bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification of immune‐related hub genes and construction of an immune‐related gene prognostic index for low‐grade glioma
Authors: Zhou Jing , Guo Hao , Liu Likun , Jin Zengcai , Zhang Wencui , Tang Tao
Published: September 2023

Low‐grade glioma (LGG) poses significant management challenges and has a dismal prognosis. While immunotherapy has shown significant promise in cancer treatment, its progress in glioma has confronted with challenges. In our study, we aimed to develop an immune‐related gene prognostic index (IRGPI) which could be used to evaluate the response and efficacy of LGG patients with immunotherapy. We included a total of 529 LGG samples from TCGA database and 1152 normal brain tissue samples from the GTEx database. Immune‐related differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were screened. Then, we used weighted gene co‐expression network analysis (WGCNA) to identify immune‐related hub genes in LGG patients and performed Cox regression analysis to construct an IRGPI. The median IRGPI was used as the cut‐off value to categorize LGG patients into IRGPI‐high and low subgroups, and the molecular and immune mechanism in IRGPI‐defined subgroups were analysed. Finally, we explored the relationship between IRGPI‐defined subgroups and immunotherapy related indicators in patients after immunotherapy. Three genes (RHOA, NFKBIA and CCL3) were selected to construct the IRGPI. In a survival analysis using TCGA cohort as a training set, patients in the IRGPI‐low subgroup had a better OS than those in IRGPI‐high subgroup, consistent with the results in CGGA cohort. The comprehensive results showed that IRGPI‐low subgroup had a more abundant activated immune cell population and lower TIDE score, higher MSI, higher TMB score, lower T cell dysfunction score, more likely benefit from ICIs therapy. IRGPI is a promising biomarker in the field of LGG ICIs therapy to distinguish the prognosis, the molecular and immunological characteristics of patients.
Does ecological drift explain variation in microbiome composition among groups in a social host species?
Authors: Rose Clémence , Lund Marie Braad , Schramm Andreas , Bilde Trine , Bechsgaard Jesper
Published: September 2023

Within a given species, considerable inter-individual, spatial, and temporal variation in the composition of the host microbiome exists. In group-living animals, social interactions homogenize microbiome composition among group members, nevertheless divergence in microbiome composition among related groups arise. Such variation can result from deterministic and stochastic processes. Stochastic changes, or ecological drift, can occur among symbionts with potential for colonizing a host and within individual hosts, and drive divergence in microbiome composition among hosts or host groups. We tested whether ecological drift associated with dispersal and foundation of new groups cause divergence in microbiome composition between natal and newly formed groups in the social spider Stegodyphus dumicola. We simulated the initiation of new groups by splitting field-collected nests into groups of 1, 3, and 10 individuals respectively, and compared variation in microbiome composition among and within groups after 6 weeks using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Theory predicts that ecological drift increases with decreasing group size. We found that microbiome composition among single founders was more dissimilar than among individuals kept in groups, supporting this prediction. Divergence in microbiome composition from the natal nest was mainly driven by a higher number of non-core symbionts. This suggests that stochastic divergence in host microbiomes can arise during the process of group formation by individual founders, which could explain the existence of among-group variation in microbiome composition in the wild. Individual founders appear to harbour higher relative abundances of non-core symbionts compared with founders in small groups, some of which are possible pathogens. These symbionts vary in occurrence with group size, indicating that group dynamics influence various core and non-core symbionts differently.

Abstract

Microbiome composition among single indiviuals was more dissimilar than among individuals kept in groups. Microbiome composition was dissimilar between original nests and experimental groups.
Contrasting genetic and morphological differentiation among geographical lineages of a stenotopic miniature rasborine, Boraras maculatus, in Peninsular Malaysia
Authors: Fam Yi Qing , Jamaluddin Jamsari Amirul Firdaus , Muhammad‐Rasul Abdullah Halim , Ilham‐Norhakim Mohd Lokman , Rosely Nik Fadzly N. , Lavoué Sébastien
Published: September 2023

The variability in the stenotopic miniature rasborine Boraras maculatus (Cypriniformes: Danionidae: Rasborinae) across acidic‐water habitats of Peninsular Malaysia (PM) was investigated using two molecular markers (the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I [COI] gene and the nuclear rhodopsin gene), as well as morphological evidence. Molecular phylogenetic analyses revealed differentiation among populations of B. maculatus in PM with the distinction of four allopatric lineages. Each of them was recognized as a putative species by automatic species delimitation methods. These lineages diverged from each other between 7.4 and 1.9 million years ago. A principal component analysis (PCA) was conducted to examine the multivariate variation in 11 morphometric measurements among three of these lineages. PCA results showed a significant overlap in morphological characteristics among these lineages. Additionally, a photograph‐based machine learning approach failed to fully differentiate these lineages, suggesting limited morphological differentiation. B. maculatus represents a case of morphological stasis in a stenotopic miniature species. Strong habitat preference, coupled with long‐term habitat fragmentation, may explain why each lineage of B. maculatus has a restricted distribution and did not disperse to other regions within and outside of PM, despite ample possibilities when the Sunda shelf was emerged and drained by large paleodrainages for most of the past 7 million years. The conservation status of B. maculatus and its peat swamp habitats are discussed, and it is concluded that peat swamps comprise several evolutionary units. Each of these units is considered a conservation unit and deserves appropriate protection.
The global prevalence of overweight and obesity among nurses: A systematic review and meta‐analyses
Authors: Sadali Umar Bin , Kamal Khaizuran Khairin Bin Nur , Park Jiyoung , Chew Han Shi Jocelyn , Devi M. Kamala
Published: September 2023

Background

Several studies have reported the prevalence of overweight and obesity in various countries but the global prevalence of nurses with overweight and obesity remains unclear. A consolidation of figures globally can help stakeholders worldwide improve workforce development and healthcare service delivery.

Objective

To investigate the global prevalence of overweight and obesity among nurses.

Design

Systematic review with meta‐analysis.

Setting

29 different countries across the WHO‐classified geographical region.

Participants

Nurses.

Methods

Eight electronic databases were searched for articles published from inception to January 2023. Two independent reviewers performed the article screening, methodological appraisal and data extraction. Methodological appraisal was conducted using Newcastle‐Ottawa Scale (NOS). Inter‐rater agreement was measured using Cohen's Kappa. Meta‐analyses were conducted to pool the effect sizes on overweight, obesity and waist circumference using random effects model and adjusted using generalised linear mixed models and Hartung–Knapp method. Logit transformation was employed to stabilise the prevalence variance. Subgroup analyses were performed based on methodological quality and geographical regions. Heterogeneity was assessed using the I2 statistic.

Results

Among 10,587 studies, 83 studies representing 158,775 nurses across 29 countries were included. Based on BMI, the global prevalence of overweight and obesity were 31.2% (n = 55, 95% CI: 29%–33.5%; p < .01) and 16.3% (n = 76, 95% CI: 13.7%–19.3%, p < .01), respectively. Subgroup analyses indicated that the highest prevalence of overweight was in Eastern Mediterranean (n = 9, 37.2%, 95% CI: 33.1%–41.4%) and that of obesity was in South‐East Asia (n = 5, 26.4%, 95% CI: 5.3%–69.9%). NOS classification, NOS scores, sample size and the year of data collected were not significant moderators.

Conclusions

This review indicated the global prevalence of overweight and obesity among nurses along with the differences between regions. Healthcare organisations and policymakers should appreciate this increased risk and improve working conditions and environments for nurses to better maintain their metabolic health.

Patient or Public Contribution

Not applicable as this is a systematic review.

Registration

PROSPERO (ref: CRD42023403785) https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=403785.

Tweetable Abstract

High prevalence of overweight and obesity among nurses worldwide.
Impact of dental prosthetic treatment and patients' expectations on the seven domains and four‐dimensional scale of the Oral Health Impact Profile
Authors: Winter Anna , Schulz Stefan M. , Rasche Engelke , Schmitter Marc , Höhne Christian , Giannakopoulos Nikolaos Nikitas
Published: September 2023

Background

Recently, recommendations were given for a new scoring of the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP). The original seven domain structure should be replaced by a four‐dimensional scale.

Objectives

To investigate the effect of dental prosthetic treatment on the seven domains and the four‐dimensional scale of the OHIP‐G49/53 questionnaire.

Methods

Seventy four patients were grouped according their pre‐ and post‐treatment situation and the type of treatment they received. Patients completed the OHIP‐G49/53 questionnaire before prosthetic treatment (T0), and at 1 week (T1), 3 months (T2) and 6 months (T3) after treatment. Treatment effects on the seven domains and the four dimensions of the OHIP scale were analysed, and the oral health‐related quality of life (OHRQoL) was measured. Patients' expectations of their prosthetic treatment were also evaluated. Data were analysed using two‐way Mixed ANOVA, regression analysis, and Cronbach's alpha test with a level of significance of α ≤ .017.

Results

OHRQoL significantly improved following prosthetic treatment compared with baseline. The largest improvement was found between T0 and T1 evaluations (all p ≤ .001). Unlike the seven‐domain scale, the four OHIP dimensions demonstrated further significant improvements across the T1/T2/T3 evaluations (all p ≤ .017). Different pre‐treatment findings had different treatment effects on the four OHIP dimensions and seven OHIP domains. Patients' expectations were mainly fulfilled.

Conclusion

Compared with the seven‐domain scale, the four dimensions showed significant follow‐up changes, suggesting the four dimensions are suitable for evaluating treatment effects up to 6 months. Clinically meaningful effects of dental prosthetic treatment can be sensitively measured using the four‐dimensional OHIP scale.
In vitro comparison of physical characteristics of milled versus printed zirconia discs
Authors: Giugliano Thomas S. , Zhang Yu , Janal Malvin N. , Lim Chek Hai , Smith Ruby M. , Choi Mijin
Published: September 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to compare the dimensional accuracy, translucency, and biaxial flexural strength of milled zirconia (MZ) versus 3D‐printed zirconia (PZ) discs.

Materials & Methods

A circular disc measuring 14.0 mm in diameter and 1.20 mm in thickness was designed using computer‐aided design (CAD) software. The resulting standard tessellation language (STL) file was used both as a control and to fabricate 36 zirconia (3Y‐TZP) disc specimens (n = 36): 18 were milled (group MZ) and 18 were 3D‐printed (group PZ). The diameter and thickness of each disc were measured using a digital caliper. Translucency was evaluated using a calibrated dental colorimeter. The flexural strength was determined using the piston‐on‐three‐ball biaxial flexure test. All measurements were done by one blinded examiner. The statistical significance level was set to α = 0.05.

Results

The MZ discs had significantly more accurate dimensions than the PZ discs in both diameter and thickness when compared to the control CAD software‐designed disc. The MZ discs exhibited significantly higher translucency (translucency parameter (TP) = 16.95 ±0.36 vs. 9.24 ±1.98) and biaxial flexural strength (996.16 ±137.37 MPa vs. 845.75 ±266.16 MPa) than the PZ discs. Finally, MZ possessed a significantly higher Weibull modulus relative to PZ.

Conclusions

The results showed that the milled specimens achieved better dimensional accuracy and were more translucent, stronger, and less prone to failure than printed specimens.
Evaluating the impact of a child sponsorship programme on paediatric health and development in Calauan, Philippines: A retrospective audit
Authors: Raupach Arabella K , Faraj Daniel , Anning Kristie‐Lee , Willcock Helen , Hespe Charlotte
Published: September 2023

Aim

International child sponsorship programmes comprise a considerable proportion of global aid accessible to the general population. Team Philippines (TP), a health care and welfare initiative run in association with the University of Notre Dame Sydney since 2013, leads a holistic sponsorship programme for 30 children from Calauan, Philippines. To date, empirical research has not been performed into the overall success and impact of the TP child sponsorship programme. As such, this study aims to evaluate its effectiveness in improving paediatric outcomes.

Methods

Study cohorts comprised 30 sponsored and 29 age‐ and gender‐matched non‐sponsored children. Data were extracted from the TP Medical Director database and life‐style questionnaires for July–November 2019. Outcome measures included anthropometry, markers of medical health, dental health, exercise, and diet. Statistical analyses were performed in SPSS.

Results

Sponsorship resulted in fewer medical diagnoses and prescription medications, superior dental health, and improved diet. Further, sponsored children may show a clinically significant trend towards improved physical health. Sponsorship did not affect growth and development metrics, or levels of physical activity.

Conclusions

The TP child sponsorship programme significantly impacts positive paediatric health outcomes in the Calauan community. The strength of the programme lies in its holistic, sustainable, and community‐based model, which is enabled by effective international child sponsorship. This study further supports the relationship between supporting early livelihood and improved health in the paediatric population.
Morphological and molecular characterization of Fusarium incarnatum as a causal disease agent of pepper (Capsicum annuum) fruit rot
Authors: Soylu Soner , Atay Mehmet , Kara Merve , Uysal Aysun , Soylu Emine Mine , Kurt Şener
Published: September 2023

Chilli pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) is one of the most important commercially cultivated and consumed vegetables in Turkey. During a disease survey, typical symptoms of fruit rot were observed on mature chilli pepper fruits in several surveyed fields and on dried pepper fruits obtained from local retailers/bazaars in Hatay Province, Turkey. Disease incidence varied from 15 to 45% of the plants in the inspected fields. Following standard isolation procedures, 40 fungal isolates were isolated, purified and single‐spore cultures were obtained from surface‐disinfected, rotted dried pepper tissue. Of these isolates, six fungal isolates with dense, cottony white aerial mycelia that became beige with age, were isolated on a potato sucrose agar. All isolates were found to be pathogenic on artificially inoculated chilli pepper fruit. Based on morphological characteristics, the isolates were initially identified as Fusarium incarnatum (Desm.) Sacc. 1886. Morphological identification of F. incarnatum isolates was further confirmed by MALDI‐TOF and molecular analyses using the sequences of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS), partial translation elongation factor‐1α (TEF‐1α) and second largest subunit of RNA polymerase II (RPB2) loci. Phylogenetic analysis based on ITS, TEF‐1α, RPB2 and concatenation of TEF‐1α, RPB2 loci sequences performed with several isolates of Fusarium spp. confirmed that representative fungal isolates (MKUZF1 and MKUZF4) belong to F. incarnatum. To our knowledge, this is the first report of F. incarnatum causing fruit rot in chilli peppers grown in Turkey.
Idiopathic functional urinary outflow tract obstruction in dogs, a retrospective case series (2010‐2021): 31 cases
Authors: Mathews Kathrina , Toedebusch Christine , Palm Carrie , Kendall Allison , Westropp Jodi L.
Published: September 2023

Background

Idiopathic functional urinary outflow tract obstruction (iFUOTO) is an uncommon but life‐limiting disease whose etiology and clinical course of disease remain poorly understood.

Objective

Characterize signalment, clinical signs, clinicopathologic findings, treatments, and propose a standardized response score for dogs with iFUOTO.

Animals

Thirty‐one client‐owned dogs diagnosed with iFUOTO.

Methods

Retrospective case series. Medical records from 2010 to 2021 were reviewed and findings recorded. Dogs were categorized based on the presence or absence of overt signs of neurological disease. Response to treatment was scored.

Results

Thirty‐one dogs were included. All dogs had stranguria and 14 (45%) had overflow urinary incontinence. Mean age of onset for signs was 6.9 years±8 months. Twenty‐four dogs (77%) were castrated males, 5 (16%) intact males, and 2 (6%) spayed females. Eight (26%) of dogs had overt neurological deficits. Follow‐up data were available for 29 dogs (median 38 days, range: 2‐1277). Final outcome scores were not significantly different among dogs with overt signs of neurological disease (median score 2.5; range: 0‐3) and those without (median score 1; range; 0‐3; P = .35). Treatments included alpha antagonists, skeletal muscle relaxants, parasympathomimetics, anti‐inflammatories, castration, temporary placement of a urethral catheter, or a combination of these.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance

Multimodal treatment was frequently prescribed, but a standard outcome score is needed to evaluate the effectiveness of these therapies. Serial neurological examinations and monitoring of the dogs' dysuria are warranted.
Pharmacokinetics of pimobendan after oral administration to dogs with myxomatous mitral valve disease
Authors: McManamey Anna K. , DeFrancesco Teresa C. , Meurs Kathryn M. , Papich Mark G.
Published: September 2023

Background

Pimobendan is an important therapy for dogs with myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD). The pharmacokinetics are reported in healthy dogs but not in dogs with heart disease.

Hypothesis/Objectives

To determine if dog characteristics such as age, breed, body condition score, ACVIM stage of heart disease or biochemical laboratory value alter the pharmacokinetics of orally administered pimobendan and its metabolite in a cohort of dogs with naturally occurring MMVD.

Animals

Fifty‐seven client‐owned dogs with MMVD ACVIM Stage B2, C, or D and administered pimobendan to steady state blood concentrations.

Methods

Prospective, observational study. Samples were collected using a sparse‐sampling protocol at specific intervals after administration of pimobendan. Plasma pimobendan and the active metabolite (O‐desmethyl‐pimobendan, ODMP) concentrations were determined via high‐pressure liquid chromatography and fluorescence detection. Data was analyzed via a population pharmacokinetic approach and nonlinear mixed effects modeling (NLME). Numerous covariates were examined in the NLME model.

Results

The absorption and elimination half‐lives (t1/2) were approximately 1.4 and 1 hour for pimobendan and 1.4 and 1.3 hours for ODMP, respectively. Pharmacokinetic parameters were highly variable, especially the values for pimobendan absorption and elimination rate, and absorption rate of ODMP with coefficients of variation of 147.84%, 64.51% and 64.49%, respectively. No covariate evaluated was a significant source of variability.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

The pharmacokinetic parameters were highly variable among this group of dogs with MMVD. The variability was not associated with the dog's age, body weight or condition score, stage of heart disease, dose, serum creatinine, or alkaline phosphatase.
Cultural adaptation and validation of the Quality of Dying in Long‐term Care (QoD‐LTC and QoD‐LTC‐C) scales by caregivers in nursing homes
Authors: Puente‐Fernández Daniel , Soto Felipe Carmen , Mota‐Romero Emilio , Esteban‐Burgos Ana Alejandra , Montoya‐Juárez Rafael , Roldan‐Lopez de Hierro Concepción Beatriz
Published: October 2023

Background

There is a lack of tools that can evaluate quality of dying in nursing homes from the perspective of deceased patients' caregivers. The aim of this study was to adapt and validate the caregivers' versions of the Quality of Dying in Long‐Term Care (QoD‐LTC) and Quality of Dying in Long‐Term Care Complete (QoD‐LTC‐C) scales in the Spanish context.

Methods

This was a cultural adaptation and validation study. The scales were translated from English to Spanish and vice versa, and 13 experts in end‐of‐life care participated in a two‐round Delphi panel. Caregivers of 69 deceased residents from seven nursing homes in southern Spain completed both scales. Reliability, feasibility, and concurrent validity with global quality of dying perception and symptom burden (Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale), were evaluated.

Results

Spanish caregivers' version of the QoD‐LTC scale showed good internal consistency for the total scale (α = 0.74) and each of its three factors, and good inter‐rater reliability (ICC = 0.50) and test–retest reliability (ICC = 0.81). The Spanish QoD‐LTC‐C scale for caregivers showed good internal consistency for the total scale (α = 0.81) and for its component factors, and good test–retest reliability (ICC = 0.89) and inter‐rater reliability (ICC = 0.66). Both scales correlated with family caregivers' global perception of deceased residents' quality of dying (r = 0.39; r = 0.32), but not with the ESAS score.

Conclusions

Both scales presented an adequate factorial structure, internal consistency, and reliability to assess caregivers' perception of the quality of dying in Spanish nursing homes.
How do we translate gaps and unmet needs of blood management for thalassemia into a collaborative implementation framework?
Authors: Limwongse Chanin , Rojnuckarin Ponlapat , Kupatawintu Pawinee , Thongthaisin Aphisit , Permpikul Parichart , Kitpoka Pimpan , Watanaboonyongcharoen Phandee , Sucharitchan Pranee , Torcharus Kitti , Fucharoen Suthat , Kongpakwattana Khachen , Nerapusee Osot , Chuncharunee Suporn
Published: September 2023

Background and Objective

The mainstay of management for thalassemia is regular blood transfusions. However, gaps and unmet needs of blood services for thalassemia are still not clearly identified and addressed in Thailand, a country prevalent with thalassemia. What can be a collaborative implementation framework that helps advance practices and policies relating to blood management for thalassemia?

Methods

The first Blood & Beyond Roundtable Discussion was held in July 2022 to gather the current situation, gaps, and unmet needs of blood services for thalassemia from multidisciplinary experts and thalassemic patients. The Implementation Guide as suggested by the Centre for Effective Services was applied as a tool to consolidate information from the discussions and construct the collaborative implementation framework.

Results

The National Blood Center and hospitals in Thailand followed the missions specified in the National Blood Policy and the standard guidelines to ensure the best practice of blood management for thalassemia. However, there were six gaps and unmet needs identified from the discussions. After all discussion points were mapped onto the framework, an implementation plan comprised of five specific activities became clear and actionable.

Conclusion

Without the complete information from both experts and patients, the implementation plan would not have been successfully constructed. The method that we employed to translate all information into the framework can be adapted by other countries to develop their own specific framework efficiently.
Claw bed inverted squamous papilloma associated with canine papillomavirus type 2 in a dog
Authors: Resendes Ana R. , Trainor Karen E. , Bera Monali , Cheng Ryan Chuang Fu , Luff Jennifer
Published: October 2023

A claw bed inverted squamous papilloma (ISP) presented clinically as a swollen digit in a dog. Canine papillomavirus (CPV) type 2 was amplified by PCR and localised to the papilloma's epidermis using in situ hybridisation. This is the first report demonstrating a claw bed ISP caused by CPV.
Checkerboard and interrupted speech: Intelligibility contrasts related to factor-analysis-based frequency bands
Authors: Ueda Kazuo , Doan Linh Le Dieu , Takeichi Hiroshige
Published: October 2023

It has been shown that the intelligibility of checkerboard speech stimuli, in which speech signals were periodically interrupted in time and frequency, drastically varied according to the combination of the number of frequency bands (2–20) and segment duration (20–320 ms). However, the effects of the number of frequency bands between 4 and 20 and the frequency division parameters on intelligibility have been largely unknown. Here, we show that speech intelligibility was lowest in four-band checkerboard speech stimuli, except for the 320-ms segment duration. Then, temporally interrupted speech stimuli and eight-band checkerboard speech stimuli came in this order (N = 19 and 20). At the same time, U-shaped intelligibility curves were observed for four-band and possibly eight-band checkerboard speech stimuli. Furthermore, different parameters of frequency division resulted in small but significant intelligibility differences at the 160- and 320-ms segment duration in four-band checkerboard speech stimuli. These results suggest that factor-analysis-based four frequency bands, representing groups of critical bands correlating with each other in speech power fluctuations, work as speech cue channels essential for speech perception. Moreover, a probability summation model for perceptual units, consisting of a sub-unit process and a supra-unit process that receives outputs of the speech cue channels, may account for the U-shaped intelligibility curves.
Comparison of Thrombolysis In Cerebral Infarction (TICI) 2b and TICI 3 reperfusion in endovascular therapy for large ischemic anterior circulation strokes
Authors: Winkelmeier Laurens , Faizy Tobias D , Brekenfeld Caspar , Heitkamp Christian , Broocks Gabriel , Bechstein Matthias , Steffen Paul , Schell Maximilian , Gellissen Susanne , Kniep Helge , Thomalla Goetz , Fiehler Jens , Flottmann Fabian
Published: September 2023

Background

Landmark thrombectomy trials have provided evidence that selected patients with large ischemic stroke benefit from successful endovascular therapy, commonly defined as incomplete (modified Thrombolysis In Cerebral Infarction (mTICI) 2b) or complete reperfusion (mTICI 3). We aimed to investigate whether mTICI 3 improves functional outcomes compared with mTICI 2b in large ischemic strokes.

Methods

This retrospective multicenter cohort study was conducted to compare mTICI 2b versus mTICI 3 in large ischemic strokes in the anterior circulation. Patients enrolled in the German Stroke Registry between 2015–2021 were analyzed. Large ischemic stroke was defined as an Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score (ASPECTS) of 3–5. Patients were matched by final mTICI grade using propensity score matching. Primary outcome was the 90-day modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score.

Results

After matching, 226 patients were included. Baseline and imaging characteristics were balanced between mTICI 2b and mTICI 3 patients. There was no shift on the mRS favoring mTICI 3 compared with mTICI 2b in large ischemic strokes (adjusted common odds ratio (acOR) 1.12, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 0.64 to 1.94, P=0.70). The rate of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage was higher in mTICI 2b than in mTICI 3 patients (12.6% vs 4.5%, P=0.03). Mortality at 90 days did not differ between mTICI 3 and mTICI 2b (33.6% vs 37.2%; adjusted OR 0.69, 95% CI 0.33 to 1.45, P=0.33).

Conclusions

In endovascular therapy for large ischemic strokes, mTICI 3 was not associated with better 90-day functional outcomes compared with mTICI 2b. This study suggests that mTICI 2b might be warranted as the final angiographic result, questioning the benefit/risk ratio of additional maneuvers to seek for mTICI 3 in large ischemic strokes.

Trial registration number

NCT03356392.
Tigertriever in the treatment of acute ischemic stroke with underlying intracranial atherosclerotic disease
Authors: Ojeda Diego J , Ghannam Malik , Sanchez Sebastian , Almajali Mohammad , Koul Prateeka , Saver Jeffrey L , Gupta Rishi , Ortega-Gutierrez Santiago , Liebeskind David S , Samaniego Edgar A
Published: September 2023

Background

The Tigertriever device offers a unique feature that enables gradual control of the radial expansion. We sought to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the Tigertriever device in patients with large vessel occlusion (LVO) and underlying intracranial atherosclerotic disease (ICAD). The patients were part of the TIGER trial.

Methods

The presence of underlying ICAD was determined by a core imaging laboratory using CT angiography and digital subtraction angiography. The primary outcomes included successful reperfusion, puncture to reperfusion time, and complications associated with the use of the Tigertriever device. Patients underwent mechanical thrombectomy with the Tigertriever device for up to three passes, and alternative devices were employed for subsequent passes.

Results

A total of 160 patients were enrolled in the TIGER trial, and 32 patients had ICAD. Among the patients with ICAD, 78% achieved successful reperfusion within three passes of the Tigertriever device, without requiring rescue therapy. Additionally, a first pass effect was observed in 46.8%. The median time from puncture to reperfusion was 22 minutes. There were no device-related complications. The National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score at 24 hours was significantly reduced, from an average of 17 at baseline to 8. At the 3 month follow-up, 50% of patients achieved a modified Rankin Scale score of ≤2.

Conclusion

Endovascular therapy (EVT) with the Tigertriever device for LVO in patients with underlying ICAD is effective and safe. When compared with historical data from other devices employed in similar cases, we observed a high rate of successful reperfusion, along with a shorter puncture to reperfusion time.
Self-Supervised EEG Representation Learning with Contrastive Predictive Coding for Post-Stroke Patients
Authors: Xu Fangzhou , Yan Yihao , Zhu Jianqun , Chen Xinyi , Gao Licai , Liu Yanbing , Shi Weiyou , Lou Yitai , Wang Wei , Leng Jiancai , Zhang Yang
Published: September 2023

Stroke patients are prone to fatigue during the EEG acquisition procedure, and experiments have high requirements on cognition and physical limitations of subjects. Therefore, how to learn effective feature representation is very important. Deep learning networks have been widely used in motor imagery (MI) based brain-computer interface (BCI). This paper proposes a contrast predictive coding (CPC) framework based on the modified s-transform (MST) to generate MST-CPC feature representations. MST is used to acquire the temporal-frequency feature to improve the decoding performance for MI task recognition. EEG2Image is used to convert multi-channel one-dimensional EEG into two-dimensional EEG topography. High-level feature representations are generated by CPC which consists of an encoder and autoregressive model. Finally, the effectiveness of generated features is verified by the k-means clustering algorithm. It can be found that our model generates features with high efficiency and a good clustering effect. After classification performance evaluation, the average classification accuracy of MI tasks is 89% based on 40 subjects. The proposed method can obtain effective feature representations and improve the performance of MI-BCI systems. By comparing several self-supervised methods on the public dataset, it can be concluded that the MST-CPC model has the highest average accuracy. This is a breakthrough in the combination of self-supervised learning and image processing of EEG signals. It is helpful to provide effective rehabilitation training for stroke patients to promote motor function recovery.
Brauer group of moduli stack of stable parabolic PGL(r)-bundles over a curve
Authors: Biswas Indranil , Chakraborty Sujoy , Dey Arijit
Published: September 2023

Let [Formula: see text] be an algebraically closed field of characteristic zero. We prove that the Brauer group of the moduli stack of stable parabolic [Formula: see text]-bundles on a smooth projective curve, with full flag quasi-parabolic structures at an arbitrary parabolic divisor, coincides with the Brauer group of the smooth locus of the corresponding coarse moduli space of parabolic [Formula: see text]-bundles. We also compute the Brauer group of the smooth locus of this coarse moduli for more general quasi-parabolic types and weights satisfying certain conditions.
A High Efficiency 14–28 Gb/s Tunable Receiver Analog Front-End in 65 nm CMOS Technology
Authors: Li Shunyu , Chu Guang Yong , Zhu Kezhen , Niu Pengfei , Zhang Shixun , Yang Guofeng
Published: September 2023

This work presents a tunable receiver analog front-end (AFE) circuit, capable of achieving data rates between 14 Gb/s and 28 Gb/s. The circuit is implemented using the TSMC 65 nm CMOS technology. The circuit incorporates a continuous-time linear equalizer (CTLE), a transimpedance amplifier (TIA) and an output buffer. A [Formula: see text]-boosted technique is employed within the CTLE for bandwidth and gain enhancement, while the TIA leverages a super source follower (SSF) structure to combat parasitic output node issues. By adjusting the tunable structures in the circuit, the proposed AFE can achieve variable DC gain at 14 GHz. Simulation results reveal that the AFE can compensate for the channel loss at the 14 GHz Nyquist frequency, delivering eye diagram spreads of approximately 0.85 UI and 0.78 UI at 14 Gb/s and 28 Gb/s, respectively. The complete post-simulation layout area is only 0.0026[Formula: see text]mm2. Operating with a power consumption of 10.5[Formula: see text]mW, the AFE exhibits an exceptional FoM of 11.8 pJ/bit/dB.
Charged anisotropic compact stellar models under gravitational decoupling scheme
Authors: Pant Kiran , Fuloria Pratibha
Published: September 2023

The aim of this paper is to obtain new physically admissible exact anisotropic stellar models via gravitational decoupling technique. This will be done by taking Korkina and Orlyanskii model solution as a seed solution and extend it to an anisotropic domain via gravitational decoupling through the minimal geometric deformation (MGD) approach. We analyze the physical properties of four compact star models Her [Formula: see text] (Mass [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]km), LMC [Formula: see text] ([Formula: see text], [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]km), PSR [Formula: see text] ([Formula: see text], [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]km) and PSR [Formula: see text] ([Formula: see text], [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]km). We demonstrate the stability conditions of the obtained solution by plotting energy conditions, velocity of sound, adiabatic index and all the thermodynamic parameters and equilibrium conditions via TOV equation, etc. We found that the results are physically well behaved and also fulfill the requirement of stability criteria inside the anisotropic fluid sphere. We study the physical features of the solutions in detail, analytically and graphically for the four compact stars Her [Formula: see text], LMC [Formula: see text], PSR [Formula: see text] and PSR [Formula: see text]. Based on the results we realized that the extended gravitational decoupling technique is very effective for the analysis of the interior of the compact stellar structures.
Do Innovation and Institutional Quality Elevate Economic Growth? Empirical Evidence from Developing Countries
Authors: Pradhan Rudra P. , Arvin Mak B. , Nair Mahendhiran S. , Bennett Sara E. , Brem Alexander
Published: September 2023

Research Highlights • An assessment of institutional quality, innovation, and economic growth in developing countries. • Long-run causality from innovation and institutional quality to economic growth is present. • Short-run directions of causality are varied among variables of interest. • Innovation and institutional quality generally positively impact economic growth.

Continuous innovation is the lifeblood of a competitive economy. Furthermore, and arguably, the existence of institutions of governance of quality can be a catalyst for emerging economies to transition up the universal innovation value chain. In this context, we investigate temporal causal interactions among institutional quality, innovation, and economic growth for developing countries (DCs) spanning the period of 2005–2020. Employing a vector error-correction model (VECM), we find that for each case and specification (49 instances), there is evidence of the long-run causality from institutional quality and innovation to economic growth. Stated another way, in the long run, institutional quality and innovation Granger-cause economic growth. However, the short-run causality results differ depending on the specific measures of innovation and institutional quality. The strongest short-run conclusion is support for the feedback hypothesis for economic growth and innovation where there is a strong endogenous relationship between innovation, institutional governance, and economic growth. The empirical analysis shows over 70% of our observations support that economic growth and innovation jointly determine each other in the short run. The results suggest that DCs should develop and pursue long-term growth strategies that simultaneously develop innovation and improve institutional governance.
Asymptotic relative equilibrium in the n-body problem: Relativistic application in the Poincaré upper half-plane
Authors: Ortiz Ruben Dario Ortiz , Caro Mario Enrique Almanza , Perez Alejandra Patricia Guzman , Ramirez Ana Magnolia Marin
Published: September 2023

In this paper, we study the [Formula: see text]-body problem in the Poincaré upper half-plane [Formula: see text], where the radius [Formula: see text] of the Poincaré disk is fixed. We introduce a new potential to derive the condition for hyperbolic relative equilibria on [Formula: see text]. We analyze the relative equilibrium of positive masses moving along geodesics under the [Formula: see text] group. This result is utilized to establish the existence of relative equilibria for the [Formula: see text]-body problem on [Formula: see text] for [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]. We revisit previously known results and uncover new qualitative findings on relative equilibria that are not evident in an extrinsic context. Additionally, we provide a simple expression for the center of mass of a system of point particles on a two-dimensional surface with negative constant Gaussian curvature.
On the relation between the three Reidemeister moves and the three gauge groups
Authors: Schiller Christoph
Published: September 2023

Quantum theory suggests that the three observed gauge groups U(1), SU(2) and SU(3) are related to the three Reidemeister moves: twists, pokes and slides. The background for the relation is provided. It is then shown that twists generate the group U(1), whereas pokes generate SU(2). Emphasis is placed on proving the relation between slides, the Gell-Mann matrices, and the Lie group SU(3). Consequences for unification are deduced.
Piecewise Approximation for Bipolar Fuzzy Initial Value Problem
Authors: Ahmady E. , Ahmady N. , Allahviranloo T.
Published: September 2023

In this work, a new solution for the bipolar-fuzzy initial value problem is proposed. This method is obtained by approximating the solution by piece-wise polynomial of order three. The existence and uniqueness of the solution and convergence of the method are discussed in detail. Finally, for more explanation, several numerical examples are solved.
Optimization analysis of variable gradient structures with shape memory characteristics in zero poisson’s ratio metamaterials
Authors: Zhou Rui , Huang Xin , Zhang Fangfang
Published: September 2023

Mechanical metamaterials can achieve fantastic properties fabricated using artificial structural design. In this study, shape memory polymers (SMP) were combined to design variable gradient zero Poisson ratio mechanical metamaterials and 3D printing was used to fabricate complex structures. The shape memory performance of these structures was investigated by conducting simulation calculations to analyze the variations of zero Poisson’s ratio structures with different wall thicknesses, cell internal angles, and inclined wall length gradients. Through the analysis of structural dimension factors, it is concluded that the structures with smaller wall thickness and intracellular angle exhibit better shape memory performance. In order to further enhance the shape memory performance, several models with identical wall thickness and internal angles were designed to investigate the influence of inclined wall length gradients on shape memory characteristics, leading to the identification of optimal gradient structures. Finally, thermal cycling experiments were conducted on samples to validate the accuracy of the simulation results. The investigation of shape memory recovery characteristics in variable gradient zero Poisson’s ratio structures provides new insight and method for the optimization design and application of smart materials in mechanical metamaterial structures.
Editorial: Multimodality, Multidimensional Representation, and Multimedia Quality Assessment Toward Information Quality in Social Web of Things
Authors: Chakraborty Chinmay , Khosravi Mohammad , Khan Muhammad Khurram , Song Houbing Herbert
Published: September 2023

This editorial summarizes the content of the collection on Multimodality, Multidimensional Representation, and Multimedia Quality Assessment Toward Information Quality in Social Web of Things for the Journal of Data and Information Quality.
Quantum Best Arm Identification
Authors: Wang Xuchuang , Janice Chen Yu-Zhen , de Andrade Matheus Guedes , Hajiesmaili Mohammad , Lui John C.S. , Towsley Don
Published: October 2023

Recent progress on building quantum computers [1] envisages wide applications of quantum algorithms in the near future. With the advantage of quantum computer, one can speed up not only fundamental algorithms, e.g., unstructured search [6] and factoring [11], but recent machine learning algorithms [3] as well. In this paper, we study the quantum speedup on a canonical task of reinforcement learning-best arm identification in multi-armed bandits.
Mathematical Framework Underlying the In Situ Electrochemical Diagnosis of Adsorbed Intermediates Formed during Redox Reactions at Electrode Surfaces
Authors: Kersten Bethany , Shaheen Nora , Akolkar Rohan
Published: October 2023

Previously, we have presented an electrochemical technique wherein an electroactive tracer species is employed to probe the rate-limiting factors governing redox reactions at an electrode surface. In this technique, the electrode is first held potentiostatically to facilitate a redox process (step 1), and then the potential is released to open circuit conditions (step 2) so as to monitor the time-dependent re-equilibration of the electrode potential in the presence of the tracer. The time-dependent potential response in step 2 has been shown to contain information about diffusion—limited or desorption—limited steps, enabling in situ probing of the electrochemistry at the electrode surface during step 1. In the present contribution, a theoretical model governing the transient response in step 2 is developed for two limiting cases: diffusion—limited and desorption—limited recovery of the electrode potential. Mathematical modeling shows that, during re-equilibration, the step 2 potential transient corresponding to a case where step 1 involves surface adsorbed species which undergo desorption in step 2 exhibits a much longer time constant than that when re-equilibration occurs under diffusion limitations. The mathematical framework presented herein provides a sound fundamental basis for applying the aforementioned technique to studying adsorption-desorption processes during electrochemistry. Also, technique limitations are presented in light of the modeling findings.
Electrochemical Formation of Dy–Fe Alloys in Molten LiF–CaF2–DyF3
Authors: Kawaguchi Kenji , Nohira Toshiyuki
Published: October 2023

We conducted a fundamental study on the recycling of Dy and Nd from Dy-doped Nd–Fe–B magnet scraps by investigating the electrochemical Dy alloying behavior of Fe in molten LiF–CaF2–DyF3 (0.3 or 0.5 mol%) at 1123 K. Using open-circuit potentiometry with a Mo electrode, the equilibrium potential of Dy3+/Dy was determined to be 0.16 V (vs Li+/Li). The formation of multiple phases in the Dy–Fe alloys was suggested by cyclic voltammetry and open-circuit potentiometry. The deposition of Dy metal and formation of the solid DyFe2 alloy were confirmed by potentiostatic electrolysis at 0.10 V. The solid alloys of DyFe2, DyFe3, Dy6Fe23, and Dy2Fe17 were formed by two-step potentiostatic electrolysis in which the potential was changed to 0.22, 0.27, 0.29, and 0.34 V, after the initial electrolysis at 0.10 V, respectively. The equilibrium potentials of the coexistence states of DyFe2 + DyFe3, DyFe3 + Dy6Fe23, Dy6Fe23 + Dy2Fe17, and Dy2Fe17 + Fe were determined to be 0.25, 0.28, 0.31, and 0.36 V, respectively, and these values closely approximated those calculated from previously reported thermodynamic data.