bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Single-Cell Transcriptomic Analysis of Salivary Gland Endothelial Cells
Authors: Altrieth A.L. , Kenney J. , Nelson D.A. , Suarez E.G. , Gellatly V. , Gabunia S. , Larsen M.
Published: February 2024

Vascular endothelial cells have important tissue-specific functions in fibrosis and regeneration. In the salivary gland, endothelial cells are required for proper development, but their roles within adult glands are largely unknown. To identify ligand–receptor interactions between endothelial cells and other cell types that may be important during fibrosis and regeneration, we used a reversible ductal ligation injury. To induce injury, a clip was applied to the primary ducts for 14 d, and to induce a regenerative response, the clip was subsequently removed for 5 d. To identify endothelial cell-produced factors, we used single-cell RNA sequencing of stromal-enriched cells from adult female submandibular and sublingual salivary glands. Transcriptional profiles of homeostatic salivary gland endothelial cells were compared to endothelial cells of other organs. Salivary gland endothelial cells expressed many unique genes and displayed the highest overlap in gene expression with other fenestrated endothelial cells from the colon, small intestine, and kidney. Comparison of the 14-d ligated, mock-ligated, and 5-d deligated stromal-enriched transcripts and lineage tracing revealed that endothelial cells retain their identity following ligation and recovery from injury. CellChat and NATMI were used to predict changes in ligand–receptor interactions from endothelial cells to other cells in response to ligation and deligation. CellChat and NATMI predicted that after ligation, interactions with fibroblasts, epithelial cells, and glial cells were increased, and following deligation, interactions with pericyte, glia, fibroblasts, and immune cells were increased. Some of the highest-ranked interactions predicted in ligated compared to mock endothelial cells were between glial cells via Col4a2-Cd93 and Jag2-Notch1, as well as epithelial cells via Pecam1-Cd38, while in deligated compared to ligated endothelial cells, the top interactions were between fibroblasts via Ntf3-Ntrk2, glial cells via Hspg2-Itgb1, and pericytes via Jam2-F11r. Understanding salivary gland endothelial cell signaling will inform future endothelial cell-based regenerative therapies.
Injectable Tissue-Specific Hydrogel System for Pulp–Dentin Regeneration
Authors: Han Y. , Xu J. , Chopra H. , Zhang Z. , Dubey N. , Dissanayaka W.L. , Nör J.E. , Bottino M.C.
Published: February 2024

The quest for finding a suitable scaffold system that supports cell survival and function and, ultimately, the regeneration of the pulp–dentin complex remains challenging. Herein, we hypothesized that dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) encapsulated in a collagen-based hydrogel with varying stiffness would regenerate functional dental pulp and dentin when concentrically injected into the tooth slices. Collagen hydrogels with concentrations of 3 mg/mL (Col3) and 10 mg/mL (Col10) were prepared, and their stiffness and microstructure were assessed using a rheometer and scanning electron microscopy, respectively. DPSCs were then encapsulated in the hydrogels, and their viability and differentiation capacity toward endothelial and odontogenic lineages were evaluated using live/dead assay and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. For in vivo experiments, DPSC-encapsulated collagen hydrogels with different stiffness, with or without growth factors, were injected into pulp chambers of dentin tooth slices and implanted subcutaneously in severe combined immunodeficient (SCID) mice. Specifically, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF [50 ng/mL]) was loaded into Col3 and bone morphogenetic protein (BMP2 [50 ng/mL]) into Col10. Pulp–dentin regeneration was evaluated by histological and immunofluorescence staining. Data were analyzed using 1-way or 2-way analysis of variance accordingly (α = 0.05). Rheology and microscopy data revealed that Col10 had a stiffness of 8,142 Pa with a more condensed and less porous structure, whereas Col3 had a stiffness of 735 Pa with a loose microstructure. Furthermore, both Col3 and Col10 supported DPSCs’ survival. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction showed Col3 promoted significantly higher von Willebrand factor (VWF) and CD31 expression after 7 and 14 d under endothelial differentiation conditions ( P < 0.05), whereas Col10 enhanced the expression of dentin sialophosphoprotein (DSPP), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2), and collagen 1 (Col1) after 7, 14, and 21 d of odontogenic differentiation ( P < 0.05). Hematoxylin and eosin and immunofluorescence (CD31 and vWF) staining revealed Col10+Col3+DPSCs+GFs enhanced pulp–dentin tissue regeneration. In conclusion, the collagen-based concentric construct modified by growth factors guided the specific lineage differentiation of DPSCs and promoted pulp–dentin tissue regeneration in vivo.
Cumulative Disadvantage or Strained Advantage? Remote Schooling, Paid Work Status, and Parental Mental Health during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Thomeer Mieke Beth , Brantley Mia , Reczek Rin
Published: February 2024

During the COVID-19 pandemic, parents experienced difficulties around employment and children’s schooling, likely with detrimental mental health implications. We analyze National Longitudinal Survey of Youth 1997 data (N = 2,829) to estimate depressive symptom changes from 2019 to 2021 by paid work status and children’s schooling modality, considering partnership status, gender, and race-ethnicity differences. We draw on cumulative disadvantage theory alongside strained advantage theory to test whether mental health declines were steeper for parents with more disadvantaged statuses or for parents with more advantaged statuses. Parents with work disruptions, without paid work, or with children in remote school experienced the greatest increases in depressive symptoms, with steepest increases among single parents without paid work and single parents with children in remote school (cumulative disadvantage), fathers without paid work (strained advantage), and White parents with remote school (strained advantage). We discuss the uneven impacts of the pandemic on mental health and implications for long-term health disparities.
Increases in Aesthetic Experience Following Ayahuasca Use: A Prospective, Naturalistic Study
Authors: Aday Jacob S. , Bloesch Emily K. , Davis Alan K. , Domoff Sarah E. , Scherr Kyle , Woolley Josh D. , Davoli Christopher C.
Published: February 2024

Psychedelic drugs are currently being investigated for their potential to facilitate a variety of long-lasting psychological changes. One area that has yet to be systematically investigated in psychedelic research, however, regards changes in aesthetic experience (i.e., one’s attitudes, perceptions, and expression of art). This is surprising given the wealth of anecdotes directly noting increased appreciation of aesthetic experiences after psychedelic use and that psychedelics have facilitated their own distinctive aesthetic (i.e., “psychedelic art”). To address this gap in the literature, participants in the current study ( N = 54) completed a validated and multifaceted measure of aesthetic experience 1-week before, 1-week after, and 1-month after attending an ayahuasca retreat. We found that compared with baseline, participants exhibited increased levels of aesthetic experience at both the 1-week and 1-month follow-ups. Contrary to our hypotheses, measures of acute drug effects (e.g., mystical-type experiences, awe, and ego dissolution) did not predict changes in aesthetic experience. Although the study was limited by an open-label design, the results support anecdotal reports noting changes in aesthetic experience after psychedelic use. Further research is needed to address limitations related to the study design as well as to identify predictors and mechanisms of changes in aesthetic experience following psychedelic use.
Ossicular Reconstruction With Various Degrees of Malleus Preservation in Patients With Chronic Otitis Media
Authors: Lin Lian-Jie , Chen Bo-Cheng , Chen Chih-Ying , Chen Peir-Rong , Chou Yu-Fu
Published: February 2024

Objective: We examined the relationship between factors of middle ear conditions and the outcome of ossiculoplasty in chronic otitis media (COM) by measuring the improvement in the air-bone gap (ABG) and air conduction threshold (TAC). Methods: This retrospective study analyzed 76 patients (77 ears) who underwent ossiculoplasty from among 520 COM patients who underwent tympanoplasty based on the maximum preservation of the original ossicles. The reconstructed ossicular chain was performed by preserving or utilizing the remaining malleus in all cases with the presence of the malleus manubrium. Patients with eardrum adhesion, cholesteatoma, and cholesterol granuloma were defined as having a compromised middle ear condition (Group A), and those without as having an uncompromised middle ear condition (Group B). In each group, pure-tone audiometry was performed preoperatively and postoperatively, and improvements in the ABG and TAC were compared. The effects of the types of tympanoplasty and the method of ossiculoplasty (columella versus incus interposition) on postoperative ABG and TAC were also compared. Results: The postoperative ABG improvement in Group B was significantly higher than that in Group A [β = 7.31, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.93-12.69, P < .05]. Type III minor columella tympanoplasty yielded significantly better results than type III major and type Vb tympanoplasty (β = 11.42, 95% CI = 5.16-17.68, P < .01). There were no significant differences in the postoperative ABG or TAC between the reconstruction groups with and without preservation of malleus. Conclusions: Our results indicate that complex cases compromised by adhesions, cholesteatoma, and cholesterol granuloma have worse outcomes regarding hearing improvement and success rates, while those with intact stapes suprastructure have better outcomes. Malleus was maximally preserved in the patients of this study; however, this showed no significant prognostic benefit in hearing.
Pediatric Pterygopalatine Fossa Schwannoma Presenting as Vision Loss: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Cai Hua , Ren An-Qi , Zhang Zhuo-Ya , Zhou Ming-Zhu , Wu Ying-Jie , Yue Jian-Xin , Zhou Liu-Qing , Tian Yuan , Zhou Tao
Published: February 2024

Neurosynovial tumors, originating from Schwann cells within nerve sheaths, are benign entities, with 25% to 45% manifesting in the head and neck region. However, occurrences in the pterygopalatine fossa (PPF) are exceptionally rare, and only a handful of cases have been documented. In this report, we present the unique case of a 6-year-old child exhibiting a sizable soft tissue mass in the left PPF, extending into the inferior orbital fissure. The patient underwent successful intranasal endoscopic removal of PPF schwannoma utilizing the prelacrimal recess approach, with postoperative pathology confirming the diagnosis of schwannoma. Schwannomas within the PPF are particularly uncommon, and instances of such tumors in pediatric patients are even more exceptional. This case highlights the diagnostic and therapeutic challenges associated with PPF schwannomas in children, emphasizing the significance of a multidisciplinary approach for optimal management. In addition, a comprehensive literature review is presented to provide insights into the existing knowledge on this rare entity, further contributing to the understanding of pediatric PPF schwannomas.
Fashioning Zaya Wade in the Press: Authenticity, Black Femininity, and Transnormativity
Authors: Willard Zane Austin , Menzies Alisha L.
Published: February 2024

Since Zaya Wade came out as transgender, she has continued to take up prominence in popular culture and press coverage of Zaya has centered on her fashion. In this article, we analyze press coverage of Zaya to examine the intersections of Blackness, femininity, trans identity, and child celebrity. Building on scholarship about trans representation and performing Black femininity in popular media, we focus our attention on how Zaya is presented as authentic—a core theme in this scholarship. In our analysis, we illustrate how these representations appear seemingly positive by shedding light on Zaya's unique perspectives about family, beauty, and activism. Yet, we find the press coverage only promotes Zaya's unique identity to the extent her performance of authentic Black femininity upholds transnormativity. This article unpacks how authenticity is used as a strategy of transnormativity that is animated by Zaya's Blackness, femininity, and status as a child celebrity and activist.
Ill-gotten gains: Partisan alignment, politicised grant transfers and English local election outcomes
Authors: Clegg Liam , Davies Graeme AM
Published: February 2024

Are grant flows from the Westminster government to local authorities influenced by political dynamics, and if so do these politicised transfers influence local election outcomes? John and Ward suggested that, through the 1980s and 1990s, Conservative central governments favoured politically aligned local authorities. We demonstrate the continuation of this trend across the cohort of Labour, coalition, and Conservative governments from 2007 to 2019, and also establish evidence of inter-party variation in the type of grant manipulation in existence. We also more substantively extend John and Ward’s work by demonstrating that electoral ‘ill-gotten gains’ follow from these politicised flows, with higher resource transfers being associated with marginally stronger incumbent electoral performance. Given the importance of central grants to subnational government in the UK, these findings are of significant contemporary policy relevance.
How remembering positive and negative events affects intimacy in romantic relationships
Authors: Wolf Tabea , Nusser Lisa
Published: February 2024

Previous studies provide some evidence that recalling positive autobiographical memories can foster feelings of intimacy in social relationships. The present research aimed to extend this finding by examining the effects of negative relationship memories on current feelings of intimacy. In Study 1, 71 adults recalled either two positive or two negative events experienced with their partner. Intimacy (feelings of warmth, relationship closeness) was measured before and after remembering. Relationship closeness increased after recalling positive relationship memories, whereas feelings of warmth were reduced after the recall of negative relationship memories. In Study 2, 187 adults recalled two relationship conflicts and rated intimacy toward their partner (feelings of warmth, relationship closeness) before and after remembering. Replicating the findings of Study 1, we found feelings of warmth to be reduced after the recall of relationship conflicts. Relationship closeness was likely to decrease the more conflicts were considered personally significant and the more a person had used self-distraction to regulate their emotions during the conflict. Future research may identify personal characteristics that could explain why, for some people, the recall of negative relationship memories is hurtful, whereas it brings others closer to their partner.
Laser butt welding of AA7075 aluminium alloy and Ti6Al4V titanium alloy using a Cu interlayer
Authors: Iltaf Asim , Dehghan Shayan , Barka Noureddine , Belzile Claude
Published: February 2024

Laser welding of AA7075 and Ti6Al4V, two very different aerospace alloys, was performed with a copper (Cu) interlayer to avoid the brittle Ti–Al intermetallics. The joint was formed owing to the diffusion of Cu into the AA7075 alloy and limited diffusion in Ti6Al4V alloy, followed by eutectic formation at the AA7075/Cu interface. Microstructural and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) analyses of the joint area revealed the presence of eutectic phases at grain boundaries inside the AA7075 fusion zone (FZ). An interfacial Cu3Ti2 phase formed at the solid-state Ti6Al4V/Cu interface. A robust and sound joint was achieved through the effective utilisation of Cu as an interlayer.
Assessment of a goal-directed perfusion strategy through an oxygen delivery audit
Authors: Lahanas Andrew , Argerakis Paul W , Hayward Beatrice A , Grant Peter W
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Evidence supports the role of oxygen delivery (DO2) in ameliorating acute kidney injury (AKI). While instrumentation for continuous DO2 measurement exists, a simplified method has been reported for targeting a specific DO2 index (DO2i), commonly referred to as a goal-directed perfusion (GDP) strategy, by using a reference table and available data such as body surface area and continuous haematocrit values. This simplified approach can also be used for quality auditing via archived data.

Methods

This retrospective sequential audit was conducted to assess the impact of employing a GDP strategy within our institution by examining perfusion practices, DO2 levels and renal outcomes before and after implementation. A total of 246 patients undergoing elective primary coronary revascularisation were included: 125 patients in the pre-change group and 121 patients in the post-change group. A DO2i threshold above 280 mL/min/m2 was targeted in the post-GDP group.

Results

While both groups maintained a mean DO2 above the threshold, the post-GDP group exhibited a higher average DO2i (311 vs 291 mL/min/m2). The GDP strategy led to higher nadir DO2i (255 vs 225, p < .001) and was coupled with a reduction in the time below the 280 mL/min/m2 threshold (30 min vs 50 min, p < .001). The average cardiac index in the post-GDP group was higher (1.87 vs 1.65, p < .001) while also demonstrating a smaller creatinine rise of 6.8% compared to 13.5% in the control group ( p = .035). There was no difference in AKI or mortality rates between the groups.

Conclusion

The implementation of the GDP strategy demonstrated an enhancement in oxygen delivery during cardiopulmonary bypass, primarily attributable to elevated pump flow rates. A statistically significant decrease in serum creatinine levels was observed. The published reference table emerged as a simple yet effective tool in optimising our GDP strategy.
Follow-up of individualised physical activity on prescription and individualised advice in patients with hip or knee osteoarthritis: A randomised controlled trial
Authors: Bendrik Regina , Kallings Lena V , Bröms Kristina , Emtner Margareta
Published: February 2024

Objective

Compare the long-term effects of two different individualised physical activity interventions in hip or knee osteoarthritis patients.

Design

Randomised, assessor-blinded, controlled trial.

Setting

Primary care.

Subjects

Patients with clinically verified hip or knee osteoarthritis, <150 min/week with moderate or vigorous physical activity, aged 40–74.

Intervention

The advice group (n = 69) received a 1-h information and goalsetting session for individualised physical activity. The prescription group (n = 72) received information, goalsetting, individualised written prescription, self-monitoring, and four follow-ups.

Main measures

Physical activity, physical function, pain and quality of life at baseline, 6, 12 and 24 months.

Results

There were only minor differences in outcomes between the two groups. For self-reported physical activity, the advice group had improved from a mean of 102 (95% CI 74–130) minutes/week at baseline to 214 (95% CI 183–245) minutes/week at 24 months, while the prescription group had improved from 130 (95% CI 103–157) to 176 (95% CI 145–207) minutes/week (p = 0.01 between groups). Number of steps/day decreased by −514 (95% CI −567–462) steps from baseline to 24 months in the advice group, and the decrease in the prescription group was −852 (95% CI −900–804) steps (p = 0.415 between groups). Pain (HOOS/KOOS) in the advice group had improved by 7.9 points (95% CI 7.5–8.2) and in the prescription group by 14.7 points (95% CI 14.3–15.1) from baseline to 24 months (p = 0.024 between groups).

Conclusions

There is no evidence that individualised physical activity on prescription differs from individualised advice in improving long-term effects in patients with hip or knee osteoarthritis.
Participatory art and geography: Politics, publics, and space
Authors: McNally Danny
Published: February 2024

This paper posits participatory art as a distinct but underexplored practice of interest for human geography’s contemporary work on art and aesthetics. It suggests that participatory art needs a conceptual, critical, and interdisciplinary grounding in human geography to advance the expanding relationship between participatory art practice and theory, aesthetics, and geography. Through three analytical themes – politics, publics, and space – the paper argues for an interdisciplinary approach to participatory art that draws across art theory, participatory praxis, and geography. The paper concludes around geography’s suitability to critically explore the ethical and aesthetic relations created by participatory art.
Does Retirement and Work Stoppage Impact Body Weight and Waist Circumference Changes in Middle- and Older-Aged Women and Men? Results From the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging
Authors: Tam Alexander C. T. , Murphy Rachel A. , Conklin Annalijn I. , Zhang Wei
Published: February 2024

This study aimed to examine the impact of employment transitions (ETs) on anthropometric changes among middle-aged and older workers (ages 45y+). Using two waves of data from the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging, we analyzed the impact of ETs (stayed working, entered retirement, and stopped working) on change in body weight and waist circumference (WC) on continuous scales as well as categories (≥5% cut-off). Analyses were sex/gender-stratified. Women did not show significant weight or WC change that differed across ETs, but estimated directions suggested those who stopped working were more likely to have ≥5% change in weight. Estimated directions of continuous outcomes for women who stopped working relative to continued workers showed less weight gain and more WC gain. Men who retired gained less weight and had smaller WC gain compared to reference. The findings imply that the short-run impact of exiting the labor force may not exacerbate weight gain.
Aligning Employee Health and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Initiatives in the Workplace: A Call for Synchronization
Authors: Wang Monica L. , Poulin Olivia , McKinney Hannah
Published: February 2024

Reports of burnout and poor mental health are at all-time highs among working U.S. adults.  Simultaneously, failure to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) is among the top characteristics of an unhealthy work culture and has contributed to high rates of employee attrition. Though many organizations across multiple sectors have made pledges to prioritize employee health and invest in DEI in recent years, few have explicitly addressed these two issues as interconnected. The link between the workplace as a determinant of mental and physical health is well-established. Several studies demonstrate that experiencing discrimination in the workplace is associated with detrimental physical and mental health outcomes. Additionally, the way work is structured directly and indirectly contributes to employee health inequities. In this commentary, we make the connection between employee health and organizational DEI and propose guiding principles to synchronize DEI and employee health initiatives in the workplace. These include: investing in DEI as a cornerstone for developing a healthy workforce for all; recognizing differences in employee experiences, needs, and their connection to health; prioritizing systemic approaches to promote employee health and organizational DEI. Embedding employee health and DEI efforts into broader organizational strategy is a crucial step towards fostering equitable practices that promote inclusive work environments andpositive employee well-being.
Housing Scent, Containing Sensorium
Authors: Gertsman Elina
Published: February 2024

This article focuses on two medieval besamim containers in order to tease out their multisensory potential that appealed to the viewer’s mind and body simultaneously. Intricate and complex in design, the containers evoked a broad range of visually charged associations. The tower form was used in a variety of medieval Jewish ritual objects, appearing in wedding rings, Hanukkah lamps, Torah arks and scroll stave finials. Figured as miniature inhabitable spaces, liminal and ambiguous, they gesture to a vast landscape of real and imagined sites: sites of (be)longing and sites of the encounter with the divine. The besamim boxes in particular became the loci of theological, mnemonic and sensual associations that evoked the city of Jerusalem, terrestrial and celestial, expectantly attainable and eschatologically fraught. Delving into a range of sources—from medieval Jewish exegetical and poetic discussions of the messianic age to the Kabbalistic interpretation of the relationship between the soul and the smell—this article explores some of the ways these objects elicited cognitive, affective and physiological engagement with their users.
Anticoagulant therapy in orthopedic surgery – a review on anticoagulant agents, risk factors, monitoring, and current challenges
Authors: Wang Yiqun , Xu Xiaobin , Zhu Wei
Published: February 2024

Orthopedic surgeries are associated with high-risk of thromboembolism which occurs in 40% to 60% of orthopedic patients in the absence of thromboprophylaxis. Conventionally heparin anticoagulants were used for thromboprophylaxis and currently direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) are widely used due to their minimal complexity. Anticoagulant use carries bleeding risk and requires optimal laboratory monitoring through conventional thrombin-based assays, anti-Xa assay, anti-IIa assay and contemporary ecarin chromogenic assay (ECA) and rotational thromboelastometry. Monitoring requires multiple hospital visits and hence, the development of point-of-care assays is gaining momentum. Also, a thorough risk assessment model (RAM) is necessary for successful anticoagulant therapy since it enables personalized approach for better thromboprophylaxis outcomes. Despite welcoming changes, lack of guideline consensus, population-based thromboprophylaxis, deficiencies in risk stratification and non-adherence are still a concern. Stronger clinical and process support system with uniform guidelines approaches and patient-specific RAM can aid in the successful implementation of anticoagulant therapy.
The Perceived Influence Model of Trust: Toward a Multi-Trustee Theory
Authors: PytlikZillig Lisa M. , Votruba Ashley M. , Fleig-Palmer Michelle M. , Lee Jooho , Kappmeier Mariska
Published: February 2024

Prior research investigating situations involving one trustor and multiple trustees often examines how a trustor’s trust in one party affects their amount of trust in another party. This paper fills a gap by predicting the effects of trust. The Perceived Influence (PI) Model of Trust is an individual-level model focused on the perceptions of a trustor. It builds upon the Mayer et al. (1995) model by integrating insights from literature on task interdependence and expanding to two trustees. The PI model describes and explains three possibilities for how a trustor’s trust in two trustees may combine to form a sense of aggregate multi-trustee trust via: (1) additive effects, such that the trustor’s trust in each of the trustees has independent effects on the aggregate; (2) compulsory effects, such that increasing the amount of trust in one trustee increases the effect of trust in the other trustee; and (3) compensatory effects, such that increasing trust in one trustee decreases the effect of trust in the other trustee. We propose that the theoretical mechanism explaining which of these three possibilities takes place is the trustor’s perceived influence of the trustees, which is tightly linked to perceptions of task requirements necessary to attenuate the trustor’s risk. The PI model begins to fill an important gap in the literature pertaining to pervasive, but rarely considered, multi-trustee situations, and proposes the importance of trustor perceptions of trustee influence and task requirements for future models of trust.
Metastasis of Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma to Uterine Leiomyoma: First Case Report and Review of Literature
Authors: Karamooz Sarvenaz , Binsol Paula D. , Asirvatham Jaya Ruth , Pargaonkar Anjali
Published: February 2024

Metastasis of clear cell renal cell carcinoma (clear cell RCC) to the gynecologic tract is infrequent, and involvement of the uterus is extremely rare. A review of the literature identified a total of 12 reported examples with metastasis to the uterine serosa (1), endometrium (5), cervix (5) and only one with metastasis to the myometrium. This report represents the first case of tumor-to-tumor metastasis involving a clear cell RCC with metastasis to a uterine leiomyoma. The patient was a 50-year-old woman status post-radical nephrectomy for newly diagnosed unilateral clear cell RCC (stage pT3a) with negative margins, who subsequently underwent a total abdominal hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy for the incidental finding of multiple uterine masses measuring up to 14.5 cm suggestive of fibroid on pelvic ultrasound. The pathologic exam of the specimen was consistent with metastatic clear cell RCC (1.2 cm) to uterine leiomyoma, confirmed with keratin, vimentin, CD10, CA9, and PAX8 immunohistochemistry. The patient's postoperative course was uneventful, and no new lesions were identified at follow-up during the past 6 months.
Nonlinear dynamics simulation of the helical gear transmission system for high-speed train
Authors: Yuan Yeping , Wang Junguo , Yang Meng
Published: February 2024

Considering the bending-torsional-axial-coupled vibration of the helical gear transmission system, a 10 degrees of freedom high-speed train gear transmission system model, including motor and load, is established based on the lumped parameter method. In addition, the potential energy method based on the slicing principle is used to accurately calculate the time-varying meshing stiffness of helical gears. Furthermore, the influence of geometric parameters of helical gears on the time-varying meshing stiffness is studied, and the impact of time-varying meshing stiffness on the system is further investigated. Meanwhile, by analyzing the dynamic phenomena of the system under different parameter excitations under different parameter excitations, the influence of internal and external excitation parameters such as gear speed, wheel rail creep force, support stiffness, and support damping on the stability of high-speed train gear transmission system is deeply studied.
The Effect of a Family Member–Assisted Online Early Reading Intervention Program for Students With Intellectual Disability in China
Authors: Li Huan , An Ning , Deng Li , Yu Jing , Zeng Shuo
Published: February 2024

Early reading skills are a prerequisite for children to acquire subsequent reading skills. Many online programs have been reported to be effective in improving students’ reading skills. However, there is limited evidence demonstrating the effectiveness of online early reading programs for students with intellectual disability (ID). Using a single-case multiple-probe across-participant design, the study examined whether a family member–assisted online early reading program could improve the early Chinese reading skills of students with ID. All three participants demonstrated significant treatment effects on early reading skills in response to the program. These acquired effects were generalized across settings and maintained in follow-up conditions for all participants. As such, this study extends the limited literature on the effectiveness of online programs to develop early reading skills in students with ID.
The Utility of the R-ABC in Assessing Risk for Autism Compared With the M-CHAT: An Exploratory Study
Authors: Justus Sidni A. , Singleton Jenny L. , Rozga Agata
Published: February 2024

Over the past 20+ years, researchers have worked toward identifying early behavioral predictors of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and developing observation-based screeners to supplement existing parent-report methods. This study is a follow-up, 3 to 8 years later, with parents/caregivers of 57 children previously enrolled in a U.S. university-based study evaluating early ASD-risk. The original study evaluated infants’ (ages 15–35 months) ASD-risk through both observation-based and parent-report screeners. At follow-up, caregivers completed a phone interview inquiring about their child’s developmental progress and diagnostic outcomes. Results indicated screener at-risk status agreement in infancy predicted only one of the four parent-reported ASD diagnoses at follow-up. Single instrument at-risk status aligned with two additional ASD diagnoses (one per screener), and both screeners missed one ASD diagnosis at follow-up. Results did not indicate significant added utility for the observation-based screener over the commonly used parent-report screener, suggesting that ASD behavioral markers may be hard to observe at early ages.
Commitment of travel and leisure firms to sustainable development goals
Authors: Thomas Falk Martin , Hagsten Eva
Published: February 2024

This study investigates the interdependencies of commitments to Sustainable Development Goals as reported by travel and leisure firms active in the United Nations Global Compact Programme. Descriptive statistics reveal that SDG 8 ‘economic growth and decent jobs’ (88%), SDG 13 ‘climate action’ and SDG 5 ‘gender equality’ (SDG 5) (78% each) as well as SDG 12 sustainable production and consumption (75%) are the goals most commonly committed to. Estimation results from the multivariate probit model show that a firm committing to one SDG will likely also dedicate itself to another. Thus, there is a strong positive correlation between the commitments to SDGs 8 and 13, as well as between the SDGs 5 and 8. This indicates that SDG 8 and SDG 13, on the one hand and SDG 5 and SDG 8, on the other, are not seen as contradictory by the firms.
Overcoming obstacles to mammography screening: Examining the role of offline healthcare barriers and online patient–provider communication
Authors: Lai Yuyuan Kylie , Ye Jizhou Francis , Ao Song Harris , Zhao Xinshu
Published: February 2024

Barriers to accessing offline healthcare may discourage patients from undergoing mammography screening. Online patient–provider communication (OPPC) offers a supplementary health resource that can complement traditional medical encounters and facilitate mammography screening. This study examines how offline healthcare barriers influence mammography screening, taking into account OPPC as an independent variable and cancer fatalism and patient activation as two mediators. Data from the 2017, 2018, and 2020 iterations of the Health Information National Trends Survey were used for this study. Results showed that OPPC was positively linked to mammography screening. Offline healthcare barriers had a negative association with patient activation and subsequent mammography behaviors. Moreover, offline healthcare barriers and OPPC were associated with mammography screening through serial mediation of cancer fatalism and patient activation. This study has important implications for encouraging mammography screening.
Strengthening reinforced concrete bridge piers against heavy vehicle collisions with ultra-high performance concrete collars: A finite element analysis study
Authors: Qu Chunpeng , Farzaneh Farhad , Jung Sungmoon , Zhang Qian
Published: February 2024

This paper investigates the effectiveness of ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC) collars in strengthening reinforced concrete (RC) bridge piers against heavy tractor-trailer collisions through finite element (FE) analysis. First, validated FE models of UHPC and a heavy tractor-trailer were provided. Then, FE analyses were conducted to evaluate the strengthening performance of the UHPC collar. The effectiveness of UHPC collar was compared with conventional RC collar, and the effects of varying UHPC collar thickness, height, and collar reinforcement were investigated. The results showed that the most severe damage observed on bridge piers due to heavy vehicle collisions primarily occurred below a height of approximately 2000 mm, manifested as diagonal shear cracks and plastic hinges. Therefore, the recommended minimum collar height is 2000 mm. The comparison between UHPC collar and RC collar strengthening demonstrated the superior effectiveness of UHPC collars. A 130-mm UHPC collar exhibited a similar strengthening effect as an 180-mm RC collar. Among the three investigated parameters of UHPC collar thickness, height, and collar reinforcement, the study found that collar thickness had the most significant influence on the effectiveness of the UHPC collar in terms of damage pattern, energy absorption, and maximum deflection. While collar height primarily influenced deflection, a larger collar height was beneficial in reducing pier deflection at the end of the strengthened segment. Adding a small amount of collar reinforcement improved the performance of piers; however, this improvement was limited. The findings of this study address the lack of research on using UHPC for strengthening full-scale bridge piers against heavy tractor-trailer collisions and provide valuable references for future designs with similar applications.
From ‘Anomaly’ to ‘Laboratory’? Fratelli d’Italia, Illiberalism and the Study of Right-Wing Parties in Western Europe
Authors: Baldini Gianfranco
Published: February 2024

Once considered an anomaly for its polarized pluralism, then marked, over the last three decades, by frequent alternations between populist and technocratic governments, Italy is now the only country in Western Europe whose coalition government is led by a party usually classified in the populist radical right family, Giorgia Meloni’s Brothers of Italy (Fratelli d’Italia). While this means that the country has finally its first female Prime Minister, understanding the trajectory of the party is important not just for the state of Italian politics but also for comparative politics more in general. Taking stock of the recent literature on Meloni’s party, it appears that the choices made by the Fratelli d’Italia – in Italy and in Europe – can resonate beyond the national borders especially in terms of illiberal ideologies and practices of right-wing parties.
Decanoylcarnitine Inhibits Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Progression via Mmp9 in an Intermittent Fasting Obesity Mouse
Authors: Tang Yifan , Chen Shuai , Wang Saijun , Xu Ke , Zhang Kun , Wang Dongmei , Feng Ninghan
Published: February 2024

Purpose: Treatment of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) remains challenging. Intermittent fasting (IF) has emerged as a promising approach to improve metabolic health of various metabolic disorders. Clinical studies indicate IF is essential for TNBC progression. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying metabolic remodeling in regulating IF and TNBC progression are still unclear. Methods: In this study, we utilized a robust mouse model of TNBC and exposed subjects to a high-fat diet (HFD) with IF to explore its impact on the metabolic reprogramming linked to cancer progression. To identify crucial serum metabolites and signaling events, we utilized targeted metabolomics and RNA sequencing (RNA-seq). Furthermore, we conducted immunoblotting, real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), cell migration assays, lentivirus-mediated Mmp9 overexpression, and Mmp9 inhibitor experiments to elucidate the role of decanoylcarnitine/Mmp9 in TNBC cell migration. Results: Our observations indicate that IF exerts notable inhibitory effects on both the proliferation and cancer metastasis. Utilizing targeted metabolomics and RNA-seq, we initially identified pivotal serum metabolites and signaling events in the progression of TNBC. Among the 349 serum metabolites identified, decanoylcarnitine was picked out to inhibit TNBC cell proliferation and migration. RNA-seq analysis of TNBC cells treated with decanoylcarnitine revealed its suppressive effects on extracellular matrix-related protein components, with a notable reduction observed in Mmp9. Further investigations confirmed that decanoylcarnitine could inhibit Mmp9 expression in TNBC cells, primary tumors, lung, and liver metastasis tissues. Mmp9 overexpression abolished the inhibitory effect of decanoylcarnitine on cell migration. Conclusion: This study pioneers the exploration of IF intervention and the role of decanoylcarnitine/Mmp9 in the progression of TNBC in obese mice, enhancing our comprehension of the potential roles of various dietary patterns in the process of cancer treatment.
Enriching Museum Collection with Virtual Design Objects and Community Narratives: Pop-up-VR Museum
Authors: Díaz-Kommonen Lily , Svinhufvud Leena , Thiel Susanna , Vishwanath Gautam
Published: February 2024

In the Pop-up-VR Museum, a selection of design objects from the Design Museum collection can be explored as virtual reality experience together with stories and comments collected in workshops organized with senior communities and museum visitors amongst others. The collaboration between the museum and the Aalto University Department of Art and Media in the EU Horizon 2020 project SPICE (2020–2023), seeks to increase social cohesion and inclusion through cultural heritage. Using semantic tools designed and developed in the project, it studies ways to promote novel forms of “citizen curation” activities.

The article discusses the co-design process between media designers, heritage professionals, and different user communities, with varying understandings and needs regarding museum data and Finnish design heritage. In the museum, community-based data raises practical as well as ethical issues. Also the new digital artifacts challenge existing systems: what and how should be preserved in the museum collection from the dialogue with the user that takes place in the Pop-up VR Museum and does this new data demand re-assessing earlier information and, how does should the process of creating new digital artifacts be documented and described.
New Country, New School: Recognizing and Supporting Afghan Families’ Cultural and Religious Practices in U.S. Schools
Authors: Crawford Emily R. , Mann Bryan , Arar Khalid
Published: February 2024

This case occurs in a Midwestern community that has received Afghan individuals and families. It explores the experiences of an Afghan mother and two children as they transition into U.S.-based schooling culture and norms as the children start elementary school. The family initially had the help of a K–12 liaison from a community-based organization. The case explores the cultural and religious identities of the family and how one school leader struggles to offer a space that acknowledges, values, and respects their identities. This case informs school leaders on best welcoming practices for newcomer students and their families in schools and communities.
Snapping Wrist From Bowstringing of the Digital Flexors After Carpal Tunnel Release: A Case Report
Authors: Cline Justin A. , Rogers Joshua T. , Merritt Christopher H. , Behzadpour Vafa , Hearon Bernard F.
Published: February 2024

Symptomatic bowstringing of digital flexor tendons is a rare complication of carpal tunnel release (CTR). Two weeks after open CTR, a 47-year-old man with severe carpal tunnel syndrome had relief of his preoperative median paresthesia but complained of new-onset painful snapping of the wrist and transient ulnar paresthesia occurring with wrist dorsiflexion and concomitant digital flexion. Physical examination localized the audible snapping to the hook of hamate (HOH) where manual pressure eliminated the wrist motion–induced snapping and the associated ulnar paresthesia. Wrist radiographs showed stage III scapholunate advanced collapse (SLAC) with marked palmar subluxation of the lunate. Wrist magnetic resonance imaging revealed palmar and ulnar subluxation of the digital flexors over the HOH due to the mass effect of the palmarly displaced lunate and the chronic carpal malalignment. The snapping wrist and accompanying ulnar paresthesia resolved after HOH excision, and no additional treatment for the asymptomatic SLAC wrist deformity was required. Satisfactory clinical outcome was observed at 5-year follow-up.
Endovascular treatment with interwoven nitinol stent for common femoral artery lesions: 2-year outcomes of a single center experience
Authors: Suwanruangsri Veera , Bokerd Surakiat , Chanchitsopon Virapat , Jowcharoen Sirakarn
Published: February 2024

Objective

The study aimed was to report 2-year outcomes of endovascular treatment with interwoven nitinol (Supera™) stent for common femoral artery (CFA) lesions.

Methods

We reviewed the clinical data of 20 patients who presented with CFA stenosis or occlusion and underwent balloon angioplasty followed by Supera™ stenting in CFA between February 2016 and January 2022. The outcomes were evaluated in these patients in terms of technical success, post-intervention complications, reintervention, and cumulative patency (1 year, and 2 years).

Results

The study included 20 patients (22 lesions) who presented with isolated CFA lesions (3), iliac lesions involving CFA (6), superficial femoral artery (SFA) lesions involving CFA (8), and extensive lesions from the iliac artery to SFA (5). There were 16 men (80%) with a mean age of 69.7 years (range, 34–83). Hypertension, smoking, and diabetes were found in 15 (75%), 7 (35%), and 7 patients (35%), respectively. Clinical presentations were Rutherford stage 5 (9, 45%), Rutherford stage 4 (5, 25%), Rutherford stage 6 (4, 20%), and Rutherford stage 3 (2, 10%). Technical success was achieved in all patients (100%). The procedures for treatment were isolated CFA Supera™ stenting (1, 4.5%), CFA plus DFA Supera™ stenting (jailed SFA) (2, 9.1%), CFA plus SFA Supera™ stenting (jailed DFA) (8, 36.4%), CFA Supera™ stenting plus bare iliac stenting (Astron) (6, 27.3%), CFA plus SFA Supera™ stenting (jailed DFA) plus bare iliac stenting (Astron) (5, 22.7%), and additional DFA angioplasty (7, 31.8%). The rate of in-hospital mortality and morbidity were 0% and 10%, respectively. Distal embolization after pre-dilatation occurred in 1 patient, and cerebral infarction occurred 12 h after the procedure in 1 patient. The mean follow-up time was 23 months (range, 2–64). During the follow-up period, in-stent occlusion occurred in 2 patients at 9 and 46 months. Re-intervention was performed in 1 patient due to recurrent symptom of claudication. The cumulative primary patency at 1 year and 2 years were 93.3% and 93.3%, respectively.

Conclusion

Endovascular treatment with interwoven nitinol (Supera™) stent for CFA lesions was associated with acceptable outcomes at 2 years.
Operational safety hazard identification methodology for automated driving systems fleets
Authors: Correa-Jullian Camila , Ramos Marilia , Mosleh Ali , Ma Jiaqi
Published: February 2024

The safety of Automated Driving Systems (ADS) operating as Mobility as a Service (MaaS) depends on multiple factors in addition to the vehicle’s functionality, reliability, and performance. Currently, no comprehensive approach has been formally developed to identify operational safety hazards and define the operational safety responsibilities of the key agents involved in Level 4 (L4) ADS MaaS operations. This work develops and applies a structured hazard identification methodology for this operation. The methodology leverages and complements the strengths of various hazard identification and modeling methods, including Event Sequence Diagram (ESD), Concurrent Task Analysis (CoTA), System-Theoretic Process Analysis (STPA), and Fault Tree Analysis (FTA). The methodology is applied to analyze the operation of a fleet of L4 ADS vehicle fleets without a safety driver, monitored and supervised by remote operators. The results highlight the fleet operator’s role in ensuring the correct vehicle operation and preventing and mitigating incidents. The analysis demonstrates the developed methodology’s strengths and suitability for operational safety analysis of complex systems’ operations, considering the inherent complexity of the interactions between multiple human and machine agents.