bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Magnetohydrodynamic Mixed Convection Heat and Mass Transfer of Nanofluid Flow Over a Stretching Wedge-Shaped Surface with the Effect of Thermophoresis and Brownian Motion
Authors: Hani Umme , Ali Mohammad , Alam Mohammad Shah
Published: July 2023

The present study has been investigated to the consequence of the magnetic parameter, Grashof number, modified Grashof number, Prandtl number, thermal radiation parameter, Brownian motion parameter, thermophoresis parameter, heat generation parameter, Schmidt number, Biot number, stretching
parameter, Lewis number, and chemical reaction parameter, respectively, over a stretching wedge of the magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) BL nanofluid flow. The main goal of this paper is to numerically investigate the nature of the MHD BL nanofluid flow along a stretching wedge-shaped surface with
radiation, heat source, and chemical reaction parameters. The fundamental equations has been transformed into ordinary differential equations (ODEs) by the usual transformation. The numerical solutions are found by employing Runge-Kutta fourth-order method by exploiting symbolic software MATLAB
via the shooting method. The novelty of the current study is implicated in the area of fluid dynamics to solve nonlinear differential equations numerically and is an important contribution to the field of nanofluids flow. Numerical solutions reveal that the concerned physical parameters lead
to progress in the skin friction factor, rate of change of heat transfer as well as the rate of change of concentration. Brownian motion and thermophoresis parameters play a crucial role in the variation of temperature and concentration profiles and also in the development of thermal and concentration
boundary layers.
Second Law Investigation in a Non-Newtonian Liquid Flow in a Porous Channel with Circular Obstacle
Authors: Ghoudi N. , Mebarek-Oudina F. , Bouabid M. , Choudhari R. , Magherbi M.
Published: July 2023

The problem of non-Newtonian fluid flow has taken considerable interest and has been the subject of several work in latest years due to its various requests in different fields of engineering, in particular the interest in the problems of heat transfer in non-Newtonian liquids, such
as lubrication, hot rolling, cooling problem and drag reduction. Here, mixed convection heat transport and its related entropy production in a porous channel with circular obstacle saturated via non-Newtonian power law liquid has been scrutinized. The influences on entropy production of the
power law index, the Reynolds number, the Rayleigh number and the Darcy number are investigated. Being a novelty of this work, an optimization study of the thermodynamic irreversibility as a function of the channel inclination angle and the power law index is undertaken. The governing equations
of the problem are solved employing the COMSOL software. Outcomes illustrate that the governing parameters strongly affect the entropy production. The thermal entropy generation is maximal at low value of power law index and high value of Reynolds number. The effect of Reynolds number become
insignificant at relatively high power law index. At fixed Reynolds number value, a rise in the power index (n) leads to a reduce in the thermal entropy. This decrease is tiny, at low value of Reynolds number (Re) and turn into increasingly considerable as Re rises. The
streamlines show the existence of two recirculation zones just after the circular obstacle, whose existence depends on both Re and power law index. Results show that the greatest variation relating to the inclination angle is for power law index equal to 0.4. Results indicate also that,
at low Darcy number and relatively high power law index, the intrinsic effect of the modified Darcy number on Darcy viscous irreversibility become pronounced giving a sharp increase in the total entropy production.
Motives and Resources of Traditional Chinese Foreign Aid, 1949–1994
Authors: Bulut Cengiz Mert
Published: July 2023

Since the establishment of traditional Chinese foreign aid, the People’s Republic of China has participated as both a donor and a recipient in foreign aid mechanisms. This has become a major issue in international relations. Until the Export-Import Bank of China and the China Development Bank were established in 1994, Chinese foreign aid could be considered traditional. As the focus of this study, traditional Chinese foreign aid has gained a disparate place in the literature due to its high level of involvement with aid mechanisms, domestic economic resources and motivations. In particular, the relationship between the PRC’s foreign aid motivations and its economic resources showed how effectively mainland China applied the foreign aid mechanism, which has been one of the main issues of these international relations. This study examines the relationship between the different economic conditions and foreign aid motivations of the Mao Zedong and Deng Xiaoping periods and attempts to reveal certain continuities and changes between the two periods.
Reflections on the Second Administrative Reforms Commission: An Analysis of the Implementation of e-Governance Initiatives
Authors: Nahida Begum N.
Published: July 2023

Administrative Reforms Commission (ARC) was established by the Union Government of India to offer suggestions for the improvement of administrative machinery in India. This article focuses on the Second ARC’s Eleventh Report, which consists of recommendations on promoting e-Governance in India. The article emphasises the initiatives introduced by the Government of India to promote e-Governance and enhance civic engagement in the process of governance. These initiatives have been implemented, and some of them are in the process of implementation to promote good governance through the mechanism of e-Governance. It also highlights the implementation of the recommendations made by the ARC and the achievements and advancements made by the Bharatiya Janata Party Government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi in promoting e-Governance. The article analyses the various initiatives and offers suggestions for their improvement.
Towards Citizen-Centric Administration Through Decentralisation: Lessons from Gandhian Constitution for Free India
Authors: Khundrakpam Prakash , Sarmah Jayanta Krishna
Published: July 2023

Contemporary democracies have recognised that the traditional top-down administrative machinery needs to be reviewed in favour of a citizen-centric administration. The Second Administrative Reforms Commission (ARC) had produced a number of significant reports in this regard. In this context, this article looks at an alternative document, Gandhian Constitution for Free India, to draw lessons in decentralisation and citizen-centric administration. Through a comparative reading of The Gandhian Constitution in light of Gandhi’s life and ideas, and the extant administrative system in India, this article highlights the importance of Gandhi’s ideas of decentralisation for citizen-centric administration in contemporary times. From a Gandhian vantage point, this article provides a doctrinal defence of decentralisation as a characteristic of a perfect democracy. The article also revisits the extant constitutional and administrative scheme for decentralisation—political, administrative and judicial—and provides suggestions that could help upscale and appraise the process of citizen-centric administration through proper decentralisation.
Digital Technology and Brain Development
Authors: Srivastava Chhitij , Patkar Prajakta
Published: July 2023

The effects of digital technology on early brain development have been hotly debated for a long time. The COVID-19 pandemic increased these worries to a greater scale as it led to an inevitable surge in the use of digital technology across age groups. The risks and benefits of screens or gadgets are often discussed at length on multiple platforms. Technology has become a part of everyday life for humans of all age groups. Exposure to screens often starts in the first few months of life. It therefore becomes imperative to study the various ways by which it may affect the development of the human brain. Emerging clinical studies show that it may have a positive as well as negative effects on multiple aspects of brain development. In spite of the available research, there is no conclusive evidence to link the effects of digital technology with developmental disorders. The purpose of this review is to summarize the current evidence and conceptual understanding in this area.
Reclaiming heritage and citizenship: urban pre-colonial cultural heritage management and heritage grassroots organizations in Lima, Peru
Authors: Alexandrino Ocaña Grace
Published: July 2023

The material-centered cultural heritage management approach does not contemplate ordinary people’s closeness to heritage. Even after colonial relationships ended, colonial conceptions of what constitutes heritage drove national policy choices and state interventions regarding which elements of local history and culture should be valued and preserved and which could be destroyed and abandoned. Government rejection of non-elite populations and their connections to urban heritage resulted in the irrevocable destruction of important sites and traditions. But the rise of what I term heritage grassroots organizations (HGROs) has recently begun to reassert low-income and working-class citizens’ role in the recognition and preservation of heritage. Focusing on the emergence of HGROs in Lima, Peru, this article demonstrates how colonial heritage narratives formed, persisted, and have more recently been challenged by local populations whose daily lives are affected by materialist approaches to heritage. In doing so, these citizens simultaneously claim their rights to the past and to the city.
Effect of Determinants on Financial Leverage in FMCG Industry: An Empirical Study of Capital Structure Prior to COVID-19
Authors: Sisodia Anjali , Maheshwari G. C.
Published: July 2023

FMCG stands for fast-moving consumer goods industry, also known as consumer packaged goods, which refers to an industry engaged in the production of packaged food, cosmetics, household goods and other readily consumable items. This industry’s main characteristics reveal frequent purchases by consumers, high inventory turnover and a short shelf life. The FMCG industry is the fourth-largest sector in the Indian economy. This study is aimed at understanding the capital structure financing and investigating the relationship between the capital structure determinants and financial leverage of NIFTY FMCG companies from the year 2000 to 2018, prior to the COVID-19 breakdown health emergency. It has been stated in the World Bank report for 2019 that India is the seventh largest consumer market in the world, which includes elements like private consumption, investments and exports, thus encouraging the study of the capital structure of FMCG companies to be conducted. It is postulated that the capital structure determinants are profitability, growth opportunity, size, risk, non-debt tax shield, liquidity and asset structure. It is believed that liquidity is expected to play an important role as a capital structure determinant. Thus, an approach is developed to investigate the impact of capital structure determinants on the debt ratio of FMCG firms in the light of capital structure theories.
Is MGNREGA Inclusive of Scheduled Caste/Scheduled Tribe and Women? A Case Study of Haryana, India
Authors: Goyal Ankush , Kumar Rajender , Goyal Ankit
Published: July 2023

The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) is a plausible policy instrument to provide casual employment to the rural population in India, especially women, Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) groups. This study aimed to analyse the recent trends in the financial and physical progress of the MGNREG scheme in Haryana, India. It also explored how much the benefits of the MGNREG scheme have reached SCs, STs and women. The study was based on secondary data from the MGNREGA official website for 2016–2017 to 2020–2021. The results indicated that the performance of the Haryana state was not satisfactory at all in achieving the objective of providing a minimum of 100 days of employment because only a small fraction of households could complete 100 days of work from 2016–2017 to 2020–2021. Further, the participation of SC/ST households in the MGNREG scheme reduced over the years. It also found a year-on-year increase in women person-days during the first four years between 2016–2017 and 2019–2020 and slightly declined to 48.80% in 2020–2021. However, it was more than the statutory limit of 33% stipulated by the MGNREGA each year.
Book review: Yogesh Maitreya, Water in a Broken Pot: A Memoir
Authors: Waldekar Shivani
Published: July 2023

Yogesh Maitreya, Water in a Broken Pot: A Memoir (Haryana: Penguin Random House India Pvt. Ltd, 2023), 312 pp. ₹499, ISBN: 9780670095186 (Hardcover).
Basic life support awareness among medical undergraduate students in Syria, Iraq, and Jordan: a multicenter cross-sectional study
Authors: Alkarrash Mohamad Shadi , Shashaa Mohammad Nour , Kitaz Mohammad Nour , Rhayim Roaa , Ismail Mohammed , Swed Sarya , Hafez Wael , Kaadan M. Ihsan , Koumakli Hamzeh , Alhisah Nour , Al-Haider Ahmed , Al-salloum Samer , Cherrez-Ojeda Ivan
Published: July 2023

Background and aims

Basic life support (BLS) training rates vary widely worldwide, and there is a general scarcity of surveys that assess students’ knowledge and awareness of BLS in middle eastern nations. This study aims to evaluate medical students’ knowledge and awareness towards basic life support.

Methods

A cross-sectional study, using an online web-based questionnaire, assessing BLS awareness and knowledge, was conducted from 3 to 30 November 2021. The study included 2114 medical students from Syria, Iraq, and Jordan. The questionnaire consisted of three sections: demographic baseline characteristics, knowledge about BLS, and ability to apply basic life support. A binominal logistic regression was done between the total score and other demographic characteristics to determine if we could predict the research sample's appropriate knowledge of BLS level.

Results

There was a moderate knowledge of BLS and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) skills among participating students with an average score of 19.67 (0–34). Seventy-eight of the participants (1656) stated that they have not attended a basic life support course. There was a significant difference between the participants from different countries, where the mean score in Syria, Jordan, and Iraq was 18.3, 24.3, and 18.8, respectively (p < 0.05). Considering the level of knowledge, 18.3%, 72.8%, and 8.9% of the participants had a high, intermediate, and low level, respectively. Furthermore, students who took a BLS course had a higher level of knowledge than those who did not, with an odds ratio of 5.168 (p value < 0.0001).

Conclusion

The overall knowledge of medical students’ basic life support knowledge is insufficient and need to be greatly improved. According to this study, previous participation in basic life support training had a positive effect on knowledge level. As a result, universities must establish basic life support programs as quickly as possible.
eDNA of zooplankton reveals the ecological community thresholds for key environmental factors in the Baiyangdian Lake aquatic ecosystem
Authors: Chen Jingyi , Wang Shuping , Yan Zhenguang , Zhao Xin , Feng Meiping , Wang Jing , Zhou Quan
Published: July 2023

Background

The drastic change in an ecosystem as a threshold phenomenon caused by abrupt changes in environmental conditions is a focus of current ecological research. However, the study of ecological thresholds has generally been limited to estimating the threshold values of single factors. Using eDNA metabarcoding technology, we collected zooplankton data from Baiyangdian Lake, the largest freshwater lake in the North China Plain, to explore the zooplankton community distribution characteristics and the relevant environmental factors. We used Threshold Indicator Taxa Analysis (TITAN) to determine the thresholds of key environmental factors and to identify the factors influencing biological diversity.

Results

By comparing previous studies, we found that the zooplankton community composition based on eDNA metabarcoding was similar to that based on morphological methods, and that the data could be used to estimate ecological thresholds and assess risk conditions. Temperature (T), electrical conductivity (EC), and turbidity were the major environmental factors affecting the zooplankton community structure. The composition and structure of zooplankton communities in rivers and lakes were significantly different due to the influence of specific environmental factors. The results of TITAN analysis showed that there were different indicator species for T and EC in rivers and lakes. The protection thresholds of zooplankton in rivers were T = 19.0 °C and EC = 795 μS/cm, whereas the protection thresholds of zooplankton in lakes were T = 14.3 °C and EC = 1920 μS/cm. The overall values for the Baiyangdian watershed were T = 15.5 °C and EC = 1073 μS/cm. Compared with the field monitoring results, approximately 50% of the water quality index values at the sampling points in the Baiyangdian watershed exceeded the negative response threshold, indicating that Baiyangdian Lake was disturbed.

Conclusions

The validity of eDNA technology in biodiversity analysis was confirmed by the zooplankton community data from Baiyangdian Lake. The ecological thresholds derived by combining eDNA technology with Threshold Indicator Taxa Analysis (TITAN) are beneficial to the biological conservation of the region.
Selection of optimal quantile protein biomarkers based on cell-level immunohistochemistry data
Authors: Yi Misung , Zhan Tingting , Peck Amy R. , Hooke Jeffrey A. , Kovatich Albert J. , Shriver Craig D. , Hu Hai , Sun Yunguang , Rui Hallgeir , Chervoneva Inna
Published: July 2023

Background

Protein biomarkers of cancer progression and response to therapy are increasingly important for improving personalized medicine. Advanced quantitative pathology platforms enable measurement of protein expression in tissues at the single-cell level. However, this rich quantitative cell-by-cell biomarker information is most often not exploited. Instead, it is reduced to a single mean across the cells of interest or converted into a simple proportion of binary biomarker-positive or -negative cells.

Results

We investigated the utility of retaining all quantitative information at the single-cell level by considering the values of the quantile function (inverse of the cumulative distribution function) estimated from a sample of cell signal intensity levels in a tumor tissue. An algorithm was developed for selecting optimal cutoffs for dichotomizing cell signal intensity distribution quantiles as predictors of continuous, categorical or survival outcomes. The proposed algorithm was used to select optimal quantile biomarkers of breast cancer progression based on cancer cells’ cell signal intensity levels of nuclear protein Ki-67, Proliferating cell nuclear antigen, Programmed cell death 1 ligand 2, and Progesterone receptor. The performance of the resulting optimal quantile biomarkers was validated and compared to the standard cancer compartment mean signal intensity markers using an independent external validation cohort. For Ki-67, the optimal quantile biomarker was also compared to established biomarkers based on percentages of Ki67-positive cells. For proteins significantly associated with PFS in the external validation cohort, the optimal quantile biomarkers yielded either larger or similar effect size (hazard ratio for progression-free survival) as compared to cancer compartment mean signal intensity biomarkers.

Conclusion

The optimal quantile protein biomarkers yield generally improved prognostic value as compared to the standard protein expression markers. The proposed methodology has a broad application to single-cell data from genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, or metabolomics studies at the single cell level.
Recruitment into antibody prevalence studies: a randomized trial of postcards vs. letters as invitations
Authors: Ley Catherine , Duan Heying , Parsonnet Julie
Published: July 2023

Background

In a potential epidemic of an emerging infection, representative population-based serologic studies are required to determine the extent of immunity to the infectious agent, either from natural infection or vaccination. Recruitment strategies need to optimize response rates.

Methods

Within a seroepidemiologic study to determine the true burden of SARS-CoV2 infection in two Bay Area counties, we evaluated whether letter (L) or postcard (P) invitations with reminders were more effective at recruiting participant households. Using geographic, probability-based sampling, 9,999 representative addresses, split between Santa Clara and Solano counties, were randomized to receive an initial invitation (L or P); a randomized reminder mailing sent two weeks later to all non-respondents created four mailing type groups (L/L, L/P, P/L, P/P). Interested households provided contact information via survey to perform blood spot collection at home for testing and then receive SARS-CoV2 serology results. Comparison of demographics among respondents and non-respondents used census tract data.

Results

Receiving any reminder mailing increased household response rates from 4.2% to between 8–13% depending on mailing combination. Response rates from two letters were 71% higher than from two postcards (13.2% vs. 7.7%, OR = 1.83 [95% CI: 1.5–2.2]). Respondents were older, more educated and more likely white than non-respondents. Compared to Solano county, Santa Clara county had different demographics and increased household response rates (L/L: 15.7% vs 10.7%; P/P: 9.2% vs. 6.1%; p < 0.0001); the effect of mailing types, however, was the same (L/L vs. P/P: Santa Clara: OR = 1.83 [95% CI: 1.4–2.3]; Solano: OR = 1.84 [95% CI:1.4–2.5]).

Conclusion

Letters, as both invitations and reminders, are a more effective recruitment tool than postcards and should be considered when seeking a representative population-based sample for serological testing.
The experience of living with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: a qualitative evidence synthesis using meta-ethnography
Authors: Hannink Erin , Toye Francine , Newman Meredith , Barker Karen L.
Published: July 2023

Background

Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is a common spinal deformity with physical and psychosocial implications for adolescents. The aim of this qualitative evidence synthesis (QES) was to systematically search for, identify, and synthesise qualitative research in order to improve our understanding of what it is like to live with AIS and to facilitate empathetic and effective healthcare.

Methods

We systematically searched 4 databases (Medline, EMBASE, PsycINFO and CINAHL) and used the 7 phases of meta-ethnography to synthesise qualitative evidence including studies with children and adolescents, and additional viewpoints from parents about the experience of AIS.

Results

We distilled 7 themes. (1) Diagnosis turned time on its head revolves around the AIS diagnosis and the uncertainty of the future that accompanied it. (2) Usual activities no longer the same explores how activities and participation in everyday life are impacted by AIS. (3) Hiding my body describes the pervasive struggle with self-image and appearance. (4) I want to feel normal again explores adolescents’ desire to return to ‘normality’ and challenges of feeling different. (5) Balancing isolation and support considers the relationships in the adolescents’ lives alongside their feelings of isolation. (6) Trying to keep control of treatment decisions explores how adolescents and their parents strive to feel in control. (7) Fearing surgery yet feeling hopeful focused on the apprehension and fear around spinal surgery and the beacon of hope it represented.

Conclusions

Our QES contributes to the understanding of the adolescent experience of living with AIS. From our findings, clinicians can better understand the physical and psychosocial obstacles and the challenges faced throughout the journey of AIS to inform their clinical interactions with these patients.
Distribution of bone tunnel positions and treatment efficacy of bone landmark positioning method for anatomical reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament: a case control study
Authors: Dong Yan , Gao Yang , He Yuanming , Bao Beixi , Zhao Xue , Cui Peng
Published: July 2023

Background

This study aimed to investigate the distribution of femoral tunnel and explore the influences of bone tunnel positions on knee functions. The bone landmark positioning method was used to position the femoral tunnel during the anatomical reconstruction surgery in patients with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture.

Methods

Data of patients who underwent anatomical reconstruction of the ACL between January 2015 and July 2018, were retrospectively analyzed. The distribution of the femoral tunnel was recorded on 3-D CT after surgery. The tunnel positions were classified into good and poor position groups based on whether the position was in the normal range (24–37% on the x-axis and 28–43% on the y-axis). The Lysholm and IKDC scores, KT-1000 side-to-side difference, pivot shift test and Lachman test results of the knee joints were recorded, and then the differences in knee joint functions between the two groups were analyzed.

Results

84 eligible patients (84 knees) were finally included in this study. Twenty-two and 62 of the patients were categorized in the good and poor position groups, respectively, and the rate of good position was 26.2%. The distribution of bone tunnel was as follows: (x-axis) deep position in 10 patients (12%), normal position in 58 patients (69%), and shallow position in 16 patients (19%); (y-axis) high position in 54 patients (64%), normal position in 26 patients (31%), and low position in 4 patients (5%). 1 year later, the Lysholm and IKDC scores were significantly better in the good position group (P < 0.05), the KT-1000 side to side difference, the pivot shift test and Lachman test results were better in the good position group (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

The bone tunnels were found to be distributed in and beyond the normal range using the bone landmark method to position the femoral tunnel in the single-bundle anatomical reconstruction of ACL, while the rate of good bone tunnel position was low. The knee joint function scores and stability were lower in patients with poor position of the femoral tunnel.
Improving serious illness communication: a qualitative study of clinical culture
Authors: Paladino Joanna , Sanders Justin J. , Fromme Erik K. , Block Susan , Jacobsen Juliet C. , Jackson Vicki A. , Ritchie Christine S. , Mitchell Suzanne
Published: July 2023

Objective

Communication about patients’ values, goals, and prognosis in serious illness (serious illness communication) is a cornerstone of person-centered care yet difficult to implement in practice. As part of Serious Illness Care Program implementation in five health systems, we studied the clinical culture-related factors that supported or impeded improvement in serious illness conversations.

Methods

Qualitative analysis of semi-structured interviews of clinical leaders, implementation teams, and frontline champions.

Results

We completed 30 interviews across palliative care, oncology, primary care, and hospital medicine. Participants identified four culture-related domains that influenced serious illness communication improvement: (1) clinical paradigms; (2) interprofessional empowerment; (3) perceived conversation impact; (4) practice norms. Changes in clinicians’ beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors in these domains supported values and goals conversations, including: shifting paradigms about serious illness communication from ‘end-of-life planning’ to ‘knowing and honoring what matters most to patients;’ improvements in psychological safety that empowered advanced practice clinicians, nurses and social workers to take expanded roles; experiencing benefits of earlier values and goals conversations; shifting from avoidant norms to integration norms in which earlier serious illness discussions became part of routine processes. Culture-related inhibitors included: beliefs that conversations are about dying or withdrawing care; attitudes that serious illness communication is the physician’s job; discomfort managing emotions; lack of reliable processes.

Conclusions

Aspects of clinical culture, such as paradigms about serious illness communication and inter-professional empowerment, are linked to successful adoption of serious illness communication. Further research is warranted to identify effective strategies to enhance clinical culture and drive clinician practice change.
Nanovaccine-based strategies for lymph node targeted delivery and imaging in tumor immunotherapy
Authors: He Ao , Li Xiaoye , Dai Zhuo , Li Qiang , Zhang Yu , Ding Meng , Wen Zhi-fa , Mou Yongbin , Dong Heng
Published: July 2023

Therapeutic tumor vaccines have attracted considerable attention in the past decade; they can induce tumor regression, eradicate minimal residual disease, establish lasting immune memory and avoid non-specific and adverse side effects. However, the challenge in the field of therapeutic tumor vaccines is ensuring the delivery of immune components to the lymph nodes (LNs) to activate immune cells. The clinical response rate of traditional therapeutic tumor vaccines falls short of expectations due to inadequate lymph node delivery. With the rapid development of nanotechnology, a large number of nanoplatform-based LN-targeting nanovaccines have been exploited for optimizing tumor immunotherapies. In addition, some nanovaccines possess non-invasive visualization performance, which is benefit for understanding the kinetics of nanovaccine exposure in LNs. Herein, we present the parameters of nanoplatforms, such as size, surface modification, shape, and deformability, which affect the LN-targeting functions of nanovaccines. The recent advances in nanoplatforms with different components promoting LN-targeting are also summarized. Furthermore, emerging LNs-targeting nanoplatform-mediated imaging strategies to both improve targeting performance and enhance the quality of LN imaging are discussed. Finally, we summarize the prospects and challenges of nanoplatform-based LN-targeting and /or imaging strategies, which optimize the clinical efficacy of nanovaccines in tumor immunotherapies.
Self-polymerized platinum (II)-Polydopamine nanomedicines for photo-chemotherapy of bladder Cancer favoring antitumor immune responses
Authors: Mo Ren , Dawulieti Jianati , Chi Ning , Wu Ziping , Yun Zhizhong , Du Jianjun , Li Xinhua , Liu Junfeng , Xie Xiaochun , Xiao Kai , Chen Fangman , Shao Dan , Ma Kewei
Published: July 2023

Systemic administration of platinum-based drugs has obvious limitations in the treatment of advanced bladder cancer (BC) owing to lower tumor accumulation and uncontrolled release of chemotherapeutics. There is an urgent need for advanced strategies to overcome the current limitations of platinum-based chemotherapy, to achieve maximal therapeutic outcomes with reduced side effects. In this study, self-polymerized platinum (II)-polydopamine nanocomplexes (PtPDs) were tailored for efficient chemo-photoimmunotherapy of BC. PtPDs with high Pt loading content (11.3%) were degradable under the combination of a reductive tumor microenvironment and near-infrared (NIR) light irradiation, thus controlling the release of Pt ions to achieve efficient chemotherapy. In addition, polydopamine promoted stronger photothermal effects to supplement platinum-based chemotherapy. Consequently, PtPDs provided effective chemo-photothermal therapy of MB49 BC in vitro and in vivo, strengthening the immunogenic cell death (ICD) effect and robust anti-tumoral immunity response. When combined with a PD-1 checkpoint blockade, PtPD-based photochemotherapy evoked systemic immune responses that completely suppressed primary and distant tumor growth without inducing systemic toxicities. Our work provides a highly versatile approach through metal-dopamine self-polymerization for the precise delivery of metal-based chemotherapeutic drugs, and may serve as a promising nanomedicine for efficient and safe platinum-based chemotherapy for BC.
CPA-Cas12a-based lateral flow strip for portable assay of Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in clinical sample
Authors: Wu Jiangling , Huang Yu , Ding Xiaojuan , Kang Lina , Wang Xiaoliang , Li Dandan , Cheng Wei , Liu Gang , Xue Jianjiang , Ding Shijia
Published: July 2023

The rapid and accurate identification of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus at an early antibiotic therapy stage would be benefit to disease diagnosis and antibiotic selection. Herein, we integrated cross-priming amplification (CPA) and CRISPR/Cas 12a (designated as CPA-Cas 12a) systems to establish a sensitive and efficient lateral flow assay to detect methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. This assay relies on the CPA isothermal nucleic acid amplification strategy which can amplify the DNA extracted from Staphylococcus aureus and accompanying the indiscriminately trans-cleavage process of Cas 12a/CrRNA duplex after recognizing specific sequence. Taking the advantage of reporter and high turnover Cas 12a activity, a dramatic change in response was achieved to produce a significant increase in the analytical sensitivity. The signal conversion and output were realized using a lateral flow strip to achieve field-deployable detection. Furthermore, this bioassay was accommodated with a microfluidic device to realize automatically portable detection. This proposed assay completed within 30 min with the detection limit of 5 CFU mL-1, was verified by testing bacterial suspension and 202 clinical samples. Given the high sensitivity, specificity and efficiency, this colorimetric readout assay through strip could be further promoted to the clinical diagnosis, clinical medication of multidrug-resistant bacteria.
Emerging role of non-coding RNAs in neuroinflammation mediated by microglia and astrocytes
Authors: Yang Ruicheng , Yang Bo , Liu Wei , Tan Chen , Chen Huanchun , Wang Xiangru
Published: July 2023

Neuroinflammation has been implicated in the initiation and progression of several central nervous system (CNS) disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, multiple sclerosis, ischemic stroke, traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, viral encephalitis, and bacterial encephalitis. Microglia and astrocytes are essential in neural development, maintenance of synaptic connections, and homeostasis in a healthy brain. The activation of astrocytes and microglia is a defense mechanism of the brain against damaged tissues and harmful pathogens. However, their activation triggers neuroinflammation, which can exacerbate or induce CNS injury. Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) are functional RNA molecules that lack coding capabilities but can actively regulate mRNA expression and function through various mechanisms. ncRNAs are highly expressed in astrocytes and microglia and are potential mediators of neuroinflammation. We reviewed the recent research progress on the role of miRNAs, lncRNAs, and circRNAs in regulating neuroinflammation in various CNS diseases. Understanding how these ncRNAs affect neuroinflammation will provide important therapeutic insights for preventing and managing CNS dysfunction.
Viral etiologies of lower respiratory tract infections in children < 5 years of age in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: a prospective case–control study
Authors: Wadilo Fiseha , Feleke Adey , Gebre Meseret , Mihret Wude , Seyoum Tamrayehu , Melaku Kalkidan , Howe Rawliegh , Mulu Andargachew , Mihret Adane
Published: July 2023

Background

Lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs) are a major cause of morbidity and mortality in children worldwide and disproportionally affect Sub-Saharan Africa. Despite the heaviest burden of LRIs in Ethiopia, to date, no published studies have reported a comprehensive viral etiology of LRTIs among children in Ethiopia. The objective of this study was to determine and estimate the etiological contribution of respiratory viruses to LRTIs in < 5 years children in Ethiopia.

Methods

A prospective case–control study was conducted from September 2019 to May 2022 in two major governmental hospitals, St. Paul Hospital Millennium Medical College and ALERT Hospital in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Nasopharyngeal/oropharyngeal samples and socio-demographic and clinical information were collected from children under 5 years. A one-step Multiplex real-time PCR (Allplex™ Respiratory Panel Assays 1–3) was done to detect respiratory viruses. STATA software version 17 was used for the data analysis. We computed the odds ratio (OR), the attributable fraction among exposed (AFE) and the population attributable fraction (PAF) to measure the association of the detected viruses with LRTIs.

Results

Overall, 210 LRTIs cases and 210 non-LRTI controls were included in the study. The likelihood of detecting one or more viruses from NP/OP was higher among cases than controls (83.8% vs. 50.3%, p = 0.004). The multivariate logistic regression showed a significantly higher detection rate for RSV A (OR: 14.6, 95% CI 4.1–52.3), RSV B (OR: 8.1, 95% CI 2.3–29.1), influenza A virus (OR: 5.8, 95% CI 1.5–22.9), and PIV 1 (OR: 4.3, 95% CI 1.1–16.4), among cases when compared with controls. The overall AFE and PAF for RSV A were (93.2% and 17.3%), RSV B (87.7% and 10.4%) and Influenza A virus (82.8% and 6.3%), respectively. The mean CT values were significantly lower for only RSV B detected in the case groups as compared with the mean CT values of RSV B detected in the control group (p = 0.01).

Conclusions

RSV, Influenza A and PIV 1 viruses were significantly associated with LRTIs in < 5 years children in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Therefore, we underscore the importance of developing prevention strategies for these viruses in Ethiopia and support the importance of developing and introducing an effective vaccine against these viruses.
Effect of the decreased frequency of going out on the association between anxiety and sleep disorder during the COVID-19 pandemic: a mediation analysis
Authors: Sugawara Yumi , Yabe Yutaka , Hagiwara Yoshihiro , Tsuji Ichiro
Published: July 2023

Purpose

The objective of the present study was to examine the relationship between anxiety and sleep disorder during the COVID-19 pandemic and to evaluate whether sleep disorder is mediated by the decreased frequency of going out.

Methods

The data of a total of 1976 residents aged 18 years and over who had responded to a self-reported questionnaires at a health survey in 2020 were analyzed. The subjects were divided into four groups based on their response to the questionnaire on anxiety about the COVID-19 pandemic. Sleep disorder was measured using the Athens Insomnia Scale (AIS). A cross-sectional analysis was performed to examine the association between anxiety about the COVID-19 pandemic and AIS scores. Mediation analysis was used to calculate the association between anxiety and AIS scores during the COVID-19 pandemic, with decreased frequency of going out as a potential mediating variable.

Results

In the cross-sectional study, the level of anxiety about the COVID-19 pandemic was significantly associated with the AIS score (p < 0.001). On mediation analysis, the direct effect of the relationship showed that anxiety positively influenced AIS scores (β = 0.283, p < 0.01). The indirect effect of the relationship showed that the decreased frequency of going out positively mediated the relationship between anxiety and AIS scores (β = 0.342, p < 0.05). The decreased frequency of going out accounted for almost 10% of the AIS score.

Conclusion

The present study found that anxiety about the COVID-19 pandemic was significantly associated with sleep disorder, with the decreased frequency of going out mediating this association.
Research progress on long non-coding RNAs for spinal cord injury
Authors: Zhong Musen , Fan Guangya , An Zhongcheng , Chen Chen , Dong Liqiang
Published: July 2023

Spinal cord injury is a complex central nervous system disease with an unsatisfactory prognosis, often accompanied by multiple pathological processes. However, the underlying mechanisms of action of this disease are unclear, and there are no suitable targeted therapeutic options. Long non-coding RNA mediates a variety of neurological diseases and regulates various biological processes, including apoptosis and autophagy, inflammatory response, microenvironment, and oxidative stress. It is known that long non-coding RNAs have significant differences in gene expression in spinal cord injury. To further understand the mechanism of long non-coding RNA action in spinal cord injury and develop preventive and therapeutic strategies regarding spinal cord injury, this review outlines the current status of research between long non-coding RNAs and spinal cord injury and potential long non-coding RNAs targeting spinal cord injury.
Biodegradable magnesium screw, titanium screw and direct embedding fixation in pedicled vascularized iliac bone graft transfer for osteonecrosis of the femoral head: a randomized controlled study
Authors: Sun Jiahao , Li Zhipeng , Liu Shaowei , Xia Tianwei , Shen Jirong
Published: July 2023

Background

The use of degradable magnesium screws to fix the bone flap implanted in the treatment of femoral head necrosis has achieved preliminary good therapeutic results. However, there is no conclusive evidence in the study to demonstrate whether biodegradable magnesium screws promote angiogenesis and no comparison has been made between degradable magnesium screws and traditional screws.

Objective

To investigate the clinical efficacy and safety of biodegradable magnesium screws in pedicled vascularized iliac bone graft transfer (PVIBGT) for osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH).

Materials and methods

A total of thirty-six patients (37 hips) with ONFH were recruited from March 2020 to July 2022. The study used a single-blind method, and patients who underwent PVIBGT were randomized into three groups: 12 patients (12 hips) were fixed with biodegradable magnesium screws (Group A), 12 patients (13 hips) were fixed with titanium screws (Group B), 12 patients (12 hips) were directly embedded (Group C). The operating time and the length of stay were recorded. Harris scores, radiological examinations (X-ray, CT, DCE-MRI), blood and serum tests were conducted before and after surgery. The gas yield and degradation rates of the magnesium screws were measured at the 3-months and 6-months post-operative follow-ups in Group A.

Results

There was no statistically significant difference among these three groups in terms of types, gender, age, course of disease, surgical side, operation time, the length of stay (P > 0.05). All patients were followed up for 6 months. The mean Harris scores were higher in all groups 6 months after surgery (P < 0.05). The rates of excellent and good outcomes were 66.7%, 46.2%, and 33.3% in Groups A, B, and C, respectively. PVIBGT and magnesium screws can improve the blood supply of the femoral head via DCE-MRI evaluation. Two patients with poor incision healing received prompt treatment and subsequently recovered well. No adverse events, such as hip infection or deep vein thrombosis, were reported in the patients. The patients had good biocompatibility of magnesium screws, and no fracture of the magnesium screws was observed in Group A. Liver and kidney functions (including serum magnesium) were within normal ranges. The area of the intermuscular air space was 0 cm2 in follow-ups. The degradation rate of the biodegradable magnesium screws was approximately 10.32% at the 3-months follow-up and 13.72% at the 6-months follow-up.

Conclusions

PVIBGT has a positive effect, especially with regard to improving blood supply of the femoral head. The fixation of biodegradable magnesium screws is reliable and safe in PVIBGT, and promote angiogenesis.
Cutaneous metastasis as a first presentation of lung carcinoma: a case series
Authors: Sakhri Saida , Zemni Ines , Ayadi Mohamed Ali , Naija Lamia , Boujelbene Nadia , Ben Dhiab Tarek
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Cutaneous metastases (CM) revealing lung carcinoma are extremely rare, accounting for 0.8%. The diagnosis is guided by histology and immunohistochemistry. Treatment is palliative. The prognosis is poor.

Case presentation

This is a retrospective study of the available clinical and histological records of four North African patients with CM revealing lung cancer treated at our institute between 2004 and 2010. Three men and one woman were registered. The mean age was 54.5 years (38–74 years). Two patients had primary adenocarcinoma, one patient had small cell carcinoma and one had squamous cell carcinoma. Treatment was based on chemotherapy in two cases and antalgic radiotherapy in two cases, one patient underwent surgical resection as the lesion was infected. The overall survival after diagnosis was between one and four months.

Conclusions

A skin nodule can be the first symptom revealing lung cancer. A rare clinical presentation that should not be taken for a benign nodule, the biopsy and histological study with immunohistochemistry confirm the diagnosis.
Speech therapy for transgender women: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Schwarz Karine , Cielo Carla Aparecida , Spritzer Poli Mara , Villas-Boas Anna Paula , Costa Angelo Brandelli , Fontanari Anna Martha Vaitses , Costa Gomes Bruna , da Silva Dhiordan Cardoso , Schneider Maiko Abel , Lobato Maria Inês Rodrigues
Published: July 2023

Background

We systematically reviewed the literature and performed a meta-analysis on the effects of speech therapy and phonosurgery, for transgender women, in relation to the fundamental frequency gain of the voice, regarding the type of vocal sample collected, and we compared the effectiveness of the treatments. In addition, the study design, year, country, types of techniques used, total therapy time, and vocal assessment protocols were analyzed.

Methods

We searched the PubMed, Lilacs, and SciELO databases for observational studies and clinical trials, published in English, Portuguese, or Spanish, between January 2010 and January 2023. The selection of studies was carried out according to Prisma 2020. The quality of selected studies was assessed using the Newcastle–Ottawa scale.

Results

Of 493 studies, 31 were deemed potentially eligible and retrieved for full-text review and 16 were included in the systematic review and meta-analysis. Six studies performed speech therapy and ten studies phonosurgery. The speech therapy time did not influence the post-treatment gain in voice fundamental frequency (p = 0.6254). The type of sample collected significantly influenced the post-treatment voice frequency gain (p < 0.01). When the vocal sample was collected through vowel (p < 0.01) and reading (p < 0.01), the gain was significantly more heterogeneous between the different types of treatment. Phonosurgery is significantly more effective in terms of fundamental frequency gain compared to speech therapy alone, regardless of the type of sample collected (p < 0.01). The average gain of fundamental frequency after speech therapy, in the /a/ vowel sample, was 27 Hz, 39.05 Hz in reading, and 25.42 Hz in spontaneous speech. In phonosurgery, there was a gain of 71.68 Hz for the vowel /a/, 41.07 Hz in reading, and 39.09 Hz in spontaneous speech. The study with the highest gain (110 Hz) collected vowels, and the study with the lowest gain (15 Hz), spontaneous speech. The major of the included studies received a score between 4 and 8 on the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale.

Conclusion

The type of vocal sample collected influences the gain result of the fundamental frequency after treatment. Speech therapy and phonosurgery increased the fundamental frequency and improved female voice perception and vocal satisfaction. However, phonosurgery yielded a greater fundamental frequency gain in the different samples collected. The study protocol was registered at Prospero (CRD42017078446).