bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of the mitochondrial uncoupling agent BAM15 against the Toxoplasma gondii RH strain and Prugniaud strain
Authors: Liu Zhendi , Mo Jiao , Li Yetian , Liu Siyang , Zeng Qingyuan , Zhang Jili
Published: March 2024

Background

Toxoplasmosis is a zoonotic disease caused by the infection of the protozoa Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii), and safe and effective therapeutic drugs are lacking. Mitochondria, is an important organelle that maintains T. gondii survival, however, drugs targeting mitochondria are lacking.

Methods

The cytotoxicity of BAM15 was detected by CCK-8 and the in vitro effects of BAM15 was detected by qPCR, plaque assay and flow cytometry. Furthermore, the ultrastructural changes of T. gondii after BAM15 treatment were observed by transmission electron microscopy, and further the mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm), ATP level and reactive oxygen species (ROS) of T. gondii after BAM15 treatment were detected. The pharmacokinetic experiments and in vivo infection assays were performed in mice to determine the in vivo effect of BAM15.

Results

BAM15 had excellent anti-T. gondii activity in vitro and in vivo with an EC50 value of 1.25 μM, while the IC50 of BAM15 in Vero cells was 27.07 μM. Notably, BAM15 significantly inhibited proliferation activity of T. gondii RH strain and Prugniaud strain (PRU), caused T. gondii death. Furthermore, BAM15 treatment induced T. gondii mitochondrial vacuolation and autolysis by TEM. Moreover, the decrease in ΔΨm and ATP level, as well as the increase in ROS production further confirmed the changes

Conclusions

Our study identifies a useful T. gondii mitochondrial inhibitor, which may also serve as a leading molecule to develop therapeutic mitochondrial inhibitors in toxoplasmosis.’

Graphical Abstract
Anopheles gambiae larvae’s ability to grow and emerge in water containing lethal concentrations of clothianidin, acetamiprid, or imidacloprid is consistent with cross-resistance to neonicotinoids
Authors: Ambadiang Marilene , Fouet Caroline , Ashu Fred , Bouaka Calmes , Penlap-Beng Véronique , Kamdem Colince
Published: March 2024

Background

For decades, various agrochemicals have been successfully repurposed for mosquito control. However, preexisting resistance caused in larval and adult populations by unintentional pesticide exposure or other cross-resistance mechanisms poses a challenge to the efficacy of this strategy. A better understanding of larval adaptation to the lethal and sublethal effects of residual pesticides in aquatic habitats would provide vital information for assessing the efficacy of repurposed agrochemicals against mosquitoes.

Methods

We reared field-collected mosquito larvae in water containing a concentration of agrochemical causing 100% mortality in susceptible mosquitoes after 24 h (lethal concentration). Using this experimental setup, we tested the effect of lethal concentrations of a pyrrole (chlorfenapyr, 0.10 mg/l), a pyrethroid (deltamethrin, 1.5 mg/l), and three neonicotinoids including imidacloprid (0.075 mg/l), acetamiprid (0.15 mg/l), and clothianidin (0.035 mg/l) on mortality rates, growth, and survival in third-instar larvae of the two sibling species Anopheles gambiae and Anopheles coluzzii collected from Yaoundé, Cameroon.

Results

We found that An. gambiae and An. coluzzii larvae were susceptible to chlorfenapyr and were killed within 24 h by a nominal concentration of 0.10 mg/l. Consistent with strong resistance, deltamethrin induced low mortality in both species. Lethal concentrations of acetamiprid, imidacloprid, and clothianidin strongly inhibited survival, growth, and emergence in An. coluzzii larvae. By contrast, depending on the active ingredient and the population tested, 5–60% of immature stages of An. gambiae were able to grow and emerge in water containing a lethal concentration of neonicotinoids, suggesting cross-resistance to this class of insecticides.

Conclusions

These findings corroborate susceptibility profiles observed in adults and suggest that unintentional pesticide exposure or other cross-resistance processes could contribute to the development of resistance to neonicotinoids in some Anopheles populations.

Graphical Abstract
Phytochemical analysis and anthelmintic activity of Combretum mucronatum leaf extract against infective larvae of soil-transmitted helminths including ruminant gastrointestinal nematodes
Authors: Belga François Ngnodandi , Waindok Patrick , Raulf Marie-Kristin , Jato Jonathan , Orman Emmanuel , Rehbein Steffen , Spiegler Verena , Liebau Eva , Hensel Andreas , Ndjonka Dieudonné , Strube Christina
Published: March 2024

Background

Soil-transmitted helminths (STH) infect more than a quarter of the world’s human population. In the absence of vaccines for most animal and human gastrointestinal nematodes (GIN), treatment of infections primarily relies on anthelmintic drugs, while resistance is a growing threat. Therefore, there is a need to find alternatives to current anthelmintic drugs, especially those with novel modes of action. The present work aimed to study the composition and anthelmintic activity of Combretum mucronatum leaf extract (CMLE) by phytochemical analysis and larval migration inhibition assays, respectively.

Methods

Combretum mucronatum leaves were defatted with petroleum ether and the residue was extracted by ethanol/water (1/1) followed by freeze-drying. The proanthocyanidins and flavonoids were characterized by thin layer chromatography (TLC) and ultra-high performance liquid chromatography (UPLC). To evaluate the inhibitory activity of this extract, larval migration assays with STH and GIN were performed. For this purpose, infective larvae of the helminths were, if necessary, exsheathed (Ancylostoma caninum, GIN) and incubated with different concentrations of CMLE.

Results

CMLE was found to be rich in flavonoids and proanthocyanidins; catechin and epicatechin were therefore quantified for standardization of the extract. Data indicate that CMLE had a significant effect on larval migration. The effect was dose-dependent and higher concentrations (1000 µg/mL) exerted significantly higher larvicidal effect (P < 0.001) compared with the negative control (1% dimethyl sulfoxide, DMSO) and lower concentrations (≤ 100 µg/ml). Infective larvae of Ascaris suum [half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) = 5.5 µg/mL], Trichuris suis (IC50 = 7.4 µg/mL), and A. caninum (IC50 = 18.9 µg/mL) were more sensitive to CMLE than that of Toxocara canis (IC50 = 310.0 µg/mL), while infective larvae of Toxocara cati were largely unaffected (IC50 > 1000 µg/mL). Likewise, CMLE was active against most infective larvae of soil-transmitted ruminant GIN, except for Cooperia punctata. Trichostrongylus colubriformis was most sensitive to CMLE (IC50 = 2.1 µg/mL) followed by Cooperia oncophora (IC50 = 27.6 µg/mL), Ostertagia ostertagi (IC50 = 48.5 µg/mL), Trichostrongylus axei (IC50 = 54.7 µg/mL), Haemonchus contortus (IC50 = 145.6 µg/mL), and Cooperia curticei (IC50 = 156.6 µg/mL).

Conclusions

These results indicate that CMLE exhibits promising anthelmintic properties against infective larvae of a large variety of soil-transmitted nematodes.

Graphical Abstract
Gestational diabetes mellitus aggravates adverse perinatal outcomes in women with intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy
Authors: Li Xia , Cai Qin-Yu , Luo Xin , Wang Yong-Heng , Shao Li-Zhen , Luo Shu-Juan , Wang Lan , Wang Ying-Xiong , Lan Xia , Liu Tai-Hang
Published: March 2024

Purpose

To evaluate the effect of intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) on perinatal outcomes and establish a prediction model of adverse perinatal outcomes in women with ICP.

Methods

This multicenter retrospective cohort study included the clinical data of 2,178 pregnant women with ICP, including 1,788 women with ICP and 390 co-occurrence ICP and GDM. The data of all subjects were collected from hospital electronic medical records. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis were used to compare the incidence of perinatal outcomes between ICP with GDM group and ICP alone group.

Results

Baseline characteristics of the population revealed that maternal age (p < 0.001), pregestational weight (p = 0.01), pre-pregnancy BMI (p < 0.001), gestational weight gain (p < 0.001), assisted reproductive technology (ART) (p < 0.001), and total bile acid concentration (p = 0.024) may be risk factors for ICP with GDM. Furthermore, ICP with GDM demonstrated a higher association with both polyhydramnios (OR 2.66) and preterm labor (OR 1.67) compared to ICP alone. Further subgroup analysis based on the severity of ICP showed that elevated total bile acid concentrations were closely associated with an increased risk of preterm labour, meconium-stained amniotic fluid, and low birth weight in both ICP alone and ICP with GDM groups. ICP with GDM further worsened these outcomes, especially in women with severe ICP. The nomogram prediction model effectively predicted the occurrence of preterm labour in the ICP population.

Conclusions

ICP with GDM may result in more adverse pregnancy outcomes, which are associated with bile acid concentrations.
Human herpesvirus-6 infection in a critically ill and immunocompetent patient: a case report
Authors: Chia Xin Tian , Wong Hai Liang Marc , Loh Jia Shen
Published: March 2024

Background

Human herpesvirus-6 is a rare infection in an immunocompetent adult. In existing literature, there is a dearth of knowledge that mainly exists as case reports and case series.

Case Presentation

In this case report, we described a 29-year-old female of Myanmarese descent patient from Myanmar who presented with altered mental status and non-specific respiratory and gastrointestinal symptoms. She was initially treated for pneumonia and discharged well. However, she re-presented to the hospital and was subsequently treated for severe central nervous system infection. Cerebrospinal fluid studies detected human herpesvirus-6 polymerase chain reaction with associated high serum human herpesvirus-6 concentration. This infection also triggered hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis. Treatment was initiated against both human herpesvirus-6 infection and hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis, and she responded to antiviral treatment and steroids, respectively.

Conclusion

This case study highlights the need for prompt diagnosis and treatment of this severe disease and the dangerous complications. Additionally, the authors share insights on the diagnostic challenges faced in the treatment of this patient.
Pharmacodynamics and biodistribution of [195mPt]cisplatin(CISSPECT®) in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: de Roest Reinout H. , Stigter van Walsum Marijke , van der Schilden Karlijn , Brakenhoff Ruud H.
Published: March 2024

Background

Cisplatin- based chemoradiotherapy is a crucial pillar in the treatment of HNSCC. The use of cisplatin comes with high toxicity rates as 35% of patients cannot sustain the planned dose while response is unpredictable. Unfortunately, there are no clinically applicable biomarkers to predict response. Based on the association of response with the number of DNA adducts and the involved molecular pathway to resolve cisplatin-induced DNA crosslinks in HNSCC, [195mPt]cisplatin (CISSPECT®) might have potential to monitor drug uptake and retention before treatment, and predict cisplatin response. The aim of this study is to investigate this concept by analyzing uptake, retention and biodistribution of [195mPt]cisplatin between known cisplatin-sensitive (VU-SCC-1131) and –resistant (VU-SCC-OE) HNSCC cell lines in vitro and xenografted in mice in vivo.

Results

By a variety of experiments in vitro, including cell cycle analyses, and in vivo, the sensitivity of cell line VU-SCC-1131 and resistance of cell line VU-SCC-OE for cisplatin was demonstrated. VU-SCC-OE was able to accumulate more [195mPt]cisplatin in the DNA, and showed an increased capability to repair [195mPt]cisplatin crosslinks compared to VU-SCC-1131. Notably, DNA binding of cisplatin increased even when cisplatin was removed from the medium, likely from intracellular sources. In vivo, [195mPt]cisplatin showed a rapid biodistribution to the large organs such as the liver, with no differences between intravenous and intraperitoneal administration. Most circulating [195mPt]cisplatin was cleared by renal filtration, and accumulation in kidney and liver remained high. Uptake in xenografts was rapid (blood:tumor ratio; 1:1) and highest after 1 h, while decreasing after 6 h in line with the concentration in the blood. Remarkably, there was no significant difference in uptake or retention between xenografts of the cisplatin-sensitive and -resistant cell line.

Conclusion

VU-SCC-1131 with a known FA deficiency and VU-SCC-OE displayed a significant difference in sensitivity to and recovery from cisplatin treatment, due to S-phase problems in VU-SCC-1131 at low doses, in line with the genetic defect. Using Pt-195m radioactivity analysis, we demonstrated the limited capability of cisplatin crosslink repair in VU-SCC-1131. Unexpectedly, we were not able to translate these findings to a mouse model for sensitivity prediction based on the biodistribution in the tumor, most likely as other factors such as influx counterbalanced repair. These data do not support response prediction by [195mPt]cisplatin, and applications to predict the toxic side-effects of cisplatin and to tailor dosing schemes seem more feasible.
End-of-life expenditure on health care for the older population: a scoping review
Authors: Kocot Ewa , Ferrero Azzurra , Shrestha Shibu , Dubas-Jakóbczyk Katarzyna
Published: March 2024

Background

The existing evidence shows that the pattern of health expenditure differs considerably between people at the end-of-life and people in other periods of their lives. The awareness of these differences, combined with a detailed analysis of future mortality rates is one of the key pieces of information needed for health spending prognoses. The general objective of this review was to identify and map the existing empirical evidence on end-of-life expenditure related to health care for the older population.

Methods

To achieve the objective of the study a systematic scoping review was performed. There were 61 studies included in the analysis. The project has been registered through the Open Science Framework.

Results

The included studies cover different kinds of expenditure in terms of payers, providers and types of services, although most of them include analyses of hospital spending and nearly 60% of analyses were conducted for insurance expenditure. The studies provide very different results, which are difficult to compare. However, all of the studies analyzing expenditure by survivorship status indicate that expenditure on decedents is higher than on survivors. Many studies indicate a strong relationship between health expenditure and proximity to death and indicate that proximity to death is a more important determinant of health expenditure than age per se. Drawing conclusions on the relationship between end-of-life expenditure and socio-economic status would be possible only by placing the analysis in a broader context, including the rules of a health system’s organization and financing. This review showed that a lot of studies are focused on limited types of care, settings, and payers, showing only a partial picture of health and social care systems in the context of end-of-life expenditure for the older population.

Conclusion

The results of studies on end-of-life expenditure for the older population conducted so far are largely inconsistent. The review showed a great variety of problems appearing in the area of end-of-life expenditure analysis, related to methodology, data availability, and the comparability of results. Further research is needed to improve the methods of analyses, as well as to develop some analysis standards to enhance research quality and comparability.
Ultrasound findings and specific intrinsic blood volume expansion therapy for neonatal capillary leak syndrome: report from a multicenter prospective self-control study
Authors: Liu Jing , Gao Yue-Qiao , Fu Wei
Published: March 2024

Objective

Capillary leak syndrome (CLS) is characterized by severe systemic edema without specific treatment, resulting in a high mortality rate. This study investigated whether there is organ edema in neonatal CLS patients and specific treatment strategies to improve patient prognosis.

Methods

Thirty-seven newborns diagnosed with CLS were included in this study. (1) Routine point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) was used to identify whether the patients had visceral edema or fluid collection. (2) All patients were treated with 3% NaCl intravenously, and the clinical manifestations, laboratory indices and outcomes were compared before and after treatment.

Results

(1) Diffuse severe edema was found in 92.0% of the patients. (2) The POCUS examination revealed that CLS patients exhibited significant visceral edema in addition to diffuse severe edema, which included pulmonary edema in 67.6%, cerebral edema in 37.8%, severe intestinal edema in 24.3%, severe myocardial edema in 8.1%, pericardial effusion in 5.4%, pleural effusion in 29.7% and peritoneal effusion in 18.9%. Two patients (5.45%) had only myocardial edema without other manifestations. (3) Before and after the intravenous injection of 3% NaCl, there were no significant differences in the serum sodium or potassium levels of CLS patients, while the hemoglobin and hematocrit levels were significantly lower after treatment (p < 0.01). Her plasma ALB concentration and arterial pressure returned to normal levels after the treatment was completed. (4) All the patients survived, and no side effects or complications were observed during or after treatment with 3% NaCl.

Conclusions

(1) In addition to diffuse severe edema, visceral edema and effusion are common and important clinical manifestations of neonatal CLS and need to be detected by routine POCUS. (2) The intravenous injection of 3% NaCl is a safe, effective and specific treatment strategy for neonatal CLS, with a survival rate of 100% and no adverse effects.
tRNAGlu-derived fragments from embryonic extracellular vesicles modulate bovine embryo hatching
Authors: Fan Yuan , Pavani Krishna Chaitanya , Smits Katrien , Van Soom Ann , Peelman Luc
Published: March 2024

Transfer RNA-derived small RNAs (tsRNAs) have been shown to be involved in early embryo development and repression of endogenous retroelements in embryos and stem cells. However, it is unknown whether tsRNAs also regulate embryo hatching. In this study, we mined the sequencing data of a previous experiment in which we demonstrated that the microRNA (miRNA) cargo of preimplantation embryonic extracellular vesicles (EVs) influences embryo development. We thus profiled the tsRNA cargo of EVs secreted by blastocysts and non-blastocysts. The majority of tsRNAs was identified as tRNA halves originating from the 5´ ends of tRNAs. Among the 148 differentially expressed tsRNAs, the 19 nt tRNA fragment (tRF) tDR-14:32-Glu-CTC-1 was found to be significantly up-regulated in EVs derived from non-blastocysts. RT-qPCR assays confirmed its significant up-regulation in non-blastocyst embryos and their conditioned medium compared to the blastocyst group (P < 0.05). Inhibition of tDR-14:32-Glu-CTC-1 by supplementing antagomirs to the conditioned medium improved embryo hatching (P < 0.05). Transcriptomic analysis of embryos treated with tDR-14:32-Glu-CTC-1 antagomirs further showed differential expression of genes that are associated with embryo hatching and implantation. In summary, tDR-14:32-Glu-CTC-1 is up-regulated in non-blastocyst embryos and their secretions, and inhibition of tDR-14:32-Glu-CTC-1 promotes embryo hatching, while influencing embryo implantation-related genes and pathways. These results indicate that embryonic EVs containing specific tRFs may regulate preimplantation embryo development.
Mechanism for formation of porcine blood hydrogels used as additives in the mortar of traditional Chinese architectural painting
Authors: Cheng Cong , Zhu Yeting , Zhang Jingyi , Li Wei , Teri Gele , Zheng Lizhen , Hu Daodao
Published: March 2024

Ancient Chinese architecture drawing is a unique form of ancient Chinese art. Porcine blood hydrogels are distinctive ingredients used to prepare the composite material of the substrate layer for architecture drawing. This investigation was focused on the mechanism for porcine blood hydrogel formation. Based on the traditional Chinese recipe for the preparation of porcine blood-lime mortar, samples with different ratios of porcine blood and lime water were prepared, and the molecular-scale interactions between the lime water and proteins in the porcine blood were examined with FTIR spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, XRD, XPS, fluorescence spectroscopy, contact angle and rheology studies. The mechanical properties and morphological features of the samples were detected with a rheometer, universal material testing machine and SEM. The results indicated that an appropriate amount of lime water was required for gelation of the porcine blood. With the appropriate alkalinity, sufficient carboxyl groups on the fibrin chains were deprotonated, and coordination with Ca2+ ions formed enough cross-links for support networks within the structure of the porcine blood hydrogel. Complexation of deprotonated carboxyl groups on the fibrin chains with Ca2+ ions led to the formation of a hydrophobic surface due alterations of the fibrin conformation and increased the adhesive properties of the hydrogel. With the hydrogel used as an ingredient in the preparation of a substrate layer composite, it is suggested that the hydrophobic surface of the hydrogel facilitated mixing with hydrophobic tung oil during preparation of the composite material, and strong adhesion of the hydrogel increased the mechanical strength and crack resistance of the substrate layer.
Deep learning-based metastasis detection in patients with lung cancer to enhance reproducibility and reduce workload in brain metastasis screening with MRI: a multi-center study
Authors: Park Yae Won , Park Ji Eun , Ahn Sung Soo , Han Kyunghwa , Kim NakYoung , Oh Joo Young , Lee Da Hyun , Won So Yeon , Shin Ilah , Kim Ho Sung , Lee Seung-Koo
Published: March 2024

Objectives

To assess whether a deep learning-based system (DLS) with black-blood imaging for brain metastasis (BM) improves the diagnostic workflow in a multi-center setting.

Materials and methods

In this retrospective study, a DLS was developed in 101 patients and validated on 264 consecutive patients (with lung cancer) having newly developed BM from two tertiary university hospitals, which performed black-blood imaging between January 2020 and April 2021. Four neuroradiologists independently evaluated BM either with segmented masks and BM counts provided (with DLS) or not provided (without DLS) on a clinical trial imaging management system (CTIMS). To assess reading reproducibility, BM count agreement between the readers and the reference standard were calculated using limits of agreement (LoA). Readers’ workload was assessed with reading time, which was automatically measured on CTIMS, and were compared between with and without DLS using linear mixed models considering the imaging center.

Results

In the validation cohort, the detection sensitivity and positive predictive value of the DLS were 90.2% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 88.1–92.2) and 88.2% (95% CI: 85.7–90.4), respectively. The difference between the readers and the reference counts was larger without DLS (LoA: −0.281, 95% CI: −2.888, 2.325) than with DLS (LoA: −0.163, 95% CI: −2.692, 2.367). The reading time was reduced from mean 66.9 s (interquartile range: 43.2–90.6) to 57.3 s (interquartile range: 33.6–81.0) (P <.001) in the with DLS group, regardless of the imaging center.

Conclusion

Deep learning-based BM detection and counting with black-blood imaging improved reproducibility and reduced reading time, on multi-center validation.
Lay beliefs of COVID-19 vaccine refusal among intercity commercial drivers in the Volta region of Ghana: recommendations for improved vaccine uptake
Authors: Manu Emmanuel , Douglas Mbuyiselo , Kushitor Mawuli Komla , Komesuor Joyce , Ampomah Mary Akua , Opoku Nicholas Obuobisa
Published: March 2024

Background

The COVID-19 vaccine has faced increased hesitancy in Ghana and the Volta region in particular since its rollout. Acceptance of the vaccine among intercity commercial drivers is crucial, especially in the Volta region, as they transport people within and outside the country and could fuel the transmission of the virus if not vaccinated.

Objective

We therefore established lay beliefs surrounding COVID-19 vaccine refusal among intercity commercial drivers in the Volta region of Ghana, as well as their recommendations for improved vaccine uptake.

Methods

We purposively interviewed twenty-five (25) intercity commercial drivers who had not been vaccinated for COVID-19 in the Volta region of Ghana using a semi-structured interview guide and analysed their responses thematically using the ATLAS.ti software.

Results

Various (ten) beliefs surrounding COVID-19 vaccine refusal were identified. These include the nonexistence of COVID-19, being immune to COVID-19, and the belief in the nonexistence of vaccines and vaccines being meant for the sick. Other beliefs identified were the belief that the COVID-19 vaccine is meant to reduce Africa’s population, that the vaccine triggers other health complications leading to death, the belief that vaccination could cause financial loss, political mistrust, that the COVID-19 vaccine is not permitted by God, and the belief that prayer prevents COVID-19 infection. They also suggested that the adoption of persuasive communication techniques, the publication of information on those who died of COVID-19, providing evidence of tests conducted on the vaccine, testing people before vaccination, provision of care to those who may experience side effects from the vaccine, and being able to explain why varied vaccines are used for the same virus could help improve vaccine uptake.

Conclusion

Our findings show that there is a general lack of understanding and mistrust surrounding the COVID-19 vaccine among intercity commercial drivers in the Volta region. Hence, health promotion officers and communicators in the region need to be knowledgeable on the vaccine as well as on the conspiracy theories thwarting its uptake to provide comprehensive education to the public and intercity commercial drivers to improve its uptake.
Patients’ experience of a novel interdisciplinary nurse-led self-management intervention (INSELMA)—a qualitative evaluation
Authors: Blum Nadine Schäffer , Esbensen Bente Appel , Østergaard Mikkel , Bremander Ann , Hendricks Oliver , Lindgren Luise Holberg , Andersen Lena , Jensen Kim Vilbaek , Primdahl Jette
Published: March 2024

Background

Despite continuous improvements in anti-rheumatic pharmacological treatment, people with chronic inflammatory arthritis still report substantial disease impact. Based on the framework for complex interventions, we thus developed INSELMA, a novel nurse-coordinated multidisciplinary self-management intervention for patients with rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis or axial spondyloarthritis. Based on individual biopsychosocial assessments, a rheumatology nurse facilitated goal setting and coordinated interdisciplinary support. The aim of this study was to explore the patients’ experience of participating in the six-months INSELMA intervention.

Methods

Individual semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 of the participants after their final follow-up. Thematic analysis was applied.

Results

The analysis derived four overall themes. (1) A new opportunity at the right time. The participants’ disease impacted all areas of daily life. Participation in INSELMA was experienced as an opportunity to improve symptoms and together reduce long-held challenges they had fought alone, until now. (2) The importance of person-centred goals. The participants found it meaningful to work with their individual goals, which encompassed physical, psychological, and social factors. Having time between consultations to work with goals at home was important. (3) Empathy, partnership and a little nudging from health professionals are essential. The empathic nurses’ continuous support and coaching helped participants become aware of their own resources. The participants highlighted having access to support from a physiotherapist and occupational therapist with rheumatology experience as important. (4) I got more than I could have hoped for. Most of the participants experienced decreased symptom load and improvement in physical strength, mobility, sleep, and mood as well as increased energy, knowledge, and self-management ability. The participants expressed new hope for the future with an improved ability to manage their symptoms and work towards new goals.

Conclusion

The participants found the INSELMA intervention meaningful and feasible. They experienced decreased disease impact and increased activity levels, facilitated by empathy and self-management support from health professionals.
Strengthening partnerships for the Sustainable Development Goals: engaging faith-based organizations and scientists in youth climate change learning and action
Authors: Boorse Dorothy F. , Jablonski Leanne M.
Published: March 2024

Collaborations with and among faith-based organizations (FBOs), natural scientists, development organizations, and youth offer untapped potential for achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). FBOs are important cultural partners for achieving the SDGs globally in numbers of adherents (80% of humanity) and resources, owning 8% of habitable land, half the world’s schools, and many health and community development services; they provide assets for formal and informal education, forming youth leaders, and social justice action. Natural scientists are also critical to SDG achievement because the environmental components in many goals require specialized skills and background. We focus on Climate Action (SDG 13) as it links to other SDGs and because climate justice directly connects to human development - a major area of FBO work, and engages scientist outreach and youth action. We surveyed The UN Environmental Program (UNEP) Faith for Action and other major FBO networking initiatives that were formed to address the SDGs as well as literature covering other interfaces and partnerships between religion, sustainability, youth, SDGs, science, climate change, and education. We examined curriculum and guidebooks to identify best practices and identified gaps in partnership development. The Faith Pavilion and multifaith statements at COP28 and the international Catholic movements emerging from the SDGs-concurrent 2015 Laudato Si' encyclical and its follow-up 2023 Laudate Deum are exemplary in mobilizing educators, institutions, and organizations to integrate SDGs into activities through a faith and particular mission lens. International development FBOs and diverse religious groups worldwide support climate adaptation and mitigation by connecting their central mission to environmental care. Today’s youth are unprecedented in number, sense of urgency, experience of climate anxiety and grief, and engaged sustainability actions. Yet, youth, FBOs and scientists are often not included in SDGs work. We recommend developing partnership skills, cultural and religious literacy materials, programs, and toolkits for secular groups and scientists partnering with FBOs, and networking opportunities to form partnerships. Connecting FBOs, including youth organizations, to larger youth climate movements and other collaborative climate networks, and creating climate action materials connecting to faith backgrounds of particular youth, will better equip potential partners for achieving the SDGs.
Energy optimization of stand-alone electrical grid considering the optimal performance of the hydrogen storage system and consumers
Authors: Peng Yizhao , Zhang Yingmin
Published: March 2024

The surge in energy storage systems and the increasing involvement of demand-side participation can be attributed to their favorable characteristics, including their seamless integration into electrical networks and their capacity to offer operational flexibility during critical periods. This scholarly article focuses on enhancing energy utilization in an autonomous electrical grid by incorporating hydrogen storage and demand-side participation. The optimization of the stand-alone electrical grid is based on maximizing efficiency and minimizing energy consumption costs as the main objective functions are modeled. The modeling efficiency is formulated considering the ratio of the energy not supplied (ENS) to energy generation by resources. And costs of energy consumption are modeled as consumption of fuel costs by resources. The consumers’ participation is proposed based on an incentive approach to consumers for demand shaving in peak times. Also, the hydrogen storage system is installed in the stand-alone electrical grid to improve the main objectives. The particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm for energy optimization and solving objective functions is applied. In the end, numerical simulation is carried out in some case studies to confirm and supremacy of energy optimization with the participation of the hydrogen storage system and consumers. The case studies based on non-participation and participation of the storage system and consumers in energy management are implemented. The implementation of case studies examines the impact of both non-participation and participation of the storage system and consumers in energy management. The findings reveal that when the storage system and consumers actively participate, there is a significant improvement in efficiency and a substantial reduction in energy costs. Specifically, the efficiency is enhanced by 3% and the energy costs are reduced by 29.5% compared to the scenario where they do not participate.
Research on road surface crack detection based on SegNet network
Authors: Guo Cunge , Gao Wenqi , Zhou Dongmei
Published: March 2024

To enhance the precision and reliability of road crack detection, this study introduces an innovative neural network architecture. Strategies were implemented to effectively address the issue of overfitting resulting from the intricacy of the proposed SegCrackNet. Dropout layers, multi-level output fusion, and T-bridge block structures are employed in the network. This optimization allows for a more comprehensive exploitation of contextual information, demonstrating its instrumental role in the efficient detection of subtle variations. Experimental findings clearly demonstrate substantial improvements when compared to other network models. On the Crack500, Crack200, and pavement images datasets, remarkable enhancements in the average Intersection over Union (IoU) scores were observed, with increases of 4.3%, 9.4%, and 3.7%, respectively.
President's Page: Geophysics in Africa: A personal reflection
Authors: Anyiam Uzonna
Published: March 2024

Africa is a continent laden with numerous natural resources, from important fluids to critical and rare-earth minerals. This makes Africa a pivotal force in conventional energy production and sustainable low-carbon geoenergy development. The continent's unique position necessitates a continuous influx of proficient geoscientists, particularly geophysicists, to effectively extract and commercialize these subsurface treasures.
Imaging faults and fractures with the difference of fast and slow shear-wave splitting reflectivity, Δγ(S): 3D/9C survey in Midland Basin, West Texas, and 3D/3C survey in Washakie Basin, Wyoming
Authors: Gaiser James , Malcotti Hermes , Dash Ranjan , DiSiena James , Murphy Gary
Published: March 2024

One of the most important applications of shear-wave (S-wave) seismic exploration has been in reservoir fracture characterization. While many advancements have been made over the past 30 years to compute and correct for the long-wavelength kinematics of S-wave splitting (SWS) (fast S-wave polarization directions and slow S-wave time delays), practically no progress has been made in imaging the short-wavelength reflectivity of fractures directly with Δγ(S). This property is the contrast in the SWS anisotropy parameter, γ(S), and represents the reflection amplitude at vertical incidence for changes in fracture density and orientation across an interface. In this article, we examine the Lupin nine-component survey in Midland Basin, Texas, for the technical reliability of imaging fractures in depth with converted P to S waves (PS waves) guided by pure-mode horizontal shear waves and vertical shear waves. Final Δγ(S) amplitude maps for each mode show sensitivity to fractures, faults, and the maximum horizontal stress direction. These maps are computed from the difference between fast and slow S-wave stacks (after SWS analysis and correction) and P-wave amplitude variation with offset gradient stacks. The S-wave difference maps identify an east–west lineament, possibly a strike-slip fault or fracture corridor, that is not observed by P-wave depth slices. Pure-mode S waves and PS waves are orders of magnitude more sensitive to Δγ(S) than P waves. We also review the development of Δγ(S) and find that it has been relatively unexploited by the exploration industry. In addition, we demonstrate that Δγ(S) can be obtained directly from the objective function of the transverse energy to correct for SWS, and show a four-component Alford rotation example from a previous PS-wave survey in the Washakie Basin, Wyoming.
Mutational Analysis of Circulating Tumor DNA in Patients With Estrogen Receptor–Positive/Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2–Negative Advanced Breast Cancer Receiving Palbociclib: Results From the TREnd Trial
Authors: Migliaccio Ilenia , Romagnoli Dario , Galardi Francesca , De Luca Francesca , Biagioni Chiara , Curigliano Giuseppe , Criscitiello Carmen , Minisini Alessandro Marco , Moretti Erica , Risi Emanuela , Guarducci Cristina , Nardone Agostina , Biganzoli Laura , Benelli Matteo , Malorni Luca
Published: March 2024

PURPOSE

To identify prognostic circulating biomarkers to cyclin-dependent kinase 4 and 6 inhibitors (CDK4/6i), we performed a mutational analysis on circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) samples from patients included in the TREnd trial, which randomly assigned patients to receive the CDK4/6i palbociclib alone or with the endocrine treatment (ET) to which they had progressed.

METHODS

Forty-six patients were enrolled in this substudy. Plasma was collected before treatment (T0), after the first cycle of therapy (T1), and at the time of progression (T2). ctDNA hybridization and capture were performed using the Illumina TruSight Tumor 170 Kit. Acquired mutations were confirmed by digital polymerase chain reaction. Progression-free survival analysis was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method and compared with the log-rank test.

RESULTS

The most frequently mutated genes at T0 were ESR1 (23%), PIK3CA (17%), AR, FGFR2, and TP53 (10%). Mutations in ESR1 at T0 conferred higher risk of progression in the entire population ( P = .02) and in patients treated with palbociclib + ET ( P = .04). ESR1 mutation effect remained significant after correction for clinical variables ( P = .03). PIK3CA mutations at T0 were not prognostic, but higher risk of progression was observed when a broader analysis of PI3K pathway was performed ( P = .04). At T2, we observed the emergence of nine new mutations in seven genes.

CONCLUSION

Mutations in ESR1 and in PI3K pathway genes at T0 were associated with worse prognosis in palbociclib-treated patients. We describe the emergence of newly acquired mutations in palbociclib-treated patients, which might potentially affect subsequent treatment.
Type 2 Diabetes Risk After Gestational Diabetes According to Country/Region of Origin: A Nationwide Register-based Study
Authors: Nielsen Helene , Windolf-Nielsen Anne , Scheuer Stine H , Damm Peter , Nybo Andersen Anne-Marie , Andersen Gregers Stig , Kragelund Nielsen Karoline
Published: March 2024

Context

The risk of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) differs between the Danish population and several migrant groups. However, it is unclear if the incidence and timing of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) following GDM vary similarly.

Objective

This work aimed to investigate the incidence of T2DM according to migration background based on country/region of origin among women with a previous GDM diagnosis and to explore the role of time since GDM diagnosis on the association.

Method

Using nationwide registry data, we followed women diagnosed with GDM in Denmark during 2004 to 2018 to December 31, 2020. Poisson regression models were used to estimate incidence rates (IRs) of T2DM according to country/region of origin, adjusted for age, education, and body mass index.

Results

The study included 20 873 women with a GDM diagnosis, of whom 22.3% were of migrant background and 77.7% were Danish. The mean follow-up time was 7.3 years, and 10.9% were registered with T2DM during the study period. Generally, migrant women had higher IRs of T2DM compared to Danish women, with substantial variations in risk between migrant groups. Women from Pakistan and Sri Lanka had 3 to 4 times higher IRs compared to Danish women. The timing of T2DM onset also varied, with women from Sri Lanka and Pakistan having an earlier onset of T2DM compared to other migrant and Danish women.

Conclusion

This study demonstrated that country/region of origin is an important risk factor for T2DM in women with GDM. These findings underscore the importance of prevention programs targeting women with GDM and a high-risk origin.
“Every Planter Has Become an Enlightened Politician”
Authors: Christie Nancy , Gauvreau Michael
Published: March 2024

Despite much scholarship on the plantation economy, little attention has been paid to planter political rhetoric in colonial Haiti. By analyzing planter petitions, several lawsuits, and the colonial doléances of 1788–89, this article shows how landed proprietors harnessed natural rights jurisprudence and, in particular, Lockian ideas regarding the sacred right of private property. They argued for a set of collective rights both for planters as a group and for the colony as a whole. This was done to undermine the notion that enslaved people, as human beings, constituted a special form of property and thus to assert planters' absolute sovereignty to manumit their slaves at will. This idea was transposed into a claim that only the colony, not the metropole, could determine the timing of slave emancipation. Planters articulated a concept of liberalism that stood at odds with the universalist claims of equality inspired by the French Revolution.
Entre espace public et mondes privés
Authors: Lancereau Guillaume
Published: March 2024

Précis

Dans la lignée de travaux récents sur l'histoire des masculinités scientifiques et l'histoire sociale et culturelle des intellectuels, cet article propose une relecture des origines de la discipline historique centrée sur la partition entre espace public, monde privé et sphère professionnelle. Dès les années 1870, les ambitions nouvelles de l'histoire-science redéfinirent en profondeur la persona savante, l’épistémologie disciplinaire et l'identité collective des historiens. Ce tournant scientifique favorisa l'institution d'un monde d'entre-soi professionnel et masculin, précipitant ainsi la rupture avec le « grand public » profane, dont les femmes étaient l'incarnation la plus immédiate. En parallèle, ces chercheurs assignaient à l'histoire, « école du citoyen », d'importantes fonctions morales et civiques. Ainsi s'explique le discrédit jeté, en des termes charriant un profond imaginaire de genre, sur les travaux jugés trop étroitement érudits ou sur la « petite histoire », anecdotique et littéraire. Cet article met enfin en lumière la sphère privée des historiens, en insistant sur l’économie domestique du travail historiographique déployée au sein de l'espace du couple. Ces principes de vision et de division des mondes historiens ne manquent pas de générer des échos éminemment actuels, qui demeurent des objets de réflexivité collective pour la discipline d'aujourd'hui.
Adorno’s “Urbanism and Societal Order” and the State of Rebuilding West Germany, 1949
Authors: Widder Lynnette
Published: March 2024

Less than a month after his return to Frankfurt in the winter of 1949, Theodor Adorno gave a lecture at the Technical University of Darmstadt at the invitation of the urban designer Karl Gruber. Titled “Urbanism and Societal Order,” the lecture is noteworthy as one of the very few Adorno texts that addresses architecture. It might be considered a minor text if not for the fact that each issue Adorno raised in it has a corollary in the early postwar practice and discourse of architecture in West Germany. The qualities of urban beauty, the legitimacy of historical and historicizing urban fabric, the nature of housing worthy of a free citizenry, the importance of self-determinacy and participation in the planning of cities: these are among the topics that Adorno’s text interrogates. Each consideration is discussed relative to specific contemporaneous texts, debates, and projects by the architects who ultimately rebuilt West Germany’s cities.
Foucault's Oedipus
Authors: Meranze Michael
Published: March 2024

Foucault’s recurrent engagement with Oedipus Rex not only allows us to reconceive his interpretation of the relationship between truth and power. It also opens up new approaches to the history of truth-telling not only in history but about history. This chapter examines his analysis of truth-telling in ancient Greece and reflects on its possible implications for the writing of early American history today.
Equity in the Time of Moby-Dick
Authors: Crow Matthew
Published: March 2024

This chapter is a study of law and legal knowledge production in Herman Melville’s Moby-Dick, among other works. Melville illuminates a transformation of the idea and practice of equity from the early modern high conciliar jurisdiction of the Lord Chancellor to a system of jurisprudence more appropriate to establishing precedents for commercial legal culture. Melville stages allegories of this taming of equity, and of the danger of modern ambitions to capture the raw power of natural justice that had been acknowledged not simply as sovereignty but as the discretionary power of the conscience of the sovereign. Melville gives us something like a natural history of justice—amenable to the role that the category of natural history plays in the development of critical theory—a radical and creative jurisprudence profoundly aware of its small place in deeper histories, only some of which are human.