bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Oncologists’ perspective on advance directives, a French national prospective cross-sectional survey – the ADORE study
Authors: Cambriel Amélie , Serey Kevin , Pollina-Bachellerie Adrien , Cancel Mathilde , Michalet Morgan , Bay Jacques-Olivier , Bouleuc Carole , Lotz Jean-Pierre , Philippart Francois
Published: April 2024

Background

The often poor prognosis associated with cancer necessitates empowering patients to express their care preferences. Yet, the prevalence of Advance Directives (AD) among oncology patients remains low. This study investigated oncologists' perspectives on the interests and challenges associated with implementing AD.

Methods

A French national online survey targeting hospital-based oncologists explored five areas: AD information, writing support, AD usage, personal perceptions of AD's importance, and respondent's profile. The primary outcome was to assess how frequently oncologists provide patients with information about AD in daily clinical practice. Additionally, we examined factors related to delivering information on AD.

Results

Of the 410 oncologists (50%) who responded to the survey, 75% (n = 308) deemed AD relevant. While 36% (n = 149) regularly inform patients about AD, 25% (n = 102) remain skeptical about AD. Among the respondents who do not consistently discuss AD, the most common reason given is the belief that AD may induce anxiety (n = 211/353; 60%). Of all respondents, 90% (n = 367) believe patients require specific information to draft relevant AD. Physicians with experience in palliative care were more likely to discuss AD (43% vs 32.3%, p = 0.027). Previous experience in critical care was associated with higher levels of distrust towards AD (31.5% vs 18.8%, p = 0.003), and 68.5% (n = 281) of the respondents expressed that designating a “person of trust” would be more appropriate than utilizing AD.

Conclusion

Despite the perceived relevance of AD, only a third of oncologists regularly apprise their patients about them. Significant uncertainty persists about the safety and relevance of AD.
Alerta Cannabis: A Tailored-Computer Web-Based Program for the Prevention of Cannabis Use in Adolescents: A Cluster-Randomized Controlled Trial Protocol
Authors: Lima-Serrano Marta , Barrera-Villalba Carmen , Mac-Fadden Isotta , Mesters Ilse , de Vries Hein
Published: April 2024

Background

The growing use of cannabis in adolescence is a public health problem that must be addressed through prevention. In Spain, the average age of initiation of cannabis use in the adolescent population is 14.8 years. At 14 years, the lifetime prevalence of cannabis use is 11.7%, which increases to 51.,5% at the age of 18; the prevalence of cannabis use in the population aged 14 to 18 years is 28.6%, a figure that must be tried to reduce, that is why this school prevention program is proposed: Alerta Cannabis.

Methods

The Alerta Cannabis research project consists of design, implementation, and evaluation. In the first phase, a computer-tailored eHealth program (Alerta Cannabis) is developed based on the I-Change Model, an integrated model based on three main behavioral change processes: awareness, motivation, and action. This program consists of four 30-minute sessions that will provide culturally adapted and personalized advice to motivate students not to use cannabis through text feedback, animations, and gamification techniques. This phase will also include usability testing. In the implementation phase, secondary school students from Western Andalusia, Spain (Seville, Cádiz, Huelva, and Córdoba) and Eastern Andalusia (Jaén, Málaga, and Granada) will be randomized to an experimental condition (EC) or a control condition (CC) for a cluster randomized clinical trial (CRCT). Each condition will have 35 classes within 8 schools. GI will receive the online intervention Alerta Cannabis. EC and CC will have to fill out a questionnaire at baseline, six months, and twelve months of follow-up. In the last phase, the effect of Alerta Cannabis is evaluated. The primary outcomes are the lifetime prevalence of cannabis use and its use in the last 30 days and at 6 months. At 12 months of follow-up, the prevalence in the last 12 months will also be assessed. The secondary outcome is the intention to use cannabis.

Discussion

The study tests the effect of the innovative program specifically aimed to reduce the use of cannabis in the adolescent population through eHealth in Spain. The findings aim to develop and implement evidence-based cannabis prevention interventions, which could support school prevention, for instance, the assistance of school nurses. If the program proves to be effective, it could be useful to prevent cannabis use on a national and international scale.

Trial registration

NCT05849636. Date of registration: March 16, 2023.
Loss of ZNF451 mediates fibroblast activation and promotes lung fibrosis
Authors: Peng Hong , Zhang Yu , Min Jiali , Tan Yuexin , Liu Shanshan
Published: April 2024

Background

No effective therapies for pulmonary fibrosis (PF) exist because of the unclear molecular pathogenesis and the lack of effective therapeutic targets. Zinc finger protein 451 (ZNF451), a transcriptional regulator, plays crucial roles in the pathogenesis of several diseases. However, its expression pattern and function in PF remain unknown. This study was designed to investigate the role of ZNF451 in the pathogenesis of lung fibrosis.

Methods

GEO dataset analysis, RT‒PCR, and immunoblot assays were used to examine the expression of ZNF451 in PF; ZNF451 knockout mice and ZNF451-overexpressing lentivirus were used to determine the importance of ZNF451 in PF progression; and migration assays, immunofluorescence staining, and RNA-seq analysis were used for mechanistic studies.

Results

ZNF451 is downregulated and negatively associated with disease severity in PF. Compared with wild-type (WT) mice, ZNF451 knockout mice exhibited much more serious PF changes. However, ZNF451 overexpression protects mice from BLM-induced pulmonary fibrosis. Mechanistically, ZNF451 downregulation triggers fibroblast activation by increasing the expression of PDGFB and subsequently activating PI3K/Akt signaling.

Conclusion

These findings uncover a critical role of ZNF451 in PF progression and introduce a novel regulatory mechanism of ZNF451 in fibroblast activation. Our study suggests that ZNF451 serves as a potential therapeutic target for PF and that strategies aimed at increasing ZNF451 expression may be promising therapeutic approaches for PF.
Valorisation of cotton post-industrial textile waste into lactic acid: chemo-mechanical pretreatment, separate hydrolysis and fermentation using engineered yeast
Authors: Simonetti Marta , Butti Pietro , Di Lorenzo Raffaella Desiré , Mapelli Valeria , Branduardi Paola
Published: April 2024

Background

The textile industry has several negative impacts, mainly because it is based on a linear business model that depletes natural resources and produces excessive amounts of waste. Globally, about 75% of textile waste is disposed of in landfills and only 25% is reused or recycled, while less than 1% is recycled back into new garments. In this study, we explored the valorisation of cotton fabric waste from an apparel textile manufacturing company as valuable biomass to produce lactic acid, a versatile chemical building block.

Results

Post-industrial cotton patches were pre-treated with the aim of developing a methodology applicable to the industrial site involved. First, a mechanical shredding machine reduced the fabric into individual fibres of maximum 35 mm in length. Afterwards, an alkaline treatment was performed, using NaOH at different concentrations, including a 16% (w/v) NaOH enriched waste stream from the mercerisation of cotton fabrics. The combination of chemo-mechanical pre-treatment and enzymatic hydrolysis led to the maximum recovery yield of 90.46 ± 3.46%, corresponding to 74.96 ± 2.76 g/L of glucose released, which represents a novel valorisation of two different side products (NaOH enriched wastewater and cotton textile waste) of the textile industry. The Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain CEN.PK m850, engineered for redirecting the natural alcoholic fermentation towards a homolactic fermentation, was then used to valorise the glucose-enriched hydrolysate into lactic acid. Overall, the process produced 53.04 g/L ± 0.34 of l-lactic acid, with a yield of 82.7%, being the first example of second-generation biomass valorised with this yeast strain, to the best of our knowledge. Remarkably, the fermentation performances were comparable with the ones obtained in the control medium.

Conclusion

This study validates the exploitation of cotton post–industrial waste as a possible feedstock for the production of commodity chemicals in microbial cell-based biorefineries. The presented strategy demonstrates the possibility of implementing a circular bioeconomy approach in manufacturing textile industries.

Graphical Abstract
The troglitazone derivative EP13 disrupts energy metabolism through respiratory chain complex I inhibition in breast cancer cells and potentiates the antiproliferative effect of glycolysis inhibitors
Authors: Muller Claire , Lacroix-Malgras Victorine , Kluza Jérôme , Laine William , Güler Yonca , Bost Frédéric , Boisbrun Michel , Mazerbourg Sabine , Flament Stéphane
Published: April 2024

Background

The metabolism of cancer cells generally differs from that of normal cells. Indeed, most cancer cells have a high rate of glycolysis, even at normal oxygen concentrations. These metabolic properties can potentially be exploited for therapeutic intervention. In this context, we have developed troglitazone derivatives to treat hormone-sensitive and triple-negative breast cancers, which currently lack therapeutic targets, have an aggressive phenotype, and often have a worse prognosis than other subtypes. Here, we studied the metabolic impact of the EP13 compound, a desulfured derivative of Δ2-troglitazone that we synthetized and is more potent than its parent compounds.

Methods

EP13 was tested on two triple-negative breast cancer cell lines, MDA-MB-231 and Hs578T, and on the luminal cell line MCF-7. The oxygen consumption rate (OCR) of the treated cell lines, Hs578T mammospheres and isolated mitochondria was measured using the XFe24 Seahorse analyser. ROS production was quantified using the MitoSOX fluorescent probe. Glycolytic activity was evaluated through measurement of the extracellular acidification rate (ECAR), glucose consumption and lactate production in extracellular medium. The synergistic effect of EP13 with glycolysis inhibitors (oxamate and 2-deoxyglucose) on cell cytotoxicity was established using the Chou-Talalay method.

Results

After exposure to EP13, we observed a decrease in the mitochondrial oxygen consumption rate in MCF7, MDA-MB-231 and Hs578T cells. EP13 also modified the maximal OCR of Hs578T spheroids. EP13 reduced the OCR through inhibition of respiratory chain complex I. After 24 h, ATP levels in EP13-treated cells were not altered compared with those in untreated cells, suggesting compensation by glycolysis activity, as shown by the increase in ECAR, the glucose consumption and lactate production. Finally, we performed co-treatments with EP13 and glycolysis inhibitors (oxamate and 2-DG) and observed that EP13 potentiated their cytotoxic effects.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates that EP13 inhibits OXPHOS in breast cancer cells and potentiates the effect of glycolysis inhibitors.
Constitutive knockout of interleukin-6 ameliorates memory deficits and entorhinal astrocytosis in the MRL/lpr mouse model of neuropsychiatric lupus
Authors: Reynolds Joshua , Huang Michelle , Li Yaxi , Meineck Myriam , Moeckel Tamara , Weinmann-Menke Julia , Mohan Chandra , Schwarting Andreas , Putterman Chaim
Published: April 2024

Background

Neuropsychiatric lupus (NPSLE) describes the cognitive, memory, and affective emotional burdens faced by many lupus patients. While NPSLE’s pathogenesis has not been fully elucidated, clinical imaging studies and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) findings, namely elevated interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels, point to ongoing neuroinflammation in affected patients. Not only linked to systemic autoimmunity, IL-6 can also activate neurotoxic glial cells the brain. A prior pre-clinical study demonstrated that IL-6 can acutely induce a loss of sucrose preference; the present study sought to assess the necessity of chronic IL-6 exposure in the NPSLE-like disease of MRL/lpr lupus mice.

Methods

We quantified 1308 proteins in individual serum or pooled CSF samples from MRL/lpr and control MRL/mpj mice using protein microarrays. Serum IL-6 levels were plotted against characteristic NPSLE neurobehavioral deficits. Next, IL-6 knockout MRL/lpr (IL-6 KO; n = 15) and IL-6 wildtype MRL/lpr mice (IL-6 WT; n = 15) underwent behavioral testing, focusing on murine correlates of learning and memory deficits, depression, and anxiety. Using qPCR, we quantified the expression of inflammatory genes in the cortex and hippocampus of MRL/lpr IL-6 KO and WT mice. Immunofluorescent staining was performed to quantify numbers of microglia (Iba1 +) and astrocytes (GFAP +) in multiple cortical regions, the hippocampus, and the amygdala.

Results

MRL/lpr CSF analyses revealed increases in IL-17, MCP-1, TNF-α, and IL-6 (a priori p-value < 0.1). Serum levels of IL-6 correlated with learning and memory performance (R2 = 0.58; p = 0.03), but not motivated behavior, in MRL/lpr mice. Compared to MRL/lpr IL-6 WT, IL-6 KO mice exhibited improved novelty preference on object placement (45.4% vs 60.2%, p < 0.0001) and object recognition (48.9% vs 67.9%, p = 0.002) but equivalent performance in tests for anxiety-like disease and depression-like behavior. IL-6 KO mice displayed decreased cortical expression of aif1 (microglia; p = 0.049) and gfap (astrocytes; p = 0.044). Correspondingly, IL-6 KO mice exhibited decreased density of GFAP + cells compared to IL-6 WT in the entorhinal cortex (89 vs 148 cells/mm2, p = 0.037), an area vital to memory.

Conclusions

The inflammatory composition of MRL/lpr CSF resembles that of human NPSLE patients. Increased in the CNS, IL-6 is necessary to the development of learning and memory deficits in the MRL/lpr model of NPSLE. Furthermore, the stimulation of entorhinal astrocytosis appears to be a key mechanism by which IL-6 promotes these behavioral deficits.
A basaloid carcinoma with multilocular thymic cyst mimicking a mediastinal teratoma
Authors: Su Chen , Zhu Xiaobo , Wang Qiang , Zhang Junjie
Published: April 2024

This case report details a rare thymic basaloid carcinoma initially misinterpreted as a mediastinal teratoma, underscoring the diagnostic challenges posed by such tumors. A 71-year-old female presented with an asymptomatic anterior mediastinal tumor discovered incidentally during a routine health examination. Surgical intervention, followed by pathological and immunohistochemical analysis including CK-pan, p63, p40, and CD117 molecules, led to a definitive diagnosis of basaloid carcinoma of the thymus. This case highlights the critical importance of differential diagnosis in mediastinal lesions, especially those presenting with multilocular thymic cysts on chest CT. The subxiphoid video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery enabled complete tumor resection with minimal trauma and favorable postoperative outcomes. The patient opted against further radiotherapy or chemotherapy and she has survived for over eight months without recurrence. This case report contributes to the growing understanding of thymic basaloid carcinoma, a rare and potentially aggressive thymic carcinoma subtype. It emphasizes the necessity for precise surgical techniques and enhanced diagnostic acumen among cardiothoracic surgeons and oncologists.
Management of left atrial myxoma in pregnant women: a case series
Authors: Liu Yanli , Wang Haiping , Huang Huanlei , Han Fengzhen , Zhuang Jian , Ou Yanqiu , Lin Yanyan , Zhang Weina
Published: April 2024

Background

Left atrial myxoma during pregnancy is rare. We present three cases in order to aid in the management.

Case Presentation

Three cases of left atrial myxoma during pregnancy were presented in this article. Three patients all received multidisciplinary team work and acquired good outcomes. The case 1 had no symptoms and delivered before traditional cardiac surgery. The case 2 and case 3 undergone totally endoscopic minimally invasive cardiac surgery during pregnancy. The case 3 maintained pregnancy to term and gave birth to a healthy baby via vaginal delivery. No relapse of the tumor was observed.

Conclusions

The management of left atrial myxoma during pregnancy ought to be individualized and combined with the gestational age. If the diagnosis was made in the first two trimesters of pregnancy, totally endoscopic minimally invasive cardiac surgery during pregnancy would be an optimal choice. The patients can benefit from the multidisciplinary team work.
Reducing the effective dose of cisplatin using cobalt modified silver nano-hybrid as a carriers on MCF7 and HCT cell models
Authors: Faid Amna H. , Ramadan Marwa A.
Published: April 2024

Cancer is a deadly illness with a convoluted pathogenesis. The most prevalent restrictions that frequently result in treatment failure for cancer chemotherapy include lack of selectivity, cytotoxicity, and multidrug resistance. Thus, considerable efforts have been focused in recent years on the establishment of a modernistic sector termed nano-oncology, which offers the option of employing nanoparticles (NPs) with the objective of detecting, targeting, and treating malignant disorders. NPs offer a focused approach compared to conventional anticancer methods, preventing negative side effects. In the present work, a successful synthetic process was used to create magnetic cobalt cores with an AgNPs shell to form bimetallic nanocomposites CoAg, then functionalized with Cis forming novel CoAg@Cis nanohybrid. The morphology and optical properties were determined by TEM, DLS, FTIRs and UV–vis spectroscopy, furthermore, anticancer effect of CoAg and CoAg@Cis nanohybrids were estimated using MTT assay on MCF7 and HCT cell lines. Our results showed that Co@Ag core shell is about 15 nm were formed with dark CoNPs core and AgNPs shell with less darkness than the core, moreover, CoAg@Cis has diameter about 25 nm which are bigger in size than Co@Ag core shell demonstrating the loading of Cis. It was observed that Cis, CoAg and CoAg@Cis induced a decline in cell survival and peaked at around 65%, 73%and 66% on MCF7 and 80%, 76%and 78% on HCT at 100 µg/ml respectively. Compared to Cis alone, CoAg and CoAg@Cis caused a significant decrease in cell viability. These findings suggest that the synthesized CoAg can be used as a powerful anticancer drug carrier.

Graphical Abstract
Neuroinflammation increases oxygen extraction in a mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Liu Chang , Cárdenas-Rivera Alfredo , Teitelbaum Shayna , Birmingham Austin , Alfadhel Mohammed , Yaseen Mohammad A.
Published: April 2024

Background

Neuroinflammation, impaired metabolism, and hypoperfusion are fundamental pathological hallmarks of early Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Numerous studies have asserted a close association between neuroinflammation and disrupted cerebral energetics. During AD progression and other neurodegenerative disorders, a persistent state of chronic neuroinflammation reportedly exacerbates cytotoxicity and potentiates neuronal death. Here, we assessed the impact of a neuroinflammatory challenge on metabolic demand and microvascular hemodynamics in the somatosensory cortex of an AD mouse model.

Methods

We utilized in vivo 2-photon microscopy and the phosphorescent oxygen sensor Oxyphor 2P to measure partial pressure of oxygen (pO2) and capillary red blood cell flux in cortical microvessels of awake mice. Intravascular pO2 and capillary RBC flux measurements were performed in 8-month-old APPswe/PS1dE9 mice and wildtype littermates on days 0, 7, and 14 of a 14-day period of lipopolysaccharide-induced neuroinflammation.

Results

Before the induced inflammatory challenge, AD mice demonstrated reduced metabolic demand but similar capillary red blood cell flux as their wild type counterparts. Neuroinflammation provoked significant reductions in cerebral intravascular oxygen levels and elevated oxygen extraction in both animal groups, without significantly altering red blood cell flux in capillaries.

Conclusions

This study provides evidence that neuroinflammation alters cerebral oxygen demand at the early stages of AD without substantially altering vascular oxygen supply. The results will guide our understanding of neuroinflammation’s influence on neuroimaging biomarkers for early AD diagnosis.
Factors associated with adverse outcome among children with sickle cell disease admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit: an observational cohort
Authors: Levy Michaël , Naudin Jérôme , Geslain Guillaume , Maroni Arielle , Koehl Bérengère , Le Bourgeois Fleur , Poncelet Géraldine , Chomton Maryline , Deho Anna , Julliand Sébastien , Dauger Stéphane , Sommet Julie
Published: April 2024

Background

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is one of the most frequent inherited diseases in the world. Over the last decades, in high-income countries, an important decrease in mortality have been observed due to the improvement of care. However, children with SCD can become critically ill and require admission in Pediatric Intensive Care Units (PICU). The purpose of this study was to describe the epidemiology of children with SCD admitted to PICU for acute crisis and to identify factors associated with adverse outcome (AO).

Methods

We conducted a retrospective study in a Tertiary Hospital in France including all consecutive children with SCD admitted to PICU between January 1st, 2009 and December 31, 2019. We collected baseline patient’s characteristics, clinical and biological data as well as treatments and life sustaining therapies used in the PICU. Patients were defined as experiencing AO in case of death during stay and/or need for invasive mechanical ventilation (MV) and/or for non-invasive ventilation (NIV) for more than 3 days and/or need for vasopressors and/or need for renal replacement therapy.

Results

We included 579 admissions in 395 patients, mainly of SS genotype (90%) with a median age of 9.2 years [5.5–13.4] and a median baseline hemoglobin of 8.0 g/dl (7.5–8.8). The two main reasons for admission were acute chest syndrome (ACS) (n = 331, 57%) and vaso-occlusive crisis refractory to first line therapy (n = 99, 17%). Half of patients required NIV and 47 (8%) required MV. The overall length of stay was 3 days [1–4] and seven (1%) patients died during PICU stay.There was a total of 113 (20%) admissions with AO and on multivariable analysis, baseline hemoglobin < 8 g/dL, history of bronchial obstruction and admission for ACS were associated with AO. There was no difference in the proportion of hydroxyurea treatment or exchange transfusion program between patients with AO and the other patients.

Conclusions

Baseline hemoglobin < 8 g/dL, history of bronchial obstruction and admission for ACS were the strongest risk factors for severe evolution in SCD children admitted to PICU. These factors could be taken into consideration when choosing the adequate therapeutic options.
Oxygenation management during veno-arterial ECMO support for cardiogenic shock: a multicentric retrospective cohort study
Authors: Winiszewski Hadrien , Vieille Thibault , Guinot Pierre-Grégoire , Nesseler Nicolas , Le Berre Mael , Crognier Laure , Roche Anne-Claude , Fellahi Jean-Luc , D’Ostrevy Nicolas , Ltaief Zied , Didier Juliette , Arab Osama Abou , Meslin Simon , Scherrer Vincent , Besch Guillaume , Monnier Alexandra , Piton Gael , Kimmoun Antoine , Capellier Gilles
Published: April 2024

Backgound

Hyperoxemia is common and associated with poor outcome during veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA ECMO) support for cardiogenic shock. However, little is known about practical daily management of oxygenation. Then, we aim to describe sweep gas oxygen fraction (FSO2), postoxygenator oxygen partial pressure (PPOSTO2), inspired oxygen fraction (FIO2), and right radial arterial oxygen partial pressure (PaO2) between day 1 and day 7 of peripheral VA ECMO support. We also aim to evaluate the association between oxygenation parameters and outcome. In this retrospective multicentric study, each participating center had to report data on the last 10 eligible patients for whom the ICU stay was terminated. Patients with extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation were excluded. Primary endpoint was individual mean FSO2during the seven first days of ECMO support (FSO2 mean (day 1−7)).

Results

Between August 2019 and March 2022, 139 patients were enrolled in 14 ECMO centers in France, and one in Switzerland. Among them, the median value for FSO2 mean (day 1−7)was 70 [57; 79] % but varied according to center case volume. Compared to high volume centers, centers with less than 30 VA-ECMO runs per year were more likely to maintain FSO2≥ 70% (OR 5.04, CI 95% [1.39; 20.4],p = 0.017). Median value for right radial PaO2 mean (day 1−7)was 114 [92; 145] mmHg, and decreased from 125 [86; 207] mmHg at day 1, to 97 [81; 133] mmHg at day 3 (p < 0.01). Severe hyperoxemia (i.e. right radial PaO2≥ 300 mmHg) occurred in 16 patients (12%). PPOSTO2, a surrogate of the lower body oxygenation, was measured in only 39 patients (28%) among four centers. The median value of PPOSTO2 mean (day 1−7)value was 198 [169; 231] mmHg. By multivariate analysis, age (OR 1.07, CI95% [1.03–1.11],p < 0.001), FSO2 mean (day 1−3)(OR 1.03 [1.00-1.06],p = 0.039), and right radial PaO2 mean (day 1−3)(OR 1.03, CI95% [1.00-1.02],p = 0.023) were associated with in-ICU mortality.

Conclusion

In a multicentric cohort of cardiogenic shock supported by VA ECMO, the median value for FSO2 mean (day 1−7)was 70 [57; 79] %. PPOSTO2monitoring was infrequent and revealed significant hyperoxemia. Higher FSO2 mean (day 1−3)and right radial PaO2 mean (day 1−3)were independently associated with in-ICU mortality.
Provably secure data selective sharing scheme with cloud-based decentralized trust management systems
Authors: Velmurugan S. , Prakash M. , Neelakandan S. , Radhakrishnan Arun
Published: April 2024

The smart collection and sharing of data is an important part of cloud-based systems, since huge amounts of data are being created all the time. This feature allows users to distribute data to particular recipients, while also allowing data proprietors to selectively grant access to their data to users. Ensuring data security and privacy is a formidable task when selective data is acquired and exchanged. One potential issue that emerges is the risk that data may be transmitted by cloud servers to unauthorized users or individuals who have no interest in the particular data or user interests. The prior research lacks comprehensive solutions for balancing security, privacy, and usability in secure data selective sharing schemes inside Cloud-Based decentralized trust management systems. Motivating factors for settling this gap contain growing concerns concerning data privacy, the necessity for scalable and interoperable frameworks, and the increasing dependency on cloud services for data storage and sharing, which necessitates robust and user-friendly mechanisms for secure data management. An effective and obviously secure data selective sharing and acquisition mechanism for cloud-based systems is proposed in this work. We specifically start by important a common problematic related to the selective collection and distribution of data in cloud-based systems. To address these issues, this study proposes a Cloud-based Decentralized Trust Management System (DTMS)-connected Efficient, Provably Secure Data Selection Sharing Scheme (EPSDSS). The EPSDSS approach employs attribute-based encryption (ABE) and proxy re-encryption (PRE) to provide fine-grained access control over shared data. A decentralized trust management system provides participant dependability and accountability while mitigating the dangers of centralized trust models. The EPSDSS-PRE paradigm would allow data owners to regulate granular access while allowing users to customize data collection without disclosing their preferences. In our strategy, the EPSDSS recognizes shared data and generates short fingerprints for information that can elude detection before cloud storage. DTMS also computes user trustworthiness and improves user behaviour administration. Our research demonstrates that it’s able to deliver trustworthy and safe data sharing features in cloud-based environments, making it a viable option for enterprises seeking to protect sensitive data while maximizing collaboration and utilization of resources.
Unilateral abnormality of initial motor-evoked potential in the upper limb detected during lumbar spine surgery: a case report
Authors: Phoowanakulchai Sirima , Hayashi Hironobu , Oi Ayako , Takeshima Yasuhiro , Takatani Tsunenori , Kawaguchi Masahiko
Published: April 2024

Background

We present a case with abnormal findings of initial motor-evoked potential (MEP) in the left upper limb after prone positioning during lumbar spine surgery.

Case presentation

A 71-year-old man with bilateral lower extremity numbness without a history of preexisting motor weakness underwent L3–5 spinal fenestration. Initial MEP monitoring after prone positioning revealed markedly prolonged latency and lower amplitude in the left abductor pollicis brevis (APB). Because the left upper limb somatosensory-evoked potentials had normal values, a position-related impending peripheral nerve injury located between the neck and the forearm was excluded. Postoperative examination revealed that MEP abnormality in the left APB was caused by carpal tunnel syndrome.

Conclusions

Abnormal initial MEP from the upper limb was unexpectedly detected after prone positioning during lumbar spine surgery. The condition was caused by preexisting carpal tunnel syndrome.
A Challenging Case of Diabetes in a Patient With XXYY Syndrome
Authors: Bernacet Rivera Luisa M , Aftab Hassaan B , Mirza Faryal S
Published: April 2024

48 XXYY syndrome is a rare polyploidy often compared with Klinefelter syndrome because of shared features such as tall stature, neurocognitive diseases, hypogonadism, and cardiac malformations. This population is believed to be predisposed to type 2 diabetes because of the presence of hypogonadism and central adiposity. We present a patient with XXYY syndrome who had an atypical and difficult-to-manage diabetes presentation. The patient was nonadherent to medication regimen with poorly controlled diabetes and hemoglobin A1c ranging from 12% to 14% (16.5-19.6 mmol/L). He lacked history of diabetes ketoacidosis, raising the question of maturity-onset diabetes of the young. Workup was negative for glutamic acid decarboxylase-65 and pancreatic islet cell antibody testing. Genetic testing for 5-gene panel for maturity-onset diabetes of the young was also negative. Distinct parts of his presentation make an accurate diabetes diagnosis very challenging. Clinicians should be aware of diabetes associations in patients with XXYY syndrome for optimization of care.
Managing Catecholamine Release Syndrome During and Following Lu-177-DOTATATE in High-Risk Pheochromocytoma Patients
Authors: Phelps Tim E , del Rivero Jaydira , Chertow Daniel S , Rosing Douglas , Pacak Karel , Lin Frank I
Published: April 2024

Pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas (PPGLs) are rare catecholamine-producing tumors that express somatostatin receptors (SSTR) that can be treated with lutetium-177 DOTATATE (Lu-177-TRT); however, treatment can be associated with life-threatening cardiovascular events. A patient case with management strategies for high-risk PPGL patients receiving Lu-177-TRT is described. The 78-year-old patient with metastatic paraganglioma was enrolled and treated under NCT03206060. Deemed to be at high risk, the patient was preemptively admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) with central line access placed. Due to comorbidities, a reduced dose of 100 mCi x 4 cycles was used for this patient. Vital signs, blood work, and serum catecholamine levels were obtained at various time points. Despite reduced dosing, the patient still developed a severe hypertensive reaction with systolic blood pressure of 240 mmHg within minutes of Lu-177-TRT infusion, which was controlled with an intravenous nicardipine drip. The patient remained in the ICU for 24 hours post Lu-177-TRT before moving to an inpatient ward for an additional 24 hours. All subsequent infusions were performed using reduced doses with elective ICU admissions and were well-tolerated. Despite the increased risk, metastatic PPGL patients can be safely treated with proper staff training, monitoring, and preparation for intravenous medications, especially nicardipine.
A Longitudinal Theory-Based Investigation of How Environmental Aesthetics Predicts Home-Based Exercise
Authors: KAUSHAL NAVIN , NEMATI DONYA , KEITH NICOLE , HAGGER MARTIN
Published: April 2024

Introduction

Environmental aesthetics is a recognized macro environmental correlate of physical activity participation. Extrapolating this effect, we hypothesize this variable to also function as a determinant of exercise participation in the microenvironment, such as the home. Specifically, we predict that the environmental aesthetics of the location of cardio and resistance training equipment will predict determinants of exercise participation within the integrated behavior change model.

Methods

Adult owners of exercise equipment (N = 231) completed measures on the environmental aesthetics of their cardio and resistance training equipment, exercise time, and constructs from the integrated behavior change model across three consecutive monthly surveys. Study hypotheses were tested using multilevel structural equation modeling with participants (level 2) nested within time (level 1).

Results

The model revealed predictive effects of intention, habit, and planning on exercise participation over time. The findings indicated a total effect of autonomous motivation on intention and habit. In addition, environmental aesthetics of cardio and strength training equipment predicted autonomous motivation, along with habit and intention when accounting for indirect effects. Finally, planning moderated the intention–behavior relationship, indicating that participants who scored higher on planning were more likely to translate their intentions to behavior.

Conclusions

These findings provide informative notes for designing effective home-based exercise programs, which have increased in popularity over the past recent years. Specifically, experimental studies that provide exercise equipment should ensure that the location of the equipment is appealing to the participant to increase the likelihood equipment use and exercise engagement.
Investimento em infraestrutura: a reestruturação da distribuição da matriz de risco como resposta à baixa institucionalidade
Authors: Pansieri Flávio , Luz Otávio Augusto Baptista da
Published: April 2024

Países em desenvolvimento tradicionalmente contam com nível de segurança institucional sub-ótimo. Investimentos estrangeiros, como regra, exigem a presença de garantias sólidas ou prêmios de risco condizentes. Ativos subprime são aqueles que não contam com taxa interna de retorno (TIR) satisfatória e, portanto, não apresentam equação positiva em análise de risco. A reestruturação da matriz de risco típica dos contratos administrativos pode, por vezes, reequilibrar tal equação. A partir de aportes da teoria econômica expõe-se a necessidade e relevância de investimentos e infraestrutura, bem como a necessidade de readequar a estrutura de incentivos à atração de investimento estrangeiro à realidade nacional (e sua baixa institucionalidade). Ao fim conclui-se que a reestruturação da matriz típica de riscos, (re)alocando parte destes ao Poder Público em questões chave, pode ajudar a viabilizar a atração de novos aportes no setor.
Maternal and perinatal death surveillance and response in Bangladesh: A case study on measuring impact through health information systems
Authors: Sayem Abu Sadat Mohammad , Kaasbøll Jens Johan , Halim Abul , Abdullah Dr. Abu Sayeed Md.
Published: April 2024

The health sector in Bangladesh is thriving, and the Maternal and Perinatal Death Surveillance and Response (MPDSR) program has been in place to investigate the causes of maternal and perinatal death. This study aimed to investigate the availability of information systems for measuring the status of an MPDSR program and the planning process and actions developed based on real-time information. This study delved into innovative information systems that can be used to monitor and measure the impact of health programs. The study included both the primary and secondary data. A total of six key informant interviews were conducted to explore the enablers and strengths of information systems. Secondary data were collected from government websites and MPDSR action plans. This study highlights the potential and challenges of governmental health information systems in notifying maternal and neonatal deaths. While the current notification rates are not up to national standards, it is encouraging to see health managers develop action plans and address this issue. The MPDSR information system is a valuable tool to help health managers measure changes in maternal and perinatal mortality rates and design locally targeted interventions. However, several obstacles must be addressed, such as insufficient data, lack of monitoring, and irregularities in MPDSR review meetings. By finding ways to overcome these challenges, we can unlock the full potential of MPDSR and improve maternal and neonatal health outcomes. The success of an MPDSR program relies on how the information is utilized to take action and measure the outcome. Advanced information systems, such as health dashboards, scorecards, and administrative data, can play a vital role in measuring the progress and impact of a program. The primary challenge lies in capturing all deaths, including their causes, and having the capacity to analyze the data effectively to develop action plans for health managers.
Unexpected focal fluorodeoxyglucose uptake in main organs; pass through or pass by?
Authors: Lee Haejun , Hwang Kyung-Hoon
Published: April 2024

Since the inception of fluorine-18 fluorodeoxyglucose (F-18 FDG), positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) utilizing F-18 FDG has become widely accepted as a valuable imaging modality in the field of oncology, with global prevalence in clinical practice. Given that a single Torso PET/CT scan encompasses the anatomical region from the skull base to the upper thigh, the detection of incidental abnormal focal hypermetabolism in areas of limited clinical interest is both feasible and not uncommon. Numerous investigations have been undertaken to delineate the distinctive features of these findings, yet the outcomes have proven inconclusive. The incongruent results of these studies present a challenge for physicians, leaving them uncertain about the appropriate course of action. This article provides a succinct overview of the characteristics of fluorodeoxyglucose, followed by a comprehensive discussion of the imaging findings and clinical significance associated with incidental focal abnormal F-18 FDG activity in several representative organs. In conclusion, while the prevalence of unrecognized malignancy varies across organs, malignancies account for a substantial proportion, ranging from approximately one-third to over half, of incidental focal uptake. In light of these rates, physicians are urged to exercise vigilance in not disregarding unexpected uptake, facilitating more assured clinical decisions, and advocating for further active evaluation.
Sound, Noisy Feelings, and the Audible Sublime in Nineteenth-Century Latin America
Authors: Abreu Mendoza Carlos
Published: April 2024

Abstract: This article delves into the aural dimensions of Latin American literary tradition, exploring those instances when the sublime provides the vocabulary and syntax to textually inscribe sonic phenomena. As highlighted by Ana María Ochoa Gautier, the audible techniques cultivated by lettered elites found a way into their writing, thus forming a rich textual archive where they registered sounds, voices, and noises that often defied classification and overwhelmed the senses. In reading texts for sounds that emphasize adversity, discordance, and sono-racial designations, this article traces the sort of negative emotions characterizing Edmund Burke's and later theorists' definitions of the sublime as a combination of pleasure and pain, a negative moment of disturbance and confusion. Focusing on the sonic features of political writings by Simón Bolívar and foundational fictions such as Esteban Echeverría's La cautiva (1837) and Jorge Isaacs 's María (1867) , this article illustrates how sound shapes the discursive articulation of defining binaries such as civilization-barbarism, reason-emotion, nature-culture, and mind-matter.
Terahertz fan-beam computed tomography
Authors: Shen Sishi , Hao Congjing , Liang Bin , Liu Jinsong , Yang Zhengang , Wang Kejia
Published: April 2024

A terahertz (THz) fan-beam computed tomography (CT) system using a 0.3 THz continuous-wave sheet beam is proposed. The diffraction-free sheet beam expands in a fan shape in only one direction and provides propagation-invariant focal lines and extended the depth-of-field. The fan-beam CT based on this beam is the second-generation THz CT. It breaks the conventional 4-f symmetric structure of THz CT using the parallel beam. The fan-beam THz CT allows for use with a linear array detector, which reduces the time required to collect data. To demonstrate its feasibility for three-dimensional (3D) imaging, the 3D structure of a metal rod packed in a carton is reconstructed with the support of the system. The results show that the object’s internal structure can be obtained by this new THz CT system while retaining the geometrically magnified features of the cross-sectional structure. The results of our research provide a template for the second-generation THz CT system, which provides an additional method for nondestructive testing.
Time-delayed single satellite quantum repeater node for global quantum communications
Authors: Gündoǧan Mustafa , Sidhu Jasminder S. , Krutzik Markus , Oi Daniel K. L.
Published: April 2024

Global-scale quantum networking faces significant technical and scientific obstacles. Quantum repeaters (QRs) have been proposed to overcome the inherent direct transmission range limit through optical fiber. However, QRs are typically limited to a total distance of a few thousand kilometers and/or require extensive hardware overhead. Recent proposals suggest that strings of space-borne QRs with on-board quantum memories (QMs) are able to provide global coverage. Here, we propose an alternative to such repeater constellations using a single satellite with two QMs that effectively acts as a time-delayed version of a single QR node. By physically transporting stored qubits, our protocol improves long-distance entanglement distribution with reduced system complexity over previous proposals. We estimate the amount of secure key in the finite block regime and demonstrate an improvement of at least three orders of magnitude over prior single-satellite methods that rely on a single QM, while simultaneously reducing the necessary memory capacity similarly. We propose an experimental platform to realize this scheme based on rare-earth ion doped crystals with appropriate performance parameters. By exploiting recent advances in quantum memory lifetimes, we are able to significantly reduce system complexity while achieving high key rates, bringing global quantum networking closer to implementation.
Flexible incidence angle scanning surface plasmon resonance microscopy for morphology detection with enhanced contrast
Authors: Wang Lingke , Mi Jingyu , Wang Shuqi , Li Wenrui , Tang Ju , Zhang Jiawei , Zhang Jiwei , Zhao Jianlin
Published: April 2024

Surface plasmon resonance microscopy (SPRM) has been massively applied for near-field optical measurement, sensing, and imaging because of its high detection sensitivity, nondestructive, noninvasive, wide-field, and label-free imaging capabilities. However, the transverse propagation characteristic of the surface plasmon wave generated during surface plasmon resonance (SPR) leads to notable “tail” patterns in the SPR image, which severely deteriorates the image quality. Here, we propose an incidence angle scanning method in SPRM to obtain a resonance angle image with exceptional contrast that significantly mitigates the adverse effects of “tail” patterns. The resonance angle image provides the complete morphology of the analyzed samples and enables two-dimensional quantification, which is incapable in conventional SPRM. The effectiveness of the method was experimentally verified using photoresist square samples with different sizes and two-dimensional materials with various geometric shapes. The edges of samples were fully reconstructed and a maximum fivefold increase in the image contrast has been achieved. Our method offers a convenient way to enhance the SPRM imaging capabilities with low cost and stable performance, which greatly expands the applications of SPRM in label-free detection, imaging, and quantification.
Broadband intelligent programmable metasurface with polarization-modulated self-adaptive electromagnetic functionality switching
Authors: Li Ximing , Xu Rui , Sun Xiaofeng , Zhao Yuan , Yang Zhao , Du Guohong
Published: April 2024

Programmable metasurfaces have received a great deal of attention due to their ability to dynamically manipulate electromagnetic (EM) waves. Despite the rapid growth, most of the existing metasurfaces require manual control to switch among different functionalities, which poses severe limitations on practical applications. Here, we put forth an intelligent metasurface that has self-adaptive EM functionality switching in broadband without human participation. It is equipped with polarization discrimination antennas (PDAs) and feedback components to automatically adjust functionalities for the different incident polarization information. The PDA module can first perceive the polarization of incident EM waves, e.g., linear or circular polarization, and then provide the feedback signal to the controlling platform for switching the EM functionality. As exemplary demonstrations, a series of functionalities in the 9–22 GHz band has been realized, including beam scanning for x-polarization, specular reflection for y-polarization, diffuse scattering for left-handed circular polarization (LCP), and vortex beam generation for right-handed circular polarization (RCP) waves. Experiments verify the good self-adaptive reaction capability of the intelligent metasurface and are in good agreement with the designs. Our strategy provides an avenue toward future unmanned devices that are consistent with the ambient environment.