bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Applying machine learning to international drug monitoring: classifying cannabis resin collected in Europe using cannabinoid concentrations
Authors: Freeman Tom P. , Beeching Edward , Craft Sam , Di Forti Marta , Frison Giampietro , Lindholst Christian , Oomen Pieter E. , Potter David , Rigter Sander , Rømer Thomsen Kristine , Zamengo Luca , Cunningham Andrew , Groshkova Teodora , Sedefov Roumen
Published: May 2024

In Europe, concentrations of ∆9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in cannabis resin (also known as hash) have risen markedly in the past decade, potentially increasing risks of mental health disorders. Current approaches to international drug monitoring cannot distinguish between different types of cannabis resin which may have contrasting health effects due to THC and cannabidiol (CBD) content. Here, we compared concentrations of THC and CBD in different types of cannabis resin collected in Europe (either Moroccan-type, or Dutch-type). We then tested the ability of machine learning algorithms to classify the type of cannabis resin (either Moroccan-type, or Dutch-type) using routinely collected monitoring data on THC and CBD. Finally, we applied the optimal algorithm to new samples collected in countries where the type of cannabis resin was unknown, the UK and Denmark. Results showed that overall, Dutch-type samples had higher THC (Hedges’ g = 2.39) and lower CBD (Hedges’ g = 0.81) than Moroccan-type samples. A Support Vector Machine algorithm achieved classification accuracy exceeding 95%, with little variation in this estimate, good interpretability, and plausibility. It made contrasting predictions about the type of cannabis resin collected in the UK (94% Moroccan-type; 6% Dutch-type) and Denmark (36% Moroccan-type; 64% Dutch-type). In conclusion, we provide proof-of-concept evidence for the potential of machine learning to inform international drug monitoring. Our findings should not be interpreted as objective confirmatory evidence but suggest that Dutch-type cannabis resin has higher THC concentrations than Moroccan-type cannabis resin, which may contribute to variation in drug markets and health outcomes for people who use cannabis in Europe.
Detrimental effects of scene manipulations on temperature-based time since death estimation
Authors: Sauer Patrick , Lux Constantin , Gruber Hannes , Verhoff Marcel A. , Ramsthaler Frank , Kern Natascha , Kettner Mattias
Published: May 2024

In forensic casework, time since death (TSD) estimations may play a crucial role to establish chains of events as well as for alibi assessment in homicide cases. Classical TSD estimation relies on reasonably stable ambient temperatures and a correct documentation of ambient and rectal temperatures. This constancy is in some cases disturbed by post-discovery alterations of the crime scene, e.g. opening a window. In order to develop a better understanding of this alteration-based detrimental impact on TSD estimation as well as to identify feasible recommendations for casework, the present pilot study examined ambient temperature effects of different window opening scenarios regarding various time intervals (5 to 360 min) in a furnished 10 m2 apartment during winter. In this context, in addition to the ambient temperature and thus the cooling rate of the room, re-approximation to initial room temperature, potential influences on a nomogram-based time since death estimation using a fictitious case, and the impact of the measurement height above the ground were investigated. Our data indicate a significant reduction of the mean temperature decrease rate after 15 min regardless of the remaining opening time and a correlation with the size of the respective opening surfaces. Re-approximation to initial room temperatures was observed with up to three times longer than the initial opening time. There was no evidence of a substantial advantage of temperature measurements above the level of the corpse (> 0.1 m). The limitations of the study and its applicability for forensic casework are critically reviewed.
Neurological symptoms in adults with Gaucher disease: a systematic review
Authors: Imbalzano Gabriele , Ledda Claudia , Romagnolo Alberto , Covolo Anna , Lopiano Leonardo , Artusi Carlo Alberto
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Gaucher disease (GD) is classically divided into three types, based on the presence or absence of neurological signs and symptoms. However, presentation can be highly variable in adulthood, and this aspect has not been adequately addressed in the literature so far. We performed a systematic literature review to analyze the entire spectrum of neurological manifestations in adult patients previously classified as GD type I, II, or III, evaluating the role of variants in different neurological manifestations.

Methods

We searched databases for studies reporting clinical data of adult GD patients (age ≥ 18). Data extraction included GD types, GBA1 variants, age at disease onset and diagnosis, duration of GD, and age at onset and type of neurological symptoms reported.

Results

Among 4190 GD patients from 85 studies, 555 exhibited neurological symptoms in adulthood. The median age at evaluation was 46.8 years (IQR 26.5), age at neurological symptoms onset was 44 years (IQR 35.1), and age at GD clinical onset was 23 years (IQR 23.4). Parkinsonism, including Parkinson’s disease and Lewy Body dementia, was the most reported neurological manifestation. Other symptoms and signs encompassed oculomotor abnormalities, peripheral neuropathy, seizures, myoclonus, and cerebellar, cognitive and psychiatric symptoms. The genotype N370S/N370S mostly presented with Parkinsonism and the L444P variant with severe and earlier neurological symptoms.

Conclusion

The findings of this systematic review highlight: (1) the relevance of a comprehensive neurological assessment in GD patients, and (2) the importance of considering possible undiagnosed GD in adult patients with mild systemic symptoms presenting unexplained neurological symptoms.
The impact of Vitreo-Macular interface abnormalities on the response to Anti-VEGF therapy for centre involving diabetic macular oedema
Authors: Maguire Matthew , Laidlaw Dah , Davies Nigel , Hammond Christopher
Published: May 2024

Background

The influence of Vitreomacular Interface Abnormalities (VMIA) such as Epiretinal Membrane (ERM) and/or vitreomacular traction (VMT) on the response of patients with Centre Involving Diabetic Macular Edema (CIDME) to standard of care Anti-VEGF medications is under-researched.

The aims of this study were:

To determine the incidence of VMIA at baseline and 12 months amongst treatment naive patients commencing anti-VEGF treatment

To compare the response to Anti-VEGF medications at 3 monthly intervals for 12 months in a large cohort of patients with and without VMIA on their baseline OCT scan.

Response was determined in terms of: number of injections, central macular thickness and visual acuity.

Methods

A retrospective case notes review of treatment naïve patients with newly diagnosed CIDME. Included patients had been commenced on intravitreal Anti-VEGF injections (ranibizumab or aflibercept) at a single centre.

Inclusion criteria were: treatment naïve DME patients with a CMT of 400μ or more receiving anti-VEGF treatment with at least 12 months follow up and in whom macular OCT scans and visual acuity (VA) measurements were available within two weeks of baseline, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months.

Exclusion criteria included: previous intravitreal therapy, previous vitrectomy, cataract surgery during the follow-up period, concurrent eye conditions affecting vision or CMT.

Results

119 eyes met the inclusion criteria and underwent analysis. Groups were comparable in their baseline demographics. Baseline CMT measurements were comparable at baseline (417μ and 430μ in the No-VMIA and VMIA groups respectively) and improved to approximately 300μ in both groups. From 6 months CMT continued to improve in the no-VMIA while progressively deteriorating in the VMIA group. Change in CMT was statistically different at 12 months between the 2 groups (108μ and 79μ, p= 0.04). There was a mean of 7 injections after 12 months.

Conclusion

Our study has shown a 46% incidence of VMIA amongst patients newly diagnosed with centre involving DME undergoing treatment with anti-VEGF injections. We have also demonstrated a significant difference in CMT and VA response to anti-VEGF treatment in patients with and without VMIA. Initial response was similar between the 2 groups up until 6 months. From 6 to 12 months significant differences in treatment response emerged.

Differences in clinical response between patients with and without VMIA may help guide further prospective controlled studies and optimise treatment strategies.
Association of problems, coping styles, and preferred online activity with depression, anxiety, and other psychological disorders in Turkish adolescents diagnosed with chronic kidney disease
Authors: Kandemir Ibrahim , Gudek Kemal , Sahin Aylin Yetim , Aksakal Melike Tugrul , Kucuk Elif , Yildirim Zeynep Nagehan Yuruk , Yilmaz Alev , Nayir Ahmet , Bas Firdevs
Published: May 2024

Background

To assess depression, anxiety, and other psychological disorders in adolescents with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and determine the significant factors and the effect of digital media use on its scores among these patient groups.

Methods

The study was conducted as a cross-sectional study and included 84 adolescents with CKD and 68 healthy controls. The participants completed the Revised Child Anxiety and Depression Scale (RCADS). We recorded their age, gender, the most problematic issue in their lives, coping methods with problems, and online applications they prefer in their leisure time.

Results

Elevated rates (scores > 70) of separation anxiety, panic disorder, obsession, depression, total anxiety, and total depression scales were statistically higher in the CKD group. Separation anxiety, panic disorder, obsession, total anxiety, and total depression scales were higher in girls, and panic disorder, obsession, depression, total anxiety, and total depression scores were higher in younger ages in multivariate analysis. In the CKD group, family issues/problems increased panic disorder, obsession, depression, total anxiety, and total depression scales. Crying in tears/yelling response in children while facing a problem was associated with increased separation anxiety and social phobia rates. Also, preferring video applications was associated with separation anxiety and messaging applications with depression, total anxiety, and total depression.

Conclusions

Adolescents with CKD are at risk for depression, anxiety, obsession, and panic disorders. Also, crying in tears/yelling response may be at greater risk for anxiety among CKD adolescents. Early psychiatric evaluation and routine psychiatric follow-ups initiated early may improve the mental health of this vulnerable population.

Graphical Abstract
Epithermal Ag–Au mineralization at Galim-Legalgorou, Cameroon Volcanic Line: insights from alteration mineralogy and mineral chemistry of electrum and sphalerite
Authors: Ngang Terence Cho , Suh Cheo Emmanuel , Wagner Thomas , Bafon Tasin Godlove , Fusswinkel Tobias , Vishiti Akumbom
Published: May 2024

The Galim-Legalgorou area, located along the north-western branch of the Cameroon Volcanic Line (CVL), is known for artisanal gold mining and primary gold exploration, but the style and origin of the mineralization has not been fully described in the scientific literature. The close spatial association of the mineralization with Tertiary volcanic rocks raises the question of whether or not this is an epithermal system in a region where all previously studied gold occurrences have been classified as orogenic. In this contribution, we use ore mineral and alteration assemblage and mineral microchemistry to constrain the origin and evolution of the mineralization. Gold is alloyed mainly with Ag (max. 53.1 wt%) and show fineness values that vary 379 and 721 with an average of 455. A cumulative percentile plot of Ag concentrations in the cores of all electrum particles, and the observed step-change from Au-rich cores to more Ag-rich mantles in zoned electrum particles, suggest that the mineralization was deposited by two distinct hydrothermal fluid influxes. The observed ore mineral association-electrum, Se/Tl-acanthite, pyrite, Fe-rich sphalerite, ± galena; the measured FeS contents of sphalerite (average 23.1 mol%), and the presence of colloform banded chalcedony and hydrothermal breccia are all consistent with features of low sulfidation epithermal deposits. This study, therefore, demonstrates for the first time, the presence of significant low sulfidation epithermal Ag–Au mineralization on the CVL, an intracontinental rift region only previously known for orogenic gold mineralization.

Graphical Abstract
Anterior internal versus external fixation of unstable pelvis fractures was not associated with discharge destination, critical care, length of stay, or hospital charges
Authors: Hasegawa Ian G. , Sakka Brandan , Duong Andrew M. , Ding Li , Wong Monica D. , Gary Joshua L. , Patterson Joseph T.
Published: May 2024

Purpose

Determine if anterior internal versus supra-acetabular external fixation of unstable pelvic fractures is associated with care needs or discharge.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was performed at two tertiary trauma referral centers. Adults with unstable pelvis fractures (AO/OTA 61B/61C) who received operative fixation of the anterior and posterior pelvic ring by two orthopedic trauma surgeons from October 2020 to November 2022 were included. The primary outcome was discharge destination. Secondary outcomes included intensive care unit (ICU) or ventilator days, length of stay, and hospital charges.

Results

Eighty-three eligible patients were 38.6% female, with a mean age of 47.2 ± 20.3 years and BMI 28.1 ± 6.4 kg/m2. Fifty-nine patients (71.1%) received anterior pelvis internal fixation and 24 (28.9%) received external fixation. External fixation was associated with weight-bearing restrictions (91.7% versus 49.2%, p = 0.01). No differences in demographic, functional status, insurance type, fracture classification, or injury severity measures were observed by treatment. Internal versus external anterior pelvic fixation was not associated with discharge to home (49.2% versus 29.2%, p = 0.10), median ICU days (3.0 [interquartile range (IQR) 7.8 versus 5.5 [IQR 4.3], p = 0.14, ventilator days (0 [IQR 6.0] versus 0 [IQR 2.8], p = 0.51), length of stay (13.0 [IQR 13.0] versus 17.5 (IQR 20.5), p = 0.38), or total hospital charges (US dollars 180,311 [IQR 219,061.75] versus 243,622 [IQR 187,111], p = 0.14).

Conclusions

Anterior internal versus supra-acetabular external fixation of unstable pelvis fractures was not significantly associated with discharge destination, critical care, hospital length of stay, or hospital charges. This sample may be underpowered to detect differences between groups.

Level of Evidence

Therapeutic Level IV.
Complications and survival rates of subtrochanteric fractures are similar between short and long intramedullary nail fixation and independent of weight-bearing
Authors: Cohen Daniel , Tolwin Yaakov , Toybenshlak Michael , Zinger Gershon , Peyser Amos , Levy Yadin
Published: May 2024

Purpose

Intertrochanteric fractures are treated surgically, allowing rapid weight-bearing to improve ambulation and lower complications and mortality. Subtrochanteric fractures are mechanically less stable and are traditionally treated with a non-weight approach and longer intramedullary nails. This study compared immediate weight-bearing versus limited weight-bearing and different intramedullary nail lengths regarding patient outcomes.

Methods

We analyzed all consecutive cases of low-energy subtrochanteric fractures treated surgically at our institution between January 2016 and November 2020. One hundred and nine patients were found. We compared nail length and immediate versus delayed weight-bearing concerning the length of stay, time to painless ambulation, time to radiographic fracture union, and revision rates. Fracture severity was also examined using the Seinsheimer classification.

Results

Length of stay and time to painless ambulation were shorter in the immediate weight-bearing group. Time to radiographic union and rate of complications were lower; however, they were not statistically significant. Conversely, no significant difference in revision rates was found. Regarding nail length, the length of stay was shorter, and the time to painless ambulation was faster in the short-length group. The rate of complications and time to union were similar. No difference in revision rate was found. Seinsheimer classification of the fracture did not influence the decision to allow weight-bearing or nail selection (p = 0.65).

Conclusions

This study demonstrates that immediate weight-bearing as tolerated and short intramedullary nails allow a quicker time for painless ambulation and hospitalization, with possibly fewer perioperative complications and faster radiographic union, without increasing complications.
Evaluation of Slow-Releasing Energy Material (SREMA) Injection for In-Situ Rock Breaking Under Uniaxial and Triaxial Loading: An Experimental Study
Authors: Manatunga U. I. , Ranjith P. G. , De Silva V. R. S. , Xu T. , Zhang D.
Published: May 2024

Permeability enhancement of impervious rock formations is crucial for the exploitation of ore deposits, which are uneconomic using conventional mining methods. These deposits have the potential to be mined with in-situ recovery (ISR) mining methods, provided the deposit’s permeability is enhanced artificially. Slow-releasing energy material (SREMA) has been identified as a promising preconditioning technique to enhance rock permeability for ISR. However, the fracturing potential of SREMA in the presence of in-situ stresses remains under-explored in laboratory experimental research studies and needs to be assessed in detail prior to field trials. A unique confining cell was developed in this study to represent realistic confining stresses underground, and the impacts of different stress conditions on the fracturing potential of SREMA were investigated. In addition, the effects of SREMA expansion in pre-existing joints were also assessed using laboratory fracturing experiments conducted by injecting SREMA into sandstone specimens with artificially created horizontal persistent joints, which is the first attempt to the best of the author’s knowledge. Under uniaxial stress conditions (10 MPa), multiple radial cracks emerged from the borehole at the centre of the specimen, while vertical splitting of the specimen was observed due to the outward expansion of SREMA inside the joint. In comparison, under triaxial confinement (5 MPa and 10 MPa), a decrease in the damage caused to the rock mass due to the expansive pressure generated by SREMA was observed, and this was overcome by introducing multiple injection holes and stress relief holes into the rock mass.
Australian Senecio macrocarpus and S. squarrosus were suggested as apomictic but are fully sexual: evidence from flow cytometric seed screening analyses
Authors: Mráz Patrik , Ahrens Collin W. , James Elizabeth A.
Published: May 2024

Asexual seed reproduction, apomixis, is a relatively rare reproductive strategy in angiosperms. Its rarity is probably due to evolutionary constraints that require full and synchronous expression of all the steps that modify the ancestral sexual pathway. Therefore, the documentation of any new occurrence of apomixis, especially in taxonomic groups with no previous report, should be based on thorough and solid evidence. Here, we correct the report of suggested apomictic reproduction in two endemic hexaploid species of Senecio from Australia. Based on either excess or deficiency of expected heterozygosity across loci, over-representation of several multilocus genotypes, and segregation analysis assessed using microsatellite markers, it was suggested that apomixis together with selfing could explain the observed patterns of genetic variation in perennial S. macrocarpus and annual S. squarrosus. We used flow cytometric seed screening analyses to verify the mode of reproduction of several widespread multilocus genotypes that are considered to be apomictic. These analyses revealed that all seed progeny arose by the sexual pathway, as they exhibited a constant 3:2 endosperm to embryo ploidy ratio, typical of double fertilization of a reduced embryo sac by two reduced sperm cells. Therefore, both species reproduce sexually. We suggest that the unusual genetic patterns in both allopolyploids are caused by originally low variation in the parental species, which probably also reproduce by selfing, disomic inheritance and probably also the presence of null alleles. We call for a more careful and critical interpretation of the patterns obtained, taking into account all aspects related to apomictic reproduction.
Dissecting hair breakage in alopecia areata: the central role of dysregulated cysteine homeostasis
Authors: Xu Wen , Xie Bo , Wei Dongfan , Song Xiuzu
Published: May 2024

In the initial stages of Alopecia Areata (AA), the predominance of hair breakage or exclamation mark hairs serves as vital indicators of disease activity. These signs are non-invasive and are commonly employed in dermatoscopic examinations. Despite their clinical salience, the underlying etiology precipitating this hair breakage remains largely uncharted territory. Our exhaustive review of the existing literature points to a pivotal role for cysteine—a key amino acid central to hair growth—in these mechanisms. This review will probe and deliberate upon the implications of aberrant cysteine metabolism in the pathogenesis of AA. It will examine the potential intersections of cysteine metabolism with autophagy, ferroptosis, immunity, and psychiatric manifestations associated with AA. Such exploration could illuminate new facets of the disease's pathophysiology, potentially paving the way for innovative therapeutic strategies.
Mandibular overdenture with a single implant in the canine region (c-SIMO): a feasibility study
Authors: Maniewicz Sabrina , Curado Thalita Fernandes Fleury , Srinivasan Murali , Leles Cláudio Rodrigues , Müller Frauke
Published: May 2024

Objectives

The aim of this multi-center pilot study was to assess the viability and feasibility of a novel treatment concept – the canine-positioned single implant mandibular overdenture (c-SIMO), with the single implant placed on the patient's preferred chewing side instead of the midline.

Materials and methods

Participants received a single implant in the canine region of their preferred chewing side, based on an Asymmetry Index observed during mastication. The pre-existing mandibular denture was transformed into a c-SIMO on a spherical attachment. The primary outcome was oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL), measured with GOHAI and OHIP-EDENT. Secondary outcomes included denture satisfaction index (DSI), chewing efficiency (CE), maximum bite force (MBF), implant survival and success, and prosthetic maintenance. Data analysis included descriptive statistics and bivariate comparison tests.

Results

Fifteen participants received the c-SIMO treatment (mean age: 69.9 ± 7.0). Implant success and survival rates were 100% at 1 year. Patient-reported outcome measures improved significantly compared to pre-treatment values (OHIP-EDENT: p = 0.001; DSI: p = 0.001; GOHAI: p = 0.002). Masticatory outcomes also improved significantly (CE: p = 0.001; overall MBF: p = 0.005). Post-implant, MBF was significantly higher in the ipsilateral side compared to the contralateral side at 2 weeks (p = 0.019) and 3 months (p = 0.015), but no longer at T3 (p = 0.730). Common prosthodontic events included denture base adjustments (n = 17) and matrix activation (n = 9).

Conclusions

This pilot study concludes that c-SIMO is a promising treatment option, and a potential alternative to the single midline implant overdenture.

Clinical relevance

The novel treatment concept of a canine-positioned single implant mandibular overdenture could be a viable treatment alternative to the midline positioning.
A meta-analysis of the efficacy and safety of trofinetide in patients with rett syndrome
Authors: Abo Zeid Mohamed , Elrosasy Amr , Mohamed Rashad G. , Ghazou Alina , Goufa Elarbi , Hassan Nourhan , Abuzaid Yasmine
Published: May 2024

Background

Rett syndrome (RTT) is an uncommon inherited neurodevelopmental disorder that affects brain development, mostly in females. It results from mutation in MECP2 gene in the long arm (q) of the X chromosome.

Objective

Trofinetide is a recently developed drug that has a neuroprotective effect on neurons, and it is our aim in this meta-analysis to evaluate its efficacy and safety in treating Rett syndrome patients.

Methods

We searched 5 databases (PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases) to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing Trofinetide and placebo in patients with Rett syndrome until August 13, 2023.Our primary outcomes were the Clinical Global Impression-Improvement (CGI) and the Rett syndrome Behavior Questionnaire (RSBQ). We used Risk of Bias Assessment tool-2 (ROB2) to assess the methodological quality of the included randomized controlled trials.

Results

Three RCTs with a total of 325 patients were included with a follow-up duration ranging from one month to three months. 186 patients received the intervention drug (Trofinetide) and 138 received the placebo. Trofinetide was found to reduce CGI and RSBQ significantly more than placebo (MD = -0.35, 95% CI [-0.52 to -0.18], P 0.0001), (MD = -3.40, 95% CI [-3.69 to -3.12], P 0.00001) respectively. Most adverse events did not show any statistical difference between Trofinetide and the placebo.

Conclusion

Trofinetide offers promise as a potential effective and safe therapeutic opportunity for a population without many available treatments, with improvements seen on both CGI and RSBQ assessments and no severe adverse effects reported.
Evaluation of the effects of different photosensitizers used in antimicrobial photodynamic therapy on tooth discoloration: spectrophotometric analysis
Authors: Şahin Özge Hür , Korucu Hulde , Aydin Zeliha Uğur
Published: May 2024

Background

Tooth discoloration is a common concern in antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) using various photosensitizers (PS). Toluidine Blue (TB), Methylene Blue (MB), Phthalocyanine (Pc), and 2-mercaptopyridine-substituted zinc phthalocyanine (TM-ZnPc) are among those studied, but their relative impacts on tooth discoloration remain unclear.

Aim

This study aimed to compare the effects of TB, MB, Pc, and TM-ZnPc in aPDT on tooth discoloration, utilizing a controlled experimental setup.

Materials and Methods

The study comprised seventy-five single-rooted incisors with root canals. Following meticulous preparation, a standardized area on the crown surface was designated for examination, and precise measurements of the initial tooth colors were recorded. Samples were randomly divided into five groups: Negative control, MB, TM, Pc, and TM-ZnPc. Photoactivation was performed using LED light, and color measurements were taken at multiple time points up to 90 days. Data were converted to Lab* color values of the CIE Lab* color system (International Commission on Illumination, Vienna, Austria), and ΔE values were calculated. Statistical analysis was performed using Two-way ANOVA and Post-Hoc Tukey tests (p < 0.05).

Results

At day 7 and 30, TM-ZnPc and Pc caused less discoloration compared to MB and TB. TM-ZnPc caused more tooth discoloration compared to Pc (p < 0.05). Compared to baseline, MB and TM-ZnPc caused more tooth discoloration at 30 days and TB caused more tooth discoloration at 90 days (p < 0.05). No significant difference was observed in terms of tooth discoloration at all periods evaluated after Pc application (p > 0.05). All photosensitizers tested in the study caused tooth coloration.

Conclusion

All PS induced clinically detectable tooth discoloration, with TB and MB causing more significant discoloration compared to Pc and TM-ZnPc at certain time points. TM-ZnPc and Pc demonstrated more stable coloration levels over time, suggesting their potential reliability in aPDT applications. This study highlights the importance of selecting appropriate PS to minimize tooth discoloration in aPDT, with Pc showing promise in this regard.
When is neoadjuvant chemotherapy indicated in rectal neuroendocrine tumors? An analysis of the National Cancer Database
Authors: Gefen R. , Emile S. H. , Horesh N. , Garoufalia Z. , Freund M. R. , Wexner S. D.
Published: May 2024

Background

Rectal neuroendocrine tumors (rNET) are rare and challenging to manage. While most patients with small rNET can be definitively treated with local excision, the role of chemotherapy in general and neoadjuvant therapy particularly in managing advanced rNET has not been well established. Therefore, this study aimed to determine which patients with rNET may gain a survival benefit from neoadjuvant chemotherapy.

Methods

A retrospective cohort analysis of all patients who underwent surgical resection of rNET in the US National Cancer Database (NCDB) (2004–2019) was performed. First, univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were performed to determine the independent predictors of poor overall survival (OS) and define the high-risk groups. Afterward, stratified OS analyses were performed for each high-risk group to assess whether neoadjuvant chemotherapy had a survival benefit in each group.

Results

A total of 1837 patients (49.8% female; mean age 56.6 ± 12.3 years) underwent radical resection of a rNET. Tumors > 20 mm in size, clinical T4 tumors, poorly differentiated tumors, and metastatic disease were independent predictors of worse OS and were defined as high-risk groups. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy did not have a significant survival benefit in any of the high-risk groups, except for patients with high-grade rNETs where neoadjuvant therapy significantly improved OS to a mean of 30.9 months compared with 15.9 months when neoadjuvant therapy was not given (p = 0.006).

Conclusions

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy improved the OS of patients with high-grade rNET by 15 months and may be indicated for this group.
Risk overbounding for ionospheric gradient monitor using geometry-free double differenced carrier phase measurements
Authors: Li Wang , Jiang Yiping
Published: May 2024

Ionosphere anomaly can cause large spatial gradients in the double-differenced carrier phase (DDCP) measurements. Taking advantage of this characteristic, the ionospheric gradient monitor (IGM) is designed with multiple ground reference stations to detect threatening ionospheric gradients for safety of life applications. An optimal IGM should be most sensitive to ionospheric gradients and least sensitive to other errors. However, current IGM suffers from the influence of tropospheric error, which can degrade monitor performance under extreme weather conditions by causing risks of false alarms and missed detections. To address this issue, an alternative IGM is proposed using the geometry-free combination of DDCP as the test statistic. Ambiguity resolution procedure is designed for estimating the ambiguity term in the test statistic. The risk induced by the wrong ambiguity fix and tropospheric error are analyzed and bounded with required averaging period and minimum baseline length. The results show that the proposed theoretical IGM is capable of achieving probability of false alarm of 10–8 and probability of missed detection of 10–6 with a filtering period of 612 s and baseline length of 371.7 m or a filtering period of 544 s and baseline length of 384.4 m. The experimental results using data collected from Hong Kong Satellite Positioning Reference Station Network demonstrate that the performance of the proposed theoretical IGM is comparable to that of the existing detection algorithm.
The impact of government policies and regulations on the subjective well-being of farmers in two rural mountain areas of Italy
Authors: Whitaker Sarah H.
Published: May 2024

The sustainable development of rural areas involves guaranteeing the quality of life and well-being of people who live in those areas. Existing studies on farmer health and well-being have revealed high levels of stress and low well-being, with government regulations emerging as a key stressor. This ethnographic study takes smallholder farmers in two rural mountain areas of Italy, one in the central Alps and one in the northwest Apennines, as its focus. It asks how and why the current policy and regulatory context of agriculture affects farmer well-being. Interviews and participant observation were conducted with 104 farmers. Three common scenarios emerged that negatively affect farmer well-being. First, policies and regulations designed for lowland areas do not always make sense when applied in the mountains. Second, when subsidies are put into effect at the local level, the reality of their implementation can veer away from the original goals of the funding program and have unintended effects on farmer well-being, agricultural practices, and the environment. Finally, when regulations are implemented on farms in rural mountain areas, the primacy of a techno-scientific knowledge system over other, local and place-based knowledge systems is exposed. These three scenarios affect well-being by eliciting feelings of stress, frustration, and disillusionment; by reducing farmer control over their work; and by fostering the perception that farming is not valued by society. They also create conditions of inequality and insecurity. The ways in which government policies and regulations play out on mountain farms can erode trust in government institutions, lead to an us versus them mentality, and contribute to the further abandonment of agriculture and rural areas.
n-Ary aggregation operators on function spaces: perspective of construction
Authors: Qiao Junsheng
Published: May 2024

For disposing numerous practical application problems involving expert systems, decision-making, image processing, classifications and etc, the investigations on the constructions and basic properties ofn-ary aggregation operators (nAAOs) have always been a hot research topic with important research value and significance at theoretical investigations on aggregation operators (AOs). Herein, first, we propose a method for constructing nAAOs on function spaces via a family of known ones defined on a bounded poset, where those function spaces are composed by all fuzzy sets with that bounded poset as the truth values set. This method is different from the existing construction methods of nAAOs on bounded posets and provides a unified way of constructing usual nAAOs (like t-norms, uninorms, overlap functions, etc.) on function spaces via a family of known ones. Second, we present notion of representable nAAOs on function spaces and afford their equivalent characterization. Third, we discuss some vital properties of representable nAAOs on function spaces. Fourth, it is worth noticing that the obtained results cover the cases of nAAOs on function spaces composed of all interval-valued fuzzy sets and type-2 fuzzy sets when underlying bounded poset is taken as the corresponding truth values set, respectively. As a consequence, the theoretical results obtained herein have certain promotion and basic theoretical value for the mining of new potential applications of nAAOs in real problems, especially in expert systems, decision-making, image processing and etc.
Robust, extended goal programming with uncertainty sets: an application to a multi-objective portfolio selection problem leveraging DEA
Authors: Mohseny-Tonekabony Naeem , Sadjadi Seyed Jafar , Mohammadi Emran , Tamiz Mehrdad , Jones Dylan F.
Published: May 2024

This study presents a two-phase approach of Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) and Goal Programming (GP) for portfolio selection, representing a pioneering attempt at combining these techniques within the context of portfolio selection. The approach expands on the conventional risk and return framework by incorporating additional financial factors and addressing data uncertainty, which allows for a thorough examination of portfolio outcomes while accommodating investor preferences and conservatism levels. The initial phase employs a super-efficiency DEA model to streamline asset selection by identifying suitable investment candidates based on efficiency scores, setting the stage for subsequent portfolio optimization. The second phase leverages the Extended GP (EGP) framework, which facilitates the comprehensive incorporation of investor preferences to determine the optimal weights of the efficient assets previously identified within the portfolio. Each goal is tailored to reflect specific financial factors spanning both technical and fundamental aspects. To tackle data uncertainty, robust optimization is applied. The research contributes to the robust GP (RGP) literature by analyzing new RGP variants, overcoming limitations of traditional and other uncertain GP models by incorporating uncertainty sets. Robust counterparts of the EGP models are accordingly developed using polyhedral and combined interval and polyhedral uncertainty sets, providing a flexible representation of uncertainty in financial markets. Empirical results, based on real data from the Tehran Stock Exchange comprising 779 assets, demonstrate the superiority of the proposed approach over traditional portfolio selection methods across various uncertainty settings. Additionally, a comprehensive sensitivity analysis investigates the impact of uncertainty levels on the robust EGP models. The proposed framework offers guidance to investors and fund managers through a pragmatic approach, enabling informed and robust portfolio decisions by considering efficiency, uncertainty, and extended financial factors.
Analyzing the robustness of decentralized horizontal and vertical federated learning architectures in a non-IID scenario
Authors: Sánchez Sánchez Pedro Miguel , Huertas Celdrán Alberto , Martínez Pérez Enrique Tomás , Demeter Daniel , Bovet Gérôme , Martínez Pérez Gregorio , Stiller Burkhard
Published: May 2024

Federated learning (FL) enables participants to collaboratively train machine and deep learning models while safeguarding data privacy. However, the FL paradigm still has drawbacks that affect its trustworthiness, as malicious participants could launch adversarial attacks against the training process. Previous research has examined the robustness of horizontal FL scenarios under various attacks. However, there is a lack of research evaluating the robustness of decentralized vertical FL and comparing it with horizontal FL architectures affected by adversarial attacks. Therefore, this study proposes three decentralized FL architectures: HoriChain, VertiChain, and VertiComb. These architectures feature different neural networks and training protocols suitable for horizontal and vertical scenarios. Subsequently, a decentralized, privacy-preserving, and federated use case with non-IID data to classify handwritten digits is deployed to assess the performance of the three architectures. Finally, a series of experiments computes and compares the robustness of the proposed architectures when they are affected by different data poisoning methods, including image watermarks and gradient poisoning adversarial attacks. The experiments demonstrate that while specific configurations of both attacks can undermine the classification performance of the architectures, HoriChain is the most robust one.
The Ethical Embeddedness of the Economic Inequality Debate
Authors: Ketokivi Mikko , Fosse Sebastien M. , Kawalek Peter
Published: May 2024

How do scholars formulate arguments about economic inequality? What is the role of empirical analysis? In what ways, if any, is the debate informed by ethical considerations? In this paper, we address these questions by evaluating one of the main arguments in Thomas Piketty’s 2014 book Capital in the Twenty-First Century, along with its endorsements and rebuttals. Applying Stephen Toulmin’s model of arguments to Piketty unearths a complex argument structure that must be understood for an evaluation to be possible. Of particular importance are the warrants that Piketty used to justify his conclusions from the empirical material. Our analysis revealed that the most influential rebuttals were targeted not at Piketty’s empirical inferences but the way he used these inferences to justify his claims. We also found value judgments to be an essential part of the justification process, making Piketty’s claims ultimately embedded in ethical considerations. We conclude that value judgments are intrinsic to scholarly arguments not only in economic inequality debates but also more broadly.
Activation of lipophagy ameliorates cadmium-induced neural tube defects via reducing low density lipoprotein cholesterol levels in mouse placentas
Authors: Zhang Yu-Feng , Zhang Shuang , Ling Qing , Chang Wei , Tan Lu-Lu , Zhang Jin , Xiong Yong-Wei , Zhu Hua-Long , Bian Po , Wang Hua
Published: May 2024

Neural tube defects (NTDs) represent a prevalent and severe category of congenital anomalies in humans. Cadmium (Cd) is an environmental teratogen known to cause fetal NTDs. However, its underlying mechanisms remain elusive. This study aims to investigate the therapeutic potential of lipophagy in the treatment of NTDs, providing valuable insights for future strategies targeting lipophagy activation as a means to mitigate NTDs.We successfully modeled NTDs by Cd exposure during pregnancy. RNA sequencing was employed to investigate the transcriptomic alterations and functional enrichment of differentially expressed genes in NTD placental tissues. Subsequently, pharmacological/genetic (Atg5-/- placentas) experiments confirmed that inducing placental lipophagy can alleviate Cd induced-NTDs. We found that Cd exposure caused NTDs. Further analyzed transcriptomic data from the placentas with NTDs which revealed significant downregulation of low-density lipoprotein receptor associated protein 1(Lrp1) gene expression responsible for positive regulation of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) transport. Correspondingly, there was an increase in maternal serum/placenta/amniotic fluid LDL-C content. Subsequently, we have discovered that Cd exposure activated placental lipophagy. Pharmacological/genetic (Atg5-/- placentas) experiments confirmed that inducing placental lipophagy can alleviate Cd induced-NTDs. Furthermore, our findings demonstrate that activation of placental lipophagy effectively counteracts the Cd-induced elevation in LDL-C levels. Lipophagy serves to mitigate Cd-induced NTDs by reducing LDL-C levels within mouse placentas.
Intersectional fair ranking via subgroup divergence
Authors: Pastor Eliana , Bonchi Francesco
Published: May 2024

Societal biases encoded in real-world data can contaminate algorithmic decisions, perpetuating preexisting inequalities in domains such as employment and education. In the fair ranking literature, following the doctrine of affirmative action, fairness is enforced by means of a group-fairness constraint requiring “enough” individuals from protected groups in the top-k positions, for a ranking to be considered valid. However, which are the groups that need to be protected? And how much representation is “enough”? As the biases affecting the process may not always be directly observable nor measurable, these questions might be hard to answer in a principled way, especially when many different potentially discriminated subgroups exist. This paper addresses this issue by automatically identifying the disadvantaged groups in the data and mitigating their disparate representation in the final ranking. Our proposal leverages the notion of divergence to automatically identify which subgroups, defined as combination of sensitive attributes, show a statistically significant deviation, in terms of ranking utility, compared to the overall population. Subgroups with negative divergence experience a disadvantage. We formulate the problem of re-ranking instances to maximize the minimum subgroup divergence, while maintaining the new ranking as close as possible to the original one. We develop a method which is based on identifying the divergent subgroups and applying a re-ranking procedure which is monotonic w.r.t. the goal of maximizing the minimum divergence. Our experimental results show that our method effectively eliminates the existence of disadvantaged subgroups while producing rankings which are very close to the original ones.
Cracking Chicken-Egg Conundrums: Juxtaposing Contemporaneous and Lagged Reciprocal Effects Models of Academic Self-Concept and Achievement’s Directional Ordering
Authors: Marsh Herbert W. , Guo Jiesi , Pekrun Reinhard , Lüdtke Oliver , Núñez-Regueiro Fernando
Published: May 2024

Multi-wave-cross-lagged-panel models (CLPMs) of directional ordering are a focus of much controversy in educational psychology and more generally. Extending traditional analyses, methodologists have recently argued for including random intercepts and lag2 effects between non-adjacent waves and giving more attention to controlling covariates. However, the related issues of appropriate time intervals between waves (lag1 intervals across waves) and the possibility of contemporaneous (lag0) effects within each wave are largely unresolved. Although philosophers, theologians, and scientists widely debate sequential (lagged) and simultaneous (lag0) theories of causality, CLPM researchers have mostly ignored contemporaneous effects, arguing causes must precede effects. In a substantive-methodological synergy, we integrated these issues and designed new structural equation models to reanalyze one of the strongest CLPM studies of academic self-concept (ASC) and achievement (five annuals of mathematics data; 3527 secondary school students). A taxonomy of models incorporating various combinations of lag0, lag1, and lag2 effects, random intercepts, and covariates consistently supported a priori reciprocal effect model (REM) predictions—medium or large reciprocal effects of ASC and achievement on each other. Consistent with self-concept theory, effects of ASC on achievement evolved over time (lag1, not lag0 effects), whereas effects of achievement on ASC effects were more contemporaneous (lag0, not lag1 effects). We argue that lag0 effects reflect proximal events occurring subsequent to the previous data wave, suggesting the need for shorter intervals but also leaving open the possibility of contemporaneous effects that are truly instantaneous. We discuss limitations and future directions but also note the broad applicability of our statistical models.
Language Affects Climate
Authors: Pałasz Michał , Pieniążek Maria , Wydra Jakub
Published: May 2024

Language not only reflects and cocreates social universes but can also be and is performative regarding the planetary common good, e.g., through international treaties and agreements. This paper investigates the rationale and feasibility of altering the language used by Glasgow Climate Pact to a posthuman mode that addresses the issue of more-than-human inequality by becoming inclusive toward nonhuman actors, and presents a selection of edited excerpts. The main findings state that (1) the language of the Glasgow Climate Pact is inadequate concerning its expected agency, (2) the reasons for this include its anthropocentrism, capitalocentrism and technocentrism, and (3) it is possible to rephrase the Glasgow Climate Pact and similar documents to address the diagnosed problems in a radically inclusive way. This paper represents a starting point for a discussion on the interrelations between climate and language and on the importance of language used by policy documents in the optics of climate action.