bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effects of positive and negative intergroup contact in virtual reality on outgroup attitudes: Testing the contact hypothesis and its mediators
Authors: Tassinari Matilde , Aulbach Matthias Burkard , Harjunen Ville Johannes , Cocco Veronica Margherita , Vezzali Loris , Jasinskaja-Lahti Inga
Published: April 2024

Virtual reality (VR) expands the opportunities for meaningful intergroup contact, surpassing the perceived naturalism and emotional salience of other online contact experiences. By embodying an avatar of ingroup characteristics, one can interact with outgroup members in a shared virtual space while maintaining a high sense of body ownership and copresence. Two studies conducted in Finland ( N = 53) and Italy ( N = 134) assessed the impact of intergroup contact in VR on implicit and explicit attitudes towards Black people. Utilizing the VR app AltspaceVR, participants were immersed in a virtual environment as White avatars to play an interactive game with another player represented as a Black (intergroup contact) or White avatar (intragroup contact). In Study 1, the avatars played the game as a team to win against other teams. The participants’ attitudes were assessed both pre- and postcontact using questionnaires and the Implicit Association Test (IAT). In Study 2, participants were randomly assigned to either cooperate (play as a team) or compete (play against each other) in the game. The IAT and explicit attitudes were measured postcontact. The findings from both studies revealed that cooperative contact with a Black avatar led to improved attitudes towards Black people. While Study 1 demonstrated an improvement in explicit attitudes, Study 2 demonstrated positive effects of contact at the implicit level exclusively. Additionally, the positive impact of contact on implicit attitudes was observed following cooperative, rather than competitive, intergroup interactions.
Gendering the floating voter: A mixed methods study of gender and undecided voters in Britain
Authors: Shorrocks Rosalind , Sanders Anna
Published: April 2024

Women are more undecided than men about their vote choice, with around 20%–30% of female respondents giving a ‘don’t know’ response to vote intention survey questions in Britain. In this article, we employ a mixed methods research design to explore why women are more likely to be undecided about their vote choice than men. Using survey data, we find that the gender gap in ‘don’t know’ responses is associated with gender gaps in political engagement and perceptions of policy representation. In focus groups, we find differences between men and women in how they want to be represented, and gender differences in conflict-avoidance/conflict-seeking, both of which we expect to contribute to gender differences in making a vote choice in-between elections. Our findings contribute to our understanding of how men and women engage with politics in Britain, as well as having implications for interpreting gender differences in vote intention in surveys.
Energy-economic-environmental analysis of a net-zero energy greenhouse with fan-coil units and hot-water pipes: Experiment and modelling
Authors: Adesanya Misbaudeen Aderemi , Na Wook-Ho , Kim Min-Hwi , Lee Hyun-Woo
Published: April 2024

This study analysed the performance of a hot-water pipe (HWP) and fan-coil units (FCUs) in controlling microclimate conditions in a net-zero energy greenhouse (NZEG). The performance of a previously developed TraNsient SYstem Simulation (TRNSYS) model for the NZEG was enhanced to include a crop model and several HWP emission standards, and the improved TRNSYS model was used to analyse heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems for different greenhouse sizes in the Republic of Korea. Further, an economic analysis was conducted. The model validation showed excellent agreement between the measured and simulated values, with Nash-Sutcliffe efficiency of 0.98. The presence of crop in the simulation model reduced the total heating load by 14.5 MWh and increased the cooling load by 4 MWh. The capacity of the FCU was increased as the outside temperature rose from 33.4[Formula: see text] to 36.4[Formula: see text] in summer, and the diameter of the HWP was decreased from 25A to 10A as the outside temperature rose from −21.7[Formula: see text] to −12.2[Formula: see text] in winter to maintain the greenhouse at the desired temperature of 15[Formula: see text]. Notably, the payback period was reduced by 9 years when the annual savings in heating energy costs and revenue from carbon trading were considered as a part of the net economic cash flow.
‘I know what it is’. An interactional study of sex discovery in prenatal ultrasound examinations
Authors: Licoppe Christian , Rollet Nicolas , Greco Luca
Published: April 2024

One of the most exciting moments in a prenatal ultrasound session is learning the sex of the baby.Following a conversation analysis perspective, we present a multimodal analysis of sequences of interaction between patient and practitioner at the time the foetus’ sex is the focus of attention. Based on video data collected from maternity wards and private practitioners, we report on two types of sequences, which illustrate the different ways of responding to the perceptually-occasioned formulation of the foetus’ sex: as a telling or as a noticing (in which case participants orient towards jointly seeing). While the possibility of both response is inherent to the sequential properties of noticing-based claims in general, we will discuss how the production of both types of sequences is sensitive and articulated to the distribution of epistemic authority as a practical achievement in this medical setting, along two dimensions: expert versus ordinary knowledge, and professional vision versus lay gaze.
From a crisis management tool to proactive death education in Swedish preschools
Authors: Puskás Tünde , Andersson Anita , Slaughter Virginia
Published: April 2024

This study is part of a larger project with the general aim of developing the ability of preschool practitioners to reflect critically on their practice related to children's grief and questions about death. The article is based on six focus-group interviews and a workshop during which preschool practitioners reflected on and worked with a national crisis management tool: the crisis box. Through the theory of didactic transposition the analysis sheds light on how death education and crisis management related to death in Swedish early childhood education represents a disconnect between the practitioners’ discomfort with teaching about biologic death and the children's need of comfort and understanding of what biologic death entails. The realization of this disconnect prompted the practitioners to consider developing a child-friendly didactic tool that would better support children's emotional processing and that could also be used for proactive death education. Our findings indicate that early childhood educators are in need of training in how to teach about the biological facts of human death in terms of universality, irreversibility, nonfunctionality, causality, and noncorporeal continuation. Only this way can educators be equipped with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to engage in open and age-appropriate conversations with children about biologic death, fostering a supportive and safe environment for them to express their feelings and ask questions.
Assessment of student debates in support of active learning? Students’ perceptions of a debate-based oral final exam
Authors: Dyhrberg O’Neill Lotte
Published: April 2024

Only a handful of research papers have examined the assessment of student debate activities in higher education, and very little is currently known about how students might perceive a final oral exam in which they have to debate with/against each other. The aim of this study was to examine students’ perceptions of participation and learning in debate classes, and of an aligned final exam, which was a debate-based oral group exam. A survey design was used to collect data from 98 university students who participated in such an exam, and a mixed methods convergent design was used to integrate quantitative and qualitative survey data. The exam format was found to be broadly acceptable to students and to be associated with higher levels of active participation and positively perceived learning and training in voluntary debate classes, but students called for extra attention to the scaffolding of quality debates.
Robotic Renal Vein Bypass: A Novel Technique for Treating a Challenging Case of Nutcracker Syndrome
Authors: Choudhry Asad , DeNoble Daniel , Bratslavsky Gennady , Feghali Anthony
Published: April 2024

This case report highlights the successful application of a robotic-assisted surgical approach in managing Nutcracker syndrome. The patient, a 36-year-old female presented with severe symptoms and underwent robotic left renal vein transposition after failing conservative management. The procedure was performed through a minimally invasive approach utilizing the Da Vinci robotic system™ which offers enhanced visualization and precision. However, challenges arose during the renal vein anastomosis due to tension and poor flow through the transposition, requiring two revisions with a bovine pericardial patch. Ultimately, an 8 mm ringed PTFE bypass was anastomosed from the distal left renal vein to the Inferior Vena Cava. Despite these challenges, the patient experienced a successful outcome with complete symptom resolution of this complicated pathology.
The Median Effective Dose of Dexmedetomidine for the Inhibition of Emergence Delirium in Preschool Children Undergoing Tonsillectomy and/or Adenoidectomy: A Retrospective Dose-response Trial
Authors: Wei BaiYun , Yu CuiYu , Xiao JinBo , Xu Huang , Zheng Ping , Wang WeiBing
Published: April 2024

The incidence of emergence delirium (ED) is higher in preschool children undergoing tonsillectomy and/or adenoidectomy. The purpose of this study was to determine the median effective dose (ED50) of dexmedetomidine (DEX) for the inhibition of ED in preschool children by using probit regression analysis. A total of 140 anesthesia records were retrieved and divided into seven groups based on the infusion rate of DEX: .2, .25, .3, .35, .4, .45, and .5 μg·kg−1·h−1. The Pediatric Anesthesia Emergence Delirium Scale (PAEDS) was used to assess ED in preschool children, and ED was defined as a PAEDS score ≥ 10. Probit regression analysis revealed that the ED50 and ED95 of DEX were .31 μg·kg−1·h−1 (95% CI: .29–.35) and .48 μg·kg−1·h−1 (95% CI: .44–.56), respectively. Probit(p) = −2.84 + 9.28 × ln (Dose), (χ2 = 1.925, P = .859). The PAEDS score was significantly increased in the ED group, and the rate of bradycardia was significantly decreased in the ED group compared with the without ED group (27.3% vs 54.1%, P = .02). DEX can effectively inhibit the ED in preschool children undergoing tonsillectomy and/or adenoidectomy, however, bradycardia was the main complication.
Lifestyle Medicine as a Curricular Thread in Occupational Therapy Education: A Scoping Review and Discussion of Feasibility
Authors: Phillips Alyssa L. , Räisänen Anu M. , St. Clair Trevor T.
Published: April 2024

Occupational therapists (OT) are trained in interventions related to health and well-being, facilitating individuals in achieving occupational balance. This scoping review explored the current methods of disseminating Lifestyle Medicine (LM) knowledge in post-secondary health education and assessed the potential integration of LM principles into OT education. The review covered publications related to LM implementation in post-secondary health professions curricula. Six databases were searched. The authors conducted initial blind reviews of titles and abstracts, followed by a similar screening of full-text articles. Included full-text articles were obtained from university databases with the assistance of systematic review software. Among the 304 abstracts reviewed, 60 full-text articles were assessed, with 16 included in this scoping review. However, none of the programs in the literature were OT programs. The results show that the six pillars of lifestyle medicine were not equally emphasized in the reviewed programs, with social connection being the least addressed. However, OT education places importance on social connections, and the other pillars align well with the 2018 standards set by Accreditation Council of OT Education (ACOTE) and the parameters outlined in OT Practice Framework 4th Edition (OTFP-4). This alignment can be valuable for OT programs in meeting their accreditation requirements.
An adaptive electropneumatic end effector for constant force robot grinding with steel wire brush
Authors: Rei Chosei , Wang Qiang , Yan Xinhua , Fu Liwei , Zhang Peng , Wang Chong
Published: April 2024

This article introduces the design of a robot end effector, which can perform constant force grinding on a curved surface using a brush tool without accurately measuring the geometric data of the workpiece. It uses a bidirectional cylinder and spring to create a force balance system as an additional servo degree of freedom to control the grinding brush. The system adopts impedance control method, establishes a complete electric pneumatic model, and uses PID controller to control contact force by adjusting pneumatic pressure to maintain a constant grinding force on the surface. The test results indicate that the system can perform effective rust and paint removal tasks. For paint removal, the removal rate has been proven to be 99.3% through measurement using image processing software, while for rust removal, the results are at a similar level but reliable and quantifiable measurement methods are still being studied. The end effector can be installed on most general-purpose robots for grinding and has potential application value.
Research misconduct in China: towards an institutional analysis
Authors: Zhang Xinqu , Wang Peng
Published: April 2024

Unethical research practices are prevalent in China, but little research has focused on the causes of these practices. Drawing on the criminology literature on organisational deviance, as well as the concept of cengceng jiama, which illustrates the increase of pressure in the process of policy implementation within a top-down bureaucratic hierarchy, this article develops an institutional analysis of research misconduct in Chinese universities. It examines both universities and the policy environment of Chinese universities as contexts for research misconduct. Specifically, this article focuses on China’s Double First-Class University Initiative and its impact on elite universities that respond to the policy by generating new incentive structures to promote research quality and productivity as well as granting faculties and departments greater flexibility in terms of setting high promotion criteria concerning research productivity. This generates enormous institutional tensions and strains, encouraging and sometimes even compelling individual researchers who wish to survive to decouple their daily research activities from ethical research norms. This article is written based on empirical data collected from three elite universities as well as a review of policy documents, universities’ internal documents, and news articles.
Isolated post-traumatic osteoarthritis of the middle carpometacarpal joint: a report of two cases
Authors: Huang Hui-Kuang , Wu Chin-Hsien , Wang Jung-Pan
Published: April 2024

We present two cases of isolated post-traumatic osteoarthritis in the middle carpometacarpal joint.
Surgical procedures to improve hand function in tetraplegic patients: patient satisfaction and outcomes over a 20-year period
Authors: Stevens Cyriëlle , Vanden Berghe Alex , Hollevoet Nadine
Published: April 2024

The aim of the present study was to report our experience in the evolution in surgical strategy and patient satisfaction after upper limb reconstruction in tetraplegic patients. A total of 72 patients (114 upper limbs) underwent surgery between 1997 and 2017. Since April 2003, tenodesis of the extensor digitorum communis tendons was no longer performed because it limited wrist flexion, and two-stage operations to restore active grasp were replaced by one-stage procedures. In total, 34 patients (58 upper limbs) completed questionnaires about function and satisfaction at a mean follow-up of 14 years (range 4–24) since their first operation; 26 were satisfied, 30 would have the operation again and 31 benefitted from the surgery. Surgical procedures, such as tendon transfers, arthrodesis and tenodesis, can have a positive effect on patient-perceived function and satisfaction in the long term in most of these patients.

Level of evidence: IV
Can artificial intelligence make elective hand clinic letters easier for patients to understand?
Authors: Stoneham Adam C. , Walker Lucy C. , Newman Michael J. , Nicholls Alex , Avis Duncan
Published: April 2024

We investigated whether ChatGPT was able to increase the Flesch reading ease and the Flesch–Kincaid reading level of elective clinic letters written by hand surgeons. ChatGPT could not reliably simplify the hand clinic letters any further.
Relationship between median nerve vascularization before tourniquet release and the Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire: a cohort study
Authors: Liñan-Padilla Alejandro , Berlanga-Porras Alejandro , Jiménez Isidro
Published: April 2024

The results of this study suggest that a decreased vascularization of the median nerve after releasing the carpal tunnel predicts an inferior clinical improvement assessed by the Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire.
The emerging therapies are reshaping the first-line treatment for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma: a systematic review and network meta-analysis
Authors: Peng Wei , Pan Yangxun , Xie Lan , Yang Zhoutian , Ye Zhiwei , Chen Jinbin , Wang Juncheng , Hu Dandan , Xu Li , Zhou Zhongguo , Chen Minshan , Fang Aiping , Zhang Yaojun
Published: April 2024

Background:

Given the superior performance of various therapies over sorafenib in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and the absence of direct comparisons, it is crucial to explore the efficacy of these treatments in phase III randomized clinical trials.

Objectives:

The goal is to identify which patients are most likely to benefit significantly from these emerging therapies, contributing to more personalized and informed clinical decision-making.

Design:

Systematic review and network meta-analysis

Data sources and methods:

PubMed, Embase, ClinicalTrials.gov, and international conference databases have been searched from 1 January 2010 to 1 December 2023.

Results:

After screening, 17 phase III trials encompassing 18 treatments were included. In the whole-population network meta-analysis, the newly first-line tremelimumab plus durvalumab (Tre + Du) was found to be comparable with atezolizumab plus bevacizumab (Atezo + Beva) in providing the best overall survival (OS) benefit [hazard ratio (HR) 1.35, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.93–1.92]. Concerning OS benefits, sintilimab plus bevacizumab biosimilar (Sint + Beva), camrelizumab plus rivoceranib (Camre + Rivo), and lenvatinib plus pembrolizumab (Lenva + Pemb) appear to exhibit similar effects to Tre + Du and Atezo + Beva. In the context of progression-free survival, Atezo + Beva seemed to outperform Tre + Du (HR: 0.66 CI: 0.49–0.87), while the effects are comparable to Sint + Beva, Camre + Rivo, and Lenva + Pemb. Upon comparison between Asia-Pacific and non-Asia-Pacific cohorts, as well as between hepatitis B virus (HBV)-infected and non-HBV-infected populations, immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI)-based treatments seemed to exhibit heightened efficacy in the Asia-Pacific group and among individuals with HBV infection. However, combined ICI-based therapies did not show more effectiveness than molecular-targeted drugs in patients without macrovascular invasion and/or extrahepatic spread. As for grades 3–5 adverse events, combined therapies showed comparable safety to sorafenib and lenvatinib.

Conclusion:

Compared with sorafenib and lenvatinib, combination therapies based on ICIs significantly improved the prognosis of advanced HCC and demonstrated similar safety. At the same time, the optimal treatment approach should be tailored to individual patient characteristics, such as etiology, tumor staging, and serum alpha-fetoprotein levels. With lower incidence rates of treatment-related adverse events and non-inferior efficacy compared to sorafenib, ICI monotherapies should be prioritized as a first-line treatment approach for patients who are not suitable candidates for ICI-combined therapies.

Trial registration:

PROSPERO, CRD42022288172.
Glucose Color Index: Development and Validation of a Novel Measure of the Shape of Glycemic Variability
Authors: Sartini Joseph , Fang Michael , Rooney Mary R. , Selvin Elizabeth , Coresh Josef , Zeger Scott
Published: April 2024

Background:

Standard continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) metrics: mean glucose, standard deviation, coefficient of variation, and time in range, fail to capture the shape of variability in the CGM time series. This information could facilitate improved diabetes management.

Methods:

We analyzed CGM data from 141 adults with type 2 diabetes in the Hyperglycemic Profiles in Obstructive Sleep Apnea (HYPNOS) trial. Participants in HYPNOS wore CGM sensors for up to two weeks at two time points, three months apart. We calculated the log-periodogram for each time period, summarizing using disjoint linear models. These summaries were combined into a single value, termed the Glucose Color Index (GCI), using canonical correlation analysis. We compared the between-wear correlation of GCI with those of standard CGM metrics and assessed associations between GCI and diabetes comorbidities in 398 older adults with type 2 diabetes from the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study.

Results:

The GCI achieved a test-retest correlation of R = .75. Adjusting for standard CGM metrics, the GCI test-retest correlation was R = .55. Glucose Color Index was significantly associated ( p < .05) with impaired physical functioning, frailty/pre-frailty, cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney disease, and dementia/mild cognitive impairment after adjustment for confounders.

Conclusion:

We developed and validated the GCI, a novel CGM metric that captures the shape of glucose variability using the periodogram signal decomposition. Glucose Color Index was reliable within participants over a three-month period and associated with diabetes comorbidities. The GCI suggests a promising avenue toward the development of CGM metrics which more fully incorporate time series information.
Q-Score Complements the Time in Range in the Evaluation of Short-Term Glycemic Control
Authors: Augstein Petra , Heinke Peter , Nowak Alexandra , Salzsieder Eckhard , Kerner Wolfgang
Published: April 2024

Background and aims:

The Q-Score is a single-number composite metric that is constructed based on the following components: central glycemic tendency, hyperglycemia, hypoglycemia, and intra- and interday variability. Herein, we refined the Q-Score for the screening and analysis of short-term glycemic control using continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) profiles.

Methods:

Continuous glucose monitoring profiles were obtained from noninterventional, retrospective cross-sectional studies. The upper limit of the Q-Score component hyperglycemia‚ that is, the time above target range (TAR), was adjusted from 8.9 to 10 mmol/L ( n = 1562 three-day-sensor profiles). A total of 302 people with diabetes mellitus treated with intermittent CGM for ≥14 days were enrolled. The time to stability was determined via correlation-based analysis.

Results:

There was a strong correlation between the Q-Scores of the two TARs, that is, 8.9 and 10 mmol/L (Q-ScoreTAR10 = −0.03 + 1.00 Q-ScoreTAR8.9, r = .997, p < .001). The times to stability of the Q-Score and TIR were 10 and 12 days, respectively. The Q-Score was correlated with fructosamine concentrations, the glucose management indicator (GMI), the time in range (TIR), and the glycemic risk index (GRI) ( r = .698, .887, –.874, and .941), respectively. The number of Q-Score components above the target increased as the TIR decreased, from two (1.7 ± 0.9) in CGM profiles with a TIR between 70% and 80% to four (3.9 ± 0.5) in the majority of the CGM profiles with a TIR below 50%. A conversion matrix between the Q-Score and glycemic indices was developed.

Conclusions:

The Q-Score is a tool for assessing short-term glycemic control. The Q-Score can be translated into clinician opinion using the GRI.
A Descriptive Study of Principal Candidates’ Equity-Oriented Work in Their Internships in One Preparation Program in Texas
Authors: Butcher Keith A. , Snodgrass Rangel Virginia , Jackson Mario
Published: April 2024

We examined the equity-oriented leadership experiences of 23 principal interns in one principal preparation program in Texas. Our analysis of interview and internship log data revealed that the principal interns engaged in a range of equity-related work, and they led more of that work than expected. However, their leadership work was concentrated in access and achievement, to the exclusion of power and identity. We offer a window into what principal candidates are—and are not—learning through their internships. We also identify opportunities for future research and how preparation programs and districts can facilitate more equity-oriented work among interns.
Isolated Orbital Fracture – Treatment and Outcomes in a Single Tertiary Care Centre
Authors: Maunula Mirko K. K. , Blomgren Karin , Sinkkonen Saku T. , Nyman Kristofer , Tapiovaara Laura K.
Published: April 2024

Study Design

Retrospective, questionnaire survey.

Objective

The literature lacks a consensus on treatment of isolated orbital fracture. Our aim was to explore treatment schemes and outcomes of patients with isolated orbital fracture treated at a single tertiary care centre.

Methods

We performed a retrospective chart review and a cross-sectional questionnaire survey. We reviewed the medical records of all patients diagnosed with isolated orbital fracture at an outpatient referral clinic in an urban university hospital between 2010 and 2016. We included only patients with isolated inferior, medial, or inferomedial orbital fracture in the study cohort. We sent a questionnaire to these patients to assess the prevalence and severity of long-term symptoms.

Results

We included 246 patients in the study cohort, of which 96 (39%) were treated surgically and 150 (61%) non-surgically. Median time from injury to surgery was 11 days (range = 0–44, IQR = 8,15), and to sending the questionnaire 44 months (range = 16–93). The questionnaire was completed by 89 patients (36%), of whom 51 (57%) reported at least one mild long-term symptom, 24 (27%) at least one moderate long-term symptom, and 17 (19%) at least one severe long-term symptom.

Conclusions

Patients with isolated orbital fracture treated at our unit reported severe long-term symptoms more frequently than would have been expected based on earlier research. Patients at our unit were treated surgically more often than in other similar units, which suggests that surgical treatment may be chosen over non-surgical treatment unnecessarily often at our unit.
Strategic Invisibility: How Creators Manage the Risks and Constraints of Online Hyper(In)Visibility
Authors: Stegeman Hanne M. , Are Carolina , Poell Thomas
Published: April 2024

This article examines how sexual content creators manage their (in)visibility, as they navigate the constraints of online hyper(in)visibility. So far, research has focussed on how creators more generally attempt to enhance their visibility through social media platforms. Yet, especially for sexual content creators, platform visibility is not straightforward. These creators are hyper(in)visible: facing simultaneous risks of erasure and public scrutiny, harassment, and stigmatization. Drawing on 27 interviews with creators—online sex workers; LGBTQ+ activists; and sex educators—this research outlines the harms of hyper(in)visibility and creators’ tactics for strategic invisibility. These interviews showcase how hegemonic norms make socially marginalized content both hypervisible and invisible, as well as how these dynamics are reproduced and institutionalized on platforms. As they are transgressing hegemonic sexual norms, the interviewees discuss risks of platform surveillance, outing, doxxing, harassment, and capping. Yet, within the confines of platforms, these creators find ways to manage and resist these risks and positively engage with strategic invisibility. Taken together, the analysis shows the need to complicate the notion of creator visibility and sensitize research to how creators seek particular types of visibility, as well as strategic invisibility.
Peace education for an equitable and sustainable world
Authors: Savelyeva Tamara , Park Jae
Published: April 2024

Peace is not only the epicenter of the global geopolitics but it has also been one of the most consistent and cherished desires of mankind in every époque. Violence as a discursive method and a mouthpiece of antagonistic epistemologies and hierarchies of value, from youth/gender violence to international warfare, designates peace an imperative task for today’s education. With the aim to synthesize an interpretive instrument for a co-existing, interdependent, and complex system of peace concepts, this paper (1) models an ecology of four peace conceptualizations: Negative peace, Positive peace, Homeostatic peace, Futuristic peace; (2) situates these conceptualizations within peace education and SDGs discourses; and (3) provides theoretical structure for integrating peace and peace education studies in the fields of comparative-international and sustainability education. This theoretical analysis is based on the premise that the purpose, content and scope of peace education for an equitable and sustainable world greatly depend on a concept of peace in the minds of education stakeholders.
American Society of Retina Specialists Artificial Intelligence Task Force Report
Authors: Talcott Katherine E. , Baxter Sally L. , Chen Dinah K. , Korot Edward , Lee Aaron , Kim Judy E. , Modi Yasha , Moshfeghi Darius M. , Singh Rishi P.
Published: April 2024

Since the Artificial Intelligence Committee of the American Society of Retina Specialists developed the initial task force report in 2020, the artificial intelligence (AI) field has seen further adoption of US Food and Drug Administration–approved AI platforms and significant development of AI for various retinal conditions. With expansion of this technology comes further areas of challenges, including the data sources used in AI, the democracy of AI, commercialization, bias, and the need for provider education on the technology of AI. The overall focus of this committee report is to explore these recent issues as they relate to the continued development of AI and its integration into ophthalmology and retinal practice.
RAS/RAF landscape in monoclonal plasma cell conditions
Authors: Schavgoulidze Anais , Corre Jill , Samur Mehmet Kemal , Mazzotti Celine , Pavageau Luka , Perrot Aurore , Cazaubiel Titouan , Leleu Xavier , Macro Margaret , Belhadj Karim , Roussel Murielle , Brechignac Sabine , Montes Lydia , Caillot Denis , Frenzel Laurent , Rey Philippe , Schiano de Colella Jean-Marc , Chalopin Thomas , Jacquet Caroline , Richez Valentine , Orsini-Piocelle Frederique , Fontan Jean , Manier Salomon , Martinet Ludovic , Sciambi Adam , Mohty Mohamad , Avet-Loiseau Herve
Published: April 2024

Multiple myeloma is characterized by a huge heterogeneity at the molecular level. The RAS/RAF pathway is the most frequently mutated, in ∼50% of the patients. However, these mutations are frequently subclonal, suggesting a secondary event. Because these genes are part of our routine next-generation sequencing panel, we analyzed >10 000 patients with different plasma cell disorders to describe the RAS/RAF landscape. In this large cohort of patients, almost 61% of the patients presented a RAS/RAF mutation at diagnosis or relapse, but much lower frequencies occurred in presymptomatic cases. Of note, the mutations were different from that observed in solid tumors (higher proportions of Q61 mutations). In 29 patients with 2 different mutations, we were able to perform single-cell sequencing, showing that in most cases, mutations occurred in different subclones, suggesting an ongoing mutational process. These findings suggest that the RAS/RAF pathway is not an attractive target, both on therapeutic and residual disease assessment points of view.
A phase 3 randomized trial of mavorixafor, a CXCR4 antagonist, for WHIM syndrome
Authors: Badolato Raffaele , Alsina Laia , Azar Antoine , Bertrand Yves , Bolyard Audrey A. , Dale David , Deyà-Martínez Àngela , Dickerson Kathryn E. , Ezra Navid , Hasle Henrik , Kang Hyoung Jin , Kiani-Alikhan Sorena , Kuijpers Taco W. , Kulagin Alexander , Langguth Daman , Levin Carina , Neth Olaf , Olbrich Peter , Peake Jane , Rodina Yulia , Rutten Caroline E. , Shcherbina Anna , Tarrant Teresa K. , Vossen Matthias G. , Wysocki Christian A. , Belschner Andrea , Bridger Gary J. , Chen Kelly , Dubuc Susan , Hu Yanping , Jiang Honghua , Li Sunny , MacLeod Rick , Stewart Murray , Taveras Arthur G. , Yan Tina , Donadieu Jean
Published: April 2024

We investigated efficacy and safety of mavorixafor, an oral CXCR4 antagonist, in participants with warts, hypogammaglobulinemia, infections, and myelokathexis (WHIM) syndrome, a rare immunodeficiency caused by CXCR4 gain-of-function variants. This randomized (1:1), double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 3 trial enrolled participants aged ≥12 years with WHIM syndrome and absolute neutrophil count (ANC) ≤0.4 × 103/μL. Participants received once-daily mavorixafor or placebo for 52 weeks. The primary end point was time (hours) above ANC threshold ≥0.5 × 103/μL (TATANC; over 24 hours). Secondary end points included TAT absolute lymphocyte count ≥1.0 × 103/μL (TATALC; over 24 hours); absolute changes in white blood cell (WBC), ANC, and absolute lymphocyte count (ALC) from baseline; annualized infection rate; infection duration; and total infection score (combined infection number/severity). In 31 participants (mavorixafor, n = 14; placebo, n = 17), mavorixafor least squares (LS) mean TATANC was 15.0 hours and 2.8 hours for placebo (P < .001). Mavorixafor LS mean TATALC was 15.8 hours and 4.6 hours for placebo (P < .001). Annualized infection rates were 60% lower with mavorixafor vs placebo (LS mean 1.7 vs 4.2; nominal P = .007), and total infection scores were 40% lower (7.4 [95% confidence interval [CI], 1.6-13.2] vs 12.3 [95% CI, 7.2-17.3]). Treatment with mavorixafor reduced infection frequency, severity, duration, and antibiotic use. No discontinuations occurred due to treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs); no related serious TEAEs were observed. Overall, mavorixafor treatment demonstrated significant increases in LS mean TATANC and TATALC, reduced infection frequency, severity/duration, and was well tolerated. The trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as #NCT03995108.
Ibrutinib as part of risk-stratified treatment for posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorder: the phase 2 TIDaL trial
Authors: Chaganti Sridhar , Maycock Shanna , McIlroy Graham , Jackson Aimee , Bishop Rebecca , Johnson Sarah , Kanfer Edward , Kassam Shireen , Cwynarski Kate , Wrench David , Arumainathan Arvind , Fox Christopher P. , Johnson Rod , McKay Pam , Paneesha Shankara , Rowntree Clare , Balotis Constantine , Collins Graham P. , Davies Andrew , Wright Josh , Burns Sarah , Laurence Arian , Wheatley Keith , Menne Tobias
Published: April 2024

Posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD) is a rare complication of solid organ transplantation, and cytotoxic chemotherapy is associated with treatment-related morbidity and mortality. Current treatment takes a sequential, risk-stratified approach, and patients with low-risk disease after initial immunotherapy can avoid escalation to immunochemotherapy. TIDaL is a prospective, single-arm phase 2 trial investigating the activity and tolerability of ibrutinib combined with risk-stratified therapy for first-line treatment of PTLD. Eligible patients were adults with newly diagnosed CD20+ B-cell PTLD after solid organ transplant and performance status 0 to 2. Initial treatment comprised 49 days of ibrutinib 560 mg once daily, with 4 doses of weekly rituximab. Treatment response on interim scan and baseline International Prognostic Index were used to allocate patients to either a low-risk arm (who continued ibrutinib, alongside 4 further doses of 3-weekly rituximab) or high-risk (escalation to rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone [R-CHOP] immunochemotherapy, with ibrutinib continuing in patients aged <65 years). The primary outcome was complete response on interim scan, achieved by 11 of 38 patients (29%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 15-46). This did not reach the prespecified threshold for clinically significant activity. Secondary outcomes included allocation to the low-risk arm (41% of patients), 2-year progression-free survival (58%; 95% CI, 44-76), and 2-year overall survival (76%; 95% CI, 63-91). Adverse events were mostly hematological, gastrointestinal, and infective. Although TIDaL does not support adding ibrutinib into first-line treatment of PTLD, increasing the proportion of patients who can be treated without cytotoxic chemotherapy remains an important aim of future research. This trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as #ISRCTN32667607.
Alternative donor transplantation for severe aplastic anemia: a comparative study of the SAAWP EBMT
Authors: Montoro Juan , Eikema Dirk-Jan , Tuffnell Joe , Potter Victoria , Kalwak Krzysztof , Halkes Constantijn J. M. , Kulagin Alexander , Collin Matthew , Wynn Robert F. , Robinson Stephen , Nicholson Emma , Sengeloev Henrik , Clay Jennifer , Halahleh Khalid , Skorobogatova Elena , Sanz Jaime , Passweg Jakob , Mielke Stephan , Ryhänen Samppa , Carpenter Ben , Gedde-Dahl Tobias , Tholouli Eleni , Fanin Renato , Lewalle Philippe , Kulasekararaj Austin , Risitano Antonio , Peffault de Latour Régis
Published: April 2024

Selecting the most suitable alternative donor becomes challenging in severe aplastic anemia (SAA) when a matched sibling donor (MSD) is unavailable. We compared outcomes in patients with SAA undergoing stem cell transplantation (SCT) from matched unrelated donors (MUD) (n = 1106), mismatched unrelated donors (MMUD) (n = 340), and haploidentical donors (Haplo) (n = 206) registered in the European Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation database (2012-2021). For Haplo SCT, only those receiving posttransplant cyclophosphamide for graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) prophylaxis were included. Median age was 20 years, and the median time from diagnosis to transplantation 8.7 months. Compared with MUD, MMUD (hazard ratio [HR], 2.93; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.52-5.6) and Haplo (HR, 5.15; 95% CI, 2.5-10.58) showed significantly higher risks of primary graft failure. MUD had lower rates of acute GVHD compared with MMUD and Haplo (grade 2-4: 13%, 22%, and 19%, respectively; P < .001; grade 3-4: 5%, 9%, and 7%, respectively; P = .028). The 3-year nonrelapse mortality rate was 14% for MUD, 19% for MMUD, and 27% for Haplo (P < .001), whereas overall survival and GVHD and relapse-free survival (GRFS) rates were 81% and 73% for MUD, 74% and 65% for MMUD, and 63% and 54% for Haplo, respectively (P < .001). In addition to donor type, multivariable analysis identified other factors associated with GRFS such as patient age, performance status, and interval between diagnosis and transplantation. For patients with SAA lacking an MSD, our findings support MUDs as the preferable alternative donor option. However, selecting between an MMUD and Haplo donor remains uncertain and requires further exploration.
miR-29b-3p regulates cardiomyocytes pyroptosis in CVB3-induced myocarditis through targeting DNMT3A
Authors: Wang Ya , Zhang Zhengyang , Li Hui , Wang Min , Qiu Yuting , Lu Lili
Published: April 2024

Background

Viral myocarditis (VMC) is a disease resulting from viral infection, which manifests as inflammation of myocardial cells. Until now, the treatment of VMC is still a great challenge for clinicians. Increasing studies indicate the participation of miR-29b-3p in various diseases. According to the transcriptome sequencing analysis, miR-29b-3p was markedly upregulated in the viral myocarditis model. The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of miR-29b-3p in the progression of VMC.

Methods

We used CVB3 to induce primary cardiomyocytes and mice to establish a model of viral myocarditis. The purity of primary cardiomyocytes was identified by immunofluorescence. The cardiac function of mice was detected by Vevo770 imaging system. The area of inflammatory infiltration in heart tissue was shown by hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining. The expression of miR-29b-3p and DNMT3A was detected by quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction (qRT–PCR). The expression of a series of pyroptosis-related proteins was detected by western blot. The role of miR-29b-3p/DNMT3A in CVB3-induced pyroptosis of cardiomyocytes was studied in this research.

Results

Our data showed that the expression of miR-29b-3p was upregulated in CVB3-induced cardiomyocytes and heart tissues in mice. To explore the function of miR-29b-3p in CVB3-induced VMC, we conducted in vivo experiments by knocking down the expression of miR-29b-3p using antagomir. We then assessed the effects on mice body weight, histopathology changes, myocardial function, and cell pyroptosis in heart tissues. Additionally, we performed gain/loss-of-function experiments in vitro to measure the levels of pyroptosis in primary cardiomyocytes. Through bioinformatic analysis, we identified DNA methyltransferases 3A (DNMT3A) as a potential target gene of miR-29b-3p. Furthermore, we found that the expression of DNMT3A can be modulated by miR-29b-3p during CVB3 infection.

Conclusions

Our results demonstrate a correlation between the expression of DNMT3A and CVB3-induced pyroptosis in cardiomyocytes. These findings unveil a previously unidentified mechanism by which CVB3 induces cardiac injury through the regulation of miR-29b-3p/DNMT3A-mediated pyroptosis.
Improving soil organic carbon mapping in farmlands using machine learning models and complex cropping system information
Authors: Ou Jianxiong , Wu Zihao , Yan Qingwu , Feng Xiangyang , Zhao Zilong
Published: April 2024

Obtaining accurate spatial maps of soil organic carbon (SOC) in farmlands is crucial for assessing soil quality and achieving precision agriculture. The cropping system is an important factor that affects the soil carbon cycle in farmlands, and different agricultural managements under different cropping systems lead to spatial heterogeneity of SOC. However, current research often ignores differences in the main controlling factors of SOC under different cropping systems, especially when the cropping pattern is complex, which is not conducive to farmland zoning management. This study aims to (i) obtain the spatial distribution map of six cropping systems by using multi-phase HJ-CCD satellite images; (ii) explore the stratified heterogeneous relationship between SOC and environmental variables under different cropping systems by using the Cubist model; and (iii) predict the spatial map of SOC. The Xiantao, Tianmen, and Qianjiang cities, which are the core agricultural areas of the Jianghan Plain, were selected as the study area. Results showed that the SOC content in rice–wheat rotation was the highest among the six cropping systems. The Cubist model outperformed random forest, ordinary kriging, and multiple linear regression in SOC mapping. The results of the Cubist model showed that cropping system, climate, soil attributes, and vegetation index were important influencing factors of SOC in farmlands. The main controlling factors of SOC under different cropping systems were different. Specifically, summer crop types had a greater influence on spatial variations in SOC than winter crops. Paddy–upland rotation was more affected by river distance and NDVI, while upland–upland rotation was more affected by irrigation-related factors. This work highlights the differentiated main controlling factors of SOC under different cropping systems and provides data support for farmland zoning management. The Cubist model can improve the prediction accuracy of SOC under complex cropping systems.
The distinct cell physiology of Bradyrhizobium at the population and cellular level
Authors: Medici Ian F. , Bartrolí Leila , Guaimas Francisco F. , Fulgenzi Fabiana R. , Molina Charo Luciana , Sánchez Ignacio Enrique , Comerci Diego J. , Mongiardini Elías , Soler-Bistué Alfonso
Published: April 2024

The α-Proteobacteria belonging to Bradyrhizobium genus are microorganisms of extreme slow growth. Despite their extended use as inoculants in soybean production, their physiology remains poorly characterized. In this work, we produced quantitative data on four different isolates: B. diazoefficens USDA110, B. diazoefficiens USDA122, B. japonicum E109 and B. japonicum USDA6 which are representative of specific genomic profiles. Notably, we found conserved physiological traits conserved in all the studied isolates: (i) the lag and initial exponential growth phases display cell aggregation; (ii) the increase in specific nutrient concentration such as yeast extract and gluconate hinders growth; (iii) cell size does not correlate with culture age; and (iv) cell cycle presents polar growth. Meanwhile, fitness, cell size and in vitro growth widely vary across isolates correlating to ribosomal RNA operon number. In summary, this study provides novel empirical data that enriches the comprehension of the Bradyrhizobium (slow) growth dynamics and cell cycle.
The gut microbiota facilitate their host tolerance to extreme temperatures
Authors: Wang Ziguang , Wu Yujie , Li Xinxin , Ji Xiaowen , Liu Wei
Published: April 2024

Background

Exposure to extreme cold or heat temperature is one leading cause of weather-associated mortality and morbidity in animals. Emerging studies demonstrate that the microbiota residing in guts act as an integral factor required to modulate host tolerance to cold or heat exposure, but common and unique patterns of animal-temperature associations between cold and heat have not been simultaneously examined. Therefore, we attempted to investigate the roles of gut microbiota in modulating tolerance to cold or heat exposure in mice.

Results

The results showed that both cold and heat acutely change the body temperature of mice, but mice efficiently maintain their body temperature at conditions of chronic extreme temperatures. Mice adapt to extreme temperatures by adjusting body weight gain, food intake and energy harvest. Fascinatingly, 16 S rRNA sequencing shows that extreme temperatures result in a differential shift in the gut microbiota. Moreover, transplantation of the extreme-temperature microbiota is sufficient to enhance host tolerance to cold and heat, respectively. Metagenomic sequencing shows that the microbiota assists their hosts in resisting extreme temperatures through regulating the host insulin pathway.

Conclusions

Our findings highlight that the microbiota is a key factor orchestrating the overall energy homeostasis under extreme temperatures, providing an insight into the interaction and coevolution of hosts and gut microbiota.