bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Trends and challenges on inflammatory microenvironment in diabetic wound from 2014 to 2023: A bibliometric analysis
Authors: Fan Weijing , Lu Huimin , Shi Hongshuo , Yuan Weian , Liu Guobin
Published: August 2024

The disturbance of the inflammatory microenvironment is a frequent pathological trait of diabetic wounds, contributing to the emergence of numerous chronic illnesses. This is crucial in both the development and recovery of wounds caused by diabetes. This study aims to perform a bibliometric analysis of research on the inflammatory microenvironment within the domain of diabetic wounds (DW) over the past 10 years. The objective is to map out the current global research landscape, pinpoint the most significant areas of study and offer guidance for future research avenues. Our research involved querying the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC) database for all pertinent studies on the inflammatory microenvironment in diabetic wounds (DW). We utilized bibliometric tools such as CiteSpace, VOSviewer and R (version 4.3.1) to identify and highlight the most impactful studies in the field. The study encompassed a review of 1454 articles published from 2014 to 2023, highlighting China and the United States as pivotal nations in the research of the inflammatory microenvironment in diabetic wounds (DW). Within this sphere, the University of Michigan and Harvard University in the United States, along with Shanghai Jiaotong University in China, emerged as the most prolific institutions. WANG Y from China was identified as the most productive author, while KUNKEL SL from the United States received the most citations. The research primarily focuses on topics such as wound healing, repair processes, angiogenesis, oxidative stress and macrophage activity. Additionally, “macrophage” and “delivery” were pinpointed as the leading subjects with promising research potential in this area. Research on the inflammatory microenvironment of diabetic wounds is rapidly advancing through active international collaboration. The study of new mechanisms related to the inflammatory microenvironment and the development of novel materials for repair based on this microenvironment represent emerging fields of future research, particularly in terms of translational applications. This may offer guidance and novel perspectives for further research in the area of the diabetic wound inflammatory microenvironment.
From protagonist to laggard, from pariah to phoenix: Emergence, decline, and re‐emergence of Brazilian climate change policy, 2003–2023
Authors: Pereira Joana Castro , Viola Eduardo
Published: August 2024

Brazil is a major greenhouse gas emitter and is highly vulnerable to climate change. Amazonian deforestation control 2005–2012 and a comprehensive national climate change adaptation plan in 2016 created opportunities for consistent climate action. Yet, subsequent administrations reversed this progress, turning the country into a laggard. President Lula is reviving the national climate agenda. In this article, we use the traditional framework of interests, institutions, and ideas to examine Brazilian climate politics and policies of the past decade, focusing on the country's major emitting sectors and adaptation plans. We identify the factors that hindered the achievement of Brazil's climate goals from the early 2010s to 2022 and investigate Lula's new mandate. Brazil currently shows renewed proclimate momentum, especially in Amazon deforestation control, but hurdles persist, including resistance from Congress, fossil fuel focus, financial frailties, and an uncertain foreign policy.
Defamiliarizing Romance: The Arabic sīra in the English Literary Classroom
Authors: Jagot Shazia
Published: August 2024

This article explores the ways in which the Arabic sīra a genre loosely akin to the romance or chivalric epic can be incorporated into undergraduate teaching on medieval romance. Drawing on my own pedagogical experience and guided by ongoing critical work on decolonising and diversifying the curriculum, I demonstrate the values and challenges of bringing Arabic texts, read in translation, into modules that configure English literature degrees in UK higher education. I focus on Sīrat Sayf bin Dhī Yazan a dynamic sīra available in Lena Jayyusi's lively English translation (‘Adventures of Sayf ben Dhi Yazan’), that contains folkloric and chivalric motifs and themes recognisable to readers of western romances, including adventuring heroes, disguise and recognition, magic and the supernatural, and love. Here, I aim to show that comparative familiarity is an ideal tool to de‐familiarise and reorient perspectives on ‘romance’ (in the broadest sense) in the classroom. Sīrat Sayf opens up a gateway to another geographical location, both historical and imaginative, another cultural and religious context, and another literary and linguistic tradition. I show the importance of multilingualism in teaching romance on ‘English’ degrees and the broader questions this raises about the stakes of reading in translation while also opening up ways of understanding—and steps to undoing—the structures that create and uphold canons, including medieval romance.
Soil properties predict below‐ground community structure, but not nematode microbiome patterns in semi‐arid habitats
Authors: Pereira Tiago José , De Santiago Alejandro , Bik Holly M.
Published: August 2024

Microbial and microeukaryotic communities are extremely abundant and diverse in soil habitats where they play critical roles in ecosystem functioning and services that are essential to soil health. Soil biodiversity is influenced by above‐ground (vegetation) and below‐ground factors (soil properties), which together create habitat‐specific conditions. However, the compound effects of vegetation and soil properties on soil communities are less studied or often focused on one component of the soil biota. Here, we integrate metabarcoding (16S and 18S rRNA genes) and nematode morphology to assess the effects of habitat and soil properties shaping microbial and microeukaryotic communities as well as nematode‐associated microbiomes. We show that both vegetation and soil properties (soil bulk density) were major factors structuring microbial and microeukaryotic communities in semi‐arid soil habitats. Despite having lower nutrients and lower pH, denser soils displayed significantly higher alpha diversity than less dense soils across datasets. Nematode‐associated microbiomes have lower microbial diversity, strongly differ from soil microbes and are more likely to respond to microscale variations among samples than to vegetation or soil bulk density. Consequently, different nematode lineages and trophic groups are likely to display similar associated microbiomes when sharing the same microhabitat. Different microbiome taxa were enriched within specific nematode lineages (e.g. Mycobacterium, Candidatus Cardinium) highlighting potentially new species‐specific associations that may confer benefits to their soil nematode hosts. Our findings highlight the importance of exploring above‐ and below‐ground effects to assess community structure in terrestrial habitats, and how fine‐scale analyses are critical for understanding patterns of host‐associated microbiomes.
Security in Neutrality: Chinese Engagement In the Middle East and the Red Sea Crisis
Authors: Colley Christopher K. , Goodman Joshua R.
Published: August 2024

China's interests have expanded rapidly in the Middle East since the turn of the century, and it is now the leading trade partner for many states in the region. The unrest sparked by the war between Israel and Hamas, including the Red Sea shipping crisis that imperils global trade, threatens those interests. The perceived absence of deep Chinese participation in trying to resolve these emergencies contrasts with previous peacekeeping efforts and raises questions about Beijing's willingness to take part in global‐security initiatives. This article analyzes variations in Chinese decision making on the use of force and diplomacy in the Middle East. Based on publicly available data, an examination of sources in English and Chinese, and interviews previously conducted in China, we develop a three‐pronged typology that explains Chinese strategic behavior in the region: military engagement, perceived free riding, and diplomacy. The article contributes to the literatures of security studies, Chinese foreign and military policy, and the security of the Middle East.
Research on the impact of leadership on improving urban water efficiency and water conservation policies
Authors: Meng Meng
Published: August 2024

The increasing urbanization and growing urban population present significant challenges for urban water resources. Inadequate management has led to a decline in water quality and a mismatch between the availability and usage of city water resources. In this period of significant growth, improving urban water efficiency and reinforcing water resource protection are especially important. Leadership is essential in developing and carrying out urban water resource policies. This research investigates how leadership influences the operational efficiency of water resources protection policies. The study seeks to fill the gap in understanding the relationship between leadership, member trust, and policy effectiveness in water resource management by constructing a theoretical model and conducting empirical analysis through questionnaire surveys. The findings of this study are expected to provide valuable insights into the significance of leadership in driving improvements in water conservation policies. By establishing a link between leadership, member trust, and operational efficiency, the research contributes to both theoretical knowledge and practical implications for enhancing water resource management strategies.
The Consequences of HLA Screening in the Prevention of Graft‐Versus‐Host Disease in Living Donor Liver Transplantation
Authors: Ercan Leman Damla , Durmaz Özlem , Kaymakoğlu Sabahattin , Önal Zerrin , Büyükbabani Nesimi , Güllüoğlu Mine , Alper Aydın , İbiş Cem , Cantez Serdar , Yavru Hacer Ayşen , Oğuz Fatma Savran , Özden İlgin
Published: August 2024

Aims

To study the effects of routine HLA screening and the policy of avoiding donor‐dominant one‐way HLA match to prevent graft‐versus‐host disease (GVHD) after living donor liver transplantation (LDLT).

Patients and Methods

The records of potential living liver donors and recipients who attended our center between 2007 and 2018 were reviewed retrospectively.

Results

Of the 149 patients who underwent LDLT and survived longer than 3 months, two developed GVHD despite our strict policy. The first patient presented with grade II GVHD limited to the skin. She was treated successfully by briefly discontinuing immunosuppression and switching to everolimus. In the second case, the policy had been relaxed due to the availability of a single donor for ABO‐incompatible transplantation without any intervention to decrease anti‐A antibody levels (special case: A2 to O). Nevertheless, the patient presented with grade I GVHD limited to skin and was treated successfully by adding oral methylprednisolone to tacrolimus and mycophenolate mofetil. To the best of our information, this is the second reported case who recovered from GVHD after LDLT from a donor, homozygous at HLA A, B and DR and a recipient, heterozygous for all. Sixteen potential donors (1.2% of all candidates) of 14 recipients were disqualified solely on the basis of the HLA results; five of these patients died due to unavailability of another donor.

Conclusion

The results support the policy of avoiding HLA combinations that preclude immune recognition of graft lymphocytes as foreign to decrease the risk of GVHD after LDLT.
Exploring adolescent‐facing US clinicians' perceptions of their contraceptive counseling and use of shared decision‐making: A qualitative study
Authors: Thornton Madeline , Mann Emily S. , Bullington Brooke W. , Hartheimer Joline , Arora Kavita Shah , Allison Bianca A.
Published: August 2024

Background

Adolescent contraceptive decision‐making is influenced by a number of patient and clinician‐driven factors. Although the AAP continues to endorse an efficacy‐based model of contraceptive counseling, many professional organizations are shifting to a shared decision‐making model as the optimal approach for providing unbiased and patient‐driven contraceptive counseling. While SDM is intended to reduce the influence of clinician bias, it can exacerbate inequity if a clinician tailors a conversation based on their assumptions of a patient's goals or preferences. In this qualitative study, we explored self‐reported contraceptive counseling practices among US‐based clinicians who see adolescent patients to assess how these practices create barriers or facilitators to SDM and person‐centered contraceptive care.

Methods

We interviewed 16 clinicians at the 2022 AAP Annual Meeting who counsel adolescent patients about contraception. We used thematic content analysis to analyze interview transcripts using Dedoose.

Results

We identified six aspects of contraceptive counseling that clinicians commonly employed with adolescent patients. These were: (1) sociodemographic characteristics driving counseling, (2) reliance on tiered effectiveness counseling, (3) initiating counseling conversations using “ask then explain” or “explain then ask” approaches, (4) emphasis on teen pregnancy prevention, (5) the influence of method accessibility on counseling, and (6) parental involvement in decision‐making and patient confidentiality. We describe how these themes align with or diverge from each component of the SDM framework.

Conclusion

Clinicians in this study frequently engaged in non‐patient‐centered techniques during contraceptive counseling with adolescents. These findings can inform practice recommendations to support clinicians in providing high‐quality contraceptive counseling using shared decision‐making.
Resting vagally‐mediated heart rate variability in the laboratory is associated with momentary negative affect and emotion regulation in daily life
Authors: Bylsma Lauren M. , DeMarree Kenneth G. , McMahon Tierney P. , Park Juhyun , Biehler Kaitlyn M. , Naragon‐Gainey Kristin
Published: August 2024

Vagally‐mediated heart rate variability (vmHRV) is a physiological index reflecting parasympathetic activity that has been linked to emotion regulation (ER) capacity. However, very limited research has examined associations of physiological indices of regulation such as vmHRV with emotional functioning in daily life. The few studies that exist have small samples sizes and typically focus on only a narrow aspect of ER or emotional functioning. In this study, we examined associations between vmHRV assessed in the laboratory and emotional/mental health functioning in daily life using a 7‐day ecological momentary assessment design in 303 adult community participants. We hypothesized that higher resting vmHRV would be associated with higher positive affect (PA), lower negative affect (NA), less affective variability, greater well‐being, fewer dysphoria symptoms, greater use of engagement ER strategies, and less use of avoidance ER strategies, as assessed in daily life. Results revealed that higher resting vmHRV in the laboratory (as indexed by both high frequency heart rate variability, HF‐HRV, and the root mean of successive square deviations between heart beats, RMSSD) was significantly associated with less frequent use of avoidance ER strategies in daily life. Theoretical and clinical implications are discussed, including the association of vmHRV with negatively valenced, rather than positively valenced, daily life experiences.
Successful pollinator seed mixes include low grass density and high forb richness across a range of total seeding densities
Authors: Müller Uta , Bruninga‐Socolar Bethanne , Brokaw Julia , Schreiber Julia , Cariveau Daniel P. , Williams Neal M.
Published: August 2024

Pollinator habitat restorations and enhancements are an important approach to mitigate pollinator declines due to habitat loss and other stressors. Foraging resources can be provided by wildflower plantings grown from seed mixes composed of pollinator‐friendly plant species. Despite clear evidence on the benefits of such plantings for bees and other pollinators, there is limited knowledge on how variation in multiple seed mix design parameters affects floral resources over time. Such information is crucial to improve the effectiveness of different habitat applications and to potentially lower seed costs, which remain an impediment to adoption. We conducted an incomplete factorial field experiment to test the impacts of density, diversity, and forb:grass ratio of seed mixes on floral resource availability and phenological coverage of the resulting plantings. We quantified floral area and phenological coverage over the whole blooming season for three consecutive years in replicated plots of wildflower mixes in two regions of the U.S.A, Northern California's Central Valley and Midwestern Tallgrass Prairie. When different seed densities were fully replicated (e.g. within high forb:grass seed ratios in Minnesota, or forb‐only seedings in California), seeding density had no further impact on floral area and floral phenological coverage.
Augmenting patient monitoring during intravenous moderate sedation with artificial intelligence: A pilot study
Authors: Mincer Melanie N. , Mincer Reeva C. , Sung Eric C.
Published: August 2024

Purpose/objectives

A precordial stethoscope (PS) is essential for ensuring clear breath sounds during open airway sedations. However, a traditional PS limits the ability of new users to simultaneously listen to heart and lung sounds alongside experienced practitioners, hindering their learning and development. Bluetooth speaker systems allow for multiple providers but amplify all noise. An artificial intelligence (AI) PS has the potential to selectively reduce ambient noise, allowing multiple providers to monitor concurrently and provides a visual representation of the sound waves. The study looks at the benefits of AI PS in teaching in the dental setting.

Methods

A questionnaire was created to compare the new AI PS to a conventional PS during intravenous moderate sedation in a dental clinic setting.

Results

Sixteen individuals involved in sedations (four dental attendings, seven dental residents, and five dental assistants), were polled with a 100% response rate. 75% of participants agreed that clarity was improved using the AI PS and 81.25% of participants agreed that breath sounds and loudness were improved using the AI PS. 93.75% reported the AI PS was beneficial in allowing attendees to concurrently monitor a sedation case alongside dental residents. 100% of assistants reported that the AI PS benefited from their participation in sedation cases.

Conclusion

As technology advances, it is important that we as providers continue to evolve and consider implementing AI to improve our ability to monitor patients and enhance educational experiences for dental resident trainees.
Understanding Residual Stress Evolution in Directed Energy Deposition With Interlayer Deformation
Authors: Mithal Abeer , Maharjan Niroj , Tan Nicholas Yew Jin , Chew Youxiang , Idapalapati Sridhar
Published: August 2024

Control of residual stresses (RS), inherent to fusion-based additive manufacturing (AM), process is important for the satisfactory mechanical performance of components. Recent work has attempted to control the RS profiles in AM components by applying mechanical peening between built layers. During laser powder bed fusion (LPBF), it has been shown that subsequent layer building does not relieve all the peening-induced compressive stresses. In this work, a similar study has been performed on a directed energy deposition (DED) process. It is shown that owing to the vastly different thermal profile in DED compared to LPBF, the compressive RS induced by peening, is completely alleviated during subsequent layer deposition for 316L stainless steel. Irrespective of the magnitude and depth, the peening-induced compressive stresses were not present in the final part. Experimental and numerical analyses revealed that stress relief due to intrinsic heating was insufficient to explain stress relaxation. Rather, the localized heating and constrained expansion from surrounding cold material was the mechanism responsible for strain redistribution and hence stress relaxation.
Ultrasonic Levitation as a Handling Tool for In-Space Manufacturing Processes
Authors: Raffel Jan , Böhm Torben , Düsing Jan , Röhl Marvin , Schilde Carsten , Malshe Ajay P. , Overmeyer Ludger , Lotz Christoph
Published: August 2024

3D printing is one of the key technologies in space exploration. The disparity in gravitational forces between Earth and space presents both challenges and opportunities with regard to material handling. This article examines the potential of employing ultrasonic levitation as a handling tool for substrate-free additive manufacturing processes in microgravity environments. Through preliminary experiments, we demonstrate the feasibility of manipulating polymer powders using acoustic fields while concurrently melting the levitated material. Subsequent experiments conducted in our drop tower facility confirm our ability to manipulate particles with acoustic traps under microgravity conditions. Building upon these findings, we outline plans to further advance our research using an expanded acoustic levitation system capable of three-dimensional object manipulation. Our objectives include moving and orienting large components beyond the wavelength limit in microgravity, manipulating granular raw material while melting it in proximity to the print part, and achieving a semi-continuous fusion of print material with the print part. Therefore, we present an intelligent control strategy based on the results of a digital twin simulation. Furthermore, we utilize a stereo camera combined with computer vision as feedback for the control system to ensure precise handling of the manipulated objects and particles. This study represents a significant advance toward the realization of efficient substrate-free additive manufacturing processes in microgravity environments, with potential applications for in-space manufacturing. Ultimately, this could result in long-term space missions becoming less reliant on supply deliveries, thus reducing cost and additionally enabling faster response to unforeseen issues.
MOS structure with as-deposited ALD Al2O3/4H-SiC heterostructure with high electrical performance: Investigation of the interfacial region
Authors: Zeng Yu-Xuan , Wang Xi-Rui , Yang Ruo-Yun , Huang Wei , Yang Lei , Ma Hong-Ping , Zhang Qing-Chun
Published: August 2024

The reliability issues in silicon carbide (SiC)-based devices with gate dielectric formed through heat oxidation are significant factors limiting their application in power devices. Aluminum oxide (Al2O3) was chosen as a high-k material to form the gate oxide layer on top of a SiC substrate. Atomic layer deposition (ALD) was used to fabricate an Al2O3/4H-SiC heterostructure, and the quality of the ALD Al2O3 layer was examined by XPS and electrical experiments. The XPS analysis suggests that the created heterojunction is a type-I heterojunction with ΔEC = 1.89 eV and ΔEV = 1.83 eV. Metal-insulated semiconductor structures with upper and lower Al electrodes were prepared for investigating leakage current and breakdown voltage characteristics. The leakage current density and breakdown electric field of an MOS capacitor structure with an Al2O3/4H-SiC heterojunction are ∼10−10 A/cm2 and 9.3 MV/cm, respectively. The interfacial defect density (Dit) near the conduction band of the MOS capacitive structure with the SiC substrate is 1.44 × 1012 eV−1 cm−2, while the interface charge (Neff) of the oxide layer of this sample can also be controlled at a level of 1011 cm−2. The Al2O3/SiC structure fabricated in this work exhibits superior electrical performance compared to the heterostructure based on the Si substrate and other relevant heterostructures documented in previous studies.
Physical Conditioning and Functional Injury-Screening Profile of Elite Female Soccer Players: A Systematic Review
Authors: Ruiz-Rios Maitane , Setuain Igor , Cadore Eduardo L. , Izquierdo Mikel , Garcia-Tabar Ibai
Published: August 2024

Purpose: To identify the physical conditioning and functional injury-screening characteristics of elite female soccer players. Methods: This review was prospectively registered (PROSPERO CRD4202346765). Searches were conducted in PubMed/MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, Scopus, and Web of Science (from inception in March 2023 to July 2023). Updated searches were conducted in October 2023 and April 2024. Included studies were quantitative studies conducted on female soccer players. Main outcomes were functional and physical profiles. Screening, data extraction, and quality assessment (Quality Assessment Tool for Quantitative Studies and the Oxford Levels of Evidence scales) were performed. Mean differences between preseason and in-season testing periods were estimated by Hedges g effect size. Methods and results were reported according to PRISMA guidelines. Results: The search yielded 1727 articles, of which 10 were included. Overall methodological quality of the studies was strong, with a moderate level of evidence. Players exhibited mean maximal oxygen uptake of 52.6 (4.5) mL·min−1·kg−1, 20-m linear-sprint performance of 3.58 (0.18) seconds, countermovement jump of 31.0 (2.9) cm, unilateral countermovement jump of 14.4 (2.1) cm, and quadriceps and hamstring peak torque at 60°·s−1 of 133 (23) and 87 (17) N·m, respectively. Mean scores recorded during in-season were 2% to 22% better than in preseason (effect size: small to very large). Conclusions: This review provides valuable normative physical conditioning and functional injury-risk assessment data for elite female soccer players. Coaches and conditioning staff can use these insights to interpret their own records and optimize their training processes. Furthermore, this study identifies methodological limitations to address in future research.
The Effects of Sport Participation for Adults With Physical or Intellectual Disability: A Scoping Review
Authors: Hassett Leanne , Moseley Anne M. , McKay Marnee J. , Cole Jenni , Chagpar Sakina , Geerts Minke P.J. , Kwok Wing S. , Jensen Connie , Sherrington Catherine , Shields Nora
Published: August 2024

Background: Adults with physical or intellectual disability are less active than those without disability. Objective: To review literature regarding sport participation in adults with physical or intellectual disability. Specifically, to examine characteristics of available studies including participants, interventions, outcomes, and impact. Methods: A scoping review was completed. Searches of 6 databases and a trial registry plus citation tracking were undertaken. Two independent reviewers screened items for eligibility and extracted data about the studies, participants, interventions, and outcomes. A single reviewer extracted data to quantify impacts of sport participation, classified as favorable, insignificant, or unfavorable. Results: 164 studies involving 11,642 participants were included. Most studies (128/164) used a cross-sectional design. Most participants were men (81%) with physical disability (135/164), and spinal cord injury was the most prevalent underlying health condition (54%). Most studies evaluated a mix of sports (83/164) in a disability-specific context (159/164), with basketball or wheelchair basketball being the most common individual sport (28/164). Physical impairment was the most frequently reported outcome domain (85/334 results). Sports participation impact was classified as 55% favorable, 42% insignificant, and 3% unfavorable. Conclusions: There were many favorable and few unfavorable outcomes for participation in sport for adults with physical or intellectual disability. More research is needed to address the evidence gaps of gender, health condition, and type of sport, and to use more rigorous research designs to evaluate the effects of sport participation. While new evidence is generated, we suggest adults with physical or intellectual disability be encouraged to engage in sport. Registration: PROSPERO registration number CRD42018104379.
Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization 2-Handed Grip Force Production Consistency During Simulated Treatment: A Technical Report
Authors: Baker Russell T. , Martonick Nickolai J.P. , Smitley Matthew C. , Ludwig Christopher M. , Reeves Ashley J.
Published: August 2024

Context: Instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) continues to increase in popularity and utilization among manual therapists. Despite its popularity, little is known about the consistency in peak or average forces that clinicians apply when performing IASTM treatments with a 2-handed grip. The purpose of this study was to examine intraclinician consistency in peak and average forces when applying a 2-handed IASTM grip. Design: Randomized crossover study conducted in a university biomechanics laboratory. Methods: Five (5) licensed athletic trainers with prior IASTM training used 5 different IASTM instruments to apply simulated treatment. Average peak forces (Fpeak) and average mean forces (Fmean) were collected via force plate for all 5 IASTM instruments with a skin simulant attached. Descriptive statistics, coefficients of variation (CVs), box and density plots, and Bland–Altman plots were assessed. Results: The clinicians’ average Fpeak ranged from 3.0 N to 11.6 N and average Fmean from 1.9 N to 8.1 N. Fpeak CVs for all instruments ranged from 14% to 31%, and Fmean CVs ranged from 15% to 35%. Bland–Altman plots indicated that for both Fpeak and Fmean, 97% of the data points fell within the limits of agreement across instruments and clinicians. Mean differences across instruments ranged from 0.9 N (91.8 g) to 4.1 N (418.1 g) for Fpeak and from 1.0 N (102.0 g) to 2.8 N (285.5 g) for Fmean. Thus, CVs, box and density plots, and Bland–Altman plots supported general force application consistency. Conclusion: Trained IASTM clinicians produced consistent treatment application forces (ie, Fpeak and Fmean) within treatment sessions during 2-handed simulated application.
Sexually dimorphic computational histopathological signatures prognostic of overall survival in high-grade gliomas via deep learning
Authors: Verma Ruchika , Alban Tyler J. , Parthasarathy Prerana , Mokhtari Mojgan , Toro Castano Paula , Cohen Mark L. , Lathia Justin D. , Ahluwalia Manmeet , Tiwari Pallavi
Published: August 2024

High-grade glioma (HGG) is an aggressive brain tumor. Sex is an important factor that differentially affects survival outcomes in HGG. We used an end-to-end deep learning approach on hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) scans to (i) identify sex-specific histopathological attributes of the tumor microenvironment (TME), and (ii) create sex-specific risk profiles to prognosticate overall survival. Surgically resected H&E-stained tissue slides were analyzed in a two-stage approach using ResNet18 deep learning models, first, to segment the viable tumor regions and second, to build sex-specific prognostic models for prediction of overall survival. Our mResNet-Cox model yielded C-index (0.696, 0.736, 0.731, and 0.729) for the female cohort and C-index (0.729, 0.738, 0.724, and 0.696) for the male cohort across training and three independent validation cohorts, respectively. End-to-end deep learning approaches using routine H&E-stained slides, trained separately on male and female patients with HGG, may allow for identifying sex-specific histopathological attributes of the TME associated with survival and, ultimately, build patient-centric prognostic risk assessment models.
Antiferromagnetic Ising model in a triangular vortex lattice of quantum fluids of light
Authors: Alyatkin Sergey , Milián Carles , Kartashov Yaroslav V. , Sitnik Kirill A. , Gnusov Ivan , Töpfer Julian D. , Sigurðsson Helgi , Lagoudakis Pavlos G.
Published: August 2024

Vortices are topologically distinctive objects appearing as phase twists in coherent fields of optical beams and Bose-Einstein condensates. Structured networks and artificial lattices of coupled vortices could offer a powerful platform to study and simulate interaction mechanisms between constituents of condensed matter systems, such as antiferromagnetic interactions, by replacement of spin angular momentum with orbital angular momentum. Here, we realize such a platform using a macroscopic quantum fluid of light based on exciton-polariton condensates. We imprint all-optical hexagonal lattice that results into a triangular vortex lattice, with each cell having a vortex of charge
l
= ±1. We reveal that pairs of coupled condensates spontaneously arrange their orbital angular momentum antiparallel, implying a form of artificial orbital “antiferromagnetism.” We discover that correlation exists between the emergent vortex patterns in triangular condensate lattices and the low-energy solutions of the corresponding antiferromagnetic Ising system. Our study offers a path toward spontaneously ordered vortex arrays with nearly arbitrary configurations and controlled couplings.
The nuclear export protein XPO1 provides a peptide ligand for natural killer cells
Authors: Blunt Matthew D. , Fisher Hayden , Schittenhelm Ralf B. , Mbiribindi Berenice , Fulton Rebecca , Khan Sajida , Espana-Serrano Laura , Graham Lara V. , Bastidas-Legarda Leidy , Burns Daniel , Khakoo Sophie M.S. , Mansour Salah , Essex Jonathan W. , Ayala Rochelle , Das Jayajit , Purcell Anthony W. , Khakoo Salim I.
Published: August 2024

XPO1 (Exportin-1/CRM1) is a nuclear export protein that is frequently overexpressed in cancer and functions as a driver of oncogenesis. Currently small molecules that target XPO1 are being used in the clinic as anticancer agents. We identify XPO1 as a target for natural killer (NK) cells. Using immunopeptidomics, we have identified a peptide derived from XPO1 that can be recognized by the activating NK cell receptor KIR2DS2 in the context of human leukocyte antigen–C. The peptide can be endogenously processed and presented to activate NK cells specifically through this receptor. Although high XPO1 expression in cancer is commonly associated with a poor prognosis, we show that the outcome of specific cancers, such as hepatocellular carcinoma, can be substantially improved if there is concomitant evidence of NK cell infiltration. We thus identify XPO1 as a bona fide tumor antigen recognized by NK cells that offers an opportunity for a personalized approach to NK cell therapy for solid tumors.
3D printed spiral tube–like cellulose scaffold for oral delivery of probiotics
Authors: Zhang Yue , Zhou Chenmeng , Tian Bo , Xu Jialu , Wang Xiaoyu , Dai Huaxing , Wang Heng , Xu Fang , Wang Chao
Published: August 2024

Introducing specific strains of probiotics into the gut microbiome is a promising way to modulate the intestinal microbiome to treat various health conditions clinically. However, oral probiotics typically have a temporary or limited impact on the gut microbiome and overall health benefits. Here, we reported a 3D printed cellulose-derived spiral tube-like scaffold that enabled high efficacy of the oral delivery of probiotics. Benefiting from the unique surface pattern, this system can effectively extend the retention time of loaded probiotics in the gut without invading nearby tissues, provide a favorable environment for the survival and long-term colonization of loaded probiotics, and influence the intestinal ecosystem as a dietary fiber after degradation. We demonstrate
Roseburia intestinalis
-loaded scaffold exerts noticeable impacts on the regulation of the gut microbiome to treat various gut-related diseases, including obesity and inflammatory bowel disease; thus, we provide a universal platform for oral delivery of probiotics.
Transcription elongation of the plant RNA polymerase IV is prone to backtracking
Authors: Fang Chengli , Huang Kun , Wu Xiaoxian , Zhang Hongwei , Gu Zhanxi , Wang Jiawei , Zhang Yu
Published: August 2024

RNA polymerase IV (Pol IV) forms a complex with RNA-directed RNA polymerase 2 (RDR2) to produce double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) precursors essential for plant gene silencing. In the “backtracking-triggered RNA channeling” model, Pol IV backtracks and delivers its transcript’s 3′ terminus to RDR2, which synthesizes dsRNA. However, the mechanisms underlying Pol IV backtracking and RNA protection from cleavage are unclear. Here, we determined cryo–electron microscopy structures of Pol IV elongation complexes at four states of its nucleotide addition cycle (NAC): posttranslocation, guanosine triphosphate–bound, pretranslocation, and backtracked states. The structures reveal that Pol IV maintains an open DNA cleft and kinked bridge helix in all NAC states, loosely interacts with the nucleoside triphosphate substrate, and barely contacts proximal backtracked nucleotides. Biochemical data indicate that Pol IV is inefficient in forward translocation and RNA cleavage. These findings suggest that Pol IV transcription elongation is prone to backtracking and incapable of RNA hydrolysis, ensuring efficient dsRNA production by Pol IV–RDR2.
Investigating sustainability in work after participating in a welfare-to-work initiative using a 2-year cohort study of Work Programme participants in Scotland
Authors: Brown Judith , Walker Simon Harold , McQuaid Ronald W , Katikireddi Srinivasa Vittal , Leyland Alastair H , Frank John , Mackay Daniel , Macdonald Ewan
Published: August 2024

Objectives

This study investigated sustainability and multimorbidity alongside barriers to employment including health and policy to demonstrate intersectional impact on return-to-work success within a UK welfare-to-work programme.

Design

Cohort study design: The study calculated the proportion of time spent employed after experiencing a job start and the proportion retaining work over 6 months. Employment/unemployment periods were calculated, sequence-index plots were produced and visualisations were explored by benefit type and age.

Setting

This study used confidential access to deidentified data from unemployed Work Programme clients operated by Ingeus on behalf of the UK Government in Scotland between 1 April 2013 and 31 July 2014.

Participants

13 318 unemployed clients aged 18–64 years were randomly allocated to a Work Programme provider and monitored over 2 years.

Results

This study has two distinct groupings. ‘Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)’ corresponding to those with work-limiting disability in receipt of related state financial support, and ‘Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)’ corresponding to unemployment claimants. Despite fewer and later job starts for ESA clients, those that gained employment spend relatively more subsequent time in employment when compared with individuals without work-limiting conditions (ESA clients under 50, 0.73; ESA clients over 50, 0.79; JSA clients under 50, 0.67 and JSA clients over 50, 0.68). Proportion in permanent jobs was higher among ESA than JSA clients (JSA under 50, 92%; JSA over 50, 92%; ESA under 50, 95% and ESA over 50, 97%).

Conclusion

The research demonstrated that returning to paid employment after a reliance on welfare benefits is challenging for people aged over 50 and those with disability. The study found that although fewer older ESA claimants entered employment, they typically remained in employment more than JSA clients who did not leave the Work Programme early. This indicates the importance of identifying risk factors for job loss in ageing workers and the development of interventions for extension of working lives.
The spectrum of acute illness and mortality of children and adolescents presenting to emergency services in Sanghar district hospital, Pakistan: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Muttalib Fiona , Memon Zahid Ali , Muhammad Shah , Soomro Asif , Khan Samia , Bano Shazia , Jawwad Muhammad , Soofi Sajid , Hansen Bettina , Adhikari Neill KJ , Bhutta Zulfiqar
Published: August 2024

Objective

To describe presenting diagnoses and rates and causes of death by age category and sex among children with acute illness brought to a district headquarter hospital in Pakistan.

Design

Prospective cohort study.

Setting

Sanghar district headquarter hospital, Sindh, Pakistan between December 2019 and April 2020 and August 2020 and December 2020.

Participants

3850 children 0–14 years presenting with acute illness to the emergency and outpatient departments and 1286 children admitted to the inpatient department.

Outcome measures

The primary outcome was Global Burden of Disease diagnosis category. Secondary outcomes were 28-day mortality rate, cause of death and healthcare delays, defined as delay in care-seeking, delay in reaching the healthcare facility and delay in appropriate treatment.

Results

Communicable diseases were the most common presenting diagnoses among outpatients and among inpatients aged 1 month to 9 years. Non-communicable diseases and nutritional disorders were more common with increasing age. Few children presented with injuries. Newborn period (age <28 days) was associated with increased odds of death (OR 4.34 [95% CI 2.38 to 8.18], p<0.001, reference age 28 days–14 years) and there was no significant difference in odds of death between female vs male children (OR 1.12, 95% CI 0.6 to 2.04, p=0.72). 47 children died in the hospital (3.6%) and three (0.2%) died within 28 days of admission. Most children who died were <28 days old (n=32/50, 64%); leading diagnoses included neonatal sepsis/meningitis (n=13/50, 26%), neonatal encephalopathy (n=7/50, 14%) and lower respiratory tract infections (n=6/50, 12%). Delays in care-seeking (n=15) and in receiving appropriate treatment (n=12) were common.

Conclusion

This study adds to sparse literature surrounding the epidemiology of disease and hospital outcomes for children with acute illness seeking healthcare in rural Pakistan and, in particular, among children aged 5–14 years. Further studies should include public and private hospitals within a single region to comprehensively describe patterns of care-seeking and interfacility transfer in district health systems.
Cohort profile: The Aboriginal Families Study – a prospective cohort of Aboriginal children and their mothers and caregivers in South Australia
Authors: Glover Karen , Leane Cathy , Nikolof Arwen , Gartland Deirdre , Cahir Petrea , Mensah Fiona K , Giallo Rebecca , Reilly Sheena , Middleton Philippa , Makrides Maria , Francis Theresa , Collins-Clinch Amanda , Clark Yvonne , Gee Graham , Brown Stephanie Janne
Published: August 2024

Purpose

The Aboriginal Families Study is a prospective, intergenerational cohort study with well-established Aboriginal governance arrangements and community partnerships to support all research processes including data collection, interpretation and knowledge translation.

Participants

344 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children born in South Australia between July 2011 and June 2013 and their mothers and other primary caregivers. Two waves of survey data collection have been undertaken: early in the first year postpartum and when the study children were aged 5–8 years. Children participated in direct developmental assessments of their cognitive, speech and language development at 5–8 years of age. Social and cultural determinants of health and well-being have been assessed at each wave of data collection.

Findings to date

Publications and policy briefs to date focus on social determinants of women’s and children’s physical and mental health; identifying gaps in access to pregnancy, postnatal, primary, specialist and allied healthcare; and evidence that Aboriginal-led services in South Australia have improved women’s experiences and access to antenatal care.

Future plans

Wave 3 follow-up is planned as the study children reach 14–16 years of age. Longitudinal follow-up of women and children in the cohort will generate new knowledge about factors promoting children and young people’s social and emotional well-being. Our goal is to build a stronger understanding of the potential for key domains of social and emotional well-being (eg, connection to community, family and kin, country and spirituality) to buffer the impacts of social determinants of health, including intergenerational trauma and social inequity.
Protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis of recurrence and metastasis of different surgical techniques for non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Huang Xiongfeng , Zhu Donghong , Cao Yaoxing , Li Weijuan , Lai Jinxing , Ren Yuxi
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Lung cancer remains the primary cause of cancer-related deaths on a global scale. Surgery is the main therapeutic option for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, the optimal surgical approach for lymph node assessment in NSCLC resection remains controversial, and it is still uncertain whether lymph node dissection (LND) is more effective in reducing recurrence and metastasis rates in NSCLC compared with lymph node sampling (LNS). Therefore, we will conduct a meta-analysis to evaluate the recurrence and metastasis of LND versus LNS in patients with NSCLC.

Methods and analysis

This systematic review and meta-analysis will follow the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis: The PRISMA Statement. According to the predefined inclusion criteria, we will conduct a comprehensive search for randomised controlled trials and non-randomised studies examining the recurrence and metastasis of LND compared with LNS in patients with NSCLC. A literature search from inception in PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, CNKI, Wanfang, SINOMED, VIP and Web of Science will be done. There will be no limitations on language, and the search will be undertaken on 30 August 2024, with regular search for new studies. Additionally, relevant literature references will be retrieved and hand-searching of pertinent journals will be conducted. The main outcomes include overall recurrence rate, local recurrence rate and distant metastasis rate. The supplementary outcomes encompass the rates of regional recurrence and lymph node metastasis. Two independent reviewers will perform screening, data extraction and quality assessment. Our reviewers will perform subgroup analysis, sensitivity analysis and publication bias analysis to evaluate the heterogeneity and robustness. Review Manager 5.4 will be applied in analysing and synthesising. The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation will be used to assess the quality of evidence for the whole study.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval is dispensable for this study since no private information of the participants will be involved. The findings of the present study will be disseminated through a peer-reviewed journal or conference presentation.

Study registration

The protocol of the systematic review has been registered on Open Science Framework, with a registration doi:https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/S2FT5.