bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparing ARR Versus Suppressed PRA as Screening Tests for Primary Aldosteronism
Authors: Marcelli Marco , Bi Caixia , Funder John W. , McPhaul Michael J.
Published: July 2024

BACKGROUND:

In many practices, the screening for primary aldosteronism relies on a single-blood draw for plasma aldosterone concentration (PAC) and plasma renin activity (PRA) to establish an aldosterone-to-renin ratio (ARR). ARR levels vary between expert centers and repeated assays in the same individual, emphasizing the potential variability of this screening approach. A suppressed PRA to <1 ng/mL per h has been proposed as an alternative test to the ARR.

METHODS:

We compared 2 potential screening approaches to identify probable primary aldosteronism (ARR≥30 or ARR≥20 versus PRA suppressed below 1 ng/mL per h) in a cohort of 94 829 paired PRA and PAC samples submitted by clinicians to evaluate the presence of primary aldosteronism.

RESULTS:

Of 94 829 patients, 20.3% tested positive based on ARR≥20 (95% CI, 20.0%–20.5%), 13.9% based on ARR≥30 (95% CI, 13.6%–14.1%), versus 45.9% based on suppressed PRA (<1 ng/mL per minute [95% CI, 45.5%–46.2%]). In the PRA group, a range of aldosterone levels was observed: 5.5% had PAC >15 ng/dL, 25.2% had PAC 5 to 15 ng/dL, and 15.2% had PAC <5 ng/dL, compared with 6%, 12.7%, and 1.6% in the ARR≥20 group and 4.7%, 8.5%, and 0.7% in the ARR≥30 group.

CONCLUSIONS:

In this cohort of individuals being screened for primary aldosteronism, substantially more individuals were identified using criteria focused on suppression of renin activity compared with using the aldosterone renin ratio as a screening tool.
Morphological ontogeny of Conoppia palmicincta (Acari, Oribatida, Cepheusidae)
Authors: SENICZAK STANISŁAW , SENICZAK ANNA
Published: July 2024

The morphological ontogeny of Conoppia palmicincta (Michael, 1880) is described and illustrated. The adult of this species is poorly known, but the tritonymph is relatively well known as one of the most beautiful oribatid mites. The juveniles of this species are light brown, roundish and flattened. Most prodorsal setae of the juveniles are setiform (short ro, le and ex; long bs), except for phylliform and reticulate in. The larva has 11 pairs of gastronotal setae, including h2, the nymphs have 12 pairs (h3 and p-series are added, and d-series is lost). Most gastronotal setae of juveniles are wide, phylliform, reticulate and occupy the marginal parts of gastronotum, except for five setiform setae in the larva (very long c3 and h1, medium sized h2 and short da and dm), and four setiform setae in the nymphs (very long c3 and h2, long p2 and shorter p3). The nymphs are eupheredermous, i.e. they lose their dorsal seta of d-series and carry the exuvial scalps of previous instars on the gastronotum. Most leg setae of juveniles are setiform, except for three wide, phylliform setae on leg I of larva (l on genu and l’ on tibia), from which l’’ on genu is reticulate, while l’ on genu and tibia has longitudinal lines. Relatively long are seta l’’ on tibia I of larva, and l’’ on tibia I and II of the nymphs. Seta d accompanies solenidion σ on genua I–III and φ on tibiae II–IV.
Evaluation of the Aggregation Efficiency Modeling at Colder Atmospheric Temperatures in Comparison to Satellite Observations
Authors: Seiki Tatsuya , Nagao Takashi M.
Published: July 2024

Aggregation efficiency in the upper troposphere is highly uncertain because of the lack of laboratory experiments and aircraft measurements, especially at atmospheric temperatures below −30°C. Aggregation is physically broken down into collision and sticking. In this study, theory-based parameterizations for the collision efficiency and sticking efficiency are newly implemented into a double-moment bulk cloud microphysics scheme. Satellite observations of the global ice cloud distribution are used to evaluate the aggregation efficiency modeling. Sensitivity experiments of 9-day global simulations using a high-resolution climate model show that the use of collision efficiency parameterization causes a slight increase in the cloud ice amount above the freezing level over the tropics to midlatitudes and that the use of our new sticking efficiency parameterization causes a significant increase in the cloud ice amount and a slight decrease in the snow amount particularly in the upper troposphere over the tropics. The increase/decrease in the cloud ice/snow amount in the upper troposphere over the tropics is consistent with the vertical profile of radar echoes. Moreover, the ice fraction of the cloud optical thickness is still underestimated worldwide. Finally, the cloud radiative forcing increases over the tropics to reduce the bias in the radiation budget. These results indicate that our new aggregation efficiency modeling reasonably functions even at atmospheric temperatures below −30°C; however, further improvements in the ice cloud modeling are needed.

Significance Statement

Long-standing biases in the radiative budget in climate models indicate the existence of a missing mechanism to realistically represent the ice cloud growth in the upper troposphere. This study focuses on aggregation efficiency, which has been assumed to be a tuning parameter to optimize the global radiative budget. Therefore, this study employs a theory-based parameterization to calculate the aggregation efficiency. According to the parameterization, aggregation efficiency in high clouds varies by the growth stage of the individual ice particles. As a result, small ice crystals are likely to grow more slowly, and the lifetime of cirrus clouds is prolonged to enhance cloud radiative forcing, particularly over the tropics. These results are promising for reducing the biases observed in climate models.
Detection and Attribution of Changes in Precipitation Extremes in China and Its Different Climate Zones
Authors: Chen Wenhui , Cui Huijuan , Zwiers Francis W. , Li Chao , Zheng Jingyun
Published: July 2024

Based on the observations and the phase 6 of Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP6) multimodel simulations, we conducted a detection and attribution analysis for the observed changes in intensity and frequency indices of extreme precipitation during 1961–2014 over the whole of China and within distinct climate regions across the country. A space–time analysis is simultaneously applied in detection so that spatial structure on the signals is considered. Results show that the CMIP6 models can simulate the observed general increases of extreme precipitation indices during the historical period except for the drying trends from southwestern to northeastern China. The anthropogenic (ANT) signal is detectable and attributable to the observed increase of extreme precipitation over China, with human-induced greenhouse gas (GHG) increases being the dominant contributor. Additionally, we also detected the ANT and GHG signals in China’s temperate continental, subtropical–tropical monsoon, and plateau mountain climate zones, demonstrating the role of human activity in historical extreme precipitation changes on much smaller spatial scales.

Significance Statement

The observed intensification of extreme precipitation globally has been attributed to human influences. Here, we demonstrate that anthropogenic forcing has discernably intensified extreme precipitation over the period 1961–2014, over China and in three of its four climate zones, with human-induced greenhouse gas increases being the dominant contributor. Our results strengthen the body of evidence that greenhouse gas increases are intensifying extreme precipitation by quantifying their role in observed changes at smaller regional scales than previously reported.
Understanding the Relationship between Cloud Controlling Factors and the ISCCP Weather States
Authors: Grise Kevin M. , Tselioudis George
Published: July 2024

Two common methods used to develop a process-level understanding of global cloud cover are 1) analyzing large-scale meteorological variables (cloud controlling factors) associated with cloud variability and 2) classifying cloud types using clustering algorithms applied to satellite data, such as the International Satellite Cloud Climatology Project (ISCCP) weather states. The cloud controlling factor method is advantageous to apply to climate models, as it does not rely on cloud parameterizations or the availability of satellite simulator output. The purpose of this study is to document the relationship between cloud controlling factors and the ISCCP weather states in the observational record, providing a benchmark for the application of cloud controlling factors to study individual cloud types in future studies. Most ISCCP weather states are linked to distinct dynamical regimes characterized by unique combinations of six cloud controlling factors. These relationships are present in both the long-term mean climatology and daily-to-monthly climate variability. For example, deep convective and midlatitude storm clouds dominate ascending regions. In descending regions, shallow cumulus is more frequent in regimes characterized by weak boundary layer temperature inversions [estimated inversion strength (EIS)] and strong subsidence, and stratocumulus is more frequent in regimes with larger values of EIS, weaker subsidence, and relatively weak near-surface cold advection. Midlevel clouds are prominent in descending regions with strong cold advection. Overall, the results of this study suggest promise in using cloud controlling factors to identify dynamical regimes where individual cloud types are more or less likely and to understand the physical processes responsible for the transitions among them.
Clustering Anomalous Circulations and Their Implications on the Prediction of Minimum 2-m Air Temperature over Northeastern China during Winter
Authors: Zhou Yang , Liu Binshuo , Lei Boyang , Zhao Qifan , Sun Shanlei , Chen Haishan
Published: July 2024

The ERA5 reanalysis during cold months (November–March) of 1979–2020 was used for determining four cluster centroids through the k-means for classifying regional anomalies of the daily geopotential height at 500 hPa (H500) over northeastern China. Empirical orthogonal function (EOF) was used to reduce dimensionality. Four clusters were linked to the EOF patterns with clear meteorological meanings, which are associated with the evolution of ridges and troughs over northeastern China. Those systems relate to warm and cold advections at 850 hPa. In each H500 cluster, the advection is the major contributor leading to temperature changes at 850 hPa, which significantly relates to the changes and anomalies of daily minimum air temperature at 2 m (T2min). Furthermore, the jet activities over Asia relate to more or less occurrence of specific H500 clusters in jet phases. This is because anomalous westerlies are generally in favor of positive anomalies of the vorticity tendency at 500 hPa. For the reforecasts during 2004–19 in the Chinese Meteorology Administration (CMA) S2S model, the hit rates above 50% for all the H500 clusters are within 9.5 days, which are in between those for the first two and the last two clusters. The correct prediction of H500 anomalies improves the T2min prediction up to 12 days, compared with 8 days for the incorrect one. The good prediction of the jet activities leads to a more accurate prediction of H500 anomalies. Therefore, improvement of the model prediction of jet activities and H500 anomalies will lead to better prediction of winter weather near the ground over northeastern China.
Remitting amid autocracy: Venezuelan migrant remittances to relatives enduring widespread structural violence
Authors: Del Real Deisy , Ramirez Blanca A.
Published: July 2024

Homeland conditions shape how migrants and refugees perceive the purpose and impact of their remittances (i.e. financial support). Countries of origin with low violence and stable conditions allow migrants to remit with hopes of improving their non-migrant relatives’ long-term material circumstances, while homelands with armed conflict limit remittance objectives to securing recipients’ immediate safety and basic survival. However, scholarship has under-theorized how homelands with widespread structural violence–economic devastation resulting in deprivation for most of the population–impact migrants’ remittance practices and perceptions. Drawing on in-depth interviews with forced Venezuelan migrants in Chile and Argentina–whose homeland has an emerging autocrat and economic sanctions that have resulted in widespread structural violence–we find that interviewees are highly concerned about relatives’ survival in Venezuela. They remit with resignation to secure relatives’ bare subsistence while grappling with their inability to counter the economic deterioration, infrastructural decay, and essential goods shortages that are decreasing their relatives’ lifespan. Broadly, findings indicate that widespread structural violence reshapes migrants’ transnational care; as deprivation spreads in the homeland, migrants are increasingly aware that the impact of their remittances is diminishing and seek to fulfill their relatives’ immediate basic needs.
Going Local: Policy Intellectuals’ Adaptive Strategies under Xi Jinping
Authors: Kornreich Yoel
Published: July 2024

During the Hu Jintao era, policy intellectuals participated in public debates, openly criticizing existing government policies. During the Xi Jinping era, despite regime efforts to tame intellectuals, some critical voices have retained influence over policymaking processes. What adaptation strategies have they utilized to circumvent the regime’s control over public speech? This article points to two strategies. First, policy intellectuals formed shifting collaborations with both state and nonstate actors. Second, they utilized collaborations with state actors to enter consultative forums. The article finds that policy intellectuals not only formed Beijing-based alliances but also cultivated closer cooperation with local officials. By “going local” in this way, they bypassed Beijing’s tightening political environment. This article focuses on two important policy intellectuals in the healthcare arena who have gone local. It also includes a comparison between these two policy intellectuals and seven of their prominent peers who did not go local, as well as with intellectuals from another policy arena: education.
Validity of a digital photo-based dietary assessment tool: Development and initial evaluation
Authors: Budiningsari Dwi , Syahrian Firma
Published: July 2024

Background and aim: To evaluate the validity and user satisfaction of a digital photo-based dietary assessment tool as an alternative to the hand-written paper record method that assists researchers during the pandemic. This study compared nutrient intake and users’ satisfaction with methods between a digital photo-based dietary assessment tool, known as the Nutrinote Gama app, and food weighing as the gold standard. Methods: Fifty college students majoring in food and nutrition (90% were women; median age, 21 years) took pictures of their foods and beverages before and after consumption and then uploaded them to the Nutrinote Gama application. Trained nutritionists evaluated plate wastes, and nutritional content was revealed on the Nutrinote Gama application. Parallel to the photo-based method, they kept a weight dietary record and sent it to the researcher. A questionnaire was used to assess participants’ satisfaction. Results: No statistical differences ( p = 0.89) were observed in the measurement of energy intake between Nutrinote Gama (mean ± standard deviation [SD] = 582.8 ± 131) and food weighing (mean ± SD = 566.1 ± 133). No statistical differences ( p = 0.59) were also observed in the measurement of protein, fat ( p = 0.434), and carbohydrate ( p = 230). The energy, protein, fat, and carbohydrate intakes estimated from the two methods were significantly correlated ( r = 0.86, 0.870, 0.811, 0.738, respectively). Over 70% of participants were satisfied with the photo-based record. Conclusion: The results indicate that this digital photo-based dietary assessment tool is valid and user-friendly to estimate nutrient intake.
Singlehood–mental health associations in sexual and gender minority youth assigned female at birth: A longitudinal study
Authors: Wongsomboon Val , Smith Madison Shea , Macapagal Kathryn , Newcomb Michael E. , Whitton Sarah W.
Published: July 2024

This longitudinal study examined the relationships between multiple dimensions of singlehood and mental health, along with their moderators, in a diverse cohort of sexual and gender minority youth assigned female at birth ( N = 205, Mage = 19.5; 39% < 18 years old; 27% gender minority; 74% racial/ethnic minority) who were single (no romantic partnership) at least once across 7 visits (retention >90% at all visits). Singlehood dimensions included single status, length of singlehood, and transitions into and out of singlehood at each visit, as well as proportion of singlehood periods across all visits. At the between-person level, individuals with a higher proportion of singlehood periods across the study reported higher stress, anxiety, and depression. At the within-person level, while youth experienced increased depression when single, their depression and stress decreased as the length of singlehood increased. Additionally, fear of being single (FOBS) and perceived social support, each showing unique associations with mental health outcomes in this study, were included as moderators. Notably, only those with low to average (not high) FOBS experienced a reduction in mental health problems as singlehood length increased. Taken together, the findings shed light on the factors associated with mental health and well-being in single individuals from a vulnerable and marginalized population.
Social Support Among Adolescents Across Immigrant Generations: A Mixed-Methods Study
Authors: Vigu Teodora , Tardif-Grenier Kristel
Published: July 2024

The present mixed methods study explored perceived differences in social support across three immigrant generations of early adolescents residing in Canada. A total of 960 first-generation ( n = 249, M age = 13.02, σ = .69, 54.2% girls), second-generation ( n = 327, M age = 12.88, σ = .69, 57.5% girls) and third-plus-generation ( n = 384, M age = 12.81, σ = .69, 57.3% girls) early adolescent immigrants completed the self-reported Child and Adolescent Social Support Scale, and 16 of them participated in individual interviews on social support. Multivariate analyses of covariance (MANCOVA), in which we controlled for sex, mother tongue, and socioeconomic status (SES), showed that second-generation early adolescents perceived significantly less social support from their mother, teachers, school personnel, and classmates compared to their first- and/or third-plus-generation counterparts. Our mixed methods analysis revealed that these second-generation youth perceived several barriers to social support, such as an unsatisfactory quality of their relationships with these sources, a negative attitude from these sources, their limited availability or involvement, and their ineffectiveness in providing certain types of support. These findings highlight the importance of better understanding the unique challenges facing second-generation early adolescents in order to provide social support adapted to their needs.
Encompassing the everyday: Grounded responses to the geoeconomic
Authors: Szadziewski Henryk
Published: July 2024

Everyday geoeconomics explores the often overlooked yet prevalent influence of geoeconomic forces on the daily lives of individuals and communities. This essay examines how economic strategies made at national and transnational levels resonate within local contexts, shaping consumption patterns, labour markets and socio-cultural dynamics. This reveals the intricate interplay between macroeconomic policies and their micro-level consequences on households and businesses, as well as ways in which actors manage their interests upwards within the context of an increasingly strategic global economy. Foregrounding local responses not only acknowledges geoeconomics’ tangible impacts, but also re-examines the methods in research on geoeconomics. Recognizing the significance of an everyday geoeconomics is essential for crafting inclusive policies that address the needs and aspirations of diverse populations.
Headache in Sturge–Weber syndrome: A systematic review
Authors: Ferretti Alessandro , Muscianese Marta , Fanfoni Claudia , Bellone Giulia , Mennini Maurizio , Di Nardo Giovanni , Abdolrahimzadeh Solmaz , De Marco Gabriella , Orsini Alessandro , Foiadelli Thomas , Frattale Ilaria , Valeriani Massimiliano , Parisi Pasquale
Published: July 2024

Background

Sturge–Weber syndrome (SWS) is a neurocutaneous disorder for which the neurological aspects, particularly headaches, remain poorly understood, despite significantly affecting morbidity. The present study aimed to elucidate the prevalence, characteristics and treatment strategies, as well as explore the pathogenesis of headaches, in SWS.

Methods

Using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, we systematically reviewed observational studies, case reports and series from eight databases (Cochrane Library, EBSCO, Embase, Medline, PubMed, Science Direct, Scopus and Web of Science), published from 1978 to 2023, to investigate the prevalence, characteristics, medication response and pathogenic theories of headaches in SWS.

Results

The review analyzed 48 studies, uncovering headache prevalence between 37% and 71%. Migraine-like headache affected up to 52% of individuals. Prophylactic and acute treatments included non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, triptans and antiepileptic drugs, despite the lack of established guidelines. Life-threatening headaches in SWS are uncommon, typically accompanied by other neurological symptoms. The pathogenesis of headaches in SWS is considered to involve venous congestion and neuronal hyperexcitability linked to leptomeningeal angiomas.

Conclusions

Headaches occur more frequently in individuals with SWS than in the general population. Despite symptoms meeting migraine criteria, these headaches should be considered secondary to vascular conditions. Implementing acute and prophylactic treatment is advised to reduce the impact on patients’ lives.
Implementation of the admission transfer unit to reduce emergency department boarding: A quality improvement initiative
Authors: Khan Faisal , Popescu Andreea , Chattergoon Nyla , Fiumara Francesca , Thandi Navneet , Galeh Hojat
Published: July 2024

Emergency Department (ED) boarding crowds the emergency department, strains resources, leads to higher hospital costs, and is associated with increased morbidity/mortality, a negative patient experience, and patient adverse events. The time Ontario patients wait in emergency departments for inpatient beds continues to rise, with the average time admitted patients spend in the ED increasing between 2015 and 2019 from 13.8 hours to 16.2 hours. As reported in this quality improvement initiative, one potential solution is to repurpose short-stay medical assessment units for complex admitted medicine patients using an objective patient selection tool. Objectively selecting admitted ED patients with the highest risk for adverse events and prioritizing them to move to a transitional unit advances safe quality patient care and decreases Time-to-Inpatient Bed (TIB). Results from this quality improvement initiative include reducing the organization’s TIB by 13 hours.
Children’s voices for change: Co-researching with children and young people as family violence experts by experience
Authors: Dimopoulos Georgina , Horley Kirra , Anderson Tash , Liam
Published: July 2024

Researching with children and young people on topics that are considered to be ‘sensitive’, such as family violence, trauma and abuse, continues to be challenging. But there still is not enough evidence on children and young people’s own views and experiences of participating in ‘sensitive’ research. This article reflects on our experience, as a team of young lived experience advocates and a university researcher, of working together on a project to find out what children and young people in Victoria, Australia who have experienced family violence need to support them in their recovery. The project is about learning what is working well, what could be done better, and where the gaps are between what children and young people tell us they need from services, and what services are doing now. This article shares what we have learnt, including how we have set up a Youth Advisory Group and how we have developed an interactive online activity for children and young people to tell us about their experiences of family violence support services. We also discuss challenges we have faced, such as navigating power flows within the project team; embedding co-design into the project; and getting ethics approval to do this research. Finally, we share three guiding principles for collaborative research that puts children and young people’s voices, views and experiences at the centre. We hope that others can learn from our experience to promote the rights and participation of children and young people when working with them in research about family violence.
Numerical study on Fe3O4 nanoparticle separation from water flow using magnetic field: A 3D simulation
Authors: Farzin Mozhgan , Poshtiri Amin Haghighi , Kouhikamali Ramin
Published: July 2024

The development of magnetic separation technology using magnetic nanoparticles offers a promising avenue for targeted drug delivery and dealing with the upcoming water crises, environmental pollution and the gradual mineral resource depletion. In this study, a three-dimensional Lagrangian Discrete Phase Model (DPM) is carried out to simulate the performance of Fe3O4 nanoparticles to improve the separation process under the influence of an external magnetic field within a horizontal pipe. The crucial role of the drag force in capture efficiency (CE) prompted its examination, simulating various drag models for groups of particles. The Stokes-Cunningham model, showing a 3.59% average error is a suitable choice compared to experimental results. The research examines the impact of effective parameters, including flow velocity, magnetic field intensity, wire location, particle size and mass flow rate, and pipe diameter on CE and flow pattern. The results show that increasing nanoparticle concentration reshapes the flow pattern due to secondary flows without significantly changing separation efficiency. Moreover, decreasing flow velocity, diminishes drag force and enhances magnetic force impact. Specifically, reducing the velocity to a third increases CE by 37%. Furthermore, capture capacity varies approximately linearly with electric current. Due to the magnetic force’s role as a volumetric force in interphase momentum transfer, the increase in particle size from 200 to 500 nm at 3 × 105 A enhances CE by nearly 50%. However, increasing the pipe diameter diminishes particle capture, attributed to higher Reynolds numbers. According to the results, the impact of increasing magnetic field intensity and particle size on CE improvement is notably more pronounced compared to the effect of flow velocity reduction. A comparative analysis of three injection types reveals that using the group injection type helps to select an appropriate injection location to increase CE and identify the final positions of nanoparticles.
Stochastic assessment of electric powertrain whining noise under early-stage design uncertainties
Authors: Prakash Vinay , Sauvage Olivier , Antoni Jérôme , Gagliardini Laurent , Totaro Nicolas
Published: July 2024

Despite the advantage of being quieter than traditional internal combustion engine vehicles, electric vehicles are often distinguished by high-frequency tonal components, which can be perceived as unpleasant to the occupants and the environment. To ensure optimal acoustic comfort in electric vehicles, it is important to analyze the NVH behavior of e-powertrains during the early stages of the design process which poses inherent uncertainties, such as varying operating conditions, partial knowledge of design parameters, dispersion in measurement-based data, etc. To effectively address these uncertainties, it is necessary to use fast and comprehensive stochastic models during the design phase. In this work, a probabilistic framework is presented to estimate the electric powertrain’s interior whining noises considering the structure-borne contribution. Hence, two different stochastic metamodels are developed for efficient quantification and propagation of uncertainties from electric motor stage to powertrain mounting system. Multivariate Bayesian regression models help to incorporate prior knowledge on the uncertain parameters and generate the respective posterior distributions using Markov chains Monte Carlo (MCMC) techniques. For this particular application, the data is generated through weakly-coupled multi-physical domains estimated using semi-analytical approaches and combined with measured vehicle transfer functions. Importantly, the validation of each domain is conducted separately to ensure accurate representation. The results obtained from the developed probabilistic framework will aid in the early design stages by guiding engineers in making informed decisions to optimize NVH performance.
Reading the Creative Industries With Deleuze: How Creative Are the Creative Industries?
Authors: Cameron Alexia , Hickey-Moody Anna
Published: July 2024

This article develops a definition of creativity that is informed by the work of Gilles Deleuze, Dan Harris, Susan Luckman, and others. We explore its application in the context of the creative industries in Australia. Through our empirical interviews conducted as part of an Australian Research Council–funded project called Vital Arts, we delve into the multifaceted nature of creativity, which we argue is not always accounted for in the bureaucratic organization, categorization, and funding of the creative industries. We outline the measurements used by key governmental, nongovernmental, and policymaking bodies in Australia to categorize and fund the creative industries. These metrics reveal blind spots in how the creative industries are institutionally organized and treated when considering the Deleuzian ontology of creativity that actually motors creative work. We argue that many creative jobs and industries exist outside traditional bureaucratic definitions and categories, and through the concepts of affect, becoming, the major and the minor, as well as fabulation, from Deleuze and Guattari’s philosophy, we explore these dynamics further.
Linking heart and mind - lived experiences of parents to children with congenital heart disease and mental health issues
Authors: Hejl Julie L , Hulgaard Ditte R , Rasmussen Anne Sofie D , Larsen Lærke Emilie N , Rask Charlotte U
Published: July 2024

Children with congenital heart disease are more likely to receive special educational services in schools and have an increased risk of mental health issues. We explored the lived experiences of parents caring for a child with heart disease and concurrent mental health issues in Denmark. Semi-structured interviews with ten parents (age 39–57 years) to these children (age 5–17 years) were analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis. Three Group Experiential Themes (GETs) were generated from the analysis: The first GET, Parental roles and caring behaviours, described parental struggles of fulfilling their parenting role ideals and experiences with stigmatization of MHI. GET two, Parental reflections on their illness explanations, portrayed how parents utilize different illness explanations to make sense of their child’s MHI. GET three, Differences in access to help and support, captured how the CHD affected overall access to mental health support. The results may inform various topics of importance for health professionals to address in their clinical encounters with these families.
Forming mechanism of single-channel multilayer laser cladding Fe60 process under different laser heat source operating mode
Authors: Li Chang , Sun Han , Zhao Junjia , Han Xing
Published: July 2024

Continuous wave (CW) and pulsed wave are the two principal modes of operation used to control the laser heat source. Different laser heat source operating modes have an essential impact on the rapid cooling and heating temperature change rate during the cladding process, which directly determines the cladding layer quality. The laser cladding process is meaningful to quantitatively reveal the mechanism of single-channel multilayer cladding and forming under different laser heat source operating modes. In this article, a multi-field coupled 3D numerical model of the single-channel multilayer cladding process under different laser operating modes was proposed, and the thermal physical parameters of the cladding material were computed on the basis of Calculation of Phase Diagrams method. The mechanism of the impact of distinct operating modes on the multi-field coupled ephemeral evolution process of laser cladding was investigated by using the solid/liquid interface tracking technique, which comprehensively considers the light powder interaction between the powder waist beam and the laser beam under different operating modes. The temperature, flow, and stress fields were computationally solved for a single-channel multilayer cladding process. On the foundation of this study, the impact mechanism of pulse duty cycle and pulse frequency on the cladding behavior of single-channel and multilayers during pulsed laser cladding were dissected. The macroscopic morphology and microstructure of the cladding layer were observed by KEYENCE VH-Z100R ultra-deep field electron microscope, and the feasibility of the model was confirmed. This study provides a significant theoretical rationale for enhancing the cladding quality under different laser operating modes.
Aggressive behaviour and diabetes: A clinical case of atypical metabolic improvement during clozapine treatment
Authors: Scala Mauro , Chiera Martina , Bortolotti Biancamaria , Rodriguez-Jimenez Roberto , Menchetti Marco
Published: July 2024

Aggressive and violent behaviour is a challenging psychiatric emergency to manage, especially among vulnerable categories such as patients with Intellectual Developmental Disorder. Although there is some evidence that clozapine may be useful as an anti-violence compound, its use is limited by common metabolic complications. An adult patient presented with obesity, type II diabetes mellitus, compulsive food intake, severe Intellectual Developmental Disorder, and a treatment-resistant aggressive behaviour. Clozapine was administered resulting in reduced aggressive behaviour. Unexpectedly, a reduction in the food craving as well as a sustained improvement in both anthropometric parameters and glycemic control were observed during the clozapine treatment. Our case report, describes these findings for the first time, highlighting the need for more clinical research to investigate both the efficacy of clozapine in the Intellectual Developmental Disorder populations and its long-term effects with special regard to the metabolic outcomes in this type of patients.
The Prison Firm: The ‘transportation’ of organised crime, the evolution of criminal markets and contemporary prisoner society
Authors: Gooch Kate , Treadwell James
Published: July 2024

Despite the burgeoning literature on organised crime within the community, little research has focused on the prison as a ‘space’ for organised crime. Based on ethnographic and qualitative research conducted within male English and Welsh prisons, this article critically examines how organised crime functions within these prisons. It is argued that the prison has become a fertile site for organised crime which is ‘transported’, rather than ‘transplanted’, into and out of prison in ways that extend the reach of criminal networks and alter the character of prisoner society.
Causes and countermeasures of research-integrity problems in the new era: From the perspective of the culture of science
Authors: Yu Xue , Wang Qian
Published: July 2024

Research integrity is now one of the most important issues in the governance of science and technology (S&T) ethics in China. Many research results have been produced in the academic circle on this topic. A series of regulations and normative documents has been issued by government authorities, and numerous measures have been taken by universities and scientific research institutions. Despite this notable progress, the problems of research integrity have not been eradicated. Incidents such as rejections of papers by journals due to plagiarism and falsification of research results happen from time to time. Also, the awareness of research integrity among some S&T personnel and students has yet to be strengthened. The new challenge for research integrity in the new era is that of being able to locate the deep-seated causes of research-integrity problems and find effective ways to solve them. Exploring the causes of and countermeasures against those problems from the perspective of the culture of science is a research field that deserves greater attention.
Exploring the Impact of Obstetric Sonographers Dealing With and Supporting Patients Who Receive Negative Outcomes
Authors: Butwin Angela N. , Smith Katherine A. , Volz Kaitlin E.
Published: July 2024

Because of the complex circumstances in pregnancy, obstetric (OB) sonography requires dissemination of results, often during the examination, and the sonographer can be highly involved in that reporting. This creates a complex set of work responsibilities, in which patient support is of utmost importance, especially when the results are unfavorable. While patient experiences of receiving a negative outcome, during an OB sonogram, have been widely reported, there is a lack of literature on the experience of the sonographers involved in delivering this information. Thus, it is important to identify variables that impact providing ethical care for grieving OB patients. Sonographers in a maternal-fetal medicine clinic work very closely with a group of physicians, and other providers, in delivering unfavorable results, making communication, and understanding of roles of the utmost importance. Conversely, sonographers in a general OB/gynecology practice may not have the support of colleagues when communicating with the grieving patient. These demands may cause feelings of guilt, uncertainty, and stress, contributing to the experience of burnout for the OB sonographer. To prevent these feelings, it is important to consider ways to create a positive work environment and provide resources to protect sonographer mental health. Health care systems must ensure employee access to resources for managing stress, because of caring for grieving patients, and prioritize a healthy work environment, even during challenging times. Future studies are needed that investigate possible training materials, beyond basic hospital training, which targets the skill set needed to properly care for the grieving OB patient.
T-cell dysfunction in CLL is mediated through expression of Siglec-10 ligands CD24 and CD52 on CLL cells
Authors: van Bruggen Jaco A. C. , Peters Fleur S. , Mes Morris , Rietveld Joanne M. , Cerretani Elisa , Cretenet Gaspard , van Kampen Roel , Jongejan Aldo , Moerland Perry D. , Melenhorst J. Joseph , van der Windt Gerritje J. W. , Eldering Eric , Kater Arnon P.
Published: July 2024

Autologous T-cell–based therapies, such as chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy, exhibit low success rates in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and correlate with a dysfunctional T-cell phenotype observed in patients. Despite various proposed mechanisms of T-cell dysfunction in CLL, the specific CLL-derived factors responsible remain unidentified. This study aimed to investigate the mechanisms through which CLL cells suppress CAR T-cell activation and function. We found that CLL-derived T cells get activated, albeit in a delayed fashion, and specifically that restimulation of CAR T cells in the presence of CLL cells causes impaired cytokine production and reduced proliferation. Notably, coculture of T cells with CD40-activated CLL cells did not lead to T-cell dysfunction, and this required direct cell contact between the CD40-stimulated CLL cells and T cells. Inhibition of kinases involved in the CD40 signaling cascade revealed that the Spare Respiratory Capacity (SRC) kinase inhibitor dasatinib prevented rescue of T-cell function independent of CD40-mediated increased levels of costimulatory and adhesion ligands on CLL cells. Transcriptome profiling of CD40-stimulated CLL cells with or without dasatinib identified widespread differential gene expression. Selecting for surface receptor genes revealed CD40-mediated downregulation of the Sialic acid-binding Ig-like lectin 10 (Siglec-10) ligands CD24 and CD52, which was prevented by dasatinib, suggesting a role for these ligands in functional T-cell suppression in CLL. Indeed, blocking CD24 and/or CD52 markedly reduced CAR T-cell dysfunction upon coculture with resting CLL cells. These results demonstrated that T cells derived from CLL patients can be reinvigorated by manipulating CLL–T-cell interactions. Targeting CD24- and CD52-mediated CLL–T-cell interaction could be a promising therapeutic strategy to enhance T-cell function in CLL.
USP53 Affects the Proliferation and Apoptosis of Breast Cancer Cells by Regulating the Ubiquitination Level of ZMYND11
Authors: Meng Xiangchao , Chen Hongye , Tan Zhihui , Yan Weitao , Liu Yinfeng , Lv Ji , Han Meng
Published: July 2024

Breast cancer is the most common female malignancy worldwide. Ubiquitin-specific peptidase 53 (USP53) has been shown to exert cancer-suppressing functions in several solid tumors, but its role and the underlying mechanism in breast cancer has not been clearly elucidated. Therefore, we have carried out a series of detailed studies on this matter at the levels of bioinformatics, clinical tissue, cell function and animal model. We found that USP53 expression was downregulated in breast cancer specimens and was negatively correlated with the clinical stages. Gain- and loss-of-function experiments demonstrated USP53 inhibited proliferation, clonogenesis, cell cycle and xenograft growth, as well as induced apoptosis and mitochondrial damage of breast cancer cells. Co-immunoprecipitation data suggested that USP53 interacted with zinc finger MYND-type containing 11 (ZMYND11), and catalyzed its deubiquitination and stabilization. The 33–50 amino acid Cys-box domain was key for USP53 enzyme activity, but not essential for its binding with ZMYND11. The rescue experiments revealed that the anti-tumor role of USP53 in breast cancer cells was at least partially mediated by ZMYND11. Both USP53 and ZMYND11 were prognostic protective factors for breast cancer. USP53-ZMYND11 axis may be a good potential biomarker or therapeutic target for breast cancer, which can provide novel insights into the diagnosis, treatment and prognosis.
Linking landscape habitats with prevalence of fusarium wilt disease of cashew crop in Tanzania
Authors: Mbasa William V. , Nene Wilson A. , Kapinga Fortunus A. , Temu Stella G. , Tibuhwa Donatha D.
Published: July 2024

Epidemic of Cashew Fusarium wilt disease (CFWD) has been a continuous focal challenge in the cashew farming, in Tanzania. Limited to edaphic conditions as a major factor in its epidemic, the current study aimed to assess the habitat-disease relationship. Purposive surveys involving assessment of disease prevalence and habitat compositions were conducted across four landscapes of southeastern zone from 2019 to 2023. Findings revealed a widespread of CFWD across diversified landscapes possessing varying habitat characteristics, mainly cultivated land with mature cashew, brownish sand loamy soils, grassland or shrub vegetation, seasonal river streamlines and natural water wells. The highest disease incidence and severity were noted at Nachingwea/Masasi plain (99.28:88.34%) followed by Liwale inland plain (98.64:89.3%), Coastal zone (72.72:59.83%) and Tunduru dissected plain (62.13:54.54%). The habitat characteristics were strongly similar within the landscape (0.86-Jaccard index) except between villages of the coastal zone (0.71-Jaccard index). Across landscapes, Nachingwea/Masasi plains and the Coastal zone were strongly similar to Tunduru dissected plain (0.63—1.0-Jaccard index), but strongly dissimilar with the Liwale inland plain (0.67—0.70- Jaccard distance). Furthermore, the presence of greater than 0.5 suitability indices across landscapes were revealed, with Liwale inland plain having strongest suitability index of 0.743 followed by Coastal zone (0.681), Tunduru dissected plain (0.617) and Nachingwea/Masasi plain. Significantly, the habitats had an increase of 0.1 suitability index, and positively correlated with disease prevalence by triggering disease incidence of 13.9% and severity of 31.4%. The study for the first time revealed the presence of an association between disease prevalence and landscape habitat characteristics of southeastern, Tanzania; paving the way to inclusive thinking of habitat as one of the drivers in the prevalence of fusarium wilt disease of cashews. Further research on the genetic coevolution of Fusarium oxysporum across landscapes to strengthen disease risk management in the cashew industry is recommended.