bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fostemsavir resistance-associated polymorphisms in HIV-1 subtype C in a large cohort of treatment-naïve and treatment-experienced individuals in Botswana
Authors: Zuze Boitumelo J. L. , Radibe Botshelo T. , Choga Wonderful T. , Bareng Ontlametse T. , Moraka Natasha O. , Maruapula Dorcas , Seru Kedumetse , Mokgethi Patrick , Mokaleng Baitshepi , Ndlovu Nokuthula , Kelentse Nametso , Pretorius-Holme Molly , Shapiro Roger , Lockman Shahin , Makhema Joseph , Novitsky Vlad , Seatla Kaelo K. , Moyo Sikhulile , Gaseitsiwe Simani
Published: October 2023

There are limited data on the prevalence of fostemsavir (FTR) resistance-associated polymorphisms in people with HIV in Botswana. We sought to determine the prevalence of FTR resistance-associated polymorphisms in HIV-1 subtype C sequences from antiretroviral therapy (ART)-naïve and ART-experienced individuals in Botswana. Previously reported FTR resistance-associated polymorphisms from literature were surveyed from HIV-1C proviral sequences generated from a large HIV-1 population-based cohort enrolled between 2013 and 2018. Sequences from ART-naïve and ART-experienced individuals were included in the analysis. A total of 6,078 participants with gp120 sequences were included in this study, and 6,030 (99.2%) had known ART status; 1,282 (21.3%) were from ART-naïve individuals, while 4,748 (78.7%) were from individuals on ART at study enrollment. Viral load (VL) data were available for 4,739 (99.8%) ART-experienced individuals, of whom 4,526 (95.5%) were suppressed and 213 (4.5%) had virologic failure (VF) (VL >400). Among those with VF and ART naive, the overall prevalence of FTR resistance was 13.3% (95% CI 11.6%–15.1%) and did not differ between ART-experienced with VF individuals (29/213, 13.6%) and ART-naïve individuals (170/1,282, 13.3%) (
P
-value = 0.9). The most predominant mutations (prevalence ≥1.0%) were M434I (9.8%), M475I (5.9%), and M426L (1.1%). The overall prevalence of FTR polymorphisms was similar in both ART-naïve and ART-experienced individuals with VF in a setting with no prior FTR exposure. We recommend further studies on the phenotypic impact of these polymorphisms to guide how to monitor for FTR resistance. (This study has been registered at ClinicalTrials.gov under registration no. NCT01965470.)

IMPORTANCE

Fostemsavir (FTR) is a newly licensed antiretroviral drug that has been shown to have activity against HIV-1. The mechanism of action of FTR is different from all currently available antiretrovirals (ARVs), and as such, it offers hope for HIV-1 suppression in those people with HIV (PWH) who harbor HIV-1 variants with drug resistance mutations to currently used ARVs. Using 6,030 HIV-1 sequences covering the HIV-1 envelope from PWH in Botswana who are antiretroviral therapy (ART) naïve as well as those who are failing ART, we explored the sequences for FTR resistance-associated polymorphisms. We found the prevalence of FTR polymorphisms to be similar in both ART-naïve and ART-experienced individuals with VF in this setting, with no prior FTR exposure. Further studies on the phenotypic impact of these polymorphisms are warranted to guide how to monitor for FTR resistance.
Origin of paired extension-compression during rotational rifting: An early Paleogene example from the northeast Atlantic region and its implications
Authors: Wong Po Wan , Midtkandal Ivar , Faleide Jan Inge
Published: October 2023

The formation of paired extension-compression (PEC) postulated by rotational kinematics of rift propagation is demonstrated by analogue models but rarely observed in nature. In our study of the early Paleogene continental rift in the northeast Atlantic, a PEC is proposed based on the northeastward propagation and the coeval compression at the rift tip. The propagation is deduced from tectono-magmatic trends, including along-axis development of magmatism, and migration of tectonic faulting inward and toward the rift tip. Where this propagation terminated, we documented coeval extension and compression in the form of a horst-and-graben system (H&G) and V-shaped anticline (VA), respectively. Given their structural characteristics and spatiotemporal relationships with the rift, their origin is best illustrated by a three-stage model: (1) Rifting initiated at the site of mantle upwelling and propagated northeastward in the Paleocene. (2) The rift tip was stalled by an elevated mafic-ultramafic body at the Barents Shelf, which led to forward projection of the rift’s driving force to create the H&G and the VA (PEC), dissipating the along-axis force component. (3) Domination of axis-perpendicular components then promoted orthogonal extension and sheared margin development. Our study suggests that PEC has a crucial role in both termination of propagation and rift-mode conversion.
Human rights and HIV: rhetoric or determinants?
Authors: Hinman Kati , Amon Joseph J
Published: October 2023

International donors and UN agencies emphasise the importance of human rights as a key determinant of HIV vulnerability and of access, uptake and retention in HIV prevention and treatment services. Yet, the extent to which HIV researchers are incorporating rights into their research, the specific rights being examined and the frequency of research assessing rights-based approaches, is unknown.

Methods

We examined all articles published in the five highest impact-factor HIV journals: (1) Lancet HIV; (2) AIDS and Behavior; (3) AIDS; (4) Journal of the International AIDS Society (JIAS); and (5) Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes (JAIDS), between 1 January 2017 and 31 December 2022, for reference to ‘human right(s)’ or ‘right(s)’. We analysed articles to assess: (1) what populations were identified in relation to specific human rights concerns; (2) what specific rights were mentioned; (3) whether researchers cited specific legal frameworks; and (4) if and what types of rights-based interventions were examined.

Results

Overall, 2.8% (n=224) of the 8080 articles reviewed included a mention of ‘human right(s)’ or ‘right(s)’. Forty-two per cent of these (n=94) were original research articles. The most common key population discussed was men who have sex with men (33 articles), followed by sex workers (21 articles) and transgender people (14 articles). Of the 94 articles, 11 mentioned the right to health and nine referenced reproductive rights. Few articles identified a specific authority—whether in national, regional or international law—for the basis of the rights cited. Fourteen articles discussed rights-based interventions.

Conclusion

Despite global recognition of the importance of human rights to HIV outcomes, few HIV researchers publishing in the top five cited HIV journals include attention to human rights, or rights-based interventions, in their research. When rights are mentioned, it is often without specificity or recognition of the legal basis for human rights.
Kaiser Permanente early-onset sepsis calculator as a safe tool for reducing antibiotic use among chorioamnionitis-exposed term neonates: Qatar experience
Authors: Paraparambil Vellamgot Anvar , Salameh Khalil , AlBedaywi Rajai Rofail , Alhoyed Samer Mahmoud , Habboub Lina Hossain , Abdellatif Walaa , Daoud Omayma Ahmad , Atrash Muna , Zakaria Almunzer
Published: October 2023

Being an important cause of early-onset neonatal sepsis, clinical chorioamnionitis in the mother results in frequent laboratory workup and antibiotic use for the neonate. Neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) in Qatar follow the categorical approach recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, USA, and all chorioamnionitis-exposed neonates receive antibiotics.

Our project aimed to reduce antibiotic use among chorioamnionitis-exposed, asymptomatic term babies by adopting the early-onset sepsis calculator (EOSCAL). Reduction of blood culture and NICU stay duration were added as secondary objectives later.

The Institute of Healthcare Improvement Model of Improvement was used. Antibiotic use rate was the primary outcome measure. Blood culture rate and early transfer to the postnatal ward were added after 1 year. The process measures included the EOSCAL use rate and calculation error rate. The rate of positive culture among untreated babies within the first week was taken as a balancing measure. Monthly data were collected from February 2020 and entered as run charts. Calculation errors were dealt by multiple PDSAs. Additional outcome measures were added in January 2021. Data collection and monitoring continued till December 2022.

Among 3837 inborn NICU admissions, 464 (12 %) were chorioamnionitis-exposed babies. Of them, 341 (74%) cases were eligible for inclusion. Among eligible cases, 270 (79%) did not receive antibiotics. Blood culture could be avoided among 106 (97% of low-risk babies) and NICU stay was reduced among 45 (92% of eligible low-risk babies). None of the untreated babies developed sepsis during the first week.

Implementation of this project effectively and safely reduced the antibiotic use and blood culture rate among term, well-appearing babies exposed to chorioamnionitis. The project resulted in enhanced patient safety, experience and flow and reduced cost. It is recommendable to other NICU settings in Qatar.
Cognitive and biomarker responses in healthy older adults to a 18-hole golf round and different walking types: a randomised cross-over study
Authors: Kettinen Julia , Tikkanen Heikki , Hiltunen Mikko , Murray Andrew , Horn Nils , Taylor William R , Venojärvi Mika
Published: October 2023

Introduction

The global burden of age-related cognitive decline is increasing, with the number of people aged 60 and over expected to double by 2050. This study compares the acute effects of age-appropriate cognitively demanding aerobic exercises involving walking, on cognitive functions and exerkine responses such as brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and cathepsin B (CTSB) in older, healthy adults.

Methods/design

Healthy older golfers (n=25, 16 male and 9 female, 69±4 years) were enrolled in a 5-day randomised cross-over study and completed three different exercise trials (18-hole golf round, 6 km Nordic walking, 6 km walking) in a real-life environment, in random order and at a self-selected pace. Differences in cognition (the Trail-Making Test (TMT) AB) and exerkines (BDNF and CTSB) were analysed within groups using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test and between groups using the Kruskal-Wallis test.

Results

All exercise types resulted in a significant decrease in the TMT A-test (p<0.05; golf: −4.43±1.5 s, Nordic walking: −4.63±1.6 s, walking: −6.75±2.26 s), where Nordic walking and walking demonstrated a decrease in the TMT B-test (p<0.05; Nordic walking: −9.62±7.2 s, walking: −7.55±3.2 s). In addition, all exercise types produced significant decreases in the TMT AB test scores (p<0.05), and Nordic walking (p=0.035) showed decreases in the TMTB-TMTA-test. There were no immediate postexercise changes in the levels of BDNF or CTSB.

Conclusion

Acute bouts of golf, Nordic walking and walking improved cognitive functions irrespective of exerkines in healthy older adults. In addition, Nordic walking and walking in general enhanced executive functions. No significant effects were seen on the levels of BDNF and CTSB.

Trial registration number

ISRCTN10007294.
Proteomic profile of Toxoplasma gondii stress granules by high-resolution mass spectrometry
Authors: Roscoe Scott , Guo Yue , Vacratsis Panayiotis O. , Ananvoranich Sirinart
Published: October 2023

Ribonucleoprotein granules are bio-condensates that form a diverse group of dynamic membrane-less organelles implicated in several cellular functions, including stress response and cellular survival. In Toxoplasma gondii, a type of bio-condensates referred to as stress granules (SGs) are formed prior to the parasites’ egress from the host cell and are implicated in the survival and invasion competency of extracellular tachyzoites. We used paraformaldehyde to fix and cross-link SG proteins to allow purification by centrifugation and analysis by mass spectrometry. We profiled protein components of SGs at 10 and 30 min post-egress when parasite’s invasion ability is significantly diminished. Thirty-three proteins were identified from 10 min SGs, and additional 43 proteins were identified from 30 min SGs. Notably, common SG components such as proteins with intrinsically disordered domains were not identified. Gene ontology analysis of both 10 and 30 min SGs shows that overall molecular functions of SGs’ proteins are ATP-binding, GTP-binding, and GTPase activity. Discernable differences between 10 and 30 min SGs are in the proportions of translation and microtubule-related proteins. Ten-minute SGs have a higher proportion of microtubule-related proteins and a lower proportion of ribosome-related proteins, while a reverse correlation was identified for those of 30 min. It remains to be investigated whether this reverse correlation contributes to the ability of extracellular tachyzoites to reinvade host cells.
A machine learning-based assessments of green product purchase patterns in Tamilnadu
Authors: Nithya Devi C. , Subatra B.
Published: October 2023

The pandemic Corona epidemic has had profound implications on supply chains, from raw materials to finished items. Diets, hygiene and general well-being have all been impacted by these changes. Customers’ preferences for eco-friendly and green products have increased as a consequence of food safety concerns, given that the current state of the environment is so detrimental to human health and well-being on a worldwide scale. As a result, customers’ attitudes, perceptions, tastes and purchases are becoming more environmentally conscious. The purpose of green/eco-friendly marketing is to meet customers’ wants and needs while simultaneously conserving the environment and boosting social benefits. This study’s goal is to identify the primary drivers of consumer behavior in the purchase of environmentally friendly goods. Since social media is the most widely used for views, references and product information, this study effort suggests a system based on social media data called machine learning scheme for assessments of factors motivating consumers (MLS-AFMC). Regression analysis and machine learning techniques were used in this study to examine Indian green goods. Furthermore, client preferences and behavior are verified by this study’s findings.
Beating the market with a simple proposed portfolio and technical trading rules
Authors: Metghalchi Massoud , Cloninger Peggy , Niroomand Farhang
Published: October 2023

This study presents evidence that well-known technical trading rules (TTRs) applied to a proposed simple exchange-traded fund (ETF) portfolio provide better risk-adjusted performance than the ‘market’ and top-ranked balanced funds (BFs). We form a portfolio of two well-known ETFs and apply some well-known TTRs like Moving Average (MA), Relative Strength Index (RSI) and Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) techniques to this simple proposed portfolio from January 31, 2007 to August 31, 2021. We design two strategies: (1) Long/Money and (2) Leverage/Money. We compare the risk-adjusted performance of some well-known trading rules applied to our proposed portfolio with strategy (1), Long/Money, which is a more conservative investment strategy, to the risk-adjusted performance of 14 top-ranked BFs. The best trading rules with strategy (1) applied to our portfolio outperform all the top-ranked BFs for the entire period and over two equal sub-periods. Similarly, the best trading rules applied to our portfolio with strategy (2) outperform the ‘market’, a Buy and Hold (B&H) strategy for the entire period and over two equal sub-periods. This paper contributes to the literature examining the common assumptions of efficient markets and could have important practical implications for many fund managers. In addition, the social impact of our paper could affect thousands of retail traders who are trying to ‘beat’ the market.
Data Issues in High-Definition Maps Furniture – A Survey
Authors: Zang Andi , Xu Runsheng , Trajcevski Goce , Zhou Fan
Published: October 2023

The rapid advancements in sensing techniques, networking, and artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms in recent years have brought autonomous driving vehicles closer to common use in vehicular transportation. One of the fundamental components to enable autonomous driving functionalities are
High-Definition
(HD) maps – a type of map that carries highly accurate and much richer information than conventional maps. The creation and use of HD maps rely on advances in multiple disciplines, such as computer vision/object perception, geographic information systems, sensing, simultaneous localization and mapping, machine learning, etc.

To date, several survey papers have been published describing the literature related to HD maps and their use in specialized contexts. In this survey, we aim to provide (1) a comprehensive overview of the issues and solutions related to HD maps and their use without attachment to a particular context; (2) a detailed coverage of the important domain knowledge of HD map furniture, from acquisition techniques and extraction approaches, through HD map–related datasets, to furniture quality assessment metrics, for the purpose of providing a comprehensive understanding of the entire workflow of HD map furniture generation, as well as its use.
Moral Improvement of Self, Social Relations, and Society
Authors: Leach Colin Wayne , Iyer Aarti
Published: October 2023

There is always room for moral improvement. However, very few prior reviews have focused on the phenomenon of moral improvement of self, social relations, or society. We first consider prevailing notions of the self-concept by highlighting the niche of theory and research that identifies an improving self as a possible identity and basis of motivation to act better and to be better. Second, we discuss moral improvement in the context of social relations, especially the close interpersonal relations that should most facilitate moral improvement. Third, we examine the moral improvement of society, focusing on the factors that facilitate or inhibit caring about potential immorality despite the fact that issues such as inequality, discrimination, and the climate crisis seem to be morally distant and impersonal. Finally, we discuss future directions for theory, research, and application.
Contribution of thick ascending limb and distal convoluted tubule to glucose-induced hypercalciuria in healthy controls
Authors: Prochaska Megan , Menezes Cameron , Ko Benjamin S. , Coe Fredric , Worcester Elaine
Published: October 2023

Sugar increases urine calcium and magnesium as well as kidney stone and bone disease risk. Our study provided new insights into the underlying mechanism as we gave healthy subjects an oral glucose load and used newer tools such as fractional excretion of lithium, serum parathyroid hormone, and microvesicular abundance of tubular transport proteins to characterize the mechanism and identify the thick ascending limb with possible calcium-sensing receptor mediation as a likely contributor to this mechanism.
Antioxidant Potential of Ethiopian Medicinal Plants and Their Phytochemicals: A Review of Pharmacological Evaluation
Authors: Nigussie Gashaw , Siyadatpanah Abolghasem , Norouzi Roghayeh , Debebe Eyob , Alemayehu Mekdelawit , Dekebo Aman
Published: October 2023

Background. Free radicals are very reactive molecules produced during oxidation events that in turn initiate a chain reaction resulting in cellular damage. Many degenerative diseases in humans, including cancer and central nervous system damage, are caused by free radicals. Scientific evidence indicates that active compounds from natural products can protect cells from free radical damage. As a result, the aim of this review is to provide evidence of the use of diverse Ethiopian medicinal plants with antioxidant properties that have been scientifically validated in order to draw attention and foster further investigations in this area. Methods. The keywords antioxidant, radical scavenging activities, reactive oxygen species, natural product, Ethiopian Medicinal plants, and 2, 2‐Diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging assay (DPPH) were used to identify relevant data in the major electronic scientific databases, including Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, PubMed, Medline, and Science domain. All articles with descriptions that were accessed until November 2022 were included in the search strategy. Results. A total of 54 plant species from 33 families were identified, along with 46 compounds isolated. More scientific studies have been conducted on plant species from the Brassicaceae (19%), Asphodelaceae (12%), and Asteraceae (12%) families. The most used solvent and extraction method for plant samples are methanol (68%) and maceration (88%). The most examined plant parts were the leaves (42%). Plant extracts (56%) as well as isolated compounds (61%) exhibited significant antioxidant potential. The most effective plant extracts from Ethiopian flora were Bersama abyssinica, Solanecio gigas, Echinops kebericho, Verbascum sinaiticum, Apium leptophyllum, and Crinum abyssinicum. The best oxidative phytochemicals were Rutin (7), Flavan‐3‐ol‐7‐O‐glucoside (8), Myricitrin (13), Myricetin‐3‐O‐arabinopyranoside (14), 7‐O‐Methylaloeresin A (15), 3‐Hydroxyisoagatholactone (17), β‐Sitosterol‐3‐O‐β‐D‐glucoside (22), Microdontin A/B (24), and Caffeic acid (39). Conclusion. Many crude extracts and compounds exhibited significant antioxidant activity, making them excellent candidates for the development of novel drugs. However, there is a paucity of research into the mechanisms of action as well as clinical evidence supporting some of these isolated compounds. To fully authenticate and then commercialize, further investigation and systematic analysis of these antioxidant‐rich species are required.
Development and Characterization of a New Solid Polymer Electrolyte for Supercapacitor Device
Authors: Azemtsop Manfo Theodore
Published: October 2023

In this study, solid polymer electrolytes (SPEs) are based on methylcellulose (MC) used as a polymer host and sodium iodide (NaI) as a dopant. The SPE films are developed using different contents of ethyl carbonate (EC) as a plasticizer to enhance their properties via a solution casting method. The surface morphology of SPE films is shown using polarized optical microscopy (POM), which indicates the existence of amorphous patches due to the plasticizing effect of EC. The creation of a complex between MC, NaI, and EC was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra. A tiny amount of EC applied to the MC-NaI polymer salt matrix increases the number of charge carriers and improves ionic conductivity. The ionic conductivity of the generated polymer electrolytes is examined using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The high-ion conducting PE of 5.06 × 10−3 S·cm−1 was found with the mixture MC + 50 wt% NaI + 10 wt% EC (room temperature). The linear speed voltammetry (LSV) test shows that the optimized polymer electrolyte can withstand decomposition up to 2.5 V. The optimized sample transmission numbers were calculated using a TNM (transference number measurement) approach, and the results show that 99% of the ions contribute to the conductivity, compared to only 1% of the electrons. A solid-state electrical double-layer capacitor (EDLC) was fabricated using the highest ion-conductive polymer electrolyte and graphene oxide (GO)-based electrodes. The galvanostatic charge-discharge (GCD) technique was performed, and the GCD graph shows the behavior of an ideal capacitor with a less Faradic process and a low ESR value. The GO-based cell’s columbic efficiency is 100%, and the system delivers the charge for a long duration. The EDLC cell demonstrates outstanding cyclability. The specific capacitance of the EDLC cell incorporated with MC + 50 wt. % NaI + 10 wt. % EC was found to be 154.66 F/g.
The Wetting Deformation Model of Rockfill and Its Two Methods for Simulating Rockfill Dam Collapse Settlement
Authors: Pan Litan , Fan Zhidong , Wang Daquan , Zhou Xiongxiong
Published: October 2023

The wetting deformation of the upstream dam shell material during the impoundment of the core wall rockfill dam seriously affects the safety of the dam. Based on the proposed

E

w

−

ν

w

wetting model, this paper proposes its corresponding two methods to simulate the collapse settlement of the rockfill dam: the initial strain method and the initial stress method. By simulating the collapse settlement of the Guanyinyan core wall rockfill dam, it is found that the simulated result using the initial stress method is in good agreement with the field monitoring data, while the displacement simulated using the initial strain method is larger. The distribution of displacement contours simulated using the initial strain method is obviously inconsistent in the area where the wetting deformation occurs, and the simulation results of the initial stress method are more reasonable. With the rise in the water level, the wetting deformation of the upstream dam shell material causes the tensile stress zone at the top of the dam. Therefore, the wetting deformation is the direct cause of the crack at the top of the dam, and the initial stress method should be preferred in the simulation of the wetting deformation of rockfill materials.
Experimental Analysis of Crystallinity and Mechanical Properties for Fused Filament Printed Polyetherketone Composites
Authors: Ladipo Taiwo , Masu Leonard , Nziu Patrick
Published: October 2023

The objective of this article is to examine the impacts of molybdenum disulphide (MoS2) and graphite-filled (Gr) polyetheretherketone (PEEK) composites that have been fabricated through 3D printing on their mechanical properties and crystallinity. Seven samples and thirty-five dog bones were produced using different filament strands to conduct the analysis. Before extrusion into filaments, the solid lubricants, MoS2, and graphite were uniformly dispersed within the PEEK through mechanical blending. At a concentration of 10 wt.%, the PEEK/MoS2 composites exhibited the highest tensile strength, measuring approximately 104 MPa, while the PEEK/Gr composites displayed the lowest tensile strength at the same concentration, approximately 36 MPa. In addition, the PEEK/MoS2 composites demonstrated better elongation, approximately 4.7%, compared to the PEEK/Gr composites, which exhibited approximately 2.3% elongation. X-ray diffraction (XRD) data revealed that neither MoS2 nor graphite significantly interacted with the PEEK matrix. The degree of crystallinity, as determined by density matrices, indicated that the printed PEEK composites possessed a higher level of crystallinity, approximately 62% at a concentration of 5 wt.%, than the calculated values. This suggests that the filament-making and 3D printing processes had an annealing effect. The significance of solid lubricant content and dispersion in shaping the mechanical properties and crystal formation of 3D-printed PEEK composites is emphasized in this study. Furthermore, this research provides valuable insights for optimizing PEEK-based materials for various applications.
Design of the Space Camera Protection System during Launch Process
Authors: Wang Siyu , Tian Haiying , Yan Changxiang
Published: October 2023

In order to improve the safety and reliability and maintain the stability of imaging quality when a space camera with a cargo spaceship is launched, a protection system for the space camera is designed. Firstly, according to the mechanical properties of the space camera, a working principle of the protection system is elaborated, and a model of the system is proposed. Secondly, a protective cover and a vibration isolation block are designed on the basis of shape, size, and requirements of the space camera. Thirdly, based on the finite element mesh, static and sinusoidal vibration simulation calculations of the space camera and its protection system are carried out. Finally, the protection system is validated after mechanical experiment. The results reveal that the three directional fundamental frequencies of space camera are 43.39 Hz, 26.74 Hz, and 22.83 Hz, respectively, and the maximum response of sinusoidal vibration acceleration is 17.02 g, which is amplified by 3.4 times. The image quality of the space camera lens is consistent before and after the test, which satisfies the requirement of the cargo ship.
Staphylococcus schleiferi: An Uncommon Pathogen in an Immunocompetent Adolescent with Chronic Osteomyelitis
Authors: Ruiz Holgado Maria Celeste , Depasupil Joanna Iris , Stracher Michael , Fakioglu Esra , Lew Lily Q.
Published: October 2023

Staphylococcus schleiferi represents an uncommon pathogen in human infections. As a veterinary pathogen, S. schleiferi causes canine ear and skin infections. Chronic osteomyelitis is a progressive process characterized by bone destruction and the formation of sequestrum. It may be a sequela of untreated or undertreated acute osteomyelitis or septic arthritis. Descriptions detailing the pathogenicity and virulence of S. schleiferi osteomyelitis were limited to a few case reports. Among the three reported cases of S. schleiferi osteomyelitis, immunosuppression, malignancy, and recent surgical procedures were comorbidities. Compared to those who are immunosuppressed, immunocompetent individuals are generally not susceptible to uncommon microorganisms. Early detection of osteomyelitis, aggressive appropriate prolonged antimicrobial treatment and a multidisciplinary approach contribute to optimal recovery. We report the first case of S. schleiferi chronic osteomyelitis in an immunocompetent adolescent.
Supplementary Figure 7 from Peritumoral Immune-suppressive Mechanisms Impede Intratumoral Lymphocyte Infiltration into Colorectal Cancer Liver versus Lung Metastases
Authors: Ye Jian , Guo Weihua , Wang Chongkai , Egelston Colt A. , D'Apuzzo Massimo , Shankar Geereesh , Fakih Marwan G. , Lee Peter P.
Published: October 2023

Different antigen presentation potential CRC primary and metastatic tumors.
Supplementary Figure 4 from Peritumoral Immune-suppressive Mechanisms Impede Intratumoral Lymphocyte Infiltration into Colorectal Cancer Liver versus Lung Metastases
Authors: Ye Jian , Guo Weihua , Wang Chongkai , Egelston Colt A. , D'Apuzzo Massimo , Shankar Geereesh , Fakih Marwan G. , Lee Peter P.
Published: October 2023

Distribution of PD-1+ T cells within the tumor core and peri-tumoral region in primarytumor.
Supplementary Figure 3 from Peritumoral Immune-suppressive Mechanisms Impede Intratumoral Lymphocyte Infiltration into Colorectal Cancer Liver versus Lung Metastases
Authors: Ye Jian , Guo Weihua , Wang Chongkai , Egelston Colt A. , D'Apuzzo Massimo , Shankar Geereesh , Fakih Marwan G. , Lee Peter P.
Published: October 2023

Distribution of immune cells in the cancer island and stroma of metastatic CRC TME.
Supplementary Figure 10 from Peritumoral Immune-suppressive Mechanisms Impede Intratumoral Lymphocyte Infiltration into Colorectal Cancer Liver versus Lung Metastases
Authors: Ye Jian , Guo Weihua , Wang Chongkai , Egelston Colt A. , D'Apuzzo Massimo , Shankar Geereesh , Fakih Marwan G. , Lee Peter P.
Published: October 2023

Distribution of LA and TLS across colorectal cancer sites.
Morbus Behçet: Versorgung der Patienten in Spezialzentren ist notwendig
Authors: Mihai Carina
Published: October 2023

Objective: To investigate the differential diagnostic spectrum in patients with suspected Behçet’s syndrome (BS) in low prevalence regions. In addition, the number of patients fulfilling the ICBD criteria despite not having BS was evaluated. Methods: This retrospective analysis was performed in two referral centers for BS. Patients with confirmed BS (clinical diagnosis with fulfilment of ISG criteria or a score of ≥ 5 points in the ICBD criteria) were excluded. The remaining patients were divided into eleven differential diagnosis categories. If no definitive alternative diagnosis could be established, patients were termed ‘probable BS’ in case of (1) relapsing orogenital aphthosis in the absence of other causes and either HLA-B51 positivity, origin from an endemic area or presence of an additional typical BS symptom that is not part of the classification criteria or (2) with 3–4 points scored in the ICBD criteria. Results: In total 202 patients were included and categorized as follows: 58 patients (28.7%) as ‘probable BS’, 57 (28.2%) skin disease, 26 (12.9%) chronic pain syndrome, 14 (6.9%) eye disease, 11 (5.4%) spondyloarthropathy, 9 (4.5%) gastrointestinal disease, 7 (3.5%) neurological disease, 4 (2%) arthritis, 3 (1.5%) auto-inflammation, 3 (1.5%) connective tissue disease, 10 (5.0%) miscellaneous disease. HLA-B51 was positive in 55/132 (41.6%); 75/202 (37.1%) of the patients fulfilled the ICBD criteria.
Revisiting the Predictive Role of Truncal-Type Occlusion Sign for Acute Large Vessel Stroke Treated by Endovascular Thrombectomy: A Scoping Review
Authors: Zhao Bingyang , Liang Wenzhao , Jiang Xinzhao , Zhao Zhongyu , Yan Lei , Mang Jing , Xu Zhongxin
Published: October 2023

Introduction: The truncal-type occlusion (TTO) sign observed during endovascular thrombectomy is thought to predict the etiology and prognosis of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) due to large vessel occlusion (LVO). However, the interpretation of the present results and the clinical utility of this sign need further investigation. This scoping meta-review aimed to assess the predictive value of the TTO sign, thus identifying methodological limitations in current study designs. Methods: Studies published up to January 2023 were identified by systematically searching PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science. A meta-analysis was performed to quantitatively synthesize the evidence on the predictive value of the TTO sign. An 8-point scale was introduced to narratively summarize the current evidence level and methodological quality of included studies. Results: We included 10 studies in this review. For the prediction of intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis, the sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio (PLR), and negative likelihood ratio (NLR) of the TTO sign were 0.73, 0.87, 5.5, and 0.31, respectively (all p < 0.05). For recanalization failure after primary thrombectomy, the sensitivity, specificity, PLR, and NLR were 0.44, 0.91, 4.9, and 0.61, respectively (all p < 0.05). The strength of evidence was low due to the methodological limitations and lack of adjustment for potential confounders. Conclusion: The predictive values of the TTO sign for the etiology of LVO-AIS were considerable but seemed limited for current interpretation. Several confounders could influence the determination and predictive value of the TTO sign, requiring methodological adjustments in future research. Endovascular practitioners encountering this sign during thrombectomy should draw specific attention to stroke etiology, thus promoting timely adjustment of intra- and postprocedural strategies.
Survival and Freedom From Reinterventions in Patients With Repaired Tetralogy of Fallot: Up to 42‐Year Follow‐Up of 917 Patients
Authors: Gebauer Roman , Chaloupecký Václav , Hučín Bohumil , Tláskal Tomáš , Komárek Arnošt , Janoušek Jan
Published: October 2023

Background

To evaluate long‐term outcome of tetralogy of Fallot repair analyzing an unbiased country‐wide surgically treated population with tetralogy of Fallot.

Methods and Results

Retrospective analysis of consecutive patients aged <18 years who underwent tetralogy of Fallot repair at a single nationwide pediatric cardiac center. Death from any cause and need for surgical or catheter reintervention were the study end points. Cox regression analysis was used to identify related risk factors. A total of 917 patients (male, 56.3%) were analyzed. Staged repair was performed in 16.9%. Early mortality (24/917, 2.62% patients) was confined to the early surgical eras. Late mortality was 4.5% (40/893 patients). Survival probability was 95.1%, 93.8% and 91.9% at 10, 20 and 30 years after repair, respectively. Early surgical era (
P
=0.013) and surgical/catheter reinterventions (
P
<0.001) were multivariable predictors of late death. A total of 487 reinterventions were performed after initial repair in 253/917 patients (27.6%), with pulmonary artery revalvulation (196/917 patients, 21.4%) being most frequent. Probability of freedom from first reintervention was 89.0%, 73.3%, and 55.1% at 10, 20, and 30 years after primary repair, respectively. Transannular repair was associated with the need for pulmonary artery revalvulation (
P
<0.001). Patients who underwent staged repair were more likely to need reinterventions on pulmonary arteries (
P
<0.001).

Conclusions

In an unbiased nationwide cohort, tetralogy of Fallot repair carried a favorable survival of >90% at 30 years. Each reintervention significantly incrementally increased the risk of mortality. Type of initial repair predicted the need for specific surgical or catheter reinterventions.
Attributable Costs of Stroke in Ontario, Canada and Their Variation by Stroke Type and Social Determinants of Health
Authors: Vyas Manav V. , Fang Jiming , de Oliveira Claire , Austin Peter C. , Yu Amy Y.X. , Kapral Moira K.
Published: October 2023

BACKGROUND:

Estimates of attributable costs of stroke are scarce, as most prior studies do not account for the baseline health care costs in people at risk of stroke. We estimated the attributable costs of stroke in a universal health care setting and their variation across stroke types and several social determinants of health.

METHODS:

We undertook a population-based administrative database-derived matched retrospective cohort study in Ontario, Canada. Community-dwelling adults aged ≥40 years with a stroke between 2003 and 2018 were matched (1:1) on demographics and comorbidities with controls without stroke. Using a difference-in-differences approach, we estimated the mean 1-year direct health care costs attributable to stroke from a public health care payer perspective, accounting for censoring with a weighted available sample estimator. We described health sector–specific costs and reported variation across stroke type and social determinants of health.

RESULTS:

The mean 1-year attributable costs of stroke were Canadian dollars 33 522 (95% CI, $33 231–$33 813), with higher costs for intracerebral hemorrhage ($40 244; $39 193–$41 294) than ischemic stroke ($32 547; $32 252–$32 843). Most of these costs were incurred in acute care hospitals ($15 693) and rehabilitation facilities ($7215). Compared with all patients with stroke, the mean attributable costs were higher among immigrants ($40 554; $39 316–$41 793), those aged <65 years ($35 175; $34 533–$35 818), and those residing in low-income neighborhoods ($34 687; $34 054–$35 320) and lower among rural residents ($29 047; $28 362–$29 731).

CONCLUSIONS:

Our findings of high attributable costs of stroke, especially in immigrants, younger patients, and residents of low-income neighborhoods, can be used to evaluate potential health care cost savings associated with different primary stroke prevention strategies.
Race and Reification
Authors: Dimick Matthew
Published: October 2023

This article uses Marx’s idea of commodity fetishism and subsequent theories of reification to understand the social construction of race. Race is typically defined as a socially-constituted category that is mischaracterised as a natural one. The goal of this article, in contrast, is to explain how this mischaracterisation arises. In addition to this main objective, the article uses this explanation of race to contest recent attempts that locate the ‘persistent entanglement’ of race and capital in their functional relationship. Finally, the article engages with related, commodity-based theories of race and racism and concludes with thoughts on what the socially-constructed category of race can teach us about the nature of value and capitalism.
Where Have All the Flowers Gone? The Fate of a Jewish “Culture of Flowers” in Two Early Medieval Diasporas
Authors: Holzer Aton M.
Published: October 2023

Flowers and traditions involving flowers tend to be conspicuously absent from early and late medieval Rabbinic literature, with one well-known but controversial exception. In contrast, literature and archaeological motifs beginning from the biblical period and reaching a climax in the late Second Temple period are replete with floral themes. The Madonna lily – lilium candidum – is especially celebrated as a symbol of ancient Israel, and particularly the Temple in Jerusalem, which may have been adorned with them in the late spring. In this essay, we analyze the Jewish culture of flowers in its Greco-Roman context and suggest possibilities to account for its ulti- mate disappearance – in particular, the translocation of Rabbinic scholarship to a Zoroastrian milieu, in which flowers played a central role in worship.
Multiple Contrast Connectives and Their Contribution to the Cohesion and Poetics of Yehuda Amichai’s Poetry
Authors: Yemini Bat-Zion
Published: October 2023

The article presents an interdisciplinary stylistic study of the language of Yehuda Amichai’s poetry in his last and enigmatic book, “Open Closed Open” (1998). The study examines his extensive use of contrast words and their contribution to the cohesion and poetics of the book’s poems. All 296 poems in the book were examined, and the contrast words were documented alongside the content of each poem. Stylistic examination reveals an exceptionally extensive 138 appearances of contrast words, among them 107 occurrences of aval. Analysis of the discourse in this research focuses on the function of the contrast words, and their meaning is determined according to semantic distinctions, which are based on the text’s interpretation. It was found that the cohesion in the book is reflected in structure and content, which explains the enigmatic meaning of the book’s title.
“It Is Certainly Forbidden to Force Her”:
Authors: Marienberg Evyatar
Published: October 2023

This article examines a chapter on marital sexuality that appears in a work that, for many decades, has been an extremely popular Ashkenazi manual of Jewish law and practices, the Kitzur Shulhan Arukh of the Hungarian rabbi Salomon (Shlomo) Ganzfried (1804–1886). It shows the way the author used previous sources to create his own work, shedding light on his method as well as on an important example of the type of written rabbinic sex guidance that was available for countless traditional Jewish readers for centuries.
A Hobbesian Method for Establishing the Absurdity of Injustice Without Reliance on Hobbes’s Temporal Arguments
Authors: Lloyd S.A.
Published: October 2023

The paper investigates Hobbes’s arguments that injustice is a kind of absurdity involving a “contradiction properly so called,” concluding that although those arguments are undermined by their reliance on a mistaken temporality assumption, Hobbes’s philosophy provides other means for establishing his desired conclusion.
Thomas Hobbes’ Invisible Things
Authors: Cardoso dos Santos Allan Gabriel
Published: October 2023

Hobbes argues that among the reasons for the Catholic Church’s power is the difficulty for ignorant people to understand the causes of natural phenomena. They take the motion of invisible bodies for the intervention of incorporeal agents. For Hobbes, the Church tries to perpetuate this profitable misunderstanding by spreading Scholastic doctrines supporting this idea in the sermons of all the parishes of the Christian world. Existing literature, thus far, focused almost exclusively on Hobbes’ negative claim concerning incorporeal substances, i.e., that they are absurd and are only used to justify the Church’s claim to power. On the other hand, his positive proposition to replace immaterial substances with invisible bodies was not fully explored. By highlighting Hobbes’ examination of invisibility in Leviathan, it is possible to demonstrate how he uses ideas from natural philosophy to challenge some of the dominant Scholastic doctrines and, consequently, the usurpation of the sovereign’s ecclesiastical power.
Mallomonas acidophila sp. nov. (Synurales, Chrysophyceae)—a new species from the tropics with morphological features of fossil taxa
Authors: GUSEV EVGENIY , SHKURINA NATALIYA , HUAN PHAN TRONG
Published: October 2023

A new species, Mallomonas acidophila sp. nov., is described from Vietnam based on silica-scale morphology observed using scanning and transmission electron microscopy. Mallomonas acidophila belongs to section Papillosae and is most similar to M. preisigii, described from fossil deposits. Scales of Mallomonas acidophila have a shallow elongated dome, which is recessed from the distal margin and located at different angles to the longitudinal axis, with papillae on the shield and dome, the absence of pores on the base plate and the wide posterior flange, and partially covered with the secondary siliceous layer in the area adjacent to the V-rib. The bristles of the newly described species are short, with a bifurcated apex and a hook-shaped foot. The new species has been found in two acidified and humic water bodies located in the coastal area in Thua Thien Hue Province.
Influences on Career Development for Gifted Adolescent Girls in Selective Academic Programs in Australia
Authors: Napier Rebecca D. , Jarvis Jane M. , Clark Julie , Halsey R. John
Published: October 2023

Despite adolescent girls’ superior school achievement and high career aspirations, fewer women than men achieve career eminence. Understanding early influences on the development of gifted girls’ career-related values and aspirations may help to explain this discrepancy in career outcomes. This article reports findings from a qualitative, cross-sectional study of influences on career development for 18 girls in eighth, 10th, and 12th grades in selective entry high school programs in three Australian schools. Data from two rounds of interviews were analyzed thematically in relation to the career development theories of Gottfredson and Savickas. Findings highlighted the interrelated influence on career values, goals, and choices of (a) perceived personal traits, strengths, and interests, and (b) relationships and experiences grounded in home, school, and community contexts. Key findings are discussed for research and educational practice related to supporting career development in gifted girls.
Investigation of the moisture transfer ability and thermal comfort properties of single-layer cotton/polyester interwoven fabrics
Authors: Ma Wanwan , Zhang Limin , Cheng Longdi , Psikuta Agnes , Liu Yunying
Published: October 2023

In this paper, hydrophilic cotton (CO) yarn and hydrophobic cross-section polyester (PET) filaments were used to prepare single-layer interwoven fabrics (CO/PET fabrics) with plain, 3/1 twill, and 8/5 satin to formulate a hydrophobicity–hydrophilicity gradient across the fabric for obtaining a good water transfer ability. The CO fabrics and PET fabrics were prepared for comparison. The contact angle and thermo-physiology properties of the fabrics, including the wicking property, moisture management ability, drying property, air permeability and water vapor permeability, thermal property, and dynamic cooling property, were investigated. The results show that the asymmetric hydrophobicity–hydrophilicity characteristic can be formed across CO/PET fabric with 3/1 twill and 8/5 satin. This can improve the water transfer ability from the inside to the outside of the fabrics, and the longer the floating length of the fabric is, the stronger the water transfer ability is. These two fabrics also exhibit excellent wicking properties, overall moisture management capability, and thermal comfort, and have good permeability, drying properties, and dynamic cooling properties compared to the corresponding fabrics. As a result, these two CO/PET interwoven textiles are more suitable for application as clothes worn in summer. The interweaving technique combining hydrophilic and hydrophobic yarns is an easy and cost-effective method to prepare fabrics that meet summer requirements. This work provides insight into the thermal and moisture comfort property of interwoven fabrics for summer garments.