bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
MCCGAN: An All-In-One Image Restoration Under Adverse Conditions Using Multidomain Contextual Conditional Gan
Authors: Siddiqua Maria , Akhter Naeem , Zameer Aneela , Khurshid Javaid
Published: January 2024

Clear images are crucial for the optimal performance of various high-level vision-based tasks. However, some inevitable causes, such as bad weather and underwater conditions degrade scene visibility. The tiny particles present in the air absorb and scatter light, causing severe attenuation that results in unclear, low-brightness, and poor-contrast images. Several techniques have been introduced to restore the degradation. However, no model exists to date that can restore multiple degradations using a single model. Therefore, to improve the scene visibility, a unified model called a Multidomain Contextual Conditional Generative Adversarial Network (MCCGAN) is designed, which uses the same parameters across the domains to restore multiple degradations such as fog, haze, rain streaks, snowflakes, smoke, shadows, underwater, and muddy underwater. The proposed model has a novel addition of multiple [Formula: see text] convolutional context encoding bottleneck layers between a simple lightweight eight-block encoder and decoder with skip connections which learns the context of each input domain thoroughly, thus generating better-restored images. The MCCGAN is qualitatively and quantitatively compared to various state-of-the-art image-to-image translation models and tested on a few real unseen image domains such as smog, dust, and lightning, and the obtained results successfully improved scene visibility, proving the generalizability of MCCGAN. Moreover, the MS-COCO 2017 validation dataset is used for comparing the performance of object detection, instance segmentation, and image captioning on (1) weather-degraded images, (2) restored images by MCCGAN, and (3) ground truth images, and the results demonstrated the success of our model. An ablation study is also carried out to check the significance of the discriminator, skip connections, and bottleneck layers in MCCGAN, and the analysis suggests that MCCGAN performs better by adding a discriminator, skip connections, and four bottleneck layers in the generator architecture.
Automated Quantification of DNA Damage Using Deep Learning and Use of Synthetic Data Generated from Basic Geometric Shapes
Authors: Namuduri Srikanth , Mehta Prateek , Barbe Lise , Lam Stephanie , Faghihmonzavi Zohreh , Finkbeiner Steven , Bhansali Shekhar
Published: January 2024

Comet assays are used to assess the extent of Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) damage, in human cells, caused by substances such as novel drugs or nano materials. Deep learning is showing promising results in automating the process of quantifying the percentage of damage, using the assay images. But the lack of large datasets and imbalanced data is a challenge. In this study, synthetic comet assay images generated from simple geometric shapes were used to augment the data for training the Convolutional Neural Network. The results from the model trained using the augmented data were compared with the results from a model trained exclusively on real images. It was observed that the use of synthetic data in training not only gave a significantly better coefficient of determination (R
2), but also resulted in a more robust model i.e., with less variation in R
2 compared to training without synthetic data. This approach can lead to improved training while using a smaller training dataset, saving cost and effort involved in capturing additional experimental images and annotating them. Additional benefits include addressing imbalanced datasets, and data privacy concerns. Similar approaches must be explored in other low data domains to extract the same benefits.
Peritoneal Dialysis-Related Peritonitis Caused by Lysinibacillus sphaericus
Authors: Thanachayanont Teerawat , Mahaparn Pailin , Teerapornlertratt Tanyarat , Chantarojanasiri Teerachai , Tungsanga Kriang
Published: January 2024

Peritonitis is the major complication of peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients. Staphylococcus is the leading causative organism of PD-related peritonitis. However, there were more reports of unusual organisms causing peritonitis. Clinical features, management, and outcome of peritonitis from unusual organisms are important information. We reported herein a 72-year-old female patient who presented with fever, abdominal pain, and cloudy dialysate for 3 days. Upon admission, ceftazidime and vancomycin were given intraperitoneally. A preliminary report of blood and PD fluid culture showed the presence of Gram-positive bacilli. Her clinical status improved 48 hours after the commencement of the antibiotics. Subsequently, culture reports of blood and PD fluid showed Lysinibacillus sphaericus which was susceptible to vancomycin at a minimal inhibitory concentration of less than 0.25 μg/mL. The patient was given intraperitoneal vancomycin for a total of 14 days. Then, the PD effluent was clear, and its cell count was below 100 cells/mm3 in 3 days. The patient did not have a recurrence of peritonitis after antibiotic discontinuation. The possibility of this organism infection is environmental contamination related to the patient’s gardening activities.
The Decreased Treg Cells Number Associated with Retinal Lesion Size in Ocular Toxoplasmosis
Authors: Sofia Ovi , Amalia Muna , Thomassawa Herryanto , Fitri Loeki Enggar , Prayitnaningsih Seskoati , Susianti Hani
Published: January 2024

Introduction. The imbalance of the immune response is an important factor contributing to the incidence of ocular toxoplasmosis (OT). Regulatory T cells (Treg) play a key role in maintaining the balance between Th1 and Th17 immune responses, while interleukin-27 (IL-27) levels are related to the differentiation of Th17 cells. This study analyzes the differences in the number of Treg cells and the level of IL-27 between OT patients and seropositive individuals without ocular lesions and its correlation with retinal lesion size. Methods. This analytic observational study, conducted for 8 months, involved 11 OT patients and 10 seropositive individuals without ocular lesions. All subjects underwent a comprehensive ophthalmological examination. Retinal lesions were documented by fundus photographs and the size was measured using Digimizer 4.2.2.0 software. Isolation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) was performed to measure the number of Treg cells using flow cytometry and interleukin-27 levels were assessed using the Sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technique. Data were analyzed with SPSS. Result. The number of Treg cells in the OT group (47.16 ± 15.66%) was lower than in the seropositive group without the ocular lesions (62.86 ± 17.08%) (p=0.029). The serum IL-27 levels in the OT group were not significantly different from the seropositive group without the ocular lesions (p=0.360). The number of Treg cells was significantly related to retinal lesion size (p=0.043), with a correlation coefficient of −0.648, indicating a strong and inverse correlation. There was no significant correlation between serum IL-27 levels and retinal lesion size (p=0.556). Conclusion. Ocular toxoplasmosis patients have a low number of Treg cells that are inversely related to the retinal lesion size. The size of the retinal lesion increases as the number of Treg cells decreases.
Late Recurrence of Ovarian Cancer after 18 Years of Disease-Free Survival: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Suzuki Yoko , Eguchi Satoko , Arimoto Takahide
Published: January 2024

We present a case of recurrent ovarian cancer at the age of 75, gravida 1 para 0, with 18 years of disease-free survival. Chemotherapy brought a 10-month partial response status; to further improve the overall survival, the patient was evaluated using the AGO score (DESKTOP III trial, 2020), which was originally intended for cases immediately after the diagnosis of recurrence; the score has indicated a significant outcome; the patient went through a hepatosplenic metastatic site resection; and complete resection was achieved. Subsequently, the PARP inhibitor was introduced, which has led to 14 months of disease-free survival. Fifteen cases of late recurrence of epithelial ovarian cancer have been reported and are summarized at the end of this paper.
Hydroxychloroquine: Pharmacokinetics and Toxicity
Authors: Brouqui Philippe , Chabrière Eric , Raoult Didier
Published: January 2024

Background/Purpose(s). We have extensively used HCQ at 200 mg three times a day (tid) to treat various infections such as Q fever and Whipple’s disease. Serum levels of between 1 μg/ml and 2 μg/ml serum level are recommended to achieve the safety and efficacy of these treatments. Our aim in this paper is to describe our experience regarding the pharmacokinetics and toxicity of HCQ in another infection caused by SARS‐CoV‐2. Methods. As recommended, we performed electrocardiograms before administering HCQ off‐label. The HCQ concentration in the serum was monitored to ensure the effectiveness and safety of the treatment. We retrospectively analysed HCQ serum concentrations measured over time and toxicity data in patients with COVID‐19 who were treated with HCQ at the IHU Marseille Infection. We did not treat patients with HCQ contraindications with this medication. Results. We measured HCQ concentrations in 1310 serum samples from 989 patients with COVID‐19. The mean ± SD HCQ concentration increased in patients’ sera during treatment from day 1 (0.10 μg/ml ± 0.08) to day 11 (0.85 μg/ml ± 0.44), confirming that HCQ accumulates in the body during short‐term therapy. However, the observed concentrations did not exceed the therapeutic range for other indications (0.80–1.20 μg/mL in Q fever patients treated for between 18 and 24 months). In patients treated with HCQ, major side effects included intestinal disorders (nausea, vomiting, and gastric pain) and QT prolongation. No conduction disorders (including torsades de pointes and ventricular arrhythmia), cardiomyopathy, retinopathy, or HCQ‐related deaths were observed. Conclusions. In patients treated over a short time period with 200 mg tid of HCQ, therapeutic concentrations in serum were obtained in most patients without significant side effects or complications. Although patients must be carefully evaluated for HCQ contraindications, HCQ 200 mg tid for ten days can be considered an appropriate and safe dosage in patients with COVID‐19.
Physicochemical Characterisation of Water and Sediment of the Semimechanized Artisanal Gold Mining Environment of the Béké Locality
Authors: Mefomdjo Fotie Blanche , Boukari Harouna , Elhadji Daou Ibrahim , Kapta Momegni Christian , Ebua Eta Manyi Audrey , Tchuikoua Louis Bernard , Mambou Ngueyep Luc Leroy
Published: January 2024

This paper aims to investigate the level of pollution of water, sediment, and soil due to semimechanized artisanal gold mining in Béké, Adamawa region of Cameroon. For this purpose, water and sediment samples were collected and analyzed. In order to achieve this goal, several research studies and field observations were carried out. Questionnaires were also used to complement field investigations. All these enabled the identification of the potential sources of impacts on the human, physical, and biological environment. Three soil samples (S1, S5, and S7) were collected on the same spot with the water sample and analyzed to assess the intensity of soil contamination. The water samples (W1–S9) were characterized physically, chemically, and microbiologically to evaluate the water quality contamination. The results of the physicochemical analysis of the water samples showed that the rivers in this zone are moderately acidic (with pH values ranging from 5.11 to 6.37) and slightly mineralized (with sample W2 collected from the Béké river having an iron concentration of 6.7 g/L). The pattern of mean trace metal concentration in sediments was Fe > Mn > Cr > Pb > Cu > Zn. According to pollution indices, the contamination degree (CD) varied from 4.03 to 4.56 corresponding to low contamination. The index of ecological risk (Eri) for all the trace metals was low (Eri ≤ 40) and the geoaccumulation index (Igeo) ranged between uncontaminated and moderately contaminated (Igeo 0-1). The result of our field investigations and analysis shows that the semimechanized artisanal gold mining in the locality of Béké has very significant environmental consequences such as land degradation, deforestation, water pollution, and landscape modification.
Supplementary Figure 7 from Treatment Response, Tumor Infiltrating Lymphocytes and Clinical Outcomes in Inflammatory Breast Cancer–Treated with Neoadjuvant Systemic Therapy
Authors: De Schepper Maxim , Nguyen Ha-Linh , Richard François , Rosias Louise , Lerebours Florence , Vion Roman , Clatot Florian , Berghian Anca , Maetens Marion , Leduc Sophia , Isnaldi Edoardo , Molinelli Chiara , Lambertini Matteo , Grillo Federica , Zoppoli Gabriele , Dirix Luc , Punie Kevin , Wildiers Hans , Smeets Ann , Nevelsteen Ines , Neven Patrick , Vincent-Salomon Anne , Larsimont Denis , Duhem Caroline , Viens Patrice , Bertucci François , Biganzoli Elia , Vermeulen Peter , Floris Giuseppe , Desmedt Christine
Published: January 2024

Supplementary Figure 7 shows subgroup analyses of the association of pCR with clinicopathological and treatment variables.
Supplementary Figure 6 from Treatment Response, Tumor Infiltrating Lymphocytes and Clinical Outcomes in Inflammatory Breast Cancer–Treated with Neoadjuvant Systemic Therapy
Authors: De Schepper Maxim , Nguyen Ha-Linh , Richard François , Rosias Louise , Lerebours Florence , Vion Roman , Clatot Florian , Berghian Anca , Maetens Marion , Leduc Sophia , Isnaldi Edoardo , Molinelli Chiara , Lambertini Matteo , Grillo Federica , Zoppoli Gabriele , Dirix Luc , Punie Kevin , Wildiers Hans , Smeets Ann , Nevelsteen Ines , Neven Patrick , Vincent-Salomon Anne , Larsimont Denis , Duhem Caroline , Viens Patrice , Bertucci François , Biganzoli Elia , Vermeulen Peter , Floris Giuseppe , Desmedt Christine
Published: January 2024

Supplementary Figure 6 shows subgroup analyses of the association of sTIL with clinicopathological variables.
Supplementary Figure 12 from Treatment Response, Tumor Infiltrating Lymphocytes and Clinical Outcomes in Inflammatory Breast Cancer–Treated with Neoadjuvant Systemic Therapy
Authors: De Schepper Maxim , Nguyen Ha-Linh , Richard François , Rosias Louise , Lerebours Florence , Vion Roman , Clatot Florian , Berghian Anca , Maetens Marion , Leduc Sophia , Isnaldi Edoardo , Molinelli Chiara , Lambertini Matteo , Grillo Federica , Zoppoli Gabriele , Dirix Luc , Punie Kevin , Wildiers Hans , Smeets Ann , Nevelsteen Ines , Neven Patrick , Vincent-Salomon Anne , Larsimont Denis , Duhem Caroline , Viens Patrice , Bertucci François , Biganzoli Elia , Vermeulen Peter , Floris Giuseppe , Desmedt Christine
Published: January 2024

Supplementary Figure 12 shows analyses of the association of RCB with DRFS.
FIGURE 3 from Treatment Response, Tumor Infiltrating Lymphocytes and Clinical Outcomes in Inflammatory Breast Cancer–Treated with Neoadjuvant Systemic Therapy
Authors: De Schepper Maxim , Nguyen Ha-Linh , Richard François , Rosias Louise , Lerebours Florence , Vion Roman , Clatot Florian , Berghian Anca , Maetens Marion , Leduc Sophia , Isnaldi Edoardo , Molinelli Chiara , Lambertini Matteo , Grillo Federica , Zoppoli Gabriele , Dirix Luc , Punie Kevin , Wildiers Hans , Smeets Ann , Nevelsteen Ines , Neven Patrick , Vincent-Salomon Anne , Larsimont Denis , Duhem Caroline , Viens Patrice , Bertucci François , Biganzoli Elia , Vermeulen Peter , Floris Giuseppe , Desmedt Christine
Published: January 2024

Association of RCB with clinicopathologic features and treatment in all patients. A–C, Forest plots showing the association of RCB, either as RCB class or continuous RCB score, with standard clinicopathologic and treatment variables (A), with sTILs (continuous %; B), and with sTILs (categorical; C) evaluated by regression analyses in all patients. Analyses were performed on the subset of patients diagnosed and treated at UZ Leuven, Belgium.
FPFT-2216, a Novel Anti-lymphoma Compound, Induces Simultaneous Degradation of IKZF1/3 and CK1α to Activate p53 and Inhibit NFκB Signaling
Authors: Kanaoka Daiki , Yamada Mitsuo , Yokoyama Hironori , Nishino Satoko , Kunimura Naoshi , Satoyoshi Hiroshi , Wakabayashi Shota , Urabe Kazunori , Ishii Takafumi , Nakanishi Masato
Published: January 2024

Reducing casein kinase 1α (CK1α) expression inhibits the growth of multiple cancer cell lines, making it a potential therapeutic target for cancer. Herein, we evaluated the antitumor activity of FPFT-2216—a novel low molecular weight compound—in lymphoid tumors and elucidated its molecular mechanism of action. In addition, we determined whether targeting CK1α with FPFT-2216 is useful for treating hematopoietic malignancies. FPFT-2216 strongly degraded CK1α and IKAROS family zinc finger 1/3 (IKZF1/3) via proteasomal degradation. FPFT-2216 exhibited stronger inhibitory effects on human lymphoma cell proliferation than known thalidomide derivatives and induced upregulation of p53 and its transcriptional targets, namely, p21 and MDM2. Combining FPFT-2216 with an MDM2 inhibitor exhibited synergistic antiproliferative activity and induced rapid tumor regression in immunodeficient mice subcutaneously transplanted with a human lymphoma cell line. Nearly all tumors in mice disappeared after 10 days; this was continuously observed in 5 of 7 mice up to 24 days after the final FPFT-2216 administration. FPFT-2216 also enhanced the antitumor activity of rituximab and showed antitumor activity in a patient-derived diffuse large B-cell lymphoma xenograft model. Furthermore, FPFT-2216 decreased the activity of the CARD11/BCL10/MALT1 (CBM) complex and inhibited IκBα and NFκB phosphorylation. These effects were mediated through CK1α degradation and were stronger than those of known IKZF1/3 degraders. In conclusion, FPFT-2216 inhibits tumor growth by activating the p53 signaling pathway and inhibiting the CBM complex/NFκB pathway via CK1α degradation. Therefore, FPFT-2216 may represent an effective therapeutic agent for hematopoietic malignancies, such as lymphoma.

Significance:

We found potential vulnerability to CK1α degradation in certain lymphoma cells refractory to IKZF1/3 degraders. Targeting CK1α with FPFT-2216 could inhibit the growth of these cells by activating p53 signaling. Our study demonstrates the potential therapeutic application of CK1α degraders, such as FPFT-2216, for treating lymphoma.
Barriers and Facilitators in Continuous Medical Education Related to Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation: A Qualitative Study of Physicians
Authors: Eickmann Sascha , Wolff Daniel , Kobbe Guido , Dreger Peter , Kröger Nicolaus , Herrmann-Johns Anne
Published: January 2024

Introduction: This study explored qualitatively, in a sample of German hematologists working in clinical allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (alloHSCT), perceptions of barriers and facilitators to participate in continuous medical education (CME), to provide detailed information on how to improve participation in CME activities related to alloHSCT, which may also be applicable to other areas of medicine. Methods: Based on a recruitment campaign of the German Association for Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation (DAG-HSZT), 21 semi-structured telephone interviews were conducted, transcribed, and analyzed using framework analysis. Results: Three clusters of barriers were identified that explain why alloHSCT physicians may or may not participate in CME: individual constraints (e.g., better networking, young physicians being overwhelmed by the complexity of alloHSCT), structural constraints (e.g., time and financial issues, tailoring CME courses according to the targeted audience), and content-related constraints (e.g., requirement of CME sessions, provision of an overview of CME courses, more flexible offers). We discuss the ten most frequently raised issues, including the use of incentives and the need for support at the start of residency, staff shortages, and requirements for learning sessions. Conclusion: There is a need for a paradigm shift in CME related to alloHSCT toward a more individualized and needs-based approach. Close monitoring of residents’ needs and learning progress, as well as feedback systems, could help identify appropriate CME courses that should be integrated into a tiered learning system. CME should be more targeted to specific audiences (i.e., residents, fellows, and attendees) to provide training that is tailored to individual CME needs. On-demand courses can help balance work and family obligations. Finally, peer-reviewed, up-to-date information platforms should be expanded.
Prospective Multicenter International Registry of Ultrasound-Facilitated Catheter-Directed Thrombolysis in Intermediate-High and High-Risk Pulmonary Embolism (KNOCOUT PE)
Authors: Sterling Keith M. , Goldhaber Samuel Z. , Sharp Andrew S.P. , Kucher Nils , Jones Noah , Maholic Robert , Meneveau Nicolas , Zlotnick David , Sayfo Sameh , Konstantinides Stavros V. , Piazza Gregory
Published: January 2024

BACKGROUND:

Prior clinical trials have demonstrated the efficacy of ultrasound-facilitated catheter-directed thrombolysis (USCDT) for the treatment of acute intermediate-risk pulmonary embolism (PE) using reduced thrombolytic doses and shorter infusion durations. However, utilization and safety of such strategies in broader PE populations remain unclear. The KNOCOUT PE (The EKoSoNic Registry of the Treatment and Clinical Outcomes of Patients With Pulmonary Embolism) registry is a multicenter international registry designed to study the treatment of acute PE with USCDT, with focus on safety outcomes.

METHODS:

The KNOCOUT PE prospective cohort included 489 patients (64 sites internationally) with acute intermediate-high or high-risk PE treated with USCDT between March 2018 and June 2020. Principal safety outcomes were independently adjudicated International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis major bleeding at 72 hours post-treatment and mortality within 12 months of treatment. Additional outcomes included change in right ventricular/left ventricular ratio and quality of life measures over 12 months.

RESULTS:

Mean alteplase (r-tPA [recombinant tissue-type plasminogen activator]) infusion duration was 10.5 hours. Mean total r-tPA dose was 18.1 mg, with 31.0% of patients receiving ≤12 mg. Major bleeding events within 72 hours occurred in 1.6% (8/489) of patients. One patient experienced worsening of a preexisting subdural hematoma after USCDT and therapeutic anticoagulation, which ultimately required surgery. All-cause mortality at 30 days was 1.0% (5/489). Improvement in PE quality of life score was observed with a 41.1% (243/489, 49.7%) and 44.2% (153/489, 31.3%) mean relative reduction by 3 and 12 months, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS:

In a prospective observational cohort study of patients with intermediate-high and high-risk PE undergoing USCDT, mean r-tPA dose was 18 mg, and the rates of major bleeding and mortality were low.

REGISTRATION:

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
; Unique identifier: NCT03426124.
The Effect of Students with Special Needs on Their Peers’ Cognitive Outcomes: Results from Student-level Population Data in the Netherlands
Authors: de Croes Laurens , Cornelisz Ilja , van Klaveren Chris , Ruijs Nienke
Published: January 2024

This paper presents evidence that students with special needs (SN) have no impact on the academic achievement of their peers in primary and secondary schools in the Netherlands. Administrative data are used on all Dutch students who are in their final grade of primary and secondary education in the years 2015–18 and student and school fixed effect models are estimated to find this null finding. To establish if the results truly represent a null finding a conceptual framework for learning from null results is applied. These results support that the inclusion on students without SN has no impact: Point estimates are precise and coefficients are generally insignificant and inconsistent in sign. Our results nuance recent empirical findings, and provide further evidence that, depending on the educational context, inclusive education can be implemented without harming the academic achievement of students without special needs.
The Advanced Placement Program and Educational Inequality
Authors: Owen Stephanie
Published: January 2024

The Advanced Placement (AP) program is widely offered in American high schools and has been touted as a way to close racial and socioeconomic gaps in educational outcomes. Using administrative data from Michigan, I exploit variation within high schools across time in AP course offerings to identify the relationship between AP course availability, AP participation, and postsecondary outcomes. I find that students from non economically disadvantaged families, White and Asian students, and higher-achieving students are more likely to take advantage of additional AP courses when they are offered, thus widening existing gaps in course-taking. I find little evidence that additional AP availability is related to improved college outcomes for any students, with the exception of the most academically prepared students. Expanding access to AP courses without additional incentives or support for disadvantaged students to succeed is unlikely to address educational inequality.
Outsourcing in the Public Sector and Its Negative Effects on Service Delivery in Zambia
Authors: Wamunyima Nayunda A. , Madimutsa Clever , Shikabi Penzi , Hang’andu Michelo , Nyirenda Tambulani C.
Published: January 2024

The 21st century has seen the public sector in Africa adopting the strategy of outsourcing so that public resources can be distributed using market mechanisms. However, the involvement of the private sector in the delivery of public goods and services has been associated with poor performance. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to examine the nature of outsourcing in the public sector, and its negative effects on service delivery in Zambia. In Zambia, outsourcing of public goods and services has mainly assumed four forms: 1) joint venture, 2) supply, 3) build-operate-transfer, and 4) management contracts. The paper argues that, the outsourcing of public goods and services in Zambia has resulted in overpriced goods and services, non-delivery of paid for goods and services, delays in the delivery of goods and services, delivery of substandard goods and services, and manipulation of procedures. The paper asserts that, these negative effects are as a result of the desire by non-state actors (mainly private companies), engaged by the Zambian government to deliver public goods and services, to maximise their profits. Consequently, outsourcing of public goods and services in Zambia does not benefit the public and government.
Descriptions of a new species and of three unknown males of Xylocopa Latreille, 1802 from the Neotropical region (Hymenoptera: Apidae: Xylocopini)
Authors: ZAMA PAULA C. , SILVEIRA FERNANDO A.
Published: January 2024

A new species of the previously monotypic subgenus Xylocopa (Xylocopina), X. asedothae Zama & Silveira sp. nov., and males of three species previously known only from females, X. (Diaxylocopa) truxali Hurd & Moure, 1963, X. (Dasyxylocopa) fortuita Melo, 2017 and X. (Schonnherria) ornata Smith, 1874, are described and illustrated for the first time. Diagnoses, comments on morphological variation, photographs and updated geographical distributions for all them are also provided. An identification key for both sexes of the species of X. (Dasyxylocopa) is updated and photographs of the genital capsules for males specimens used here are also provided.
Geometric morphometrics of the wings of Amazonian species of Melipona (Illiger, 1806) (Hymenoptera: Apidae)
Authors: GALASCHI-TEIXEIRA JULIANA STEPHANIE , VEIGA JAMILLE COSTA , TAVARES VALÉRIA DA CUNHA , IMPERATRIZ-FONSECA VERA LUCIA
Published: January 2024

Identifying and classifying species of stingless Neotropical bees is not a trivial task and requires the help of taxonomists and substantial study and training time. Also, there is a lack of taxonomically useful characters to differentiate among the megadiverse Neotropical group of stingless bees, and to recognize variation. Based on that, we have been testing alternatives to a character-based, efficient taxonomic determination of stingless bees, and herein we performed exploratory analyses of wing shape variation using geometric morphometrics. Thus, we built a data set of photographs of the right anterior wing of 1628 individuals belonging to 11 species in the genus Melipona (Illiger 1806) taken from collection material deposited in entomological collections. We then conducted a Procrustes analysis, followed by a Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and by a Canonical Variable Analyses (CVA). The two first principal components of the PCA accounted for 68% of the variation of the wing shape, and the ordination displayed by the first component separated species of the subgenus Melikerria from the others. In the CVA, the first two canonical axes explained 88% of the wing shape variation found among species, and Melikerria appears as a separate group, apart from the other subgenera in the first canonical axis. Along the second axis species belonging to Eomelipona and Michmelia, and among the Michmelia species, and its species group fuliginosa formed well-separated clusters. The wing shape variation of Melipona supports the recognition of subgenera as currently proposed for Melipona.
Immunoglobulin A Vasculitis With Intussusception in Children
Authors: Liu Chang , Du Li-Na , Zhao Qian , Wang Xin-Tai , Feng Kai , Yang Yang , Yang Yan
Published: January 2024

Background

Immunoglobulin A (IgA) vasculitis with intussusception is acute and severe vasculitis combined with acute abdomen in children. The diagnosis of the disease depends on the results of imaging examinations, and its treatment mainly includes enema and surgery. The literature summarized the detailed diagnosis and treatment data in previous literature reports.

Methods

We described the clinical manifestations, ultrasonic features, and treatment of patients admitted to a single center and reviewed previous literature regarding cases with detailed clinical data in the PubMed database within the past 20 years.

Results

The review included 36 patients, including 22 boys and 14 girls. A total of 32 patients were diagnosed using ultrasound (88.9%). The main sites of intussusception were the ileum and ileocolon in 16 (44.4%) and 11 (30.6%) cases, respectively. Thirteen patients (36.1%) were treated with enema, with 6 responding to the treatment. 26 patients (72.2%) underwent surgical treatment. Patients with ileal intussusception were more likely to be treated with surgery than those with colonic intussusception ( P < .05). The single-center clinical data of 23 patients showed that there was no significant difference in laboratory test findings between patients with and without surgical treatment ( P > .05). Patients with long insertion lengths were more likely to require surgery and resection ( P < .05).

Conclusions

Ultrasonography is the first-line investigation for diagnosis. The main sites of intussusception were ileum and ileocolon. The length of intubation was related to surgery; treatment is according to the intussusception site. Air enema is not suitable for intussusception of the small intestine.
The Role of Perceived Social Support in the Grief Experiences of More Anxious and Self-Compassionate People
Authors: Sarper Ecem , Rodrigues David L.
Published: January 2024

Past research showed that high trait anxiety and low self-compassion, along with lack of perceived social support, have been associated with experiencing stronger grief symptoms. However, research is yet to understand if and how these factors interact among grieving individuals. Results of a cross-sectional study ( N = 539) showed that perceived social support interacted differently with trait anxiety and self-compassion to shape grief experiences. Unexpectedly, perceived social support did not buffer the association between higher trait anxiety and stronger grief symptoms. Instead, participants with higher trait anxiety reported stronger symptoms only when they perceived to have less social support. In contrast, participants with higher self-compassion reported less symptoms when they perceived to have more social support. These findings show that social support can emphasize the detrimental role of anxiety and the protective role of self-compassion when people are coping with a loss. Implications and suggestions for future research are discussed.
Psychometric properties of the Mongolian version of shitsu-taikan-sho (alexisomia) in young adults
Authors: Lkhagvasuren Battuvshin , Batkhuyag Enkhzaya , Tumurbaatar Enkhnaran , Urtnasan Tserendolgor , Tsengel Delgermaa , Tumur-Ochir Gantsetseg , Oka Takakazu
Published: January 2024

Objective: Alexisomia is characterized by difficulty in identifying and describing bodily feelings. Shitsu-taikan-sho scale (STSS) is a self-report tool that assesses alexisomia. This study aimed to validate the Mongolian version of STSS in a nonclinical student sample. Methods: A total of 593 undergraduate students (217 males, 376 females, 18–25 years), who were studying at medical universities, were recruited. Participants completed the Mongolian version of STSS, which was translated from Japanese to Mongolian, back-translated, and finalized by an expert committee. Construct validity was examined using exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses for a three-factor structure. Internal consistency and test-retest reliability were measured using Cronbach's α and the intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC), respectively. Results: The mean scores of STSS were 18.6 ± 5.7 for difficulty identifying bodily feelings (DIB), 18.8 ± 4.0 for overadaptation (OA), 23.7 ± 4.1 for lack of health management (LHM), and 61.1 ± 10.5 for the total score (possible range: 7–35 for DIB, OA, LHM, and 21–105 for the total score, respectively). Exploratory factor analysis indicated a three-factor structure consisting of 21 items that explained 40.3% of the variance (KMO = 0.916, RMSEA = 0.049, χ 2  = 372, p < .001). Confirmatory factor analysis provided a good fit to the data (CFI = 0.876, TLI = 0.861, RMSEA = 0.068, χ2 = 703, p < .001). Cronbach's alpha for the STSS was 0.860, indicating good internal consistency. Test-retest reliability analysis demonstrated good reliability (ICC = 0.791). Conclusion: The 21-item Mongolian version of STSS demonstrated evidence of good reliability and validity for assessing alexisomia in a nonclinical population in Mongolia. This suggests that the Mongolian version of the STSS may allow for the comparison of alexisomia among adults in Mongolia with those in other countries.
Social support in the urban safety net: Assessing tie activation among individuals with complex care needs
Authors: Ekl Emily A. , Nápoles Tessa M. , Yen Irene H. , Pathak Laura E. , Nicklas Jeff , Shim Janet K. , Perry Brea L.
Published: January 2024

Activating social ties is a critical mechanism for satisfying individuals’ social, emotional, and material needs. Researchers have offered a number of hypotheses around tie activation about when and why particular supporters step in to help, ranging from strategic activation via functional specificity to opportunistic mobilization. To date, few studies have examined multiple tie activation strategies in tandem. This project focuses on people facing complex, compounding health and social problems, who may have to rely on multiple forms of activation to get their support needs met. We draw on a sample of 92 participants who are affiliated with one of two Care Management programs in the Western United States. Using name generators in a survey, we elicit participants’ social networks and find they utilize a number of methods to secure critical support needs, including calling on kin ties to borrow money and help with daily tasks, relying on strong and proximal ties for almost all types of support, and using functional specificity for health support. We then draw on qualitative interviews to gain a deeper understanding of the ways alters provide support and why egos elicit support from some alters and not others. Future research should continue assessing this population’s social networks with the aim of leveraging social support to help manage chronic conditions, provide access to resources, and increase their sense of belonging.
Pan-cancer analysis revealing the multidimensional expression and prognostic and immunologic roles of TGFB1 in cancer
Authors: Chen Zhitao , Ding Chenchen , Chen Jun , Zheng Shusen , Li Qiyong
Published: January 2024

Objective

This study aimed to perform an integrated pan-cancer analysis to characterize the expression patterns, prognostic value, genetic alterations, and immunologic roles of transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGFB1) across diverse human cancer types.

Methods

Bioinformatics analyses were conducted using multiple public databases including The Cancer Genome Atlas, Genotype-Tissue Expression, Clinical Proteomic Tumor Analysis Consortium, TIMER2, GEPIA2, cBioPortal, StringDB, and others. Differential expression, survival, immune correlation, and protein interaction network analyses were performed.

Results

TGFB1 was overexpressed in several tumor types compared with that in normal tissues. High TGFB1 expression was associated with an advanced stage and poorer prognosis in certain cancers. TGFB1 mutations occurred in 1.3% of 10,967 cases surveyed. TGFB1 expression correlated with tumor-infiltrating immune cells and immunotherapy-related genes.

Conclusions

This comprehensive multi-omics analysis revealed the complex expression and prognostic landscape of TGFB1 across cancers. TGFB1 is emerging as a potential immunotherapeutic target in certain contexts. Further research should elucidate its multifaceted tumor-promoting and tumor-suppressive mechanisms. Our pan-cancer analysis provides new insights into TGFB1 as a prognostic biomarker and immunotherapeutic target in human cancers, and our findings may guide future preclinical and clinical investigations of TGFB1-directed therapies.
Vertical expansion in the making: Planning against deindustrialization by promoting “Industry’s Going Upstairs” in Shenzhen
Authors: Wei Qianqian , Zhang Yong
Published: January 2024

In recent years, industrial metropolises in China have experienced a surge in proactive planning initiatives aimed at developing high-rise industrial structures, commonly known as “Industry’s Going Upstairs (IGU).” This study argues that the IGU represents a distinct form of urban verticality that is neither motivated by capitalist speculation nor sustainability prompts but rather by local states’ intervention to ensure economic resilience and enhance innovation capabilities. This study presents the case of Shenzhen to demonstrate how the adoption of the IGU initiative is catalyzed by concerns over manufacturing sectors’ out-migration and the effects of volatile US-China relations on the city’s competitiveness. In light of these circumstances, Shenzhen has embraced the ambitious IGU initiative as a practical approach to reverse the trend of deindustrialization while sidestepping the lengthy process of industrial land redevelopment. The paper concludes by emphasizing the need for a comprehensive understanding of political-economic factors that drive urban vertical expansion and their potential consequences.
Territorial subjectivities. The missing link between political subjectivity and territorialization
Authors: Schwarz Anke , Streule Monika
Published: January 2024

Political subjectivity and territorialization often appear disconnected in recent debates. We propose a fresh approach based on Latin American scholarship to understand subjects and territories as relational: Subjects are (de)stabilized in processes of territorialization, while territories are (de)stabilized in processes of subject formation. We introduce the concept of territorial subjectivities and use examples from the literature to show how these emerge in Berlin, Buenos Aires, and Dresden. Placing an analytical focus on becoming rather than being, the contingency of territorial subjectivities is key to this novel conceptual link that supports a differentiated reading of socio-territorial struggles in diverse geographical contexts.
Knowledge management for climate change in South Africa: A proposed strategy
Authors: Fombad Madeleine C
Published: January 2024

This article investigates knowledge management for climate change in South Africa and proposes a strategy for knowledge management for climate change. The economic, political, social and ecological dimensions of climate change are predicted to pose a threat to the country’s National Development Plan and sustainable development. Given the growing emphasis on knowledge management for sustainable development and the importance of knowledge in the adaptive capacity and mitigation of climate change, knowledge management has been a central response strategy to climate change by various government and non-government agencies across the globe. The effects of climate change and the lack of focus on knowledge management for climate change in South Africa makes this an important topic for investigation. A systematic literature search and content analysis of relevant textbooks, articles, policy strategies, frameworks and legislation on knowledge management and climate change was conducted. Climate change, knowledge management and strategies were the keywords that were interrogated in the Scopus, ProQuest, EBSCO, Science Direct, Emerald, Elsevier, Taylor and Francis, Springer, Wiley and Inderscience databases to ensure comprehensive coverage. The retrieved articles were evaluated for eligibility. After removing 2900 irrelevant duplicate entries that did not entirely address the study’s scope, a descriptive synthesis of the 100 pertinent articles was completed. A strategy for knowledge management for climate change that calls for establishing a Knowledge Management Centre for Climate was proposed.
Why should we use a low sodium dialysis solution for peritoneal dialysis?
Authors: Nakayama Masaaki
Published: January 2024

Overhydration is highly prevalent in patients on peritoneal dialysis (PD), with inappropriately high sodium load supposedly playing a central role in the pathophysiology of the conditions. Recent studies have revealed the novel role of the interstitium as a buffer system for sodium ions, and it has been reported that patients on dialysis, including PD, present increased levels of sodium in the interstitium, such as in subcutaneous tissue and muscle. Hence, therapy for correction of overhydration should target the excess extracellular volume and the excess sodium storage in the interstitium. The ultrafiltrate obtained using the currently available PD solutions is hypo- to isonatric as compared to serum, which is disadvantageous for prompt and efficient sodium removal from the body in patients with overhydration. In contrast, use of low sodium PD solutions is characterised by iso- to hypernatric ultrafiltrate, which may beneficial for reducing sodium storage in the interstitium. Trials of low sodium PD solutions have reported possible clinical merits, for example, decreased blood pressure, reduced dryness of mouth and decreased body water content as assessed using bioimpedance methods. Given these observations and the high prevalence of overhydration in current PD populations, it makes medical sense that low sodium solutions be positioned as the new standard solution in the future. However, for medical safety, that is, to avoid hyponatremia and excessive decreases in blood pressure, further studies are needed to establish the appropriate compositions and applications of low sodium solutions.
The Utah Pharmacy Summit: Collaborating to Optimize Patient Care
Authors: Schmutz Weston , Hejazi Andre , Brixner Diana , Arnwine Caitlin , Magness Jonathan
Published: January 2024

Pharmacy has evolved significantly over the past 20 years, despite advances in pharmacotherapy and the expanding scope of pharmacy practice, pharmacists have struggled to collaborate across disciplines to create improved processes that enable the best outcomes from these innovations. A lack of innovation at any part of the healthcare system could inhibit the progress of practice innovations thereby leading to suboptimal patient medication and health outcomes. The Utah Pharmacy Summit was held in late 2022 with the goal of promoting pharmacist collaboration and a unified pharmacist voice within the state. The success of the Summit leads us to encourage collaborative forums across the Globe.
A review on aerodynamic optimization of turbomachinery using adjoint method
Authors: Lavimi Roham , Benchikh Le Hocine Alla Eddine , Poncet Sébastien , Marcos Bernard , Panneton Raymond
Published: January 2024

Improvements in aerodynamic turbomachinery design have gained attraction due to the increased demand for a more sustainable future. Several optimization approaches have been presented and employed in the realm of aerodynamic design. However, among all of them, the adjoint approach has emerged as a hot research topic for aerodynamic optimization in the field of turbomachinery. The ability of this method to efficiently compute the derivatives of objective functions for several design variables has made it a promising optimization tool. This study provides a comprehensive review of all significant studies undertaken since the turn of the 21st century when the adjoint method was employed for the aerodynamic optimization of turbomachinery applications. The application of the adjoint approach in that context is extensively discussed under various aspects, including shape optimization in both steady and unsteady flows, varied eddy viscosity, non-ideal compressible fluid-dynamics, multi-objective and multi-point optimizations, multidisciplinary optimization, coupling adjoint method with other approaches, parametrization methods, and uncertainty quantification. Finally, the review concludes by highlighting key points and outlooks on future developments.
Application of artificial intelligence to investigate the performance and flow pattern near staggered piece in V-ribs with aligned gaps roughness in solar air heater using relevant input parameters
Authors: Jain Piyush Kumar , Chaurasiya Prem Kumar , Rajak Upendra , Nath Verma Tikendra , Tiwari Damodar
Published: January 2024

The present work findings of an experimental investigation on a rectangular duct used in a solar air heater (SAH) to increase heat transfer and frictional characteristics and improve flow near the roughness. The rough SAH surface is created by staggered V-ribs and aligned gaps. For Reynolds numbers 3000–14,000, relative gap breadth (g/e) is changed from 2 to 5, while other parameters are maintained constant: relative roughness pitch (P/e) = 10, relative staggered rib position (P'/P) = 0.4, relative staggered rib size (w/g) = 1, and relative roughness height (e/Dh) = 0.0434. The Nusselt number (Nu) and friction factor (f) are found as 2.16 and 2.73 times higher than a flat plate under the identical operating and flow conditions. The overall augmented behavior of rough SAH considering frictional characteristics is calculated in terms of Thermal enhancement factor (TEF) as 1.56. The impact of gap width on flow pattern is examined by using ANSYS Academic Research CFD 15.0. ANN outperformed GMDH. The air mass flow rate was revealed to be the most sensitive influencing element in a sensitivity analysis.