bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cardiac health in breast cancer (CHiB): protocol for a single-centre, randomised controlled trial
Authors: Colditz Hannes , Matits Lynn , Kersten Johannes , Schulz Sebastian Viktor Waldemar , Buckert Dominik , Beer Meinrad , Janni Wolfgang , Kersten Maria , Klömpken Steffen , Fink Visnja , Leinert Elena , Bizjak Daniel Alexander , Schellenberg Jana
Published: November 2024

The incidence of breast cancer has increased from 900 000 to 2.3 million new annual cases over the last 25 years. The 5-year survival rate has markedly risen to over 90% worldwide due to significant therapeutic advancements. Longer survival in patients with breast cancer means more patients may experience long-term effects of their treatments, including cancer therapy-related cardiac dysfunction (CTRCD). To date, there is no established primary prevention to minimise CTRCD. The Cardiac Health in Breast Cancer study is a two-arm, single-centre, randomised controlled trial investigating the impact of an exercise programme on cardiac changes in patients with breast cancer undergoing cardiotoxic cancer therapy. 48 females with breast cancer will be randomised to either a 12-month intervention group (IG) or a control group (CG). The IG will receive a combination of supervised high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and high-intensity resistance training (HIRT) for 6 months, while the CG will follow WHO guidelines for physical activity independently. All participants will undergo transthoracic echocardiography, cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging and cardiopulmonary exercise testing at baseline, after 6 months and after 12 months. The primary endpoint is the occurrence of symptomatic or asymptomatic CTRCD at the time points of examination, detected by cardiac imaging, which may be mitigated by structured physical exercise. Secondary endpoints include assessments of cardiac inflammation as detected by CMR, mitochondrial dysfunction, health-related quality of life, the occurrence of fatigue, depression and anxiety, as well as exercise capacity, average heart rate, heart rate variability and daily physical activity.
The role of the primary healthcare research community in addressing the social and structural determinants of health: a call to action from NAPCRG 2023
Authors: Hunik Liesbeth , Sturgiss Elizabeth , Terry Amanda , Blane David , Eggleton Kyle , Maharaj Rohan , Tane Taria , olde Hartman Tim , Drinkwater Jessica , Gabet Morgane , Hauck Fern R , Henry Melanie , Mamo Nick , Wallace Ramona , Klein Doug
Published: November 2024

The need for effective primary healthcare to address social and structural determinants of health and to mitigate health inequalities has been well established. Here, we report on the international forum of the 2023 NAPCRG (formerly known as North American Primary Care Research Group) Annual Meeting. The aim of the forum was to develop principles for action for the primary healthcare research community on addressing social and structural determinants of health. From this forum, 10 key recommendations for the primary care research community were identified.
TMED inhibition suppresses cell surface PD-1 expression and overcomes T cell dysfunction
Authors: Vredevoogd David W , Apriamashvili Georgi , Levy Pierre L , Sinha Sanju , Huinen Zowi R , Visser Nils L , de Bruijn Beaunelle , Boshuizen Julia , van Hal-van Veen Susan E , Ligtenberg Maarten A , Bleijerveld Onno B , Lin Chun-Pu , Díaz-Gómez Judit , Sánchez Santiago Duro , Markovits Ettai , Simon Nieto Juan , van Vliet Alex , Krijgsman Oscar , Markel Gal , Besser Michal J , Altelaar Maarten , Ruppin Eytan , Peeper Daniel S
Published: November 2024

Background

Blockade of the programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) immune checkpoint (ICB) is revolutionizing cancer therapy, but little is known about the mechanisms governing its expression on CD8 T cells. Because PD-1 is induced during activation of T cells, we set out to uncover regulators whose inhibition suppresses PD-1 abundance without adversely impacting on T cell activation.

Methods

To identify PD-1 regulators in an unbiased fashion, we performed a whole-genome, fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS)-based CRISPR-Cas9 screen in primary murine CD8 T cells. A dual-readout design using the activation marker CD137 allowed us to uncouple genes involved in PD-1 regulation from those governing general T cell activation.

Results

We found that the inactivation of one of several members of the TMED/EMP24/GP25L/p24 family of transport proteins, most prominently TMED10, reduced PD-1 cell surface abundance, thereby augmenting T cell activity. Another client protein was cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated protein 4 (CTLA-4), which was also suppressed by TMED inactivation. Treatment with TMED inhibitor AGN192403 led to lysosomal degradation of the TMED-PD-1 complex and reduced PD-1 abundance in tumor-infiltrating CD8 T cells (TIL) in mice, thus reversing T cell dysfunction. Clinically corroborating these findings, single-cell RNA analyses revealed a positive correlation between TMED expression in CD8 TIL, and both a T cell dysfunction signature and lack of ICB response. Similarly, patients receiving a TIL product with high TMED expression had a shorter overall survival.

Conclusion

Our results uncover a novel mechanism of PD-1 regulation, and identify a pharmacologically tractable target whose inhibition suppresses PD-1 abundance and T cell dysfunction.
Adjunctive intravascular lithotripsy for heavily calcified carotid stenosis: a dual-center experience and technical case series
Authors: Hanel Ricardo A , Jaikumar Vinay , Gutierrez-Aguirre Salvador F , Khan Hamid Sharif , De Toledo Otavio F , Lim Jaims , Scullen Tyler A , Rodriguez-Erazú Fernanda , Okai Bernard , McPheeters Matthew J , Bouslama Mehdi , Raygor Kunal P , Siddiqui Adnan H
Published: November 2024

Background

Heavily calcified carotid stenosis (HCCS) is considered an exclusion for carotid angioplasty and/or stenting (CAS), amenable only to carotid endarterectomy. This study presents preliminary retrospective dual-center experience utilizing the Shockwave S4intravascular lithotripsy (IVL) system (Shockwave Medical) as an adjunct to CAS for HCCS.

Methods

Patients with symptomatic or asymptomatic HCCS (de novo stenosis or in-stent restenosis (ISR)) undergoing IVL+CAS were included. Charts were reviewed for demographic, imaging, procedural, and outcome data. The primary endpoint was composite major adverse event (MAE) rate: death, ipsilateral stroke, or myocardial infarction (MI) within 30 days of IVL+CAS. Secondary endpoints included technical and procedural success, residual stenosis, and ISR postprocedure.

Results

Fifteen patients underwent 17 IVL+CAS procedures: de novo HCCS=13, heavily calcified ISR=4; symptomatic disease was addressed in seven cases. Procedures were performed transfemorally under conscious sedation with dual protection; flow reversal through a balloon guide catheter, and distal embolic protection system (EPS) use. Median pre-IVL+CAS stenosis was 73% (IQR 60–80%). Technical success (IVL+CAS+ EPS use) was achieved in all cases. Median post-IVL+CAS residual stenosis was 27% (IQR 12–33%), achieving <50% residual stenosis and procedural success in all. Five patients required dopamine infusion for postprocedural hypotension. No periprocedural ipsilateral strokes occurred. MAE rate was 6.7% (95% CI 0.2% to 32%), including one MI resulting in death. Additionally, one ISR (6.3%; 95% CI 0.2% to 30.2%) identified 160 days after IVL+CAS was retreated with angioplasty.

Conclusions

IVL+CAS was safe and effective for treating symptomatic and asymptomatic HCCS, achieving high rates of freedom from MAE. IVL has potential to expand the role of CAS in difficult to treat HCCS.
Development and validation of prediction models for prehospital triage of military trauma patients
Authors: Lokerman Robin D , van der Sluijs R , Waalwijk J F , Verleisdonk E J M M , Haasdijk R A , van Deemter M M , Leenen L P H , van Heijl M
Published: November 2024

Introduction

The introduction of wireless sensors will enable military care providers to continuously and remotely assess/monitor vital signs. Prediction models are needed to use such data adequately and aid military care providers in their on-scene decision-making to optimise prehospital triage and improve patient outcomes.

Methods

A prospective cohort comprising data from eight Emergency Medical Services and seven inclusive trauma regions was used to develop and validate prediction models that could aid military care providers in their prehospital triage decisions. Healthy (American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status classification 1 or 2) admitted adult trauma patients (aged ≥16 and ≤50 years), who suffered from a trauma mechanism that could occur to military personnel and were transported by ambulance from the scene of injury to a hospital, were included. A full model strategy was used, including prehospital predictors that are expected to be automaticly collectible by wireless sensors or to be incorporated in a personalised device that could run the models. Models were developed to predict early critical-resource use (ECRU), severe head injury (Abbreviated Injury Scale (AIS) ≥4), serious thoracic injury (AIS ≥3) and severe internal bleeding (>20% blood loss). Model performance was evaluated in terms of discrimination and calibration.

Results

Prediction models were developed with data from 4625 patients (80.0%) and validated with data from 1157 patients (20.0%). The models had good to excellent discriminative performance for the predicted outcomes in the validation cohort, with an area under the curve of 0.80 (95% CI 0.76 to 0.84) for ECRU, 0.83 (0.76 to 0.91) for severe head injury, 0.75 (0.70 to 0.80) for serious thoracic injury and 0.85 (0.78 to 0.93) for severe internal bleeding. All models showed satisfactory calibration in the validation cohort.

Conclusion

The developed models could reliably predict outcomes in a simulated military trauma population and potentially support prehospital care providers in their triage decisions.
Obturator canal block: an anatomical study
Authors: Labandeyra Hipolito , Goffin Pierre , Riera Rita , Vallejo Andrea , Prats-Galino Alberto , Sala-Blanch Xavier
Published: November 2024

Background

Different approaches to the obturator nerve have been described. However, few have focused on the injection point inferior the iliopubic ramus, specifically at the exit of the obturator canal. This study aims to anatomically evaluate the ultrasound-guided obturator nerve block at the exit of the obturator canal, detailing anatomical landmarks and solution distribution.

Methods

This anatomical study was conducted using 10 cadavers to generate 20 hemipelvis samples. Ultrasound references were utilized to identify the obturator canal, iliopubic ramus, pectineus and external obturator muscles, and the obturator membrane. An ultrasound-guided obturator nerve block was performed using a low-frequency convex probe for initial identification and a high-frequency linear transducer for the injection of a methylene blue solution. Subsequent dissections were performed to evaluate the distribution of the dye within the obturator nerve.

Results

The injection of methylene blue consistently stained the common trunk and anterior branch of the obturator nerve in 100% of the cases and the posterior branch in 80% of the samples. Intrapelvic staining was observed in 65% of the specimens, indicating effective diffusion of the dye. Key anatomical landmarks, such as the iliopubic ramus and the obturator membrane, were crucial for accurate identification and injection.

Conclusion

In conclusion, sagittal approaches using the iliopubic ramus as an anatomical reference achieve the most complete obturator nerve block. Our anatomical study details the structures of the obturator canal and access to the obturator nerve at its exit. Future studies are needed to confirm its safety and efficacy.
Methotrexate inhibits glucocorticoids-induced osteoclastogenesis via activating IFN-γR/STAT1 pathway in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Teng Yao , Yin Haifeng , Feng Ruizhi , Jiang Lijuan , Qiu Wenlin , Duan Xiaoru , Wang Xuefei , Deng Guo-Min
Published: November 2024

Objectives

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterised by the synovitis and bone erosion. The combination therapy of glucocorticoids (GCs) and methotrexate (MTX) is recommended in early RA management, although the precise underlying mechanism of action remains unclear. This study is aimed to clarify the mechanism of MTX in combined with GC in treating RA.

Methods

GC-induced osteoporosis (GIOP) mouse model was used to investigate the bone-protective role of MTX. Lipopolysaccharide-induced arthritis mouse model was used to evaluate the anti-inflammatory effects of GCs and MTX. Functional role of MTX on osteoclastogenesis was assessed by trap staining and micro-computer tomography. Western blot, RT-qPCR and coimmunoprecipitation were used to explore the underlying mechanisms.

Results

We demonstrate that GCs, but not MTX, rapidly inhibited synovitis in arthritis model. MTX treatment was observed to inhibit osteoclastogenesis induced by GC in vitro and mitigate bone loss attributed by GIOP. GCs were found to augment the interaction between the membrane GC receptor (mGR) and signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1), leading to the suppression of IFN-γR/STAT1 signalling pathways. Interestingly, MTX was found to inhibit osteoclastogenesis induced by GCs through the enhancement of the A2AR and IFN-γR interaction, thereby activating the IFN-γR/STAT1 signalling cascade. Consequently, this process results in a reduction in the mGR and STAT1 interaction.

Conclusions

Our study provides compelling evidence that MTX can make GCs effectively to suppress synovitis and reduce bone loss induced by GCs. This sheds light on the potential mechanistic insights underlying the efficacy of GCs in conjunction with MTX for treating RA.
Caregiver burden in advanced cancer in tertiary care palliative medicine
Authors: Quadir Sayeda Sharmin , Alam Afroja , Bhuiyan A K M Motiur Rahman , Islam Nashid , Sarker Mridul , Rabin Farzana
Published: November 2024

Objective

During the period of caregiving, informal caregivers of incurably ill patients experience caregiving burden that is often overlooked since the focus is on the suffering of the care receiver. In Bangladesh, informal caregivers often cannot express their suffering as they are culturally obliged to take responsibility for sick family members. This cross-sectional study was conducted among 156 informal caregivers of patients with advanced cancer attending the Department of Palliative Medicine at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Dhaka, Bangladesh.

Methods

The sample was chosen consecutively based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Face-to-face interviews were conducted using a well-designed questionnaire. A previously translated and validated Bangla version of the Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI) was used to assess the burden of the informal caregivers.

Results

The mean ZBI score of the informal caregivers was 28±11. The study found that caregiver burden was significantly associated with the relationship between the informal caregiver and the patient, as well as the caregiver’s awareness of the patient’s prognosis.

Conclusion

Currently, no facilities for informal caregivers are available in Bangladesh. As extended members of the patient’s care team, the burden experienced by the caregivers needs to be given more attention and should be taken into account in healthcare.
Internet Use in Agriculture and Farm Earnings: An Analysis of the Indonesia Labor Force Survey
Authors: SUKMA WENI LIDYA , PUSPITASARI MARDIANA DWI , PRASETYOPUTRA PUGUH
Published: November 2024

The diffusion and adoption of the internet are necessary for farmers’ economic development, including in Indonesia where agriculture continues to employ most of the labor force. However, Indonesian farmers’ terms of trade for food crops remain low. This study examines the association between internet use in agriculture and farm earnings in Indonesia. We analyze data on the agriculture sector and three subsectors (food crops, horticulture, and livestock) from the August 2022 Indonesia National Labor Force Survey. We apply the Heckman selection model with maximum likelihood estimation to the data. We find that self-employed farmers who use the internet have 29.6% more farm earnings than those who do not. This association varies across subsectors, with internet use in the food crops and livestock subsectors associated with the lowest and highest percentage increases in farm earnings, respectively. Moreover, internet infrastructure development is low in eastern Indonesia. Therefore, addressing this issue may increase internet use and help raise farm earnings in that part of the country.
The two stages of inflation with non-canonical scalar fields
Authors: Keskin A. I. , Ekinci H. , Kurt K.
Published: November 2024

This study aims to examine the phenomenological consequences of the constant-roll condition on the [Formula: see text] gravity in the context of a non-canonical scalar field. In this regard, two periods of inflation are investigated, specifically the slow-roll and quintessence phases, within the context of the non-canonical scalar field. We will make two assumptions: first, the slow-roll condition is imposed on the first slow-roll parameters, and second, the scalar field evolves according to the constant-roll condition. We provide a comprehensive explanation of the gravitational equations of motion that govern the behavior of the cosmological system. We consider the constant-roll condition and use a specifically chosen potential to simplify analytical calculations. By doing so, we express the slow-roll indices and the resulting observational indices of the theory as functions of the e-foldings number. Our analysis demonstrates that the existence of constant-roll inflation with non-canonical scalar fields aligns with observed results across a wide range of model parameters. Furthermore, we establish an equation that combines the fundamental equations of the theory. By using a differential operator, we convert this equation into a linear form, yielding the effective equation of state (EoS) parameter. The value of this parameter is dependent upon the exponential [Formula: see text] parameter of the kinetic term, as well as to the first slow-roll parameter and the constant-roll parameter [Formula: see text]. Under the assumption of a fixed [Formula: see text] field, we demonstrate that the early universe has the ability to experience a two-stage inflation, as described by the EoS parameter.
Differentially Private Hierarchical Heavy Hitters
Authors: Biswas Ari , Cormode Graham , Kanza Yaron , Srivastava Divesh , Zhou Zhengyi
Published: November 2024

The task of finding
Hierarchical
Heavy Hitters (HHH) was introduced by Cormode et al. [12] as a generalisation of the heavy hitter problem. While finding HHH in data streams has been studied extensively, the question of releasing HHH when the underlying data is private remains unexplored. In this paper, we formalise and study the notion of differentially private HHH, in both the streaming and non-streaming setting. In the non-streaming setting, we show the surprising result that the relative error in estimating the count for any prefix is
independent
of the height of the hierarchy and the number of heavy hitters in the stream. Additionally, our algorithms also improve the error guarantees of Ghazi et al. [24] for the problem of counting over trees. Meanwhile, in the streaming setting, the main issue is that although the exact version of HHH has low global sensitivity (as counting queries are 1-sensitive), the approximation functions due to streaming have high global sensitivity, linear in the available space. Despite this obstacle, we show that the absolute error for estimating frequencies in the streaming setting is independent of the available space.
Improved Approximation Algorithms for Relational Clustering
Authors: Esmailpour Aryan , Sintos Stavros
Published: November 2024

Clustering plays a crucial role in computer science, facilitating data analysis and problem-solving across numerous fields. By partitioning large datasets into meaningful groups, clustering reveals hidden structures and relationships within the data, aiding tasks such as unsupervised learning, classification, anomaly detection, and recommendation systems. Particularly in relational databases, where data is distributed across multiple tables, efficient clustering is essential yet challenging due to the computational complexity of joining tables. This paper addresses this challenge by introducing efficient algorithms for k-median and k-means clustering on relational data without the need for pre-computing the join query results. For the relational k-median clustering, we propose the first efficient relative approximation algorithm. For the relational k-means clustering, our algorithm significantly improves both the approximation factor and the running time of the known relational k-means clustering algorithms, which suffer either from large constant approximation factors, or expensive running time. Given a join query q and a database instance D of O(N) tuples, for both k-median and k-means clustering on the results of q on D, we propose randomized (1+ε)γ-approximation algorithms that run in roughly O(k
2
N
fhw
)+T_γ(k
2
) time, where ε ∈ (0,1) is a constant parameter decided by the user, \fhw is the fractional hyper-tree width of Q, while γ and T_γ(x) represent the approximation factor and the running time, respectively, of a traditional clustering algorithm in the standard computational setting over x points.
Towards Tractability of the Diversity of Query Answers: Ultrametrics to the Rescue
Authors: Arenas Marcelo , Merkl Timo Camillo , Pichler Reinhard , Riveros Cristian
Published: November 2024

The set of answers to a query may be very large, potentially overwhelming users when presented with the entire set. In such cases, presenting only a small subset of the answers to the user may be preferable. A natural requirement for this subset is that it should be as diverse as possible to reflect the variety of the entire population. To achieve this, the diversity of a subset is measured using a metric that determines how different two solutions are and a diversity function that extends this metric from pairs to sets. In the past, several studies have shown that finding a diverse subset from an explicitly given set is intractable even for simple metrics (like Hamming distance) and simple diversity functions (like summing all pairwise distances). This complexity barrier becomes even more challenging when trying to output a diverse subset from a set that is only implicitly given (such as the query answers for a given query and a database). Until now, tractable cases have been found only for restricted problems and particular diversity functions.

To overcome these limitations, we focus in this work on the notion of ultrametrics, which have been widely studied and used in many applications. Starting from any ultrametric
d
and a diversity function δ extending
d
, we provide sufficient conditions over δ for having polynomial-time algorithms to construct diverse answers. To the best of our knowledge, these conditions are satisfied by all the diversity functions considered in the literature. Moreover, we complement these results with lower bounds that show specific cases when these conditions are not satisfied and finding diverse subsets becomes intractable. We conclude by applying these results to the evaluation of conjunctive queries, demonstrating efficient algorithms for finding a diverse subset of solutions for acyclic conjunctive queries when the attribute order is used to measure diversity.
Complex Event Recognition meets Hierarchical Conjunctive Queries
Authors: Pinto Dante , Riveros Cristian
Published: November 2024

Hierarchical conjunctive queries (HCQ) are a subclass of conjunctive queries (CQ) with robust algorithmic properties. Among others, Berkholz, Keppeler, and Schweikardt have shown that HCQ is the subclass of CQ (without projection) that admits dynamic query evaluation with constant update time and constant delay enumeration. On a different but related setting stands Complex Event Recognition (CER), a prominent technology for evaluating sequence patterns over streams. Since one can interpret a data stream as an unbounded sequence of inserts in dynamic query evaluation, it is natural to ask to which extent CER can take advantage of HCQ to find a robust class of queries that can be evaluated efficiently.

In this paper, we search to combine HCQ with sequence patterns to find a class of CER queries that can get the best of both worlds. To reach this goal, we propose a class of complex event automata model called Parallelized Complex Event Automata (PCEA) for evaluating CER queries with correlation (i.e., joins) over streams. This model allows us to express sequence patterns and compare values among tuples, but it also allows us to express conjunctions by incorporating a novel form of non-determinism that we call parallelization. We show that for every HCQ (under bag semantics), we can construct an equivalent PCEA. Further, we show that HCQ is the biggest class of full CQ that this automata model can define. Then, PCEA stands as a sweet spot that precisely expresses HCQ (i.e., among full CQ) and extends them with sequence patterns. Finally, we show that PCEA also inherits the good algorithmic properties of HCQ by presenting a streaming evaluation algorithm under sliding windows with logarithmic update time and output-linear delay for the class of PCEA with equality predicates.
Adversarial Attack and Defense for Commercial Black-box Chinese-English Speech Recognition Systems
Authors: Yuan Xuejing , Zhang Jiangshan , Chen Kai , Wei Cheng'an , Li Ruiyuan , Ma Zhenkun , Ling Xinqi
Published: November 2024

The attacker can generate adversarial examples (AEs) to stealthily mislead automatic speech recognition (ASR) models, raising significant concerns about the security of intelligent voice control (IVC) devices. Existing adversarial attacks mainly generate AEs to mislead ASR models to output specific target English commands (e.g., open the door). However, it remains unknown whether AEs can be used to issue commands in other languages to attack commercial black-box ASR models.

In this article, taking Chinese phrases (e.g., 支付宝付款) and “Chinese–English code-switching” phrases (e.g., 关闭GPS) as the target commands, we propose adversarial attacks for commercial multilingual ASR models. In particular, if a multilingual speech recognition model can recognize Chinese and English, we call it a Chinese–English speech recognition model. In English, the meaning of “支付宝付款” and “关闭GPS” are “Alipay payment” and “turn off GPS”, respectively. In detail, we generate transferable AEs based on the open-sourced conventional DataTang Mandarin ASR model. Given 55 target commands, the success rate for generating AEs of them is up to 96% and 80% for Aliyun ASR API and Tencentyun ASR API, respectively. Our AEs can trigger actual attack actions on voice assistants (e.g., Apple Siri, Xiaomi Xiaoaitongxue) or spread malicious messages through ASR API services, while the target commands in the AEs are inaudible to human beings.

1

Finally, by analyzing the spectrum differences between benign audio clips and AEs, we propose a general defense against adversarial audio attacks.
Neonatal Liver Imaging: Techniques, Role of Imaging, and Indications
Authors: Hadian Fatemeh , Rutten Caroline , Siddiqui Iram , Tomlinson Christopher , Chavhan Govind B.
Published: November 2024

The neonatal liver may be affected by a variety of congenital and acquired diseases, and imaging has an important role in the workup and management of many neonatal hepatic abnormalities.
Enhanced Cervical Cancer Screening: A Sensitive Electrochemical Approach for HPV 18 L1 Protein Detection Using a Gold-Graphitic Carbon Nitride-Based Immunosensor
Authors: Lala Arunima , Kotal Hiranmoy , Kalyani Thangapandi , Bhattacharjee Mitradip , Mandal Ranajit Kumar , Jana Saikat Kumar
Published: November 2024

Cervical cancer remains a critical women health issue, predominantly driven by high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) types, particularly HPV 16 and HPV 18. Late-stage diagnosis, often due to limited diagnostic tools and awareness, exacerbates the problem, especially in developing countries. Addressing these challenges, our study introduces an electrochemical sensor for the detection of HPV18 L1 protein for the first time. The sensor employs gold graphitic carbon nitride (Au-g-C3N4) nanocomposite platform with monoclonal antibodies immobilised via a drop-casting method. Detection of the HPV18 L1 protein is achieved using square wave voltammetry. The proposed immunosensor demonstrates a linear detection range (100 ag ml−1 to 1 ngml−1) for L1 protein with a low detection limit (35.16 ag ml−1), and exhibits exceptional sensitivity, selectivity, reproducibility, and stability. Ultimately, this system has been effectively utilised for the identification of L1 in various positive and negative undiluted serum samples and was compared to ELISA for accuracy. The result showed that our electrochemical immunosensor is a promising tool for the reliable, rapid, and accessible detection of HPV18 L1, potentially enhancing cervical cancer diagnostics in clinical settings.
Influence of natural hyoid bone position and surgical repositioning on upper airway patency: a computational finite element modeling study
Authors: Salman Diane , Amatoury Jason
Published: November 2024

Using computational modeling, this study directly shows that any shift from the healthy natural hyoid bone position increases upper airway collapsibility. Surgical hyoid repositioning alters upper airway outcomes in a direction- and magnitude-dependent manner, with its effects influenced by the natural hyoid position. Accounting for both the natural hyoid position and individually prescribed surgical repositioning may enhance upper airway stability and improve outcomes in obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) treatment.
Novel Green Method for Enhancing the Extraction Efficiency of Bioactive Compounds: Falcaria vulgaris Extract
Authors: Hassanloofard Zeinab , Zandi Mohsen , Gharekhani Mehdi , Ganjloo Ali , Roufegarinejad Leila
Published: November 2024

The aim of the present research is to investigate the effect of ohmic‐assisted extraction (OAE) parameters on the Falcaria vulgaris extract (FVE) properties. Various parameters, including ethanol‐to‐water ratio (0%–100%), voltage gradient (10–30 V/cm), temperature (30°C–60°C), and extraction time (10–30 min), were applied as independent factors. Physicochemical process, antimicrobial properties, and energy analysis were accomplished to achieve OAE optimization. Results indicated that extraction yield (EY) and energy consumption (EC) significantly increased with increasing the voltage gradient and extraction time (p < 0.05). Also, EY significantly increased with increasing of process temperature and the ethanol concentration in the solvent (p < 0.05). The findings demonstrated that as the voltage gradient, process duration, temperature, and ethanol concentration in the solvent were increased, there was a significant initial increase followed by a decrease in both the total phenolic content (TPC) and the DPPH radical scavenging activity of FVE (p < 0.05). The optimization results indicated that the extraction process with an ethanol‐to‐water ratio of 65.5%, voltage gradient of 20.3 V/cm, temperature of 56.6°C, and extraction time of 22.1 min results in maximum extract TPC, DPPH, and EY, and minimum extraction EC. The OAE method showed greater EY and less EC and CO2 production compared to the hydrodistillation (HD) method. In general, OAE caused improved antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of the FVE.
Table S4 from Functional RNAi Screening Identifies G2/M and Kinetochore Components as Modulators of TNFα/NF-κB Prosurvival Signaling in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Morgan Ethan L. , Saleh Anthony D. , Cornelius Shaleeka , Carlson Sophie G. , Toni Tiffany , Cheng Hui , Jeon Jun , Viswanathan Ramya , Yang Xinping , Silvin Christopher , Clavijo Paul E. , Sowers Anastasia L. , Mitchell James B. , Ormanoglu Pinar , Lal Nag Madhu , Martin Scott E. , Chen Zhong , Van Waes Carter
Published: November 2024

Table S4
Supplementary Methods from Functional RNAi Screening Identifies G2/M and Kinetochore Components as Modulators of TNFα/NF-κB Prosurvival Signaling in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Morgan Ethan L. , Saleh Anthony D. , Cornelius Shaleeka , Carlson Sophie G. , Toni Tiffany , Cheng Hui , Jeon Jun , Viswanathan Ramya , Yang Xinping , Silvin Christopher , Clavijo Paul E. , Sowers Anastasia L. , Mitchell James B. , Ormanoglu Pinar , Lal Nag Madhu , Martin Scott E. , Chen Zhong , Van Waes Carter
Published: November 2024

Supplementary Methods
Figure S4 from Functional RNAi Screening Identifies G2/M and Kinetochore Components as Modulators of TNFα/NF-κB Prosurvival Signaling in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Morgan Ethan L. , Saleh Anthony D. , Cornelius Shaleeka , Carlson Sophie G. , Toni Tiffany , Cheng Hui , Jeon Jun , Viswanathan Ramya , Yang Xinping , Silvin Christopher , Clavijo Paul E. , Sowers Anastasia L. , Mitchell James B. , Ormanoglu Pinar , Lal Nag Madhu , Martin Scott E. , Chen Zhong , Van Waes Carter
Published: November 2024

Figure S4 and figure legend
Figure S10 from Functional RNAi Screening Identifies G2/M and Kinetochore Components as Modulators of TNFα/NF-κB Prosurvival Signaling in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Morgan Ethan L. , Saleh Anthony D. , Cornelius Shaleeka , Carlson Sophie G. , Toni Tiffany , Cheng Hui , Jeon Jun , Viswanathan Ramya , Yang Xinping , Silvin Christopher , Clavijo Paul E. , Sowers Anastasia L. , Mitchell James B. , Ormanoglu Pinar , Lal Nag Madhu , Martin Scott E. , Chen Zhong , Van Waes Carter
Published: November 2024

Figure S10 and figure legend
Figure 3 from Functional RNAi Screening Identifies G2/M and Kinetochore Components as Modulators of TNFα/NF-κB Prosurvival Signaling in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Morgan Ethan L. , Saleh Anthony D. , Cornelius Shaleeka , Carlson Sophie G. , Toni Tiffany , Cheng Hui , Jeon Jun , Viswanathan Ramya , Yang Xinping , Silvin Christopher , Clavijo Paul E. , Sowers Anastasia L. , Mitchell James B. , Ormanoglu Pinar , Lal Nag Madhu , Martin Scott E. , Chen Zhong , Van Waes Carter
Published: November 2024

Knockdown of G2/M kinases and kinetochore proteins inhibits NF-κB activity and sensitizes HNSCC cells to TNF-induced cell death. A, Quantification of percentage nuclear RELA in UMSCC1 cells transfected with siRNA targeting PLK1, AURKA, TPR, NUF2, and NDC80 for 72 hours, with TNFα (20 ng/mL) added for the final 30 minutes. DAPI (4′, 6-diamidino-2-phenylindole) was used as a nuclear counterstain. Scale bar, 10 μmol/L. Data represent the percentage nuclear localization of RELA from 15 cells and were analyzed using ImageJ as previously (12). B, Representative immunofluorescence images of the data in A. C, Colony formation assay of UMSCC1 cells transfected with siRNA targeting PLK1, AURKA, TPR, NUF2, and NDC80 for 72 hours, with TNFα (20 ng/mL) added for the final 24 hours. DAPI was used as a nuclear counterstain. D, Cell-cycle analysis of UMSCC1 cells transfected with siRNA targeting PLK1, AURKA, TPR, NUF2, and NDC80 for 72 hours, with TNFα (20 ng/mL) added for the final 24 hours. Statistics are shown in Supplementary Table S5. E, Annexin V analysis of UMSCC1 cells were transfected with siRNA targeting PLK1, AURKA, TPR, NUF2, and NDC80 for 72 hours, with TNFα (20 ng/mL) added for the final 24 hours. Bars represent the means ± SD. All experiments are representative of at least three biological replicates. NS, not significant; *, P < 0.05; **, P < 0.01; ***, P < 0.001.
Figure 2 from Functional RNAi Screening Identifies G2/M and Kinetochore Components as Modulators of TNFα/NF-κB Prosurvival Signaling in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Morgan Ethan L. , Saleh Anthony D. , Cornelius Shaleeka , Carlson Sophie G. , Toni Tiffany , Cheng Hui , Jeon Jun , Viswanathan Ramya , Yang Xinping , Silvin Christopher , Clavijo Paul E. , Sowers Anastasia L. , Mitchell James B. , Ormanoglu Pinar , Lal Nag Madhu , Martin Scott E. , Chen Zhong , Van Waes Carter
Published: November 2024

Identification of G2/M checkpoint and kinetochore components as modulators of TNF-induced NF-κB activity in HNSCC cells. A, IPA was performed using data for the 769 candidates for which depletion significantly modulating NF-κB activity and ranked as < −2 LogP reporter seed corrected by CSA (Supplementary Table S2). B, Schematic demonstrating identified G2/M checkpoint kinases and kinetochore components significantly modulating NF-κB activity in UMSCC1κB cells. Identified hits are in bold and underlined. C, NF-κB reporter activity in UMSCC1κB after transfection with select siRNAs from the kinome 1, kinome 2, and DG RNAi screens. NF-κB activity is shown as a percentage of a negative control siRNA (set at 100%). D, Cell viability in UMSCC1κB after transfection with select siRNAs from the kinome 1, kinome 2, and DG RNAi screens. Cell viability is shown as a percentage of a negative control siRNA (set at 100%). E, Validation of NF-κB reporter activity in UMSCC1κB after transfection with independent siRNAs. Select siRNAs from the secondary RNAi screen are shown compared with the DG results (genome in figure). NF-κB activity is shown as a percentage of a negative control (set at 100%). Each RNAi screen contained three individual siRNA targeting each gene. Validation siRNA experiments used separate siRNAs not used in the RNAi screens. F, Chronos-inferred gene dependency scores for PLK1, AURKA, NUF2, NDC80, and TTK in 69 head and neck cancer cell lines in the CRISPR knockout screens from Broad’s Achilles and Sanger’s Score projects. The order is based on the gene effect of PLK1 [most dependent cell line (lowest value) to least dependent cell line (highest value); B, created with BioRender.com.]
Supplementary Figure S3 from Tumoral Interferon Beta Induces an Immune-Stimulatory Phenotype in Tumor-Associated Macrophages in Melanoma Brain Metastases
Authors: Gellert Julia , Agardy Dennis A. , Kumar Swaminathan , Kourtesakis Alexandros , Boschert Tamara , Jähne Kristine , Breckwoldt Michael O. , Bunse Lukas , Wick Wolfgang , Davies Michael A. , Platten Michael , Bunse Theresa
Published: November 2024

Supplementary Figure S3 shows characterization of intracranial tumor microenvironment and macrophages after IFN-beta exposure.
A Biochar-Based Water Treatment System for Barangay Sawmill,Villaverde, Nueva Vizcaya
Authors: Rodolfo Jonathan S. , Nebrida Alan P.
Published: November 2024

A comprehensive evaluation was carried out aiming to address water quality issues in Villaverde, Nueva Vizcaya. The research focused on designing and appraising a Biochar-Based Water Treatment System. This review was performed hoping to meet the urgent need for supplying potable water free of contaminants, especially during periods of elevated murkiness caused by heavy precipitation. The foundation of the system relies on utilizing biochar, specifically crafted from coconut husks. This particular biochar is renowned for its remarkable absorptive properties. A treatment system with a flow rate of 250 mL per minute was built using a systematic design process. The efficacy of this system underwent thorough testing, including examining both physical traits and bacteriological integrity. Findings revealed a statistically significant enhancement in water transparency and reduction of microbiological dangers, notably when flow rates were lower. Economic assessments, like breakeven analysis and Benefit-to-Cost ratio, further substantiated the system's feasibility. Over 48 months, it is anticipated the system would recoup initial setup expenses and ongoing operational costs, thus offering a viable and cost-effective choice for the community. Results indicate the Biochar-Based Water Treatment System has ability to supply safe drinking water and provides substantial economic benefits. This system embodies a crucial advancement towards achieving sustainable water management in the Villaverde municipality.
Teachers’ Self-Efficacy and Teacher-Initiated Parental Involvement: The Two-Tier Lens on Teachers’ Performance
Authors: Maldia Sheryl Manarin
Published: November 2024

This study examined the relationship between teachers’ self-efficacy, teacher-initiated parental involvement, and their impact on the performance of elementary teachers in DepEd SDO Sto. Tomas City. A total of 261 public elementary school teachers participated, using a descriptive correlational design to assess the variables through a survey questionnaire. Results showed that teachers rated their self-efficacy as "Very High" and their parental involvement as “High,” demonstrating excellent overall performance. The findings revealed moderate to strong positive correlations between both self-efficacy and parental involvement with teachers’ performance. Key predictors of performance included cooperation with colleagues, overall self-efficacy, and community collaboration, with self-efficacy, learning at home, and community engagement positively correlating with performance, while collaboration with colleagues was negatively correlated. In conclusion, higher levels of teachers’ self-efficacy and active parental involvement are essential for sustaining high teaching performance
Study Habits and Learning Performance Of Grade 6 Indigenous Learners In A District
Authors: Fredeluces Rolando B.
Published: November 2024

Indigenous students faced various challenges that could hinder their academic success. The Indigenous Peoples' Rights Act (IPRA), the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), and the Indigenous Peoples' Education (IPEd) Policy and Framework (DepEd Order No. 32, s. 2015) all contributed to strengthening the indigenous rights movement. The research sought the influence of study habits on the academic achievement of Grade 6 indigenous students in the District of San Marcelino. The goal was to improve the quality of education through effective classroom instruction. The research investigated the correlation between study habits and academic achievement in Grade 6 IPEd students in the 2022-2023 school year. Two factors were considered: individual factors such as age, gender, birth order, mother's highest educational attainment, and father's highest educational attainment, as well as instructional factors such as interest and study habits. The research was done in San Marcelino District Schools, Division of Zambales. The participants were randomly selected from eight out of the twenty-one public elementary schools in the district. The main instrument of the data was a survey questionnaire. The collected data were analyzed using simple statistical tools, including frequency count, mean, standard deviation, and inferential statistics. The hypothesis was tested using F-Test or ANOVA and Pearson R Correlation at a significance level of 0.05. The findings indicated that the participants had a diverse mix in age, gender, birth order, and their parents' education. Most participants were between 11 and 12 years old, with an almost equal number of males and females. The distribution of birth order varied, with a majority being either the first-born or fifth-born or above. Furthermore, the parents' educational background ranged from elementary education to college. The study found a correlation between the academic performance of Grade 6 IPED learners and their study habits. This correlation was moderate in strength and statistically significant, indicating that IPED learners with good study habits had a higher likelihood of achieving higher grades.
Knowledge Management in the 21st Century: Trends, Developments, and Strategies
Authors: Tong Wooi CHOW (Jerry)
Published: November 2024

In the evolving landscape of the 21 st-century, the sphere of knowledge management (KM) has greatly transformed over the years, boosted by means of technological advancement as well as changes in organizational structures. Research has shown that knowledge management is becoming increasingly important for organizations to achieve their goals and stay competitive in today's changing environment. This article focuses on the changes that have an impact on the knowledge management of organizations. The research approach employs the review of published knowledge management literature postulating on these related changes and development. The write-up included the overview of four firms as case studies, namely, Xerox Corporation, Siemens AG, Carnegie Mellon University’s School of Computer Science (SCS) and Imperial College London’s Data Science Institute (DSI). There are key lessons worth reflecting on from these organizations’ implementation of knowledge management. As the knowledge management landscape continues to evolve, the paper serves as a valued reference for all those who are taking part in industries, scholars and students and agencies who wish to harness knowledge excellence and innovation. It proposes an integrated model of knowledge-sharing culture, technology, and strategies for best practice and a framework for the strategies of knowledge management is included. Review findings affirm that organizations need to adopt effective and efficient knowledge management practices for organizations to stay competitive and improve performance. The paper concludes with the recommendation that knowledge management is required for organizational efficiency in the digital era and outlines insights on strategies for best practices.
Acute Limb Ischemia in a Nephrotic Syndrome Patient: A Rare and Unpredictable Complication
Authors: Erickatulistiawan Gallusena , Tjahjono Cholid , Kurnianingsih Novi
Published: November 2024

Pendahuluan: Iskemia tungkai akut (ALI) adalah kondisi medis kritis yang membutuhkan tindakan segera untuk mencegah kerusakan jaringan yang tidak dapat disembuhkan. Penanganannya menjadi semakin rumit pada pasien dengan kondisi penyerta seperti sindrom nefrotik.
 
Ilustrasi kasus: Seorang wanita berusia 23 tahun dengan riwayat sindrom nefrotik datang dengan nyeri kaki kanan akut yang timbul dalam kurun 24 jam. Pemeriksaan menunjukkan eritema yang mencolok dan sensasi dingin distal hingga pergelangan kaki kanan. Ultrasonografi duplex menunjukkan tidak adanya aliran darah di arteri dorsalis pedis pada kaki yang terkena. Meskipun telah dilakukan beberapa percobaan trombektomi dan pemberian heparin, status vaskularnya hanya menunjukkan sedikit perbaikan. Amputasi di bawah lutut dilakukan setelah upaya pemulihan aliran darah tidak berhasil. Kondisi pasien semakin memburuk dengan oklusi vaskular baru, sehingga diperlukan  Trombolisis Kateter Langsung (CDT). Namun, pasca-CDT, pasien mengalami pendarahan hebat yang menyebabkan syok hemoragik, henti jantung, dan komplikasi multi-organ berikutnya, yang berujung pada kematiannya pada hari ke-35 pengobatan.
 
Ringkasan: Dalam studi kasus ini, seorang wanita berusia 23 tahun dengan iskemia Tungkai Akut (ALI) dan riwayat Sindrom Nefrotik yang membuat tantangan pengobatan yang signifikan.  Meskipun telah dilakukan beberapa intervensi, termasuk trombektomi dan Trombolisis Langsung Kateter, pasien mengalami komplikasi serius hingga pasien meninggal dunia. Kasus ini menekankan kebutuhan pendekatan komprehensif bagaimana penanganan penyakit Iskemia tungkai akut pada sindrom nefrotik
 
 
Kata Kunci: Iskemia Tungkai Akut, Sindrom Nefrotik, Thrombektomi