bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Genetic testing and management of prostate cancer patients with pathogenic germline variants
Authors: Reiter Katharina , Hassler Melanie R. 
Published: November 2023

SummaryProstate cancer (PCa) is an androgen-receptor signaling-dependent disease with a subset of patients harboring pathogenic germline variants (PGVs) in genes essential for DNA repair. In the last decade, several guidelines and recommendations have been developed to define which PCa patients should receive genetic testing to identify individuals at higher risk due to inherited alterations and to facilitate personalized treatment strategies. Notably, the presence of specific germline alterations in carriers undergoing PCa screening has implications for screening strategies, and PGV carriers with advanced disease are eligible to receive targeted therapies such as poly-ADP-ribose polymerase inhibitors (PARPi) or immune checkpoint inhibitors (CKI) depending on the alterations encountered. Although less information is available on carriers with localized disease, several trials are addressing this specific patient population and will help to collect data and improve clinical management of PCa patients with PGVs.
Mapping crop yield spatial variability using Sentinel-2 vegetation indices in Ethiopia
Authors: Tiruneh Gizachew Ayalew , Meshesha Derege Tsegaye , Adgo Enyew , Tsunekawa Atsushi , Haregeweyn Nigussie , Fenta Ayele Almaw , Alemayehu Tiringo Yilak , Mulualem Temesgen , Fekadu Genetu , Demissie Simeneh , Reichert José Miguel 
Published: November 2023

AbstractCrop yield prediction before harvest is a key issue in managing agricultural policies and making the best decisions for the future. Using remote sensing techniques in yield estimation studies is one of the important steps for many countries to reach their agricultural targets. However, crop yield estimates rely on labor-intensive surveys in Ethiopia. To solve this, we used Sentinel-2, crop canopy analyzer, and ground-truthing data to estimate grain yield (GY) and aboveground biomass (AGB) of two major crops, teff and finger millet, in 2020 and 2021 in Ethiopia’s Aba Gerima catchment. We performed a supervised classification of October Sentinel-2 images at the tillering stage. Among vegetation indices and leaf area index (LAI) used to predict teff and finger millet GY and AGB, the enhanced vegetation index (EVI) and normalized-difference VI (NDVI) provided the best fit to the data. NDVI and EVI most influenced teff AGB (R2 = 0.87; RMSE = 0.50 ton/ha) and GY (R2 = 0.84; RMSE = 0.14 ton/ha), and NDVI most influenced finger millet AGB (R2 = 0.87; RMSE = 0.98 ton/ha) and GY (R2 = 0.87; RMSE = 0.22 ton/ha). We found a close association between GY and AGB and the satellite EVI and NDVI. This demonstrates that satellite images can be employed in yield prediction studies. Our results show that satellite and crop canopy analyzer-based monitoring can facilitate the management of teff and finger millet to achieve high yields and more sustainable food production and environmental quality in the area. The results could be reproducible under similar study catchment conditions and boost crop yield. Extrapolation of the models to other areas requires local validation. To improve crop monitoring for farmers and reduce expenses, we suggest integrating time series Sentinel-2 images along with LAI obtained from crop canopy analyzers collected during the cropping season.
Potentials and prospects of solid biowaste resources for biofuel production in Ethiopia: a systematic review of the evidence
Authors: Seboka Ararsa D. , Ewunie Gebresilassie A. , Morken John , Feng Lu , Adaramola Muyiwa S. 
Published: November 2023

AbstractBiowaste is becoming a significant category in the global energy mix to mitigate the negative impacts of burning fossil fuels. The aim of this review paper was to investigate the potential, conversion mechanisms, benefits, and policy gaps related to the utilization of solid biowaste resources as renewable, clean, and affordable energy sources. Thus, a systematic review approach was employed to undertake a comprehensive analysis of the studies that dealt with solid biowaste resources for energy recovery. This review paper was conducted from November 2022 to June 2023. The relevant literature was searched using databases from scholarly journal publishers, online search engines, and websites. A total of 82 studies were determined to be eligible from 659 records. Ethiopia has a huge potential for biowaste resources, with an annual generation potential of 18,446.4 MJ per year. The multifaceted advantages associated with biowaste-to-energy conversion such as clean energy production, waste management, forest conservation, greenhouse gas emission reduction, and maintaining soil fertility using the digestate left after anaerobic digestion were mentioned. This review highlights various conversion technologies for converting solid biowastes into valuable forms of energy, such as thermochemical, biochemical, and physico-mechanical techniques. It also investigated the value-added products of the Solid Biowastes-to-Energy (SBWtoE) process, including bio-oil, syngas, bioethanol, biodiesel, biomethane, bio-briquettes, and pellets, with applications ranging from transportation to power generation. Furthermore, this review addresses the multifaceted challenges associated with implementing a circular economy, emphasizing the need to overcome policy, technological, financial, and institutional barriers. These efforts are crucial for harnessing the growing biowaste resources in Ethiopia, ultimately promoting sustainable and cost-effective energy production while advancing the nation's environmental objectives.
Cardiovascular Health Priorities in Sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Obonyo Nchafatso G. , Etyang Anthony O. 
Published: November 2023

AbstractThe overall burden of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in Sub-Saharan Africa (sSA) tends to be underestimated. Model predictions, estimating CVDs are responsible for approximately 13% of all deaths and 38% of all non-communicable disease (NCD) deaths in sSA, are based on data mainly from urban areas and primarily hospital-based clinical data. Conservative estimates report NCD account for a total of 2.6 million deaths in sSA. Additionally, upstream determinants of poor health in general such as poverty and level of education extend beyond established and reliable data-capture systems. Majority of these present challenges require multi-sectoral and inter-disciplinary strategies to effectively address. However, the limitations notwithstanding, available estimates show that countries in sSA are facing a double burden of infectious and non-communicable diseases. The infectious disease burden in sSA has previously been high; however, populations in Africa are undergoing both an epidemiological and demographic transition with increased survival from childhood to adulthood. There has also been a rise in modifiable risk factors, such as dietary and sedentary lifestyle, accounting for an increasing prevalence of cardiovascular diseases and other non-communicable diseases. This shift and a rise in cardiovascular morbidity have placed substantial strain on healthcare systems in Sub-Saharan Africa that require to be prioritized right from policy to practice. The recent COVID-19 pandemic with a disproportionately higher incidence of morbidity and mortality among patients with pre-existing risk factors for cardiovascular disease has also highlighted challenges and potential areas of improvement in the delivery of cardiovascular healthcare in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Dynamic Strength Index in Basketball Players: Age and Position Differences, Seasonal Variation and Association with Sprinting and Change of Direction Performance
Authors: Pleša Jernej , Ujaković Filip , Bishop Chris , Kozinc Žiga , Šarabon Nejc 
Published: November 2023

AbstractThe aim of the study was to investigate the differences in bilateral and unilateral dynamic strength index (DSI) between age categories (seniors and juniors), player positions (guards and forwards), its variation during the basketball season, and its association with sprint and change of direction (CoD) performance. Highly trained basketball players (n = 32) performed bilateral and unilateral countermovement jumps (CMJ), bilateral and unilateral isometric squats, 10-m sprint, and 505 CoD test. DSI was calculated from CMJ and isometric peak force, while 10-m sprint and 505 test were used to calculate the CoD deficit. Two-way factorial analysis showed larger isometric peak force in seniors, and larger bilateral DSI in juniors, while guards had higher DSI values and larger peak force in both metrics compared to forwards. Two-way mixed model ANOVA showed a significant increase in unilateral isometric squat and CMJ peak force force (g = –0.08 to –0.64) and increase in bilateral DSI values. Post-hoc analysis showed that isometric squat force significantly increased only in seniors (g = 0.88), resulting in decreased bilateral DSI values (g = 0.52), with bilateral and unilateral DSI values increasing in juniors. Similar trends were observed in guards and forwards, with guards exhibiting a more pronounced increase in all variables compared to forwards. Furthermore, correlation analysis for in-season testing showed moderate associations between isometric squat peak force and CoD ability (r = –0.43 to –0.54; P < 0.001), and weak associations between DSI and CoD ability (r = 0.36 to 0.39; P < 0.05), while associations were not significant for sprint performance. The relationships were lower or absent during pre-season testing. Further interventional studies are needed to determine the usefulness of DSI to guide training related decision-making.
Lessons learned from over a decade of data audits in international observational HIV cohorts in Latin America and East Africa
Authors: Lotspeich Sarah C. , Shepherd Bryan E. , Kariuki Marion Achieng , Wools-Kaloustian Kara , McGowan Catherine C. , Musick Beverly , Semeere Aggrey , Crabtree Ramírez Brenda E. , Mkwashapi Denna M. , Cesar Carina , Ssemakadde Matthew , Machado Daisy Maria , Ngeresa Antony , Ferreira Flávia Faleiro , Lwali Jerome , Marcelin Adias , Cardoso Sandra Wagner , Luque Marco Tulio , Otero Larissa , Cortés Claudia P. , Duda Stephany N. 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Introduction:
Routine patient care data are increasingly used for biomedical research, but such “secondary use” data have known limitations, including their quality. When leveraging routine care data for observational research, developing audit protocols that can maximize informational return and minimize costs is paramount.

Methods:
For more than a decade, the Latin America and East Africa regions of the International epidemiology Databases to Evaluate AIDS (IeDEA) consortium have been auditing the observational data drawn from participating human immunodeficiency virus clinics. Since our earliest audits, where external auditors used paper forms to record audit findings from paper medical records, we have streamlined our protocols to obtain more efficient and informative audits that keep up with advancing technology while reducing travel obligations and associated costs.

Results:
We present five key lessons learned from conducting data audits of secondary-use data from resource-limited settings for more than 10 years and share eight recommendations for other consortia looking to implement data quality initiatives.

Conclusion:
After completing multiple audit cycles in both the Latin America and East Africa regions of the IeDEA consortium, we have established a rich reference for data quality in our cohorts, as well as large, audited analytical datasets that can be used to answer important clinical questions with confidence. By sharing our audit processes and how they have been adapted over time, we hope that others can develop protocols informed by our lessons learned from more than a decade of experience in these large, diverse cohorts.
Double Schubert polynomials do have saturated Newton polytopes
Authors: Castillo Federico , Cid-Ruiz Yairon , Mohammadi Fatemeh , Montaño Jonathan 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
We prove that double Schubert polynomials have the saturated Newton polytope property. This settles a conjecture by Monical, Tokcan and Yong. Our ideas are motivated by the theory of multidegrees. We introduce a notion of standardization of ideals that enables us to study nonstandard multigradings. This allows us to show that the support of the multidegree polynomial of each Cohen–Macaulay prime ideal in a nonstandard multigrading, and in particular, that of each Schubert determinantal ideal is a discrete polymatroid.
Between Global History and Microhistory: Rethinking Histories of “Small Spaces” and Cities
Authors: Garg Gaurav C. 
Published: November 2023

AbstractHow can historians of “small spaces” and cities focus on local events and issues and at the same time carry on conversations with peers in a disciplinary mode marked by the spatial expansiveness of global history, on one hand, and a focus on objects and individuals of microhistory on the other? At stake here are key questions connected with the intellectual value of place-based knowledge and detailed single-site historical case studies. I argue that as long as we are caught between the positivist idea that causal regularity and time-place independence of explanatory mechanisms are the hallmark of theory, and the postmodernist resistance to generalizations, histories of cities and other small spaces will suffer from “defanged empiricism.” This problem is particularly debilitating for non-global histories of small spaces and cities of the global South, which often “do not travel well.” Is there a way out? I argue that a critical engagement with the stratified ontologies of critical realism— in particular, a version that I call “soft critical realism”—and Charles Tilly’s “deep order” can enable historians of small spaces and cities to re-situate their research at the heart and center of social theory, and simultaneously strike a better balance between attention to local details, the narrative form, and engagement with larger processes, concepts, and theories. Finally, I concretize the discussion by offering the example of how my own research on late colonial and early postcolonial Calcutta has benefitted from this approach.
Pulmonary valve replacement in tetralogy of Fallot – who and how?
Authors: Costa Catarina M. , Cruz Cristina , Pinho Teresa , Torres Sofia , Silva João C. , Madureira José A. , Salgueiro Elson , Casanova Jorge , Pinho Paulo , Macedo Filipe 
Published: November 2023

AbstractBackground and Aim:Pulmonary regurgitation is the most common complication in repaired tetralogy of Fallot patients. Severe chronic pulmonary regurgitation can be tolerated for decades, but if not treated, it can progress to symptomatic, irreversible right ventricular dilatation and dysfunction. We investigated clinical associations with pulmonary valve replacement among patients with significative pulmonary regurgitation and how interventional developments can change their management.Methods:All adult patients with repaired tetralogy of Fallot who were followed at an adult CHD Clinic at a single centre from 1980 to 2022 were included on their first outpatient visit. Follow-up was estimated from the time of correction surgery until one of the following events occurred first: pulmonary valve replacement, death, loss to follow-up or conclusion of the study.Results:We included 221 patients (116 males) with a median age of 19 (18–25). At a median age of 33 (10) years old, 114 (51%) patients presented significant pulmonary regurgitation. Among patients with significant pulmonary regurgitation, pulmonary valve replacement was associated with male gender, older age at surgical repair, and longer QRS duration in adulthood. Pulmonary valve replacement was performed in 50 patients, including four transcatheter pulmonary valve implantations, at a median age of 34 (14) years.Conclusion:Pulmonary regurgitation affects a large percentage of tetralogy of Fallot adult patients, requiring a long-term clinical and imaging follow-up. Sex, age at surgical repair and longer QRS are associated with the need of PVR among patients with significative pulmonary regurgitation. Clinical practice and current literature support TPVI as the future gold standard intervention.
Global economic freedom during the second year of the pandemic
Authors: Miozzi Vincent J. , Powell Benjamin 
Published: November 2023

AbstractThis note updates a measure oflockdown regulatory freedomfor 2021 and then uses it to adjust countries' 2021 economic freedom scores to account for pandemic regulations that impact economic freedom but otherwise would go unmeasured. We directly follow Miozzi and Powell's (2023a,Journal of Institutional Economics19(2), 229–250) methods to measure lockdown regulations and adjust 2020 economic freedom scores. Thus, when paired with those findings we provide a data set that consistently measures coronavirus disease 2019 regulations and economic freedom over the course of the pandemic that can be used in other research. We find thatlockdown regulatory freedomincreased as countries scaled back pandemic regulations, while other areas of economic freedom continued declining. We also find that adjusting forlockdown regulatory freedomcontinues to significantly impact countries' relative ranking in economic freedom.
It's Not Easy Being Green: Kinetic Modeling of the Emission Spectrum Observed in STEVE's Picket Fence
Authors: Gasque L. Claire , Janalizadeh Reza , Harding Brian J. , Yonker Justin D. , Gillies D. Megan 
Published: November 2023

AbstractRecent studies suggest that, despite its aurora‐like appearance, the picket fence may not be driven by magnetospheric particle precipitation but instead by local electric fields parallel to Earth's magnetic field. Here, we evaluate the parallel electric fields hypothesis by quantitatively comparing picket fence spectra with the emissions generated in a kinetic model driven by local parallel electric fields energizing ambient electrons in a realistic neutral atmosphere. We find that, at a typical picket fence altitude of 110 km, parallel electric fields between 40 and 70 Td (∼80–150 mV/m at 110 km) energize ambient electrons sufficiently so that, when they collide with neutrals, they reproduce the observed ratio of N2 first positive to atomic oxygen green line emissions, without producing first negative emissions. These findings establish a quantitative connection between ionospheric electrodynamics and observable picket fence emissions, offering verifiable targets for future models and experiments.
Inhibition of LSD1 induces ferroptosis through the ATF4-xCT pathway and shows enhanced anti-tumor effects with ferroptosis inducers in NSCLC
Authors: Du Linna , Yang Han , Ren Yufei , Ding Yanli , Xu Yichao , Zi Xiaolin , Liu Hongmin , He Pengxing 
Published: November 2023

AbstractLysine-specific demethylase 1 (LSD1) has been identified as an important epigenetic target, and recent advances in lung cancer therapy have highlighted the importance of targeting ferroptosis. However, the precise mechanisms by which LSD1 regulates ferroptosis remain elusive. In this study, we report that the inhibition of LSD1 induces ferroptosis by enhancing lipid peroxidation and reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation. Mechanistically, LSD1 inhibition downregulates the expression of activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4) through epigenetic modification of histone H3 lysine 9 dimethyl (H3K9me2), which sequentially inhibits the expression of the cystine–glutamate antiporter (xCT) and decreases glutathione (GSH) production. Furthermore, LSD1 inhibition transcriptionally upregulates the expression of transferrin receptor (TFRC) and acyl-CoA synthetase long chain family member 4 (ACSL4) by enhancing the binding of histone H3 lysine 4 dimethyl (H3K4me2) to their promoter sequences. Importantly, the combination of an LSD1 inhibitor and a ferroptosis inducer demonstrates an enhanced anti-tumor effect in a xenograft model of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), surpassing the efficacy of either agent alone. These findings reveal new insights into the mechanisms by which LSD1 inhibition induces ferroptosis, offering potential guidance for the development of new strategies in the treatment of NSCLC.
Deep learning at the edge enables real-time streaming ptychographic imaging
Authors: Babu Anakha V. , Zhou Tao , Kandel Saugat , Bicer Tekin , Liu Zhengchun , Judge William , Ching Daniel J. , Jiang Yi , Veseli Sinisa , Henke Steven , Chard Ryan , Yao Yudong , Sirazitdinova Ekaterina , Gupta Geetika , Holt Martin V. , Foster Ian T. , Miceli Antonino , Cherukara Mathew J. 
Published: November 2023

AbstractCoherent imaging techniques provide an unparalleled multi-scale view of materials across scientific and technological fields, from structural materials to quantum devices, from integrated circuits to biological cells. Driven by the construction of brighter sources and high-rate detectors, coherent imaging methods like ptychography are poised to revolutionize nanoscale materials characterization. However, these advancements are accompanied by significant increase in data and compute needs, which precludes real-time imaging, feedback and decision-making capabilities with conventional approaches. Here, we demonstrate a workflow that leverages artificial intelligence at the edge and high-performance computing to enable real-time inversion on X-ray ptychography data streamed directly from a detector at up to 2 kHz. The proposed AI-enabled workflow eliminates the oversampling constraints, allowing low-dose imaging using orders of magnitude less data than required by traditional methods.
Specific heterozygous variants in MGP lead to endoplasmic reticulum stress and cause spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia
Authors: Gourgas Ophélie , Lemire Gabrielle , Eaton Alison J. , Alshahrani Sultanah , Duker Angela L. , Li Jingjing , Carroll Ricki S. , Mackenzie Stuart , Nikkel Sarah M. ,   Care4Rare Canada Consortium, Bober Michael B. , Boycott Kym M. , Murshed Monzur 
Published: November 2023

AbstractMatrix Gla protein (MGP) is a vitamin K-dependent post-translationally modified protein, highly expressed in vascular and cartilaginous tissues. It is a potent inhibitor of extracellular matrix mineralization. Biallelic loss-of-function variants in the MGP gene cause Keutel syndrome, an autosomal recessive disorder characterized by widespread calcification of various cartilaginous tissues and skeletal and vascular anomalies. In this study, we report four individuals from two unrelated families with two heterozygous variants in MGP, both altering the cysteine 19 residue to phenylalanine or tyrosine. These individuals present with a spondyloepiphyseal skeletal dysplasia characterized by short stature with a short trunk, diffuse platyspondyly, midface retrusion, progressive epiphyseal anomalies and brachytelephalangism. We investigated the cellular and molecular effects of one of the heterozygous deleterious variants (C19F) using both cell and genetically modified mouse models. Heterozygous ‘knock-in’ mice expressing C19F MGP recapitulate most of the skeletal anomalies observed in the affected individuals. Our results suggest that the main underlying mechanism leading to the observed skeletal dysplasia is endoplasmic reticulum stress-induced apoptosis of the growth plate chondrocytes. Overall, our findings support that heterozygous variants in MGP altering the Cys19 residue cause autosomal dominant spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia, a condition distinct from Keutel syndrome both clinically and molecularly.