bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Data from Short-Chain Fatty Acid Production by Gut Microbiota Predicts Treatment Response in Multiple Myeloma
Authors: Rodríguez-García Alba , Arroyo Andrés , García-Vicente Roberto , Morales María Luz , Gómez-Gordo Rubén , Justo Pablo , Cuéllar Clara , Sánchez-Pina José , López Nieves , Alonso Rafael , Puig Noemí , Mateos María-Victoria , Ayala Rosa , Gómez-Garre Dulcenombre , Martínez-López Joaquín , Linares María
Published: February 2024

AbstractPurpose:
The gut microbiota plays important roles in health and disease. We questioned whether the gut microbiota and related metabolites are altered in monoclonal gammopathies and evaluated their potential role in multiple myeloma and its response to treatment.
Experimental Design:
We used 16S rRNA sequencing to characterize and compare the gut microbiota of patients with monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (n = 11), smoldering multiple myeloma (n = 9), newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (n = 11), relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (n = 6), or with complete remission (n = 9). Short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) were quantified in serum and tested in cell lines. Relevant metabolites were validated in a second cohort of 62 patients.
Results:
Significant differences in alpha- and beta diversity were present across the groups and both were lower in patients with relapse/refractory disease and higher in patients with complete remission after treatment. Differences were found in the abundance of several microbiota taxa across disease progression and in response to treatment. Bacteria involved in SCFA production, including Prevotella, Blautia, Weissella, and Agathobacter, were more represented in the premalignant or complete remission samples, and patients with higher levels of Agathobacter showed better overall survival. Serum levels of butyrate and propionate decreased across disease progression and butyrate was positively associated with a better response. Both metabolites had antiproliferative effects in multiple myeloma cell lines.
Conclusions:
We demonstrate that SCFAs metabolites and the gut microbiota associated with their production might have beneficial effects in disease evolution and response to treatment, underscoring its therapeutic potential and value as a predictor.
Data from Phase I/II Study of the WEE1 Inhibitor Adavosertib (AZD1775) in Combination with Carboplatin in Children with Advanced Malignancies: Arm C of the AcSé-ESMART Trial
Authors: Gatz Susanne A. , Harttrampf Anne C. , Brard Caroline , Bautista Francisco , André Nicolas , Abbou Samuel , Rubino Jonathan , Rondof Windy , Deloger Marc , Rübsam Marc , Marshall Lynley V. , Hübschmann Daniel , Nebchi Souad , Aerts Isabelle , Thebaud Estelle , De Carli Emilie , Defachelles Anne Sophie , Paoletti Xavier , Godin Robert , Miah Kowser , Mortimer Peter G.S. , Vassal Gilles , Geoerger Birgit
Published: February 2024

AbstractPurpose:
AcSé-ESMART Arm C aimed to define the recommended dose and activity of the WEE1 inhibitor adavosertib in combination with carboplatin in children and young adults with molecularly enriched recurrent/refractory malignancies.
Patients and Methods:
Adavosertib was administered orally, twice every day on Days 1 to 3 and carboplatin intravenously on Day 1 of a 21-day cycle, starting at 100 mg/m2/dose and AUC 5, respectively. Patients were enriched for molecular alterations in cell cycle and/or homologous recombination (HR).
Results:
Twenty patients (median age: 14.0 years; range: 3.4–23.5) were included; 18 received 69 treatment cycles. Dose-limiting toxicities were prolonged grade 4 neutropenia and grade 3/4 thrombocytopenia requiring transfusions, leading to two de-escalations to adavosertib 75 mg/m2/dose and carboplatin AUC 4; no recommended phase II dose was defined. Main treatment-related toxicities were hematologic and gastrointestinal. Adavosertib exposure in children was equivalent to that in adults; both doses achieved the cell kill target. Overall response rate was 11% (95% confidence interval, 0.0–25.6) with partial responses in 2 patients with neuroblastoma. One patient with medulloblastoma experienced unconfirmed partial response and 5 patients had stable disease beyond four cycles. Seven of these eight patients with clinical benefit had alterations in HR, replication stress, and/or RAS pathway genes with or without TP53 alterations, whereas TP53 pathway alterations alone (8/10) or no relevant alterations (2/10) were present in the 10 patients without benefit.
Conclusions:
Adavosertib–carboplatin combination exhibited significant hematologic toxicity. Activity signals and identified potential biomarkers suggest further studies with less hematotoxic DNA-damaging therapy in molecularly enriched pediatric cancers.
Data from Evaluation of the SSTR2-targeted Radiopharmaceutical 177Lu-DOTATATE and SSTR2-specific 68Ga-DOTATATE PET as Imaging Biomarker in Patients with Intracranial Meningioma
Authors: Kurz Sylvia C. , Zan Elcin , Cordova Christine , Troxel Andrea B. , Barbaro Marissa , Silverman Joshua S. , Snuderl Matija , Zagzag David , Kondziolka Douglas , Golfinos John G. , Chi Andrew S. , Sulman Erik P.
Published: February 2024

AbstractPurpose:
There are no effective medical therapies for patients with meningioma who progress beyond surgical and radiotherapeutic interventions. Somatostatin receptor type 2 (SSTR2) represents a promising treatment target in meningiomas. In this multicenter, single-arm phase II clinical study (NCT03971461), the SSTR2-targeting radiopharmaceutical 177Lu-DOTATATE is evaluated for its feasibility, safety, and therapeutic efficacy in these patients.
Patients and Methods:
Adult patients with progressive intracranial meningiomas received 177Lu-DOTATATE at a dose of 7.4 GBq (200 mCi) every eight weeks for four cycles. 68Ga-DOTATATE PET-MRI was performed before and six months after the start of the treatment. The primary endpoint was progression-free survival (PFS) at 6 months (PFS-6). Secondary endpoints were safety and tolerability, overall survival (OS) at 12 months (OS-12), median PFS, and median OS.
Results:
Fourteen patients (female = 11, male = 3) with progressive meningiomas (WHO 1 = 3, 2 = 10, 3 = 1) were enrolled. Median age was 63.1 (range 49.7–78) years. All patients previously underwent tumor resection and at least one course of radiation. Treatment with 177Lu-DOTATATE was well tolerated. Seven patients (50%) achieved PFS-6. Best radiographic response by modified Macdonald criteria was stable disease (SD) in all seven patients. A >25% reduction in 68Ga-DOTATATE uptake (PET) was observed in five meningiomas and two patients. In one lesion, this corresponded to >50% reduction in bidirectional tumor measurements (MRI).
Conclusions:
Treatment with 177Lu-DOTATATE was well tolerated. The predefined PFS-6 threshold was met in this interim analysis, thereby allowing this multicenter clinical trial to continue enrollment. 68Ga-DOTATATE PET may be a useful imaging biomarker to assess therapeutic outcome in patients with meningioma.
Data from Therapy-Induced Senescence Contributes to the Efficacy of Abemaciclib in Patients with Dedifferentiated Liposarcoma
Authors: Gleason Caroline E. , Dickson Mark A. , Klein (Dooley) Mary E. , Antonescu Cristina R. , Gularte-Mérida Rodrigo , Benitez Marimar , Delgado Juliana I. , Kataru Raghu P. , Tan Mark Wei Yi , Bradic Martina , Adamson Travis E. , Seier Kenneth , Richards Allison L. , Palafox Marta , Chan Eric , D'Angelo Sandra P. , Gounder Mrinal M. , Keohan Mary Louise , Kelly Ciara M. , Chi Ping , Movva Sujana , Landa Jonathan , Crago Aimee M. , Donoghue Mark T.A. , Qin Li-Xuan , Serra Violetta , Turkekul Mesruh , Barlas Afsar , Firester Daniel M. , Manova-Todorova Katia , Mehrara Babak J. , Kovatcheva Marta , Tan Nguan Soon , Singer Samuel , Tap William D. , Koff Andrew
Published: February 2024

AbstractPurpose:
We conducted research on CDK4/6 inhibitors (CDK4/6i) simultaneously in the preclinical and clinical spaces to gain a deeper understanding of how senescence influences tumor growth in humans.
Patients and Methods:
We coordinated a first-in-kind phase II clinical trial of the CDK4/6i abemaciclib for patients with progressive dedifferentiated liposarcoma (DDLS) with cellular studies interrogating the molecular basis of geroconversion.
Results:
Thirty patients with progressing DDLS enrolled and were treated with 200 mg of abemaciclib twice daily. The median progression-free survival was 33 weeks at the time of the data lock, with 23 of 30 progression-free at 12 weeks (76.7%, two-sided 95% CI, 57.7%–90.1%). No new safety signals were identified. Concurrent preclinical work in liposarcoma cell lines identified ANGPTL4 as a necessary late regulator of geroconversion, the pathway from reversible cell-cycle exit to a stably arrested inflammation-provoking senescent cell. Using this insight, we were able to identify patients in which abemaciclib induced tumor cell senescence. Senescence correlated with increased leukocyte infiltration, primarily CD4-positive cells, within a month of therapy. However, those individuals with both senescence and increased TILs were also more likely to acquire resistance later in therapy. These suggest that combining senolytics with abemaciclib in a subset of patients may improve the duration of response.
Conclusions:
Abemaciclib was well tolerated and showed promising activity in DDLS. The discovery of ANGPTL4 as a late regulator of geroconversion helped to define how CDK4/6i-induced cellular senescence modulates the immune tumor microenvironment and contributes to both positive and negative clinical outcomes.

See related commentary by Weiss et al., p. 649
Data from Comparison of Circulating Tumor DNA Assays for Molecular Residual Disease Detection in Early-Stage Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
Authors: Coakley Maria , Villacampa Guillermo , Sritharan Prithika , Swift Claire , Dunne Kathryn , Kilburn Lucy , Goddard Katie , Pipinikas Christodoulos , Rojas Patricia , Emmett Warren , Hall Peter , Harper-Wynne Catherine , Hickish Tamas , Macpherson Iain , Okines Alicia , Wardley Andrew , Wheatley Duncan , Waters Simon , Palmieri Carlo , Winter Matthew , Cutts Rosalind J. , Garcia-Murillas Isaac , Bliss Judith , Turner Nicholas C.
Published: February 2024

AbstractPurpose:
Detection of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) in patients who have completed treatment for early-stage breast cancer is associated with a high risk of relapse, yet the optimal assay for ctDNA detection is unknown.
Experimental Design:
The cTRAK-TN clinical trial prospectively used tumor-informed digital PCR (dPCR) assays for ctDNA molecular residual disease (MRD) detection in early-stage triple-negative breast cancer. We compared tumor-informed dPCR assays with tumor-informed personalized multimutation sequencing assays in 141 patients from cTRAK-TN.
Results:
MRD was first detected by personalized sequencing in 47.9% of patients, 0% first detected by dPCR, and 52.1% with both assays simultaneously (P < 0.001; Fisher exact test). The median lead time from ctDNA detection to relapse was 6.1 months with personalized sequencing and 3.9 months with dPCR (P = 0.004, mixed-effects Cox model). Detection of MRD at the first time point was associated with a shorter time to relapse compared with detection at subsequent time points (median lead time 4.2 vs. 7.1 months; P = 0.02).
Conclusions:
Personalized multimutation sequencing assays have potential clinically important improvements in clinical outcome in the early detection of MRD.
FIGURE 4 from Pim Kinase Inhibitors Increase Gilteritinib Cytotoxicity in FLT3-ITD Acute Myeloid Leukemia Through GSK-3β Activation and c-Myc and Mcl-1 Proteasomal Degradation
Authors: Lee Jonelle K. , Chatterjee Aditi , Scarpa Mario , Bailey Christopher M. , Niyongere Sandrine , Singh Prerna , Mustafa Ali Moaath K. , Kapoor Shivani , Wang Yin , Silvestri Giovannino , Baer Maria R.
Published: February 2024

c-Myc and Mcl-1 are downregulated through enhanced proteasomal degradation. A and B, Ba/F3-ITD, MV4-11, and MOLM-14 cells plated at 1 × 105 cells/mL were treated with 100 µg/mL CHX for 1 hour to inhibit protein synthesis, with or without addition of the proteasome inhibitor MG-132 after 30 minutes, prior to treatment with gilteritinib and/or AZD1208 at same concentrations as in Fig. 3, or DMSO control. Samples collected at serial timepoints were studied for expression of c-Myc (A), Mcl-1 (B) and vinculin loading control protein by immunoblotting. Data in A and B are shown graphically and numerically in C and D, respectively.
FIGURE 1 from Pim Kinase Inhibitors Increase Gilteritinib Cytotoxicity in FLT3-ITD Acute Myeloid Leukemia Through GSK-3β Activation and c-Myc and Mcl-1 Proteasomal Degradation
Authors: Lee Jonelle K. , Chatterjee Aditi , Scarpa Mario , Bailey Christopher M. , Niyongere Sandrine , Singh Prerna , Mustafa Ali Moaath K. , Kapoor Shivani , Wang Yin , Silvestri Giovannino , Baer Maria R.
Published: February 2024

Pim inhibitor and gilteritinib combination treatment is synergistic in cells with FLT3-ITD. A,C, Apoptosis induction. Ba/F3-ITD, MV4-11, and MOLM-14 cells were treated with the FLT3 inhibitor gilteritinib (15 nmol/L for Ba/F3-ITD and 10 nmol/L for MV4-11 and MOLM-14) and/or the Pim inhibitor AZD1208 (1 µmol/L; A) or TP-3654 (1 µmol/L; C) or DMSO control for 48 hours in triplicate experiments. Apoptosis was analyzed by Annexin V and PI staining, measured by flow cytometry. ****, P < 0.0001; ***, P < 0.001; **, P < 0.01. B,D, Cytotoxicity. Ba/F3-ITD cells seeded at 5,000 cells/well and MV4-11 and MOLM-14 cells at 10,000 cells/well in 96-well plates were treated for 48 hours with gilteritinib and/or AZD1208 (B) or TP-3654 (D) as single drugs and in combinations at the concentrations shown, in triplicate. Cytotoxicity was measured by the WST-1 assay, and drug combination effects were determined by Chou-Talalay analysis. Synergism was defined by combination index values < 0.8.
Thrombomodulin Gene Mutation and Associated Predisposing Factors in Familial Collapsing Glomerulopathy
Authors: Riguetti Michelle Tiveron Passos , Varela-Calais Patricia , Fernandes Danilo E. , da Silva Franco José Francisco , Ribeiro Nogueira Beatriz , Pesquero João B. , Mastroianni-Kirsztajn Gianna
Published: February 2024

Collapsing glomerulopathy (CG) is a rare glomerular disease and its familial form is even rarer. CG and non-collapsing forms of focal segmental glomerulosclerosis may both be caused by pathogenic variants in the same genes, but there is less information on genetics of the former disease. We hypothesized that different hits (viral infection and genetic variants) may be involved in the development of a familial CG here described. We performed renal and etiological routine evaluation, PVB19 serology, genetic tests including whole-exome analysis and dosage of serum thrombomodulin (THBD) in two siblings with CG, one healthy sister, and their mother. The THBD gene variant p.A43T in homozygosity was identified in the proband and her affected brother, both with CG. The same mutation was identified in their mother in heterozygosity. THBD levels were elevated in the serum of both affected siblings. They also had PVB19 positive serology and the G1 high-risk apolipoprotein L1 (APOL1) alleles in homozygosity. Their healthy sister had no PVB19-positive serology and no THBD nor APOL1 gene variants. In this case of familial CG, THBD, and APOL1 gene variants, and a previous PVB19 infection may be associated with the development of CG in a multihit process. In addition, the p.A43T THBD variant, identified in the affected siblings, has never been previously described in homozygosis, pointing to a likely autosomal recessive CG trait caused by this gene mutation.
Prevalence, Risk Factors, and Prognostic Value of Anxiety and Depression in Acute Myeloid Leukemia
Authors: Zhong Tao , Xu Dan , Li Wenchao
Published: February 2024

Introduction: Limited studies report anxiety and depression prevalence and their correlations with prognosis in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Even worse, their risk factors for AML remained unclear. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence, risk factors, and prognostic value of anxiety and depression in AML patients. Methods: Totally, 132 de novo AML patients, 60 non-malignant hematological disease patients (as disease controls), and 60 healthy controls were enrolled. Anxiety and depression status were evaluated by the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) in all participants. Results: HADS-anxiety score (8.2 ± 3.2 vs. 6.1 ± 2.9 vs. 4.7 ± 2.8), anxiety rate (48.5% vs. 25.0% vs. 10.0%), HADS-depression score (7.8 ± 3.0 vs. 5.8 ± 3.0 vs. 4.0 ± 2.8), and depression rate (43.2% vs. 23.3% vs. 8.3%) were highest in AML patients, followed by disease controls, and the lowest in healthy controls (all p < 0.001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified that factors independently associated with anxiety included male (p = 0.002, odds ratio [OR] = 0.240), smoking (p = 0.043, OR = 2.474), education duration (p = 0.024, OR = 0.889), and NCCN high-risk stratification (p = 0.008, OR = 2.347), while those independently associated with depression were age (p = 0.005, OR = 1.055), single/divorced/widowed status (p = 0.014, OR = 3.149), NCCN high-risk stratification (p = 0.002, OR = 3.077), and white blood cell (WBC) (p < 0.001, OR = 1.062). Additionally, depression was correlated with shorter accumulating event-free survival (p = 0.012) and overall survival (p = 0.041) in AML patients, whereas anxiety was not. Conclusions: Anxiety and depression are prevalent, among which depression is associated with poor survival profile, but anxiety is not; moreover, age, male, education, single/divorced/widowed status, smoking, NCCN high-risk stratification, and WBC were independent related factors of anxiety and depression in AML patients.
Gym’s hybrid system for off-grid renewable energy solutions
Authors: El Azzab Abdelfattah , El Magri Abdelmounime , Lajouad Rachid , El Myasse Ilyass , Watil Aziz , Ouabi Hassan
Published: February 2024

The primary objectives behind transitioning from fossil fuels to green energy sources, with a particular focus on reducing both electricity costs and carbon emissions. This transition has prompted various sectors and sports bikes, to embrace renewable energy alternatives, with a specific emphasis on technologies such as photovoltaic systems, energy storage solutions, and power generation from machines. The core subject of investigation in this paper is the application of renewable energy sources within sports bikes, with a particular emphasis on a hybrid system. This hybrid system incorporates DC/DC, AC/DC, and DC/AC converters to meet the energy requirements of the facility. The central aim of the research is to identify the most economically efficient scale for a self-sufficient hybrid photovoltaic system that integrates stationary generators and battery storage. The research seeks to optimize the balance between cost-effectiveness and sustainable energy provision in the context of sports facilities.
Novel printed passive ultra high frequency radio frequency identification antenna using meander technique
Authors: El Ahmar Latifa , Errkik Ahmed , Zbitou Jamal , Bouzida Ilham , Oukaira Aziz , Lakhssassi Ahmed
Published: February 2024

In this paper, a novel radio frequency identification (RFID) antenna using a meander technique associated with a slotted patch is studied for RFID applications in the ultra high frequency (UHF) band [867.5-868 MHz]. The proposed RFID antenna is designed on a Kapton substrate with dielectric constant 3.5 and loss of 0.0027. It consists of two opposite meander line antennas of 8 turns each one and interconnected to ALIEH H3 microchip associated to two slotted patch’s with a global size 105×25×0.1 mm3. The proposed RFID antenna is designed and simulated using CST MWS as an electromagnetic solver. The results of the simulation show a return loss of -22.64 dB at 868 MHz, a reading distance of around 5 m, and a simulated input impedance of the antenna are 31.72+j109.68 Ω at the operating frequency 868 MHz.
Arnold’s cat map secure multiple-layer reversible watermarking
Authors: Arham Aulia , Lestari Novia
Published: February 2024

Reversible watermarking is a novel approach to digital copyright protection that allows the embedding of watermarks into digital data using multiple layers while retaining the ability to recover the original content without data loss. This method provides a unique solution for securing digital data while maintaining the integrity and quality of the content. Nonetheless, new challenges have emerged with the increase in attacks on this method, as reversible watermarking methods lack security keys, making it easy to extract and modify hidden data. In this paper, we present a method for multiple-layer reversible watermarking with security keys, with the goal of addressing the challenges posed by attacks and improving data protection within embedded content. The method uses arnold’s cat map to scramble images, and data embedding in predetermined iterations serves as the methods security key. We put the method through its paces with six grayscale images. With this method, the embedding capacity can reach 2.999 bpp across four layers of embedding, while the visual image quality can reach 22.01 dB. The outcomes from this approach are that the security of multiple-layer reversible watermarking can be enhanced while preserving the capacity to embed data in each layer.
Hybrid total variance void-based noise removal in infrared images
Authors: Pandurangan Kamaleswari , Nagappan Krishnaraj
Published: February 2024

An artifact known as an image is what makes the depiction of a thing or a person feasible. An image is a representation of visual perception and has a physical appearance that is analogous to that of the subject being portrayed. In situations when there is insufficient illumination, such as at night or when there is a lot of background noise, the use of infrared imagery can help improve the accuracy of object detection. Infrared images are able to account for a wide variety of noises, including those that are the result of sensor faults, lens distortion, software artifacts, blur, and other problems. It is difficult to do qualitative and quantitative analysis on thermal images due to the significant levels of noise that are present in these images. Eliminating noise in an infrared image by employing the total variance void (TVV) denoising technique while preserving the integrity of the image’s boundaries and texture. Denoising thermal images make use of a technique that is both efficient and reliable thanks to an integrated algorithm that combines TV denoising and Noise2Void (N2V). Strengths of the two methods, it is possible to produce denoised images of superior quality with improved retention of edge and texture detail.
Intrusion detection system in cloud computing by utilizing VTR-HLSTM based on deep learning
Authors: Thirumaran Valavan Woothukadu , Joseph Nalini , Srikanth Umarani
Published: February 2024

Cloud computing (CC) is a rapidly developing IT approach with intrusion detection system being a crucial tool for safeguarding virtual networks and machines from potential threats, thereby mitigating security concerns in the cloud environment. The intrusion detection system (IDS) system demands significant improvements, primarily based on optimizing performance and bolstering security measures. This research aims to implement an IDS in cloud computing utilizing deep learning (DL) method. The DL model is a promising technique and is widely used to detect intrusions. The implemented hierarchical long short-term memory (HLSTM) method’s performance is evaluated for feature selection through variance threshold-based regression (VTR) on two IDS network datasets: Bot-IoT and network security lab-knowledge discovery and data mining (NSL-KDD). This paper concludes the use of an intrusion detection network resulting in high security and performance. Moreover, the implemented method on the NSL-KDD and Bot-IoT datasets obtains respective accuracies of 99.50% and 0.995. It is compared with the existing methods namely, ensemble ID model for CC utilizing DL, LeNet, fuzzy deep neural network with a Honey Bader algorithm for privacy-preserving ID, and improved metaheuristics with a fuzzy logic-based IDS for cloud security, and beluga whale-tasmanian devil optimization based on deep convolutional neural network (CNN) with TL, chronological slap swarm algorithm-based deep belief network (DBN), and dragonfly improved invasive weed optimization-based Shepard CNN.
How to Use Quasi-Experimental Methods in Cardiovascular Research: A Review of Current Practice
Authors: Carter Alexander W. , Jayawardana Sahan , Costa-Font Joan , Nasir Khurram , Krumholz Harlan M. , Mossialos Elias
Published: February 2024

BACKGROUND:

Quasi-experimental methods (QEMs) are a family of techniques used to estimate causal relationships when randomized controlled trials are unfeasible or unethical. They offer a powerful alternative to observational studies by introducing random assignment of individuals or groups into their design, thereby offering stronger means of establishing causation. The use of QEMs in cardiovascular research has not been systematically examined to determine steps toward improving and expanding their use.

METHODS:

We identified 4 main techniques using a systematic search strategy from 2016 to 2021: instrumental variable analysis, interrupted time series analysis, difference-in-differences analysis, and regression discontinuity designs. QEMs are examined as alternatives to randomized controlled trials and traditional observational studies; as more observational data becomes available to researchers, there are more opportunities to apply these techniques. Eligible articles were selected based on publication in high-ranked journals. The quality of eligible articles was appraised using the Joanna Briggs Institute checklist for quasi-experimental studies.

RESULTS:

Data from 380 studies were extracted based on our inclusion criteria. Forty-two of these studies were published in the top 10 medical or top 20 cardiovascular disease journals, and 25 studies were included after quality appraisal. The review identifies the main features and limitations associated with each technique, providing readers with practical guidance on how to apply these to their research. A graphical decision aid was developed to facilitate the routine use of QEMs.

CONCLUSIONS:

The use of QEMs in cardiovascular research published in contemporary, high-impact articles was examined. Findings are biased toward this segment of literature, which represents the latest developments in this growing area of cardiovascular research. The decision aid is a novel schematic that researchers can adopt into practice.
T- and L-Type Calcium Channels Maintain Calcium Oscillations in the Murine Zona Glomerulosa
Authors: Dinh Hoang An , Volkert Marina , Secener Ali Kerim , Scholl Ute I. , Stölting Gabriel
Published: February 2024

BACKGROUND:

The zona glomerulosa of the adrenal gland is responsible for the synthesis and release of the mineralocorticoid aldosterone. This steroid hormone regulates salt reabsorption in the kidney and blood pressure. The most important stimuli of aldosterone synthesis are the serum concentrations of angiotensin II and potassium. In response to these stimuli, voltage and intracellular calcium levels in the zona glomerulosa oscillate, providing the signal for aldosterone synthesis. It was proposed that the voltage-gated T-type calcium channel Ca
V
3.2 is necessary for the generation of these oscillations. However,
Cacna1h
knock-out mice have normal plasma aldosterone levels, suggesting additional calcium entry pathways.

METHODS:

We used a combination of calcium imaging, patch clamp, and RNA sequencing to investigate calcium influx pathways in the murine zona glomerulosa.

RESULTS:

Cacna1h
−/−
glomerulosa cells still showed calcium oscillations with similar concentrations as wild-type mice. No calcium channels or transporters were upregulated to compensate for the loss of Ca
V
3.2. The calcium oscillations observed were instead dependent on L-type voltage-gated calcium channels. Furthermore, we found that L-type channels can also partially compensate for an acute inhibition of Ca
V
3.2 in wild-type mice. Only inhibition of both T- and L-type calcium channels abolished the increase of intracellular calcium caused by angiotensin II in wild-type.

CONCLUSIONS:

Our study demonstrates that T-type calcium channels are not strictly required to maintain glomerulosa calcium oscillations and aldosterone production. Pharmacological inhibition of T-type channels alone will likely not significantly impact aldosterone production in the long term.
Reactive Inhibitory Control Precedes Overt Stuttering Events
Authors: Orpella Joan , Flick Graham , Assaneo M. Florencia , Shroff Ravi , Pylkkänen Liina , Poeppel David , Jackson Eric S.
Published: February 2024

Research points to neurofunctional differences underlying fluent speech between stutterers and non-stutterers. Considerably less work has focused on processes that underlie stuttered vs. fluent speech. Additionally, most of this research has focused on speech motor processes despite contributions from cognitive processes prior to the onset of stuttered speech. We used MEG to test the hypothesis that reactive inhibitory control is triggered prior to stuttered speech. Twenty-nine stutterers completed a delayed-response task that featured a cue (prior to a go cue) signaling the imminent requirement to produce a word that was either stuttered or fluent. Consistent with our hypothesis, we observed increased beta power likely emanating from the right pre-supplementary motor area (R-preSMA)—an area implicated in reactive inhibitory control—in response to the cue preceding stuttered vs. fluent productions. Beta power differences between stuttered and fluent trials correlated with stuttering severity and participants’ percentage of trials stuttered increased exponentially with beta power in the R-preSMA. Trial-by-trial beta power modulations in the R-preSMA following the cue predicted whether a trial would be stuttered or fluent. Stuttered trials were also associated with delayed speech onset suggesting an overall slowing or freezing of the speech motor system that may be a consequence of inhibitory control. Post-hoc analyses revealed that independently generated anticipated words were associated with greater beta power and more stuttering than researcher-assisted anticipated words, pointing to a relationship between self-perceived likelihood of stuttering (i.e., anticipation) and inhibitory control. This work offers a neurocognitive account of stuttering by characterizing cognitive processes that precede overt stuttering events.
Pars Opercularis Underlies Efferent Predictions and Successful Auditory Feedback Processing in Speech: Evidence From Left-Hemisphere Stroke
Authors: Beach Sara D. , Tang Ding-lan , Kiran Swathi , Niziolek Caroline A.
Published: February 2024

Hearing one’s own speech allows for acoustic self-monitoring in real time. Left-hemisphere motor planning regions are thought to give rise to efferent predictions that can be compared to true feedback in sensory cortices, resulting in neural suppression commensurate with the degree of overlap between predicted and actual sensations. Sensory prediction errors thus serve as a possible mechanism of detection of deviant speech sounds, which can then feed back into corrective action, allowing for online control of speech acoustics. The goal of this study was to assess the integrity of this detection–correction circuit in persons with aphasia (PWA) whose left-hemisphere lesions may limit their ability to control variability in speech output. We recorded magnetoencephalography (MEG) while 15 PWA and age-matched controls spoke monosyllabic words and listened to playback of their utterances. From this, we measured speaking-induced suppression of the M100 neural response and related it to lesion profiles and speech behavior. Both speaking-induced suppression and cortical sensitivity to deviance were preserved at the group level in PWA. PWA with more spared tissue in pars opercularis had greater left-hemisphere neural suppression and greater behavioral correction of acoustically deviant pronunciations, whereas sparing of superior temporal gyrus was not related to neural suppression or acoustic behavior. In turn, PWA who made greater corrections had fewer overt speech errors in the MEG task. Thus, the motor planning regions that generate the efferent prediction are integral to performing corrections when that prediction is violated.
Losing objectivity: The questionable use of surveys in the Global Ranking of Academic Subjects
Authors: Herrera-Viedma Enrique , Arroyo-Machado Wenceslao , Torres-Salinas Daniel
Published: February 2024

The Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU) is one of the most well-known university rankings, recognized for its objective and reproducible methodology. In contrast, the Global Ranking of Academic Subjects (GRAS), which ranks institutions by scientific subjects and is also elaborated by Shanghai Ranking Consultancy (SRC), introduces methodological differences that deviate from the ARWU’s objectivity. This is due to the use of SRC’s Academic Excellence Survey to define two of the GRAS’s five indicators. Specifically, the Top indicator counts publications in journals determined by respondents as top tier in their field, and the Award indicator does the same for prizes. An examination of this survey suggests the presence of potential biases, especially in participant selection and journal identification, among which an Anglo-Saxon bias is prominently evident. Likewise, there is a potential risk that the selection of journals in some cases may be influenced, potentially masking conflicts of interest, such as involvement in editorial committees that could sway this selection. As a result, relying on surveys instead of adhering to established bibliometric standards can lead to inconsistencies and subjectivity, especially if not rigorously conducted. Such methodologies pose a risk to the trustworthiness of tools crucial for university policymaking.
The ‘Pylus complex’ sensu Opitz revisited (Coleoptera: Cleridae: Korynetinae): non-homogeneity of its genera addressed by alternative species-assignment hypothesis
Authors: BARTLETT JUSTIN S.
Published: February 2024

Apparent superficial non-homogeneity of species assigned to the genera Apopylus Kolibáč, Fallopylus Opitz and Pylus Newman prompted reassessment of genus characters and species assignment of those genera plus Parapylus Blackburn and Pseudopylus Opitz, all of which were defined by Opitz (2015) primarily on the number of tibial spurs. Morphological investigation resulted in discovery of suites of correlating character state pairs providing more robust evidence for monophyly of the genera under study than tibial spurs alone. On this basis, genus definitions were revised, and species assigned accordingly to the newly defined genera. Taxonomic changes proposed include synonymy of Fallopylus Opitz, 2012 new synonym and Pseudopylus Opitz, 2012 new synonym with Pylus Newman, 1841, plus the following new combinations: Apopylus astrictus (Opitz, 2015) new combination (transferred from Fallopylus); Apopylus creperus (Opitz, 2015) new combination (transferred from Fallopylus); Apopylus leptofustus (Opitz, 2015) new combination (transferred from Fallopylus); Apopylus redactus (Opitz, 2015) new combination (transferred from Fallopylus); Pylus apterus (Opitz, 2015) new combination (transferred from Pseudopylus); Pylus cavus (Opitz, 2015) new combination (transferred from Fallopylus); Pylus cruslumus (Opitz, 2015) new combination (transferred from Apopylus); Pylus kolibaci (Opitz, 2015) new combination (transferred from Apopylus); Pylus nactus (Opitz, 2015) new combination (transferred from Apopylus). Pylus okei Elston, 1929 and Pylus pallipes Macleay, 1872 are returned to their original combinations from Apopylus and Fallopylus respectively. In addition to evidence for the monophyly of genera being based on more robust lines of morphological evidence, the newly defined genera are also more obviously homogenous, with superficially similar looking insects now grouped together.
Diadelophora, a new phorid genus from central and western Brazil (Diptera: Phoridae)
Authors: AMENT DANILO CÉSAR
Published: February 2024

Diadelophora gen. nov, a conspicuous new genus of phorid flies is described based on two species from central and western Brazil, D. stilbella sp. nov. and D. inornata sp. nov. The new genus is positioned in the Thaumatoxena-group within the subfamily Phorinae, probably as sister group to Hypocerides Schmitz, 1915. The diagnostic features of Diadelophora are commented and illustrated, and the genus differences to Hypocerides are highlighted. The morphology of Diadelophora species is explored in detail with SEM, photos, and optical microscopy illustrations of structures of taxonomic relevance and other curious features of the genus.
Two new species of Fernandezina Birabén, 1951 (Araneae, Palpimanidae) from cave and epigean habitats in Brazil
Authors: CARVALHO LEONARDO S. , BRAGA-PEREIRA GRACIELLE F. , SANTOS ADALBERTO J.
Published: February 2024

The South American palpimanid genus Fernandezina Birabén currently comprises 15 described species, all known from epigean environments. Representatives of Fernandezina are easily recognized by the unexpanded femora I in both sexes and by the dorsally extended opisthosomal scutum in males. Herein, F. fernandoi sp. nov. is described based on males and females from hypogean environments and F. angeloi sp. nov. is described based on a single male from a nearby epigean environment, both in Brazil. Additionally, we provide an identification key for the species of the genus.
8. Limitarismo presuntivo
Authors: Timmer Dick
Published: February 2024

En un trabajo previo sobre el limitarismo, argumenté que establecer un límite superior a la cantidad de riqueza que la gente puede tener permisiblemente está justificado cuando los responsables de la toma de decisiones desconocen o discrepan sobre el criterio distributivo apropiado o si desconocen las características relevantes de las personas (o ambos). Robert Huseby ha planteado varias objeciones poderosas en contra de este argumento presuntivo a favor del limitarismo. Algunas de estas objeciones exigen que mi defensa del limitarismo presuntivo sea revisada, mientras que otras exigen que se clarifique, lo cual pretendo hacer en este capítulo. Argumentaré que, a menos que los responsables de la toma de decisiones tengan razones sustantivas que sugieran lo contrario, deben actuar como si hubiera un límite superior a la cantidad de riqueza que la gente puede tener permisiblemente.
Probabilistic Causal Network Modeling of Southern Hemisphere Jet Subseasonal to Seasonal Predictability
Authors: Saggioro Elena , Shepherd Theodore G. , Knight Jeff
Published: February 2024

Skillful prediction of the Southern Hemisphere (SH) eddy-driven jet is crucial for representation of mid-to-high-latitude SH climate variability. In the austral spring-to-summer months, the jet and the stratospheric polar vortex variabilities are strongly coupled. Since the vortex is more predictable and influenced by long-lead drivers 1 month or more ahead, the stratosphere is considered a promising pathway for improving forecasts in the region on subseasonal to seasonal (S2S) time scales. However, a quantification of this predictability has been lacking, as most modeling studies address only one of the several interacting drivers at a time, while statistical analyses quantify association but not skill. This methodological gap is addressed through a knowledge-driven probabilistic causal network approach, quantified with seasonal ensemble hindcast data. The approach enables to quantify the jet’s long-range predictability arising from known late-winter drivers, namely, El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO), Indian Ocean dipole (IOD), upward wave activity flux, and polar night jet oscillation, mediated by the vortex variability in spring. Network-based predictions confirm the vortex as determinant for skillful jet predictions, both for the jet’s poleward shift in late spring and its equatorward shift in early summer. ENSO, IOD, late-winter wave activity flux, and polar night jet oscillation only provide moderate prediction skill to the vortex. This points to early spring submonthly variability as important for determining the vortex state leading up to its breakdown, creating a predictability bottleneck for the jet. The method developed here offers a new avenue to quantify the predictability provided by multiple, interacting drivers on S2S time scales.

Significance Statement

Predictions of the Southern Hemisphere midlatitude jet stream are crucial for skillful forecasts of the austral mid-to-high latitudes. Several oceanic and atmospheric phenomena could, if better represented in models, improve spring-to-summer jet predictions on subseasonal to seasonal time scales. However, the combined potential skill arising from the inclusion of such phenomena has not been quantified. This study does so by using a probabilistic causal network model, representing the connections between those drivers and the jet with conditional probabilities, trained on large sets of model data. The stratospheric polar vortex is confirmed as crucial predictor of jet variability but is itself hard to predict a month in advance due to submonthly variability, creating a predictability bottleneck for the jet.
Antiretroviral Therapy Coverage, Entrepreneurship, and Development in Low- and Middle-Income Countries
Authors: Rietveld Cornelius A. , Patel Pankaj C.
Published: February 2024

Improvements in the health capital of citizens are central to the development of countries. By exploiting steep decreases in antiretroviral drug prices and the subsequent increases in antiretroviral therapy (ART) coverage, we test whether the resulting improvements in the health of the population are associated with the prevalence of entrepreneurial activity and whether entrepreneurial activity strengthens the relationship between ART coverage and a country’s development. Drawing on a sample of 87 low- and middle-income countries (2006–2019), we find that a 1% increase in ART coverage is associated with a 1.5% increase in the number of newly registered limited liability firms; however, there is no significant relationship with (male or female) self-employment. Higher ART coverage is particularly associated with development—as proxied by gross domestic product (GDP) per capita and the Human Development Index—in countries with low levels of new business formation and high proportions of self-employment.
Social work beyond the pandemic: Exploring social work values for a new eco-social world
Authors: Banks Sarah , Bertotti Teresa , Cairns Lynne , Shears Jane , Shum Michelle , Sobočan Ana M , Strom Kimberly , Úriz María Jesús
Published: February 2024

This article draws on a series of international research-focused webinars with social workers in 2022. They were designed to examine the rethinking of professional values during the pandemic in the context of other global crises, particularly the climate emergency. Participants readily shared ethical issues relating to self-care, digital working and reduced bureaucracy during the pandemic and implications for future practice. The need for holistic, community-based approaches integrating social, health and economic aspects of people’s lives arose, and the importance of seeing humans as part of the natural world (eco-social approaches). Awareness of newer post-anthropocentric and posthuman philosophies was less evident.
The State and Accountable Policing: A Diagnosis of #ENDSARS Movement in Nigeria
Authors: Ezinna Paul C. , Idoko Cordelia Ozoemena , Nwogbo David C.
Published: February 2024

The functions and actions of a State represent and characterize what it is. Police, as the most visible institution in a civil society, represent the character of the government within a State. In line with this thought, the actions of the ‘Special Anti-Robbery Squad – SARS’, a unit in the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), attracted the ire of the public against the government which led to international anti-police brutality campaign known as ‘#EndSARS Movement’. Among other concerns, the study sought to address the question – ‘Can activism in criminology like the “#EndSARS Movement” make the police accountable to the citizens?’
The Perpetuation of Muslim–Hindu Divide in British India Through the (Ab)Use of Historical Memory
Authors: Belmekki Belkacem
Published: February 2024

This article seeks to highlight the extent to which recounting historical narratives can determine the nature of relations between racial and ethnic groups, through examining the case of Muslims and Hindus in British India. Throughout the 19th century, the process of the religious communalization of the subcontinent was set in motion, which ultimately led to the bifurcation of the local society into two self-conscious, mutually antagonistic groups: a Hindu majority versus a Muslim minority. This study argues that such schism would not have taken place without the instrumentalization of a colonially ‘constructed’ past by Hindu communalists who, in the process of mobilizing their co-religionists through mythmaking and a hostile discourse fraught with subjectively interpreted historical facts, alienated the members of the other group. This article also underscores that besides imperial scholars, Hindutva activists should bear the historical responsibility for the divide.
How the process of discovering cyberattacks biases our understanding of cybersecurity
Authors: Oppenheimer Harry
Published: February 2024

Social scientists do not directly study cyberattacks; they draw inferences from attack reports that are public and visible. Like human rights violations or war casualties, there are missing cyberattacks that researchers have not observed. The existing approach is to either ignore missing data and assume they do not exist or argue that reported attacks accurately represent the missing events. This article is the first to detail the steps between attack, discovery and public report to identify sources of bias in cyber data. Visibility bias presents significant inferential challenges for cybersecurity – some attacks are easy to observe or claimed by attackers, while others take a long time to surface or are carried out by actors seeking to hide their actions. The article argues that missing attacks in public reporting likely share features of reported attacks that take the longest to surface. It builds on datasets of cyberattacks by or against Five Eyes (an intelligence alliance composed of Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and the United States) governments and adds new data on when attacks occurred, when the media first reported them, and the characteristics of attackers and techniques. Leveraging survival models, it demonstrates how the delay between attack and disclosure depends on both the attacker’s identity (state or non-state) and the technical characteristics of the attack (whether it targets information confidentiality, integrity, or availability). The article argues that missing cybersecurity events are least likely to be carried out by non-state actors or target information availability. Our understanding of ‘persistent engagement,’ relative capabilities, ‘intelligence contests’ and cyber coercion rely on accurately measuring restraint. This article’s findings cast significant doubt on whether researchers have accurately measured and observed restraint, and informs how others should consider external validity. This article has implications for our understanding of data bias, empirical cybersecurity research and secrecy in international relations.
Reflecting on Thich Nhat Hanh
Authors: Schipper Janine
Published: February 2024

This “Final Thought” is a personal reflection on the impact Thich Nhat Hanh, the Vietnamese Zen Monk, activist, and writer has had on my life, including how I teach sociology. I hope that readers get a taste of Nhat Hanh’s simple but profound teachings and also feel nourished and uplifted as they read these reflections.