bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hybrid FRP-concrete-steel prestressed double-skin wind turbine towers: Concept, design considerations and research needs
Authors: Deng Ran , Xiang Yu , Yu Tao , Qi Tao , Ji Weidong
Published: May 2024

The past decade has seen rapid development of offshore wind energy around the world. Furthermore, to improve the efficiency of power generation, wind turbine development has been trending towards increasingly large and tall turbines. These developments call for innovations in the form of wind turbine towers to address the challenges faced by existing tower forms (e.g., steel tubular towers and prestressed concrete towers) in structural adequacy, construction efficiency and/or maintenance. This paper presents a new form of hybrid wind turbine towers which possesses many important advantages over the existing tower forms and are particularly suitable for large offshore wind turbines. The new hybrid towers, termed herein hybrid FRP-concrete-steel prestressed double-skin wind turbine towers or PDSWTs, are prefabricated in segments and then assembled on site. The PDSWT segments are a variation of hybrid FRP-concrete-steel double-skin tubular members (DSTMs), and they consist of an outer confining tube made of fibre-reinforced polymer (FRP), a thin steel inner tube with welded shear studs, prestressed concrete between the two tubes, and flanges welded at the ends of the steel tube. The onsite assembly of the tower involves mainly connecting the steel flanges of two adjacent segments using high-strength bolts, and installing prestressed tendons through the whole tower. In this paper, the rationale behind the development of PDSWTs is first explained, followed by a discussion of the design considerations and future research needs to facilitate the practical applications of the new tower form.
Remote interviewing, accessibility, and scams: Notes on a case of fraudulent responses to a recruitment flyer
Authors: Cascio M. Ariel
Published: May 2024

Remote interviewing has become even more common since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic and allows greater accessibility for many interview participants regardless of pandemic circumstances. This accessibility is especially important in the context of my research with autistic individuals. However, it may also expose interview studies to the same concerns about fraudulent responses that survey studies face. While advice for survey research often suggests requiring interviews as a way to discourage fraudulent responses, I had participants I later concluded were misrepresenting their eligibility actually complete audio interviews. In this note, I describe my experience with this potential scam, the solutions I rejected, and the solutions I ultimately implemented to add additional screening questions related to where the participant lived and how they heard about the study. In line with my interpretivist and constructivist approach to autism studies, I focus on strategies for identifying who is “really eligible” without gatekeeping who is “really autistic.” I argue that many of the suggestions for identifying fraudulent participants may inappropriately exclude autistic or neurodivergent individuals, and describe a framework for identifying locally relevant and culturally appropriate screening questions that do not overly burden or scrutinize participants.
Driving together: Shared car journeys as research space
Authors: Lynch Gabrielle
Published: May 2024

This paper introduces driving around with people in private cars as a research space to which walking methods can be adapted and in which productive accidental ethnography can take place. Whether one is walking or driving together with research participant(s), one's shared mobility is key: the act and rhythm of moving together through land and sense-scapes provides prompts and insights and facilitates conversation and rapport. However, the coverage of larger distances at greater speeds in a car and the car's existence as a private space separate from the scenes and places passed through ensures that driving together is qualitatively different to walking together and that it can sometimes be more useful. The paper argues that driving together can be a productive research space depending on research focus, context, and ethical and security considerations.
Study on the influence of belt angle on tire grounding characteristics under longitudinal slip conditions
Authors: Meng Jun-Ling , Sun Peng-Fei , Zhou Shui-Ting , Li Yue , Chen Lu-Wen , Mao Rui
Published: May 2024

Using ABAQUS software as a tool and 225/60R18 tire as the research object, a finite element model of the tire was established and longitudinal slip simulation was conducted based on the completion of longitudinal slip and rubber material tests. By comparing the tire-pavement contact stress under longitudinal slip conditions with different angles of belt layers and the stress on the first belt steel cord, the influence of different angles of belt layers on the grounding characteristics of tires were analyzed. The results showed that under static loading conditions, the trend of tire-pavement contact stress presented a symmetrical “W” shape. Under dynamic longitudinal slip conditions, the tire-pavement contact stress curve was significantly different from the static loading simulation, with significant fluctuation and presented an irregular “W” shape, and asymmetric distortion occurred with the change of slip rate. At higher slip rates (±20%), the higher the asymmetry of the grounding imprint at the 61° and 63° belt layer angles. At the 65° belt layer angle, the ground imprint is more evenly distributed on the tread. The curve of stress variation on the belt steel cord along the path is in an “M” shape, and the stress on the belt steel cord is mainly distributed symmetrically on the tire-pavement contact surface corresponding to the tire shoulder position. The higher the slip rate, the higher the asymmetry of the stress distribution on both sides of the belt steel cord. At 65° and 67° belt angles, the distribution of grounding imprints on the tread are more uniform, and the tread is less prone to deformation, resulting in lower tread wear.
Relationship between thrombus vWF and NETs with clinical severity and peripheral blood immunocytes’ indicators in patients with acute ischemic stroke
Authors: Lin Shi , Chunxiao Wei , Li Sun , Guimei Zhang , Yaru Zhang , Weijie Zhai , Yiming Qi , Ruolin Zhou , Lingjie Meng , Yan Zhang
Published: May 2024

Objective

To investigate the association between von Willebrand factor (vWF) and neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) in thrombus with clinical severity and peripheral blood immunocytes’ indicators in patients with early-stage acute ischemic stroke (AIS).

Methods

A retrospective study was conducted using the clinical data of 66 patients with AIS who underwent endovascular mechanical thrombectomy and had their thrombus samples collected. The concentrations of vWF and NETs in the thrombus samples were quantitatively assessed. Peripheral blood samples taken in the early stages of the disease were analyzed for total white blood cell counts (WBC), ratios of neutrophils (NEU%), lymphocytes (LYM%), eosinophils (EOS%), and monocytes (MONO%). The severity of clinical symptoms in these patients was evaluated using the modified Rankin Scale (mRS), Essen Stroke Risk Score (ESRS), Barthel Index (BI), and National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS).

Results

Higher vWF levels in thrombus were associated with lower NIHSS scores, while higher NETs levels were associated with higher initial NIHSS scores. In the early stages of AIS, WBC count and vWF levels were negatively correlated, as well as NEU%. LYM% was positively correlated with vWF level; however, it was negatively correlated with NETs. EOS% was positively correlated with vWF levels.

Conclusion

In the early stages of AIS, a higher peripheral WBC count and NEU%, combined with decreased EOS% and LYM%, were significantly correlated with a lower vWF level in the thrombus, potentially indicating more severe symptoms. Consequently, the timely administration of vWF-targeted medications is recommended for such patients. Reduced LYM% is indicative of elevated NETs levels and correlated with more severe clinical symptoms. Therefore, the prompt initiation of NETs-targeted medication is warranted for these patients.
Epistemic injustice and unwellness in the classroom: Creating knowledge like we matter
Authors: Mullins Philippa
Published: May 2024

In this essay, I reflect on my experience teaching graduate classes on social justice in Yerevan. Here, an important part of the experience of injustice is epistemic. By this, I mean that students’ discourses of injustice often centre around their perception of other peoples’ lack of and/or refusal of their knowledge and consequent misrepresentation of current – and past – events. This form of epistemic injustice is layered upon experiences of war, loss, and dislocation which drive many students to take up graduate studies in social justice. In response, I consider the nature of the unwellness created by the intertwining of this experience and the epistemic injustice perpetuated around and about it. I discuss troubles in the reception and misuse of context. Subsequently, I think about how we can challenge this unwellness through how we create knowledge as a learning community. Rather than producing rules, I propose touchstones which might guide us to create knowledge as though our ‘ we’ – in community of difference – matters, and as though we, in fact, matter.
Reflexivity of the lived research experiences of a doctoral student through communities of practice
Authors: Chiu Shui Kau
Published: May 2024

Doctoral students and apprentices are much alike. Doctoral students are treated as junior academic scholars. They must follow and learn different knowledge and research skills from their senior academic scholars, mainly supervisors and other congenial faculty members within the department. During the process, reflectivity is one of their vital self-fulfilment tools to elucidate, contemplate, ruminate, and then internalize all the given prescriptions. By adopting communities of practice as a theoretical framework, this article has employed an auto-ethnographical approach aimed at reflecting the author’s lived research experiences as a doctoral student in Hong Kong. By revealing the journeys of accommodating reflexivity, this article argues that, apart from senior members within the communities of practice, cultivations of reflexivity are also feasible from beyond the communities. This article will contribute to levels like doctoral supervision and the fulfilment of doctoral students.
Ninety-Day Toxicological Assessment of Preparation of the Medicinal Plant Newbouldia laevis (P. Beauv.) Seem. (Bignoniaceae) in Rats
Authors: Murtala Akanji A. , Akindele Abidemi J. , Oreagba Ibrahim A.
Published: May 2024

Objectives

To investigate the safety profile of subchronic oral administration of hydroethanol leaf extract of Newbouldia laevis (NL) in rats.

Methods

NL was administered orally (20, 100, and 500 mg/kg) to groups of rats for 90 days. Distilled water served as control. Some rats were spared for an extra 30 days with no extract administration (reversibility study). Blood, urine and selected vital organs were collected for analyses.

Results

In male rats, NL (20, 500 mg/kg) irreversibly increased ( P˂.05) bodyweight and feeding pattern with opposite trend of results in females. NL (20 mg/kg) elicited irreversible decrease ( P˂0.05) in RBC in male rats; a reversible decrease in RBC and Hb, and an irreversible increase (500 mg/kg) in WBC and neutrophils in females. In male rats, NL irreversibly decreased ( P˂.01) HDL-c and increased uric acid; in female rats, it elicited a reversible increase ( P˂.05, 500 mg/kg) in AST. NL (500 mg/kg) irreversibly decreased ( P˂.05) sperm motility and count, and produced an irreversible increase ( P˂.01) in testosterone levels in male rats (100 mg/kg). It reversibly decreased (20-500 mg/kg) luteinizing hormone levels (both sexes).

Conclusions

NL is fairly safe at lower doses. However, it could cause anemia at lower doses, infertility (both sexes), liver and kidney injuries at high doses.
Analysis of Glucosinolates and Phenolic Content in Sprouts of 7 Brassica rapa Subspecies
Authors: da Cristina Bungala Leonel Tarcisio , Van Nguyen Bao , Park Chanung , Sathasivam Ramaraj , Bok Gwonjeong , Park Jong Seok , Park Sang Un
Published: May 2024

Objective: Brassica rapa is an important source of phytochemicals essential for plant defense and human health. To better understand their metabolic characteristics, this study aimed to investigate the glucosinolates and phenolic content from sprouts of 7 B. rapa subspecies. Methods: Glucosinolates and phenolic compounds were extracted using previously reported procedures, with slight modifications. Glucosinolates were identified based on their high-performance liquid chromatography peak area ratios and quantified based on the peak areas, retention time, and response factor and phenolic compounds were identified based on retention times and spiking tests and quantified concerning a corresponding calibration curve. Results: Statistical analysis showed that Choy sum (31.82 ± 2.3 mg/g DW) and Bok choy (31.73 ± 1.49 mg/g DW) presented the highest total glucosinolates content, and the lowest content was observed in Turnip rape (21.75 ± 1.67 mg/g DW). Between the contents of individual glucosinolates, progoitrin presented the highest content in Bok choy (17.84 ± 1.24 mg/g DW). The highest concentration of total phenolic compounds was found in the sprouts of Chinese cabbage (2.7 ± 0.05 mg/g DW), whereas the lowest concentration was found in Choy sum sprouts (2.17 ± 0.05 mg/g DW). The highest individual phenolic content was observed for benzoic acid (0.96 ± 0.03 mg/g DW) and rutin (0.85 ± 0.03 mg/g DW), which were highest in mizuna and Chinese cabbage, respectively. Conclusion: Subspecies may influence the levels of glucosinolates and polyphenols in vegetables. The results of our study showed the distinctive metabolic signatures embedded in the 7 B. rapa subspecies.
NeuroRehabilitation OnLine: Description of a regional multidisciplinary group telerehabilitation innovation for stroke and neurological conditions using the Template for Intervention Description and Replication checklist
Authors: Ackerley Suzanne , Wilson Neil , Boland Paul , Peel Rosemary , Connell Louise
Published: May 2024

Background

Providing recommended amounts of rehabilitation for stroke and neurological patients is challenging. Telerehabilitation is viable for delivering rehabilitation and an acceptable adjunct to in-person therapy. NeuroRehabilitation OnLine (NROL) was developed as a pilot and subsequently operationalised as a regional innovation embedded across four National Health Service (NHS) Trusts.

Objective

To describe the NROL innovation to assist future implementation and replication efforts.

Methods

The Template for Intervention Description and Replication (TIDieR) checklist, with guidance from the TIDieR-Telehealth extension, was used to describe NROL. The description was developed collaboratively by clinical academics, therapists, managers and researchers. Updated Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research domains were used to describe the context in which the innovation was delivered.

Results

NROL delivers online group-based real-time neurorehabilitation with technology assistance. It incorporates multidisciplinary targeted therapy and peer support to complement existing therapy. Procedures, materials and structure are detailed to demonstrate how NROL is embedded within a healthcare system. NROL uses existing NHS therapy workforce alongside dedicated NROL roles, including an essential technology support role. Selection of NROL groups is dependent on patient needs. The NROL innovation is tailored over time in response to feedback. NROL described here is successfully integrated within a regional stroke and neurorehabilitation network, aligns with local and national strategies and capitalises on an existing clinical–academic partnership.

Conclusion

This comprehensive description of a regional NROL innovation, and clarification of core components, should facilitate other healthcare settings to adapt and implement NROL for their context. Continuous evaluation alongside implementation will ensure maximal impact for neurorehabilitation.
Understanding and comparing risk factors and subtypes in South Korean adult and adolescent women's suicidal ideation or suicide attempt using survey and social media data
Authors: Kim Donghun , Jiang Ting , Baek Ji Hyun , Jang Sou Hyun , Zhu Yongjun
Published: May 2024

Objective

This study aimed to investigate the similarities and differences in risk factors for suicide among adult and adolescent women in South Korea and identify subtypes of suicidal ideation or suicide attempt in each group.

Methods

Multifaceted data were collected and analyzed by linking survey and social media data. Interpretable machine learning models were constructed to predict suicide risk and major risk factors were extracted by investigating their feature importance. Additionally, subtypes of suicidal adult and adolescent women were identified and explained using risk factors.

Results

The risk factors for adult women were primarily related to mental disorders, while those for adolescent women were primarily related to interpersonal experiences and needs. Two subtypes of suicidal adult women were one with high psychiatric symptoms and mental disorders of them and/or their families and the other with excessive social media use and high online victimization. Two subtypes of suicidal adolescent women were one with high psychiatric symptoms, high ACEs, and high social connectedness, and the other with frequent social media use, high online sexual victimization, and high social assurance.

Conclusions

These findings enable a stratified and targeted understanding of suicide in women and help develop customized suicide prevention plans in South Korea.
The Moderating Effect of Economic Policy Uncertainty on the Relationship Between Working Capital Management and Profitability: Evidence from UK Non-Financial Firms
Authors: Koroma Saidu , Bein Murad
Published: May 2024

Uncertainty in economic policy is one of many factors that can have an impact on the relationship between working capital and profitability. The corporate sector places a higher priority on working capital management that employs its working capital resources to have an advantage over rivals. The objective of our study is to determine how economic policy uncertainty (EPU) index for UK, as measured based on newspaper coverage frequency, affects the relationship between working capital management (CCC), return on operating assets, and other profitability measures across several businesses listed on the UK stock exchange for the years 2006 to 2021. To analyze the data for 199 UK manufacturing companies, we applied the Fixed Effect Method, Random Effect Method, and two-stage Generalized Method of Moments (GMM) to tackle the endogeneity problem and report robust findings. The findings of the study revealed that EPU statistically significantly affected the relationship between CCC and profitability. When uncertainty is high, companies may be hesitant to make investments or develop new products, which can lead to a reduction in working capital and lower profitability. Companies that can effectively manage their working capital in the face of uncertainty may be better positioned to maintain their profitability over the long term. This study can provide valuable insights for both companies and investors, helping to improve financial performance and enhance strategic decision-making regarding their working capital management policies in the face of economic policy uncertainty.
Unequally Indebted: Debt by Education, Race, and Ethnicity and the, Accumulation of Inequality in Emerging Adulthood
Authors: Dwyer Rachel E. , DeMarco Laura M.
Published: May 2024

Emerging adults in the U.S. face significant economic uncertainty during the early life course. Economic uncertainties grew in the 2000s, especially for the Millennial cohort. Access to credit can be a resource to manage the instability that characterizes emerging adulthood. However, debt can also become a burden, making credit like a “double-edged sword.” We study inequality in debt holding for five debt types that provide distinct resources and burdens, including mortgages, car loans, student loans, credit cards, and other debts to businesses. We analyze the extent to which the Millennial cohort accumulated unequal debts by the end of emerging adulthood using the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth, 1997 Cohort. We find strikingly unequal debt holding by education, race/ethnicity, and education-by-race/ethnicity for Millennial emerging adults. We conclude that policies and programs that support emerging adult financial wellbeing will be crucial for healthy development and reduced inequalities during this life course stage.
Intergenerational Upward and Downward Social Mobility: The Role of Intelligence, Effortful Control, Assertiveness, and Peer Competence in Early Adolescence
Authors: Fakkel Matthijs , Branje Susan , Vollebergh Wilma A. M. , Stevens Gonneke W. J. M. , Peeters Margot
Published: May 2024

Relatively little is known about which competencies adolescents need to experience intergenerational social mobility. We investigated if intelligence, effortful control, assertiveness, and peer competence at age 11 was associated with upward or downward mobility at age 26, utilizing data from the TRAILS study ( N = 2229; ageT1 = 11.1 ( SD = 0.55); 50.8% girls). Results from our multinomial logistic regressions indicate that intelligence and effortful control, but not social competencies, are associated with upward mobility. Only intelligence was associated with downward mobility. Having dissimilar levels of competence than peers with the same parental SES was more important for social mobility than having similar competencies as peers with the same young adulthood SES. Social mobility thus happens primarily based on competence. However, given the importance of genetic predispositions and socioeconomic environment for intelligence and effortful control, and the limited appreciation of alternative competencies, social mobility remains to some extent unmeritocratic.
AICTSL: Sustainable Capacity Planning by Cash Flow Management
Authors: Datta Soumyajyoti
Published: May 2024

The case study introduces Atal Indore City Transport Services Limited (AICTSL), a public transport management body in Indore, at a crucial juncture pertaining to fleet capacity management. Located in the central state of Madhya Pradesh in India, Indore has been a popular destination for industrial activity. Amid a cash crunch, increasing travel demands, the need for route expansion and myriad socio-economic factors, Rahul Shrouti, the senior operations manager, has to make a strategic decision to increase the number of buses. The dilemma faced by Shrouti is formed by the investments required, time period to recover the investment, operating expenses and the variability of the associated costs. Hence, the case highlights a context of capacity expansion, which calls for efficient change management. Besides, macro factors, concepts such as the time value of money, payback period, internal rate of return and linear regression have been brought about explicitly. The case study will drive multi-faceted classroom discussion through MS Excel-based number crunching. The case study will help the practitioners in making decisions for capacity planning and support change management.
A Formative Evaluation of Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support Within the Virtual Medical Center
Authors: Wilkerson Tai-Lyn , Meyers Kathy J. , Subramaniam Soumya , Hearns Rene , Stevenson Lauren D. , Ball Sherry
Published: May 2024

The Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support (DSMES) program provides education and medical monitoring of diabetes to Veterans through the Virtual Medical Center (VMC). Qualitative interviews were conducted with 15 key stakeholders (4-DSMES VMC trainers, 5-clinical faculty, and 6-Veterans) from across Ohio urban and rural populations for up to 1h about their experiences using the program and suggestions for improvement. All the Veterans interviewed were able to access care within the DSMES VMC and reported a positive experience using the program, and improved diabetes self-management. Other stakeholders suggested more administrative and technical support for the DSMES VMC to increase awareness for VA staff and Veterans of the program to improve recruitment, and to shift to a web-based platform that is more easily accessible by clicking a link to reduce technical issues with downloading the program. These findings can inform future implementation efforts using technology to increase access to care allowing better health education for Veterans.
Intraoperative OCT-Guided Volumetric Measurements of Subretinal Therapy Delivery in Humans
Authors: Valikodath Nita G. , Li Jianwei D. , Raynor William , Izatt Joseph A. , Toth Cynthia A. , Vajzovic Lejla
Published: May 2024

Purpose: To evaluate a recently developed technique using intraoperative optical coherence tomography (OCT) to measure subretinal tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) volumes in patients with submacular hemorrhage secondary to exudative age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Methods: Three patients (72 to 83 years old) had 25-gauge pars plana vitrectomy, subretinal tPA, and a partial gas fill. An investigational intraoperative OCT system with a modified widefield noncontact indirect viewing apparatus was used to image subretinal tPA blebs. Using the recently developed technique, the volume and surface area in the segmented region of interest were determined. Results: In each case, the delivered tPA volume measured from the syringe differed from the intraoperative OCT–measured subretinal tPA volume: Patient 1, 130 µL from syringe, 118 µL based on intraoperative OCT, 9% difference; Patient 2, 140 µL, 50 µL, 64%; Patient 3, 110 µL, 122 µL, 11%. The total bleb surface area was 129 mm2 in Patient 1, 55 mm2 in Patient 2, and 106 mm2 in Patient 3. Conclusions: This was the first human study to implement and evaluate intraoperative OCT image–based methods to obtain volumetric bleb measurements in patients receiving subretinal tPA for exudative AMD. This proof-of-concept study showed that intraoperative OCT–obtained bleb volume differed from intraoperative recordings, which could be explained by tPA delivery into the vitreous, efflux through the retinotomy, or human error. Intraoperative OCT can provide visualization and quantification of subretinal tPA bleb volume and surface area, which has implications for improved safety, efficacy, and analysis of the effects of subretinal drug delivery.
Proposed measures to enhance equity: A study of Swedish superintendents’ emerging power
Authors: Seven Jabil , Foss Lene
Published: May 2024

This study provides new insights into what Swedish superintendents (SIs) highlight in decision-making documents to their school boards regarding improving equity in education. It is an examination of which actions SIs consider to be urgent. Two hundred documents written by SIs proposing measures to increase equity were analysed using qualitative content analysis, through the lens of power theory. The findings indicate that SIs share a similar understanding of the areas in which changes can enhance equity: organisation, finances, pupil health, systematic quality work, and pupils’ grades and staff competence development. The findings also indicate that SIs make use of institutional and direct power, which are also part of the public arena in which the SIs operate.
Breathing new life into the study of COPD with genes identified from genome-wide association studies
Authors: Werder Rhiannon B. , Zhou Xiaobo , Cho Michael H. , Wilson Andrew A.
Published: May 2024

COPD is a major cause of morbidity and mortality globally. While the significance of environmental exposures in disease pathogenesis is well established, the functional contribution of genetic factors has only in recent years drawn attention. Notably, many genes associated with COPD risk are also linked with lung function. Because reduced lung function precedes COPD onset, this association is consistent with the possibility that derangements leading to COPD could arise during lung development. In this review, we summarise the role of leading genes (HHIP,FAM13A,DSP,AGERandTGFB2) identified by genome-wide association studies in lung development and COPD. Because many COPD genome-wide association study genes are enriched in lung epithelial cells, we focus on the role of these genes in the lung epithelium in development, homeostasis and injury.
The guardians of pulmonary harmony: alveolar macrophages orchestrating the symphony of lung inflammation and tissue homeostasis
Authors: Pervizaj-Oruqaj Learta , Ferrero Maximiliano Ruben , Matt Ulrich , Herold Susanne
Published: May 2024

Recent breakthroughs in single-cell sequencing, advancements in cellular and tissue imaging techniques, innovations in cell lineage tracing, and insights into the epigenome collectively illuminate the enigmatic landscape of alveolar macrophages in the lung under homeostasis and disease conditions. Our current knowledge reveals the cellular and functional diversity of alveolar macrophages within the respiratory system, emphasising their remarkable adaptability. By synthesising insights from classical cell and developmental biology studies, we provide a comprehensive perspective on alveolar macrophage functional plasticity. This includes an examination of their ontology-related features, their role in maintaining tissue homeostasis under steady-state conditions and the distinct contribution of bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) in promoting tissue regeneration and restoring respiratory system homeostasis in response to injuries. Elucidating the signalling pathways within inflammatory conditions, the impact of various triggers on tissue-resident alveolar macrophages (TR-AMs), as well as the recruitment and polarisation of macrophages originating from the bone marrow, presents an opportunity to propose innovative therapeutic approaches aimed at modulating the equilibrium between phenotypes to induce programmes associated with a pro-regenerative or homeostasis phenotype of BMDMs or TR-AMs. This, in turn, can lead to the amelioration of disease outcomes and the attenuation of detrimental inflammation. This review comprehensively addresses the pivotal role of macrophages in the orchestration of inflammation and resolution phases after lung injury, as well as ageing-related shifts and the influence of clonal haematopoiesis of indeterminate potential mutations on alveolar macrophages, exploring altered signalling pathways and transcriptional profiles, with implications for respiratory homeostasis.
Effects of acetazolamide on sleep disordered breathing in pulmonary vascular disease: a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Schwarz Esther I. , Saxer Stéphanie , Lichtblau Mona , Schneider Simon R. , Müller Julian , Mayer Laura , Bloch Konrad E. , Ulrich Silvia
Published: May 2024

Background

Patients with pulmonary vascular disease (PVD) often suffer from nocturnal hypoxaemia, but also from sleep apnoea. Short-term use of acetazolamide increases ventilation due to metabolic acidosis and also reduces loop gain. We investigated whether prolonged use of acetazolamide improves sleep disordered breathing in PVD.

Methods

In a randomised controlled crossover trial, patients with PVD were randomly assigned to acetazolamide 250 mg and placebo twice daily for 5 weeks. Patients underwent respiratory polygraphy at baseline and at the end of each intervention phase. Outcomes of interest were the effect of acetazolamide on mean nocturnal oxygen saturation (SpO2), time with oxygen saturation <90% (t<90), apnoea–hypopnoea index (AHI) and sleep apnoea severity.

Results

In 20 patients with PVD (55% women, nine with pulmonary arterial hypertension, 11 with distal chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension; mean±sdnocturnalSpO288.8±3.5%, obstructive AHI 12.6±12.3 events·h−1), 5 weeks of acetazolamide resulted in a significant improvement in nocturnal oxygenation compared to placebo (mean nocturnalSpO2+2.3% (95% CI 1.3–3.3%); p<0.001 andt<90−18.8% (95% CI −29.6– −8.0%); p=0.001). Acetazolamide increased the proportion of patients with mean nocturnalSpO2≥90% from 45% to 85%. The percentage of patients with AHI >5 events·h−1was reduced from 75% to 60% and with AHI >15 events·h−1from 30% to 15%. Two patients discontinued the study because of mild side-effects.

Conclusions

Acetazolamide given for 5 weeks reduces nocturnal hypoxaemia in PVD to a clinically relevant level and reduces the proportion of patients with obstructive sleep apnoea.
Vasoreactivity and inhaled treprostinil response in interstitial lung disease pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Harder Eileen M. , Rahaghi Farbod N. , Leopold Jane A. , Systrom David M. , Washko George R. , Waxman Aaron B.
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Despite shared features with pulmonary arterial hypertension, acute vasoreactivity in pulmonary hypertension with interstitial lung disease (PH-ILD) is not well characterised, including its potential ability to predict therapeutic outcomes. We sought to determine whether acute vasoreactivity in PH-ILD to oxygen (O2) and inhaled nitric oxide (iNO) predicts inhaled treprostinil (iTre) outcomes.

Materials and methods

In this retrospective cohort analysis, we identified treatment-naive PH-ILD patients with vasoreactivity testing using O2and O2+iNO. 6-month iTre outcome was assessed. “iTre improvement” required fulfilment of criteria on objective assessment without clinical worsening. “iTre failure” was defined by lack of objective improvement or a clinical worsening event.

Results

Among 75 PH-ILD patients, mean pulmonary arterial pressure (mPAP) decreased by −3 mmHg (−12.6%) and pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) by −1.3 WU (−23.7%) with O2+iNO. With O2+iNO, mPAP decreased ≥10 mmHg to <40 mmHg in four patients (5.3%) and 23 (30.7%) had ≥20% reduction in mPAP and PVR. Among 33 iTre-treated patients, there were 13 improvements and 20 failures. The microvascular response, measured by distensibility, to O2aloneversusO2+iNO correlated with 6-month iTre outcome. Patients with 6-month iTre improvement had large relative distensibility increases with O2+iNO (versusfailure, 76.0%versus15.3%, p=0.004). Conversely, iTre failure was associated with increased distensibility with O2alone (versusimprovement, 26.8%versus−3.9%, p=0.045).

Conclusions

In PH-ILD, the microvascular response to O2versusO2+iNO testing was associated with 6-month iTre outcome, likely reflecting the differential contributions of hypoxic vasoconstriction and remodelling. Acute vasoreactivity may inform therapeutic decision-making in PH-ILD.
Low serum double-stranded DNA levels are associated with higher survival rates in severe COPD patients
Authors: Roodenburg Sharyn A. , Hartman Jorine E. , Eichhorn Ilse A. , Slebos Dirk-Jan , Pouwels Simon D.
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) are endogenous danger signals that alert and activate the immune system upon cellular damage or death. It has previously been shown that DAMP release is increased in patients with COPD, leading to higher levels in extracellular fluids such as serum. In the current study we investigated whether the serum levels of DAMPs were associated with survival rates in COPD patients.

Methods

A panel of seven DAMPs, consisting of HMGB1, fibrinogen, α-defensin, heat shock protein 70, S100A8, galectin-9 and double-stranded DNA (dsDNA), was measured in serum of 949 severe COPD patients. Maximally selected rank statistics was used to define cut-off values and a Cox proportional hazards model was used to evaluate the effect of high or low DAMP levels on 4-year survival. For DAMPs that were found to affect survival significantly, baseline characteristics were compared between the two DAMP groups.

Results

Out of the seven DAMPs, only dsDNA was significantly associated with 4-year survival. Patients with elevated serum level of dsDNA had higher 4-year mortality rates, lower FEV1% predicted values and higher emphysema scores.

Discussion

In conclusion, in a clinical cohort of 949 patients with moderate-to-severe COPD, elevated serum levels of dsDNA were associated with a higher risk of death. This study further illustrates the potential role of circulating DAMPs, such as dsDNA, in the progression of COPD. Together, the results of this study suggest that levels of circulating dsDNA might serve as an additional prognostic biomarker for survival in COPD patients.
Long-term functional course of Sjögren's disease-associated interstitial lung disease
Authors: Diou Caroline , Debray Marie-Pierre , Porcher Raphaël , Bancal Catherine , Sacre Karime , Taille Camille , Khamis Warda , Dhote Robin , Borie Raphaël , Nunes Hilario , Uzunhan Yurdagül , Crestani Bruno
Published: May 2024

Background

Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is common in primary Sjögren's disease (pSD); its functional course is poorly known. Our aim was to characterise the long-term functional course and prognosis in patients with pSD-ILD. We determined the role of baseline demographic and clinical variables in the evolution of lung function and identified risk factors for death or transplantation.

Methods

In a retrospective observational cohort study, patients with pSD and ILD were retrospectively identified from two French ILD centres. Forced vital capacity (FVC) and diffusing capacity of the lungs for carbon monoxide (DLCO) slopes were obtained from joint models. Latent class mixed models identified clusters of FVC andDLCOtrajectories.

Results

We included 73 patients (63% women, mean age 63 years), with a median follow-up of 9.3 years. At baseline, mean FVC was 73±21% andDLCO51±16%. On average, FVC was stable, while there was an annual decline inDLCOof 1% of the predicted value. Male sex, a pattern of usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP) or indeterminate for UIP on high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT), and features of fibrosis on HRCT, were associated with an accelerated decline in FVC andDLCO.

Conclusion

We identified clusters of lung function evolution. 1) Two FVC trajectories: patients with stable FVC (n=56, 78%); patients with FVC decline (n=16, 22%) of 2.4% per year, characterised by a low baselineDLCO(39%) and a higher risk of death or transplantation (HR 52, 95% CI 10–273). 2) ThreeDLCOtrajectories: patients with stableDLCO(n=44, 66%); patients with a slow decline inDLCO(n=12, 18%) of 2.8% per year; patients with a rapid decline inDLCO(n=11, 16%) of 4.8% per year, characterised by a low baselineDLCO(41%) and a higher risk of death or transplantation (HR 156, 95% CI 18–1352).
Home range of three turtle species in Central Yucatan. A comparative study
Authors: Enríquez-Mercado Ivette , Butterfield Taggert G. , Aguilar-Romero Rafael , Macip-Ríos Rodrigo
Published: May 2024

Home range is a fundamental characteristic of an animal natural history. The study of home range provides information on the sites where organisms forage for food, find shelter, or locate mates. Home range size and shape can change throughout the lifespan of an organism, during the year, or across seasons, driven by resource availability and the basic needs for each organism. For freshwater and semi-aquatic turtles, home range is greatly affected by water availability, humidity, and temperature throughout the year, nevertheless demographic factors such age and sex are also important determinants of home range size. In this study we estimated home range and dispersal movements for Kinosternon creaseri, Terrapene yucatana, and Rhinoclemmys areolata in a semi-tropical dry forest in central Yucatán. For a two-year period, turtles were surveyed using hoop traps and visual encounters. Twenty-one individuals (5–8 per species) were equipped with radio transmitters to track them across the landscape. Distances between relocations and home range were compared across species seasons, sex, and interactions of these variables. Monthly average movements were positively correlated with rain in the three species studied. Home range of R. areolata was larger than those of K. creaseri and T. yucatana. Home range of the three studied species were larger during the wet season. Home range overlap index within same species individuals was higher during the rainy than dry season, but overall overlap is low between and within species.
Green iron oxide nanoparticles and magnetic nanobiochar: enhancing tomato performance, phytochemicals, and root-knot nematode resistance
Authors: Mahmoud Nashaat N. , Khader Asmaa , Mahmoud Esawy
Published: May 2024

Background

Green nanoparticles are considered to be an effective strategy for improving phytochemicals and raising productivity in soil infected by root-knot nematodes. This work aims to understand the characteristics of certain nanomaterials, including non-iron (nFe), green non-iron (GnFe), and green magnetic nanobiochar (GMnB), and the effect of adding them at 3 and 6 mg kg− 1 on phytochemicals and tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) plant growth in soils infected by root-knot nematodes.

Results

Spectroscopic characterization of nanomaterials showed that nFe, GnFe, and GMnB contained functional groups (e.g., Fe-O, S-H, C-H, OH, and C = C) and possessed a large surface area. Application of GMB at 6 mg kg− 1 was the most efficient treatment for increasing the phytochemicals of the tomato plant, with a rise of 123.2% in total phenolic, 194.7% in total flavonoids, 89.7% in total carbohydrate, 185.2% in total free amino acids, and 165.1% in total tannin compared to the untreated soil. Tomato plant growth and attributes increased with increasing levels of soil nano-amendment in this investigation. The addition of GnFe3 and GnFe6 increased the reduction of root galls of root-knot nematodes by 22.44% and 17.76% compared with nFe3 and nFe6, respectively. The inclusion of the examined soil nano-amendments increased phytochemicals and reduced the total number of root-knot nematodes on tomato plants at varying rates, which played a significant role in enhancing tomato growth.

Conclusions

In conclusion, treating tomato plants with GnFe or GMnB can be used as a promising green nanomaterial to eliminate root-knot nematodes and increase tomato yield in sandy clay loam soil.
Melatonin enhances resistance to Botryosphaeria dothidea in pear by promoting jasmonic acid and phlorizin biosynthesis
Authors: Xu Hongpeng , Zhang Siying , Liang Chenglin , Li Min , Wang Ran , Song Jiankun , Cui Zhenhua , Yang Yingjie , Liu Jianlong , Li Dingli
Published: May 2024

Ring rot, caused by Botryosphaeria dothidea, is an important fungal disease of pear fruit during postharvest storage. Melatonin, as a plant growth regulator, plays an important role in enhancing the stress resistance of pear fruits. It enhances the resistance of pear fruits to ring rot by enhancing their antioxidant capacity. However, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. In this study, we examined the effect of melatonin on the growth of B. dothidea. Results showed that melatonin did not limit the growth of B. dothidea during in vitro culture. However, metabolomics and transcriptomics analyses of ‘Whangkeumbae’ pear (Pyrus pyrifolia) revealed that melatonin increased the activity of antioxidant enzymes, including peroxidase (POD), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and polyphenol oxidase (PPO), in the fruit and activated the phenylpropanoid metabolic pathway to improve fruit resistance. Furthermore, melatonin treatment significantly increased the contents of jasmonic acid and phlorizin in pear fruit, both of which could improve disease resistance. Jasmonic acid regulates melatonin synthesis and can also promote phlorizin synthesis, ultimately improving the resistance of pear fruit to ring rot. In summary, the interaction between melatonin and jasmonic acid and phlorizin enhances the antioxidant defense response and phenylpropanoid metabolism pathway of pear fruit, thereby enhancing the resistance of pear fruit to ring rot disease. Our results provide new insights into the application of melatonin in the resistance to pear fruit ring rot.
Repeated acute coronary syndrome caused by a mind-bending mural thrombus in ascending aorta: a case report and review of the literature
Authors: Liu Hanxuan , Yu Zhangjie , Xu Ying , Zhou Yan , Yang Juntao , Qiu Yinyin , Xing Yangbo , Peng Fang , Tang Weiliang
Published: May 2024

Background

Acute coronary syndrome due to coronary artery embolism in the setting of ascending aortic thrombus is an uncommon condition, even rarer when there is no aortic pathology such as aneurysm, severe atherosclerosis, aortic dissection, or thrombophilia (whether inherited or acquired).

Case presentation

We report a case of a 58-year-old male presented with acute chest pain, electrocardiogram showing non-ST-elevation acute coronary syndrome. The computed tomography angiography of coronary artery revealed a mural thrombus in the proximal part of ascending aorta, located above the left coronary artery ostium, without any aortic pathologies. With the exception of hypertension and cigarette smoking, no other risk factors were identified in this patient that may increase the risk of thrombosis. Given the life-threatening risk of interventional therapy and surgery, the patient determinedly opted for anticoagulant and dual antiplatelet therapy. Then he experienced the reoccurrence of chest pain after 6-day treatment, progressed to anterior and inferior ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction. Coronary artery embolism originating from the ascending aortic thrombus was suspected. Considering the hemodynamic instability of the patient, the medical treatment was continued and bridged to warfarin and aspirin after discharge. Follow-up computed tomography angiography at 6 months showed no obstruction in coronary artery and complete resolution of the thrombus. No thromboembolic events occurred henceforward.

Conclusions

Acute coronary syndrome could be a manifestation of secondary coronary embolism due to ascending aortic thrombus. Currently, there is no standardized guideline for the treatment of aortic mural thrombus, individualized treatment is recommended. When surgical therapy is not applicable for the patient, anticoagulation and dual antiplatelet treatment are alternative treatments that may successfully lead to the resolution of the aortic thrombus.