bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Seronegative primary Sjögren’s syndrome, a distinct subtype of primary Sjögren’s syndrome in Chinese patients
Authors: Lan Jingying , Deng Chaoqiong , Huang Heqing , Rao Peishi , Chen Yangchun , Shi Yingying , Chen Jie , Shi Guixiu , Liu Yuan , Chen Shiju
Published: April 2024

Background

To investigate the clinical and immune characteristics of patients with primary Sjögren’s syndrome (pSS) who were negative for anti–Sjögren’s-syndrome-related antigen A antibodies (anti-SSA) and anti–Sjögren’s-syndrome-related antigen B antibodies (anti-SSB) in Chinese population.

Methods

A retrospective study were performed and 232 patients with pSS were analyzed. Patients positive for anti-SSA or/and anti-SSB were termed as seropositive pSS, and these negative for both anti-SSA and anti-SSB (non-antinuclear antibodies) as seronegative pSS. Clinical manifestations and laboratory findings were compared between the two groups.

Results

Among the 232 patients with pSS, 192 (82.8%) were seropositive pSS and 40 (17.2%) were seronegative pSS. Compared to seropositive pSS, seronegative pSS were older and with higher percentage of low disease activity (ESSDAI < 5), xerostomia and xerophthalmia, with higher platelet count and level of creatine kinase. This subgroup was with lower levels of gamma globulin, immunoglobulin G, immunoglobulin A and autoantibodies including rheumatoid factor and antinuclear antibody in serum, and less immunoglobulin G deposition in labial gland.

Conclusion

Seronegative pSS was a distinct subtype of pSS different from seropositive pSS. Clinical manifestations in seronegative pSS subgroup were restricted to exocrine gland and less B lymphocyte activation, while seropositive pSS were prone to present with systemic involvement and high disease activity. Specific underlying pathogenesis mechanisms and therapeutic strategies in this subgroup needed to be further studied.
Gross pathology of brain mass lesions by intraoperative ultrasonography: a comparative study
Authors: Elmesallamy Wael Abd Elrahman Ali
Published: April 2024

Background

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the ability of intraoperative ultrasound (IOUS) to differentiate the gross pathological features of brain mass lesions in comparison with preoperative imaging and confirmable histopathological results.

Results

A total of 365 patients were operated on for brain mass lesions removal from May 2017 to May 2022 under the guidance of intraoperative ultrasound with transducers 2.5–8 megahertz (MHZ). Ultrasound gross pathological findings were compared to the preoperative imaging and the confirmable histopathological results. Intraoperative ultrasound defined either internal or external gross pathological features of all brain mass lesions. The IOUS showed spontaneous enhancements of the brain abscess walls, which were equivalent to contrasted CT and MRI. Significantly large diameters were noted in the IOUS measurement of abscesses in comparison with CT and MRI (P = 0.001). The walls of the brain abscesses were significantly well defined in IOUS imaging in comparison with CT (P = 0.001) and equivalent to MRI. IOUS showed equivalent significance to CT and MRI in characterizing intra-parenchymal hematomas. Significantly large diameters were noted in the IOUS measurement of hematomas in comparison with CT and MRI (P = 0.001). IOUS showed significant definition of brain tumors in comparison with CT and MRI regarding tumor edge definition, tumor contours, necrosis, and cystic components (cystic definition, cystic multiplicity, cystic trabeculations, and cystic wall thickness) (P = 0.001). IOUS was equivalent to CT and MRI regarding intra-tumoral hematomas and brain edema. IOUS was equivalent to CT regarding calcification detection. The significant criteria for high-grade brain tumors versus low grade by IOUS were: P = 0.001 (necrosis, brain edema, rare calcifications, presence of cystic components, thick cystic walls, large diameter, hypo-echogenicity, and heterogeneity); P = 0.002 (cystic trabeculations); P = 0.005 (multiple cysts); and P = 0.03 (irregular contour). IOUS can characterize brain tumors and suspect specific and significant criteria for many types with great overlap.

Conclusions

Intraoperative ultrasound has the ability to differentiate the gross pathological features of brain mass lesions in comparison with preoperative imaging and confirmable histopathological results.
Effects of removing in-feed antibiotics and zinc oxide on the taxonomy and functionality of the microbiota in post weaning pigs
Authors: Ortiz Sanjuán Juan M. , Argüello Héctor , Cabrera-Rubio Raúl , Crispie Fiona , Cotter Paul D. , Garrido Juan J. , Ekhlas Daniel , Burgess Catherine M. , Manzanilla Edgar G.
Published: April 2024

Background

Post weaning diarrhoea (PWD) causes piglet morbidity and mortality at weaning and is a major driver for antimicrobial use worldwide. New regulations in the EU limit the use of in-feed antibiotics (Ab) and therapeutic zinc oxide (ZnO) to prevent PWD. New approaches to control PWD are needed, and understanding the role of the microbiota in this context is key. In this study, shotgun metagenome sequencing was used to describe the taxonomic and functional evolution of the faecal microbiota of the piglet during the first two weeks post weaning within three experimental groups, Ab, ZnO and no medication, on commercial farms using antimicrobials regularly in the post weaning period.

Results

Diversity was affected by day post weaning (dpw), treatment used and diarrhoea but not by the farm. Microbiota composition evolved towards the dominance of groups of species such as Prevotella spp. at day 14dpw. ZnO inhibited E. coli overgrowth, promoted higher abundance of the family Bacteroidaceae and decreased Megasphaera spp. Animals treated with Ab exhibited inconsistent taxonomic changes across time points, with an overall increase of Limosilactobacillus reuteri and Megasphaera elsdenii. Samples from non-medicated pigs showed virulence-related functions at 7dpw, and specific ETEC-related virulence factors were detected in all samples presenting diarrhoea. Differential microbiota functions of pigs treated with ZnO were related to sulphur and DNA metabolism, as well as mechanisms of antimicrobial and heavy metal resistance, whereas Ab treated animals exhibited functions related to antimicrobial resistance and virulence.

Conclusion

Ab and particularly ZnO maintained a stable microbiota composition and functionality during the two weeks post weaning, by limiting E. coli overgrowth, and ultimately preventing microbiota dysbiosis. Future approaches to support piglet health should be able to reproduce this stable gut microbiota transition during the post weaning period, in order to maintain optimal gut physiological and productive conditions.
Comparing traditional and commercial nixtamalization of three maize landraces: impact on pozole quality and consumer acceptance
Authors: Vázquez-Carrillo María Gricelda , Hernández-Montes Arturo , Palacios-Rojas Natalia , García-Cruz Leticia , Rosales-Nolasco Aldo , Molina Aide , Palacios-Pola Gabriela
Published: April 2024

One of the most typical dishes of traditional Mexican cuisine is pozole, made with nixtamalized maize. This dish has a special place as part of the identity of Mexican culture. However, it is time-consuming to prepare. With an increasing demand for precooked maize for pozole and the limited information on its preparation process, this study aims to assess the impact of both traditional (TN) and commercial nixtamalization (CN) on the quality of processed maize and its reception by consumers, focusing on the three most popular maize landraces used in pozole recipes. This study was carried out with the Cacahuacintle (‘CAC’), Elotes Occidentales (‘EO’) and Ancho (‘AN’) landraces, which were nixtamalized using the traditional method (only lime) and the commercial method (lime + additives) and the grain was flowered. The quality of the flowered grain was determined, and a sensory analysis consisting of magnitude of difference tests, a descriptive analysis, affective test and evaluation of consumer preferences was carried out. The ‘CAC’ landrace, when processed traditionally, yielded the highest sensory and commercial quality. The ‘EO’ landrace demanded a longer flowering time, resulting in less volume but retaining the aleurone layer. This characteristic helped preserved a portion of the anthocyanins. Consistently, maize landraces subjected to traditional nixtamalization displayed higher ratings for attributes related to masa and nejayote aroma. The ‘CAC’ landrace subjected to CN faced challenges in acceptability due to odors of acetic acid and sulfuric acid. These findings underscore the importance and advantages the TN techniques. They also emphasize the need to preserve grain quality and meeting consumer preferences when exploring alternative maize processing methods for emerging markets.
Experiences of support received by carers of people who are involuntarily admitted to hospital under the Mental Health Act: qualitative study of carers’ perspectives
Authors: Wells Imogen , G-Medhin Abigail , Owen Nicole , Thelwell Emily L. R. , Giacco Domenico
Published: April 2024

Background

Carers of people who are involuntarily admitted to hospital report feeling isolated and unsupported by services. The Independent Review of the Mental Health Act (MHA) recommended that carers be supported. However, no research has directly explored what type of support carers would find most helpful when a relative/friend is involuntary admitted.

Aims

To explore carers’ experiences and views around the support they want to receive when their relative/friend is involuntarily admitted under the MHA.

Method

A total of 22 one-to-one interviews with carers were conducted online at three sites across England. Audio recordings of the interviews were transcribed, and data were analysed with thematic analysis.

Results

Four main themes were identified: (a) heterogeneity in the current support for carers, (b) information about mental health and mental health services, (c) continuous support, and (d) peer support and guidance. Carers reported receiving support from professionals, peers and relatives, but this was unstructured, and the extent of support varied across carers. Carers reported wanting more information about mental health services, and for this information to be consistent. Carers also reported wanting emotional support from a single, continuous person, helping them establish a more personal and sincere connection. Peers were also identified as important in the provision of carer support, allowing carers to feel reassured and understood in their experience.

Conclusions

The support received by carers is currently unstructured. To meet the MHA review recommendations, carers of patients who are involuntarily admitted should be allocated a named contact person, ideally with lived experience, to offer information and personal continuity of support.
Real-World Health Care Resource Use and Costs Among Patients With Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Treated With Venetoclax-Based and Bruton Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor–Based Regimens in the Second-Line Setting
Authors: Fakhri Bita , Emechebe Nnadozie , Manzoor Beenish S. , Jawaid Dureshahwar , Alhasani Hasan , Edwards Melanie , Tuncer Hande H.
Published: April 2024

PURPOSE

Real-world evidence comparing health care resource use (HRU) and costs between novel targeted therapies among patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is lacking. We compared all-cause and CLL-specific HRU and costs between patients initiated on B-cell lymphoma 2 inhibitor (venetoclax)– or Bruton tyrosine kinase inhibitor (BTKi)–based regimens in the second-line (2L) setting.

METHODS

This is a retrospective observational study using Optum Clinformatics Data Mart of adult patients with CLL/small lymphocytic lymphoma who received 2L venetoclax- or BTKi-based regimens (January 2018-December 2021) for the first time and had ≥one CLL diagnostic claim after 2L initiation and ≥two claims for venetoclax or BTKi. Baseline characteristics were balanced using stabilized inverse probability of treatment weights. Mean monthly cost difference (MMCD) between cohorts for all-cause and CLL-specific per patient per month (PPPM) costs was estimated. Rates of PPPM-HRU were compared between cohorts using rate ratios (RRs).

RESULTS

Of 280 patients, median age 75.5 years, 64.6% and 35.4% received BTKi- versus venetoclax-based regimens, respectively. Most BTKi-treated patients received monotherapy (88.4%), whereas 62.3% of venetoclax-treated patients received combination therapy with anti-CD20 agents. The median duration of 2L therapy was 11.6 and 11.0 months for BTKi versus venetoclax cohorts, respectively. All-cause total costs were lower for venetoclax versus BTKi (MMCD [SE], $–2,497.64 [$1,006.77] in US dollars (USD); P = .01), driven by lower medication costs offsetting medical costs; trends were similar for CLL-specific estimates. Outpatient HRU was higher for venetoclax versus BTKi (RR all-cause: 1.22 versus CLL-specific: 1.64).

CONCLUSION

Venetoclax was associated with total monthly cost savings versus BTKis, illustrating the economic value of time-limited venetoclax-based regimens in the 2L setting.
Association Between Maternal Fasting Glucose Levels Throughout Pregnancy and Preschoolers’ Refractive Errors
Authors: Guo Yufan , Zhou Jixing , Lu Jingru , Zhu Linlin , Hao Xuemei , Yan Shuangqin , Tong Juan , Tao Shuman , Xu Shaojun , Tao Fangbiao , Huang Kun
Published: April 2024

Purpose

We aimed to investigate the association between maternal fasting plasma glucose (FPG) trajectories during pregnancy and children's refractive errors at 6 years of age.

Design

Based on the Ma’anshan Birth Cohort (MABC) in China, a total of 1987 mother-child pairs were included in this study.

Methods

Using the group-based trajectory model, trajectory fitting was performed on FPG levels during the first, second, and third trimesters of pregnancy. Children's vision was measured at 6 years of age using the standard logarithmic visual acuity E-chart and cycloplegic refraction examination. Logistic regression models and multi-informant generalized estimating equations were used to analyze the association between maternal blood glucose level and 6-year-old children's visual acuity.

Results

Children born of mothers with high level FPG trajectory had a higher risk of developing refractive error (odds ratio [OR] = 1.46 [95% CI: 1.08, 1.97]), hypermetropia (OR = 1.64 [95% CI: 1.09, 2.46]), and astigmatism (OR = 1.60 [95% CI: 1.06, 2.41]) at age 6 compared to those with low level trajectory. Maternal blood glucose level in the first (β = −.012 [95% CI: −.024, −.001]) and the second (β = −.016 [95% CI: −.025, −.006]) trimesters was associated with 6-year-old children's distance vision value.

Conclusion

High level of FPG trajectories during pregnancy has been observed to be associated with 6-year-old children's refractive error, hypermetropia, and astigmatism. The first and the second trimesters may be critical periods for the effects of maternal blood glucose on children's vision. The long-term effect of maternal glucose metabolism on children's visual development deserves further study.
Contralateral Transmaxillary Corridor Used in Endoscopic Endonasal Approach for Resecting Adenoma Invading the Retrocarotid Area of the Cavernous Sinus and Beyond: Surgical Anatomy, Patient Selection Algorithm, and Illustrative Cases
Authors: Shen Ming , Shou Xuefei , Chen Zhengyuan , Ma Zengyi , He Wenqiang , Zhang Qilin , Yao Shun , Zhao Yao , Wang Yongfei
Published: April 2024

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

The cavernous internal carotid artery (cICA) and its branches can make it challenging to approach the lateral portion of the retrocarotid area of the cavernous sinus (RcACS) and surrounding areas during the endoscopic endonasal approach (EEA). This can sometimes require more invasive transcranial approaches, causing a higher risk of complications. We sought to explore the feasibility of adding a contralateral transmaxillary (CTM) corridor to improve access to the RcACS during EEA.

METHODS:

We performed EEA and CTM extensions on 6 cadavers (12 sides) using image guidance. The depth of the surgical corridor, the surgical exposure, the angle of attack, and the trajectory to the anterior genu of the cICA were measured. Two illustrative clinical cases are presented.

RESULTS:

Compared with the contralateral transnasal approach, the CTM corridor provided a 10.76 (5.32)-mm shorter distance (P < .001), 36.23% (20.70%) larger surgical exposure (P < .001), and a 24.6° (3.4°) more parallel trajectory to the anterior genu of the cICA (P < .001). The mean angle of the lateral nasal wall line and the middle eye line was equal to the mean angle of the contralateral transnasal (P = .075) and CTM (P = .262) approaches, respectively. The CTM corridor allowed us to achieve near-total resection of the RcACS and beyond in 2 invasive adenomas with significant lateral extension.

CONCLUSION:

The CTM corridor is a feasible addition to standard EEA to access the RcACS and beyond, providing a more medial-to-lateral trajectory and improved access. The middle eye line can be used as a reference to help select patients for this approach.
Formação do professor universitário: desafios para os novos tempos
Authors: Silva Carlos Diogo Mendonca da , Soares de Oliveira Sônia Maria
Published: April 2024

A formação docente universitária é um tema que vem ganhando visibilidade nas pesquisas sobre quando pensamos as mudanças educacionais ao longo dos últimos tempos. Hoje, percebe-se uma necessidade de repensar a formação desses profissionais, principalmente quando pensamos o processo de formação continuada e os desafios perante o que se apresente nos contextos pós-pandemia. Buscou-se, neste breve ensaio, refletir sobre as implicações para a prática da prática docente no Ensino Superior, assim como refletir sobre sua atuação e os principais desafios que atravessam o cotidiano da prática docente. Como resultados, percebe-se que vários tensionamentos se mostram ao professor universitário, principalmente quando pensamos o lugar social da função da educação, assim como a sua finalidade e quem é o público que hoje chega ao espaço universitário. Há uma necessidade de buscar novas práticas pedagógicas, novos modos de ensinar, refletir sobre o público discente, assim como atentar-se para os desafios da realidade social.
24. Ogólnopolski Zjazd Studentów Archiwistyki. Kraków, 31 maja–2 czerwca 2023 r.
Authors: Bąbol Michał , Jurkowska Natalia
Published: April 2024

Sprawozdanie z 24. Ogólnopolskiego Zjazdu Studentów Archiwistyki, którego obrady odbyły się w Krakowie, w dniach 31 maja–2 czerwca 2023 r.. Tematem zjazdu były „Archiwa w chimerycznym świecie”.
Biurowość brytyjskiego Home Office w okresie międzywojennym. Omówienie projektu
Authors: Smoczyński Marcin
Published: April 2024

Informacja o przedmiocie, zakresie i celu badań podjętych przez Marcina Smoczyńskiego w ramach grantu Narodowego Centrum Nauki (Konkurs „Miniatura”, nr rej. 2023/07/X/HS3/00237) pt. Biurowość brytyjskiego Home Office w okresie międzywojennym, realizowanego w 2024 r.
Smoczyński, Marcin. Walczmy o usprawnienie administracji! Komisje dla usprawnienia administracji publicznej i ich rola w racjonalizacji polskiej biurowości do roku 1956. Toruń: Wydawnictwo Naukowe Uniwersytetu Mikołaja Kopernika, 2023 (Piotr Józefiak)
Authors: Józefiak Piotr
Published: April 2024

Recenzja pracy Marcina Smoczyńskiego pt. Walczmy o usprawnienie administracji! Komisje dla usprawnienia administracji publicznej i ich rola w racjonalizacji polskiej biurowości do roku 1956 (Toruń 2023).
Flaga-Gieruszyńska, Kinga, Paweł Gut, i Piotr Frąckowiak, red. Zarządzanie dokumentacją: aspekty prawne i historyczne. Rozprawy i Studia / Uniwersytet Szczeciński, t. (1364) 1290. Szczecin: Wydawnictwo Naukowe Uniwersytetu Szczecińskiego, 2023 (Ewa Skonieczna)
Authors: Skonieczna Ewa
Published: April 2024

Prezentacja zawartości tomu pt. Zarządzanie dokumentacją: aspekty prawne i historyczne, zredagowanego przez Kingę Flagę-Gieruszyńską, Pawła Guta i Piotra Frąckowiaka, na który złożyły się teksty referatów wygłoszonych w czasie konferencji w Szczecinie, w grudniu 2022 r.
Efficiency of Stochastic Coordinate Proximal Gradient Methods on Nonseparable Composite Optimization
Authors: Necoara Ion , Chorobura Flavia
Published: April 2024

This paper deals with composite optimization problems having the objective function formed as the sum of two terms; one has a Lipschitz continuous gradient along random subspaces and may be nonconvex, and the second term is simple and differentiable but possibly nonconvex and nonseparable. Under these settings, we design a stochastic coordinate proximal gradient method that takes into account the nonseparable composite form of the objective function. This algorithm achieves scalability by constructing at each iteration a local approximation model of the whole nonseparable objective function along a random subspace with user-determined dimension. We outline efficient techniques for selecting the random subspace, yielding an implementation that has low cost per iteration, also achieving fast convergence rates. We present a probabilistic worst case complexity analysis for our stochastic coordinate proximal gradient method in convex and nonconvex settings; in particular, we prove high-probability bounds on the number of iterations before a given optimality is achieved. Extensive numerical results also confirm the efficiency of our algorithm.

Funding: This work was supported by Norway Grants 2014-2021 [Grant ELO-Hyp 24/2020]; Unitatea Executiva pentru Finantarea Invatamantului Superior, a Cercetarii, Dezvoltarii si Inovarii [Grants PN-III-P4-PCE-2021-0720, L2O-MOC, nr 70/2022]; and the ITN-ETN project TraDE-OPT funded by the European Union’s Horizon 2020 Research and Innovation Programme under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie grant agreement [Grant 861137].
Frontiers in Operations: Equitable Data-Driven Facility Location and Resource Allocation to Fight the Opioid Epidemic
Authors: Luo Joyce , Stellato Bartolomeo
Published: April 2024

Problem definition: The opioid epidemic is a crisis that has plagued the United States for decades. One central issue of the epidemic is inequitable access to treatment for opioid use disorder (OUD), which puts certain populations at a higher risk of opioid overdose. Methodology/results: We integrate a predictive dynamical model and a prescriptive optimization problem to compute high-quality opioid treatment facility and treatment budget allocations for each U.S. state. Our predictive model is a differential equation-based epidemiological model that captures the dynamics of the opioid epidemic. We use a process inspired by neural ordinary differential equations to fit this model to opioid epidemic data for each state and obtain estimates for unknown parameters in the model. We then incorporate this epidemiological model into a corresponding mixed-integer optimization problem (MIP) that aims to minimize the number of opioid overdose deaths and the number of people with OUD. We develop strong relaxations based on McCormick envelopes to efficiently compute approximate solutions to our MIPs that have a mean optimality gap of 3.99%. Our method provides socioeconomically equitable solutions, as it incentivizes investments in areas with higher social vulnerability (from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control’s Social Vulnerability Index) and opioid prescribing rates. On average, when allowing for overbudget solutions, our approach decreases the number of people with OUD by [Formula: see text], increases the number of people in treatment by [Formula: see text], and decreases the number of opioid-related deaths by [Formula: see text] after 2 years compared with the baseline epidemiological model’s predictions. Managerial implications: Our solutions show that policymakers should target adding treatment facilities to counties that have significantly fewer facilities than their population share and are more socially vulnerable. Furthermore, we demonstrate that our optimization approach, guided by epidemiological and socioeconomic factors, should help inform these strategic decisions, as it yields population health benefits in comparison with benchmarks based solely on population and social vulnerability.

History: This paper has been accepted in the Manufacturing & Service Operations Management Frontiers in Operations Initiative.

Supplemental Material: The online appendix is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/msom.2023.0042 .
Adaptive Lagrangian Policies for a Multiwarehouse, Multistore Inventory System with Lost Sales
Authors: Chao Xiuli , Jasin Stefanus , Miao Sentao
Published: April 2024

Adaptive Lagrangian Policies for Inventory Control

Consider the problem of managing inventory in a multiwarehouse, multistore setting where each store can be periodically replenished from potentially a set of nearby warehouses. This is a practically relevant problem, and its optimal policy is not easy to compute because of the curse of dimensionality. Existing works in the literature have proposed a policy based on Lagrangian relaxation of the original stochastic problem. This vanilla policy applies the control parameters derived from the Lagrangian model and has been shown to perform well in some cases. In “Adaptive Lagrangian Policies for a Multiwarehouse, Multistore Inventory System with Lost Sales,” we go one step farther and develop adaptive Lagrangian policies that update (at certain update times) the control parameters of the vanilla policy based on the historical demand realizations. We analytically show that our proposed adjustment significantly improves the performance of the vanilla policy.
Depression in the very young: Implication for the teenage years
Authors: Thornton Stephanie
Published: April 2024

While depression is commonly first diagnosed in adolescence, evidence shows that the roots of depression lie in the earliest days of life. Stephanie Thornton looks at the implications for care
Autoantibodies related to ataxia and other central nervous system manifestations of gluten enteropathy
Authors: Velikova Tsvetelina , Vasilev Georgi , Shumnalieva Russka , Chervenkov Lyubomir , Miteva Dimitrina Georgieva , Gulinac Milena , Priftis Stamatios , Lazova Snezhina
Published: April 2024

Gluten ataxia and other central nervous system disorders could be linked to gluten enteropathy and related autoantibodies. In this narrative review, we focus on the various neuro-logical manifestations in patients with gluten sensitivity/celiac disease, immunological and autoimmune mechanisms of ataxia in connection to gluten sensitivity and the autoantibodies that could be used as a biomarker for diagnosing and following. We focused on the anti-gliadin antibodies, antibodies to different isoforms of tissue transglutaminase (TG) (anti-TG2, 3, and 6 antibodies), anti-glycine receptor antibodies, anti-glutamine acid decarboxylase antibodies, anti-deamidated gliadin peptides antibodies, etc. Most studies found a higher prevalence of these antibodies in patients with gluten sensitivity and neurological dysfunction, presented as different neurological disorders. We also discuss the role of a gluten-free diet on the clinical improvement of patients and also on imaging of these disorders.
Overlapping infections of Mycobacterium canariasense and Nocardia farcinica in an immunocompetent patient: A case report
Authors: Huang Hai-Yan , Bu Kun-Peng , Liu Jin-Wei , Wei Jing
Published: April 2024

BACKGROUND

Infections by non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) have become more common in recent years. Mycobacterium canariasense (M. canariasense ) was first reported as an opportunistic pathogen in 2004, but there have been very few case reports since then. Nocardia is a genus of aerobic and Gram-positive bacilli, and these species are also opportunistic pathogens and in the Mycobacteriales order. Conventional methods for diagnosis of NTM are inefficient. Metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) can rapidly detect many pathogenic microorganisms, even rare species. Most NTM and Nocardia infections occur in immunocompromised patients with atypical clinical symptoms. There are no previous reports of infection by M. canariasense and Nocardia farcinica (N. farcinica ), especially in immunocompetent patients. This case report describes an immunocompetent 52-year-old woman who had overlapping infections of M. canariasense , N. farcinica , and Candida parapsilosis (C. parapsilosis ) based on mNGS.

CASE SUMMARY

A 52-year-old woman presented with a productive cough and chest pain for 2 wk, and recurrent episodes of moderate-grade fever for 1 wk. She received antibiotics for 1 wk at a local hospital, and experienced defervescence, but the productive cough and chest pain persisted. We collected samples of a lung lesion and alveolar lavage fluid for mNGS. The lung tissue was positive for M. canariasense , N. farcinica , and C. parapsilosis , and the alveolar lavage fluid was positive for M. canariasense . The diagnosis was pneumonia, and application of appropriate antibiotic therapy cured the patient.

CONCLUSION

Etiological diagnosis is critical for patients with infectious diseases. mNGS can identify rare and novel pathogens, and does not require a priori knowledge.
Shortest Path of a Random Graph and its Application
Authors: Sahoo Laxminarayan , Das Rakhi
Published: April 2024

The goal of this work is to provide an effective method for determining the shortest path in random graphs, which are complicated networks with random connectivity patterns. We have developed an algorithm that can identify the shortest path for both weighted and unweighted random graphs to accomplish our objective. As connectivity in these types of structures is changing, the algorithm adjusts to different edge weights and node configurations to provide fast and precise shortest path searching. The study shows that the suggested method performs more successfully in finding the shortest path throughout random graphs using comprehensive computations. Many networks, including social networks, granular networks, road traffic networks, etc., include nodes that can connect to one another and create random graphs in the present-day computational era. The outcomes demonstrate how flexible it is, which makes it a useful tool for practical uses in domains where random graph structures are common, like transportation networks, communication systems, and social networks. For illustration, we have taken into consideration an actual case study of communication road networks here. We have determined the shortest path of the road networks using our proposed algorithm, and the results have been presented. Better decision-making across a range of areas is made possible by this study, which advances effective algorithms designed for complicated and unpredictable network environments.
Some Studies on Cutting Force Generation in Machining of Mg-Ca1.0 Alloy
Authors: Jagtap Ketan , Sanap Suresh
Published: April 2024

Magnesium alloy has qualities that are similar to those of bone, it is now commonly acknowledged as a biodegradable material. Mg-Ca1.0 is a recently developed biodegradable substance that doesn’t cause any harmful substances to be produced in the body. It is frequently utilized in fixation screws and supporting plates for bone implants. To far, very little research has been published on the machining of biodegradable Magnesium Calcium alloy. This investigation’s goal is to evaluate the cutting forces produced during a face milling procedure. The experimental work used a one-factor-at-a-time strategy to assess how process factors affect performance attributes. The current study uses a CVD diamond-coated insert to examine how the depth of cut, feed rate, and cutting speed affect the radial (Fx), tangential (Fy), and axial (Fz) cutting forces during face milling in a dry machining environment.
Efficacy of cilostazol in promoting the maturation of newly created arteriovenous fistula in patients with end-stage renal disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Willim Herick Alvenus , Sugandi Erica , Rosa  , Sani Alvin Ariyanto , Khouw Hengky
Published: April 2024

BACKGROUND Arteriovenous fistula (AVF) is considered the gold standard for vascular access in hemodialysis. However, achieving the successful maturation of AVF remains a challenge. Cilostazol, a phosphodiesterase-3 inhibitor, has shown promise in enhancing AVF maturation. This study aimed to assess the clinical efficacy of cilostazol in promoting AVF maturation.
METHODS This meta-analysis was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. A comprehensive systematic literature search was performed using PubMed, ScienceDirect, Cochrane Library, ProQuest, and Google Scholar to identify studies investigating the efficacy of cilostazol on the maturation of newly created AVF in patients with end-stage renal disease and published up to August 2023. The intervention group received perioperative cilostazol therapy, while the control group did not receive cilostazol. The outcomes were the maturation rate of AVF and AVF-related complications. Meta-analysis was conducted using Review Manager software version 5.3.
RESULTS 5 studies involving 549 patients were included. The intervention group comprised 228 patients, while the control group comprised 321 patients. In the pooled analysis, patients in the intervention group had a significantly higher rate of AVF maturation (odds ratio [OR] = 2.18, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.29–3.68, p = 0.003, I2 = 47%) and a lower rate of AVF-related complications (OR = 0.46, 95% CI: 0.28–0.77, p = 0.003, I2 = 27%) compared to the control.
CONCLUSIONS Cilostazol was associated with a higher rate of AVF maturation and a lower rate of AVF-related complications.
Happy Wife, Happy Life: Pauline Marriage in Geoffrey Chaucer’s The Wife of Bath’s Tale
Authors: Pedersen David G.
Published: April 2024

Abstract: This article asserts continuity of purpose between The Wife of Bath’s Prologue and Tale through the Pauline marital paradigm of mutual submission. The apparent incongruity between the Wife’s diatribe against expectations of wifely submission in the Prologue and her Tale ’s subsequent depiction of a reformed rapist knight who eventually finds himself happily married to a beautiful, submissive wife has long produced scholarly consternation. I argue that the Prologue and Tale work together to reveal the inevitable outcome of imposing gender hierarchies in marriage and a means of recovering a Pauline marriage paradigm focused on service rather than power.
Incarnation and Imagination in Jayber Crow : Wendell Berry’s Divine Comedy
Authors: Reardon Sarah , Bilbro Jeffrey
Published: April 2024

Abstract: Wendell Berry models Jayber Crow on Dante’s Divine Comedy , and in doing so, he dramatizes a fundamental mystery of Christian theology: the Incarnation. Dante and Jayber make parallel errors on their winding pilgrimages to the beatific vision. At times they are tempted to enjoy created goods for their own sakes. At other times they experience frustration with the need to know Christ through the fallen-yet- redeemed members of his earthly body, and they seek instead to apprehend him directly. Yet both eventually enjoy the transcendent gift of God’s presence, and they do so mediated through his earthly body, the communion of saints.
Toward Cognitive Justice: Reconstructions of Climate Finance Governance in Fiji
Authors: Anantharajah Kirsty , Naisilisili Sereima Volivoli
Published: April 2024

Abstract: In response to climate change's devastating impacts on Pacific nations such as Fiji, climate finance—that is, the flow of public and private funds toward climate-aligned investment—has been presented as a promising solution. However, climate finance has had mixed results in delivering positive climate-aligned development benefits. In this article, we explore the climate finance governance around Fiji's energy sector using postcolonial analytical tools, which allow us to explore some of the asymmetries playing out in climate finance and offer some alternatives. We argue that climate finance dysfunction is, in part, derived from the application of hegemonic knowledges in climate finance governance, and we aim to deconstruct these knowledge practices and subsequently, through the analysis of empirical, ethnographic data, to reconstruct governance alternatives that provide for epistemic inclusivity. This article demonstrates how Indigenous approaches such as talanoa and 'iluvatu can facilitate recognition of governance innovation, and, in doing so, it considers the potential of cognitive justice, which calls for epistemic inclusivity, within the context of climate finance governance. The article concludes that including cognitive justice in climate finance governance can indeed promote better climate-aligned development benefits in Fiji and beyond.
Introduction
Authors: Lalami Laila
Published: April 2024

Abstract: Ploughshares Spring 2024 The Spring 2024 Issue. Ploughshares is an award-winning journal of new writing. Since 1971, Ploughshares has discovered and cultivated the freshest voices in contemporary American literature, and now provides readers with thoughtful and entertaining literature in a variety of formats. Find out why the New York Times named Ploughshares "the Triton among minnows." The Spring 2024 Issue, guest-edited by Laila Lalami, features poetry and prose by Mosab Abu Toha, Nathalie Handal, January Gill O'Neil, Farah Abdessamad, Francisco Goldman, Tommy Orange, and more.
Blood Antiquities, Arab Tears
Authors: Abdessamad Farah
Published: April 2024

Abstract: Ploughshares Spring 2024 The Spring 2024 Issue. Ploughshares is an award-winning journal of new writing. Since 1971, Ploughshares has discovered and cultivated the freshest voices in contemporary American literature, and now provides readers with thoughtful and entertaining literature in a variety of formats. Find out why the New York Times named Ploughshares "the Triton among minnows." The Spring 2024 Issue, guest-edited by Laila Lalami, features poetry and prose by Mosab Abu Toha, Nathalie Handal, January Gill O'Neil, Farah Abdessamad, Francisco Goldman, Tommy Orange, and more.
History Class, and: Sunrise Under War, and: Two Watches
Authors: Toha Mosab Abu
Published: April 2024

Abstract: Ploughshares Spring 2024 The Spring 2024 Issue. Ploughshares is an award-winning journal of new writing. Since 1971, Ploughshares has discovered and cultivated the freshest voices in contemporary American literature, and now provides readers with thoughtful and entertaining literature in a variety of formats. Find out why the New York Times named Ploughshares "the Triton among minnows." The Spring 2024 Issue, guest-edited by Laila Lalami, features poetry and prose by Mosab Abu Toha, Nathalie Handal, January Gill O'Neil, Farah Abdessamad, Francisco Goldman, Tommy Orange, and more.
Starting Over
Authors: Blum Nathan
Published: April 2024

Abstract: Ploughshares Spring 2024 The Spring 2024 Issue. Ploughshares is an award-winning journal of new writing. Since 1971, Ploughshares has discovered and cultivated the freshest voices in contemporary American literature, and now provides readers with thoughtful and entertaining literature in a variety of formats. Find out why the New York Times named Ploughshares "the Triton among minnows." The Spring 2024 Issue, guest-edited by Laila Lalami, features poetry and prose by Mosab Abu Toha, Nathalie Handal, January Gill O'Neil, Farah Abdessamad, Francisco Goldman, Tommy Orange, and more.
Traffic Stop Prayer as Wish
Authors: Dublin Kevin
Published: April 2024

Abstract: Ploughshares Spring 2024 The Spring 2024 Issue. Ploughshares is an award-winning journal of new writing. Since 1971, Ploughshares has discovered and cultivated the freshest voices in contemporary American literature, and now provides readers with thoughtful and entertaining literature in a variety of formats. Find out why the New York Times named Ploughshares "the Triton among minnows." The Spring 2024 Issue, guest-edited by Laila Lalami, features poetry and prose by Mosab Abu Toha, Nathalie Handal, January Gill O'Neil, Farah Abdessamad, Francisco Goldman, Tommy Orange, and more.
The Infiltrators
Authors: Goldman Francisco
Published: April 2024

Abstract: Ploughshares Spring 2024 The Spring 2024 Issue. Ploughshares is an award-winning journal of new writing. Since 1971, Ploughshares has discovered and cultivated the freshest voices in contemporary American literature, and now provides readers with thoughtful and entertaining literature in a variety of formats. Find out why the New York Times named Ploughshares "the Triton among minnows." The Spring 2024 Issue, guest-edited by Laila Lalami, features poetry and prose by Mosab Abu Toha, Nathalie Handal, January Gill O'Neil, Farah Abdessamad, Francisco Goldman, Tommy Orange, and more.
Excerpt from The Call of Migratory Things
Authors: Mcconigley Nina
Published: April 2024

Abstract: Ploughshares Spring 2024 The Spring 2024 Issue. Ploughshares is an award-winning journal of new writing. Since 1971, Ploughshares has discovered and cultivated the freshest voices in contemporary American literature, and now provides readers with thoughtful and entertaining literature in a variety of formats. Find out why the New York Times named Ploughshares "the Triton among minnows." The Spring 2024 Issue, guest-edited by Laila Lalami, features poetry and prose by Mosab Abu Toha, Nathalie Handal, January Gill O'Neil, Farah Abdessamad, Francisco Goldman, Tommy Orange, and more.
Pasolini in Palestine, and: I, Mediterranean
Authors: Handal Nathalie
Published: April 2024

Abstract: Ploughshares Spring 2024 The Spring 2024 Issue. Ploughshares is an award-winning journal of new writing. Since 1971, Ploughshares has discovered and cultivated the freshest voices in contemporary American literature, and now provides readers with thoughtful and entertaining literature in a variety of formats. Find out why the New York Times named Ploughshares "the Triton among minnows." The Spring 2024 Issue, guest-edited by Laila Lalami, features poetry and prose by Mosab Abu Toha, Nathalie Handal, January Gill O'Neil, Farah Abdessamad, Francisco Goldman, Tommy Orange, and more.
Hymns to Poseidon
Authors: Mattawa Khaled
Published: April 2024

Abstract: Ploughshares Spring 2024 The Spring 2024 Issue. Ploughshares is an award-winning journal of new writing. Since 1971, Ploughshares has discovered and cultivated the freshest voices in contemporary American literature, and now provides readers with thoughtful and entertaining literature in a variety of formats. Find out why the New York Times named Ploughshares "the Triton among minnows." The Spring 2024 Issue, guest-edited by Laila Lalami, features poetry and prose by Mosab Abu Toha, Nathalie Handal, January Gill O'Neil, Farah Abdessamad, Francisco Goldman, Tommy Orange, and more.
Dirt Clods
Authors: Svoboda Terese
Published: April 2024

Abstract: Ploughshares Spring 2024 The Spring 2024 Issue. Ploughshares is an award-winning journal of new writing. Since 1971, Ploughshares has discovered and cultivated the freshest voices in contemporary American literature, and now provides readers with thoughtful and entertaining literature in a variety of formats. Find out why the New York Times named Ploughshares "the Triton among minnows." The Spring 2024 Issue, guest-edited by Laila Lalami, features poetry and prose by Mosab Abu Toha, Nathalie Handal, January Gill O'Neil, Farah Abdessamad, Francisco Goldman, Tommy Orange, and more.
Reruns, and: Driving Away
Authors: Watkins-Xu Connor
Published: April 2024

Abstract: Ploughshares Spring 2024 The Spring 2024 Issue. Ploughshares is an award-winning journal of new writing. Since 1971, Ploughshares has discovered and cultivated the freshest voices in contemporary American literature, and now provides readers with thoughtful and entertaining literature in a variety of formats. Find out why the New York Times named Ploughshares "the Triton among minnows." The Spring 2024 Issue, guest-edited by Laila Lalami, features poetry and prose by Mosab Abu Toha, Nathalie Handal, January Gill O'Neil, Farah Abdessamad, Francisco Goldman, Tommy Orange, and more.
Structured polarized laser beams for controlled spiral-shaped mass transfer in azopolymer thin films
Authors: Porfirev Alexey , Khonina Svetlana , Porfirev Denis , Ivliev Nikolay
Published: April 2024

We present an approach for the realization of controlled spiral-shaped mass transfer in azopolymer thin films and the fabrication of spiral microreliefs. For such laser processing, we propose to use light fields with structured polarization distributions generated by a transmissive spatial light modulator. The projection lithography approach is utilized, transferring the pattern directly to the surface of azopolymer thin films. The shaped polarization distributions with different dependencies of the polarization vector orientation on the azimuthal angle allow us to drive surface waves on the sample along a spiral trajectory. Additionally, the ability to control the concavity of the formed microreliefs is demonstrated. This approach can be effectively modified for the direct laser fabrication of more complex nano-/micro-elements as well as their arrays.
Optimizing thin-film silicon solar cells with nanostructured TiO2 and a silver back reflector for enhanced energy conversion efficiency
Authors: Abu-Elmaaty Basma E. , Ismail Tawfik , Sabeeh Ala H. , Khawaji Ibrahim H.
Published: April 2024

This paper investigates the improvement of energy conversion efficiency in thin-film silicon solar cells by employing periodic nanostructures of TiO2 on the silicon active layer and a back reflector featuring periodic nanostructures of silver. The objective is to increase the optical path length, enhance absorption probability for longer wavelengths, and subsequently improve solar cell performance. Three silicon-based solar cell configurations are proposed and simulated using the finite difference time domain (FDTD) method to assess their performance. Electrical characteristics are obtained through the drift-diffusion method. The resulting short-circuit current density increased from 40.93 to 65.28 to 95.373mA/cm2 for the three cells, leading to significant improvements in conversion efficiency with observed values of 20.39%, 33.26%, and 47.28%, respectively, in the optimized structures. Furthermore, we compare the simulation results of the three structures with those of a reference structure and several structures previously proposed in the literature.