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Equity crowdfunding campaign overfunding occurs when a campaign generates funds in excess of the funding goal and has hence been touted as the mark of an extraordinarily successful campaign. However, a novel theoretical lens is needed to comprehend funders' enthusiasm in their support of such campaigns. Building on the extant literature on contagion effect, we constructed a research model that posits confidence contagion invoked by confidence cues embedded in campaign materials as a key driver of overfunding. Our hypotheses were validated in two complementary empirical studies. In Study 1, we manipulated confidence cues in a controlled experiment to verify the activation of confidence contagion at the individual level. Analytical results indicate that individual funders detect self-confidence traits from confidence cues embedded in campaign materials and assimilate the fundraiser's confidence via a spontaneous social appraisal mechanism. In turn, confidence contagion drives funders to congregate and invest in campaigns. In Study 2, we analyzed a secondary dataset collected from a leading equity crowdfunding platform to discern how confidence contagion drives overfunding at the collective level. By modeling funding activities as a Hawkes process, we derived three key metrics that govern the emergence and magnitude of funding surges. We demonstrated that these metrics of funding surges mediate the impact of confidence cues on the level of overfunding for equity crowdfunding campaigns. The findings from this study could inform future research seeking to untangle the interdependencies between individual and collective mechanisms underlying crowd phenomena, provide strategic guidance to fundraisers interested in promoting the overfunding of their campaigns, and help crowdfunding platforms predict the potential extent of overfunding and advise fundraisers accordingly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Disinformation activities that aim to manipulate public opinion pose serious challenges to managing online platforms. One of the most widely used disinformation techniques is bot-assisted fake social engagement, which is used to falsely and quickly amplify the salience of information at scale. Based on agenda-setting theory, we hypothesize that bot-assisted fake social engagement boosts public attention in the manner intended by the manipulator. Leveraging a proven case of bot-assisted fake social engagement operation in a highly trafficked news portal, this study examines the impact of fake social engagement on the digital public's news consumption, search activities, and political sentiment. For that purpose, we used ground-truth labels of the manipulator's bot accounts, as well as real-time clickstream logs generated by ordinary public users. Results show that bot-assisted fake social engagement operations disproportionately increase the digital public's attention to not only the topical domain of the manipulator's interest (i.e., political news) but also to specific attributes of the topic (i.e., political keywords and sentiment) that align with the manipulator's intention. We discuss managerial and policy implications for increasingly cluttered online platforms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper addresses a thus-far neglected dimension in human-artificial intelligence (AI) augmentation: machine-induced reflections. By establishing a grounded theoretical-informed model of machine-induced reflection, we contribute to the ongoing discussion in information systems (IS) regarding AI and research on reflection theories. In our multistage study, physicians used a machine learning-based (ML) clinical decision support system (CDSS) to see if and how this interaction can stimulate reflective practice in the context of an X-ray diagnosis task. By analyzing verbal protocols, performance metrics, and survey data, we developed an integrative theoretical foundation to explain how ML-based systems can help stimulate reflective practice. Individuals engage in more critical or shallower modes depending on whether they perceive a conflict or agreement with these CDSS systems, which in turn leads to different levels of reflection depth. By uncovering the process of machine-induced reflections, we offer IS research a different perspective on how such AI-based systems can help individuals become more reflective, and consequently more effective, professionals. This perspective stands in stark contrast to the traditional, efficiency-focused view of MLbased decision support systems and also enriches theories on human-AI augmentation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most prevalent neurological disorder, predominantly affecting older people. With no existing cure, the early detection of PD, where symptoms are not entirely evident but indicative of the disease's onset, is critical. This study aims to design and develop AI-based diagnostic methods that can detect these early signs of PD with high accuracy, thereby facilitating more effective disease management. This study focuses on developing a method that not only identifies PD at an early stage but also provides clinicians with a tool to interpret the decisions taken by the AI models to avoid misdiagnosis. In this study, a T2-weighted 3D Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) dataset is used to analyze detailed morphological, textural, and structural changes. The MRI scans are pre-processed using brain extraction, image registration, bias correction, normalization, and segmentation processes. Upon segmentation, feature extraction was applied to the segmented subcortical regions using radiomics tools, resulting in the extraction of 107 features. The top 20 features were selected through Pearson's correlation, recursive feature elimination, and a ranking model, which are responsible for the ML model's class prediction. Statistical validation of these features was also performed using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), pairwise t-tests, and Kruskal-Wallis H-tests to ensure that the identified 20 features were dominant for the prediction. Based on the identified features, several Machine Learning (ML) models were used to identify the best classifier for the provided real-world MRI scans. The Gradient Boosting (GB) algorithm achieved better prediction accuracy among the compared models. Incorporating the Synthetic Minority Over-sampling Technique (SMOTE) to address data imbalances significantly improved the model's performance, boosting accuracy to 96.8 % from 87 %. Further, multiple Explainable Artificial Intelligence (XAI) techniques were deployed to enhance the transparency and interpretability of the models. These techniques provide insights into how each identified feature influences predictions by the classifier, assisting clinicians in making trustworthy decisions when planning diagnosis and treatment measures. [Display omitted] • 3D MRI scans were taken from PPMI to detect Prodromal Parkinson's Disease (PD) with limited data. • Explainable AI (XAI) techniques suggest that the GLCM feature was the most dominant and consistent. • Analyzing the insights of the model using XAI, provides transparency of the model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

INTRODUCTION: Alzheimer's disease (AD) remains a debilitating condition with limited treatments and additional therapeutic targets needed. Identifying AD protective genetic loci may identify new targets and accelerate identification of therapeutic treatments. We examined a founder population to identify loci associated with cognitive preservation into advanced age. METHODS: Genome‐wide association and linkage analyses were performed on 946 examined and sampled Amish individuals, aged 76–95, who were either cognitively unimpaired (CU) or impaired (CI). RESULTS: A total of 12 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) demonstrated suggestive association (P ≤ 5 × 10−4) with cognitive preservation. Genetic linkage analyses identified > 100 significant (logarithm of the odds [LOD] ≥ 3.3) SNPs, some which overlapped with the association results. Only one locus on chromosome 2 retained significance across multiple analyses. DISCUSSION: A novel significant result for cognitive preservation on chromosome 2 includes the genes LRRTM4 and CTNNA2. Additionally, the lead SNP, rs1402906, impacts the POU3F2 transcription factor binding affinity, which regulates LRRTM4 and CTNNA2. Highlights: GWAS and linkage identified over 100 loci associated with cognitive preservation.One locus on Chromosome 2 retained significance over multiple analyses.Predicted TFBSs near rs1402906 regulate genes associated with neurocognition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Tissue expansion (TE) is the primary method for breast reconstruction after mastectomy. In many cases, mastectomy patients undergo radiation treatment (XR). Radiation is known to induce skin fibrosis and is one of the main causes for complications during post-mastectomy breast reconstruction. TE, on the other hand, induces a pro-regenerative response that culminates in growth of new skin. However, the combined effect of XR and TE on skin mechanics is unknown. Here we used the porcine model of TE to study the effect of radiation on skin fibrosis through biaxial testing, histological analysis, and kinematic analysis of skin deformation over time. We found that XR leads to stiffening of skin compared to control based on a shift in the transition stretch (transition between a low stiffness and an exponential stress-strain region characteristic of collagenous tissue) and an increase in the high modulus (modulus computed with stress-stretch data past the transition point). The change in transition stretch can be explained by thicker, more aligned collagen fiber bundles measured in histology images. Skin subjected to both XR+TE showed similar microstructure to controls as well as similar biaxial response, suggesting that physiological remodeling of collagen induced by TE partially counteracts pro-fibrotic XR effects. Skin growth was indirectly assessed with a kinematic approach that quantified increase in permanent area changes without reduction in thickness, suggesting production of new tissue driven by TE even in the presence of radiation treatment. Future work will focus on the detailed biological mechanisms by which TE counteracts radiation induced fibrosis. Breast cancer is the most prevalent in women and its treatment often results in total breast removal (mastectomy), followed by reconstruction using tissue expanders. Radiation, which is used in about a third of breast reconstruction cases, can lead to significant complications. The timing of radiation treatment remains controversial. Radiation is known to cause immediate skin damage and long-term fibrosis. Tissue expansion leads to a pro-regenerative response involving collagen remodeling. Here we show that tissue expansion immediately prior to radiation can reduce the level of radiation-induced fibrosis. Thus, we anticipate that this new evidence will open up new avenues of investigation into how the collagen remodeling and pro-regenerative effects of tissue expansion can be leverage to prevent radiation-induced fibrosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Overall, 30–40% patients with acute severe ulcerative colitis [ASUC] fail intravenous [IV] steroids, requiring medical rescue therapy/colectomy. Low baseline albumin predicts steroid non-response, and exclusive enteral nutrition [EEN] has been shown to improve steroid response and albumin levels. Albumin infusion, due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, might further improve steroid response in ASUC, which was evaluated in the present study. Methods In this open-label, randomised, controlled trial, patients with ASUC were randomised in 1:1 ratio to either albumin + standard of care [SOC] + EEN [Albumin arm] or SOC + EEN [SOC arm], over January 2021–February 2023. Both arms received 5 days of EEN with 400 mg IV hydrocortisone/day. Patients in the Albumin arm were administered 5 days of 20% weight/volume [w/v] intravenous albumin [100 ml]. Primary outcome was first, steroid failure [need for rescue medical therapy or colectomy] and second, proportion of patients with adverse events. Results In all, 61 patients [albumin: 30, SOC: 31][mean age 31.6 ± 0.4 years, male 57.4%], were included. Baseline characteristics were comparable. There was no difference in steroid failure between Albumin and SOC arms (10/30 [33.33%] vs 13/31[41.94%], p  = 0.49). No adverse events were reported with albumin infusions. Colectomy rate [10% vs 9.68%, p  = 1], response to salvage medical therapy [88.89% vs 76.92%, p  = 0.62] and median [interquartile range] duration of hospitalisation [10.5 [7-16] vs 10 [7-20], p  = 0.43] were also comparable. The long-term composite outcome of colectomy and re-admission rates was numerically higher in the Albumin than the SOC arm [37.04% vs 17.86%, p  > 0.05], although this did not reach statistical significance. Conclusion There was no benefit of intravenous albumin infusion as an adjunct to IV steroids and EEN in patients with ASUC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a growing concern in healthcare-associated infections and poses significant risk to those with serious underlying health conditions. The antimicrobial resistance traits of the pathogen and ability to form biofilms make effective mitigation and disinfection strategies difficult. Added to this challenge is the role that free-living amoebae such as Acanthamoeba play in the detection, disinfection and transmission of P. aeruginosa. P. aeruginosa can survive intracellularly within amoebae, which has the potential to limit detectability and permit transmission into high-risk areas. We screened for the presence of Acanthamoeba spp. and P. aeruginosa within a functioning general hospital in Scotland using a culture and molecular approach, noting their presence at several sites over a four-month period, particularly within floor drains connecting patient rooms. In addition, microbiome analysis revealed that amoebae harbour a unique microbial community comprised primarily of Pseudomonas spp. that were not readily detected using microbiome sequencing techniques on environmental swabs. Having demonstrated that both organisms were consistently present in hospital settings, we investigated the relationship between acanthamoeba and P. aeruginosa in the laboratory , showing that (i) acanthamoeba growth rate is increased in the presence of pseudomonas biofilms and viable pseudomonas persist within the amoebae and (ii) hydrogen peroxide-based disinfectants are significantly less effective against an isolate of P. aeruginosa in the presence of acanthamoeba than when the bacteria are incubated alone. These findings suggest that amoebae, and other protists, can influence the detection and persistence of P. aeruginosa in high-risk areas and should be considered when implementing mitigation strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] The discriminatory and racist policy of historical redlining in the United States during the 1930s played a role in perpetuating contemporary environmental health disparities. Our objectives were to determine associations between home and school pollutant exposure (fine particulate matter [PM 2.5 ], NO 2) and respiratory outcomes (Composite Asthma Severity Index, lung function) among school-aged children with asthma and examine whether associations differed between children who resided and/or attended school in historically redlined compared to non-redlined neighborhoods. Children ages 6 to 17 with moderate-to-severe asthma (N = 240) from 9 US cities were included. Combined home and school exposure to PM 2.5 and NO 2 was calculated based on geospatially assessed monthly averaged outdoor pollutant concentrations. Repeated measures of Composite Asthma Severity Index and lung function were collected. Overall, 37.5% of children resided and/or attended schools in historically redlined neighborhoods. Children in historically redlined neighborhoods had greater exposure to NO 2 (median: 15.4 vs 12.1 parts per billion) and closer distance to a highway (median: 0.86 vs 1.23 km), compared to those in non-redlined neighborhoods (P <.01). Overall, PM 2.5 was not associated with asthma severity or lung function. However, among children in redlined neighborhoods, higher PM 2.5 was associated with worse asthma severity (P <.005). No association was observed between pollutants and lung function or asthma severity among children in non-redlined neighborhoods (P >.005). Our findings highlight the significance of historical redlining and current environmental health disparities among school-aged children with asthma, specifically, the environmental injustice of PM 2.5 exposure and its associations with respiratory health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although plastic surgery procedures generally demonstrate less than 2% incidence of venous thromboembolism (VTE) outcomes, the post-COVID era data remain elusive. This study sought to elucidate the relationship between COVID-19 infection and the risk of VTE outcomes across plastic surgery procedures. Plastic surgery procedures were identified in the 2012–2022 National Surgical Quality Improvement Program databases. The outcomes of interest were the postoperative occurrence of VTE, defined as deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism (PE), and postoperative complication. Propensity score matching was used to 1) compare overall rates of VTE between the pre-pandemic era and pandemic era cohorts and 2) compare rates of VTE and overall postoperative complications in cases with and without COVID-19 diagnosis in the years 2021–2022 (p < 0.05). Overall, 269,006 plastic surgery cases were identified, comprising general breast (76%) and trunk (9.4%) procedures. Non-breast free tissue transfer cases were associated with the highest rates of DVT (1.3%) and trunk procedures with the highest rates of PE (0.7%). After propensity score matching, the overall rate of VTE after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic was not significantly different from the pre-pandemic era (p = 0.40). In a separately matched cohort, COVID-19 diagnosis did not significantly predict the risk for VTE (p = 0.48) but did significantly predict the risk for overall postoperative complications (p < 0.001). Although COVID-19 diagnosis itself did not predict the risk of VTE in matched analysis, it significantly predicted the overall postoperative complications. Future studies may further investigate the effects of COVID-19 infection over longer periods of follow-up. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Endometriosis is a common condition impacting individuals assigned female at birth. Though incompletely understood, the disorder is caused by endometrial-like tissue located outside of the endometrial cavity, associated with inflammation and fibrosis. Clinical presentation is variable, ranging from asymptomatic to severe pelvic pain and infertility. Treatment is determined by the patient's individualized goals and can include medical therapies to temporize symptoms or definitive surgical excision. Imaging is used to help diagnose endometriosis and for treatment planning. The American College of Radiology Appropriateness Criteria are evidence-based guidelines for specific clinical conditions that are reviewed annually by a multidisciplinary expert panel. The guideline development and revision process support the systematic analysis of the medical literature from peer reviewed journals. Established methodology principles such as Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation or GRADE are adapted to evaluate the evidence. The RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method User Manual provides the methodology to determine the appropriateness of imaging and treatment procedures for specific clinical scenarios. In those instances where peer reviewed literature is lacking or equivocal, experts may be the primary evidentiary source available to formulate a recommendation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the study was to compare preoperative factors and postoperative outcomes in patients with heel ulcerations that primarily had a transtibial (below the knee) amputation (N = 38) versus vertical contour calcanectomy (n = 62). The groups had no statistical difference between their Charlson Comorbidity Index Score, a prognostic score of 10-year survival in patients with multiple comorbidities. The odds of primary closure were 21.1 times higher in patients that underwent below knee amputation compared to patients that underwent vertical contour calcanectomy (OR 21.1 [95% CI 3.89-114.21]). The odds of positive soft tissue culture at time of closure were 17.1 times higher for patients that underwent vertical contour calcanectomy (OR 17.1 [95% CI 5.40-54.16]). The odds of a patent posterior tibial artery were 3.3 times higher for patients that underwent vertical contour calcanectomy (OR 3.3 [95% 1.09-10.09]). The secondary aim of the study was to evaluate preoperative factors and postoperative outcomes in patients with failed vertical contour calcanectomy, defined as needing a below knee amputation. The odds of vertical contour calcanectomy failure was 13.7 times higher in male patients (OR 13.7 [95% CI 1.80-107.60]). Vertical contour calcanectomy failure was 5.7 times higher in patients with renal disease (OR 5.7 [95% CI 1.10-30.30]), and vertical contour calcanectomy failure was 16.1 times higher for patients who needed additional surgery post closure (OR 16.1 [95% CI 1.40-183.20]). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Maizuru back-arc basin evolved in Permian and closed with a deposition of breccia. • Hydraulic fracturing in clast, interclast fracture-vein imply brittle deformation. • Paleostress orientation calculation shows a broad NW-SE compression. • This deformation event was active before the deposition of overlying sandstone. • Basin closure at P-Tr boundary is due to complex plate subduction in East Asia. The paleo-continental reconstruction of Asia during the Permian–Triassic boundary indicates major tectonic readjustments between multiple continental blocks in the north of North China Craton (NCC) due to complex plate subduction system(s). One of the major consequences was the closure of the Paleo-Asian Ocean. In a similar time frame, Proto-Japan was also evolving through plate-subduction with the opening of the Maizuru back-arc basin. The spectacular linear near-continuous belt of the Maizuru Terrain in the Inner Zone of Southwest Japan holds the rock record of the opening of the back-arc basin, sediment-fill in this basin culminating into closure-related pulsative debris flow deposits (i.e. the Tonoshiki Formation). However, the exact deformation mechanism(s), paleo-stress regime, their mesoscopic to microscopic rock record, and exact timing hold the keys to connecting the closure event of the Maizuru back-arc basin and the possible tectonics, in particular the closure of the PAO in Asia. With this aim, we report here the micro- to meso -structural geological records of rock units of the Maizuru Terrane which indicate evidence of (1) pre-depositional hydrofracturing, (2) extensive syn -lithification fracture-vein formation due to (3) broad WNW-ESE to E-W compressional paleostress regime using the fracture-vein analysis, (4) deformational e-twin development with the dominance of Type II twin indicating a maximum temperature of 300 °C with no evidence of overprinting. This brittle deformation affected all the lithounits of the Maizuru back-arc basin but not the overlying units deposited after the basin closure. New U-Pb detrital zircon age data of the rocks belonging to the Maizuru Group and also the overlying Fukumoto Formation fixes the age of the above-mentioned deformation event at ∼ 250 Ma. All these data help to assess the possible paleo-position of Proto-Japan and a clear tectonic scenario between the NCC, the Central Asian Orogenic Belt, and the Khanka-Jiamusi Massif in East Asia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A dilated native right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) presents unique challenges for transcatheter management using balloon-expandable valves. The Alterra Adaptive Prestent was designed to expand transcatheter therapy to treat patients with dilated RVOTs. The aim of this study was to report 2-year outcomes of the main cohort of the ALTERRA (Multicenter Study of Congenital Pulmonic Valve Dysfunction Studying the SAPIEN 3 THV With the Alterra Adaptive Prestent) pivotal trial using the prestent with transcatheter pulmonary valve replacement. The prestent device used with the 29 mm SAPIEN 3 transcatheter heart valve (THV) was evaluated for the management of patients with moderate or greater pulmonary valve regurgitation (PR). The primary endpoint was THV dysfunction at 6 months, defined as a nonhierarchical composite of RVOT/pulmonary valve reintervention, moderate or greater total PR on transthoracic echocardiography, and mean RVOT/pulmonary valve gradient 35 mm Hg or greater on transthoracic echocardiography. The primary endpoint and outcomes through 2 years are presented in this analysis. Of 97 patients screened, 60 underwent prestent and THV implantation. There was 1 staged procedure. No patients had THV dysfunction at 6 months. At 2 years, the majority of patients (92.5%) had mild or less PR, with no reports of coronary compression, stent fractures warranting reintervention, or endocarditis. Of the 21 patients (34.4%) who experienced early (days 0-1) arrhythmias, 12 had episodes of nonsustained ventricular tachycardia that resolved with medication. One patient underwent reintervention secondary to an iatrogenic RVOT obstruction; there were no deaths or explantations through 2 years. The Alterra prestent in combination with the SAPIEN 3 THV has excellent outcomes at 2 years, with no significant valve dysfunction in the main pivotal cohort. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current investigation explored the impact of given 12-week Tabata training intervention on decreasing body composition and overall physical performance among sedentary female students. The study involved the random assignment of forty undergraduate women into two groups for the purpose of this research. The age of individuals spans from 18 to 23. The study consisted of two groups: the control group (CG N = 20) and experimental group (EG N = 20). The experimental group engaged in a 12-week Tabata training routine. Pre and post data were calculated with the dependent variables, which comprises height, weight, body mass index, waist circumference, speed, agility, endurance, abdominal strength, and leg strength. Followed by the statistical analysis of the collected data. The majority of the enhancements resulted in a decrease in BMI and waist-to-hip ratio. In addition to that there was a rise in physical performance, including improved abilities in areas such as speed, agility, endurance, abdominal strength, and leg strength of sedentary female students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Contamination of the food chain by heavy metals poses a serious threat to human health and disrupts sustainable agriculture. This study aims to evaluate heavy metal contamination in locally grown rice from selected states across Nigeria. Rice and soil samples were collected from rice paddy fields in Ogun, Kwara, Ekiti, Edo, Jigawa, and Kano. Atomic absorption spectrophotometry was employed to evaluate the elemental composition of rice and soil samples. Toxic metals such as Pb, Ni, Cd, and As were detected in some of the local rice varieties sampled. Notably, Pb (0.040±0.00) and Cd (0.277±0.02) were found in Ofada rice from Ogun state. Higher concentrations of Ni were found in Igbemo rice from Ekiti, with the lowest levels observed in Umza rice from Kano. Variations in As levels in the rice types followed the order: Ofada rice, Ogun > Sese rice, Edo > Pategi rice, Kwara > Costus rice, Kano > Igbemo rice, Ekiti > Umza rice, Kano. In soil samples, variations in Pb levels followed the order: Kwara soil > Kano soil > Ogun soil > Edo soil. Cadmium (Cd) levels were highest in Kwara soil (0.856±0.11) and lowest in Jigawa soil (0.119±0.01). However, the lifetime cancer risk (LCR) assessment for rice samples from different regions reveals that most of the samples exceed the US EPA LCR acceptable upper limit is 1.0 × 10-4, suggesting a substantial danger of exposure to life cancer risk throughout a lifetime. Hence, underscoring the need for continuous monitoring and stringent control measures in vulnerable regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research introduces an Energy oriented Multi-objective Donkey Smuggler Optimization Algorithm (EM-DSOA) for cluster-based routing in Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs). The proposed method aims to enhance energy efficiency and network lifespan by optimizing cluster head selection and routing. EM-DSOA utilizes a two-phase approach: a non-adaptive Smuggler algorithm to find potential solutions and an adaptive Donkey algorithm for optimal path selection. The method employs multi-objective fitness functions considering energy, communication cost, cluster head balancing factor, and node degree. K-Means clustering is used for initial node grouping. The performance of EMDSOA is evaluated using metrics such as energy efficiency, end-to-end delay, packet loss, and network throughput. Simulation results demonstrate that EM-DSOA outperforms existing techniques like Multi Weight Chicken Swarm Based Genetic Algorithm (MWCSGA) and Adaptive Hybrid Cuckoo Search and Grey Wolf Optimization (AHCSGWO). The proposed method achieves higher energy efficiency (99.13%), lower end-toend delay (17.04 ms for 20 nodes), reduced packet loss, and improved network throughput (1370.34 Kbps) compared to existing approaches. EM-DSOA's effectiveness in optimizing cluster-based routing contributes to prolonging the overall lifespan of WSNs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Azolla, also known as "green gold" or "super plant," is a nitrogen-fixing pteridophyte found in temperate and tropical freshwater ecosystems. This free-floating aquatic fern, native to Asia, Africa, and the Americas, thrives in diverse aquatic habitats, including swamps, ditches, lakes, and shallow rivers. It generates full biomass in a relatively short period of time. It acts as a nitrogen biofertilizer and boosts rice productivity. Beyond its role in agriculture, Azolla serves as a versatile resource, finding applications in livestock feed, human nutrition, hydrogen fuel production, biogas generation, pest control, and water purification. Notably, Azolla exhibits hyperaccumulation capabilities for various heavy metal contaminants and can effectively absorb ammonium and phosphorous from wastewater. Moreover, it possesses antimicrobial properties and a rich array of phytochemical compounds, promising multifaceted benefits in diverse fields. This review highlights the vast potential of Azolla, emphasizing its suitability for extensive research and development in food, feed, and fodder applications, as well as household cultivation and utilization. To fully harness the myriad advantages offered by Azolla and promote sustainability across various sectors, further exploration and investigation into its untapped applications remain imperative. Azolla holds the key to addressing numerous environmental, agricultural, and industrial challenges, paving the way for a more sustainable and resource-efficient future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To determine the most common indications for lateral extra-articular tenodesis (LET) augmentation of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). A systematic review of the literature was performed using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. We searched PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews from 2000 to the present (June 2022). Studies that met the following criteria were included: patients of any age who underwent LET in addition to ACLR, studies reporting at least 1 indication for LET, and observational/randomized controlled trial study designs including prevalence of indications. Publications had to be reported in English and peer reviewed and to have originated in the United States or countries offering identical protocols and procedures. A total of 463 studies were identified from the initial search, 23 of which met inclusion criteria and were included in the review. Eight of the 23 studies (34.8%) used a modified Lemaire technique, seven (30.4%) used a MacIntosh modified by Arnold-Coker, and eight (34.8%) used other techniques to perform LET. A total of 2,125 patients (53% female, 47% male [3 studies did not report sex]) underwent ACLR augmented with LET. The indications along with prevalence were as follows: positive pivot shift test (grade ≥2) (19 of 23, 82.6%), revision ACLR (12 of 23, 52.2%), ligamentous laxity (11 of 23, 47.8%), general sports participation (11 of 23, 47.8%), age less than 25 years (8 of 23, 34.8%), high risk of graft failure (5 of 23, 21.7%), and positive Lachman test (4 of 23, 17.4%). Pivot shift grade ≥2 was the most common reason orthopaedic surgeons chose to add LET to ACLR, with revision ACLR, patient age <25, and general sports participation following closely behind. Level IV, systematic review of Level I-IV studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

INTRODUCTION: Normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) patients undergoing cortical shunting frequently show early Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathology on cortical biopsy, which is predictive of progression to clinical AD. The objective of this study was to use samples from this cohort to identify cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers for AD‐related central nervous system (CNS) pathophysiologic changes using tissue and fluids with early pathology, free of post mortem artifact. METHODS: We analyzed Simoa, proteomic, and metabolomic CSF data from 81 patients with previously documented pathologic and transcriptomic changes. RESULTS: AD pathology on biopsy correlates with CSF β‐amyloid‐42/40, neurofilament light chain (NfL), and phospho‐tau‐181(p‐tau181)/β‐amyloid‐42, while several gene expression modules correlate with NfL. Proteomic analysis highlights seven core proteins that correlate with pathology and gene expression changes on biopsy, and metabolomic analysis of CSF identifies disease‐relevant groups that correlate with biopsy data. DISCUSSION: As additional biomarkers are added to AD diagnostic panels, our work provides insight into the CNS pathophysiology these markers are tracking. Highlights: AD CSF biomarkers correlate with CNS pathology and transcriptomic changes.Seven proteins correlate with CNS pathology and gene expression changes.Inflammatory and neuronal gene expression changes correlate with YKL‐40 and NPTXR, respectively.CSF metabolomic analysis identifies pathways that correlate with biopsy data.Fatty acid metabolic pathways correlate with β‐amyloid pathology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Approximately 20% of pediatric patients with drug-resistant epilepsy responded to BRV. • High retention rates ranged from 80.6% at 3 months to 45.2% at 12 months. • 75.3% of patients reported no adverse effects with brivaracetam treatment. • BRV reduced behavioral adverse effects in 17.2% of patients switched from levetiracetam. This retrospective multicenter study aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of brivaracetam (BRV) in pediatric epilepsy. Our cohort consisted of 93 children (mean age 11.5 ± 7.5 years) with a wide spectrum of pediatric epilepsy, including epileptic encephalopathy and generalized epilepsy. Of these, 61 (60.4%) were diagnosed with focal epilepsy, 19 (15.8%) with generalized epilepsy, and 16 (15.8%) with combined epilepsy, while 8 patients (7.9%) had an unknown epilepsy type. The cohort included rare epilepsy syndromes: 8 patients with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, 3 with Dravet syndrome, and 1 with Rasmussen syndrome. Patients had a history of various antiseizure medications (ASMs) (6.42 ± 3.15), and on average, were being treated with more than two (2.57 ± 1.16) drugs at the time of BRV deployment. Retention rates were high, with 80.6% of patients adhering to treatment at 3 months, 66.7% at 6 months, and 45.2% at 12 months. In 29 patients (30.1%), BRV was added in an overnight switch from levetiracetam (LEV), resulting in a reduction of behavioral adverse effects (AEs) in 5 patients (17.2%). The response rate was 25.8% at 3 months, 16.1% at 6 months, and 17.2% at 12 months, with no responders in the epileptic encephalopathy group. Therapy tolerance was notable, with 70 patients (75.3%) reporting no AEs. Transient AEs occurred in 10 patients (10.7%), and in 13 cases (14.0%), the AEs warranted dose adjustment or discontinuation of BRV. Approximately one-fifth of pediatric patients with drug-resistant epilepsy responded to BRV, with the best response observed in patients with focal seizures. However, the impact on patients with epileptic encephalopathy was limited. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although biliary atresia (BA) is a rare neonatal disorder, it remains the leading cause of pediatric end-stage liver disease. Early diagnosis of BA and treatment with the Kasai procedure can significantly reduce the need for pediatric liver transplant. Current data suggests that performing the Kasai procedure at 30-45 days of life is associated with longer native liver survival rates and reduction of the need for liver transplant. The incidence rate of BA in the state of Hawai‘i is nearly double the incidence rate in the continental US. International studies have demonstrated that screening programs for BA reduce the age at diagnosis and treatment. However, there has been no statewide analysis on the ages at diagnosis or at Kasai, nor does a statewide screening program for BA exist. The purpose of this study is to review the age of diagnosis and treatment of BA to determine if the current practice in Hawai‘i is in line with the published data. A retrospective chart review of all patients diagnosed with BA at the state’s primary children’s hospital was performed (2009-2023) and 19 patients who underwent the Kasai procedure were identified. The mean age at diagnosis is 71.4 days (n=19) and the mean age at Kasai procedure is 72.0 days (n=19). Both the average age at diagnosis and treatment for BA in Hawai‘i is significantly higher than published data suggesting best outcomes at 30-45 days of life. This review suggests that the implementation of a statewide screening program for BA in Hawai‘i is warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]