bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Intergenerational Trends on Parental Child-Rearing Gender Role Attitudes (PCGAs) in Single-Parent Families: A Relative Mediation
Authors: Song Yunping , Yang Mengping , Chen I-Jun , Ponam Saba , Shi Ying
Published: July 2024

Family structures are diverse, with single-parent families being special. Single-parent families have garnered interest regarding their impact on their children’s development in relation to gender roles and social adaptation. This study investigated 532 children from single-parent families (mean age = 14.81, SD = 1.62) and their parents. We collected data on the parental child-rearing gender role attitudes (PCGAs) of grandparents and parents, as well as the gender role and social adaptation of the children. The results revealed four intergenerational trends in PCGAs: progression between generations, undesirability in both generations, desirability in both generations, and retrogression between generations. An ANOVA showed that families with intergenerational desirability tended to have children with the highest gender role and social adaptation scores among the four intergenerational trends, while families with intergenerational undesirability had the lowest. A relative mediation analysis showed that compared to intergenerational undesirable PCGAs, intergenerational progress and intergenerational desirable PCGAs are beneficial for children’s gender traits, and their social adaptation development is also better. The results confirm the positive effect of children’s gender roles on their social adaptation, which suggests that parents should pay attention to children’s gender role education, transform their PCGAs, and create a nurturing environment for children’s gender role development.
Navigating Purchase Intentions: The Influence of Reviewers’ Comments Moderated by Risk and Trust
Authors: Kwakye Sabina , Ertugan Ahmet , Tashtoush Laith
Published: July 2024

Despite previous research on the impact of social media reviews on purchase intention, it is still unclear how individual reviewers’ comments impact purchase intentions. To fill in the gap, this study examines the impact of product-related comments on purchase intentions. In terms of contributions, this study evaluates people’s dependence on social media for product information and purchase intention while considering risk and trust as moderating factors. The data were collected quantitatively using surveys. The sample consisted of 384 academically advanced adults with high social media engagement. The study hypotheses were tested using the PROCESS macro after exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis, and correlation analysis were conducted. Among those surveyed, it was confirmed that most people sought product-related comments on social media when seeking information about a product they might be interested in purchasing. It was also observed that the risk factor reduced the impact of other variables in the model presented in this study. In conclusion, this investigation is more reliable, and its outcomes benefit scholars, supervisors, merchants, and webmasters, for instance, in establishing a study for future research efforts and providing practical guidance that could boost promotional efforts and marketing activities, especially in this era of artificial intelligence.
The Model of Goal-Directed Behavior in Sports Participation: A Meta-Analysis Comparing Pre- and Post-COVID-19 Eras in the Republic of Korea
Authors: Bae Jung-Sup , Chiu Weisheng , Nam Sang-Back
Published: July 2024

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on sports participation worldwide, including in Republic of Korea. Due to the restrictions and safety measures implemented to prevent the spread of the virus, many individuals have had to alter their sports participation. Therefore, this study conducted a meta-analysis based on studies applying the Model of Goal-directed Behavior (MGB) in sports participation to compare the pre- and post-COVID-19 eras in Republic of Korea. By analyzing 18 selected studies involving 5772 Korean respondents, the study investigates the relationships between MGB variables and sports consumption behaviors pre- and post-COVID-19. This study found that all correlations with the MGB were significant, indicating the applicability of the MGB in understanding sports participation in Republic of Korea. Moreover, the moderating effect of COVID-19 was identified in the relationships between subjective norms and desire and between perceived behavioral control and desire. The findings of this study contribute to a deeper understanding of the factors influencing sports participation in Republic of Korea. Additionally, the study provides valuable insights for sports managers and policymakers in Republic of Korea to develop strategies and interventions that can promote and support sports participation during challenging times.
Carbon Footprints of a Conventional Norwegian Detached House Exposed to Flooding
Authors: Berg Oppedal Line , Kvande Tore
Published: July 2024

Rehabilitating water-damaged structures in buildings results in increased material extraction and energy use, and, consequently, a higher carbon footprint of the housing industry. Despite its prevalence, quantifying the carbon footprint caused by water damage or flooding has not gained much attention. Thus, this study investigated the quantitative carbon footprint associated with rehabilitating flooding in a detached house caused by torrential rain. Three different construction methods of the house were looked at; a timber frame construction, a masonry variant made by concrete blocks of Lightweight Expanded Clay Aggregate (LECA), and an alternative with exterior walls composed of concrete-moulded Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) foam boards. A life-cycle assessment according to NS 3720 was used to investigate the carbon footprint (CO2eq.) of typical flooding in a detached building. Rehabilitating the flooding in a house with concrete-moulded boards resulted in a lower carbon footprint (2.45 × 103 CO2eq.) than rehabilitating the same flooding in a house with LECA masonry (7.56 × 103 CO2eq.) and timber frames (2.49 × 103 CO2eq.). However, the timber-frame house had the lowest total carbon footprint (2.95 × 104 CO2eq.) owing to their original low footprint. This study found that flooding significantly contributed to the carbon footprint of buildings and, therefore, the topic should be given attention when choosing a construction method and moisture safety strategy.
Study of the Pore Water Pressure Development Characteristics of PHC Pipe Piles in Soft Soil Foundations
Authors: Jia Zhaolin , Wu Han , He Shuaiqi , Zhao Qixiang , Zhang Xiaoxu
Published: July 2024

When constructing hollow prestressed high-strength concrete (PHC) pipe piles in soft soil foundations, the generation and dissipation of pore water pressure can induce negative friction on the pile. This phenomenon increases the settlement of the pile foundation and, in severe cases, can lead to pile deflection and flotation. To further investigate the development characteristics of pore water pressure during PHC hollow pipe pile driving in soft soil, this study combined existing theories and numerical models to analyze the generation and influence areas of pore water pressure. Field tests were conducted at three different sites: an untreated site, a surcharge preloading site, and a site treated with cement mixing piles and well dewatering. These tests monitored and analyzed the horizontal and vertical development and behavior of pore water pressure during pile driving at each site. The results indicate that during the pile driving process, when the horizontal distance from the pile center is 3d and 9d, the peak values of the excess pore water pressure in the site treated with cement mixing piles and well dewatering are 117 kPa and 100 kPa. After pile driving is completed, they decrease to 50 kPa and 48 kPa, respectively. The peak values of excess pore water pressure in the surcharge preloading site are 122 kPa and 97 kPa, and after pile driving, they decreased to 80 kPa and 21 kPa, respectively. The peak values of excess pore water pressure in untreated sites are 140 kPa and 121 kPa; after pile driving, they decreased to 82 kPa and 60 kPa, respectively. Pore water pressure increases with the depth of pile driving and decreases with distance from the pile driving location. The peak pore water pressure and dissipation rate during construction were found to be higher at the untreated site compared to the other two sites. Therefore, during pile sinking in soft soil foundations, dewatering and driving drainage boards are effective methods for reducing pore water pressure and accelerating its dissipation. These findings provide a theoretical basis and technical support for ensuring the safety of engineering constructions.
A Real-Time Study on the Cracking Characteristics of Polyvinyl Alcohol Fiber-Reinforced Geopolymer Composites under Splitting Tensile Load Based on High-Speed Digital Image Correlations
Authors: Zhang Yunhan , Sun Yuhang , Zhong Weiliang , Fan Lifeng
Published: July 2024

The cracking of geopolymer caused by its brittleness characteristics could reduce the stability and durability of the building structure. Studying the cracking behavior of fiber-reinforced geopolymer composites (FRGCs) is important to evaluate the toughness strengthening of geopolymer. This paper presents a real-time study on the cracking characteristics of FRGCs under splitting tensile load based on high-speed digital image correlation (HDIC) technology. The splitting tensile test was conducted on the FRGC with different fiber content. The real-time variation of strain and displacement field during the splitting process was analyzed. The influence of fiber content on the mechanical properties and crack behavior of FRGCs was discussed. Considering the splitting strength and crack width, the optimal fiber content for FRGCs that satisfied the crack resistance requirement was proposed. The results show that the incorporation of fiber can delay the cracking time and reduce strain change during the splitting process. The splitting tensile strength and the deformation increase as fiber content increases, while the crack width decreases as fiber content increases. The FRGC with 2.0% fiber content can maintain a crack width smaller than 0.1 mm, which satisfies the crack resistance requirements of practical engineering for economic consideration.
Simplified Formula for Nominal Force at Critical Welds in the Lower Chord Node of a Novel Bracket-Crane Truss Structure
Authors: Zhao He , Li Shuaiyu , Guo Zhongyan , Dong Chao , Fan Jiangtao , Tao Lipeng , Zhang Wenyuan
Published: July 2024

In the realm of practical engineering, engineers commonly employ rod system models for modeling and analysis, which consequently precludes them from calculating the nominal forces exerted on welds at intricate nodes. This paper addresses the design challenges of the innovative bracket-crane truss structure by proposing a simplified nominal force calculation formula for critical welds of the integrated node. This study commences with the establishment of the frame model and ABAQUS multiscale models, utilizing engineering project drawings and data, followed by a verification of the similarities between the two simulation methods. This similarity of outcomes provides a foundation for directly using the computational results from the frame model in future calculations of the forces at the weld locations. From a mechanical standpoint, this paper derives nominal force calculation formulas for horizontal and vertical welds at critical locations for three node types. Additionally, a formula for calculating nominal shear forces in vertical welds at the end plate of support nodes is introduced. The applicability of these derived formulas is subsequently validated, ensuring their efficacy in accurately capturing relevant forces at critical locations. The presented nominal force calculation formula serves as a valuable tool for optimizing the design and guaranteeing the structural integrity of the integrated node within this distinctive engineering context.
A Practical Approach to Alignment and Error Feedback Control for Long-Span Arch Bridges
Authors: Yao Xinyu , Li Chuanxi , Wang Longlin , Yu Mengsheng , Zhuo Xiaoli , Hao Tianzhi , Wang Xirui
Published: July 2024

The accurate installation of long-span arch bridges’ arch ribs remains a challenge due to the complex calculations required for cable forces and arch rib displacements, as well as the significant influence of environmental and construction loads. In this study, we propose a practical approach to alignment and error feedback control for long-span arch bridges. Cable forces were optimized using multiple control objectives based on influence matrix principles. The impact of temperature on the next segment to be installed was analyzed using the metastatic GM(1, 1) model and fitting results. Several tunable parameters were employed to account for parameter errors and environmental interference. These parameters were adjusted based on the deviations between practical and theoretical alignments for different arch rib segments, achieving a model output of an offset-free-tracking arch rib structure. This technology was applied to monitor the construction of the Tian’e Longtan Grand Bridge. Compared to conventional alignment control approaches, the proposed method achieved excellent arch ring alignment after the closure of the high-accuracy arch rib and cable release, as well as effective control of cable force uniformity and tower deviation. Field measurement data indicate that the closing deviation of the arch ring is only 3 mm. This study provides a valuable reference for the construction control of long-span arch bridges.
Somatic Mutations in KEAP1-NRF2 Complex in Breast Cancer
Authors: Almeida Micaela , Ferreira Catarina L. , Tomé Rosa Maria , Fonseca-Moutinho José , Polónia António , Ramalhinho Ana Cristina , Breitenfeld Luiza
Published: July 2024

Breast cancer remains the leading cause of cancer deaths for women. Long-term estrogen exposure is considered carcinogenic due to semiquinone production and to compromised detoxification. Metabolic regulator polymorphisms, such as KEAP1 (rs1048290) and NRF2 (rs35652124, rs6721961, rs6706649), can be valuable in understanding the individual cytoprotection profile. Thus, we aim to genotype these polymorphisms in blood, tumours and surrounding tissue, to identify somatic mutations and correlate it to prognoses. A total of 23 controls and 69 women with histological confirmed breast cancer were recruited, and DNA from blood/surrounding/tumour tissue was genotyped. Genotyping and clinicopathological data were correlated. We verified that rs35652124 presents different genotype distribution between the blood/surrounding tissue (p-value = 0.023) and tumour/surrounding tissues (p-value = 0.041). Apart from rs35652124 and considering the histological grade, the other four polymorphisms have different distributions among different tissues. There is a tendency towards the loss of heterozygosity in the surrounding tissue when compared to blood and tumour tissues, and higher genotype variability in histologic grade 2. These somatic mutations and different distribution patterns may indicate a heterogeneous and active microenvironment, influencing breast cancer outcome. Additionally, it would be pertinent to evaluate the predictive value of the histologic grade 2 considering somatic mutation profiles and distributions.
C-Reactive Protein Kinetic as a Potential Predictive and Prognostic Factor during Treatment with Checkpoint Inhibitors in R/M-HNSCC
Authors: Jungbauer Frederic , Scherl Claudia , Rotter Nicole , Affolter Annette , Lammert Anne , Seiz Elena , Thiaucourt Margot , Huber Lena
Published: July 2024

Introduction The kinetic of C-reactive protein (CRP) in the early phase of therapy with checkpoint inhibitors (CPI) and its prognostic value has already been investigated in several tumor entities. In particular, flare dynamics have been described as a positive prognostic parameter. The aim of this retrospective study is to examine the extent to which such an application can also be transferred to patients with recurrent or metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck region (R/M-HNSCC). Material and Methods All patients treated with CPI for R/M-HNSCC at our clinic between 2018 and 2023 were included (n = 44). Demographic, clinical, histopathologic and laboratory data were extracted from the digital patient records and statistically analyzed. We then examined the CRP kinetic using two previously published classifications and proposed a new classification ourselves. Subsequently, correlation analyses were performed with the overall survival (OS) of the patients. Results Of the two CRP kinetic classifications previously published, only one showed a correlation with the result of the first re-staging, and neither showed a correlation with the OS of R/M-HNSCC patients. Our new CRP kinetic classification showed a significant association with OS in R/M-HNSCC patients (p = 0.05). In a multivariate analysis, our CRP kinetic classification (p = 0.007) and the outcome of the first re-staging (p = 0.002) were significant independent factors for OS. Discussion Our novel CRP kinetic classification significantly correlates with OS in R/M-HNSCC patients, indicating a potential prognostic marker. Existing classifications from other cancer entities showed limited prognostic significance, emphasizing the need for tailored markers. For validation, however, testing on larger R/M-HNSCC patient collectives is necessary.
Stimulator of Interferon Genes Protein (STING) Expression in Cancer Cells: A Tissue Microarray Study Evaluating More than 18,000 Tumors from 139 Different Tumor Entities
Authors: Menz Anne , Zerneke Julia , Viehweger Florian , Büyücek Seyma , Dum David , Schlichter Ria , Hinsch Andrea , Bawahab Ahmed Abdulwahab , Fraune Christoph , Bernreuther Christian , Kluth Martina , Hube-Magg Claudia , Möller Katharina , Lutz Florian , Reiswich Viktor , Luebke Andreas M. , Lebok Patrick , Weidemann Sören A. , Sauter Guido , Lennartz Maximilian , Jacobsen Frank , Clauditz Till S. , Marx Andreas H. , Simon Ronald , Steurer Stefan , Burandt Eike , Gorbokon Natalia , Minner Sarah , Krech Till
Published: July 2024

Stimulator of interferon genes protein (STING) activates the immune response in inflammatory cells. STING expression in cancer cells is less well characterized, but STING agonists are currently being evaluated as anticancer drugs. A tissue microarray containing 18,001 samples from 139 different tumor types was analyzed for STING by immunohistochemistry. STING-positive tumor cells were found in 130 (93.5%) of 139 tumor entities. The highest STING positivity rates occurred in squamous cell carcinomas (up to 96%); malignant mesothelioma (88.5%–95.7%); adenocarcinoma of the pancreas (94.9%), lung (90.3%), cervix (90.0%), colorectum (75.2%), and gallbladder (68.8%); and serous high-grade ovarian cancer (86.0%). High STING expression was linked to adverse phenotypes in breast cancer, clear cell renal cell carcinoma, colorectal adenocarcinoma, hepatocellular carcinoma, and papillary carcinoma of the thyroid (p < 0.05). In pTa urothelial carcinomas, STING expression was associated with low-grade carcinoma (p = 0.0002). Across all tumors, STING expression paralleled PD-L1 positivity of tumor and inflammatory cells (p < 0.0001 each) but was unrelated to the density of CD8+ lymphocytes. STING expression is variable across tumor types and may be related to aggressive tumor phenotype and PD-L1 positivity. The lack of relationship with tumor-infiltrating CD8+ lymphocytes argues against a significant IFN production by STING positive tumor cells.
Soluble CD26: From Suggested Biomarker for Cancer Diagnosis to Plausible Marker for Dynamic Monitoring of Immunotherapy
Authors: Kotrulev Martin , Gomez-Touriño Iria , Cordero Oscar J.
Published: July 2024

Soluble CD26 (sCD26), a glycoprotein with dipeptidyl peptidase (DPP4) enzymatic activity, can contribute to early diagnosis of colorectal cancer and advanced adenomas and has been studied, including for prognostic purposes, across various other types of cancer and disease. The latest research in this field has confirmed that most, though not all, serum/plasma sCD26 is related to inflammation. The shedding and/or secretion of sCD26 from different immune cells are being investigated, and blood DPP4 activity levels do not correlate very strongly with protein titers. Some of the main substrates of this enzyme are key chemokines involved in immune cell migration, and both soluble and cell-surface CD26 can bind adenosine deaminase (ADA), an enzyme involved in the metabolism of immunosuppressor extracellular adenosine. Of note, there are T cells enriched in CD26 expression and, in mice tumor models, tumor infiltrating lymphocytes exhibited heightened percentages of CD26+ correlating with tumor regression. We employed sCD26 as a biomarker in the follow-up after curative resection of colorectal cancer for the early detection of tumor recurrence. Changes after treatment with different biological disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs, including Ig-CTLA4, were also observed in rheumatoid arthritis. Serum soluble CD26/DPP4 titer variation has recently been proposed as a potential prognostic biomarker after a phase I trial in cancer immunotherapy with a humanized anti-CD26 antibody. We propose that dynamic monitoring of sCD26/DPP4 changes, in addition to well-known inflammatory biomarkers such as CRP already in use as informative for immune checkpoint immunotherapy, may indicate resistance or response during the successive steps of the treatment. As tumor cells expressing CD26 can also produce sCD26, the possibility of sorting immune- from non-immune-system-originated sCD26 is discussed.
The Role of AKR1B10 in Lung Cancer Malignancy Induced by Sublethal Doses of Chemotherapeutic Drugs
Authors: Jang Te-Hsuan , Lin Sheng-Chieh , Yang Ya-Yu , Lay Jong-Ding , Chang Chih-Ling , Yao Chih-Jung , Huang Jhy-Shrian , Chuang Shuang-En
Published: July 2024

Chemotherapy remains a cornerstone in lung cancer treatment, yet emerging evidence suggests that sublethal low doses may inadvertently enhance the malignancy. This study investigates the paradoxical effects of sublethal low-dose chemotherapy on non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells, emphasizing the role of Aldo-keto reductase family 1 member B10 (AKR1B10). We found that sublethal doses of chemotherapy unexpectedly increased cancer cell migration approximately 2-fold and invasion approximately threefold, potentially promoting metastasis. Our analysis revealed a significant upregulation of AKR1B10 in response to taxol and doxorubicin treatment, correlating with poor survival rates in lung cancer patients. Furthermore, silencing AKR1B10 resulted in a 1–2-fold reduction in cell proliferation and a 2–3-fold reduction in colony formation and migration while increasing chemotherapy sensitivity. In contrast, the overexpression of AKR1B10 stimulated growth rate by approximately 2-fold via ERK pathway activation, underscoring its potential as a target for therapeutic intervention. The reversal of these effects upon the application of an ERK-specific inhibitor further validates the significance of the ERK pathway in AKR1B10-mediated chemoresistance. In conclusion, our findings significantly contribute to the understanding of chemotherapy-induced adaptations in lung cancer cells. The elevated AKR1B10 expression following sublethal chemotherapy presents a novel molecular mechanism contributing to the development of chemoresistance. It highlights the need for strategic approaches in chemotherapy administration to circumvent the inadvertent enhancement of cancer aggressiveness. This study positions AKR1B10 as a potential therapeutic target, offering a new avenue to improve lung cancer treatment outcomes by mitigating the adverse effects of sublethal chemotherapy.
Orthotopic Models Using New, Murine Lung Adenocarcinoma Cell Lines Simulate Human Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Treated with Immunotherapy
Authors: Knott Eric P. , Kim Emily Y. , Kim Edison Q. , Freire Rochelle , Medina Justin A. , Wang Yujie , Chen Cheng-Bang , Wu Chunjing , Wangpaichitr Medhi , Conejo-Garcia Jose R. , Lim Diane C.
Published: July 2024

Understanding tumor–host immune interactions and the mechanisms of lung cancer response to immunotherapy is crucial. Current preclinical models used to study this often fall short of capturing the complexities of human lung cancer and lead to inconclusive results. To bridge the gap, we introduce two new murine monoclonal lung cancer cell lines for use in immunocompetent orthotopic models. We demonstrate how our cell lines exhibit immunohistochemical protein expression (TTF-1, NapA, PD-L1) and common driver mutations (KRAS, p53, and p110α) seen in human lung adenocarcinoma patients, and how our orthotopic models respond to combination immunotherapy in vivo in a way that closely mirrors current clinical outcomes. These new lung adenocarcinoma cell lines provide an invaluable, clinically relevant platform for investigating the intricate dynamics between tumor and the immune system, and thus potentially contributes to a deeper understanding of immunotherapeutic approaches to lung cancer treatment.
Conservation of cis-Regulatory Syntax Underlying Deuterostome Gastrulation
Authors: Buono Lorena , Annona Giovanni , Magri Marta Silvia , Negueruela Santiago , Sepe Rosa Maria , Caccavale Filomena , Maeso Ignacio , Arnone Maria Ina , D’Aniello Salvatore
Published: July 2024

Throughout embryonic development, the shaping of the functional and morphological characteristics of embryos is orchestrated by an intricate interaction between transcription factors and cis-regulatory elements. In this study, we conducted a comprehensive analysis of deuterostome cis-regulatory landscapes during gastrulation, focusing on four paradigmatic species: the echinoderm Strongylocentrotus purpuratus, the cephalochordate Branchiostoma lanceolatum, the urochordate Ciona intestinalis, and the vertebrate Danio rerio. Our approach involved comparative computational analysis of ATAC-seq datasets to explore the genome-wide blueprint of conserved transcription factor binding motifs underlying gastrulation. We identified a core set of conserved DNA binding motifs associated with 62 known transcription factors, indicating the remarkable conservation of the gastrulation regulatory landscape across deuterostomes. Our findings offer valuable insights into the evolutionary molecular dynamics of embryonic development, shedding light on conserved regulatory subprograms and providing a comprehensive perspective on the conservation and divergence of gene regulation underlying the gastrulation process.
Inhibition of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell Proliferation by ENPP1: The Role of CD73 and the Adenosine Signaling Axis
Authors: Tchernychev Boris , Nitschke Yvonne , Chu Di , Sullivan Caitlin , Flaman Lisa , O’Brien Kevin , Howe Jennifer , Cheng Zhiliang , Thompson David , Ortiz Daniel , Rutsch Frank , Sabbagh Yves
Published: July 2024

The Ectonucleotide Pyrophosphatase/Phosphodiesterase 1 (ENPP1) ectoenzyme regulates vascular intimal proliferation and mineralization of bone and soft tissues. ENPP1 variants cause Generalized Arterial Calcification of Infancy (GACI), a rare genetic disorder characterized by ectopic calcification, intimal proliferation, and stenosis of large- and medium-sized arteries. ENPP1 hydrolyzes extracellular ATP to pyrophosphate (PPi) and AMP. AMP is the precursor of adenosine, which has been implicated in the control of neointimal formation. Herein, we demonstrate that an ENPP1-Fc recombinant therapeutic inhibits proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) in vitro and in vivo. Addition of ENPP1 and ATP to cultured VSMCs generated AMP, which was metabolized to adenosine. It also significantly decreased cell proliferation. AMP or adenosine alone inhibited VSMC growth. Inhibition of ecto-5′-nucleotidase CD73 decreased adenosine accumulation and suppressed the anti-proliferative effects of ENPP1/ATP. Addition of AMP increased cAMP synthesis and phosphorylation of VASP at Ser157. This AMP-mediated cAMP increase was abrogated by CD73 inhibitors or by A2aR and A2bR antagonists. Ligation of the carotid artery promoted neointimal hyperplasia in wild-type mice, which was exacerbated in ENPP1-deficient ttw/ttw mice. Prophylactic or therapeutic treatments with ENPP1 significantly reduced intimal hyperplasia not only in ttw/ttw but also in wild-type mice. These findings provide the first insight into the mechanism of the anti-proliferative effect of ENPP1 and broaden its potential therapeutic applications beyond enzyme replacement therapy.
Bridging the Gap between Project-Oriented and Exercise-Oriented Automatic Assessment Tools
Authors: Cipriano Bruno Pereira , Baltazar Bernardo , Fachada Nuno , Vourvopoulos Athanasios , Alves Pedro
Published: July 2024

In this study, we present the DP Plugin for IntelliJ IDEA, designed to extend the Drop Project (DP) Automatic Assessment Tool (AAT) by making it more suitable for handling small exercises in exercise-based learning environments. Our aim was to address the limitations of DP in supporting small assignments while retaining its strengths in project-based learning. The plugin leverages DP’s REST API to streamline the submission process, integrating assignment instructions and feedback directly within the IDE. A student survey conducted during the 2022/23 academic year revealed a positive reception, highlighting benefits such as time efficiency and ease of use. Students also provided valuable feedback, leading to various improvements that have since been integrated into the plugin. Despite these promising results, the study is limited by the relatively small percentage of survey respondents. Our findings suggest that an IDE plugin can significantly improve the usability of project-oriented AATs for small exercises, informing the development of future educational tools suitable for mixed project-based and exercise-based learning environments.
Enhancing the Security of Classical Communication with Post-Quantum Authenticated-Encryption Schemes for the Quantum Key Distribution
Authors: Ghashghaei Farshad , Ahmed Yussuf , Elmrabit Nebrase , Yousefi Mehdi
Published: July 2024

This research aims to establish a secure system for key exchange by using post-quantum cryptography (PQC) schemes in the classic channel of quantum key distribution (QKD). Modern cryptography faces significant threats from quantum computers, which can solve classical problems rapidly. PQC schemes address critical security challenges in QKD, particularly in authentication and encryption, to ensure the reliable communication across quantum and classical channels. The other objective of this study is to balance security and communication speed among various PQC algorithms in different security levels, specifically CRYSTALS-Kyber, CRYSTALS-Dilithium, and Falcon, which are finalists in the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Post-Quantum Cryptography Standardization project. The quantum channel of QKD is simulated with Qiskit, which is a comprehensive and well-supported tool in the field of quantum computing. By providing a detailed analysis of the performance of these three algorithms with Rivest–Shamir–Adleman (RSA), the results will guide companies and organizations in selecting an optimal combination for their QKD systems to achieve a reliable balance between efficiency and security. Our findings demonstrate that the implemented PQC schemes effectively address security challenges posed by quantum computers, while keeping the the performance similar to RSA.
Comparative Genomics of Limosilactobacillus pontis Strains: Niche-Specific Variations and Adaptations
Authors: Lei Xueyan , Liu Qing , Li Weicheng , Li Yu , Zhao Lixia , Liu Wenjun
Published: July 2024

Limosilactobacillus pontis (L. pontis) is a species of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) found in various products, including fermented milk, sourdough, and broiler chickens’ gastrointestinal tracts. However, the evolutionary strategies and genomic features of the species remain unknown, which limits its application. In this study, whole-genome sequencing was carried out to investigate the genomic characteristics and evolutionary strategies of L. pontis, combined with a comparative genomic approach, providing the necessary theoretical basis for its application. The genomic sequences in this study included three published genomic sequences and two strains isolated from fermented milk in our lab in Inner Mongolia, China. The mean genome size of the five L. pontis strains was 1.70 Mb, and the mean DNA G + C content was 53.06%. L. pontis was a species with higher G + C content in LAB. The phylogenetic evolutionary tree for the core genes showed that the strains from the same sources were aggregated into a cluster. There were some differences in the genomic information and phylogenetic relationships amongst L. pontis from different sources. An analysis of the annotation results identified differences in the functional genes, carbohydrate-active enzymes, and bacteriocins amongst different isolated strains, which were related to the environment. L. pontis was rich in glycosyltransferases, especially in strains isolated from fermented milk, indicating that they had higher sugar synthesis abilities. It is worth mentioning that only the L. pontis strains isolated in our laboratory identified the bacteriocin operon, which may increase its application potential. The genomic characteristics and evolutionary process of L. pontis were analyzed by comparative genomics, and this study explored the differences in the functional genes amongst the strains, aiming to provide new insights into the genetic characteristics and niche adaptations of L. pontis.
Are There Differences in Skin Autofluorescence-Measured Advanced Glycation End-Product Levels between Chronic Kidney Disease and Kidney Transplant Recipients?
Authors: Radić Josipa , Vučković Marijana , Đogaš Hana , Gelemanović Andrea , Belančić Andrej , Radić Mislav
Published: July 2024

The aim of this cross-sectional study was to evaluate the differences in the levels of advanced glycation end products (AGE) between patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and kidney transplant recipients (KTRs) and to investigate the risk factors for the AGE levels in each group of these patients. There were 217 participants total, of which 99 (45.6%) were KTRs and 118 (54.4%) had CKD. Data on the levels of AGE, body mass composition, anthropometric parameters, central and peripheral blood pressure, and clinical and laboratory parameters were gathered for each study participant. The AGE values of the CKD and KTRs groups did not differ from one another. In both groups, a lower estimated glomerular filtration rate, male sex, and older age were positive predictors for increased AGE values. Furthermore, higher levels of AGE were linked to lower central systolic blood pressure (cSBP) in the CKD group, whilst, in the KTRs group, higher levels of AGE were linked to a shorter time since kidney transplantation (KTx), more years of dialysis prior to KTx, lower levels of trunk visceral fat, the presence of arterial hypertension, and the absence of prescriptions for the antihypertensive medications urapidil and angiotensin II receptor blockers. Further studies are needed to better understand the above associations. Consequently, a personalised multidisciplinary approach to assess the cardiovascular as well as dietary and lifestyle risk factors to reduce the AGE levels in both KTRs and CKD patients may be implemented.
The Impact of Next-Generation Sequencing Added to Multiplex PCR on Antibiotic Stewardship in Critically Ill Patients with Suspected Pneumonia
Authors: Kling Kendall , Qi Chao , Wunderink Richard G. , Pickens Chiagozie
Published: July 2024

Introduction: In patients with suspected pneumonia who are tested with respiratory culture and multiplex PCR, the potential added benefit of next-generation sequencing technologies is unknown. Methods: This was a single-center, retrospective study in which residual bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) specimens were retrieved from hospitalized patients. We compared its research-use-only Respiratory Pathogen Illumina Panel (RPIP) results to culture and BioFire® FilmArray Pneumonia Panel (BioFire® PN) results from critically ill patients. Results: In total, 47 BAL specimens from 47 unique patients were included. All BAL samples were tested with culture and multiplex PCR. In total, 38 of the 47 BALs were consistent with a clinical picture of pneumonia per chart review. Additional testing of the 38 samples with the RPIP identified a new bacterium in 20 patients, a new virus in 4 patients, a new bacterium plus virus in 4 patients, and no additional organisms in 10 patients. In 17 (44.5%) of these patients, the RPIP results could have indicated an antibiotic addition. Compared with cultures, the RPIP had an overall sensitivity of 64% and specificity of 98%, with a 0% sensitivity for fungus and 14% sensitivity for mycobacteria. Compared with BioFire® PN, the RPIP was 70% sensitive and 99% specific, with a 74% sensitivity for bacteria and 33% sensitivity for viruses. The RPIP was 29% more sensitive for HAP/VAP bacterial targets compared with CAP. Conclusions: Emerging NGS technologies such as the RPIP may have a role in identifying the etiology of pneumonia, even when patients have BAL culture and multiplex PCR results available. Similar to prior studies evaluating RPIP, our study showed this platform lacked sensitivity when compared with cultures, particularly for fungi and mycobacteria. However, the high specificity of the test can be leveraged when clinicians are seeking to rule out certain infections.
External Validation of the Machine Learning-Based Thermographic Indices for Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Prospective Longitudinal Study
Authors: Morales-Ivorra Isabel , Taverner Delia , Codina Oriol , Castell Sonia , Fischer Peter , Onken Derek , Martínez-Osuna Píndaro , Battioui Chakib , Marín-López Manuel Alejandro
Published: July 2024

External validation is crucial in developing reliable machine learning models. This study aimed to validate three novel indices—Thermographic Joint Inflammation Score (ThermoJIS), Thermographic Disease Activity Index (ThermoDAI), and Thermographic Disease Activity Index-C-reactive protein (ThermoDAI-CRP)—based on hand thermography and machine learning to assess joint inflammation and disease activity in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. A 12-week prospective observational study was conducted with 77 RA patients recruited from rheumatology departments of three hospitals. During routine care visits, indices were obtained at baseline and week 12 visits using a pre-trained machine learning model. The performance of these indices was assessed cross-sectionally and longitudinally using correlation coefficients, the area under the receiver operating curve (AUROC), sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values. ThermoDAI and ThermoDAI-CRP correlated with CDAI, SDAI, and DAS28-CRP cross-sectionally (ρ = 0.81; ρ = 0.83; ρ = 0.78) and longitudinally (ρ = 0.55; ρ = 0.61; ρ = 0.60), all p < 0.001. ThermoDAI and ThermoDAI-CRP also outperformed Patient Global Assessment (PGA) and PGA + C-reactive protein (CRP) in detecting changes in 28-swollen joint counts (SJC28). ThermoJIS had an AUROC of 0.67 (95% CI, 0.58 to 0.76) for detecting patients with swollen joints and effectively identified patients transitioning from SJC28 > 1 at baseline visit to SJC28 ≤ 1 at week 12 visit. These results support the effectiveness of ThermoJIS in assessing joint inflammation, as well as ThermoDAI and ThermoDAI-CRP in evaluating disease activity in RA patients.
Intracavitary Applications for CEUS in PTCD
Authors: Atanasova Evelina G. , Pentchev Christo P. , Nolsøe Christian P.
Published: July 2024

Intracavitary contrast-enhanced ultrasound is widely accepted as a highly informative, safe, and easily reproducible technique for the diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of different pathologies of the biliary tree. This review article describes the diverse applications for CEUS in intracavitary biliary scenarios, supported by a literature review of the utilization of the method in indications like biliary obstruction by various etiologies, including postoperative strictures, evaluation of the biliary tree of liver donors, and evaluation of the localization of a drainage catheter. We also provide pictorial examples of the authors’ personal experience with the use of intracavitary CEUS in cases of PTCD as a palliative intervention. Intracavitary CEUS brings all the positive features of US together with the virtues of contrast-enhanced imaging, providing comparable accuracy to the standard techniques for diagnosing biliary tree diseases.
Tumor-to-Tumor Metastasis: Dissemination of Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma Involving Parotid Warthin Tumor—Case Report
Authors: Gontarz Michał , Gałązka Krystyna , Gąsiorowski Krzysztof , Bargiel Jakub , Marecik Tomasz , Szczurowski Paweł , Wyszyńska-Pawelec Grażyna
Published: July 2024

Warthin tumors (WTs) are the second most common salivary gland tumors, most commonly found in the tail of the parotid gland. The lymphoid components of a WT may also serve as a site for tumor-to-tumor metastasis. This report describes the metastasis of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) from the preauricular region to a parotid WT. A 68-year-old male patient was admitted to the Department of Cranio-Maxillofacial Surgery of the Jagiellonian University in Cracow, Poland, with a two-year history of a growing, painless skin tumor of the right preauricular region. The patient was eligible for surgical treatment with elective neck dissection at the Va, III, II, I levels with parotidectomy and the excision of the cSCC. In the histopathological examination of the components of the surgical specimen beside the primary cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC), a parotid WT was found; in the majority, it was occupied and destroyed by the metastatic cSCC and radically removed. After a tumor board consultation, due to the advanced stage (pT3N2b LVI2 PNI0 R0), with three intraparotid lymph node metastases and LVI2, the patient was authorized for postoperative radiotherapy. In conclusion, tumor-to-tumor metastasis is an extremely rare entity. Surgery is the standard of care for both WTs and head and neck cSCC. In most cases, metastasis into the parotid gland can be successfully treated with superficial parotidectomy with facial nerve preservation. Dissemination into the parotid gland requires elective neck dissection, as well as adjuvant treatment.
The Statistics of q-Statistics
Authors: Eroglu Deniz , Boghosian Bruce M. , Borges Ernesto P. , Tirnakli Ugur
Published: July 2024

Almost two decades ago, Ernesto P. Borges and Bruce M. Boghosian embarked on the intricate task of composing a manuscript to honor the profound contributions of Constantino Tsallis to the realm of statistical physics, coupled with a concise exploration of q-Statistics. Fast-forward to Constantino Tsallis’ illustrious 80th birthday celebration in 2023, where Deniz Eroglu and Ugur Tirnakli delved into Constantino’s collaborative network, injecting renewed vitality into the project. With hearts brimming with appreciation for Tsallis’ enduring inspiration, Eroglu, Boghosian, Borges, and Tirnakli proudly present this meticulously crafted manuscript as a token of their gratitude.
Crises and Contagion in Equity Portfolios
Authors: Floros Christos , Vortelinos Dimitrios , Chatziantoniou Ioannis
Published: July 2024

We examine the international impact of recent financial crises on contagion dynamics within international equity portfolios. First, we highlight the importance of macroeconomics for portfolio weighting for each region, and then we examine contagion via a structural regime-switching model and a contagion test. We also examine sources of contagion using regime variables, crisis events, and macroeconomic variables. In particular, we study the Argentine debt crisis, the US financial crisis, and the EU sovereign debt crisis. The macroeconomic variables include changes in market capitalization, trade integration, GDP growth, inflation rate, and interest rate. We also employ two classifications, one relating to the portfolio weighting scheme and another one that considers implied global and regional betas. The empirical findings reveal the existence of financial contagion for all the crises that we investigate. Both methods produce similar results. Stronger contagion is evident for global rather than regional betas. Europe is the region with the highest level of contagion and the one mostly affected by the crises. As far as macroeconomic variables are concerned, they are very important in two ways. They statistically significantly explain contagion, while they also reveal contagion under various portfolio weighting schemes. Both methods suggest that the Argentinian crisis mainly contributes to contagion. The research implications suggest that asset allocation and portfolio management should consider both the global and the regional aspects of contagion as differences can occur.
On the Detection of Vulnerable Road Users—Simulating Limits of an FMCW Radar
Authors: Yüksekkaya Fatih , Franchi Norman , Lübke Maximilian
Published: July 2024

The complexity of urban traffic environments poses unique challenges for automotive radar sensors. Limited range and Doppler resolution hinder the ability to distinguish closely spaced objects and detect vulnerable road users, particularly pedestrians. Therefore, it is important to know the limits of FMCW radars. To assess these limitations, the WinProp channel simulator is used to model and simulate traffic scenarios regarding the detection of the range, velocity, and SNR of targets. To validate WinProp as a simulation tool for traffic scenarios, a real traffic scenario is configured and the simulation results compared to the measurement results in order to demonstrate the suitability of WinProp for simulating traffic scenarios and evaluating radar detection performance. The close agreement between the simulation and measurement results provides validation for WinProp’s accuracy in modeling detections and signal processing within traffic scenarios. To showcase the limitations of FMCW radars, two scenarios with challenging detection conditions are simulated: an occluded pedestrian between parked vehicles and a densely populated road. A monostatic setup with a single patch antenna and a 16 × 16 patch antenna array is evaluated, using chirp bandwidths of 1 GHz and 4 GHz. The simulations have shown that although it is feasible to detect an occluded pedestrian by multipath propagation, there is still a need in improving the detection performance when there is no multipath from an occluded pedestrian. Furthermore, the results indicate that higher bandwidth improves target separation but is insufficient for occluded pedestrian detection without multipath. However, with some targets, even the range resolution at 4 GHz was not sufficient, which required a separation in the Doppler dimension, emphasizing the need for overall resolution improvement of FMCW radars. Future work should focus on developing more complex road user models and simulating a broader range of scenarios to comprehensively evaluate radar performance in road traffic environments.