bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development and Validation of a Scoring System to Predict 2-Year Clinical Remission in Ulcerative Colitis Patients on Vedolizumab
Authors: Chaemsupaphan Thanaboon , Pudipeddi Aviv , Lin Huiyu , Paramsothy Sudarshan , Kariyawasam Viraj , Kermeen Melissa , Leong Rupert W
Published: December 2024

Background and Aims

Vedolizumab is s gut-selective advanced therapy that is safe and efficacious for the treatment of ulcerative colitis (UC). Once patients achieve successful induction, there is a risk of loss of response leading to eventual flare. We aimed to identify these predictive factors and develop a practical scoring system to determine the ongoing efficacy of vedolizumab.

Methods

We performed logistic regression on prospectively recruited UC subjects from the Vedolizumab Immunomodulator Enforced Withdrawal Study (VIEWS). All patients were in corticosteroid-free clinical remission and endoscopic improvement at baseline and continued vedolizumab. Predictive factors of 2-year corticosteroid-free clinical remission were determined and modeled into the VIEWS score, then validated in a real-world UC cohort.

Results

Of 62 patients in the derivation cohort, 48 (77.4%) maintained clinical remission over two years. The predictive factors of remission were female (odds ratio [OR] 6.0, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.2-29.7), antitumor necrosis factor naive (OR 3.8, 95% CI,1.0-14.0), baseline histological remission (OR 10.8, 95% CI, 2.4-48.4), thiopurine combination (OR 3.6, 95% CI, 0.7-18.0), and fecal calprotectin level ≤250 µg/g (OR 6.3, 95% CI, 0.9-42.2). These factors were incorporated into VIEWS score, yielding an area under the receiver-operating characteristic (AUROC) curve of 0.89 (95% CI, 0.81-0.98) in the prediction of 2-year clinical remission. Of 64 UC patients in the validation cohort, 40 (62.5%) remained in clinical remission at 2 years with AUROC of 0.77 (95% CI, 0.60-0.94). At the cut-off threshold of 4, the VIEWS score identified 2-year clinical remission with a sensitivity of 88.4% and specificity of 63.6%.

Conclusions

Our study determined predictive factors and proposed a scoring system of ongoing clinical remission in UC patients on maintenance vedolizumab. In patients at high risk of relapse, combination therapy with thiopurine may be beneficial.
What moves farmland markets: decomposing the price surge in eastern Germany
Authors: Hainbach Tim , Hüttel Silke , Werwatz Axel
Published: December 2024

Farmland prices have been surging worldwide; yet little is known about the particular strong surges in the upper quantiles of price distribution. We investigate by quantile how the composition of the farmland sales and agents’ valuation of land characteristics contribute to these price developments. Using farmland transactions from Brandenburg, Germany, we decompose the price surges between 2008–09 and 2017–18 by combining unconditional quantile regressions with propensity score reweighting. Our results show an increased valuation of land characteristics, e.g. soil quality, and their responsibility for about 25% of the price surges in the upper (>75%) quantiles of price distribution.
What is the value of agrobiodiversity in southern Europe?
Authors: Nicita Lea , Mendelsohn Robert
Published: December 2024

This study explores how agrobiodiversity at both local and regional scales impacts farmland value across five Mediterranean countries in the EU. Previous literature has primarily addressed on-farm biodiversity and its effects on productivity and risk mitigation, yet the potential externalities of agrobiodiversity across neighboring farms remain underexplored. Using a cross-sectional Ricardian approach, we estimate the effects of agrobiodiversity, measured in terms of both crop richness and evenness, on long-term agricultural productivity. Our findings show significant non-linear relationships and substitution effects between local and regional agrobiodiversity, underscoring the need for regionally tailored biodiversity policies.
Leading-by-example and the voluntary provision of public goods in rural areas: Experimental evidence from China
Authors: Liu Ziming , Wang Zetian , Zhang Jing , Feng Shuyi , Zhu Yuxin , Rommel Jens
Published: December 2024

Comparing randomly selected and real-world political leaders, this paper investigates the effect of leading-by-example on voluntary contributions in a linear contribution mechanism public goods game experiment with 550 residents in rural China. This setting provides a unique social structure, shaping people’s responses to leadership. We find that leading-by-example set by political leaders and randomly selected leaders increases participants’ contribution by 1.432 and 1.162 Chinese Yuan, which is an increase of approximately 22 and 18 per cent of average contributions in the control group. The difference in the effects of leading-by-example set by political leaders and randomly selected leaders is small and statistically insignificant. Contributions under the leading-by-example treatments are driven by increased contributions from leaders and mimicking behaviour of followers, although following political leaders is weaker. Our findings highlight the crucial role of leading-by-example and strong village-level institutions in the provision of public goods.
Antibiotic resistant E.coli in waterborne matrices nearby intensive farming: One Health Hub project
Authors: Tesauro M , Bonizzi L , Consonni M , Martino P , Muti P , Petrera F , Sisto F , Soggiu A , Sora V , Zecconi A
Published: December 2024

The One Health Hub project aims to investigate the presence of antibiotic resistant (AR) E.coli in 5 irrigation channels and 2 private wells, in a northern Italian rural area, characterized by intensive cattle and pig farms. Water sampling occurred seasonally between 2022 and 2023. E.coli was isolated on a chromogenic agar, biochemically identified and analyzed for phenotipic resistance with the VITEK®2 card AST-N380 (Biomerieux), according to EUCAST thresholds. 17 antibiotics were tested: 3 Penicillins, 7 Cephalosporins (1st, 2nd and 3rd gen), 1 Carbapenem, 4 Aminoglycosides, 1 Fluoroquinolone, and 1 Miscellaneous agent. E.coli ranges from 170 to 10.000 CFU/100ml in 33 water samples. Fifty-nine out of 91 (64.8%) strains were sensitive to all antibiotics, while the remaining 32/91 (35.2%) were resistant at least to 1 antibiotic belonging to all classes, except Carbapenems. Major resistance was found towards Penicillins (18%), followed by miscellaneous agents (10%), Cephalosporins (6%), Fluoroquinolone and Aminoglycosides (4%). MDR (≥3antibiotics) was observed in 20/32 (62.5%) strains and ESBL in 9/91 (10%). In all detected rural channels AR E.coli were found, as well as, in the 2 wells. Notably, in these latter, E.coli was both positive for ESBL and resistant to Cephalosporins of 2nd and 3rd generation. This research clearly demonstrates the phenomenon of the spread of AR in the waterborne matrices, even for new antibiotics. The WHO considers AR as a relevant One Health issue, due to the relationship among human, animal and ecosystem domains. The role of water as a vehicle of AR bacteria is evident, assuming the hypothetical pathway of AR bacteria of both human and animal origin contaminating irrigation channels, and thus the vegetables, or when contaminated wells supply water to food-producing animals. Animal effluents are usually distributed in the nearby fields and the runoff of water during rainfall could contaminate irrigation channels also through this way. Funding support provided by the Grandi Sfide di Ateneo 2021.

Key messages

• Water from irrigation channels and wells has a role in the spreading of AR.

• Relative high prevalence of E.coli resistant to antibiotics, comprising 3rd gen Cephalosporins and Fluoroquinolones.

In the 2024 abstract supplement of the EPH Conference “Sailing the Waves of European public health: Exploring a Sea of Innovation” in Lisbon, 12–15 November 2024 (https://academic.oup.com/eurpub/issue/34/Supplement_3), we unfortunately failed to publish one abstract. Please find the abstract below.
A Pact with the Devil: The Madman Theory and Nonaggression Pacts
Authors: Li Yinlong
Published: December 2024

This study explores the onset of nonaggression pacts at the individual level, focusing on how leaders’ perceived madness influences security agreements. While the Madman Theory suggests that perceived madness could be an asset in crisis bargaining, it also signals uncertainty and hostility to other states. Consequently, states seek security assurances through nonaggression pacts to manage the risks posed by such leaders. On the other hand, leaders adopting the Madman strategy may strategically pursue these pacts as signaling devices to alleviate diplomatic isolation and mitigate their overall reputation for madness for strategic purposes. By utilizing McManus’s perception-based measures, my findings indicate that leaders with a strong reputation for madness significantly influence the formation of nonaggression pacts, whereas moderate levels of madness do not have the same effect. The impact of a strong reputation for madness diminishes when states are distant from the mad leader or are protected by more military alliances. This study sheds light on the role of leaders’ reputations in security agreements and extends the scope of the Madman Theory beyond crisis bargaining to broader contexts of security cooperation.
Domestic Groups’ Testimonies at US Foreign Aid Hearings from 1980 to 2020: Findings from a New Dataset
Authors: Cho Esol
Published: December 2024

How has the composition of domestic groups testifying before Congress on foreign aid changed over time? In what ways have the main themes of their speeches changed? At US congressional hearings, numerous external groups have expressed their views and positions on aid issues, with some repeatedly invited to testify to multiple committees across many years. However, there is a lack of data on this representation to show how domestic politics have influenced donor's aid decision-making process. I present new findings on the evolution of the aid topics discussed by witnesses representing NGOs, private enterprises, and research experts based on their combined total of 1,656 testimonies given to 31 committees at 325 relevant hearings from 1980 to 2020. This paper's findings shed light on the various aid demands made by different group types, offering insights into the dynamics of aid discussions in the United States over the past four decades.
Guided paths to understanding: can patient navigation improve health literacy among adults in the Philippines?
Authors: Candelario Cristela Mae C , Castillo Eleanor C
Published: December 2024

Patient navigation shows promise for improving healthcare access and health information, though its impact on health literacy among underserved populations in developing countries remains underinvestigated. This study evaluated the effectiveness of patient navigation services in improving health literacy in the Philippines. Using a quasi-experimental, one-group pretest–posttest design over 2 months, 105 participants were recruited through random sampling from a tertiary hospital. The intervention provided personalized guidance on healthcare access, health information, appointment scheduling, and referrals. Health literacy was assessed across four dimensions (Access, Understand, Appraise, Apply) using a researcher-developed questionnaire. Participant demographics showed a majority aged 18–30 years (68.6%), female (75.2%), single (63.8%), and college/university educated (53.3%). Nearly half (45.7%) had no income, while 31.4% earned below minimum wage. Participants reported using patient navigation to consult a doctor (75.2%) and were made aware of the available services mostly through other family members (28.6%). Follow-up data revealed significant improvements across all health literacy dimensions (P < .001). In the Access dimension, participants who strongly agreed increased from 18% to 35% in knowing where to find information, and from 16% to 34% in having easy access. The Understand dimension showed gains from 20% to 39% for comprehending provider information, and 21% to 38% for understanding risks and benefits. The Appraise dimension improved from 22% to 36% for evaluating accuracy, and 24% to 39% for asking pertinent questions, while the Apply dimension increased from 25% to 35% for making informed decisions, and 23% to 37% for taking health action. These results suggest that patient navigation services can effectively enhance health literacy among Filipino adults, demonstrating the potential of this patient-centered approach in promoting health equity in similar settings.
Characterization of nitrate use efficiency in tea plant (Camellia sinensis) based on leaf chlorate sensitivity
Authors: Zhang Wenjing , Dong Xiaoying , Ni Kang , Ma Lifeng , Long Lizhi , Ruan Jianyun
Published: December 2024

Nitrate (NO3−), a key form of inorganic nitrogen (N) in soils, is typically lost in tea gardens through leaching. However, NO3− utilization efficiency (NiUE) and its characteristic mechanism in tea plants remain unclear. This study screened contrastive genotypes of NiUE using leaf chlorate sensitivity and explored the potential genes that regulate this process. Fresh branches of ten cultivars were hydroponically cultivated and subjected to potassium nitrate (KNO3) and potassium chlorate (KClO3) treatments, with the former as the control group. The sensitive cultivar, Zhenong 117 (ZN117), showed a decrease in SPAD and Fv/Fm values following KClO3 treatment, while the tolerant cultivar, Teiguanyin (TGY), exhibited minimal significant changes. After 5 days of cultivation, the 15N concentration and proportion in new shoots of ZN117 were significantly higher than those in TGY. Transcriptome analysis revealed that the expression of genes responsible for NO3− transport, including the nitrate transporters NRT2.4, NPF4.6, NPF6.1, NPF1.10, and NPF1.11, significantly increased in ZN117 after NO3− supply. Genes involved in NO3− reduction, chlorophyll synthesis, and photosynthesis were progressively induced. Co-expression network analysis indicated that the squamosa promoter binding protein activated the onset of NO3− signaling, while basic helix–loop–helix transcripts were triggered to higher levels during NO3− supply. This study proposes a rapid characterization method of NiUE in woody plants and a speculative molecular regulatory mechanism for the NO3− transfer and remobilization of tea plants. A set of specific genes involved in NO3− transport, reduction, and mobilization were identified and proposed as marker genes for NiUE in tea plants.
Integrated analysis of metabolites and enzyme activities reveals the plasticity of central carbon metabolism in grape (Vitis vinifera cv. Cabernet Sauvignon) berries under carbon limitation
Authors: Tong Qian , Wang Yongjian , Feil Regina , Lunn John E , Xu Xiaobo , Wang Yi , Hilbert-Masson Ghislaine , Kong Junhua , Chen Jinliang , Delrot Serge , Beauvoit Bertrand , Liang Zhenchang , Gomès Eric , Gibon Yves , Dai Zhanwu
Published: December 2024

High temperatures increase the sugar concentration of grape (Vitis vinifera L.) berries, which can negatively affect the composition and quality of wine, and global climate change is expected to exacerbate this problem. Modifying the source-to-sink ratio of grapevines by selective pruning is a potential strategy to mitigate this. To investigate the effects of low source-to-sink ratio (retaining three leaves per cluster) on carbon metabolism of grape (cv. Cabernet Sauvignon) berries, we conducted an analysis of 42 metabolites, 21 enzyme activities, at nine berry developmental stages，as well as transcriptomes from berries grown under two leaves per cluster. The results revealed that the metabolic pathways were coordinately regulated to maintain homeostasis under low source-to-sink ratio conditions. Because of a delay between metabolites and enzyme activities, the metabolites were loosely correlated with enzyme activities, and a lower density of connectivity between them appeared in low source-to-sink conditions. Otherwise, transcripts of the carbohydrate and amino acid metabolism pathways were enriched by carbon limitation. In summary, this integrated analysis reveals a coordinated regulation of various metabolic pathways that maintains the balance of carbon metabolism and ensures survival in challenging environments, highlighting the high metabolic plasticity of grape berries.
Sexual, relational, and psychological functioning in male partners of women with reported Mayer–Rokitansky–Küster–Hauser syndrome—a case–control study
Authors: Bleijenberg F , Weijenborg P T M , Kluivers K B , Both S
Published: December 2024

STUDY QUESTION

Do sexual, relational, and psychological functioning of male partners of women with Mayer–Rokitansky–Küster–Hauser (MRKH) syndrome differ from male partners of women without MRKH syndrome?

SUMMARY ANSWER

Male partners of women with MRKH syndrome did not significantly differ in sexual functioning but reported higher relational satisfaction and less anxiety than the control group.

WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY

To date, only a few studies have reported occasionally about sexual, psychological, and relational functioning of partners of women with MRKH syndrome. The results seem to suggest sexual satisfaction in these men, contrary to the more often reported insecurities in women with MRKH syndrome surrounding sexuality and relationships.

STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION

In this case–control study, 42 male partners of women with MRKH syndrome and 40 partners of women without the condition were enrolled.

PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS

All participants were recruited through women with MRKH syndrome and age-matched women without the condition who participated in a previous case–control study on sexual, psychological, and relational functioning. Participants live in a heterosexual relationship for at least in the last 6 months and have a basic understanding of the Dutch language. They were administered a set of online questionnaires to assess sexual, relational, and psychological functioning.

MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE

Partners of women with MRKH syndrome did not differ significantly in overall sexual functioning and had similar percentages of sexual dysfunction and sexual distress as the control group. Partners of women with MRKH syndrome reported significantly less relational dissatisfaction (P = 0.01; Cohen’s d = 0.6) than partners of women without the condition. There was no significant difference in overall psychological functioning or the presence of clinically relevant anxiety and depression, but the men in the MRKH group had a significantly lower anxiety score (P = 0.01; Cohen’s d = 0.6).

LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION

We were not able to reach a sample size needed for enough power to detect small to medium effect sizes. Confounding factors and selection bias cannot be excluded.

WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS

The study offers new knowledge on a perspective that remains underexposed so far, which makes comparison to previous literature difficult. More research is needed to apply the results in clinical practice.

STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S)

This research was supported by the Dutch Scientific Society of Sexology (Nederlandse Wetenschappelijke Vereniging Voor Seksuologie). There was no involvement in the conduct of the research, and the funding was unrestricted. There are no conflicts of interest to declare.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

N/A.
Predation by marine mammals explains recent trends in natural mortality of Pacific Herring (Clupea pallasii) and changes expectations for future biomass
Authors: Doherty Beau , Johnson Samuel D N , Benson Ashleen J , Cox Sean P , Cleary Jaclyn S , Lane Jim
Published: December 2024

The recovery of marine mammals from historical over-exploitation in the 1970s represents one of the largest changes in trophic structure in the northeast Pacific Ocean over the last century, for which the impacts on key forage species such as Pacific Herring (Clupea pallasii) are poorly understood. This has prompted hypotheses that increasing marine mammal populations are the primary cause for productivity declines for some fish stocks and their lack of recovery to historical abundance levels. In this study, we evaluate such a hypothesis for Pacific Herring by quantifying historical predation rates by key predators, including cetaceans (Pacific Humpbacks, Grey Whales), pinnipeds (Steller Sea Lions, Harbour Seals), and piscivorous fish (Pacific Hake). Predation mortality is quantified via a novel approach that integrates a single-species catch-at-age model with estimates of predator consumption derived from bioenergetic models. We found that predator consumption, largely driven by Humpback Whales, explained increasing Pacific Herring natural mortality rates in recent years and could be used to forecast future mortality. Incorporating higher future natural mortality rates produced higher estimates of current stock status (1.09–1.2$B_0$) based on lower estimates of equilibrium unfished biomass (17.5–20.3 kt). Conversely, models that assumed mortality was more like the historical average had lower stock status (0.63$B_0$) and higher estimates of unfished biomass (32.4 kt). We demonstrate a practical approach for ecosystem modelling that can be used to develop operating model scenarios for management strategy evaluation, improving scientific defensibility by removing an element of analyst choice for future mortality scenarios. We discuss how simpler modifications to single-species model assumptions can be more pragmatic for providing fisheries management advice, while more complex multi-species or ecosystem models might provide more nuanced insights for exploring research questions related to multi-species ecosystems and fisheries interactions.
Surgical indications for pleurectomy/decortication in pleural mesothelioma based on the newly revised 9th edition of the tumour–node–metastasis classification
Authors: Kanayama Masatoshi , Takenaka Masaru , Manabe Takehiko , Yoshimatsu Katsuma , Oyama Rintaro , Matsumiya Hiroki , Mori Masataka , Kuroda Koji , Tanaka Fumihiro
Published: December 2024

OBJECTIVES

The MARS2 trial questioned the efficacy of curative intent surgery for pleural mesothelioma (PM), while real-world clinical data from Japan suggest a favourable prognosis in surgical cases, indicating survival benefits in selected patients. The newly revised 9th edition of the tumour–node–metastasis (TNM) classification introduces a novel indicator based on pleural thickness.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective evaluation of patients with PM who underwent pleurectomy/decortication between 2012 and 2022. Patient characteristics, complications and treatment outcomes were assessed. Additionally, outcomes were analysed based on the 9th edition of the TNM classification.

RESULTS

A total of 62 patients were included in the analysis. The median overall survival (OS) was 37.3 months, with a median relapse-free survival (RFS) of 15.5 months. Patients with the epithelioid subtype (OS: 61.6 months; RFS: 26.0 months) and pStage IA (OS: not reached; RFS: 69.1 months) had significantly better outcomes. The 9th edition of the TNM classification showed a stronger prognostic correlation than the 8th edition, with a median OS of 77.0, 31.9, 20.4 and 25.3 months for stages I, II, IIIA and IIIB (P = 0.0016) and median RFS of 34.3, 12.3, 13.7 and 6.9 months for stages I, II, IIIA and IIIB (P = 0.013), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Surgical intervention remains crucial in the treatment of PM, particularly for patients with epithelioid histology and early stages of the disease. This study evaluates surgical indications for PM using the newly revised 9th edition of the TNM classification, indicating that it enhances the precision of surgical candidate selection and potentially improves patient outcomes.
Benefit of minimally invasive extracorporeal circulation on minimally invasive aortic valve replacement through right lateral mini-thoracotomy using femoral cannulation: a propensity-matched analysis
Authors: Nakamura Yoshitsugu , Nakayama Taisuke , Niitsuma Kusumi , Higuma Yuka , Ushijima Masaki , Kuroda Miho , Yasumoto Yuto , Ito Yujiro , Hayashi Yujiro , Tsuruta Ryo , Yamauchi Naoya , Higashino Akihiro , Shikata Fumiaki
Published: December 2024

OBJECTIVES

The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of minimally invasive extracorporeal circulation on blood transfusion and asymptomatic brain injury in comparison to conventional extracorporeal circulation in the context of minimally invasive aortic valve replacement through right lateral mini-thoracotomy surgery.

METHODS

This was a retrospective observational study. Patients who underwent isolated aortic valve replacement through right lateral mini-thoracotomy surgery were divided into two groups: the minimally invasive extracorporeal circulation group and the conventional extracorporeal circulation group. Propensity matching was employed for further analysis.

RESULTS

Of 242 patients, the minimally invasive group and conventional group comprised 166 patients and 76 patients, respectively. In the matched cohort of 71 pairs, the two groups had similar preoperative characteristics. Extracorporeal circulation time was similar between the minimally invasive and conventional groups: 113 and 115 min, respectively, as was aortic clamp time: 86 and 82 min, respectively. Estimated amount of haemodilution was lower in the minimally invasive group (16.8 vs. 18.8%, P = 0.006). Blood transfusion frequency during surgery was less than half of conventional in the minimally invasive group (12.7 vs. 31.0%, P = 0.01). There were no deaths or stroke in either group during the hospital stay. Asymptomatic brain injury rate was the same for the two groups (35.2 vs. 35.2%, P = 1.00).

CONCLUSIONS

Minimally invasive extracorporeal circulation was associated with fewer patients requiring transfusion than conventional extracorporeal circulation without an increase of asymptomatic brain injury in minimally invasive aortic valve replacement through right lateral mini-thoracotomy surgery.
Assessment of the financial gaps in cardiothoracic surgery in Africa
Authors: Nwalibe Cynthia , Effiom Victory Bassey , Anyinkeng Achanga Bill-Smith , James Michael Anayo , Genda Eben-Ezer , Irungu Wambui , Abaiweh Frank-Awat , Okonta Kelechi E
Published: December 2024

OBJECTIVES

This study identified the challenges to financing cardiothoracic surgical care in Africa, highlighting the present state of funding and proffering probable solutions to adequate and effective funding in the region.

METHODS

In a literature review, the authors elaborated key points, such as areas of financial funding in cardiothoracic surgery; barriers to appropriate allocation of financial resources for cardiothoracic surgery in Africa; and the needs and available resources for cardiothoracic surgery in Africa. Multiple search engines and databases were used, including but not limited to PubMed, Medline, Cochrane, Scopus and Google Scholar. Sixty articles were identified, and 50 of the 60 were used for this review.

RESULTS

Operations to treat cardiovascular and thoracic diseases performed on the African continent are known to be expensive. They also tend to result in significant morbidity and mortality among the affected individuals because payment is largely out of pocket and the coverage by health insurance providers is low. The establishment of cardiothoracic surgical centres and the delivery of cardiothoracic surgical care are expensive endeavours that limit access to care of patients without comprehensive health insurance or philanthropic support. These poor outcomes are attributed mainly to inadequate funding.

CONCLUSIONS

We therefore have recommended advocating for increased funding and for support of policies designed to support the prioritization of cardiothoracic care within national and regional healthcare agendas in order to include cardiothoracic surgery in global and national healthcare plans. Non-governmental organizations and major industries (foreign and local) should be encouraged to invest substantial funds in building and developing cardiothoracic surgery centres in Africa.
Application research on deep learning algorithms supporting cross-border low-carbon IoT systems in manufacturing—taking Guangdong, China, as an example
Authors: Li Jianzhong , Wan Qiang , Zhang Juan , Zhang Liangrui , Ou Zhiming
Published: December 2024

With the rapid advancement of new quality productive forces, the manufacturing industry faces increasing pressure for green transformation. This study, focused on Dongguan City, explores the role of deep learning in enabling cross-border, low-carbon Internet of Things (IoT) systems to enhance global competitiveness. A novel CNN–GRU–Attention deep learning model processes logistics data, capturing spatial and temporal features while highlighting key information. Combined with a three-tier low-carbon IoT system, this approach optimizes energy consumption and reduces carbon emissions. Empirical analysis from Dongguan’s logistics data demonstrates improved prediction accuracy and efficiency.
Optimal error analysis of the normalized tangent plane FEM for Landau–Lifshitz–Gilbert equation
Authors: An Rong , Li Yonglin , Sun Weiwei
Published: December 2024

The dynamics of the magnetization in ferromagnetic materials is governed by the Landau–Lifshitz–Gilbert equation, which is highly nonlinear with the nonconvex sphere constraint $|{\textbf{m}}|=1$. A crucial issue in designing numerical schemes is to preserve this sphere constraint in the discrete level. A popular numerical method is the normalized tangent plane finite element method (NTP-FEM), which was first proposed by Alouges and Jaisson and later, applied for solving various practical problems. Since the classical energy approach fails to be applied directly to the analysis of this method, previous studies only focused on the convergence and until now, no any error estimate was established for such an NTP-FEM. This paper presents a rigorous error analysis and establishes the optimal $H^{1}$ error estimate. Numerical results are provided to confirm our theoretical analysis.
Discontinuous Galerkin discretization of coupled poroelasticity–elasticity problems
Authors: Antonietti Paola F , Botti Michele , Mazzieri Ilario
Published: December 2024

This work is concerned with the analysis of a space–time finite element discontinuous Galerkin method on polytopal meshes (XT-PolydG) for the numerical discretization of wave propagation in coupled poroelastic–elastic media. The mathematical model consists of the low-frequency Biot’s equations in the poroelastic medium and the elastodynamics equation for the elastic one. To realize the coupling suitable transmission conditions on the interface between the two domains are (weakly) embedded in the formulation. The proposed PolydG discretization in space is coupled with a dG time integration scheme, resulting in a full space–time dG discretization. We present the stability analysis for both semidiscrete and fully discrete formulations, and derive error estimates in suitable energy norms. The method is applied to various numerical test cases to verify the theoretical bounds. Examples of physical interest are also presented to investigate the capability of the proposed method in relevant geophysical scenarios.
China’s Soft Power: Views from Saudi Arabia and the UAE
Authors: Akbarzadeh Shahram , Saba Arif
Published: December 2024

China has emerged as a formidable actor in the Middle East, expanding its engagement with the region well beyond its quest for resources. It has adopted a multilayered approach and engaged with the region through diplomacy, economic investments, security, and cultural outreach. This complex web of engagement is designed to promote China as a reliable partner and role model in the Middle East. China has developed a conscious soft power projection plan that leverages its economic weight and promotes values associated with a strong state and social stability. The emphasis on economic development and a strong state resonates with many states in the Middle East. Public opinion surveys in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) reveal a highly favorable perception of China and its role in the region. There is clear interest in China's economic model, with overwhelming support for trade and economic engagement. China's political system is also seen as attractive. This study reveals interest in closer political and cultural ties with China, suggesting that Chinese has achieved discernible soft power in the region.
Moving the Needle: Recommendation Precision and Compliance with Women’s Rights Recommendations
Authors: Haglund Jillienne , Hillebrecht Courtney
Published: December 2024

Abstracts

International human rights institutions impose obligations on their member states that extend long past the ratification stage. Each year, states receive tens, or even hundreds, of recommendations from international human rights bodies. These recommendations demand that states change their human rights policies and practices. While recent scholarship has emphasized the important role of domestic institutions and civil society actors in facilitating compliance with these recommendations, comparatively little research examines how the quality of the recommendations themselves affects compliance outcomes. Using two novel datasets, this paper sets out to understand the nexus between recommendation quality and compliance. Our research suggests that highly precise recommendations move the needle away from inaction on international human rights institutions’ rulings and recommendations but make full compliance more difficult. This paper advances the existing literature on the dynamics of compliance and places some of the responsibility for compliance on the international human rights institutions themselves.
A novel generative multi-task representation learning approach for predicting postoperative complications in cardiac surgery patients
Authors: Shen Junbo , Xue Bing , Kannampallil Thomas , Lu Chenyang , Abraham Joanna
Published: December 2024

Objective

Early detection of surgical complications allows for timely therapy and proactive risk mitigation. Machine learning (ML) can be leveraged to identify and predict patient risks for postoperative complications. We developed and validated the effectiveness of predicting postoperative complications using a novel surgical Variational Autoencoder (surgVAE) that uncovers intrinsic patterns via cross-task and cross-cohort presentation learning.

Materials and Methods

This retrospective cohort study used data from the electronic health records of adult surgical patients over 4 years (2018-2021). Six key postoperative complications for cardiac surgery were assessed: acute kidney injury, atrial fibrillation, cardiac arrest, deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism, blood transfusion, and other intraoperative cardiac events. We compared surgVAE’s prediction performance against widely-used ML models and advanced representation learning and generative models under 5-fold cross-validation.

Results

89 246 surgeries (49% male, median [IQR] age: 57 [45-69]) were included, with 6502 in the targeted cardiac surgery cohort (61% male, median [IQR] age: 60 [53-70]). surgVAE demonstrated generally superior performance over existing ML solutions across postoperative complications of cardiac surgery patients, achieving macro-averaged AUPRC of 0.409 and macro-averaged AUROC of 0.831, which were 3.4% and 3.7% higher, respectively, than the best alternative method (by AUPRC scores). Model interpretation using Integrated Gradients highlighted key risk factors based on preoperative variable importance.

Discussion and Conclusion

Our advanced representation learning framework surgVAE showed excellent discriminatory performance for predicting postoperative complications and addressing the challenges of data complexity, small cohort sizes, and low-frequency positive events. surgVAE enables data-driven predictions of patient risks and prognosis while enhancing the interpretability of patient risk profiles.
What the papers say
Authors: Bajwa Ali
Published: December 2024

The Journal of Hip Preservation Surgery (JHPS) is not the only place where work in the field of hip preservation can be published. Although our aim is to offer the best of the best, we are continually fascinated by work, which finds its way into journals other than our own. There is much to learn from it, and so JHPS has selected six recent and topical subjects for those who seek a summary of what is taking place in our ever-fascinating world of hip preservation. What you see here are the mildly edited abstracts of the original articles, to give them what JHPS hopes is a more readable feel. If you are pushed for time, what follows should take you no more than 10 min to read. So here goes …
Purple non-sulfur bacteria for biotechnological applications
Authors: Morrison Hailee M , Bose Arpita
Published: December 2024

In this review, we focus on how purple non-sulfur bacteria can be leveraged for sustainable bioproduction to support the circular economy. We discuss the state of the field with respect to the use of purple bacteria for energy production, their role in wastewater treatment, as a fertilizer, and as a chassis for bioplastic production. We explore their ability to serve as single-cell protein and production platforms for fine chemicals from waste materials. We also introduce more Avant-Garde technologies that leverage the unique metabolisms of purple bacteria, including microbial electrosynthesis and co-culture. These technologies will be pivotal in our efforts to mitigate climate change and circularize the economy in the next two decades.

One-sentence summary

Purple non-sulfur bacteria are utilized for a range of biotechnological applications, including the production of bio-energy, single cell protein, fertilizer, bioplastics, fine chemicals, in wastewater treatment and in novel applications like co-cultures and microbial electrosynthesis.
Nanopore sequencing as a cutting-edge technology for medulloblastoma classification
Authors: Filser Mathilde , Torrejon Jacob , Merchadou Kevin , Dufour Christelle , Girard Elodie , Bourneix Christine , Lemaître Elisa , Gharsalli Tarek , Brillet Riwan , Wong Jennifer , Gentien David , Rapinat Audrey , Servant Nicolas , Vasiljevic Alexandre , Bertozzi Anne Isabelle , Raimbault Sandra , Tauziede Espariat Arnault , Lhermitte Benoit , Faure-Conter Cécile , Icher Céline , Berger Claire , Maurage Claude Alain , Bodet Damien , Meyronet David , Uro-Coste Emmanuelle , De Carli Emilie , Forest Fabien , Palenzuela Gilles , Chotard Guillaume , Gauchotte Guillaume , Sudour Helene , Mansuy Ludovic , Deparis Marianna , Tallegas Matthias , Faisant Maxime , Entz-Werle Natacha , Varlet Pascale , Leblond Pierre , Michalak-Provost Sophie , Proust Houdemont Stéphanie , Rigau Valérie , Doz François , Delattre Olivier , Bourdeaut Franck , Ayrault Olivier , Masliah-Planchon Julien
Published: December 2024

Background

Medulloblastoma (MB) is one of the most prevalent embryonal malignant brain tumors. Current classification organizes these tumors into 4 molecular subgroups (WNT, SHH, Group 3, and Group 4 MB). Recently, a comprehensive classification has been established, identifying numerous subtypes, some of which exhibit a poor prognosis. It is critical to establish effective subtyping methods for accurate diagnosis and patient’s management that strikes a delicate balance between improving outcomes and minimizing the risk of comorbidities.

Methods

We evaluated the ability of Nanopore sequencing to provide clinically relevant methylation and copy number profiles of MB. Nanopore sequencing was applied to an EPIC cohort of 44 frozen MB, benchmarked against the gold standard EPIC array, and further evaluated on an integrated diagnosis cohort of 116 MB.

Results

Most MB of both cohorts (42/44; 95.5% and 106/116; 91.4%, respectively) were accurately subgrouped by Nanopore sequencing. Employing Flongle flow cells for 18 MB allowed a more rapid and cost-effective analysis, with 94.4% (17/18) being correctly classified. Nanopore sequencing enabled us to accurately subtype 28/30 (93.3%) MB.

Conclusion

This study, conducted on the largest cohort of MB analyzed with Nanopore sequencing to date, establishes the proof of concept that this modern and innovative technology is well-suited for MB classification. Nanopore sequencing demonstrates a robust capacity for precise subtyping of MB, a critical advancement that holds significant potential for enhancing patient stratification in future clinical trials. Its ability to deliver quick and cost-effective results firmly establishes it as a game-changer in the field of MB classification.
Will the next pandemic caused by coronavirus again? An interview with George Fu Gao
Authors: Zhao Weijie
Published: December 2024

Former Director General of China CDC George Fu Gao talked about the ‘the next pandemic’ from a scientific perspective, and calls on the world to collaborate for global health.
Effects of Prebiotics and Probiotics on Symptoms of Depression and Anxiety in Clinically Diagnosed Samples: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Asad Afrida , Kirk Megan , Zhu Sufen , Dong Xue , Gao Min
Published: December 2024

Context

The use of prebiotics and probiotics as a treatment for psychiatric conditions has gained interest due to their potential to modulate the gut–brain axis. This review aims to assess the effectiveness of these interventions in reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety in psychiatric populations.

Objective

The aim was to comprehensively review and appraise the effectiveness of prebiotic, probiotic, and synbiotic interventions in reducing clinical depression and anxiety symptoms.

Data Sources

Systematic searches were conducted across Embase, Medline, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, and Science Citation Index from database inception to May 22, 2023.

Data Extraction

Randomized controlled trials investigating prebiotic, probiotic, or synbiotic interventions for treating clinical depression or anxiety symptoms in clinical samples were included. Data were extracted on study characteristics, intervention details, and outcome measures. The Cochrane Collaboration Tool was used to assess the risk of bias.

Data Analysis

The standardized mean difference (SMD) was calculated using Hedge’s g as the metric of effect size. A random-effects model was applied to estimate pooled effect sizes with 95% CIs. Subgroup analyses were performed based on study characteristics, methodological factors, and intervention types. Sensitivity analyses excluded studies with a high risk of bias.

Results

Twenty-three RCTs involving 1401 patients met the inclusion criteria, with 20 trials providing sufficient data for meta-analysis. Of these, 18 trials investigated probiotics for depression, 9 trials assessed probiotics for anxiety, and 3 trials examined prebiotics for depression. Probiotics demonstrated a significant reduction in depression symptoms (SMD: –0.96; 95% CI: –1.31, –0.61) and a moderate reduction in anxiety symptoms (SMD: –0.59; 95% CI: –0.98, –0.19). Prebiotics did not show a significant effect on depression (SMD: –0.28; 95% CI: –0.61, 0.04). High heterogeneity was observed across studies, and subgroup analyses indicated that study duration and probiotic formulations contributed to the variation in effect sizes.

Conclusion

Probiotics showed substantial reductions in depression symptoms and moderate reductions in anxiety symptoms. Prebiotics showed a nonsignificant trend toward reducing depression. An adjunctive mental health treatment approach that diagnoses, monitors, and treats the gut microbiome alongside traditional pharmacological treatment holds promise for clinical practice.

Systematic Review Registration

PROSPERO registration no. CRD42023424136.
Exploring the interplay between catastrophizing and endometriosis pain through 2-wave and intensive longitudinal data
Authors: Moreira Marcelo França , Oliveira Marco Aurelio Pinho
Published: December 2024

Background

Endometriosis, characterized by the presence of endometrial-like tissue outside the uterus, results in chronic pelvic pain. However, lesion characteristics alone cannot fully explain the complexity of endometriosis-related pain. Pain catastrophizing, a cognitive process that influences pain perception, has traditionally been studied through cross-sectional or 2-wave designs, which struggle to capture its dynamic interplay with endometriosis pain. To address these gaps, our study explores the bidirectional relationship between pain catastrophizing and pain outcomes—including intensity, frequency, and flares—over a detailed 4-week period and an aggregated 30-day time frame and across sensory and affective dimensions.

Methods

A latent growth curve model assessed the relationship between pain catastrophizing, initial pain levels, and endometriosis pain trajectories over 4 weeks. Additionally, 4 mediator models explored how baseline pain catastrophizing affects various pain aspects, including sensory and affective dimensions, and its subsequent influence on pain catastrophizing.

Results

Results indicate that high levels of pain catastrophizing significantly escalate endometriosis pain over 4 weeks, affecting average pain intensity, episode frequency, and flares over 30 days. Pain catastrophizing also adversely impacts sensory and affective dimensions. These elements partially mediate baseline pain catastrophizing’s effect on week 5 levels, revealing a bidirectional relationship. Notably, whereas the affective dimension amplifies subsequent pain catastrophizing, the sensory dimension exerts a contrasting negative association.

Conclusion

The study highlights the bidirectional influence between pain catastrophizing and several aspects of endometriosis-related pain. Sensory and affective dimensions play distinct roles, with implications for personalized interventions. Limitations and clinical relevance are discussed.

Trial registration

Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials ID: U1111-1233-4802.
Inverted EEMD: a robust method to identify narrow absorption features form spectral data and cubes
Authors: He Zhen-Zhen , Li Guang-Xing
Published: December 2024

Extracting information from complex data is a challenge shared by multiple frontiers of modern astrophysical research. Among those, analysing spectra cubes, where the emission is mapped in the position–position–velocity space is a difficult task given the vast amount of information contained within. The cubes often contain a superposition of emissions and absorptions, where extracting absorption signatures is often necessary. One example is the extraction of narrow absorption structures in H i 21 cm emission spectra. These H i self-absorption (HISA) clouds trace the cold H i gas in interstellar space. We introduce an automatic and robust method called the inverted ensemble empirical mode decomposition (EEMD) method to extract narrow features from spectral cubes. Our method is based on the EEMD method, an established method to decompose 1d signals. The method is robust and parameter-free, making it useful in analysing spectral cubes containing localized absorption signals of different types. The inverted-EEMD method is suitable for the analysis of spectral cubes where it can produce a cube containing the absorption signal and one containing the unabsorbed signal, where cold clouds can be identified as coherent regions in the absorption map.