bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Extracellular Galectin 4 Drives Immune Evasion and Promotes T-cell Apoptosis in Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Lidström Tommy , Cumming Joshua , Gaur Rahul , Frängsmyr Lars , Pateras Ioannis S. , Mickert Matthias J. , Franklin Oskar , Forsell Mattias N.E. , Arnberg Niklas , Dongre Mitesh , Patthey Cedric , Öhlund Daniel
Published: December 2022

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is characterized by rich deposits of extracellular matrix (ECM), affecting the pathophysiology of the disease. Here, we identified galectin 4 (gal 4) as a cancer cell–produced protein that was deposited into the ECM of PDAC tumors and detected high-circulating levels of gal 4 in patients with PDAC. In orthotopic transplantation experiments, we observed increased infiltration of T cells and prolonged survival in immunocompetent mice transplanted with cancer cells with reduced expression of gal 4. Increased survival was not observed in immunodeficient RAG1−/− mice, demonstrating that the effect was mediated by the adaptive immune system. By performing single-cell RNA-sequencing, we found that the myeloid compartment and cancer-associated fibroblast (CAF) subtypes were altered in the transplanted tumors. Reduced gal 4 expression associated with a higher proportion of myofibroblastic CAFs and reduced numbers of inflammatory CAFs. We also found higher proportions of M1 macrophages, T cells, and antigen-presenting dendritic cells in tumors with reduced gal 4 expression. Using a coculture system, we observed that extracellular gal 4 induced apoptosis in T cells by binding N-glycosylation residues on CD3ε/δ. Hence, we show that gal 4 is involved in immune evasion and identify gal 4 as a promising drug target for overcoming immunosuppression in PDAC.
Association of Baseline Renal Function with Mortality in Patients with Sepsis Requiring Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy for Acute Kidney Injury: A Single-Center Retrospective Study
Authors: Fukuda Masafumi , Fukami Kei , Nabeta Masakazu , Hirayu Nobuhisa , Takasu Osamu
Published: December 2022

Introduction: To date, the prognosis of patients with sepsis and underlying chronic kidney disease (CKD) had been poor. However, the impact of preseptic renal function on the short-term prognosis of patients with extremely severe septic shock with acute kidney injury (AKI) that requires renal replacement therapy (RRT) is unclear. Methods: Of the septic shock cases treated at the intensive care unit for ≥48 h, 131 adults who were diagnosed as septic AKI and underwent continuous venovenous hemodiafiltration were retrospectively analyzed. The relationships of demographic, clinical, and laboratory data with mortality were evaluated, and the independent risk factors for death were identified. Results: The median age of the subjects was 73 (range, 63–80) years, and 76 (58%) were men. The rate of mortality was significantly higher among patients with CKD (n = 42) than in those without CKD (n = 89) (43% vs. 22%, p < 0.016). On univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses, the associated factors and independent predictors of death were Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score (odds ratios [ORs] 1.151, 95% confidence intervals [CIs] 1.026–1.293, p = 0.017, and OR 1.129, 95% CI 1.003–1.271, respectively); baseline estimated glomerular filtration rate (OR 0.986, 95% CI 0.975–0.997, p = 0.016, and OR 0.983, 95% CI 0.970–0.996, respectively); and lactic acid (OR 1.094, 95% CI 1.005–1.190, p = 0.038, and OR 1.110 CI 1.015–1.215, respectively). Conclusion: Reduced baseline renal function may be a factor for poor short-term prognosis in severe septic AKI cases requiring RRT.
Factors Affecting the Decision to Initiate Dialysis: A National Survey of United States Nephrologists
Authors: Mathur Vandana S. , Wesson Donald E. , Li Elizabeth , Tangri Navdeep
Published: December 2022

Introduction: The percentage of patients initiating dialysis at an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) ≤9 mL/min/1.73 m2 decreased between 2000 and 2018 in the USA. Clinical practice guidelines recommend basing the decision to initiate dialysis primarily on uremic signs and symptoms rather than on a particular level of kidney function. However, what signs and symptoms currently practicing nephrologists consider “uremic,” how they weigh eGFR and other factors in the decision to initiate dialysis have not been reported. Methods: The study was an online survey of 255 US nephrologists, conducted between August and October 2021. Results: Nearly half of respondents (49.8%) had an absolute lower eGFR (8.4 [95% CI: 7.6, 9.2] mL/min/1.73 m2) at which they would initiate dialysis in an asymptomatic patient. The top 5 symptoms that would trigger a recommendation to initiate dialysis were loss of appetite/nausea/vomiting (17%), low eGFR (10%), shortness of breath (10%), declining physical ability/function (9%), and generalized weakness (9%). Poor nutritional status and physical function decline were considered very important in the decision to initiate dialysis by 64% and 55% of respondents, respectively. Nephrologists surveyed significantly shortened the time to dialysis initiation in response to declining physical function in an otherwise asymptomatic (hypothetical) patient. Conclusions: Nearly half of nephrologists sometimes based their decision to initiate dialysis on eGFR alone. The eGFR threshold at which they did so was lower than has been examined in randomized controlled trials of dialysis initiation. Initiatives designed to safely delay dialysis through aggressive medical management could focus on modifiable factors that are the most important drivers of the decision to initiate dialysis.
Saúde do solo: múltiplas perspectivas e percepções
Authors:   Universidade de São Paulo. Escola Superior de Agricultura ", Cherubin Maurício Roberto ,   Luiz de Queiroz", Schiebelbein Bruna Emanuele ,   Universidade de São Paulo. Escola Superior de Agricultura "Luiz de Queiroz"
Published: December 2022

O livro está subdividido em quatro seções. A primeira seção apresenta os conceitos e a importância da saúde do solo, em que o objetivo central é difundir a multifuncionalidade do solo e sua interrelação com a saúde das plantas, animais, pessoas, meio ambiente e, por fim, com a saúde do planeta como um todo. A segunda seção conta com as melhores fotografias e as três premiadas que representam a saúde do solo. A terceira seção conta com as melhores ilustrações/infográficos e os três premiados que ilustraram, de forma criativa, como se identificam os solos saudáveis. Por fim, a última seção informa o leitor sobre as condições que compõem a fertilidade de um solo. Espera-se que esse material seja uma fonte de informação e que atinja desde profissionais inseridos na área de Ciências Agrárias até o público em geral, contribuindo para popularizar e ressaltar a importância de manter nossos solos saudáveis, tornando a agricultura brasileira mais produtiva e em consonância com o meio ambiente.
BioMatrix Versus Orsiro Stents for Coronary Artery Disease: A Multicenter, Randomized, Open-Label Study
Authors: Yoon Chang-Hwan , Kwun Ju-Seung , Choi Young Jin , Park Jin Joo , Kang Si-Hyuck , Kim Sun-Hwa , Suh Jung-Won , Youn Tae-Jin , Kim Myeong-Kon , Cha Kwang Soo , Lee Seung-Hwan , Hong Bum-Kee , Rha Seung-Woon , Kang Woong Chol , Lee Jae-Hwan , Kim Sang-Hyun , Chae In-Ho
Published: December 2022

Background:

Comparative studies of ultrathin-strut biodegradable polymer sirolimus-eluting stent (BP-SES) have reported promising results and validated its excellent outcomes in terms of safety and efficacy. However, there are limited studies comparing BP drug-eluting stents with struts of different thicknesses. We compared the long-term clinical outcomes of patients treated with an ultrathin-strut BP-SES or a thick-strut biodegradable polymer biolimus-eluting stent (BP-BES).

Methods:

The BIODEGRADE trial (Biomatrix and Orsiro Drug-Eluting Stents in Angiographic Result in Patients With Coronary Artery Disease) is a multicenter prospective randomized study comparing coronary revascularization in patients with ultrathin-strut BP-SES and thick-strut BP-BES with the primary end point of target lesion failure at 18 months posttreatment. We performed the prespecified analysis of 3-year clinical outcomes.

Results:

In total, 2341 patients were randomized to receive treatment with ultrathin-strut BP-SES (N=1175) or thick-strut BP-BES (N=1166). The 3-year incidence rate of target lesion failure was 3.2% for BP-SES and 5.1% for BP-BES (
P
=0.023). The difference was primarily due to differences in ischemia-driven target lesion revascularization (BP-SES, 1.5%; BP-BES, 2.8%;
P
=0.035) between groups. A landmark analysis of the late follow-up period showed significant differences in target lesion failure, with outcomes being better in BP-SES. Cardiac death and target lesion revascularization were significantly lower in the BP-SES group.

Conclusions:

In a large, randomized trial, the long-term clinical outcome of target lesion failure at 3 years was significantly better among patients treated with the ultrathin-strut BP-SES. The results indicate the superiority of the ultrathin-strut BP-SES compared with the thick-strut BP-BES.

Registration:

URL:
https://clinicaltrials.gov
; Unique identifier: NCT02299011.
Clinically Ineffective Reperfusion After Endovascular Therapy in Acute Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Nie Ximing , Leng Xinyi , Miao Zhongrong , Fisher Marc , Liu Liping
Published: December 2022

Endovascular treatment is a highly effective therapy for acute ischemic stroke due to large vessel occlusion. However, in clinical practice, nearly half of the patients do not have favorable outcomes despite successful recanalization of the occluded artery. This unfavorable outcome can be defined as having clinically ineffective reperfusion. The objective of the review is to describe clinically ineffective reperfusion after endovascular therapy and its underlying risk factors and mechanisms, including initial tissue damage, cerebral edema, the no-reflow phenomenon, reperfusion injury, procedural features, and variations in postprocedural management. Further research is needed to more accurately identify patients at a high risk of clinically ineffective reperfusion after endovascular therapy and to improve individualized periprocedural management strategies, to increase the chance of achieving favorable clinical outcomes.
From Government to Governance, From Judiciary to…?
Authors: Ng Gar Yein
Published: December 2022

It can be seen from the research that there is very little actually written about the role of the judge in relation to regulatory power. It is clear from the research on the political and legal constitutions around regulatory power that it is a complex picture. Therefore, this paper maps out how the judiciary in England and France has responded to changes in government. The first part of this paper will start to chart out the expansion and contraction of judicial power in relation to executive powers. The second part will provide a comparison between England and France’s regulatory systems and their relationships to their respective judiciaries. The conclusion sets out to answer the main question of where the judiciary sits in an a complex political, economic and legal tapestry to control a hybrid institution that sits outside of a legal constitution.
3. Assessing Collated and Synthesised Evidence
Authors: Sutherland William J. , Cheng Samantha H. , Christie Alec P. , Cooke Steven J. , Koricheva Julia , Randall Nicola , Smith Rebecca K. , Stewart Ruth
Published: December 2022

Multiple pieces of evidence can be brought together in a variety of ways including systematic maps, subject-wide evidence synthesis, systematic reviews, rapid evidence assessment, meta-analysis and collated open access effect sizes. Each has different uses. This chapter describes each along with suggestions for how to interpret the results and assess the evidence.
4. NRRP—Italy’s Strategic Reform and Investment Programme
Authors: Barbieri Giovanni , Cerniglia Floriana , Gori Giuseppe Francesco , Lattarulo Patrizia
Published: December 2022

In Chapter 4, G. Barbieri, F. Cerniglia, G. F. Gori, and P. Lattarulo provide a general overview of the Italian National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP) with a focus on the investment needs to ensure an ecological transition. The NRRP contains six missions, of which Mission 2 is specifically dedicated to the ecological transition (approximately 59.5 billion euros); however further resources for the transition are also available in other Missions under climate objectives. In total, the available resources are around 71.7 billion euros. This means that out of the total funding allocated to the NRRP (191 billion euros), 37.5% is dedicated to green investment, which is slightly above the minimum threshold set by the EU. In absolute terms, because of the size of the Italian NRRP, this is by far the most significant investment out of all the EU countries. The NRRP is a huge gamble for the future of Italy due to the sheer number of resources involved, the deep structural lags that must be overcome, and the major political consensus needed on the overall objectives and/or missions.
7. Europe’s Green Investment Requirements and the Role of Next Generation EU
Authors: Lenaerts Klaas , Tagliapietra Simone , Wolff Guntram B.
Published: December 2022

The EU countries’ priorities on climate and environmental spending, as reflected in the allocations of the Recovery and Resilience funds, are assessed in Chapter 7 by K. Lenaerts, S. Tagliapietra, and G. B. Wolff. The results suggest that the priorities differ significantly. Also, broader estimates of the required investments are provided, and these indicate that annual investments in energy and green tech must increase by 2 percentage points of GDP to reach climate neutrality by 2050, both globally and in Europe. Policies, therefore, must focus on boosting private investment and creating a viable green tech sector.
8. The Public Spending Needs of Reaching the EU’s Climate Targets
Authors: Baccianti Claudio
Published: December 2022

In Chapter 8, C. Baccianti argues that the 2020s are a crucial decade for steering the European Union towards climate neutrality and decreasing dependence on imported fossil fuels. In the period from 2021–2030, public expenditure on climate investment across the EU should increase by 1.8% of GDP (1.1% excluding investment in public transport) compared to the previous decade. The bottom-up analysis of the chapter reveals that almost three quarters of that spending will go to the construction and transport sectors. Filling such a significant public green investment gap will be challenging for EU countries with little fiscal space, especially once the Recovery and Resilience Facility comes to an end.
Propolis-Loaded Chitosan Nanoparticles for the Treatment of Bacterial Diarrhea: In Vitro and In Vivo Evaluation
Authors: Qiao Jie , Yang Jun , Jalili Saman
Published: December 2022

Diarrhea is a disorder in the gastrointestinal system that is accompanied by cramps, decreased stool’s viscosity, and reduced defecation intervals. In the current study, propolis was loaded into chitosan nanoparticles to develop a potential treatment for gastrointestinal infections.
Various In Vitro experiments were performed to characterize the produced nanoparticles. The healing function of propolis-loaded chitosan nanoparticles (ProCHNPs) was evaluated in a rat model of enteropathogenic Escherichia coli-induced diarrhea. In Vitro studies showed
that ProCHNPs were not toxic against intestinal epithelial cells and improved their viability. Furthermore, these particles had around 261.49±63.22 nm average particle size and showed significantly higher antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activities than propolis-free chitosan nanoparticles.
In Vivo studies showed that ProCHNPs had comparable anti-diarrhea function with norfloxacin as the standard drug. In addition, ProCHNPs increased the number of beneficial bacteria in the intestinal microflora and reduced the level of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the colon tissue. This
study suggests potential use of ProCHNPs as an alternative treatment for bacterial diarrhea.
Effect of High-Frequency Ultrasound on Targeted Liposomes
Authors: AlSawaftah Nour M. , Paul Vinod , Awad Nahid S. , Husseini Ghaleb A.
Published: December 2022

Delivering highly toxic drugs inside a safe carrier to tumors while achieving controlled and effective drug release at the targeted sites represents an attractive approach to enhance drug efficiency while reducing its undesirable side effects. Functionalization of highly biocompatible nanocarriers such as liposomes conjugated with targeting moieties enhances their ability to target specific cancer cells overexpressing the targeted receptors. Furthermore, upon their accumulation at the target site, high-frequency ultrasound (HFUS) can be used to stimulate the controlled release of the loaded drugs. Here, the US-mediated drug release from calcein-loaded non-pegylated, pegylated as well as targeted-pegylated liposomes modified with human serum albumin (HSA) and transferrin (Tf) was investigated. HFUS at two different frequencies (1 MHz and 3 MHz) was found to trigger calcein release, with higher release rates recorded at the lower frequency (i.e., 1 MHz) compared to the higher frequency (i.e., 3 MHz) despite a higher power density. Pegylation was found to enhance liposomal sensitivity to HFUS. In addition, targeted pegylated liposomes were more susceptible to HFUS than non-targeted pegylated (control) liposomes. These findings show that pegylation and targeting moieties directly influence liposomal sensitivity to HFUS. Therefore, combining targeted-pegylated liposomes with HFUS represents a promising controlled and effective drug delivery system.
Investigation of Thermal and Tribological Behaviour of Oil Dispersed Oleic Acid-Functionalized CuO Nano-Particles in Gear Oil Nano-Lubricants
Authors: Kumar Ajay , Gupta TCSM , Shukla Atindra
Published: December 2022

Nano-fluids are the new class of engineered fluids developed by dispersing nano-additives in base lubricants to enhance the thermal and tribological properties. In the present study, the CuO nano-fluids were prepared by dispersing oleic acid (OA) functionalized nano-particles in gear
oil lubricants and have been tested for their performance evaluation in terms of friction, wear, and extreme pressure behavior. However, the effect of thermal conductivity on tribological performance at higher load was also investigated. The two-step method was used to formulate the CuO nano-fluids
and OA was used as a surface functionalizing agent. Analytical techniques like FTIR, XRD, DLS, SEM, and EDX were used to investigate the characteristic properties of CuO nanoparticles. The sedimentation method and Induced Couple Plasma (ICP) technique were used to determine the dispersion
stability of nano-fluids over 3 months. Further, KD2 Pro thermal conductivity analyzer was used to examine the thermal conductivity of nano-fluids. The findings reveal that the functionalized CuO nano-particles significantly improved the tribological properties of gear oil lubricants. Further,
the enhancement in thermal conductivity reduced the contact temperature at a higher load and prevents seizure. The comparative assessments confirmed that CuO nanoparticles can be used as lubricant additives for gear oil lubricants.
Application of Successive Linearisation Method on Mixed Convection Boundary Layer Flow of Nanofluid from an Exponentially Stretching Surface with Magnetic Field Effect
Authors: Khidir Ahmed A.
Published: December 2022

The this paper, we investigate the heat and mass transfer in MHD nanofluid flow from an exponentially stretching surface numerically. The partial governing equations are transformed into a system of ordinary differential equations and then solved using a Successive Linearisation Method
(SLM). The velocity, temperature and concentration profiles are shown graphically for various flow parameters and the physical quantities such as Skin-friction, Nusselt and Sherwood numbers are computed for different values of governing parameters. It is was observed from results that the
SLM provides highly numerical solution and converges rapidly for nonlinear differential equations. It is concluded that an increase in the value of magnetic field parameter reduces the velocity field while the opposite trend is observed for temperature and concentration distributions. An increase
in the value of nanoparticle volume fractions enhances the velocity field and the temperature distributions while the concentration distribution reduces.
Heat Transfer Analysis of Nanofluid Based Coolant Used in the Sub-Channel of Fuel Assembly of a Pressurized Water Reactor
Authors: Shojib Sojibul Islam , Imran Sardar Mohammad Abdullah , Anjum Joarder Md. Sadman , Zakir Md. Ghulam , Hossain Altab
Published: December 2022

Nano fluids are found as one of the important suspension nanoparticles in the solution that show a very significant improvement on (boiling) critical heat flux (CHF) at moderate concentrations of nanoparticles. CHF is considerate to be the maximum limit of nucleate boiling. Moreover,
CHF is the most essential factor for improving the heat transfer mode, and thus the reactor performance. The goal of this study is to investigate the use of nanofluid as a component of the primary coolant in the pressurized water reactor (PWR) to improve heat transfer. This enhances the heat
transfer characteristics of the reactor core and also prevents the core from melting in an emergency situation. In current and future PWRs, the nano fluid application could allow substantial power upgrades, thereby enhancing their economic efficiency. In addition, the use of nanofluids could
allow as much as 20 percent increase in power density in latest generation plants without any change in the design of the fuel assembly. In this analysis, it has been found that almost 1–4% increase of Nano particle with base fluid caused a substantial escalation in heat transfer, which
can reduce the overall bulk temperature and the temperature of the fuel rods as well. In addition to this, turbulent kinetic energy and velocity have been developed and investigated for different percentages of Nano fluid along the sub channel of a PWR fuel assembly, which is crucial in case
of design. Overall, there has not been done much CFD based work regarding the Nano fluid application in the coolant of the sub channel, thus impact of nano fluid inclusion in the base water for heat transfer escalation inside a sub channel of a PWR is a crucial topic for investigation, in
addition to this, necessary Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) relevant data base has been generated for further investigation. Hence, the present CFD analysis represents the novelty and uniqueness of the work for the inclusion of nanofluid with water.
The Experience of Parental Caregiving for Children With Medical Complexity
Authors: Teicher Jessica , Moore Clara , Esser Kayla , Weiser Natalie , Arje Danielle , Cohen Eyal , Orkin Julia
Published: December 2022

Children with medical complexity (CMC) have complex chronic conditions with significant functional impairment, contributing to high caregiving demand. This study seeks to explore impacts of parental caregiving for CMC. Fifteen caregivers of CMC followed at a tertiary care hospital participated in semi-structured interviews. Interviews were concurrently analyzed using a qualitative description framework until thematic saturation was reached. Codes were grouped by shared concepts to clarify emergent findings. Four affected domains of parental caregiver experience with associated subthemes (in parentheses) were identified: personal (identity, physical health, mental health), family (marriage, siblings, family quality of life), social (time limitations, isolating lived experience), and financial (employment, medical costs, accessibility costs). Despite substantial challenges, caregivers identified two core determinants of personal resilience: others’ support (hands-on, interpersonal, informational, material) and a positive outlook (self-efficacy, self-compassion, reframing expectations). Further research is needed to understand the unique needs and strengths of caregivers for this vulnerable population.
Neighborhood Effects on Crime: The Concentration of Racial/Ethnic Groups and the Heterogeneity Among Such Groups
Authors: Wo James C.
Published: December 2022

It is not entirely clear what attribute of neighborhoods’ race/ethnicity affects crime rates over time. Drawing on a sample of block groups in Baltimore (MD) we therefore estimate negative binomial regression models to test the concentration of specific ethnic groups in neighborhoods (% Black, % White, % Latino, % Asian, and % other race) as well as the level of heterogeneity among these groups. The results show that ethnic heterogeneity is associated with higher rates of both violent and property crime years later, whereas the measures of nonwhite ethnic groups are not significant. We also determine that concentrated disadvantage moderates the effect of ethnic heterogeneity on property crime. The implications of these findings for criminology and urban sociology are discussed.
Research on tolerance optimal allocation method for a 6-DOF series manipulator based on DH-parameters
Authors: Gao Yue , Fang Lijin , Jiang Xuejie , Gong Yunpeng
Published: December 2022

In order to provide theoretical reference for the determination of structural parameter tolerance at the initial design stage of manipulator body structure’s precision, so as to improve the geometric positioning accuracy of manipulator end-effector, a parameter tolerance optimal allocation method based on the optimal precision model is proposed. This method does not need tolerance-cost model and relevant statistical information, reaching the balance between accuracy and manufacturing cost. This study takes ROKAE XB7 6-DOF series manipulator as the research object. Based on the synthesis error of extremum model and optimal precision model, genetic algorithm is used to optimize the tolerance allocation of DH-parameters. Through the simulation analysis and experimental verification of the positioning error of the manipulator, the results show that the designed precision of the manipulator can meet the design requirements. The tolerance optimal allocation method proposed in this study can be applied to the geometric precision design of the 6-DOF series manipulator.
Statistical analysis and optimization of fuel cells using the design of experiment
Authors: Dwivedi Sarthak , Tata Rao Lanka , Goel Shashwat , Dubey Satish Kumar , Javed Arshad , Goel Sanket
Published: December 2022

Evidently, paper-based microfluidic devices, including fuel cells, have been proven to power low-power integrated miniaturized devices. However, the harvested energy depends on various design parameters, positioning and other ancillary factors. Herein, design of experiment is used to make a boisterous study of the data used in paper-based microfluidic fuel cell and to make various optimizations and studies of the raw data used in the microbial fuel cell paper. The paper-based microfluidic fuel cell was analysed for two different positioning, horizontal and vertical, and the maximum power outputs were noted. A statistical technique based on full factorial design was used to study the performance of paper-based microfluidic fuel cell. In the microbial fuel cell, a rigorous study was conducted pertaining to the electrode separation, channel variation and absorbent pad stability. In both these cases, the analysis of mean, analysis of variance, signal-to-noise ratio and desirability study were performed. For the paper-based microfluidic fuel cell, the best desirability values for the horizontal and vertical arrangements were measured to be 0.8842 and 0.92768, respectively. For the microbial fuel cell, in the case of 2 mm electrode separation, the present analysis of variance model came out to be significant. Inclusively, this work provides a pathway to realize optimum paper-based microfluidic fuel cell, and such study can be extrapolated to develop other microfluidic devices.
Maker-centricity and ‘edge-places of creativity’: CARE-full making in a CARE-less world
Authors: Hackney Fiona , Onions Laura , Rogers Gavin , Figueiredo Deirdre , Loveday Mary
Published: December 2022

Susan Luckman, citing Katherine Gibson’s call for a return to ‘the grass-roots work of engaging the community and being open to developing new economies’, advocates a vision of creative industries that builds the affordances of ‘edge-places of creativity’. Luckman’s focus is non-urban localities. Her proposal, nevertheless, could equally apply to the amateur craft groups, community organisations and independent businesspeople that the Arts and Humanities Research Council–funded projects Co-Producing CARE: Community Asset-based Research and Enterprise, and Maker-Centric: Building Place-based, Co-making Communities worked with in deprived inner-city areas in the British Midlands. Both projects were undertaken with Craftspace and other stakeholder organisations, worked collaboratively with community groups, employed co-production processes and combined hand-making with digital fabrication. The aim of each project was to prototype a method with communities that builds agencies (cultural, social, economic, skills-based) through making and could be applied by other groups. While the CARE method was concerned with the affordances of collaborative making, Maker-Centric looked at these through a heritage and placed-based lens. This article examines the potential for local, collaborative, purposeful, social making as an ‘edge-place’ activity for creative enterprise that is inclusive and supportive.
Special issue introduction: Craft economies and inequalities
Authors: Patel Karen , Dudrah Rajinder
Published: December 2022

Craft as a creative industry has received increased public, academic and policy attention in recent years. However, this tends to centre on a Westernised, white, middle-class version of craft practice associated with values of authenticity, the valorisation of the handmade, and ‘hipster’ culture. At the same time, despite a rich body of work on inequalities in the cultural industries, some of which is published in this journal, little attention has been given to craft. These matters are addressed in this special issue which interrogates the character and workings of the contemporary craft economy and provides much needed insight into experiences of inequality in the sector, drawing on research from the Global North and South. It also includes Cultural Commons contributions from Susan Luckman, Carol Tulloch and Saskia Warren which reflect on various aspects of contemporary craft.
Resting-state Quantitative EEG Spectral Patterns in Migraine During Ictal Phase Reveal Deviant Brain Oscillations: Potential Role of Density Spectral Array
Authors: Ojha Pooja , Panda Samhita
Published: December 2022

Background. Migraine headache may have a substantial bearing on the brain functions and rhythms. Electrophysiological methods can detect changes in brain oscillation. The present work examined the frequency band power through quantitative electroencephalogram (qEEG) and density spectral array (DSA) to elucidate the resting state neuronal oscillations in migraine. Methods. Clinical details were inquired, and EEG was recorded in migraineurs and healthy controls. The acquired data were analyzed to determine power spectral density values and obtain DSA graphs. The absolute and relative powers for the alpha, theta, and delta frequencies in frontocentral, parieto-occipital, and temporal regions were determined. A correlation of significant EEG findings with clinical features of migraine was sought. Results. Forty-five participants were enrolled in the study. The spectrum analysis revealed an increase in the relative theta power ( P < .001) and a reduction in relative alpha power ( P < .001) in the observed cortical areas among the migraineurs as compared to the healthy controls. Relative delta power was increased over the frontocentral region ( P = .001), slightly more on the symptomatic side of the head. In addition, frontocentral delta power had a moderate positive correlation (r = .697, n = 22, P = .000) with migraine severity. Conclusion. The study supports the evidence of a neuronal dysfunction existing in the resting state during the ictal phase of migraine. qEEG can reveal these aberrant oscillations. Utility of DSA to depict the changes in brain activity in migraine is a potential area for research. The information can help formulate new therapeutic strategies towards alteration in cortical excitability using brain stimulation techniques.
The prevalence of mental frailty in ICU survivors and informal caregiver strain: A 1-year retrospective study of the Frisian aftercare cohort
Authors: Beumeler Lise F E , Bethlehem Carina , Hoogstins-Vlagsma Thialda T , van Zutphen Tim , Buter Hanneke , Navis Gerjan J , Boerma E Christiaan
Published: December 2022

Background:

Intensive care unit (ICU) survivors often suffer from long-term mental problems and a reduced health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Symptoms of depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder may render patients mentally frail post-ICU, resulting in impaired recovery and an increased informal caregiver burden. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of mental frailty up to 12 months after ICU admission and pinpoint markers for early risk-assessment in clinical practice.

Methods:

A retrospective cohort study (2012–2018) in which clinical and post-ICU data of long-stay (⩾48 h) ICU-patients was used. Mental frailty was identified as clinically relevant symptoms of depression, anxiety, or post-traumatic distress disorder at 12 months after discharge.

Results:

The prevalence of mental frailty at 12 months post-ICU among the total group of 239 patients was 38%. Mental frailty was defined as clinically relevant symptoms of depression, anxiety, and/or trauma. To achieve this, previously validated cut off values were used for the HADS (HADS-Anxiety ⩾ 8; HADS-Depression ⩾ 8) and TSQ (⩾6), and CSI (⩾7).

Conclusion:

A significant proportion of ICU-survivors can be identified as mentally frail, which is associated with impaired HRQoL at baseline and post-ICU, and high caregiver strain. These findings emphasize the need for integrative aftercare programs for both the patient and their informal caregivers.
Should China Expand Its Medical Education Scale? Evidence From Comparative Research
Authors: Hou (侯建林) Jianlin , Liao (廖凯举) Kaiju , Liao (廖鹏) Peng , Wang (王维民) Weimin , Xie (谢阿娜) Ana , Ke (柯杨) Yang
Published: December 2022

Purpose

This study compares doctor staffing level and the scale of medical education in China with those of other countries and proposes policy recommendations for future adjustments to the scale of China's medical education.

Design/Approach/Methods

This study employs a literature review and descriptive analysis.

Findings

China had 1.98 medical doctors per 1,000 people in 2018, ranking 85th out of the 193 member-states of the World Health Organization (WHO). In 2017, China had 1.99 practicing doctors per 1,000 people, only ranking above Turkey (1.88) in Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries. China had only 10.28 medical graduates per 100,000 people—placing in the bottom third of OECD countries. China's provision of 1.4 medical schools per 10 million people was also significantly lower than the global average (3.9). However, the average number of students enrolled in medical schools (509) in China was significantly higher than the global average (160).

Originality/Value

Although the scale of admission in undergraduate medical education must be expanded in China, this needs to be achieved while controlling the average number of medical students per school and reducing enrollment in low-quality medical schools. Furthermore, it is necessary to establish new medical schools while improving the operating level of existing ones.
Development of risk inventory for hospitals in India
Authors: Fidelis Joseph S , Joseph Lallu , Souza Keerthi D , Sankaranarayanan Krishnan , Agarwal Vijay
Published: December 2022

Introduction

With the ever-increasing hazards and associated risks in healthcare, the healthcare facilities should have a comprehensive enterprise risk management program. Risk management in Indian Healthcare is nascent and not structured. With the increasing potentially compensable events, workplace violence, cybersecurity threats, complex accreditation standards, old infrastructure and ever-changing legal and political scenarios, the risk inventory is expanding, leading to litigations due to lack of mitigation strategies. This study focuses on developing a comprehensive organization wide enterprise risk inventory for the healthcare facilities in India.

Method

Secondary data from published studies were collated and 25 risk factors were identified. Interviews with 12 domain experts further identified 38 context and country-specific risks. The identified 63 risks were sent to 20 senior healthcare risk managers. Forty-three risks were unique and were validated by the senior healthcare risk managers. Twenty risks out of 63 identified had similar meaning. These 20 risks were reworded, rephrased and merged into eight risks by the senior healthcare risk managers. The 51 risks were endorsed by the 12 domain experts. The identified risk factors were surveyed among the risk managers from various hospitals to understand the importance and ranking of the risk in the Indian context.

Results

Sentinel events/Never events appeared in different rank orders and seems to be among the top five risks as perceived by professionals in India. Second highest ranked risk was ‘Staff attrition’. The data analysis showed the different attributes of survey participants, such as the size of the organization with respect to bed capacity and length of time working in the field of risk management.

Conclusion

The results provide valuable insights into the perception of risk based on hospital size and the educational background of risk managers. This inventory may help hospitals develop strategies for mitigating, controlling and monitoring risks for better hospital management.
S100A9 upregulated by IFNGR signaling blockade functions as a novel GVHD suppressor without compromising GVL in mice
Authors: Kim Sena , Lim Sora , Kim Boram , Ritchey Julie , Vij Kiran , Prior Julie , Marsala Lynne , Stoner Alyssa , Gao Feng , Achilefu Samuel , Cooper Matthew L. , DiPersio John F. , Choi Jaebok
Published: December 2022

Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) is a curative treatment for both malignant and nonmalignant hematologic disorders. However, graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) and malignant relapse limit its therapeutic success. We previously demonstrated that the blockade of interferon-gamma receptor (IFNGR) signaling in donor T cells resulted in a reduction in GVHD while preserving graft-versus-leukemia (GVL) effects. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain inconclusive. In this study, we found that S100A9 is a novel GVHD suppressor upregulated when IFNGR is blocked in T cells. Both Ifngr1−/− and S100a9-overexpressing T cells significantly reduced GVHD without compromising GVL, altering donor T-cell trafficking to GVHD target organs in our mouse model of allo-HSCT. In addition, in vivo administration of recombinant murine S100A9 proteins prolongs the overall survival of recipient mice. Furthermore, in vivo administration of anti-human IFNGRα neutralizing antibody (αhGR-Nab) significantly upregulates the expression of S100A9 in human T cells and improved GVHD in our mouse model of xenogeneic human peripheral blood mononuclear cell transplantation. Consistent with S100a9-overexpressing T cells in our allo-HSCT model, αhGR-Nab reduced human T-cell trafficking to the GVHD target organs. Taken together, S100A9, a downstream molecule suppressed by IFNGR signaling, functions as a novel GVHD suppressor without compromising GVL.
Salvage therapy with brentuximab-vedotin and bendamustine for patients with R/R PTCL: a retrospective study from the LYSA group
Authors: Aubrais Raphaelle , Bouabdallah Krimo , Chartier Loic , Herbaux Charles , Banos Anne , Brice Pauline , Sibon David , Schiano Jean Marc , Cluzeau Thomas , Laribi Kamel , Le Calloch Ronan , Bellal Mathieu , Delapierre Baptiste , Daguindau Nicolas , Amorim Sandy , Agbetiafa Kossi , Chauchet Adrien , Besson Caroline , Durot Eric , Bonnet Christophe , Fouillet Ludovic , Bijou Fontanet , Tournilhac Olivier , Gaulard Philippe , Parrens Marie-Cécile , Damaj Gandhi
Published: December 2022

Patients with relapsed or refractory (R/R) peripheral T-cell lymphomas (PTCL) have a poor prognosis. Bendamustine (B) and brentuximab-vedotin (Bv) have shown interesting results in this setting. However, little information is available about their efficacy in combination. This multicenter and retrospective study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the combination of BBv in patients with noncutaneous R/R PTCL among 21 LYSA centers in France and Belgium. The primary objective was the overall response rate. A total of 82 patients with R/R PTCL were included. The best overall response rate (ORR) was 68%, with 49% of patients in complete response (CR). In multivariable analysis, only the disease status after the last regimen (relapse vs refractory) was associated with the response with an ORR of 83% vs 57%. Median duration of response was 15.4 months for patients in CR. With a median follow-up of 22 months, the median progression free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were 8.3 and 26.3 months respectively. Moreover, patients in CR, who underwent an allogeneic transplant, had a better outcome than patients who did not with a median PFS and OS of 19.3 vs 4.8 months and not reached vs 12.4 months, respectively. Fifty-nine percent of patients experienced grade 3/4 adverse events that were mainly hematologic. BBv is highly active in patients with R/R PTCL and should be considered as a one of the best options of immunochemotherapy salvage combination in this setting and particularly as a bridge to allogeneic transplant for eligible patients.
Shared graft-versus-leukemia minor histocompatibility antigens in DISCOVeRY-BMT
Authors: Olsen Kelly S. , Jadi Othmane , Dexheimer Sarah , Bortone Dante S. , Vensko Steven P. , Bennett Sarah , Tang Hancong , Diiorio Marisa , Saran Tanvi , Dingfelder David , Zhu Qianqian , Wang Yiwen , Haiman Christopher A. , Pooler Loreall , Sheng Xin , Webb Amy , Pasquini Marcelo C. , McCarthy Philip L. , Spellman Stephen R. , Weimer Eric , Hahn Theresa , Sucheston-Campbell Lara , Armistead Paul M. , Vincent Benjamin G.
Published: December 2022

T-cell responses to minor histocompatibility antigens (mHAs) mediate graft-versus-leukemia (GVL) effects and graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) in allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation. Therapies that boost T-cell responses improve allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant (alloHCT) efficacy but are limited by concurrent increases in the incidence and severity of GVHD. mHAs with expression restricted to hematopoietic tissue (GVL mHAs) are attractive targets for driving GVL without causing GVHD. Prior work to identify mHAs has focused on a small set of mHAs or population-level single-nucleotide polymorphism–association studies. We report the discovery of a large set of novel GVL mHAs based on predicted immunogenicity, tissue expression, and degree of sharing among donor-recipient pairs (DRPs) in the DISCOVeRY-BMT data set of 3231 alloHCT DRPs. The total number of predicted mHAs varied by HLA allele, and the total number and number of each class of mHA significantly differed by recipient genomic ancestry group. From the pool of predicted mHAs, we identified the smallest sets of GVL mHAs needed to cover 100% of DRPs with a given HLA allele. We used mass spectrometry to search for high-population frequency mHAs for 3 common HLA alleles. We validated 24 predicted novel GVL mHAs that are found cumulatively within 98.8%, 60.7%, and 78.9% of DRPs within DISCOVeRY-BMT that express HLA-A∗02:01, HLA-B∗35:01, and HLA-C∗07:02, respectively. We confirmed the immunogenicity of an example novel mHA via T-cell coculture with peptide-pulsed dendritic cells. This work demonstrates that the identification of shared mHAs is a feasible and promising technique for expanding mHA-targeting immunotherapeutics.
Clinical application of RUBCN/SESN2 mediated inhibition of autophagy as biomarkers of diabetic kidney disease
Authors: Watany Mona M. , El-Horany Hemat E. , Elhosary Marwa M. , Elhadidy Ahmed A.
Published: December 2022

Background

Deregulated autophagy in diabetes has been a field of many experimental studies recently. Impaired autophagy in diabetic kidneys orchestrates every step of diabetic nephropathy (DN) pathogenesis. This study aimed to evaluate three autophagy regulators; RUBCN, mTOR, and SESN2 as clinically applicable indicators of DN progression and as early predictors of DN.

Methods

This retrospective study included 120 participants in 4 groups; G1: diabetic patients without albuminuria, G2: diabetic patients with microalbuminuria, G3: diabetic patients with macroalbuminuria and G4: healthy controls. RUBCN and SESN2 genes expression were tested by RT-qPCR. RUBCN, mTOR, and SESN2 serum proteins were quantitated by ELISA.

Results

RUBCN mRNA was over-expressed in diabetic patients relative to controls with the highest level found in G3 followed by G2 then G1; (9.04 ± 0.64, 5.18 ± 0.73, 1.94 ± 0.41 respectively. P < 0.001). SESN2 mRNA expression was at its lowest level in G3 followed by G2 then G1 (0.1 ± 0.06, 0.48 ± 0.11, 0.78 ± 0.13 respectively. P < 0.001). Similar parallel reduction in serum SENS2 was observed. Serum RUBCN and mTOR were significantly elevated in diabetic patients compared to controls, with the increase parallel to albuminuria degree. RUBCN expression, serum RUBCN and mTOR strongly correlated with albuminuria (r = 0.912, 0.925 and 0.867 respectively). SESN2 expression and serum level negatively correlated with albuminuria (r = − 0.897 and -0.828 respectively); (All p < 0.001). Regression analysis showed that serum RUBCN, mTOR, RUBCN and SESN2 mRNAs could successfully predict DN.

Conclusions

The study proves the overexpression of RUBCN and mTOR in DN and the down-expression of SESN2. The three markers can be clinically used to predict DN and to monitor disease progression.
Critical role of Rho proteins in myosin light chain di-phosphorylation during early phase of endothelial barrier disruption
Authors: Hirano Mayumi , Hirano Katsuya
Published: December 2022

We previously reported the Rho-associated coiled-coil containing protein kinase (ROCK)-mediated di-phosphorylation of myosin light chain (MLC) and actin bundle formation at the cell periphery as early events of the endothelial barrier disruption. We herein examined the role of RhoA during early events of barrier disruption. Treatment of cultured porcine aortic endothelial cells with simvastatin prevented the decrease in trans-endothelial electrical resistance, MLC di-phosphorylation and peripheral actin bundle formation seen 3 min after thrombin stimulation. Co-treatment with geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate rescued the thrombin-induced events. Thrombin increased a GTP-bound form of RhoA and phosphorylation of myosin phosphatase target subunit 1 (MYPT1) at the ROCK site. The intracellular introduction of the inhibitory protein of RhoA inhibited the thrombin-induced di-phosphorylation of MLC. However, knockdown of either one of RhoA, RhoB or RhoC failed to inhibit thrombin-induced MLC di-phosphorylation. The findings suggest that Rho proteins play a critical role during early events of thrombin-induced barrier disruption.