bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inhibition of UVB radiation‐induced tissue swelling and immune suppression by nicotinamide riboside and pterostilbene
Authors: Isak Verena , Azizi Shayan , Zhou Xi K. , Mehta Devina , Ding Wanhong , Bulmer Zakir , Aivazi Daniella S. , Dellinger Ryan W. , Granstein Richard D.
Published: April 2024

Background

Environmental ultraviolet radiation has deleterious effects on humans, including sunburn and immune perturbations. These immune changes are involved in skin carcinogenesis.

Objectives

To determine whether nicotinamide riboside and/or pterostilbene administered systemically inhibits inflammatory and immune effects of exposure to mid‐range ultraviolet radiation.

Methods

To examine UVB radiation‐induced inflammatory effects, mice were fed standard chow/water, 0.04% pterostilbene in chow and 0.2% nicotinamide riboside in drinking water, diet with nicotinamide riboside alone, or diet with pterostilbene alone. After 4 weeks, mice were exposed to UVB radiation (3500 J/m2), and 24‐/48‐h ear swelling was assessed. We also asked if each agent or the combination inhibits UVB radiation suppression of contact hypersensitivity in two models. Mice were fed standard diet/water or chow containing 0.08% pterostilbene, water with 0.4% nicotinamide riboside, or both for 4 weeks. Low‐dose: Half the mice in each group were exposed on the depilated dorsum to UVB radiation (1700 J/m2) daily for 4 days, whereas half were mock‐irradiated. Mice were immunized on the exposed dorsum to dinitrofluorobenzene 4 h after the last irradiation, challenged 7 days later on the ears with dinitrofluorobenzene, and 24‐h ear swelling assessed. High dose: Mice were treated similarly except that a single dose of 10,000 J/m2 of radiation was administered and immunization was performed on the unirradiated shaved abdomen 3 days later.

Results

Nicotinamide riboside and pterostilbene together inhibited UVB‐induced skin swelling more than either alone. Pterostilbene alone and both given together could inhibit UVB‐induced immune suppression in both the low‐dose and high‐dose models while nicotinamide riboside alone was more effective in the low‐dose model than the high‐dose model.

Conclusion

Nicotinamide riboside and pterostilbene have protective effects against UVB radiation‐induced tissue swelling and immune suppression.
Time as image of the manifold: Heidegger and the rules of synthesis
Authors: Pellizzer Fabio Tommy
Published: April 2024

In our experience, we see more than what we see in a strict sense. We see things as identical through (and despite) multiple spatio‐temporal appearances; we recognize things as something. In this article, I address this issue by asking how temporality allows us to see more in the present than what the present actually contains. I argue that presence and absence are “available,” not just as they are perceived through our senses, but as they are encountered through time, and notably, according to the relations that unify past, present, and future. To support this view, I refer to Heidegger's interpretation of Kant's notion of synthesis. Specifically, I consider Heidegger's reading of the so‐called A‐Deduction, where Kant describes our relation with objects as enabled by three syntheses (i.e., apprehension, reproduction, and recognition). I reconstruct Heidegger's holistic interpretation of the threefold synthesis as an interplay of past, present, and future. I show how in such interplay, temporal dimensions are unified by relations that do not rely on perception; these “time‐relations,” which Heidegger also calls “rules,” allow us to see what we see not just as it is literally perceived, but as part of an “image” of the manifold.
Causal inference did not detect any effect of jump load on knee complaints in elite men's volleyball
Authors: Bache‐Mathiesen Lena Kristin , Bahr Roald , Sattler Tine , Fagerland Morten Wang , Whiteley Rod , Skazalski Christopher
Published: April 2024

The aim was to determine how jump load affects knee complaints in elite men's volleyball. We collected data from four men's premier league volleyball teams through three seasons in a prospective cohort study (65 players, 102 player‐seasons). Vert inertial measurement devices captured the jump load (jump frequency and jump height) from 21 088 daily player sessions, and knee complaints were reported in 3568 weekly OSTRC‐O questionnaires. Mixed complementary log–log regression models described the probability of (i) experiencing symptoms if players were currently asymptomatic, (ii) worsening symptoms if players had symptoms, and (iii) recovery from knee complaints. Based on our causal assumptions, weekly jump load was modeled as the independent variable, adjusted for age (years), weight (kg), position on volleyball team, and past jump load. No certain evidence of an association was found between weekly jump load and probability of (i) knee complaints (p from 0.10 to 0.32 for three restricted cubic splines of load), (ii) worsening symptoms if the player already had symptoms (p from 0.11 to 0.97), (iii) recovery (p from 0.36 to 0.63). The probability of knee complaints was highest for above‐average weekly jump load (~1.2% for an outside hitter with mean age and height) compared with low loads (~1%) and very high loads (→ ~ 0%). The association between jump load and knee complaints risk remains unclear. Small differences in risk across observed jump load levels were observed. It would likely require substantially increased sample sizes to detect this association with certainty.
Student Perceptions of Reproductive Health Consequences Resulting from Rape
Authors: Kistler Lisa C. , Renzetti Claire M. , Follingstad Diane R. , Li Caihong R.
Published: April 2024

Persistently high rates of campus rape combined with changing legal landscapes surrounding reproductive health make student perceptions of the reproductive health consequences resulting from rape an important topic of research. In this study, we analyze student perceptions of a hypothetical campus rape in which a victim experiences no medical consequences, becomes pregnant, or contracts a sexually transmitted infection (STI) as a result of rape. Students in the sample recommended consistently severe punishment for the perpetrator across all three experimental conditions but viewed victim guilt and responsibility to be greatest for the rape resulting in pregnancy and least for the rape resulting in an STI. Qualitatively, students voiced strong sympathy for the victim due to the STI, yet rarely discussed the impact of pregnancy. We recommend that future research investigate the perceptions, prevalence, and consequences of reproductive health outcomes resulting from campus rape and suggest a reproductive justice framework for doing so.
The effect of a brief educational programme for improving attitudes about purified recycled water
Authors: Rouse Steven V. , Trammell Janet P. , Bucciarelli Gary M. , Roberts Dave , Kats Lee B.
Published: April 2024

With a growing need for efficient use of water in a large metropolitan community, a municipal water district has developed an experiential educational programme to help customers develop acceptance of purified recycled water (PRW). This programme involves touring a small‐scale working purification facility that does not provide consumer drinking water but serves as a demonstration centre. Two empirical studies demonstrated the positive impact of this educational program. In Study 1, a pre‐/post‐research design was used to examine scores on a measure of attitudes about PRW for 70 undergraduate students who were asked to tour the demonstration centre. These participants expressed more favourable attitudes after the tour than they expressed before the tour (t = 8.76, df = 68, p < 0.001, d = 1.06), suggesting that the demonstration centre positively impacted attitudes about PRW. In Study 2, an experimental design allowed for a comparison of attitudes about PRW for undergraduate students who were given an informational tour of the demonstration centre (n = 27), compared to students who did not tour the demonstration centre until after their data were collected (n = 30). Participants who toured the demonstration centre expressed more positive attitudes on a self‐report measure of PRW attitudes than those who had not completed the tour (t = 2.24, df = 50.0, p = 0.03, d = 0.60); however, the two groups did not differ in the amount of water they sampled (t = 0.29, df = 55.65, p = 0.77, d = 0.08) or in facial expressions associated with happiness (t = 1.34, df = 53.89, p = 0.19, d = 0.38) or disgust (t = 0.86, df = 53.14, p = 0.40, d = 0.39) when drinking a sample of water. Together, these studies demonstrate the effectiveness of an experiential demonstration centre in increasing positive attitudes towards purified recycled water.
The case for a ketogenic diet in the management of kidney disease
Authors: Athinarayanan Shaminie J , Roberts Caroline G P , Vangala Chandan , Shetty Greeshma K , McKenzie Amy L , Weimbs Thomas , Volek Jeff S
Published: April 2024

Ketogenic diets have been widely used for weight loss and are increasingly used in the management of type 2 diabetes. Despite evidence that ketones have multiple positive effects on kidney function, common misconceptions about ketogenic diets, such as high protein content and acid load, have prevented their widespread use in individuals with impaired kidney function. Clinical trial evidence focusing on major adverse kidney events is sparse. The aim of this review is to explore the effects of a ketogenic diet, with an emphasis on the pleiotropic actions of ketones, on kidney health. Given the minimal concerns in relation to the potential renoprotective effects of a ketogenic diet, future studies should evaluate the safety and efficacy of ketogenic interventions in kidney disease.
Safety and tolerability of OP-724 in patients with haemophilia and liver cirrhosis due to HIV/HCV coinfection: an investigator-initiated, open-label, non-randomised, single-centre, phase I study
Authors: Kimura Kiminori , Tanuma Junko , Kimura Masamichi , Imamura Jun , Yanase Mikio , Ieiri Ichiro , Kurosaki Masayuki , Watanabe Tsunamasa , Endo Tomoyuki , Yotsuyanagi Hiroshi , Gatanaga Hiroyuki
Published: April 2024

Objective

Patients with haemophilia and HIV who acquire hepatitis C virus (HCV) after receiving contaminated blood products can experience accelerated progression of liver fibrosis and a poor prognosis, making liver disease a prominent cause of mortality among these patients. In the current study, we aimed to evaluate the safety and tolerability of the potential antifibrotic agent OP-724—a CREB-binding protein/β-catenin inhibitor—in this patient subset.

Design

In this single-centre, open-label, non-randomised, phase I trial, we sequentially enrolled patients with cirrhosis following HIV/HCV coinfection classified as Child-Pugh (CP) class A or B. Five patients received an intravenous infusion of OP-724 at doses of 140 or 280 mg/m2for 4 hours two times weekly over 12 weeks. The primary endpoint was the incidence of serious adverse events (SAEs). Secondary endpoints included the incidence of AEs and improved liver stiffness measure (LSM), as determined by vibration-controlled transient elastography. This study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04688034).

Results

Between 9 February 2021 and 5 July 2022, five patients (median age: 51 years) were enrolled. All five patients completed 12 cycles of treatment. SAEs were not observed. The most common AEs were fever (60%) and gastrointestinal symptoms (diarrhoea: 20%, enterocolitis: 20%). Improvements in LSM and serum albumin levels were also observed.

Conclusion

In this preliminary assessment, intravenous administration of 140 or 280 mg/m2/4 hours OP-724 over 12 weeks was well tolerated by patients with haemophilia combined with cirrhosis due to HIV/HCV coinfection. Hence, the antifibrotic effects of OP-724 warrant further assessment in patients with cirrhosis.

Trial registration number

NCT04688034.
Interferon-gamma signature as prognostic and predictive marker in macroscopic stage III melanoma
Authors: Versluis Judith M , Blankenstein Stephanie A , Dimitriadis Petros , Wilmott James S , Elens Robert , Blokx Willeke A M , van Houdt Winan , Menzies Alexander Maxwell , Schrage Yvonne M , Wouters Michel W J M , Sanders Joyce , Broeks Annegien , Scolyer Richard A , Suijkerbuijk Karijn P M , Long Georgina V , Akkooi Alexander C J van , Blank Christian U
Published: April 2024

Background

A substantial proportion of patients with macroscopic stage III melanoma do not benefit sufficiently from adjuvant anti-PD-1 therapy, as they either recur despite therapy or would never have recurred. To better inform adjuvant treatment selection, we have performed translational analyses to identify prognostic and predictive biomarkers.

Patients and methods

Two cohorts of patients with macroscopic stage III melanoma from an ongoing biobank study were included. Clinical data were compared between an observation cohort (cohort 1) and an adjuvant intention cohort (cohort 2). RNA sequencing for translational analyses was performed and treatment subgroups (cohort 1A and cohort 2A) were compared for possible biomarkers, using a cut-off based on the treatment-naïve patients. In addition, two validation cohorts (Melanoma Institute Australia (MIA) and University Medical Centre Utrecht (UMCU)) were obtained.

Results

After a median follow-up of 26 months of the 98 patients in our discovery set, median recurrence-free survival (RFS) was significantly longer for the adjuvant intention cohort (cohort 2, n=49) versus the observation cohort (cohort 1, n=49). Median overall survival was not reached for either cohort, nor significantly different. In observation cohort 1A (n=24), RFS was significantly longer for patients with high interferon-gamma (IFNγ) score (p=0.002); for adjuvant patients of cohort 2A (n=24), a similar trend was observed (p=0.086). Patients with high B cell score had a longer RFS in cohort 1A, but no difference was seen in cohort 2A. The B cell score based on RNA correlated with CD20+cells in tumor area but was not independent from the IFNγ score. In the MIA validation cohort (n=44), longer RFS was observed for patients with high IFNγ score compared with low IFNγ score (p=0.046), no difference in RFS was observed according to the B cell score. In both the observation (n=11) and the adjuvant (n=11) UMCU validation cohorts, no difference in RFS was seen for IFNγ and B cell.

Conclusions

IFNγ has shown to be a prognostic marker in both patients who were and were not treated with adjuvant therapy. B cell score was prognostic but did not improve accuracy over IFNγ. Our study confirmed RFS benefit of adjuvant anti-PD-1 for patients with macroscopic stage III melanoma.
OmniCharger: CNN-Based Hand Gesture Interface to Operate an Electric Car Charging Robot through Teleconference
Authors: Cabrera Miguel Altamirano , Rakhmatulin Viktor , Fedoseev Aleksey , Sautenkov Oleg , Alyounes Oussama , Puchkov Andrei , Tsetserukou Dzmitry
Published: April 2024

The automation of the car charging process is motivated by the rapid development of technologies for self-driving cars and the increasing importance of ecological transportation units. Automation of this process requires the implementation of Computer Vision (CV) techniques. However, it remains challenging to precisely position the charger plug autonomously due to the sensitivity of CV algorithms to lighting and weather conditions. We introduce a novel robotic operation system based on hand gesture recognition through teleconferencing software. The users, connected by teleconference, use their hand gestures to teleoperate the electric plug located on the collaborative robot end-effector. We conducted a user study to evaluate the system performance and suitability using OmniCharger and two baseline interfaces (a UR10 Teach Pendant and a Logitech F710 Wireless Gamepad). Except for two trials, all the users were able to locate the plug inside of a 5 cm target using the interfaces. The distance to the target and the orientation error did not present statistically significant differences (

\(p=0.1099 \gt 0.05\)

and

\(p=0.0903 \gt 0.05\)

, respectively) in the use of the three interfaces. The NASA-TLX questionnaire results showed low values in all the sub-classes, the SUS results rated the usability of the proposed interface above average (68%), and the UEQ showed excellent performance of the OmniCharger interface in the attractiveness, stimulation, and novelty attributes.
HumourHindiNet: Humour detection in Hindi web series using word embedding and convolutional neural network
Authors: Kumar Akshi , Mallik Abhishek , Kumar Sanjay
Published: April 2024

Humour is a crucial aspect of human speech, and it is, therefore, imperative to create a system that can offer such detection. While data regarding humour in English speech is plentiful, the same cannot be said for a low-resource language like Hindi. Through this article, we introduce two multimodal datasets for humour detection in the Hindi web series. The dataset was collected from over 500 minutes of conversations amongst the characters of the Hindi web series
Kota-Factory
and
Panchayat
. Each dialogue is manually annotated as Humour or Non-Humour. Along with presenting a new Hindi language-based Humour detection dataset, we propose an improved framework for detecting humour in Hindi conversations. We start by preprocessing both datasets to obtain uniformity across the dialogues and datasets. The processed dialogues are then passed through the Skip-gram model for generating Hindi word embedding. The generated Hindi word embedding is then passed onto three convolutional neural network (CNN) architectures simultaneously, each having a different filter size for feature extraction. The extracted features are then passed through stacked Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) layers for further processing and finally classifying the dialogues as Humour or Non-Humour. We conduct intensive experiments on both proposed Hindi datasets and evaluate several standard performance metrics. The performance of our proposed framework was also compared with several baselines and contemporary algorithms for Humour detection. The results demonstrate the effectiveness of our dataset to be used as a standard dataset for Humour detection in the Hindi web series. The proposed model yields an accuracy of 91.79 and 87.32 while an F1 score of 91.64 and 87.04 in percentage for the
Kota-Factory
and
Panchayat
datasets, respectively.
Cyber Security of Smart-Grid Frequency Control: A Review and Vulnerability Assessment Framework
Authors: Amulya Amulya , Swarup K. S. , Ramanathan Ramu
Published: April 2024

Smart grid involves application of information and communication technology (ICT) for monitoring, protection, operation and control of interconnected power systems under various scenarios. Smart grid control (SGC) is an important aspect that is constantly subjected to various vulnerabilities, threats and attacks under central and distributed control architectures. Cybersecurity of SGC, especially, load frequency control (LFC), is an important issue that is addressed in this article. The state-of-the-art in cybersecurity and attacks on SGC and intensive literature review is discussed with a comprehensive list of references on LFC. The authors present a part of their own work carried out on a systematic vulnerability assessment (VA) framework that can be used to identify weak points in the LFC system. The proposed methodology is explained for VA of the standard 39-bus New England test system and the 96-bus reliability test system (RTS) to illustrate the concept of cybersecurity and VA of smart grid LFC.
NC-Library: Expanding SystemC Capabilities for Nested reConfigurable Hardware Modelling
Authors: Haase Julian , Charaf Najdet , Groß Alexander , Göhringer Diana
Published: April 2024

As runtime reconfiguration is used in an increasing number of hardware architectures, new simulation and modeling tools are needed to support the developer during the design phases. In this article, a language extension for SystemC is presented, together with a design methodology for the description and simulation of dynamically reconfigurable hardware at different levels of abstraction. The library presented offers a high degree of flexibility in the description of reconfiguration features and their management, while allowing runtime reconfiguration simulation, removal, and replacement of custom modules as well as third-party components throughout the architecture development process. In addition, our approach supports the emerging concept of nested reconfiguration and split regions with a minimal simulation overhead of a maximum of three delta cycles for signal and transaction forwarding, and four delta cycles for the reconfiguration process.
Managing Shifting Visitor Restrictions in Hospitals during the COVID-19 Pandemic from National Authority Level to Charge Nurses’ Practice: A Descriptive Study
Authors: Ågård Anne Sophie , Mainz Hanne , Vedelø Tina Wang , Rasmussen Gitte Susanne , Gregersen Merete
Published: April 2024

Introduction. Little is known about how shifting hospital visitor restrictions issued by national health authorities were communicated, managed, and adapted by hospital charge nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic. Aims. To describe the shifting visitor restrictions and the passing on of restrictions from the national authority level to charge nurses and secondly describe charge nurses’ management of the restrictions and their challenges when enforcing them. Methods. The study consisted of a document analysis and a cross-sectional survey including open-ended questions. Descriptive statistics and qualitative content analysis were used. The survey was distributed online to 88 charge nurses in somatic units in a Danish university hospital from March 2020 to April 2021. Results. Restrictions were communicated from national authority level in an effective administrative cascade. The charge nurses led their enforcement in each unit. In total, 71 charge nurses (81%) responded to the survey. For 70%, the wording of the restrictions was clear, while 31% found them challenging to handle. On a weekly or daily basis, 68% of the charge nurses deviated from the restrictions. They identified both upsides and downsides to the absence of relatives. Communication, collaboration, and leadership were experienced as key tools in the ongoing processes of adapting to shifting restrictions. Conclusion. During this severe health crisis, essential information was passed on through well-defined management levels in an effective communication pathway. Charge nurses and their professional values were challenged when balancing shifting national restrictions against individual needs of patients and relatives. Implications for Nursing Management. Charge nurses serve as vital intermediaries between national authorities and frontline nursing practice in managing shifting visitor restrictions during a pandemic. Their experiences can contribute to further qualifying nurse managers’ considerations when designing family-centred hospital visitor policies for the future. Also, they may strengthen the handling of future sudden major organizational changes.
Association of Baseline Serum Soluble Tumour Necrosis Factor Receptor Levels with the Response of Rheumatoid Arthritis to Janus Kinase Inhibitor Therapy
Authors: Yoshikawa Takahiro , Furukawa Tetsuya , Hashimoto Teppei , Azuma Naoto , Matsui Kiyoshi
Published: April 2024

Aim. The aim of this study was to investigate whether cytokines associated with tumour necrosis factor- (TNF-) α and interleukin- (IL-) 6 signalling could predict rheumatoid arthritis (RA) clinical remission (CR) with Janus kinase inhibitor (JAKinib) treatment using the Simplified Disease Activity Index (SDAI). Methods. Eighty-nine patients with RA treated with JAKinibs were enrolled, and their clinical data were collected retrospectively. CR was defined as an SDAI≤3.3 after 6 months of treatment with JAKinib. The serum samples of 89 patients were analysed for IL-6, soluble IL-6 receptor (sIL-6R), soluble gp130 (spg130), and soluble TNF receptor- (sTNFR-) I and sTNFR-II titres. Results. There were no significant differences in the baseline clinical parameters between the CR and non-CR groups. Serum levels of IL-6, sIL-6R, and sgp130 were not significantly different; whereas, the serum sTNFR-I and sTNFR-II levels were significantly lower in the CR group. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the baseline log sTNFR II values (OR: 0.002; p=0.034) were predictors of CR. Conclusions. Patients with RA can be stratified prior to JAKinib administration using serum sTNFR-I and sTNFR-II levels but not serum IL-6 axis cytokine levels (IL-6, sIL-6R, and sgp130).
An Improved Bi-Switch Flyback Converter with Loss Analysis for Active Cell Balancing of the Lithium-Ion Battery String
Authors: G. Sugumaran , N. Amutha Prabha
Published: April 2024

This paper focuses on the active cell balancing of lithium-ion battery packs. An improved single-input, multioutput, bi-switch flyback converter was proposed to achieve effective balancing. The proposed topology simplifies the control logic by utilising a single MOSFET switch for energy transfer and two complementary pulses to control the cell-selecting switches. The proposed topology can decrease the number of switching devices as well as the size and cost of the system. The bi-switch flyback converter eliminates the need for a separate buffer circuit to minimise leakage and electromagnetic inductance. Losses and energy efficiency were analysed at each end of the proposed topology. The appropriate MATLAB simulations investigated the balancing characteristics of various state of charge (SOC) imbalances. A comparison is made between the balancing speed and energy transfer efficiency of the proposed topology and a conventional topology that employs a multi-input and multi-output flyback converter in a static mode. The results of the MATLAB simulation were validated by the OPAL-RT (OP5700) real-time simulator. The balancing data of the proposed topology were compared using MATLAB simulation and real-time simulation. This work may reduce the time required to assemble and commission the hardware for the proposed topology’s real-time implementation.
Optimal Maintenance Decision Method for a Sensor Network Based on Belief Rule Base considering Attribute Correlation
Authors: Li Shaohua , Liu Bingxin , Feng Jingying , Qi Ruihua , He Wei , Xu Ming , Yuan Linxin , Wang Shiwen
Published: April 2024

Optimal maintenance decision for a sensor network aims to intelligently determine the optimal repair time. The accuracy of the optimal maintenance decision method directly affects the reliability and safety of the sensor network. This paper develops a new optimal maintenance decision method based on belief rule base considering attribute correlation (BRB-c), which is designed to address three challenges: the lack of observation data, complex system mechanisms, and characteristic correlation. This method consists of two sections: the health state assessment model and the health state prediction model. Firstly, the former is accomplished through a BRB-c-based health assessment model that considers characteristic correlation. Subsequently, based on the current health state, a Wiener process is used to predict the health state of the sensor network. After predicting the health state, experts are then required to establish the minimum threshold, which in turn determines the optimal maintenance time. To demonstrate the proposed method is effective, a case study for the wireless sensor network (WSN) of oil storage tank was conducted. The experimental data were collected from an actual storage tank sensor network in Hainan Province, China. The experimental results validate the accuracy of the developed optimal maintenance decision model, confirming its capability to efficiently predict the optimal maintenance time.
A Review of the Studies on the Effect of Different Additives on the Fatigue Behavior of Asphalt Mixtures
Authors: Ameri Mahmoud , Ebrahimzadeh Shiraz Mehdi
Published: April 2024

The fatigue phenomenon significantly weakens road pavement due to repeated reloading. To enhance fatigue resistance, numerous studies have explored various additives in asphalt mixtures. This review focuses on key variables influencing the effectiveness of additives, including fibers, polymers, nanomaterials, waste materials, and biomaterials, in improving the fatigue performance of asphalt mixtures. The study initially identifies different additives and fatigue testing methods used for asphalt mixtures. It evaluates the impact of factors such as modifier content and size, base asphalt binder type, mixing processes, dispersion behavior, and testing conditions on the fatigue behavior of modified asphalt mixtures. The cost‐effectiveness and environmental impact of additive application have also been assessed. Additionally, research gaps and future prospects for modified asphalt mixes are outlined. Existing studies demonstrate the benefits of additives like basalt fiber, polyester fiber, styrene–butadiene–styrene (SBS), nanosilica, crumb rubber, and biooils in enhancing the fatigue life of pavement constructions. However, challenges exist in the application of modifiers due to limited practical implications and insufficient knowledge. Further research is needed on factors such as additives’ dispersity, compatibility, aging resistance, economic viability, and modifying mechanisms in morphological and micromechanical aspects to enhance the fatigue performance of the modified asphalt mixture.
TNIK Inhibition Sensitizes TNIK-Overexpressing Lung Squamous Cell Carcinoma to Radiotherapy
Authors: Nguyen Triet , Carrieri Francesca A. , Connis Nick , Lafargue Audrey , Chang Jinhee , Chan Aaron , Shetty Amol C. , Song Yang , Hoang Tung , Jagtap Shreya , Chowdhury Dipanwita D. , Khan Muhammad A. , Gabrielson Kathleen L. , Rezaee Mohammad , Torres-Ayuso Pedro , Brognard John , Hann Christine L. , Tran Phuoc T.
Published: April 2024

Most patients with lung squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) undergo chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and adjuvant immunotherapy for locally advanced disease. The efficacy of these treatments is still limited because of dose-limiting toxicity or locoregional recurrence. New combination approaches and targets such as actionable oncogenic drivers are needed to advance treatment options for patients with LSCC. Moreover, other options for chemotherapy-ineligible patients are limited. As such, there is a critical need for the development of selective and potent chemoradiosensitizers for locally advanced LSCC. In this study, we investigated inhibiting TRAF2- and NCK-interacting protein kinase (TNIK), which is amplified in 40% of patients with LSCC, as a strategy to sensitize LSCC tumors to chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Employing a range of human LSCC cell lines and the TNIK inhibitor NCB-0846, we investigated the potential of TNIK as a chemo- and radiosensitizing target with in vitro and in vivo preclinical models. The combination of NCB-0846 with cisplatin or etoposide was at best additive. Interestingly, pre-treating LSCC cells with NCB-0846 prior to ionizing radiation (IR) potentiated the cytotoxicity of IR in a TNIK-specific fashion. Characterization of the radiosensitization mechanism suggested that TNIK inhibition may impair the DNA damage response and promote mitotic catastrophe in irradiated cells. In a subcutaneous xenograft in vivo model, pretreatment with NCB-0846 significantly enhanced the efficacy of IR and caused elevated necrosis in TNIKhigh LK2 tumors but not TNIKlow KNS62 tumors. Overall, these results indicate that TNIK inhibition may be a promising strategy to increase the efficacy of radiotherapy in patients with LSCC with high TNIK expression.
Blunt Abdominal Trauma in Pregnancy: Higher Rates of Severe Abdominal Injuries
Authors: Skochko Shannon , Nahmias Jeffry , Lekawa Michael , Kong Allen , Schubl Sebastian , Swentek Lourdes , Grigorian Areg
Published: April 2024

Background

Previous studies suggest increased abdominal girth in obese individuals provides a “cushion effect,” against severe abdominal trauma. In comparison, the unique anatomic/physiological condition of pregnancy, such as the upward displacement of organs by an expanding uterus, may decrease risk of abdominal injury. However, increased overall blood volume and vascularity of organs during pregnancy raise concerns for increased bleeding and potentially more severe injuries. Therefore, this study aimed to elucidate whether the “cushion effect” observed in obese patients extends to pregnant trauma patients (PTPs). We hypothesized a lower risk of blunt solid organ injury (BSOI) (liver, spleen, and kidney) in pregnant vs non-pregnant blunt trauma patients.

Methods

The 2020-2021 Trauma Quality Improvement Program was queried for all female blunt trauma patients (age<50 years) involved in motor vehicle collisions (MVCs). We compared pregnant vs non-pregnant patients. The primary outcomes were incidence of BSOI, and severity of abdominal trauma defined by abbreviated injury scale (AIS).

Results

From 94,831 female patients, 2598 (2.7%) were pregnant. When compared to non-pregnant patients, PTPs had lower rates of liver (5.5% vs 7.6%, P < .001) and kidney (1.8% vs 2.6%, P = .013) injury. However, PTPs had higher rates of serious (13.4% vs 9.0%, P < .001) and severe abdominal injury (7.5% vs 4.3%, P < .001).

Discussion

BSOI occurred at a lower rate in PTPs compared to non-PTPs; however, contrary to the “cushion effect” observed in obese populations, pregnant women had a higher rate of severe abdominal injuries. These data support comprehensive evaluations for PTPs presenting after a MVC.

Level of Evidence

IV (therapeutic).
Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy and Radiation Improves Recurrence-free and Overall Survival in Resectable and Borderline Resectable Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Kelley Jesse K. , Kolbeinsson Hordur , Chandana Sreenivasa , Eastburg Benjamin , Frisch Austin , Parker Jessica , Wright G. Paul , Assifi M. Mura , Chung Mathew
Published: April 2024

Objective

The objective of this study is to analyze the outcomes of patients with resectable/borderline resectable PDAC who receive total neoadjuvant therapy vs upfront surgery.

Methods and Analysis

Patients who were treated at a single institution from 2006 to 2021 were included. The primary outcome was overall survival (OS). Secondary outcomes included disease free survival (DFS), rates of lymph node positivity, and R0 resection. All survival analyses were performed with intention-to-treat.

Results

26 patients received neoadjuvant chemotherapy and radiation (TNT), 28 received neoadjuvant chemotherapy only (NAC), and 168 received upfront surgery. Demographics were comparable across all three groups. Patients who received TNT or NAC had longer OS and DFS compared to the surgery first patients ( P < .01). Patients who received TNT had a lymph node positivity rate of 0% at time of surgery compared to 5.3% and 13.3% in the NAC and surgery-first groups, respectively ( P < .01). The rate of R0 resection did not differ between groups ( P = .17).

Conclusion

Patients with resectable/borderline resectable PDAC who receive neoadjuvant therapy have longer OS and RFS relative to those who receive upfront surgery.
Evaluating Clinical Reasoning in Undergraduate Medical Education: The Value of a Virtual Oral Assessment
Authors: Jeffery Michelle , Kar A. Reema , Pradhan Archana , Brannigan Samantha , Terregino Carol , Rashid Hanin , Salisbury Rick , Johnson Conrad , Jagpal Sugeet
Published: April 2024

Background

Oral assessments are essential components of board certification in numerous fields, as they provide insight into problem-solving capacity and clinical reasoning. The development of clinical reasoning often begins in undergraduate medical education and remains a challenge to assess.

Objective

We developed a pilot oral assessment to evaluate medical student oral presentations and systematically assess clinical reasoning. This was incorporated into a previously existing cumulative assessment at the conclusion of the third year of medical school, with the intent to demonstrate feasibility and future reliability of this exam format.

Methods

This pilot oral assessment was developed using content taught during third year clerkships. A modified Assessment of Reasoning Tool (ART) was used as the evaluation metric. It was conducted virtually to include faculty members from multiple disciplines and accommodate schedules and space limitations.

Results

A total of 152 third year medical students completed the exam, with a total of 15 faculty examiners. 89% of medical students scored as complete in hypothesis directed history, 93% in problem representation, 86% in prioritized differential diagnoses, and 67% in effectively directing management. Most examiners felt an oral assessment is effective to determine a medical student’s clinical reasoning ability.

Conclusions

Virtual oral assessments of clinical reasoning can be incorporated in undergraduate medical education to identify students struggling with components of clinical reasoning, while also allowing maximum flexibility for the clinician educator workforce as examiners. Longitudinal use of these exams would be valuable to track the development of clinical reasoning across the medical school curriculum.
Treatment Effects of Bifidobacterium Quadruple Viable Tablets Combined With Quadruple Therapy on Helicobacter Pylori-Infected Peptic Ulcer in Children
Authors: Zhou Hui , Li Yi , Lu Wei
Published: April 2024

This study aimed to investigate the treatment effects of Bifidobacterium quadruple viable tablets combined with quadruple therapy on Helicobacter pylori (Hp)-infected peptic ulcer in children. A total of 124 children with Hp-infected peptic ulcers were allocated into 2 treatment groups: control group (quadruple therapy) and observation group (quadruple therapy plus Bifidobacterium quadruple viable tablets). After treatment, the 2 groups were compared in terms of ulcer healing, serum inflammatory cytokines, Hp elimination, gastrointestinal hormones, and intestinal flora. After treatment, the children in the observation group possessed lower serum interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor α, procalcitonin, C-reactive protein, gastrin, and motilin levels, and higher ulcer healing rate, Hp clearance rate, somatostatin levels and bifidobacterium and lactobacillus versus those in the control group. Bifidobacterium quadruple viable tablets combined with quadruple therapy has good efficacy in Hp-associated peptic ulcer disease.
Educating nursing home residents about stroke using the FAST Heroes programme
Authors: Orologa Emilia , Tsakpounidou Kalliopi , van der Merwe Jan , Pyrrou Myrto , Proios Hariklia
Published: April 2024

Objective:

Using the FAST (Face, Arms, Speech, Time) Heroes educational programme, this intervention sought to educate residents in a nursing home to recognise and recall the three main stroke symptoms and prepare them to act in an appropriate way, in the event of a stroke emergency.

Design:

Participatory action research.

Setting:

A nursing home in Northern Greece.

Method:

Fifteen residents ( n = 15, aged 78–92, mean age = 86.6 ± 4.4) were enrolled and educated through a series of FAST Heroes activities, specially tailored for this new target population. Stroke awareness was measured before, after and 3 weeks post-programme implementation. Fourteen residents completed the programme.

Results:

Participants demonstrated significant increases in stroke definition, stroke symptom knowledge, appropriate course of action and emergency number knowledge after completing the programme. Notably, 64.3% of participants could accurately identify stroke symptoms, and all participants (100%) correctly knew to call an ambulance in case of witnessing a stroke; 78.6% of the participants correctly identified the European emergency number 112. In the follow-up period, knowledge gain was retained as residents scored significantly higher in three out of four sections of the questionnaire.

Conclusion:

This study is the first attempt to utilise the FAST Heroes educational intervention in target populations which hitherto have had limited or no access to such educational programmes. This initial intervention showed promising results and could form the basis for extension to a wider population.
To STEM or not to STEM: A cross-national analysis of gender and tertiary graduates in science, technology, engineering, and math, 1998–2018
Authors: Lee Seungah S , Wotipka Christine Min , Ramirez Francisco O , Song Jieun
Published: April 2024

The comparative literature on gender and higher education has increasingly focused on differences in access to the fields of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). We contribute to this literature through a cross-national analysis of STEM graduates by gender between 1998 and 2018 across 90 countries. Many earlier studies emphasize the positive influence of a global liberal culture on women. More recent scholarship contends that women may be steered away from attaining a STEM degree in more liberal and individualistic societies. Our study shows a lower percentage of women graduates in STEM in countries that are more liberal. However, we find that the opposite is the case for men. Our findings are consistent with the idea that individuals in more liberal cultural contexts are more likely to make degree decisions based on individual preferences that are influenced by gendered societal norms. Both women and men are more likely to “indulge in their gendered selves” in these cultural contexts. Our findings are inconsistent with the idea that liberal modernity influences men and women in STEM in a gender-neutral mode.
Jute textiles with enhanced interfacial bonding as reinforcement for cementitious composites
Authors: Kohan Lais , Fioroni Carlos A , Azevedo Adriano GDS , Leonardi Barbara , Baruque-Ramos Julia , Fangueiro Raul , Junior Holmer Savastano
Published: April 2024

In fabric-cement composites, the limited impregnation of cementitious matrix products due to thick and twisted yarns leads to premature failure due to poor bonding strength. In addition, cellulosic textile reinforcements have many challenges about durability, appearance of voids at mortar-fiber interface, and rise of microcracks. Textile performances were evaluated in different conditions: coated with micro-silica powder, pretreated, and without any treatment. This study also assessed how textile weave structure and yarn geometry configuration affect the interactions of two different jute textiles (Close Weave Jute Fabric – CJF and Open Weave Jute Fabric - OJT) when used as reinforcement in mortar matrix. Textile characterization and composite analysis (by four-point bending tests, SEM/EDS, and physical tests) were conducted to assess the different textile reinforcements, the mechanical behavior of produced composites, and visual and chemical compounds analysis of the interfacial transition zone between textile and mortar matrix after silica coating. Micro silica powder coating was deemed necessary to address limited impregnation and to avoid telescope pull-off. Weave structure determined the difference between jute fabrics to reinforce mortar matrix, being only OJF (larger interstices in the weave structure) with micro silica coating allowed a better matrix interaction and stood out from the other textiles and achieved the best specific energy of all samples, (4.28 ± 0.91) kJ.m-2. Calcium and silicon inside the yarn interstices and textile-matrix interface indicate the formation of strong bonds by calcium-silicate-hydrate products. The silica coating treatment enhanced formation of strong bonds, which demonstrated future promise for natural fiber application.
Five Years of Extreme Risk Protection Orders in Oregon: A Descriptive Analysis
Authors: Rakshe Shauna , Valek Rebecca , Teichman Rebecca , Freeman Kathryn , DeFrancesco Susan , Carlson Kathleen F.
Published: April 2024

Extreme Risk Protection Order (ERPO) laws have received increasing attention as a tool to prevent firearm suicide and homicide, including mass shootings. However, important gaps remain in our understanding of ERPO usage and implementation. Using the Oregon Judicial Case Information Network database, we abstracted data from all ERPO petitions filed in Oregon from 2018 to 2022, the first five years after the law took effect ( N = 649). ERPO petitions were filed in 29 of 36 counties (81%, range 0–105 per county, median 11), against respondents 17–96 years of age (median: 42). Of ERPOs filed, 78% were initially granted. While only 22% of respondents in initially-granted ERPOs requested a hearing, when a hearing was held, nearly half (44%) of ERPOs were dismissed. The majority of ERPO petitions were motivated by threats of harm to respondents and others ( n = 327, 50%), followed by threats of harm to others-only ( n = 220, 34%) or respondents-only ( n = 81, 12%). During the 5-year period, 72 (11%) ERPO petitions cited threats of mass violence as a motivating factor, including 24 (4%) petitions citing threats to schools or college campuses. The majority of ERPOs were filed by law enforcement officers (60%), and these petitions were significantly more often granted than those filed by family/household members (96% vs. 67%, p < .0001). We also found evidence of important gaps in documentation, including of respondent race (unavailable for 191 respondents, 29%) and of weapon removal or disposition after the ERPO was granted (unavailable in 350 cases, 69%). This study of long-term patterns of ERPO petitions highlights trends in usage and suggests areas where improvement may be possible, with implications for other states that have adopted or are considering similar ERPO laws.
Alcohol Use Amongst Rural Adolescents and Young Adults: A Brief Review of the Literature
Authors: Saalfield Jessica , Haag Bethany
Published: April 2024

The sociodevelopmental periods of adolescence and young adulthood are rife with alcohol use. However, much of the literature demonstrating this comes from ‘traditional’ settings and college campuses (i.e., large suburban/urban campuses, or those containing their own infrastructure). Alcohol culture in rural areas has largely been understudied, which may be problematic given the unique stressors they face (e.g., economic hardship, lack of social activities, healthcare inequality). There has also been difficulty both within and across fields classifying rural versus urban geographical locations; no distinct system used broadly, making ittrea difficult to generalize and accurately collect data. The geographic categorizations are often viewed as homogenous identifiers; however, diversity occurs both within and outside of these classification systems. It appears that rurality may be a risk factor for increased drinking both earlier and later in life, but the research has failed to extend to the formative college years. This short review has two main focuses: attempting to disentangle the definition of rurality and reviewing the literature regarding alcohol use in rural areas, with a specific focus on adolescents and young adults. Identifying the mechanisms responsible for substance use in rural areas is a crucial component of prevention and treatment programs.
Text Analysis in Tourism and Hospitality: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Bi Jian-Wu , Zhu Xue-Er , Han Tian-Yu
Published: April 2024

Despite numerous studies that adopt text analysis in tourism and hospitality published in the past decade, a comprehensive review of this topic is still lacking. This study endeavors to bridge this gap by conducting a systematic review of text analysis research published in the top five journals in tourism and hospitality between 2013 and 2023. From a thematic analysis perspective, this paper provides an elaborate description of how text data can be utilized for prediction and understanding purposes. Specifically, the prediction scenarios encompass hotels, destinations, and restaurants, while the understanding aspect focuses on tourists, firms, destinations, and academic researches within this domain. From a methodological perspective, this paper offers an in-depth exploration of data sources, tools or methodologies, processing procedures, and commonly utilized metrics in text analysis. The paper concludes by proposing a summary framework for text analysis research while highlighting future research trends, opportunities, and challenges in this domain.