bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reader influence on the creation of transmedia science fiction: a participatory culture perspective
Authors: Xu Han , Patiño Javier Gonzalez , Linaza José Luis
Published: June 2023

The term “Participatory Culture” was first put forward by Henry Jenkins in the book Text Poacher with the aim of comparing participation and the bystander (Jenkins, 2015. Participatory culture in a networked era: a conversation on youth, learning, commerce, and politics. Polity Press, Cambridge, UK). The earliest example is the study of the cultural logic of fan groups (or “fan culture”). When it was later studied more extensively, it took on different meanings. It has greatly influenced novels in the cross-media creative environment, and this has not only helped to expand the imagination and inspiration of authors but has also enriched novel plots. It can also increase audience participation and reading enthusiasm. This paper takes China’s science fiction transmedia as its example to analyze the significance and role of Participatory Culture, and it does this with the intention of helping to provide suggestions for the development of transmedia fictions.
“Bringing in” and “Going abroad”: A bibliometric evaluation of the internationalization of archaeology in Mainland China
Authors: Wei Xuan , Lou Wentai , Li Ting , Yang Ruxi , Li Yinghua
Published: June 2023

Chinese scholars’ performance in international academic community and research on foreign archaeology has brought hot discussion about the internationalization of Chinese archaeology. Based on the databases of the China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) and the Web of Science core collection (WoS), this paper collected archaeology-related papers published by Chinese scholars in Chinese and world core journals (CCJs and WCJs for short), then filtered translated and original articles about foreign archaeology in CCJs, as well as all original archaeological articles in WCJs. Using Excel, CiteSpace and VOSviewer visualization software, we analyzed these data to give a bird’s-eye view of how archaeology research in Mainland China has become internationalized. Chinese archaeology has seen active-interrupt-active phases characterized by learning from foreign academics in the last century. Over the past two decades, the number of articles published in WCJs by scholars from Mainland China has increased significantly, and most research topics are at the forefront of international scholarship. Collaboration networks largely expanded, with the number of Mainland China–led articles increasing significantly. Archaeological papers written by researchers from Mainland China have appeared in a more extensive range of journals, including those with high impact factors. However, articles related to joint Sino-foreign archaeological projects were mostly published in CCJs. The archaeology-related articles published by Chinese scholars in WCJs occupied only a small proportion of all archaeological articles in WCJs. Compared to articles in CCJs, the number of those published by Chinese scholars in WCJs is a drop in the ocean. Therefore the internationalization is not yet a dominant trend and with the introduction of the new inward-looking policy we need more time to observe where the trends of internationalization and localization in Chinese archaeology are heading.
Numerical simulation of transient pipe flow with entrapped air and wet bed effects
Authors: Wang Chunling , Xu Tibing , Wang Yin , Li Jiajia , Zhang Chenhui
Published: June 2023

In this study, the evolution of transient pipe flow along the wet bed is numerically investigated. In the investigation, the shear stress transport k-ω model is used and the volume of fluid method is employed to track the surface of air and water. Two key parameters in the flow as upstream head H and initial water depth h in the pipe are examined. It is found that the bottom stress is significantly affected by the two parameters. The upstream head H determines the magnitude of the shear force, and the downstream water depth in the pipe affects the stability of the shear force. The boundary layer separation and flow pattern are the essential causes of shear instability. By analyzing the simulation results, an empirical equation with the average flow velocity is obtained to estimate the overflow capacity of the pipe by just the upstream water level and the depth of the wet bed.
Computational analysis of H/D isotope effect on adsorption of water and its dissociated species on Pt(111) surface
Authors: Nasu Kazuma , Sakagami Hiroki , Kanematsu Yusuke , Rivera Rocabado David S. , Shimazaki Tomomi , Tachikawa Masanori , Ishimoto Takayoshi
Published: June 2023

To understand the mechanism of the H–D exchange reaction for synthesizing various deuterium-labeled molecules on heterogeneous metal catalysts as a first step, we analyzed the effects of H/D isotopes on the adsorption of H2O/D2O and their dissociated OH/OD and H/D species on the Pt(111) surface. We applied the combined plane-wave and localized basis set method developed by us to directly treat the electronic structures of the surface and the localized adsorbed region and the nuclear quantum effect of H and D. The results showed that the adsorption energies for the D-compounds on the Pt surface were larger than those for the H-compounds. This is in keeping with the experimental observations. The difference in the distance between the adsorbates and the Pt surface induced by the H/D isotope effect depends on the bonding characteristics. While the distance between D2O and the Pt surface was longer than that in the H2O case, the distance between the D atom and the Pt surface was shorter than that for the H atom. This is the first report on the geometrical differences between H and D based on a systematic analysis of water and its dissociated species.
HER2 in uterine serous carcinoma: Current state and clinical perspectives
Authors: Navarro Sanchez Janira M , Finkelman Brian S , Turner Bradley M , Katerji Hani , Wang Xi , Varghese Sharlin , Wang Tiannan , Peng Yan , Hicks David G , Zhang Huina
Published: June 2023

Objectives

Uterine cancer has the highest incidence and the second-highest mortality rate among gynecologic malignancies in the United States. Although uterine serous carcinoma (USC) represents less than 10% of endometrial carcinomas, it accounts for a disproportionate 50% of tumor relapses and 40% of endometrial cancer deaths. Over the past decade, clinical trials have focused on finding better treatments for this aggressive subtype of endometrial cancer, especially HER2-targeted therapy.

Methods

We conducted a literature search in PubMed to expand the understanding of HER2 in USC.

Results

HER2 has been established as an important biomarker with prognostic and therapeutic implications in USC. Intratumoral heterogeneity and lateral/basolateral membranous staining of HER2 as well as high discordance between HER2 immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization are more common in USC than in breast carcinoma. Therefore, a universal HER2 testing and scoring system more suitable to endometrial cancer is needed and currently under investigation.

Conclusions

This review discusses the clinical perspective of HER2 overexpression/gene amplification in USC, the distinct HER2 staining pattern and the evaluation of HER2 in USC, the resistance mechanisms of HER2-targeted therapy in HER2-positive cancers, and likely areas of future investigation.
Shared pedigree relationships and transmission of unreduced gametes in cultivated banana
Authors: Martin Guillaume , Baurens Franc-Christophe , Labadie Karine , Hervouet Catherine , Salmon Frédéric , Marius Franck , Paulo-de-la-Reberdiere Nilda , Van den Houwe Ines , Aury Jean-Marc , D’Hont Angélique , Yahiaoui Nabila
Published: June 2023

Background and Aims

Cultivated bananas resulted from inter(sub)specific hybridizations involving Musa species and subspecies (M. acuminata subspecies, M. schizocarpa, M. balbisiana) and the subsequent selection, centuries ago, of hybrids with parthenocarpic, seedless fruits. Cultivars have low fertility and are vegetatively propagated, forming groups of somaclones. Relatively few of them, mainly triploids, are grown on a large scale and characterization of their parental relationships may be useful for breeding strategies. Here we investigate parental relationships and gamete-type contributions among diploid and polyploid banana cultivars.

Methods

We used SNP genotyping data from whole-genome sequencing of 178 banana individuals, including 111 cultivars, 55 wild bananas and 12 synthetic F1 hybrids. We analysed the proportion of SNP sites in accordance with direct parentage with a global statistic and along chromosomes for selected individuals.

Key Results

We characterized parentage relationships for 7 diploid cultivars, 11 triploid cultivars and 1 tetraploid cultivar. Results showed that both diploid and triploid cultivars could have contributed gametes to other banana cultivars. Diploids may have contributed 1x or 2x gametes and triploids 1x to 3x gametes. The Mchare diploid cultivar group, nowadays only found in East Africa, was found as parent of two diploid and eight triploid cultivars. In five of its identified triploid offspring, corresponding to main export or locally popular dessert bananas, Mchare contributed a 2x gamete with full genome restitution without recombination. Analyses of remaining haplotypes in these Mchare offspring suggested ancestral pedigree relationships between different interspecific banana cultivars.

Conclusions

The current cultivated banana resulted from different pathways of formation, with implication of recombined or un-recombined unreduced gametes produced by diploid or triploid cultivars. Identification of dessert banana’s parents and the types of gametes they contributed should support the design of breeding strategies.
Beyond health-related quality of life: initial psychometric validation of a new scale for addressing the gap in assessing the full range of alopecia areata psychosocial burden
Authors: Gorbatenko-Roth Kristina , Wood Sarah , Johnson Mattea , Wallander Irmina , Nugent Jaime , Hordinsky Maria
Published: June 2023

Background

Patients with alopecia areata (AA) report a broad range of psychosocial outcomes beyond those assessed in existing health-related quality of life measures. Yet, to date, no psychometrically validated scale based on patient-reported outcomes (PROs) appears to exist to comprehensively measure these AA-specific psychosocial outcomes.

Objectives

The objective of this study was to develop such a scale, the Scale of Alopecia Areata Distress (SAAD), and to provide its initial validation evidence.

Methods

Using existing qualitative research on PROs for patients with AA, a pool of 144 items was generated and subsequently reviewed for relevance, redundancy, clarity and comprehensiveness by subject matter experts in AA psychosocial impacts and the research team. This review resulted in a reduced pool of 122 items, which was then administered to adult patients with AA residing in the USA. Exploratory Factor Analysis using Principal Axis Factoring extraction with oblique rotation identified the SAAD’s underlying factor structure. To reduce the SAAD item length, additional item-reduction strategies were used.

Results

There were 392 participants who responded to the 122 items, each with four or fewer missing item responses. Three iterations of the data analysis plan resulted in a 41-item SAAD with seven underlying factors of psychosocial impact: Emotional and Cognitive Functioning, Romantic Relationships, Family Relationships, Primary Life Responsibilities, Non-Primary Life Responsibility Activities, Stigma, and Self-Perception Change. Each factor demonstrated acceptable to high levels of internal consistency reliability.

Conclusions

Initial validation evidence of the SAAD-41 scale supports its potential as a comprehensive measure of AA-related psychosocial distress for US-based adults. Further scale validation is needed.
Improved deep mixed kernel randomized network for wind speed prediction
Authors: Rayi Vijaya Krishna , Bisoi Ranjeeta , Mishra S P , Dash P K
Published: June 2023

Forecasting wind speed is an extremely complicated and challenging problem due to its chaotic nature and its dependence on several atmospheric conditions. Although there are several intelligent techniques in the literature for wind speed prediction, their accuracies are not yet very reliable. Therefore, in this paper, a new hybrid intelligent technique named the deep mixed kernel random vector functional-link network auto-encoder (AE) is proposed for wind speed prediction. The proposed method eliminates manual tuning of hidden nodes with random weights and biases, providing prediction model generalization and representation learning. This reduces reconstruction error due to the exact inversion of the kernel matrix, unlike the pseudo-inverse in a random vector functional-link network, and shortens the execution time. Furthermore, the presence of a direct link from the input to the output reduces the complexity of the prediction model and improves the prediction accuracy. The kernel parameters and coefficients of the mixed kernel system are optimized using a new chaotic sine–cosine Levy flight optimization technique. The lowest errors in terms of mean absolute error (0.4139), mean absolute percentage error (4.0081), root mean square error (0.4843), standard deviation error (1.1431) and index of agreement (0.9733) prove the efficiency of the proposed model in comparison with other deep learning models such as deep AEs, deep kernel extreme learning machine AEs, deep kernel random vector functional-link network AEs, benchmark models such as least square support vector machine, autoregressive integrated moving average, extreme learning machines and their hybrid models along with different state-of-the-art methods.
Hypomagnesemia: a potential underlooked cause of persistent vitamin D deficiency in chronic kidney disease
Authors: Matias Patrícia , Ávila Gonçalo , Ferreira Ana Carina , Laranjinha Ivo , Ferreira Aníbal
Published: June 2023

Magnesium and vitamin D play important roles in most cells of the body. These nutrients act in a coordinated fashion to maintain physiologic functions of various organs, and their abnormal balance could adversely affect these functions. Therefore, deficient states of both nutrients may lead to several chronic medical conditions and increased cardiovascular and all-cause mortality. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients have altered metabolism of both magnesium and vitamin D. Some studies indicate that magnesium could have a role in the synthesis and metabolism of vitamin D, and that magnesium supplementation substantially reversed the resistance to vitamin D treatment in some clinical situations. Recent observational studies also found that magnesium intake significantly interacted with vitamin D status and, particularly with the risk of cardiovascular mortality. It is therefore essential to ensure adequate levels of magnesium to obtain the optimal benefits of vitamin D supplementation in CKD patients. In this review, we discuss magnesium physiology, magnesium and vitamin D metabolism in CKD, potential metabolic interactions between magnesium and vitamin D and its clinical relevance, as well as the possible role of magnesium supplementation to assure adequate vitamin D levels.
The Hand Behind the Invisible Hand: Reflections on a Recurring Theme in Classical Liberal Political Economy
Authors: Lewis Paul
Published: June 2023

This article is a review essay of Karl Mittermaier’s ‘The Hand Behind the Invisible Hand’, first written as a PhD thesis that was submitted in 1987 and finally published in 2020. The essay examines the main question upon which Mittermaier focuses, namely, whether the institutional framework required for spontaneous market order to arise itself also arises spontaneously, via an invisible hand process, or whether it must instead be deliberately created by the visible hand of the state. The essay considers Mittermaier’s analysis of how this issue is addressed in the work of Adam Smith, James Buchanan, Walter Eucken, Friedrich Hayek, and Henry Simons. It also adds some reflections about the issue arising from the work of Elinor Ostrom.
Modulation of lncRNA links endothelial glycocalyx to vascular dysfunction of tyrosine kinase inhibitor
Authors: Nukala Sarath Babu , Jousma Jordan , Yan Gege , Han Zhenbo , Kwon Youjeong , Cho Yoonje , Liu Chuyu , Gagnon Keith , Pinho Sandra , Rehman Jalees , Shao Ning-Yi , Ong Sang-Bing , Lee Won Hee , Ong Sang-Ging
Published: June 2023

Aims

Novel cancer therapies leading to increased survivorship of cancer patients have been negated by a concomitant rise in cancer therapies-related cardiovascular toxicities. Sunitinib, a first line multi-receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor, has been reported to cause vascular dysfunction although the initiating mechanisms contributing to this side effect remain unknown. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are emerging regulators of biological processes in endothelial cells (ECs); however, their roles in cancer therapies-related vascular toxicities remain underexplored.

Methods and results

We performed lncRNA expression profiling to identify potential lncRNAs that are dysregulated in human-induced pluripotent stem cell-derived ECs (iPSC-ECs) treated with sunitinib. We show that the lncRNA hyaluronan synthase 2 antisense 1 (HAS2-AS1) is significantly diminished in sunitinib-treated iPSC-ECs. Sunitinib was found to down-regulate HAS2-AS1 by an epigenetic mechanism involving hypermethylation. Depletion of HAS2-AS1 recapitulated sunitinib-induced detrimental effects on iPSC-ECs, whereas CRISPR-mediated activation of HAS2-AS1 reversed sunitinib-induced dysfunction. We confirmed that HAS2-AS1 stabilizes the expression of its sense gene HAS2 via an RNA/mRNA heteroduplex formation. Knockdown of HAS2-AS1 led to reduced synthesis of hyaluronic acid (HA) and up-regulation of ADAMTS5, an enzyme involved in extracellular matrix degradation, resulting in disruption of the endothelial glycocalyx which is critical for ECs. In vivo, sunitinib-treated mice showed reduced coronary flow reserve, accompanied by a reduction in Has2os and degradation of the endothelial glycocalyx. Finally, we identified that treatment with high molecular-weight HA can prevent the deleterious effects of sunitinib both in vitro and in vivo by preserving the endothelial glycocalyx.

Conclusions

Our findings highlight the importance of lncRNA-mediated regulation of the endothelial glycocalyx as an important determinant of sunitinib-induced vascular toxicity and reveal potential novel therapeutic avenues to attenuate sunitinib-induced vascular dysfunction.
Racial and Ethnic Differences in Self-Reported COVID-19 Exposure Risks, Concerns, and Behaviors Among Diverse Participants in the Women’s Health Initiative Study
Authors: Bennett Serenity J , Hunt Rebecca P , Breathett Khadijah , Eaton Charles B , Garcia Lorena , Jiménez Monik , Johns Tanya S , Mouton Charles P , Nassir Rami , Nuño Tomas , Urrutia Rachel P , Wactawski-Wende Jean , Cené Crystal W
Published: June 2023

Background

Racial and ethnic disparities in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) risk are well-documented; however, few studies in older adults have examined multiple factors related to COVID-19 exposure, concerns, and behaviors or conducted race- and ethnicity-stratified analyses. The Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) provides a unique opportunity to address those gaps.

Methods

We conducted a secondary analysis of WHI data from a supplemental survey of 48 492 older adults (mean age 84 years). In multivariable-adjusted modified Poisson regression analyses, we examined predisposing factors and COVID-19 exposure risk, concerns, and behaviors. We hypothesized that women from minoritized racial or ethnic groups, compared to non-Hispanic White women, would be more likely to report: exposure to COVID-19, a family or friend dying from COVID-19, difficulty getting routine medical care or deciding to forego care to avoid COVID-19 exposure, and having concerns about the COVID-19 pandemic.

Results

Asian women and non-Hispanic Black/African American women had a higher risk of being somewhat/very concerned about risk of getting COVID-19 compared to non-Hispanic White women and each was significantly more likely than non-Hispanic White women to report forgoing medical care to avoid COVID-19 exposure. However, Asian women were 35% less likely than non-Hispanic White women to report difficulty getting routine medical care since March 2020 (adjusted relative risk 0.65; 95% confidence interval 0.57, 0.75).

Conclusions

We documented COVID-related racial and ethnic disparities in COVID-19 exposure risk, concerns, and care-related behaviors that disfavored minoritized racial and ethnic groups, particularly non-Hispanic Black/African American women.
The customer is always right: the policy research arena in international mediation
Authors: Nathan Laurie
Published: June 2023

This article examines the influence of research on international mediation. It refutes claims that mediation research has not influenced policy and practice. On the contrary, it shows that the United Nations, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) and other policy-makers are not only receptive to mediation research but proactively commission and disseminate research. The article argues that the mediation policy research arena resembles an oligopsony, which is an imperfect competitive market with a small number of important buyers and a large number of sellers. Consequently, transaction power lies with the policymakers, and the policy research arena is geared to meeting their preferences. They have a utilitarian preference for problem-solving research that enhances the effectiveness of mediation. They have a methodological preference for comparative case-studies that include interviews with mediators, and do not regard quantitative analysis as useful. In terms of transmission processes, they favour commissioned research tailored to meet their needs. They expect commissioned research to conform to their norms, serve a specified purpose, reflect a deep understanding of mediation, and make proposals that are functionally sound, politically appropriate and financially viable. The bottom line for mediation researchers is that they are most likely to influence policy and practice if they meet the knowledge requirements of the intended recipients of their research.
Knowledge production on mediation: practice-oriented, but not practice-relevant?
Authors: Hellmüller Sara
Published: June 2023

International mediation has become a standard response to armed conflicts, reflected in an expanding research agenda on the topic. This article examines the alleged disconnect between practice and research on mediation. It analyses articles published in highly ranked academic journals and provides insights on who produces knowledge on mediation, how such knowledge is produced and what knowledge is produced. It shows that western male scholars produce the majority of scholarly research on mediation; that positivist approaches dominate these analyses and that most publications theorize about reasons for mediation success. Through this analysis, the article demonstrates that while high-impact mediation research is practice-oriented in that most contributions examine how to make it more effective, its practice-relevance could be strengthened in three ways: by increasing the diversity of perspectives, by adding more interpretive and qualitative approaches and by producing more critical research. The article demonstrates that broader mediation research published in more specialized journals, books and the policy literature contributes to filling these gaps. It therefore nuances the presumed disconnect between mediation research and practice. Overall, the article provides a thorough review of knowledge production on mediation and adds to discussions on diversity and the critical potential of the broader field of peace studies.
China and the liberal international order: a pragmatic and dynamic approach
Authors: Liu Ruonan , Yang Songpo
Published: June 2023

How can we make sense of China's perceptions of and relationship with the liberal international order (LIO)? The majority of notable works on this topic have been written by foreign scholars who emphasize China's discontent with, or challenges it poses to, the LIO, while Chinese scholars have either focused solely on academic debates or attempted to interpret official foreign policies. This article aims to provide a balanced analysis of China's view of order by examining theoretical thought and policy practices from a Chinese perspective, drawing insights from both Chinese academic writings and government statements. We argue that there exists a perceptual difference between China and the West in understanding the postwar international order, with China emphasizing the functional part of the order and the West regarding it as based on its preferred ideological values. This perceptual difference has caused international suspicion about China's potential intentions to overthrow the LIO. In practice, China's approach has remained pragmatic, interacting dynamically with different subcomponents of the LIO. Although China's recent interactions with the LIO appear more ambitious, internal and external constraints, insufficient capacity, and lack of universally appealing values are preventing the birth of a Chinese version of international order.
Male and Gender-Diverse Victims of Sexual Violence in the Rohingya Genocide: The Selective Narrative of International Courts
Authors: Hospodaryk Victoria
Published: June 2023

ABSTRACT∞

For the approximately one million Rohingya forced to flee Myanmar since October 2016, unfolding proceedings in both the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and the International Criminal Court (ICC) present potential avenues for securing justice. Yet, for male and gender-diverse victims of sexual violence, whose experiences have historically been overlooked in international criminal law, justice requires recognition of all the crimes committed against them. This article demonstrates that the burgeoning narrative of events constructed in and by both the ICJ and the ICC is one which sidelines the experiences of male and gender-diverse victims of sexual violence. By comparing publicly available filings and decisions of the ICJ and the ICC with reports produced by UN bodies and nongovernmental organizations, and drawing upon insights gained from interviews with lawyers working with the Rohingya, I expose the gaps in the emerging narrative of Rohingya victimization and explain the reasons behind them.
Intraductal papilloma arising in ectopic breast tissue within the axillary region
Authors: Davrayev Michael , Teng Teng , Asarian Armand , Genato Romulo , Xiao Philip
Published: June 2023

Intraductal papilloma arising within breast tissue is relatively a common pathology. However, it is rare to find a papilloma within ectopic breast tissue. To our understanding there have been only a few reports of this. Here, we present a rare case of extranodal Intraductal papilloma within axillary ectopic breast tissue.
On the large scale morphology of Hercules A: destabilized hot jets?
Authors: Perucho Manel , López-Miralles Jose , Gizani Nectaria A B , Martí José María , Boccardi Bia
Published: June 2023

Extragalactic jets are generated as bipolar outflows at the nuclei of active galaxies. Depending on their morphology, they are classified as Fanaroff–Riley type I (FRI) (centre-brightened) and Fanaroff–Riley type II (FRII) (edge-brightened) radio jets. However, this division is not sharp, and observations of these sources at large scales often show intermediate jet morphologies or even hybrid jet morphologies with a FRI type jet on one side and a FRII type jet on the other. A good example of a radio galaxy that is difficult to classify as FRI or FRII is Hercules A. This source shows jets with bright radio lobes (a common feature of FRII type jets) albeit without the hotspots indicative of the violent interaction between the jet and the ambient medium at the impact region, because the jets seem to be disrupted inside the lobes at a distance from the bow shocks surrounding the lobes. In this paper, we explore the jet physics that could trigger this peculiar morphology by means of three-dimensional relativisitic hydrodynamical simulations. Our results show that the large-scale morphological features of Hercules A jets and lobes can be reproduced by the propagation of a relativistically hot plasma outflow that is disrupted by helical instability modes, and generates a hot lobe that expands isotropically against the pressure-decreasing intergalactic medium. We also discuss the implications that this result may have for the host active nucleus in terms of a possible transition from high-excitation to low-excitation galaxy modes.
Revealing the frequency-dependent oscillations in the nonlinear terahertz response induced by the Josephson current
Authors: Zhang Sijie , Sun Zhiyuan , Liu Qiaomei , Wang Zixiao , Wu Qiong , Yue Li , Xu Shuxiang , Hu Tianchen , Li Rongsheng , Zhou Xinyu , Yuan Jiayu , Gu Genda , Dong Tao , Wang Nanlin
Published: June 2023

Nonlinear responses of superconductors to intense terahertz radiation has been an active research frontier. Using terahertz pump-terahertz probe spectroscopy, we investigate the c-axis nonlinear optical response of a high-temperature superconducting cuprate. After excitation by a single-cycle terahertz pump pulse, the reflectivity of the probe pulse oscillates as the pump-probe delay is varied. Interestingly, the oscillatory central frequency scales linearly with the probe frequency, a fact widely overlooked in pump-probe experiments. By theoretically solving the nonlinear optical reflection problem on the interface, we show that our observation is well explained by the Josephson-type third-order nonlinear electrodynamics, together with the emission coefficient from inside the material into free space. The latter results in a strong enhancement of the emitted signal whose physical frequency is around the Josephson plasma edge. Our result offers a benchmark for and new insights into strong-field terahertz spectroscopy of related quantum materials.
3D micropattern force triggers YAP nuclear entry by transport across nuclear pores and modulates stem cells paracrine
Authors: Li Yan , Zhong Zhenyu , Xu Cunjing , Wu Xiaodan , Li Jiaqi , Tao Weiyong , Wang Jianglin , Du Yingying , Zhang Shengmin
Published: June 2023

Biophysical cues of the cellular microenvironment tremendously influence cell behavior by mechanotransduction. However, it is still unclear how cells sense and transduce the mechanical signals from 3D geometry to regulate cell function. Here, the mechanotransduction of human mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) triggered by 3D micropatterns and its effect on the paracrine of MSCs are systematically investigated. Our findings show that 3D micropattern force could influence the spatial reorganization of the cytoskeleton, leading to different local forces which mediate nucleus alteration such as orientation, morphology, expression of Lamin A/C and chromatin condensation. Specifically, in the triangular prism and cuboid micropatterns, the ordered F-actin fibers are distributed over and fully transmit compressive forces to the nucleus, which results in nuclear flattening and stretching of nuclear pores, thus enhancing the nuclear import of YES-associated protein (YAP). Furthermore, the activation of YAP significantly enhances the paracrine of MSCs and upregulates the secretion of angiogenic growth factors. In contrast, the fewer compressive forces on the nucleus in cylinder and cube micropatterns cause less YAP entering the nucleus. The skin repair experiment provides the first in vivo evidence that enhanced MSCs paracrine by 3D geometry significantly promotes tissue regeneration. The current study contributes to understanding the in-depth mechanisms of mechanical signals affecting cell function and provides inspiration for innovative design of biomaterials.
Salmonella Combination Vaccines: Moving Beyond Typhoid
Authors: MacLennan Calman A , Stanaway Jeffrey , Grow Stephanie , Vannice Kirsten , Steele A Duncan
Published: June 2023

There is now a robust pipeline of licensed and World Health Organization (WHO)–prequalified typhoid conjugate vaccines with a steady progression of national introductions. However, typhoid fever is responsible for less than half the total global burden of Salmonella disease, and even less among children aged <5 years. Invasive nontyphoidal Salmonella disease is the dominant clinical presentation of Salmonella in Africa, and over a quarter of enteric fever in Asia is due to paratyphoid A. In this article, we explore the case for combination Salmonella vaccines, review the current pipeline of these vaccines, and discuss key considerations for their development, including geographies of use, age of administration, and pathways to licensure. While a trivalent typhoid/nontyphoidal Salmonella vaccine is attractive for Africa, and a bivalent enteric fever vaccine for Asia, a quadrivalent vaccine covering the 4 main disease-causing serovars of Salmonella enterica would provide a single vaccine option for global Salmonella coverage.
Genomic Surveillance of Salmonella Paratyphi A: Neglected No More?
Authors: Hooda Yogesh , Tanmoy Arif Mohammad , Saha Samir K , Saha Senjuti
Published: June 2023

Salmonella enterica serovar Paratyphi A, the causative agent of paratyphoid fever, is a neglected tropical disease with a high burden and mortality in low- and middle-income countries. Limited information is available regarding its genomic diversity, especially from South Asian countries that are collectively responsible for >80% of all paratyphoid cases. At the 2021 International Conference on Typhoid and Other Salmonelloses, researchers from the around the globe presented their work on Salmonella Paratyphi A genomics. Presentations described recent genomic data from South Asia and the development of Paratype, an open-access single-nucleotide polymorphism–based genotyping scheme, to segregate Salmonella Paratyphi A genomes in a systematic and sustainable manner. In this review, we attempt to summarize the progress made thus far on Salmonella Paratyphi A genomics and discuss the questions that remain to better understand the pathogen and develop interventions to fight it.
Implementing a Rapid Antiretroviral Therapy Program Using Starter Packs for Emergency Department Patients Diagnosed With HIV Infection
Authors: White Douglas A E , Jewett Montana , Burns Molly , Godoy Ashley , Basham Kellie , Makinde Omobolaji , Anderson Erik
Published: June 2023

Background

Emergency departments (ED) have been identified as essential partners in the national plan to end the HIV epidemic. The initiation of rapid antiretroviral therapy (ART) may be an important strategy to minimize the treatment barriers faced by many ED patients diagnosed with HIV.

Methods

We describe the implementation and outcomes of a protocol to provide rapid ART by using starter packs for eligible ED patients testing HIV antigen/antibody (Ag/Ab) reactive. Eligible patients were not pregnant, were unlikely to have a false-positive Ag/Ab test result, were discharged home, were ART naive, had acceptable liver and renal function, lacked symptoms of an opportunistic infection, and were judged to be a good candidate.

Results

During the 1-year study period, 10 606 HIV tests were performed, and 106 patients were HIV Ag/Ab reactive and assessed for ED rapid ART eligibility. Thirty-one patients (29.2%) were eligible for ED rapid ART; 26 (24.5%) were offered it; and 25 accepted and were provided starter packs for an overall ED rapid ART treatment rate of 23.6%. Two patients receiving ED rapid ART were confirmed to be HIV negative. Patients provided ED rapid ART were more likely to follow up by 30 days (82.6% vs 50.0%, P = .01) than patients not provided ED rapid ART. The 6-month incidence of immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome was 4.3% among the 23 patients who were HIV positive and receiving ED rapid ART.

Conclusions

The initiation of ED rapid ART for patients testing HIV Ag/Ab reactive is feasible, well accepted, and safe and may be an important facilitator of linkage to care.
“Staying in Tanzania or Returning to Burundi is all the Same”: Re-Imagining the Reintegration of Burundian Returnees
Authors: Mbazumutima Theodore
Published: June 2023

Refugee return remains the preferred approach of States, donors, and UNHCR to put an end to the refugee condition. This qualitative study uses data collected through a series of interviews in a case study of returnees to Burundi between 2017 and 2022, to explore the extent to which the current reintegration can be understood as leading to an end to protracted displacement. In achieving this, the article also asks how the global refugee regime’s current humanitarian approach to return and its sedentary framing affect these processes; and the role played by human agency and mobility, including the impact of past displacement experiences, on these processes. The study concludes that, for many, the return to Burundi, whether it is the first, second, or third return, is often not ultimately understood as a permanent move “home” leading to durable solution, but rather simply another form of forced displacement. Unsuccessful reintegration following past displacements, policies conflicting with the best interests of returnees, and humanitarian approaches to return and its sedentary framing all emerge as major drives of this failure. Consequently, the multiple identities acquired by and imposed on returnees through these processes are essential for their survival in these difficult and constantly evolving conditions.
Tenecteplase versus alteplase in treatment of acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction: A randomized non-inferiority trial
Authors: Zhao Xingshan , Zhu Yidan , Zhang Zheng , Tao Guizhou , Xu Haiyan , Cheng Guanchang , Gao Wen , Ma Liping , Qi Liping , Yan Xiaoyan , Wang Haibo , Xia Qingde , Yang Yuwang , Li Wanke , Rong Juwen , Wang Limei , Ding Yutian , Guo Qiang , Dang Wanjun , Yao Chen , Yang Qin , Gao Runlin , Wu Yangfeng , Qiao Shubin
Published: June 2023

Background:

A phase II trial on recombinant human tenecteplase tissue-type plasminogen activator (rhTNK-tPA) has previously shown its preliminary efficacy in ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients. This study was designed as a pivotal postmarketing trial to compare its efficacy and safety with rrecombinant human tissue-type plasminogen activator alteplase (rt-PA) in Chinese patients with STEMI.

Methods:

In this multicenter, randomized, open-label, non-inferiority trial, patients with acute STEMI were randomly assigned (1:1) to receive an intravenous bolus of 16 mg rhTNK-tPA or an intravenous bolus of 8 mg rt-PA followed by an infusion of 42 mg in 90 min. The primary endpoint was recanalization defined by thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) flow grade 2 or 3. The secondary endpoint was clinically justified recanalization. Other endpoints included 30-day major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (MACCEs) and safety endpoints.

Results:

From July 2016 to September 2019, 767 eligible patients were randomly assigned to receive rhTNK-tPA (n = 384) or rt-PA (n = 383). Among them, 369 patients had coronary angiography data on TIMI flow, and 711 patients had data on clinically justified recanalization. Both used a –15% difference as the non-inferiority efficacy margin. In comparison to rt-PA, both the proportion of patients with TIMI grade 2 or 3 flow (78.3% [148/189] vs. 81.7% [147/180]; differences: –3.4%; 95% confidence interval [CI]: –11.5%, 4.8%) and clinically justified recanalization (85.4% [305/357] vs. 85.9% [304/354]; difference: –0.5%; 95% CI: –5.6%, 4.7%) in the rhTNK-tPA group were non-inferior. The occurrence of 30-day MACCEs (10.2% [39/384] vs. 11.0% [42/383]; hazard ratio: 0.96; 95% CI: 0.61, 1.50) did not differ significantly between groups. No safety outcomes significantly differed between groups.

Conclusion:

rhTNK-tPA was non-inferior to rt-PA in the effect of improving recanalization of the infarct-related artery, a validated surrogate of clinical outcomes, among Chinese patients with acute STEMI.

Trial registration:

www.ClinicalTrials.gov (No. NCT02835534).
The genetic background of female reproductive disorders: a systematic review
Authors: Doulgeraki Triada , Papageorgopoulou Maria , Iliodromiti Stamatina
Published: June 2023

Purpose of review

Reproductive function is the interplay between environmental factors and the genetic footprint of each individual. The development in genetic analysis has strengthened its role in the investigation of female reproductive disorders, potential treatment options and provision of personalized care. Despite the increasing requirement of genetic testing, the evidence of the gene–disease relationships (GDR) is limited. We performed a systematic review exploring the associations between the most frequent female reproductive endocrine disorders associated with subfertility [including polycystic ovaries syndrome (PCOS), premature ovarian failure (POI) and hypogonadotropic hypogonadism] and their genetic background in order to summarize current knowledge.

Methods

A systematic review of relevant literature in accordance with PRISMA guidelines was conducted until July 2022. Data sources that were used are PubMed and Embase.

Recent findings

A total of 55 studies were included from the 614 articles identified in the original search. We identified 384 genes associated with one or more of the included female reproductive disorders. The highest number of genes was found to be associated with POI (N = 209), followed by hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (N = 88) and PCOS (N = 87). Four genes, including FSHR, LHβ, LEPR and SF1 were associated with multiple reproductive disorders implying common pathways in the development of those diseases.

We provide an up-to-date summary of the currently known genes that are associated with three female reproductive disorders (PCOS, POI and hypogonadotropic hypogonadism). The role of genetic analysis in the field of impaired female reproduction may have a role in the diagnosis of female reproductive disorders and personalized patient care.
Pelvic abscess – to drain or not to drain?
Authors: Strong Sophie Michelle , Lazanakis Stylianos Michail , Ball Elizabeth
Published: June 2023

Purpose of review

Pelvic abscess is a common gynaecological condition, particularly during and after the Covid-19 pandemic, possibly resulting from obstacles to accessing care during this time. To date, no consensus guideline on management exists with a lack of applicable randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing medical management with antibiotics alone, image-guided drainage and surgical management, despite this being a potentially life-threatening condition.

Recent findings

We present the current literature assessing risks, which contribute to failure of medical therapy, predictive models to guide management and reports of long-term sequelae. Consideration for early laparoscopic or image-guided drainage should be given to women in whom fertility is a priority, pelvic abscess at least 7 cm, white blood cell count on admission more than 16 x 1000/μl, bilateral pelvic abscess, intrauterine device in situ for more than 5.5 years and preexisting endometrioma. Pelvic abscess rupture or severe sepsis should always trigger timely drainage.

We present the current knowledge on management of pelvic abscesses to help guide clinical practice supported by the most recent evidence. We report the lack of high-quality evidence for many aspects of pelvic abscess treatment and call for well designed large multicentre RCTs to answer the question of which treatment yields the best outcomes.
A standardized scoring system for conflict of interest determination and mitigation for AASLD-sponsored continuing medical education events
Authors: Cohen Stanley Martin , Ahn Joseph
Published: June 2023

Continuing medical education (CME) is essential to increase the knowledge, skills, and professional performance of health care providers. To keep the content of CME relevant and balanced, conflict of interest (COI) determination and mitigation is essential. While the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education provides oversight and guidelines, each organization that sponsors CME programs has its own protocol for COI. To standardize and simplify the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases' approach to COI, we propose a standardized COI disclosure scoring system for all CME programs to notify the audience of any conflicts and how such conflicts can be mitigated.
Research Progress on the Potential Mechanisms of Acute Kidney Injury and Chronic Kidney Disease Induced by Proton Pump Inhibitors
Authors: Song Zhiyong , Gong Xuezhong
Published: June 2023

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are acid-suppressing medications widely used in peptic ulcers; however, their widespread use has led to many adverse renal events. Among these events, the most common form of acute kidney injury (AKI) is acute interstitial nephritis (AIN), which is the clinical manifestation. Several clinical trials and cohort studies have shown a significant relationship between PPIs and AKI induction; however, the pathogenesis of PPIs leading to AKI is unclear. In this paper, we reviewed the potential mechanisms by which PPIs cause AKI and proposed new conjectures. We considered that PPIs led to the development of AKI through a combination of mechanisms. By searching and reviewing PubMed and Embase, a total of 29 studies were finally included and reviewed, and the findings suggested that the mechanisms by which PPIs induce AKI are mainly related to oxidative stress, immune response, inflammatory response, mitochondrial damage, calcium overload, and the induction of cellular necrosis. In addition, tubular cell necrosis can cause tubulointerstitial fibrosis and progressive renal unit loss. Long-term follow-up observations also suggested that PPIs can contribute to AKI progression to chronic kidney disease (CKD). Therefore, we will also explore the potential link between PPIs and CKD.
Blessings and barriers: Achieving autonomous practice in Florida
Authors: Stone-Gale Vicky
Published: June 2023

Florida advanced practice registered nurses have worked tirelessly for many years to practice to the fullest extent of their training and education, yet medical associations halted any progress they have tried to make. In the 2020 legislative session, House Bill 607, the Direct Care Workers bill was finally passed, allowing nurse practitioners who practice in specific primary care areas to practice autonomously. This still requires many Advanced Practice Registered Nurses in the state to have a collaborative practice agreement. Therefore, there is more work to be done to remove those practice barriers.
Minimal condition repetitions required in rapid serial visual presentation decoding paradigms
Authors: Grootswagers Tijl
Published: June 2023

Rapid Serial Visual Presentation (RSVP) decoding paradigms allow testing a greater number of conditions than was previously possible within short experimental sessions. However, in these designs individual neural responses may be more susceptible to noise due to responses overlapping with adjacent epochs. This study investigates the minimum number of repetitions required for reliable decoding accuracies in RSVP decoding paradigms. We used previously published EEG data and conducted a standard decoding analysis while varying the number of repetitions used. We found that it is possible to obtain reliable decoding accuracies with only around six repetitions of each condition, which has important implications for research questions that require short experiments, particularly for studying populations who may not be able to tolerate longer or more demanding protocols. These findings highlight the potential benefits of using efficient RSVP decoding designs and conducting short experiments and may have far-reaching impacts in cognitive neuroscience, by providing insights into optimizing data collection methods for diverse populations and experimental protocols.