bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Defining Splicing Factor Requirements for Androgen Receptor Variant Synthesis in Advanced Prostate Cancer
Authors: Walker Laura , Duncan Ruaridh , Adamson Beth , Kendall Hannah , Brittain Nicholas , Luzzi Sara , Jones Dominic , Chaytor Lewis , Peel Samantha , Crafter Claire , O’Neill Daniel J. , Gaughan Luke
Published: September 2024

Resistance to androgen receptor (AR)–targeted therapies represents a major challenge in prostate cancer. A key mechanism of treatment resistance in patients who progress to castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) is the generation of alternatively spliced AR variants (AR-V). Unlike full-length AR isoforms, AR-Vs are constitutively active and refractory to current receptor-targeting agents and hence drive tumor progression. Identifying regulators of AR-V synthesis may therefore provide new therapeutic opportunities in combination with conventional AR-targeting agents. Our understanding of AR transcript splicing, and the factors that control the synthesis of AR-Vs, remains limited. Although candidate-based approaches have identified a small number of AR-V splicing regulators, an unbiased analysis of splicing factors important for AR-V generation is required to fill an important knowledge gap and furnish the field with novel and tractable targets for prostate cancer treatment. To that end, we conducted a bespoke CRISPR screen to profile splicing factor requirements for AR-V synthesis. MFAP1 and CWC22 were shown to be required for the generation of AR-V mRNA transcripts, and their depletion resulted in reduced AR-V protein abundance and cell proliferation in several CRPC models. Global transcriptomic analysis of MFAP1-depleted cells revealed both AR-dependent and -independent transcriptional impacts, including genes associated with DNA damage response. As such, MFAP1 downregulation sensitized prostate cancer cells to ionizing radiation, suggesting that therapeutically targeting AR-V splicing could provide novel cellular vulnerabilities which can be exploited in CRPC.

Implications: We have utilized a CRISPR screening approach to identify key regulators of pathogenic AR splicing in prostate cancer.
Anticoagulation Strategies for Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy in France: A Survey of Practices
Authors: Pible Justine , Bidar Frank , Chardon Nicolas , Cerro Valérie , Ichai Carole , Monard Céline , Schneider Antoine , Joannes-Boyau Olivier , Constantin Jean-Michel , Rimmelé Thomas
Published: September 2024

Introduction: Anticoagulation for continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) can be performed using systemic anticoagulation or regional citrate anticoagulation (RCA). The 2012 Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes guidelines support the use of RCA as the first-line strategy in patients requiring CRRT, with and without bleeding risk. Implementing RCA in the intensive care unit (ICU) implies involving all medical and nursing staff. The primary objective of this study was to report and describe the various anticoagulation strategies for CRRT in French ICUs. The secondary objectives were to determine the rate of RCA use and to identify the factors limiting its implementation. Methods: An online questionnaire containing 40 questions was sent to attending physicians and fellows practicing in French ICUs between May and September 2021. The questionnaire was sent via several networks: mailing list from the French Society of Anesthesia and Intensive Care Medicine and mailing lists of RRT manufacturers. Results: A total of 597 responses were analyzed. RCA was used by most of the participants for patients with (81%) and without (80%) increased bleeding risk. The preferred CRRT modality of the participants while using RCA was continuous veno-venous hemodialysis (48%). The clinical situations frequently reported as an absolute contraindication to RCA were uncontrolled shock associated with liver failure and drug poisoning impairing citrate metabolism (62% and 52%, respectively). In case of a higher risk of citrate accumulation, most participants claimed to perform closer biological monitoring (57%) or to modify the CRRT protocol (61%). Among the participants who did not prescribe RCA as a first-line strategy, the main factors limiting its implementation were the lack of nurse (50%) or physician (34%) training. Conclusion: RCA is the main anticoagulation strategy prescribed for CRRT in France. Providing medical and nursing staff easy access to training may facilitate the understanding and use of RCA as the first-line anticoagulation strategy for CRRT.
Urinary Complement C3 and Vitamin D-Binding Protein Predict Adverse Outcomes in Patients with Acute Kidney Injury after Cardiac Surgery
Authors: Holthoff Joseph Hunter , Alge Joseph L. , Arthur John M. , Ayub Fatima , Bin Homam Wadhah , Janech Michael G. , Ravula Sreelakshmi , Karakala Nithin
Published: September 2024

Introduction: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is associated with adverse outcomes, including death and dialysis. The goal of this study was to identify prognostic biomarkers of AKI that could be used across multiple phenotypes of AKI and across different species. Methods: Liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry analysis of urine samples from three species (human, rat, and mouse) and four etiologies of AKI identified five potential biomarkers, of which two were validated, complement C3 and vitamin D-binding protein, in a cohort of 157 patients that developed AKI following cardiothoracic surgery. We studied the relationship between the biomarker’s concentration in the urine and the development of a composite primary endpoint (stage 3 AKI within 10 days or death within 30 days). Results: Of the 153 patients who developed AKI following cardiovascular surgery, 17 met the combined primary outcome. The median concentration of urine complement C3 adjusted to urine creatinine had the best predictive value and was significantly higher in the primary outcome group than in the controls. Similarly, the median concentration of vitamin D-binding protein was higher in the primary outcome group. Conclusions: The studies provide proof in principle that cross-species discovery analyses could be a valuable tool for identifying novel prognostic biomarkers in AKI. Urine complement C3 and vitamin D-binding protein could be promising early predictors of adverse outcomes in patients who develop AKI after cardiac surgery.
Erythema Nodosum Secondary to CD5-Positive Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma as a Paraneoplastic Symptom: A Case Report
Authors: Abe Masaya , Ohno Kyotaro , Nakagawa Yuki , Sato Yasuharu , Sugiura Hiroyuki
Published: September 2024

Introduction: Erythema nodosum (EN) is the most common form of panniculitis. EN can be idiopathic or secondary to an underlying systemic disease, infection, drug use, or tumor. CD5-positive diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (CD5+ DLBCL) is a relapsed and refractory lymphoma, and further understanding of its pathology is required. We report a case of newly diagnosed CD5+ DLBCL with concomitant EN. Within the scope of our search, there were no reports of CD5+ DLBCL complicated with EN. Case Presentation: A 79-year-old woman experienced swelling, warmth, redness, and pain in both legs and a mass lesion on the right side of the back at almost the same time. The respective lesions were diagnosed as EN and CD5+ DLBCL by biopsy. With chemotherapy, the lymphoma and EN improved in parallel courses. The patient has completed scheduled chemotherapy, and there has been no recurrence of swelling in the legs or mass on the right side of the back. Discussion: The lymphoma and EN developed simultaneously and followed a parallel clinical course after chemotherapy, suggesting that EN was a paraneoplastic symptom of CD5+ DLBCL. Recognizing and treating underlying malignancies in patients presenting with EN is crucial.
Positive Yersinia Serology and Colonic Cobblestone Pattern: A Diversion or Main Culprit?
Authors: Revés Joana , Frias-Gomes Catarina , Ramos Lídia Roque , Glória Luísa
Published: September 2024

Yersinia enterocolitica infection, the third most prevalent gastrointestinal infection in Europe, poses a diagnostic challenge due to its resemblance to other common conditions such as acute appendicitis, Crohn’s disease, and malignancy. We report the case of a 48-year-old female patient who sought medical attention for abdominal pain and diarrhoea. Her endoscopic examination revealed a cobblestone pattern affecting the entire colon, more pronounced in the right colon, but with normal mucosa in the terminal ileum. This unique presentation created a challenge in distinguishing Yersiniosis from Crohn’s disease. This case report aimed to highlight this atypical endoscopic manifestation of Y. enterocolitica infection. We underline the subacute nature of the symptoms, which can last up to 4–6 weeks. This reinforces the importance of considering Y. enterocolitica infection as a diagnostic possibility, even when the endoscopic appearance closely resembles other chronic intestinal diseases.
Intake of Proton Pump Inhibitors Is Associated with a Shorter Time to First Treatment in Early-Stage Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia
Authors: Tadmor Tamar , Melamed Guy , Alapi Hilel , Gazit Sivan , Patalon Tal , Rokach Lior
Published: September 2024

Introduction: Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are one of the most widely used drugs worldwide [Gut Liver. 2017;11(1):27–37]. The use of PPI has become a common practice and is overprescribed for all patients with cancer including patients with hematological malignancies. In the current study, we aimed to explore retrospectively the effect of PPI, on time to first treatment (TTFT) in a large cohort of patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) who were under watch-and-wait approach. Methods: The cohort is based on anonymized data obtained from electronic medical records of Maccabi Healthcare Services (MHS) members, who is the second-largest healthcare organization in Israel, with 2.5 million insured patients, and received a diagnosis of CLL during this period. Results: Our cohort included 3,474 patients with CLL who are treatment-naïve, and the median follow-up was 1,745 days (602–3,700). A total of 1,061 patients (30.5%) received a PPI agent, for a minimum of 3 months during the watch-and-wait period. The intake of PPI was found to be associated with a shorter TTFT: among PPI users, the 10-year treatment-free ratio is 79.2%, while among non-PPI users it is 90.6%. Conclusion: Routine use of PPI in CLL patients may negatively impact their clinical course. Biology of this primary observation requires further investigation.
Toolkit to Examine Lifelike Language v.2.0: Optimizing Speech Biomarkers of Neurodegeneration
Authors: García Adolfo M. , Ferrante Franco J. , Pérez Gonzalo , Ponferrada Joaquín , Sosa Welford Alejandro , Pelella Nicolás , Caccia Matías , Belloli Laouen Mayal Louan , Calcaterra Cecilia , González Santibáñez Catalina , Echegoyen Raúl , Cerrutti Mariano Javier , Johann Fernando , Hesse Eugenia , Carrillo Facundo
Published: September 2024

Introduction: The Toolkit to Examine Lifelike Language (TELL) is a web-based application providing speech biomarkers of neurodegeneration. After deployment of TELL v.1.0 in over 20 sites, we now introduce TELL v.2.0. Methods: First, we describe the app’s usability features, including functions for collecting and processing data onsite, offline, and via videoconference. Second, we summarize its clinical survey, tapping on relevant habits (e.g., smoking, sleep) alongside linguistic predictors of performance (language history, use, proficiency, and difficulties). Third, we detail TELL’s speech-based assessments, each combining strategic tasks and features capturing diagnostically relevant domains (motor function, semantic memory, episodic memory, and emotional processing). Fourth, we specify the app’s new data analysis, visualization, and download options. Finally, we list core challenges and opportunities for development. Results: Overall, TELL v.2.0 offers scalable, objective, and multidimensional insights for the field. Conclusion: Through its technical and scientific breakthroughs, this tool can enhance disease detection, phenotyping, and monitoring.
Oocyte Quality in Women with Endometriosis
Authors: Trinchant Rafael , García-Velasco Juan Antonio
Published: September 2024

Background: Endometriosis is a chronic gynecological condition that affects approximately 10% of women of reproductive age globally. It is associated with significant morbidity due to symptoms such as pelvic pain and infertility. Current knowledge suggests that endometriosis impacts oocyte quality, a critical factor for successful fertilization and pregnancy. Despite extensive research, the exact mechanisms remain unclear, and further updates are necessary to optimize treatment strategies. Objectives: This review aims to summarize current evidence regarding the impact of endometriosis on oocyte quality and its subsequent effects on fertility outcomes, particularly in the context of in vitro fertilization (IVF). Methods: A comprehensive search was conducted in PubMed using the terms “endometriosis AND oocyte quality,” “endometriosis AND infertility, and “endometriosis AND IVF.” The review included studies published up to July 2024. Outcome: The review findings indicate that endometriosis may be associated with decreased oocyte quality, characterized by impaired morphological features and molecular abnormalities. These defects potentially lead to lower fertilization rates, impaired embryo development, and reduced pregnancy outcomes. However, some studies suggest that with controlled factors such as age and ovarian reserve, IVF outcomes may be comparable to those without endometriosis. Conclusions and Outlook: For clinicians and scientists working in medically assisted reproduction, understanding the impact of endometriosis on oocyte quality is crucial for improving fertility treatment outcomes. Advances in assisted reproductive technologies and personalized treatment approaches may mitigate these adverse effects. The potential for using artificial intelligence to assess oocyte quality presents a promising avenue for future research, as currently there is no direct and objective measure to assess this parameter.
Prediction of Lesion-Based Treatment Response after Two Cycles of Lu-177 Prostate Specific Membrane Antigen Treatment in Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer Using Machine Learning
Authors: Bülbül Ogün , Nak Demet , Göksel Sibel
Published: September 2024

Introduction: Lutetium-177 (Lu-177) prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) therapy is a radionuclide treatment that prolongs overall survival in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (MCRPC). We aimed to predict lesion-based treatment response after Lu-177 PSMA treatment using machine learning with texture analysis data obtained from pretreatment Gallium-68 (Ga-68) PSMA positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT). Methods: Eighty-three progressed, and 91 nonprogressed malignant foci on pretreatment Ga-68 PSMA PET/CT of 9 patients were used for analysis. Malignant foci with at least a 30% increase in Ga-68 PSMA uptake after two cycles of treatment were considered progressed lesions. All other changes in Ga-68 PSMA uptake of the lesions were considered nonprogressed lesions. The classifiers tried to predict progressed lesions. Results: Logistic regression, Naive Bayes, and k-nearest neighbors’ area under the ROC curve (AUC) values in detecting progressed lesions in the training group were 0.956, 0.942, and 0.950, respectively, and their accuracy was 87%, 85%, and 89%, respectively. The AUC values of the classifiers in the testing group were 0.937, 0.954, and 0.867, respectively, and their accuracy was 85%, 88%, and 79%, respectively. Conclusion: Using machine learning with texture analysis data obtained from pretreatment Ga-68 PSMA PET/CT in MCRPC predicted lesion-based treatment response after two cycles of Lu-177 PSMA treatment.
Urgent Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography Treatment Useful for Acute Cholangitis Caused by Bile Duct Stones in Patients Aged 90 Years and Older
Authors: Kazumori Hideaki , Fukuda Kousuke , Onishi Koji , Ohno Yasuhiko
Published: September 2024

Background: Recently, the incidence of acute obstructive cholangitis caused by bile duct stones in patients aged 90 years and older (super-old) has been increasing, for which urgent endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) treatment may be required. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of urgent ERCP in super-old patients with acute cholangitis caused by bile duct stones. Methods: A total 147 consecutive patients aged between 75 and 99 years who underwent urgent ERCP for acute cholangitis caused by bile duct stones were analyzed in a retrospective manner. They were divided into the old (age 75–89 years, control) and super-old (age 90–99 years) groups. Urgent ERCP efficacy and safety, including general status, ERCP-related findings and outcomes, cardiopulmonary monitoring during ERCP, and mortality, were compared between the groups. Results: The physical status of the super-old group was worse than that of the old group. The success rates for biliary drainage and complete clearance of bile duct stones at the first attempt in the super-old group were lower as compared to the old group, while those after two attempts increased in the super-old group and were nearly the same as in the old group. No fatal cardiopulmonary complications during ERCP were observed in either group. Mortality rate within 2 months was higher in the super-old group, though recovered to the same level as in the old group after 2 months. Conclusions: Efficacy and safety of urgent ERCP treatment in super-old patients were comparable to those seen in old patients, though the overall trend indicated greater difficulty. Urgent ERCP treatment can be useful for acute cholangitis caused by bile duct stones in super-old patients.
Surveying Current Practices in the Use of Gadolinium-Based Contrast Agents for Routine Brain Magnetic Resonance Imaging in the Evaluation of Isolated Growth Hormone Deficiency among US Pediatric Endocrinologists
Authors: Mak Daniel , Breidbart Emily , Mehta Shilpa , Kohn Brenda
Published: September 2024

Introduction: This survey investigates brain MRI practices for isolated GHD among Pediatric Endocrine Society (PES) members, focusing on gadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCAs) versus non-contrast MRI. Methods: A 15-question survey was distributed to 1,553 PES members, capturing data on GBCA usage, non-contrast imaging access, and awareness of gadolinium retention. Results: A total of 85% of respondents routinely order brain MRIs for isolated GHD, with 60% using GBCAs. Most respondents have access to high-resolution non-contrast imaging, though 54% are unaware of gadolinium retention risks. Conclusion: High-resolution non-contrast MRI demonstrates diagnostic efficacy, suggesting a shift away from GBCAs in clinic practice for isolated GHD. The survey forms the basis to update PES guidelines in the evaluation of isolated GHD.
Vivendo la dolce vita: uma análise crítica da construção do protagonista na série Ripley da Netflix
Authors: Lopes Junior Claudinei , Sanchez Danillo
Published: September 2024

No contexto da importância das personagens nas narrativas seriadas e dada a crescente relevância das séries de TV, este estudo intenta preencher uma lacuna na análise crítica de personagens de séries televisivas contemporâneas. O propósito é investigar de forma crítica a construção da representação do protagonista Tom Ripley, da nova adaptação da Netflix sobre a história literária criada por Patricia Highsmith, focando a temática da identidade e da moralidade. Metodologicamente, foi utilizado uma observação sistemática dos oito episódios da série para uma análise qualitativa e crítica do conteúdo, de modo a explorar a abordagem narrativa e estética na construção de Tom Ripley. Como resultados, destacam-se os tensionamentos complexos em três eixos analíticos que ressaltam as nuances identitárias, morais e éticas de Ripley.
Machine Learning Algorithm to Predict Atrial Fibrillation Using Serial 12‐Lead ECGs Based on Left Atrial Remodeling
Authors: Choi Ji‐Hoon , Song Sung‐Hee , Kim Hongryul , Kim Jongwoo , Park Heesun , Jeon JaeHu , Hong JoongSik , Gwag Hye Bin , Lee Sung Ho , Lee Jaichan , Cho Soo Jin , Park Seung‐Jung , On Young Keun , Kim Ju Youn , Park Kyoung‐Min
Published: September 2024

Background

We hypothesized that analysis of serial ECGs could predict new‐onset atrial fibrillation (AF) more accurately than analysis of a single ECG by detecting the subtle cardiac remodeling that occurs immediately before AF occurrence. Our aim in this study was to compare the performance of 2 types of machine learning (ML) algorithms.

Methods and Results

Standard 12‐lead ECGs of patients selected by cardiologists between January 2010 and May 2021 were used for ML model development. Two ML models (single ECG and serial ECG) were developed using a light gradient boosting machine‐learning algorithm. Model performance was evaluated based on the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and F1 score. We trained the ML models on 415 964 ECGs from 176 090 patients. When testing the 2 ML models using external validation data sets, the performance of the serial‐ML model was significantly better than that of the single‐ML model for predicting new‐onset AF (single‐ versus serial‐ML model: sensitivity 0.744 versus 0.810; specificity 0.742 versus 0.822; accuracy 0.743 versus 0.816; F1 score 0.743 versus 0.815; area under the receiver operating characteristic curve 0.812 versus 0.880;
P
<0.001). The Shapley Additive Explanations analysis ranked P‐wave duration and amplitude among the top 10 ECG parameters.

Conclusions

An ML model based on serial ECGs from an individual had greater ability to predict new‐onset AF than the ML model based on a single ECG. P‐wave morphologies were associated with future AF prediction.
Methyltransferase‐Like 3–Mediated N6‐Methyladenosine RNA Methylation Regulates Hypoxia‐Induced Pulmonary Arterial Smooth Muscle Cell Pyroptosis by Targeting PTEN
Authors: Jiang Yuan , Liu Huiyu , Shi Ruimin , Hao Yingying , Zhang Junting , Xin Wei , Li Yiying , Ma Cui , Zheng Xiaodong , Zhang Lixin , Zhao Xijuan , Zhu Daling
Published: September 2024

Background

Pulmonary hypertension is a rare, progressive disorder that can lead to right ventricular hypertrophy, right heart failure, and even sudden death. N6‐methyladenosine modification and the main methyltransferase that mediates it, methyltransferase‐like (METTL) 3, exert important effects on many biological and pathophysiological processes. However, the role of METTL3 in pyroptosis remains unclear.

Methods and Results

Here, we characterized the role of METTL3 and the underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms of pyroptosis, which is involved in pulmonary hypertension. METTL3 was downregulated in a pulmonary hypertension mouse model and in hypoxia‐exposed pulmonary artery smooth muscle cell. The small interfering RNA–induced silencing of METTL3 decreased the m6A methylation levels and promoted pulmonary artery smooth muscle cell pyroptosis, mimicking the effects of hypoxia. In contrast, overexpression of METTL3 suppressed hypoxia‐induced pulmonary artery smooth muscle cell pyroptosis. Mechanistically, we identified the phosphate and tension homology deleted on chromosome 10 (PTEN) gene as a target of METTL3‐mediated m6A modification, and methylated phosphate and tension homology deleted on chromosome 10 mRNA was subsequently recognized by the m6A “reader” protein insulin‐like growth factor 2 mRNA‐binding protein 2, which directly bound to the m6A site on phosphate and tension homology deleted on chromosome 10 mRNA and enhanced its stability.

Conclusions

These results identify a new signaling pathway, the METTL3/phosphate and tension homology deleted on chromosome 10/insulin‐like growth factor 2 mRNA‐binding protein 2 axis, that participates in the regulation of hypoxia‐induced pyroptosis.
Carotid Baroreceptor Stimulation Ameliorates Pulmonary Arterial Remodeling in Rats With Hypoxia‐Induced Pulmonary Hypertension
Authors: Fang Xuesheng , Chen Jie , Hu Zhiling , Shu Ling , Wang Jing , Dai Mingyan , Tan Tuantuan , Zhang Junxia , Bao Mingwei
Published: September 2024

Background

Sympathetic hyperactivity plays an important role in the initiation and maintenance of pulmonary hypertension. Carotid baroreceptor stimulation (CBS) is an effective autonomic neuromodulation therapy. We aim to investigate the effects of CBS on hypoxia‐induced pulmonary hypertension and its underlying mechanisms.

Methods and Results

Rats were randomly assigned into 4 groups, including a Control‐sham group (n=7), a Control‐CBS group (n=7), a Hypoxia‐sham group (n=10) and a Hypoxia‐CBS group (n=10). Echocardiography, ECG, and hemodynamics examination were performed. Samples of blood, lung tissue, pulmonary arteries, and right ventricle were collected for the further analysis. In the in vivo study, CBS reduced wall thickness and muscularization degree in pulmonary arterioles, thereby improving pulmonary hemodynamics. Right ventricle hypertrophy, fibrosis and dysfunction were all improved. CBS rebalanced autonomic tone and reduced the density of sympathetic nerves around pulmonary artery trunks and bifurcations. RNA‐seq analysis identified
BDNF
and periostin (
POSTN
) as key genes involved in hypoxia‐induced pulmonary hypertension, and CBS downregulated the mRNA expression of
BDNF
and
POSTN
in rat pulmonary arteries. In the in vitro study, norepinephrine was found to promote pulmonary artery smooth muscle cell proliferation while upregulating
BDNF
and
POSTN
expression. The proliferative effect was alleviated by silence
BDNF
or
POSTN
.

Conclusions

Our results showed that CBS could rebalance autonomic tone, inhibit pulmonary arterial remodeling, and improve pulmonary hemodynamics and right ventricle function, thus delaying hypoxia‐induced pulmonary hypertension progression. There may be a reciprocal interaction between
POSTN
and
BDNF
that is responsible for the underlying mechanism.
Neutrophil Activation and Adhesiveness in Coronary Artery Disease: Results From the COLCHICINE‐PCI Biomarker Substudy
Authors: Talmor Nina , Pillinger Michael H. , Xia Yuhe , Leonard Ana , Curovic Fatmira , Shah Binita
Published: September 2024

Registration

URL:
https://clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT02594111.
Spatial Predictive Context Speeds Up Visual Search by Biasing Local Attentional Competition
Authors: Bouwkamp Floortje G. , de Lange Floris P. , Spaak Eelke
Published: September 2024

The human visual system is equipped to rapidly and implicitly learn and exploit the statistical regularities in our environment. Within visual search, contextual cueing demonstrates how implicit knowledge of scenes can improve search performance. This is commonly interpreted as spatial context in the scenes becoming predictive of the target location, which leads to a more efficient guidance of attention during search. However, what drives this enhanced guidance is unknown. First, it is under debate whether the entire scene (global context) or more local context drives this phenomenon. Second, it is unclear how exactly improved attentional guidance is enabled by target enhancement and distractor suppression. In the present magnetoencephalography experiment, we leveraged rapid invisible frequency tagging to answer these two outstanding questions. We found that the improved performance when searching implicitly familiar scenes was accompanied by a stronger neural representation of the target stimulus, at the cost specifically of those distractors directly surrounding the target. Crucially, this biasing of local attentional competition was behaviorally relevant when searching familiar scenes. Taken together, we conclude that implicitly learned spatial predictive context improves how we search our environment by sharpening the attentional field.
History of Ambo Ambaa Lafaa of Western Shewa Zone of Oromia Regional State: The Heartland of Hero and Heroism
Authors: Ararso Getu
Published: September 2024

History is indispensable to understanding ourselves and the world around us. This study attempts to construct the history of Ambo Ambaa lafaa of western shewa zone of Oromia regional state. Its foundation, gradual change, economic activity, politico-administration and religion in different leaders. Further the study recognizes the problem which affects the development of Ambo town. In this study, the researcher utilized primary, secondary and pamphlet sources as well as oral information through interview in order to gather the data. The collected data was organized and analyzed using qualitative research methods. The study is based on historical and Ethnographic approach. The historical foundation of Ambo was not directly concern for the cause of military garrisons like many other Ethiopia Towns, its growth and internal character came to be closely connected with the mineral water, God Bridge and commercial activities. Ambo is town found in west shewa zone of oromia regional state. Ambo was known by pride of their nation in different era of various ruler of Ethiopia. They struggles for their right and know their responsibility simultaneously. Ambo known by patriots, hero and brave those who stand for the freedom of country in any controversy and pleasure time. The society of town needs peace, stability, truth, justice, equality, brotherly hood and fraternity with diverse nation and nationalities in the empire, because Oromo are founders of gada system that did for equality of human beings. Ambo town was established in late of 19th century. At the beginning the spatial size of Ambo town is small, it is around 1320 hectares and became expand to 8578 hectares after it makes gradual expansion to the neighboring farm land. As the result Ambo is very comfortable for different investment activities because of comfortable climate condition and stability (safety) in area, there is also different attraction site including Wanchi lake, Dandi Lake (it had number eight shape/symbol), Guder fall, obse fall, old palace of emperor Haile sillase and other different natural, cultural and ritual sites
Effects of Vermicompost and Blended NPSB Fertilizer on Major Physicochemical Properties of Soil and Economy of Maize Production at Bako, Central Ethiopia
Authors: Ensermu Belay , Alemayehu Yibekal
Published: September 2024

Integrated vermicompost and blended NPSB inorganic fertilizer are needed to improve the soil's fertility status, which can raise output and revenue. Thus, the purpose of the experiment was to ascertain how major physicochemical properties of the soil at Bako were affected by the application of blended NPSB fertilizer and vermicompost. Factorial combinations of four levels of vermicompost (0, 2, 4 and 6 tons ha-1) and four levels of NPSB blended inorganic fertilizer (0, 50, 100 and 150 kg ha-1) were laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. The interaction of vermicompost and NPSB blended inorganic fertilizer had significant effects on ear diameter, grain yields, and harvest index and cob weight. The maximum grain yield (7503.7 kg ha-1) was obtained from application of blended NPSB fertilizer at the rate of 100 kg NPSB ha-1 and 4 tons ha-1 vermicompost rate with a net profit of 104850 birr and 6143% MRR with values to cost ratio of 3.47 birr profit per unit investment for midland maize production at Bako. Therefore, it can be said that the application of 100 kg NPSB ha-1 and 4 t vermicompost ha-1 was shown to be superior in terms of both grain yield and economic advantage, and it is therefore tentatively advised for use. To come to a definitive decision, the experiment needs to be repeated across a number of years, as this study was only conducted during one season at one site.
14,000 Years Old Atlas of Heaven and Earth: Andean Panel in Inca Sun Temple of South America and Its Root in Paleolithic East Asia
Authors: Tao Thomas
Published: September 2024

New findings indicated that the Andean panel in the Inca Sun Temple was a relic of an ancient drawing now dated 13,000–15,000 years old. The drawing was an Atlas of Heaven and Earth that contained astronomy, geography, weathering, calendars, and a stratified society. The atlas was seamlessly integrated with dualistic cosmology, religion, ideology, and philosophy. The atlas contained the “Five Divine Stars” of the Sun, the Moon, Rising Venus, Setting Venus, and Polar Star Vega in 12,000 BC. Its “Four Sacred Asterisms” on the ecliptic were the southern Bird, the northern Snake/Turtle, the western Big Cat, and the eastern Dragon. Since the atlas was created, the North Pole has turned 180 degrees on the circle of precession. In the east, there were mountains, monsoon, and thunder. In the west, an easterly running river drained a lake or lagoon into the sea. The atlas had several metaphors. Examples were Genesis of Seven Days Creation, Life Cycles, Andean Cross, later Mayan Eight-Sided Cross, and Chinese Yin Yang Eight Gua. Heaven was round, Earth was square, and the stratification of mankind was a mandate of the Creator. The two calendars had 13 months and four seasons. One of them was a Sidereal calendar with 365 days a year and used Antares for the start of a year and conjunctions with the moon. The other Solar Lunar Calendar had three Leap “Back” Months for alignment with the solar circle. Fu Xi (ca 5,324 BC) composed Chinese dualistic religion presumably based on its drawing. Its contents were also found in China, Japan, Korea, Incans, Mayans, etc., and to some degree in Bronze Age Mesopotamia, India, and Egypt. Its birthplace was assumed to be Paleolithic East Asia, but its exact location was unknown.
The Dual Nature of Entrainment-Mixing Signatures Revealed through Large-Eddy Simulations of a Convection-Cloud Chamber
Authors: Wang Aaron , Ovchinnikov Mikhail , Yang Fan , Cantrell Will , Yeom Jaemin , Shaw Raymond A.
Published: September 2024

Entrainment of subsaturated air into a cloud can influence its optical and microphysical properties in various ways, depending on the droplet evaporation and turbulent mixing time scales. Previous experiments in the Pi convection-cloud chamber have revealed that, given a fixed entrained air property, the mixing of entrained subsaturated air results in complete evaporation of some cloud droplets, with the rest remaining unchanged. This is a signature of inhomogeneous mixing. While comparing the results of entrainment with varying air properties, the mixing signature appears as if the subsaturated air is well mixed with the cloud to evenly reduce the droplets’ size. In other words, taken together, the experiments appear to have the signature of homogeneous mixing. To explore these results in a greater depth, we conduct large-eddy simulations combined with a bin microphysics scheme. Our results reproduce the similar signatures of inhomogeneous and homogeneous mixing, implying that LES can resolve the inhomogeneous mixing when the grid spacing is smaller than the entrained air parcel. Additionally, we observe that increasing the aerosol injection rate enhances the signature of inhomogeneous mixing, while coarser grid spacing diminishes it. Finally, the change in wall fluxes in response to various entrained air properties confirms that the homogeneous signature seen in the analysis of an ensemble of simulations is the result of various equilibrium states. This further strengthens the suggestion that the homogeneous mixing signature found in aircraft observations near the cloud top may result from combining entrainment events of different intensities, possibly caused by various-sized eddies.

Significance Statement

Large-eddy simulation and size-resolved microphysics can resolve time scales for turbulent mixing and evaporation and, therefore, are well suited for reproducing, extending, and interpreting the entrainment experiment in the Pi convection-cloud chamber. Our simulation results confirm (i) the inhomogeneous mixing signature for an individual entrainment event and (ii) the appearance of homogeneous mixing in an ensemble of entrainment episodes. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the inhomogeneous mixing signature is more pronounced in a polluted cloud, but coarser grid spacing in simulations may compromise the accuracy of this signature. Last, the homogeneous mixing signature results from various equilibrium states established for different entrainment intensities and adjusted wall fluxes, which are challenging to measure experimentally but can be easily analyzed in the simulations.
The Privacy/Antitrust Curse: Insights from GDPR Application in Competition Law Proceedings
Authors: Colangelo Giuseppe
Published: September 2024

In response to the emergence of large online platforms whose business model revolves around the collection and processing of personal data, it is usually suggested that competition and data protection are synergistic, hence requiring an integrated approach. In this respect, Europe represents the testing ground for evaluating how privacy breaches may inform antitrust investigations. Indeed, the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) on the one side and the German Facebook antitrust decision on the other side are considered the benchmarks of this new stance aimed at linking market power and data power. This paper tests the concrete viability of such an approach, analyzing how data protection rules and principles have been applied in antitrust proceedings by the European Commission and national competition authorities. Notably, the paper aims at demonstrating the fallacy of the narrative which describes the relationship between privacy and antitrust in terms of synergy and complementarity. Furthermore, the paper maintains that the principles recently affirmed by the European Court of Justice in Meta do not appear conclusive in addressing the issue. The strategic use of privacy as a business justification to pursue anticompetitive advantages currently addressed in the numerous Apple ATT investigations indeed shows the tension between these areas of law. Therefore, rather than strengthening the antitrust enforcement against gatekeepers and their data strategies, the inclusion of privacy harms in antitrust proceedings turns out to be a potential curse for competition authorities, providing players with an opportunity for regulatory gaming to undermine the antitrust enforcement.

JEL Codes: D83, K21, L12, L4
Combining Multiple Spectroscopic Techniques to Reveal the Effects of Staphylococcus aureus Infection on Human Bone Tissues
Authors: Alunni Cardinali Martina , Govoni Marco , Stefani Sara , Maso Alessandra , Storni Elisa , Valenti Francesca , Maglio Melania , Morresi Assunta , Fioretto Daniele , Dallari Dante , Sassi Paola
Published: September 2024

Osteomyelitis (OM) and periprosthetic joint infections (PJIs) are major public health concerns in Western countries due to increased life expectancy. Infections usually occur due to bacterial spread through fractures, implants, or blood-borne transmission. The pathogens trigger an inflammatory response that hinders bone tissue regeneration. Treatment requires surgical intervention, which involves the precise removal of infected tissue, wound cleansing, and local and systemic antibiotic administration. Staphylococcus aureus (SA) is one of the most common pathogens causing infection-induced OM and PJIs. It forms antimicrobial-resistant biofilms and is frequently found in healthcare settings. In this proof-of-concept, we present an approach based on multiple spectroscopic techniques aimed at investigating the effects of SA infection on bone tissue, as well as identifying specific markers useful to detect early bacterial colonization on the tissue surface. A cross-section of a human femoral diaphysis, with negative-culture results, was divided into three parts, and the cortical and trabecular regions were separated from each other. Two portions of each bone tissue type were infected with SA for one and seven days, respectively. Multiple techniques were used to investigate the impact of the infection on bone tissue, Brillouin–Raman microspectroscopy and attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy were employed to assess and develop a new noninvasive diagnostic method to detect SA by targeting the bone of the host. The results indicate that exposure to SA infection significantly alters the bone structure, especially in the case of the trabecular type, even after just one day. Moreover, Raman spectral markers of the tissue damage were identified, indicating that this technique can detect the effect of the pathogens’ presence in bone biopsies and pave the way for potential application during surgery, due to its nondestructive and contactless nature.
Approaching the Freedom Convoy: Intra-disciplinary reflections on religion scholars as public intellectuals
Authors: Jensen Christopher
Published: September 2024

This special issue crystalizes the reflections of a handful of Canadian scholars, initially written in the months following the Freedom Convoy’s occupation of downtown Ottawa (and then refined in the subsequent year), who consider the various ways in which the contemporary media oversimplified (or, more often, utterly ignored) the role(s) of religion in this event. This introduction uses the convoy’s occupation as an opportunity to revisit the role of the religious studies scholar as a public intellectual in contemporary Canada. In so doing, it explores the problem of hyperspecialization in the field of religious studies, the fraught discourse landscape in which all contemporary scholars of religion now operate, and the resultant frequent failure to operate as ‘critical rhetors’ (in Russell McCutcheon’s terms) when confronted by events like the convoy. It concludes by offering three practical observations: (1) engaging in intra-disciplinary conversations (like this one) better prepares scholars of religion to communicate with the public; (2) given that many scholars are employees of taxpayer-funded institutions (and thus are, by definition, ‘public intellectuals’), it behoves every scholar to decide what this means (no matter how idiosyncratically) and then to behave as such; and (3) thinking and writing about complex, messy phenomena like the convoy provides a valuable opportunity for scholars to articulate their own positions on who they are writing for and why – questions that no longer have simple answers in an era when much of scholarly production is no longer ensconced behind paywalled journals or within access-controlled academic libraries. This final point is, of course, informed by Laurie Patton’s cogent concluding reflections in Who Owns Religion?
A Loyal Base: Support for Authoritarian Regimes in Times of Crisis
Authors: Neundorf Anja , Ozturk Aykut , Northmore-Ball Ksenia , Tertytchnaya Katerina , Gerschewski Johannes
Published: September 2024

Does citizen belief in the non-instrumental principles of the political regime, such as strongman leadership, patriotism, or attachment to a charismatic leader, collectively known as normative support, help stabilize authoritarian regimes? While a large literature recognizes that authoritarian regimes depend on popular support to lower the costs of staying in power, existing research mainly views mass support for these regimes as instrumental, fuelled by performance. Using novel experimental evidence from two original online surveys fielded in Turkey and observational data, we find high levels of normative support for Turkey’s authoritarian rule. Further, our results demonstrate that instrumental and normative dimensions of support may be more closely related than previously theorized. Importantly, we show that both forms of support prevent voter defections in times of crisis. These findings, which revisit the importance of citizens’ support for regime resilience, have implications for research on mass opinion and defection cascades in electoral autocracies.
Experiences of peer educators in a high school sexual and reproductive health peer education programme in Rwanda
Authors: Nkurunziza Aimable , Tuyisenge Germaine , Habtu Michael , Rwagasore Edward , Rutayisire Erigene , Van Endert Nadja , Bagirisano Justine , Hitayezu Jean Bosco Henri , Tengera Olive , Jans Goele , Mukarwego Beatha , Yamuragiye Assoumpta
Published: September 2024

Background:

To contribute to a reduction in teenage pregnancy among in-school adolescents in Rwanda, a sexual and reproductive health peer education programme (SRHPEP) was developed and implemented. Reflecting on the unique characteristics of this newly implemented programme, and understanding peer educators’ (PEs) and facilitators’ perspectives, can provide insights into the programme’s effectiveness and feedback to improve the programme in the future. This study explored the experiences of being a PE in the SRHPEP from the perspectives of PEs and facilitators.

Design:

Qualitative exploratory design.

Setting:

Data collection took placed in three public high schools in Rwanda.

Method:

Three focus group discussions (FGDs) with 22 PEs and 5 in-depth interviews with facilitators were conducted.

Results:

Thematic analysis identified the benefits of being a PE, including increased competence, enhanced relationships and an improved society’s understanding of sexual and reproductive health (SRH). PEs faced challenges, however, including bullying, limited resources and time constraints. A support system (comprising PEs themselves, facilitators and school leadership) and refresher training made being a PE easier. Study participants suggested allocating enough time, training larger numbers of PEs and the provision of contextually relevant educational materials to improve the programme.

Conclusion:

Findings from this study can be used to guide the development of future ways of strengthening the SRHPEP in schools. They can also help to ensure that PEs are adequately supported in their roles and the needs of the students are met.
Students’, parents’ and teachers’ perspectives on comprehensive school-based sleep promotion
Authors: Mellon Pamela , Montemurro Genevieve , Yang Samuel (Sukmin) , Sulz Lauren , Torrance Brian , Storey Kate
Published: September 2024

Objective:

Sleep deprivation is common among children and schools are ideal settings in which to influence children’s sleep. Children spend a significant amount of time at school during key developmental periods, and programmes that influence students’ well-being also benefit academic achievement. Comprehensive School Health (CSH) is an approach that prioritises school, home and community partnerships by supporting the development of health behaviours. However, sleep is often unaddressed in the school environment. The objective of this study was to integrate multiple partner perspectives to inform how to strengthen school-based sleep promotion using a CSH approach.

Design:

A secondary qualitative analysis of student aged 9–11 ( n = 45), parent/guardian ( n = 24) and teacher ( n = 19) interviews from participants representing elementary (Kindergarten – Grade 6) schools and communities in Alberta, Canada was conducted. Data were examined using an a priori framework in alignment with the four components of the CSH approach: social and physical environment, teaching and learning, policy and partnerships and services. Inductive content analysis was used to develop categories followed by subthemes within each CSH component.

Results:

Subthemes identified within each component were as follows: social and physical environment (culture of healthy sleep habits; students influence each other); teaching and learning (formally integrate sleep-specific learning into curricula; school, teacher and parents/guardian collaboration); policy (sleep-positive classroom policies) and partnerships and services (community partnerships; school–home collaboration).

Conclusion:

This research identifies recommendations from student, parent/guardian and teacher interviews to inform and strengthen school-based sleep promotion when taking a CSH approach. Findings can support school partner efforts to foster a school culture (or ethos) of healthy sleep habits leading to improvements in student sleep behaviours.