bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CODOX-M/IVAC-R versus DA-EPOCH-R in double/triple-hit large B cell lymphoma in patients ≤ 60 years.
Authors: Atallah-Yunes Suheil Albert , Rees Matthew J. , Witzig Thomas E. , Habermann Thomas Matthew , McPhail Ellen D , Munoz Javier , Iqbal Madiha , Nowakowski Grzegorz S.
Published: June 2024

7067

Background: High intensity induction with regimens such asDA-EPOCH-R, CODOX-M/IVAC-R and HyperCVAD are often used for young patients with DHL/THL despite no overall survival (OS) benefit compared to R-CHOP. Reports on the application of CODOX-M/IVAC-R are subject to selection bias as only young fit patients can tolerate it. We aimed to investigate outcomes difference between CODOX-M/IVAC-R and DA-EPOCH-R in patients ≤ 60 years with DHL/THL diagnosed via FISH. Methods: Retrospective review of DHL/THL patients from the Mayo Clinic diagnosed between July15th 2010-October19th 2023 treated with CODOX-M/IVAC-R or DA-EPOCH-R at age of up to 60 years. Event free survival (EFS) was defined as time from diagnosis to progression, relapse, next line of treatment or death from any cause. Results: 113 patients were included; CODOX-M/IVAC-R (N=49) and DA-EPOCH-R (N=64). Patient and disease characteristics are in table. 80% (N=39) achieved CR on end of treatment (EOT) PET CT with CODOX-M/IVAC-R compared to only 58% (N=37) with DA-EPOCH-R. CODOX-M/IVAC-R was associated with superior EFS on univariate (HR=0.54, 95%CI=0.31-0.97) and multivariable analysis adjusted for age, BCL2 vs BCL6 translocation and receipt of consolidation ASCT (aHR=0.53, 95%CI=0.29-0.95), however, there was no significant influence on OS (aHR=0.97, 95%CI=0.50-1.91). At a median follow-up of 5.3 years and 3.3 years for the CODOX-M-IVAC and DA-R-EPOCH group respectively; EFS was superior in the CODOX-M/IVAC-R group having 1, 2 and 5 years EFS of 68.3%, 64.1 and 61.5% respectively compared to 52.4%, 48.9% and 39.5% respectively in the DA-EPOCH-R group (p=0.035). 33%(16/49) of the CODOX-M/IVAC-R patients had R/R disease (No CR on EOT PET CT or relapsed) with a median OS of 10.3 months compared to 33.7 months in the R/R DA EPOCH-R group (54%, 35/64). Number of patients who were able to receive salvage ASCT, CAR T and Allo-SCT were 5, 17 and 4 respectively in the DA EPOCH-R group compared to 1, 6 and 3 patients respectively in the CODOX-M/IVAC-R group. None died of regimen toxicity in both groups. 19% underwent ASCT consolidation after CR with initial induction (11 patients in each group); no OS was noticed however consolidation with ASCT was associated with increased EFS regardless of the induction regimen with best outcomes being in the CODOX-M/IVAC-R group (P=0.0072). Conclusions: Our study showed that young patients with DHL/THL who received CODOX-M/IVAC-R had superior EFS compared to DA-EPOCH-R with no OS benefit. CODOX-M/IVAC-R can spare patients receiving more subsequent therapies. Patients who have R/R disease following CODOX-M/IVAC-R have poor outcomes. [Table: see text]
Sex and racial disparities in incidence and survival outcomes in adolescents and young adults (AYA) with lung cancer in the United States.
Authors: Eneh Chukwuka , Ogbonda Stephanie , Uche Ifeanyi , Oluwadeyi Esther Yemisi , Ilerhunmwuwa Nosakhare Paul
Published: June 2024

8033

Background: Limited data exists on the impact of race on the incidence and survival of lung cancer among adolescents and young adults (15 – 39 years). We examined the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Plus Data (SEER) to determine the association of race, sex and other demographic/clinicopathologic factors with incidence trends and survival in AYA. Methods: Lung cancer cases in AYA diagnosed between 2000 and 2020 were extracted from the SEER database. Age-standardized incidence rates per 100,000 persons were obtained, and the annual percentage change (APC) was used to compare incidence trends stratified by various demographics. Relative survival was calculated with the SEER Stat software. Multivariate regression analyses were performed to determine association with mortality. Results: We identified 5129 cases of lung cancer among AYA of which 50.9% (n=2610) were female, 56.6% (n=2904) were Non-Hispanic Whites (NHW), 17% (n=872) were Hispanics, 13.3% (n=684) were Non-Hispanic Blacks (NHBs), 12.5% (n=643) were Non-Hispanic Asian or Pacific Islander (NHAPI) and 0.5% (n=26) were Non-Hispanic American Indian/Alaska Native (NHAIA). Overall age-adjusted incidence rates (AAIR) of lung cancer among AYA decreased (APC, -2.01 [- 2.72 to -1.34)], slightly more in females (APC -2.05 [-2.93 to -1.26)] compared to males (APC, -2.01 [-2.74 to -1.34)]. The greatest decrease was seen in NHWs -2.4 [-3.1 to -1.8)]. There was no significant change in the AAIR among NHBs and Hispanics. NHBs showed the lowest 5-year survival rate (RSR-5: 58.8 [57.3-60.1]) with NHWs showing the highest survival (RSR-5: 77.8 [77.4-78.3]). On multivariable analysis, race was an independent predictor of mortality: Hispanics (HR: 0.78: 95% CI = 0.69 - 0.88) and NHAPI (HR: 0.79: 95% CI = 0.68 - 0.87) compared to NHW, had reduced odds of mortality. There was no association between sex and mortality. Conclusions: There is an overall decline in age-adjusted incidence rates of lung cancer, with more pronounced decline in females and specific racial groups. NHBs exhibited the lowest 5-year survival rate. Additionally, various socioeconomic and histologic factors demonstrated varying impacts on mortality. [Table: see text]
Flat dose intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) for primary infection prophylaxis after CAR-T for B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (B-NHL).
Authors: Lessans Spencer , Zenner Morgan , Dholaria Bhagirathbhai R. , Kassim Adetola , Jayani Reena , Biltibo Eden , Bhaskar Shakthi , Morgan David S. , Savani Bipin N. , Oluwole Olalekan O. , Baljevic Muhamed , Patel Vivek
Published: June 2024

e19004

Background: Prolonged hypogammaglobulinemia is a common side effect of CD19 chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy for B-NHL. Average infection rates 1 year (yr) post CAR-T are 44-53% (Kampouri, Tran Infect Dis 2023). Prophylactic IVIG is typically dosed by weight; however, optimal dosing strategy remains unknown. We explored the efficacy of reduced flat IVIG dose on infection rates and non-relapse mortality (NRM) post CAR-T. Methods: B-NHL pts who received commercial CD19 CAR-T therapy from Nov 2017 to Mar 2023 at Vanderbilt Medical Center were included. All pts were on trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole and valacyclovir for prophylaxis. IVIG at a flat dose of 10 grams was given for IgG < 400 mg/dL. Relevant clinical variables were collected from day 30 to 1 yr. Infections were defined as mild (treated outpatient), moderate (required admission), or severe (required intensive care unit) and by CTCAE v5 criteria. Severe neutropenia was defined as ANC<500 and severe lymphopenia was ALC<500. NRM was defined by death without progression or relapse. Estimated cost of therapy was $140/gram of IVIG based on previously published data. Results: A total of 43 pts (35 large cell lymphoma, 7 mantle cell lymphoma, and 1 follicular lymphoma) with median follow up of 445 days (range 134-2141) were included. Axicabtagene ciloleucel was given to 34 pts (79%), tisagenlecleucel to 2 pts (5%), and brexucabtagene autoleucel to 7 pts (16%). Median age was 58 (range 22-81). Median number of pre CAR-T therapies was 3 (range 1-7). There were 52 total infections with median time to first infection of 165 days (range 31-365). Of all infections, 21 (40%) were viral, 29 (56%) bacterial, and 2 (4%) fungal. There were 31 (60%) mild infections, 19 (36%) moderate, and 2 (4%) severe. Multiple G≥3 infections occurred in 14 pts (33%). At first infection, 4 pts (10%) had severeneutropenia and 13 pts (31%) had severelymphopenia. IVIG was given to 27 pts (63%). Median IgG at D30 was 438 mg/dL (range 143–1099) and 414 mg/dL (range 133–842) at D60. Prolonged IgG≤400 at 6 months occurred in 15 pts (35%). Median IVIG cost using flat dosing was $2800 (range $0-12,600) compared to a median cost of $8,075 (range $0-76,642) if weight-based dosing was utilized. NRM was 9% (4 pts). Of those pts, only 1 had a G≥3 infection during the first-year post CAR-T. Conclusions: We demonstrate comparable infection rates 1 yr post CD19 CAR-T and low NRM with the use of 10g flat IVIG dosing for consecutively treated pts. In addition, only 1 of 4 pts with NRM had severe infection within 1 yr. Notably, 35% of pts had persistent hypogammaglobulinemia at 6 mo and use of a flat dosing schedule provided substantial cost reduction. These findings should be validated in a prospective randomized trial.
The never-ending story of hyponatremia: a current problem to overcome
Authors: Marigliano Benedetta , Scuro Luigi
Published: June 2024

Hyponatremia is a common complication in patients undergoing neurosurgery. If undiagnosed, it has a negative prognostic impact. The two dominant causes of refractory hyponatremia include syndrome of inappropriate ADH secretion (SIADH) and cerebral salt wasting syndrome (CSWS). Discrimination between the two types of disease is not always obvious. We present a case of undiagnosed chronic hyponatremia caused by CSWS after neurosurgery, which not only resulted in a longer hospital stay but also slowed the patient’s postoperative recovery. Meticulous clinical evaluation and the performance of appropriate laboratory tests are therefore essential not only for decisive treatment, but also for the establishment of comprehensive diagnostic algorithms that allow timely diagnosis and decisive therapy.
A mixed-methods exploration of the nursing associate role, programme experiences and future career pathways
Authors: Morgan Pauline , De Lappe Joseph , Summers Neil
Published: June 2024

This article reports on a small mixed-methods research project undertaken with trainee nursing associates (TNAs) in the south of England. Aim: The aim was to gain insight into the motivation behind undertaking the nursing associate (NA) programme, how the NA role is perceived by service users and the wider healthcare team, and the future career pathways of NAs. Methods: Online questionnaires (n=14) and online focus groups (n=6). Findings: The results suggested undertaking the NA programme increased the TNAs' confidence and ability to use evidence to support their practice; that the role of the NA is not well understood. Some TNAs perceived the NA role as a distinct professional role, whereas others saw it as a way into registered nurse training. Conclusion: Role confusion still exists. Research is needed to capture how professional identities in new health and social care professional groups become established.
Treatment trajectories of individuals diagnosed with rectal cancer: an interpretative phenomenological study
Authors: Goode Catherine , Harley Jacqueline
Published: June 2024

Rectal cancer affects almost every aspect of an individual's daily life. However, there are gaps in understanding the complete spectrum of experiences spanning from diagnosis to recovery. Therefore, the aim of this study was to explore the treatment trajectories of individuals diagnosed with rectal cancer. Adopting an interpretative phenomenological approach, seven participants were recruited using purposive sampling. Data were collected using semi-structured, in-depth interviews that were digitally recorded, transcribed and analysed using thematic analysis. Study rigour was established following the four-dimension criteria of credibility, dependability, transferability and confirmability. Four prominent themes emerged from the participants' experiences of undergoing rectal cancer treatment: uncovering the inner battles; navigating the physical challenges; anchors of support and conquering the summit. These findings contribute to knowledge and practice by highlighting the importance of providing a comprehensive and individualised treatment plan for individuals that takes account of the physical and psycho-emotional implications of rectal cancer treatment.
The digital dilemma in nursing: a critique of care in the digital age
Authors: Wynn Matthew
Published: June 2024

There is an inherent tension between the nursing profession's empathetic, human-centric ethos and the impersonal nature of digital technology. However, digital solutions such as robot carers could offer convenience, dignity and reduced feelings of burden, so there is potentially a significant misalignment between nursing concepts of care and contemporary patient needs. The notion of ‘care’ should be reconceptualised to include digital advancements, aligning practice with changing patient expectations and technological progress. A strategy to do this could involve a philosophical overhaul of nursing care models, integration of advanced patient-centric technologies, comprehensive education and training, collaborative development of nursing technologies, showcasing successful digital integration and policy advocacy for digital care models. This transformation is essential if nursing is to stay relevant and effective in the digital era, bridging the traditional care and modern healthcare needs while maintaining its core ethic of care.
Clinical use of 0.1% polyhexanide and propylbetaine on acute and hard-to-heal wounds: a literature review
Authors: Lazzari Giuseppe , Cesa Simonetta , Lo Palo Emilia
Published: June 2024

Objective:

To summarise the findings on the effect of the clinical use of 0.1% polyhexanide–propylbetaine (PHMB/betaine) solution/gel on acute and hard-to-heal (chronic) wound healing.

Method:

A literature search was conducted in MEDLINE, CINAHL, Embase, Scopus and the CENTRAL Trials Registry of the Cochrane Collaboration. Paired reviewers conducted title and abstract screening and full-text screening to identify experimental, quasi-experimental and observational studies. Study quality and risk of bias were not formally evaluated.

Results:

A total of 17 studies met the eligibility criteria. The findings from 12 studies indicated that the use of 0.1% PHMB/betaine solution/gel had: a low risk of contact sensitivity; could help debridement during wound cleansing; aided effective wound bed preparation; reduced wound size, odour and exudate; improved pain control; reduced microbial load; and enhanced wound healing. The results of three studies indicated that both 0.1% PHMB and saline solution were effective in reducing bacterial load, while another showed that adding 0.1% PHMB to tie-over dressings had no effect on reducing bacterial loads in wounds. Another study concluded that disinfection and granulation of pressure ulcers with hydrobalance dressing with 0.3% PHMB was faster and more effective than using 0.1% PHMB/betaine.

Conclusion:

The findings of this literature review showed that 0.1% PHMB/betaine solution/gel appeared to be useful and safe for wound cleansing, was effective in removing soft debris and slough from the wound bed, and created a wound environment optimal for healing. Although these actions cannot be attributed solely to this treatment modality, these results do highlight the unique action of this combined product. However, more robust studies are needed to confirm these results.
Correlation between initial serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D and granulation growth in diabetic foot ulcers
Authors: Yunir Em , Adesta Fajar Englando Alan , Rizka Aulia , Tarigan Tri Juli Edi
Published: June 2024

Objective:

To determine the correlation between initial serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) levels with granulation growth in diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) after 21 days of treatment.

Method:

This cohort study involved patients with type 2 diabetes who had a DFU treated at hospital. Blood samples were taken from patients on admission. The chemiluminescent immunoassay technique was used to measure 25(OH)D levels. Granulation tissue growth was analysed by comparing the photographs from the initial treatment to day 21 of treatment.

Results:

The median value of 25(OH)D levels at initial treatment was 8 ng/ml. The result showed no correlation between 25(OH)D levels and the granulation growth in DFUs (p=0.86).

Conclusion:

The initial serum 25(OH)D level was not correlated with the growth of granulation tissue in DFUs.
Equivocating Houses: Kinship, Materiality, and Bureaucratic Practice in Post-earthquake Nepal
Authors: Shneiderman Sara
Published: June 2024

ABSTRACT: What is a house? What about a household? How do they relate to each other? Different answers to these seemingly simple questions lie behind many of the conundrums that Nepali citizens experienced in the process of reconstruction following the country's double earthXuaRes This paper considers whether the widely varying definitions of "house" and "household" used by the Nepali state, the international community, and residents themselves to assess infrastructural loss, identify the citizens who experienced it, disburse private housing reconstruction grants, and implement the material work of reconstruction may in fact be equivocations If this is indeed the case, is bureaucratic practice intended to regulate the earthquake affected house and household—before, during and after the process of reconstruction—a means of translation, negotiation, or something else altogether? Does it bring different worlds into relation, through a shared desire to make something more of this basic unit of material and social structure than the singular name that appears on most land title deeds in Nepal? I explore these questions through ongoing ethnographic research in earthquake affected districts as well as online, to consider how the ontological status of "the house" itself has been reconfigured through the process of reconstruction, along with the political domains in which it is embedded
Of Crystals and Semiotic Slippage: Lithium Mining, Energy Ambitions, and Resource Politics in Bolivia
Authors: Goodale Mark
Published: June 2024

ABSTRACT: The salares, or salt flats, of Bolivia are the site of the world's largest proven reserves of lithium Although different proposals were initiated over the decades, it was during the thirteen years under the Movement to Socialism (MAS) governments of Evo Morales when the state-directed lithium project began in earnest. This is an ambitious project with a num ber of important dimensions, including evaporation mining in the region around Uyuni; the construction of an industrial plant where lithium salt is converted into "battery grade" lithium carbonate; the development of a battery research and production facility, which is producing—still at a pilot stage—lithium ion batteries" and proposals to produce electronic vehicles (EVs) in Bolivia, which would mean a form of vertical integration of the lithium resource chain. This article examines one key ethnographic dimension of Bolivia's still unfolding lithium project: the ways in which its different materialities—geological, industrial, extractive, environmental—are reframed within pre-existing semiotic categories, including a well established semiotics of resource extraction, as part of ongoing struggles for control over both the meaning and productive potential of a key resource at the center of the global "green" energy transition. The article argues that these semiotic struggles take place through illuminating slippages or "re-craftings," many of which cannot be reduced to the grand narratives within which lithium industrialization is conventionally studied and critiqued After using selected examples from ethnographic research in Bolivia to examine some of the more important semiotic struggles, the article concludes by drawing out the wider lessons of the study for the anthropology of energy and resource politics.
Professional Publications: Changes and Implications for NASAP
Authors: Sperry Len
Published: June 2024

ABSTRACT: Publications of most professions and their professional organizations have evolved to better meet the needs of their members. These changes are reflected in three main publication types: professional journals, professional newsletters, and professional magazines. Each is described in terms of readership, focus, content, and criteria for publication. Recent developments in professional publications are briefly described. Finally, possible implications for the publications of the North American Society of Adlerian Psychology (NASAP) are discussed.
The Cope Line Voyages of David Henry White Evidence from the Cope Family Archive
Authors: Sillen Andrew
Published: June 2024

Abstract: The Cope Family Archive documents the extensive local and international networks of this prominent Philadelphia family. The collection also contains comprehensive records of the Copes’ shipping business, including the employment and legal status of free Black sailors during both the antebellum and Civil War periods. Notably, the archive documents the circumstances of David Henry White, a free Black teenage sailor from Lewes, Delaware, who was kidnapped from the Copes’ vessel Tonawanda on October 9, 1862, by Captain Raphael Semmes of the Confederate commerce raider Alabama . Although described as a slave, crew manifests prove that at the time of his capture, White was legally free, and had signed onto a galley crew connected to a network of free Black abolitionist sailors. The Cope Family Papers are thus a critical resource not only for documenting the Cope Family itself, but also the circumstances, networks, and activities of free Black sailors in the region.
Enabling IP-optical integration in core and metro networks [Invited]
Authors: Dicorato Tony , Landon Peter , Dicorato Pino G. , Balasundaram Swamynathan , Schneeberger Matias , Baragiola Luca , Lopez Victor
Published: June 2024

IP-optical (Internet protocol and optical) integration, or “IP over DWDM (dense wavelength division multiplexing),” is a concept spanning over two decades since the advent of coherent DSP (digital signal processing). In recent years, coherent DSP technology has progressed to a point where it can be integrated on small pluggable form factors that can be equipped in optical line systems and disaggregated transponders or directly in IP routers to support a range of metro and core applications. The option of equipping pluggable digital coherent optics (DCOs) directly in IP routers has the biggest potential for operational cost savings but hinges on the availability of a unified management environment with a single pane of glass to coordinate and automate IP routing and optical transport functions. This work presents alternative software-defined networking (SDN) architectures and evaluates the challenges associated with the evolution to IP over DWDM network architectures. It demonstrates the first, to our knowledge, implementation of the Transport API supporting colored pluggable interfaces in routers in a real network testbed. This work contributes to the realization of end-to-end network management for IP-optical networks, offering operators comprehensive visibility into multi-layer and multi-domain services and empowering revenue generation.
Compact polarization-entangled photon source based on coexisting noncritically birefringent and quasi phase matching in a nonlinear crystal
Authors: Yang Chun-Yao , Wang Chao-Yuan , Lin Kuan-Heng , Tsai Tsung-Ying , Lin Chih-Chia , Canalias Carlota , Wang Li-Bang , Yabushita Atsushi , Chuu Chih-Sung
Published: June 2024

Polarization-entangled photons are indispensable to numerous quantum technologies and fundamental studies. In this paper, we propose and demonstrate what we believe to be a novel source that generates collinear polarization-entangled photons by simultaneously achieving two distinct types of phase-matching conditions (noncritically birefringent and quasi phase matching) in a periodically poled nonlinear crystal with a large poling period of 2 mm. The photon pairs are generated in a polarization-entangled state with a fidelity and concurrence of 0.998 and 0.935, respectively, and violate the Clauser-Horne-Shimony-Holt inequality by 84 standard deviations. The compact source does not require interferometer, delicate domain structures, or post selection, and is advantageous for scalable quantum computing and communication, where many replicas or chip-scale devices are needed.
Image-based wavefront correction using model-free reinforcement learning
Authors: Gutierrez Yann , Mazoyer Johan , Mugnier Laurent M. , Herscovici-Schiller Olivier , Abeloos Baptiste
Published: June 2024

Optical aberrations prevent telescopes from reaching their theoretical diffraction limit. Once estimated, these aberrations can be compensated for using deformable mirrors in a closed loop. Focal plane wavefront sensing enables the estimation of the aberrations on the complete optical path, directly from the images taken by the scientific sensor. However, current focal plane wavefront sensing methods rely on physical models whose inaccuracies may limit the overall performance of the correction. The aim of this study is to develop a data-driven method using model-free reinforcement learning to automatically perform the estimation and correction of the aberrations, using only phase diversity images acquired around the focal plane as inputs. We formulate the correction problem within the framework of reinforcement learning and train an agent on simulated data. We show that the method is able to reliably learn an efficient control strategy for various realistic conditions. Our method also demonstrates robustness to a wide range of noise levels.
Threshold of stochastic self-focusing from the Poisson property of extreme-event statistics
Authors: Zheltikov Aleksei M.
Published: June 2024

Statistics of self-focusing induced by a stochastic laser driver is
shown to converge, in the large-sample-size limit, to a generalized
Poisson distribution whose mean is given by the exponent of the
respective extreme-value statistics. For a given ratio of the laser
peak power to the self-focusing threshold Pcr, the mean number of self-focusing counts in a
large sample of laser pulses is shown to depend on the number of
pulses in the sample, N, and the
signal-to-noise ratio of laser pulses, a. We derive a closed-form solution for the threshold of
stochastic self-focusing, which, unlike its deterministic counterpart,
Pcr, is a function of the
sample size N and the signal-to-noise
ratio a. The parameter
N

a

 = exp (
a
2/2) is shown to set a borderline between
the deterministic and stochastic regimes of self-focusing. When the
number of laser pulses in a sample becomes comparable to
N

a

, self-focusing can no longer be viewed as
deterministic even for high signal-to-noise laser beams.
Terahertz manipulation of nonlinear optical response in topological material PtBi2
Authors: Gao Y. , Zeng X. Y. , Wang X. B. , Shi Y. G. , Cheng L. , Qi J.
Published: June 2024

The substantial nonlinear optical response observed in numerous
topological materials renders them well-suited for optic and photonic
applications, underscoring the critical need to devise effective
strategies for manipulating their nonlinearity to enhance their
versatility across different applications. In this Letter, we focus on
the second-harmonic generation (SHG) response of the topological
material PtBi2 under intense terahertz (THz) pulses and
unveil the transient nonlinearity manipulated by a THz electric field.
Our findings demonstrate that upon excitation of an intense THz pulse,
there emerges a substantial enhancement in the SHG signal of
PtBi2, which is predominantly attributed to the linear term
involving the THz field, i.e., χ(2)χ(3)E
THz
. We also clearly observe the transient
change in the nonlinear coefficients, which could arise from the
excitation of the bands with linear dispersion via the intense THz
pulse. These findings bear significant implications for achieving
ultrafast modulation of nonlinearity in topological materials, thereby
opening avenues for advanced applications in this field.
Coherent control on the generation and annihilation of a pseudospin-induced optical vortex in a honeycomb photonic lattice
Authors: Huang Yongping , Yu Qingsong , Liu Zhenzhi , Feng Yuan , Yu Jiawei , Zhong Hua , Zhang Yanpeng , Zhang Zhaoyang
Published: June 2024

We experimentally investigate the coherently controllable generation and annihilation of a pseudospin-induced optical vortex in an optically induced honeycomb photonic lattice in a Λ-type 85Rb atomic vapor cell. Three Gaussian coupling beams are coupled into the atomic gases to form a hexagonal interference pattern, which can induce a honeycomb photonic lattice under electromagnetically induced transparency. Then, two probe beams interfere with each other to form periodical fringes and cover one set of sublattice in the honeycomb lattice, corresponding to excite the K or K′ valleys in momentum space. By properly adjusting the experimental parameters, the generation and annihilation of the induced optical vortex can be effectively controlled. The theoretical simulations based on the Dirac and Schrödinger equations are performed to explore the underlying mechanisms, which will support the observations. The demonstrated properties of such controllable optical vortex may lay the foundation for the design of vortex-based optical devices with multidimensional tunability.
Optimized shift-pattern overlay for high coupling efficiency waveguide grating couplers: erratum
Authors: Zhou Xuetong , Tsang Hon Ki
Published: June 2024

In this erratum, we correct the reference numbers in Table 1 of our Letter [Opt. Lett. 47, 3968 (2022)10.1364/OL.464652]. This does not change the scientific results and conclusions of the original Letter.
Costs in conservation: Common costly mistakes and how to avoid them
Authors: Adams Vanessa M.
Published: June 2024

There has been an increasingly prevalent message that data regarding costs must be included in conservation planning activities to make cost-efficient decisions. Despite the growing acceptance that socioeconomic context is critical to conservation success, the approaches to embedded economic and financial considerations into planning have not significantly evolved. Inappropriate cost data is frequently included in decisions, with the potential of compromising biodiversity and social outcomes. For each conservation planning step, this essay details common mistakes made when considering costs, proposing solutions to enable conservation managers to know when and how to include costs. Appropriate use of high-quality cost data obtained at the right scale will improve decision-making and ultimately avoid costly mistakes.
The Toxoplasma oxygen-sensing protein, TgPhyA, is required for resistance to interferon gamma-mediated nutritional immunity in mice
Authors: Cordonnier Charlotte , Mandalasi Msano , Gigley Jason , Wohlfert Elizabeth A. , West Christopher M. , Blader Ira J.
Published: June 2024

As Toxoplasma gondii disseminates through its host, the parasite must sense and adapt to its environment and scavenge nutrients. Oxygen (O2) is one such environmental factor and cytoplasmic prolyl 4-hydroxylases (PHDs) are evolutionarily conserved O2 cellular sensing proteins that regulate responses to changes in O2 availability. Toxoplasma expresses 2 PHDs. One of them, TgPHYa hydroxylates SKP1, a subunit of the SCF-E3 ubiquitin ligase complex. In vitro, TgPHYa is important for growth at low O2 levels. However, studies have yet to examine the role that TgPHYa or any other pathogen-encoded PHD plays in virulence and disease. Using a type II ME49 Toxoplasma TgPHYa knockout, we report that TgPHYa is important for Toxoplasma virulence and brain cyst formation in mice. We further find that while TgPHYa mutant parasites can establish an infection in the gut, they are unable to efficiently disseminate to peripheral tissues because the mutant parasites are unable to survive within recruited immune cells. Since this phenotype was abrogated in IFNγ knockout mice, we studied how TgPHYa mediates survival in IFNγ-treated cells. We find that TgPHYa is not required for release of parasite-encoded effectors into host cells that neutralize anti-parasitic processes induced by IFNγ. In contrast, we find that TgPHYa is required for the parasite to scavenge tryptophan, which is an amino acid whose levels are decreased after IFNγ up-regulates the tryptophan-catabolizing enzyme, indoleamine dioxygenase (IDO). We further find, relative to wild-type mice, that IDO knockout mice display increased morbidity when infected with TgPHYa knockout parasites. Together, these data identify the first parasite mechanism for evading IFNγ-induced nutritional immunity and highlight a novel role that oxygen-sensing proteins play in pathogen growth and virulence.
Lipopolysaccharides derived from Porphyromonas gingivalis and Escherichia coli: Differential and interactive effects on novelty-induced hyperlocomotion, blood cytokine levels and TLR4-related processes
Authors: Aono Yuri , Saito Koji , Kawashima Hiroki , Watanabe Arata , Kono Tetsuro , Hashizume-Takizawa Tomomi , Okada Hiroyuki , Kosuge Yasuhiro , Senpuku Hidenobu , Waddington John L. , Saigusa Tadashi
Published: June 2024

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS), a component of the Gram-negative bacterial cell wall, activates Toll-like receptors (TLRs). Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg) may be involved in the progression of periodontal disease. Mice exposed to a novel environment show hyperlocomotion that is inhibited by systemic administration of LPS derived from Escherichia coli (Ec-LPS). However, whether Pg-LPS influences novelty-induced locomotion is unknown. Accordingly, we carried out an open field test to analyse the effects of Pg-LPS. For comparison, effects of Ec-LPS were also studied. We additionally investigated the influence of systemic administration of Pg-LPS or Ec-LPS on IL-6, TNF-alpha, and IL-10 levels in blood, as they could be involved in the changes in locomotion. The TLR4 receptor antagonist TAK-242 was used to study the involvement of TLR4. Since Pg-LPS may block TLR4 in vitro, we analysed the effects of Pg-LPS on Ec-LPS-induced changes in behavioural and biochemical parameters. Male ddY mice were used. Pg- or Ec-LPS and TAK-242 were administered intraperitoneally. Ec-LPS (840 μg/kg), but not Pg-LPS (100, 500 and 840 μg/kg), inhibited novelty-induced locomotion, which was antagonized by TAK-242 (3.0 mg/kg). Ec-LPS (840 μg/kg) increased blood levels of IL-6 and IL-10, which were antagonized by TAK-242 (3.0 mg/kg). However, TAK-242 did not inhibit Ec-LPS-induced increases in TNF-alpha levels in blood. Pg-LPS (100, 500, and 840 μg/kg) did not alter blood IL-6, TNF-alpha, or IL-10 levels. The Ec-LPS-induced increase in blood IL-10, but not IL-6 and TNF-alpha, levels was inhibited by Pg-LPS (500 μg/kg). These results suggest that TLR4 stimulation mediates the inhibition of novel environment-induced locomotion in mice following systemic administration of Ec-LPS, while also increasing blood IL-6 and IL-10 levels. In contrast, Pg-LPS did not exhibit these effects. The present study also provides in vivo evidence that Pg-LPS can inhibit TLR4-mediated increases in blood levels of IL-10, a cytokine thought to prevent the development of periodontal disease.
Sources of diagnostic delay for people with Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis: Qualitative research study
Authors:   AWARE-IBD Diagnostic Delay Working Group
Published: June 2024

Objective

An improved understanding of the causes and experience of diagnostic delay in Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD).

Methods

Framework analysis of semi-structured interviews with 20 adults with IBD.

Results

Participants’ prior knowledge of normal bowel function/IBD was limited. Symptoms were sometimes misattributed to mild/transient conditions or normalised until intolerable. Family pressures, work, education, mistrust of doctors, fear and embarrassment could exacerbate delays. Poor availability of face-to-face appointments deterred people from seeing a GP. Patients feared that by the time they got to see their GP, their symptoms would have resolved. Patients instead self-managed symptoms, but often regretted not seeking help earlier. Limited time in consultations, language barriers, embarrassment, and delays in test results subsequently delayed specialist referrals. GPs misattributed symptoms to other conditions due to atypical or non-specific presentations, leading to reduced trust in health systems. Patients complained of poor communication, delays in accessing test results, appointments, and onward referrals–all associated with clinical deterioration. GPs were sometimes unable to ‘fast-track’ patients into specialist care. Consultations and endoscopies were often difficult experiences for patients, especially for non-English speakers who are also less likely to receive information on mental health support and the practicalities of living with IBD.

Conclusions

The framework analysis demonstrates delay in the diagnosis of IBD at each stage of the patient journey.

Recommendations

Greater awareness of IBD amongst the general population would facilitate presentation to healthcare services through symptom recognition by individuals and community advice. Greater awareness in primary care would help ensure IBD is included in differential diagnosis. In secondary care, greater attention to the wider needs of patients is needed–beyond diagnosis and treatment. All clinicians should consider atypical presentations and the fluctuating nature of IBD. Diagnostic overshadowing is a significant risk–where other diagnoses are already in play the risk of delay is considerable.
The anti-apoptotic function of HSV-1 LAT in neuronal cell cultures but not its function during reactivation correlates with expression of two small non-coding RNAs, sncRNA1&2
Authors: Oh Jay J. , Jaggi Ujjaldeep , Tormanen Kati , Wang Shaohui , Hirose Satoshi , Ghiasi Homayon
Published: June 2024

Multiple functions are associated with HSV-1 latency associated transcript (LAT), including establishment of latency, virus reactivation, and antiapoptotic activity. LAT encodes two sncRNAs that are not miRNAs and previously it was shown that they have antiapoptotic activity in vitro. To determine if we can separate the antiapoptotic function of LAT from its latency-reactivation function, we deleted sncRNA1 and sncRNA2 sequences in HSV-1 strain McKrae, creating ΔsncRNA1&2 recombinant virus. Deletion of the sncRNA1&2 in ΔsncRNA1&2 virus was confirmed by complete sequencing of ΔsncRNA1&2 virus and its parental virus. Replication of ΔsncRNA1&2 virus in tissue culture or in the eyes of WT infected mice was similar to that of HSV-1 strain McKrae (LAT-plus) and dLAT2903 (LAT-minus) viruses. The levels of gB DNA in trigeminal ganglia (TG) of mice latently infected with ΔsncRNA1&2 virus was intermediate to that of dLAT2903 and McKrae infected mice, while levels of LAT in TG of latently infected ΔsncRNA1&2 mice was significantly higher than in McKrae infected mice. Similarly, the levels of LAT expression in Neuro-2A cells infected with ΔsncRNA1&2 virus was significantly higher than in McKrae infected cells. Reactivation in TG of ΔsncRNA1&2 infected mice was similar to that of McKrae and time of reactivation in both groups were significantly faster than dLAT2903 infected mice. However, levels of apoptosis in Neuro-2A cells infected with ΔsncRNA1&2 virus was similar to that of dLAT2903 and significantly higher than that of McKrae infected cells. Our results suggest that the antiapoptotic function of LAT resides within the two sncRNAs, which works independently of its latency-reactivation function and it has suppressive effect on LAT expression in vivo and in vitro.
Discurso y Estado en José Antonio Primo de Rivera
Authors: Debasa Navalpotro Felipe , Madueño Álvarez Miguel
Published: June 2024

El siglo XX fue una época prolija en la aparición de modelos diferentes para la construcción de los Estados. Las propuestas se plantearían de manera transversal desde disciplinas diversas como la política, la economía, la filosofía, o la religión. En el ámbito político, en la era de los mass media anterior a Internet, el discurso era uno de los principales canales de transmisión de las ideas. Gracias a ello, los discursos representan en la actualidad una fuente poliédrica para la investigación. José Antonio Primo de Rivera fue un autor productivo que dejó numerosos textos. El discurso de Primo de Rivera evolucionó desde el conservadurismo inicial al intento de atraerse a la clase obrera con una retórica de izquierdas. Su puesta en escena proponía trascender a los conceptos tradicionales de derecha e izquierda con el fin de aglutinar a seguidores de todo el espectro político. En esta investigación analizamos mediante herramientas informáticas, el modelo de Estado propuesto por José Antonio Primo de Rivera a través de sus discursos así como su relación con otros conceptos muy utilizados en sus mítines y artículos. Este análisis del líder falangista permite identificar los elementos fundamentales del sistema que pretendía establecer. Asimismo corroboramos las fuentes del discurso y demostramos mediante la metodología informática propuesta, algunas de las particularidades del pensamiento de José Antonio.
Discurso sobre minorías: el caso de la lengua de signos española
Authors: Esteban Saiz María Luz
Published: June 2024

Este artículo analiza la relación entre ideología y discurso aplicada al estudio de un corpus basado en las comparecencias celebradas en abril y mayo de 2006 sobre el proyecto de ley por la que se reconoce y regula la lengua de signos española y se regulan los medios de apoyo a la comunicación oral de las personas sordas, con discapacidad auditiva y sordociegas. Desde el análisis crítico del discurso, se examinan las estructuras ideológicas subyacentes y explícitas en torno a la lengua de signos española y las personas sordas, organizadas en varias categorías propuestas que se consideran más significativas para el estudio del audismo. Los resultados del análisis muestran prácticas discursivas que evidencian las desiguales relaciones de poder entre las mayorías y las minorías lingüísticas. El propósito de este trabajo es contribuir al estudio del discurso sobre el audismo (y fonocentrismo) aportando herramientas teóricas, interpretativas y metodológicas que permitan comprender determinados fenómenos sociopolíticos y lingüísticos acerca de la lengua de signos y su comunidad minorizada.
Cortar con la Tierra, pero no con la memoria. Análisis del discurso de los relatos de memoria reciente de hijos de exiliados políticos chilenos
Authors: Márquez Moreno Verónica , Ramírez Fuentes Yesenia
Published: June 2024

Este trabajo explora los relatos de memoria reciente del grupo social de los hijos de exiliados políticos, a causa de los hechos ocurridos durante la dictadura cívico-militar de Augusto Pinochet en Chile (1973-1990). Estos relatos conforman los discursos que circulan como parte de la práctica social de la transmisión o co-construcción intergeneracional de los eventos de la memoria histórica de un pasado reciente chileno de dictadura y exilio. De manera que nos encontramos con un panorama en el que los sujetos analizados, víctimas del exilio forzoso de sus padres, viven una experiencia compleja en la que se debaten entre la cultura de su pasado más reciente y la de su presente. Esto nos conduce a cuestionarnos lo siguiente: ¿cuál es el vínculo que establecen los participantes, en su discurso, con la cultura e historia chilena? y, en consecuencia, ¿cómo se describen las evaluaciones que hacen los hijos de exiliados políticos de sus propias construcciones identitarias? Por lo tanto, el objetivo de la investigación es caracterizar, en el discurso de los hijos de exiliados, las valoraciones construidas del aspecto identitario y su vínculo con la cultura chilena. Este objetivo se pretende llevar a cabo teniendo memoria en cuenta el modelo teórico que propone la Lingüística Sistémica Funcional, a saber, el sistema de VALORACIÓN (Martin y White, 2005; Oteíza, 2017; Oteíza y Pinuer, 2012, 2019). Los resultados mostraron que el gobierno militar de Augusto Pinochet tuvo una valoración negativa, con una actitud afectiva asociada a la infelicidad e insatisfacción; la cual, más adelante, se torna más positiva. Es decir, las valoraciones continúan teniendo el mismo referente (Chile), pero se omite a los organismos de la dictadura, y comienza a construirse esta desde la remembranza del espacio familiar y la comunidad chilena.
The Effect of Acidity Level (pH) and Palm Sugar Sucrose Levels on the Quality of Brown Sugar
Authors: Dali Nasriadi , Chairunnas Armadi , Amalia Hilda Ayu Melvi , Puspitasari Sri Ayu Andini
Published: June 2024

Research on the effect of acidity level (pH) and sucrose levels of palm sugar has been successfully carried out. This study aims to determine the effect of acidity level (pH) and sucrose levels of palm sugar on the quality of brown sugar produced. The level of acidity (pH) of palm sugar is set at pH (3, 4, 5, 6, and 7). The quality of brown sugar is divided into three categories, namely quality 1 (high), 2 (moderate), and 3 (low). The sucrose content of palm sugar at pH (3 – 7) was determined by the Luff Schoorl method. The quality of brown sugar was determined organoleptically. The results of determining the sucrose content of palm sugar by Luff Schoorl method at pH (3, 4, 5, 6, and 7) were respectively (11.30, 12.25, 14.17, 15.10 and 16.42%). The results of organoleptic determination of brown sugar quality showed that: (1) palm sugar with sucrose content of 11.30% (pH 3) and 12.25% (pH 4) produced low quality brown sugar; (2) palm sugar with sucrose content of 14.17% (pH 5) and 15.10% (pH 6) produced medium quality brown sugar; (3) palm sugar with a sucrose content of 16.42% (pH 7) produces high quality brown sugar. So, the level of acidity (pH) and sucrose levels of palm sugar affect the quality of brown sugar. The lower the pH and sucrose content of palm sugar, the lower the quality of the brown sugar produced. Conversely, the higher the pH and sucrose content of palm sugar, the higher the quality of the brown sugar produced. Therefore, the quality of palm sugar needs to be maintained so that the pH and sucrose content do not decrease so that the brown sugar produced is of high quality. The results of testing the quality of brown sugar based on SNI-01-3743-1995 show that brown sugar produced from palm sugar at pH 5 – 7 meets SNI requirements. Meanwhile, brown sugar produced from palm sugar at pH 3 and 4 does not meet SNI requirements.