bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Epidemiology of Brucellosis in Small Ruminants of Rural and Peri-Urban Areas of Multan, Pakistan
Authors: Awais Mian Muhammad , Khadim Bakhtawar , Akhtar Masood , Anwar Muhammad Irfan , Khadim Gohar , Shirwany Abdul Sammad Ali Khan , Biricik Halil Selcuk , Razzaq Abdul , Bhatti Muhammad Sibtain
Published: February 2024

Brucellosis is a widespread zoonotic disease of veterinary and public health importance with considerably higher prevalence in developing/underdeveloped countries. This study reports the prevalence and risk determinants of brucellosis in small ruminants of peri-urban and rural areas of district Multan, Southern Punjab, Pakistan. For this purpose, sera samples (n = 392) of small ruminants were collected and subjected to preliminary screening using commercially available RBPT reagents followed by serodetection of brucellosis using multispecies i-ELISA kit (ID.vet, France). All the ELISA positive samples were confirmed by PCR using genus-specific primers, and frequencies of Brucella species in positive samples were enumerated using species-specific primers. Results indicated seropositivity rates of 9.69, 9.95, and 10.20% in study population using RBPT reagents of IDEXX-USA, ID.Vet-France, and VRI-Pakistan, respectively, with a statistically nonsignificant differencep>0.05. Results of ELISA showed an overall seroprevalence rate of 7.14% in target population with a slightly higher rate in sheep (7.65%) as compared to goat (6.63%) population (p=0.695; OR = 1.16, 95% CI = 0.53, 2.57). Results revealed that out of total positive samples, B. abortus was detected in 60.71% of seropositive samples and B. melitensis was detected in 14.28% of positive samples. It was revealed that risk factors including body condition scores, hygienic conditions of the housing facility, farming system, reproductive disorders, educational status of farmers, and awareness of farmers about brucellosis had significant association with brucellosis in small ruminants of study areap<0.05. Conversely, farm/herd size, locality, gender, age, weight, and parity showed a nonsignificant associationp>0.05with brucellosis. In conclusion, brucellosis is prevalent in small ruminants of Multan, Pakistan. It is recommended to devise and implement effective control strategies with a major focus on raising awareness about brucellosis in farmers for the containment of infection in the region.
Design and Evaluation of ZD06519, a Novel Camptothecin Payload for Antibody Drug Conjugates
Authors: Petersen Mark E. , Brant Michael G. , Lasalle Manuel , Das Samir , Duan Renee , Wong Jodi , Ding Tong , Wu Kaylee J. , Siddappa Dayananda , Fang Chen , Zhang Wen , Wu Alex M. L. , Hirkala-Schaefer Truman , Garnett Graham A. E. , Fung Vincent , Yang Luying , Hernandez Rojas Andrea , Lawn Samuel O. , Barnscher Stuart D. , Rich Jamie R. , Colombo Raffaele
Published: February 2024

In recent years, the field of antibody drug conjugates (ADC) has seen a resurgence, largely driven by the clinical benefit observed in patients treated with ADCs incorporating camptothecin-based topoisomerase I inhibitor payloads. Herein, we present the development of a novel camptothecin ZD06519 (FD1), which has been specifically designed for its application as an ADC payload. A panel of camptothecin analogs with different substituents at the C-7 and C-10 positions of the camptothecin core was prepared and tested in vitro. Selected compounds spanning a range of potency and hydrophilicity were elaborated into drug-linkers, conjugated to trastuzumab, and evaluated in vitro and in vivo. ZD06519 was selected on the basis of its favorable properties as a free molecule and as an antibody conjugate, which include moderate free payload potency (∼1 nmol/L), low hydrophobicity, strong bystander activity, robust plasma stability, and high-monomeric ADC content. When conjugated to different antibodies using a clinically validated MC-GGFG–based linker, ZD06519 demonstrated impressive efficacy in multiple cell line–derived xenograft models and noteworthy tolerability in healthy mice, rats, and non-human primates.
The Dragonflies and Damselflies (Insecta: Odonata) of Canada: species list, geographical distribution, status, and conservation ranks
Authors: CANNINGS ROBERT A. , KLYMKO JOHN , CATLING PAUL M. , SAVARD MICHEL , LEMELIN GUY , JONES COLIN D. , CANNINGS SYDNEY G. , SAVARD RÉMI-JULIEN
Published: February 2024

Canada has lost three important odonatologists since the first edition of this list was published in 2005: Gordon Pritchard, University of Calgary biology professor and internationally active odonate researcher (Cannings 2013); Paul Brunelle, leader of the massive inventory of Odonata in the Maritime Provinces (McAlpine 2020a, b, c) and co-author of the first edition of this checklist; and Raymond Hutchinson, who made huge contributions to Québec and Canadian odonatology over the past five decades (Savard 2021). We dedicate this work to them.
Three new species of the genus Amynthas (Oligochaeta: Megascolecidae) from Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
Authors: LI JIALI , JIANG JIBAO , JIN QING , YUAN ZHU , LIU HONG , QIU JIANGPING
Published: February 2024

Three new earthworm species of the genus Amynthas Kinberg, 1867 were found in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China: Amynthas huapingensis sp. nov., Amynthas retentus sp. nov. and Amynthas linguiensis sp. nov. Amynthas huapingensis sp. nov. belongs to Amynthas corticis-group characterized by having four pairs of spermathecal pores in 5/6–8/9; Amynthas retentus sp. nov., without spermathecal pores, belongs to Amynthas illotus-group; Amynthas huapingensis sp. nov. and Amynthas retentus sp. nov. have similar characteristics of male porophores medially surrounded by 2–3 genital papillae in a pulvinate pad within the male pore area. Amynthas linguiensis sp. nov. has variable spermathecal pores, three pairs in 6/7–8/9 or four pairs in 5/6–8/9. And its male pores each on the center of a large elliptical glandular porophore which extends from 1/4xvii to 1/4xix. The morphological comparison and COI gene data of these three new species and their similar species are given in this paper.
The first cryptic genus of Ixodida, Cryptocroton n. gen. for Amblyomma papuanum Hirst, 1914: a tick of North Queensland, Australia, and Papua New Guinea
Authors: BARKER STEPHEN C. , KELAVA SAMUEL , MANS BEN J. , APANASKEVICH DMITRY A. , SEEMAN OWEN D. , GOFTON ALEXANDER , SHAO RENFU , TEO ERNEST J. M. , EVASCO KIMBERLEY L. , SOENNICHSEN KARI F. , BARKER DAYANA , NAKAO RYO
Published: February 2024

We describe a new genus Cryptocroton n. gen. for Amblyomma papuanum Hirst, 1914, a tick of North Queensland, Australia, and Papua New Guinea.
New findings on Nilothauma Kieffer (Diptera: Chironomidae) from Brazil and Peru
Authors: DANTAS GALILEU P.S. , HAMADA NEUSA
Published: February 2024

Two new species of Nilothauma from Brazil and Peru are described and illustrated based on adult males collected respectively in the central and western Amazon. In addition, new records of Nilothauma complicatum Mendes & Andersen, 2009 in Brazil are provided.
Dai gen. nov., a new genus of Gnaphosinae (Araneae: Gnaphosidae) from Yunnan, China, with descriptions of two new species
Authors: LIU BO , ZHANG FENG
Published: February 2024

A new ground spider genus Dai gen. nov. of subfamily Gnaphosinae is described with the type species D. jinchii sp. nov. (♂♀) and D. jijiao sp. nov. (♂) from Yunnan Province, China.
Four new records of Sipuncula (Annelida) from Northern Brazil
Authors: FRANCO LETÍCIA C. , MAGALHÃES WAGNER F. , GUIMARÃES LÍVIA S. , OLIVEIRA DEISIANE , ROCHA ERIKA C. , KAWAUCHI GISELE Y.
Published: February 2024

There are very few taxonomic studies of Brazilian sipunculan worms, and the species occurring along the northern coasts are largely understudied. We report herein the occurrence of four shallow water species along the intertidal zones of Bahia and Pernambuco states. Antillesoma antillarum (Grübe & Oersted, 1858) occurs from underneath beach rocks or within sandstone reefs and may reach high densities. The large species Sipunculus (Sipunculus) nudus Linnaeus, 1766, Sipunculus polymyotus Fisher, 1947, and Xenosiphon branchiatus (Fischer, 1895) were collected in sandy-mud, low-energy intertidal environments. For the first time, we report that sipunculans are collected and used as fishing bait by local fishermen in the Western Atlantic. All species are fully described, including notes on their external and internal anatomy.
Xenobates indicus sp. nov. (Hemiptera: Gerromorpha: Haloveliidae) from India, the first species of the genus described from the Indian subcontinent
Authors: JEHAMALAR E. EYARIN , DASH SWETAPADMA , SAMUEL AMOS SHEM
Published: February 2024

Xenobates indicus sp. nov. is described from Tamil Nadu and West Bengal, India. It constitutes the first species of the genus from the Indian subcontinent. The new species can be identified by its large size when compared to its closely related species and the presence of setal fringe on the posterior margin of mediotergite VIII of female. Key to the species of Xenobates from South and Southeast Asia and the list of world species are provided (Table 1).
Biosynthesis of Gold Nanoparticles Using Aqueous Extract of Paramignya trimera Roots and Its Anticancer Activity
Authors: Le Hai Tu , Thi Nguyen Lan Anh , Thi Tran Ngoc Bich , Nguyen Din Van , Vu Duyen Thi , Doan Duong Van , Luong Tinh Thanh , Pham Vuong Van
Published: February 2024

Developing environment-friendly processes for metal nanoparticle synthesis without using toxic chemical is very necessary to meet the demand for biological and medical applications. In this work, biosynthesis of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) using aqueous extract of Paramignya trimera
roots as the reducing and stability agents was carried out. The formation of gold nanoparticles was confirmed by the presence of an absorption peak at 550 nm using UV–Visible spectrophotometry. The size and morphology of gold nanoparticles was monitored by Field emission scanning electron
microscopy (FE-SEM) and High resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM). Analysis of these particles showed the synthesized AuNPs were spherical in shape, with the particle size range of 10 nm–15 nm. The element gold and the crystalline nature of AuNPs were finalized using
Energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) spectrometer, respectively. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy revealed possible involvement of reductive groups on the surfaces of nanoparticles. The synthesized AuNPs are evaluated for its activity against MCF-7, HepG2,
KB, LU-1 and MKN7 cancer cell lines with inhibition concentration 50% (IC50) of 2.01, 7.60, 3.89, 3.99 and 3.53 ppm respectively after 72 hours of treatment.
Mechanism of miR-21 Lipid Nanoparticles Carrier in Restraining Biological Behavior in Breast Carcinoma Through Targeting of Wnt/β-Catenin Channel
Authors: Zhang Yang , Shen Jianglun , Li Ning , Hu Fen , Tian Faming , Yang Yiming , Yan Jinyin , Cai Haifeng
Published: February 2024

This study assessed the mechanism of miR-21 with lipid nanoparticles carrier in restraining biological behavior of breast carcinoma cells through targeting of Wnt/β-catenin channel. Breast carcinoma cells were collected and divided into blank set, miR-21 set, agonist set
and inhibitor set. We observed expressions of miR-21 cyclinD1, Bcl-2, Bax and Caspases-3. Also, quantity of cells through basement membrane, expression of factors related with Wnt/β-catenin signal channel, and targeting correlation between miR-21 and Wnt were also observed. The
expression of miR-21 in MCF-7 cells was lowest, while the ratio of active cells in blank set was highest. The expressions of Bax and Caspase-3 and quantity of cells through basement membrane in the blank and agonist sets were highest. The expressions of cyclinD1 and Bcl-2 were lowest. The
apoptotic rate in the blank and agonist sets was lowest and invasive rate was highest. The expressions of Wnt and β-catenin in the blank and agonist sets were highest. There was direct targeting correlation between miR-21 and Wnt while Wnt/β-catenin activity was restrained
by miR-21. The expressions of Bax and Caspase-3 also increased and apoptosis was induced and invasion and proliferation of breast carcinoma cells were restrained.
The Current Trend of Antibacterial Prostheses and Prosthetic Surface Coating Technologies to Prevent Prosthetic Joint Infection for Artificial Joint Replacement
Authors: Feng Jia-Bin , Chen Rang , Li Bin , Jiang Bing-Hu , Li Bo
Published: February 2024

Prosthetic joint infection is a severe complication following joint replacement surgery, with a notable impact on patient morbidity, quality of life, and healthcare costs. The advent of advanced biomaterials aims to mitigate infection risks by incorporating antimicrobial properties
into prosthetic devices. This review examines the development and challenges associated with various antimicrobial modifications of prosthetic joint components, with a focus on both metallic materials like antibacterial stainless steel, titanium-based, cobalt-based, and tantalum alloys, as
well as ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene composites. Additionally, surface modification techniques such as antifouling coatings, antibiotic coatings, inorganic and polymeric antimicrobial coatings, and innovative antimicrobial composite coatings, are explored. Despite the promise shown
in in vitro and animal studies, there is a need for in vivo data, and several issues persist, including the variability in the antibacterial mechanisms, implant integration, cytotoxic effects, and the longevity of antibacterial efficacy. The review highlights the necessity for
further research into the safety and mechanisms of new antibacterial alloys to optimize clinical outcomes in joint replacement surgeries.
Evaluation of Wintertime Precipitation Estimates and Forecasts in the Mountains of Colorado
Authors: Bytheway Janice L. , Currier William R. , Abel Mimi R. , Mahoney Kelly , Cifelli Rob
Published: February 2024

Wintertime precipitation poses many observational and forecasting challenges, especially in the complex topography of the western United States where radar beam blockage and difficulty siting in situ observations yields more sparse observations than in the eastern United States. Uncertainty in western U.S. winter precipitation is known to be high, so much so that some studies have found model simulated precipitation to produce similar or better large-scale estimates of annual precipitation than gridded observational products during climatologically anomalous years. This study evaluates high-resolution gridded precipitation estimates from Multi-Radar Multi-Sensor (MRMS) and Stage IV as well as forecasts from NOAA’s High-Resolution Rapid Refresh (HRRR) model in the Colorado Rocky Mountains. Gridded precipitation estimates and forecasts are compared with in situ SNOTEL measurements for two seasons of wintertime precipitation. The influence of forecast length, lead time, and model elevation on seasonal precipitation predictions from the HRRR are investigated. Additional comparisons are made with the relatively dense network of observations deployed in Colorado’s East River Watershed during the Study of Precipitation, the Lower Atmosphere and Surface for Hydrometeorology (SPLASH) campaign. Gridded products and forecasts are found to underestimate cold-season precipitation by 25%–65% relative to in situ and aircraft measurements, with longer forecast periods and lead times (6–24 h) having smaller biases (25%–30%) than shorter forecast periods and lead times (55%–65%). The assessment of multiple years of observations indicates that these biases are related more to the data and methods used to create the gridded products and forecasts than to precipitation characteristics.

Significance Statement

In the mountainous western United States, it is very challenging to both observe and forecast wintertime precipitation, yet snowfall plays an important role in providing the region’s annual water supply. This study aims to increase our understanding of the biases in observations and forecasts of snowfall in the Colorado Rocky Mountains, which can in turn impact forecasts of water availability for the ensuing warm season. In this study we find high-resolution gridded precipitation estimates and forecasts to underestimate cold-season precipitation when compared with in situ observing stations, with longer-range forecasts (e.g., daily) being the least biased. These findings were consistent over two years of study and have broad implications for the hydrologic modeling and water management communities.
Small area estimates for Voting Rights Act Section 203(b) coverage determinations
Authors: Slud Eric , Franco Carolina , Hall Adam
Published: February 2024

The Director of the US Census Bureau every five years, under the Voting Rights Act (VRA) Section 203(b), determines which states and political subdivisions must provide ballot assistance in languages other than English. These rule-based determinations use small-area estimates of the proportions of voting-age citizen members of racial/ethnic Language Minority Groups (LMGs) who are limited Englishproficient (LEP) and of LEP LMG persons who are also illiterate. This large-scale Small Area Estimation (SAE) effort by the US Census Bureau is based on American Community Survey five-year data. This paper focuses on the unique attributes of this SAE problem, including the predominance in each LMG of tiny domains along with relatively few large domains that account for the bulk of LMG citizens. The data and small area models are treated separately for distinct LMGs, and the spirit of the law requires that the domain estimates should be produced in a similar way across LMGs for each type of geography (Jurisdictions, which are mostly counties, plus two types of American Indian and Alaskan Native areas). The paper describes and assesses the SAE models developed under unique constraints, including novel methodological aspects and the use of hybrid frequentist and Bayesian computational techniques; situates these modelling choices in the broader literature on SAE; and discusses the strengths and weaknesses of the resulting models.
Assessing Work Reorganisation and the Constraints of Standard Labour Practices in Nigerian Food and Beverage Sector
Authors: Jawando Jubril O. , Adenugba Adebimpe A.
Published: February 2024

The growth in the number of multinational corporations has heightened insecurity and vulnerability for workers globally. Relying on Gramsci hegemony theory as it theoretical leaning, the paper examined work reorganisation and the constraints of standard labour practices in Nigerian Food and Beverage Sector. The study found that casualisation did not encourage best labour practices in the food and beverage industry. There was significant relationship between work reorganisation ( r = 0.29, df (224) =  p < .01) and decent work treatment of non-permanent staff in the beverage sub-sector Therefore, stakeholders should put effective monitoring mechanisms in place to enhance best labour practices in food and beverage industry.
Medico-legal implications of dementia following concussion in rugby football
Authors: Todd Nicholas
Published: February 2024

There is litigation in respect of dementia in ex-rugby football players. The allegation is that these ex-players have suffered a traumatic encephalopathy syndrome causing dementia and other neurological problems. The syndrome is alleged to have been caused by repeated concussion during play. It is alleged that governing bodies of rugby should have been aware, and players should have been warned, of this risk. The dilemma, for both claimants and defendants, is that there is no agreed definition of the syndrome nor are there any diagnostic tests that confirm or refute this diagnosis. This paper reviews the literature of traumatic encephalopathy syndrome and when governing bodies were aware of the possibility of rugby concussion causing dementia. The legal principles are discussed and a framework for determining the probability of an ex-rugby player having the syndrome is proposed.
Death of a child due to venom toxicity following multiple honey bee stings: A case report
Authors: Singh Bajrang K , Sharma Mahendra , LRA Surya Prakash , Chauhan M
Published: February 2024

Most bee stings are not life-threatening. Bee venom often causes local, mild allergic reactions in people, but even a single bee sting may induce a fatal anaphylactic reaction. Usually, anaphylactic reaction is the cause of death, but, when a child suffers multiple stings (more than 30), direct toxicity of venom can also be fatal. A three-year-old male child was brought to the hospital with pain, swelling and redness at the sting sites. He had more than 35 stings at various sites over his face, on his tongue and over his body. He died 10 hours after the incidence of the honey bee stings and was maintaining oxygen saturation until the terminal stage of his life. At autopsy, the honey bee sting sites showed redness, swelling and a small effusion of blood surrounding the stinger tracks. On the tongue two stingers were found in situ. Facial puffiness and eyelid swelling, along with congested organs, were also found, but features suggestive of anaphylactic death like airway oedema, mucous plug or cyanosis were absent. Hospital treatment records show that blood pressure remained low with tachycardia despite treatment. Having regard for all the evidence it was concluded that death was due to multiple honey bee stings that caused direct venom toxicity.
A comprehensive evaluation of the most-sold baby diapers on the market
Authors: Xu Haijuan , Fang Shichen , Tan Langqun , Li Yuewen , Wang Yuanduo , Ma Yulong , Liu Xiaoshan , Zaarour Bilal , Liu Wanjun
Published: February 2024

The performance of baby diapers is highly related to the occurrence of diaper rash. However, a comprehensive evaluation of baby diapers on the market is unavailable. Herein, we systematically investigated the performance of the six most-sold baby diapers on the market. We disassembled the selected diapers and investigated the structure and properties of the main components, including the top sheet, acquisition sheet, absorbent core, and back sheet. Then the urine absorption capability, excrement spreading capability, run-off, and wetback of the diapers were investigated using urine and loose stool to reflect the functions of diapers in practical usage. Our results indicated that the performance of baby diapers is highly dependent on the structure and properties of each diaper component. Specifically, excrement run-off and wetback were highly related to excrement absorption speed and excrement spreading properties, respectively, which depend on the complex interactions among the top sheet, acquisition sheet, and absorbent core. In particular, designing the top sheet with a three-dimensional convex–concave structure or large holes was beneficial to fast excrement penetration. Meanwhile, employing an acquisition sheet could improve the excrement spreading properties. In addition, an absorbent core with a high content of super absorbent polymer and an absorption channel also contributed to a better excrement absorption property. Notably, Pampers and Moony diapers exhibited relatively low urine wetback. Bobdog and Babycare diapers showed 0 g urine run-off. Besides, Huggies, and Moony diapers were relatively soft, which could provide a better contact feeling during usage. Furthermore, Beaba diapers exhibited the best air permeability of 42.511 mm s−1 due to the existence of more breathable holes. Our study may provide scientific inspiration for researchers and enterprises to develop next-generation high-performance baby diapers and serve as a guideline for consumers to choose the right baby diapers.
A Comparative Review of UNCRC and Indian Legislation from the Child Mental Health Perspective
Authors: Srinivasan Shiva Prakash , S Shruthi
Published: February 2024

Background:

The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) is the most comprehensive set of standards promoting and protecting children’s interests. It can be utilized to create appropriate policies and legislation that enshrine the values identified in the UNCRC. In India, children have been considered only in the context of their family and were welfare recipients in the past, but more legislation has been enacted to protect and promote the child’s rights. A comparative review will help identify how the new legislation enacted after India ratified the UNCRC directly or indirectly addressed children’s mental health.

Methodology:

Legislation enacted after 1992 with the search term “child” was identified in the Indian national portal for legislation. These were compared against specific articles of the UNCRC identified to have a direct or indirect bearing on children’s mental health.

Results:

The review revealed that only 11 of the 32 legislation enacted after 1992 address different aspects of children’s mental health. Only three refer to the UNCRC in their preamble or content. Six of the 11 legislation addressed Article 24, while Article 32 and Article 34 were addressed in only one legislation each. Notably, most of the legislation is focused on child protection, while very few address the participation component of the guiding principles.

Discussion:

The UNCRC is a valuable guide to creating a legal framework to support child rights. This review highlights the need to consider children’s mental health as a fundamental right and incorporate the principles into future Indian legislation.
Unraveling diurnal and technical variability in cerebral hemodynamics from neurovascular 4D-Flow MRI
Authors: Rivera-Rivera Leonardo A , Roberts Grant S , Peret Anthony , Langhough Rebecca E , Jonaitis Erin M , Du Lianlian , Field Aaron , Eisenmenger Laura , Johnson Sterling C , Johnson Kevin M
Published: February 2024

Neurovascular 4D-Flow MRI enables non-invasive evaluation of cerebral hemodynamics including measures of cerebral blood flow (CBF), vessel pulsatility index (PI), and cerebral pulse wave velocity (PWV). 4D-Flow measures have been linked to various neurovascular disorders including small vessel disease and Alzheimer’s disease; however, physiological and technical sources of variability are not well established. Here, we characterized sources of diurnal physiological and technical variability in cerebral hemodynamics using 4D-Flow in a retrospective study of cognitively unimpaired older adults (N = 750) and a prospective study of younger adults (N = 10). Younger participants underwent repeated MRI sessions at 7am, 4 pm, and 10 pm. In the older cohort, having an MRI earlier on the day was significantly associated with higher CBF and lower PI. In prospective experiments, time of day significantly explained variability in CBF and PI; however, not in PWV. Test-retest experiments showed high CBF intra-session repeatability (repeatability coefficient (RPC) =7.2%), compared to lower diurnal repeatability (RPC = 40%). PI and PWV displayed similar intra-session and diurnal variability (PI intra-session RPC = 22%, RPC = 24% 7am vs 4 pm; PWV intra-session RPC = 17%, RPC = 21% 7am vs 4 pm). Overall, CBF measures showed low technical variability, supporting diurnal variability is from physiology. PI and PWV showed higher technical variability but less diurnal variability.
Quantification of brain-wide vascular resistivity via ultrafast Doppler in human neonates helps early detection of white matter injury
Authors: Faure Flora , Baranger Jérôme , Alison Marianne , Boutillier Béatrice , Frérot Alice , Lim Chung , Planchette Grégory , Prigent Mickael , Tanter Mickaël , Baud Olivier , Biran Valérie , Demené Charlie
Published: February 2024

Preterm birth is associated with cerebrovascular development disruption and can induce white matter injuries (WMI). Transfontanellar ultrasound Doppler is the most widely used clinical imaging technique to monitor neonatal cerebral vascularisation and haemodynamics based on vascular indexes such as the resistivity index (RI); however, it has poor predictive value for brain damage. Indeed, these RI measurements are currently limited to large vessels, leading to a very limited probing of the brain’s vascularisation, which may hinder prognosis. Here we show that ultrafast Doppler imaging (UfD) enables simultaneous quantification, in the whole field of view, of the local RI and vessel diameter, even in small vessels. Combining both pieces of information, we defined two new comprehensive resistivity parameters of the vascular trees. First, we showed that our technique is more sensitive in the early characterisation of the RI modifications between term and preterm neonates and for the first time we could show that the RI depends both on the vessel diameter and vascular territory. We then showed that our parameters can be used for early prediction of WMI. Our results demonstrate the potential of UfD to provide new biomarkers and pave the way for continuous monitoring of neonatal brain resistivity.
The correlation between high-sensitivity troponin-T and cell-free cardiac DNA in the blood of patients undergoing noncardiac, predominantly vascular surgery
Authors: Alekberli Tural , Ohana Braha Lea , Zemmour Hai , Khader Rudy , Shemer Ruth , Dor Yuval , Landesberg Giora
Published: February 2024

Objective

To present a novel method that uses an epigenetic fingerprint to measure changes in plasma concentrations of cardiac-specific cell-free DNA (CS-cfDNA) as a marker of myocardial cell death.

Methods

This prospective, analytic, observational comparative study included patients with heart disease or multiple risk factors for heart disease undergoing major noncardiac, mostly vascular surgery, requiring an arterial-line, and at least 24 h hospitalization in the post anaesthesia care unit or critical care unit after surgery. Blood samples were collected at least four times per patient to measure troponin-T (via high-sensitivity troponin-T test) and CS-cfDNA pre- and postoperatively.

Results

A total of 117 patients were included (group 1, 77 patients [66%] with low preoperative and postoperative troponin-T; group 2, 18 patients [15%] with low preoperative but increased postoperative troponin-T; group 3, 16 patients [14%] with high troponin-T both preoperatively and postoperatively; and group 4, six patients [5%] with elevated preoperative troponin-T that decreased postoperatively). The increase in CS-cfDNA after surgery was statistically significant only in group 2, which correlated with an increase in troponin-T in the same group.

Conclusions

CS-cfDNA increased early postoperatively, particularly in patients with silent postoperative troponin elevation, and was correlated with an increase in troponin-T. These results may suggest that, in the subgroup of patients with postoperative elevated troponin, cardiomyocyte death indeed occurred.
Detrimental Effects of Chlorhexidine on Articular Cartilage Viability, Matrix, and Mechanics
Authors: Moslehyazdi Maziar , Bielajew Benjamin , Schlechter John A. , Hu Jerry C. , Athanasiou Kyriacos A. , Wang Dean
Published: February 2024

Background:

Chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) solution is commonly used as an antiseptic irrigation for bacterial decontamination during orthopaedic surgery. Although the chondrotoxicity of CHG on articular cartilage has been reported, the full extent of CHG-related chondrotoxicity and its effects on the extracellular matrix and mechanical properties are unknown.

Purpose:

To investigate the in vitro effects of a single 1-minute CHG exposure on the viability, biochemical content, and mechanics of native articular cartilage explants.

Study Design:

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods:

Articular cartilage explants (6 per group) were harvested from femoral condyles of the porcine stifle and sectioned at tidemark. Explants were bathed in CHG solution (0.05% CHG in sterile water) at varying concentrations (0% control, 0.01% CHG, and 0.05% CHG) for 1 minute, followed by complete phosphate-buffered saline wash and culture in chondrogenic medium. At 7 days after CHG exposure, cell viability, matrix content (collagen and glycosaminoglycan [GAG]), and compressive mechanical properties (creep indentation testing) were assessed.

Results:

One-minute CHG exposure was chondrotoxic to explants, with both 0.05% CHG (2.6% ± 4.1%) and 0.01% CHG (76.3% ± 8.6%) causing a decrease in chondrocyte viability compared with controls (97.5% ± 0.6%; P < .001 for both). CHG exposure at either concentration had no significant effect on collagen content, while 0.05% CHG exposure led to a significant decrease in mean GAG per wet weight compared with the control group (2.6% ± 1.7% vs 5.2% ± 1.9%; P = .029). There was a corresponding weakening of mechanical properties in explants treated with 0.05% CHG compared with controls, with decreases in mean aggregate modulus (177.8 ± 90.1 kPa vs 280.8 ± 19.8 kPa; P < .029) and shear modulus (102.6 ± 56.5 kPa vs 167.9 ± 16.2 kPa; P < .020).

Conclusion:

One-minute exposure to CHG for articular cartilage explants led to dose-dependent decreases in chondrocyte viability, GAG content, and compressive mechanical properties. This raises concern for the risk of mechanical failure of the cartilage tissue after CHG exposure.

Clinical Relevance:

Clinicians should be judicious regarding the use of CHG irrigation at these concentrations in the presence of native articular cartilage.
The Promising 2-Year Performance of the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System in Primary Hip Arthroscopy for Femoroacetabular Impingement Syndrome
Authors: Vogel Michael J. , Wright-Chisem Joshua , Alvero Alexander B. , Chan Jimmy J. , Chapman Reagan S. , Nho Shane J.
Published: February 2024

Background:

Minimal clinically important difference (MCID) and patient acceptable symptom state (PASS) thresholds have been previously defined for the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) at 1-year follow-up in patients undergoing hip arthroscopy for femoroacetabular impingement syndrome; however, the MCID and PASS thresholds are yet to be defined for the PROMIS at 2-year follow-up.

Purpose:

(1) To establish MCID and PASS thresholds for the PROMIS Pain Interference (PROMIS-PI) and PROMIS Physical Function (PROMIS-PF) at 2-year follow-up and (2) to correlate PROMIS scores with hip-specific patient-reported outcome measure (PROM) scores.

Study Design:

Cohort study (diagnosis); Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

Patients undergoing primary hip arthroscopy for femoroacetabular impingement syndrome between August and November 2020 with preoperative and minimum 2-year postoperative data were identified. Collected scores included those for the PROMIS-PI, PROMIS-PF, Hip Outcome Score–Activities of Daily Living (HOS-ADL), Hip Outcome Score–Sports Subscale (HOS-SS), International Hip Outcome Tool–12 (iHOT-12), and visual analog scale (VAS) for pain. MCID thresholds were calculated using the distribution-based method and PASS thresholds using the anchor-based method. Pearson correlation coefficients were used to compare scores between PROMs.

Results:

A total of 65 patients met the criteria for inclusion (72.3% female; mean age, 36.9 ± 13.5 years; mean body mass index, 26.2 ± 6.0). The mean follow-up was 25.3 ± 3.3 months. Significant preoperative to postoperative improvements were observed for all PROMs ( P < .001). MCID thresholds and achievement rates were as follows: HOS-ADL, 10.1 and 75%, respectively; HOS-SS, 13.8 and 79%, respectively; iHOT-12, 14.0 and 67%, respectively; VAS pain, –13.8 and 78%, respectively; PROMIS-PI, –4.7 and 65%, respectively; and PROMIS-PF, 5.8 and 60%, respectively. PASS thresholds and achievement rates were as follows: HOS-ADL, 78.7 and 67%, respectively; HOS-SS, 76.4 and 62%, respectively; iHOT-12, 67.4 and 60%, respectively; VAS pain, 25.5 and 61%, respectively; PROMIS-PI, 57.0 and 65%, respectively; and PROMIS-PF, 45.6 and 58%, respectively. PROMIS-PI scores correlated most strongly with HOS-ADL ( r = −0.836), HOS-SS ( r = −0.767), and iHOT-12 ( r = −0.719) scores and exhibited at least moderate correlations ( r≥−0.595) with the other PROM scores. PROMIS-PF demonstrated moderate correlations with all the other PROM scores ( r≥−0.586). Strong correlations were seen between the hip-specific PROM scores ( r≥−0.745).

Conclusion:

This study defined 2-year MCID and PASS thresholds for the PROMIS-PI and PROMIS-PF and demonstrated moderate to strong correlations between PROMIS scores and hip-specific PROM scores.
A commitment that ruffles feathers: the attacks against Annie Ernaux's political stances
Authors: Sapiro Gisèle
Published: February 2024

This article was written in response to the attacks on Annie Ernaux following the announcement by the Swedish Academy of its decision to award her the Nobel Prize in Literature on 6 October 2022. In particular, it discusses the accusation of anti-Zionism, more or less explicitly conflated with antisemitism. Through the analysis of texts signed by Ernaux, the article demonstrates that this accusation is a baseless attempt to discredit the Nobel Prize laureate in public opinion. The article also calls into question other accusations made against the writer during the programme ‘Répliques’ by Alain Finkielkraut, on 26 November 2022, on the France Culture radio station.
Electroacupuncture attenuates cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury by regulating oxidative stress, neuronal death and neuroinflammation via stimulation of PPAR-γ
Authors: Cheng Nanfang , Cheng Xinyuan , Tan Feng , Liang Yangui , Xu Lihong , Wang Jian , Tan Jiuqing
Published: February 2024

Background:

Oxidative stress and inflammatory responses play essential roles in cerebral ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. Electroacupuncture (EA) is widely used as a rehabilitation method for stroke in China; however, the underlying mechanism of action remains unclear. Peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor gamma (PPAR-γ) has been reported to impact anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative effects.

Objective:

This study investigated the role of PPAR-γ in EA-mediated effects and aimed to illuminate its possible mechanisms in cerebral I/R.

Methods:

In this study, male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats with middle cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion (MCAO/R) injury were treated with EA at LI11 and ST36 for 30 min daily after MCAO/R for seven consecutive days. The neuroprotective effects of EA were measured by neurobehavioral evaluation, triphenyltetrazolium chloride staining, hematoxylin–eosin staining and transmission electron microscopy. Oxidative stress, inflammatory factors, neural apoptosis and microglial activation were examined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, immunofluorescence and reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. Western blotting was used to assess PPAR-γ-mediated signaling.

Results:

We found that EA significantly alleviated cerebral I/R-induced infarct volume, decreased neurological scores and inhibited I/R-induced oxidative stress, inflammatory responses and microglial activation. EA also increased PPAR-γ protein expression. Furthermore, the protective effects of EA were reversed by injection of the PPAR-γ antagonist T0070907.

Conclusion:

EA attenuates cerebral I/R injury by regulating oxidative stress, neuronal death and neuroinflammation via stimulation of PPAR-γ.
Impact of Branding on Customer Purchase Decision in Apparel Industry: An Application of Stimulus-organism-response Theory
Authors: Rathore Pradeep , Saha Esha , Dhalmahapatra Krantiraditya , Sambasivan Murali
Published: February 2024

The success of a branded apparel industry in the long run depends on whether the customers are purchasing branded products. However, one of the biggest challenges is to influence customers’ decision to purchase various branded apparels available in the market. Our study addresses the challenge by: (a) examining the role that branding plays in customers’ purchase decisions for apparels, and (b) providing managerial implications to promote purchases of branded apparel. The study follows the stimulus-organism-response theory and uses structural equational modelling to test the developed hypotheses on a sample of around 222 Indian customers’ responses. Results indicate that branding influences customers’ preferences for apparel. In fact, it is found that branding influences customers’ perceptions towards the brand which in turn influences their purchase decision. The moderator role of gender and information medium is also found to be significant. Male customers are found to have more impact of branding on their preferences and perceptions compared to females. Further, information through online mediums is found to have more impact on the relationship between branding and customers’ preferences and perceptions compared to information through offline mediums. Overall, the outcome of this study is the developed managerial implications for enhancing the sales of apparel through branding initiatives.
Assessing Competencies and Developing Human Capital at Workplace: A Case Study
Authors: Noopur
Published: February 2024

This case primarily focuses on how Jamshedpur Utilities Services Company (JUSCO) identifies and nurtures talents from within their organization to prepare them for future positions. JUSCO places a strong emphasis on both the processes and content of building relational capacity and enhancing social capital within the company. This approach has led to a significant improvement in the level of respect, trust and commitment among internal and external members of the organization, ultimately contributing to enhanced individual, group and organizational performance. To keep up with the rapidly changing market demands, JUSCO has made strategic investments in developing the capabilities of its existing employees, who have the potential to drive growth in new categories. Through their competency development programmes, JUSCO has not only increased managers’ appreciation of their employees’ potential but has also succeeded in fostering a deep understanding of the organization’s vision and culture among its members. By aligning training programmes with promotions, they have created champions who play a vital role in implementing critical strategies. This case offers valuable insights to organizations and practitioners on how to effectively develop competencies among potential members within their own ranks, ensuring a sustainable pipeline of skilled and qualified individuals for the organization’s future success.
Dynamic behavior of large faults toward severity estimation in bearings
Authors: Madar Eyal , Sol Alon , Klein Renata , Bortman Jacob
Published: February 2024

Estimation of fault severity throughout bearing life is required for bearing prognostics and remaining useful life estimation. The useful life limit varies based on the function and criticality of the bearing and the machine. Most research has focused on the initial stages when faults are small. This paper presents novel severity categories of a spall-like fault located on a deep groove bearing outer race by investigating the dynamic behavior. Different stages of fault severity, classified as small, medium, and large faults, are characterized from fault initiation to faults extending to angles corresponding to several balls interacting simultaneously with the fault. This research combines dynamic modeling and experiments. The dynamic model is used to understand dynamic behavior, and the experiments are used to validate the results. The dynamic behavior is used to analyze and explain new unique patterns in the vibration signatures of different fault severities. This study enhances the capabilities for estimating fault severity in ball bearings, providing valuable insights that contribute to the development of more accurate and effective maintenance strategies. This is particularly relevant in scenarios where the system can operate efficiently even with large faults exceeding the “small” category.
Community-oriented copaganda: Anti-Black violence in a visual archive of policing
Authors: Petersen Amanda M
Published: February 2024

Like legitimacy crises of the past, recent high-profile murders of Black individuals by the police have led to renewed crises of police legitimacy. As a response to both the racialized violence and the subsequent legitimacy crisis, community-oriented policing is once again being heralded as a bi-partisan solution to the problem. In this article, I situate such a solution as in alignment with, rather than a departure from, racist police violence. I do this by conducting a visual analysis of a federal archive of photographs said to represent community-oriented policing asking what the images reveal about the actual nature of this model of policing and one of its practices—copaganda. At the same time, I analyze the work of the archivists and the ways they seek to rebuild legitimacy through affective manipulation—or what I term community-oriented copaganda—and the photographic capture and marketing of racialized bodies. I ultimately theorize the archive as an expression of racist police power and anti-Black counterinsurgency that uses police power to reproduce race. In doing this, I show how copaganda can be read against itself to reveal its contradictions, exploitations, erasures, and violences.
Diagnostic errors: Why they happen and how to prevent them
Authors: Silverston Professor Paul
Published: February 2024

Errors in diagnosis are relatively common in primary care, causing serious harm to patients, and stress and complaints for doctors. However, teaching on the causes of diagnostic errors and how to prevent them is variable within both undergraduate and postgraduate training programmes. As a result, it can be challenging for a doctor to know how to review and respond to a diagnostic error. This article describes an integrated, two-step system to help doctors identify the cause of a diagnostic error and develop a cause-specific strategy or intervention to prevent it from happening again.
Examining Resistance of Adoption to Innovation in Emerging Markets: A Study on Electric Cars in India
Authors: Sharma Abhinav , Singh Deepak , Misra Richa
Published: February 2024

This study examines how consumer emotions mediate between radical green innovation’s cognitive appraisal and attitudes, and how attitudes shape purchase intentions. Cognitive appraisal has theoretical underpinnings in the innovation resistance theory (IRT) framework, while consumer emotions are operationalized as anticipated emotions (positive and negative) towards product adoption. Using PLS-SEM, 392 potential consumers of battery electric cars (BECs) in India were assessed. Findings reveal functional and psychological barriers elicit negative anticipated emotions (NAEs), which fully mediate between (a) attitude and value barrier and (b) attitude and image barrier. Conversely, BEC usage and tradition perceptions elicit positive anticipated emotions (PAEs) too, partially mediating the relationship with attitude. The study proposes strategies for marketers to alleviate adverse evaluations of BEC attributes causing NAEs and leverage consumer PAEs in reinforcing marketing communications. It highlights consumption barriers’ relevance in emerging markets and demonstrates AEs’ mediating effect. Socially, it underscores e-mobility’s importance in future smart cities. Practically, it emphasizes utilizing consumer emotions in crafting effective promotional campaigns.