bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
‘In This Prison We Have Our Main Meal at 11:30 AM’. The Significance of ‘Time’ For Food Among People Serving Custodial Sentences in England and Wales
Authors: Parsons Julie M
Published: March 2024

In this article, I am thinking through the social life of time for food in prison from a practice theory perspective. I draw upon empirical data from in-depth qualitative interviews with people serving custodial sentences or recently released from prison in England and Wales who have been on placement at a prisoner resettlement charity (RC). These support findings from Her Majesty’s Inspectorate for Prisons report on Life Inside: Food from 2016, and I consider two aspects from the report, (i) an exploration of the standards and conditions in which food is consumed and (ii) the timings of mealtimes. For people in prison, disruptions to the usual rhythms of everyday life, or chrono-normative expectations, serve as stark reminders of a lack of agency and worth. People in prison are forced to adapt and work within temporal spaces that are subject to flux due to the systemic demands of an under-resourced prison system. These constitute a contravention of social and cultural norms and reinforce the notion of the prison as a place of punishment, and degradation. These temporal shifts contribute to the transformation of civilian to prisoner and form part of a process of de-synchronising with life outside.
The future of our past: The absence of memory infrastructure in journalism
Authors: Ringel Sharon
Published: April 2024

This paper explores the absence of memory infrastructure within news organizations and its implications for journalism. It draws upon interviews with journalists and staff members representing 20 prominent US news organizations. Through these interviews, the paper uncovers prevalent perceptions and misconceptions regarding the importance of preserving news content for future reference and accessibility. The research findings illuminate significant challenges journalists face in maintaining printed archives and highlight their inadequate preservation of digital publications. Instead, they often rely on external services such as Google and the Internet Archive for content retrieval. This study argues that the decline of print newspapers has unwittingly led to the erosion of a crucial component in the news production process—the news archive. The absence of this vital memory infrastructure leaves news organizations bereft of a critical resource and contributes to collective forgetfulness.
Deficit Beliefs and Cultural Responsiveness in a Bilingual International School
Authors: Albrent Jessica , Nocon Honorine
Published: March 2024

International schools exist in almost every country of the world, and international school educators come from a variety of countries, often teaching students from cultural and linguistic backgrounds different from their own. This article reports on a study that examined English-speaking educator beliefs about their Arabic-speaking students in a bilingual, international elementary school in the Middle East Near Africa region. Using mixed methods, the study also explored English language educators’ culturally responsive teaching self-efficacy. Educators expressed high levels of self-efficacy in using culturally responsive teaching practices, but were unsure how to bridge the differences between home and school cultures. Additionally, educators expressed deficit beliefs about their students. These beliefs framed students as victims of their own culture, held back from academic success by home cultural practices, beliefs, and norms. Results suggest educators at the school may not be prepared to facilitate students’ negotiation of identities, bridging home and school languages and cultures, due to deficit beliefs about students’ home culture that lower educator expectations and students’ opportunities to learn. The article concludes with discussion of the effects of these educator beliefs on students and ways in which international school leaders and policy makers may productively address them.
Risk and Protective Factors of Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children and Adolescents in sub-Saharan Africa: A Systematic Review
Authors: Amponsah Enoch Boafo , Abdullah Alhassan , Eltigani Bothaina , Cluver Lucie D.
Published: March 2024

Commercial sexual exploitation of children (CSEC) has emerged as a critical child protection and public health concern in recent years. While the phenomenon is prevalent globally, its impact is compounded in sub-Saharan Africa owing to the cultural and socioeconomic challenges that leave many households in the region vulnerable. The present study synthesized existing evidence using the socioecological model as a guiding framework to assess the risk and protective factors associated with CSEC in sub-Saharan Africa. A protocol for the study was published in PROSPERO (CRD42022331832) with pre-specified inclusion and exclusion criteria. Studies were screened and extracted from eight databases: PsycINFO, Scopus, Web of Science, PROQUEST (Social Science Premium), PubMed, CINAHL, EMBASE, and MEDLINE via Ovid. After an initial screening of 4,377 papers, seven studies were found eligible for the final review. The review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guide for reporting systematic reviews. Included studies were appraised and rated using the Cambridge Quality Checklist and GRADE. Findings revealed risk factors, including adverse childhood experience and victimization, females aged 16 years and older, school dropouts, technology influence, child and parental alcohol use, and separation from caregivers. On the other hand, protective factors such as the number of female adolescents in a household, frequent health screening in schools, children being in school, and high parental monitoring were found to be associated with a lower risk of CSEC. Based on these findings, we recommend that interventions in sub-Saharan Africa adopt a holistic approach that addresses identified risk factors while harnessing protective factors to combat CSEC effectively.
Targeting performance of Dibao program in China: An empirical study based on the 2020 China Family Panel Studies
Authors: Yuan Dinghuan , Fu Yang , Zhou Wangyue , Zhang Mengjiao
Published: March 2024

The rural minimum living security (Dibao) Program is regarded as an essential means to alleviating absolute poverty in rural areas. This study uses logistic regression to identify the influencing factors for the distribution of Dibao subsidies based on the CFPS 2020 database covering 28 provinces in China. Then, we categorize the sample into four types of households to further analyze the targeting performance of Dibao program with the method of multiple logit regression. The results reveal that the living standards of households, such as public facilities, drinking water, cooking fuel, housing value, and assets can impact the distribution and targeting performance of Dibao subsidies. Having educational burdens can significantly increase the probability of being covered by Dibao program for non-low-income households. Large family-size households that are involved in agricultural-related work and use electricity or other fuels for cooking are more likely to receive Dibao subsidies. When compared with the eastern region, households in the western region are more likely to gain Dibao subsidies. The results of propensity scores reveal that the contemporary mismatch of the rural minimum living security system has been overestimated in many research by simply treating non-low-income households that receive Dibao. However, the inclusionary targeting errors are still high (76%), which might indicate that there are still shortcomings in the targeting mechanism for the rural minimum subsistence allowance system. The research findings generate useful implications for policymakers to improve the accuracy in allocating rural Dibao subsidies.
Analysis of Sex Hormones, Insulin Dosage, and Risk Factors Associated With Male Diabetic Patients
Authors: Chen Xiao-Jun
Published: March 2024

The purpose of this study is to assess the influence of sex hormones and other indicators on risk factors for hypercoagulable states in male patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Ninety-two diabetic patients were divided into two groups based on testosterone levels: T1 group (testosterone <12 mmol/L) and T2 group (testosterone >12 mmol/L). Fifty-four non-diabetic patients were used as the control group. Sex hormone index, glucose, insulin, C-peptide, 24-h urinary free cortisol, thromboelastography, and insulin resistance index were measured by radioimmunoassay. Testosterone was lower in the diabetic men than in the control group (12.02 vs 14.77, p < .05), and was inversely related to blood coagulation status, blood glucose level, and cortisol level. Body mass index was positively correlated with estradiol and insulin resistance index. Testosterone was independently associated with the clotting process after controlling for age. Low testosterone is a risk factor for hypercoagulable state in diabetic men. Elevated estradiol and insulin resistance are influential factors for increased body mass index.
Current concepts in the aetiology, assessment and management of partial distal biceps tendon tears
Authors: MacLean Simon BM , Caekebeke Pieter , Phadnis Joideep , van Riet Roger , Bain Gregory I
Published: April 2024

Partial distal biceps tendon tears encompass a spectrum of disease. They can be either traumatic or degenerative in nature. Traumatic tears usually involve the short head. Degenerative tears can involve either or both short and long head components with the tear affecting the lateral fibres first. Chronic tears may be associated with a narrow radioulnar space, distinct head insertions and radial tuberosity hypertrophy. Patient history and clinical examination findings suggestive of partial tearing of the distal biceps tendon should be confirmed with advanced imaging. Magnetic resonance imaging allows assessment of the tear size, morphology and associated pathologies. Non-surgical management, including physiotherapy and injections, is appropriate in selected cases. Surgical management can involve either endoscopic or open techniques. In small tears or low demand patients, a simple debridement of the bursa, tuberosity and tendon may be indicated. In larger tears in higher functioning patients, release of the remaining fibres, debridement and an anatomical repair is indicated. In this review paper, the authors present current concepts on the pathogenesis and management of partial distal biceps tendon tears.
Working through ‘working through’
Authors: Clarke Nick
Published: April 2024

This commentary provides a summary of Shawn Bodden's intervention, before raising three questions prompted by the article. What is the relationship between a more ordinary critical geography and interpretivism? How is ‘ordinariness’ being used by geographers as a category of geographical analysis? And what might a more ordinary critical geography resemble in practice?
Abnormal Colorectal Cancer Test Follow-Up: A Quality Improvement Initiative at a Federally Qualified Health Center
Authors: Shareef Faizah , Bharti Balambal , Garcia-Bigley Felipe , Hernandez Monica , Nodora Jesse , Liu Jie , Ramers Christian , Nery Jill Dumbauld , Marquez Jessica , Moyano Karina , Rojas Sarah , Arredondo Elva , Gupta Samir
Published: March 2024

Introduction/Objectives:

Colonoscopy completion rates after an abnormal fecal immunochemical test (FIT) are suboptimal, resulting in missed opportunities for early detection and prevention of colorectal cancer. Patient navigation and structured follow-up may improve colonoscopy completion, but implementation of these strategies is not widespread.

Methods:

We conducted a quality improvement study using a Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) Model to increase colonoscopy completion after abnormal FIT in a large federally qualified health center serving a diverse and low-income population. Intervention components included patient navigation, and a checklist to promote completion of key steps required for abnormal FIT follow-up. Primary outcome was proportion of patients achieving colonoscopy completion within 6 months of abnormal FIT, assessed at baseline for 156 patients pre-intervention, and compared to 208 patients during the intervention period from April 2017 to December 2019. Drop offs at each step in the follow-up process were assessed.

Results:

Colonoscopy completion improved from 21% among 156 patients with abnormal FIT pre-intervention, to 38% among 208 patients with abnormal FIT during the intervention ( P < .001; absolute increase: 17%, 95% CI: 6.9%-25.2%). Among the 130 non-completers during the intervention period, lack of completion was attributable to absence of colonoscopy referral for 7.7%; inability to schedule a pre-colonoscopy specialist visit for 71.5%; failure to complete a pre-colonoscopy visit for 2.3%; the absence of colonoscopy scheduling for 9.2%; failure to show for a scheduled colonoscopy for 9.2%.

Conclusions:

Patient navigation and structured follow-up appear to improve colonoscopy completion after abnormal FIT. Additional strategies are needed to achieve optimal rates of completion.
Antecedents to Thai Consumer Insurance Policy Purchase Intention: A Structural Equation Model Analysis
Authors: Thamtarana Kumpee , Sornsaruht Puris
Published: March 2024

This study delves into the factors influencing consumer purchase intention of Thai insurance company policies, focusing on service quality, corporate image, perceived value, and insurance technology. Employing a quantitative approach and multi-stage random sampling, the study selected 440 consumers from 10 Thai insurance agencies in January 2022, using a Google Form link distributed via social media for data collection. The structural equation model path analysis was conducted using LInear Structural RELations (LISREL) 9.1, complemented by descriptive statistics analysis in Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) for Windows Version 21. Expert input informed adjustments to questionnaire items, and a pilot test with 35 participants ensured item reliability. The results reveal that insurance technology (0.68), corporate image (0.54), perceived value (0.53), and service quality (0.34) were all influential factors affecting purchase intention, collectively explaining 76% of the variance ( R2). Seven of the nine hypotheses tested found support, with the corporate image-perceived value relationship proving the strongest, followed by a moderately strong association between perceived value and insurance technology. Among the 25 observed variables, the quality of services and data standards provided by service quality stood out, with consumers valuing clear, concise, and convenient services as pivotal for agency satisfaction. This research contributes to the existing literature by offering post-COVID-19 insights into consumer insurance purchase intentions in Asia. It also provides valuable knowledge for policymakers and regulators seeking to enhance their sectors and strengthen national economic competitiveness.
Examining the Role of Family in Shaping Digital Entrepreneurial Intentions in Emerging Markets
Authors: Nguyen Phuong Ngoc-Duy , Nguyen Huan Hong
Published: March 2024

This research aims to scrutinize the impacts of perceived feasibility (PF), propensity to act (PTA), perceived desirability (PD), self-efficacy (SEE), and family support (FS) on digital entrepreneurial intentions (DEI). Applying the Entrepreneurial Event Model (EEM), this study employs a quantitative research approach to investigate the hypotheses. The sample of 344 valid observations comprises university students from an emerging economy, strengthening the study’s relevance to emerging markets. The findings regarding interaction effects were mixed, with FS presenting no moderating effect on the relationship between PF and PTA with DEI. Conversely, FS demonstrated a significant moderating role in the relationships of PD and SEE with DEI. This study significantly contributes to entrepreneurial literature by applying and extending the EEM model to digital entrepreneurship in emerging economies. The research also promotes societal development goals by underscoring the transformative power of digital entrepreneurship for inclusive and sustainable growth.
Preparing Social Justice Leaders in the Era of High-Stakes Licensure Assessments: Student and Faculty Perceptions of a Redesigned Principal Preparation Program
Authors: Biolchino Erin
Published: April 2024

Principal preparation programs face the unique challenge of preparing social justice leaders who are equipped to dismantle the many inequities in K-12 schools. In 2017 California’s credential requirements for school administrators (e.g., principals) changed significantly with the adoption of new state standards for administrators and the addition of a new high-stakes administrator performance assessment (the California Administrator Performance Assessment, or CalAPA). Accordingly, principal preparation programs throughout California had to respond to this change. The purpose of this paper is to share faculty and student perceptions of one principal preparation program’s revision to equip candidates to be social justice leaders; to align to new state leadership standards (the CAPE); and to prepare candidates for a high-stakes, state-mandated performance assessment (the CalAPA). Data for this study included student focus groups and faculty interviews as students and faculty shared their perceptions of and experiences with the new program and the CalAPA performance assessment. Several implications for principal preparation programs were found: the need for a comprehensive curriculum with an explicit social justice focus, the benefits of the cohort model, the value of field based assignments, the need for supportive instructional practices, and the challenges and benefits of state-mandated performance assessments such as the CalAPA. The process of program revision and adaptation to a new state-mandated, high-stakes administrator performance assessment may be relevant to other programs seeking to prepare social justice leaders.
iClassifier: A digital research tool for corpus-based classifier networks in complex writing systems
Authors: Harel Haleli , Goldwasser Orly , Nikolaev Dmitry
Published: March 2024

This article presents the method applied by the iClassifier (©Goldwasser/Harel/Nikolaev) digital research tool for the study of the linguistic phenomenon of classifiers. The tool was created in 2019 with the objective of curating corpus-based and data-driven documentation of classifier systems. The record of classifiers comprises millions of tokens worth of “big data” analysis. By tagging classifiers in various corpora, a topography of categories emerges, visualized as complex, multilayered networks. This article offers an overview of how classifier-based networks are created and how network analysis methods can be applied to analyze knowledge organization. We present the data structure and annotation scheme of the iClassifier research tool, demonstrating how one can plot classifier networks and generate reports of lemma and classifier repertoires in each corpus. The iClassifier tool provides quantitative reports, including classifier frequency, variation and co-occurrence statistics. Each data subset, such as a certain part of speech, timespan, geographical location or textual genre, can be queried and visualized. The tool is meant to allow browsing between a macro-overview of all categories in a corpus and zooming in into micro-analysis of the individual categories and lemmas that built up a corpus. Each classifier is seen as a category head, and the categories are drawn in their multilayered and multidimensional relationships. The potency of this tool is in documenting the phenomenon in large corpora of texts and expanding our knowledge about the rules and functions of classifier systems, leading us to a more refined mind-mapping of ancient cultures. Currently, very little systematic analysis has been done on this ancient record of emic information.
Axicabtagene ciloleucel vs standard of care in second-line large B-cell lymphoma: outcomes by metabolic tumor volume
Authors: Locke Frederick L. , Oluwole Olalekan O. , Kuruvilla John , Thieblemont Catherine , Morschhauser Franck , Salles Gilles , Rowe Steven P. , Vardhanabhuti Saran , Winters Joshua , Filosto Simone , To Christina , Cheng Paul , Schupp Marco , Korn Ronald , Kersten Marie José
Published: April 2024

Metabolic tumor volume (MTV) assessed using 2-deoxy-2-[18F]fluoro-d-glucose positron emission tomography, a measure of tumor burden, is a promising prognostic indicator in large B-cell lymphoma (LBCL). This exploratory analysis evaluated relationships between baseline MTV (categorized as low [median or less] vs high [greater than median]) and clinical outcomes in the phase 3 ZUMA-7 study (NCT03391466). Patients with LBCL relapsed within 12 months of or refractory to first-line chemoimmunotherapy were randomized 1:1 to axicabtagene ciloleucel (axi-cel; autologous anti-CD19 chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy) or standard care (2-3 cycles of chemoimmunotherapy followed by high-dose chemotherapy with autologous stem cell transplantation in patients who had a response). All P values are descriptive. Within high- and low-MTV subgroups, event-free survival (EFS) and progression-free survival (PFS) were superior with axi-cel vs standard care. EFS in patients with high MTV (vs low MTV) was numerically shorter with axi-cel and was significantly shorter with standard care. PFS was shorter in patients with high MTV vs low MTV in both the axi-cel and standard-care arms, and median MTV was lower in patients in ongoing response at data cutoff vs others. Median MTV was higher in patients treated with axi-cel who experienced grade ≥3 neurologic events or cytokine release syndrome (CRS) than in patients with grade 1/2 or no neurologic events or CRS, respectively. Baseline MTV less than or equal to median was associated with better clinical outcomes in patients receiving axi-cel or standard care for second-line LBCL. The trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as #NCT03391466.
B-cell–directed CAR T-cell therapy activates CD8+ cytotoxic CARneg bystander T cells in patients and nonhuman primates
Authors: Kaminski James , Fleming Ryan A. , Alvarez-Calderon Francesca , Winschel Marlana B. , McGuckin Connor , Ho Emily E. , Eng Fay , Rui Xianliang , Keskula Paula , Cagnin Lorenzo , Charles Joanne , Zavistaski Jillian , Margossian Steven P. , Kapadia Malika A. , Rottman James B. , Lane Jennifer , Baumeister Susanne H. C. , Tkachev Victor , Shalek Alex K. , Kean Leslie S. , Gerdemann Ulrike
Published: April 2024

Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells hold promise as a therapy for B-cell–derived malignancies, and despite their impressive initial response rates, a significant proportion of patients ultimately experience relapse. Although recent studies have explored the mechanisms of in vivo CAR T-cell function, little is understood about the activation of surrounding CARneg bystander T cells and their potential to enhance tumor responses. We performed single-cell RNA sequencing on nonhuman primate (NHP) and patient-derived T cells to identify the phenotypic and transcriptomic hallmarks of bystander activation of CARneg T cells following B-cell–targeted CAR T-cell therapy. Using a highly translatable CD20 CAR NHP model, we observed a distinct population of activated CD8+ CARneg T cells emerging during CAR T-cell expansion. These bystander CD8+ CARneg T cells exhibited a unique transcriptional signature with upregulation of natural killer-cell markers (KIR3DL2, CD160, and KLRD1), chemokines, and chemokine receptors (CCL5, XCL1, and CCR9), and downregulation of naïve T-cell-associated genes (SELL and CD28). A transcriptionally similar population was identified in patients after a tisagenlecleucel infusion. Mechanistic studies revealed that interleukin-2 (IL-2) and IL-15 exposure induced bystander-like CD8+ T cells in a dose-dependent manner. In vitro activated and patient-derived T cells with a bystander phenotype efficiently killed leukemic cells through a T-cell receptor–independent mechanism. Collectively, to our knowledge, these data provide the first comprehensive identification and profiling of CARneg bystander CD8+ T cells following B-cell–targeting CAR T-cell therapy and suggest a novel mechanism through which CAR T-cell infusion might trigger enhanced antileukemic responses. Patient samples were obtained from the trial #NCT03369353, registered at www.ClinicalTrials.gov.
The Mediator Subunit OsMED16 Interacts with the WRKY Transcription Factor OsWRKY45 to Enhance Rice Resistance Against Magnaporthe oryzae
Authors: Wu Yanfei , Fu Yuquan , Zhu Zhonglin , Hu Qin , Sheng Feng , Du Xuezhu
Published: April 2024

Rice blast, caused by Magnaporthe oryzae (M. oryzae), is one of the most common and damaging diseases of rice that limits rice yield and quality. The mediator complex plays a vital role in promoting transcription by bridging specific transcription factors and RNA polymerase II. Here, we show that the rice mediator subunit OsMED16 is essential for full induction of the diterpenoid phytoalexin biosynthesis genes and resistance to the ascomycetous fungus M. oryzae. Mutants of Osmed16 show reduced expression of the DP biosynthesis genes and are markedly more susceptible to M. oryzae, while transgenic plants overexpressing OsMED16 increased the expression of the DP biosynthesis genes and significantly enhanced resistance to M. oryzae. Interestingly, OsMED16 is physically associated with the WRKY family transcription factor OsWRKY45, which interacts with the phytoalexin synthesis key regulator transcription factor OsWRKY62. Further, OsMED16-OsWRKY45-OsWRKY62 complex could bind to the promoter regions of phytoalexin synthesis-related genes and activate their gene expression. Our results show that OsMED16 may enhance rice tolerance to M. oryzae via directly manipulating phytoalexin de novo biosynthesis.
Unveiling the potential of a functionalized pyrrole-based polymer for efficient cadmium ion removal from wastewater: synthesis, characterization, and performance evaluation
Authors: Sayed Marwa M. , El-Hamid Islam S. Abd , El-Bery Haitham M. , Farrag Mostafa , Aly Kamal I.
Published: April 2024

Cadmium ion Cd2+ contamination is a major environmental issue caused by industry. Polyarylidene N-hexane pyrrole (PAPh) and crosslinked polyarylidene N-phenyl pyrrole (PAPD) were prepared from the previously synthesized polymer (polyarylidene ketone (PAK)) by using the advantage of repeating carbonyl groups at the 1,4 position and reacting it with hexylamine and P-phenylenediamine via the Paal–Knorr reaction. Various methods were used to characterize polymers, such as FT-IR spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetry analysis (TGA), UV–visible spectroscopy, scanning electron microscope (SEM), zeta potential, and surface area measurements (BET), revealing successful fabrication, good thermostability, and well-defined microporous structures useful for Cd2+ adsorption. Optimal adsorption capacities of 55.8 mg g−1 for PAPh and 86.95 mg g−1 for PAPD indicate a significant enhancement in Cd2+ adsorption via their microporous structures, Cd2+ adsorption was also investigated in terms of contact time, initial concentration, and pH. A total input concentration of 30 ppm Cd ions, may yield an 84.3% removal rate for PAPh and an 89.2% removal rate for PAPD. The experimental results were well-fit by many models, including pseudo-second-order kinetics (PSO), Freundlich isotherms, intraparticle diffusion, and Langmuir. The varying adsorption performances of the two polymers studied, (PAPh) and (PAPD), were found to be derived from their respective chemical structures, which include various functional groups, according to studies conducted on Cd2+ in an aqueous solution. Cd2+ adsorption on polymers was considered physisorption; π–cation interactions and surface complexation played significant roles in adsorption. The PAP polymers may be considered promising substitutes and innovative adsorbents to remove Cd2+ ions from a water solution.
Data collection for assessment of the natural capital at the regional level: case study of LTSER Trnava region
Authors: Izakovičová Zita , Miklos Laszlo , Spulerova Jana , Dobrovodská Marta , Halada Ľuboš , Raniak Andrej , Dick Jan
Published: April 2024

Context

The landscape provides not only a living space for all life forms, including humans, but also a spatial base and set of resources for the implementation of individual human activities. Inappropriate implementation of human activities, disrespecting the properties of the landscape's natural resources, causes the degradation of natural resources and, consequently, the human living.

Objectives

The aim of this paper is to develop new methodological procedures and algorithms for effective assessment of natural capital based on the geosystem approach.

Methods

Each territorial unit (geosystem) represents a unique combination of natural assets that create a certain potential for the development of individual activities and eco-stabilization functions. In this study, we developed a new approach and algorithms to assess the natural capital of landscapes for sustainable use. This involves selecting indicators and their functional interpretation, as well as collecting available spatial data and statistics for GIS analysis, synthesis, and modeling.

Results

The methodological procedure consists of the determination of indicators for natural capital assessment, the determination of their functional values and weighting coefficients, the determination of the suitability of the geosystem for the implementation of individual activities based on the value of natural capital, and the determination of restrictions and limiting factors. The set of data on landscape assets can be categorized into abiotic, land cover and biotic, and socio-economic indicators, which can either support human activities or limit them. Options for sustainable use of natural capital were split into two groups of potential activities: (I) natural capital for landscape planning activities and (II) specific activities or functions (e.g., natural capital for energy use, recreation, regulation services). The modeling of eco-stabilizing natural capital in Trnava LTSER pointed to low spatial ecological stability, mainly in the central part of the district.

Discussion

Discussion pointed to strength, novelty and opportunities of implementing methodological approach to natural capital assessment.

Conclusions

As an output of this methodological approach, a comprehensive digital spatial database of landscape-ecological data for the assessment of natural capital and the suitability of its use for socio-economic activities has been created in Slovakia. The database represents a set of consistent spatial information on natural capital assets and other indicators, including land cover and socio-ecological indicators. The methodological approach can be applicable to any territory on the basis of a modification.
Transcriptional dynamics during Rhodococcus erythropolis infection with phage WC1
Authors: Willner Dana L. , Paudel Sudip , Halleran Andrew D. , Solini Grace E. , Gray Veronica , Saha Margaret S.
Published: April 2024

Background

Belonging to the Actinobacteria phylum, members of the Rhodococcus genus thrive in soil, water, and even intracellularly. While most species are non-pathogenic, several cause respiratory disease in animals and, more rarely, in humans. Over 100 phages that infect Rhodococcus species have been isolated but despite their importance for Rhodococcus ecology and biotechnology applications, little is known regarding the molecular genetic interactions between phage and host during infection. To address this need, we report RNA-Seq analysis of a novel Rhodococcus erythopolis phage, WC1, analyzing both the phage and host transcriptome at various stages throughout the infection process.

Results

By five minutes post-infection WC1 showed upregulation of a CAS-4 family exonuclease, putative immunity repressor, an anti-restriction protein, while the host showed strong upregulation of DNA replication, SOS repair, and ribosomal protein genes. By 30 min post-infection, WC1 DNA synthesis genes were strongly upregulated while the host showed increased expression of transcriptional and translational machinery and downregulation of genes involved in carbon, energy, and lipid metabolism pathways. By 60 min WC1 strongly upregulated structural genes while the host showed a dramatic disruption of metal ion homeostasis. There was significant expression of both host and phage non-coding genes at all time points. While host gene expression declined over the course of infection, our results indicate that phage may exert more selective control, preserving the host’s regulatory mechanisms to create an environment conducive for virion production.

Conclusions

The Rhodococcus genus is well recognized for its ability to synthesize valuable compounds, particularly steroids, as well as its capacity to degrade a wide range of harmful environmental pollutants. A detailed understanding of these phage-host interactions and gene expression is not only essential for understanding the ecology of this important genus, but will also facilitate development of phage-mediated strategies for bioremediation as well as biocontrol in industrial processes and biomedical applications. Given the current lack of detailed global gene expression studies on any Rhodococcus species, our study addresses a pressing need to identify tools and genes, such as F6 and rpf, that can enhance the capacity of Rhodococcus species for bioremediation, biosynthesis and pathogen control.
Incidence of intraoperative hypotension and its factors among adult traumatic head injury patients in comprehensive specialized hospitals, Northwest Ethiopia: a multicenter observational study
Authors: Zewdu Melaku , Mersha Abraham Tarekegn , Ashagre Henos Enyew , Arefayne Nurhusen Riskey , Tegegne Biresaw Ayen
Published: April 2024

Introduction

Traumatic head injury (THI) poses a significant global public health burden, often contributing to mortality and disability. Intraoperative hypotension (IH) during emergency neurosurgery for THI can adversely affect perioperative outcomes, and understanding associated risk factors is essential for prevention.

Method

A multi-center observational study was conducted from February 10 to June 30, 2022. A simple random sampling technique was used to select the study participants. Patient data were analyzed using bivariate and multivariate logistic regression to identify significant factors associated with intraoperative hypotension (IH). Odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals were used to show the strength of association, and P value < 0.05 was considered as statistically significant.

Result

The incidence of intra-operative hypotension was 46.41% with 95%CI (39.2,53.6). The factors were duration of anesthesia ≥ 135 min with AOR: 4.25, 95% CI (1.004,17.98), severe GCS score with AOR: 7.23, 95% CI (1.098,47.67), intracranial hematoma size ≥ 15 mm with AOR: 7.69, 95% CI (1.18,50.05), and no pupillary abnormality with AOR: 0.061, 95% CI (0.005,0.732).

Conclusion and recommendation

The incidence of intraoperative hypotension was considerably high. The duration of anesthesia, GCS score, hematoma size, and pupillary abnormalities were associated. The high incidence of IH underscores the need for careful preoperative neurological assessment, utilizing CT findings, vigilance for IH in patients at risk, and proactive management of IH during surgery. Further research should investigate specific mitigation strategies.
Management of hepatocellular carcinoma, an important cause of death in Japanese autoimmune hepatitis patients
Authors: Tadokoro Tomoko , Nomura Takako , Fujita Koji , Manabe Takushi , Takuma Kei , Nakahara Mai , Oura Kyoko , Mimura Shima , Tani Joji , Morishita Asahiro , Kobara Hideki , Ono Masafumi , Masaki Tsutomu
Published: April 2024

Background

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) was considered rare but is increasing with prolonged prognosis. Its impact on the overall prognosis of AIH is unknown, and treatment has not been established.

Aim

To investigate the risk factors and prognosis of HCC in patients with AIH and identify appropriate management strategies.

Methods

We studied patients with AIH including background liver disease, sex, age, complications, treatment, response to treatment, liver fibrosis, prognosis, and treatment.

Results

In 131 patients, deaths due to liver failure were more common early after the onset of AIH; however, deaths due to HCC increased gradually. HCC was observed in 12 patients (median age, 70 years; male/female, 4/8; cirrhosis at onset, 11; median time to carcinogenesis, 7 years). Cirrhosis at diagnosis was identified as a risk factor for carcinogenesis in the multivariate analysis (odds ratio, 41.36; p < 0.0001) and cumulative cancer rates were high. Multidisciplinary therapy other than immune checkpoint inhibitors was administered as treatment for HCC. Two of the three patients who used molecular-targeted drugs discontinued the treatment because of adverse events.

Conclusion

HCC is an important cause of death in patients with AIH. Currently available drug therapies are limited and early detection is desirable.

Trial registration

This trial was retrospectively registered in the Ethics Committee of Kagawa University School of Medicine under the identifier 2019 − 238, registered on 4 Feb 2020.
Dynamic contrast-enhanced MR imaging in identifying active anal fistula after surgery
Authors: Lu Weiping , Li Xiaoyan , Liang Wenwen , Chen Kai , Cao Xinyue , Zhou Xiaowen , Wang Ying , Huang Bingcang
Published: April 2024

Background

It is challenging to identify residual or recurrent fistulas from the surgical region, while MR imaging is feasible. The aim was to use dynamic contrast-enhanced MR imaging (DCE-MRI) technology to distinguish between active anal fistula and postoperative healing (granulation) tissue.

Methods

Thirty-six patients following idiopathic anal fistula underwent DCE-MRI. Subjects were divided into Group I (active fistula) and Group IV (postoperative healing tissue), with the latter divided into Group II (≤ 75 days) and Group III (> 75 days) according to the 75-day interval from surgery to postoperative MRI reexamination. MRI classification and quantitative analysis were performed. Correlation between postoperative time intervals and parameters was analyzed. The difference of parameters between the four groups was analyzed, and diagnostic efficiency was tested by receiver operating characteristic curve.

Results

Wash-in rate (WI) and peak enhancement intensity (PEI) were significantly higher in Group I than in Group II (p = 0.003, p = 0.040), while wash-out rate (WO), time to peak (TTP), and normalized signal intensity (NSI) were opposite (p = 0.031, p = 0.007, p = 0.010). Area under curves for discriminating active fistula from healing tissue within 75 days were 0.810 in WI, 0.708 in PEI, 0.719 in WO, 0.783 in TTP, 0.779 in NSI. All MRI parameters were significantly different between Group I and Group IV, but not between Group II and Group III, and not related to time intervals.

Conclusion

In early postoperative period, DCE-MRI can be used to identify active anal fistula in the surgical area.

Trial registration

Chinese Clinical Trial Registry: ChiCTR2000033072.
Refugee women’s and providers’ perceptions of person-centered maternity care: a qualitative study in two refugee camps in Chad
Authors: Ngarmbatedjimal Alexis , Abdelaziz Mahamat , Allambademel Vincent de Paul , Diarra Aminata , Djerambete Valentin , Kodjimadje Thérèse , Luketa Samy , Madjigoto Robert , Miangotar Yodé , Ndingayande Alladoum , Tamira Salomon , Varelis Theodora , Vourbane Katchebe , Casey Sara E.
Published: April 2024

Background

Globally, mistreatment of women during labor and delivery is a common human rights violation. Person-centered maternity care (PCMC), a critical component of quality of care, is respectful and responsive to an individual’s needs and preferences. Factors related to poor PCMC are often exacerbated in humanitarian settings.

Methods

We conducted a qualitative study to understand Sudanese refugee women’s experiences, including their perceptions of quality of care, during labor and delivery at the maternities in two refugee camps in eastern Chad, as well as maternity health workers’ perceptions of PCMC and how they could be better supported to provide this. In-depth interviews were conducted individually with 22 women who delivered in the camp maternities and five trained midwives working in the two maternities; and in six dyads with a total of 11 Sudanese refugee traditional birth attendants and one assistant midwife. In addition, facility assessments were conducted at each maternity to determine their capacity to provide PCMC.

Results

Overall, women reported positive experiences in the camp maternities during labor and delivery. Providers overwhelmingly defined respectful care as patient-centered and respect as being something fundamental to their role as health workers. While very few reported incidents of disrespect between providers and patients in the maternity, resource constraints, including overwork of the providers and overcrowding, resulted in some women feeling neglected.

Conclusions

Despite providers’ commitment to offering person-centered care and women’s generally positive experiences in this study, one of few that explored PCMC in a refugee camp, conflict and displacement exacerbates the conditions that contribute to mistreatment during labor and delivery. Good PCMC requires organizational emphasis and support, including adequate working conditions and ensuring suitable resources so health workers can effectively perform.
A radiomics signature derived from CT imaging to predict MSI status and immunotherapy outcomes in gastric cancer: a multi-cohort study
Authors: Zhan Peng-chao , Yang Shuo , Liu Xing , Zhang Yu-yuan , Wang Rui , Wang Jia-xing , Qiu Qing-ya , Gao Yu , Lv Dong-bo , Li Li-ming , Luo Cheng-long , Hu Zhi-wei , Li Zhen , Lyu Pei-jie , Liang Pan , Gao Jian-bo
Published: April 2024

Background

Accurate microsatellite instability (MSI) testing is essential for identifying gastric cancer (GC) patients eligible for immunotherapy. We aimed to develop and validate a CT-based radiomics signature to predict MSI and immunotherapy outcomes in GC.

Methods

This retrospective multicohort study included a total of 457 GC patients from two independent medical centers in China and The Cancer Imaging Archive (TCIA) databases. The primary cohort (n = 201, center 1, 2017–2022), was used for signature development via Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) and logistic regression analysis. Two independent immunotherapy cohorts, one from center 1 (n = 184, 2018–2021) and another from center 2 (n = 43, 2020–2021), were utilized to assess the signature’s association with immunotherapy response and survival. Diagnostic efficiency was evaluated using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), and survival outcomes were analyzed via the Kaplan-Meier method. The TCIA cohort (n = 29) was included to evaluate the immune infiltration landscape of the radiomics signature subgroups using both CT images and mRNA sequencing data.

Results

Nine radiomics features were identified for signature development, exhibiting excellent discriminative performance in both the training (AUC: 0.851, 95%CI: 0.782, 0.919) and validation cohorts (AUC: 0.816, 95%CI: 0.706, 0.926). The radscore, calculated using the signature, demonstrated strong predictive abilities for objective response in immunotherapy cohorts (AUC: 0.734, 95%CI: 0.662, 0.806; AUC: 0.724, 95%CI: 0.572, 0.877). Additionally, the radscore showed a significant association with PFS and OS, with GC patients with a low radscore experiencing a significant survival benefit from immunotherapy. Immune infiltration analysis revealed significantly higher levels of CD8 + T cells, activated CD4 + B cells, and TNFRSF18 expression in the low radscore group, while the high radscore group exhibited higher levels of T cells regulatory and HHLA2 expression.

Conclusion

This study developed a robust radiomics signature with the potential to serve as a non-invasive biomarker for GC’s MSI status and immunotherapy response, demonstrating notable links to post-immunotherapy PFS and OS. Additionally, distinct immune profiles were observed between low and high radscore groups, highlighting their potential clinical implications.
Unusual presentation of miliary tuberculosis in a 12-year-old girl: a case report
Authors: Kamali Mahsa , Navaeifar Mohammad Reza , Abbaskhanian Ali , Hajialibeig Azin , Godazandeh Farnaz , Salehpour Mahsa , Rezai Mohammad Sadegh
Published: April 2024

Background

Miliary tuberculosis (TB) is a lethal hematogenous spread form of mycobacterium tuberculosis with approximately 15–20% mortality rate in children. The present report highlights the clinical manifestations of an unusual presentation of miliary tuberculosis in a 12-year-old girl.

Case presentation

In this case, extensive lung involvement was presented despite the absence of respiratory symptoms. Also, some central hypo-intense with hyper-intense rim nodules were detected in the brain’s pons, right cerebral peduncles and lentiform nucleus.

Conclusion

The results of this study showed that severe miliary TB may occur even in a person who received the Bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine.
Making sense of COVID-19: manifestations of health capital during the pandemic
Authors: Bağcı Ş.Erhan , Erden Şengül , Yengel Begüm
Published: April 2024

Background

Grounded in Bourdieu's theory of human practice, this study aims to examine how individuals as social agents made sense of and acted upon their COVID-19 experiences. A recent conceptualization of health capital is utilized to explain the practices of patients in the pandemic, in relation to their biographical background.

Methods

This is a qualitative research in which the data were collected by biographical narrative interviews through a theoretical sampling approach. Eighteen interviews with COVID-19 patients were conducted and 8 of them were analyzed by the Documentary Method.

Results

The informants made sense of their illness experiences through their health capital, which is manifested in their self-perception of health, their attitudes towards the healthcare system, their conception of terms such as luck, their work status, and the gendered division of labour at home in the COVID-19 pandemic. All the manifestations are mediated by the social, cultural, and economic capital of the informants, and their habitual practices are based on their symbolic capital.

Conclusion

The study depicts how social agents’ health capital manifested in the pandemic, relying on their symbolic capital, and shaping their practices. Further research across diverse contexts is needed to fully understand extra dimensions of health capital as a descriptor of the social determinants of health.