bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Microstructure and development of the dermal ossicles of Antarctopelta oliveroi (Dinosauria, Ankylosauria): A complex morphogenetic system deciphered through three‐dimensional X‐ray microtomography
Authors: Sanchez Sophie , de Ricqlès Armand , Ponstein Jasper , Tafforeau Paul , Zylberberg Louise
Published: November 2024

Ankylosaurs were a group of heavily armored non‐avian dinosaurs (Dinosauria, Ankylosauria), represented by a relatively abundant fossil record from the Cretaceous of North and South America. Their dermal skeleton was characterized by large osteoderms whose development and functional role have been largely investigated. However, interstitial small ossicles, forming between these osteoderms, have been far more overlooked and it remains unknown whether they were formed through the ossification of a preexisting fibrous matrix of connective tissue (i.e., metaplasia) or by a cell‐induced differentiation of new fiber bundles followed by mineralization (i.e., neoplasia sensu (Zeitschrift für Wissenschaftliche Zoologie, 1858, 9, 147)). Here, we propose a hypothesis on the developmental origin of these small ossicles in the ankylosaurian Antarctopelta oliveroi using light microcopy, scanning electron microscopy and three‐dimensional virtual histology through propagation phase‐contrast synchrotron radiation micro‐computed tomography (PPC‐SRμCT). Ossicles are located in the dermis. They are composed of two layers: (1) a thin external layer, and (2) a thick basal plate, composed of collagen fiber bundles, which forms the main part of the ossicle. The external layer is made of a smooth, vitreous mineralized tissue that does not look like bone. The basal plate, however, is of osseous origin. In this basal plate, the collagen fiber bundles are organized in two orthogonal systems: one horizontal—observable in cross‐sections—and one vertical—observable in the primary plane of sections sensu (Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology, 2004, 24, 874). The horizontal system is itself composed of successive layers of collagen fiber bundles arranged into an orthogonal plywood‐like structure. The bundles of the vertical system radiate from the center of the ossicle at the level of the transition between the external layer and the basal plate and run towards the periphery of the basal plate. Their thickness increases from the center of the ossicle towards its periphery. Numerous bundles of the vertical system form thin threads that interweave and penetrate within the thick bundles of the horizontal system. Our new data suggest that the ossicles were at least partially formed by metaplasia, that is, through the ossification of a preexisting fibrous matrix of connective tissue. This process was probably supplemented by a cell‐induced differentiation of new fiber bundles laid down prior to their incorporation into the fibrous system and its mineralization. This process looks more akin to neoplasia sensu (Zeitschrift für Wissenschaftliche Zoologie, 1858, 9, 147) than to metaplasia. Consequently, metaplastic and neoplastic processes may coexist in these ossicles with a possible differential expression during ontogeny.
Clinical implications of genetic testing for congenital protein C deficiency in pregnancy
Authors: Maehana Tomoka , Nishikubo Toshiya , Maekawa Ryo , Hotta Taeko , Nishikawa Kyohei , Waki Keita , Makino Yuko , Akasaka Juria , Kawaguchi Ryuji , Kimura Fuminori
Published: November 2024

Congenital protein C (PC) deficiency is a mostly autosomal dominant hereditary thrombophilia associated with early onset arterial and venous thrombotic diseases. In newborns, PC deficiency results in severe complications such as cerebral hemorrhage, cerebral infarction, and purpura fulminans, leading to death in some cases. We report two cases of deep vein thrombosis diagnosed during pregnancy that prompted genetic testing confirming definitive congenital PC deficiency. One patient with deep vein thrombosis at 30 weeks of gestation underwent anticoagulation therapy with the placement of an inferior vena cava filter. Genetic testing revealed a missense mutation in the PC gene. Another patient developed deep vein thrombosis at 9 weeks of gestation and received anticoagulant therapy, revealing a frameshift mutation in the gene. Genetic testing confirming congenital PC deficiency facilitates tailored postpartum management, including long‐term anticoagulation therapy, based on the mother's thrombosis risk. For newborns, early diagnosis allows timely preparation of treatments, such as freshly thawed frozen plasma or PC replacement therapy and ensures closer monitoring through imaging evaluations, enabling early intervention to decrease the severity of potential complications. Given its utility in managing maternal and neonatal outcomes, early genetic testing in suspected cases of maternal PC deficiency is crucial before delivery.
Changes in insomnia and binge‐eating symptom severity before and after treatment of eating disorders in individuals with non‐low‐weight binge‐spectrum disorders
Authors: Christensen Pacella Kara A. , Chen Yiyang , Bottera Angeline R. , Forbush Kelsie T.
Published: November 2024

Although emerging research suggests insomnia is a significant problem among people with eating disorders, little is known about how insomnia symptoms may serve as risk factors for eating disorder symptoms, treatment outcome, and relapse. University students with non‐low‐weight eating disorders (N = 89) completed a mobile guided self‐help cognitive behavioural intervention for eating disorders. Insomnia and binge‐eating symptoms were assessed at pre‐treatment and end‐of‐treatment using the Insomnia Severity Index and Eating Pathology Symptoms Inventory. Multiply imputed datasets were used to test associations between insomnia and binge eating before, during and after treatment. Insomnia was positively associated with binge‐eating symptoms prior to treatment (r = 0.47). Baseline insomnia symptoms were associated with binge‐eating symptoms at end‐of‐treatment (est = 0.269). Eating disorder treatment modestly reduced insomnia (d = −0.38); however, about half of people with clinically significant insomnia prior to treatment remained symptomatic. Insomnia symptoms and binge‐eating symptoms did not change concurrently during treatment. Overall, results support an association between insomnia and binge eating. Although eating disorder treatment may impact insomnia, many individuals remained symptomatic for sleep problems, suggesting the need for follow‐up treatments, such as cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia, or the development of integrated insomnia–eating disorder treatments. Future studies are needed to examine causal links between insomnia and eating disorder symptoms, and test if insomnia predicts relapse after eating disorder treatment.
Temporal and sleep stage‐dependent agreement in manual scoring of respiratory events
Authors: Pitkänen Minna , Pitkänen Henna , Nath Rajdeep Kumar , Nikkonen Sami , Kainulainen Samu , Korkalainen Henri , Ólafsdóttir Kristín Anna , Arnardottir Erna Sif , Sigurdardottir Sigridur , Penzel Thomas , Fanfulla Francesco , Anttalainen Ulla , Saaresranta Tarja , Grote Ludger , Hedner Jan , Staats Richard , Töyräs Juha , Leppänen Timo
Published: November 2024

Obstructive sleep apnea diagnosis is based on the manual scoring of respiratory events. The agreement in the manual scoring of the respiratory events lacks an in‐depth investigation as most of the previous studies reported only the apnea–hypopnea index or overall agreement, and not temporal, second‐by‐second or event subtype agreement. We hypothesized the temporal and subtype agreement to be low because the event duration or subtypes are not generally considered in current clinical practice. The data comprised 50 polysomnography recordings scored by 10 experts. The respiratory event agreement between the scorers was calculated using kappa statistics in a second‐by‐second manner. Obstructive sleep apnea severity categories (no obstructive sleep apnea/mild/moderate/severe) were compared between scorers. The Fleiss' kappa value for binary (event/no event) respiratory event scorings was 0.32. When calculated separately within N1, N2, N3 and R, the Fleiss' kappa values were 0.12, 0.23, 0.22 and 0.23, respectively. Binary analysis conducted separately for the event subtypes showed the highest Fleiss' kappa for hypopneas to be 0.26. In 34% of the participants, the obstructive sleep apnea severity category was the same regardless of the scorer, whereas in the rest of the participants the category changed depending on the scorer. Our findings indicate that the agreement of manual scoring of respiratory events depends on the event type and sleep stage. The manual scoring has discrepancies, and these differences affect the obstructive sleep apnea diagnosis. This is an alarming finding, as ultimately these differences in the scorings affect treatment decisions.
Safe and effective pressure of endotracheal tube suctioning based on sputum viscosity grades during artificial airway open suctioning procedures: A double‐blind randomized controlled trial
Authors: Liu Weiquan , Gu Chunling , Li Miqi , Xiong Jie
Published: November 2024

Background

Endotracheal tube suctioning is an effective measure to ensure airway patency during mechanical ventilation; however, inappropriate suction pressure often leads to many adverse effects.

Aims

This study aimed to investigate safe and effective suction pressures and intracatheter pressure ranges during artificial airway open suctioning procedures.

Study Design

In this double‐blind randomized controlled trial, 438 patients receiving mechanical ventilation in China were divided into nine groups according to their sputum viscosity grades and suction pressure. A random sampling method was used to select one of the three pressure groups (low‐, medium‐ and high‐pressure groups). Registered intensive care unit (ICU) nurses performed open suction manoeuvres of the artificial airway based on the pressures set by the researchers. Two teaching supervisors observed and recorded the sputum viscosity, suction pressure, minimum intracatheter pressure, maximum intracatheter pressure, heart rate, mean arterial pressure, pulse oxygen saturation, airway mucosal bleeding and sputum sound improvement score.

Results

This study finally included 438 patients. The results showed that the safe and effective suction pressures were 80–120 mmHg for grade I sputum viscosity, 150 mmHg for grade II sputum viscosity and 200 mmHg for grade III sputum viscosity in open suction procedures for ICU patients. These pressure values were associated with the lowest changes in heart rate, mean arterial pressure and pulse oxygen saturation; the lowest incidence of airway mucosal bleeding; and the highest sputum sound improvement score.

Conclusions

In an open suction procedure, accurate setting of safe and effective suction pressure for sputum of different viscosity grades can not only achieve the suction effect but also have minimal impact on the vital signs and airway mucosal bleeding of patients.

Relevance to Clinical Practice

The findings can guide critical care nurses to accurately select safe and effective initial suction pressure values rather than use general ranges when performing artificial airway open suctioning procedures.
Strategic program management: Performance accountability driving use in national governments
Authors: Berman Evan M. , Prasojo Eko , Fathurrahman Reza , Samartini André , Plimmer Geoff , Sabharwal Meghna , Neiva Vinicius , Syarien Muhamad Imam Alfie , Hariyati Desy , Puspasari Debie , Wijayanti Fajar Wardani , Ferdiansyah Julyan
Published: November 2024

Strategic program management (SPM) is an approach for advancing the aspirations of programs and their impact. While programs are omnipresent in government, concerns exist that they are not always strategically managed. Studies that examine SPM are lacking. This study defines and conceptualizes SPM, examines it in two national governments (Brazil and Indonesia), and focuses on felt performance accountability as a driver of SPM use. SPM use is highly uneven, and despite concerns about the effectiveness of performance accountability in the public sector, a key finding is that program managers' felt performance accountability is associated with increased SPM use by program officials. Managers' performance accountability also increases political appointees' support for programs and decreases their interference with program priorities. These findings are important because they provide a means for program officials, typically civil servants, to strengthen the strategic direction of public programs. Recommendations are made for strengthening the performance accountability of managers.
Developmental trajectories of interpersonal stress in school and psychological pain contributing to self‐harm in adolescents
Authors: Sun Fang , Chen Yuying , Li Huanhuan , Wei Shijie , Wang Siru , Zhao Hongyan
Published: November 2024

Background

This study investigated the trajectories of interpersonal stress and psychological pain and their effects on self‐harm behaviors in adolescents and explored the reciprocal associations between interpersonal stress and NSSI/SA.

Methods

The participants included 1149 adolescents (50.3% women; Mage = 12.86, SD = 0.69) who participated in three waves of data collection. Latent class growth models and cross‐lagged panel models were used to identify subgroups of individuals and interactions between interpersonal stress and NSSI/SA.

Results

Controlling for sex and age, compared to the low interpersonal stress class, the moderate to high and increasing classes have higher risks of NSSI and SA. Compared to adolescents in the low increasing feelings with high increasing avoidance class, those in the low increasing feelings with low decreasing avoidance class reported lower probabilities of NSSI and SA. Pain avoidance and painful feelings mediated the pathway from interpersonal stress to NSSI/SA, whereas pain arousal mediated the pathway from NSSI/SA to interpersonal stress.

Conclusions

Shared impact of interpersonal stress and distinct effects of psychological pain over time on maintaining and distinguishing self‐harm behaviors were found. Adolescent crisis interventions should simultaneously focus on building social networks within the school context and regulating maladaptive minds.
COVID, elite rhetoric, and Americans’ attitudes toward U.S. trade practices with China
Authors: Nurullayev Dmitriy , Xu Ping , Garand James
Published: November 2024

Objectives

In this article, we consider how the COVID‐19 pandemic and evaluations of Donald Trump combined to influence Americans' attitudes toward U.S. trade practices with China. We suggest that psychological factors—such as confirmation bias and transfer of grievances—influence how individuals evaluate the costs and benefits of trade. Specifically, we argue that the severity of the pandemic (reflected by both cumulative deaths and news coverage of the pandemic) and the rhetoric of (then) President Trump came together to influence Americans’ attitudes toward trade with China.

Methods

To assess the COVID effect, the Trump effect, and their interaction effect on trade opinion, we merge data from 39 waves of the weekly Nationscape surveys, conducted from October 2019 to July 2020 (N = 62,171), with data on weekly COVID coverage for nine national news sources and cumulative state‐level weekly data on COVID‐related deaths. We estimate our models using hierarchical ordered logit.

Results

Our findings suggest that COVID‐related news coverage, cumulative COVID deaths, and Americans’ favorability toward Donald Trump have strong positive effects on Americans' support for trade tariffs on Chinese imports. Further, we find that the effects of COVID deaths on attitudes toward China tariffs are moderated by Trump favorability, with the effect of COVID deaths significantly stronger among Trump favorables.

Conclusion

The COVID pandemic and evaluations of Donald Trump worked both independently and together to shape Americans’ attitudes toward China tariffs.
The quantization of Maxwell theory in the Cauchy radiation gauge: Hodge decomposition and Hadamard states
Authors: Murro Simone , Schmid Gabriel
Published: November 2024

The aim of this paper is to prove the existence of Hadamard states for the Maxwell equations on any globally hyperbolic spacetime. This will be achieved by introducing a new gauge fixing condition, the Cauchy radiation gauge, that will allow to suppress all the unphysical degrees of freedom. The key ingredient for achieving this gauge is a new Hodge decomposition for differential ‐forms in Sobolev spaces on complete (possibly noncompact) Riemannian manifolds.
Sphingosine‐1‐phosphate activates LRRC8 volume‐regulated anion channels through Gβγ signalling
Authors: Kostritskaia Yulia , Pervaiz Sumaira , Klemmer Anna , Klüssendorf Malte , Stauber Tobias
Published: November 2024

Volume‐regulated anion channels (VRACs) formed by leucin‐rich repeat containing 8 (LRRC8) proteins play a pivotal role in regulatory volume decrease by mediating the release of chloride and organic osmolytes. Apart from the regulation of cell volume, LRRC8/VRAC function underlies numerous physiological processes in vertebrate cells including membrane potential regulation, glutamate release and apoptosis. LRRC8/VRACs are also permeable to antibiotics and anti‐cancer drugs, representing therefore important therapeutic targets. The activation mechanisms for LRRC8/VRACs are still unclear. Besides through osmotic cell swelling, LRRC8/VRACs can be activated by various stimuli under isovolumetric conditions. Sphingosine‐1‐phosphate (S1P), an important signalling lipid, which signals through a family of G protein‐coupled receptors (GPCRs), has been reported to activate LRRC8/VRACs in several cell lines. Here, we measured inter‐subunit Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) and used whole‐cell patch clamp electrophysiology to investigate S1P‐induced LRRC8/VRAC activation. We systematically assessed the involvement of GPCRs and G protein‐mediated signal transduction in channel activation. We found that S1P‐induced channel activation is mediated by S1PR1 in HeLa cells. Following the downstream signalling pathway of S1PR1 and using toxin‐mediated inhibition of the associated G proteins, we showed that Gβγ dimers rather than Gαi or Gαq play a critical role in S1P‐induced VRAC activation. We could also show that S1P causes protein kinase D (PKD) phosphorylation, suggesting that Gβγ recruits phospholipase Cβ (PLCβ) with the consequent PKD activation by diacylglycerol. Notably, S1P did not activate LRRC8/VRAC in HEK293 cells, but overexpression of Gβγ‐responsive PLCβ isoform could facilitate S1P‐induced LRRC8/VRAC currents. We thus identified S1PR1‐mediated Gβγ‐PLCβ signalling as a key mechanism underlying isosmotic LRRC8/VRAC activation.

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Key points

Leucin‐rich repeat containing 8 (LRRC8) anion/osmolyte channels are involved in multiple physiological processes where they can be activated as volume‐regulated anion channels (VRACs) by osmotic cell swelling or isovolumetric stimuli such as sphingosine‐1‐phosphate (S1P).

In the present study, using pharmacological modulation and gene‐depleted cells in patch clamp recording and optical monitoring of LRRC8 activity, we find that LRRC8/VRAC activation by S1P is mediated by the G protein‐coupled receptor S1PR1 coupled to G proteins of the Gi family.

The signal transduction to LRRC8/VRAC activation specifically involves phospholipase Cβ activation by βγ subunits of pertussis toxin‐insensitive heteromeric Gi proteins.

S1P‐mediated and hypotonicity‐induced LRRC8/VRAC activation pathways converge in protein kinase D activation.
Normal Electrolyte Flow Helps in Controlling Dendrite Growth in Zinc Metal Batteries
Authors: Parekh Mihir , Rahn Christopher D.
Published: November 2024

Zinc metal batteries are a widely considered alternative to lithium metal batteries that also suffer from dendrite growth. We explore the effect of creeping normal electrolyte flow on dendrite growth in zinc metal batteries using a transient model that predicts concentration distribution evolution and a linear stability analysis that predicts dendrite growth. Dendrite growth on zinc metal anodes can occur due to surface instabilities and/or concentration depletion. Creeping normal flow with a flow rate greater than the critical flow rate ensures stable plating and prevents ion depletion near the negative electrode, thus eliminating both causes of dendrite growth. Unlike lithium, increasing the flow rate does not necessarily reduce the electrostatic potential difference between the two electrodes, thus indicating the importance of ion diffusivity ratio in the electrolyte impedance.
Qigong Training Effects on Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor and Cognitive Functions in Sedentary Middle-Aged and Elderly Females With Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Singsanan Sanita , Luangpon Nongnuch , Kiatkulanusorn Sirirat , Boonsiri Patcharee , Burtscher Martin , Klarod Kultida
Published: November 2024

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) heightens dementia and cognitive decline risk, notably impacting working memory and executive functions. This study investigates the impact of 8 weeks of qigong training on cognitive functions, blood pressure, plasma brain-derived neurotrophic factor (pBDNF), antioxidant, and biochemical outcomes in sedentary middle-aged and elderly women with T2DM. Thirty-five sedentary middle-aged and elderly women with T2DM were assigned to qigong exercise (QG = 19) or control (CG = 16) groups. Qigong exercise group performed the qigong exercise three times per week, for 8 weeks. The cognitive functions and pBDNF as primary and secondary outcomes (blood pressure parameters, antioxidant, and blood cell indices) were measured at baseline and postexercise training. While cognitive performance did not change, there was a significant interaction (Group × Time), indicating reduced pBDNF levels postintervention in the qigong exercise group (p < .05). Both mean arterial blood and pulse pressure values decreased after qigong training (p < .05), but no significant interaction effects (Time × Group) were seen. There was a pulse pressure reduction after qigong training (p < .05), which was significantly correlated with the increase in longest digit span forward (r = −.34, p < .05). Antioxidant levels decreased from PRE to POST within both groups. This study demonstrated that 8 weeks of qigong training reduced pBDNF levels in sedentary middle-aged and elderly women with T2DM, which is unrelated to cognitive function improvements but possibly indicating a favorable response to exercise. Additionally, reduced blood and pulse pressure, potentially enhancing cognitive function by favorably impacting the autonomic nervous system by qigong training.
Living with breathlessness: quality improvement project to enhance staff confidence and patient self-management
Authors: Virani Farzana , Anderson Carrie , Corfield Rebecca , Heron Maria
Published: November 2024

Objectives

Breathlessness affects a significant proportion of patients in palliative care. This Quality Improvement Project aimed to develop a patient self-management resource, Living with Breathlessness, and to assess its impact on healthcare professionals’ confidence in non-pharmacological management of breathlessness.

Methods

Using a Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycle, a multi-professional team developed the resource based on staff suggestions. Pre-intervention and post-intervention surveys were used to measure healthcare professionals’ confidence

Results

The resource increased confidence scores from 7 to 9 out of 10, and 93% reported that it enhanced their ability to support patient self-management.

Conclusion

The project demonstrates the potential of self-management tools to improve healthcare professionals’ confidence, with potential implications for staff well-being and patient care. Further research is needed to assess long-term impacts.
Characteristics of the Albian Westgate Formation polygonal fault system
Authors: St-Onge Andre
Published: November 2024

Borehole logs and 3-D seismic data are used to determine the characteristics of a polygonal fault system (PFS) in the Albian Westgate Formation in western Saskatchewan and eastern Alberta. The basal Upper Cretaceous formation is a siliceous siltstone to mudstone deposited in the Western Interior Seaway beneath the Great Plains of North America. The faulted zone is layerbound within the ~80 m thick Westgate Formation at Swift Current, Saskatchewan. Most faulting occurs along grabens approximately 125 m wide and 10 m deep. The grabens are interconnected, have random strike directions, and lengths up to 800 m. The continuous depositional environment of the Westgate Formation enables timing and compacted sediment thickness estimates for the PFS initiation. The faults appear to have started in ~15 m or more of compacted sediment within the first 270,000 years of the 1.5 Myr Westgate Formation interval. Interpreting the seismic dataset and accompanying wellbore data has resulted in a simple model that enables PFS identification using only wellbore data. Wellbore data interpretations from Alberta and Saskatchewan show the PFS identified at Swift Current may range across a large area. The implications for an extensive PFS identification in the Lower Cretaceous Westgate Formation and homotaxially equivalent Mowry Shale across central North America are discussed.
Teleoperated Communication Robot: A Law Enforcement Perspective
Authors: Salehzadeh Roya , Bordbar Fareed , Fan Xiaoti , Korivand Soroush , Merritt Glen , Griffin Darrin J. , Cousin Christian , Jalili Nader
Published: November 2024

The goal of this article is to investigate the use of communication robots as tools to increase the safety of first responders (specifically, law enforcement officers (LEOs)) during social interactions or first-response situations. This article functions as the first stage of our investigation into communication robots for use by first responders. The LEOs in our study were provided with a mobile communication robot to determine if such robots could be of use in the public domain for the benefit of both civilians and LEOs. As part of our study, LEOs participated in training sessions where they worked with nonweaponized teleoperated communication robots and completed pretest-posttest surveys. The surveys captured LEOs’ perceptions and attitudes towards the robot and examined the impact of robot design features on LEOs’ acceptance of the communication robot. This article discusses the significance and potential use of communication robots as tools in the future of law enforcement. Our future works include conducting additional studies involving affected stakeholders (e.g., citizen communities) and assessing/mitigating any potential negative impact of communication robots.
A Comparative Study of Spectrophotometric Determination of Malathion With Ammonium Meta Vanadate and Potassium Bromate
Authors: Zibia J. Joselin , D. Rajkumar
Published: November 2024

Malathion is one of the commonly used pesticides in India which is toxic as per the World Health Organization. Its residue has been found in industrial effluent, water streams, and agricultural products. Various analytical methods such as gas chromatography, infrared spectroscopy, and thin‐layer chromatography were used for identifying the concentration of pesticides in aqueous phase. Though gas chromatography is one of the best available techniques in pesticide analysis, it involves higher cost. In this study, simple spectrophotometric methods for identifying the malathion in aqueous phase are experimented and compared using UV visible double beam spectrophotometer. Comparing these two methods will help us to select the most suitable method for specific analytical needs, considering factors such as accuracy, sensitivity, ease of use, and safety. This comparative analysis aids in choosing the best method for reliable and efficient determination of malathion. A regression analysis of Beers–Lambert plots showed a good correlation in the concentration range of 0.5–15 mg/L for the abovementioned two spectrophotometrical methods. The results showed that potassium bromate exhibits rapid, stable color complex and linearity in absorbance versus concentration study when compared with ammonium meta vanadate.
Relationship Between Mitochondrial Biological Function and Breast Cancer
Authors: Miao Shichen , Ni Qichao , Fang Jun
Published: November 2024

Objective: This study aims to investigate the potential causal link between mitochondrial function and breast cancer using the Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis.

Methods: The data used for this study were obtained from genomewide association studies (GWAS) databases on mitochondrial biological function and breast cancer. Mitochondrial function was considered the exposure variable, breast cancer the outcome variable, and specific single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were selected as instrumental variables (IVs). Two MR methods, inverse variance weighting (IVW) and MR‐Egger regression, were used to assess the causal association between mitochondrial function and breast cancer. Data analysis and visualization were performed using R software.

Results: The results of the analysis revealed that several genes, including 39S ribosomal protein L34, pyruvate carboxylase, rRNA methyltransferase 3, and cytochrome c oxidase assembly factor 3 homolog, are causally linked to an increased risk of breast cancer in European populations. In addition, cytochrome c oxidase subunit 8A and ADP‐ribose pyrophosphatase were found to be protective factors against breast cancer in European populations. In East Asian populations, 39S ribosomal protein L52, ATP synthase subunit beta, and pyruvate dehydrogenase (acetyl‐transferring) were identified as causal risk factors for breast cancer. Conversely, 39S ribosomal protein L32, ADP‐ribose pyrophosphatase, and cytochrome c oxidase subunit 8A were identified as protective factors against breast cancer in this population.

Conclusion: In conclusion, this study provides evidence of a causal relationship between mitochondrial function and breast cancer in both European and East Asian populations. Additional research is warranted to further elucidate the mechanisms underlying this association.
Fast Spectral Clustering via Efficient Multilayer Anchor Graph
Authors: Wei Yiwei , Niu Chao , Liu Dejun , Ren Peinan
Published: November 2024

Recent studies have shown that graph‐based clustering methods are good at processing hyperspectral images (HSIs), while falling short for large‐scale HSIs due to high time complexity. Meanwhile, the performance of these methods relies on the quality of the constructed graph with selected anchor points. More anchor points bring better clustering results for graph‐based methods. Time complexity, however, sees a considerable increase as the number of anchor points grows. Therefore, a method that can obtain efficient clustering accuracy and consumes less time is to be developed. Against this backdrop, a novel algorithm named fast spectral clustering via efficient multilayer anchor graph (FEMAG) is proposed to resolve the accuracy and time‐consuming trade‐off problem. First, FEMAG adopts superpixel principal component analysis (SuperPCA) to extract the low‐dimensional features of HSIs. Then, a multilayer anchor graph is constructed to improve the clustering performance. When constructing the similarity graph, FEMAG takes balanced K‐means‐based hierarchical K‐means (BKHK) to obtain outperforming anchor points efficiently. Extensive experiments validate that FEMAG achieves better clustering accuracy while taking less time compared to previous clustering methods.
Numerical Analysis of Therapeutic Effects by Varying Slot Numbers and Slot‐to‐Slot Distance in Microwave Ablation Using Multislot Coaxial Antenna
Authors: Kim Donghyuk , Kim Hyunjung
Published: November 2024

Microwave ablation (MWA) is based on the energy absorbed by biological tissue through microwave emission, which raises the temperature of the tumor to perform the treatment. MWA has the advantage of causing minimal bleeding and treating deep tumors. In this study, MWA for various slot design situations in a microwave coaxial antenna (MCA) was simulated through numerical analysis. For the slot design, the number of slots and the distance between slots were determined by the analysis parameters. A tumor developed inside the liver tissue was implemented, and the temperature distribution of the tumor and surrounding liver tissue was calculated for all cases selected for numerical analysis. The Helmholtz electromagnetic equation was used to calculate the electromagnetic field inside the tissue, and the modified Pennes bioheat equation was used to calculate the temperature change in the tissue due to the emitted microwave. Treatment effects were quantitatively analyzed for each slot design condition through an apoptotic variable based on the calculated temperature distribution. Lastly, conditions that produce optimal treatment effects were derived depending on the number of slots. The analysis showed that as the distance between the slots increased from 0.5 to 3.5 mm, the optimal treatment effect was obtained when the number of slots was 4, 3, 3, and 2, respectively, and the microwave input power at that time was 3.0, 2.8, 2.6, and 3.0 W, respectively. This is expected to allow for more rigorous and more therapeutically effective MWA.
Supplementary Table S4 from Durvalumab ± Tremelimumab + Platinum-Etoposide in Extensive-Stage Small Cell Lung Cancer (CASPIAN): Outcomes by PD-L1 Expression and Tissue Tumor Mutational Burden
Authors: Paz-Ares Luis , Garassino Marina Chiara , Chen Yuanbin , Reinmuth Niels , Hotta Katsuyuki , Poltoratskiy Artem , Trukhin Dmytro , Hochmair Maximilian J. , Özgüroğlu Mustafa , Ji Jun Ho , Statsenko Galina , Conev Nikolay , Bondarenko Igor , Havel Libor , Losonczy György , Xie Mingchao , Lai Zhongwu , Godin-Heymann Nadia , Mann Helen , Jiang Haiyi , Shrestha Yashaswi , Goldman Jonathan W.
Published: November 2024

Treatment exposure by PD-L1 subgroup (PD-L1 safety population).
Supplementary Table S3 from Durvalumab ± Tremelimumab + Platinum-Etoposide in Extensive-Stage Small Cell Lung Cancer (CASPIAN): Outcomes by PD-L1 Expression and Tissue Tumor Mutational Burden
Authors: Paz-Ares Luis , Garassino Marina Chiara , Chen Yuanbin , Reinmuth Niels , Hotta Katsuyuki , Poltoratskiy Artem , Trukhin Dmytro , Hochmair Maximilian J. , Özgüroğlu Mustafa , Ji Jun Ho , Statsenko Galina , Conev Nikolay , Bondarenko Igor , Havel Libor , Losonczy György , Xie Mingchao , Lai Zhongwu , Godin-Heymann Nadia , Mann Helen , Jiang Haiyi , Shrestha Yashaswi , Goldman Jonathan W.
Published: November 2024

Summary of adverse events of any cause in the PD-L1, tTMB, and overall safety populations.
Supplementary Figure S8 from Durvalumab ± Tremelimumab + Platinum-Etoposide in Extensive-Stage Small Cell Lung Cancer (CASPIAN): Outcomes by PD-L1 Expression and Tissue Tumor Mutational Burden
Authors: Paz-Ares Luis , Garassino Marina Chiara , Chen Yuanbin , Reinmuth Niels , Hotta Katsuyuki , Poltoratskiy Artem , Trukhin Dmytro , Hochmair Maximilian J. , Özgüroğlu Mustafa , Ji Jun Ho , Statsenko Galina , Conev Nikolay , Bondarenko Igor , Havel Libor , Losonczy György , Xie Mingchao , Lai Zhongwu , Godin-Heymann Nadia , Mann Helen , Jiang Haiyi , Shrestha Yashaswi , Goldman Jonathan W.
Published: November 2024

Prevalence of PD-L1 expression on TC and IC in the PD-L1 BEP. *Includes patients whose tumors had <1% PD-L1 expression on TCs or ICs, but not absolute zero.
Supplementary Figure S3 from Durvalumab ± Tremelimumab + Platinum-Etoposide in Extensive-Stage Small Cell Lung Cancer (CASPIAN): Outcomes by PD-L1 Expression and Tissue Tumor Mutational Burden
Authors: Paz-Ares Luis , Garassino Marina Chiara , Chen Yuanbin , Reinmuth Niels , Hotta Katsuyuki , Poltoratskiy Artem , Trukhin Dmytro , Hochmair Maximilian J. , Özgüroğlu Mustafa , Ji Jun Ho , Statsenko Galina , Conev Nikolay , Bondarenko Igor , Havel Libor , Losonczy György , Xie Mingchao , Lai Zhongwu , Godin-Heymann Nadia , Mann Helen , Jiang Haiyi , Shrestha Yashaswi , Goldman Jonathan W.
Published: November 2024

Subgroup analysis of PFS by PD-L1 TC and IC expression for (A) durvalumab plus EP versus EP and (B) durvalumab plus tremelimumab plus EP versus EP. In each panel, the shaded band shows the confidence interval for the ITT population; circle sizes are proportional to the number of events.
Figure S5 from Intraoperative Guidance of Pancreatic Cancer Resection Using a Toll-like Receptor 2–Targeted Fluorescence Molecular Imaging Agent
Authors: Huynh Amanda S. , Cohen Allison S. , Doligalski Michael , Casagni Todd J. , Moberg Valerie E. , Huang Xuan , Morse Jennifer , Abrahams Dominique , Lloyd Mark C. , Centeno Barbara A. , Baldwin Margaret K. , McLaughlin Mark L. , Vagner Josef , Morse David L.
Published: November 2024

Ex vivo biodistribution of 100 nmol/kg TLR2L-800 in mice bearing subcutaneous TLR2+ (SU.86.86) pancreatic tumor xenografts on the right flank.
Figure 6 from Intraoperative Guidance of Pancreatic Cancer Resection Using a Toll-like Receptor 2–Targeted Fluorescence Molecular Imaging Agent
Authors: Huynh Amanda S. , Cohen Allison S. , Doligalski Michael , Casagni Todd J. , Moberg Valerie E. , Huang Xuan , Morse Jennifer , Abrahams Dominique , Lloyd Mark C. , Centeno Barbara A. , Baldwin Margaret K. , McLaughlin Mark L. , Vagner Josef , Morse David L.
Published: November 2024

Kaplan–Meier analysis of the time to endpoint for animals in each grouping. The overall 35% survival rate for the FGS group is significantly higher than that of the VLS group (P value = 0.0018).
Figure 2 from Intraoperative Guidance of Pancreatic Cancer Resection Using a Toll-like Receptor 2–Targeted Fluorescence Molecular Imaging Agent
Authors: Huynh Amanda S. , Cohen Allison S. , Doligalski Michael , Casagni Todd J. , Moberg Valerie E. , Huang Xuan , Morse Jennifer , Abrahams Dominique , Lloyd Mark C. , Centeno Barbara A. , Baldwin Margaret K. , McLaughlin Mark L. , Vagner Josef , Morse David L.
Published: November 2024

In vivo pharmacokinetics of 100 nmol/kg TLR2L-800 in mice bearing subcutaneous TLR2+ (SU.86.86) pancreatic tumor xenografts on the right flank. A, The uptake of TLR2L-800 was observed in the tumor (yellow arrow), kidneys (white arrows), and surrounding tissue in representative in vivo fluorescence images acquired from 0 to 24 hours. For confirmation of in vivo TLR2L-800 uptake, tumor and kidneys were also imaged ex vivo at 24 hours. Graphs show the in vivo clearance profiles for (B) tumor, which exhibited a two-phase exponential decay linefit, whereas clearance from the (C) tissue and (D) kidney was best fitted by a one-phase exponential decay equation (n = 9). Note: refer to Table 1 for statistical data of the in vivo clearance profile graphs.
Supplementary Figure S5 from Spatial Multiomics Reveals Intratumoral Immune Heterogeneity with Distinct Cytokine Networks in Lung Cancer Brain Metastases
Authors: Christensson Gustav , Bocci Matteo , Kazi Julhash U. , Durand Geoffroy , Lanzing Gustav , Pietras Kristian , Gonzalez Velozo Hugo , Hagerling Catharina
Published: November 2024

S5. Comprehensive cell counts from the multiplex immunohistochemistry analysis.
Supplementary Figure S1 from Spatial Multiomics Reveals Intratumoral Immune Heterogeneity with Distinct Cytokine Networks in Lung Cancer Brain Metastases
Authors: Christensson Gustav , Bocci Matteo , Kazi Julhash U. , Durand Geoffroy , Lanzing Gustav , Pietras Kristian , Gonzalez Velozo Hugo , Hagerling Catharina
Published: November 2024

S1. Prognostic Effect of CD45+ Infiltration in Lung Cancer Brain Metastases.
Figure 1 from Spatial Multiomics Reveals Intratumoral Immune Heterogeneity with Distinct Cytokine Networks in Lung Cancer Brain Metastases
Authors: Christensson Gustav , Bocci Matteo , Kazi Julhash U. , Durand Geoffroy , Lanzing Gustav , Pietras Kristian , Gonzalez Velozo Hugo , Hagerling Catharina
Published: November 2024

Immune landscape in lung cancer brain metastases. A, Schematic illustration of the sampling. B, IHC staining of lung cancer brain metastasis with anti-CD45 antibody. C, Distribution of percentage of CD45+ cells for the lung cancer brain metastasis samples. D, Kaplan–Meier curve of OS from the moment of brain metastasis diagnosis for the lung cancer brain metastasis cohort, split into two groups by the 25th percentile of CD45+ infiltration. P value calculated according to the log-rank test. E, Patient characteristics for the four lung cancer patients with brain metastases. F, Micrograph sample from the NanoString GeoMx Digital Spatial Profiler depicting ROIs marked for mRNA collection. G, Number of ROIs per ROI type and patient in the GeoMx dataset after quality control. H, Estimated cell proportions in the I ROIs according to the spatial deconvolution result. The I ROIs have been clustered into five immune signatures. I, Location of patient 24’s I ROIs on their source microscope slide. BrM, brain metastasis.
Data from Intraoperative Guidance of Pancreatic Cancer Resection Using a Toll-like Receptor 2–Targeted Fluorescence Molecular Imaging Agent
Authors: Huynh Amanda S. , Cohen Allison S. , Doligalski Michael , Casagni Todd J. , Moberg Valerie E. , Huang Xuan , Morse Jennifer , Abrahams Dominique , Lloyd Mark C. , Centeno Barbara A. , Baldwin Margaret K. , McLaughlin Mark L. , Vagner Josef , Morse David L.
Published: November 2024

Abstract
To increase the achievement of negative R0 surgical margins and increase the low survival rates of pancreatic cancer, improvements in assessing tumor margins during surgical resections are needed. This can be accomplished by using pancreatic cancer–targeted fluorescence molecular imaging agents to intraoperatively detect tumor margins in real time. Because Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) is broadly expressed among many cancer types including pancreatic adenocarcinomas, a high-affinity TLR2-targeted fluorescence molecular imaging agent (TLR2L-800) was developed. We investigate the potential for increased survival by employing real-time intraoperative tumor detection in a preclinical orthotopic human pancreatic xenograft tumor model using TLR2L-800. Three cohorts of nude mice bearing orthotopic human pancreatic xenograft tumors were intravenously injected with TLR2L-800. At 24 hours postinjection, one cohort underwent in vivo fluorescence-guided surgical removal of tumors using a real-time fluorescence imaging platform, a second cohort underwent visible light surgery (VLS), and a third cohort did not undergo surgery. A fourth, nontumor-bearing cohort was administered TLR2L-800 with no surgery. At 41 days postsurgery, the survival rates were 53% for the fluorescence-guided surgery (FGS) group and 0% for both the VLS and the tumor-bearing no-surgery group. The overall 200-day survival rate of 35% for the FGS group was significant compared with 0% for the VLS group (P value = 0.0018). This study demonstrates the potential of increasing disease-free survival for patients with pancreatic cancer by increasing the attainment of R0 margins using a novel tumor-targeted lipopeptide ligand-based fluorescence molecular imaging agent, TLR2L-800, during real-time FGS.
Significance:
Human TLR2 is broadly expressed among pancreatic adenocarcinomas, and the highly specific TLR2L-800 fluorescence molecular imaging agent has potential for use in fluorescence-guided surgery to increase R0 margins and improve patient survival.
A Protocol for a Systematic Review of Qualitative Studies Exploring the Perception of Unmet Needs by Informal Caregivers of Older People in Portugal
Authors: da Silva Rita Lopes , Jesus Maria Ana Rita , Rodrigues David Silvérico , Heleno Bruno
Published: November 2024

Background: The number of informal caregivers continues to rise worldwide. In Portugal, 10% of the population are informal caregivers and recent studies suggest that current government policies may not adequately support this population. This review aimed to find and synthesize relevant research on perceptions of unmet needs of informal caregivers of older people in Portugal. Methods/Design: A qualitative synthesis approach will be used. Electronic searches will be conducted on PubMed, EMBASE, PsycINFO, Web of Science, Academic Search Complete, and CINAHL. Gray literature will be searched through Portuguese databases and contact with researchers and patient organizations. Qualitative studies that evaluated Portuguese caregivers’ perceptions of unmet needs will be eligible. We will restrict to papers written in Spanish, English, or Portuguese and no date limitations will be applied. Data will be synthesized, and quality assessment will be done using CASP tool for qualitative research. PROSPERO registration number ID: CRD42022334859. Discussion: Findings from this future systematic review may lead to a better understanding of informal caregiving of older people in Portugal and may lead to the development of new policies and recommendations.
Memória e disputa em torno do legado de Marielle Franco: a(s) placa(s) como lugar de memória
Authors: Sousa Ingrid Rocha de , Silva Kíria Samanta da
Published: November 2024

O homicídio que vitimou Marielle Franco e Anderson Gomes, em 2018, ocupa ainda destaque na história política recente do Brasil. Ainda sem solução o crime, não obstante passados já 5 (cinco) anos do ocorrido, ganhou corpo o movimento de nomeação informal de diversas ruas e praças com o nome da vereadora assassinada, o que despertou debates animosos nos mais diversos espaços. Desta sorte, o presente trabalho investiga, pois, se a afixação de tais placas em homenagem a Marielle Franco acaba por se tornar um “lugar de memória”, conforme conceituado por Pierre Nora (1993). Questiona-se se toda a disputa em torno das placas, bem assim a identificação de grupos políticos, movimentos sociais e minorias com o legado da vereadora, autorizaria classificar as “placas” como tal. Para tanto, em sede de metodologia, a pesquisa lançou mão de abordagem qualitativa, por meio de revisão de literatura, além da coleta de manifestações, reportagens, depoimentos, postagens nas redes sociais digitais, além de sessões de comentários em portais de notícias e no site oficial em homenagem à vereadora, o “institutomariellefranco.org”. Como conclusões, compreendeu-se que o esforço empreendido por ambos os lados em torno da trajetória de vida, de luta e da própria morte da Vereadora como empreendimentos de memória, ora lançando mão do lugar de memória em que consistiu e consiste a placa de homenagem, ora ocupando na forma de discurso ou narrativa, seja em defesa das mesmas bandeiras de Marielle, seja tentando esmaecer seu legado.
O Socialismo Africano: a ruptura sino-soviética e a questão nacional
Authors: Larrosa Luiz Eduardo
Published: November 2024

O presente artigo tratará da diversidade de projetos socialistas operantes na África no século XX e em seus embates, mais detidamente na tentativa de demonstrar os desacordos entre os projetos encabeçados por China e União Soviética no continente. Estas discrepâncias são analisadas a luz do contexto do comunismo internacional e de suas transformações após a Terceira Internacional e o rompimento sino-soviético, demonstrando o fim da hegemonia soviética no comando da revolução internacional, além da análise da influência destas determinações no processo de descolonização do continente africano e as contradições de um projeto de socialismo mundial com a questão nacional dos nascentes países africanos independentes no fim do século XX. Por fim, compreendendo a tentativa de se realizar um socialismo efetivamente africano, que mesmo balizado pelas máximas das experiências anteriores do socialismo real ainda enfrentou os desafios de suas realidades domésticas.