bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of In-Service Implicit Bias Training: A Study of Attitudinal Changes and Intention to Apply Anti-Bias Techniques
Authors: Kochel Tammy R. , Nouri Seyvan
Published: March 2024

Research points to implicit bias as one factor driving racial disparities in enforcement activities. Addressing implicit bias is essential to promote equity and integrity in policing and to building trust and legitimacy in communities, according to the President’s Task Force on 21st Century Policing. However, investigations into the efficacy of implicit bias training for police are sparse. This study evaluates in-service implicit bias training, examining the impact on trainees’ knowledge, attitudes, and self-professed likelihood of applying antibias strategies to mitigate the effects of implicit bias. We found significant improvements to officers’ knowledge of how implicit bias works and its consequences, an increased attribution to procedural justice, and officers reported being more likely, following the training, to apply strategies to reduce the effects of implicit bias during encounters with public. Results benefit police departments that seek to reduce unconscious prejudice, ensure impartiality and equity, and develop better relations with minority communities.
A new constitutive model of shape memory alloy and its seismic mitigation capacity compared with existing models
Authors: Liu Jinlong , Chen Chen , Lin Junqi , Yang Zhile
Published: March 2024

The existing constitutive models of shape memory alloy (SMA) cannot accurately describe the mechanical behavior in martensitic strengthening segment since their loading and unloading paths in strengthening segment completely overlap. This study proposes a multi-segment linear mathematical model for SMA, which realizes the separation of loading path and unloading path in strengthening segment. A four-story steel frame structure and corresponding braced structures with various SMA constitutive models are designed, and seismic control effects of SMA braces with these models are analyzed and compared through time history analysis. The results show that the sub-cycle unloading mode of SMA constitutive model affects the seismic mitigation capacity of SMA brace in a certain extent. The position of the inflection point of unloading path has very little influence on the structural control ability of SMA braces. The SMA brace using the SMA constitutive model with a single linear sub-cyclic unloading path has the minimal seismic response and the highest seismic reduction ratio. For most evaluation indexes, the seismic mitigation ability calculated by the proposed path separation constitutive model is in the middle of the results calculated by the existing models. SMA models without considering the mechanical behavior of strengthening segment may lead to an erroneous estimation of the energy consumption of SMA brace and the structural damage. The difference of simulation results among various SMA constitutive models is almost independent with ground motion.
Clinical characteristics and outcomes of patients operated for primary hyperparathyroidism at Tampere University Hospital in 2017–2018
Authors: Tamski Jussi , Hakala Tommi , Huhtala Heini , Metso Saara
Published: March 2024

Background and objective:

Studies on the outcomes of parathyroid surgery are scarce. The aim was to report the outcomes and to study the association between pre- and peri-operative information with the outcomes of patients operated for primary hyperparathyroidism.

Methods:

This was a retrospective, descriptive study with unselected patients treated surgically for primary hyperparathyroidism from a catchment population of 704,500 in Finland. Data were acquired from the electronic hospital registers based on parathyroid surgery procedure codes between 1 January 2017 and 31 December 2018. Preoperative data, surgical data, preoperative and postoperative laboratory values, histopathological findings, and postoperative clinical data were recorded.

Results:

During the 2-year study period, 149 patients with primary hyperparathyroidism were treated surgically with a 97% remission rate. Surgical complications included postoperative bleeding in two patients (1%) and vocal cord paralysis in one patient (0.6%). No postoperative infections were reported. Three patients (2%) developed postoperative hypoparathyroidism necessitating the use of alfacalcidol more than 1 month after surgery. Ionized calcium measured 0–1 days after surgery was not statistically significantly associated with remission or postoperative hypoparathyroidism. Serum parathyroid hormone (PTH) assessed 0–1 days postoperatively was associated with persistent disease, but not with postoperative hypoparathyroidism. The histopathological diagnosis was adenoma or hyperplasia in 112 patients (75%), atypical adenoma in 28 patients (19%), and carcinoma in five patients (3%). Patients with parathyroid carcinoma had higher preoperative ionized calcium and PTH values than those with adenoma or hyperplasia.

Conclusions:

Most patients who were operated due to primary hyperparathyroidism achieved normocalcemia after surgery, and the frequency of complications was low. Ionized calcium taken 0–1 days after surgery was not associated with remission of hyperparathyroidism or postoperative hypoparathyroidism. High postoperative serum PTH predicted persistent disease.
Evaluation of a police training programme designed to enhance open-ended questions with adult witnesses
Authors: Zekiroski Hamida , Powell Martine B , Brubacher Sonja P , Curtis Phil
Published: March 2024

The current study evaluated a new training programme developed for generalist police who interview adults. It was designed to enhance officers’ use of open-ended questions with adult witnesses. The programme included all key training activities that had been used in successful earlier training evaluation studies related to the interviewing of child complainants of abuse. A total of 90 officers (recruits, n = 26; frontline, n = 37; and investigators, n = 27), completed the course over 6–12 weeks and their standardised mock interviews were analysed for open-ended question usage as well as auxiliary behaviours designed to support a narrative. Interviewer performance increased over time from baselines of 6–18% open-ended questions to 70–76% following the programme. Although there was a drop in performance at least 6 months after the training ceased (with no intervening follow-up sessions) ( M = 9.02, SD = 3.07), performance was still significantly better than baseline, and the improvements in open-ended question usage were associated with improvement in broader interviewer behaviours known to enhance narrative detail such as the use of minimal encouragers. The practical implications of these findings and directions for future research are discussed.
Prevalence and nature of bullying in schoolchildren aged 10–14 years and its association with malocclusion: A cross-sectional study in the South East of the UK
Authors: DiBiase Andrew , Cox Zaffie , Rea Michaela , Gonidis Lazaros , Cameron Lindsey , Rutland Adam
Published: March 2024

Objective:

To investigate the prevalence of, and relationship between, bullying and malocclusion in schoolchildren aged 10–14 years in the South East of the UK.

Design:

Cross-sectional cohort study.

Setting:

Sixteen primary and secondary schools in South East of the UK.

Participants:

Schoolchildren aged 10–14 years who were consented to participate.

Methods:

The prevalence and nature of bullying were measured using a questionnaire. Traits of malocclusion and the need for orthodontic treatment were assessed by clinical examination and determined by the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need (IOTN) Dental Health (DHC) and Aesthetic components (AC).

Results:

Complete data were collected for 698 participants. The number defined as being bullied was 68 (9.7%). There was no difference in the prevalence of bullying between gender, ethnicity or age. Higher rates of bullying were reported in mixed sex schools ( P = 0.03). Participants with an increased overjet ( P = 0.02) and/or a greater need for treatment, as measured by IOTN DHC ( P = 0.01) and AC ( P = 0.01), reported higher rates of bullying. While there was no difference in the overall prevalence of bullying between genders, boys were more likely than girls to experience physical bullying ( P <0.001) and being called names ( P = 0.03)

Conclusion:

A significant relationship was evident between being bullied and certain traits of malocclusion.
Modeling of primary breakup considering turbulent nozzle flow, internal turbulence and surface instability of liquid jet using turbulence decay theory
Authors: Matsuda Dai , Kimura Ippei , Matsumura Eriko , Senda Jiro
Published: March 2024

In heat engines utilizing fuel injection, the processes of atomization and spray formation have a significant impact on the combustion process, thereby determining both efficiency and emission characteristics. Accurate prediction and control of spray formation in fuel injection systems play a key role in improving the efficiency and environmental performance of thermal engines, especially with the emergence of carbon-neutral fuels. To achieve accurate prediction of spray mixture formation, it is imperative to refine the atomization model for the liquid jet within numerical simulations. This requires a phenomenological representation of the atomization process that avoids reliance on computational constants obtained from spray experimental results. Consequently, the present study attempts to mathematically model the turbulent nozzle flow and liquid jet atomization process, leading to the development of a novel primary breakup model. The construction of the primary breakup model involves an analysis of the turbulence at the nozzle inlet. By merging this turbulence with the turbulence resulting from wall shear flow within the nozzle, the model provides insight into the internal turbulence and surface instability of the liquid jet, encompassing the turbulence spectrum. Consequently, the influence of nozzle length on the turbulent flow within the nozzle can be understood, and the droplet formation characteristics of the liquid jet can be predicted along with its multi-wavelength dispersion characteristics. The model effectively captures the experimental results in terms of breakup length and droplet dispersion characteristics, thus adding a higher level of accuracy to numerical simulations. Ultimately, the in-depth study of this model, coupled with its comparison with experimental results, enhances the understanding of the liquid jet atomization process.
Transculturation in Arabic literacy education within and beyond mainstream education in Norway and Sweden
Authors: Iversen Jonas Yassin
Published: March 2024

In Arabic literacy education in Europe, whether within mainstream education or in supplementary schools, instruction is a translocal endeavour at its core. The socio-historical conditions and ways of knowing embedded in traditional ways of teaching Arabic literacy are still deeply intertwined with the teaching of Arabic literacy in the diaspora. However, European expectations of education in general and literacy education in particular influence the purposes, content and materials of the Arabic literacy classroom, which leads to a process of transculturation. The current study investigates how Arabic literacy education as part of two Arabic heritage language settings in Norway and Sweden serves as a site for transculturation and how the entirely different ways of organising heritage language education in the two settings influence the transculturation processes of Arabic literacy education. This exploratory investigation is carried out through ethnographically inspired fieldwork in three mainstream schools in Sweden and in one supplementary school in Norway. The findings suggest that the inclusion of Arabic literacy education in mainstream schools in Sweden likely leads to an education closely aligned with official Swedish expectations about literacy education, while the supplementary school in Norway, to a greater extent, maintains traditional approaches to Arabic literacy education.
Migrants Networks and Survival in the Job: Evidence from Foreign Newcomers on the PGA Tour
Authors: Kali Raja , Pastoriza David , Plante Jean-François , Turkina Ekaterina
Published: March 2024

How do migrant social networks matter for performance in the job? We examine this by constructing a nationality-based network of foreign newcomers when they first begin to play in the PGA TOUR and examine the impact of this initial social network on newcomers’ probability of surviving (i.e., keeping their license) at the end of their inaugural PGA TOUR season. We find that the migrant social network matters among the non-elite group of players in the second tier of the PGA TOUR, but not among the elite group of players in the first tier of the PGA TOUR. For the second-tier tour players, we find that density of connections within a nationality cluster has a sizable positive effect on newcomers’ probability of surviving, but no evidence that the centrality of a nationality cluster in the overall PGA TOUR network has an impact on survival.
Self-Assessment Survey: Evaluation of a Revised Measure Assessing Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports
Authors: Kittelman Angus , Izzard Sara , McIntosh Kent , Morris Kelsey R. , Lewis Timothy J.
Published: March 2024

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Self-Assessment Survey (SAS) 4.0, an updated measure assessing implementation fidelity of positive behavioral interventions and supports (PBIS). A total of 627 school personnel from 33 schools in six U.S. states completed the SAS 4.0 during the 2021–2022 school year. We evaluated data demonstrating the measure’s reliability (internal consistency, interrater reliability between PBIS team and non-team members), internal structure, and convergent validity for assessing implementation of Tier 1, 2, and 3 systems. We found strong internal consistency (overall and across subscales) and evidence regarding the internal structure as a four-factor measure. In addition, we found the SAS 4.0 (overall score and subscales) to be statistically significantly correlated with another widely used and empirically evaluated PBIS fidelity measure, the Tiered Fidelity Inventory (TFI). We found a statistically significant correlation between the SAS 4.0 and the SAS 3.0 for the Schoolwide Systems subscale but not other subscales. We discuss limitations given the current sample and describe implications for how PBIS teams can use the measure for school improvement and decision making.
Injury to the Main Branch of the Saphenous Nerve following Hamstring Tendon Graft Harvesting: A Report of 3 Cases
Authors: Flaherty Alexandra , Escalera Cristian , Haeberle Heather , Fealy Stephen , Lee Steve K.
Published: March 2024

Background:

Hamstring tendon grafts are commonly utilized tendon autografts; however, the harvesting procedure can result in saphenous nerve injury due to its proximity to the semitendinosus and gracilis tendons. Injury to the main branch of the saphenous nerve is a less commonly reported and understood injury during these procedures.

Purpose:

This case report aimed to identify and present cases of iatrogenic injury to the main branch of the saphenous nerve during hamstring tendon graft harvesting.

Methods:

A retrospective chart review of a tertiary-care hospital over the past 10 years was conducted. The search included clinical notes mentioning “saphenous neuropathy, neuralgia or neuritis” and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) reports indicating saphenous nerve involvement. Patients with a history of a hamstring graft harvesting procedure and radiographically confirmed injury to the main branch of the saphenous nerve were included. Injury characteristics, symptoms, and sequential treatment were evaluated.

Results:

Three cases of iatrogenic injury to the main branch of the saphenous nerve during hamstring graft harvesting were identified. Reported symptoms included pain, paresthesia, numbness, hypersensitivity, swelling, and discoloration. All 3 patients had persistent symptoms despite non-operative treatment and therefore underwent surgical intervention, which involved resection and reconstruction using allograft or burial into adjacent musculature. Postoperatively, 2 of 3 patients demonstrated resolution of symptoms.

Conclusion:

Iatrogenic injury to the main branch of the saphenous nerve is a complication that can occur during hamstring tendon harvesting procedures, leading to severe, persistent symptoms. A better understanding of the mechanism of injury is needed to minimize the risk of iatrogenic injury.
“She Should be Smart Enough To Know, Hey, These Things Can Happen”: Identifying Men’s Perceptions, Attitudes and Beliefs About Sexual Aggression Toward Women in Drinking Venues and The Implications for Prevention
Authors: Graham Kathryn , Bernards Sharon , Abbey Antonia , Banyard Victoria , Donnelly Peter D. , Dumas Tara M. , McMahon Sarah , Senn Charlene , Swartout Kevin M. , Trudell AnnaLise , Wells Samantha
Published: March 2024

Sexual aggression (SA) by men toward women, including harassment and unwanted sexual touching, is ubiquitous in drinking venues. Focus groups with 38 male volunteers aged 19-26 were used to articulate men’s perceptions, attitudes, and beliefs (PABs) related to SA in drinking venues for future development of a comprehensive questionnaire. Three cross-cutting themes relevant to prevention emerged from discussions structured using a 6-dimensional theoretical model: drinking venues culture with normative acceptance of SA as harmless fun, gender scripts that hold female targets responsible for SA, and alcohol attributions that reduce blame for intoxicated men perpetrators and increase blame for women targets.
Examining Strategies for Undergraduate Student Volunteer Engagement and Management in a Community-Based Sport-for-Development Program
Authors: Simms Jake , Trad Alyssa M. , Richards Kevin Andrew , Woolf Jules
Published: March 2024

Volunteers play a crucial role in sport organizations, particularly in the nonprofit context, but there is a need for theoretically informed studies to improve their experience and intentionally develop their skillsets. This study aimed to examine strategies for undergraduate volunteer engagement and management in a community-based sport-for-development (SFD) program. The strategies evaluated in this study were reflective journaling, daily debrief meetings, and autonomy-driven task design and responsibilities, guided by self-determination theory (SDT). Through analysis of semi-structured interviews with volunteers ( n = 25) and their reflective journals, findings revealed that these strategies enhanced undergraduate volunteers’ experiences by increasing their perceived competence, relatedness, and autonomy. This study highlights the importance of using SDT-aligned strategies to enhance volunteer engagement and program delivery. These findings have implications for student volunteer recruitment and retention, as well as improving the overall effectiveness of SFD organizations.
Give the Media What They Need: Negativity as a Media Access Tool for Politicians
Authors: Poljak Željko
Published: March 2024

Recent studies indicate that politicians’ negativity usage fails to enhance their approval ratings among the general public, yet politicians regularly use it. This begs the following question: why are politicians so negative if this strategy does not bolster their prospects for re-election? In this paper, I argue that the media, driven by audience engagement, plays a pivotal role in shaping politicians’ propensity for negativity. Specifically, politicians resort to negativity because it aligns with the media’s negativity bias, thereby increasing their chances of securing media access and public attention. I test this expectation on the less-likely case of Belgium, using data on politicians’ negativity usage in parliament and their presence in prime-time TV news (2010–2020). The results show that using negativity significantly increases politicians’ chances of gaining media access, particularly when using uncivil negativity. The more media access politicians start to attract due to negativity, the more they resort to negativity.
Sex Differences in Quadriceps Atrophy After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Tear
Authors: Owen Meredith K. , Casadonte Kelsey R. , Thomas Nicholas T. , Latham Christine M. , Brightwell Camille R. , Thompson Katherine L. , Hawk Gregory S. , Jacobs Cale A. , Johnson Darren L. , Fry Christopher S. , Noehren Brian
Published: March 2024

Background:

Female athletes lag behind their male counterparts in recovery from anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury. Quadriceps muscle size and strength are crucial factors for regaining function after ACL injury, but little is known about how these metrics vary due to biological sex.

Hypothesis:

Female patients have reduced vastus lateralis fiber cross-sectional area (CSA) and lower quadriceps strength after ACL injury than male patients.

Study Design:

Cross-sectional study.

Level of Evidence:

Level 4.

Methods:

A total of 60 participants with recent ACL tear were evaluated for vastus lateralis muscle fiber CSA, isometric quadriceps peak torque, and quadriceps rate of torque development. Linear mixed models were fit to determine differences across sex and limb for each variable of interest.

Results:

The female group averaged almost 20% atrophy between limbs ( P < 0.01), while the male group averaged just under 4% ( P = 0.05). Strength deficits between limbs were comparable between female and male groups.

Conclusion:

Immediately after ACL injury, female patients have greater between-limb differences in muscle fiber CSA but between-limb strength deficits comparable with those of male patients.

Clinical Relevance:

These results indicate that the underpinnings of strength loss differ based on biological sex, and thus individual patients could benefit from a sex-specific treatment approach to ACL injury.
Severe drug eruption from oral terbinafine for mild onychomycosis—A case report from family practice and literature review: “Just an innocent little pill?”
Authors: Watjer Roeland M , Eekhof Just AH , Quint Koen D , Numans Mattijs E , Bonten Tobias N
Published: March 2024

Onychomycosis is the most prevalent nail disease and is frequently encountered in clinical practice. Despite having multiple therapeutic options, of which systemic antifungals are the most effective, treatment is not always mandatory in all patients. Especially when considering systemic treatment, the risk of adverse reactions may outweigh the potential benefits of treatment. In this case report, we present a clinical case of a 49-year-old male patient with a blank past medical history who experienced a severe drug eruption from terbinafine prescribed for mild onychomycosis that required discontinuation of terbinafine, additional evaluation, and treatment of this adverse reaction.
Surfactant therapy using vibrating-mesh nebulizers in adults with COVID-19-induced ARDS: A case series
Authors: Briones-Claudett Killen H , Briones-Claudett Mónica H , Bajaña Huilcapi Cynthia K , Tripul Villamar Olga Elizabeth , Ochoa Vásquez Rosario , Rivera Salas Carolina del Rosario , Briones-Zamora Killen H , Benites Solis Jaime , Briones-Márquez Diana C , Freire Amado X , Grunauer Michelle
Published: March 2024

Coronavirus adult respiratory distress syndrome, characterized by decreased surfactant due to lysis of type II pneumocytes and hyaline membrane formation, contributes to severe hypoxemia. The administration of surfactant via high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) may positively affect lung structure and function in this context. In this study, we report on five clinical cases, encompassing patients aged 40–60 years of both sexes, who tested positive for coronavirus disease 2019 via real-time polymerase chain reaction and exhibited significant pulmonary compromise with elevated inflammatory biomarkers. These patients were treated with aerosol therapy using surfactant delivered through vibrating-mesh nebulizers alongside HFNC. Of these patients, four demonstrated positive responses to the treatment, suggesting that aerosol therapy with surfactant through vibrating-mesh nebulizers could be a viable rescue therapy in adults receiving HFNC oxygen therapy for hypoxemic respiratory failure caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Unfortunately, one patient had a negative outcome and succumbed. The findings from these cases indicate that the use of aerosol therapy with vibrating-mesh nebulizers as rescue therapy might offer an alternative approach for managing adults with hypoxemic respiratory failure due to SARS-CoV-2, as evidenced by the positive outcomes in four out of the five cases presented.
Interaction Effect of Management Communication and Workplace Formalization on Shared Goals and Commitment of Employees During Post-Merger and Acquisition Integration
Authors: Soontornchaiya Piyada , Charoensukmongkol Peerayuth
Published: March 2024

This research analyzes the effect of management communication on shared goals and organizational commitment of employees during post-merger and acquisition integration. In addition, we examine whether a work policy in terms of formalization could moderate the effect of management communication on shared goals of employees. Survey data were collected from 209 employees at a company in the power and energy sector in Thailand which was acquired by another company. We implemented multisource data collection to prevent common method variance issues in cross-sectional surveys. Partial least squares structural equation modeling was then used to analyze the data. Based on the findings, we discovered supporting evidence confirming the positive association between management communication and shared goals. Shared goals also mediate the effect of management communication on organizational commitment. Moreover, moderating effect analysis showed that the degree to which management communication affects shared goals is stronger among employees in the work units that have high levels of formalization than those in work units that have low levels of formalization. In essence, our study provides new evidence showing that workplace formalization could be the factor that intensifies the degree to which management communication encourages employees to develop shared goals. Our research also provides some implications for human capital development and policy recommendations during organizational change.
Brave New Words: A Framework and Process for Developing Technology-Use Guidelines for Student Writing
Authors: August Ella T. , Anderson Olivia S. , Laubepin Frederique A.
Published: March 2024

Health sciences instructors hold a wide range of opinions about generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) such as ChatGPT, Bing, and Bard; however, many are uncertain about guiding students on how to use technology for assigned writing. Our survey of 62 public health instructors at a single institution highlighted their perceived benefits, limitations, and concerns about student use of GenAI for assigned writing. Perceived benefits included the completion of tasks unrelated to relevant learning such as spellchecking and reference formatting, as well as for certain writing activities such as brainstorming. Several identified the preparation for future workplace activities as a meaningful benefit. Important limitations and concerns included the worry that GenAI would inhibit learning, as well as ethical and equity-related concerns. Nearly half of instructors expressed concerns about whether using GenAI tools constitutes plagiarism or violates academic integrity. Nearly half of instructors also indicated concern about being able to detect whether a student completed an assignment with GenAI tools. Developing thoughtful guidance on technology use for assigned writing is important as it sets standards for academic integrity and supports learning. We used the survey data and applied backward design principles to develop the Brave New Words framework and three-step process described in this paper. This framework is intended to help instructors think through and ultimately develop guidelines for students on whether and how they should use technology for assigned writing. An example assignment and activity are used to demonstrate the framework.
Palbociclib-associated nephrotoxicity in a patient with breast cancer
Authors: Tang Shao-Yu , Peng Ching-Hsiu , Lin Ting-Yun , Chang Fu-Pang , Hung Szu-Chun
Published: March 2024

A patient with advanced breast cancer developed acute kidney injury and generalized renal tubular dysfunction manifested as Fanconi syndrome and distal renal tubular acidosis after treatment with palbociclib, a cyclin-dependent kinases 4 and 6 (CDK4/6) inhibitor. A kidney biopsy showed acute tubular injury characterized by dilated tubular lumens, flattened epithelium, and loss of brush borders, with no significant interstitial fibrosis. This case illustrates the importance of close and long-term follow-up of kidney function and electrolyte levels after the initiation of a CDK4/6 inhibitor.
Interacting With Curves: How to Validly Test and Probe Interactions in the Real (Nonlinear) World
Authors: Simonsohn Uri
Published: March 2024

Hypotheses involving interactions in which one variable modifies the association between another two are very common. They are typically tested relying on models that assume effects are linear, for example, with a regression like y = a + b x + c z + d x × z. In the real world, however, few effects are linear, invalidating inferences about interactions. For instance, in realistic situations, the false-positive rate can be 100% for detecting an interaction, and a probed interaction can reliably produce estimated effects of the wrong sign. In this article, I propose a revised toolbox for studying interactions in a curvilinear-robust manner, giving correct answers “even” when effects are not linear. It is applicable to most study designs and produces results that are analogous to those of current—often invalid—practices. The presentation combines statistical intuition, demonstrations with published results, and simulations.
Targeting the TNF/IAP pathway synergizes with anti-CD3 immunotherapy in T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Ávila Ávila Andrea , Nuantang Kanokporn , Oliveira Mariana L. , Druillennec Sabine , Zaniboni Benedetta , Lengliné Etienne , Asnafi Vahid , Ghysdael Jacques , Tran Quang Christine
Published: March 2024

T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) is an aggressive hematological malignancy. Current treatments, based on intensive chemotherapy regimens provide overall survival rates of ∼85% in children and <50% in adults, calling the search of new therapeutic options. We previously reported that targeting the T-cell receptor (TCR) in T-ALL with anti-CD3 (αCD3) monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) enforces a molecular program akin to thymic negative selection, a major developmental checkpoint in normal T-cell development; induces leukemic cell death; and impairs leukemia progression to ultimately improve host survival. However, αCD3 monotherapy resulted in relapse. To find out actionable targets able to re-enforce leukemic cells’ vulnerability to αCD3 mAbs, including the clinically relevant teplizumab, we identified the molecular program induced by αCD3 mAbs in patient-derived xenografts derived from T-ALL cases. Using large-scale transcriptomic analysis, we found prominent expression of tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα), lymphotoxin α (LTα), and multiple components of the “TNFα via NF-κB signaling” pathway in anti-CD3–treated T-ALL. We show in vivo that etanercept, a sink for TNFα/LTα, enhances αCD3 antileukemic properties, indicating that TNF/TNF receptor (TNFR) survival pathways interferes with TCR-induced leukemic cell death. However, suppression of TNF-mediated survival and switch to TNFR-mediated cell death through inhibition of cellular inhibitor of apoptosis protein-1/2 (cIAP1/2) with the second mitochondrial-derived activator of caspases (SMAC) mimetic birinapant synergizes with αCD3 to impair leukemia expansion in a receptor-interacting serine/threonine-protein kinase 1–dependent manner and improve mice survival. Thus, our results advocate the use of either TNFα/LTα inhibitors, or birinapant/other SMAC mimetics to improve anti-CD3 immunotherapy in T-ALL.
Cryo-EM structure and functional basis of prothrombin recognition by a type I antiprothrombin antiphospholipid antibody
Authors: Kumar Suresh , Summers Brock , Basore Kathrine , Pengo Vittorio , Flaumenhaft Robert , Pozzi Nicola
Published: March 2024

Antiprothrombin antibodies are found in antiphospholipid patients, but how they interact with prothrombin remains elusive. Prothrombin adopts closed and open forms. We recently discovered type I and type II antibodies and proposed that type I recognizes the open form. In this study, we report the discovery and structural and functional characterization in human plasma of a type I antibody, POmAb (prothrombin open monoclonal antibody). Using surface plasmon resonance and single-molecule spectroscopy, we show that POmAb interacts with kringle-1 of prothrombin, shifting the equilibrium toward the open form. Using single-particle cryogenic electron microscopy (cryo-EM), we establish that the epitope targeted by POmAb is in kringle-1, comprising an extended binding interface centered at residues R90-Y93. The 3.2-Å cryo-EM structure of the complex reveals that the epitope overlaps with the position occupied by the protease domain of prothrombin in the closed state, explaining the exclusive binding of POmAb to the open form. In human plasma, POmAb prolongs phospholipid-initiated and diluted Russell’s viper venom clotting time, which could be partly rescued by excess phospholipids, indicating POmAb is an anticoagulant but exerts a weak lupus anticoagulant effect. These studies reveal the structural basis of prothrombin recognition by a type I antiphospholipid antibody and uncover an exciting new strategy to achieve anticoagulation in human plasma.
Integrated Active Suspension and Anti-Lock Braking Control for Four-Wheel-Independent-Drive Electric Vehicles
Authors: Zhao Ze , Zhang Lei , Ding Xiaoling , Zhang Zhiqiang , Li Shaohua , Gu Liang
Published: March 2024

This paper presents an integrated control scheme for enhancing the ride comfort and handling performance of a four-wheel-independent-drive electric vehicle through the coordination of active suspension system (ASS) and anti-lock braking system (ABS). First, a longitudinal-vertical coupled vehicle dynamics model is established by integrating a road input model. Then the coupling mechanisms between longitudinal and vertical vehicle dynamics are analyzed. An ASS-ABS integrated control system is proposed, utilizing an H∞ controller for ASS to optimize load transfer effect and a neural network sliding mode control for ABS implementation. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed control scheme is evaluated through comprehensive tests conducted on a hardware-in-loop (HIL) test platform. The HIL test results demonstrate that the proposed control scheme can significantly improve the braking performance and ride comfort compared to conventional ABS control methods.
High-efficiency flexible organic solar cells with a polymer-incorporated pseudo-planar heterojunction
Authors: Zhang Lin , He Yuxin , Deng Wen , Guo Xueliang , Bi Zhaozhao , Zeng Jie , Huang Hui , Zhang Guangye , Xie Chen , Zhang Yong , Hu Xiaotian , Ma Wei , Yuan Yongbo , Yuan Xiaoming
Published: March 2024

Organic solar cells (OSCs) are considered as a crucial energy source for flexible and wearable electronics. Pseudo-planar heterojunction (PPHJ) OSCs simplify the solution preparation and morphology control. However, non-halogenated solvent-printed PPHJ often have an undesirable vertical component distribution and insufficient donor/acceptor interfaces. Additionally, the inherent brittleness of non-fullerene small molecule acceptors (NFSMAs) in PPHJ leads to poor flexibility, and the NFSMAs solution shows inadequate viscosity during the printing of acceptor layer. Herein, we propose a novel approach termed polymer-incorporated pseudo-planar heterojunction (PiPPHJ), wherein a small amount of polymer donor is introduced into the NFSMAs layer. Our findings demonstrate that the incorporation of polymer increases the viscosity of acceptor solution, thereby improving the blade-coating processability and overall film quality. Simultaneously, this strategy effectively modulates the vertical component distribution, resulting in more donor/acceptor interfaces and an improved power conversion efficiency of 17.26%. Furthermore, PiPPHJ-based films exhibit superior tensile properties, with a crack onset strain of 12.0%, surpassing PPHJ-based films (9.6%). Consequently, large-area (1 cm2) flexible devices achieve a considerable efficiency of 13.30% and maintain excellent mechanical flexibility with 82% of the initial efficiency after 1000 bending cycles. These findings underscore the significant potential of PiPPHJ-based OSCs in flexible and wearable electronics.
Conducting head-mounted eye-tracking research with young children with autism and children with increased likelihood of later autism diagnosis
Authors: Perkovich E. , Laakman A. , Mire S. , Yoshida H.
Published: March 2024

Background

Over the past years, researchers have been using head-mounted eye-tracking systems to study young children’s gaze behaviors in everyday activities through which children learn about the world. This method has great potential to further our understanding of how millisecond-level gaze behaviors create multisensory experiences and fluctuate around social environments. While this line of work can yield insight into early perceptual experiences and potential learning mechanisms, the majority of the work is exclusively conducted with typically-developing children. Sensory sensitivities, social-communication difficulties, and challenging behaviors (e.g., disruption, elopement) are common among children with developmental disorders, and they may represent potential methodological challenges for collecting high-quality data.

Results

In this paper, we describe our research practices of using head-mounted eye trackers with 41 autistic children and 17 children with increased likelihood of later autism diagnosis without auditory or visual impairments, including those who are minimally or nonspeaking and/or have intellectual disabilities. The success rate in gathering data among children with autism was 92.68%. 3 of 41 children failed to complete the play-session, resulting in an 86.36% success rate among 1–4-year-olds and a 100.00% success rate among 5–8-year-olds. 1 of 17 children with increased likelihood of later autism diagnosis failed to complete the play-session, resulting in a success rate of 94.11%. There were numerous “challenging” behaviors relevant to the method. The most common challenging behaviors included taking the eye-tracking device off, elopement, and becoming distressed. Overall, among children with autism, 88.8% of 1–4-year-olds and 29.4% of 5–8-year-olds exhibited at least one challenging behavior.

Conclusions

Research capitalizing on this methodology has the potential to reveal early, socially-mediated gaze behaviors that are relevant for autism screening, diagnosis, and intervention purposes. We hope that our efforts in documenting our study methodology will help researchers and clinicians effectively study early naturally-occuring gaze behaviors of children during non-experimental contexts across the spectrum and other developmental disabilities using head-mounted eye-tracking. Ultimately, such applications may increase the generalizability of results, better reflect the diversity of individual characteristics, and offer new ways in which this method can contribute to the field.
Molecular characterization of recombinant LSDV isolates from 2022 outbreak in Indonesia through phylogenetic networks and whole-genome SNP-based analysis
Authors: Sendow Indrawati , Meki Irene Kasindi , Dharmayanti Ni Luh Putu Indi , Hoerudin Heri , Ratnawati Atik , Settypalli Tirumala Bharani K. , Ahmed Hatem Ouled , Nuradji Harimurti , Saepulloh Muharam , Adji Rahmat Setya , Fairusya Nuha , Sari Faralinda , Anindita Katamtama , Cattoli Giovanni , Lamien Charles Euloge
Published: March 2024

Lumpy skin disease (LSD) is a transboundary viral disease of cattle and water buffaloes caused by the LSD virus, leading to high morbidity, low mortality, and a significant economic impact. Initially endemic to Africa only, LSD has spread to the Middle East, Europe, and Asia in the past decade. The most effective control strategy for LSD is the vaccination of cattle with live-attenuated LSDV vaccines. Consequently, the emergence of two groups of LSDV strains in Asian countries, one closely related to the ancient Kenyan LSDV isolates and the second made of recombinant viruses with a backbone of Neethling-vaccine and field isolates, emphasized the need for constant molecular surveillance. This current study investigated the first outbreak of LSD in Indonesia in 2022. Molecular characterization of the isolate circulating in the country based on selected LSDV-marker genes: RPO30, GPCR, EEV glycoprotein gene, and B22R, as well as whole genome analysis using several analytical tools, indicated the Indonesia LSDV isolate as a recombinant of LSDV_Neethling_vaccine_LW_1959 and LSDV_NI-2490. The analysis clustered the Indonesia_LSDV with the previously reported LSDV recombinants circulating in East and Southeast Asia, but different from the recombinant viruses in Russia and the field isolates in South-Asian countries. Additionally, this study has demonstrated alternative accurate ways of LSDV whole genome analysis and clustering of isolates, including the recombinants, instead of whole-genome phylogenetic tree analysis. These data will strengthen our understanding of the pathogens’ origin, the extent of their spread, and determination of suitable control measures required.
Digital interventions for healthy ageing and cognitive health in older adults: a systematic review of mixed method studies and meta-analysis
Authors: Tsai Yvette I-Pei , Beh Jeanie , Ganderton Charlotte , Pranata Adrian
Published: March 2024

Background

Currently, there is no systematic review to investigate the effectiveness of digital interventions for healthy ageing and cognitive health of older adults. This study aimed to conduct a systematic review to evaluate the effectiveness of digital intervention studies for facilitating healthy ageing and cognitive health and further identify the considerations of its application to older adults.

Methods

A systematic review and meta-analysis of literature were conducted across CINAHL, Medline, ProQuest, Cochrane, Scopus, and PubMed databases following the PRISMA guideline. All included studies were appraised using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool Checklist by independent reviewers. Meta-analyses were performed using JBI SUMARI software to compare quantitative studies. Thematic analyses were used for qualitative studies and synthesised into the emerging themes.

Results

Thirteen studies were included. Quantitative results showed no statistically significant pooled effect between health knowledge and healthy behaviour (I2 =76, p=0.436, 95% CI [-0.32,0.74]), and between cardiovascular-related health risks and care dependency I2=0, p=0.426, 95% CI [0.90,1.29]). However, a statistically significant cognitive function preservation was found in older adults who had long-term use of laptop/cellphone devices and had engaged in the computer-based physical activity program (I2=0, p<0.001, 95% CI [0.01, 0.21]). Qualitative themes for the considerations of digital application to older adults were digital engagement, communication, independence, human connection, privacy, and cost.

Conclusions

Digital interventions used in older adults to facilitate healthy ageing were not always effective. Health knowledge improvement does not necessarily result in health risk reduction in that knowledge translation is key. Factors influencing knowledge translation (i.e., digital engagement, human coaching etc) were identified to determine the intervention effects. However, using digital devices appeared beneficial to maintain older adults’ cognitive functions in the longer term. Therefore, the review findings suggest that the expanded meaning of a person-centred concept (i.e., from social, environmental, and healthcare system aspects) should be pursued in future practice. Privacy and cost concerns of technologies need ongoing scrutiny from policy bodies. Future research looking into the respective health benefits can provide more understanding of the current digital intervention applied to older adults.

Study registration

PROSPERO record ID: CRD42023400707 https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=400707.
Hypertension combined with limitations in activities of daily living and the risk for cardiovascular disease
Authors: Li Yiqun , Jiang Minglan , Ren Xiao , Han Longyang , Zheng Xiaowei , Wu Wenyan
Published: March 2024

Objective

The aim of present study was to evaluate the combined effect of hypertension and activities of daily living (ADL)/instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) with the risk of CVD, stroke and cardiac events.

Methods

A total of 14,083 participants aged 45 years or older from the China Health and Retirement longitudinal study were included in current study. Participants were divided into 4 groups according to hypertension and ADL/IADL status. Cox proportional hazards regression model was used to explore the associations between hypertension, ADL/IADL and new-onset CVD, stroke and cardiac events.

Results

During the 7-year follow-up, a total of 2,324 respondents experienced CVD (including 783 stroke and 1,740 cardiac events). Individuals with limitations in ADL alone, or with hypertension alone, or with both limitations in ADL and hypertension were associated with increased risk of CVD, with the adjusted hazard ratios (95% confidence intervals) were 1.17(1.00-1.35), 1.36(1.24–1.49) and 1.44(1.23–1.68), respectively. Those with limitations in ADL and hypertension also had higher risk of stroke (hazard ratios = 1.64; 1.26–2.14) and cardiac events (hazard ratios = 1.37; 1.14–1.64). Similarly, individuals with both limitations in IADL and hypertension were associated with increased risk of CVD (hazard ratios = 1.34; 1.15–1.57), stroke (hazard ratios = 1.50; 1.17–1.95) and cardiac events (hazard ratios = 1.27; 1.06–1.53).

Conclusion

Hypertension and limitations in ADL/IADL jointly increased the risk of CVD, stroke and cardiac events.