bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The outcome of relapsed childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia after allogeneic hematopoietic stem‐cell transplantations: A single‐center experience
Authors: Aygüneş Utku , Karagün Barbaros Şahin , Şaşmaz Ilgen , Antmen Ali Bülent
Published: May 2024

In children with high‐risk childhood acute leukemia who undergo allogeneic hematopoietic stem‐cell transplantation (allo‐HSCT), relapse is still the leading cause of treatment failure. The prognosis is poor, yet prospective studies have only limited data on risk factors and outcomes. We aimed to understand the outcomes and prognostic factors for patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) who relapsed following allo‐HSCT. We analyzed retrospectively 46 children with childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia who had relapsed after receiving their first alloHSCT. All these patients received salvage chemotherapy which consisted of fludarabine, cytarabine, and idarubicin before performing a second alloHSCT. The median follow‐up of the 46 patients after the first transplantation was 366 days. The median time from first allo‐HSCT to relapse was 278.4 ± 238.4 days. Forty‐six patients received salvage chemotherapy before the second alloHSCT, and CR was achieved in 32 of 46 patients. However, only 17 (37%) of 46 patients received a second allo‐HSCT, and 15 of 46 patients died from disease progression, infections, and bleeding. Twelve patients are still alive after the second allo‐HSCT. Two‐year overall survival (OS) was 38.9%. Local therapy was given to 10 (21.8%) patients, either as part of systemic therapy or alone. In multivariate analyses, the time of relapse and curative salvage therapy with a second allo‐HSCT were identified as significant prognostic factors for OS. Children with leukemia who had relapsed after the first allo‐HSCT received salvage chemotherapy. Our statistical analysis showed that the second HSCT could be beneficial for outcomes if patients relapsed beyond 180 days of the first allo‐HSCT.
Diagnosis of methamphetamine‐induced psychotic disorder: Findings of an expert consensus panel
Authors: Camfield Katherine , Reedy Anthony , Wolf Chelsea , Al‐Tayyib Alia , Rinehart Deborah , Simpson Scott A. ,   for the BEAT Meth MIPD Expert Panel
Published: May 2024

Aim

We define criteria for methamphetamine‐induced psychotic disorder (MIPD) to aid in accurate and reliable diagnosis.

Method

An expert panel was recruited and engaged in an iterative consensus process. A literature search supported this work. The a priori level for consensus was considered ≥80% of voting panellists.

Results

The final expert panel included 22 physicians from different backgrounds and practice environments. The panel produced two consensus diagnoses: (1) acute MIPD and (2) persisting MIPD, which is further separated into subacute and chronic timeframes. Although certain characteristics differentiate methamphetamine‐induced psychosis shortly after use, identification of persisting MIPD depends largely on a history of symptom onset. All respondents voted in the final round, and both criteria were fully endorsed by 91% (20/22) of respondents. Panellists further recommended next steps in validation and research on this topic.

Conclusion

These diagnostic criteria aid clinicians in differentiating methamphetamine‐induced psychotic symptoms from psychosis because of other psychiatric disorders and can guide future studies. Future research might examine these criteria's prognostic significance, interrater reliability and acceptability including among persons in recovery. This work is a necessary and vital step in advancing the science of methamphetamine addiction treatment.
Just a story? Leadership, lived experience and integrated care
Authors: Miller Robin , Ehrenberg Nieves , Jackson Caroline , Stein Viktoria , Van der Vlegel‐Brouwer Wilma , Wojtak Anne
Published: May 2024

Background

Integrated care is based around values of involvement and shared decision‐making, but these are not often reflected within planning and implementation. Barriers include continued emphasis on professional and managerial perspectives, skills gaps on how best to engage people and communities and insufficient investment in involvement infrastructure. Despite such challenges, people with lived experience have still led changes in policy and services.

Design

Qualitative study involving 25 participants with lived experience from 12 countries. Participants shared their background stories and engaged in semistructured interviews relating to leadership identity, experience of influencing and personal learning. Transcripts were analysed through a framework approach informed by narrative principles.

Results

Participants were motivated by their own experiences and a wish to improve care for future individuals and communities. Sharing their story was often the entry point for such influencing. Participants gained skills and confidence in story telling despite a lack of support and development. Many felt comfortable being described as a leader while others rejected this identity and preferred a different title. No common alternative term to leader was identified. Influencing services required considerable personal cost but also led to new networks, skills development and satisfaction when change was achieved.

Discussion

Leadership within integrated care is often awarded to those with structural power related to management or clinical seniority. People with lived experience are though uniquely placed to identify what needs to change and can develop inspiring visions based around their personal stories. Claiming identity as leader can be challenging due to traditional notions of who is eligible to lead and unwillingness by professionals and managers to grant such identity.

Conclusions

People with lived experience should be recognised as leaders of integrated care and have access to developmental opportunities and practical support to strengthen their skills, including that of storytelling.

Patient and Public Contribution

The research was instigated on the request of a community advisory board of people with lived experience who shaped its design, contributed to the analysis and informed the conclusions and implications.
Ablation behavior of Csf/SiC‐BN composites with polyborosilazane as sintering aids: High‐temperature damage mechanism
Authors: Li Daxin , Wang Yan , Dou Wenhao , Niu Zibo , Cai Delong , Yang Zhihua , Jia Dechang , Zhou Yu
Published: May 2024

Microstructural evolution and high‐temperature ablative damage mechanism of Csf/SiC‐BN composites with and without polyborosilazane (PBSZ) as sintering aids that can convert to polymer‐derived SiBCN ceramics (PDCs‐SiBCN) by cross‐linking and pyrolysis during sintering were studied. The density of Csf/SiC‐BN composites increases from 2.17 to 2.25 g/cm3 with 10 wt.% sintering aids because PBSZ promotes rearrangement and redistribution of raw materials by pyrolysis during the sintering process. With the increase of carbon fiber content, ablation performance (mass ablation rate: 15.25 mg/s; linear ablation rate: 0.100 mm/s) negligibly decreases, compared to counterparts with lower fiber content (mass ablation rate: 16.53 mg/s; linear ablation rate: 0.072 mm/s) because the presence of PDCs‐SiBCN partially compensates for the detrimental effect of carbon fibers on ablation performance. Csf/SiC‐BN composites with and without PBSZ show similar phase composition mainly containing quartz, amorphous SiO2, and matrix crystallization products and morphology after ablation because of similar phase composition before ablation. The ablation mechanism is oxidative corrosion and mechanical scouring and stripping.
Predicting the quencher concentration of Er3+‐doped borate glasses via neighboring glassy compounds
Authors: Lun Zhenjie , Wu Minbo , Zuo Di , Xu Shanhui , Chen Dongdan , Yang Zhongmin
Published: May 2024

The quencher concentration (cmax) of rare‐earth (RE3+) doped laser glass plays a pivotal role in achieving high laser gain. However, it is still challenging to quantitatively calculate and predict the cmax of RE3+ ions in laser glass. Here, we propose and demonstrate a robust method in predicting the local environment and the cmax of RE3+ in laser glasses from their neighboring glassy compounds (NGCs). Specifically, the NGCs method capably predicts the local environment of Er3+ ions in borate glasses (B2O3–BaO binary and B2O3–BaO–Li2O ternary glasses). Moreover, the NGCs’ method accurately predicts the cmax of Er2O3 in borate glasses with an error of less than 5% compared to the experimental result, showing the promising prediction capability for the cmax of RE3+ ions. Based on the NGCs method, the cmax database of Er3+‐doped borate glasses is established for efficiently tailoring compositions with desired optical properties. This study offers a rapid and low‐cost route to design novel laser glasses.
Drugs targeting CTGF in the treatment of pulmonary fibrosis
Authors: Qiu Yudan , Que Yueyue , Ding Zheyu , Zhang Shanshan , Wei Rong , Xia Jianing , Lin Yingying
Published: May 2024

Pulmonary fibrosis represents the final alteration seen in a wide variety of lung disorders characterized by increased fibroblast activity and the accumulation of substantial amounts of extracellular matrix, along with inflammatory damage and the breakdown of tissue architecture. This condition is marked by a significant mortality rate and a lack of effective treatments. The depositing of an excessive quantity of extracellular matrix protein follows the damage to lung capillaries and alveolar epithelial cells, leading to pulmonary fibrosis and irreversible damage to lung function. It has been proposed that the connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) plays a critical role in the advancement of pulmonary fibrosis by enhancing the accumulation of the extracellular matrix and exacerbating fibrosis. In this context, the significance of CTGF in pulmonary fibrosis is examined, and a summary of the development of drugs targeting CTGF for the treatment of pulmonary fibrosis is provided.
We need to talk about the role of zooplankton in marine food webs
Authors: Thorpe Robert B.
Published: May 2024

Zooplankton are the key intermediary between primary production and the fish community and a cornerstone of marine food webs, but they are often poorly represented in models that tend to focus on fish, charismatic top predators, or ocean biogeochemistry. In this study, we use an intermediate complexity end‐to‐end food web model of the North Sea with explicit two‐way coupling of zooplankton to phytoplankton and higher trophic levels to ask whether this matters. We vary the metabolic rate of omnivorous zooplankton (OZ) as a proxy for uncertainties in our understanding and modeling of zooplankton form and function, and moving beyond previous studies we look at the impacts on the food web in concert with climate warming and fishing. We consider impacts on food web state and time to recover the relevant unfished state after fishing ceases. We also consider potential impacts on pelagic and demersal fishing fleets if we assume that they are constrained by the requirement to allow recovery to an unfished state within a certain period of time as a way of ensuring consistency with Good Environmental Status as required by EU and UK legislation. We find that all three aspects considered are highly sensitive to changes in the treatment of zooplankton, with impacts being larger than for warming of 2 or 4°C across most food web functional groups, particularly for apex predators. We call for a programme of research aimed at improving our understanding of zooplankton ecology and its relationship to the wider food web, and we recommend that improved representations of zooplankton are incorporated in future modeling studies as a priority.
Changes in the environmental impacts of the waste management system after implementing the waste‐sorting policy: A Beijing case study
Authors: Liu Tingting , Wang Peize , Zhang Qian , Cao Jing , Wu Yufeng
Published: May 2024

Quantifying the environmental impacts of a household waste‐sorting policy on the household waste management system, including collection, transportation, and treatment, is the basis for evaluating the policy's effectiveness. Beijing, the capital of China, began to implement the mandatory domestic waste‐sorting policy in May 2020. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the environmental impacts of the household waste management system in Beijing before and after implementing the sorting policy using the life cycle assessment method. Implementing the policy at the waste collection stage reduced the environmental impacts by minimizing the number of garbage bins consumed through their removal and consolidation. At the transportation stage, implementing the policy increased the environmental impacts per unit of waste via transportation structure changes. However, the overall impact was reduced because more recyclable materials were separated after waste sorting. The environmental impacts were reduced after implementing the policy at the treatment stage mainly because of the change in waste composition and the decrease in the total volume of treatment. Global warming potential (GWP) was the main contributor to the environmental impacts. After waste sorting, the GWP of the collection, transportation, and treatment stages decreased by −19.96%, −24.36%, and −38.08%, respectively, resulting in a total GWP reduction of −37.90%. However, incineration and biochemical treatments may offer environmental benefits.
Divided we fall: Constructive dialoguing about our political differences within family therapy training
Authors: Laszloffy Tracey A. , Platt Jason J.
Published: May 2024

Widespread political polarization throughout the United States is a threat to the time‐honored democratic tradition of utilizing civil discussion and respectful debate to express divergent views and strive for common ground. The political differences that divide us now are so deep and rife with toxic emotion that they threaten to undermine our social well‐being at both the micro and macro levels. While family therapists are trained to work with relational tensions and to help family members to constructively negotiate their differences, the severity of the hostility and resentment tied to divergent political orientations has made this work increasingly difficult to achieve. This article explores how family therapy training programs can help trainees deepen their capacity for constructive political dialoguing that includes learning how to effectively manage their reactivity to those whose values and views may be dramatically different from their own so that they can support clients in doing the same.
Knockdown of sulfotransferase 2B1 suppresses cell migration, invasion and promotes apoptosis in ovarian carcinoma cells via targeting annexin A9
Authors: Gao Haocheng , Xia Mengjuan , Ruan Heqiu
Published: May 2024

Background

Sulfotransferase family 2B member 1 (SULT2B1) has been reported to play oncogenic role in many types of cancers. Nevertheless, the role that SULT2B1 played in ovarian cancer (OC) and the hidden molecular mechanism is obscure.

Methods

Expression of SULT2B1 in OC was analyzed by GEPIA database. qRT‐PCR and western blot (WB) was applied for the appraisement of SULT2B1 and Annexin A9 (ANXA9) in OC cell lines. The capabilities of cells to proliferate, migrate and invade were assessed with CCK‐8 assay, wound healing assay, along with transwell assay. Cell apoptotic level was estimated utilizing flow cytometry. WB was employed for the evaluation of migration‐ and apoptosis‐related proteins. Bioinformatic analysis and co‐immunoprecipitation were used to predict and verify the combination of SULT2B1 and ANXA9.

Results

The data showed that SULT2B1 and ANXA9 were upregulated in OC cells. SULT2B1 depletion suppressed the proliferative, migrative, and invasive capabilities of SKOV3 cells but facilitated the cell apoptosis. SULT2B1‐regulated ANXA9 expression and were proved to bind to ANXA9. Additionally, ANXA9 deficiency exhibited the same impacts on cell migrative, invasive capability and apoptotic level as SULT2B1 silencing. Moreover, ANXA9 overexpression reversed the inhibitory impacts of SULT2B1 silencing on the proliferative, migrative, invasive, and apoptotic capabilities of SKOV3 cells.

Conclusion

In summary, SULT2B1 silencing repressed OC progression by targeting ANXA9.
Environmental public hearings and intersectionality: women's voices from Gujarat, India
Authors: GILL GITANJALI NAIN , JOSHI FALGUNI
Published: May 2024

This article examines the application of the intersectionality framework to the Indian statutory institutional environmental public hearing (EPH) process that seeks to promote environmental justice. Intersectionality provides a framework to capture the processes of gender marginalization and exclusion. It critically demonstrates how the required gender participation in the regulatory EPH process is failing rural women in the state of Gujarat, India, thereby exacerbating discrimination and inequality. Building on the researchers’ mixed‐methods (quantitative and qualitative) data, the article creates an evidence‐based ‘fresh dossier’ reflecting the non‐existent or limited participatory involvement of women as valuable stakeholders in the EPH process. Drawing on the evidence of lived experiences creates spaces for women's voices that are excluded from the social system due to dominant powers and institutional structures. We argue that respecting the diversity of interests and identities of rural Gujarati women within the institutionalized public sphere would promote participation and recognition of their knowledge and role as crucial stakeholders.
A qualitative investigation of narratives of Black forgiveness through the lens of critical race theory
Authors: Perez Michael J. , Rivera Grace N. , Crist Jaren D. , Battle Jericka S.
Published: May 2024

Through a Critical Race Theory perspective, we investigated how racial ideology, in particular colorblind ideology, was present in Black forgiveness narratives for racial violence. We collected United States news articles from two high profile cases of Black forgiveness (N = 122), the shooting at the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church and the killing of Botham Jean. We used a thematic analysis to address an overarching research question of: In what ways are these Black forgiveness narratives reflective of racial ideologies that may pressure or misrepresent Black forgiveness? Our results suggested that colorblind ideologies were present in representations of Black forgiveness. Colorblind representations of Black forgiveness ignored and diminished the racial context of the cases, reinforced false equivalencies through Christian messaging, perpetuated Black forgiveness as a palatable path to peace, and maintained a perception of White virtue and morality despite racial violence.
Effectiveness of peer‐delivered sleep health education and social support in increasing OSA evaluation among at‐risk blacks
Authors: Jean‐Louis Girardin , Jin P. , Moise R. , Blanc J. , Rogers A. , Bubu O. M. , Chung D. , Zizi F. , Seixas A. A.
Published: May 2024

To assess the effectiveness of culturally and linguistically tailored, peer‐delivered obstructive sleep apnea education and of social support to increase adherence to physician‐recommended obstructive sleep apnea evaluation among blacks. In a two‐arm randomised controlled trial, we ascertained the effectiveness of peer‐delivered obstructive sleep apnea education in increasing obstructive sleep apnea evaluation among 319 blacks at risk of obstructive sleep apnea (intervention = 159 and control = 160); their average age was 47 ± 12.9 years, and 41% were male. Obstructive sleep apnea risk was assessed with the Apnea Risk Evaluation System questionnaire, administered in community venues. Participants in the intervention arm received tailored obstructive sleep apnea education during a 6 month period; those in the control arm received standard sleep and healthy lifestyle information. Analysis focussed on the effectiveness of peer‐delivered obstructive sleep apnea education on adherence to obstructive sleep apnea evaluation, but also considered the role of psychosocial factors. The results showed no significant differences in baseline demographic and clinical measures when contrasting participants in the study arms. The adherence rates for home‐based obstructive sleep apnea evaluation in the intervention and control arms were 45.9% and 45.6%, respectively. Overall, participants in both study arms (adherers) who underwent obstructive sleep apnea evaluations were likely to experience a greater level of social support (8.2 ± 2.4 vs. 7.3 ± 2.4; p = 0.06). Moreover, adherers showed greater psychosocial scores (i.e., Dysfunctional Beliefs and Attitudes about Sleep scale, Apnea Beliefs Scale (ABS) (and Apnea Knowledge) compared with non‐adherers (6.0 ± 1.8 vs. 4.9 ± 2.2; p = 0.02; 77.0 ± 7.1 vs. 73.2 ± 7.4; p = 0.04, and 6.4 ± 3.1 vs. 7.6 ± 2.4; p = 0.06, respectively). The results of the present randomised controlled trial favoured a potential role of peer‐based social support and psychosocial factors, associated with obstructive sleep apnea adherence behaviour.
The imaginarium of self‐care: Speculative futures of hope for student mental health
Authors: Gordon Loa
Published: May 2024

Recent ethnographies have investigated self‐care as a socially driven configuration of care. This analysis engages theorizing on the imagination to expose new social dimensions of self‐care in cases of mental health as embodied and communal. Based on fieldwork across Canadian universities and in conversation with students, campus wellness providers, and a group of psychiatric epidemiologists seeking to understand the mental health treatment choices of students, this article examines how these different subjects activate what I call an imaginarium of self‐care. Among young adults in Canada, mounting social ills that go therapeutically unaccounted for have relocated forms of self‐care into the imagination through play and world‐building in ways that challenge the distinction between material and speculative healing. Attending to the imaginative dimensions of self‐care makes coherent the ways that young people are grasping for hope in a world that—when embodied—resists recovery.
The CT Classification of Multilevel Cervical Ossification of the Posterior Longitudinal Ligament to Guide Hybrid Anterior Controllable Antedisplacement and Fusion vs. Posterior Laminoplasty
Authors: Wang Shunmin , Song Haibo , Xu Ximing , Ling Shiyong , Wang Yuan , Sun Jingchuan , Shi Jiangang
Published: May 2024

Objective

For precise and minimally invasive treatment of ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament of the cervical spine, the lifting segment is minimized, anterior controllable antedisplacement and fusion (ACAF) was refined and improved. In addition, the development of appropriate surgical procedures for the ossification of each segment was rarely reported. Therefore, this study aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of hybrid anterior controlled antedisplacement fusion (Hybrid ACAF) with laminoplasty for multilevel ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL).

Methods

Between May 2018 and May 2021, 70 patients with multilevel OPLL were divided into a hybrid ACAF group and a laminoplasty group according to surgical methods. All patients were followed up for at least 1 year. Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score and recovery rate (JOARR), (VAS, NDI) score and C2–C7 Cobb angle, the sagittal vertical axis of the neck (SVA), and complications (cerebrospinal fluid leakage, C5 paralysis, etc.) were compared between the two groups by t test or non‐parametric test.

Results

The operation time of hybrid ACAF was longer. C5 paralysis and axial pain were more common in the laminoplasty group, while dysphagia and hoarseness were more common in the hybrid ACAF group. At the last follow‐up, the hybrid ACAF group had better recovery and maintenance of cervical lordosis and sagittal plane balance and a higher JOA score and recovery rate than the laminoplasty group.

Conclusions

Hybrid ACAF can reduce the number of vertebral bodies and expand the decompression range, which is safe, effective, and tailored to local conditions. Compared with laminoplasty, hybrid ACAF is a precise alternative for patients with OPLL.
Malassezia‐associated skin diseases in the pediatric population
Authors: Chang Christy H. , Stein Sarah L.
Published: May 2024

Malassezia are yeast species that commonly colonize healthy skin. However, they have been associated with or implicated in the pathogenesis of numerous skin disorders, particularly in the setting of pediatric populations. In this review, we will focus on several Malassezia‐associated skin conditions manifesting in infants, children, and adolescents: pityriasis versicolor, Malassezia folliculitis, infantile and adolescent seborrheic dermatitis, head and neck dermatitis, and neonatal cephalic pustulosis. We examine the literature and provide an overview of these conditions, including clinical presentation in diverse skin colors, diagnosis, risk factors, and treatment and management. Additionally, we summarize and highlight some of the proposed theories on the role of Malassezia spp. in the pathogenesis of these skin conditions.
Perspectives and good dispositions
Authors: Lasonen‐Aarnio Maria
Published: May 2024

In some cases we can only conform to norms like Choose the best! by luck, in a way that is not creditable to us. According to the perspectivist diagnosis, the problem with such norms is that they make reference to facts that may lie outside our perspectives. The first aim of this paper is to argue that the perspectivist diagnosis of the problem of luck is not ultimately correct. The correct diagnosis, I argue, is feasibilist: in some situations it is not feasible to choose, act, or believe in ways that conformity to objectivist norms robustly depends on. The same, I argue, is true of perspectivist norms: sometimes it is not feasible to track facts about our own perspectives. This shift in focus from the limits of our perspectives to limits on feasible ways of acting, choosing and believing has deep ramifications for normative theory. My second aim is to sketch an alternative, feasibilist way of thinking about a more subject‐directed kind of normativity that takes into account our limitations as human agents. The result is a normative picture that unifies the practical and theoretical domains.
Risks of congenital malformations and neonatal intensive care unit admissions with gabapentin use in pregnancy: A cohort study and scoping review with meta‐analysis
Authors: Desrochers Brianne , Lavu Alekhya , Valencia Eunice , Vaccaro Christine , Peymani Payam , Eltonsy Sherif
Published: May 2024

Background

The increasing and prevalent use of gabapentin among pregnant people highlights the necessity to assess its neonatal safety.

Objectives

This study aimed to investigate the foetal safety of gabapentin during pregnancy using a cohort study and scoping review with a meta‐analysis of published evidence.

Methods

We conducted a population‐based cohort study using the Manitoba health databases between 1995 and 2019. We examined the association between gabapentin use during pregnancy and the prevalence of major congenital malformations, cardiac and orofacial malformations, and neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admissions using multivariate regression models. We searched the literature in MEDLINE and EMBASE databases from inception to October 2022 to identify relevant observational studies and conducted a meta‐analysis using random‐effects models, including our cohort study results.

Results

Of the 289,227 included pregnancies, 870 pregnant people were exposed to gabapentin. Gabapentin exposure during the First trimester was not associated with an increased risk of any malformations (adjusted relative risk [aRR]) 1.16 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.92, 1.46), cardiac malformations (aRR 1.29, 95% CI 0.72, 2.29), orofacial malformations (aRR 1.37, 95% CI 0.50, 3.75), and major congenital malformations (aRR 1.00, 95% CI 0.73, 1.36). whereas exposure during any trimester was associated with an increased NICU admission risk (aRR, 1.99, 95% CI 1.70, 2.32). The meta‐analysis of unadjusted results revealed an increased risk of major congenital malformations (RR 1.44, 95% CI 1.28, 1.61, I2 = 0%), cardiac malformations (RR 1.66, 95% CI 1.11, 2.47, I2 = 68%), and NICU admissions (RR 3.15, 95% CI 2.90, 3.41, I2 = 10%), and increased trend of orofacial malformations (RR 1.98, 95% CI 0.79, 5.00, I2 = 0%).

Conclusions

Gabapentin use was associated with an increased risk of NICU admissions in the cohort study and pooled meta‐analysis. Clinicians should prescribe gabapentin with caution during pregnancy and further studies are warranted.
Smart seq2 revealed distinct molecular responses during in vitro porcine oocyte maturation before or after the addition of mogroside V
Authors: Nie Junyu , Xiao Peng , Xiong Qianqian , Liang Xingwei , Zhao Xiuling
Published: May 2024

Oocyte maturation involves both nuclear and cytoplasmic maturation. Mogroside V (MV) has been shown to enhance nuclear maturation, mitochondrial content, and developmental potential of porcine oocyte during in vitro maturation (IVM). However, the impact of MV on cytoplasmic maturation and its underlying mechanisms are not understood. This study aimed to assess the effect of MV on cytoplasmic maturation. Germinal vesicle (GV) oocytes treated with MV exhibited a noticeable increase in cortical granules (CGs) formation. Additionally, MV enhanced the expression of NNAT and improved glucose uptake in mature oocytes. Further insights were gained through Smart‐seq2 analysis of RNA isolated from 100 oocytes. A total of 11,274 and 11,185 transcripts were identified in oocytes treated with and without MV, respectively. Among quantified genes, 438 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified for further analysis. Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analysis indicated that these DEGs were primarily involved in DNA repair regulation, cellular response to DNA damage, intracellular components, and organelles. Furthermore, the DEGs were significantly enriched in three KEGG pathways: fatty acid synthesis, pyruvate metabolism, and WNT signalling. To validate the results, lipid droplets (LD) and triglyceride (TG) were examined. MV led to an increase in the accumulation of LD and TG production in mature oocytes. These findings suggest that MV enhances cytoplasmic maturation by promoting lipid droplet synthesis. Overall, this study provides valuable insights into the mechanisms through which MV improves oocyte quality during IVM. The results have significant implications for research in livestock reproduction and offer guidance for future studies in this field.
Mucosal‐associated invariant T cells modulate innate immune cells and inhibit colon cancer growth
Authors: Cheng Olivia J. , Lebish Eric J. , Jensen Owen , Jacenik Damian , Trivedi Shubhanshi , Cacioppo Jackson G. , Aubé Jeffrey , Beswick Ellen J. , Leung Daniel T.
Published: May 2024

Mucosal‐associated invariant T (MAIT) cells are innate‐like T cells that can be activated by microbial antigens and cytokines and are abundant in mucosal tissues including the colon. MAIT cells have cytotoxic and pro‐inflammatory functions and have potentials for use as adoptive cell therapy. However, studies into their anti‐cancer activity, including their role in colon cancer, are limited. Using an animal model of colon cancer, we showed that peritumoral injection of in vivo‐expanded MAIT cells into RAG1−/− mice with MC38‐derived tumours inhibits tumour growth compared to control. Multiplex cytokine analyses showed that tumours from the MAIT cell‐treated group have higher expression of markers for eosinophil‐activating cytokines, suggesting a potential association between eosinophil recruitment and tumour inhibition. In a human peripheral leukocyte co‐culture model, we showed that leukocytes stimulated with MAIT ligand showed an increase in eotaxin‐1 production and activation of eosinophils, associated with increased cancer cell killing. In conclusion, we showed that MAIT cells have a protective role in a murine colon cancer model, associated with modulation of the immune response to cancer, potentially involving eosinophil‐associated mechanisms. Our results highlight the potential of MAIT cells for non‐donor restricted colon cancer immunotherapy.
A decade of outsourcing in health and social care in England: What was it meant to achieve?
Authors: Bach‐Mortensen Anders , Goodair Benjamin , Corlet Walker Christine
Published: May 2024

The increased private provision of publicly funded health and social care over the last 75 years has been one of the most contentious topics in UK public policy. In the last decades, health and social care policies in England have consistently promoted the outsourcing of public services to private for‐profit and non‐profit companies with the assumption that private sector involvement will reduce costs and improve service quality and access. However, it is not clear why outsourcing often fails to improve quality of care, and which of the underlying assumptions behind marketising care are not supported by research. This article provides an analysis of key policy and regulatory documents preceding or accompanying outsourcing policies in England (e.g., policy document relating to the 2012 and 2022 Health and Social Care Acts and the 2014 Care Act), and peer‐reviewed research on the impact of outsourcing within the NHS, adult's social care, and children's social care. We find that more regulation and market oversight appear to be associated with less poor outcomes and slower growth of for‐profit provision. However, evidence on the NHS suggests that marketisation does not seem to achieve the intended objectives of outsourcing, even when accompanied with heavy regulation and oversight. Our analysis suggests that there is little evidence to show that the profit motive can be successfully tamed by public commissioners. This article concludes with how policymakers should address, or readdress, the underlying assumptions behind the outsourcing of care services.
Evaluation of a rapid diagnostic test for detection of Vibrio choleraeO1 in the Democratic Republic of the Congo: Preventative intervention for cholera for 7 days (PICHA7 program)
Authors: George Christine Marie , Namunesha Alves , Felicien Willy , Endres Kelly , Luo Wensheng , Bisimwa Lucien , Williams Camille , Bisimwa Jean‐Claude , Sanvura Presence , Perin Jamie , Bengehya Justin , Maheshe Ghislain , Sack David A. , Cikomola Cirhuza , Mwishingo Alain
Published: May 2024

Objective

Globally, there are estimated to be 2.9 million cholera cases annually. Early detection of cholera outbreaks is crucial for resource allocation for case management and for targeted interventions to be delivered to stop the spread of cholera. In resource limited settings such as Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), there is often limited laboratory capacity for analysing stool samples for cholera by bacterial culture. Therefore, rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) for cholera present a promising tool to rapidly test stool samples in a health facility setting for cholera. Our objective is to evaluate the Crystal VC O1 RDT for cholera detection compared with bacterial culture and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for Vibrio cholerae.

Methods

From March 2020 to December 2022, stool samples were collected from 644 diarrhoea patients admitted to 94 health facilities in Bukavu in Eastern DRC. Patient stool samples were analysed by Crystal VC O1 RDT for cholera and by bacterial culture and PCR for V. cholerae O1.

Results

Twenty six percent of diarrhoea patients (166/644) had stool samples positive for cholera by RDT, and 24% (152/644) had stool samples positive for V. cholerae O1 by bacterial culture or PCR. The overall specificity and sensitivity of the Crystal VC O1 RDT by direct testing was 94% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 92%–96%) and 90% (95% CI, 84%–94%), respectively, when compared with either a positive result by bacterial culture or PCR.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that the Crystal VC O1 RDT presents a promising tool for cholera surveillance in this cholera endemic setting in sub‐Saharan Africa.
The Monroe Report, US colonialism and English language education in the Philippines
Authors: Davis Daniel R.
Published: May 2024

This article focuses on a foundational text in the history of English in the Philippines, that is, the 1925 document, A Survey of the Educational System of the Philippine Islands, which came to be known as ‘The Monroe Report’. Although the Report has often been cited as an emblematic example of colonial control and hegemony, a close scrutiny of the text, as well as a consideration of the historical context, makes possible other more nuanced readings, which situate the Report in the educational progressivism of early 20th century United States, and simultaneously remind us of the continuing relevance of the Report today.
General Extended State Observer-Based Robust Integral of Signum of Error Controller for Active Flutter Suppression for Aeroelastic System
Authors: Sharma Balraj , Agrawal Pooja , Misra Ajay
Published: May 2024

The paper presents a robust integral of signum of error (RISE) controller for active suppression of flutter of a two-dimensional airfoil, and it is integrated with a general extended state observer (GESO). Toward this, airfoil model in state space is first changed into a canonical form. Then, the controller is designed using RISE control technique. As equations of system dynamics are not into integral chain form, a GESO is formulated to observe system states and disturbances. The controller is implemented using estimated states and it is robustified using estimated disturbance. Stability of the proposed general extended state observer-robust integral of signum of error (GESO-RISE) controller is established using the Lyapunov theory. Simulations are performed to check the proposed controller's performance against variations in airspeed, uncertainties in model parameters, external disturbances, time delay, and unmodeled dynamics. Comparison of the proposed GESO-RISE controller is carried out with existing controllers using two performance criteria, i.e., Control Efforts (CoE) and integral of absolute error (IAE). It is discovered from simulations that the proposed GESO-RISE controller significantly reduces IAE and control efforts. Additionally, Monte Carlo method is utilized to check robustness of the proposed GESO-RISE controller. The proposed GESO-RISE controller significantly enhances flutter boundary of airfoil and is completely implementable.
Experimental Study of a Novel Helix-Shaped Oscillating Heat Pipe and Design Parameters for Flow Stabilization
Authors: Pawlick Max , Peterson G. P.
Published: May 2024

A novel helix-shaped oscillating heat pipe (OHP) designed for enhanced heat transfer in thermal management and heat recovery systems was studied experimentally. Two orientations were explored: side-heated, which is the intended orientation in which improved fluid circulation is predicted, and bottom-heated, a control resembling traditional bottom-heated OHPs. Results showed stronger circulation, reduced temperature differences, and lower startup thresholds in most cases. The side-heated orientation achieved higher maximum heat loads at a fill ratio of 0.5, although the maximum load decreased at a fill ratio of 0.7. Notably, the helix-shaped OHP attained effective thermal conductivity values over 9,000 WmK in multiple test cases and a maximum heat transport of 676 W. Additional parameters were explored, including heat load, fill ratio, condenser temperature, and the presence of noncondensible gases (NCGs). The presence of NCGs increased not only the temperature drop as expected, but also increased the maximum heat transport, indicating potential benefits in certain applications. Elevated condenser temperatures not only decreased the temperature drop, but also reduced maximum heat transport. A previously developed OHP performance model was expanded to evaluate the novel helix-shaped OHP. The model predicted temperature drops during degassed experiments under moderate heat loads reasonably well. However, most data points fell outside the model's scope, emphasizing the need to extend it to handle condenser bubble collapse. The expanded analytical models for side-heated helix-shaped OHPs highlighted a different set of restrictions on circulation than traditional, bottom-heated OHPs, which likely explains the superior performance of the helix-shaped OHP in its intended orientation.
Design and Evaluation of Kirschner Wire Guide Device for Patellar Fracture Fixation
Authors: Zhang Yan , Cui Haipo , Du Kewei , Guo Xudong , Fu Ruonan , Zhang Qi
Published: May 2024

Identifying the optimal position for Kirschner wire (K-wire) is crucial in tension band wiring for patellar fracture. This study analyzed the ideal position and designed a guide device to aid precise K-wire insertion. The stress and displacement at 90 deg of flexion were compared to determine the optimal positions. The number of insertions and fluoroscopies, and operating times were recorded in a retrospective study. Intra-operative radiographs were used to measure the K-wire position relative to the patella in the coronal and sagittal planes to assess accuracy. The least stability occurred when the distance between the K-wires was 1/2 of the patellar width in the coronal plane and close to the patellar anterior surface. The number of K-wire insertions in the experimental group and control group (1.33 ± 0.58 versus 3.8 ± 1.03; P = 0.009), the number of fluoroscopies (2.67 ± 0.58 versus 10 ± 1.33; P = 0.007), and the operating time (55 ± 8.66 min versus 82 ± 9.49 min; P = 0.001) were significantly different. K-wires should parallel to each other, spaced 1/4 or 1/3 of the patellar width in the coronal plane, and 1/2 to 3/4 of the patellar thickness in the sagittal plane away from the patellar anterior surface. The surgeon could improve insertion accuracy with guide device.
Experiment on the Excitation of Vapor Behavior and the Vibration by Thermal Flow Under C-Tube Pool Boiling Model
Authors: Xu Ruosi , Tan Wei , Dong Jiaojiao , Guo Kai , Zhang Haiying , Wang Heng , Zhu Guorui
Published: May 2024

As an important safety equipment in nuclear system, the passive residual heat removal heat exchanger (PRHR HX) with C-tube is responsible for timely removing heat from the reactor core in accident. A C-tube heating device was setup to investigate the flow characteristics of the in-containment refueling water storage tank (IRWST), which is of the PRHR HX shell-side flow field and the vibration characteristics of the heat exchanger tube. The temperature of the flow field and the acceleration signal of the C-tube were measured. The C-tube frequency in the pool boiling condition is 0–0.660 Hz. There is no resonance with the first natural frequency of 8.98 Hz. The IRWST temperature field can be divided into slow-heating period, fast-heating period, and boiling period. Steam vapor exists in three periods, condensation and collapse of vapor concentrate on horizontal tube. The fast-heating period exists the subcooling degree ΔTsub for the most intense vapor excitation, ΔTsub is in the range of 13–16 °C. In term of thermal flow excitation vibration, the existence of the cross flow with C-plane direction is in the transition period from the slow-heating period to the fast-heating period, which excites the maximum root mean squares (RMS) amplitude 0.039 mm and 0.034 mm at the midpoint of upper horizontal tube and vertical tube. When the fluid enters fast-heating period, the direction of flow changes into the normal C-plane. Normal RMS amplitude reached maximum 0.02 mm at upper 1/4 of the vertical tube in boiling period. The above research provides important data support for the safety and reliability of PRHR HX.
A Rapid Tool for Risk-Based Post-Cyclonic Integrity Assessment of Flexible Risers
Authors: Hejazi Rasoul , White Elizabeth , Bordman Ruth , Mariani Alessio , Milne Ian , Grime Andrew , Watson Phil
Published: May 2024

A novel efficient risk-based tool for rapidly assessing the post-cyclonic structural integrity of flexible risers is demonstrated. Leveraging Machine Learning (ML) technology via an Artificial Neural Network (ANN), the predictive tool is trained by synthetic data for near-instantaneous integrity assessment. This tool is validated using an operational floating facility to demonstrate the effectiveness of ANNs as surrogate models. The probabilistic framework used enhances our understanding of structural failure risks, potentially reducing delays and production losses associated with confirming riser integrity after extreme events. Moreover, the adaptability of this approach extends its application to a wide range of other offshore structures beyond risers, making it a versatile and valuable tool for the offshore engineering industry.
Lattice defects distribution of H+ implanted 4H-SiC investigated by deep-ultraviolet Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Wang Gengyu , Luo Wenbo , Zhu Dailei , Wang Yuedong , Shuai Yao , Wu Chuangui , Zhang Wanli
Published: May 2024

The defects distribution of ion-implanted SiC is a key to understanding changes in the electronic, optical, and mechanical properties of SiC devices. However, accessing the defect distribution within the sample primarily relies on simulation, yet a number of factors remain unaccounted for in the simulation results, ultimately resulting in numerous inaccuracies. To address this issue, a defect distribution investigation method based on the combination of argon ion etching and deep-ultraviolet (DUV) Raman spectroscopy has been established. The defects at different depths were exposed to the surface by etching, and the crystal quality of the surface layer was assessed using Raman spectra with a 266 nm DUV laser. The spectra for the H+ implanted 4H-SiC showed that the full width at half maximum of the transverse optical mode at 781 cm−1 and the longitudinal optical mode at 965 cm−1 exhibited an increasing and then decreasing trend, approximate to a Gaussian distribution. These results were confirmed with the transmission electron microscopy cross-sectional image and SRIM-2013 simulation. The establishment of this analytical investigation method can be widely applied to other semiconductor materials, without the need for electrodes and sample contamination.