bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Supplementary Table 3 from Exploring the onset and progression of prostate cancer through a multicellular agent-based model
Authors: Passier Margot , van Genderen Maisa N.G. , Zaalberg Anniek , Kneppers Jeroen , Bekers Elise M , Bergman Andries M , Zwart Wilbert , Eduati Federica
Published: July 2023

Parameter values of eight patient groups
Figure S1 from Dual Blockade of EP2 and EP4 Signaling is Required for Optimal Immune Activation and Anti-Tumor Activity Against Prostaglandin-Expressing Tumors
Authors: Francica Brian J. , Holtz Anja , Lopez Justine M , Freund David , Chen Austin , Wang Dingzhi , Powell David , Kipper Franciele C , Panigrahy Dipak , DuBois Raymond N , Whiting Chan C. , Prasit Peppi , Dubensky Thomas W
Published: July 2023

TPST-1495 EP receptor antagonist activity and specificity
Supplementary Figure 1 from Exploring the onset and progression of prostate cancer through a multicellular agent-based model
Authors: Passier Margot , van Genderen Maisa N.G. , Zaalberg Anniek , Kneppers Jeroen , Bekers Elise M , Bergman Andries M , Zwart Wilbert , Eduati Federica
Published: July 2023

Experimental data and model parameter fitting
Data from Dual Blockade of EP2 and EP4 Signaling is Required for Optimal Immune Activation and Antitumor Activity Against Prostaglandin-Expressing Tumors
Authors: Francica Brian J. , Holtz Anja , Lopez Justine , Freund David , Chen Austin , Wang Dingzhi , Powell David , Kipper Franciele , Panigrahy Dipak , Dubois Raymond N. , Whiting Chan C. , Prasit Peppi , Dubensky Thomas W.
Published: July 2023

While the role of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) in promoting malignant progression is well established, how to optimally block the activity of PGE2 signaling remains to be demonstrated. Clinical trials with prostaglandin pathway targeted agents have shown activity but without sufficient significance or dose-limiting toxicities that have prevented approval. PGE2 signals through four receptors (EP1–4) to modulate tumor progression. EP2 and EP4 signaling exacerbates tumor pathology and is immunosuppressive through potentiating cAMP production. EP1 and EP3 signaling has the opposite effect through increasing IP3 and decreasing cAMP. Using available small-molecule antagonists of single EP receptors, the cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitor celecoxib, or a novel dual EP2/EP4 antagonist generated in this investigation, we tested which approach to block PGE2 signaling optimally restored immunologic activity in mouse and human immune cells and antitumor activity in syngeneic, spontaneous, and xenograft tumor models. We found that dual antagonism of EP2 and EP4 together significantly enhanced the activation of PGE2-suppressed mouse and human monocytes and CD8+ T cells in vitro as compared with single EP antagonists. CD8+ T-cell activation was dampened by single EP1 and EP3 antagonists. Dual EP2/EP4 PGE2 receptor antagonists increased tumor microenvironment lymphocyte infiltration and significantly reduced disease burden in multiple tumor models, including in the adenomatous polyposis coli (APC)min+/− spontaneous colorectal tumor model, compared with celecoxib. These results support a hypothesis that redundancy of EP2 and EP4 receptor signaling necessitates a therapeutic strategy of dual blockade of EP2 and EP4. Here we describe TPST-1495, a first-in-class orally available small-molecule dual EP2/EP4 antagonist.
Significance:
Prostaglandin (PGE2) drives tumor progression but the pathway has not been effectively drugged. We demonstrate significantly enhanced immunologic potency and antitumor activity through blockade of EP2 and EP4 PGE2 receptor signaling together with a single molecule.
Synergism Between IL21 and Anti-PD-1 Combination Therapy is Underpinned by the Coordinated Reprogramming of the Immune Cellular Network in the Tumor Microenvironment
Authors: Wu Shaoxian , Huang Hao , Sun Runzi , Gao David Shihong , Ye Fan , Huang Jianing , Li Ella , Ni Andrew , Lu Kevin GuoKai , Chen Kong , Jiang Jingting , Morel Penelope A. , Zhong Ziyang , Lu Binfeng
Published: July 2023

T cell–stimulating cytokines and immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) are an ideal combination for increasing response rates of cancer immunotherapy. However, the results of clinical trials have not been satisfying. It is important to understand the mechanism of synergy between these two therapeutic modalities. Here, through integrated analysis of multiple single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) datasets of human tumor-infiltrating immune cells, we demonstrate that IL21 is produced by tumor-associated T follicular helper cells and hyperactivated/exhausted CXCL13+CD4+ T cells in the human tumor microenvironment (TME). In the mouse model, the hyperactivated/exhausted CD4+ T cell–derived IL21 enhances the helper function of CD4+ T cells that boost CD8+ T cell–mediated immune responses during PD-1 blockade immunotherapy. In addition, we demonstrated that IL21’s antitumor activity did not require T-cell trafficking. Using scRNA-seq analysis of the whole tumor-infiltrating immune cells, we demonstrated that IL21 treatment in combination with anti-PD-1 blockade synergistically drives tumor antigen–specific CD8+ T cells to undergo clonal expansion and differentiate toward the hyperactive/exhausted functional state in the TME. In addition, IL21 treatment and anti-PD-1 blockade synergistically promote dendritic cell (DC) activation and maturation to mature DC as well as monocyte to type 1 macrophage (M1) differentiation in the TME. Furthermore, the combined treatment reprograms the immune cellular network by reshaping cell-cell communication in the TME. Our study establishes unique mechanisms of synergy between IL21 and PD-1–based ICI in the TME through the coordinated promotion of type 1 immune responses.

Significance:

This study reveals how cytokine and checkpoint inhibitor therapy can be combined to increase the efficacy of cancer immunotherapy.
Gustave Flaubert e o castigo histórico do mau leitor: leituras de Georg Lukács sobre A educação sentimental em diálogo com Dolf Oehler e Theodor Adorno
Authors: Pagan Maria Elisa Perez
Published: July 2023

Este artigo propõe uma breve reflexão sobre as leituras de Flaubert realizadas por Georg Lukács ao longo de sua obra, a começar pela Teoria do romance, passando pelo Romance histórico, por “Balzac: Les Illusions Perdues?” e outras obras contemporâneas ou posteriores. O objetivo desse artigo é expor a mudança na posição que Flaubert ocupa na crítica literária de Lukács e contrapô-la à leitura de Dolf Oehler sobre o escritor francês, ao lado de discussões desenvolvidas por Adorno acerca das mudanças na crítica estética lukacsiana. De modo geral, nosso interesse, podemos dizer, relaciona-se com o tema do engajamento: A educação sentimental é um livro que expõe uma realidade estática de modo neutro e meramente ilustrativo, ou haveria, apesar da impotência de Frédéric, uma tomada de posição – e talvez um convite à ação – frente aos acontecimentos narrados?
“A sintaxe é também uma arma”: Vidas Secas nos estertores do romance de 30
Authors: Arantes Dimitri Takamatsu
Published: July 2023

O presente artigo propõe uma leitura interpretativa de Vidas Secas (1938), de Graciliano Ramos. Último romance escrito pelo autor, trata-se de obra incontornável da moderna prosa de ficção brasileira justamente porque condensa em sua fatura formal impasses estético-ideológicos herdados pelo romance de 30 do primeiro momento modernista. Tais impasses dizem respeito sobretudo à posição do narrador (e do intelectual) diante da complexa tarefa de plasmar a vida dos pobres, pressuposta a profunda ambiguidade que marca o processo modernizador brasileiro. Conforme a perspectiva aqui defendida, Vidas Secas enforma um impasse estético de representação nomeado pelo binômio intelectual-pobres, cujo sentido acusa um limite da prosa de ficção de sua época – problema este que pautará parte significativa da literatura brasileiras nas décadas subsequentes.
A ruptura de Adrian Leverkühn e a formação de Hans Castorp: Doutor Fausto e A montanha mágica em perspectiva comparada
Authors: Coquemala Luísa de Quadros
Published: July 2023

O presente artigo se propõe a realizar uma análise de A montanha mágica (1924) e Doutor Fausto (1947), ambos romances do autor alemão Thomas Mann. A análise gira em torno da diferença no processo formativo (Bildung) das personagens centrais das duas obras, Hans Castorp e Adrian Leverkühn, e foca justamente naquilo que elas têm de oposto e que as engloba em diferentes categorias de romance: enquanto A montanha mágica se encaixa em um romance de formação (Bildungsroman), o Doutor Fausto pertence à categoria de um romance fáustico e pode ser visto igualmente como um anti-Bildungsroman. Assim, enquanto na Montanha mágica o leitor testemunha um verdadeiro processo de amadurecimento e formação, no Doutor Fausto pode-se observar justamente o contrário através da realização do pacto fáustico e da ruptura (Durchbruch), impossibilitando a Adrian um processo formativo calcado em erros e acertos. Desse modo, propomos demonstrar não somente o que as trajetórias das duas personagens têm de distinto, mas também como o pacto realizado por Adrian é construído com várias camadas de sentido e articula temas como teologia, música e política. Partindo disso, analisamos como a ruptura de Adrian pode simbolizar também a própria ruptura que a Alemanha teve em sua história quando enveredou pelo caminho do nacional-socialismo (ele mesmo um pacto fáustico com consequências drásticas para o país).
Povo é artifício: sobre o mosaico narrativo de Luiz Ruffato
Authors: Colli Nathalia Elisa
Published: July 2023

O tema desta breve introdução à obra de Luiz Ruffato são os artifícios narrativos capazes de dar forma à matéria popular brasileira e contemporânea trabalhada pelo autor. Se a tradição da literatura proletária vem de longe, são presentes as modificações vistas no mundo do trabalho, bem como a anomia social crescente provocada pelo desemprego, que reestruturam a própria maneira de narrar. Diante do texto ruffatiano temos a preocupação latente de seguir narrando aquilo que se conhece enquanto o povo brasileiro, contudo, aqui tentamos demonstrar em sobrevoo como essa reestruturação social entrega outro ritmo e ordenação à narrativa e quais são os muitos impasses encontrados na economia da obra na transposição do contemporâneo à virtualidade literária.
Monólogo a Conceição Evaristo
Authors: Silva Zainne Lima da
Published: July 2023

Um poema de Zainne Lima da Silva
Poemas
Authors: Batalha Rogério
Published: July 2023

Cinco poemas de Rogério Batalha: Inútil reclamar, Não se ouvia barulho, Crianças noturnas, O vaqueiro e Bom mesmo.
Dual-Organ Transplantation: Indications, Evaluation, and Outcomes for Heart-Kidney and Heart-Liver Transplantation: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association
Authors: Kittleson Michelle M. , Sharma Kavita , Brennan Daniel C. , Cheng Xingxing S. , Chow Sheryl L. , Colvin Monica , DeVore Adam D. , Dunlay Shannon M. , Fraser Meg , Garonzik-Wang Jacqueline , Khazanie Prateeti , Korenblat Kevin M. , Pham Duc T. ,   on behalf of the American Heart Association Heart Failure and Transplantation Committee of the Council on Clinical Cardiology; Council on the Kidney in Cardiovascular Disease; Council on Cardiovascular Surgery and Anesthesia; Council on Cardiovascular and Stroke Nursing; Council on Quality of Care and Outcomes Research; and Council on Lifelong Congenital Heart Disease and Heart Health in the Young
Published: July 2023

Although heart transplantation is the preferred therapy for appropriate patients with advanced heart failure, the presence of concomitant renal or hepatic dysfunction can pose a barrier to isolated heart transplantation. Because donor organ supply limits the availability of organ transplantation, appropriate allocation of this scarce resource is essential; thus, clear guidance for simultaneous heart-kidney transplantation and simultaneous heart-liver transplantation is urgently required. The purposes of this scientific statement are (1) to describe the impact of pretransplantation renal and hepatic dysfunction on posttransplantation outcomes; (2) to discuss the assessment of pretransplantation renal and hepatic dysfunction; (3) to provide an approach to patient selection for simultaneous heart-kidney transplantation and simultaneous heart-liver transplantation and posttransplantation management; and (4) to explore the ethics of multiorgan transplantation.
Transforming Trade, Investment and Environmental Law for Sustainable Development?
Authors: Petersmann Ernst-Ulrich
Published: July 2023

The 2030 UN Sustainable Development Agenda aims at ‘transforming our world’ to protect universally agreed sustainable development goals (SDGs) that – due to globalization – can no longer be secured by any state without international law and multilevel governance of global public goods (PGs). Democratic and republican constitutionalism historically emerged as the most effective methods for protecting local and national PGs demanded by citizens; they need to be complemented by functionally limited, multilevel constitutionalism securing transnational ‘aggregate PGs’ like mutually beneficial trade, investment and environmental protection systems. This contribution explains why commitments to human rights, democratic governance and rule of law have become incomplete safeguards of the SDGs without complementary, constitutional reforms of international trade law (II), investment law (III) and environmental law (IV). Human rights require embedding national ‘constitutionalism 1.0’ and functionally limited ‘treaty constitutions 2.0’ into ‘cosmopolitan constitutionalism 3.0’ empowering and protecting citizens and representative, multilevel governance institutions (V). Constitutional, participatory and deliberative democracy, private-public partnerships (e.g. for inventing and producing vaccines) and citizen-driven network governance (e.g. for decarbonizing economies) remain crucial for providing PGs and for protecting humanity against authoritarian power politics (VI). Are the necessary constitutional reforms politically feasible at a time of Russian wars of aggression aimed at suppressing human rights and democratic governance?
Yugoslav Emigrants in Brazil from the Habsburgs to Karađorđevićs: Transnational Political Engagement on the Peripheries?
Authors: Zobec Miha
Published: July 2023

This article addresses how the Habsburg Empire and interwar Yugoslavia engaged with their emigrants in Brazil, and examines emigration patterns. It suggests that despite these emigrants not insignificant presence in Brazil, both European states demonstrated minimal interest in their subjects in the largest Latin American country. By contrast, the emigrants themselves aimed at attracting their home state’s attention, thus making the Yugoslav emigrant network visible. Tracing emigrant transnational political practices on the eve of the First World War, this article examines the establishment and withering of the South Slavic community in Brazil. It does so by situating the emigrant network within the transnational social field, defined by the sending and receiving states and by emigrant activists. Without oversight from the home state, and restrictive policies by the receiving country, these activists manipulated emigrants’ interests for personal benefit, contributing to community disruption before the Second World War.
Northern Irish Migrants in Glasgow and the Troubles in Great Britain: Echoes of Conflict in a ‘Home Away from Home’
Authors: Crangle Jack , Harte Liam , Dawson Graham , Roulston Fearghus , Hazley Barry
Published: July 2023

This article diversifies and deepens our understanding of Northern Irish settlement in Great Britain during the era of the Troubles (c.1969–1998) by exploring a previously under-researched destination: the West of Scotland. Featuring oral history interviews with Northern Irish migrants in Glasgow, it considers how centuries of cultural exchange between the two places shaped migrants’ memories and subjectivities. Our narrators’ childhoods in Northern Ireland were punctuated by sectarian rancour and conflict. The presence in Scotland of similar – albeit less violent or systemic – sectarian attitudes often acted as mnemonic triggers to a conflict migrants felt they had left behind, reopening psychological wounds and reviving repressed traumas. Informed by theoretical conceptions of home, the analysis examines convergences between home and elsewhere, disrupting the idea of migration as a severance between the two. The article therefore offers a new perspective on both the Northern Irish presence in Great Britain and on interreligious relations in the West of Scotland.
Merging Conducting and Pedagogy Instruction for Undergraduate Instrumental Music Education Majors
Authors: Causby Melody , Higa Travis , McKenzie Colin , Swearinger Justin
Published: July 2023

The purpose of this Self-Study of Teacher Education Practice (S-STEP) was to examine faculty and student perceptions of co-curricular experiences between an undergraduate instrumental conducting and a junior-level music education course. To help students develop their conducting and pedagogical skills simultaneously, music education and conducting faculty co-taught their courses and developed and implemented co-curricular assignments for 14 co-enrolled participants. Data were collected from faculty journals, meeting transcriptions, participant surveys, and interviews. Findings indicate that the collaboration and co-curricular experiences promoted student and faculty growth. Increased podium time and peer teaching opportunities during which students are given feedback greatly improved students’ perceived level of comfort and confidence in front of an ensemble. In addition, the co-teaching and co-curricular assignments between conducting and music education courses promoted substantial growth in students’ conducting and pedagogical skills and their ability to connect the two. Implications for music teacher education, future research, and further revision of these collaborative practices are discussed.
A Systematic Review of Outcomes Related to Nurse Practitioner-Delivered Primary Care for Multiple Chronic Conditions
Authors: McMenamin Amy , Turi Eleanor , Schlak Amelia , Poghosyan Lusine
Published: July 2023

Multiple chronic conditions (MCCs) are more common and costly than any individual health condition in the United States. The growing workforce of nurse practitioners (NPs) plays an active role in providing primary care to this patient population. This study identifies the effect of NP primary care models, compared with models without NP involvement, on cost, quality, and service utilization by patients with MCCs. We conducted a literature search of six databases and performed critical appraisal. Fifteen studies met inclusion criteria (years: 2003–2021). Overall, most studies showed reduced or similar costs, equivalent or better quality, and similar or lower rates of emergency department use and hospitalization associated with NP primary care models for patients with MCCs, compared with models without NP involvement. No studies found them associated with worse outcomes. Thus, NP primary care models, compared with models without NP involvement, have similar or positive impacts on MCC patient outcomes.
Berlin nodules: About 3 cases
Authors: Kharrat Malek , Kallel Zeineb , Sayadi Sana , Krifa Hamza , Zbiba Walid
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Granulomatous uveitis is mainly defined by the nature of keratic precipitates and iris nodules. Anterior chamber (AC) granulomas, also known as Berlin nodules (BN), are circumscribed granulomatous nodules that form in the iridocorneal angle (ICA) in response to intraocular inflammation.

Cases description

We present three representative cases of anterior uveitis with berlin nodules to insist on the clinical features of this entity. Case 1: A female adult was referred to our department for bilateral redness and gradual blurry vision. Slit-lamp examination of both eyes (OU) found a yellow-white nodular mass at 6 o’clock on the peripheral iris with irido-crystalline synechiae, vitreous haze and blurred fundus. Purified protein derivative skin test revealed an induration of 20 mm. A diagnosis of presumed ocular tuberculosis was made. The patient received antituberculosis drugs and steroids with good evolution. Case 2: An 11-year-old girl presented for redness and pain OU. Anterior segment examination showed circumciliary congestion, epithelial microcystic edema OU and pearly vascularized lesion against the cornea in the right eye. Fundus examination was unremarkable. A diagnosis of definite ocular sarcoidosis was made based on accessory salivary glands biopsy. The patient was treated with teroids and controlled twice a week. Case 3: A 26-year-old male presented with a redness and pain of the left eye. The slit-lamp examination showed fine keratic precipitates with pearly white nodules within the AC. Fundus examination showed a chorioretinal lesion and occlusive vasculitis. Chest CT was consistent with milliary tuberculosis. Adequate therapy was initiated with favorable outcome

Conclusion

BN can be associated with various ocular manifestations of several diseases. They may be the first manifestation of systemic conditions and seem to be well managed with topical steroids.
Giant cell arteritis: An interesting case presentation
Authors: CMA Lin , AR Lorenzi , FAH Cooles
Published: July 2023

Giant cell arteritis (GCA), otherwise known as temporal arteritis, is a form of large vessel vasculitis. Patients may present with a variety of symptoms but the most common include headaches, jaw claudication, fatigue, night sweats and visual disturbance. Diagnosis is made using a combination of temporal artery ultrasound, clinical findings and blood tests and the diagnostic gold standard of a temporal artery biopsy and is sometimes needed for histopathological confirmation. Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease caused by the spirochaete Treponema pallidum, which can infect the central nervous system and cause neurosyphilis, which can mimic GCA.
A new insight of immunosuppressive microenvironment in osteosarcoma lung metastasis
Authors: He Mingwei , Jiang Xiaohong , Miao Jifeng , Feng Wenyu , Xie Tianyu , Liao Shijie , Qin Zhaojie , Tang Haijun , Lin Chengsen , Li Boxiang , Xu Jiake , Liu Yun , Mo Zengnan , Wei Qingjun
Published: July 2023

The lung is the primary organ for the metastasis of osteosarcoma. Although the application of neoadjuvant chemotherapy and surgery has remarkably improved the survival rate of patients with osteosarcoma, prognosis is still poor for those patients with metastasis. In this study, we performed further bioinformatics analysis on single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) data published before, containing 75,317 cells from two osteosarcoma lung metastasis and five normal lung tissues. First, we classified 17 clusters, including macrophages, T cells, endothelial cells, and so on, indicating highly intratumoral heterogeneity in osteosarcoma lung metastasis. Next, we found macrophages in osteosarcoma lung metastasis did not have significant M1 or M2 polarizations. Then, we identified that T cells occupied the most abundant among all cell clusters, and found CD8+ T cells exhibited a low expression level of immune checkpoints in osteosarcoma lung metastasis. What is more, we identified C2_Malignant cells, and found CD63 might play vital roles in determining the infiltration of T cells and malignant cells in conventional-type osteosarcoma lung metastasis. Finally, we unveiled C1_Therapeutic cluster, a subcluster of malignant cells, was sensitive to oxfendazole and mevastatin, and the potential hydrogen-bond position and binding energy of oxfendazole-KIAA0907 and mevastatin-KIAA0907 were unveiled, respectively. Our results highlighted the power of scRNA-seq technique in identifying the complex tumor microenvironment of osteosarcoma lung metastasis, making it possible to devise precision therapeutic approaches.
Culture of corruption in the smart service system of global governance
Authors: Wiyono  , Purnomo Eko Priyo , Lestari Linayati
Published: July 2023

This study aims to determine the culture of corruption in the global government smart service system in the last 5 years, from 2018 to 2022. This research used a qualitative method with a library research approach. The research data was obtained from the Scopus database of 318 articles. Data analysis in this study used VOSviewer and NVivo 12 plus devices. Through 318 article documents, the results showed that the United Kingdom had the highest contribution of artistic documents, and the University of South Africa was affiliated with the highest number of document publications of the 10 other affiliates. The “moral and ethical” movement within government agencies is expected to restore trust in the community and create conditions for a social environment that rejects, even opposes, and punishes acts of corruption.
3D Bioprinting tissue analogs: Current development and translational implications
Authors: Liu Suihong , Cheng Lijia , Liu Yakui , Zhang Haiguang , Song Yongteng , Park Jeong-Hui , Dashnyam Khandmaa , Lee Jung-Hwan , Khalak Fouad Al-Hakim , Riester Oliver , Shi Zheng , Ostrovidov Serge , Kaji Hirokazu , Deigner Hans-Peter , Pedraz José Luis , Knowles Jonathan C , Hu Qingxi , Kim Hae-Won , Ramalingam Murugan
Published: July 2023

Three-dimensional (3D) bioprinting is a promising and rapidly evolving technology in the field of additive manufacturing. It enables the fabrication of living cellular constructs with complex architectures that are suitable for various biomedical applications, such as tissue engineering, disease modeling, drug screening, and precision regenerative medicine. The ultimate goal of bioprinting is to produce stable, anatomically-shaped, human-scale functional organs or tissue substitutes that can be implanted. Although various bioprinting techniques have emerged to develop customized tissue-engineering substitutes over the past decade, several challenges remain in fabricating volumetric tissue constructs with complex shapes and sizes and translating the printed products into clinical practice. Thus, it is crucial to develop a successful strategy for translating research outputs into clinical practice to address the current organ and tissue crises and improve patients’ quality of life. This review article discusses the challenges of the existing bioprinting processes in preparing clinically relevant tissue substitutes. It further reviews various strategies and technical feasibility to overcome the challenges that limit the fabrication of volumetric biological constructs and their translational implications. Additionally, the article highlights exciting technological advances in the 3D bioprinting of anatomically shaped tissue substitutes and suggests future research and development directions. This review aims to provide readers with insight into the state-of-the-art 3D bioprinting techniques as powerful tools in engineering functional tissues and organs.
Smartphone use and well-being in Pakistan: Comparing the effect of self-reported and actual smartphone use
Authors: Ejaz Waqas , Altay Sacha , Naeem Ghazala
Published: July 2023

Objective

Past work has shown that smartphone use has negative effects on well-being. Yet, most evidence relies on self-reported measures of smartphone use and comes from Western democracies. We examined the relationship between both self-reported and actual smartphone use and well-being in Pakistan, a country that is under-researched in the Global South. Additionally, we investigated the moderating effect of the fear of missing out (FoMO).

Methods

We conducted an online survey among 427 Pakistani citizens. Participants reported their smartphone use and well-being (i.e., levels of depression, loneliness, and life satisfaction). At the end of the survey, participants were asked to upload screenshots of their respective ‘Screen Time’ (for iOS) or ‘Digital Well-being’ (for Android) apps, which we used to measure their actual smartphone use.

Results

We found a moderate association between self-reported and actual smartphone use ( r = .36); on average, participants underreported their daily smartphone use by 11 min. Actual smartphone use was negatively associated with well-being, while self-reported use showed no statistically significant association. FoMO was positively associated with actual smartphone use but not with self-reported use. Finally, FoMO moderated the relationship between self-reported use and well-being.

Conclusion

Our findings show that the relationship between smartphone use and well-being depends on how smartphone use is measured and is moderated by FoMO. Moreover, we find that mobile data donation is viable in Pakistan, which should encourage future research to use it as a complement to self-reported media use more often.
Toward a Real-World Technical Test Battery for Remote Microphone Systems Used with Hearing Prostheses
Authors: Stone Michael A , Lough Melanie , Wilbraham Keith , Whiston Helen , Dillon Harvey
Published: July 2023

Remote microphones (RMs) enable clearer reception of speech than would be normally achievable when relying on the acoustic sound field at the listener's ear (Hawkins, J Sp Hear Disord 49, 409–418, 1984). They are used in a wide range of environments, with one example being for children in educational settings. The international standards defining the assessment methods of the technical performance of RMs rely on free-field (anechoic) delivery, a rarely met acoustic scenario. Although some work has been offered on more real-world testing (Husstedt et al., Int J Audiol 61, 34–45. 2022), the area remains under-investigated. The electroacoustic performance of five RMs in a low-reverberation room was compared in order to assess just the RM link, rather than measurements at the end of the signal chain, for example, speech intelligibility in human observers. It pilots physical- and electro-acoustic measures to characterize the performance of RMs. The measures are based on those found in the IEC 60118 standards relating to hearing aids, but modified for diffuse-field delivery, as well as adaptive signal processing. Speech intelligibility and quality are assessed by computer models. Noise bands were often processed into irrelevance by adaptive systems that could not be deactivated. Speech-related signals were more successful. The five RMs achieved similar levels of good predicted intelligibility, for each of two background noise levels. The main difference observed was in the transmission delay between microphone and ear. This ranged between 40 and 50 ms in two of the systems, on the upper edge of acceptability necessary for audio-visual synchrony.
Venetoclax abrogates the prognostic impact of splicing factor gene mutations in newly diagnosed acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Senapati Jayastu , Urrutia Samuel , Loghavi Sanam , Short Nicholas J. , Issa Ghayas C. , Maiti Abhishek , Abbas Hussein A. , Daver Naval G. , Pemmaraju Naveen , Pierce Sherry , Chien Kelly S. , Sasaki Koji , Kadia Tapan M. , Hammond Danielle E. , Borthakur Gautam , Patel Keyur , Ravandi Farhad , Kantarjian Hagop M. , Garcia-Manero Guillermo , DiNardo Courtney D.
Published: July 2023

Mutations in splicing factor (SF) genes SRSF2, U2AF1, SF3B1, and ZRSR2 are now considered adverse risk in the European LeukemiaNet 2022 acute myeloid leukemia (AML) risk stratification. The prognostic impact of SF mutations in AML has been predominantly derived from younger patients treated with intensive (INT) therapy. We evaluated 994 patients with newly diagnosed AML, including 266 (27%) with a SFmut. Median age was 67 years overall, with patients with SFmut being older at 72 years. SRSF2 (n = 140, 53%) was the most common SFmut. In patients treated with INT, median relapse-free survival (RFS) (9.6 vs 21.4 months, P = .04) and overall survival (OS) (15.9 vs 26.7 months, P = .06) were shorter for patients with SFmut than without SFwt, however this significance abrogated when evaluating patients who received venetoclax with INT therapy (RFS 15.4 vs 20.3 months, P = .36; OS 19.6 vs 30.7 months, P = .98). In patients treated with LI, median RFS (9.3 vs 7.7 months, P = .35) and OS (12.3 vs 8.5 months, P = .14) were similar for patients with and without SFmut , and outcomes improved in all groups with venetoclax. On multivariate analysis, SFmut did not affect hazards of relapse and death for INT arm but reduced both these hazards in LI arm. In a large AML data set with >60% of patients receiving venetoclax with LI/INT therapy, SFmut had no independent negative prognostic impact. Newer prognostic models that consider LI therapy and use of venetoclax among other factors are warranted.
Oxidised IL-33 drives COPD epithelial pathogenesisviaST2-independent RAGE/EGFR signalling complex
Authors: Strickson Sam , Houslay Kirsty F. , Negri Victor A. , Ohne Yoichiro , Ottosson Tomas , Dodd Roger B. , Huntington Catherine Chaillan , Baker Tina , Li Jingjing , Stephenson Katherine E. , O'Connor Andy J. , Sagawe J. Sophie , Killick Helen , Moore Tom , Rees D. Gareth , Koch Sofia , Sanden Caroline , Wang Yixin , Gubbins Elise , Ghaedi Mahboobe , Kolbeck Roland , Saumyaa Saumyaa , Erjefält Jonas S. , Sims Gary P. , Humbles Alison A. , Scott Ian C. , Romero Ros Xavier , Cohen E. Suzanne
Published: July 2023

Background

Epithelial damage, repair and remodelling are critical features of chronic airway diseases including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Interleukin (IL)-33 released from damaged airway epithelia causes inflammationviaits receptor, serum stimulation-2 (ST2). Oxidation of IL-33 to a non-ST2-binding form (IL-33ox) is thought to limit its activity. We investigated whether IL-33oxhas functional activities that are independent of ST2 in the airway epithelium.

Methods

In vitroepithelial damage assays and three-dimensional, air–liquid interface (ALI) cell culture models of healthy and COPD epithelia were used to elucidate the functional role of IL-33ox. Transcriptomic changes occurring in healthy ALI cultures treated with IL-33oxand COPD ALI cultures treated with an IL-33-neutralising antibody were assessed with bulk and single-cell RNA sequencing analysis.

Results

We demonstrate that IL-33oxforms a complex with receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) expressed on airway epithelium. Activation of this alternative, ST2-independent pathway impaired epithelial wound closure and induced airway epithelial remodellingin vitro. IL-33oxincreased the proportion of mucus-producing cells and reduced epithelial defence functions, mimicking pathogenic traits of COPD. Neutralisation of the IL-33oxpathway reversed these deleterious traits in COPD epithelia. Gene signatures defining the pathogenic effects of IL-33oxwere enriched in airway epithelia from patients with severe COPD.

Conclusions

Our study reveals for the first time that IL-33, RAGE and EGFR act together in an ST2-independent pathway in the airway epithelium and govern abnormal epithelial remodelling and muco-obstructive features in COPD.
Operational blue water footprint and water deficit assessment of coal-fired power plants: case study in Malaysia
Authors: Mardi Nurul Hani , Ean Lee Woen , Malek Marlinda Abdul , Chua Kok Hua , Ahmed Ali Najah
Published: July 2023

Freshwater is an essential resource used to generate electricity at coal-fired power plants. Previous literature has shown that a few states in Malaysia will face a high risk of water stress. Hence, coal-fired power plants located at risk states are exposed to potential water risk. This study aims (i) to determine the operational blue water footprint at coal-fired power plant from 2009 until 2020; (ii) to assess the water stress index at Perak, Negeri Sembilan and Johor; and (iii) to compare the water deficit impact across three states. This study accounted the operational water footprint using Water Footprint Assessment Global Manual. The study boundary focuses on water consumption of generating electricity at operational level. The water stress index was assessed based on ratio of water demand and water availability at Perak, Negeri Sembilan and Johor watershed. Next water deficit impact was determined to compare the impact of operational blue water footprint on local water resources. Data for this study were collected from the state’s water authority, published literature, national reports, and statistics. Result of this study found the average operational blue water footprint recorded by coal-fired power plant located at Perak is 0.11 m3/MWh followed 0.09 m3/MWh (Johor) and 0.04 m3/MWh (Negeri Sembilan). Water stress index at Perak and Negeri Sembilan shows moderate water stress, whereas Johor indicates low water stress index. The water deficit result shows Perak has the highest total water deficit at 12,542,824 m3H2Oeqn from 2009 to 2020. This is due to moderate water stress condition at Perak and the total blue water footprint of coal-fired power plant at Perak is 67% and 42% more as compared to Negeri Sembilan and Johor, respectively. The result from this study is useful in enhancing understanding of water consumption pattern at coal-fired power plant and its impact on state’s water resources for future electricity scenarios.
Antibiotic-induced gut microbiota dysbiosis has a functional impact on purine metabolism
Authors: Liu Xin , Ke Leyong , Lei Ke , Yu Qian , Zhang Wenqing , Li Changgui , Tian Zibin
Published: July 2023

Background

Dysbiosis of the gut microbiota is closely linked to hyperuricemia. However, the effect of the microbiome on uric acid (UA) metabolism remains unclear. This study aimed to explore the mechanisms through which microbiomes affect UA metabolism with the hypothesis that modifying the intestinal microbiota influences the development of hyperuricemia.

Results

We proposed combining an antibiotic strategy with protein-protein interaction analysis to test this hypothesis. The data demonstrated that antibiotics altered the composition of gut microbiota as UA increased, and that the spectrum of the antibiotic was connected to the purine salvage pathway. The antibiotic-elevated UA concentration was dependent on the increase in microbiomes that code for the proteins involved in purine metabolism, and was paralleled by the depletion of bacteria-coding enzymes required for the purine salvage pathway. On the contrary, the microbiota with abundant purine salvage proteins decreased hyperuricemia. We also found that the antibiotic-increased microbiota coincided with a higher relative abundance of bacteria in hyperuricemia mice.

Conclusions

An antibiotic strategy combined with the prediction of microbiome bacterial function presents a feasible method for defining the key bacteria involved in hyperuricemia. Our investigations discovered that the core microbiomes of hyperuricemia may be related to the gut microbiota that enriches purine metabolism related-proteins. However, the bacteria that enrich the purine salvage-proteins may be a probiotic for decreasing urate, and are more likely to be killed by antibiotics. Therefore, the purine salvage pathway may be a potential target for the treatment of both hyperuricemia and antibiotic resistance.
Purslane-induced oxalate nephropathy: case report and literature review
Authors: Wang Xiangtuo , Zhang Xiaoyan , Wang Liyuan , Zhang Ruiying , Zhang Yingxuan , Cao Lei
Published: July 2023

Background

The kidney is particularly vulnerable to toxins due to its abundant blood supply, active tubular reabsorption, and medullary interstitial concentration. Currently, calcium phosphate-induced and calcium oxalate-induced nephropathies are the most common crystalline nephropathies. Hyperoxaluria may lead to kidney stones and progressive kidney disease due to calcium oxalate deposition leading to oxalate nephropathy. Hyperoxaluria can be primary or secondary. Primary hyperoxaluria is an autosomal recessive disease that usually develops in childhood, whereas secondary hyperoxaluria is observed following excessive oxalate intake or reduced excretion, with no difference in age of onset. Oxalate nephropathy may be overlooked, and the diagnosis is often delayed or missed owning to the physician’s inadequate awareness of its etiology and pathogenesis. Herein, we discuss the pathogenesis of hyperoxaluria with two case reports, and our report may be helpful to make appropriate treatment plans in clinical settings in the future.

Case presentation

We report two cases of acute kidney injury, which were considered to be due to oxalate nephropathy in the setting of purslane (portulaca oleracea) ingestion. The two patients were elderly and presented with oliguria, nausea, vomiting, and clinical manifestations of acute kidney injury requiring renal replacement therapy. One patient underwent an ultrasound-guided renal biopsy, which showed acute tubulointerstitial injury and partial tubular oxalate deposition. Both patients underwent hemodialysis and were discharged following improvement in creatinine levels.

Conclusions

Our report illustrates two cases of acute oxalate nephropathy in the setting of high dietary consumption of purslane. If a renal biopsy shows calcium oxalate crystals and acute tubular injury, oxalate nephropathy should be considered and the secondary causes of hyperoxaluria should be eliminated.
Maternal wellbeing of Malaysian mothers after the birth of a preterm infant
Authors: Jones Liz , Mariapun Jeevitha , Tan Abbey Xiao Qian , Kassim Zaid , Su Tin Tin
Published: July 2023

Background

In Malaysia approximately 7% of births result in a preterm birth (< 37 weeks). Research in many other countries has found that mothers of preterm infants experience poorer psychological wellbeing. However, there has been limited research in Malaysia. We examined wellbeing, using the WHO Quality of Life brief version questionnaire (WHOQOL-BREF), in mothers who have preterm and full-term infants.

Methods

Data was collected as part of the South East Asian Community Observatory MISS-P project. A total of 3221 mothers (7.9% with a preterm and 92.1 with a full-term birth) completed a survey, with a range of measures, including the WHOQoL-BREF and sociodemographic questions.

Results

For the physical health, psychological wellbeing and quality of their environment WHOQOL-BREF domains, a lower gestational age, a lower education level, and having had an emergency caesarean delivery were significantly associated (p < 0.05) with a lower quality of life, and there was a weak effect for ethnicity for some domains. The effects were strongest for mothers’ education level.

Conclusions

There is a weak but significant relationship between the gestational age of an infant and the mother’s quality of life. Mothers in Malaysia with a preterm infant or a lower level of education may benefit from additional support.
Influence of psychosocial safety climate on occupational health and safety: a scoping review
Authors: Amoadu Mustapha , Ansah Edward Wilson , Sarfo Jacob Owusu
Published: July 2023

Background

Creating a healthy, decent and safe workplace and designing quality jobs are ways to eliminate precarious work in organisations and industries. This review aimed at mapping evidence on how psychosocial safety climate (PSC) influence health, safety and performance of workers.

Methods

A literature search was conducted in four main databases (PubMed, Scopus, Central and Web of Science) and other online sources like Google Scholar. A reference list of eligible studies was also checked for additional papers. Only full-text peer-reviewed papers published in English were eligible for this review.

Results

A search in the databases produced 13,711 records, and through a rigorous screening process, 93 papers were included in this review. PSC is found to directly affect job demands, job insecurity, effort-reward imbalance, work-family conflict, job resources, job control and quality leadership. Moreover, PSC directly affects social relations at work, including workplace abuse, violence, discrimination and harassment. Again, PSC has a direct effect on health, safety and performance outcomes because it moderates the impact of excessive job demands on workers’ health and safety. Finally, PSC boosts job resources’ effect on improving workers’ well-being, safety and performance.

Conclusion

Managers’ efforts directed towards designing quality jobs, prioritising the well-being of workers, and fostering a bottom-up communication through robust organisational policies, practices, and procedures may help create a high organisational PSC that, in turn, promotes a healthy and decent work environment.
Correlates of poor oral health related quality of life in a cohort of people who use methamphetamine in Australia
Authors: Abdelsalam Shady , Livingston Michael , Quinn Brendan , Agius Paul A , Ward Bernadette , Jamieson Lisa , Dietze Paul
Published: July 2023

Objectives

Methamphetamine use impacts oral health, but little is known about its impacts on oral health related quality of life (OHRQoL). In this study we examined OHRQoL in a cohort of people who use methamphetamine and assessed associations with sociodemographic, behavioural, psychosocial and dental service utilisation correlates. A secondary aim was to examine the relationship between methamphetamine route of administration and OHRQoL, to test whether smoking the drug is associated with reduced OHRQoL.

Methods

Cross-sectional analysis was performed, using data from VMAX, a cohort of people who use methamphetamine at least monthly in Victoria, Australia (n = 194). Utilising the oral health impact profile (OHIP-14), we assessed three OHRQoL outcomes: OHIP-14 prevalence, OHIP-14 extent and OHIP-14 severity. Regression analyses examined associations between independent variables and the three OHIP-14 outcome measures.

Results

A significant segment of the cohort (35%) reported poor OHRQoL. Overall, no statistically significant association was detected between methamphetamine route of administration and the three OHIP-14 outcomes. Participants living in rural areas, with moderate-to-severe self-reported depression and with methamphetamine dependence had significantly worse OHRQoL levels, which persisted after adjusting for other covariates.

Conclusion

Overall, VMAX cohort participants reported reduced OHRQoL levels. Our findings highlight the need for upstream interventions to improve the OHRQoL of people who use methamphetamine, with specific focus on those living in rural locations. Further research on the links between OHRQoL and mental health among people who use methamphetamine is required.
Asynchronous e-learning with technology-enabled and enhanced training for continuing education of nurses: a scoping review
Authors: Kimura Rika , Matsunaga Mayumi , Barroga Edward , Hayashi Naoko
Published: July 2023

Background

Asynchronous e-learning has become the mainstream choice since the transformation of learning formats by the coronavirus disease-19 pandemic. This scoping review aimed to examine the technologies used in asynchronous e-learning for the continuing education of clinical nurses and their modes of delivery and effectiveness.

Methods

This scoping review covered the period between 2011 and 2023. Six databases were searched for relevant studies following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) protocol.

Results

Sixty articles met the inclusion criteria. There was a noticeable trend toward using diverse technology-enabled and enhanced training (TEET) options after 2017. The enabling technological approaches, such as interactive online modules (25 articles) and video modules (25 articles), are described in the articles. The most commonly used enhancing technologies were scenario-based learning (nine articles), resource access (eight articles), computer simulation or virtual reality (three articles), and gamification (three articles). Among the outcomes, knowledge acquisition was the most commonly examined outcome (41 articles).

Conclusions

Notably, many interactive TEET modules were used in asynchronous e-learning. There were few studies on gamification, computer simulation or virtual reality, and scenario-based learning (techniques to enhance intrinsic motivation further). However, the adoption of asynchronous e-learning with advanced TEET options is anticipated to increase in the future. Therefore, objective outcome measures are required to determine the effects of such learning methods on knowledge acquisition and behavioral changes.