bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Urban intensity gradients shape community structure, life‐history traits and performance in a multitrophic system
Authors: Casanelles‐Abella Joan , Pellissier Loïc , Aleixo Cristiana , Orti Marta Alós , Chiron François , Deguines Nicolas , Laanisto Lauri , Myczko Łukasz , Müller Stefanie , Niinemets Ülo , Pinho Pedro , Samson Roeland , Tryjanowski Piotr , Villarroya‐Villalba Lucía , Moretti Marco
Published: March 2024

Urban ecosystems are formed by pronounced socio‐ecological gradients, which are distinct from other ecosystems and can simultaneously filter and promote taxa, ultimately affecting their interactions. However, the strength of the effect of filtering and facilitation across the different trophic levels could vary among biotic and abiotic factors.

Here, we investigate the effects of habitat amount, temperature and host‐enemy biotic interactions in shaping communities of cavity‐nesting bees and wasps and their natural enemies. We installed trap‐nests in 80 sites distributed along urban intensity gradients in five European cities (Antwerp, Paris, Poznan, Tartu and Zurich). We quantified the species richness and abundance of hosts and their natural enemies, as well as two performance traits (survival and parasitism) and two life‐history traits (sex ratio and number of offspring per nest for the hosts). We analysed the importance of the abiotic and biotic variables using generalised linear models and multi‐model inference.

We found that habitat amount was the main driver of multiple host responses, with larger habitat amounts resulting in higher species richness and abundance for hosts and natural enemies, as well as a larger probability of survival and a larger number of brood cells for hosts.

Local resources proxies shaped both bees and wasps and indicate different uses of existing vegetation between bees and wasps. Temperature proxies had a minor role in shaping host and natural enemies.

Biotic interactions were a main driver of host and enemy community structure, with natural enemies being strongly affected by host availability, that is, with direct density‐dependence between hosts and their natural enemies.

Overall, our study highlights the importance of habitat amount and temperature in shaping urban food webs, as well as on biotic interactions through direct effects on hosts responses and the subsequent consequences for their natural enemies. As cities prepare to tackle the consequences of global change, strategies that make it possible to maintain habitat and mitigate urban overheating emerge as a key urban adaptation for biodiversity conservation.
Respiratory Syncytial Virus‐Associated Hospitalizations in Children: A 10‐Year Population‐Based Analysis in Finland, 2008–2018
Authors: Uusitupa Erika , Waris Matti , Vuorinen Tytti , Heikkinen Terho
Published: March 2024

Background

The risk of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) hospitalization is highest during the first months of life, but few studies have assessed the population‐based rates of hospitalization in monthly age groups of infants.

Methods

We determined the average population‐based rates of hospitalization with virologically confirmed RSV infections in children ≤15 years of age admitted during the 10‐year period of 2008–2018. Testing for RSV was routine in all children hospitalized with respiratory infections, and all RSV‐positive children admitted at any time during the study period were included in the analyses.

Results

The annual population‐based rate of RSV hospitalization was highest in infants 1 month of age (52.0 per 1000 children; 95% CI, 45.2–59.7), followed by infants <1 month of age (34.8 per 1000; 95% CI, 29.2–41.1) and those 2 months of age (32.2 per 1000; 95% CI, 26.9–38.4). In cumulative age groups, the rate of hospitalization was 39.7 per 1000 (95% CI, 36.2–43.4) among infants <3 months of age, 26.8 per 1000 (95% CI, 24.8–29.0) in infants aged <6 months, and 15.8 per 1000 (95% CI, 14.7–17.0) in those <12 months of age.

Conclusion

In monthly age groups of infants, the incidence rates of virologically confirmed RSV hospitalization in all infants up to 3 months of age were substantially higher than those reported in earlier studies. These data may be important for improving the estimates of the cost‐effectiveness of various interventions to reduce the burden of RSV in young infants.
Effectiveness of non‐pharmacological interventions in improving sleep quality after cardiac surgery: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Soh Pei Qi Peggy , Wong Wei Hao Timothy , Roy Tanushri , Tam Wilson Wai San
Published: March 2024

Background

Sleep disturbance is highly prevalent among post‐operative cardiac patients, with negative impacts on surgical recovery and rehabilitation. Post‐operative pain and anxiety commonly seen in cardiac surgery patients are associated with poor sleep. Sleep medications commonly used are not ideal with prolonged usage, and non‐pharmacological interventions can be good alternatives or complements.

Aim

To examine effectiveness of non‐pharmacological interventions in post‐operative cardiac settings on sleep quality, pain intensity and anxiety.

Design

Systematic review and meta‐analysis.

Methods

PubMed, CENTRAL, Embase, CINAHL, Scopus, CNKI and ProQuest Dissertations and Theses were searched on 12 October 2022. Randomised controlled trials of non‐pharmacological interventions examining sleep quality for adult post‐operative cardiac patients were included. Included studies were appraised using Cochrane Risk of Bias tool version 1. Meta‐analysis was conducted using RevMan version 5.4.1, and heterogeneity was assessed using I2 statistics and Cochran Q's test.

Results

Eighteen studies involving 1701 participants were identified. Coronary artery bypass graft was most common. Non‐pharmacological interventions varied in types and duration. All intervention groups were compared to usual care, placebo, no interventions or active comparators. Statistically significant improvement in sleep quality (SMD = −.91, 95% CI = −1.17 to −.65) was found among intervention groups that explored cognitive behavioural therapy, relaxation techniques, exercise, massage, acupressure, aromatherapy, music, eye mask and earplugs. Pain intensity was reduced (SMD = −.63, 95% CI = −1.05 to −.20) with cognitive behavioural therapy, relaxation techniques, massage, music and eye mask. Anxiety was improved (SMD = −.21, 95% CI = −.38 to −.04) with exercise and music.

Conclusion

The overall use of non‐pharmacological interventions can optimise sleep after cardiac surgery. Further research with greater methodological rigour is needed to investigate different intervention‐related characteristics while considering potential confounders.

Relevance to Clinical Practice

Post‐operative cardiac settings can consider incorporating non‐pharmacological interventions. Patients and healthcare providers can be better informed about the use of such interventions to improve sleep.

Registration

PROSPERO CRD42022384991.
Unlocking effective coordination: A knowledge‐based multilevel perspective on supplier integration into product development
Authors: Donmez Mehmet , Norheim‐Hansen Anne
Published: March 2024

Supplier integration into product development (SIPD) provides better access to the specialized knowledge of suppliers but brings about interdependencies and difficulties related to effective coordination. The literature implicitly assumes that coordination in SIPD can be understood and resolved through a single‐level view. This article challenges this assumption and argues for simultaneous attention to knowledge interdependencies at the product, supplier, and buyer–supplier levels. Component modularity, supplier knowledge modularity, and knowledge complementarity are focal concepts at each respective level. Theorizing from a knowledge‐based multilevel perspective, this article constructs a typology of effective coordination. Interrelationships among the concepts reveal patterns of required coordination embedded in the system before product development, enabling partners to effectively direct coordination efforts during development. The framework exposes a dilemma overlooked in the single‐level coordination view. For example, when there is low component modularity and high supplier knowledge modularity (i.e., opposing forces for and against coordination), it is difficult to reason how to coordinate SIPD. Proposing that each high/low modularity configuration calls for a specific type of knowledge complementarity, this article contributes to resolving this dilemma.
Successful restoration of alpine plant communities depends on habitat type
Authors: Risberget Eline , Hagen Dagmar , Aschehoug Erik T.
Published: March 2024

Alpine ecosystems are under increasing pressure from land‐use change and road construction, resulting in habitat fragmentation and declines in biodiversity and ecosystem function. Ecosystem restoration can mitigate the impacts from human land‐use change by assisting the recovery of natural ecosystems. We developed an assessment framework using established international standards and monitored alpine vegetation recovery within restored zones along a hydropower‐dam road built in 2013 in the Knutshø landscape protected area, Norway. Using data collected in 2016, 2018 and 2021, we compared abiotic variables and vegetation indicators (cover, and community composition) in restored zones against directly adjacent intact zones within three different habitat types. After eight years, wetland habitat had similar cover of plant functional types and abiotic variables within restored and intact zones, while ridge and willow‐heath habitats had more cover of graminoids and less cover of shrubs in restored compared to intact zones. In addition, community composition in restored wetland habitat zones was similar to intact zones, while the community composition of restored zones in ridge and willow‐heath habitats was significantly different from adjacent intact zones. This suggests that restored wetland habitat in our study system is on a trajectory of recovery, but that recovery of other plant community types may require longer periods of time or, in some cases, may not be possible without further intervention because of alternative stable states. Our results underscore the need for long‐term monitoring and adaptive management to insure restoration success in alpine environments.
Resisting change: Explaining education policy reforms in Ghana
Authors: Saaka Saaka Sulemana
Published: March 2024

This article examines the complexities surrounding the implementation of comprehensive sexuality education (CSE) within Ghana's basic education system, exploring the intersection of religious, cultural, and political factors. Introducing CSE has sparked significant public discourse and resistance in Ghana, where religious and cultural beliefs are deeply ingrained and often institutionalized in politics. The study utilizes punctuated equilibrium theory to understand the sustained opposition to CSE policy changes. It examines the historical progression of Ghana's educational reforms, highlighting the struggle to maintain cultural and religious values while promoting human rights and gender equality. The contribution of this study is its exploration of the political institutionalization of religion in Ghana, investigating the combined impact of religious bodies, political entities, and civil organizations in shaping public opinion on education policy reform. It further underscores the intricate task of navigating socio‐cultural beliefs and human rights in policy‐making processes.

Related Articles

Bingham, Natasha. 2016. “Fighting for Our Cause: The Impact of Women's NGOs on Gender Policy Adoption in Four Former Soviet Republics.” Politics & Policy 44(2): 294–318. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12155.

Holst, Cathrine, and Mari Teigen. 2024. “The ‘Boy Problem’ in Public Policy.” Politics & Policy 52(1): 1–19. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12570.

Nchofoung, Tii, Simplice Asongu, Vanessa Tchamyou, and Ofeh Edoh. 2022. “Gender, Political Inclusion, and Democracy in Africa: Some Empirical Evidence.” Politics & Policy 51(1): 137–55. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12505.
Transfusion‐related errors and associated adverse reactions and blood product wastage as reported to the National Healthcare Safety Network Hemovigilance Module, 2014–2022
Authors: Chavez Ortiz Joel L. , Griffin Isabel , Kazakova Sophia V. , Stewart Phylicia B. , Kracalik Ian , Basavaraju Sridhar V.
Published: March 2024

Background

Transfusion‐related errors are largely preventable but may lead to blood product wastage and adverse reactions, resulting in patient harm. In the United States, the incidence of transfusion‐related errors is poorly understood nationally. We used data from the National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) Hemovigilance Module to describe and quantify transfusion‐related errors, as well as associated transfusion‐related adverse reactions and blood product wastage.

Methods

During 2014–2022, data from the NHSN Hemovigilance Module were used to analyze errors, including near misses (errors with no transfusion), incidents (errors with transfusion), and associated serious adverse reactions (severe, life‐threatening, or death).

Results

During 2014–2022, 80 acute care facilities (75 adult; 5 pediatric) reported 63,900 errors. Most errors occurred during patient blood sample collection (21,761, 34.1%) and blood sample handling (16,277, 25.5%). Less than one‐fifth of reported errors (9822, 15.4%) had a completed incident form. Of those, 8780 (89.3%) were near misses and 1042 (10.7%) incidents. More than a third of near misses (3363, 38.3%) were associated with a discarded blood product, resulting in 4862 discarded components. Overall, 87 adverse reactions were associated with errors; six (7%) were serious.

Conclusions

Over half of the transfusion‐related errors reported to the Hemovigilance Module occurred during blood sample collection or sample handling. Some serious adverse reactions identified were associated with errors, suggesting that additional safety interventions may be beneficial. Increased participation in the Hemovigilance Module could enhance generalizability and further inform policy development regarding error prevention.
Discrepancy of rational points in simple algebraic groups
Authors: Gorodnik Alexander , Nevo Amos
Published: March 2024

The aim of the present paper is to derive effective discrepancy estimates for the distribution of rational points on general semisimple algebraic group varieties, in general families of subsets and at arbitrarily small scales. We establish mean-square, almost sure and uniform estimates for the discrepancy with explicit error bounds. We also prove an analogue of W. Schmidt's theorem, which establishes effective almost sure asymptotic counting of rational solutions to Diophantine inequalities in the Euclidean space. We formulate and prove a version of it for rational points on the group variety, with an effective bound which in some instances can be expected to be the best possible.
Experiences of informal caregivers of people with dementia in low- and middle-income countries: a systematic review protocol
Authors: Ho Hien Thi , Jia Romy , Habibi Nahal , Stern Cindy , Carter Gillian , Santin Olinda , Stone Jennifer , Valenzuela Chelsea , Aromataris Edoardo
Published: March 2024

Objective:

This review aims to synthesize the experiences of informal caregivers of people with dementia in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).

Introduction:

Globally, the burden of dementia is increasing disproportionately in LMICs. Informal caregivers play a vital role and face multiple challenges in LMICs, even though they also often lack the awareness and skills to provide adequate care for people living with dementia. Many LMICs have limited resources and caregivers lack support services. Understanding their experiences and perceptions may improve interventions, helping caregivers to better support those living with dementia.

Inclusion criteria:

Studies from all settings in LMICs will be considered. Qualitative data from qualitative or mixed methods studies that explore caregivers’ experiences and perceptions will be included in this review. Participants are informal caregivers of people diagnosed with dementia at any stage, regardless of age, gender, or their relationship with people living with dementia.

Methods:

This review will follow the JBI methodology for a qualitative systematic reviews, with meta-aggregation as the synthesis method. The review will be reported in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. A 3-step search strategy will be used to locate published and unpublished studies in MEDLINE, CINAHL, Embase, PsycINFO, AgeLine, LILACS, African Index Medicus, ProQuest Dissertations and Theses, Open Dissertations, Web of Science Core Collection, and Google Scholar. There will be no date or language limitations. All studies will be screened against the inclusion criteria and data will be extracted and critically appraised for methodological quality by 2 independent reviewers using JBI tools. Confidence in the final synthesized findings will be assessed using the ConQual approach.

Review registration:

PROSPERO CRD42023453814
Bioinspired carbon nanotube–based nanofluidic ionic transistor with ultrahigh switching capabilities for logic circuits
Authors: Liu Wenchao , Mei Tingting , Cao Zhouwen , Li Chun , Wu Yitian , Wang Li , Xu Guoheng , Chen Yuanxia , Zhou You , Wang Senyao , Xue Yahui , Yu Yanhao , Kong Xiang-Yu , Chen Ruotian , Tu Bin , Xiao Kai
Published: March 2024

The voltage-gated ion channels, also known as ionic transistors, play substantial roles in biological systems and ion-ion selective separation. However, implementing the ultrafast switchable capabilities and polarity switching of ionic transistors remains a challenge. Here, we report a nanofluidic ionic transistor based on carbon nanotubes, which exhibits an on/off ratio of 10
4
at operational gate voltage as low as 1 V. By controlling the morphology of carbon nanotubes, both unipolar and ambipolar ionic transistors are realized, and their on/off ratio can be further improved by introducing an Al
2
O
3
dielectric layer. Meanwhile, this ionic transistor enables the polarity switching between p-type and n-type by controlled surface properties of carbon nanotubes. The implementation of constructing ionic circuits based on ionic transistors is demonstrated, which enables the creation of NOT, NAND, and NOR logic gates. The ionic transistors are expected to have profound implications for low-energy consumption computing devices and brain-machine interfacing.
Virus detection light diffraction fingerprints for biological applications
Authors: Li Tongge , Yang Ning , Xiao Yi , Liu Yan , Pan Xiaoqing , Wang Shihui , Jiang Feiyang , Zhang Zhaoyuan , Zhang Xingcai
Published: March 2024

The transmission of viral diseases is highly unstable and highly contagious. As the carrier of virus transmission, cell is an important factor to explore the mechanism of virus transmission and disease. However, there is still a lack of effective means to continuously monitor the process of viral infection in cells, and there is no rapid, high-throughput method to assess the status of viral infection. On the basis of the virus light diffraction fingerprint of cells, we applied the gray co-occurrence matrix, set the two parameters effectively to distinguish the virus status and infection time of cells, and visualized the virus infection process of cells in high throughput. We provide an efficient and nondestructive testing method for the selection of excellent livestock and poultry breeds at the cellular level. Meanwhile, our work provides detection methods for the recessive transmission of human-to-human, animal-to-animal, and zoonotic diseases and to inhibit and block their further development.
Regulate transportation of ions and polysulfides in all–solid-state Li-S batteries using ordered-MOF composite solid electrolyte
Authors: Li Jia , Xie Fangxi , Pang Weiwei , Liang Qingyou , Yang Xianfeng , Zhang Lei
Published: March 2024

A dilemma arises when striving to balance the maximum desired ion conductivity and minimize the undesired lithium polysulfide shuttling effect for all–solid-state lithium-sulfur batteries (ASSLSBs). Here, we introduce a strategy of using ordered MIL-125–NH
2
as fillers for poly(ethylene oxide)–based electrolytes to simultaneously regulate the transportation of lithium ions and polysulfides. When compared to electrolytes lacking metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) and those containing disordered MOFs, the electrolyte featuring an ordered-MOF structure, denoted as three-dimensional (3D) MPPL composite solid electrolyte (CSE), exhibits the highest ion conductivity of 8.3 × 10
−4
siemens per centimeter at 60°C. As a result, pouch-type ASSLSBs with 3D MPPL CSE maintains stable cycling for 400 cycles at 0.5 C at 60°C, showcasing the successful implementation of this strategy in simultaneously regulating ion and polysulfide transport. This approach opens up alternative avenues to achieve high-performance ASSLSBs with exceptional energy density.
Genome-wide repeat landscapes in cancer and cell-free DNA
Authors: Annapragada Akshaya V. , Niknafs Noushin , White James R. , Bruhm Daniel C. , Cherry Christopher , Medina Jamie E. , Adleff Vilmos , Hruban Carolyn , Mathios Dimitrios , Foda Zachariah H. , Phallen Jillian , Scharpf Robert B. , Velculescu Victor E.
Published: March 2024

Genetic changes in repetitive sequences are a hallmark of cancer and other diseases, but characterizing these has been challenging using standard sequencing approaches. We developed a de novo kmer finding approach, called ARTEMIS (Analysis of RepeaT EleMents in dISease), to identify repeat elements from whole-genome sequencing. Using this method, we analyzed 1.2 billion kmers in 2837 tissue and plasma samples from 1975 patients, including those with lung, breast, colorectal, ovarian, liver, gastric, head and neck, bladder, cervical, thyroid, or prostate cancer. We identified tumor-specific changes in these patients in 1280 repeat element types from the LINE, SINE, LTR, transposable element, and human satellite families. These included changes to known repeats and 820 elements that were not previously known to be altered in human cancer. Repeat elements were enriched in regions of driver genes, and their representation was altered by structural changes and epigenetic states. Machine learning analyses of genome-wide repeat landscapes and fragmentation profiles in cfDNA detected patients with early-stage lung or liver cancer in cross-validated and externally validated cohorts. In addition, these repeat landscapes could be used to noninvasively identify the tissue of origin of tumors. These analyses reveal widespread changes in repeat landscapes of human cancers and provide an approach for their detection and characterization that could benefit early detection and disease monitoring of patients with cancer.
Immune imprinting of SARS-CoV-2 responses: changing first immune impressions
Authors: Torresi J. , Edeling M. A.
Published: March 2024

Since the emergence of the ancestral severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus and the successful rollout of protective vaccines based on this original strain, SARS-CoV-2 has evolved into several variants, in a classical virus-host arms race typical of RNA viruses, to progressively evade the host immune response. Next-generation bivalent vaccines have been developed with broader protection against emerging variants than the ancestral vaccine. Nonetheless, even these vaccines show lower protection against the latest Omicron variants. Immune printing describes how an immune response to an immunogen is impacted by earlier exposures to a related immunogen. Several lessons about the effect of immune imprinting on responses to SARS-CoV-2 infection and vaccination, including age-associated impacts, can be learned from influenza. Understanding the mechanisms of imprinting of SARS-CoV-2 will be important to inform the design of vaccines that produce broader and more durable protective immune responses to emerging variants.
Heavy hexaquarks in the flux tube model
Authors: Sindhu D. G. , Ranjan Akhilesh , Nandan Hemwati , Sharma V.
Published: March 2024

Hexaquarks are one of the currently emerging topics in both experimental and theoretical high energy physics. Hexaquarks have been examined in relation to particle physics, however, there are still some research and theoretical conjectures surrounding their relationship to dark matter. Due to some experimental discoveries, it has attracted much interest and also resulted in new theoretical models to study the properties of these states. In this work, Regge trajectories of some hexaquark states are compared with tetraquark and pentaquark states. The study is mainly concentrated on fully heavy hexaquark states. The mass spectra of these hexaquark states have also been investigated and the results are compared with other theoretical works. Our findings agree well with those of other researchers.
3D Generating Surfaces in Hamiltonian Systems with Three Degrees of Freedom – II
Authors: Katsanikas Matthaios , Wiggins Stephen
Published: March 2024

Our paper is a continuation of a previous work referenced as [Katsanikas & Wiggins, 2024b ]. In this new paper, we present a second method for computing three-dimensional generating surfaces in Hamiltonian systems with three degrees of freedom. These 3D generating surfaces are distinct from the Normally Hyperbolic Invariant Manifold (NHIM) and have the unique property of producing dividing surfaces with no-recrossing characteristics, as explained in our previous work [Katsanikas & Wiggins, 2024b ]. This second method for computing 3D generating surfaces is valuable, especially in cases where the first method is unable to achieve the desired results. This research aims to provide alternative techniques and solutions for addressing specific challenges in Hamiltonian systems with three degrees of freedom and improving the accuracy and reliability of generating surfaces. This research may find applications in the broader field of dynamical systems and attract the attention of researchers and scholars interested in these areas.
Dynamic Complexities in Competing Parasitoid Species on a Shared Host
Authors: Jia Lijiao , Roh Yunil , Piao Guangri , Jung Il Hyo
Published: March 2024

In this study, we extend the two-dimensional host–parasitoid model to a one-host–two-parasitoid model, whose dynamic behaviors are more complex. As evidence, exploring the dynamic interaction between a host and its parasitoids provides significant insight into the biological control. Specifically, we demonstrate the existence of equilibrium points and explore their local stability properties, which are concerned with the effective biological control project. Furthermore, the transition between population fluctuations and the steady state is achieved via a bifurcation process, and we derive the occurrence conditions of the Neimark–Sacker bifurcation in the proposed system using an explicit criterion. To control population fluctuations and chaotic behaviors, two feedback control strategies are implemented in this system. Finally, the numerical simulations support our theoretical results and show the related biological phenomena.
Weak Sensitive Compactness for Linear Operators
Authors: Yao Quanquan , Zhu Peiyong
Published: March 2024

Let [Formula: see text] be a linear dynamical system, where [Formula: see text] is a separable Banach space and [Formula: see text] is a bounded linear operator. We show that if [Formula: see text] is invertible, then [Formula: see text] is weakly sensitive compact if and only if [Formula: see text] is thickly weakly sensitive compact; and that there exists a system [Formula: see text] such that:

(1) [Formula: see text] is cofinitely weakly sensitive compact; (2) [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] are weakly sensitive compact; and (3) [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] are not syndetically weakly sensitive compact.

We also show that if [Formula: see text] is weakly sensitive compact, where [Formula: see text] is a complex Banach space, then the spectrum of [Formula: see text] meets the unit circle.
Automatic detection method of bladder tumor cells based on color and shape features
Authors: Zhao Zitong , Wang Yanbo , Chen Jiaqi , Wang Mingjia , Feng Shulong , Yang Jin , Song Nan , Wang Jinyu , Sun Ci
Published: March 2024

Bladder urothelial carcinoma is the most common malignant tumor disease in urinary system, and its incidence rate ranks ninth in the world. In recent years, the continuous development of hyperspectral imaging technology has provided a new tool for the auxiliary diagnosis of bladder cancer. In this study, based on microscopic hyperspectral data, an automatic detection algorithm of bladder tumor cells combining color features and shape features is proposed. Support vector machine (SVM) is used to build classification models and compare the classification performance of spectral feature, spectral and shape fusion feature, and the fusion feature proposed in this paper on the same classifier. The results show that the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of our classification algorithm based on shape and color fusion features are 0.952, 0.897, and 0.920, respectively, which are better than the classification algorithm only using spectral features. Therefore, this study can effectively extract the cell features of bladder urothelial carcinoma smear, thus achieving automatic, real-time, and noninvasive detection of bladder tumor cells, and then helping doctors improve the efficiency of pathological diagnosis of bladder urothelial cancer, and providing a reliable basis for doctors to choose treatment plans and judge the prognosis of the disease.
Conformable Fractional-Order Modeling and Analysis of HIV/AIDS Transmission Dynamics
Authors: Salah Esam Y. , Sontakke Bhausaheb , Abdo Mohammed S. , Shatanawi Wasfi , Abodayeh Kamaleldin , Albalwi M. Daher
Published: March 2024

The mathematical model of the dynamics of HIV/AIDS infection transmission is developed by adding the set of infected but noninfectious persons, using a conformable fractional derivative in the Liouville–Caputo sense. Some fixed point theorems are applied to this model to investigate the existence and uniqueness of the solutions. It is determined what the system’s fundamental reproduction number R0 is. The disease-free equilibrium displays the model’s stability and the local stability around the equilibrium. The study also examined the effects of different biological features on the system through numerical simulations using the Adams–Moulton approach. Additionally, varied values of fractional orders are simulated numerically, demonstrating that the results generated by the conformable fractional derivative-based model are more physiologically plausible than integer-order derivatives.
A Review on the Impact of Bio-Additives on Tribological Behavior of Diesel Fuels
Authors: Zewdie Hailegebrel , Tibba Getachew Shunki , Zeleke Dinku Seyoum , Perumal Varatharaju , Remedios Castañeiras Pedro Dionisio
Published: March 2024

Automobile engines require lubrication to lessen the impact of friction due to the high levels of wear and frictional heat generated by the sliding parts. Wear and friction will cause engine parts to endure for less time, be less reliable, and require more maintenance. Diesel fuel can potentially be replaced with biodiesel among other fuels. Diesel engines have a serious problem with equipment that is lubricated by the fuel itself. This study’s goal is to assess the influence of bio-additives on the diesel fuel tribological behavior and energy balance during the car’s idle running, acceleration, constant speed, and braking. Lubricity issues with reformulated diesel and lubricity test procedures are explained. The relationship between tribology and bio-additives is also briefly illustrated. According to the literature, adding bio-additives to fuel boosts its lubricity. Biodiesel has long been considered an additive with excellent lubricant properties. Even in small amounts, adding biodiesel to diesel fuel can increase its lubricity without the need for conventional lubricity additives. This is especially true for diesel fuel with ultralow sulfur. Diesel fuel characteristics determine the precise blending percentage needed to provide the proper lubricity of maximum 520 μm testing wear scars with a high-frequency reciprocating rig (HFRR), although 2% biodiesel nearly invariably imparts adequate lubricity to biodiesel blends. Tall oil fatty acid (TOFA) was one of the bio-additives investigated by HFRR. When the additive concentration was raised from 0 to 500 g/g, the wear scar diameter (WSD) of nonadditive diesel fuel was lowered by 60.3%, from 630 to 250 μm, and the coefficient of friction (COF) was lowered by 95.7%, from 0.47 to 0.02.
Misleading Rare Case of Idiopathic Hypertrophic Pachymeningitis
Authors: Rezaee Azandaryani Ahmad , Salehi Amir Mohammad
Published: March 2024

Idiopathic hypertrophic pachymeningitis (IHP) is a rare disease with diffuse thickening of the dura mater that has no specific clinical symptoms and manifestations and it causes neurosurgeons to misdiagnose. A 4-year-old girl presented at the emergency room of our hospital with speech difficulty and severe headache. Head computed tomography scans (CT scan) on admission revealed a large fluid collection over the right temporoparietal region with mass effect, and the neurosurgeon drained it with the initial diagnosis of subdural hematoma. However, the postoperative CT scan demonstrated the failure of surgical drainage; therefore, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was requested for the patient. MRI identified diffuse nodular dural thickening with internal septations and different internal hemorrhagic stages on the right side with no evidence of brain parenchymal involvement and according to the serology and autoimmune screening tests, and IHP was diagnosed for the patient. The patient underwent craniotomy. There was an immediate improvement of neurologic symptoms. The patient had good clinical and radiologic outcome at 3 -months follow-up. IHP should be part of the differential diagnosis of some cases of noncommunicating hydrocephalus; however, the rarity of the disease and the absence of specific clinical symptoms make the diagnosis difficult.
Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice (KAP) Status toward Clinical Reasoning and Evidence-Based Medicine among the Medical Interns and Gynecology Residents of Iran University of Medical Sciences
Authors: Javedani Masroor Mojgan , Rezaei Saeid , Hashemi Kiapey Seyed Ali , Hakiminezhad Mahdi , Ahmadi Seyyed Amir Yasin
Published: March 2024

Background. Clinical reasoning and evidence-based medicine (EBM) are important concepts in modern medicine. Objective. We performed this study to investigate the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) status toward clinical reasoning and EBM among the medical interns and gynecology resident physicians of Iran University of Medical Sciences and related factors. Methods. A cross-sectional study (Tehran, Iran, first half of 2022) was conducted based on two researcher-made questionnaires consisting of three components for each including clinical reasoning attitude (CR-A), clinical reasoning knowledge (CR-K), clinical reasoning practice (CR-P), EBM attitude (EBM-A), EBM knowledge (EBM-K), and EBM practice (EBM-P). The related factors were age, gender, educational level, score of general practice education, having research experience, and general practice experience. Results. A total of 60 individuals participated. The mean score was good for CR-A, moderate for CR-K, moderate for CR-P, good for EBM-A, moderate for EBM-K, and moderate for EBM-P. The total score was moderate in both clinical reasoning and EBM. Among the related factors, CR-P was associated with higher educational levels and having experience in general practice (P <0.05). Research experience was associated with better CR-K and all KAP components for EBM (P <0.05). Conclusion. The total score and many of the KAP components had moderate status for clinical reasoning and EBM. Planning on the associated factors should be regarded in the future. Such questionnaires are suggested to be validated for use in quasi-experimental studies.
Empirical Wavelet Transform Based ECG Signal Filtering Method
Authors: Elouaham S. , Dliou A. , Jenkal W. , Louzazni M. , Zougagh H. , Dlimi S.
Published: March 2024

The electrocardiogram (ECG) is a diagnostic tool that provides insights into the heart’s electrical activity and overall health. However, internal and external noises complicate accurate heart issue diagnosis. Noise in the ECG signal distorts and introduces artifacts, making it difficult to detect subtle abnormalities. To ensure an accurate evaluation, noise-free ECG signals are crucial. This study introduces the empirical wavelet transform (EWT), a contemporary denoising method. EWT decomposes the signal into frequency components, allowing detailed analysis by constructing a customized wavelet basis. Researchers and practitioners can enhance signal analysis by separating the desired components from unwanted noise. The EWT approach effectively eliminates noise while maintaining signal information. The study applies DWT-ADTF, FST, Kalman, Liouville–Weyl fractional compound integral filter LW, Weiner, and EWT denoising methods to two ECG databases from MIT-BIH, which encompass a wide range of cardiac signals and noise levels. The comparative analysis highlights EWT’s strengths through improved signal quality and objective performance metrics. This adaptive transform proves promising for denoising ECG signals and facilitating accurate analysis in clinical and research settings.
Supplementary Table s4 from Dabrafenib Alters MDSC Differentiation and Function by Activation of GCN2
Authors: Ciudad M. Teresa , Quevedo Rene , Lamorte Sara , Jin Robbie , Nzirorera Nadine , Koritzinsky Marianne , McGaha Tracy L.
Published: March 2024

Supplementary Table s4
FIGURE 7 from Dabrafenib Alters MDSC Differentiation and Function by Activation of GCN2
Authors: Ciudad M. Teresa , Quevedo Rene , Lamorte Sara , Jin Robbie , Nzirorera Nadine , Koritzinsky Marianne , McGaha Tracy L.
Published: March 2024

Dabrafenib increases oxidative metabolism in MDSCs. A, Heat map of the average log2FC in gene expression for the genes indicated ± 1.5 µmol/L DAB clusters identified in MDSC scRNA sequencing data described in Fig 6. Positive values indicate genes with induced expression by DAB, while negative values show genes that are downregulated by DAB. For representation, log2FC = 0 indicates clusters that were excluded from the analysis with FindAllMarkers function (gene expressed in <10% cells and/or log2FC ±0.25). Statistics show Wilcoxon test. * = adjusted P-value <0.05. B, Representative flow cytometry histogram of CellROX Green (ROS in mitochondria and nucleus) in wild-type MDSC generated with 1.5 µmol/L DAB (red line) or control (black line). Panels show geometric mean fluorescence intensity (gMFI) ±SD (n = 4). P value was determined by two-tailed unpaired Student t test. Significance considered P < 0.05. Experiment was repeated three times with similar results. C, qPCR of genes related to oxidative respiration (Cox6a2), fatty acid metabolism (Pparg), and glycolysis (Aldh18a1, Slc2a1, Slc16a3, Ldha) in total wild-type and GCN2−/− MDSC lysates, normalized to 18s mRNA expression(n = 4). P values were determined by two-way ANOVA with Šidák correction post-test. Significance considered P < 0.05. Experiment was repeated three times with similar results. D, Quantification of oxidative respiration by OCR and glycolysis by ECAR, by Seahorse assay. Lines represent the mean ±SEM of four independent experiments. Gluc = Glucose; OM = Oligomycin; FCCP = Carbonyl cyanide-p-trifluoromethoxyphenylhydrazone; Rot/AA = Rotenone/Antimycin. E, Maximum respiration calculated from OCR data and maximum glycolytic capacity calculated from ECAR data. Bars represent mean ± SEM of four independent experiments. P values were determined by two-way ANOVA with Šidák correction post-test. Significance considered P < 0.05. DAB = dabrafenib.
FIGURE 3 from Dabrafenib Alters MDSC Differentiation and Function by Activation of GCN2
Authors: Ciudad M. Teresa , Quevedo Rene , Lamorte Sara , Jin Robbie , Nzirorera Nadine , Koritzinsky Marianne , McGaha Tracy L.
Published: March 2024

Activation of MAPK by dabrafenib is not responsible for phenotypic changes during differentiation. Western blot analysis (A) and relative quantification (B) of ERK1/2 phosphorylation (p-ERK) versus total protein at increasing doses of DAB in bone marrow–derived MDSC cultures on day 4 of differentiation with IL6+GMCSF. Western blot analysis of p-ERK (C) and total cell counts (D) of bone marrow cells differentiated with indicated cytokines ± 1.5 µmol/L DAB for 4 days. For D, P values were determined by two-way ANOVA with Šidák correction post-test. Significance considered P < 0.05. Western blot analysis of p-ERK (E) and total cell counts (F) of MDSC differentiated in presence of increasing doses of MEK inhibitor Trametinib (TRAB) ± 1.5 µmol/L DAB for 4 days. For F, P values were determined by two-way ANOVA with Šidák correction post-test. Significance considered P < 0.05. G, Representative contour plot of Ly6C and Ly6G expression in CD11b+MHCIIneg cells expanded in presence of 1.5 µmol/L DAB and/or 3 nmol/L TRAB. For all panels, experiments were repeated three times with similar results. DAB = dabrafenib.
Data from Dabrafenib Alters MDSC Differentiation and Function by Activation of GCN2
Authors: Ciudad M. Teresa , Quevedo Rene , Lamorte Sara , Jin Robbie , Nzirorera Nadine , Koritzinsky Marianne , McGaha Tracy L.
Published: March 2024

Abstract
The effect of targeted therapeutics on anticancer immune responses is poorly understood. The BRAF inhibitor dabrafenib has been reported to activate the integrated stress response (ISR) kinase GCN2, and the therapeutic effect has been partially attributed to GCN2 activation. Because ISR signaling is a key component of myeloid-derived suppressor cell (MDSC) development and function, we measured the effect of dabrafenib on MDSC differentiation and suppressive activity. Our data showed that dabrafenib attenuated MDSC ability to suppress T-cell activity, which was associated with a GCN2-dependent block of the transition from monocytic progenitor to polymorphonuclear (PMN)-MDSCs and proliferative arrest resulting in PMN-MDSC loss. Transcriptional profiling revealed that dabrafenib-driven GCN2 activation altered metabolic features in MDSCs enhancing oxidative respiration, and attenuated transcriptional programs required for PMN development. Moreover, we observed a broad downregulation of transcriptional networks associated with PMN developmental pathways, and increased activity of transcriptional regulons driven by Atf5, Mafg, and Zbtb7a. This transcriptional program alteration underlies the basis for PMN-MDSC developmental arrest, skewing immature MDSC development toward monocytic lineage cells. In vivo, we observed a pronounced reduction in PMN-MDSCs in dabrafenib-treated tumor-bearing mice suggesting that dabrafenib impacts MDSC populations systemically and locally, in the tumor immune infiltrate. Thus, our data reveal transcriptional networks that govern MDSC developmental programs, and the impact of GCN2 stress signaling on the innate immune landscape in tumors, providing novel insight into potentially beneficial off-target effects of dabrafenib.
Significance:
An important, but poorly understood, aspect of targeted therapeutics for cancer is the effect on antitumor immune responses. This article shows that off-target effects of dabrafenib activating the kinase GCN2 impact MDSC development and function reducing PMN-MDSCs in vitro and in vivo. This has important implications for our understanding of how this BRAF inhibitor impacts tumor growth and provides novel therapeutic target and combination possibilities.
The Effect of Dexmedetomidine as a Local Anesthetic Adjuvant for Iliac Fascia Compartment Block on Postoperative Delirium in Elderly Patients Undergoing Elective Hip Surgery
Authors: Liu Xiao-Hong , Zhang Qing-Fu , Zhang Xiao-Qi , Lu Qing-Wang , Wu Jian-Hua , Gao Xiao-Hua , Chen Zhi-Yuan
Published: March 2024

Introduction: We analyzed the effect of dexmedetomidine (DEX) as a local anesthetic adjuvant on postoperative delirium (POD) in elderly patients undergoing elective hip surgery. Methods: In this study, 120 patients undergoing hip surgery were enrolled and randomly assigned to two groups: fascia iliaca compartment block with DEX + ropivacaine (the Y group, n = 60) and fascia iliaca compartment block with ropivacaine (the R group, n = 60). The primary outcomes: presence of delirium during the postanesthesia care unit (PACU) period and on the first day (D1), the second day (D2), and the third day (D3) after surgery. The secondary outcomes: preoperative and postoperative C-reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), occurrence of insomnia on the preoperative day, day of operation, D1 and D2; HR values of patients in both groups before iliac fascia block (T1), 30 min after iliac fascia block (T2), at surgical incision (T3), 20 min after incision (T4), when they were transferred out of the operating room (T5) and after leaving the recovery room (T6) at each time point; VAS for T1, PACU, D1, D2; the number of patients requiring remedial analgesics within 24 h after blockade and related complications between the two groups. Results: A total of 97 patients were included in the final analysis, with 11 and 12 patients withdrawing from the R and Y groups, respectively. The overall incidence of POD and its incidence in the PACU and ward were all lesser in the Y group than in the R group (p < 0.05). Additionally, fewer cases required remedial analgesia during the PACU period, and more vasoactive drugs were used for maintaining circulatory system stability in the Y group as compared to the R group (p < 0.05). At the same time, the incidence of intraoperative and postoperative bradycardia in the Y group was higher than that in the R group, accompanied by lower postoperative CRP and ESR (all p < 0.05). Conclusion: Ultrasound-guided high fascia iliaca compartment block with a combination of ropivacaine and DEX can reduce the incidence of POD, the use of intraoperative opioids and postoperative remedial analgesics, and postoperative inflammation in elderly patients who have undergone hip surgery, indicating that this method could be beneficial in the prevention and treatment of POD.
Towards a Christian Face amid Political Islam’s Presence in Indonesia
Authors: Situmeang Aulia Simon Partogi
Published: March 2024

This article sets out to address the root of religious-based intolerance cases in Indonesia arising out of particular groups of Muslims in Indonesia. It seeks to identify which group triggers those cases and offers a possible response for Indonesian Christians faced with this confronting reality. The case is made for a non-violent response that opens up the possibility of reconciliation with those whose political stance is opposed to them.
Natural Theologies of Gender as National Conservative Political Theology
Authors: Waldron Stephen
Published: March 2024

National conservatism is a post-liberal political ideology associated with conferences held by the Edmund Burke Foundation. The intellectual core of this ideology is the use of natural theologies of gender to undergird a transnational and interfaith approach to political theology. This mode of political theology is analyzed in the thinking of political theorist Yoram Hazony, theologian R.R. Reno, philosopher Patrick Deneen, and theologian Albert Mohler. These thinkers do more than simply rejecting the premises of liberal democracy as a political order: they all assert the fundamental role of patriarchal gender roles in the survival and prosperity of the nation state. While they hold that the nation is the primary political unit, their understanding of gender is even more fundamental as a foundation for the nation.