bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Perceptions of advice for acute low back pain: a content analysis of qualitative data collected in a randomised experiment
Authors: Augustine Lidiya , Zadro Joshua , Maher Christopher , Traeger Adrian C , Jones Caitlin , West Courtney A , Yang Jingjing , O'Keeffe Mary , Jenkins Hazel , McAuley James H , Ferreira Giovanni E
Published: July 2024

Objectives

To explore how people perceive three different forms of advice for acute low back pain (LBP).

Design

Content analysis of qualitative data collected in a three-arm randomised experiment.

Participants

2200 participants with acute LBP (ie, pain duration for ≤6 weeks) were randomly assigned to receive three types of advice: guideline advice and guideline advice with the addition of either brief pain science or ergonomics messages.

Primary and secondary outcomes

After receiving the advice, participants answered two questions: ‘If your health professional gave you this advice, how would it make you feel?’ and ‘If your health professional gave you this advice, what treatments (if any) do you think you would need?’ Two researchers coded responses using deductive content analysis.

Results

We analysed 4400 free-text responses from 2200 participants. There were little to no differences in participants’ feelings, thoughts and expectations after receiving three types of advice for acute LBP. Participants most commonly expressed feeling positive about the advice (38%–35%), reassured (23%–22%) and empowered (10%–8%). Some expressed being unhappy or being frustrated with the advice (4%–3%). Participants most commonly thought they needed no treatment apart from staying active, followed by exercise and medication.

Conclusions

Guideline advice with or without the addition of brief pain science or ergonomics messages generated positive feelings, reassurance or a sense of empowerment in many people with acute LBP, with no difference between types of advice.

Trial registration number

ACTRN12623000364673.
Feasibility and efficacy of virtual reality rehabilitation compared with conventional physiotherapy for upper extremity impairment due to ischaemic stroke: protocol for a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Paul Rinta , Elango Sundari , Chakravarthy Srinivasa , Sinha Aniruddha , P R Srijithesh , Raju Bapi , C Kesavadas , Sarma P Sankara , Hafsath Shabeera , Francis Amal Jude Ashwin , Darshini Divya , Sylaja Padmavathy Narayanapillai
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Approximately half of all stroke survivors have persistent upper extremity functional impairment, leading to reduced self-care, independence and quality of life. High-intensity, task-oriented virtual reality rehabilitation improves motor recovery. However, its clinical efficacy over standard rehabilitation remains uncertain. This study aims to evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of a virtual reality-based comprehensive rehabilitation gaming system (VR-cRGS) in stroke survivors with upper extremity impairment and to characterise the structural and functional plasticity of the affected regions in the brain due to the proposed rehabilitation.

Methods and analysis

This study is a multicentric, open-label, randomised controlled trial with an intention-to-treat analysis. A total of 162 patients will be enrolled in two academic institutes in India that specialise in stroke care. Patients with a first-ever ischaemic stroke (18–70 years and 1–6 months of stroke onset) with upper extremity impairment with 1 and 1+ grades of spasticity as per the modified Ashworth Scale and 3, 4 or 5 stages on Brunnstrom recovery staging will be enrolled. They will be randomised (1:1) into two treatment groups to receive 12 weeks of training either on VR-cRGS or on conventional physiotherapy. The primary feasibility outcome is compliance with the treatment. The primary efficacy outcome is the functional recovery of the upper extremity assessed by the Fugl-Meyer Assessment-Upper Extremity and Wolf Motor Function Test. The secondary outcomes are the Barthel Index and the 36-item Short-Form Health Survey. Multimodal brain imaging will be done in all enrolled patients at baseline and post-treatment to evaluate the structural and functional connectivity changes. The outcome measures will be analysed using paired t-tests or non-parametric tests.

Ethics and dissemination

The study has been approved by the Institutional Ethics Review Board of the Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology, Trivandrum, Kerala, India (SCT/IEC/1415/AUGUST-2019) and the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India (NIMHANS/IEC (BS and NS DIV.)/32nd Meeting/21). All participants will sign an informed consent form prior to participation. The study results will be disseminated through scholarly publication.

Trial registration number

CTRI/2021/11/038339.
Primary caregiver employment status is associated with traumatic brain injury in children in the USA
Authors: Tian Emma , O'Guinn MaKayla L. , Chen Stephanie Y. , Ourshalimian Shadassa , Chaudhari Pradip P. , Spurrier Ryan G.
Published: July 2024

Background

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a common injury in children. Previous literature has demonstrated that TBI may be associated with supervision level. We hypothesised that primary caregiver employment would be associated with child TBI.

Methods

A retrospective cross-sectional study was performed for children aged 0–17 using the National Survey of Children’s Health (NSCH) 2018–2019. The NSCH contains survey data on children’s health completed by adult caregivers from randomly selected households across the USA. We compared current TBI prevalence between children from households of different employment statuses. Current TBI was defined by survey responses indicating a healthcare provider diagnosed TBI or concussion for the child and the condition was present at the time of survey completion. Household employment status was categorised as two caregivers employed, two caregivers unemployed, one of two caregivers unemployed, single caregiver employed and single caregiver unemployed. Multivariable logistic regression was performed, controlling for sociodemographic factors.

Results

Of 56 865 children, median age was 10 years (IQR: 5–14), and 0.6% (n=332) had a current TBI. Children with TBI were older than children without TBI (median 12 years vs 10 years, p<0.001). On multivariable regression, children with at least one caregiver unemployed had increased odds of current TBI compared with children with both caregivers employed.

Conclusions

Children with at least one caregiver unemployed had increased TBI odds compared with children with both caregivers employed. These findings highlight a population of families that may benefit from injury prevention education and intervention.
rhIL-7-hyFc, a long-acting interleukin-7, improves efficacy of CAR-T cell therapy in solid tumors
Authors: Li Dan , Liang Tianyuzhou , Hutchins Laura E , Wolfarth Alexandra A , Ferrando-Martinez Sara , Lee Byung Ha , Ho Mitchell
Published: July 2024

Background

Chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapy has achieved remarkable remission in patients with B-cell malignancies. However, its efficacy in treating solid tumors remains limited. Here, we investigated a combination therapy approach using an engineered long-acting interleukin (IL)-7 (rhIL-7-hyFc or NT-I7) and CAR-T cells targeting three antigens, glypican-2 (GPC2), glypican-3 (GPC3), and mesothelin (MSLN), against multiple solid tumor types including liver cancer, neuroblastoma, ovarian cancer, and pancreatic cancer in mice.

Methods

CAR-T cells targeting GPC2, GPC3, and MSLN were used in combination with NT-I7 to assess the anticancer activity. Xenograft tumor models, including the liver cancer orthotopic model, were established using NOD scid gamma mice engrafted with cell lines derived from hepatocellular carcinoma, neuroblastoma, ovarian cancer, and pancreatic cancer. The mice were monitored by bioluminescence in vivo tumor imaging and tumor volume measurement using a caliper. Immunophenotyping of CAR-T cells on NT-I7 stimulation was evaluated for memory markers, exhaust markers, and T-cell signaling molecules by flow cytometry and western blotting.

Results

Compared with the IL-2 combination, preclinical evaluation of NT-I7 exhibited regression of solid tumors via enhanced occupancy of CD4+CAR-T, improved T-cell expansion, reduced exhaustion markers (programmed cell death protein 1 or PD-1 and lymphocyte-activation gene 3 or LAG-3) expression, and increased generation of stem cell-like memory CAR-T cells. The STAT5 pathway was demonstrated to be downstream of NT-I7 signaling, mediated by increased expression of the IL-7 receptor expression in CAR-T cells. Furthermore, CAR-T cells improved efficacy against tumors with low antigen density when combined with NT-I7 in mice, presenting an avenue for patients with heterogeneous antigenic profiles.

Conclusion

This study provides a rationale for NT-I7 plus CAR-T cell combination therapy for solid tumors in humans.
Impact of LAG-3/FGL1 pathway on immune evasive contexture and clinical outcomes in advanced urothelial carcinoma
Authors: Yoshida Takashi , Nakamoto Takahiro , Atsumi Naho , Ohe Chisato , Sano Takeshi , Yasukochi Yoshiki , Tsuta Koji , Kinoshita Hidefumi
Published: July 2024

Background

Anti-programmed death-1 (PD-1)/anti-PD-ligand-1 (PD-L1) pathway inhibition is a standard regimen for advanced urothelial carcinoma (UC); however, its limited efficacy has been reflected in reported medium response rates. This study explored the role of next-generation coinhibitory receptors (IRs; lymphocyte activation gene 3 (LAG-3), T-cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain 3 (TIM-3), and T-cell immunoreceptor with Ig and ITIM domains (TIGIT)) and their ligands (LGs) in the response to PD-(L)1 blockade therapy and the oncological outcomes in patients with UC.

Methods

We investigated metastatic UC cases who underwent PD-(L)1 therapy (cohort 1: n=348, cohort 2: n=89, and cohort 4: n=29) or advanced UC cases involving surgery (cohort 3: n=293 and cohort 5: n=90). We assessed the mRNA expression profiles and corresponding clinical information regarding IRs and LGs using cohorts 1, 2, and 3. Additionally, we elucidated the spatial features of these targeted markers using multiplex immunohistochemistry (mIHC) on formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded samples from cohorts 4 and 5. Survival, differential expressed gene, and Gene Set Enrichment analyses were performed. For mIHC, quantitative analyses were also performed to correlate immune and tumor cell densities with patient survival.

Results

LAG-3expression was strongly associated with the responsiveness of PD-(L)1 blockade compared with the expression ofTIM-3andTIGIT. In tumors with highLAG-3levels, the increased expression offibrinogen-like protein 1(FGL1) had a significantly negative effect on the response to PD-(L)1 blockade and overall survival. Moreover, highFGL1levels were associated with elevated CD4+regulatory T-cell gene signatures and the upregulation ofCD39andneuropilin-1, with both indicating CD8+T-cell exhaustion. mIHC analyses revealed that patients with stromal CD8+LAG-3+cellshigh–tumor FGL1+cellshighexhibited a significant negative correlation with survival rates compared with those with stromal CD8+LAG-3+cellshigh–tumor FGL1+cellslow.

Conclusions

LAG-3 expression and high FGL1 coexpression are important predictive factors of adverse oncological outcomes related to the presence of immunosuppressive contextures. These findings are hypothesis-generating, warranting further mechanistic and clinical studies aimed to evaluate LAG-3/FGL1 blockade in UC.
When is the right time to change therapy? An observational study of the time to response to immunosuppressive drugs in systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Tani Chiara , Maffi Michele , Cascarano Giancarlo , Signorini Viola , Zucchi Dina , Menchini Marina , Stagnaro Chiara , Carli Linda , Elefante Elena , Ferro Francesco , Cardelli Chiara , Manca Maria Laura , Mosca Marta
Published: July 2024

Objectives

To analyse the response to immunosuppressants (IS) in extrarenal flares of SLE to determine the most appropriate timing during follow-up for a change in therapeutic strategy.

Methods

Observational cohort study including a total of 81 patients with SLE with extrarenal flares requiring a change in IS over the period 2015–2022. Baseline clinical variables were described, and follow-up data at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months time-points were collected.

Results

Among patients flaring that achieved lupus low disease activity state (LLDAS5) at 12 months of follow-up, we identified two subgroups (‘late responders’ and ‘early responders’), which showed no significant differences in demographic characteristics, baseline clinical data, cumulative dosage of glucocorticoids or type of IS. Cox model analysis revealed a significant association of a change in IS (p=0.019) and achieving LLDAS5. Contingency table analysis indicated a significant relationship (p=0.004) between IS change at 6 months and individuals achieving LLDAS5 and remission at 12 months.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that clinical improvement of extrarenal flares typically occurs within 6 months of initiating IS. This timeframe could represent an appropriate timing to evaluate the response in a treat-to-target approach in SLE.
Sex-based differences in hematological values after normalization to body mass or fat-free mass in adults matched for aerobic fitness
Authors: Kontro Hilkka , Caswell Allison M. , Tripp Thomas R. , Ajayi Oluwatimilehin O. , MacInnis Martin J.
Published: July 2024

Blood properties influence aerobic exercise performance. While vascular volumes and hemoglobin mass (Hbmass) are elevated in trained individuals, evidence of sex differences in vascular volumes is equivocal due to inadequate matching of aerobic fitness between males and females. This cross-sectional study aimed to compare hematological values normalized to body mass (BM) and fat-free mass (FFM) between males ( n = 45) and females ( n = 34) matched for aerobic fitness (V̇O2max) normalized to FFM (mL∙kg FFM−1∙min− 1). Data included body composition measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), V̇O2max from an incremental test, and hematological values derived from a CO rebreathe test. Fat mass was unrelated to blood volume (BV; R2 = 0.02, P = 0.26) and Hbmass ( R2 = 0.03, P = 0.16), while FFM was the strongest predictor of both ( R2 = 0.75 and R2 = 0.83, respectively, P < 0.001). Females exhibited higher FFM-normalized BV (+4%, P < 0.05) and plasma volume (PV) (+14%, P < 0.001) and lower red blood cell volume (RBCV) (−8%, P < 0.001) and Hbmass (−8%, P < 0.001) compared to males. Positive correlations between aerobic fitness and relative Hbmass and BV were observed in both sexes when normalized to BM and FFM (0.48 <  r < 0.71; P < 0.003). Stepwise multiple regression models, including FFM, V̇O2max, height, and [Hb], provided accurate predictions of Hbmass ( R2 = 0.91) and BV ( R2 = 0.85). Overall, sex differences persist in relative Hbmass, BV, PV, and RBCV after matching of aerobic fitness, though relative BV and PV were greater in females. These findings suggest sex-specific strategies in oxygen delivery and/or extraction, and they underscore the importance of carefully selecting normalization practices when assessing sex-based differences in hematological variables.
Community experiences and perceptions of aquatic change in ᑭᙵᐃᑦ, ᓄᓇᕗᑦ (Kinngait, Nunavut)
Authors: Drake Allison K. ,   Aiviq Hunters and Trappers Association, Manning Ooloosie , Peter Sheojuk , Qiatsuq Pudloo , Christie Laurissa R. , Nguyen Vivian M. , Alexander Steven M. , Dunmall Karen M.
Published: July 2024

Climate change and development are shaping Arctic ecosystems in unprecedented ways intimately known to Inuit. To document changes in aquatic habitats and species near Kinngait, Nunavut, researchers co-created a questionnaire with the Aiviq Hunters and Trappers Association and community technicians. Inuit knowledge, centered on experiences and perceptions of marine, coastal, and lacustrine shifts, was gathered from 39 knowledge holders. Responses indicated that across ecosystems, turbidity and waves are not likely changing, wind and erosion may be changing, and water is warming. Ice is thinner, breaking up earlier, forming later, and diminishing in extent. These shifts are altering harvest timing in the spring and winter, and are rendering travel on the land increasingly difficult. While most knowledge holders reported no change in the diversity and abundance of marine mammals, fishes, and invertebrates, others expressed that ringed seal and beluga whale may be declining, salmon are appearing, and mussels are proliferating. Inuit insights and voices consolidated through this endeavour will serve the community and contribute to a baseline of knowledge to help understand ongoing change.
Is GPT-4 Conscious?
Authors: Tait Izak , Bensemann Joshua , Wang Ziqi
Published: July 2024

GPT-4 (Generative Pre-Trained Transformer 4) is often heralded as a leading commercial AI offering, sparking debates over its potential as a steppingstone toward Artificial General Intelligence. But does it possess consciousness? This paper investigates this key question using the nine qualitative measurements of the Building Blocks theory. GPT-4’s design, architecture, and implementation are compared to each of the building blocks of consciousness to determine whether it has achieved the requisite milestones to be classified as conscious or, if not, how close to consciousness GPT-4 is. Our assessment is that, while GPT-4 in its native configuration is not currently conscious, current technological research and development is sufficient to modify GPT-4 to have all the building blocks of consciousness. Consequently, we argue that the emergence of a conscious AI model is plausible in the near term. The paper concludes with a comprehensive discussion of the ethical implications and societal ramifications of engineering conscious AI entities.
Can We Think Machines Are Conscious? A Survey of Philosophical Problems Facing the Attribution of Consciousness to Machines
Authors: Settecase Parker
Published: July 2024

In this paper, I’ll examine whether we could be justified in attributing consciousness to artificial intelligent systems. First, I’ll give a brief history of the concept of artificial intelligence (AI) and get clear on the terms I’ll be using. Second, I’ll briefly review the kinds of AI programs on offer today, identifying which research program I think provides the best candidate for machine consciousness. Lastly, I’ll consider the three most plausible ways of knowing whether a machine is conscious: (1) an AI demonstrates a sufficient level of organizational similarity to that of a human thinker, (2) an inference to the best explanation, and (3) what I call “punting to panpsychism”, i.e., the idea that if everything is conscious, then we get machine consciousness in AI for free. However, I argue that all three of these methods for attributing machine consciousness are inadequate since they each face serious philosophical problems which I will survey and specifically tailor to each method.
Improving Group Fairness Assessments with Proxies
Authors: Harvey Emma , Lee Michelle Seng Ah , Singh Jatinder
Published: July 2024

Although algorithms are increasingly used to guide real-world decision-making, their potential for propagating bias remains challenging to measure. A common approach for researchers and practitioners examining algorithms for unintended discriminatory biases is to assess group fairness, which compares outcomes across typically sensitive or protected demographic features such as race, gender, or age. In practice, however, data representing these group attributes is often not collected or may be unavailable due to policy, legal, or other constraints. As a result, practitioners often find themselves tasked with assessing fairness in the face of these missing features. In such cases, they can either forgo a bias audit, obtain the missing data directly, or impute it. Because obtaining additional data is often prohibitively expensive or raises privacy concerns, many practitioners attempt to impute missing data using proxies. Through a survey of the data used in algorithmic fairness literature, which we make public to facilitate future research, we show that when available at all, most publicly available proxy sources are in the form of
summary tables
, which contain only aggregate statistics about a population. Prior work has found that these proxies are not predictive enough on their own to accurately measure group fairness. Even proxy variables that are correlated with group attributes also contain noise (i.e., will predict attributes for a subset of the population effectively at random).

Here, we outline a method for improving accuracy in measuring group fairness using summary tables. Specifically, we propose improving accuracy by focusing only on
highly predictive values
within proxy variables, and outline the conditions under which these proxies can estimate fairness disparities with high accuracy. We then show that a major disqualifying criterion—an association between the proxy and the outcome—can be controlled for using causal inference. Finally, we show that when proxy data is missing altogether, our approach is applicable to rule-based proxies constructed using subject-matter context applied to the original data alone. Crucially, we are able to extract information on group disparities from proxies that may have low discriminatory power at the population level. We illustrate our results through a variety of case studies with real and simulated data. In all, we present a viable method allowing the assessment of fairness in the face of missing data, with limited privacy implications and without needing to rely on complex, expensive, or proprietary data sources.
Exploring the Correlation between Emojis and Mood Expression in Thai Twitter Discourse
Authors: Rutherford Attapol , Akarajaradwong Pawitsapak
Published: July 2024

Mood, a long-lasting affective state detached from specific stimuli, plays an important role in behavior. Although sentiment analysis and emotion classification have garnered attention, research on mood classification remains in its early stages. This study adopts a two-dimensional structure of affect, comprising “pleasantness” and “activation,” to classify mood patterns. Emojis, graphic symbols representing emotions and concepts, are widely used in computer-mediated communication. Unlike previous studies that consider emojis as direct labels for emotion or sentiment, this work uses a pre-trained large language model which integrates both text and emojis to develop a mood classification model. Our contributions are three-fold. First, we annotate 10,000 Thai tweets with mood to train the models and release the dataset to the public. Second, we show that emojis contribute to determining mood to a lesser extent than text, far from mapping directly to mood. Third, through the application of the trained model, we observe the correlation of moods during the Thai political turmoil of 2019–2020 on Thai X (formerly known as Twitter) and find a significant correlation. These moods closely reflect the news events and reveal one side of Thai public opinion during the turmoil.
Navigating the Metaverse: A Comprehensive Analysis of Consumer Electronics Prospects and Challenges
Authors: Sai Siva , Garg Akshat , Chamola Vinay
Published: July 2024

Rapid innovation in consumer electronics has made our lives more comfortable. Consumer electronics serve as the primary platform for the Metaverse (MV), offering users an immersive and interactive medium that connects the digital and real worlds. Consumer electronics play a crucial role in ensuring the accessibility and the user experience within the Metaverse. Despite the vital role of consumer electronics in enabling an immersive metaverse experience, a detailed survey has yet to cover different facets. Addressing this research gap, we present a comprehensive review covering several applications, case studies, and challenges of consumer electronics in Metaverse. We present the role and scope of different consumer electronics devices like VR(Virtual Reality) headsets, AR(Augmented Reality) headsets, haptic feedback devices, and smartphones in Metaverse applications. We present an illustrative case study on how consumer electronics assist education in the Metaverse. Several device-specific challenges include restricted field of view, latency issues, synchronization issues, and non-device-specific challenges like interoperability, scalability, and data privacy. Our survey shall help researchers explore more prospects for making this integration stronger.
Will Hydrogen Be a New Natural Gas? Hydrogen Integration in Natural Gas Grids
Authors: Linke Gerald
Published: July 2024

Hydrogen is similar to natural gas in terms of its physical and chemical properties but does not release carbon dioxide when burnt. This makes hydrogen an energy carrier of great importance in climate policy, especially as an enabler of increasing integration of volatile renewable energy, progressive electrification, and effective emission reductions in the hard-to-decarbonize sectors. Leaving aside the problems of transporting hydrogen as a liquid, technological challenges along the entire supply chain can be considered as solved in principle, as shown in the experimental findings of the Hydrogen Innovation Program of the German Technical and Scientific Association for Gas and Water. By scaling up production and end-use capacities and, most importantly, producing hydrogen in regions with abundant renewable energy, hydrogen and its applications can displace natural gas at affordable prices in the medium term. However, this substitution will take place at different rates in different regions and with different levels of added value, all of which must be understood for hydrogen uptake to be successful.
Electrodeposition of Crystalline Si Using a Liquid Ga Electrode in Molten KF–KCl–K2SiF6
Authors: Moteki Wataru , Norikawa Yutaro , Nohira Toshiyuki
Published: July 2024

In this study, the electrodeposition of silicon (Si) using a liquid gallium (Ga) electrode in molten KF–KCl was further investigated. Electrochemical measurements and electrolysis were conducted at 923 K in a KF–KCl–K2SiF6 melt. Cyclic voltammograms at liquid Ga electrodes revealed that the reduction current at 0.6–0.9 V vs K+/K was due to the formation of Si–Ga liquid alloys. Si was deposited via potentiostatic electrolysis at 0.80 V using liquid Ga held in a crucible as an electrode. The Si grains were primarily located at the boundary of the Ga and the crucible, indicating that they were deposited from the Si–Ga liquid alloy. X-ray diffraction confirmed the crystallinity of the deposited Si, with a maximum grain size of approximately 6 mm. Potentiostatic electrolysis at varying charges showed that the Si grain size increased with increased charge, confirming the growth of crystalline Si. The Si grains obtained using the liquid Ga electrode were larger than those obtained using a liquid Zn electrode. Finally, the differences in Si crystal growth rates between the Ga and Zn electrodes were discussed.
Clarification of Degradation Mechanisms of the OER Activity of Ir-Based Electrocatalyst with Potentiodynamic Accelerated Stress Test
Authors: Sharma Raghunandan , Morgen Per , Makovec Darko , Gyergyek Saso , Andersen Shuang Ma
Published: July 2024

It is vital to understand the degradation mechanisms for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) activity under acidic electrolyser operating conditions. To this end, we have studied a commercial benchmark Ir-Oxide electrocatalyst during an accelerated stress test (AST) of potential cycling (2000 cycles at 100 mV s−1) between 1.0 and 1.7 V in 0.1 M HClO4. The OER activity degradation (>60%) has been investigated due to (i) bulk structure changes from metal dissolution, (ii) particle growth and, (iii) surface chemical state changes. Microscopic images of the Ir-Oxide catalyst before and after the AST show no significant change in the particle size or agglomeration; moreover, negligible mass loss of the element. Therefore, the OER activity degradation is found to be dominantly (99%) associated with changes of the surface chemical state of Ir, i.e., increase in the Ir4+/Ir3+ ratio at the surface of Ir-Oxide during the AST.
Identification and functionalization of thyrotropin receptor antibodies with different antigenic epitopes
Authors: Zheng Jingyi , Duan Honghong , Jiang Zhengrong , Chen Lijun , You Sufang , Huang Linghong , Huang Huibin
Published: July 2024

We identified six molecular targets of different types of AITD [GD, GO, GD(3), and HT(TRAb+)], which have diagnostic value for different types of AITD. Meanwhile, we found that TRAb with different antigenic epitopes extracted from the sera of patients with AITD had different biological functions, which also provided a new idea for further research on the mechanism of action of TRAb with different antigenic epitopes in AITD.
Numerical Simulation of a Novel Hydrocyclone Mixer Structurally Optimized for Mixing Performance and Energy Efficiency
Authors: Li Jiale , Dai Li , Li Long , Zhou Penghui , Xu Dingliang , Zeng Lin
Published: July 2024

Energy efficiency of coal‐water slurry mixing determines its application and transportation efficiency. This study compares the hydrodynamic characteristics and mixing performance of five different configurations of hydrocyclone mixers under turbulent flow conditions. Numerical calculations were used to investigate the velocity, pressure, and concentration fields of the mixer. Attempts were made to decrease the tangential inlet size and to design indentation structure to control the velocity and pressure fields inside the hydrocyclone mixer, thereby increasing the degree of mixing (DOM) and reducing mixing energy cost (MEC). The findings indicate that better mixing and dispersion can be achieved while reducing energy costs by designing the indentation structure and decreasing the size of the tangential inlet and outlet. It offers a reliable solution for uniformly mixing and dispersing coal‐water slurry with organic waste liquids and other highly concentrated fuels.
Efficacy and Safety of Topical Dapsone for Acne Vulgaris: A Systemic Review with Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Treetanuchai Jiraksa , Khuancharee Kitsarawut , Lertphanichkul Chotinij , Rojhirunsakool Salinee
Published: July 2024

Topical dapsone is an alternative medication for acne treatment. However, which topical dapsone formulation is superior remains uncertain. Furthermore, data on the efficacy of dapsone compared with other topical acne treatments are lacking. We aimed to review the efficacy and safety of topical dapsone at different concentrations and to compare it with other topical acne treatments. We systematically reviewed literature related to the use of topical dapsone in treating acne published from January 2005 to September 2022. We searched databases from selected research studies for inclusion criteria and performed a network meta‐analysis to compare the efficacy of using dapsone at different concentrations. Nine eligible studies were identified; among these, two studies with 7,350 patients were analyzed using network meta‐analysis. At 12 weeks, the percentage of achieving a Global Acne Assessment Score and the mean percentage reduction in inflammatory acne were higher with 7.5% than with 5% dapsone, but the difference was not statistically significant. However, the mean percentage reduction in noninflammatory acne and total acne lesion‐count at 12 weeks was lower with 7.5% than with 5% dapsone, but the difference was not statistically significant. Both concentrations of dapsone were more effective in treating inflammatory than comedonal acne and particularly effective in female patients and those aged ≥18 years. The side effects of dapsone were mild. Thus, topical dapsone is an effective alternative treatment for acne. Both concentrations of topical dapsone are effective in treating acne with no significant difference in efficacy and minimal side effects.
Celebrity Endorsements and Promotions: Enhancing Young Muslim Online Shoppers’ Satisfaction
Authors: Mustofa Rochman Hadi , Prestianawati Silvi Asna , Sari Dhany Efita , Riyanti Henni , Setiawan Ananda
Published: July 2024

This study explores the factors influencing consumer satisfaction among young Muslim online shopping users. Exogenous variables include celebrity endorsement, social media marketing, and promotion programs. Data were taken from 306 young Muslims from several cities in Indonesia. The analysis technique adopted structural equation modeling (SEM) with a reflective construct model. The findings reveal that celebrity endorsement through social media as the technology collection exerts the most significant influence on both direct and indirect relationships. Conversely, social media marketing demonstrates minimal impact, with insignificant effects observed in direct and indirect relationships. However, promotional programs emerge as a significant determinant of customer satisfaction, directly and as a mediating variable in purchase decisions. Additionally, importance‐performance map analysis (IPMA) confirms the prioritization of celebrity endorsement to enhance consumer satisfaction. This study is the first to examine the relationship between celebrity endorsements and young Muslims when shopping online and whether it can influence their decision to buy and their satisfaction. It provides unique insights into how promotional programs and social media marketing impact this demographic, utilizing SEM for robust analysis. The findings highlight the significant role of celebrity endorsements and promotional programs in driving customer satisfaction, offering valuable implications for marketers targeting young Muslim consumers.
The Impact of Low‐Carbon City Pilot Policy on Corporate Environmental Performance: Evidence from China
Authors: Jiang Yonghong , Yang Chun , Zhao Dandan , Shao Yuhao
Published: July 2024

As an important measure to achieve high‐quality economic development in China, the implementation of low‐carbon city pilot policy (LCCP) will inevitably have an impact on enterprises’ environmental protection behavior, but the empirical evidence in this field is limited. Therefore, based on the data of Chinese A‐share listed industrial enterprises in Shanghai and Shenzhen from 2008 to 2020, this paper empirically tests the impact of LCCP on corporate environmental performance (EP) and its mechanism of action by using the multiperiod difference‐in‐difference (DID) method. The results show that (1) the implementation of LCCP has significantly improved EP, and after a series of necessary tests such as parallel trend and placebo, the conclusion remains robust. (2) LCCP promotes enterprises to improve their EP mainly through the pressure of environmental supervision, financing constraints, and market competition. (3) The policy effect of LCCP varies with the nature of enterprise property rights, pollution attributes, and technical level. State‐owned enterprises, heavily polluting enterprises, and high‐tech enterprises respond more positively to LCCP, and the effect of EP improvement affected by the policy is more obvious. Further analysis shows that facing the pressure of environmental policy, state‐owned enterprises mainly deal with it through two methods: increasing environmental protection investment and strengthening green innovation; heavy‐polluting enterprises tend to increase investment in environmental protection; high‐tech enterprises mainly benefit from the improvement of the green innovation level. Our findings have important policy implications for improving LCCP to achieve high‐quality economic development based on the improvement of EP.
Effects of Water Temperature and Salinity on the Growth and Survival of Hybrid Pufferfish Larvae (Takifugu obscurus♀ X T. rubripes♂)
Authors: Lee Jin , Han Kyeong-Ho , Choi Woo-Sung , Yu Tae-Sik , Kim Hyung-Sun , Lee Sung-Hun
Published: July 2024

Takifugu genus pufferfish are popular in East Asian countries such as Korea, Japan, and China, but they are avoided as aquaculture species due to slow growth, high cannibalism rates, and susceptibility to diseases. Hybridization is considered one of the most important and efficient breeding methods for aquatic animals, and recent studies have been conducted on hybridization. This study compared optimal water temperature and salinity ranges for hybrid pufferfish by examining three water temperature conditions (15, 20, and 25°C) and five salinity conditions (0, 3, 10, 25, and 33 psu). The hatching rates of hybrid pufferfish embryos were 65.3%, 63.5%, and 67.7% at 0, 3, and 10 psu, respectively, while all embryos died at 25 and 33 psu. Hybrid pufferfish larvae had the highest survival rates at 20°C, and growth rates increased with rising water temperatures. In the salinity experiment, survival rates were 86.0%, 85.0%, 88.0%, and 88.5% at 3 psu, 10 psu, 25 psu, and 33 psu conditions, respectively, with the highest growth observed at 25 psu conditions. Hybrid pufferfish embryos showed good survival in freshwater, but all died in seawater. However, larvae showed good survival and growth in seawater, while all died in freshwater. Therefore, rearing hybrid pufferfish embryos seem suitable at salinities of 10 psu or lower, and increased resistance to salinity was observed in hybrid pufferfish after hatching, indicating that rearing under various salinity conditions ranging from 3 to 33 psu may be feasible.
Beta‐Thalassemia Major and Myocardial Iron Overload: A Longitudinal Study with Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: Rezaei-Kalantari Kiara , Meftah Elahe , Tofighi Saeed , Khalaj Kamand , Zoroufian Arezou , Motevalli Marzieh , Inusah Bihinaa Mohammed , Omidi Negar , Ghorashi Seyyed Mojtaba
Published: July 2024

Background. Patients with β‐thalassemia major depend on lifelong transfusion, resulting in tissue iron overload. This longitudinal retrospective observational study aims to assess myocardial and liver iron overload using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and investigate the lag between myocardial and liver iron unloading in β‐thalassemia patients undergoing chelation therapy. Methods. Beta‐thalassemia major patients with at least two MRI studies between 2016 and 2020 were enrolled. Myocardial and liver iron overload were defined as T2∗ less than 20 and 2.1, respectively. Outcomes included mortality, myocardial and liver T2∗ changes, and systolic dysfunction assessed by cardiac MRI. Results. Fifty‐five patients with a mean age of 24.62 ± 7.94 years, a mean follow‐up duration of 24.3 ± 12.9 months, and a mean ferritin level of 1475.75 ± 771.12 ng/mL were enrolled. All of the abovementioned patients only took deferoxamine as the iron‐chelating medication. Mortality occurred in three patients (5.5%) during follow‐up. Liver T2∗ significantly increased (p value <0.05), while myocardial T2∗ showed a nonsignificant increase. Iron unloading of the myocardium was not significantly different from that of the liver and did not result in a significant lag (56% vs. 44%; p value = 0.419). Baseline myocardial T2∗ correlated with extramedullary hematopoiesis, weekly number of deferoxamine injections (p value <0.01), timing between the transfusions, and serum ferritin (p value <0.05). Conclusion. Liver T2∗ reduced during deferoxamine chelation therapy, while myocardial T2∗ remained unchanged. No significant lag was observed between myocardial and liver iron unloading. Further studies are required to elucidate these findings.
m6A-Mediated Induction of 7-Dehydrocholesterol Reductase Stimulates Cholesterol Synthesis and cAMP Signaling to Promote Bladder Cancer Metastasis
Authors: Zeng Youmiao , Luo Yongbo , Zhao Keyuan , Liu Sheng , Wu Kaiwen , Wu Yudong , Du Kaixuan , Pan Wenbang , Dai Yiheng , Liu Yuanhao , Ren Mengda , Tian Fengyan , Zhou Lijie , Gu Chaohui
Published: July 2024

Dysregulation of cholesterol homeostasis occurs in multiple types of tumors and promotes cancer progression. Investigating the specific processes that induce abnormal cholesterol metabolism could identify therapeutic targets to improve cancer treatment. In this investigation, we observed upregulation of 7-dehydrocholesterol reductase (DHCR7), a vital enzyme involved in the synthesis of cholesterol, within bladder cancer tissues in comparison to normal tissues, which was correlated with increased bladder cancer metastasis. Increased expression of DHCR7 in bladder cancer was attributed to decreased mRNA degradation mediated by YTHDF2. Loss or inhibition of DHCR7 reduced bladder cancer cell invasion in vitro and metastasis in vivo. Mechanistically, DHCR7 promoted bladder cancer metastasis by activating the cAMP/protein kinase A/FAK pathway. Specifically, DHCR7 increased cAMP levels by elevating cholesterol content in lipid rafts, thereby facilitating the transduction of signaling pathways mediated by cAMP receptors. DHCR7 additionally enhanced the cAMP signaling pathway by reducing the concentration of 7-dehydrocholesterol and promoting the transcription of the G protein–coupled receptor, namely gastric inhibitory polypeptide receptor. Overall, these findings demonstrate that DHCR7 plays an important role in bladder cancer invasion and metastasis by modulating cholesterol synthesis and cAMP signaling. Furthermore, inhibition of DHCR7 shows promise as a viable therapeutic strategy for suppressing bladder cancer invasion and metastasis.

Significance: Inhibiting DHCR7 induces cholesterol metabolism reprogramming and lipid raft remodeling to inactivate the cAMP/protein kinase A/FAK axis and suppress bladder cancer metastasis, indicating the therapeutic potential of targeting DHCR7.
The Difficulty in Defining the True High-Risk Smoldering Myeloma
Authors: Weinhold Niels , Rasche Leo
Published: July 2024

Early intervention trials have been initiated for the precursor disease smoldering myeloma (SMM). A recent study showed that genomic complexity varies widely among patients treated for high-risk SMM and is associated with response to triplet therapy, suggesting that established clinical risk scores often fail to discriminate between stable and aggressive disease.

See related article by Kazandjian et al., p. 4482
Reconceiving Perineural Invasion in Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma: From Biological to Histopathological Assessment
Authors: Nozzoli Filippo , Nassini Romina , De Logu Francesco , Catalano Martina , Roviello Giandomenico , Massi Daniela
Published: July 2024

Background: Perineural invasion (PNI) is a complex molecular process histologically represented by the presence of tumor cells within the peripheral nerve sheath and defined when infiltration into the 3 nerve sheath layers can be clearly identified. Several molecular pathways have been implicated in cSCC. PNI is a well-recognized risk factor in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) and its accurate assessment represents a challenging field in pathology daily practice. Summary: As a highly intricate and dynamic process, PNI involves a contingent on bidirectional signaling interactions between the tumor and various nerve components, such as Schwann cells and neurons. The current staging systems recommend the identification of PNI as a dichotomous variable (presence vs. absence) to identify a subgroup of high-risk patients. However, recent further insights revealed that the evaluation of morphological PNI-related features in cSCC may enhance the prognostic stratification of patients and may optimize the current staging guidelines for recurrence risk assessment and improvement of patient selection for postoperative adjuvant treatments. Furthermore, recent emerging biomarkers could redefine early PNI detection. Key Messages: This review provides updated insights into cSCC with PNI, focusing on molecular and cellular pathogenic processes, and aims to increase knowledge on prognostic relevant PNI-related histological features.
Viral Cytopathic Changes in Sputum Cytology in a Patient with Known Human Metapneumovirus
Authors: Tang Eva , Gador-Whyte Andrew Peter , Newman Marsali Ruth
Published: July 2024

Introduction: Viral cytopathic changes seen in sputum cytology have been described in association with infection by viruses such as cytomegalovirus (CMV), herpes simplex virus (HSV), adenovirus, and even measles. However, viral cytopathic changes due to human metapneumovirus (hMPV) have not yet been well described in cytology. hMPV is a relatively new entity, discovered in 2001. It is known to cause upper and lower respiratory tract infections in children, the elderly, and immunocompromised patients. Case Presentation: We describe the viral cytopathic changes seen in sputum in a 63-year-old male patient with known hMPV. These changes include multinucleation, nuclear enlargement, homogenised nuclei, basophilic nuclear inclusions with perinuclear halos, and small eosinophilic cytoplasmic inclusions. Conclusion: We aim to raise awareness that hMPV can cause viral cytopathic changes and to describe these cytological features, which have been elucidated in only 1 case report thus far. Distinction from other viruses with similar changes, such as HSV and CMV, is important due to their differing clinical implications.
Association of Age, Frailty, and Strategy for Initiation of Renal-Replacement Therapy: A Post Hoc analysis of the STARRT-Acute Kidney Injury Trial
Authors: Wang Amanda Ying , Serpa Neto Ary , Gallagher Martin , Wald Ron , Bagshaw Sean M. , Bellomo Rinaldo ,   STARRT-AKI Investigators
Published: July 2024

Introduction: This study was designed to assess the association of age and frailty with clinical outcomes in patients with severe acute kidney injury (AKI), according to accelerated and standard renal-replacement therapy (RRT) initiation strategies in the STARRT-AKI trial. Methods: This was a secondary analysis of an international randomized trial. Older age was defined as ≥65 years. Frailty was assessed using the clinical frailty scale (CFS) score and defined as a score ≥5. The primary outcome was all-cause mortality at 90 days. Secondary outcomes included RRT dependence and RRT-free days at 90 days. We used logistic and linear regression and interaction testing to explore the impact of age and frailty on clinical outcomes. Results: Of 2,927 patients randomized in the STARRT-AKI trial, 1,616 (55.2%) were aged ≥65 years (median [interquartile range] 73.9 [69.4–78.9]). Older patients had greater comorbid cardiovascular and chronic kidney disease, were more likely to be surgical admissions and to receive vasopressors at baseline. Older patients had higher 90-day mortality (50.4% vs. 35.6%, adjusted-odds ratio (OR), 1.81 [1.53–2.13], p < 0.001). There was no significant difference in RRT dependence at 90 days between older and younger patients (8.7% vs. 7.8%, adjusted-OR, 1.21 [0.82–1.79], p = 0.325). Patients with frailty had higher mortality; but no difference in RRT dependence at 90 days. There was no significant interaction between age and CFS score in relation to mortality, RRT dependence at 90 days, and other secondary outcomes. There was no significant difference in the proportion of patients who received RRT in the standard-strategy stratified by age groups (adjusted-OR, 0.85 [0.67–1.08], p = 0.180). Conclusion: In this secondary analysis of the STARRT-AKI trial, older and frail patients had higher mortality at 90 days; however, there was no difference in RRT dependence. Mortality and RRT dependence were not modified by RRT initiation strategy in older or frail patients.