bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Crimean War
Authors: Ho Tai-Chun
Published: August 2024

The Crimean War (1853–1856)—in which Britain forged an alliance with France to defend the Ottoman Empire (later joined by Sardinia-Piedmont) against Russia—is the only major European conflict between the Napoleonic Wars and the First World War. It is often dubbed the first “modern war” or “media war”: the first to be reported by correspondents, illustrated by artists, and recorded by photographers in war zones. The armed conflict had a global reach and fighting occurred on several fronts, although the British media coverage was preoccupied with the allied campaign on the Crimean Peninsula. Newspapers were instrumental in shaping mid-Victorian reimaginings of and engagements with the events unfolding in the Crimean theatre of war. For the first time the British reading public could learn of the condition of the army and observe the government’s military campaign as it was being waged abroad. By exposing to public scrutiny soldiers’ sufferings caused by the mismanagement of the war, the Times correspondents and leader writers sparked a furore against the aristocratic leaders (which toppled the Aberdeen government in February 1855), prompted debates about the war, and generated a range of civilian responses to the conflict (including Florence Nightingale’s nursing mission and Alfred, Lord Tennyson’s “The Charge of the Light Brigade”). As the unprecedented newspaper coverage of the campaign emerged as a dominant form of war representation, it in turn influenced the production and reception of literature and art at the time. The demand for news from the East and the need to honor and commemorate the heroics of the combatants, doctors, and nurses involved in the campaign fueled the publication of soldiers’ letters, eyewitness accounts, travel writing, and the auto/biographies of Crimean heroes and heroines. Yet the dominance of journalism also placed pressure upon established literary forms. For mid-Victorian writers and artists, the newspaper text often served as a source of anxiety and frustration on the one hand, and of creativity and political intervention on the other. Until the 1990s, the study of the Crimean War mainly attracted the attention of military historians whose work narrowly focused on the origins, diplomacy, strategies, and campaigns of the conflict. Since the 2000s scholars across disciplines have adopted an interdisciplinary approach, incorporating the various strands of the military-, art-, and media-histories, as well as gendered and “racial” histories of the belligerent nations in order to examine the conflict’s modernity, impact, legacies, and afterlives. As Crimean War studies flourish and expand, new territories such as the global perspectives of the conflict and the relationship between race and empire have also been explored (as in the case of Mary Seacole, who has been recovered in recent decades as a Crimean heroine and as a national exemplar). This article documents a rich and growing body of work that addresses the military, literary, and cultural aspects of the Crimean War.
Multiple thoracolumbar compression fractures induced by glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis and cachexia in a young adult female patient with systemic lupus erythematosus: a case report with a 5-year follow-up
Authors: Fujimoto Kazuki , Akiyama Taro , Kakinuma Kohei , Kano Toshikazu , Maki Narumi , Hashiba Daisuke , Maeyama Toshifumi , Nakagawa Ryosuke , Arai Hajime , Ohtori Seiji
Published: August 2024

Background: High doses of glucocorticoids and severe weight loss can cause osteoporosis. We present a case of glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis and cachexia in an 18-year-old woman who experienced severe appetite loss leading to weight loss, amenorrhea, and multiple thoracolumbar compression fractures. Case presentation: The patient had been receiving high-dose glucocorticoid treatment for systemic lupus erythematosus since the age of 13 and developed unexplained appetite loss since the age of 16. She subsequently developed thoracolumbar compression fractures, which necessitated repeated hospitalization. Gradual glucocorticoid tapering using belimumab and weight regain were achieved through high-calorie nutrition administration via the central vein, which helped the patient overcome her cachexic state. Romosozumab administration increased bone mineral density. Conclusion: Long-term administration of glucocorticoids may lead to osteoporosis and cachexia, resulting in amenorrhea, especially in young adults. Approaches that taper glucocorticoids and promote weight regain may be helpful in the management of such patients.
Exposure to agricultural pesticides and wheezing among 5–12-year-old children in the Imperial Valley, CA, USA
Authors: Ornelas Van Horne Yoshira , Johnston Jill E. , Barahona Dayane Duenas , Razafy Mitiasoa , Kamai Elizabeth M. , Ruiz Brandyn C. , Eckel Sandrah P. , Bejarano Esther , Olmedo Luis , Farzan Shohreh F.
Published: August 2024

Background:

Exposure to pesticides has been linked to adverse respiratory health outcomes in children.

Methods:

We leveraged the Children’s Assessing Imperial Valley Respiratory Health and the Environment cohort located in the rural community of Imperial Valley near the US–Mexico border. We calculated the kilograms of total pesticides applied within 400 m of children’s residential addresses for the years 2016–2020. Estimated pesticide usage near homes was categorized into three groups (none vs. low vs. high [split at the median]). All health variables (i.e., asthma status and wheezing) were derived from a parent-reported questionnaire on respiratory health. We used generalized linear models, controlling for child sex, the language of survey, health insurance, respondents’ highest education, and exposure to environmental secondhand smoking, to calculate prevalence differences between none versus low and high exposure to agricultural pesticides.

Results:

Approximately 62% of the 708 children (aged 5–12 years) lived within 400 m of at least one pesticide application within 12 months prior to survey administration. Exposure to pesticides within 400 m of children’s residences was associated with 12-month prior wheeze. Those in the “high” exposure group had a prevalence of wheezing that was 10 (95% confidence interval: 2%, 17%) percentage points higher than among children not exposed to pesticide applications. Associations for high exposure to specific categories of pesticide applications, sulfur only, all pesticides except sulfur, chlorpyrifos, and glyphosate, also were observed with a higher prevalence of wheezing than among children not exposed to pesticide applications.

Conclusions:

We observed associations between living near pesticide applications and more wheeze symptoms among children.
Music Across Generations
Authors: Sunderland Naomi , Barry Glenn , Graham Phil , Garvey Darren , Bartleet Brydie-Leigh , Scarfe Brigitta , Apps Kristy , Cooper Rae , Bracknell Clint , Hall Kerry
Published: August 2024

This article reports on promising pilot research which indicates that intergenerational musical practices in diverse First Nations families and communities in Vanuatu and Australia can shape cultural determinants of health (CDoH). We contend that such strength- and culture-based approaches to health promotion may help to disrupt colonial and deficit constructions of First Nations People and our health and wellbeing. The pilot study used Indigenist yarning which prioritized First Nations ideas, concepts, and knowledges during informal and relational semi-structured interviews with 9 diverse First Nations musicians in Australia and Vanuatu. The pilot study underpins an ongoing international 3-year research project examining First Nations music as a determinant of health led by Griffith University, The University of the Sunshine Coast, The University of Queensland, and Edith Cowan University. Yarning interviews were analyzed using collaborative thematic analysis and Indigenous visual art responses. Major themes emerging from the data related to intergenerational music activity and transmission. Themes include Music as an intergenerational medium of cultures; Music as a bond between older and younger generations; Intergenerational musical activism and advocacy; and Musical lineages and strengths. Intergenerational musical practices in diverse First Nations families may provide protective cultural, social, economic, educative, and professional determinants of health. The study indicates that more research and new theory may unlock the potential of First Nations musical activities as protective and agentic cultural practices in our families and communities.
Health Needs Assessment of Unhoused Youth in Charleston, South Carolina
Authors: Adams Cristin S. , Roach Chelsea A. , Berini Carole R. , Cooper Nicole A. , Kahle Robert W. , Player Marty S. , Diaz Vanessa A.
Published: August 2024

Background:

Over 35 000 youth experience homelessness on any given night in the United States (US). Unhoused youth experience unique physical and mental health challenges and face barriers in every social determinant of health (SDoH), which may be amplified in the LGBTQ+ population.

Objective:

The objective of this study was to define characteristics of the unhoused youth population and their utilization of healthcare to inform programs to meet their needs.

Methods:

Secondary analysis of data from the College of Charleston’s YOUth Count survey was conducted, focusing on health-related characteristics, challenges, healthcare utilization, and SDoH of youth aged 18 to 25 experiencing homelessness in Charleston, SC.

Results:

Almost three-quarters of respondents (74.6%) reported mental health challenges and 35% reported physical health challenges. A significantly higher proportion of those who engaged in survival sex were LGBTQ+ . More than half (68.4%) visited the emergency department (ED) and 29.3% were admitted to the hospital in the past 12 months. Housing status, safety, food insecurity, sexual orientation, prior foster care, and survival sex were all significantly associated with ED utilization. Housing status and survival sex were significantly associated with hospital admission.

Conclusions:

Addressing SDoH is essential to improving health outcomes and healthcare utilization among unhoused youth, particularly in the LGBTQ+ population.
Influences of Intraoperative Warming on Surgical Outcomes of Pancreaticoduodenectomy With Portal Vein Reconstruction: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Xu Yecheng , Huang Shenhui , Guo Yujie , Jiang Yongjian , Yang Feng , Di Yang , Yao Lie , Li Ji , Jin Chen , Fu Deliang
Published: August 2024

Aim:

To test the hypothesis that intraoperative warming (IOW) can improve surgical outcomes after pancreaticoduodenectomy with portal vein reconstruction (PD-PVR).

Methods:

Patients diagnosed with pancreatic head ductal adenocarcinoma who underwent PD-PVR at Huashan Hospital between January 1, 2017, and January 1, 2022, were retrospectively divided into two groups according to whether IOW was implemented. The primary outcome was the incidence of textbook outcome (TO) after pancreatectomy. The secondary outcomes were intraoperative hypothermia and adjuvant chemotherapy (AC) completion rate.

Results:

Among the 196 included patients, 122 underwent IOW while 74 did not. Both average (35.2℃ vs. 36.2℃, p < 0.001) and minimum (34.0℃ vs. 35.6℃, p < 0.001) intraoperative body temperature were significantly higher in the IOW group compared with the non-IOW one. Satisfactory surgical outcomes were observed in the IOW group, due to a higher incidence of TOs (51.4% vs. 68.9%, p = 0.021), lower incidence of post-pancreatectomy hemorrhage (13.5% vs. 3.3%, p = 0.010), earlier AC initiation (48 day vs. 40 day, p < 0.001), and AC completion rate (59.5% vs. 76.2%, p = 0.020). IOW was the independent influential factor for TOs, intraoperative hypothermia, and AC completion. In survival analysis, the median overall survival was longer with AC completion (month, 8.6 vs. 27.5, p < 0.001) or TO (month, 16.2 vs. 20.0, p = 0.002). Intraoperative hypothermia (hazard ratio, 1.53; 95% confidence interval: 1.03–2.25, p = 0.033) was the independent risk factor of overall survival.

Conclusions:

Intraoperative hypothermia occurred frequently in patients with PD-PVR. IOW had a positive impact on surgical outcomes of PD-PVR, resulting in higher rates of TOs and postoperative AC completion.
Test–retest and interrater reliability of experimental within-subject variability of pain reports as assessed by the focused analgesia selection test
Authors: Agostinho Mariana , Shani Adi , Canaipa Rita , Treister Roi
Published: August 2024

Introduction:

Within-subject variability (WSV) of pain intensity reports has been shown to predict the placebo response. The focused analgesia selection test (FAST), which allows to experimentally assess WSV of pain reports, has been used as a screening tool to identify participants who are likely to have a strong placebo response in drug-development clinical trials. Yet, the reliability of FAST has not been reported.

Objectives:

To assess test–retest and interrater reliability of the FAST outcomes. To mimic pharma-sponsored clinical trials, we enlisted inexperienced assessors who underwent limited training.

Methods:

Healthy volunteers performed the FAST twice within a week and were randomly assigned to either the test–retest group or the interrater group. T-tests, partial Pearson correlations, intraclass correlations (ICC), and Bland–Altman plots were generated to assess FAST outcomes' reliability.

Results:

Sixty-three participants completed the study and were assigned to the test–retest (N = 33) or interrater (N = 30) arms. No statistically significant differences in the FAST outcomes were detected between the 2 sessions, except for the FAST covariance (FAST CoV) in the interrater assessment (P = 0.009). Test–retest reliabilities of the FAST-main outcomes were r = 0.461, ICC = 0.385 for the FAST R
2 and r = 0.605, ICC = 0.539 for the FAST ICC and in the interrater cohort, they were FAST R
2: r = 0.321, ICC = 0.337 and FAST ICC: r = 0.355, ICC = 0.330.

Conclusion:

Using inexperienced assessors, the FAST outcomes test–retest ranged from moderate to strong, whereas the interrater reliability ranged from weak to poor. These results highlight the importance of adequately training study staff members before using this tool in multicentre clinical trials.
CLINICAL APPLICATION STUDY OF 3D-ASL PERFUSION IMAGING AND MAGNETIC RESONANCE DIFFUSION IMAGING IN TRANSIENT ISCHEMIC ATTACK
Authors: Lan Quan
Published: August 2024

Objective: This study aimed to explore the clinical application of three-dimensional arterial spin labeling (3D-ASL) and diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DWI) in transient ischemic attacks. Methods: Forty patients with transient cerebral ischemia in our hospital were selected and included from July 2020 to March 2022. All subjects were detected by DWI and 3D-ASL technology. The positive rate, relative cerebral blood flow (rCBF), and the receiver operating characteristic curve of the two methods in the diagnosis of transient cerebral ischemia were compared; the objective was to compare the relationship between the frequency of transient ischemic attack and hypoperfusion, and vascular stenosis. Results: The 3D-ASL examination showed two cases of hypoperfusion in the healthy control group (5.00), and the magnetic resonance imaging examination showed four cases of vascular stenosis in the healthy control group (10.00). The rCBF ratio in the cerebral ischemia group was significantly lower than that in the cerebral ischemia group, which was significantly lower than that in the healthy control group (P < 0.05). The area under the curve (AUC) of 3D-ASL in the diagnosis of transient cerebral ischemia was 0.800, and the AUC of DWI in the diagnosis of transient cerebral ischemia was 0.725. The AUC of the combination of the two methods in transient cerebral ischemia was 0.850. There was a significant difference in the attack frequency of patients with transient cerebral ischemia with different perfusion (P < 0.05). There was a significant difference in attack frequency between patients with transient ischemic attack and patients without vascular stenosis (P < 0.05). Conclusion: 3D-ASL and DWI technology have higher diagnostic efficiency for transient cerebral ischemia.
Diversifying selection identified in immune epitopes of bovine coronavirus isolates from Irish cattle
Authors: Russell Tristan , Lozano Jose Maria , Challinor Cailyn , Barry Gerald
Published: August 2024

Bovine betacoronavirus (BoCoV) is a pneumoenteric pathogen of cattle that is closely related to human coronavirus OC43. Vaccines are administered to protect against diseases caused by BoCoV, but knowledge gaps exist with regard to correlates of protection and the effect of immune evasion on driving evolution. In this study, immune epitopes were mapped onto BoCoV structural proteins, including spike and haemagglutinin esterase (HE), and then supported with targeted gene sequencing of Irish clinical isolates and selective pressure analysis. Increased prevalence of diversifying selection and amino acid changes in some mapped immune epitopes suggests that immune escape is selecting for non-synonymous mutations arising in these regions. Selection analysis and sequencing provided increased support for neutralising antibody (nAb) epitopes compared to others, suggesting that nAbs are an important arm of the immune response to BoCoV. Phylogenetic analysis of spike and HE sequences showed that Irish isolates from this study were in the European clade, except for one HE sequence that sat in the Asian/American clade, while the spike gene of this sample was in the European clade. Recombination between a European and an Asian/American isolate would give rise to such a sequence. This study has gathered evidence suggesting that pressure to evade the nAb response is contributing to BoCoV evolution.
Metabolic connectivity has greater predictive utility for age and cognition than functional connectivity.
Authors: Deery Hamish A , Liang Emma X , Moran Chris , Egan Gary F , Jamadar Sharna D
Published: August 2024

Recently developed high temporal resolution functional [18F]-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (fPET) offers promise as a method for indexing the dynamic metabolic state of the brain in vivo by directly measuring a timeseries of metabolism at the post-synaptic neuron. This is distinct from functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) that reflects a combination of metabolic, haemodynamic and vascular components of neuronal activity. The value of using fPET to understand healthy brain ageing and cognition over fMRI is currently unclear. Here we use simultaneous fPET/fMRI to compare metabolic and functional connectivity and test their predictive ability for ageing and cognition. Whole-brain fPET connectomes showed moderate topological similarities to fMRI connectomes in 40 younger (mean age 27.9 years; range 20-42) and 46 older (mean 75.8; 60-89) adults. There were more age-related within- and between-network connectivity and graph metric differences in fPET than fMRI. fPET was also associated with performance in more cognitive domains than fMRI. These results suggest that ageing is associated with a reconfiguration of metabolic connectivity that differs from haemodynamic alterations. We conclude that metabolic connectivity has greater predictive utility for age and cognition than functional connectivity and that measuring glucodynamic changes has promise as a biomarker for age-related cognitive decline.
Machine learning based identification of candidate miRNA biomarkers for micro-invasive breast cancer diagnosis
Authors: Pal Jayanta K , Rami Bhadresh R
Published: August 2024

Purpose: Early detection of cancer can be done by analyzing miRNA expression patterns. miRNAs play a significant role in biological processes, and they have been identified as one of the major biomarkers in cancer. miRNAs can also be detected in human blood (micro-invasive way of sample collection), which makes the diagnostic procedure much less stressful for the patients. In this article, we emphasize on identification of miRNAs as biomarkers (collected from blood sample) that are associated with breast cancer. Methods: In this investigation we use three breast cancer data sets, obtained from blood samples. A combination of multiple feature selection and classification models is used to classify normal vs cancer samples. In the first stage, the significant miRNAs associated with cancer were selected by (a) classifier assigned weights and (b) feature selection algorithms. In the second stage, we apply multiple classifiers to observe the diagnostic capability of the selected miRNAs for consideration as potential biomarkers. Results: Our miRNA selection stage identified ten miRNAs, which were subsequently analysed using multiple classifiers for their ability to distinguish between normal and cancerous cases. The performance is examined using a 5-fold cross validation technique using multiple measures such as precision, recall, F1-score, and accuracy. We also use a confusion matrix to evaluate the performance of the selected miRNAs. For two out of three datasets, we achieve satisfactory performance in terms of normal vs cancer classification. Conclusion: We observe that high expression levels of miRNA is relatively more important than the sample size, for effective blood-based diagnosis of breast cancer. The novelty of our investigation lies in combining three aspects viz., blood-based breast cancer diagnosis, use of multiple ML based feature selection algorithms to identify the miRNAs associated with breast cancer, evaluating them using various classifiers and the robustness of these ML models in feature selection and classification.
Preparing to act follows Bayesian inference rules
Authors: Tarasi Luca , de Fatis Chiara Tabarelli , Covelli Margherita , Ippolito Giuseppe , Avenanti Alessio , Romei Vincenzo
Published: August 2024

Predictive brain theories suggest that human brain sets-up predictive models to anticipate incoming sensory evidence. Recent studies demonstrated these models to be integrated already in sensory areas, shaping even perceptual outcomes. Here, we hypothesized that this integration process informs the entire functional hierarchy, thus scaling all the way down to the motor system. Operationally, we propose that cue-oriented cortico-spinal excitability (CSE) modulation serves the pre-activation of motor representations aligned to prior-congruent decisions. To this end, 62 participants completed a probabilistic discrimination task while we delivered bilateral single-pulse TMS over the two primary motor cortices (M1s) and recorded motor-evoked potentials (MEPs) to assess motor excitability associated to prior-congruent vs. incongruent actions separately encoded by the two hands. Our findings revealed that prior expectations shaped CSE well before action execution, predominantly by inhibiting the M1 cortex coding for the prior-incongruent action. Importantly, this physiological modulation underpinned the prior-induced bias in participants’ choices, highlighting the link between motor preparatory modulation and actual decision-making. Furthermore, we observed significant interindividual variability in prior-driven CSE modulations, revealing two distinct predictive strategies: thebelievers’style, who heavily rely on prior, and theempiricistsone, who downplay its role, maintaining CSE level mostly unbiased. Crucially, autistic and schizotypal traits drove these differences in prior-driven motor strategy, withbelieverscharacterized by schizotypal traits, whereasempiricistsdisplaying autistic-like features. These results demonstrate how predictive models are integrated into action representations and highlight the role of prior-driven CSE modulations as a potential marker able to intercept interindividual differences in predictive styles.
Contrastive learning for cell division detection and tracking in live cell imaging data
Authors: Zyss Daniel , Sharma Amritansh , Ribeiro Susana A , Repellin Claire E , Lai Oliver , Walter Thomas , Fehri Amin
Published: August 2024

Fluorescent live-cell microscopy is essential for understanding cellular dynamics by imaging specific molecules, their interactions, and biochemical states in live samples. It is crucial for biological research and drug screening. However, live-cell imaging often requires balancing temporal resolution with cell viability (i.e. conditions enabling cells to thrive) because of photo-toxicity. Consequently, there is increasing interest in lowering temporal resolution to allow for extended observation periods and to study event sequences that uncover causal relationships and mechanistic insights. Tracking cells in video microscopy with low temporal resolution remains a challenge. We introduce a new integrated methodology that uses contrastive learning and graph-based approaches to improve cell division detection and tracking. Our approach employs contrastive learning models to create cell representations that facilitate the detection of cell divisions and enhance cell tracking. Of note, we propose a weakly-supervised constrastive learning approach to build robust temporal cell representations through time-based augmentations. Additionally, we introduce an innovative graph optimization technique to identify cell tracks based on these representations and observed division events. We evaluate our methods on an in-house dataset and public datasets from the Cell Tracking Challenge, achieving substantial performance improvements in both native and reduced temporal resolutions. Our methodology thus enhances adaptability to various temporal resolutions, improving precision and efficiency in live-cell microscopy analysis. This advancement is particularly beneficial for extended drug screening studies, ensuring cell viability and maintaining normal cell homeostasis, which is vital for therapeutic research.
Uncovering Astrocyte Morphological Dynamics Using Optical Diffraction Tomography and Shape-based Trajectory Inference
Authors: Anantha Pooja , Raj Piyush , Saracino Emanuela , Kim Joo Ho , Kim Jeong Hee , Convertino Annalisa , Gu Luo , Barman Ishan
Published: August 2024

Astrocytes, integral components of the central nervous system, are increasingly recognized for their multifaceted roles beyond mere support cells. Despite their acknowledged importance, understanding the intricacies of astrocyte morphology and dynamics remains limited. Our study marks the first exploration of astrocytes using optical diffraction tomography (ODT), aiming to establish a solid foundation for their detailed characterization. It offers valuable insights into the morphological changes in postnatal rat cortical astrocytes over a 7-day in vitro period in a label-free manner. Through comprehensive analysis of 3D refractive index maps and shape characterization techniques, we elucidate the developmental trajectory and dynamic morphological transformations of astrocytes in culture. Specifically, our observations revealed increased area and transition to larger, flattened shapes, and alterations in cell volume and density, indicating shifts in cellular composition. Furthermore, by employing unsupervised clustering and pseudotime trajectory analysis, we tracked the morphological evolution of astrocytes from highly directional to evenly spread shapes. These results emphasize the dynamic nature of astrocytes. In addition, this analysis marks the first use of trajectory inference based solely on morphology for neural cell types. Future studies could employ ODT to examine the morphological dynamics and interactions of various neural cell types on other types of substrates.
Combination of hotspot mutations with methylation and fragmentomic profiles to enhance Multi-Cancer Early Detection
Authors: Nguyen Thi Hue Hanh , Vu Giang Hoang , Nguyen Tu Thi , Nguyen Tuan Anh , Tran Vu Uyen , Vu Luyen Thi , Nguyen Giang Thi Huong , Nguyen Nhat Duy , Tran Trung Hieu , Nguyen Van Thien Chi , Nguyen Thanh Dat , Nguyen Trong Hieu , Vo Dac Ho , Van Thi Tuong Vi , Do Thanh Thi , Le Minh Phong , Huynh Le Anh Khoa , Nguyen Duy Sinh , Tang Hung Sang , Nguyen Hoai-Nghia , Phan Minh-Duy , Giang Hoa , Tu Lan N , Tran Le Son
Published: August 2024

Background Multi-cancer early detection (MCED) through a single blood test significantly advances cancer diagnosis. However, most MCED tests rely on a single type of biomarkers, leading to limited sensitivity, particularly for early-stage cancers. We previously developed SPOT-MAS, a multimodal ctDNA-based assay analyzing methylation and fragmentomic profiles to detect five common cancers. Despite its potential, SPOT-MAS exhibited moderate sensitivities for early-stage cancers. This study investigated whether integrating hotspot mutations into SPOT-MAS could enhance its detection rates. Method A targeted amplicon sequencing approach was developed to profile 700 hotspot mutations in cell-free DNA and integrated into the SPOT-MAS assay, creating a single-blood draw workflow. This workflow, namely SPOT-MAS Plus was retrospectively validated in a cohort of 255 non-metastatic cancer patients (breast, colorectal, gastric, liver, and lung) and 304 healthy individuals. Results Hotspot mutations were detected in 131 of 255 (51.4%) cancer patients, with the highest rates in liver cancer (96.5%), followed by colorectal (59.3%) and lung cancer (53.7%). Lower detection rates were found for cancers with low tumor mutational burden, such as breast (31.3%) and gastric (41.9%) cancers. In contrast, SPOT-MAS demonstrated higher sensitivities for these cancers (51.6% for breast and 62.9% for gastric). The combination of hotspot mutations with SPOT-MAS predictions improved early-stage cancer detection, achieving an overall sensitivity of 78.5% at a specificity of 97.7%. Enhanced sensitivities were observed for colorectal (81.36%) and lung cancer (82.9%). Conclusion The integration of genetic and epigenetic alterations into a multimodal assay significantly enhances the early detection of various cancers. Further validation in larger cohorts is necessary to support broader clinical applications.
Development and validation of the health education demand scale for HPV infected patients based on KANO model
Authors: Zhang Yuying , Luo Li , Du Shuaihui , Hou Die , Zhang Yaling , He Limin , Zhou Lihua
Published: August 2024

Objective: The purpose of this study is to develop and validate the scale of health education demand of patients with HPV infection based on KANO model, so as to provide a tool for further exploring the types of health education demand and influencing factors of patients with HPV infection. Methods: This study is a scale development and validation study using a three-stage cross-sectional design. In stage 1, a preliminary item pool is formed using literature review, semi-structured interviews and the Delphi method. In stage 2, six experts were invited to assess content validity. A cross-sectional survey was conducted on 1169 patients with HPV infection, Questionnaire results from 583 patients were used for exploratory factor analysis. In stage 3, the remaining 586 patients to validate the factor structure through confirmatory factor analysis. Results: In stage 1, an initial 35-item scale was developed and the items were transformed positive and reverse based on KANO model. In stage 2, Exploratory factor analysis formed a scale of 28 items in 5 factors: disease information demand, social support, emotional demand, family support and health education style demand. Cronbach’s alpha was 0.940 for the entire scale and 0.763~0.908 for the five subscales in the positive items, 0.955 for the entire scale and 0.739~0.946 for the five subscales in reverse items. The content validity index of the scale: S-CVI/UA=0.91, S-CVI/Ave=0.98. In stage 3, the confirmatory factor analysis showed that the c2/df, RMSEA, CFI and TLI of the positive items after four model modifications were 3.650, 0.067, 0.901 ,0.888, and the SRMR value was < 0.001. The fitting of the five-factor model was good. Conclusion: The KANO model based questionnaire on health education demand of HPV infected patients has good reliability and validity, and is suitable for the investigation of health education demand of HPV infected patients.
The clinical antiprotozoal drug halofuginone promotes weight loss by elevating GDF15 and FGF21
Authors: Xu Suowen , Liu Zhenghong , Tian Tian , Zhao Wenqi , Wang Zhihua , Liu Monan , Xu Mengyun , Zhang Fanshun , Zhang Zhidan , Chen Meijie , Yin Yanjun , Su Meiming , Pan Wenhao , Liu Shiyong , Li Min-dian , Little Peter J. , Kamato Danielle , Zhang Songyang , Wang Dongdong , Offermanns Stefan , Speakman John R. , Weng Jianping
Published: August 2024

Obesity is a debilitating disease with increasing worldwide prevalence. Despite its high prevalence, specific pharmacologic intervention for obesity is challenging. Here, we report that halofuginone, an FDA-approved anti-scleroderma and anti-protozoal drug, is a promising anti-obesity agent in rodent models. Halofuginone suppressed food intake, increased energy expenditure, and resulted in weight loss in preclinical diet-induced obese mouse models, while also decreasing insulin resistance and hepatic steatosis. By combining genetic and pharmacological tools with transcriptomics, we identified that halofuginone increases FGF21 and GDF15 levels via ATF4. Using knockout mice, we show these hormones are both necessary for its anti-obesity effects. Thus, our study first reports the beneficial metabolic effects of halofuginone and underscores its utility to treat obesity and its associated metabolic complications.
The effect of extended cold storage and the use of extenders on motility and swimming kinematics of shortnose sturgeon sperm
Authors: Melanson Kenzie H. , Litvak Matthew K.
Published: August 2024

Shortnose sturgeon are listed as a species of special concern in Canada and as endangered in the US. Increasing knowledge about this species, particularly in the area of reproductive biology, will better the management of wild populations and aid in the development of assisted reproduction protocols. However, access to wild sperm is limited, so short-term and long-term storage of sperm from sturgeon is crucial for reproductive studies. Here we report on testing and development of a short-term storage protocol for shortnose sturgeon. Milt samples were collected from wild shortnose sturgeon caught in the Wolastoq River. Subsets of semen were mixed with different extenders with or without oxygen; control treatments without extenders were also run. We used computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA) to determine sperm motility and swimming kinematics for the different treatments. All groups were examined immediately after collection and treatment application, and then 1, 2, and 7 days after storage in a fridge (4°C) for experiment 1, and days 1, 3, 7, 10, 14, 17, 21, and 24 for experiment 2. The response variables motility, curvilinear velocity (VCL), linearity (LIN), and wobble (WOB) showed an overall decrease over time with differences between extender treatments. While untreated milt maintained some motility up to day 21, the addition of an extender reduced decline in motility and improved longevity up to day 24. Milt treated with the Park and Chapman extender had the slowest motility decline of extenders used, and milt treated with the modified Tsvetkova extender showed less potential for contamination.
Lorentz-violating extension of Wigner function formalism and chiral kinetic theory
Authors: Dayi Ömer F.
Published: August 2024

The quantum kinetic equation for the gauge-invariant Wigner function, constructed from spinor fields that obey the Dirac equation modified by CPT and Lorentz symmetry-violating terms, is presented. The equations for the components of the Wigner function in the Clifford algebra basis are accomplished. Focusing on the massless case, an extended semiclassical chiral kinetic theory in the presence of external electromagnetic fields is developed. We calculate the chiral currents and establish the anomalous magnetic and separation effects in a Lorentz-violating background. The chiral anomaly within the context of extended quantum electrodynamics is elucidated. Finally, we derive the semiclassical Lorentz-violating extended chiral transport equation.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Geometry of
N=2
Minkowski vacua of gauged
N=2
supergravity theories in four dimensions
Authors: Jockers Hans , Kotlewski Sören
Published: August 2024

Gauging isometries of four-dimensional N=2 supergravity theories yields an N=2 supersymmetric theory with a scalar potential. In this paper, we study the well-known constraints for four-dimensional N=2 Minkowski vacua of such theories. We propose that classically a projective special Kähler submanifold of the projective Kähler target space of the ungauged theory describes the moduli space of the complex scalar fields of massless vector multiplets for N=2 Minkowski vacua configurations, which then receives quantum corrections from integrating out massive fields. Subloci of projective special Kähler manifolds appear as supersymmetric flux vacua in the context of type IIB Calabi–Yau threefold compactifications with background fluxes as well. While these flux vacua equations arise from the critical locus of an N=1 superpotential, we show that these equations can also be obtained from the

N

=

2

supersymmetric Minkowski vacuum equations of gauged N=2 supergravity theories upon gauging suitable isometries in the semiclassical universal hypermultiplet sector of type IIB string Calabi–Yau threefold compactifications. Thus, we give an intrinsic N=2 supersymmetric interpretation to the flux vacua equations.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Investigating introductory and advanced students’ difficulties with entropy and the second law of thermodynamics using a validated instrument
Authors: Brundage Mary Jane , Meltzer David E. , Singh Chandralekha
Published: August 2024

We use the Survey of Thermodynamic Processes and First and Second Laws-Long (STPFaSL-Long), a research-based survey instrument with 78 items at the level of introductory physics, to investigate introductory and advanced students’ difficulties with entropy and the second law of thermodynamics. We present an analysis of data from 12 different introductory and advanced physics classes at four different higher education public institutions in the United States in which the survey was administered in person to more than 1000 students. We find that a widespread unproductive tendency for introductory students to associate the properties of entropy with those of energy leads to many errors based on an idea of “conservation of entropy,” in which entropy increases are balanced by equal entropy decreases. For many of the more advanced students (calculus based and upper level), we detect a tendency to expect entropy increases even in processes in which the entropy does change. We observed a widespread failure to correctly apply the relationship ΔS=Qreversible/T, either by using it for processes to which it does not apply or by applying it incorrectly or completely neglecting it in reversible processes to which it does apply. We also noted that many introductory students are simply not aware that total entropy must increase in any “spontaneous” heat transfer process. Students at all levels were very frequently found to be confused that while net entropy (system+reservoir) in reversible isothermal processes does not change, the entropy of the working substance itself does indeed increase or decrease depending on whether the process is an expansion or compression. Our findings are broadly consistent with prior research findings in this area, expanding upon them and revealing previously unreported aspects of students’ thinking. Moreover, our results reflect several new problem contexts in addition to those reported in prior research, and our sample population includes large numbers of both introductory and advanced students. Our detailed findings related to common student difficulties with entropy and the second law of thermodynamics before and after traditional instruction in college physics courses can potentially help instructors of these courses improve student understanding of these concepts. These findings can also be valuable for developing effective research-based curricula and pedagogies to reduce student difficulties and help students develop a solid grasp of these fundamental thermodynamic concepts.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Limit cycles as stationary states of an extended harmonic balance ansatz
Authors: del Pino Javier , Košata Jan , Zilberberg Oded
Published: August 2024

A limit cycle is a self-sustained, periodic, isolated motion appearing in autonomous differential equations. As the period of a limit cycle is unknown, finding it as a stationary state of a rotating ansatz is challenging. Correspondingly, its study commonly relies on numerical methodologies (e.g., brute-force time evolution, and variational shooting methods) or circumstantial evidence such as instabilities of fixed points. Alas, such approaches are (i) , as they rely on specific initial conditions, and (ii) do not provide analytical intuition about the physical origin of the limit cycles. Here, we (I) develop a multifrequency rotating ansatz with which we (II) find limit cycles as stationary-state solutions via a semianalytical homotopy continuation. We demonstrate our approach and its performance on the Van der Pol oscillator. Moving beyond this simple example, we show that our method captures all coexisting fixed-point attractors and limit cycles in a modified nonlinear Van der Pol oscillator. Our results facilitate the systematic mapping of out-of-equilibrium phase diagrams, with implications across multiple fields of the natural sciences.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Crossover from anomalous to normal diffusion: Ising model with stochastic resetting
Authors: Chen Yashan , Zhong Wei
Published: August 2024

In this paper, we investigate the dynamics of the two-dimensional Ising model with stochastic resetting, utilizing a constant resetting rate procedure with zero-strength initial magnetization. Our results reveal the presence of a characteristic rate rc∼L−z, where L represents the system size and z denotes the dynamical exponent. Below rc, both the equilibrium and dynamical properties remain unchanged. At the same time, for r>rc, the resetting process induces a transition in the probability distribution of the magnetization from a double-peak distribution to a three-peak distribution, ultimately culminating in a single-peak exponential decay. Furthermore, we also find that at the critical points, as r increases, the diffusion of the magnetization changes from anomalous to normal, and the correlation time shifts from being dependent on L to being r-dependent only.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Consumer intention to buy products containing fish with better welfare: the role of empathy in an extended value–belief–norm model
Authors: Govaerts Florent , Altintzoglou Themistoklis
Published: August 2024

Purpose

A limited number of studies have aimed at understanding behavior towards animal welfare. However, there are indications that consumers make an important distinction between land animals and fish. As no studies have attempted to explain the factors that influence consumer behavior towards the welfare of fish, this study aims to explain the behavior using the value–belief–norm (VBN) model. In addition, we extend the model by using empathy as a factor influencing the formation of personal norms. This study argues that by adding empathy to the model, we will improve the ability of the VBN to explain moral behavior.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is based on survey data from 416 Norwegian consumers. A structural equation modeling analysis with latent constructs is used to test the hypotheses.

Findings

The findings validate the ability of the VBN model to explain consumer intention to buy products containing fish with better welfare. We also showed that empathy and beliefs strongly influence personal norms. The extended VBN model increased the explained variance of personal norm by 11,54%. Consumers with biospheric values are strongly likely to have empathetic feelings towards fish suffering and believe that fish can feel pain. However, consumers with hedonistic values are significantly negatively related to beliefs and empathy.

Practical implications

By understanding the role of empathy, companies can develop marketing strategies that appeal to consumers' values, empathy and beliefs and ultimately encourage them to make purchases that support fish welfare.

Originality/value

Practically, this study explores consumers' beliefs towards fish welfare and identifies consumers who are more likely to purchase products containing fish with better welfare based on their values.
F-BWM-MARCOS approach for performance evaluation of Türkiye's top 500 industrial enterprises in the pre-pandemic and pandemic era
Authors: Ergülen Ahmet , Çalık Ahmet
Published: August 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to analyze the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the performance of companies using a hybrid Multi-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) approach. Specifically, the study examines Türkiye’s Top 500 Industrial Enterprises to analyze their performance before and during the pandemic, and to capture their performance in determining investment and production strategy.

Design/methodology/approach

To achieve the study’s objectives, the Fuzzy Best-Worst Method (F-BWM) was used to obtain importance levels of performance indicators, decreasing the vagueness in experts’ decision-making preferences. The Measurement Alternatives and Ranking According to Compromise Solution (MARCOS) method was used to rank enterprises based on their performance.

Findings

The COVID-19 pandemic has clearly had a substantial impact on the performance of Türkiye’s top 500 industrial enterprises. While some companies suffered decreased sales, others reported that their revenues increased or remained constant during the outbreak. The results reveal that the pandemic caused a shift in the initial ranking outcomes for the first two enterprises.

Research limitations/implications

The study’s limitations include the sample size and the time period under consideration, which may have an impact on the generalizability of the findings.

Practical implications

Decision-makers’ investment, employment and operational decisions were influenced by the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The results provide insights for decision-makers on how to achieve higher growth and performance under the pressure of the pandemic.

Social implications

The study’s practical consequences help decision-makers understand how to attain higher growth and performance in the face of the epidemic.

Originality/value

The originality of this study lies in using a hybrid MCDM approach to examine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on company performance. A hybrid MCDM approach is proposed to help decision-makers make the best possible investment and implementation decisions.