bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synergistic interaction between pay-it-forward incentives and recreational drug use on hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C virus testing among men who have sex with men in China
Authors: Ai Wei , Xie Yewei , Lu Haidong , Ai Ting , Wu Dan , Zhang Ye , Marley Gifty , Ong Jason , Tucker Joseph D , Tang Weiming
Published: June 2024

Objectives

Pay-it-forward incentives effectively promote hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) testing among men who have sex with men (MSM) by offering free testing and donation opportunities. This study aims to explore the interaction between pay-it-forward incentives and recreational drug use on HBV and HCV testing uptake among Chinese MSM.

Methods

We pooled data from two pay-it-forward studies that aimed to promote dual HBV and HCV testing among MSM in Jiangsu, China. We explored factors associated with hepatitis testing uptake in the two study groups and examined the interaction between pay-it-forward incentives and recreational drug use on hepatitis testing uptake.

Results

Overall, 511 MSM participated in these two studies, with 265 participants in the pay-it-forward incentives group and 246 participants in the standard-of-care group. Among these participants, 59.3% in the pay-it-forward incentive group and 24.8% in the standard-of-care group received dual HBV and HCV testing, respectively. In the pay-it-forward incentives group, participants who used recreational drugs in the past 12 months (adjusted OR (AOR)=1.83, 95% CI 1.09 to 3.06) were more likely to receive dual HBV and HCV testing, compared with those who never used recreational drugs, whereas in the standard-of-care group, those who used recreational drugs were less likely to receive dual HBC and HCV testing (AOR=0.38, 95% CI 0.18 to 0.78). MSM with higher community connectedness (AOR=1.10, 95% CI 1.00 to 1.21) were also more likely to receive hepatitis testing with pay-it-forward incentives. There was a synergistic interaction on both the multiplicative (ratio of ORs=4.83, 95% CI 1.98 to 11.7) and additive scales (the relative excess risk of interaction=2.97, 95% CI 0.56 to 5.38) of pay-it-forward incentives and recreational drug use behaviours on dual HBV and HCV testing uptake among MSM.

Conclusion

Pay-it-forward incentives may be particularly useful in promoting hepatitis testing among MSM who use recreational drugs.
Pan-Canadian review of community-based monitoring projects and their capacity to enhance environmental monitoring programs for cumulative effects assessments
Authors: Kidd Jess , Brammer Jeremy , Courtenay Simon , Swanson Heidi , Avery-Gomm Stephanie
Published: June 2024

While community-based monitoring (CBM) can support meaningful participation of the public in environmental decision-making, it remains unclear if and how CBM can support western science approaches to biophysical studies within cumulative effects assessment (CEA). We scored 40 Canadian CBM projects on their ability to enhance CEA's western science approaches to environmental monitoring. We used multivariate analyses to determine if the highest-scoring projects shared characteristics that could inform the design of CBMs to support CEA. Cluster analysis and non-metric multi-dimensional scaling ordination revealed that highest-scoring projects were distinct from lower scoring projects, and the Similarity Percentages Routine identified characteristics that differentiated these projects. The highest-scoring projects involved non-profit organizations as bridging organizations that coordinated community participation and received funding and in-kind support from provincial/territorial government agencies. Participants in these projects collected measurements and samples using standardized protocols described in training manuals. Their data were publicly accessible in georeferenced databases and were used for baseline studies and resource management. There are existing CBM projects in Canada that thus appear well positioned to enhance western science approaches to CEA. Further study is required to identify how CBM projects can be designed to braid Indigenous and western science approaches to mutually enhance CEA methods.
Constraining primordial black holes as dark matter using AMS-02 data
Authors: Su Bing-Yu , Pan Xu , Wang Guan-Sen , Zu Lei , Yang Yupeng , Feng Lei
Published: June 2024

Primordial black holes (PBHs) are the plausible candidates for the cosmological dark matter. Theoretically, PBHs with masses $$M_{\textrm{PBH}}$$

M
PBH

in the range of $$4\times 10^{14}\sim 10^{17}\,\textrm{g}$$

4
×

10
14

∼

10
17

g

can emit sub-GeV electrons and positrons through Hawking radiation. Some of these particles could undergo diffusive reacceleration during propagation in the Milky Way, potentially reaching energies up to the GeV level observed by AMS-02. In this work, we utilize AMS-02 data to constrain the PBH abundance $$f_{\textrm{PBH}}$$

f
PBH

by employing the reacceleration mechanism. Under the assumption of a monochromatic PBH mass distribution, our findings reveal that the limit is stricter than that derived from Voyager 1 data. This difference is particularly pronounced when $$M_{\textrm{PBH}}\lesssim 10^{15}\,\textrm{g}$$

M
PBH

≲

10
15

g

, exceeding an order of magnitude. The constraints are even more robust in a more realistic scenario involving a log-normal mass distribution of PBHs. Moreover, we explore the impact of varying propagation parameters and solar modulation potential within reasonable ranges, and find that such variations have minimal effects on the final results.
Guest Editorial: Special Issue on Spin Pumping and Spin-Orbit Torques in Magnetic Heterostructures
Authors: Kumar Akash , Fukami Shunsuke , Åkerman Johan
Published: June 2024

Spin pumping and spin-orbit torques play important roles in advancing spintronic device technologies. Our curated special issue focuses on these phenomena in magnetic heterostructures, which are critical for various applications. The high-quality papers 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 delve into spin pumping and spin-orbit torques in diverse heterostructures, addressing topics such as insulating/metallic interfaces tailoring spin-to-charge conversion, the influence of HfOx capping layers on perpendicular magnetic anisotropy, anisotropy-controlled spin current generation, sputter pressure-dependent spin Hall angle, the effect of oxygen ion irradiation on spin-orbit torques, and a review paper of emerging two-dimensional/ferromagnetic interfaces. This Editorial discusses the reported articles and the future perspective of these topics. With this special issue, we anticipate significant contributions to both academic research and industrial developments in this direction.
Endoscopic Resection of Tailgut Cyst
Authors: Kiosov Oleksandr , Tkachov Vladyslav , Gulevskyi Sergii
Published: June 2024

Tailgut cyst or retrorectal cystic hamartoma is a rare congenital lesion, thought to arise from a portion of the embryological hindgut, usually benign, with no or unspecific symptoms, mainly diagnosed in middle‐aged women. Complete surgical resection of the cyst is recommended to avoid complications and confirm the diagnosis. In this report, we present our experience in the successful endoscopic management of a tailgut cyst, outlining the endoscopic resection technique and discussing under what conditions this approach may be applicable.
Frequency of Fecal Carriage of ESBL Resistance Genes in Multidrug‐Resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa Isolates from Cancer Patients at Laquintinie Hospital, Douala, Littoral Region, Cameroon
Authors: Kengne Michael F. , Mbaveng Armelle T. , Karimo Ousenu , Dadjo Ballue S. T. , Tsobeng Ornella D. , Marbou Wiliane J. T. , Kuete Victor
Published: June 2024

Background. Opportunistic infections are the second cause of death among cancer patients. This study aimed at determining the antimicrobial profile and the prevalence of extended‐spectrum beta‐lactamase (ESBL)‐gene carriage of Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates among cancer patients at the Douala Laquintinie Hospital, Littoral Region of Cameroon. Between October 2021 and March 2023, 507 study participants were recruited among whom 307 (60.55%) were cancer patients, compared to 200 (39.45%) noncancer patients. Fifty‐eight P. aeruginosa isolates were isolated from fecal samples of forty‐five cancer patients and thirteen noncancer patients using Cetrimide agar. The antimicrobial resistance profile of the isolates was determined using the Kirby–Bauer disk diffusion method. The polymerase chain reaction was used to detect the presence of extended‐spectrum beta‐lactamase genes among P. aeruginosa isolates. P. aeruginosa showed significant resistance rates in cancer patients compared to noncancer patients to imipenem, cefotaxime, and ceftazidime, piperacillin‐tazobactam, ticarcillin‐clavulanic acid, and ciprofloxacin. The multidrug resistance (MDR) rate was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in cancer patients than in noncancer patients. The frequency of beta‐lactamase genes in the 58 ESBL‐producing P. aeruginosa isolates was determined as 72.41% for blaTEM, 37.93% for blaOXA, 74.14% for blaCTX‐M, and 44.83% for blaSHV genes. The study revealed an alarmingly high prevalence of fecal carriage of ESBL‐producing P. aeruginosa with a high rate of MDR among cancer patients. It indicates that regular monitoring and surveillance of ESBL‐producing P. aeruginosa among cancer patients are needed to improve the management of patients.
Supplementary Figure 8 from FOXO1 Inhibition Generates Potent Nonactivated CAR T Cells against Solid Tumors
Authors: Marchais Maude , Simula Luca , Phayanouvong Mélanie , Mami-Chouaib Fathia , Bismuth Georges , Decroocq Justine , Bouscary Didier , Dutrieux Jacques , Mangeney Marianne
Published: June 2024

AS1842856 treatment allows a CAR expression in patients’ T cells after stimulation.
Supplementary Figure 3 from FOXO1 Inhibition Generates Potent Nonactivated CAR T Cells against Solid Tumors
Authors: Marchais Maude , Simula Luca , Phayanouvong Mélanie , Mami-Chouaib Fathia , Bismuth Georges , Decroocq Justine , Bouscary Didier , Dutrieux Jacques , Mangeney Marianne
Published: June 2024

FOXO1 inhibition promotes T cells motility in A549 tumors.
Supplementary Table S4 from Hemangiosarcoma Cells Promote Conserved Host-derived Hematopoietic Expansion
Authors: Kim Jong Hyuk , Schulte Ashley J. , Sarver Aaron L. , Lee Donghee , Angelos Mathew G. , Frantz Aric M. , Forster Colleen L. , O'Brien Timothy D. , Cornax Ingrid , O'Sullivan M. Gerard , Cheng Nuojin , Lewellen Mitzi , Oseth LeAnn , Kumar Sunil , Bullman Susan , Pedamallu Chandra Sekhar , Goyal Sagar M. , Meyerson Matthew , Lund Troy C. , Breen Matthew , Lindblad-Toh Kerstin , Dickerson Erin B. , Kaufman Dan S. , Modiano Jaime F.
Published: June 2024

Supplementary Table S4
FIGURE 3 from Hemangiosarcoma Cells Promote Conserved Host-derived Hematopoietic Expansion
Authors: Kim Jong Hyuk , Schulte Ashley J. , Sarver Aaron L. , Lee Donghee , Angelos Mathew G. , Frantz Aric M. , Forster Colleen L. , O'Brien Timothy D. , Cornax Ingrid , O'Sullivan M. Gerard , Cheng Nuojin , Lewellen Mitzi , Oseth LeAnn , Kumar Sunil , Bullman Susan , Pedamallu Chandra Sekhar , Goyal Sagar M. , Meyerson Matthew , Lund Troy C. , Breen Matthew , Lindblad-Toh Kerstin , Dickerson Erin B. , Kaufman Dan S. , Modiano Jaime F.
Published: June 2024

Immune cell infiltration and comparative immune signatures between canine hemangiosarcoma and human angiosarcoma. A, A total of 461 upregulated genes were identified in immune-high (N = 8) compared with immune-low (N = 5) groups in human angiosarcomas (FDR P value < 0.05). B, 567 immune gene signatures were identified among three molecular subtypes of canine hemangiosarcomas (N = 76; FDR P value < 0.001; fold change > 3). The heat maps show upregulated (red) and downregulated (green) genes by unsupervised hierarchical clustering (average linkage; mean-centered; log2 transformed). C, Venn diagram shows 58 common genes associated with signaling pathways of immune cell functions between human and canine tumors. Representative photomicrographs of H&E and IHC staining showing histologic morphology and immune cell infiltration in canine hemangiosarcoma (D) and human angiosarcoma tissues (E) using anti-CD3, anti-PAX5, anti-MAC387, and anti-Iba1 (for canine) or anti-CD163 (for human) antibodies for detecting T cell, B cell, and macrophages. Horseradish peroxidase (counterstain = hematoxylin) or alkaline phosphate (for Iba1; counterstain = methylene blue). Bar = 50 µm. Scatter plots display correlation between transcriptional and IHC immune score in canine hemangiosarcoma (F) and human angiosarcoma (G). Spearman correlation coefficient (R) was calculated.
The Prevalence and Spontaneous Closure of Ventricular Septal Defects the First Year of Life
Authors: Pihl Christian , Sillesen Anne-Sophie , Norsk Jakob Boesgaard , Vøgg Ruth Ottilia Birgitta , Vedel Cathrine , Boyd Heather Allison , Vejlstrup Niels , Axelsson Raja Anna , Bundgaard Henning , Iversen Kasper Karmark
Published: June 2024

Introduction: Ventricular septal defect (VSD) is one of the most common congenital heart defects. We aimed to determine the prevalence of VSD in a population-based cohort of newborns and assess the rate of spontaneous closure during the first 12 months of life. Methods: The Copenhagen Baby Heart Study (CBHS) is a population-based cohort study, including more than 25,000 newborns born in the greater Copenhagen area. Newborns underwent echocardiography within 60 days of birth. Newborns with VSDs had echocardiographic follow-up after 3, 6, and 12 months. Results: A total of 850 newborns (3.3% of 25.556) with a VSD were identified in the CBHS. Of these, 787 (92.6% [95% CI 90.1–94.2]) were muscular VSDs, 60 (7.0% [95% CI, 5.5–9.0]) were perimembranous, and 3 (0.4% [95% CI, 0.0–1.1]) were subarterial. After 1 year, 83.5% (607 of 727) of all VSDs had closed spontaneously, resulting in a decrease of prevalence from 3.3% at birth to 0.5% in 1-year old children. Muscular VSDs showed significantly higher rate of spontaneous closure compared with perimembranous VSDs (86.9% (582/670) vs. 46.9% (25/54), p < 0.001). Determinants associated with spontaneous closure were smaller size of the VSD (p < 0.001) and the absence of multiple VSDs (p < 0.0025). Conclusion: The prevalence of VSDs in unselected newborns was 3.3%. Almost 9/10 of all VSDs identified in newborns, close spontaneously during the first year of life, ultimately resulting in a prevalence of VSD in 1-year-old children of 0.5%. The identified factors associated with spontaneous closure were muscular type, small size, and absence of multiple VSDs.
Dysmorphic Findings in SAHH Deficiency with a Novel Variant in the AHCY Gene
Authors: Ciki Kismet , Alavanda Ceren
Published: June 2024

Introduction: S-adenosylhomocysteine hydrolase (SAHH) is one of the enzymes involved in converting methionine to homocysteine with transmethylation processes. Methyltransfer reactions are impaired in SAHH deficiency. SAHH deficiency is multisystemic and antenatal onset disorder. It is also ultra rare disease. Only 19 cases have been reported so far. Case Presentation: We report an eighteen-month-old female patient who was investigated due to elevated transaminase levels, coagulopathy, cataract, hypotonia, and global developmental delay. She also had dysmorphic findings. Significant methionine elevation and mild homocysteine elevation were detected. Other metabolic investigations and laboratory findings were unremarkable. Homozygous novel variant in the AHCY gene and heterozygous novel variant in the PITX3 gene were found by whole-exome sequencing (WES) analysis. Methionine restricted diet, phosphatidylcholine, and creatine supplements were advised. Conclusion: In this report, a case with a novel variant in the AHCY gene and prominent dysmorphic findings was reported. More SAHH deficiency cases with different findings and phenotypes will be revealed through the use of WES and genetic panels.
What happens to patients with inflammatory bowel disease who are intolerant to thiopurines?
Authors: Gensmyr-Singer Helena , Karling Pontus
Published: June 2024

Introduction: The clinical consequences for patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) who stop treatment owing to side effects have not been fully investigated.
Methods: This retrospective observational study aimed to compare patients who discontinued thiopurine treatment due to side effects with those who tolerated thiopurine treatment in the use of other IBD drugs, surgery, and fecal calprotectin values in the first five years after the start of thiopurine treatment.
Results: The proportion of patients with IBD who initiated thiopurine treatment at our clinic was 44% (32% ulcerative colitis and 64% Crohn´s disease) and 31% (n=94) of those patients had to stop thiopurine treatment within five years due to side effects. Patients who discontinued thiopurine treatment due to intolerance were significantly older (median age 33 vs 27 years, p=0.003), significantly more often used prednisolone (89% vs. 76%, p=0.009) and used to a lesser extent TNF-inhibitors at the start of thiopurine treatment (3% vs. 9%, p=0.062). Budesonide treatment and non-TNF-inhibitor second-line therapy were significantly more commonly used in patients who discontinued thiopurine treatment owing to side effects, but there were no statistically significant differences in the use of other treatments. The proportion of patients with a median FC >200 g/g was significantly higher during follow-up in patients with UC who discontinued thiopurine treatment owing to side effects.
Conclusions: Patients who discontinued thiopurines owing to side effects were prescribed more budesonide and non-TNF inhibitor second-line therapy, but there were no differences in the use of TNF-inhibitors, prednisolone, or surgery.
Long-Term Dynamics of Serum α-MSH and α-MSH-Binding Immunoglobulins with a Link to Gut Microbiota Composition in Patients with Anorexia Nervosa
Authors: Seitz Jochen , Lahaye Emilie , Andreani Nadia Andrea , Thomas Benjamin , Takhlidjt Saloua , Chartrel Nicolas , Herpertz-Dahlmann Beate , Baines John F. , Fetissov Sergueï O.
Published: June 2024

Introduction: Immunoglobulins (Ig) reactive with α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH), an anorexigenic neuropeptide, are present in humans and were previously associated with eating disorders. In this longitudinal study involving patients with anorexia nervosa (AN), we determined whether α-MSH in serum is bound to IgG and analyzed long-term dynamics of both α-MSH peptide and α-MSH-reactive Ig in relation to changes in BMI and gut microbiota composition. Methods: The study included 64 adolescents with a restrictive form of AN, whose serum samples were collected at hospital admission, discharge, and during a 1-year follow-up visit and 41 healthy controls, all females. Results: We found that in both study groups, approximately 40% of serum α-MSH was reversibly bound to IgG and that levels of α-MSH-reactive IgG but not of α-MSH peptide in patients with AN were low at hospital admission but recovered 1 year later. Total IgG levels were also low at admission. Moreover, BMI-standard deviation score correlated positively with α-MSH IgG in both groups studied but negatively with α-MSH peptide only in controls. Significant correlations between the abundance of specific bacterial taxa in the gut microbiota and α-MSH peptide and IgG levels were found in both study groups, but they were more frequent in controls. Conclusion: We conclude that IgG in the blood plays a role as an α-MSH-binding protein, whose characteristics are associated with BMI in both patients with AN and controls. Furthermore, the study suggests that low production of α-MSH-reactive IgG during the starvation phase in patients with AN may be related to altered gut microbiota composition.
ATF4 as a Prognostic Marker and Modulator of Glutamine Metabolism in Oestrogen Receptor-Positive Breast Cancer
Authors: Patel Roshni , Alfarsi Lutfi H. , El-Ansari Rokaya , Masisi Brendah K. , Erkan Busra , Fakroun Ali , Ellis Ian O. , Rakha Emad A. , Green Andrew R.
Published: June 2024

Introduction: ATF4, a stress-responsive transcription factor that upregulates adaptive genes, is a potential prognostic marker and modulator of glutamine metabolism in breast cancer. However, its exact role remains to be elucidated. Methods: ATF4 expression was evaluated at genomic and transcriptomic levels using METABRIC (n = 1,980), GeneMiner (n = 4,712), and KM-Plotter datasets. Proteomic expression was assessed via immunohistochemistry (n = 2,225) in the Nottingham Primary Breast Cancer Series. ATF4 genomic copy number (CN) variation and mRNA/protein in association with clinicopathological parameters, amino acid transporters (AATs), and patient outcome were investigated. Results: Genomic, transcriptomic, and proteomic overexpression of ATF4 was associated with more aggressive ER-negative tumours. ATF4 mRNA and protein expression were significantly associated with increased expression of glutamine related AATs including SLC1A5 (p < 0.01) and SLC7A11 (p < 0.02). High ATF4 and SLC1A5 protein expression was significantly associated with shorter breast cancer-specific survival (p < 0.01), especially in ER+ tumours (p < 0.01), while high ATF4 and SLC7A11 protein expression was associated with shorter survival (p < 0.01). Conclusion: These findings suggest a complex interplay between ATF4 and AATs in breast cancer biology and underscore the potential role for ATF4 as a prognostic marker in ER+ breast cancer, offering a unique opportunity for risk stratification and personalized treatment strategies.
Sex Hormone Treatment for Female Children and Young Adults with Disorders Affecting Hypothalamic, Pituitary, and Ovarian Function
Authors: Ochsner Hannah , Saner Flurina Annacarina Maria , Flück Christa E. , Atlas Gabby , Wueest Anja , Zacharin Margaret , Saner Christoph
Published: June 2024

Background: Normal hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian (HPO) endocrine function is essential for female pubertal and psychosocial development and for ongoing adult physical, sexual, and psychosocial health. Girls with hypogonadism, any endocrine disorder causing abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) or with contraception needs may require sex hormone treatment. Challenges include evolving needs of a young girl through the course of sexual maturation, potential health risks related to the use of sex hormones for pubertal induction, hormone replacement therapy (HRT), menstrual management, and/or contraception. Summary: To ensure optimal sex hormone treatment, both a comprehensive understanding of the underlying disorder affecting HPO endocrine function and a professional communication with the patient and physicians involved are warranted. In this narrative mini-review, we discuss pubertal induction and HRT for girls with hypogonadism and the management of AUB and contraception for young women up to age 30 years. Additionally, we provide advice on management of AUB and contraception in young women with common conditions including polycystic ovary syndrome, congenital adrenal hyperplasia and others. A PubMed-literature search including articles published over the last 20 years, together with clinical experience of the authors was integrated to provide treatment recommendations. Key Message: Sex hormone treatment, where needed, requires comprehensive understanding of a range of available options. When tailored to individual needs, with flexibility to accommodate changing circumstance in young women it is safe, well tolerated and provides both physical and psychosocial health.
Long-Term Monitoring and Clinical Implications of Small Bowel Capsule Endoscopy in Patients with Crohn’s Disease with Small Bowel Lesions: A Retrospective Analysis
Authors: Nakamura Masanao , Yamamura Takeshi , Maeda Keiko , Sawada Tsunaki , Ishikawa Eri , Murate Kentaro , Furukawa Kazuhiro , Hirose Takashi , Uetsuki Kota , Iida Tadashi , Mizutani Yasuyuki , Yamao Kentaro , Ishizu Yoji , Ishikawa Takuya , Honda Takashi , Kawashima Hiroki
Published: June 2024

Introduction: Crohn’s disease (CD) induces persistent inflammation throughout the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, potentially resulting in complications such as intestinal stenosis and fistulas, particularly in the small bowel. Small bowel capsule endoscopy (SBCE) is recommended for monitoring CD, especially when GI tract patency is maintained. This study aimed to retrospectively assess patients with CD who underwent SBCE to determine the timing of clinical changes and address the current lack of evidence regarding GI tract patency loss during CD treatment. Methods: Of the 166 consecutive patients who underwent SBCE at our institution, 120 were followed up and included in this study. Forty-six patients were excluded due to colitis type or immediate treatment changes post-SBCE. This study focused on the primary and secondary endpoints, including the cumulative stricture-free rate of the GI tract, emergency hospitalization post-SBCE, and post-SBCE treatment strategies, at the discretion of the attending physicians. Results: Demographic data revealed that the mean age of the study population was 43 years and that there was a male predominance (75%). The median disease duration was 12 years and the mean Crohn’s Disease Activity Index was 98. During a 1,486-day observation period, 37% of patients experienced treatment changes. A Lewis score of >264 and perianal lesions were identified as independent risk factors for additional treatment needs. Emergency hospitalization occurred in 6% of patients and GI patency failure in 11%. Female sex and Lewis score>264 were associated with higher risks. GI patency rate declined 2 years after SBCE. Conclusions: For patients who experienced no treatment changes based on SBCE results, it is recommended to undergo SBCE monitoring at intervals of no longer than 2 years.
Video shot boundary detection based on frames objects comparison and scale-invariant feature transform technique
Authors: Ibrahim Noor Khalid , Abduljabbar Zinah Sadeq
Published: June 2024

The most popular source of data on the Internet is video which has a lot of information. Automating the administration, indexing, and retrieval of movies is the goal of video structure analysis, which uses content-based video indexing and retrieval. Video analysis requires the ability to recognize shot changes since video shot boundary recognition is a preliminary stage in the indexing, browsing, and retrieval of video material. A method for shot boundary detection (SBD) is suggested in this situation. This work proposes a shot boundary detection system with three stages. In the first stage, multiple images are read in temporal sequence and transformed into grayscale images. Based on correlation value comparison, the number of redundant frames in the same shots is decreased, from this point on, the amount of time and computational complexity is reduced. Then, in the second stage, a candidate transition is identified by comparing the objects of successive frames and analyzing the differences between the objects using the standard deviation metric. In the last stage, the cut transition is decided upon by matching key points using a scale-invariant feature transform (SIFT). The proposed system achieved an accuracy of 0.97 according to the F-score while minimizing time consumption.
Linguagem e Metalinguagem na poesia de João Cabral de Melo Neto
Authors: Barbosa João Alexandre
Published: June 2024

nulo
Mário de Andrade e o Anteprojeto do Serviço do Patrimônio Artístico Nacional
Authors: Sala Dalton
Published: June 2024

Quando Getúlio Vargas estava preparando caminho para tornar-se um ditador, o escritor Mário de Andrade foi convidado a desenvolver um projeto para preservar o Patrimônio Artístico Brasileiro, mas sua proposta, no final, não foi a base da lei que regulou a matéria a nível federal. Uma nova abordagem das cartas entre Mário e Rodrigo Melo Franco de Andrade, primeiro diretor do Serviço do Patrimônio Histórico e Artístico Nacional, torna claro que a idéia de Mário e os objetivos culturais do Estado Novo estavam em real e total oposição.
Entre a longa tradição intelectual e os novos vocabulários teórico-práticos, o lugar da Opção decolonial
Authors: Aravecchia Nilce
Published: June 2024

Latin American intellectuals from different institutions, mostly from Hispanic-American countries, gathered at the end of the 1990s to form the Modernity/Coloniality group. Since the previous decades, their work had as a common point the concern to update the Latin American critical tradition, in the light of postcolonial studies. The publication "La colonialidad del saber: eurocentrismo y ciencias sociales", organized by Edgard Lander in 2000, by the Latin American Council of Social Sciences (CLACSO), presented the group’s ideas to the academic debate. The Portuguese version of this collection was made available by the CLACSO virtual library in 2005. This perhaps explains a certain mismatch in the use of “decolonial” terminology in the Brazilian academic environment, which has been observed more clearly in recent years.
Plasma Extracellular MicroRNAs Associated With Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors in Middle‐Aged and Older Adults
Authors: Karlin Hannah , Sooda Meera , Larson Martin , Rong Jian , Huan Tianxiao , Mens Michelle M. J. , van Rooij Frank J. A. , Ikram M. Arfan , Courchesne Paul , Freedman Jane E. , Joehanes Roby , Mueller Gregory P. , Kavousi Maryam , Ghanbari Mohsen , Levy Daniel
Published: June 2024

Background

Extracellular microRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of noncoding RNAs that remain stable in the extracellular milieu, where they contribute to various physiological and pathological processes by facilitating intercellular signaling. Previous studies have reported associations between miRNAs and cardiovascular diseases (CVDs); however, the plasma miRNA signatures of CVD and its risk factors have not been fully elucidated at the population level.

Methods and Results

Plasma miRNA levels were measured in 4440 FHS (Framingham Heart Study) participants. Linear regression analyses were conducted to test the cross‐sectional associations of each miRNA with 8 CVD risk factors. Prospective analyses of the associations of miRNAs with new‐onset obesity, hypertension, type 2 diabetes, CVD, and all‐cause mortality were conducted using proportional hazards regression. Replication was carried out in 1999 RS (Rotterdam Study) participants. Pathway enrichment analyses were conducted and target genes were predicted for miRNAs associated with ≥5 risk factors in the FHS. In the FHS, 6 miRNAs (miR‐193b‐3p, miR‐122‐5p, miR‐365a‐3p, miR‐194‐5p, miR‐192‐5p, and miR‐193a‐5p) were associated with ≥5 risk factors. This miRNA signature was enriched for pathways associated with CVD and several genes annotated to these pathways were predicted targets of the identified miRNAs. Furthermore, miR‐193b‐3p, miR‐194‐5p, and miR‐193a‐5p were each associated with ≥2 risk factors in the RS. Prospective analysis revealed 8 miRNAs associated with all‐cause mortality in the FHS.

Conclusions

These findings highlight associations between miRNAs and CVD risk factors that may provide valuable insights into the underlying pathogenesis of CVD.
“Por trocha”: Circumventing the Episodical Criminalization of Migration in the Andes
Authors: Álvarez Velasco Soledad , Bayón Jiménez Manuel
Published: June 2024

We analyze how the criminalization of migration has taken hold in the borderlands of Ecuador and Colombia from 2000 to 2022, despite the existence of progressive legal frameworks in those two countries that have historically allowed for relatively open borders and recognition of migrants’ rights. We use a historical and ethnographic approach to explore how criminalizing mechanisms have been implemented, showing that the criminalization of migration happened episodically. The criminalization of migration has been justified under the legal regime of migrant-smuggling statutes, and mechanisms of criminalization have been activated only at specific junctures to halt the growth of irregularized migrations from the Global South to the U.S. We go on to argue that border crossings por trocha, as unlawful river and land pathways are locally known, have served as a strategy for resistance to criminalization and have enhanced the expansion and refinement of illegal border economies and local livelihoods.
Antipsychotic medications and severe sepsis in schizophrenia: A nested case–control study
Authors: Chang Chun-Wei , Chen Wen-Yin , Chen Po-Yu , Pan Chun-Hung , Su Sheng-Shiang , Tsai Shang-Ying , Chen Chiao-Chicy , Kuo Chian-Jue
Published: June 2024

Background:

Sepsis constitutes a condition that involves life-threatening organ dysfunction induced by severe infection. This nested case–control study investigated risk factors for severe sepsis and whether antipsychotic use is associated with severe sepsis risk in patients with schizophrenia, a topic that has not been comprehensively explored in previous studies.

Methods:

We selected 39,432 patients with schizophrenia aged between 15 and 65 years from Taiwan’s Psychiatric Inpatient Medical Claims database for the period 2000–2012. The case group comprised patients with severe sepsis after their first psychiatric admission ( n = 1382). The case and control groups were randomly matched (1:4) by age, sex and first psychiatric admission (year) and finally comprised 1382 and 5528 individuals, respectively. We employed multivariable conditional logistic regression to identify (1) risk factors (physical illnesses and nonpsychiatric medications) and (2) antipsychotic–severe sepsis associations.

Results:

Higher numbers of psychiatric admissions and physical illnesses such as delirium, cerebrovascular disease and cancer were significantly associated with a higher risk of severe sepsis. Furthermore, severe sepsis was associated with the use of antithrombotic agents, systemic corticosteroids and agents targeting the renin–angiotensin system. Clozapine (adjusted risk ratio = 1.65) and quetiapine (adjusted risk ratio = 1.59) use were associated with an increased risk of severe sepsis. The use of more than one antipsychotic drug could further increase this risk.

Conclusion:

Several physical illnesses and nonpsychiatric medications increase the risk of severe sepsis in patients with schizophrenia. Specifically, clozapine or quetiapine use significantly increased the risk of severe sepsis in these patients.
Investigating the optimum stocking density of tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) for intensive production focused to in-pond raceway system
Authors: Komal Wajeeha , Fatima Shafaq , Minahal Qandeel , Liaqat Razia
Published: June 2024

The primary objective of this trial was to study the effects of stress caused by stocking density in tilapia ( Oreochromis niloticus) cultured in the in-pond raceway system (IPRS). Fingerlings (Initial body weight = 30.00 ± 1.20 g) were reared at different stocking densities i.e. low stocking density (n = 13,000; 1.77 kg/m3), medium stocking density (MSD) (n = 17,000; 2.32 kg/m3), and high stocking density (HSD) (n = 21,000; 2.86 kg/m3), all confined within the raceways of the IPRS. Each group was studied in triplicates. The observed growth revealed a regression in the HSD treatment, evident in its reduced weight gain per fish per day, in contrast to other treatments. Survival rate across all treatments was above 99%. Notably, the HSD treatment exhibited an elevated level of cortisol; however, this intensified crowding stress did not significantly undermine the nutritional value of the fish in HSD and other experimental treatments. Furthermore, an elevation in the levels of superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase was noted within the HSD treatment in comparison to the other treatments to reduce the damage caused by reactive oxygen species. As the trial proceeded, functions of digestive enzymes like amylase, protease, and lipase diminished consistently across all treatments. This could possibly signify a deliberate redirection of energy resources toward stress alleviation rather than the usual digestive processes. In summation, it can be reasonably deduced that a stocking density of approximately 2.32 kg/m3 (MSD) emerges as the optimal threshold for effectively cultivating tilapia within an intensive aquaculture framework.
A hollow carbonized kapok fiber/nano CoFe2O4 composite for broad bandwidth and enhanced microwave absorber
Authors: Wang Aiqiong , Li Jianxiong , Zhao Xiaoming
Published: June 2024

The development of intelligent and portable electrics necessitates the creation of an enhanced electromagnetic absorption and broad bandwidth microwave absorber. The synthesis of nano cobalt ferrite (CoFe2O4; CFO) combined with hollow carbonized kapok fiber by the Sol-Gel method and annealing process is a promising approach. The microwave absorption of carbonized kapok fiber/CFO was enhanced, and the bandwidth broadened due to the dielectric loss microwave absorber carbonized kapok fiber synergizing with the magnetic loss microwave absorber CFO. The results demonstrated that the minimal reflection loss of carbonized kapok fiber/CFO-6 was −52.2 dB at 8.56 GHz, with a thickness of 3.37 mm, and the broadest effective absorbing bandwidth was 6.2 GHz, with a thickness of 2.31 mm. The simulation results, which were obtained using the CST MWS software, exhibited a high degree of agreement with those obtained from the experimental measurements. The strategy offers a prospective method for the preparation of enhanced absorption and broad bandwidth microwave absorbers.
Normalizing Abnormal Psychology: An Anti-Ableist Approach
Authors: Owenz Meghan B. , Aydemir-Döke Deniz , Spencer D. Brett
Published: June 2024

Introduction

A survey course of mental health diagnoses is a commonly taken undergraduate psychology course and presents a critical opportunity for addressing ableism in psychology.

Statement of the Problem

The presentation of mental health diagnoses is wrought with ableist beliefs, both in the historical and contemporary context. These ableist beliefs are a prime driver of stigma and its associated outcomes including worse mental health and avoidance of treatment professionals.

Literature Review

The present article presents the ableist context of the course typically titled, “Abnormal Psychology,” and offers an alternative: the building of an anti-ableist curriculum grounded in disability studies. We use the social model of disability and disability identity as guiding principles, while inquiry-based learning is the pedagogical driver.

Teaching Implications

We review six practical strategies, which include introducing the social model, renaming the class, starting with positive disability identity, complicating the continuum-categorical dichotomy, centering disability representation, and emphasizing consumer rights and direction.

Conclusion

By leaning on disability studies and Mad Pride, “Abnormal Psychology” can deconstruct its ableist roots and be the foundation for a destigmatized, positive approach towards the study of psychological disorders. We offer future directions, including potential ways to continually assess anti-ableist efforts.
Applications of tunable-Q factor wavelet transform and AdaBoost classier for identification of high impedance faults: Towards the reliability of electrical distribution systems
Authors: Joga S. Ramana Kumar , Sinha Pampa , Manoj Vasupalli , Sura Srinivasa Rao , Pudi Vasudeva Naidu , Ibrahim Nagwa F. , Alkuhayli Abdulaziz , Hussein Mahmoud M. , Khaled Usama , Mbadjoun Wapet Daniel Eutyche , Beroual Abderrahmane , Mahmoud Mohamed Metwally
Published: June 2024

This study presents a novel approach that employs a mixture of the tunable-Q wavelet transform (TQWT) and enhanced AdaBoost to address the issue of high impedance fault (HIF) recognition in power distribution networks. Traditional overcurrent protection relays frequently have lower fault current levels than normal current, making it exceedingly difficult to detect this HIF problem with the necessity to use a quick and effective approach to find HIF problems. Since the TQWT performs better with signals that exhibit oscillatory behavior, it has been utilized to extract special features for the training of the improved AdaBoost model. The procedure is accelerated by calculating the Kourtosis (K) value for each level and selecting the ideal level of decomposition to minimize computing work. Faulted zones are categorized using an enhanced AdaBoost approach. Under normal, noisy, and unbalanced conditions, the recommended approach is applied to an imbalanced 123-bus test system and an IEEE 33-bus test system. The efficiency of the recommended method is also being assessed for imbalanced distribution networks incorporating dispersed generation into real-time platforms. This procedure is quick compared to previous methods since it uses an upgraded AdaBoost classifier and optimal decomposition level.
Taking Seriously Campus Debates Surrounding Invited Speakers: Open-Mindedness and the Ethics of Inquiry in Higher Education
Authors: Taylor Rebecca M.
Published: June 2024

Context:

College campuses in the United States are currently engaged in public and ongoing negotiation of the value and limits of free speech in educational contexts. Responses to invited campus speakers from students, faculty, and campus leaders point to diverging perspectives on the roles and responsibilities of higher education institutions and their members as communities of inquiry. Considering these perspectives raises questions about the epistemic aims of colleges and universities.

Purpose:

The purpose of this article is to investigate perspectives on the ethics of inquiry and on the value and demands of open-mindedness in higher education. Specifically, I examined one case of an invited campus speaker who sparked considerable debate—Charles Murray’s invited talk at Middlebury College in 2017.

Research Design:

This study employs the methods of empirically engaged philosophy, a philosophical approach to inquiry that engages with empirical evidence in considering educational aims and implications for institutional structures and policies. I apply conceptual tools stemming from the philosophical theories of knowledge and justice to a thematic content analysis of public statements made by faculty, administrators, and students in the Middlebury case.

Conclusions or Recommendations:

Through analysis of this campus speaker case, I observed two alternative perspectives on the ethics of inquiry—rational individualism and just collectivism. These two perspectives shared a number of common commitments, including the importance of cultivation of the mind as a primary aim in higher education; the value of open-mindedness, debate, and protest in the pursuit of truth; and the importance of justice, equality, and inclusion. They diverged in their epistemic orientations (individual vs. collective responsibility), their views on the proper bounds of open debate within an institution oriented toward truth-seeking, and what virtuous open-mindedness requires of individuals and collectives. This study contributes to a contemporary understanding of the unique ethical responsibilities of colleges and universities as inquiring organizations, whose members may hold divergent epistemological orientations. By investigating the relationship between open-mindedness, inquiry, and justice in contemporary public discourse in higher education, this study addresses a need for deeper engagement with the philosophical foundations of higher education.
From a Spark, a Mighty Flame: How Germinal Networks Support Teachers of Color to Promote Change in Activist Organizations and Beyond
Authors: Baker-Doyle Kira J. , Mawhinney Lynnette
Published: June 2024

Background:

Recent research has demonstrated that social justice teacher activist networks provide vital support to teachers of Color, reducing feelings of isolation and providing high-quality professional learning opportunities. Yet, there is a need for broader scaled research that looks across multiple activist organizations to add to our understandings of these findings.

Focus of Study:

Our study examines the network participation characteristics of 26 activist teachers of Color across 14 activist organizations in the United States. Our research questions were: (1) How do activist teachers of Color foster social capital in networks to influence policies and actions in their organizations and beyond? (2) What relationship exists between the participation structures of networks and the involvement of teachers of Color in the activist organizations?

Research Design:

Our research design used a critical social network research approach informed by Black feminist thought (BFT) and research on teacher activism. Our data included interviews from the 26 teachers and documents from their activist organizations. Our analysis involved a macro-to-micro qualitative network analysis of data, which afforded a broad view of network characteristics and deep descriptions of the stories of a subset of teachers.

Conclusions:

We found that the teachers of Color who were involved in affinity-based groups and subgroups were often the germinators of policy and action shifts, usually related to racial and intersectional justice in their organization. We call this network phenomenon a germinal network. We explore other features of germinal networks, such as a tendency toward reflexivity and mentorship-seeking and support. This study has implications for future critical research on social networks and the design of radically inclusive and humanizing social infrastructures in education-related organizations.
Listen, Tell, Show: Recreation and the Black and Decolonial Storytelling in Sport and Physical Culture Research
Authors: Joseph Janelle
Published: June 2024

Stories are always grounded in personal, collective, and ancestral experiences and come in a variety of visual, performance, textile, and text-based forms. Physical culture participation and politics can be better understood by engaging with the stories of people facing ongoing colonial and epistemic injustices, intersectional oppressions, as well as structural and cultural racism. In contrast to dominant trends in the cultural politics of sport, this article offers an ontological, epistemological, and methodological alternative. Following Black and decolonial scholars, we must honor non-Western storytelling modalities to listen to, tell, show, and center many experiences to resist Western colonial culture's binary structures and hierarchies, introduce alternate theorizations, and inject other ways of knowing and being into the sport and physical cultures and into physical cultural studies. This article highlights several areas of Black and decolonial studies that will be essential to efforts at transformative justice in sport and sports scholarship: interdisciplinarity, the bios–mythoi relationship, counter-storytelling, and creation stories.