bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Disruption of the Autism-Associated
Pcdh9
Gene Leads to Transcriptional Alterations, Synapse Overgrowth, and Defective Network Activity in the CA1
Authors: Miozzo Federico , Murru Luca , Maiellano Greta , di Iasio Ilaria , Zippo Antonio G. , Zambrano Avendano Annalaura , Metodieva Verjinia D. , Riccardi Sara , D’Aliberti Deborah , Spinelli Silvia , Canu Tamara , Chaabane Linda , Hirano Shinji , Kas Martien J. H. , Francolini Maura , Piazza Rocco , Moretto Edoardo , Passafaro Maria
Published: November 2024

Protocadherins, a family of adhesion molecules with a crucial role in cell–cell interactions, have emerged as key players in neurodevelopmental and psychiatric disorders. In particular, growing evidence links genetic alterations in the protocadherin 9 (
PCDH9
) gene with autism spectrum disorder and major depressive disorder. Furthermore,
Pcdh9
deletion induces neuronal defects in the mouse somatosensory cortex, accompanied by sensorimotor and memory impairment. However, the synaptic and molecular mechanisms of
PCDH9
in the brain remain largely unknown, particularly concerning its impact on brain pathology. To address this question, we conducted a comprehensive investigation of PCDH9’s role in the male mouse hippocampus at the ultrastructural, biochemical, transcriptomic, electrophysiological, and network levels. We show that PCDH9 mainly localizes at glutamatergic synapses and its expression peaks in the first week after birth, a crucial time window for synaptogenesis. Strikingly,
Pcdh9
KO neurons exhibit oversized presynaptic terminal and postsynaptic density in the CA1. Synapse overgrowth is sustained by the widespread upregulation of synaptic genes, as revealed by single-nucleus RNA-seq (snRNA-seq), and the dysregulation of key drivers of synapse morphogenesis, including the SHANK2/CORTACTIN pathway. At the functional level, these structural and transcriptional abnormalities result in increased excitatory postsynaptic currents (mEPSC) and reduced network activity in the CA1 of
Pcdh9
KO mice. In conclusion, our work uncovers
Pcdh9
’s pivotal role in shaping the morphology and function of CA1 excitatory synapses, thereby modulating glutamatergic transmission within hippocampal circuits.
A Data-Driven Analysis of the Perceptual and Neural Responses to Natural Objects Reveals Organizing Principles of Human Visual Cognition
Authors: Watson David M. , Andrews Timothy J.
Published: November 2024

A key challenge in understanding the functional organization of the visual cortex stems from the fact that only a small proportion of the objects experienced during natural viewing can be presented in a typical experiment. This constraint often leads to experimental designs that compare responses to objects from experimenter-defined stimulus conditions, potentially limiting the interpretation of the data. To overcome this issue, we used images from the THINGS initiative, which provides a systematic sampling of natural objects. A data-driven analysis was then applied to reveal the functional organization of the visual brain, incorporating both perceptual and neural responses to these objects. Perceptual properties of the objects were taken from an analysis of similarity judgments, and neural properties were taken from whole-brain fMRI responses to the same objects. Partial least squares regression (PLSR) was then used to predict neural responses across the brain from the perceptual properties while simultaneously applying dimensionality reduction. The PLSR model accurately predicted neural responses across the visual cortex using only a small number of components. These components revealed smooth, graded neural topographies, which were similar in both hemispheres and captured a variety of object properties including animacy, real-world size, and object category. However, they did not accord in any simple way with previous theoretical perspectives on object perception. Instead, our findings suggest that the visual cortex encodes information in a statistically efficient manner, reflecting natural variability among objects.
Human IPSC-Derived Microglia Sense and Dampen Hyperexcitability of Cortical Neurons Carrying the Epilepsy-AssociatedSCN2A-L1342P Mutation
Authors: Que Zhefu , Olivero-Acosta Maria I. , Robinson Morgan , Chen Ian , Zhang Jingliang , Wettschurack Kyle , Wu Jiaxiang , Xiao Tiange , Otterbacher Conrad Max , Shankar Vinayak , Harlow Hope , Hong Seoyong , Zirkle Benjamin , Wang Muhan , Cui Ningren , Mandal Purba , Chen Xiaoling , Deming Brody , Halurkar Manasi , Zhao Yuanrui , Rochet Jean-Christophe , Xu Ranjie , Brewster Amy L. , Wu Long-jun , Yuan Chongli , Skarnes William C. , Yang Yang
Published: November 2024

Neuronal hyperexcitability is a hallmark of epilepsy. It has been recently shown in rodent models of seizures that microglia, the brain's resident immune cells, can respond to and modulate neuronal excitability. However, how human microglia interact with human neurons to regulate hyperexcitability mediated by an epilepsy-causing genetic mutation found in patients is unknown. TheSCN2Agene is responsible for encoding the voltage-gated sodium channel Nav1.2, one of the leading contributors to monogenic epilepsies. Previously, we demonstrated that the recurring Nav1.2-L1342P mutation leads to hyperexcitability in a male donor (KOLF2.1) human-induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-derived cortical neuron model. Microglia originate from a different lineage (yolk sac) and are not naturally present in hiPSC-derived neuronal cultures. To study how microglia respond to neurons carrying a disease-causing mutation and influence neuronal excitability, we established a coculture model comprising hiPSC-derived neurons and microglia. We found that microglia display increased branch length and enhanced process-specific calcium signal when cocultured with Nav1.2-L1342P neurons. Moreover, the presence of microglia significantly lowered the repetitive action potential firing and current density of sodium channels in neurons carrying the mutation. Additionally, we showed that coculturing with microglia led to a reduction in sodium channel expression within the axon initial segment of Nav1.2-L1342P neurons. Furthermore, we demonstrated that Nav1.2-L1342P neurons release a higher amount of glutamate compared with control neurons. Our work thus reveals a critical role of human iPSC-derived microglia in sensing and dampening hyperexcitability mediated by an epilepsy-causing mutation.
Effects of experimental nutrient enrichment and eutrophication on microbial community structure and function in “marine lakes”
Authors: Wilson Jesse M. , Abboud Sarah S. , Beman J. Michael
Published: November 2024

Biogeochemical cycling of nitrogen (N) and carbon (C) are regulated by microbial communities that can respond to altered N and C availability, yet the form, consistency, and magnitude of these responses remain poorly constrained. We enriched and eutrophied distinct microbial communities in “marine lakes” through experimental additions of N (5 μM NH4Cl), C (100 μM sucrose), and combined N+C (same forms and concentrations), examining microbial community responses via 16S rRNA sequencing in conjunction with functional responses represented by net community production (NCP) and community respiration (CR) measurements. Individual N or C additions drove significant shifts in microbial community structure only sporadically, and rarely with a corresponding difference in NCP or CR rates. In contrast, the combined addition of N+C elicited strong coincident responses in microbial community structure and function: NCP and CR rates shifted sharply toward heterotrophy and were correlated with multiple microbial networks (r2 = 0.309–0.599, P < 0.001) that included globally distributed marine bacteria. Across multiple experiments, the consistent response of one network, comprised primarily of gammaproteobacterial heterotrophs (particularly Vibrio and Alteromonas), led initially dissimilar communities to converge toward similar composition. However, the distinct response patterns of other more diverse networks were superimposed on top of this network, indicating that inorganic N and organic C enrichment have multilayered effects on microbial communities. Collectively our results demonstrate that elevated N and C alter microbial community structure and function, selecting for multiple microbial networks that compete for, and rapidly cycle, N and C.
Bone turnover markers, and growth and bone parameters in infants participating in a vitamin D intervention study
Authors: Persia Sabrina , Holmlund-Suila Elisa , Valkama Saara , Enlund-Cerullo Maria , Rosendahl Jenni , Andersson Sture , Mäkitie Outi , Hauta-alus Helena
Published: November 2024

Amino-terminal propeptide of type 1 procollagen (P1NP) and carboxy-terminal crosslinked telopeptide of type 1 collagen (CTX-I) are markers of bone metabolism. We examined the effect of vitamin D3 supplementation on these markers and their relationship with growth and bone parameters in 12-month-old infants. In a randomized, double-blinded, vitamin D intervention in infants (VIDI) study, 987 infants received daily vitamin D3 supplementation of 10 μg (group-10) or 30 μg (group-30) from age 2 weeks to 24 months. We conducted a secondary analysis of the original VIDI trial. At 12 months of age, P1NP (n = 812) and CTX-I (n = 786) concentrations were analyzed, and anthropometrics and total bone mineral content, volumetric bone mineral density, cross-sectional area and polar moment of inertia of tibia were measured by peripheral quantitative computed tomography. The growth rate in weight and length was calculated from birth to 12 months. The vitamin D dose did not influence mean (SD) levels of CTX-I (group-10: 0.90 (0.31); group-30: 0.89 (0.31) (P > 0.53)). The mean difference of P1NP (CI 95%) comparing group-10 with group-30 was 35 (−103, 33) ng/mL (P = 0.31) in boys and −63 (−4, 130) ng/mL (P = 0.064) in girls. In group-10, girls had higher mean (SD) value of P1NP (1509 (362) ng/mL) than boys (1407 (297) ng/mL) (P = 0.003); no sex differences were observed in group-30 (girls: 1446 (359); boys: 1442 (359), P = 0.91) or CTX-I. P1NP associated positively with the growth rate in length (B (CI 95%) 0.0003 (0.0001, 0.001), P = 0.022) in the whole cohort but not in subgroups divided by the intervention group or sex, adjusted for birth size and parental heights and corrected for multiple testing. P1NP associated positively with the growth rate in weight (0.01 (0.0003, 0.01), P < 0.001). An inverse association was observed between CTX-I and length (cm) in the whole cohort (−0.90 (−1.40, −0.40), P = 0.005) and in group-30 (−1.05 (−1.72, −0.39), P = 0.011). Furthermore, CTX-I associated negatively with weight (SDS) in the whole cohort (−0.33 (−0.55, −0.12), P = 0.015) and the growth rate in weight (−0.43 (−0.66, −0.20), P = 0.005), persisting in group-30 and in boys but not in group-10 or in girls. Neither marker was associated with bone parameters. The observed sex difference in P1NP might suggest that a higher vitamin D dose resulted in a small decrease in bone collagen matrix formation in girls but not in boys. P1NP and CTX-I associate with growth and body size but not with bone mineralization in infancy.
IMPACT OF REAL-LIFE ENVIRONMENTAL EXPOSURES ON REPRODUCTION: Phthalates disrupt female reproductive health: a call for enhanced investigation into mixtures
Authors: Land Katie L , Ghuneim Sundus M , Williams Brittney A , Hannon Patrick R
Published: November 2024

In brief

Exposure to phthalates, known endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), is ubiquitous, but the effects on women’s reproductive health are largely unknown. This review summarizes the literature investigating associations between phthalate exposures and clinical reproductive outcomes and reproductive disease states in women, and it emphasizes the need to investigate the effects of phthalate mixtures on women’s reproductive health.

Daily exposure to a mixture of phthalates is unavoidable in humans and poses a risk to reproductive health because they are known EDCs. Specific to female reproductive health, the literature has linked phthalate exposure to impairments in ovarian function, uterine function, pregnancy outcomes and endocrine signaling in the hypothalamic–pituitary–ovarian axis. However, limitations of these studies are that they primarily focus on single-phthalate exposures in animal models. Thus, the effects of real-life exposures to mixtures of phthalates and the clinical and translational impacts on reproductive function in women are largely unknown. This review summarizes the recent literature specifically investigating associations between phthalate mixture exposures and clinical reproductive outcomes and reproductive disease states in women. Because these studies are scarce, they are supplemented with the literature utilizing single-phthalate analyses in women and mechanistic basic science studies using phthalate mixture exposures. Main findings from the literature suggest that elevated phthalate exposure is associated with altered menstrual cyclicity, altered pubertal timing, disrupted ovarian folliculogenesis and steroidogenesis, ovarian disorders including primary ovarian insufficiency and polycystic ovary syndrome, uterine disorders including endometriosis and leiomyomas, poor in vitro fertilization outcomes and poor pregnancy outcomes. There is an urgent need to better incorporate phthalate mixtures in epidemiology (mixture analyses) and basic science (direct exposures) study designs. Furthermore, as exposure to multiple phthalates is ubiquitous, elucidating the mechanism of phthalate mixture toxicities is paramount for improving women’s reproductive health.
Hojas y otros productos naturales con fines utilitarios en la cocina tradicional de Costa Rica
Authors: Sedó Masís Patricia Eugenia , Cerdas Núñez María Milena , González Arce Romano
Published: November 2024

The objective is to describe leaves and other plant products obtained from the environment for utilitarian purposes in traditional Costa Rican cuisine. The study is qualitative and is based on semi-structured interviews with 37 people between the ages of 50 and 91, residing in different parts of the country. 59 products widely used more than six decades ago for the storage, conservation, preparation, consumption and transportation of food, as well as for cleaning, disinfection and pest control, were identified. Aspects such as access, functionality, durability, aesthetics and efficiency in different household tasks are considered for their selection. There is a decrease in current application due to changes in lifestyles, urbanization, industrialization and greater use of synthetic materials which, according to the people interviewed, has caused the loss of knowledge in new generations regarding the resources and their familiarization with utilization in the domestic environment. The natural products have value for their practical use in the kitchen, as well as for being biodegradable and favoring the family economy, which is why they have persisted over time, and it is still possible to acquire some of them in their natural state or with artisanal manufacture in markets and local fairs.
Problemy diagnozy i gojenia odleżyn
Authors: Szkiler Elżbieta , Malinowska Katarzyna
Published: November 2024

Według definicji NPIAP odleżyna to „miejscowe uszkodzenie skóry i/lub tkanki podskórnej w wyniku działania ucisku lub ucisku w połączeniu z siłami tnącymi”. Odleżyny to owrzodzenia skóry o różnych etiologiach, m.in. powstające na skutek ucisku, niedokrwienia oraz działania sił tnących. Do owrzodzeń odleżynowych należą, poza tradycyjnymi odleżynami z ubytkiem tkanki, również uszkodzenia tkanek głębokich i rany terminalne. O ile odleżyny 1–4 stopnia są oceniane tylko na podstawie widocznych zmian, o tyle różnicowanie uszkodzeń głębokich i ran SCALE wymaga umiejętności praktycznych i wiedzy merytorycznej. Rozwój odleżyn uzależniony jest od determinantów zewnętrznych, niezależnych od stanu pacjenta, a ich progres także jest istotnie związany z wieloma aspektami stanu, kondycji i zdrowia chorego. Dobór właściwej opieki holistycznej zależy od etiologii, a leczenie miejscowe od stanu rany.
Propedeutyka profilaktyki okołooperacyjnej u pacjentów dorosłych
Authors: Jędrzejczyk Joanna
Published: November 2024

Zakażenia miejsca operowanego (ZMO) są niepożądanymi skutkami zabiegów chirurgicznych i hospitalizacji, zwiększającymi koszty pobytu pacjenta, a przede wszystkim opóźniającymi jego powrót do zdrowia. Szacuje się, że w Polsce stanowią one 17% wszystkich zakażeń związanych z opieką medyczną. Właściwie stosowana antybiotykowa profilaktyka okołooperacyjna zmniejsza ryzyko i częstość występowania ZMO. Nadrzędne znaczenie ma osiągnięcie odpowiedniego stężenia stosowanego antybiotyku w surowicy i w tkankach. Aby cel ten został osiągnięty, należy wziąć pod uwagę szereg czynników, m.in. czas podania danego leku, farmakokinetykę antybiotyku, utratę krwi u pacjenta. Stosowany antybiotyk powinien być stosunkowo bezpieczny, niedrogi i skuteczny wobec prawdopodobnie występujących patogenów. Narastająca oporność bakterii stawia wiele wyzwań w prawidłowym stosowaniu środków przeciwdrobnoustrojowych. Nosicielstwo wielolekoopornych bakterii Gram-ujemnych wymaga zindywidualizowanego podejścia do profilaktyki okołooperacyjnej i zastosowania celowanego antybiotyku.
Politinė sumaištis: ar egzistuoja sensus communis (post)politikoje?
Authors: Aleknavičiūtė Ineta
Published: November 2024

This paper focuses on different concepts of sensus communis and their relationship with the conditions of political reality. An attempt is made to show that Gadamer’s and Arendt’s political conception of sensus communis is too dependent on political conditions and the homogeneity and unity of the community, and thus cannot exist under post-political conditions. The paper seeks to defend Immanuel Kant’s aesthetic conception of sensus communis, demonstrating that the disinterested judgment of beauty exists regardless of political circumstances. Based on this, the paper reviews practices existing in post-politics that attempt to use the aesthetic understanding of sensus communis for the purposes of political unity. It also draws attention to the understanding of sensus communis in different contexts, arguing that the concept and its interpretation often become obscured across various contexts.
Religion as a strategy for Ukrainians to overcome difficulties at the beginning of the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022
Authors: Denysevych Olena
Published: November 2024

This study is about those Ukrainians who chose faith аs their dominant survival strategy at the beginning of the war. The multifunctionality of the religious strategy (according to K. Pargament) can manifest itself in religious behavior, which is also observed among the respondents: passive, active, in the development of personal relationships with God and interpersonal — in the middle of church communities, focused on solving problems and the emotional calm that religious practices bring — prayer and participation in divine services. A religious coping strategy helps to find hope through faith and trust in God and build a more positive vision of your future and your country. How did Ukrainians use religion to deal with the fear and trauma of war? This study shows how some Ukrainians, feeling the fear and trauma of war, turned to religion and faith not only in the traditional spiritual sense, but also in a broader interpretation as a hope and trust for a better future, victory and the forces of good. In order to identify strategies that help Ukrainians survive difficult trials, we conducted the interviews in April and May 2022 with 31 Ukrainians from different regions of Ukraine and abroad. Our research particularly highlights the spiritual experience of the Roman Catholic community of Ukraine. Religious coping mechanisms included physical activities such аs evening prayer with the family and attending church services. Metaphysical actions included communicating with God in everyday life or "giving everything to God." Religion was singled out as one of the strategies for overcoming difficulties by Ukrainians in extreme situations. Using thematic analysis, several strategic areas for dealing with stress were identified from the interview. In a brief linguistic analysis, It was noted that the word ‘faith’ appears in various meanings, not only faith in God, but also faith in victory, faith in the forces of good, faith in a better future for their children. Verbal concepts that reveal respondent’s religious worldview — faith in God (4 mentions), prayer (4), God (3), religious community (2), hope in God (4), faith (2), Lord God (2), church (1), trust in God.
Resources of psychological resilience in combating the stressors of war
Authors: Zlobina Olena
Published: November 2024

Numerous sociological studies have recorded a generally stable psycho-emotional state of the population since the beginning of a full-scale invasion, despite the constant negative pressure of existential threats. However, there are still no representative quantitative studies that would allow us to determine which psychological resources ensure the stability of the psychological state of the population in conditions of prolonged exposure to the negative influence of wartime stressors. This article is devoted to finding an answer to this question. An analysis of existing theoretical works devoted to the study of psychological resources for coping with stressors has shown a significant variety of possible solutions regarding the involvement of certain resources in the analysis. It was decided to focus on those resources whose role is considered key, regardless of the theoretical positions of the researchers. Accordingly, we focused on determining the role of optimism, which is operationalized as positive expectations about the future, self-efficacy, which is understood in a broad sense as the ability to control the situation, and emotional stability, which is understood as the ability to control emotional reactions to an unfavorable situation. To assess the role of psychological resources in coping with stressors, a special tool was created in the study: the Complex Psychological Resources Assessment Scale - "Complex Psychological Resources - 8". Multiple linear regression analysis was used to study the relationship between the CPR-8 scale and the expanded distress scale (SCL-28). Multiple regression models for each of the stress states were built to assess the role of the CPR-8 scale components as predictors. A comparison procedure was used to determine the role of optimism, self-efficacy and emotional stability in coping with stressors. The respondents’ identification of stressors that have a negative impact on them and the resources that help them resist such impact were compared in groups with different levels of expression of each of the studied individual psychological resources. The analysis confirmed: 1 - the role of optimism and self-efficacy as key psychological resources that help maintain the stability of the psychological state of the population under the long-term pressure of wartime stressors; 2 - the relationship between psychological stability and high activity and intensive involvement in social relations; 3 - the leading role of self-efficacy in reducing the relevance of the negative impact of stressors in risk groups (women and youth); 4 - the importance of emotional stability as a predictor of stressors associated with panic, conflicts and suffering due to what they heard and saw in the media.
Localization of crack edge under elastic layer surface displacement
Authors:   Karpenko Physico-Mechanical Institute of the NAS of Ukraine, Voytko M. V. , Kulynych Ya. P. ,   Karpenko Physico-Mechanical Institute of the NAS of Ukraine
Published: November 2024

The problem of SH-wave scattering from the semi-infinite crack in the elastic waveguide is considered. The opposite waveguide surfaces are free from stresses. This structure is illumi-nated by one of the normal SH-waves that propagate along the waveguide without attenuation. The displacement of the particles in this wave is perpendicular to the direction of wave propa-gation and has the harmonic dependence on time. The problem is two-dimensional and is reduced to the mixed boundary-value problem for Helmholtz equation with the Neumann boundary conditions. The problem is formulated with respect to the unknown diffracted displacement field. Using the Fourier transform of the displacement and strength fields the problem is transformed to the functional Wiener-Hopf equation. Its exact solution was obtained using the factorization and decomposition methods. The explicit expressions for finding the displacement field were obtained and its numerical analysis was carried out on the layer surfaces for its diagnosis. The influence of the dimensionless thickness of the layer and the depth of the crack location on the distribution of the displacement field on the waveguide surfaces was investigated. Peculiarities of the behavior of the field distribution have been revealed, which allow us to estimate the location of the edge of the crack and the depth of its location.
Classification of surface microdefects based on cluster analysis of diffuse light reflection sensor signal
Authors:   Karpenko Physico-Mechanical Institute of the NAS of Ukraine, Dzhala R. M. , Ivasiv I. B. ,   Karpenko Physico-Mechanical Institute of the NAS of Ukraine, Chervinka L. Ye. ,   Karpenko Physico-Mechanical Institute of the NAS of Ukraine, Chervinka O. O. ,   Karpenko Physico-Mechanical Institute of the NAS of Ukraine
Published: November 2024

Early detection of operational microdefects of protective coatings and corrosion damage is important for reliable and long-term operation of materials and structures. Corrosion damage in the early stages is almost impossible to detect by visual testing methods, given the microscopic size of such damage. Laboratory microscopes are unsuitable for field conditions. Flash meters provide an estimate of surface roughness, but do not provide a surface concentration of microdefects, especially when these defects are heterogeneous or polydisperse. A compact prismatic sensor of the angular characteristic of diffuse light reflection is proposed for the detection of microdefects and express diagnostics of surface quality. To increase the informativity of the sensor signal during measurements, the useful signal was calculated as the difference between the base values of the diffuse reflected signal for a surface without defects and the measured values for a surface with defects. The dependence of the signal distribution on the photoline on the geometry of the sensor was taken into account. The article considers the problem of classification by the average size of surface microdefects collected in submillimeter clusters, randomly placed on the surface of materials. The use of numerical methods for solving inverse problems requires large computing power and time, which is not always acceptable for field measurements. The dependence of solution stability on signal measurement errors and random locations of clusters of microdefects on the illuminated area of the investigated surface is important. An effective set of informative signal features is selected. The study explored the possibility of using alternative sets of informative parameters derived from the base set. It was proposed to determine the size of the defects based on the smoothness criteria of the contour signal of the diffuse light reflection sensor. To evaluate the characteristics of the spatial configuration of defects, the positions of the peaks of the signal distribution along the photoline, determined with subpixel accuracy, were used. The classification is made for the selected information features of the signals of the diffuse light reflection sensor. In particular, the number of local signal extrema together with the subpixel position of the global signal maximum produces well-separated clusters, even for randomly located defect aggregations.
Application of difference color models to RGB image fragments before progressive hierarchical lossless compression
Authors:   Academician Stepan Demianchuk International University of Economics and Humanities, Shportko A. V. , Bomba A. Ya. ,   National University of Water and Environmental Engineering
Published: November 2024

The method and corresponding algorithm for hierarchical bypass of minimum code units (MCU - blocks of 8 x 8 pixels) in the process of preprocessing of lossless image compression is proposed. The algorithm for selecting for each MCU an effective difference color model with integer coefficients from the list of basic alternative models, which predictable minimizes the image compression ratio based on entropy analysis is given. An algorithm for compact hierarchical storage of numbers of selected difference color models for each MCU, which takes into account the high probability of repetition of these numbers for adjacent MCUs is described and implemented. It is shown that both color models for individual MCUs and a single color model for the entire image can be effective for difference images. To evaluate the effectiveness of preprocessing algorithms during hierarchical compression, the feasibility of using the weighted average entropy by passes instead of the total entropy, which is calculated only by pixels processed by a context-independent algorithm is proposed. It is noted that the entropy by 4 passes is always less than the total entropy, because it takes into account the different unevenness of the probability distribution of elements on different passes, that is why it is advisable to store the data of different passes in different compressed blocks. On the well-known Archive Comparison Test suite, it has been demonstrated that applying integer difference color models to MCU image fragments with the option of switching to a single difference color model for the entire image can reduce compression ratios by an average of 0.02 bpb but at the same time slows down the encoding by a factor of 2.88 and decoding by 3.39%, so such preprocessing is not recommended to be used in graphic formats. It is emphasized that difference color models should be applied to individual MCUs in archivers in order to ensure maximum lossless image compression.
Recognition of synthesized images using modified convolutional neural network model VGG16
Authors:   Lviv Polytechnic National University, Matei D. V. , Ivasenko I. B. ,   Karpenko Physico-Mechanical Institute of the NAS of Ukraine,   Lviv Polytechnic National University
Published: November 2024

This paper presents a new approach to recognizing synthesized images using transfer learning, specifically the VGG16 model. With the growing prevalence of AI-generated content on social media and the increasing use of synthesized images for fraudulent purposes, the ability to accurately distinguish between real and synthesized images is of utmost importance. The study addresses the limitations of existing image recognition technologies, which often have difficulty when working with high-quality images created by AI. The proposed method uses a custom-made dataset of more than 200 000 images, balanced between AI-generated and real images of several classes, to train the model. By fine-tuning the VGG16 model and unfreezing all layers, this approach achieves great accuracy. Experimental results show that the model achieves an overall accuracy of 97%, compared to 93% accuracy of baseline model, indicating its effectiveness in distinguishing between real and synthesized images. However, shortco-mings such as slight overfitting are noted, and suggestions for future improvement include regularization techniques and exploring more advanced architectures and techniques. This research highlights the potential of transfer learning in developing robust solutions for synthesized image recognition.
Trends in Sickle Cell Disease Mortality: 1979–2020
Authors: Karkoska Kristine A. , McGann Patrick T.
Published: November 2024

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Although sickle cell disease (SCD)-related childhood mortality in the United States significantly improved in the 1990s, unclear is the trend in SCD-related mortality more recently given the continued disparities faced by this minoritized population. In this analysis, we aimed to (1) compare the overall and age-specific mortality rates from 1999 to 2009 vs 2010 to 2020 with a particular focus on the age of transition and (2) determine the most common causes of death for the US SCD population for 2010 to 2020.

METHODS

We analyzed publicly available data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention WONDER database, a compilation of national-level mortality statistics from 1979 to 2020 derived from death certificates compiled by the National Center for Health Statistics. We searched by all individuals of all ethnicities, sexes, and ages using the underlying cause of death.

RESULTS

The crude mortality rate for individuals with SCD for 2010 to 2020 was 1.6 per 1 000 000 individuals, which was significantly lower than the period 1999 to 2009 (crude rate 1.7 per 1 000 000, P < .0001). In addition, the mean age at mortality of those with SCD was older in 2010 to 2020 (43 years) versus 1999 to 2009 (39 years). However, there remains a significant increase in mortality rate in the 20 to 24 year age group versus 15 to 19 years (1.7 per 1 000 000 versus 0.7 per 1 000 000, P < .0001), corresponding with the age of transition from pediatric to adult centers. In addition, 39% of underlying causes of death were not caused by SCD, but rather primarily chronic conditions, including cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, malignancy, and renal disease. The study has several limitations mostly because of the imperfections of administrative data sources, including inaccuracies in diagnoses codes, risking over or undercounting.

CONCLUSIONS

Although the US SCD-related mortality rate continues to decrease, the age of transition to adult care is a particularly vulnerable time in the lives of this marginalized group. Innovative and expanded approaches to care are greatly needed.
Nonmedical Use of Controlled Medications by Adolescents and Young Adults: Clinical Report
Authors: Chadi Nicholas , Walker-Harding Leslie ,   COMMITTEE ON SUBSTANCE USE AND PREVENTION, Gonzalez Lucien , Camenga Deepa R. , Engster Stacey , Quigley Joanna , Zoucha Kenneth , Walker-Harding Leslie , Kurten Christine , Ba’Gah Rebecca , Jarrett Renee
Published: November 2024

Nonmedical prescription drug use (NMPDU), the use of controlled prescription medications for purposes other than initially intended by the prescriber, is common among adolescents and young adults (AYAs). Prescription stimulants, sedatives, and opioid medications are the 3 main categories of controlled medications nonmedically used by AYAs. The intent of this clinical report is to provide an overview of the epidemiology, motives, sources, and risk factors of NMPDU among AYAs. This report also describes acute and long-term morbidity and mortality associated with NMPDU and discusses the importance of primary and secondary prevention to reduce the burden of NMPDU among AYAs. This report concludes with a series of recommendations on how pediatricians can address NMPDU with patients and their families.
Effect of storage temperature on thyme and bay laurel essential oil emulsions as preservatives against foodborne pathogens in cooked chicken
Authors: Gasmi K. , Lahreche T. , Madani Z. , Bensid A. , Benamara R.N.
Published: November 2024

This study evaluated the impact of storage temperature on the antimicrobial activity of essential oil emulsions of Thymus vulgaris L. (TEOE) and Laurus nobilis (LEOE) at 0.6% against Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 25923), Bacillus cereus (ATCC 14579), and Listeria innocua (ATCC 33090) inoculated onto cooked chicken breast to simulate post-cooking contamination. Samples stored under: T3 (regular storage at 3 ± 0.5 °C), T8 (inadequate storage 8 ± 1 °C), and T3A (refrigerated storage with simulated temperature abuse at 25 ± 1 °C). Microbial analysis and sensory evaluations were carried out at 0, 24, 36, 72, and 120 h of storage. The GC-MS analysis showed that carvacrol 31.97% and eucalyptol 41.16% were the main components in TEO and LEO, respectively. Storage temperature influenced the antibacterial effect of EOE. TEOE exhibited greater effectiveness at T8 compared to T3, reducing microbial counts to 1 log CFU g−1. Conversely, LEOE demonstrated superior efficacy under T3 in most instances and received a higher acceptability score. Additionally, at T3A, both emulsions demonstrated comparable effectiveness against all bacterial strains, although a slight reduction in antimicrobial proprieties were noted after simulated temperature abuse at 24 h. Therefore, the optimal combination for preserving cooked chicken meat is TEOE under T8 or LEOE under T3; assuming post-cooking contamination.
Pulmonary malakoplakia due to Prescottella (Rhodococcus) soli in a renal transplant recipient: First reported case
Authors: Jordan Victoria , Mallawathantri Sugamya , Akram Ayesha , Varadhan Hemalatha
Published: November 2024

Prescottella (Rhodococcus) soli is a soil-dwelling organism not previously thought to be pathogenic in humans. We discuss the case of a 78-year-old male renal transplant recipient presenting with respiratory symptoms and multiple pulmonary nodules, found to be pulmonary malakoplakia secondary to infection with Prescottella (Rhodococcus) soli. Treatment was commenced with vancomycin, meropenem and azithromycin for an induction period of two weeks and continued with indefinite oral moxifloxacin and azithromycin with significant clinical improvement. Although rare, Prescottella species, including Prescottella soli, should be considered in the differential diagnosis of pulmonary nodules, particularly in immunocompromised patients. More data is required to inform optimal treatment.
Az orvosi hivatásról – Magyar Imre belgyógyászprofesszor emlékére
Authors: Tulassay Zsolt
Published: November 2024

A szerző írásában a 20. század legendás professzorának, Magyar Imrének emlékét
idézi fel, a professzor halálának 40. évfordulóján. Bemutatja tanítómestere
belgyógyászati iskolájának jellemzőit, azokat a vonásokat, amelyek évtizedeken
át meghatározóvá tették a belgyógyász magatartását. A szerző leírja azokat az
elvárásokat is, amelyek orvosi hivatását és gondolkodását hitelessé és etikussá
teszik, és amelyek ma már nagyon hiányoznak az orvosi magatartásból. Orv Hetil.
2024; 165(46): 1803–1807.
DETERMINANTS OF THE P/B RATIO IN THE COSMETIC SUBSECTOR IN INDONESIA
Authors: Chandra Dicky
Published: November 2024

The cosmetics industry in Indonesia has seen significant growth in recent years, driven by high competition, rapid consumer trend shifts, and the need for constant product innovation. This study aims to analyze the effects of capital structure, profitability, and firm size on the Price to Book Ratio (P/B Ratio) of companies in Indonesia's cosmetics subsector. Using a quantitative approach with a descriptive-verificative analysis, the study population includes 10 cosmetics companies listed on the Indonesia Sharia Stock Index (ISSI) from 2021 to 2023, utilizing a saturated sample. Data were collected from each company's annual financial reports, focusing on variables such as Debt to Equity Ratio (DER), Return on Assets (ROA), and total assets as indicators of capital structure, profitability, and firm size, respectively. Multiple linear regression analysis was conducted to determine the impact of these financial metrics on firm value. The findings show that capital structure (DER) and profitability (ROA) positively and significantly affect the P/B Ratio, while firm size has no significant impact. These results imply that cosmetics companies should focus on managing debt strategically and improving profitability to enhance market valuation, as investors prioritize financial health and adaptability over sheer size.
Addressing the Issues of Global Digital Divide: How Digitally Competent are Early Childhood Pre-Service Teachers?
Authors:   Tetfund Centre of Excellence in Innovative Teaching and learning, Federal University of Education Pankshin Plateau State, Katniyon Henry David , Duguryil Zipporah Pewat
Published: November 2024

Digital technologies such as programmable toys, camera, android phones, IPad, lab tops, educational robots, industrial robots, videos, video games, VCDs, Internet, Photoshop suites, and the likes have become essential tools that support instructions at all levels of education. Access or otherwise may influence the way technologies are used either to support classroom instruction. This study investigated in service degree early childhood education teachers ‘competence in integrating digital technologies in implementing the early childhood education curriculum. The descriptive survey design was aused for the study. The population for the study was 194 students in NCE two in the 2024 session in Federal university of Education, Pankshin, Nigeria. The sample for the studies consisted of 150 students who were selected using simple random sampling. Five research questions guided the study. The instrument used was the Tech Check Questionnaire (TCQ). Data was analysed using mean and standard deviation to answer research questions raised. Findings indicate that teachers’ competence in using technology in areas of presentation of instructions, educational robotics and internet usage was low. It was recommended among others that hands on training on use of relevant digital technologies in presentation, educational robotics and internet use be mounted for teachers to improve competency for digital curriculum implementation.
Computational Chemistry Methods in Cancer Treatment: A Molecular Perspective
Authors:   , Lindahl Erik
Published: November 2024

Despite the rapid advancements in targeted drug therapy in cancer treatment over the past two decades, drug resistance remains an issue. Point mutations can often explain the emergence of resistance, while in other cases, it is not clear why resistance occurs. Furthermore, the mechanisms involving the physical forces that contribute to the binding between the drug and the protein are poorly understood. The thesis aims to address these questions by using computer models, primarily quantum mechanical methods in an attempt to shed light on why resistance occurs in leukemia treatment. We have used DFT to calculate binding energies for drugs in chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML),demonstrating that asciminib enhances the effect of nilotinib in T315I-mutated CML, thus allowing treatment with ponatinib to be avoided. In AML treatment, a combination of DFT, MD, NCI, and EDA have been used to show that the mutation R140Q/Q316E in trans in the enzyme IDH2 leads to resistance to enasidenib. The accuracy of various exchange-correlation functionals was evaluated against a limited dataset, yielding an accuracy of ~ 1.5 kcal/mol, highlighting the potential of simple DFT models. In one study, using DFT and MD, we were able to show that resistance when dasatinib binds to a mutated form of ABL1 arises due to a variety of factors, not just the breaking of a hydrogen bond. Furthermore, EDA has been employed to analyze the dominant physical forces at the binding site, and an extension of this method (DFTB-EDA) has been developed to handle larger systems. Using FEP/REMD in combination with DFT, the binding of imatinib and dasatinib to various proteins has been analyzed to study off-target binding, with the aim of clarifying the drugs' toxicity. We observed that FEP/REMD tended to overestimate the binding energy, while DFT tended to under estimate it. Overall, the thesis demonstrates that a combination of DFT, EDA, MD, NCI, and FEP is applicable to concrete problems in studying drug resistance in CML and AML, despite the limited accuracy of the methods.This methodology, however, is not limited to these cancer forms but canbe applied more broadly to other conditions.
How Early Career Choices Adjust to Economic Crises
Authors: Grenet Julien , Grönqvist Hans , Hertegård Edvin , Nybom Martin
Published: November 2024

We study how students adjust their early career choices in response to economic crises, and how this behavioral response affects their long-run labor market outcomes. We specifically examine the context of the severe recession that struck Sweden in the early 1990s, which disproportionally affected the manufacturing and construction sectors. We find that students who experienced paternal job loss in these heavily affected sectors were more likely to choose high school programs linked to sectors less impacted by the recession. These individuals achieved better labor market outcomes in adulthood, including higher employment rates and career earnings. Our findings are consistent with informational frictions being a key obstacle to structural change, and we identify career choice as an important mechanism through which recessions reshape labor markets in the very long run.
Efflux pumps: gatekeepers of antibiotic resistance in Staphylococcus aureus biofilms
Authors: Sinha Shweta , Aggarwal Shifu , Singh Durg Vijai
Published: November 2024

Staphylococcus aureus, a versatile human pathogen, poses a significant challenge in healthcare settings due to its ability to develop antibiotic resistance and form robust biofilms. Understanding the intricate mechanisms underlying the antibiotic resistance is crucial for effective infection treatment and control. This comprehensive review delves into the multifaceted roles of efflux pumps in S. aureus, with a focus on their contribution to antibiotic resistance and biofilm formation. Efflux pumps, integral components of the bacterial cell membrane, are responsible for expelling a wide range of toxic substances, including antibiotics, from bacterial cells. By actively extruding antibiotics, these pumps reduce intracellular drug concentrations, rendering antibiotics less effective. Moreover, efflux pumps have emerged as significant contributors to both antibiotic resistance and biofilm formation in S. aureus. Biofilms, structured communities of bacterial cells embedded in a protective matrix, enable S. aureus to adhere to surfaces, evade host immune responses, and resist antibiotic therapy. Efflux pumps play a pivotal role in the development and maintenance of S. aureus biofilms. However, the interplay between efflux pumps, antibiotic resistance and biofilm formation remains unexplored in S. aureus. This review aims to elucidate the complex relationship between efflux pumps, antibiotic resistance and biofilm formation in S. aureus with the aim to aid in the development of potential therapeutic targets for combating S. aureus infections, especially those associated with biofilms. The insights provided herein may contribute to the advancement of novel strategies to overcome antibiotic resistance and disrupt biofilm formation in this clinically significant pathogen.