bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Visual Upward/Downward Motion Elicits Fast and Fluent High-/Low-Pitched Speech Production
Authors: Suzuki Yusuke , Nagai Masayoshi
Published: November 2024

Participants tend to produce a higher or lower vocal pitch in response to upward or downward visual motion, suggesting a pitch–motion correspondence between the visual and speech production processes. However, previous studies were contaminated by factors such as the meaning of vocalized words and the intrinsic pitch or tongue movements associated with the vowels. To address these issues, we examined the pitch–motion correspondence between simple visual motion and pitched speech production. Participants were required to produce a high- or low-pitched meaningless single vowel [a] in response to the upward or downward direction of a visual motion stimulus. Using a single vowel, we eliminated the artifacts related to the meaning, intrinsic pitch, and tongue movements of multiple vocalized vowels. The results revealed that vocal responses were faster when the pitch corresponded to the visual motion (consistent condition) than when it did not (inconsistent condition). This result indicates that the pitch–motion correspondence in speech production does not depend on the stimulus meaning, intrinsic pitch, or tongue movement of the vocalized words. In other words, the present study suggests that the pitch–motion correspondence can be explained more parsimoniously as an association between simple sensory (visual motion) and motoric (vocal pitch) features. Additionally, acoustic analysis revealed that speech production aligned with visual motion exhibited lower stress, greater confidence, and higher vocal fluency.
A taxonomic correction of Impatiens (Balsaminaceae) in Xizang, China—The record of Impatiens bracteata is a misidentification of I. darjeekhandui
Authors: YUAN TAO-HUA , WANG ZI , SHEN CAI-QUAN , HU GUANG-WAN , PENG SHUAI
Published: November 2024

N/A
Erratum: WEN-ZHUAN HUANG, TIAN-XIONG ZHENG, YU-HUAN WU& MENG-JIE YU (2024)Dicranum nepalense (Dicranaceae, Dicranales), a new species with fragile leaves from Nepal Himalayas. Phytotaxa 666 (1): 51–58.
Authors: HUANG WEN-ZHUAN , ZHENG TIAN-XIONG , WU YU-HUAN , YU MENG-JIE
Published: November 2024

N/A
Rare Pleurotus species with veiled basidiomata from the Neotropics: neotypification of Pleurotus magnificus and epityfication of Pleurotus rickii
Authors: BITTENCOURT FELIPE , DREWINSKI MARIANA DE PAULA , MENOLLI JR. NELSON , DRECHSLER-SANTOS ELISANDRO RICARDO
Published: November 2024

Knowledge of Pleurotus in Brazil dates back to the 19th century, when European mycologists studied and described numerous Neotropical taxa. Some of these long-described species remain poorly known, mostly due to the lack of recent records, detailed morphological descriptions, and molecular data. During field surveys in Southeast and Southern Brazil, specimens of two rare Pleurotus species with veiled basidiomata, i.e. P. magnificus and P. rickii, were collected. These species are recorded for the first time in the state of Santa Catarina, Brazil, and P. magnificus for the first time in the states of Minas Gerais, Paraná and São Paulo. Updated and detailed morphological descriptions are provided. DNA sequences of the ITS and nLSU molecular markers were obtained for both species, and phylogenetic analyses were conducted to explore their relationships within Pleurotus. A neotype is designated for P. magnificus, and a lectotype and epitype are designated for P. rickii.
Eugenia pulcherrima (Myrteae, Myrtaceae) in southeastern Brazil: extended description, lectotypification and geographical notes
Authors: SILVA EVERTON DIEGO CORRÊA DA , MARUYAMA ADRIANO DA SILVA DE CICCO , VALDEMARIN KARINNE SAMPAIO , DENARDI VINÍCIUS LUVIZOTTO , CINOSI LINA PASTOR , MAZINE FIORELLA FERNANDA
Published: November 2024

During the analysis of Eugenia collections from São Paulo state and after extensive study and field campaigns to collect complete botanical materials, new records of Eugenia pulcherrima (Eugeniinae, Myrteae, Myrtaceae) were determined. Eugenia pulcherrima is characterized by the presence of ferruginous trichomes, a feature rare among other species in Eugenia section Eugenia. This species also exhibits showy and hairy cataphylls that are deciduous with age, hairy young leaves and floral parts, discolorous and strongly revolute leaves. A complete description of Eugenia pulcherrima is presented, including the first description of its fruits and an expanded distribution range (which now includes Minas Gerais and São Paulo states, besides Rio de Janeiro). A conservation reassessment is provided, and lectotypification is proposed. Additionally, field images of the species are presented for the first time, along with data about the colleters in the inflorescences and insights into its seed propagation.
Taxonomical and biological notes on Argentoleon irrigatus (Gerstaecker) (Neuroptera: Myrmeleontidae)
Authors: GIRELLI MARIA EDUARDA , TAVARES LEON GUSTAVO MIRANDA , MACHADO RENATO JOSE PIRES
Published: November 2024

Argentoleon irrigatus (Gerstaecker), is a common antlion species, but with sparse figures and incomplete location records in the literature, whose genitalia and larvae remained undescribed. Herein, the adults are redescribed and immatures (larvae and pupa) are described for the first time, providing images of internal and external characters, including both male and female genitalia. The examination and illustration of these characters allowed us to better understand the position and the limits of the genus Argentoleon Stange, within the tribe Brachynemurini, including the differentiation of the larval stages of the closely related genus Austroleon Banks. Additionally, the distribution of Ar. irrigatus is updated and a map is elaborated, resulting in seven new state records for Brazil and a new country record from Colombia. Some biological aspects are also analyzed, regarding rearing in captivity and natural habitat, providing resources for future ecologic and biogeographical analyses. Furthermore, we analyzed the type specimens of the extensive synonymic list of Ar. irrigatus concluding that Austroleon stictogaster Navás, is in fact a synonym of Austroleon immitis (Walker), and not of Ar. irrigatus as currently accepted. Overall, a full taxonomic actualization of Ar. irrigatus is presented.
The second species of Triartiger Kubota (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Pselaphinae) from China’s mainland
Authors: YIN ZI-WEI , DU JING-ZHE
Published: November 2024

Triartiger jiangxinongda Yin & Du, sp. nov. (Clavigeritae: Clavigerini) is described from Meiling National Forest Park, Jiangxi, East China based on two male adults collected by a flight intercept trap, which represents the second known species of the genus from China’s mainland. The species is morphologically most similar to the recently documented T. spatulatus Yin distributed in Fujian, and differs by the relatively shorter head, differently patterned setation of the vestiture, and a more slender aedeagus.
Measuring Cognitive Effort with Translation Process Database
Authors: Jiayi Wang , Chenyixuan Xiao
Published: November 2024

The analysis and measurement of cognitive effort could be complicated when involved in translation production. And it therefore attracts researchers’ great attention to the investigation of this topic. Different from traditional data collection methods, the Translation Process Research Database (TPR-DB) utilizes the large corpus to record the translation process, including translation process data (e.g. keystrokes, fixations, mouse movements) and translation product data (e.g. ST, TT and links between tokens in both texts) from more than ten language pairs and dozens of translation and associated studies. After reviewing the studies and some findings on measuring cognitive effort with the TPR-DB, the present study proposes that features of HTra, HCross, AUs and PWR in the TPR-DB tables are frequently used as indicators for the measurement of cognitive effort during translation and post-editing processes. The attempts to measure cognitive effort with the TPR-DB have not only yielded some interesting findings but also added fresh insights to facilitate understanding and examination of cognitive effort. The present study pointed out that the TPR-DB provides a new and effective method to measure cognitive effort. It will further support and promote the future research in this field.
Pharmaceutical industry payments to healthcare professional organisations in the United Kingdom: a seven-year cross-sectional analysis of the Disclosure UK database from 2015 to 2021
Authors: Murayama Anju , Fabbri Alice , Scholfield Hannah , Ozieranski Piotr
Published: November 2024

Objectives

This study aimed to examine the size and trends in payments from the pharmaceutical industry to healthcare professional organisations (HPOs) in the United Kingdom (UK), and to characterise the conflict of interest (COI) management plans by HPOs who received large payments.

Design

Cross-sectional analysis of non-research payments disclosed in the Disclosure UK database from 2015 to 2021.

Setting

United Kingdom.

Participants

148 pharmaceutical companies disclosing payment data and HPOs receiving the largest payments.

Main outcome measures

Total value and median of payments per HPO; existence and content of COI policies among HPOs receiving the largest payments.

Results

A total of 898 HPOs received non-research payments worth £99.9 million (17.4% of non-research payments to all healthcare organisations). The median seven-year payment per HPO was £4509 (interquartile range: £943–£30,360). The annual payments nearly doubled from £9.3 million in 2015 to £17.6 million in 2021. Event payments constituted the largest share (£68.2 million, 68.2%). HPOs representing physicians received over 91.5% (£91.5 million) of all payments, while those related to endocrinology and diabetology – 16.3% (£16.3 million). Over 59.9% (£59.9 million) went to the 30 top-funded HPOs, of which only 17 (56.7%) had a publicly accessible COI policy. However, just 6 (35.3%) of these policies included provisions for payments from external organisations.

Conclusions

HPOs received nearly one-fifth of pharmaceutical company payments to the UK healthcare sector. These payments were concentrated among a small number of HPOs, which often lacked effective policies for management of COI and payments from the industry.
A spatio-temporal evolution analysis framework based on sentiment recognition for temple murals
Authors: Sun Shouqiang , Zeng Ziming , Li Qingqing
Published: November 2024

Murals are important resources for carrying cultural heritage, historical evidence and artistic memory. The sentiment of a mural is the transmission of its inner thoughts, closely related to the region and dynasty to which the mural belongs. To explore the sentiment evolution patterns of temple murals, we construct a spatio-temporal evolution analysis framework based on sentiment recognition. This framework mainly includes feature extraction, sentiment recognition and sentiment evolution analysis. First, we extract the colour features, local features, global semantic features, patch features and structure relations to represent the visual features of temple murals. Second, the semantics of spatio-temporal attributes and titles of murals are extracted through the fine-tuned BERT (Bidirectional Encoder Representations from Transformers) to enhance the feature discrimination for sentiment recognition. Third, we introduce the SMOTE (Synthetic Minority Oversampling Technique) to reduce the influence of imbalanced data and select RF (random forest) as the optimal classifier. The F1 score of the fine-grained sentiment recognition model is up to 81.37%. Finally, we collect the temple murals and reveal the characteristics and patterns of sentiment evolution from the spatial, temporal and spatio-temporal perspectives.
MR defecography: comparison of HMO system measurement between supine and lateral decubitus patient position
Authors: Nunthanawanich Auttapon , Sasiwimonphan Kewalee , Harisinghani Mukesh G. , Hantula Amaret , Chulroek Thitinan
Published: November 2024

Background

Pelvic floor dysfunction (PVD), a prevalent clinical issue impacting quality of life, can be effectively assessed using magnetic resonance defecography (MRD) with the patient either supine or in the lateral decubitus position.

Purpose

To compare the measurement value and grading in dynamic MRD within the closed-magnet system of PFD patients performed in supine versus lateral decubitus position using the H line, M line, and organ prolapse (HMO) classification system.

Material and Methods

During 2017–2019, 100 patients with PFD underwent MRD during defecation in both supine and lateral decubitus positions. MR images were measured and graded by two blinded radiologists. The mean value of each HMO parameter and grading severity were compared between supine and lateral positions. Image quality (IQ) between two positions was also evaluated. Paired t-test and Wilcoxon ranked test were performed for significant difference. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

For HMO measurement, M-line, levator plate angle (LPA), urethral hypermobility (UH), uterine prolapse, and peritoneocele had significantly higher mean values when measured in the lateral decubitus position than in the supine position. For grading, M-line, uterine prolapse, and peritoneocele also had more grading severity in the lateral decubitus than supine position with statistical significance ( P = 0.002, 0.004, and 0.001, respectively). Only anterior rectocele had a mean value and grading severity in the supine more than the lateral position ( P = 0.003 and P = 0.005). IQ in the supine was better than in the lateral decubitus position ( P < 0.001).

Conclusion

MRD in lateral decubitus showed a more severe degree of PFD in most parameters based on the HMO grading system irrespective of inferior imaging quality.
A combined model integrating radiomics and deep learning based on multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging for classification of brain metastases
Authors: Zhang Bo , Zhu Jinling , Xu Ruizhe , Zou Li , Lian Yixin , Xie Xin , Tian Ye
Published: November 2024

Background

Radiomics and deep learning (DL) can individually and efficiently identify the pathological type of brain metastases (BMs).

Purpose

To investigate the feasibility of utilizing multi-parametric MRI-based deep transfer learning radiomics (DTLR) for the classification of lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) and non-LUAD BMs.

Material and Methods

A retrospective analysis was performed on 342 patients with 1389 BMs. These instances were randomly assigned to a training set of 273 (1179 BMs) and a testing set of 69 (210 BMs) in an 8:2 ratio. Eight machine learning algorithms were employed to construct the radiomics models. A DL model was developed using four pre-trained convolutional neural networks (CNNs). The DTLR model was formulated by integrating the optimal performing radiomics model and the DL model using a classification probability averaging approach. The area under the curve (AUC), calibration curve, and decision curve analysis (DCA) were utilized to assess the performance and clinical utility of the models.

Results

The AUC for the optimal radiomics and DL model in the testing set were 0.824 (95% confidence interval [CI]= 0.726–0.923) and 0.775 (95% CI=0.666–0.884), respectively. The DTLR model demonstrated superior discriminatory power, achieving an AUC of 0.880 (95% CI=0.803–0.957). In addition, the DTLR model exhibited good consistency between actual and predicted probabilities based on the calibration curve and DCA analysis, indicating its significant clinical value.

Conclusion

Our study's DTLR model demonstrated high diagnostic accuracy in distinguishing LUAD from non-LUAD BMs. This method shows potential for the non-invasive identification of the histological subtype of BMs.
Can smartphone cameras help with diagnostic adequacy in renal biopsy?
Authors: Karagulle Mehmet , Gulcicek Sıbel Hamarat , Keskin Emin Taha
Published: November 2024

Background

In this prospective study, we evaluated whether a sufficient number of glomeruli were achieved using the 8× magnification of smartphone cameras.

Purpose

To increase the percutaneous ultrasound-guided renal biopsy (PURB) diagnostic value with a method that has not been tried before and reduce the need for repetition of the procedure.

Material and Methods

A total of 39 adult patients who underwent PURB were included in our study. After the PURB was applied to the patients, the biopsy specimen was placed on the previously prepared sterile gauze. At this stage, 8× magnification photos were taken of the biopsy samples using the smartphone camera. The glomeruli in the photograph were counted and recorded and compared with the number of glomeruli seen at the end of the histopathological examination.

Results

The mean number of glomeruli in the evaluated samples was counted as 6 ± 2.2 (range = 1–10) in the 8× magnification photograph. The mean number of glomeruli detected in the histopathological examination of these samples was 11 ± 5.7 (range = 2–30). A pathological glomeruli count of 10 was associated with more than five brown spots in the 8× magnification photograph (area under the curve = 0.977, P=0.0001).

Conclusion

To obtain more than 10 glomeruli in a PURB specimen, five or more brownish-red dots should be counted on the 8x magnification photograph. Using smartphones as an alternative tool for evaluating renal biopsy tissue adequacy can be practical and advantageous in terms of time and labor.
Surgeons’ fatigue in minimally invasive and open surgery: A review of the current literature
Authors: Campetella Marco , Ragonese Mauro , Gandi Carlo , Bizzarri Francesco Pio , Russo Pierluigi , Foschi Nazario , Bientinesi Riccardo , Sacco Emilio
Published: November 2024

Technological advancements have revolutionized surgical methods, with laparoscopic and robotic surgeries offering significant benefits over traditional open procedures. These benefits include reduced intraoperative blood loss, shortened hospital stays, faster recovery, and improved cosmetic outcomes. However, the learning curve for laparoscopic surgery remains a challenge. Robotic systems, like the da Vinci Surgical System, address many limitations of laparoscopic surgery, including limited range of motion and tremors, and offer superior ergonomics. Despite concerns over cost and tactile feedback, innovations like telesurgery and augmented reality are enhancing robotic surgery’s potential. Moreover, robotic surgery generally results in less blood loss, fewer complications, and quicker recovery compared to open surgery. Robotic surgery tends also to be less physically demanding for surgeons, reducing fatigue and musculoskeletal strain. However, research also reveals that many surgeons still experience discomfort, particularly in the neck and shoulders, emphasizing the need for ergonomic training and improved workstation setups. The review also explores the impact of pre-procedure fatigue on surgical performance, noting that fatigue can impair performance on surgical simulators, particularly among residents. Despite this, studies showed that performing consecutive surgeries in a single day does not appear to adversely affect patient outcomes. Overall, ergonomic interventions are crucial in both laparoscopic and robotic surgeries to enhance surgeon efficiency and well-being, and further research is needed to optimize these surgical methods and understand the long-term impacts of fatigue on performance and patient outcomes.
Ohio's Regional Manufacturing Workforce Partnerships: Governing a Common Pool Resource
Authors: Hill Edward (Ned) , Poland Kenneth B. , Reitz Camryn
Published: November 2024

Ohio's manufacturing industry sector partnerships (ISP) are economic development and workforce development efforts that rely on community development inputs. The authors posit that graduates of regional, sector-led, industry-specific workforce training programs constitute a common pool resource, as described by Elinor Ostrom, because while hiring graduates is rival, it is not excludable. This creates a workforce version of the tragedy of the commons because these programs often have experiential learning components in workplaces and require funding support, mentoring, and the long-term commitment of company leaders to a partnership. The training programs will flounder if participating employers do not earn a return on their resource expenditures. The output of the partnership program is trained workers, while its primary outcome is the production of goods and services. The economic mobility of the recipients of ISP training is a by-product, or secondary outcome, of the partnership's activities
Looking for a ‘just transition’: Sustainable forestry in Sweden and biodiverse beet sugar production in Denmark
Authors: Clarke Linda , Sahin-Dikmen Melahat
Published: November 2024

This article aims to identify contradictions between visions of just transition and their realisation in practice, particularly the extent to which labour and nature are respected, with examples of forestry in Sweden and the beet sugar industry in Denmark. The case studies provide insight into the formation and local implementations of the just transition vision promoted by the ITUC and ILO, representing a call for the ecological modernisation of the economy. The cases illustrate its Northern European roots and limitations. Although a multi-scalar perspective positions union agency as embedded in interwoven spatial scales, particular power relations remain prevalent. Despite being formally represented through social dialogue structures at the national and European levels, Swedish and Danish unions appear to have limited involvement at the local level, with environmental and social justice effectively defined by corporate social responsibility policies. The apparent consensus hides a series of challenges: employment rights and protections in the transition, including for a significant number of migrant workers, meaningful union involvement on the ground, and a light-touch approach to environmental concerns so as not to disrupt production objectives. Ultimately, nature and labour remain positioned against each other, and unions are caught between environmentalists and employers.
Interrogating the Antiobesity Efficacy of Flacourtia inermis Roxb. Fruits in High Fat Diet-induced Obese Rats
Authors: Thelappilly Bency Baby , Murali R , Suriyaprakash TNK , Venkatachalam VV , Anbiah S. Vigil , N Srinivasan , PT Suhail
Published: November 2024

Background

Flacourtia inermis Roxb. (Salicaceae) is an underutilized edible fruit known for its antioxidant-rich bioactive compounds. This study explores the antiobesity potential of F. inermis ethanolic fruit extract (FF2) in a high-fat diet (HFD) induced obesity model using Wistar albino rats.

Materials and Methods

Wistar albino rats were randomly assigned into five groups (n = 6). Group 1 served as the normal control and received a normal diet (ND), while Groups II–V were induced with obesity by being fed an HFD for 10 weeks. Group II acted as the obese control, receiving 100% HFD throughout the study. Groups III, IV, and V also received HFD throughout the study but were supplemented with Orlistat (30 mg/kg b.w), and FF2 extract at doses of 200 mg/kg, and 400 mg/kg, respectively, from week 11 until week 15. Treatment impact of FF2 on body weight, body mass index (BMI), serum lipid levels, glucose levels, liver function parameters, and histopathological evaluations of liver and adipose tissue were investigated.

Results

The study unveiled that F. inermis fruits exerted potent antiobesity effects, with FF2 treatment (at 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg) substantially decreasing body weight gain and BMI in comparison to the HFD group. Supplementation of FF2 alongside an HFD reduced body weight gain, glucose levels, and serum lipid profile. Both doses of FF2 counteracted the adverse effects induced by HFD, with lower triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol, and LDL cholesterol levels, and higher HDL cholesterol levels in the treated groups compared to the positive control. Additionally, FF2 extract showed dose-dependent improvements in serum lipid and glucose levels, as well as, hepatic profile, indicated by decreased AST, ALP, and ALT levels, suggesting potential benefits in managing dyslipidemia, hyperglycemia, and liver health associated with obesity. Histological examination of white adipose tissue provided further evidence of the antiobesity effect.

Conclusion

The study highlights FF2’s therapeutic potential in managing obesity and associated metabolic disorders. Further investigations into FF2’s mechanisms and clinical application are essential for its development as an antiobesity therapeutic agent in functional food formulations.
Navigating Shifts in Europe-China Higher Education Cooperation: An Institutional Logics Perspective
Authors: Cai Yuzhuo , Zheng Gaoming
Published: November 2024

Understanding the changing dynamics of Europe-China cooperation is essential, particularly against the backdrop of recent geopolitical shifts that have added layers of complexity to this relationship. This shifts underscore the need for a nuanced analysis of the drivers of such international collaboration, which represents a gap in both theoretical and empirical research. Our study explores the complex nature of this cooperation from the perspective of institutional logics, focusing on how societal changes have influenced the interaction of scientific, economic, and political logics underlying the cooperation from 1975 to the present. Through analysing relevant literature and policy documents, our findings uncover how varying logics' compatibilities between and within the two regions have influenced the course of Europe-China higher education collaboration. In doing so, this paper not only addresses a gap in the literature on the intricate factors shaping Europe-China academic relations but also establishes a theoretical foundation for future research on international higher education cooperation in a rapidly evolving global context.
Banking in the shadows of the carceral state: Prisons, paternalism, and the regulation of money in prison trust accounts
Authors: VanCleave Anna
Published: November 2024

This article builds on the theory of the shadow carceral state and identifies prison trust accounts as a site of legal hybridity. Specifically, it examines in-prison banking systems to show how governments and prison administrators co-opt civil authority under state statutes, administrative regulations, and prison policies that allow carceral systems to oversee what would normally be a distinctly civil function. Moreover, prison systems co-opt this civil authority through paternalistic rationales that suggest that the goal of prison banking is rehabilitation and that controlling and seizing the money of incarcerated people inures to their benefit.
Reflections on the shadow carceral state
Authors: Murakawa Naomi , Beckett Katherine
Published: November 2024

In 2012 we urged scholars to explore the extension of penal power through the “shadow carceral state.” The shadow carceral state operates through legally hybrid and institutionally serpentine forms that stretch beyond the criminal legal system. Theoretical Criminology's special issue invited us to reflect on the issues we raised in that piece. We are impressed by the transformation of punishment and society scholarship, which has grown deeper and more sophisticated with each wave of activism. Yet it will take more than a thriving subfield to confront the present and likely future: tenacious and expansive carceral and shadow carceral states that are continually deployed to address the compounding global crises of climate change, mass displacement, and structural poverty.
Fluid simulation analysis of ECMO hollow-fiber membrane fabrics from knitting technology
Authors: Xi Lifeng , Jiang Gaoming , Jia Wei , Zhang Qi , Liu Haisang , Xia Fenglin , Ma Pibo
Published: November 2024

The study proposes a fluid simulation and analysis of oxygenated membrane fabrics for Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) by applying knitting technology from the field of textile technology. This is aimed at addressing the lack of research on the impact of the oxygenator flow field before and after knitting of oxygenated membrane fabrics. For this investigation, a commercial oxygenator was selected, featuring a polymethylpentene (PMP) hollow fiber membrane as the oxygenator membrane material, along with a knitted yarn made of a 50D/24F polyester low-elasticity filament. The knitting organization utilized warp knitting technology with a pillar stitch/weft lining structure. Through the integration of theoretical geometric modeling and finite element analysis method of flow-solid coupling, the study examined the influence of knitting on the oxygenator before and after the knitting of the PMP membrane material. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) technology represents a sophisticated equipment within the domain of in vitro medical treatment. The research findings indicated that the total pressure drop in the oxygenator’s flow field was 472.6 Pa for the unknitted PMP membrane and 269.4 Pa for the knitted oxygenator fabric, signifying a near 40% reduction in pressure with the knitted PMP membrane. This reduction in pressure also led to a 50% decrease in turbulence within the flow field. The maximum displacement of the knitted PMP membrane within the flow field was measured at 0.16 mm, whereas the unknitted membrane displayed a maximum displacement of 0.37 mm. The knitted PMP membrane significantly enhanced the pressure and velocity uniformity of the oxygenator’s flow field, resulting in decreased stress-strain effects and improved service life of the oxygenator. In conclusion, the study illustrates that knitting the PMP membrane can substantially improve the flow field distribution of ECMO oxygenators, leading to enhanced oxygenation efficiency and membrane durability.
Comparison of functional outcome after intracerebral hemorrhage in patients with or without end stage renal disease on hemodialysis: a propensity-score matched study
Authors: Tsutsumi Kotaro , Nguyen Matthew , Nguyen Victoria , Zhu Zhu , Shafie Mohammad , Shah Jay , Nagamine Masaki , Stradling Dana , Dench Diana , Yu Wengui
Published: November 2024

Background

End stage renal disease (ESRD) requiring hemodialysis (HD) increases mortality among patients with intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). The aim of this study is to investigate the clinical characteristics and outcome of ICH patients with ESRD on HD versus propensity-score matched controls.

Methods

This is a single center retrospective study. Consecutive ICH admissions at the University of California, Irvine Medical Center from January 1, 2018 to July 31, 2022 were analyzed.

Results

Among 347 ICH admissions that met inclusion criteria, 24 patients (6.92%) had ESRD on HD. Compared to patients without ESRD, patients with ESRD on HD had significantly higher rate of diabetes mellitus (79.2% vs. 36.8%, p < 0.01) and in-hospital mortality (25% vs. 7.43%, p < 0.01). There were no significant differences in demographics, other comorbidities, clinical characteristics, good (mRS score 0–3) or poor (mRS score 4–5) functional outcomes, rate of comfort care and the time to comfort care decision between the 2 groups. After propensity score matching, the ESRD group had a significantly higher in-hospital mortality rate (27.3% vs. 8%, p = 0.012) and a lower rate of obesity (9.1% vs. 34.1%, p = 0.02). Among patients who died during admission, ESRD on HD status did not inadvertently influence end-of-life care decisions. Univariate logistic regression and area under curve analysis showed that ICH score ≥ 3 was a predictor of increased mortality in both ESRD and non-ESRD groups.

Conclusions

ICH patients with ESRD on HD had significantly higher in-hospital mortality and lower rate of obesity than propensity score matched controls, suggesting a survival benefit from obesity. ICH score ≥ 3 is an independent predictor for poor outcomes in both ESRD and non-ESRD groups.
A modeling study on SARS-CoV-2 transmissions in primary and middle schools in Illinois
Authors: Huang Conghui , Smith Rebecca Lee
Published: November 2024

Background

The global pandemic caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus led to a statewide lockdown in Illinois starting in March 2020. To ensure students’ and employees’ safety for school reopening, protective measures, such as a statewide mask mandate and weekly testing, were in place in Illinois from Spring 2021 to Spring 2022. The study objective is to 1) estimate the in-school and external transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in elementary and middle schools under mask mandate and weekly surveillance and 2) estimate the impacts of protective measures such as testing and mask proportion and testing frequency on SARS-CoV-2 transmission.

Methods

A stochastic compartmental model was built to simulate the SARS-CoV-2 transmission within and between the student and employee groups in primary and middle schools participating in the weekly testing program and to evaluate the effectiveness of these protective measures. This stochastic model was modified from a susceptible–infected–recovered framework and calibrated to SARS-CoV-2 surveillance data in 116 primary and middle school districts from Spring 2021 to March 2022. This model calibration was assessed using the surveillance data from the rest of the spring semester in 2022.

Results

Overall, the external transmission rates in students and employees were significantly greater than those within schools, and the external transmission rates in middle school students and school employees were greater than those in primary school students. Our sensitivity analysis showed that transmission rates within student groups could significantly influence overall infection rates in vaccinated and unvaccinated students in large school districts. Under the protective measures implemented in the studied period in Illinois, an increased proportion of students and employees participating in the weekly testing can decrease infections. However, community-level measures of self-reported mask adherence among adults were not significantly associated with the infections during the study period, when a universal mask policy was in place for the state.

Conclusions

Although increased testing proportion and/or frequency can reduce the SARS-CoV-2 infections, the costs of testing can increase with the testing volume. Further studies on the cost-effectiveness between the testing volume and cases reduction or learning disturbance can aid in policy development to reduce transmission effectively.
Integration of palliative rehabilitation in cancer care: a multinational mixed method study
Authors: Stene Guro Birgitte , Hauken May Aasebø , Ahmedzai Hilde Hjelmeland , Storvestre Constance Gaard , Vervik Skjalg Eirik , Bayly Joanne , Caraceni Augusto Tommaso , Costi Stefania , Economos Guillaume , Guldin Mai-Britt , Laird Barry J. A. , Nottelmann Lise , Maddocks Matthew , Prevost Andrew Toby , Romeyer Julia , Oldervoll Line Merethe
Published: November 2024

Background

Incurable cancer is a major contributor to societal suffering and disability, and palliative rehabilitation is recommended to be integrated within and between cancer services at all healthcare levels. However, little knowledge exists on how integration of palliative rehabilitation in cancer is understood and achieved in clinical practice. INSPIRE (Integrated short-term palliative rehabilitation to improve quality of life and equitable care access in incurable cancer) is a large European-funded project that aims to promote quality of life through a novel rehabilitation model for people disabled by advanced cancer.

Aim

To compare the existing integration of palliative rehabilitation in cancer within official documents and in clinical practice across five European countries including United Kingdom, France, Denmark, Norway, and Italy.

Methods

Mixed methods study with a concurrent research design, comprising a document analysis (N = 23), stakeholder interviews (N = 22), and an online survey (N = 225). Data from each sub-study were analysed separately before results were merged.

Results

There was limited integration of palliative rehabilitation in cancer in official documents and in clinical practice, though some indicators of integration, including participation in multidisciplinary teams and adherence to standardised pathways, were identified in the survey. Notably, integration of palliative rehabilitation in cancer in clinical practice was observed within limited organisations in secondary healthcare systems, without widespread adoption. Although palliative rehabilitation in cancer as a concept was sparingly used by stakeholders, they recognised the need for a comprehensive approach including multidisciplinary teams that aligns with the individual patient’s needs and goals. Moreover, the ambiguous distinction between the terms ‘palliative rehabilitation’ and ‘palliative care’, insufficient funding, lack of well-defined care pathways and competence gaps among healthcare professionals represented barriers to integration of palliative rehabilitation in cancer into clinical practice.

Conclusion

Integration of palliative rehabilitation in cancer was limited in the five EU partnership countries investigated. Clarifying the concept of palliative rehabilitation, including adoption of the concept into official documents and delineating it from palliative care, is essential for more successful integration. This can possibly be achieved by addressing the barriers identified and fostering close collaboration across disciplines.
Gain of bipolar disorder-related lncRNA AP1AR-DT in mice induces depressive and anxiety-like behaviors by reducing Negr1-mediated excitatory synaptic transmission
Authors: Li Shufen , Ni Hongyu , Wang Yaping , Wu Xiaohui , Bi Jianqiang , Ou Haiyan , Li Zhongwei , Ping Junjiao , Wang Zhongju , Chen Renhao , Yang Qiong , Jiang Meijun , Cao Liping , Jiang Tingyun , Ren Siqiang , Zhao Cunyou
Published: November 2024

Background

Bipolar disorder is a complex polygenic disorder that is characterized by recurrent episodes of depression and mania, the heterogeneity of which is likely complicated by epigenetic modifications that remain to be elucidated.

Methods

We performed transcriptomic analysis of peripheral blood RNA from monozygotic (MZ) twins discordant for bipolar disorder to identify disease-associated differentially expressed long noncoding RNAs (DE-lncRNAs), which were further validated in the PsychENCODE brain RNA-seq dataset. We then performed behavioral tests, electrophysiological assays, chromatin immunoprecipitation, and PCR to investigate the function of DE-lncRNAs in the mouse and cell models. Statistical analyses were performed using GraphPad Prism 9.0 or SPSS.

Results

We identified a bipolar disorder-associated upregulated long non-coding RNA (lncRNA), AP1AR-DT. We observed that overexpression of AP1AR-DT in the mouse medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) resulted in a reduction of both the total spine density and the spontaneous excitatory postsynaptic current (sEPSC) frequency of mPFC neurons as well as depressive and anxiety-like behaviors. A combination of the results of brain transcriptome analysis of AP1AR-DT overexpressing mice brains with the known genes associated with bipolar disorder revealed that NEGR1, which encodes neuronal growth regulator 1, is one of the AP1AR-DT targets and is reduced in vivo upon gain of AP1AR-DT in mice. We further demonstrated that overexpression of recombinant Negr1 in the mPFC neurons of AP1AR-DTOE mice ameliorates depressive and anxiety-like behaviors and normalizes the reduced excitatory synaptic transmission induced by the gain of AP1AR-DT. We finally identified that AP1AR-DT reduces NEGR1 expression by competing for the transcriptional activator NRF1 in the overlapping binding site of the NEGR1 promoter region.

Conclusions

The epigenetic and pathophysiological mechanism linking AP1AR-DT to the modulation of depressive and anxiety-like behaviors and excitatory synaptic function provides etiological implications for bipolar disorder.
S1PR1 suppresses lung adenocarcinoma progression through p-STAT1/miR-30c-5 p/FOXA1 pathway
Authors: Chai Yanfei , Xiang Hong , Ma Yuchao , Feng Wei , Jiang Zhibin , Zhu Qianjun , Chen Yingji , Liu Quanjun , Zhang Jing , Ouyang Jie , Gao Peng , Zhang Xiao , Chen Shuhua , Jin Longyu , Lu Hongwei
Published: November 2024

Background

Sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor 1 (S1PR1) is considered to be closely related to a variety of malignant tumors, but the role and mechanism of S1PR1 in lung adenocarcinoma are not fully understood. In this study, we aim to explore the role and downstream signaling pathways of S1PR1 in the malignant biological functions of lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD).

Methods

Bioinformatics analysis, RT-qPCR, western blot and immunohistochemistry (IHC) were was used to investigate the expression of S1PR1 in LUAD. The prognosis of S1PR1 was also analyzed. CCK-8 assay, colony formation assay, scratch assay, transwell migration and invasion assay, cell adhesion assay were performed to examine the effect of S1PR1 on LUAD. RNA sequencing was employed to analyze the DEGs in LUAD cells overexpressing S1PR1. Enrichment pathway analysis using KEGG, GO, and GSEA was conducted to predict potential signaling pathways and downstream targets. chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) and dual luciferase reporter assay were performed to verify the direct regulation between FOXA1 and the target genes. Then FOXA1 overexpression were performed to functional rescue experiments. miRNA-30c-5p was identified as a microRNA regulating FOXA1 by dual luciferase reporter assay. The downstream signaling pathways of S1PR1 was detected to clarify the specific pathways to regulates miR-30c-5p.

Results

S1PR1 is significantly decreased in LUAD and is positively correlated with the prognosis. Overexpression of S1PR1 inhibits the proliferation, migration, invasion and adhesion function of LUAD cells by suppressing the expression of COL5A1, MMP1, and SERPINE1. FOXA1 is a key transcription factor regulating the expression of MMP1, COL5A1 and SERPINE1. S1PR1 inhibits the expression of FOXA1 through p-STAT1/miR-30c-5p, thereby suppressing the malignant function of LUAD cells.

Conclusions

The expression of S1PR1 is downregulated in LUAD, which is positively correlated with prognosis. S1PR1 regulates the malignant function of LUAD cells by inhibiting the expression of COL5A1, MMP1 and SERPINE1 through the p-STAT1/miR-30c-5p/FOXA1 signaling pathway.
Therapeutic effects of extracellular vesicles derived from mesenchymal stem cells primed with disease-conditioned-immune cells in systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Choi Eun Wha , Shin Il Seob , Lim I-Rang , Lee Jihye , Choi Bongkum , Kim Sungjoo
Published: November 2024

Background

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an incurable chronic autoimmune disease of unknown etiology. Therefore, the development of new treatments is urgently needed. This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic effects of extracellular vesicles (EV) derived from immortalized mesenchymal stem cells (iMSCs) primed with conditioned media obtained from disease-conditioned immune cells (CM-EV) and iMSC-derived EV (ASC-EV) in a murine model of SLE.

Methods

Female NZB/W F1 mice were divided into the control (C, n = 15), ASC-EV (E, n = 15), and CM-EV (CM, n = 15) groups. Mice in the C, E, and CM groups were intravenously administered saline, ASC-EV, and CM-EV, respectively, once weekly from 6 to 42 weeks of age.

Results

Compared to the ASC-EV, the CM-EV showed a significant increase in TGF-β1 production and miR-155-5p and miR-142-3p expression. CM-EV treatment increased survival, decreased anti-dsDNA antibody levels, and ameliorated renal histopathology. Although ASC-EV treatment significantly reduced the incidence of severe proteinuria and improved renal histopathology, it did not significantly improve survival rate.

ASC-EV or CM-EV treatment significantly decreased the proportion of pro-inflammatory macrophages (CD11c + CD206-; M1) and M1:M2 ratio. Additionally, CM-EV treatment significantly increased the expression of anti-inflammatory macrophages (CD11c-CD206 + ; M2). Moreover, CM-EV treatment significantly decreased the expression of lupus-specific miRNAs (miR-182-5p and miR-183-5p) in the spleen.

Conclusions

EV derived from iMSCs primed with conditioned media obtained from disease-conditioned immune cells exert immunomodulatory effects and ameliorate SLE in a murine model.
Does targeted information impact consumers’ preferences for value-based health insurance? Evidence from a survey experiment
Authors: Bardy Tess L. C. , Boes Stefan
Published: November 2024

Objectives

Value-based insurance design (VBID) aims to direct consumers’ preferences by incentivizing the use of high-value care and discouraging the use of low-value care. However, consumers often have limited knowledge of health insurance and the health insurance system, possibly distorting their preferences. In this study, we aim to investigate the impact of specific information treatments on consumers’ preferences for VBID.

Methods

We implemented an information experiment as part of a representative survey on health insurance literacy and preferences for VBID within Switzerland’s choice-based health insurance system. Preferences for VBID were measured through a discrete choice experiment. Cross-sectional data on 6,033 respondents aged 26–75 were analyzed using descriptive statistics and mixed logit regressions.

Results

Respondents showed strong preferences for their current health insurance instead of VBID alternatives. A general description of current regulations on cost-sharing, drug disbursement, and monthly premiums significantly increased preferences for VBID (p < 0.01). Pointing respondents specifically to VBID further reduced the opposition against VBID plans. At the same time, there is evidence for anchoring effects in copayments after receiving the information treatments, irrespective of the value of the care.

Conclusions

The results of this study highlight that individuals are susceptible to provided information about health insurance when building their preferences for VBID. One potential explanation is limited health insurance literacy, implying that tailored communication strategies may be needed to improve insurance decision-making.

JEL Classification

I11, I13.
Experimental and numerical study on fire development process and fire risk assessment of historic timber lounge bridges
Authors: Cui Zhekui , Chun Qing
Published: November 2024

Historic timber lounge bridges are precious architectural heritages. But they are sensitive to fire. In order to obtain an adequate understanding of the fire vulnerability of historical timber lounge bridges for their better conservation, this paper proposes a framework based on experiment and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis. Dengyun Bridge, a typical timber lounge bridge with cantilever beams, was chosen to carry out study on the fire development process and fire risk assessment. Firstly, the structural form and fire loads of the bridge were obtained by conducting on-site survey, and then a complex pyrolysis model of ancient wood was established in the Fire Dynamic Simulator (FDS) according to the pyrolysis characteristic of the ancient wood replaced from the bridge during its renovation. Secondly, the fire development process in Dengyun Bridge was simulated and four crucial fire events were defined. Finally, the comprehensive fire risk index for the Dengyun Bridge under those fire events was calculated by applying the Analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and Entropy method, and some mitigation and prevention strategies were discussed accordingly. The obtained results indicated that the flashover point was a boundary of fire development. After the flashover, the comprehensive fire risk index increased and reached its peak value rapidly. In the 1084 s (peak heat release rate), the comprehensive fire risk index was about 1.7 times of that in 847 s (flashover point). Mitigation strategies, such as the flame-retardant treatment and water-mist extinguishing system, were proved to be effective to retard the developed fire. The results of this study can provide a scientific basis for fire risk assessment and conservation of inherited timber lounge bridges.