bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
What factors are associated with early childhood development in Thailand? A cross-sectional analysis using the 2022 Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey
Authors: Topothai Thitikorn , Phisanbut Napat , Topothai Chompoonut , Suphanchaimat Rapeepong , Müller-Riemenschneider Falk , Cetthakrikul Nisachol , Tangcharoensathien Viroj
Published: November 2024

Background

Early childhood development is essential for lifelong health and well-being. This study aims to assess the proportion of children aged 24–59 months in Thailand who are developmentally on track using the Early Childhood Development Index 2030 (ECDI2030) and to explore associations with household socioeconomic characteristics and environments.

Methods

A cross-sectional analysis was conducted using data from the 2022 Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey by the Thailand National Statistical Office. The developmental progress of 6557 children was evaluated across health, learning and psychosocial domains using ECDI2030 criteria. Multivariable logistic regression was used to assess associations between developmental status and household and participant characteristics.

Results

The study found that 81.3% of children were developmentally on track. Factors positively associated with being on track included being female (adjusted OR (AOR)=1.49), higher maternal education (AOR=2.02 for above secondary education), more books at home (AOR=1.59 for 3–9 books; AOR=2.40 for 10+ books) and increased screen time (AOR=1.68). Living in the Northern (AOR=0.45) and Northeastern (AOR=0.56) regions decreased the likelihood of being on track.

Conclusion

Around 20% of children did not meet ECDI2030 milestones, highlighting the need for targeted policy interventions. Gender, region, maternal education, access to books and screen time were significant factors for developmental outcomes. Policies should prioritise support for parents, nurturing care and educational resources, particularly for socioeconomically disadvantaged groups.
“That’s not how abortions happen”: a qualitative study exploring how young adults navigate abortion misinformation in the post-Roe era
Authors: John Jennifer N , Westley Allie , Blumenthal Paul D , Sanders Lee M
Published: November 2024

Background

Misinformation about abortion is widespread and was exacerbated by the overturn ofRoe v Wade. Young adults are among those facing the most direct impacts of new abortion restrictions and are more likely to access health information from online sources, where misinformation is prevalent. We explored how young adults perceive and evaluate abortion-related information in a time of heightened abortion restrictions.

Methods

We conducted in-depth, semi-structured interviews with 25 young adults (aged 18–24 years, 56% assigned female at birth), recruited across 17 US states (44% living in states with restrictive abortion policies), between June and September 2022. We derived themes from the interviews using reflexive thematic analysis.

Results

While many participants were aware of and had personally encountered abortion misinformation, their susceptibility to false claims varied substantially based on their previous knowledge of abortion and exposure to anti-abortion rhetoric. Participants tended to reject some common myths regarding the medical risks of abortion (eg, association with breast cancer), while expressing a wider range of views regarding its impacts on fertility and mental health. When presented with contradictory sources of abortion information, most participants were unable to confidently reject the misleading source. Knowledge gaps left participants vulnerable to misinformation, while prior scepticism of anti-abortion rhetoric protected participants against misinformation.

Conclusions

In this diverse national sample, young adults demonstrated a range of perceptions of abortion misinformation and approaches to identify it. These results lay the groundwork for future observational and experimental research in public health communication.
Cancer-associated fibroblasts shape early myeloid cell response to chemotherapy-induced immunogenic signals in next generation tumor organoid cultures
Authors: Kabiljo Julijan , Theophil Anna , Homola Jakob , Renner Annalena F , Stürzenbecher Nathalie , Ammon Daphni , Zirnbauer Rebecca , Stang Simone , Tran Loan , Laengle Johannes , Kulu Askin , Chen Anna , Fabits Markus , Atanasova Velina S , Pusch Oliver , Weninger Wolfgang , Walczak Henning , Herndler Brandstetter Dietmar , Egger Gerda , Dolznig Helmut , Kusienicka Anna , Farlik Matthias , Bergmann Michael
Published: November 2024

Background

Patient-derived colorectal cancer (CRC) organoids (PDOs) solely consisting of malignant cells led to major advances in the understanding of cancer treatments. Yet, a major limitation is the absence of cells from the tumor microenvironment, thereby prohibiting potential investigation of treatment responses on immune and structural cells. Currently there are sparse reports describing the interaction of PDOs, cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) and tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) in complex primary co-culture assay systems.

Methods

Primary PDOs and patient matched CAF cultures were generated from surgical resections. Co-culture systems of PDOs, CAFs and monocytic myeloid cells were set up to recapitulate features seen in patient tumors. Single-cell transcriptomics and flow cytometry was used to show effects of culture systems on TAM populations in the co-culture assays under chemotherapeutic and oncolytic viral treatment.

Results

In contrast to co-cultures of tumor cells and monocytes, CAF/monocyte co-cultures and CAF/monocyte/tumor cell triple cultures resulted in a partial differentiation into macrophages and a phenotypic switch, characterized by the expression of major immunosuppressive markers comparable to TAMs in CRC. Oxaliplatin and 5-fluorouracil, the standard-of-care chemotherapy for CRC, induced polarization of macrophages to a pro-inflammatory phenotype comparable to the immunogenic effects of treatment with an oncolytic virus. Monitoring phagocytosis as a functional proxy to macrophage activation and subsequent onset of an immune response, revealed that chemotherapy-induced cell death, but not virus-mediated cell death, is necessary to induce phagocytosis of CRC cells. Moreover, CAFs enhanced the phagocytic activity in chemotherapy treated CRC triple cultures.

Conclusions

Primary CAF-containing triple cultures successfully model TAM-like phenotypesex vivoand allow the assessment of their functional and phenotypic changes in response to treatments following a precision medicine approach.
In situ endoscopic photodynamic therapy combined with immature DC vaccination induces a robust T cell response against peritoneal carcinomatosis
Authors: Degavre Charline , Lepez Anouk , Ibanez Sebastien , François Clémence , Głowacka Katarzyna , Guilbaud Céline , Laloux-Morris Florine , Esfahani Hrag , Brusa Davide , Bouzin Caroline , Feron Olivier
Published: November 2024

Background

Immunogenic cell death (ICD) and ferroptosis have recently emerged as key factors in the anticancer immune response. Among the treatments able to induce ICD and the associated release of danger signals is photodynamic therapy (PDT). Ferroptosis for its part results from lipid peroxidation and is induced by CD8+T cells to kill nearby cancer cells on IFN-γ production. We aimed to combine the two concepts, that is, to evaluate whether the strong pro-oxidant effects of PDT may promote ferroptosis and antigen release and to develop a procedure for in situ PDT to prepare the soil for highly endocytotic immature dendritic cell (iDC) adoptive transfer. This approach was implemented for managing peritoneal carcinomatosis, a lesion often associated with poor outcomes.

Methods

We used three-dimensional (3D) heterotypic spheroids made of cancer cells, exposed them to a white light-activated OR141 photosensitizer (PS), and subsequently complexified them by adding iDC and naive lymphocytes. We next used a model of mouse peritoneal carcinomatosis and administered PDT using laparoscopy to locally induce photoactivation using the endoscope light. The immune response following adoptive transfer of iDC was tracked both in vivo and ex vivo using isolated immune cells from in situ vaccinated mice.

Results

Cancer cells undergoing PDT-induced cell death significantly increased ICD markers and the infiltration of iDCs in spheroids, relying on ferroptosis. These actions induced the sequential activation of CD8+and CD4+T cells as revealed by a significant spheroid 3D structure deterioration and, remarkably, were not recapitulated by conventional ferroptosis inducer RSL3. Using LED light from an endoscope for in situ photoactivation of PS enabled us to apply the vaccination modality in mice with peritoneal tumors. Consecutive intraperitoneal injection of iDCs resulted in delayed tumor growth, increased survival rates, and prevented tumor relapse on rechallenge. CD8+T cell response was supported by depletion experiments, nodal detection of early activated T cells, and ex vivo T cell-induced cytotoxicity toward spheroids.

Conclusions

The combination of in situ PDT locally delivered by an endoscope light and iDC administration induces a durable memory immune response against peritoneal carcinomatosis thereby opening new perspectives for the treatment of a life-threatening condition.
Focal, generalised epilepsy or both?
Authors: Neligan Aidan , Vivekananda Umesh , Sander Josemir W
Published: November 2024

A 29-year-old woman presented with a witnessed convulsion, with semiology consistent with a focal-to-bilateral tonic-clonic seizure. Routine EEG supported a syndromic diagnosis of idiopathic generalised epilepsy with photosensitivity. We discuss the clinical utility of seizure semiology, highlighting the caveat that over-reliance or sole reliance on the ictal semiology may result in an erroneous diagnosis of focal epilepsy in someone with a generalised epilepsy.
A quick guide to the calcium-dependent protein kinase family in Brassica napus
Authors: Miguel Virginia Natali , Monaghan Jacqueline
Published: November 2024

Brassica napus, commonly known as rapeseed or canola, is an economically valuable oilseed crop grown throughout Canada that currently faces several challenges due to industrial farming practices as well as a changing climate. Calcium-dependent protein kinases (CDPKs) are key regulators of stress signaling in multiple plant species. CDPKs sense changes in cellular calcium levels via a calmodulin-like domain and are able to respond to these changes via their protein kinase domain. In this mini-review, we provide a quick guide to BnaCDPKs. We present an updated phylogeny of the BnaCDPK family in relation to CDPKs from Arabidopsis thaliana and Oryza sativa and we provide a standardized nomenclature for the large BnaCDPK family that contains many co-orthologs. We analyze expression patterns of BnaCDPKs across tissue types and in response to abiotic and biotic stresses, and we summarize known functions of BnaCDPKs. We hope this guide is useful to anyone interested in exploring the prospect of harnessing the potential of BnaCDPKs in the generation of elite cultivars of B. napus.
Plant immune resilience to a changing climate: molecular insights and biotechnological roadmaps
Authors: Castroverde Christian Danve M. , Kuan Chi , Kim Jong Hum
Published: November 2024

Successful resistance to disease-causing pathogens is underpinned by properly regulated immune signalling and defence responses in plants. The plant immune system is controlled at multiple levels of gene and protein regulation—from chromatin-associated epigenetic processes to protein post-translational modifications. Optimal fine-tuning of plant immune signalling and responses is important to prevent plant disease development, which is being exacerbated by a globally changing climate. In this review, we focus on how changing climatic factors mechanistically intercept plant immunity at different levels of regulation (chromatin, transcriptional, post-transcriptional, translational, and post-translational). We specifically highlight recent studies that have provided molecular insights into critically important climate-sensitive nodes and mechanisms of the plant immune system. We then propose several potential future directions to build climate-resilient plant disease resistance using cutting-edge biotechnology. Overall, this conceptual understanding and promising biotechnological advances provide a foundational platform towards novel approaches to engineer plant immune resilience.
Phenomenology of an extended $$1+2$$ Higgs doublet model with $$S_3$$ family symmetry
Authors: Hernández A. E. Cárcamo , Salinas-Arizmendi Daniel , Vignatti Jonatan , Zerwekh Alfonso
Published: November 2024

In order to explain the mass hierarchy and mixing pattern in the leptonic sector, we explore an extension of the Standard Model whose scalar sector includes one active and two inert doublets as well as some scalar singlets. The model includes a $$S_3$$

S
3

family symmetry supplemented by extra cyclic symmetries. As a consequence of our construction, a Dark Matter (DM) candidate is predicted and its properties are consistent with the observed cosmic abundances and the constraints imposed by direct and indirect detection experiments. The model allows Charged Lepton Flavor Violation (CLFV) processes like $$\mu \rightarrow e\gamma $$

μ
→
e
γ

and $$\mu \rightarrow 3e$$

μ
→
3
e

, but the predicted branching ratios align with experimental limits. Additionally, our analysis elucidates the generation of the active neutrino masses through a one-loop radiative seesaw mechanism matching the observed neutrino oscillation data. The model agrees with experimental data on Higgs Diphoton decay rates and on oblique parameters.
How offline meetings affect online activities: the case of Wikipedia
Authors: Schwitter Nicole
Published: November 2024

As open-source communities and other peer production projects face the challenge of sustaining themselves over time, the role of offline gatherings in fostering community resilience becomes a vital question. This study centres on the potential of offline social interactions as a means to mitigate declines within such communities, using Wikipedia as a case example. Using a comprehensive dataset spanning informal meetups within the German-language Wikipedia community from 2001 to 2020 and combining it with large scale online activity data, this study investigates the relationship between offline gatherings and online contribution behaviour. Results show that attending meetups has a positive effect on contributing towards Wikipedia both in the short and long term. By shedding light on the significance of offline social interactions in bolstering online communities, this study offers valuable insights into potential strategies for sustaining collaborative online environments amidst broader declines and further shows how offline and online activities intertwine.
Shallower CNOT Circuits on Realistic Quantum Hardware
Authors: de Brugière Timothée Goubault , Martiel Simon
Published: November 2024

We focus on the depth optimization of CNOT circuits on hardware with limited connectivity. We adapt the algorithm from Kutin et al. that implements any
n
-qubit CNOT circuit in depth at most
5n
on a Linear Nearest Neighbor architecture. Our proposal is a block version of Kutin et al.’s algorithm that is scalable with the number of interactions available in the hardware: the more interactions we have, the less the depth. We derive better theoretical upper bounds and provide a simple implementation of the algorithm. Overall, we achieve better depth complexity for CNOT circuits on some realistic quantum hardware like a grid or a ladder. For instance, the execution of an
n
-qubit CNOT circuit on a grid can be done in depth
4n+8
.
llasm: Naming Functions in Binaries by Fusing Encoder-only and Decoder-only LLMs
Authors: Sha Zihan , Wang Hao , Gao Zeyu , Shu Hui , Zhang Bolun , Wang Ziqing , Zhang Chao
Published: November 2024

Predicting function names in stripped binaries, which requires succinctly summarizing semantics of binary code in natural languages, is a crucial but challenging task. Recently, many machine learning based solutions have been proposed. However, they have poor generalizability, i.e., fail to handle unseen binaries. To advance the state of the art, we present llasm (
L
arge
AS
sembly
L
anguage
M
odel), a novel framework which fuses encoder-only and decoder-only LLMs for function name prediction. It refines encoder-only models to preserve more binary information and learn better binary representations. Then it adopts a novel architecture to project the encoding to the input space of a decoder-only natural language model, which enables it to have better capability of inferring general knowledge and better generalizability. We have evaluated llasm in the BinaryCorp and Debin datasets. llasm outperforms the state-of-the-art function name prediction tools by up to 19.9%, 40.7%, and 36.5% in precision, recall, and F1 score, with significantly better generalizability in unseen binaries. Our case studies further demonstrate the practical use cases of llasm in analyzing real-world malware, showing the usefulness of function name prediction.
Scaling Terrain-Aware Spatial Machine Learning for Flood Mapping on Large Scale Earth Imagery Data
Authors: Adhikari Saugat , Yan Da , Jiang Zhe , Han Jiao , Xu Zelin , Zhang Yupu , Sainju Arpan , Zhou Yang
Published: November 2024

The accurate and prompt mapping of flood-affected regions is important for effective disaster management, including damage assessment and relief efforts. While high-resolution optical imagery from satellites during disasters presents an opportunity for automated flood inundation mapping, existing segmentation models face challenges due to noises like cloud cover and tree canopies. Thanks to the digital elevation model (DEM) data readily available from sources such as United States Geological Survey (USGS), terrain guidance was utilized by recent graphical models such as hidden Markov trees (HMTs) to improve segmentation quality. Unfortunately, these methods either can only handle a small area where water levels at different locations are assumed to be consistent, or require restricted assumptions such as there is only one river channel.

This paper presents an algorithm for flood extent mapping on large-scale Earth imagery, applicable to a large geographic area with multiple river channels. Since water level can vary a lot from upstream to downstream, we propose to detect river pixels in order to partition the remaining pixels into localized zones, each with a unique water level. In each zone, water at all locations flow to the same river entry point. Pixels in each zone are organized by an HMT to capture water flow directions guided by elevations. Moreover, a novel regularization scheme is designed to enforce inter-zone consistency by penalizing pixel-pairs of adjacent zones that violate terrain guidance. Efficient parallelization is made possible by coloring the zone adjacency graph to identify zones and zone-pairs that have no dependency and hence can be processed in parallel, and incremental one-pass terrain-guided scanning is conducted wherever applicable to reuse computations. Experiments demonstrate that our solution is more accurate than existing solutions, and can efficiently and accurately map out flooding pixels in a giant area of size 24,805 × 40,129. Despite the imbalanced workloads caused by a few large zonal HMTs dominating the serial computing time, our parallelization approach is effective and manages to achieve up to 14.3 × speedup on a machine with Intel Xeon Gold 6126 CPU @ 2.60GHz (24 cores, 48 threads) using 32 threads.
The East Asian Insect Flyway: Geographical and Climatic Factors Driving Migration Among Diverse Crop Pests
Authors: Hu Gao , Feng Hongqiang , Otuka Akira , Reynolds Don R. , Drake V. Alistair , Chapman Jason W.
Published: November 2024

The East Asian Insect Flyway is a globally important migration route stretching from the Indochina Peninsula and the Philippines through East China to Northeast China and northern Japan, although most migrants utilize only part of the flyway. In this review, we focus on long-range windborne migrations of lepidopteran and planthopper pests. We outline the environment in which migrations occur, with emphasis on the seasonal atmospheric circulations that influence the transporting wind systems. Northward movement in spring is facilitated by favorable prevailing winds, allowing migrants to colonize vast areas of East Asia. Migrants may be subject to contemporary natural selection for long flights as succeeding generations progressively advance northward. Overshooting into far northern areas from which there is little chance of return seems common in planthoppers. Moths are less profligate and have evolved complex flight behaviors that can facilitate southward transport in autumn, although timely spells of favorable winds may not occur in some years.
A Mathematically Optimized Design Solution for Structure of PEMFC Catalyst Layer Based on a Two-Phase Flow Model
Authors: Alizadeh Mehrzad , Charoen-amornkitt Patcharawat , Suzuki Takahiro , Tsushima Shohji
Published: November 2024

Proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) have emerged as a promising solution as the world is moving toward sustainable energy resources. However, in order to compete economically with existing technologies, further improvements in performance are necessary. Mathematical modeling and optimization are viable tools for designing better PEMFCs. This study aims to provide a framework for topological optimization of the electrode structure, with the ultimate goal of enhancing cell performance. To achieve this, a two-phase flow model of PEMFC is developed to characterize the cell performance. The model is then coupled with a topology optimization technique, which is the main focus of the present work, to seek an optimized constituent distribution in the catalyst layer. Results indicate that an electrode with a heterogeneous structure can enhance the overall cell performance by balancing various transport and rate processes. The optimized designs are investigated for various key factors, including effective diffusivity, effective conductivity, and liquid water management, to demonstrate how an optimized design can be advantageous.
Hydrogen Oxidation and Evolution Reaction on Platinum in Alkaline Electrolyte: Fixed Reference vs Overpotential and the Effect of H2 Concentration
Authors: Heinritz Adrian , Binninger Tobias , Herranz Juan , Rodriguez Paramaconi , Schmidt Thomas J.
Published: November 2024

Understanding the kinetics of the electrochemical hydrogen oxidation and evolution reaction (HOR/HER) in alkaline media is of great interest, but the underlying reaction mechanism and the dependency on the hydrogen partial pressure are still debated. In this work, we investigated the HOR/HER kinetics on a polycrystalline platinum electrode in alkaline electrolyte using the rotating disk electrode (RDE) technique. Unlike typically done, we rigorously performed data treatment and analysis on a fixed potential scale with a fixed reference potential, which has implications for the use and assessment of RDE mass-transport corrections and the definition of reaction orders. Analyzing the kinetic current curves on a fixed potential scale, we find reaction orders with respect to the hydrogen partial pressure of essentially one and zero for the HOR and HER, respectively, at larger overpotentials. In contrast, fitting the kinetic current curves in a potential range around equilibrium with a generalized Butler-Volmer model yields differing kinetic parameters and fractional reaction orders. Our findings can be explained with a potential-dependent transition in the HOR mechanism from Tafel–Volmer with a rate-determining Volmer step at small overpotentials to Heyrovsky–Volmer with a rate-determining Heyrovsky step at more positive overpotentials, with a concomitant change in the H2 reaction order from fractional to unity, thus reconciling previous propositions in the debate on the alkaline HOR/HER mechanism. Our results demonstrate the strength and advantages of using a fixed potential scale rather than the commonly employed overpotential, and we expect this approach to be beneficial also for kinetic studies of other electrocatalytic reactions.
Outcomes of Tamoxifen Treatment Alone in Patients With Ductal Carcinoma In Situ or Atypical Ductal Hyperplasia Who Refused Surgery
Authors: Kwak Youngji , Ryu Jai Min , Chae Byung Joo , Yu Jonghan , Kim Seok Won , Nam Seok Jin , Lee Jeong Eon
Published: November 2024

Objective: Recent trends involving increased screening have led to broad populations being diagnosed with atypical ductal hyperplasia (ADH) or ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS); as a result, many patients have had to receive surgery followed by standard treatment for ADH or DCIS. The common interest in reducing the use of superfluous invasive treatment has led us to question the necessity of surgical treatment for ADH or DCIS patients in a retrospective review. This work is expected to be a particularly useful reference as there have yet to be any studies describing the outcomes of initial treatment with tamoxifen without curative surgery in Korea.

Methods: The clinicopathological characteristics and oncologic outcomes of 36 patients with DCIS or ADH diagnosis who received initial treatment with tamoxifen between 2013 and 2019 were investigated.

Results: Among 36 patients enrolled, 30 were diagnosed with DCIS and six were diagnosed with ADH. The median age in the included cohort was 47 years old (range, 26–81 years). There was a change in the follow‐up strategy including the need for surgery in 13.9% of cases. The median time to surgery in those patients was 32 months (IQR, 17.5–63.5 months). Only one patient had upgraded to a higher nuclear grade, which was a case of ADH upgrading to intermediate DCIS. Three (8.3%) of 36 patients were upstaged to an invasive disease. Of them, two patients were upstaged to microinvasive ductal carcinoma, whereas one patient was diagnosed with metastatic invasive ductal carcinoma.

Conclusion: The use of endocrine therapy without surgery could be a potential treatment strategy in patients with DCIS or ADH. Further validation in larger cohorts and in the context of clinical trials is needed.
Exploring the Role of ROCK Inhibition in Corneal Edema Through Crosstalk Between Epithelial and Endothelial Cells
Authors: Yi Lieh-Yu , Hsieh Hsiu-Hui , Lin Zhi-Qian , Hung Kai-Feng , Sun Yi-Chen
Published: November 2024

The maintenance of corneal transparency and normal vision is dependent on preservation of epithelial and endothelial cell layer homeostases. Different types of corneal injury can induce swelling and losses in transparency. Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy (FECD) is one type of injury that is commonly treated with rho‐associated coiled–coil‐containing protein kinase (ROCK) inhibitors. While their clinical benefit is apparent, certain aspects of their mechanism of action require clarification. Specifically, although topical eye drops containing ROCK inhibitors have been employed to treat corneal endothelial dysfunction–associated corneal edema, it remains unclear whether interactions between both corneal epithelial and endothelial cell contribute to mitigating clinical signs that compromise normal vision. To address this question, we first review the intricate ROCK signaling pathways and their role in modulating a variety of functions that are related to the maintenance of corneal transparency and normal vision. We also review the results of ongoing clinical trials employing current FDA‐approved ROCK inhibitors, highlighting the prominent role of Y‐27632 in the treatment of a variety of ocular conditions, particularly FECD, and its promising results in reversing losses in normal vision through facilitating cell proliferation and suppressing apoptosis. This review shows that the ROCK inhibitor clinical benefit is affected by their interactions between the epithelium and the endothelium. This realization makes it likely that ROCK inhibitors will be approved for use in a clinical setting to treat FECD.
Neonatal Sequential Organ Failure Assessment Score Predicts Respiratory Outcomes in Preterm Newborns with Late-Onset Sepsis: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Poggi Chiara , Sarcina Davide , Miselli Francesca , Ciarcià Martina , Dani Carlo
Published: November 2024

Introduction: Neonatal sequential organ failure assessment (nSOFA) score predicts mortality in preterm newborns. The aim of the study was to assess whether nSOFA score could predict respiratory outcomes in preterm infants with late-onset sepsis (LOS). Methods: This retrospective, observational, single-center study enrolled infants with gestational age <32 weeks born between January 2016 and June 2023 who experienced an episode of LOS during NICU stay. The primary outcome was death or bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD); secondary outcomes were BPD, death or mechanical ventilation (MV) on day 5 after the onset of LOS, and MV on day 5 after the onset of LOS. The nSOFA score was assessed at the onset of LOS and after 6 ± 1, 12 ± 3, and 24 ± 3 h. Results: Neonatal SOFA score was significantly higher in patients who developed each outcome versus those who did not at all timings. Maximal nSOFA score during the first 24 h after onset of LOS was an independent predictive factor for death or BPD (p = 0.007), BPD (p = 0.009), and death or MV on day 5 (p = 0.009), areas under the curve (AUC) were 0.740 (95% CI: 0.656–0.828), 0.700 (95% CI: 0.602–0.800), and 0.800 (95% CI: 0.710–0.889), respectively. Maximal nSOFA score also predicted moderate to severe BPD (p = 0.019) and death or moderate to severe BPD (p < 0.001). Maximal nSOFA ≥4 was associated with odds ratio (OR) of 7.37 (95% CI: 2.42–22.44) for death or BPD, 4.86 (95% CI: 1.54–15.28) for BPD, and 7.99 (95% CI: 3.47–18.36) for death or MV on day 5. AUC of the predicting model was 0.895 (95% CI: 0.801–0.928) for BPD, 0.897 (95% CI: 0.830–0.939) for death or BPD, 0.904 (95% CI: 0.851–0.956) for MV on day 5, 0.923 (95% CI: 0.892–0.973) for death or MV on day 5. Conclusion: Maximal nSOFA score during the first 24 h after the onset of LOS predicts respiratory outcomes and allows identification of patients who may crucially benefit from lung-protective measures.
Associations of GST Gene Polymorphisms and GST Enzyme Activity with the Development of Noise-Induced Hearing Loss in Chinese Han Males
Authors: Ji Fang , Zhang Jian , Ding Xiaowen , Rong Li , Liu Xiaodong , Yan Tenglong , Li Jue
Published: November 2024

Introduction: In noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL), glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) play a pivotal role as antioxidants in cochlear protection. Nevertheless, the variability in population and environmental factors complicates the interpretation of research findings on the association among GST gene polymorphism, GST enzyme activity, and NIHL, leading to inconsistent results. To explore the potential correlation between them, we took a cross-sectional survey. Methods: For workers with NIHL, standard 1:1 propensity score matching was applied to create a highly comparable control group. Multiplex PCR was used to detect GSTT1 and GSTM1 gene deletions, PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism was used to detect the GSTP1 rs1695 gene polymorphism, and a GST assay kit was used to measure total plasma GST activity. Furthermore, we analyzed the relationship among GST gene polymorphism, GST enzyme activity, and NIHL. Results: This study included 144 workers with NIHL and 144 workers with normal hearing. The GSTM1 null genotype was significantly higher among workers with NIHL than controls (64.6% vs. 49.3%), regression analysis revealed a significant correlation between GSTM1 null genotype and elevated susceptibility to NIHL (p = 0.013). Workers with NIHL had significantly lower GST activity than healthy controls (p < 0.05). GST enzymes were not affected by GSTT1, GSTM1, or GSTP1 polymorphisms. Conclusion: GSTM1 null genotype but not GSTM1 alone may confer susceptibility to NIHL, and serum GST enzyme activity is linked to NIHL.
A Qualitative Review of Misinformation on Alopecia
Authors: Finnegan Paula , Goh YiXuan , Murphy Michelle , O’Connor Cathal
Published: November 2024

Background: Alopecia is common and can lead to significant distress for patients. Patients often seek medical information on the Internet, which may leave them susceptible to misinformation from poor-quality sources. The aim of this study was to qualitatively assess misinformation available online related to alopecia. Summary: Several alopecia-related myths were identified, including false causes, criticism of conventional treatments, and bogus “natural” cures or remedies. False causes included headwear, haircare practices, and sexual practices. Treatments which were criticized included minoxidil, finasteride, topical corticosteroids, ciclosporin, methotrexate, and Janus kinase inhibitors. Alternative unfounded therapies which were touted included mineral supplements, biotin, B vitamin complexes, fish oils, shark cartilage, onion juice, rosemary oil, horsetail extract, and saw palmetto. Key Messages: Misinformation related to alopecia is prevalent online and may lead to suboptimal therapeutic outcomes. Dermatologists and other healthcare professionals should combat misinformation when encountered.
Treat-to-Target in Inflammatory Bowel Disease: An Updated Survey of Treatment Strategies among Portuguese Gastroenterologists
Authors: Couto Sousa Diogo , Fernandes Samuel Raimundo , Bernardo Sónia , Correia Luís , Cortez-Pinto Helena , Magro Fernando
Published: November 2024

Background: In 2018, the authors surveyed the clinical practices among Portuguese gastroenterologists (PGEs) regarding treatment targets in Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). Since then, new evidence has emerged supporting additional targets, such as transmural remission and histological remission. This study provides an updated assessment of treatment practices among PGE with special emphasis on these new targets. Methods: Using the Portuguese Inflammatory bowel disease Study Group (GEDII) physician database, we invited PGE to participate in an anonymous online survey. Results: Fifty-six physicians agreed to participate in the study. Deep remission, steroid-free clinical remission, endoscopic remission, and biomarker remission were ranked among the most important treatment targets in CD (89%, 80%, 89%, and 84%, respectively) and UC (82%, 84%, 79%, and 84%, respectively). In CD, transmural remission was considered a target by 70% of participants, with 48% agreeing to intensify treatment to achieve it. In UC, histological remission was aimed by only 45% of PGE with most (88%) being unwilling to intensify treatment to achieve this goal. Physicians were more likely to seek endoscopic remission in CD and UC in younger and healthier patients, compared to older patients with comorbidities. Conclusion: PGEs are increasingly pursuing tougher treatment targets such as transmural remission in CD and, to a lesser extent, histological remission in UC. Physicians are more willing to escalate treatment to achieve endoscopic remission in younger patients.
Treatment satisfaction in patients with hidradenitis suppurativa: A real-world survey from the EU5 and US
Authors: Ingram John R. , Bettoli Vincenzo , Espy Jasmine I. , Kokolakis Georgios , Martorell Antonio , Villani Axel P. , Wallinger Hayley , Truman Isabel , Coak Emily , Kasparek Torben , Muscianisi Elisa , Richardson Craig , Kimball Alexa B.
Published: November 2024

Introduction

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a debilitating, inflammatory skin disorder. Treatment strategies in patients with HS are challenging; real-world evidence in a HS population is warranted for greater disease understanding. The objective of this analysis was to describe real-world treatment patterns and treatment satisfaction in patients with HS.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional market research survey with retrospective data collection in patients with HS from the United States and five European countries (France, Germany, Italy, Spain, United Kingdom) between November 2020 and April 2021, using physician- and patient-reported surveys. Eligible physicians were general dermatologists actively managing patients with HS; dermatologists were required to have consulted with ≥2 patients with HS in the previous 12 months. Adult (≥18 years) and adolescent (10‒17 years) HS patients visiting a participating dermatologist were included. Outcomes included treatment patterns, flare status, treatments prescribed in response to flares, previous surgeries, barriers to biologics, and patient- and physician-reported satisfaction with the disease control provided by treatment.

Results

Survey data from 1787 patients were collected from 312 dermatologists. The most frequently prescribed treatments were topicals, oral antibiotics, and antiseptic washes/creams at diagnosis and sampling. At sampling, biologics were more frequently prescribed in patients with more severe disease (prescribed in 26.6%, 31.0% and 52.4% of patients with mild, moderate, and severe disease, respectively); oral antibiotics (48.8%), topicals (37.4%), and biologics (34.3%) were the most frequently prescribed treatment classes in response to a flare. Of patients currently not receiving a biologic, dermatologists reported that 18.9% of patients’ condition warranted their use. Approximately one quarter of dermatologists (24.5%) and patients (27.4%) were not satisfied with current treatment; of patients who were dissatisfied, 12.8% reported they would never raise their dissatisfaction with their doctor.

Conclusion

These real-world data suggest a high disease burden and potential undertreatment in patients with HS. Patients received multiple treatments, and a notable proportion underwent surgery. Robustly integrating the patient voice in HS treatment decisions may lead to better outcomes and improved treatment satisfaction.
Prevalence of frailty in the TIA clinic and its associations with mortality
Authors: Elliott Amy R. , Mistri Amit K. , Eveson David , Minhas Jatinder S. , Quinn Terence J. , Robinson Thompson G. , Beishon Lucy C.
Published: November 2024

Introduction
Frailty is a clinical syndrome of increased vulnerability to stressors. Frailty is associated with adverse outcomes after stroke, but frailty and transient ischaemic attack (TIA) are less well described.
Methods
Retrospective analysis of patients referred by the emergency department (ED) to TIA clinic (01/01/2016-12/03/2022), linked to hospital records for electronic follow-up. Only those with Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS) recorded within two weeks of clinic were included. Prevalence of frailty was determined based on CFS score >4. Hazard ratios (HR) for mortality were determined through Cox proportional hazard regression, adjusted for prognostic factors. Where repeat CFS data were available, temporal change in frailty was recorded (~15 months).
Results
Of 1185 patients included, 53.5% (n=634) had frailty. Patients with frailty tended to be older (median age 81 vs 74 years, p<0.001) and female (53.9% vs 39.9% p<0.001). Of 335 diagnosed with TIA following review, 61.2% (n=205) were frail. Prevalence of frailty by clinic diagnosis was: TIA 61.2% (205/335); stroke 46.7% (128/274); other diagnoses 52.3% (301/575). In TIA patients and the whole cohort (WC), frailty (TIA:HR:2.69 [95%CI:1.23-5.87, p=0.013], WC:2.58 [95%CI:1.64-4.08, p<0.001]) and increasing age [HR:1.07 95%CI:1.04-1.12], were predictive of mortality. In stroke patients, only increasing age was predictive of death (HR:1.11 [95%CI:1.04-1.19, p=0.003]). Of 414 patients with repeat CFS, median interval 15 months, median change was +1 point (IQR:0-2).
Conclusion
Frailty is common in TIA and becomes more common following TIA. Strength of association of frailty with poor outcome was greater for TIA patients than for those with stroke. Routine assessment of frailty may be a useful addition to TIA services.
Física do solo - baseada em processos
Authors:   Universidade de São Paulo. Centro de Energia Nuclear na Agricultura, Lier Quirijn De Jong Van
Published: November 2024

Qual é a capacidade de campo de um solo? O que é água residual? Para que usamos o potencial matricial? O que é a curva de retenção? Como medir a condutividade hidráulica do solo? E suas propriedades térmicas, como utilizar? Como definir e medir a água disponível para as plantas? Quando ocorre falta de ar para as raízes? Esse livro se destina a todos que estão em busca de respostas para essas e outras questões ligadas à física do solo e que, para isso, desejam se aprofundar nessa área, em especial estudantes de agronomia, ciência ambiental e áreas conexas em nível de pósgraduação. O livro junta conhecimento básico e avançado sobre as partes clássicas da física do solo que tratam da dinâmica da água, de gases e da energia térmica no solo, bem como das interações no sistema solo-planta-atmosfera do ponto de vista da física do solo. A abordagem é a baseada em processos, isto é, os fenômenos físicos são descritos em função de seus princípios fundamentais e processos vinculados. Exercícios são apresentados ao longo dos capítulos. Ênfase é dada à utilização da modelagem para o entendimento das inter-relações entre propriedades físicas e comportamento físico. No último capítulo analisam-se diversos cenários hidrológicos típicos e os perfis de potencial e de teor de água associados em escala de perfil de solo. A leitura desse livro, com mais de 100 exercícios, 170 figuras e mais de 500 equações fornece subsídios para formular respostas às perguntas citadas no primeiro parágrafo, e muitas outras.
Performances invisíveis
Authors: Machado Fernanda Carla
Published: November 2024

Este artigo é um recorte da tese de doutorado defendida em 2019 de mesmo nome, trata-se de uma escrita performática autoetnográfica sobre como as vivências durante a pesquisa foram contaminando o corpo da performer e criando ações como intervenções no cotidiano. Performances invisíveis parte da aproximação entre a técnica teatro invisível, de Augusto Boal e a performance, a partir do entendimento de Diana Taylor e Josette Féral; e tem como objetivo provocar reflexões sobre o corpo da mulher na sociedade contemporânea.
Uma escrita para Kalemba: entrecruzamento de memórias do chão do terreiro e a prática-poética em dança afrodiaspórica
Authors: Santos Carolina Luisa Bastos
Published: November 2024

É uma pesquisa de dança afrodiaspórica em andamento, que aborda as narrativas de memória pessoal, e os saberes e fazeres das rezadeiras do terreiro Bate Folha. Nesse caminho, busco revelar poeticamente de que forma elas desenvolveram o ofício em contato com suas vivências de religiosidade e fé. O trabalho abarca os atravessamentos da cultura do Candomblé de nação Congo-Angola, as diversidades estéticas e culturais, com enfoque na memória e ancestralidade, evidenciando um modo de viver e de pensar negro. Desse modo, a pesquisa de campo, as entrevistas, a história oral e a prática como pesquisa são caminhos metodológicos que a pesquisa está assumindo.
Simulação Virtual: opinião de estudantes de Enfermagem sobre a Aprendizagem da Coleta da Citologia Oncótica por meio de um Serious Game
Authors: Oliveira Danielle Leite de Lemos , Hipólito Maiza Claudia Vilela , Lopes Maria Helena Baena de Moraes
Published: November 2024

Objetivo: descrever e avaliar a opinião de estudantes de enfermagem sobre a utilização de um Serious Game (SG) como apoio para aprendizagem da técnica da coleta da citologia oncótica. Clique aqui para acessar o SG. Método: trata-se de um estudo descritivo exploratório. A população do estudo foi composta por 22 estudantes do curso de enfermagem, de uma universidade pública do interior de São Paulo, da disciplina “Assistência de Enfermagem Saúde da Mulher”, que compreende em seu programa o ensino da técnica de coleta de material para o exame citopatológico do colo uterino, no ano de 2020, durante a pandemia pelo coronavírus SARS-CoV-2. Para a coleta dos dados, utilizou-se instrumento de opinião com pontuação em escala tipo Likert. Os participantes tinham oportunidade de realizar comentários. Resultados: Observou-se concordância quanto ao jogo ser agradável e fácil de usar entre 100% dos entrevistados. Foi considerável a opinião de ser possível aprender a técnica por meio do SG (95% concordaram). É relevante que 95% dos estudantes discordaram quanto à afirmação de que estratégias assim podem subsituir o docente. Quanto à efetividade do SG para o aprendizado 100% dos entrevistados o consideraram válido. Conclusões: A estratégia do SG aplicado à aprendizagem de técnicas para estudantes de enfermagem é considerada inovadora e demonstrou-se motivadora entre os entrevistados. O SG Exame Citopatológico de colo uterino foi avaliado como útil para o aprendizado da técnica.
Implementação de recursos tecnológicos no processo de ensino-aprendizagem em Biologia Molecular
Authors: Nunes Alanne Tenório , Fukumasu Heidge
Published: November 2024

Given the inherent difficulties in the teaching-learning process of molecular biology, active methodologies have been developed to ensure greater effectiveness. Prior research has indicated that these tools can enhance student performance across diverse areas, empowering students as protagonists in their learning processes. In this regard, to improve students' performance in the subject ZMV1482: Molecular Biology, the implementation of an alternative supplementary activity based on technological resources was proposed. The activity consisted of creating concise videos on digital platforms, covering the matter discussed in the preceding class and its application. Each week, three to four students undertook these presentations, followed by a discussion of the topic. The results obtained from the proposal were notably significant, with an average score for the complementary activity stood at 7.9 ± 2.80, which influenced the final course grade, which averaged at 7.1 ± 1.45. Furthermore, upon completing the course curriculum, an electronic survey was administered to 56.5% of the enrolled students. The results demonstrated that students were able to learn significantly with the proposed methodology and suggest that this approach exhibited superior efficacy compared to conventional forms of complementary activities, such as seminars. These findings support the notion that active and innovative methodologies should be encouraged in the field of molecular biology to enhance the understanding of the concepts covered throughout the course.
Artemis’ Love and Care for Youths and Children. The Iconography of Artemis on Two Votive Reliefs of the Fourth Century BC from Tegea
Authors: Kapouranis Aeneas
Published: November 2024

This article looks at two reliefs that depict Artemis, in one case with a hero and in the other with two important gods. It is interesting to point out that both reliefs were found by chance at the beginning and the middle of the twentieth century near the modern village of Alea at Tegea. The first embedded in a wall of a Roman house and the other during excavations near the sanctuary of Athena and therefore it does not have the proper context of the relief’s original settings. The reliefs, both unique for their depictions, are two of the few examples from the Peloponnesian iconography of Artemis and reflect different local aspects of the goddess, who was regarded as a protector of the younger citizens and – together with Herakles and Dionysos – one of the main characters in one of Tegea’s most important heroic ancestors, Telephos. Most likely dating from the fourth century BC, they offer some new and essential information on the goddess’ iconography and her meaning both as a protector of future hoplites and as a ‘surrogate mother’, through her doe, during Telephos’ infancy, in a famous Peloponnesian city.