bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Imaging the development of the human craniofacial arterial system – an experimental study
Authors: Jacobs K. , Langenbach G. E. J. , Docter D. , Cordewener P. A. M. , van de Beek B. J. , Korfage J. A. M. , Visser S. C. , Peters J. J. , Hagoort J. , Lobbezoo F. , de Bakker B. S.
Published: September 2024

Background

The process of vascular development is essential for shaping complex craniofacial structures. Investigating the interplay between vascular development and orofacial morphogenesis holds critical importance in clinical practice and contributes to advancing our comprehension of (vascular) developmental biology. New insights into specific vascular developmental pathways will have far-reaching implications across various medical disciplines, enhancing clinical understanding, refining surgical techniques, and elucidating the origins of congenital abnormalities. Embryonic development of the craniofacial vasculature remains, however, under-exposed in the current literature. We imaged and created 3-dimensional (D) reconstructed images of the craniofacial arterial system from two early-stage human embryonic samples.

Objective

The aim of this study was to investigate the vascular development of the craniofacial region in early-stage human embryos, with a focus on understanding the interplay between vascular development and orofacial morphogenesis.

Materials and methods

Reconstructions (3-D) were generated from high-resolution diffusible iodine-based contrast-enhanced computed tomography (diceCT) images, enabling visualization of the orofacial arterial system in human embryonic samples of Carnegie stages (CS) 14 and 18 from the Dutch Fetal Biobank, corresponding to weeks 7 and 8.5 of gestation.

Results

From two human embryonic samples (ages CS 14 and 18), the vascular development of the orofacial region at two different stages of development was successfully stained with B-Lugol and imaged using a micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) scanner with resolutions of 2.5-μm and 9-μm voxel sizes, respectively. Additionally, educational 3-D reconstructions of the orofacial vascular system were generated using AMIRA 2021.2 software.

Conclusion

Micro-CT imaging is an effective strategy for high-resolution visualization of vascular development of the orofacial region in human embryonic samples. The generated interactive 3-D educational models facilitate better understanding of the development of orofacial structures.

Graphical abstract
Maximum likelihood estimation for left-truncated log-logistic distributions with a given truncation point
Authors: Kreer Markus , Kızılersü Ayşe , Guscott Jake , Schmitz Lukas Christopher , Thomas Anthony W.
Published: September 2024

For a sample $$X_1, X_2,\ldots X_N$$

X
1

,

X
2

,
…

X
N

of independent identically distributed copies of a log-logistically distributed random variable X the maximum likelihood estimation is analysed in detail if a left-truncation point $$x_L>0$$

x
L

>
0

is introduced. Due to scaling properties it is sufficient to investigate the case $$x_L=1$$

x
L

=
1

. Here the corresponding maximum likelihood equations for a normalised sample (i.e. a sample divided by $$x_L$$

x
L

) do not always possess a solution. A simple criterion guarantees the existence of a solution: Let $$\mathbb {E}(\cdot )$$

E
(
·
)

denote the expectation induced by the normalised sample and denote by $$\beta _0=\mathbb {E}(\ln {X})^{-1}$$

β
0

=
E

(
ln
X
)

-
1

, the inverse value of expectation of the logarithm of the sampled random variable X (which is greater than $$x_L=1$$

x
L

=
1

). If this value $$\beta _0$$

β
0

is bigger than a certain positive number $$\beta _C$$

β
C

then a solution of the maximum likelihood equation exists. Here the number $$\beta _C$$

β
C

is the unique solution of a moment equation,$$\mathbb {E}(X^{-\beta _C})=\frac{1}{2}$$

E

(

X

-

β
C

)

=

1
2

. In the case of existence a profile likelihood function can be constructed and the optimisation problem is reduced to one dimension leading to a robust numerical algorithm. When the maximum likelihood equations do not admit a solution for certain data samples, it is shown that the Pareto distribution is the $$L^1$$

L
1

-limit of the degenerated left-truncated log-logistic distribution, where $$L^1(\mathbb {R}^+)$$

L
1

(

R

+

)

is the usual Banach space of functions whose absolute value is Lebesgue-integrable. A large sample analysis showing consistency and asymptotic normality complements our analysis. Finally, two applications to real world data are presented.
Elevated systemic venous pressures as a possible pathology in prepubertal pediatric idiopathic intracranial hypertension
Authors: Riedel Casper Schwartz , Norager Nicolas Hernandez , Bertelsen Maria , Mikkelsen Ronni , Juhler Marianne , Hansen Torben Skovbo
Published: September 2024

Background

Pediatric idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) is a rare and challenging condition. As implied by the nomenclature, the etiologies remain unknown, and multiple etiologies are being investigated. In this study, we explored the potential role of increased systemic or cerebral venous pressure in the pathogenesis.

Method

An observational cohort study following the STROBE guidelines, including prepubertal children with clinical symptoms and imaging findings consistent with IIH referred to the neurosurgical department, was conducted. The patients underwent a comprehensive diagnostic protocol, including MRI, continuous intracranial pressure (ICP) monitoring, and endovascular venography with venous pressure measurements.

Results

The study included 11 consecutive patients (six boys and five girls) with an average age of 2.3 years, and an average BMI of 18.4. Among these, one patient was found to have venous stenosis with a gradient; the other 10 patients presented with normal intracranial anatomy. All patients exhibited elevated venous pressures, with an average superior sagittal sinus pressure of 18.9 mmHg, average internal jugular vein pressure of 17.0 mmHg, and average central venous pressure of 15.9 mmHg. Daytime ICP averaged 12.9 mmHg, whereas nighttime ICP averaged 17.2 mmHg with either A- or B-waves in 10 of the 11 patients. Despite pathological ICP, only three patients had papilledema.

Conclusions

All patients had an increased systemic venous pressure, indicating a possible pathological factor for prepubertal IIH. Additionally, our findings show that young children often only partly meet the Friedman criteria due to a lack of papilledema, emphasizing the need for pediatric-specific diagnostic criteria. Further large-scale studies are needed to confirm these findings and to explore the underlying reasons for this increase in venous pressure and potential new treatment avenues.
Asthma and health-related quality of life at 16–20 years of age in a prospectively followed post-bronchiolitis cohort
Authors: Laitinen Sonja , Lauhkonen Eero , Saarikallio Sanna , Riikonen Riikka , Keränen Ninni , Korppi Matti , Heikkilä Paula
Published: September 2024

The aim was to evaluate asthma and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) outcomes in adolescents, after hospital-treated bronchiolitis experienced in less than 6 months of age. A prospective cohort study started in 2001–2004 and followed up 166 children hospitalised for bronchiolitis in early infancy. At 16–20 years of age, 76 cases and 41 population-based controls without a history of bronchiolitis participated in the current study. Clinical asthma, presumptive symptoms and HRQoL data were collected with a structured questionnaire and the St. Georges Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ). Flow-volume spirometry was measured before and after bronchodilator administration. Asthma was present in 21.1% of cases in the post-bronchiolitis cohort compared to 9.8% in the control group (p = 0.21). Also, 35.5% of cases and 19.5% of controls reported dyspnea during the last 12 months (p = 0.04). In addition, total SGRQ scores were higher in the bronchiolitis group (4.26) than in the control group (1.67, p < 0.001) referring to a reduced health-related quality of life.

Conclusion: Viral bronchiolitis in early infancy was associated with increased respiratory symptoms and lower health-related quality of life at age 16–20 years.

What is known:• The prevalence of asthma at the school age and adolescence is increased after hospitalisation required bronchiolitis in infancy compared to those without hospitalisation due to bronchiolitis.

What is new:• Viral bronchiolitis requiring hospitalisation in early infancy was associated with increased respiratory symptoms, such as dyspnoea, and lower health-related quality of life at age 16–20 years in a prospectively followed post-bronchiolitis cohort.
Sonifying gait kinematics: generating water wading sounds through a digital Foley approach
Authors: Kantan Prithvi Ravi , Dahl Sofia , Serafin Stefania , Spaich Erika G.
Published: September 2024

In the growing field of sonic interaction design, increasing emphasis is being placed on walking-based interactions within an array of applications, including virtual reality, interactive media, and rehabilitation. Our study focuses on recreating the aural experience of wading through water, specifically the challenge of eliciting accurate and natural movement-sound associations for wading, both in interactive and listening-only contexts. We engineered a real-time wading simulation using a digital Foley technique that maps lower limb angular velocity contours to the intensity of steady-state flowing sounds. Our first iteration was evaluated in a perceptual experiment involving 16 participants, as well as an interactive test with 9 participants, which revealed the need for additional sensors along with time-domain preprocessing to ensure a consistently natural sound envelope across walking cadences (step tempi). We then refined the mapping function and incorporated more sound layers. In our subsequent listening test, 55 participants compared the realism of the initial and refined versions with real-life wading sounds at various step cadences. While the refined version demonstrated a notable improvement over the initial one and was deemed fairly realistic overall, it fell just short of the authenticity of the real-life recordings at faster cadences, suggesting room for further improvement of our simulation. Nevertheless, this research marks a stride in the evolution of walking-based sonic interactions, instigating wider acceptance and application of such systems in the future.
Virtual reality: towards a better prediction of full body illusion — a mediation model for healthy young women
Authors: Meschberger-Annweiler Franck-Alexandre , Ascione Mariarca , Porras-Garcia Bruno , Mendoza-Medialdea Maria Teresa , Prieto-Perpiña Julia , Fuste-Escolano Adela , Ruiz-Rodriguez Jose , Ferrer-Garcia Marta , Gutierrez-Maldonado Jose
Published: September 2024

The application of advanced embodied technologies, particularly virtual reality (VR), has been suggested as a means to induce the full-body illusion (FBI). This technology is employed to modify different facets of bodily self-consciousness, which involves the sense of inhabiting a physical form, and is influenced by cognitive inputs, affective factors like body dissatisfaction, individual personality traits and suggestibility. Specifically, VR-based Mirror Exposure Therapies are used for the treatment of anorexia nervosa (AN). This study aims to investigate whether the “Big Five” personality dimensions, suggestibility, body dissatisfaction and/or body mass index can act as predictors for FBI, either directly or acting as a mediator, in young women of similar gender and age as most patients with AN. The FBI of 156 healthy young women immersed in VR environment was induced through visuomotor and visuo-tactile stimulations, and then assessed using the Avatar Embodiment Questionnaire, comprising four dimensions: Appearance, Ownership, Response, and Multi-Sensory. Data analysis encompassed multiple linear regressions and SPSS PROCESS macro’s mediation model. The findings revealed that the “Big Five” personality dimensions did not directly predict FBI in healthy young women, but Openness to experience, Agreeableness, and Neuroticism exerted an indirect influence on some FBI components through the mediation of suggestibility.
Point cluster analysis using weighted random labeling
Authors: Sadahiro Yukio , Yamada Ikuho
Published: September 2024

This paper proposes a new method of point cluster analysis. There are at least three important points that we need to consider in the evaluation of point clusters. The first is spatial inhomogeneity, i.e., the inhomogeneity of locations where points can be located. The second is aspatial inhomogeneity, which indicates the inhomogeneity of point characteristics. The third is an explicit representation of the geographic scale of analysis. This paper proposes a method that considers these points in a statistical framework. We develop two measures of point clusters: local and global. The former permits us to discuss the spatial variation in point clusters, while the latter indicates the global tendency of point clusters. To test the method’s validity, this paper applies it to the analysis of hypothetical and real datasets. The results supported the soundness of the proposed method.
Insoluble HIFa protein aggregates by cadmium disrupt hypoxia-prolyl hydroxylase (PHD)-hypoxia inducible factor (HIFa) signaling in renal epithelial (NRK-52E) and interstitial (FAIK3-5) cells
Authors: Schreiber Timm , Scharner Bettina , Thévenod Frank
Published: September 2024

The kidney is the main organ that senses changes in systemic O2 pressure by hypoxia-PHD-HIFa (HPH) signaling, resulting in adaptive target gene activation, including erythropoietin (EPO). The non-essential transition metal cadmium (Cd) is nephrotoxic and disrupts the renal HPH pathway, which may promote Cd-associated chronic renal disease (CKD). A deeper molecular understanding of Cd interference with renal HPH signaling is missing, and no data with renal cell lines are available. In rat kidney NRK-52E cells, which model the proximal tubule, and murine fibroblastoid atypical interstitial kidney (FAIK3-5) cells, which mimic renal EPO-producing cells, the chemical hypoxia mimetic dimethyloxalylglycine (DMOG; 1 mmol/l) or hypoxia (1% O2) activated HPH signaling. Cd2+ (2.5–20 µmol/l for ≤ 24 h) preferentially induced necrosis (trypan blue uptake) of FAIK3-5 cells at high Cd whereas NRK-52E cells specially developed apoptosis (PARP-1 cleavage) at all Cd concentrations. Cd (12.5 µmol/l) abolished HIFa stabilization and prevented upregulation of target genes (quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and immunoblotting) induced by DMOG or hypoxia in both cell lines, which was caused by the formation of insoluble HIFa aggregates. Strikingly, hypoxic preconditioning (1% O2 for 18 h) reduced apoptosis of FAIK3-5 and NRK-52E cells at low Cd concentrations and decreased insoluble HIFa proteins. Hence, drugs mimicking hypoxic preconditioning could reduce CKD induced by chronic low Cd exposure.
Emotion Regulation and Academic Burnout Among Youth: a Quantitative Meta-analysis
Authors: Iuga Ioana Alexandra , David Oana Alexandra
Published: September 2024

Emotion regulation (ER) represents an important factor in youth’s academic wellbeing even in contexts that are not characterized by outstanding levels of academic stress. Effective ER not only enhances learning and, consequentially, improves youths’ academic achievement, but can also serve as a protective factor against academic burnout. The relationship between ER and academic burnout is complex and varies across studies. This meta-analysis examines the connection between ER strategies and student burnout, considering a series of influencing factors. Data analysis involved a random effects meta-analytic approach, assessing heterogeneity and employing multiple methods to address publication bias, along with meta-regression for continuous moderating variables (quality, female percentage and mean age) and subgroup analyses for categorical moderating variables (sample grade level). According to our findings, adaptive ER strategies are negatively associated with overall burnout scores, whereas ER difficulties are positively associated with burnout and its dimensions, comprising emotional exhaustion, cynicism, and lack of efficacy. These results suggest the nuanced role of ER in psychopathology and well-being. We also identified moderating factors such as mean age, grade level and gender composition of the sample in shaping these associations. This study highlights the need for the expansion of the body of literature concerning ER and academic burnout, that would allow for particularized analyses, along with context-specific ER research and consistent measurement approaches in understanding academic burnout. Despite methodological limitations, our findings contribute to a deeper understanding of ER's intricate relationship with student burnout, guiding future research in this field.
The entrainment of polyester microfibers modifies the structure and function of periphytic biofilms
Authors: Liddick Mitchell J. , Rier Steven T.
Published: September 2024

As plastics undergo degradation, they give rise to microplastics (MPs), such as polyester microfibers (PMFs), which are increasingly recognized for their potential impact on microbial communities. Despite a growing body of the literature on MP effects, there is a gap in understanding prolonged PMF exposure (≥ 1 month) on stream periphyton across an extensive concentration gradient. This study addresses this gap by investigating the response of periphyton exposed to increasing PMF concentrations (0–22,000 PMF L−1) in stream mesocosms. As PMF concentrations increased, total periphyton biomass remained unaffected, while algal and bacterial biomass decreased and increased, respectively. Higher PMF concentrations also modified coarse algal community structure (measured as changes in chlorophyll b:c) and decreased light harvesting efficiency. Increased bacterial abundance was accompanied by elevated respiration, shifting the system from net autotrophy to net heterotrophy at 10,000–12,000 PMF L−1. Additionally, bacterial community composition was altered along with reductions in β-1,4-glucosidase activities. Despite reduced algal biomass, higher PMF concentrations appeared to support bacterial growth. Many periphyton attributes, including nutrient composition, phosphorus removal, gross primary production, and maximum electron transport rate of photosystem II, were unaffected. This study underscores the multifaceted implications of PMF contamination on the structure and function of periphyton in stream ecosystems.
Comparative Analysis of Canonical Inflammasome Activation by Flow Cytometry, Imaging Flow Cytometry and High-Content Imaging
Authors: Wittmann Nico , Bekeschus Sander , Biedenweg Doreen , Kuthning Daniela , Pohl Christopher , Gramenz Jana , Otto Oliver , Bossaller Lukas , Meyer-Bahlburg Almut
Published: September 2024

Inflammasome activation occurs in various diseases, including rare diseases that require multicenter studies for investigation. Flow cytometric analysis of ASC speck+ cells in patient samples can be used to detect cell type-specific inflammasome activation. However, this requires standardized sample processing and the ability to compare data from different flow cytometers. To address this issue, we analyzed stimulated and unstimulated PBMCs from healthy donors using seven different flow cytometers. Additionally, human PBMCs were analyzed by fluorescence microscopy, imaging flow cytometry and high-content imaging (HCI). Flow cytometers differed significantly in their ability to detect ASC speck+ cells. Aria III, Astrios EQ, and Canto II performed best in separating ASC speck+ from diffuse ASC cells. Imaging flow cytometry and HCI provided additional insight into ASC speck formation based on image-based parameters. For optimal results, the ability to separate cells with diffuse ASC from ASC speck+ cells is decisive. Image-based parameters can also differentiate cells with diffuse ASC from ASC speck+ cells. For the first time, we analyzed ASC speck detection by HCI in PBMCs and demonstrated advantages of this technique, such as high-throughput, algorithm-driven image quantification and 3D-rendering. Thus, inflammasome activation by ASC speck formation can be detected by various technical methods. However, the results may vary depending on the device used.
Gradient Descent Provably Escapes Saddle Points in the Training of Shallow ReLU Networks
Authors: Cheridito Patrick , Jentzen Arnulf , Rossmannek Florian
Published: September 2024

Dynamical systems theory has recently been applied in optimization to prove that gradient descent algorithms bypass so-called strict saddle points of the loss function. However, in many modern machine learning applications, the required regularity conditions are not satisfied. In this paper, we prove a variant of the relevant dynamical systems result, a center-stable manifold theorem, in which we relax some of the regularity requirements. We explore its relevance for various machine learning tasks, with a particular focus on shallow rectified linear unit (ReLU) and leaky ReLU networks with scalar input. Building on a detailed examination of critical points of the square integral loss function for shallow ReLU and leaky ReLU networks relative to an affine target function, we show that gradient descent circumvents most saddle points. Furthermore, we prove convergence to global minima under favourable initialization conditions, quantified by an explicit threshold on the limiting loss.
Trends in climate adaptation solutions for mountain regions
Authors: Muccione Veruska , Aguilera Rodriguez Julia , Scolobig Anna , Witton Rosie , Zwahlen Johanna , Mackey Alex , Barrott Julia , Simonett Otto , Stoffel Markus , Allen Simon K.
Published: September 2024

This study addresses the critical need for documented adaptation progress in mountain regions by reviewing recently implemented or ongoing adaptation solutions collected from the Adaptation at Altitude Solutions Portal (A@A Solution Portal). Using a data driven approach, the research explores the characteristics, feasibility, and transformative potential of these solutions. Findings reveal a predominant focus on addressing droughts and floods, aligning with the IPCC’s emphasis on water-related impacts in mountains. Notably, watershed management practices emerge as popular solutions, showcasing their capacity to address multiple concerns beyond climate impacts. Education and awareness, along with land use practices, dominate the types of solutions, reflecting their positive impact on project acceptability and low associated risk of maladaptation. Agricultural land and forests are the main ecosystems where solutions are reported, with an evident association with education and awareness and land use change solutions. Most SDGs and Sendai targets are found to be addressed by the solutions emphasising the importance of documenting project experiences as way to bridge previously reported gaps between policy frameworks and on-the-ground implementation. Despite community involvement being high in many of the solutions, challenges such as gender inequality persists. While solutions often demonstrate local relevance and depth of change, upscaling remains challenging, with limited evidence of mainstreaming and replication. Sustainability criteria are moderately met, incorporating inclusive decision-making but with uncertainty regarding long-term plans. Furthermore, findings underscore the significance of co-developing and maintaining adaptation solution portals, illustrating how this approach enriches our understanding of adaptation progress in mountains. Moreover, this research contributes to broadening the scope of systematic adaptation assessments by providing a nuanced perspective that integrates local needs and diverse knowledge systems. In essence, this study makes a valuable contribution to the evolving landscape of adaptation research, emphasizing the importance of practical insights and collaborative efforts to address the complex challenges posed by climate-related impacts and corresponding adaptation efforts.
Sexual dysfunction after surgery for primary sporadic cranial meningiomas: prevalence and risk factors
Authors: Basaran Alim Emre , Arlt Felix , Güresir Erdem , Vychopen Martin , Wach Johannes
Published: September 2024

Background

Although postoperative quality of life (QoL) has been studied in relation to a variety of aspects following meningioma resection, the impact of meningiomas on sexual life has not been investigated. The aim of this study is to determine the impact of cranial meningioma surgery on patients’ postoperative sexual life.

Methods

A standardized questionnaire, anonymous and based on the Arizona Sexual Experiences Scale (ASEX), was sent to 87 patients who had been selected for participation in the study based on the following criteria: a postoperative Karnofsky performance of ≥ 80 and below 60 years of age at diagnosis.

Results

53 patients (53/87; 61%) responded to the survey. The study identified eleven patients (20.8%) who reported sexual dysfunction (SD) according to ASEX criteria. Six of these patients were women (55%) and five were men (45%). Univariable analysis revealed that SD was observed with greater frequency in patients with non-skull base tumors (p = 0.006) and in those with a left-hemispheric meningioma (p = 0.046). Multivariable analysis revealed that non-skull base tumor location is the only independent factor being associated with SD (OR = 5.71, 95% CI = 1.02–31.81, p = 0.047).

Conclusion

This first investigation of sexual functioning post-surgery for cranial meningiomas indicates that SD is a prevalent issue among non-skull base meningioma patients. Consequently, we recommend that pre- and postoperative sexual health should be further addressed in future QoL investigations of cranial meningioma patients.

Graphical Abstract
Capital is not a factor of production but organizes the allocation and distribution of resources in capitalism
Authors: Braun Eduard
Published: September 2024

Economists usually define capital as a factor of production—roughly speaking, as physical equipment. This paper demonstrates the limits of this common approach and develops a meaningful alternative. In actual business life, capital refers to the monetary value of business assets, regardless of what the assets consist of, and as such, it is an important aspect of economic calculations that helps to guide entrepreneurial activities. In this sense, capital is pervasive in capitalist societies. Virtually all goods and services are produced by profit-oriented enterprises. Natural resources, intermediate goods, and finished products all appear on the balance sheets of enterprises and are consequently part of business capital. Likewise, the majority of people are employees of enterprises. They receive their pay because the employing firms consider this to be a profitable investment of their capital. Despite its extreme practical importance, this business notion of capital is ignored by nearly the entire economics profession. The paper shows how economists could profit from adopting the business notion of capital, irrespective of their ideological backgrounds.
Evaluating background and local contributions and identifying traffic-related pollutant hotspots: insights from Google Air View mobile monitoring in Dublin, Ireland
Authors: Chen Jiayao , Mölter Anna , Gómez-Barrón José Pablo , O’Connor David , Pilla Francesco
Published: September 2024

Mobile monitoring provides high-resolution observation on temporal and spatial scales compared to traditional fixed-site measurement. This study demonstrates the use of high spatio-temporal resolution of air pollution data collected by Google Air View vehicles to identify hotspots and assess compliance with WHO Air Quality Guidelines (AQGs) in Dublin City. The mobile monitoring was conducted during weekdays, typically from 7:00 to 19:00, between 6 May 2021 and 6 May 2022. One-second data were aggregated to 377,113 8 s road segments, and 8 s rolling medians were aggregated to hourly and daily levels for further analysis. We assessed the temporal variability of fine particulate matter (PM2.5), nitrogen monoxide (NO), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), ozone (O3), carbon monoxide (CO), and carbon dioxide (CO2) concentrations at hyperlocal levels. The average daytime median concentrations of NO2 (28.4 ± 15.7 µg/m3) and PM2.5 (7.6 ± 4.7 µg/m3) exceeded the WHO twenty-four hours (24 h) Air Quality Guidelines in 49.4% and 9% of the 1-year sampling time, respectively. For the diurnal variation of measured pollutants, the morning (8:00) and early evening (18:00) showed higher concentrations for NO2 and PM2.5, mostly happening in the winter season, while the afternoon is the least polluted time except for O3. The low-percentile approach along with 1-h and daytime minima method allowed for decomposing pollutant time series into the background and local contributions. Background contributions for NO2 and PM2.5 changed along with the seasonal variation. Local contributions for PM2.5 changed slightly; however, NO2 showed significant diurnal and seasonal variability related to traffic emissions. Short-lived event enhancement (1 min to 1 h) accounts for 36.0–40.6% and 20.8–42.2% of the total concentration for NO2 and PM2.5. The highly polluted days account for 56.3% of total NO2, highlighting local traffic is the dominant contributor to short-term NO2 concentrations. The longer-lived events (> 8 h) enhancement accounts for 25% of the monitored concentrations. Additionally, conducting optimal hotspot analysis enables mapping the spatial distribution of “hot” spots for PM2.5 and NO2 on highly polluted days. Overall, this investigation suggests both background and local emissions contribute to PM2.5 and NO2 pollution in urban areas and emphasize the urgent need for mitigating NO2 from traffic pollution in Dublin.
Prognostic value of stress CMR and SPECT-MPI in patients undergoing intermediate-to-high-risk non-cardiac surgery
Authors: Fazzari Fabio , Lisi Costanza , Catapano Federica , Cannata Francesco , Brilli Federica , Figliozzi Stefano , Bragato Renato Maria , Stefanini Giulio Giuseppe , Monti Lorenzo , Francone Marco
Published: September 2024

Purpose

The objective of this study was to investigate the role of myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) stress tests using stress cardiac magnetic resonance (sCMR) and single-photon emission computed tomography myocardial perfusion imaging (SPECT-MPI) in non-cardiac surgery (NCS) pre-operatory management.

Materials and methods

This monocentric retrospective study enrolled patients with coronary artery disease or a minimum of two cardiovascular risk factors undergoing intermediate-to-high-risk non-cardiac surgeries. The primary composite endpoint comprised cardiac death, cardiogenic shock, acute coronary syndromes (ACS), and cardiogenic pulmonary edema occurring within 30 days after surgery, while the secondary endpoint was ACS.

Results

A total of 1590 patients were enrolled; among them, 669 underwent a MPI stress test strategy (sCMR: 287, SPECT-MPI: 382). The incidence of 30-day cardiac events was lower in the stress-tested group compared to the non-stress-tested group (1.2% vs. 3.4%; p 0.006). Adopting a stress test strategy showed a significant reduction in the risk of the composite endpoint (OR: 0.33, 95% CI: 0.15–0.76, p 0.009) and ACS (OR: 0.41, 95% CI: 0.17–0.98, p 0.046) at multivariable analysis, with similar cardiac events rate between stress CMR and SPECT (1.1% vs. 1.3%, p 0.756). Stress CMR showed a greater accuracy to predict coronary artery revascularizations (sCMR c-statistic: 0.95, ischemic cut-point: 5.5%; SPECT c-statistic: 0.85, ischemic cut-point: 7.5%).

Conclusion

Stress test strategy is related to a lower occurrence of cardiac events in high-risk patients scheduled for intermediate-to-high-risk non-cardiac surgeries. Both sCMR and SPECT-MPI comparably reduce the likelihood of cardiac complications, albeit sCMR offers greater accuracy in predicting coronary artery revascularization.
Pulmonary emphysema: the assessment of lung perfusion with Dual-Energy CT and pulmonary scintigraphy
Authors: Borgheresi Alessandra , Cesari Elisa , Agostini Andrea , Badaloni Myriam , Balducci Sofia , Tola Elisabetta , Consoli Valeria , Palucci Andrea , Burroni Luca , Carotti Marina , Giovagnoni Andrea
Published: September 2024

Aim

To assess the correlation of quantitative data of pulmonary Perfused Blood Volume (PBV) on Dual-Energy CT (DECT) datasets in patients with moderate – severe Pulmonary Emphysema (PE) with Lung Perfusion Scintigraphy (LPS) as the reference standard. The secondary endpoints are the correlation between the CT densitometric analysis and the visual assessment of parenchymal destruction with PBV.

Materials and Methods

Patients with moderate – severe PE candidate to Lung Volumetric Reduction (LVR), with available a pre-procedural LS and a contrast-enhanced DECT were retrospectively included. DECT studies were performed with a 3rd generation Dual-Source CT and the PBV was obtained with a 3-material decomposition algorithm. The CT densitometric analysis was performed with a dedicated commercial software (Pulmo3D). The Goddard Score was used for visual assessment. The perfusion LS were performed after the administration of albumin macroaggregates labeled with 99mTechnetium. The image revision was performed by two radiologists or nuclear medicine physicians blinded, respectively, to LS and DECT data. The statistical analysis was performed with nonparametric tests.

Results

Thirty-one patients (18 males, median age 69 y.o., interquartile range 62–71 y.o.) with moderate – severe PE (Median Goddard Score 14/20 and 31% of emphysematous parenchyma at quantitative CT) candidate to LVR were retrospectively included. The median enhancement on PBV was 17 HU. Significant correlation coefficients were demonstrated between lung PBV and LS, poor in apical regions (Rho = 0.1–0.2) and fair (Rho = 0.3–0.5) in middle and lower regions. No significant correlations were recorded between the CT densitometric analysis, the visual score, and the PBV.

Conclusions

Lung perfusion with PBV on DECT is feasible in patients with moderate – severe PE candidate to LVR, and has a poor to fair agreement with LPS.
Applying deep learning-based ensemble model to [18F]-FDG-PET-radiomic features for differentiating benign from malignant parotid gland diseases
Authors: Nakajo Masatoyo , Hirahara Daisuke , Jinguji Megumi , Hirahara Mitsuho , Tani Atsushi , Nagano Hiromi , Takumi Koji , Kamimura Kiyohisa , Kanzaki Fumiko , Yamashita Masaru , Yoshiura Takashi
Published: September 2024

Objectives

To develop and identify machine learning (ML) models using pretreatment 2-deoxy-2-[18F]fluoro-D-glucose ([18F]-FDG)-positron emission tomography (PET)-based radiomic features to differentiate benign from malignant parotid gland diseases (PGDs).

Materials and methods

This retrospective study included 62 patients with 63 PGDs who underwent pretreatment [18F]-FDG-PET/computed tomography (CT). The lesions were assigned to the training (n = 44) and testing (n = 19) cohorts. In total, 49 [18F]-FDG-PET-based radiomic features were utilized to differentiate benign from malignant PGDs using five different conventional ML algorithmic models (random forest, neural network, k-nearest neighbors, logistic regression, and support vector machine) and the deep learning (DL)-based ensemble ML model. In the training cohort, each conventional ML model was constructed using the five most important features selected by the recursive feature elimination method with the tenfold cross-validation and synthetic minority oversampling technique. The DL-based ensemble ML model was constructed using the five most important features of the bagging and multilayer stacking methods. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUCs) and accuracies were used to compare predictive performances.

Results

In total, 24 benign and 39 malignant PGDs were identified. Metabolic tumor volume and four GLSZM features (GLSZM_ZSE, GLSZM_SZE, GLSZM_GLNU, and GLSZM_ZSNU) were the five most important radiomic features. All five features except GLSZM_SZE were significantly higher in malignant PGDs than in benign ones (each p < 0.05). The DL-based ensemble ML model had the best performing classifier in the training and testing cohorts (AUC = 1.000, accuracy = 1.000 vs AUC = 0.976, accuracy = 0.947).

Conclusions

The DL-based ensemble ML model using [18F]-FDG-PET-based radiomic features can be useful for differentiating benign from malignant PGDs.

Second abstract

The DL-based ensemble ML model using [18F]-FDG-PET-based radiomic features can overcome the previously reported limitation of [18F]-FDG-PET/CT scan for differentiating benign from malignant PGDs. The DL-based ensemble ML approach using [18F]-FDG-PET-based radiomic features can provide useful information for managing PGD.
Mapping and understanding degradation of alpine wetlands in the northern Maloti-Drakensberg, southern Africa
Authors: van Tol Johan
Published: September 2024

The alpine terrestrials of the Maloti-Drakensberg in southern Africa play crucial roles in ecosystem functions and livelihoods, yet they face escalating degradation from various factors including overgrazing and climate change. This study employs advanced Digital Soil Mapping (DSM) techniques coupled with remote sensing to map and assess wetland coverage and degradation in the northern Maloti-Drakensberg. The model achieved high accuracies of 96% and 92% for training and validation data, respectively, with Kappa statistics of 0.91 and 0.83, marking a pioneering automated attempt at wetland mapping in this region. Terrain attributes such as terrain wetness index (TWI) and valley depth (VD) exhibit significant positive correlations with wetland coverage and erosion gully density, Channel Network Depth and slope were negative correlated. Gully density analysis revealed terrain attributes as dominant factors driving degradation, highlighting the need to consider catchment-specific susceptibility to erosion. This challenge traditional assumptions which mainly attribute wetland degradation to external forces such as livestock overgrazing, ice rate activity and climate change. The sensitivity map produced could serve as a basis for Integrated Catchment Management (ICM) projects, facilitating tailored conservation strategies. Future research should expand on this work to include other highland areas, explore additional covariates, and categorize wetlands based on hydroperiod and sensitivity to degradation. This comprehensive study underscores the potential of DSM and remote sensing in accurately assessing and managing wetland ecosystems, crucial for sustainable resource management in alpine regions.
“Until COVID-19 Do Us Part”: A Qualitative Study on Perceived Sexual Intimacy and Mental Health in Heterosexual Older Couples During The Covid-19 Pandemic
Authors: von Humboldt Sofia , Low Gail , Leal Isabel
Published: September 2024

This study aims to explore the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on heterosexual older couples’ sexual intimacy and in relation to their mental health. A content analysis of the ideas and insights shared by 391 older persons (between 65 and 87 years of age) from three different countries was most instructive. The most frequent themes were less sexual satisfaction (68%) and less sexual desire (67%). In terms of mental health, the most frequent themes included less anxiety and distress (78%) and greater attention to negative emotional states (55%) Cultural differences emerged, with Brazilian and Portuguese participants more frequently reporting negative themes compared to British participants, who emphasized stronger emotional bonds. As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to unfold, ongoing research and interventions should prioritize understanding and addressing the implications of reduced physical contact and heightened emotional stress on sexual intimacy.
The Relations Between Caregiver Education, Home Stimulation, and Children’s Developmental Outcomes: Research in Majority World Countries
Authors: Do Hang , McCoy Dana C.
Published: September 2024

Caregiver education and home stimulation have shown positive associations with children’s developmental outcomes in early childhood in high-income “Minority World” countries, and these processes also predict children’s long-term health and well-being. However, relatively little is known about these processes in low- and middle-income “Majority World” countries, where an estimated 250 million children under the age of five are at risk of not reaching their developmental potential. This paper attempts to address these gaps in knowledge by exploring the relations between caregiver education, household stimulation, and early childhood development in a sample of infants and toddlers aged birth to three using data on 9,099 caregiver-child dyads from eight under-represented Majority World sites: Brazil, Guatemala, India, Jordan, Lebanon, Pakistan, the Philippines, and Zambia. It also explored the differences in these developmental processes between children’s sex and geographical regions. Results showed that home stimulation partially mediated the associations between caregiver education and children’s developmental outcomes across eight sites. These developmental processes differed by geographical regions and by children’s sex. In sum, these findings contribute to the field’s understanding of the universality and specificity of child development across settings and child characteristics. They also suggest the importance of supporting caregiver education and home stimulation activities as means of promoting children’s developmental outcomes, as well as the need to promote gender equity in the Majority World to ensure equal access to learning opportunities, especially opportunities in the home.
Right to be forgotten in the Era of large language models: implications, challenges, and solutions
Authors: Zhang Dawen , Finckenberg-Broman Pamela , Hoang Thong , Pan Shidong , Xing Zhenchang , Staples Mark , Xu Xiwei
Published: September 2024

The Right to be Forgotten (RTBF) was first established as the result of the ruling of Google Spain SL, Google Inc. v AEPD, Mario Costeja González, and was later included as the Right to Erasure under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) of European Union to allow individuals the right to request personal data be deleted by organizations. Specifically for search engines, individuals can send requests to organizations to exclude their information from the query results. It was a significant emergent right as the result of the evolution of technology. With the recent development of Large Language Models (LLMs) and their use in chatbots, LLM-enabled software systems have become popular. But they are not excluded from the RTBF. Compared with the indexing approach used by search engines, LLMs store, and process information in a completely different way. This poses new challenges for compliance with the RTBF. In this paper, we explore these challenges and provide our insights on how to implement technical solutions for the RTBF, including the use of differential privacy, machine unlearning, model editing, and guardrails. With the rapid advancement of AI and the increasing need of regulating this powerful technology, learning from the case of RTBF can provide valuable lessons for technical practitioners, legal experts, organizations, and authorities.
Metallothionein ameliorates airway epithelial apoptosis upon particulate matter exposure: role of oxidative stress and ion homeostasis
Authors: Li Bin , Huang Nannan , Wei Shengnan , Meng Qingtao , Wu Shenshen , Aschner Michael , Li Xiaobo , Chen Rui
Published: September 2024

Purpose

To investigate the mechanism underlying particulate matter (PM) exposure-induced oxidative stress and potential rescue strategies against pulmonary damage in this context.

Methods

A combination of omics technology and bioinformatic analysis were used to uncover mechanisms underlying cellular responses to PM exposure in human bronchial epithelia (HBE) cells and imply the potential rescue.

Results

Our results implicated that oxidative stress, metal ion homeostasis, and apoptosis were the major cellular responses to PM exposure in HBE cells. PM exposure disrupted oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS)-related gene expressions in HBE cells. Rescuing the expression of these genes with supplemental coenzyme Q10 (Co Q10) inhibited reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation; however, it only partially protected HBEs against PM exposure-induced apoptosis. Further, metallothionein (MT)-encoding genes associated with metal ion homeostasis were significantly induced in HBE cells, which was transcriptionally regulated by specificity protein 1 (SP1). SP1 knock-down (KD) aggravated PM-induced apoptosis in HBE cells, suggesting it plays a role in MT induction. Subsequent studies corroborated the protective role of MT by showing that exogenous MT supplement demonstrated effective protection against PM-induced oxidative stress and apoptosis in HBE cells. Importantly, exogenous MT supplement was shown to reduce ROS generation and apoptosis in airway epithelia in both HBE cells and a PM-inhaled murine model.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates that the impact of MT on airway epithelia by suppressing oxidative stress and maintaining metal ion homeostasis is beneficial in attenuating damage to pulmonary cells undergoing PM exposure.
Exposure to entrepreneurship education interventions reveal improvements to vocational entrepreneurial intent: a two-wave longitudinal study
Authors: Bahaw Priscilla , Baboolal Amrika , Mack Abede Jawara , Carter-Rogers Katelynn
Published: September 2024

The education sector has witnessed a growing recognition of the interdisciplinary nature of entrepreneurship education (EE), which has expanded beyond its traditional focus on business students. While higher education institutions have gained significant prominence in EE, little is known about the effects of EE in technical vocational education and training (TVET) institutions. This study aimed to examine the impact of EE on the entrepreneurial intentions (EI), attitudes towards business (ATB) creation, subjective norms (SN), and perceived behavioral control (PBC) of vocational students, grounded in the theory of planned behavior. Adopting a Two-Wave Longitudinal design, the study was conducted on a sample of 128 TVET students who underwent an intensive six-month EE program. The results showed that the Time 2 scores were significantly higher than the Time 1 scores for EI (9.510), ATB (9.773), SN (8.588), and PBC (2.993), indicating the effectiveness of EE in fostering pro-entrepreneurial desires among vocational students. The findings suggest that TVET institutions should consider incorporating EE into their curricula and provide adequate support systems for their student population. This study contributes to the limited research on the impact of EE in the TVET context, particularly within emerging economies, and offers insights for educational practice and future research.