bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Novel Differentially Private Online Learning Algorithm for Group Lasso in Big Data
Authors: Li Jinxia , Lu Liwei
Published: October 2024

This study addresses the challenge of extracting valuable information and selecting key variables from large datasets, essential across statistics, computational science, and data science. In the age of big data, where safeguarding personal privacy is paramount, this study presents an online learning algorithm that leverages differential privacy to handle large‐scale data effectively. The focus is on enhancing the online group lasso approach within the differential privacy realm. The study begins by comparing online and offline learning approaches and classifying common online learning techniques. It proceeds to elucidate the concept of differential privacy and its importance. By enhancing the group‐follow‐the‐proximally‐regularized‐leader (GFTPRL) algorithm, we have created a new method for the online group lasso model that integrates differential privacy for binary classification in logistic regression. The research offers a solid validation of the algorithm’s effectiveness based on differential privacy and online learning principles. The algorithm’s performance was thoroughly evaluated through simulations with both synthetic and actual data. The comparison is made between the proposed privacy‐preserving algorithm and traditional non‐privacy‐preserving counterparts, with a focus on regret bounds, a measure of performance. The findings underscore the practical benefits of the differential privacy‐preserving algorithm in tackling large‐scale data analysis while upholding privacy standards. This research marks a significant step forward in the fusion of big data analytics and the safeguarding of individual privacy.
Machine learning‐based investigations of the effect of surface texture geometry on the wear behaviour of UHMWPE bearings in hip joint implants
Authors: Kumar Vipin , Tewari Ravi Prakash , Rawat Anubhav
Published: October 2024

The purpose of this research is to develop data‐driven machine learning (ML) models capable of estimating the specific wear rate of ultra‐high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) used in hip replacement implants. The results of the data‐driven models are demonstrating a high level of consistency with the experimental findings acquired from the pin‐on‐disk (POD) trials. With a performance evaluation of 0.06 mean absolute error (MAE), 0.17 Root Mean Square Error (RMSE), and 0.96 R2, the Random Forest Regression is found to be the best model. Another machine learning model, called Gradient Boosting Regression, is also found to possess satisfactory predictive performance by having an MAE of 0.09, RMSE of 0.24, and R2 of 0.96. According to the findings of a parametric analysis that made use of an ML model, the surface texture geometry has a substantial dependence on the wear behaviour of UHMWPE bearings that are used in hip replacement implants. This strategy has the potential to enhance experiment design and lessen the necessity for time‐consuming POD trials for the purpose of assessing the wear of hip replacement implants.
Research on combined power generation of wave energy and wind energy
Authors: Ru Beining
Published: October 2024

With the continuous growth of global energy demand and the increasingly severe environmental pollution problem, it has become particularly urgent to find clean and sustainable alternative energy sources. This article examines the possibilities for offshore wind and wave energy as renewable energy sources in detail and discusses the strategy and technology involved in generating combined power from them. An evaluation of the offshore wind energy and wave energy resources is done first, and then their distribution is briefly discussed. The research on wind and wave integrated energy-generating technologies is covered in this article. It also covers the fundamental technologies of complementary power generation platforms for the wind and waves, integration feasibility, shared array cost modeling, and development status. The technical research section analyzes in detail the control system design, wind and wave complementary energy supply devices, fixed wind turbine basic wave energy devices, and the creation of newly developed platforms for generating combined electricity from waves and wind. Finally, the article highlights the significance of technological innovation, optimized scheduling, and system integration, looks forward to the future development path of wind and wave-integrated energy generation, suggests specific research avenues, and acknowledges the unavoidable trend of industrialization and marketization. Although wind and wave combined power generation technology faces challenges in maturity and stability, as well as high research, operation and maintenance costs, it plays an important role in promoting energy structure transformation and responding to climate change.
Impact and monitoring of harmonics of new energy sources connected to the grid
Authors: Li Kechen
Published: October 2024

With the rapid growth of renewable energy sources in the global energy system, research on technologies for integrating new energy sources into the grid is gradually increasing. The harmonic problems caused during the grid integration process are receiving increasing attention. The monitoring and suppression of harmonics is greatly significant for the stability of power system operation. This paper analyses the harmonic generation mechanism of new energy grid integration and its impact on grid stability, and lists a variety of harmonic measurement methods and harmonic responsibility assessment tools. By analysing and summarizing the existing technology, this paper will be the basis for the subsequent research of new energy grid-connected technology. It has reference value for making the grid performance more optimised and ensuring the operation of the power system. It should be emphasised that new energy grid-connected harmonics are different from traditional harmonics research methods, so more detailed analyses are needed to support the development of theory and practice.
Graphene Materials and its Applications in Drug Delivery Systems
Authors: Liang Siyuan
Published: October 2024

Advancements in pharmacy and the increasing demand for precise therapeutic efficacy have driven the advancement of drug delivery. However, controlling the therapeutic efficacy exactly and reducing biotoxicity limit the further development of this area. To overcome these obstacles, smart drug delivery systems (DDS) have been developed. DDS integrates advanced technologies to reduce dosage frequency and maintain drug concentrations in targeted issues. Nanomaterials, particularly graphene and its derivatives, have shown significant promise in DDS due to their exceptional physiochemical properties, including high strength, high surface area, and high biocompatibility. Therefore, it is important to study graphene and the applications in DDS. This work gives a brief introduction to recent advancements in utilizing graphene and its derivatives, such as graphene oxide, reduced graphene oxide, and nanographene oxide, for drug delivery. It begins by discussing the characteristics of graphene and its derivatives. Then, applications of those nanomaterials in DDS, specifically as drug carriers of light-based therapies for tumor treatment, antimicrobial treatments, and gene therapy, are outlined. This work will contribute to promoting the further application of graphene in drug delivery systems.
Stimuli-response of MOFs in Drug Delivery Systems
Authors: Yin Hang
Published: October 2024

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) attracted much attention of researchers in biomedicine because of its diverse functions, tuneable pore sizes, and large surface area. MOFs act as a possible drug delivery system and have numerous advantages. It exhibits high loading of drug, biocompatibility, target delivery of drugs, cytotoxicity, and biodegradability. The sizes of MOFs can also be changed without changing its topology. It makes MOFs a appropriate drug delivery carrier in various situations. In recent years, MOFs have become a multifunctional drug carrier, and researchers have designed a variety of MOFs based drug delivery strategies. The significant efficacy of these strategies is also verified. Therefore, exploring MOFs in drug delivery systems is of vital importance. This work mainly discusses about the formulation of drug-delivery MOFs and different kinds of stimuli-response of MOFs. Along with them, the efficacy of the MOFs drug delivery system are also demonstrated experimentally. It is acknowledged that using MOFs to delivery drug is a new method of curing and have a better treatment than current. This work can do help to the further research on the stimuli-response of MOF drug delivery systems.
The toxic mechanism and application of tetrodotoxin (TTX)
Authors: Zhang Xiaonan
Published: October 2024

Tetrodotoxin (TTX) is a powerful toxin related to nerve cells that is commonly discovered at loads of puffer fish, and working out the best way of cooking, whereas keeping the flavour but getting rid of the toxicity has challenged people for decades, which removing the organ with toxin is currently most certified. In terms of mechanism of toxicity, binding with voltage-gated sodium channel in order to stop neuron transmission is usually what TTX does, and this action arises different symptoms from medium to severe. Death is not rare to see within severe reaction after ingestion of TTX, and there were plenty of researches studied on the lethal dose of TTX. Therefore, this research will analyze the toxicity mechanism of TTX and its application in treatment. Its special mechanism and non-addictive property allow it having a promising aspect regarding to medical treatment of pain related therapy or diseases. There is no limit to explore in these two areas, and investigation of working out mechanism of toxicology never stop.
Neurotoxic mechanisms and safety assessment of nanomaterials in neurotoxicology
Authors: Shi Haonan
Published: October 2024

This research examines the neurotoxic effects associated with nanomaterials, focusing on their ability to induce oxidative stress, cause mitochondrial dysfunction, penetrate the blood-brain barrier, disrupt neurotransmitter systems, and generate genotoxic effects. As nanotechnology continues to advance, there are significant improvements in the methods used for characterizing these materials and their applications in fields, such as medicine and environmental remediation. These technological strides, however, highlight the critical need for extensive toxicological studies to better understand the potential hazards posed by nanomaterials. Furthermore, the development and enforcement of stringent regulatory frameworks are essential to manage these risks effectively. Looking forward, research should concentrate on the development of nanomaterials engineered to be inherently safe, utilizing “Safe-by-Design” methodologies. Such strategies are crucial in advancing the design of nanomaterials that minimize potential risks while maximizing their beneficial uses. Strengthening regulatory guidelines is also imperative to ensure that the integration of nanomaterials into new applications proceeds safely. Integrating comprehensive safety assessments with the innovative deployment of nanomaterials promises to maximize their benefits while safeguarding public health and the environment.
Les déterminants sociodémographiques et géographiques de la pratique physique et sportive au Japon : une première modélisation
Authors: Lefèvre Brice , Kasano Hidehiro , Nier Olivier , Kato Tomoyuki , Yabe Tetsuya , Kajihara Hiroyuki , Shibata Hiroki , Koyama Sanae , Iizuka Shun , Endo Toshiro
Published: October 2024

Quels sont les déterminants sociodémographiques et géographiques de la pratique physique et sportive au Japon ? Le traitement statistique (couples régressions logistiques/anovas) de bases de données des enquêtes nationales ad hoc de la Japan Sports Agency (n = 120 000 personnes âgées de 18 à 79 ans) montre l’importance des caractéristiques sociodémographiques sur la sportivité des personnes (au sens large, fait de pratiquer au moins une activité physique ou sportive récréative), et le peu d’influence de l’origine préfectorale (codée en 47 préfectures). Au-delà de l’effet, peut-être ponctuel, de la période des Jeux Olympiques, les résultats présentent des effets sociodémographiques multiples. À grands traits, il est constaté une influence de l’âge majeure et atypique (dont une courbe en U), ainsi qu’un capital culturel et un capital économique qui favorisent la pratique physique et sportive. Apparaissent aussi la catégorie socioprofessionnelle (moyenne et supérieure) ainsi que le fait de ne pas habiter en zone rurale. Compte tenu du contexte social et culturel, le sexe a un effet moins fort qu’attendu.
Ein malignes Pilomatrixom im Bereich der Tonsille eines
Hundes
Authors: Stopar Angela , Hartmann Antje , Kuntz Jan , Lautersack Janine , Soukup Alena , Rademacher Pia
Published: October 2024

Dieser Fall beschreibt einen 12 Jahre alten männlichen West Highland White
Terrier, der aufgrund von Reverse Sneezing und einer oralen Dysphagie in der
Tierklinik vorgestellt wurde. In der endoskopischen Untersuchung konnte eine
Umfangsvermehrung der rechten Tonsille dargestellt werden. Histologisch wurde
ein malignes Pilomatrixom diagnostiziert. Es erfolgte eine chirurgische
Zytoreduktion und eine anschließende Bestrahlungstherapie. Der Hund war 154 Tage
symptomfrei und bei gutem Allgemeinbefinden. Aufgrund von erneuten klinischen
Anzeichen und dem Verdacht einer symptomatischen Metastasierungen in den
mandibulären Lymphknoten wurde der Hund 261 Tage nach der Diagnosestellung
euthanasiert. Dies ist der erste Fallbericht eines malignen Pilomatrixom der
Tonsille mit zytoreduktiver Chirurgie und adjuvanter Strahlentherapie.
Beziehungen zwischen perinataler Mortalität und Management von Kühen
vor und zur Kalbung in großen Milchviehherden
Authors: Keller Steffi , Donat Karsten , Söllner-Donat Stefanie , Wehrend Axel , Klassen Anne
Published: October 2024

Gegenstand und Ziel Totgeburten haben einen relevanten Anteil an der
Gesamtsterblichkeit der Kälber in Milchviehbetrieben und die Totgeburtenrate
stellt ein wichtiges Kriterium zur Beurteilung des Tierwohls dar. Zielstellung
dieser Studie war die Ermittlung von Zusammenhängen zwischen der Totgeburtenrate
und dem Management von Kühen ante partum und zur Kalbung in größeren
Milchviehherden.

Material und Methoden In 97 Milchviehbetrieben mit einer mittleren
Herdengröße von 550 Rindern über 24 Monate wurden Daten über das
Betriebsmanagement und zur Tiergesundheit im Rahmen einer Betriebsbegehung
mittels Fragebogen erhoben. Die Totgeburtenrate der jeweiligen Betriebe wurde
anhand der betriebseigenen Angaben aus der Milchleistungsprüfung ermittelt und
mit Hilfe einer multivariablen Faktorenanalyse auf mögliche Zusammenhänge mit
dem Betriebsmanagement untersucht.

Ergebnisse Eine höhere Totgeburtenrate zeigte sich bei Betrieben mit
besonders mageren sowie überkonditionierten Transitkühen. Ein positiver
Zusammenhang zur Totgeburtenrate ergab sich weiterhin für Betriebe mit einer
speziellen Geburtsüberwachung bei Färsen und mit Geburtshilfen bei>20% der
Geburten. Ein Zusammenhang zur Bestandsgröße bestand nicht.

Schlussfolgerung Unabhängig von der Betriebsgröße lassen sich Faktoren
ermitteln, welche in Beziehung zur Totgeburtenrate stehen. Die Körperkondition
der Kühe spielt hierbei eine wesentliche Rolle. Die Etablierung einer speziellen
Geburtsüberwachung bei Färsen ist vermutlich als eine Reaktion auf vermehrte
Totgeburten im Bestand zu interpretieren.

Klinische Relevanz Die Konditionierung der Kühe vor der Kalbung ist ein
wichtiges Handlungsfeld für Herdenmanager zur Vermeidung von Totgeburten. Die
Tiere sollten weder zu mager noch überkonditioniert zur Kalbung kommen. Bei
solchen Kühen sollte eine intensivere Geburtsüberwachung stattfinden, um zum
richtigen Zeitpunkt fachgerecht Geburtshilfe leisten zu können. In die
tierärztliche Bestandsbetreuung sollte eine Bonitur der Körperkondition von
Kühen zu den Zeitpunkten des Trockenstellens, der Abkalbung und gegen Ende der
Hochleistungsphase erfolgen sowie eine Bewertung der Bedingungen für die Kalbung
und eine Schulung der mit Geburtshilfe befassten Mitarbeiter integriert
werden.
The Management of Patients with Extrapulmonary Sarcoidosis in
Rheumatology Clinic
Authors: Gülle Semih , Ataca Mert Can , Sarı İsmail , Birlik Merih , Can Gercek , Önen Fatoş
Published: October 2024

Background This study aimed to evaluate patients with extrapulmonary and
refractory sarcoidosis who were followed up on in our rheumatology clinic for a
long follow-up period and to summarise the applications in rheumatology
practice.

Materials and Methods The study included patients diagnosed with
sarcoidosis at our institution between 2010 and 2022. Patientsʼ age, sarcoidosis
diagnosis dates, inflammatory rheumatic disease (iRMD) diagnoses, autoimmune
markers, and imaging findings were all evaluated. Estimates were made for cases
of glucocorticoid (GC) use and cumulative and mean daily GC exposures.

Results 90 patients with sarcoidosis, 79 (87.8) female and 11 (12.2) male,
whose mean age was 56.4±12.4 years, were included. Since 48 (53.3%) of the
patients required at least one additional treatment in addition to CS, they were
classified as having refractory sarcoidosis and followed up accordingly. While
43 (89%) of the patients received second-line sarcoidosis treatment, it was
found that 5 patients were switched to third-line sarcoidosis treatment
(p<0.001). Comorbidity distributions of refractory and nonrefractory patients
were similar. It was determined that 9 (10%) patients had a history of
osteoporotic fracture.

Conclusions In conclusion, it appears critical to develop a detailed
patient management plan and a multidisciplinary approach in the early stages of
extrapulmonary sarcoidosis management. There is currently no detailed algorithm
covering refractory disease definition and treatment practice differences.
Impact of High-intensity Statin on Atrial Fibrillation after Off-Pump Coronary Artery Bypass
Authors: Lee Yeiwon , Kang Yoonjin , Kim Ji Seong , Kim Sue Hyun , Sohn Suk Ho , Hwang Ho Young
Published: October 2024

Background There is uncertainty regarding the impact of high-intensity statins on postoperative outcomes in patients undergoing surgical myocardial revascularization. This study was conducted to evaluate the impact of high-intensity statin treatment on the occurrence rate of new-onset postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) after off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (OPCAB).

Methods Six hundred and thirteen patients (66.8 ± 9.8 years, male:female = 476:137) who underwent isolated OPCAB were retrospectively enrolled. Hypertension (n = 409, 66.7%), diabetes mellitus (n = 343, 59.6%), and chronic kidney disease (n = 138, 22.5%) were common comorbidities. Statins and beta-blockers were administered to all patients until the day of surgery and resumed within 6 hours after surgery. Risk factors associated with POAF were analyzed, including the use of high-intensity statins (atorvastatin 40–80 mg or rosuvastatin 20 mg), as well as baseline characteristics and preoperative risk factors.

Results High-intensity statins were used in 158 patients (25.8%). POAF occurred in 184 patients (30.0%). The use of high-intensity statins was not correlated with preoperative levels of low-density lipoprotein (p = 0.446) or high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (p = 0.478). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that the use of high-intensity statins was significantly associated with a reduced occurrence of POAF (p = 0.022, odds ratio [95% confidence interval] = 0.592 [0.378–0.926]). Age, acute coronary syndrome, insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, and chronic kidney disease were also significantly associated with POAF.

Conclusion Preoperative administration of high-intensity statins was associated with a 41% reduction in the occurrence rate of POAF in patients who underwent OPCAB.
Enhanced optical transmittance and room temperature ferromagnetism in Al-doped zinc oxide epitaxial films
Authors: Temizer Namik K. , Broman Melanie , Nori Sudhakar , Reynolds Lewis , Kumar Dhananjay , Narayan Jagdish
Published: October 2024

We present a systematic investigation of the detailed structural, optical and magnetic properties of ZnO thin films deposited by pulsed laser deposition as a function of varying Al doping from 0% to 5%. The observed features can be associated with strain introduced into the ZnO lattice by the incorporation of Al. Enhanced optical transmittance values close to 95% were achieved in Al-doped ZnO epitaxial films deposited on sapphire substrates. In addition, these films exhibit robust ferromagnetic properties at room temperature with saturation magnetization that varies from 143 to 63 emu/cm3 for Al dopant concentrations from 0% to 5%. It is demonstrated that the saturation magnetization is related to the strain introduced into the lattice with increased Al doping.
Origin of land status and history of land use of large oil palm plantation in PT PSM, West Kalimantan Province
Authors: Nurlhida F A H , Manar P A
Published: October 2024

Indonesia has received a lot of allegations regarding deforestation associated with oil palm plantation. One of the oil palm plantations was built by PT PSM in West Kalimantan. Its status and land use origin need to be explored to break the allegations. The purpose of this research was to obtain valid data and information about the origin of status and land use of oil palm plantations in PT PSM. Methods used in this research were interview, map overlay analysis, Landsat image interpretation, and literature study. Permission grant for oil palm plantation started in 2005. The location permit was completed in 2019. The land consisted of 91.03% convertible production forest and 8.97% limited production forest in 1982. Those area became non-forest land in 2014. Previously, the land consisted of secondary forest and community fields. The land was handed to PT PSM without conflict. After the plantation was built, 11.64% of secondary forest area became oil palm plantation. Previous land use includes secondary dry land forest, shrubs, bushes, and plantation. When the business permit and certificate were issued, the status of the oil palm plantations was not forest area, confirming that the oil palm plantation is not involved in any deforestation.
Unveiling pyroelectricity in ferroelectric planar capacitors with area-selective wet etched hafnium zirconium oxide: from ab initio and multiphysics simulations to experiments
Authors: Aldrigo Martino , Zampa Gian Marco , Dragoman Mircea , Dinu Livia Alexandra , Nastase Florin , Romanitan Cosmin , Parvulescu Catalin , Brincoveanu Oana , Iordanescu Sergiu , Vulpe Silviu , Laudadio Emiliano , Mohebbi Elaheh , Pavoni Eleonora
Published: October 2024

In this work, a systematic approach aimed at investigating and validating a novel way of realizing pyroelectric harvesting is presented. Generating a direct-current (dc) signal through a temperature gradient within a less than 7 nm-thick ferroelectric zirconium-doped hafnium oxide (HZO) nano-film, embedded in planar interdigitated capacitors on high-resistivity silicon, is a new, simple, effective, and reproducible solution. Temperature-related structural modifications in HZO are first simulated using advanced ab initio calculations. Then, rigorous multiphysics simulations of the final devices provide insight into the expected performance of the pyroelectric harvester, as a function of temperature, contact area, and crystal orientation, showing a maximum open-circuit voltage of up to 900 mV. The fabrication of the harvesters involves the area-selective wet etching of the HZO layer to retain it exclusively in between the fingers of each capacitor. This choice maximizes the pyroelectric effect (which strongly depends on the area) and represents a new paradigm in the development of HZO-based electronics, which are conventionally built on ferroelectric continuous films. Experimental validation at both low frequencies and microwaves confirms the pyroelectric effect, exhibiting a significant increase in the output current for higher temperature gradients, and a generated dc voltage of several hundred millivolts.
Authoritarianism: A Very Short Introduction
Authors: Loxton James
Published: October 2024

Authoritarianism is one of the buzzwords of our age. But what is it exactly? This book provides a clear and engaging introduction to the world of authoritarian regimes, including military, single-party, and personalist regimes. It asks why authoritarian regimes are born, why they sometimes die, and what legacies they leave behind. It shows that while many authoritarian regimes broke down in the final decades of the 20th century, about half of all countries remained authoritarian. Drawing on wide-ranging examples including Argentina, China, Spain, Saudi Arabia, and South Africa, the book asks what citizens can do to prevent their countries from sliding into authoritarianismâ€”and what can be done once those regimes are in place. It also considers the disturbing fact that voters in many new democracies use their newfound rights to send former authoritarian officials back to power.
iSeq: an integrated tool to fetch public sequencing data
Authors: Chao Haoyu , Li Zhuojin , Chen Dijun , Chen Ming
Published: October 2024

Motivation

High-throughput sequencing technologies [next-generation sequencing (NGS)] are increasingly used to address diverse biological questions. Despite the rich information in NGS data, particularly with the growing datasets from repositories like the Genome Sequence Archive (GSA) at NGDC, programmatic access to public sequencing data and metadata remains limited.

Results

We developed iSeq to enable quick and straightforward retrieval of metadata and NGS data from multiple databases via the command-line interface. iSeq supports simultaneous retrieval from GSA, SRA, ENA, and DDBJ databases. It handles over 25 different accession formats, supports Aspera downloads, parallel downloads, multi-threaded processes, FASTQ file merging, and integrity verification, simplifying data acquisition and enhancing the capacity for reanalyzing NGS data.

Availability and implementation

iSeq is freely available on Bioconda (https://anaconda.org/bioconda/iseq) and GitHub (https://github.com/BioOmics/iSeq).
Deep learning and transfer learning for brain tumor detection and classification
Authors: Rustom Faris , Moroze Ezekiel , Parva Pedram , Ogmen Haluk , Yazdanbakhsh Arash
Published: October 2024

Convolutional neural networks (CNNs) are powerful tools that can be trained on image classification tasks and share many structural and functional similarities with biological visual systems and mechanisms of learning. In addition to serving as a model of biological systems, CNNs possess the convenient feature of transfer learning where a network trained on one task may be repurposed for training on another, potentially unrelated, task. In this retrospective study of public domain MRI data, we investigate the ability of neural network models to be trained on brain cancer imaging data while introducing a unique camouflage animal detection transfer learning step as a means of enhancing the networks’ tumor detection ability. Training on glioma and normal brain MRI data, post-contrast T1-weighted and T2-weighted, we demonstrate the potential success of this training strategy for improving neural network classification accuracy. Qualitative metrics such as feature space and DeepDreamImage analysis of the internal states of trained models were also employed, which showed improved generalization ability by the models following camouflage animal transfer learning. Image saliency maps further this investigation by allowing us to visualize the most important image regions from a network’s perspective while learning. Such methods demonstrate that the networks not only ‘look’ at the tumor itself when deciding, but also at the impact on the surrounding tissue in terms of compressions and midline shifts. These results suggest an approach to brain tumor MRIs that is comparable to that of trained radiologists while also exhibiting a high sensitivity to subtle structural changes resulting from the presence of a tumor.
Enhanced MRI-based brain tumour classification with a novel Pix2pix generative adversarial network augmentation framework
Authors: Onakpojeruo Efe Precious , Mustapha Mubarak Taiwo , Ozsahin Dilber Uzun , Ozsahin Ilker
Published: October 2024

The scarcity of medical imaging datasets and privacy concerns pose significant challenges in artificial intelligence-based disease prediction. This poses major concerns to patient confidentiality as there are now tools capable of extracting patient information by merely analysing patient’s imaging data. To address this, we propose the use of synthetic data generated by generative adversarial networks as a solution. Our study pioneers the utilisation of a novel Pix2Pix generative adversarial network model, specifically the ‘image-to-image translation with conditional adversarial networks,’ to generate synthetic datasets for brain tumour classification. We focus on classifying four tumour types: glioma, meningioma, pituitary and healthy. We introduce a novel conditional deep convolutional neural network architecture, developed from convolutional neural network architectures, to process the pre-processed generated synthetic datasets and the original datasets obtained from the Kaggle repository. Our evaluation metrics demonstrate the conditional deep convolutional neural network model's high performance with synthetic images, achieving an accuracy of 86%. Comparative analysis with state-of-the-art models such as Residual Network50, Visual Geometry Group 16, Visual Geometry Group 19 and InceptionV3 highlights the superior performance of our conditional deep convolutional neural network model in brain tumour detection, diagnosis and classification. Our findings underscore the efficacy of our novel Pix2Pix generative adversarial network augmentation technique in creating synthetic datasets for accurate brain tumour classification, offering a promising avenue for improved disease prediction and treatment planning.
Upadacitinib in Patients With Difficult-to-Treat Crohn’s Disease
Authors: Bezzio Cristina , Franchellucci Gianluca , Savarino Edoardo V , Mastronardi Mauro , Caprioli Flavio Andrea , Bodini Giorgia , Variola Angela , Scaldaferri Franco , Furfaro Federica , Calabrese Emma , Principi Maria Beatrice , Biscaglia Giuseppe , Marzo Manuela , Michielan Andrea , Cavalli Carolina , Aratari Annalisa , Campigotto Michele , Ceccarelli Linda , Cappello Maria , Saibeni Simone , Balestrieri Paola , Soriano Alessandra , Casini Valentina , Bertani Lorenzo , Barberio Brigida , Conforti Francesco Simone , Danese Silvio , Armuzzi Alessandro
Published: October 2024

Lay Summary

Upadacitinib has recently been approved for treating Crohn’s disease (CD). Here, we report on the effectiveness and safety of upadacitinib in a cohort of patients with difficult-to-treat CD being cared for at clinical centers across Italy.
Body size and condition, not allochrony, affect temporal reproductive patterns in a prolonged breeding anuran
Authors: Burgstaller Stephan , Horvath Andras , Aiglsperger Marie-Luise , Kapeller Bernhard , Spießberger Magdalena , Staufer Martina , Landler Lukas
Published: October 2024

Individual phenological life-history variations in the context of seasonal conditions are well documented in fishes and birds. However, amphibians, a group heavily affected by habitat loss and fragmentation, have received relatively little attention regarding research on life-history adaptations. Here we present 3 years of data on the timing of reproductive activity in a suburban European green toad (Bufotes viridis) population. We found annually consistent patterns of reproductive activity and investigated whether these were caused by allochrony or individual attributes. Body size (a proxy for age), body condition, and sex significantly affected the timing of reproductive activity. However, most individuals showed considerable overlap in their reproductive timeframe, refuting the existence of allochronic subpopulations. Our findings may indicate life-history adaptations in the direction of a faster lifestyle in response to hazardous environments. We propose to focus further research efforts on phenological variations in the context of environmental conditions, and that phenological variations should be considered more strongly in amphibian conservation efforts.
Navitor™ in Evolut™: a case report illustrating a novel approach to redo-transcatheter aortic valve implantation
Authors: Völz Sebastian , Petursson Petur , Ioanes Dan , Råmunddal Truls , Angerås Oskar
Published: October 2024

Background

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is expanding to younger patients, and the management of valve failure is a growing clinical problem. The transcatheter heart valve (THV) of choice for redo-TAVI is a complex decision, and first reports have examined the use of the Sapien 3™ THV (Edwards Lifesciences; Irvine, CA, USA) in failed Evolut™ (Medtronic, Minneapolis, MN, USA) THV. However, several different technical approaches may be worth consideration, and the subject remains a matter of debate.

Case summary

A 73-year-old female with previous coronary artery bypass grafting, percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), and TAVI with a 26 mm Evolut™ R THV presented with signs of heart failure. The clinical investigation revealed a severe restenosis of the THV valve and a stenosis of the left coronary main stem. The patient was successfully treated with PCI of the left main and, during the same procedure, underwent implantation of a 25 mm Navitor™ THV (Abbott; Chicago, IL, USA).

Discussion

This case presentation aims to illustrate the rationale of and necessary conditions for performing a TAVI-in-TAVI procedure with Navitor™ THV in a failed Evolut™ THV which, to our best knowledge, constitutes a novel approach to redo-TAVI.
Novel method for diagnosing takotsubo syndrome with left ventriculography using a microaxial flow pump in temporary surgical mode in a patient with cardiogenic shock: a case report
Authors: Kawakami Shoji , Nawata Eigo , Nishi Jun-ichiro
Published: October 2024

Background

It is reasonable to introduce a microaxial flow pump (Impella) before coronary angiography and left ventriculography (LVG) to prioritize treating tissue hypoperfusion in patients with takotsubo syndrome (TTS) and refractory cardiogenic shock. However, left ventricular (LV) unloading by an Impella device might prevent contrast media from filling the left ventricle, making it difficult to evaluate LV wall motion abnormalities during LVG.

Case summary

A 76-year-old female with ST elevations in I, II, aVL, and V1–6 on electrocardiography and severe LV dysfunction on echocardiography immediately received circulatory support with Impella CP to treat refractory cardiogenic shock. Subsequent coronary angiography showed no significant stenosis. Biplane LVG was performed using an additional pigtail catheter inserted into the left ventricle while the pump catheter remained there in temporary surgical mode, which was able to protect the motor because the purge system remained active while the pump was stopped. Left ventriculography in temporary surgical mode revealed apical ballooning with a mismatch between epicardial coronary artery perfusion and LV contraction without compromised haemodynamics. The patient was diagnosed with TTS.

Discussion

Coronary angiography and LVG are considered essential diagnostic tools to confirm TTS and exclude acute myocardial infarction. Left ventriculography with Impella temporarily set to surgical mode was able to clearly evaluate LV wall motion abnormalities without affecting haemodynamics. This case highlights that it is perfectly acceptable to prioritize Impella insertion over coronary angiography and LVG in patients with refractory cardiogenic shock in whom the differentiation between TTS and acute myocardial infarction has not yet been made.
Burden of cardiovascular disease attributable to metabolic risks in 204 countries and territories from 1990 to 2021
Authors: Chen Huimin , Liu Lu , Wang Yi , Hong Liqiong , Zhong Wen , Lehr Thorsten , Bragazzi Nicola Luigi , Tang Biao , Dai Haijiang
Published: October 2024

Aims

To evaluate the global cardiovascular disease (CVD) burden attributable to metabolic risks in 204 countries and territories from 1990 to 2021.

Methods and results

Following the methodologies used in the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021, this study analysed CVD deaths and disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) attributable to metabolic risks by location, age, sex, and Socio-demographic Index (SDI). In 2021, metabolic risks accounted for 13.59 million CVD deaths (95% UI 12.01–15.13) and 287.17 million CVD DALYs (95% UI 254.92–316.32) globally, marking increases of 63.3% and 55.5% since 1990, respectively. Despite these increases, age-standardized mortality and DALY rates have significantly declined. The highest age-standardized rates of metabolic risks-attributable CVD mortality and DALYs were observed in Central Asia and Eastern Europe, while the lowest rates were found in High-income Asia Pacific, Australasia, and Western Europe, all of which are high SDI regions. Among the metabolic risks, high systolic blood pressure emerged as the predominant factor, contributing to the highest numbers of CVD deaths [10.38 million (95% UI 8.78–12.03)] and DALYs [14.52 million (95% UI 180.42–247.57)] in 2021, followed by high LDL cholesterol.

Conclusion

Our study highlights the persistent and significant impact of metabolic risks on the global CVD burden from 1990 to 2021, emphasizing the need of designing public health strategies that align with regional healthcare capacities and demographic differences to effectively reduce these effects through enhanced international collaboration and specific policies.
The influence of body mass index on biomarkers of cellular senescence in older adults
Authors: Palmer Allyson K , St. Sauver Jennifer , Fielding Roger A , Atkinson Elizabeth , White Thomas A , McGree Michaela , Weston Susan , LeBrasseur Nathan K
Published: October 2024

Obesity accelerates the onset and progression of age-related conditions. In preclinical models, obesity drives cellular senescence, a cell fate that compromises tissue health and function, in part through a robust and diverse secretome. In humans, components of the secretome have been used as senescence biomarkers that are predictive of age-related disease, disability, and mortality. Here, using biospecimens and clinical data from two large and independent cohorts of older adults, we tested the hypothesis that the circulating concentrations of senescence biomarkers are influenced by body mass index (BMI). After adjusting for age, sex, and race, we observed significant increases in activin A, Fas, MDC, PAI1, PARC, TNFR1, and VEGFA, and a significant decrease in RAGE, from normal weight, to overweight, to obesity BMI categories by linear regression in both cohorts (all p < 0.05). These results highlight the influence of BMI on circulating concentrations of senescence biomarkers.
Mapping the genomic landscape of Prunus spp. with PrunusMap
Authors: Ksouri Najla , Moreno María Ángeles , Contreras-Moreira Bruno , Gogorcena Yolanda
Published: October 2024

Next-generation sequencing has fueled significant advancement in plant breeding tools, such as genome-wide association studies and single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) analysis. In this dynamic landscape, plant databases housing SNP markers have evolved into hubs facilitating breeding initiatives and genomic research. PrunusMap, accessible at https://prunusmap.eead.csic.es is an open-source Web application tailored for the Prunus community. Featuring a user-friendly interface, PrunusMap empowers users to seamlessly align and locate markers across multiple genome versions of Prunus species and cultivars, supporting different queries and formats. Beyond locating marker positions, it provides a comprehensive list of annotated nearby genes and proteins. This streamlined process, driven by four intuitive features ‘Find markers’, ‘Align sequences’, ‘Align proteins’, and ‘Locate by position’, significantly reduces workload and boosts efficiency, particularly for users with limited bioinformatics expertise. Moreover, PrunusMap’s versatility is underscored by its commitment to incorporate additional Prunus genome sequences, annotations, and markers upon user request.
Far-Right World Ordering from the Margins: Ethno-Ecological Degrowth and the Nation in the Swiss Democrats’ Discourse About the Natural Environment
Authors: Forchtner Bernhard , Gruber Mirjam
Published: October 2024

Global environmental issues can give rise to globally shared, progressive narratives. Others, such as regressive far-right actors, have obstructed such responses by reproducing exclusionary narratives. However, while substantial work on such far-right obstruction exists, comprehensive case studies on pro-environment/pro-climate far-right actors are less common. To illuminate such far-right imagination of (un)desirable patterned relationships at a worldwide level (world ordering), we offer a multimodal longitudinal analysis of articulations of environmental issues by the radical-right party Swiss Democrats between 2000 and 2022. The significance of our contribution lies in reconstructing far-right world ordering, which positions this actor as an uncorrupted outsider and, more specifically, proposes pro-environment/pro-climate, growth-critical stances coupled with xenophobia (what we conceptualize as “ethno-ecological degrowth”). Furthermore, by combining narrative theory and Habermas-inspired theory of collective learning, we reconstruct the (distortion of) the party's communication over time to aid a reconsideration of the analytical toolkit for the analysis of world ordering.
Species delimitation under allopatry: genomic insights within and across continents in Lepidoptera
Authors: Joshi Mukta , Espeland Marianne , Huemer Peter , deWaard Jeremy , Mutanen Marko
Published: October 2024

Delimitation of allopatric populations into species remains subjective and largely arbitrary. Many cold-adapted species from the sub-Arctic and Central and Southern European Mountain systems provide excellent models to study allopatry problem due to their patchy distributions. The same concerns many Holarctic species, which frequently show varying degrees of differentiation between continents. In this study, we analyze high-throughput target enrichment data for 10 groups of Arctic-alpine and Holarctic lepidopteran species sampled from different regions across the Holarctic realm, i.e., Fennoscandia, European Alps, Altai Mountains, and North America. We first aimed to assess whether the genetic differences in the nuclear genome reflected observed DNA barcode divergences and, secondly, whether the gap between population and species-level differences can be reliably dissected using genomic data. We compared the phylogenetic trees and uncorrected pairwise genetic distances obtained from target enrichment and mitochondrial COI barcodes and performed a suite of population genetic and species delimitation analyses to further explore patterns of intraspecific variation in our study species. We observed that in about one-half of the cases, DNA barcodes showed phylogenetic relationships similar to the target enrichment markers. Nuclear genetic differentiation varied among the populations analyzed, from low differentiation of geographically separated populations to the deeper separation of some Nearctic populations and Arctic-alpine disjunction in the populations from Fennoscandia and Southern European mountains. Our results highlight the need for consistent delimitation of allopatric populations, especially given the prevalence of distributional discontinuities across species. Large sets of standard genetic markers provide a very promising avenue towards this goal.
Optimizing Scarce Resources through Collaboration
Authors: Shaligram Deepika , Sarvet Barry , Straus John H.
Published: October 2024

There is a dearth of child and adolescent psychiatrists across the United States. Pediatric primary care providers (PPCP) who try to bridge this gap typically lack the requisite training and relationships with community mental health systems to effectively manage children with psychiatric disorders. The Massachusetts Child Psychiatry Access Program (MCPAP) is a public system providing resources to enable PPCPs to treat psychiatric disorders of mild-moderate severity, thus conserving scarce child psychiatry resources for more complex and severe conditions. MCPAP delivers on-demand telephone consultation, expedited outpatient psychiatric evaluation, community resource navigation, and educational services to PPCPs across Massachusetts. Since its inception in 2004, MCPAP has become a predominant model for improving access to child psychiatry care and has been replicated in 49 US states. MCPAP receives high PPCP satisfaction and supports widespread children’s mental health screening and access to care for maternal depression, adolescent substance use disorders, and autism spectrum disorders.
Communicating and Interacting With Journal Editors
Authors: McDermott Mary M.
Published: October 2024

Communication between authors and journal editors is an essential component of the manuscript submission, revision, and publication processes. This chapter summarizes journal expectations and editorial priorities for these communications and provides suggestions to ensure a transparent and thorough manuscript evaluation by the editors. Specific types of communication addressed in this chapter include presubmission inquiries, manuscript cover letters, manuscript submission, editor communications after manuscript submission, author responses to editor and reviewer requests for manuscript revisions, and postacceptance communications with journal editors. The chapter includes a table summarizing types of author-editor communications and recommendations for the appropriate content to include for each communication type.
Plagiarism
Authors: Kibbe Melina R.
Published: October 2024

Understanding plagiarism, duplicate submission, and their related issues is paramount for everyone in an academic field. This chapter discusses plagiarism, which may be the most common form of research misconduct and occurs throughout all aspects of the written word, including essays, grant applications, published articles, and other reports. The ramifications of plagiarism can be severe and may adversely affect an academic career but, as this chapter explains, understanding the types of plagiarism and the principles of good scholarship can help authors avoid this type of misconduct. In addition to defining plagiarism and its scope in academic publications, this chapter addresses different types of plagiarism, methods to detect plagiarism, consequences of plagiarism, best practices to avoid plagiarism, and use of plagiarism detection software.
Data Sharing
Authors: Bauchner Howard , Fontanarosa Phil B.
Published: October 2024

Data sharing is a process by which investigators of a scientific study agree to share their data and related information with other researchers. This chapter provides information on data sharing and the responsibilities of authors related to data sharing as required by journals and funders. The key concepts, potential benefits and concerns, and ethical and practical issues related to data sharing are discussed. The various data sharing policies among journals are described, ranging from requiring authors to commit to data sharing as a condition of considering a manuscript for possible publication to only requiring that authors provide a statement about their willingness and plans to share data or not. In addition, recommendations are provided for authors of manuscripts based on shared data that they have obtained and reanalyzed to ensure that the original data sources and original investigators are clearly described and transparently reported and credited.