bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Symptomatic MERS-CoV infection reduces the risk of future COVID-19 disease; a retrospective cohort study
Authors: El-Saed Aiman , Othman Fatmah , Baffoe-Bonnie Henry , Almulhem Rawabi , Matalqah Muayed , Alshammari Latifah , Alshamrani Majid M.
Published: November 2023

Background

The general human immune responses similarity against different coronaviruses may reflect some degree of cross-immunity, whereby exposure to one coronavirus may confer partial immunity to another. The aim was to determine whether previous MERS-CoV infection was associated with a lower risk of subsequent COVID-19 disease and its related outcomes.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort study among all patients screened for MERS-CoV at a tertiary care hospital in Saudi Arabia between 2012 and early 2020. Both MERS-CoV positive and negative patients were followed up from early 2020 to September 2021 for developing COVID-19 infection confirmed by RT-PCR testing.

Results

A total of 397 participants followed for an average 15 months during COVID-19 pandemic (4.9 years from MERS-CoV infection). Of the 397 participants, 93 (23.4%) were positive for MERS-CoV at baseline; 61 (65.6%) of the positive cases were symptomatic. Out of 397, 48 (12.1%) participants developed COVID-19 by the end of the follow-up period. Cox regression analysis adjusted for age, gender, and major comorbidity showed a marginally significant lower risk of COVID-19 disease (hazard ratio = 0.533, p = 0.085) and hospital admission (hazard ratio = 0.411, p = 0.061) in patients with positive MERS-CoV. Additionally, the risk of COVID-19 disease was further reduced and became significant in patients with symptomatic MERS-CoV infection (hazard ratio = 0.324, p = 0.034) and hospital admission (hazard ratio = 0.317, p = 0.042).

Conclusions

The current findings may indicate a partial cross-immunity, where patients with symptomatic MERS-CoV have a lower risk of future COVID-19 infection and related hospitalization. The present results may need further examination nationally using immunity markers.
A deep-learning approach for segmentation of liver tumors in magnetic resonance imaging using UNet++
Authors: Wang Jing , Peng Yanyang , Jing Shi , Han Lujun , Li Tian , Luo Junpeng
Published: November 2023

Objective

Radiomic and deep learning studies based on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of liver tumor are gradually increasing. Manual segmentation of normal hepatic tissue and tumor exhibits limitations.

Methods

105 patients diagnosed with hepatocellular carcinoma were retrospectively studied between Jan 2015 and Dec 2020. The patients were divided into three sets: training (n = 83), validation (n = 11), and internal testing (n = 11). Additionally, 9 cases were included from the Cancer Imaging Archive as the external test set. Using the arterial phase and T2WI sequences, expert radiologists manually delineated all images. Using deep learning, liver tumors and liver segments were automatically segmented. A preliminary liver segmentation was performed using the UNet + + network, and the segmented liver mask was re-input as the input end into the UNet + + network to segment liver tumors. The false positivity rate was reduced using a threshold value in the liver tumor segmentation. To evaluate the segmentation results, we calculated the Dice similarity coefficient (DSC), average false positivity rate (AFPR), and delineation time.

Results

The average DSC of the liver in the validation and internal testing sets was 0.91 and 0.92, respectively. In the validation set, manual and automatic delineation took 182.9 and 2.2 s, respectively. On an average, manual and automatic delineation took 169.8 and 1.7 s, respectively. The average DSC of liver tumors was 0.612 and 0.687 in the validation and internal testing sets, respectively. The average time for manual and automatic delineation and AFPR in the internal testing set were 47.4 s, 2.9 s, and 1.4, respectively, and those in the external test set were 29.5 s, 4.2 s, and 1.6, respectively.

Conclusion

UNet + + can automatically segment normal hepatic tissue and liver tumors based on MR images. It provides a methodological basis for the automated segmentation of liver tumors, improves the delineation efficiency, and meets the requirement of extraction set analysis of further radiomics and deep learning.
COVID-19 contact tracing at work in Belgium - how tracers tweak guidelines for the better
Authors: Kieltyka Jerome , Ghattas Jinane , Ruppol Sandrine , Nicaise Pablo , Raymenants Joren , Speybroeck Niko
Published: November 2023

Background

When conducting COVID-19 contact tracing, pre-defined criteria allow differentiating high-risk contacts (HRC) from low-risk contacts (LRC). Our study aimed to evaluate whether contact tracers in Belgium followed these criteria in practice and whether their deviations improved the infection risk assessment.

Method

We conducted a retrospective cohort study in Belgium, through an anonymous online survey, sent to 111,763 workers by email. First, we evaluated the concordance between the guideline-based classification of HRC or LRC and the tracer’s classification. We computed positive and negative agreements between both. Second, we used a multivariate Poisson regression to calculate the risk ratio (RR) of testing positive depending on the risk classification by the contact tracer and by the guideline-based risk classification.

Results

For our first research question, we included 1105 participants. The positive agreement between the guideline-based classification in HRC or LRC and the tracer’s classification was 0.53 (95% CI 0.49–0.57) and the negative agreement 0.70 (95% CI: 0.67–0.72). The type of contact tracer (occupational doctors, internal tracer, general practitioner, other) did not significantly influence the results. For the second research question, we included 589 participants. The RR of testing positive after an HRC compared to an LRC was 3.10 (95% CI: 2.71–3.56) when classified by the contact tracer and 2.24 (95% CI: 1.94–2.60) when classified by the guideline-based criteria.

Conclusion

Our study indicates that contact tracers did not apply pre-defined criteria for classifying high and low risk contacts. Risk stratification by contact tracers predicts who is at risk of infection better than guidelines only. This result indicates that a knowledgeable tracer can target testing better than a general guideline, asking for a debate on how to adapt the guidelines.
Psychosocial work environment and mental health among the global workforce of seafarers in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Hayes-Mejia Rebecca , Stafström Martin
Published: November 2023

Background

The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health outcomes of international seafarers, who played a crucial role in maintaining global trade during the pandemic. The study examined how changes in psychosocial work environment and policies affected mental health outcomes among seafarers.

Methods

We analyzed a survey including answers from 17,861 seafarers, serving on 44 different international commercial vessels with 154 different nationalities. Stress, anxiety, and depression were applied as outcome measures in this study. Three sets of independent variables were included; work-related consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic, general psychosocial work environment onboard, and socioeconomic variables. First, we applied binary linear regression, followed by a multivariate linear regression analysis.

Results

The study found that changes in safety consciousness and clear communication from employers were associated with better mental health outcomes among seafarers. Eroded policies related to crew changes had a significant negative effect on mental wellbeing due to delays caused by national quarantine guidelines and travel restrictions. The results also showed a discrepancy in mental health outcomes between those onboard and those onshore, with stress being present in both groups.

Conclusions

The findings suggest that crisis management within shipping companies played an important role in mitigating adverse mental health outcomes during the pandemic. Clear communication from employers and emphasizing safety issues onboard were effective strategies for promoting better mental wellbeing among seafarers. However, delays in crew changes had a significant negative impact on mental health outcomes, highlighting the need for global cooperation and overarching agreements to protect international seafarers during times of crises.
Application value of triglyceride-glucose index and triglyceride-glucose body mass index in evaluating the degree of hepatic steatosis in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Wang Mengyuan , Chang Mingxing , Shen Peipu , Wei Wei , Li Huayao , Shen Guifang
Published: November 2023

Background

The elevation of TyG is considered an important factor in promoting the progression of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), but its impact on the degree of liver steatosis remains unclear. This study aims to explore the relationship between TyG and TyG-related indices, such as triglyceride glucose-body mass index (TyG-BMI), with the degree of liver fat accumulation.

Methods

From January 2021 to March 2022, 1171 participants underwent health check-ups, and all underwent FibroScan transient elastography. The analysis focused on identifying the factors that contribute to the onset of NAFLD and the degree of hepatic steatosis.

Results

The predictive value of TyG-BMI (OR = 1.039, 95% CI 1.031–1.046) in triggering NAFLD development was greater than that of TyG alone. The areas under the curve for TyG-BMI and TyG were calculated at 0.808 and 0.720, respectively. TyG-BMI (OR = 1.034, P < 0.001) was identified as a main independent factor affecting hepatic steatosis severity. With each incremental increase in TyG-BMI, the likelihood of experiencing an increase in the extent of hepatic steatosis was 1.034 times higher than that of the preceding unit.

Conclusions

The TyG-BMI showed higher accuracy in predicting NAFLD than did the TyG, and was more closely linked to the severity of hepatic steatosis. Therefore, it can be included as a parameter in health management centers and should be widely used to screen and evaluate patients with NAFLD.
Probing milk extracellular vesicles for intestinal delivery of RNA therapies
Authors: Zhang Yunyue , Belaid Mona , Luo Xiang , Daci Armond , Limani Rinë , Mantaj Julia , Zilbauer Matthias , Nayak Komal , Vllasaliu Driton
Published: November 2023

Background

Oral delivery remains unattainable for nucleic acid therapies. Many nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems have been investigated for this, but most suffer from poor gut stability, poor mucus diffusion and/or inefficient epithelial uptake. Extracellular vesicles from bovine milk (mEVs) possess desirable characteristics for oral delivery of nucleic acid therapies since they both survive digestion and traverse the intestinal mucosa.

Results

Using novel tools, we comprehensively examine the intestinal delivery of mEVs, probing whether they could be used as, or inform the design of, nanoparticles for oral nucleic acid therapies. We show that mEVs efficiently translocate across the Caco-2 intestinal model, which is not compromised by treatment with simulated intestinal fluids. For the first time, we also demonstrate transport of mEVs in novel 3D ‘apical-out’ and monolayer-based human intestinal epithelial organoids (IEOs). Importantly, mEVs loaded with small interfering RNA (siRNA) induced (glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase, GAPDH) gene silencing in macrophages. Using inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) as an example application, we show that administration of anti-tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) siRNA-loaded mEVs reduced inflammation in a IBD rat model.

Conclusions

Together, this work demonstrates that mEVs could either act as natural and safe systems for oral delivery or nucleic acid therapies, or inform the design of synthetic systems for such application.

Graphical Abstract
Arterial thrombosis triggered by methotrexate-induced hyperhomocysteinemia in a systemic lupus erythematosus patient with antiphospholipid antibodies
Authors: Schiavi Chiara , Marri Luca , Negrini Simone
Published: November 2023

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients have an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and thrombotic events, and the presence of antiphospholipid antibodies further raises the risk of these complications. Here we report a case of a patient with SLE and triple positivity for antiphospholipid antibodies who developed a popliteal artery thrombosis in the context of a severe hyperhomocysteinemia after the introduction of methotrexate (MTX) treatment. MTX is one of the most prescribed medications for a wide spectrum of autoimmune diseases, including SLE. On the other hand, by interfering with folate metabolism, it may induce hyperhomocysteinemia, which, in turn, may increase the risk of vascular complications. Current recommendations suggest screening and, when possible, treating classical and disease-related cardiovascular risk factors in all lupus patients. Based on what observed in our case, we suggest a follow-up of homocysteine levels after the introduction of drugs capable of inducing hyperhomocysteinemia, such as MTX, in SLE patients at high cardiovascular risk.
BRD4/nuclear PD-L1/RelB circuit is involved in the stemness of breast cancer cells
Authors: Kim Su-Lim , Choi Hack Sun , Lee Dong-Sun
Published: November 2023

Background

Breast cancer (BC) is the most common cancer diagnosed in women worldwide. BC stem cells (BCSCs) have been known to be involved in the carcinogenesis of the breast and contribute to therapeutic resistance. The programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression of BC correlated with a poor prognosis. Immunotherapies that target PD-L1 have great potential and have been successful when applied to cancer treatment. However, whether PD-L1 regulates BCSC formation is unknown.

Methods

BCSCs were enriched by serum-free suspension culture. The properties of BCSCs were examined by mammosphere formation assay, CD44+/Cd24−, aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) assay, CSC marker analysis, and mammosphere growth assay. To elucidate the functions of bromodomain-containing protein 4 (BRD4), nuclear PD-L1, and RelB proteins in the stemness of BCSCs, mammosphere formation was examined using BRD4 inhibitor and degrader, PD-L1 degrader, and RelB inhibitor. The antitumor function of 3',4',7,8-tetrahydroxyflavone (THF), a specific BRD4 inhibitor, was studied through in vivo tumor model and mouse studies, and the protein levels of c-Myc, PD-L1, and RelB were examined in tumor model under THF treatment.

Results

BRD4 was upregulated in breast CSCs and regulates the stemness of BCs. The downregulation of BRD4 using BRD4 PROTAC, ARV-825, and BRD4 inhibitor, (+)-JQ1, inhibits mammosphere formation and reduces the levels of breast CSC markers (CD44+/CD24− and ALDH1), stem cell marker genes, and mammosphere growth. BRD4 inhibitor (JQ1) and degrader (ARV825) downregulate membrane and nuclear fractions of PD-L1 through the inhibition of PD-L1 transcript levels. The knockdown of PD-L1 inhibits mammosphere formation. Verteporfin, a PD-L1 degrader, inhibits the transcripts and protein levels of PD-L1 and downregulates the transcript and protein levels of RelB. Calcitriol, a RelB inhibitor, and the knockdown of RelB using si-RelB regulate mammosphere formation through interleukin-6 (IL-6) expression. THF is a natural product and a potent selective BRD4 inhibitor, inhibits mammosphere formation, and reduces the levels of CD44+/CD24− and mammosphere growth by downregulating c-Myc, PD-L1, and RelB. 3',4',7,8-THF shows tumoricidal activity and increased levels of CD3+CD4+ and CD3+CD8+ T-cells in the tumor and tumor-draining lymph nodes (TDLNs) in the murine tumor model using 4T1 and MC38 cells.

Conclusions

The results show the first evidence of the essential role of the BRD4/nuclear PD-L1/RelB axis in breast CSC formation. The nuclear PD-L1 regulates RelB, and the RelB/p65 complex induces IL6 and breast CSC formation. Targeting nuclear PD-L1 represents a potential and novel tool for immunotherapies of intractable BC.
Anaplastic thyroid cancer cells reduce CD71 levels to increase iron overload tolerance
Authors: D’Aprile Simona , Denaro Simona , Pavone Anna Maria , Giallongo Sebastiano , Giallongo Cesarina , Distefano Alfio , Salvatorelli Lucia , Torrisi Filippo , Giuffrida Raffaella , Forte Stefano , Tibullo Daniele , Li Volti Giovanni , Magro Gaetano , Vicario Nunzio , Parenti Rosalba
Published: November 2023

Background

Follicular thyroid cancer (FTC) is a prevalent form of differentiated thyroid cancer, whereas anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC) represents a rare, fast-growing, undifferentiated, and highly aggressive tumor, posing significant challenges for eradication. Ferroptosis, an iron-dependent cell death mechanism driven by the excessive production of reactive oxygen species and subsequent lipid peroxidation, emerges as a promising therapeutic strategy for cancer. It has been observed that many cancer cells exhibit sensitivity to ferroptosis, while some other histotypes appear to be resistant, by counteracting the metabolic changes and oxidative stress induced by iron overload.

Methods

Here we used human biopsies and in vitro approaches to analyse the effects of iron-dependent cell death. We assessed cell proliferation and viability through MTT turnover, clonogenic assays, and cytofluorimetric-assisted analysis. Lipid peroxidation assay and western blot were used to analyse molecular mechanisms underlying ferroptosis modulation. Two distinct thyroid cancer cell lines, FTC-133 (follicular) and 8505C (anaplastic), were utilized. These cell lines were exposed to ferroptosis inducers, Erastin and RSL3, while simulating an iron overload condition using ferric ammonium citrate.

Results

Our evidence suggests that FTC-133 cell line, exposed to iron overload, reduced their viability and showed increased ferroptosis. In contrast, the 8505C cell line seems to better tolerate ferroptosis, responding by modulating CD71, which is involved in iron internalization and seems to have a role in resistance to iron overload and consequently in maintaining cell viability.

Conclusions

The differential tolerance to ferroptosis observed in our study may hold clinical implications, particularly in addressing the unmet therapeutic needs associated with ATC treatment, where resistance to ferroptosis appears more pronounced compared to FTC.
Comparative analysis of soil organic matter fractions, lability, stability ratios, and carbon management index in various land use types within bharatpur catchment, Chitwan District, Nepal
Authors: Murindangabo Yves Theoneste , Kopecký Marek , Hoang Trong Nghia , Bernas Jaroslav , Parajuli Tulsi , Dhakal Suman , Konvalina Petr , UFITIKIREZI Jean de Dieu Marcel , Kaneza Gisele , Khanal Babu Ram , Dhakal Shiva Chandra , Shrestha Arjun Kumar
Published: November 2023

Background

Land use and land cover changes have a significant impact on the dynamics of soil organic matter (SOM) and its fractions, as well as on overall soil health. This study conducted in Bharatpur Catchment, Chitwan District, Nepal, aimed to assess and quantify variations in total soil organic matter (TSOMC), labile organic matter fraction (CL), stable organic matter fraction (CS), stability ratio (SR), and carbon management index (CMI) across seven land use types: pastureland, forestland, fruit orchards, small-scale conventional agricultural land, large-scale conventional agricultural land, large-scale alternative fallow and conventional agricultural land, and organic farming agricultural land. The study also explored the potential use of the Carbon Management Index (CMI) and stability ratio (SR) as indicators of soil degradation or improvement in response to land use changes.

Results

The findings revealed significant differences in mean values of TSOMC, CL, and CS among the different land use types. Forestland and organic farming exhibited significantly higher TSOMC (3.24%, 3.12%) compared to fruit orchard lands (2.62%), small scale conventional farming (2.22%), alternative fallow and conventional farming (2.06%), large scale conventional farming (1.84%) and pastureland (1.20%). Organic farming and Forestland also had significantly higher CL (1.85%, 1.84%) and CS (1.27%, 1.39%) compared to all other land use types. Forest and organic farming lands showed higher CMI values, while pastures and forests exhibited higher SR values compared to the rest of the land use types.

Conclusions

This study highlights the influence of various land use types on soil organic matter pools and demonstrates the potential of CMI and SR as indicators for assessing soil degradation or improvement in response to land use and land cover changes.
Bone marrow from periacetabular osteotomies as a novel source for human mesenchymal stromal cells
Authors: Handke Maximilian , Rakow Anastasia , Singer Debora , Miebach Lea , Schulze Frank , Bekeschus Sander , Schoon Janosch , Wassilew Georgi I.
Published: November 2023

Background

Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (BM-MSCs) are used in regenerative medicine and related research involving immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, anti-fibrotic and regenerative functions. Isolation of BM-MSCs from samples obtained during total hip arthroplasty (THA) is routinely possible. Advanced age and comorbidities of the majority of patients undergoing THA limit their applicability. Our study aimed to evaluate the potential of bone marrow obtained during periacetabular osteotomy (PAO) as a novel source of BM-MSCs from young donors by analyzing cell yield and cell characteristics.

Methods

Bone samples were obtained from the anterior Os ilium or superior Os pubis during PAO and from the femoral cavity during primary THA. Isolation of bone marrow-derived mononuclear cells (BM-MNCs) was performed by density gradient centrifugation. The samples from PAO and THA patients were compared in terms of BM-MSC yield, colony formation and the proportion of BM-MSCs within the BM-MNC population using flow cytometry analysis. The cells were characterized based on the expression of BM-MSC-specific surface markers. The functionality of the cells was compared by quantifying post-thaw viability, metabolic activity, proliferation capacity, senescence-associated beta galactosidase (SA-β-gal) expression, trilineage differentiation potential and major secretome proteins.

Results

Isolation of BM-MNCs was possible in a reliable and reproducible manner when using bone from PAO containing more than 0.24 g bone marrow. PAO patients were younger than patients of the THA group. Bone obtained during PAO contained less bone marrow and led to a lower BM-MSC number after the first cell culture passage compared to BM-MSCs obtained during THA. BM-MSCs from PAO samples are characterized by a higher proliferation capacity. This results in a higher yield in cell culture passage two, when normalized to the sample weight. BM-MSCs from PAO patients showed increased secretion of TGF-β1, TIMP2, and VEGF upon osteogenic differentiation. BM-MSCs from PAO and THA patients revealed similar results regarding the onset of SA-β-gal expression and trilineage differentiation capacity.

Conclusions

We suggest that bone obtained during PAO is a promising novel source for BM-MSCs from young donors. Limited absolute cell yield due to low sample weight must be considered in early cell culture passages and might be critical for the range of clinical applications possible for BM-MSCs from this source. The higher proliferation capacity and increased growth factor secretion of BM-MSCs from young donors may be beneficial for future regenerative cell therapies, in vitro models, and tissue engineering.
Adaptive pastoralists—Insights into local and regional patterns in livelihood adaptation choices among pastoralists in Kenya
Authors: Bostedt Göran , Knutsson Per , Muricho Deborah , Mureithi Stephen , Wredle Ewa , Nyberg Gert
Published: November 2023

Pastoralist adaptation strategies have to address multiple, overlapping, and often inter-related processes of socio-ecological change. The present study addresses the need for inter-regional comparative studies that account for different geographic, climate, and socio-economic contexts in order to understand how pastoralists adapt to changes in livelihood conditions. The paper uses data from a unique survey study of pastoralist households in four neighbouring counties in dryland Kenya. Taking our point of departure from an empirically based classification of the livelihood strategies available to pastoralists in the Horn of Africa, the survey offers novel insights into adaptation and fodder management strategies of pastoralist individuals and households. The results show that the use of migration as a strategy is more dependent on the ability to migrate than climate conditions. This is the case in localities where a substantial part of the land is subdivided, the population density is high, and where opportunities for migration are subsequently restricted. Diversification of livelihoods as a strategy is largely defined by opportunity. Intensification through active fodder management is mainly common in areas where there has been a proliferation of managed enclosures. Climate change will test the adaptive capacity of pastoralists in the studied region, and diversification and intensification strategies of both herd composition and livelihoods can be seen as strategies for increased climate resilience.
A remark about asymptotic stability in Duffing equations: lateral stability in Comb-drive finger MEMS
Authors: Núñez D. , Murcia L.
Published: November 2023

In this short paper we tackle two subjects. First, we provide a lower bound for the first eigenvalue of the antiperiodic problem for a Hill’s equation based on $L^{p}$

L
p

-conditions, and as a consequence, we introduce an adjusted statement of the main result about the asymptotic stability of periodic solutions for the general Duffing equation in (Torres in Mediterr. J. Math. 1(4):479–486, 2004) (Theorem 4). This appropriate version of the result arises because of one subtlety in the proof provided in (Torres in Mediterr. J. Math. 1(4):479–486, 2004). More precisely, the lower bound of the first antiperiodic eigenvalue associated with Hill’s equations of potential $a(t)$
a
(
t
)
employed there may be negative, thus the conclusion is not completely attained. Hence, the adjustments considered here provide a mathematically correct result. On the other hand, we apply this result to obtain a lateral asymptotic stable periodic oscillation in the Comb-drive finger MEMS model with a cubic nonlinear stiffness term and linear damping. This fact is not typical in Comb-drive finger devices, thus our results could provide a new possibility; a new design principle for stabilization in Comb-drive finger MEMS.
Adaptive device sampling and deadline determination for cloud-based heterogeneous federated learning
Authors: Zhang Deyu , Sun Wang , Zheng Zi-Ang , Chen Wenxin , He Shiwen
Published: November 2023

As a new approach to machine learning, Federated learning enables distributned traiing on edge devices and aggregates local models into a global model. The edge devices that participate in federated learning are highly heterogeneous in terms of computing power, device state, and data distribution, making it challenging to converge models efficiently. In this paper, we propose FedState, which is an adaptive device sampling and deadline determination technique for cloud-based heterogeneous federated learning. Specifically, we consider the cloud as a central server that orchestrates federated learning on a large pool of edge devices. To improve the efficiency of model convergence in heterogeneous federated learning, our approach adaptively samples devices to join each round of training and determines the deadline for result submission based on device state. We analyze existing device usage traces to build device state models in different scenarios and design a dynamic importance measurement mechanism based on device availability, data utility, and computing power. We also propose a deadline determination module that dynamically sets the deadline according to the availability of all sampled devices, local training time, and communication time, enabling more clients to submit local models more efficiently. Due to the variability of device state, we design an experience-driven algorithm based on Deep Reinforcement Learning (DRL) that can dynamically adjust our sampling and deadline policies according to the current environment state. We demonstrate the effectiveness of our approach through a series of experiments with the FMNIST dataset and show that our method outperforms current state-of-the-art approaches in terms of model accuracy and convergence speed.
Study on Flexural and Shear Behavior of UHPC Rhombus-Strip-Shaped Joint
Authors: Deng Shuwen , Yan Banfu , Shen Lian , Qin Mingxin , Jia Yina
Published: November 2023

Accelerated bridge construction (ABC) has many advantages for bridge construction in modern society. While for ABC, the post-cast joint is always the weakest and most critical part. This paper presents a UHPC rhombus-strip-shaped (RSS) joint suitable for ABC. Several model tests were carried out to verify its resistance to flexural and shear. First, large-scale model tests are advanced to confirm its flexural properties. The results show that densified and welded joint interface rebars can significantly improve the ultimate bearing capacity and durability-based cracking stress of the RSS joint beams, and the ultimate bearing capacity can reach 90% of the complete beam. Then the shear-resistance tests were carried out. The results show that the UHPC RSS joint beam has excellent bending-shear mechanical properties and better ductility. Lastly, the ultimate flexural bearing capacity and shear-resistance capacity calculation methods were obtained.
Efficacy of intravenous N acetylcysteine as an adjuvant therapy in the treatment of acute aluminum phosphide Poisoning: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Shaker Heba Othman , Rageh Omar El Sayed , Alnajar Maged , Alshamaly Nesreen Fares , Abdelmaged Walaa Abdelfattah , Abd-ElGawad Mohamed
Published: November 2023

Background

Aluminum phosphide toxicity is a serious problem in many countries. Unfortunately, there is no specific antidote. N-acetylcysteine has been used in some studies as adjuvant therapy depending on to its antioxidant properties. We hypothesized that IV N-acetylcysteine is effective in reducing mortality rate compared to supportive treatment alone.

Methods

We searched in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases. We only included randomized controlled trials that assessed the efficacy of IV N-acetylcysteine and supportive treatment versus supportive treatment alone in acute aluminum phosphide poisoning. Four investigators independently screened the studies’ results and designed the data extraction sheet. The primary and secondary outcomes were mortality and the need for mechanical ventilation rates. Random effects estimators with weights were used to result in the pooled risk ratios.

Results

We included four randomized controlled trials with 177 patients. 91 patients were distributed in N-acetylcysteine group and 86 patients in the control group. Mortality rates in N-acetylcysteine group and in the control group were 43.95% 66.27% respectively. There was a statistically significant reduction in mortality rate after leave out test (pooled risk ratio, 0.5; 95% confidence interval, 0.32–0.77). Regarding the need for mechanical ventilation, it was measured only in three RCTs. It was assessed in 67 patients in N-acetylcysteine group and 60 patients in the control group. 24 patients were ventilated in N-acetylcysteine group (35.8%) and 29 patients in the control group (48.3%). But it was statistically nonsignificant (pooled risk ratio, 0.71; 95% confidence interval, 0.48–1.04).

Conclusion

Our meta-analysis revealed that IV N-acetylcysteine may be effective in reducing mortality of severe aluminum phosphide poisoning cases.

Trial registration

Registration number in Prospero CRD42022375344 on 25 NOVEMBER 2022, retrospectively registered.
Factors associated with the plan to pre-lacteal feeding for the first 6 months among Ethiopian mothers: a multilevel mixed effects analysis of 2019 performance monitoring for action Ethiopia
Authors: Kebede Natnael , Bogale Eyob Ketema , Zewdie Amare , Kassie Tadele Derbew , Anagaw Tadele Fentabil , Mazengia Elyas Melaku , Gelaw Sintayehu Shiferaw , Fenta Eneyew Talie , Eshetu Habitu Birhan
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Despite efforts to promote exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life, pre-lacteal feeding remains prevalent in Ethiopia. The study will use data from the 2019 Performance Monitoring for Action Ethiopia (PMA-ET), which is a nationally representative survey that collects information on maternal and child health indicators. Therefore, this study aims to identify individual and community-level factors associated with the plan to pre-lacteal feeding for the first six months among mothers in Ethiopia.

Methods

The datasets from the 2019 Performance Monitoring for Action Ethiopia Survey were analyzed in this study, which included 685 mothers from the survey. Stata version 17.0 was used for data analysis. Multi-level mixed-effect logistic regression was utilized to identify individual and community-level factors that are linked with the plan to pre-lacteal feeding. The strength and direction of the association were presented using an adjusted odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval, and statistical significance was declared at a P value less than 0.05.

Results

The study found that factors significantly associated with the plan to pre-lacteal feeding included mothers without higher education (AOR = 2.5, 95% CI: 1.204–1.204), mothers belonging to poor households (AOR = 11.1, 95% CI: 3.482–35.175), and women in clusters with poor wealth status (AOR = 0.2, 95% CI: 0.043–0.509).

Conclusion

As per the findings of the study, both individual and community-level factors were found to influence the decision to practice pre-lacteal feeding. Educational status and household wealth were significant individual-level factors associated with pre-lacteal feeding, whereas community wealth status was a significant community-level factor. To address this issue, it is recommended to focus on increasing the education level of mothers from lower socioeconomic backgrounds and providing education on the benefits of exclusive breastfeeding and the risks associated with pre-lacteal feeding. These efforts can help in reducing the prevalence of this harmful practice.
Seeing emotions in the eyes: a validated test to study individual differences in the perception of basic emotions
Authors: Franca Maria , Bolognini Nadia , Brysbaert Marc
Published: November 2023

People are able to perceive emotions in the eyes of others and can therefore see emotions when individuals wear face masks. Research has been hampered by the lack of a good test to measure basic emotions in the eyes. In two studies respectively with 358 and 200 participants, we developed a test to see anger, disgust, fear, happiness, sadness and surprise in images of eyes. Each emotion is measured with 8 stimuli (4 male actors and 4 female actors), matched in terms of difficulty and item discrimination. Participants reliably differed in their performance on the Seeing Emotions in the Eyes test (SEE-48). The test correlated well not only with Reading the Mind in the Eyes Test (RMET) but also with the Situational Test of Emotion Understanding (STEU), indicating that the SEE-48 not only measures low-level perceptual skills but also broader skills of emotion perception and emotional intelligence. The test is freely available for research and clinical purposes.
The Impact of Childhood Mortality on Fertility in Rural Tanzania: Evidence From the Ifakara and Rufiji Health and Demographic Surveillance Systems
Authors: Baynes Colin , Kante Almamy Malick , Mrema Sigilbert , Masanja Honorati , Weiner Bryan J. , Sherr Kenneth , Phillips James F.
Published: November 2023

This manuscript examines the relationship between child mortality and subsequent fertility using longitudinal data on births and childhood deaths occurring among 15,291 Tanzanian mothers between 2000 and 2015. Generalized hazard regression analyses assess the effect of child loss on the hazard of conception, adjusting for child-level, mother-level, and contextual covariates. Results show that time to conception is most reduced if an index child dies during the subsequent birth interval, representing the combined effect of biological and volitional replacement. Deaths occurring during prior birth intervals were associated with accelerated time to conception during future intervals, consistent with hypothesized insurance effects of anticipating future child loss, but this effect is smaller than replacement effects. The analysis reveals that residence in areas of relatively high child mortality is associated with hastened parity progression, again consistent with the insurance hypothesis. Investigation of high-order interactions suggests that insurance effects tend to be greater in low-mortality communities, replacement effects tend to be stronger in high-mortality community contexts, and wealthier families tend to exhibit a weaker insurance response but a stronger replacement response to childhood mortality relative to poorer families.
Retrospectives: Margaret Reid, Chicago, and Permanent Income
Authors: Forget Evelyn L.
Published: November 2023

Margaret Gilpin Reid (1896-1990) began her career as a home economist and, with Dorothy Brady, Milton and Rose Friedman, played a central role in the development of the permanent income hypothesis at Chicago. Reid was the first woman to be elected Fellow of the American Economic Association, and was a key figure in the empirical tradition at the University of Chicago. This article examines the opportunities and constraints that shaped her career.
Effects of ulinastatin therapy in deep vein thrombosis prevention after brain tumor surgery: A single-center randomized controlled trial
Authors: Tao Yun-Na , Han Qian , Jiao Wei , Yang Li-Kun , Wang Fang , Xue Shan , Shen Meng , Wang Yu-Hai
Published: November 2023

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), which is distinguished by increased glucose levels in the bloodstream, is a metabolic disease with a rapidly increasing incidence worldwide. Nevertheless, the etiology and characteristics of the mechanism of T2DM remain unclear. Recently, abundant evidence has indicated that the intestinal microbiota is crucially involved in the initiation and progression of T2DM. The gut microbiome, the largest microecosystem, engages in material and energy metabolism in the human body. In this review, we concentrated on the correlation between the gut flora and T2DM. Meanwhile, we summarized the pathogenesis involving the intestinal flora in T2DM, as well as therapeutic approaches aimed at modulating the gut microbiota for the management of T2DM. Through the analysis presented here, we draw attention to further exploration of these research directions.
Recurred forehead osteoma disseminated after previous osteoma excision: A case report
Authors: Lee Dong Yun , Lim SooA , Yoon Jung Soo , Eo SuRak
Published: November 2023

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), which is distinguished by increased glucose levels in the bloodstream, is a metabolic disease with a rapidly increasing incidence worldwide. Nevertheless, the etiology and characteristics of the mechanism of T2DM remain unclear. Recently, abundant evidence has indicated that the intestinal microbiota is crucially involved in the initiation and progression of T2DM. The gut microbiome, the largest microecosystem, engages in material and energy metabolism in the human body. In this review, we concentrated on the correlation between the gut flora and T2DM. Meanwhile, we summarized the pathogenesis involving the intestinal flora in T2DM, as well as therapeutic approaches aimed at modulating the gut microbiota for the management of T2DM. Through the analysis presented here, we draw attention to further exploration of these research directions.
"Feminist Borers from Within": The CBS Women's Advisory Council and Media Workplace Reform in the 1970s
Authors: Clark Jennifer S.
Published: November 2023

abstract: In the early 1970s, women who worked at the corporate headquarters of NBC, ABC, and CBS formed groups meant to correct gender inequalities in their workplaces. What began as informal measures taken by a small number of women soon expanded into organized, large-scale reform efforts. Once formalized, the women's groups shaped company policies, formed alliances among workers, and liaised between women employees and company executives for the betterment of women workers. With a focus on the most successful of the groups—the Women's Advisory Council at CBS—this article illustrates how feminist concerns found voice in a corporate media culture, demonstrates the value of a women workers' collective, and re-evaluates the tactics and players of media reform in the age of women's liberation.
Homecoming, Border-Crossing, and Conjuncture Film: Hsia Moon, Hong Kong New Wave, and the Bluebird Trilogy, 1982–1984
Authors: Xiao Ying
Published: November 2023

abstract: This article examines Hsia Moon and her momentous transition from a celebrated movie star emblematic of the Hong Kong leftist cinema in the 1950s and 1960s to a prescient and resourceful producer who returned to the film circle and founded Bluebird Movie Enterprises to produce three important pieces in 1982 to 1984: Touben nvhai ( Boat People , Ann Hui), Zigu yingxiong chu shaonian ( Little Heroes , Mou Dunfu), and Sishui liunian ( Homecoming , Yim Ho). Through a close analysis of the film texts and production background alongside an original research of the historical documents and interviews with the filmmaker, I argue that Hsia Moon's Bluebird productions, ephemeral but highly influential, serve as conjuncture films at the crossroads of the post–Cold War and Sino-British negotiation era.
Skin and Sound: Caring for and Crafting Bovine Hide in South India
Authors: Kannan Thamarai Selvan
Published: November 2023

abstract: This article explores the little-studied technological practice of instrument making in South India, where the introduction of bovine hide brought new musical possibilities to a community of musicians. It narrates the animal-human relationship embedded in the everyday technology of making and maintaining sound instruments between 1930 and 2010 and how various actors sought to reduce the sound of bovine instruments. Based on fieldwork and historical sources, this article contributes to the discussion of nonlinear chronology in the history of technology, showing how technological processes are centered around local time, seasons, and animal-human (professional) life cycle rather than global standardized time. This micro-history describes how makers combined animals and technology to achieve better sounding instruments.
Singing of Sex and Freedom: Courtesans and Erotic Arts in “Zabet”
Authors: Tybush Brooke
Published: November 2023

Abstract: This article examines depictions of mixed-race courtesans in the eighteenthcentury Creole courtesan song “Zabet” which was originally transcribed in an unpublished document by the travel writer Moreau de Saint-Méry (1750–1819). My analysis of “Zabet” interrogates the intersecting oppressions of racism, sexism, and imperialism. Specifically, this article demonstrates how the lyrics of this song present a woman-to-woman sexual mentorship that provides a space of resistance for women of color to these intersecting oppressions. Through this mentorship, the song’s narrator/singer provides important lessons for mixed-race women in how to manipulate racialized and gendered stereotypes of the sexual marketplace in colonial Saint-Domingue.
Speckle contrast reduction through the use of a modally-specific photonic lantern for optical coherence tomography
Authors: Maltais-Tariant Raphaël , Itzamna Becerra-Deana Rodrigo , Brais-Brunet Simon , Dehaes Mathieu , Boudoux Caroline
Published: November 2023

A few-mode optical coherence tomography (FM-OCT) system was developed around a 2 × 1 modally-specific photonic lantern (MSPL) centered at 1310 nm. The MSPL allowed FM-OCT to acquire two coregistered images with uncorrelated speckle patterns generated by their specific coherent spread function. Here, we showed that averaging such images in vitro and in vivo reduced the speckle contrast by up to 28% and increased signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) by up to 48% with negligible impact on image spatial resolution. This method is compatible with other speckle reduction techniques to further improve OCT image quality.
Ultra-wideband solid-state biased coherent detector for multi-angle detection of THz pulses
Authors: Gao H. , He D. Y. , Wang T. W.
Published: November 2023

In recent years, significant progress has been made in the fields of nonlinear and ultrafast optics, offering exciting opportunities for terahertz (THz) science and technology. In this study, we present a novel design of a SSBCD (Solid-State-Biased Coherent Detection) device for the coherent detection of ultra-broadband THz pulses. By increasing the number of cross-fingers, we have effectively enhanced the sensitivity of the SSBCD device. The design of stepped and circular structures has successfully expanded the detectable electric field directions while reducing the dependence on the incident field direction. As a result, we have achieved ultra-broadband detection with a high dynamic range and a wide detection angle. These research findings lay a critical foundation for the integration of solid-state ultra-broadband detection into compact and miniaturized terahertz systems.
Parallel implement of real-time delta-sigma modulation for digital mobile fronthaul
Authors: Xu Weijing , Luo Zhibin , Deng Mincong , Huang Xiao , Luo Dongxiang , Li Fan
Published: November 2023

We propose and experimentally demonstrate a novel FPGA-based parallel architecture for delta-sigma modulation (DSM) for digital mobile fronthaul employing the DSM interface. This architecture breaks the limitations of the feedback loop in DSM, is not constrained by critical paths, and supports fully parallel processing, so it can deal with high sampling rates at low hardware operating speeds. In contrast to other parallel schemes, the proposed bit-by-bit quantization DSM avoid significant storage resources requirements for buffering. A real-time experimental system using Xilinx Kintex Ultrascale FPGA was implemented to validate the feasibility of the proposed architecture. 14 carrier aggregated orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) signals are digitized by DSM into a 5Gb/s PAM4 signal and transmitted over a 20 km single-mode fiber (SMF). As a waveform-agnostic digitization interface, we also experimentally demonstrated the DSM with 14 carrier aggregated filter-bank-multicarrier (FBMC) signals, which can achieve better EVM performance.
Mid-infrared dual-comb spectroscopy for rapid temperature distribution characterization
Authors: Zou Xing , Zhang Menglin , Liu Chenyu , Zuo Zhong , Di Yuanfeng , He Siying , Wang Siyi , Luo Daping , Gu Chenglin , Li Wenxue
Published: November 2023

Due to the influence of chemical reactions, phase change, and other phenomena, the combustion system is a complicated high-temperature environment. Therefore, the spatio-temporally resolved monitoring of the temperature field is crucial for gaining a comprehensive understanding of the intricate combustion environment. In this study, we proposed a fast and high-precision temperature measurement technique based on mid-infrared (MIR) dual-comb spectroscopy with a high spectral resolution and fast refresh rate. Based on this technique, the spatio-temporally resolved measurement of a non-uniform temperature field was achieved along the laser path. To verify the capability of DCS for temperature measurement, the bandhead ro-vibrational lines of the CO2 molecule were acquired, and the 1-σ uncertainty of the retrieved temperature was 3.2°C at 800°C within 100 ms. The results demonstrate the potential of our fast and high-precision laser diagnostic technique which can be further applied to combustion kinetics.