bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Real life evaluation of the multi-organ effects of Lumacaftor/Ivacaftor on F508del homozygous cystic fibrosis patients
Authors: Yaacoby-Bianu Karin , Schnapp Zeev , Koren Ilana , Ilivitzki Anat , Khatib Mohamed , Shorbaji Nadeem , Shteinberg Michal , Livnat Galit
Published: October 2022

Background

Lumacaftor/Ivacaftor (LUM-IVA), a cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) protein corrector-potentiator combination, improves lung function and reduces pulmonary exacerbations (PEx) in F508del homozygous CF patients. However, the systemic effects of LUM-IVA outside the respiratory system have not yet been thoroughly investigated.

Methods

A prospective, real-world, yearlong study was performed on F508del homozygous adult CF patients who commenced treatment with LUM-IVA. Pancreatic function, bone metabolism, fertility status, nutritional and pulmonary factors were evaluated.

Results

Twelve patients, mean age 28.3 years (18.6–43.9) were recruited. Following 12 months of treatment, no changes were detected in glucose, insulin, c-peptide or BMI values. A significant relative decrease in mean alkaline-phosphatase levels (122.8 U/L vs 89.4, p = 0.002) and a trend toward an increase in calcium levels (9.5 vs 9.9 mg/dL, p = 0.074) were observed. A non-significant improvement in mean DEXA spine t-score after a year of treatment (-2.1 vs -1.6, n = 4, p = 0.11) was detected. Sweat chloride concentrations decreased significantly (-21.4 mEq/L; p = 0.003). Pulmonary outcome revealed improvement in spirometry values during the first three months (FEV1 by 5.7% p = 0.009, FEF25-75 by 4.3% p = 0.001) with no change in chest CT Bhalla score and CFQR after one year. There was also a significant decrease in parenteral antibiotic events (17 vs 8, p = 0.039) with shift from IV to oral antibiotics for PEx treatment.

Conclusions

After one year of treatment, stabilization was observed in the pancreatic indices, nutritional status, structure and function of the lungs, with a beneficial effect on bone mineral metabolism and CFTR function. Additional studies should investigate the effect of CFTR modulators on extra-pulmonary manifestations.
Genetically modified organisms: adapting regulatory frameworks for evolving genome editing technologies
Authors: Rozas Pablo , Kessi-Pérez Eduardo I. , Martínez Claudio
Published: October 2022

Genetic modification of living organisms has been a prosperous activity for research and development of agricultural, industrial and biomedical applications. Three decades have passed since the first genetically modified products, obtained by transgenesis, become available to the market. The regulatory frameworks across the world have not been able to keep up to date with new technologies, monitoring and safety concerns. New genome editing techniques are opening new avenues to genetic modification development and uses, putting pressure on these frameworks. Here we discuss the implications of definitions of living/genetically modified organisms, the evolving genome editing tools to obtain them and how the regulatory frameworks around the world have taken these technologies into account, with a focus on agricultural crops. Finally, we expand this review beyond commercial crops to address living modified organism uses in food industry, biomedical applications and climate change-oriented solutions.
The impact of intravenously administered dexketoprofen trometamol on analgesia and recovery in ambulatory dilatation and curettage procedures: a retrospective analysis
Authors: Yalçın Naime , Şahin Ayça S. , Sandal Barış , Derbent Abdurrahim , Salihoğlu Ziya
Published: October 2022

Background

Achieving adequate pain control during and after the uterine D/C (dilatation and curettage) procedure is crucial for a good recovery process and early discharge.

The study was conducted to find out whether intravenous dexketoprofen trometamol is more effective than tramadol and paracetamol in easing pain during the D/C procedure as well as to assess its effectiveness in the recovery period.

Results

Significant differences were determined between the groups regarding the values of Ramsey sedation scores (p=0.048). VAS (visual analog scale) mean values of group T were higher compared to the VAS mean values of group D (p=0.02). A significant difference was found between group P and group D (p=0.016), the mean VAS values of group P were higher than group D.

Conclusions

We found out that preemptive intravenous 25 mg dexketoprofen trometamol administered in the daily D/C procedure provides good quality postoperative analgesia with minimal adverse effects by reducing the need for rescue analgesia, and is more effective in postoperative analgesia than paracetamol and tramadol.
Access to Online Formative Assessments in Lower-Division Undergraduate Biology Courses: Investigating Barriers to Student Engagement
Authors: Upchurch Allison M. , Kirkwood-Watts Dana L. , Brazeal Kathleen R. , Wheeler Lorey A. , Couch Brian A. , Johnson Gabrielle B. , Spier Sarah K.
Published: October 2022

Students in introductory biology courses at 2-year and 4-year institutions were surveyed to determine their degree of access with respect to completing online formative assessments. This study reports on five different areas in which students may face challenges and includes student recommendations for how instructors might help alleviate these barriers.
Health Benefits and Cost-Effectiveness of Children's Oncology Group Breast Cancer Screening Guidelines for Chest-Irradiated Hodgkin Lymphoma Survivors
Authors: Wong F. Lennie , Lee Janie M. , Leisenring Wendy M. , Neglia Joseph P. , Howell Rebecca M. , Smith Susan A. , Oeffinger Kevin C. , Moskowitz Chaya S. , Henderson Tara O. , Mertens Ann , Nathan Paul C. , Yasui Yutaka , Landier Wendy , Armstrong Gregory T. , Robison Leslie L. , Bhatia Smita
Published: October 2022

PURPOSE

To evaluate the outcomes and cost-effectiveness of the Children's Oncology Group Guideline recommendation for breast cancer (BC) screening using mammography (MAM) and breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in female chest-irradiated childhood Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) survivors. Digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT), increasingly replacing MAM in practice, was also examined.

METHODS

Life years (LYs), quality-adjusted LYs (QALYs), BC mortality, health care costs, and false-positive screen frequencies of undergoing annual MAM, DBT, MRI, MAM + MRI, and DBT + MRI from age 25 to 74 years were estimated by microsimulation. BC risks and non-BC mortality were estimated from female 5-year survivors of HL in the Childhood Cancer Survivor Study and the US population. Test performance of MAM and MRI was synthesized from HL studies, and that of DBT from the general population. Costs (2017 US dollars [USD]) and utility weights were obtained from the medical literature. Incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs) were calculated.

RESULTS

With 100% screening adherence, annual BC screening extended LYs by 0.34-0.46 years over no screening. If the willingness-to-pay threshold to gain a quality-adjusted LY was ICER < $100,000 USD, annual MAM at age 25-74 years was the only cost-effective strategy. When nonadherence was taken into consideration, only annual MAM at age 30-74 years (ICER = $56,972 USD) was cost-effective. Supplementing annual MAM with MRI costing $545 USD was not cost-effective under either adherence condition. If MRI costs were reduced to $300 USD, adding MRI to annual MAM at age 30-74 years could become more cost-effective, particularly in the reduced adherence condition (ICER = $133,682 USD).

CONCLUSION

Annual BC screening using MAM at age 30-74 years is effective and cost-effective in female chest-irradiated HL survivors. Although annual adjunct MRI is not cost-effective at $545 USD cost, it could become cost-effective as MRI cost is reduced, a plausible scenario with the emergent use of abbreviated MRI.
Low-Dose Immunotherapy in Head and Neck Cancer: A Randomized Study
Authors: Patil Vijay Maruti , Noronha Vanita , Menon Nandini , Rai Rahul , Bhattacharjee Atanu , Singh Ajay , Nawale Kavita , Jogdhankar Shweta , Tambe Rupali , Dhumal Sachin , Sawant Riddhi , Alone Mitali , Karla Devanshi , Peelay Zoya , Pathak Shruti , Balaji Arun , Kumar Suman , Purandare Nilendu , Agarwal Archi , Puranik Ameya , Mahajan Abhishek , Janu Amit , Kumar Singh Gunjesh , Mittal Neha , Yadav Subhash , Banavali Shripad , Prabhash Kumar
Published: October 2022

PURPOSE

The regimens approved for the treatment of advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma are accessible to only 1%-3% of patients in low- and middle-income countries because of their cost. In our previous study, metronomic chemotherapy improved survival in this setting. Retrospective data suggest that a low dose of nivolumab may be efficacious. Hence, we aimed to assess whether the addition of low-dose nivolumab to triple metronomic chemotherapy (TMC) improved overall survival (OS).

METHODS

This was a randomized phase III superiority study. Adult patients with recurrent or newly diagnosed advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma being treated with palliative intent with an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status of 0-1 were eligible. Patients were randomly assigned 1:1 to TMC consisting of oral methotrexate 9 mg/m2 once a week, celecoxib 200 mg twice daily, and erlotinib 150 mg once daily, or TMC with intravenous nivolumab (TMC-I) 20 mg flat dose once every 3 weeks. The primary end point was 1-year OS.

RESULTS

One hundred fifty-one patients were randomly assigned, 75 in TMC and 76 in the TMC-I arm. The addition of low-dose nivolumab led to an improvement in the 1-year OS from 16.3% (95% CI, 8.0 to 27.4) to 43.4% (95% CI, 30.8 to 55.3; hazard ratio, 0.545; 95% CI, 0.362 to 0.820; P = .0036). The median OS in TMC and TMC-I arms was 6.7 months (95% CI, 5.8 to 8.1) and 10.1 months (95% CI, 7.4 to 12.6), respectively ( P = .0052). The rate of grade 3 and above adverse events was 50% and 46.1% in TMC and TMC-I arms, respectively ( P = .744).

CONCLUSION

To our knowledge, this is the first-ever randomized study to demonstrate that the addition of low-dose nivolumab to metronomic chemotherapy improved OS and is an alternative standard of care for those who cannot access full-dose checkpoint inhibitors.
Association Between Remote Monitoring and Acute Care Visits in High-Risk Patients Initiating Intravenous Antineoplastic Therapy
Authors: Daly Bobby , Nicholas Kevin J. , Flynn Jessica , Panageas Katherine S. , Silva Nicholas , Duck Elaine , Zervoudakis Alice , Holland Jessie , Salvaggio Rori , Begue Aaron , Wagner Isaac , Sokolowski Stefania , Zablocki Melissa , Chiu Yeneat O. , Kuperman Gilead J. , Simon Brett A. , Perchick Wendy , Reidy‐Lagunes Diane L.
Published: October 2022

PURPOSE:

Traditional oncology care models have not effectively identified and managed at-risk patients to prevent acute care. A next step is to harness advances in technology to enable patients to report symptoms any time, enabling digital hovering—intensive symptom monitoring and management. Our objective was to evaluate a digital platform that identifies and remotely monitors high-risk patients initiating antineoplastic therapy with the goal of preventing acute care visits.

METHODS:

This was a single-institution matched cohort quality improvement study conducted at a National Cancer Institute–designated cancer center between January 1, 2019, and March 31, 2020. Eligible patients were those initiating intravenous antineoplastic therapy who were identified as high risk for seeking acute care. Enrolled patients' symptoms were monitored using a digital platform. A dedicated team of clinicians managed reported symptoms. The primary outcomes of emergency department visits and hospitalizations within 6 months of treatment initiation were analyzed using cumulative incidence analyses with a competing risk of death.

RESULTS:

Eighty-one patients from the intervention arm were matched by stage and disease with contemporaneous high-risk control patients. The matched cohort had similar baseline characteristics. The cumulative incidence of an emergency department visit for the intervention cohort was 0.27 (95% CI, 0.17 to 0.37) at six months compared with 0.47 (95% CI, 0.36 to 0.58) in the control ( P = .01) and of an inpatient admission was 0.23 (95% CI, 0.14 to 0.33) in the intervention cohort versus 0.41 (95% CI, 0.30 to 0.51) in the control ( P = .02).

CONCLUSION:

The narrow employment of technology solutions to complex care delivery challenges in oncology can improve outcomes and innovate care. This program was a first step in using a digital platform and a remote team to improve symptom care for high-risk patients.
Regulation of Porcine Oviduct Epithelium Functions via Progesterone and Estradiol Is Influenced by Cortisol
Authors: Du Shuaizhi , Trakooljul Nares , Palma-Vera Sergio E , Murani Eduard , Schuler Gerhard , Schoen Jennifer , Chen Shuai
Published: October 2022

Preimplantation maternal stress, characterized by elevated glucocorticoids (GCs), has been linked to reproductive failures caused by impaired oviduct functionality, which is known to be predominantly regulated by the sex steroids, progesterone (P4) and (17)estradiol (E2). Although steroid receptors share analogous structures and binding preferences, the interaction between GCs and E2/P4 in the oviduct has attracted little attention. Using an air-liquid interface culture model, porcine oviduct epithelial cells were stimulated with single (cortisol, E2, P4) or hormone mixtures (cortisol/E2, cortisol/P4) for 12 hours and 72 hours. Cultures were subsequently assessed for epithelial morphometry, bioelectrical properties, and gene expression responses (steroid hormone signaling, oviductal function, immune response, and apoptosis). Results confirmed the suppressive role of P4 in regulating oviduct epithelium characteristics, which was partially opposed by E2. Besides increasing the ratio of ciliated cells, cortisol antagonized the effect of P4 on epithelial polarity and modified sex steroid–induced changes in transepithelial electrical properties. Both sex steroids affected the glucocorticoid receptor expression, while cortisol downregulated the expression of progesterone receptor. The overall gene expression pattern suggests that sex steroid dominates the cotreatment, but cortisol contributes by altering the gene responses to sex steroids. We conclude that besides its individual action, maternal cortisol interplays with sex steroids at phenotypic and molecular levels in the oviduct epithelium, thereby influencing the microenvironment of gametes and early embryos.
TERFism, Zionism, and Right-Wing Annihilationism
Authors: Schotten C. Heike
Published: October 2022

This article traces the emergence of what the author calls predation TERFism to the development of US Jewish-identified feminism and, in particular, Zionist lesbian separatism. This historical connection is reflected in the rhetorical and ideological similarities between predation TERFism and Zionism, both of which are defined by an “extinction phobia” that confuses oppressor and oppressed, presenting the subordinate party as capable of eliminating the dominant one. This extinction phobia transforms into “right-wing annihilationism” via a dehumanization of the subordinate party as innately harmful and therefore requiring elimination; hence the hallmark predation TERF abjection of trans women as rapists of cis women and the Zionist abjection of Palestinians as “savage” and/or “terrorist.” These connections can be obscured by the siloization of social justice movement work in the United States, wherein anti-colonial and anti-imperial organizing is often separated from organizing for gender and reproductive justice and sexual freedom. Recognizing the continuities, however—whether historical, material, or ideological—between predation TERFism and Zionism offers useful lessons for understanding not only the power of the contemporary global anti-trans resurgence, but also how we might build solidaristic, anti-colonial movements to defeat it.
Effect of active shortening and stretching on the rate of force re-development in rabbit psoas muscle fibres
Authors: Ames Spencer R. , Joumaa Venus , Herzog Walter
Published: October 2022

The steady-state isometric force produced by skeletal muscle after active shortening and stretching is depressed and enhanced, respectively, compared with purely isometric force produced at corresponding final lengths and at the same level of activation. One hypothesis proposed to account for these force depression (FD) and force enhancement (FE) properties is a change in cross-bridge cycling kinetics. The rate of cross-bridge attachment (f) and/or cross-bridge detachment (g) may be altered following active shortening and active stretching, leading to FD and FE, respectively. Experiments elucidating cross-bridge kinetics in actively shortened and stretched muscle preparations and their corresponding purely isometric contractions have yet to be performed. The aim of this study was to investigate cross-bridge cycling kinetics of muscle fibres at steady-state following active shortening and stretching. This was done by determining muscle fibre stiffness and rate of active force redevelopment following a quick release–re-stretch protocol (kTR). Applying these measures to equations previously used in the literature for a two-state cross-bridge cycling model (attached/detached cross-bridges) allowed us to determine apparent f and g, the proportion of attached cross-bridges, and the force produced per cross-bridge. kTR, apparent f and g, the proportion of attached cross-bridges and the force produced per cross-bridge were significantly decreased following active shortening compared with corresponding purely isometric contractions, indicating a change in cross-bridge cycling kinetics. Additionally, we showed no change in cross-bridge cycling kinetics following active stretch compared with corresponding purely isometric contractions. These findings suggest that FD is associated with changes in cross-bridge kinetics, whereas FE is not.
Fatty acid oxidation: a neglected factor in understanding the adjustment of mitochondrial function to cold temperatures
Authors: Mast Heather , Holody Claudia D. , Lemieux Hélène
Published: October 2022

For ectothermic species, adaptation to thermal changes is of critical importance. Mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS), which leverages multiple electron pathways to produce energy needed for survival, is among the crucial metabolic processes impacted by temperature. Our aim in this study was to identify how changes in temperature affect the less-studied electron transferring flavoprotein pathway, fed by fatty acid substrates. We used the planarian Dugesia tigrina, acclimated for 4 weeks at 10°C (cold acclimated) or 20°C (normothermic). Respirometry experiments were conducted at an assay temperature of either 10 or 20°C to study specific states of the OXPHOS process using the fatty acid substrates palmitoylcarnitine (long chain), octanoylcarnitine (medium chain) or acetylcarnitine (short chain). Following cold acclimation, octanoylcarnitine exhibited increases in both the OXPHOS and electron transfer (ET, non-coupled) states, indicating that the pathway involved in medium-chain length fatty acids adjusts to cold temperatures. Acetylcarnitine only showed an increase in the OXPHOS state as a result of cold acclimation, but not in the ET state, indicative of a change in phosphorylation system capacity rather than fatty acid β-oxidation. Palmitoylcarnitine oxidation was unaffected. Our results show that cold acclimation in D. tigrina caused a specific adjustment in the capacity to metabolize medium-chain fatty acids rather than an adjustment in the activity of the enzymes carnitine-acylcarnitine translocase, carnitine acyltransferase and carnitine palmitoyltransferase-2. Here, we provide novel evidence of the alterations in fatty acid β-oxidation during cold acclimation in D. tigrina.
Combating Corruption during Covid-19 in Bangladesh: The Role of Community-Based Organizations
Authors: Sakib Nurul , Ahmed Faria
Published: October 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic revealed significant challenges for effective governance worldwide. There is a significant question raised about the distribution of aid and relief for lower-income groups. In many countries, both government and non-government organizations, as well as locally elected bodies, were directly and indirectly involved in widespread corruption. In Bangladesh, various types of community mobilisation were witnessed amid the COVID-19 pandemic to prevent corruption. Based on empirical evidence, this paper argues that the COVID-19 crisis brought about a re-emergence in the sense of community at a local level and worked as an alternative governance mechanism. It operated using different mechanisms and worked alongside the government to ensure accountability. We discovered that community bonding assisted in mitigating the crisis in government relief and health equipment distribution through a variety of mechanisms, such as informing government officials to identify corrupt syndicates, raising voice against corrupt practises against authorities, raising awareness on social media, and so on. It also indicates that the role of community-based organisations in resisting and preventing corruption will reflect the global phenomenon of corruption in many developing countries and will help to understand to what extent community-based organisations are effective in resisting corruption. Finally, we also found the flipside of community-based organization, meaning that corruption was conducted during COVID-19 in the name of community activism, which indicates the challenges of community activism in Bangladesh.
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Effectiveness of forest honey (Apis dorsata) as therapy for ovarian failure causing malnutrition
Authors: Safitri Erma , Purnobasuki Hery , Purnama Muhammad Thohawi Elziyad , Chhetri Shekhar
Published: October 2022

Background:Malnutrition is the imbalance between intake and nutritional needs, resulting in a decrease in body weight, composition, and physical function. Malnutrition causes infertility due to intestinaland liver degeneration,which may progress to testicular and ovarian degeneration.

Methods:An infertile female rat model with a degenerative ovary was induced with malnutrition through a 5-day food fasting but still had drinking water. The administration of (T1) 30% (v/v) and (T2) 50% (v/v) forest honey (Apis dorsata) were performed for ten consecutive days, whereas the (T+) group was fasted and not administered forest honey and the (T−) group has not fasted and not administered forest honey. Superoxide dismutase, malondialdehyde, IL-13 and TNF-α cytokine expressions, and ovarian tissue regeneration were analyzed.

Results:Superoxide dismutase was significantly different (p<0.05) in T1 (65.24±7.53), T2 (74.16±12.3), and T− (65.09±6.56) compared with T+ (41.76±8.51). Malondialdehyde was significantly different (p<0.05) in T1 (9.71±1.53), T2 (9.23±0.96), and T− (9.83±1.46) compared with T+ (15.28±1.61). Anti-inflammatory cytokine (IL-13) expression was significantly different (p<0.05) in T1 (5.30±2.31), T2 (9.80±2.53), and T− (0.30±0.48) compared with T+ (2.70±1.57). Pro-inflammatory cytokine (TNF-α) expression was significantly different (p<0.05) in T1 (4.40±3.02), T2 (2.50±1.65), and T− (0.30±0.48) compared with T+ (9.50±1.78). Ovarian tissue regeneration was significantly different (p<0.05) in T− (8.6±0.69) and T2 (5.10±0.99) compared with T1 (0.7±0.95) and T+ (0.3±0.67).

Conclusion:The 10-day administration of 50% (v/v) forest honey can be an effective therapy for ovarian failure that caused malnutrition in the female rat model.
Metabolites of Pinang Yaki (Areca vestiaria) Fruit Extract: A Metabolite Profiling Study
Authors: Simbala Herny Emma Inonta , Nurkolis Fahrul , Mayulu Nelly , Rotty Linda Wilhelma Ancella
Published: October 2022

Background: Pinang yaki has bioactive compounds that have potential as a new herbal supplement, but their metabolites profil is lack of data. A better understanding of the bioactive compounds of pinang yaki using untargeted metabolomic profiling studies will provide clearer insight into the health benefits of pinang yaki in further.  

Methods: Fresh samples of pinang yaki (Areca vestiaria) are obtained from forests in North Sulawesi Province, Indonesia. Samples were used for untargeted metabolomics analysis by UHPLC-MS.  

Results: Based on an untargeted metabolomic profiling study of pinang yaki, 2504 compounds in ESI- and 2645 compounds in ESI+ were successfully obtained. After the analysis, 356 compounds in ESI- and 543 compounds in ESI+ were identified successfully. Major compounds Alpha-Chlorohydrin (PubChem ID: 7290) and Tagatose (PubChem ID: 439312) were found in ESI+ and ESI-.  

Discussion: The 10 metabolites from pinang yaki extract (ESI+) also have been indicated in preventing viral infection and have exhibited good neuroprotective immunity. Benzothiazole (PubChem ID: 7222), L-isoleucine (PubChem ID: 6306), D-glucono-delta-lactone (PubChem ID: 736), Diethylpyrocarbonate (PubChem ID: 3051), Bis(2-Ethylhexyl) amine (PubChem ID: 7791), Cinnamic acid (PubChem ID: 444539), and Trigonelline (PubChem ID: 5570) also had potential effects as an antiviral and anti-inflammatory.

Conclusion: Untargeted metabolomic profiling showed many bioactive compounds contained in pinang yaki (Areca vestiaria) extract. The top 10 compounds capable to ionize well have been identified and explored for their potential benefits as antiviral supplement products by literature study. This is a preliminary study which still needs further research such as in vitro, preclinical, and clinical trials.
A missed opportunity? Social media and pedagogy as teachers returned to school
Authors: Williams Ryan Thomas
Published: October 2022

Social media and social networking sites have become popular across governments, enterprises, and non-profit making organisations. Nevertheless, education has evidenced conflicting views around the role that social media ought to play in pedagogy. This thesis examines whether or not social media can be incorporated into pedagogy successfully. The research aims are to examine the current relationship between social media and pedagogy, to identify factors that influence teacher engagement, and to determine whether or not social media can make an impact on student engagement and performance. The study is underpinned by Trowler’s (2008) socio-cultural theory and the research is based on a mixed methods approach. I applied a phase of online quantitative surveys that were analysed using descriptive statistics and two subsequent phases of interviews that were analysed thematically. I adopted purposeful sampling to recruit 434 secondary teachers with QTS to participate in the study. The results show that there is little meaningful, transformative professional development in schools in respect of using social media for pedagogy (Kennedy 2005 and 2014). I argue that CPD in schools should focus on developing pedagogical strategies with technology as opposed to focusing on the technology in its own right. Furthermore, teachers’ reflections indicated that the differences between the social media platforms are profound; thus, grouping them together can become problematic. In other words, YouTube’s functionality is applied in an opposite way to Twitter’s and with different audiences. Additionally, the study has uncovered a lack of thought towards applying technology in education policymaking, and this became problematic for schools during the U.K. lockdown. The study’s major themes illuminate the challenges involved with successfully embedding technology in education, particularly social media.
Defective iron homeostasis and hematological abnormalities in Niemann-Pick disease type C1
Authors: Chen Oscar C W , Siebel Stephan , Colaco Alexandria , Nicoli Elena-Raluca , Platt Nick , Shepherd Dawn , Newman Stephanie , Armitage Andrew E , Farhat Nicole Y , Seligmann George , Smith Claire , Smith David A , Abdul-Sada Alaa , Jeyakumar Mylvaganam , Drakesmith Hal , Porter Forbes D , Platt Frances M
Published: October 2022

Background: Niemann-Pick disease type C1 (NPC1) is a neurodegenerative lysosomal storage disorder characterized by the accumulation of multiple lipids in the late endosome/lysosomal system and reduced acidic store calcium. The lysosomal system regulates key aspects of iron homeostasis, which prompted us to investigate whether there are hematological abnormalities and iron metabolism defects in NPC1.

Methods: Iron-related hematological parameters, systemic and tissue metal ion and relevant hormonal and proteins levels, expression of specific pro-inflammatory mediators and erythrophagocytosis were evaluated in an authentic mouse model and in a large cohort of NPC patients.

Results: Significant changes in mean corpuscular volume and corpuscular hemoglobin were detected in Npc1-/- mice from an early age. Hematocrit, red cell distribution width and hemoglobin changes were observed in late-stage disease animals. Systemic iron deficiency, increased circulating hepcidin, decreased ferritin and abnormal pro-inflammatory cytokine levels were also found. Furthermore, there is evidence of defective erythrophagocytosis in Npc1-/- mice and in an in vitro NPC1 cellular model. Comparable hematological changes, including low normal serum iron and transferrin saturation and low cerebrospinal fluid ferritin were confirmed in NPC1 patients.

Conclusions: These data suggest loss of iron homeostasis and hematological abnormalities in NPC1 may contribute to the pathophysiology of this disease.
Impreza masowa czy nie? Wybrane zagadnienia organizacyjno-prawne
Authors: Pietrek Grzegorz
Published: October 2022

Artykuł odnosi się do wydarzeń masowych, czyli „imprez” o takim charakterze, ale niewymienionych w ustawie o bezpieczeństwie imprez masowych. Scharakteryzowano w nim kilka rodzajów tego typu wydarzeń oraz dokonano analizy zadań poszczególnych „uczestników” imprezy. W dalszej części tekstu przedstawiono zagrożenia dla bezpieczeństwa uczestników imprez o charakterze masowym powodowane przez celowe lub intencjonalnie błędne kwalifikowanie wydarzeń do innych kategorii niż imprezy masowe. W podsumowaniu wskazano na główne powody takiego postępowania organizatorów, czyli nieprecyzyjne przepisy prawne oraz celowe omijanie i wykorzystywanie tych zapisów ustawowych, a także chęć zminimalizowania „formalności” (dokumentacji, opinii, instrukcji, regulaminów, zezwoleń), a co za tym idzie – nakładów finansowych (np. na obowiązkowe służby informacyjne i porządkowe).
Neo-militant Democracy and (Un)fulfilled Destination of Consolidated Democracies? The Inner Six in Comparative Perspective
Authors: Rak Joanna
Published: October 2022

Drawing upon the methods of qualitative source analysis and process tracing, the study addresses the following research questions: How was the national legislation of consolidated democracies positioned to neo-militant democracy measures during the recovery from the great financial crisis (2007–2009)? To what extent was democracy prone to authoritarian abuse depending on a neo-militant democracy rule implementation? It advances arguments to reject Carlo Invernizzi Accetti’s and Ian Zuckerman’s hypothesis that if the freedom of political actors is restricted through militant democracy measures, democracy becomes more prone to authoritarian abuse in the long run. In the founding states of the EU, neo-militant democracy measures functioned in the legal structures long before the outbreak of the great financial crisis, during the crisis (2007–2009), and in the period of recovery. The states restricted democratic freedoms of speech, the press, association, and assembly. Belgium, Luxembourg, and Germany also limited organization in political parties. Moreover, during the recovery from the crisis, that is, a period of particular vulnerability of democracy to authoritarian abuse, the lists of relevant precautions were extended in France, Italy, and Germany. In these states, strengthening neo-militant democracy measures was neither a factor undermining democracy nor making it prone to drift towards a hybrid or authoritarian regime.
Tarraco, sector de Font dels Lleons (PERI-2): consumo anfórico entre c. 350 e c. 400 d.C.
Authors: Quaresma José Carlos
Published: October 2022

O presente artigo discute a estratigrafia de um sector de Tarraco, uma das mais importantes cidades portuárias do Mediterrâneo ocidental. Fruto de um intenso labor arqueológico e ceramológico, esta cidade, capital da Tarraconensis, apresenta já um quadro empírico apreciável, do ponto de vista estratigráfico e estatístico, para o seu comércio alimentar e cerâmico, respeitante ao Período Imperial e Antiguidade Tardia, romana e pós-romana. O século IV d.C., fruto da contracção da Provincia da Tarraconensis (com a criação da Gallaecia e da Carthaginensis) e da criação da Diocesis Hispaniarum (com capital em Augusta Emerita, na Lusitania), representa uma contracção da densidade urbana de Tarraco, que se reflecte arqueologicamente numa recorrente ausência de estratigrafias. Este panorama urbanístico tem levado a uma distorção da base empírica ceramológica do século IV, subrepresentada. Este artigo apresenta assim um contributo para as linhas gerais das redes de importação alimentar que a cidade tinha em práctica nesta época.
Executives’ Prior Employment Ties to Interlocking Directors and Interfirm Mobility
Authors: Harrison Joseph S. , Boivie Steven , Withers Michael C.
Published: October 2022

This paper explores how executives’ prior employment ties to interlocking directors, or those who hold additional board seats or executive positions at outside firms, influence individual executive interfirm mobility. As organizational boundary spanners, interlocking directors may be able to influence executive outcomes both within and outside of executives’ current firms. But given natural constraints on internal promotion for executives, we suggest most executives will tend to leverage ties to interlocking directors to access external opportunities, as manifested by movement to outside firms. Analysis of interfirm mobility among a sample of Standard & Poor’s 1500 executives between 2000 and 2014 offer support for this idea. We find a positive association between individual executives’ prior employment ties to interlocking directors and their hazard of movement to outside firms, including to the other firms where these directors serve. At the same time, we argue and find that the strength of this latter relationship will further depend on directors’ competing motivations owing to their specific positions in the focal and interlocking firms. Whereas holding a lead position on the focal firm’s board (i.e., as chairperson or lead independent director) weakens this relationship, holding the position of chief executive officer in the interlocking firm strengthens it. Our theory and findings highlight the unique and important role of interlocking directors in executive interfirm mobility and, in doing so, contribute novel insights regarding how ties to boundary spanners can influence individual outcomes for those to whom they are linked.

Supplemental Material: The e-companion is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/orsc.2022.1638 .
Recurrent Episodes of Hypokalaemia during Treatment with Inhaled Beta-2 Agonist Revealing Gitelman Syndrome, an Uncommon Clinical Entity
Authors: Sablón-González Nery , Parodis-Lopez Yanet , Alonso-Ortiz Maria Belen , Laurin Angélica , Andres Emmanuel , Lorenzo Villalba Noel
Published: October 2022

A 28-year-old female patient was hospitalized for mild–moderate hypokalaemia which was persistent despite discontinuation of beta-2 agonist bronchodilator treatment. Her past medical history was relevant for two episodes of severe hypokalaemia after active inhaled beta-2 agonist treatment for asthma crisis. Investigations revealed increased potassium in spot urine with a transtubular potassium gradient <4. A 24-hour urine analysis showed hypophosphaturia, hypocalciuria, hypomagnesuria and normal urine prostaglandins in favour of Gitelman syndrome. Oral potassium supplementation was started and genetic studies were recommended.
Fibroadenoma: a guide for junior clinicians
Authors: Hudson-Phillips Sarah , Graham Gemma , Cox Kofi , Al Sarakbi Wail
Published: October 2022

Fibroadenoma is the most common cause of benign breast lumps and is typically seen in women under the age of 40 years. Fibroadenomas are classified as simple, complex, giant, myxoid or juvenile. They present as smooth, rubbery, mobile masses on palpation. Ultrasonographic and mammographic features typical of fibroadenomas include solid, round, well-circumscribed masses, with or without lobulated features. They are predominantly treated conservatively although clinical pathways recommend referral for triple assessment. Surgical intervention is indicated by the presence of one or more of the following features: the presence of symptoms, a diameter greater than 2 cm, rapid growth rate, complex features, disease recurrence or patient anxiety.
The COVID-19 hangover: why we need to take harm caused by alcohol seriously as an indirect effect of the pandemic
Authors: Boniface Sadie , Card-Gowers Joshua , Webber Laura
Published: October 2022

In the UK, harm caused by alcohol has worsened since 2020. A recent report from the Institute of Alcohol Studies projecting future rates of major alcohol-related diseases highlights what this means for health and healthcare. The authors argue that this additional burden is not inevitable if effective policies are introduced.
Multi-angle orthogonal differential polarization characteristics and application in polarization image fusion
Authors: Mo Suxin , Duan Jin , Zhang Wenxue , Wang Xingyue , Liu Ju , Jiang Xiaojiao
Published: October 2022

With the wide application of image fusion technology in target
detection and other fields, the fusion of polarization images and
other intensity images is becoming a research focus. Traditional
polarization image fusion includes intensity, degree of linear
polarization (DOLP), and angle of polarization (AOP). However, images
of DOLP and AOP fusion cannot meet the requirements of outstanding
positive characteristics. Therefore, we propose a method to calculate
the polarization characteristics image that can reflect the difference
of polarization characteristics of different materials. The method and
process are as follows: First, the polarization detection angle is
divided into several angle intervals, and the orthogonal difference
characteristics (ODC) image of each interval is obtained by weighting
and accumulating the AOP probability density of the angle in the
interval and the correlation between images. Second, the ODC images
are reconstructed in the gradient domain, and the multi-angle
orthogonal differential polarization characteristics (MODPC) image is
obtained. The MODPC image is fused with the visible intensity image,
and the fusion results are evaluated by using image evaluation indexes
such as contrast (C), average gradient (AG), image entropy (E), and
peak signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR). The experimental results show that
the MODPC and

S
0

fusion result images are superior to
the DOLP and

S
0

fusion results in terms of subjective
visual perception and objective indicators among the six classical
fusion algorithms. The proposed MODPC image can be applied in target
detection.
One-to-all lightweight Fourier channel attention convolutional neural network for speckle reconstructions
Authors: Lan Botian , Wang Hao , Wang Yangyundou
Published: October 2022

Speckle reconstruction is a classical inverse problem in computational imaging. Inspired by the memory effect of the scattering medium, deep learning methods reveal excellent performance in extracting the correlation of speckle patterns. Nowadays, advanced models generally include more than 10M parameters and mostly pay more attention to the spatial feature information. However, the frequency domain of images also contains precise hierarchical representations. Here we propose a one-to-all lightweight Fourier channel attention convolutional neural network (FCACNN) with Fourier channel attention and the res-connected bottleneck structure. Compared with the state-of-the-art model, i.e., self-attention armed convolutional neural network (SACNN), our architecture has better feature extraction and reconstruction ability. The Pearson correlation coefficient and Jaccard index scores of FCACNN increased by at least 5.2% and 13.6% compared with task-related models. And the parameter number of the lightweight FCACNN is only 1.15M. Furthermore, the validation results show that the one-to-all model, FCACNN, has excellent generalization capability on unseen speckle patterns such as handwritten letters and Quickdraws.
Complex 10-nm resolution nanogap and nanowire geometries for plasmonic metasurface miniaturization
Authors: Semple Mitchell , Scheuer Kyle G. , DeCorby Ray G. , Iyer Ashwin K.
Published: October 2022

Emerging electromagnetic inverse design methods have pushed nanofabrication methods to their limits to extract maximum performance from plasmonic aperture-based metasurfaces. Using plasmonic metamaterial-lined apertures as an example, we demonstrate the importance of fine nanowire and nanogap features for achieving strong miniaturization of plasmonic nanoapertures. Metamaterial-lined nanoapertures are miniaturized over bowtie nanoapertures with identical minimum feature sizes by a factor of 25% without loss of field enhancement. We show that features as small as 10 nm can be reliably patterned over the wide areas required of metasurfaces using the helium focused ion beam microscope. Under imperfect fabrication conditions, we achieve 11-nm-wide nanogaps and 12-nm-wide nanowires over an area of 13 µm2, and successfully validate our results with optical characterization and comparable full-wave simulations.
Ultra-wideband transmission filter based on guided-mode resonances in two terahertz metasurfaces
Authors: Kim Tae-Han , Kim Seontae , Jeon Young Pyo , Ahn Ji Hun , Lee Bo Wha , Park Gun-Sik , Park Jaehun , Kim Young Ju , Park Sang Yoon , Yoo Young Joon
Published: October 2022

This paper reports on a broadband transmission filter that employs the guided mode resonances pertaining to a terahertz metasurface composed of metallic gold disks with a quartz slab. Unlike structures involving conventional metasurfaces, two identical metasurfaces are placed on the upper and lower sides of a thick quartz slab. This structure can excite both even and odd guided mode resonances. The interaction of the two resonances at similar frequencies produces a broadband transmission peak. The sharp spectral feature of each resonance leads to the abrupt degradation of the transmission at the spectral edge, which can enable the development of the filter application. The proposed scheme can facilitate practical applications such as those of broadband filters at a terahertz frequency.
Velocity measurements in a hypersonic flow using acetone molecular tagging velocimetry
Authors: Andrade Angelina , Hoffman Eugene N. A , LaLonde Elijah J. , Combs Christopher S.
Published: October 2022

In the present work, a non-intrusive diagnostic technique known as molecular tagging velocimetry was used to collect quantitative freestream velocity measurements in the Mach 7 Ludwieg Tube Wind Tunnel located at The University of Texas at San Antonio. This laser-based diagnostic technique used a single Nd:YAG 4th harmonic laserline to excite acetone molecules seeded in the flow field. From the resulting emitted light, mean and instantaneous velocity profiles in the hypersonic freestream flow and facility boundary layer were measured. Uncertainty in the velocity measurements for individual test runs is estimated at ≤ 8% while overall 1D freestream mean velocity measurements were recorded with ±2.4% (± 21 m/s) accuracy. The effect of acetone seeding on the speed of sound was also quantified.
Calibration-free imaging thermometry via two-line atomic fluorescence in combustion processes
Authors: Labus Markus , Lang Peter , Huber Franz J. T. , Will Stefan
Published: October 2022

In this Letter, we demonstrate, for the first time (to the best of our knowledge), calibration-free imaging of full-frame temperature fields for particle-laden flames using two-line atomic fluorescence (TLAF) of indium. Measurements were carried out in laminar premixed flames with indium precursor aerosol added. The technique is based on the excitation of the 52P3/2 → 62S1/2 and 52P1/2 → 62S1/2 transitions of indium atoms and the detection of the subsequent fluorescence signals. To this end, the transitions were excited by scanning two narrowband external cavity diode lasers (ECDL) over the transition bandwidths. To achieve imaging thermometry, the excitation lasers were formed into a light sheet of 1.5 mm width and 24 mm height. Employing this setup on a laminar, premixed flat-flame burner, temperature distributions were measured for various air:fuel ratios of 0.7, 0.8, and 0.9. The presented results demonstrate the capability of the technique and encourage further developments, e.g., for its future use in flame synthesis of nanoparticles containing indium compounds.
Study on the surface modification of Ta2O5 bombarded by argon ions
Authors: Shu Tan , Cui Yun , Tao Chunxian , Feng Dianfu , Zhao Yuanan , Shao Jianda
Published: October 2022

Herein, X-ray photoelectron spectrometer (XPS), angle-resolved XPS (ARXPS), and atomic force microscopy (AFM) are used to study the surface changes of Ta2O5 bombarded by Ar+ ions with different energies. The results reveal that the Ar+ bombardment of Ta2O5 leads to a preferential sputtering of O atoms, which results in an imbalance in the Ta/O ratio on the material surface; and the formation of an “altered layer” composed of Ta2O5, Ta1+, Ta2+, Ta3+, and Ta4+. The Ta/O ratio increases from 0.34 to 0.55 with the sputtering time; however, it does not vary with ion energy. Before reaching a steady-state, the thickness of the altered layer increases with the sputtering time; however, after reaching a steady-state, the thickness of the altered layer does not exceed 3 nm. Concurrently, it increases with increasing sputtering energy. Further, AFM measurements reveal that low-energy Ar+ bombardment leads to a slight increased surface roughness, which does not exceed the initial value (0.41 nm) by 25%.
Characterization of the optical gain in erbium-ytterbium-doped zinc and sodium-zinc phosphate glasses
Authors: Flores Rivera Frida Lissete , Medina Velázquez Dulce Yolotzin , Aldaya Ivan , Pérez-Sánchez Grethell Georgina
Published: October 2022

Glasses doped with rare-earth elements represent a key-enabling amplification technology for fiber-based systems and integrated devices. Even if silica has been the preferred glass matrix for optical amplifiers, some other glasses have been proposed as an alternative. Phosphates, in particular, present a lower glass transition temperature and have a structure that envisages a capacity to host erbium and ytterbium dopants. In this paper, we characterize the gain of zinc and sodium zinc phosphate doped either only with erbium or with erbium and ytterbium. The experimental results reveal that, among the different considered configurations, the sodium zinc phosphate with erbium-ytterbium co-doping leads to an on-off gain coefficient as large as 40 dB/cm.