bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An optimum study on the laser scanning confocal microscopy techniques for BiFC assay using plant protoplast
Authors: Yuan Jinhong , Li Daiyu , Liang Yi , Meng Yao , Li Li , Yang Lin , Pei Mingyue , Feng Liuchun , Li Junhua
Published: January 2024

Background

The bimolecular fluorescence complementation (BiFC) assay is commonly used for investigating protein–protein interactions. While several BiFC detection systems have been developed, there is a limited amount of research focused on using laser scanning confocal microscope (LSCM) techniques to observe protoplasts. Protoplasts are more susceptible to damage and instability compared to their original cell state due to the preparation treatments they undergo, which makes it challenging for researchers to manipulate them during observation under LSCMs. Therefore, it is crucial to utilize microscope techniques properly and efficiently in BiFC assays.

Results

When the target fluorescence is weak, the autofluorescence of chloroplast particles in protoplasts can interfere with the detection of BiFC signals localized in the nuclear region. Spectrum analysis revealed that chloroplast autofluorescence can be excited by lasers of various types, with the highest fluorescence signal observed at around 660 nm. Furthermore, our investigation into the impact of different pipette tips on the integrity of protoplast samples indicated that the utilization of cut tips with larger openings can mitigate cell breakage. We presented a workflow of LSCM techniques for investigating protoplast BiFC and discussed the microscopic manipulation involved in sample preparation and image capturing.

Conclusion

When the BiFC signals are weak, they may be affected by chloroplast autofluorescence. However, when used properly, the autofluorescence of chloroplasts can serve as an excellent internal marker for effectively distinguishing other signals. In combination with other findings, this study can provide valuable reference for researchers conducting BiFC assays and related studies.
RPf-GCNs: reciprocal perspective driven fused GCNs for rumor detection on social media
Authors: Khan Zafran , Gwak Jeonghwan , Iltaf Naima , Pedrycz Witold , Jeon Moongu
Published: January 2024

The earliest detection of rumors across social media is the need to the hour in present global village. User’s are seamlessly connected in an unstructured network leading to rapid flow of information. User’s on the social media with malign intents may share defamatory content to contribute towards the fifth generation media warfare. The ingress of such defamatory content into society can result in panic, uncertainty and demoralization the peoples. Due to the huge amount of content over social platforms, the detection of malicious contents is hard. Earlier research while focuses on content profiling and flow of information, however, the reciprocal perspective of the source and following contents is missing. In this research, a novel Reciprocal Perspective fused Graph Convolutional Neural Network (RPf-GCN) is proposed. The proposed framework incorporates twin GCNs to encode both the bottom-up and top-down perspectives, enhancing the understanding of rumor propagation. Moreover convolutional operation is employed to fuse reciprocal perspective, providing a holistic view of the conversations. To validate the efficacy of the proposed framework, we conducted a series of experiments using real-world datasets, including PHEME and SemEval. Experimentation performed illustrates that the proposed framework outperformed over various baselines in two different evaluation metrics namely Macro F1 (for PHEME 0.736, for SemEval 0.461) and Accuracy (for PHEME 0.748, for SemEval 0.658).
Artificial formation of benzene polycarboxylic acids during sample processing of black carbon analysis: the role of organic carbon amount
Authors: Di Rauso Simeone Giuseppe , Maennicke Heike , Bromm Tobias , Glaser Bruno
Published: January 2024

Black carbon is also known as pyrogenic carbon formed by partial combustion of organic material under limited oxygen supply. It occurs along a continuum from original organic slightly charred material to highly aromatic combustion residues such as charcoal, graphite, and soot. Black carbon is extensively studied in various environments due to its ubiquity. It is also important for the biochar community because it can specifically trace the stable polycondensed part of biochar. Different methods have been adopted for black carbon determination; among them using benzene polycarboxylic acids (BPCA) as molecular markers for the polycondensed aromatic moieties of charred materials. However, different researchers have shown interferences from organic matter during BPCA analysis. Therefore, the aim of this work was to assess if artificial formation of BPCA occurs in soil samples when the organic carbon load exceeds 5–10 mg. For this purpose, we conducted black carbon analysis of different soil samples with varying TOC contents of up to 20 mg. In addition, organic matter-rich plant materials were used as a black carbon-free control (leaves of Ivy and Beech, leaves/needles of Spruce and needles of Thuja). To exclude the high-pressure digestion as source of artificial black carbon formation, a comparison between the conventional and a microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) oxidation process was included. Our results show that for soil samples, no artificial BPCA formation occurred at least up to 20 mg of total organic carbon. Higher sample weights are unrealistic for BPCA analysis of soils using current methodology. Therefore, our results clearly demonstrate that there is no artificial BPCA formation during properly performed black carbon analysis of soil samples. On the contrary, for some samples, BPCA contents tended to decrease with increasing sample weight, and thus increasing amount of TOC. In contrast, for plant samples, artificial BPCA formation of up to 3 g kg−1 occurred when more plant material equivalent to 10 mg total organic carbon was used. However, there was no amount dependence of artificial BPCA formation. The reason for artificial BPCA formation was not the high-pressure digestion, as microwave-assisted digestion showed comparable results. However, for real-world analysis, this artificial BPCA formation is not relevant because such high soil sample weights cannot be used. Nevertheless, when using organic-rich material such as peat and charred materials, the samples should contain less than 10 mg of total organic carbon.

Graphical Abstract
Doxycycline reduces liver and kidney injuries in a rat hemorrhagic shock model
Authors: Sordi Regina , Bojko Luana , Oliveira Filipe R. M. B. , Rosales Thiele Osvaldt , Souza Camila Fernandes , Moreno Lucas Wenceslau , Ferreira Alves Gustavo , Vellosa José Carlos Rebuglio , Fernandes Daniel , Gomes Jose Rosa
Published: January 2024

Background

Hemorrhagic shock (HS), which causes insufficient tissue perfusion, can result in multiple organ failure (MOF) and death. This study aimed to evaluate whether doxycycline (DOX) protects cardiovascular, kidney, and liver tissue from damage in a rat model of HS. Immediately before the resuscitation, DOX (10 mg/kg; i.v.) was administered, and its protective effects were assessed 24 h later. Mean arterial pressure, renal blood flow, heart rate, vasoactive drug response, and blood markers such as urea, creatinine, AST, ALT, CPK, CPR, and NOx levels were determined.

Results

We showed that DOX has a significant effect on renal blood flow and on urea, creatinine, AST, ALT, CPK, and NOx. Morphologically, DOX reduced the inflammatory process in the liver tissue.

Conclusions

We conclude that DOX protects the liver and kidney against injury and dysfunction in a HS model and could be a strategy to reduce organ damage associated with ischemia-and-reperfusion injury.
Prevalence of food insecurity amid COVID-19 lockdowns and sociodemographic indicators of household vulnerability in Harar and Kersa, Ethiopia
Authors: Muir Jonathan A. , Dheresa Merga , Madewell Zachary J. , Getachew Tamirat , Daraje Gamachis , Mengesha Gezahegn , Whitney Cynthia G. , Assefa Nega , Cunningham Solveig A.
Published: January 2024

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic was associated with widespread social disruptions, as governments implemented lockdowns to quell disease spread. To advance knowledge of consequences for households in resource-limited countries, we examine food insecurity during the pandemic period.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional study and used logistic regression to examine factors associated with food insecurity. Data were collected between August and September of 2021 through a Health and Demographic Surveillance System (HDSS) using a survey instrument focused on knowledge regarding the spread of COVID-19; food availability; COVID-19 related shocks/coping; under-five child healthcare services; and healthcare services for pregnant women. The study is set in two communities in Eastern Ethiopia, one rural (Kersa) and one urban (Harar), and included a random sample of 880 households.

Results

Roughly 16% of households reported not having enough food to eat during the pandemic, an increase of 6% since before the pandemic. After adjusting for other variables, households were more likely to report food insecurity if they were living in an urban area, were a larger household, had a family member lose employment, reported an increase in food prices, or were food insecure before the pandemic. Households were less likely to report food insecurity if they were wealthier or had higher household income.

Conclusions

After taking individual and household level sociodemographic characteristics into consideration, households in urban areas were at higher risk for food insecurity. These findings suggest a need for expanding food assistance programs to more urban areas to help mitigate the impact of lockdowns on more vulnerable households.
The feasibility and acceptability of a rewards system based on food purchasing behaviour in secondary school cashless canteens: the Eat4Treats (E4T) cluster feasibility, non-randomised, controlled intervention study
Authors: Moore Sarah E. , Rooney Ciara , Neville Charlotte E. , McConville Ryan , Kee Frank , McEvoy Claire T. , Woodside Jayne V. , Hanvey Judith , McKinley Michelle C.
Published: January 2024

Background

Using rewards may be an effective method to positively influence children’s eating behaviour but evidence to date is limited, particularly in older children. The cashless canteen systems in schools provides a unique opportunity to implement a food-based reward scheme but intervention development work and feasibility testing is needed. The overall aim of the E4T feasibility study was to examine the feasibility and acceptability of implementing a rewards scheme based on the food purchasing behaviour of pupils in cashless canteens in secondary schools.

Methods

A non-randomised, controlled, parallel-group cluster feasibility study conducted in four secondary schools (two intervention and two control) serving areas of the highest social deprivation in Northern Ireland. During the 4-month trial, pupils earned points for foods purchased at the school canteen, with better nutritional choices having a higher value. Pupils could exchange the points they earned for rewards (e.g. stationery, vouchers, sports equipment) via the E4T website. Qualitative and quantitative data was collected from year 9 and 10 pupils (boys and girls aged 12–14 years), teachers and canteen staff to address the feasibility questions.

Results

Two intervention (one urban, one rural) and one control (urban) school completed the study. Seventy-one percent of 12–14-year-old pupils consented to take part; 1% of parents opted their child out of the study. Questionnaire completion rates were high (6 and 11% of questionnaires were partially completed at baseline and follow-up respectively). Collecting data on food consumed in the canteen was challenging logistically. Focus groups with pupils indicated that the overall concept of E4T was well received and there was a high degree of satisfaction with the rewards available. Pupils and teachers made several suggestions for improvements.

Conclusions

E4T was successfully implemented as a result of collaboration between schools, school canteens and cashless canteen providers working with a multidisciplinary research team. It was acceptable to pupils, teachers and canteen staff. The findings suggest a few areas for refining implementation and evaluation processes that would need to be considered in the design of a larger trial, particularly resources required to streamline implementation and ways to optimise pupil engagement.

Trial registration

Under review with https://www.clinicaltrials.gov (retrospective registration—reg number and weblink to be added).
Time-of-flight and black-blood MRI to study intracranial arteries in rats
Authors: Cayron Anne F. , Bejuy Olivia , Vargas Maria Isabel , Colin Didier J. , Aoki Tomohiro , Lövblad Karl-Olof , Bijlenga Philippe , Kwak Brenda R. , Allémann Eric , Morel Sandrine
Published: January 2024

Intracranial aneurysms (IAs) are usually incidentally discovered by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Once discovered, the risk associated with their treatment must be balanced with the risk of an unexpected rupture. Although clinical observations suggest that the detection of contrast agent in the aneurysm wall using a double-inversion recovery black-blood (BB) sequence may point to IA wall instability, the exact meaning of this observation is not understood. Validation of reliable diagnostic markers of IA (in)stability is of utmost importance to deciding whether to treat or not an IA. To longitudinally investigate IA progression and enhance our understanding of this devastating disease, animal models are of great help. The aim of our study was to improve a three-dimensional (3D)-time-of-flight (TOF) sequence and to develop a BB sequence on a standard preclinical 3-T MRI unit to investigate intracranial arterial diseases in rats. We showed that our 3D-TOF sequence allows reliable measurements of intracranial artery diameters, inter-artery distances, and angles between arteries and that our BB sequence enables us to visualize intracranial arteries. We report the first BB-MRI sequence to visualize intracranial arteries in rats using a preclinical 3-T MRI unit. This sequence could be useful for a large community of researchers working on intracranial arterial diseases.

Relevance statement We developed a black-blood MRI sequence to study vessel wall enhancement in rats with possible application to understanding IAs instability and finding reliable markers for clinical decision-making.

Key points

• Reliable markers of aneurysm stability are needed for clinical decision.

• Detection of contrast enhancement in the aneurysm wall may be associated with instability.

• We developed a black-blood MRI sequence in rats to be used to study vessel wall enhancement of IAs.

Graphical Abstract
Telemedicine practice among Egyptian urologists: knowledge, attitude, and medicolegal concerns
Authors: Ismail Ezzat A. , Shehata Shaimaa A. , Fouad Ahmed M. , Gomaa Moetaz D. , Bakr Ahmed M.
Published: January 2024

Background

The usage and implementation of telemedicine by urologists to diagnose, treat, mentor, and prevent diseases have grown worldwide. Numerous clinical, legal, and ethical issues are addressed by this practice. This is a cross-sectional study based on an anonymous online questionnaire, aimed to assess the current urologists’ knowledge and attitude towards telemedicine use in Egypt. A total of 108 Egyptian urologists filled out the questionnaire which included sociodemographic data, urologist knowledge, attitude regarding telemedicine, and common concerns and barriers.

Results

Out of the total sample, 75.9% of participants did not use telemedicine modalities until COVID-19 pandemic. Nearly 66.7% of participants did not receive formal medicolegal training on using telemedicine. About 62% of participants used personal accounts on social media, and 73.1% of teleconsultations were to assess radiological and laboratory data. Several concerns were highlighted such as possible malpractice risks (79.6%), defamation (72.2%), and keeping patient records (71.3%). Urologists raised many considerable barriers regarding telemedicine, such as lack of patient technology skills (84.3%), absence of regulations or laws (76.9%), insurance reimbursement (57.4%), and lack of administrative support (53.7%). Most of the participants have a positive impression of the advantages of tele-urology. There was a statistically significant difference between the number of cases seen per week and positive total attitude score.

Conclusions

Although most participants practiced telemedicine, many obstacles were highlighted through the study. Ignoring legal, ethical, personal, and patient issues may also jeopardize the future of telemedicine. Well-established health policies, formal education, and the implementation of regulated laws of telemedicine are fundamental.
Endovascular treatment of splenic artery aneurysm rupture: case report
Authors: Carvalho Márcia , Mendes João , Macedo-Oliveira Carlos , Freire Bárbara , Pereira-Macedo Juliana , Pinheiro Duque Rita , Lemos Ricardo , Sampaio Francisco
Published: January 2024

Background

Splenic artery aneurysms are rare and usually asymptomatic, with a high risk of mortality once they get ruptured. This is a rare case of a spontaneous splenic artery aneurysm rupture in a high-risk patient for surgery. Endovascular treatment was the only option to save patient’s life.

Case presentation

We report a 70-year-old woman with multiple comorbidities, presenting to the emergency department with signs of shock: confusion, pallor, tachycardia, and hypotension. Computed tomography shows an active bleeding from a splenic artery aneurysm rupture. The patient was successfully submitted to emergent arterial embolization of the splenic artery aneurysm.

Conclusions

Endovascular treatment is a less aggressive approach and should be considered in high-risk patients for surgical intervention. Rupture of a splenic aneurysm is a rare condition with high mortality rate and should be considered as a differential diagnosis in a patient with abdominal pain and hemodynamic instability.
Does size matter? Outcomes following revision total hip arthroplasty with long or primary stems: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Sahemey Rajpreet , Ridha Ali , Stephens Alastair , Farhan-Alanie Muhamed M. , Kozdryk Jakub , Riemer Bryan , Foguet Pedro
Published: January 2024

Background

Femoral reconstruction with long stems is widely accepted as the standard in revision total hip arthroplasty (rTHA). However, long stems can be technically challenging to insert and can compromise bone stock for future revision. This study aimed to identify whether there was a difference in outcomes with using a long versus primary or short femoral stem in revision.

Methods

We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of all articles comparing long and primary stem length in rTHA for Paprosky 1-3B femoral defects. The primary outcome measure was the reoperation rate after rTHA. Secondary outcomes included infection and dislocation rates, periprosthetic fracture, loosening, mortality, and patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs).

Results

The results of 3,102 rTHAs performed in 2,982 patients were reported from 9 eligible studies in the systematic review, of which 6 were included in the meta-analysis. The mean patient age was 67.4 and the mean follow-up lasted 5 years (range, 1–15 years). There was no significant difference in the reoperation rate (odds ratio 0.78; 95% confidence interval, 0.28–2.17, P = 0.63). Similarly, there was no significant difference in dislocation or periprosthetic fracture risk. Harris Hip Score was better with primary stems by a mean difference of 14.4 points (P < 0.05). Pooled 5-year stem-related survival was 91.3% ± 3.5% (SD) for primary stems and 89.9% ± 6.7% (SD) for long stems.

Conclusions

A primary stem provided non-inferior outcomes compared with long stems in rTHA with Paprosky type 1-3B femoral defects. Primary stems may yield a more straightforward technique and preserve distal bone stock for future revision particularly in younger patients. In older patients with lower functional demands and who would benefit from a decreased risk of complications, a long cemented stem is recommended.
Physicochemical, in vitro starch digestibility and sensory characteristics of biofortified yellow maize-cowpea composite flours and biscuits
Authors: Irondi Emmanuel Anyachukwu , Olatoye Kazeem Koledoye , Abdulameed Hassan Taiye , Aliyu Olawale Mashood , Ajani Emmanuel Oladipo , Ogbebor Osayame Funmilayo
Published: January 2024

The consumption of whole grain cereals, pulses and their products, such as biscuits, is associated with protection against nutrition-related non-communicable diseases. Hence, the aim of this study was to evaluate the physicochemical qualities and in vitro starch digestibility of flours and biscuits formulated with biofortified yellow maize (M-f) and cowpea (C-f) composites, as well as the biscuits’ sensory attributes. Biscuits, coded M-b, MC-b1, MC-b2, MC-b3, and C-b, were baked from composite flours of M-f and C-f (M-f:C-f, w/w) at the proportions of 100:0, 75:25, 50:50, 25:75, and 0:100, respectively. Refined wheat flour (W-f) and its biscuit (W-b) served as controls. Individually, the final viscosities of M-f (157.36 RVU) and W-f (159.12 RVU) were comparable (p > 0.05); but both were significantly higher (p < 0.05) than that of C-f (93.15 RVU). Among the composite flours, MC-f2 and MC-f3 had the highest final (175.43 RVU) and peak (65.52 RVU) viscosities, respectively. The total carbohydrate, crude fat, and energy value increased significantly (p < 0.05) with increasing proportion of M-f in the composite flours and biscuits, while the crude protein and ash contents increased with an increasing proportion of C-f. The ranges of total carbohydrate, crude fat, and food energy in the biscuits were 51.03 (C-b) - 68.27% (W-b), 12.15 (W-b) - 19.02% (M-b), and 414.33 (C-b) - 455.91 kCal/100 g (M-b), respectively. The concentrations of starch, amylose, amylose/amylopectin ratio, starch hydrolysis index (HI), as well as estimated glycaemic index (eGI) of the composite flours and biscuits decreased significantly with an increasing proportion of C-f. Thus, the ranges of starch and eGI in the biscuits were 41.02 (C-b) - 68.01% (W-b) and 34.99 (C-b) - 57.19% (W-b), respectively. Crude protein (r = − 0.715, − 0.696), starch (r = 0.966, 0.954), amylose (r = 0.947, 0.931), and amylopectin (r = − 0.947, − 0.931) significantly correlated with eGI and HI, respectively. The sensory acceptability of the composite biscuits improved as the proportion of C-f increased. Hence, it is concluded that increasing the level of cowpea in biofortified yellow maize-cowpea composite flours and biscuits enhanced their physicochemical and sensory attributes, and reduced their estimated GI.

Graphical Abstract
Implementing integrated hypertension and diabetes management using the World Health Organization’s HEARTS model: protocol for a pilot study in the Guatemalan national primary care system
Authors: Wellmann Irmgardt Alicia , Ayala Luis Fernando , Rodríguez José Javier , Guetterman Timothy C. , Irazola Vilma , Palacios Eduardo , Huffman Mark D. , Rohloff Peter , Heisler Michele , Ramírez-Zea Manuel , Flood David
Published: January 2024

Background

The HEARTS technical package was developed by the World Health Organization to address the implementation gap in cardiovascular disease prevention in low- and middle-income countries. Guatemala is a middle-income country that is currently implementing HEARTS. National authorities in Guatemala are interested in exploring how hypertension and diabetes management can be integrated in HEARTS implementation. The objective of this study is to conduct a feasibility and acceptability pilot trial of integrated hypertension and diabetes management based on HEARTS in the publicly funded primary care system in Guatemala.

Methods

A single-arm pilot trial for 6 months will be carried out in 11 Ministry of Health primary care facilities starting in September 2023. A planned sample of 100 adult patients diagnosed with diabetes (n = 45), hypertension (n = 45), or both (n = 10) will be enrolled. The intervention will consist of HEARTS-aligned components: Training health workers on healthy-lifestyle counseling and evidence-based treatment protocols, strengthening access to medications and diagnostics, training on risk-based cardiovascular disease management, team-based care and task sharing, and systems monitoring and feedback, including implementation of a facility-based electronic monitoring tool at the individual level. Co-primary outcomes of feasibility and acceptability will be assessed using an explanatory sequential mixed-methods design. Secondary outcomes include clinical effectiveness (treatment with medication, glycemic control, and blood pressure control), key implementation outcomes (adoption, fidelity, usability, and sustainability), and patient-reported outcome measures (diabetes distress, disability, and treatment burden). Using an implementation mapping approach, a Technical Advisory Committee will develop implementation strategies for subsequent scale-up planning.

Discussion

This trial will produce evidence on implementing HEARTS-aligned hypertension and diabetes care in the MOH primary care system in Guatemala. Results also will inform future HEARTS projects in Guatemala and other low- and middle-income countries.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov ID NCT06080451. The trial was prospectively registered on October 12, 2023.
The impact of ambidexterity on robotic process automation implementation strategy in service enterprises
Authors: Sliż Piotr , Siciński Jędrzej , Jackowska Beata
Published: January 2024

Robotic Process Automation (RPA) has gained increasing significance in recent years. RPA leverages software bots to automate repetitive business processes traditionally performed by humans, making it one of the easiest, least invasive, and fastest automation approaches. Publications on the topic are scarce, however, and concerns regarding job loss and employee acceptance of new operational processes and technologies remain significant challenges. The additional motivation behind this study is to address the lack of research on the implementation strategy of RPA in the context of ambidexterity, i.e., optimizing enterprise capability in balancing between exploration and exploitation. The paper adopts a managerial perspective and aims to identify the key factors supporting the implementation of RPA in the context of ambidexterity, using an empirical study of service companies as an example. The research methodology employed includes literature review, opinion surveys, and statistical analysis. The paper highlights the stimulating role of the ambidexterity concept in RPA implementation projects and strategies, with a hybrid approach to dynamic balancing of exploitation and exploration. The findings of this paper will be of use for researchers and practitioners in developing effective RPA implementation strategies that balance the needs for exploitation and exploration while factoring in the concerns raised by employees.
Long-Term Follow-Up of the RESORT Study (E4402): A Randomized Phase III Comparison of Two Different Rituximab Dosing Strategies for Low–Tumor Burden Follicular Lymphoma
Authors: Kahl Brad S. , Jegede Opeyemi A. , Peterson Christopher , Swinnen Lode J. , Habermann Thomas M. , Schuster Stephen J. , Weiss Matthias , Fishkin Paul A. , Fenske Timothy S. , Williams Michael E.
Published: January 2024

Clinical trials frequently include multiple end points that mature at different times. The initial report, typically based on the primary end point, may be published when key planned co-primary or secondary analyses are not yet available. Clinical trial updates provide an opportunity to disseminate additional results from studies, published in JCO or elsewhere, for which the primary end point has already been reported.

In 2003, the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group initiated a randomized phase III clinical trial (E4402) comparing two different rituximab dosing strategies for patients with previously untreated low–tumor burden follicular lymphoma. Rituximab-responsive patients (n = 299) were randomly assigned to either a retreatment rituximab (RR) strategy or a maintenance rituximab (MR) strategy. Each dosing strategy was continued until treatment failure. The primary end point of the study was time to treatment failure (TTF). In the original report, there was no difference in TTF between the two dosing strategies. Here, we report on the long-term outcomes for secondary end points of time to first cytotoxic therapy, duration of response, and overall survival (OS). At 7 years, 83% of MR patients had not required first chemotherapy compared with 63% of RR patients (hazard ratio, 2.37 [95% CI, 1.5 to 3.76]). At 7 years, 71% of MR remained in their first remission compared with 37% of RR patients. Despite the improved first remission length with MR, there was no difference in OS at 10 years (83% v 84%). With mature long-term data, we confirm that prolonged maintenance rituximab does not confer an OS advantage in low–tumor burden follicular lymphoma.
Brown Adipose Tissue Activation in Humans Increases Plasma Levels of Lipid Mediators
Authors: Walker Mary E , Kodani Sean D , Mena Hebe Agustina , Tseng Yu-Hua , Cypess Aaron M , Spite Matthew
Published: January 2024

Context

Activation of brown adipose tissue (BAT) thermogenesis improves insulin sensitivity and is beneficial in obesity. Emerging evidence indicates that BAT activation increases lipid mediators that play autocrine and endocrine roles to regulate metabolism and inflammation.

Objective

The goal of the study was to determine the relationship between 2 distinct approaches of BAT activation (cold exposure and mirabegron treatment) with lipid mediators in humans.

Methods

Healthy female subjects (n = 14) were treated with the β3-adrenergic receptor agonist mirabegron (100 mg) daily for 28 days. A subset of female subjects (n = 8) was additionally exposed to cold temperatures (14-16 °C) for 2 hours using a cooling vest prior to initiating mirabegron treatment. A panel of lipid mediators was assessed in plasma using targeted liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, and their relationship to anthropometric and metabolic parameters was determined.

Results

Activation of BAT with cold exposure acutely increased levels of lipoxygenase and cyclooxygenase products, including 12-hydroxyeicosapentaenoic acid, 12-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (HETE), 5-HETE, 14-hydroxydocosahexaenoic acid (HDHA), an isomer of maresin 2 (MaR2), 17-HDHA, protectin D1 (PD1), and prostaglandin E2. Mirabegron treatment similarly increased these products acutely, although levels of some mediators were blunted after chronic mirabegron treatment. Selected lipid mediators, including an MaR2 isomer, 17-HDHA, 5-HETE, and 15-HETE, positively correlated with nonesterified fatty acids and negatively correlated with the respiratory quotient, while PD1, 15-HETE, and 5-HETE positively correlated with adiponectin.

Conclusion

These results indicate that selected lipid mediators may serve as biomarkers of BAT activation.
Kierunki badań przemysłu w erze turbulencji społeczno-gospodarczych: perspektywa geograficzno-ekonomiczna
Authors: Czapliński Paweł , Rachwał Tomasz , Tobolska Anna
Published: January 2024

Określanie kierunków badań nad przemianami przemysłu w kontekście poznawczym, zarówno w ujęciu dynamicznym, jak i w odniesieniu do relacji przestrzennych, a także ich powiązanie z konkretnymi obszarami wiedzy i praktyki staje się coraz trudniejsze. Wynika to nie tylko z braku jednoznaczności samego pojęcia przemysł i jego rozgraniczenia w stosunku do sektora usług, ale także z braku wyraźnych granic między poszczególnymi dyscyplinami naukowymi, zwłaszcza geografią społeczno-ekonomiczną i ekonomią. Szczególnie widoczne jest to w subdyscyplinach geografii społeczno-ekonomicznej, w których trudności w definiowaniu pojęcia przemysłu wpływają na problem uściślenia przedmiotu badań geografii przemysłu. W świetle tych przesłanek celem artykułu jest prezentacja wyników badań nad określeniem obszaru zainteresowania badaczy przemysłu, zwłaszcza w kontekście nowych nurtów badawczych związanych z obecnymi turbulencjami społeczno-gospodarczymi. Analiza publikacji naukowych dotyczących problematyki przemysłu od 2019 r. indeksowanych w bazach danych krajowych (BazEkon) i międzynarodowych (Scopus, Web of Science) pozwoliła na identyfikację tematów badawczych związanych z przemysłem. Autorzy skupili się także na wykorzystaniu narzędzi bazodanowych do analizy zbioru publikacji, słów kluczowych, tytułów i abstraktów związanych z szeroko rozumianym przemysłem. Wyniki analizy bibliograficznej wskazują na znaczne zróżnicowanie problematyki badawczej dominującej w trzech porównywanych bazach, przy wyraźnie widocznej małej reprezentacji ujęć geograficznych w stosunku do ekonomicznych, co można uznać za niszę dla prac dotyczących zagadnień przemysłowych w ujęciu przestrzennym. Częściowe wykorzystanie oprogramowania VOSviewer do analizy powiązań słów kluczowych potwierdziło jego użyteczność w identyfikacji głównych nurtów badań nad przemysłem.
Ανάπτυξη πράσινων διεργασιών εγκλωβισμού βιοδραστικών ενώσεων σε βιοδιασπώμενους φορείς τροποποιημένης αποδέσμευσης
Authors: Πιττερού Ιωάννα
Published: January 2024

Αντικείμενο της παρούσας διδακτορικής διατριβής αποτέλεσε η ανάπτυξη και η βελτιστοποίηση πράσινων διεργασιών για τον εγκλωβισμό βιοδραστικών ενώσεων σε φυσικούς ή συνθετικούς βιοδιασπώμενους φορείς. Τα μικρο/νανοσυστήματα που παρασκευάστηκαν, αξιοποιήθηκαν ως φορείς βιοδραστικών μορίων κατάλληλων για εφαρμογές στη φαρμακευτική, τα τρόφιμα και τα καλλυντικά. Ένα σημαντικό στοιχείο καινοτομίας της παρούσας έρευνας ήταν η διερεύνηση της δυνατότητας να χρησιμοποιηθούν βιοαποικοδομήσιμοι πράσινοι διαλύτες (φυσικοί βαθέως ευτηκτικοί διαλύτες, NADESs) σε διάφορα στάδια της διεργασίας (π.χ. ως διαλύτες, ως γαλακτωματοποιητές, ως αναγωγικά μέσα, ως παράγοντες διασταύρωσης κ.ά.). Η στοχευμένη επιλογή των συστατικών που αποτελούν τους πράσινους διαλύτες τους προσδίδει επιθυμητές ιδιότητες ανάλογα με την τελική εφαρμογή, ώστε να λαμβάνεται τελικά ένα πολυλειτουργικό μικρο/νανοσύστημα με προστιθέμενη αξία. Για κάθε κατηγορία διεργασίας εγκλωβισμού πραγματοποιήθηκε βελτιστοποίηση μέσω Πειραματικού Σχεδιασμού (Design of Experiments, DOE) και μελέτη κινητικής μοντελοποίησης του προφίλ αποδέσμευσης των δραστικών ουσιών από τους νανοφορείς. Τέλος, τα καινοτόμα μικρο/νανοσυστήματα αξιολογήθηκαν ως προς τη βιοδραστικότητά τους και διερευνήθηκε η δυνατότητα ενσωμάτωσής τους σε φαρμακοτεχνικές μορφές, λειτουργικά τρόφιμα ή καλλυντικά σκευάσματα.
Το θέατρο-ντοκουμέντο ως μέσο ευαισθητοποίησης των εκπαιδευτικών απέναντι σε ρατσιστικά φαινόμενα
Authors: Βασιλόπουλος Πάνος
Published: January 2024

Το άρθρο αναφέρεται σε μελέτη περίπτωσης που σχετίζεται με την επίδραση του θεάτρου-ντοκουμέντο στις αντιλήψεις των εκπαιδευτικών και στις πιθανές επιρροές και αλλαγές στη συμπεριφορά τους, ως αποτέλεσμα της ευαισθητοποίησής τους απέναντι σε ζητήματα ρατσισμού. Στη μελέτη περιλαμβάνεται έρευνα-δράση που πραγματοποιήθηκε το διδακτικό έτος 2021-2022 σε μια σειρά βιωματικών εργαστηρίων, στα οποία περιλαμβάνονταν αντίστοιχα θεατροπαιδαγωγικά προγράμματα. Οι εκπαιδευτικοί που συμμετείχαν στην έρευνα υπηρετούσαν σε σχολεία της Α/θμιας και Β/θμιας Εκπαίδευσης του Δήμου Αιγιαλείας Αχαΐας. Τα μέλη της ομάδας, αξιοποίησαν αυθεντικές πηγές, πραγματικά γεγονότα και προσωπικές μαρτυρίες για την προσέγγιση διάφορων μορφών διακρίσεων και ρατσιστικών συμπεριφορών.
The Nigerian youth knowledge, Attitude and Practice (KAP) towards the national drive against the Spread of COVID-19: An online cross-sectional Survey
Authors: Jaiyesimi Boluwaji , Bamitale Toba , Diyaolu Babajide , Alabi Kolawole
Published: January 2024

Background The global impact of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)has led to the need to prioritise public health campaign by all stakeholders among diverse population groups. This study investigated the dispositions of Nigerian adolescents towards the prevention of the spread of COVID-19. Methods The young adolescents (n=1,529) included in this study, were between the ages of 15 and 26 years from Afe Babalola University. Students were contacted through their various colleges and residential hostels to complete the questionnaire via a shared link. All students included, voluntarily participated in this cross-sectional study by completing the adapted COVID-19 knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) questionnaire. The collected data were analysed to show the level of knowledge, attitude and preventative practices and also to test for significant association between gender and variables for the study. The study was conducted between March 23-April 25, 2021. Results The outcome of the findings showed that students with families with 5-10 members showed significant association with knowledge accuracy on COVID-19 (χ2 = 6.077, p = 0.044). There was a significant association between gender and the need to report the suspected case of COVID-19 infection to the health authorities (χ2 = 14.075, p = 0.001) with more females likely to report a suspected case. More females (59.2%) were significantly (χ2 = 8.904, p = 0.012) involved in the practice of social distancing or home quarantine as a preventive measure. Conclusions This study showed evidence of high prevalence of knowledge related to COVID-19 in majority of the study participants. This is a pointer to the efficacy and success of present public health campaigns in Nigeria.
Understanding nootropics and cognitive enhancement: mechanism of action and ethical considerations
Authors: Patel Jenilkumar , King Angelle , Malempati Mahant , Patel Milee
Published: January 2024

Nootropics are substances that enhance cognition through various mechanisms. Nootropics include various substances, ranging from derivatives of neurotransmitters to naturally occurring plants. They are used therapeutically for certain psychological disorders including Alzheimer’s dementia and mild cognitive impairment. More recently, healthy individuals have been shown to consume nootropics to enhance mental processes above baseline levels. Nootropic modes of action vary, but the most supported mechanisms include increased acetylcholine levels in synapses, increased levels of monoamine oxidases, long-term potentiation through neural modulation of glutamate receptors, and decreased adenosine levels. However, numerous side effects can occur when taking nootropics, including insomnia, dependence, nausea, and anxiety. Nootropics also need to be considered when physicians prescribe them, as some individuals who request these drugs are perfectly healthy. In addition, the effects of nootropics are often misportrayed in popular media, leading individuals to think that these substances will give them a drastic increase in their cognitive ability.
Covert system for detecting nuclear dirty bombs in public venues
Authors: Niichel Matthew , Brackett Mary , Purcell Brant , Gologorsky Douglas , Werve Ben
Published: January 2024

Background In the past two decades, the potential threat of a radiological dispersal device (RDD) or “dirty bomb,” which combines conventional explosives with radioactive material, has been a concern for counterterrorism efforts. The accessibility of radioactive materials used in various applications, such as medicine, industry, and research, makes RDDs a viable weapon of choice for terrorists. While the radiation released from an RDD is generally not lethal beyond a short range, the long-term health, environmental, and psychological effects of radiation release will have an impact on the future of a society. Providing proactive security measures will aid in the deterrence of potential radiological terrorist threats. Methods The use of commercial off-the-shelf detectors and GPS modules can be integrated with software to provide the approximate location of a radioactive anomaly. With the strategic placement of a circular array of 4-inch × 4-inch Thallium dopped Sodium-Iodide (NaI) in a façade of a full trashcan, it is possible to determine if, when, and the general direction of a hand- carried threat entering a venue. A supplemental detector containing a Cesium-Iodide (CsI) crystal and a GPS module fitted to a plate carrier vest can further refine the location of a threat. In tandem, these two designs are capable of providing the RDD screening that is currently lacking in public. Conclusions While a true threat may contain a radiation source well in the hundreds of Curies, the designs selected are tested and calibrated to 1-microcurie button sources. Which provides scaled results that indicate the possibility for the deployment of such a detection scheme in a venue. Although the devices tested are limited by commercial GPS resolution, the ability for both designs to determine the presence and approximate location of a button source within 10 feet is promising for further larger scale tests.
Semiotic mode and sensory modality in multimodal semiotics: Recognizing difference and building complementarity between the terms
Authors: Oja Martin
Published: January 2024

This article addresses an issue in multimodal cultural studies – the inconsistent use of the notions ‘mode’ and ‘modality’. As these notions are frequently employed interchangeably, making a clear distinction between them and positioning them in a coherent system will be helpful. To outline such a system, I envisage a two-layer framework where modes and modalities support each other. The central branch of multimodal semiotics (developing from Gunther Kress’ sociosemiotics towards John Bateman’s comprehensive approach) recognizes ‘mode’ as a pivotal research concept. While ‘mode’ as a semiotic resource is dependent on its materiality, culturally shaped practices and discourse semantics, the neurocognitive characteristics of sensory modalities are often seen as secondary to meaning-making. This article suggests that discussion of the semiotic potential of sensory modalities is complementary to the semiotic theory of multimodality. In order to illustrate this, I will construct an experimental typology of modality relations, which also takes modes into account. This typology distinguishes between supporting, modifying, conflicting, substituting and cross-activating relations.
Socratic Dialogue as a Way Toward Wonder and Aletheia in Qualitative Research and Action Research
Authors: Sorrell Dinkins Christine , Thorbjørn Hansen Finn
Published: January 2024

: In qualitative and action research, through Socratic dialogue, the researcher can help participants past a cognitive approach to the phenomenon, into a community of wonder (thaumazein), past observation of lived experience to foreboding and finally to openness. This openness serves as a ground for truth (aletheia). Researchers who try the Socratic approach may find it rewarding in the journey and in the research produced.
What Causes Delays in Admission to Rehabilitation Care? A Structural Estimation Approach
Authors: Dong Jing , Görgülü Berk , Sarhangian Vahid
Published: January 2024

Problem definition: Delays in admission to rehabilitation care can adversely impact patient outcomes. In addition, delayed patients keep occupying their acute care beds, making them unavailable for incoming patients. Admission delays are mainly caused by a lack of rehabilitation bed capacity and the time required to plan for rehabilitation activities, which we refer to as processing times. Because of non-standard bed allocation decisions and data limitations in practice, quantifying the magnitude of the two sources of delays can be technically challenging yet critical to the design of evidence-based interventions to reduce delays. We propose an empirical approach to understanding the contributions of the two sources of delays when only a single (combined) measure of admission delay is available. Methodology/results: We propose a hidden Markov model (HMM) to estimate the unobserved processing times and the status-quo bed allocation policy. Our estimation results quantify the magnitude of processing times versus capacity-driven delays and provide insights into factors impacting the bed allocation decision. We validate our estimated policy using a queueing model of patient flow and find that ignoring processing times or using simple bed allocation policies can lead to highly inaccurate delay estimates. In contrast, our estimated policy allows for accurate evaluation of different operational interventions. We find that reducing processing times can be highly effective in reducing admission delays and bed-blocking costs. In addition, allowing early transfer—whereby patients can complete some of their processing requirements in the rehabilitation unit—can significantly reduce admission delays, with only a small increase in rehab LOS. Managerial implications: Our study demonstrates the importance of quantifying different sources of delays in the design of effective operational interventions for reducing delays in admission to rehabilitation care. The proposed estimation framework can be applied in other transition-of-care settings with personalized capacity allocation decisions and hidden processing delays.

History: This paper was selected for Fast Track in the M&SOM journal from the 2022 MSOM Healthcare SIG Conference.

Funding: J. Dong was supported in part by the National Science Foundation [Grant CMMI-1762544]. V. Sarhangian was supported in part by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada [Grant RGPIN-2018-04518] and the Connaught Fund.

Supplemental Material: The e-companion is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/msom.2022.0377 .
The Characteristics of Flour from Mango Seeds
Authors: Anggraini Anggraini , Aprillia Selfi , Aktawan Agus
Published: January 2024

Indonesia produces 3,308,895 tons of mangoes in 2022. One type of mango in Indonesia is mango golek. Golek mango seeds can be processed into flour as a source of carbohydrates. The research contribution is the feasibility of golek mango seed flour based on SNI 3751:2009. Proximate analysis was used to determine the nutritional content of the golek mango seed flour. Flour is produced within 2 hours 30 minutes where the temperature variations are 80, 85, 90, 95, and 100 ℃. The proximate analysis consisted of the analysis of carbohydrate content, protein content, fat content, moisture content, ash content, and organoleptic tests. This study obtained an average carbohydrate content of 13.39%, an average protein content of 5.32%, an average water content of 0.80%, an average fat content of 0.33%, and a moderate ash content. 0.97%. The lower the yield of protein, water, fat, and ash, the lower the carbohydrate content, and vice versa. The results of the organoleptic test showed that the higher the temperature used during the oven, the darker the colour, the sharper the aroma, and the smoother the texture of the golek mango seed flour.
Um livro é um livro; no entanto, se move
Authors: Gonçalves Amanda Monteiro , Silva Sérgio Antônio
Published: January 2024

Determinar o conceito de livro com clareza é um desafio, visto que o objeto foi muito modificado ao longo de sua existência, considerando também os seus precedentes, como o rolo de pergaminho, e suas atuais versões virtuais; os e-books, sem suporte exclusivo, tanto em relação a dispositivos, quanto ao próprio projeto gráfico. Aqui, levantamos uma provocação acerca da essência de um livro, ou seja, aquilo que nos permite reconhecê-lo enquanto um livro. Levantamos o problema de uma definição circular e nos aproximamos de sua definição com o apoio do paradoxo de Teseu e da teoria dos problemas perversos (Wicked Problems) de Rittel e Webber. Nosso objetivo é incentivar a reflexão sobre os objetos de nosso trabalho, enquanto designers, editores e pesquisadores de livros, e nos questionarmos se o domínio de uma definição poderia impactar em nossos ofícios, em termos de fluidez, precisão e criatividade.