bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Background Color on Growth, Stress, Biochemical, Hematological, and Immunological Responses, and Expression of Growth‐Related Genes in Oscar Fish (Astronotus ocellatus)
Authors: Dopeikar Hakimeh , Khoshkholgh Majidreza , Ghasemi Seyed Ahmad , Morshedi Vahid
Published: January 2024

The aim of the current study was to assess the impacts of tank color on the growth, stress, biochemical, hematological, and immunological responses, and expression of growth‐related genes in juvenile Oscar (Astronotus ocellatus). Therefore, a total of 120 fish (9.14 ± 0.34 g) were distributed into 12 aquariums (60 × 50 × 35 cm) and divided into four treatments (aquariums with blue, white, yellow, and red colors) in three replicates (10 fish per aquarium). The fish were daily hand‐fed ad libitum in three meals at 7:00, 12:00, and 17:00 hr for 56 days. Results showed that Oscar fish cultured in the red aquariums had higher final weight and weight gain and lower feed conversion ratio. Plasma cortisol, glucose, and lactate values of fish were significantly higher, and the amount of white blood cells was lower in the blue aquariums compared to other tank colors. Plasma triglyceride values were significantly higher in the white and yellow groups than the blue aquariums. Moreover, fish cultured in yellow and red aquariums had significantly higher melatonin levels than the blue aquariums. Plasma cholesterol, total protein, albumin, complement 3, and total immunoglobulin values were highest in Oscar fish cultured in the red aquariums. Also, lysozyme and alternative complement (ACH50) activities and complement 4 values of fish cultured in yellow and red aquariums were meaningfully higher compared to blue and white groups. Growth hormone relative gene expression levels were meaningfully higher in Oscar fish cultured in white, yellow, and red aquariums than the blue aquariums. Furthermore, insulin‐like growth factor‐1 (IGF‐1) relative gene expression levels were significantly higher in fish cultured in yellow and red aquariums compared to those cultured in blue and white tank colors. Thus, the most suitable tank color for rearing juvenile A. ocellatus is red, while blue tank color is unsuitable.
Development of Thiazolidinone-Based Pyrazine Derivatives: Synthesis, Molecular Docking Simulation, and Bioevaluation for Anti-Alzheimer and Antibacterial Activities
Authors: Jehangir Uzma , Khan Shoaib , Hussain Rafaqat , Khan Yousaf , Ali Farhan , Sardar Asma , Aslam Samina , Afshari Mozhgan
Published: January 2024

It is well recognized that heterocyclic compounds have exceptional biomedical applications, which has led scientists to become increasingly interested in their use in this field in the recent past. It is the aim of this study, using a multistep method based on thiazolidinone derivative synthesis, to synthesize thiazolidinone derivatives derived from pyrazine molecules (1–12). As a result of analyzing 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR, and HREI-MS data, the structures of these derivatives were determined. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of these drugs was also determined alongside the donepezil (IC50 = 10.10 ± 0.10 µM) to determine their potential as anti-Alzheimer agents. Among the screened derivatives, 1 (IC50 = 4.10 ± 0.20 µM), 2 (IC50 = 2.20 ± 0.20 µM), 4 (IC50 = 2.30 ± 0.20 µM), 5 (IC50 = 5.80 ± 0.30 µM), 6 (IC50 = 6.30 ± 0.20 µM), 8 (IC50 = 5.20 ± 0.10 µM), 9 (IC50 = 5.20 ± 0.40 µM), 10 (IC50 = 8.30 ± 0.40 µM), and 11 (IC50 = 8.10 ± 0.70 µM) showed potent activity. In addition, the synthesized moieties were screened against E. coli to determine whether there were any antimicrobial properties. It was found that most of the compounds were more potent inhibitors of bacterial growth in comparison to streptomycin, the reference drug. There have been several molecular docking experiments conducted to gain a deeper understanding of how these compounds interact with the active sites of enzymes to gain a greater understanding of their functional mechanisms.
Table S1 from Lung Fibroblasts Take up Breast Cancer Cell-derived Extracellular Vesicles Partially Through MEK2-dependent Macropinocytosis
Authors: Wan Yuhao , Zhao Yue , Cao Minghui , Wang Jingyi , Tran Sheila V. , Song Zhixuan , Hsueh Brent W. , Wang Shizhen Emily
Published: January 2024

Supplementary Table S1 shows the compounds tested in the screen.
FIGURE 4 from Lung Fibroblasts Take up Breast Cancer Cell-derived Extracellular Vesicles Partially Through MEK2-dependent Macropinocytosis
Authors: Wan Yuhao , Zhao Yue , Cao Minghui , Wang Jingyi , Tran Sheila V. , Song Zhixuan , Hsueh Brent W. , Wang Shizhen Emily
Published: January 2024

Pathway inhibitors Trametinib and Copanlisib inhibit the uptake and effect of EVs from various breast cancer cells. A, Western blots of lung fibroblasts treated with 200 nmol/L of Trametinib or Copanlisib or with 10 µg/mL EV for 24 hours. B, qRT-PCR–determined mRNA levels of S100A4 and FN1 with or without MDA-MB-231 EV treatment for 48 hours. Trametinib and Copanlisib were added together with EVs when indicated. Data were normalized to GAPDH. C, Lung fibroblasts were pretreated with Trametinib or Copanlisib (200 mmol/L) for 24 hours before Lck-GFP–labeled EVs derived from 4T1 or MDA-MB-468 cells were added and incubated for 6 hours. EV uptake was assessed and compared with DMSO-treated (No drug) control group. D, NIH3T3 fibroblasts were pretreated with Trametinib or Copanlisib before Lck-GFP–labeled EVs derived from 4T1 or MDA-MB-231 cells were added. Data are represented as mean ± SD (n = 3 wells). **, P < 0.01; ***, P < 0.001.
FIGURE 1 from Lung Fibroblasts Take up Breast Cancer Cell-derived Extracellular Vesicles Partially Through MEK2-dependent Macropinocytosis
Authors: Wan Yuhao , Zhao Yue , Cao Minghui , Wang Jingyi , Tran Sheila V. , Song Zhixuan , Hsueh Brent W. , Wang Shizhen Emily
Published: January 2024

The high-content microscopic platform for quantitative measurement of EV uptake. A, A schematic graph showing how cellular uptake of fluorescently-labeled EVs was detected and quantified. Briefly, cells were prestained with CFSE (green) and EVs were prestained with DiI (red). Following the incubation, extracellular EVs were washed off and cell nuclei were stained with Hoechst 33342 (blue). During fluorescent image analysis, the CFSE and Hoechst 33342 signals were used to delineate single-cell boundaries and the DiI signals per cell were thereafter quantified. ObjectID, ID for single cells. MFI, mean fluorescent intensity. B, Representative images showing the single-cell delineation process. Human lung fibroblasts were captured at 10 ×. Scale bar, 100 µm. C, Dose-dependent uptake of MDA-MB-231 EVs by human lung fibroblasts. Indicated dosages of EVs were added to cells growing in 100 µL of medium on a 96-well plate for an incubation of 3 hours. Five independent images were taken from each well. The results are presented as the calculated mean value of all MFI in a given well (left; n = 3 independent wells; data shown as mean ± SD) or as the individual MFI of each single cell in that group (right; n > 1,000 cells). In the right panel, the line represents the median of that group and the percentage represents the portion of cells showing an MFI value > 0. Dye-only ctrl, no EVs was added in the EV dye labeling step. ***, P < 0.001; ns, not significant. D, Time-dependent uptake of MDA-MB-231 EVs by human lung fibroblasts. An equal amount of EVs (10 µg/mL) were added to the cells for the indicated periods of incubation. Results are presented as in C. Left: n = 3 independent wells; right: n > 7,000 cells. “1 (on ice)”, cells were incubated with EVs on ice for 1 hour. ***, P < 0.001. E, Representative images from dose-dependent and time-dependent experiments. Images were captured at 10 ×. Green, CFSE; yellow, DiI; blue, Hoechst 33342. Scale bar, 100 µm.
Data from Lung Fibroblasts Take up Breast Cancer Cell-derived Extracellular Vesicles Partially Through MEK2-dependent Macropinocytosis
Authors: Wan Yuhao , Zhao Yue , Cao Minghui , Wang Jingyi , Tran Sheila V. , Song Zhixuan , Hsueh Brent W. , Wang Shizhen Emily
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Extracellular vesicles (EV) have emerged as critical effectors in the cross-talk between cancer and normal cells by transferring intracellular materials between adjacent or distant cells. Previous studies have begun to elucidate how cancer cells, by secreting EVs, adapt normal cells at a metastatic site to facilitate cancer cell metastasis. In this study, we utilized a high-content microscopic screening platform to investigate the mechanisms of EV uptake by primary lung fibroblasts. A selected library containing 90 FDA-approved anticancer drugs was screened for the effect on fibroblast uptake of EVs from MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells. Among the drugs identified to inhibit EV uptake without exerting significant cytotoxicity, we validated the dose-dependent effect of Trametinib (a MEK1/2 inhibitor) and Copanlisib (a PI3K inhibitor). Trametinib suppressed macropinocytosis in lung fibroblasts and inhibited EV uptake with a higher potency comparing with Copanlisib. Gene knockdown and overexpression studies demonstrated that uptake of MDA-MB-231 EVs by lung fibroblasts required MEK2. These findings provide important insights into the mechanisms underlying lung fibroblast uptake of breast cancer cell-derived EVs, which could play a role in breast cancer metastasis to the lungs and suggest potential therapeutic targets for preventing or treating this deadly disease.
Significance:
Through a phenotypic screen, we found that MEK inhibitor Trametinib suppressed EV uptake and macropinocytosis in lung fibroblasts, and that EV uptake is mediated by MEK2 in these cells. Our results suggest that MEK2 inhibition could serve as a strategy to block cancer EV uptake by lung fibroblasts.
Brain Functional Correlates of Recall of Life Events in Medication-Naïve Adolescents with Borderline Personality Disorder
Authors: Salgado-Pineda Pilar , Ferrer Marc , Calvo Natàlia , Costa Xavier , Pozuelo-López María Ángeles , Ramos-Quiroga Josep Antoni , Tarragona Brenda , Fuentes-Claramonte Paola , Salvador Raymond , Pomarol-Clotet Edith
Published: January 2024

Introduction: Recall of autobiographical events has been found to be impaired in borderline personality disorder (BPD), but few studies have examined if this impairment has brain functional correlates. This study evaluated brain functional alterations during autobiographical recall using medication-naive adolescent patients to avoid potential confounding effects of treatment. Methods: Thirty-two adolescent female patients with BPD who were never-medicated and without psychiatric comorbidity and 33 matched healthy females underwent fMRI while they viewed individualized cue words that evoked autobiographical memories. Control conditions included viewing non-memory-evoking cues and a low-level baseline (cross-fixation). Results: During autobiographical recall, in comparison to the low-level baseline, the BPD patients showed increased brain activity in regions including the posterior hippocampus, the lingual and calcarine cortex, and the precuneus compared to the healthy controls. The BPD patients also showed a failure to deactivate the right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex during autobiographical recall. No patient-control differences were found when memory-evoking words were compared to non-memory-evoking words. Discussion/Conclusions: This study finds evidence of hippocampal/lingual/calcarine/precuneus hyperactivation to stimuli that evoke autobiographical memories in patients with BPD. As the changes were seen in never-treated patients without other comorbidities, they could be considered intrinsic to the disorder. Our study also adds to existing evidence for failure of deactivation in BPD, this time outside the default mode network.
Imprint Cytology of Tall Cell Carcinoma with Reversed Polarity of the Breast: A Case Report
Authors: Shinomiya Yoshiki , Kouchi Yusuke , Onodera Kiyotaka , Yamamoto Hiroto , Harada-Kagitani Sakurako , Sakakibara Junta , Nagashima Takeshi , Ikeda Jun-ichiro , Kishimoto Takashi
Published: January 2024

Introduction: Tall cell carcinoma with reversed polarity (TCCRP) is a rare histologic subtype of breast cancer that was newly categorized in 2020. TCCRP is a relatively novel tumor, and there are no detailed reports about its cellular morphology. We were able to obtain imprint cytological specimens from fresh TCCRP tissue, and we provide our detailed observations. Case Presentation: The patient was a 73-year-old Japanese female with a 15-mm mass in her right breast. After invasive breast carcinoma was diagnosed based on a core needle biopsy, a lumpectomy was performed. The pathological examination revealed TCCRP, and Sanger sequencing detected IDH2 p.R172M hotspot mutation, which is characteristic of TCCRP. Soon after the surgery, the lumpectomy specimen was sliced before fixation for use in a clinical trial, and imprint cytological materials were obtained from the tumor’s cut surface. Cytologically, the tumor showed papillary-like cell clusters and isolated cells with moderate cellularity. Neoplastic cell aggregates and clusters with thick vascular cores as the axis or with delicate fibrovascular stroma were observed. Most of the neoplastic cells were cuboidal-to-columnar in shape, with mildly to moderately irregularly shaped blunt nuclei. Some intranuclear cytoplasmic inclusions and nuclear grooves were present, resembling the nuclear findings of papillary thyroid carcinoma. The most characteristic finding was the columnar cell clusters with apically located nuclei, giving the impression of reversed polarity. Conclusion: We described cytological findings in TCCRP, a newly classified rare mammary tumor. Most of the characteristic histologic findings were also observed in imprint cytological specimens. Further studies on practical specimens such as fine-needle aspiration are needed for clinical application.
The Influence of the Amount of Credit Disbursement on Profitability in State-Owned Banking in Indonesia
Authors: Fatichatur Rachmaniyah  , Khusmayasari Dewi , Abdul Hadi  , Siti Makhmudah
Published: January 2024

This research aims to determine the effect of the amount of credit disbursement on profitability at state-owned banks in Indonesia. This research uses quantitative methods with simple linear regression analysis. The object of this research is state-owned banks listed on the IDX in the 2019-2021 period. By using secondary data from quarterly financial reports in 2019-2021. The results of this research are that the amount of credit disbursement significantly positively affects banking profitability
Harmonisasi Sosial Melalui Pendekatan Religi: Respons Kemanusiaan Bagi Masyarakat Terdampak Letusan Gunung Semeru
Authors: Wilopo  , Abdullah Said  , Benny Hutahayan  , Nuralam Inggang Perwangsa , Rizal Alfisyahr
Published: January 2024

Indonesia, known for its geological richness, often experiences natural disasters. One such event was the eruption of Mount Semeru in December 2021 in Lumajang Regency, East Java. The incident posed complex recovery challenges. According to the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) report, infrastructure damage reached billions of rupiahs, and thousands of residents were displaced. The challenges extended beyond infrastructure recovery, encompassing the psychological recovery of traumatized residents. Disruptions to the local economy, family separations, and other losses exacerbated the psychosocial burden faced by the affected population. The communities impacted by the eruption of Mount Semeru faced diverse challenges, particularly in religious aspects and the fulfillment of funeral rites (Rukun Kematian). This study highlights the importance of meeting funeral rites needs at every Social Facility (Fasilitas Sosial or Fasos) as a primary foundation for post-disaster recovery. Through collaboration with BNPB, the Social Assistance Program has successfully allocated resources for meeting these needs. Surveys of each Fasos revealed their specific requirements, ranging from funeral equipment to loudspeakers. Technical assistance related to funeral rites was provided by competent practitioners. Although it has shown positive impacts, this research emphasizes the sustainability of assistance as a key factor in the long-term recovery of the affected community. As a recommendation, this assistance should continue, considering the dynamics and changing needs of the community, to ensure ongoing optimal support in facing post-disaster challenges.
Detecting changes in land occupation and use (between 1984-2021) using "GEE" and GIS tools: focus on the green structure of the future metropolis of Annaba (north-east Algeria)
Authors: Noui Nassira , Rouag Saffeddine Djamila , Harizi Khaled
Published: January 2024

Annaba, Algeria's fourth largest city, has acquired national and international importance due to its openness to the Mediterranean Sea. Over the last ten years, its rapid sprawl has continued to exacerbate the situation, leading to increased consumption of space, particularly green structures.  The main objective of this study is to assess changes in land use and land cover (LULC) over the last 30 years, focusing on the green structure of the future metropolis.

Google Earth Engine (GEE) was used to explore land cover classification using the random forest algorithm. A spatial model of the main changes in land cover between 1984, 2004 and 2021 was also generated.

The principal drivers of land use change are human activities and urbanization, including fires and land clearing.The spatial pattern of change is mainly due to inappropriate investment policy and uncontrolled urbanisation. This is explained by the main results of the land use conversion processes between 1984 and 2021. The comparison shows a decline in forests and green land, mainly due to conversion to urbanised land, cropland, bare land or other land. Similarly, bare land and other types of land declined over the 1984-2004 period in favour of urbanised or cultivated land. Furthermore, it compromises any possibility of sustainable development at a time when we are facing climate change.
Exploring the Impact of Technology-Facilitated Sexual Violence on the Well-being of Undergraduate Students in Ni-gerian Tertiary Institutions
Authors: Akeusola Bolanle Nafisat
Published: January 2024

As the digital era reshapes human interactions, concerns regarding technology-facilitated sexual violence (TF-SV) have come to the fore. This study investigates the impact of TF-SV on the well-being and academic performance of undergraduate students in Nigerian tertiary institutions. Quantitative data were gathered from 360 participants from Lagos State University, Lagos State University of Education and Lagos State University of Science and Technology, using random sampling. Findings revealed a significant positive correlation between exposure to TF-SV and psychological distress indicators, including anxiety and depression. Moreover, negative correlations emerged between TF-SV exposure and self-esteem, suggesting a multifaceted impact on students’ psychological well-being. Academic performance indicators, including grade point average, showed a negative correlation with TF-SV exposure, indicating its potential to hinder educational success. The study advances knowledge by elucidating the nuanced repercussions of TF-SV within a Nigerian context and contributes to the broader discourse on technology-mediated vulnerabilities. Recommendations for educational institutions include awareness campaigns, digital literacy programs, support services, and policy reforms to create a safer digital environment for students. By addressing the complex challenges posed by TF-SV, institutions can safeguard students’ well-being and academic pursuits in the digital age.
À escuta do contínuo da linguagem: ritmo, discurso, enunciação
Authors: Neumann Daiane
Published: January 2024

Este texto testemunha um primeiro movimento na busca por forjar um locus de discussão acerca do contínuo da linguagem, notadamente a partir da linguística do caráter de Wilhelm von Humboldt e da linguística do discurso de Émile Benveniste, cujas bases se encontram na linguística saussuriana. É a partir dessa discussão acerca do contínuo da linguagem, daquilo que é da ordem do inefável, do resto da linguagem, que se pode propriamente compreender de que se trata a noção de ritmo, tal como proposta por Henri Meschonnic, na segunda metade do século XX. A reflexão proposta aqui, acerca do contínuo e do ritmo na linguagem, permite o estabelecimento de um espaço de escuta da enunciação, de escuta do ritmo, bem como da atividade dos sujeitos.
Uma flor antieuclidiana: o ritmo e o tempo do signo entre Drummond e Meschonnic
Authors: Zular Roberto
Published: January 2024

Neste artigo, procuraremos mostrar como a temporalidade e o ritmo são desdobramentos das dinâmicas internas do signo e do poema, sendo intrínsecos, portanto, ao próprio vir a ser do sentido. Nesse percurso não geométrico, seremos levados por uma leitura de Drummond via Meschonnic e vice-versa.
Do Signo ao Ritmo: o lugar da poética de Meschonnic
Authors: Jalles Bruno
Published: January 2024

O objetivo deste trabalho será explicitar no projeto do pensamento meschoniquiano sua tentativa de expandir os limites do estruturalismo através da superação do discurso semiótico por meio do conceito de ritmo. Também levantaremos a hipótese, nos termos de Meschonnic, de que a teoria semiótica, que entende a linguagem como um sistema descontínuo de signos, acaba por conceber uma forma engessada desta. Por outro lado, através do foco no conceito de ritmo e sua relação com a dimensão semântica e, portanto, subjetificadora da linguagem, veremos desenhar uma ideia de linguagem em sua plena potência discursiva aberta para a presença. Por fim, será analisada a contribuição intempestiva que o poema “Rios sem discurso” do poeta brasileiro João Cabral de Melo Neto traz para essa discussão.
Identidade e nacionalidade: Conceitos, desenvolvimento e história
Authors: Valenzuela Sandra Trabucco
Published: January 2024

O ensaio discute os diversos conceitos que compõem a ideia de identidade e nacionalidade na América Latina do século XIX e início do século XX, tais como indigenismo, indo-espanholismo, hispanismo, latino-americanismo e panamericanismo. Aborda-se a Revolução Mexicana de 1917 e o esforço educativo proposto para integrar toda a população, bem como a participação da poeta e ensaísta chilena Gabriela Mistral. Conclui-se o texto com um panorama histórico com base nos teóricos trabalhados.
Muito além do cyberpunk: Reflexões sobre a ficção retrofuturista
Authors: Silva Alexander Meireles da
Published: January 2024

Este artigo examina o surgimento e manifestações do subgênero da ficção científica chamada aqui de Ficção retrofuturista. Ela surgiu na década de 1980 a partir do cyberpunk e da reflexão sobre as ansiedades do contexto finissecular em relação aos avanços de sistemas de informação e o agravamento do quadro de desigualdades sociais. Logo, o cyberpunk se estabeleceu como uma das formas mais representativas da ficção científica de fim do século 20. No início da década seguinte, o cyberpunk fomentou a ascensão do steampunk - a primeira expressão retrofuturista - que examina o impacto de inovações tecnológicas dos séculos 20 e 21 em cenários normalmente localizados no século 19. A partir do steampunk, outras vertentes retrofuturistas foram criadas, explorando a influência da antecipação do futuro no passado de diferentes épocas. Dentro deste cenário, este trabalho se justifica pela ausência de reflexões acadêmicas no Brasil sobre o lugar de destaque que o retrofuturismo vem ocupando na ficção científica nacional do século 21.
Entre materialismo y espiritismo: la representación artística en El ruiseñor y el artista de Eduardo L. Holmberg
Authors: Menczel Gabriella
Published: January 2024

This article studies Eduardo L. Holmberg’s early short story, entitled “El ruiseñor y el artista” (1976) from the points of view of the problem of representation, of the conception of art embodied on various discourse levels, and of the ambivalence of meanings. The constant oscillation of border elements, such as life and death, wakefulness and sleep, visuality and verbality, materiality and transcendence finally reveals that the ultimate responsible for semantic inversions is writing itself, in correspondance with Wolfgang Iser’s concept of the fantastic.
Histórias da ficção científica: O desafio da periodização em "A verdadeira história da Ficção Científica", de Adam Roberts
Authors: Rüsche Ana
Published: January 2024

O autor e crítico britânico Adam Roberts, em seu livro A verdadeira história da Ficção Científica, projeta o início da ficção científica (FC) para a Antiguidade Clássica. Esta resenha crítica pretende analisar a premissa histórica do autor tendo em vista o desafio da periodização essa espécie literária, contrastando com ideias críticas de Brian Aldiss, Gary Westfahl, James Gunn, Mark Bould e Sherryl Vint, sem esquecer de autorias brasileiras, como André Carneiro, Braulio Tavares, Raul Fiker e Roberto Causo, entre outras autorias. Ainda se analisará a premissa anglocêntrica de Roberts, ao não visibilizar contribuições científicas de civilizações árabes e ibéricas, entre outras, embora se frise a validade da obra para ampliar as perguntas críticas no estudo contemporâneo.
O tempo e os estados passionais do sujeito: a reciclagem da personagem Rita Baiana, de Aluísio de Azevedo, na obra steampunk A Lição de Anatomia do Temível Dr. Louison, de Enéias Tavares
Authors: Chiovatto Ana Carolina Lazzari
Published: January 2024

O presente artigo tem por objetivo analisar o processo de “reciclagem” da personagem Rita Baiana, presente originalmente em O Cortiço (1890), de Aluísio de Azevedo, conforme escrita por Enéias Tavares na obra A Lição de Anatomia do Temível Dr. Louison (2014), uma obra de ficção alternativa de viés retrofuturista steampunk. A análise centra-se na relação entre a passagem do tempo e os diversos estados passionais do sujeito, à luz da semiótica discursiva, sob a perspectiva do feminino transgressor, pois o percurso de Rita Baiana é marcado por sua não-conformidade aos padrões femininos socialmente aceitos na época retratada.
Evidence for the Association Between Adverse Childhood Family Environment, Child Abuse, and Caregiver Warmth and Cardiovascular Health Across the Lifespan: The Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) Study
Authors: Ortiz Robin , Kershaw Kiarri N. , Zhao Songzhu , Kline David , Brock Guy , Jaffee Sara , Golden Sherita H. , Ogedegbe Gbenga , Carroll Judith , Seeman Teresa E. , Joseph Joshua J.
Published: January 2024

BACKGROUND:

This study aimed to quantify the association between childhood family environment and longitudinal cardiovascular health (CVH) in adult CARDIA (Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults) Study participants. We further investigated whether the association differs by adult income.

METHODS:

We applied the CVH framework from the American Heart Association including metrics for smoking, cholesterol, blood pressure, glucose, body mass index, physical activity, and diet. CVH scores (range, 0–14) were calculated at years 0, 7, and 20 of the study. Risky Family environment (range, 7–28) was assessed at year 15 retrospectively, for childhood experiences of abuse, caregiver warmth, and family or household challenges. Complete case ordinal logistic regression and mixed models associated risky family (exposure) with CVH (outcome), adjusting for age, sex, race, and alcohol use.

RESULTS:

The sample (n=2074) had a mean age of 25.3 (±3.5) years and 56% females at baseline. The median risky family was 10 with ideal CVH (≥12) met by 288 individuals at baseline (28.4%) and 165 (16.3%) at year 20. Longitudinally, for every 1-unit greater risky family, the odds of attaining high CVH (≥10) decreased by 3.6% (OR, 0.9645 [95% CI, 0.94–0.98]). Each unit greater child abuse and caregiver warmth score corresponded to 12.8% lower and 11.7% higher odds of ideal CVH (≥10), respectively (OR, 0.872 [95% CI, 0.77–0.99]; OR, 1.1165 [95% CI, 1.01–1.24]), across all 20 years of follow-up. Stratified analyses by income in adulthood demonstrated associations between risky family environment and CVH remained significant for those of the highest adult income (>$74k), but not the lowest (<$35k).

CONCLUSIONS:

Although risky family environmental factors in childhood increase the odds of poor longitudinal adult CVH, caregiver warmth may increase the odds of CVH, and socioeconomic attainment in adulthood may contextualize the level of risk. Toward a paradigm of primordial prevention of cardiovascular disease, childhood exposures and economic opportunity may play a crucial role in CVH across the life course.
Myeloid PHD2 Conditional Knockout Improves Intraplaque Angiogenesis and Vascular Remodeling in a Murine Model of Venous Bypass Grafting
Authors: Sluiter Thijs J. , Tillie Renée J. H. A. , de Jong Alwin , de Bruijn Jenny B. G. , Peters Hendrika A. B. , van de Leijgraaf Remco , Halawani Raghed , Westmaas Michelle , Starink Lineke I. W. , Quax Paul H. A. , Sluimer Judith C. , de Vries Margreet R.
Published: January 2024

Background

Intraplaque angiogenesis occurs in response to atherosclerotic plaque hypoxia, which is driven mainly by highly metabolically active macrophages. Improving plaque oxygenation by increasing macrophage hypoxic signaling, thus stimulating intraplaque angiogenesis, could restore cellular function and neovessel maturation, and decrease plaque formation. Prolyl hydroxylases (PHDs) regulate cellular responses to hypoxia. We therefore aimed to elucidate the role of myeloid PHD2, the dominant PHD isoform, on intraplaque angiogenesis in a murine model for venous bypass grafting.

Methods and Results

Myeloid PHD2 conditional knockout (PHD2cko) and PHD2 wild type mice on an Ldlr
−/−
background underwent vein graft surgery (n=11–15/group) by interpositioning donor caval veins into the carotid artery of genotype‐matched mice. At postoperative day 28, vein grafts were harvested for morphometric and compositional analysis, and blood was collected for flow cytometry. Myeloid PHD2cko induced and improved intraplaque angiogenesis by improving neovessel maturation, which reduced intraplaque hemorrhage. Intima/media ratio was decreased in myeloid PHD2cko vein grafts. In addition, PHD2 deficiency prevented dissection of vein grafts and resulted in an increase in vessel wall collagen content. Moreover, the macrophage proinflammatory phenotype in the vein graft wall was attenuated in myeloid PHD2cko mice. In vitro cultured PHD2cko bone marrow–derived macrophages exhibited an increased proangiogenic phenotype compared with control.

Conclusions

Myeloid PHD2cko reduces vein graft disease and ameliorates vein graft lesion stability by improving intraplaque angiogenesis.
Randomized Secondary Prevention Trials in Participants With Symptomatic Intracranial Atherosclerotic Stenosis
Authors: Dunn Lauren E. , Wang Yan , Kass-Hout Tareq , Chiu David
Published: January 2024

Intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis is a prevalent cause of ischemic stroke worldwide. Its association with silent cerebral infarcts and its contribution to cognitive impairment and dementia emphasize the critical need for disease prevention and effective management strategies. Despite extensive research on secondary stroke prevention treatment over the past several decades, intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis continues to exhibit a notably higher recurrent stroke rate compared with other causes. This review focuses on randomized secondary prevention trials involving antithrombotic therapy, endovascular treatment, open surgical therapy, and remote ischemic conditioning. It aims to provide an insightful overview of the major findings from each trial and their implications for future research efforts.
Towards Faithful Model Explanation in NLP: A Survey
Authors: Lyu Qing , Apidianaki Marianna , Callison-Burch Chris
Published: January 2024

End-to-end neural Natural Language Processing (NLP) models are notoriously difficult to understand. This has given rise to numerous efforts towards model explainability in recent years. One desideratum of model explanation is faithfulness, that is, an explanation should accurately represent the reasoning process behind the model’s prediction. In this survey, we review over 110 model explanation methods in NLP through the lens of faithfulness. We first discuss the definition and evaluation of faithfulness, as well as its significance for explainability. We then introduce recent advances in faithful explanation, grouping existing approaches into five categories: similarity-based methods, analysis of model-internal structures, backpropagation-based methods, counterfactual intervention, and self-explanatory models. For each category, we synthesize its representative studies, strengths, and weaknesses. Finally, we summarize their common virtues and remaining challenges, and reflect on future work directions towards faithful explainability in NLP.
‘Banana’, Vietnamese or Czech?
Authors: Pham Thu Huong , Kraus Filip
Published: January 2024

Second-generation members of the Vietnamese diaspora living in the Czech Republic (CR) are living between two cultures, which confuses their identity. The aim of the article is to understand the identity formation and sense of self of second-generation Vietnamese Czechs. The study analysed 31 in-depth interviews and three important situations to form engaged observations that show that neither the host society nor the diaspora recognise these people as full members of either community. As a result of their otherness, second-generation Vietnamese Czechs usually go through four stages of identity formation, at the end of which they develop one of three possible forms of hybrid identity, located between the Czech and Vietnamese sociocultural environment.
The Case for Animal-Inclusive Longtermism
Authors: O’Brien Gary David
Published: January 2024

Longtermism is the view that positively influencing the long-term future is one of the key moral priorities of our time. Longtermists generally focus on humans, and neglect animals. This is a mistake. In this paper I will show that the basic argument for longtermism applies to animals at least as well as it does to humans, and that the reasons longtermists have given for ignoring animals do not withstand scrutiny. Because of their numbers, their capacity for suffering, and our ability to influence their futures, animals ought to be a central concern of longtermists. Furthermore, I will suggest that longtermism is a fruitful framework for thinking about the wellbeing of animals, as it helps us to identify actions we can take now that have a reasonable chance of improving the wellbeing of animals over the very long term.
The Development of an ‘Incidental’ Form of Aquaculture During the Late Old Kingdom? Cattle as ‘Marshland Modifiers’ of the Nilotic Marshes and Their Potential Impact upon Old Kingdom Fishing Behaviors
Authors: Burn John
Published: January 2024

During the latter half of the Old Kingdom, Egypt experienced irregular water supply. Lower than normal inundations resulted in nutrients normally lost from the river remaining within it. Over the same time, unusually strong rainfall events occurred, transferring even more nutrients into the river. These excess nutrients changed the ecology, affecting the local environment. These changes may have influenced the ecological characteristics of the riverine habitat, and how society responded and adapted. In the latter half of the Old Kingdom, depictions of cattle fording increased, suggesting that cattle were able to take advantage of the plants that now flourished upon the riverbanks as a result of the excess nutrients available. As the movement of cattle across the various river channels increased, the physical structures of the marshlands changed, which may have impacted upon those organisms also exploiting those areas, and affected fishing practices therein. Were these responses accidental, incidental, or co-incidental?
Automated Large-Scale Tornado Treefall Detection and Directional Analysis Using Machine Learning
Authors: Butt Daniel G. , Jaffe Aaron L. , Miller Connell S. , Kopp Gregory A. , Sills David M. L.
Published: January 2024

In many regions of the world, tornadoes travel through forested areas with low population densities, making downed trees the only observable damage indicator. Current methods in the EF scale for analyzing tree damage may not reflect the true intensity of some tornadoes. However, new methods have been developed that use the number of trees downed or treefall directions from high-resolution aerial imagery to provide an estimate of maximum wind speed. Treefall Identification and Direction Analysis (TrIDA) maps are used to identify areas of treefall damage and treefall directions along the damage path. Currently, TrIDA maps are generated manually, but this is labor-intensive, often taking several days or weeks. To solve this, this paper describes a machine learning– and image-processing-based model that automatically extracts fallen trees from large-scale aerial imagery, assesses their fall directions, and produces an area-averaged treefall vector map with minimal initial human interaction. The automated model achieves a median tree direction difference of 13.3° when compared to the manual tree directions from the Alonsa, Manitoba, tornado, demonstrating the viability of the automated model compared to manual assessment. Overall, the automated production of treefall vector maps from large-scale aerial imagery significantly speeds up and reduces the labor required to create a Treefall Identification and Direction Analysis map from a matter of days or weeks to a matter of hours.

Significance Statement

The automation of treefall detection and direction is significant to the analyses of tornado paths and intensities. Previously, it would have taken a researcher multiple days to weeks to manually count and assess the directions of fallen trees in large-scale aerial photography of tornado damage. Through automation, analysis takes a matter of hours, with minimal initial human interaction. Tornado researchers will be able to use this automated process to help analyze and assess tornadoes and their enhanced Fujita–scale rating around the world.
Understanding Competition in Social Space: Religious Congregations in Manhattan, 1949 to 1999
Authors: Homan Casey P.
Published: January 2024

Competition between social units has long been central to sociological theories of change. Understanding it has become particularly important in the sociology of religion with the theory of religious economies, a market model of religious change. Existing empirical tests of the theory are limited by (1) ambiguity regarding which religious groups are expected to compete with which other groups, and/or (2) a neglect of the local level (competition among congregations). Using an original compilation of the life histories of religious congregations in Manhattan from 1949 to 1999, I conduct event-history analyses that avoid those limitations. The chief results are the following: (1) the more congregations there were near a given congregation that were theologically dissimilar to that congregation, the less likely that congregation was to advertise; (2) when there was an increase over time in the number of nearby congregations that were theologically similar to the focal congregation, that congregation became more likely to advertise; and (3) when there was an increase over time in the number of nearby congregations that were theologically dissimilar to the focal congregation, that congregation became less likely to advertise. Implications for the study of religion include modifications of religious-economies theory; broader implications speak to understanding the social units that compete and what drives competition.
Does REM AHI Predict Persistent OSA After Pediatric Adenotonsillectomy?
Authors: Fields Caroline M. , Poupore Nicolas S. , Barengo Jenna H. , Smaily Hussein , Nguyen Shaun A. , Angles Jacqueline , Clemmens Clarice S. , Pecha Phayvanh P. , Carroll William W.
Published: January 2024

Objective:

The utility of REM AHI in managing pediatric obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is not fully understood. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship of preoperative REM AHI to postoperative persistence of OSA in children who underwent adenotonsillectomy.

Methods:

This retrospective chart review identified children under the age of 18 years that received an adenotonsillectomy for OSA and a preoperative and postoperative polysomnogram. Children with craniofacial or neuromuscular disorders or a tracheostomy were excluded. The primary outcome was the postoperative persistence of OSA, defined as a postoperative obstructive apnea-hypopnea index (oAHI) ≥ 1.5 events/hour. REM-predominant OSA was defined as a ratio of REM/NREM AHI ≥ 2. REM AHI minus NREM AHI and REM AHI minus oAHI helped to identify patients with a larger distribution of REM AHI.

Results:

A total of 353 patients were included. Postoperative persistent OSA was seen in 232 (65.7%) children. The preoperative REM AHI, REM AHI minus NREM AHI, and REM AHI minus oAHI of children with persistent OSA did not differ significantly from children with resolution of OSA. Rates of persistence were not different between those with REM-predominant OSA and REM-independent OSA (63.8% vs 70.7%, P = .218).

Conclusion:

This study suggests that preoperative REM AHI may be a poor predictor of OSA persistence after adenotonsillectomy. Further study is needed to help characterize how pre-operative REM AHI should impact clinicians’ decision making, family counseling and recommendations.
Analysis of the Clinical Course of Children With Initial Negative Polysomnography
Authors: Maqsudlu Arman , Nathan Ajay S. , Silber Elizabeth J. , Danis David O. , Levi Jessica R.
Published: January 2024

Objectives:

To determine the clinical course of children with initial negative polysomnography (PSG) tests.

Methods:

A retrospective chart review was performed on pediatric patients seen by an otolaryngologist who underwent a PSG between October 2012 and March 2019 for obstructive sleep apnea at a single, academic, tertiary-care center. Data including demographics, follow-up PSG tests, and surgeries were collected.

Results:

A total of 2018 pediatric patients underwent PSG during the timeframe. About 535/2018 (26.5%) patients were negative for obstructive sleep apnea by PSG and had no prior adenotonsillectomy. About 408/535 (76.3%) did not obtain follow-up testing or surgeries; 69/535 (12.9%) underwent subsequent adenotonsillectomy for worsening symptoms without repeat PSG; and 58/535 (10.8%) obtained 1 or multiple follow-up PSG tests. Of the 58 who obtained repeat PSG, 25 (43.1%) were subsequently positive, with 17 of those 25 (29.3% of 58) undergoing adenotonsillectomy. Taken together, 94/535 (17.6%) of patients with initial negative PSG had worsening sleep disordered breathing.

Conclusion:

A significant minority of children who initially tested negative for pediatric obstructive sleep apnea met criteria for diagnosis on follow up PSG. Additionally, other children with initial negative PSG underwent adenotonsillectomy for worsening symptoms in lieu of repeat testing. Patients should be educated that snoring in children could persist or worsen over time, even in the setting of a initial negative PSG.
Giorgio's return to New York: The so-called ‘late’ de Chirico and American criticism (1972–2023)
Authors: Canova Lorenzo
Published: January 2024

This article focuses on the relationship between Giorgio de Chirico's artwork and American criticism. It starts from the distorted and misrepresented view created by André Breton (and widely disseminated in the USA especially through James Thrall Soby's exhibitions and books) of an ‘early’ de Chirico, a leading painter of international art until 1917–1918, and a ‘late’ de Chirico, artistically doomed from 1919 until 1978, the year of his death. As an early indication of a more correct interpretation, I have focused on the great de Chirico exhibition held at the New York Cultural Center in 1972 that featured works ranging from 1911 to the early 1970s. Despite many negative reviews from American critics, still bound by modernist stereotypes, the exhibition was highly appreciated by major American artists such as Philip Guston and was the first spark of a dialogue between de Chirico and Warhol destined to yield important results in the ‘After de Chirico’ exhibition in 1982. The article then analyses the new climate that, since the 1980s, has fostered a proper reappraisal of de Chirico's entire oeuvre also in the USA, through a series of exhibitions, essays and articles up to 2023, finally dispelling the cliché of the ‘late’ de Chirico.
Adopting Stimulus Detection Tasks for Cognitive Workload Assessment: Some Considerations
Authors: Biondi Francesco N.
Published: January 2024

Objective

This article tackles the issue of correct data interpretation when using stimulus detection tasks for determining the operator’s workload.

Background

Stimulus detection tasks are a relative simple and inexpensive means of measuring the operator’s state. While stimulus detection tasks may be better geared to measure conditions of high workload, adopting this approach for the assessment of low workload may be more problematic.

Method

This mini-review details the use of common stimulus detection tasks and their contributions to the Human Factors practice. It also borrows from the conceptual framework of the inverted-U shape model to discuss the issue of data interpretation.

Results

The evidence being discussed here highlights a clear limitation of stimulus detection task paradigms.

Conclusion

There is an inherent risk in using a unidimensional tool like stimulus detection tasks as the primary source of information for determining the operator’s psychophysiological state.

Application

Two recommendations are put forward to Human Factors researchers and practitioners dealing with the interpretation conundrum of dealing with stimulus detection tasks.