bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Phase I/II study of BMS-986156 with ipilimumab or nivolumab with or without stereotactic ablative radiotherapy in patients with advanced solid malignancies
Authors: Chang Joe Y , Xu Xinyan , Shroff Girish S , Comeaux Nathan I , Li Wei , Rodon Ahnert Jordi , Karp Daniel D , Dumbrava Ecaterina E , Verma Vivek , Chen Aileen , Welsh James , Hong David S
Published: October 2024

Background

BMS-986156 is an agonist of the glucocorticoid-induced tumor necrosis factor receptor (TNFR)-related protein (GITR) and promotes increased effector T-cell activation. Combined anti-GITR, anti-programmed death-1, anti-cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4 antibodies and radiotherapy improve tumor control in preclinical studies. Herein we describe the results of the safety and efficacy of BMS-986156+ipilimumab or nivolumab with/without stereotactic ablative radiotherapy (SABR) in patients with advanced solid cancers (NCT04021043).

Methods

This open-label, multigroup, single-center phase I/II study enrolled patients with histologically-confirmed stage IV solid cancers resistant to standard treatments. Group 1 (G1, n=20) received four cycles of ipilimumab (3 mg/kg) plus BMS-986156 (30 mg as dose level 1 (L1) or 100 mg as dose level 2 (L2)), every 3 weeks (Q3W). Group 2 (G2, n=10) received four cycles of ipilimumab (3 mg/kg) plus BMS-986156 (dose as determined in G1, Q3W) with SABR (50 Gy/4 fx or 60–70 Gy/10 fx to liver/lung lesions. Group 3 (G3, n=20) received four cycles of nivolumab (480 mg) plus BMS-986156 (30 mg), every 4 weeks with SABR. Maintenance nivolumab could be given up to 2 years. Tumor responses were assessed every 1–3 months until progression, using immune-related response criteria.

Results

50 patients were enrolled between 10/2019 and 12/2021. Patients received a median of 3 (IQR 2–4.25) initial treatment cycles. 100 mg BMS-986156 with ipilimumab was tolerated well. Five discontinued BMS-986156 with ipilimumab due to treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs), with three in G1/L1, one in G1/L2 and one in G2, respectively. 22 patients (44%) experienced Grade 1–3 TRAEs (6, 4, 5, 7 patients for G1/L1, G1/L2, G2, G3). Six (12%) had Grade 3 TRAEs (2, 2, 1, 1 for G1/L1, G1/L2, G2, G3), with elevated alanine aminotransferase (n=3, in G1/L2, G2 and G3) and aspartate aminotransferase (n=2, in G2 and G3) being the most common. There was no Grade 4–5 TRAEs. Overall, 19/39 (48.7%) patients eligible for efficacy analysis had stable disease and 3 (7.7%) achieved a partial response. Out-of-field (abscopal) disease control rate (ACR) and out-of-field (abscopal) response rate (ARR) were 38.5% and 7.7%, respectively, with the highest ACR (50%, 9/18) and ARR (11.1%, 2/18) in G3.

Conclusions

BMS-986156 was well-tolerated with ipilimumab, nivolumab, with or without SABR. Outcomes were encouraging in this population, as more than half of patients had stable disease/partial response.
Acupuncture for cancer-related insomnia: systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials
Authors: Liu Ping , Li Linxuan , Xu Dazhao , Xin Siyuan , Hu Nijuan , Li Chunhua
Published: October 2024

Background

Acupuncture has been demonstrated to be a safe and effective treatment for insomnia in patients without cancer. A lack of evidence, however, supports its application in the treatment of cancer-related insomnia (CRI).

Objective

To conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the efficacy as well as safety of acupuncture for alleviating insomnia in patients with cancer.

Methods

A systematic search was conducted using four electronic databases (PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus and the Cochrane Library) to select publications published in peer-reviewed journals written in English. The OR was calculated, along with their 95% CIs. We assessed heterogeneity using Cochrane Q, I
2
statistics and the appropriate p value. The analysis used RevMan V.5.3.

Findings

The present meta-analysis comprised 561 individuals from 10 randomised controlled trials (RCTs) across age cohorts. Acupuncture intervention improves Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) scores and CRI more than control, with a pooled OR of 1.66 (95% CI 1.12 to 2.46), OR of 5.90 (95% CI 2.64 to 13.23) for electroacupuncture, OR of 2.30 (95% CI 1.48 to 3.58) for auricular-acupuncture and 2.72. Acupuncture improved the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) and CRI more than control approaches, with ORs of 1.31 (95% CI 0.69 to 2.48), 5.29 (95% CI 2.18 to 12.84), 3.17 (95% CI 1.35 to 7.44) and 1.64 (95% CI 1.00 to 2.68).

Conclusion

The change in PSQI and ISI scores showed that acupuncture moderately improved insomnia in patients with cancer. Acupuncture is safe and effective, enabling subsequent clinical treatments.
The African cigarette price data landscape: an overview of gaps and opportunities
Authors: Filby Samantha
Published: October 2024

Introduction

Africa has the lowest cigarette taxes of any region. Price data are needed to produce evidence that informs tax policy change.

Objective

To locate and describe datasets that provide information on cigarette prices in African countries and to identify opportunities for expanding the region’s cigarette price information base.

Methods

Three data repositories and relevant literature were searched to locate free datasets that provide cigarette prices for African countries. 13 categories of information were extracted from each dataset, including the type of data collected (self-reported vs observational). The number of outliers and summary statistics, for the price of 20 cigarette sticks, was calculated using the most recent data available from each data collection project identified in a country. T-tests were conducted to compare these statistics for the 14 countries with both self-reported and observational price data available.

Results

A total of 131 datasets, covering 39/47 African countries, contain information on cigarette prices. Most datasets (N=111/131) provide self-reported information. Only 11 countries have used the three large-scale surveys that repeatedly collect information on smoking behaviour across Africa (Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey, Demographic and Health Survey and STEPwise) to collect information on cigarette prices. No active projects that collect self-reported price data sample from the youth (aged<15). Prices collected through retail observations exhibit fewer outliers than self-reported prices (p<0.05).

Conclusion

The tobacco-control community should lead the process of using existing data collection efforts to enhance Africa’s cigarette price information base. Increasing observational data collection efforts at retailers could improve our understanding of the prices paid for cigarettes in the region.
Frequency of adult amphibian abnormalities and consequences for fitness-related traits in an uncontaminated environment
Authors: Gao Gloria H.Y. , Moldowan Patrick D. , LeGros David L. , Sahar Maureen , Tattersall Glenn J. , Rollinson Njal
Published: October 2024

Morphological abnormalities in amphibians are commonly associated with anthropogenic activity, although little baseline information on the prevalence of abnormalities in uncontaminated environments exist. Here, we leverage a 12-year study of spotted salamanders ( Ambystoma maculatum (Shaw, 1802)) in an uncontaminated ecosystem in Algonquin Provincial Park, Canada, to estimate abnormality rates and explore how abnormalities affect fitness-related traits. Annual abnormality rates estimated from drift fence data ranged from 4.3% to 5.8% of individuals sampled. Abnormality rates from aquatic trapping between 2008 and 2019 varied from 1.2% to 16.7%, where temporal increases in abnormality rates were observed. We also performed a targeted, systematic literature survey and found that Caudata exhibited a slightly higher abnormality prevalence than Anura, and that the baseline frequency of abnormalities described at our drift fence site is slightly lower than rates reported in the literature (8.1%, 95% CI, 4.76%–13.3%). Salamanders with abnormalities exhibited a slightly, but not significantly, higher body condition and a significantly earlier arrival date at the breeding site, both of which are traits typically associated with high-fitness individuals. Our study suggests that abnormalities have detectable phenotypic consequences, and underlines the need for temporal sampling efforts to provide ranges of baseline abnormality rates, rather than a point estimate.
Gravitational wave asteroseismology of charged strange stars in the Cowling approximation: the fluid pulsation modes
Authors: Arbañil José D. V. , Lenzi César H. , Pretel Juan M. Z. , Flores César O. V.
Published: October 2024

In this work we study, within the framework of Cowling approximation, the effect of the electric charge on the gravitational wave frequency of fluid oscillation modes of strange quark stars. For this purpose, the dense matter of the stellar fluid is described by the MIT bag model equation of state (EoS), while for the electric charge profile, we consider that the electric charge density is proportional to the energy density. We find that the gravitational wave frequencies change with the increment of electric charge; these effects are more noticeable at higher total mass values. We obtain that the f-mode is very sensitive to the change in the electric charge of the star. Furthermore, in the case of the $$p_1$$

p
1

mode, the effect of the electric charge is not very significant. Our results reveal that the study of the fundamental pulsation mode of an electrically charged compact star is very important in distinguishing whether compact stars could contain electric charge. We also employ another electric charge distribution profile that follows a power law, and it is found that the f-mode change is more noticeable than the $$p_1$$

p
1

-mode when the electric charge is incremented.
Derivative four-fermion model, effective action and bumblebee generation
Authors: Araújo R. , Mariz T. , Nascimento J. R. , Petrov A. Yu.
Published: October 2024

In this paper, we study the one-loop effective potential of a derivative four-fermion model. As a result, an exact bumblebee-like potential is radiatively generated. Afterwards, we generalize our study for a finite temperature case and explicitly demonstrate the possibility of phase transitions allowing for the restoration of the Lorentz symmetry. We also investigate the low-energy effective action, from which we obtain the usual kinetic term and the corresponding bumblebee potential.
Geometrically thick equilibrium tori around a Schwarzschild black hole in swirling universes
Authors: Chen Chengjia , Pan Qiyuan , Jing Jiliang
Published: October 2024

We study geometrically thick non-self gravitating equilibrium tori orbiting a Schwarzschild black hole immersed in swirling universes. This solution is axially symmetric and non-asymptotically flat, and its north and south hemispheres spin in opposite directions. Due to repulsive effects arising from the swirl of the background spacetime, the equilibrium torus exists only in the small swirling case. With the increase of the swirling parameter, the disk structure becomes small and the excretion of matter near the black hole becomes strong. Moreover, the odd $$Z_2$$

Z
2

symmetry of spacetimes originating from the swirling parameter yields that the orientation of closed equipotential surfaces deviates away from the horizontal axis and the corresponding disk does not longer possess the symmetry with respect to the equatorial plane. These significant features could help to further understand the equilibrium tori and geometrically thick accretion disks around black holes in swirling universes.
Formal Methods for Characterization and Analysis of Quality Specifications in Component-Based Systems
Authors: Hazra Aritra
Published: October 2024

Component-based design paradigm is of paramount importance due to prolific growth in the complexity of modern-day systems. Since the components are developed primarily by multi-party vendors and often assembled to realize the overall system, it is an onus of the designer to certify both the functional and nonfunctional requirements of such systems. Several of the earlier works concentrated on formally analyzing the behavioral correctness, safety, security, reliability and robustness of such compositional systems. However, the assurance for quality measures of such systems is also considered as an important parameter for their acceptance. Formalization of quality measures is still at an immature state and often dictated by the user satisfaction. This paper presents a novel compositional framework for reliable quality analysis of component-based systems from the formal quality specifications of its constituent components. The proposed framework enables elegant and generic computation methods for quality attributes of various component-based system structures. In addition to this, we provide a formal query-driven quality assessment and design exploration framework which enables the designer to explore various component structures and operating setups and finally converge into better acceptable systems. A detailed case-study is presented over a component-based system structure to show the efficacy and practicality of our proposed framework.
Comparability of the total Betti numbers of toric ideals of graphs
Authors: Favacchio Giuseppe
Published: October 2024

The total Betti numbers of the toric ideal of a simple graph are, in general, highly sensitive to any small change of the graph. In this paper, we look at some combinatorial operations that cause total Betti numbers to change in predictable ways. In particular, we focus on a procedure that preserves these invariants.
On generating sets of 2D cyclic codes of length 2ks and corrections to some previous results
Authors: Nikseresht Ashkan , Khormaei Marziyeh Beygi , Namazi Shohreh
Published: October 2024

In this paper, we first study when two-dimensional cyclic codes of length [Formula: see text] have generating sets of a certain form. Then we deduce that several of the main results of the papers [Z. Rajabi and K. Khashyarmanesh, Repeated-root two-dimensional constacyclic codes of length [Formula: see text], Finite Fields Appl. 50 (2018) 122–137] and [Z. Sepasdar and K. Khashyarmanesh, Characterizations of some two-dimensional cyclic codes correspond to the ideals of [Formula: see text], Finite Fields Appl. 41 (2016) 97–112] are not accurate. We also present counterexamples for these results and find other conditions needed for them to hold.
Local multi-scale structure discriminant analysis
Authors: Xu Jie , Gong Sicong , Chen Jianping , Wang Wenyan
Published: October 2024

The Local Multi-Scale Discriminant Analysis (LMSDA) is a novel dimensionality reduction technique that proficiently maps high-dimensional data into a low-dimensional space. It seamlessly integrates the collaborative representation framework with dual constraint optimization in intrinsic and penalty graphs. The intrinsic graph captures intricate local manifold structures by leveraging multi-scale reconstruction relationships, ensuring class cohesion during reduction. Meanwhile, the penalty graph sharpens discriminability by maximizing inter-class disparities, fostering clearer class boundaries. This dual strategy not only preserves the essence of intra-class data but also bolsters its discriminative powers. Extensive experiments on AR, CMU_PIE, and Yale B datasets affirm LMSDA’s superiority over contemporary methods, underscoring its potential for diverse applications.
The convolution-based windowed free metaplectic transform
Authors: Jan Huzaifa , Bhat M. Younus
Published: October 2024

In this paper, we introduce a novel time-frequency representation tool coined as the convolution-based windowed free metaplectic transform (CWFMT) by combining the merits of free metaplectic transform (FMT) and window transform via free metaplectic convolution. First, the definition of the proposed transform is given and some related properties like Parseval’s formula, inversion theorem and the characterization of range of this transform are obtained. Second, the generalized convolution theorem for CWFMT is proposed by employing the convolution structure in window function as well.
Impact of the Prey Refuge Parameter in the Presence of Fear Effect on the Fuzzy Two-Prey–One Predator Model with Switching Effect
Authors: Das Soumya , Das Pritha , Biswas Suvankar , Venkataraman S.
Published: October 2024

It has been thought of as a class of models where a generalist predator feeds on two distinct prey species. We wish to examine how prey refuge factors affect prey–predator models when fear effects are present. In order to achieve this, a two-prey–one predator model with prey refuge has been taken into consideration in the presence of the predator’s fear effect on two prey species. Both prey species engage in intra-specific competition. We enhance our model by including a switching mechanism in predation. In order to account for the inherent imperfection of environmental conditions, some parameters have been taken as fuzzy numbers. Analytical and numerical results on the system have been examined in fuzzy sense. The system’s positivity, boundedness, and permanence are examined. The system’s local and global stability analyses have been investigated. Hopf bifurcation analysis around the positive interior equilibrium point has been explored. The stability of the limit cycle of our suggested fuzzy system has been discussed. The system’s numerical simulations have been investigated with pertinent tables and graphical illustrations. When the prey refuge parameter and fear parameter exceed the critical value, the system experiences Hopf bifurcation at the positive interior equilibrium point.
Optimizing Fetal Health Status Detection Using Quantum Intelligent Deep-Learning Methods on Cardiotocographic Data
Authors: Al-Razgan Muna , Ali Yasser A. , Neira-Molina Harold , Ma Hauwei , Du Wencai , Ul Ain Qurat
Published: October 2024

This work compares the performance of different algorithms — quantum Fourier transform, Gaussian–Newton method, hyperfast, metropolis-adjusted Langevin algorithm, and nonparametric classification and regression trees — for the classification of fetal health states from FHR signals. In the conducted research, the effectiveness of each algorithm was measured using confusion matrices, which gave information about class precision, recall, and total accuracy in three classes: Normal, Suspect, and Pathological. The QFT algorithm gives an overall accuracy of 90%, where it is highly reliable in recognizing Normal (94% F1-score) and Pathological states (91% F1-score), but performs poorly regarding the Suspect cases, at 58% F1-score. On the other hand, using the GNM method gives an accuracy of 88%, whereby it performed well on Normal cases, at 93% F1-score, and poor performance with Suspect, at 50% F1-score, and Pathological classifications, at 82% F1-score. The hyperfast algorithm yielded an accuracy of 89%, thus performing well on Normal classifications with an F1-score of 93%, but less well on the Suspect states with an F1-score of 56%. The MALA algorithm outperformed all other algorithms tested in this study, giving an overall accuracy of 91% and adequately classifying Normal, Suspect, and Pathological states with corresponding F1-scores of 94%, 63%, and 90%, respectively; therefore, the algorithm is quite robust and reliable for fetal health monitoring. The NCART algorithm achieved an accuracy of 89%, thus showing great capability for classification in Normal cases with 94% F1-score and in Pathological cases with 88% F1-score; this is moderate for Suspect cases with 53% F1-score. Overall, while all algorithms exhibit potential for fetal health classification, MALA stands out as the most effective, offering reliable classification across all health states. These findings highlight the need for further refinement, particularly in enhancing the detection of Suspect conditions, to ensure comprehensive and accurate fetal health monitoring.
Assessing Ecological Environment in Dar es Salaam City: A Settlement Surface Ecological Index (SSEI) Analysis
Authors: KABANDA Tabaro
Published: October 2024

Urbanization dramatically alters landscapes and ecological conditions. This study examines the environmental conditions within Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, using the Settlement Surface Ecological Index (SSEI). The SSEI combines biophysical parameters from satellite imagery to assess ecological health, revealing disparities across diverse urban typologies. This study’s methodology demonstrates advancements in using the Calculate Composite Index tool for streamlined index creation and greater flexibility in urban analysis. Statistical analysis reveals crucial relationships between ecological conditions and variables like tree cover, impervious surfaces, vegetation moisture, and Land Surface Temperature (LST). Multivariate clustering highlights distinct areas of high and Low SSEI, emphasizing disparities in urban ecological health. This study demonstrates how composite indices like the SSEI can inform targeted urban planning, promote green infrastructure, and mitigate the negative impacts of urbanization, ensuring both equitable and sustainable development in the face of climate change.
Tectonic implications of a rare metamorphic event in eastern China during the Earth's ‘middle age’
Authors: Tian Zhonghua , MacKenzie Doug , Wen Fei , Liu Pinghua , Wang Wei , Liu Fulai , Xiao Wenjiao
Published: October 2024

The Mesoproterozoic Era has long been considered a relatively stable, silent and even ‘boring' period in Earth history, during which the lithosphere was tectonically inactive. However, an increasing amount of evidence suggests that metamorphism and magmatism were much more widespread and intense than previously thought, implying that this period was dynamic. Here, we report metamorphism at
c.
1.4 Ga along the southeastern margin of the North China Craton in eastern China. We conducted analyses using a TESCAN Integrated Mineral Analyser (TIMA) combined with electron microprobe analysis (EMPA) and zircon sensitive high-resolution ion microprobe (SHRIMP) and laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry U–Pb dating on garnet amphibolites and their country rocks. The detailed mineral composition of a representative garnet amphibolite sample was identified and determined by TIMA. Phase equilibria modelling using pseudo-sections combined with the EMPA data indicated the peak metamorphism stage (M
2
) of the garnet amphibolites at a
P
–
T
condition of 10.6–11.2 kbar and 820°C. The SHRIMP zircon U–Pb analysis yielded an age of 1366 ± 17 Ma for the garnet amphibolites, which is slightly younger than that of the country rock schist (1376 ± 22 Ma). Integrating the metamorphic event with geochemical signatures, magmatic records and sedimentation patterns in analogous geological settings on other continents, our findings collectively demonstrate a protracted and pervasive orogenic process along the periphery of the Columbia supercontinent.
Mathematical Information Retrieval: A Review
Authors: Dadure Pankaj , Pakray Partha , Bandyopadhyay Sivaji
Published: October 2024

Mathematical formulas are commonly used to demonstrate theories and basic fundamentals in the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) domain. The burgeoning research in the STEM domain results in the mass production of scientific documents that contain both textual and mathematical terms. In scientific information, the definition of mathematical formulas is expressed through context and symbolic structure that adheres to strong domain-specific notions. Whereas the retrieval of textual information is well-researched, and numerous text-based search engines are present. However, textual information retrieval systems are inadequate for searching scientific information containing mathematical formulas, including simple symbols to complicated mathematical structures. The retrieval of mathematical information is in its infancy, and it requires the inclusion of new technologies and tools to promote the retrieval of scientific information and the management of digital libraries. This article provides a comprehensive study of mathematical information retrieval and highlights their challenges and future opportunities.
Choroid Plexus Pathophysiology
Authors: Courtney Ya'el , Hochstetler Alexandra , Lehtinen Maria K.
Published: October 2024

This review examines the roles of the choroid plexus (ChP) in central nervous system (CNS) pathology, emphasizing its involvement in disease mechanisms and therapeutic potential. Structural changes in the human ChP have been reported across various diseases in case reports and descriptive work, but studies have yet to pin down the physiological relevance of these changes. We highlight primary pathologies of the ChP, as well as their significance in neurologic disorders, including stroke, hydrocephalus, infectious diseases, and neurodegeneration. Synthesizing recent research, this review positions the ChP as a critical player in CNS homeostasis and pathology, advocating for enhanced focus on its mechanisms to unlock new diagnostic and treatment strategies and ultimately improve patient outcomes in CNS diseases. Whether acting as a principal driver of disease, a gateway for pathogens into the CNS, or an orchestrator of neuroimmune processes, the ChP holds tremendous promise as a therapeutic target to attenuate a multitude of CNS conditions.
Rat movements reflect internal decision dynamics in an evidence accumulation task
Authors: Kane Gary A. , Senne Ryan A. , Scott Benjamin B.
Published: October 2024

In this study we combine a novel pulse-based evidence accumulation task with a newly developed motion-based drift diffusion model (mDDM). In this model, we incorporate movement parameters derived from high-resolution video data to estimate parameters of the model on a trial-by-trial basis. We find that this new model is an improved description of animal choice behavior.
Ictal and interictal epileptic networks of 34 patients with hypothalamic hamartoma on scalp electroencephalography
Authors: Metzger Sarah M. , Jacobs Julia , Niedermoser Friederike , Reinacher Peter C. , Wagner Kathrin , Schönberger Jan , Rieder Lisa , Schulze-Bonhage Andreas , Klotz Kerstin A.
Published: October 2024

Data from routine long-term video-EEG (VEEG) monitoring can be used to visualize and analyze networks of cortical involvement in patients with hypothalamic hamartoma. Involvement of temporal cortex areas is frequent even in patients with relatively mild disease and might be an early sign of dissemination. Repeated VEEGs in eight patients show an overall increase in seizure activity and interictal epileptiform discharges (IEDs) and changes in the networks of cortical involvement over time.
A 5-week centrifuge-based G training with feedback on the magnitude of G force does not improve the perception of roll tilt during simulated coordinated turns
Authors: Keramidas Michail E. , Kölegård Roger , Brink Andreas , Eiken Ola
Published: October 2024

During a coordinated flight turn without external visual references, the pilot typically underestimates the aircraft bank angle, because unreliable information of roll tilt is conveyed by the vestibular system. The present results demonstrate that prolonged repeated gravitoinertial (G)-induced roll-tilts in a centrifuge gondola, while external feedback is restricted to graviception, enhance the capacity to perceive G load, but fail to advance the ability to consciously estimate the magnitude of roll angular displacement.
Investigating premotor corticospinal excitability in fast and slow voluntary contractions of the elbow flexors
Authors: Basile Daniel C. , Paris Michael T. , McNeil Chris J. , Rice Charles L.
Published: October 2024

The present study demonstrated that increased premotor (corticospinal excitability) CSE before initiating voluntary contractions is a spinally mediated response. The increase of premotor CSE was not different for fast and slow contractions, indicating that modulation of premotor CSE from a resting baseline is not specific to the intended contractile rate. Results also demonstrated a sex-based difference in premotor spinal excitability, potentially indicating greater neuromodulatory drive in females before initiating voluntary contractions.
Characteristics of National Disability Insurance Scheme Plan Payments for People With Cerebral Palsy Described Using Publicly Available Data
Authors: Morgan Prue , Tang Ngoc Thien Kim , Imms Christine
Published: October 2024

Introduction: The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) provides funding to Australians with permanent and significant disabilities to enable ‘an ordinary life’. However, we know little about the characteristics of NDIS funding in people with cerebral palsy (CP).

Materials and Methods: This project explored the NDIS plan payments and support category by people with CP using publicly accessible NDIS data. A descriptive analysis was undertaken using observational statistics and variable comparisons to explore lifespan plan characteristics (core supports, capacity building and capital supports proportions) and payments between different age groupings and geographical regions.

Results: 17,575 people with CP as a primary diagnosis were NDIS participants in March 2023, with plan payments of, on average, $138,000/year. Plan payments increased with age. Most funding was allocated to core supports (average $103,000 Pa) compared to capacity building (average $40,000 Pa) and capital supports (average $11,000 Pa). From 2021 to 2023, plan payments increased beyond the consumer price index. There were large differences in NDIS plan payments across metropolitan and regional locations, likely influenced by a range of personal and service availability factors unable to be identified using the publicly available data.

Discussion: NDIS plan payments were larger in older people with CP. There was also low investment in the capacity building areas of employment and lifelong learning, despite this being a focus of the scheme. Unexplained differences in plan payments across regions require further research.
A Retrospective Analysis of Self‐Limiting Fever following Percutaneous Patent Foramen Ovale and Atrial Septal Defect Closure
Authors: Galasso Francesca , Wassenaar Felicia , Barry Timothy , Baqal Omar J. , Hagler Donald J. , Sweeney John P. , Fortuin F. David
Published: October 2024

While percutaneous closure of patent foramen ovale (PFO) and atrial septal defect (ASD) are generally well‐tolerated procedures, the development of postprocedure fever has been observed at a higher frequency than reported in the initial device trials. We performed a retrospective analysis of 62 patients who underwent PFO or ASD closure from January 1, 2020, to December 31, 2022, at Mayo Clinic, Arizona. Eight patients out of 62 (12.9%) developed fever following PFO or ASD closure. In each of the fever cases, the Gore Cardioform devices (W.L. Gore and Associates, Flagstaff, AZ) were used. No association was found between clinical characteristics or procedural details and the development of fever. The reactions occurred 24 to 48 hours following device implantation and resolved spontaneously. No evidence of infection was found upon diagnostic evaluation. There was a higher incidence of self‐limited atrial fibrillation (AF) in the fever patients (37.5% vs. 18.5%) which was not statistically significant. All patients who developed fever had successful closure with no other subsequent clinical events. We have found a high incidence of fever following PFO or ASD closure using the Gore family of devices that has not been observed in prior years. A unifying etiology or risk factor, such as infection or medication, for the fever could not be identified. Long‐term device success was achieved in all fever patients. This small retrospective study suggests that the observed fever is benign and self‐limiting but further investigation is warranted to determine its true incidence, mechanism, and prognosis.
Tumor Integrin-Targeted Glucose Oxidase Enzyme Promotes ROS-Mediated Cell Death that Combines with Interferon Alpha Therapy for Tumor Control
Authors: Stinson Jordan A. , Sheen Allison , Lax Brianna M. , Yang Grace N. , Duhamel Lauren , Santollani Luciano , Fink Elizabeth , Palmeri Joseph R. , Wittrup Karl Dane
Published: October 2024

Although heightened intratumoral levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) are typically associated with a suppressive tumor microenvironment, under certain conditions ROS contribute to tumor elimination. Treatment approaches, including some chemotherapy and radiation protocols, increase cancer cell ROS levels that influence their mechanism of cell death and subsequent recognition by the immune system. Furthermore, activated myeloid cells rapidly generate ROS upon encounter with pathogens or infected cells to eliminate disease, and recently, this effector function has been noted in cancer contexts as well. Collectively, ROS-induced cancer cell death may help initiate adaptive antitumor immune responses that could synergize with current approved immunotherapies, for improved control of solid tumors. In this work, we explore the use of glucose oxidase, an enzyme which produces hydrogen peroxide, a type of ROS, to therapeutically mimic the endogenous oxidative burst from myeloid cells to promote antigen generation within the tumor microenvironment. We engineer the enzyme to target pan-tumor-expressed integrins both as a tumor-agnostic therapeutic approach and as a strategy to prolong local enzyme activity following intratumoral administration. We found the targeted enzyme potently induced cancer cell death and enhanced cross-presentation by dendritic cells in vitro and further combined with interferon alpha for long-term tumor control in murine MC38 tumors in vivo. Optimizing the single-dose administration of this enzyme overcomes limitations with immunogenicity noted for other prooxidant enzyme approaches. Overall, our results suggest ROS-induced cell death can be harnessed for tumor control and highlight the potential use of designed enzyme therapies alongside immunotherapy against cancer.
Zelenirstat Inhibits N-Myristoyltransferases to Disrupt Src Family Kinase Signaling and Oxidative Phosphorylation, Killing Acute Myeloid Leukemia Cells
Authors: Gamma Jay M. , Liu Qiang , Beauchamp Erwan , Iyer Aishwarya , Yap Megan C. , Zak Zoulika , Ekstrom Cassidy , Pain Rony , Kostiuk Morris A. , Mackey John R. , Brandwein Joseph , Wang Jean C.Y. , Berthiaume Luc G.
Published: October 2024

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a hematologic malignancy with limited treatment options and a high likelihood of recurrence after chemotherapy. We studied N-myristoylation, the myristate modification of proteins linked to survival signaling and metabolism, as a potential therapeutic target for AML. N-myristoylation is catalyzed by two N-myristoyltransferases (NMT), NMT1 and NMT2, with varying expressions in AML cell lines and patient samples. We identified NMT2 expression as a marker for survival of patients with AML, and low NMT2 expression was associated with poor outcomes. We used the first-in-class pan-NMT inhibitor, zelenirstat, to investigate the role of N-myristoylation in AML. Zelenirstat effectively inhibits myristoylation in AML cell lines and patient samples, leading to degradation of Src family kinases, induction of endoplasmic reticulum stress, apoptosis, and cell death. Zelenirstat was well tolerated in vivo and reduced the leukemic burden in an ectopic AML cell line and in multiple orthotopic AML patient-derived xenograft models. The leukemia stem cell–enriched fractions of the hierarchical OCI-AML22 model were highly sensitive to myristoylation inhibition. Zelenirstat also impairs mitochondrial complex I and oxidative phosphorylation, which are critical for leukemia stem cell survival. These findings suggest that targeting N-myristoylation with zelenirstat represents a novel therapeutic approach for AML, with promise in patients with currently poor outcomes.
The Predictive Value of T-Lymphocyte Subset Distribution for the Occurrence and Prognosis of Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: You Xinpeng , Guo Wenxing , He Yang , Li Qing , Qian Ren , Tu Wenyou , Yang Ling , Jiang Qi
Published: October 2024

Introduction: The effect of T lymphocytes on atrial fibrillation (AF) is still unclear. We aimed to assess the associations between the T-lymphocyte subgroup distribution and incident AF and AF prognosis. Methods: Consecutive patients were enrolled from June 2020 to October 2021. Their T-cell subgroups, including CD3, CD4, and CD8 T cells, and the CD4/CD8 ratio (CDR) were measured. We assessed the relationships between the CDR and composite endpoints, including hospitalization due to heart failure, stroke or systemic embolism, and cardiovascular mortality rates. Results: A total of 45,905 patients, among whom 818 had AF, were enrolled. The proportions of the T-lymphocyte subgroups CD3 (OR: 0.9995; 95% CI: 0.9993–0.9997, p < 0.001), CD4 (OR: 0.9995; 95% CI: 0.9991–0.9998, p = 0.004), and CD8 (OR: 0.9988; 95% CI: 0.9984–0.9992, p < 0.001) and the CDR (OR: 1.2714; 95% CI: 1.1355–1.4165, p < 0.001) were correlated with AF incidence. The CDR was associated with AF incidence (OR: 1.1998; 95% CI: 1.0746–1.3336, p < 0.001) after adjustment. High CDR was associated with a higher rate of hospitalization due to heart failure (HR: 3.45; 95% CI: 1.71–6.96, p < 0.001), stroke, or systemic embolism (HR: 2.54; 95% CI: 1.32–4.91, p = 0.005), and cardiovascular mortality (HR: 2.25; 95% CI: 1.05–4.84, p = 0.038). There was no significant difference in all-cause mortality between CDR strata (HR: 1.61; 95% CI: 0.90–2.87, p = 0.111). Conclusion: Elevated CDR was positively associated with the incidence and prognosis of AF. This finding may help improve the prevention and treatment of AF.
COVID-19 Pandemic Impact on Uro-Oncological Disease Outcomes at a German Referral Center
Authors: Elleisy Moustafa , Dräger Desiree Louise , Zettl Heike , Hakenberg Oliver W.
Published: October 2024

Introduction: To assess differences in referral and pathologic outcomes for uro-oncology cases prior to, during, and after the COVID-19 pandemic, comparing clinical and pathological data from cancer surgeries performed at a university medical center between 2018 and 2023. Methods: We collected data of 212 patients with radical prostatectomy (RP) for prostate cancer, 157 patients with radical cystectomies (RCs) for bladder cancer, 36 patients with radical nephroureterectomies (RNUs) for upper tract urothelial carcinoma, 133 patients with partial nephrectomies (PNs), and 160 patients with radical nephrectomies (RNs) for renal cancer, 93 patients with orchifunicolectomy for testicular cancer, 39 patients with newly diagnosed penile cancer. Data from patients treated between 2018 and February 2020 (before the COVID-19 pandemic) were compared with data from patients treated between March 2020 and March 2022 (during the COVID-19 pandemic) and between April 2022 and February 2023 (after the COVID-19 pandemic). Results: No differences in terms of main pathologic features were observed in patients undergoing RP, RNU, orchifunicolectomy, or circumcision and/or penectomy. Further, a lower pathological tumor stage was diagnosed for RN after the COVID-19 pandemic (p < 0.05). A higher age at diagnosis for penile cancer was observed during the pandemic cohort in comparison to the pre-COVID-19 pandemic cohort (p < 0.05), but this did not translate into a worse pathological stage or lymph node involvement. Another notable change was the shortening of the length of stay (LOS) for orchifunicolectomy over the pandemic (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Neither decline in uro-oncologic activity nor pathological features were observed at our institution before, during, and after the COVID-19 pandemic. A significantly lower pathological tumor stage for RN after the COVID-19 pandemic was seen. Penile cancer was diagnosed at a significantly higher age during the COVID-19 pandemic, and a decrease in LOS for orchifunicolectomy was observed.
Sparse-Coding Variational Autoencoders
Authors: Geadah Victor , Barello Gabriel , Greenidge Daniel , Charles Adam S. , Pillow Jonathan W.
Published: October 2024

The sparse coding model posits that the visual system has evolved to efficiently code natural stimuli using a sparse set of features from an overcomplete dictionary. The original sparse coding model suffered from two key limitations; however: (1) computing the neural response to an image patch required minimizing a nonlinear objective function via recurrent dynamics and (2) fitting relied on approximate inference methods that ignored uncertainty. Although subsequent work has developed several methods to overcome these obstacles, we propose a novel solution inspired by the variational autoencoder (VAE) framework. We introduce the sparse coding variational autoencoder (SVAE), which augments the sparse coding model with a probabilistic recognition model parameterized by a deep neural network. This recognition model provides a neurally plausible feedforward implementation for the mapping from image patches to neural activities and enables a principled method for fitting the sparse coding model to data via maximization of the evidence lower bound (ELBO). The SVAE differs from standard VAEs in three key respects: the latent representation is overcomplete (there are more latent dimensions than image pixels), the prior is sparse or heavy-tailed instead of gaussian, and the decoder network is a linear projection instead of a deep network. We fit the SVAE to natural image data under different assumed prior distributions and show that it obtains higher test performance than previous fitting methods. Finally, we examine the response properties of the recognition network and show that it captures important nonlinear properties of neurons in the early visual pathway.
Deadlocked International Institutions: Implications for Negotiated Conflict Management
Authors: Terrence Hopmann P.
Published: October 2024

This article argues that the international institutions in which negotiations have often taken place have been challenged by increased conflict among member states in the early 21st century. Multilateral international institutions function best when common interests are viewed as paramount by the state parties, because they allow the state parties to negotiate structures and processes that serve their shared interests and values. The paper analyzes the difficulties in managing international conflicts in the UN, osce, nato, and EU since 2000 due in part to the inability to achieve consensus within fractured and stalemated institutions. These problems have increasingly limited the role of these institutions in managing some of the most dangerous global conflicts, including on arms control and disarmament and managing the Russian war in Ukraine.
Criminal Legal Steps to Stop the Irregular Migration in Hungary
Authors: Sántha Ferenc , Bartkó Róbert
Published: October 2024

From 2015, migratory pressures put a heavy burden on EU countries. In 2015, Hungary took a new approach by building a border fence and creating criminal legal rules to protect it. This study aims to assess these measures in the EU sphere. Our research was based on EU (frontex) and national (Prosecutor General’s Office information) data and assessed the Hungarian solution in the light of the migration policy of other Member States located along the main migratory routes. The data show: (1) the criminal law has no substantive effect, and (2) the law enforcement tools are effective. Moreover, the domestic data also show that Hungary is not consistent in its policy and has preferred law enforcement tools to criminal legal tools in the past few years, which violates the basic principles of criminal law: the principle of legality and the principle of ultima ratio.
The Right to a Public Hearing in Criminal Cases in the Digital Age
Authors: Lach Arkadiusz
Published: October 2024

The author analyses the right to a public hearing in criminal cases in the light of the development of communication technology, the media, and the digitalization of courts. After a presentation of the current Strasburg standards he shows the competing values and the need for balance. He presents the possible solutions of preserving the right in relation to traditional hearings, hybrid hearings, virtual hearings, and online courts. It is argued that the development of different forms of remote hearings changes the perception and implementation of the right to a public hearing and that developments in technology call for limitations on the public character of hearings, rather than for increasing publicity. It was also observed that the Strasburg jurisprudence not only identifies the negative obligations of parties concerning the right, but also requires them to take some positive actions.
Jurisdiction in Criminal Law in the EU – Revised
Authors: Demenko Anna
Published: October 2024

In this paper, I outline a proposal for a revised approach to jurisdiction over criminal matters in the European Union, concerning real-world situations. The analysis is rooted in two fundamental premises – the condition of foreseeability of the relevant norms, and the possibility of separating substantial and procedural criminal laws. From this perspective, I argue for a reduction of the jurisdictional nexuses applicable in the context of interactions between Member States. Considering the fundamentals of criminal law and the aim of the Union to create one area of freedom, security and justice, a multiplication of various links is superfluous. A reduction is not only possible and justified to adequately protect the interests of the states and individuals but would also provide a suitable tool for mitigating redundant conflicts of jurisdiction.
The Language of Grief: The Role of Conceptual Metaphors in Family Tributes of Ghanaian Funeral Ceremonies
Authors: Afreh Esther Serwaah , Ofosu Daniel Dwamena
Published: October 2024

This paper investigates the role of conceptual metaphors in the expression of grief by bereaved families during Ghanaian funeral ceremonies. Grief is a universal and inevitable response to loss or the anticipation of it, yet its manifestation varies among different cultures and individuals. In Ghanaian funeral ceremonies, tributes hold significant importance as they provide a platform for family members to publicly convey their emotions and memories associated with the deceased. Tribute texts gathered from twenty funeral brochures were analysed using the Pragglejaz Group’s Metaphor Identification Procedure (mip). The analysis revealed the utilisation of twelve distinct conceptual metaphors related to life and death, marriage, and memories and emotions. Two image metaphors about the deceased were also identified. The analysis reveals that families employ conceptual and image metaphors – to offer consolation, provide encouragement, express appreciation for the deceased’s life, engage in reminiscence, honour and celebrate the departed souls.
The Semantics of Happiness and Joy in the Italian Language
Authors: Sotgiu Igor
Published: October 2024

A number of contemporary researchers have proposed considering happiness and joy as distinct phenomena and theoretical constructs. However, there is as yet insufficient information regarding whether the theoretical and empirical arguments for distinguishing happiness from joy also apply to folk representations of these concepts. This work presents two studies in which Italian speakers performed a free-listing task asking them to list words semantically equivalent to the Italian words felicità (happiness) (Study 1) and gioia (joy) (Study 2). A comparison between the two studies revealed that the Italian concepts of happiness and joy had 49 lexical items in common, 32 of which related to emotions. Interestingly, 11 of the latter ranked in the top 10 cognitive salience indexes obtained from both Study 1 and Study 2. It is argued that the semantic similarities between the two words examined – felicità and gioia – should not overshadow the meaning nuances distinguishing them.