bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mucin 5AC Promotes Breast Cancer Brain Metastasis through cMET/CD44v6
Authors: Maurya Shailendra Kumar , Jaramillo-Gómez Jenny A. , Rehman Asad Ur , Gautam Shailendra Kumar , Fatima Mahek , Khan Md Arafat , Zaidi Mohd Ali Abbas , Khan Parvez , Anwar Laiba , Alsafwani Zahraa Wajih , Kanchan Ranjana K. , Mohiuddin Sameer , Pothuraju Ramesh , Vengoji Raghupathy , Chirravuri Venkata Ramakanth , Natarajan Gopalakrishnan , Bhatia Rakesh , Atri Pranita , Perumal NaveenKumar , Chaudhary Sanjib , Lakshmanan Imayavaramban , Mahapatra Sidharth , Talmon Geoffrey A. , Cox Jesse L. , Smith Lynette M. , Santamaria-Barria Juan A. , Ganti Apar Kishor , Siddiqui Jawed Akhtar , Cittelly Diana M. , Batra Surinder Kumar , Nasser Mohd Wasim
Published: January 2025

Purpose:

Breast cancer brain metastasis remains a significant clinical problem. Mucins have been implicated in metastasis; however, whether they are also involved in breast cancer brain metastasis remains unknown. We queried databases of patients with brain metastasis and found mucin 5AC (MUC5AC) to be upregulated and therefore sought to define the role of MUC5AC in breast cancer brain metastasis.

Experimental Design:

In silico dataset analysis, RNA-sequence profiling of patient samples and cell lines, analysis of patient serum samples, and in vitro/in vivo knockdown experiments were performed to determine the function of MUC5AC in breast cancer brain metastasis. Coimmunoprecipitation was used to unravel the interactions that can be therapeutically targeted.

Results:

Global in silico transcriptomic analysis showed that MUC5AC is significantly higher in patients with breast cancer brain metastasis. Analysis of archived breast cancer brain metastasis tissue further revealed significantly higher expression of MUC5AC in all breast cancer subtypes, and high MUC5AC expression predicted poor survival in HER2+ breast cancer brain metastasis. We validated these observations in breast cancer brain metastatic cell lines and tissue samples. Interestingly, elevated levels of MUC5AC were detected in the sera of patients with breast cancer brain metastasis. MUC5AC silencing in breast cancer brain metastatic cells reduced their migration and adhesion in vitro and in brain metastasis in the intracardiac injection mouse model. We found high expression of cMET and CD44v6 in breast cancer brain metastasis, which increased MUC5AC expression via hepatocyte growth factor signaling. In addition, MUC5AC interacts with cMET and CD44v6, suggesting that MUC5AC promotes breast cancer brain metastasis via the cMET/CD44v6 axis. Inhibition of the MUC5AC/cMET/CD44v6 axis with the blood–brain barrier–permeable cMET inhibitor bozitinib (PLB1001) effectively inhibits breast cancer brain metastasis.

Conclusions:

Our study establishes that the MUC5AC/cMET/CD44v6 axis is critical for breast cancer brain metastasis, and blocking this axis will be a novel therapeutic approach for breast cancer brain metastasis.
Scepticism towards Islam or religiosity? An experimental approach to exploring scepticism towards Muslims in Norway
Authors: Bell David Andreas , Fladmoe Audun , Valenta Marko
Published: January 2025

Muslims in Europe tend to have an immigrant background. Consequently, they often face a twofold challenge: they are subjected to the prejudice and discrimination immigrants in general face alongside prejudice directed toward them as a religious minority. In this study, we explore the role of Muslims' religiosity and how it relates to scepticism towards Muslims. We apply an online split-sample survey experiment conducted in 2021 to investigate Norwegians' attitudes toward individuals with different strengths of religious faith, ranging from a moderate to a strong Muslim faith. In addition, we explore how attitudes towards Muslims compare to the same attitudes towards individuals with similar Christian beliefs. Three main explanations are proposed for explaining these attitudes: socio-demographic aspects, religiosity, and scepticism towards immigration. We find that there is considerable scepticism towards Islam within Norwegian society, also when compared to other religions. Moreover, we find that those who are sceptical of immigration view Muslims in general as inherently strongly religious. In contrast, those who hold more positive views of immigration tend to consider Muslims in general as inherently moderate. This may suggest that an underlying aspect of why discussions surrounding Muslims within contemporary Europe seem to be so polarized is because different segments of society have a different understanding of what a Muslim actually is.
Structure–function coupling and decoupling during movie watching and resting state: Novel insights bridging EEG and structural imaging
Authors: Subramani Venkatesh , Lioi Giulia , Jerbi Karim , Farrugia Nicolas
Published: January 2025

The intricate structural and functional architecture of the brain enables a wide range of cognitive processes ranging from perception and action to higher order abstract thinking. Despite important progress, the relationship between the brain’s structural and functional properties is not yet fully established. In particular, the way the brain’s anatomy shapes its electrophysiological dynamics remains elusive. The electroencephalography (EEG) activity recorded during naturalistic tasks is thought to exhibit patterns of coupling with the underlying brain structure that vary as a function of behavior. Yet these patterns have not yet been sufficiently quantified. We address this gap by jointly examining individual Diffusion-Weighted Imaging (DWI) scans and continuous EEG recorded during video watching and resting state, using a Graph Signal Processing (GSP) framework. By decomposing the structural graph into eigenmodes and expressing the EEG activity as an extension of anatomy, GSP provides a way to quantify the structure–function coupling. We elucidate how the structure shapes function during naturalistic tasks such as movie watching and how this association is modulated by tasks. We quantify the coupling relationship in a region-, time-, and frequency-resolved manner. First of all, our findings indicate that the EEG activity in the sensorimotor cortex is strongly coupled with brain structure, while the activity in higher order systems is less constrained by anatomy, that is, shows more flexibility. In addition, we found that watching videos was associated with stronger structure–function coupling in the sensorimotor cortex, as compared with resting-state data. Second, time-resolved analysis revealed that the unimodal systems undergo minimal temporal fluctuation in structure–function association, and the transmodal system displays the highest temporal fluctuations, with the exception of PCC seeing low fluctuations. Lastly, our frequency-resolved analysis revealed a consistent topography across different EEG rhythms, suggesting a similar relationship with the anatomical structure across frequency bands. Together, this unprecedented characterization of the link between structure and function using continuous EEG during naturalistic behavior underscores the role of anatomy in shaping ongoing cognitive processes. Taken together, by combining the temporal and spectral resolution of EEG and the methodological advantages of GSP, our work sheds new light on the anatomo-functional organization of the brain.
2.The Whiteboard
Authors: Arthur Meistre Brent
Published: January 2025

This chapter considers the witnessing of the activities of the Apartheid Security Police by the artist/son of the head of that unit in a small university town in South Africa. A particular focus is on state oppression and surveillance of university staff and students by means of informants and spies, and the covert monitoring of communication and the strict control of literature. A personal archive from the authors’ father−of objects including a photograph, stamps and banned books−are used as autobiographical triggers to explore notions of being an ‘implicated subject’, representation and knowing.
The impact of father’s pregnancy discrimination on the work–family interface: An action-regulation approach
Authors: Carlson Dawn S , Hackney Kaylee , Thompson Merideth J , Thurgood Gary R.
Published: January 2025

Do fathers experience discrimination during pregnancy? YES! In this study, we explore the experience of fathers’ pregnancy discrimination (FPD), or the perceived unfavorable treatment of fathers in the workplace due to their wives expecting a baby. Applying the action regulation model of work–family balance, we examine FPD as a resource barrier that impacts both the father’s perceived work–family balance and the father’s and mother’s turnover. In a sample of 247 expectant fathers across four time periods using a newly developed and validated measure of FPD, we examine the four different action strategies that fathers might use in reaction to the resource barrier of FPD to attain work and family goals. Policy use (engagement strategy) was ineffective, but going the extra mile (changing strategy) was effective in achieving greater perceived work–family balance. For those who used disengagement strategies, the father’s desire for the mother to turnover (sequencing strategy) contributed to the mother’s turnover while the father’s turnover intention (revising strategy) contributed to the father’s turnover as avenues for goal attainment. This research provides an empirical examination of the four action strategies simultaneously invoked in response to a resource barrier (FPD) with implications for perceived balance and actual turnover.
Damage initiation strengths for the mesoscale lamina damage model of fiber-reinforced polymer composite laminates
Authors: Ariff Intanfifizieana M , Ahmad Zaini , Gan Khong W , Petrů Michal , Koloor Seyed S R , Tamin Mohd N
Published: January 2025

The damage initiation criteria based on Hashin’s theory for fiber-reinforced composite lamina are refined by replacing the fracture strengths with the respective damage initiation strengths. The damage initiation strengths of the carbon fiber-reinforced (CFRP) composite lamina under tension and compression are comparable to the respective fracture strength. Thus, emphasis is placed on the measured nonlinear longitudinal shear response of the lamina. Results show that the damage initiation strength for longitudinal shear at 47.2 MPa is 43.5% lower than the lamina shear strength. The pure shear stress state at the mid-length gage region of the V-notch test coupon is maintained up to damage initiation, after which the fibers rotate and induce the normal strain components. The outcomes of the computational model fit the second-order description of the lamina damage initiation criteria and the expected post-damage stiffness reduction of the laminate coupon. The damage model is validated by the comparable measured and finite element (FE)-predicted load-displacement curves to fracture of the laminate coupon. The FE-computed and measured shear strain field using the digital image correlation (DIC) method is similar. In addition, the FE-calculated anti-symmetric matrix tensile damage distribution at the notches in the observed locations of the initial matrix cracks is consistent.
An Analysis of Behavior Goals in Individualized Education Programs of Students With Extensive Support Needs
Authors: Coleman Olivia Fudge , Aiono-Conradi Lyndsey , Walker Virginia L. , Huntington Rachelle N. , Afriyie Prince
Published: January 2025

Students with extensive support needs (ESN) have an increased risk of engaging in challenging behavior due to a range of factors, including communication and health needs common among this student population. When students engage in behaviors that impede learning, school teams organize support across social and emotional domains to ensure access to free and appropriate public education (FAPE) as outlined in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act. These supports are often formalized in the student’s individualized education program (IEP). This analysis aimed to explore the type and proportion of behavior goals in the IEPs of 1,103 students with ESN across four school districts in the Mountain West region of the United States. We found that students with ESN served in traditional schools were significantly more likely to have a larger proportion of behavior goals related to social skills and emotional regulation than students with ESN served in separate schools. Students with ESN served in separate schools were significantly more likely to have a greater proportion of behavior goals related to compliance and on-task behavior than students with ESN served in traditional schools. We discuss implications for future research and practice related to IEP goal development for students with ESN.
Examples from US Policies to Reduce Oversupply and Overutilization: Lessons for the Japanese Health Care System
Authors: K. Maeda Jared Lane
Published: January 2025

The Japanese health care system provides universal coverage with relatively low cost sharing and patients have a free choice of providers. Although Japan’s government price controls have helped to restrain the growth in health care spending, the country’s rapidly growing elderly population and adoption of new drugs and technologies have placed increased fiscal pressures on its health care system. Additionally, the Japanese health care system does not have the infrastructure in place to restrain utilization, which may be a key driver of increases in health care spending. Although the US health care system has many shortcomings, such as the highest health care prices among developed countries and a significant uninsured population, it has been able to manage utilization by using various tools, such as prior authorization and gatekeeping. The US health care system might be able to offer Japan some lessons on ways to reduce unnecessary utilization and supply to create greater value in its health care system.
Reflections on the Vision of Assessment in NEP 2020
Authors: Khunyakari Ritesh , Takker Shikha
Published: January 2025

In many ways, the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 called for conceptual re-organisation on matters critical to educational practice. Using a methodology of retrospective analysis, this contribution examines assessment issues envisioned in NEP 2020 by situating them in the socio-historical context of Indian education reforms. Adopting an approach of contemplative interpretation, the analysis raises concerns about the possible impact of realising the envisioned ideas. This stance allows for deliberation on critiques by drawing upon assimilated educational wisdom from contemporary research, both globally and in India. The analysis engages with and reflects on the arising tensions and practical challenges rather than being gripped by judgements about utility or the pressure to show tangible consequences. We argue that recognising the dynamic relationship between assessment and learning is critical to reinvigorating the discourse and practice of assessment.
On Being Black and Out of the Closet: Exploring Moderators of Black Queer Sexual Orientation Disclosure
Authors: Roberts Tangela S.
Published: January 2025

Engagement and perceived community belonging has vast benefits on the well-being of Black queer adults (i.e., identifying as both Black and a sexual or gender minority). However, little is known about the intersectional experiences of Black queer individuals concerning engagement and belonging in marginalized communities. The present study investigated the association of community engagement and sexual orientation disclosure, alongside the moderating roles of identity salience (racial salience and queer salience) and perceived community belonging (racial belonging and queer belonging), with a national sample of 1026 Black queer adults from the Social Justice Sexuality Project. Regression analyses found community engagement was associated with increased sexual orientation disclosure for Black queer adults who reported average-to-high perceived racial community belonging. Prominent levels of racial community engagement were associated with less sexual orientation disclosure for Black queer adults with varying perceived queer community belonging. These findings highlight the necessity of examining the role of perceived community belonging and identity salience with Black queer adults’ sexual orientation disclosure. Research, policy, and practice implications are further discussed.
Gender quota adoption for commissions in post-conflict societies
Authors: Walsh Dawn , Murphy Emma
Published: January 2025

Peace agreements often establish political institutions designed to accommodate conflict parties. However, this approach can lead to the continuing marginalization of other groups, including women. This does not have to be the case. Peace agreements are opportunities to establish inclusive institutions. This article examines the adoption of gender quotas in independent commissions. Commissions are institutions that are not directly elected or directly managed by elected officials, but carry out a specific public policy role. They are frequently provided for in peace accords and gender quotas are sometimes included in the provisions establishing them. This article provides an in-depth analysis of the case of the Truth, Coexistence and Non-Recurrence Commission in Colombia as an initial assessment of whether women’s political empowerment, external mediation, and United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325, factors found to contribute to other gender provisions in peace processes, contribute to the adoption of quotas.
Implementing Oncologic Nursing Care Plans in Electronic Health Records With Two Taxonomies: A Pilot Study
Authors: Togni Serena , Saracino Lucia , Cieri Mariangela , Bianco Rosita , Terzoni Stefano , Giulia Santini Magda , Zito Emanuela , Lusignani Maura , Silvia Pazzaglia Maria , Depalma Letizia
Published: January 2025

Background:

Nursing care plans document the nursing process, displaying actions, and illustrating expected outcomes. Their integration into electronic health records (EHRs) is critical for accurate documentation, enhanced by standardized nursing terminologies that promote communication, critical reasoning, and patient safety through consistent language for information.

Objective:

This study aimed to identify appropriate standardized nursing terminology tailored to the context of a Northern Italian Cancer Center and research facility for developing nursing care plans and starting their integration into institutional EHRs.

Methods:

Participatory action research was conducted to select proper terminology respecting the oncological setting, develop nursing care plans, and start their implementation in EHRs. The nursing team of a pilot ward collaborated closely with the researchers as coresearchers. Care plan samples were presented using the North American Nursing Diagnosis Association-International Nursing Intervention Classification, Nursing Outcomes Classification, and International Classification for Nursing Practice (ICNP) in the test section of the EHRs to gather nurses’ preferences. Quantitative data collection, focus groups, and survey analyses were conducted.

Results:

Nurses chose the ICNP for its flexibility but sought better methods to define patient severity in assessments and outcomes. They suggested incorporating the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events to enable context-sensitive care plans.

Conclusions:

End-user involvement is essential for developing EHRs, enhancing system usability, and reducing implementation resistance. Including nurses in management decisions empowers them, and improves care quality.
The ‘going out’ of Chinese businesses and China’s economic statecraft: Beijing’s dilemma between domestic concerns and global ambitions
Authors: Liu Peng
Published: January 2025

As China’s outbound economic activities multiply, Beijing is widely believed to impel the international expansion of Chinese firms to support its political goals. China’s vast state-led economy and centralised political leadership help operationalised this grand strategy. Contrary to such a position, the analysis in this article illustrates that the operations of China’s top state banks – the financiers of and promoters of the renminbi’s international use – and private Internet giants, the leading players of the Digital Silk Road, are overwhelmingly confined within Chinese territory. This outcome is the direct result of the design of the country’s domestic political economy. China has strengthened its state sector and consolidated its ruling party in a manner that constrains the levers of economic statecraft, and specifically the scope and reach of the high-profile ‘going out’ policy. Beijing’s capital movement restrictions channel cheap capital to the state sector while inhibiting the global strategies of Chinese banks and firms. Beijing’s crackdown on what has been called ‘disorderly’ capital expansion, whereby China’s technology companies achieved previously unheard-of market power, solidified the state sector. At the same, the regime’s moves weakened the capacity of Chinese Internet companies to expand internationally and diffuse Chinese digital technologies abroad.
Del Nido versus conventional blood cardioplegia in tetralogy of fallot repair: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Consoli Leo Noanh , Koziakas Ilias Georgios , Kanakis Meletios
Published: January 2025

Objectives

Compare outcomes of Del Nido (DN) versus conventional blood cardioplegia (BC) in the surgical repair of Tetralogy of Fallot (ToF).

Methods

Medical databases were searched to identify relevant clinical trials. Meta-analysis was conducted for primary (cardiopulmonary bypass [CPB] and aortic cross-clamp [ACC] times, hospital and intensive care unit [ICU] length of stay [LOS], mechanical ventilation time) and secondary (adverse events, lactate levels, volume of additional cardioplegia) endpoints. Analysis was conducted for DN versus conventional blood cardioplegia, and we performed sensitivity analysis with leave one-out analysis for the primary outcome.

Results

4 randomized controlled trials were included ( n = 275). Mean differences (MD) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated with a random-effects model. Groups had similar CPB (MD −5.76 minutes; [−23.32 to 11.80]; p = 0.52) and ACC (MD 3.06 minutes; [−13.64 to 7.52]; p = 0.57) times, ICU (MD −6.42 hours; [−25.62 to 12.78]; p = 0.51) LOS and additional cardioplegia volume (MD −195.18 mL; [−434.19 to 43.82]; p = 0.11). The DN group had shorter hospital LOS (MD −0.81 days; [−1.25 to −0.36]; p = 0.0003) and time under mechanical ventilation (MD −4.57 hours; [−8.73 to −0.42]; p = 0.03). There was no difference in mortality.

Conclusions

DN cardioplegia has similar clinical outcomes and operative times compared to conventional blood cardioplegia in ToF surgery.
Exploring “good days” with advanced cancer: A pilot daily diary study
Authors: Lazris David , Fedor Jennifer , Cheng Svea , Bartel Christianna , Durica Krina C , Chen Leeann , Low Carissa A
Published: January 2025

Background:

People with Stage IV cancer face physical and emotional challenges impacting quality of life. Conventional quality of life measures do not capture daily fluctuations in patient well-being.

Aim:

This pilot study used daily diaries to explore the concept of a “good day” living with advanced cancer and to identify activities associated with “good days” as well as associations between daily “goodness” and conventional quality of life measures.

Design:

Twenty participants with Stage IV cancer completed daily diaries on a mobile app over a 14-day period. Participants rated each day’s “goodness” and documented daily activities. Statistical analyses examined associations between daily “goodness” ratings, activities, and baseline quality of life measures from the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS).

Setting/participants:

Participants were recruited from oncology clinics and online research registries. Inclusion criteria included age over 18 years old, having Stage IV cancer, and owning a smartphone.

Results:

Analysis of 178 completed surveys from 18 participants revealed overall average “goodness” ratings exhibited more within-person than between-person variability. Average goodness was positively related to the PROMIS domain of Ability to Participate in Social Roles/Activities and negatively related to PROMIS domains of Anxiety and Depression. Participants reported better days when they engaged in leisure activities and worse days when they spent time managing physical symptoms.

Conclusions:

This study highlights the importance of understanding day-to-day quality of life in individuals with advanced cancer. Further research is needed to assess quality of life longitudinally and to develop personalized supportive and palliative care interventions in this population.
Histologic, histochemical, and immunohistochemical changes in buffalo liver with cystic echinococcosis
Authors: Aslam Humera , Wardah Hana Hussein M. S. , Akhtar Kafil , Arif Sayeedul Hasan , Irshadullah Malik
Published: January 2025

The present study aimed to evaluate the histologic, histochemical, and immunohistochemical changes in buffalo livers with cystic echinococcosis. Noninfected and infected livers were collected from the freshly slaughtered buffalo at the Aligarh abattoir. Small pieces of both infected and noninfected livers ( n = 5) were cut and processed for histologic and histochemical studies. Immunohistochemistry was performed using rabbit anti-CD3, CD19, and CD117 antibodies. The results revealed the presence of brood capsules and germinal and laminated membranes surrounded by a fibrous adventitial layer, followed by moderate and diffused infiltration of eosinophils, monocytes, neutrophils, lymphocytes, and marked focal infiltration of mast cells. The infected livers also had mild dilation of central veins and sinusoids, mild and focal necrosis of hepatic tissue, and congestion of central and portal veins. Periodic acid-Schiff reaction revealed marked glycogen depletion in the infected liver. Masson’s trichrome stain showed marked deposition of collagen fibers in the portal area, adventitial layer, and between the hepatocytes compared with the noninfected liver, where deposition was found only in the portal area. The T-cell response was more pronounced than the B-cell response in infected liver. Thus, it can be concluded that hydatid cyst infection causes several pathological and biochemical changes and increased infiltration of inflammatory cells in the infected livers, suggesting the involvement of nonspecific immune responses against hydatid cysts. The T-cell response was more pronounced than B-cells, indicating the involvement of cell-mediated immunity against cystic echinococcosis. These findings may help to understand the local immune responses to cystic echinococcosis.
Holding time or fixative formulation has no obvious effect on histology of Porites evermanni and Montipora capitata
Authors: Work Thierry M. , Singhakarn Chutimon , Webb Amy , Chan Norton , Dennis Michelle M.
Published: January 2025

Collection of coral for histologic examination requires holding of samples in seawater for a time before they are fixed for histologic processing. This could adversely affect the interpretation of morphologic changes during histologic examinations. We evaluated the microscopic morphology of Porites evermanni and Montipora capitata held (0–120 minutes) in seawater prior to fixation in Z-Fix formulated with raw or artificial seawater. We saw no evident effects of treatments on microscopic morphology. However, among 88 statistical comparisons, and after accounting for false discovery rate, holding time prior to fixation was associated with a significant increase in degree of mucosity of basal body walls.
Right data, wrong data: Statistical sampling and the making of modern agriculture in India
Authors: Saha Madhumita
Published: January 2025

The size of India’s food deficit became a pressing question for the Indian state in the early years of independence. As different organizations, government bodies, and individuals debated over the ways, means, and expertise needed to tide over the food crisis, policymakers realized that the primary requirement was to have a numerical understanding of the problem. Data became crucial to accurately assess production trends and compare them with requirements. This article looks into the use of statistical methods, particularly, random sampling and production estimation through a crop-cutting technique. Exploring the statistical survey work done by P.C. Mahalanobis in Bengal from the late years of colonial rule to the surveys conducted by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research under the supervision of P.V. Sukhatme and V.G. Panse, the article analyzes how different factors, such as varying revenue systems of different regions and administrative structures, power struggles amongst statisticians, and leverage gained by Indian statisticians from support they received from better known British counterparts, all played a role in determining the nature of statistical tools adopted in India to measure its food production. Inaccurate data continued to be a challenge for the Indian state until well into the late 1950s, and that can now be explained in terms of this discord between Mahalanobis-led Kolkata-ISI and the ICAR of Sukhatme’s time. India continued to follow different methods of statistical survey of foodcrops, thus, the scientific/political establishment always struggled with the apprehension that they did not have the ‘right’ data to come up with the correct assessment of the scene.
Can democracy save children’s lives? Addressing the constitutional problem of expertise
Authors: Laurent Brice
Published: January 2025

This comment critically examines Collins, Evans, and Reyes-Galindo’s (CE&RG) concept of ‘virtual diversity’, proposed as a norm to safeguard scientific expertise in policy-making. CE&RG argue that scientists should acquire ‘interactional expertise’ in relevant ‘non-scientific domains’, enabling informed policy advice while preserving scientific integrity. This comment describes CE&RG’s dualist approach, which separates epistemic and political concerns, and discusses its implications. It shows that for virtual diversity to contribute to the quality of and trust in expertise, this approach needs to be radically re-worked to include legitimacy-building processes. Using examples such as South Africa’s AIDS policy and the COVID-19 pandemic, the comment argues that defending expertise requires ensuring the robustness of both scientific and political representations, of, in other terms, addressing expertise as a constitutional problem. Without a broader critical constitutional analysis, CE&RG’s proposal risks reinforcing the crisis of expertise it seeks to remedy.
Increment of the rotation frequency of a downstream passive rotor in an array of three in-line rotors
Authors: Espinosa Ramírez A Camilo , Cros Anne
Published: January 2025

The installation of wind farms has increased recently. Despite the interest in obtaining electrical energy from these setups, certain physical phenomena need attention in order to increase efficiency. Specifically, the processes in the wakes of turbines are not completely represented in most analytical models. For that reason, we examine the rotation frequency of three passive, horizontal-axis rotors that are lined up in a water channel. By using an imaging method, we analyzed the rotors’ rotation period. We found that if the distance between each rotor is lower than three and a half rotor diameters, the third rotor gets a higher rotation rate than itself if the first in-line rotor is absent. However, if the distance is greater, no improvement in the frequency rotation of the third rotor is observed. An analysis of the temporal mean of the axial velocity allowed to conclude that the rotation improvement is related to a contraction of the second in-line wake.
A feasibility study of measuring maternal anaemia and postoperative outcomes after caesarean section
Authors: O’Donnell Mark , Dennis Alicia T
Published: January 2025

Summary

Iron-deficiency anaemia (IDA) is a global health problem. The impact of IDA on outcomes in obstetric patients who undergo caesarean section (CS) is unknown. We assessed the feasibility of conducting a large study to investigate perioperative anaemia and outcomes after CS. With ethics approval and trial registration, 60 obstetric patients (30 planned CS, 30 emergency CS) were included. Feasibility categories were willingness to participate in a study, to undergo additional blood tests (haemoglobin, ferritin), to have weight measured and to undertake quality of recovery (QoR) questionnaires. Of eligible people approached, 100% agreed to participate and 100% would participate in a future study. Ninety percent (95% confidence interval (CI) 82.4% to 97.6%) and 83% (95% CI 73.9% to 92.7%) agreed to additional tests in hospital and after discharge, respectively. Ninety-eight per cent (95% CI 95.1% to 100%) consented to being weighed, and 100% completed QoR questionnaires. Preoperatively, 8.5% (95% CI 1.4% to 15.6%) of participants were anaemic. Postoperative haemoglobin was measured in only 22 (36.7%, 95% CI 24.5% to 48.9%) participants, and 40.9% (95% CI 20.4% to 61.5%) were anaemic, suggesting at least a quadrupling of the proportion of anaemic patients from pre- to postoperatively. Ferritin was not measured postoperatively in any participant. The prevalence of participants discharged with IDA was unquantifiable. Postoperative IDA in obstetric patients is likely to be a serious problem that is currently unrecognised. Our data suggest that a definitive study to determine associations between maternal anaemia and perioperative outcomes after CS surgery is feasible.
Heaven Sent
Authors: Desar Leonora
Published: January 2025

In Seoul, South Korea, a convention hall evokes an ethereal elegance
Brain Food
Authors: Schwirck Samantha
Published: January 2025

In a café that promotes mental acuity, circadian lighting fits the bill
Hospitality Goes Modular
Authors: Barr Vilma
Published: January 2025

Hotel guest-room pods come ready for installation, constructed in factories in the U.S. and overseas
A Design for Designers
Authors: Brooks Jon
Published: January 2025

A first-person look at how an engineering firm in Denver satisfied one tough customer—itself
Synergistic Buildings and the Rise of loT
Authors: Skurla Michael C.
Published: January 2025

loT applications will bubble up as the static world of ‘cold data’ transitions to actionable ‘hot data’
A Divine Renovation
Authors: Nale Katie
Published: January 2025

Mock-ups helped a church meet a quick deadline, a low-energy requirement and a fixed budget
Chaos Meets Cohesion
Authors: Nale Katie
Published: January 2025

Festive lights in a structured grid at Santa Monica's Colorado Esplanade provide a safer experience for bikers, pedestrians and drivers
Brooklyn Breaks Away
Authors: Tarricone Paul
Published: January 2025

Custom chandeliers help a hip hotel move beyond its neighborhood's industrial past
A 21st Century Stadidm
Authors: Nale Katie
Published: January 2025

A LEED Platinum design helped Atlanta's Mercedes-Benz Stadium create an artistic VIP. experience without forgetting about the fans. in the seats
The Secret Recipe for Restaurant Lighting
Authors: Andersen Brett
Published: January 2025

A pinch of this and a dash of that can create the ideal ambience.

After a survey of more than 50 Manhattan eateries, the author shares his formula
Energy
Authors: Warren Willard
Published: January 2025

It's Personal Ideal lighting–for comfort, productivity and safety–must be individualized
Fashion Forward
Authors: Nale Katie
Published: January 2025

Continuous runs of matching fixtures connect different departments throughout Coach's new global headquarters
Worth the Wait
Authors: Tarricone Paul
Published: January 2025

Ready, set, don't go. A panel of designers reflects back on projects that hit an unexpected detour and what changed once they got back on track
Policy
Authors: Baker Alex
Published: January 2025

Your Products Are Overrated Dubious performance claims do a disservice to the industry
Essay
Authors: Blakeley Matthew
Published: January 2025

From Efficacy to Quality Color should move to the forefront as LED energy benefits max out
Policy
Authors: Baker Alex
Published: January 2025

Are We Winning Yet? A review of the federal actions in our industry since January 2017
Maintenance
Authors: Frank Norma
Published: January 2025

Troffer Decisions What to consider prior to a retrofit or replacement
Standards
Authors: Liebel Brian
Published: January 2025

Going Global What an interconnected world should mean for research and standards
Safety
Authors: Plank Jerry
Published: January 2025

‘Tis The Season Deck the halls, but ditch the fire and electrical hazards
Work and Wellness
Authors: Nale Katie
Published: January 2025

A human-centric office sets an example in spite of strict energy requirements and a limited luminaire vocabulary
Aid and Comfort
Authors: Tarricone Paul
Published: January 2025

From germ fighting to patient satisfaction, it's illumination to the rescue
Business
Authors: Reid Randy
Published: January 2025

Today's National Lighting Bureau Two new programs respond to one overarching need
Ask an EP
Authors: Klooster Shelby
Published: January 2025

The designer for Des Moines-based RDG Planning & Design welcomes the daily challenge of marrying creativity with evolving technology
SSL
Authors: Royer Michael
Published: January 2025

Readying for a Color-Mixed Future Luminous efficacy on the horizon
Policy
Authors: Baker Alex
Published: January 2025

Seek Light So that others may avoid the darkness
Urg on the Rise
Authors: Eads James K.
Published: January 2025

Combating the impact of glare through the Unified Glare Rating metric requires an application-, not product-based, approach
A Circadian Prescription
Authors: Soler Robert , Voss Erica
Published: January 2025

The authors make the case for a simpler approach that sharpens the distinction between day and night
Wildlife
Authors: Slade Jane
Published: January 2025

From Tracks to Trails Careful design using both light and darkness can ease the path
SSL
Authors: Poplawski Michael , Waghale Anay
Published: January 2025

Power Play How accurate is the self-reported energy consumption of connected devices?
Safety
Authors: Plank Jerry
Published: January 2025

Who's Got This? PoE systems’ low energy use doesn't exempt them from standards
Market Rally
Authors: Tarricone Paul
Published: January 2025

Nearly two centuries later, this heritage site in Toronto has a lighting design worthy of its stature
Plain-Spoken Approach
Authors: Warfel David
Published: January 2025

Ditch the footcandles, CCT and CRI when talking to clients. The why is more important than the what in this new language of light
Color
Authors: Esposito Tony , Baker Jess
Published: January 2025

Specify and Conquer A look at two barriers to TM-30 use and how to master them
Shaky Connection?
Authors: Tarricone Paul
Published: January 2025

Five lighting designers address five topics concerning the uneven state of the smart-lighting market
Energy
Authors: Warren Willard
Published: January 2025

Battle of the Green Ratings New energy ‘grades’ based on performance, not prediction
Progressions
Authors: Lien Mark
Published: January 2025

Speaking To You From The Future And it's not about watts and lumens
Trump Tower's Simple Lighting
Authors: Fies Der Scuti
Published: January 2025

Glitter, light, glamour and sparkle mesh for a six story extravaganza in Trump Tower's Retail Atrium
The Lighting of the Birthing Room
Authors: Beck William C.
Published: January 2025

Delivery room expenses influenced the development of birthing rooms utilizing mobile lamp units
The Use of Liposomal Bupivacaine for Pain Control After Shoulder Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Fares Mohamad Y. , Daher Mohammad , Boufadel Peter , Khan Adam Z. , Abboud Joseph A.
Published: January 2025

Background:

Liposomal bupivacaine (LB) is a relatively novel anesthetic agent used in the management of postoperative pain in patients who have undergone shoulder surgery.

Purpose:

To explore the literature on LB in the setting of shoulder surgery and assess its efficacy and utility in managing postoperative pain.

Study Design:

Systematic review and meta-analysis; Level of evidence, 1.

Methods:

PubMed, Cochrane, and Google Scholar (pp 1-20) were searched for articles published up to November 2023. Inclusion criteria consisted of randomized controlled trials comparing anesthetic modalities using LB with other anesthetic modalities using alternative drugs in patients who underwent shoulder surgery. Complications, pain levels in the first 24 hours postoperatively, and opioid consumption intraoperatively and in the first, second, and third 24 hours postoperatively were assessed.

Results:

A total of 15 randomized controlled trials were included in the meta-analysis. In 4 studies comparing periarticular injections of LB (196 patients) with nerve blocks of other anesthetic agents (201 patients), there was no significant difference in pain levels ( P = .74) and complication rates ( P = .37); however, intraoperative opioid consumption was significantly greater in patients with periarticular injections of LB ( P = .005). In 3 studies comparing single-injection LB nerve blocks (83 patients) with interscalene nerve block catheters (102 patients) and in 8 studies comparing single-injection LB nerve blocks (311 patients) with other nerve blocks (308 patients), single-injection LB nerve blocks demonstrated clinical superiority. Single-injection LB nerve blocks resulted in significantly lower pain levels and lower opioid consumption in the first, second, and third 24 hours postoperatively compared with other single-injection nerve blocks and both single-injection nerve blocks and interscalene catheters combined.

Conclusion:

LB is a promising anesthetic component with efficacy in providing analgesia after shoulder surgery. Single-injection LB nerve blocks were found to be superior in reducing pain levels and opioid consumption compared with other anesthetic modalities.
Adequate Failure Loads for Modified Lemaire Lateral Extra-articular Tenodesis Are Achieved With an Interference Screw, Staple, and Suture Anchor: A Biomechanical Study of Structural Properties
Authors: Tollefson Luke V. , Shoemaker Evan P. , Slette Erik L. , Carlson Mitchell , LaPrade Robert F. , Engebretsen Lars , Moatshe Gilbert , Geeslin Andrew G.
Published: January 2025

Background:

A lateral extra-articular tenodesis (LET) is increasingly being utilized to augment an anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction because it has been shown to reduce the risk of postreconstruction graft failure or recurrent rotatory instability. Various femoral fixation techniques are available, including the use of an interference screw, staple, or suture anchor.

Purpose:

To determine and compare the biomechanical properties of an LET graft when using an interference screw, staple, or suture anchor for the femoral fixation for a modified Lemaire LET.

Study Design:

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods:

Eighteen fresh-frozen cadaveric knees were obtained and randomly assigned via a random group generator to undergo a modified Lemaire LET using either an interference screw, a staple, or a suture anchor for femoral fixation. The specimen underwent load-to-failure testing at 20 mm/min until graft failure. The maximum failure load, stiffness, and failure mode for each specimen were recorded.

Results:

The mean failure load was highest for the interference screw (252.7 ± 131.2 N), followed by the staple (151.8 ± 34.1 N) and the suture anchor (105.7 ± 16.4 N). There was a significant difference in failure load between the interference screw and the suture anchor ( P = .015). There was no significant difference between the staple and the interference screw ( P = .101) or the suture anchor ( P = .577). There was no significant difference in graft stiffness across all fixation methods ( P = .089).

Conclusion:

All 3 femoral fixation methods achieved adequate failure loads, although the interference screw had a greater failure load than the suture anchor and there was no significant difference between these implants and the staple. There were no significant differences in stiffness between the fixation methods.

Clinical Relevance:

The maximum failure load occurred with an interference screw for femoral fixation of a modified Lemaire LET; however, because of socket size, this implant may be at greater risk of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction tunnel collision compared to a smaller-diameter suture anchor drill hole. The failure load of the suture anchor was the lowest; however, it appears sufficient for stable fixation based on the force experienced by an LET graft reported in the literature.
Is preloading with amikacin a measure able to mitigate sequestration? A preliminary in vitro study
Authors: Houzé Pascal , Raphalen Jean-Herlé , Maulet Valentin , Lamhaut Lionel , Baud Frédéric J
Published: January 2025

Introduction:

Amikacin is sequestered in polyacrylonitrile filters. Methods mitigating sequestration are unknown. Amikacin elimination in a polyacrylonitrile-derived filter preloaded with amikacin was studied in a preliminary study.

Methods:

Amikacin concentrations were determined using an immunochemical method. Prismaflex™, Baxter-Gambro, and the ST™150 filter were used. Sessions were performed in a continuous diafiltration mode. Diafiltration flow rate was set to 2500 mL/h and filtration to 500 mL/h pre- and 1000 mL/h post-dilution. Net loss was set to zero. In sessions with preload, a 150 mg dose of amikacin was injected in the first 1 L bag of physiological saline when starting the priming. NeckEpur® method was used for pharmacokinetic calculations.

Results:

In the central compartment (CC), the mean initial concentration in the sessions without and with preload was 81.8 ± 6.0 mg/L. There were no significant differences in the AUCcc and AUCinlet without or with preload. The preloading dose induced a significant increase in the AUCoutlet. Compared with sessions without preload, the clearance from the CC in sessions with preload decreased from 4.94 ± 0.43 to 3.75 ± 0.32 L/h, respectively. The elimination rates by diafiltration and sequestration in the sessions without and with preload were 82.3 ± 6.2/17.8 ± 6.2% and 125 ± 9.2%/0 ± 0%, respectively. The 150 mg loading dose was eliminated by diafiltration (42.5%) and by sequestration (57.5%).

Conclusion:

Preloading filter with amikacin modifies the disposition of amikacin by preventing further sequestration. Studies are needed to define an efficient preloading dosage regimen in actual condition of use.
Mechanobiological enhancement of electrospun PCL/nHA membranes for guided tissue regeneration applications
Authors: Dadgari Niki , Fotoukian Hamidreza , Haghbin Nazarpak Masoumeh , Solati-Hashjin Mehran
Published: January 2025

This study aims to investigate the effects of adding nano-hydroxyapatite (nHA) to electrospun polycaprolactone (PCL) membranes for use in dental root regeneration. Porous membranes containing varying amounts of nHA (0, 1, 1.5, and 2.5 wt%) were fabricated using the electrospinning method. The physicochemical, mechanical, and biological properties of the membranes were evaluated. The synthesized nHA particles had an average size of 52 nm. Electrospun membranes exhibited uniform fibrous morphology with porosities ranging from 56% to 86%. Cyclic thermal stress (5°C–50°C) improved the mechanical properties of the composite membranes, resulting in a decrease in ultimate tensile strength (UTS) for pristine PCL from 3 ± 0.12 MPa to 1.7 ± 0.11 MPa, while the UTS for PCL membranes containing 1.5% nHA increased from 3.3 ± 0.30 MPa to 4.18 ± 0.28 MPa. In vitro bioactivity in simulated body fluid (SBF) showed enhanced apatite formation, particularly after 21 and 28 days. Cytotoxicity assays with MG-63 osteoblast-like cells demonstrated good biological performance. The incorporation of nHA not only improved the mechanical properties but also enhanced the bioactivity and cytocompatibility of the electrospun PCL membranes, making them promising candidates for guided tissue regeneration (GTR) applications.