bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A versatile high-throughput assay based on 3D ring-shaped cardiac tissues generated from human induced pluripotent stem cell derived cardiomyocytes
Authors: Seguret Magali , Davidson Patricia , Robben Stijn , Jouve Charlène , Pereira Céline , Cerveau Cyril , Le Berre Maël , Rodrigues Ribeiro Rita S. , Hulot Jean-Sébastien
Published: June 2023

We developed a 96-well plate assay which allows fast, reproducible and high-throughput generation of 3D cardiac rings around a deformable optically transparent hydrogel (PEG) pillar of known stiffness. Human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes, mixed with normal human adult dermal fibroblasts in an optimized 3:1 ratio, self-organized to form ring-shaped cardiac constructs. Immunostaining showed that the fibroblasts form a basal layer in contact with the glass, stabilizing the muscular fiber above. Tissues started contracting around the pillar at D1 and their fractional shortening increased until D7, reaching a plateau at 25±1%, that was maintained up to 14 days. The average stress, calculated from the compaction of the central pillar during contractions, was 1.4±0.4 mN/mm2. The cardiac constructs recapitulated expected inotropic responses to calcium and various drugs (isoproterenol, verapamil) as well as the arrhythmogenic effects of dofetilide. This versatile high-throughput assay allows multiple in situ mechanical and structural read-outs.
Alterations in gene expressions of Caco-2 cell responses to LPS and ploy(I:C) stimulation
Authors: Qin Ge , Zhao Yuanjie , Gan Yating , Yu Xiaomei , Zhao Yifan , Peng Hui , Fang Shaoming
Published: June 2023

The intestinal epithelium barrier serves as a highly dynamic immunologic frontier in the defense against invading pathogenic bacteria and viruses. Hence, understanding of the complicated underlying relationship between enteric pathogens and the intestinal epithelium barrier is vital for developing strategies to improve the intestinal health of farm animals. To this end, Caco-2 cells were stimulated by 1 µg/ml lipopolysaccharide (LPS) for 24 h and 5 µg/ml polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid (ploy(I:C)) for 4 h to imitate bacterial and viral infection processes, respectively. The specific alterations in gene expression of Caco-2 cells after stimulation were characterized by transcriptome sequencing. Seventy differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified under LPS exposure, and 17 DEGs were observed under ploy(I:C) exposure. We found that most DEGs were specific, and only one common DEG SPAG7 was observed. Gene Ontology (GO) annotation analysis indicated that all DEGs identified in the different treatments were mainly derived from GO terms related to the maintenance of cellular homeostasis. Moreover, specific DEGs such as SLC39A10, MT2A, and MT1E regulated by LPS treatment, while IFIT2 and RUNX2 mediated by ploy(I:C) treatment, which are derived from immune function modulation related GO terms, were confirmed by both transcriptome sequencing and qRT-PCR. In addition, both transcriptome sequencing and qRT-PCR results verified that LPS specifically down-regulated the DEGs INHBE and ARF6, which are involved in inflammation responses related to the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway including the TGF-beta signaling pathways and the Ras signaling pathway. Ploy(I:C) uniquely suppressed the DEGs GABARAP and LAMTOR3, which participated in viral replication-associated pathways including autophagy and mTOR signaling pathway.
Extent of Challenges Encountered By the Araling Panlipunan and Social Science Teachers in Facilitating the Modular Distance Learning: Basis for the Formulation of Learning and Development Plan
Authors: Pamogas Marino
Published: June 2023

Modular Distance Learning is one of the learning modalities in the new normal using teacher-made modules with learning tasks based on the Most Essential Learning Competencies (MELCs). This online descriptive quantitative research investigated the extent of challenges faced by the Araling Panlipunan and Social Science teachers from the ten districts of the Schools Division Office of Surigao City for the school year 2020-2021, in which purposive sampling was used. Mean and standard deviation were the statistical tools used to treat the data. In a nutshell, the result reveals a moderate difficulty encountered by the teacher-respondents in facilitating modular distance learning, with an overall mean of 2.78 and a standard deviation of 0.71. These struggles manifest because handling modular classes during the pandemic was a surprise. The specific findings show that the Development of Self-Learning Modules (SLMs) and Quality Assurance topped the challenges of teachers. Other factors, such as Production, Distribution, Retrieval of SLMs, and Learning Assessment and Monitoring, exhibit a low to moderate degree of difficulty. Despite this COVID-19 pandemic, teachers have continually facilitated the educative processes. However, they should be more capacitated to equip themselves with relevant knowledge and skills on the rudiments of preparing the aforementioned learning resources as supplemental learning materials, in-person learning engagement, and even other applicable learning platforms.
Evaluation of Arts-Based Performance Tasks in Hybrid Classes
Authors: Fernandez Marlon
Published: June 2023

Performance tasks are the major requirements that senior high school students demonstrate, especially from the core art subject, Contemporary Philippine Arts from the Regions (CPAR) in De La Salle Santiago Zobel School (DLSZ). CPAR provides annual strand-based art-integrated exhibitions and performances in various strands in DLSZ. Amidst the ongoing pandemic and the new hybrid concurrent class setup in the setting, three (3) varied art-integrated performance tasks were mounted. The aim of this small-scale ethnographic action research study is to analyze the development of the art-integrated performance tasks through document analysis in the Arts & Design Track, HUMSS, and ABM strands; identify its educational objectives by conducting a structured interview of the teachers involved (u=9); explore the perceptions of the integration from selected students (n=7); and evaluate the success ratings based on the educational objectives of the integration by conducting a survey from the students (n=149) using 5-point Likert scale. Results revealed that the art integration of the subjects is generally perceived as connected and the art-integrated performance tasks from each strand are deemed beneficial, challenging, excellent, and very successful. Further studies are needed to discuss the issues in a larger context and on the socioemotional impact of the students and teachers involved.
Support Systems, Strategies, and Self-Efficacy of Preschool Teachers in Handling Separation Anxiety
Authors: Jucoy Ronah Faith
Published: June 2023

The study aimed to ascertain the support system, strategies, and self-efficacy of preschool teachers in handling learners' separation anxiety. It also determined the significant relationship between the support system and preschool teachers' self-efficacy. It also determined if there is a significant relationship between the strategies and the preschool teachers' self-efficacy. Descriptive and correlational method was used in the study. Moreover, the quantitative results were supported by a qualitative interview with the preschool teachers. The respondents of the study were the 127 preschool teachers in Sarangani Division. The instrument used was a researcher-made questionnaire validated by the experts and was pilot tested. The results showed that the teachers' support system was a moderate extent. Also, they have used overprotection, avoidance reinforcement, encouragement, and rewards to handle learners' separation anxiety to a great extent. Additionally, their self-efficacy is to a high extent. Lastly, the teachers shared the following success stories: enjoying the company of the learners, being a resourceful preschool teacher, showing love and compassion towards the learners, collaborating with the learners, and extending their Patience for the learners. Based on the results, the researcher developed an intervention program dubbed PROJECT SEPAX.
Knowledge and Educational Needs for Medical Devices Reprocessing among Central Supply Room and Operating Room Nurses
Authors: Park Hyun Hee , Jeong Gye-Seon
Published: June 2023

Purpose: This study aimed to identify the knowledge and educational needs of operating room(OR) and central supply room (CSR) nurses about medical equipment reprocessing .Methods: The subjects were 148 operating room and central supply room nurses working at 13 general hospitals in Gyeonggi Province, South Korea. The descriptive study surveyed knowledge and educational needs about medical device reprocessing among nurses. Data were collected from April 1 to May 20, 2022 and, analyzed using the mean and standard deviation, independent t-test, and one-way analysis of variance with SPSS 27.0.Results: The participants were 66 CSR nurses and 82 OR nurses. The score for knowledge was 26.93±4.14 and the highest score in knowledge and educational needs was found for sterilization indicators. The number of beds was significantly associated with knowledge (F=3.16, p=.046), and OR nurses had higher scores for educational needs than CSR nurses (t=3.28, p<.001). Exposure to external education was associated with a higher score for educational needs (t=1.73, p=043). In knowledge, significant differences according to the current department were found for return and cleaning (t=-4.02, p<.001) and, sterilization methods (t=2.57, p=.006). Regarding educational needs, significant differences were found according to the current department in return and cleaning (t=2.83, p=.003), packing (t=2.85, p=.003), sterilization methods (t=3.29, p<.001). Sterilization indicators (t=2.26, p=.013), and sterilization maintenance and release (t=3.85, p<.001).Conclusion: The risk of medical device related infection should be minimized through correct reprocessing. It is necessary to develop an educational program for nurses in charge of reprocessing.
Experience of Work-Study Balance among Clinical Nurses in a Nursing Doctoral Program: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Noh Suyeon , Yu Yeongbin , Choi Sunyeob
Published: June 2023

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore the experience of work-study balance among clinical nurses in a nursing doctoral program.Methods: The participants were nine clinical nurses in a nursing doctoral program. Data collection was conducted through in-depth interviews with participants from March 16 to March 31. Giorgi's phenomenological method, consisting of four steps, was used for analysis.Results: Through the in-depth interviews of the participants, five essential themes and 11 sub-themes were derived. The five categories were “difficulty in actively demonstrating research capabilities as a doctoral student in the clinical field”, “hard to devote oneself to both studying and clinical work while straddling between them”, “need support from both schools and hospitals for compatibility between work and study”, “prioritizing oneself as a clinical nurse over oneself as a student during the Ph.D. program”, and “seeking an extended role after graduating from the nursing doctoral program”.Conclusion: In order to help and support nursing doctoral students working as nurses, policies must be developed in schools and hospitals to support them. It is also suggested to establish a favorable environment for conducting nursing research in practice.
The Influence of Knowledge on Standard Precautions, Nursing Professionalism, and Organizational Culture for Infection Control on Hospital Nurses’ Performance with Guidelines for Standard Precautions
Authors: Kim Jiwon , Park Hyojung
Published: June 2023

Purpose: This descriptive research study was conducted to examine hospital nurses’ knowledge of standard precautions, nursing professionalism, and organizational culture for infection control and their performance with guidelines for standard precautions, as well as to identify factors influencing the performance with guidelines for standard precautions.Methods: The study participants were 179 nurses with more than 6 months of experience working at a general hospital. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS version 28.0. Factors influencing performance with guidelines for standard precautions were identified by multiple regression analysis.Results: The factors affecting performance with guidelines for the standard precaution were infection control organizational culture (β=.29, p=.001), knowledge of standard precautions (β=.23, p=.001), and clinical experience (≥5) (β=-.15, p=.029), with a total explanatory power of approximately 29%.Conclusion: This study identified variables that could affect hospital nurses’ performance with guidelines for standard precautions, making a novel contribution to the literature. The results of this study can be used as a basis for improving the management of medical-related infections and as basic data that can enhance the implementation of guidelines on standard precautions by hospital nurses.
DANIEL MICHELOW: POBLADO EN LLAMAS. COMUNIDAD Y VIOLENCIA EN LA MIRADA FILOSÓFICA CONTEMPORÁNEA. 224 PÁGS. MADRID, 2022: EDITORIAL TECNOS
Authors: Álvarez González Benjamín
Published: June 2023

Reseña del libro
Conhecimento tácito e negócios familiares: um estudo de casos múltiplos
Authors: Neto Emílio da Silva , Rua Orlando Manuel Martins Marques de Lima , Pereira Ricardo , Dos Santos Neri
Published: June 2023

Este estudo tem como objetivo compreender como ocorre o compartilhamento de conhecimento tácito, durante o processo de sucessão da gestão empresarial em grandes empresas familiares da cidade de Jaraguá do Sul, Estado de Santa Catarina, Brasil. A pesquisa foi realizada com base em entrevistas com os líderes dessas empresas e análise de documentos internos. Os resultados indicam que as empresas estudadas têm práticas de compartilhamento de conhecimento tácito por meio de convivência intensa (empresa-casa-família), mentoria, treinamento e trabalho em equipe, mas que ainda há espaço para melhorias. As implicações teóricas destacam a importância do compartilhamento de conhecimento tácito para o sucesso da sucessão empresarial. As implicações práticas sugerem a necessidade de desenvolver estratégias para melhorar as práticas de compartilhamento de conhecimento tácito nas empresas familiares. As implicações sociais apontam para a necessidade de se considerar a importância da sucessão empresarial para a continuidade e o desenvolvimento das empresas familiares e, consequentemente, para a economia local.
O profissional de Secretariado Executivo como agente de sustentabilidade socioambiental: um estudo bibliométrico no ENASEC
Authors: Ribeiro Deborah Caroline dos Reis , Schmidt Carla Maria , Sanches-Canevesi Fernanda Cristina , Cielo Ivanete Daga
Published: June 2023

Os padrões de consumo da sociedade e o crescimento industrial acelerado, somados a diversas ações humanas são alguns dos fatores que contribuíram para a geração de danos perceptíveis ao âmbito ambiental e social. Como forma de amenizar alguns dos impactos causados, surgiu o termo    sustentabilidade, que busca estabelecer ações que visam construir um equilíbrio entre as áreas ambiental, econômica e social. Buscando analisar como essa temática vem sendo discutida no Secretariado, esta pesquisa teve como objetivo compreender o estado da arte do tema por meio da análise dos trabalhos publicados  nos Anais do Encontro Nacional Acadêmico de Secretariado Executivo (ENASEC) entre os anos 2010 e 2021. Em termos metodológicos, este trabalho, de abordagem quanti-qualitativa, caracterizou-se como um estudo bibliométrico, realizado a partir de pesquisa nos Anais das sete edições do ENASEC. Como principais resultados, constatou-se a existência de pesquisas com a temática da sustentabilidade, de  modo  que ao longo dos anos, aponta-se para um aumento na quantidade de estudos que envolvem a temática. Quanto aos principais assuntos, observou-se que, em sua maioria, os textos abordam o aspecto social.
A Comparative Analysis of the Adoption of Conflict Resolution Model for Conflict Management in Colleges of Education and Universities in South-East Nigeria
Authors: Etele A. V. , Akunne L. I.
Published: June 2023

Aims: This study compared the adoption of conflict resolution model for conflict management in colleges of education and universities in South-east Nigeria.

Study Design:  The descriptive survey design was adopted for the study.

Place and Duration of Study: Academic staffs of Nwafor Orizu College of Education and Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, between November 2022 and February 2023.

Methodology: Simple random sampling technique of balloting with replacement was used to select 1,046 academic staffs from the accessible population of 5,225 academic staffs of Nwafor Orizu College of Education and Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka. The standardized instruments adopted for data collection was conflict management style assessment by Reginald Akins. The psychometric properties of the instrument were validity and a reliability coefficient of 0.74; also the instrument was administered using the direct delivery approach. Data collected was analysed using arithmetic mean and standard deviation. A table of real limit of numbers was used to interpret the respondents’ response. Rarely - 1.00 - 1.49, Sometimes - 1.50 – 2.00, Often - 2.50 – 3.00, Always - 3.50 – 4.00. Analysis for this study was done using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS).

Results: The findings revealed that academic staffs in colleges of education always adopt competing mode of conflict resolution for conflict management. While, academic staffs in universities often adopt competing mode of conflict resolution for conflict management. Furthermore, academic staffs in colleges of education often adopt avoiding mode of conflict resolution for conflict management, while academic staffs in universities always adopt avoiding mode of conflict resolution for conflict management among others.

Conclusion: Conflict is inevitable in all organisations and the tertiary institutions being a formal organisation have intricate network of members with divergent needs that trigger conflicts. The findings of this study revealed that academic staffs in colleges of education and universities adopt conflict resolution model for conflict management.
Foreign Direct Investment in the Sub-Saharan Africa: Unveiling the Pains and Gains of Domestic Firms
Authors: Agbo Raymond Stanislaus , Adem Terngu Alfred , Arua Oko Martins , Igwe Anthony
Published: June 2023

This study aimed at unveiling the pains and gains of domestic firms towards Foreign Direct Investment in the Sub-Saharan Africa. The objectives of the study were to ascertain the effect of inward Foreign Direct Investment on Domestic Firms, and to establish gulfs between gains and pains of Domestic Firms in Sub-Saharan Africa relative to technology spillover, competition, environmental degradation and Global Value Chains. The study used a systematic review. This enables the drawing of experience, ideas, and similar situations of others. Search strategy was incorporated to enable the searching of literature in database of reputable journals. It was discovered that the volume of Foreign Direct Investment is high in Sub-Saharan Africa, and that it has greater positive effect on Domestic Firms. It was established that Foreign Direct Investment presents gains as well as pains to Domestic Firms in Sub-Saharan Africa relative to technology spillover, competition, environmental degradation and Global Value Chains. The study concluded that Foreign Direct Investment is not totally inimical to Domestic Firms in SSA. Thus, the study suggested that government of various countries in Sub-Saharan Africa should revisit and review their policies, where necessary, to protect their infant firms or Domestic Firms, and should intervene in the drain experienced by Domestic Firms, and cushion the negative impact of technology spillover by providing capital support and enhancing strong institutional quality.
On Evaluation of Three Basic Properties of Central Composite Design
Authors: Ugbe Thomas Adidaumbe , Akpan Peter , Ofonodo Richmond , Bassey Edet
Published: June 2023

This work aims at making a choice of selecting the best property of central composite design (CCD). The three basic properties of CCD are rotatable, orthogonal and slope-rotatable with four optimality criteria; D, E, A and T. A complete 23 factorial experiment with increase in center points and non-replication of axial point was used for the entire work. The software applications used to run the analysis are Minitab and Excel. Minitab was used to create CCD with the respective center points and axial distances to fit the quadratic response polynomial. Excel was used to evaluate all the optimality criteria with respect to the properties of CCD and the efficiency of these criteria. Response surface graph was plotted to interpret how good the design is with the factors interaction. The result shows that A – optimality criterion is the best optimality criterion with respect to rotatable central composite design (RCCD), orthogonal central composite design (OCCD) and slope – rotatable central composite design (SRCCD) because of the increase in efficiency as the center point increases. Rotatable central composite design (RCCD) is considered in this context as the best property of central composite design in response surface methodology by comparing the increase in efficiency of the four optimality criteria as the center point increases.
Derivation of Fixed-Point Theorem Using Expansive Mapping Approach
Authors: Vincent Koech , Sammy Musundi W. , Jeremiah Kinyanjui
Published: June 2023

Application of Fixed-Point Theorem has tremendously increased in different areas of interest and research. Fixed Point Theorem presents that if T:X→X is a contraction mapping on a complete metric space (X, d) then there exists a unique fixed point in X. A lot has been done on application of contraction mapping in Fixed Point Theorem on metric spaces such as Cantor set with the contraction constant of 1/3 , the Sierpinski triangle also with contraction constant of 1/2 . On the other hand, a mapping T:X → X on (X, d) such that ∀x, y ∈ X: d(Tx, Ty) ≥ d (x, y) is called an expansive mapping. There are various types of expansive mappings such as; isometry expansive mapping, proper/strict expansive mapping and anti-contraction expansive mapping. From the available literature, Fixed Point Theorem has been derived using contraction mapping approach. In this paper, we establish that it is also possible to derive Fixed Point Theorem using expansive mapping approach.
Anamnesis in Alzheimer's Disease: A Review and Proposal
Authors: Eduardo Juliana Jacinto , Pereira Fabiana Freitas , Pereira Gabriela Macedo , Lustosa Natalia Giffoni , Brunelli Lisandre Frazao , Aversi-Ferreira Tales Alexandre
Published: June 2023

In general, mental illnesses take the patient away from the family, making his quality of life lower, and in particular, Alzheimer's disease (AD) is amental morbidity increasing faster in the world. The diagnosis of AD is predominantly clinical with the test of imaging as adjuvant; however, these tests could be difficult to obtain in developing countries. Therefore, anamnesis is the main tool in the diagnosis of AD and must be used efficiently. The propose of this critical review is to indicate a logical and scientific path for clinical procedures in the diagnosis of brain disorders, specifically for AD. Then, a literary search was made, and the subjects of the articles were directed to the descriptors clinical procedures, biochemical analysis and diagnosis. Twenty-three articles were selected, in addition was used a WHO text and two books for the ground of theory, and from that, a discussion was carried out, based on the deductive analysis of the general criteria of the psychiatric diagnosis for the specific ones, and, finally, a heuristic reasoning was associated linking the scientific method to the studied methods. Finally, the psychiatrist's preparation to carry out the anamnesis of the patient with dementia can be added to the current scientific method to make the procedure more accurate in order to avoid possible errors.
Emergence of Malignant T-Cell Intraclonal CDR3 Variants in Mycosis Fungoides
Authors: Gleason Laura , Cohen Alexa , South Andrew P. , Porcu Pierluigi , Nikbakht Neda
Published: June 2023

This case report describes 3 patients with mycosis fungoides with CDR3 variants.
Fertility Trends and Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes in Female Patients With Psoriasis in the UK
Authors: Chen Teng-Chou , Iskandar Ireny Y. K. , Parisi Rosa , Pierce Matthias , Tower Clare , Kleyn C. Elise , Griffiths Christopher E. M. , Ashcroft Darren M. ,   Global Psoriasis Atlas
Published: June 2023

Importance

Evidence regarding fertility trends and obstetric outcomes among patients with psoriasis is limited by studies of small sample sizes, noninclusion of comparators, and the lack of accurate pregnancy records.

Objective

To investigate fertility rates and obstetric outcomes of pregnancies in female patients with psoriasis compared with age- and general practice–matched comparators without psoriasis.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This population-based cohort study used data from 887 primary care practices that contributed to the UK Clinical Practice Research Datalink GOLD database between 1998 and 2019, linked to a pregnancy register and Hospital Episode Statistics. There were 6 223 298 patients of common childbearing ages (15-44 years), and 63 681 patients with psoriasis had at least 1 year of follow-up data prior to the diagnosis of psoriasis. For each patient with psoriasis, 5 patients were matched by age from the same general practice. The median follow-up duration was 4.1 years. Data analysis was performed in 2021.

Exposures

Patients with psoriasis were identified using clinical diagnostic codes from consultations.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Fertility rates were calculated as the number of pregnancies per 100 patient-years. The outcomes of each pregnancy recorded in the pregnancy register or Hospital Episode Statistics were screened to identify obstetric outcomes. A negative binomial model was used to examine the association between psoriasis and the fertility rate. Logistic regression was applied to compare the association between psoriasis and obstetric outcomes.

Results

A total of 63 681 patients with psoriasis and 318 405 matched comparators were included in the analysis (median [IQR] age, 30 [22-37] years). Lower fertility rates (rate ratio, 0.75; 95% CI, 0.69-0.83) were found in patients with moderate to severe psoriasis. Compared with matched comparators without psoriasis, pregnancies in patients with psoriasis had a higher risk of loss (odds ratio, 1.06; 95% CI, 1.03-1.10); however, there was no increase in the risks of antenatal hemorrhage, preeclampsia, or gestational diabetes.

Conclusion and Relevance

In this cohort study, patients with moderate to severe psoriasis had a lower fertility rate, and the risk of pregnancy loss was higher than in matched comparators without psoriasis. Future research should identify the mechanism of increased risk of pregnancy loss among patients with psoriasis.
Cross-Sectional Analysis of Insurance Coverage for Lymphedema Treatments in the United States
Authors: Lynn Jeremy V. , Hespe Geoffrey E. , Akhter Maheen F. , David Christelle M. , Kung Theodore A. , Myers Paige L.
Published: June 2023

Importance

Lymphedema is a debilitating condition that affects approximately 1 in 1000 individuals in the United States. Complete decongestive therapy is currently the standard of care, and innovative surgical techniques have demonstrated potential to further improve outcomes. Despite the growing armamentarium of treatment options, a large proportion of patients with lymphedema continue to struggle because of limited access to care.

Objective

To define the current state of insurance coverage for lymphedema treatments in the United States.

Design, Setting, and Participants

A cross-sectional analysis of insurance reimbursement for lymphedema treatments in 2022 was designed. The top 3 insurance companies per state based on market share and enrollment data maintained by the Kaiser Family Foundation were included. Established medical policies were gathered from insurance company websites and phone interviews, and descriptive statistics were performed.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Treatments of interest included nonprogrammable pneumatic compression, programmable pneumatic compression, surgical debulking, and physiologic procedures. Primary outcomes included level of coverage and criteria for coverage.

Results

This study included 67 health insurance companies representing 88.7% of the US market share. Most insurance companies offered coverage for nonprogrammable (n = 55, 82.1%) and programmable (n = 53, 79.1%) pneumatic compression. However, few insurance companies offered coverage for debulking (n = 13, 19.4%) or physiologic (n = 5, 7.5%) procedures. Geographically, the lowest rates of coverage were seen in the West, Southwest, and Southeast.

Conclusions and Relevance

This study suggests that in the United States, less than 12% of individuals with health insurance, and even fewer patients without health insurance, have access to pneumatic compression and surgical treatments for lymphedema. The stark inadequacy of insurance coverage must be addressed through research and lobbying efforts to mitigate health disparities and promote health equity among patients with lymphedema.
Defective mitochondrial import as a challenge for cellular protein homeostasis
Authors: Maruszczak Klaudia K. , Ayyamperumal Selvaraj , Chacinska Agnieszka
Published: June 2023

Mitochondria are organelles indispensable for the correct functioning of eukaryotic cells. Their significance for cellular homeostasis is manifested by the existence of complex quality control pathways that monitor organellar fitness. Mitochondrial biogenesis relies on the efficient import of mitochondrial precursor proteins, a large majority of which are encoded by nuclear DNA and synthesized in the cytosol. This creates a demand for highly specialized import routes that comprise cytosolic factors and organellar translocases. The passage of newly encoded mitochondrial precursor proteins through the cytosol to the translocase of the outer mitochondrial membrane (TOM) is under tight surveillance. As a result of mitochondrial import defects, mitochondrial precursor proteins accumulate in the cytosol or clog the TOM complex, which in turn stimulates cellular stress responses to minimize the consequences of these challenges. These responses are critical for maintaining protein homeostasis under conditions of mitochondrial stress. The present review summarizes recent advances in the field of mitochondrial protein import quality control and discusses the role of this quality control within the network of cellular mechanisms that maintain the cellular homeostasis of proteins.
Long‐term safety and efficacy of stenting on correcting internal jugular vein and cerebral venous sinus stenosis
Authors: Bai Chaobo , Chen Zhiying , Ding Yuchuan , Ji Xunming , Yuan Junliang , Meng Ran
Published: June 2023

Objectives

To compare the long‐term safety and efficacy of stenting in correcting cerebral venous sinus stenosis (CVSS) and internal jugular venous stenosis (IJVS).

Methods

Patients confirmed with CVSS or IJVS by imaging were enrolled in this real‐world study from 2014 through 2021. Clinical characteristics and long‐term outcomes of these two diseases entities post‐stenting were followed up and compared.

Results

Three hundred and nineteen patients were enrolled in this study, with a mean age of 48.83 years and a BMI of 25.08 on average. In which, 144 patients underwent stenting, the stenotic segments were corrected and the venous blood flow was restored immediately post‐stenting. At 6.15 ± 1.67 days follow‐up, significant improvement was observed in headache, tinnitus, insomnia, ICP, and mean pressure gradient in both groups (allp < 0.05). At 30.53 ± 4.41 months follow‐up post‐stenting, the headache, tinnitus, visual loss, papilledema, and insomnia were attenuated remarkably or even completely disappeared. The Frisen papilledema grade scores declined from 2 (0–4) to 1 (0–3) in IJVS group and from 4 (1–5) to 1 (0–4) in CVSS group compared to the baseline. One hundred and twenty‐seven out of the 144 patients (95.5%) maintained sufficient blood flow verified by followed up computed tomographic venography or contrast‐enhanced magnetic resonance angiography. Adverse events related to stenting included three cases of intraluminal restenosis and three cases of in‐stent thrombosis, no intracranial hemorrhage, venous thromboembolisms, stent‐adjacent stenosis, and stent displacement occurred.

Interpretation

Using stents to correct IH and related neurological issues has shown to be a safe and effective approach for both IJVS and CVSS.
A multivariable super‐twisting‐based fault‐tolerant control with control allocation for uncertain systems
Authors: Ríos Héctor , Mera Manuel , Fridman Leonid
Published: June 2023

This article contributes with a fault‐tolerant control (FTC) for uncertain systems under the effect of some possible time‐ and state‐dependent actuator faults and/or failures, and component faults, which are zero at the initial time. The proposed scheme is based on a continuous integral sliding‐mode control approach and a fixed control allocation technique. The integral sliding‐mode control strategy allows us to design a robust linear controller and a multivariable Super‐Twisting algorithm, which deals with the faults. The proposed scheme guarantees the fulfilment of an output regulation task, with an arbitrarily small regulation error, and does not require a fault diagnosis stage but full‐state availability. The performance of the proposed FTC is illustrated through some simulations on a benchmark B747 aircraft model.
Bioinspired Multiantioxidant‐Cooperative Nanotheranostic Platform for Realizing Time‐Sensitive Management of Acute Kidney Injury
Authors: Wu Menglin , Lu Li , Li Jiang , Guo Qi , Wang Daohan , Gong Yan , Wu Xinhong , Zhao Xunxiao , Zhang Xuening , Zhao Yang , Li Xue
Published: June 2023

Targeting the pivotal pathological processes of acute kidney injury (AKI) and parallelly monitoring the treatment process has emerged as an intriguing strategy for the timely tailored treatment of AKI, especially in the acute phase. Unfortunately, current clinical treatment approaches are restricted to supportive care, which shows limited efficiency. Herein, a multiantioxidant‐cooperative polydopamine‐based nanotheranostic platform (mc‐PDATP) is reported to achieve imaging‐assisted time‐sensitive therapy of AKI. Benefiting from the decoration of atomic Cu, mc‐PDATP comprehensively mimics the complicated antioxidant defense system as in natural environment, thus displaying improved catalytic activity to multiple toxic reactive oxygen species (ROS). Consequently, both in vitro and in vivo experiments confirm mc‐PDATP can efficiently protect the kidney from ROS attack and rescue the kidney function via targeting the inflammatory network of AKI. In addition, the coordinated atomic Gd contributes to a desired magnetic resonance (MR) T1‐weighted contrast effect of mc‐PDATP, which can be used to construct the sensitive MR histogram imaging signatures for pinpointing treatment effects in a timely manner. The study represents an innovative strategy for anti‐AKI therapy, which will facilitate the development of next‐generation theranostic nano‐antioxidants.
2D Ultrathin Iron Doped Bismuth Oxychloride Nanosheets with Rich Oxygen Vacancies for Enhanced Sonodynamic Therapy
Authors: Wu Miaomiao , Yong Jiaxi , Zhang Huayue , Wang Zhiliang , Xu Zhi Ping , Zhang Run
Published: June 2023

Sonodynamic therapy (SDT) combines ultrasound and sonosensitizers to produce toxic reactive oxygen species (ROS) for cancer cell killing. Due to the high penetration depth of ultrasound (US), SDT breaks the depth penetration barrier of conventional photodynamic therapy for the treatment of deeply seated tumors. A key point to enhance the therapeutic efficiency of SDT is the development of novel sonosensitizers with promoted ability for ROS production. Herein, ultrathin Fe‐doped bismuth oxychloride nanosheets with rich oxygen vacancies and bovine serum albumin coating on surface are designed as piezoelectric sonosensitizers (BOC‐Fe NSs) for enhanced SDT. The oxygen vacancies of BOC‐Fe NSs provide electron trapping sites to promote the separation of e−‐h+ from the band structure, which facilitates the ROS production under the ultrasonic waves. The piezoelectric BOC‐Fe NSs create a built‐in field and the bending bands, further accelerating the ROS generation with US irradiation. Furthermore, BOC‐Fe NSs can induce ROS generation by a Fenton reaction catalyzed by Fe ion with endogenous H2O2 in tumor tissues for chemodynamic therapy. The as‐prepared BOC‐Fe NSs efficiently inhibited breast cancer cell growth in both in vitro and in vivo tests. The successfully development of BOC‐Fe NSs provides a new nano‐sonosensitiser option for enhanced SDT for cancer therapy.
Supramolecular Photothermal Cascade Nano‐Reactor Enables Photothermal Effect, Cascade Reaction, and In Situ Hydrogelation for Biofilm‐Associated Tooth‐Extraction Wound Healing
Authors: Chen Lei , Peng Mengna , Zhou Jianan , Hu Xiaowen , Piao Yinzi , Li Huaping , Hu Rongdang , Li Yuanfeng , Shi Linqi , Liu Yong
Published: June 2023

Due to the emergence of drug resistance in bacteria and biofilm protection, achieving a satisfactory therapeutic effect for bacteria‐infected open wounds with conventional measures is problematic. Here, a photothermal cascade nano‐reactor (CPNC@GOx‐Fe2+) is constructed through a supramolecular strategy through hydrogen bonding and coordination interactions between chitosan‐modified palladium nano‐cube (CPNC), glucose oxidase (GOx), and ferrous iron (Fe2+). CPNC@GOx‐Fe2+ exhibits excellent photothermal effects and powers the GOx‐assisted cascade reaction to generate hydroxyl radicals, enabling photothermal and chemodynamic combination therapy against bacteria and biofilms. Further proteomics, metabolomics, and all‐atom simulation results indicate that the damage of the hydroxyl radical to the function and structure of the cell membrane and the thermal effect enhance the fluidity and inhomogeneity of the bacterial cell membrane, resulting in the synergistic antibacterial effect. In the biofilm‐associated tooth extraction wound model, the hydroxyl radical generated from the cascade reaction process can initiate the radical polymerization process to form a hydrogel in situ for wound protection. In vivo experiments confirm that synergistic antibacterial and wound protection can accelerate the healing of infected tooth‐extraction wounds without affecting the oral commensal microbiota. This study provides a way to propose a multifunctional supramolecular system for the treatment of open wound infection.
Cellular Composition and 5hmC Signature Predict the Treatment Response of AML Patients to Azacitidine Combined with Chemotherapy
Authors: Liang Guanghao , Wang Linchen , You Qiancheng , Cahill Kirk , Chen Chuanyuan , Zhang Wei , Fulton Noreen , Stock Wendy , Odenike Olatoyosi , He Chuan , Han Dali
Published: June 2023

Azacitidine (AZA) is a DNA methyltransferase inhibitor and epigenetic modulator that can be an effective agent in combination with chemotherapy for patients with high‐risk acute myeloid leukemia (AML). However, biological factors driving the therapeutic response of such hypomethylating agent (HMA)‐based therapies remain unknown. Herein, the transcriptome and/or genome‐wide 5‐hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC) is characterized for 41 patients with high‐risk AML from a phase 1 clinical trial treated with AZA epigenetic priming followed by high‐dose cytarabine and mitoxantrone (AZA‐HiDAC‐Mito). Digital cytometry reveals that responders have elevated Granulocyte‐macrophage‐progenitor‐like (GMP‐like) malignant cells displaying an active cell cycle program. Moreover, the enrichment of natural killer (NK) cells predicts a favorable outcome in patients receiving AZA‐HiDAC‐Mito therapy or other AZA‐based therapies. Comparing 5hmC profiles before and after five‐day treatment of AZA shows that AZA exposure induces dose‐dependent 5hmC changes, in which the magnitude correlates with overall survival (p= 0.015). An extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost) machine learning model is developed to predict the treatment response based on 5hmC levels of 11 genes, achieving an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.860. These results suggest that cellular composition markedly impacts the treatment response, and showcase the prospect of 5hmC signatures in predicting the outcomes of HMA‐based therapies in AML.
Climate change and managing insect pests and beneficials in agricultural systems
Authors: Eigenbrode Sanford D. , Adhikari Subodh
Published: June 2023

Climate change is expected to alter pressure from insect pests and the effectiveness of insect pollinators across diverse agricultural systems globally. In response to warming, insects are undergoing or are projected to undergo shifts in their geographic ranges, voltinism, abundance, and phenology. Effects on the focal insect species can be affected directly or indirectly, through their interactions with other species at higher and lower trophic levels. These climate‐driven effects are complex and as a result variable, sometimes increasing pest pressure or reducing pollination and sometimes with opposite effects depending on climatic baseline conditions and the interplay of contributing drivers. This uncertainty prevents effective responses. Furthermore, in addition to effects of climate change on insect pests and pollinators, projected and ongoing climate change is incentivizing changes in cropping systems such as altered tillage and increasing diversification and intensification with the potential to alter pests and pollinators as great as climate itself. Preparing for this uncertainty must be included in a framework for “Climate‐smart Integrated Pest and Pollinator Management,” as a component of agricultural production under climate change.
Impact of guar gum‐based hydrogel on yield and economics for sugarcane crops
Authors: Songara Jaysukh C. , Patel Jayantilal N.
Published: June 2023

According to the current scenario, water crises are booming at a higher rate globally, affecting different demands such as agricultural, domestic, industrial, and so forth. Ultimately, such a water crisis may affect food safety. We have developed guar gum (GG)‐based hydrogel to help solve this issue with a water‐saving objective. This paper presents the application performance of newly developed GG‐based hydrogel on sugarcane crop growth, yield, and its economics. The crop water requirement and irrigation scheduling are also obtained using the CROPWAT model. Comparing different irrigation practices indicates that six irrigations can be saved by applying the CROPWAT optimization model, and up to three irrigations can be saved by applying different dosages of GG‐based hydrogel against the conventional method. Moreover, a set dosage application of 2.5 and 5 kg ha−1 of GG‐based hydrogel has elevated the cane height up to 8.67% and 10.02%, respectively. Furthermore, a considerable increment of 5.5% and 8% was found in the crop yield. In addition, the average soil moisture was found to be 10.50% and 17% higher over the field without hydrogel by using an indigenously developed Internet of Things–based SS316L soil moisture sensor. Applying GG‐based hydrogel (2.5 and 5 kg ha−1) saves the number of irrigations by two and three times, respectively. When it comes to the economy, the benefit–cost ratio for 2.5 and 5 kg ha−1 hydrogel dosages was found to be 2.64 and 2.09, respectively. Thus, GG‐based hydrogel shows substantial promise as a useful agricultural product for water‐saving purposes.
Combine effects of inorganic and organic nutrient sources on maize–sesame cropping sequence of middle Gujarat
Authors: Chauhan Zalak Y. , Shah Sanjay N. , Patel Hiren K.
Published: June 2023

Increasing uses of nutrients have played a major role in increasing the food supply to a continually growing world population. However, excessive use of chemical fertilizers results in significant losses, inefficient utilization, and nutritional imbalance. However, poor soil management, inadequate nutrient application, and extreme weather conditions have all contributed to soil degradation. Prudent usage of integrated nutrient management (INM) is the greatest alternative to provide nutrients to crop needs and enhance soil conditions to repair the soil's nutrient depletion. To examine the impact of INM on the yield of rabi maize (Zea mays L.) and its lasting effects on succeeding summer sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) under irrigated conditions during 2019–2020 to 2021–2022 at College Agronomy Farm, Bansilal Amrutlal (B. A.) College of Agriculture, Anand Agricultural University, Anand, Gujarat, India, a field trial was conducted on loamy sand soil of Agro‐Climatic Zone–XIII, Gujarat Plains, and Hills region, India. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with 3 replications and 12 treatments. The improved growth, yield, and protein content of the maize crop were obtained by the application of 75% recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) + 25% recommended dose of nutrient (RDN) through vermicompost + nitrogen–phosporus–potassium (NPK) consortium (soil application). In the subsequent sesame crop, residual effects of 75% RDF + 25% RDN through farm yard manure (FYM) + NPK consortium (soil application) together with 50% RDF (50:25:00 NPK kg/ha) were reported, which led to higher crop growth and yield. Under the conditions of middle Gujarat, the application of 75% RDF + 25% RDN through the FYM + NPK consortium (soil application) led to a greater system net realization in the maize–sesame sequence.
Rare neurovascular genetic and imaging markers across neurodegenerative diseases
Authors: Dilliott Allison A. , Berberian Stephanie A. , Sunderland Kelly M. , Binns Malcolm A. , Zimmer Julia , Ozzoude Miracle , Scott Christopher J. M. , Gao Fuqiang , Lang Anthony E. , Breen David P. , Tartaglia Maria C. , Tan Brian , Swartz Richard H. , Rogaeva Ekaterina , Borrie Michael , Finger Elizabeth , Fischer Corinne E. , Frank Andrew , Freedman Morris , Kumar Sanjeev , Pasternak Stephen , Pollock Bruce G. , Rajji Tarek K. , Tang‐Wai David F. , Abrahao Agessandro , Turnbull John , Zinman Lorne , Casaubon Leanne , Dowlatshahi Dar , Hassan Ayman , Mandzia Jennifer , Sahlas Demetrios , Saposnik Gustavo , Grimes David , Marras Connie , Steeves Thomas , Masellis Mario , Farhan Sali M. K. , Bartha Robert , Symons Sean , Hegele Robert A. , Black Sandra E. , Ramirez Joel ,   ONDRI Investigators
Published: June 2023

INTRODUCTION

Cerebral small vessel disease (SVD) is common in patients with cognitive impairment and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. This study investigated the burden of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)‐based markers of SVD in patients with neurodegenerative diseases as a function of rare genetic variant carrier status.

METHODS

The Ontario Neurodegenerative Disease Research Initiative study included 520 participants, recruited from 14 tertiary care centers, diagnosed with various neurodegenerative diseases and determined the carrier status of rare non‐synonymous variants in five genes (ABCC6, COL4A1/COL4A2, NOTCH3/HTRA1).

RESULTS

NOTCH3/HTRA1 were found to significantly influence SVD neuroimaging outcomes; however, the mechanisms by which these variants contribute to disease progression or worsen clinical correlates are not yet understood.

DISCUSSION

Further studies are needed to develop genetic and imaging neurovascular markers to enhance our understanding of their potential contribution to neurodegenerative diseases.