bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dynamic characteristics analysis of a rotor system with loose support considering internal friction in couplings
Authors: Wei Yuan , Guo Jia , Ma Bowen , Xu Fanyi , Schröder Kai-Uwe
Published: December 2023

Along with the rotating machinery advances toward high speeds, the significance of the excitation force of the seal fluid in the rotor system is growing, which can cause serious accidents. Most of the previous research on rotors in rotating machinery has predominantly focused on the effects of misalignment in couplings. In this article, a novel model is proposed, introducing an analytical approach that combines both internal friction in couplings and loosening support faults. Additionally, an analysis and discussion of the vibration characteristics of the rotating system under the influence of internal friction are presented. This method allows for a more comprehensive assessment of the performance of rotors in engineering applications. Assuming that the left support of the rotor is loose, this model focused on how various factors such as rotor speeds, eccentricity, seal disc mass, and left-end support mass affect the labyrinth seal rotor system's dynamic characteristics. Based on the findings, The emergence of internal friction forces advances the chaos of the rotor. It seems that as the rotating speed increases, there will be a small frequency range, resulting in fluid oscillation, and the system stability will be reduced at this time. The improvement in the seal disc's quality has minimal impact on the stability of the left journal, but it will reduce the stability of the seal disc. The increase in the mass of the left end support will increase the stability of the movement at the left journal and reduce the stability of the movement at the seal disc.
Religion and Development: Alternative Visions, Credibility, and Networks as Religious Assets for Sustainable Development?
Authors: Koehrsen Jens , Burchardt Marian
Published: December 2023

Religious organizations have become crucial actors in international development. However, scholarly discussions have largely ignored the dynamics that shape their impact on the ground. This article examines these dynamics by assessing three claims about the specific developmental assets of religious organizations: (a) their credibility in the eyes of their beneficiaries; (b) their control over far-flung social networks; and (c) the idea that religious organizations pursue alternative visions of development. Drawing on existing research, we study these claims in two development sectors: healthcare and environmental sustainability. The results complicate linear narratives of the positive impact of religions on development. Dynamics internal to the religious field sometimes lead to practices that run counter to the Sustainable Development Goals, while institutional pressures in the field of international development push religious organizations to become more similar to their secular counterparts. We suggest the need for alternative frameworks that go beyond prevailing secularization and de-secularization narratives to pay attention to the institutional field dynamics that shape religious development initiatives.
Corporate ownership and insolvency law: An evidence from India
Authors: Deb Shakti , Dube Indrajit
Published: December 2023

Reorganization or revival of the financially distressed corporate person is the prime objective of insolvency law. To rationalize the said objective, the insolvency law in India— Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code 2016 has adopted the manager-displacement model of the insolvency regime. It has become progressively evident from existing literature that the development of corporate governance mechanisms may have imperative implications on the aptness of a nation's legal system and its accomplishments. The existing evolutionary theory asserts that corporate bankruptcy and corporate governance structure complement each other. The historical account of corporate ownership structure in India represents a predominance of concentrated ownership patterns. Through the perspective of the existing evolutionary theory of corporate insolvency, the paper analyzes the corporate ownership structure and development of corporate insolvency law in India. The article also explores whether corporate ownership structure as a corporate governance mechanism can explain the progression of the insolvency regime in India. The findings of this paper would be of significance for jurisdictions that are considering reforms within their existing corporate insolvency law.
Immunoactivation Affects Perceived Body Odor and Facial but Not Vocal Attractiveness
Authors: Schwambergová Dagmar , Pátková Žaneta , Třebická Fialová Jitka , Třebický Vít , Stella David , Havlíček Jan
Published: December 2023

Several previous studies have shown that in mammals, the health status of conspecifics can be assessed based on perceptual cues. Olfactory, visual, or acoustic cues may lead to avoidant behavior, thus reducing the risk of contagion by close contact with infected individuals. We tested whether immune system activation after immunization leads to perceptible changes in body odor and facial and vocal attractiveness in humans. We have experimentally activated the immune system of male participants using vaccination against hepatitis A/B and meningococcus. Their body odor, facial photographs, and vocal recordings were collected before and 14 days after vaccination. Subsequently, the body odor samples, facial photographs, and vocal recordings were assessed by female raters for their attractiveness and healthiness. We have also measured skin coloration (from facial photographs and in vivo using a spectrophotometer), vocal parameters, and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels as a marker of inflammation. We found an increase in perceived body odor attractiveness, a decrease in facial attractiveness and healthiness, and no change in vocal attractiveness 14 days after vaccination compared to the prevaccination condition. Moreover, there was no change in facial coloration or vocal parameters between the prevaccination and postvaccination conditions. Prevaccination CRP levels were negatively associated with body odor and facial attractiveness and positively associated with body odor intensity. Overall, our results suggest that perceived body odor as well as facial but not vocal attractiveness may provide cues to activation of the immune response and that each modality may carry specific information about the individual's condition.
Progression of insulin resistance in individuals with type 1 diabetes: A retrospective longitudinal study on individuals from Thailand
Authors: Jirawatwarakul Thanes , Pruktanakul Thakorn , Churuangsuk Chaitong , Aunjitsakul Warut , Tsutsumi Wantanee D. , Leelawattana Rattana , Soonthornpun Supamai , Ajjan Ramzi A. , Kietsiriroje Noppadol
Published: December 2023

Aims

To investigate temporal changes in glycaemic control and weight contributing to insulin resistance (IR), in Thai individuals with type 1 diabetes (T1D).

Methods

Longitudinal data of 69 individuals with T1D were retrospectively collected over a median follow-up of 7.2 years. The estimated glucose disposal rate (eGDR), a marker of IR, was calculated using an established formula. Individuals were assigned as insulin-sensitive T1D (the latest eGDR≥8 mg/kg/min), or insulin-resistant T1D/double diabetes (the latest eGDR<8 mg/kg/min). Generalised linear mixed model was employed to compare the temporal patterns of HbA1c, BMI, and eGDR between the two groups.

Results

26 insulin-resistant T1D had a gradual decline in eGDR, corresponding with increased weight and HbA1c. In contrast, 43 insulin-sensitive T1D had stable insulin sensitivity with an improvement in HbA1c over time, associated with a modest weight gain. Fluctuations of glucose levels were observed during the early diabetes course leading to unstable eGDR, thus limiting the use of eGDR to classify insulin-resistant T1D.

Conclusion

T1D individuals who eventually develop IR are likely to experience early increasing IR over time. In contrast, those who ultimately do not have IR, maintain their insulin sensitivity throughout their course at least in the medium term.
Integration and Team Performance in the NBA
Authors: Olsen Amanda , Leeds Michael A.
Published: December 2023

The causes and effects of the integration of the NBA have received far less attention than the integration of other sports. We use survival analysis to examine whether integration was led by successful franchises or unsuccessful teams. We then go on to examine the contributions of Black players in the 1950s and early 1960s. Specifically, we ask whether teams that relied more heavily on Black players were more successful, as was the case in baseball. We also examine the degree to which individual Black players contributed to their teams.
Domestic Competitive Imbalance as the “Price” of Surprise in the Champions League
Authors: Rappai Gábor , Fűrész Diána Ivett
Published: December 2023

The opinions regarding the impact of the domestic league's competitive balance (CB) on continental club competition sporting success are divided. Through the data of the last 18 seasons (2004/05–2021/22) and 576 games, we have examined whether the teams from a more balanced domestic league can achieve more unexpected results in the Champions League group stage. The current study aims to contribute to previously published literature by applying the market value-based surprise index. The results of panel logistic regression models suggest that a lower domestic league's CB in a given season can support teams to overperform in the international field in the same season.
Ethical Climate in the Delivery Wards of Educational Hospitals in Southeast Iran
Authors: Khajehpour Mahin , Keramat Afsaneh , Balouchi Mahani Mahin , Shahinfar Sholeh
Published: December 2023

Ethical climate is one of the important factors in the working climate of the hospital. Considering the difference in the Ethical climate in different departments of the hospital and the importance of the ethical climate in the delivery ward, this study aimed to assess the characteristics of hospital ethical climate in delivery ward of educational hospitals in southeast Iran. This descriptive and multi-center study was conducted from 2020 to 2021 in educational hospitals in southeast Iran. Two hundred forty midwives working in delivery wards, midwifery instructors, and midwifery students were included in the study by census method. Data collection tools included a demographic information form, Olson's Hospital Ethical Climate Survey, completed using the self-report method. The mean ethical climate in the midwifery group (3.82 ± 0.63 out of 5) was higher than in the instructors’ and students’ groups. The lowest mean score obtained from the ethical climate questionnaire of participants was associated with the inability to use their experiences in the delivery ward. The lowest mean of ethical climate from the midwives’ point of view is the Physicians’ dimension and the patient's dimension from the instructors’ point of view. The highest mean score belonged to the ethical climate of the supervisors. According to the results of the present study, it is suggested to implement protective laws to support the higher independence of midwives to improve the ethical climates by using their experiences in the delivery department.
Only Hit the Bad Guys: A Gene Therapy Approach to Selectively Silence Highly Active Neurons Reduces Chronic Seizures in Epileptic Mice
Authors: Shuman Tristan
Published: December 2023

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Lovecraftian Games: The Afterlife of Cthulhu on Valve's Steam Client
Authors: Arasu Prema
Published: December 2023

Today, H. P. Lovecraft's popular culture legacy resides in the shared world of the Cthulhu Mythos and in the iconography of its monsters. Rather than attempt to definitively identify what makes something Lovecraftian, this paper takes a reception theory informed approach to investigate the ways in which the user-defined ‘Lovecraftian’ tag is applied on Steam. This paper identifies the recurrence of sanity mechanics, tentacularity, and parody in the games that users have tagged as ‘Lovecraftian’ and discusses how these elements adapt and respond to Lovecraft's mythos and cosmicist philosophy. The Lovecraftian games available on Steam, as they have been identified by their consumers, indicate that the digital game is a worthwhile platform for adaptations of the works of H. P. Lovecraft due to the interactivity offered by the medium. However, many of these games also contain subversive or parodic elements that undermine Lovecraft's cosmicism.
“We All Have Power”: Using Photovoice to Document Challenges and Strengths of Lakota Women With Histories of Incarceration
Authors: Edwards Katie M. , Camp Emily E. , Luethke Tiffani N. , Herrington Ramona , Roach LaVonne , Bertsche Maggie , Trujillo Preciouse , Carter-Bolick India Rose , Mullet Natira , Than Diana
Published: December 2023

Results from a photovoice study with 13 Lakota women found that there were numerous barriers (e.g., finding stable housing, finding a job) to reintegration following incarceration and that trauma, grief, and loss were identified as prominent challenges throughout attempts at reintegration. Despite tremendous aversities, Lakota women identified their ability to connect with people, nature, and culture as key sources of their strength and resilience. This research highlights the urgent need for comprehensive, culturally grounded, strengths-focused initiatives as well as structural policy change that will support Lakota and other Indigenous women’s reintegration into their communities.
Home-Use and Portable Biofeedback Lowers Anxiety and Pain in Chronic Pain Subjects
Authors: Ly Franklin S. , Santander Tyler , Pavlov Stephany , Zhao Jiayang , Zhang Minghao , Arroyo Dahyana , Sokolovskiy Sergey , Iyer Anirudh , Yankauskas Yanis , Chen John , Miller Michael B. , Petzold Linda , Yang Henry T. , Hansma Paul K.
Published: December 2023

In this study, we investigated the use of novel, home-use and portable biofeedback devices in a remote program for managing chronic pain. In three separate 4-week pilot studies, participants engaged in twice-daily, 10-minute biofeedback sessions, with self-assessed reductions in anxiety and pain levels using the 6-item State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI-6) and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), respectively, in Studies 2 and 3. Among these 113 (Study 2) and 237 (Study 3) biofeedback sessions, 81 (∼72%) and 130 (∼55%) showed reductions in pain, while 93 (∼82%) and 184 (∼78%) experienced reductions in anxiety. A positive relationship was found between anxiety and pain reduction, indicating that larger reductions in anxiety correspond to larger reductions in pain. In Study 1, only anxiety reductions were measured: across 143 biofeedback sessions, 127 experienced reductions in anxiety (∼89%). Participants in all studies demonstrated reductions in baseline to final results in pain, anxiety, and showed increases in satisfaction and recovery. Our results provide strong evidence that portable biofeedback devices can enhance pain management programs by helping to alleviate anxiety and pain in individuals living with chronic conditions. This study can provide a basis for the integration of biofeedback devices into the expanding research of lifestyle and integrative medicine.
International doctoral students’ perspectives on the qualities of supervisors: Expectations for intercultural supervision in Portuguese higher education
Authors: Pinto Susana
Published: December 2023

Considering internationalisation of doctoral education and the crucial role of supervisors in doctoral journeys, this paper explores the perspectives of international doctoral students regarding the qualities of a good supervisor. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 11 students from Angola, Brazil, East Timor and Mozambique, attending a PhD Program in Education at a Portuguese university. Results from thematic analysis show that students value intrapersonal, interpersonal and communicative qualities associated specifically to pursuing a doctorate overseas. Within those, they underline: knowledge of their origin contexts (cultural characteristics, educational backgrounds and research traditions); acknowledgement of the influence of those contexts in learning and research approaches; and flexibility regarding students’ variety of Portuguese language. Directly related to this, qualities such as personal and emotional support, availability, commitment and empathy are highly appreciated. Findings highlight the importance of supervisor professional development for intercultural doctoral supervision.
The influence of the field orientation on the representativeness of the positional dynamics in soccer small-sided games
Authors: Couto Bruno P , Praça Gibson M , Gabbett Tim J , Luchesi Marcelo S , Oliveira Mariana P , Sayers Mark GL
Published: December 2023

The aim of this study was to compare the positional dynamics in soccer small-sided games (SSGs) with either greater length (SSGlength) or width (SSGwidth) with official games. Twenty four Brazilian U-20 national-level players participated in six SSGs training sessions with two different SSG configurations: SSGlength (4v4, 40 m length and 26 m width) and SSGwidth (4v4, 26 m length and 40 m width). Positional dynamics variables were monitored and compared to official games. Linear mixed regression model was fitted using the situations as fixed effect, and, when appropriate, player and/or group as random effects. When compared to SSGlength and SSGwidth, official games showed a greater Relative Team Length, LPWratio, Spacial Exploration Index (SEI), and Strech Index, with a large or very large effect size. The SSGlength elicited higher values of Relative Team Width, LPWratio, and SEI when compared to SSGwidth. No significant differences were found between SSGlength and SSGwidth for Relative Team Length (small effect size), and SI (small effect size). Both group and player as random effects showed low variances. We concluded that the tactical behaviours during the 4v4 SSG differed substantially from the competitive tactical behaviour during the official games. In addition, changing the orientation of the playing field did not make the positional dynamics of the SSGs more similar to the official games.
Comparative Study of Soil Microbial Diversity on Different Slope Orientations in Karst Rocky Mountains of Guangxi, China
Authors: Zhu Keye , Liu Jiaying , Ge Yang , Dong Ruiyao , Tian Qi , Zhu Wenxu , Liao Nanyan , Li Wuzheng
Published: December 2023

Background and Research aim: Slope orientations can have a significant impact on the establishment of soil bacterial communities by influencing microclimate, soil properties and hydrological processes such as temperature, water content, pH and soil nutrients. Moreover, soil organic matter in karst ecosystems is more sensitive to environmental changes due to its lower resistance to disturbance.

Methods: In this study, we analysed the multiple effects on soil bacterial community structure in karst landscapes at different slope orientations. The chemical properties of the soil of the sunny slope, the shady slope and the hilltop are compared and soil microbial communities are analyzed by high throughput sequencing.

Results: We found that soil chemical properties (Total Carbon, Total Nitrogen, Total Phosphorus, Total carbon/Total Nitrogen ratio, Total carbon/Total Phosphorus ratio, Total nitrogen/Total Phosphorus ratio) differed between different slope orientations, but pH didn’t differ significantly. In contrast, areas with high carbon to nitrogen ratios showed lower bacterial abundance.

Conclusions: This study uncovered distinct soil chemical properties among soils with different slope orientations. At the bacterial and fungal levels, the sunny slope exhibits the properties of having more ASVs. Moreover, although the soil microbial communities exhibited similar structures across these slope orientations, there were substantial variations in species abundance and microbial characteristics. Notably, the abundance of thermophilic bacterial groups increases significantly with increasing altitude, while the bacterial communities with the highest abundance of tree species at low altitude tend to be mesophilic. This study reveals the differences in soil microbial community structure under the influence of different slope orientations, which has practical implications for the overall understanding of soil microbes in karst landscapes and the influence of slope orientation on soil microbial diversity.

Implications for Conservation: This study aims to provide a reference and scientific basis for the conservation of karst microbial diversity.
COVID-19 vaccine acceptance in the second wave of the pandemic among university students in Ethiopia: application of the health belief model
Authors: Tilahun Befkad Derese , Adane Tiruneh , Fentanew Molla , Alene Tilahun Dessie , Abebe Gebremeskel Kibret , Ngusie Habtamu Setegn
Published: December 2023

Background:

The first case of COVID-19 virus was reported in Africa on 14 February 2020. The pandemic became more aggressive in the continent during the second wave than the first wave. Promoting vaccination behavior is an unparalleled measure to curb the spread of the pandemic. Regarding this, the health belief model (HBM) is the major model for understanding health behaviors. This study aimed to examine predictors of intended COVID-19 vaccine acceptance in the second wave of the pandemic among university students in Ethiopia using HBM.

Methods:

A cross-sectional study was conducted among 423 randomly selected medical and health science students at the University of Gondar from 21 August to 15 September 2020. Analysis of data was performed using STATA 14.0. Linear regression analysis was applied and a p value of less than 0.05 was used to declare statistical significance.

Results:

Among the total participants, 293 [72.2% (95.0%: CI: 67.2–76.8)] of them scored above the mean of COVID-19 vaccine acceptance. HBM explained nearly 46.3% (adjusted R2 = 0.463) variance in intention to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Year of study (β = 0.288; 95% CI: 0.144–0.056), using social media (β = 0.58; 95% CI: 1.546–2.804), existing chronic disease (β = 0.12; 95% CI: 0.042–0.433), perceived overall health condition (β = 0.117; 95% CI: 0.307–0.091), perceived susceptibility (β = 0.58; 95% CI: 1.546–2.804), perceived benefit (β = 0.338; 95% CI: 1.578–2.863), and cues to action (β = 0.49; 95% CI: 0.388–0.99) were significantly associated with intended COVID-19 vaccine acceptance at p value < 0.5.

Conclusion:

Approximately, three-quarters of the participants were above the mean score of COVID-19 vaccine acceptance, which is higher compared to previous reports in resource-limited settings. Interventions in this study setting chould include placing emphasis on the risks of acquiring COVID-19, enhancing perceived benefits of COVID-19 vaccination and improving cues to action by advocating COVID-19 vaccination. Our findings also implied that social media health campaigns are significant factor in COVID-19 vaccination behavioral change in this study setting.
Total elbow arthroplasty for hemophilic osteoproliferative elbow arthritis with severe flexion contracture: A case report
Authors: Tajika Tsuyoshi , Kuboi Takuro , Sakane Hideo , Hatori Yuhei , Saida Ryuta , Shinagawa Satoshi , Shitara Hitoshi , Ogawa Yoshiyuki , Chikuda Hirotaka
Published: December 2023

Total elbow arthroplasty is effective for pain relief and the functional improvement of severe symptomatic hemophilic osteoproliferative arthropathy. Nevertheless, high complication rates have been reported. This report describes clinical results obtained at 30-month follow-up of total elbow arthroplasty in a hemophilic patient with severe flexion contracture. A 50-year-old patient with advanced left elbow hemophilic arthropathy underwent unlinked total elbow arthroplasty. He had sustained an intraoperative fracture of the medial part of a supracondylar humerus complication. To control perioperative bleeding, strict factor VIII replacement therapy was performed under the guidance of hematologists. The total elbow range of motion was 35° preoperatively, but it had improved to 110° postoperatively. The Patient-Rated Elbow Evaluation Japanese version score, which was 53.7 preoperatively, improved to 10.7 postoperatively. During the 30 months after operation, no complication occurred. Good clinical results have been obtained under close collaboration with hematologists and close patient adherence following treatment.
The six spot step test is superior in detecting walking capacity impairments compared to short- and long-distance walk tests in persons with multiple sclerosis
Authors: Skjerbæk Anders G , Dalgas Ulrik , Stenager Egon , Boesen Finn , Hvid Lars G
Published: December 2023

Background

Walking capacity is important not only to persons with multiple sclerosis but also to clinical practice and research. The present study aims to compare the extent of impairments (relative to healthy controls) across three commonly used walking capacity outcomes in persons with multiple sclerosis.

Methods

In a two-hospital cross-sectional study, walking capacity was assessed using the timed-25-footwalk-test (timed 25-ft walk test; ‘walking speed’), the six-minute-walk-test (‘walking endurance’) and the six-spot-step-test (‘walking balance and coordination’). Data were compared to normative reference data in healthy controls.

Results

A total of 228 persons with multiple sclerosis (68% females) were involved in the study: age 53.7 ± 11.6 y (range 26–81 y); patient-determined-disease-steps 3 [IQR; 1; 4] (range 0–7); time since diagnosis 12.6 ± 9.9 y (range 0–49 y); MS-phenotype (relapse remitting MS, secondary progressive MS, primary progressive MS) 146/39/41; and co-morbidity n = 80 (35%). Compared to healthy controls, deficits were observed across all walking capacity outcomes ( p < 0.001): timed 25-foot walk test −26 [−30; −23]%, 6 minute-walk-test −36 [−39; −32]% and six-spot-step-test −44 [−47; −40]%. Deficits differed across walking capacity outcomes ( p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Altogether, persons with multiple sclerosis performed substantially worse than healthy controls across all three walking capacity outcomes. The results showed that the six-spot-step-test was superior to the timed 25-foot walk test and the 6 minute-walk-test in detecting walking capacity impairments in persons with multiple sclerosis.
International Students’ Career Construction From Hospitality Internship: A Qualitative Approach
Authors: Zhu Jinsheng (Jason) , Lu Ying (Tracy) , Zhao Yun (Michelle) , Zhang Hailin , Ran Fang
Published: December 2023

The curriculum-designed internship in hospitality management education has diverse impacts. Adopting the Career Construction Theory, this research explores how internships affect students’ career choices before, during, and after their hotel internships. The methodology of this research consists of semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions, and documentary investigations on international students’ internship diaries. Results show that the curriculum design is critical to the success of an internship. The empirical findings indicate that internship preparation, cultural adaptation during the internship, and reflexivity after the internship are important elements in an effective internship. Research findings reveal the current status of international student internship programs in the Chinese context and provide implications for internship curriculum development in hospitality management and international students’ career development. The present article recommends that it is crucial to manage students’ career construction route through a proper arrangement of an effective internship program. Theoretical and practical implications are further discussed.
An Assessment of Quality-of-Life Following Tissue Expansion in Pediatric Patients
Authors: Rykiss Dara , Courtemanche Rebecca , Hynes Sally
Published: December 2023

Introduction: There is limited data on the effects of tissue expansion (TE) surgery on quality-of-life (QOL) in pediatric patients. Evidence-based information may help clinicians, patients, and their families with treatment decision-making and post-operative expectations. This study explores QOL following TE in pediatric patients. Methods: A post-intervention QOL survey and retrospective chart review was performed. Patients who underwent TE at a pediatric tertiary hospital between October 2004 and March 2020 completed the Glasgow Children's Benefit Inventory or the Glasgow Benefit Inventory. Total scores range from −100(worsened QOL) to +100(improved QOL). Participants were also asked if they would recommend TE to other patients with the same indication. Results: The response rate was 38% (n = 20; 14 females, 6 males). The median QOL score was +17[−2,+49]. Higher QOL scores were found for TE indications of scar (+49) and alopecia (+40), compared to giant congenital melanocytic nevus (−2). Higher scores were also associated with shorter time in active treatment ( r = −0.65) and fewer complications ( r = −0.56). 18/20 participants would recommend TE. Participants whose QOL improved (n = 11, 55%) reported increased self-confidence, fitting in with peers, and improved function. Participants with unchanged or decreased QOL (n = 9, 45%) described a negative experience with residual scarring. However, 7/9 with unchanged or decreased QOL would still recommend TE. Conclusions: This preliminary descriptive study demonstrated variable QOL following TE. Patient and treatment-related factors impact QOL outcomes. Despite the range in QOL outcomes, the majority of participants would recommend TE. Further research evaluating QOL following TE is necessary to better understand this relationship.
Comparison of Revision ACL Reconstruction Using Iliotibial Band Augmented With Allograft Versus Bone–Patellar Tendon–Bone Autograft With Lateral Extra-articular Tenodesis
Authors: Abou Al Ezz Morad , Gerometta Antoine , Valentin Eugenie , Meyer Alain , Grimaud Olivier , Lefevre Nicolas , Bohu Yohan , Hardy Alexandre
Published: December 2023

Background:

Bone–patellar tendon–bone (BTB) anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) is one of the conventional techniques in the revision setting especially after a primary hamstring tendon graft. The use of the iliotibial band (ITB) augmented with allograft (AG) is an encouraging graft alternative for ACLR in terms of clinical and biomechanical data in the literature.

Purpose:

To compare the clinical outcomes of BTB graft with lateral extra-articular tenodesis, modified Lemaire (BTB-LET), and an ITB graft augmented with hamstring AG (ITB-AG) in the setting of revision ACLR.

Study Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

Descriptive data and clinical outcomes were prospectively collected from patients who underwent revision ACLR with either the BTB-LET or ITB-AG technique between 2012 and 2020 and who had a minimum follow-up of 2 years. The clinical outcomes were assessed by the Lysholm, Tegner, Anterior Cruciate Ligament–Return to Sport after Injury, International Knee Documentation Committee subjective knee evaluation form, and Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score. Return to sports, complications, and revisions were also analyzed.

Results:

A total of 167 patients were included, with 106 patients in the BTB-LET group and 61 patients in the ITB-AG group. There were no significant group differences in sociodemographic characteristics; however, the mean follow-up was significantly longer in the BTB-LET compared with the ITB-AG group (52.0 vs 38.8 months, respectively; P = .0001). There were no significant differences in postoperative outcome scores; however, patients in the ITB-AG group had a higher rate of return to competitive pivoting sports (32.8% vs 17.9%; P = .0288) and a higher overall rate of return to preinjury sport (63.9% vs 47.2%; P = .0365). Complications, including revisions for meniscal or chondral lesions and retears (8 [8.3%] in the BTB-LET group and 2 [4.0%] in the ITB-AG group), were not significantly different. All retears were due to sports-related accidents.

Conclusion:

In this study, ITB-AG was not different from BTB-LET in terms of functional outcomes scores but allowed better return to sport rate. Performing ITB-AG reconstruction in the setting of revision ACLR appears to be safe, effective, and associated with a satisfying return-to-sports rate.
The Gandhamardan Movement of Western Odisha and Its Contemporary Relevance
Authors: Rout Baijayanti
Published: December 2023

In the modern world, the demand for mineral products is significantly increasing, which attracts many investors to invest in mineral extraction. Most of the mineral deposits are in tribal-dominated areas that are being affected by resource extraction activities. Odisha, a mineral-rich state, has become a favourite destination for investors. Most of the local livings are tribals who depend on the hill’s natural resources as their traditional livelihood. The local tribals protested for their rights in religious places near the mine to protect traditional livelihood and to save the natural environment. This article attempts to understand how the local indigenous groups and others are motivated to join the resistance movement and also examines the present status of pushing factors. It also focuses on how the indigenous groups, activists and other organizations made the movement successful. Eventually, the state government had to withdraw the project because of the strong leadership, selfless dedication and sacrifice of local tribals, well-planned strategies of the activists and global–national–local supports to save the environment.
Disparities in Lung Cancer Clinical Trial Discussion and Enrollment at a Safety Net Hospital
Authors: Dudipala Harshitha , Burns Laura , Jani Chinmay T , Radwan Amr , Al Omari Omar , Patel Mohini , Kilic Seyda , Zhao Jenny , Mak Kimberley , Suzuki Kei , Tapan Umit
Published: December 2023

Background

In the United States, less than 5% of all adult cancer patients enroll in clinical trials. Few studies explore participation in cancer clinical trials at safety net hospitals, which disproportionately care for minoritized, low-income, uninsured, and underinsured populations. Our study aims to investigate disparities in clinical trial discussions and enrollment among lung cancer patients at Boston Medical Center, the largest safety net hospital in New England.

Methods

We included 1121 patients diagnosed with lung cancer between January 2015 and December 2020. Electronic Medical Records (EMR) were queried, and patients were categorized into three groups: (1) clinical trial discussed and the patient enrolled, (2) clinical trial discussed but the patient not enrolled, and (3) clinical trial not discussed. Sociodemographic variables such as age, gender, race, ethnicity, city, primary language, median household income, medical insurance type, and education level were also collected. Chi-squared, t test, and multivariate regression analysis was done using SPSS version 26.0.

Results

Of the 1121 patients, clinical trials were discussed in 141 patients (12.6%), of which 22 (15.6%) were enrolled. Clinical trial discussions were conducted more with younger patients (68.19 vs 71.37, p = .001), but on multivariate analysis there was no significant difference (OR = 1.023; 95% CI 0.998-1.048; p = .068). There was no significant difference in clinical trial discussion or enrollment between the other sociodemographic factors.

Conclusion

Additional study of barriers to cancer clinical trial discussion and enrollment at safety net institutions can serve as a prerequisite to ameliorating racial disparities observed on a national scale.
Community Groups Co-Design Evidence-Based Docudramas to Communicate About Child Spacing in Bauchi State, Nigeria: A Qualitative Descriptive Study
Authors: Ansari Umaira , Omer Khalid , Gidado Yagana , Baba Muhd Chadi , Gamawa Adamu Ibrahim , Daniel Lois Ezekiel , Andersson Neil , Cockcroft Anne
Published: December 2023

In Bauchi State, northern Nigeria, communities recognise short birth interval ( kunika in the Hausa language) as harmful, but family planning is a sensitive topic. This paper describes the development of a culturally safe way to communicate about kunika in a conservative Muslim setting. The objective was to co-design culturally safe communication material, based on local knowledge about short birth interval, to share with women and men in households.

Six community co-design groups of women and six of men (total 96 participants) reviewed summaries of their previously created maps of perceived local causes of kunika, categorised as frequent sex, family dynamics and non-use of contraception. They advised how these causes could be discussed effectively and acceptably with women and their husbands in households and suggested storylines for three short video docudramas about the prevention of kunika. The research team created the docudramas with a local producer and fieldworkers piloted their use in households.

The design groups advised that communication materials should focus on child spacing rather than on limitation of family size. Even sensitive issues could be covered. People would not change their sexual behaviour but could be advised to use contraceptives to prevent kunika. The groups approved the final videos and six focus groups of visited women and men reported they were acceptable and helpful. Community co-design of communication about kunika was feasible and led to videos about a sensitive topic that were acceptable to ordinary men and women in communities in Bauchi.
Sensitivity to targeted UBA1 inhibition in a myeloid cell line model of VEXAS syndrome
Authors: Chiaramida Adriana , Obwar Sandra G. , Nordstrom Anja E. H. , Ericsson Maria , Saldanha Aisha , Ivanova Elena V. , Griffin Gabriel K. , Khan Dilshad H. , Belizaire Roger
Published: December 2023

Somatic UBA1 mutations in hematopoietic cells are a hallmark of Vacuoles, E1 enzyme, X-linked, Autoinflammatory, Somatic (VEXAS) syndrome, which is a late-onset inflammatory disease associated with bone marrow failure and high mortality. The majority of UBA1 mutations in VEXAS syndrome comprise hemizygous mutations affecting methionine-41 (M41), leading to the expression of UBA1M41T, UBA1M41V, or UBA1M41L and globally reduced protein polyubiquitination. Here, we used CRISPR-Cas9 to engineer isogenic 32D mouse myeloid cell lines expressing hemizygous Uba1WT or Uba1M41L from the endogenous locus. Consistent with prior analyses of VEXAS syndrome patient samples, hemizygous Uba1M41L expression was associated with loss of the UBA1b protein isoform, gain of the UBA1c protein isoform, reduced polyubiquitination, abnormal cytoplasmic vacuoles, and increased production of interleukin-1β and inflammatory chemokines. Vacuoles in Uba1M41L cells contained a variety of endolysosomal membranes, including small vesicles, multivesicular bodies, and multilamellar lysosomes. Uba1M41L cells were more sensitive to the UBA1 inhibitor TAK243. TAK243 treatment promoted apoptosis in Uba1M41L cells and led to preferential loss of Uba1M41L cells in competition assays with Uba1WT cells. Knock-in of a TAK243-binding mutation, Uba1A580S, conferred TAK243 resistance. In addition, overexpression of catalytically active UBA1b in Uba1M41L cells restored polyubiquitination and increased TAK243 resistance. Altogether, these data indicate that loss of UBA1b underlies a key biochemical phenotype associated with VEXAS syndrome and renders cells with reduced UBA1 activity vulnerable to targeted UBA1 inhibition. Our Uba1M41L knock-in cell line is a useful model of VEXAS syndrome that will aid in the study of disease pathogenesis and the development of effective therapies.
Cyclosporine A alleviates colitis by inhibiting the formation of neutrophil extracellular traps via the regulating pentose phosphate pathway
Authors: Xu Chenjing , Ye Ziping , Jiang Wenyu , Wang Shu , Zhang Hongjie
Published: December 2023

Background

The aberrant formation of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) has been implicated in ulcerative colitis (UC), a chronic recurrent intestinal inflammation. Cyclosporine A (CsA) is now applied as rescue therapy for acute severe UC. In addition, it has been certained that CsA inhibits the formation of NETs in vitro and the mechanism of which was still vague. The study aimed to explore the mechanism CsA inhibits the NETs formation of colitis in vivo and in vitro.

Methods

NETs enrichment in clinical samples was analyzed using databases from Gene Expression Omnibus and verified in our center. Dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced acute colitis mice model was used to investigate the effect of CsA on NETs of colonic tissue expression. To clarify the mechanism, intracellular energy metabolites were examined by Liquid Chromatograph Mass Spectrometer, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were examined by fluorescence intensity in neutrophils treated with CsA after LPS stimulation. The transcriptional level and activity of G6PD of neutrophils were also assessed using qRT-PCR and WST-8. RNA Sequencing was used to detect differentially expressed genes of neutrophils stimulated by LPS with or without CsA. The expression levels of related proteins were detected by western blot.

Results

NETs enrichment was especially elevated in moderate-to-severe UC patients compared to HC. NETs expression in the colon from DSS colitis was decreased after CsA treatment. Compared with neutrophils stimulated by LPS, NETs formation and cellular ROS levels were decreased in LPS + CsA group. Cellular ribulose 5-phosphate and NADPH/NADP + related to the pentose phosphate pathway (PPP) were reduced in LPS + CsA group. In addition, CsA could decrease G6PD activity in neutrophils stimulated with LPS, and the results were further verified by inhibiting G6PD activity. At last, P53 protein was highly expressed in LPS + CsA group compared with the LPS group. Intracellular G6PD activity, ROS level and NETs formation, which were downregulated by CsA, could be reversed by a P53 inhibitor.

Conclusion

Our results indicated CsA could alleviate the severity of colitis by decreasing the formation of NETs in vivo. In vitro, CsA reduced ROS-dependent NETs release via downregulating PPP and cellular ROS levels by decreasing G6PD activity directly by activating the P53 protein.
Molecular mechanism and therapeutic potential of HDAC9 in intervertebral disc degeneration
Authors: Lei Ming , Lin Hui , Shi Deyao , Hong Pan , Song Hui , Herman Bomansaan , Liao Zhiwei , Yang Cao
Published: December 2023

Background

Intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) is the major cause of low-back pain. Histone deacetylase 9 (HDAC9) was dramatically decreased in the degenerative nucleus pulposus (NP) samples of patients with intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) according to bioinformatics analysis of Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) GSE56081 dataset. This study aims to investigate the role of HDAC9 in IVDD progression.

Methods

The contribution of HDAC9 to the progression of IVDD was assessed using HDAC9 knockout (HDAC9KO) mice and NP-targeted HDAC9-overexpressing mice by IVD injection of adenovirus-mediated HDAC9 under a Col2a1 promoter. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and histological analysis were used to examine the degeneration of IVD. NP cells were isolated from mice to investigate the effects of HDAC9 on apoptosis and viability. mRNA-seq and coimmunoprecipitation/mass spectrometry (co-IP/MS) analysis were used to analyze the HDAC9-regulated factors in the primary cultured NP cells.

Results

HDAC9 was statistically decreased in the NP tissues in aged mice. HDAC9KO mice spontaneously developed age-related IVDD compared with wild-type (HDAC9WT) mice. In addition, overexpression of HDAC9 in NP cells alleviated IVDD symptoms in a surgically-induced IVDD mouse model. In an in vitro assay, knockdown of HDAC9 inhibited cell viability and promoted cell apoptosis of NP cells, and HDAC9 overexpression had the opposite effects in NP cells isolated from HDAC9KO mice. Results of mRNA-seq and co-IP/MS analysis revealed the possible proteins and signaling pathways regulated by HDAC9 in NP cells. RUNX family transcription factor 3 (RUNX3) was screened out for further study, and RUNX3 was found to be deacetylated and stabilized by HDAC9. Knockdown of RUNX3 restored the effects of HDAC9 silencing on NP cells by inhibiting apoptosis and increasing viability.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that HDAC9 plays an important role in the development and progression of IVDD. It might be required to protect NP cells against the loss of cell viability and apoptosis by inhibiting RUNX3 acetylation and expression during IVDD. Together, our findings suggest that HDAC9 may be a potential therapeutic target in IVDD.

Graphical Abstract
Short-time allowances in times of crisis: a survey experiment
Authors: Stephan Gesine , Dütsch Matthias , Osiander Christopher
Published: December 2023

During the COVID-19 pandemic, many countries used short-time work schemes, i.e., subsidies for temporary working hours reductions due to production drops. In Germany, regulations on entitlements and benefits have been much more generous during the pandemic than they were in noncrisis times. This paper conducts a factorial survey experiment among the workforce to investigate which amounts of short-time benefits and which associated replacement rates were perceived as appropriate during the pandemic. We interpret our findings in the context of the deservingness theory. Our results show that the assessments are partly consistent with the legal design features in Germany. One of our key findings is that, according to respondents, the short-time allowance should decrease slightly with an increasing duration of short-time work. In Germany, however, with the onset of the pandemic, a rule was temporarily implemented that step-wise increased short-time work benefits with the duration of short-time work.
PhytoPipe: a phytosanitary pipeline for plant pathogen detection and diagnosis using RNA-seq data
Authors: Hu Xiaojun , Hurtado-Gonzales Oscar P. , Adhikari Bishwo N. , French-Monar Ronald D. , Malapi Martha , Foster Joseph A. , McFarland Clint D.
Published: December 2023

Background

Detection of exotic plant pathogens and preventing their entry and establishment are critical for the protection of agricultural systems while securing the global trading of agricultural commodities. High-throughput sequencing (HTS) has been applied successfully for plant pathogen discovery, leading to its current application in routine pathogen detection. However, the analysis of massive amounts of HTS data has become one of the major challenges for the use of HTS more broadly as a rapid diagnostics tool. Several bioinformatics pipelines have been developed to handle HTS data with a focus on plant virus and viroid detection. However, there is a need for an integrative tool that can simultaneously detect a wider range of other plant pathogens in HTS data, such as bacteria (including phytoplasmas), fungi, and oomycetes, and this tool should also be capable of generating a comprehensive report on the phytosanitary status of the diagnosed specimen.

Results

We have developed an open-source bioinformatics pipeline called PhytoPipe (Phytosanitary Pipeline) to provide the plant pathology diagnostician community with a user-friendly tool that integrates analysis and visualization of HTS RNA-seq data. PhytoPipe includes quality control of reads, read classification, assembly-based annotation, and reference-based mapping. The final product of the analysis is a comprehensive report for easy interpretation of not only viruses and viroids but also bacteria (including phytoplasma), fungi, and oomycetes. PhytoPipe is implemented in Snakemake workflow with Python 3 and bash scripts in a Linux environment. The source code for PhytoPipe is freely available and distributed under a BSD-3 license.

Conclusions

PhytoPipe provides an integrative bioinformatics pipeline that can be used for the analysis of HTS RNA-seq data. PhytoPipe is easily installed on a Linux or Mac system and can be conveniently used with a Docker image, which includes all dependent packages and software related to analyses. It is publicly available on GitHub at https://github.com/healthyPlant/PhytoPipe and on Docker Hub at https://hub.docker.com/r/healthyplant/phytopipe.