bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interfacial performance and impact resistance of argon plasma treated UHMWPE/STF inter-ply hybrid composites
Authors: Liu Zixuan , Wang Keyi , Wang Huchen , Li Letian , Chen Huan , Gao Xingyu , Yan Ruosi
Published: September 2021

This study explored the influence of low temperature glow discharged argon (Ar) plasma on interfacial performance and impact resistance of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) inter-ply hybrid composites. The composites were composed of UHMWPE and meta-aramid plain woven laminates with shear thickening fluid (STF). Water contact angle and drop-weight resistance of the composites with various Ar plasma treatment parameters were tested to investigate the interfacial performance and impact properties of the composites. The tested treatment parameters of this study included treating time, treating power, and gas flow rate. It was found that the best interfacial adhesion of UHMWPE and the impact resistance of the composites was realized at the plasma treatment power of 100 W, treatment time of 150 s, and gas flow rate of 4 sccm. In the follow-up research, this study conducted ballistic test to further explore the bulletproof effect and application prospect of this material.
Differential surface characterizations of cotton fibers coated with TiO2 and ZnO nanoparticles for nano-based analysis of fabrics
Authors: Singh Parshuram , Balayan Sapna , Sarin Rajendra Kumar , Jain Utkarsh
Published: September 2021

Fibers are the unit component for product development. They can be divided into two types: synthetic and natural fibers. Recently, emerging nanotechnology has played a vital role in advancing next-generation fabrics. The nanomaterials provide several unique properties such as higher conductivity, self-cleaning, water-resistant, and others. Owing to their advanced properties, the fabrics are being developed by coating and integrating with nanomaterials. Therefore, in the presented work two cotton samples were modified with titanium dioxide (TiO2) and zinc oxide (ZnO). These samples were further examined under various techniques including scanning electron microscopy (SEM), UV-visible spectroscopy, X-ray fluorescence (XRF), and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Furthermore, these samples were evaluated at varying wavelengths with UV light and the obtained results demonstrated that the nano-coated fiber samples can be differentiated at 365 nm.
A novel tooth tip relief method for reducing micro-pitting of spur gears
Authors: Xu Xiangyang , Liang Yinghua , Zuo Shumiao , Tenberge Peter , Dong Peng , Liu Yanfang , Wang Shuhan , Wang Zhuo
Published: September 2021

Micro-pitting is a common fatigue failure mode of spur gears. To reduce it, this paper proposes a novel tooth tip relief method. Gear meshing simulation is firstly performed considering the actual contact path, showing that there are four Hertz contact stress peaks in the transition areas of the tooth flank. Equations are then developed for the novel tooth tip relief method: one focuses on the smooth transition between the involute profile and the tip relief region, the other on the smooth transition between the tip relief region and the tooth tip. The results of curvature radius and Hertz contact stress show that the proposed novel method can effectively reduce the Hertz contact stress peaks, which indicates this tip relief method could benefit for reducing the micro-pitting. Finally, both wear simulations and bench tests are conducted, verifying the effectiveness of the proposed method for reducing the micro-pitting of spur gears.
Numerical simulation and experimental study on laser hardening process of the 42CrMo4 steel
Authors: Zhang Hongwei , Zhu Meng , Ji Siqi , Zhang Jianjun , Fan Hengming
Published: September 2021

The large diameter pitch bearing was made of steel 42CrMo4 and the laser hardening process was used to improve its surface properties. In this paper, a numerical approach which can predict the temperature field and the hardened depth is provided for the laser hardening process of the 42CrMo4 steel. According to the simplification of the raceway structure of pitch bearing, the finite element model was constructed using ABAQUS software. Based on the actual process parameters, the transient thermal analysis was accomplished and the distribution of temperature field is analyzed. The hardened depth is determined according to the proposed temperature range. Laser power, laser scanning speed, and spot diameter were considered as input parameters, the experimental studies were performed based on orthogonal design in order to study the effects of process parameters. The finite element model is validated. The surface roughness and microstructure studies on treated surfaces were conducted. Also the micro-hardness testing was performed. The results show that the laser hardening increases surface hardness by about 3.8 times than that of the base material. The three parameters of laser power, laser scanning speed, and spot diameter have a coupling effect on the surface treatment. The input laser power density is more important.
Programmed death-ligand 1 single nucleotide polymorphism affects breast cancer chemosensitivity and adverse events in the neoadjuvant setting
Authors: Lu* Jinglu , Wu* Ziping , Peng Jing , Xu Shuguang , Zhou Liheng , Lin Yanping , Wang Yan , Yin Wenjin , Lu Jinsong
Published: September 2021

Objective

We aimed to determine whether single nucleotide polymorphisms in the PD-L1 gene are related to the response and adverse events of patients receiving neoadjuvant therapy and to explore the mechanism.

Methods

Nine single nucleotide polymorphisms of PD-L1 were selected and tested among patients before neoadjuvant therapy. Four models were used in single nucleotide polymorphism genotype analysis: the addictive model compared TT vs TA vs AA; the dominant model compared TT vs TA+AA; the recessive model compared TT+TA vs AA; and the over-dominant model compared TT+AA vs TA (A as the minor allele). We analyzed the associations between single nucleotide polymorphism genotypes and pathological complete response, disease-free survival, and adverse events. Overexpression of the targeted microRNA was carried out using microRNA mimics. Logistic regression was used to analyze the associations between different single nucleotide polymorphism genotypes and pathological complete response outcome. Kaplan–Meier plots and log-rank tests were used to compare disease-free survival between groups with different single nucleotide polymorphism genotypes. The Cox proportional hazards model was used to calculate the adjusted hazard ratio. The Spearman's correlation test was used to determine the correlations between different genotypes and adverse events.

Results

rs4143815C>G was associated with better pathological complete response in the addictive and over-dominant models and with poorer disease-free survival in the recessive model. Patients with different genotypes had different adverse events. Overexpression of miR34c resulted in the downregulation of PD-L1 mRNA expression.

Conclusion

The PD-L1 single nucleotide polymorphism rs4143815 was associated with the pathological complete response rate, disease-free survival, and adverse events in breast cancer patients receiving neoadjuvant therapy. The interaction between miR34c and PD-L1 might be affected by rs4143815.
Postpartum stress and protective factors in women who gave birth in the United States during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Mollard Elizabeth , Kupzyk Kevin , Moore Tiffany
Published: September 2021

Objectives:

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused considerable stress throughout the world. Little is known about how postpartum women who gave birth during the early months of the pandemic were impacted. The purpose of this study was to explore and describe the associations between potential risk, protective factors, and psychological distress among postpartum women who gave birth during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods:

Postpartum women over the age of 18 years who gave birth in the US hospitals between March and July of 2020 and spoke English completed a survey about their experiences. Demographic and health variables were measured via self-report. Stress was measured using the Perceived Stress Scale-10. Mastery was measured with the Pearlin Mastery Scale. Resilience was measured with the Connor–Davidson Resilience Scale-2.

Results:

This study included 885 women. Participants had higher stress and lower resilience relative to pre-pandemic norms. Participants had high levels of depression, anxiety, and stress. Women who had an infant admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit had more stress. Income, full-time employment, and partnered relationships were associated with lower stress. Resilience and mastery were related to lower stress, depression, and anxiety. Black, Indigenous, or People of Color women showed higher stress and lower resiliency. Single women were likely to report lower levels of mastery than partnered women.

Conclusion:

Stress, depression, and anxiety were high in postpartum women in this study. Income, partnered relationships, and employment security, along with protective traits such as mastery and resilience, may reduce the impact of stress on postpartum women in a pandemic. Care models should be modified to support women during a pandemic. Health disparities exist in postpartum stress. Future interventions should focus on building resiliency and mastery and ensuring appropriate resources are available to postpartum women in a pandemic.
A phenomenographic study of scientists’ beliefs about the causes of scientists’ research misconduct
Authors: Cairns Aidan C , Linville Caleb , Garcia Tyler , Bridges Bill , Tanona Scott , Herington Jonathan , Laverty James T
Published: September 2021

When scientists act unethically, their actions can cause harm to participants, undermine knowledge creation, and discredit the scientific community. Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) training is one of the main ways institutions try to prevent scientists from acting unethically. However, this only addresses the problem if scientists value the training, and if the problem stems from ignorance. This study looks at what scientists think causes unethical behavior in science, with the hopes of improving RCR training by shaping it based on the views of the targeted audience ( n = 14 scientists). Previous studies have surveyed scientists about what they believe causes unethical behavior using pre-defined response items. This study uses a qualitative research methodology to elicit scientists’ beliefs without predefining the range of responses. The data for this phenomenographic study were collected from interviews which presented ethical case studies and asked subjects how they would respond to those situations. Categories and subcategories were created to organize their reasonings. This work will inform the development of future methods for preventing unethical behavior in research.
Diagnosis and management of the menopause
Authors: Hand Abigail , Gray Thomas , Simpson Paul
Published: September 2021

Menopause is the cessation of menstruation; it typically occurs at around 51 years of age. The postmenopausal phase of life is linked to a variety of health conditions, including osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease and cognitive decline. Beyond symptom control, hormonal replacement therapy (HRT) reduces the incidence of chronic health conditions. Some unfounded concerns and misunderstanding about the risks of HRT contribute to a low uptake of HRT, currently around 10% of menopausal women. This article highlights the symptoms of menopause and treatment options available. As the majority of menopause management occurs in primary care, a good understanding of the risks and benefits is paramount when guiding patients to make informed decisions about the treatment options.
Autoimmune gastritis, with or without pernicious anemia: epidemiology, risk factors, and clinical management
Authors: Rustgi Sheila D. , Bijlani Priyesha , Shah Shailja C.
Published: September 2021

Autoimmune gastritis (AIG) is a chronic immune-mediated, inflammatory condition that involves the destruction of the gastric oxyntic mucosa through the autoimmune-mediated loss of parietal cells, with replacement by atrophic and metaplastic tissue. Diagnosing AIG is important, given the need for ongoing clinical management and vigilance with respect to downstream complications, the most serious of which is gastric adenocarcinoma. Other clinical consequences include gastric neuroendocrine tumors, consequences related to decreased gastric acid and decreased intrinsic factor due to parietal cell destruction and antibodies against intrinsic factor (e.g. micronutrient deficiencies), as well as concomitant autoimmune disorders. Considering the prevalence of AIG and the potential for severe clinical outcomes, it is important to engage in efforts to reduce practice pattern variability related to diagnosis and management. Accordingly, herein, we review of the epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical presentation of AIG, including both gastric and extragastric manifestations, and provide an overview of clinical management.
Postnormal Religiosity in Pandemic Times: A Polylogue
Authors: Saleem Amjad , Sweeney John A. , Hon Jean , Khan Saeed A. , Low Wei Ling , Nalla Zarina
Published: September 2021

What constitutes a polylogue? What, in our pandemic times, makes for a meaningful gathering? Of the many and varied things affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, religiosity is one that has certainly garnered attention. How are individuals and communities adapting spiritual practice amidst our truly postnormal times? What challenges and opportunities face spiritual sojourners during a time of global upheaval? Bringing together a diverse array of voices to reflect on some of the many issues related to “postnormal religiosity,” this is not an article or essay but rather a polylogue in both approach and form. Authors, some of whom are unknown to the conveners, were asked to answer some questions and reflect on postnormal religiosity. The product, as such, is as much process as it is polylogue, which offers some insights on this under-theorized concept within postnormal times theory.
Postnormal Praxis Putting Postnormal Concepts to Work
Authors: Mayo Liam , Serra del Pino Jordi , Jones Christopher
Published: September 2021

This article provides an overview of how the authors have brought together the three tomorrows of postnormal times, as an approach to thinking about the future, and scenario planning, a widespread futures method, in a way that has garnered interesting and insightful outcomes. Here, we reflect on years of workshop facilitation with the Centre for Postnormal Policy and Futures Studies, amongst other places, where we have been working with communities and organisations to develop postnormal times theoretically.
Boothless Aided Audiometry: A Pilot Study
Authors: Chua Kenneth Wei De , Yuen Heng Wai , Kamath Savitha
Published: September 2021

Background

Although free-field aided audiometry is not the gold standard of hearing aid verification because of its many limitations, it is still circumstantially needed. The conventional method of sound-field aided audiometry requires a sound-proof booth. However, as clinicians face a high-volume of audiometric tests ordered daily at the otolaryngology clinic, a sound-proof booth may not be always available when needed. This study aims to explore if out-of-booth free-field aided audiometry can be just as reliable as the conventional method.

Methods

A pilot exploration of 10 patients (20 ears), with at least a moderate degree of bilateral symmetrical sensorineural hearing loss was conducted. Patients were recruited during their follow-up hearing aid appointments with their audiologist. All patients had been fitted with hearing aids for at least 6 months in duration, and their hearing aids were optimized.

Results

Out-of-booth aided audiometry for the main frequencies of interest was reliable with good correlation between the two methods at primary frequencies (500 Hz–4 KHz). However, results in the high frequencies were less reliable and needs to be interpreted cautiously.

Conclusion

Out-of-booth sound-field audiometry may be a quick and reliable method that can be used to fulfil its intended purpose with the added advantage of not needing an arguably expensive audiometric booth. However, not all frequencies of interest can be assessed with reliable measurements. Further larger studies are needed to validate the reliability of boothless sound-field audiometry to meet evolving healthcare needs.
Impact of Vitamin D Therapy on the Progress COVID-19: Six Weeks Follow-Up Study of Vitamin D Deficient Elderly Diabetes Patients
Authors: Soliman Amin R. , Abdelaziz Tarek Samy , Fathy Ahmed
Published: September 2021

Background

Coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) is an ongoing pandemic causing considerable fatalities worldwide. Vitamin D modulates the immune response through effects on various cells, such as: macrophages, B and T lymphocytes, neutrophils, and dendritic cells.

Aim

To explore whether supplementation of vitamin D, in the form of a single intramuscular cholecalciferol injection, to patients with diabetes, COVID-19, and low vitamin D levels could improve the prognosis of those patients.

Methods

This was a placebo-controlled randomized prospective study. The study has two arms as follows: the intervention arm (40 vitamin D deficient diabetes elderly patients that acquired SARS-CoV-2), compared to the control arm (16 elderly diabetes patients, with deficient vitamin D with SARS-CoV-2). Patients in the intervention arm were given vitamin D as a single intramuscular injection (200,000 IU); patients in the control arm were given placebo. The primary outcome was mortality within 6 weeks of the diagnosis of COVID-19. Clinical, laboratory, treatment, and outcome data were recorded after 6 weeks of follow-up.

Results

No significant difference in 6 weeks mortality was observed between patients who received vitamin D and patients who received placebo (17.5% vs 18.8%, p = 0.838). Age, presence of hypertension, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease were independent predictors of mortality at 6 weeks.

Conclusion

Vitamin D supplementation did not reduce the severity or mortality of COVID-19 at 6 weeks. Further large scale studies are required to explore the effect of vitamin D therapy on survival in patients with diabetes mellitus who acquire COVID-19.
A pretest–posttest pilot study for the development and preliminary validation of a tool for the clinical assessment of radioiodine induced sialadenitis
Authors: Christou Andri , Papastavrou Evridiki , Merkouris Anastasios , Charalambous Andreas
Published: September 2021

Objectives:

The clinical assessment of radioiodine-induced sialadenitis is relied on the observer-defined toxicity grading model. However, this model has significant limitations, the major one being the lack of systematic assessment based on objective criteria. The main aim of this study was the development and testing of an assessment tool which could examine the severity of post-irradiation sialadenitis.

Methods:

The development of the Sialadenitis Assessment Tool proceeded through three phases. The first and second phases included a literature review and the development of the tool which derived from the review, respectively. The third phase involved a pilot testing of the Assessment Tool to a sample of 34 patients undergoing I131 therapy. The assessment was carried out by two independent healthcare professionals, pre- and post-radioiodine therapy. The results of the assessment tool were compared with other scales, including the DIRIX and EORTC H&N35.

Results:

According to the Cohen’s kappa test, the Sialadenitis Assessment Tool is a reliable tool for the assessment of sialadenitis (Cohen’s κ = 1). The concurrent and internal validity tests showed a tendency of association with most variables (p < 0.001) in the DIRIX and EORTC QLQ-HN35 scales.

Conclusion:

Preliminary evidence show that Sialadenitis Assessment Tool is a valid and reliable tool to assess radioiodine-induced sialadenitis in patients undergoing I131 therapy post-thyroidectomy.
Oral Prescription Opioids as a High-Risk Indicator for Hepatitis C Infection: Another Step Toward HCV Elimination
Authors: Hack Benjamin , Timalsina Utsav , Tefera Eshetu , Wilkerson Brittany , Paku Emily , Fernandez Stephen , Fishbein Dawn
Published: September 2021

Background

The opioid epidemic across the U.S. poses an array of public health concerns, especially HCV transmission. HCV is now widely curable, yet incident rates are increasing due to the opioid epidemic. Despite the established trajectory from oral prescription opioids (OPOs) to opioid use disorder (OUD), OUD to injection drug use (IDU), and IDU to hepatitis C virus (HCV), OPOs are not a defined risk factor (RF) for HCV infection. The objective of this study was to observe rates of HCV testing and Ab reactivity (HCVAb+) in patients receiving OPOs to substantiate them as a RF, ultimately contributing to HCV elimination.

Methods

Data from MedStar Health patients receiving OPOs from 1/2017 to 12/2018 were collected and analyzed using chi-squared or student t-tests and logistic regression for uni- or multi-variable analyses, respectively. Statistical significance was defined as P < .05; Epi Info and SAS v 9·4 were used for statistical analyses; IRB approval was received.

Results

There were 115 415 individuals prescribed OPOs over the study period. In this population, 8.6% (932) were HCVAb+ when tested and not previously diagnosed (10 900); 3.4% (3893) had an OUD diagnosis, 20.6% (803) of whom were HCV tested; 25.4% (361) of all HCVAb+ (1421) had an OUD diagnosis. OUD (ORadj 8.53 [7.22-10.07]) was an independent predictor of HCVAb+ in this population.

Conclusions

(1) In a large population prescribed oral opioids, HCVAb+ was 8.6%, higher than our previously published data (2.5%) and the US rate (1.7%); (2) only 20% of patients diagnosed with OUD were tested; and (3) only 25% of HCVAb+ patients were classified with OUD; this suggests underreporting of OUD in this population. Primary Care and Community Health Recommendations: (1) Re-testing for HCV in patients taking OPOs; (2) increased HCV testing among OUD patients; and (3) improved surveillance and reporting of OUD.
Riding the Same Wavelength: Designers’ Perceptions of Shared Understanding in Remote Teams
Authors: Kniel Jonas , Comi Alice
Published: September 2021

The buildup of shared understanding is central to design work. It is particularly important in remote teams, where design work is carried out by participants scattered across geographical locations. We contribute by exploring designers’ perceptions of shared understanding in remote teams. Taking the perspective of individual designers working in remote teams, we pursue two aims: first, to uncover the work elements that are perceived as requiring shared understanding, and second, to identify the perceived enablers of and barriers to the buildup of shared understanding. Albeit under-researched, such individual perceptions are important because they likely shape the scope and extent of the shared understanding built in the remote team. To pursue our aims, we conducted in-depth interviews with experienced designers. Using thematic analysis, we found that team spirit, shared experience, trustworthiness, and transparency, as well as project management and related micro-practices, are perceived as central to building shared understanding in remote design teams.
Proactive Complaint Management: Effects of Customer Voice Initiation on Perceived Justices, Satisfaction, and Negative Word-of-Mouth
Authors: Nuansi Phimai , Ngamcharoenmongkol Piya
Published: September 2021

Customer complaint or customer voice has been recognized as a key response to service failure that activates service recovery. This study aims at investigating how managing customer voice affects service recovery evaluation. Building on the concept of initiation, this study conceptualizes three conditions of service recovery, namely, service recovery based on customer-initiated voice, service recovery based on firm-initiated voice, and service recovery based on no voice. Using an experimental design, the present study investigates how customer evaluations of service recovery vary across voice initiation conditions. The multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA) reveals that firm-initiated voice, compared with customer-initiated voice, elevates customer perceived justice and satisfaction while diminishing negative word-of-mouth intention. The research findings emphasize the necessity to activate customer’s voice following a service encounter so that service failure can be identified and addressed, which helps in improving customer evaluation of service recovery attempts.
LGBTQ+ College Students’ Engagement in COVID-Protective and COVID-Risk Behaviors
Authors: Lawrence S. E. , Walters T. L. , Clark A. N. , Zhang Y. , Hanna-Walker V. , Farina R. E. , Lefkowitz E. S.
Published: September 2021

Characteristics of emerging adulthood may make college students less likely to engage in COVID-protective behaviors, a public health concern given that lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning (LGBTQ+) students may be particularly vulnerable to complications related to COVID-19. To identify individual and contextual factors related to COVID-protective behaviors among a sample of LGBTQ+ college students in the United States, we examined differences in COVID-protective and -risk behaviors by gender identity, living arrangement, statewide stay at home orders, and political liberalism of the student’s current state. Although engagement in COVID-protective behaviors was high overall, students who identified as men, did not live with a parent, lived in a state without a stay at home order, and/or lived in a less liberal state engaged in fewer COVID-protective behaviors and more frequent COVID-risk behaviors. Findings underscore the importance of clear public health messaging around COVID-protective behaviors that targets especially vulnerable college students.
Evaluation of bioactive glass scaffolds incorporating SrO or ZnO for bone repair: In vitro bioactivity and antibacterial activity
Authors: Zhao Rui , Shi Lifen , Gu Lin , Qin Xusheng , Song Zaizhi , Fan Xiaoyun , Zhao Ping , Li Changqing , Zheng Hailun , Li Zhijun , Wang Qizhi
Published: September 2021

A series of bioactive glass scaffolds doped with SrO or ZnO (0, 5, and 10 mol%) were synthesized by the foam replica and melting method. The thermodynamic evolution, phase composition, microstructure, ion release, in vitro bioactivity, and oxygen density of the scaffolds were characterized. The proliferation of murine long bone osteocyte Y4 cells was studied by cell culture. The survival rate of the BGs evaluated the antibacterial activity and Escherichia coli strains in co-culture. The results indicated that the process window decreases with the increase of dopants. All the samples have a pore structure size of 200–400 μm. When the scaffolds were immersed in simulated body fluid for 28 days, hydroxyapatite formation was not affected, but the degradation process was retarded. The glass network packing and ionic radii variations of the substitution ions control surface degradation, glass dissolution, and ion release. MTT results revealed that 5Sr-BG had a significant effect on promoting cell proliferation and none of the BGs were cytotoxicity. Sr-BGs and Zn-BGs exhibited significantly inhibited growth against E. coli bacterial strains. Generally, these results showed the 5Sr-BG scaffold with high vitro bioactivity, cell proliferation, and antibacterial property is an important candidate material for bone tissue regeneration and repair.
Pregnancy and Childbirth Expectations During COVID-19 in a Convenience Sample of Women in the United States
Authors: Beeson Tishra , Claridge Amy , Wojtyna Amie , Rich Debra , Minks Gracie , Larson Adrienne
Published: September 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic has transformed the health care landscape and shifted individuals’ expectations for and interactions with essential health services, including pregnancy-related care. This study explores alterations to individuals’ pregnancy and childbirth decisions during an infectious disease pandemic. A convenience sample of 380 pregnant individuals with an expected delivery date between April and December 2020 consented to enroll and complete an online questionnaire on their pregnancy and childbirth expectations during the COVID-19 pandemic; a subset of respondents ( n = 18) participated in semi-structured phone interviews. Survey data were analyzed quantitatively while interview data were analyzed using a thematic content analysis until a consensus on key themes was achieved. Respondents reported substantial stressors related to shifting policies of health care facilities and rapidly changing information about COVID-19 disease risks. As a result, respondents considered modifying their prenatal and childbirth plans, including the location of their birth (25%), health care provider (19%), and delivery mode (13%). These findings illuminate the concerns and choices pregnant individuals face during the COVID-19 pandemic and offer recommendations to engage in compassionate, supportive, and person-centered care during a time of unprecedented risk and uncertainty.
Rethinking environmental justice: capability building, public knowledge and the struggle against traffic-related air pollution
Authors: Loopmans Maarten , Smits Linde , Kenis Anneleen
Published: September 2021

For more than a decade, a broad social movement has organised significant opposition to the expansion of the Antwerp ring road. By linking the very mobile, intangible and unplaceable problem of traffic-related air pollution to the highly local, concrete, immobile issue of the highway, they succeeded in creating the largest mobilization against air pollution ever in Belgium. A distributive justice discourse which portrayed Antwerp residents as being unfairly affected has played a crucial role in this endeavour. At the same time, the movement has struggled to involve and represent those who will be most affected by the ring road extension. Low income and ethnic minority residents living close to the ring road are strikingly absent from the movements’ ranks and tend to be silenced in its discourse. In this paper, we scrutinise this disparity between the social composition of the most affected areas and the social composition of the movement dealing with the issue, and reflect on the movement’s practices of knowledge production and dissemination from an environmental justice perspective. We highlight the need for expanding environmental justice beyond a merely distributive approach and argue that environmental justice movements need to see knowledge dissemination and public pedagogy as more than just a mobilizing strategy. Without pursuing equity in the distribution of networks, capabilities and knowledge, enhancing the possibilities of those who are most affected to develop their own strategies, environmental justice is difficult to realize.
Spatial shifts in migration governance: Public-private alliances in Swedish immigration administration
Authors: Axelsson Linn , Pettersson Nils
Published: September 2021

Non-state actors are increasingly involved in enforcing immigration policies. Of late, there has been growing recognition that greater involvement of non-state actors has contributed to reconfiguring migration governance in a spatial sense. Scalar literature conceptualises the involvement of non-state actors as a move by immigration authorities to use actors beyond the state to enforce immigration policies. Network-inspired analysis, on the other hand, draws attention to attempts by non-state actors to form alliances in order to influence immigration policy. In this paper, we set out to show that other spatial shifts are at play in contemporary migration governance. In order to make sense of these spatial shifts, we advance a reading of migration governance which aims to show how efforts to manage migration are the result of, and result in, strategic attempts by state and non-state actors to enrol others, establish a sense of presence and build relationships of proximity and reach. We provide one example of this, involving an administrative alliance between a Swedish government agency and two intermediary actors in labour migration: employers in the information-technology industry and immigration service providers. By drawing attention to spatial shifts in migration governance such as this, new light can be shed on the ways in which the governance of migration recasts relationships between state and non-state actors.
Crisis of Dominance: Understanding the Rural–Urban Roots of Maratha Caste Mobilisation for Reservation
Authors: Mhaskar Sumeet
Published: September 2021

The post-liberalisation era in India has witnessed mobilisations among socially superior castes for reservation/affirmative action. I examine why Marathas have intensified their mobilisation in the past few years by using qualitative and quantitative data gathered over a period of 14 months in 2008–2009 and several visits during 2010–2019 in Mumbai and Maharashtra. I argue that a crisis of dominance explains the Maratha’s mobilisation for reservation. Understanding this crisis involves paying attention to the link between two crises—‘urban’ and ‘rural’. The former arises from the rapid disappearance of well-paid jobs since the late 1990s in large-scale manufacturing and other industries in urban areas. The latter refers to the return of retrenched factory workers to their villages and the loss of their social status. It also refers to the inability of the rural youths with low or vernacular education to migrate to urban areas for well-paid employment, and the disturbance of caste hierarchy norms in rural settings. I conclude that the Maratha crisis of dominance will persist under the neoliberal Indian state due to the privatisation of higher education and absence of well-paid, secured jobs for individuals with low level or vernacular education. The price of this crisis will be paid by Dalits, who have been the victims of brutal atrocities carried out by the Marathas.
Neoliberal Governmentality and Social Policymaking in India: Implications for In/Formal Workers and Community Work
Authors: Jha Manish K , Pankaj Ajeet Kumar
Published: September 2021

This article explains the contemporary context that influences the policies and practices of community work in India. The transformation in the policy arena and welfare approach underlines the influence of neoliberal governmentality. We observe that neoliberalism as a political–economic approach is persuading socio-economic decisions and increasing market influence. Precisely, we are tracing the policy trajectory vis-à-vis informal sector workers who have adverse implications for their social security and social protection. By illustrating the current policy and legislative approach, we explain an uneasy relationship between neoliberalism, governmentality and welfare. The changes through new labour codes have restrained the minimal protection that was available to the workers. By granting significant flexibility to the employers at the cost of workers, neoliberal policies accentuate the predicament of precarity. Besides, recent policy changes have impacted community engagement with the poor and vulnerable. Through an analysis of neoliberal policies and strategies of governmentality, this article underscores the challenges for community engagements.
Factor VIIa suppresses inflammation and barrier disruption through the release of EEVs and transfer of microRNA 10a
Authors: Das Kaushik , Keshava Shiva , Pendurthi Usha R. , Rao L. Vijaya Mohan
Published: September 2021

Coagulation protease, factor VIIa (FVIIa), binds to endothelial cell protein C receptor (EPCR) and induces anti-inflammatory and endothelial barrier protective responses via protease-activated receptor-1 (PAR1)–mediated, biased signaling. Our recent studies had shown that the FVIIa-EPCR-PAR1 axis induces the release of extracellular vesicles (EVs) from endothelial cells. In the present study, we investigated the mechanism of FVIIa release of endothelial EVs (EEVs) and the contribution of FVIIa-released EEVs to anti-inflammatory and vascular barrier protective effects, in both in vitro and in vivo models. Multiple signaling pathways regulated FVIIa release of EVs from endothelial cells, but the ROCK-dependent pathway appeared to be a major mechanism. FVIIa-released EEVs were enriched with anti-inflammatory microRNAs (miRs), mostly miR10a. FVIIa-released EEVs were taken up readily by monocytes/macrophages and endothelial cells. The uptake of FVIIa-released EEVs by monocytes conferred anti-inflammatory phenotype to monocytes, whereas EEV uptake by endothelial cells resulted in barrier protection. In additional experiments, EEV-mediated delivery of miR10a to monocytes downregulated the expression of TAK1 and activation of the NF-κB–mediated inflammatory pathway. In in vivo experiments, administration of FVIIa-released EEVs to wild-type mice attenuated LPS-induced increased inflammatory cytokines in plasma and vascular leakage into vital tissues. The incorporation of anti-miR10a into FVIIa-released EEVs diminished the ability of FVIIa-released EEVs to confer cytoprotective effects. Administration of the ROCK inhibitor Y27632, which significantly inhibits FVIIa release of EEVs into the circulation, to mice attenuated the cytoprotective effects of FVIIa. Overall, our study revealed novel insights into how FVIIa induces cytoprotective effects and communicates with various cell types.
Challenging the paradigm: moving from umbrella labels to treatable traits in airway disease
Authors: Bush Andrew , Pavord Ian D.
Published: September 2021

Airway diseases were initially described by nonspecific patterns of symptoms, for example “dry and wheezy” and “wet and crackly”. The model airway disease is cystic fibrosis, which has progressed from nonspecific reactive treatments such as antibiotics for airway infection to molecular sub-endotype, proactive therapies with an unequivocal evidence base, early diagnosis, and biomarkers of treatment efficacy. Unfortunately, other airway diseases lag behind, not least because nonspecific umbrella labels such as “asthma” are considered to be diagnoses not mere descriptions.

Pending the delineation of molecular sub-endotypes in other airway disease the concept of treatable traits, and consideration of airway disease in a wider context is preferable. A treatable trait is a characteristic amenable to therapy, with measurable benefits of treatment. This approach determines what pathology is actually present and treatable, rather than using umbrella labels. We determine if airway inflammation is present, and whether there is airway eosinophilia which will likely respond to inhaled corticosteroids; whether there is variable airflow obstruction due to bronchoconstriction which will respond to β2-agonists; and whether there is unsuspected underlying airway infection which should be treated with antibiotics unless there is an underlying endotype which can be addressed, as for example an immunodeficiency. The context of airway disease should also be extrapulmonary comorbidities, social and environmental factors, and a developmental perspective, particularly this last aspect if preventive strategies are being contemplated. This approach allows targeted treatment for maximal patient benefit, as well as preventing the discarding of therapies which are useful for appropriate subgroups of patients. Failure to appreciate this almost led to the discarding of valuable treatments such as prednisolone.

Educational aims

To use cystic fibrosis as a paradigm to show the benefits of the journey from nonspecific umbrella terms to specific endotypes and sub-endotypes, as a road map for other airway diseases to follow.

Demonstrate that nonspecific labels to describe airway disease can and should be abandoned in favour of treatable traits to ensure diagnostic and therapeutic precision.

Begin to learn to see airway disease in the context of extrapulmonary comorbidities, and social and environmental factors, as well as with a developmental perspective.
The definition of tuberculosis infection based on the spectrum of tuberculosis disease
Authors: Migliori Giovanni Battista , Ong Catherine W.M. , Petrone Linda , D'Ambrosio Lia , Centis Rosella , Goletti Delia 
Published: September 2021

Latent tuberculosis infection was the term traditionally used to indicate tuberculosis (TB) infection. This term was used to define “a state of persistent immune response to stimulation byMycobacterium tuberculosisantigens through tests such as the tuberculin skin test (TST) or an interferon-γ release assay (IGRA) without clinically active TB”. Recent evidence indicates that the spectrum from TB infection to TB disease is much more complex, including a “continuum” of situations didactically reported as uninfected individual, TB infection, incipient TB, subclinical TB without signs/symptoms, subclinical TB with unrecognised signs/symptoms, and TB disease with signs/symptoms. Recent evidence suggests that subclinical TB is responsible for importantM. tuberculosistransmission. This review describes the different stages described above and their relationships. It also summarises the new developments in prevention, diagnosis and treatment of TB infection as well as their public health and policy implications.

Educational aims

To describe the evolution of the definition of “tuberculosis infection” and didactically describe the continuum of stages existing between TB infection and disease.

To discuss the recommended approaches to prevent, diagnose and treat TB infection.
Marasmius oreades agglutinin enhances resistance of Arabidopsis against plant-parasitic nematodes and a herbivorous insect
Authors: Moradi Aboubakr , Austerlitz Tina , Dahlin Paul , Robert Christelle AM , Maurer Corina , Steinauer Katja , van Doan Cong , Himmighofen Paul Anton , Wieczorek Krzysztof , Künzler Markus , Mauch Felix
Published: September 2021

Background

Plant-parasitic nematodes and herbivorous insects have a significant negative impact on global crop production. A successful approach to protect crops from these pests is the in planta expression of nematotoxic or entomotoxic proteins such as crystal proteins from Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) or plant lectins. However, the efficacy of this approach is threatened by emergence of resistance in nematode and insect populations to these proteins. To solve this problem, novel nematotoxic and entomotoxic proteins are needed. During the last two decades, several cytoplasmic lectins from mushrooms with nematicidal and insecticidal activity have been characterized. In this study, we tested the potential of Marasmius oreades agglutinin (MOA) to furnish Arabidopsis plants with resistance towards three economically important crop pests: the two plant-parasitic nematodes Heterodera schachtii and Meloidogyne incognita and the herbivorous diamondback moth Plutella xylostella.

Results

The expression of MOA does not affect plant growth under axenic conditions which is an essential parameter in the engineering of genetically modified crops. The transgenic Arabidopsis lines showed nearly complete resistance to H. schachtii, in that the number of female and male nematodes per cm root was reduced by 86–91 % and 43–93 % compared to WT, respectively. M. incognita proved to be less susceptible to the MOA protein in that 18–25 % and 26–35 % less galls and nematode egg masses, respectively, were observed in the transgenic lines. Larvae of the herbivorous P. xylostella foraging on MOA-expression lines showed a lower relative mass gain (22–38 %) and survival rate (15–24 %) than those feeding on WT plants.

Conclusions

The results of our in planta experiments reveal a robust nematicidal and insecticidal activity of the fungal lectin MOA against important agricultural pests which may be exploited for crop protection.
Sevoflurane and isoflurane inhibit KCl-induced, Rho kinase-mediated, and PI3K-participated vasoconstriction in aged diabetic rat aortas
Authors: Yang Shaozhong , Liu Yu , Huang Shanshan , Jin Feihong , Qi Feng
Published: September 2021

Background

The mechanism of volatile anesthetics on vascular smooth muscle (VSM) contraction in the setting of diabetes mellitus (DM) remains unclear. The current study was designed to determine the effects of sevoflurane (SEVO) and isoflurane (ISO) on phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) and Rho kinase (ROCK) mediated KCl-induced vasoconstriction in aged type 2 diabetic rats.

Methods

KCl-induced (60 mM) contractions were examined in endothelium-denuded aortic rings from aged T2DM Otsuka Long-Evans Tokushima Fatty (OLETF) rats (65–70 weeks old), control age-matched nondiabetic Long-Evans Tokushima Otsuka (LETO) rats and young Wistar rats (6–8 weeks old). The effects of SEVO or ISO (1–3 minimum alveolar concentration, MAC) on KCl-induced vasoconstriction, as well as those of LY294002 (PI3K inhibitor) and Y27632 (ROCK inhibitor) were measured in aortic rings from the three groups using an isometric force transducer.

Results

KCl induced rapid and continuous contraction of aortic smooth muscle in the three groups, and the contraction was more obvious in OLETF rats.

SEVO and ISO inhibited KCl-induced vasoconstriction in a concentration-dependent manner and were suppressed by LY294002 (10 µM) and Y27632 (1 µM). SEVO had a stronger inhibitory effect on the aortas of young Wistar rats than ISO, especially at 2 MAC and 3 MAC (P < 0.05). In aged rats, the inhibitory effect of ISO was stronger than that of SEVO, especially OLETF rats. There was no significant difference in the effects of different concentrations of ISO on arterial contraction among the three groups (P > 0.05). The effects of 1 MAC SEVO on Wistar rats and 3 MAC SEVO on OLETF rats, however, were noticeably and significantly different (P < 0.05).

Compared with the control condition, LY294002 and Y27632 had the most noticeable effect on the KCl-induced contraction of aortic rings in OLETF rats (P < 0.01).

Conclusion

SEVO (3 MAC), ISO (1, 2, 3 MAC), LY294002 and Y27632 have more significant inhibitory effect on the contraction of vascular smooth muscle in aged T2MD rats. The mechanism of SEVO and ISO in vascular tension in T2DM is partly due to changes in PI3K and/or Rho kinase activity.