bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Substance use in sexual minority youth: prevalence in an urban cohort
Authors: Vock Florian , Johnson-Ferguson Lydia , Bechtiger Laura , Stulz Niklaus , von Felten Joh , Eisner Manuel , Hepp Urs , Ribeaud Denis , Shanahan Lilly , Quednow Boris B.
Published: September 2023

Background

Little comparative data on substance use (SU) between sexual minority youth (SMY) and heterosexual youth (HET) is available. This study compares the prevalence of SU in an urban cohort between SMY and HET and evaluates demographic and psychosocial predictors of SU.

Methods

Data came from a prospective-longitudinal cohort study in an urban setting (N = 1297). SU and psychosocial variables such as internalizing symptoms, self-control, sensation-seeking, bullying-victimization, subjective stress, leisure activities, and peer influences were assessed with self-reports at age 17 and 20. SU was stratified by sex and sexual attraction, and the groups were compared using regression models, with demographic and psychosocial variables included as covariates.

Results

SMY- and HET-youth displayed differences in a number of psychosocial variables. Overall, SMY- and HET-youth differed in their 12-months prevalence of SU: At age 17, SMY-females had significantly higher rates of SU than HET-females for cannabis (aOR = 2.14, p = 0.04), ecstasy/MDMA (aOR = 4.29, p = 0.01), and hallucinogens (aOR = 5.59, p = 0.02). At age 20, SMY-females had significantly higher rates of SU than HET-females for tobacco (aOR = 2.06, p = 0.03), cannabis (aOR = 2.24, p = 0.004), ecstasy/MDMA (aOR = 3.93, p < 0.001), stimulants (aOR = 3.45, p = 0.002), and hallucinogens (aOR = 6.65, p < 0.001). SMY-males reported significantly lower rates for tobacco and cannabis than HET-males at age 17. At age 20, they reported significantly higher rates for the use of ecstasy/MDMA (aOR = 2.30, p = 0.04) and hallucinogens (aOR = 2.43, p = 0.03).

Conclusions

Given that psychosocial variables were significant covariates of SMY-status and SU, our results underline the importance of accounting for these when explaining differences in SU between adolescents. While differentiation by sex is established in most studies, such standardized comparisons are lacking with regards to sexual identities. But knowledge about SU of SMY is critical for designing effective interventions. This is especially true for SMY-females: Thus, SU in SMY-females early in life needs to be explored more thoroughly and addressed with adequate prevention measures.
Hospital clinicians' perceptions and experiences of care pathways for chronic limb‐threatening ischaemia: a qualitative study
Authors: Atkins Eleanor , Kellar Ian , Birmpili Panagiota , Boyle Jonathan R. , Pherwani Arun D. , Chetter Ian , Cromwell David A.
Published: September 2023

Background

Chronic limb‐threatening ischaemia (CLTI) is a condition associated with significant risks of lower limb loss and mortality, which increase with delays in management. Guidance recommends urgent referral and assessment, but delays are evident at every stage of the CLTI patient pathway. This study uses qualitative methods to explore hospital clinicians' experiences and perceptions of the existing CLTI pathway.

Methods

A qualitative interview study was conducted. Semi‐structured interviews were undertaken with 13 clinicians involved in the assessment of patients referred to hospital with suspected CLTI, identified via purposive sampling from English vascular surgery units. Clinicians included podiatrists, vascular specialist nurses and doctors. Reflexive thematic analysis was performed on the data from a critical realist position.

Results

The need for speed was the single overarching theme identified. Four linked underlying themes were also identified;

1. Vascular surgery as the poor relation (compared to cancer and other specialties), with a sub‐theme of CLTI being a challenging diagnosis.

2. Some patients are more equal than others, with sub‐themes of diabetes vs. non‐diabetes, hub vs. spoke and frailty vs. non‐frail.

3. Life in the National Health Service (NHS) is tough, with sub‐themes of lack of resource and we're all under pressure.

4. Non‐surgeons can help.

Conclusions

The underlying themes generated from the rich interview data describe barriers to timely referral, assessment and management of CLTI, as well as the utility of non‐surgical roles such as podiatrists and vascular specialist nurses as a potential solution for delays. The overarching theme of the need for speed highlights the meaning given to adverse consequences of delays in management of CLTI by clinicians involved in its assessment. Future improvement projects aimed at the CLTI pathway should take these findings into account.
Triglyceride–glucose index and the risk of stroke in American adults: findings from the atherosclerosis risk in communities study
Authors: Wang Xinyi , Liu Qiyu , Wang Tongxin , Tian Wende , Chen Xuanye , Zhang Jie , Li Qiuyi , Ma Dan , Zhao Lin , Chen Zhuo , Xu Hao , Chen Keji
Published: September 2023

Objectives

The associations between the triglyceride–glucose (TyG) index with subsequent stroke in American adults are unknown. The aim of this study was to determine the associations between baseline and trajectories of TyG index with subsequent stroke in American adults.

Methods

A total of 10,132 participants free of a history of stroke at baseline were included. We quantified the association of baseline and trajectories of TyG index with incident total stroke, ischemic stroke and intracerebral hemorrhage using Cox regression, restricted cubic splines and logistic regression analysis.

Results

There were 909 incident stroke cases over a median follow-up of 26.6 years. After adjustment for potential confounders, each unit increase in the TyG index was associated with a 32.1% higher risk of incident stroke. Compared with participants in the lowest quartile of the baseline TyG index, those in the highest quartile had a greater risk of incident stroke [HR (95% CI) 1.254 (1.014–1.552)]. Restricted cubic splines showed that the risk of stroke increased in participants with a higher TyG index, especially when the TyG index was > 8.6. Results were similar for incident ischemic stroke. Compared with participants in the lowest quartile of the baseline TyG index, those in the second quartile had a lower risk of intracerebral hemorrhage [HR (95% CI) 0.494 (0.262–0.931)]. Five discrete trajectories with stable TyG indexes at various levels at follow-up visits were identified, and parallel results were observed for the associations of trajectories of TyG index with outcomes.

Conclusions

The TyG index independently predict stroke progression.
Best imaging signs identified by radiomics could outperform the model: application to differentiating lung carcinoid tumors from atypical hamartomas
Authors: Habert Paul , Decoux Antoine , Chermati Lilia , Gibault Laure , Thomas Pascal , Varoquaux Arthur , Le Pimpec-Barthes Françoise , Arnoux Armelle , Juquel Loïc , Chaumoitre Kathia , Garcia Stéphane , Gaubert Jean-Yves , Duron Loïc , Fournier Laure
Published: September 2023

Objectives

Lung carcinoids and atypical hamartomas may be difficult to differentiate but require different treatment. The aim was to differentiate these tumors using contrast-enhanced CT semantic and radiomics criteria.

Methods

Between November 2009 and June 2020, consecutives patient operated for hamartomas or carcinoids with contrast-enhanced chest-CT were retrospectively reviewed. Semantic criteria were recorded and radiomics features were extracted from 3D segmentations using Pyradiomics. Reproducible and non-redundant radiomics features were used to training a random forest algorithm with cross-validation. A validation-set from another institution was used to evaluate of the radiomics signature, the 3D ‘median’ attenuation feature (3D-median) alone and the mean value from 2D-ROIs.

Results

Seventy-three patients (median 58 years [43‒70]) were analyzed (16 hamartomas; 57 carcinoids). The radiomics signature predicted hamartomas vs carcinoids on the external dataset (22 hamartomas; 32 carcinoids) with an AUC = 0.76. The 3D-median was the most important in the model. Density thresholds < 10 HU to predict hamartoma and > 60 HU to predict carcinoids were chosen for their high specificity > 0.90. On the external dataset, sensitivity and specificity of the 3D-median and 2D-ROIs were, respectively, 0.23, 1.00 and 0.13, 1.00 < 10 HU; 0.63, 0.95 and 0.69, 0.91 > 60 HU. The 3D-median was more reproducible than 2D-ROIs (ICC = 0.97 95% CI [0.95‒0.99]; bias: 3 ± 7 HU limits of agreement (LoA) [− 10‒16] vs. ICC = 0.90 95% CI [0.85‒0.94]; bias: − 0.7 ± 21 HU LoA [− 4‒40], respectively).

Conclusions

A radiomics signature can distinguish hamartomas from carcinoids with an AUC = 0.76. Median density < 10 HU and > 60 HU on 3D or 2D-ROIs may be useful in clinical practice to diagnose these tumors with confidence, but 3D is more reproducible.

Critical relevance statement

Radiomic features help to identify the most discriminating imaging signs using random forest. ‘Median’ attenuation value (Hounsfield units), extracted from 3D-segmentations on contrast-enhanced chest-CTs, could distinguish carcinoids from atypical hamartomas (AUC = 0.85), was reproducible (ICC = 0.97), and generalized to an external dataset.

Key points

• 3D-‘Median’ was the best feature to differentiate carcinoids from atypical hamartomas (AUC = 0.85).

• 3D-‘Median’ feature is reproducible (ICC = 0.97) and was generalized to an external dataset.

• Radiomics signature from 3D-segmentations differentiated carcinoids from atypical hamartomas with an AUC = 0.76.

• 2D-ROI value reached similar performance to 3D-‘median’ but was less reproducible (ICC = 0.90).

Graphical Abstract
The diagnostic performance and clinical value of deep learning-based nodule detection system concerning influence of location of pulmonary nodule
Authors: You Seulgi , Park Ji Hyun , Park Bumhee , Shin Han-Bit , Ha Taeyang , Yun Jae Sung , Park Kyoung Joo , Jung Yongjun , Kim You Na , Kim Minji , Sun Joo Sung
Published: September 2023

Background

The deep learning-based nodule detection (DLD) system improves nodule detection performance of observers on chest radiographs (CXRs). However, its performance in different pulmonary nodule (PN) locations remains unknown.

Methods

We divided the CXR intrathoracic region into non-danger zone (NDZ) and danger zone (DZ). The DZ included the lung apices, paramediastinal areas, and retrodiaphragmatic areas, where nodules could be missed. We used a dataset of 300 CXRs (100 normal and 200 abnormal images with 216 PNs [107 NDZ and 109 DZ nodules]). Eight observers (two thoracic radiologists [TRs], two non-thoracic radiologists [NTRs], and four radiology residents [RRs]) interpreted each radiograph with and without the DLD system. The metric of lesion localization fraction (LLF; the number of correctly localized lesions divided by the total number of true lesions) was used to evaluate the diagnostic performance according to the nodule location.

Results

The DLD system demonstrated a lower LLF for the detection of DZ nodules (64.2) than that of NDZ nodules (83.2, p = 0.008). For DZ nodule detection, the LLF of the DLD system (64.2) was lower than that of TRs (81.7, p < 0.001), which was comparable to that of NTRs (56.4, p = 0.531) and RRs (56.7, p = 0.459). Nonetheless, the LLF of RRs significantly improved from 56.7 to 65.6 using the DLD system (p = 0.021) for DZ nodule detection.

Conclusion

The performance of the DLD system was lower in the detection of DZ nodules compared to that of NDZ nodules. Nonetheless, RR performance in detecting DZ nodules improved upon using the DLD system.

Critical relevance statement

Despite the deep learning-based nodule detection system’s limitations in detecting danger zone nodules, it proves beneficial for less-experienced observers by providing valuable assistance in identifying these nodules, thereby advancing nodule detection in clinical practice.

Key points

• The deep learning-based nodule detection (DLD) system can improve the diagnostic performance of observers in nodule detection.

• The DLD system shows poor diagnostic performance in detecting danger zone nodules.

• For less-experienced observers, the DLD system is helpful in detecting danger zone nodules.

Graphical Abstract
Umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell-derived apoptotic extracellular vesicles ameliorate cutaneous wound healing in type 2 diabetic mice via macrophage pyroptosis inhibition
Authors: Wang Yiming , Jing Lin , Lei Xiao , Ma Zhen , Li Bei , Shi Yuanyuan , Zhang Wuyang , Li Yuan , Zhou Hongzhi , Hu Kaijin , Xue Yang , Jin Yan
Published: September 2023

Background

Delayed healing of diabetic cutaneous wounds is one of the most common complications of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), which can bring great distress to patients. In diabetic patients, macrophages accumulate around skin wounds and produce NLRP3 (NOD-, LRR-, and pyrin domain-containing protein 3) inflammasomes, which in turn undergo pyroptosis and produce inflammatory factors such as interleukin-1β that affect wound healing. Although our previous study revealed that apoptotic extracellular vesicles (ApoEVs) produced from mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) improve cutaneous wound healing in normal C57BL/6 mice, whether ApoEVs can also improve diabetic wound healing remains unclear.

Methods

Umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (UCMSCs) were cultured in vitro and apoptosis was induced. ApoEVs were extracted and identified and used in a T2DM mouse cutaneous wound model to evaluate the efficacy. The inhibitory effect of ApoEVs on macrophage pyroptosis was verified in vivo and in vitro, and the level of oxidative stress in macrophages was assessed to explore the mechanism by which ApoEVs play a role.

Results

UCMSC-derived ApoEVs improved skin defect healing in T2DM mice. Moreover, UCMSC-derived ApoEVs inhibited macrophage pyroptosis in T2DM mice in vivo as well as in vitro under high-glucose culture conditions. In addition, we demonstrated that ApoEVs reduce oxidative stress levels, which is a possible mechanism by which they inhibit macrophage pyroptosis.

Conclusions

Our study confirmed that local application of UCMSC-derived ApoEVs improved cutaneous wound healing in T2DM mice. ApoEVs, as products of MSC apoptosis, can inhibit macrophage pyroptosis and regulate the death process by decreasing the level of oxidative stress.
Extended study on atomic featurization in graph neural networks for molecular property prediction
Authors: Wojtuch Agnieszka , Danel Tomasz , Podlewska Sabina , Maziarka Łukasz
Published: September 2023

Graph neural networks have recently become a standard method for analyzing chemical compounds. In the field of molecular property prediction, the emphasis is now on designing new model architectures, and the importance of atom featurization is oftentimes belittled. When contrasting two graph neural networks, the use of different representations possibly leads to incorrect attribution of the results solely to the network architecture. To better understand this issue, we compare multiple atom representations by evaluating them on the prediction of free energy, solubility, and metabolic stability using graph convolutional networks. We discover that the choice of atom representation has a significant impact on model performance and that the optimal subset of features is task-specific. Additional experiments involving more sophisticated architectures, including graph transformers, support these findings. Moreover, we demonstrate that some commonly used atom features, such as the number of neighbors or the number of hydrogens, can be easily predicted using only information about bonds and atom type, yet their explicit inclusion in the representation has a positive impact on model performance. Finally, we explain the predictions of the best-performing models to better understand how they utilize the available atomic features.
Association of antimicrobial perioperative prophylaxis with cefuroxime plus metronidazole or amoxicillin/clavulanic acid and surgical site infections in colorectal surgery
Authors: Stavropoulou Elisavet , Atkinson Andrew , Eisenring Marie-Christine , Fux Christoph A. , Marschall Jonas , Senn Laurence , Troillet Nicolas
Published: September 2023

Objective

To compare intravenous (IV) amoxicillin/clavulanic acid (A/CA) to IV cefuroxime plus metronidazole (C + M) for preventing surgical site infections (SSI) in colorectal surgery.

Background

Given their spectra that include most Enterobacterales and anaerobes, C + M is commonly recommended as prophylaxis of SSI in colorectal surgery. A/CA offers good coverage of Enterobacterales and anaerobes as well, but, in contrast to C + M, it also includes Enterococcus faecalis which is also isolated from patients with SSI and could trigger anastomotic leakage.

Methods

Data from a Swiss SSI surveillance program were used to compare SSI rates after class II (clean contaminated) colorectal surgery between patients who received C + M and those who received A/CA. We employed multivariable logistic regression to adjust for potential confounders, along with propensity score matching to adjust for group imbalance.

Results

From 2009 to 2018, 27,922 patients from 127 hospitals were included. SSI was diagnosed in 3132 (11.2%): 278/1835 (15.1%) in those who received A/CA and 2854/26,087 (10.9%) in those who received C + M (p < 0.001). The crude OR for SSI in the A/CA group as compared to C + M was 1.45 [CI 95% 1.21–1.75]. The adjusted OR was 1.49 [1.24–1.78]. This finding persisted in a 1:1 propensity score matched cohort of 1835 patients pairs with an OR of 1.60 [1.28–2.00]. Other factors independently associated with SSI were an ASA score > 2, a longer duration of operation, and a reoperation for a non-infectious complication. Protective factors were female sex, older age, antibiotic prophylaxis received 60 to 30 min before surgery, elective operation, and endoscopic approach.

Conclusions

Despite its activity against enterococci, A/CA was less effective than C + M for preventing SSI, suggesting that it should not be a first choice antibiotic prophylaxis for colorectal surgery.
Letter to the Editor of Journal of Otolaryngology regarding “Risk of diabetes in patients with sleep apnea: Comparison of surgery versus CPAP in a long-term follow-up study”
Authors: Truong Nguyen , Sciscent Bao , Lorenz F. Jeffrey , Goldrich David , Goyal Neerav
Published: September 2023

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is associated with multiple chronic comorbidities with treatments including continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), upper airway surgery (UAS), and hypoglossal nerve stimulation (HNS). Given the complexity of the condition and multiple treatment options, there is an ongoing debate to determine the best management. O'Connor-Reina et al. recently published a paper titled “Risk of diabetes in patients with sleep apnea: comparison of surgery versus CPAP in a long-term follow-up study.” In their study, the authors stated that OSA patients who received surgery had a 50% less chance of developing diabetes compared to patients who only received CPAP treatment. However, we would like to point out some limitations that warrant attention and caution interpretation of the findings by physicians and patients.
Space weather impacts on the ionosphere over the southern African mid-latitude region
Authors: Matamba Tshimangadzo Merline , Danskin Donald W. , Nndanganeni Rendani R. , Tshisaphungo Mpho
Published: September 2023

The ionosphere suffers major perturbations during severe space weather events such as Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs), solar flares, high-speed streams, and Corotating Interaction Regions (CIRs). The ionosphere can experience depletions or enhancements in Total Electron Content (TEC) during severe space weather conditions. The South African National Space Agency (SANSA) near-real-time (NRT) TEC maps were used to show the ionospheric variability during the geomagnetic storm of 3–8 Nov 2021 over the southern Africa mid-latitude region. The ionosonde TEC, NRT TEC, and the quiet-time AfriTEC model were compared during the 6-day period. A negative ionospheric response was observed during the main and recovery phases of the geomagnetic storm (4–5 Nov 2021). The changes to neutral composition O/N2 was one of the physical processes attributed to the decrease in TEC over the mid-latitude region. The GPS TEC maps showed a very good agreement with ionosonde measurements and the AfriTEC model. A strong east–west TEC gradient was observed occurring between two ionosonde stations.

Graphical Abstract
In vitro inhibition mechanism of Trichoderma asperellum isolates from corn against Rhizoctonia solani causing banded leaf and sheath blight disease and its role in improving the growth of corn seedlings
Authors: Mirsam Hishar , Suriani  , Kurniawati Sri , Purwanto Oky Dwi , Muis Amran , Pakki Syahrir , Tenrirawe A. , Nonci Nurnina , Herawati  , Muslimin  , Azrai Muhammad
Published: September 2023

Background

One of the primary corn diseases, banded leaf and sheath blight, is carried on by the pathogenic fungus Rhizoctonia solani. Efforts to control R. solani are more directed at environmentally friendly control using a biological control agent, such as Trichoderma spp. as antagonistic agents and plant growth promoter. This study aimed to identify T. asperellum isolates based on molecular characteristics and to determine the in vitro inhibition mechanism against R. solani and its role in enhancing the growth of corn seedlings.

Results

The HMRP7, HMRF7A, HMEDF1B, HMEDF6A, and CHM01 isolates were identified as T. asperellum with a genetic distance coefficient value of 0.000 and a very high similarity of 100%. Meanwhile, the RsHM isolate was identified as R. solani with a homology level of > 90% and genetic distance coefficient values ranging from 0.000 to 0.032. The antagonistic ability showed that the five T. asperellum isolates were able to inhibit the growth of R. solani in vitro on PDA medium with an inhibition percentage of ≥ 50%, so they were categorized as antagonist agents. T. asperellum showed the antagonistic mechanism in inhibiting the R. solani growth through the action of parasitism. The five T. asperellum isolates tested on corn seedlings showed a significantly high difference from the control treatment on the observational variables of maximum growth potential (MGP), growth rate (GtR), growth simultaneity (GS), vigor index (VI), germination rate (GR), and median germination time (T50).

Conclusion

CHM01 isolate showed better potential than other isolates in inhibiting the growth of R. solani in vitro on PDA medium with a parasitism mechanism and enhancing the growth of corn seedlings.
RETRACTED ARTICLE: FireXnet: an explainable AI-based tailored deep learning model for wildfire detection on resource-constrained devices
Authors: Ahmad Khubab , Khan Muhammad Shahbaz , Ahmed Fawad , Driss Maha , Boulila Wadii , Alazeb Abdulwahab , Alsulami Mohammad , Alshehri Mohammed S. , Ghadi Yazeed Yasin , Ahmad Jawad
Published: September 2023

Background

Forests cover nearly one-third of the Earth’s land and are some of our most biodiverse ecosystems. Due to climate change, these essential habitats are endangered by increasing wildfires. Wildfires are not just a risk to the environment, but they also pose public health risks. Given these issues, there is an indispensable need for efficient and early detection methods. Conventional detection approaches fall short due to spatial limitations and manual feature engineering, which calls for the exploration and development of data-driven deep learning solutions. This paper, in this regard, proposes 'FireXnet', a tailored deep learning model designed for improved efficiency and accuracy in wildfire detection. FireXnet is tailored to have a lightweight architecture that exhibits high accuracy with significantly less training and testing time. It contains considerably reduced trainable and non-trainable parameters, which makes it suitable for resource-constrained devices. To make the FireXnet model visually explainable and trustable, a powerful explainable artificial intelligence (AI) tool, SHAP (SHapley Additive exPlanations) has been incorporated. It interprets FireXnet’s decisions by computing the contribution of each feature to the prediction. Furthermore, the performance of FireXnet is compared against five pre-trained models — VGG16, InceptionResNetV2, InceptionV3, DenseNet201, and MobileNetV2 — to benchmark its efficiency. For a fair comparison, transfer learning and fine-tuning have been applied to the aforementioned models to retrain the models on our dataset.

Results

The test accuracy of the proposed FireXnet model is 98.42%, which is greater than all other models used for comparison. Furthermore, results of reliability parameters confirm the model’s reliability, i.e., a confidence interval of [0.97, 1.00] validates the certainty of the proposed model’s estimates and a Cohen’s kappa coefficient of 0.98 proves that decisions of FireXnet are in considerable accordance with the given data.

Conclusion

The integration of the robust feature extraction of FireXnet with the transparency of explainable AI using SHAP enhances the model’s interpretability and allows for the identification of key characteristics triggering wildfire detections. Extensive experimentation reveals that in addition to being accurate, FireXnet has reduced computational complexity due to considerably fewer training and non-training parameters and has significantly fewer training and testing times.
The main controlling factors of tensile strength in sight of shale reservoir under horizontal bedding: Example of the Lower Paleozoic Niutitang Formation shale from Micangshan, China
Authors: Li Delu , Li Haibin , He Qianyang , Gao Jianwen , Tao Wenxing , Wang Shimiao
Published: September 2023

Understanding the mechanical characteristics of marine shale during fracturing is essential for shale gas development, and its core scientific problem is what factors in shale control its mechanical properties. The 12 shale samples from the Lower Paleozoic Niutitang Formation in Micangshan are tested for tensile strength and examined using X-ray diffraction, low-field nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), EA2000 elemental analyzer, and scanning electron microscopy to explore the main controlling factors of shale tensile strength under horizontal bedding conditions. The findings are as follows. (1) The tensile strength of the shale is relatively high, ranging from 10.05 MPa to 20.34 MPa. Quartz is the largest proportion of the shale minerals, accounting for 53.2 wt%–59.0 wt%, followed by anorthose and clay minerals. Total organic carbon (TOC) concentration ranges from 1.7 wt% to 4.1 wt%. (2) NMR results indicate that the pore structure of shale is mainly mesoporous, accounting for 75.76%–88.03%, followed by macropores (12.57%–21.24%) and micropores (0.68%–4.91%). Low-pressure nitrogen adsorption and desorption results indicate that the average pore diameter of shale is 12.58–16.02 nm, which is basically consistent with NMR results. The negative correlation between fractal dimension D2 and tensile strength indicates that the higher the tensile strength of the shale, the lower the complexity of its seepage pores. (3) Micropores occur mainly in clay minerals, whereas quartz indicates positively correlation with mesoporous content. The higher the proportion of mesopores, the lower the tensile strength. This indicates that the mesopores are the main factor controlling the tensile strength, and the quartz content in minerals is a secondary factor restricting the tensile strength. TOC has little controlling action on the tensile strength. This contribution provides a theoretical basis for shale fracturing.
Which Patients With Rhabdomyosarcoma Need Radiotherapy? Analysis of the Radiotherapy Strategies of the CWS-96 and CWS-2002P Studies and SoTiSaR Registry
Authors: Koscielniak Ewa , Timmermann Beate , Münter Marc , Weclawek-Tompol Jadwiga , Ladenstein Ruth , Niggli Felix , Ljungman Gustaf , Brecht Ines B. , Blank Bernd , Hallmen Erika , Scheer Monika , Fuchs Joerg , Seitz Guido , Blattmann Claudia , Sparber-Sauer Monika , Klingebiel Thomas
Published: September 2023

PURPOSE

To analyze and compare the indications, doses, and application methods of radiotherapy (RT) and their influence on prognosis of patients with localized rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS).

METHODS

One thousand four hundred seventy patients with localized RMS 21 years and younger entered on CWS-96, CWS-2002P, and SoTiSaR were eligible for the analysis. The median follow-up was 6.5 years (IQR, 3.3-9.5).

RESULTS

The 5-year event-free survival (EFS) and local control survival (LCS) for 910 (62%) irradiated versus nonirradiated patients were 71% versus 69% and 78% versus 73% ( P = .03), respectively. Ninety-five percent of patients in IRS I (90% embryonal RMS [eRMS]) were nonirradiated (EFS, 87%). Irradiated patients with IRS II had improved LCS (91% v 80%; P = .01) and EFS (not significant). In IRS III, EFS and LCS were significantly better for RT patients: 71% versus 56% ( P = 3.1e-06) and 76% versus 61% ( P = 4.1e-07). Patients with tumors in the head and neck region (orbita, parameningeal, and nonparameningeal) and in other sites had significantly better EFS and LCS and in parameningeal also overall survival (OS). The efficacy of low RT doses of 32 Gy (hyperfractionated, accelerated RT [HART]) and 36 and 41.4 Gy (conventional fractionated RT [CFRT]) in the favorable groups and higher doses of 44.8 Gy (HART) and 50.4 and 55.4 Gy (CFRT) in the unfavorable groups was comparable. Proton RT was used predominantly in head/neck—parameningeal (HN—PM) tumors, with similar EFS and LCS to photon RT.

CONCLUSION

RT can be omitted in patients with IRS I eRMS. RT improves LCS and EFS in IRS II and III. RT improves OS in patients with HN-PM, with proton RT comparable with photon RT. Doses of 32 Gy (HART) or 36 and 41.4 Gy (CFRT) had comparable efficacy in patients with favorable risk profiles and 44.8 Gy (HART) or 50.4 and 55.8 Gy (CFRT) in the unfavorable groups.
Exceptional Response to Olaparib: A Case Report of Metastatic Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma in a Patient With Fanconi Anemia, Germline FANCA Mutation, and Somatic BRCA2 Mutations
Authors: Haggstrom Lucy R. , Tucker Kathy , Williams Rachel , Nelson Adam , Walsh Rebecca , Brungs Daniel , Aghmesheh Morteza
Published: September 2023

Exceptional response to olaparib in a case with Fanconi anemia and metastatic esophageal carcinoma
Co-administration of Thymoquinone and Propolis in Liposomal Formulations as a Potential Approach for Treatment of Acetic Acid-Induced Ulcerative Colitis: Physiological and Histopathological Analysis
Authors: Alaaeldin Eman , Refaat Hesham , Saber Entesar Ali , Aziz Neven Makram , Abdel-Maqsoud Nehad M. Reda , Aleem Mohammed Mustafa Abd El , Kamel Maha Yehia , Mady Fatma M.
Published: September 2023

A severe form of autoimmune-mediated inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is termed as ulcerative colitis (UC) which ultimately results in significant mucosal damage and ulceration. Herbal remedies may be employed as an alternative for treatment of UC instead of conventional medications such as Sulfasalazine. Promising natural remedies for the treatment of IBD, including colitis, are propolis extract (PP) and thymoquinone (TQ). This study is aimed at assessing the potential of liposomal formulations of TQ and Egyptian PP in combination therapy on improving their therapeutic efficacy against ulcerative colitis in order to maximize the potential of their beneficial clinical effects. Clinical, biochemical, and histological evaluations of colonic mucosal damage and inflammation were evaluated. The results exhibited a significant increase in tissue MDA, TNFα, and nitrite levels with activation of caspase-3 in the acetic acid-induced colitis group, which is predominantly downregulated in the treatment groups. The prepared formulations of TQ and PP revealed liposomal vesicles in a nanoscale size (192 ± 20.3 and 98.2 ± 20.3 nm, respectively) and accepted stability indicated with a zeta potential of 19.3 ± 0.11 and 17.1 ± 0.25 mV, respectively. They showed an entrapment efficiency of 85.3 ± 12.6% and 69.3 ± 11.8%, respectively. At comparable doses, combination therapy with thymoquinone liposomes and propolis liposomes considerably outperformed free TQ and free PP in reducing inflammation of UC as shown in the present study by clinical, biochemical, and histological evaluations.
Clinical Utility of GnRH Analogues in Female Androgen Excess: Highlighting Diagnostic and Therapeutic Applications
Authors: Doyle Lauren Madden , Cussen Leanne , McDonnell Tara , O'Reilly Michael W
Published: September 2023

Female androgen excess typically presents with hirsutism, acne, and frontotemporal alopecia. Although the majority of cases are due to underlying polycystic ovary syndrome, non-polycystic ovary syndrome pathology can present a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. We present 3 cases highlighting the utility of GnRH analogues in diagnosis and treatment of ovarian hyperandrogenism. In case 1, we highlight the role of GnRH analogue testing to localize severe postmenopausal androgen excess, allowing full resolution of symptoms following resection of a benign ovarian steroid-cell tumor. Our second case demonstrates the dual utility of GnRH analogues as both a diagnostic and therapeutic agent for hyperandrogenism in a premenopausal woman with severe insulin resistance. We observed suppression of serum testosterone coupled with significant improvement in hirsutism scores. The final case describes GnRH analogue suppression as a therapeutic option for a postmenopausal woman with ovarian hyperthecosis wishing to avoid surgical intervention, with successful symptom resolution. This case series delineates the applications of GnRH analogue suppression in a variety of clinical contexts, in particular their potential role in controlling symptoms in cases of refractory androgen excess and an alternative to surgery in cases of benign ovarian hyperandrogenism.
N6-adenosine methylation of mRNA integrates multilevel auxin response and ground tissue development in Arabidopsis
Authors: Zemlyanskaya Elena A. , Zemlianski Viacheslav , Pěnčík Aleš , Kelley Dior R. , Helariutta Ykä , Novák Ondřej , Růžička Kamil
Published: September 2023

N6-methyl adenosine (m6A) is a widespread internal mRNA modification impacting the expression of numerous genes. Here, we characterize auxin-related defects among the pleiotropic phenotypes of hypomorphic Arabidopsis thaliana mutants with impaired m6A status and reveal that they show strong resistance to exogenously applied auxin. By combining major published m6A datasets, we propose that among high-confidence target transcripts emerge those encoding the main components required for auxin signaling, including the TIR1/AFB auxin receptors and ARF transcriptional regulators. We also observe subtle changes in endogenous levels of indole-3-acetic acid metabolites in these hypomorphic lines, which correlate with the methylation status of indole-3-acetic acid amidohydrolase transcripts. In addition, we reveal that reduced m6A levels lead to defects in endodermal patterning in the primary root arising from impaired timing of periclinal cell divisions. These defects can be reverted by inhibition of auxin signaling. Together, our data underline that m6A likely affects auxin-dependent processes at multiple levels.
The Miracidium of Heronimus chelydrae MacCallum
Authors: E. Lynch James
Published: September 2023

In August 1930 nine individuals of the snapping turtle, Chelydra serpentina, were taken from Stillwater Creek, Stillwater, Oklahoma, and examined for parasites. Seven of the nine turtles were infected with Heronimus chelydrae MacCallum, each harbouring from one to sixteen of these worms in the lungs. A total of forty-seven of the flukes was obtained.
The effect of academic supervision, managerial competence, and teacher empowerment on teacher performance: the mediating role of teacher commitment
Authors: Muttaqin Imron , Tursina Nani , Sudrajat Ajat , Yuliza Uyung , Novianto Novianto , Fahri Ramadhan Fajar , Edi Kurnanto Muhammad
Published: September 2023

Background: Teacher commitment and performance are important factors contributing to student achievement and the quality of education. Therefore, it is critical to draw attention to this issue by identifying factors that influence these two variables. 

Methods: A survey, consisted of 34 closed-ended questions, was used. The total sample comprised 2,203 teachers, including 832 men and 1,371 women. Data analysis was performed using partial least squares (PLS) structural equation modeling (SEM). Model measurement employed indicator loading, convergent and discriminant validity, Cronbach's testing, composite reliability and average variance extracted (AVE) for internal consistency. Structural model measurement employed coefficient determination (R2), effect size (F2), variant inflation factor (VIF), predictive relevance (Q2) and path analysis measures. 

Results: The results of the study reveal that academic supervision has a significant positive effect on commitment (β; 0.085, t-statistics; 3.792 and p-value 0.000), academic supervision also affects teacher performance (β; 0.096, t-statistics; 4.416 and p-value 0.000), managerial competence affects teacher commitment (β; 0.195, t-statistics; 8.046 and p-value 0.000), managerial competence also affects teacher performance (β; 0.149, t-statistics; 6.561 and p-value 0.000), organizational commitment affects teacher performance (β; 0.163, t-statistics; 7.263 and p-value 0.000), teacher empowerment affects teacher commitment (β; 0.489, t-statistics; 22.601 and p-value 0.000), and teacher empowerment affects teacher performance (β; 0.489, t-statistics; 22.601 and p-value 0.000). Academic supervision affects teacher commitment mediating by teacher performance (β; 0.014, t-statistics; 3.178 and p-value of 0.001). Managerial competence affects teacher commitment with teacher performance mediation (β; 0.032, t-statistics; 5.588 and p-value 0.000), and teacher empowerment affects teacher commitment with teacher performance mediation (β; 0.080, t-statistics; 7.050 and p-value 0.000). 

Conclusion: Academic supervision, managerial competence, and teacher empowerment significantly positively affect teacher performance directly and through teacher performance as mediating variable. Teacher empowerment is the most significant factor influencing teacher performance and commitment.
University social responsibility (USR) in the context of Peruvian society: A systematic review
Authors: Arbieto Mamani Oscar , Mendoza Vargas Miguel Gerardo , Pozo Enciso Rosmery Sabina , Huamán Flores Elio , Villafuerte Palomino Teresa , Alvarez Chavez Willie
Published: September 2023

Background: The university social responsibility (USR) goes beyond the traditional extension and solidary social projection of the universities, but the professional must improve and develop proposals in improvement of the country. The objective is to carry out a systematic review of the scientific production related to USR in Peru and to analyse the most important findings of this production.

Method: A systematic review of articles in English and Spanish in Scopus, Redalyc, and SciELO was carried out, searching for research related to USR in the Peruvian context. Articles on USR in Latin America or the world were excluded. The search and filtering of articles was carried out until February 2023. Several filters were applied, starting with the search for titles according to the search equation. Then, articles that did not deal with USR were eliminated. Subsequently, abstracts were read and those that did not meet the inclusion criteria were discarded. Finally, the remaining research was analysed to obtain the necessary information for the research.

Results: A total of 20 articles were analysed. The main results showed that university social responsibility in the Peruvian context seeks to benefit society and to form ethical and responsible students. However, more policies and actions are needed to encourage the participation of all universities in USR. It was found that 65% of the literature had a quantitative approach, 30% was qualitative and only 5% was mixed.

Conclusion: University Social Responsibility (USR) seeks to benefit society, being students the key actors to improve their country with the professional development acquired in higher institutions. The implication for future research is to carry out more studies on USR but within the national university centres in the highlands and jungle areas of Peru, where it is possible to show the state of this topic in other areas of Peru.
Early Childhood Violence Exposure Patterns in The Drakenstein Child Health Study (DCHS)
Authors: Tsunga Lucinda , Lake Marilyn , Halligan Sarah L. , Malcolm-Smith Susan , Hoffman Nadia , Heron Jon , Zar Heather , Fraser Abigail , Donald Kirsten , Stein Dan J.
Published: September 2023

Background: Research has highlighted high rates of exposure to violence among South African youth. However, work to date has been largely cross-sectional, focused on violence exposure during the adolescence period, and has been limited to specific types of violence exposure. We examined violence exposure in South African preschool children between 3 and 6 years of age, capturing both direct and indirect forms of violence, and tested for potential sex differences across the several types of exposures.

Methods: Lifetime direct and indirect exposure to domestic and community violence was measured by parental report when children were 3.5 years (N = 530), 4.5 years (N = 749) and 6 years of age (N= 417) in a South African birth cohort located in a peri-urban community.

Results: There are three main findings. First, a large proportion of children (72%-75%) were reported as having been exposed to some form of direct or indirect violent experience in their homes or communities from a young age. Second, there was significant polyvictimization,  with 49% of the children being exposed to more than one type of violence by age 6. Third, by 4.5 years of age, there was evidence that boys were more likely than girls to be exposed to domestic victimisation (28% vs. 17%) and polyvictimization (38% vs. 28%).

Conclusions: These findings highlight the high levels of violence exposure in young South African children, particularly among boys, and the need for prevention at both the community and individual levels.
The genome sequence of a marine yeast, Metschnikowia zobellii (Uden & Cast.-Branco, 1961)
Authors: Cunliffe Michael , Allen Ro , Chrismas Nathan ,   Marine Biological Association Genome Acquisition Lab,   Darwin Tree of Life Barcoding collective,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life programme,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Scientific Operations: DNA Pipelines collective,   Tree of Life Core Informatics collective,   Darwin Tree of Life Consortium
Published: September 2023

We present a genome assembly from a Metschnikowia zobellii culture (a marine yeast; Ascomycota; Saccharomycetes; Saccharomycetales; Metschnikowiaceae). The genome sequence is 13.6 megabases in span. Most of the assembly is scaffolded into 5 chromosomal pseudomolecules. The mitochondrial genome has also been assembled and is 51.12 kilobases in length.
Crypto Wash Trading
Authors: Cong Lin William , Li Xi , Tang Ke , Yang Yang
Published: September 2023

We present the first systematic approach to detect fake transactions on cryptocurrency exchanges by exploiting robust statistical and behavioral regularities associated with authentic trading. Our sample consists of 29 centralized exchanges, among which the regulated ones feature transaction patterns consistently observed in financial markets and nature. In contrast, unregulated exchanges display abnormal first significant digit distributions, size rounding, and transaction tail distributions, indicating widespread manipulation unlikely driven by a specific trading strategy or exchange heterogeneity. We then quantify the wash trading on each unregulated exchange, which averaged more than 70% of the reported volume. We further document how these fabricated volumes (trillions of dollars annually) improve exchange ranking, temporarily distort prices, and relate to exchange characteristics (e.g., age and user base), market conditions, and regulation. Overall, our study cautions against potential market manipulations on centralized crypto exchanges with concentrated power and limited disclosure requirements and highlights the importance of fintech regulation.

This paper was accepted by David Simchi-Levi, Special Section of Management Science: Blockchains and Crypto Economics.

Funding: This research was partly funded by the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation [Grant G-201907-6995], the National Natural Science Foundation of China [Grants 72192802, 72192800, and 72192801], Ripple’s University Blockchain Research Initiative (UBRI), and the FinTech at Cornell Initiative.

Supplemental Material: The online appendix and data are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2021.02709 .
Tokenomics: When Tokens Beat Equity
Authors: Malinova Katya , Park Andreas
Published: September 2023

In a token offering, investors fund a venture in exchange for tokens that grant rights to future economic output. To many financial industry insiders, tokens have no intrinsic merit and exist only as a way to evade regulations. We demonstrate that generic revenue-based token contracts are indeed economically inferior to equity and lead to over- or underproduction. However, an optimally designed token contract, which is a combination of an output presale and an incremental revenue-sharing agreement, yields the same payoffs as equity and debt. Moreover, with entrepreneurial moral hazard, tokens can finance a strictly larger set of ventures than equity.

This paper was accepted by Will Cong, Special Section of Management Science: Blockchains and Crypto Economics.

Funding: This work was supported by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada and Canadian Securities Institute Research Foundation [Grants 20013075 and 435-2017-064]. Financial support from the Global Risk Institute and the Mackenzie Investment Chair in Evidence-Based Decision Making is also acknowledged.
Who Profits from Trading Options?
Authors: Hu Jianfeng , Kirilova Antonia , Park Seongkyu (Gilbert) , Ryu Doojin
Published: September 2023

We use account-level transaction data to examine trading styles and profitability in a leading derivatives market. Approximately 66% of active retail investors predominantly hold simple, one-sided positions in only one class of options, whereas institutional investors are more likely to use complex strategies. Hypothesizing that the complexity of trading styles reflects investors’ skills, we examine the effect of options trading styles on investment performance. We find that retail investors using simple strategies lose to the rest of the market. For both retail and institutional investors, selling volatility is the most successful strategy. We conclude that these style effects are persistent and cannot be fully explained by systematic risk exposure.

This paper was accepted by Lukas Schmid, finance.

Funding: J. Hu acknowledges financial support from Lee Kong Chian Fellowship. A. Kirilova acknowledges financial support from the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation [Grant PID2021-128994NA-I00].

Supplemental Material: The online appendix and data are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2023.4916 .