bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PREDIMENSIONAMIENTO DE INSTALACION FOTOVOLTAICA CON APLICACIÓN EN UN ORGANISMO DEL ESTADO
Authors: Baliño Eduardo
Published: October 2023

En el marco de la adhesión de la Argentina a los compromisos internacionales que conllevan a la implementación de políticas orientadas al avance en torno de los Objetivos de Desarrollo Sostenible (ODS), el país ha definido metas específicas para distintas áreas de gobierno, y diseñado programas a partir de los cuales garantizar el cumplimiento de dichas metas, para ello se requiere de la participación de una diversidad de instituciones y actores, tanto en el nivel nacional, como en el provincial y municipal. Por requerimiento de las autoridades del Partido de Villarino, quienes asumieron un fuerte compromiso en cuanto al cuidado del medio ambiente se refiere, entre otras cosas mediante la firma del Pacto Global de Alcaldes; y siendo estos miembros integrantes de la Red Argentina de Municipios frente al Cambio Climático (RAMCC), se realizó el presente estudio, dada su positiva influencia sobre la protección de recursos, disminución de costos de provisión de servicios energéticos y mitigación de problemas ambientales asociados a la producción, transporte, distribución y consumo de la energía, como parte del Programa  de Uso Racional y Eficiente de la Energía (PROUREE). En este sentido el proyecto busca la posibilidad de generación propia a través del empleo de energías renovables, contribuyendo a la disminución de las emisiones de gases de efecto invernadero (CO2) reflejando, además, ahorros energéticos y económicos. La instalación predimensionada es del tipo Solar Fotovoltaica on gridd sin almacenamiento, con la capacidad necesaria para abastecer la mayor demanda posible del complejo del Palacio Municipal.
EDUCAÇÃO POPULAR E MOVIMENTOS SOCIAIS: RECONSTRUINDO O TECIDO SOCIAL EM MEIO À EXCLUSÃO HEGEMÔNICA
Authors: Pinheiro Raquel
Published: October 2023

O artigo "Educação Popular e Movimentos Sociais: Reconstruindo o Tecido Social em Meio à Exclusão Hegemônica" de autoria de Raquel Alves Pinheiro explora a interseção entre a educação tradicional e o avanço tecnológico na sociedade contemporânea. Diante das rápidas mudanças das tecnologias da informação e comunicação (TICs), a educação popular é abordada como uma estratégia essencial para renovar métodos pedagógicos, promover a formação holística dos indivíduos e mitigar a exclusão em uma era digital.

O artigo destaca que a educação popular, ao enfatizar a participação ativa, o diálogo horizontal e a contextualização, complementa o ensino tradicional. Nesse contexto, a tecnologia é considerada tanto um desafio quanto uma oportunidade. A educação popular visa empoderar os indivíduos para entenderem criticamente o impacto da tecnologia na sociedade, além de usá-la de forma consciente para transformar a realidade.
VariantSurvival: a tool to identify genotype–treatment response
Authors: Krannich Thomas , Sarrias Marina Herrera , Ben Aribi Hiba , Shokrof Moustafa , Iacoangeli Alfredo , Al-Chalabi Ammar , Sedlazeck Fritz J. , Busby Ben , Al Khleifat Ahmad
Published: October 2023

Motivation: For a number of neurological diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and many others, certain genes are known to be involved in the disease mechanism. A common question is whether a structural variant in any such gene may be related to drug response in clinical trials and how this relationship can contribute to the lifecycle of drug development.

Results: To this end, we introduce VariantSurvival, a tool that identifies changes in survival relative to structural variants within target genes. VariantSurvival matches annotated structural variants with genes that are clinically relevant to neurological diseases. A Cox regression model determines the change in survival between the placebo and clinical trial groups with respect to the number of structural variants in the drug target genes. We demonstrate the functionality of our approach with the exemplary case of the SETX gene. VariantSurvival has a user-friendly and lightweight graphical user interface built on the shiny web application package.
Central-to-peripheral blood pressure amplification: role of the recording site, technology, analysis approach, and calibration scheme in invasive and non-invasive data agreement
Authors: Zócalo Yanina , Bia Daniel , Sánchez Ramiro , Lev Gustavo , Mendiz Oscar , Ramirez Agustín , Cabrera-Fischer Edmundo I.
Published: October 2023

Background

Systolic blood pressure amplification (SBPA) and pulse pressure amplification (PPA) can independently predict cardiovascular damage and mortality. A wide range of methods are used for the non-invasive estimation of SBPA and PPA. The most accurate non-invasive method for obtaining SBPA and/or PPA remains unknown.

Aim

This study aims to evaluate the agreement between the SBPA and PPA values that are invasively and non-invasively obtained using different (1) measurement sites (radial, brachial, carotid), (2) measuring techniques (tonometry, oscillometry/plethysmography, ultrasound), (3) pulse waveform analysis approaches, and (4) calibration methods [systo-diastolic vs. approaches using brachial diastolic and mean blood pressure (BP)], with the latter calculated using different equations or measured by oscillometry.

Methods

Invasive aortic and brachial pressure (catheterism) and non-invasive aortic and peripheral (brachial, radial) BP were simultaneously obtained from 34 subjects using different methodologies, analysis methods, measuring sites, and calibration methods. SBPA and PPA were quantified. Concordance correlation and the Bland–Altman analysis were performed.

Results

(1) In general, SBPA and PPA levels obtained with non-invasive approaches were not associated with those recorded invasively. (2) The different non-invasive approaches led to (extremely) dissimilar results. In general, non-invasive measurements underestimated SBPA and PPA; the higher the invasive SBPA (or PPA), the greater the underestimation. (3) None of the calibration schemes, which considered non-invasive brachial BP to estimate SBPA or PPA, were better than the others. (4) SBPA and PPA levels obtained from radial artery waveform analysis (tonometry) (5) and common carotid artery ultrasound recordings and brachial artery waveform analysis, respectively, minimized the mean errors.

Conclusions

Overall, the findings showed that (i) SBPA and PPA indices are not “synonymous” and (ii) non-invasive approaches would fail to accurately determine invasive SBPA or PPA levels, regardless of the recording site, analysis, and calibration methods. Non-invasive measurements generally underestimated SBPA and PPA, and the higher the invasive SBPA or PPA, the higher the underestimation. There was not a calibration scheme better than the others. Consequently, our study emphasizes the strong need to be critical of measurement techniques, to have methodological transparency, and to have expert consensus for non-invasive assessment of SBPA and PPA.
New evidence for the effect of type 2 diabetes and glycemic traits on testosterone levels: a two-sample Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Jiang Chengyang , Wang Yuwei , Yang Wenqiang , Yang Xinghai
Published: October 2023

Objective

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is an endocrine-related disease with an increasing incidence worldwide. Male sexual dysfunction is common in diabetic patients. Therefore, we designed a Mendelian randomization (MR) study to investigate the association of type 2 diabetes and 3 glycemic traits with testosterone levels.

Methods

Uncorrelated single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with T2DM (N = 228), fasting insulin (N = 38), fasting glucose (N = 71), and HbA1c (N = 75) at the genome-wide significance were selected as instrument variables. Genetic associations with testosterone levels (total testosterone, TT, bioavailable testosterone, BT, and sex hormone-binding globulin, SHBG) were obtained from the UK Biobank studies and other large consortia. Two-sample MR analysis was used to minimize the bias caused by confounding factors and response causality. Multivariable MR analysis was performed using Body mass index (BMI), Triglycerides (TG), LDL cholesterol (LDL), and adiponectin to adjust for the effects of potential confounders.

Results

Type 2 diabetes mellitus was associated with the decrease of total testosterone (β: -0.021,95%CI: -0.032, -0.010, p<0.001) and sex hormone binding globulin (β: -0.048,95%CI: -0.065, -0.031, p<0.001). In males, total testosterone (β: 0.058, 95% CI: 0.088, 0.028, p < 0.001) decreased. In females, it was associated with an increase in bioavailable testosterone (β: 0.077,95%CI: 0.058,0.096, p<0.001). Each unit (pmol/L) increase in fasting insulin was associated with 0.283nmol/L decrease in sex hormone-binding globulin (95%CI: -0.464, -0.102, p=0.002) and 0.260nmol/L increase in bioavailable testosterone (95%CI: -0.464, -0.102, p= 0.002). In males, sex hormone binding globulin decreased by 0.507nmol/L (95%CI: -0.960, -0.054, p= 0.028) and bioavailable testosterone increased by 0.216nmol/L (95%CI: 0.087,0.344, p= 0.001). In females, sex hormone binding globulin decreased by 0.714 nmol/L (95%CI: -1.093, -0.335, p<0.001) and bioavailable testosterone increased by 0.467nmol/L (95%CI: 0.286,0.648, p<0.001). Each unit (%) increase in HbA1c was associated with 0.060nmol/L decrease in sex hormone-binding globulin (95%CI: -0.113, -0.007, p= 0.026). In males, total testosterone decreased by 0.171nmol/L (95%CI: -0.288, -0.053, p=0.005) and sex hormone binding globulin decreased by 0.206nmol/L (95%CI: -0.340, -0.072, p=0.003). Total testosterone increased by 0.122nmol/L (95%CI: 0.012,0.233, p=0.029) and bioavailable testosterone increased by 0.163nmol/L (95%CI: 0.042,0.285, p=0.008) in females.

Conclusions

Using MR Analysis, we found independent effects of type 2 diabetes, fasting insulin, and HbA1c on total testosterone and sex hormone-binding globulin after maximum exclusion of the effects of obesity, BMI, TG, LDL and Adiponectin.
Experimental investigation of the interconnections between turbulent structure and scouring topographic characteristics
Authors: Li Jian , Xu Naixing , Wang Hao , Fu Dabao , Liu Xiaoxiao , Wu Wei
Published: October 2023

Complex interactions between turbulence and sediment movement around bridge piers result in bridge damage. However, the scouring mechanism remains ambiguous owing to insufficient quantitative experimental analysis pertaining to scouring topographic characteristics and their relationships with turbulent flow. Hence, an experiment is performed in this study to clarify the relationships between turbulent vortex structures and scour topography. First, we measure the two-dimensional flow fields around a bridge pier using particle image velocimetry systems and then establish a three-dimensional scour topography using the structure-from-motion technique. Subsequently, according to the unified coordinate system, we perform an innovative quantitative analysis of the scouring topography and the distributions of the shear force and horseshoe vortex around the pier. The results show the maximum depth of the scour hole increases linearly with the flow intensity. For a single scouring hole, both the cross-sectional area and volume of the scour hole vary parabolically with the height from the pit bottom. The coupling of the flow and bed topography forms the maximum scour hole via shear stress, and the large streamwise vortices on both sides of the bridge pier result in the formation of long shallow grooves on both sides of the sand dune downstream.
Case report and narrative review of the literature: a rare colonic stent failure in a palliative patient
Authors: Bressington Morgan , O’Connor Alexander , Telford Karen
Published: October 2023

Introduction

With palliative patients, a holistic approach is important. Interventions should minimise length of hospital stay, maximise quality of life, and control symptoms. A self-expanding metal stent (SEMS) for the palliative treatment of malignant large bowel obstruction (MLBO) is designed to provide these benefits to patients approaching the end of their life. We present the case of a patient treated with a SEMS over 2 years earlier for MLBO. He was treated with palliative intent at diagnosis because his frailty and medical co-morbidities precluded surgery. He later presented with severe tenesmus, and these new symptoms were later found to be due to a rare stent failure in which the stent had fractured and was irretrievable. This had to be managed conservatively before the patient sadly passed away 7 months later.

Discussion

A SEMS is considered the first-line treatment to relieve MLBO caused by inoperable left-sided colonic cancer. This treatment offers a reduced length of hospital stay, reduced stoma rates, fewer complications, and comparable survival compared to de-functioning stoma. However, SEMSs are not expected to be in use for extended periods of time. The literature reports an average survival after a colonic stent insertion of between 121 and 199 days when used in a palliative setting.

Conclusion

This is one of the first case reports to describe a colonic stent failure occurring over 2 years after insertion. This case argues that further research into the longer-term outcomes of this management option is warranted, particularly as palliative patients are living longer.
New developments and opportunities for AI in viticulture, pomology, and soft-fruit research: a mini-review and invitation to contribute articles
Authors: Fuentes Sigfredo , Tongson Eden , Gonzalez Viejo Claudia
Published: October 2023

Climate change constraints on horticultural production and emerging consumer requirements for fresh and processed horticultural products with an increased number of quality traits have pressured the industry to increase the efficiency, sustainability, productivity, and quality of horticultural products. The implementation of Agriculture 4.0 using new and emerging digital technologies has increased the amount of data available from the soil–plant–atmosphere continuum to support decision-making in these agrosystems. However, to date, there has not been a unified effort to work with these novel digital technologies and gather data for precision farming. In general, artificial intelligence (AI), including machine/deep learning for data modeling, is considered the best approach for analyzing big data within the horticulture and agrifood sectors. Hence, the terms Agriculture/AgriFood 5.0 are starting to be used to identify the integration of digital technologies from precision agriculture and data handling and analysis using AI for automation. This mini-review focuses on the latest published work with a soil–plant–atmosphere approach, especially those published works implementing AI technologies and modeling strategies.
Non-cellular immunotherapies in pediatric central nervous system tumors
Authors: Rumler Sarah
Published: October 2023

Central nervous system (CNS) tumors are the second most common type of cancer and the most common cause of cancer death in pediatric patients. New therapies are desperately needed for some of the most malignant of all cancers. Immunotherapy has emerged in the past two decades as an additional avenue to augment/replace traditional therapies (such as chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation therapy). This article first discusses the unique nature of the pediatric CNS immune system and how it interacts with the systemic immune system. It then goes on to review three important and widely studied types of immune therapies: checkpoint inhibitors, vaccines, and radiation therapy, and touches on early studies of antibody-mediated immunogenic therapies, Finally, the article discusses the importance of combination immunotherapy for pediatric CNS tumors, and addresses the neurologic toxicities associated with immunotherapies.
Preclinical assessment of CAR-NK cell-mediated killing efficacy and pharmacokinetics in a rapid zebrafish xenograft model of metastatic breast cancer
Authors: Murali Shankar Nivedha , Ortiz-Montero Paola , Kurzyukova Anastasia , Rackwitz Wiebke , Künzel Stephan R. , Wels Winfried S. , Tonn Torsten , Knopf Franziska , Eitler Jiri
Published: October 2023

Natural killer (NK) cells are attractive effectors for adoptive immunotherapy of cancer. Results from first-in-human studies using chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-engineered primary NK cells and NK-92 cells are encouraging in terms of efficacy and safety. In order to further improve treatment strategies and to test the efficacy of CAR-NK cells in a personalized manner, preclinical screening assays using patient-derived tumor samples are needed. Zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryos and larvae represent an attractive xenograft model to study growth and dissemination of patient-derived tumor cells because of their superb live cell imaging properties. Injection into the organism’s circulation allows investigation of metastasis, cancer cell-to-immune cell-interactions and studies of the tumor cell response to anti-cancer drugs. Here, we established a zebrafish larval xenograft model to test the efficacy of CAR-NK cells against metastatic breast cancer in vivo by injecting metastatic breast cancer cells followed by CAR-NK cell injection into the Duct of Cuvier (DoC). We validated the functionality of the system with two different CAR-NK cell lines specific for PD-L1 and ErbB2 (PD-L1.CAR NK-92 and ErbB2.CAR NK-92 cells) against the PD-L1-expressing MDA-MB-231 and ErbB2-expressing MDA-MB-453 breast cancer cell lines. Injected cancer cells were viable and populated peripheral regions of the larvae, including the caudal hematopoietic tissue (CHT), simulating homing of cancer cells to blood forming sites. CAR-NK cells injected 2.5 hours later migrated to the CHT and rapidly eliminated individual cancer cells throughout the organism. Unmodified NK-92 also demonstrated minor in vivo cytotoxicity. Confocal live-cell imaging demonstrated intravascular migration and real-time interaction of CAR-NK cells with MDA-MB-231 cells, explaining the rapid and effective in vivo cytotoxicity. Thus, our data suggest that zebrafish larvae can be used for rapid and cost-effective in vivo assessment of CAR-NK cell potency and to predict patient response to therapy.
How and why might interprofessional patient- and family-centered rounds improve outcomes among healthcare teams and hospitalized patients? A conceptual framework informed by scoping and narrative literature review methods
Authors: Abu-Rish Blakeney Erin , Baird Jennifer , Beaird Genevieve , Khan Alisa , Parente Victoria M. , O’Brien Kevin D. , Zierler Brenda K. , O’Leary Kevin J. , Weiner Bryan J.
Published: October 2023

Poor communication within healthcare contributes to inefficiencies, medical errors, conflict, and other adverse outcomes. A promising model to improve outcomes resulting from poor communication in the inpatient hospital setting is Interprofessional Patient- and Family-Centered rounds (IPFCR). IPFCR brings two or more health professions together with hospitalized patients and families as part of a consistent, team-based routine to share information and collaboratively arrive at a daily plan of care. A growing body of literature focuses on implementation and outcomes of IPFCR to improve healthcare quality and team and patient outcomes. Most studies report positive changes following IPFCR implementation. However, conceptual frameworks and theoretical models are lacking in the IPFCR literature and represent a major gap that needs to be addressed to move this field forward. The purpose of this two-part review is to propose a conceptual framework of how IPFCR works. The goal is to articulate a framework that can be tested in subsequent research studies. Published IPFCR literature and relevant theories and frameworks were examined and synthesized to explore how IPFCR works, to situate IPFCR in relation to existing models and frameworks, and to postulate core components and underlying causal mechanisms. A preliminary, context-specific, conceptual framework is proposed illustrating interrelationships between four core components of IPFCR (interprofessional approach, intentional patient and family engagement, rounding structure, shared development of a daily care plan), improvements in communication, and better outcomes.
Polymyxin B and fusidic acid, a novel potent synergistic combination against Klebsiella pneumoniae and Escherichia coli isolates with polymyxin B resistance
Authors: Chen Shuying , Zhou Peiyao , Wu Chunyang , Wang Jie , Zhou Ying , Zhang Jiao , Wang Bingjie , Zhao Huilin , Rao Lulin , Li Meilan , Yu Fangyou , Lin Chunchan
Published: October 2023

The increasing prevalence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) Gram-negative bacteria and comparatively limited options of antibiotics pose a major threat to public health worldwide. Polymyxin B is the last resort against extensively resistant Gram-negative bacterial infections. However, a large number of Gram-negative bacteria exhibited high-level resistance to Polymyxin B, bringing challenges for antimicrobial chemotherapy. Combination therapies using polymyxins and other antibiotics are recommended to treat multidrug-resistant pathogens. In this study, we selected Gram-negative bacterial strains, including Klebsiella pneumoniae and Escherichia coli, to explore whether fusidic acid and polymyxin B have a synergistic killing effect. Through broth microdilution, we observed that minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) against polymyxin B in the isolates tested were significantly reduced by the addition of fusidic acid. Notably, chequerboard analysis indicated a synergistic effect between polymyxin B and fusidic acid. In addition, subsequent time-kill experiments showed that the combination of polymyxin B and fusidic acid was more effective than a single drug in killing bacteria. Finally, our investigation utilizing the murine model revealed a higher survival rate in the combination therapy group compared to the monotherapy group. Our research findings provide evidence of the synergistic effect between polymyxin B and fusidic acid. Fusidic acid was shown to increase the sensitivity of multi-drug resistant E. coli and K. pneumoniae to polymyxin B, thereby enhancing its bactericidal activity. This study provides new insights into a potential strategy for overcoming polymyxin B resistance, however, further investigations are required to evaluate their feasibility in real clinical settings.
Exploring cell cycle-mediated regulations of glycolysis in budding yeast
Authors: Zhang Yanfei , Barberis Matteo
Published: October 2023

Coordination of cell cycle with metabolism exists in all cell types that grow by division. It serves to build a new cell, (i) fueling building blocks for the synthesis of proteins, nucleic acids, and membranes, and (ii) producing energy through glycolysis. Cyclin-dependent kinases (Cdks) play an essential role in this coordination, thereby in the regulation of cell division. Cdks are functional homologs across eukaryotes and are the engines that drive cell cycle events and the clocks that time them. Their function is counteracted by stoichiometric inhibitors; specifically, inhibitors of cyclin-cyclin dependent kinase (cyclin/Cdk) complexes allow for their activity at specific times. Here, we provide a new perspective about the yet unknown cell cycle mechanisms impacting on metabolism. We first investigated the effect of the mitotic cyclin/Cdk1 complex Cyclin B/Cdk1—functional homolog in mammalian cells of the budding yeast Clb2/Cdk1—on yeast metabolic enzymes of, or related to, the glycolysis pathway. Six glycolytic enzymes (Glk1, Hxk2, Pgi1, Fba1, Tdh1, and Pgk1) were subjected to in vitro Cdk-mediated phosphorylation assays. Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (Zwf1), the first enzyme in the pentose phosphate pathway that is important for NADPH production, and 6-phospho-fructo-2-kinase (Pfk27), which catalyzes fructose-2,6-bisphosphate synthesis, a key regulator of glycolysis, were also included in the study. We found that, among these metabolic enzymes, Fba1 and Pgk1 may be phosphorylated by Cdk1, in addition to the known Cdk1-mediated phosphorylation of Gph1. We then investigated the possible effect of Sic1, stoichiometric inhibitor of mitotic cyclin/Cdk1 complexes in budding yeast, on the activities of three most relevant glycolytic enzymes: Hxk2, Glk1, and Tdh1. We found that Sic1 may have a negative effect on Hxk2. Altogether, we reveal possible new routes, to be further explored, through which cell cycle may regulate cellular metabolism. Because of the functional homology of cyclin/Cdk complexes and their stoichiometric inhibitors across evolution, our findings may be relevant for the regulation of cell division in eukaryotes.
Molecular studies of phages-Klebsiella pneumoniae in mucoid environment: innovative use of mucolytic agents prior to the administration of lytic phages
Authors: Pacios Olga , Blasco Lucía , Ortiz Cartagena Concha , Bleriot Inés , Fernández-García Laura , López María , Barrio-Pujante Antonio , Cuenca Felipe Fernández , Aracil Belén , Oteo-Iglesias Jesús , Tomás María
Published: October 2023

Mucins are important glycoproteins that form a protective layer throughout the gastrointestinal and respiratory tracts. There is scientific evidence of increase in phage-resistance in the presence of mucin for some bacterial pathogens. Manipulation in mucin composition may ultimately influence the effectiveness of phage therapy. In this work, two clinical strains of K. pneumoniae (K3574 and K3325), were exposed to the lytic bacteriophage vB_KpnS-VAC35 in the presence and absence of mucin on a long-term co-evolution assay, in an attempt to mimic in vitro the exposure to mucins that bacteria and their phages face in vivo. Enumerations of the bacterial and phage counts at regular time intervals were conducted, and extraction of the genomic DNA of co-evolved bacteria to the phage, the mucin and both was performed. We determined the frequency of phage-resistant mutants in the presence and absence of mucin and including a mucolytic agent (N-acetyl L-cysteine, NAC), and sequenced them using Nanopore. We phenotypically demonstrated that the presence of mucin induces the emergence of bacterial resistance against lytic phages, effectively decreased in the presence of NAC. In addition, the genomic analysis revealed some of the genes relevant to the development of phage resistance in long-term co-evolution, with a special focus on the mucoid environment. Genes involved in the metabolism of carbohydrates were mutated in the presence of mucin. In conclusion, the use of mucolytic agents prior to the administration of lytic phages could be an interesting therapeutic option when addressing K. pneumoniae infections in environments where mucin is overproduced.
Remote sensing traffic scene retrieval based on learning control algorithm for robot multimodal sensing information fusion and human-machine interaction and collaboration
Authors: Peng Huiling , Shi Nianfeng , Wang Guoqiang
Published: October 2023

In light of advancing socio-economic development and urban infrastructure, urban traffic congestion and accidents have become pressing issues. High-resolution remote sensing images are crucial for supporting urban geographic information systems (GIS), road planning, and vehicle navigation. Additionally, the emergence of robotics presents new possibilities for traffic management and road safety. This study introduces an innovative approach that combines attention mechanisms and robotic multimodal information fusion for retrieving traffic scenes from remote sensing images. Attention mechanisms focus on specific road and traffic features, reducing computation and enhancing detail capture. Graph neural algorithms improve scene retrieval accuracy. To achieve efficient traffic scene retrieval, a robot equipped with advanced sensing technology autonomously navigates urban environments, capturing high-accuracy, wide-coverage images. This facilitates comprehensive traffic databases and real-time traffic information retrieval for precise traffic management. Extensive experiments on large-scale remote sensing datasets demonstrate the feasibility and effectiveness of this approach. The integration of attention mechanisms, graph neural algorithms, and robotic multimodal information fusion enhances traffic scene retrieval, promising improved information extraction accuracy for more effective traffic management, road safety, and intelligent transportation systems. In conclusion, this interdisciplinary approach, combining attention mechanisms, graph neural algorithms, and robotic technology, represents significant progress in traffic scene retrieval from remote sensing images, with potential applications in traffic management, road safety, and urban planning.
Classification of subdural hematomas: proposal for a new system improving the ICD Coding Tools
Authors: Langlois Anne-Marie , Touchette Charles J. , Mathieu David , Iorio-Morin Christian
Published: October 2023

Background

The International Statistical Classification of Diseases (ICD) classifies subdural hematoma (SDH) as traumatic or non-traumatic. In clinical settings, however, SDH is typically described as either acute or chronic.

Objective

The goal of this study was to assess how the ICD Coding Tools captures the clinical terminology and propose an improved classification that would increase the system’s usefulness in administrative, statistical and research applications.

Methods

We performed a retrospective analysis of patients who presented to our center with an ICD diagnostic code for either traumatic or non-traumatic SDH. A qualitative analysis of patients’ charts was performed to identify elements relevant to management and prognosis, following which a meeting between expert investigators was held to elaborate a new classification of SDH. Imaging from all patients was then reviewed and cases were reclassified according to our proposed system.

Results

A total of 277 SDH cases were included. Themes documented in the charts included chronicity, etiology, side, and symptoms. We created a new classification which distinguishes acute SDH (aSDH) from membrane-associated SDH (mSDH). aSDH were further divided into traumatic aSDH (taSDH) and non-traumatic aSDH (ntaSDH), while mSDH were divided into acute on chronic (a/cSDH), subacute (sSDH) and chronic (cSDH) categories.

Conclusion

The ICD coding system correctly identifies taSDH and ntaSDH. However, it remains non-specific for mSDH. We propose this new SDH classification system to better capture chronicity and etiology – factors felt to impact management and prognosis.
Neuroanatomical and cellular degeneration associated with a social disorder characterized by new ritualistic belief systems in a TDP-C patient vs. a Pick patient
Authors: Ohm Daniel T. , Rhodes Emma , Bahena Alejandra , Capp Noah , Lowe MaKayla , Sabatini Philip , Trotman Winifred , Olm Christopher A. , Phillips Jeffrey , Prabhakaran Karthik , Rascovsky Katya , Massimo Lauren , McMillan Corey , Gee James , Tisdall M. Dylan , Yushkevich Paul A. , Lee Edward B. , Grossman Murray , Irwin David J.
Published: October 2023

Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) is a spectrum of clinically and pathologically heterogenous neurodegenerative dementias. Clinical and anatomical variants of FTD have been described and associated with underlying frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) pathology, including tauopathies (FTLD-tau) or TDP-43 proteinopathies (FTLD-TDP). FTD patients with predominant degeneration of anterior temporal cortices often develop a language disorder of semantic knowledge loss and/or a social disorder often characterized by compulsive rituals and belief systems corresponding to predominant left or right hemisphere involvement, respectively. The neural substrates of these complex social disorders remain unclear. Here, we present a comparative imaging and postmortem study of two patients, one with FTLD-TDP (subtype C) and one with FTLD-tau (subtype Pick disease), who both developed new rigid belief systems. The FTLD-TDP patient developed a complex set of values centered on positivity and associated with specific physical and behavioral features of pigs, while the FTLD-tau patient developed compulsive, goal-directed behaviors related to general themes of positivity and spirituality. Neuroimaging showed left-predominant temporal atrophy in the FTLD-TDP patient and right-predominant frontotemporal atrophy in the FTLD-tau patient. Consistent with antemortem cortical atrophy, histopathologic examinations revealed severe loss of neurons and myelin predominantly in the anterior temporal lobes of both patients, but the FTLD-tau patient showed more bilateral, dorsolateral involvement featuring greater pathology and loss of projection neurons and deep white matter. These findings highlight that the regions within and connected to anterior temporal lobes may have differential vulnerability to distinct FTLD proteinopathies and serve important roles in human belief systems.
Friend or foe: classifying collaborative interactions using fNIRS
Authors: Hayne Lucas , Grant Trevor , Hirshfield Leanne , Carter R. McKell
Published: October 2023

To succeed, effective teams depend on both cooperative and competitive interactions between individual teammates. Depending on the context, cooperation and competition can amplify or neutralize a team's problem solving ability. Therefore, to assess successful collaborative problem solving, it is first crucial to distinguish competitive from cooperative interactions. We investigate the feasibility of using lightweight brain sensors to distinguish cooperative from competitive interactions in pairs of participants (N=84) playing a decision-making game involving uncertain outcomes. We measured brain activity using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) from social, motor, and executive areas during game play alone and in competition or cooperation with another participant. To distinguish competitive, cooperative, and alone conditions, we then trained support vector classifiers using combinations of features extracted from fNIRS data. We find that features from social areas of the brain outperform other features for discriminating competitive, cooperative, and alone conditions in cross-validation. Comparing the competitive and alone conditions, social features yield a 5% improvement over motor and executive features. Social features show promise as means of distinguishing competitive and cooperative environments in problem solving settings. Using fNIRS data provides a real-time measure of subjective experience in an ecologically valid environment. These results have the potential to inform intelligent team monitoring to provide better real-time feedback and improve team outcomes in naturalistic settings.
Optimization of a formula to develop iron-dense novel composite complementary flour with a reduced phytate/minerals molar ratio from dabi teff-field pea-based blends using a D-optimal mixture design
Authors: Tura Diriba Chewaka , Belachew Tefera , Tamiru Dessalegn , Abate Kalkidan Hassen
Published: October 2023

Iron deficiency anemia is one of the major public health problems in children associated with the inadequate intake of bioavailable iron. Thus, this research was aimed at incorporating dabi teff, an underutilized/forgotten crop, into other pre-processed local food crops, viz., germinated maize, roasted barley, roasted field pea, dehulled oats, and linseed, to develop optimized iron-dense novel composite complementary flour with a reduced phytate/minerals molar ratio. Nutrisurvey software was employed to define ranges, and they were constrained at 20–35% dabi teff, 0–30% field pea, and 5–20% maize, while the remaining were kept constant at 25% barley, 15% oats, and 5% linseed. Eleven experimental runs were generated from the six mixture components using Stat-Ease Design Expert® software version 11, D-optimal. Inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry was used to determine micronutrients. ‘Scheffe’ regression was used to fit and test the model’s adequacy, and numerical multi-response optimization was performed using the Design Expert® to identify the optimal points. Dabi teff had a significantly higher (p < 0.05) iron content at 86.5 mg/100 g, iron density at 24.53 mg/100 kcal, and calcium content at 123.59 mg/100 g. The new formulations had a significantly higher iron content (3.31–4.36 times), iron density (3.25–4.27 times), and calcium content (1.49–1.58 times), as compared to the control flour, and fulfilled FAO/WHO recommendations. The optimal formula was identified at 34.66% dabi teff, 25% barley, 15% oats, 15.34% field pea, 5% linseed, and 5% maize flour ratios, with response values at the overall optimization as 32.21 mg/100 g iron, 77.51 mg/100 g calcium, 2.59 mg/100 g zinc, 0.233 phytate/iron molar ratio (Ph:Fe), 0.067 phytate/calcium molar ratio (Ph:Ca), 3.43 phytate/zinc molar ratio (Ph:Zn), and 6.63 phytate by calcium to zinc molar ratio (Ph*Ca:Zn). Furthermore, it contained iron at a level that is 2.01 times higher than the standard and 4.44 times higher than the control, as well as an iron density of 8.47 mg/100 kcal, which was 4.39 times higher than that of the control. These findings showed that the optimized dabi teff-field pea based iron-dense novel composite complementary flour with enhanced bioavailability can be developed and used as a sustainable food-based strategy to combat iron deficiency anemia among children in less developed countries, such as Ethiopia.
Combined probiotics with vitamin D3 supplementation improved aerobic performance and gut microbiome composition in mixed martial arts athletes
Authors: Przewłócka Katarzyna , Folwarski Marcin , Kaczmarczyk Mariusz , Skonieczna-Żydecka Karolina , Palma Joanna , Bytowska Zofia Kinga , Kujach Sylwester , Kaczor Jan Jacek
Published: October 2023

Introduction

Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) is characterized as an interval sport in which the training program focuses on enhancing both aerobic and anaerobic capacities. Therefore, strategies targeting the intestinal microbiome may be beneficial for MMA athletes. Moreover, vitamin D supplementation may amplify the positive effects of certain bacterial strains. We previously demonstrated that the combined of probiotics and vitamin D3 supplementation improved the lactate utilization ratio, total work, and average power achieved during anaerobic tests in MMA. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate whether combined probiotic and vitamin D3 ingestion can modify the composition of the gut microbiome and epithelial cell permeability, influence the inflammatory response, and ultimately enhance aerobic capacity.

Methods

A 4-week clinical trial was conducted with 23 male MMA athletes randomly assigned to either the probiotic + vitamin D3 (PRO + VIT D) group or the vitamin D3 group (VIT D). The trial employed a double-blind, placebo-controlled design and involved measurements of serum inflammatory markers, gut microbiome composition, epithelial cell permeability, and aerobic performance.

Results

After 4-week of supplementation, we found a significantly lower concentration of calprotectin in the PRO + VIT D group (34.79 ± 24.38 mmol/L) compared to the value before (69.50 ± 46.91) supplementation (p = 0.030), augmentation of beta diversity after the intervention in the PRO + VIT D group (p = 0.0005) and an extended time to exhaustion to 559.00 ± 68.99; compared to the value before (496.30 ± 89.98; p = 0.023) after combined probiotic and vitamin D3 supplementation in MMA athletes. No effect was observed in the VIT D group.

Conclusion

Our results indicate that combined treatment of probiotics and vitamin D3 may cause alterations in alpha and beta diversity and the composition of the gut microbiota in MMA athletes. We observed an improvement in epithelial cell permeability and an extended time to exhaustion during exercise in MMA athletes following a 4-week combined probiotic and vitamin D3 treatment.
Association of dietary total antioxidant capacity, alternative healthy eating index, and dietary inflammatory index with semen quality in men seeking infertility treatment
Authors: Dabagh Mahtab , Jahangiri Nargesbano , Taheri Madah Ali , Rostami Sahar , Amidi Fardin , Khodarahmian Mahshad , Tavoosian Ali , Shabani Nashtaei Maryam , Vatannejad Akram
Published: October 2023

Background

Since the association between dietary quality scores and semen quality remains unclear, we carried out a hospital-based cross-sectional study to investigate the association of Dietary Total Antioxidant Capacity (dTAC), Dietary Inflammatory Index (DII), and Alternative Healthy Eating Index (AHEI) scores with semen quality in men seeking infertility treatment.

Methods

This study enrolled 210 men with unexplained or idiopathic infertility. Semen samples were collected and analyzed according to the WHO 2010 criteria. Dietary data was collected using a 168-item semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) developed for Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to estimate the relationship between dTAC, AHEI, and DII scores with abnormal semen in crude and adjusted models.

Results

There were no significant differences across quartile categories of the dTAC, AHEI, and DII scores regarding semen parameters. There was a trend toward a significant direct association between DII and abnormal semen risk (p = 0.01). Infertile men in the highest quartile of DII had a 2.84 times higher risk of abnormal semen in the crude model (OR: 3.84; 95% CI: 1.64–8.95); such that remained after adjusting for several potential confounders. There was no significant association between dTAC or AHEI and the risk of abnormal semen in infertile men, either before or after adjusting for potential confounders. Total energy (p = 0.05), fat (p = 0.02), saturated fat (p = 0.02), mono-saturated fat (p = 0.009), Thiamine (Vitamin B1) (p = 0.02), Niacin (Vitamin B3) (p = 0.03), Calcium (p = 0.01), and Selenium (p = 0.01) were inversely associated with semen normality.

Discussion

The study suggests that certain dietary factors may affect semen quality, and the mechanisms underlying the observed associations are likely multifactorial, involving complex interactions between diet, oxidative stress, inflammation, and hormone levels. Further research is required to confirm the results, fully elucidate the mechanisms underlying the associations, and identify specific dietary interventions that may improve male fertility outcomes.
A simplified frailty index and nomogram to predict the postoperative complications and survival in older patients with upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma
Authors: Liu Jianyong , Wang Haoran , Wu Pengjie , Wang Jiawen , Wang Jianye , Hou Huimin , Wang Jianlong , Zhang Yaoguang
Published: October 2023

Purpose

This study was designed to investigate the clinical value of a simplified five-item frailty index (sFI) for predicting short- and long-term outcomes in older patients with upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) patients after radical nephroureterectomy (RNU).

Method

This retrospective study included 333 patients (aged ≥65 years) with UTUC. Patients were classified into five groups: 0, 1, 2, 3, and 3+, according to sFI score. The variable importance and minimum depth methods were used to screen for significant variables, and univariable and multivariable logistic regression models applied to investigated the relationships between significant variables and postoperative complications. Survival differences between groups were analyzed using Kaplan-Meier plots and log-rank tests. Cox proportional hazards regression was used to evaluate risk factors associated with overall survival (OS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS). Further, we developed a nomogram based on clinicopathological features and the sFI. The area under the curve (AUC), Harrel’s concordance index (C-index), calibration curve, and decision curve analysis (DCA) were used to evaluate the nomogram.

Result

Of 333 cases identified, 31.2% experienced a Clavien-Dindo grade of 2 or greater complication. Random forest–logistic regression modeling showed that sFI significantly influenced the incidence of postoperative complications in older patients (AUC= 0.756). Compared with patients with low sFI score, those with high sFI scores had significantly lower OS and CSS (p < 0.001). Across all patients, the random survival forest–Cox regression model revealed that sFI score was an independent prognostic factor for OS and CSS, with AUC values of 0.815 and 0.823 for predicting 3-year OS and CSS, respectively. The nomogram developed was clinically valuable and had good ability to discriminate abilities for high-risk patients. Further, we developed a survival risk classification system that divided all patients into high-, moderate-, and low-risk groups based on total nomogram points for each patient.

Conclusion

A simple five-item frailty index may be considered a prognostic factor for the prognosis and postoperative complications of UTUC following RNU. By using this predictive model, clinicians may increase their accuracy in predicting complications and prognosis and improve preoperative decision-making.
A blueprint for success in real-world evidence: “glocal” approach to building capabilities and generating impactful evidence
Authors: Larsen Kristoffer , Walton Ryan N. , Elsayed Mohamed , Ipatov Andrey , Townsend-Holyoake Faye , Axelsson Sebastian F. A. , Quinones Nacho , Papsch Rudiger , Givens Jennifer , Bedenkov Alexander , Seewald Michael
Published: October 2023

The past decade has seen the increasing influence and relevance of real-world data (RWD) and real-world evidence (RWE) in healthcare decision making. The value added by RWD/RWE has prompted the pharmaceutical industry to develop high performing systems and practices to harness the power of evidence generated at the global level. However, this worldwide transformation provides outstanding opportunities to support capability building within local affiliates and to impact key country-level stakeholders through resulting evidence. Therefore, we present an Evidence Blueprint Initiative, which links the global and local (“glocal”) skills, and furthermore addresses the opportunities and gaps in evidence generation capabilities at the local level. Cross-functional experts were recruited at the local, regional, and global level to define best practices. A framework was developed to characterize the foundational expertise needed and to assess markets’ existing capabilities. Subsequently, targeted roadmaps were developed and implemented to build capabilities in specific areas within each affiliate. The impact from the Blueprint is encouraging, resulting in improved local evidence plans, established evidence teams, enhanced RWD use and strategic implementation of patient centric science in local affiliates. The success of the Blueprint resides in empowering affiliates to realise their local evidence generation ambitions and to match them to their local context. It strengthens and expands the ties between various parts of the organisation and the external environment while building fit-for-future evidence capabilities from local affiliates.