bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Neuroprotective Effects of Cannabispirenone A against NMDA-Induced Excitotoxicity in Differentiated N2a Cells
Authors: Thapa Sonia , Nalli Yedukondalu , Singh Ajeet , Singh Shashank Kr. , Ali Asif
Published: May 2024

The endocannabinoid system is found throughout the central nervous system, and its cannabinoids receptor 1 is critical in preventing neurotoxicity caused by N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor activation (NMDARs). The activity of NMDARs places demands on endogenous cannabinoids to regulate their calcium currents. Endocannabinoids keep NMDAR activity within safe limits, protecting neural cells from excitotoxicity. Cannabinoids are remembered to deliver this outcome by repressing presynaptic glutamate discharge or obstructing postsynaptic NMDAR-managed flagging pathways. The endocannabinoid system must exert a negative influence proportional to the strength of NMDAR signaling for such control to be effective. The goal of this paper is to draw the attention towards the neuroprotective mechanism of constituents of Cannabis sativa against NMDA-induced excitotoxic result. Phytochemical investigation of the cannabis flowers led to the isolation of nine secondary metabolites. A spiro-compound, Cannabispirenone A, which on treatment of the cells prior to NMDA exposure significantly increases cell survival while decreasing ROS production, lipid peroxidation, and intracellular calcium. Our findings showed that this compound showed neuroprotection against NMDA-induced excitotoxic insult, has antioxidative properties, and increased cannabinoid receptor 1 expression, which may be involved in the signaling pathway for this neuroprotection.
A Pharmacist‐Managed Hydroxyurea Prescribing Protocol Improves Uptake and Optimization among Patients with Sickle Cell Disease
Authors: Roessner Cameron , Sale Trudy , Uminski Kelsey , Goodyear Dawn , Rydz Natalia
Published: May 2024

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a common genetic disorder with potentially serious sequelae that can be effectively treated with hydroxyurea. Despite its favorable benefit‐risk profile, hydroxyurea uptake in patients with SCD is low. A pilot study was conducted at the Southern Alberta Rare Blood and Bleeding Disorders (SARBBDs) Comprehensive Care Program between January 2020 and September 2023 to assess the implementation of a pharmacist‐led protocol for supporting the uptake of hydroxyurea among eligible patients with SCD and optimizing its dosing. The protocol standardized the prescription, monitoring, dose titration, and patient counselling by a clinic pharmacist. The number of patients enrolled in the SARBBDs program increased from 98 in January 2020 to 168 in 2023. During this period, the proportion of patients on hydroxyurea increased from 37.8% to 62.5%, the proportion of patients on hydroxyurea who were at a maximum tolerated dose (MTD) increased from 35.1% to 63.8%, and the average hemoglobin F level increased from 13.9% to 19.7%. The mean time to reach MTD was 10 months and required eight pharmacist interventions, six laboratory assessments, and three dose increases. Hydroxyurea continuation rates were high, with most discontinuations resulting from loss to follow‐up or transition to a transfusion management strategy. This real‐world pilot study demonstrated that implementation of a pharmacist‐led prescribing and monitoring protocol nearly doubled hydroxyurea uptake and achievement of MTD in patients with SCD managed in a rare blood disorders clinic.
Evaluation of the Potential of Daucus crinitus Extracts and Their Synthesized ZnO Nanoparticles in Inhibiting the Corrosion of Carbon Steel
Authors: Beddiar Hatem , Boudiba Sameh , Benahmed Merzoug , Hanini Karima , Tamfu Alfred Ngenge , Boudiba Louiza , Soltani Habiba , Laouer Hocine , Akkal Salah
Published: May 2024

This study explores Daucus crinitus extracts (DCE) and zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) synthesized using the extracts as corrosion inhibitors for carbon steel (CS) in HCl medium. The synthesized ZnO-NPs were characterized via UV-vis spectroscopy, exhibiting a peak at approximately 375 nm. The study employed weight loss (WL) and electrochemical measurements, alongside spectrophotometric evaluation of corrosion products. Surface morphology was assessed via scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS). Thermodynamic analysis revealed the physical adsorption of DCE on CS according to the Freundlich adsorption isotherm. Potentiodynamic polarization (PP) measurements indicated DCE as a mixed-type corrosion inhibitor. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) exhibited increased charge transfer resistance and reduced double-layer capacitance with inhibitory addition. The most effective inhibition was observed with butanol extract (BE) and improved more with its corresponding nanoparticles (BENPs), exhibiting inhibitory efficiencies of 80.20% and 91.20%, respectively, at 298 K with a concentration of 800 ppm. The evaluation of corrosion products using colorimetry revealed that the concentration of polyphenols decreased after the inhibitory process. Furthermore, the intensity of ferrous ions (Fe2+) decreased as the inhibitory concentration increased. In addition, SEM-EDS analysis confirmed the presence of ZnO-NPs, which enhanced the surface morphology and established a protective layer formed by the adsorbed inhibitors. The SEM-EDS analysis confirmed the presence of ZnO-NPs, the enhancement of surface morphology, and the establishment of a protective layer formed by the adsorbed inhibitors.
Effectiveness of Nonchlorine Sanitizer in Reducing Pathogens of Wet Market Poultry Settings
Authors: Zaman Sharmin , Aziz Md Ashfaq , Bari Md Latiful
Published: May 2024

The wet market poultry processing is a concern of spreading microbial pathogens into the environment or to the products. So, this study evaluated the microbiological contamination in poultry settings, i.e., slaughter and processing lines of wet market poultry shops, and the use of nonchlorine sanitizer to improve the sanitation. Swab samples from inner drum surfaces, defeathering machine inner surfaces, knife surfaces and workers’ hands, drum’s water, feather/carcass, and debris were collected, and their microbiological quality was determined. Most of the samples including workers’ hand surfaces were heavily contaminated with coliform, fecal coliform (Klebsiella pneumoniae, Enterobacter spp.), E. coli, Salmonella enterica, and yeast and mold. The antibiotic sensitivity/resistivity test showed that E. coli was resistant to 9 antibiotics, K. pneumoniae to 8 antibiotics, S. enterica to 5 antibiotics, and Enterobacter spp. to 4 antibiotics, which were found common to all the bacterial isolates against 11 antibiotics. Additionally, in comparison to hot water washing, nonchlorine sanitizer (0.01% calcinated calcium from scallop or eggshell source) was found to effectively reduce pathogens from the surfaces of wet market poultry slaughter and processing lines. Hence, the use of nonchlorine sanitizer could be a novel practice to improve the hygiene and safety status of wet market poultry slaughterhouses and processing environment as well as reduce occupational hazard associated with poultry processing.
Multifunctional Bispecific Nanovesicles Targeting SLAMF7 Trigger Potent Antitumor Immunity
Authors: Zhu Manman , Wu Yongjian , Zhu Tianchuan , Chen Jian , Chen Zhenxing , Ding Hanxi , Tan Siyi , He Jianzhong , Zeng Qi , Huang Xi
Published: May 2024

The effectiveness of immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy is hindered by the ineffective infiltration and functioning of cytotoxic T cells and the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME). Signaling lymphocytic activation molecule family member 7 (SLAMF7) is a pivotal co-stimulatory receptor thought to simultaneously trigger NK-cell, T-cell, and macrophage antitumor cytotoxicity. However, the potential of this collaborative immune stimulation in antitumor immunity for solid tumors is underexplored due to the exclusive expression of SLAMF7 by hematopoietic cells. Here, we report the development and characterization of multifunctional bispecific nanovesicles (NVs) targeting SLAMF7 and glypican-3—a hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)–specific tumor antigen. We found that by effectively “decorating” the surfaces of solid tumors with SLAMF7, these NVs directly induced potent and specific antitumor immunity and remodeled the immunosuppressive TME, sensitizing the tumors to programmed cell death protein 1 (PD1) blockade. Our findings highlight the potential of SLAMF7-targeted multifunctional bispecific NVs as an anticancer strategy with implications for designing next-generation targeted cancer therapies.
Supplementary Table 3 from LYVE-1–expressing Macrophages Modulate the Hyaluronan-containing Extracellular Matrix in the Mammary Stroma and Contribute to Mammary Tumor Growth
Authors: Elfstrum Alexis K. , Rumahorbo Annisa H. , Reese Lyndsay E. , Nelson Emma V. , McCluskey Braedan M. , Schwertfeger Kathryn L.
Published: May 2024

Table depicting differential gene expression data comparing each Lyve1CreCsfrfl/fl cluster relative to its corresponding cluster in Csfrfl/fl mice.
Supplementary Figure 3 from LYVE-1–expressing Macrophages Modulate the Hyaluronan-containing Extracellular Matrix in the Mammary Stroma and Contribute to Mammary Tumor Growth
Authors: Elfstrum Alexis K. , Rumahorbo Annisa H. , Reese Lyndsay E. , Nelson Emma V. , McCluskey Braedan M. , Schwertfeger Kathryn L.
Published: May 2024

Figure S3 depicts an ELISA analyzing collagen content in mammary glands
Supplementary Figure 1 from LYVE-1–expressing Macrophages Modulate the Hyaluronan-containing Extracellular Matrix in the Mammary Stroma and Contribute to Mammary Tumor Growth
Authors: Elfstrum Alexis K. , Rumahorbo Annisa H. , Reese Lyndsay E. , Nelson Emma V. , McCluskey Braedan M. , Schwertfeger Kathryn L.
Published: May 2024

Figure S1 depicts representative flow cytometry gating and macrophage counts
Overlapping Spots of Photodynamic Therapy for Treatment of Choroidal Hemangioma in Sturge-Weber Syndrome: A Case Report
Authors: Pai Alex Y. , Han Michael M. , Mosaed Sameh , Riazi Esfahani Mohammad
Published: May 2024

Introduction: Photodynamic therapy (PDT) has shown substantial benefit in the treatment of choroidal hemangioma (CH) in recent years. This report describes the use of PDT with overlapping spots in a patient with Sturge-Weber syndrome (SWS) and large circumscribed CH. Case Presentation: A 9-year-old girl with SWS and a history of glaucoma in her left eye was referred to a retina clinic for possible macular changes. Examination revealed decreased vision in the left eye, pigmentary changes in the macula, and choroidal thickening in the posterior pole. After being lost to follow-up for 2 years, the patient returned with further vision deterioration with best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) of 20/150 and new subretinal fluid (SRF). Imaging findings were consistent with a diagnosis of CH and SRF. PDT with verteporfin was initiated on the entire area with multiple overlapping spots, resulting in resolution of SRF and improvement in visual acuity and choroidal contour. At 18-month post-treatment, the patient’s BCVA was 20/25 with no recurrence of SRF or increased choroidal thickening. Significant pigmentary changes and subretinal hyper-reflective material were observed in the OCT of the treated area. Conclusion: Multiple overlapping laser spots of PDT can result in longstanding regression of large circumscribed CH in a patient with SWS with excellent final visual acuity. However, significant subretinal changes may also result following this method of treatment.
Biologic and Clinical Characteristics of Isochromosome der(17)(q10)t(15;17) in Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia
Authors: Liu Yuchen , Ning Yi , Ghiaur Gabriel , Emadi Ashkan
Published: May 2024

Introduction: Acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) is genetically characterized by the fusion of promyelocytic leukemia (PML) gene with retinoic acid receptor alpha (RARα) resulting from a t(15;17)(q24;q21) chromosomal translocation. An infrequent but recurrent finding in APL is the formation of an isochromosome of the derivative chromosome 17; ider(17)(q10)t(15;17) or ider(17q). This rearrangement in APL results in an additional copy of the PML-RARα fusion gene as well as loss of 17p/TP53. Due to the infrequent occurrence of the ider(17q), the prognostic impact of this genetic finding is not well known. Case Presentation(s): Here, we describe the clinical characteristics and outcomes of our case series of 5 patients with ider(17q) APL treated at the University of Maryland and Johns Hopkins University. Conclusion: In our series, patients with APL with ider(17q) did not have a worse prognosis.
Conversando sobre identidade profissional
Authors: Furtado Elíana Anjos
Published: May 2024

Esta fala se propõe a refletir sobre identidade profissional do terapeuta ocupacional apoiada no pensamento pós-modemo através dos conceitos de complexidade, processo, tecnologias e transdisciplinaridade. Esta foi apresentada no VI Congresso Brasileiro de Terapia Ocupacional na mesa redonda intitulada "Identidade profissional e a transdisciplinaridade: tensões no campo da terapia ocupacional".
Heme Oxygenase‐1 Gene (GT)n Polymorphism Linked to Deep White Matter Hyperintensities, Not Periventricular Hyperintensities
Authors: Chen Junting , Li Jinrui , Wang Xiaomian , Fu Xiaoli , Ke Jianxia , Li Jintao , Wen Jia , Cheng Kailin , Li Shuen , Shi Zhu
Published: May 2024

Background

Oxidative stress plays a principal role in the pathogenesis of white matter hyperintensities (WMHs). The induction of heme oxygenase‐1 (
HO‐1
) gene in the brain represents 1 of the pivotal mechanisms to counteract the noxious effects of reactive oxygen species, and the transcriptional modulation of
HO‐1
induction depends on the length of a GT‐repeat (GT)n in the promoter region. We investigated whether the
HO‐1
gene (GT)n polymorphism is associated with the risk of WMHs.

Methods and Results

A total of 849 subjects from the memory clinic were consecutively enrolled, and the
HO‐1
(GT)n genotype was determined. WMHs were assessed with the Fazekas scale and further divided into periventricular WMHs and deep WMHs (DWMHs). Allelic
HO‐1
(GT)n polymorphisms were classified as short (≤24 (GT)n), median (25≤[GT]n<31), or long (31≤[GT]n). Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the effect of the
HO‐1
(GT)n variants on WMHs. The number of repetitions of the
HO‐1
gene (GT)n ranged from 15 to 39 with a bimodal distribution at lengths 23 and 30. The proportion of
S
/
S
genotypes was higher for moderate/severe DWMHs than none/mild DWMHs (22.22% versus 12.44%;
P
=0.001), but the association for periventricular WMHs was not statistically significant. Logistic regression suggested that the
S
/
S
genotype was significantly associated with moderate/severe DWMHs (
S
/
S
versus non‐
S
/
S
: odds ratio, 2.001 [95% CI, 1.323–3.027];
P
<0.001). The
HO‐1
gene (GT)n
S
/
S
genotype and aging synergistically contributed to the progression of DWMHs (relative excess risk attributable to interaction, 6.032 [95% CI, 0.149–11.915]).

Conclusions

Short (GT)n variants in the
HO‐1
gene may confer susceptibility to rather than protection from DWMHs, but not periventricular WMHs.

Registration

URL:
https://www.chictr.org.cn
; Unique identifier: ChiCTR2100045869.
Educating Students for Climate Action: Distraction or Higher-Education Capital?
Authors: Reimers Fernando M.
Published: May 2024

This essay examines how universities are responding to demands to educate students for climate action. I argue for a whole-of-university approach, in which sustainability becomes part of the mission of the university, and translates into reimagined forms of education, research, outreach, and management of the university operations. This approach runs counter to the most common response of universities, incremental to new demands, and is likely to take place only in institutions with greater capacity for innovation. Strategy and knowledge are key resources to support such innovation, drawing on the comparative analysis of the global experience of higher education, as there are already high rates of institutional innovation globally in educating for climate action.
Appearance of Beauty
Authors: Kudahl Benedikte , Roald Tone
Published: May 2024

This article describes what it is like to experience beauty in visual art. Our phenomenological analysis of interviews with visual art museum visitors shows that beauty appears as the relationship between two different experiential modes. Initially, the perceiver feels herself affectively and bodily immersed in the perceived while awareness of herself pulls back. Self-awareness eventually returns, allowing for a subtle yet distinct mode of reflection in which the viewer looks back at the initial moment of felt connection with the perceived. Our analysis suggests that beauty experience arises when a slight perceptual distance allows for a subtle mode of reflection on the involvement with the artwork that took place in the immediate past. The initial moment returns as an affectively charged memory, which the perceiver longs to restore or repeat. The article relates beauty’s apparent two-fold nature to the question of how the fundamental capacity for aesthetic experience psychologically develops. It concludes that beauty experience originates from the combined capacity of self-forgetful immersion and self-contemplative distance.
Curvature Dynamics of a Coastal Barotropic Outflow Jet on a Slope
Authors: Torres Walter I. , Hench James L.
Published: May 2024

This study adopts a curvature dynamics approach to understand and predict the trajectory of an idealized depth-averaged barotropic outflow onto a slope in shallow water. A novel equation for streamwise curvature dynamics was derived from the barotropic vorticity equation and applied to a momentum jet subject to bottom friction, topographic slope, and planetary rotation. The terms in the curvature dynamics equation have a natural geometric interpretation whereby each physical process can influence the flow direction. It is shown that a weakly spreading jet onto a steep slope admits the formulation of a 1D ordinary differential equation system in a streamline coordinate system, yielding an integrable ordinary differential equation system that predicts the kinematical behavior of the jet. The 1D model was compared with a set of high-resolution idealized depth-averaged circulation model simulations where bottom friction, planetary rotation, and bottom slope were varied. Favorable performance of the 1D reduced physics model was found, especially in the near field of the outflow. The effect of nonlinear processes such as topographic stretching and bottom torque on the fate of the jet outflow is explained using curvature dynamics. Even in the tropics, planetary rotation can have a surprisingly strong influence on the near-field deflection of an intermediate-scale jet, provided that it flows across steep topography.
Comparing Chest Tube Thoracostomy in East Tennessee Trauma Centers: A Prospective Study Highlighting Differences in Urban vs Rural Locations
Authors: Baljepally Vinila , Lock Tyler , Hayman Chase , Ward Ethan , King Sarah A. , Bethurum Alva , Smith Lou M.
Published: May 2024

Chest tube thoracostomy (CTT) is essential for lung expansion, but protocol discrepancies exist across trauma centers. This prospective study compared CTT protocols between an urban (center 1) and rural (center 2) level 1 trauma center in East Tennessee from June to August 2023. 66 trauma patients required CTT (51 from center 1 and 15 from center 2). Diagnostic practices and post-pull chest X-rays (CXR) differed significantly. Center 1 favored CXR for diagnosis ( P = 0.012), while center 2 relied more on clinical presentation ( P = 0.012). Post-pull CXR was less common at center 2 ( P = 0.012). Center 2 had lower Glasgow Coma Scale scores ( P = 0.028), shorter tube duration ( P = 0.044), and more needle thoracostomy use ( P = 0.393). These findings underscore the need for regional protocols considering pre-arrival factors, hospital practices, and injury patterns. Protocol adjustments aim to improve adherence and patient outcomes, with ongoing data collection exploring factors influencing protocol evolution.
Book review: Ritajyoti Bandyopadhyay, Streets in Motion: The Making of Infrastructure, Property and Political Culture in Twentieth-century Calcutta
Authors: Das Purbasha
Published: May 2024

Ritajyoti Bandyopadhyay, Streets in Motion: The Making of Infrastructure, Property and Political Culture in Twentieth-century Calcutta. Cambridge University Press, 2022.
On the Importance of Field Studies for Testing Theory-Driven Behavioral Change Interventions in (Sustainable) Tourism
Authors: Juvan Emil , Zhu Oscar Yuheng , Grün Bettina , Dolnicar Sara
Published: May 2024

Practical measures to entice tourists to behave in environmentally sustainable ways are urgently needed. The effectiveness of such measures is typically tested in survey experiments. This study demonstrates that this approach can be misleading. We test two messages aimed at reducing buffet food waste. One builds on established theories of human behavior (theory of planned behavior, value-belief-norm theory); it assumes that changing beliefs by providing information triggers behavior change. The second message builds on hedonic psychology; it attempts to change behavior through humor, presenting the pro-environmental behavior as enjoyable. In the survey experiment, the belief-based message significantly increases intentions to reduce plate waste; but both messages fail to change behavior in a real hotel. These insights have methodological and practical implications: the effectiveness of new practical measures developed to trigger specific tourist behaviors must be tested in the field before reliable managerial recommendations can be derived.
Deep learning–based urban energy forecasting model for residential building energy efficiency
Authors: Rani Uma , Dahiya Neeraj , Kundu Shakti , Kanungo Sonal , Kathuria Sakshi , Rakesh Shanu Kuttan , Sharma Anil , Singh Puneeta
Published: May 2024

Sustainable and inventive city design is becoming more and more dependent on the use of cutting-edge technology as smart cities develop further. Energy efficiency optimization in residential structures is an essential part of the puzzle as it helps conserve resources and keeps the planet habitable. An enhanced Deep Neural Network (DNN) model for household energy efficiency predictions is presented in this research. Our model uses a large dataset of building features, weather, occupancy patterns and energy usage histories. Data is preprocessed, features are engineered and hyperparameters are tweaked to improve DNN prediction. Scalable, easy-to-understand models are essential, as are shifting urban areas and energy landscapes. In this work, the authors have evaluated the proposed model with basic model with different optimizers. Initially, the Stochastic Gradient Descent optimizer applied that gained 91.02% Recall, 93.47% Precision, 93.28% F1-Score, 0.0153 MSE, 0.0166 RMSE and 0.0165 MAE. The proposed model gained 99.52% Recall, 98.91% Precision, 99.09% F1-Score, 0.0140 MSE, 0.0137 RMSE and 0.0139 MAE. By monitoring, analyzing and making decisions in real time, smart city systems can help planners understand energy usage trends. The optimized DNN model advances smart city development by promoting sustainability and resource optimization. Predicting residential buildings’ energy efficiency provides proactive energy savings, cost reduction and environmental impact mitigation. The suggested DNN model shows how smart cities use cutting-edge urban planning to become more sustainable, efficient and resilient.
Is Everyone “Looking for Love?” Trends in Romantic Relationship Interest Among Singles During COVID-19
Authors: Tessler Hannah , Choi Meera , Kao Grace
Published: May 2024

Using data from the Dynamics of Social Life During COVID-19 Survey (DSL-COVID), we examine dating and romantic relationship interest among singles amid a global pandemic and loneliness epidemic. This study provides a gendered life course perspective to understanding the heterogeneity of singles’ low romantic interest. We find larger gender differences among the previously married than never married singles. In addition, we document a stronger age gradient for single women than men in low romantic interest. We demonstrate that previously married single men’s romantic interest may be more responsive to loneliness than that of single women. These results suggest that lonely single men express the strongest desires to seek romance, net of controls, while single women express lower romantic interest. Overall, we argue for the possibility that a non-trivial segment of singles may exhibit low romantic interest, and their inclusion is important for social science research on union and family formation.
Assessing Timely Migration Trends Through Digital Traces: A Case Study of the UK Before Brexit
Authors: Rampazzo Francesco , Bijak Jakub , Vitali Agnese , Weber Ingmar , Zagheni Emilio
Published: May 2024

Digital trace data presents an opportunity for promptly monitoring shifts in migrant populations. This contribution aims to determine whether the number of European migrants in the United Kingdom (UK) declined between March 2019 and March 2020, using weekly estimates derived from the Facebook Advertising Platform. The collected data is disaggregated according to age, level of education, and country of origin. To examine the fluctuation in the number of migrants, a simple Bayesian trend model is employed, incorporating indicator variables for age, education, and country. The Facebook data indicates a downward trend in the number of European migrants residing in the UK. This result is further confirmed by the data from the Labour Force Survey. Notably, the outcomes reveal that in the run-up to Brexit, the most significant decline occurred among the age group of 20 to 29 years old – the largest migrant group – and the tertiary educated. This analyses could not be implemented with traditional data sources such as the Labour Force Survey, because this level of disaggregation is not provided. However, there are also important limitations associated with digital trace data, such as algorithm changes and representativeness. These limitations need to be addressed by employing sound statistical methodologies. Nevertheless, this research shows the potential of digital trace data in anticipating migration trends at a timely granularity and informing policymakers.
Early Daily Activity: Development and description of an occupation-based intervention for surgically repaired distal radius Fractures
Authors: Collis Julie M. , Mayland Elizabeth C , Kayes Nicola , Signal Nada
Published: May 2024

Objective

To describe the theoretical development and structure of an occupation-based intervention for people with a surgically repaired distal radius fracture.

Intervention development and rationale

The Early Daily Activity (EDA) intervention uses the performance of strategically selected daily activities as the primary rehabilitative strategy. Occupation-based interventions are recommended for hand injury rehabilitation but are often poorly described and lack explicit theoretical underpinnings. The EDA-intervention was developed from exploratory research that informed the theory and structure. The theoretical principles are that daily activity performance is (i) safe within defined parameters (ii) appropriately self-determined (iii) produces high ranges and amounts of therapeutic movement, and (iv) builds psychosocial competencies.

Intervention description

The EDA-intervention is designed to be commenced within 2 weeks of surgery. There are three key components. The first is activity-specific education to emphasise the safety, benefits, and therapeutic actions of activity performance. A set of parameters for defining safe activities is described to support education. The second component is patient–therapist collaboration to select a range of daily activities that provide a ‘just-right’ challenge. Collaboration occurs at regular intervals throughout the rehabilitation period to incrementally increase the challenge of activities. The third component is performance of activities at-home targeted at improving range of movement and function.

Next steps

The EDA-intervention can be used by hand therapists, but it has not yet undergone effectiveness evaluation. A planned study will explore clinician readiness to adopt the EDA-intervention, inform iterative changes to the protocol and the design of feasibility and effectiveness studies.
Long-term safety of fezolinetant in Chinese women with vasomotor symptoms associated with menopause: the phase 3 open-label MOONLIGHT 3 clinical trial
Authors: Yu Qi , Ming Fang , Ma Jiezhi , Cai Yiling , Wang Liping , Ren Mulan , Zhang Jun , Ma Xiao , Miyazaki Kentaro , He Weizhong , Wang Xuegong
Published: May 2024

Objective

We aimed to assess long-term safety and tolerability of fezolinetant, a nonhormonal neurokinin 3 receptor antagonist, among Chinese women with vasomotor symptoms associated with menopause participating in the MOONLIGHT 3 trial.

Methods

In this phase 3 open-label study, women in menopause aged 40–65 years received fezolinetant 30 mg once daily for 52 weeks. The primary endpoint was frequency and severity of treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs), assessed at every visit through week 52 and one follow-up visit at week 55.

Results

Overall, 150 women were enrolled (mean age, 54 years) and 105 completed treatment. The frequency of TEAEs was 88.7%. Most TEAEs were mild (63.3%) or moderate (22.7%). The most common TEAE was upper respiratory tract infection (16.0%), followed by dizziness, headache, and protein urine present (10.7% each). There was no clinically relevant change (mean ± standard deviation) in endometrial thickness (baseline, 2.95 ± 1.11 mm; week 52, 2.94 ± 1.18 mm). Alanine aminotransferase and/or aspartate aminotransferase levels >3 times the upper limit of normal were reported in 1.4% of women; no Hy’s Law cases occurred.

Conclusions

Fezolinetant 30 mg once daily was generally safe and well tolerated over a 52-week period among women in China with vasomotor symptoms associated with menopause. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04451226
Does capitalism drive towards the commodification of everything?
Authors: Hall Derek
Published: May 2024

The claim that capitalism drives to commodify everything is widely made in late-20th century and early-21st century critical political economy and plays a central role in prominent theoretical frameworks and texts. The argument is, however, rarely articulated in any detail, and proponents do not explain why capitalism would drive to commodify not just very many things but everything. In this paper I carry out the first systematic review and critique of works making the claim. I show that the literature fails to define ‘everything’ and ‘the commodification of everything’ and identify significant weaknesses in the six implicit argumentative strategies these works employ. I also show that positions that might appear to reject the claim do not get traction on it. In the second section I reconstruct the argument by defining terms, positing six commodifying mechanisms that should emerge from capitalism’s core features, and searching for ‘things’ the literature has ignored. The search draws especially on historical research into surprising examples of commodified violence, governance, authority and monopoly. My analysis both greatly expands the literature’s theoretical and empirical scope and argues that capitalism generates decommodifying drives with respect to certain key ‘things’. Capitalism does not drive towards ‘the commodification of everything’ under any non-trivial definition of the latter term.
Breaking Barriers to Low Carbon Concrete Pavements
Authors: Lopez Sarah , Sutter Lawrence , Douglas Hooton R. , Van Dam Thomas , Innis Allison , Senn Kevin
Published: May 2024

Several benefits, including low cost, versatility, robustness, and local availability, contribute to concrete being humankind’s most widely used construction material. Possessing one of the lowest carbon footprints of any construction material, its widespread use has rendered concrete one of the largest single sources of anthropogenic greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Therefore, the cement and concrete industries possess an incredible opportunity to reduce overall emissions through adopting technologies, processes, and procedures proven to lower the carbon footprint of concrete. Several roadmaps have been published in recent years, notably by the Portland Cement Association and the Global Cement and Concrete Association outlining the path to concrete carbon neutrality by 2050. The American Concrete Pavement Association has also published a white paper to guide the concrete pavement industry toward sustainability in concrete pavements, recommending pavement design optimization, performance-engineered mixtures, and blended cements for environmentally sustainable concrete pavement design. The path to reducing the carbon footprint of concrete is well-defined by these documents, but there are barriers in the path. These barriers must be identified, addressed, and removed, using a clear plan of action, to successfully achieve carbon reduction goals. The major barriers identified are related to 1) existing materials production and logistics, 2) specifications, testing, and design procedures, and 3) adopting new technologies in a risk-adverse industry. Each is discussed at length, along with an action plan to remove them, clearing the path to concrete carbon neutrality.
Communicating Republicans’ Level of Support for Climate Policy Briefly Increases Personal Support in the United States
Authors: Lyons Benjamin , Hasell Ariel
Published: May 2024

Americans systematically underestimate the popularity of climate policy. Researchers have speculated that correcting second-order misperceptions, or beliefs about what others believe, could translate into even broader support as action comes to be seen as more politically feasible. Using a two-wave experiment ( N≈1,600), we examine the effects of communicating the degree of policy support among Democrats, Republicans, or all Americans (i.e., norms). Republican and American norms increase perceived policy support from the relevant group; exposure to the Republican norm also increases policy support, and this effect is concentrated mostly among fellow Republicans. However, this effect does not persist over time.
Nursing and Playwriting Students Collaborative: Elevating Reflective Practice
Authors: Lim Fidelindo , Topol Daniella , Cram Cusi
Published: May 2024

Reflection is essential in the formation and ethical comportment of nurses. The COVID-19 pandemic brought extraordinary challenges to nursing practice and education of nurses. A pilot collaboration between a college of nursing and a department of dramatic writing at a research-intensive urban university aimed to promote the esthetic pattern of knowing through the dramatic presentation of the experiences of nursing students and frontline nurses during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. The playwrights wrote two short plays based on interviews with two nursing students and three experienced nurses. The project sought to enhance narrative competence and empathy development of nurses and playwrights, and to promote reflection-on-action.
MicroRNA Profiles in Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant Recipients
Authors: Mohanraj Lathika , Carter Christiane , Liu Jinze , Swift-Scanlan Theresa
Published: May 2024

Background: Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant (HCT) is a potentially curative treatment for hematologic malignancies, including multiple myeloma. Biomarker investigation can guide identification of HCT recipients at-risk for poor outcomes. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of non-coding RNAs involved in the modulation and regulation of pathological processes and are emerging as prognostic and predictive biomarkers for multiple health conditions. This pilot study aimed to examine miRNA profiles associated with HCT-related risk factors and outcomes in patients undergoing autologous HCT. Methods: Patients eligible for autologous HCT were recruited and blood samples and HCT-related variables were collected. Differential expression analysis of miRNA was conducted on 24 patient samples to compare changes in miRNA profile in HCT eligible patients before and after transplant. Results: Unsupervised clustering of differentially expressed ( p < .05) miRNAs pre- and post- HCT identified clusters of up- and down-regulated miRNAs. Four miRNAs (miR-125a-5p, miR-99b-5p, miR-382–5p, miR-145–5p) involved in hematopoiesis (differentiation of progenitor cells, granulocyte function, thrombopoiesis, and tumor suppression) were significantly downregulated post-HCT. Correlation analyses identified select miRNAs associated with risk factors (such as frailty, fatigue, cognitive decline) and quality of life pre- and post-HCT. Select miRNAs were correlated with platelet engraftment. Conclusion: Future studies should examine miRNA signatures in larger cohorts in association with HCT outcomes; and expand investigations in patients receiving allogeneic transplants. This will lead to identification of biomarkers for risk stratification of HCT recipients.
Emergency Department closed reduction of dislocated THR: the REDDTHR Prospective Multi-centre Study
Authors: Waseem Saima , Ngu Albert , Patel Jason ,   ORCA Research Collaborative
Published: May 2024

Introduction:

Dislocation is a potentially devastating complication severely affecting outcomes post total hip arthroplasty (THR). We aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of closed reduction of a dislocated THR within the Emergency Department (ED).

Methods:

A prospective multi-centre study was conducted over a 1-year period from November 2020 to December 2021 within 10 hospitals based in the East of England. Collected data included patient demographics, agent used for sedation, hospital length of stay, implant type and discharge destination. Patients were analysed according to whether successful reduction was performed in the ED or not. The primary outcome was length of stay, with secondary outcomes including discharge destination and pain post-procedure.

Results:

We studied 99 patients with an average age of 77.02 years, with 39 (39%) patients being male. 11 patients had revision hip replacements and 88 patients had primary THRs. 57 (57.6%) underwent closed reduction in the Emergency department, of which 44 (77.2%) were successful. Successful closed reduction was significantly associated with lower patient age ( p = 0.02), lower American society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score ( p < 0.01) and use of propofol ( p < 0.01). Patients who underwent successful ED closed reduction had a lower hospital stay than those that did not (1 vs. 3 days, p < 0.01), however there was no significant difference in discharge destination.

Conclusions:

When adopted, success following closed reduction is increased in younger patients with less comorbidities following use of propofol sedation. Following sedation, patients have a significantly shorter hospital stay. Increasing uptake of closed reduction of THR dislocation within the ED in suitable patients with evidence-based best practice protocols will maximise patient outcomes whilst allowing efficient resource utilisation.
County Sheriffs and Immigration and Customs Enforcement: The Will of the People or a Lack of Accountability?
Authors: Newby Kara , Williams Shaniqua
Published: May 2024

County sheriffs hold a great deal of discretionary power at the county level; however, little is known about the decision-making of sheriffs. One key role they hold is overseeing county jails. In this role, county sheriffs choose how often to cooperate with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) when they make a detainer request of the county. This study investigates the factors influencing sheriffs’ decision making, specifically whether sheriffs make discretionary decisions based on the will of the people. Using ICE data about cooperation with county jails, and Cooperative Congregational Election Study (CCES) data, we assess if sheriff cooperation with ICE is politically motivated, in congruence with preferences of the voters countywide, or are other factors potentially influencing sheriffs. We find that sheriffs’ decision to cooperate with ICE is influenced by the demographics and economy of their county rather than their own political affiliation or their county’s ideological stance on immigration.
Renal function affects the safety and efficacy of tirofiban in acute ischemic stroke thrombectomy patients
Authors: Qiu Linan , Zhang Ye , Geng Dandan , Pan Yuesong , Xu Xueqian , Chen Jiahao , Xu Minjie , Chen Liuzhu , Tu Yujie , Huang Yezhi , Long Jingfang , Duan Qi , Wu Beilan , Qiu Huihua , He Jincai
Published: May 2024

Background

Acute ischemic stroke poses a significant health threat, and thrombectomy has become a routine treatment. Tirofiban has emerged as a promising adjunct therapy to minimize reocclusion after thrombectomy. We aimed to investigate whether renal function influences the safety and efficacy of tirofiban in patients undergoing endovascular therapy.

Methods

Patients' clinical data collected from the stroke unit were analyzed. The modified Rankin scale score and symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH) were used as outcome measures.

Results

A total of 409 patients (mean age: 66.5 years, 292 males [71.4%]) were included. Tirofiban significantly improved 3-month functional outcomes (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 2.408, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.120–5.175), reduced 3-month mortality (aOR = 0.364, 95% CI 0.155–0.856), and decreased the incidence of sICH (aOR = 0.339, 95% CI 0.149–0.767) in patients with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) ≥ 90 mL/min/1.73 m². However, no significant improvement in prognosis was observed with tirofiban in patients with eGFR < 90 mL/min/1.73 m². Interaction analysis suggested a potential influence of renal function on tirofiban efficacy.

Conclusion

Renal function may impact the efficacy of tirofiban. Administration of tirofiban in direct thrombectomy patients with normal renal function is safe and improves prognosis. However, the prognostic benefits of tirofiban are limited in patients with impaired renal function.
The Synergy of Critical Realism and Case Study: A Novel Approach in Nursing Research
Authors: Cabote Christy , Salamonson Yenna , Ramjan Lucie , Maneze Della , Trajkovski Suza , Montayre Jed
Published: May 2024

Critical realism is a framework that explains causations of observable events. It is useful in exploring and explaining complex nursing phenomena. It is grounded in the stratification of reality and the understanding that the world is complex, open, and has interactions that support or cancel each other whether we observe it or not. It can be used as a theoretical foundation of case study approach, an in-depth inquiry that seeks to understand a particular phenomenon within specific settings. This paper introduces the basic concepts of critical realism and how it can inform a qualitative case study methodology. To support this approach, we present a study on caregiving experiences for older people with dementia from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds which we believe highlights the value of combining critical realism and case study to inform future nursing research.
Transition is associated with lower disease activity, fewer relapses, better medication adherence, and lower lost-to-follow-up rate as opposed to self-transfer in pediatric-onset inflammatory bowel disease patients: results of a longitudinal, follow-up, controlled study
Authors: Tóbi Luca , Prehoda Bence , Balogh Anna M. , Nagypál Petra , Kovács Krisztián , Miheller Pál , Iliás Ákos , Dezsőfi-Gottl Antal , Cseh Áron
Published: May 2024

Background:

Despite the continuously rising rate of pediatric-onset inflammatory bowel diseases (PIBD), there are no consensus transitional guidelines or standardized practices.

Objectives:

We aimed to examine: (1) the determinants of a successful transfer, (2) the effects of the transfer versus transition on the disease course and patient compliance, (3) the unique characteristics of PIBD patients, that need special attention in adult care.

Design:

Longitudinal, follow-up, controlled study conducted between 2001 and 2022, with retrospective data collection until 2018, thence prospective.

Methods:

Three hundred fifty-one PIBD patients enrolled in the study, of whom 152 were moved to adult care, with a mean post-transfer follow-up time of 3 years. Seventy-three patients took part in structured transition, whereas 79 self-transferred to adult care. The main outcome measures were disease activity (defined by PCDAI, PUCAI, CDAI, and Mayo-scores) and course, hospitalizations, surgeries, IBD-related complications, including anthropometry and bone density, patient compliance, medication adherence, and continuation of medical care.

Results:

Patients who underwent structured transition spent significantly more time in remission (83.6% ± 28.5% versus 77.5% ± 29.7%, p = 0.0339) and had better adherence to their medications (31.9% versus 16.4% non-adherence rate, p = 0.0455) in adult care, with self-transferred patients having a 1.59-fold increased risk of discontinuing their medical care and a 1.88-fold increased risk of experiencing a relapse. Post-transfer the compliance of patients deteriorated (38.5% versus 29%, p = 0.0002), with the highest lost-to-follow-up rate during the changing period between the healthcare systems (12.7%), in which female gender was a risk factor ( p = 0.010). PIBD patients had experienced IBD-related complications (23.4%) and former surgeries (15%) upon arriving at adult care, with high rates of malnutrition, growth impairment, and poor bone health.

Conclusion:

Structured transition plays a key role in ensuring the best disease course and lowering the lost-to-follow-up rate among PIBD patients.

Brief summary

Structured transition plays a key role in ensuring the best disease outcome among PIBD patients, as in our study it was associated with lower disease activity, fewer relapses, better medication adherence, and lower lost-to-follow-up rate as opposed to self-transfer.