bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Complex ontogeny of sexual size dimorphism in a female‐larger gecko: Implications of determinate growth for lizard body size and life‐history evolution
Authors: Meter Brandon , Kratochvíl Lukáš , Starostová Zuzana , Kučera Tomáš , Kubička Lukáš
Published: August 2024

Ectothermic vertebrates such as reptiles were assumed to be indeterminate growers, which means that there is no terminal point in time or size for growth in their lifetime. In recent years, evidence for the determinate nature of growth in lizards has accumulated, necessitating a re‐examination of models of their ontogeny and evolution of sexual size dimorphism (SSD). In the female‐larger gecko Paroedura vazimba, we monitored post‐embryonic growth over a period of 15 months. After hatching, females grew faster than males but also reached their final body size, that is, closed growth of their vertebrae, earlier than males. The closure of bone growth in females correlates with the onset of reproductive maturation. We compared this pattern with the previously minutely studied, male‐larger species Paroedura picta, where we documented determinate growth as well. We propose a model to explain the evolutionary switches in the direction of SSD in lizards based on bipotential effects of ovarian hormones on growth. In this model, male growth is assumed to require no male‐specific growth modifier, such as sex‐limited hormonal regulators, while growth is feminized by ovarian hormones in females. Low levels of ovarian hormones can promote bone growth, but high levels associated with maturation of the reproductive organs promote senescence of bone growth plates and thus cessation of bone growth. We suggest that models on growth, life‐history and evolution of body size in many lizards should acknowledge their determinate nature of growth.
Cosmetic retinoid use in photoaged skin: A review of the compounds, their use and mechanisms of action
Authors: Mambwe Bezaleel , Mellody Kieran T. , Kiss Orsolya , O'Connor Clare , Bell Mike , Watson Rachel E. B. , Langton Abigail K.
Published: August 2024

The inevitable attrition of skin due to ultraviolet radiation, termed photoaging, can be partially restored by treatment with retinoid compounds. Photoaged skin in lightly pigmented individuals, clinically presents with the appearance of wrinkles, increased laxity, and hyper‐ and hypopigmentation. Underlying these visible signs of ageing are histological features such as epidermal thinning, dermal–epidermal junction flattening, solar elastosis and loss of the dermal fibrillin microfibrillar network, fibrillar collagen and glycosaminoglycans. Retinoid compounds are comprised of three main generations with the first generation (all‐trans retinoic acid, retinol, retinaldehyde and retinyl esters) primarily used for the clinical and cosmetic treatment of photoaging, with varying degrees of efficacy, tolerance and stability. All‐trans retinoic acid is considered the ‘gold standard’ for skin rejuvenation; however, it is a prescription‐only product largely confined to clinical use. Therefore, retinoid derivatives are readily incorporated into cosmeceutical formulations. The literature reported in this review suggests that retinol, retinyl esters and retinaldehyde that are used in many cosmeceutical products, are efficacious, safe and well‐tolerated. Once in the skin, retinoids utilize a complex signalling pathway that promotes remodelling of photoaged epidermis and dermis and leads to the improvement of the cutaneous signs of photoaging.
Porokeratoses: an update on pathogenesis and treatment
Authors: Kostopoulos‐Kanitakis Konstantinos‐Antonios , Kanitakis Jean
Published: August 2024

Porokeratoses (PK) are a group of uncommon dermatoses characterized by abnormal epidermal differentiation due to a disorder of the mevalonate metabolic pathway. Several clinical subtypes exist that can be associated with the same patient or affect different patients within a family and could, therefore, be different expressions of one disease. All PK subtypes share a common histopathologic finding, the cornoid lamella, a vertical stack of parakeratotic corneocytes embedded in an orthokeratotic horny layer. PK often affects immunosuppressed patients, in whom the course may parallel the level of immunosuppression. The pathogenesis of PK, which had long remained mysterious, has been recently unraveled after discovering pathogenic variants of genes involved in the mevalonate metabolic pathway. The disease is due to germline pathogenic variants of genes of this pathway but requires a second‐hit event to manifest; therefore, PK is considered a dominantly inherited but recessively expressed condition. The prognosis of PK is usually favorable, even though the lesions progress to keratinocyte carcinomas in 7%–16% of patients. The treatment of PK was based on physical (ablative) procedures and various (topical or systemic) treatments, whose efficacy is nevertheless inconsistent and often temporary. The discovery of the metabolic pathway involved in the pathogenesis of PK paved the way for the elaboration of new topical treatments (combination of statins and cholesterol), which are more regularly efficacious compared with older treatments, even though the management of some patients with PK may still be challenging.
Fermentation of asparagus juice using selected probiotic Lactiplantibacillus plantarumJGS49 isolated from pickled asparagus: microbiological, physicochemical and flavour characteristics
Authors: Huang Jinqing , Wang Li , Li Xue , Zhang Yao , Du Tonghao , Xiong Shijin , Yuan Linfeng , Xiong Tao , Liu Guangxian
Published: August 2024

This study aims to screen LAB with excellent probiotic and fermentation properties, and investigate the effect on asparagus juice. Fifty strains were isolated and identified from pickled asparagus, and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum JGS49 was screened by multiple properties. Whole‐genome analysis indicated that L. plantarum JGS49 contains nineteen antibiotic resistance genes and was non‐toxic. Compared with unfermented asparagus juice, the fermentation of L. plantarum JGS49 significantly improved the antioxidant activity of asparagus juice, and also increased the contents of total flavonoids, phenols and organic acids. Seventy‐nine volatile compounds were identified during the fermentation of asparagus juice, among which sixteen differential compounds with aroma activity thresholds were obtained. The contents of alcohol, acid and phenol in asparagus juice were increased by lactic acid bacteria fermentation, while the contents of furan were decreased. LAB fermentation improved the overall acceptability of asparagus juice, enhanced its mushroom and floral flavour, and reduced the green flavour.
Unravelling CD24‐Siglec‐10 pathway: Cancer immunotherapy from basic science to clinical studies
Authors: Hazra Rudradeep , Chattopadhyay Soumyadeep , Mallick Arijit , Gayen Sakuntala , Roy Souvik
Published: August 2024

Cancer immunotherapy has revolutionized the treatment landscape by harnessing the power of the immune system to combat malignancies. Two of the most promising players in this field are cluster of differentiation 24 (CD24) and sialic acid‐binding Ig‐like lectin 10 (Siglec‐10), and both of them play pivotal roles in modulating immune responses. CD24, a cell surface glycoprotein, emerges as a convincing fundamental signal transducer for therapeutic intervention, given its significant implication in the processes related to tumour progression and immunogenic evasion. Additionally, the immunomodulatory functions of Siglec‐10, a prominent member within the Siglec family of immune receptors, have recently become a crucial point of interest, particularly in the context of the tumour microenvironment. Hence, the intricate interplay of both CD24 and Siglec‐10 assumes a critical role in fostering tumour growth, facilitating metastasis and also orchestrating immune evasion. Recent studies have found multiple evidences supporting the therapeutic potential of targeting CD24 in cancer treatment. Siglec‐10, on the other hand, exhibits immunosuppressive properties that contribute to immune tolerance within the tumour microenvironment. Therefore, we delve into the complex mechanisms through which Siglec‐10 modulates immune responses and facilitates immune escape in cancer. Siglec‐10 also acts as a viable target for cancer immunotherapy and presents novel avenues for the development of therapeutic interventions. Furthermore, we examine the synergy between CD24 and Siglec‐10 in shaping the immunosuppressive tumour microenvironment and discuss the implications for combination therapies. Therefore, understanding the roles of CD24 and Siglec‐10 in cancer immunotherapy opens exciting possibilities for the development of novel therapeutics.
Mast cells contribute to T‐cell accumulation in the bronchoalveolar space in mice with IL‐33‐induced airway inflammation
Authors: Alvarado‐Vazquez P. Abigail , Mendez‐Enriquez Erika , Pähn Lisa , Dondalska Aleksandra , Pazos‐Castro Diego , Hallgren Jenny
Published: August 2024

Interleukin (IL)‐33 released from airway epithelial cells plays a vital role in shaping type 2 immune responses by binding to the ST2 receptor present in many immune cells, including mast cells (MCs). Intranasal administration of IL‐33 in mice induces type 2 lung inflammation, an increase in lung MC progenitors, and transepithelial migration of leukocytes to the bronchoalveolar space. The aim of this study was to determine the contribution of MCs in IL‐33‐induced lung pathology. Four daily intranasal administrations of IL‐33 reduced spirometry‐like lung function parameters, induced airway hyperresponsiveness, and increased leukocytes in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BAL) in an ST2‐dependent manner. MC‐deficient (Cpa3cre/+) mice, which lack MCs, had intact spirometry‐like lung function but slightly reduced airway hyperresponsiveness, possibly related to reduced IL‐33 or serotonin. Strikingly, Cpa3cre/+ mice exposed to IL‐33 had 50% reduction in BAL T‐cells, and CXCL1 and IL‐33 were reduced in the lung. Intranasal IL‐33 induced CXCR2 expression in T‐cells in a MC‐independent fashion. Furthermore, IL‐33‐induced lung MCs were immunopositive for CXCL1 and localized in the epithelium of wild‐type mice. These results suggest that MCs are required to sustain intact lung IL‐33 and CXCL1 levels in mice with IL‐33‐induced airway inflammation, thereby facilitating T‐cell accumulation in the bronchoalveolar space.
Construction of an assessment scale for thirst severity in critically ill patients and its reliability and validity
Authors: Liao Chunli , Guan Qiongyao , Ma Xiangping , He Xueting , Su Yan , Fan Dandan , Liu Jing , Ye jinyu , He Xifeng , Cui Pengyu
Published: August 2024

Objective

Developing a severity assessment scale for critically ill patients' thirst and conducting reliability and validity tests, aiming to provide healthcare professionals with a scientific and objective tool for assessing the level of thirst.

Methods

Based on literature review and qualitative interviews, a pool of items was generated, and a preliminary scale was formed through two rounds of Delphi expert consultation. Convenience sampling was employed to select 178 ICU patients in a top‐three hospital from May 2023 to October 2023 as the study subjects to examine the reliability and validity of the severity assessment scale for critically ill patients' thirst.

Results

The developed severity assessment scale for critically ill patients' thirst consists of 8 evaluation items and 26 evaluation indicators. The agreement coefficients for two rounds of expert consultation were 100% and 92.6% for the positive coefficient, and the authority coefficients were .900 and .906. Kendall's concordance coefficients were .101 and .120 (all p < .001). The overall Cronbach's α coefficient for the scale was .827. The inter‐rater reliability coefficient was .910. The Item‐Content Validity Index (I‐CVI) ranged from .800 to 1.000, and the Scale‐Content Validity Index/Average (S‐CVI/Ave) was .950.

Conclusion

The critically ill patients' thirst assessment scale is reliable and valid and can be widely used in clinical practice.

Patient or Public Contribution

The AiMi Academic Services (www.aimieditor.com) for English language editing and review services.

Implications for Clinical practice

The scale developed in this study is a simple and ICU‐specific scale that can be used to assess the severity of thirst in critically ill patients. As such, the severity of thirst in critically ill patients can be evaluated quickly so that targeted interventions can be implemented according to the patient's specific disease and treatment conditions. Therefore, patient comfort can be improved, and thirst‐related health problems can be prevented.
Dependence properties of stochastic volatility models
Authors: Kokoszka Piotr , Mohammadi Neda , Wang Haonan
Published: August 2024

The concepts of physical dependence and approximability have been extensively used over the past two decades to quantify nonlinear dependence in time series. We show that most stochastic volatility models satisfy both dependence conditions, even if their realizations take values in abstract Hilbert spaces, thus covering univariate, multi‐variate and functional models. Our results can be used to apply to general stochastic volatility models a multitude of inferential procedures established for Bernoulli shifts.
Epidemiological changes of invasive fungal disease in children with cancer: Prospective study of the National Child Program of Antineoplastic Drugs network, Chile
Authors: Barraza Marlon , Valenzuela Romina , Villarroel Milena , de la Maza Verónica , Contardo Verónica , Álvarez Ana María , Gutiérrez Valentina , Zubieta Marcela , Martínez Daniela , Santolaya María E.
Published: August 2024

Background

Invasive fungal diseases (IFD) are high morbidity and mortality infections in children with cancer suffering episodes of high‐risk febrile neutropenia (HRFN). IFD epidemiology has changed in the last two decades, with an increasing incidence in recent years due to the growing number of immunocompromised children at risk for IFD. The aim of this study was to evaluate the incidence of IFD in children with cancer in the period 2016–2020 compared to 2004–2006 in six hospitals in Chile.

Methods

Prospective, multicentre study, carried out between 2016 and 2020 in six hospitals in Chile. The defined cohort corresponds to a dynamic group of HRFN episodes in patients <18 years old with cancer, who at the fourth day of evolution still presented fever and neutropenia (persistent HRFN). Each episode was followed until resolution of FN. The incidence of IFD was calculated between 2016 and 2020 and compared with data obtained in the period 2004–2006. The incidence rate was estimated.

Results

A total of 777 episodes of HRFN were analysed; 257 (33.1%) were considered as persistent‐HRFN occurring in 174 patients. The median age was 7 years (IQR: 3–12 years) and 52.3% (N = 91) were male. Fifty‐three episodes of IFD were detected: 21 proven, 14 probable and 18 possible. Possible IFD were excluded, leaving 239 episodes of persistent‐HRFN with an IFD incidence of 14.6% (95% CI 10.5–19.9) and an incidence rate of 13.6 IFD cases per 1000 days of neutropenia (95% CI 9.5–20.0). Compared to 2004–2006 cohort (incidence: 8.5% (95% CI 5.2–13.5)), a significant increase in incidence of 6.1% (95% CI 0.2–12.1, p = .047) was detected in cohorts between 2016 and 2020.

Conclusion

We observed a significant increase in IFD in 2016–2020, compared to 2004–2006 period.
Effects of isotretinoin on tooth movement, orthodontically induced and non‐orthodontic root resorption: A micro‐CT study
Authors: Gok Gulay Dumanli , Halicioglu Koray , Keles Ali , Olgac Nejat Vakur , Kayali Damla , Kaya Ozlem Tugce Cilingir
Published: August 2024

Objectives

This study aims to investigate whether cumulative dose‐dependent isotretinoin (Roaccutane®) could affect orthodontic tooth movement (OTM) and root resorption.

Materials and Methods

Ninety male Wistar Albino rats were divided into 4 groups. While, the control (SALINE), solvent (SOYBEAN) and orthodontic drug (ISOTM) groups underwent orthodontic force, the non‐orthodontic drug group (ISO) did not. The rats were administrated saline, soybean oil (SBO) and isotretinoin diluted in SBO (ISOTM, ISO) for 30 days, respectively. Six rats were euthanized in each orthodontic group. Fifty grams of orthodontic force was applied to the remaining rats' first molars using the incisors as anchorage. Six more rats in each group were euthanized on the 7th, 14th and 21st days of the force application. In the ISO group, six rats were euthanized on the 37th, 44th and 51st days of administration. Six rats that were euthanized for ISOTM on the 30th day were also used for ISO to reduce the number of rats used. Micro‐computed tomography (micro‐CT) and histological analysis were performed.

Results

Independent of orthodontic force, isotretinoin caused root resorption in the apical region. However, there was no statistically significant influence of isotretinoin on OTM and orthodontically induced root resorption (OIRR).

Conclusions

Despite the lack of strong evidence supporting the orthodontically induced resorptive effect of isotretinoin, this study provided findings regarding the resorptive effects of isotretinoin on non‐orthodontic root resorption. Therefore, the present results underscore the importance of close monitoring during orthodontic treatment to mitigate potential root resorption in patients who use isotretinoin because of acne complaints.
Using mechanistic knowledge to appraise contemporary approaches to the rehabilitation of upper limb function following stroke
Authors: Carson Richard G. , Hayward Kathryn S.
Published: August 2024

It is a paradox of neurological rehabilitation that, in an era in which preclinical models have produced significant advances in our mechanistic understanding of neural plasticity, there is inadequate support for many therapies recommended for use in clinical practice. When the goal is to estimate the probability that a specific form of therapy will have a positive clinical effect, the integration of mechanistic knowledge (concerning ‘the structure or way of working of the parts in a natural system’) may improve the quality of inference. This is illustrated by analysis of three contemporary approaches to the rehabilitation of lateralized dysfunction affecting people living with stroke: constraint‐induced movement therapy; mental practice; and mirror therapy. Damage to ‘cross‐road’ regions of the structural (white matter) brain connectome generates deficits that span multiple domains (motor, language, attention and verbal/spatial memory). The structural integrity of these regions determines not only the initial functional status, but also the response to therapy. As structural disconnection constrains the recovery of functional capability, ‘disconnectome’ modelling provides a basis for personalized prognosis and precision rehabilitation. It is now feasible to refer a lesion delineated using a standard clinical scan to a (dis)connectivity atlas derived from the brains of other stroke survivors. As the individual disconnection pattern thus obtained suggests the functional domains most likely be compromised, a therapeutic regimen can be tailored accordingly. Stroke is a complex disorder that burdens individuals with distinct constellations of brain damage. Mechanistic knowledge is indispensable when seeking to ameliorate the behavioural impairments to which such damage gives rise.

image
Omadacycline is active
in vitro
and
in vivo
against ciprofloxacin-resistant
Bacillus anthracis
Authors: Heine Henry S. , Drusano George , Purcell Bret K. , Anastasiou Diane , Tanaka S. Ken , Serio Alisa W.
Published: August 2024

Bacillus anthracis
, the causative agent of anthrax, is among the most likely bacterial pathogens to be used in a biological attack. Inhalation anthrax is a serious, life-threatening form of infection, and the mortality from acute inhaled anthrax can approach 100% if not treated early and aggressively. Food and Drug Administration-approved antibiotics indicated for post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) or treatment of anthrax are limited. This study assessed the
in vitro
activity and
in vivo
efficacy of omadacycline and comparators against clinical isolates of
B. anthracis,
including a ciprofloxacin-resistant isolate. Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of omadacycline, ciprofloxacin, and doxycycline were determined against animal and human clinical isolates of
B. anthracis
, including the ciprofloxacin-resistant Ames strain BAC
r
4-2. Mice were challenged with aerosolized BAC
r
4-2 spores, and survival was monitored for 28 days post-challenge. Treatment was initiated 24 h after aerosol challenge and administered for 14 days. Omadacycline demonstrated
in vitro
activity against 53
B. anthracis
isolates with an MIC range of ≤0.008–0.25 µg/mL, and an MIC
50
/MIC
90
of 0.015/0.03 µg/mL. Consistent with this, omadacycline demonstrated
in vivo
efficacy in a PEP mouse model of inhalation anthrax caused by the Ames BAC
r
4-2 ciprofloxacin-resistant
B. anthracis
isolate. Omadacycline treatment significantly increased survival compared with the vehicle control group and the ciprofloxacin treatment group. As antibiotic resistance rates continue to rise worldwide, omadacycline may offer an alternative PEP or treatment option against inhalation anthrax, including anthrax caused by antibiotic-resistant
B. anthracis
.
The
tal
gene of lactococcal bacteriophage TP901-1 is involved in DNA release following host adsorption
Authors: Ruiz-Cruz Sofía , Erazo Garzon Andrea , Cambillau Christian , Ortiz Charneco Guillermo , Lugli Gabriele Andrea , Ventura Marco , Mahony Jennifer , van Sinderen Douwe
Published: August 2024

Temperate P335 phage TP901-1 represents one of the best-characterized Gram-positive phages regarding its structure and host interactions. Following its reversible adsorption to the polysaccharidic side-chain of the cell wall polysaccharide of its host
Lactococcus cremoris
3107, TP901-1 requires a glucosylated cell envelope moiety to trigger its genome delivery into the host cytoplasm. Here, we demonstrate that three distinct single amino acid substitutions in the Tal protein of TP901-1 baseplate are sufficient to overcome the TP901-1 resistance of three
L. cremoris
3107 derivatives, whose resistance is due to impaired DNA release of the phage. All of these Tal alterations are located in the N-terminally located gp27-like domain of the protein, conserved in many tailed phages. AlphaFold2 predictions of the Tal mutant proteins suggest that these mutations favor conformational changes necessary to reposition the Tal fiber and thus facilitate release of the tape measure protein from the tail tube and subsequent DNA ejection in the absence of the trigger otherwise required for phage genome release.

IMPORTANCE

Understanding the molecular mechanisms involved in phage-host interactions is essential to develop phage-based applications in the food and probiotic industries, yet also to reduce the risk of phage infections in fermentations.
Lactococcus
, extensively used in dairy fermentations, has been widely employed to unravel such interactions. Phage infection commences with the recognition of a suitable host followed by the release of its DNA into the bacterial cytoplasm. Details on this latter, irreversible step are still very scarce in lactococci and other Gram-positive bacteria. We demonstrate that a component of the baseplate of the lactococcal phage TP901-1, the tail-associated lysin (Tal), is involved in the DNA delivery into its host,
L. cremoris
3107. Specifically, we have found that three amino acid changes in Tal appear to facilitate structural rearrangements in the baseplate necessary for the DNA release process, even in the absence of an otherwise required host trigger.
Caudal appendage in infant: diagnostic approach of the true tail
Authors: Bilyalova Gulshat , Zhumadilova Zhuldyz , Jaxalykova Kulyash , Turgumbaeva Aygul
Published: August 2024

True human tails, a rare and perplexing congenital phenomenon, continue to intrigue medical practitioners due to their complex aetiology. A male term neonate presented to our paediatric surgery department with a true tail arising from the left lumbosacral region. The antenatal period was uneventful, and the neonate exhibited normal development and vital parameters. Clinical examination revealed a tail-like structure covered by normal skin, devoid of spontaneous movements or bony elements. Neurological assessments and ultrasound examinations showed no associated abnormalities. The patient’s family history included a sibling with hypospadias. This case adds to the limited literature on true tails and highlights the importance of thorough evaluation and management of such rare anomalies.
Hypersensitivity pneumonitis secondary to foam exposure in mattress and pillows
Authors: Coppola Lamas Maria Alejandra , Boag Alexander , Dabreo Dominique , Moran-Mendoza Onofre
Published: August 2024

Fibrotic hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) has a poor prognosis when no antigen is identified, which occurs in many cases. We present a case of HP due to foam exposure in bedding, an unrecognised cause of HP. A woman was referred for dyspnoea and cough. High-resolution chest computed tomography (HRCT) showed a three-density pattern with gas trapping. Pulmonary function tests (PFTs) revealed restriction and reduced diffusing capacity. Bronchoalveolar lavage showed lymphocytosis (43%) and lung cryobiopsy showed fibrosis, lymphocytic infiltration and multinucleated giant cells. She had foam in mattress and pillows but no other exposures. Her symptoms, PFTs, and imaging improved after avoiding foam in her bedding. After re-exposure to a foam pillow, her symptoms, PFTs, and HRCT worsened. Microbiological analysis of the foam pillow reportedPenicillium spp, known to cause HP. Foam exposure is a novel cause of HP, and foam avoidance can prevent disease progression and death.
Fremanezumab-associated injection site alopecia
Authors: Esguerra Mark , Engel Emily Rubenstein
Published: August 2024

Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) inhibitors, in the form of injectable monoclonal antibodies, are a newer class of drugs for the prevention of migraine headaches. In clinical trials, they have been found to be effective with good tolerance and few adverse effects. Alopecia has been increasingly noted as a post-marketing event associated with CGRP inhibitor injectables. Of the case reports available on this topic, alopecia has commonly been localised to the scalp and associated with erenumab use; however, not as much has been reported for fremanezumab nor for injection site-related alopecia. We report an occurrence of persistent lower extremity localised injection site alopecia in a patient within our headache clinic who used fremanezumab. The possible mechanism of alopecia may be related to the failure of hair follicle immune privilege in the absence of CGRP immunomodulatory effects.
Cord structure within an inguinal hernia: could the ureter be involved?
Authors: Akbarpoor Fatemeh , Aakef Khadeeja , Alshehhi Asma , Ikram Faisel
Published: August 2024

Inguinal hernias are commonly encountered and are primarily managed by surgeons; however, it is unusual for retroperitoneal structures, such as the ureter, to herniate into it. More importantly, hernias containing ureters are not usually identified preoperatively unless specific imaging was ordered prior, as they are generally asymptomatic. This poses a risk to the patient as unidentified structures can be mistakenly injured during the surgery. We describe a case of a man in his 60s, who presented with a large left-sided indirect inguinoscrotal hernia. Intraoperatively, a large amount of irreducible retroperitoneal fat was encountered in addition to a cord-like structure, which was discovered to be the left ureter after reviewing imaging intraoperatively. Initially, the hernia repair was done robotically, but it was converted to open repair due to its irreducibility and the potential risk imposed on the ureter. Additionally, we discuss the aetiology and common presentations of this kind of hernia.
Somatostatin analogues as a treatment option for cystoid maculopathy in retinitis pigmentosa
Authors: Heutinck Pam A T , van den Born L Ingeborgh , van Laar Jan A M , van Hagen P Martin , Smailhodzic Dzenita , Meester-Smoor Magda A , Klaver Caroline C W , Verhoeven Virginie J M , Thiadens Alberta A H J
Published: August 2024

Aims

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of somatostatin analogues (SA) for cystoid maculopathy (CM) in retinitis pigmentosa (RP) patients.

Materials and methods

In this retrospective case series, clinical and imaging characteristics of 28 RP patients with CM, unresponsive to carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, were collected from medical charts. All patients received SA treatment as an alternative (octreotide long-acting release at 20 mg/month or 30 mg/month, or lanreotide at 90 mg/month or 120 mg/month). Outcome measures were mean reduction in foveal thickness (FT) and foveal volume (FV) and mean increase in best-corrected visual acuity at 3, 6 and 12 months of treatment initiation. Linear mixed models were used to calculate the effectiveness over time.

Results

52 eyes of 28 RP patients were included; 39% were male. The median age at the start of treatment was 39 years (IQR 30–53). Median follow-up was 12 months (range 6–12). From baseline to 12 months, the mean FT decreased from 409±136 µm to 334±119 µm and the mean FV decreased from 0.31±0.10 mm3to 0.25±0.04 mm3. Linear mixed model analyses showed a significant decrease in log FT and log FV at 3, 6 and 12 months after the start of treatment compared with baseline measurements (p<0.001, p<0.001, p<0.001). Mean best-corrected visual acuity did not increase significantly (0.46±0.35 logMAR to 0.45±0.38 logMAR after 12 months).

Discussion

SA may be an effective alternative treatment to reduce CM in RP patients.
Antiplatelet therapy versus intravenous thrombolysis for mild acute ischaemic stroke: a living systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Qin Mingzhen , Liu Tingting , Shi Xinyi , Feng Luda , Li Tingting , Cheng Zixin , Cheng Sisong , Zhou Congren , Zou Mingrun , Jia Qi , Zhang Chi , Gao Ying
Published: August 2024

Background

Previous studies have shown contradictory results between early application of antiplatelet therapy and intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) for mild acute ischaemic stroke (AIS), with National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score 0–5.

Objective

To compare the benefits and risks of antiplatelet therapy and IVT in patients with mild AIS.

Methods

A systematic search of MEDLINE, Embase and Cochrane Library was conducted from database inception until July 2023, without language restriction. Randomised clinical trials (RCTs) or observational studies were selected. The primary outcomes were 90-day functional outcomes, measured by the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score. The protocol has been registered before data collection.

Results

Two RCTs and four observational studies with relatively low risk of bias that enrolled 3975 patients were analysed (2454 in antiplatelet therapy and 1521 in IVT therapy). There were no significant differences between antiplatelet therapy and IVT in 90-day functional outcomes (mRS 0–1, OR 1.08 (95% CI 0.73 to 1.58); mRS 0–2, OR, 1.04 (95% CI 0.63 to 1.73)), death (OR, 0.64 (95% CI 0.19 to 2.13)) and stroke recurrence (OR, 0.71 (95% CI 0.28 to 1.79)). Antiplatelet therapy was associated with a reduced risk of symptomatic intracranial haemorrhage (sICH) compared with IVT (OR, 0.20 (95% CI 0.06 to 0.69)).

Conclusions

Among patients with mild AIS, compared with IVT, early application of antiplatelet therapy was not significantly associated with improved functional outcomes, reduced death or stroke recurrence, but was significantly associated with a reduced risk of sICH.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42023447862.
Structural performance analysis of a new bolt–steel plate connection precast concrete sandwich wall structure
Authors: Xiong Feng , Chen Wen , Ge Qi , Xiong Hongxing , Li Wenrui , Chen Jiang , Lu Yang
Published: August 2024

This study proposed a new low-rise bolt–steel plate connection precast concrete sandwich wall structure (PCSWS). Shake table testing was conducted on an experimental model of the bolt–steel plate connection PCSWS with two stories. The experimental phenomenon, failure pattern, displacement response, dynamic characteristics, and global hysteresis were analyzed in detail. The test results revealed that the proposed structure demonstrated excellent seismic performance without any structural cracks when subjected to an excitation intensity level of IX for Model-1. The seismic damage was moderate with no significant structural cracks after an excitation intensity level of IX for Model-2. Cracks in Model-2 occurred in the sequence of the places at the bottoms of the columns, the door corners, window opening corners, and the filled surfaces in the bolt–steel plate connection joint zone on the first floor. The observed damage states were primarily light and moderate, indicating the structure’s ability to withstand seismic events.
MMHFND: Fusing Modalities for Multimodal Multiclass Hindi Fake News Detection via Contrastive Learning
Authors: Sharma Richa , Arya Arti
Published: August 2024

Multimodal content contains more deception than unimodal information, causing significant social and economic impacts. Current techniques often focus on a single modality, neglecting knowledge fusion. While most studies have concentrated on English fake news detection, this study explores multimodality for low-resource languages like Hindi. This work introduces the MMHFND model, based on M-CLIP, which uses late fusion for coarse (Fake vs Real) and fine-grained (World vs India vs Politics vs News vs Fact-Check) configurations. We extract deep representations from image and text using image transformer ResNet-50, a BERT-based L3cube-HindRoberta text transformer handling headlines, content, OCR text, and image captions, paired M-CLIP transformers, and an ELA (Error-Level Analysis) image forensic method incorporating EfficientNet B0 to analyze multimodal news in Hindi language based on Devanagari script. M-CLIP integrates cross-modal similarity mapping of images and texts with retrieved multimodal features. The extracted features undergo redundancy reduction before being channeled into the final classifier. The MAM (Modality Attention Mechanism) is introduced, which generates weights for each modality individually. The MMHFND model uses a computed modality divergence score to identify dissonance between modalities and a modified contrastive loss on the score. We thoroughly analyze the HinFakeNews dataset in a multimodal context, achieving accuracy in coarse- and fine-grained configurations. We also undertake an ablation study to evaluate outcomes and explore alternative fusion processes on three different setups. The results show that the MMHFND model effectively detects fake news in Hindi with an accuracy of 0.986, outperforming other existing multimodal approaches.
Stabilizing Dynamic Backscatter for Swift and Accurate Object Tracking
Authors: Mao Yachen , Yan Yubo , Wang Shanyue , Li Xiangyang
Published: August 2024

Accurate and high-speed object movement tracking systems often face significant challenges due to signal instability caused by the object’s movement and rotation. To address these issues, we present STABack, a novel object tracking system using backscatter tags and accelerometer sensors, designed for high-accuracy, high-speed movement tracking. We developed an amplitude stabilization algorithm which uses envelope detection to reduce the impact of high-frequency movement on the signal, and uses dynamic threshold output to lower the BER in backscatter demodulation. Our method reduces the BER by 0.3757 compared to the regular demodulation method, resulting in a final BER of 0.07. Our evaluation of the STABack prototype shows that it achieves a median distance measurement accuracy of 6.45 cm with a standard deviation of 6.95 cm, under the condition of a speed of 120 cm. The attitude angle estimation’s mean error is under 7 degrees. The system’s accuracy in detecting the target object’s trajectory is as high as 99%, and it can still decode with a bit error rate of no more than 0.034 at a speed of 166 cm/s. The power consumption of our system prototype is only 38.54 μW based on our experimental results. Overall, our results demonstrate that STABack can accurately estimate the movement and rotation of target objects in unstable backscatter channels.
RD-FAXID: Ransomware Detection with FPGA-Accelerated XGBoost
Authors: Gajjar Archit , Kashyap Priyank , Aysu Aydin , Franzon Paul , Choi Yongjin , Cheng Chris , Pedretti Giacomo , Ignowski Jim
Published: August 2024

Over the last decade, there has been a rise in cyberattacks, particularly ransomware, causing significant disruption and financial repercussions across public and private sectors. Tremendous efforts have been spent on developing techniques to detect ransomware to, ideally, protect data or have as minimum data loss as possible. Ransomware attacks are becoming more frequent and sophisticated as there is a constant tussle between attackers and cybersecurity defenders. Machine Learning (ML) approaches have proven more effective in detecting ransomware than classical signature-based detection. In particular, tree-based algorithms such as Decision Trees (DT), Random Forest (RF), and eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) spike up interest among cybersecurity researchers. However, due to the nature of the problem, traditional CPUs and GPUs fail to keep up with the desired performance, especially for large data workloads. Thus, the problem demands a customized solution to detect the ransomware.

Here, we propose an FPGA accelerated tree-based ML model for multi-dataset ransomware detection. We show the capability of the proposed prototype to address the problem from more than one set of features, reducing false positive and negative rates to have robust predictions by looking at Hardware Performance Counters (HPCs), Operating System (OS) calls, and network traffic information simultaneously. With 1,000 samples per batch, the FPGA prototype has 65.8

\({\times}\)

and 4.1

\({\times}\)

lower latency over the CPU and GPU, respectively. Moreover, the FPGA design is up to 11.3

\({\times}\)

cost-effective and 643

\({\times}\)

energy-efficient compared to the CPU and 3

\({\times}\)

cost-effective and 16.8

\({\times}\)

energy-efficient over the GPU.
Flexible Ni-Foam-Based Electrode with Novel MoS2/NiO Nanocomposite for Superior Supercapacitor Applications
Authors: Yadav Divya Deep , Kumar Ajay , Jha Ranjana , Singh Sukhvir
Published: August 2024

In the present work, a simple and effective hydrothermal method has been used to synthesize a nanocomposite of nickel oxide and molybdenum disulphide. Structural and optical characterizations of the as-synthesised MoS2/NiO nanocomposite nanoparticles were carried out using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and UV-visible spectroscopy techniques. The major peaks of MoS2 and NiO were detected in XRD, confirming the formation of a composite. The reduced band gap of 2.84 eV of MoS2/NiO nanocomposite, as compared to pure NiO with a 3.1 eV bandgap, indicates a blue shift. The surface morphology of MoS2/NiO nanocomposite was measured using field-emission scanning electron microscopy, showing a sheet-like structure with fine particles overlaid on them. Cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) were used to determine the processes of charge transfer between electrodes, diffusion of molecules and ions within the electrolyte solution, and ion adsorption on the surface of the the electrode. The as-prepared composite shows an enhanced specific capacitance of 246 F g−1 at20 mV sec−1, a scan rate of which was more than both base materials in pristine form. EIS results thus obtained may give a new direction for supercapacitor applications with the as-synthesized sample.
Optimizing Path Selection in Dynamic Autonomous Mobile Ad Hoc Networks: A Clustering Approach for Variable Nodes
Authors: U. Rathod Vijay , V. Gumaste Shyamrao , Bagadi Kalapraveen
Published: August 2024

The dynamic autonomous mobile ad hoc networks (MANETs) allow nodes to move everywhere quickly and communicate without the support of a network infrastructure. The movement of mobile nodes in MANETs leads to several issues, such as changeable topology, energy limitations, path conservation, and bandwidth ineffectiveness. This would negatively impact the network’s QoS. The primary aim of the present study is to select the optimal path in MANETs using the clustering technique for variable nodes (i.e., 100–1000). The network performance characteristic and energy efficiency of the present ORSMAN protocol are simulated in the ns3 simulator. The research results demonstrate that compared to the current OPSTSA, EAAORS, EERS, and OEERS techniques, the suggested ORSMAN has a higher packet delivery ratio, the lowest latency, the lowest jitters, and superior throughput. The maximum improvement in throughput is 29.81%, and in energy efficiency, it is 9.67% compared to current techniques. Additionally, a trade‐off study between energy efficiency and QoS reveals that the performance characteristics enhance QoS while reducing energy efficiency. This reduction may be attributed to variations in throughput, jitter, and latency. The total QoS performance was improved by 22.16% for the present study compared to the current techniques.
Bing–Neel Syndrome: An Unknown GCA Mimicker
Authors: Javed Arifa , Javed Sadia Arooj , Ostrov Barbara , Qian Jiang , Ngo Khoa
Published: August 2024

Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is a chronic granulomatous vasculitis of medium and large arteries leading to cranial and extracranial manifestations. Temporal artery biopsy is considered the gold standard; however, its sensitivity is low at 47%. We report a unique case of Bing–Neel Syndrome (BNS) presenting as biopsy‐proven GCA. BNS is a rare complication (1%) of Waldenstrom Macroglobulinemia (WM), which results from infiltration of lymph plasmacytoid cells and plasma cells into the central nervous system. A 77‐year‐old female with a past medical history of glaucoma, hypertension, diabetes, and chronic ocular ischemic syndrome in her right eye presented with progressive left eye vision loss for 5 days. Fundoscopic examination was notable for pseudophakic pseudopallor but no optic disc edema. Intraocular pressure was >40 and normalized after acetazolamide. The patient was started on pulse dose steroids by her neuro‐ophthalmologist. She was discharged home on 60 mg of prednisone. At follow up with her neuro‐ophthalmologist, new dot blot hemorrhages in the left eye were noted and she was readmitted for pulse dose of intravenous methylprednisolone. Temporal artery biopsy was consistent with GCA spectrum. Work up revealed paraproteinemia and subsequent bone marrow biopsy demonstrated WM. The patient was treated for her WM and her ophthalmic complications stabilized.
Optimize Image Steganography Based on Distinction Disparity Value and HMPSO to Ensure Confidentiality and Integrity
Authors: Ali Ali Salem , Alsamaraee Suray , Hussein Aya Ayad
Published: August 2024

To secure the massive amounts of secret messages, the integrity and confidentiality challenges must be addressed. Pressing challenges in the context of a steganography system include security, imperceptibility, and capacity issues. There are trade‐offs between payload and security that have been neglected by researchers, as fixing one issue has been indicated to affect the other, and vice versa. To overcome these challenges, a new steganography scheme based on HMPSO and DDV was introduced. The HMPSO is short for Hénon map and particle swarm optimization, while DDV is short for distinction disparity value. The proposed scheme consisted of four phases with different contributions. The first phase was used to preprocess the secret messages and cover images. In this phase, the secret message has been compressed using the Huffman method. The second phase involved the embedding procedure. This phase consists of two different contributions HMPSO and DDV. The HMPSO is responsible for the optimal pixels’ selection. While the DDV is responsible for the embedding process. The third phase involves the extraction method. In extraction, the reverse processes of the previous steps are implemented. Different evaluation parameters have been used to validate and test the proposed scheme such as SSIM, PSNR, HVS, Histogram analysis, and chi‐square test. Based on the findings, the proposed scheme has solved the confidentiality and integrity challenges and provides a robust steganography system.
Self‐Reported Diabetes in Older Adults: A Comparison of Prevalence and Related Factors in the Mexican Health and Aging Study (2015, 2018, and 2021)
Authors: Pérez Alvaro García , Gutiérrez Teresa Villanueva , Velázquez-Olmedo Laura Bárbara
Published: August 2024

Aim: To estimate the prevalence and factors associated with diabetes among older adults and compare the prevalence rate of a three‐round national survey of the Mexican Health and Aging Study (MHAS).

Methods: A cross‐sectional study was conducted with data obtained from MHAS 2015 (n = 8167), 2018 (n = 7854), and 2021 (n = 8060), which comprised a nationally representative sample of older adults in Mexico. The measures included sociodemographic characteristics and health. A binary logistic regression model was used to identify the association between independent variables and self‐reported diabetes.

Results: The prevalence of diabetes was 26.3%, 27.7%, and 28.1% in 2015, 2018, and 2021, respectively. This prevalence decreased with age and was higher for female, urban older adults, those with multimorbidity, a lower level of education, and without social security coverage for the three years. Age was associated with a lower possibility of presenting diabetes ([OR = 0.79[0.71–0.89]] and [OR = 0.41[0.33–0.52]] in groups aged 75–84 years and ≥85 years, respectively). Females continue to be more likely to present diabetes than males (OR = 1.39 [95% CI 1.25–1.55]). Older adults living in rural areas are 20% less likely to present diabetes than those living in urban areas (OR = 0.80 [95% CI 0.69–0.93]). Uninsured older adults (OR = 1.35 [95% CI 1.20–1.53]), those who wear glasses (OR = 1.23 [95% CI 1.16–1.30]), those with multimorbidity (OR = 1.13 [95% CI 1.01–1.27]), and those who currently drink alcohol (OR = 1.12 [95% CI 1.00–1.25]) were significantly more likely to have diabetes.

Conclusion: An elevated prevalence of diabetes was found in older adults in Mexico, while not having access to social security was associated with a higher possibility of presenting diabetes and living in a rural area was associated with a lower possibility of presenting diabetes. Detection, prevention, and control programs should be implemented to reduce the incidence and severity of the disease in older adults and, thus, prevent its associated complications.