bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Abstract P381: Sex differences in association between gut microbiome and 24-hour blood pressure variability
Authors: Virwani Preeti , Qian Gordon , CHEUNG Carman Nga-Man , Pijarnvanit Tommy K.K.T.S. , HSU Matthew , Chow Yick Hin , TANG Lok Kan , TSE YIU-HEI , XIAN Jia-Wen , LAM Shirley Sau-Wing , LEE Pek Iok Crystal , LO Chelsea CW , LIU Roxanna KC , HO Tsi Lok , CHOW Bak Yue , Leung Kin Sum , Lo Kwun Kwan Emily , Yuen Man-Fung , Leung Suet Yi , HUNG Ivan FN , Louie Jimmy Chun Yu , Teo Kay Cheong , EL-Nezamy Hani , Ho Joshua , Lau Kui Kai
Published: October 2024

Background:
Blood pressure (BP) variability is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD). BP variability has been associated with cardiovascular organ damage and is a potential therapeutic target for the prevention of CVD. Recently, the gut microbiome (GM) has been shown to have a pathological role in hypertension, however, the association between GM and BP variability is poorly understood.

Methods:
241 community-dwelling individuals free of symptomatic CVD from Hong Kong (113 males and 128 females, mean age 54±6 years) underwent ambulatory BP monitoring and stool microbiota shotgun sequencing. BP variability was determined as systolic/diastolic BP (SBP/DBP) coefficient of variation (CoV), nighttime dipping, and morning BP surge (MBPS). Sleep latency was estimated using 7-day Actigraphy data. Associations of BP variability with GM, and plasma and stool short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) were analyzed under statistical models adjusting for age, sex, serum glucose and lipids, sodium intake assessed by urine analysis, menopause status, smoking, fatty liver, BP and sleep latency.

Results:
Women had a significantly higher 24-hour SBP (
p
=0.0005) and DBP (
p
=0.002) CoV than men. 24-hour SBP CoV had a negative association with GM α-diversity (Shannon and Simpson’s index: all
P
<0.05) and a positive association with Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio (
P
<0.05), suggesting gut dysbiosis in participants with higher systolic BP variability. Several GM species and SCFAs were significantly associated with the indices of BP variability in both men and women. Notably,
Parabacteroides merdae
had a negative association with both systolic and diastolic BP CoV (all
P
<0.05-0.01).
Bacteroidetes dorei
and
Bacteroides intestinalis
were reduced in women with higher SBP CoV (
P
<0.05) and nondipping status (
P<
0.01), respectively. Prewaking and sleepthrough MBPS had a positive association with
Faecalibacterium prausnitzii
in women (all
P
<0.001) and plasma acetic acid levels in men (
P
<0.05-0.001). Further analysis indicated that
Bacteroidetes dorei
may mediate SBP CoV via plasma iso-butyric acid in women (bootstrapping 95% CI: -3.6 to -0.19;
P
<0.05).

Conclusions:
This cross-sectional study suggests sex-specific associations between GM and BP variability. Most noteworthy, higher systolic BP variability was associated with a significant reduction in potentially beneficial bacterial species, primarily in women which may be explored for therapeutic potential.
Abstract P395: Activated T cells from Bph/2 Mice Have an Attenuated Cytokine Response to a Polyclonal T Cell Activator Compared to T cells from Bpn/3 Mice
Authors: Rockwell Cheryl , DATTMORE DEVON , McDonald Paiton , Chowdhury Afrin , Awali Saamera , Boss Allison , Sather Lisa , Lauver Adam
Published: October 2024

Numerous studies point to a role for the immune system in various animal models of hypertension. However, there is little known about the immune system of Bph/2 mice, a spontaneously hypertensive mouse model. To address this, the purpose of the current study was a comprehensive comparison of the cytokine response of activated T cells from Bph/2 mice and Bpn/3 normotensive controls. To implement this, we quantified cytokine secretion from cell supernatants from anti-CD3/anti-CD28-activated splenocytes derived from either Bph/2 mice or the normotensive Bpn/3 control mice. In comparison to Bph/2 mice, activated T cells from Bpn/3 mice secreted greater levels of cytokines including, IL-2, IL-3, IL-4, IL-5, IFNγ, GM-CSF, TNFβ and TNFα. We noticed a particularly marked discrepancy in Th17 cytokines where T cells from Bph/2 mice had little to no induction of IL-17F (0 ± 0 pg/ml), IL-21 (1.388 ± 1.388 pg/ml) and IL-22 (1.922 ± 0.633 pg/ml ) in comparison to T cells from Bpn/3 mice (IL-17F: 2.972 ± 1.525 pg/ml; IL-21: 16.48 ± 8.368 pg/ml; IL-22: 62.84 ± 15.94 pg/ml) which showed a measurable induction of these cytokines. Likewise, the IL-17A response was lower in T cells from Bph/2 mice (19.23 ± 5.576 pg/ml) compared to those from Bpn/3 mice (55.79 ± 11.32 pg/ml). There was also a notable disparity in the secretion of TNFβ where T cells from Bpn/3 mice (543.6 ± 175.8 pg/ml) showed a robust response versus the response of T cells from Bph/2 mice (20.64 ± 16.43 pg/ml), which was less than 10% than that of T cells from Bpn/3 mice. Interestingly, while T cells from Bph/2 mice had much lower induction of the signature Th2 cytokine, IL-4 (Bpn/3: 326.2 ± 59.18 pg/ml vs. Bph/2: 130.3 ± 21.58 pg/ml), there was little difference in IL-9 (Bpn/3: 12.9 ± 1.689 pg/ml vs. Bph/2: 19.06 ± 2.903 pg/ml), which is also associated with a Th2 response. We also found that Bph/2 mice had a diminished chemokine response as compared to T cells from Bpn/3 mice. Overall, the data suggest that polyclonally activated T cells from Bph/2 mice have a weaker cytokine/chemokine response as compared to T cells from Bpn/3 mice which may be due to an overall attenuated activation of T cells from Bph/2 mice.
Abstract P414: Association between postpartum sleep and blood pressure reduction in women with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy
Authors: Mito Asako , Shirasaki Osamu , Sankoda Akiko , Sakamoto Naoko , IKENO FUMIAKI , Palaniappan Latha , Arata Naoko
Published: October 2024

Importance:
It is anticipated that many women do not get enough sleep after delivery. However, it is unclear how poor sleep affects postpartum blood pressure.

Objective:
To investigate the relationship between postpartum blood pressure and sleep habits, we examined women who developed hypertensive disorders of pregnancy by using automated blood pressure monitors and accelerometers.

Setting:
The blood pressure, pulse rate, and sleep were monitored at home. Total sleep time, sleep efficiency, sleep fragmentation coefficient, and wake after sleep onset were measured. Participants completed a behavior chart including breastfeeding frequency. The 24-hour, awake time and sleep time mean blood pressures were calculated for each participant as well as the change in blood pressure between postpartum days 7 and 14.

Participants:
We recruited 11 women who delivered singletons and developed hypertensive disorders of pregnancy at the National Center for Child Health and Development from April to September 2021.

Intervention or Exposure:
None

Main Outcomes:
The relationship between the change in blood pressure and sleep measurements and frequency of breastfeeding were analyzed.

Results:
Seven participants were included in the final analysis. The mean total sleep time was 5.3 hours, and the mean breastfeeding frequency was 6.1 times per day. Mean systolic and diastolic blood pressure and pulse rate during sleep periods tended to be lower than those during awake periods (-8.5±4.5 mmHg, -8.8±2.7 mmHg, -8.7±2.7 bpm, respectively). Lower sleep time was significantly correlated with smaller 24h-systolic and diastolic blood pressure drop (correlation coefficient r=-0.823, p=0.023 and r=-0.812, p=0.026, respectively. No association was found between other sleep measurements and the change in 24h-blood pressure. The blood pressure and pulse rate values in six of the seven participants during the early sleep phase (≤30 min) were similar to those in later sleep phases (>30 min), showing that beneficial effects of sleep on blood pressure were apparent throughout the sleep phases.

Conclusions and Relevance:
Our results suggest that longer total sleep time, even if sleep is fragmented, is associated with a greater decrease in postpartum blood pressure among women who developed hypertensive disorders of pregnancy.
Abstract P445: High Salt Intake Increases Arterial Stiffness Measured by Pulse Wave Velocity in Spontaneously Hypertension Rats
Authors: De Oliveira Roza Thais Luma , Pimentel Enildo Broetto , Sartorio Carmem Luiza , MILL JOSE GERALDO
Published: October 2024

High salt intake represents an important risk factor for the development of hypertension. In this context, the present study aimed to evaluate the impacts of high salt intake on cardiovascular and arterial parameters in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR), through pulse wave velocity analysis. Male Wistar rats and SHR were divided into groups drinking water Control (Wistar/C and SHR/C), or Salt (1% NaCl Wistar/S and SHR/S). Rats underwent measurement of systolic blood pressure (SBP) at baseline, 30 and 60 days by plethysmography. After 60 days, rats were catheterized (carotid and femoral arteries) for haemodynamic measurements. The non-invasive SBP was enhanced in SHR after 30 days of salt treatment (SHR/C 200 ± 5.2 vs. SHR/S 218 ± 3.2 mmHg, P<0.01) as at 60 days (SHR/C 206 ± 5.8 vs. SHR/S 225 ± 3.3 mmHg, P<0.05). Arterial stiffness was augmented in SHR rats with 60 days of salt treatment, corresponding to 8% in the pulse wave velocity measurement (SHR/C 6.2 ± 0.2 vs. SHR/S 6.7 ± 0.3 m /s), and 11% in pulse pressure (SHR/C 54 ± 1.3 vs. SHR/S 60 ± 1.7 mmHg). These findings support the hypothesis that high salt intake is related to detrimental haemodynamic and arterial stiffness in SHR and highlights potential novel mechanism enrolled on the pathogenesis and progression of hypertension.
Russulaceae of the Pakaraima Mountains of Guyana 5. Two newly described diminutive species in a novel lineage of the crown clade of Russula (Russulaceae)
Authors: MILLER STEVEN L. , AIME M. CATHERINE , HENKEL TERRY W.
Published: October 2024

Much of our previous work documenting fungal biodiversity in Guyana has been centered in forests of Dicymbe corymbosa Spruce ex Benth., which forms monodominant stands in the white sands region of Guyana. In order to begin to assess fungal biodiversity associated with other ectomycorrhizal host trees found in Guyana, expeditions were conducted to areas containing Dicymbe altsonii and Pakaraimaea dipterocarpacea. In this paper, we describe two new species of Russula from Guyana with diminutive basidiomata: R. lilliputia and R. pakaraimaeae, found in association with these tree hosts, using a combined approach of morphological characterization and molecular analyses. Together with R. gelatinivelata, which we previously described from Guyana, R. lilliputia and R. pakaraimaeae form what appears to be a new lineage within the crown clade of Russula, sister to the subsect. Auratinae. Synapomorphies for the lineage include a pruinose to subtomentose pileus in dry conditions, suprapellis comprised of inflated cells that give rise to long cylindrical or digitate, and sinuous, thin or thick-walled pileocystidia that are strongly emergent, easily disarticulate in microscopic preparations, and have contents that are acid resistant in Basic Fuchsin, pruinose to subomentose patches on the stipe, suprahilar plage on the basidiospores, spore ornamentation of mostly isolated verrucae, and geographic distribution restricted to the Pakaraima Mountains of Guyana. Full descriptions, photos, line drawings of microscopic features, and comparisons with related species are provided.
New nomenclature notes and typification in Luehea and Lueheopsis (Malvaceae: Grewioideae)
Authors: GERACE SAMUELE , BOVINI MASSIMO G. , A. BAUMGRATZ JOSÉ FERNANDO
Published: October 2024

This review examines the names and type specimens for the genera Luehea and Lueheopsis. We have analyzed 10 Lueheopsis, and 20 Luehea names, and designated two neotypes and sixteen lectotypes.
A new species of Stellaria (Caryophyllaceae, Alsinoideae, Alsineae) from Eastern Himalaya, India
Authors: SINDHU ARYA , SINGH HARSH
Published: October 2024

A new species of Stellaria—Stellaria bengalensis—from Sangsera forest range (Kalimpong district, West Bengal, India) is described and illustrated. It is morphologically similar to S. media in petal morphology and habit but, differs by absence of bracts, broad ovate sepal, zygomorphic flowers, petals fused till the apex, four stamens, ellipsoid capsule, and different seed surface architecture and pollen.
Effects of Armor Design and Marksmanship Posture on Performance, Postural Sway and Perceived Workload During a Military Rifle Marksmanship Task
Authors: Kim Kangwon , Hwang Kitae , Park Woojin
Published: October 2024

Objective

This study investigated the effects of mass and vertical center-of-mass position of combat items attached to a tactical vest, as well as marksmanship posture on rifle marksmanship performance, postural sway, and perceived workload during a simulated rifle shooting task.

Background

A tactical vest serves as a load carriage system in addition to providing body protection. Its design, particularly the mass and vertical position of attached combat items, may impact postural control during rifle shooting and thus marksmanship performance.

Method

Thirty-two participants performed a simulated rifle shooting task on a force plate with a tactical vest on. Three independent variables were considered: load mass (4 levels), vertical load center-of-mass position (4 levels), and marksmanship posture (2 levels). The dependent variables were: 6 rifle marksmanship performance measures, 7 postural sway measures, and a perceived workload measure.

Results

Heavier load mass significantly degraded rifle marksmanship performance, and increased postural sway and perceived workload. Marksmanship posture significantly affected rifle marksmanship performance and postural sway. The kneeling posture resulted in less postural sway and better marksmanship performance than the standing posture. Vertical load center-of-mass position affected only part of the marksmanship performance measures and did not affect the measures of postural sway and perceived workload.

Conclusion

Reducing combat item mass on tactical vests and enhancing soldier postural control ability would improve rifle marksmanship and soldier lethality.

Application

The study findings inform the development of future military tactical vests and rifle marksmanship training, highlighting the need for lightweight gear design and postural control training.
Jesus and Prophets like Jonah: A Message for Womanists and White Christian Nationalists
Authors: Lazarus Sechrest Love
Published: October 2024

This essay explores the prophetic vocation vis-a-vis the challenge of contemporary Christian nationalism by reading the book of Jonah in the Hebrew Bible in conversation with what Jesus says about the sign of Jonah in Matthew 12. This essay puts two readings of Jonah into dialog—one for womanist prophets and one addressed to White Christian nationalists. These texts reveal God's relentless mercy for the outsider and God's unwavering love for the prophet of the oppressed. The essay considers what the sign of Jonah means for race relations and the troubling rise of White Christian nationalism in the United States today.
The Bible in Christian Nationalist Rhetoric
Authors: Adams Samuel L.
Published: October 2024

Christian nationalism is not a new phenomenon in American political and cultural life, nor is the invocation of the Bible in pursuit of power. This essay surveys the use of the Bible in Christian nationalist rhetoric in the United States, particularly in the context of American populism. The manner in which Donald Trump and his enablers employ the Bible as a political tool is a primary focus, particularly the comparisons to King David and Cyrus the Great. Both analogies reflect a concern with propagating a highly militant, masculine Bible in the service of White, Christian nationalism.
Investigation of the oxidative self- polymerization of dopamine under alkaline conditions on wool fabrics
Authors: Telli Abdurrahman , Arabaci Safiye
Published: October 2024

Most studies about polydopamine in the textile field have been related to cotton fibers. There are not many studies about the use of polydopamine on wool fibers. A limited number of studies have focused on the coloring of wool, whereas wool is the fiber with the highest variety of intermolecular attraction forces among all natural and man-made fibers. Polydopamine contains high amounts of catechol and amine functional groups due to its structure. In this study, different from the literature, oxidative self-polymerization of dopamine was achieved on wool fabric for different periods of time, and the coated fabrics were examined with characterization tests and spectrophotometrically. In this study, lower values were obtained than lightness (L*) values reported for other fibers in previous studies, and it was concluded that the wool-PDA interaction is superior to other fibers. Scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy results showed that the polymerization and nano-coating formed successfully and continued to remain on the surface after washing. The lowest lightness value was obtained in the 32 h coating. However, the lowest color change after washing was in the 16 h coating (0.44%). This result showed that the coating was completed within 16–32 hours and there was only accumulation on the surface in the later times.
Quantitative analysis of the color accuracy and reproducibility in digital textile printing: Discrepancies within color reproduction media
Authors: Moon Sungwoo , Chae Youngjoo
Published: October 2024

In this study, the overall color reproducibility of a digital textile printing (DTP) process was investigated within a wide range of color gamuts, and the design color factors influencing color reproduction in the initial design stage of DTP were analyzed. During the DTP process, digital image samples, display samples, and fabric samples, each representing 1296 colors, were created. The color reproduction ranges of these samples and the discrepancies in their lightness, chroma, hue, and overall color were analyzed. It was found that the display samples exhibited the widest color reproduction range, particularly in terms of lightness and chroma. In contrast, the fabric samples showed the narrowest color reproduction range. Furthermore, it was shown that color reproducibility was significantly reduced when the medium transitions from display to fabric during the DTP process, with an average overall color difference of 24.34 Δ E*ab being detected between the display and fabric samples. The low color reproducibility of this DTP process was particularly influenced by the K ratio and the L*10 and C*ab,10 values of the initial design. More specifically, the K ratio and the L*10 value of the initial design imparted significant effects on the lightness reproducibility, whereas the C*ab,10 value of the initial design had a significant impact all on the lightness, chroma, hue, and overall color reproducibilities.
A Stakeholder Perspective on Diversity Within Organizations
Authors: Dwivedi Priyanka , Basuthakur Yashodhara , Polineni Sridhar , Paruchuri Srikanth , Joshi Aparna
Published: October 2024

Research on the influence of internal and external stakeholders on diversity outcomes within organizations has grown in the past decade. Across multiple macro and micro theoretical domains, this body of research has examined various diversity outcomes at different organizational levels. Through an integrative review of literature from management, sociology, psychology, and entrepreneurship, we highlight the channels and pathways of influence and the underlying mechanisms through which four major stakeholder groups—organizational actors, resource exchange partners, institutional actors, and societal forces—impact diversity outcomes in organizations. We discuss future research directions, empirical and conceptual, and present a promising path for future studies to unpack the complex relationships between stakeholders and organizations regarding diversity issues, particularly at the intersection of multiple stakeholders and diversity aspects.
Small Chemicals of Trauma: Epigenetics as Colonial Unknowing
Authors: Byrne Henrietta , Keaney Jaya
Published: October 2024

In Australia, some Indigenous and non-Indigenous scientists, health workers, psychologists, and others have identified a resonance between epigenetics and Indigenous scholarship on intergenerational trauma. Epigenetics is a postgenomic science that seeks to demonstrate how environments can “get under the skin” to shape health outcomes by altering gene expression. Intergenerational trauma is a similar concept, as it describes how past harms such as colonial policies can make themselves felt in the present. Using ethnographic data from interviews with researchers across Australia and observations from scientific conferences, this article critically examines how the normative tools of epigenetic studies are increasingly positioned by scientists as the route to a valuable form of evidence for addressing intergenerational trauma and health injustice. Through the frame of “colonial unknowing,” we argue that the settler state functions by valuing certain forms of evidence of trauma over others; namely, epigenetics is positioned as offering objective scientific evidence seen as more valuable than narrative testimony and evidence rooted in Indigenous ontologies, thereby displacing prior knowledges of how trauma is embodied and enrolling communities into conditions of perpetual rediscovery. While many participants reject epigenetic knowledge production outright for this reason, we explore how others strategically engage with it in the present while simultaneously challenging its growing epistemic power and future promise.
Presentation of national identity on social media in times of crises: The case of a Palestinian anti-violence movement in Israel
Authors: Agbarya Aysha
Published: October 2024

This case study offers an understanding of the perception and use of social media among social activists as means of collective identity formation. It focuses on the case of a Palestinian anti-violence movement in Israel. To learn about the identity presented by the United Fahmawi movement, interviews with two of the movement’s leaders and its Facebook posts were analyzed. The findings show a multi-layered, complex identity. The identity is presented as Palestinian, mainly centered around the city of Umm al-Fahm. Otherness is a crucial aspect of this identity, as Palestinian identity stands in opposition to the Israeli one. Furthermore, the police are presented as the source of the crime crisis, while also seen as responsible for reducing it. This study shows how indigenous social activists use the intersectionality between the social, the political, and the national to present an identity.
Becoming Lear: Shakespearean adaptation and the memory of performance
Authors: Monah Dana
Published: October 2024

This article analyses the modalities in which a performance of Shakespeare's King Lear structures two late twentieth century plays, Thomas Bernhard's Minetti (1976) and Enzo Cormann's Storm Still (1997). It argues that the memory of a traumatic performance of Shakespeare's tragedy enables the protagonists of these plays – both ageing actors – to negotiate their relationship with painful memories and tell their story within what looks like a ‘surrogate’ performance of King Lear. The article also addresses the issue of the intertextual status of these dramatic works, arguing that they seem to announce more recent engagements with Shakespeare in stage performance.
The Struggle Over Mobility Narratives: How Senegalese Activists use Alternative Information Campaigns to Contest EU Externalization
Authors: Vammen Ida Marie Marie Savio
Published: October 2024

For nearly two decades the European Union and its member states have invested in migration awareness and information campaigns (MICs) in West Africa to prevent unwanted migration. While a growing body of migration scholarship has critically engaged with the larger-scale, European-funded MICs in Africa, local activist-led campaigns have received less attention. The article addresses this gap by focusing on campaigns organized by a local, activist-led organization in Dakar, Senegal. Building on ethnographic fieldwork, the article shows how activist-led MICs use counternarratives and action repertories entangled in and motivated by recent externalization interventions in Senegal and the EU–Africa borderlands. By situating these “ripple effects” of externalization locally and exploring their repercussions, the article illustrates how migrant experiences, border control, and violence become catalysts for collective action. The activist-led MICs in Senegal can be understood as activities that fundamentally challenge the political premises and outcomes of EU–Africa migration governance, including European-driven MICs. This perspective enriches our understanding of MICs in West Africa and the local ripple effects of externalization, underscoring local actors’ proactive role in trying to contest and reshape Eurocentric migration narratives and policies.
The social process linking neighborhood social fragmentation and individual psychological distress
Authors: Cooper R. Amanda , Segrin Chris , Jiao Jian
Published: October 2024

The current study assessed the social process linking neighborhood social fragmentation with individual psychological distress. Social fragmentation was operationalized as a perception of limited social cohesion within a neighborhood. Data were collected from two waves in the United Kingdom (T1 N = 705; T2 N = 534). Participants completed an online survey with measures of perceived social cohesion, social support, perceived social isolation at Time 1 and completed a follow up survey six months later with measures of psychological distress. Structural equation modeling was used to test a serial mediation model. The results support the hypothesis that social support and isolation mediate the relationship between limited social cohesion (i.e., social fragmentation) and psychological distress. Living in neighborhoods marked by social fragmentation is predictive of decreased social support that in turn predicts greater perceptions of social isolation, and ultimately predicts high psychological distress.
Association between haemoglobin decline and long-term outcomes in ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention
Authors: Esin Fatma , Ince Hüseyin Sefa , Akkan Gökhun , Kocabas Ugur , Kiris Tuncay , Celik Aykan , Karaca Mustafa
Published: October 2024

Objective

To explore the association between in-hospital haemoglobin decline and long-term mortality and major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (MACCE) among ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

Methods

This retrospective analysis included adult patients who underwent primary PCI for STEMI. Haemoglobin levels were recorded at admission and 48–72 h later. Patients were divided into two groups based on the extent of haemoglobin decline: low (<3 g/dl or no decline) and high (≥3 g/dl). The primary endpoint was all-cause mortality at long-term follow-up. The secondary endpoint was MACCE.

Results

Patients were divided into two groups: low group ( n = 665) and high group ( n = 111). The mortality rate was significantly higher in the high group (72 of 111 patients; 65%) than in the low group (185 of 655 patients; 28%). Propensity score matching confirmed this association, with higher mortality (41 of 79 patients [52%] versus 25 of 79 patients [32%]) and MACCE rates (56 of 79 patients [71%] versus 41 of 79 patients [52%]) in the high group compared with the low group, respectively.

Conclusion

There was a significant association between in-hospital haemoglobin decline, even without visible bleeding, and increased long-term mortality and MACCE in STEMI patients undergoing primary PCI.
Artificial intelligence-based quantification of lymphocytes in feline small intestinal biopsies
Authors: Wulcan Judit M. , Giaretta Paula R. , Fingerhood Sai , de Brot Simone , Crouch Esther E. V. , Wolf Tatiana , Isabel Casanova Maria , Ruivo Pedro R. , Bolfa Pompei , Streitenberger Nicolás , Bertram Christof A. , Donovan Taryn A. , Keel Michael Kevin , Moore Peter F. , Keller Stefan M.
Published: October 2024

Feline chronic enteropathy is a poorly defined condition of older cats that encompasses chronic enteritis to low-grade intestinal lymphoma. The histological evaluation of lymphocyte numbers and distribution in small intestinal biopsies is crucial for classification and grading. However, conventional histological methods for lymphocyte quantification have low interobserver agreement, resulting in low diagnostic reliability. This study aimed to develop and validate an artificial intelligence (AI) model to detect intraepithelial and lamina propria lymphocytes in hematoxylin and eosin-stained small intestinal biopsies from cats. The median sensitivity, positive predictive value, and F1 score of the AI model compared with the majority opinion of 11 veterinary anatomic pathologists, were 100% (interquartile range [IQR] 67%–100%), 57% (IQR 38%–83%), and 67% (IQR 43%–80%) for intraepithelial lymphocytes, and 89% (IQR 71%–100%), 67% (IQR 50%–82%), and 70% (IQR 43%–80%) for lamina propria lymphocytes, respectively. Errors included false negatives in whole-slide images with faded stain and false positives in misidentifying enterocyte nuclei. Semiquantitative grading at the whole-slide level showed low interobserver agreement among pathologists, underscoring the need for a reproducible quantitative approach. While semiquantitative grade and AI-derived lymphocyte counts correlated positively, the AI-derived lymphocyte counts overlapped between different grades. Our AI model, when supervised by a pathologist, offers a reproducible, objective, and quantitative assessment of feline intestinal lymphocytes at the whole-slide level, and has the potential to enhance diagnostic accuracy and consistency for feline chronic enteropathy.
Clinical Tips for Rotation Correction in Self-ligating Brackets
Authors: Patil Jagruti , Sharma Padmaja , Patel Kalpesh , Thakkar Jainav
Published: October 2024

The use of self-ligating brackets is becoming increasingly popular in modern orthodontic practice. However, one of the major downsides of self-ligating brackets is the lack of rotational control, which is typically achieved using rotation wedges in conventional brackets but is not possible with self-ligating brackets. The paper highlights two techniques for achieving rotational control with self-ligating brackets. The first technique involves using a flowable composite to create a wedge effect within the bracket, while the second method utilizes a Chewie to correct rotation. The paper describes effective and time-saving techniques for achieving rotational control with self-ligating brackets, which can make them more appealing to orthodontists.
Prevalence and impact of primary headaches among students aged 8–12 years in Sub-Saharan Africa: Cameroon experience
Authors: Magnerou Annick Mélanie , Doumbe Jacques Narcisse , Paule Rose Delima Tchombe , Massi-Gams Daniel , Chimi-Mbonda Paul Cedric , Bila-Gueumekane Eric Lamou , Eyoum Christian , Sini Victor , Iyawa Hassanatou , Mapoure Yacouba Njankouo , Kuate Tegueu Callixte
Published: October 2024

Background

The present study aimed to investigate the prevalence and impact of primary headache among students aged 8–12 years in the city of Douala (Cameroon).

Methods

From January to May 2022, a cross-sectional study was conducted in 52 primary schools randomly selected from five districts in the city of Douala. The study population consisted of primary school students in level III classes. The diagnosis of primary headache was made according to the International Classification of Headache Disorders, 3rd ed (ICHD-3) criteria and the paediatric version of the HARDSHIP questionnaire was used for recruitment.

Results

In total, 2056 students participated of whom 55.9% (n = 1149) were female, with a median age of 11 years. The prevalence of headache in the last 12 months was 85.7% (n = 1762), that of migraine was 26.1% (n = 536) and that of tension-type headache (TTH) was 15.1% (n = 311). Regarding the impact of primary headaches, 176 (32.8%) migraineurs reported absenteeism from school compared to 70 (22.5%) students with TTH ( p = 0.03) and 309 (57.6%) migraineurs had a break in their activities compared to 147 (47.3%) students with TTH ( p < 0.01).

Conclusions

Primary headaches are common among students aged 8–12 years in the city of Douala. They are responsible for a considerable impact on children and their family, particularly for migraineurs.
Designing and Learning With Pedagogical Agents: An Umbrella Review
Authors: Schroeder Noah L. , Davis Robert O. , Yang Eunbyul
Published: October 2024

Pedagogical agents are virtual characters that instructional designers include in learning environments to help students learn. Research in the area has flourished for thirty years, yet there are still critical questions about the efficacy of pedagogical agents for influencing learning and affect. As such, we conducted an umbrella review to synthesize the field. We located 17 systematic reviews or meta-analyses focused on the use of pedagogical agents in educational settings. We found that agents can have small positive effects on learning, motivation, and other affective variables. However, we still cannot say how one should design a pedagogical agent for any given educational context. We highlight the limitations of existing theory in the area, as well as existing reviews from a practical and methodological perspective, and highlight productive areas for future research.
In vitro assessment of corrosion, antibacterial properties, and degradation behavior of zirconia-coated polyetheretherketone (PEEK)
Authors: Karunanithi Chithambaram , Natarajan Senthilnathan , Manivasagam Geetha , Sathiyanarayanan Jayashree
Published: October 2024

The medical industry often uses ceramic and polymeric coatings to safeguard metal substrates. However, more investigation is required to explore the implementation of ceramic coatings on polymer substrates and to determine their degradation and in vitro characteristics. This work involves applying zirconia coating onto the 3D-printed PEEK polymer substrate using the RF magnetron sputtering technique. With varying layer thickness and printing speed parameters, PEEK samples (S1, S2, S3, and S4) were 3D printed and coated with zirconia. The coated and uncoated samples were immersed in Fusayama artificial saliva solution for 30 days. Following immersion in artificial saliva, this study examined the corrosion of 3D-printed PEEK samples with and without coatings. Elemental mapping, field emission scanning electron microscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy were employed to evaluate sample morphology and estimate the binding energy of possible compounds generated in the artificial saliva solution. In vitro assessments such as antibacterial studies were performed against E. coli and S. aureus, and cytotoxic analysis was performed using Human Wharton’s jelly-derived mesenchymal stem cells (WJ-MSCs) to determine cell proliferation. The results indicated that sample S3, printed with 0.15 mm layer thickness and 20 mm/s print speed coated with zirconia showed a better degradation rate of 9.01% whereas the other three samples S1, S2, and S4 coated with zirconia showed deterioration rates of 36.4%, 33% and 16% respectively. Sample S3 showed a better antibacterial activity as biofilm formation was absent and also showed cell viability of about 79% and hence can be considered as a viable option for dental applications.
Transient flow and noise characteristics of vortex-turbulence-noise interaction in centrifugal pump
Authors: Zhang Runqiang , Nan Lingbo , Chen Diyi , Han Wei , Huang Weining
Published: October 2024

Centrifugal pump operation noise is an avoidable common phenomenon in engineering practices, and its characteristics are closely influenced by the flow characteristics of the fluid. In this paper, a numerical simulation of centrifugal pump operation with different flow rates is carried out using the detached eddy simulation turbulence model and compared with the experimental results. Then the noise source and far-field radiated noise characteristics of the centrifugal pump are investigated using Lighthill’s analogy. The results show that the noise of centrifugal pump is closely related to the flow characteristics of impeller, especially the generation and development of vortex. The relationship between turbulent kinetic energy (TKE) and vortex is complex, involving the generation, development and shedding of vortex. The influence of flow rate variation on vortex structure in impeller is studied by vortex transport equation. It is found that the relative vortex stretching (RVS) term is the main driving force of vortex distribution. The distribution of the Coriolis force (CORF) term is mainly concentrated in the inlet and outlet areas of the flow channel, which is related to the rotational motion of the impeller and the dynamic characteristic of the fluid. The power spectral density inside the impeller is mainly concentrated in the low frequency region, indicating that the low frequency noise component is dominant in energy. The directivity curve of far-field noise pressure level is influenced by hydrodynamic effect, impeller rotation direction and pump design structure, and will have a certain deviation. The spectral curve analysis of velocity, vorticity, pressure and sound pressure level shows that these physical quantities have strong correlation on the spectrum, in which the low frequency component is large, and the high frequency component is complex and volatile.
Digital Infrastructure: Public Good or Private Commodity?—Rethinking the Right to Internet Access in the Context of Urban Digitisation
Authors: Purandare Uttara
Published: October 2024

The Indian state has been steadily increasing its focus on and use of digital technologies. This article argues that if digitisation is to continue and accelerate, certain other aspects of digitisation require greater scrutiny. To begin with, for digitisation to be meaningful to citizens, it is necessary to consider them not only as data points but as participants. This requires improved access to the internet. In order to do so, it is incumbent upon the Indian state to enhance digital infrastructure. However, this infrastructure cannot be narrowly conceived. There are material, educational, and legislative interventions that make digital infrastructure meaningful, accessible and non-extractive. This article raises two questions: should access to the internet be considered a basic right? And, if feasible, what would such a policy entail? This article attempts to shed light on India’s digital divide, look at the direction in which public–private relations are headed in an increasingly digital India and discuss the benefits of considering digital infrastructure—rather than the internet itself—as a public good rather than a private commodity. Such infrastructure includes laws and policies that protect and empower citizens.
Radicalisation in adolescents: mental health considerations for violent extremism
Authors: Kasinathan John , Parsons Annie
Published: October 2024

Objective

To outline current understanding and recommended mental health and psychiatric considerations for radicalisation and violent extremism among adolescents.

Method

Overview of recent research regarding violent extremism in adolescents and relationships with mental illness and other psychosocial determinants. Relevant international and Australasian research is outlined, with an emphasis on adolescents. Psychiatric considerations, intervention and policy implications will be explored.

Results

Adolescents who become radicalised form a heterogenous group with complex, multifaceted needs from mental disorder, familial, societal and/or environmental contributions. Thus, assessment and management need to be individualised. Mental health clinicians working with at-risk and radicalised adolescents should maintain a high index of suspicion for mental illness (particularly psychosis and depressive disorder) and neurodevelopmental disorder. Identified psychiatric conditions warrant prioritised mental health treatment. There may be a relationship between specific psychopathology and certain ideological beliefs and behaviours.

Conclusions

Radicalised adolescents pose challenges with risk of serious harm to others, presentation complexity, multifactorial contributors and associations with varied psychopathology. All adolescents at risk of radicalisation or who are radicalised, should receive comprehensive mental health assessment and prompt assertive treatment of identified psychiatric conditions.
Advance Care Planning: A Retrospective Audit in a National Referral Center for Interstitial Lung Diseases
Authors: Trapman Lian , Zwakman Marieke , de Graaf Everlien , Dijksman Lea M. , Grutters Jan C. , Teunissen Saskia C.C.M.
Published: October 2024

Background

Idiopathic and progressive pulmonary fibrosis (IPF/PPF) of known cause are relatively rare lung diseases with a limited survival time after diagnosis. Conscious attention for palliative care is recommended. Optimal care requires collaboration to define goals and preferences for future medical treatment and care with the patient and their families, to inform (or enable) Advance Care Planning (ACP).

Objective

To get insight into the frequency of key elements of ACP described after dialogues with patients with IPF/PPF.

Methods

A retrospective audit included charts of patients with IPF/PPF who died between December 2017 and December 2020. A data extraction model was developed based on a guideline for patient federation and wider literature and finally consisted of fourteen key elements. Subsequently content analysis was performed.

Results

The medical charts of 60 patients showed that an element of ACP was recorded in 57(95%) of cases. No medical chart contained all fourteen key elements of ACP. Most frequently recorded ACP elements were: knowledge of illness, goals of treatment and care and fears and concerns.

Conclusion

The lack of structural implementation of ACP in the care for patients with interstitial lung disease, results in only some elements of ACP being dialogued by health care professionals (HCP). These notes recorded are often superficial and reflect the view of the HCP. Implementation of ACP conversations and structured documentation is needed to gain better insight into the wishes and preferences of the patient.
Partisan (A) Symmetries in Hardball: Mass Level Support of Hardball Equivalent Across Party and Race
Authors: Kidd William
Published: October 2024

Constitutional hardball is when partisan actors engage in legal tactics that violate democratic norms for political advantage. The Republican Party seems to have engaged in hardball more than the Democratic Party in recent years, which is surprising as both parties should be similarly incentivized to use hardball. This asymmetry in elite behavior could reflect differences in what each parties’ coalitions tolerate. For example, non-white voters might oppose hardball tactics more than white voters for reasons such as hardball historically being used to enforce racial hierarchies. If true, that could constrain on Democratic elites’ actions more Republican elites due to Democrats’ more racially diverse base. I draw on a long line of research on partisanship and group interest to argue instead that both white and non-white voters of both parties should be similarly disposed towards hardball. This article then marshals data from the American National Election Survey (ANES) and original surveys to test that argument. In support of my hypotheses, I find white and non-white members of both parties have similar levels of support and similar motivations for hardball. Political elites are likely free to engage in undemocratic acts such as hardball with little fear of backlash from their supporters.
Public Perspectives on Multi-Cancer Early Detection: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Crossnohere Norah L. , Campoamor Nicola B. , Negash Rosa , Wood Marie , Studts Jamie L. , Elsaid Mohamed I. , Donneyong Macarius , Paskett Electra D. , Jonas Daniel E. , Stover Daniel G. , Doubeni Chyke A. , Bridges John F. P.
Published: October 2024

Background

Multi-cancer early detection tests (MCEDs) have the potential to identify over 50 types of cancer from a blood sample, possibly transforming cancer screening paradigms. Studies on the safety and effectiveness of MCEDs are underway, but there is a paucity of research exploring public views on MCEDs. We sought to explore public perspectives and understanding on the use of MCEDs in patient care.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional, qualitative study using one-on-one, semi-structured interviews. Residents of the United States aged 45–70 years old were recruited through a survey panel and purposively sampled to maximize racial diversity. Interviews explored understanding of MCEDs and perspectives on their use. Interviews were analyzed using thematic analysis with deductive coding and semi-quantification.

Results

Among 27 participants, mean age was 62 years (range 48-70) and most (63%) were non-white. Most participants had completed at least one cancer screening (89%). Participants had a positive impression of MCEDs (85%) and found the concept easy to understand (88%). They were enthusiastic about the convenience of MCEDs (30%) and thought they would improve “cancer outcomes” by looking for multiple cancers (70%) and facilitating early detection (33%). Participants emphasized the need to balance these benefits against potential harms, including inaccuracy (96%), cost (92%), test-related anxiety (56%), and lack of evidence of effectiveness (22%). Participants favored that MCEDs be delivered in primary care (93%). Participants worried that the potential benefits of MCEDs might not be equitably distributed (44%).

Conclusions

Members of the US public in this study expressed an interest in using MCEDs but had concerns regarding cost, accuracy, and potential inequitable access to the tests. Findings suggest that MCEDs that are found to be safe and effective will be acceptable to patients as a part of primary care, and underscore public interest in improving this technology.