bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Why Peacekeeping Does Not Promote Peace
Authors: Jett Dennis
Published: August 2023

Peacekeeping, and the conflicts to which it is applied, have evolved since the United Nations began these operations in 1948. Today, the UN has 90,000 peacekeepers deployed around the world in 12 operations that cost the international community $6.5 billion a year. Half of these missions have been going on for a combined total of three centuries, with no solution in sight to any of them. Five of the remaining six are in response to violent extremism. In those missions, a steadily growing number of peacekeepers are being killed despite the fact that they are unable to make any significant contribution to successfully combating the extremists. UN peacekeeping has therefore become either endless or impossible, and the peacekeepers have neither the carrots nor the sticks to effectively promote peace or punish those who are preventing it. It is time for the international community to rethink how it strives for international stability in conflict situations. To have a serious discussion, however, would require the UN member states to place a higher priority on peace than on their individual national interests.
What Drove Syria Back into the Arab Fold?
Authors: Kardas Saban , Aras Bulent
Published: August 2023

After more than a decade of brutal civil war, which is still not resolved and has left Syria divided in thirds, regional states welcomed President Bashar al‐Assad back into the fold in May 2023. The Arab League's decision to reinstate Damascus's membership was the culmination of a slow and fitful process that accelerated when Saudi Arabia took the lead. Still, it is too soon to know whether and how Syrian normalization will evolve beyond its Arab core, especially due to the West's continued sanctions regime. This article analyzes how the evolution of the Syrian crisis, the changing calculus of Arab powers, and American inaction have contributed to Assad's rehabilitation. In conclusion, we consider four areas that will determine the next phase of the normalization process.
Ribosome profiling in the Symbiodiniacean dinoflagellate Fugacium kawagutii shows coordinated protein synthesis of enzymes in different pathways at different times of day
Authors: Bowazolo Carl , Morse David
Published: August 2023

Dinoflagellates respond to daily changes in light and dark by changes in cellular metabolism, yet the mechanisms used are still unclear. For example, Fugacium (previously Symbiodinium) kawagutii shows little difference in the transcriptome between day and night suggesting little transcriptional control over gene expression. Here, we have performed ribosome profiling at 2 h intervals over a daily light–dark cycle to assess the degree to which protein synthesis rates might change over the daily cycle. The number of F. kawagutii coding sequences with significant differences in the number of ribosome‐protected fragments (RPF) over the 24‐h cycle was 2923 using JTK_Cycle and 3655 using ECHO. The majority of the regulated transcripts showed peak translation at the onset of the dark period. The regulated sequences were assigned to different KEGG pathways and transcripts that were translated at roughly the same time were termed concurrently regulated. Both analyses revealed concurrent regulation of many transcripts whose gene products were involved in spliceosome or lysosome biogenesis with peak translation rates around the onset of the dark period, while others, involved in nitrate metabolism and ribosomal proteins, were preferentially translated around the onset of the day phase or the end of the night phase, respectively. In addition, some sequences involved in DNA synthesis were preferentially translated at the end of the day. We conclude that light–dark cycles seem able to synchronize translation of some transcripts encoding proteins involved in a range of different cellular processes, and propose that these changes may help the cells adapt and alter their metabolism as a function of the time of day.
Efficient scavenging of reactive carbonyl species in chloroplasts is required for light acclimation and fitness of plants
Authors: Ji Daili , Luo Manfei , Guo Yinjie , Li Qiuxin , Kong Lingxi , Ge Haitao , Wang Qi , Song Qiulai , Zeng Xiannan , Ma Jinfang , Wang Yingchun , Meurer Jörg , Chi Wei
Published: August 2023

Reactive carbonyl species (RCS) derived from lipid peroxides can act as critical damage or signaling mediators downstream of reactive oxygen species by modifying target proteins. However, their biological effects and underlying mechanisms remain largely unknown in plants.

Here, we have uncovered the mechanism by which the RCS 4‐hydroxy‐(E)‐2‐nonenal (HNE) participates in photosystem II (PSII) repair cycle of chloroplasts, a crucial process for maintaining PSII activity under high and changing light conditions.

High Light Sensitive 1 (HLT1) is a potential NADPH‐dependent reductase in chloroplasts. Deficiency of HLT1 had no impact on the growth of Arabidopsis plants under normal light conditions but increased sensitivity to high light, which resulted from a defective PSII repair cycle. In hlt1 plants, the accumulation of HNE‐modified D1 subunit of PSII was observed, which did not affect D1 degradation but hampered the dimerization of repaired PSII monomers and reassembly of PSII supercomplexes on grana stacks. HLT1 is conserved in all photosynthetic organisms and has functions in overall growth and plant fitness in both Arabidopsis and rice under naturally challenging field conditions.

Our work provides the mechanistic basis underlying RCS scavenging in light acclimation and suggests a potential strategy to improve plant productivity by manipulating RCS signaling in chloroplasts.
Dose‐dependent long‐distance movement of microRNA399 duplex regulates phosphate homeostasis in Arabidopsis
Authors: Chiang Chih‐Pin , Li Jia‐Ling , Chiou Tzyy‐Jen
Published: August 2023

MicroRNA399 (miR399), a phosphate (Pi) starvation‐induced long‐distance signal, is first produced in shoots and moves to roots to suppress PHO2 encoding a ubiquitin conjugase, leading to enhanced Pi uptake and root‐to‐shoot translocation. However, the molecular mechanism underlying miR399 long‐distance movement remains elusive.

Hypocotyl grafting with various Arabidopsis mutants or transgenic lines expressing artificial miR399f was employed. The movement of miR399 across graft junction and the rootstock PHO2 transcript and scion Pi levels were analyzed to elucidate the potential factors involved.

Our results showed that miR399f precursors are cell‐autonomous and mature miR399f movement is independent of its biogenesis, sequence context, and length (21 or 22 nucleotides). Expressing viral silencing suppressor P19 in the root stele or blocking unloading in the root phloem pore pericycle (PPP) antagonized its silencing effect, suggesting that the miR399f/miR399f* duplex is a mobile entity unloaded through PPP. Notably, the scion miR399f level positively correlates with its amount translocated to rootstocks, implying dose‐dependent movement.

This study uncovers the molecular basis underlying the miR399‐mediated long‐distance silencing in coordinating shoot Pi demand with Pi acquisition and translocation activities in the roots.
UK maternity care experiences of ethnic minority and migrant women: Systematic review
Authors: Obionu Ifeoma Maureen , Onyedinma Chioma Amarachi , Mielewczyk Frances , Boyle Elaine
Published: August 2023

Background

The increasing population of immigrant and migrant women in the United Kingdom has implications to the provision of healthcare and for healthcare experiences. Eliciting women's experiences and perceptions of maternity care received is an important way of monitoring and evaluating the quality of maternity services. This study was designed to explore the maternity care experiences of ethnic minority and migrant women in the United Kingdom.

Methods

A literature search for relevant studies was carried across seven databases. We included nine studies carried out between 2015 and February 2022 that met the inclusion criteria. Data were analyzed using a thematic analysis approach.

Results

Findings showed that ethnic minority women and migrant women have had mixed experiences while utilizing maternity services in the United Kingdom. However, most of the experiences were negative and included issues related to communication, discrimination, culture, access to care, physical comfort, and continuity of care. Only one of the studies reported that the respondents had a wholly positive communication experience, one found that a few women felt the staff were respectful and one reported that the midwives gave the women treatment options that would respect their cultural and religious beliefs.

Conclusion

This study has highlighted some important gaps in the maternity care experiences specific to ethnic minority and migrant women in the United Kingdom which provides useful insights to future policy and clinical practice.
U.S. agency growth aspirations and the effect of ideological extremism
Authors: Yackee Susan Webb
Published: August 2023

Does ideological extremism curb a public agency's desire to grow? This article theorizes that changes in the political environment affect a public agency leader's growth aspirations. Specifically, increased ideological extremism across an agency's elected principals leads an agency leader to be more cautious and less growth‐minded. The assessments of over 10,000 American state agency leaders are studied across 11 points in time from 1964 to 2018 and matched to data capturing the leader's ideological environment. Agency leaders, who face heightened extremism from elected state officials, are found to report a reduced interest in future growth. The results are strongest during periods of divided government, which may occur because the signal sent from greater extremism is more useful to agency leaders during these periods. When aggregated across thousands of agencies, the article's findings imply a driver of slower growth in the future size and scope of government.
Evaluating the “whole community” concept based on the national response to COVID‐19
Authors: Dunaway Michael , Bannan Brenda
Published: August 2023

This article summarizes an 18‐month study of the national response to the COVID‐19 pandemic as viewed from the individual perspectives of a team of local emergency management professionals. The research project evaluated the COVID‐19 response based on a concept articulated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as a “whole community approach” to disaster preparedness and public health, which became the de facto organizing structure for the COVID‐19 national response. The research project identifies significant deficiencies in implementation of that concept, and offers some recommendations for defining a true “whole community approach” to public health and safety as a mitigation strategy against future national‐scale civic emergencies.
Diatom‐assisted aquaculture: Paving the way towards sustainable economy
Authors: Bhattacharjya Raya , Marella Thomas Kiran , Kumar Munil , Kumar Vikas , Tiwari Archana
Published: August 2023

With decreasing world oceans fish stock there is rapid increase in aquaculture production. To meet this demand, there is an urgent need to improve existing aquaculture technologies and make the system more sustainable and economically feasible. Diatoms are unicellular protists that are present ubiquitously in freshwater and marine habitats and are responsible for 40% of marine and 20% of net global primary productivity. They are the most preferred microalgae for production of live feeds in mariculture due to their suitable size, easy digestibility, and optimum nutritional content. Diatoms biosynthesize a range of bioactive compounds like lipids, polysaccharides, proteins, pigments, and vitamins which can both promote the health and survival of aquatic species like fishes, bivalves, and shrimps. As the main prerequisite to attain sustainability is to reduce pollutants from aquaculture wastewater, diatoms have long been employed for remediating and utilizing the eutrophic nutrients as a growth supplement which otherwise might be detrimental to aquaculture species. Though many recent studies have highlighted the significance of diatoms in aquaculture, its dual contribution in maintaining the nutritional content of the feed as well as in improving the water quality should be coupled with its unique mechanisms and adaptability. Thus, the current review addresses the bottlenecks in aquaculture industry and the prospects of implementing diatom‐based bioremediation and biomass valorization for the production of live feeds with the hindsight of establishing circular bioeconomy.
Incidental detection of bilateral cochlear implants on panoramic radiography: Case report associated with antecedent traumatic brain injury
Authors: Brooks John K. , Gardullo Patrick M. , Parsa Azin , Price Jeffery B.
Published: August 2023

Patients with chronic and severe hearing loss, refractory to nonsurgically‐worn devices, may consider use of cochlear implants to regain auditory capability. Cochlear implants consist of surgically emplaced and externally worn components. There are few published examples of the radiographic presentation of these devices appearing in the special needs‐based dental literature. This article features a case report and panoramic radiographic examination involving a 67‐year‐old patient who received bilateral cochlear implants after experiencing a traumatic brain injury and onset loss of hearing. A brief review of strategies for communicating with individuals with severe hearing impairment has also been provided.
An educational model for special patient care in dentistry
Authors: Risner‐Bauman Alicia , Henschel Marc , Robbins Miriam R.
Published: August 2023

Dental school graduates often have a basic knowledge in the management of patients with specialized healthcare needs. As of August 2019, CODA amended their accreditation standard 2‐25: dental school graduates must be competent in the assessment and management of treatment of patients with specialized healthcare needs and disabilities. While the majority of these patients require modified dental care, many dental schools lack the facilities to provide both the proper care and education. This paper identifies improvements to dental education brought on by the innovations at Penn Dental Medicines' Personalized Care Suite for Persons with Disabilities (PCARE). Patient centered care is the emphasis of the PCARE curriculum. Although the clinic has special rooms and equipment to assist in accommodating the special needs of the patients, the program focuses on teaching dental students how to provide comfortable, safe, and effective care in a typical office setting. Detailed patient assessment, non‐pharmacological management techniques, and treatment plans designed to meet the needs and abilities of the patients and caregivers are taught through lecture and direct patient care. Teaching assessment and management of this population is of great importance. Including treatment in Standard 2‐25 creates another challenge to dental education. Penn Dental's facility allows multidisciplinary care in a cohesive and timely manner. The experience in PCARE offers unique opportunities to educate dental professionals in developing a patient centered approach in the treatment and maintenance of oral health in those patients who require accommodation.
Sirtuin 2 up‐regulation suppresses the anti‐tumour activity of exhausted natural killer cells in mesenteric lymph nodes in murine colorectal carcinoma
Authors: Jiang Bin , Ke Chao , Zhou Hongjian , Xia Tian , Xie Xingwang , Xu Hanbin
Published: August 2023

Natural killer (NK) cells inhibit colorectal carcinoma (CRC) initiation and progression through their tumoricidal activity. However, cumulative evidence suggests that NK cells become functionally exhausted in patients with CRC. To deepen the understanding of the mechanisms underlying CRC‐associated NK cell exhaustion, we explored the expression and effect of Sirtuin 2 (Sirt2) in mesenteric lymph node (mLN) NK cells in a murine colitis‐associated CRC model. Sirt2 was remarkably up‐regulated in mLN NK cells after CRC induction. Particularly, Sirt2 was increased in mLN NK cells expressing high T cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain‐3 (TIM3), high lymphocyte activation protein‐3 (LAG3), high programmed death‐1 (PD‐1), high T cell immunoreceptor with immunoglobulin and ITIM domains (TIGIT), high NK group 2 member A (NKG2A), but low tumour necrosis factor‐related apoptosis‐inducing ligand (TRAIL), low interferon‐gamma and low granzyme B. In addition, Sirt2 was also increased in NK cells after induction of exhaustion in vitro. Lentivirus‐mediated Sirt2 silencing did not affect the acute activation and cytotoxicity of non‐exhausted NK cells. However, Sirt2 silencing partially restored the expression of interferon‐gamma, granzyme B and CD107a in exhausted NK cells. Meanwhile, Sirt2 silencing down‐regulated TIM3, LAG3, TIGIT and NKG2A while up‐regulated TRAIL on exhausted NK cells. Consequently, Sirt2 silencing restored the cytotoxicity of exhausted NK cells. Moreover, Sirt2 silencing partially ameliorates the defects in glycolysis and mitochondrial respiration of exhausted NK cells, as evidenced by increases in glycolytic capacity, glycolytic reserve, basal respiration, maximal respiration and spare respiration capacity. Accordingly, Sirt2 negatively regulates the tumoricidal activity of exhausted NK cells in CRC.
The 675‐nm wavelength for treating facial melasma
Authors: Coricciati Luigi , Gabellone Maddalena , Donne Pantalea Delle , Pennati Beatrice Marina , Zingoni Tiziano
Published: August 2023

Background

Melasma is an acquired skin problem. It characterises sun‐exposed areas, particularly on the face, with irregular borders and bilateral distribution. With this study, we want to strengthen the scientific literature regarding the use of a 675‐nm laser device for the treatment of women and men with facial melasma pigmentary and vascular symptoms.

Materials and methods

Eighteen patients were treated for facial melasma. A total of three sessions at 30‐day intervals were performed with a 675‐nm laser device. A five‐point Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale was used to separately assess the improvement of the patient's skin 3 months after the last treatment (T1) compared to baseline (T0). The pain during treatment was measured using a Visual Analog Scale of 10 points. The non‐ablative laser system used emits red light with a wavelength of 675 nm through a 13 × 13 mm scanning system.

Results

At T1, a consistent improvement in the pigmentary and vascular components was visible. This is always combined with a considerable reduction in vascular expression.

Conclusion

Our research shows that individuals with Fitzpatrick phototypes II to III can treat facial melasma with the 675‐nm laser source system without risk. Due to its interaction with melanin, collagen and haemoglobin chromophores, as well as its excellent capacity to penetrate tissues with less heating, this system is promising in the treatment of pigmentary and vascular illnesses such as melasma. The great success of the technology we used came from the reduced levels of inflammation produced after the treatments and the low energy level implied.
Role of vermicompost and biochar in soil quality improvement by promoting Bupleurum falcatum L. nutrient absorption
Authors: Hou Saisai , Zhang Ruifang , Zhang Chi , Wang Lei , Wang Hong , Wang Xin‐Xin
Published: August 2023

Bupleurum falcatum L. has gained attention due to its medicinal value in its root. B. falcatum was continuously cultivated and intensively chemically fertilized in order to attain a high yield, which reduced the soil quality and caused continuous cropping problems. Thus, there is a significant impact on S. baicalensis yield and quality. To solve this problem, soil with 0 or 3 continuous cropping years (0‐ and 3‐year soil) was fertilized with several organic materials, which are Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus mucilaginosus, humic acid fertilizer, biochar, and vermicompost. The experiment examined the effectiveness of B. falcatum's growth and nutrient uptake under various organic materials. It was shown that organic materials improved soil fertility and promoted the growth and nutrient uptake of B. falcatum. The combination of vermicompost and biochar had a better improvement effect. It increased soil nutrients by 23.8%–73.3% (0‐year soil) and 24.6%–71.1% (3‐year soil), respectively. In two types of soil, both microbial number and enzyme activity substantially increased. The B. falcatum shoot and root biomass with vermicompost was increased 74.8%–84.5% (without biochar) and 41.8%–71.1% (with biochar) in two types of soil. Vermicompost and biochar also significantly promoted the root development of B. falcatum. The root length increased by 13.3%–66.7%, the root diameter by 38.6%–84.8%, the root volume by 8.4%–61.3%, and the specific root length varied by −171.9% to 3.1% when compared with the control. The nutrient (N, P, and K) concentrations in shoots and roots changed from −3.9% to 67.2% and from 1.4% to 53.5%. All the findings demonstrated that long‐term continuous cropping caused cropping obstacles, deteriorated soil quality, and inhibited the B. falcatum growth. Applying organic fertilizers, such as vermicompost and biochar, can help to improve soil quality, increase soil nutrients, promote the growth and nutrient absorption of B. falcatum, and eliminate continuous cropping obstacles.
Determinants of adoption and adoption intensity of integrated soil fertility management technologies among sorghum farmers in Upper Eastern Kenya
Authors: Kiprotich Shadrack , Mogaka Hezron , Ndirangu Samuel Njiri , Onyari Charles Nyambane
Published: August 2023

Climate change manifestations and population pressure are some of the most critical challenges that affect agricultural productivity. Integrated soil fertility management (ISFM) technologies are among the agricultural innovations that have been developed to address declining crop productivity. These technologies have been promoted across diverse areas including marginal agro‐ecological zones. Despite the nobility and versatility of ISFM technologies, their adoption is still low particularly across Kenya landscapes. Consequently, there is limited knowledge explaining the adoption of these technologies especially in the dry areas. This study therefore, applied Cragg's Double Hurdle model to determine the factors affecting adoption and adoption intensity of ISFM technologies among farmers in Upper Eastern Kenya, who mainly grow sorghum both as a food and a cash crop. The results revealed that gender, dependants, farming goal for subsistence purpose (p < .01), decision on information use, farm size, extension services, research awareness, ISFM awareness and ISFM access, significantly affected household decision on adoption of ISFM technologies. On the other hand, gender of household head, farm size, main source of agricultural information and formal agricultural training had significant influence on adoption intensity of ISFM technologies. There is a thus a crucial need for integration of determinants surrounding adoption and adoption intensity of ISFM technologies in policy making and planning processes to enhance sorghum crop productivity in marginal Upper Eastern areas of the country.
Emplacement and associated sedimentary record of the Jurassic submarine salt allochthon of the Wurzeralm (Eastern Alps, Austria)
Authors: Kurz Maditha , Fernandez Oscar , Eggerth Lino , Grasemann Bernhard , Strauss Philipp
Published: August 2023

A fossil salt sheet emplaced in the Jurassic in submarine conditions is described in the Eastern Alps of Austria, providing unique insights into the emplacement of similar submarine structures and their potential control on depositional systems. The salt sheet is a plug‐fed extrusion emplaced due to squeezing of a salt diapir under compression. The preserved mylonitic shear fabric in the evaporites indicates radial, south‐directed emplacement of the salt sheet. Tectono‐sedimentary relationships record the evolution of the salt structure, from initial diapiric growth, to salt sheet extrusion and posterior collapse. Syn‐extrusion sediments record the variable bathymetry of the extruding salt sheet, with reefal carbonates building up on the crestal bulge while their deeper water equivalents accumulated on the extruding salt lobe. This is the first description of a salt allochthon still linked to its source diapir in the Eastern Alps.
Transcription factor PbbZIP4 is targeted for proteasome‐mediated degradation by the ubiquitin ligase PbATL18 to influence pear's resistance to Colletotrichum fructicola by regulating the expression of PbNPR3
Authors: Lin Likun , Yuan Kaili , Xing Caihua , Qiao Qinghai , Chen Qiming , Dong Huizhen , Qi Kaijie , Xie Zhihua , Chen Xianchu , Huang Xiaosan , Zhang Shaoling
Published: August 2023

Pear anthracnose caused by Colletotrichum fructicola is one of the main fungal diseases in all pear‐producing areas. The degradation of ubiquitinated proteins by the 26S proteasome is a regulatory mechanism of eukaryotes. E3 ubiquitin ligase is substrate specific and is one of the most diversified and abundant enzymes in the regulation mechanism of plant ubiquitination. Although numerous studies in other plants have shown that the degradation of ubiquitinated proteins by the 26S proteasome is closely related to plant immunity, there are limited studies on them in pear trees. Here, we found that an E3 ubiquitin ligase, PbATL18, interacts with and ubiquitinates the transcription factor PbbZIP4, and this process is enhanced by C. fructicola infection. PbATL18 overexpression in pear callus enhanced resistance to C. fructicola infection, whereas PbbZIP4 overexpression increased sensitivity to C. fructicola infection. Silencing PbATL18 and PbbZIP4 in Pyrus betulaefolia seedlings resulted in opposite effects, with PbbZIP4 silencing enhancing resistance to C. fructicola infection and PbATL18 silencing increasing sensitivity to C. fructicola infection. Using yeast one‐hybrid screens, an electrophoretic mobility shift assay, and dual‐luciferase assays, we demonstrated that the transcription factor PbbZIP4 upregulated the expression of PbNPR3 by directly binding to its promoter. PbNPR3 is one of the key genes in the salicylic acid (SA) signal transduction pathway that can inhibit SA signal transduction. Here, we proposed a PbATL18‐PbbZIP4‐PbNPR3‐SA model for plant response to C. fructicola infection. PbbZIP4 was ubiquitinated by PbATL18 and degraded by the 26S proteasome, which decreased the expression of PbNPR3 and promoted SA signal transduction, thereby enhancing plant C. fructicola resistance. Our study provides new insights into the molecular mechanism of pear response to C. fructicola infection, which can serve as a theoretical basis for breeding superior disease‐resistant pear varieties.
Statistical modeling of mRNP transport in dendrites: A comparative analysis of β‐actin and Arc mRNP dynamics
Authors: Ahn Hyerim , Durang Xavier , Shim Jae Youn , Park Gaeun , Jeon Jae‐Hyung , Park Hye Yoon
Published: August 2023

Localization of messenger RNA (mRNA) in dendrites is crucial for regulating gene expression during long‐term memory formation. mRNA binds to RNA‐binding proteins (RBPs) to form messenger ribonucleoprotein (mRNP) complexes that are transported by motor proteins along microtubules to their target synapses. However, the dynamics by which mRNPs find their target locations in the dendrite have not been well understood. Here, we investigated the motion of endogenous β‐actin and Arc mRNPs in dissociated mouse hippocampal neurons using the MS2 and PP7 stem‐loop systems, respectively. By evaluating the statistical properties of mRNP movement, we found that the aging Lévy walk model effectively describes both β‐actin and Arc mRNP transport in proximal dendrites. A critical difference between β‐actin and Arc mRNPs was the aging time, the time lag between transport initiation and measurement initiation. The longer mean aging time of β‐actin mRNP (~100 s) compared with that of Arc mRNP (~30 s) reflects the longer half‐life of constitutively expressed β‐actin mRNP. Furthermore, our model also permitted us to estimate the ratio of newly generated and pre‐existing β‐actin mRNPs in the dendrites. This study offers a robust theoretical framework for mRNP transport, which provides insight into how mRNPs locate their targets in neurons.
Modelling of contaminant transport in heterogeneous vertical barrier
Authors: Shaoyi Wang , Jiawei Wu , Peifu Cai , Cong Chen , Shenghua Ye , Jianqiang Xu , Liang Chen , Xiaoyong Luo , Jun Wei
Published: August 2023

Vertical barrier technique is an ideal candidate for site contamination control. In practical application, the characteristic of vertical cut‐off wall is heterogeneous with permeability decreases with depth due to the increasing geostatic stress. In this study, a numerical model was established considering the coupling effect of groundwater flow and contaminant transport considering depth dependent permeability. The results showed that a heterogeneous barrier with variable permeability can reduce the breakthrough time by 63.7% compared to a fixed permeability barrier. The contaminant concentration inside the wall was up to 10 times higher than outside. Shallow leakage occurs where the horizontal migration is dominated by advection. The distribution of pore‐water pressure in the system after the installation of high‐density polyethylene (HDPE) membranes significantly reduced the shallow convective effect by reducing up to 90% pore‐water pressure. Reinforcing the vertical barrier wall using HDPE membrane can effectively prevent the shallow leakage caused by the heterogeneity.
Antibody‐mediated rejection in xenotransplantation: Can it be prevented or reversed?
Authors: Habibabady Zahra , McGrath Gannon , Kinoshita Kohei , Maenaka Akihiro , Ikechukwu Ileka , Elias Gabriela F. , Zaletel Tjasa , Rosales Ivy , Hara Hidetaka , Pierson Richard N. , Cooper David K. C.
Published: August 2023

Antibody‐mediated rejection (AMR) is the commonest cause of failure of a pig graft after transplantation into an immunosuppressed nonhuman primate (NHP). The incidence of AMR compared to acute cellular rejection is much higher in xenotransplantation (46% vs. 7%) than in allotransplantation (3% vs. 63%) in NHPs. Although AMR in an allograft can often be reversed, to our knowledge there is no report of its successful reversal in a pig xenograft. As there is less experience in preventing or reversing AMR in models of xenotransplantation, the results of studies in patients with allografts provide more information. These include (i) depletion or neutralization of serum anti‐donor antibodies, (ii) inhibition of complement activation, (iii) therapies targeting B or plasma cells, and (iv) anti‐inflammatory therapy. Depletion or neutralization of anti‐pig antibody, for example, by plasmapheresis, is effective in depleting antibodies, but they recover within days. IgG‐degrading enzymes do not deplete IgM. Despite the expression of human complement‐regulatory proteins on the pig graft, inhibition of systemic complement activation may be necessary, particularly if AMR is to be reversed. Potential therapies include (i) inhibition of complement activation (e.g., by IVIg, C1 INH, or an anti‐C5 antibody), but some complement inhibitors are not effective in NHPs, for example, eculizumab. Possible B cell‐targeted therapies include (i) B cell depletion, (ii) plasma cell depletion, (iii) modulation of B cell activation, and (iv) enhancing the generation of regulatory B and/or T cells. Among anti‐inflammatory agents, anti‐IL6R mAb and TNF blockers are increasingly being tested in xenotransplantation models, but with no definitive evidence that they reverse AMR. Increasing attention should be directed toward testing combinations of the above therapies. We suggest that treatment with a systemic complement inhibitor is likely to be most effective, possibly combined with anti‐inflammatory agents (if these are not already being administered). Ultimately, it may require further genetic engineering of the organ‐source pig to resolve the problem entirely, for example, knockout or knockdown of SLA, and/or expression of PD‐L1, HLA E, and/or HLA‐G.
Preservice Teachers’ Assessment Literacy Within Models-Based Practice
Authors: Starck Jenna , Sinelnikov Oleg A. , Richards Kevin Andrew
Published: August 2023

Purpose: Using the assessment literacy framework, the purpose of this study was to explore preservice teachers understanding and enactment of the message system during an early field experience. Method: Six PTs employed SE seasons totaling 540 min. Seven qualitative data methods were utilized. Data analysis included deductive and inductive analysis using a thematic approach. Trustworthiness included data triangulation, peer debriefing, negative case analysis, and the maintenance of an audit trail. Results: Three main themes derived from the data included: instructional decisions were driven by the SE model and informal assessment; formal assessment was driven by the structure of SE; and high assessment value but low assessment literacy. Discussion/Conclusion: The SE model drove PTs to use formal assessment, but primarily in an evaluative manner. The PTs lacked assessment literacy, felt pressure to follow the model, did not use assessment to inform teaching, and had concerns for future assessment use.
Planning and Pedagogical Considerations for Teaching Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder in Physical Education
Authors: Sortwell Andrew , Carter-Thuillier Bastian , Konukman Ferman , O’Brien Kate , Hattabi Soukaina , Trimble Kevin
Published: August 2023

Around the world, autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a prevalent neurodevelopmental condition. It is linked to a wide range of deficiencies across multiple domains, including restrictive and repetitive behaviors that impair interaction or engagement with others. School-aged children with ASD face challenges that make physical activity more difficult. To address challenges associated with ASD, physical education interventions need to be tailored to the child’s needs and abilities. Despite advances in research on children with ASD in physical education, adopting contemporary approaches is yet to be the norm. This review aimed to examine the literature on intervention models to improve the physical activity skills of children with ASD and to suggest practical considerations for delivering an effective physical education program and lessons. The recommendations provided in this review support teachers in applying strategies that maximize meaningful learning opportunities for children with ASD and use effective pedagogies that meet their needs.
Development of a modified physiological birth programme integrated into Iran’s health system and its effect on maternal and neonatal outcomes: an embedded mixed-methods study protocol
Authors: Moridi Azam , Abedi Parvin , Iravani Mina , Khosravi Shahla , Alianmoghaddam Narges , Maraghi Elham , Saadati Najmieh
Published: August 2023

Introduction

As recommended by the WHO, promotion of physiological birth is a main strategy to reduce the rate of caesarean section and achieve Sustainable Development Goals. A modified version of the physiological birth programme that may be included into the Iranian healthcare system was developed as a result of this mixed-methods research.

Methods and analysis

This embedded mixed-methods study had a qualitative phase that was conducted before a clinical trial. This qualitative phase was conducted via semistructured in-depth targeted interviews with the recipients and the providers of physiological birth programme services. Data analysis was performed using a conventional content analysis approach. Then, for designing the intervention, national and international guidelines of physiological birth were reviewed, and a panel of experts was convened using the Delphi method. A randomised controlled trial was used in the second phase of the research to examine the impact of the physiological birth programme’s intended intervention on maternal and neonatal outcomes as well as mothers’ experiences during labour. It was conducted on 252 eligible pregnant women in two intervention and control groups. Finally, the results of qualitative and quantitative phases contributed to developing a physiological birth programme which can be integrated into the Iranian health system.

Ethics and dissemination

This study was approved by the Ethics Committee of Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences (IR.AJUMS.REC.1401.050). All participants gave their informed permission. The study’s findings will be shared via the publishing of peer-reviewed articles, talks at scientific conferences and meetings with related teams.

Trial registration number

Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT20220406054438N1).
Vaginal birth core information set: study protocol for a Delphi study to achieve a consensus on a ‘core information set’ for vaginal birth
Authors: Demetri Andrew , Davies Anna , Bakhbakhi Danya , Ijaz Sharea , Dawson Sarah , McGuinness Sheelagh , Beasor Gemma , Clayton Gemma , Johnson Abigail , de Souza Chloë , Dempsey Aine , Snook Gabriella , Sharp Andrew , Lissauer David , McGoldrick Emma , Burden Christy , Merriel Abi
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Studies have shown that women are often underinformed about potential benefits and risks of vaginal birth. This is in contrast to other modes of birth, such as caesarean birth, for which the risks/benefits are often conveyed prior to undergoing the procedure. A core information set (CIS) is an agreed set of information points that should be discussed with all patients prior to undergoing a procedure or intervention. This CIS could improve the quality of information given regarding mode of birth options, as women will be given information prioritised by patients and stakeholders regarding vaginal birth, empowering them to make informed decisions about their birth. We aim to describe the protocol for the development of this vaginal birth CIS.

Methods and analysis

We will develop the CIS by: (1) Compiling a ‘long-list’ of information points about vaginal birth by: undertaking a scoping review of studies and patient information leaflets; interviews with antenatal/postnatal women, an online survey of stakeholders. (2) Collating the ‘long-list’ of information points and developing the Delphi survey. Think-aloud interviews will refine the survey. (3) Conducting a two-round Delphi survey. 200 stakeholder participants will be recruited. Items rated critically important by ≥80% of participants in one stakeholder group, or with no consensus, will be carried through to a stakeholder consensus meeting to decide the final CIS. Planned start date is 1 June 2022. Planned end date is 31 August 2023.

Ethics and dissemination

This project has been given a favourable ethics opinion by the University of Bristol Research Ethics Committee (Ref: 10530). Approval from the ethics committee will be sought for any protocol amendments, and the principal investigator will be responsible for these changes. Findings will be presented at relevant conferences and published in a high-impact journal. We will disseminate the CIS, via Policy Bristol, to clinical policy and guideline developers.
Clinical care pathway to detect advanced liver disease in patients with type 2 diabetes through automated fibrosis score calculation and electronic reminder messages: a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Zhang Xinrong , Yip Terry Cheuk-Fung , Wong Grace Lai-Hung , Leow Wei-Xuan , Liang Lilian Yan , Lim Lee-Ling , Li Guanlin , Ibrahim Luqman , Lin Huapeng , Lai Jimmy Che To , Chim Angel Mei-Ling , Chan Henry Lik Yuen , Kong Alice Pik-Shan , Chan Wah Kheong , Wong Vincent Wai-Sun
Published: August 2023

Objective

We aimed to test the hypothesis that automated fibrosis score calculation and electronic reminder messages could increase the detection of advanced liver disease in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Design

In this pragmatic randomised controlled trial at five general medical or diabetes clinics in Hong Kong and Malaysia, we randomly assigned patients in a 1:1 ratio to the intervention group with Fibrosis-4 index and aspartate aminotransferase-to-platelet ratio index automatically calculated based on routine blood tests, followed by electronic reminder messages to alert clinicians of abnormal results, or the control group with usual care. The primary outcome was the proportion of patients with increased fibrosis scores who received appropriate care (referred for hepatology care or specific fibrosis assessment) within 1 year.

Results

Between May 2020 and Oct 2021, 1379 patients were screened, of whom 533 and 528 were assigned to the intervention and control groups, respectively. A total of 55 out of 165 (33.3%) patients with increased fibrosis scores in the intervention group received appropriate care, compared with 4 of 131 (3.1%) patients in the control group (difference 30.2% (95% CI 22.4% to 38%); p<0.001). Overall, 11 out of 533 (2.1%) patients in the intervention group and 1 out of 528 (0.2%) patients in the control group were confirmed to have advanced liver disease (difference 1.9% (95% CI 0.61% to 3.5%); p=0.006).

Conclusion

Automated fibrosis score calculation and electronic reminders can increase referral of patients with type 2 diabetes and abnormal fibrosis scores at non-hepatology settings.

Trial registration number

NCT04241575.
From clinical variables to multiomics analysis: a margin morphology-based gross classification system for hepatocellular carcinoma stratification
Authors: Fan Zhongqi , Jin Meishan , Zhang Lei , Wang Nanya , Li Mingyue , Wang Chuanlei , Wei Feng , Zhang Ping , Du Xiaohong , Sun Xiaodong , Qiu Wei , Wang Meng , Wang Hongbin , Shi Xiaoju , Ye Junfeng , Jiang Chao , Zhou Jianpeng , Chai Wengang , Qi Jun , Li Ting , Zhang Ruoyan , Liu Xingkai , Huang Bo , Chai Kaiyuan , Cao Yannan , Mu Wentao , Huang Yu , Yang Tian , Zhang Huimao , Qu Limei , Liu Yahui , Wang Guangyi , Lv Guoyue
Published: August 2023

Objective

Selecting interventions for patients with solitary hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains a challenge. Despite gross classification being proposed as a potential prognostic predictor, its widespread use has been restricted due to inadequate studies with sufficient patient numbers and the lack of established mechanisms. We sought to investigate the prognostic impacts on patients with HCC of different gross subtypes and assess their corresponding molecular landscapes.

Design

A prospective cohort of 400 patients who underwent hepatic resection for solitary HCC was reviewed and analysed and gross classification was assessed. Multiomics analyses were performed on tumours and non-tumour tissues from 49 patients to investigate the mechanisms underlying gross classification. Inverse probability of treatment weight (IPTW) was used to control for confounding factors.

Results

Overall 3-year survival rates varied significantly among the four gross subtypes (type I: 91%, type II: 80%, type III: 74.6%, type IV: 38.8%). Type IV was found to be independently associated with poor prognosis in both the entire cohort and the IPTW cohort. The four gross subtypes exhibited three distinct transcriptional modules. Particularly, type IV tumours exhibited increased angiogenesis and immune score as well as decreased metabolic pathways, together with highest frequency of TP53 mutations. Patients with type IV HCC may benefit from adjuvant intra-arterial therapy other than the other three subtypes. Accordingly, a modified trichotomous margin morphological gross classification was established.

Conclusion

Different gross types of HCC showed significantly different prognosis and molecular characteristics. Gross classification may aid in development of precise individualised diagnosis and treatment strategies for HCC.
Emerging mesenchymal tumour types and biases in the era of ubiquitous sequencing
Authors: Towery Emily Anne , Papke David James
Published: August 2023

New tumour types are being described at increasing frequency, and most new tumour types are now identified via retrospective review of next-generation sequencing data. This contrasts with the traditional, morphology-based method of identifying new tumour types, and while the sequencing-based approach has accelerated progress in the field, it has also introduced novel and under-recognised biases. Here, we discuss tumour types identified based on morphology, including superficial CD34-positive fibroblastic tumour, pseudoendocrine sarcoma and cutaneous clear cell tumour with melanocytic differentiation andACTIN::MITFfusion. We also describe tumour types identified primarily by next-generation sequencing, including epithelioid and spindle cell rhabdomyosarcoma, round cell neoplasms withEWSR1::PATZ1fusion, cutaneous melanocytic tumour withCRTC1::TRIM11fusion, clear cell tumour with melanocytic differentiation andMITF::CREMfusion andGLI1-altered mesenchymal neoplasms, including nested glomoid neoplasm.
Retrospective cohort study assessing coverage, uptake and associations with hepatitis B vaccination among females who engage in sex work attending sexual health services in England between 2015 and 2019
Authors: Hibbert Matt , Simmons Ruth , Ratna Natasha , Mandal Sema , Sabin Caroline , Desai Monica , Mohammed Hamish
Published: August 2023

Objectives

Females who engage in sex work (FSW) are at high risk of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and are eligible for HBV vaccination. The objective of this analysis was to explore coverage, uptake and correlates of HBV vaccination among FSW who attend sexual health services (SHS) in England.

Methods

Data on all attendances at SHS in England were obtained from the GUMCAD STI Surveillance System. Attendees were eligible for inclusion if they were female, had not been previously diagnosed with HIV and sex work was recorded between 2015 and 2019. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression models were used to investigate sociodemographic factors (age, ethnicity, region of birth and region of residence) associated with having received an HBV vaccination on or after an attendance where sex work was reported.

Results

There were 13 769 FSW attending SHS in England between 2015 and 2019 (median age 30 years, 71% white ethnicity). HBV vaccination coverage was 37% (n=5050/13 751, 95% CI 35.9%–37.5%). Among those that first reported sex work between 2015 and 2019, HBV vaccination uptake was 30% (n=3249/10 681, 95% CI 29.6%–31.3%). In multivariable analyses, HBV vaccination uptake was associated with younger age (5-year increase: OR=0.87, 95% CI 0.85, 0.89) and being born in South America (37%, adjusted OR (aOR)=1.40, 95% CI 1.18, 1.66) compared with being born in the UK. Being of Asian ethnicity (19%, aOR=0.63, 95% CI 0.45, 0.89) compared with white ethnicity was associated with reduced odds of HBV vaccination. Sixteen FSW were diagnosed with HBV after their first attendance where sex work was recorded.

Conclusions

To achieve the WHO goals of elimination of HBV as a public health threat by the year 2030, further research is needed to understand the individual and structural barriers to the offering and uptake of HBV vaccination among FSW, as well as using health promotion methods to improve uptake.
Constraining Palatini–Horndeski theory with gravitational waves after GW170817
Authors: Dong Yu-Qi , Liu Yu-Qiang , Liu Yu-Xiao
Published: August 2023

In this paper, we investigate the possible parameter space of Palatini–Horndeski theory with gravitational waves in a spatially flat Universe. We develop a general method for obtaining the speed of gravitational waves in the Palatini formalism in the cosmological background and we find that if the theory satisfies the following condition: in any spatially flat cosmological background, the tensor gravitational wave speed is the speed of light c, then only $$S = \int d^4x \sqrt{-g} \big [K(\phi ,X)-G_{3}(\phi ,X){{\tilde{\Box }}}\phi +G_{4}(\phi ){\tilde{R}}\big ]$$

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is left as the possible action in Palatini–Horndeski theory. We also find that when $$G_{5}(\phi ,X)\ne 0$$

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, the tensor part of the connection will propagate and there are two different tensor gravitational wave speeds.