bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Political Economic Sources of Policy Non-design, Policy Accumulation, and Decay in Policy Capacity
Authors: Coban M.Kerem
Published: April 2023

This article problematizes the political economic drivers of policy (non-)design, instrument choice, and how prolonged non-design could trigger policy accumulation with serious implications for policy capacity. Focusing on the currency crisis-induced economic crisis in Turkey and relying on elite interviews and secondary resources, it argues that the design space, which is defined by the interactions between the credit-led growth model and the growth regime that prioritizes loose monetary and bank regulatory policies for higher economic growth rates, led to haphazard crisis response. Prolonged non-design in response to the crisis triggered policy accumulation and decay in systemic and organizational policy capacity.
A Mixed Methods Evaluation of a Pilot Multidisciplinary Breathlessness Support Service
Authors: Drury Amanda , Goss Julie , Afolabi Jide , McHugh Gillian , O’Leary Norma , Brady Anne-Marie
Published: April 2023

Breathlessness support services have demonstrated benefits for breathlessness mastery, quality of life and psychosocial outcomes for people living with breathlessness. However, these services have predominantly been implemented in hospital and home care contexts. This study aims to evaluate the adaptation and implementation of a hospice-based outpatient Multidisciplinary Breathlessness Support Service (MBSS) in Ireland. A sequential explanatory mixed methods design guided this study. People with chronic breathlessness participated in longitudinal questionnaires ( n = 10), medical record audit ( n = 14) and a post-discharge interview ( n = 8). Caregivers ( n = 1) and healthcare professionals involved in referral to ( n = 2) and delivery of ( n = 3) the MBSS participated in a cross-sectional interview. Quantitative and qualitative data were integrated deductively via the pillar integration process, guided by the RE-AIM framework. Integration of mixed methods data enhanced understanding of factors influencing the reach, adoption, implementation and maintenance of the MBSS, and the potential outcomes that were most meaningful for service users. Potential threats to the sustainability of the MBSS related to potential preconceptions of hospice care, the lack of standardized discharge pathways from the service and access to primary care services to sustain pharmacological interventions. This study suggests that an adapted multidisciplinary breathlessness support intervention is feasible and acceptable in a hospice context. However, to ensure optimal reach and maintenance of the intervention, activities are required to ensure that misconceptions about the setting do not influence willingness to accept referral to MBSS services and integration of services is needed to enable consistency in referral and discharge processes.
Efficacy of Several Design Methods for Predicting the Axial Compressive Capacity of Piles
Authors: Ozturk Baturalp , Kodsy Antonio , Bazi Youssef , Iskander Magued G.
Published: April 2023

A variety of design methods for determining piles’ axial compressive load capacity are routinely employed in current practice. These range from methods specified in building codes to proprietary methods developed and employed by an assortment of engineering firms. In this study, the performance of eight commonly used design methods was evaluated using a database of 505 load tests and associated geotechnical design parameters compiled from Professor Olson’s database and that of the Iowa State Department of Transportation. The methods investigated included standard penetration test (SPT)-based methods, such as those recommended by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, American Petroleum Institute, and Revised Lambda; and cone penetration test (CPT)-based methods such as those recommended by the Norwegian Geotechnical Institute, Imperial College, Fugro, and University of Western Australia. Pile capacities were calculated using APILE software and were compared with the measured capacities interpreted using the standard Davisson criterion and stored in the databases. The performance of all design methods was evaluated in relation to accuracy, precision, effect of soil type, diameter, and length. Both SPT and CPT methods exhibited similar accuracies, however, CPT-based design methods exhibited significantly better precision compared with SPT-based methods. All methods had shortcomings and appeared to work best under certain conditions, which are documented in this paper. The authors believe that this evaluation will permit practicing engineers and regulating bodies to better understand the efficacy of various design approaches in common use.
Structural Capacity of Sections Constructed with Different Waste and Recycled Embankment and Insulation Materials at the Integrated Road Research Facility Test Road after Five Years of Operation
Authors: Huang Yunyan , Moghaddam Taher Baghaee , Hashemian Leila , Bayat Alireza
Published: April 2023

The Integrated Road Research Facility test road was constructed in 2012 to study the application of waste and recycled materials in road construction in cold regions. Bottom ash (BA) and polystyrene board were used in test sections as insulation materials. Tire-derived aggregate (TDA) from passenger and light-truck tires (PLTT), off-the-road (OTR) tires, and a mixture of TDA from PLTT and soil were used as embankment fill materials in three additional test sections. Two control sections were used to evaluate the performance of the test sections. To compare the long-term impact of these materials on the load-bearing capacity of the pavement, falling weight deflectometer (FWD) tests were conducted after five years of operation. FWD data were used to back-calculate the subgrade modulus, effective modulus, and effective structural number. It was found that although embankments backfilled with TDA from PLTT and OTR gave an initial improvement in the load-bearing capacity of the pavement, a significant loss in load-bearing capacity of pavements with TDA embankments was observed after five years. In contrast, the test section with an embankment backfilled with a mixture TDA from PLTT and soil performed close to the control section, and no significant loss in load-bearing capacity was observed during this study. The test section insulated with polystyrene showed lower load-bearing capacity and a higher loss in load-bearing capacity after five years of operation. However, the test section insulated with BA performed close to the control section and had a lower loss in load-bearing capacity than the control section.
Regional Alterations of Macroscopy and Histology in Meniscus in an ACL Transection Rabbit Model
Authors: Huang Mingru , Sheng Huaixuan , Gao Han , Feng Sijia , Sun Luyi , Chen Jun , Li Yunxia
Published: April 2023

Background:

Although meniscal injury is common after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury, the underlying process in different meniscal regions remains unclear.

Purpose:

To investigate macroscopic and histological alterations in different meniscal regions in an ACL transection (ACLT) rabbit model.

Study Design:

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods:

ACLT was performed on New Zealand White rabbits. Both the medial meniscus (MM) and the lateral meniscus (LM) of the ACLT knees were obtained at 8 (n = 6) and 26 (n = 6) weeks postoperatively. MM and LM collected from nonoperated knees were considered 0 weeks (n = 6) postoperatively. Menisci were then divided into posterior, central, and anterior regions for macroscopic (width) and histological (hematoxylin and eosin, safranin O/fast green, collagen type 2 [COL2]) analysis.

Results:

The macroscopic widths of MM and LM increased and then decreased over 26 weeks postoperatively, with all 3 MM widths at 8 weeks significantly wider than at 0 weeks (posterior: P < .01; central: P < .05; anterior: P < .05). In the MM, chondrocyte-like cell density increased and then decreased postoperatively, whereas in the LM, it decreased and then remained almost unchanged. Cell density was significantly higher in the central MM region at 8 weeks than at 0 weeks ( P < .05). Glycosaminoglycan (GAG) and COL2 percentages of MM and LM decreased from 0 to 8 weeks and then returned to nearly normal levels at 26 weeks postoperatively. In the MM, the GAG percentage in the posterior ( P < .05) and central ( P < .01) regions and the COL2 percentage in the posterior region ( P < .05) was significantly lower at 8 weeks than at 0 weeks.

Conclusion:

After ACLT in rabbit meniscus, the extracellular matrix (ECM) initially decreased and then increased to almost normal. Additionally, there were significant differences in the ECM percentage in the posterior and central regions of the MM in comparison with other meniscal regions between 0 and 8 weeks postoperatively.

Clinical Relevance:

The results indicate that the time for meniscal injury after ACL injury is important, and attention should be paid to the posterior and central regions of the MM after ACLT.
Evaluation of Three Methods of Sensory Function Testing for the Assessment of Successful Maxillary Nerve Blockade in Horses
Authors: McAndrews Amelie , Zarucco Laura , Hopster Klaus , Stefanovski Darko , Foster David , Driessen Bernd
Published: April 2023

Maxillary nerve blocks (MNBs) commonly facilitate dental surgeries in standing horses. The goal of this prospective, blinded, cross-over design trial including 15 client-owned horses was to evaluate 3 methods of sensory function testing for confirming a successful MNB. Testing was performed bilaterally before sedation, 5 min after sedation, and 15 and 30 min after MNB with 0.5% bupivacaine and involved a needle prick dorsal to each naris, hemostat clamping of each nostril, and gingival algometry (measuring sensitivity to pain). Responses to stimulation were numerically scored and scores were summed up to a total score. Total score increases on the blocked side by ≥ 2 between baseline and 30 min Post MNB recordings signified a successful MNB. Sedation in the preceding 6 h, presence of sino-nasal disease, side of dental pathology, age, butorphanol administration, and detomidine dosing (µg/kg/min) throughout the tooth extraction procedure were recorded. In 73% of horses, MNB was successful. Sedation in the preceding 6 h ( P = .732), age ( P = .936), side of pathology ( P = .516), and sino-nasal disease ( P = .769) were not associated with total scores. Detomidine dosage and butorphanol use did not differ between horses in which the MNB was considered successful and for those in which it was not ( P = .967 and P = .538, respectively). Scores obtained with gingival algometry were less closely associated with total scores (rho = .649) than those obtained with needle prick and nostril clamping (rho = .819 and .892, respectively). Therefore, needle prick and nostril clamping are considered the more reliable methods for use in clinical practice to determine the success of an MNB.
Performance of cutting-tool patterns textured via ultrashort laser pulses in the turning of martensitic stainless steel under dry and lubricated conditions
Authors: Santana Tatiana Dias , de Rossi Wagner , Barbosa Patrícia Alves , Bertolete Marcelo
Published: April 2023

The pulse length for ultrashort pulse lasers is considered shorter than the thermal vibration period of the material lattice. The thermal diffusion depth is negligible when compared with the optical penetration depth because laser-matter interaction occurs only near the focal volume. Hence, ultrashort pulse lasers are indicated for micromachining. This study aims to evaluate straight and zig-zag texture patterns generated by ultrashort laser pulses on the rake face of uncoated cemented carbide tools during the turning of martensitic stainless steel. The tests were performed under dry and lubricated conditions. The output variables were machining force, cutting power, chip thickness ratio and aspects of workpiece quality (form tolerance and surface roughness). The textures presented micrometric dimensions with a narrow deviation. The main results showed that the straight texture pattern decreased the machining force by 17.5% when compared to the zig-zag pattern. For cutting power, the straight pattern reduced consumption by 5.8% and 6.9% in relation to the reference and zig-zag tools, respectively. Finally, under dry machining conditions, the straight tool was able to decrease the workpiece cylindricity deviation by an average of 108% and 25% compared to the reference and zig-zag tools. The results provide evidence that texturing can affect the tribological system, chip-tool interface, with a potential impact on the sustainability of the process.
Potential of titanium based alloys in the biomedical sector and their surface modification techniques: A review
Authors: Asad Muhammad , Sana Muhammad
Published: April 2023

Titanium and its alloys are belonging to the class of biomedical materials and have amazing characteristic features, including high corrosion protection, incredible wear resistance, superb hardness, and extraordinary bio-degradability and activity. Due to these remarkable qualities, titanium materials are considerably treated in medical applications like bone implantation, surgical devices and prosthesis, dental implants, and fracture bone fixation by screws, plates, nails and abutments. However, there is a property of titanium alloys that it holds layers of oxygen over the surface, but the atmospheric reactions/changes at extremely high temperature alter the morphology of the films, resulting in the loss of biological performance. In order to cover up this barrier, surface treatments are performed through different mechanical, chemical, and physical means. The treatments over the surface enhance the micro-features, improve the biocompatibility, and extend the life of coatings on titanium substrate. These modifications allow the various titanium alloys to be principally used in medical and dental applications. Considering the significance and applications of these alloys, this article is mainly conducted to scrutinize the various aspects, that is, biomedical applications and surface modification techniques, of titanium-based materials.
Effects of welding parameters on tensile properties and failure modes of resistance spot welded DC01 steel
Authors: Elitas Muhammed
Published: April 2023

In this study, different resistance spot welding joints were made on DC01 steel with welding parameters of 8–10–12 kA welding currents and 1.96–2.94 kN electrode forces. Measurements of the nugget diameter and tests of the tensile shear were performed. Also, various failure modes were determined. The importance of welding parameters on the value of the tensile shear force was determined, and a statistical model was established with the ANOVA study. The microstructure of the joint was characterized by optical and scanning electron microscopes. As a result, the nugget diameter and the tensile shear force were increased with an increase in the welding current and the electrode force. Two failure modes, namely, interfacial and plug failures, were observed. The effect of the electrode force was higher than the welding current on the tensile shear force. The base material was densely composed of the ferrite phase, heat-affected, and the fusion zone consisted of the coarse ferrite phase.
Empathy: a case study in the historical epistemology of psychiatry
Authors: Marková Ivana S
Published: April 2023

The hybrid constitution of psychiatry carries important implications for understanding the discipline and the legitimacy of its research approaches. One implication concerns the central role of concepts in forming the knowledge base of psychiatry. Because of this, it is vital to explore the structures and interrelationships of concepts through their historical constitution. Using this approach to compare concepts of empathy as articulated by R Vischer, T Lipps and E Stein shows that, despite overlap, the concepts vary in structure, in meaning and in the aspect of reality they capture. This suggests that the concept of empathy carries an unstable ontology and epistemology. In turn, this carries implications for the concept itself, for psychiatry and for research approaches in this field.
What are you assessing when you measure “trust” in scientists with a direct measure?
Authors: Besley John C. , Tiffany Leigh Anne
Published: April 2023

This article analyzes three publicly available datasets focused on trust in science and scientists. It specifically seeks to understand what direct measures of trust (i.e. questions that directly ask respondents how much they trust scientists) assess in terms of discrete measures of trustworthiness (i.e. perceptions of scientists’ ability, integrity, and benevolence). Underlying the analyses is a concern that direct measures of trust are a poor substitute for differentiating between discrete trustworthiness perceptions and behavioral trust in the form of a specific willingness to make oneself vulnerable. The research concludes that it is unclear what direct trust measures are capturing in any given context and suggests that researchers should better use trust-related theory when designing surveys and trust-focused campaigns. The secondary data used come from the General Social Survey, Gallup, and the Pew Research Center.
Comparable Outcomes of Pre- Versus Post-Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor Era Treatment in Chronic Myeloid Leukemia: A Retrospective Cohort Study With Long-term Follow-up
Authors: Tavakoli Sahar , Khalaj Fattaneh , Kasaeian Amir , Mousavi Seyed Ali , Mousavian Amir-Hossein , Arabi Fatemeh , Rad Soroush , Rostami Shahrbano , Barkhordar Maryam , Biglari Mohammad , Mardani-Fard Heydar Ali , Alemi Hediyeh , Khavandgar Naghmeh , Kamranzadeh Fumani Hossein , Janbabai Ghasem , Mousavi Seied Asadollah , Ghavamzadeh Ardeshir , Vaezi Mohammad
Published: April 2023

Imatinib, a selective BCR-ABL tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI), was introduced after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) for patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). However, the long-term effects of allo-HSCT in chronic phase CML patients are mostly unknown. We retrospectively analyzed the outcomes of 204 patients with sibling donors who received peripheral stem cells and underwent allo-HSCT of chronic phase I (CP1) in the pre- and post-TKI era at Shariati Hospital in Tehran, Iran, from 1998 to 2017 and followed up till the end of 2021. The median follow-up time for all patients was 8.7 (SD = 0.54) years. Fifteen-year overall survival (OS), disease-free survival (DFS), graft-versus-host disease-free relapse-free survival (GRFS), relapse, and non-relapse mortality (NRM) incidence were 65.70%, 57.83%, 17.56%, 13.17%, and 28.98%, respectively. Using multivariable analyses, the only risk factor increasing the hazard of death was the time between diagnosis to allo-HSCT greater than 1 year compared to this time less than 1 year by 74% [hazard ratio (HR) = 1.74, P = 0.039]. Also, age is a significant risk factor for DFS (HR = 1.03, P = 0.031). Our findings suggested that allo-HSCT is still an important treatment option for CP1 patients, especially those resistant to TKI treatment. TKI consumption can have a desirable effect on NRM after allo-HSCT for CP1 CML.
Mesenchymal Stem Cell Therapy in Kidney Diseases: Potential and Challenges
Authors: Chen Fukun , Chen NaNa , Xia Chunjuan , Wang Hongyue , Shao Lishi , Zhou Chen , Wang Jiaping
Published: April 2023

Kidney disease (KD) is a life-threatening disease characterized by high morbidity and mortality in clinical settings, which can be caused by many reasons, and the incidence increases with age. However, supportive therapy and kidney transplantation still have limitations in alleviating KD progression. Recently, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have shown great potential in repairing injury through their multidirectional differentiation and self-renewal ability. Of note, MSCs serve as a safe and effective therapeutic strategy for treating KD in preclinical and clinical trials. Functionally, MSCs ameliorate KD progression by regulating the immune response, renal tubular cell apoptosis, tubular epithelial–mesenchymal transition, oxidative stress, angiogenesis, and so on. In addition, MSCs exhibit remarkable efficacy in both acute kidney injury (AKI) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) through paracrine mechanisms. In this review, we outline the biological characteristics of MSCs, discuss the efficacy and mechanisms of MSCs-based therapy for KD, summarize the completed and ongoing clinical trials, as well as analyze limitations and new strategies, aiming to provide new ideas and approaches for the preclinical experiments and clinical trials of MSCs transplantation for KD.
Mediastinal Myxofibrosarcoma Harboring Loss-of-Function MSH2 Variant in a Patient With Lynch Syndrome: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Jia Liwei , Hwang Helena , De Las Casas Luis
Published: April 2023

Myxofibrosarcoma is a malignant fibroblastic neoplasm that commonly arises in the extremities, with mediastinum being a very rare location. The development of sarcomas is uncommon in patients with Lynch syndrome. We present a Lynch syndrome patient with synchronous cecal adenocarcinoma and mediastinal myxofibrosarcoma with both harboring the same loss-of-function MSH2 alteration (c.2634 + 1G > A splice region variant). Metastatic myxofibrosarcoma in the left chest wall developed 6 months after the initial diagnosis. The clinical presentation, imaging findings, histopathology, and molecular studies along with differential diagnoses are presented and discussed.
Analysis and health risk assessments of heavy metals and nitrate migration into pickle beverages
Authors: Topdas Elif Feyza , Isci Gursel , Dagdemir Elif
Published: April 2023

This research aimed to investigate the levels of heavy metals (lead, cadmium, inorganic arsenic, and aluminium) and nitrate contaminants in pickle beverages sold in the Turkey market produced from various fruits and vegetables. In addition, carcinogenic and noncarcinogenic risk assessments of exposure resulting from oral consumption of these beverages have also been made. The heavy metal concentrations in 22 pickle beverages were found to be in the range of 0.369 to 119.181 for Al, 0.136 to 6.561 for iAs, 0.020 to 1.326 for Cd, and 0.118 to 3.632 µg/L for Pb, while the nitrate concentrations were <  limits of detection (LOD) 117.320 mg/L. Hazard quotient values for heavy metals and nitrate are calculated as <1 in both genders and are safe regarding noncarcinogenic risks. Lifetime carcinogenic risk assessment indicated that some pickle beverages might pose a carcinogenic risk at grade A (>10−4) for iAs and grade B (10−6–10−4) for Pb in both genders.
Probing asymmetric uncertain effect on symmetric three-lobe journal bearing
Authors: Roy B , Roy L , Dey S
Published: April 2023

The conventional design process of journal bearings is completely based on deterministic theoretical predictions. The deterministic approach ignores the probabilistic and random nature of input variables and consequently, poses an arbitrary tolerance or safety factor on the performance parameters. However, such arbitrary safety factors result in performance loss when the factor is very high or failure of the system when the factor is low. This paper presents a probabilistic approach for the design of a three-lobe journal bearing considering the uncertainty in geometric parameters such as clearance, preload, and offset factor. The Monte Carlo simulation (MCS) algorithm is used for the propagation of input uncertainties to the systems’ output. To increase the efficiency of computationally expensive MCS, the moving least square (MLS) method is used as a surrogate model. The training data of the surrogate model is obtained by solving the Reynolds equation, at selective design points, using the finite difference method. To explain the probabilistic response of the bearing for various applications and different operating conditions, the results are presented for long, short, and finite bearings at three different supply pressures considering three different eccentricity ratios. The results of the probabilistic analysis show a significant deviation of the system response from its deterministically predicted values and suggest safe design values for the reliable operation of a three-lobe bearing.
ECS-Ecrea Early Career Scholar Prize winner - An astrological genealogy of artificial intelligence: From ‘pseudo-sciences’ of divination to sciences of prediction
Authors: Nikolić Leona
Published: April 2023

Algorithmic media have adopted and adapted divinatory practices and vernaculars of prediction, prophecy, probability, fortune-telling and forecasting – suggesting a possible link between artificial intelligence and pre-scientific modes of speculation. Statistical thinking and magical thinking, too, can be recognised as closely correlated epistemological systems for governing societies and ways of life. In fact, primitive astrological practices of looking up at the stars may represent one of the earliest statistical projects involving sophisticated calculations and data sets. Such pattern-making techniques could even be considered precursory to machine learning. As a point of departure for exploring these eclectic relationships between stars and data, magic and machines, I use a media archaeological methodology to question the historical roles of both astrological and computational divination in mediating methods of control, surveillance and knowledge production across transforming societal contexts. This methodology is especially relevant for examining historical narratives in the field of cultural studies as it makes apparent the hyper-connectedness between objects, cultural representation and sites of hegemonic contention. My findings reveal relationships between celestial pattern recognition and efforts to exert control over and manipulate the natural environment and its populations, the historical impact of meteorological and climatological practices for predicting and influencing future events with artificial intelligence, and links between statistics and algorithmic data biases. This article suggests a speculative genealogy of astrology and artificial intelligence, as well as a genealogy of the theological, scientific and machinic unconscious.
The Herbal Medicine Suanzaoren (Ziziphi Spinosae Semen) for Sleep Quality Improvements: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Yang Mingxiao , Wang Hui , Zhang Yi Lily , Zhang Furong , Li Xiaotong , Kim Soo-Dam , Chen Yalan , Chen Jiyao , Chimonas Susan , Korenstein Deborah , Mao Jun J.
Published: April 2023

Background:

Sleep disturbances are common and bothersome among cancer and noncancer populations. Suanzaoren ( Ziziphi Spinosae Semen) is commonly used to improve sleep, yet its efficacy and safety are unclear.

Methods:

We systematically searched PubMed, Cochrane Library, and EMBASE from inception through October 5, 2021, to identify randomized trials of Suanzaoren. We included randomized trials comparing Suanzaoren to placebo, medications, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), or usual care for improving sleep outcomes in cancer and noncancer patients with insomnia or sleep disturbance. We performed a risk of bias analysis following Cochrane guidelines. Depending on heterogeneity, we pooled studies with similar comparators using fixed- and random-effects models.

Results:

We included participants with insomnia disorder (N = 785) or sleep disturbance (N = 120) from 9 trials. Compared with placebo, Suanzaoren led to significant subjective sleep quality improvements in participants with insomnia and patients with sleep disturbance combined (standard mean difference −0.58, 95% CI −1.04, −0.11; P < .01); Compared with benzodiazepines or CBT, Suanzaoren was associated with a significant decrease in insomnia severity (mean difference −2.68 points, 95% CI −5.50, −0.22; P = .03) at 4 weeks in the general population and cancer patients. The long-term effects of Suanzaoren were mixed among trials. Suanzaoren did not increase the incidence of major adverse events. The placebo-controlled studies had a low risk of bias.

Conclusion:

Suanzaoren is associated with short-term patient-reported sleep quality improvements among individuals with insomnia or sleep disturbance. Due to the small sample size and variable study quality, the clinical benefits and harms of Suanzaoren, particularly in the long term, should be further assessed in a sufficiently powered randomized trial.

Registration:

PROSPERO CRD42021281943
Cellular senescence and the blood–brain barrier: Implications for aging and age-related diseases
Authors: Knopp Rachel C , Erickson Michelle A , Rhea Elizabeth M , Reed May J , Banks William A
Published: April 2023

The blood–brain barrier (BBB) is a critical physiochemical interface that regulates communication between the brain and blood. It is comprised of brain endothelial cells which regulate the BBB’s barrier and interface properties and is surrounded by supportive brain cell types including pericytes and astrocytes. Recent reports have suggested that the BBB undergoes dysfunction during normative aging and in disease. In this review, we consider the effect of cellular senescence, one of the nine hallmarks of aging, on the BBB. We first characterize known normative age–related changes at the BBB, and then evaluate changes in neurodegenerative diseases, with an emphasis on if/how cellular senescence is influencing these changes. We then discuss what insight has been gained from in vitro and in vivo studies of cellular senescence at the BBB. Finally, we evaluate mechanisms by which cellular senescence in peripheral pathologies can indirectly or directly affect BBB function.
Teachers’ intersecting identities of culture, ethnicity, religion and gender when addressing awareness of forced marriage in the classroom, in London, England: A case study of five teachers
Authors: Khan Tehmina
Published: April 2023

The UK (Westminster) government first legislated on forced marriage (FM) through the Forced Marriage (Civil Protection) Act 2007. Domestic abuse suffered before, during and after a FM was captured more recently through the implementation of the Domestic Abuse Act 2021, which built upon the concept of coercive abuse. In 2009, the UK (Westminster) government indicated that schools should play a role in the detection and prevention of FM. This paper investigates the perceptions and experiences of five South London teachers on FM, by focusing upon qualitative research through semi-structured interviews. This study was conceptualised and theorised within a feminist post-structural framework. The research drew upon intersectionality to capture how teachers constructed and negotiated their identities. The findings revealed that these teachers constructed FM as a racial and gendered issue and performed multiple identities. This paper highlighted how teachers require training and a safe space to untangle their perceptions regarding FM.
From Awokening to Awakening
Authors: Turk Žiga
Published: April 2023

In navigating the currently troubled waters of inflation and the rising cost of living, politicians are tempted to treat the symptoms—offsetting the increasing expenses with subsidies and expanding welfare programmes. But one should also treat the cause. The cause is not Russian aggression towards Ukraine. That is also a symptom—a symptom of the weakness of Europe and the West, either real or perceived. This weakness should be addressed. In 2022 power politics made a comeback. It has become clear that a world in which prosperity is spread by innovation and trade is not a given but has to be protected by real power. In 2022, with war once again on European soil, the EU woke up to a world it thought only existed in the history books—where power rests on the pillars of demography, energy security, food security and military strength. To maintain its borders, its prosperity and its prestige in the world, the EU will need to be stronger. It will have to work harder, work smarter, improve productivity, innovate more and build alliances. Digital innovation is an important talking point, but one needs to look at the fundamentals first. The time is past for resting on one’s laurels, lecturing the world on European values and enjoying the American guarantee of safety for free.
Protecting Europe’s youth during the cost-of-living crisis as key to winning young voters
Authors: Pereira Lídia
Published: April 2023

This article tries to give an overview of the challenges which the European youth faces regarding the rising cost of living and how the centre–right agenda can respond to this problem. The concerns of young people were identified in European surveys both after the 2019 elections and more recently during the European Year of Youth. The article suggests that there is an alignment between these concerns and the political proposals of the European People’s Party. In addition, the article explores the potential of young voters to be game changers at the ballot box, underlining how important it is to attract them as voters in the 2024 European Parliament elections. The article concludes by offering suggestions in two main areas: how to reach young citizens and gain their trust and votes, and how communications to them regarding the 2024 elections should be managed.
Simulation of blast-induced rock tunnel damage using a 3D numerical model
Authors: Salamy Ayham Ali , Hammoud Ibrahim
Published: April 2023

The field tests conducted by the American Engineering Research Associates (ERA) provided important results about the distribution and extension of the damage zones and the failure area that occurred in unlined tunnels as a result of buried explosions in the rock mass surrounding these tunnels. Despite the importance of these results, they did not include specific values for the failure thickness and the fracture angle in the damaged tunnel sections. In the current study, a 3D numerical model is used to simulate one of ERA’s tests using ABAQUS. In this model, the impact of a buried explosion on a tunnel located at (5m) away from the center of the detonation is studied. The results of this model are in good agreement with the published results of ERA’s tests. In addition, the current numerical results give complete values for the change in the failure thickness and the fracture angle over the entire length of the damaged zones of the tunnel. The results of the current study show that the thickness of the failure remains almost constant beyond damage zone 1, while the angle of the fracture decreases remarkably as the charge-to-tunnel distance increases, which causes a decrease in the failure area.
COVID-19 and New internal bordering: The case of Slovakia
Authors: Micko Branislav
Published: April 2023

This paper analyses how a state produces new internal borders. It selected 1668 newspaper articles on the COVID-19 internal bordering case in Slovakia to answer this question. These articles were then analysed using the thematic trajectory analysis (TTA) through the conceptual prism of structurationism. The results suggest states apply methods during the production of internal borders similar to those used during the (re-)production of an international border. In particular, it shows the application of a military-testing nexus and economic tools to ensure compliance with the new border. Results also revealed that such a border is heavily dependent on popular support for the government and open to re-negotiations by relevant societal groups. From the border production perspective, this study offers a preliminary step into the area of internal borders imposed on a generally homogenous population, especially regarding the borders produced under COVID-19 conditions.
Blood-based liquid biopsy: insights into early detection, prediction, and treatment monitoring of bladder cancer
Authors: Li Shijie , Xin Kerong , Pan Shen , Wang Yang , Zheng Jianyi , Li Zeyu , Liu Xuefeng , Liu Bitian , Xu Zhenqun , Chen Xiaonan
Published: April 2023

Bladder cancer (BC) is a clinical challenge worldwide with late clinical presentation, poor prognosis, and low survival rates. Traditional cystoscopy and tissue biopsy are routine methods for the diagnosis, prognosis, and monitoring of BC. However, due to the heterogeneity and limitations of tumors, such as aggressiveness, high cost, and limited applicability of longitudinal surveillance, the identification of tumor markers has attracted significant attention in BC. Over the past decade, liquid biopsies (e.g., blood) have proven to be highly efficient methods for the discovery of BC biomarkers. This noninvasive sampling method is used to analyze unique tumor components released into the peripheral circulation and allows serial sampling and longitudinal monitoring of tumor progression. Several liquid biopsy biomarkers are being extensively studied and have shown promising results in clinical applications of BC, including early detection, detection of microscopic residual disease, prediction of recurrence, and response to therapy. Therefore, in this review, we aim to provide an update on various novel blood-based liquid biopsy markers and review the advantages and current limitations of liquid biopsy in BC therapy. The role of blood-based circulating tumor cells, circulating tumor DNA, cell-free RNA, exosomes, metabolomics, and proteomics in diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment monitoring, and their applicability to the personalized management of BC, are highlighted.
Role of muscle FOXO gene in exercise against the skeletal muscle and cardiac age-related defects and mortality caused by high-salt intake in Drosophila
Authors: Wen Deng-tai , Gao Ying-hui , Wang Jingfeng , Wang Shijie , Zhong Qi , Hou Wen-qi
Published: April 2023

FOXO has long been associated with aging, exercise, and tissue homeostasis, but it remains unclear what the role is of the muscle FOXO gene in E against high-salt intake(HSI)-induced age-related defects of the skeletal muscle, heart, and mortality. In this research, overexpression and RNAi of the FOXO gene in the skeletal and heart muscle of Drosophila were constructed by building Mhc-GAL4/FOXO-UAS-overexpression and Mhc-GAL4/FOXO-UAS-RNAi system. The skeletal muscle and heart function, the balance of oxidation and antioxidant, and mitochondrial homeostasis were measured. The results showed that exercise reversed the age-related decline in climbing ability and downregulation of muscle FOXO expression induced by HSI. Muscle-specific FOXO-RNAi (FOXO-RNAi) and -overexpression (FOXO-OE) promoted or slowed the age-related decline in climbing ability, heart function, and skeletal muscle and heart structure damage, which was accompanied by the inhibition or activation of FOXO/PGC-1α/SDH and FOXO/SOD pathway activity, and oxidative stress (ROS) increased or decreased in both skeletal muscle and heart. The protective effect of exercise on the skeletal muscle and heart was blocked by FOXO-RNAi in aged HSI flies. FOXO-OE prolonged its lifespan, but it did not resist the HSI-induced lifespan shortening. Exercise did not improve HSI-induced lifespan shortening in FOXO-RNAi flies. Therefore, current results confirmed that the muscle FOXO gene played a vital role in exercise against age-related defects of the skeletal muscle and heart induced by HSI because it determined the activity of muscle FOXO/SOD and FOXO/PGC-1α/SDH pathways. The muscle FOXO gene also played an important role in exercise against HSI-induced mortality in aging flies.
Shine: A novel strategy to extract specific, sensitive and well-conserved biomarkers from massive microbial genomic datasets
Authors: Ji Cong , Shao Junbin
Published: April 2023

Background

Concentrations of the pathogenic microorganisms’ DNA in biological samples are typically low. Therefore, DNA diagnostics of common infections are costly, rarely accurate, and challenging. Limited by failing to cover updated epidemic testing samples, computational services are difficult to implement in clinical applications without complex customized settings. Furthermore, the combined biomarkers used to maintain high conservation may not be cost effective and could cause several experimental errors in many clinical settings. Given the limitations of recent developed technology, 16S rRNA is too conserved to distinguish closely related species, and mosaic plasmids are not effective as well because of their uneven distribution across prokaryotic taxa.

Results

Here, we provide a computational strategy, Shine, that allows extraction of specific, sensitive and well-conserved biomarkers from massive microbial genomic datasets. Distinguished with simple concatenations with blast-based filtering, our method involves a de novo genome alignment-based pipeline to explore the original and specific repetitive biomarkers in the defined population. It can cover all members to detect newly discovered multicopy conserved species-specific or even subspecies-specific target probes and primer sets. The method has been successfully applied to a number of clinical projects and has the overwhelming advantages of automated detection of all pathogenic microorganisms without the limitations of genome annotation and incompletely assembled motifs. Using on our pipeline, users may select different configuration parameters depending on the purpose of the project for routine clinical detection practices on the website https://bioinfo.liferiver.com.cn with easy registration.

Conclusions

The proposed strategy is suitable for identifying shared phylogenetic markers while featuring low rates of false positive or false negative. This technology is suitable for the automatic design of minimal and efficient PCR primers and other types of detection probes.
transXpress: a Snakemake pipeline for streamlined de novo transcriptome assembly and annotation
Authors: Fallon Timothy R. , Čalounová Tereza , Mokrejš Martin , Weng Jing-Ke , Pluskal Tomáš
Published: April 2023

Background

RNA-seq followed by de novo transcriptome assembly has been a transformative technique in biological research of non-model organisms, but the computational processing of RNA-seq data entails many different software tools. The complexity of these de novo transcriptomics workflows therefore presents a major barrier for researchers to adopt best-practice methods and up-to-date versions of software.

Results

Here we present a streamlined and universal de novo transcriptome assembly and annotation pipeline, transXpress, implemented in Snakemake. transXpress supports two popular assembly programs, Trinity and rnaSPAdes, and allows parallel execution on heterogeneous cluster computing hardware.

Conclusions

transXpress simplifies the use of best-practice methods and up-to-date software for de novo transcriptome assembly, and produces standardized output files that can be mined using SequenceServer to facilitate rapid discovery of new genes and proteins in non-model organisms.
Identification of candidate genes responsible for chasmogamy in wheat
Authors: Szeliga Magdalena , Bakera Beata , Święcicka Magdalena , Tyrka Mirosław , Rakoczy-Trojanowska Monika
Published: April 2023

Background

The flowering biology of wheat plants favours self-pollination which causes obstacles in wheat hybrid breeding. Wheat flowers can be divided into two groups, the first one is characterized by flowering and pollination within closed flowers (cleistogamy), while the second one possesses the ability to open flowers during processes mentioned above (chasmogamy). The swelling of lodicules is involved in the flowering of cereals and among others their morphology, calcium and potassium content differentiate between cleistogamic and non-cleistogamous flowers. A better understanding of the chasmogamy mechanism can lead to the development of tools for selection of plants with the desired outcrossing rate. To learn more, the sequencing of transcriptomes (RNA-Seq) and Representational Difference Analysis products (RDA-Seq) were performed to investigate the global transcriptomes of wheat lodicules in two highly chasmogamous (HCH, Piko and Poezja) and two low chasmogamous (LCH, Euforia and KWS Dacanto) varieties at two developmental stages—pre-flowering and early flowering.

Results

The differentially expressed genes were enriched in five, main pathways: “metabolism”, “organismal systems”, “genetic information processing”, “cellular processes” and “environmental information processing”, respectively. Important genes with opposite patterns of regulation between the HCH and LCH lines have been associated with the lodicule development i.e. expression levels of MADS16 and MADS58 genes may be responsible for quantitative differences in chasmogamy level in wheat.

Conclusions

We conclude that the results provide a new insight into lodicules involvement in the wheat flowering process. This study generated important genomic information to support the exploitation of the chasmogamy in wheat hybrid breeding programs.
The genetic basis of wing spots in Pieris canidia butterflies
Authors: Wee Jocelyn Liang Qi , Murugesan Suriya Narayanan , Wheat Christopher W. , Monteiro Antónia
Published: April 2023

Spots in pierid butterflies and eyespots in nymphalid butterflies are likely non-homologous wing colour pattern elements, yet they share a few features in common. Both develop black scales that depend on the function of the gene spalt, and both might have central signalling cells. This suggests that both pattern elements may be sharing common genetic circuitry. Hundreds of genes have already been associated with the development of nymphalid butterfly eyespot patterns, but the genetic basis of the simpler spot patterns on the wings of pierid butterflies has not been investigated. To facilitate studies of pierid wing patterns, we report a high-quality draft genome assembly for Pieris canidia, the Indian cabbage white. We then conducted transcriptomic analyses of pupal wing tissues sampled from the spot and non-spot regions of P. canidia at 3-6 h post-pupation. A total of 1352 genes were differentially regulated between wing tissues with and without the black spot, including spalt, Krüppel-like factor 10, genes from the Toll, Notch, TGF-β, and FGFR signalling pathways, and several genes involved in the melanin biosynthetic pathway. We identified 14 genes that are up-regulated in both pierid spots and nymphalid eyespots and propose that spots and eyespots share regulatory modules despite their likely independent origins.