bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Political Socialization Among Young Adults in Minnesota
Authors: Song Soyoul , Wang Guanyu , Pasco Michelle C.
Published: December 2024

In an era marked by polarized political landscapes, understanding the mechanisms of political socialization among emerging adults in Minnesota provides critical insights into the formation of political identities. This study explores political socialization among young adults in Minnesota, focusing on the impact of family, peers, and personal experiences across diverse social positionalities (i.e., race/ethnicity). Utilizing thematic analysis of 41 interviews (Mage = 21.8, 73.2% Female, 70.7% affiliated politically as Democrats), we identified key themes in political socialization for young adults in Minnesota, including familial transmission (i.e., from parent to child), trickle-up socialization, limited socialization and emphasis on values , reciprocal and selective peer socialization, and personalized political socialization processes. Highlighting the nuanced role of social positionality, the research underscores young adults’ active participation in shaping their political beliefs, suggesting the importance of inclusive and adaptable political engagement strategies to accommodate diverse experiences and perspectives in democratic participation.
Exploring Employee Perceptions of Technology Media Influence on Supervisory Relationships
Authors: Fairweather Jennifer E. , Bilodeau Julie
Published: December 2024

In today’s workplace, supervisors often communicate with direct reports using technology that could influence the perceived relationship employees have with their managers. The purpose of this convergent mixed methods study was to describe the perception of how media richness, when using technology to communicate, influences the relationship direct reports have with their supervisors. To address the research question, a survey was used with a sample of 100 direct reports who frequently receive communication from their supervisors in different technology formats. The results from the study suggest that technology media influences the perceived relationship between direct reports and their supervisors. According to the results of this study, technology media may be especially helpful in bolstering the availability of supervisors, which may positively influence other elements of the supervisory relationship. The results further suggest that it may be important for all leaders to choose technology media that is personalized and preferred by the employee while also using the most effective media for the type of message. Finally, leaders should understand the concerns that employees may have around privacy and overuse of technology media.
Confirmatory Cytopathology and Potential Impact on the Predictive Value of Gene Expression Profiling in Patients With Uveal Melanoma
Authors: Lane Anne Marie , Hartley Caleb D. , McCarthy Ronan , Go Ashley , Gragoudas Evangelos S. , Suwajanakorn Disorn , Wu Frances , Kim Ivana K.
Published: December 2024

Purpose: To determine whether the availability of a cytopathology-confirming diagnosis is correlated with the prognostic accuracy of a gene expression profiling assay. Methods: A single-center retrospective review was performed of patients diagnosed with uveal melanoma who had a fine-needle aspiration biopsy and gene expression profiling before proton therapy from 2012 to 2020. The development of metastases was compared in patients with gene expression profiling and cytopathology (gene expression profiling+cytopathology group) and patients with gene expression profiling only (gene expression profiling only group). Results: Of 141 patients with gene expression profiling, 98 (69.5%) had cytopathology results and 43 (30.5%) did not. The median tumor thickness was greater in the gene expression profiling+cytopathology group (5.0 mm) than in the gene expression profiling only group (3.1 mm) ( P = .0003). The distribution of gene expression profiling class in these 2 groups, respectively, was class 1A, 38 (38.8%) vs 20 (46.5%); class 1B, 20 (20.4%) vs 15 (34.9%); class 2, 40 (40.8%) vs 8 (18.6%). Class 1A tumors metastasized in 4 patients (10.5%) in the gene expression profiling+cytopathology group and 3 patients (15.0%) in the gene expression profiling only group. Class 1B tumors metastasized in 3 patients (15.0%) and 1 patient (6.7%), and class 2 tumors metastasized in 18 patients (45.0%) and 5 patients (62.5%) in these 2 groups, respectively. The median months from initial treatment to metastasis diagnosis within each gene expression profiling class for the gene expression profiling+cytopathology and gene expression profiling only groups, respectively, was class 1A, 36.7 vs 33.6 ( P = .86); class 1B, 37.8 vs 68.6 ( P = 1.0); class 2, 19.0 vs 15.8 ( P = .70). Conclusions: We found no evidence that the lack of confirmatory cytology negatively affects the accuracy of gene expression profiling, and no significant differences were found in the overall rates of metastasis between patients with and patients without cytopathology or rates within each class of gene expression profiling.
Evaluation of Sustained Intraocular Pressure Elevations Across Antivascular Endothelial Growth Factor Agents
Authors: Rana Neil A. , Chalasani Meghana , Markle Jonathan , Russell Matthew W. , Li Ang , Talcott Katherine E. , Singh Rishi P. , Sharma Sumit
Published: December 2024

Purpose: To evaluate the effect of antivascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) agents on the development of sustained intraocular pressure (IOP) elevations. Methods: This single-center retrospective cohort study included eyes receiving anti-VEGF injections for various indications along with nontreated fellow eyes from 2012 to 2022. Patients were grouped according to treatment with bevacizumab, ranibizumab, or aflibercept. Trends in IOP were recorded after treatment initiation for 1 year. The development of sustained IOP elevations (defined as an increase of 5 mm Hg or greater than baseline for 4 or more weeks) and glaucoma manifestations were recorded. Results: The analysis included 1604 eyes (injection cohort, 907; control cohort, 697). The mean age of the injection cohort was 83.3 years; 56.9% were women and 82.0% were White. Injections were for neovascular age-related macular degeneration (498 [54.9%]), diabetic retinopathy (219 [24.1%]), retinal vein occlusion (161 [17.8%]), and other indications (29 [3.2%)]. Bevacizumab was used in 521 eyes (57.4%), ranibizumab in 129 eyes (14.2%), and aflibercept in 257 eyes (28.3%). The mean age in the control cohort was 81.6 years; 56.1% were women and 84.1% were White. Sustained IOP elevations developed in 97 (6.0%) of 1604 eyes throughout the study. Compared with controls, treated eyes overall did not have an increased rate of sustained IOP elevations ( P = .38) or glaucoma progression ( P = .51), although patients treated with bevacizumab had a significantly greater incidence of IOP elevation than controls (relative risk, 1.81; 95% CI, 1.18-2.78). The mean number of injections to sustained IOP elevation was 5.4 and did not differ between agents ( P > .05). Conclusions: Although not all anti-VEGF agents are associated with IOP-related adverse effects, bevacizumab carries an increased risk for sustained IOP elevation. Further investigation into the long-term effects of bevacizumab on IOP and glaucoma and a comparison with other anti-VEGF agents may be warranted.
Short-Term Endotamponade With Perfluorocarbon Liquids for Giant Retinal Tear–Associated Retinal Detachment
Authors: Kannan Naresh Babu , Vallinayagam MuthuKrishnan , Balakrishnan Tanya , Dey Sarkar Avik , Rajan Renu P. , Ramasamy Kim
Published: December 2024

Purpose: To investigate the use of short-term postoperative endotamponade with perfluorocarbon liquids (PFCLs) for the treatment of giant retinal tear–associated rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD). Methods: This retrospective study evaluated patients who had 2-stage surgery, which entailed pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) completed in 2 consecutive surgeries spaced 5 days apart, during which a short-term tamponade with PFCL was used (Group 1), and patients who had conventional single-stage PPV with long-term silicone oil (SO) tamponade (Group 2). Results: The study comprised 74 eyes of 68 patients, 52 in Group 1 and 22 in Group 2. The mean (±SD) patient age at presentation was 48.19 ± 15.73 years. Of the cases, 18.9% had high myopia and 13.5% had previous trauma. The improvement in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was significantly better in Group 1 than in Group 2 at all postoperative visits ( P = .004, postoperative day [POD] 15; P = .002, POD 90; P = .00006, final follow-up). Anatomic success (an attached retina) was achieved in 82.7% of patients in Group 1 and in 72.7% of patients in Group 2 ( P = .33). At the 6-month postoperative follow-up, 54.5% of patients and 50% of patients, respectively, had a logMAR BCVA of 1.00 or better ( P = .721). The mean change in intraocular pressure from baseline was statistically significant in both groups (Group 1, P = .012; Group 2, P = .018). Conclusions: Anatomic and functional outcomes in giant retinal tear–associated RRD can be improved with short-term postoperative endotamponade with PFCLs.
Capabilities, place, and wellbeing in conservation spaces: An empirical analysis
Authors: Silva Julie A. , Strong Michael
Published: December 2024

Using case studies from Namibia and Mozambique, we examine how regulations against hunting impact person–place relationships and affect multidimensional wellbeing in conservation spaces. We combine Amartya Sen's capability approach with theories of place, using Chris de Wet's concept of disemplacement to investigate the ways conservation efforts affect rural quality of life. We find conservation and place-making become incompatible if people are prevented from adapting lifestyles and livelihoods to accommodate changing circumstances. By tracing distinct dimensions of the disemplacement process, we demonstrate the adverse and compounding effects of wildlife regulations associated with nature tourism. Disruptions to economic livelihoods and physical security destabilize person–place bonds that enhance wellbeing. Material losses and economic hardship are accompanied by institutional disruptions that contribute to marginalization and social exclusion. We provide a detailed illustration of how conservation regulations constrain agency and contribute to a growing sense of powerlessness by decreasing local control over wildlife, which consequently weakens place attachment and diminishes wellbeing. Our study demonstrates how people become more multidimensionally impoverished as conservation initiatives change the places they value while simultaneously limiting their capabilities to maintain place attachment.
Formative evaluation of the implementation of digital therapeutics for opioids and other substance use disorders in primary care (DIGITS trial)
Authors: Palazzo Lorella , Dorsey Caitlin N. , Mogk Jess , Beatty Tara , King Deborah , Stefanik-Guizlo Kelsey , Key Dustin , Matson Tessa E. , Shea Mary , Caldeiro Ryan M. , McWethy Angela Garza , Wong Edwin S. , Idu Abisola E. , Glass Joseph E.
Published: December 2024

Background

Substance use disorders (SUDs) result in individual and societal burden. However, most individuals with SUD receive no treatment. Implementing SUD interventions in primary care could address this population's treatment needs. In the USA, reSET® and reSET-O® were the first prescription digital therapeutics (PDTs) for SUDs and opioid use disorder (OUD), respectively. The Digital Treatments for Substance Use Disorder (DIGITS) study tested the effectiveness of practice facilitation and health coaching strategies to support reSET and reSET-O implementation into primary care. A formative evaluation was conducted to monitor implementation, inform adaptations, and learn what promotes PDT sustainment.

Method

The Dynamic Sustainability Framework and the Framework for Reporting Adaptations and Modifications to Evidence-based Implementation Strategies guided the evaluation. Using rapid qualitative methods, we collected and analyzed observational fieldnotes, key informant interviews, and document sources (e.g., meeting minutes) for synthesis and dissemination to clinical partners and the study team via formative reports. We analyzed the reports to generate evaluation results.

Results

Twenty-four primary care clinics participated. Evaluation data included 98 observational fieldnotes, 16 interviews, and 253 document sources. We produced nine formative reports. The study encountered barriers and facilitators in each DSF domain (ecological system, practice setting, and intervention). In the ecological system, the PDT vendor enabled the study, but the COVID-19 pandemic, laws, regulations, and contracting delayed implementation. In the practice setting, staff shortages and low clinic capacity were implementation challenges, while electronic health record capabilities were both barriers and facilitators. At the intervention level, non-routine workflows, clinician burden, and low patient engagement were barriers despite clinicians’ efforts.

Conclusions

Digital therapeutics are promising SUD and OUD treatments, but integration into primary care requires conducive laws and regulations, organizational capacity, and patient and clinician engagement. Formative evaluation identified important lessons for future PDT implementation.
Cohesion in physical movie releases: developing a framework for the multimodal analysis of complex three-dimensional packaging
Authors: van Kampen David , Wildfeuer Janina
Published: December 2024

Three-dimensional packages are complex multimodal ensembles and serve important communicative functions for the discursive construction of marketing strategies or social and cultural values to be conveyed by the products they contain. One particularly interesting type of such packages is that of physical movie releases. In this article, we offer an exploratory study into how multimodal cohesion analysis can be applied to these artefacts. While multimodal cohesion has mainly been analysed in narrative artefacts such as films or comics, the examination of three-dimensional packages is a new field of application within the broad context of multimodality research. Building on existing theories and frameworks for multimodal cohesion analysis, we suggest a five-step framework to fit the genre of three-dimensional packaging. A case study using three releases from the film distribution company Eureka is employed to test the developed framework. The analysis shows that the majority of relations between units in and on these packages is of the type ‘repetition’. These relations are established both through verbal and visual elements, both with regards to form and content. The repetition of style results in a strong uniformity, whereas the repetition of contents allows the object to understandably convey information despite its three-dimensional non-linear structure.
Enhanced Detection of Pesticide Residues Using Two-Dimensional Raman Correlation Spectroscopy and Machine Learning
Authors: Ndung’u Charles N. , Kaduki Kenneth A. , Kaniu M. Ian , Kiruri Lucy W.
Published: December 2024

The accurate detection of pesticide residues in fresh produce is essential for public health. This study evaluated the use of two-dimensional correlation spectroscopy (2D-COS), specifically applied to Raman data, combined with principal component analysis (PCA) and support vector machines (SVMs) for the direct and rapid detection of chlorothalonil pesticide residues in four different vegetable matrices. This approach significantly enhances the spectral resolution, enabling the identification of subtle chlorothalonil-specific fingerprints. Raman spectra were analyzed across the full wave range (300–2500 cm–1), with four key fingerprint regions identified through 2D-COS: 354−414 cm–1 (C–Cl stretching), 1260−1286 cm–1 (C–C stretching), 1540−1570 cm–1 (C–C stretching), and 2250−2265 cm–1 (C≡N stretching). When applied to the full spectral range, the PCA-SVM model yielded only moderate classification accuracy (accuracy = 72%, κ = 0.43). In contrast, models focused on the fingerprint regions achieved perfect classification (accuracy = 100%, κ = 1), successfully distinguishing between the spiked and control samples. The consistent detection of C–Cl and C≡N bonds in all vegetable matrices highlights their reliability as universal markers for chlorothalonil detection. These findings demonstrate the potential of Raman spectroscopy combined with targeted data analysis, as a highly sensitive and reliable method for pesticide residue screening.
Physiological significance of antithrombin D-helix interaction with vascular GAGs
Authors: Biswas Indranil , Panicker Sumith R. , Lupu Florea , Rezaie Alireza R.
Published: December 2024

Antithrombin (AT) is an anticoagulant serpin involved in the regulation of proteolytic activities of coagulation proteases. AT also possesses a direct anti-inflammatory function. The anticoagulant function of AT is mediated through its reactive center loop–dependent inhibition of coagulation proteases, but anti-inflammatory function of AT is mediated via its D-helix–dependent interaction with vascular glycosaminoglycans (GAGs). In vitro assays have established that therapeutic heparins promote the anticoagulant function of AT by binding D-helix and activating the serpin, however, the contribution of vascular GAGs to D-helix–dependent anticoagulant function of AT has remained poorly understood in vivo. Here, we explored this question by using 2 AT mutants, (AT-4Mut), which exhibits neither affinity for heparin nor D-helix–dependent anti-inflammatory signaling but possesses normal protease-inhibitory function and an inactive signaling-selective AT mutant in which its P1-Arg425 is deleted (AT-R425del). In vivo properties of mutants were compared with wild-type AT (AT-WT) in a small interfering RNA (siRNA)-mediated AT-deficient mouse model. The siRNA knockdown efficiently reduced expression of AT and induced robust procoagulant and proinflammatory phenotypes in mice. Infusion of both AT-WT and AT-4Mut rescued the procoagulant phenotype of AT-deficient mice as evidenced by restoration of the plasma clotting time and inhibition of fibrin deposition. AT-WT also attenuated inflammation as evidenced by reduced VCAM-1 expression and leukocyte infiltration in the liver and lungs; however, AT-4Mut failed to attenuate inflammation. Interestingly, AT-R425del also effectively attenuated inflammation in AT-depleted mice. These results suggest that interaction of AT D-helix with vascular GAGs may primarily be responsible for anti-inflammatory signaling rather than protease-inhibitory function of the serpin.
Tuberculosis in adult migrants in Europe: a TBnet consensus statement
Authors: Kunst Heinke , Lange Berit , Hovardovska Olga , Bockey Annabelle , Zenner Dominik , Andersen Aase B , Hargreaves Sally , Pareek Manish , Friedland Jon S , Wejse Chrsitain , Bothamley Graham , Guglielmetti Lorenzo , Chesov Dima , Tiberi Simon , Matteelli Alberto , Mandalakas Anna M , Heyckendorf Jan , Eimer Johannes , Malhotra Akanksha , Zamora Javier , Vasiliu Anca , Lange Christoph ,   for the TBnet
Published: December 2024

Introduction

Global migration has increased in recent decades due to war, conflict, persecutions, and natural disasters, but also secondary to increased opportunities related to work or study. Migrants’ risk of tuberculosis (TB) differs by reasons for migration, socioeconomic status, mode of travel and TB risk in transit, TB incidence and healthcare provision in country of origin. Despite advances in TB care for migrants and new treatment strategies, decisions for the management of migrants at risk of TB often rely on expert opinions, rather than clinical evidence.

Methods

A systematic literature search was conducted, studies were mapped to different recommendation groups and included studies were synthesized by meta-analysis where appropriate. Current evidence on diagnosis of active TB in migrants entering the European Union /European Economic Area (EU/EEA) &UK including the clinical presentation and diagnostic delay, treatment outcomes of drug susceptible TB, prevalence and treatment outcomes of multidrug/rifampicin-resistant (MDR/RR)-TB and TB/HIV co-infection was summarised. A consensus process was used based on the evidence.

Results

We document a higher vulnerability of migrants for TB, including an increased risk of extrapulmonary TB, MDR/RR-TB, TB/HIV co-infection and worse TB treatment outcomes compared to host populations. Consensus recommendations include screening of migrants for TB/ latent TB infection (LTBI) according to country data; a minimal package for TB care in drug susceptible and MDR/RR-TB; implementation of migrant-sensitive strategies; free healthcare and preventive treatment for migrants with HIV co-infection.

Conclusion

Dedicated care for TB prevention and treatment in migrant populations within the EU/EEA &UK is essential.
The combination of cytospin Diff-Quik and conventional cytological examination increases the diagnostic yield for malignant pleural effusion
Authors: Porcel José M , Queimaliños Daniel , Alás Sara , Sopena Ana , Civit Carmen , Esquerda Aureli , Bielsa Silvia
Published: December 2024

The most effective method for preparing pleural effusion samples for cytological analysis involves using Diff-Quik cytospins in conjunction with conventional Papanicolaou staining and the creation of cell blocks.
Disorientation as a delirium feature in non-intubated patients: development and evaluation of diagnostic accuracy of the ‘Confusion Assessment Method for Intermediate Care Unit’ (CAM-IMC) - a prospective cohort study
Authors: Beyer L. P. , Gathen L. von zur , Rayah B. El , Dewald O. , Zieschang T. , Diers A. , Ely E. Wesley , Guenther U.
Published: December 2024

Background

Disorientation is an early indicator of developing postoperative delirium (POD), which is associated with increased mortality and cognitive decline. The well-established “Confusion-Assessment-Method-for-Intensive-Care-Unit” (CAM-ICU) for diagnosing POD in intubated patients cannot make use of the feature ‘disorientation’, as this requires verbal communication. Other tools such as the 4AT test for disorientation but are not established in ICU settings. We therefore combined test-variables of the CAM-ICU (level of consciousness, fluctuating mental status and inattention) with verbal testing for disorientation to develop and enhance diagnostic accuracy of the “Confusion Assessment Method for Intermediate Care Unit” (CAM-IMC). In the present study we describe the development and the evaluation of the diagnostic accuracy of the CAM-IMC.

Methods

We conducted a prospective cohort-study to develop and evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of the CAM-IMC and disorientation for diagnosing POD in non-intubated patients undergoing elective cardiac surgery. All patients were eligible during data collection period. Exclusion criteria were preexisting brain-organic disease, age < 50 years, preoperative intubation, and insufficient language skills. Patients were assessed for POD using the CAM-IMC as the index-test by two independent examiners over three postoperative days. Reference-testing was conducted by experienced reference-raters. The primary outcome was the diagnostic test-performance.

Results

Among 178 eligible patients, 624 paired observations were completed with 155 patients. Of these, 9% experienced POD. Sensitivity and specificity were 0.96 (CI-95%: 0.87-1.00) and 0.94 (CI-95%: 0.92–0.96), respectively. Area-Under-the-Receiver-Operating-Characteristic-Curve (AUROC; equivalent to c-statistic) for CAM-IMC with a cut-off at three points was 0.95 (CI-95%: 0.93–0.98). The interrater reliability was 0.80 (CI-95%: 0.69–0.91).

Conclusion

The CAM-IMC demonstrates excellent test performance for diagnosing POD in non-intubated patients by combining features of the CAM-ICU with ‘disorientation’. Given an aging community with an increasing delirium risk, the CAM-IMC provides a highly structured assessment tool for POD. It enables early and accurate detection of delirium, which is critical for timely intervention and improved patient outcomes. The CAM-IMC appears to be a useful tool to be implemented in units for not-intubated patients and seems to be the perfect match where the CAM-ICU is already in use for monitoring POD.

Trial registration

DRKS00026980 (German registry of clinical studies).
Mental health symptoms and burdens after a SARS-CoV-2 infection
Authors: Hettich-Damm Nora , Petersen Julia , Baumkoetter Rieke , Prochaska Jürgen H. , Koenig Jochem , Schuster Alexander K. , Muenzel Thomas , Lackner Karl J. , Wild Philipp S. , Beutel Manfred
Published: December 2024

Background

Previous studies have found adverse effects on mental health following infection with SARS-CoV-2. This study investigates whether mental health is also impaired in unknowingly infected individuals. In addition, the relevance of the severity of the infection and the time since the onset of infection were analyzed.

Methods

Data from the population-representative Gutenberg COVID-19 Study (GCS) were used (N = 2,267). SARS-CoV-2 infection was determined multimodally by self-report, throat swabs (acute infections) and antibody measurements (previous infections). Participants completed self-report questionnaires on mental health.

Results

Neither unknowing nor knowing SARS-CoV-2 infection had an impact on mental health. However, symptom severity and previous depression or anxiety predicted higher levels of depressiveness, anxiety and somatic complaints. Our results confirm findings suggesting that the severity of the initial infection and previous mental illness, but not knowledge of the infection, are the most important predictors of negative mental health outcomes following SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Conclusion

The results suggest that mental health care should focus on individuals who suffer from a severe acute COVID-19 infection or have a history of mental illness.
Tyro3 and Gas6 are associated with white matter and myelin integrity in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Rosenstein Igal , Novakova Lenka , Kvartsberg Hlin , Nordin Anna , Rasch Sofia , Rembeza Elzbieta , Sandgren Sofia , Malmeström Clas , Fruhwürth Stefanie , Axelsson Markus , Blennow Kaj , Zetterberg Henrik , Lycke Jan
Published: December 2024

Background

The Gas6/TAM (Tyro3, Axl, and Mer) receptor system has been implicated in demyelination and delayed remyelination in experimental animal models, but data in humans are scarce. We aimed to investigate the role of Gas6/TAM in neurodegenerative processes in multiple sclerosis (MS).

Methods

From a prospective 5-year follow-up study, soluble Gas6/TAM biomarkers were analyzed in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) at baseline in patients with relapsing–remitting MS (RRMS) (n = 40), progressive MS (PMS) (n = 20), and healthy controls (HC) (n = 25). Brain volumes, including myelin content (MyC) and white matter (WM) were measured by synthetic magnetic resonance imaging at baseline, 12 months, and 60-month follow-up. Associations with brain volume changes were investigated in multivariable linear regression models. Gas6/TAM concentrations were also determined at 12 months follow-up in RRMS to assess treatment response.

Results

Baseline concentrations of Tyro3, Axl, and Gas6 were significantly higher in PMS vs. RRMS and HC. Mer was higher in PMS vs. HC. Tyro3 and Gas6 were associated with reduced WM (β = 25.5, 95% confidence interval [CI] [6.11–44.96, p = 0.012; β = 11.4, 95% CI [0.42–22.4], p = 0.042, respectively) and MyC (β = 7.95, 95%CI [1.84–14.07], p = 0.012; β = 4.4, 95%CI [1.04–7.75], p = 0.012 respectively) at 60 months. Patients with evidence of remyelination at last follow-up had lower baseline soluble Tyro3 (p = 0.033) and Gas6 (p = 0.014). Except Mer, Gas6/TAM concentrations did not change with treatment in RRMS.

Discussion

Our data indicate a potential role for the Gas6/TAM receptor system in neurodegenerative processes influencing demyelination and ineffective remyelination.
Immunological effects of CD19.CAR-T cell therapy in systemic sclerosis: an extended case study
Authors: Claus Maren , Freitag Merle , Ewald Meike , Rodon Lea , Deicher Franca , Watzl Carsten , Kolb Philipp , Lorenz Hanns-Martin , Schmitt Michael , Merkt Wolfgang
Published: December 2024

Objective

The high potential of CD19.CAR-T cells to treat autoimmune diseases such as Systemic Sclerosis (SSc) supposedly relies on the disappearance of autoantibodies. Here we investigated effects of CAR-T cells on the innate immune system which is an important contributor to pathology in SSc.

Methods

Longitudinal analysis of peripheral blood mononuclear cells from an Scl70 + SSc patient treated with CAR-T cells sampled over 18 months by 29-color spectral flow cytometry, in vitro experiments using sera from patient cohorts.

Results

In the patient treated with CAR-T cells, the substantial clinical improvement was paralleled by dynamic changes in innate lymphoid cells, namely Fcγ-receptor IIIA-expressing natural killer (NK) cells. NK cells adopted a more juvenile, less activated, and less differentiated phenotype. In parallel, the potency of serum to form Scl70-containing immune complexes that activate Fcγ-receptor IIIA decreased over time. These observations suggested a mechanistic link between reversal of adaptive autoimmunity and recovering Fcγ-receptor IIIA-expressing innate immune cells after CAR-T cell therapy via regressing immune complex activity. Experiments with sera from the non-CAR-T-treated SSc cohort confirmed that Scl70-containing immune complexes activate Fcγ-receptor IIIA-expressing NK cells in a dose-dependent manner, substantiating the relevance of this link between adaptive and innate immunity in SSc.

Conclusion

This report describes for the first time the phenotypic recovery of innate Fcγ-receptor-expressing cells in an SSc patient treated with CAR-T cells. Decreasing autoantibody levels associated with a reduced ability to form functional immune complexes, the latter appearing to contribute to pathology in SSc via activation of Fcγ receptor IIIA + cells such as NK cells.

Graphical Abstract

Proposed mechanism of involvement of NK cells and soluble Immune Complexes (sICs) in disease progression during active autoimmunity in SSc (left) and resolution of fibrosis after deep B cell depletion by CD19.CAR-T cells and disappearance of autoantibodies (right).
Nanomaterial-based detection of circulating tumor cells and circulating cancer stem cells for cancer immunotherapy
Authors: Yun Yeochan , Kim Seewoo , Lee Sang-Nam , Cho Hyeon-Yeol , Choi Jeong-Woo
Published: December 2024

Nanomaterials have emerged as transformative tools for detecting circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and circulating cancer stem cells (CCSCs), significantly enhancing cancer diagnostics and immunotherapy. Nanomaterials, including those composed of gold, magnetic materials, and silica, have enhanced the sensitivity, specificity, and efficiency of isolating these rare cells from blood. These developments are of paramount importance for the early detection of cancer and for providing real-time insights into metastasis and treatment resistance, which are essential for the development of personalized immunotherapies. The combination of nanomaterial-based platforms with phenotyping techniques, such as Raman spectroscopy and microfluidics, enables researchers to enhance immunotherapy protocols targeting specific CTC and CCSC markers. Nanomaterials also facilitate the targeted delivery of immunotherapeutic agents, including immune checkpoint inhibitors and therapeutic antibodies, directly to tumor cells. This synergistic approach has the potential to enhance therapeutic efficacy and mitigate the risk of metastasis and relapse. In conclusion, this review critically examines the use of nanomaterial-driven detection systems for detecting CTCs and CCSCs, their application in immunotherapy, and suggests future directions, highlighting their potential to transform the integration of diagnostics and treatment, thereby paving the way for more precise and personalized cancer therapies.

Graphical Abstract
Role of water in dynamics of slabs and surrounding mantle
Authors: Ohtani Eiji , Ishii Takayuki
Published: December 2024

Water bound to various hydrous minerals can be transported deep into the mantle by slab subduction. Serpentine is one of most important hydrous minerals in the crust and shallow upper mantle. A partially serpentinized slab mantle limits the amount of water that can enter deep into the mantle. The partitioning of water between hydrous minerals and nominally anhydrous minerals (NAMs) is a crucial factor in controlling the physical properties and dynamics of slabs. Recent experiments on water partitioning have revealed that water strongly partitions to coexisting hydrous minerals. NAMs, such as olivine and its high-pressure polymorphs, have limited water content in water-undersaturated wet slabs. Metastable olivine wedges are not a feature of dry slabs, but can be of wet slabs that are not saturated with water. The transformation kinetics of the dry state, which generates deep-focus earthquakes and produces significant deformation in the slab, can work under wet slabs. Water bound to hydrous minerals is transported by the slab to the mantle transition zone and lower mantle. Hydrous minerals in stagnant slabs over 660 km depth release water as the slab warms, producing locally hydrated mantle transition zones and dense water-bearing magmas at the base of the upper mantle, and generating intraplate volcanism, which are referred to as the big mantle wedge model. Seismic scatterers are observed in the lower mantle at depths from 700 to 1900 km. These scatterers may be caused by water release at the top of the lower mantle by dehydration of hydrous minerals such as dense hydrous magnesium silicates. The shear instability due to the second order phase transformation from stishovite to CaCl2-type phase in hydrous aluminous SiO2 also causes the depth variation of seismic scatterers in the lower mantle. The high-pressure polymorphs of aluminous SiO2 contain a large amount of water more than 1 wt%, which can be important water carriers under lower mantle conditions.
A new index for evaluating the antioxidant capacity of hemodialysis membranes using Fenton’s reagent
Authors: Tange Yoshihiro , Michikoshi Junichi , Tomo Tadashi
Published: December 2024

Background

Hemodialysis and hemodiafiltration therapy involve supplying large amounts of blood and dialysis fluid to a hemodialyzer. Although the biocompatibility of dialysis membranes has improved recently, a standard evaluation method has not been established. In this study, we aimed to establish a standard method for evaluating the antioxidant capacity of hemodialysis membranes.

Methods

We used Fenton’s reagent to evaluate the antioxidant capacity of the spent washing solution for dialyzers and hemodialysis membranes. The dialysis membrane materials used for the test were conventional or vitamin E-coated polysulfone.

Results

The luminescence in the first 200 mL of the spent washing solutions was significantly lower than that of the control solution, for both the polysulfone and vitamin E-coated polysulfone membranes, because the dialyzer filling solution contained sodium metabisulfite as an antioxidant. Compared with the conventional polysulfone membrane, the vitamin E-coated membrane maintained its antioxidant capacity index after exposure to Fenton’s reagent. Vitamin E-coated membranes inhibited oxidation by Fenton’s reagent 5.5% more than polysulfone membranes.

Conclusions

Exposure to Fenton’s reagent can serve as a standard in vitro index to evaluate the antioxidant capacity of dialysis membrane materials that require large quantities of solution.
An advanced method for surface damage detection of concrete structures in low-light environments based on image enhancement and object detection networks
Authors: Jiang Tianyong , Liu Lin , Hu Chunjun , Li Lingyun , Zheng Jianhua
Published: December 2024

Surface damage detection in concrete structures is critical for maintaining structural integrity, yet current object detection algorithms often struggle in low-light environments. To address this challenge, this study proposed a methodology that integrates image enhancement and object detection networks to improve damage identification in such conditions. Specifically, we employ the self-calibrated illumination (SCI) model to reconstruct low-light images, which are then processed by an improved YOLOv5-based network, YOLOv5-GAM-ASFF, incorporating a global attention mechanism (GAM) and adaptive spatial feature fusion (ASFF). The performance of YOLOv5-GAM-ASFF is evaluated on a dataset of concrete structure damage images, demonstrating its superiority over YOLOv5s, YOLOv6s, and YOLOv7-tiny. The results show that YOLOv5-GAM-ASFF achieves a mAP@0.5 of 79.1%, surpassing the other models by 1.3%, 3.3%, and 5.8%, respectively. This approach provides a reliable solution for surface damage detection in low-light environments, advancing the field of structural health monitoring by improving detection accuracy under challenging conditions.
Neoadjuvant Modified Infusional Fluorouracil, Leucovorin, and Oxaliplatin With or Without Radiation Versus Fluorouracil Plus Radiation for Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer: Updated Results of the FOWARC Study After a Median Follow-Up of 10 Years
Authors: Zhang Jianwei , Chi Pan , Shi Lishuo , Cui Long , Gao Jinbo , Li Wanglin , Wei Hongbo , Cheng Longqing , Huang Zonghai , Cai Guangfu , Zhao Ren , Huang Zhongcheng , Zhou Hongfeng , Wei Yisheng , Zhang Hao , Zheng Jian , Huang Yan , Cai Yue , Zhou Zhiyang , Kang Liang , Huang Meijin , Wu Xiaojian , Peng Junsheng , Ren Donglin , Lan Ping , Wang Jianping , Deng Yanhong
Published: December 2024

We present 10-year results of the phase Ⅲ FOWARC trial, which evaluated the efficacy of modified infusional fluorouracil, leucovorin, and oxaliplatin (mFOLFOX6) with or without radiation compared with fluorouracil with radiation in patients with locally advanced rectal cancer. A total of 495 patients age 18-75 years with stage Ⅱ-Ⅲ rectal cancer were randomly assigned to three treatment arms: fluorouracil plus radiotherapy, mFOLFOX6 plus radiotherapy, or mFOLFOX6 alone, followed by surgery and adjuvant chemotherapy. With a median follow-up of 10 years, the 10-year disease-free survival (DFS) rates were 52.5%, 62.6%, and 60.5%, respectively (
P
= .56). The 10-year locoregional recurrence (LR) rates were 10.8%, 8.0%, and 9.6% (
P
= .57), and the 10-year overall survival (OS) rates were 65.9%, 72.3%, and 73.4% (
P
= .90). Subgroup analysis identified ypTNM stage as a significant prognostic factor for DFS, LR, and OS (
P
< .0001,
P
< .006,
P
< .0001, respectively). Patients achieving pathologic complete response had 10-year DFS, LR, and OS rates of 84.3%, 3.0%, and 92.4%, respectively. No significant difference was observed in long-term survival outcome between mFOLFOX6 with and without radiation and fluorouracil plus radiation. These results demonstrate that neoadjuvant mFOLFOX6 chemotherapy can be considered as a therapeutic option in LARC.
Spontaneous parametric down-conversion like oscillations in a partially inverted double pendulum
Authors: Sarkar Rebeka , Khastgir Sugata Pratik , Kumar Krishna
Published: December 2024

We present the nonlinear motions of a partially inverted coplanar double pendulum with velocity-dependent damping under parametric driving. It shows a new type of complex periodic and quasiperiodic oscillations where the sum of two dominating frequencies of the solution is equal to the driving frequency, which is analogous to the phenomenon of spontaneous parametric down-conversion (SPDC). The dominating response frequencies of the double pendulum are independent of the normal mode frequencies when such motion occurs.
Conserved roles of engrailed: patterning tissues and specifying cell types
Authors: Joyner Alexandra L. , Ortigão-Farias João Ramalho , Kornberg Thomas
Published: December 2024

More than 40 years ago, studies of the Drosophila engrailed and Hox genes led to major discoveries that shaped the history of developmental biology. We learned that these genes define the state of determination of cells that populate particular spatially defined regions: the identity of segmental domains by Hox genes, and the identity of posterior developmental compartments by engrailed. Hence, the boundaries that delimit spatial domains depend on engrailed. Here, we review the engrailed field, which now includes orthologs in Drosophila and mouse, as well as many other animals. We focus on fly and mouse and highlight additional functions that span early stages of embryogenesis and neural development.
Solar radiation alters heat balance and thermoregulation in a flying desert bee
Authors: Johnson Meredith G. , Barrett Meghan , Harrison Jon F.
Published: December 2024

Solar radiation is an important environmental variable for terrestrial animals, but its impact on the heat balance of large flying insects has been poorly studied. Desert bees are critical to ecosystem function through their pollination services, and are exposed to high radiant loads. We assessed the role of solar radiation in the heat balance of flying desert Centris pallida bees by calculating heat budgets for individuals in a respirometer in shaded versus sunny conditions from 16 to 37°C air temperatures, comparing the large and small male morphs and females. Solar radiation was responsible for 43 to 54% of mean total heat gain. Bees flying in the sun had thorax temperatures 1.7°C warmer than bees flying in the shade, storing a very small fraction of incident radiation in body tissues. In most cases, flight metabolic rate was not suppressed for bees flying in the sun, but evaporative water loss rates more than doubled. The most dramatic response to solar radiation was an increase in convection, mediated by a more than doubling of convective conductance, allowing thermoregulation while conserving body water. In large morph males and females, the increased convective conductance in the sun was mediated by increased heat transfer from the thorax to abdomen. Because convection is limited as body temperatures approach air temperatures, solar radiation combined with warming air temperatures may cause endothermic flying bees to reach a tipping point at which increases in non-sustainable evaporation are necessary for survival.
Passio sancti Pelagii Hrotswithy z Gandersheim jako źródło historyczne
Authors: Sidor Jakub Radosław
Published: December 2024

The aim of this article is to present the legend of the martyrdom of Pelagius of Cordoba, written by Hrotsvitha of Gandersheim (c. 920-973), a Saxon canoness and author of numerous plays, hagiographies and deeds of Otto I. The article analyzes the text in terms of authenticity – allegedly provided by an eyewitness of death of the saint, its relevance to the history of spirituality of the early Middle Ages, and a comparison of the text in terms of historical consistency with the contemporary life of Saint Pelagius. Hrotsvitha of Gandersheim was born to an unknown family of Saxon nobles. She received a comprehensive education and spent her entire life in a women’s convent, very closely connected with the ruling imperial house of the Ludolfings. Through the monastery, she gained access to a very well-stocked monastery library and the imperial court, through which she was to be able to write down the account of one of the eyewitnesses of the torment and death of Pelagius – a young nobleman from the kingdom of Galicia.
Przełom w kalendariografii staropolskiej
Authors: Kurkowski Mateusz
Published: December 2024

In this text, the author tries to introduce the importance of a source such as calendars and looks at the phenomenon of transition taking place in the calendariography of the 18th century in the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. The transition between prognostic and political calendars was an extremely important process from the perspective of looking at calendars as the first mass source in the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. Moreover, through the information contained in them, authors were able to easily create a picture of the world for the
public. The author seeks to analyze the first political calendar ever published, by Jan Poszakowski, and to contrast it with other prognostic calendars of the time, such as those created by Stanislaw Duńczewski.
SILENUS AND SENECA: FROM THE HISTORY OF THE ARCHAEOLOGICAL CABINET OF THE JAGIELLONIAN UNIVERSITY
Authors: Śliwa Joachim
Published: December 2024

The paper draws attention to two objects from the collection of the former Archaeological Cabinet established in 1867: the marble head of a Roman statue of Silenus (mid‑2nd century AD) and a (now inaccessible) modern marble copy of a bust most often interpreted as Seneca (the so‑called Pseudo‑Seneca). Both pieces were donated to the university collection by Władysław Czartoryski in 1872.
Biopsychosocial factors and falls among older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic: a longitudinal study
Authors: Grando Renata Zacharias , Cutisque Letícia Pophal , Elias Alyssa Cristine de Oliveira , Rodacki André Luiz Felix , Moreira Natália Boneti
Published: December 2024

The restrictions imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic impacted the older adult population. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the difference between timeline changes (baseline vs. final assessment) of the biopsychosocial factors and fall prevalence during the pandemic; the differences between infected and non infected older adults regarding the biopsychosocial approach; and to describe the characteristics of post-COVID falls. Thirty-one community-dwelling older adults (70.9 ± 5.6 years,♀20) were evaluated twice in one year. The variables tested were based on the biopsychosocial approach: diseases and COVID-19 infection (Health Conditions), body mass index, cognition, and depression (Body Functions and Structures), physical activity, sedentary behavior (SB), and functional capacity (Activity), health-related quality of life (HRQoL, Participation), medications (Environmental), falls history and fear of falling (Personal). Cohen’s effect size (d) was used in data analysis. Comparing the timeline changes (baseline vs. final assessment) the biopsychosocial factors were worst in Activities (SB, d = 0.70) and Personal Factors (Fear of falling, d = 4.06). The infected older adults showed worst scores in Body Functions and Structures (Cognition, d = 0.77), Activity (SB, d = 0.55), Participation (HRQoL domains, d = from 0.31 to 0.78), and Personal Factors (Fear of falling, d = 0.54). Falls prevalence enhanced between the evaluations (12.9%) and was higher in infected older adults compared to not infected (63.6% vs. 25%). Older adults showed negative changes during the pandemic in most biopsychosocial domains, especially in older adults with COVID infection and in aspects related to falls, SB, and HRQoL compared to their counterparts without COVID infection.
A 0,1 Linear Programming Approach to Deadlock Detection and Management in Railways
Authors: Dal Sasso Veronica , Lamorgese Leonardo , Mannino Carlo , Onofri Andrea , Ventura Paolo
Published: December 2024

In railway systems, a deadlock occurs when trains accidentally occupy positions that prevent each other from moving forward. Although deadlocks are rare events, they do occur from time to time, requiring costly recourse actions and generating significant knock-on delays. In this paper, we present a noncompact 0,1 linear programming formulation and a methodology for discovering (possibly future) deadlocks and the subsequent implementation of optimal recovery measures. The approach is implemented in a tool to dispatch trains in real time developed in cooperation with Union Pacific (UP) and currently in operations on the entire UP network.

Funding: This work was partially funded by Europe’s Rail, Flagship Project MOTIONAL [Action Horizon JU Innovation, Project 101101973].

Supplemental Material: The online appendix is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/trsc.2024.0521 .