bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Androgen Deprivation Therapy Drives a Distinct Immune Phenotype in Localized Prostate Cancer
Authors: Dallos Matthew C. , Obradovic Aleksandar Z. , McCann Patrick , Chowdhury Nivedita , Pratapa Aditya , Aggen David H. , Gaffney Christopher , Autio Karen A. , Virk Renu K. , De Marzo Angelo M. , Antonarakis Emmanuel S. , Scher Howard I. , Drake Charles G. , Rathkopf Dana E.
Published: September 2024

Purpose:

Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) remains the backbone of prostate cancer treatment. Beyond the suppression of testosterone and tumor cell growth, emerging evidence suggests that ADT also modulates the immune tumor microenvironment. However, a more precise understanding of the timing and intricacies of these immunologic shifts is needed.

Experimental Design:

In this study, we analyzed 49 primary prostate cancers, comparing those surgically removed either without treatment or following treatment with degarelix at 4, 7, and 14 days before surgery. Utilizing next-generation DNA and RNA sequencing and multiplexed immunofluorescence, we examined alterations in immune phenotypes in the presence or absence of ADT.

Results:

Our findings reveal that ADT rapidly transforms the typically bland prostate tumor microenvironment into an inflamed environment within days. Notably, we observed an increase in activated CD8 T cells along with an increase in suppressive regulatory T cells (Treg). We also found an expansion of the myeloid compartment, particularly proinflammatory M1-like tumor-associated macrophages. Intriguingly, discernable changes which have not previously been described also occurred in tumor cells, including upregulation of antigen presentation by MHC classes I and II and, unexpectedly, a decrease in the “do not eat me” signal CD47.

Conclusions:

These observations underscore the critical role of timing and disease context in order to optimize the therapeutic efficacy of immune modulators combined with androgen ablation, for which the presurgical neoadjuvant setting may be ideal. Our findings warrant future prospective validation, which is currently underway.
Figure 3 from ORIC-101, a Glucocorticoid Receptor Antagonist, in Combination with Nab-Paclitaxel in Patients with Advanced Solid Tumors
Authors: Chen Christopher T. , Khanna Vishesh , Kummar Shivaani , Abdul-Karim Raghad M. , Sommerhalder David , Tolcher Anthony W. , Ueno Naoto T. , Davis Sarah Lindsey , Orr Douglas W. , Hamilton Erika , Patel Manish R. , Spira Alexander I. , Jauhari Shekeab , Florou Vaia , Duff Maureen , Xu Rongda , Wang Jian , Barkund Shravani R. , Zhou Haiying , Pankov Aleksandr , Kong Wayne , Jahchan Nadine S. , Jackson Erica L. , Sun Jessica D. , Junttila Melissa R. , Multani Pratik S. , Daemen Anneleen , Chow Maneval Edna , Munster Pamela N.
Published: September 2024

ORIC-101 pharmacodynamics in PBMCs and tumor specimens. A, Pharmacodynamic (PD) modulation (average expression of GR target genes FKBP5, GILZ, and PER1) on day 1 of cycle 1 as observed in 40 dose expansion patients with PBMC sample collection and cortisol assessment at C1D1 (pre-dose and 6 hours post-dose), and with pre-dose cortisol levels >200 nmol/L. Samples are colored by cohort. B, PD suppression from cycle 1 day 1 (pre-dose) to day 15 (pre-dose) as observed in 26 patients with PBMC sample collection and cortisol assessment at C1D1 pre-dose and C1D15 pre-dose, and with C1D1 pre-dose cortisol levels >200 nmol/L. C, PD suppression from cycle 1 day 1 (pre-dose) to cycle 2 day 1 (pre-dose) as observed in 28 patients with PBMC sample collection and cortisol assessment at C1D1 pre-dose and C2D1 pre-dose, and with C1D1 pre-dose cortisol levels >200 nmol/L. D, PD modulation on day 1 of cycle 2 as observed in 30 dose expansion patients with PBMC sample collection and cortisol assessment at C2D1 (pre-dose and 6 hours post-dose) and with pre-dose cortisol levels >200 nmol/L. E, On-treatment change in GR activation signaling in 10 patients (four dose escalation, six dose expansion) with paired tumor biopsies. The horizontal arrows indicate directionality of observed changes in GR activation as indicated by GR Signature Score (average expression of FKBP5, GILZ, PER1, and KLF9) from screening to end of cycle 2 or end of treatment, in the 10 patients. The solid line shows the expected distribution of GR activation from a reference cohort of archival and fresh tumor biopsies collected during this ORIC-101 trial. Patients with decreased GR signaling are highlighted in the boxed area. F, Association of on-treatment decrease in GR activation signaling with longer time on treatment.
Supplementary Table 1 from Stratification to Neoadjuvant Radiotherapy in Rectal Cancer by Regimen and Transcriptional Signatures
Authors: Mahmood Umair , Blake Andrew , Rathee Sanjay , Samuel Leslie , Murray Graeme , Sebag-Montefiore David , Gollins Simon , West Nicholas P. , Begum Rubina , Bach Simon P. , Richman Susan D. , Quirke Phil , Redmond Keara L. , Salto-Tellez Manuel , Koelzer Viktor H. , Leedham Simon J. , Tomlinson Ian , Dunne Philip D. , Buffa Francesca M. , Maughan Tim S. , Domingo Enric
Published: September 2024

Supplementary Table 1
Supplementary Figure 4 from Stratification to Neoadjuvant Radiotherapy in Rectal Cancer by Regimen and Transcriptional Signatures
Authors: Mahmood Umair , Blake Andrew , Rathee Sanjay , Samuel Leslie , Murray Graeme , Sebag-Montefiore David , Gollins Simon , West Nicholas P. , Begum Rubina , Bach Simon P. , Richman Susan D. , Quirke Phil , Redmond Keara L. , Salto-Tellez Manuel , Koelzer Viktor H. , Leedham Simon J. , Tomlinson Ian , Dunne Philip D. , Buffa Francesca M. , Maughan Tim S. , Domingo Enric
Published: September 2024

Supplementary Figure 4
Hypophosphatemia Correction Reduces ICANS Incidence and Duration in CAR T-cell Therapy: A Pooled Clinical Trial Analysis
Authors: Tang Jack Pengfei , Lafeuille Penelope , Socolov Alexandru , Diamond Sheila S. , Aptekar Jacob , Moore Theodore B. , Nie Esther H. , Hanudel Mark R. , Nowicki Theodore S.
Published: September 2024

A common complication of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy is immune effector cell–associated neurotoxicity syndrome (ICANS), which presents with encephalopathy, aphasia, inattention, somnolence, seizures, weakness, or cerebral edema. Despite its significant morbidity, there are currently no effective targeted treatments. Given the clinical similarities between ICANS and the neurological manifestations of acute hypophosphatemia, we retrospectively reviewed 499 patients treated with CD19-targeted CAR T-cell therapy across multiple clinical trials between 2015 and 2020. In addition to clinical toxicities experienced by the patients, we also interrogated the impact of serum electrolyte data and repletion of corresponding electrolyte deficiencies with ICANS incidence, severity, and duration. Hypophosphatemia was a common occurrence in CAR T-cell recipients and the only electrolyte derangement associated with a significantly higher cumulative incidence of ICANS. Moreover, phosphorus repletion in patients with hypophosphatemia was associated with significantly decreased ICANS incidence and duration. Hypophosphatemia was uniquely associated with encephalopathy neurological adverse events, which also showed the strongest positive correlation with both ICANS and cytokine release syndrome severity. These findings suggest that serum phosphorus could be a reliable biomarker for ICANS, and expeditious, goal-directed phosphorus repletion in response to serum hypophosphatemia could be a safe, inexpensive, and widely available intervention for such patients.

Significance:

Herein we show that phosphorus repletion in patients with hypophosphatemia receiving anti-CD19 chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapeutics was associated with significantly decreased immune effector cell–associated neurotoxicity syndrome (ICANS) incidence and symptom duration. Given the significant morbidity associated with ICANS and lack of targeted interventions, hypophosphatemia may serve as both a useful biomarker and an inexpensive intervention for ICANS.
Neonatal Linear Immunoglobulin A Bullous Dermatosis: A Critical Case Recovering after Prompt Recognition, Intensive Management, and Breastfeeding Interruption – A Case Report
Authors: Papasavva Dimitra , Dosso Leila , Morren Marie-Anne , Fontao Lionel , Bruschi Laura , Gorostidi François , Ferry Thomas , Guenova Emmanuella , Fischer Fumeaux Céline J. , Joye Sébastien
Published: September 2024

Introduction: Neonatal linear immunoglobulin A (IgA) bullous dermatosis (NLABD) is a rare, life-threatening, mucocutaneous bullous disorder. The pathogenesis and optimal treatment remain poorly defined and raise critical clinical challenges. Case Presentation: We present a case of a full-term female infant with severe cutaneous and respiratory symptoms due to NLABD. Diagnosis was confirmed by immunofluorescence on the infant’s skin biopsy, while IgAs directed against the basement membrane of the skin and mucosa were identified in the mother’s milk. The infant fully recovered after nearly 8 weeks of intensive multidisciplinary care, including non-invasive ventilation, nutritional support, wound care, systemic corticoid treatment, and breastfeeding discontinuation. Conclusion: This case underscores the importance of timely adequate diagnosis and management of this rare and serious condition. Moreover, it adds novel evidence documenting the presence of pathogenic IgAs in breastmilk.
Mycobacterium fortuitum Peritoneal Dialysis-Related Peritonitis in a Child: A Case Report
Authors: Sakaguchi Tetsuya , Tamura Hiroshi , Furuie Keishiro , Kuraoka Shohei , Nakazato Hitoshi
Published: September 2024

Introduction: Peritonitis is a significant complication of peritoneal dialysis (PD). Additionally, in severe or prolonged cases of peritonitis, the structure and function of the peritoneum may change, making it difficult to continue PD. Thus, identifying the causative agent and early administration of antibiotics are essential to minimize the risk of treatment failure. Meanwhile, bacterial peritonitis caused by nontuberculous Mycobacteria (NTM) are difficult to identify. NTM are also among the most difficult organisms to eradicate. Oftentimes, removal of the peritoneal catheter and multiple antibiotics are required to eradicate NTM infections. Case Presentation: Herein, we report a case of peritonitis caused by Mycobacterium fortuitum in a 3-year-old boy undergoing PD. The patient had a history of an initial PD catheter exit site infection caused by M. fortuitum that led to PD-associated peritonitis. Consequently, the catheter was removed, and the patient was switched to hemodialysis and treated with multiple antibiotics. Conclusion: This rare cause of peritonitis is associated with a high mortality and severe morbidity and usually requires removal of the PD catheter as well as prolonged treatment with multiple antibiotics. When there is NTM infection around the PD catheter, such as in an ulcer, it is necessary to remove the catheter and transition to a hemodialysis until the infection has healed.
The Retinal Blood Flow Density Is Related to the Pathological Severity of Diabetic Kidney Disease
Authors: Zhao Yuancheng , Zhou Chang , Li Furong , Tang Yonghong , Yuan Rongdi , Fan Wei
Published: September 2024

Introduction: This study aimed to investigate the correlation between fundus blood flow parameters and the severity of pathological biopsy in patients with diabetic kidney disease (DKD). Methods: Data of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus who completed renal pathology biopsies and optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) examinations, including renal function, 24-h urine protein quantification, and macular flow imaging, were collected. DKD pathology biopsies were graded as stages 1–4, and differences and correlations of the parameters were compared between groups. The grading was transformed into early (stage 1) and late (stages 2–4), and regression analyses were conducted to develop a model, draw a nomogram, and test efficacy. Results: This study included 157 eyes from 157 individuals in total. Urinary microalbumin and to urinary creatinine ratio (mALB/NCR) increased with pathological grading, whereas while glomerular filtration rate was decreased (p < 0.01). Corresponding retinal blood flow in superficial, deep, and full paracentral rings was decreased, which correlated with pathological grading (p < 0.01), with the highest blood flow density in the whole layer (r2 = −0.707). Meaningfully, in the early DKD model (area under the curve = 0.929 [0.889–0.970], p < 0.01), whole-layer blood flow density, mALB/NCR, and diabetes duration were statistically significant. Conclusions: The decrease in macular retinal blood flow density detected by OCTA is closely associated with the increase in pathological grading of DKD and can be used as a noninvasive parameter for monitoring early changes in DKD.
Variability in Lipid Profiles During Young Adulthood and the Risk of Coronary Artery Calcium Incidence in Midlife: Insights From the CARDIA Study
Authors: Gao Jing-Wei , Hao Qing-Yun , Lin Ying , Li Ze-Hua , Huang Ze-Gui , Bai Zhi-Qiang , Zhang Hai-Feng , Wu Yu-Biao , Xiong Zhuo-Chao , You Si , Wang Jing-Feng , Zhang Shao-Ling , Liu Pin-Ming
Published: September 2024

BACKGROUND:

Intraindividual variability in lipid profiles is recognized as a potential predictor of cardiovascular events. However, the influence of early adulthood lipid profile variability along with mean lipid levels on future coronary artery calcium (CAC) incidence remains unclear.

METHODS:

A total of 2395 participants (41.6% men; mean±SD age, 40.2±3.6 years) with initial CAC =0 from the CARDIA study (Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults) were included. Serial lipid measurements were obtained to calculate mean levels and variability of total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), non–high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-C), and triglycerides. CAC incidence was defined as CAC >0 at follow-up.

RESULTS:

During a mean follow-up of 9.0 years, 534 individuals (22.3%) exhibited CAC incidence. Higher mean levels of total cholesterol, LDL-C, and non-HDL-C were associated with a greater risk of future CAC incidence. Similarly, 1-SD increment of lipid variability, as assessed by variability independent of the mean, was associated with an increased risk of CAC incidence (LDL-C: hazard ratio, 1.139 [95% CI, 1.048–1.238];
P
=0.002; non-HDL-C: hazard ratio, 1.102 [95% CI, 1.014–1.198];
P
=0.022; and triglycerides: hazard ratio, 1.480 [95% CI, 1.384–1.582];
P
<0.001). Combination analyses demonstrated that participants with both high lipid levels and high variability in lipid profiles (LDL-C and non-HDL-C) faced the greatest risk of CAC incidence. Specifically, elevated variability of LDL-C was associated with an additional risk of CAC incidence even in low mean levels of LDL-C (hazard ratio, 1.396 [95% CI, 1.106–1.763];
P
=0.005). These findings remained robust across a series of sensitivity and subgroup analyses.

CONCLUSIONS:

Elevated variability in LDL-C and non-HDL-C during young adulthood was associated with an increased risk of CAC incidence in midlife, especially among those with high mean levels of atherogenic lipoproteins. These findings highlight the importance of maintaining consistently low levels of atherogenic lipids throughout early adulthood to reduce subclinical atherosclerosis in midlife.

REGISTRATION:

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
; Unique identifier: NCT00005130.
Age-related Electrophysical Correlates of Cross-modal Attention Switching
Authors: Huang Pi-Chun , Schils Ludivine A. P. , Koch Iring , Stephan Denise N. , Hsieh Shulan
Published: September 2024

The human experience demands seamless attentional switches between sensory modalities. Aging raises questions about how declines in auditory and visual processing affect cross-modal attention switching. This study used a cued cross-modal attention-switching paradigm where visual and auditory stimuli were simultaneously presented on either spatially congruent or incongruent sides. A modality cue indicated the target modality, requiring a spatially left versus right key-press response. EEG recordings were collected during task performance. We investigated whether the mixing costs (decreased performance for repetition trials in a mixed task compared with a single task) and switch costs (decreased performance for a switch of target modality compared with a repetition) in cross-modal attention-switching paradigms would exhibit similarities in terms of behavioral performance and the ERP components to those observed in the traditional unimodal attention-switching paradigms. Specifically, we focused on the ERP components: cue-locked P3 (mixing/switch-related increased positivity), target-locked P3 (mixing/switch-related decreased positivity), and target-locked lateralized readiness potential (mixing/switch-related longer latency). In addition, we assessed how aging impacts cross-modal attention-switching performance. Results revealed that older adults exhibited more pronounced mixing and switch costs than younger adults, especially when visual and auditory stimuli were presented on incongruent sides. ERP findings showed increased cue-locked P3 amplitude, prolonged cue-locked P3 latency, decreased target-locked P3 amplitude, prolonged target-locked P3 latency in association with switch costs, and prolonged onset latency of the target-locked lateralized readiness potential in association with the mixing costs. Age-related effects were significant only for cue-locked P3 amplitude, cue-locked P3 latency (switch-related), and target-locked P3 latency (switch-related). These findings suggest that the larger mixing costs and switch costs in older adults were due to the inefficient use of modality cues to update a representation of the relevant task sets, requiring more processing time for evaluating and categorizing the target.
Jung’s Recalcitrant Fourth
Authors: Cerminara Barbara
Published: September 2024

This paper enlists Jung’s notion of recalcitrant fourth to argue that, contrary to what some Jungian scholars contend, the work of the South African Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) is not illustrative of the transformative process that Jung’s concept of transcendent function aims to illuminate. The TRC created a moral split between redeemed victim and resentful victim, discrediting and marginalising those who refused to reconcile: Winnie Madikizela-Mandela was among them. Where antagonism is not allowed expression, no potential regeneration can take place. The recalcitrant fourth is a disruptor of harmony, and as such feared by the dominant ego position. Nevertheless, Jung cautions not to banish the fourth, as it affords consciousness with a crucial access to the crude realities of existence. Despite her questionable character, Madikizela-Mandela’s resentment should have been taken seriously, as it pointed towards the deeply ingrained social and economic inequalities that still today are cause of resentment among many disillusioned Born Frees.
Cultural Heritage Work in Turkey: a Roundtable
Authors: Açıkyıldız Birgül , Andersen Angela , Büyüksaraç Güldem Baykal , Johnson Peri , Maranci Christina
Published: September 2024

This round table highlights the experiences and perspectives of individuals engaged in projects of cultural preservation in Turkey. Its participants work on, what might be called, the heritage of “minority” cultures – including that of Armenia, but also those of Alevi, Chaldean, Georgian, Greek, Syrian, and other communities that run counter to mainstream political narratives about indigeneity and autochthony. It addresses the challenges of heritage preservation in Turkey, the role of state policy and that of the public, questions of intangible versus tangible heritage, concepts of minority/majority cultures, and reflects on recent successes and failures of conservation in Turkey.
Factors Affecting Seedling Growth Performance and Quality of Two Acacia Species and Shinus Molle on Nursery Stage, Southern Oromia, Ethiopia
Authors: Abebe Hirpa , Bekele Wondmagegn
Published: September 2024

The study was carried out within the Nursery of the Department of Forestry, at Sinana Agricultural Research Center, on the effects of different soils media and varying pot sizes on the early growth of Acacia abyssinica, Acacia saligna and Shinus molle were investigated. Four different soils media used were forest soil (FS), compost (Co), sand soil (SS) and local soil (LS) in different pots size (PS1=8 cm=control, PS2=10 cm and PS3=12 cm lay flats) 15 cm in length and five growing media (GM) or soil mix proportion based on volume GM1= (2 part local/Top soil:2 part forest soil:1 part sand; GM2=2 part local soil:2 compost: 1 part sand; GM3=1 part local soil:2 part forest soil:2 part sand; GM4=3 part local soil:2 part compost:1 sand soil and GM5=3 local soil:2 forest soil:1 sand=control) were filled up of different types of soil named above, and quantified using weighing balance. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) at the Forestry nursery in the study area. The study involved the use of five (5) planting media and three different plastic pots in three (3) replicates. The parameters measured are plant height (cm), seedling root collar diameter (mm) and dry matter (shoot, root and root to shoot ratio). The data collected at the end of twenty weeks were subjected to Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and means were separated using Duncan test showed that Schinus molle, A.abyssinica and A.saligina tree species plant and grown in large pot size (PS2) and growing media (GM3) had the highest performance with mean value of plant height 19.83cm, 7.833cm and 13.167cm and seedling root collar diameter in GM5PS3 (4.09mm), GM4PS3 (3.35mm) and GM4PS1 (3.97mm) respectively were high significantly (P< 0.05). It is therefore recommended that large pot size (PS3) and GM2 and GM3growing media be used for optimal production of all Schinus molle, A.abyssinica and A.saligina tree species seedling production at nursery stage and their plantation success. This study revealed that optimum ratio of compost and forest soil in growing media and relatively big container/pot size have favorable good quality of seedling growth for all studied tree species for all growth parameters. This is may be due to nutrient variation in the growing media which is farther needs investigation on growing media nutrients contents.
A Prototype That Improves the Interpretation of Soil Moisture by Using the BGT-SEC Z2 Sensor
Authors: Quevedo-Nolasco Abel , Aguado-Rodriguez Graciano-Javier
Published: September 2024

The amount of water required to irrigate, is essential in agricultural planning. In Mexico the water required for irrigation is generally not estimated when it is carried out despite several estimation methods being available (direct and indirect). However, some methods can be very expensive, requiring preparation time to use them or time to obtain the results. One of the methods involves using sensors based on relative permittivity. This method have been widely used in agriculture because they show the percentage of water contained in the substrate. However, this value helps the producer know the soil moisture status of their crop in percentage units but does not tell them how much water needs to be added to each plant in liters. Knowing this value could help reduce water losses due to infiltration, thereby increasing the crop area. Therefore, it was developed a device capable of recommending the amount of water in v/v (volume of water/volume of soil) required to irrigate a crop. The prototype device was based on the BGT-SEC Z2TM sensor and the ATMEGA 2560TM microcontroller. The obtained device was calibrated and a specific model was developed for two types of soil: sandy (with an RMSE of 0.0107) and loamy (with an RMSE of 0.00556). With factory calibration, a RMSE value of 0.0339 was found for the loamy soil and 0.0278 for the sandy soil. In addition, the sensor was tested on strawberry plants with pots covered with and without plastic mulch (using loamy soil). The results on the strawberry plants, indicated that water consumption was best explained by the specific calibration equation for loamy soil covered with plastic mulch (67.8 mL RMSE) and without plastic mulch (82.8 mL RMSE). Finally, it was found that at least two measurements are required to obtain soil moisture average in plastic mulch strawberry pots and 6 measurements in pots without plastic mulch. With the above, it is concluded that the device developed in this study performed adequately during experiments and the sensor worked continuously without failing.
Mindfulness and Core Socialist Values Predict the Psychological Health of College Students: A Study on the Influence of Self-enhancement
Authors: Liu Jinhua , Zhong Nuo , Gao Zhicai , Wang Liyuan
Published: September 2024

Objective: In the context of rising concerns about the psychological well-being of college students in China, this study explores the predictive effects of mindfulness, core socialist values, and self-enhancement on their psychological health. These factors are of particular interest due to their relevance to emotional regulation, social support, and self-perception, which are critical in a rapidly changing social environment. Methods: The study involved 487 college students from colleges in Yunnan Province. Participants completed the Core Socialist Values Scale, Mindfulness Scale, Comprehensive Psychological Health Assessment Questionnaire (including Positive and Negative Affect Schedule, Depression Anxiety Stress Scales, and Satisfaction with Life Scale), and Self-enhancement Strategy Questionnaire. Data were collected through online questionnaires and analyzed using SPSS 27. Results: Correlation analysis showed significant positive correlations between mindfulness and psychological health (r = 0.50, p < 0.01), and between core socialist values and psychological health (r = 0.29, p < 0.01). No significant correlation was found between self-enhancement and psychological health (r = -0.03, p > 0.05). Regression analysis indicated that mindfulness significantly predicted psychological health (adjusted R² = 0.24), and core socialist values also significantly predicted psychological health (adjusted R² = 0.08). The regression model combining mindfulness and core socialist values predicted psychological health more significantly (adjusted R² = 0.26). Conclusion: The results indicate that both mindfulness and core socialist values significantly predict the psychological health of college students, while self-enhancement does not. Mindfulness promotes psychological health by enhancing self-awareness and emotional regulation, while core socialist values enhance it by strengthening social support and value identification. These findings provide a theoretical basis for psychological health interventions for college students, suggesting the combined use of mindfulness practices and values education to promote psychological health.
Rethinking Multilingual Scene Text Spotting: A Novel Benchmark and a Character-Level Feature Based Approach
Authors: Ma Siliang , Xu Yong
Published: September 2024

End-to-end multilingual scene text spotting aims to integrate scene text detection and recognition into a unified framework. Actually, the accuracy of text recognition largely depends on the accuracy of text detection. Due to the lackage of benchmarks with adequate and high-quality character-level annotations for multilingual scene text spotting, most of the existing methods train on the benchmarks only with word-level annotations. However, the performance of multilingual scene text spotting are not that satisfied training on the existing benchmarks, especially for those images with special layout or words out of vocabulary. In this paper, we proposed a simple YOLO-like baseline named CMSTR for character-level multilingual scene text spotting simultaneously and efficiently. Technically, for each text instance, we represent the character sequence as ordered points and model them with learnable explicit point queries. After passing a single decoder, the point queries have encoded requisite text semantics and locations, thus can be further decoded to the center line, boundary, script, and confidence of text via very simple prediction heads in parallel. Furthermore, we show the surprisingly good extensibility of our method, in terms of character class, language type, and task. On the one hand, DeepSolo not only performs well in English scenes but also masters the Chinese transcription with complex font structure and a thousand-level character classes. On the other hand, based on the extensibility of DeepSolo, we launch DeepSolo++ for multilingual text spotting, making a further step to let Transformer decoder with explicit points solo for multilingual text detection, recognition, and script identification all at once.
An Empirical Research on the Practices of Education Management Information System (EMIS) in South West Showa Education Sectors
Authors: Kebebe Muleta , Regassa Tadesse
Published: September 2024

This study focused on the implementation of Educational Management Information System (EMIS) in South West Showa education sectors. An Education Management Information System (EMIS) is a system that collects, manages, and shares educational data within a national ministry or department of education. EMIS, as defined by UNESCO in 2018, is a system of operational processes utilizing digital technology to gather, analyze, and utilize data and information in education for various purposes such as management, planning, policy-making, and monitoring. A mixed research approach was used, with data collected through questionnaires, interviews, and document analysis. Data analysis was done using SPSS version 24. The study involved the South West Showa education office management body and 6 Woredas education sectors. Challenges identified included lack of education indicators manual, qualified personnel, EMIS software user manual, relevant training, computer and printer shortages, high turnover in EMIS positions, and issues with data accuracy and reliability. Respondents highlighted problems such as insufficient ICT infrastructure, lack of IT competency, shortage of qualified staff, and poor coordination. The study concluded that EMIS faced various obstacles affecting its management, and recommendations were made to address these issues.
Factors Hindering Male Participation in Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV (PMTCT) at National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK) Huruma Clinic, Nairobi
Authors: Gitonga Antony , Monda Peter
Published: September 2024

Mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) occurs when a pregnant woman with Human immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) passes the virus to her baby either during pregnancy, labour and delivery or breastfeeding period. Vertical transmission during pregnancy is between 20-25%. Globally, about 330,000 children were newly infected with HIV in 2011. It is estimate that more than 90% of these infections were through mother-to-child transmission. According to statistics, 1,400,00 – 1,800,000 people were living with HIV and AIDS by the end of 2007. Male involvement in prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV still remains a major challenge. This was facility based descriptive cross-sectional study which was aimed at assessing the factors hindering male participation in Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV (PMTCT) at National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK) Huruma clinic in Nairobi. The factors studied were demographic characteristics, knowledge and awareness of prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV and socio-cultural influence on male participation in PMTCT. Systematic random sampling method was used to obtain a sample population of 122 antenatal mothers. The data was collected between October and November 2012 using a structured and semi-structured questionnaire. Data was validated, cleaned, coded and entered in the computer. Data analysis was done using the statistical package for social sciences (SPSS). The results of the study showed that majority of the respondents, 77.87% (n=95), were between the age of 20 to 39 years with the least, 16.39% (n=20) aged between 40-49 years. There were low levels of knowledge and awareness on PMTCT among male partners. Socio-cultural factors were seen to contribute to low male involvement in PMTCT. The study recommends creation of awareness and also formulation of health messages which target men and are culture sensitive.
Assessment of Ground Control Points Positional Shift and Management Practices: Evidences from Assosa Town, Western Ethiopia
Authors: Yeneneh Mihret , Addis Gizachew , Benti Teha
Published: September 2024

This study assesses the positional shift of existing control points and management practices found in and around Assosa town. The static GPS measurement technique was used as an independent source and a point wise method were used to assess the positional shift and accuracy level evaluation. Due to unavailability of local CORS station, two first order GCPs were used as a reference during static GPS measurement. After measurement was conducted depending on the baseline length between control point marks, the STC desktop software and online CSRS-PPP post processing technique was used. Thus, the positional accuracy of selected GCPs of STC Post processing technique has a mean error of 0.324 m and whereas the GCPs of CSRS-PPP has a mean error of 0.571 m. Horizontal distance error obtained with the STC differential technique is ranging from 0 to 0.83 m which is inconsistent relative to the range 0.437 m to 0.815 m obtained from online CSRS-PPP solution. The positional accuracy of GCPs was also assessed using horizontal distance error of both processed techniques. The positional accuracy of GCPs at 95% confidence level is between -0.117 m and 0.765 m with STC and between 0.395 m and 0.747 m in online CSRS-PPP solution. Based on the result, the accuracy level of existing GCPs found in Assosa town, does not meet the FGDC accuracy. This was mainly associated with perception of communities on ground control point management activities. The study revealed almost low communities practice and control point management responsiveness. Finally, study suggested that there should be participatory guidance to establish and manage the ground control points.
Effect of Storage Duration on the Insecticidal Activity of Neem (Azadirachta indica) Seeds Against Fall Armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda)
Authors: Sedikia Kahisha , Kudra Abdul
Published: September 2024

Neem (Azadirachta indica), native to India, thrives in tropical and sub-tropical climates. Its efficacy against economically significant pests is attributed to the pesticidal properties found in its leaves, bark, and roots. Neem seeds are always harvested by smallholder farmers and stored for use in crop-growing seasons when their availability is scarce. This study aimed to determine if storage duration can affect the toxicity of these neem seeds. Neem seed extracts were tested for toxicity after being stored at different durations, they were stored for 1-3 years. The objective of this study was to analyze the effects of storage time on the insecticidal activity of neem seeds. Fall armyworm larvae were used to test for the neem seed extracts’ toxicity by feeding on maize plants which were sprayed with these extracts. The experimental design used was a complete randomized design in the laboratory. Extracts were made from neem seeds stored for 1-3 years which were harvested from year 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022. Analysis of FAW larvae mortality at different concentrations (0.5%, 1.0%, 1.5%, and 2.0%) together with the control treatment under laboratory conditions was done. Damage severity rates of maize leaves in which the FAW larvae were allowed to feed were measured and FAW larvae mortality was calculated. The results showed a significant interaction between neem seed storage time and FAW mortality. The results showed that extracts from fresh neem seeds and those stored for one year had the lowest plant damage score. Also, the lowest mortality was obtained from seeds stored for 1 year and the fresh seeds because the larvae refrained from feeding. Following this study, we recommend the usage of fresh neem seeds and those stored for up to a year in the management of fall armyworms.
Surface Modification of Ti-6Al-4V Alloy by Composite Coating of Polycaprolactone Nanofibers-Fluoroapatite Nanoparticles Doped with Silicon and Magnesium
Authors: Amjad Nasim , Sadeghi Mahshid , Mirbagheri Mahshad , Vahdat Khadijeh
Published: September 2024

The purpose of this research was to create polycaprolactone nanocomposite coating - fluor apatite nanoparticles doped with silicon and magnesium, as well as polycaprolactone coating on the alloy in order to improve and modify the biological properties of this alloy. For this purpose, nano composite coating and polycaprolactone coating were first created by immersion methode. Then the physical, corrosion and biological properties of the coating created by different methods were investigated. The results indicated the creation of a uniform nanocomposite coating with a thickness of about 6.26 micrometers, with appropriate structure and phases, and an increase in roughness by adding nanoparticles to the polycaprolactone coating. Electrochemical measurements Ti6Al4V showed that the sample coated with polycaprolactone with nanoparticles has polarization RP=5.349×105 Ωcm2 resistance, which is higher than the sample coated with caprolactone with polarization resistance RP=1.191×105 Ωcm2 and the sample without coating with polarization resistance RP=5.2453×104 Ωcm2. Cytotoxicity test showed the non-cytotoxicity of the coatings. Also, the cell growth and proliferation of the sample with nano composite coating compared to the sample without coating has a statistically significant difference. Cell adhesion on the sample with nanocomposite coating was also much better than the sample without coating and the sample with polycaprolactone coating.
Artificial Intelligence (Neural Network) in the Diagnosis of Benign Skin Tumors in Pediatric Patients
Authors: Khabarova Rina , Kulyova Svetlana , Senchurov Evgeniy , Mikhailova Elena , Borokshinova Kseniya , Kulyova Alika
Published: September 2024

Relevance: ten years ago, artificial intelligence (AI), particularly neural networks (NN), as a diagnostic option in practice seemed a distant prospect. Today, the use of AI is becoming an increasingly popular and daily improving approach in all aspects of clinical and fundamental medicine. Purpose: design and learning of a NN to recognize four types of benign melanocytic skin tumors, integration into a mobile app to apply in practice. Material and methods: сlinical and dermatoscopic analysis of skin tumors was carried out in 600 children. In 65 cases the tumors were removed. Histological types were dermal nevus – 43% (n=28), complex nevus - 33.8% (n=22), pyogenic granuloma - 10.8% (n=7), Spitz-nevus - 6.2% (n=4), blue nevus - 3.1% (n=2), melanoma - 3.1% (n=2). Seven patients with pyogenic granulomas and two patients with melanoma were excluded. The test set included 56 dermatoscopic images. Due to the small number of images augmentation was performed. The database has been increased from 600 images to 1800. NN is written in the machine language Python. The machine learning framework was TensorFlow 2.0. The network architecture is based on the pre-trained model “EfficientNet B7”. This model uses the “supervised learning” paradigm. Each element of the sample had a class affiliation. Results: an accuracy of 83% was achieved after a period of learning on the test set. Mathematical metrics calculated in the Scikit-learn library. Sensitivity was 100% (blue nevus), 73% (complex nevus), 93% (dermal nevus), 75% (Spitz-nevus), and specificity were 98%; 94%; 82%; 98%, respectively. AI was integrated into the mobile app “KIDS NEVI”. Conclusion: AI as an auxiliary method for the skin tumors diagnosis in children and adolescents has demonstrated high potential and great opportunities. Dermatoscopic analysis of a skin tumor and a mobile app are able to provide “double control”, quick and correct clinical diagnosis and determination treatment tactics.
Identification of the Out-of-Control Variable on a Multivariate Control Chart Signals in Iron Sheet Production Process
Authors: Mung’au Martin , Waititu Hellen , Cornelious Nyakundi
Published: September 2024

Monitoring and diagnosis of an out of control signals in manufacturing processes has become more challenging when it involves two or more correlated variables. In any production process and in the manufacturing industry, regardless of how well designed or carefully maintained it is, a certain amount of inherent or natural variability will always exist. The natural variability is the cumulative effect of many small, essentially unavoidable causes. A process that is operating with only chance causes of variation present is said to be in statistical control. In this paper we propose a method for approaching this problem based on principal components analysis. The principal component analysis method based on the ratios form was used to investigate which of the variable(s) were responsible for the out-of-control signal. A display of matrix of scatter plots was applied to investigate the correlation between the process variables and ellipses were used an approximate control limits. The principal component scores were used as an empirical reference distribution to establish a control region for the process to detect the variables causing the out-of-control signal. These insights derived from the principal component analysis offered valuable cues for identifying potential signals of an out-of-control process. The study findings indicated distinctive patterns of variance within the data, shedding light on potential signals for an out-of-control process.
The Private Health Insurance Underwriting Cycle, Economic Profits and Their Determinants
Authors: Cecil William
Published: September 2024

The underwriting cycle in private health insurance refers to fluctuations in profit margin over time. This research, a novel effort, aims to understand the peak-to-trough magnitudes and determinants of the industry-wide underwriting cycle. Historical industry-wide profits and losses have not been previously estimated, making this study a significant contribution to the field. Based on the reports of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (national health expenditures reports), this study begins by constructing the underwriting cycle of private health insurance performance over the last six decades, from which profit margins can be estimated. Expressing the net cost of private health insurance and personal health expenditures as a fraction of the premium facilitates the analysis, which employs standard methods. The results show, over a 62-year period from 1960 through 2022, that there are 12 underwriting cycles. The capacity to generate profits is influenced by the cost of personal healthcare expenditures, competition for enrollment, and the availability of substitutes. Evidence of reduced capacity for profitability is a finding that additional enrollment does not contribute to profits and that private health insurance enrollment is generally declining. Cumulative profits due to the sales of private health insurance only over the 62 years assessed are negative.
Examining the Alignment of Ideological Expression with Behavior or Deception: An Experimental Investigation of Chinese Youth's Political Attitudes Towards America
Authors: Weng Yaqin
Published: September 2024

Background In the context of globalization, as one of the most significant bilateral relations in the world, the dynamics of China-US relations exert a considerable influence on the world. Simultaneously, the accelerated advancement of Internet technology has provided a more expansive array of avenues for acquiring information. Through Social media, news websites, and international forums, Chinese youth groups demonstrate a heightened interest in global affairs. However, the divergence between disparate cultural and political systems has resulted in Chinese youth developing nuanced and multifaceted political dispositions when engaging with the United States and other Western nations. It is therefore imperative to study the political attitudes of Chinese youth, particularly to the United States. Objectives The concept of political attitude expression refers to the external manifestation of an individual's ideological position's usefulness. However, there is a lack of empirical research examining the alignment between an individual's inner motivation and their expression of political attitudes. Based on the aforementioned information, an experimental study was devised and executed with the aim of discerning political attitudes. The study focused on individuals' external expressions of political attitudes and their intrinsic motivations, specifically in relation to the United States. The objective was to examine whether specific factors could potentially influence the external manifestation of individuals' internal ideologies. Main ideas Various factors contribute to the expression of individual ideologies. The ideologies expressed by individuals do not solely reflect their ideological beliefs, but rather arise from a complex interplay of moderating factors influenced by individual rationality regarding economic costs and social circumstances. Conclusions (1) The political attitudes of Chinese youth toward the United States in general demonstrate a left-leaning trend, with low favorability toward the U.S. (2) Economic interests exert an influence on ideological expression, and individuals holding a left-leaning ideological position may elect to accept financial incentives and formally demonstrate high favorability toward the U.S., driven by economic interests. (3) Transformations in the social milieu may precipitate a phenomenon whereby individuals are inclined to "follow the crowd," concealing their authentic political dispositions and eschewing genuine political expression.
Management Delays and Outcomes in ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI) in the COVID-19 Era in Senegal: Insights from a Tertiary Center
Authors: Gaye Ngone , Ngaide Aliou , Mingou Joseph , Ngningue Ameth , Ndiaye Mouhamadou , Mbaye Alassane , Kane Abdoul
Published: September 2024

Low-and middle-income countries (LMICs) face many challenges regarding the timely management of STEMI, and the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted our already fragile health systems. The aim of this study was to assess the delays in managing STEMI during COVID-19 and evaluate the 6-month mortality rates related to these delays. A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted over two years starting from January 2020 at a tertiary center in Dakar, Senegal. All patients referred for STEMI during the study period were included. Statistical analysis was performed using R, version 4.4.0 (R Foundation for Statistical Computing). A total of 273 patients were enrolled during the study period (65.9% males, mean age: 59 ± 12.4). Diabetes Mellitus was present in 37.7% of cases. Only 1 out of 5 patients (20.5%) reached medical attention within 1 hour after symptoms onset, and the time from first medical contact to ECG was < 10 minutes in 39 % of cases. Primary PCI within the first 24 hours was performed in 23.5% of cases. Factors significantly associated with late hospital admission (<12h) were first medical contact < 1h (P 0.0009, OR: 4.06 95% CI; 1.8-9.64), time to first ECG < 10 minutes (P 0.002, OR: 2.79 95% CI; 1.45-5.41) and number of facilities visited < 2 (P 0.004, OR: 3.4 95% CI 1.51-8.22). The 6-month mortality rate was 18.7%, and the probability of death increased with a more significant delay in first medical contact. Our study found persisting delays in STEMI management in Senegal. Establishing a standard of care for STEMI in Senegal is mandatory to overcome healthcare system weaknesses and improve the outcomes of our STEMI patients.