bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Virus-Specific T-Cell Therapy for the Management of Viral Infections in the Immunocompromised
Authors: Koukoulias Kiriakos , Papayanni Penelope Georgia , Leen Ann Marie , Vasileiou Spyridoula
Published: September 2024

Background: Immunocompromised individuals are at major risk for severe infectious complications. This is particularly relevant in the context of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HCT) – a treatment modality that has proven curative for a range of malignant and nonmalignant hematological diseases. However, transplant-associated immune suppression leaves patients susceptible to infectious complications from viruses such as cytomegalovirus (CMV), adenovirus (AdV), Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), and BK virus (BKV). While pharmacological agents are available to prevent and/or treat some of these viruses, they can be associated with significant toxicities and are often ineffective. To circumvent these issues, several groups have explored the clinical potential of adoptively transferred virus-specific T cells (VSTs) to prevent/treat virus-associated complications after allo-HCT or solid organ transplantation (SOT) and this review will provide an overview of these endeavors. Summary: This review will focus on the progress that has been made over the past 30 years in the field of nonengineered VST manufacturing technologies and will summarize the clinical experience with VSTs, primarily in the posttransplant setting. Key Messages: Over the last 3 decades, adoptively transferred VSTs – both HCT donor and third party-derived – have been tested in numerous single and multicenter clinical trials and have unequivocally proven to be safe and associated with clinical activity.
Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada-Like Uveitis Secondary to Pembrolizumab in Metastatic Gastric Cancer: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Denu Ryan A. , McDermott John J. , Patel Shivani C. , Patel Tejal , Dahr Sami S.
Published: September 2024

Introduction: Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada (VKH) disease is a multisystem syndrome characterized by uveitis and exudative retinal detachments in the absence of ocular trauma or surgery. Neurological and cutaneous manifestations can also occur. Prior case reports have associated immune checkpoint inhibitors with a VKH-like disease. Case Presentation: A 64-year-old woman presented with 3 months of epigastric pain, and subsequent endoscopy showed a large mass in the gastroesophageal junction. Staging imaging showed an FDG-avid para-aortic node, making the disease stage IV, and she was treated with systemic therapy with FOLFOX. Molecular profiling showed HER2 amplification and PDL1 positivity, so trastuzumab and pembrolizumab were added. PET and esophagogastroduodenoscopy with biopsies showed a complete radiologic and pathologic response to treatment. Chemotherapy was stopped, and she continued on trastuzumab and pembrolizumab maintenance. After about 18 months of treatment with pembrolizumab, she presented with painful blurry vision in both eyes. Ophthalmologic evaluation showed panuveitis, serous retinal detachment, bilateral uveal edema, and secondary angle closure, consistent with VKH-like uveitis. She was treated with local and systemic corticosteroids. Pembrolizumab was assessed as the most likely causative agent and was discontinued. Her ophthalmologic exam improved, and her visual acuity returned to baseline. She continues on trastuzumab maintenance, and most recent imaging shows no evidence of disease. Conclusion: Oncologists should be aware of VKH-like disease as a possible immune-related adverse event and seek urgent ophthalmologic consultation when such symptoms arise.
Body Roundness Index Trajectories and the Incidence of Cardiovascular Disease: Evidence From the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study
Authors: Yang Man , Liu Jia , Shen Qian , Chen Hai , Liu Yaqi , Wang Nanxi , Yang Zhijie , Zhu Xiaowei , Zhang Siyi , Li Xinyan , Qian Yun
Published: September 2024

Background

Several previous cross‐sectional studies suggested that body roundness index (BRI) may be associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, the association should be further validated. Our study aimed to assess the association of the BRI trajectories with CVD among middle‐aged and older Chinese people in a longitudinal cohort.

Methods and Results

A total of 9935 participants from the CHARLS (China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study) with repeated BRI measurements from 2011 to 2016 were included. The BRI trajectories were identified by group‐based trajectory modeling. The primary outcome was incident CVD (stroke or cardiac events), which occurred in 2017 to 2020. Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to examine the association of BRI trajectories with CVD risk. Participants were divided into 3 BRI trajectories, named the low‐stable BRI trajectory, moderate‐stable BRI trajectory and high‐stable BRI trajectory, accounting for 49.81%, 42.35%, and 7.84% of the study population, respectively. Compared with participants in the low‐stable BRI trajectory group, those in the moderate‐stable and high‐stable BRI trajectory groups had an increased risk of CVD, with multivariable adjusted hazard ratios of 1.22 (95% CI, 1.09–1.37) and 1.55 (95% CI, 1.26–1.90), respectively. Furthermore, simultaneously adding the BRI trajectory to the conventional risk model improved CVD risk reclassification (all
P
<0.05).

Conclusions

A higher BRI trajectory was associated with an increased risk of CVD. The BRI can be included as a predictive factor for CVD incidence.
Neuroprotective Effect of Melatonin in a Neonatal Hypoxia–Ischemia Rat Model Is Regulated by the AMPK/mTOR Pathway
Authors: Nacarkucuk Efe , Bernis Maria E. , Bremer Anna‐Sophie , Grzelak Kora , Zweyer Margit , Maes Elke , Burkard Hannah , Sabir Hemmen
Published: September 2024

Background

Melatonin has been shown to be neuroprotective in different animal models of neonatal hypoxic–ischemic brain injury. However, its exact molecular mechanism of action remains unknown. Our aim was to prove melatonin's short‐ and long‐term neuroprotection and investigate its role on the AMPK (AMP‐activated protein kinase)/mTOR (mammalian target of rapamycin) pathway following neonatal hypoxic–ischemic brain injury.

Methods and Results

Seven‐day‐old Wistar rat pups were exposed to hypoxia–ischemia, followed by melatonin or vehicle treatment. Detailed analysis of the AMPK/mTOR/autophagy pathway, short‐ and long‐term neuroprotection, myelination, and oligodendrogenesis was performed at different time points. At 7 days after hypoxia–ischemia, melatonin‐treated animals showed a significant decrease in tissue loss, increased oligodendrogenesis, and myelination. Long‐term neurobehavioral results showed significant motor improvement following melatonin treatment. Molecular pathway analysis showed a decrease in the AMPK expression, with a significant increase at mTOR's downstream substrates, and a significant decrease at the autophagy marker levels in the melatonin group compared with the vehicle group.

Conclusions

Melatonin treatment reduced brain area loss and promoted oligodendrogenesis with a clear improvement of motor function. We found that melatonin associated neuroprotection is regulated via the AMPK/mTOR/autophagy pathway. Considering the beneficial effects of melatonin and the results of our study, melatonin seems to be an optimal candidate for the treatment of newborns with hypoxic–ischemic brain injury in high‐ as well as in low‐ and middle‐income countries.
EMENDED DESCRIPTION OF NEPENTHES SURIGAOENSIS (NEPENTHACEAE), A POORLY KNOWN SPECIES FROM MINDANAO (PHILIPPINES)
Authors: LAGUNDAY NOEL E. , AMOROSO VICTOR B.
Published: September 2024

An emended description of Nepenthes surigaoensis is provided herein. The species is grouped under section Insignes or N. ventricosa. It is easily delineated from N. merrilliana in having strongly decurrent leaf-to-stem attachment (N. merrilliana: obliquely decurrent up to 2/3rd of the stem internode), subcylindrical aerial pitchers (vs. wholly infundibular). The species is reported herein in Mt. Tago and Mt. Pantaron range and its adjacent mountains i.e. Mt. Kiamo, Barangay Kalabugao, and Barangay Eureka, Gingoog City, Misamis Oriental at 700 to 1100 m asl growing on gravel substrates along open ridges and on upper montane forests with clay-loam soils. The species is facing threats of poaching, shifting cultivation, without legislative protection and calls for conservation efforts.
Annotated Checklist of Armenian Platypodinae and Scolytinae (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)
Authors: KARAGYAN GAYANE , KALASHIAN MARK , GHREJYAN TIGRAN , MAZMANYAN MERI , PETROV АLEXANDER
Published: September 2024

The paper presents a checklist of the bark and ambrosia beetles (Curculionidae: Platypodinae and Scolytinae) of Armenia. The fauna is comprised of one Platypodinae and Scolytinae 73 species, among which four species, Lymantor coryli (Perris, 1855), Ips typographus (Linnaeus, 1758), Orthotomicus erosus (Wollaston, 1857) and Scolytus eichhoffi Reitter, 1895 are recorded for the country for the first time. Sixty one species records are also provided for Armenia which were not mentioned in recent Catalogues of Palaearcic Curculionoidea.
Forecasting for ESCAPE: A multi-institution hybrid forecasting and nowcasting operation for sea-breeze convection supporting a ground-based and airborne field campaign
Authors: Dzambo Andrew M. , Bruning Eric , Oue Mariko , Brunner Kelcy , Singewald David , Rosky Elise , Allwayin Nithin , Patil Saurabh , Qiao Yayun (Jackie) , Xia Zeqian (Hazel) , Hu Yishi , Lebo Zachary J. , Huang Yongjie , McFarquhar Greg M. , Kollias Pavlos , Souza Jessica , Miller Matthew , Weiss Stephanie , Ascher Ben
Published: September 2024

The Experiment of Sea Breeze Convection, Aerosols, Precipitation and Environment (ESCAPE) field project deployed two aircraft and ground-based assets in the vicinity of Houston, TX, between 27 May 2022 and 2 July 2022, examining how meteorological conditions, dynamics, and aerosols control the initiation, early growth stage, and evolution of coastal convective clouds. To ensure that airborne and ground-based assets were deployed appropriately, a Forecasting and Nowcasting Team was formed. Daily forecasts guided real-time decision making by assessing synoptic weather conditions, environmental aerosol, and a variety of atmospheric modeling data to assign a probability for meeting specific ESCAPE campaign objectives. During the research flights, a small team of forecasters provided “nowcasting” support by analyzing radar, satellite, and new model data in real time. The nowcasting team proved invaluable to the campaign operation, as sometimes changing environmental conditions affected, for example, the timing of convective initiation. In addition to the success of the forecasting and nowcasting teams, the ESCAPE campaign offered a unique “testbed” opportunity where in-person and virtual support both contributed to campaign objectives. The forecasting and nowcasting teams were each composed of new and experienced forecasters alike, where new forecasters were given invaluable experience that would otherwise be difficult to attain. Both teams received training on forecast models, map analysis, HYbrid Single-Particle Lagrangian Integrated Trajectory (HYSPLIT) modeling and thermodynamic sounding analysis before the beginning of the campaign. In this article, the ESCAPE forecasting and nowcasting teams reflects on these experiences, providing potentially useful advice for future field campaigns requiring forecasting and nowcasting support in a hybrid virtual/in-person framework.
A Physically Constrained Model-Based Moisture Amplification Approach for Probable Maximum Precipitation (PMP) Estimation
Authors: Tarouilly Emilie G. , Holman Kathleen D. , Lettenmaier Dennis P.
Published: September 2024

The flood that would result from the greatest depth of precipitation “meteorologically possible” or probable maximum precipitation (PMP) is used in the design of dam spillways and other high-risk structures. Historically, PMP has been estimated by scaling precipitation totals obtained from severe historical storms, assuming more moisture could have been available. Over the last decade, numerical weather prediction models have been used to instead predict precipitation resulting from the addition of moisture in the simulations [called relative humidity maximization (RHM)]. Despite the major improvement they represent, two important barriers limit the applicability of model-based methods: first, the existence of different moisture amplification approaches that produce different estimates, and second, the need for a regional implementation of those techniques that were developed for individual basins. Taking Oregon’s mountainous coastal watersheds affected by atmospheric river storms as a case study, we develop a moisture amplification approach, which we call relative humidity perturbation (RHP) ratio that is physically constrained by historical maximum moisture. We find that both the magnitude and location of moisture increase matter and that RHP ratio produces lower amplified precipitation totals but storms that are more consistent with observed events than other methods such as RHM. We additionally find that it is possible to position a storm near-optimally over several basins in a homogeneous area, enabling the production of regional PMP estimates. The understanding we develop of the control moisture exerts on PMP-magnitude precipitation totals allows us to develop a more physically based methodology for the development of reliable storm amplification guidance.
The politics of platform folklore: Emotion, identity, and sense-making in far-right populist Twitter communities
Authors: Junman Alice
Published: September 2024

Platforms are increasingly part of everyday life, but they remain opaque and impenetrable spaces for most users. To manage life on platforms, users thus need to engage with sense-making practices that help them understand and navigate online spaces. This paper studies how far-right populist activists interpret and navigate their presence on Twitter, using the concept of platform folklore, that is, unofficial and collective narratives aimed at relieving feelings of uncertainty associated with the opacity of platforms. The data consists of 20 life-history interviews with Swedish and American Twitter activists from right-wing populist communities, who all participated in populist Twitter debates. The analysis shows how platform folklore is constructed not only based on observations of content moderation, as emphasized in previous research, but also in correspondence with the political ideology and identities of the activists. This led them to interpret Twitter as a leftist organization that disfavored them, which stopped them from developing strategies to reach the goals they held as central to their Twitter activism. The paper concludes by discussing the role of emotions and ideology in platform folklore within political communities and suggesting directions for future research.
Bacterial toxicity of sulfidated nanoscale zerovalent iron in aerobic and anaerobic systems: implications for chlorinated solvent clean-up strategies
Authors: Schiefler Adrian A. , Tuxen Nina , Mayanna Sathish , Benning Liane G. , Tobler Dominique J.
Published: September 2024

Sulfidated nanoscale zerovalent iron (S-nZVI) materials show enhanced reactivity and selectivity towards chlorinated solvents compared to non-sulfidated nZVI, thus they have a high potential for subsurface chlorinated solvent remediation. However, little is known about the possible toxic effects of S-nZVI towards microbial communities, which is of particular concern with regard to combined abiotic–biotic chlorinated solvent treatment scenarios. In this study, the toxicity of two different S-nZVI materials towards Shewanella oneidensis MR-1 (S. MR-1) was examined under anaerobic and aerobic conditions using colony forming units (CFU) and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) measurements, and the results were then compared to identical exposures performed with non-sulfidated nZVI. In a second step, the toxicity of S-nZVI and nZVI materials was tested on the commercial bioremediation culture KB-1® and on an in-house trichloroethylene enrichment culture. Under aerobic conditions, S. MR-1 viability was less affected by S-nZVI materials compared to non-sulfidated nZVI materials (up to three times higher viability) and it was generally lower compared to anaerobic conditions where little difference in S. MR-1 viability was observed between the tested materials. In terms of the two dechlorinating cultures, they exhibited significantly higher ATP viability during anaerobic exposures to S-nZVI and nZVI materials. Particularly for KB-1®, which retained comparable ATP-viability after ~60 hours exposure as S. MR-1 after two hours. Moreover, the ATP viability of the mixed cultures was generally higher in S-nZVI exposures compared to nZVI exposures (up to three times higher viability). The observed viability patterns are explained by differences in the shell structure, chemistry and stability of the tested S-nZVI and nZVI materials towards corrosion, while the substantially enhanced resilience of KB-1® is argued to stem from its year-long cultivation in the presence of reduced FeS particulates.
Contraceptive access and use among women with migratory experience living in high-income countries: a scoping review
Authors: Gozzi P. , Persson M. , Nielsen A. , Kilander H. , Kågesten A. E. , Iwarsson K. Emtell , Ljungcrantz D. , Bredell M. , Larsson E. C.
Published: September 2024

Background

Women who have migrated often encounter difficulties in accessing healthcare and experience inequitable sexual and reproductive health outcomes in destination countries. These health inequities include contraceptive access and use. To better understand what influences contraceptive access and use, this scoping review set out to synthesize the evidence on contraceptive access and use and on associated interventions among women with migratory experience in high-income countries (HICs) in Europe, North America and Australasia.

Methods

The scientific databases PubMed, Web of Science and CINAHL were searched for peer-reviewed quantitative, qualitative and mixed method articles published between January 2000 and June 2023. Articles were included if they reported on studies exploring contraceptive use to prevent pregnancies among women of reproductive age with migratory experience living in HICs. Two researchers independently screened and extracted data from the articles. Findings were categorized by patient and health system level factors according to Levesque et al.’s framework of access to health care.

Results

A total of 68 articles were included, about half (n = 32) from North America. The articles focused on the individual level rather than the health system level, including aspects such as women’s contraceptive knowledge, the influence of culture and religion on accessing and using contraception, partner involvement, and differing health insurance coverage. On the health system level, the articles highlighted lack of information on contraceptive services, cultural (in)adequacy of services and communication aspects, contraceptives’ side effects, as well as geographic availability and cost of services. The review further identified three articles reporting on interventions related to contraceptive counselling.

Conclusions

There is a lack of knowledge regarding how health systems impose obstacles to contraceptive services for women with migratory experience on an organizational level, as research has focused heavily on the individual level. This review’s findings may serve as a foundation for further research and advances in policy and practice, specifically recommending early provision of health system related information and contraceptive education, engagement of male partners in contraceptive discourses, cultural competency training for healthcare professionals, and strengthening of interpretation services for contraceptive counselling.
Continuous surface-to-distributed acoustic sensor snapshots explain reactivation of individual natural fractures during an unconventional reservoir stimulation
Authors: Glubokovskikh Stanislav , Correa Julia , Ajo-Franklin Jonathan , Zhu Xiaoyu , Freifeld Barry
Published: September 2024

Fiber-optic sensing technologies allow petroleum engineering teams to detect hydraulic fracture interaction with boreholes during unconventional reservoir stimulation. In combination with high-repeatability seismic sources, the same distributed acoustic sensors (DASs) enable vertical seismic profiling (VSP) of the fracture evolution away from the boreholes. We discovered clear signatures of seismic scattering on activated fractures during nine days of continuous seismic monitoring of the fracturing stages at the Austin Chalk/Eagle Ford Field Laboratory. The present study applies a novel approach for quantitative analysis of the scattering events in terms of the evolution of the geometry and elastic stiffness of individual fractures. Our characterization strategy sequentially refines the fracture models: from a stack of 1D soft layers to 3D rectangular inclusions. First, we estimate the number of fracture locations and reflectivity using a modified sparse-spike deconvolution of the stacked VSP traces. The fracture set consists of five fractures spaced by 15–30 m with a reflectivity of approximately 1%. Then, we develop a scattering integral method to refine these estimates along with an inversion of the fracture top and bottom for each monitoring vintage. We find that, initially, some of the fractures are located above the monitoring fiber with the height of approximately 100 m. Then we integrate the seismic interpretation with the low-frequency DAS and pressure and microseismic monitoring to reconstruct the activation process of the fractures. Most likely, some of the natural fractures slowly grew downward to the monitoring fiber as a result of fluid injections in the stimulated well. This led to bright strain anomalies but did not trigger seismicity. The top of the fractures remained almost constant and were limited by a lithologic boundary/stress barrier. To our knowledge, this is the first time VSP data enabled tracking of the fracture evolution with such high spatial and temporal resolution, which was previously only available for crosswell surveys and at a much smaller scale.
Prevalence of schizophrenia spectrum and other psychotic disorders in problem gambling: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Corbeil Olivier , Béchard Laurent , Anderson Élizabeth , Huot-Lavoie Maxime , Desmeules Charles , Bachand Lauryann , Brodeur Sébastien , Carmichael Pierre-Hugues , Jacques Christian , Solmi Marco , Dorval Michel , Giroux Isabelle , Roy Marc-André , Demers Marie-France
Published: September 2024

Background

High rates of psychiatric comorbidities have been found in people with problem gambling (PBG), including substance use, anxiety, and mood disorders. Psychotic disorders have received less attention, although this comorbidity is expected to have a significant impact on the course, consequences, and treatment of PBG. This review aimed to estimate the prevalence of psychotic disorders in PBG.

Methods

Medline (Ovid), EMBASE, PsycINFO (Ovid), CINAHL, CENTRAL, Web of Science, and ProQuest were searched on November 1, 2023, without language restrictions. Studies involving people with PBG and reporting the prevalence of schizophrenia spectrum and other psychotic disorders were included. Risk of bias was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal checklist for systematic reviews of prevalence data. The pooled prevalence of psychotic disorders was calculated using a random effects generalized linear mixed model and presented with forest plots.

Results

Of 1,271 records screened, 22 studies (n = 19,131) were included. The overall prevalence of psychotic disorders was 4.9% (95% CI, 3.6–6.5%, I2 = 88%). A lower prevalence was found in surveyed/recruited populations, compared with treatment-seeking individuals and register-based studies. No differences were found for factors such as treatment setting (inpatient/outpatient), diagnoses of psychotic disorders (schizophrenia only/other psychotic disorders), and assessment time frame (current/lifetime). The majority of included studies had a moderate risk of bias.

Conclusions

These findings highlight the relevance of screening problem gamblers for schizophrenia spectrum and other psychotic disorders, as well as any other comorbid mental health conditions, given the significant impact such comorbidities can have on the recovery process.
Taming explosive growth through linear augmentation
Authors: Aggarwal Shivani , Ghosh Richita , Dixit Shiva , Prasad Awadhesh , Shrimali Manish Dev
Published: September 2024

Nonlinear coupling among dynamical systems has found widespread applications in real-world systems. Such interactions may lead to an undesired explosive growth of dynamical variables. We employ a control technique to drive such unstable dynamics (explosive growth) of dynamical systems to stable dynamics through the scheme of linear augmentation. The efficacy of our scheme in suppressing the explosive growth of trajectories in a network of limit cycles is illustrated and the dynamics of the unaugmented and augmented networked systems are discussed. We also introduce the concept of “dynamic augmentation” and exhibited the robustness of our scheme by successfully controlling the explosive growth of chaotic trajectories. Our results may be useful in controlling and preventing explosive growths of trajectories in a wide range of devices in the engineering fields.
Approach to the Patient: Normocalcemic Primary Hyperparathyroidism
Authors: Liu Yi , Sinha Gregory Naina , Andreopoulou Panagiota , Kashyap Sangeeta , Cusano Natalie
Published: September 2024

Normocalcemic primary hyperparathyroidism (NPHPT), a phenotype of primary hyperparathyroidism, is characterized by elevated parathyroid hormone levels in the setting of persistently normal serum calcium. Diagnosis of NPHPT can be challenging and requires that secondary causes of hyperparathyroidism be excluded. The natural history of NPHPT remains inconclusive. Although biochemically less severe, the skeletal and renal complications of NPHPT vary across studies, primarily due to underlying selection bias. Due to limited data, there is currently no consensus regarding medical and surgical treatment. Recent studies on parathyroidectomy have indicated that normocalcemic patients present more often with negative preoperative localization studies and multiglandular disease, which complicates successful surgical management. In addition, postoperative improvements in bone mineral density and nephrolithiasis vary, raising questions about the optimal treatment approach. Further studies are needed to provide better evidence-based guidance for normocalcemic patients.
Age Difference in the Connection Between Systemic Inflammatory Response and Metabolic Syndrome
Authors: Wei Haishan , Xu Dan , Chen Jiying , Yu Haiyan , Zhang Xiaodong , Liu Zhiyun , Liu Chen , Guo Yuan
Published: September 2024

Background

This research aims to investigate the connection between systemic inflammatory response and metabolic syndrome (MetS) across different age groups, with the aim of proposing more targeted recommendations.

Methods

This study enrolled 15 959 adults from the 2001-2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey of whom 6739 were diagnosed with MetS. After dividing the systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) into 4 quartiles, the Kruskal–Wallis test and weighted chi-square test were employed to assess statistical differences. Weighted multivariable logistic regression analysis, subgroup analysis, sensitivity analysis, and restricted cubic spline were employed to examine the relationship between SII and MetS.

Results

Our study revealed that SII exhibits a quantitative association with MetS [odds ratio (OR) = 1.56; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.37-1.79; P < .001]. Elevated SII is an independent risk factor for the 5 components of MetS. Different age groups and alcohol consumption status could modify the connection between SII and MetS. This connection was statistically significant in the 18 to 65 age group but not in the elderly subgroup (OR = 1.08; 95% CI, .95-1.23; P = .248). Multiple imputation confirmed the robustness of our results. Moreover, the connection exhibits an inverted U-shaped curve.

Conclusion

Our research highlights the predictive significance of SII in forecasting the incidence of MetS in young and middle-aged populations. The differences in inflammatory mechanisms across various age groups necessitate further research for exploration.
Hurston’s Art of Controversy in Dust Tracks on a Road
Authors: Jones Gavin
Published: September 2024

Zora Neale Hurston’s autobiography, Dust Tracks on a Road, has generated controversy since its publication in 1942. Critics either dismiss the work for its alleged celebration of liberal individualism and its denial of race consciousness, or else they argue that the book deconstructs its apparent meanings or is essentially ironic in tone. Countering such polarized reactions, this essay takes seriously Dust Tracks’ overt sentiments by placing them in the context of the abstract humanism that developed at midcentury to understand the particular forms of Hurston’s transracial universalism, based on patterns of likeness and relationality. Moreover, by appreciating the ways this discourse fails—as evidenced in the many textual contradictions and inconsistencies of Dust Tracks—we gain a fuller sense of a process in which universalist ideals bear the marks of Hurston’s personal and historical position as a Black woman in a racist society.
Spatiotemporal regulation of organelle transport by spindle position checkpoint kinase Kin4
Authors: Ekal Lakhan , Alqahtani Abdulaziz M. S. , Ayscough Kathryn R. , Hettema Ewald H.
Published: September 2024

Asymmetric cell division in Saccharomyces cerevisiae involves class V myosin-dependent transport of organelles along the polarised actin cytoskeleton to the emerging bud. Vac17 is the vacuole/lysosome-specific myosin receptor. Its timely breakdown terminates transport and results in the proper positioning of vacuoles in the bud. Vac17 breakdown is controlled by the bud-concentrated p21-activated kinase Cla4, and the E3-ubiquitin ligase Dma1. We found that the spindle position checkpoint kinase Kin4 and, to a lesser extent, its paralog Frk1 contribute to successful vacuole transport by preventing the premature breakdown of Vac17 by Cla4 and Dma1. Furthermore, Kin4 and Cla4 contribute to the regulation of peroxisome transport. We conclude that Kin4 antagonises the Cla4/Dma1 pathway to coordinate spatiotemporal regulation of organelle transport.
Time-energy budgets outperform dynamic body acceleration in predicting daily energy expenditure in kittiwakes, and estimate a very low cost of gliding flight relative to flapping flight
Authors: Tremblay Fred , Choy Emily S. , Whelan Shannon , Hatch Scott , Elliott Kyle H.
Published: September 2024

Energy is a common currency for any living organism, yet estimating energy expenditure in wild animals is challenging. Accelerometers are commonly used to estimate energy expenditure, via a dynamic body acceleration (DBA) or time-energy budget approach. The dynamic body acceleration approach estimates energy expenditure directly from acceleration but may lead to erroneous estimates during inactivity when acceleration is zero but energy expenditure is not. The time-energy budget approach uses accelerometers and other data streams to assign a behaviour to each time step, and then calculates energy expenditure based on activity-specific metabolic rates assigned to each behaviour. Here, used GPS-accelerometry in breeding black-legged kittiwakes (Rissa tridactyla, n=80) to calculate DBA and time-energy budgets derived from simple biologging metrics (speed, wing beat frequency, GPS position). We then compared these two approaches to estimates of energy expenditure from doubly-labelled water. Energy expenditure estimated from DLW correlated with DBA, but the best model to estimate energy expenditure was based on time-energy budgets. Energy costs of flapping flight were higher than all other kittiwake behaviours (5.54 x basal metabolic rate, BMR). Energetic costs of gliding flight (0.80 x BMR) were the lowest of all behaviours, and equivalent to the cost of resting at the colony. DEE for our birds estimated from our calibration coefficients are similar to DEE for our birds estimated with the model coefficient published using different methods. We conclude that once calibrated with DLW, GPS-accelerometry provides a simple method for measuring energy expenditure in wild kittiwakes based on time-energy budgets.
Metabolic rate and mitochondrial physiology adjustments in Arctic char (Salvelinus alpinus) during cyclic hypoxia
Authors: Ducros Loïck , Lavoie-Rochon A. S. , Pichaud N. , Lamarre S. G.
Published: September 2024

Diel fluctuations of oxygen levels characterize cyclic hypoxia and pose a significant challenge to wild fish populations. Although recent research has been conducted on the effects of hypoxia and reoxygenation, mechanisms by which fish acclimatize to cyclic hypoxia remain unclear, especially in hypoxia-sensitive species. We hypothesized that acclimation to cyclic hypoxia requires a downregulation of aerobic metabolic rate and an upregulation of mitochondrial respiratory capacities to mitigate constraints on aerobic metabolism and the elevated risk of oxidative stress upon reoxygenation. We exposed Arctic char (Salvelinus alpinus) to 10 days of cyclic hypoxia and measured their metabolic rate and mitochondrial physiology to determine how they cope with fluctuating oxygen concentrations. We measured oxygen consumption as a proxy of metabolic rate and observed that Arctic char defend their standard metabolic rate but decrease their routine metabolic rate during hypoxic phases, presumably through the repression of spontaneous swimming activities. At the mitochondrial level, acute cyclic hypoxia increases oxygen consumption without ADP (CI–LEAK) in the liver and heart. Respiration in the presence of ADP (OXPHOS) temporarily increases in the liver and decreases in the heart. Cytochrome c oxidase oxygen affinity also increases at day 3 in the liver. However, no change occurs in the brain, which is likely primarily preserved through preferential perfusion (albeit not measured in this study). Finally, in vivo measurements of reactive oxygen species revealed the absence of an oxidative burst in mitochondria in the cyclic hypoxia group. Our study shows that Arctic char acclimatize to cyclic hypoxia through organ-specific mitochondrial adjustments.
Collective dynamics and effective two-state description of strongly-interacting quantum systems
Authors: Τζωρτζακάκης Ανδρέας-Παναγιώτης
Published: September 2024

Η παρούσα διατριβή διερευνά τη συλλογική δυναμική και αναπτύσσει ενεργές περιγραφές δύο-καταστάσεων για ισχυρά αλληλεπιδρώντα κβαντικά συστήματα, εστιάζοντας σε τρεις βασικούς τομείς: τοπολογικά προστατευμένες καταστάσεις-άκρων (edge-states), μεταβάσεις σε μοντέλα Ising και σύμφωνα φαινόμενα σε συμπυκνώματα εξιτονίων-πολαριτονίων. Αρχικά εξετάζουμε τις ιδιότητες των τοπολογικά προστατευμένων καταστάσεων-άκρων στο μη-Ερμιτιανό, χωροχρονικά-συμμετρικό (PT −symmetric) μοντέλο Su-Schrieffer-Heeger (SSH) στην τοπολογικά μη-τετριμμένη του διαμόρφωση. Αναπτύσσουμε ένα ενεργό αναλυτικό μοντέλο δύο-καταστάσεων που προβλέπει με ακρίβεια το σημείο θραύσης της PT-συμμετρίας για τις καταστάσεις-άκρων και επικυρώνουμε τις θεωρητικές μας προβλέψεις μέσω ακριβών αριθμητικών υπολογισμών. Στη συνέχεια, εξετάζουμε διάφορες μεταβάσεις σε κβαντικά και ημικλασικά μοντέλα Ising. Ξεκινάμε με την αδιαβατική προετοιμασία χωρικά διατεταγμένων διεγέρσεων Rydberg σε πεπερασμένες μονοδιάστατες διατάξεις, χρησιμοποιώντας μια ενεργό περιγραφή δύο-επιπέδων βασισμένη στις στιγμιαίες (instantaneous) συλλογικές ιδιοκαταστάσεις χαμηλότερης ενέργειας της χρονοεξαρτώμενης Χαμιλτονιανής. Η πιστότητα προετοιμασίας (preparation fidelity ) αυτού του πρωτοκόλλου εκτιμάται χρησιμοποιώντας τον τύπο Landau-Zener. ́Επειτα μελετάμε το μονοδιάστατο ημικλασικό σιδηρομαγνητικό μοντέλο Ising με πεπερασμένο αριθμό σπιν και περιοδικές συνθήκες, παραθέτοντας και επαληθεύοντας αριθμητικά τις στατικές και δυναμικές ιδιότητές του σε διαφορετικές θερμοκρασίες. Εστιάζουμε στην ανάλυση των κατανομών πιθανότητας της μαγνήτισης, του αριθμού των τοιχωμάτων περιοχής (domain walls) και των αντίστοιχων χρόνων παραμονής (residence times) τους για διάφορα μήκη αλυσίδας και μαγνητικά πεδία. Ορίζουμε επίσης τις κρίσιμες θερμοκρασίες για τη θερμική μετάβαση μεταξύ των παραμαγνητικών και σιδηρομαγνητικών μακροσκοπικών καταστάσεων. Τέλος, διερευνούμε σύμφωνα φαινόμενα σε οπτικά- παγιδευμένα συμπυκνώματα εξιτονίων -πολαριτονίων δύο-καταστάσεων. Δείχνουμε ότι ο χρόνος συμφωνίας ενός παγιδευμένου συμπυκνώματος είναι σημαντικά μεγαλύτερος από αυτόν ενός μη-παγιδευμένου συμπυκνώματος, επιτρέποντας φασματοσκοπικές μετρήσεις υψηλής ανάλυσης που αποκαλύπτουν τη δομή δύο-καταστάσεων του συμπυκνώματος. Επιπλέον, μελετάμε την πειραματική υλοποίηση και τον χαρακτηρισμό ενός αναλογικού κβαντικού δυφίου (qubit) χρησιμοποιώντας ένα συμπύκνωμα εξιτονίων-πολαριτονίων που παγιδεύεται από έναν χωρικά διαμορφωμένο λέιζερ σε δακτυλιοειδή παγίδα, η οποία υποστηρίζει ενεργειακά-εκφυλισμένες καταστάσεις κυκλικών ρευμάτων του υπερρευστού πολαριτονίων.
„Girls to the Girl’s Room, Boys to the Boy’s Room”. The Visible and Invisible Pedagogy in Pre – School Education from the Perspective of Basil Bernstein
Authors: Szczepaniak Colette
Published: September 2024

Autorka chcąc rozpoznać jakie są sposoby socjalizacji dziewczynek i chłopców do pełnienia określonych ról ze względu na płeć w ramach edukacji przedszkolnej, przeprowadziła badania metodą obserwacji bezpośredniej w jednej z grup pięciolatków w przedszkolu publicznym w 40 - tysięcznym mieście. Stosując teorię Basila Bernsteina pedagogii widzialnej i niewidzialnej rozpoznała, w jakich działaniach nauczycielek ujawnia się jeden z rodzajów tej pedagogii i jak to oddziałuje na proces socjalizacji dzieci do pełnienia określonych ról ze względu na płeć.
Research on Development Needs in the Context of Innovative Methods of Providing Soft Skills and Professional Training through Virtual Reality to Persons with Disabilities – The Case of Poland
Authors: Dobrowolska Małgorzata , Ślazyk-Sobol Magdalena , Flakus Maria , Pollak Anita , Klich Małgorzata , Rusin Izabela , Trepka-Starosta Justyna , Gąsiorek Damian , Sikorski Grzegorz , Górecki Łukasz , Brodny Jarosław
Published: September 2024

This paper presents the results of quantitative research concerning people with various disabilities interested in participating in innovative methods of soft skills and professional training (improving professional competencies and preparing for entry into the labour market) through Virtual Reality. The research on the training needs of the target group was conducted within the project enabling people with disabilities to improve their professional competencies through the realisation of works in virtual space, carried out between July 2021 and October 2022. In this quantitative research, there were 255 participants from all over Poland (including 205 with mobility disabilities), who evaluated the proposal of the competency tests, soft skills and professional training developed as a part of the project. The opinions, expectations and needs of potential participants formed the basis for the substantive and practical development of training materials. This paper contributes to the research field in that the practical implications of the research analyses can constitute guidelines for training institutions and IT companies for developing educational services and products for people with disabilities.
Predictors of Job Satisfaction among Polish Teachers
Authors: Góźdź Joanna , Kitlińska-Król Małgorzata
Published: September 2024

The term “job satisfaction” refers to emotional responses and ways of thinking about work in a given structure. It is the degree of self-fulfillment that an employee experiences while performing work-related duties. Work satisfaction is linked to positive attitudes towards employment and more effective results. The aim of the orginal research presented in the article is to determine the predictors of job satisfaction among Polish teachers. Individual factors such as gender, length of service, personality variables (emotional stability, agreeableness, extroversion), work-home conflict, as well as organizational factors, i.e., overall work climate, were also considered. The research was conducted on a sample of 952 teachers from across Poland. Women accounted for 87.6% (n=834) and men for 12.4% (n=118) of the respondents The average age was M=46.47 (SD=9.59). A survey questionnaire was used for the purposes of the study, and hierarchical regression analysis was applied to develop the research results. School climate, work-home conflict, and level of extroversion were found to be significant predictors of job satisfaction. Given that personality factors are difficult to change, an effective way to increase teachers’ job satisfaction is to take care to build a positive school climate and fair distribution of responsibilities, which can reduce work-home conflict.
Fostering Entrepreneurial Intentions in a Non-Skills-Focused Education System
Authors: Laurisz Norbert , Sanak-Kosmowska Katarzyna
Published: September 2024

This article aims to identify the factors that influence the entrepreneurial intentions of young students when the formal education system does not focus on skills. The authors conducted research based on the theory of Planned Behaviour and the concept of entrepreneurial intentions. The research was carried out in three different schools: an urban public school, a rural public school, and an urban private school. The authors studied entrepreneurial intentions among students in the oldest grades from selected schools. The sample selection was purposive, and all students from these schools participated in the study. The authors used statistical analysis, including a log-linear model, to identify significant predictors of entrepreneurial intentions. The study showed that personal characteristics and family support are critical factors in shaping entrepreneurial attitudes among students from different types of schools. The authors suggest that addressing the mismatch between the education system and the needs of students and the labor market requires institutional and curricular changes and a reorientation of educational policy. Otherwise, personality traits and the support of significant others, such as family and friends, will continue to determine students’ development and future careers.
Dermatoses among athletes
Authors: Jakubczak Zofia , Zimniak Maria , Miłkowski Paweł , Głąbień Marta , Kusiak Karolina , Aleksandrowicz Daria , Kuśnierz Anna , Wieczorek Olga , Kondratowicz Aneta , Śliwiak Patryk
Published: September 2024

Introduction: Dermatoses are a common problem among athletes due to exposure to various chemical substances, close skin contact with other individuals and higher risk of abrasions and skin trauma. Dermatoses affecting athletes may be divided to inflammatory, infectious and mechanical dermatoses. Due to various presentations, athletes should not neglect any lesions on their skin and should seek medical help. Physicians must remember about thorough examination including skin, to check if athletes can exercise and participate in sport events.
Purpose of work: The aim of this article is to emphasize the association between dermatoses and sport activities, including the necessity of their proper diagnosis and treatment.
Materials and methods: Articles in Pubmed database were researched using following keywords: dermatoses among athletes, sport dermatoses, infections among athletes, exercise-induced anaphylaxis.
Conclusions: Skin diseases may affect athletes’ performance and require them to cease professional training and close contact with other athletes. Physicians must remember the necessity of an accurate diagnosis and prompt initiation of the treatment to avoid delay in practice, team training and competitions.
The effects of antioxidants on various body systems and physical activity - a literature review on Astaxanthin
Authors: Kusak Natalia , Rudziński Gracjan , Pażyra Aldona , Żak Natalia , Jaworska Barbara , Stanicki Paweł
Published: September 2024

Astaxanthin is an organic fat-soluble compound from the xanthophyll group derived mainly from marine organisms. It has greater antioxidant properties than vitamins e, c and beta-carotene.  It may have potential applications in various areas of medicine and dietetics. The safe daily dose appears to be 6-8 mg per day.  Its use may be beneficial in cardiology by lowering insulin resistance, improving lipid profile and reducing the extent of myocardial infarction. In addition, it improves cognitive function and has beneficial effects on skin properties such as texture and hydration. Its positive effects on visual acuity have also been proven. Its use can increase fat burning during aerobic exercise and increase physical performance during exercise. Considering the available research results, astaxanthin seems to be a promising supplement with strong antioxidant properties. Most of the studies, however, were conducted on animals and more human studies are needed. The purpose of this work is to summarize the available knowledge regarding this unique substance. The article reviews studies and scientific papers available in PubMed databases on Astaxanthin for the period 2010-2023.
Gaucher’s Disease – What Should You Know
Authors: Podgórska Dominika , Jurasz Karolina , Sanecki Miłosz , Tomczyk Karolina , Chojnacka Natalia , Rzeska Ewa , Klarycki Jakub , Cymer Radosław
Published: September 2024

Gaucher’s Disease (GD) has a special place among ultra-rare diseases, which is a disease that occurs in less than onein 50 000 persons. The disease is caused by a hereditary autosomal deficiency of the lysosomal enzyme glucocerebrosidase. The pathognomonic feature of GD is the presence of storage cells or gaucher cells in spleen, liver and other organs and tissues. There are several clinical types of gaucher disease, differing in manifestation, prognosis and treatment. It is very important to diagnose the disease early so that the correct treatment can be implemented. Nowadays, it is not uncommon for general practitioners and specialists to make the wrong diagnosis due to the low probability and lack of knowledge of the disease, leading to a worsening patient's condition. A proper examination consists of a medical history, physical examination and targeted radiological examinations, which are of particular importance in the diagnosis due to changes in the body that are not otherwise detectable, but which already offer a chance to make a diagnosis. The latest treatment is based on enzyme replacement therapy, but unfortunately the prognosis in some cases is still unfavourable. This is why early diagnosis and research to find an effective treatment are so important.