bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tensor Product Technique and Atomic Solution of Fractional Partial Differential Equations
Authors: Hammad Ma’mon Abu , Alshanti Waseem Ghazi , Alshanty Ahmad , Khalil Roshdi
Published: May 2024

In this paper, we investigate the atomic solution of a special type of fractional partial differential equations. Tensor product in Banach spaces, some properties of atom operators, and some properties of conformable fractional derivatives are utilized in such process.

JEL Classification: 34G10, 34A55
There Is More to Length of Survival Than Survival: Endpoints in Oncology Trials
Authors: Stadler Walter M. , Karrison Theodore G.
Published: May 2024

Progression-free survival as a primary endpoint for comparative trials does not fully capture the therapeutic risk/benefit ratio. Additionally, summarization of the treatment effect via a hazard ratio is problematic when the proportional hazards assumption is violated. Restricted mean survival time metrics may address these challenges but have other limitations.

See related article by Chang et al., p. 3282
TABLE 3 from Perceived Appropriateness of Assessing for Health-related Socioeconomic Risks Among Adult Patients with Cancer
Authors: Vu Milkie , Boyd Kelly , De Marchis Emilia H. , Garnache Bridgette G. , Gottlieb Laura M. , Gross Cary P. , Lee Nita K. , Lindau Stacy Tessler , Mun Sophia , Winslow Victoria A. , Makelarski Jennifer A.
Published: May 2024

Sociodemographic and health care factors in relation to perceived appropriateness of screening and comfort with EHR documentation of HRSRs among a sample of patients with cancer
FIGURE 2 from Perceived Appropriateness of Assessing for Health-related Socioeconomic Risks Among Adult Patients with Cancer
Authors: Vu Milkie , Boyd Kelly , De Marchis Emilia H. , Garnache Bridgette G. , Gottlieb Laura M. , Gross Cary P. , Lee Nita K. , Lindau Stacy Tessler , Mun Sophia , Winslow Victoria A. , Makelarski Jennifer A.
Published: May 2024

Patterns of overlapping HRSRs among a sample of patients with cancer (N = 154). The percentage represents the proportion of the sample with that particular HRSR.
Supplementary Figure S1 from Pharmacologic Targeting of Histone H3K27 Acetylation/BRD4-dependent Induction of ALDH1A3 for Early-phase Drug Tolerance of Gastric Cancer
Authors: Lee Jin , Mashima Tetsuo , Kawata Naomi , Yamamoto Noriko , Morino Shun , Inaba Saori , Nakamura Ayane , Kumagai Koshi , Wakatsuki Takeru , Takeuchi Kengo , Yamaguchi Kensei , Seimiya Hiroyuki
Published: May 2024

Decreased sensitivity of cisplatin-tolerant persister cells to cisplatin and reversibility of ALDH1A3 expression in 5-fluorouracil-tolerant persister cells
FIGURE 5 from Pharmacologic Targeting of Histone H3K27 Acetylation/BRD4-dependent Induction of ALDH1A3 for Early-phase Drug Tolerance of Gastric Cancer
Authors: Lee Jin , Mashima Tetsuo , Kawata Naomi , Yamamoto Noriko , Morino Shun , Inaba Saori , Nakamura Ayane , Kumagai Koshi , Wakatsuki Takeru , Takeuchi Kengo , Yamaguchi Kensei , Seimiya Hiroyuki
Published: May 2024

BRD4 mediates ALDH1A3 expression in DTP cells. A, ChIP-PCR analysis of BET proteins with the ALDH1A3 promoter region. Cells were treated with 3 µmol/L 5-FU or DMSO for 5 days. Each bar represents the mean ± SD of three technical replicates. Experiments were repeated at least three times. ***, P < 0.001, two-sided t test. B, ChIP-PCR analysis of H3K27ac in the ALDH1A3 promoter region in DTP cells. JSC15-3 cells were treated with 3 µmol/L 5-FU or DMSO and/or 1 µmol/L OTX015 for 5 days. Each bar represents the mean ± SD of three technical replicates. Representative data are shown. ****, P < 0.0001, one-way ANOVA. C and D, Effects of knockdown of BET family proteins on ALDH1A3 expression. Cells were transfected with either BRD2–4 or negative control (NCT) siRNAs for 24 hours. Then, the cells were treated with 3 µmol/L (JSC15-3; C) or 1 µmol/L (JSC18-1; D) 5-FU for 3 days and subjected to qRT-PCR analysis. Experiments were conducted with three technical replicates and were repeated at least three times. *, P < 0.05, one-way ANOVA. E, FACS analysis of BRD2–4-depleted ALDH1A3-GFP JSC15-3 cells and the parental JSC15-3 cells as a negative control for GFP detection. Cells were transfected with siRNAs, treated with 5-FU for the indicated days, and then subjected to flow cytometry. Experiments were repeated at least three times. *, P < 0.05; ***, P < 0.001; ****, P < 0.0001, one-way ANOVA. None, no siRNA transfected. F, Venn diagram of 2,762 upregulated genes (>1.5-fold change) and 281 genes with upregulated H3K27ac signals (>1.5-fold change) in DTP cells and 2,610 downregulated genes (>1.5-fold change) in BRD4-depleted cells treated with 5-FU. G, Scatter plot of the fold change in H3K27ac signals and expression upon BRD4 depletion. H, Kaplan–Meier plots for overall survival of patients with gastric cancer treated by surgery with or without adjuvant chemotherapy, who were stratified into high and low expression groups in accordance with the top three triple overlapped genes in F.
FIGURE 4 from Pharmacologic Targeting of Histone H3K27 Acetylation/BRD4-dependent Induction of ALDH1A3 for Early-phase Drug Tolerance of Gastric Cancer
Authors: Lee Jin , Mashima Tetsuo , Kawata Naomi , Yamamoto Noriko , Morino Shun , Inaba Saori , Nakamura Ayane , Kumagai Koshi , Wakatsuki Takeru , Takeuchi Kengo , Yamaguchi Kensei , Seimiya Hiroyuki
Published: May 2024

BET inhibitors suppress ALDH1A3 expression and growth of DTP cells. A, Effects of BET inhibitors on 5-FU–induced mRNA expression of ALDH1A3 in JSC15-3 (left) and JSC18-1 (right) cells. Cells were treated with 3 µmol/L 5-FU in the presence or absence of 1 µmol/L OTX015 or 3 µmol/L I-BET-762 for 5 days. Then, RNAs were prepared and subjected to qRT-PCR. B, FACS analysis of ALDH1A3-GFP (left) and ALDH1A3low-GFP (right) JSC15–3 cells. Cells were treated as described in A and subjected to flow cytometry. In A and B, experiments were conducted with three technical replicates and were repeated at least three times. *, P < 0.05; **, P < 0.01; ***, P < 0.001, one-way ANOVA. Effects of BET inhibitors on parental and 5FU-TP JSC15-3 (C) and JSC18-1 (D) cell growth. The 5FU-TP cells were prepared by treating the respective parental cells with 3 µmol/L (JSC15-3) or 1 µmol/L (JSC18-1) 5-FU for 6 days. Then, the cells were reseeded and treated with the indicated concentrations of OTX015 (left) and I-BET-762 (right) for 6 days. Experiments were conducted with six technical replicates and were repeated at least three times. *, P < 0.05; **, P < 0.01, one-tailed Mann–Whitney rank-sum test. E, Effects of BET inhibitors on expression of exogenous ALDH1A3 in JSC15-3 cells. Mock and ALDH1A3-O/E JSC15-3 cells were treated as described in A and subjected to qRT-PCR analysis. Experiments were conducted with three technical replicates and were repeated at least three times. F, Effects of BET inhibitors on mock and O/E-derived DTP cell growth. Cells were treated as described in C, and cell numbers were quantitated. Experiments were conducted with six technical replicates and were repeated three times. *, P < 0.05; **, P < 0.01; ***, P < 0.001; ****, P < 0.0001, one-way ANOVA. ns, not significant.
FIGURE 3 from Pharmacologic Targeting of Histone H3K27 Acetylation/BRD4-dependent Induction of ALDH1A3 for Early-phase Drug Tolerance of Gastric Cancer
Authors: Lee Jin , Mashima Tetsuo , Kawata Naomi , Yamamoto Noriko , Morino Shun , Inaba Saori , Nakamura Ayane , Kumagai Koshi , Wakatsuki Takeru , Takeuchi Kengo , Yamaguchi Kensei , Seimiya Hiroyuki
Published: May 2024

Histone H3 lysine 27 acetylation marks ALDH1A3 and other DTP genes. A, ChIP-PCR analysis of histone modification in DTP cells in the ALDH1A3 promoter region. JSC15-3 cells were treated with 3 µmol/L 5-FU or DMSO for 5 days. Each bar represents the mean ± SD of three technical replicates. Experiments were performed at least three times, and representative data are shown. ***, P < 0.001, two-tailed t test. B, ChIP-seq analysis of histone modification in DTP cells in the ALDH1A3 promoter region. Cells were treated as described in A. Genome browser view of chromatin accessibility enrichment of H3K27ac and H3K27me3 at the ALDH1A3 locus is shown. C, Principal component analysis plot of H3K27ac and H3K27me3 peaks in parental and 5FU-TP (DTP) cells. Default profile plots of H3K27ac (D) and H3K27me3 (E) drawn using DiffBind package in R (version 3.8.4). Each sample was normalized to the input. F, Venn diagram of upregulated genes and H3K27ac peaks in DTP cells. Upregulated genes in DTP cells were identified by RNA-seq analysis of JSC15-3 cells treated with 3 µmol/L 5-FU and DMSO for 5 days. Genes with a read count of more than 10 (CPM > 2) and fold change (FC) of greater than 1.5 were extracted using EdgeR and csaw packages in R, among which 67 genes overlapped with genes exhibiting enhanced H3K27ac signals in DTP cells as determined by ChIP-seq analysis. G, Top 10 genes with upregulated expression and H3K27ac levels in DTP cells.
FIGURE 2 from Pharmacologic Targeting of Histone H3K27 Acetylation/BRD4-dependent Induction of ALDH1A3 for Early-phase Drug Tolerance of Gastric Cancer
Authors: Lee Jin , Mashima Tetsuo , Kawata Naomi , Yamamoto Noriko , Morino Shun , Inaba Saori , Nakamura Ayane , Kumagai Koshi , Wakatsuki Takeru , Takeuchi Kengo , Yamaguchi Kensei , Seimiya Hiroyuki
Published: May 2024

Induction of ALDH1A3-overexpressing DTP cells upon treatment with 5-FU. A, Sensitivity of 5FU-TP cells to 5-FU. Parental JSC15-3 (top) and JSC18-1 (bottom) cells and their 5FU-TP cells were treated with 5-FU at the indicated concentrations for 9 days. Data are representative of at least three independent experiments. **, P < 0.01; ****, P < 0.0001, two-tailed t test. B, ALDH1A3 induction by 5-FU. Cells were treated with 3 µmol/L 5-FU or DMSO and then subjected to qRT-PCR. Data are representative of at least three independent experiments. *, P < 0.05; **, P < 0.01; ***, P < 0.001; ****, P < 0.0001, one-way ANOVA. C, Experimental design of gfp knock-in into the ALDH1A3 locus using CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genome editing. IRES, internal ribosome entry site. In construct schemes, only representative genetic elements are shown. D, Visualization of ALDH1A3-GFP expression. Cells were treated with 3 µmol/L 5-FU or DMSO for 5 days and then analyzed by fluorescence microscopy. E, Live imaging of ALDH1A3-GFP cells. Cells were treated with 3 µmol/L 5-FU or DMSO for 60 hours. Images were obtained at 0, 12, 36, 60 hours. Blue arrows indicate ALDH1A3 (GFP) induction. F, Schema for experimental schedule for cell sorting with flow cytometry. G, FACS of ALDH1A3-GFP expression. ALDH1A3-GFP cells were divided into ALDH1A3high and ALDH1A3low cells (day −1). Each cell fraction (day 0) was treated with 3 µmol/L 5-FU or DMSO for 9 days and then subjected to flow cytometry (day 9). Right bar graph shows a quantitative representation of triplicate data. **, P < 0.01; ns, not significant, one-way ANOVA.
FIGURE 1 from Pharmacologic Targeting of Histone H3K27 Acetylation/BRD4-dependent Induction of ALDH1A3 for Early-phase Drug Tolerance of Gastric Cancer
Authors: Lee Jin , Mashima Tetsuo , Kawata Naomi , Yamamoto Noriko , Morino Shun , Inaba Saori , Nakamura Ayane , Kumagai Koshi , Wakatsuki Takeru , Takeuchi Kengo , Yamaguchi Kensei , Seimiya Hiroyuki
Published: May 2024

ALDH1A3 overexpression in clinical gastric cancer treated by NAC and its implication for tumor growth. A, IHC of ALDH1A3 in FFPE tissues of 40 gastric cancer cases. Twenty cases treated by NAC with fluoropyrimidines and platinum agents, and 20 treatment-naïve controls were analyzed. Representative images of three NAC (−) and three NAC (+) specimens were shown. B, Quantitation of ALDH1A3 expression (H-score) in A. Details for the calculation are described in Materials and Methods. Western blot (C) and qRT-PCR (D) analyses of ALDH1A3 expression in mock and ALDH1A3-overexpressing (O/E) gastric cancer patient-derived JSC15-3 cells. In D, each column represents the mean ± SD of three technical replicates. Data are representative of at least three independent experiments. E, Effect of ALDH1A3 overexpression on xenografted tumor growth. NOD-SCID mice were subcutaneously implanted with mock and O/E JSC15-3 cells. At day 66 after implantation, tumor volumes were measured to evaluate the statistical significance of the difference between the groups. *, P < 0.05; **, P < 0.01, determined by the two-tailed t test.
Dysregulation of Plasma Growth Factors and Chemokines in Cocaine Use Disorder: Implications for Dual Diagnosis with Schizophrenia and Antisocial Personality Disorder in an Exploratory Study
Authors: Torres-Galván Sandra , Flores-López María , Ochoa Enrique , Requena-Ocaña Nerea , Araos Pedro , Herrera-Imbroda Jesús , Muga Roberto , Serrano Antonia , Rodríguez de Fonseca Fernando , Pavón-Morón Francisco Javier , Haro Gonzalo , García-Marchena Nuria
Published: May 2024

Introduction: Dual diagnosis in individuals with cocaine use disorders (CUDs) presents a mental health challenge marked by an increased susceptibility to disabling morbidities and premature mortality. Despite extensive research on depression and anxiety, other prevalent comorbidities, such as psychotic and personality disorders, have received less attention. This study explores inflammation-related mediators as potential biomarkers for CUD and dual diagnosis with schizophrenia (SCZ) or antisocial personality disorder (APD). Methods: This exploratory study included 95 participants, comprising 40 healthy subjects and 55 abstinent patients with CUD. Lifetime CUD was diagnosed either as single diagnosis (CUD group, N = 25) or as a dual diagnosis (DD group. N = 30) with SCZ (CUD+SCZ subgroup) or APD (CUD+APD subgroup). Participants were clinically assessed, and the plasma concentrations of growth factors (i.e., G-CSF, BDNF, and VEGF-A) and chemokines (i.e., CCL11/eotaxin-1, CCL2/MCP-1, and CXCL12/SDF-1) were determined and log(10)-transformed for analysis. Results: Growth factors and chemokines were dysregulated by CUD and psychiatric diagnoses. Specifically, patients in the CUD group exhibited significantly lower concentrations of G-CSF and CCL11/eotaxin-1 than the control group. In contrast, the DD group showed significantly higher concentrations of all analytes than both the CUD and control groups. Additionally, no differences in these analytes were observed between the CUD+SCZ and CUD+APD subgroups within the DD group. Regarding cocaine-related variables, significant associations were identified in the CUD group: an inverse correlation between the age at first cocaine use and the concentrations of BDNF and CCL2/MCP-1; and a positive correlation between the duration of the cocaine abstinence and the concentrations of BDNF and CCL11/eotaxin-1. Lastly, a logistic regression model incorporating all these analytes demonstrated high discriminatory power in distinguishing patients with CUD alone from those with dual diagnosis. Conclusions: Individuals with dual diagnosis of CUD exhibit elevated concentrations of growth factors and chemokines, distinguishing them from those with CUD alone. It is unclear whether the differences in these inflammatory mediators are specific to the presence of SCZ and APD. The study highlights potential biomarkers and associations, providing valuable insights into the intricate interplay of CUD and psychiatric disorders to enhance clinical diagnosis and therapeutics.
Selliguea quinquefida (Polypodiaceae), a new calciphilous species from a karst area in Guangxi, China
Authors: WEI HONG-JIN
Published: May 2024

Selliguea quinquefida (Polypodiaceae), a new calciphilous species from Guangxi, China, is described and illustrated. The new species is the second within the genus with simple and palmate fronds and unique in having simple laminae with cordiform bases. It grows in a peculiar habitat with its rhizome creeping deeply within hardened chalky soils on limestone under relatively dry conditions and always bears palmately 5-lobed fronds with pentagonal shape when fully developed. The differences and habitats among S. quinquefida and all other species with palmate fronds in the genus are discussed.
Review and phylogeny of Cyrtomenus Amyot & Serville (Hemiptera: Cydnidae: Cydninae) based on morphological characters
Authors: AVENDAÑO JOSÉ MAURICIO , CORREIA MAÍRA ANDRADE , GRAZIA JOCELIA , SCHWERTNER CRISTIANO FELDENS
Published: May 2024

Cyrtomenus includes seven species arranged in two subgenera and belongs to the most diverse subfamily of burrower bugs, Cydninae. The species present polyphagous habits, and at least two species are considered crop pests. We conduct a phylogenetic analysis based on morphological characters and two weighting schemes to test its monophyly and the validation of the included subgenera, providing for the first time a phylogenetic hypothesis for the genus. Based on the results, a taxonomic review is presented, including redescriptions of the species, identification key, and distribution maps. Monophyly of Cyrtomenus is supported under implied weighting methods (IW), in both analyses, a clade including species of Prolobodes Amyot & Serville is recognized. The species of these two genera share the posterior tibia strongly flattened, a unique feature among Neotropical Cydninae. The subgeneric classification within Cyrtomenus is not corroborated.
Using Antinuclear Antibody Testing in Pediatric Rheumatology
Authors: Sunar Yayla Emine Nur , Bakkaloğlu Sevcan A.
Published: May 2024

The antinuclear antibody (ANA) test is frequently used for the identification of patients who are at a high risk of developing autoimmune rheumatological diseases. The aim of this study is to evaluate the final diagnoses of patients applied to the pediatric rheumatology outpatient clinic with a positive ANA test result. In this study, the medical records of 283 children who had ANA positivity between January 2010 and January 2022 were evaluated retrospectively. All patients were younger than 18 years of age at diagnosis and were followed up in the pediatric rheumatology department for at least 6 months. The majority of the patients were females (69%), and the mean age was 9.9 ± 4.7 years. 94% of the ANA tests were requested in pediatric rheumatology outpatient clinics, and 6% in general pediatrics and other outpatient clinics. Arthritis was the most common reason for ANA testing (41.7%). Of the patients who had ANA positivity, 37% were diagnosed with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), 15% with connective tissue diseases, 10% with autoinflammatory disease, and 7% with vasculitides. Positivity at 1/320 and 1/640 titers were more common in the patients diagnosed with autoimmune connective tissue diseases or JIA compared to the patients without these diagnoses ( P = .009 and P = .013, respectively). The ANA test should be judiciously requested by pediatric rheumatologists, especially in suspected cases of autoimmune rheumatic disorders and JIA patients to aid in classification. Indiscriminate use of the ANA test for screening may potentially misguide clinicians.
Paradoxical effects of narcissism on creative performance: Roles of leader–follower narcissism (in)congruence and follower identification with the leader
Authors: Liu Xin , Zheng Xiaoming , Zhang Yucheng , Liao Hui , Harms Peter D , Qin Xin , Yu Yu
Published: May 2024

What is the effect of trait narcissism on creative performance? Although both constructs share an emphasis on uniqueness and novelty, prior investigations of the narcissism–creative performance relationship have produced inconsistent findings and failed to provide conclusive answers to this question. One possible reason for the seemingly contradictory evidence is that extant research has examined the influences of leader and follower narcissism separately rather than simultaneously. In this study, we address this issue by investigating leader–follower narcissism (in)congruence to comprehensively understand when and why leader or follower narcissism is beneficial or detrimental to creative performance. Integrating the self-orientation model of narcissism and narcissistic-tolerance theory, we posit that leader and follower narcissism jointly influence creative performance via identification with the leader, and that different leader–follower narcissism (in)congruence combinations exhibit distinct effects. The analyses of two-wave, two-level, and multi-source data from 421 followers and 54 direct leaders, using cross-level polynomial regressions, support our hypotheses: (1) identification with the leader is maximized when leader narcissism and follower narcissism are congruent; (2) identification with the leader is minimized when leader narcissism is higher than follower narcissism; and (3) identification with the leader mediates the effects of leader–follower narcissism (in)congruence combinations on creative performance.
Death Anxiety and Religious Coping in Heart Failure Patients
Authors: Çamcı Gülşah , Yakar Hatice Karabuğa , Çelik Melike , Oğuz Sıdıka
Published: May 2024

This study was conducted to determine death anxiety and religious coping in heart failure patients. It was determined that 64% of the patients were male, the mean death anxiety score was 7.78 ± 3.91, 38% had ≤6 points and 62% had ≥7 points. Positive religious coping score was 20.54 ± 6.58 and negative religious coping score was 6.86 ± 3.18. Patients with a diagnosis of heart failure ≥3 years had higher death anxiety levels. There was a weak positive correlation between death anxiety and positive and negative religious coping scores. Death anxiety and the number of days hospitalized were determined to predict positive religious coping in regression analysis. The model explained 7.6% of the total variance in positive religious coping. Heart failure patients were detected to have high death anxiety. Patients were observed to have high positive religious coping scores. As death anxiety increases, patients exhibit positive religious coping behavior.
The Explanatory Power of Discourse Analysis
Authors: Matta Corrado
Published: May 2024

This paper discusses the explanatory power of discourse analysis, an approach to typically considered one of the main qualitative methods for data analysis. Although discourse analysis is typically not used to develop explanatory models, some have claimed that discourse models can causally explain social phenomena, such as institutional change. I analyze a case of institutional change to discuss and provide arguments for two claims. First, discourse analysis cannot generate causal explanations of social phenomena. Secondly, discourse analysis can generate non-causal explanations, specifically constitutive explanations of social phenomena. I conclude the paper by discussing possible implications for social research.
Book review: Vidya Subramanian, Speeding up Sport: Technology and the Indian Premier League
Authors: Sturm Damion
Published: May 2024

Vidya Subramanian, Speeding up Sport: Technology and the Indian Premier League (Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2022), vii + 142 pp.
Microstructural examination and ballistic testing of field-assisted sintering technology produced Ti-TiB2 functionally graded material composite armour plates
Authors: Pepper James , Graham Simon J , Blanch Oliver Levano , Sagoo Kam , Jackson Martin
Published: May 2024

High hardness ceramics are potent in their use for armour applications globally, but intrinsically brittle. This can result in fragmentation damage, as well as low multi hit capacity. In this work, alternative 250 mm diameter Ti-6Al-4V discs were produced using field-assisted sintering technology (FAST) with and without stepped functional grading using low wt.% TiB2 concentrations, respectively, to investigate their microstructure and ballistic performance. The in situ generation of a significant quantity of high strength, ceramic TiB needles was confirmed for the samples, and the plates were ballistically tested to attain V50 values. In addition to a microstructural examination. The ballistic results indicated a superior behavior to the monolithic titanium alloy plates without TiB2 additions.
Performance of T2 mapping in the staging of Graves’ ophthalmopathy based on different region of interest selection methods
Authors: Yang Libin , Dai Xiaomin , Su Jiawei , Yang Shengsheng , Zheng Yonghong , Ma Mingping , Yu Shun
Published: May 2024

Background

Discriminating the stage of Graves’ ophthalmopathy (GO) is crucial for clinical decision. Application of conventional T2-weighted imaging in the staging is still limited.

Purpose

To evaluate the performance of T2 mapping based on two different regions of interest (ROIs) for staging GO.

Material and Methods

In total, 56 GO patients were retrospectively enrolled and divided into two groups according to the clinical activity score (CAS). T2 relaxation time (T2RT) of extraocular muscle (EOM) on T2 mapping based on two different ROIs (T2RTROI-1: ROIs were drawn separately in the four EOMs; T2RTROI-2: ROI was drawn in the most inflamed EOM) was measured and compared between active and inactive groups.

Results

Both T2RTROI-1 and T2RTROI-2 values in the active GO were significantly higher than those of inactive GO ( P <0.001). T2RTROI-1 and T2RTROI-2 values were positively correlated with CAS (rs=0.73, 0.69; P <0.001). When the T2RTROI-1 value of 83.3 ms and T2RTROI-2 value of 106.3 ms were used as cutoff values for staging GO, respectively, the best results were obtained with areas under the curve (AUCs) of 0.822 and 0.827. There was no significant difference for AUCs between T2RTROI-1 and T2RTROI-2 ( P = 0.751). Excellent and good inter-observer agreements were achieved in quantitative measurements for T2RTROI-1 and T2RTROI-2 values, respectively, with intraclass correlation coefficients of 0.954 and 0.882.

Conclusion

The T2RT values derived from two different ROIs were useful for assessment of disease activity. Taking reproducibility and diagnostic performance into consideration, T2RTROI-1 would be an ideal image biomarker for staging GO compared to T2RTROI-2.
Student satisfaction with artificial intelligence chatbots in Ethiopian academia
Authors: Subaveerapandiyan A , Radhakrishnan S , Tiwary Neelam , Guangul Sisay Mulate
Published: May 2024

This study explores student satisfaction with artificial intelligence chatbots in Ethiopian academia, examining their usage patterns, satisfaction levels, benefits, concerns and recommendations for improvement. A quantitative survey was conducted among 367 Ethiopian students from various educational levels and regions. The survey collected data on artificial intelligence chatbot usage, satisfaction, benefits, concerns and improvement recommendations. The findings reveal that artificial intelligence chatbots are frequently used for academic purposes, with students primarily using them for research assistance, assignment help and exam preparation. The students reported moderate to high satisfaction with chatbots, particularly regarding responsiveness, accuracy and adaptability. The benefits included time-saving, improved academic performance and 24/7 access to information. Concerns focused on access to technology, privacy and data security. The students also provided recommendations for enhancing chatbots, such as localisation, cultural sensitivity, affordability and security.
A Biomimetic Osteochondral Scaffold Augmented With Filtered Bone Marrow Aspirate for the Treatment of Joint Surface Lesions in the Knee
Authors: Kolar Matic , Veber Matija , Girandon Lenart , Drobnič Matej
Published: May 2024

Background:

Multilayered osteochondral scaffolds are becoming increasingly utilized for the repair of knee joint surface lesions (KJSLs). However, the literature on predictive factors is rather limited.

Purpose:

To (1) evaluate the clinical outcomes and safety of a combined single-step approach using a biomimetic collagen-hydroxyapatite scaffold (CHAS) and filtered bone marrow aspirate (fBMA) for the treatment of KJSLs and (2) identify significant predictors of the treatment outcomes.

Study Design:

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

All patients who underwent surgery because of a KJSL (size ≥1.5 cm2; International Cartilage Regeneration & Joint Preservation Society grades 3-4) using the combination above were selected from a hospital registry database (100 patients; minimum 2-year follow-up). Patient characteristics, medical history, knee joint and lesion status, intraoperative details, and cellular parameters of the injected fBMA were collected. The arthroscopic evaluation of chondral and meniscal tissue quality in all knee compartments was performed using the Chondropenia Severity Score. Treatment outcomes were determined clinically using patient-reported outcome measures (Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score, EuroQol–5 Dimensions–3 Levels, EuroQol–Visual Analog Scale, and Tegner Activity Scale) and by assessing the occurrence of serious adverse events and graft failure. Multivariable regression analysis was performed to identify significant predictors of the treatment outcomes.

Results:

At a mean follow-up of 54.2 ± 19.4 months, 78 (87%) patients completed the questionnaires with significant improvements toward the baseline ( P < .00625): KOOS Pain subscale from 62 ± 17 to 79 ± 18, KOOS Total score from 57 ± 16 to 70 ± 20, EuroQol–Visual Analog Scale from 61 ± 21 to 76 ± 16, EuroQol–5 Dimensions–3 Levels from 0.57 ± 0.20 to 0.80 ± 0.21, and Tegner Activity Scale from 2.8 ± 1.5 to 3.9 ± 1.9. The graft failure rate was 4%. A longer duration of preoperative symptoms, previous surgery, larger lesions, older age, and female sex were the main negative predictors for the treatment outcomes. The Chondropenia Severity Score and the number of fibroblast colony-forming units in fBMA positively influenced some of the clinical results and safety.

Conclusion:

A CHAS augmented with fBMA proved to be an adequate and safe approach for the treatment of KJSLs up to midterm follow-up. Based on the subanalysis of predictive factors, the surgical intervention should be performed in a timely and precise manner to prevent lesion enlargement, deterioration of the general knee cartilage status, and recurrent surgical procedures, especially in older and female patients. When a CHAS is used, the quantity of MSCs seems to play a role in augmentation.

Registration:

NCT06078072 (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier).
Evaluation of the protective effect of coenzyme Q10 on hepatotoxicity caused by acute phosphine poisoning
Authors: Hooshangi Shayesteh Mohammad Reza , Hami Zahra , Chamanara Mohsen , Parvizi Mohammad Reza , Golaghaei Alireza , Nassireslami Ehsan
Published: May 2024

Background: Aluminum phosphide (AlP) poisoning is prevalent in numerous countries, resulting in high mortality rates. Phosphine gas, the primary agent responsible for AlP poisoning, exerts detrimental effects on various organs, notably the heart, liver and kidneys. Numerous studies have documented the advantageous impact of Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) in mitigating hepatic injuries. The objective of this investigation is to explore the potential protective efficacy of CoQ10 against hepatic toxicity arising from AlP poisoning. Method: The study encompassed distinct groups receiving almond oil, normal saline, exclusive CoQ10 (at a dosage of 100 mg/kg), AlP at 12 mg/kg; LD50 (lethal dose for 50%), and four groups subjected to AlP along with CoQ10 administration (post-AlP gavage). CoQ10 was administered at 10, 50, and 100 mg/kg doses via Intraparietal (ip) injections. After 24 h, liver tissue specimens were scrutinized for mitochondrial complex activities, oxidative stress parameters, and apoptosis as well as biomarkers such as aspartate transaminase (AST) and alanine transaminase (ALT). Results: AlP induced a significant decrease in the activity of mitochondrial complexes I and IV, as well as a reduction in catalase activity, Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP), and Thiol levels. Additionally, AlP significantly elevated oxidative stress levels, indicated by elevated reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and resulted in the increment of hepatic biomarkers such as AST and ALT. Administration of CoQ10 led to a substantial improvement in the aforementioned biochemical markers. Furthermore, phosphine exposure resulted in a significant reduction in viable hepatocytes and an increase in apoptosis. Co-treatment with CoQ10 exhibited a dose-dependent reversal of these observed alterations. Conclusion: CoQ10 preserved mitochondrial function, consequently mitigating oxidative damage. This preventive action impeded the progression of heart cells toward apoptosis.
Scale Validation and Attributional Analysis of Public Stigma in Early-Pandemic COVID-19
Authors: Qin Sang , Kundert Carla , Vittorio Palermo Carlo , Rolle Reshma , Raut Esha , Sheehan Lindsay
Published: May 2024

Purpose

To test the validity of a COVID-19 public stigma scale and an attributional model of stigma during the early stages of the pandemic.

Design

We administered a cross-sectional survey that included scales related to COVID-19 stigma to U.S. adults.

Setting

We used Amazon MTurk online survey panel to recruit participants in June 2020.

Subjects

U.S. adults (N = 170) participated in the study. Participants were average age of 37 and majority were men (61.2%) and White (77.6%).

Measures

The Stigma Towards Disease Scale (SDS) was adapted to measure public stigma directed towards COVID-19 (SDS-C19). Additional stigma-related measures were adapted for this study.

Analysis

Factorial structure of SDS-C19 was assessed using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Validity of SDS was examined using Pearson correlations with other stigma measures. We evaluated the attributional model of stigma using structural equation modeling.

Results

Internal consistency of SDS-C19 was high and a three-factor model reflecting cognitive, affective, and behavioral factors was supported (χ2 [71, N = 170] =140.954, P = .00, CFI= .946, TLI = .931, RMSEA = .076, SRMR = .087). The SDS-C19 had strong correlations with other stigma-related measures. A blame-mediated attribution model was supported (χ2 [8, N = 170] = 21.793, P = .00, CFI = .976, TLI =.956, RMSEA = .101, SRMR = .058).

Conclusion

The SDS-C19 is a valid tool for assessing COVID-19 stigma. SDS-C19 and the attribution model can guide public health communication.
A Visualization Tool to Study Dyadic Caregiving Health Profiles
Authors: Zhang Yan , Yuan Yiyang , Roche-Dean Maria , Vega Irving , Gonzalez Richard
Published: May 2024

Objectives

Guided by a life course perspective and fundamental cause theory, this study aims to visualize co-trajectories of health between partners and examine how changes in one spouse’s cognitive status can cohesively impact the health of the other spouse along three dimensions (functional, mental, and cognitive).

Methods

Drawing longitudinal data from the Health and Retirement Study 2000–2016 ( N = 3582), we measure women’s health profiles by functional limitation (physical health), depression (mental health), and cognitive function (cognitive health). We use multivariate linear mixed models to summarize these paths in the same visual representation.

Results

The approach provides a visualization tool that depicts data and model in the same spatial representation allowing assessment of model fit and comparison. This study advances the traditional life course studies by representing underlying processes as a multidimensional time vector of health outcomes.

Discussion

The described approach provides a blueprint for studying complex health profiles or trajectories.
On heritage pharmacology: Rethinking ‘heritage pathologies’ as tropes of care
Authors: Butler Beverley
Published: May 2024

This article develops the concept of heritage pharmacology as an encompassing critical framework in order to radically recast the interactions and efficacies of heritage as a particularly potent pharmacology of care. I critically engage with Stiegler's philosophic reflections On Pharmacology, which builds on Derrida's work and recasts pharmacology – a term usually reserved for that branch of the biomedical sciences dealing with drugs and their interactions and efficacies – in order to draw out the ‘curative-toxic’ dimensions at play in wider care tropes. By placing core concepts and practices of heritage and pharmacology in critical dialogue, my aim as heritage critic is to gain mutual insights into ‘care’, as that which links together the two domains of heritage and health, as otherwise distinct discourses, concepts, technics, and practices. My specific intervention rethinks the crucial role of ‘heritage pathologies’ and the underpinning memory-work at play within these tropes while grounding these in a case study of Jerusalem Syndrome (JS). I argue that it is the dynamic of heritage pathologies, best crystallized in JS debates, that invests us in the wider Stieglerian quest/ion of ‘pharmacology’, as a concern with ‘what makes life worth living’. Such quests ultimately take this article into the realpolitik of Palestine.
Effects of multi-axial compression and double-step aging on the microstructure and mechanical properties of Al alloy 7075
Authors: Yadav Aditya Prakash , Padap Aditya Kumar
Published: May 2024

This study investigates the combined effect of severe plastic deformation via multi-axial compression (MAC) and subsequent double-step aging on the microstructure and mechanical properties of annealed 7075 Al alloy. Three distinct processes were employed: (1) double-step aging on the annealed sample, (2) double-step aging on the six-MAC pass processed sample, and (3) double-step aging without solutionization on the six-MAC pass sample. Process (2) yielded the most significant improvements in mechanical properties. Compared to the annealed sample, the six-MAC pass, double-step aged sample exhibited an average ultimate tensile strength increase of 134% and an average Vickers micro-hardness (HV) increase of 209%. This superior performance is likely attributable to the synergistic effect of grain refinement induced by MAC and precipitate hardening achieved through double-step aging. A comprehensive analysis of microstructure evolution, mechanical properties, fractography, and the relationship between them was conducted for all three processes. This in-depth examination provided valuable insights into the mechanisms governing the observed property enhancements, particularly in process (2). Additionally, a variety of characterization techniques were employed to comprehensively evaluate the material's mechanical and microstructural characteristics.
Moving horizon estimation for localization of mobile robots with measurement outliers
Authors: Liu Andong , He Wenqi , Zhao Yang , Ni Hongjie , Wang Ye
Published: May 2024

This paper investigates the moving horizon estimation (MHE) problem of mobile robots with measurement outliers. To deal with measurement outliers, the Euclidean distance of measurement error is introduced to detect and remove abnormal data. Then, we use dimension expansion methods to preprocess the data of heterogeneous sensors, such as UWB and IMU. An MHE-based method is proposed that deals with the localization of mobile robots with measurement outliers in the presence of bounded noise. An MHE-based estimator is obtained by solving a regularized least-squares problem. We analyze the convergence of the estimation error system using the properties of norm inequalities, and an upper bound is derived for the estimation error system by using norm inequality. Finally, simulation and experiment examples are given to verify the effectiveness and applicability of the proposed approach.
A capture-recapture modeling framework emphasizing expert opinion in disease surveillance
Authors: Zhang Yuzi , Ge Lin , Waller Lance A , Shah Sarita , Lyles Robert H
Published: May 2024

In disease surveillance, capture-recapture methods are commonly used to estimate the number of diseased cases in a defined target population. Since the number of cases never identified by any surveillance system cannot be observed, estimation of the case count typically requires at least one crucial assumption about the dependency between surveillance systems. However, such assumptions are generally unverifiable based on the observed data alone. In this paper, we advocate a modeling framework hinging on the choice of a key population-level parameter that reflects dependencies among surveillance streams. With the key dependency parameter as the focus, the proposed method offers the benefits of (a) incorporating expert opinion in the spirit of prior information to guide estimation; (b) providing accessible bias corrections, and (c) leveraging an adapted credible interval approach to facilitate inference. We apply the proposed framework to two real human immunodeficiency virus surveillance datasets exhibiting three-stream and four-stream capture-recapture-based case count estimation. Our approach enables estimation of the number of human immunodeficiency virus positive cases for both examples, under realistic assumptions that are under the investigator's control and can be readily interpreted. The proposed framework also permits principled uncertainty analyses through which a user can acknowledge their level of confidence in assumptions made about the key non-identifiable dependency parameter.
Intuitive Theories and the Cultural Evolution of Morality
Authors: Crockett M. J. , Kim Judy S. , Shin Yeon Soon
Published: May 2024

We explore the role of intuitive theories in the cultural evolution of moral cognition, integrating recent work across subfields of psychology and suggesting directions for future research. Focusing on intuitive theories in the moral domain concerning how people judge the moral value of actions and make inferences about moral character, we review evidence that the specific forms these theories take vary across individuals and can change via social learning. We propose that cultural selection can operate over the intuitive theories people apply in the moral domain, in which particular variants of intuitive moral theories can be more “successful” to the extent that they are cognitively efficient or provide reputational benefits. Finally, we explore some implications of considering moral cognition as a kind of cultural technology that can be innovated, considering whether intuitive moral theories help or hinder our ability to improve our collective moral norms or practices.
The Inequality Cycle: How Psychology Helps Keep Economic Inequality in Place
Authors: Galvan Manuel J. , Payne B. Keith
Published: May 2024

Inequality is perpetuated, in part, by the psychological and behavioral tendencies that arise from the social context of inequality. Cognitive biases lead most people to see themselves as middle class, even when that perception does not align with economic reality. Those who perceive themselves as economically advantaged tend to view inequality as fair and legitimate, often dismissing proponents of redistributive solutions as ill-informed. And unequal contexts increase risky behaviors that can be profitable to some but are more likely to be costly for most. This research program suggests an inequality cycle, in which inequality experienced today tends to reproduce itself.
Targeting Intrinsic and Extrinsic Pathways of Ferroptosis: A Novel Anticancer Strategy of Curcumin
Authors: Hao Wei , Gao Yuan , Cao Bangwei
Published: May 2024

Background

The turmeric rhizome yields a medicinal compound called curcumin. Curcumin’s anticancer methods mostly involve blocking cell invasion and proliferation, controlling gene expression, preventing angiogenesis, triggering apoptosis, and inducing ferroptosis. A brand-new nonapoptotic kind of planned cell death is called ferroptosis. Ferroptosis can be initiated through two major pathways: the extrinsic or transporter-dependent pathway, and the intrinsic or enzyme-regulated pathway. It is unknown, therefore, how curcumin and its derivatives prevent cancer by controlling ferroptosis.

Purpose

Through this review, we concentrate on the possible anticancer mechanisms of curcumin by means of its effect on ferroptosis; the regulation of iron metabolism, the synthesis of reactive oxygen species, and the targeting of antioxidant pathways represent a few of these processes.

Methodology

Retrieve English literature of curcumin and its derivatives in the treatment of tumor by ferroptosis from databases such as Web of Science, etc.

Conclusion

This review provides a rationale for the clinical use of curcumin and its derivatives as anticancer agents.
Opportunities to optimise care and choice in joint replacement surgery using a digitally delivered, holistic PreHab pathway
Authors: Bills Eleanor R , Dimopoulos Anastasia , Burke Anne LJ , Collins Kathryn L , Linedale Ecushla C , Hume Vicki , Yeoh Jackie , Coles Sharyn , Nolan Mandy , Southam Kate , Thomas Lesley , Ramsey Melanie , Andrews Jane M
Published: May 2024

Purpose

To describe the implementation and evaluation of a hospital-initiated, community-based, digital prehabilitation program ( My PreHab Program: MPP ) for adults referred for elective joint replacement.

Methods

MPP was implemented July 2022 and comprises a personalised digital health screen that guides the provision of self-management resources. Adults (>18 years) referred and accepted, or already waitlisted, for total knee/hip replacement surgery were eligible. Individuals requiring category 1 (urgent) or emergency surgery and those without a mobile phone were excluded. Implementation and intervention outcome measures (program adoption, equity of reach, fidelity, acceptability, appropriateness, feasibility, engagement, preliminary surgical outcomes) were explored via study-specific measures and hospital records.

Results

Of those invited ( N = 689), 77.8% participated. Participants and non-participants were similar in key demographic variables except regional invitees were more likely to participate than metropolitan (88.0% vs 75.4%, p = .002) and non-participants tended to be older (median age = 69.0 vs 64.0, p = .005). Participants reported on average four modifiable risk factors: most commonly chronic pain (79.1%), obesity (57.3%), and frailty (40.9%). Most participants (80.4%) reviewed all resources provided and reported action/intention to address issues identified (90.9%). Participants perceived MPP as acceptable (3.2/5), appropriate (3.3/5), and feasible (3.4/5). Early trends for participants progressing to surgery ( n = 33) show a reduced length of stay (MPP = 4.3, baseline = 5.3 days).

Conclusion

MPP demonstrated high adoption, fidelity, and participant engagement. It is acceptable, appropriate and feasible and has the potential to be scaled-up digitally at low-cost. Modifiable risk factors were prevalent and early indications suggest this preoperative intervention may benefit both patients and the healthcare system.
Exploring Game Features and Reframing: the Construction of a Relationship Model
Authors: Gao Lanlan , Ward Rupert , Fabricatore Carlo , Ahmed Ejaz , Lopez Maria Ximena
Published: May 2024

Background

Social learning generates reframing when individual and collective values are reflected. This reframing enables community members to move from personal to collective views and actions, resulting in valuable outcomes that improve the community's functioning. This research aims to enhance the development of reframing with the help of role-playing games (RPG), given that digital games are considered particular communities.

Method

A relationship model was constructed to identify which game features generate reframing and how much they promote reframing. The model’s validity was tested using experts’ feedback and a game experience test (GET). The factor analysis results interpret that the features tested impact reframing.

Results

The study proposes that RPGs can promote reframing and identifies reframing associated with particular game features (such as game stories).

Conclusion

Students, game designers, related teachers and researchers can benefit from using the model to encourage reflection using games or require a model to bridge game features with social learning.