bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The influence of garment quality evaluation on fashion innovation of dressmakers in Ghana
Authors: Benyah Eunice , Acquaye Richard , Seidu Raphael Kanyire
Published: February 2024

Purpose

The innovativeness of dressmakers is a concern to respondents to satisfy their clothing needs. The purpose of this study is to determine the criteria that respondents use to judge the quality of clothing and its influences on the innovative ability of dressmakers in the clothing manufacturing industries.

Design/methodology/approach

Three hundred and ninety-seven (397) respondents in the Takoradi Metropolis of Ghana filled out a questionnaire, and the results were used to compile data for the study. The sample size was calculated using Miller and Brewer formula. The data was analysed using structural equational modelling with the SmartPLS v.4 software.

Findings

The results showed that respondents are very interested in the calibre of clothing produced by their dressmakers. However, the study revealed that when evaluating the quality of a garment, respondents do not simply accept what has been sewn for them but also consider the performance, appearance, fit and shape of the garment. Findings revealed that there was a significant relationship between garment appearance quality (t = 2.605; p < 0.05), garment performance quality (t = 3.915; p < 0.05), garment shape quality (t = 6.248; p <0.05) and fashion innovations. Subsequently, the evaluation of garment fit quality by respondents revealed it does not bring about innovations (t = 1.310; p > 0.05).

Practical implications

The continuous evaluation of custom-made clothing from customers will go a long way towards highlighting the relative criteria they use to evaluate the innovation of dressmakers. This will help improve the creativity of the dressmakers since such feedback will help them understand and innovate their production skills to meet the preferences of customers.

Originality/value

The present study provides an in-depth understanding of how garment quality evaluation by customers influences the innovation of dressmakers in Takoradi, Ghana. The constructs were developed for the study to capture the appropriate data from customers for the study. This presents an evaluation criterion on four garment quality variables imperative for use or modification by other studies.
How do tour guides cope with knowledgeable tourists? Conceptualising knowledge/information asymmetry in tour-guiding contexts
Authors: Rihova Ivana , Alexander Matthew
Published: February 2024

Purpose

Tourists’ resource integration both offers opportunities and presents challenges to tourism service providers. Focussing on the tour guide perspective, the purpose of this paper is to explore how tour guides experience knowledge/information-based asymmetry in encounters with tourists and identifies the roles and coping strategies used by guides to facilitate service co-production.

Design/methodology/approach

Critical incident technique is used in qualitative interviews with 47 tour guides in Scotland, broadly representative of the Scottish tour guiding context. 107 critical incidents were analysed, with an average of 2.32 incidents per interview. Narrative analysis of the incidents was performed inductively in four iterative steps using QSR NVivo.

Findings

Three resource asymmetry incident categories are identified: probing – Guide-Oracle is questioned by inquiring tourists and copes through diverting, evasion, and follow-up strategies; learning – Guide-Magpie learns from expert tourists through acknowledging and co-delivery; and negotiation – Guide-Diplomat with greater knowledge helps misguided tourists save face through appeasing, following the official line and tactfully correcting.

Originality/value

The paper contributes to service co-production research in tourism by theorising about contexts where knowledge/information asymmetry exists between tour guides and tourists, particularly where fluid power relations between guides and knowledgeable tourists occur or where misguided tourists co-produce the service by prioritising own meanings. Findings highlight the importance of soft skills and other non-content capabilities of guides, and suggestions are offered for effective training and resource sharing/ learning initiatives for tour guiding services.
Ecological significance of marcescence in Himalayan plants: Why is standing dead phytomass more important in demanding, resource‐limited environments?
Authors: Chondol Thinles , Korznikov Kiril A. , Doležal Jiří
Published: February 2024

Understanding mechanisms allowing plants to thrive in challenging conditions is critical for predicting their responses to global environmental change. An often overlooked ecological adaptation is marcescence, where leaves and stems are retained beyond their typical shedding time, with implications for nutrient recycling and carbon sequestration. Marcescence can be expected in plants with conservative resource‐use strategies, especially in environments with limited resources and marked seasonality, such as deserts and alpine regions. However, the extent to which marcescence occurs in different taxa across different habitats and its relationship to seasonality and plant functioning as reflected in ecophysiological traits remains understudied.

We studied 600 individuals across 40 Himalayan herb species found in desert, steppe, alpine and subnival habitats, spanning 3000–5400 m elevation. Marcescence was observed in 37 of the 40 species evaluated, with 57% of the sampled individuals displaying dead phytomass, indicating the widespread nature of this phenomenon in Himalayan ecosystems.

Environment and plant traits emerged as significant factors influencing the amount of dead‐standing biomass. These findings remained robust after accounting for intraspecific variation and phylogenetic inertia. Desert and steppe species exhibited greater marcescent biomass, characterized by 10‐fold more dead stem biomass than alpine and subnival plants. In contrast, the proportion of dead phytomass increased with elevation due to increased dead leaf fraction.

Taller desert species with heavily lignified stems and limited nitrogen and phosphorus content had high levels of stem marcescence, which not only may aid litter photodegradation and nutrient recycling but also deter herbivory and promote seed dispersal (tumbleweed). Conversely, slow‐growing alpine and subnival plants with higher water‐use efficiency, foliar C:N ratios and parenchymatic storage tissue rich in mobile carbohydrates had a high proportion of marcescent leaves, which may aid survival in these resource‐limited environments by providing delayed nutrients through moisture‐conserving mulch that also provides insulation and protection from frost.

This study provides new insights into the complex interplay of habitat, seasonality and plant traits in dead phytomass retention in Himalayan plants. Marcescence is prevalent in resource‐conservative species in highly seasonal, resource‐limited habitats and may significantly shape the functioning and biodiversity of Himalayan ecosystems.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Ultrasound‐guided Lipiodol® hysterosalpingography: A prospective study on pregnancy and complication rates
Authors: Lo Glen , Hince Dana , Johnson Neil , Hofman Paul L. , Sekhon Jasmin , Lee Emmeline
Published: February 2024

Background

Fluoroscopic hysterosalpingography (HSG) with Lipiodol® is safe and has a therapeutic effect on fertility: transient in endometriosis‐related infertility and sustained in unexplained infertility. Ultrasound is replacing fluoroscopy as the preferred imaging modality for HSG due to comfort and radiation safety (no ionising radiation). The safety of ultrasound‐guided Lipiodol® HSG is uncertain.

Aims

Prospectively observe pregnancy and complication rates after ultrasound‐guided Lipiodol® HSG.

Materials and Methods

A single‐centre prospective study of women with unexplained infertility undergoing ultrasound‐guided Lipiodol® uterine bathing and tubal flushing after tubal patency confirmed with ExEm® Foam HyFoSy (hysterosalpingo‐foam‐sonography). Pregnancy outcomes at six months and serum and urinary thyroid function at one, three and eight weeks were recorded. Pain scores were recorded during and immediately after HSG. Descriptive statistics are reported.

Results

Fifty‐two participants were enrolled between July 2019 and April 2021, median age 33 years (range 21–45). Only 45 (87%, 45/52) completed the Lipiodol® HSG; 5/7 experienced intravasation during initial HyFoSy. Of 30 women at follow‐up, 57% had biochemical (17/30, 95% CI 37%–75%), 53% clinical (16/30 95% CI 34%–72%) and 35% ongoing pregnancies (11/30, 95% CI 20%–56%). The rate of subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) at two months was 41% (7/17). One intravasation event occurred during Lipiodol® HSG (2%, 1/45). Median pain score was 5/10 (range 0–9, interquartile range 2.5–7). No anaphylaxis, infection or oil embolism was observed.

Conclusion

Outpatient ultrasound‐guided Lipiodol® HSG was safe, with pregnancy rates comparable to previous studies of fluoroscopic guidance. Rates of intravasation and SCH were also similar, confirming the need to monitor thyroid function.
Venetoclax resistance in acute myeloid leukaemia—Clinical and biological insights
Authors: Nachmias Boaz , Aumann Shlomzion , Haran Arnon , Schimmer Aaron D.
Published: February 2024

Venetoclax, an oral BCL‐2 inhibitor, has been widely incorporated in the treatment of acute myeloid leukaemia. The combination of hypomethylating agents and venetoclax is the current standard of care for elderly and patient's ineligible for aggressive therapies. However, venetoclax is being increasingly used with aggressive chemotherapy regimens both in the front line and in the relapse setting. Our growing experience and intensive research demonstrate that certain genetic abnormalities are associated with venetoclax sensitivity, while others with resistance, and that resistance can emerge during treatment leading to disease relapse. In the current review, we provide a summary of the known mechanisms of venetoclax cytotoxicity, both regarding the inhibition of BCL‐2‐mediated apoptosis and its effect on cell metabolism. We describe how these pathways are linked to venetoclax resistance and are associated with specific mutations. Finally, we provide the rationale for novel drug combinations in current and future clinical trials.
The use of core descriptors from the ENiGMA code study in recent literature: a systematic review
Authors: Khan Saher‐Zahra , Arline Andrea , Williams Kate M. , Lee Matthew J. , Steinhagen Emily , Stein Sharon L.
Published: February 2024

Aim

The heterogeneity in data quality presented in studies regarding Crohn's anal fistula (CAF) limit extrapolation into clinical practice. The ENiGMA collaborators established a core descriptor set to standardize reporting of CAF. The aim of this work was to quantify the use of these descriptors in recent literature.

Method

We completed a systematic review of PubMed and the Cochrane Library, extracting publications from the past 10 years specific to the clinical interventions and outcomes of CAF, and reported in line with PRISMA guidance. Each article was assessed for inclusion of ENiGMA descriptors. The median number of descriptors per publication was evaluated along with the overall frequency of each individual descriptor. Use of ENiGMA descriptors was compared between medical and procedural publications.

Results

Ninety publications were included. The median number of descriptors was 15 of 37; 16 descriptors were used in over half of the publications while 17 were used in fewer than a third. Descriptors were more frequently used in procedural (n = 16) than medical publications (n = 14) (p = 0.031). In procedural publications, eight descriptors were more frequently used including Faecal incontinence, Number of previous fistula interventions, Presence and severity of anorectal stenosis and Current proctitis. Medical publications were more likely to include Previous response to biological therapy and Duration and type of current course of biological therapy.

Conclusion

With many descriptors being used infrequently and variations between medical and procedural literature, the colorectal community should assess the need for all 37 descriptors.
Saxagliptin/dapagliflozin is non‐inferior to insulin glargine in terms of β‐cell function in subjects with latent autoimmune diabetes in adults: A 12‐month, randomized, comparator‐controlled pilot study
Authors: Maddaloni Ernesto , Naciu Anda M. , Mignogna Carmen , Galiero Raffaele , Amendolara Rocco , Fogolari Marta , Satta Chiara , Serafini Chiara , Angeletti Silvia , Cavallo Maria Gisella , Cossu Efisio , Sasso Ferdinando Carlo , Buzzetti Raffaella , Pozzilli Paolo ,   for the LADASAXADAPA study group
Published: February 2024

Aim

To compare the efficacy and safety of saxagliptin/dapagliflozin and insulin glargine in people with latent autoimmune diabetes in adults (LADA).

Methods

In this phase 2b multicentre, open‐label, comparator‐controlled, parallel‐group, non‐inferiority study, we randomly assigned 33 people with LADA who had a fasting C‐peptide concentration ≥0.2 nmol/L (0.6 ng/mL) to receive 1‐year daily treatment with either the combination of saxagliptin (5 mg) plus dapagliflozin (10 mg) or insulin glargine (starting dose: 10 IU), both on top of metformin. The primary outcome was the 2‐h mixed meal‐stimulated C‐peptide area under the curve (AUC), measured 12 months after randomization. Secondary outcomes were glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) levels, change in body mass index (BMI), and hypoglycaemic events.

Results

In the modified intention‐to‐treat analysis, the primary outcome was similar in participants assigned to saxagliptin/dapagliflozin or to insulin glargine (median C‐peptide AUC: 152.0 ng*min/mL [95% confidence interval {CI} 68.2; 357.4] vs. 122.2 ng*min/mL [95% CI 84.3; 255.8]; p for noninferiority = 0.0087). Participants randomized to saxagliptin/dapagliflozin lost more weight than those randomized to insulin glargine (median BMI change at the end of the study: −0.4 kg/m2 [95% CI −1.6; −0.3] vs. +0.4 kg/m2 [95% CI −0.3; +1.1]; p = 0.0076). No differences in HbA1c or in the number of participants experiencing hypoglycaemic events were found.

Conclusions

Saxagliptin/dapagliflozin was non‐inferior to glargine in terms of β‐cell function in this 12‐month, small, phase 2b study, enrolling people with LADA with still viable endogenous insulin production. Weight loss was greater with saxagliptin/dapagliflozin, with no differences in glycaemic control or hypoglycaemic risk.
Circulatory shock associated with left insular stroke and chronic steroid treatment
Authors: Russo Mirella , Dono Fedele , Onofrj Marco , Sensi Stefano L.
Published: February 2024

Background

Damage to the insula has been associated with various types of cardiovascular dysfunction, including arrhythmias and blood pressure imbalances. Acute neuroendocrine disturbances following insular damage have also been described.

Case Presentation

A 50‐year‐old right‐handed man with a left insular ischemic lesion exhibited aphasia and right central VII nerve palsy. Five days after the stroke, the patient exhibited severe bradycardia and hypotension. He had been treated for ocular trauma with prednisone for the preceding 3 weeks. Cortisol and adrenocorticotropic hormone levels indicated secondary adrenal insufficiency. Despite adequate fluid intake, the patient's blood pressure dropped, requiring norepinephrine administration. Midodrine was also initiated, leading to clinical improvement. The therapy was gradually discontinued as vital signs normalized. By Day 24, electrocardiogram monitoring was unremarkable, hormonal levels normalized, and the neurological examination revealed only mild residual speech fluency impairment. Computed tomography scans confirmed a recovering ischemic lesion of the left insula.

Conclusions

This case reveals the inhibitory effect exerted by a left‐sided insular stroke on the autonomic system. It also highlights the still largely unexplored neuroendocrine complications of damage to this brain region.
The role of political hate speech in promoting extreme ideologies and manipulating public discourse for social approval in Pakistan
Authors: Rafi Muhammad Shaban , Shafiq Zunaira
Published: February 2024

The proliferation of politically motivated hate speech towards rival politicians has been rapidly increasing in Pakistan. However, the literature on political hate speech and its association with extreme ideologies is under‐theorized in the Pakistani context. We have utilized van Dijk's manipulative discourse and Walther's social approval theory to structure political hate speech and its consequences. The data was based on two Pakistani mainstream politicians’ public speeches and partisans’ comments available on YouTube. Findings reveal that politicians commonly exploit discursive categories, such as name‐calling, offensive metaphors and sarcasm, in their hate speech to dehumanize, ridicule and threaten their rivals. Their hateful slurs showcase extreme ideologies, such as polarization, intolerance, threat and violence. They use the hateful epithets to manipulate partisans, to sell fear of being betrayed and enslaved to the military and foreign powers, and to obtain, in exchange, audience and consent. The study theorizes that Pakistani mainstream politicians deliberately sensationalize hatred in their public speeches to harangue their rivals and foment extreme ideologies for the purpose of increasing their audience.
Task redistribution from general practitioners to nurses in acute infection care: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Desmet Laurent , Seuntjens Lieve , van Bogaert Peter
Published: February 2024

Aim

To examine the impact of implementing nurse‐led consultations compared to physician‐led consultations on the frequency of follow‐up contacts within 14 days following an acute infectious consultation.

Design

Monocentric, prospective cohort study.

Methods

The study was conducted in a multidisciplinary, capitation‐based general practice in Belgium. Through analysis of patient files, the number of follow‐up contacts within 14 days after an infection consultation was investigated to determine any difference between physician‐led or nurse‐led consultations. Secondary outcomes included pharmacological interventions and the prescribing behaviour of medical leave certificates.

Results

A total of 352 consultations were analysed, of which 174 conducted by physicians and 178 by nurses. No significant difference was found in the number of follow‐up contacts. However, the probability of a pharmacological intervention by a physician was revealed to be significantly higher. The presence or absence of such pharmacological intervention did not significantly influence the number of follow‐up contacts.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates that nurses can be safely and efficiently utilized in acute infection care within a general practice setting. Although these results are promising, more extensive research is needed which incorporates the experiences of patients and healthcare providers. Furthermore, it is advisable to consider the experience and education of the nurses and incorporate them into the analyses.

Impact

This study addressed the high workload on general practitioners by researching a task shift in the acute infectious, primary health care. The results demonstrate the feasibility of this task shift, which may have an impact on primary health care professionals (whose workload may be reorganized), as well as on patients for whom primary care may become more accessible.

Patient or Public Contribution

This study includes direct patient data from people who presented themselves with acute infectious complaints in a primary healthcare practice.
The impact of sodium‐glucose cotransporter‐2 inhibitors on outcome of patients with diabetes mellitus and colorectal cancer
Authors: Chiang Cho‐Han , Chiang Cho‐Hung , Hsia Yuan Ping , Jaroenlapnopparat Aunchalee , Horng Chuan‐Sheng , Wong Kit Yee , Wang Shih‐Syuan , Chang Yu‐Cheng , Chen Brian Shiian , Luan Yu‐Ze , Wang Chun‐Hao , Neilan Tomas G. , Chiang Cho‐Hsien , Peng Cheng‐Ming , Shiah Her‐Shyong
Published: February 2024

Background and Aim

Patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) have a higher risk of colorectal cancer (CRC), and those with diagnosed CRC have a poorer prognosis compared with individuals with normal glucose levels. The inhibition of sodium‐glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) channels has been associated with a reduction in tumor proliferation in preclinical studies. We aimed to investigate the impact of sodium‐glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) on the outcome of T2DM patients with colorectal cancer.

Methods

We performed a retrospective cohort study comprising adult patients with T2DM and colorectal adenocarcinoma. SGLT2i recipients were matched to non‐SGLT2i recipients in a 1:1 ratio based on age, sex, and cancer stage. The primary outcome was overall survival (OS) and progression‐free survival (PFS), and the secondary outcomes were previously reported serious adverse events associated with SGLT2i.

Results

We identified 1347 patients with T2DM and colorectal adenocarcinoma, from which 92 patients in the SGLT2i cohort were matched to the non‐SGLT2i cohort. Compared to non‐SGLT2i recipients, SGLT2i recipients had a higher rate of 5‐year OS (86.2% [95% CI: 72.0–93.5] vs 62.3% [95% CI: 50.9–71.8], P = 0.013) and 5‐year PFS (76.6% [95% CI: 60.7–86.7] vs 57.0% [95% CI: 46.2–66.4], P = 0.021). In Cox proportional hazard analyses, SGLT2i were associated with a 50–70% reduction in all‐cause mortality and disease progression. SGLT2i were not associated with an increased risk of serious adverse events.

Conclusion

SGLT2i were associated with a higher rate of survival in T2DM patients with colorectal cancer.
The mycorrhizal symbiosis: research frontiers in genomics, ecology, and agricultural application
Authors: Martin Francis M. , van der Heijden Marcel G. A.
Published: February 2024

Mycorrhizal symbioses between plants and fungi are vital for the soil structure, nutrient cycling, plant diversity, and ecosystem sustainability. More than 250 000 plant species are associated with mycorrhizal fungi. Recent advances in genomics and related approaches have revolutionized our understanding of the biology and ecology of mycorrhizal associations. The genomes of 250+ mycorrhizal fungi have been released and hundreds of genes that play pivotal roles in regulating symbiosis development and metabolism have been characterized. rDNA metabarcoding and metatranscriptomics provide novel insights into the ecological cues driving mycorrhizal communities and functions expressed by these associations, linking genes to ecological traits such as nutrient acquisition and soil organic matter decomposition. Here, we review genomic studies that have revealed genes involved in nutrient uptake and symbiosis development, and discuss adaptations that are fundamental to the evolution of mycorrhizal lifestyles. We also evaluated the ecosystem services provided by mycorrhizal networks and discuss how mycorrhizal symbioses hold promise for sustainable agriculture and forestry by enhancing nutrient acquisition and stress tolerance. Overall, unraveling the intricate dynamics of mycorrhizal symbioses is paramount for promoting ecological sustainability and addressing current pressing environmental concerns. This review ends with major frontiers for further research.
Intracapsular accommodation mechanism in terms of lens curvature gradient
Authors: Lockett‐Ruiz Veronica , Navarro Rafael , López‐Gil Norberto
Published: February 2024

The intracapsular accommodation mechanism (IAM) may be understood as an increase in the lens equivalent refractive index as the eye accommodates. Our goal was to evaluate the existence of an IAM by analysing observed changes in the inner curvature gradient of the lens. To this end, we fitted a gradient index and curvature lens model to published experimental data on external and nucleus geometry changes during accommodation. For each case analysed, we computed the refractive power and equivalent index for each accommodative state using a ray transfer matrix. All data sets showed an increase in the effective refractive index, indicating a positive IAM, which was stronger for older lenses. These results suggest a strong dependence of the lens equivalent refractive index on the inner curvature gradient.
Weaving Pathways: The Role of High School Family and Consumer Sciences Courses in Cultivating a Teacher Pipeline Across the Midwest
Authors: Rowley Micheal P , Wilkins Elizabeth M
Published: February 2024

High School Family and Consumer Science classrooms hold the potential for university and high school partnerships for teacher education pipelines. This study uses a comparative policy analysis to provide a regional resource for laws, policies, and programs within the Midwest regarding FCS classrooms and courses that are offered. Utilizing a comparative policy analysis approach, the aim is to create an opportunity for guiding current high school students toward becoming future candidates in teacher education programs by doing intentional outreach. This analysis will provide an outline of how university Teacher Education programs can partner intentionally to recruit and mentor incoming first-year college students while they are learning educational pedagogy in their high school FCS classrooms. This analysis provides a foundation for how high school FCS classrooms and university teacher education classrooms can foster cohesive and supportive mutually beneficial partnerships in the states surrounding Illinois and Indiana. Data were gathered by accessing regional education department websites and illustrating the potential opportunities for high school coursework to connect with established teacher education university programs and align pedagogically. Key findings include multiple opportunities in the Midwest for partnerships that are mutually beneficial and are easily accessible if intentional connections are made between faculty.
Scalable Au Metal-Assisted Chemical Etch Nanopatterning Using Enhanced Metal Break Techniques
Authors: Hrdy Mark , Mallavarapu Akhila , Castañeda Mariana , Ajay Paras , Sreenivasan S. V.
Published: February 2024

This paper presents catalyst patterning techniques for promoting wafer-scale uniformity while producing taper-free high aspect ratio Si nanostructures using gold (Au) metal-assisted chemical etch (MacEtch). Typical Au nanopatterning involves the use of liftoff processes which have poor yield in manufacturing settings. We report a technique that takes advantage of adhesive forces during MacEtch to mechanically break the metal catalyst over a patterned resist. Three methods for generating increased uniformity are demonstrated—(i), (ii), (iii). Using these methods, taper-free 100 nm nanopillars are presented with wafer-scale uniformity using techniques that can be readily implemented for scalable nanomanufacturing.
Modelling of the Hypervelocity Impact Performance of a Corrugated Shield with an Integrated Honeycomb Geometry
Authors: Dumitrescu Adrian , Walker Scott J. I. , Bhaskar Atul
Published: February 2024

In the context of spacecraft protection from orbital debris, a wide variety of shield designs revolving around multi shock panels (MSP) has been previously investigated. In parallel with these purpose-built shields there has been work done on understanding the protection capabilities of CFRP-AL honeycomb structures which are also impacted. A widely held view is that a honeycomb core sandwich panel performs poorly under hypervelocity impact (HVI), especially at low impact angles. By contrast, an MSP is very effective in dispersing the impact energy and stopping the projectile across a wide range of impact angles. The objective of this paper is to better understand the relative impact performance between multi shock panels and shields which contain honeycomb geometries in order to more effectively make use of the satellite structure in protecting the components inside a satellite. This research explores a novel shield geometry which combines a multi shock panel with corrugated walls with a honeycomb core in a design that can perform well both structurally and in impact.
Confidence intervals of location for marine mammal calls via time-differences-of-arrival: Sensitivity analysis
Authors: Mathur Maya , Spiesberger John L. , Pascoe Devin
Published: February 2024

Confidence intervals of location (CIL) of calling marine mammals, derived from time-differences-of-arrival (TDOA) between receivers, depend on errors of TDOAs, receiver location, clocks, and sound speeds. Simulations demonstrate a time-differences-of-arrival-beamforming-locator (TDOA-BL) yields CIL in error by O(10–100) km for experimental scenarios because it is not designed to account for relevant errors. The errors are large and sometimes exceed the distances of detection. Another locator designed for all errors, sequential bound estimation, yields CIL always containing the true location. TDOA-BL have and are being used to understand potential effects of environmental stress on marine mammals; a use worth reconsidering.
Aqueous synthesis of perovskite precursors for highly efficient perovskite solar cells
Authors: Zhu Peide , Wang Deng , Zhang Yong , Liang Zheng , Li Jingbai , Zeng Jie , Zhang Jiyao , Xu Yintai , Wu Siying , Liu Zhixin , Zhou Xianyong , Hu Bihua , He Feng , Zhang Lin , Pan Xu , Wang Xingzhu , Park Nam-Gyu , Xu Baomin
Published: February 2024

High-purity precursor materials are vital for high-efficiency perovskite solar cells (PSCs) to reduce defect density caused by impurities in perovskite. In this study, we present aqueous synthesized perovskite microcrystals as precursor materials for PSCs. Our approach enables kilogram-scale mass production and synthesizes formamidinium lead iodide (FAPbI
3
) microcrystals with up to 99.996% purity, with an average value of 99.994 ± 0.0015%, from inexpensive, low-purity raw materials. The reduction in calcium ions, which made up the largest impurity in the aqueous solution, led to the greatest reduction in carrier trap states, and its deliberate introduction was shown to decrease device performance. With these purified precursors, we achieved a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 25.6% (25.3% certified) in inverted PSCs and retained 94% of the initial PCE after 1000 hours of continuous simulated solar illumination at 50°C.
Racing extinction: Can science act fast enough to save large, endangered mammals?
Authors: Williams Terrie M.
Published: February 2024

How far can a polar bear swim? The answer to that one question could have altered the course of the global warming movement and tempered current
public distrust in science
and scientists
. As is the case for many large, fierce mammals, many aspects of the basic biology that dictate what polar bears (
Ursus maritimus
) need to survive in a changing world remain a mystery. We don’t know the limitations of the bear’s thermoregulatory or swimming capabilities in Arctic waters. Nor do we know whether a terrestrial diet of berries and scavenging is able to sustain a mother bear throughout pregnancy and cub rearing should the continued deterioration of sea ice force them to remain on land. At a time when understanding animal capacities and resiliency in the face of human perturbation is crucial to species survival, science has been unable to keep pace with emerging environmental threats.
Citation manipulation found to be rife in math
Authors: Catanzaro Michele
Published: February 2024

Problem is so severe that an influential top-researchers list has excluded the entire field
Expression activation of over 70% of
Chlamydia trachomatis
genes during the first hour of infection
Authors: Wurihan Wurihan , Wang Yuxuan , Yeung Sydney , Zou Yi , Lai Zhao , Fondell Joseph D. , Li Wei Vivian , Zhong Guangming , Fan Huizhou
Published: February 2024

The obligate intracellular bacterium
Chlamydia
has a unique developmental cycle that alternates between two contrasting cell types. With a hardy envelope and highly condensed genome, the small elementary body (EB) maintains limited metabolic activities yet survives in extracellular environments and is infectious. After entering host cells, EBs differentiate into larger and proliferating reticulate bodies (RBs). Progeny EBs are derived from RBs in late developmental stages and eventually exit host cells. How expression of the chlamydial genome consisting of nearly 1,000 genes governs the chlamydial developmental cycle is unclear. A previous microarray study identified only 29
Chlamydia trachomatis
immediate early genes, defined as genes with increased expression during the first hour postinoculation in cultured cells. In this study, we performed more sensitive RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) analysis for
C. trachomatis
cultures with high multiplicities of infection. Remarkably, we observed well over 700
C
.
trachomatis
genes that underwent 2- to 900-fold activation within 1 hour postinoculation. Quantitative reverse transcription real-time PCR analysis was further used to validate the activated expression of a large subset of the genes identified by RNA-Seq. Importantly, our results demonstrate that the immediate early transcriptome is over 20 times more extensive than previously realized. Gene ontology analysis indicates that the activated expression spans all functional categories. We conclude that over 70% of
C. trachomatis
genes are activated in EBs almost immediately upon entry into host cells, thus implicating their importance in initiating rapid differentiation into RBs and establishing an intracellular niche conducive with chlamydial development and growth.
Draft genome of
Chloroflexu
s sp. MS-CIW-1, of the
Chloroflexus
sp. MS-G group from Mushroom Spring, Yellowstone National Park
Authors: Shelton Amanda N. , Yu Feiqiao B. , Bunbury Freddy , Yan Jia , Rivas Carlos , Grossman Arthur , Bhaya Devaki
Published: February 2024

Chloroflexus
sp. MS-CIW-1 was isolated from a phototrophic mat in Mushroom Spring, an alkaline hot spring in Yellowstone National Park, WY, USA. We report the draft genome of 4.8 Mb consisting of 6 contigs with 3755 protein-coding genes and a GC content of 54.45%.
Tubercidin inhibits PRRSV replication via RIG-I/NF-κB pathways and interrupting viral nsp2 synthesis
Authors: Xu Yuqian , Zhu Zhenbang , Zhang Meng , Chen Lulu , Tian Kegong , Li Xiangdong
Published: February 2024

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) is an RNA virus with constantly emerging recombinant and mutant strains. Because of the high genetic diversity of PRRSV, current vaccines only provide partial protection against the infection of heterologous strains, which makes it a challenge for PRRSV prevention and control. Tubercidin is a naturally extracted compound with potential antiviral properties. However, whether tubercidin has anti-PRRSV ability is unknown. Our study found that tubercidin showed effective antiviral effects on PRRSV replication. In terms of mechanism, tubercidin suppressed PRRSV at the entry, replication, and release steps of the viral life cycle. Additionally, we demonstrated that tubercidin treatment promoted the activation of retinoic acid-inducible gene I and nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cell signaling pathway, thus increasing the type I interferon and inflammatory cytokine expression. Furthermore, tubercidin restrained the viral non-structural protein 2 expression and viral dsRNA synthesis and ultimately inhibited PRRSV replication. Hence, our data showed that tubercidin is promising and has potential antiviral ability against PRRSV replication
in vitro
.

IMPORTANCE

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) is one of the most important swine diseases, which causes huge economic loss worldwide. However, there is no effective therapeutic method for PRRS prevention and control. Here, we found that tubercidin, a naturally extracted adenosine analog, exhibited strong anti-porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) activity. Mechanically, tubercidin inhibited viral binding, replication, and release. Tubercidin suppressed PRRSV non-structural protein 2 expression, which is important for the formation of replication and transcription complex, leading to the block of viral RNA synthesis and PRRSV replication. Moreover, tubercidin could activate retinoic acid-inducible gene I/nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cell innate immune signaling pathway and increased the expression of interferons and proinflammatory cytokines, which was the other way to inhibit PRRSV replication. Our work evaluated the potential value of tubercidin as an antiviral agent on PRRSV replication and provided a new way to prevent PRRSV replication
in vitro
.
Machine learning based on blood test biomarkers predicts fast progression in advanced NSCLC patients treated with immunotherapy
Authors: Zhou Jian-Guo , Yang Jie , Wang Haitao , Wong Ada Hang-Heng , Tan Fangya , Chen Xiaofei , He Si-Si , Shen Gang , Wang Yun-Jia , Frey Benjamin , Fietkau Rainer , Hecht Markus , Zhong Wenzhao , Ma Hu , Gaipl Udo
Published: February 2024

Objective

Fast progression (FP) represents a desperate situation for advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients undergoing immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy. We aimed to develop a predictive framework based on machine learning (ML) methods to identify FP in advanced NSCLC patients using blood test biomarkers.

Methods and analysis

We extracted data of 1546 atezolizumab-treated patients from four multicentre clinical trials. In this study, patients from the OAK trial were taken for model training, whereas patients from the other trials were used for independent validations. The FP prediction model was developed using 21 pretreatment blood test variables in seven ML approaches. Prediction performance was evaluated by the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve.

Results

The prevalence of FP was 7.6% (118 of 1546) in all atezolizumab-treated patients. The most important variables for the prediction model were: C reactive protein, neutrophil count, lactate dehydrogenase and alanine transaminase. The Support Vector Machine (SVM) algorithm applied to these four blood test parameters demonstrated good performance: the area under the ROC curve obtained from the training cohort (OAK), validation cohort 1 (BIRCH) and cohort 2 (merged POPLAR and FIR) were 0.908, 0.666 and 0.776, respectively. In addition, the absolute difference in median survival between the SVM-predicted FP and non-FP groups was significant in both progression-free survival and overall survival (p<0.001).

Conclusion

SVM trained using a 4-biomarker panel has good performance in predicting the occurrence of FP regardless of programmed cell death ligand 1 expression, hence providing evidence for decision-making in single-agent atezolizumab immunotherapy for patients with advanced NSCLC.
Impact of biological therapy in reducing the risk of arthritis development in inflammatory bowel diseases
Authors: Fatica Mauro , Monosi Benedetta , Conigliaro Paola , D’Antonio Arianna , Essofi Sara , Cuccagna Elisa , Bergamini Alberto , Biancone Livia , Monteleone Giovanni , Triggianese Paola , Calabrese Emma , Chimenti Maria Sole
Published: February 2024

Objective

Evaluate spondyloarthritis (SpA) incidence in inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) between patients treated with biological disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (bDMARDs) and conventional DMARDs (cDMARDs) and define risk factors associated with SpA development.

Methods

Retrospective cohort study was conducted on patients with Crohn’s disease (CD) or ulcerative colitis (UC) and divided into two cohorts: cDMARDs or bDMARDs/targeted synthetic (ts) DMARDs treated patients. Rheumatological assessment was performed in patients presenting musculoskeletal symptoms. Multivariate analysis and Kaplan-Meier curves were used to evaluate the adjusted SpA risk development.

Results

507 patients were included in the study. 176 patients with CD received bDMARDs, 112 cDMARDs and 106 new SpA diagnosies were formulated. Females (OR 1.7 (95% CI 1.1 to 3), adjusted p=0.04), non-stricturing/non-penetrating phenotype (OR 2 (95% CI 1.1 to 3.4), adjusted p=0.01), psoriasis (OR 2.1 (95% CI 1 to 4.6), adjusted p=0.04) and non-infectious uveitis (OR 6.8 (95% CI 1.4 to 33.4), adjusted p=0.01) were associated with increased SpA risk development, while bDMARDs usage was protective (OR 0.4 (95% CI 0.2 to 0.8), adjusted p=0.01), statistically higher than cDMARDs throughout the entire follow-up (effect size 0.47). 98 patients with UC received b-tsDMARDs, 121 cDMARDs and 56 new SpA diagnoses were formulated. Females (OR 2.1 (95% CI 1 to 4.3), adjusted p=0.02) and psoriasis (OR 2.7 (95% CI 1 to 6.8), adjusted p=0.03) were associated with increased SpA risk development, while bDMARDs were protective for SpA development for up to 12 months of treatment compared with cDMARDs (p=0.03).

Conclusions

bDMARDs treatment had an impact in reducing SpA development and clinical associated risk factors to transition from IBD to IBD-SpA emerged.
CHinese Acute Tissue-Based Imaging Selection for Lysis In Stroke Tenecteplase II (CHABLIS-T II): rationale and design
Authors: Cheng Xin , Hong Lan , Lin Longting , Churilov Leonid , Ling Yifeng , Zhang Yiran , Yang Lumeng , Parsons Mark , Dong Qiang
Published: February 2024

Background and purpose

Tenecteplase (TNK) has demonstrated non-inferiority to alteplase in patients who had an acute ischaemic stroke presenting within 4.5 hours from symptom onset. The trial is aimed to explore the efficacy and safety of TNK in Chinese patients who had an acute ischaemic stroke with large/medium vessel occlusion in an extended time window.

Methods and design

Chinese Acute Tissue-Based Imaging Selection for Lysis In Stroke Tenecteplase II (CHABLIS-T II) is a multicentre, prospective, block-randomised, open-label, blinded-endpoint, phase IIb study. Eligible patients are 1:1 randomised into two groups: 0.25 mg/kg TNK versus best medical management (excluding TNK). The safety and efficacy of 0.25 mg/kg TNK are assessed through reperfusion status and presence of symptomatic intracranial haemorrhage (sICH).

Study outcomes

The primary outcome is major reperfusion without sICH at 24–48 hours after randomisation. Major reperfusion is defined as restoration of blood flow to greater than 50% of the involved ischaemic territory assessed by catheter angiography or repeated perfusion imaging. Secondary outcomes include post-thrombolytic recanalisation, neurological improvements, change in the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score, haemorrhagic transformation at 24–48 hours, systematic bleeding at discharge, modified Rankin Scale (mRS) 0–1, mRS 0–2, mRS 5–6, mRS distribution and Barthel index at 90 days.

Discussion

CHABLIS-T II will provide important evidence of intravenous thrombolysis with TNK for patients who had an acute stroke in an extended time window.
Repeated short cold-water immersions are sufficient to habituate to the cold, but do not lead to adaptations during exercise in normobaric hypoxia
Authors: Dorsett Geoffrey , Pereira Felipe Gorini , Kuennen Matthew , Waugh Kyren , Barnard Jackson , Bennett Jonluke , Garcia Gabriel , Gillum Trevor
Published: February 2024

We sought to assess the effects of repeated cold-water immersions (CWI) on respiratory, metabolic, and sympathoadrenal responses to graded exercise in hypoxia. Sixteen (2 female) participants (age: 21.2 ±   1.3 years; body fat: 12.3 ± 7.7%; body surface area 1.87 ± 0.16 m2, VO2peak: 48.7 ± 7.9 mL/kg/min) underwent 6 CWI in 12.0 ± 1.2 °C. Each CWI was 5 min, twice daily, separated by ≥4 h, for three consecutive days, during which metabolic data were collected. The day before and after the repeated CWI intervention, participants ran in normobaric hypoxia (FIO2 = 0.135) for 4 min at 25%, 40%, 60%, and 75% of their sea level peak oxygen consumption (VO2peak). CWI had no effect on VO2 ( p > 0.05), but reduced the VE (CWI #1: 27.1 ± 17.8 versus CWI #6: 19.9 ± 12.1 L/min) ( p < 0.01), VT (CWI #1: 1.3 ± 0.4 vs CWI #6: 1.1 ± 0.4 L) ( p < 0.01), and VE:VO2 (CWI #1: 53.5 ± 24.1 vs CWI #6: 41.6 ± 20.5) ( p < 0.01) during subsequent CWI. Further, post exercise plasma epinephrine was lower after CWI compared to before (103.3 ± 43.1; 73.4 ± 34.6 pg/mL) ( p = 0.03), with no change in pre-exercising values (75.4 ± 30.7; 72.5 ± 25.9 pg/mL). While these changes were noteworthy, it is important to acknowledge there were no changes in pulmonary ( VE, VT, and VE:VO2) or metabolic (VO2, SmO2, and SpO2) variables across multiple hypoxic exercise workloads following repeated CWI. CWI habituated participants to cold water, but this did not lead to adaptations during exercise in normobaric hypoxia.
Axial–Radial–Ulnar Carpal Dislocation with Divergent Intermetacarpal Dislocations, Peritrapezoid and Scaphotrapezial Dislocations: A Case Report
Authors: MATTIA Alexzandra , BUCHANAN Patrick J. , CHOPAN Mustafa , CHIM Harvey
Published: February 2024

We report a patient with a severe axial–radial–ulnar (ARU) fracture dislocation of the carpus, involving multiple intermetacarpal dislocations as well as divergent carpometacarpal dislocations involving the index, long, ring and small fingers and peritrapezoid and scaphotrapezial dislocations. She also had a degloving injury involving the dorsal hand. Emergent debridement followed by open reduction and internal fixation of all injuries was performed, followed by soft tissue management. At 6-year follow-up, the patient had adequate active range of motion with the ability to make a full fist and was able to use her wrist and hand for most activities of daily living. Disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand (DASH) score was 47.5. Michigan hand outcomes questionnaire (MHQ) score was 66.8. Mayo wrist score was 65. Patient-rated wrist evaluation (PRWE) score was 42. Severe ARU fracture dislocations of the carpus can result in adequate functional recovery on long-term follow-up.

Level of Evidence: Level V (Therapeutic)
Challenges and Solutions in Prosthetic Fitting of Digits after Flap Reconstruction
Authors: LEOW Michael E. L. , DAS DE Soumen , PUHAINDRAN Mark E. , CHONG Alphonsus K. S.
Published: February 2024

Surgical reconstruction can restore length and function, but cannot adequately resolve the problem of disfigurement. Prosthetic fitting can play a complementary role in enhancing the aesthetic outcomes post reconstruction. However, complex reconstruction involving flaps coupled with the surgical imperative for limb length preservation can lead to outcomes where the reconstructed stumps are challenging to fit with prosthesis. This article describes how prosthetic fitting was tackled in a case of a triple-digit amputation after reconstruction that presented with finger stumps that were bulky, long and stiff in extension contracture, compounded by the presence of substantive scar tissues. We discuss major prosthesis modifications that were unconventional but necessary to enable fitting, the techniques involved, as well as the aesthetic and functional considerations behind the modifications. The results showed that enhanced aesthetic appearance, together with a marginal improvement in hand function, was achieved post-prosthetically, meeting the patient’s and the clinical team’s fitting objective.

Level of Evidence: Level V (Therapeutic)