bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A two-dimensional method for radial turbine volute design - Part 2: Circumferentially non-uniform boundary condition
Authors: Li Chao , Chen Hua , Wang Yu , Wu Guitao
Published: November 2024

The design of radial inflow turbine volute is directly related to the overall performance of the turbine, but due to the asymmetry of its three-dimensional structure, the design method of the volute is still backward relatively to that of turbine rotor. To make the downstream flow of the volute more uniform, the existing one-dimensional and two-dimensional volute design methods generally assume that the mass flow at the volute outlet is uniformly distributed in the circumferential direction. But this hypothesis ignores the existence of the tongue, and inevitably leads to a significantly nonuniform mass flow distribution at the outlet, which imposes a strong excitation to downstream rotor, and can potentially cause high cycle fatigue (HCF) of the rotor. This paper proposes a way to consider the influence of the volute tongue in volute design. A newly published two-dimensional design method is expanded to allow non-uniform circumferential boundary conditions at volute discharge: the mass flow distribution at the discharge is adjusted before and after the volute tongue to reduce the negative influence of the tongue. Three different volutes were designed by this new technique. An experimentally validated numerical method was then used to verify the turbine performance, and it is found that the volutes designed with the non-uniform circumferential boundary conditions indeed reduce the fluctuation of the flow parameters at the volute exit as well as the excitation force on the rotor blades.
Safety Assessment of Alkyl Amide MIPA Ingredients as Used in Cosmetics
Authors: Akinsulie Alice , Bergfeld Wilma F. , Belsito Donald V. , Klaassen Curtis D. , Liebler Daniel C. , Marks James G. , Peterson Lisa A. , Shank Ronald C. , Slaga Thomas J. , Snyder Paul W. , Fiume Monice , Heldreth Bart
Published: November 2024

The Expert Panel for Cosmetic Ingredient Safety (Panel) assessed the safety of 14 alkyl amide MIPA ingredients as used in cosmetics. All of these ingredients are reported to function in cosmetics as a surfactant – foam booster and/or viscosity increasing agent. The Panel considered the available data, as well as data on read-across sources, and concluded these ingredients are safe in cosmetics in the present practices of use and concentration described in this safety assessment when formulated to be non-irritating.
Recherche sur ou recherche de la mise en œuvre ?
Authors: Ridde Valéry , Dagenais Christian
Published: November 2024

La qualité de la mise en œuvre d’une intervention de promotion de la santé est essentielle pour garantir son adaptation au contexte et aux besoins des populations. Pourtant, elle est encore négligée dans les recherches. Alors qu’elle est entreprise depuis les années 1930 dans l’étude des politiques publiques, le domaine de la santé fait face à une prolifération de termes qui ne facilite pas son enseignement et son organisation. Ce commentaire montre qu’il n’existe pas de différence notoire entre la recherche sur la mise en œuvre ( implementation science) et la recherche de mise en œuvre ( implementation research). Plutôt qu’un débat sémantique, il est important de rendre cette analyse plus systématique avec des démarches scientifiques et interdisciplinaires. La recherche concernant la mise en œuvre d’une intervention de promotion de la santé doit chercher à comprendre comment rendre nos actions plus équitables et plus efficaces.
Do norm-based appeals affect the acceptance of the singular use of they/them pronouns?
Authors: Bolsen Toby , Thornton Judd R.
Published: November 2024

The singular use of they/them pronouns to refer to gender-nonconforming persons is growingly accepted grammar in the English language. Yet Americans’ comfort and willingness to use gender-neutral pronouns are divided along partisan lines. It is important to better understand potential ways to influence people’s acceptance with the use of gender-neutral pronouns given the psychological harm that misgendering a person can induce. In this paper, we report the results from a pre-registered survey experiment on a large and nationally representative sample in the U.S. to investigate how normative messages encouraging the use of they/them pronouns influences people’s comfort using gender-neutral pronouns and willingness to state their personal pronouns. We also examine the downstream effects of these messages on expressions of tolerance/prejudice towards people who identify as transgender. We find, counter to our hypotheses, that normative messages do not depolarize the public and can sometimes backfire and increase existing divisions, largely due to shifts observed among Republicans, independents, and men.
Personality and Presentation of Depression Symptoms: A Preliminary Examination of the Pathoplasticity Model
Authors: Olino Thomas M. , Schlechter Pascal , Klein Daniel N. , Kotov Roman , Seeley John R.
Published: November 2024

The pathoplasty model posits that personality influences the manifestation of psychopathology but has rarely tested the influence on the symptomatic expression of depression. We tested pathoplastic effects of personality on depressive symptoms in five cross-sectional samples varying in age, specific measures of personality, and specific measures of depression. Tests of pathoplastic effects were conducted using moderated nonlinear factor analysis. Across samples, we found little evidence for pathoplastic effects of personality on depressive symptoms. We found minimal evidence that personality is associated with the structure of the depression construct (i.e., loadings to indicators). Lower levels of positive emotionality were associated with greater likelihood of endorsing sleep problems, beyond the influence of overall depression severity, but was inconsistent across sleep items. Although we found minimal influence of personality on depression symptom manifestation, longitudinal work can examine similar issues in younger and older samples and examine more dimensions of personality.
Primary Repair of Chronic Quadriceps Tendon Rupture With Dermal Allograft Augmentation: Surgical Technique and Case Review
Authors: Miller Jordan , Park SeHoon , Urness Daniel , Ayala Alfonso , Bratton Anthony
Published: November 2024

Background:

Repair of chronic quadriceps tendon ruptures has high rates of rerupture and extensor lag. Dermal allograft augmentation of tendon repairs has shown to increase repair strength and healing rates.

Indications:

We supplement primary quadriceps repair with dermal allograft augmentation in cases where tissue degeneration has occurred secondary to a subacute or chronic nature to help facilitate incorporation of the tendon tissue to bone.

Technique Description:

The patient is a 30-year-old man who presented with a chronic quadriceps tendon rupture. Intraoperatively, the quadriceps tendon excursion was found to be adequate for primary repair. Two sets of fiber tapes were used to secure the quad tendon with Krackow stitches and were loaded onto 2 suture anchors and placed in the proximal pole of the patella. The medial and lateral anchor sutures and loops were fed through the medial and lateral aspects of the dermal allograft, respectively. To secure the dermal allograft, the stay suture from the medial anchor was passed through the knotless mechanism of the lateral anchor and vice versa. This allowed for a broad area of direct compression of the allograft against the site of repair at the tendon bone interface between the 2 anchors.

Results:

Chronic quadriceps tendon repairs are known to have poor outcomes with up to 10% rerupture rates and extensor lag of more than 5° in 22% of cases. Several studies have shown that dermal allograft augmentation of tendon repairs increases pullout strength, maximum load to failure, and healing rates.

Discussion/Conclusion:

Dermal allograft augmentations of chronic quadriceps rupture repair provide a scaffolding for cellular migration and collagen formation to help solidify the bone-tendon interface and may prove useful in addressing the reported high rates of rerupture and extensor lag.

Patient Consent Disclosure Statement:

The author(s) attests that consent has been obtained from any patient(s) appearing in this publication. If the individual may be identifiable, the author(s) has included a statement of release or other written form of approval from the patient(s) with this submission for publication.
Pulmonary gas exchange in relation to exercise pulmonary hypertension in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction
Authors: Balmain Bryce N. , Tomlinson Andrew R. , Goh Josh T. , MacNamara James P. , Wakeham Denis J. , Brazile Tiffany L. , Leahy Michael G. , Lutz Kevin C. , Hynan Linda S. , Levine Benjamin D. , Sarma Satyam , Babb Tony G.
Published: November 2024

Background

Exercise pulmonary hypertension, defined as a mean pulmonary arterial pressure (mPAP)/cardiac output (Q̇c) slope >3 WU during exercise, is common in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). However, the pulmonary gas exchange-related effects of an exaggerated exercise pulmonary hypertension (EePH) response are not well defined, especially in relation to dyspnoea on exertion and exercise intolerance.

Methods

48 HFpEF patients underwent invasive (pulmonary and radial artery catheters) constant-load (20 W) and maximal incremental cycle testing. Haemodynamic measurements (mPAP andQ̇c), arterial blood and expired gases, and ratings of perceived breathlessness (Borg 0–10 scale) were obtained. The mPAP/Q̇cslope was calculated from rest to 20 W. Those with a mPAP/Q̇cslope ≥4.2 (median) were classified as HFpEF+EePH (n=24) and those with a mPAP/Q̇cslope <4.2 were classified as HFpEF (without EePH) (n=24). The alveolar–arterial oxygen tension difference, dead space to tidal volume ratio (Bohr equation) and the minute ventilation to carbon dioxide production slope (from rest to 20 W) were calculated.

Results

Arterial oxygen tension was lower (p=0.03) and dead space to tidal volume ratio was higher (p=0.03) at peak exercise in HFpEF+EePH than in HFpEF. The alveolar–arterial oxygen tension difference was similar at peak exercise between groups (p=0.14); however, patients with HFpEF+EePH achieved the peak alveolar–arterial oxygen tension difference at a lower peak work rate (p<0.01). The minute ventilation to carbon dioxide production slope was higher in HFpEF+EePH than in HFpEF (p=0.01). Perceived breathlessness was ≥1 unit higher at 20 W and peak oxygen uptake was lower (p<0.01) in HFpEF+EePH than in HFpEF.

Conclusions

These data suggest that EePH contributes to pulmonary gas exchange impairments during exercise by causing a ventilation/perfusion mismatch that provokes both ventilatory inefficiency and hypoxaemia, both of which seem to contribute to dyspnoea on exertion and exercise intolerance in patients with HFpEF.
Generalizability of pharmaceutical randomized controlled trial eligibility criteria for progressive pulmonary fibrosis
Authors: Khor Yet H. , Johannson Kerri A. , Marcoux Veronica , Fisher Jolene H. , Assayag Deborah , Manganas Helene , Khalil Nasreen , Marinescu Daniel-Costin , Muller Nestor L. , Kolb Martin , Ryerson Christopher J.
Published: November 2024

Background

Progressive pulmonary fibrosis (PFF) is of substantial interest for novel pharmacotherapy discovery, but little is known about clinical trial eligibility criteria. We evaluated eligibility criteria of PPF randomized controlled trials (RCTs), their representativeness in registry patients, and forced vital capacity (FVC) changes and mortality according to trial eligibility.

Methods

A systematic search was used to identify completed and in-progress phase II and III PPF RCTs.Common clinical trial eligibility criteriaused in ≥60% of previous PPF RCTs were identified. The most common criteria for PPF used in RCTs (“trial-PPF criteria”) and the clinical practice guideline definition of PPF (“guideline-PPF criteria”) were both applied to patients enrolled in a prospective multicenter Canadian registry. Common trial eligibility criteria were tested for their frequency and association with health outcomes in registry patients who met trial-PPF and guideline-PPF criteria.

Results

Ten different definitions of PPF were used in 16 RCTs. At the time of meeting PPF definitions, 50% of 864 patients with trial-PPF and 44% of 408 patients with guideline-PPF met the common trial eligibility criteria. For both definitions, trial-eligible patients had more rapid 1-year FVC decline but better transplant-free survival than trial-ineligible patients. Patients with unclassifiable interstitial lung disease (ILD) had higher proportion of trial exclusion compared to those with connective tissue disease-associated ILD and fibrotic hypersensitivity pneumonitis. Annual FVC decline (trial-PPF: −67 to −21 mL; guideline-PPF: −116 to −41 mL) and 1-year transplant-free survival (trial-PPF: 90.5 to 97.5%; guideline-PPF: 87 to 96.2%) varied in trial-eligible patients across ILD subtypes.

Conclusions

Existing RCTs use a variety of definitions for PPF with eligibility criteria that have limited representativeness. FVC decline and transplant-free survival vary according to trial eligibility and ILD subtypes.
Causes of ventilatory inefficiency in lung resection candidates
Authors: Bartos Stepan , Svoboda Michal , Brat Kristian , Lukes Marek , Predac Adam , Homolka Pavel , Olson Lyle J. , Cundrle Ivan
Published: November 2024

Introduction

Ventilatory efficiency (VE/VCO2) has been shown to predict post-operative pulmonary complications (PPC) in lung resection candidates. VE/VCO2is determined by arterial partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO2) and by dead space to tidal volume ratio (VD/VT). We hypothesized PaCO2and VD/VTcontribute equally to the increase in VE/VCO2in lung resection patients.

Methods

Consecutive lung resection candidates from two prior prospective studies were included in this post-hoc analysis. All subjects underwent preoperative spirometry, cardiopulmonary exercise testing and arterial blood gas analysis at rest and peak exercise. PPC were prospectively assessed during the first 30 post-operative days, or hospital stay. Student t-test, Mann-Whitney U test and two-tailed Fisher exact test were used to compare patients with and without PPC. p values <0.05 were considered statistically significant.

Results

Of 398 patients, PPC developed in 64 (16%). Patients with PPC more frequently underwent lobectomy by open thoracotomy, had longer hospital and ICU length of stay and higher 30- and 90- day mortality. Moreover, patients with PPC exhibited higher VE/VCO2ratio both at rest and peak exercise. Both ratios were independently associated with PPC. At rest, the contribution of PaCO2and VD/VTto the increase in VE/VCO2ratio in patients with PPC was 45% and 55%, respectively. At peak exercise, the contribution of PaCO2and VD/VTto the increase in VE/VCO2ratio was 16% and 84%, respectively.

Conclusions

VD/VT(V/Q mismatch and/or rapid shallow breathing pattern) is the dominant contributor to the increase in VE/VCO2in lung resection candidates who develop PPC.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.govNCT03498352andNCT04826575
Intra-breath respiratory mechanics of prematurity-associated lung disease phenotypes in school-aged children
Authors: Cousins Michael , Hart Kylie , Radics Bence , Henderson A. John , Hantos Zoltán , Sly Peter D. , Kotecha Sailesh
Published: November 2024

Intra-breath oscillometry potentially offers detailed information regarding airway function, with increasing magnitude of difference between resistance and reactance at end-expiration to end-inspiration potentially associated with obstructive airway disease, but less is known about specific respiratory mechanics in preterm-born children using this methodology. We investigated if different spirometry phenotypes of prematurity-associated lung disease (PLD) have specific intra-breath oscillometry features.

167 school-aged (7–12 years) children, 14 with prematurity-associated obstructive lung disease (POLD; FEV1<LLN, FEV1/FVC<LLN), 11 with prematurity-associated preserved ratio of impaired spirometry (pPRISm; FEV1<LLN, FEV1/FVC≥LLN), 90 preterm controls (FEV1≥LLN) and 52 term controls, performed intra-breath oscillometry at baseline, following maximal cardiopulmonary exercise testing and following post-exercise bronchodilation.

Children with POLD showed greater resistance and more negative reactance throughout the respiratory cycle, including at zero-flow states of end-expiration and end-inspiration. The difference between end-expiration and end-inspiration did not show differences between groups, until corrected for tidal volume, whereby children with POLD and pPRISM both demonstrated approximately two-fold greater difference compared to both preterm and term controls for resistance (2.24 and 2.22versus1.28 and 1.11 hPa.s·L−1), and in particular a greater magnitude of difference for reactance for children with POLDversuspreterm and term controls only (−1.58versus−0.26 and 0.03 hPa.s·L−1).

Intra-breath respiratory mechanics for preterm-born children with obstructive lung phenotype have greater impedance throughout the respiratory cycle, features different to those observed in children with other wheeze phenotypes including preschool wheeze and asthma.
Non-take-up of in-work benefits: determinants, benefit erosion and indexing
Authors: Muñoz-Higueras Diego , Köppe Stephan , Granell Rafael , Fuenmayor Amadeo
Published: November 2024

Non-take-up of welfare schemes is a key concern of policy effectiveness. Building on studies that have shown the low take-up of minimum income schemes, our case study of Ireland’s Working Family Payment is the first to analyse non-take-up of an in-work benefit and its determinants with a special focus on labour market factors. Based on EU-SILC (2014–2019) we estimate a non-take-up rate between 63 and 76%, which poses a major obstacle for effective poverty prevention. Moreover, we stress that non-take-up of in-work benefits differs to minimum income schemes. We provide new evidence on how labour market characteristics play an important role in explaining non-take-up, especially self-employment and the interaction with unemployment benefits. Benefit erosion is a key factor in declining eligibility, which should be addressed by indexing wages and prices. Furthermore, we propose policy reforms around automatic enrolment or tax credits to mitigate non-take-up and alleviate in-work poverty.
Retraction Note: Lactate dehydrogenase D serves as a novel biomarker for prognosis and immune infiltration in lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Zhang Yu , Zhang Tianyi , Zhao Yingdong , Wu Hongdi , Zhen Qiang , Zhu Suwei , Hou Shaoshuai
Published: November 2024

This article has been retracted. Please see the Retraction Notice for more detail: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12885-023-11221-6.
Time-dependent bag of words on manifolds for geodesic-based classification of video activities towards assisted living and healthcare
Authors: Yun Yixiao , Gu Irene Yu-Hua
Published: November 2024

In this paper, we address the problem of classifying activities of daily living (ADL) in video. The basic idea of the proposed method is to treat each human activity in the video as a temporal sequence of points on a Riemannian manifold and classify such time series with a geodesic-based kernel. The main novelties of this paper are summarized as follows: (a) for each frame of a video, low-level features of body pose and human-object interaction are unified by a covariance matrix, i.e., a manifold point in the space of symmetric positive definite (SPD) matrices $Sym_{+}^{d}$
Sy

m

+

d

; (b) a time-dependent bag-of-words (BoW+T) model is built, where its codebook is generated by clustering per-frame covariance matrices on $Sym_{+}^{d}$
Sy

m

+

d

; (c) for each video, high-level BoW+T features are extracted from its corresponding sequence of per-frame covariance matrices; and (d) for activity classification, a positive definite kernel is formulated, taking into account the underlying geometry of our BoW+T features, i.e., the unit n-sphere. Experiments were conducted on two video datasets. The first dataset contains 8 activity classes with a total of 943 videos, and the second one contains 7 activity classes with a total of 224 videos. The proposed method achieved high accuracy (average 89.66%) and small false alarms (average 1.43%) on the first dataset. Comparison with six exisiting methods on the second dataset showed further evidence on the effectiveness of the proposed method.
High rates of violence and low police reporting amongst sex workers in the Netherlands during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Kloek Mariëlle , de Vlas Sake J. , Hontelez Jan A. C.
Published: November 2024

Introduction

During the COVID-19 pandemic, sex work in the Netherlands was forbidden for many months, yet most sex workers were not eligible for governmental financial support. Therefore, many were forced to continue working illegally, likely leading to unsafe work conditions. We determined sex workers’ experienced violence and police reporting during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

Data were collected through an online, anonymous survey (N = 173) covering background characteristics, the financial impact of the COVID-19 control measures, experienced sexual and/or physical violence, and police reporting in relation to experienced violence in 2021. We analyzed the data through descriptive statistics and multiple logistic regression analysis. Contextualization was achieved through online focus group discussions (FGDs; N = 3 covering a total of 14 sex workers and 4 social/health workers).

Results

In total, 41% (n/N = 71/173) of sex workers reported at least one form of violence, and those facing severe financial problems due to the COVID-19 containment measures were significantly more likely to report violence (adjusted OR: 2.7, CI 1.0–7.2, p = 0.049) compared to those without financial problems. Only 9% of those having reason to file charges officially did so. FGDs explained that violence was high due to the unsafe working conditions, and police reporting was low because police were more concerned with enforcing COVID-19 sex work restrictions rather than with prioritizing the safety and well-being of sex workers.

Discussion

We found high rates of reported violence and low police reporting among sex workers in The Netherlands during the COVID-19 pandemic, and COVID-19 control measures and enforcement likely contributed to these unsafe conditions. Safeguarding the safety of sex workers during future crises demands legislation grounded in human rights principles. This includes measures such as mitigating income loss during prohibition of sex work, and shifting police focus towards protecting rather than prosecuting sex workers engaged in illegal sex work.
Insights into larval development and protein biochemical alterations of Agrotis ipsilon (Hufnagel) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) following Beauveria bassiana and Solanum lycopersicum treatments
Authors: Abd-Allah Ghada E. , Moustafa Moataz A. M. , Ahmed Fatma S. , El-said Eman , Elqady Enayat M. , Abou El-Khashab Lina A. , Salem Hend H. A.
Published: November 2024

Background

The polyphagous notorious pest, black cutworm, Agrotis ipsilon (Hufnagel) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), cause significant production losses due to its distinctive feeding and hiding behavior, making it particularly challenging to control it with conventional methods. Therefore, sustainable agriculture demands more effective and environmentally safe pest control solutions. This study aimed to investigate the toxicity of two insecticide alternatives, the entomopathogenic fungus (EPF) Beauveria bassiana and Solanum lycopersicum extract (Tomato plant crude extract, TPCE), using two bioassay methods: the poisoned bait method and the leaf dipping method. In addition, the impact of these biological tools on larval development and protein profiles was evaluated.

Results

The bait application of both tested materials exhibited higher toxicity than the leaf dipping method, as indicated by the toxicity index. The LC50 values for B. bassiana were 1.6 × 10⁸ and 1.8 × 10⁶ conidia ml−1 using the leaf dipping method and poisoned baits method, respectively. For TPCE, the LC50 values were 4.35 and 1.51 mg ml−1 for the same methods, respectively. In addition, sublethal concentrations of both materials altered the larval and pupal durations. B. bassiana significantly reduced the concentration of larval hemolymph protein. A maximum of 12 protein bands in the control sample, with molecular weights (Mw) ranging between 35 and 120 kDa, were detected by sodium dodecyl sulfate–polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS–PAGE). In B. bassiana-treated larvae, ten bands were detected with Mw ranging from 35 to 120 kDa. At least seven bands were detected in TPCE-treated larvae, with Mw ranging from 35 to 97 kDa.

Conclusions

The findings of this study can be integrated into management programs for A. ipsilon. In addition, the availability of B. bassiana and TPCE in Egypt and their cost-effectiveness as insecticide alternatives support their use in the management programs of this critical pest. These methods are particularly effective when applied in bait form.

Graphical Abstract
Short communication: Estimation of the dietary standardized ileal digestible valine to lysine ratio required for 40 to 130 kg pigs during the finisher periods
Authors: Wu Zijuan , Li Wenli , Li Yali
Published: November 2024

Background

Three experiments were conducted separately to determine the optimum standardized ileal digestible (SID) valine (Val) to lysine (Lys) ratio for early finishing (Experiment 1, 40 to 75 kg bodyweight), finishing (Experiment 2, 75 to 100 kg bodyweight), and late finishing (Experiment 3, 100 to 130 kg bodyweight) pigs. Dietary SID Val: Lys ratios were designed at 0.61, 0.65, 0.69, 0.73, and 0.77. The optimal SID Val: Lys ratio was estimated by different regression models, including a quadratic polynomial model, a two-slope quadratic broken-line model, a curvilinear-plateau model, and a one-slope straight broken-line model.

Results

In Exp.1, a total of 550 early finishing pigs (initially 40.3 kg bodyweight) were used in a 38-day growth trial. Pigs consuming 0.61 dietary SID Val: Lys ratio had lower final bodyweight compared to those fed 0.69 in diets. Using regression models, the optimal dietary SID Val: Lys requirement for average daily gain (ADG) was between 0.63 and 0.68, and for feed to gain ratio (F: G) was between 0.62 and 0.68, respectively. In Exp.2, 525 finishing pigs (initially 76.4 kg) were used in a 26-day trial. Based on regression models, estimate of the required SID Val: Lys for ADG was between 0.65 and 0.71, and for F: G was between 0.64 and 0.70, respectively. In Exp.3, 640 late finishing pigs (102 kg bodyweight) were used in a 27-day trial. No significant improvement was found for performance parameters of pigs from 100 to 130 kg, while 0.73 SID Val: Lys ratio resulted in the highest ADG and the lowest F: G from a numerical point of view.

Conclusions

These findings indicated that the optimum SID Val: Lys requirement for pigs from 40 to 75 kg was between 0.62 and 0.68, and for pigs from 75 to 100 kg was estimated to be between 0.64 and 0.71, using different regression models.
PEG600 induced krill oil-based nanoemulsion system: ternary phase behaviour and cytotoxicity assessment
Authors: Sharma Anshika , Saifi Arshad , Kumar Anoop
Published: November 2024

Background

Endogenous substances of krill oil (KO) are lipophilic in nature and have clinical significance viz. DHA/EPA, phospholipids and astaxanthin. To improve the nanodispersibility of endogenous substances of KO, a self-nanoemulsifying system (SNE) was developed.

Results

Ternary phase behaviour of KO was explored in ethanol (ET); propylene glycol, (PG); and PEG600 using Tween80 and Tween20 as surfactants. PEG600 induced the self-nanoemulsification of KO and yielded one phase region (OPR); dilution lines (KO/Smix fraction containing PEG600) traversed across OPR, produced a fully dilutable nanoemulsion system. PEG600-based nanoformulations (NFs) of KO underwent phase transformation via percolation behaviour in nanostructure domains (86–207 nm). PEG600 induced ternary phase behaviour of KO as revealed from rheological data (higher eta values), refractive index (nonlinear) and conductivity (bimodal) patterns. Induced phase transformation could be an interaction between aqueous phase and KO/Tween20 in PEG600 environment; generating highly viscous domains of low electrical conductivity. NFs offered antioxidant activity over corresponding coarse systems (p < 0.01) as measured using DPPH method. Optimized NFs (F4 and F6) inhibited the growth of skin cancer cell line (A431) in the range of 100–500 × dilutions.

Conclusion

Phase behaviour of KO was induced by PEG600, transforming the dilution pattern via generation of one phase region; however, ethanol and propylene glycol as co-solvents did not. PEG600-based NFs of KO possessed antioxidant as well as cytotoxic to skin cancer cell lines (A431).
Long-Term Outcomes of Stereotactic Radiosurgery for Pineocytomas: An International Multicenter Study
Authors: Hamel Andréanne , Tourigny Jean-Nicolas , Niranjan Ajay , Lunsford L. Dade , Wei Zhishuo , Srinivasan Priyanka N. , Liscak Roman , May Jaromir , Martínez Moreno Nuria , Martínez Álvarez Roberto , Lee Cheng-chia , Yang Huai-che , Tripathi Manjul , Kumar Narendra , Mashiach Elad , Kondziolka Douglas , Briggs Robert G. , Yu Cheng , Zada Gabriel , Franzini Andrea , Pecchioli Guido , Bowden Gregory N. , Dayawansa Samantha , Sheehan Jason , Mathieu David
Published: November 2024

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

Pineocytomas are grade 1 tumors arising from the pineal parenchyma. Gross total resection can potentially cure these benign lesions but can be associated with morbidity. This study was designed to provide multi-institutional data to evaluate the results of stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) for pineocytomas.

METHODS:

Centers participating in the International Radiosurgery Research Foundation were asked to review their database and provide data for patients who had SRS for histology confirmed grade 1 pineocytomas, for whom clinical and imaging follow-up of at least 6 months was available.

RESULTS:

In total, 38 patients underwent SRS as part of the management of a pineocytoma. The median age at SRS was 39 years (range 8-76). SRS was performed as primary approach in 68%, adjuvant after partial resection 19%, and at recurrence in 13% of patients. The median margin dose was 15 Gy (range 11-25 Gy). The median treatment volume was 3.35 cc (range 0.1-17.9 cc). Local tumor control was achieved in 92% of patients, with a mean actuarial progression-free survival of 21.6 years (median not reached). At last follow-up, 82% were still controlled, 8% had local recurrence, and 10% had cerebrospinal fluid dissemination. Tumor control was significantly better when SRS was used as primary care compared with the adjuvant or recurrent setting (P = .016). Five patients (13%) died during follow-up, all from tumor progression. The actuarial mean survival duration was 24.3 years, with a 5-year survival rate of 91%, and an estimated rate of 76% at 29 years. Larger tumor volume at SRS was found to be correlated to increased risk of death (P = .045). Transient symptomatic adverse radiation effects were observed in 4 patients (11%).

CONCLUSION:

SRS appears safe and effective for the management of pineocytomas. Long-term tumor control is achieved in most cases. SRS can be offered to selected patients as an alternative to surgical resection.
Outcomes Associated With Stereotactic Radiosurgery After Multiple Resections of Nonfunctioning Pituitary Macroadenomas: An International, Multicenter Case Series
Authors: Grogan Dayton , Dumot Chloe , Mantziaris Georgios , Tos Salem M , Tewari Anant , Dayawansa Sam , Sheehan Kimball , Sheehan Darrah , Peker Selcuk , Samanci Yavuz , Nabeel Ahmed M. , Reda Wael A. , Tawadros Sameh R. , AbdelKarim Khaled , El-Shehaby Amr M. N. , Emad Reem M. , Abdelsalam Ahmed Ragab , Liscak Roman , May Jaromir , Mashiach Elad , Vasconcellos Fernando De Nigris , Bernstein Kenneth , Kondziolka Douglas , Speckter Herwin , Mota Ruben , Brito Anderson , Bindal Shray Kumar , Niranjan Ajay , Lunsford L. Dade , Benjamin Carolina Gesteira , Almeida Timoteo Abrantes de Lacerda , Mathieu David , Tourigny Jean-Nicolas , Tripathi Manjul , Palmer Joshua David , Mao Jennifer , Matsui Jennifer , Crooks Joseph , Wegner Rodney E. , Shepard Matthew J. , Sheehan Jason
Published: November 2024

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) represents an effective treatment for nonfunctioning pituitary adenomas (NFPAs). However, no data have yet been published regarding results of SRS on NFPAs after multiple previous resections.

METHODS:

Retrospective multicentric data of patients diagnosed with NFPA and who underwent multiple resections (≥2) before SRS were reviewed and analyzed. The treatment interval spanned the period of 1992 to 2022. Cox regression and Kaplan–Meier curves were used to assess predictive factors and the probability of tumor control and hypopituitarism.

RESULTS:

Among the 311 patients (median age: 50.2 [IQR: 18.0] years), 226 (72.7%) had undergone ≥2 previous resections. The median margin dose was 14 Gy (IQR: 4.0 Gy), and the median tumor volume 3.6 cm3(IQR: 4.8). Overall, the probability of tumor control after SRS was 93.3% (CI 95%: 89.9-96.9) and 86.7% (CI 95%: 81.1-92.6) at 5 and 10 years, respectively. A margin dose >14 Gy was associated with a decreased risk of tumor progression (hazard ratio = 0.33, CI 95% = 0.15-0.75,P= .008). At a last clinical follow-up of 4.1 (IQR 6.1) years, 10.1% (30/296) developed at least 1 new hormone deficiency after SRS. The cumulative probability of new hormone deficiency was 6.1% (95% CI: 3.0-9.1), 10.3% (95% CI: 5.8-14.6), and 18.9% (95% CI: 11.5-25.8) at 3, 5, and 10 years after SRS, respectively. The average latency between SRS and development of new hormone deficiencies was 3.3 years (IQR 4.1). A maximum point dose to the pituitary stalk >10 Gy was associated with a new deficiency (hazard ratio = 4.06, CI 95% = 1.57-10.5,P-value = .004).

CONCLUSION:

For patients with NFPA with multiple previous resections, SRS offers effective local tumor control and a low risk of delayed hypopituitarism for managing these challenging adenomas. SRS should be strongly considered in patients with NFPA with 2 previous resections compared with considering a third resection.
Incentives in prescribing, dispensing and pharmaceutical spending: A scientometric mapping.
Authors: L. H Tocaruncho-Ariza , J Riascos-Ochoa , W. G Jimenez-Barbosa
Published: November 2024

Introduction Health systems worldwide are struggling to ensure the affordability of medicines. Prescription, dispensing, and pharmaceutical expenditures are key variables that highlight the need to understand how global scientific evidence is generated against factors (implicit and non-explicit) that influence these variables. Objectives To provide a panorama of scientific production on drug prescription and dispensing, and its relationship with pharmaceutical expenditure in health systems worldwide. Methods A five-stage scientometric mapping was performed based on a systematic search of 8 databases. The five stages are: i) retrieval, ii) migration, iii) analysis, iv) visualization and v) interpretation. Results A corpus of evidence from 103 systematic literature reviews was obtained, screened and sifted, visualizing the countries, authors, databases, journals, institutions and time periods that contributed most to evidence generation. Central research themes are identified and phenomena related to article publication are discussed. Conclusions The analysis reveals a clear leadership of the United Kingdom and the United States in scientific production on prescribing, dispensing and pharmaceutical expenditure in health systems worldwide. This scientific production is mainly focused on financing policies, pharmaceutical incentives and interventions, and rational use of medicines. There is also evidence of the scarcity of scientific production in Latin American publications and authors, which could generate interest for future research.
Feather keratin in Pavo cristatus: A tentative structure
Authors: Russ Peter , Kirchner Helmut O.K. , Peterlik Herwig , Weiss Ingrid M.
Published: November 2024

Abstract Background F-keratin forms an evolutionary conserved nanocomposite which allows birds to fly. Structural models for F-keratin are all based on the pioneering X-ray diffraction studies on seagull F-keratin, first published in 1932, confirmed for other species and refined over the years. There is, however, no experimental proof because native F-keratin does not form a perfect molecular crystal as required for structure determination. Methods Peacock’s tail feathers were systematically re-investigated by taking diffraction patterns at different rotation angles. Using the recently developed AlphaFold algorithm, a collection of 3D models of arbitrarily truncated and multiplied Pavo cristatus F-keratin sequences was created. The shape, dimensions, density and interfacial exposure of functionally relevant amino acid side chains of the calculated 3D building blocks were used as the initial selection criteria for filamentous F-keratin precursors. Full reproducibility of in silico folding and agreement with previous results from mechanical testing, biochemical analyses and SAXS experiments was mandatory for suggesting the tentative structure for the novel F-keratin repeating unit. Results The filament of the F-keratin polymer is an alternating arrangement of two units called "N-block" and "C-block": Four strands AA 1–52 form a disulfide-stabilized twisted parallelepiped, with 89° internal rotation within eight levels of β-sandwiches. Four strands AA 81–100 form a two-level “β-sandwich” in which aromatic residues provide resilience, like vertebral discs in a spinal column. The pitch of an N+C-block octamer is 10 nm. Solidification may involve "C-blocks" to temporarily mold into "C-wedges" of 18° tilt, which align F-keratin into laterally amorphous fiber-reinforced composites of 9.5 nm axial periodicity. This experimentally significant distance corresponds to the fully stretched AA 53–80 matrix segment. The deformed “spinal column” unwinds under compression when F-keratin filaments perfectly align horizontally into stacked sheets in the solid state. Conclusions At present, the tentative structure presented here is without alternatives.
Child health, nutrition and gut microbiota development during the first two years of life; study protocol of a prospective cohort study from the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
Authors: Shahzad Muhamamd , Ismail Muhammad , Misselwitz Benjamin , Saidal Ahsan , Andrews Simon C , Iqbal Khalid , Akarsu Hatice , Al Nabhani Ziad
Published: November 2024

Recent evidence suggests that the development of gut microbiota during infancy affects several metabolic, immune, and endocrine pathways in humans. An imbalance in gut microbiota diversity or function, also known as dysbiosis, not only affects early child growth and development, but is also linked with the development of chronic, non-communicable diseases in later life. The Child Health And Microbiome Development Study – Pakistan (CHAMP) study aimed to longitudinally assess gut microbiota development and associated factors (maternal, child, and demographic) during early childhood in populations residing in malnutrition-endemic communities in Pakistan. A prospective cohort of mother-infant pairs (n=70) will be recruited from District Swat, Pakistan, and followed for two years. Complete information about demographic characteristics, anti-natal and post-natal care, dietary intake, feeding practices, and child health will be collected at baseline and 3, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months. Anthropometric measurements (height, weight, mid-upper arm circumference, and head circumference), dry blood spots, and fecal samples were also collected. Ethical approval for the study was obtained from Khyber Medical University, Pakistan. The study is also registered on clincaltrial.gov (Ref no: NCT05793294). The study findings will help researchers understand gut microbiota development, associated factors, and their impact on longitudinal growth in infants during the first two years of life.
Towards ‘retroliberalism’ or food security?: Donor development aid to the agricultural sectors of four Melanesian states, 2008-2021
Authors: Hawksley Charles , Brouillon Jonas , Georgeou Nichole , Blaise Severine , Wali Nidhi , Bouard Severine
Published: November 2024

Background Development aid to Pacific Islands states tends to take the form of grants to provide services in health, education and transport, however Melanesian states are largely rural, and it may be time to consider stronger support for the agricultural sector as a mode of development to provide for future food security, decreased reliance on imports, and improved nutrition in an era of climate change adaptation. Methods To understand the place of family farming in the donor development strategies of four Melanesian states we first assess the place of foreign aid in total development finance to Papua New Guinea (PNG), Solomon Islands, Vanuatu and Fiji between 2008–2021. Using data from the Lowy Institute a detailed study of aid flows highlights the respective place of official development assistance (ODA), other financial flows, private flows and remittances in the financial flows for each recipient state. We then focus on donor aid flows and their sectoral breakdown concentrating on the ‘Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries’ (AFF) sector, and within AFF on the sub-sectors of donor intervention. Results We demonstrate the main areas of interest for each donor, paying particular attention to aid to agriculture, specifically who gives it, and why. Conclusions We conclude by noting that the orientation of agricultural aid to Melanesian states is outward and directed toward producing niche products for the global economy, and not inward or directed towards supporting the development of a stronger agricultural sector, nor the resilience of local population through food security. We thus argue that donor development aid to the agricultural sectors of these four Melanesian states is more reflective of ‘retroliberalism’ than of genuine concern for Pacific Islands food security.
Comparison of clinical characteristics and outcomes between COVID-19 survivors and non-survivors: a retrospective observational study
Authors: Aryal Diptesh , Bhattarai Suraj , Paudel Sushila , Luitel Subekshya , Shakya Roshni , Dhakal Riju , Bhusal Surendra , Paneru Hem Raj , Thapa Kaveri , Kayastha Srijana , Thapa Karuna , Shrestha Sabita , Yonjan Renu , Koirala Sabin , Khanal Sushil , Tiwari Pradip , Acharya Subhash Prasad
Published: November 2024

Background To compare the clinical characteristics of COVID-19 survivors and non-survivors who were transferred from general wards to the critical care units in four tertiary hospitals of Nepal. Methods This study utilized electronic data from the National Intensive Care Unit (ICU) registry managed by the Nepal Intensive Care Research Foundation (NICRF). A retrospective observational study was conducted among 78 eligible COVID-19 patients admitted to the intensive care units of four different hospitals between 2020 and 2022. The Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare each continuous variable between the survivors and non survivors, while Pearson's chi-squared test was used to examine the association between each categorical variable and outcome. Results Among 78 cases of COVID-19 studied, 29 (37.1%) had died, and 49 (62.8%) had recovered. The median age of the patient was 57.5 years, with a higher percentage of males (66.6%). Hypertension (41%) and diabetes (26.9%) were common comorbidities, whereas pneumonia (41%) and acute respiratory distress syndrome (19.2%) were common complications. Most patients required oxygen therapy (96.2%). Corticosteroids (76.9%) and anticoagulants (83.3%) were commonly administered medications. Median of mean arterial pressure was 85 mm Hg [ IQR- 79.2 - 99.5] in non-survivors and 93.3 mm Hg [IQR- 86.6 - 102.6 ] in survivors which was significantly different between the two groups (p=0.04). Nine of the patients had cardiac dysfunction on ICU admission, of which none survived (p=0.001). Out of ten patients requiring inotropes or vasopressors, only two survived (p=0.001). Conclusions Non-survivor COVID patients had lower mean arterial pressure on admission to intensive care units. A higher proportion of patients with cardiac dysfunction and requiring inotropes or vasopressors could not survive.
The genome sequence of Tenthredo amoena Gravenhorst, 1807
Authors: Falk Steven , Crowley Liam M. , Green Andrew ,   University of Oxford and Wytham Woods Genome Acquisition Lab,   Darwin Tree of Life Barcoding collective,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life Management, Samples and Laboratory team,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Scientific Operations: Sequencing Operations,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life Core Informatics team,   Tree of Life Core Informatics collective,   Darwin Tree of Life Consortium
Published: November 2024

We present a genome assembly from an individual female shiny-headed wasp-sawfly, Tenthredo amoena (Arthropoda; Insecta; Hymenoptera; Tenthredinidae). The genome sequence has a total length of 199.80 megabases. Most of the assembly (99.95%) is scaffolded into 18 chromosomal pseudomolecules. The mitochondrial genome has also been assembled and is 33.96 kilobases in length.
Dwa przełomy. Sztuka polska po 1955 i 1989 roku
Authors: Markowska Anna
Published: November 2024

Dwa przełomy. Sztuka polska po 1955 i 1989 roku to próba opowieści o powojennej sztuce polskiej poprzez - z jednej strony - znaczące pominięcia i powody takich wykluczeń, a z drugiej - poprzez stopniowe ujawnianie się kontrowersyjnych zmian dotyczących sztuki i ścieranie się różnic. Daremna nostalgia za tym, co nie zostało wypowiedziane ze względu na polityczny konsensus zderza się w książce z olśnieniem wolnością i jej pluralizmem. To właśnie artystyczne utarczki często najdobitniej uświadamiały sztywne granice społecznych akceptacji, tak jak wcześniej - w okresie PRL-u - dotkliwy brak dyskursu tożsamościowego (m.in. feministycznego, gejowskiego) czy kompensacyjny charakter oficjalnej sztuki nowoczesnej wskazywał bezapelacyjnie i ostatecznie na dzieła, które mogą być uznane za sztukę. Konsensus odwilży 1955 roku i agon przełomu po 1989 roku ramują dwie narracje o sztuce polskiej: tego, co miało być niewidoczne i tego, co skandaliczne, wątpliwe i ambiwalentne.
Is the integration of health and social care meeting the growing demand?
Authors: Ujhelyi Gomez Katalin , Mechie Sonja , Hill James Edward , Harrison Joanna
Published: November 2024

Integration of health and social care has been suggested as a solution to overcome the increasing financial and service pressures on the UK healthcare system. This commentary aimed to critically appraise a systematic review that investigated the national and international evidence base for the impact of integrating care, both on perceived and actual service delivery outcomes. The authors also aimed to identify the review's implications for practice, policy and future research.