bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quality of life and tolerability of B-cell directed therapy of multiple sclerosis with ofatumumab in a patient-centered real-world observational study
Authors: Karl Anna-Sophia , Klimas Rafael , Katsimpoura Melina , Sgodzai Melissa , Theile-Ochel Simon , Poser Philip Lennart , Gisevius Barbara , Faissner Simon , Salmen Anke , Nastos Ilias , Gold Ralf , Motte Jeremias
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Ofatumumab (Kesimpta®) is a subcutaneous CD20-targeting antibody approved in Germany in 2021 for the treatment of relapsing multiple sclerosis (RMS). After careful instruction, patients can administer the treatment themselves. We previously reported data of 101 patients (Klimas et al. in Nervenarzt 94:923–933, 2023). The objective of this longitudinal study is to explore the tolerability and acceptability of ofatumumab from a patient perspective over a follow up period of 6 months.

Methods

In this prospective observational real-world study, we report follow up data of 81 patients. We evaluated sociodemographic data, disease duration, duration and side effects of ofatumumab use, expanded disability status scale (EDSS), Beck Depression Inventory II (BDI-II), Short-Form 36 (SF-36), Fatigue Scale of Motor and Cognitive Functions (FSMC), and modified Multiple Sclerosis Functional Composite Test (MSFC). In addition, we asked for subjective treatment outcomes, such as impact on quality of life, walking distance, concentration, mood, medication adherence, fatigue and the subjective course of MS on a numerical rating scale (1 = very negative; 5 = very positive). Furthermore, treatment discontinuations were recorded.

Results

The average duration of ofatumumab treatment was 10 months. In comparison to previous published data of our cohort, patients reported a significant increase in headache (10% up to 26%, p = 0.004) and limb pain (5% up to 26%, p < 0.001) as persistent side effects after the injections. More patients reported a very positive effect (p < 0.0001) on quality of life. 4 confirmed relapses occurred but no EDSS worsening, and no treatment discontinuations were documented during the observation period.

Discussion

As previously described, our prospective study indicates that patients have a good tolerability of ofatumumab, precisely because of the mild and few side effects at the first administration. However, the longer the observation period, the more headaches and limb pain occurred after the injections. Despite this, patients’ subjective quality of life improved. There were no discontinuations during the follow-up period, with the limitation of a high loss to follow-up.
Accuracy of a continuous glucose monitoring system applied before, during, and after an intense leg-squat session with low- and high-carbohydrate availability in young adults without diabetes
Authors: Matzka Manuel , Ørtenblad Niels , Lenk Mascha , Sperlich Billy
Published: July 2024

Purpose

The aim was to assess the accuracy of a continuous blood glucose monitoring (CGM) device (Abbott FreeStyle Libre 3) against capillary blood glucose measurement (BGM) before, during, and after an intense lower body strength training session in connection with high- versus low-carbohydrate breakfasts.

Methods

Nine adults (22 ± 2 years) completed a strength training session (10 × 10 at 60% 1RM) twice after high-carbohydrate and twice after low-carbohydrate breakfasts. CGM accuracy versus BGM was assessed across four phases: post-breakfast, pre-exercise, exercise, and post-exercise.

Results

Overall fed state mean BGM levels were 84.4 ± 20.6 mg/dL. Group-level Bland–Altman analysis showed acceptable agreement between CGM and BGM across all phases, with mean biases between − 7.95 and − 17.83 mg/dL; the largest discrepancy was in the post-exercise phase. Mean absolute relative difference was significantly higher post-exercise compared to pre-exercise and exercise phases, for overall data and after the high-carbohydrate breakfast (all p ≤ 0.02). Clark Error Grid analysis showed 50.5–64.3% in Zone A and 31.7–44.6% in Zone B, with an increase in treatment errors during and after exercise.

Conclusion

In this group of healthy participants undergoing strength training, CGM showed satisfactory accuracy in glucose monitoring but varied substantially between individuals compared to BGM and fails in meeting clinical criteria for diabetic monitoring. CGM could aid non-diabetic athletes by tracking glucose fluctuations due to diet and exercise. Although utilization of CGM shows potential in gathering, analyzing, and interpreting interstitial glucose for improving performance, the application in sports nutrition is not yet validated, and challenges in data interpretation could limit its adoption.
Small duct and large duct type intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma reveal distinct patterns of immune signatures
Authors: Bernatz Simon , Schulze Falko , Bein Julia , Bankov Katrin , Mahmoudi Scherwin , Grünewald Leon D. , Koch Vitali , Stehle Angelika , Schnitzbauer Andreas A. , Walter Dirk , Finkelmeier Fabian , Zeuzem Stefan , Vogl Thomas J. , Wild Peter J. , Kinzler Maximilian N.
Published: July 2024

Purpose

Dedicated gene signatures in small (SD-iCCA) and large (LD-iCCA) duct type intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma remain unknown. We performed immune profiling in SD- and LD-iCCA to identify novel biomarker candidates for personalized medicine.

Methods

Retrospectively, 19 iCCA patients with either SD-iCCA (n = 10, median age, 63.1 years (45–86); men, 4) or LD-iCCA (n = 9, median age, 69.7 years (62–85); men, 5)) were included. All patients were diagnosed and histologically confirmed between 04/2009 and 01/2021. Tumor tissue samples were processed for differential expression profiling using NanoString nCounter® PanCancer Immune Profiling Panel.

Results

With the exception of complement signatures, immune-related pathways were broadly downregulated in SD-iCCA vs. LD-iCCA. A total of 20 immune-related genes were strongly downregulated in SD-iCCA with DMBT1 (log2fc = -5.39, p = 0.01) and CEACAM6 (log2fc = -6.38, p = 0.01) showing the strongest downregulation. Among 7 strongly (log2fc > 2, p ≤ 0.02) upregulated genes, CRP (log2fc = 5.06, p = 0.02) ranked first, and four others were associated with complement (C5, C4BPA, C8A, C8B). Total tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) signature was decreased in SD-iCCA with elevated ratios of exhausted-CD8/TILs, NK/TILs, and cytotoxic cells/TILs while having decreased ratios of B-cells/TILs, mast cells/TILs and dendritic cells/TILs. The immune profiling signatures in SD-iCCA revealed downregulation in chemokine signaling pathways inclulding JAK2/3 and ERK1/2 as well as nearly all cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction pathways with the exception of the CXCL1/CXCR1-axis.

Conclusion

Immune patterns differed in SD-iCCA versus LD-iCCA. We identified potential biomarker candidate genes, including CRP, CEACAM6, DMBT1, and various complement factors that could be explored for augmented diagnostics and treatment decision-making.
Carbon Management für ein klimaneutrales Österreich
Authors: Hochmeister Susanne , Kühberger Lisa , Kulich Jakob , Ott Holger , Kienberger Thomas
Published: July 2024

Die Erfüllung der globalen Klimaziele gemäß des Pariser Abkommens stellt eine entscheidende Herausforderung der kommenden Jahrzehnte dar. Gewisse Emissionen der Industrie, Energieerzeugung sowie diffuse Emissionen aus der Landwirtschaft, der Deponierung von Abfällen und fluorierte Gase (F-Gase) können jedoch nicht vollständig vermieden werden. Carbon Capture and Utilization (CCU) und Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) werden daher als wesentliche Komponenten zur Erreichung der Klimaziele angesehen. Um das Potenzial von CCU- und CCS-Aktivitäten für die langfristigen Klimaziele zu beurteilen und geeignete Carbon Management-Strategien zu identifizieren, ist eine Bewertung dieser Technologien insbesondere in Österreich erforderlich, wo bisher kaum umfassende Studien dazu durchgeführt worden sind.

Diese Arbeit umfasst eine ganzheitliche Analyse relevanter CO2-Punktquellen in Österreich und deren prognostizierte Entwicklung bis 2050 anhand technologiebasierter Szenarien. Die geologische Speicherung von CO2 ist vorwiegend in ehemaligen Kohlenwasser-Stofflagerstätten möglich. Bedarfe für CO2 als Rohstoff werden zukünftig in der chemischen sowie petrochemischen Industrie bestehen.

Bis 2050 wird Österreichs Industrie jährlich etwa vier Millionen Tonnen (Mt) an unvermeidbarem CO2 emittieren. Diese Emissionen müssen langfristig gespeichert werden und entsprechen somit dem Mindestbedarf an Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS). Diffuse Restemissionen aus der Landwirtschaft, der Deponierung von Abfällen und fluorierte Treibhausgase sind nicht für CCU/S-Maßnahmen geeignet. Zur Erreichung der Klimaziele sind daher negative Emissionen notwendig.
Optimal coordinates for Ricci-flat conifolds
Authors: Kröncke Klaus , Szabó Áron
Published: July 2024

We compute the indicial roots of the Lichnerowicz Laplacian on Ricci-flat cones and give a detailed description of the corresponding radially homogeneous tensor fields in its kernel. For a Ricci-flat conifold (M, g) which may have asymptotically conical as well as conically singular ends, we compute at each end a lower bound for the order with which the metric converges to the tangent cone. As a special subcase of our result, we show that any Ricci-flat ALE manifold $$(M^n,g)$$

(

M
n

,
g
)

is of order n and thereby close a small gap in a paper by Cheeger and Tian.
Interventricular septum involvement is related to right ventricular dysfunction in anterior STEMI patients without right ventricular infarction: a cardiovascular magnetic resonance study
Authors: Liang Shichu , Chen Shi , Bai Yanlin , Ma Min , Shi Fanfan , Huang Litao , Wang Hua , Xia Chunchao , Diao Kaiyue , He Yong
Published: July 2024

The value of cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) in assessing and predicting acute right ventricular (RV) dysfunction in patients with anterior ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) remains ascertained. Eighty eight patients with anterior STEMI were prospectively recruited and underwent CMR examinations within one week following the coronary intervention. Patients with RV ejection fraction (RVEF) less than 2 standard deviations below the average at the center (RVEF ≤ 45.0%) were defined as having RV dysfunction. The size of infarction, segmental wall motion, and T1 and T2 mapping values of global myocardium and the interventricular septum (IVS) were measured. Predictive performance was calculated using receiver-operating characteristic curve analysis and logistic regression test. Twenty two patients presented with RV dysfunction. The RV dysfunction group had a larger IVS infarct extent (54.28 ± 10.35 vs 33.95 ± 15.09%, P < 0.001) and lower left ventricle stroke volume index (33.93 ± 7.96 vs 42.46 ± 8.14 ml/m2, P < 0.001) compared to the non-RV dysfunction group. IVS infarct extent at 48.8% best predicted the presence of RV dysfunction with an area under the curve of 0.864. Left ventricular stroke volume index (LVSVI) and IVS infarct extent were selected by stepwise multivariable logistic regression analysis. Lower LVSVI (odds ratio [OR] 0.90; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.79 to 0.99; P = 0.044) and higher IVS infarct extent (OR 1.16; 95% CI 1.05 to 1.33; P = 0.01) were found to be independent predictors for RV dysfunction. In patients with anterior STEMI, those with larger IVS infarct extent and worse LV function are more likely to be associated with RV dysfunction.
Epistemic injustice and neo-racism: how Zhihu users portray ‘Chinese doctoral supervisors’ working in Western academia
Authors: Xu Cora Lingling
Published: July 2024

The image of Chinese doctoral supervisors working in Western academia is riddled with stereotypes in urban myths but little research to date has been conducted on these portrayals of Chinese supervisors. Drawing on postcolonial theories, including notions of epistemic injustice and neo-racism, this research conducts a thematic analysis on around 450 Zhihu comments. It proposes that the Zhihu community has portrayed three images of the Chinese supervisors as (1) ambitious and supportive, (2) sneaky and exploitative, and (3) colonised. While the second and third images are more negative, the first image is overwhelmingly positive. In portraying these images of the Chinese supervisors, the community confronted two main underlying structural forces. These include (1) a steep ethnic/racial hierarchy where White middle-class, native speakers of English dominate and (2) an unequal classed sphere within Western academia. This paper argues that this Zhihu community displayed profound yet only partial recognition of the steep ethnic/racial hierarchy due to their internalisation of their own linguistic inferiority. Moreover, this Zhihu community perpetuates neo-racism and epistemic injustice over Chinese supervisors and postgraduate research students from working-class and rural backgrounds. Among the first to examine how Chinese doctoral supervisors are portrayed in online communities, this article provides informative insights for prospective postgraduate research applicants as well as admission professionals in Western academia. The neo-racism and epistemic injustice identified can also feed into future work on Diversity and Equality as well as decolonising efforts. Conceptually, this article innovates by combining neo-racism and epistemic injustice to form a framework that furnishes a comprehensive examination of unjust practices and portrayals in the realms of racial and knowledge inequalities in doctoral supervision. This article thus makes empirical and conceptual contributions to critical studies in international and doctoral education.
The interactive effects of self- and parent-referenced career goal discrepancies on young adults’ career indecision
Authors: Widyowati Arini , Hood Michelle , Duffy Amanda , Creed Peter
Published: July 2024

We tested a model in which discrepancy with parents’ career goals moderated the indirect path from young adults’ self-perceived career goal discrepancy to career indecision via negative emotions (regret and distress) and self-regulatory capacity. We surveyed 236 young adults (MAge = 21.77 years; 71.2% female), finding that parent discrepancy strengthened the positive relationships between self-discrepancy and career regret and self-regulatory depletion, but not distress. However, career distress fully explained the self-discrepancy–career indecision relationship, not moderated by parent-discrepancy. Overall, our model explained 70% of the variance in indecision. This has implications for counsellors to assist young adults in managing discrepancy-related distress and indecision.
Career orientation of first-year students in STEM education: a Q methodology study
Authors: Markman Anna Overgaard , Du Xiangyun
Published: July 2024

A shift has occurred in career attitudes and aspirations of university students within science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) disciplines, highlighting the importance of investigating students’ strategies for early career planning. This study explores the career orientation of 27 first-year STEM students by utilizing Q methodology, which integrates qualitative and quantitative approaches. The findings provide valuable insights into the career orientation of first-year students in STEM disciplines in the aftermath of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic; their focus includes a goal-oriented mindset, work–life balance, workplace conditions, and physical surroundings. The findings of this study carry practical implications for enhancing career support programs.
P.A.V.I.A. Study: Pervasiveness and Associated Factors of Video Slot Machine Use in a Large Sample of Italian Adolescents
Authors: Mosconi Giansanto , Bertuccio Paola , Albertin Ilaria , Esposito Marcello , Polgatti Anna , Taverna Franco , Turcinovich Diego , Russo Sara , Gaggi Silvia , Barello Serena , Amerio Andrea , Molinaro Sabrina , Gallus Silvano , Cecconami Lorella , Feder Simone , Vecchi Tomaso , Odone Anna
Published: July 2024

Video slot machines (VSM) are considered a particularly harmful gambling format; however, scant data is available on their use among underage Italian individuals. Two surveys were conducted in 2018 and 2022 involving 7,959 underage high school students (57.8% female) in Pavia, Northern Italy. We estimated adjusted odds ratios (aOR) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI) for lifetime experience and current regular (at least monthly) use of VSM, according to family, educational and behavioral factors. Overall, participants reporting lifetime VSM experience were 13.2% (95% CI: 12.5 − 13.9), 15.2% (95% CI: 14.0–16.4%) in 2018, and 12.0% (95% CI: 11.1–13.0%) in 2022. Current regular VSM users were 1.4% (95% CI: 1.1–1.7) in total, 1.2% (95% CI: 0.8–1.6%) in 2018 and 1.5% (95% CI: 1.1–1.8%) in 2022. VSM lifetime experience and current regular use were significantly more frequent in males (aORs: 1.55 and 4.81, respectively), students who failed a year (aORs: 2.07 and 3.44), or with daily gambling parents/siblings (aORs: 2.83 and 4.86). Lifetime use of alcohol, tobacco, or illicit substances was significantly directly associated with lifetime VSM use (aORs between 2.64 and 4.75); monthly alcohol, tobacco, or illicit substances use was significantly directly associated with current regular VSM use (aORs between 4.47 and 18.21). Sexting and voluntary self-injury were significantly more frequent among VSM lifetime/current regular users. VSM use, which is directly associated with other risky behaviors, may be pervasive among Italian minors. Such public health concern calls for legislative enforcements and integrated multidisciplinary health promotion and prevention strategies.
On Wor(l)ds and Pandemics
Authors: Locane Jorge J.
Published: July 2024

The spread of the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 has stimulated eschatological speculation. To the environmentalist and liberal diagnostician that had already been warning about the Anthropocene and the breakdown of post-Cold War global harmony, an alarm has now been added that in its worst prognosis estimates that, in 2020, we only started witnessing the beginning of a staggered health debacle. The idea of the world, as conceptual support for an imaginary community with global reach, has become a crisis. The world, an object often invoked by theoretical speculation over the last 30 years, has been now decreed finished. However, infectious diseases, in their epidemic and pandemic form, have devastated different societies at different times. This paper parallels two historical scenarios and a series of texts dealing with contagious diseases to shed light on the idea of (the end of) the world. The analysis centres on documents that bear witness to the importation of smallpox and other diseases into America and its spread during the European invasion and colonization. By recovering the concept of Pachakuti, a radical turnaround that can be understood as “end of one world”, this paper shows that the chronicles reporting on the outbreaks of smallpox in America document a material end of the world for subjects who were not protagonists of history. The current end of the world is, on the contrary, that which would correspond to the protagonist of our phase of globalization and, eventually, to his world—which makes it more resonant and absolute.
Production of polyclonal anti-human follicle stimulating hormone (hFSH) in Balb/C mice for standardizing an immunoradiometric assay for hFSH
Authors: Ebeid N. H. , Shafik H. M. , Mehany N. L.
Published: July 2024

This study aimed to produce polyclonal antibodies of human follicle-stimulating hormone (anti-hFSH) in order to establish an immunoradiometric assay (IRMA). The anti-hFSH was tested using the prepared 125I-hFSH tracer. The 125I-hFSH tracer was carried out using the lactoperoxidase method, resulting in a radiochemical yield of 87.6% and a specific activity of 136 μCi/μg. The anti-hFSH produced gave highest displacement percentages (80.3, 79.8 and 71.2%) and a successful immunoresponse. hFSH-IRMA system was developed using 125I-MoAb-hFSH tracer (DIA Source). The results show a precise, stable and accurate measurements of hFSH-IRMA with a sensitivity of 0.15 mIU/ml. The coefficient variation for intra-assay is less than ± 10% and for inter-assay, it is less than ± 15%. Additionally, the liner correlation coefficient r is equal to 0.999. This technique can be utilized as a helpful diagnostic tool to study fertility and diseases of the hypothalamus-pituitary–gonadal axis in humans.
Possibilities of producing lightweight aggregates from silica-clay raw material and cellulosic waste
Authors: Panna Wojciech , Prewendowski Sebastian , Juda Wiesław , Szumera Magdalena
Published: July 2024

The subject of the work is the characterization of lightweight aggregates intended for construction using the example of silica-clay raw material from south-eastern Poland (Dylągówka-Zapady deposit). The primary objective of the research is to assess the possibility of managing the accumulated organic waste, including cellulose pulp. This storage is problematic for processing plants and local government bodies and incurs high costs annually. Therefore, based on the patent (Kukułka et al. Method of producing raw meal, dried clay granules, and fired clay granules and the production line of raw meal, dried clay granules, and baked clay granules. Patent RP no P.429284.), an attempt was made to confirm the assumptions of the technology of fired clay granules, which can be used for zootechnical, agricultural, and construction purposes. The presented work assessed the physicochemical transformations in the clay-silica raw material after adding a significant amount of cellulose waste (10%, 20%, and 30%) in the temperature range of 25–1300 °C were assessed. Thermal methods such as thermodilatometry, Hot-Stage Microscopy with image analysis (IA-HSM) and thermal DSC/TG analysis with gas analysis were used for this purpose. Based on the first method, a temperature range was established in which sintering occurs without an apparent effect of densification. Therefore, the range of 850–950 °C was used to obtain fired granules, which were tested as a material for lightweight aggregates.
Computational modeling of cell motility and clusters formation in enzyme-sensitive hydrogels
Authors: Gaziano Pierfrancesco , Marino Michele
Published: July 2024

In this paper, we propose an extension of a previous model of cell motility in tissue engineering applications recently developed by the authors. Achieving large-scale production of neo-tissue through biofabrication technologies remains challenging owing to the need of thoroughly optimizing all the relevant process variables, a task hardly attainable through solely trial and error approaches. Therefore, the present work is intended to provide a valid and effective computational-based support for neo-tissue formation, with a specific focus on the preliminary phase of such process, in which cells move through a polymeric scaffold (hydrogel) and then compact into clusters. Cell motility is modeled by resorting to the phase-field method, and by incorporating diffusion of nutrients from the external culture bath as well as the expression by cells of chemoattractant substances that bias the random path they otherwise would follow. The previous model has been enriched by additionally encompassing the secretion of enzymes by cells that cleave the crosslinks between the hydrogel polymer chains. As such, in the present model hydrogel degradation exhibits spatio-temporal variations in its chemo-physical properties related to the local amount of enzymes, which deeply affects cell motility. Numerical results showcase the pivotal importance of the cells micro-environment properties for their crawling in hydrogel scaffolds, opening towards the development of a predictive computational-aided optimization tool for neo-tissue growth in bioprinted scaffolds.
Simulation and parameterization of nonlinear elastic behavior of cables
Authors: Zhao Tian , Schneider-Jung Fabio , Linn Joachim , Müller Ralf
Published: July 2024

This work contributes to the simulation, modeling, and characterization of nonlinear elastic bending behavior within the framework of geometrically nonlinear rod models. These models often assume a linear constitutive bending behavior, which is not sufficient for some complex flexible slender structures. In general, nonlinear elastic behavior often coexists with inelastic behavior. In this work, we incorporate the inelastic deformation into the rod model using reference curvatures. We present an algorithmic approach for simulating the nonlinear elastic bending behavior, which is based on the theory of Cosserat rods, where the static equilibrium is calculated by minimizing the linear elastic energy. For this algorithmic approach, in each iteration the static equilibrium is obtained by minimizing the potential energy with locally constant algorithmic bending stiffness values. These constants are updated according to the given nonlinear elastic constitutive law until the state of the rod converges. To determine the nonlinear elastic constitutive bending behavior of the flexible slender structures (such as cables) from the measured values, we formulate an inverse problem. By solving it we aim to determine a curvature-dependent bending stiffness characteristic and the reference curvatures using the given measured values. We first provide examples using virtual bending measurements, followed by the application of bending measurements on real cables. Solving the inverse problem yields physically plausible results.
The implicit inversion method for calculating the forward dynamics input Jacobian
Authors: Krög Gabriel , Gattringer Hubert , Müller Andreas
Published: July 2024

This paper presents the implicit inversion method (IIM), a recursive method to evaluate the Jacobian of the forward dynamics w.r.t. the system inputs, using intermediate results obtained from an O(n) forward dynamics algorithm. The resulting coefficient matrix, called the inertia-weighted input matrix (IWIM), can be used to significantly improve the performance of solving optimal control problems that take into account system dynamics for only the current time step. As the relationship between inputs and accelerations appears fixed within a time step, this matrix can be evaluated in the initialization step of the optimization. This means that the forward dynamics only needs to be solved once at the initialization of the optimization, rather than having to solve the equations in every iteration of the optimization. The method presented in this paper especially targets a case where the forward dynamics are calculated using an O(n) method and takes advantage of variables that are already known through the evaluation of that method. These quantities allow us to obtain the inertia-weighted input matrix without having to convert the system to its generalized coordinate form. Exploiting the shape of the resulting equation, it is even possible to avoid an explicit inversion of any matrices in the process. Finally, runtime comparisons between three different methods to calculate the IWIM are made for several examples.
Was culture cumulative in the Palaeolithic?
Authors: Shipton Ceri
Published: July 2024

This paper assesses the evidence for cumulative culture in the Palaeolithic through the lens of the most widely available line of evidence: knapped stone. Two types of cumulative culture are defined: additive traits in an individual’s repertoire, versus a population wide stock of skills. Complexity may both cumulate within a single realm of expertise such as stone knapping, or may accumulate with multiple realms of expertise, such as the conjunction of stone knapping and bead technology. The Palaeolithic emergence of the social transmission and innovation traits that underpin cumulativity are described and assessed in relation to the evidence for cumulative culture. Examples of local population continuity are assessed for inter-generational increases in complexity as predicted by cumulative culture models. At an individual level, all cultures can be considered cumulative; at a population level cumulative culture may be entirely absent from the Palaeolithic.
Hip-hop and education: A literature review of experiences
Authors: Laforgue-Bullido Noemi , Abril-Hervás David , Malik-Liévano Beatriz
Published: July 2024

The purpose of this study was to describe educational initiatives that use hip-hop culture as a means of socio-educational action. To this end, the authors carried out a systematic review of relevant articles published over the last 10 years in high-impact peer-reviewed journals and written in English, Spanish, Portuguese or Italian. After applying inclusion/exclusion criteria, 68 articles were analysed. This analysis revealed how most of the reported experiences refer to formal secondary education. Although a third of these experiences are linked to critical pedagogies, these were not derived from the critical use of hip-hop – which was largely instrumental. But by means of a thematic content analysis, the authors identify the main strengths and limitations of hip-hop culture as an educational medium. Among the strengths they highlight are its potential to build culturally relevant educational contexts for students traditionally excluded from the academic curriculum, its fostering of students’ political and social participation, and its facility to promote critical thinking. Among the challenges encountered in using hip-hop culture in educational spaces are some educators and families’ perceptions of hip-hop as anti-educational, the imposition by educators of a vision of hip-hop that is not shared by young people, and the lack of systematisation of experiences that can provide guidance on how to carry out this type of initiative.
Systematic map of recent evidence on reproductive performance of cattle in Africa
Authors: Allan Fiona K. , MacVicar Isla S. , Peters Andrew R. , Schnier Christian
Published: July 2024

Good cattle reproductive performance is essential for livestock productivity. Farmers are highly dependent on the success of productive outputs to support their livelihoods. In low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), however, optimal reproduction of cows and bulls is comparatively less well defined, with information on key reproductive parameters and reproductive management often not available. The aim of this study was to collate and synthesise the recent published evidence on cattle reproductive performance in selected sub-Saharan countries.

Systematic mapping methodology was used, with searches conducted for both cow and bull reproductive performance in Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Nigeria, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania and Uganda, for the period 2012–2022, in English language. Search returns were screened for relevance at title and abstract, and full-text levels, based on the research question criteria.

A substantial number of studies were identified for cows (n = 133), but only very few for bulls (n = 11). A large proportion of reported studies have been conducted in Ethiopia, with relatively few from the other countries, and most studies published between 2014 and 2016, and in 2021. Certain reproductive parameters received more attention than others; calving interval was reported in 86 studies, while culling due to infertility was reported in eight studies.

The study highlights where research is being conducted in this area, and importantly where there is a gap, in particular on bull reproductive performance. While there were a range of values reported for cow reproductive parameters, the values were reasonable, indicating that it is possible to have good reproductive performance in LMICs. The synthesis of studies in the map should help to inform farmers and their advisors, at farm and national levels.
Faecal microbial diversity in a cattle herd infected by Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis: a possible effect of production status
Authors: Elmagzoub Wisal A. , Idris Sanaa M. , Elnaiem Marwa H. E. , Mukhtar Mohamed E. , Eltayeb ElSagad , Bakhiet Sahar M. , Okuni Julius B. , Ojok Lonzy , El Sanousi Sulieman M. , El Wahed Ahmed Abd , Gameel Ahmed A. , Eltom Kamal H.
Published: July 2024

Mycobacterium aviumsubsp.paratuberculosis(MAP) causes Johne’s disease, or paratuberculosis (PTB) in ruminants, besides having zoonotic potential. It possibly changes the gut microbiome, but no conclusive data are available yet. This study aimed at investigating the influence of MAP on the faecal microbiome of cattle naturally infected with PTB. In a follow up period of 10 months, PTB status was investigated in a herd of dairy cattle with history of clinical cases. Each animal was tested for MAP infection using serum and milk ELISA for MAP anti-bodies and IS900 real-time PCR and recombinase polymerase amplification assays for MAP DNA in the faeces and milk monthly for 4 successive months, then a last one after 6 months. The faecal samples were subjected to 16S rDNA metagenomic analysis using Oxford Nanopore Sequencing Technology. The microbial content was compared between animal groups based on MAP positivity rate and production status. All animals were MAP positive by one or more tests, but two animals were consistently negative for MAP DNA in the faeces. In all animals, the phyla firmicutes and bacteroidetes were highly enriched with a small contribution of proteobacteria, and increased abundance of the familiesOscillospiraceae,Planococcaceae, andStreptococcacaceaewas noted. Animals with high MAP positivity rate showed comparable faecal microbial content, although MAP faecal positivity had no significant effect (p > 0.05) on the microbiome. Generally, richness and evenness indices decreased with increasing positivity rate. A significantly different microbial content was found between dry cows and heifers (p < 0.05). Particularly,OscillospiraceaeandRikenellaceaewere enriched in heifers, whilePlanococcaceaeandStreptococcaceaewere overrepresented in dry cows. Furthermore, abundance of 72 genera was significantly different between these two groups (p < 0.05). Changes in faecal microbiome composition were notably associated with increasing MAP shedding in the faeces. The present findings suggest a combined influence of the production status and MAP on the cattle faecal microbiome. This possibly correlates with the fate of the infection, the concern in disease control, again remains for further investigations.
Raising Awareness of Mistreatment Policies and Reporting Procedures Using a Novel Medical Student Mobile Application
Authors: Baranwal Seema , Ellen Stacy B. , Giordano Carolyn , Los Igor , Smolen Arnold , Salhi Bisan A.
Published: July 2024

Background

Reports of mistreatment are an important first step to improving medical students’ learning environment. Students may not report mistreatment due to a lack of awareness of institutional policies, reporting procedures, or for fear of reprisal.

Aim

We sought to determine if a medical school cross-platform mobile application (app) could be used to improve students’ awareness of mistreatment policies and procedures.

Setting and Participants

Participants in this intervention included Drexel University College of Medicine (DUCOM) medical students, faculty, and Student Affairs Deans.

Program Description

We created the DUCOMpass© app to make mistreatment policies and procedures more readily available and to ease mistreatment reporting for medical students.

Program Evaluation

To determine the efficacy of the app at raising mistreatment awareness, we analyzed our institutional Graduation Questionnaire data before and after the introduction of the app (from 2016 to 2023) as compared with the national average. We verified our students’ self-reported data with app usage data.

Discussion

To our knowledge, this is the first instance of a medical school mobile app being implemented to successfully address medical student mistreatment awareness and reporting. We found that reaching students in a familiar and easily accessible mode(s) of communication is a catalyst for lasting change.

NIH Trial Registry

Not applicable.
Functional characterisation of cell wall-associated β-glucanases and peroxidase induced during wheat-Diuraphis noxia interactions
Authors: Zondo Siphephelo N.N. , Mohase Lintle , Tolmay Vicki L. , Mafa Mpho S.
Published: July 2024

Wheat plants infested by Russian wheat aphids (RWA) induce a cascade of defence responses, which include increased activity of β-1,3-glucanase and peroxidase (POD). There is a lack of information regarding β-1,3-glucanase and POD synergistic effects on the plant cell wall modification and characterisation during wheat-RWA infestation. This study aimed to characterise the physicochemical properties of the cell wall-bound POD and β-1,3-glucanase during RWA-wheat interaction. The susceptible Tugela, moderately resistant Tugela-Dn1, and resistant Tugela-Dn5 cultivars were planted in a glasshouse to a seedling stage before being infested with RWASA2 for 14 days. The findings showed a significant increase in β-1,3-glucanase and POD activities in the infested Tugela-Dn5 and Tugela-Dn1 cultivars over the 14 days. However, in the Tugela enzymes were repressed. In addition, it was shown for the first time that β-1,3 − 1,4-glucanase activity specific toward mixed-linked glucan was significant in the resistant cultivar over 14 days. β-1,3-glucanase, β-1,3 − 1,4-glucanase and POD displayed optimum at pH 5. β-1,3-glucanase and POD displayed temperature optimum at 40 and 50 °C, respectively. However, β-1,3 − 1,4-glucanase had temperature optimum at 25 °C. β-1,3-glucanase and POD had a thermo-stability at 37 °C followed by about 80% relative activity at 70 °C, but β-1,3 − 1,4-glucanase displayed thermostability at 25 °C and retained more than 75% at 70 °C, confirming that β-1,3 − 1,4-glucanase and β-1,3-glucanase induced in the resistant cultivars cell wall were two different enzymes. Mechanism of actions and oligosaccharide displayed that β-1,3-glucanase was highly active against β-1,3-glucan and required a triose and higher oligosaccharide to be active. Our findings demonstrated cell-wall bound POD and β-1,3-glucanase activities significantly increased in wheat after RWASA2 infestation, revealing they acted synergistically to reinforce the cell wall to deter RWASA2 feeding in resistant cultivars.
Treatment Options for Brain Metastases
Authors: Choi Ariel , Hunting John , Lanier Claire , Douglas Emily , Triozzi Pierre , Ruiz Jimmy , Benayoun Marc , White Jaclyn , Chan Michael
Published: July 2024

Opinion Statement

Therapies for brain metastasis continue to evolve as the life expectancies for patients have continued to prolong. Novel advances include the use of improved technology for radiation delivery, surgical guidance, and response assessment, along with systemic therapies that can pass through the blood brain barrier. With increasing complexity of treatments and the increased need for salvage treatments, multi-disciplinary management has become significantly more important.
Lev Tolstoy, A Founder of Democratic Education
Authors: Matusov Eugene
Published: July 2024

In this philosophical-theoretical study of Lev Tolstoy’s pedagogical legacy of his Yasnaya Polyana school in the Russian Empire (1859–1862), I raised three major questions: (1) was Lev Tolstoy a democratic educator, and if so, why can one claim that, (2) if so, what kind of a democratic educator was he, and (3) what kind of limitations to his democratic education have I observe and what were the sources of these limitations? My answer to the first question was unequivocally positive. I argue that Tolstoy was the conceptual founder of democratic non-coercive education and the first known practitioner of democratic education for children. In my view, his democratic education was based on educational offerings provided by the teachers. His democratic educational philosophy was based on non-coercion, naturalism, anarchism, liveliness, pragmatism, pedagogical experimentation, student responses, pedagogical self-reflection, and dialogism. At the same time, his democratic education was limited to his uncritical acceptance of conventionalism. Tolstoy’s attraction to Progressive Education was facilitated by ignoring his enormous powers, both explicit and implicit, that he manifested exercised in the school and enacted through his “pervasive informality.” In my judgment, Tolstoy overemphasized pedagogy over self-education and did not distinguish learning from education. Still, Tolstoy’s pioneering work in democratic education, both in theory and practice, remains mostly unacknowledged and unanalyzed while continuing to be highly relevant and potentially influential.
Organic geochemical and petrological investigations of the upper miocene bongaya formation in the pitas, onshore sabah basin, and its relevance for hydrocarbon potential
Authors: Azam Nor Aainaa Farhana , Mustapha Khairul Azlan , Hakimi Mohammed Hail
Published: July 2024

The Upper Miocene Bongaya Formation coal, carbonaceous shale, and shale sediments were collected to investigate their origin, types, and maturity. The main objectives of this study were to verify and update previous claim of possible hydrocarbon showings and to gain new insights about the petroleum potential using different geochemical analysis approach. The primary methodology used in this study is the pyrolysis technique and coupled with petrographic analysis. The bulk geochemistry results revealed that the Bongaya sediments serve as favorable source rock, with the total organic carbon (TOC) content ranging from 0.90 to 63.10 wt% by weight, indicating fair to excellent organic richness. The coal samples exhibited the highest TOC values, followed by carbonaceous shale samples, while shale and coal laminated with sandstone samples displayed fair TOC amounts. Most of the Bongaya sediments analyzed in this study exhibited hydrogen index (HI) values of less than 200 mg HC/g TOC, indicating Type III organic matter, which signifies a significant influence of terrestrial organic matter. However, three coals displayed comparatively higher pyrolysis HI values, corroborated by Pyrolysis gas-chromatography (Py-GC) results and maceral types, indicating a mixture of Type II/III kerogen. This suggests that the Bongaya Formation sediment has the potential to generate gas with minor oil. Maceral analysis also revealed that most of the coal samples contained a high content of resinite maceral, which explains the waxy composition of the oil. The organic matter in the analyzed Bongaya sediments was found to be immature for petroleum generation, as evidenced by low huminite reflectance data (lower than 0.50% VR) and Tmax values between 372 and 432 °C. Consequently, the kerogen in the studied onshore Bongaya sediments has yet to enter the hydrocarbon cracking (catagenesis) phase before expelling petroleum. Therefore, it is essential to consider the offshore equivalent Bongaya sediments, which may be laterally extended offshore and buried at deeper depths to attain optimal maturity for hydrocarbon generation.
Versatile crop yield estimator
Authors: Sadeh Yuval , Zhu Xuan , Dunkerley David , Walker Jeffrey P. , Chen Yang , Chenu Karine
Published: July 2024

Accurate production estimates, months before the harvest, are crucial for all parts of the food supply chain, from farmers to governments. While methods have been developed to use satellite data to monitor crop development and production, they typically rely on official crop statistics or ground-based data, limiting their application to the regions where they were calibrated. To address this issue, a new method called VeRsatile Crop Yield Estimator (VeRCYe) has been developed to estimate wheat yield at the pixel and field levels using satellite data and process-based crop models. The method uses the Leaf Area Index (LAI) as the linking variable between remotely sensed data and APSIM crop model simulations. In this process, the sowing dates of each field were detected (RMSE = 2.6 days) using PlanetScope imagery, with PlanetScope and Sentinel-2 data fused into a daily 3 m LAI dataset, enabling VeRCYe to overcome the traditional trade-off between satellite data that has either high temporal or high spatial resolution. The method was evaluated using 27 wheat fields across the Australian wheatbelt, covering a wide range of pedo-climatic conditions and farm management practices across three growing seasons. VeRCYe accurately estimated field-scale yield (R2 = 0.88, RMSE = 757 kg/ha) and produced 3 m pixel size yield maps (R2 = 0.32, RMSE = 1213 kg/ha). The method can potentially forecast the final yield (R2 = 0.78–0.88) about 2 months before the harvest. Finally, the harvest dates of each field were detected from space (RMSE = 2.7 days), indicating when and where the estimated yield would be available to be traded in the market. VeRCYe can estimate yield without ground calibration, be applied to other crop types, and used with any remotely sensed LAI information. This model provides insights into yield variability from pixel to regional scales, enriching our understanding of agricultural productivity.
Candida auris Resistance Mechanisms to Amphotericin B Alternative Treatments Development
Authors: Fenton Adam , John George K.
Published: July 2024

Purpose of Review

Systemic fungal infections caused by Candida auris have been identified since 2009, with mortality rates and drug resistance being noticeably higher than other forms of fungal or nosocomial infections. This review article will be a timely addition to the growing body of literature on how alternative or dual-action treatments may become mainstream or required outside the initial trio of antifungal drug classes, including C. auris.

Recent Findings

Amphotericin B of the polyene class of antifungals has been used in infections caused by this organism but has also been associated with adverse events and patient toxicity. The use of this drug has been demonstrated in dual-action treatments and clinical investigations and confers a greater degree of infection clearance.

A greater understanding of fungal yeast infections has also shown the ability for cell-mediated apoptosis in response to Amphotericin B damaging the fungal cell. This supports treatment methods that can still cause cell death with lower dosages being required, though this drug’s specific mechanism of cell membrane binding is not entirely understood. This demonstrates that alternative or dual action treatments may become mainstream or required outside the initial trio of antifungal drug classes.
Health Equity and Access to COVID-19 Treatments Available through Emergency Use Authorizations
Authors: Johnson Candon , Wolff Carolyn , Xu Jing ,   On behalf of the N3C consortium
Published: July 2024

Understanding and evaluating equity in access to care is a critical component to ensuring health equity for all individuals. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration made unprecedented use of its regulatory authority by authorizing the use of unapproved products through Emergency Use Authorizations (EUAs). We use data from the U.S. National COVID Cohort Collaborative (N3C) to understand how access to therapeutic products authorized under EUAs has varied across COVID-19 patients and over time. We find that Black patients were more likely to receive early EUA drugs while White patients were more likely to receive monoclonal antibodies. Male patients were more likely to receive any EUA drug than Female patients. Patients in Metropolitan areas were more likely to receive EUA drugs than patients in other regions. Additionally, differences in the rates of exposure to EUA drugs by gender, rural-urban classification, and length of stay decreased over time while differences by race and ethnicity have generally persisted. Our project identifies inequities in the rate of access to EUA drugs across patient groups that can inform policy makers in future planning and decision making.