bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Supplementary Tables S1-S5 and Data from ANXA3-Rich Exosomes Derived from Tumor-Associated Macrophages Regulate Ferroptosis and Lymphatic Metastasis of Laryngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Xu Licheng , Li Wenjing , Liu Danxi , Cao Jing , Ge Jingchun , Liu Xinyu , Wang Yue , Teng Yujian , Liu Pengyan , Guo Xinyue , He Chen , Liu Ming , Tian Linli
Published: May 2024

Supplementary Tables S1-S5 and Data
Data from High-Dimensional Analyses Reveal IL15 Enhances Activation of Sipuleucel-T Lymphocyte Subsets and Reverses Immunoresistance
Authors: Saeed Muhammad A. , Peng Bo , Kim Kevin , Rawat Kavita , Kuehm Lindsey M. , Siegel Zoe R. , Borkowski Ariel , Habib Nabih , Van Tine Brian , Sheikh Nadeem , Tuyen Vu , Thorek Daniel L.J. , Fehniger Todd A. , Pachynski Russell K.
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Sipuleucel-T (sip-T) is the only FDA-approved autologous cellular immunotherapy for metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). To elucidate parameters of the response profile to this therapy, we report high-dimensional analyses of sip-T using cytometry by time of flight (CyTOF) and show a lymphoid predominance, with CD3+ T cells constituting the highest proportion (median ∼60%) of sip-T, followed by B cells, and natural killer (NK) and NKT cells. We hypothesized that treatment of sip-T with homeostatic cytokines known to activate/expand effector lymphocytes could augment efficacy against prostate tumors. Of the cytokines tested, IL15 was the most effective at enhancing activation and proliferation of effector lymphocytes, as well as augmenting tumor cytotoxicity in vitro. Co-culture of sip-T with IL15 and control or prostate-relevant antigens showed substantial activation and expansion of CD8+ T cells and NKT cells in an antigen-specific manner. Adoptive transfer of IL15-treated sip-T into NSG mice resulted in more potent prostate tumor growth inhibition compared with control sip-T. Evaluation of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes revealed a 2- to 14-fold higher influx of sip-T and a significant increase in IFNγ producing CD8+ T cells and NKT cells within the tumor microenvironment in the IL15 group. In conclusion, we put forward evidence that IL15 treatment can enhance the functional antitumor immunity of sip-T, providing rationale for combining IL15 or IL15 agonists with sip-T to treat patients with mCRPC.
Data from ILT2 and ILT4 Drive Myeloid Suppression via Both Overlapping and Distinct Mechanisms
Authors: Tian Jane , Ashique Amir M. , Weeks Sabrina , Lan Tian , Yang Hong , Chen Hung-I Harry , Song Christina , Koyano Kikuye , Mondal Kalyani , Tsai Daniel , Cheung Isla , Moshrefi Mehrdad , Kekatpure Avantika , Fan Bin , Li Betty , Qurashi Samir , Rocha Lauren , Aguayo Jonathan , Rodgers Col , Meza Marchelle , Heeke Darren , Medfisch Sara M. , Chu Chun , Starck Shelley , Basak Nandini Pal , Sankaran Satish , Malhotra Mohit , Crawley Suzanne , Tran Thomas-Toan , Duey Dana Y. , Ho Carmence , Mikaelian Igor , Liu Wenhui , Rivera Lee B. , Huang Jiawei , Paavola Kevin J. , O'Hollaren Kyle , Blum Lisa K. , Lin Vicky Y. , Chen Peirong , Iyer Anjushree , He Sisi , Roda Julie M. , Wang Yan , Sissons James , Kutach Alan K. , Kaplan Daniel D. , Stone Geoffrey W.
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Solid tumors are dense three-dimensional (3D) multicellular structures that enable efficient receptor–ligand trans interactions via close cell–cell contact. Immunoglobulin-like transcript (ILT)2 and ILT4 are related immune-suppressive receptors that play a role in the inhibition of myeloid cells within the tumor microenvironment. The relative contribution of ILT2 and ILT4 to immune inhibition in the context of solid tumor tissue has not been fully explored. We present evidence that both ILT2 and ILT4 contribute to myeloid inhibition. We found that although ILT2 inhibits myeloid cell activation in the context of trans-engagement by MHC-I, ILT4 efficiently inhibits myeloid cells in the presence of either cis- or trans-engagement. In a 3D spheroid tumor model, dual ILT2/ILT4 blockade was required for the optimal activation of myeloid cells, including the secretion of CXCL9 and CCL5, upregulation of CD86 on dendritic cells, and downregulation of CD163 on macrophages. Humanized mouse tumor models showed increased immune activation and cytolytic T-cell activity with combined ILT2 and ILT4 blockade, including evidence of the generation of immune niches, which have been shown to correlate with clinical response to immune-checkpoint blockade. In a human tumor explant histoculture system, dual ILT2/ILT4 blockade increased CXCL9 secretion, downregulated CD163 expression, and increased the expression of M1 macrophage, IFNγ, and cytolytic T-cell gene signatures. Thus, we have revealed distinct contributions of ILT2 and ILT4 to myeloid cell biology and provide proof-of-concept data supporting the combined blockade of ILT2 and ILT4 to therapeutically induce optimal myeloid cell reprogramming in the tumor microenvironment.
Data from The TOPK Inhibitor HI-TOPK-032 Enhances CAR T-cell Therapy of Hepatocellular Carcinoma by Upregulating Memory T Cells
Authors: Zhang Qunfang , Zheng Fang , Chen Yuchao , Liang Chun-Ling , Liu Huazhen , Qiu Feifei , Liu Yunshan , Huang Hongfeng , Lu Weihui , Dai Zhenhua
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells are emerging as an effective antitumoral therapy. However, their therapeutic effects on solid tumors are limited because of their short survival time and the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. Memory T cells respond more vigorously and persist longer than their naïve/effector counterparts. Therefore, promoting CAR T-cell development into memory T cells could further enhance their antitumoral effects. HI-TOPK-032 is a T-LAK cell–originated protein kinase (TOPK)-specific inhibitor that moderately represses some types of tumors. However, it is unknown whether HI-TOPK-032 works on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and whether it impacts antitumoral immunity. Using both subcutaneous and orthotopic xenograft tumor models of two human HCC cell lines, Huh-7 and HepG2, we found that HI-TOPK-032 significantly improved proliferation/persistence of CD8+ CAR T cells, as evidenced by an increase in CAR T-cell counts or frequency of Ki-67+CD8+ cells and a decrease in PD-1+LAG-3+TIM-3+CD8+ CAR T cells in vivo. Although HI-TOPK-032 did not significantly suppress HCC growth, it enhanced the capacity of CAR T cells to inhibit tumor growth. Moreover, HI-TOPK-032 augmented central memory CD8+ T cell (TCM) frequency while increasing eomesodermin expression in CD8+ CAR T cells in tumor-bearing mice. Moreover, it augmented CD8+ CAR TCM cells in vitro and reduced their expression of immune checkpoint molecules. Finally, HI-TOPK-032 inhibited mTOR activation in CAR T cells in vitro and in tumors, whereas overactivation of mTOR reversed the effects of HI-TOPK-032 on CD8+ TCM cells and tumor growth. Thus, our studies have revealed mechanisms underlying the antitumoral effects of HI-TOPK-032 while advancing CAR T-cell immunotherapy.
Table S3 from De Novo Purine Metabolism is a Metabolic Vulnerability of Cancers with Low p16 Expression
Authors: Tangudu Naveen Kumar , Buj Raquel , Wang Hui , Wang Jiefei , Cole Aidan R. , Uboveja Apoorva , Fang Richard , Amalric Amandine , Yang Baixue , Chatoff Adam , Crispim Claudia V. , Sajjakulnukit Peter , Lyons Maureen A. , Cooper Kristine , Hempel Nadine , Lyssiotis Costas A. , Chandran Uma R. , Snyder Nathaniel W. , Aird Katherine M.
Published: May 2024

CRISPR screen results for human SKMEL28 cells
FIGURE 2 from De Novo Purine Metabolism is a Metabolic Vulnerability of Cancers with Low p16 Expression
Authors: Tangudu Naveen Kumar , Buj Raquel , Wang Hui , Wang Jiefei , Cole Aidan R. , Uboveja Apoorva , Fang Richard , Amalric Amandine , Yang Baixue , Chatoff Adam , Crispim Claudia V. , Sajjakulnukit Peter , Lyons Maureen A. , Cooper Kristine , Hempel Nadine , Lyssiotis Costas A. , Chandran Uma R. , Snyder Nathaniel W. , Aird Katherine M.
Published: May 2024

p16/CDKN2A negatively correlates with multiple nucleotide metabolism genes, proteins, and metabolites. A–D, SKMEL28 human melanoma cells were infected with lentivirus expressing a shRNA targeting p16 (shp16). shGFP was used as a control (shCont). A, Expression of the 128 nucleotide metabolism gene signature from RNA-seq. Raw data can be found in Supplementary Table S6. B, Polysome fractionation was performed and both the heavy fraction (>2 ribosomes) and total mRNA were sequenced. The ratio of heavy to total was used to assess transcripts with increased translation. Raw data can be found in Supplementary Table S7. C, Genes that are transcriptionally or translationally upregulated in shp16 SKMEL28 cells. D, Expression of the indicated proteins by proteomics. E and F, DepMap data of cutaneous melanoma cell lines. E, mRNA expression of 23 genes identified in the CRISPR screens. F, Protein expression of genes identified in the CRISPR screens. Note only 20 proteins were found in the DepMap data. G, Steady-state metabolite profile of one carbon metabolites and purines.
Motoric Cognitive Risk Syndrome as a Predictor of Adverse Health Outcomes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Huang Cheng , Wu Bei , Zhang Chen , Wei Zhuqin , Su Liming , Zhang Junwei , Wang Lina
Published: May 2024

Introduction: Motoric cognitive risk syndrome (MCR) is a newly proposed pre-dementia syndrome characterized by subjective cognitive complaints (SCCs) and slow gait (SG). Increasing evidence links MCR to several adverse health outcomes, but the specific relationship between MCR and the risk of frailty, Alzheimer’s disease (AD), and vascular dementia (VaD) remains unclear. Additionally, literature lacks analysis of MCR’s components and associated health outcomes, complicating risk identification. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to provide a comprehensive overview of MCR’s predictive value for adverse health outcomes. Methods: Relevant cross-sectional, cohort, and longitudinal studies examining the association between MCR and adverse health outcomes were extracted from ten electronic databases. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) and modified NOS were used to assess the risk of bias in studies included in the analysis. Relative ratios (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were pooled for outcomes associated with MCR. Results: Twenty-eight longitudinal or cohort studies and four cross-sectional studies with 1,224,569 participants were included in the final analysis. The risk of bias in all included studies was rated as low or moderate. Pooled analysis of RR indicated that MCR had a greater probability of increased the risk of dementia (adjusted RR = 2.02; 95% CI = 1.94–2.11), cognitive impairment (adjusted RR = 1.72; 95% CI = 1.49–1.99), falls (adjusted RR = 1.32; 95% CI = 1.17–1.50), mortality (adjusted RR = 1.66; 95% CI = 1.32–2.10), and hospitalization (adjusted RR = 1.46; 95% CI = 1.16–1.84); MCR had more prominent predictive efficacy for AD (adjusted RR = 2.23; 95% CI = 1.81–2.76) compared to VaD (adjusted RR = 3.78; 95% CI = 0.49–28.95), while excluding analyses from the study that utilized the timed-up-and-go test and one-leg-standing to evaluate gait speed. One study examined the association between MCR and disability (hazard ratios [HR] = 1.69; 95% CI = 1.08–2.02) and frailty (OR = 5.53; 95% CI = 1.46–20.89). SG was a stronger predictor of the risk for dementia and falls than SCC (adjusted RR = 1.22; 95% CI = 1.11–1.34 vs. adjusted RR = 1.19; 95% CI = 1.03–1.38). Conclusion: MCR increases the risk of developing any discussed adverse health outcomes, and the predictive value for AD is superior to VaD. Additionally, SG is a stronger predictor of dementia and falls than SCC. Therefore, MCR should be routinely assessed among adults to prevent poor prognosis and provide evidence to support future targeted interventions.
Maschinelles Lernen zur Identifizierung von Risikofaktoren, die mit der Entwicklung von im Krankenhaus erworbener beatmungsassoziierter Pneumonie und Mortalität assoziiert sind: Implikationen für die Wahl der Antibiotikatherapie
Authors: Sophonsri Anthony , Lou Mimi , Ny Pamela , Minejima Emi , Nieberg Paul , Wong-Beringer Annie
Published: May 2024

Hintergrund: Bei Patienten mit nosokomialer bakterieller Pneumonie ist die Mortalität am höchsten bei denjenigen, die so weit dekompensieren, dass eine mechanische Beatmung (vHABP) nötig wird, gefolgt von denen mit beatmungsassoziierter Pneumonie (VABP) und nicht beatmungsassoziierter, im Krankenhaus erworbener Pneumonie (nvHABP). Die Ziele dieser Studie waren die Identifizierung von Risikofaktoren, die mit der Entwicklung und der Mortalität von vHABP assoziiert sind, und die Bewertung der Antibiotikabehandlung. Methoden: Eine multizentrische retrospektive Kohortenstudie wurde bei erwachsenen hospitalisierten Patienten mit nosokomialer Pneumonie zwischen 2014 und 2019 durchgeführt. Die Gruppen wurden nach vHABP, nvHABP und VABP stratifiziert und hinsichtlich demografischer Daten, klinischer Merkmale, Behandlung und Ergebnissen verglichen. Mithilfe von maschinellem Lernen wurden multivariate Modelle erstellt, um Risikofaktoren für die Progression zur vHABP und die Mortalität durch Pneumonie für jede Kohorte zu identifizieren. Ergebnisse: 457 Patienten (32% nvHABP, 37% vHABP und 31% VABP) wurden untersucht. Die vHABP- und die nvHABP-Gruppe waren ähnlich alt (medianes Alter 66,4 Jahre), 77% wiesen mehrere Komorbiditäten auf, aber mehr vHABP-Patienten hatten eine Lebererkrankung (18,2% vs. 7,7%; p = 0,05) und eine Alkoholkonsumstörung (27% vs. 7,1%; p < 0,001) und waren in den vorausgehenden 30 Tagen im Krankenhaus gewesen (30,4% vs. 19,5%; p = 0,02). 70% der vHABP-Patienten benötigten am Tag der Diagnose eine sofortige Beatmung. Die Mortalität war in der vHABP-Gruppe am höchsten, gefolgt von der VABP- und der nvHABP-Gruppe (44,6% vs. 36% vs. 14,3%; p < 0,0001). Fast alle (96%) vHABP-Patienten hatten positive Kulturen, wobei Gram-negative Erreger 58,8% ausmachten und 33,0% resistent gegen β-Laktame mit breitem Wirkungsspektrum (ESBL), Ceftriaxon (17,5%), Fluorchinolone (20,6%) und Carbapeneme (12,4%) waren. Bis zur Hälfte der vHABP-Patienten mit ESBL-Enterobacteriaceae oder Pseudomonas aeruginosa erhielten keine wirksame empirische Therapie. Bei Patienten, bei denen eine wirksame Therapie erst nach dem Tag der Pneumoniediagnose begonnen wurde, war die Mortalität um mehr als 50% erhöht. Risikofaktoren, die mit der Entwicklung einer vHABP assoziiert waren, waren Alkoholkonsumstörung, APACHE-II-Score, eine Vasopressortherapie vor der Infektion und eine positive Kultur für ESBL-Enterobacteriales, während eine Krankenhausaufnahme in den letzten 30 Tagen, eine aktive maligne Erkrankung, die Isolierung von Ceftriaxon-resistenten Erregern oder P. aeruginosa und eine Vasopressortherapie Risikofaktoren für eine vHABP-assoziierte Mortalität waren.
Prognosis of IgA Nephropathy with Stages 3b-5 CKD
Authors: Wu Zhanfei , Li Hongfen , Liu Youxia , Wang Fanghao , Xing Yue , Li Wenying , Jia Junya , Yan Tiekun
Published: May 2024

Introduction: There are conflicting opinions regarding the use of immunosuppressant treatment in IgA nephropathy (IgAN) patients with an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of less than 45 mL/min/1.73 m2 and persistent proteinuria with a daily excretion of ≥1.0 g. Methods: This retrospective study involved 110 IgAN patients for whom clinical data were available; of these, 90 had complete follow-up data. Patients were grouped based on whether they received immunotherapy during follow-up, their renal function, proteinuria levels, and the percentage of crescentic glomeruli observed at the time of renal biopsy. Results: The mean eGFR for the participants was 32.0 ± 10.2 mL/min/1.73 m2. The average follow-up duration was 46.1 ± 37.9 months. The mean rate of decline in eGFR was 3.6 mL/min/1.73 m2 per year. There were 43 (47.8%) composite kidney endpoints occurred in these patients. In the group that received immunotherapy, the incidence of kidney endpoint events was lower than in the untreated group (45.1% vs. 57.9%), but the difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.320). Among patients with stage CKD 3b, the incidence of endpoint events was lower than in those with stages CKD 4 and 5 (36.8% vs. 66.7%, p = 0.006). Conversely, the high proteinuria group saw a higher incidence of endpoint events compared to the low proteinuria group (51.9% vs. 23.1%), although this difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.054). Meanwhile, there was no significant difference in the incidence of endpoint events between the two crescent glomerular ratio groups (48.7% vs. 41.7%, p = 0.649). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis indicated that renal function level (p < 0.001) and proteinuria (p = 0.023) were associated with renal survival in IgAN patients. In contrast, the administration of immunosuppressive therapy (p = 0.288) and the prevalence of C lesions (p = 0.982) did not show a significant association with renal survival. Further, Cox regression analysis identified systolic blood pressure, fibrinogen, and CKD stage as risk factors for eGFR decline in IgAN patients (all p < 0.05). Conclusion: IgAN patients with stages 3b-5 CKD exhibited a poor prognosis. It appears that in this specific cohort of IgAN patients, immunosuppressive therapy may not provide significant advantages over supportive care therapeutic regimens in terms of disease management.
Rogue Hairs: A Mixed-Method Characterization of a Previously Unreported Entity
Authors: Marshall Anise , Kalus Andrea , Schachtel April
Published: May 2024

Introduction: We define rogue hairs as unusually long hairs on the face outside of the typical hormone-driven hair-bearing areas. These represent a common and previously undocumented phenomenon. This mixed-method study describes the frequency and clinical features of rogue hairs using a case series, patient survey, and social media analysis. Methods: Clinical cases were identified by dermatologists, and social media platforms were searched for additional cases. Social media comments were reviewed using qualitative thematic analysis. Surveys were administered to patients at an academic dermatology clinic. Results: The case series revealed these hairs are seen in children and adults, men and women, and across races. Of the surveyed patients, 18% reported rogue hairs. Social media analysis highlighted common experiences of sudden appearance, frequent removal attempts, and minimal interaction with dermatologists. Conclusion: This mixed-method study defines rogue hairs on the face, underscoring their prevalence despite their benign nature. While the biological explanation for these hairs remains unknown, the study highlights the potential of social media as a tool for clinical inquiry and enhanced understanding of the patient experience. The study provides evidence-based information for individuals experiencing rogue hairs and prompts future research into the biologic mechanisms underlying this common phenomenon.
Endoscopic Features of Synchronous Multiple Early Gastric Cancers: Findings from a Nationwide Cohort
Authors: Hayashi Yoshito , Hatta Waku , Tsuji Yosuke , Yoshio Toshiyuki , Yabuuchi Yohei , Hoteya Shu , Tsuji Shigetsugu , Nagami Yasuaki , Hikichi Takuto , Kobayashi Masakuni , Morita Yoshinori , Sumiyoshi Tetsuya , Iguchi Mikitaka , Tomida Hideomi , Inoue Takuya , Mikami Tatsuya , Hasatani Kenkei , Nishikawa Jun , Matsumura Tomoaki , Nebiki Hiroko , Nakamatsu Dai , Ohnita Ken , Suzuki Haruhisa , Ueyama Hiroya , Sugimoto Mitsushige , Yamaguchi Shinjiro , Michida Tomoki , Yada Tomoyuki , Asahina Yoshiro , Narasaka Toshiaki , Kuribayashi Shiko , Kiyotoki Shu , Mabe Katsuhiro , Kurakami Hiroyuki , Fujishiro Mitsuhiro , Masamune Atsushi , Takehara Tetsuo
Published: May 2024

Introduction: We investigated the factors associated with synchronous multiple early gastric cancers and determined their localization. Methods: We analyzed 8,191 patients who underwent endoscopic submucosal dissection for early gastric cancers at 33 hospitals in Japan from November 2013 to October 2016. Background factors were compared between single-lesion (n = 7,221) and synchronous multi-lesion cases (n = 970) using univariate and multivariate analyses. We extracted cases with two synchronous lesions (n = 832) and evaluated their localization. Results: Significant independent risk factors for synchronous multiple early gastric cancer were older age (≥75 years old) (odds ratio [OR] = 1.257), male sex (OR = 1.385), severe mucosal atrophy (OR = 1.400), tumor localization in the middle (OR = 1.362) or lower region (OR = 1.404), and submucosal invasion (OR = 1.528 [SM1], 1.488 [SM2]). Depressed macroscopic type (OR = 0.679) and pure undifferentiated histology OR = 0.334) were more common in single early gastric cancers. When one lesion was in the upper region, the other was more frequently located in the lesser curvature of the middle region. When one lesion was in the middle region, the other was more frequently located in the middle region or the lesser curvature of the lower region. When one lesion was in the lower region, the other was more frequently located in the lesser curvature of the middle region or the lower region. Conclusion: Factors associated with synchronous multiple early gastric cancer included older age, male sex, severe mucosal atrophy, tumor localization in the middle or lower region, and tumor submucosal invasion. Our findings provide useful information regarding specific areas that should be examined carefully when one lesion is detected.
Evaluating the Risk of Malignancies of the Diagnostic Categories Proposed by the World Health Organization System for Reporting Lung Cytopathology: A 2-Year Single Institutional Experience
Authors: Lai Wei-An , Chen Chien-Chin
Published: May 2024

Introduction: The WHO System of Reporting Lung Cytopathology proposed a 5-tiered system in 2023. We report the risk of malignancies (ROMs) of bronchial washing/lavage and percutaneous fine-needle aspiration (FNA) specimens. We also evaluated the change of ROMs when image correlation is required. Methods: Lung cytology cases in 2021 and 2022 with histologic follow-up were included. CT reports were reviewed to identify cases with a solid nodule/tumor but benign cytological findings. These were reassigned from the “benign” to “non-diagnostic” category, and the ROMs were re-estimated. Results: A total of 1,031 bronchial washing/lavage and 206 FNAs were identified. The ROMs of bronchial washing/lavage were “non-diagnostic” 56.5% (13/23), “benign” 41.9% (320/764), “atypical” 71.7% (71/99), “suspicious for malignancy” 94.7% (72/76), and “malignant” 100% (70/70). The ROMs of FNAs were “non-diagnostic” 66% (33/50), “benign” 58.2% (39/67), “atypical” 70% (28/40), “suspicious for malignancy” 96.2% (25/26), and “malignant” 100% (70/70). When image finding was considered, cases initially assigned as “benign” were re-classified to “non-diagnostic” with decreases in ROMs for the “benign” category. Conclusions: Malignancy risks associated with the WHO System of Reporting Lung Cytopathology diagnostic groups were reported. Image correlation for the “benign” category led to a decrease in case number and ROM.
Validating the Baveno Elastography Criteria of Advanced Liver Fibrosis in Two-Dimensional Shear Wave Elastography: A Prospective Pathology-Based Study
Authors: Chen Chia-Chang , Huang Yao-Kuang , Wang Ren-Ching , Fu Jing-Tong , Lee Shou-Wu , Tsai Hsin-Ju , Yang Sheng-Shun , Lee Teng-Yu
Published: May 2024

Introduction: The Baveno criteria for assessing advanced liver fibrosis were mainly determined by transient elastography (TE), and its pathology-based validation studies in two-dimensional shear wave elastography (2D-SWE) remain limited. We aimed to validate the Baveno criteria through use of 2D-SWE. Method: Consecutive patients who underwent liver biopsies for various benign liver diseases were prospectively recruited. Liver stiffness measurement (LSM) was simultaneously evaluated by TE and 2D-SWE. The optimal cutoff value to predict advanced liver fibrosis was determined by the Youden Index, and the diagnostic performance was estimated using area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUROC) analysis. Results: A total of 101 patients were enrolled having a median age of 55.0 (IQR: 46.0–63.5) years, with 53 (52.48%) of them being male. Using <9 and >14 kPa as the optimal dual cutoffs, the AUROC values in TE and 2D-SWE were 0.92 (95% CI: 0.83–0.97) and 0.93 (95% CI: 0.84–0.98), respectively (p = 0.61). The sensitivity and specificity of LSM by TE/2D-SWE achieved rates of 94.44%/94.44% and 86.00%/88.00%, respectively. However, using the Baveno criteria, the AUROC values in TE and 2D-SWE could remain achieving 0.91 (95% CI: 0.82–0.97) and 0.93 (95% CI: 0.84–0.98), respectively (p = 0.36). The sensitivity and specificity in TE/2D-SWE were 88.24%/88.24% and 86.79%/90.57%, respectively. Conclusion: This study establishes the compatibility of the Baveno dual cutoff criteria with 2D-SWE, positioning it as an easily used criteria in clinical practice and research.
Psychosocial Support for Grade 3 Pupils Through Artistry in Music Featuring Ukulele Lesson
Authors: Amaro Ailene D.
Published: May 2024

The use of ukulele in school setting is becoming popular and its integration during classes is increasing in popularity. Because of this, it is significant and timely that this type of music be involved among learners of all ages. The consideration of providing support for mental and psychosocial well-being among the students during the past pandemic was deemed necessary. In this innovative work plan study, experimental-purposive approach was used in implementing the program. Integrating music in classes increases primary students' class involvement and engagement in school activities. Thus, the researcher introduced the Ukulele lesson to the Grade 3 pupils and tried to look into the effect of its integration to the pupils’ psychosocial development and academic performance. The participants were thirty-eight pupils (38) and eleven (11) MAPEH teachers for the school year 2022-2023 enrolled in an Integrated School in Pangasinan. The results revealed that there is an increase in the level of academic performance of the Grade 3 pupils who were exposed to ukulele lessons as an intervention program focusing on psychosocial support. The elementary teachers were also able to maintain classroom cohesiveness and increased pupils’ class participation. The noise from unnecessary talking and shouting or even playing inside the classroom were minimized.  This is one proof that music is a great stress-relieving tool that helps to calm the mind and enhance concentration among pupils and teachers.
Improving The Levels of Reading Skills Of Grade 1 Learners Through Story-telling Via Phone Calling
Authors: Abisado Jimboy Abad
Published: May 2024

The study aimed to assess the effectiveness of storytelling via phone calling strategy to improve the levels of reading skills of Grade 1 pupils at San Miguel Elementary School, Schools Division of Zambales during the School Year 2022-2023. Further delimitation included the following: (1) levels of reading skills based on pre-test and post-test results of reading inventory; and (2) significant difference in the reading levels of the learners in pre-test and post-test result of reading inventory. This research undertaking used the One-Group Pre-Test and Post-Test Experimental Design where a single group was measured or observed before and after the intervention program. After careful evaluation of parental consent and the willingness of the students to undergo intervention program, the researcher purposively selected twenty-eight students under “frustration reading level”. The study used a two-tailed Wilcoxon Signed Ranks Test with an alpha level of 0.05. It means that there is a significant difference between learners’ reading levels in pre-reading and post-reading inventory indicating a positive effect of the intervention used to the learners in the “frustration reading level”. The marked increase of the performance of the Grade 1 pupils in the pre-test and post-test can be concluded that the intervention used came to play as factor. With that, storytelling via phone calling is effective and responsive as one of the strategies to use in reading. One of the recommendations is Storytelling via phone calling reading strategy could be used by other teachers also to improve the levels of reading skills of their learners as well, especially amidst pandemic where there is no face-to-face interaction between students and teachers.
From Fear to Understanding: Millennials’ Perceptions of Islam in Contemporary Society as a Basis for Interfaith Dialogue and Cooperation
Authors: Akmad Saiden Panggo , Espacio Nancy B.
Published: May 2024

This study aimed to describe the millennials' perception of Islam in contemporary society as a basis for interfaith dialogue and cooperation. A descriptive research method was utilized. Respondents were selected using stratified probability sampling. A total of 255 were used primarily as the respondents of this study. The data gathered were analyzed using the SPSS software V21x64. The statistical methods used were frequency and percentage counts, standard deviation, mean, and the grand mean.
The respondents’ demographic profile relative to age, the 25-28 age group had more respondents than other age groups. As to sex, females dominated the number of respondents. In terms of tribe, most respondents are Cebuano. Regarding religious affiliation, Roman Catholics have a significant number of respondents and in educational attainment, most of the respondents are high school graduates.
Millennials with a moderately high perception of Islam view the religious practices of Islam in a positive light. They may appreciate the emphasis on prayer, fasting, and charity as acts of devotion. Regarding cultural aspects of Islam, millennials with moderately high perceptions may appreciate the rich history and traditions associated with Islamic culture. Relative to governance, millennials with moderately high perceptions may acknowledge the influence of Islamic principles in shaping societies governed by law. They may recognize the importance of justice, fairness, and social welfare in Islamic governance systems and appreciate the emphasis on community and public welfare.
Millennials with a moderately high perception of Islam will likely have a positive view of it, appreciating its religious practices, cultural contributions, and governance principles. They may also be open to learning more about Islam and engaging in interfaith dialogue and cooperation with practitioners of different religions.
Teachers Difficulty and Coping Strategies in Physics
Authors: Navos Donalie B. , Ordoña Merlie B. , Llorente Jean M. , Camarao Michael Kennedy G.
Published: May 2024

This study investigates the difficulties encountered by physics educators and their coping strategies. Physics teaching presents various challenges such as addressing student misconceptions and integrating real-life examples. Understanding these challenges is crucial for developing effective coping strategies and enhancing physics education quality. Research suggests that addressing these challenges can improve teacher competency and student engagement. Investigating teachers' difficulties and coping strategies is vital for advancing the field and achieving successful learning outcomes. Ten teachers from public and private schools in Sultan Kudarat province participated in the study and were selected through purposive sampling. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions with careful adherence to ethical standards. Results revealed challenges including teacher competency, students' weak mathematical foundations, and low retention. Coping mechanisms involved instructional preparation, peer mentoring, and real-life application of physics concepts. Despite the hurdles, educators exhibit resilience through various coping mechanisms, emphasizing the importance of targeted interventions and support systems. By fostering collaboration, emphasizing real-world applications, and providing ongoing professional development, educators can enhance the quality of physics education and facilitate meaningful learning experiences for students.
Retrofitting the Heart: Explaining the Enigmatic Septal Thickening in Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Federspiel Jan M. , Reil Jan-Christian , Xu Anton , Scholtz Smita , Batzner Angelika , Maack Christoph , Sequeira Vasco
Published: May 2024

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is the most common genetic cardiac disease and is characterized by left ventricular hypertrophy. Although this hypertrophy often associates with sarcomeric gene mutations, nongenetic factors also contribute to the disease, leading to diastolic dysfunction. Notably, this dysfunction manifests before hypertrophy and is linked to hypercontractility, as well as nonuniform contraction and relaxation (myofibril asynchrony) of the myocardium. Although the distribution of hypertrophy in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy can vary both between and within individuals, in most cases, it is primarily confined to the interventricular septum. The reasons for septal thickening remain largely unknown. In this article, we propose that alterations in muscle fiber geometry, present from birth, dictate the septal shape. When combined with hypercontractility and exacerbated by left ventricular outflow tract obstruction, these factors predispose the septum to an isometric type of contraction during systole, consequently constraining its mobility. This contraction, or more accurately, this focal increase in biomechanical stress, prompts the septum to adapt and undergo remodeling. Drawing a parallel, this is reminiscent of how earthquake-resistant buildings are retrofitted with vibration dampers to absorb the majority of the shock motion and load. Similarly, the heart adapts by synthesizing viscoelastic elements such as microtubules, titin, desmin, collagen, and intercalated disc components. This pronounced remodeling in the cytoskeletal structure leads to noticeable septal hypertrophy. This structural adaptation acts as a protective measure against damage by attenuating myofibril shortening while reducing cavity tension according to Laplace Law. By examining these events, we provide a coherent explanation for the septum’s predisposition toward hypertrophy.
2024 AHA/ASA Performance and Quality Measures for Spontaneous Intracerebral Hemorrhage: A Report From the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association
Authors: Ruff Ilana M. , de Havenon Adam , Bergman Deborah L. , Dugue Rachelle , Frontera Jennifer A. , Goldstein Joshua N. , Hemphill J. Claude , Marulanda-Londono Erika , Prabhakaran Shyam , Richards Christopher T. , Sunmonu N. Abimbola , Vilar Paul , Wolfe Stacey Q.
Published: May 2024

The American Heart Association/American Stroke Association released a revised spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage guideline in 2022. A working group of stroke experts reviewed this guideline and identified a subset of recommendations that were deemed suitable for creating performance measures. These 15 performance measures encompass a wide spectrum of intracerebral hemorrhage patient care, from prehospital to posthospital settings, highlighting the importance of timely interventions. The measures also include 5 quality measures and address potential challenges in data collection, with the aim of future improvements.
Aligning Human and Computational Coherence Evaluations
Authors: Lim Jia Peng , Lauw Hady W.
Published: May 2024

Automated coherence metrics constitute an efficient and popular way to evaluate topic models. Previous work presents a mixed picture of their presumed correlation with human judgment. This work proposes a novel sampling approach to mining topic representations at a large scale while seeking to mitigate bias from sampling, enabling the investigation of widely used automated coherence metrics via large corpora. Additionally, this article proposes a novel user study design, an amalgamation of different proxy tasks, to derive a finer insight into the human decision-making processes. This design subsumes the purpose of simple rating and outlier-detection user studies. Similar to the sampling approach, the user study conducted is extensive, comprising 40 study participants split into eight different study groups tasked with evaluating their respective set of 100 topic representations. Usually, when substantiating the use of these metrics, human responses are treated as the gold standard. This article further investigates the reliability of human judgment by flipping the comparison and conducting a novel extended analysis of human response at the group and individual level against a generic corpus. The investigation results show a moderate to good correlation between these metrics and human judgment, especially for generic corpora, and derive further insights into the human perception of coherence. Analyzing inter-metric correlations across corpora shows moderate to good correlation among these metrics. As these metrics depend on corpus statistics, this article further investigates the topical differences between corpora, revealing nuances in applications of these metrics.
Two new species of Platanthera (Orchidaceae, Orchidoideae) from Xizang, China
Authors: LIN DONGLIANG , ZHANG LIYUE , YE CHAO , LI JIANWU , JIN XIAOHUA
Published: May 2024

Two new orchid species, Platanthera linzhiensis, P. deergongensis, are described and illustrated from Motuo, Xizang, China. P. linzhiensis is closely related to P. uniformis, but differs from it by lip yellowish green, spur yellow, nearly as long as ovary, connective obtuse-truncate, not protruding from anther, column lateral appendages ovate to oblong, slightly shorter than the anther. P. deergongensis is morphologically similar to P. contigua, but is distinguished from it by having white lip, obtuse-truncate connective and ovate to oblong column lateral appendages. Molecular phylogenetic analysis based on six markers (nrITS, psaB, matK, psbA-trnH, rbcL, trnL-F) revealed that P. linzhiensis and P. deergongensis formed a clade with high support, and are close to P. superantha.
Taxonomy and phylogeny of the family Suberitidae (Porifera: Demospongiae) in California
Authors: TURNER THOMAS L. , ROUSE GREG W. , WEIGEL BROOKE L. , JANUSSON CARLY , LEMAY MATTHEW A. , THACKER ROBERT W.
Published: May 2024

This study presents a comprehensive taxonomic revision of the family Suberitidae (Porifera: Demospongiae) for California, USA. We include the three species previously known from the region, document two additional species previously known from other regions, and formally describe four new species as Pseudosuberites latke sp. nov., Suberites californiana sp. nov., Suberites kumeyaay sp. nov., and Suberites agaricus sp. nov. Multi-locus DNA sequence data is presented for seven of the nine species, and was combined with all publicly available data to produce the most comprehensive global phylogeny for the family to date. By integrating morphological and genetic data, we show that morphological characters may be sufficient for regional species identification but are likely inadequate for global classification into genera that reflect the evolutionary history of the family. We therefore propose that DNA sequencing is a critical component to support future taxonomic revisions.
Prediction of Tropical Pacific Rain Rates with Overparameterized Neural Networks
Authors: You Hojun , Wang Jiayi , Wong Raymond K. W. , Schumacher Courtney , Saravanan R. , Jun Mikyoung
Published: May 2024

The prediction of tropical rain rates from atmospheric profiles poses significant challenges, mainly due to the heavy-tailed distribution exhibited by tropical rainfall. This study introduces overparameterized neural networks not only to forecast tropical rain rates but also to explain their heavy-tailed distribution. The investigation is separately conducted for three rain types (stratiform, deep convective, and shallow convective) observed by the Global Precipitation Measurement satellite radar over the west and east Pacific regions. Atmospheric profiles of humidity, temperature, and zonal and meridional winds from the MERRA-2 reanalysis are considered as features. Although overparameterized neural networks are well known for their “double descent phenomenon,” little has been explored about their applicability to climate data and capability of capturing the tail behavior of data. In our results, overparameterized neural networks accurately estimate the rain-rate distributions and outperform other machine learning methods. Spatial maps show that overparameterized neural networks also successfully describe the spatial patterns of each rain type across the tropical Pacific. In addition, we assess the feature importance for each overparameterized neural network to provide insight into the key factors driving the predictions, with low-level humidity and temperature variables being the overall most important. These findings highlight the capability of overparameterized neural networks in predicting the distribution of the rain rate and explaining extreme values.

Significance Statement

This study aims to introduce the capability of overparameterized neural networks, a type of neural network with more parameters than data points, in predicting the distribution of tropical rain rates from gridscale environmental variables and explaining their tail behavior. Rainfall prediction has been a topic of importance, yet it remains a challenging problem for its heavy-tailed nature. Overparameterized neural networks correctly captured rain-rate distributions and the spatial patterns and heterogeneity of the observed rain rates for multiple rain types, which could not be achieved by any other previous statistical or machine learning frameworks. We find that overparameterized neural networks can play a key role in general prediction tasks, with potential expanded applicability to other domains with heavy-tailed data distribution.
Reinterpretation of the Thorpe Length Scale
Authors: Kantha Lakshmi
Published: May 2024

In 1977, S. A. Thorpe proposed a method to estimate the dissipation rate ε of turbulence kinetic energy (TKE) in an overturning turbulent layer in a lake, by sorting the observed (unstable) density profile to render it stable and thus deriving a length scale LT named after him, from the resulting vertical displacements of water parcels. By further proposing that this purely empirical scale (with no a priori physical basis, unlike many other turbulence length scales) is proportional to the Ozmidov scale LO, definable only for stably (not unstably or neutrally) stratified flows, he was able to extract ε. The simplicity of the approach that requires nothing but conductivity–temperature–depth (CTD) casts in water bodies, including lakes and oceans, made it attractive, until microstructure profilers were developed and perfected in later decades to actually make in situ measurements of ε. Since equivalent microstructure devices are not available for the atmosphere, the Thorpe technique has been resurrected in recent years for application to the atmosphere, using potential temperature profiles obtained from high-vertical-resolution radiosondes. Its popularity and utility have increased lately, in spite of unresolved issues related to the validity of assuming LT is proportional to LO. In this study, we touch upon these issues and offer an alternative interpretation of the Thorpe length scale as indicative of the turbulence velocity scale σK, which allows the Thorpe sorting technique to be applied to all turbulent flows, including those generated by convection.

Significance Statement

Routine monitoring of the turbulence structure in the global atmosphere is of societal importance and practical utility. Remote sensing by wind profiler radars provides routine information at only a few stations around the globe. Monitoring by sensors deployed on commercial aircraft provides data only along flight routes and mostly at flight altitudes. However, high-vertical-resolution radiosondes that are now being routinely deployed at over 900 stations around the globe provide a means for routine probing and monitoring of turbulence in the global atmosphere, by using the Thorpe sorting technique to extract the dissipation rate of turbulence kinetic energy. Reinterpretation of the technique in this study extends its application to all turbulent flows in the atmospheric column, including convective turbulence.
Distinguishing Extreme Precipitation Mechanisms Associated with Atmospheric Rivers and Nonatmospheric Rivers in the Lower Yangtze River Basin
Authors: Zhao Yang , Li Jianping , Tian Yuan , Li Jiao
Published: May 2024

This study investigates the disparity in quantitative moisture contribution and synoptic-scale vertical motion in the lower reaches of the Yangtze River basin (LYRB) for different extreme precipitation (EP) types, which are categorized as EP associated with atmospheric river (AR&EP) or EP associated with nonatmospheric river (non-AR&EP). To analyze moisture contribution, backward tracking using the Water Accounting Model-2layers is performed. In general, the remote moisture contribution is 9.7 times greater than the local contribution, with the ocean contribution being 1.67 times stronger than the land contribution. However, terrestrial and oceanic contributions obviously increase in the EP types, especially for oceanic contribution being double in magnitude. Notably, the west Pacific (WP) contribution emerges as the dominant differentia between the EP types, playing a crucial role in the AR formation. By solving the quasigeostrophic omega equation, the upper-level jet (ULJ) stream acts as the primary dynamic forcing for transverse vertical motion in AR&EP, while the baroclinic trough exhibits a relatively weaker influence. However, both systems have a nearly equal impact on vertical velocity in non-AR&EP. The enhanced shearwise elevation in the non-AR&EP type is the response of the stronger upper-level ridge over the Tibetan Plateau (TP), which induces enhanced Q vector, the divergence pointing toward the LYRB. However, the main dynamic difference is the location of ULJ, which serves as the trigger role although weak. Diabatic forcing proves to be the decisive factor for vertical motion development, the difference attributed to the released excessive latent heating with excess moisture contribution from the WP in AR&EP with enhanced precipitation.

Significance Statement

The main objective of this study is to investigate quantitative moisture contribution by applying Water Accounting Model-2layers and vertical motion attribution using the quasigeostrophic omega equation for extreme precipitation types based on the presence or absence of atmospheric river. Our findings reveal excessive moisture from the west Pacific serving not only as key in atmospheric river formation but also as the primary trigger for intensified diabatic vertical motion, inducing enhanced precipitation. The direction of strong winds in the north of the Tibetan Plateau holds crucial forecasting implications, which determine the location of the upper-level jet stream downstream. The transverse vertical motion, induced by the upper-level jet stream, plays the dominant dynamic role in both extreme precipitation (EP) types.