bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Circulating tumour DNA in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma across tumour stages and treatments
Authors: Campani Claudia , Imbeaud Sandrine , Couchy Gabrielle , Ziol Marianne , Hirsch Theo Z , Rebouissou Sandra , Noblet Bénédicte , Nahon Pierre , Hormigos Katia , Sidali Sabrina , Seror Olivier , Taly Valerie , Ganne Carrie Nathalie , Laurent-Puig Pierre , Zucman-Rossi Jessica , Nault Jean-Charles
Published: July 2024

Objective

Circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA) is a promising non-invasive biomarker in cancer. We aim to assess the dynamic of ctDNA in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Design

We analysed 772 plasmas from 173 patients with HCC collected at the time of diagnosis or treatment (n=502), 24 hours after locoregional treatment (n=154) and during follow-up (n=116). For controls, 56 plasmas from patients with chronic liver disease without HCC were analysed. All samples were analysed for cell free DNA (cfDNA) concentration, and for mutations in
TERT
promoter,
CTNNB1
,
TP53
,
PIK3CA
and
NFE2L2
by sequencing and droplet-based digital PCR. Results were compared with 232 corresponding tumour samples.

Results

In patients with active HCC, 40.2% of the ctDNA was mutated vs 14.6% in patients with inactive HCC and 1.8% in controls (p<0.001). In active HCC, we identified 27.5% of mutations in
TERT
promoter, 21.3% in
TP53
, 13.1% in
CTNNB1
, 0.4% in
PIK3CA
and 0.2% in
NFE2L2,
most of the times similar to those identified in the corresponding tumour. CtDNA mutation rate increased with advanced tumour stages (p<0.001). In 103 patients treated by percutaneous ablation, the presence and number of mutations in the ctDNA before treatment were associated with higher risk of death (p=0.001) and recurrence (p<0.001). Interestingly, cfDNA concentration and detectable mutations increased 24 hours after a locoregional treatment. Among 356 plasmas collected in 53 patients treated by systemic treatments, we detected mutations at baseline in 60.4% of the cases. In patients treated by atezolizumab-bevacizumab, persistence of mutation in ctDNA was associated with radiological progression (63.6% vs 36.4% for disappearance, p=0.019). In two patients progressing under systemic treatments, we detected the occurrence of mutations in
CTNNB1
in the plasma that was subclonal in the tumour for one patient and not detectable in the tumour for the other one.

Conclusion

ctDNA offers dynamic information reflecting tumour biology. It represents a non-invasive tool useful to guide HCC clinical management.
Impact of prenatal and postnatal maternal IBD status on offspring’s risk of IBD: a population-based cohort study
Authors: Bonfils Linéa , Poulsen Gry , Agrawal Manasi , Julsgaard Mette , Torres Joana , Jess Tine , Allin Kristine Højgaard
Published: July 2024

Objective

In utero exposure to maternal inflammation may impact immune system development and subsequent risk of disease. We investigated whether a maternal diagnosis of IBD before childbirth is linked to a higher risk of IBD in offspring compared with a diagnosis after childbirth. Further, we analysed paternal IBD status for comparison.

Design

Using Danish health registers, we identified all individuals born in Denmark between 1997 and 2022 and their legal parents, as well as their IBD status. Cox proportional hazards regression analyses adjusted for calendar period and mode of delivery were used to estimate offspring IBD risk by maternal and paternal IBD status before and after childbirth.

Results

Of 1 290 358 children, 10 041 (0.8%) had mothers with IBD diagnosis before childbirth and 9985 (0.8%) had mothers with IBD diagnosis after childbirth. Over 18 370 420 person-years, 3537 individuals were diagnosed with IBD. Offspring of mothers with IBD before childbirth had an adjusted HR of IBD of 6.27 (95% CI 5.21, 7.54) compared with those without maternal IBD, while offspring of mothers with IBD after childbirth had an adjusted HR of 3.88 (95% CI 3.27, 4.60). Corresponding adjusted HRs were 5.26 (95% CI 4.22, 6.56) among offspring with paternal IBD before childbirth and 3.73 (95% CI 3.10, 4.50) for paternal IBD after childbirth.

Conclusion

Offspring had a greater risk of IBD when either parent was diagnosed before childbirth rather than later, emphasising genetic predisposition and environmental risk factors rather than maternal inflammation in utero as risk factors for IBD.
Unintentional firearms mortality disparities across states—USA, 2001–2021
Authors: Schwebel David C
Published: July 2024

Background

Firearms kill over 130 Americans daily. Most deaths are the result of intentional acts, but in 2021, 549 deaths (1.5 deaths/day) were unintentional. Strategies to prevent unintentional versus intentional firearms deaths differ. This study describes unintentional firearm-related mortality across the US states and within individual states between 2001 and 2021 and considers factors that might explain disparities across states.

Methods

Unintentional firearms mortality from 2001 to 2021, both for the full country and by state, was obtained online along with data for five state-level predictors: rurality, non-white population, poverty, population and gun ownership.

Results

The highest unintentional firearm-related mortality rates clustered in Southeastern states, followed by states in the Northern Plains and Mountain West. The lowest rates were in the Northeast, followed by scattered states in the West and Midwest. At the state level, unintentional firearms mortality correlated positively with per cent below the poverty level (r=0.54, p<0.01), rural (r=0.59, p<0.01) and owning firearms (r=0.72, p<0.01). In a multivariable regression model predicting unintentional firearms mortality by state, three factors emerged as significant: per cent white (β=−0.22, p<0.05), below the poverty level (β=0.43, p<0.01) and owning firearms (β=0.54, p<0.01).

Conclusions

Large disparities exist across the 50 US states in unintentional firearms mortality. Crude rates in the most afflicted states are ~10 times those in the least afflicted states. Nationwide, over 12 000 lives were lost to unintentional firearms mortality between 2001 and 2021. Factors that create disparities are multifaceted and include rurality, poverty and firearms ownership.
Characteristics of fatal and non-fatal drownings at a Texas level-1 paediatric trauma centre
Authors: Abbe Marisa , Rix Kevin , Aguilar David , Alderete Jesus , Fernandez Alejandra , Messiah Sarah
Published: July 2024

Background

Drowning is a leading cause of death for young children and knowing what puts a child at risk helps efforts across the spectrum of prevention. The purpose of this study was to identify risk and protective factors associated with hospital admission and mortality following paediatric drowning from a large level-1 paediatric trauma centre.

Methods

Children (ages 0–17) who presented at an emergency department or were admitted for a drowning event between 2017 and 2023 were included in this retrospective cohort study (n=698). This study examined differences between patients who were admitted compared with not admitted, and those who survived compared with those who did not survive.

Results

Participants who had adult supervision at the time of their drowning were significantly less likely to be admitted (OR=0.31, 95% CI 0.22 to 0.43, p<0.001) and significantly more likely to survive (OR=6.9, 95% CI 3.2 to 15.4, p<0.001). The environment also played a significant role in drowning outcomes. Children who drowned in a pool compared with other bodies of water were significantly more likely to survive (OR=3.0, 95% CI 1.6 to 5.5, p<0.001). Children from communities with higher child opportunity compared with those from very low opportunity were both simultaneously more likely to be admitted (IRR=1.7–2.4, 95% CI 1.3 to 3.3, p<0.001) and more often survived (IRR=1.7–3.0, 95% CI 1.3 to 3.5, p<0.001).

Conclusion

Our analysis revealed significant differences in drowning risk related to adult supervision, location of drowning and where a child lives. These findings can help drowning prevention strategies mitigate the severity of drowning by enhancing educational messages, resources and policy.
Enhanced IL-15-mediated NK cell activation and proliferation by an ADAM17 function-blocking antibody involves CD16A, CD137, and accessory cells
Authors: Matson Anders W , Hullsiek Rob , Dixon Kate J , Wang Sam , Lindstedt Anders J , Friess Ryan R , Phung Shee Kwan , Freedman Tanya S , Felices Martin , Truckenbrod Emily N , Wu Jianming , Miller Jeffrey S , Walcheck Bruce
Published: July 2024

Background

Natural killer (NK) cells are being extensively studied as a cell therapy for cancer. These cells are activated by recognition of ligands and antigens on tumor cells. Cytokine therapies, such as IL-15, are also broadly used to stimulate endogenous and adoptively transferred NK cells in patients with cancer. These stimuli activate the membrane protease ADAM17, which cleaves various cell-surface receptors on NK cells as a negative feedback loop to limit their cytolytic function. ADAM17 inhibition can enhance IL-15-mediated NK cell proliferation in vitro and in vivo. In this study, we investigated the underlying mechanism of this process.

Methods

Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) or enriched NK cells from human peripheral blood, either unlabeled or labeled with a cell proliferation dye, were cultured for up to 7 days in the presence of rhIL-15±an ADAM17 function-blocking antibody. Different fully human versions of the antibody were generated; Medi-1 (IgG1), Medi-4 (IgG4), Medi-PGLALA, Medi-F(ab′)2, and TAB16 (anti-ADAM17 and anti-CD16 bispecific) to modulate CD16A binding. Flow cytometry was used to assess NK cell proliferation and phenotypic markers, immunoblotting to examine CD16A signaling, and IncuCyte-based live cell imaging to measure NK cell antitumor activity.

Results

The ADAM17 function-blocking monoclonal antibody (mAb) Medi-1 markedly increased early NK cell activation by IL-15. By using different engineered versions of the antibody, we demonstrate involvement by CD16A, an activating Fcγ receptor and well-described ADAM17 substrate. Hence, Medi-1 when bound to ADAM17 on NK cells is engaged by CD16A and blocks its shedding, inducing and prolonging its signaling. This process did not promote evident NK cell fratricide or dysfunction. Synergistic signaling by Medi-1 and IL-15 enhanced the upregulation of CD137 on CD16A+NK cells and augmented their proliferation in the presence of PBMC accessory cells or an anti-CD137 agonistic mAb.

Conclusions

Our data reveal for the first time that CD16A and CD137 underpin Medi-1 enhancement of IL-15-driven NK cell activation and proliferation, respectively, with the latter requiring PBMC accessory cells. The use of Medi-1 represents a novel strategy to enhance IL-15-driven NK cell proliferation, and it may be of therapeutic importance by increasing the antitumor activity of NK cells in patients with cancer.
Effectiveness of secukinumab in radiographic and non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis: a European routine-care observational study
Authors: Christiansen Sara Nysom , Horskjær Rasmussen Simon , Ostergaard Mikkel , Pons Marion , Michelsen Brigitte , Pavelka Karel , Codreanu Catalin , Ciurea Adrian , Glintborg Bente , Santos Maria Jose , Sari Ismail , Rotar Ziga , Gudbjornsson Bjorn , Macfarlane Gary J , Relas Heikki , Iannone Florenzo , Laas Karin , Wallman Johan K , van de Sande Marleen , Provan Sella Aarrestad , Castrejon Isabel , Zavada Jakub , Mogosan Corina , Nissen Michael J , Loft Anne Gitte , Barcelos Anabela , Erez Yesim , Pirkmajer Katja Perdan , Grondal Gerdur , Jones Gareth T , Hokkanen Anna-Mari , Chimenti Maria Sole , Vorobjov Sigrid , Di Giuseppe Daniela , Kvien Tore K , Otero-Varela Lucia , van der Horst-Bruinsma Irene , Hetland Merete Lund , Ørnbjerg Lykke Midtbøll
Published: July 2024

Objectives

To compare the treatment effectiveness of secukinumab in radiographic (r) versus non-radiographic (nr) axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) patients treated in routine care across Europe.

Methods

Prospectively collected data on secukinumab-treated axSpA patients with known radiographic status were pooled from nine countries.

Remission rates based on patient-reported outcomes (PROs; Numeric Rating Scale (0–10), for example, pain ≤2/Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI) ≤2 and Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score (ASDAS) inactive disease (ID) <1.3 after 6/12/24 months of secukinumab treatment were calculated.

Remission and drug retention rates in r-axSpA versus nr-axSpA patients were compared by logistic and Cox regression models (unadjusted/adjusted for age+sex/adjusted for multiple confounders).

Results

Overall, 1161 secukinumab-treated patients were included (r-axSpA/nr-axSpA: 922/239). At baseline, r-axSpA patients had longer disease duration and higher C reactive protein, were more often male and HLA-B27 positive and had received fewer prior biological or targeted synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs compared with nr-axSpA patients, whereas PROs were largely similar.

During follow-up, crude PRO remission rates were significantly higher in r-axSpA compared with nr-axSpA patients (6 months: pain≤2: 40%/28%, OR=1.7; BASDAI≤2: 37%/25%, OR=1.8), as were drug retention rates (24 months: 66%/58%, HR 0.73 (ref: r-axSpA)). Proportions of patients achieving ASDAS ID were low for both groups, particularly nr-axSpA (6 months: 11%/8%).

However, when adjusting for age+sex, these differences diminished, and after adjusting for multiple confounders, no significant between-group differences remained for either remission or drug retention rates.

Conclusion

Crude remission/drug retention rates in European secukinumab-treated patients were higher in r-axSpA compared with nr-axSpA patients. In adjusted analyses, secukinumab effectiveness was similar in both groups, suggesting that observed differences were related to factors other than radiographic status.
A concept of CSS surface for describing the thermo-mechanical volume change of unsaturated bentonite
Authors: Wang Yang , Ye Wei-Min , Wang Qiong , Chen Yong-Gui
Published: July 2024

In this work, two types of thermo-mechanical volume change tests were carried out on unsaturated GMZ bentonite specimens. Results of temperature–suction controlled compression tests indicated that the virgin compression lines of unsaturated bentonite eventually converged toward that of saturated bentonite. With the concept of critical saturated state (CSS) curve, bilinear normal consolidation lines with consideration of temperature were proposed. Results of thermal loading tests indicated that the effects of over-consolidation ratio on the thermal volume change behavior of unsaturated and saturated bentonite were similar, while, the suction effect on the thermal volume change behavior of unsaturated bentonite was different in unsaturated and critical saturated state. Based on the test results, a new concept of CSS surface was proposed in the stress space ( s–p–T space) for compacted bentonite. In the new framework, the thermo-mechanical volume change behavior of unsaturated bentonite could be well described. The results obtained in this work could provide a new conception for developing the thermo-mechanical constitutive model for unsaturated bentonite.
Quantum multi-state Swap Test: an algorithm for estimating overlaps of arbitrary number quantum states
Authors: Liu Wen , Li Yang-Zhi , Yin Han-Wen , Wang Zhi-Rao , Wu Jiang
Published: July 2024

Estimating the overlap between two states is an important task with several applications in quantum information. However, the typical swap test circuit can only measure a sole pair of quantum states at a time. In this study, a recursive quantum circuit is designed to measure overlaps of n quantum states $\left | {\phi _{1} } \right \rangle ,\left | {\phi _{2} } \right \rangle ,\ldots\left | {\phi _{n} }\right \rangle $

|

ϕ
1

〉

,

|

ϕ
2

〉

,
…

|

ϕ
n

〉

concurrently with $O(k2^{k})$
O
(
k

2
k

)
controlled-swap(CSWAP) gates and $O(k)$
O
(
k
)
ancillary qubits, where $k=\left \lceil {\log n} \right \rceil $
k
=

⌈
log
n
⌉

. All pairwise overlaps among input quantum states $|\langle \phi _{i}|\phi _{j}\rangle |^{2}$
|
〈

ϕ
i

|

ϕ
j

〉
|

2

can be obtained in this circuit. Compared with existing scheme for measuring the overlap of multiple quantum states, the circuit provides higher precision and less consumption of ancillary qubits. In addition, some simulation experiments are performed on IBM quantum cloud platform to verify the superiority of this algorithm.
Extending quantum detailed balance through optimal transport
Authors: Duvenhage Rocco , Skosana Samuel , Snyman Machiel
Published: July 2024

We develop a general approach to setting up and studying classes of quantum dynamical systems close to and structurally similar to systems having specified properties, in particular detailed balance. This is done in terms of transport plans and Wasserstein distances between systems on possibly different observable algebras.
Finite groups whose centralizers of non-central elements are second maximal
Authors: Zhao Xianhe , Zhao Yuxin , Chen Ruifang , Qu Haipeng , Guo Xiuyun
Published: July 2024

A proper subgroup [Formula: see text] of a finite group [Formula: see text] is called a second maximal subgroup of [Formula: see text] if [Formula: see text] is a maximal subgroup of every maximal subgroup [Formula: see text] in [Formula: see text] with [Formula: see text]. In this paper, we investigate the structure of the finite group [Formula: see text] in which [Formula: see text] is a second maximal subgroup for every non-central element [Formula: see text] in [Formula: see text], and prove that either [Formula: see text] is solvable or [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] with [Formula: see text] a prime or [Formula: see text] with [Formula: see text] an odd prime.
Automorphisms of finitely generated free metabelian Novikov algebras
Authors: Bokut Leonid A. , Chen Yuqun , Zhang Zerui
Published: July 2024

In this paper, we study automorphisms of finitely generated free metabelian Novikov algebras and show that every tame automorphism of a two-generated free right nilpotent Novikov algebra of index 3 is simple reducible. We offer a method on recognizing automorphisms of finitely generated free metabelian Novikov algebras by using the theory of Gröbner–Shirshov basis.
Paleoproterozoic (late ‘Laxfordian’) reworking of juvenile Neoarchean Lewisian orthogneisses, Iona, Inner Hebrides, Scotland
Authors: Daly J. Stephen , Flowerdew Michael J. , Whitehouse Martin J. , Badenszki Eszter
Published: July 2024

A geochronological and isotopic study grounded by field observations is presented on the southernmost Lewisian orthogneisses of Iona, SW Scotland. Syenitic orthogneisses in western Iona and granodioritic orthogneisses in the east have yielded indistinguishable secondary ion mass spectrometry U–Pb zircon
c.
2710 Ma protolith ages, among the youngest recorded from the Lewisian. Whole-rock Sm–Nd and zircon Lu–Hf data indicate largely juvenile Neoarchean crustal additions. Based on this evidence, a north–south-trending mylonite zone separating eastern and western Iona is unlikely to be a terrane boundary. Extensive reworking during the ‘late Laxfordian’ deformational event between 1779 and 1753 Ma (bracketed between pre-tectonic migmatization and post-tectonic granitic pegmatite intrusion) probably corresponds to accretion of the Rhinns Complex to the Nuna/Columbia supercontinent. Zircon Lu–Hf data indicate that late Laxfordian melts were largely derived from the Neoarchean orthogneisses. K-feldspar Pb isotope ratios in the orthogneisses have probably been reset during late Laxfordian metamorphism whereas those in a post-tectonic syenitic pegmatite, with a U–Pb zircon age of 1688 ± 8 Ma, are considered to be original and consistent with an exotic source. Correlation of the Iona Lewisian with Coll and Tiree is possible but the younger age of the Iona orthogneisses does not support correlation with the Rona terrane.
The Trouble with Burnout
Authors: Boccamazzo Raffael
Published: July 2024

Burnout sadly remains an evergreen topic in the games industry, with the current historic wave of layoffs adding major stress for almost everyone. In this piece, clinical psychologist and Clinical Director of Take This, Raffael Boccamazzo, clears up some of the misconceptions around burnout, explaining what it is, what creates the conditions for it—and why it is not a matter of personal failure.
Adaptive Weighting via Federated Evaluation Mechanism for Domain Adaptation with Edge Devices
Authors: Zhao Rui , Yang Xiao , Zhi Peng , Zhou Rui , Zhou Qingguo , Jin Qun
Published: July 2024

Federated Learning is an emerging application paradigm of edge computing in smart cities. On the one hand, it enables efficient, private, and secure processing of sensitive data. On the other hand, it alleviates the burden of centralized data processing for the smart city. However, in real-world scenarios, performance degradation caused by domain adaptation has become a bottleneck that limits the widespread application of federated learning. Most existing approaches tackle the issue by designing novel local learning approaches to transfer knowledge among different domains while ignoring the optimization for global model aggregation. To address this issue, we propose a novel approach that leverages the label-free adversarial learning technique to evaluate the representations learned by the different domains under the global model. With the constraints of the federated setting, we minimize the discrepancy by aligning each distribution to the global distribution. Additionally, we have developed a fast detector to enhance the quality of the generated images. Through extensive experiments on image classification tasks, we have demonstrated promising results and shown that our approach can serve as a robust plugin for other local optimizers in Federated Learning.
ACM’s Reserves Enable Its Mission
Authors: Hanson Vicki L. , Ryan Patricia
Published: July 2024

Dek :

A Response to William Bowman's Communications Opinion article, "ACM Profits Considered Harmful".
ReadGuard: Integrated SSD Management for Priority-Aware Read Performance Differentiation
Authors: Chun Myoungjun , Kim Myungsuk , Lee Dusol , Park Jisung , Kim Jihong
Published: July 2024

When multiple apps with different I/O priorities share a high-performance SSD, it is important to differentiate the I/O QoS level based on the I/O priority of each app. In this paper, we study how a modern flash-based SSD should be designed to support priority-aware read performance differentiation. From an in-depth evaluation study using 3D TLC SSDs, we observed that existing FTLs have several weaknesses that need to be improved for better read performance differentiation. In order to overcome the existing FTL weaknesses, we propose
ReadGuard
, a novel priority-aware SSD management technique that enables an FTL to manage its blocks in a fully read-latency-aware fashion.
ReadGuard
leverages a new read-latency-centric block quality marker that can accurately distinguish the read latency of a block and ensures that higher-quality blocks are used for higher-priority apps.
ReadGuard
extends an existing suspend/resume technique to handle collisions among reads. Our experimental results show that a
ReadGuard
-enabled SSD is effective in supporting differentiated read performance in modern 3D flash SSDs.
Field Trial of a Queue-Managing Security Guard Robot
Authors: Edirisinghe Sachi , Satake Satoru , Liu Yuyi , Kanda Takayuki
Published: July 2024

We developed a security guard robot that is specifically designed to manage queues of people and conducted a field trial at an actual public event to assess its effectiveness. However, the acceptance of robot instructions or admonishments poses challenges in real-world applications. Our primary objective was to achieve an effective and socially acceptable queue-management solution. To accomplish this, we took inspiration from human security guards whose role has already been well received in society. Our robot, whose design embodied the image of a professional security guard, focused on three key aspects: duties, professional behavior, and appearance. To ensure its competence, we interviewed professional security guards to deepen our understanding of the responsibilities associated with queue management. Based on their insights, we incorporated features of ushering, admonishing, announcing, and question answering into the robot’s functionality. We also prioritized the modeling of professional ushering behavior. During a 10-day field trial at a children’s amusement event, we interviewed both the visitors who interacted with the robot and the event staff. The results revealed that visitors generally complied with its ushering and admonishments, indicating a positive reception. Both visitors and event staff expressed an overall favorable impression of the robot and its queue-management services. These findings suggest that our proposed security guard robot shows great promise as a solution for effective crowd handling in public spaces.
Exploiting Pre-Trained Models and Low-Frequency Preference for Cost-Effective Transfer-based Attack
Authors: Fan Mingyuan , Chen Cen , Wang Chengyu , Huang Jun
Published: July 2024

The transferability of adversarial examples enables practical transfer-based attacks. However, existing theoretical analysis cannot effectively reveal what factors contribute to cross-model transferability. Furthermore, the assumption that the target model dataset is available together with expensive prices of training proxy models also leads to insufficient practicality. We first propose a novel frequency perspective to study the transferability and then identify two factors that impair the transferability: an unchangeable intrinsic difference term along with a controllable perturbation-related term. To enhance the transferability, an optimization task with the constraint that decreases the impact of the perturbation-related term is formulated and an approximate solution for the task is designed to address the intractability of Fourier expansion. To address the second issue, we suggest employing pre-trained models as proxy models, which are freely available. Leveraging these advancements, we introduce cost-effective transfer-based attack (
CTA
), which addresses the optimization task in pre-trained models.
CTA
can be unleashed
against broad applications, at any time, with minimal effort and nearly zero cost to attackers.
This remarkable feature indeed makes
CTA
an effective, versatile, and fundamental tool for attacking and understanding a wide range of target models, regardless of their architecture or training dataset used. Extensive experiments show impressive attack performance of
CTA
across various models trained in seven black-box domains, highlighting the broad applicability and effectiveness of
CTA
.
A Survey of Co-Clustering
Authors: Wang Hongjun , Song Yi , Chen Wei , Luo Zhipeng , Li Chongshou , Li Tianrui
Published: July 2024

Co-clustering is to cluster samples and features simultaneously, which can also reveal the relationship between row clusters and column clusters. Therefore, lots of scientists have drawn much attention to conduct extensive research on it, and co-clustering is widely used in recommendation systems, gene analysis, medical data analysis, natural language processing, image analysis, and social network analysis. In this article, we survey the entire research aspect of co-clustering, especially the latest advances in co-clustering, and discover the current research challenges and future directions. First, due to different views from researchers on the definition of co-clustering, this article summarizes the definition of co-clustering and its extended definitions, as well as related issues, based on the perspectives of various scientists. Second, existing co-clustering techniques are approximately categorized into four classes: information-theory-based, graph-theory-based, matrix-factorization-based, and other theories-based. Third, co-clustering is applied in various aspects such as recommendation systems, medical data analysis, natural language processing, image analysis, and social network analysis. Furthermore, 10 popular co-clustering algorithms are empirically studied on 10 benchmark datasets with 4 metrics—accuracy, purity, block discriminant index, and running time, and their results are objectively reported. Finally, future work is provided to get insights into the research challenges of co-clustering.
AI-Assisted Diagnosing, Monitoring and Treatment of Mental Disorders: A Survey
Authors: Muetunda Faustino , Sabry Soumaya , Jamil M. Luqman , Pais Sebastião , Dias Gaël , Cordeiro João
Published: July 2024

Globally, one in seven people has some kind of mental or substance use disorder that affects their thinking, feelings and behaviour in everyday life. People with mental health disorders can continue their normal lives with proper treatment and support. Mental well-being is vital for physical health. The use of AI in mental health areas has grown exponentially in the last decade. However, mental disorders are still complex to diagnose due to similar and common symptoms for numerous mental illnesses, with a minute difference. Intelligent systems can help us identify mental diseases precisely, which is a critical step in diagnosing. Using these systems efficiently can improve the treatment and rapid recovery of patients. We survey different artificial intelligence systems used in mental healthcare, such as mobile applications, machine learning and deep learning methods, and multi-modal systems and draw comparisons from recent developments and related challenges. Also, we discuss types of mental disorders and how these different techniques can support the therapist in diagnosing, monitoring, and treating patients with mental disorders.
Synthetic data for learning-based knowledge discovery
Authors: Shiao William , Papalexakis Evangelos E.
Published: July 2024

Recent advances in deep learning have demonstrated the ability of learning-based methods to tackle very hard downstream tasks. Historically, this has been demonstrated in predictive tasks, while tasks more akin to the traditional KDD (Knowledge Discovery in Databases) pipeline have enjoyed proportionally fewer advances. Can learning-based approaches help with inherently hard problems within the KDD pipeline, such as "how many patterns are in the data", "what are different structures in the data", and "how can we robustly extract those structures?" In this vision paper, we argue for the need for synthetic data generators to empower cheaply-supervised learning-based solutions for knowledge discovery. We describe the general idea, early proof-of-concept results which speak to the viability of the paradigm, and we outline a number of exciting challenges that await, and a set of milestones for measuring success.
Low-dose orthotopic cancer implantation permits measurement of longitudinal functional changes associated with cachexia
Authors: Roy Ishan , Binder-Markey Benjamin , Willbanks Amber , Sychowski Danielle , Phipps Tenisha , Barber Addison , McAllister Donna , D’Andrea Dominic , Franz Colin K. , Pichika Rajeswari , Dwinell Michael B. , Lieber Richard L.
Published: July 2024

Previous studies of cancer-induced cachexia have been confounded by the relatively rapid death of animal subjects. Using a lower dose of cancer cells in combination with a battery of behavioral, structural, histological, and biochemical techniques, we show that gait speed is actually the best indicator of functional decline due to cachexia. Future studies are required to define the underlying physiological basis of these findings.
Sensitivity Analysis of the Coupled Dynamic Behavior of Vehicles in Collision with Semirigid Guardrails
Authors: Liu Chun , Liao Hong-Jun , Chen Jun , Deng Qian-Qian
Published: July 2024

To quantitatively study the coupled dynamic behavior of vehicles in collision with semirigid guardrails, a coupled numerical model is established based on the finite element method. This model comprehensively integrates the nonlinear dynamic behavior of both the vehicle body and the guardrail structure. We validate the numerical results by comparing them with experimental findings and theoretical empirical formulas, confirming the accuracy of the coupled numerical model. This quantitative study investigates the influence of vehicle speed, column wall thickness, and collision angle on this coupled dynamic behavior to help optimize practical guardrail engineering designs. The results indicate that the sensitivity values of the collision speed, column wall thickness, and collision angle according to the baseline model are 1.0, 1.0, and 0.741, respectively. The parameters with higher sensitivity values are the key factors to consider in designs. Thus, the coupled numerical model can be used to optimize the design of semirigid guardrails in practical engineering.
The Professionalism in Collaboration between Health and Social Care Workers: A Survey to Members of the Finnish Trade Unions
Authors: Pakkanen Piiku , Häggman-Laitila Arja , Pasanen Miko , Kangasniemi Mari
Published: July 2024

Background. Professionalism in collaboration means working based on competencies and ethics, showing accountability and respect in communication and care by each professional group. It is required to ensure seamless, integrated, and quality of care for patients. Previous research has focused on professionalism among single professional groups; little is known about how ethics of professionalism appear in collaboration between different professional groups. Our aim was to fill the gap in this knowledge. The objectives of the study were how health and social care workers evaluated professionalism in collaboration, how professionalism was associated with the various professional groups, and how it was related to the personal characteristics of the workers. Methods. A cross‐sectional study with an online survey was conducted in collaboration with 15 professional trade unions in Finland. The 26‐item Interprofessional Professionalism Assessment questionnaire was used. The R program, version 4.0.2, was used for advanced descriptive and statistical methods. Results. Together, 1,769 trade union members participated in the study, representing eight professional groups and students from care, rehabilitation, and social services. The mean professionalism score was 4.20 ± 0.70 out of 5, suggesting excellent professionalism in collaboration. Care assistants, childcare and youth workers, and nurses scored professionalism statistically significantly higher than social workers (p < 0.001). Participants who experienced mutual ethical reflections at work (p < 0.001), received organizational support for ethical practice (p < 0.01), and experienced satisfaction at work (p < 0.001) scored professionalism statistically significantly higher. Conclusions. Professionalism in collaboration between health and social workers was very consistent and strong, despite the fact that different professional groups participated in the survey. Organizations should further work satisfaction and opportunities to participate in shared ethical reflection. Future studies should investigate organizational structures and leadership that support this kind of well‐executed professionalism in collaboration between professional groups and if workers recognize these.
Exosome‐Derived microRNA: Potential Target for Diagnosis and Treatment of Sepsis
Authors: Xiao Yujie , Yuan Yixuan , Hu Dahai , Wang Hongtao
Published: July 2024

Exosome‐derived microRNAs (miRNAs) are emerging as pivotal players in the pathophysiology of sepsis, representing a new frontier in both the diagnosis and treatment of this complex condition. Sepsis, a severe systemic response to infection, involves intricate immune and nonimmune mechanisms, where exosome‐mediated communication can significantly influence disease progression and outcomes. During the progress of sepsis, the miRNA profile of exosomes undergoes notable alterations, is reflecting, and may affect the progression of the disease. This review comprehensively explores the biology of exosome‐derived miRNAs, which originate from both immune cells (such as macrophages and dendritic cells) and nonimmune cells (such as endothelial and epithelial cells) and play a dynamic role in modulating pathways that affect the course of sepsis, including those related to inflammation, immune response, cell survival, and apoptosis. Taking into account these dynamic changes, we further discuss the potential of exosome‐derived miRNAs as biomarkers for the early detection and prognosis of sepsis and advantages over traditional biomarkers due to their stability and specificity. Furthermore, this review evaluates exosome‐based therapeutic miRNA delivery systems in sepsis, which may pave the way for targeted modulation of the septic response and personalized treatment options.
Holothuria tubulosa Extract Represses Proliferation and HIF‐α Activity by Inhibiting Erk1/2 Phosphorylation in Liver Cancer Cell Line under Hypoxia
Authors: Befani Christina , Giannouli Persephoni , Diseri Aikaterini , Bari Anastasia , Apostologamvrou Chrysoula , Antoniadou Chryssanthi , Liakos Panagiotis , Vafidis Dimitris
Published: July 2024

Holothurians are prominent marine organisms in benthic ecosystems, exploited as food for centuries and, recently, as nutraceuticals. Moreover, they constitute a significant source of beneficial and medicinally valuable metabolites that have anticancer properties. Hypoxia, or low oxygen levels, and the stimulation of HIFs as a result of rapid cell proliferation and a restricted blood supply are characteristics shared by the majority of cancers, which give them resistance to standard treatment. The present study examines the effect of Holothuria tubulosa extract on the proliferation, HIF‐α protein expression, and their transcriptional activity in hepatocarcinoma‐derived Huh7 cells. Specimens of H. tubulosa were collected from the Aegean Sea, and their extract decreased the proliferation in Huh7 cells under normoxia and hypoxia in a dose‐dependent manner by MTT assay. The extract modified HIF‐1α protein expression by western blot analysis, downregulated hypoxia‐induced VEGF promoter by luciferase assay, and decreased the expression of known HIF‐1 and HIF‐2‐specific target genes, PGK and EPO, as revealed by real‐time PCR. H. tubulosa extract had the ability to reduce the phosphorylated form of ERK1/2 explaining its inhibitory effect on proliferation and HIF activity. These data reveal new roles of H. tubulosa with promising anticancer properties in liver cancer cells.
Individualismo, objetificação e ascensão social em Nos embalos de Ipanema
Authors: Almeida Guilherme Fumeo , Rossini Miriam de Souza
Published: July 2024

The text discusses how the pornochanchada Nos embalos de Ipanema (1978) by Antonio Calmon dialogues with the problematizations about individualism, narcissism, and objectification in historical and sociopolitical contexts, being divided into four parts. In the first one, this study describes the considerations by Holanda on the Brazilian sociopolitical formation and the importance of individualism in it — along with those of Sennett on the erosion of the public sphere. The next three parts articulate a methodological proposal of interlocution between theory and object, uniting the discussions of the previous part to the analysis of the interpersonal dynamics in the film.
Interações discursivas em Dall-e 2
Authors: Médola Ana Silvia Lopes Davi , Pereira Henrique da Silva
Published: July 2024

Este artículo examina cómo el análisis de las interacciones discursivas contribuye a reflexionar sobre los retos comunicativos que plantea la automatización en los procesos de puesta en discurso con tecnologías de inteligencia artificial generativa. El análisis semiótico de las interacciones discursivas en el sitio web Dall-e 2, que utiliza algoritmos de Procesamiento del Lenguaje Natural (PLN) para generar imágenes, identifica dos tipos de interacción: el efecto de sentido de la interacción bilateral reflexiva, en la que enunciador y enunciatario se sincretizan en un mismo actor, y una interacción unidireccional en el contexto de la enunciación, en la que el enunciador-humano comanda la enunciación como destinatario y el enunciador-máquina procesa las marcas dejadas por el primero para generar un texto imagético. En la dinámica de procesamiento del significado, se observa que las interacciones discursivas desempeñan un papel fundamental en las relaciones de comunicación, en las que la interpretación requiere nuevas competencias por parte del receptor.
Mãe e filho em campo: costurando uma experiência etnográfica
Authors: Tavares José Rolfran , Tavares Francisca das Chagas de Souza
Published: July 2024

Este texto es un resumen de una conversación entre el autor y la coautora sobre su producción conjunta de actividades de campo durante la elaboración de la disertación de Rolfran de Souza Tavares, ya que el autor invitó a su madre (la coautora, Francisca de Souza Tavares) para que lo ayudara. Esto sucedió porque él quería establecer un enfoque agradable y comprometido con las colaboradoras de la investigación, mujeres que criaban a jóvenes negros y que tuvieron a uno de sus tutelados asesinados. En ese estudio, el objetivo era comprender sus nociones de seguridad pública y sus estrategias para proteger a sus hijos. Teniendo en cuenta que este tema podría causar un gran malestar emocional, el investigador incluyó a alguien que estas mujeres consideraban legítima para facilitar tales contactos, su madre. Las mujeres con las que trabajaron habitaban el mismo territorio donde el autor y la coautora residen, y Francisca tenía interacciones diarias sobre prácticas de maternidad con ellas.
Aortic Uptake of
18
F-NaF and
18
F-FDG and Calcification Predict the Development of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms and Is Attenuated by Drug Therapy
Authors: Nakahara Takehiro , Miyazawa Raita , Iwabuchi Yu , Tonda Kai , Narula Nupoor , Strauss H. William , Narula Jagat , Jinzaki Masahiro
Published: July 2024

BACKGROUND:

Abdominal aortic aneurysms expand over time and increase the risk of fatal ruptures. To predict expansion, the isolated assessment of
18
F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) and sodium fluoride (NaF) uptake or calcification volume in aneurysms has been investigated with variability in results. We systematically evaluated whether
18
F-FDG and
18
F-NaF uptake was predictive of abdominal aortic aneurysm expansion.

METHODS:

Seventy-four male Sprague-Dawley rat abdominal aortic aneurysm models were imaged using positron emission tomography–computed tomography with
18
F-FDG and
18
F-NaF at 1, 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks after CaCl
2
or saline stimulation. In the 1-week cohort (n=25), the correlation between
18
F-FDG or
18
F-NaF uptake and pathological markers was investigated. In the time course cohort (n=49), animals received either atorvastatin, losartan, aldactone, or risedronate to assess the effect of these drugs, and the relationship between aortic size and sequential
18
F-FDG and
18
F-NaF uptake or calcification volume was examined.

RESULTS:

In the 1-week cohort, the maximum standard unit value of
18
F-FDG and
18
F-NaF uptake correlated with CD68- (r=0.82;
P
=0.001) and von Kossa staining–positive areas (r=0.89;
P
<0.001), respectively. In the time course cohort,
18
F-FDG and
18
F-NaF uptake changed in a time-dependent manner and drugs attenuated this uptake. Specifically,
18
F-FDG showed high uptake at weeks 1 and 2, whereas a high
18
F-NaF uptake was noted throughout the study period. Atorvastatin and risedronate showed a decreased and increased aortic size, respectively. The final aortic area correlated well with
18
F-FDG and
18
F-NaF uptake and calcification volume, especially at 1 and 2 weeks (
18
F-NaF [1 week]: r=0.61,
18
F-FDG [2 weeks]: r=0.51, calcification volume [1 week]: r=0.59;
P
<0.001). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that the combination of these factors predicted the final aortic size, with
18
F-NaF uptake at 1 week being the strongest predictor.

CONCLUSIONS:

The uptake of
18
F-NaF and
18
F-FDG and the calcification volume at appropriate times correlated with the development of abdominal aortic aneurysms, with
18
F-NaF uptake being the strongest predictor.
Single-Cell RNA Sequencing Deconstructs the Distribution of Immune Cells Within Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms in Mice
Authors: Yuan Zhen , Shu Li , Fu Jiantao , Yang Peipei , Wang Yidong , Sun Jie , Zheng Mengsha , Liu Zhenjie , Yang Jin , Song Jiangping , Song Shen , Cai Zhejun
Published: July 2024

BACKGROUND:

Inflammation is a key component in the development of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA), yet insights into the roles of immune cells and their interactions in this process are limited.

METHODS:

Using single-cell RNA transcriptomic analysis, we deconstructed the CD45
+
cell population in elastase-induced murine AAA at the single-cell level. We isolated each group of immune cells from murine AAA tissue at different time points and divided them into several subtypes, listed the remarkable differentially expressed genes, explored the developmental trajectories of immune cells, and demonstrated the interactions among them.

RESULTS:

Our findings reveal significant differences in several immune cell subsets, including macrophages, dendritic cells, and T cells, within the AAA microenvironment compared with the normal aorta. Especially, conventional dendritic cell type 1 exclusively existed in the AAA tissue rather than the normal aortas. Via CellChat analysis, we identified several intercellular communication pathways like visfatin, which targets monocyte differentiation and neutrophil extracellular trap–mediated interaction between neutrophils and dendritic cells, which might contribute to AAA development. Some of these pathways were validated in human AAA.

CONCLUSIONS:

Despite the absence of external pathogenic stimuli, AAA tissues develop a complex inflammatory microenvironment involving numerous immune cells. In-depth studies of the inflammatory network shall provide new strategies for patients with AAA.