bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effectiveness of web-based intervention on reducing symptom burden, improving self-management capabilities and self-efficacy among prostate cancer survivors: a systematic review and meta-analysis protocol
Authors: Li Yaqin , Zhu Keping , Wang Lijuan , Zhang Ying , Hou Sijia , Wang Wei
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Prostate cancer is the most common malignant disease within the male genitourinary system. Advances in cancer screening and treatment have significantly ameliorated the survival rates of patients with prostate cancer. Nonetheless, prostate cancer survivors report various degrees of cancer-related symptoms. These symptoms cause physiological and psychological suffering, leading to a deterioration of quality of life. Web-based interventions may facilitate the management of symptoms due to their flexibility, accessibility and convenience. However, the efficacy of web-based interventions in reducing symptom burden remains to be confirmed. Consequently, this systematic review and meta-analysis aims to comprehensively synthesise existing evidence, evaluate the effectiveness of web-based interventions in reducing symptom burden among patients and furnish a reference for clinical practice.

Methods and analysis

This protocol strictly adheres to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocol guidelines. We will comprehensively search six databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane, Embase, CINAHL and PsycINFO) from their inception to March 2024 in order to identify clinical trials on the efficacy of web-based interventions for prostate cancer survivors. Two reviewers will independently conduct study selection, data extraction and quality assessment. The risk bias of included studies will be assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool for randomised trials 2.0, and the strength of evidence will be assessed using Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) guideline. Meta-analysis will be performed using STATA V.16.0, and the effect size will be calculated using the standardised mean difference and its 95% CI. Heterogeneity will be assessed using Cochran’s Q statics and inconsistency will be measured using the I2statistics. Potential sources of bias will be evaluated.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethics approval is not required for this review as no human participants will be involved. The results will be disseminated via a peer-reviewed journal or an academic conference.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42023457718.
Road safety implications of the partial legalisation of cannabis in Germany: protocol for a quasi-experimental study
Authors: Schranz Anna , Verthein Uwe , Manthey Jakob
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Germany is reforming its legal approach to cannabis, allowing the possession and cultivation of cannabis for recreational purposes. The objective of this study is to investigate the impact of the policy reform on (1) The prevalence of cannabis use in the general population and (2) Driving under the influence of cannabis (DUIC) among regular users.

Methods and analysis

A quasi-experimental research design will be employed, with repeated cross-sectional surveys on self-reported DUIC and cannabis use conducted at three measurement points in Germany (intervention group) and Austria (control group) over a 2-year observation period (2023–2025). Data will be collected from approximately 50 000 individuals aged between 18 years and 64 years. To minimise reporting biases in the measurement of DUIC, we will use direct and indirect assessments via crosswise model and motor vehicle accident data from official statistics. In a difference-in-difference framework, regression analyses and interrupted time series analysis will be carried out for hypothesis testing.

Ethics and dissemination

Participants will be informed about voluntary participation, data protection laws and the option to delete data on request. Ethical approval was obtained from the Local Psychological Ethics Committee of the Centre for Psychosocial Medicine in Hamburg, Germany (reference number: 0686). Findings will be disseminated through scientific networks and will be key for a comprehensive evaluation of the cannabis law reform. The findings will facilitate the design and implementation of road safety measures.
Complex structural variation and nonsense variantin transcauseVPS50-related disorder
Authors: Hecher Laura , Gorski-Alberts Esther , Begemann Matthias , Herwig Johanna , Lausberg Eva , Hillebrand Georg , Volk Alexander E , Kurth Ingo , Kraft Florian , Kutsche Kerstin
Published: June 2024

HomozygousVPS50variants have been previously described in two unrelated patients with a neurodevelopmental disorder with microcephaly, seizures and neonatal cholestasis.VPS50encodes a subunit that is unique to the heterotetrameric endosome-associated recycling protein (EARP) complex. The other subunits of the EARP complex, such as VPS51, VPS52 and VPS53, are also shared by the Golgi-associated retrograde protein complex. We report on an 18-month-old female patient with biallelicVPS50variants. She carried a paternally inherited heterozygous nonsense c.13A>T; p.(Lys5*) variant. By long-read genome sequencing, we characterised a structural variant with a 4.3 Mb inversion flanked by deletions at both breakpoints on the maternal allele. The ~428 kb deletion at the telomeric inversion breakpoint encompasses the entireVPS50gene. We demonstrated a deficiency of VPS50 in patient-derived fibroblasts, confirming the loss-of-function nature of bothVPS50variants. VPS53 and VPS52 protein levels were significantly reduced and absent, respectively, in fibroblasts of the patient. These data show that VPS50 and/or EARP deficiency and the associated functional defects underlie the phenotype in patients withVPS50pathogenic variants. TheVPS50-related core phenotype comprises severe developmental delay, postnatal microcephaly, hypoplastic corpus callosum, neonatal low gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase cholestasis and failure to thrive. The disease is potentially fatal in early childhood.
Bereaved pupil support in schools: teacher training
Authors: Crooks Jodie , Orr Austin , Irvine Christine , Simpson-Greene Charlotte , Hudson Briony , McEwan Joan
Published: June 2024

Objectives

Approximately, 1600 pupils are bereaved by a parent or sibling each year in Northern Ireland, equating to at least one child in every school class. Despite this, many children who are bereaved do not receive support from their school or college. Unsupported childhood bereavement is a risk factor for a number of social, psychological and educational difficulties. We aimed to carry out a service evaluation to explore the impact of a bereavement training course delivered to teaching staff in Northern Ireland.

Methods

A mixed methods, participant-oriented evaluation was carried out. Data were collected via a survey distributed at baseline (prior to training) and 4-month follow-up, and semistructured interviews. All participants were staff within the school community who had participated in the training. Quantitative survey data were analysed via statistical analysis, and open-text survey responses and interview data were analysed via thematic analysis.

Results

Quantitative survey responses indicated statistically significant improvements in teachers’ confidence and knowledge on supporting bereaved children after the training. Six key themes were developed from interview data: the impact of the training on teaching staff’s confidence, knowledge, on the schools’ policy and practice, the impact on pupils, and whole school training.

Conclusions

Given the significant role that teachers have in a child’s formative years, it is essential that teaching staff are adequately trained and equipped to recognise and support both prebereavement and grief in pupils. A whole school bereavement training programme can be effective, as part of a wider culture and practice which values bereavement support in school.
Opioid prescribing for cancer pain in Latin America: systematic review
Authors: Leiva ofelia , Chukwusa Emeka , Nkhoma Kennedy , Dittborn Mariana , Turrillas Pamela , Pastrana Tania
Published: June 2024

Objective

To explore opioid prescribing patterns for cancer pain in Latin America (LA).

Methods

A systematic review was conducted adhering to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses. Relevant databases, including MEDLINE, EMBASE, PubMed, LILACS and Scielo, were searched from inception to June 2023. Empirical studies of opioid prescription patterns in adult palliative care patients with cancer pain were included. Methodological quality was assessed using the Effective Public Health Practice Project tool. Data were analysed using narrative synthesis. Descriptive statistical analyses were conducted using SPSS V.28 (IBM). Categorical variables were summarised using frequencies and percentages and continuous variables as means or medians.

Results

Seventeen studies from six countries were included. Ten were observational, while seven were experimental, including five randomised controlled trials (RCT) and two non-RCT. Most were low or moderate methodological quality. Out of 7809 patients, morphine (54%) and tramadol (18%) were the most prescribed opioids. The median of morphine equivalent daily dose was 26 mg (IQR 26–41).

Conclusion

Latin America shows lower opioid consumption rates compared with high-income countries for control pain management (CPM). More rigorous research on CPM in LA is needed. Additionally, a comprehensive review of opioid prescription patterns, including non-cancer diagnoses, is necessary.
The limit to evolutionary rescue depends on ploidy in yeast exposed to nystatin
Authors: Ono Jasmine , Kuzmin Anastasia , Miller Lesley , Otto Sarah P.
Published: June 2024

The number of copies of each chromosome, or ploidy, of an organism is a major genomic factor affecting adaptation. We set out to determine how ploidy can impact the outcome of evolution, as well as the likelihood of evolutionary rescue, using short-term experiments with yeast ( Saccharomyces cerevisiae) in a high concentration of the fungicide nystatin. In similar experiments using haploid yeast, the genetic changes underlying evolutionary rescue were highly repeatable, with all rescued lines containing a single mutation in the ergosterol biosynthetic pathway. All of these beneficial mutations were recessive, which led to the expectation that diploids would find alternative genetic routes to adaptation. To test this, we repeated the experiment using both haploid and diploid strains and found that diploid populations did not evolve resistance. Although diploids are able to adapt at the same rate as haploids to a lower, not fully inhibitory, concentration of nystatin, the present study suggests that diploids are limited in their ability to adapt to an inhibitory concentration of nystatin, while haploids may undergo evolutionary rescue. These results demonstrate that ploidy can tip the balance between adaptation and extinction when organisms face an extreme environmental change.
Paving a Path for a Combined Family of Feature Toggle and Configuration Option Research
Authors: Mahdavi-Hezaveh Rezvan , Fatima Sameeha , Williams Laurie
Published: June 2024

Feature toggles and configuration options are techniques to include or exclude functionality in software. The research contributions to these two techniques have most often been focused on either one of them. However, focusing on the similarities of these two techniques and the use of a common terminology may enable a combined family of research on
software configuration
(a term we use to encompass both techniques) and prevent duplication of effort.
The goal of this study is to aid researchers in conducting a family of research on software configuration by extending an existing model of software configuration that provides a common terminology for feature toggles and configuration options in research studies.
We started with Siegmund et al.’s Model of Software Configuration (MSC), which was developed based on configuration option-related resources. We extend the MSC by qualitative analysis of feature toggle-related resources. From our analysis, we proposed MSCv2 and evaluated it through its application on publications and an industrial system. Our results indicate researchers studying the same system may provide different definitions of software configuration in publications, similar research questions may be answered repeatedly because of a lack of a clear definition of software configuration, and having an MSC may enable generalized research on this family of research.
A Cost-Driven Chip Partitioning Method for Heterogeneous 3D Integration
Authors: Lin Cheng-Hsien , Chen Kuan-Ting , Liu Yi-Yu , Wu Allen C.-H. , Hwang Tingting
Published: June 2024

Three-dimensional integration circuit (3D IC) offers significant benefits in terms of performance and cost. Existing research in through-silicon via (TSV)-based 3D IC partitioning has focused on minimizing the number of TSVs to reduce costs. Partitioning methods based on heterogeneous integration have emerged as viable approaches for cost optimization. Leveraging mature processes to manufacture not timing-critical blocks can yield cost benefits. Nevertheless, none of the previous 3D partitioning work has focused on reducing the overall cost, including both design and manufacturing costs, for heterogeneous 3D integration. Moreover, throughput constraints have not been considered. This article presents a cost-aware integer linear programming-based formulation and a heuristic algorithm that partition the functional blocks in the design into different technological groups. Each group of functional blocks will be implemented using a particular process technology, and then integrated into a 3D IC. Our results show that 3D heterogeneous integration chip implementation can reduce overall cost while satisfying various timing constraints.
Cross- and Context-Aware Attention Based Spatial-Temporal Graph Convolutional Networks for Human Mobility Prediction
Authors: Mo Zhaobin , Xiang Haotian , Di Xuan
Published: June 2024

The COVID-19 pandemic has dramatically transformed human mobility patterns. Therefore, human mobility prediction for the “new normal” is crucial to infrastructure redesign, emergency management, and urban planning post the pandemic. This paper aims to predict people’s number of visits to various locations in New York City using COVID and mobility data in the past two years. To quantitatively model the impact of COVID cases on human mobility patterns and predict mobility patterns across the pandemic period, this paper develops a model CCAAT-GCN (
C
ross- and
C
ontext-
A
ttention based Spatial-Temporal
G
raph
C
onvolutional
N
etworks). The proposed model is validated using SafeGraph data in New York City from August 2020 to April 2022. A rich set of baselines are performed to demonstrate the performance of our proposed model. Results demonstrate the superior performance of our proposed method. Also, the attention matrix learned by our model exhibits a strong alignment with the COVID-19 situation and the points of interest within the geographic region. This alignment suggests that the model effectively captures the intricate relationships between COVID-19 case rates and human mobility patterns. The developed model and findings can offer insights into the mobility pattern prediction for future disruptive events and pandemics, so as to assist with emergency preparedness for planners, decision-makers and policymakers.
Agents of Autonomy: A Systematic Study of Robotics on Modern Hardware
Authors: Bakhshalipour Mohammad , Gibbons Phillip B.
Published: June 2024

As robots increasingly permeate modern society, it is crucial for the system and hardware research community to bridge its long-standing gap with robotics. This divide has persisted due to the lack of (i) a systematic performance evaluation of robotics on different computing platforms and (ii) a comprehensive, open-source, cross-platform benchmark suite.

To address these gaps, we present a systematic performance study of robotics on modern hardware and introduce RoWild, an open-source benchmark suite for robotics that is comprehensive and cross-platform. Our workloads encompass a broad range of robots, including driverless vehicles, pilotless drones, and stationary robotic arms, and we evaluate their performance on a spectrum of modern computing platforms, from low-end embedded CPUs to high-end server-grade GPUs.

Our findings reveal that current architectures experience significant inefficiencies when executing robotic workloads, highlighting the need for architectural advancements. We discuss approaches for meeting these requirements, offering insights for improving the performance of robotics.

The full version of the paper is available in [11], and the source code of the benchmark suite is available in [2].
Approximations to Study the Impact of the Service Discipline in Systems with Redundancy
Authors: Gast Nicolas , Van Houdt Benny
Published: June 2024

In this paper we develop the first methods to approximate the queue length distribution in a queueing system with redundancy under various service disciplines. We focus on a system with exponential job sizes, i.i.d. copies, and a large number of servers. In the case of Processor Sharing, we provide a pair and a triplet approximation. We also develop a pair approximation for First-Come-First-Served, Limited Processor Sharing and Last-Come-First-Served servers. We present numerical evidence that shows that all the approximations presented in the paper are highly accurate, but that none of them are asymptotically exact (as the number of servers goes to infinity).
BONES: Near-Optimal Neural-Enhanced Video Streaming
Authors: Wang Lingdong , Singh Simran , Chakareski Jacob , Hajiesmaili Mohammad , Sitaraman Ramesh K.
Published: June 2024

Accessing high-quality video content can be challenging due to insufficient and unstable network bandwidth. Recent advances in neural enhancement have shown promising results in improving the quality of degraded videos through deep learning. Neural-Enhanced Streaming (NES) incorporates this new approach into video streaming, allowing users to download low-quality video segments and then enhance them to obtain high-quality content without violating the playback of the video stream. We introduce BONES, an NES control algorithm that jointly manages the network and computational resources to maximize the quality of experience (QoE) of the user. BONES formulates NES as a Lyapunov optimization problem and solves it in an online manner with near-optimal performance, making it the first NES algorithm to provide a theoretical performance guarantee. Comprehensive experimental results indicate that BONES increases QoE by 5% to 20% over state-of-the-art algorithms with minimal overhead. Our code is available at https://github.com/UMass-LIDS/bones.
Continuous Query-based Data Trading
Authors: Cheng Jin , Ding Ningning , Lui John C.S. , Huang Jianwei
Published: June 2024

In the era of big data, traditional data trading methods designed for one-time queries on static databases fail to meet the demands of continuous query-based trading on streaming data, often resulting in repeated and inaccurate charges due to neglecting computation sharing in continuous query execution. To address this, we introduce CQTrade, the first trading framework tailored for continuous queries, which incorporates computation sharing across different time windows and queries, enhancing integration with existing trading systems. Our contributions include a theoretical analysis of computation-sharing techniques, the development of a general optimization problem to maximize seller revenue adaptable to various techniques, and the proposal of a branch-and-price algorithm to handle the problem's complexity. Our evaluation shows that the proposed framework improves the success rate of data trading by 12.8% and boosts the seller's revenue by an average of 28.7%, compared to the one-time query-based data trading methods used in the current data market.
Near-Optimal Packet Scheduling in Multihop Networks with End-to-End Deadline Constraints
Authors: Tsanikidis Christos , Ghaderi Javad
Published: June 2024

Scheduling packets with end-to-end deadline constraints in multihop networks is an important problem that has been notoriously difficult to tackle. Recently, there has been progress on this problem in the worst-case traffic setting, with the objective of maximizing the number of packets delivered within their deadlines. Specifically, the proposed algorithms were shown to achieve Ω(1/log(L)) fraction of the optimal objective value if the minimum link capacity in the network is C
min
= Ω(log (L)), where L is the maximum length of a packet's route in the network (which is bounded by the packet's maximum deadline). However, such guarantees can be quite pessimistic due to the strict worst-case traffic assumption and may not accurately reflect real-world settings. In this work, we aim to address this limitation by exploring whether it is possible to design algorithms that achieve a constant fraction of the optimal value while relaxing the worst-case traffic assumption. We provide a positive answer by demonstrating that in stochastic traffic settings, such as i.i.d. packet arrivals, near-optimal, (1-ε)-approximation algorithms can be designed if C
min
= Ω((over (logL/ε) Ω
2
). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first result that shows this problem can be solved near-optimally under nontrivial assumptions on traffic and link capacity.
Online Allocation with Replenishable Budgets: Worst Case and Beyond
Authors: Yang Jianyi , Li Pengfei , Islam Mohammad J. , Ren Shaolei
Published: June 2024

This paper studies online resource allocation with replenishable budgets, where budgets can be replenished on top of the initial budget and an agent sequentially chooses online allocation decisions without violating the available budget constraint at each round. We propose a novel online algorithm, called OACP (Opportunistic Allocation with Conservative Pricing), that conservatively adjusts dual variables while opportunistically utilizing available resources. OACP achieves a bounded asymptotic competitive ratio in adversarial settings as the number of decision rounds T gets large. Importantly, the asymptotic competitive ratio of OACP is optimal in the absence of additional assumptions on budget replenishment. To further improve the competitive ratio, we make a mild assumption that there is budget replenishment every T^*\geq1 decision rounds and propose OACP+ to dynamically adjust the total budget assignment for online allocation. Next, we move beyond the worst-case and propose LA-OACP (Learning-Augmented OACP/OACP+), a novel learning-augmented algorithm for online allocation with replenishable budgets. We prove that LA-OACP can improve the average utility compared to OACP/OACP+ when the ML predictor is properly trained, while still offering worst-case utility guarantees when the ML predictions are arbitrarily wrong. Finally, we run simulation studies of sustainable AI inference powered by renewables, validating our analysis and demonstrating the empirical benefits of LA-OACP.
Optimized Cross-Path Attacks via Adversarial Reconnaissance
Authors: Huang Yudi , Lin Yilei , He Ting
Published: June 2024

While softwarization and virtualization technologies make modern communication networks appear easier to manage, they also introduce highly complex interactions within the networks that can cause unexpected security threats. In this work, we study a particular security threat due to the sharing of links between high-security paths and low-security paths, which enables a new type of DoS attacks, called cross-path attacks, that indirectly attack a set of targeted high-security paths (target paths) by congesting the shared links through a set of attacker-controlled low-security paths (attack paths). While the feasibility of such attacks has been recently demonstrated in the context of SDN, their potential performance impact has not been characterized. To this end, we develop an approach for designing an optimized cross-path attack under a constrained total attack rate, consisting of (i) novel reconnaissance algorithms that can provide consistent estimates of the locations and parameters of the shared links via network tomography, and (ii) efficient optimization methods to design the optimal allocation of attack rate over the attack paths to maximally degrade the performance of the target paths. The proposed attack has achieved a significantly larger performance impact than its non-optimized counterparts in extensive evaluations based on multiple network settings, signaling the importance of addressing such intelligent attacks in network design. For more detail, see the full paper [4].
Strongly Tail-Optimal Scheduling in the Light-Tailed M/G/1
Authors: Yu George , Scully Ziv
Published: June 2024

We study the problem of scheduling jobs in a queueing system, specifically an M/G/1 with light-tailed job sizes, to asymptotically optimize the response time tail. This means scheduling to make \mathbfP [T > t], the chance a job's response time exceeds t, decay as quickly as possible in the t → ∞ limit. For some time, the best known policy was First-Come First-Served (FCFS), which has an asymptotically exponential tail: P [T > t] ∼ C e
-γ
t . FCFS achieves the optimal decay rate ~γ, but its tail constant C is suboptimal. We derive a closed-form expression for the optimal tail constant, and we introduce γ-Boost, a new policy that achieves this optimal tail constant. We also show via simulation that γ-Boost has excellent practical performance. This abstract summarizes our full paper.
Towards Understanding and Characterizing the Arbitrage Bot Scam In the Wild
Authors: Li Kai , Guan Shixuan , Lee Darren
Published: June 2024

This paper presents the first comprehensive analysis of an emerging cryptocurrency scam named "arbitrage bot" disseminated on online social networks. The scam revolves around Decentralized Exchanges (DEX) arbitrage and aims to lure victims into executing a so-called "bot contract" to steal funds from them. To entice victims and convince them of this scheme, we found that scammers have flocked to publish YouTube videos to demonstrate plausible profits and provide detailed instructions and links to the bot contract.

To collect the scam at a large scale, we developed a fully automated scam detection system named CryptoScamHunter, which continuously collects YouTube videos and automatically detects scams. Meanwhile, CryptoScamHunter can download the source code of the bot contract from the provided links and extract the associated scam cryptocurrency address. Through deploying CryptoScamHunter from Jun. 2022 to Jun. 2023, we have detected 10,442 arbitrage bot scam videos published from thousands of YouTube accounts. Our analysis reveals that different strategies have been utilized in spreading the scam, including crafting popular accounts, registering spam accounts, and using obfuscation tricks to hide the real scam address in the bot contracts. Moreover, from the scam videos we have collected over 800 malicious bot contracts with source code and extracted 354 scam addresses. By further expanding the scam addresses with a similar contract matching technique, we have obtained a total of 1,697 scam addresses. Through tracing the transactions of all scam addresses on the Ethereum mainnet and Binance Smart Chain, we reveal that over 25,000 victims have fallen prey to this scam, resulting in a financial loss of up to 15 million USD.

Our work sheds light on the dissemination tactics and censorship evasion strategies adopted in the arbitrage bot scam, as well as on the scale and impact of such a scam on online social networks and blockchain platforms, emphasizing the urgent need for effective detection and prevention mechanisms against such fraudulent activity.
When Should Prices Stay Fixed? On the Chances and Limitations of Spot Pricing in Larger Markets
Authors: Dierks Ludwig , Yokoo Makoto
Published: June 2024

Selling resources via auctions often seems profit-optimal in theory. Yet in practice, providers most often choose to sell homogeneous resources such as cloud computing instances at fixed prices. While it has been argued that this is explained by relatively non-volatile demand distributions and highly competitive market environments, these arguments only paint a partial picture. Through a formal game theoretic analysis, we show that the relative profit increase of offering resources through a spot pricing mechanism instead of at a fixed price is unbounded as long as a sufficiently competitive outside option exists, even if demand is very non-volatile. To explain the lack of spot pricing in practice, we consider that users might be biased against more complex auction-based mechanisms. We find that in large, non-volatile markets even a very small user bias will turn fixed-pricing profit-optimal if demand is sufficiently large and non-volatile. We derive a sufficient condition under which fixed prices are profit-optimal and illustrate the observed effects through a numerical example.
Identifying an acceptable number of ambulatory blood pressure measurements for accuracy of average blood pressure and nocturnal dipping status
Authors: Brito Leandro C. , Rice Sean P. M. , Bowles Nicole P. , Butler Matthew P. , McHill Andrew W. , Emens Jonathan S. , Shea Steven A. , Thosar Saurabh S.
Published: June 2024

We found that a minimum of 11 blood pressure (BP) measures are necessary to calculate an accurate average daytime BP, and 8 nighttime measures are necessary to calculate an accurate nighttime average if 95% accuracy is acceptable. Regarding BP dipping status, the current recommendations (20 daytime/7 nighttime) inaccurately classified the dipping status 10.5% of the time, suggesting that guidelines may need to be updated to classify patients as nocturnal dippers or nondippers correctly.
Nanoparticle‐Based Rice Husk Liquid Smoke as Periodontitis Therapy through OPG, RANK, and RANKL Expression
Authors: Arundina Ira , Budhy Theresia Indah , Oki Aqsa Sjuhada , Condro Surboyo Meircurius Dwi , Rajendra Santosh Arvind Babu , Sidarningsih  , Diyatri Indeswati , Rahmaputry Tytania , Pradana Arya , Iqbal Mohammad , Adira Moelyanto Azzahra Salsabila
Published: June 2024

Introduction. Periodontitis therapy employing nanomaterials with submicron sizes holds promise for enhancing osteogenesis and facilitating periodontal cell proliferation. This study aims to assess the potential of nanoparticle‐based rice husk liquid smoke (n‐RHLS) in an animal model of periodontitis by evaluating the expression of osteoprotegerin (OPG), receptor activator of nuclear factor‐kβ (RANK), and receptor activator of nuclear factor‐kβ ligand (RANKL). Methods. Twenty‐eight male Wistar rats were inoculated with 109 CFU/ml of Porphyromonas gingivalis in the sulcus mandibular incisor region to create periodontitis and subsequently treated with n‐RHLS while the control with saline. Immunohistochemical staining was performed on the mandibular incisor to assess OPG, RANK, and RANKL expression 2 and 7 days after treatment. Results. OPG expression exhibited a significant increase at both 2 and 7 days, while RANKL expression decreased notably after 7 days of treatment using n‐RHLS (p < 0.05). In contrast, RANK expression did not show significant differences compared to the control groups (p > 0.05). Conclusion. Nanostructured liquid smoke derived from rice husk nanoparticles (n‐RHLS) demonstrates potential as a therapeutic agent for periodontitis, especially on OPG/RANK/RANKL expression, by modulating OPG and RANKL expression to support periodontal tissue health.
Assessing Groundwater Potential Zones and Their Implications for Landslides in the Upper Wabe‐Shebele River Basin of Southeastern Ethiopia
Authors: Beshir Siraj , Moges Awdenegest , Dananto Mihret
Published: June 2024

Groundwater is an essential resource, and its long‐term availability and usability are closely tied to its ability to recharge. Therefore, the objective of this study was to generate a geospatial map of groundwater potential and its implications for landslides in the Upper Wabe‐Shebele River Basin. To achieve this, an integrated approach was employed, combining GIS‐based MCDM under AHP. The study considered rainfall patterns, land use and land cover, lineaments and drainage density, soil texture, lithology, slope, proximity to roads, and static water level. These influential factors were identified through a combination of desk reviews, expert knowledge, and experience in the field of groundwater potential mapping. Then, a pairwise comparison matrix was formed to assign weights to each factor and their subparameters based on their relative importance to groundwater potential. The final groundwater potential map was generated using the weighted overlay analysis tool in ArcGIS 10.7. By analyzing the groundwater potential map and the incorporated factors, a comprehensive understanding of groundwater resources and their implications for landslide occurrences in the study area was interrelated. The AHP analysis displayed an acceptable positive principal eigenvalue (9.401) and a consistency ratio of 0.035 < 0.1. Groundwater potential zones occupying 1314.73 km2 (12.81%), 4463.06 km2 (43.5%), 3236.23 km2 (31.54%), 283.31 km2 (2.76%), and 961.93 km2 (9.38%) were identified as very good, moderate, poor, and very poor groundwater potential zones, respectively. The accuracy of the groundwater potential map was evaluated by overlaying it with existing borehole data. This comparison revealed a high degree of agreement, with approximately 80% of the data points consistent with the maps. In addition, a positive correlation between the groundwater potential zones and the occurrence of landslides was observed. Based on these findings, sustainable land resource utilization is suggested as an approach to enhance groundwater management and mitigate landslide risks.
Comparative Study of Key Reactions Affecting Nitrogen Oxide Formation in Methane Laminar Premixed Flame
Authors: Kim Jonghyun , Park Jungsoo
Published: June 2024

Nitrogen oxides (NOx), classified as an indirect greenhouse gas (GHG), are increasing in demand for reduction as emission regulations are expanded not only in internal combustion engines but also throughout the industry. Nitrogen atoms are dissociated at relatively low temperature and can be easily converted to NOx by radicals and intermediates, so the reaction pathway is complex and changes in a short time. Therefore, numerical analysis methods should be used to simulate combustion phenomena and analyze chemical reactions, emphasizing the importance of the reaction mechanism, which includes reaction constants and reaction pathways. In this study, the laminar premixed flame was simulated using a numerical analysis method, and the NOx formation characteristics were identified according to the analysis variables using a reaction mechanism. The study was carried out using GRI 3.0, Okafor, and Konnov 0.5, which includes the combustion reaction of methane, as the variables used were equivalence ratio and inlet temperature. As a result, it was confirmed that Konnov 0.5 generates less NOx compared to GRI 3.0 and Okafor. Upon analyzing the reaction contribution, it became apparent that the hydrocarbon chain and chain‐branching reaction and the third‐body efficiency coefficient contribute to Konnov 0.5’s NOx generation. The results in one and two dimensions showed similar trends. It is expected that similar results will be obtained for higher‐dimensional systems with complex physical phenomena.
A Narrow Beam Gain Enhanced Wideband Antenna Array Using Slits, I‐Slots, and L‐Shaped Reflector for 5G Millimeter Wave Applications
Authors: Kumar Arun , Pandey Ganga Prasad
Published: June 2024

In this paper, a planar antenna structure‐based compact high gain wideband antenna array is presented for 5G millimeter wave applications. The proposed array uses a 1‐to‐8 power divider to feed eight antenna elements arranged linearly. To enhance the gain, multiple slits and I‐slots are placed on the ground plane and feeding network, respectively. To further improve the gain of the design, an L‐shaped metallic reflector is positioned at the optimum distance. With a large 10 dB bandwidth of 35.93% from 22.6 to 32.5 GHz, the proposed antenna array operates in the two 5G bands of 26 GHz and 28 GHz. The proposed antenna array’s measured gain varies from 9.18 to 13.22 dBi which is higher than the gain of 6.60–10.45 dBi of the unmodified array for the entire operating range. The antenna array shows a narrow beamwidth of 6.25° in its E‐plane and radiates in end‐fire direction. The overall dimension of the proposed antenna array is 57 mm × 25.978 mm × 0.787 mm, which features a simple, compact design. This antenna can be used for millimeter wave application as it fulfills all the requirements of future 5G applications at 26 and 28 GHz bands.
Efgartigimod as Rescue Medication in a Patient with Therapy‐Refractory Myasthenic Crisis
Authors: Alhaj Omar Omar , Diel Norma J. , Gerner Stefan T. , Mück Anna , Huttner Hagen B. , Krämer-Best Heidrun H.
Published: June 2024

Myasthenic crises (MC) are potentially life‐threatening acute exacerbations of myasthenia gravis (MG) characterized by profound muscle weakness, bulbar symptoms, and potential for respiratory failure. Intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIG) and plasma exchange (PLEX) are conventional treatments for myasthenic exacerbations. Recently, new therapeutic options for generalized acetylcholine‐receptor antibody positive (AchR+) MG were approved as an add‐on therapy. They mainly consist of complement C5 inhibitors such as eculizumab and ravulizumab and neonatal Fc receptor antagonists such as efgartigimod with the approval of more options pending, e.g., zilucoplan and rozanolixizumab. More therapeutic options are in the pipeline. Although the data show a quick and reliable treatment response, these medications have not been studied for the therapy of myasthenic crisis. We present the case of a 57‐year‐old male with his first episode of generalized myasthenia gravis (MG) and positive acetylcholine‐receptor antibodies (AchR+) who was transferred to our neurological intensive care unit with worsening generalized weakness, dysphagia, and respiratory distress. The crisis was triggered by pneumonia due to dysphagia. He was diagnosed with myasthenic crisis and treated with intravenous pyridostigmine, plasmapheresis (PLEX), and continued prednisone. Initial improvement was followed by deterioration, requiring readmission and additional PLEX. After a further decline, efgartigimod was administered, leading to significant improvement within 48 hours, as evidenced by reduced MG‐ADL and QMG scores. The patient continued to improve and was stable enough for transfer to a rehabilitation facility. This case illustrates the potential of efgartigimod as a novel treatment for refractory myasthenic crises.
Diabetes Complications among Inpatients with Childhood and Young Adult–Onset Type 1 and 2 Diabetes
Authors: Hawke Kate , Ng Soong Zheng , Anderson Jessica , Dharmaputra Raymond , Hogg Prue , Titmuss Angela , Sinha Ashim , McLean Anna
Published: June 2024

Aims. To assess morbidity among young people with diabetes presenting to a regional hospital in Northern Australia and compare the risk of complications among those living with type 2 diabetes (T2D) versus type 1 diabetes (T1D). Materials and Methods. A cross‐sectional study of young people with T1D or T2D (diagnosed age 1–25 years) presenting to a regional Northern Australian hospital with any condition from 2015 to 2019. Demographics, cardiometabolic comorbidities, and diabetes‐related complications were collected from individual medical records and compared between those with T1D and T2D. Results. Among 357 young people (192 had T2D, 165 T1D), the mean age was 22 years, the mean duration of diabetes was 6.7 years, 52% were Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, and 28% lived remotely. Cardiometabolic comorbidities (obesity, hypertension, and dyslipidaemia) and diabetes‐related complications (microalbuminuria, amputation, and elevated non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease score) were more prevalent in those with T2D compared to T1D, despite shorter disease duration and lower median HbA1c. When adjusted for age, sex, and BMI, the odds ratio (95% CI) for microalbuminuria was 4.8 (1.83–12.8) with T2D compared to T1D. Conclusion. In a cohort of young people with diabetes in Northern Australia, the prevalence of diabetes‐related complications was higher among those with T2D than T1D.
Figure S9 from Fc-Silent Anti-TIGIT Antibodies Potentiate Antitumor Immunity without Depleting Regulatory T Cells
Authors: Piovesan Dana , de Groot Amber E. , Cho Soonweng , Anderson Amy E. , Ray Rebecca D. , Patnaik Amita , Foster Paul G. , Mitchell Casey G. , Lopez Espinoza Alejandra Y. , Zhu Wandi S. , Stagnaro Carlo E. , Singh Hema , Zhao Xiaoning , Seitz Lisa , Walker Nigel P. , Walters Matthew J. , Sivick Kelsey E.
Published: June 2024

Figure S9
Figure S7 from Fc-Silent Anti-TIGIT Antibodies Potentiate Antitumor Immunity without Depleting Regulatory T Cells
Authors: Piovesan Dana , de Groot Amber E. , Cho Soonweng , Anderson Amy E. , Ray Rebecca D. , Patnaik Amita , Foster Paul G. , Mitchell Casey G. , Lopez Espinoza Alejandra Y. , Zhu Wandi S. , Stagnaro Carlo E. , Singh Hema , Zhao Xiaoning , Seitz Lisa , Walker Nigel P. , Walters Matthew J. , Sivick Kelsey E.
Published: June 2024

Figure S7
Supplementary Table 5 from Co-occurring EGFR p.E709X Mutation Mediates Primary Resistance to the Third-Generation EGFR-TKIs in EGFR p.G719X-Mutant Patients with Advanced NSCLC
Authors: Pang Lanlan , Huang Yihua , Zhuang Weitao , Zhang Yaxiong , Liao Jun , Hao Yue , Hao Feng , Wang Guoqian , Chen Ze-xin Chase , Zhu Yu , Li Mengzhen , Song Zhengbo , Deng Bo Peng , Li Jing , Zhang Li , Fang Wenfeng
Published: June 2024

Supplementary Table 5. Baseline characteristics of TKI-naive EGFR p.G719X mutant patients diagnosed with NSCLC who received Afatinib or the third-generation EGFR-TKIs(N=68)
Supplementary Data 2 from Comprehensive Genomic Profiling Alters Clinical Diagnoses in a Significant Fraction of Tumors Suspicious of Sarcoma
Authors: Öfverholm Ingegerd , Wallander Karin , Haglund Cecilia , Chellappa Venkatesh , Wejde Johan , Gellerbring Anna , Wirta Valtteri , Renevey Annick , Caceres Eva , Tsagkozis Panagiotis , Mayrhofer Markus , Papakonstantinou Andri , Linder-Stragliotto Christina , Bränström Robert , Larsson Olle , Lindberg Johan , Lin Yingbo , Haglund de Flon Felix
Published: June 2024

Table S2
Supplementary Data 1 from Comprehensive Genomic Profiling Alters Clinical Diagnoses in a Significant Fraction of Tumors Suspicious of Sarcoma
Authors: Öfverholm Ingegerd , Wallander Karin , Haglund Cecilia , Chellappa Venkatesh , Wejde Johan , Gellerbring Anna , Wirta Valtteri , Renevey Annick , Caceres Eva , Tsagkozis Panagiotis , Mayrhofer Markus , Papakonstantinou Andri , Linder-Stragliotto Christina , Bränström Robert , Larsson Olle , Lindberg Johan , Lin Yingbo , Haglund de Flon Felix
Published: June 2024

Table S1
FDA Approval Summary: Repotrectinib for Locally Advanced or Metastatic ROS1-Positive Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Barbato Michael I. , Bradford Diana , Ren Yi , Aungst Stephanie L. , Miller Claudia P. , Pan Lili , Zirkelbach Jeanne F. , Li Yangbing , Bi Youwei , Fan Jianghong , Grimstein Manuela , Dorff Sarah E. , Amatya Anup K. , Mishra-Kalyani Pallavi S. , Scepura Barbara , Schotland Peter , Udoka Opeyemi , Ojofeitimi Idara , Leighton John K. , Rahman Nam A. , Pazdur Richard , Singh Harpreet , Kluetz Paul G. , Drezner Nicole
Published: June 2024

On November 15, 2023, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted traditional approval to repotrectinib (Augtyro, Bristol Myers Squibb Corporation) for the treatment of adult patients with locally advanced or metastatic receptor tyrosine kinase encoded by the ROS1 gene (ROS1)-positive non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The approval was based on TRIDENT-1, a single-arm trial with multiple cohorts of patients with ROS1 fusion-positive (hereafter “ROS1-positive”) NSCLC (NCT03093116), who were either treatment naïve or had received prior ROS1 tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) and/or platinum-based chemotherapy. The primary efficacy outcome measure is objective response rate (ORR) assessed by blinded independent central review (BICR) using response evaluation criteria in solid tumors version 1.1. ORR was assessed in 71 patients who were ROS1 TKI naïve and 56 patients who had received a prior ROS1 TKI. Among the 71 patients who were ROS1 TKI naïve, the ORR was 79% (95% CI, 68–88), median duration of response was 34.1 months (95% CI, 26–NE). In patients who had received a prior ROS1 TKI and no prior chemotherapy, the ORR was 38% (95% CI, 25–52). The median duration of response was 14.8 months (95% CI, 7.6–NE); BICR-assessed responses were observed in CNS metastases in patients in both cohorts and in patients who developed resistance mutations following prior TKI therapy. The most common (>20%) adverse reactions were dizziness, dysgeusia, peripheral neuropathy, constipation, dyspnea, ataxia, fatigue, cognitive disorders, and muscular weakness. A unique feature of this ROS1 TKI approval is the inclusion of robust evidence of efficacy in patients with ROS1-positive NSCLC who had progressed on prior ROS1 TKIs.
Porto-Sinusoidal Vascular Disease and Downhill Varices: Separate Clinical Entities?
Authors: Pestana Inês , Noronha Ferreira Carlos , Luís Rita , Sousa Rui , Pereira Eduardo Abrantes , Banhudo António
Published: June 2024

Introduction: Porto-sinusoidal vascular disease (PSVD) is an entity characterized by the absence of histologic liver cirrhosis and the detection of specific or non-specific histological findings, irrespective of the presence of portal hypertension (PHT). The pathogenesis remains poorly understood. Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), independently of the presence of PHT, can be associated with an increase in central venous pressure, which can rarely lead to the development of downhill varices in the proximal esophagus. Case Presentation: A 53-year-old woman, with an unremarkable medical and pharmacological history, presented with a 3-day history of melena, epigastric pain and hematemesis. Physical examination revealed bilateral peripheral edema of the legs. Laboratory findings included severe anemia, normal hepatic enzymology, and NT-proBNP 1,748 pg/mL. Endoscopy showed large proximal esophageal varices and mild hypertensive gastropathy. A complete liver disease etiology panel was negative. Ultrasound showed an irregular liver surface, splenomegaly, and dilated supra-hepatic veins and inferior vena cava. Echocardiogram revealed significant cardiac valve and cavity abnormalities, especially on the right side, as well as moderate to severe PAH. Diuretics therapy was started with clinical improvement. Beta-blockers were suspended due to intolerance. There were no images suggestive of portosystemic collateralization on angiography. Re-evaluation endoscopy showed large but reduced esophageal varices, without red spots. Cardiopulmonary hemodynamic assessment revealed moderate PAH (40 mm Hg). Liver hemodynamic study revealed non-clinically significant sinusoidal PHT. Transjugular liver biopsy revealed nodular regenerative hyperplasia suggestive of PSVD. Discussion/Conclusion: The case was complex and presented diagnostic challenges, illustrating the uncommonly reported association between PSVD and porto-pulmonary hypertension and the importance of the transjugular liver biopsy and pressure measurements to confirm both diagnoses.