bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
RESNET34 with Synchrosqueezing Transform for ADHD Disorder Detection Using EEG Signals
Authors: Arunkumar N. , Nagaraj B. , Keziah M. Ruth
Published: May 2024

It is vital for the development of attention deficit hyperactivity disorders (ADHDs) diagnostic tools that help healthcare practitioners to have automated recognition of ADHDs. Recently, the detection of ADHD using EEG data has attracted a lot of interest due to its apparent rapidity in diagnosis and treatment. This is because the disease seems to be caused by hyperactivity and inattention. This paper presents the method for diagnosing ADHDs based on EEG data, with the nonlinear characteristics being retrieved via the Synchrosqueezing Transform (ST). The ST filter banks are used to break down the 16 channels of EEG signal information into the ideal number of time-frequency subbands. At each stage of the decomposition process, the distinctive feature vectors are assessed using CNN as well as the proposed nonlinear fractal dimensions approach. Using ResNet34, it was discovered that a modified CNN classifier that used a 10-fold cross-validation approach was an efficient classifier for differentiating between normal people and those with ADHD. The suggested method was able to successfully categorize ADHD and normal participants with the best accuracy, as shown by several performance indicators. The statistical study demonstrated that the CNN and the proposed nonlinear feature estimation techniques produce possible characteristics that are acceptable for the automated identification of ADHD. These features may be categorized with good accuracy, sensitivity and specificity. The technique that has been presented is capable of correctly differentiating between participants who have ADHD and those who do not have ADHD with an ultimate precision of 99.5%.
Existence and regularity results for a perturbed quasilinear 1-biharmonic equation
Authors: Amoie Mahsa , Alimohammady Mohsen , Kalleji Morteza Koozehgar
Published: May 2024

In this paper, we have conducted and investigated the existence of solutions for a fourth-order quasilinear elliptic equation. This equation incorporates a perturbed 1-biharmonic problem, represented as [Formula: see text]. To achieve this, we established two distinct sets of assumptions for the function [Formula: see text] and demonstrated that each set of conditions yields solutions with unique characteristics. Our approach is based on variational method.
Strongly annihilator ideal graph of a lattice
Authors: Kulal Vikas , Khairnar Anil
Published: May 2024

For a lattice [Formula: see text], we associate a graph called the strongly annihilator ideal graph of [Formula: see text], which is denoted by [Formula: see text]. It is a graph with vertex set consists of all ideals of [Formula: see text] having nontrivial annihilators, and any two distinct vertices [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] are adjacent in [Formula: see text] if and only if the annihilator of [Formula: see text] contains a nonzero element of [Formula: see text] and the annihilator of [Formula: see text] contains a nonzero element of [Formula: see text]. We show that [Formula: see text] is connected with the diameter at most two and its girth is 3, 4, or infinity. We characterize all lattices whose [Formula: see text] is planar. Among other results, it is proved that [Formula: see text] is perfect.
Selective conversion of ethylene to propylene over rhenium-containing heterogeneous catalysts
Authors: Vikanova Kseniia , Kustov Alexander , Makhov Evgeny , Tarasov Andrey , Tkachenko Olga , Dunaev Sergey , Kustov Leonid
Published: May 2024

The development of new technologies for effective propylene production is a highly important scientific and industrial task nowadays. In this study, the conversion of ethylene to propylene (ETP reaction) was explored over rhenium-containing catalysts supported on a ZrO2 carrier at temperatures 100°C–200°C and atmospheric pressure using a flow catalytic reactor with a fixed catalyst bed without the use of any other hydrocarbons or dilutants. The effect of rhenium presence in the catalysts on the activity and propylene selectivity was examined.
Brain-Load, Stress Levels, and Visual Complexity: Digital Tools for the Detection of Intangible Human-Environment Interactions
Authors: Zordan Mirna , Je Seungwoo
Published: May 2024

How does the built environment affect our brain? The way we perceive our environments plays a crucial role in how our brains respond to cognitive load. Understanding the impact of spatial complexities on our cognitive processes could inform future design guidelines for more responsive environments.
Developing Wearables and Environmental Sensor Systems for Studying Ecosystems
Authors: Fang Cathy Mengying , Chwalek Patrick
Published: May 2024

Patrick Chwalek's research is focused on understanding various ecosystems and the living organisms within them. He has been creating a range of systems and tools, including wearables and environmental sensor systems, for researchers to use in the wild. In this interview, Chwalek talks about his experiences of deploying these systems outside the laboratory and shares his insights gained from studying different environments.
Unveiling Patterns of the Earth through Machine Learning and Geospatial Analysis
Authors: Li Jiayi , Klemmer Konstantin
Published: May 2024

Konstantin Klemmer is a researcher at Microsoft Research New England, where he works on the representation of geospatial phenomena in machine learning methods.
Understanding Human-building Interactions Using Computing
Authors: Du Bowen
Published: May 2024

Reconstructing the network of life from molecular data is a complicated task. How can computational algebraic geometry play a role?
Data Pruning-enabled High Performance and Reliable Graph Neural Network Training on ReRAM-based Processing-in-Memory Accelerators
Authors: Ogbogu Chukwufumnanya , Joardar Biresh , Chakrabarty Krishnendu , Doppa Jana , Pande Partha Pratim
Published: May 2024

Graph Neural Networks (GNNs) have achieved remarkable accuracy in cognitive tasks such as predictive analytics on graph-structured data. Hence, they have become very popular in diverse real-world applications. However, GNN training with large real-world graph datasets in edge-computing scenarios is both memory- and compute-intensive. Traditional computing platforms such as CPUs and GPUs do not provide the energy efficiency and low latency required in edge intelligence applications due to their limited memory bandwidth. Resistive random-access memory (ReRAM)-based processing-in-memory (PIM) architectures have been proposed as suitable candidates for accelerating AI applications at the edge, including GNN training. However, ReRAM-based PIM architectures suffer from low reliability due to their limited endurance, and low performance when they are used for GNN training in real-world scenarios with large graphs. In this work, we propose a learning-for-data-pruning framework, which leverages a trained Binary Graph Classifier (BGC) to reduce the size of the input data graph by pruning subgraphs early in the training process to accelerate the GNN training process on ReRAM-based architectures. The proposed light-weight BGC model reduces the amount of redundant information in input graph(s) to speed up the overall training process, improves the reliability of the ReRAM-based PIM accelerator, and reduces the overall training cost. This enables fast, energy-efficient, and reliable GNN training on ReRAM-based architectures. Our experimental results demonstrate that using this learning for data pruning framework, we can accelerate GNN training and improve the reliability of ReRAM-based PIM architectures by up to 1.6×, and reduce the overall training cost by 100× compared to state-of-the-art data pruning techniques.
Meta-learning Approaches for Few-Shot Learning: A Survey of Recent Advances
Authors: Gharoun Hassan , Momenifar Fereshteh , Chen Fang , Gandomi Amir H.
Published: May 2024

Despite its astounding success in learning deeper multi-dimensional data, the performance of deep learning declines on new unseen tasks mainly due to its focus on same-distribution prediction. Moreover, deep learning is notorious for poor generalization from few samples. Meta-learning is a promising approach that addresses these issues by adapting to new tasks with few-shot datasets. This survey first briefly introduces meta-learning and then investigates state-of-the-art meta-learning methods and recent advances in: (i) metric-based, (ii) memory-based, (iii), and learning-based methods. Finally, current challenges and insights for future researches are discussed.
Learning with Asynchronous Labels
Authors: Qian Yu-Yang , Zhang Zhen-Yu , Zhao Peng , Zhou Zhi-Hua
Published: May 2024

Learning with data streams has attracted much attention in recent decades. Conventional approaches typically assume that the feature and label of a data item can be timely observed at each round. In many real-world tasks, however, it often occurs that either the feature or the label is observed firstly while the other arrives with delay. For instance, in distributed learning systems, a central processor collects training data from different sub-processors to train a learning model, whereas the feature and label of certain data items can arrive asynchronously due to network latency. The problem of learning with
asynchronous
feature or label in streams encompasses many applications but still lacks sound solutions. In this article, we formulate the problem and propose a new approach to alleviate the negative effect of asynchronicity and mining asynchronous data streams. Our approach carefully exploits the timely arrived information and builds an online ensemble structure to adaptively reuse historical models and instances. We provide the theoretical guarantees of our approach and conduct extensive experiments to validate its effectiveness.
Power System Frequency Dynamics Modeling, State Estimation, and Control using Neural Ordinary Differential Equations (NODEs) and Soft Actor-Critic (SAC) Machine Learning Approaches
Authors: Aslami Pooja , Aryal Tara , Rai Astha , Bhujel Niranjan , Rekabdarkolaee Hossein Moradi , Fu Kaiqun , Tonkoski Reinaldo , Wang Zongjie , Hansen Timothy M.
Published: May 2024

With the global energy transition of the electric power system, grid control, supervision, and protection is becoming more challenging. With the increasing integration of renewable energy sources (RES), the system dynamics are changing, causing traditional power system dynamic modeling with swing equation-based modeling approaches to fail. Additionally, the converter-dominated power grid is decreasing the system inertia, making the power system more fragile to the frequency swings. This paper first investigates and compares the application of a model-based Kalman filter state estimation approach with (i) a model-free machine learning approach --- neural ordinary differential equations (NODEs) --- and (ii) a data-driven system identification (SysId) approach to model and infer critical state values of the power system frequency dynamics. Then a model predictive control (MPC) framework is compared to a model-free Soft Actor-Critic (SAC) reinforcement learning (RL) control algorithm in providing efficient fast frequency response (FFR) to the power system frequency dynamics. The approaches are compared in terms of their performance goals as well as their per-timestep computational efficiency. The comparative study for state estimation shows that for the model-free requirement, both NODEs and SysId can provide accurate state estimates; however, with increasing model complexity, NODEs can be a better choice for model identification. Similarly, the results from the FFR comparative study show that the SAC RL-based FFR, once trained, outperforms MPC with better control signals and faster computation time, making the SAC RL-based FFR better option for providing FFR to the power system.
Atom-Scaled Hafnium Doping for Strengthening the Germanium Oxide Interfacial Layer of The Gate Stack of Germanium P-Type Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor Field Effect Transistor
Authors: Li Hui-Hsuan , Chen Shang-Chiun , Lin Yu-Hsien , Chien Chao-Hsin
Published: May 2024

We have developed a method that uses a half-cycle Hf precursor adsorption to subtly dope GeO2 IL of the Hf-based gate stack through in situ plasma-enhanced atomic layer deposition. This technique can effectively reduce GeO vaporization and improve the thermal stability of the GeO2 layer. Our results indicated that the accumulation capacitance (Cacc) undergoing higher temperatures showed no noticeable increase in the capacitance-voltage (CV) curves once Hf was delicately introduced into the GeO2 layer. According to the Ge 3d spectra of X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, we found that the IL had a signal from extra Hf-O bonds; thus, we conclude GeO evaporation can be suppressed substantially by Hf incorporation. As a result, adding metal into GeOx IL to form HfGeOx achieved a remarkably low leakage current of 9 × 10−5 A cm−2 and the lowest interface trap density (Dit) of approximately 2 × 1011 eV−1 cm−2 at 500 °C of PMA. In addition, applying this gate stack structure to device fabrication significantly reduced the leakage current of the off-state and improved the effective peak hole mobility.
Wolbachia and Lymphatic Filarial Nematodes and Their Implications in the Pathogenesis of the Disease
Authors: Setegn Abebaw , Amare Gashaw Azanaw , Mihret Yenesew
Published: May 2024

Lymphatic filariasis (LF) is an infection of three closely related filarial worms such as Wuchereria bancrofti, Brugia malayi, and Brugia timori. These worms can cause a devastating disease that involves acute and chronic lymphoedema of the extremities, which can cause elephantiasis in both sexes and hydroceles in males. These important public health nematodes were found to have a mutualistic relationship with intracellular bacteria of the genus Wolbachia, which is essential for the development and survival of the nematode. The host’s inflammatory response to parasites and possibly also to the Wolbachia endosymbiont is the cause of lymphatic damage and disease pathogenesis. This review tried to describe and highlight the mutualistic associations between Wolbachia and lymphatic filarial nematodes and the role of bacteria in the pathogenesis of lymphatic filariasis. Articles for this review were searched from PubMed, Google Scholar, and other databases. Article searching was not restricted by publication year; however, only English version full-text articles were included.
Antioxidant Activity, Glycemic Response, and Functional Properties of Rice Cooked with Red Palm Oil
Authors: Nurdin Samsu U. , Nurdjanah Siti , Triyandi Ramadhan , Nurhadi Bambang
Published: May 2024

High rice consumption levels accompanied by a lifestyle lacking in physical activity leads to obesity and diabetes due to the rice consumed generally has high digestibility and high glycemic index. Red palm oil (RPO) is a vegetable oil suggested to have the potential to reduce starch digestibility and increase the bioactive compounds of rice. This research aimed to find out the best cooking method to produce rice with a sensory quality similar to regular rice and to study the effect of the best cooking method on the glycemic response and physicochemical properties of rice. The results showed that RPO addition increased the antioxidant activities and total carotenoid levels of rice. The addition of RPO after cooking has better antioxidant activity and total carotenoid than before cooking. Adding 2% RPO before or after cooking produced rice with similar or better sensory quality than regular rice. Rice cooked with 2% RPO added before cooking had a lower glycemic response than regular rice, which was suggested to be caused by the increasing formation of the amylose lipid complex and the triglycerides that protected the starch from amylase enzyme. The formation of the amylose lipid complex and triglyceride layers protecting rice starch was confirmed by the new peaks of the FTIR spectra, the appearance of oil-coated starch morphology, and the changes in the proportion of C and O atoms. In conclusion, the addition of 2% RPO before the cooking process can be considered as a cooking method to produce rice for diabetic patients.
The Effects of Propafenone on Postoperative Atrial Fibrillation in Adult Patients Undergoing Cardiac Surgery: A Meta‐Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Deng Jin-He , Li Jing , He Fan-Rong , Yao Yun-Tai , The Evidence in Cardiovascular Anesthesia (EICA) Group
Published: May 2024

Background. Previous research has only conducted a restricted amount of investigations on the effectiveness of propafenone in preventing and treating of atrial fibrillation (AF) after cardiac surgery. Hence, a comprehensive evaluation and meta‐analysis were performed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of propafenone in individuals undergoing cardiac surgery for postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF). Methods. A meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials was conducted. Until September 15th, 2023, various databases were searched. The main focal points consisted of the presence of POAF, transition from AF to sinus rhythm, and reappearance of AF. The odds ratios (ORs) for treatment effects on dichotomous variables were calculated. Results. The analysis of data included 9 controlled trials that were randomized and had 1014 patients. The findings indicated that propafenone has a significant impact on reducing the occurrence of POAF in adult patients who undergo cardiac surgery (OR, 0.52; 95% CI: 0.30, 0.89; P = 0.02). In addition, it was observed that propafenone significantly increase the rate of conversion to sinus rhythm from AF within 20 min (OR, 5.39; 95% CI: 2.25, 12.91; P = 0.0002) and 1 hour (OR, 2.89; 95% CI: 1.50, 5.57; P = 0.002) after administration. Surprisingly, the administration of propafenone treatment did not have a significant impact on the rate of conversion to sinus rhythm from AF within 24 hours (OR, 0.63; 95% CI: 0.38, 1.04; P = 0.07) after administration. Conclusions. The present study suggests that the postoperative administration of propafenone to adult cardiac surgery patients is both safe and effective for preventing and treating POAF.
Three-Dimensional Culture Modelling Reveals Divergent Mycobacterium tuberculosis Virulence and Antimicrobial Treatment Response
Authors: Bielecka Magdalena K. , Tezera Liku B. , Konstantinopoulou Elena , Casali Nicola , Katsamenis Orestis L. , Gonzalo Ximena , Drobniewski Francis , Elkington Paul T.
Published: May 2024

Tuberculosis (TB) remains a persistent epidemic, and the emergence of drug-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) presents a global healthcare threat. While some new agents have been successfully introduced, innovative technologies to evaluate emerging anti-TB compounds are required to inform transformative approaches. Mtb is an obligate human pathogen, and consequently utilizing models that are consistent with human disease is likely to be critical. We have developed a human 3-dimensional (3-D) cell culture model that reflects human disease gene expression patterns and causes Mtb to become pyrazinamide sensitive in vitro. Here, we identify key differences in virulence between the standard laboratory strain, Mtb H37Rv, and clinical isolates. We demonstrate that Mtb H37Rv is attenuated in the 3-D system, more susceptible to antibiotics and hyperinflammatory compared to clinical isolates. Prolonged in vitro culture of a clinical strain leads to attenuation. We then characterise antibiotic sensitivity of multi-drug-resistant Mtb within the 3-D model and define relative bactericidal activity. Finally, we demonstrate that verapamil increases efficacy of bedaquiline and delamanid antibiotic therapy. Taken together, our findings suggest that studying virulent clinical strains in an advanced cell culture system is a powerful adjunct to established methodologies to evaluate new interventions for TB.
Nonlinear Displacement of the Electrothermal V‐Shaped Actuator
Authors: Duc Phuc Truong , Hong Pham Phuc , Trung Hoang Kien , Ngoc-Tam Bui
Published: May 2024

This article proposes a formula for calculating the nonlinear displacement of the electrothermal V‐shaped actuator aims to determine more accurately its displacement. The nonlinear displacement model is established based on the axial deformation of V‐beams with two fixed ends. Hence, the theoretical displacements of a particular V‐shaped actuator (i.e. dimension as beam length of 750 μm; beam width of 6 μm; beam thickness of 30 μm; inclined angle of 2°) are compared with the simulation and experimental results. The evaluation shows that our calculation error compared with the simulation and experiment is less than 5% and 12.4%, respectively. This confirmed the advantages of the proposed formula according to the nonlinear displacement model. This work provides a theoretical model for predicting more precisely the displacement of a V‐shaped actuator. The advantage of this model is that it will significantly reduce the time in the design and trial manufacturing process.
Coping Mechanisms Used by Male Partners of Women Diagnosed with Cervical Cancer: An Explorative Qualitative Study at Ocean Road Cancer Institute in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Authors: Msengi Emanueli Amosi , Chona Emmanuel Z. , Gosse Rashid A. , Ambikile Joel S.
Published: May 2024

Cervical cancer has a significant impact on the lives of caregivers of cervical cancer patients, including male partners. Disturbances in physical, psychological, sexual, spiritual, and socioeconomical aspects of life are reported by male partners of cervical cancer patients. To reduce the impact associated with cervical cancer, adaptive coping mechanisms are needed. In this regard, little is known about the coping mechanisms used by male partners of women diagnosed with cervical cancer in sub‐Saharan African countries. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the coping mechanisms used by male partners of women diagnosed with cervical cancer at the Ocean Road Cancer Institute in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. A descriptive cross‐sectional study design with a qualitative approach was employed to explore coping strategies used by male partners of cervical cancer patients between December 2022 and March 2023. Participants were selected using a purposeful sampling technique guided by the principles of saturation. In‐depth interviews with thirteen male partners of cervical cancer patients were carried out, and the interviews were audio‐recorded and transcribed verbatim. The data were then analyzed using a thematic analysis approach. Four themes highlighting coping mechanisms used by male partners of cervical patients were identified after data analysis. They include religious coping, emotional expression and regulation strategies, support‐seeking strategies, and problem‐solving strategies. Male partners of cervical cancer patients used various mechanisms to cope with the stressful situations they encountered. While most of the coping mechanisms used by male partners of cervical cancer patients were adaptive, some were maladaptive. Therefore, regular assessment among this population needs to be done to identify maladaptive coping and provide relevant support.
Aspirin Metabolites and Mammographic Breast Density in Premenopausal Women
Authors: Singh Ramkrishna K. , Getz Kayla R. , Kyeyune Joy K. , Jeon Myung S. , Luo Chongliang , Luo Jingqin , Toriola Adetunji T.
Published: May 2024

Background:

Studies investigating the associations of self-reported aspirin use and mammographic breast density (MBD) have reported conflicting results. Therefore, we investigated the associations of aspirin metabolites with MBD in premenopausal women.

Methods:

We performed this study on 705 premenopausal women who had a fasting blood draw for metabolomic profiling. We performed covariate-adjusted linear regression models to calculate the least square means of volumetric measures of MBD [volumetric percent density (VPD), dense volume (DV), and nondense volume (NDV)] by quartiles of aspirin metabolites [salicyluric glucuronide, 2-hydroxyhippurate (salicylurate), salicylate, and 2,6-dihydroxybenzoic acid].

Results:

Approximately 13% of participants reported taking aspirin in the past 12 months. Aspirin users had higher levels of 2-hydroxyhippurate (salicylurate), salicylate, and salicyluric glucuronide (peak area) than nonusers, but only the mean peak area of salicyluric glucuronide was increased by both dose (1–2 tablets per day = 1,140,663.7 and ≥3 tablets per day = 1,380,476.0) and frequency (days per week: 1 day = 888,129.3, 2–3 days = 1,199,897.9, and ≥4 days = 1,654,637.0). Aspirin metabolites were not monotonically associated with VPD, DV, or NDV.

Conclusions:

Given the null results, additional research investigating the associations of aspirin metabolites in breast tissue and MBD is necessary.

Impact: Elucidating the determinants of MBD, a strong risk factor for breast cancer, can play an important role in breast cancer prevention. Future studies should determine the associations of nonaspirin NSAID metabolites with MBD.
Figure S1 from Urolithin-A Promotes CD8+ T Cell–mediated Cancer Immunosurveillance via FOXO1 Activation
Authors: Ginefra Pierpaolo , Hope Helen Carrasco , Chiang Yi-Hsuan , Nutten Sophie , Blum Stephanie , Coukos George , Vannini Nicola
Published: May 2024

UroA supplementation does not modulate immune infiltrate composition
FIGURE 1 from Urolithin-A Promotes CD8+ T Cell–mediated Cancer Immunosurveillance via FOXO1 Activation
Authors: Ginefra Pierpaolo , Hope Helen Carrasco , Chiang Yi-Hsuan , Nutten Sophie , Blum Stephanie , Coukos George , Vannini Nicola
Published: May 2024

UroA supplementation slows tumor progression in immunocompetent mice. A, Analysis of tumor growth rate of B16 tumors cells injected in immunocompetent C57/Bl6 mice fed for 4 weeks with UroA-enriched food before tumor cells injection. B, Analysis of tumor growth rate of B16 tumors cells injected in immunodeficient NSG mice fed with control or UroA-enriched diet for 4 weeks before tumor cells injection. C, Analysis of tumor growth rate of B16 tumors implanted in mice as in A and treated with or without anti-CD8 antibody. D, Schematic representation of in vivo feeding experiment followed by withdrawal condition. Mice were fed for 4 weeks with UroA-enriched or control food. Half of the mice were kept under the initial feeding condition, the other half received conventional food. One week after, B16 cells were subcutaneously injected. E, Analysis of tumor growth rate in H. F, Tumor growth rate of B16 tumors in mice as in A and treated with anti PD-1 therapy. Data are mean ± SEM. Each dot represents a biological replicate. In A, control = 6 mice, UroA = 7 mice. In B, control = 5 mice, UroA = 5 mice. In C, control = 6 mice, UroA = 7mice, control+CD8 = 6 mice, UroA+CD8 = 6 mice. In E, control and UroA = 7 mice, on/off condition = 5 mice. In F, each group has 6 mice. Data were analyzed by two-sided Student t test or by ANOVA test followed by multiple comparison test (**, P < 0.01). Representative results of two independent experiments.
The Sensitization Differences of Pollen Allergen Components in Patients with Asthma and/or Rhinitis in Southern China
Authors: Xu Chun , Chai Dandan , Zheng Ping , Qiu Rongjun , Pan Xiaocong , Zhang Yaqiong
Published: May 2024

Introduction: This study aim to analyzed the main pollen allergen components that cause allergic asthma and/or rhinitis and the cross-reactions between the allergen components. Methods: Twenty one allergic rhinitis patients and 23 allergic asthma patients with pollen sensitization from the China Biological Information Repository of Respiratory Diseases were included. All the patients were detected serum pollen allergens components specific immunoglobulin E (sIgE) including Betula verrucosa (Bet v 1, Bet v 2, Bet v 4), Quercus alba (Pla a 1, Pla a 2), Ambrosia elatior (Amb a 1), Artemisia vulgaris (Art v 1, Art v 3, Art v 4), Bermuda grass (Cyn d 1, Cyn d 12), Phleum pratense (Phl p 5, Phl p 1, Phl p 4, Phl p 7, Phl p 12), and cross-reactive carbohydrate determinants. Results: In patients with asthma, Phl p 4 had the highest positive rate (60.9%), followed by Phl p 1 (43.5%) and Pla a 2 (34.8%), while in patients with rhinitis, Amb a 1 had the highest positive rate (71.4%), followed by Phl p 4 (61.9%) and Pla a 2 (42.9%). Meanwhile, Phl p 1 (43.5%) in asthma patients was higher than that in rhinitis (4.7%, p = 0.03), while Amb a 1 (71.4%) in rhinitis patients was higher than that in asthma (26.1%, p = 0.03). Interestingly, optimal scale analysis show that the severity of both asthma and rhinitis is related to Bet v 4 (Cronbach’s Alpha = 95.0%). Conclusions: In general, Phl p 4 is the main allergenic component in pollen sensitized asthma patients, while Amb a 1 is the main allergenic component in pollen sensitized rhinitis patients. Sensitization to Bet v 4 may lead to more severe symptoms, and this result may be applied in future clinical precise diagnosis.
Association between Sense of Coherence, Disease-Specific Symptoms, and Health-Related Quality of Life among Japanese Patients with Ulcerative Colitis: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Horanai Chika , Hashimoto Hideki , Hisamatsu Tadakazu , Ikeuchi Hiroki , Watanabe Kazuhiro , Nanjo Sohachi , Nezu Riichiro , Itabashi Michio , Hokari Ryota , Higashi Daijiro , Matsuura Minoru , Ogino Takayuki , Takahashi Kenichi , Andoh Akira , Shinozaki Masaru , Sugita Akira
Published: May 2024

Introduction: We examined the associations among disease-related symptoms, health-related quality of life (HRQOL), and sense of coherence (SOC) in Japanese patients with ulcerative colitis (UC). Methods: This cross-sectional survey involved patients and physicians at 23 hospitals specializing in UC treatment in Japan (December 2019–December 2020). Multiple linear regression analysis was performed using scores on the Mental Health and General Health subscales of the Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey as outcomes and SOC as the main independent variable. Scores on the Inflammatory Bowel Disease Questionnaire (IBDQ) and Fecal Incontinence Quality of Life Scale (FIQL) were used to measure the effect of disease-related symptoms. The moderating effect of symptoms on the association between HRQOL and SOC was also tested. Results: SOC was positively and independently associated with HRQOL (Mental Health: β = 0.43, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.24–0.61, p < 0.001; General Health: β = 0.41, 95% CI = 0.23–0.59, p < 0.001). The association of SOC with Mental Health scores did not differ by symptoms, whereas its association with General Health was attenuated by symptoms (interaction term of IBDQ by SOC: β = −0.0082, 95% CI = −0.017 to 0.00064, p = 0.07; that of FIQL by SOC: β = −0.0052, 95% CI = −0.011 to 0.0010, p = 0.10). Conclusions: SOC affected mental health independently, and its protective association with general health perception was affected by symptoms. Further research is required to determine the most effective use of SOC in interventions to improve HRQOL in patients with UC.
Prenatal Androgen Exposure Induces Anxiety-Like Behavior in Ewes
Authors: Chasles Manon , Fleurot Renaud , Giacobini Paolo , Tillet Yves
Published: May 2024

Introduction: In humans, prenatal androgen excess can lead to a broad spectrum of pathologies in adulthood, including polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Women with PCOS present a variety of reproductive and metabolic disturbances and they also face increased risk to develop neuropsychiatric disorders such as depression and anxiety. Despite the high prevalence, the cause of depressive and anxiety symptoms is not fully elucidated. The use of androgenized ewe models can provide valuable insights into the pathogenesis of PCOS, as they closely mimic the reproductive, neuroendocrine, and metabolic characteristics observed in women with this condition. Method: We studied the impact of prenatal exposure to testosterone propionate on cognitive and behavioral performances of Ile-de-France ewes, using a plethora of behavioral tests for anxiety and cognitive performances. Results: Our findings indicate that prenatal androgenized ewes exhibit markedly elevated levels of anxiety-like behavior compared to control animals, while showing no discernible differences in cognitive performance. Conclusion: These discoveries offer novel perspectives on how maternal androgen excess contributes to anxiogenic effects in PCOS preclinical models, underscoring the ewe’s significance as a model for conducting mechanistic studies to unravel the physiological and molecular aspects of anxiety.
Postoperative Reproductive Outcomes in Patients with Endometriosis-Associated Infertility: A Single-Center Retrospective Study
Authors: Gasimli Khayal , Akpinar Dilara , Gasimli Bahar , Bachmann Annette , Maczó Norbert , De Wilde Rudy Leon , Naem Antoine , Krentel Harald , Becker Sven , Tahmasbi Rad Morva
Published: May 2024

Objectives: Endometriosis is a chronic inflammatory disease known to contribute to infertility. Laparoscopic excision of endometriotic lesions represents a standard treatment modality for symptomatic women. Our study aims to assess the potential benefits of laparoscopic excision of endometriosis in patients experiencing infertility associated with the condition, as well as to define the clinical factors that may impact the cumulative pregnancy rate. Design: In this retrospective analysis, a total of 102 patients with endometriosis-related infertility were enrolled. Materials, Setting, Methods: All participants underwent reproductive surgery and were then categorized into two groups: those who conceived were assigned to group A, while those who did not were assigned to group B. The correlation between clinical factors and pregnancy rate was assessed using the log-rank test, and both univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted utilizing the Cox regression model. Results: The median age of the patients was 33.5 years, with a median follow-up duration of 70 months. Throughout the study period, 71 patients (69.6%) conceived (group A), while the remaining 31 patients (30.4%) did not conceive (group B), irrespective of the use of Assisted-Reproduction Technologies. The Cox regression model revealed that factors such as the duration of infertility, presence of deep infiltrating endometriosis, bowel endometriosis, rASRM stages, pelvic adhesions, and recurrent disease negatively impacted postoperative conception rates. Conversely, complete excision and coagulation of endometriotic lesions, as well as ablation of ovarian endometriomas, emerged as independent positive predictive factors for postoperative clinical pregnancy. Limitations: Limitations of this study is retrospective design of the study, as well as a small number of patients. Conclusions: Complete excision of endometriosis during reproductive surgery may yield a positive effect and optimize the likelihood of pregnancy in patients with endometriosis-related infertility.
Foot Problems in Older Adults Presenting to a Falls and Balance Clinic
Authors: White Josephine , Maier Andrea B. , Iacobaccio Laura , Iseli Rebecca
Published: May 2024

Introduction: Foot problems, including musculoskeletal problems, peripheral neuropathy, peripheral arterial disease and dermatologic pathology are common in older adults and are associated with an increased risk of falling. Multicomponent podiatry interventions have been shown to reduce the incidence of falls. This paper aimed to identify older adults requiring podiatry input in a Falls and Balance clinic; to describe the model of foot health care they receive; to explore cross-sectional associations between foot problems and function and ultimately demonstrate the role of podiatry input in the multidisciplinary management of falls risk. Methods: Cohort study of patients attending a Falls and Balance Clinic for Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment. Demographic information was collected and functional independence, mobility, foot problems, and footwear were assessed in the clinic. Results: One-hundred and two patients were included; median age 79.3 (73–84.3) years, 68.6% female, 93.1% residing independently, 62.7% used a gait aid. Podiatry referrals were made in 80.4% of cases, with muscle weakness being the most common problem identified (90.2%); 74.8% were found to be wearing inappropriate footwear. Most patients received footwear education and half were prescribed foot and ankle strengthening exercises. Hallux and lesser toe weakness were associated with lower Short Physical Performance Battery scores (p < 0.001). Conclusion: The majority of older adults in the Falls and Balance Clinic required podiatry input, with foot weakness and inappropriate footwear being common reasons for referral. Those with weakness of the hallux and lesser toes had poorer balance and mobility, which is known to be associated with greater falls risk. This highlights the need for podiatry assessment and interventions as part of the multidisciplinary approach to the management of falls risk in older adults.
Severe Relapsing Autoimmune Encephalitis with GABAA Receptor, Titin, and AchR Antibodies in a Patient with Thymoma: A Case Report
Authors: Boisclair Melissa , Robitaille Charlotte , Budhram Adrian , Kunchok Amy , Chapdelaine Hugo , Létourneau-Guillon Laurent , Macaron Gabrielle , Larochelle Catherine
Published: May 2024

Introduction: We report a challenging case of autoimmune encephalitis in a patient with a thymoma harboring titin and acetylcholine receptor antibodies, who experienced multiple relapses despite thymectomy and aggressive first-line immunotherapy, and for whom GABAA receptor antibodies were ultimately identified. Case Presentation: This 40-year-old man presented with headaches, weakness, diplopia, hearing loss, and seizures progressing to status epilepticus. Brain MRI showed multifocal cortical and subcortical T2/fluid attenuated inversion recovery hyperintense lesions without enhancement. Initial neural antibody testing identified only acetylcholine receptor and titin antibodies. He presented multiple severe relapses despite complete thymoma resection, intravenous methylprednisolone with immunoglobulins or plasmapheresis, and mycophenolate mofetil. Second-line immunotherapy with rituximab was successful to alleviate symptoms and normalize the EEG and MRI after identification of anti-GABAA receptor antibodies on more comprehensive neural antibody testing for autoimmune encephalitis. Conclusion: This case demonstrates the complexity and importance of identifying pathogenic antibodies and selecting 2nd line treatment accordingly in patients with autoimmune encephalitis when multiple antibodies coexist. Despite tumor resection, aggressive immunotherapy may be needed to prevent further deterioration in anti-GABAA receptor encephalitis.
Paratextos em quadrinhos factuais: como saber se e quando estamos frente à “realidade”?
Authors: Lucas Ricardo Jorge de Lucena
Published: May 2024

It tries to enumerate some of the paratextual strategies of comics that seek to establish some kind of referential relationship with reality (in factual or fictional terms). For this, is based on the notions of metacommunication and framing (Bateson, Watzlawick, Goffman), metasign (Volli), paratext (Genette), the status of fictional text (Searle), and sign as (also) an instrument lie (Eco, Bougnoux, from Peirce). Four works are analysed: A arte de Charlie Chan Hock Chye (Sonny Liew, 2015); As mais loucas aventuras de Mickey (Lewis Trondheim e Nicolas Keramidas, 2016); Oleg (Frederik Peeters, 2020); e Guardiões do Louvre (Jiro Taniguchi, 2014). In the end, some peculiarities of the corpus are perceived, such as the editorial position of the catalog sheet.
O retrato
Authors: Lotman Iúri
Published: May 2024

The sight of the human face has always exerted a powerful attraction on us. Whether in painting or photography, in cinema or theater, the representation of the human figure awakens in the viewer a varied range of emotions that range from the simple identification of a person to the inexhaustible mystery of the work of art in museums, passing through the history of customs and the religious function of icons. Lotman warns us that precisely because portrait is the simplest genre, it is also the most sophisticated: “The portrait is a kind of double mirror: in it art is reflected in life and life is reflected in art”. In what was one of his last works, Lotman describes the trajectory of portraiture in painting through the ages. He says: “In essence, the entire set of portraits can be considered as a polysemic set of meanings of the word ‘human being’.” The portrait, crossing societies and trends, has never ceased to be that mystery that at the same time reveals and hides the soul.
A misoginia na imagem política: violência e poder em retratos de Dilma Rousseff
Authors: Schwartzmann Matheus Nogueira
Published: May 2024

Dilma Rousseff, figura política única no Brasil, quebrou barreiras de gênero e desempenhou um papel crucial na resistência à ditadura militar nos anos 1960. Após ser presa e torturada, participou ativamente da reconstrução da esquerda durante a transição para a democracia. Contudo, seu papel desafiador desencadeou uma reação inédita na mídia: discursos misóginos tornaram-se frequentes. Este trabalho explora como tais discursos permeiam os retratos midiáticos de Dilma, analisando estratégias de enquadramento, projeção enunciativa e construção da identidade. Ao considerar o retrato como a "conversão de uma presença fenomenológica em outra, imaginada" (Beyaert-Geslin, p. 28, 2017) e o gênero como estratégia de afirmação (inter)subjetiva (Dondero, 2014), investigamos como as operações discursivas misóginas se manifestam na representação midiática de Dilma, revelando complexidades na interseção entre gênero, política e mídia.
Objetividade jornalística e perspectiva de gênero: tensões e deslocamentos
Authors: Gustafson Jessica , Bertasso Daiane
Published: May 2024

This study seeks to understand the construction of a gender perspective in journalism and the implications of feminism in its practice, related to journalistic objectivity, through the analysis of the work of journalists from the Portal Catarinas, from the South Region of Brazil. The method is the case study, with participant observation in the production of news in the Portal and in-depth interviews. The analysis showed the existence of ruptures and tensions in the journalism’s male logic. Journalistic objectivity continues to prevail over all decisions, but it does not occupy a comfortable place and is under constant tension. These dislocations indicate the possibility of the existence of feminist objectiveness in journalism.
Circulação de sentidos em textos noticiosos sobre mortes pela pandemia no Brasil
Authors: Borelli Viviane , Frigo Diosana , Romero Luan Moraes
Published: May 2024

Analisa-se a circulação de sentidos no circuito comunicacional formado em torno de textos noticiosos sobre marcos no número de mortes por covid-19 no Brasil.  Inspirou-se nos conceitos de José Luiz Braga  sobre dispositivos interacionais e da circulação como fluxos adiante e de Eliseo Verón  sobre a complexidade dos processos de produção de sentidos nas sociedades em midiatização. Foram realizados dois movimentos metodológicos e analíticos: um para compreender os sentidos produzidos nos textos, com utilização do software de análise lexicométrica Iramuteq, e outro para descrever as processualidades dos fluxos comunicacionais. Defendemos que as métricas relacionadas aos dados de pesquisa devem ser tensionadas com contextos mais amplos.
O mundo do avesso, de Letícia Cesarino, é uma obra que requer coragem – para ser escrita e para ser lida
Authors: Domingues Jacqueline Ausier
Published: May 2024

This review aims to describe and reflect on the main ideas contained in the work, O mundo do avesso: Verdade e política na era digital by Letícia Cesarino, a Brazilian anthropologist, researcher, and teacher. The author explains that understanding contemporary phenomena such as populism and disinformation first requires observing the technical dimension of their infrastructures - relying on the cybernetic perspective of Gregory Bateson to explain her central argument. As a result, Cesarino develops a powerful and disruptive work that envisions new possibilities for understanding the crises that permeate the current Brazilian sociopolitical scenario and modifies the thinking of her attentive reader.
A Inteligência artificial generativa como quarta ferida narcísica do humano
Authors: Santaella Lucia , Kaufman Dora
Published: May 2024

The advancement of artificial intelligence, particularly with generative AI models, has provoked intense reactions, whether or not they are based on the logic and functioning of the technology. Different from predictive AI, generative AI produces original content by synthesizing text, image, voice, video and code from large databases, with the potential to significantly impact the creative economy. The article introduces basic concepts of AI and generative AI, including a taxonomy of generative models, and outlines the distinction between image or video production techniques and text production techniques. The central argument of the article is that the cultural fuss is not accidental, defending the hypothesis that the advent of generative AI places humanity in the midst of crossing its fourth narcissistic wound.
Tragédias políticas: um problema da comunicação
Authors: Marcondes Filho Ciro
Published: May 2024

Até o momento, órgãos públicos, instituições de controle, agentes sociais não sabem como lidar com a questão das notícias falsas e cobram soluções dos estudiosos. A complexidade se torna ainda maior pelo fato de envolver não apenas agentes internacionais, governos do exterior, mas escritórios, equipamentos e máquinas de produção e bombardeamento de informações, assentados sobre doações e verbas milionárias, que transcendem em muito a capacidade de governos apresentarem medidas efetivas contra esse mal-uso da democracia. Mas isso não nos impede de aceitar o desafio. Possivelmente, após anos de debates, investigações, confronto de ideias possamos chegar a proposições que tenham condição de reverter o processo e garantir a todos a recuperação da confiança na democracia e nos processos de tomada de decisão.