bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exergy efficiency and EEXI analysis of a marine power plant at partial load conditions
Authors: Kocak Gazi , Durmusoglu Yalcin
Published: November 2023

Energy efficiency and environmental protection are becoming more important in the world. Almost 90% of the world trade is carried by sea which makes energy efficiency very important for the maritime sector. Exergetic method is a powerful scientific tool for measuring energy efficiency. The ships are not always cruising at maximum load conditions. The situations such as narrow water passages, maneuvering, and, hoteling etc. are partial load conditions and the exergy loss in power systems reaches maximum values at these conditions. Besides the new IMO regulation forces the sector to reduce emissions through Energy Efficiency Existing Ship Index (EEXI) and one of the most popular solutions is Engine Power Limitation (EPL). In the literature there are limited studies investigating exergy efficiencies of partial load conditions of a marine power plant. In this article, the performance analyses of a combined power system in partial load conditions are carried out using exergy method. The considered partial load conditions are maximum-ahead, full-ahead, half-ahead, slow-ahead and dead-slow-ahead loads of the engine. The results show that, the exergy efficiency of the overall system is decreasing at lower load conditions. It is observed that the maximum exergy efficiency is 51.6% which is reached at 96 rpm. The best condition considering both exergy efficiency and EEXI is 80 rpm of main engine. At slow-ahead and dead-slow-ahead conditions the exergy efficiency decreases to about 33%.
A rolling bearing fault diagnosis method based on a convolutional neural network with frequency attention mechanism
Authors: Zhou Hui , Liu Runda , Li Yaxin , Wang Jiacheng , Xie Suchao
Published: November 2023

A convolutional neural network fault diagnosis method based on frequency attention mechanism was designed for the problem that the traditional method cannot adaptively extract effective feature information in rolling bearing fault diagnosis and the diagnosis effect of rolling bearing is poor under strong environmental noise interference. Firs, the Mel-frequency cepstral coefficient (MFCC) of the bearing vibration signal was extracted. Second, to solve the problem of the channel attention mechanism adopting global average pooling (GAP) and neglecting channel internal characteristic information, the GAP was extended in the frequency domain, and a two-stage frequency component selection criterion was designed. The results show that the MFCC method can extract fault-sensitive features in industrial noise environments, improve the existing channel attention mechanism using frequency domain attention mechanism, and overcome the information loss caused by GAP of convolutional layer features in channel attention mechanism. Identification accuracy, recall rate, and F1-score are 100% on the rolling bearing simulation fault datasets of Case Western Reserve University and Central South University. Compared with the convolutional block attention module, the accuracy of the method combining spatial attention mechanism and channel attention mechanism is improved by 0.34 and 0.24%, respectively, and compared with other front-bearing fault diagnosis methods, it also offers significant improvement.
A fault source localization method for aircraft engine casing with dual-sensors based on acoustic emission
Authors: Liu Tong , Wang Shuo , Jin Yucheng , Yang Guoan
Published: November 2023

Accurate estimation of the position of the fault source in the aircraft engine is the key to achieve engine structural health monitoring (SHM). In this paper, a convolutional neural network and graph convolutional network (CNN–GCN)-based dual-sensor acoustic emission (AE) localization method is proposed for locating the fault source in the engine casing with multi-part coupling features. Firstly, the time–frequency map data sets of AE signals at different locations are established by using continuous wavelet transform to analyze the effect of multi-part coupling features on AE signals. Secondly, combined with its reverberation mode, multi-modal and dispersion characteristics, the effectiveness of CNN–GCN model is trained, verified and tested. Finally, the sensitivity of the localization results to the sensor types is analyzed, and the sensor combination mode with high localization accuracy is obtained. These results show that the proposed method in this paper can be used as an effective means for locating the fault source of the engine casing with complex coupling interface features.
Psychiatry as a vocation: Moral injury, COVID-19, and the phenomenology of clinical practice
Authors: Broome Matthew R , Rodrigues Jamila , Ritunnano Rosa , Humpston Clara
Published: November 2023

In this article, we focus on a particular kind of emotional impact of the pandemic, namely the phenomenology of the experience of moral injury in healthcare professionals. Drawing on Weber's reflections in his lecture Politics as a Vocation and data from the Experiences of Social Distancing during the COVID-19 Pandemic Survey , we analyse responses from healthcare professionals which show the experiences of burnout, sense of frustration and impotence, and how these affect clinicians’ emotional state. We argue that this may relate to the ethical conflicts they experience when they are forced to make clinical decisions where there are no optimal outcomes, and how in turn that impacts on their own emotional state. We then further examine the notion of ‘burnout’ and the phenomenology of ‘moral injury’. Our argument is that these experiences of moral injury across a range of clinicians during the pandemic may be more prevalent and long-standing in psychiatry and mental health than in other areas of healthcare, where ethically difficult decisions and resource constraints are common outside times of crisis. Hence, in these clinical arenas, moral injury and the phenomenology of emotional changes may be independent of the pandemic. The insights gained during the pandemic may provide wider insights into the challenges of developing services and training the workforce to provide appropriate mental health care.
Effects of a Summer Bridge Program on Student Grade Point Average and Retention
Authors: Harris Rebecca Lee , Vick Brandon
Published: November 2023

Both society- and individual-level factors serve to make persistence through one's university career more difficult, especially for students with disadvantaged financial and academic backgrounds. Using a rich dataset of students at a rural, 4-year university in Pennsylvania, we compare GPA and persistence outcomes of two groups of students in academic and financial need: those that participated in a summer bridge (SB) program and those with similar high school backgrounds that did not. Multivariate logistic regression and survival analysis are used to test for any statistical associations between SB participation and persistence while controlling for student demographic, high school background, and home area factors. Results suggest that while SB students come into college at a significant economic and academic disadvantage, they have 60% higher odds of persisting to the second semester and 71% higher odds of persisting to the second year than students in the non-SB comparison group ( p < 0.01).
A Descriptive, Correlational Study of Perceptions of Adult Kidney Transplant Recipients and Those Waiting for a Kidney Transplant About Managing Their Medications During a Pandemic
Authors: Russell Cynthia L. , Chesnut Steven R. , Bartlett Ellis Rebecca J. , Freiburghaus Mary , Madison Mercedes , Ruggeri Sunny Yoo , Stephens Mary B. , Yerram Preethi , Wakefield Mark R.
Published: November 2023

Introduction: Little is known about COVID-19 impact on patient medication management. Research Question: The aim was to describe medication management, healthcare team interactions, and adherence during the COVID-19 pandemic in kidney transplant patients and those on the kidney transplant wait list. Design: Using a descriptive, correlational design 340 adults from a midwestern US transplant program were recruited. The Managing Medications in the Midst of a Pandemic Survey measured healthcare team encounters and medication management. The Basel assessment of adherence to medications scale measured medication adherence. Results: The response rate was 35% (119/340). During the pandemic, 88% had practiced/were currently practicing socially distancing, 85% had worn/were currently wearing a face mask in public, 18% had been/were currently diagnosed with COVID-19 and 82% received the vaccine. Medication management: 76% planned and organized their own medications. Healthcare team interactions: 89% met in the office, 20% via phone, 12% telehealth, and 13% delayed seeing a healthcare provider because of COVID-19 concerns. Pharmacy interactions: 11% changed their method of obtaining medications from pharmacy due to social distancing. Medication adherence implementation was problematic with 19% missing a dose; results from the binary logistic regression suggested that those with higher levels of education were more likely to report missing a dose. Conclusions: Patients acted to prevent COVID-19 but some still contracted the virus. The pandemic changed healthcare team medication management interactions. Adherence implementation problems were nearly 20%. Findings are relevant to the transplant healthcare team to understand the impact of a pandemic on patient/team interactions and medication adherence.
A Qualitative Study on the Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Solid Organ Transplantation
Authors: Puerto Nino Angie K. , Batistella Zasso Fabricio , Boonchit Atina , Salim Sabrin , Mirza Raza , Ferenbok Joseph , Mucsi Istvan , Boon Heather , Levy Gary
Published: November 2023

Introduction: Solid organ transplantation is a lifesaving intervention requiring extensive coordination and communication for timely and safe care. The COVID-19 pandemic posed unique challenges to the safety and management of solid organ transplantation. This descriptive qualitative study aimed to understand how hospital stakeholders were affected by and responded to the COVID-19 pandemic to contribute toward improved healthcare delivery responses and strategies during times of systemic strain on the healthcare system. Methods: One-hour-long semistructured interviews were performed in 3 cohorts: healthcare professionals (N = 6), administrative staff (N = 6), and recipients (N = 4). Interviews were analyzed using conventional thematic content analysis. Thematic saturation was reached within each cohort. Findings: Twelve codes and 6 major themes were identified including the Impact on Clinical Practice, Virtual Healthcare Delivery, Communication, Research, Education and Training, Mental Health and Future Pandemic Planning. Reflecting on these codes and major themes, 4 recommendations were developed (Anticipation and Preparation, Maximizing Existing Resources and Networks, Standardization and the Virtual Environment and Caring for the Staff) to guide transplant programs to optimize healthcare pathways while enhancing the best practices during future pandemics. Conclusion: Transplant programs will benefit from anticipation and preparation procedures using ramping-down strategies, resource planning, and interprofessional collaboration while maximizing existing resources and networks. In parallel, transplant programs should standardize virtual practices and platforms for clinical and educational purposes while maintaining an open culture of mental health discussion and integrating strategies to support staff’s mental health.
Identification of ALK Mutation in Neuroblastoma on the Point of Molecular Heterogeneity
Authors: Aktaş Tekincan Çağrı , Kızmazoğlu Deniz , Aktaş Safiye , Gökbayrak Özde Elif , Serinan Efe , Erol Aylin , Altun Zekiye , Yuan Hongling , Olgun Hatice Nur
Published: November 2023

Background and Aim

In neuroblastoma, anaplastic lymphoma kinase mutations have recently received attention as molecular targets for the treatment of neuroblastoma, as 6% to 10% of patients with neuroblastoma have anaplastic lymphoma kinase mutations. There are little data from the cases in Turkey. We aimed to detect anaplastic lymphoma kinase mutations and molecular heterogeneity in neuroblastoma using next-generation sequencing. This study is the first one with this many cases in Turkey.

Methods

Next-generation sequencing analysis was performed using an Illumina MiniSeq custom gene panel. Clinically important mutations were selected for the analysis. We also gathered clinical data of the patients from Turkish Pediatric Oncology Group cohorts to associate them with anaplastic lymphoma kinase mutations. This study is a retrospective cross-sectional study. We followed STROBE guideline ( https://www.equator-network.org/reporting-guidelines/strobe/ ) on this study.

Results

We analyzed anaplastic lymphoma kinase in 108 patients with neuroblastoma, with a mean age of 43.76 months. Pathogenic anaplastic lymphoma kinase mutations were detected in 13 patients (12.04%). We noted that anaplastic lymphoma kinase mutations were primarily observed in intermediate- and high-risk patients ( P  =  .028). R1275Q and F1174-related mutations were predominant; I1171T, L1226F, S1189F, V1135A, and G1125S mutations were rare. Duplicate samples did not exhibit any heterogeneity.

Conclusions

We found that F1174 and R1275Q-related anaplastic lymphoma kinase mutations are the most common pathogenic mutations in neuroblastoma. Anaplastic lymphoma kinase mutation status did not show any heterogeneity, and the mutations were correlated with intermediate- or high-risk groups.
Dosimetric Comparison of Postmastectomy Radiotherapy Plans for Synchronous Bilateral Breast Cancer, Including Regional Lymph Node Irradiation
Authors: Wu Xiuxiu , Huang Jianghua , Lin Xiao , Zhang Xingxing , Lu Huangping , Sun Wei , Duan Song , Shi Juntian , Huang Xiaobo
Published: November 2023

Background

To investigate the optimal radiotherapy plans for synchronous bilateral breast cancer (SBBC) patients receiving postmastectomy radiotherapy (PMRT), including regional lymph node irradiation (RNI).

Methods

For 10 SBBC patients who underwent bilateral mastectomy and received bilateral PMRT with RNI, 3 integrally optimized plans with a single isocenter were designed for each patient in this retrospective study: intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) with 9 fixed beams (9F-IMRT), volumetric-modulated arc therapy (VMAT) with 2 pairs of half arcs (2F-VMAT), VMAT with 2 pairs of outer tangential arcs and 1 pair of 200-degree arcs (3F-VMAT). The paired t-test (in the case of normal variables) and Friedman's test (in the case of nonnormal variables) were applied to compare the planning target volumes (PTVs) and organs at risk (OARs) values of the 3 techniques.

Results

The 3 techniques provided adequate target dose coverage and comparable results for PTVs. For OARs, 3F-VMAT yielded the lowest mean or median values of the left lung (15.02 ± 1.57 Gy) and right lung (14.91 ± 1.14 Gy), heart (6.19 (1.96) Gy), coronary artery (15.96 ± 5.76 Gy) and liver (8.10 ± 2.70 Gy) which were significantly different from those of 9F-IMRT and 2F-VMAT. The percentages of volume at various doses ( V5, V10, V20, and V30) of 3F-VMAT plans were also lower than or comparable with those of 9F-IMRT and 2F-VMAT. The monitor units (MUs) of 3F-VMAT were 31% higher than those of 9F-IMRT and comparable with those of 2F-VMAT; however, there were time savings and halved beam-on times (BOTs) compared to 9F-IMRT.

Conclusions

The 3F-VMAT plan yielded comparable target coverage compared with 9F-IMRT and 2F-VMAT, was superior in dose sparing of normal tissues and enabled shorter BOTs, improving treatment efficiency. In our research, 3F-VMAT was the optimal radiotherapy technique for SBBC patients receiving PMRT including RNI.
The Effect of Honey, Aloe Vera, and Hydrocolloid Dressing on the Healing Process of Murine Excisional Wounds
Authors: Hernández-Rodríguez José Enrique , Martín-Barrasa José Luis , Aragón-Sánchez J. , Monzón-Mayor Maximina , Pérez-Galván José Manuel , Saavedra-Santana Pedro , Romero-Alemán María del Mar
Published: November 2023

Chronic ulcers are a major health problem associated with high costs and a loss of quality of life. Because of this, the search for products that accelerate wound healing is a constant, given the need for alternatives that help to alleviate this serious health problem. We analyzed the efficacy of 2 natural products—honey and aloe vera—versus hydrocolloid (HC) dressings as a control group in healing full-thickness wounds. For this purpose, we performed full-thickness excisions of the skin, including the panniculus carnosus, in mice. We inserted a nitrile ring into the subcutaneous cellular tissue simulating the second-intention wound healing course. We found that aloe vera reduced the diameter of the wounds compared to honey ( p < .001) and the control group ( p < .001).
Race, Erasure, and Skin Cancer Prevention Guidelines
Authors: Rondini Ashley C. , Saunders Jerry , Khan Omar , Jones Shanay , Testa Francesca , Osazuwa Isaiah , Kowalsky Rachel H.
Published: November 2023

Despite disproportionate mortality rates for Black skin cancer patients, medical education and practice guidelines center White bodies and fair skin. How did dark skin become such a deadly dermatological blind spot?
The Gray Divorce Revolution in Korea
Authors: Park Sangyoub
Published: November 2023

Sangyoub Park on a rise in later-life uncouplings.
In Search of Spirit: Nativism, Liberalism’s Failures, and the Way Through
Authors: Stacey Timothy , Kešić Josip , Duyvendak Jan Willem
Published: November 2023

Timothy Stacey, Josip Kešić, and Jan Willem Duyvendak on Saving Liberalism from Itself and The Return of the Native.
College Access After Incarceration
Authors: Weinberg Jill D. , Bond Louise
Published: November 2023

Jill D. Weinberg and Louise Bond on the insufficiency of the Pell Grant reinstatement.
Problematic Gaming at a Crossroad: Exploring the Interplay Between Internet Gaming Disorder, Toxic Attitudes, and Empathy in Digital Entertainment
Authors: Gandolfi Enrico , Ferdig Richard E. , Krause Karlie , Copus Amy , Ostrowski-Delahanty Sarah , Alemagno Sonia
Published: November 2023

It is becoming more common to use Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD) to measure problematic gaming in online environments. However, there is limited data examining the role of empathy and toxicity in IGD. In addition, little attention has been given to the role of the social element of online gaming communities and its influence on these factors. This article aims to address this gap by presenting the results of a cross-sectional study involving 567 online players who completed an online survey about their gaming habits. More specifically, participants were recruited from four different game communities and asked to complete the Internet Gaming Disorder Scale—Short Form, a toxicity-related questionnaire, and the Interpersonal Reactivity Index. Comparisons between the four game communities were also explored. Findings pointed at significant associations between toxicity, empathy, game community, and IGD, suggesting additional research opportunities and counter strategies for preventing negative experiences with online gaming.
Exploring Health Literacy and Psychological Resilience as Moderators of Symptoms of Mental Illness Among Australian Men
Authors: Black Oliver , Lane Tyler J. , Flatau-Harrison Huw , Canuto Kootsy , Smith James A.
Published: November 2023

Although highly related, mental illness may not fully determine perceived well-being, a distinction captured by dual-continuum models. Separating mental illness and well-being into related but separate constructs prompted investigation into potential buffers to reduce the impact of mental illness on perceived well-being. This study explored two such buffers in health literacy and psychological resilience among Australian men. Using the Ten to Men Australian Longitudinal Study on Male Health, this secondary data analysis of n = 8,408 men between 18 and 60 years of age assessed the moderating effect of three components of health literacy (feeling supported by health care providers, ability to find health information, and active engagement with health care providers) and psychological resilience on the relationship between mental illness and well-being. Mental illness symptoms were negatively associated with well-being, whereas psychological resilience, active engagement with health care, and health care provider support (β res = .65, β eng = .28, and β sup = .25) had positive significant relationships with the outcome (all p ≤ .001). Ability to find health information ( p = .25) and psychological resilience ( p = .43) were not significantly associated with well-being. Of the four interactions tested, health literacy relating to health care worker support was the only significant moderator between mental illness and well-being (β sup = .03). This study identified that meaningful support and understanding from health care providers for Australian men aged between 18 and 60 years may somewhat ameliorate the impact of mental illness on well-being. Further related investigation may reveal specific interventions that improve perceptions of support among men.
The Effects of an Anti-inflammatory Dietary Consultation on Self-efficacy, Adherence and Selected Health Outcomes: A Randomized Control Trial
Authors: Gazzellone Giuseppe , Lanteigne Sarah , Gammage Kimberley , Fajardo Val A. , Ditor David S.
Published: November 2023

Research has shown that an anti-inflammatory diet can reduce inflammation and improve health outcomes in individuals with neurological disability, however, long term adherence is challenging. This study aimed to determine the effects of a 2-part dietary consultation, targeted at identified barriers for adherence in this population, on self-efficacy for adhering to an anti-inflammatory diet, as well as adherence and health outcomes one-month post-intervention. Eleven individuals (10 female, age 51.5±12.6 years) with neurological disability (7 multiple sclerosis, 3 spinal cord injury, 1 muscular dystrophy; 20.5 ± 10.6 years post-injury/diagnosis) participated. The intervention group (n = 7) received recipes for an anti-inflammatory diet and the consultation, while controls (n = 4) received the recipes only. The consultation included a home-visit involving cooking and accessible kitchen equipment demonstrations, and an accompanied trip to the grocery store. Task and barrier self-efficacy improved immediately following the consultation with trends for improvement one-month post-intervention. The consultation was also associated with increased dietary adherence one-month post-intervention and decreased depressive symptoms. Changes in dietary adherence (r = −.61; P = .045), and barrier self-efficacy (r = −.77; P = .009) were negatively correlated to changes in depression. Thus, a consultation targeted at barriers related to anti-inflammatory eating can improve self-efficacy for adherence as well as actual adherence and depressive symptomology one-month later.
Dysmenorrhea, intermenstrual bleeding, menstrual flow volume changes, and irregularities following COVID-19 vaccination and the association with vaccine skepticism: A retrospective observational study
Authors: Khan Ghadeer A , Althubaiti Alaa , Alshrif Amal , Alsayed Zahra , Jifree Hatim
Published: November 2023

Background:

COVID-19 vaccines have provided fertile ground for research, especially with the unprecedented spread of misinformation about this disease and its vaccines. Among women, one of the most frequently reported side effects of the vaccine has been menstrual disturbance.

Objective:

To investigate the perceived impact of COVID-19 vaccines on the menstrual cycle. In addition, the research seeks to identify factors that could predispose certain individuals to experience these effects, thereby contributing to a deeper understanding of the interplay between vaccines and menstrual health.

Design:

We conducted a retrospective observational cross-sectional study.

Methods:

Any woman of menstruating age who received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine and currently resides in Saudi Arabia was invited to complete an online questionnaire. The questionnaire compared menstruation characteristics—regularity, volume, intermenstrual bleeding, and dysmenorrhea—before and after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine, taking into consideration possible predisposing factors such as polycystic ovarian syndrome, contraceptives, or period-blocking pills.

Results:

Women without polycystic ovarian syndrome experienced less change in dysmenorrhea post-vaccine compared to those with polycystic ovarian syndrome (23.88% versus 37.78%, p = 0.045). Women using hormonal contraceptives were about two times more likely to experience changes in volume compared to those not using contraceptives (odds ratio = 2.09, 95% confidence interval = 1.23–3.57, p = 0.006). COVID-19 vaccine skeptics were about three times more likely to perceive changes in regularity post-vaccine compared to non-skeptics (odds ratio = 2.96, 95% confidence interval = 1.79–4.90, p < 0.001). They were also three times more likely to perceive changes in volume post-vaccine (odds ratio = 3.04, 95% confidence interval = 1.95–4.74, p < 0.001).

Conclusion:

Our data suggest significant associations between COVID-19 skepticism, the use of hormonal contraceptives, and the reported post-vaccine menstrual disturbances. This underscores the importance of public education efforts aimed at dispelling misinformation and addressing controversies related to these vaccines.
A smile can go a long way: The effects of dominant and rewarding smiles of coaches on athletes in an evaluative performance context
Authors: Furley Philip , Thrien Fanny
Published: November 2023

Non-verbal expressions from other people play an important role in everyday life. We tested the psychological and physiological effects of different non-verbal facial expressions given by a coach to athletes in a performance context. In a study with 60 athletes, we tested how dominance versus reward smiles shown by a coach after various performances affected athletes’ subjective affective state, stress levels, and their own facial expressions. Results showed that athletes who perceived dominant smiles after their performances had higher heart-rates than those who received rewarding smiles. Athletes receiving dominant smiles also reported feeling less happy after their performances than athletes receiving rewarding smiles. No effects were evident on subjective stress levels and facial expressions of emotion measured by Noldus FaceReader. The present results are the first to show that subtle differences in facial expressions of coaches can affect an athlete's heart rate and affective state in an evaluative performance context. The results join research on the interpersonal effects of non-verbal behaviour between athletes and their coaches. They provide evidence that the facial expressions of coaches have communicative content that is perceived by the athletes and influences them on different levels.
Basketball experience: Exploring Nigerian basketball coaches' perspectives of grassroots sport-for-development programming as a tool to enhance well-being
Authors: Kroot Adam S , Blom Lindsey C , Patel Khushbu , Davis Chelsea , Moore Matt A , Mulvihill Thalia M
Published: November 2023

Considering the disparity between mental health services and resources available in Nigeria, researchers have highlighted the need for organizations, policymakers, and health service providers to revamp their approaches. Due to its unifying nature and cultural importance in the youth population, grassroots sport programming has been shown to be an effective mechanism in promoting education and life skills. In Lagos, Nigeria, the Basketball Experience program was designed to promote physical well-being, healthy living, mental health, and life skills in Nigerian youth utilizing principles from the Resilience and Youth Development Module. Researchers interviewed seven female and three male coaches using a phenomenological approach to investigate their perspectives of the program's impact on themselves and the youth they coach. Results suggest that implementing mental health education and resilience development, specifically through positive mentorship and strategies such as breathing and mindfulness exercises, into a sport for development program can assist with increased knowledge and reduced mental health stigma. Coaches strongly endorsed increased use of programs like Basketball Experience to promote positive development and combat the disparity in mental health literacy and policy, and they suggested that such programs have the power to help restructure the longstanding cycle of negative stressors inherent to life in Nigeria. Based on these perspectives, the authors discuss how grassroots sport programming can be an effective tool in the development of both coaches and youth. Moreover, the authors advocate for the Resilience and Youth Development Module as an impactful theoretical framework for facilitating resilience and life skills in coaches and youth.
The impact of socioeconomic deprivation on the prevalence of gestational diabetes: An observational study
Authors: Gnanasambanthan Sai , Jabak Salma , Mohan Retika , Dayoub Nawal , Maduanusi Chiamaka , Kohli Shuchi , Haas-Heger Tabea , Lynch Calum , Hameed Aisha
Published: November 2023

Background

Approximately 3.5% of pregnancies in the United Kingdom are complicated by gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Risk factors for this mirror those contributing to type 2 diabetes (T2DM). Though socioeconomic status (SES) is presumed to contribute to GDM, evidence in the United Kingdom is limited. In this unique study, we explored the impact of SES on GDM prevalence in a London suburb population.

Materials and Methods

Four thousand one hundred and sixty-three pregnant women who booked between July 2018 and March 2020 at Princess Royal University Hospital were retrospectively analyzed. Associations between GDM prevalence and SES trends (using multiple deprivation deciles (MDD)), and body mass index (BMI), age, ethnicity, screening uptake, birth-weights and birth outcomes, were analyzed.

Results

Patients with BMI >30 kg/m2, older than 35 years, and non-Caucasian ethnicity have an increased risk of developing GDM ( p < 0.0001, p < 0.0001, p < 0.0001, respectively). No association existed between MDD and GDM prevalence ( p-values over 0.05). Patients with risk factors for GDM were highest in the deprived areas p < 0.0001. MDD 1–4 (most deprived) had the highest percentage of missed screening (15% of patients with risk factors missed screening), compared to 8% in the least deprived group ( p < 0.0001).

Discussion

Our data surprisingly suggest that low SES did not increase the incidence of GDM, despite a higher proportion of women with risk factors for GDM living in the most deprived postcodes. However this unclear finding may be due to low screening uptake of deprived populations, and therefore lack of GDM diagnosis, or indicate that GDM is a result of a different aetiology to T2DM. Further research is needed to explore if access to screening services, lack of health education or other health inequalities were responsible for the high proportion of missed screening opportunities in deprived areas.
Generalized lichen amyloidosis in a pregnant woman: Coincidence or association
Authors: Aung Phyo Zaw , Nararatwanchai Thamthiwat
Published: November 2023

A 32-year-old Thai woman in her first pregnancy presented with multiple hyperpigmented, hyperkeratotic, pruritic, discrete papules coalescing to form plaques with a rippled pattern on the extensor surfaces of upper and lower limbs, back, chest, and abdomen. Her mother had a similar history. Histopathology of the lesion revealed a diagnosis of lichen amyloidosis, confirmed by the Congo red stain. The lesions had started one year prior and had remained stable before pregnancy; however, they became widespread after pregnancy. Thus, prompting the question as to whether this was a coincidence or if the pregnancy had exacerbated the condition. In this case report, we will discuss our approach to this patient and our opinions concerning the relationship between pregnancy and lichen amyloidosis.
Dell Technologies Inc.: Innovating toward circularity
Authors: Aggarwal Rashmi , Singh Harsahib , Garg Poonam
Published: November 2023

Dell Technologies Inc. (Dell) launched one of its kind laptop Luna in 2021 to pivot into circular electronic products. The laptop was developed in collaboration with Intel Corporation (Intel). It was a fully modular laptop that used sustainable materials, ensured no use of adhesives, reduced the size of the motherboard and other components, and extended the life of the product to promote the 3 Rs of sustainability: reuse, recycle, and refurbishment. However, the feasibility of the Luna was a challenge as a similar product Alienware launched by Dell in 2020 had failed because of a lack of upgradeable parts. Further, its competitors also planned to contribute to circularity using practical product innovations. With the entire electronics industry driven by efforts to design and launch sustainable goods, the circular economy (CE) market is bound to be more complicated. Amidst a competitive environment, the case examines the dilemma for Dell with respect to the mass production of Luna for the market. It analyzes the significance of strategic alliances for the company for the success of Luna and developing consumer trust in circular products. The case allows the readers to understand the innovations in the electronics industry to implement CE through new product development and challenges to scale up production and sales.
Students Engaging in Public Health Research: An Opportunity to Enhance Education
Authors: Hughes M. Courtney , Afrin Sadia
Published: November 2023

Society is on the heels of one of the largest public health crisis the world has experienced in over a century, the COVID-19 pandemic. Developing the next generation of adept public health researchers is paramount to protecting the world against future health threats and addressing legacy public health challenges. This article explores the transformative influence of research experience on education, presenting three major points: (1) students engaging in public health research is timely, (2) students can develop a variety of critical thinking skills and data-driven decision-making capabilities that prepare them for future careers, and (3) faculty and universities benefit from the collaboration and community that student research fosters. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, more students have been interested in a career in public health, with many students also eager to help address health disparities, a reality highlighted during the pandemic. This article puts forth the value of student engagement in public health research from the student and faculty member’s perspectives. The student lens includes the connection between research and developing greater public health interest, a sense of ethical responsibility, and an attitude of open-mindedness. The faculty lens considers the value of skill-building for students and the benefits of increased academic community-building, greater research productivity, and mutual learning potential for both students and faculty. The article includes specific recommendations for faculty to incorporate research into their student training. It concludes by advocating for institutional and community support to encourage student engagement in research and prepare the next generation of public health professionals and researchers.
A Sociological Model of Agency and Parent-Child Negotiations of Sex
Authors: Grigoryeva Maria S.
Published: November 2023

Agency theory explains many processes of interest to sociologists, such as overcoming conflicts of interest, information management, delegation of power and control, and the social dilemmas that arise when one acts on behalf of another. Despite its explanatory power, agency theory has been underused in sociology. To better use and contribute to agency theory, the author proposes a sociological agency model (SAM). This model incorporates a wide range of motivations and behaviors for both principals and agents, embeds the principal-agent dyad in meso- and macro-level structures, and considers the role of legitimacy of control. The author uses SAM to explain how parents and children negotiate teen sexual behavior. Data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health support the expectations of SAM as applied to parent-child negotiations of teen sex. Teenagers avoid parental supervision and control and strategically conceal information to have sex against the wishes of parents.
Crossing intersections: A tool for investigating road user pathways
Authors: Kaths Heather Anne
Published: November 2023

The pathways used by cyclists, pedestrians, and users of micromobility to cross intersections do not always align with those planned by traffic engineers. Observing actual usage patterns could lead to a better understanding of the tactical behavior of users of active and micromobility, allowing planners and engineers to create urban environments specifically for these road users. An open-source Python tool is introduced that uses clustering to automatically identify the forms of pathways used by road users. The tool was used to cluster trajectories from five intersections in Germany. The exemplar of each cluster is selected to represent the average shape of each pathway type. The open-source Python tool RoadUserPathways is introduced, the case studies are examined and use cases are presented.
Characterizing epigenetic aging in an adult sickle cell disease cohort
Authors: Lê Brandon M. , Hatch Daniel , Yang Qing , Shah Nirmish , Luyster Faith S. , Garrett Melanie E. , Tanabe Paula , Ashley-Koch Allison E. , Knisely Mitchell R.
Published: November 2023

Sickle cell disease (SCD) affects ∼100 000 predominantly African American individuals in the United States, causing significant cellular damage, increased disease complications, and premature death. However, the contribution of epigenetic factors to SCD pathophysiology remains relatively unexplored. DNA methylation (DNAm), a primary epigenetic mechanism for regulating gene expression in response to the environment, is an important driver of normal cellular aging. Several DNAm epigenetic clocks have been developed to serve as a proxy for cellular aging. We calculated the epigenetic ages of 89 adults with SCD (mean age, 30.64 years; 60.64% female) using 5 published epigenetic clocks: Horvath, Hannum, PhenoAge, GrimAge, and DunedinPACE. We hypothesized that in chronic disease, such as SCD, individuals would demonstrate epigenetic age acceleration, but the results differed depending on the clock used. Recently developed clocks more consistently demonstrated acceleration (GrimAge, DunedinPACE). Additional demographic and clinical phenotypes were analyzed to explore their association with epigenetic age estimates. Chronological age was significantly correlated with epigenetic age in all clocks (Horvath, r = 0.88; Hannum, r = 0.89; PhenoAge, r = 0.85; GrimAge, r = 0.88; DunedinPACE, r = 0.34). The SCD genotype was associated with 2 clocks (PhenoAge, P = .02; DunedinPACE, P < .001). Genetic ancestry, biological sex, β-globin haplotypes, BCL11A rs11886868, and SCD severity were not associated. These findings, among the first to interrogate epigenetic aging in adults with SCD, demonstrate epigenetic age acceleration with recently developed epigenetic clocks but not older-generation clocks. Further development of epigenetic clocks may improve their predictive ability and utility for chronic diseases such as SCD.
Towards the global plastic treaty: a clue to the complexity of plastics in practice
Authors: Filella Montserrat , Turner Andrew
Published: November 2023

Following the decision of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA) to start negotiations for a legally binding treaty to end plastic pollution, discussions and reflections are ongoing on why and how plastic chemicals and polymers of concern should be integrated into the global plastics treaty. One of the points that has been identified as requiring attention is the reduction of the complexity of the composition of plastic objects. This article, addressed to decision-makers and other stake-holders involved in the negotiations, illustrates in a practical and graphical way what complexity means in the case of the presence of inorganic additives.
Unraveling the genetic basis of grain number-related traits in a wheat-Agropyron cristatum introgressed line through high-resolution linkage mapping
Authors: Xu Yun-Feng , Ma Fei-Fei , Zhang Jin-Peng , Liu Hong , Li Li-Hui , An Diao-Guo
Published: November 2023

Background

Grain number per spike (GNS) is a pivotal determinant of grain yield in wheat. Pubing 3228 (PB3228), a wheat-Agropyron cristatum germplasm, exhibits a notably higher GNS.

Results

In this study, we developed a recombinant inbred line (RIL) population derived from PB3228/Gao8901 (PG-RIL) and constructed a high-density genetic map comprising 101,136 loci, spanning 4357.3 cM using the Wheat 660 K SNP array. The genetic map demonstrated high collinearity with the wheat assembly IWGSC RefSeq v1.0. Traits related to grain number and spikelet number per spike were evaluated in seven environments for quantitative trait locus (QTL) analysis. Five environmentally stable QTLs were detected in at least three environments. Among these, two major QTLs, QGns-4A.2 and QGns-1A.1, associated with GNS, exhibited positive alleles contributed by PB3228. Further, the conditional QTL analysis revealed a predominant contribution of PB3228 to the GNS QTLs, with both grain number per spikelet (GNSL) and spikelet number per spike (SNS) contributing to the overall GNS trait. Four kompetitive allele-specific PCR (KASP) markers that linked to QGns-4A.2 and QGns-1A.1 were developed and found to be effective in verifying the QTL effect within a diversity panel. Compared to previous studies, QGns-4A.2 exhibited stability across different trials, while QGns-1A.1 represents a novel QTL. The results from unconditional and conditional QTL analyses are valuable for dissecting the genetic contribution of the component traits to GNS at the individual QTL level and for understanding the genetic basis of the superior grain number character in PB3228. The KASP markers can be utilized in marker-assisted selection for enhancing GNS.

Conclusions

Five environmentally stable QTLs related to grain number and spikelet number per spike were identified. PB3228 contributed to the majority of the QTLs associated with GNS.
Genome-wide identification of the mitogen-activated kinase gene family from Limonium bicolor and functional characterization of LbMAPK2 under salt stress
Authors: Zhang Caixia , Zhu Zhihui , Jiang Aijuan , Liu Qing , Chen Min
Published: November 2023

Background

Mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) are ubiquitous signal transduction components in eukaryotes. In plants, MAPKs play an essential role in growth and development, phytohormone regulation, and abiotic stress responses. The typical recretohalophyte Limonium bicolor (Bunge) Kuntze has multicellular salt glands on its stems and leaves; these glands secrete excess salt ions from its cells to mitigate salt damage. The number, type, and biological function of L. bicolor MAPK genes are unknown.

Results

We identified 20 candidate L. bicolor MAPK genes, which can be divided into four groups. Of these 20 genes, 17 were anchored to 7 chromosomes, while LbMAPK18, LbMAPK19, and LbMAPK20 mapped to distinct scaffolds. Structure analysis showed that the predicted protein LbMAPK19 contains the special structural motif TNY in its activation loop, whereas the other LbMAPK members harbor the conserved TEY or TDY motif. The promoters of most LbMAPK genes carry cis-acting elements related to growth and development, phytohormones, and abiotic stress. LbMAPK1, LbMAPK2, LbMAPK16, and LbMAPK20 are highly expressed in the early stages of salt gland development, whereas LbMAPK4, LbMAPK5, LbMAPK6, LbMAPK7, LbMAPK11, LbMAPK14, and LbMAPK15 are highly expressed during the late stages. These 20 LbMAPK genes all responded to salt, drought and ABA stress. We explored the function of LbMAPK2 via virus-induced gene silencing: knocking down LbMAPK2 transcript levels in L. bicolor resulted in fewer salt glands, lower salt secretion ability from leaves, and decreased salt tolerance. The expression of several genes [LbTTG1 (TRANSPARENT TESTA OF GL1), LbCPC (CAPRICE), and LbGL2 (GLABRA2)] related to salt gland development was significantly upregulated in LbMAPK2 knockdown lines, while the expression of LbEGL3 (ENHANCER OF GL3) was significantly downregulated.

Conclusion

These findings increase our understanding of the LbMAPK gene family and will be useful for in-depth studies of the molecular mechanisms behind salt gland development and salt secretion in L. bicolor. In addition, our analysis lays the foundation for exploring the biological functions of MAPKs in an extreme halophyte.
Role of monocytes and dendritic cells in cardiac reverse remodelling after cardiac resynchronization therapy
Authors: Martins Sílvia , António Natália , Rodrigues Ricardo , Carvalheiro Tiago , Tomaz Cândida , Gonçalves Lino , Paiva Artur
Published: November 2023

Background and aims

Monocytes and dendritic cells (DC) are both key inflammatory cells, with recognized effects on cardiac repair. However, there are distinct subsets of monocytes with potential for beneficial or detrimental effects on heart failure (HF) pathogenesis. The connection between reverse cardiac remodelling, the potential anti-inflammatory effect of cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) and monocytes and DC homeostasis in HF is far from being understood. We hypothesized that monocytes and DC play an important role in cardiac reverse remodelling and CRT response. Therefore, we aimed to assess the potential role of baseline peripheral levels of blood monocytes and DC subsets and their phenotypic and functional activity for CRT response, in HF patients. As a secondary objective, we aimed to evaluate the impact of CRT on peripheral blood monocytes and DC subsets, by comparing baseline and post CRT circulating levels and phenotypic and functional activity.

Methods

Forty-one patients with advanced HF scheduled for CRT were included in this study. The quantification and phenotypic determination of classical (cMo), intermediate (iMo) and non-classical monocytes (ncMo), as well as of myeloid (mDC) and plasmacytoid DC (pDC) were performed by flow cytometry in a FACSCanto™II (BD) flow cytometer. The functional characterization of total monocytes and mDC was performed by flow cytometry in a FACSCalibur flow cytometer, after in vitro stimulation with lipopolysaccharide from Escherichia coli plus interferon (IFN)-γ, in the presence of Brefeldina A.

Comparisons between the control and the patient group, and between responders and non-responders to CRT were performed.

Results

Compared to the control group, HF population presented a significantly lower frequency of pDC at baseline and a higher proportion of monocytes and mDC producing IL-6 and IL-1β, both before and 6-months after CRT (T6). There was a remarkable decrease of cMo and an increase of iMo after CRT, only in responders. The responder group also presented higher ncMo values at T6 compared to the non-responder group. Both responders and non-responders presented a decrease in the expression of CD86 in all monocyte and DC populations after CRT. Moreover, in non-responders, the increased frequency of IL-6-producing DC persisted after CRT.

Conclusion

Our study provides new knowledge about the possible contribution of pDC and monocytes subsets to cardiac reverse remodelling and response to CRT. Additionally, CRT is associated with a reduction on CD86 expression by monocytes and DC subsets and in their potential to produce pro-inflammatory cytokines, contributing, at least in part, for the well described anti-inflammatory effects of CRT in HF patients.