bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Upfront Fluorouracil, Leucovorin, Oxaliplatin, and Irinotecan Plus Bevacizumab With or Without Atezolizumab for Patients With Metastatic Colorectal Cancer: Updated and Overall Survival Results of the ATEZOTRIBE Study
Authors: Antoniotti Carlotta , Rossini Daniele , Pietrantonio Filippo , Salvatore Lisa , Lonardi Sara , Tamberi Stefano , Marmorino Federica , Moretto Roberto , Prisciandaro Michele , Tamburini Emiliano , Tortora Giampaolo , Passardi Alessandro , Bergamo Francesca , Raimondi Alessandra , Ritorto Giuliana , Borelli Beatrice , Conca Veronica , Ugolini Clara , Aprile Giuseppe , Antonuzzo Lorenzo , Gelsomino Fabio , Martinelli Erika , Pella Nicoletta , Masi Gianluca , Boni Luca , Galon Jerome , Cremolini Chiara
Published: June 2024

Clinical trials frequently include multiple end points that mature at different times. The initial report, typically based on the primary end point, may be published when key planned co-primary or secondary analyses are not yet available. Clinical Trial Updates provide an opportunity to disseminate additional results from studies, published in JCO or elsewhere, for which the primary end point has already been reported.

We report 4-year results of the phase II randomized AtezoTRIBE study. Eligible patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) received first-line fluorouracil, leucovorin, oxaliplatin, and irinotecan (FOLFOXIRI)/bevacizumab (control group, n = 73) or FOLFOXIRI/bevacizumab plus atezolizumab (experimental group, n = 145). We present overall survival (OS) and updated outcomes according to tumor immune-related biomarkers, both in the intention-to-treat (ITT) population and the cohort of patients with proficient mismatch repair (pMMR) tumors. Median follow-up was 45.2 months (IQR, 42.6-49.2). In the ITT population, median OS was 33.0 and 27.2 months for experimental and control groups, respectively (hazard ratio [HR], 0.78 [80% CI, 0.61 to 0.98]; P = .084). An interaction effect between Immunoscore Immune-Checkpoint (IC) and treatment arm was observed ( Pint, .089), with higher benefit from atezolizumab in the Immunoscore IC-high group. In the pMMR cohort (N = 202), median OS was 30.8 and 29.2 months for experimental and control groups, respectively (HR, 0.80 [80% CI, 0.63 to 1.02]; P = .117). Interactions between treatment group and tumor mutational burden (TMB) and Immunoscore IC were reported ( Pint, .043 and .092, respectively), with patients bearing TMB-high and Immunoscore IC-high tumors deriving higher benefit from the addition of atezolizumab. First-line FOLFOXIRI/bevacizumab plus atezolizumab improves OS in patients with mCRC. In the pMMR group, patients with Immunoscore IC-high and/or TMB-high tumors are identified as a subgroup of interest to further develop this treatment.
Management of Neurogenic Respiratory Alkalosis and Concomitant Lactatemia After Resection of a Posterior Fossa Meningioma: A Case Report
Authors: Limper Ulrich , Schöneberger Louisa , Shalchian-Tehran Paiman , Hartmann Alexander , Poggenborg Jörg , Annecke Thorsten
Published: June 2024

Central neurogenic hyperventilation (CNH) is a rare disease, caused by chemical or mechanical disturbance of respiratory centers. It is characterized by the absence of extracerebral respiratory stimuli. A woman developed severe respiratory alkalosis and lactatemia after resection of a posterior fossa meningioma despite lack of cardio-respiratory or metabolic alterations. Cerebral computed tomography (cCT) revealed edema of the pontomedullary area. Treatment with mannitol and dexamethasone reestablished normal breathing patterns. Lactatemia was likely due to reduced splanchnic lactate utilization. Intracranial pathologies should be suspected in case of hyperventilation without overt reasons. cCT to confirm edema or ischemia and prompt treatment is suggested.
Prognostic role of tumor budding in oral squamous cell carcinoma: a retrospective study
Authors: Kalmegh Padmashri , Hande Alka , Gawande Madhuri , Patil Swati , Sonone Archana , Pakhale Aayushi
Published: June 2024

Background Tumor budding is defined as a single cell or a cluster of up to five tumor cells at the invasion front of all oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) cases. Tumor budding is considered as a marker of many important events in oral carcinoma, including the epithelial-mesenchymal transition, invasion, metastasis, and for further prognosis. Methods A total of 30 clinically and histopathologically diagnosed cases of OSCC were retrieved from the archival of the Department of Oral Pathology and Microbiology. After assessing the sections for the presence of tumor budding (TB), it is further categorized into high-intensity TB and low-intensity TB. Results We found a strong association between lymph node metastasis and histopathological grading in the current study. There was no association between TB and a patient’s survival rate. Conclusions This study emphasizes the significance of tumor budding, its relevance to prognosis, and reproducibility, as well as the significance of its evaluation and incorporation into routine surgical pathology practice in the management of OSCC. As a result, we believe that tumor budding is a crucial factor in determining tumor behavior.
Ambigüedad, ficción e ironía en el museo forense
Authors: Azuero Quijano Alejandra
Published: June 2024

Este ensayo a propósito del Museo Histórico de la Fiscalía General de la Nación comienza con la imagen del chaleco abaleado de Jorge Eliécer Gaitán exhibido en la sala de otro museo. En este caso el museo no es la antigua casa del caudillo asesinado ficcionalizada por Juan Gabriel Vásquez, sino la sala “Hacer sociedad” del Museo Nacional. Es allí donde hoy se encuentra exhibido el chaleco de paño que llevaba puesto Jorge Eliecer Gaitán, asesinado el mismo día en el que estaba prevista la inauguración de la actual sede del Museo Nacional sobre la Avenida Séptima en Bogotá (González, 2000, pp. 83-92). El chaleco, cuyo valor histórico se debe en buena parte a su estatus como ‘prueba de un magnicidio’, es el mismo al que hace referencia Juan Gabriel Vásquez en una de las primeras escenas de La forma de las ruinas.1 En la novela, descrita por su autor como ficción histórica, un hombre es arrestado por “haber intentado robar el traje de paño de un político asesinado” de la sala de un museo (Vásquez, 2015). Al tiempo objeto forense y reliquia, en la prenda ensangrentada confluyen tres proyectos íntimamente ligados a la construcción del Estado poscolonial:2 el museo institucional, el monopolio de los medios de lucha contra el crimen y la representación de la verdad pública por medio de objetos forenses.3
Economic Analysis of On-Street Parking with Urban Delivery
Authors: Xu Zhengtian , Sun Xiaotong
Published: June 2024

The surge in online shopping has dramatically increased the demand for short-term curb access for package pickups and deliveries, leading to heightened competition for limited curb space. This paper addresses the problem of how the unique parking demand of deliverers, particularly their parking duration for delivery attempts linked to parking space availability, affects the dynamics of urban curb parking systems. We develop continuum models of a curb parking system and perform analytical analyses to understand the dynamics and steady-state properties of the system under the influence of increased urban deliveries. We conduct comparative statics to examine how various curb management measures, such as pricing, parking duration caps, and dedicated delivery bays, influence the equilibrium conditions, followed by comparisons of the theoretical capacity of these measures. We further demonstrate the working mechanism of delivery bays and their role in forestalling specific failures within a hybrid system with both general parkers and deliverers. Finally, we investigate curb management strategies in nonstationary operational contexts and prescribe the optimal strategies therein. Our findings offer valuable insights into the unique properties that deliverers introduce to curb parking dynamics, highlighting the need for a strategic reevaluation of current management practices. We find that pricing strategies for metered parking to general parkers prove to be more efficient and flexible compared with other interventions. Notably, our analysis suggests that when curb parking pricing is optimally calibrated, the necessity for dedicated delivery bays diminishes. Furthermore, we reveal that optimal curb management strategies could diverge in response to surges in demand, depending on whether the increase sources from general parkers or deliverers. To be effective, the sizing of delivery bays must align with the underlying causes of parking scarcity.

History: This paper has been accepted for the Transportation Science Special Section on ISTTT25 Conference.

Funding: This work was supported by the George Washington University [University Facilitating Fund].

Supplemental Material: The online appendices are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/trsc.2024.0569 .
Topology optimization of blazed gratings under conical incidence
Authors: Ans Simon , Zamkotsian Frédéric , Demésy Guillaume
Published: June 2024

A topology optimization method is presented and applied to a blazed diffraction grating in reflection under conical incidence. This type of grating is meant to disperse the incident light on one particular diffraction order, and this property is fundamental in spectroscopy. Conventionally, a blazed metallic grating is made of a sawtooth profile designed to work with the ±1st diffraction order in reflection. In this paper, we question this intuitive triangular pattern and look for optimal opto-geometric characteristics using topology optimization based on finite element modelling of Maxwell’s equations. In practical contexts, the grating geometry is mono-periodic, but it is enlightened by a 3D plane wave with a wave vector outside of the plane of invariance. Consequently, this study deals with the resolution of direct and inverse problems using the finite element method in this intermediate state between 2D and 3D: the so-called conical incidence. A multi-wavelength objective is used in order to obtain a broadband blazed effect. Finally, several numerical experiments are detailed. Our numerical results show that it is possible to reach a 98% diffraction efficiency on the −1st diffraction order if the optimization is performed on a single wavelength, and that the reflection integrated over the [400,1500] nm wavelength range can be 29% higher in absolute terms, 56% in relative terms, than that of the sawtooth blazed grating when using a multi-wavelength optimization criterion (from 52% to 81%).
Non-reciprocity in a silicon photonic ring resonator with time-modulated regions
Authors: Zarif Arezoo , Jamshidi Kambiz
Published: June 2024

Non-reciprocity and breaking of the time-reversal symmetry is conventionally achieved using magneto-optic materials. However, the integration of these materials with complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS)-compatible platforms is challenging. Temporal modulation is a well-suited approach for achieving non-reciprocity in integrated photonics. However, existing experimental implementations based on this method in silicon uses traveling-wave modulation in the whole structure or tandem ring or waveguide modulators, and they lead to high insertion loss and large footprint. In this work we achieve, to the best of our knowledge, the first experimental demonstration of non-reciprocity in a compact single silicon photonic ring resonator with time-modulated regions, fabricated with a CMOS-compatible commercial foundry. We demonstrate symmetry breaking of counter-rotating modes in an active silicon photonic ring resonator by applying phase-shifted RF signals to only two small p-i-n junctions on the ring, without employing traveling-wave modulation in the whole structure. The non-reciprocity is caused by the cross-coupling between the counter-rotating modes of the ring, which breaks their degeneracy. By reversing the polarity of the RF phase difference (e.g. (45°,−45°) asymmetric phases) opposite resonance wavelengths are obtained, with a 16-dB contrast between the transmissions of the asymmetric phases and a low insertion loss of 0.6 dB under 27 dBm RF power. We achieve the highest ratio of the asymmetric transmission to the insertion loss, among the state-of-the-art silicon non-reciprocal integrated optical structures based on time varying modulation. The non-reciprocal ring can be used as a magnetic-free, low-loss, compact, and CMOS-compatible integrated optical isolator.
Phase-locking-free all-optical matching system for 100 Gbaud QPSK optical signal
Authors: Ruan Feiyang , Li Xin , Shi Hao , Liu Yu , Gao Tenglin , Guo Ke , Huang Shanguo
Published: June 2024

Photonic firewall is a monitoring protection device that will directly detect and locate optical network attacks at the optical layer, which can effectively ensure the security of optical networks. An all-optical matching system is the core part of photonic firewall, which determines the performance of a photonic firewall, so it is of great significance to research and develop all-optical matching system for high-speed and high-order modulation formats signals. At present, an all-optical matching system for binary modulation formats is relatively mature, but the all-optical matching system for high-order phase modulation format signals is still limited by how to solve the problem of phase synchronization. In this paper, a new all-optical matching system based on self-interference matching is proposed for quadrature phase shift keying (QPSK) optical signal, which avoids the introduction of local target sequence optical signals and phase-locking circuits. The theoretical analysis and simulation verification are conducted for the designed system. The results demonstrate that the system can accurately identify and locate 4-symbol or 8-symbol target sequences in the input QPSK optical signals with 16-symbol and 32-symbol data sequences at a data rate of 100 Gbaud.
Engineering of a high-fidelity Cas12a nuclease variant capable of allele-specific editing
Authors: Wei Jingjing , Liu Jingtong , Wang Ziwen , Yang Yuan , Tian Yuwen , Wang Shengzhou , Gao Bao-Qing , Gao Song , Yang Li , Tang Junnan , Wang Yongming
Published: June 2024

CRISPR-Cas12a, often regarded as a precise genome editor, still requires improvements in specificity. In this study, we used a GFP-activation assay to screen 14 new Cas12a nucleases for mammalian genome editing, successfully identifying 9 active ones. Notably, these Cas12a nucleases prefer pyrimidine-rich PAMs. Among these nucleases, we extensively characterized Mb4Cas12a obtained from Moraxella bovis CCUG 2133, which recognizes a YYN PAM (Y = C or T). Our biochemical analysis demonstrates that Mb4Cas12a can cleave double-strand DNA across a wide temperature range. To improve specificity, we constructed a SWISS-MODEL of Mb4Cas12a based on the FnCas12a crystal structure and identified 8 amino acids potentially forming hydrogen bonds at the target DNA-crRNA interface. By replacing these amino acids with alanine to disrupt the hydrogen bond, we tested the influence of each mutation on Mb4Cas12a specificity. Interestingly, the F370A mutation improved specificity with minimal influence on activity. Further study showed that Mb4Cas12a-F370A is capable of discriminating single-nucleotide polymorphisms. These new Cas12a orthologs and high-fidelity variants hold substantial promise for therapeutic applications.
Revisiting the invasion paradox: Resistance-richness relationship is driven by augmentation and displacement trends
Authors: Zhu Yu , Momeni Babak
Published: June 2024

Host-associated resident microbiota can protect their host from pathogens—a community-level trait called colonization resistance. The effect of the diversity of the resident community in previous studies has shown contradictory results, with higher diversity either strengthening or weakening colonization resistance. To control the confounding factors that may lead to such contradictions, we use mathematical simulations with a focus on species interactions and their impact on colonization resistance. We use a mediator-explicit model that accounts for metabolite-mediated interactions to perform in silico invasion experiments. We show that the relationship between colonization resistance and species richness of the resident community is not monotonic because it depends on two underlying trends as the richness of the resident community increases: a decrease in instances of augmentation (invader species added, without driving out resident species) and an increase in instances of displacement (invader species added, driving out some of the resident species). These trends hold consistently under different parameters, regardless of the number of compounds that mediate interactions between species or the proportion of the facilitative versus inhibitory interactions among species. Our results show a positive correlation between resistance and diversity in low-richness communities and a negative correlation in high-richness communities, offering an explanation for the seemingly contradictory trend in the resistance-diversity relationship in previous reports.
Host immune players and their response to Hepatitis C therapies
Authors: Jabeen Kehkshan , Khlaid Madiha , Mansoor Sajid , Zalan Ali , Ejaz Momina , Mansoor Atika , Javed Aneela
Published: June 2024

This study aimed to investigate alterations in the expression of four key cytokines (IL-7, IL-11, IL-15, and IL-27) and assess differential FAM26F expression in response to Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Additionally, it sought to analyze changes in these cytokines after treatment in 244 chronic HCV patients and 28 controls undergoing various treatments, including standard interferon, pegylated interferon, and Direct Acting Antivirals (DAAs). The objective was to compare immune system regulation between treatment groups. The expression levels of FAM26F and the cytokines (IL-7, IL-11, IL-15, and IL-27) were evaluated using Real-time qPCR in PBMCs of treatment groups. Results revealed significant downregulation of IL-7 and IL-27 in infected individuals compared to healthy controls, persisting even after treatment. This suggests the crucial roles of these immune modulators in facilitating the necessary T-cell response for viral clearance. IL-11 expression also remained suppressed post-treatment, supporting viral clearance by restoring the Th1 response. The decrease in IL-11 levels during treatment indicates the restoration of the Th1 response, vital for viral clearance. IL-15, the key cytokine regulating cytotoxic cells (NKT and NK cells), displayed consistent expression across all sample groups, indicating maintained IL-15-induced cytotoxicity in both control and infected individuals. Additionally, FAM26F expression was reduced in the HCV-infected group compared to controls, but higher in HCV-recovered cases, potentially due to reduced infection and enhanced immunity. In conclusion, this research unveils the relationship between FAM26F and HCV infection, highlighting the virus’s tendency to suppress cytokine and FAM26F expression. An effective treatment strategy for establishing an ideal host immune response may involve restoring FAM26F and cytokine expression to their normal levels.
Effects of single- or pair-housing on the welfare of shelter dogs: Behavioral and physiological indicators
Authors: Hecker Grace , Martineau Katherine , Scheskie Mariah , Hammerslough Rhonda , Feuerbacher Erica N.
Published: June 2024

Dogs are often housed alone in shelter settings to reduce injury and disease spread. However, social isolation can be a stressor for dogs. Prior studies have suggested that cohousing can produce behavioral and physiological benefits. These studies have typically focused on laboratory dogs or shelter dogs that have been kenneled for several months. Thus, those results might not necessarily generalize to shelter dogs, many of which have shorter lengths of stay than those dogs studied to date, and might be cohoused soon after intake. In fact, being pair-housed could, in the short term, be more stressful as dogs have to navigate novel social situations in small spaces. We investigated the behavioral and physiological effects of single- or pair-housing shelter dogs, most of which had recently entered the shelter. We collected behavioral data on 61 dogs (30 single-housed; 31 pair-housed) daily across seven days; we also collected urine for cortisol:creatinine analysis on a subset (22 single-housed; 18 pair-housed) for eight days (each day of the seven-day study plus a baseline sample on Day 0, prior to dogs’ enrollment). We found pair-housed dogs engaged in three stress-related behaviors (lip licking, whining, and ears back) significantly less frequently than single-housed dogs. When we analyzed the change in urinary cortisol:creatinine (Days 1–7 values minus Day 0 value), we found that pair-housed dogs generally showed a greater decrease in cortisol:creatinine levels than single-housed dogs. Pair-housed dogs also had significantly shorter lengths of stay, but we did not detect any effect on dog-dog skills. Overall, we found well-matched pair-housing can have both proximate and ultimate welfare benefits for shelter dogs.
Parametric analysis of SARS-CoV-2 dose-response models in transportation scenarios
Authors: Wu Yuxuan , Namilae Sirish , Srinivasan Ashok , Mubayi Anuj , Scotch Mathew
Published: June 2024

Transportation systems involve high-density crowds of geographically diverse people with variations in susceptibility; therefore, they play a large role in the spread of infectious diseases like SARS-CoV-2. Dose-response models are widely used to model the relationship between the trigger of a disease and the level of exposure in transmission scenarios. In this study, we quantified and bounded viral exposure-related parameters using empirical data from five transportation-related events of SARS-CoV-2 transmission. Dose-response models were then applied to parametrically analyze the infection spread in generic transportation systems, including a single-aisle airplane, bus, and railway coach, and then examined the mitigating efficiency of masks by performing a sensitivity analysis of the related factors. We found that dose level significantly affected the number of secondary infections. In general, we observed that mask usage reduced infection rates at all dose levels and that high-quality masks equivalent to FFP2/N95 masks are effective for all dose levels. In comparison, we found that lower-quality masks exhibit limited mitigation efficiency, especially in the presence of high dosage. The sensitivity analysis indicated that a reduction in the infection distance threshold is a critical factor in mask usage.
Gender differences in perceptions of “joint” decision-making about spending money among couples in rural Tanzania
Authors: Owoputi Ibukun , Kayanda Rosemary , Bezner Kerr Rachel , Dismas Juster , Ganyara Prosper , Hoddinott John , Dickin Katherine
Published: June 2024

Family and cultural contexts can constrain the effectiveness of evidence-based interventions designed to improve the health and wellbeing of women and their children. Unequal power relationships within the household may underlie the failure of many programs targeting women to achieve their intended impact. To reduce these unequal power dynamics within the households, many programs or interventions aim to both assess and improve the gender dynamics between husbands and wives within the household. Decision-making is one important facet of these dynamics and has been linked to health outcomes for women and children. However, household decision-making is rarely observed and often difficult to capture. This study aimed to use qualitative research to further understand one aspect of decision-making, namely on how to spend money. In two regions of Tanzania, we used surveys and interviews to explore different perspectives on spending and allocation of resources among 58 couples in rural farming households. While many men and women initially reported that they made decisions jointly, most women stated they would often concede if there was a disagreement or argument around spending. These results highlight the different perceptions of joint decision-making between men and women. We compared these results to survey responses on decision-making and found differences within and between couples across interview and survey responses. Based on the differences in qualitative and survey responses within couples and how they reported dealing with disagreement, our study found households were on a spectrum from no cooperation in decision-making to full cooperation. Our results highlight challenges for assessing decision-making on spending and ultimately improving these decision-making dynamics within the household. These challenges are especially important for maternal and child behavioral change and provide insights on why many interventions aimed at improving women’s decision- making power on money may not reach their full potential.
The use of virtual nominal groups in healthcare research: An extended scoping review
Authors: Lee Seung Ho , ten Cate Olle , Gottlieb Michael , Horsley Tanya , Shea Beverley , Fournier Karine , Tran Christopher , Chan Teresa , Wood Timothy J. , Humphrey-Murto Susan
Published: June 2024

Introduction

The Nominal Group Technique (NGT) is a consensus group method used to synthesize expert opinions. Given the global shift to virtual meetings, the extent to which researchers leveraged virtual platforms is unclear. This scoping review explores the use of the vNGT in healthcare research during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

Following the Arksey and O’Malley’s framework, eight cross-disciplinary databases were searched (January 2020-July 2022). Research articles that reported all four vNGT stages (idea generation, round robin sharing, clarification, voting) were included. Media Synchronicity Theory informed analysis. Corresponding authors were surveyed for additional information.

Results

Of 2,589 citations, 32 references were included. Articles covered healthcare (27/32) and healthcare education (4/32). Platforms used most were Zoom, MS Teams and GoTo but was not reported in 44% of studies. Only 22% commented on the benefits/challenges of moving the NGT virtually. Among authors who responded to our survey (16/32), 80% felt that the vNGT was comparable or superior.

Conclusions

The vNGT provides several advantages such as the inclusion of geographically dispersed participants, scheduling flexibility and cost savings. It is a promising alternative to the traditional in-person meeting, but researchers should carefully describe modifications, potential limitations, and impact on results.
Tactile breathing guidance increases oxygen saturation but not alertness or hypoxia symptoms
Authors: Steinman Yuval , Groen Eric , Frings-Dresen Monique H. W.
Published: June 2024

We investigated the effect of tactile guided slow deep breathing compared with that of spontaneous breathing on blood oxygen saturation (SpO2), alertness, and hypoxia symptoms during acute hypobaric hypoxia. We also evaluated the usability of this tactile breathing guidance. Twelve male military pilots were exposed to a simulated altitude of 4,572 m (15,000 ft) in a repeated measures study while breathing spontaneously and during tactile guided slow deep breathing. Under both breathing conditions, measurements were performed at rest and during the performance of a cognitive task. The Stanford Sleepiness Scale was used to rate alertness, and hypoxia symptoms were reported using a list of general hypoxia symptoms. Usability was evaluated in a questionnaire. Tactile guidance of slow deep breathing significantly increased (p<.001) the SpO2– 88% (95% confidence interval (CI) [84%, 91%]) at rest and 85% (95% CI [81%, 88%]) during the cognitive task – compared with spontaneous breathing – 78% (95% CI [75%, 81%]) at rest and 78% (95% CI [76%, 80%]) during the cognitive task. This increase in SpO2had no effect on the level of alertness and number of hypoxia symptoms. Pilots were positive about the intensity and sensation of the vibration signal, but had difficulty following the vibration pattern during the cognitive task. Pre-training may improve slow deep breathing technique during performance of cognitive tasks.
Gamma irradiation-engineered macrophage-derived exosomes as potential immunomodulatory therapeutic agents
Authors: Lee Hanui , Kang Seong Hee , Jeong Gyeong Han , Lee Seoung Sik , Chung Byung Yeoup , Kim Geun-Joong , Bai Hyoung-Woo
Published: June 2024

The modulation of macrophage polarization is a promising strategy for maintaining homeostasis and improving innate and adaptive immunity. Low-dose ionizing radiation has been implicated in macrophage immunomodulatory responses. However, studies on the relationship between exosomes and regulation of macrophage polarization induced by ionizing radiation are limited. Therefore, this study investigated the alterations in macrophages and exosomes induced by gamma irradiation and elucidated the underlying mechanisms. We used the mouse macrophage cell line RAW 264.7 to generate macrophages and performed western blot, quantitative reverse transcription-PCR, and gene ontology analyses to elucidate the molecular profiles of macrophage-derived exosomes under varying treatment conditions, including 10 Gy gamma irradiation. Exosomes isolated from gamma-irradiated M1 macrophages exhibited an enhanced M1 phenotype. Irradiation induced the activation of NF-κB and NLRP3 signaling in M1 macrophages, thereby promoting the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Cytokine expression was also upregulated in gamma-irradiated M1 macrophage-released exosomes. Therefore, gamma irradiation has a remarkable effect on the immunomodulatory mechanisms and cytokine profiles of gamma-irradiated M1 macrophage-derived exosomes, and represents a potential immunotherapeutic modality.
Research on cooperative advertising strategies for dual channel supply chain of fresh agricultural products considering carbon reduction efficiency under retailer leadership
Authors: Wang Wenbo , Zhu Aimin , Yu Lijuan , Wer Hongjiang
Published: June 2024

With the development of low-carbon economy and the dominant position of retailers, through the establishment and comparison of three cooperative advertising models: model of supplier’s independent advertising, model of supplier’s independent advertising and model of retailer’s and supplier’s cooperative advertising, this paper studies the cooperative advertising decision-making of fresh agricultural products supply chain with two channels, and the demand of both channels is affected by the level of advertising investment, the proportion of advertising cost sharing and the efficiency of carbon emission reduction. The results show that when supplier and retailer adopt the two-way cooperative advertising mode, the demand and profit level of the two channels reach the optimal level. Numerical analysis shows that carbon emission reduction efficiency has an important impact on profits and market demand, which is closely related to cooperative advertising strategy.
Exploring the experiences, priorities and preferences of people living with Parkinson’s on exercise and physical activity promotion in the UK
Authors: Agley Ledia , Hartley Peter , Lafortune Louise
Published: June 2024

Background

People with Parkinson’s (PwP) want access to timely, relevant, and specific exercise and physical activity (PA) information to enable them to manage their symptoms and maintain wellbeing and quality of life. Research that promotes exercise in this population group is limited. Little is also known about the clinical practice around PA promotion in this population, especially around the time of diagnosis.

Objective

To explore the experiences, preferences, and priorities of PwP around exercise and PA promotion and assess their knowledge on these topics.

Methods

A cross-sectional online survey for PwP in the United Kingdom was conducted from July to December 2021.

Results

430 participants started the survey and 405 completed it. Participants had a mean age of 65.1 (±9.2) and had been living with Parkinson’s for a varying time (up to 2 years = 38%, up to 6 years = 39% and for 7 or more years = 23%). Most participants reported they had not received an education (68%; n = 276) or exercise intervention (54%; n = 217) as part of their routine management by the National Health Service (NHS) since diagnosis and had sought services privately. Knowledge of the overall benefits of exercise was good, however participants lacked specific knowledge on the impact of Parkinson’s Disease (PD) on posture, falls and muscle strength. 90% of participants reported they would participate in an exercise and PA education interventions.

Conclusions

PwP want exercise and PA education interventions that provide knowledge, skills and access to opportunities that enable participation. For the majority, these interventions have not been provided as part of their routine care pathway. To align with the priorities and preferences of PwP, interventions should be offered around the time of diagnosis, include content that is relevant and specific to how exercise and PA can mitigate symptoms of PD and should be delivered in person or online in a group setting.
Diversity of major histocompatibility complex of II B gene and mate choice in a monogamous and long-lived seabird, the Little Auk (Alle alle)
Authors: Wojczulanis-Jakubas Katarzyna , Hoover Brian , Jakubas Dariusz , Fort Jérôme , Grémillet David , Gavrilo Maria , Zielińska Sylwia , Zagalska-Neubauer Magdalena
Published: June 2024

The major histocompatibility complex (MHC) plays a key role in the adaptive immune system of vertebrates, and is known to influence mate choice in many species. In birds, the MHC has been extensively examined but mainly in galliforms and passerines while other taxa that represent specific ecological and evolutionary life-histories, like seabirds, are underexamined. Here, we characterized diversity of MHC Class II B exon 2 in a colonial pelagic seabird, the Little Auk (or DovekieAlle alle). We further examined whether MHC variation could be maintained through balancing selection and disassortative mating. We found high polymorphism at the genotyped MHC fragment, characterizing 99 distinct alleles across 140 individuals from three populations. The alleles frequencies exhibited a similar skewed distribution in both sexes, with the four most commonly occurring alleles representing approximately 35% of allelic variation. The results of a Bayesian site-by-site selection analysis suggest evidence of balancing selection and no direct evidence for MHC-dependent disassortative mating preferences in the Little Auk. The latter result might be attributed to the high overall polymorphism of the examined fragment, which itself may be maintained by the large population size of the species.
Error mitigation in LPWAN systems: A study on the efficacy of Hamming-coded RPW
Authors: Ali Muhammad Moazzam , Hashim Shaiful Jahari , Ahmad Zaid , Ferre Guillaume , Rokhani Fakhrul Zaman , Chaudhary Muhammad Akmal
Published: June 2024

Rotating Polarization Wave (RPW) is a novel Low Power Wide Area Networks (LPWAN) technology for robust connectivity and extended coverage area as compared to other LPWAN technologies such as LoRa and Sigfox when no error detection and correction is employed. Since, IoT and Machine-to-Machine (M2M) communication demand high reliability, RPW with error correction can significantly enhance the communication reliability for critical IoT and M2M applications. Therefore, this study investigates the performance of RPW with single bit error detection and correction using Hamming codes to avoid substantial overhead. Hamming (7,4) coded RPW shows a remarkable improvement of more than 40% in error performance compared to uncoded RPW thereby making it a suitable candidate for IoT and M2M applications. Error performance of coded RPW outperforms coded Chirp Spread Spectrum (CSS) modulation used in LoRa under multipath conditions by 51%, demonstrating superior adaptability and robustness under dynamic channel conditions. These findings provide valuable insights into the ongoing developments in wireless communication systems whilst reporting Q-RPW model as a new and effective method to address the needs of developing LPWAN and IoT ecosystems.
Tactile emoticons: Conveying social emotions and intentions with manual and robotic tactile feedback during social media communications
Authors: Saramandi Alkistis , Au Yee Ki , Koukoutsakis Athanasios , Zheng Caroline Yan , Godwin Adrian , Bianchi-Berthouze Nadia , Jewitt Carey , Jenkinson Paul M. , Fotopoulou Aikaterini
Published: June 2024

Touch offers important non-verbal possibilities for socioaffective communication. Yet most digital communications lack capabilities regarding exchanging affective tactile messages (tactile emoticons). Additionally, previous studies on tactile emoticons have not capitalised on knowledge about the affective effects of certain mechanoreceptors in the human skin, e.g., the C-Tactile (CT) system. Here, we examined whether gentle manual stroking delivered in velocities known to optimally activate the CT system (defined as ‘tactile emoticons’), during lab-simulated social media communications could convey increased feelings of social support and other prosocial intentions compared to (1) either stroking touch at CT sub-optimal velocities, or (2) standard visual emoticons. Participants (N = 36) felt more social intent with CT-optimal compared to sub-optimal velocities, or visual emoticons. In a second, preregistered study (N = 52), we investigated whether combining visual emoticons with tactile emoticons, this time delivered at CT-optimal velocities by a soft robotic device, could enhance the perception of prosocial intentions and affect participants’ physiological measures (e.g., skin conductance rate) in comparison to visual emoticons alone. Visuotactile emoticons conveyed more social intent overall and in anxious participants affected physiological measures more than visual emoticons. The results suggest that emotional social media communications can be meaningfully enhanced by tactile emoticons.
Bio-guided isolation of a new sesquiterpene from Artemisia cina with anthelmintic activity against Haemonchus contortus L3 infective larvae
Authors: Arango-De la Pava Luis David , González-Cortázar Manasés , Zamilpa Alejandro , Cuéllar-Ordaz Jorge Alfredo , de la Cruz-Cruz Héctor Alejandro , Higuera-Piedrahita Rosa Isabel , López-Arellano Raquel
Published: June 2024

Haemonchus contortus is a blood-feeding gastrointestinal parasite that impacts grazing sheep, causing economic losses in animal production. Due to its anthelmintic resistance, alternative antiparasitic treatments like plant-based anthelmintics are necessary to explore. Artemisia cina (Asteraceae) is a plant whose n-hexane extract and ethyl acetate extract exhibit anthelmintic activity against H. contortus, the n-hexane more active. To discover additional bioactive metabolites, a chemical analysis was performed on ethyl acetate extract, which presented an LC90 of 3.30 mg/mL and allowed the isolation of 11-[(1R,5S,7R,8R,10S,)-1,8-dihydroxy-5,10-dimethyl-4-oxodecahydroazulen-7-yl] acrylic acid. This new sesquiterpene was identified through one and two-dimensional NMR. The compound was named cinic acid and displayed an LC50 of 0.13 (0.11–0.14) mg/mL and LC90 of 0.40 (0.37–0.44) mg/mL, which, compared with ethyl acetate extract larvicidal activity, was 256-fold more active at LC50 and 15.71-fold at LC90. In this study, a new sesquiterpene with larvicidal activity against H. contortus L3 infective larvae was isolated from the ethyl acetate extract of Artemisia cina.
Factors in COVID-19 vaccine uptake in five racial/ethnic Colorado communities: A report from the Colorado CEAL project
Authors: Brewer Sarah E. , Bertin Kaitlyn B. , Suresh Krithika , LoudHawk-Hedgepeth Crystal , Tamez Montelle , Reno Jenna E. , Kwan Bethany M. , Nease Donald E.
Published: June 2024

Purpose

To understand motivators, concerns, and factors associated with COVID-19 vaccine initiation for adults in five racial/ethnic communities across Colorado.

Methods

Community-based data collectors surveyed participants from five Colorado communities (urban and rural Latina/o/x, urban Black, rural African American immigrant, and urban American Indian) about vaccine attitudes, intentions, and uptake from September to December 2021. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression models were used to examine factors associated with the primary outcome of COVID-19 vaccine “initiation.”

Results

Most participants (71.1%) reported having initiated COVID-19 vaccination; vaccine series completion was 65.1%. Both motivators and concerns about COVID-19 vaccines were prevalent. Vaccine hesitancy (OR: 0.41, 95% CI:0.32–0.53; p < .001) and low perceptions of COVID-19 vaccination social norms (OR: 0.48, 95% CI:0.27–0.84; p = .01) were associated with vaccine initiation.

Conclusion

Despite the limitation of a moderate sample size, our findings support the need for further interventions to increase vaccination against COVID-19 by reducing vaccine hesitancy and improving perceived social norms of vaccination in underserved Colorado communities.

Implications

To improve trust in vaccines and promote vaccine uptake, community messaging should be tailored to vaccination motivators and concerns and demonstrate COVID-19 vaccination as the community default.
The prevalence of mental health and addiction concerns and factors associated with depression and anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic in Ontario, Canada: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Chang Oswin , Levitt Anthony , Khalid Maida , Kodeeswaran Sugy , Markoulakis Roula
Published: June 2024

Objective

Higher than expected rates of mental health and/or addiction (MHA) concerns have been documented since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. A more up-to-date prevalence of MHA outcomes and the factors associated with the occurrence of MHA concerns remains unclear. This study examined the prevalence of MHA outcomes and factors associated with screening positive for symptoms of depression only, anxiety only, and both depression and anxiety two years into the COVID-19 pandemic in Ontario, Canada.

Method

Ontario adults ≥18 years of age (n = 5000) reported on the presence of symptoms associated with depression, anxiety, and substance use between January and March 2022. Data were also collected on pandemic-related health variables, including COVID-19 infection fear, changes in socioeconomic status and mental health since pandemic onset, satisfaction with social supports, and MHA service needs.

Results

The prevalence of positive screening for depressive or anxiety symptoms only was 8% and 11%, respectively, while 36% screened positive for both. Moderate/high risk levels of substance use were found in 20% of participants for tobacco and 17% for both alcohol and cannabis. Moderate/high risk levels of alcohol use and certain pandemic-related factors (negative change in mental health, unmet MHA service needs) were associated with positive screening for symptoms of depression only, anxiety only, and both depression and anxiety. Satisfaction with social supports was associated with lower likelihoods of being in the depression only and both depression and anxiety groups, and non-White ethnicity was associated with depression only.

Conclusions

There was a continued burden of MHA issues two years into the pandemic. These results underscore the ongoing need for timely and accessible MHA services.
Winter GPS tagging reveals home ranges during the breeding season for a boreal-nesting migrant songbird, the Golden-crowned Sparrow
Authors: Iverson Autumn R. , Humple Diana L. , Cormier Renée L. , Hahn Thomas P. , Block Theadora A. , Shizuka Daizaburo , Lyon Bruce E. , Chaine Alexis S. , Hudson Emily J. , Hull Elisha M.
Published: June 2024

Determining space use for species is fundamental to understanding their ecology, and tracking animals can reveal insights into their spatial ecology on home ranges and territories. Recent technological advances have led to GPS-tracking devices light enough for birds as small as ~30 g, creating novel opportunities to remotely monitor fine-scale movements and space use for these smaller species. We tested whether miniaturized GPS tags can allow us to understand space use of migratory birds away from their capture sites and sought to understand both pre-breeding space use as well as territory and habitat use on the breeding grounds. We used GPS tags to characterize home ranges on the breeding grounds for a migratory songbird with limited available breeding information, the Golden-crowned Sparrow (Zonotrichia atricapilla). Using GPS points from 23 individuals across 26 tags (three birds tagged twice), we found home ranges in Alaska and British Columbia were on average 44.1 ha (95% kernel density estimate). In addition, estimates of territory sizes based on field observations (mean 2.1 ha, 95% minimum convex polygon [MCP]) were three times smaller than 95% MCPs created using GPS tags (mean 6.5 ha). Home ranges included a variety of land cover classes, with shrubland particularly dominant (64–100% of home range cover for all but one bird). Three birds tracked twice returned to the same breeding area each year, supporting high breeding site fidelity for this species. We found reverse spring migration for five birds that flew up to 154 km past breeding destinations before returning. GPS-tracking technology allowed for critical ecological insights into this migratory species that breeds in very remote locations.
Arboviruses antagonize insect Toll antiviral immune signaling to facilitate the coexistence of viruses with their vectors
Authors: Jia Dongsheng , Luo Guozhong , Guan Heran , Yu Tingting , Sun Xinyan , Du Yu , Wang Yiheng , Chen Hongyan , Wei Taiyun
Published: June 2024

Many plant arboviruses are persistently transmitted by piercing-sucking insect vectors. However, it remains largely unknown how conserved insect Toll immune response exerts antiviral activity and how plant viruses antagonize it to facilitate persistent viral transmission. Here, we discover that southern rice black-streaked dwarf virus (SRBSDV), a devastating planthopper-transmitted rice reovirus, activates the upstream Toll receptors expression but suppresses the downstream MyD88-Dorsal-defensin cascade, resulting in the attenuation of insect Toll immune response. Toll pathway-induced the small antibacterial peptide defensin directly interacts with viral major outer capsid protein P10 and thus binds to viral particles, finally blocking effective viral infection in planthopper vector. Furthermore, viral tubular protein P7-1 directly interacts with and promotes RING E3 ubiquitin ligase-mediated ubiquitinated degradation of Toll pathway adaptor protein MyD88 through the 26 proteasome pathway, finally suppressing antiviral defensin production. This virus-mediated attenuation of Toll antiviral immune response to express antiviral defensin ensures persistent virus infection without causing evident fitness costs for the insects. E3 ubiquitin ligase also is directly involved in the assembly of virus-induced tubules constructed by P7-1 to facilitate viral spread in planthopper vector, thereby acting as a pro-viral factor. Together, we uncover a previously unknown mechanism used by plant arboviruses to suppress Toll immune response through the ubiquitinated degradation of the conserved adaptor protein MyD88, thereby facilitating the coexistence of arboviruses with their vectors in nature.
Introduction: The Witch Institute
Authors: de Szegheo Lang Tamara , Pelstring Emily , Vena Dan
Published: June 2024

In August 2021, The Witch Institute came to life as a seven-day virtual symposium to address the figure of the witch in art and media. For its duration, the symposium served as a collaborative meeting space for emerging and established voices, all of whom were responding to increasingly conservative political climates through critical, intersectional, and multi-modal engagements with the figure of the witch. This issue of PUBLIC represents some of these responses. In this introduction, symposium organizers/issue editors, offer some guiding thoughts to the collection and frame the accompanying voices via conversations of artmaking, activism, ritual, and care.