quantitative methodology with descriptive and comparative design methods. The study developed an attitude scale toward online learning and administered it to 1,542 students registered at the University of Lusaka. The data obtained from the scale were analyzed by using SPSS 26.0 package software. The study results show that students hold a negative attitude toward online learning, implying that they are more unlikely to accept online classes. The Pearson Chi-Square test statistics show that gender, age, work status, study mode and internet access significantly influenced students’ attitudes toward online learning classes. The results are not encouraging regarding introducing online learning classes, especially for full-time and younger students. Therefore, we recommend that the introduction of online learning classes at the University of Lusaka be approached with caution to students in the full-time learning mode without neglecting the importance of face-to-face learning. Implications of this research are relevant to educational interventions, academic achievement, and technological advancement concerning university students.
Enhancing Sustained Competitive Advantage in Indonesian Non-vocation Private Tertiary Education Institutions
Authors: Pangarso Astadi , Astuti Endang Siti , Raharjo Kusdi , Afrianty Tri Wulida
Published: June 2024

The impact of KIC (knowledge infrastructure capability) on KAC (knowledge absorption capacity), KIC on KAC, and AIN (ambidextrous innovation) on SCA (sustainable competitive advantage) has been studied in different contexts and countries, yielding varying results. Therefore, the generalizability of research findings should be carefully scrutinized. As far as the researchers know, empirical research on a theoretical framework on the effect of KIC and SCA mediated sequentially by KAC and ambidextrous innovation (AIN) remains lacking. This study investigates the impact of KIC, KAC, AIN, and SCA. A theoretical framework was built to empirically test the impact of KIC on SCA mediated by KAC and AIN. A survey used a saturated sample of 55 multi-raters from non-vocation private tertiary education institutions unit of analysis in Indonesia. Partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) is a statistical technique utilized to evaluate and test hypotheses within a particular theoretical framework. The study results indicate a positive and significant influence sequentially between KIC on KAC, KAC to AIN, and AIN to SCA. Knowledge management produces innovations that ultimately increase competitiveness. The findings of this empirical study establish a basis for future research that will demonstrate the direct causal relationship between KIC, KAC, and AIN within the context of the Indonesian non-vocational private tertiary education sector (INVPTES) in the province of West Java. Sequentially, KIC, KAC, and AIN are the keys to improving SCA.
Service Robots in Hospitality and Tourism Before and During the COVID-19: Bibliometric Analysis and Research Agenda
Authors: Park Eunhye , Kim Sung-Bum
Published: June 2024

This study presents a comprehensive framework for and viewpoint on the research landscape of service robots within the hospitality and tourism context. Employing a bibliometric analysis, we examined the existing body of research on robots published in both hospitality and tourism and B&M journals. Our findings reveal that, compared to those within the hospitality and tourism context, studies in B&M have explored a broader range of topics and delved deeper into the realm of research on robots. Conversely, research in the hospitality and tourism field has predominantly focused on examining factors and outcomes associated with customer experiences in relation to robot services. Our study highlights the need for future research agendas in the field of service robot research within the hospitality and tourism context. By identifying the research gaps and emerging trends, the present study contributes to the development of this expanding area of study.
How I manage major hemorrhage
Authors: Callum Jeannie L , George Ronald B , Karkouti Keyvan
Published: June 2024

Acute hemorrhage can be a life-threatening emergency that is complex in its management and affects many patient populations. The last 15 years has seen the introduction of comprehensive massive hemorrhage protocols, wider use of viscoelastic testing, new coagulation factor products, and the publication of robust randomized controlled trials in diverse bleeding patient populations. Although gaps continue to exist in the evidence-base for several aspects of patient care, there is now sufficient evidence to allow for an individualized hemostatic response based on the type of bleeding and specific hemostatic defects. We present three clinical cases that highlight some of the challenges in acute hemorrhage management, focusing on the importance of inter-professional communication, rapid provision of hemostatic resuscitation, repeated measures of coagulation, immediate administration of tranexamic acid, and prioritization of surgical or radiologic control of hemorrhage. This article provides a framework for the clear and collaborative conversation between the bedside clinical team and the consulting hematologist to achieve prompt and targeted hemostatic resuscitation. In addition to providing consultations on the hemostatic management of individual patients, the hematology service must be involved in setting hospital policies for the prevention and management of patients with major hemorrhage.-
CYP2E1 deficit mediates cholic acid-induced malignant growth in hepatocellular carcinoma cells
Authors: Hao Zhiwei , Liu Xuemin , He Huanhuan , Wei Zhixuan , Shu Xiji , Wang Jianzhi , Sun Binlian , Zhou Hongyan , Wang Jiucheng , Niu Ying , Hu Zhiyong , Hu Shaobo , Liu Yuchen , Fu Zhengqi
Published: June 2024

Background

Increased level of serum cholic acid (CA) is often accompanied with decreased CYP2E1 expression in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients. However, the roles of CA and CYP2E1 in hepatocarcinogenesis have not been elucidated. This study aimed to investigate the roles and the underlying mechanisms of CYP2E1 and CA in HCC cell growth.

Methods

The proteomic analysis of liver tumors from DEN-induced male SD rats with CA administration was used to reveal the changes of protein expression in the CA treated group. The growth of CA-treated HCC cells was examined by colony formation assays. Autophagic flux was assessed with immunofluorescence and confocal microscopy. Western blot analysis was used to examine the expression of CYP2E1, mTOR, AKT, p62, and LC3II/I. A xenograft tumor model in nude mice was used to examine the role of CYP2E1 in CA-induced hepatocellular carcinogenesis. The samples from HCC patients were used to evaluate the clinical value of CYP2E1 expression.

Results

CA treatment significantly increased the growth of HCC cells and promoted xenograft tumors accompanied by a decrease of CYP2E1 expression. Further studies revealed that both in vitro and in vivo, upregulated CYP2E1 expression inhibited the growth of HCC cells, blocked autophagic flux, decreased AKT phosphorylation, and increased mTOR phosphorylation. CYP2E1 was involved in CA-activated autophagy through the AKT/mTOR signaling. Finally, decreased CYP2E1 expression was observed in the tumor tissues of HCC patients and its expression level in tumors was negatively correlated with the serum level of total bile acids (TBA) and gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT).

Conclusions

CYP2E1 downregulation contributes to CA-induced HCC development presumably through autophagy regulation. Thus, CYP2E1 may serve as a potential target for HCC drug development.
Differentiated impact of low-exhaust-emission vehicles on NO$$_\text {2}$$ and particle concentrations in the Paris region
Authors: Sarica Thibaud , Chaillou Christophe , Roustan Yelva , Larrieu Clément , Wali Salah-Eddine , Sartelet Karine
Published: June 2024

Higher concentrations of air pollutants, such as nitrogen dioxide (NO$$_\text {2}$$

2

) and particulate matter (PM), are observed in streets compared to the urban background. These concentrations could be predominantly attributed to road traffic, which remains an important source despite relentless efforts. In this study, performed over the Paris area, the impacts of the evolution of the fleet composition on urban air quality down to the street scale is assessed with two scenarios assuming the introduction of very-low-emission vehicles. Exhaust emission factors for these vehicles are based on the improvement of engine and after-treatment technologies, leading to factors lower than those proposed for the European emission standard Euro 7. Using the year 2014 as the baseline, very-low-emission vehicles are introduced up to the year 2030 for the Paris region. NO$$_\text {2}$$

2

emissions are thus reduced by 68 % in streets, and concentrations by 53 %. However, PM concentration reduction is limited to 18 % in streets as non-exhaust emissions from tyre and brake wear and road abrasion are preponderant. PM emissions from non-exhaust sources represent 59 % of the total road-traffic emission of PM in 2014 and 89 % in 2030. Non-regulated pollutant concentrations are also reduced, by 42 % for black carbon and 30 % for organic matter. Considering only very-low-emission and electric vehicles in the fleet further reduce NO$$_\text {2}$$

2

emissions and concentrations by 99.5 % and 80 % respectively. PM concentrations are only reduced by 22 %. This study highlights the high reduction potential of NO$$_\text {2}$$

2

concentrations with very-low-emission and electric vehicles, because of reduction of exhaust emissions. However, difficulties remain to reduce PM concentrations in urban areas, with the large majority of PM traffic emissions coming from non-exhaust sources.
Effects of endurance training under calorie restriction on energy substrate metabolism in mouse skeletal muscle and liver
Authors: Takahashi Kenya , Kitaoka Yu , Hatta Hideo
Published: June 2024

We investigated whether calorie restriction (CR) enhances metabolic adaptations to endurance training (ET). Ten-week-old male Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) mice were fed ad libitum or subjected to 30% CR. The mice were subdivided into sedentary and ET groups. The ET group performed treadmill running (20–25 m/min, 30 min, 5 days/week) for 5 weeks. We found that CR decreased glycolytic enzyme activity and monocarboxylate transporter (MCT) 4 protein content, while enhancing glucose transporter 4 protein content in the plantaris and soleus muscles. Although ET and CR individually increased citrate synthase activity in the plantaris muscle, the ET-induced increase in respiratory chain complex I protein content was counteracted by CR. In the soleus muscle, mitochondrial enzyme activity and protein levels were increased by ET, but decreased by CR. It has been suggested that CR partially interferes with skeletal muscle adaptation to ET.
Potential role of salivary lactic acid bacteria in pathogenesis of oral lichen planus
Authors: Ren Xiaomeng , Li Dan , Zhou Mimi , Hua Hong , Li Chunlei
Published: June 2024

Background

Emerging evidence emphasized the role of oral microbiome in oral lichen planus (OLP). To date, no dominant pathogenic bacteria have been identified consistently. It is noteworthy that a decreased abundance of Streptococcus, a member of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) in OLP patients has been commonly reported, indicating its possible effect on OLP. This study aims to investigate the composition of LAB genera in OLP patients by high-throughput sequencing, and to explore the possible relationship between them.

Methods

We collected saliva samples from patients with OLP (n = 21) and healthy controls (n = 22) and performed 16 S rRNA gene high-throughput sequencing. In addition, the abundance of LAB genera was comprehensively analyzed and compared between OLP and HC group. To verify the expression of Lactococcus lactis, real time PCR was conducted in buccal mucosa swab from another 14 patients with OLP and 10 HC. Furthermore, the correlation was conducted between clinical severity of OLP and LAB.

Results

OLP and HC groups showed similar community richness and diversity. The members of LAB, Lactococcus and Lactococcus lactis significantly decreased in saliva of OLP cases and negatively associated with OLP severity. In addition, Lactococcus and Lactococcus lactis showed negative relationship with Fusobacterium and Aggregatibacter, which were considered as potential pathogens of OLP. Similarly, compared with healthy controls, the amount of Lactococcus lactis in mucosa lesion of OLP patients was significantly decreased.

Conclusions

A lower amount of Lactococcus at genus level, Lactococcus lactis at species level was observed in OLP cases and associated with disease severity. Further studies to verify the relationship between LAB and OLP, as well as to explore the precise mechanism is needed.
CD63 + tumor-associated macrophages drive the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma through the induction of epithelial-mesenchymal transition and lipid reprogramming
Authors: Liu Shiqi , Zhang Shuairan , Dong Hang , Jin Xiuli , Sun Jing , Zhou Haonan , Jin Yifan , Li Yiling , Wu Gang
Published: June 2024

Background

Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) constitute a substantial part of human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The present study was devised to explore TAM diversity and their roles in HCC progression.

Methods

Through the integration of multiple 10 × single-cell transcriptomic data derived from HCC samples and the use of consensus nonnegative matrix factorization (an unsupervised clustering algorithm), TAM molecular subtypes and expression programs were evaluated in detail. The roles played by these TAM subtypes in HCC were further probed through pseudotime, enrichment, and intercellular communication analyses. Lastly, vitro experiments were performed to validate the relationship between CD63, which is an inflammatory TAM expression program marker, and tumor cell lines.

Results

We found that the inflammatory expression program in TAMs had a more obvious interaction with HCC cells, and CD63, as a marker gene of the inflammatory expression program, was associated with poor prognosis of HCC patients. Both bulk RNA-seq and vitro experiments confirmed that higher TAM CD63 expression was associated with the growth of HCC cells as well as their epithelial-mesenchymal transition, metastasis, invasion, and the reprogramming of lipid metabolism.

Conclusions

These analyses revealed that the TAM inflammatory expression program in HCC is closely associated with malignant tumor cells, with the hub gene CD63 thus representing an ideal target for therapeutic intervention in this cancer type.
Predictive factors and adalimumab efficacy in managing chronic recurrence Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada disease
Authors: Feng Hui , Chen Weixin , Yang Jianzhu , Kong Haorong , Li Hongyu , He Yuan , Wang Hong
Published: June 2024

Background

This study explores prognostic factors influencing Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada (VKH) disease and observes the efficacy and safety of Adalimumab (ADA) in treating recurrence in Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada (VKH) patients.

Methods

A retrospective study was conducted on all patients diagnosed with VKH disease at Beijing Tongren Hospital between 2020 and 2023. Clinical data included initial and final visual acuity, age, gender, ocular complications, treatment modalities, disease duration, and recurrence frequency.

Results

A total of 62 VKH patients were included, comprising 34 in the acute-resolved group and 28 in the chronic-recurrent group. The mean age of patients in the acute-resolved group was 38.29 ± 15.46 years, while the mean age of chronic-recurrent group had a 49.00 ± 16.43 years. Initial best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) examination at the first visit showed an average BCVA of 0.64 ± 0.29 logMAR in the acute-resolved group and 1.38 ± 0.54 logMAR in the chronic-recurrent group (p = 0.002). During follow-up, ocular complications were observed in 29.4% of the acute-resolved group patients and 41.7% of the chronic-recurrent group patients (P = 0.006). “Sunset glow fundus” was observed in 23.5% of the acute-resolved group and 64.3% of the chronic-recurrent group patients (P = 0.001). Poor initial BCVA (P = 0.046) and the occurrence of “sunset glow fundus” (P = 0.040) were significantly associated with progression to the chronic recurrent phase. Logistic regression analysis revealed that older age at onset (P = 0.042) and the occurrence of “sunset glow fundus” (P = 0.037) were significant predictors for progression to the chronic recurrent phase. ADA significantly reduced anterior chamber inflammatory cells (P = 0.000) and vitreous cavity inflammatory cells (P = 0.001) in the chronic-recurrent group, and markedly decreased the recurrence rate in VKH patients (P = 0.009).

Conclusion

In comparison to acute-resolved patients, chronic-recurrent patients exhibited poorer initial BCVA and a significantly increased incidence of “sunset glow fundus.” Older age at onset and the occurrence of “sunset glow fundus” at diagnosis are crucial predictive factors for VKH patients progressing to the chronic recurrent phase. ADA effectively alleviates refractory VKH disease and is generally well-tolerated.
Examining the cross-sectional relationship of platelet/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio with depressive symptoms in adults in the United States
Authors: Ni Junjie , Wu Pu , Lu Xiaofeng , Xu Chaoyang
Published: June 2024

Aims

Herein, we examined the correlation between platelet/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (PHR) and symptoms of depression among United States adults.

Methods

Data acquired from the 2007–2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, involving individuals ≥ 20 years of age, with available PHR and depression diagnosis information. We employed weighted uni- and multivariable logistic regression analyses to assess the distinct correlation between PHR and depressive symptoms. Additionally, we conducted subgroup, interaction, and restricted cubic spline analyses.

Results

In all, 28,098 subjects were recruited for analysis, with 8.04% depression status and 19.31 ± 0.11 mean PHR value. Depressive symptoms increased with higher quartiles of PHR. Following fully confounder adjustments in model 2, participants with the largest PHR quartiles exhibited a 53% (OR: 1.53, 95%CI: 1.00–2.33, P = 0.05) raised depressive symptoms, relative to participants with least PHR quartiles. Based on the two-piece-wise regression, the breakpoint was PHR = 23.76, and a positive association was more evident when PHR < 23.76 (OR = 1.06, 95%CI: 1.02–1.10, P = 0.01). When PHR ≥ 23.76, the correlation disappeared (P = 0.85). Using subgroup and interaction analyses, we revealed a positive relationship between PHR and depressive symptoms almost consistent among various population settings.

Conclusions

A convenient biomarker, the PHR was independently associated with an increased risk of depressive symptoms and may be a promising new bioindicator for the prediction of depression diagnosis.
From temperament to YouTube: exploring the link between childhood temperament, YouTube usage patterns, and emotional/behavioral problems among children
Authors: Kim Donghee , Lee Sangha , Kim Hyojin , Shin Yunmi
Published: June 2024

Background

YouTube is a widely used video sharing and social networking platform among children and adolescents. However, research on YouTube usage among this population remains scarce. Specifically, studies on factors that influence children and adolescents' usage are clinically significant but largely lacking. Additionally, few studies have examined the association between usage and emotional/behavioral problems, which is fundamental to smartphone research. Therefore, this study explored the relationship between early childhood temperament, subsequent YouTube usage patterns, and emotional/behavioral problems.

Methods

The Kids Cohort for Understanding Internet Addiction Risk Factors in Early Childhood (K-CURE) is the first long-term prospective cohort study in Korea aimed at understanding the long-term effects of media exposure on young children. The study included 195 children aged 8–11 years enrolled in the K-CURE study. Caregivers, predominantly mothers, who voluntarily participated during their visits to community centers for children’s mental health in Korea’s major cities, completed a detailed self-administered survey. Childhood temperament was measured in 2018 when the children were 5–8 years old. Subsequent YouTube usage patterns and emotional/behavioral problems were assessed in 2021. Data were analyzed using frequency analysis, correlation analysis, and multiple linear regression.

Results

The study found that 21.0% of children started using YouTube before age 4, with the most common onset age being 8–9 years (30.3%). These children used YouTube on average 4.8 days per week for 68.5 min per day. Early childhood persistence was negatively associated with the subsequent YouTube usage duration, and the age at first YouTube use was negatively correlated with subsequent usage frequency. Furthermore, a younger age at first YouTube use and higher usage frequency were significantly associated with increased emotional/behavioral problems.

Conclusions

In the YouTube environment, where content is automatically recommended based on user preferences, traits related to usage patterns may be associated with persistence, which is linked to self-regulation. Considering the current trend where children use smartphones, contents frequently for very short durations, our findings highlight the importance of self-regulation in the media usage of children who are still developing. Additionally, our results provide fundamental information for future YouTube studies and illustrate similarities and differences between smartphone and YouTube research.
Impact of rehabilitation services on employment outcomes for individuals with physical disabilities: a propensity score matching analysis
Authors: Park Han Nah , Lee Su Jin , Yoon Ju Young
Published: June 2024

Background

Choosing a suitable job and leading a fulfilling professional life is vital for individuals, regardless of disability. Governments provide rehabilitation services to promote employment for individuals with disabilities, but research on their effects is limited. This study aimed to examine the impact of rehabilitation services on employment among people with physical disabilities in South Korea using propensity score matching.

Methods

This study utilized an observational research design. Data were obtained from the 2020 National Survey of Disabled Persons, including 1,757 individuals aged 20 or older with physical disabilities. Descriptive statistics, chi-square and independent t-tests, logistic regression, and propensity score matching were employed.

Results

The results for employment of individuals with physical disabilities showed no difference between the with rehabilitation services and the without rehabilitation services group. Based on subgroup analysis, when individuals with physical disabilities who rated their subjective health status low received rehabilitation services, it had a positive effect on employment.

Conclusions

The results of this study could serve as foundational data for future policies and educational directions concerning rehabilitation services for persons with disabilities.