bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Long‐Term Clinical‐Pathologic Results of Enzyme Replacement Therapy in Prehypertrophic Fabry Disease Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Frustaci Andrea , Verardo Romina , Galea Nicola , Alfarano Maria , Magnocavallo Michele , Marchitelli Livia , Sansone Luigi , Belli Manuel , Cristina Mario , Frustaci Emanuela , Russo Matteo Antonio , Chimenti Cristina
Published: April 2024

Background

The limited ability of enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) in removing globotriaosylceramide from cardiomyocytes is recognized for advanced Fabry disease cardiomyopathy (FDCM). Prehypertrophic FDCM is believed to be cured or stabilized by ERT. However, no pathologic confirmation is available. We report here on the long‐term clinical–pathologic impact of ERT on prehypertrophic FDCM.

Methods and Results

Fifteen patients with Fabry disease with left ventricular maximal wall thickness ≤10.5 mm at cardiac magnetic resonance required endomyocardial biopsy because of angina and ventricular arrhythmias. Endomyocardial biopsy showed coronary small‐vessel disease in the angina cohort, and vacuoles in smooth muscle cells and cardiomyocytes ≈20% of the cell surface containing myelin bodies at electron microscopy. Patients received α‐agalsidase in 8 cases, and β‐agalsidase in 7 cases. Both groups experienced symptom improvement except 1 patients treated with α‐agalsidase and 1 treated with β‐agalsidase. After ERT administration ranging from 4 to 20 years, all patients had control cardiac magnetic resonance and left ventricular endomyocardial biopsy because of persistence of symptoms or patient inquiry on disease resolution. In 13 asymptomatic patients with FDCM, left ventricular maximal wall thickness and left ventricular mass, cardiomyocyte diameter, vacuole surface/cell surface ratio, and vessels remained unchanged or minimally increased (left ventricular mass increased by <2%) even after 20 years of observation, and storage material was still present at electron microscopy. In 2 symptomatic patients, FDCM progressed, with larger and more engulfed by globotriaosylceramide myocytes being associated with myocardial virus‐negative lymphocytic inflammation.

Conclusions

ERT stabilizes storage deposits and myocyte dimensions in 87% of patients with prehypertrophic FDCM. Globotriaosylceramide is never completely removed even after long‐term treatment. Immune‐mediated myocardial inflammation can overlap, limiting ERT activity.
Extracranial Vascular Anomalies Driven by RAS/MAPK Variants: Spectrum and Genotype–Phenotype Correlations
Authors: Schmidt Vanessa F. , Kapp Friedrich G. , Goldann Constantin , Huthmann Linda , Cucuruz Beatrix , Brill Richard , Vielsmeier Veronika , Seebauer Caroline T. , Michel Armin‐Johannes , Seidensticker Max , Uller Wibke , Weiß Jakob B. W. , Sint Alena , Häberle Beate , Haehl Julia , Wagner Alexandra , Cordes Johanna , Holm Annegret , Schanze Denny , Ricke Jens , Kimm Melanie A. , Wohlgemuth Walter A. , Zenker Martin , Wildgruber Moritz ,   for the APOLLON Investigators
Published: April 2024

Background

We aimed to correlate alterations in the rat sarcoma virus (RAS)/mitogen‐activated protein kinase pathway in vascular anomalies to the clinical phenotype for improved patient and treatment stratification.

Methods and Results

This retrospective multicenter cohort study included 29 patients with extracranial vascular anomalies containing mosaic pathogenic variants (PVs) in genes of the RAS/mitogen‐activated protein kinase pathway. Tissue samples were collected during invasive treatment or clinically indicated biopsies. PVs were detected by the targeted sequencing of panels of genes known to be associated with vascular anomalies, performed using DNA from affected tissue. Subgroup analyses were performed according to the affected genes with regard to phenotypic characteristics in a descriptive manner. Twenty‐five vascular malformations, 3 vascular tumors, and 1 patient with both a vascular malformation and vascular tumor presented the following distribution of PVs in genes: Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene (n=10), neuroblastoma ras viral oncogene homolog (n=1), Harvey rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog (n=5), V‐Raf murine sarcoma viral oncogene homolog B (n=8), and mitogen‐activated protein kinase kinase 1 (n=5). Patients with
RAS
PVs had advanced disease stages according to the Schobinger classification (stage 3–4:
RAS
, 9/13 versus non‐
RAS
, 3/11) and more frequent progression after treatment (
RAS
, 10/13 versus non‐
RAS
, 2/11). Lesions with Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene PVs infiltrated more tissue layers compared with the other PVs including other
RAS
PVs (multiple tissue layers: Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene, 8/10 versus other PVs, 6/19).

Conclusions

This comparison of patients with various PVs in genes of the RAS/MAPK pathway provides potential associations with certain morphological and clinical phenotypes.
RAS
variants were associated with more aggressive phenotypes, generating preliminary data and hypothesis for future larger studies.
The tip of the iceberg: A call to embrace anti-localizationism in human neuroscience research
Authors: Noble Stephanie , Curtiss Joshua , Pessoa Luiz , Scheinost Dustin
Published: April 2024

Human neuroscience research remains largely preoccupied with mapping distinct brain areas to complex psychological processes and features of mental health disorders. While this reductionist and localizationist perspective has resulted in several substantive contributions to the field, it has long been viewed as only a piece of the puzzle. Emerging evidence now empirically demonstrates how a historical reliance on localizationist techniques may underlie recent challenges to reproducibility and translation in human neuroscience. To advance discovery, we must collectively better incorporate complex systems and machine-learning approaches that better capture the multidimensional, dynamic, and interacting nature of the brain. Moreover, we must begin to contend with how to best integrate complementary modalities beyond the brain to better understand complex mental processes.
On the Immoral Campaign Trail: Conceptualization, Underlying Affective Processes, and Democratic Outcomes of Perceived Dirty Campaigning
Authors: Reiter Franz , Matthes Jörg
Published: April 2024

Dirty campaigning, which is understood as actions between elite politicians that violate social norms and democratic principles, is becoming an increasingly relevant phenomenon across the globe. Despite this development, we know little about which forms constitute dirty campaigning, how citizens perceive dirty campaigning, and how perceived dirty campaigning is associated with affective responses and political trust. We argue that the techniques and actions that constitute dirty campaigning go beyond uncivil campaigning and deceitful campaign techniques, as dirty campaigning also involves disinformation campaigning. Using data from a two-wave panel study ( N = 524) during the 2020 Viennese state election campaign, we examined the perceived structure of the dirty campaigning construct using exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis. We show that perceived dirty campaigning forms a hierarchical construct with three latent variables. Furthermore, we tested the associations of perceived dirty campaigning with negative emotions toward campaigns as well as outcomes related to political trust. Using structural equation modeling with longitudinal measurement invariance and controlling for autoregressive associations, we found that perceived dirty campaigning increases anger, frustration, and disgust toward campaigns, as well as increases distrust in politicians over time. We also observed that frustration toward campaigns decreases trust in democracy and that disgust toward campaigns increases distrust in politicians over time. We contribute to previous research by developing a framework for investigating perceived dirty campaigning as a hierarchical construct and demonstrating how perceived dirty campaigning can impair democratic outcomes.
What Happens After Discharge? A 2+ Year Follow-Up After Laparoscopic Subtotal Fenestrating and Reconstituting Cholecystectomy
Authors: Kumar Sunjay S. , Briggs Erin , Tannouri Sami , Tatarian Talar , Pucci Michael J. , Tholey Renee M. , Chojnacki Karen A. , Foley Courtney , Palazzo Francesco
Published: April 2024

Laparoscopic subtotal cholecystectomy (LSC) is utilized to prevent complications in the difficult cholecystectomy. Medium-term outcomes are poorly studied for fenestrating and reconstituting operative techniques. A single-institution retrospective review was undertaken of all LSCs. A telephone survey was used to identify complications addressed at other institutions. We performed subgroup analyses by operative approach and of patients requiring postoperative endoscopic intervention (ERC). 28 patients met inclusion criteria. The median follow-up was 32.7 months. There were no bile duct injuries or reoperations. 21% of patients required a postoperative ERC and 50% were discharged home with a drain. Bile leaks were found to be more prevalent in the fenestrating LSC group (38% vs 0%, P = .003). The case series suggested more severe recurrent biliary disease in patients undergoing reconstituting LSC. Laparoscopic subtotal cholecystectomy appears to have satisfactory medium-term outcomes. The reconstituting LSC group trends toward more severe recurrent disease which warrants further investigation.
Venous Thromboembolism in Children and Teenagers Admitted for Trauma: A 5-Year Nationwide Perspective
Authors: Hernandez Jennifer , Quintero Luis A. , Shatawi Zaineb , Ngo Lisa , Romero Dino , Heath Rainya , Redden Anna , Levene Tamar , Lao Oliver , Parreco Joshua P.
Published: April 2024

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) in pediatric trauma patients is under-investigated. The purpose of this study was to perform an evaluation of the risk factors for VTE after pediatric trauma, including readmissions across the United States. The Nationwide Readmissions Database for 2016-2020 was queried for all patients under the age of 18 years admitted for trauma. 276 670 patients were identified; 2063 (.8%) were diagnosed with VTE. Among those with VTE, 300 (15%) were identified during a readmission. Higher rates of VTE were seen in ages 15-17 years (n = 1,294, 1.3%, P < .001), penetrating injuries (n = 478, .9%, P < .001), and assault (n = 271, 2.7%, P < .001). The strongest risk factor for VTE was prolonged mechanical ventilation (OR 5.5 [4.9-6.3] P < .001). Our study found that a significant portion of post-traumatic VTE in children and teenagers occur during readmissions. A deeper understanding of the risk factors outlined here can guide enhanced clinical protocols, ensuring early detection and prevention of this complication.
Trajectories of intimate partner violence and their relationship to stress among young women in South Africa: An HPTN 068 study
Authors: Kelly Nicole K , Bhushan Nivedita L , Gottfredson O’Shea Nisha , Gómez-Olivé F Xavier , Aiello Allison E , Wagner Laura Danielle , Mall Sumaya , Kahn Kathleen , Pettifor Audrey E , Stoner Marie CD
Published: April 2024

Background:

One in four South African women will experience intimate partner violence (IPV) in their lifetime, potentially increasing their biological stress. In South Africa, limited IPV and stress research has utilized multiple timepoints or examined modifying factors. Cash transfers (CTs) are associated with reduced IPV and stress and may be an intervention target.

Aims:

We used data-driven methods to identify longitudinal IPV trajectory groups among South African adolescent girls and young women (AGYW), estimate each group’s association with stress, and assess modification by a CT.

Methods:

A total of 2,183 South African AGYW ages 13 to 24 years from the HIV Prevention Trials Network 068 study were randomized to a CT or control group. Physical IPV was measured five times (2011–2017), and stress was captured once (2018–2019). Stress measures included the Cohen Stress Scale and stress biomarkers (C-reactive protein (CRP), cytomegalovirus (CMV), herpes simplex virus type-1 (HSV-1)). Group-based trajectory modeling identified IPV trajectories; ordinal logistic regression estimated the association between trajectory group and stress.

Results:

A two-group quadratic trajectory model was identified (higher trajectory group = 26.7% of AGYW; lower trajectory group = 73.3%). In both groups, the probability of IPV increased from ages 13 to 17 years before declining in early adulthood. However, the higher group’s probability peaked later and declined gradually. The higher trajectory group was associated with an increased odds of elevated CRP (OR: 1.41, 95% CI [1.11, 1.80]), but not with other stress measures. The CT modified the relationship with CMV: a positive association was observed among the usual care arm (OR: 1.59, 95% CI [1.11, 2.28]) but not the CT arm (OR: 0.85, 95% CI [0.61, 1.19]).

Conclusions:

Sustained IPV risk during adolescence was associated with elevated CRP in young adulthood. The relationship between IPV and elevated CMV was attenuated among those receiving a CT, suggesting that CTs could possibly reduce biological stress due to IPV.
A Topic-Based Segmentation Model for Identifying Segment-Level Drivers of Star Ratings from Unstructured Text Reviews
Authors: Kim Sunghoon , Lee Sanghak , McCulloch Robert
Published: April 2024

Online reviews provide rich information on customer satisfaction, displaying various numeric ratings as well as detailed explanations presented in written form. However, analyzing such data is challenging due to the unstructured nature of text. This article introduces a novel machine-learning method for identifying interpretable key drivers of star ratings from text reviews, which might vary across segments. By adopting the Ising model prior to account for dependence between words, the model simultaneously achieves segmentation, identifies segment-level key topics (i.e., groups of frequently co-occurring words), and estimates the impacts of the selected words on the ratings. The authors first demonstrate that the proposed model successfully identifies segment-specific key drivers of customer satisfaction using illustrative simulated review data. Then, the authors utilize real-world reviews from Yelp for empirical applications. When applied to online reviews of 5,241 Arizona-based restaurants, the model identifies three distinct restaurant segments, each characterized by three to five important topics. The model's performance is evaluated against six benchmark models, encompassing various topic models and latent class regression with variable selection. The comparison results emphasize the proposed model's unique advantages in prediction, interpretability, and handling heterogeneity. Additionally, the authors demonstrate the applicability of the model in examining customer segmentation for individual restaurants.
Integrated fault estimation and control for multi-agent systems with external disturbance using delayed relative information
Authors: Zhu Jing , Zhao Shanwen , Zhai Xiangping
Published: April 2024

This paper is dedicated to the problem of actuator fault estimation and fault-tolerant control for general linear leader–follower multi-agent systems subject to external disturbance and communication delay. First, the intermediate variable observer is constructed to estimate faults using relative information with symmetric time delays. A contradiction between the convergence speed of estimation error and the time-delay margin is revealed, where quick convergence implies small time-delay margin. As such, the augmented system observer is employed to improve the convergence speed. In the next, integrated scheme is adopted to handle the bi-directional interaction between fault estimation and fault-tolerant control arising from external disturbance and time-varying faults. In addition, we also consider the asymmetric delay case with only transmission delay. The delay-independent stability condition is derived with the use of augmented system observer by virtue of Lyapunov–Krasovskii function and [Formula: see text] robust theories. Finally, the simulation results are presented to verify the effectiveness of proposed method.
Impact of Otitis Media With Effusion in Early Age on Auditory Processing Abilities in Children: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Gyawali Bigyan Raj , Kharel Sanjeev , Giri Subarna , Ghimire Anup , Prabhu Prashanth
Published: April 2024

Objective: Early-onset otitis media with effusion (OME) can affect the development of the auditory nervous system and thus lead to auditory processing abnormalities. This study aims to review the effect of childhood OME on auditory processing abilities in children. Methods: A systematic review of the literature, restricted to the English language from 1990 to 2022 was conducted using search engines like PubMed, Embase, and Google Scholar. After selecting the articles following predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria, the data were extracted and meta-analysis was performed. Results: A total of 10 articles met the inclusion criteria. Children with a history of OME had poorer performance in most behavioral and electrophysiological tests. Pooled analysis of various tests such as the gap in noise test, frequency pattern test (verbal and nonverbal), and latencies of auditory brainstem response-I, V, I to III, and I to V showed a difference between the 2 groups. Conclusion: Childhood OME can significantly affect auditory processing abilities in children.
From Scapegoating to the Culture of Cruelty: (Mis)Managing Mimetic Desire and Violence in Late Modernity
Authors: Sik Domonkos
Published: April 2024

Due to the ‘civilizing process’ (Elias), the overall level of violence is decreasing; yet its transforming patterns persist. The article aims at examining the contemporary structures and mechanisms responsible for violence control, while also exploring the newly emerging, naturalized patterns of cruelty. Firstly, René Girard’s mimetic theory is overviewed: while in archaic societies, mimetic crisis is controlled by sacrificial rites, modernization reconfigures this paradigm. Secondly, these transformations are mapped: mimetic desire is channelled into the market processes, while mimetic crisis is managed by the state monopolizing violence. Thirdly, the structural transformations of late modernity upsetting the fragile balance of state and market are analysed: secular scapegoating becomes part of the political toolset, while the private sphere is overwhelmed by undetectable new forms of hurting and self-harming. As a culture of cruelty is naturalized, mimetic crisis becomes a continuous threat, which generates a need for the functional equivalents of sacrificial violence control.
New Model for Estimating the Influence of Pedestrians on the Entry Capacity of Roundabouts
Authors: Schmitz Julian , Wu Ning , Geistefeldt Justin
Published: April 2024

The capacity of roundabout entries and exits can be significantly influenced by crossing pedestrians. To analyze this effect, an extensive microscopic simulation calibrated with empirical findings from field measurements at five single-lane roundabouts in Germany was conducted. The results revealed that the entry capacity adjustment factors used in the U.S. Highway Capacity Manual and the German Highway Capacity Manual do not sufficiently account for the capacity reduction resulting from crossing pedestrians. The results confirmed neither the convex shape of the adjustment factor functions nor the total extent of the capacity reduction. Thus, a new model was derived using gap acceptance theory. The new model accurately estimated the capacity reduction from conflicting pedestrians. The model used the entry capacity function as an input parameter and is therefore applicable for any type of roundabout. Furthermore, local boundary conditions like the blockage time of a single pedestrian, the grouping of pedestrians, and yielding behavior were considered as individual input parameters and could be modified by field measurements if needed. For all parameters, reasonable defaults were given. The new model has been derived in a way that it can be directly incorporated into existing quality-of-service assessment procedures to determine appropriate entry capacity adjustment factors. Moreover, the model could be extended to consider crossing bicycles simultaneously and is also valid for calculating the influence on the exit capacity.
Recycling solar-grade silicon from end-of-life photovoltaic modules by Al–Si solvent refining
Authors: Li Yanlei , Tuo Yiheng , Zhang Debao , Lu Xiaoman , Han Huili , Liu Lindong
Published: April 2024

The development of the solar market has been fast in the past decades, and the number of photovoltaic module installations is large. The photovoltaic modules have a lifetime of about 25 years and need recovery after that. The aluminium-back surface field (Al-BSF) module is the first kind of large-scale installed module and will come to its end of life in the next few years. The recycling of silicon material in the Al-BSF module is investigated in this work. The components of the module are separated, and the silicon material in the module is collected and then purified by (aluminium–silicon) Al–Si solvent refining for reuse. It is found that Al–Si solvent refining removed key impurity elements, namely boron and phosphorus, in the collected silicon. Kinetics has a great effect on boron and phosphorus removal, and boron and phosphorus contents in purified silicon decrease with decreasing cooling rate. The boron and phosphorus contents in silicon are lowered to 0.28 and 0.03 ppmw, respectively, after two times of Al–Si solvent refining with the cooling rate of 5.55 * 10−4 K second−1, and it meets the requirement of solar-grade silicon.
Biocompatibility of insulin-PLA stereocomplex
Authors: Shapira-Furman Tovi , Nyska Abraham , Domb Abraham J
Published: April 2024

Biocompatibility is essential for drug delivery systems to ensure safety. Poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and its copolymers with glycolic acid and caprolactone, are known as safe biodegradable implants and carriers of drugs in clinical use. These polymers have been clinically used for the delivery of peptides, such as: LHRH, somatostatin and growth hormone. While the safety of PLA has been confirmed, the biocompatibility of PLA- based stereocomplexes with peptides has not been investigated. Stereocomplex is a complex formed by two molecules with opposite enantiomeric configuration. D-PLA consists of a chiral monomer thus can adopts a three dimensional structure which is a mirror image of a helix structure, therefore, complexes with insulin into a stereocomplex. In previous reports we demonstrated the formation of such stereocomplex. This study presents the safety evolution of a stereocomplex composed of the water soluble diblock copolymer of D-polylactic acid-co-polyetheylene glycol (DPLA-PEG) and Insulin, following subcutaneous administration of 17 mg sterecomoplex/mouse to Akita−/+ins2 mice. The mice were monitored for blood glucose levels and weight along the experiment, while growth necropsy and histopathology examination were done post sacrificing. Results demonstrated normal body weight gain with no pathological finding of an internal organ and no inflammatory signs at the injection site except of minimal macrophages, after 16 weeks following polymer administration. Hence, Stereocomplex of D-PLA-PEG/insulin is considered biocompatible with no adversity.
Exercise perceptions and practices of people receiving peritoneal dialysis: An international cross-sectional survey
Authors: MacRae Jennifer M , Tam Trinity A , Harrison Tyrone , Harasemiw Oksana , Bohm Clara , Bennett Paul N , Verdin Nancy , Scholes-Robertson Nicki , Warren Madeleine , Thompson Stephanie
Published: April 2024

Background:

Low physical activity and functional impairment are prevalent and unaddressed in people receiving peritoneal dialysis (PD). Exercise has been shown to improve physical function and mental health for people with kidney disease.

Methods:

Cross-sectional descriptive survey aimed at identifying the exercise and physical activity perceptions and practice patterns of people receiving PD. The survey was developed and pretested with persons living with kidney disease, PD clinicians and exercise specialists.

Results:

There were 108 respondents (people receiving PD) with the majority from Canada (68%) and the United Kingdom (25%). Seventy-one per cent were engaged in physical activity two or more times per week. Most (91.8%) believed that physical activity is beneficial, and 61.7% reported healthcare provider discussion about physical activity. Perceptions regarding weightlifting restrictions varied: 76% were told not to lift weight with a maximum amount ranging from 2 kg to 45 kg. Few (28%) were instructed to drain PD fluid prior to physical activity. Mixed advice regarding swimming ability was common (44% were told they could swim and 44% were told they should not).

Conclusions:

Knowledge gaps suggest that education for both healthcare providers and patients is needed regarding the practice of exercise for people living with PD. Common areas of confusion include the maximum weight a person should lift, whether exercise was safe with or without intrabdominal PD fluid in situ and whether swimming is allowed. Further research is needed to provide patients with evidence-based recommendations rather than defaulting to restricting activity.
The Motion-Silencing Illusion Depends on Object-Centered Representation
Authors: Wu Qihan , Flombaum Jonathan I.
Published: April 2024

Motion silencing is a striking and unexplained visual illusion wherein changes that are otherwise salient become difficult to perceive when the changing elements also move. We develop a new method for quantifying illusion strength (Experiments 1a and 1b), and we demonstrate a privileged role for rotational motion on illusion strength compared with highly controlled stimuli that lack rotation (Experiments 2a to 3b). These contrasts make it difficult to explain the illusion in terms of lower-level detection limits. Instead, we explain the illusion as a failure to attribute changes to locations. Rotation exacerbates the illusion because its perception relies upon structured object representations. This aggravates the difficulty of attributing changes by demanding that locations are referenced relative to both an object-internal frame and an external frame. Two final experiments (4a and 4b) add support to this account by employing a synchronously rotating external frame of reference that diminishes otherwise strong motion silencing. All participants were Johns Hopkins University undergraduates.
Observer-based finite-time H∞ control for discrete-time singular Markovian jump systems with asynchronous modes
Authors: Zhao Yixu , Wei Yunliang , Qi Wenhai , Wang Fei
Published: April 2024

The asynchronous observer-based finite-time [Formula: see text] control problem for discrete-time singular Markovian jump systems with time-varying delays is studied, where the asynchronism of the controller and observer with respect to the original system is fully taken into consideration. By the use of finite-time analysis theory and the construction of suitable Lyapunov-Krasovskii functionals, sufficient conditions to determine the closed-loop error system is singular stochastic finite-time boundedness are given with [Formula: see text] performance level. Then, by applying linear matrix inequalities, the desired observer parameters and controller parameters can be computed. Finally, the effectiveness of our proposed method is confirmed by simulation.
Forced Marriage in Australia: Building a Social Response with Frontline Workers
Authors: Nelson Jacqueline , Burn Jennifer
Published: April 2024

The practice of forced marriage has been the subject of focussed attention over the past 15 years in Australia. The policy approach has largely centred on criminal law responses. In this paper we turn to the social safety net, supports available for those experiencing pressure to marry or in a forced marriage, and their families. We report on eight focus groups with 56 participants working in key frontline roles, drawing on their perspectives to advance our understanding of key features of the social response. We identify four key features: the first is relational; frontline workers observe that an effective social response is contingent on trusting, client-led relationships. Secondly, appropriate framing and considered language is highlighted as critical. The third and fourth features are structural considerations within a social response: Australia's migration and asylum-seeking system and the resourcing of relevant social services.
Patterns of Physical Activity and its Association with Gender and Academic Year Among Undergraduate Medical Students
Authors: Nishanthi Anandabaskar , Agilan Packirisamy , Vimal Mourouguessine , Shanthi Manickam
Published: April 2024

Aim

This study aimed to determine the patterns of physical activity (PA) and its association with gender and academic year among undergraduate medical students of a tertiary care hospital in South India.

Materials and Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted among undergraduate medical students from August to October 2022 at a tertiary care teaching hospital in South India. PA was determined using the self-administered long form of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software.

Results

A total of 223 students aged 18 to 25 years completed the questionnaire, with the majority being females (59.2%). Their median total PA (metabolic equivalent [MET] minutes/week) was 1320, with 2073 and 771 MET minutes/week among male and female students, respectively. Fourth-year students were the most physically active, with higher energy expenditure per week, followed by second-year, third-year, and first-year students ( p = 0.007). Out of the total 223 students, 141 (63.2%), 62 (27.8%), and 20 (9%) students belonged to low, moderate, and high PA levels, respectively. There was a greater proportion of students with low PA among females (70.5%) compared to male (52.7%) participants ( p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Most undergraduate medical students had a low level of PA, especially females and students in the first academic year. To increase the PA levels among medical students, curricular reforms by incorporating sports/exercise training, and ensuring the availability of adequate facilities and trainers for sports in every college/university is warranted. Future research focusing on the exploration of barriers to PA and designing innovative strategies to promote PA among medical students is the need of the hour.
Optimal Batch Size and Process Setting in Light-Emitting Diode (LED) Coproduction Processes
Authors: Ghosh Vashkar , Paul Anand , Yang Zhechao , Zhu Lingjiong
Published: April 2024

This paper studies the challenges involved in production planning in coproduction systems, specifically the production of semiconductor chips for light-emitting diodes (LEDs). The production output in this industry is characterized by a stochastic distribution over the targeted production metric; thus the whole range of production is not suitable for a specific application. We formulate a novel stochastic profit optimization problem with random production output and random demand—based on information gleaned from interactions with a large integrated LED manufacturer—and determine the optimal production parameter setting and the batch size analytically; we solve the problem exactly in the special case of a single customer specification, and approximately in the case of an arbitrary number of customer specifications. We find that the optimal production setting depends on the sharpness of the density function governing the production output distribution and the range of parameter settings that are acceptable to customers. We show analytically that even under perfectly symmetric conditions, the optimal production setting is not necessarily symmetrically located with respect to the output range. We complement our analytical results with a Monte Carlo simulation of an augmented model with service level constraints. Our simulation results show that the approximate model that we develop serves as an excellent proxy for the intractable exact model, and illustrates the interplay between production output randomness, demand randomness, service levels, and production yield.
Glioblastoma, IDH-Wildtype With Epithelioid Morphology and a BCR::NTRK2 Fusion
Authors: Umeres-Francia Gianfranco E. , Arias-Stella Javier A. , Manoukian Saro , Arvanitis Leonidas
Published: April 2024

Glioblastoma, IDH-wildtype (GBM) is a high-grade astrocytic glioma that accounts for the majority of malignant brain tumors in adults. Within this entity, epithelioid GBM represents a histological subtype characterized by a loosely cohesive aggregate of large cells with abundant cytoplasm, and vesicular nuclei that usually harbors the BRAF V600E mutation. Molecular alterations in GBMs are frequent and play an important role in the diagnosis of this entity. Among the many genetic alterations reported, NTRK fusions are rare and account for <2% of gliomas. Furthermore, NTRK2 fusions are most seen in pediatric populations. Recent approval of the TRK inhibitor larotrectinib by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has brought interest in the study and recognition of NTRK fusions in multiple types of tumors. Trials that assess the response to this drug in cancers carrying NTRK fusions have yielded favorable results. We discuss a rare presentation of an adult-type GBM with epithelioid morphology and a BCR::NTRK2 gene fusion.
Critical Inquiry in (and About) Media Environments: Examining an Asset-Based Digital Literacy Curriculum
Authors: Nash Brady
Published: April 2024

Scholars have long recognized that reading in digital spaces requires unique skills, strategies, and competencies in comparison to those needed for reading printed text. In recent years, the ubiquity of social media and algorithmically targeted content has radically changed the nature of online reading and meaning making. Technological changes have occurred simultaneously with radically altered sociocultural and sociopolitical contexts. To account for an altered technological and sociocultural landscape, new approaches to teaching digital reading and critical media literacy are needed. Addressing these concerns, this case study detailed a digital reading curriculum designed to be responsive to both the contemporary digital media environment and to students’ out-of-school digital literacy practices and contexts. The curriculum was collaboratively designed by five middle-school language arts teachers who participated in a semester-long professional learning group focused on digital reading. Drawing upon sociocultural, asset-based, and culturally relevant philosophies of education, these five teachers designed a unique digital reading curriculum. This study examined the nature of this curriculum. The findings detailed four aspects of the teachers’ unit: (1) digital reading instruction situated within students’ literate lives; (2) critical instruction regarding systemic features of the internet such as algorithms and clickbait; (3) lessons in which students interrogate socially situated meaning making; and (4) lessons focused on the role of emotions while reading online. The findings have implications for future digital reading and media literacy curricula intended to be responsive to students’ funds of knowledge, ever-changing literacy technologies, and new, emergent ways of reading and practicing literacy on the internet.
The Year in Review: Anesthesia for Congenital Heart Disease 2023
Authors: Wadle Michael , Landsem Leah , Latham Gregory , Ross Faith
Published: April 2024

This review highlights published literature in 2023 that is related to the anesthetic management of patients with congenital heart disease (CHD). Though not inclusive of all topics, 31 articles are discussed and four primary themes emerged: transfusion and hemostasis, outcomes and risk assessment, monitoring, and pharmacology.
Risk of depression and anxiety in multiple sclerosis and neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder: A nationwide cohort study in South Korea
Authors: Kwon Soonwook , Han Kyung-Do , Jung Jin Hyung , Cho Eun Bin , Chung Yeon Hak , Park Junhee , Choi Hea Lim , Jeon Hong Jin , Shin Dong Wook , Min Ju-Hong
Published: April 2024

Background:

We investigated the risks of depression/anxiety in patients with multiple sclerosis (pwMS) or patients with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (pwNMOSD).

Objectives:

MS/NMOSD cohorts were collected from Korean National Health Insurance Service, using the International Classification of Diseases-10th and information on Rare Intractable Disease program. Patients who were younger than 20 years, had a previous depression/anxiety, or died in the index year were excluded.

Methods:

Hazard ratios (HRs) of depression/anxiety in pwMS and pwNMOSD from controls matched 1:5 for age, sex, hypertension, diabetes, and dyslipidemia were calculated using Cox regressions with a 1-year lag period and estimated over time.

Results:

During a mean follow-up of 4.1 years, adjusted hazard ratios (aHR) for depression were 3.25 (95% confidence interval (CI) = 2.59–4.07) in MS and 2.17 (1.70–2.76) in NMOSD, and aHRs for anxiety were 1.83 (1.49–2.23) in MS and 1.56 (1.26–1.91) in NMOSD. The risks of anxiety/depression did not differ between MS and NMOSD and were highest in the second year after diagnosis of MS/NMOSD. The relative risk of depression was higher in younger pwMS/pwNMOSD, and the relative risk of anxiety was higher in pwMS who was male, had low income, or lived in a non-urban area.

Conclusion:

The risk of depression and anxiety was increased in pwMS/pwNMOSD.
Understanding and mitigating negative affect in preventive health behaviors: Evidence from the COVID-19 vaccination process
Authors: Fan Qianqian , Hu Wanying , Han Xinxin , Henderson Stacey Lee , Geng Yaoguo
Published: April 2024

The study investigated the willingness for vaccine uptake during the COVID-19 pandemic (April–June 2021), and explored the effect of both mindfulness and health education in managing negative affect post-vaccination. In study 1, a sample of 468 Chinese college students completed a one-time survey, assessing loneliness, stress, medical fear, and vaccination likelihood. Results showed that medical fear mediated the relationship between loneliness, stress and vaccination likelihood. In study 2, 70 college students were randomly assigned to one of three intervention conditions (mindfulness, health education, and control) during vaccination. Participants in mindfulness group showed lower negative affect scores than the control group post-intervention ( p = 0.019). However, no significant difference was reported between health education with the other two conditions. As such, medical fear would be an important factor to target for improving the likelihood of vaccine uptake. Furthermore, a short mindfulness intervention was effective to improve experience of vaccination through mitigating negative affect.
Deepfakes and the promise of algorithmic detectability
Authors: Jacobsen Benjamin N
Published: April 2024

Deepfakes, as a sociocultural and technical phenomenon, have engendered two distinct yet intimately interwoven set of responses: on one hand, they have created widespread anxieties concerning the potential and harmful impact of deepfakes. On the other hand, they have also given rise to a new regime of detection: tools, models, and methods that are developed and used to detect whether something is a deepfake or not. However, the ways in which machine learning algorithms are being framed as the solution to the problem of deepfake detection have not received sufficient critical attention. Drawing on the 2019 Deepfake Detection Challenge organised by Meta as well as finding resonances in the work of Eyal Weizman, this article seeks to problematise and unsettle what I call the promise of algorithmic detectability. That is, the claim that machine learning algorithms render the issue of deepfake detection knowable, tractable, and resolvable. Examining the themes of training data, thresholds, and certainty, I emphasise the inherent difficulties, intractabilities and contingencies of deepfake detection models. Ultimately, I argue that the promise of algorithmic detectability falls short and that the ethico-politics of deepfakes cannot be reduced solely to a framework of detection algorithms.
Opposition-based manta ray foraging algorithm for global optimization and its application to optimize nonlinear type-2 fuzzy logic control
Authors: Abdul Razak Ahmad Azwan , Nasir Ahmad Nor Kasruddin , Abdul Ghani Nor Maniha , Tokhi Mohammad Osman
Published: April 2024

Interval Type-2 Fuzzy Logic Control (IT2FLC) possesses a high control ability in a way that it can optimally handle the presence of uncertainty in a system dynamic. However, the design of such a control scheme is a challenging task due to its complex structure and nonlinear behavior. A Manta Ray Foraging Optimization (MRFO) is a promising algorithm that can be applied to optimize the control design. However, MRFO still suffers the local optima problem due to unbalance exploration-exploitation of the MRFO agents and hence limiting the performance of the desired control. In this paper, Standard, Quasi, Super, and Quasi-Reflected opposition strategies are integrated into the MRFO structure. Each strategy enhances the exploration-exploitation capability and offers different approaches of varying agent’s step size relative to the algorithm’s iteration. The proposed opposition-based MRFO (OMRFO) algorithms are applied to optimize the IT2FLC control design for a laboratory-scaled inverted pendulum system. Moreover, as the algorithms are also promising strategies to other problems, they are applied to solve 50D of 30 IEEE CEC14 benchmark functions representing problems with different features. Performance analysis of the algorithms is statistically conducted using Wilcoxon sign rank and Friedman tests. The result shows that the performance of MRFO and Quasi-Reflected-OMRFO are equal, while all other OMRFO variants show a significant improvement and better rank over the MRFO. The Super and Quasi OMRFO-IT2FLC schemes acquired the best responses for the cart and pendulum, respectively.
Re-examining the Relation Between Social Validity and Treatment Integrity in Ci3T Models
Authors: Pelton Katie Scarlett Lane , Lane Kathleen Lynne , Oakes Wendy Peia , Buckman Mark Matthew , Lane Nathan Allen , Allen Grant E. , McCoach D. Betsy , Royer David James , Common Eric Alan
Published: April 2024

Educators across the United States have designed and implemented Comprehensive, Integrated, Three-tiered (Ci3T) models to meet K–12 students’ academic, behavioral, and social and emotional well-being needs. As part of implementation efforts, educators collect and use social validity and treatment integrity data to capture faculty and staff views of the plan’s goals, procedures, and outcomes and the degree to which the plan is implemented as designed (e.g., procedures for teaching, reinforcing, and monitoring). In this study, we re-examined the relation between social validity and treatment integrity utilizing hierarchical linear modeling with extant data from a research partnership across 27 schools in five midwestern districts. Findings suggested an educator’s fall and spring social validity score on the Primary Intervention Rating Scale (PIRS) predicted their treatment integrity scores on the Ci3T Treatment Integrity: Teacher Self-Report (CI3T TI: TSR) in the same timepoint. Schoolwide average fall PIRS scores also statistically significantly predicted spring Ci3T TI: TSR scores. Results suggested schoolwide context is important for sustained implementation of Tier 1 procedures during the first year. Findings demonstrate the complex nature of implementing a schoolwide plan, involving each individual’s behavior while also relying on others to facilitate implementation. We discuss limitations and future directions.
Probing Effect of 6 MeV Electron Beam Irradiation on Haemoglobin Protein Using Spectroscopic Techniques
Authors: Hinge Sarika , Dhole Sanjay , Banpurkar Arun , Kulkarni Gauri
Published: April 2024

In this work, we study the effect of 6 MeV electron beam irradiation on the physicochemical properties of lyophilized Human Haemoglobin A (HbA). Electron beams generated from Race Track Microtron accelerator with energy 6 MeV were used to irradiate HbA at fluences of 5 × 1014e−/cm2and 10 × 1014e−/cm2. Pristine and electron beam irradiated HbA were characterized using UV-visible and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) spectroscopy. The interfacial tension of the aqueous solutions of HbA are also analysed by pendant drop method. Absorbance intensity, % transmittance and interfacial tension decrease with fluence. The peak position of the Soret band (λsoret= 404 nm) remains unaffected by the fluences. FTIR spectroscopy confirms the changes in the secondary structure of the haemoglobin. In the amide band I, the percentage of α-helix reduced from 8% to 1%, and an increase in β-sheet (19% to 29%) and β helix (6.3% to 15%) is observed. Interfacial tension decreases from 46.0 mN/m and 44.0 mN/m with increase in irradiation dose. These finding provides realistic guideline for biological cells exposure to electron beam radiation doses.
Numerical simulation and experimental study on seafloor sampling of an anchor-type mud collector based on SPH-FEM coupling method
Authors: Zhang Jiaqi , Xue Bin , Liang Jun , Guo Yuanming , Li Tiejun , Li Detang , Xie Yonghe , Wang Jun , Hong Yongqiang
Published: April 2024

Marine sediments are important for research in scientific fields such as marine geology, environmental testing of waters, marine biology and seabed resource exploration. Among them, mud miner is an important way to obtain sediments. However, due to the complexity of the marine environment, the seabed sampling operation is a relatively difficult and complicated project. The structural design of the sampler, the operation mode, and the interaction between the sampler and the sediment affect the sampling effect, which leads to the low efficiency of the sampler operation. In order to investigate the main factors affecting the drag force of the sampler during seafloor sampling, this paper takes a simple and portable anchor-type mud collector surface sediment sampler as a study. This paper introduces the mechanical structure and working principle of an anchor-type mud collector, establishes a mechanical model of the mud collector seafloor sampling process and derives the main factors affecting the dragging force: internal friction angle; the horizontal angle of the bi-directional shaft rod; undercut angle [Formula: see text] of bottom cover and dragging speed. A FEM-SPH method based on the coupling of the finite element method (FEM) and the smooth particle hydrodynamics method (SPH) was proposed to simulate the dynamic process of mud collector subsea sampling, and the mechanical data of fine sand and clay were obtained through land-based experiments. Based on the comparison between experimental data and numerical simulation data, the simulation validity of the FEM-SPH method was verified. The results show that the drag force of the clay was greater than that of the fine sand in the experiment of cutting the lower cover of the mud collector into the fine sand and clay, the internal friction angle of the clay is greater than that of the fine sand; with the increase in horizontal inclination angle and the decrease in undercut angle, the dragging force gradually increased; The dragging speed ranged from 0.2 to 0.6 m/s, with an increase in the mass of clay and fine sand collected with increasing speed, resulting in a gradual increase in dragging force. This paper provides a new method to study the force of the mud collector, provides a theoretical method to reduce the intensity and difficulty of manual work in the sampling process and increase the efficiency of sampling.