bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Low compliance and proliferation of IQOS purchase cues at points-of-sale: a comparative study before and after Israel’s display ban
Authors: Bar-Zeev Yael , Berg Carla J , Khayat Amal , Abroms Lorien C , Wang Yan , Duan Zongshuan , LoParco Cassidy R , Cui Yuxian , Elbaz Daniel , Levine Hagai
Published: June 2024

Introduction

It is unclear how tobacco companies respond to increasing restrictions on points-of-sale (POS) (eg, advertisement ban, display ban), especially regarding newer products, such as IQOS, a heated tobacco product. This study compared POS marketing strategies for IQOS (and HEETS tobacco sticks) before and after Israel implemented a display ban and plain packaging.

Methods

Audits of stores selling IQOS (n=87) in four Israeli cities were conducted, 16–20 months post display ban and plain packaging introduction, including previously audited stores (n=60) (prior to the implementation of these measures). Descriptive analyses and matched pre–post comparisons were conducted to assess regulatory compliance and marketing strategies over time.

Results

Almost all stores (90.8%) were non-compliant with the display ban; but most were compliant with plain packaging (81.6%) and advertisement ban (83.5%) regulations. Following the display ban, there was a significant increase in the number of IQOS/HEETS internal advertisements (21.7% vs 41.7%, p=0.023). These were mostly compliant with the advertisement ban (ie, did not mention the brand name explicitly), and appeared in the form of generic signs or flags and/or special displays. The percentage of stores featuring the IQOS device increased (1.7% to 20.0%, p=0.003), as did the percentage carrying at least four HEETS flavours (36.7% to 63.3%, p=0.006).

Conclusion

This sample of Israeli stores selling IQOS showed low compliance with the display ban. The increase in signs/special displays, mostly compliant with the advertisement ban, could serve as purchase cues circumventing the intent of the legislation. Regulatory efforts should consider more specific legislative language and comprehensive enforcement plans.
The Ottawa River Gneiss Complex revisited: definition of the metamorphic core and detachment zone of a large Grenvillian metamorphic core complex
Authors: Rivers Toby , Schwerdtner W.M.
Published: June 2024

Using new and published data, we synthesize the tectonic evolution of the Ottawa River Gneiss Complex (ORGC), the metamorphic core and detachment zone of a large mid- to late-Ottawan metamorphic core complex in the western Grenville Province. Field and petrologic data indicative of retrogression and exhumation, combined with maps and schematic crustal-scale sections, are used to document spatial and temporal relationships of multi-scale structures developed during its formation, of which the largest, termed mega-cross-folds and megaboudins, occur within and define the detachment zone. Mega-cross-folds, orogen-normal structures up to 70 km in length with coaxial constrictional fabrics in their hinge-lines, formed in a single phase of deformation during retrogression and exhumation. A cluster of asymmetric megaboudins, individually from 10–50 km long with granulite-facies cores and high-strain amphibolite-facies rims, similarly formed during syntectonic retrogression and exhumation of granulite-facies precursors. We argue the mega-cross-folds developed in a regime of regional transtension, whereas the megaboudin cluster formed by extensional inversion of an anastomosing early-Ottawan thrust system, with the strain patterns of both suggesting the detachment zone was the site of intense ductile flow between the stronger metamorphic core and cover. Comparison of these results with generic numerical models of extensional collapse of overthickened continental crust suggests the first-order tectonometamorphic features of the ORGC developed during necking of the upper crust and associated large-scale extensional flow of the mid and lower crust into the domiform necked region during collapse of the early-Ottawan thrust stack.
Specific binding sites on Rhesus rotavirus capsid protein dictate the method of endocytosis inducing the murine model of biliary atresia
Authors: Temple Haley , Donnelly Bryan , Mohanty Sujit K. , Mowery Sarah , Poling Holly M. , Pasula Rajamouli , Hartman Stephen , Singh Akaljot , Mourya Reena , Bondoc Alexander , Meller Jaroslaw , Jegga Anil G. , Oyama Kei , McNeal Monica , Spearman Paul , Tiao Greg
Published: June 2024

In this study, we have determined that the presence of the “SRL” peptide on RRV alters its method of endocytosis and intracellular trafficking through viral binding to heat shock cognate 70 protein. This initiates an inflammatory pathway that stimulates the release of cytokines associated with biliary damage and obstruction.
Targeted stereology: sampling heterogeneously distributed structures and lesions in the lung
Authors: Mühlfeld Christian , Schipke Julia , Labode Jonas , Ochs Matthias
Published: June 2024

Stereology, the gold standard of lung morphometry, critically depends on sampling of tissue for analysis. Random sampling approaches guarantee each part of the organ an equal chance of being included in the analysis; hence, they guarantee a representative sample of the whole. However, when biological or pathological structures of interest are rare and/or heterogeneously distributed over the whole lung, the random sampling approach can be inefficient or even result in meaningless data. In such cases, a targeted sampling approach can be useful, which helps to relate the analytical items to an appropriate reference space. Targeted stereology greatly benefits from the increasing availability of multiresolution imaging techniques at macroscopic and microscopic levels as well as digital tools of segmentation. As such, this article outlines two basic sampling scenarios: 1) In the first scenario, computed tomography and microscopy are subsequently used to segment the airway/arterial tree and perform stereological measurements on specific branches of the tree. 2) The second scenario deals with the heterogeneous distribution of pathological lesions. This type of analysis can be divided into two stages: assessment of lesions of interest (LOIs) within the lung and assessment of subcompartments within LOIs. Taken together, targeted stereology has a thorough foundation in stereological theory and is able to not only significantly increase the efficiency of the analysis but also yield new types of information that would be lost with the classical random sampling approach.
Nonviral Production of Human Interleukin‐7 in Spodoptera Frugiperda Insect Cells as a Soluble Recombinant Protein
Authors: Mirzaei Maryam , Xu Yan , Elias Cynthia B. , Prakash Satya
Published: June 2024

Human interleukin‐7 (hIL‐7) is a cytokine secreted by the stromal cells of the red marrow. It is important for proliferation during certain stages of B‐cell maturation and for T and NK cell survival, development, and homeostasis. It is a critical growth factor for enhancement and recovery of the immune T‐cell. Because of its strong immunomodulatory effects, hIL‐7 may become a valuable supplementary agent for immunotherapeutical treatments in patients with HIV infection or immunodeficiency. Human IL‐7 has previously been produced in various protein expression systems. In this paper, we present an alternative expression system, in Spodoptera frugiperda cells, for the production of hIL‐7 using nonlytic vector systems. This system allows generation of correctly translated and accurately processed heterologous proteins as soluble recombinant proteins. Here we report plasmid construction, transfection, and consequent expression of hIL‐7 using this nonlytic insect cell expression system. The levels of secreted hIL‐7 in a small scale experiment reached a level of 1.7 μg·1−1 under serum‐free cell culture conditions.
Carrier Frequency Offsets Problem in DCT‐SC‐FDMA System: Investigation and Compensation
Authors: Al-kamali Faisal S. , Dessouky Moawad I. , Sallam Bassiouny M. , Shawki Farid , Abd El-Samie Fathi E.
Published: June 2024

The Single‐Carrier Frequency Division Multiple Access (SC‐FDMA) system is a well‐known system, which has recently become a preferred choice for uplink channels. In this system, the Carrier Frequency Offsets (CFOs) disrupt the orthogonality between subcarriers and give rise to Intercarrier Interference (ICI), and Multiple Access Interference (MAI) among users. In this paper, the impact of the CFOs on the performance of the Discrete Cosine Transform (DCT) SC‐FDMA (DCT‐SC‐FDMA) system is investigated. Then, a new low‐complexity joint equalization and CFOs compensation scheme is proposed to cancel the interference in frequency domain. The Minimum Mean Square Error (MMSE) equalizer is utilized in the proposed scheme. A hybrid scheme comprising MMSE equalization, CFOs compensation, and Parallel Interference Cancellation (PIC) is also suggested and investigated for further enhancement of the performance of the DCT‐SC‐FDMA system with interleaved subcarriers assignment. For simplicity, this scheme will be referred to as the MMSE+PIC scheme. From the obtained simulation results, it is found that the proposed schemes are able to enhance the system performance, even in the presence of the estimation errors.
PMC‐Based Waveguide‐Fed Slot Array
Authors: Jafargholi Amir , Kamyab Manouchehr , Veysi Mehdi
Published: June 2024

Perfect magnetic conductors (PMCs) can help in the enhancement of antenna impedance bandwidth using their capability of reflecting the incident waves without phase reversal. The purpose of this paper is to show the advantages of using a perfect magnetic conductor in antenna engineering. The goal is to use it in waveguide‐fed slot array antennas, increasing both the antenna impedance and radiation bandwidths. To this aim, a PMC‐based rectangular waveguide composed of longitudinal slots is convenient. The impedance of the proposed array structure is calculated analytically. To compare analytical results with the simulation results, PEC‐ and PMC‐based waveguide‐fed slot arrays are designed and simulated in a certain frequency band. The simulation results are in good agreement with the theoretical predictions.
Serine Depletion Promotes Antitumor Immunity by Activating Mitochondrial DNA-Mediated cGAS-STING Signaling
Authors: Saha Suchandrima , Ghosh Monisankar , Li Jinyu , Wen Asher , Galluzzi Lorenzo , Martinez Luis A. , Montrose David C.
Published: June 2024

Serine is critical for supporting cancer metabolism, and depriving malignant cells of this nonessential amino acid exerts antineoplastic effects, in large part, through disrupting metabolic pathways. Given the intricate relationship between cancer metabolism and the immune system, the metabolic defects imposed by serine deprivation might impact tumor-targeting immunity. In this study, we demonstrated that restricting endogenous and exogenous sources of serine in colorectal cancer cells results in mitochondrial dysfunction, leading to mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) accumulation in the cytosol and consequent cGAS-STING1-driven type I IFN secretion. Depleting mtDNA or blocking its release attenuated cGAS-STING1 activation during serine deprivation. In vivo studies revealed that serine deprivation limits tumor growth, accompanied by enhanced type I IFN signaling and intratumoral infiltration of immune effector cells. Notably, the tumor-suppressive and immune-enhancing effects of serine restriction were impaired by T-cell depletion and IFN receptor blockade. Moreover, disrupting cGAS-STING1 signaling in colorectal cancer cells limited the immunostimulatory and tumor-suppressive effects of serine deprivation. Lastly, serine depletion increased the sensitivity of tumors to an immune checkpoint inhibitor targeting PD-1. Taken together, these findings reveal a role for serine as a suppressor of antitumor immunity, suggesting that serine deprivation may be employed to enhance tumor immunogenicity and improve responsiveness to immune checkpoint inhibitors.

Significance: Depriving cancer cells of serine provokes mitochondrial perturbations that induce cytosolic mitochondrial DNA accumulation and subsequent activation of cGAS-STING signaling, stimulating tumor-targeting immune responses that can be enhanced with PD-1 targeted therapy.

See related commentary by Borges and Garg, p. 2569
Comprehensive Proteogenomic Profiling Reveals the Molecular Characteristics of Colorectal Cancer at Distinct Stages of Progression
Authors: Li Lingling , Jiang Dongxian , Liu Hui , Guo Chunmei , Zhang Qiao , Li Xuedong , Chen Xiaojian , Chen Zheqi , Feng Jinwen , Tan Subei , Huang Wen , Huang Jie , Xu Chen , Liu Chen-Ying , Yu Wei , Hou Yingyong , Ding Chen
Published: June 2024

Colorectal cancer is the second most common malignant tumor worldwide. Analysis of the changes that occur during colorectal cancer progression could provide insights into the molecular mechanisms driving colorectal cancer development and identify improved treatment strategies. In this study, we performed an integrated multiomic analysis of 435 trace tumor samples from 148 patients with colorectal cancer, covering nontumor, intraepithelial neoplasia (IEN), infiltration, and advanced stage colorectal cancer phases. Proteogenomic analyses demonstrated that KRAS and BRAF mutations were mutually exclusive and elevated oxidative phosphorylation in the IEN phase. Chr17q loss and chr20q gain were also mutually exclusive, which occurred predominantly in the IEN and infiltration phases, respectively, and impacted the cell cycle. Mutations in TP53 were frequent in the advanced stage colorectal cancer phase and associated with the tumor microenvironment, including increased extracellular matrix rigidity and stromal infiltration. Analysis of the profiles of colorectal cancer based on consensus molecular subtype and colorectal cancer intrinsic subtype classifications revealed the progression paths of each subtype and indicated that microsatellite instability was associated with specific subtype classifications. Additional comparison of molecular characteristics of colorectal cancer based on location showed that ANKRD22 amplification by chr10q23.31 gain enhanced glycolysis in the right-sided colorectal cancer. The AOM/DSS-induced colorectal cancer carcinogenesis mouse model indicated that DDX5 deletion due to chr17q loss promoted colorectal cancer development, consistent with the findings from the patient samples. Collectively, this study provides an informative resource for understanding the driving events of different stages of colorectal cancer and identifying the potential therapeutic targets.

Significance: Characterization of the proteogenomic landscape of colorectal cancer during progression provides a multiomic map detailing the alterations in each stage of carcinogenesis and suggesting potential diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for patients.
Optimizing ATR Inhibition and Cisplatin Synergy in Ewing Sarcoma
Authors: Ohmura Shunya , Grünewald Thomas G. P.
Published: June 2024

EWSR1::FLI1-mediated dysregulation of cellular machinery opens up potential new avenues for Ewing sarcoma treatment. A recent study demonstrates that pharmacologic ATR kinase inhibition dramatically synergizes with low-dose cisplatin through EWSR1::FLI1-dependent rewiring of transcription, DNA repair, and translation machinery, which could maximize the therapeutic window of the combinatory therapy.

See related article by Jess et al., p. 3533
Supplementary Figure 6 from FOXO1 Inhibition Generates Potent Nonactivated CAR T Cells against Solid Tumors
Authors: Marchais Maude , Simula Luca , Phayanouvong Mélanie , Mami-Chouaib Fathia , Bismuth Georges , Decroocq Justine , Bouscary Didier , Dutrieux Jacques , Mangeney Marianne
Published: June 2024

CAR expression in non-activated cells after culture in presence of cytokines.
Comorbidity and Medication Trends in Chronic Kidney Disease and Incident Atrial Fibrillation: A Nationwide Cohort Study
Authors: Jyrkilä Heini , Kaartinen Kati , Martola Leena , Halminen Olli , Haukka Jari , Linna Miika , Mustonen Pirjo , Putaala Jukka , Teppo Konsta , Kinnunen Janne , Hartikainen Juha , Airaksinen K.E. Juhani , Lehto Mika
Published: June 2024

Introduction: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is associated with an increased incidence of atrial fibrillation (AF). Also, patients with AF are prone to adverse kidney outcomes. We examined comorbidities and medication use in patients with CKD and incident AF. Methods: The Finnish AntiCoagulation in Atrial Fibrillation (FinACAF) is a nationwide retrospective register-linkage study including data from 168,233 patients with incident AF from 2007 to 2018, with laboratory data from 2010 onwards. Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was available for 124,936 patients. The cohort was divided into 5 CKD stages with separate groups for dialysis and kidney transplantation. Results: At AF diagnosis eGFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m2 was found in 27%, while 318 (0.3%) patients were on dialysis, and 188 (0.2%) had a functioning kidney transplant. Lowering eGFR yielded more comorbidities and medications. During 2010–2018 in patients with eGFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m2 prevalence of hypertension, dyslipidaemia, and diabetes increased from 82 to 88%, from 50 to 66% and from 25 to 33%, respectively (<0.001). Throughout the observation period, lipid-lowering medication was underused. Conclusion: More than one-fourth of patients with incident AF also had CKD stage 3–5 (eGFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m2). Both comorbidities and medication use increased with worsening kidney function. Prevalence of major cardiovascular (CV) risk factors increased during 2010–2018, but the use of survival-affecting medications, such as lipid-lowering medication, was suboptimal at all stages of CKD. More attention should be given to the optimal treatment of risk factors in this high CV risk population.
At Home “Tips” for Headache Management: The Use of Self-Trendelenburg to Help Determine the Cause of Worsening Headaches: A Case Series
Authors: Rozen Todd D.
Published: June 2024

In office use of the Trendelenburg position has been shown to be a beneficial clinical tool to help decipher if a CSF pressure/volume component is part of the underlying etiologic process for a patient’s persistent headache. Utilizing the Trendelenburg position at home could potentially be an additional diagnostic tool for the treating headache physician. Our headache practice has been using at home self-Trendelenburg for the past two years and will present the clinical scenarios in which it seems to be the most helpful utilizing a case series of patients.
These include:
1. In those who just had a lumbar puncture and call for worsening headaches and do not have an obvious orthostatic component.
2. In those who had a spinal epidural blood patch for a presumed CSF leak and state there was no improvement.
3. In those who are on daily preventive CSF volume lowering medications and call in with worsening headaches.
4. In those with known CSF pressure dependent headaches high or low but who are not on daily preventive CSF volume modulatory medications.
5. In those with a history of migraine or other primary headache disorder to see if a new type of headache is possibly from a CSF leak or an abnormal reset of CSF pressure to an elevated state.
6. In those with triggered only headaches like cough or exertional headache.
Utilizing at home self-Trendelenburg can provide valuable information for the treating headache physician on possible underlying headache etiology and can guide specific treatment strategies. Its simplicity and quick declaration of results is very patient pleasing.
A Novel Method to Localize Patency Capsule by Ileocolonoscopy Facilitates Endoscopic Assessment of the Small and Large Intestine in Patients with Crohn’s Disease
Authors: Sonoda Akira , Mizukami Kazuhiro , Okano Soh , Nishiguchi Takanori , Yamazaki Dai , Horie Yoshimasa , Tateishi Tsubasa , Saito Yuichi , Hirose Yuki , Sano Hirohito , Saito Satoshi , Takazoe Masakazu , Iwamoto Shiho , Sako Minako , Fukata Masayuki
Published: June 2024

Introduction: Patients with Crohn’s disease (CD) require an assessment of small bowel lesions, while difficulties exist in performing small intestinal examinations, especially in small-sized medical offices. Small bowel capsule endoscopy (SBCE) is handy and can be performed in most clinical settings. The only drawback of SBCE is a requirement of patency testing prior to the exam because it sometimes requires CT scanning to localize the ingested patency capsule (PC), which may be a substantial burden for the patient. We have developed a novel PC detection system named PICS (patency capsule, ileocolonoscopy, and small bowel capsule endoscopy) method by which we can avoid CT scanning. In the PICS method, ileocolonoscopy (ICS) is performed after 30–33 h of PC ingestion and the PC can be localized by ICS in patients who have not excreted the PC, and the entire intestine can be examined in combination with subsequent SBCE without additional bowel preparation. The aim of this study was to assess the usefulness and safety of the PICS method for CD patients. Methods: CD patients who underwent PICS method from April 2021 to March 2023 were reviewed for clinical data, outcome of PICS method including the rates of PC detection by ICS, the number of patients underwent SBCE, and adverse events. Lewis score was used to assess SBCE results. Results: The PICS method was performed in 54 patients. The median age of patients was 28.5 years old, and 64.8% of them were ileocolic type. The median disease duration was 10.5 months and 24.1% had history of small bowel resection. Five cases (9.3%) confirmed gastrointestinal patency by ICS, and none of the cases required CT scanning. One patient who could not be confirmed patency by ICS, and the other patient who excreted PC but was found ileal stenosis by ICS did not undergo SBCE. Remaining 52 patients received SBCE, and the median Lewis score of them was 0 (IQR 0, 450). There were no adverse events including small bowel obstruction by PC and SBCE retention in this series. Conclusion: The PICS method is not only feasible and safe but also convenient to assess disease extent in patients with CD. By localizing PC with ICS, additional CT scanning could be unnecessary for SBCE, which benefits both physicians and CD patients.
Clustering of uninhabitable houses using the optimized apriori algorithm
Authors: Al-Khowarizmi Al-Khowarizmi , Nasution Marah Doly , Sary Yoshida , Bela Bela
Published: June 2024

Clustering is one of the roles in data mining which is very popularly used for data problems in solving everyday problems. Various algorithms and methods can support clustering such as Apriori. The Apriori algorithm is an algorithm that applies unsupervised learning in completing association and clustering tasks so that the Apriori algorithm is able to complete clustering analysis in Uninhabitable Houses and gain new knowledge about associations. Where the results show that the combination of 2 itemsets with a tendency value for Gas Stove fuel of 3 kg and the installed power meter for the attribute item criteria results in a minimum support value of 77% and a minimum confidence value of 87%. This proves that a priori is capable of clustering Uninhabitable Houses to help government work programs.
Smart irrigation system using node microcontroller unit ESP8266 and Ubidots cloud platform
Authors: Sutikno Tole , Nur Wahyudi Ahmad , Wahono Tri , Arsadiando Watra , Purnama Hendril Satrian
Published: June 2024

The agricultural irrigation system is extremely important. For optimal harvest yields, farmers must manage rice plant quality by monitoring water, soil, and temperature on agricultural fields. If market demand rises, traditional rice field irrigation in Indonesia will make things harder for farmers. This modern era requires a system that lets farmers monitor and regulate agricultural fields anywhere, anytime. We need a solution that can control the irrigation system remotely using an internet of things (IoT) device and a smartphone. This study employed the Ubidots IoT cloud platform. In addition, the study uses soil moisture and temperature sensors to monitor conditions in agricultural regions, while pumps function as irrigation systems. The test results indicate the proper design of the system. Each trial collected data. The pump will turn on and off automatically based on soil moisture criteria, with the pump active while the soil moisture is less than 20% and deactivated when the soil moisture exceeds 20%. In simulation mode, the pump operates for an average of 0–5 seconds of watering. The monitoring system shows the current soil temperature and moisture levels. Temperature sensors respond in 1-3 seconds, whereas soil moisture sensors respond in 0–4 seconds.
As Plantas Condimentícias nas Comidas Rituais de Cultos Afro-Brasileiros
Authors: Camargo Maria Thereza Lemos de Arruda
Published: June 2024

O presente trabalho visa trazer alguma contribuição aos estudos etnobotânicos de plantas condimentícias usadas nas comidas rituais de cultos afro-brasileiros, tendo em vista aspectos botânicos ligados à identificação das plantas, origem, heranças culturais, usos tradicionais através do tempo e em diferentes ambientes.
Development and Validation of a Mortality Risk Score for Repaired Tetralogy of Fallot
Authors: Mayourian Joshua , Sleeper Lynn A. , Lee Ji Hae , Lu Minmin , Geva Alon , Mulder Barbara , Babu‐Narayan Sonya V. , Wald Rachel M. , Sompolinsky Tehila , Valente Anne Marie , Geva Tal
Published: June 2024

Background

Robust risk assessment is crucial for the growing repaired tetralogy of Fallot population at risk of major adverse clinical outcomes; however, current tools are hindered by lack of validation. This study aims to develop and validate a risk prediction model for death in the repaired tetralogy of Fallot population.

Methods and Results

Patients with repaired tetralogy of Fallot enrolled in the INDICATOR (International Multicenter Tetralogy of Fallot Registry) cohort with clinical, arrhythmia, cardiac magnetic resonance, and outcome data were included. Patients from London, Amsterdam, and Boston sites were placed in the development cohort; patients from the Toronto site were used for external validation. Multivariable Cox regression was used to evaluate factors associated with time from cardiac magnetic resonance until the primary outcome: all‐cause death. Of 1552 eligible patients (n=1221 in development, n=331 in validation; median age at cardiac magnetic resonance 23.4 [interquartile range, 15.6–35.6] years; median follow up 9.5 years), 102 (6.6%) experienced the primary outcome. The multivariable Cox model performed similarly during development (concordance index, 0.83 [95% CI, 0.78–0.88]) and external validation (concordance index, 0.80 [95% CI, 0.71–0.90]) and identified older age at cardiac magnetic resonance, obesity, type of tetralogy of Fallot repair, higher right ventricular end‐systolic volume index, and lower biventricular global function index as independent predictors of death. A risk‐scoring algorithm dividing patients into low‐risk (score ≤4) versus high‐risk (score >4) groups was validated to effectively discriminate risk of death (15‐year survival of 95% versus 74%, respectively;
P
<0.001).

Conclusions

This externally validated mortality risk prediction algorithm can help identify vulnerable patients with repaired tetralogy of Fallot who may benefit from targeted interventions.
Acute Intermittent Hypoxia With High-Intensity Gait Training in Chronic Stroke: A Phase II Randomized Crossover Trial
Authors: Hornby T. George , Plawecki Abbey , Lotter Jennifer K. , Shoger Lindsay H. , Voigtmann Christina J. , Inks Erin , Henderson Christopher E.
Published: June 2024

BACKGROUND:

Studies in individuals with chronic stroke indicate high-intensity training (HIT) focused on walking improves locomotor function, which may be due to repeated activation of locomotor circuits and serotonin-dependent modulation of motor output. Separate studies in animals and individuals with spinal cord injury suggest acute intermittent hypoxia (AIH) can augment the effects of locomotor interventions through similar serotonin-dependent mechanisms, although no studies have coupled AIH with HIT in individuals poststroke. The goal of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of AIH+HIT versus HIT alone in individuals with chronic stroke.

METHODS:

This phase II double-blind randomized, crossover trial recruited individuals between 18 and 85 years old, >6 months poststroke, and self-selected speeds <1.0 m/s. Participants received up to 15 sessions of AIH for 30 minutes using 15 cycles of hypoxia (60–90 seconds; 8%–9% O
2
) and normoxia (30–60 seconds; 21% O
2
), followed by 1 hour of HIT targeting >75% heart rate reserve. The control condition received normoxia for 30 minutes before HIT. Following the first training phase, participants performed the second phase >1 month later. The primary outcomes were self-selected speed and fastest speed, a 6-minute walk test, and peak treadmill speed. A 3-way mixed-model ANOVA assessed the effects of time, training, and order of interventions.

RESULTS:

Of 55 individuals screened, 35 were randomized to AIH+HIT or normoxia+HIT first, and 28 individuals completed both interventions, revealing greater gains in self-selected speeds (0.14 [0.08–0.18] versus 0.05 [0.01–0.10] m/s), fastest speed (0.16 [0.10–0.21] versus 0.06 [0.02–0.10] m/s), and peak treadmill speed (0.21 [0.14–0.29] versus 0.11 [0.06–0.16] m/s) following AIH+HIT versus normoxia+HIT (
P
<0.01) with no order effects. Greater gains in spatiotemporal symmetry were observed with AIH+HIT, with worse outcomes for those prescribed serotonin-mediated antidepressant medications.

CONCLUSIONS:

AIH+HIT resulted in greater gains in locomotor function than normoxia+HIT. Subsequent phase III trials should further evaluate the efficacy of this intervention.

REGISTRATION:

URL:
https://clinicaltrials.gov/
; Unique identifier: NCT04472442.
Interpreting God’s Protection through a Dynamic Faith Partnership
Authors: Hartswood Eve , Nyang’ama Thomas Bright C. , Mazinyane Lindirabe , Wild-Wood Emma , Grant Elizabeth , Thipa Joseph Andrew
Published: June 2024

This article examines how Christians in a faith partnership between Malawi and Scotland sought and defined God’s protection as they responded to the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Malawi and Scotland have different cultures, societies and economic prosperity but a shared Presbyterian history, and long-standing faith partnerships through the two national churches. Qualitative interviews articulate striking comparisons of expectations of God’s protection when confronting global disease. This research shows how the dynamics of this partnership allowed both member churches to contribute to each other’s needs and hold a critical solidarity in each other’s interpretation of God’s protection.
Interaction effects of substrate fermentation and larval density on black soldier fly life-history traits
Authors: Opare L.O. , Holm S. , Esperk T.
Published: June 2024

Agricultural by-products can serve as an excellent food source for edible insects, but their high-fibre properties can present challenges. One solution to this is fermentation, which can enhance their nutritional value by breaking down the fibre. However, little research has been conducted on how this method interacts with other environmental factors in insect rearing. To address this gap, our study aimed to investigate the impact of substrate fermentation and larval density on black soldier fly (BSF) larvae. We compared fermented substrates (fermented spent grain and additionally fermented ensiled grass) with standard fibrous substrates (spent grain and ensiled grass) and applied two larval density treatments (high and low). Our findings revealed that prepupal mass was significantly greater in fermented substrates than in standard fibrous substrates, with variations dependent on the substrate and larval density treatments. Larval density significantly influenced prepupal mass only in the fermented spent grain treatment. Substrate type influenced development time, with fermented spent grain resulting in a shorter development time than ensiled grass. However, substrate fermentation and larval density did not affect development time. Substrate fermentation only increased larval survival when individuals were reared on spent grain at high larval density. There were no significant differences in survival between fermented and standard substrates in other substrate and larval density combinations. Our study demonstrates that fermentation could serve as a way to amend fibrous substrates, making them suitable for rearing BSF larvae; however, its effects depend on environmental factors such as larval density.
Review of the subgenus Lyrothorax of the genus Pterostichus (Coleoptera: Carabidae) in the Western Palaearctic, with descriptions of two new species
Authors: MUILWIJK JAN , KATAEV BORIS M. , WRASE DAVID W.
Published: June 2024

Until now, the subgenus Lyrothorax Chaudoir, 1838 (genus Pterostichus Bonelli, 1810) in the Western Palaearctic included only the type species, P. caspius (Ménétriés, 1832), distributed along the southern Caspian Sea in Azerbaijan and Iran and, as an introduced species, in the Czech Republic. Studying rich material, including the types, it was found that under the name P. caspius there is a species complex comprising three closely related species, two of these are described in this paper: P. fritzei sp. n. from Iran (type locality Naharkhoran, Gorgan) and P. vagus sp. n. from Iran, which was also introduced to the Czech Republic (type locality Shaskola, Gorgan). These new species differ clearly from each other, as well as from P. caspius, mainly in the features of the median lobe of the aedeagus and its endophallus. A lectotype of P. caspius is designated to ensure the stability of the nomenclature. An identification key, images of all three species and distribution maps are provided. The occurrence of species of Lyrothorax in the Iranian province of North Khorasan and Turkmenistan is not obvious and requires confirmation.
Leveraging Deterministic Weather Forecasts for In Situ Probabilistic Temperature Predictions via Deep Learning
Authors: Landry David , Charantonis Anastase , Monteleoni Claire
Published: June 2024

We propose a neural network approach to produce probabilistic weather forecasts from a deterministic numerical weather prediction. Our approach is applied to operational surface temperature outputs from the Global Deterministic Prediction System up to 10-day lead times, targeting METAR observations in Canada and the United States. We show how postprocessing performance is improved by training a single model for multiple lead times. Multiple strategies to condition the network for the lead time are studied, including a supplementary predictor and an embedding. The proposed model is evaluated for accuracy, spread, distribution calibration, and its behavior under extremes. The neural network approach decreases the continuous ranked probability score (CRPS) by 15% and has improved distribution calibration compared to a naive probabilistic model based on past forecast errors. Our approach increases the value of a deterministic forecast by adding information about the uncertainty, without incurring the cost of simulating multiple trajectories. It applies to any gridded forecast including the recent machine learning–based weather prediction models. It requires no information regarding forecast spread and can be trained to generate probabilistic predictions from any deterministic forecast.

Significance Statement

Weather is difficult to predict a long time in advance because we cannot measure the state of the atmosphere precisely enough. Consequently, it is common practice to run forecasts several times and look at the differences to evaluate how uncertain the prediction is. This process of running ensemble forecasts is expensive and consequently not always feasible. We propose a middle ground where we add uncertainty information to forecasts that were run only once, using artificial intelligence. Our method increases the value of these forecasts by adding information about the uncertainty without incurring the cost of multiple full simulations.
Expert and Public Preferences and Perceptions of Different Color Schemes and Map Overlays on a Tropical Cyclone Wind Exceedance Forecast Graphic
Authors: Rosen Zoey , Long Marilee , Schumacher Andrea , DeMaria Mark , Brammer Alan
Published: June 2024

Map graphics are often used for hazard risk communication, layered with numerical, verbal, and visual information to describe an uncertain threat. In the hurricane context, graphics are used to communicate the probability of different threats over a forecasting period. While hurricane graphics have been studied in the past, they have not been designed with colorblind-friendly accessibility and localization in mind. This study presents the results of a mixed-method study, testing the perceptions of different color schemes and map overlays on a wind exceedance map graphic with samples of experts (emergency managers and meteorologists) and the public. Nineteen experts from Florida and Louisiana were interviewed about their preferences for and risk perceptions of the design elements of the new wind exceedance graphic. The graphic prototypes were also tested using a public sample (n = 624) from Florida and Louisiana to study participants’ design preferences and risk perceptions. Both expert and public samples preferred a yellow-to-red scheme, though experts thought the yellow-to-red scheme presented the hazard as riskier and the public thought the reds-only scheme was riskier. Experts and the public preferred a map graphic with overlays; they scored a map graphic with overlays as riskier than a version without overlays. Understanding the connection between color scheme preference and risk perception for both experts and the public has important implications on risk communication as new graphics are designed. The conclusion of this study provides avenues for future research for experts who want to apply universal design aspects into hurricane graphics.

Significance Statement

This study investigates user preferences and risk perceptions for a new wind exceedance hurricane graphic designed with universal design principles. Experts (emergency managers and meteorologists) and the public from Florida and Louisiana participated in a mixed-method study, capturing qualitatively and quantitatively how a yellow-to-red and reds-only color scheme, as well as interstate or city overlays, impacted their engagement with the graphic. Studying the design features of forecast graphics from a social science perspective before they are operational is important, as the findings from this study reveal how different groups could perceive the graphic.
Of Mukhalas and Magafe: Somali Migrants Navigating the Dangers of Ransom Smuggling in Northern Africa
Authors: Scharrer Tabea
Published: June 2024

In the late 2000s, after the implementation of European policies to prevent and criminalize irregular migration, a new form of human smuggling—ransom smuggling—appeared in North Africa. This article is an analysis of ransom smuggling of Somali migrants, based on anthropological fieldwork in Germany and Kenya. Ransom smuggling is dangerous and complex, involving both human smugglers and hostage takers, but I argue that Somali migrants—especially younger ones—make use of this form of smuggling despite its risks because it is cheaper and easier to organize than other options. I describe the major elements of Somali ransom smuggling, which involves transit through the Sahara and Libya. I focus on the various actors involved, and the responsibilities and burdens that accrue to the migrants who transit a system that accounts for their lives as commodities for trade.
The Perceived Role of Occupational Therapists in Climate Change
Authors: Du Jiayi , Bird Alexander , Boniface Giovanna , Boniface Jeffrey , Mortenson W. Ben
Published: June 2024

Introduction. In 2022, the World Health Organization (WHO) predicted that climate change would cause thousands of additional deaths per year from malnutrition, malaria, diarrhea, and heat stress alone between the years of 2030 and 2050. With such health consequences and environmental changes, climate change is impacting human occupations globally. However, there is a gap in the literature regarding the occupational therapists’ role in climate change, particularly in the Canadian context. Objectives. Our research aimed to explore what is the perceived role of occupational therapists in climate change and climate action from the perspective of Canadian occupational therapists and international experts. Methods. This qualitative study used interpretive description methodology. We recruited 12 occupational therapists, including 4 research experts in the field. We conducted semi-structured interviews with each participant. Data were analyzed thematically. Results. This study uncovered three themes that focused on the complex interconnections between climate challenges and climate actions that occupational therapists are wrestling with personally, clinically, and professionally. Specifically, this study emphasized the importance of supporting individual occupational therapists with their personal challenges, integrating climate actions into clinical practices, and incorporating climate change and climate justice into occupational therapy curricula and professional advocacy. Conclusions. The environment, including the planet's ecosystem, is a fundamental component in many models of occupational therapy practice. This research provides a rich understanding in the themes of occupational therapists’ perceptions of climate change and climate actions, particularly within a Canadian context.
The Impact of Manufacturing Credentials on Earnings and the Probability of Employment
Authors: Brown Vanessa , Carrick Gardner , Jones Maggie R. , Pharris-Ciurej Nikolas , Voorheis John , Walker Caroline
Published: June 2024

This article examines the labor market returns to earning industry-certified credentials in the manufacturing sector. Specifically, the authors are interested in estimating the impact of a manufacturing credential on earnings and probability of employment, both overall and within the pre- and post-credential industry of employment. They link students who earned manufacturing credentials to their educational enrollment and completion records, and then further link them to IRS tax records for earnings and employment and to the American Community Survey and decennial census for demographic information. Earnings trajectories are presented for workers with credentials by demographic group, including age, race/ethnicity, gender, and educational attainment. To obtain more causal estimates of the labor market impacts of credentials, the authors implement a coarsened exact matching strategy to compare outcomes between otherwise similar people with and without credentials. Findings show that the attainment of a manufacturing industry credential is associated with increasingly higher earnings and a higher likelihood of labor market participation.
Role Play: Conversational Roles as a Framework for Reflexive Practice in AI-Assisted Qualitative Research
Authors: Thominet Luke , Amorim Jacqueline , Acosta Kristine , Sohan Vanessa K.
Published: June 2024

Previous literature has shown that generative artificial intelligence (GAI) software, including large language model (LLM) chatbots, might contribute to qualitative research studies. However, there is still a need to examine the relationships between researchers, GAI technologies, data, and findings. To address this need, our team conducted a thematic analysis of our reflexive journals from an LLM chatbot-assisted research project. We identified four roles that researchers adopted: managers closely monitored the LLM's work, teachers instructed the LLM on theories and methods, colleagues openly discussed the data with the LLM, and advocates worked with the LLM to improve user experiences. Planning for and playing with multiple roles also helped to enrich the research process. This study underscores the potential for using conversational roles as a framework to support reflexivity when working with GAI technologies on qualitative research.
On the Measurement of Aging Anxiety: Comparative Validity of Two Popular Measures Among Older Adults
Authors: Pifer Marissa A. , Segal Daniel L.
Published: June 2024

Aging anxiety is a distinct form of fear characterized by negative feelings associated with growing older. This study directly compared two common measures of aging anxiety within an older adult sample. Participants completed the Anxiety about Aging Scale, the Personal Anxiety Toward Aging Scale and several related constructs including ageism, expectations regarding aging, dementia worry, and death anxiety. The two measures significantly and strongly associated with one another. The Anxiety about Aging Scale (AAS) showed evidence of convergent validity through significant and strong correlations with ageism, expectations regarding aging, and death anxiety, and a moderate correlation with dementia worry. The Personal Anxiety Toward Aging Scale (PAAS) also showed evidence of convergent validity through strong correlations with expectations regarding aging and death anxiety, and moderate correlations with ageism and dementia worry. Factor analysis showed a better model fit for the AAS. Key findings lend support for the AAS as a psychometrically stronger measure than the PAAS for older adult assessment.
Factors correlated with hearing aids adherence in older adults: a prospective controlled study
Authors: Ghiselli Sara , Soncini Arianna , Fabrizi Enrico , Salsi Daria , Cuda Domenico
Published: June 2024

Objective

To investigate which factors influence the adherence to hearing aid (HA) use in elderly patients with moderate-to-severe hearing loss.

Methods

This observational, prospective, single-centre study enrolled patients with moderate-to-severe hearing loss. They were evaluated before and 1 year after having either one or two HAs fitted.

Results

A total of 86 patients were enrolled in the study and of these 69.8% (60 of 86; USER group) continued to use their HA at 1 year after fitting; six patients had not continued their use (NON-USERS). The USER group was younger than the NON-USER group, but the difference was not significant. The USER group had a significantly better unaided auditory threshold at baseline than the NON-USER group. HA use resulted in improvements in speech audiometry and auditory threshold. There was also a maintenance of cognitive function in the USER group.

Conclusion

Use of HA for 1 year resulted in improved auditory performance and an absence of a deterioration of cognitive function. Trial registration: This research was retrospectively registered under no. NCT04333043 at ClinicalTrials.gov ( http://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ ) on the 26 March 2020. This research has been registered with the Ethics Committee of the Area Vasta Emilia Nord under number 104, date of approval 17/07/2017.
Presumed hemocytic neoplasms in scorpions
Authors: Thomas Shawn , Gaudette Christopher , Spiro Simon , Dombrowski Daniel S. , LaDouceur Elise E. B.
Published: June 2024

Although neoplasia has been documented in invertebrates, it has not been reported in scorpions. This report describes presumed hemocytic neoplasia in 2 scorpions: a >3-year-old, female emperor scorpion ( Pandinus imperator) and a >4-year-old, male, Asian forest scorpion ( Heterometrus sp.). The emperor scorpion had a 1-month history of body wall swelling separating the exoskeleton of the caudal opisthosoma. At necropsy, this corresponded to a white mass in the caudal coelom. The forest scorpion was found dead and processed whole for histology, at which point multiple masses were identified in the coelom and invading skeletal muscle. Histologically, both masses were composed of sheets of hemocytes with round to oval nuclei; eosinophilic, periodic acid Schiff-positive, cytoplasmic granules; mild cellular atypia; and low mitotic rates. Features of inflammation (e.g., melanization and nodulation) were not observed. These masses were diagnosed as a hemocytoma (emperor scorpion) and a hemocytic sarcoma (forest scorpion), possibly of plasmatocyte origin.