bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
White Matter Fiber Tracking Method with Adaptive Correction of Tracking Direction
Authors: Zheng Qian , Guo Kefu , Meng Yinghui , Nan Jiaofen , Xu Lin
Published: February 2024

Background. The deterministic fiber tracking method has the advantage of high computational efficiency and good repeatability, making it suitable for the noninvasive estimation of brain structural connectivity in clinical fields. To address the issue of the current classical deterministic method tending to deviate in the tracking direction in the region of crossing fiber region, in this paper, we propose an adaptive correction-based deterministic white matter fiber tracking method, named FTACTD. Methods. The proposed FTACTD method can accurately track white matter fibers by adaptively adjusting the deflection direction strategy based on the tensor matrix and the input fiber direction of adjacent voxels. The degree of correction direction changes adaptively according to the shape of the diffusion tensor, mimicking the actual tracking deflection angle and direction. Furthermore, both forward and reverse tracking techniques are employed to track the entire fiber. The effectiveness of the proposed method is validated and quantified using both simulated and real brain datasets. Various indicators such as invalid bundles (IB), valid bundles (VB), invalid connections (IC), no connections (NC), and valid connections (VC) are utilized to assess the performance of the proposed method on simulated data and real diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) data. Results. The experimental results of the simulated data show that the FTACTD method tracks outperform existing methods, achieving the highest number of VB with a total of 13 bundles. Additionally, it identifies the least number of incorrect fiber bundles, with only 32 bundles identified as wrong. Compared to the FACT method, the FTACTD method reduces the number of NC by 36.38%. In terms of VC, the FTACTD method surpasses even the best performing SD_Stream method among deterministic methods by 1.64%. Extensive in vivo experiments demonstrate the superiority of the proposed method in terms of tracking more accurate and complete fiber paths, resulting in improved continuity. Conclusion. The FTACTD method proposed in this study indicates superior tracking results and provides a methodological basis for the investigating, diagnosis, and treatment of brain disorders associated with white matter fiber deficits and abnormalities.
Plasma Proteome‐Wide Mendelian Randomization Analysis Reveals Biomarkers and Therapeutic Targets for Different Stages of COVID‐19
Authors: Krishnamoorthy Suhas , Hoo Ruby Lai Chong , Cheung Ching Lung
Published: February 2024

Background. The COVID‐19 pandemic caused by the SARS‐CoV‐2 virus has resulted in a global health crisis with significant morbidity and mortality. While effective vaccinations have been developed, drug treatments for the disease are still required, particularly for different stages of the disease and to combat evolving variants. Identifying reliable biomarkers and potential therapeutic targets for the different stages of COVID‐19 is crucial. Methods. Mendelian randomization using the largest publicly available datasets was conducted to identify potential causal plasma proteins for severe COVID‐19, hospitalized COVID‐19, and SARS‐CoV‐2 infection. Independent, and strongly associated cis‐ or pan‐pQTLs were used as instrumental variables for each protein. The FDR q‐value was used to correct for multiple testing followed by sensitivity analyses, reverse MR and genetic colocalization to ensure the robustness of the results. Results. We identified proteins with strong evidence of causal association with different stages of COVID‐19. Some of these proteins were identified previously, such as BGAT and BCAT2, but we also identified the novel proteins, such as KLC1, MRVI1, CACO2, and PCNP. Conclusion. These proteins provide valuable insights into the underlying mechanisms of COVID‐19. The identification of these proteins offers new opportunities for developing potential therapeutic targets or biomarkers for the treatment and prevention of COVID‐19.
Dendrobium huoshanense Improves Lipid Metabolism Disorder by Restoring Gut Flora and Metabolites in Mice Fed a High-Fat Diet
Authors: Ma Menghua , Gu Fangli , Yue Zongcui , Gao Leilei , Chen Chuangbo , Lin Qiyan , Huang Ke , Li Xiaoxue , Dai Jun , Han Bangxing
Published: February 2024

Lipid metabolism disorders are widely acknowledged as crucial risk factors for a range of metabolic diseases, including hyperlipidemia, obesity, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, and atherosclerosis. Dysbiosis of the gut microbiota is considered a potential mechanism of action in lipid metabolism disorders. Dendrobium huoshanense C.Z. Tang et S.J. Cheng (DH), an important edible and medicinal Chinese herb, has been shown to regulate the gut flora disorders and improve intestinal health. However, DH inhibits lipid metabolism disorders by regulating the gut flora remains unclear. Therefore, we aimed to explore the effect of the gut flora on improving blood lipid levels in mice that fed a high-fat diet supplemented with DH. Mice were randomly divided into normal control (CTR), high-fat diet (HFD), 2.25 mg/kg/day simvastatin (SIM), 300 mg/kg/day DH (LD-DH), and 600 mg/kg/day DH (HD-DH) groups for 14 weeks. Changes in serum and liver lipid levels and liver function were analyzed. Changes in intestinal microbiota and fecal metabolites were assessed using 16S rRNA gene sequencing and untargeted metabolomics. The relationships among lipids, intestinal microbiota, and fecal metabolites were analyzed using Pearson’s correlation analysis to reveal the mechanism of action of DH against lipid metabolism disorders. The results indicated that DH effectively improved the lipid profiles in both the serum and liver of HFD mice. DH was also found to alter the structure of the gut flora, especially the relative abundances of Bifidobacterium pseudolongum and B. animalis, which dramatically increased with DH. Pearson’s correlation analysis indicated that DH may mainly alter metabolites (amino acid metabolites, bile acid metabolites, lipid metabolites, etc.) to regulate lipid metabolism via the metabolic ability of the gut flora. B. pseudolongum and B. animalis may be the dominant bacterial species in the gut microbiota and play key roles in the alleviation of lipid metabolism disorders caused by HFD.
Influence and the Control of Shield Tunneling on Ancient Tower Vibration
Authors: Liang Xu , Xu Jian , Zhang Yapeng , Gao Xinquan , Zhou Xuetao , Yuan Zonghao , Zhang Min , Wu Jian , Liu Long
Published: February 2024

In recent years, to effectively mitigate the issue of urban traffic congestion, tunnels have become widely used new type of road. However, when the soil layer is excavated and disturbed, the resulting vibration affects the safety of the buildings above it, especially for ancient buildings that are very sensitive to vibrations. Taking the White Tower in Hangzhou as an example, in this paper, the vibration response propagation of large‐diameter shield tunnel excavation to adjacent ancient towers is studied through field measurements. The vibration response of the unexcavated south line tunnel is predicted by using 3D numerical analysis software, and the optimal construction parameters are obtained. The study found that the frequency domain component of the White Tower bedrock vibration caused by shield tunneling is mainly 5–20 Hz, and the vibration response attenuates significantly beyond 40 m. Further, reducing the propulsive force can reduce the vibration response of the White Tower; therefore, controlling the propulsion and reducing the tunneling velocity can reduce the vibration response.
Integrating AI-Powered Digital Pathology and Imaging Mass Cytometry Identifies Key Classifiers of Tumor Cells, Stroma, and Immune Cells in Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Rigamonti Alessandra , Viatore Marika , Polidori Rebecca , Rahal Daoud , Erreni Marco , Fumagalli Maria Rita , Zanini Damiano , Doni Andrea , Putignano Anna Rita , Bossi Paola , Voulaz Emanuele , Alloisio Marco , Rossi Sabrina , Zucali Paolo Andrea , Santoro Armando , Balzano Vittoria , Nisticò Paola , Feuerhake Friedrich , Mantovani Alberto , Locati Massimo , Marchesi Federica
Published: February 2024

Artificial intelligence (AI)–powered approaches are becoming increasingly used as histopathologic tools to extract subvisual features and improve diagnostic workflows. On the other hand, hi-plex approaches are widely adopted to analyze the immune ecosystem in tumor specimens. Here, we aimed at combining AI-aided histopathology and imaging mass cytometry (IMC) to analyze the ecosystem of non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). An AI-based approach was used on hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) sections from 158 NSCLC specimens to accurately identify tumor cells, both adenocarcinoma and squamous carcinoma cells, and to generate a classifier of tumor cell spatial clustering. Consecutive tissue sections were stained with metal-labeled antibodies and processed through the IMC workflow, allowing quantitative detection of 24 markers related to tumor cells, tissue architecture, CD45+ myeloid and lymphoid cells, and immune activation. IMC identified 11 macrophage clusters that mainly localized in the stroma, except for S100A8+ cells, which infiltrated tumor nests. T cells were preferentially localized in peritumor areas or in tumor nests, the latter being associated with better prognosis, and they were more abundant in highly clustered tumors. Integrated tumor and immune classifiers were validated as prognostic on whole slides. In conclusion, integration of AI-powered H&E and multiparametric IMC allows investigation of spatial patterns and reveals tissue relevant features with clinical relevance.

Significance:

Leveraging artificial intelligence–powered H&E analysis integrated with hi-plex imaging mass cytometry provides insights into the tumor ecosystem and can translate tumor features into classifiers to predict prognosis, genotype, and therapy response.
Immunometabolic Adaptation of CD19-Targeted CAR T Cells in the Central Nervous System Microenvironment of Patients Promotes Memory Development
Authors: Goldberg Lior , Haas Eric R. , Urak Ryan , Vyas Vibhuti , Pathak Khyatiben V. , Garcia-Mansfield Krystine , Pirrotte Patrick , Singhal Jyotsana , Figarola James L. , Aldoss Ibrahim , Forman Stephen J. , Wang Xiuli
Published: February 2024

Metabolic reprogramming is a hallmark of T-cell activation, and metabolic fitness is fundamental for T-cell–mediated antitumor immunity. Insights into the metabolic plasticity of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells in patients could help identify approaches to improve their efficacy in treating cancer. Here, we investigated the spatiotemporal immunometabolic adaptation of CD19-targeted CAR T cells using clinical samples from CAR T-cell–treated patients. Context-dependent immunometabolic adaptation of CAR T cells demonstrated the link between their metabolism, activation, differentiation, function, and local microenvironment. Specifically, compared with the peripheral blood, low lipid availability, high IL15, and low TGFβ in the central nervous system microenvironment promoted immunometabolic adaptation of CAR T cells, including upregulation of a lipolytic signature and memory properties. Pharmacologic inhibition of lipolysis in cerebrospinal fluid led to decreased CAR T-cell survival. Furthermore, manufacturing CAR T cells in cerebrospinal fluid enhanced their metabolic fitness and antileukemic activity. Overall, this study elucidates spatiotemporal immunometabolic rewiring of CAR T cells in patients and demonstrates that these adaptations can be exploited to maximize the therapeutic efficacy of CAR T cells.

Significance:

The spatiotemporal immunometabolic landscape of CD19-targeted CAR T cells from patients reveals metabolic adaptations in specific microenvironments that can be exploited to maximize the therapeutic efficacy of CAR T cells.
Momordicine-I Suppresses Head and Neck Cancer Growth by Reprogrammimg Immunosuppressive Effect of the Tumor-Infiltrating Macrophages and B Lymphocytes
Authors: Sur Subhayan , Bhartiya Pradeep , Steele Robert , Brennan Michelle , DiPaolo Richard J. , Ray Ratna B.
Published: February 2024

Head and neck cancer (HNC) is prevalent worldwide, and treatment options are limited. Momordicine-I (M-I), a natural component from bitter melon, shows antitumor activity against these cancers, but its mechanism of action, especially in the tumor microenvironment (TME), remains unclear. In this study, we establish that M-I reduces HNC tumor growth in two different immunocompetent mouse models using MOC2 and SCC VII cells. We demonstrate that the anticancer activity results from modulating several molecules in the monocyte/macrophage clusters in CD45+ populations in MOC2 tumors by single-cell RNA sequencing. Tumor-associated macrophages (TAM) often pose a barrier to antitumor effects, but following M-I treatment, we observe a significant reduction in the expression of Sfln4, a myeloid cell differentiation factor, and Cxcl3, a neutrophil chemoattractant, in the monocyte/macrophage populations. We further find that the macrophages must be in close contact with the tumor cells to inhibit Sfln4 and Cxcl3, suggesting that these TAMs are impacted by M-I treatment. Coculturing macrophages with tumor cells shows inhibition of Agr1 expression following M-I treatment, which is indicative of switching from M2 to M1 phenotype. Furthermore, the total B-cell population in M-I-treated tumors is significantly lower, whereas spleen cells also show similar results when cocultured with MOC2 cells. M-I treatment also inhibits PD1, PD-L1, and FoxP3 expression in tumors. Collectively, these results uncover the potential mechanism of M-I by modulating immune cells, and this new insight can help to develop M-I as a promising candidate to treat HNCs, either alone or as adjuvant therapy.
FIGURE 1 from Real-world Trends, Rural-urban Differences, and Socioeconomic Disparities in Utilization of Narrow versus Broad Next-generation Sequencing Panels
Authors: Zhao Yiqing , Dimou Anastasios , Fogarty Zachary C. , Jiang Jun , Liu Hongfang , Wong William B. , Wang Chen
Published: February 2024

Trends of single-gene, medium, large genomic test panel distribution among patients with lung cancer and non-lung cancer. A, Proportion and total number of genetic tests over time by size [large panel (50+ genes), medium panel (2 to 49 genes), single-gene] among patients with a lung cancer diagnosis. B, Proportion and total number of genetic tests over time by size [large panel (50+ genes), medium panel (2 to 49 genes), single-gene] among patients with a non-lung cancer diagnosis.
Global Scientific Trends in Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy from 2000 to 2023: A Bibliometric and Visual Analysis
Authors: Tao ZhongBin , Feng YanDong , Wang Jie , Zhou YongKang , Yang JunQiang
Published: February 2024

Introduction: Continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) is one of the most widely used blood purification and organ support methods in the ICU. However, the development process, the current status, hotspots, and future trends of CRRT remain unclear. Method: The WoSCC database was used to analyze CRRT research evolution and theme trends. VOSviewer was used to construct coauthorship, co-occurrence, co-citation, and network visualizations. CiteSpace is used to detect bursts for co-occurrence items. Several important subtopics were reviewed and discussed in more detail. Results: Global publications increased from 56 in 2000 to 398 in 2023, a 710.71% increase. Blood Purification published the most manuscripts, followed by the International Journal of Artificial Organs. The USA, the San Bortolo Hospital, and Bellomo were the most productive and impactful institution, country, and author, respectively. Based on co-occurrence cluster analysis, five clusters emerged: (1) clinical applications and management of CRRT; (2) sepsis and CRRT; (3) CRRT anticoagulant management; (4) CRRT and antibiotic pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics; and (5) comparison of CRRT and intermittent hemodialysis. COVID-19, initiation, ECOMO, cefepime, guidelines, cardiogenic shock, biomarker, and outcome were the latest high-frequency keywords or strongest bursts, indicating the emerging frontiers of CRRT. Conclusions: There has been widespread publication and citation of CRRT research in the past 2 decades. We provide an overview of current trends, global collaboration patterns, basic knowledge, research hotspots, and emerging frontiers.
Decreasing Sedentary Time during Lessons Reduces Obesity in Primary School Children: The Active Movement Study
Authors: Ronca Flaminia , Burgess Paul W. , Savage Peter , Senaratne Nipuna , Watson Evelyn , Loosemore Mike
Published: February 2024

Introduction: School-based exercise interventions targeted at reducing obesity are often successful in the short term, but they are resource-heavy and do not always lead to long-lasting behaviour changes. This study investigated the effect of reducing sedentary time, rather than increasing exercise, on physical activity (PA) behaviours and obesity in primary school children. Methods: Thirty UK state primary schools participated in this cluster-controlled intervention study (IDACI score = 0.15 ± 0.07, free school meals = 26 ± 9%). Twenty-six intervention and 4 control schools (intervention = 3,529, control = 308 children) completed the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Children (PAQ-C) in terms 1 and 3. Three intervention and 3 control schools (intervention = 219, control = 152 children) also measured waist-to-height ratio (WTHR). The Active Movement Intervention is a school-based programme which integrates non-sedentary behaviours such as standing and walking in the classroom. Data were analysed via ANCOVAs and multiple linear regressions. Results: WTHR was reduced by 8% in the intervention group only (F(2, 285) = 11.387, p < 0.001), and sport participation increased by 10% in the intervention group only (F(1, 232) = 6.982, p = 0.008). Other PAQ-C measures increased significantly in the intervention group, but there was no group*time interaction. Changes in PAQ-C did not predict reductions in WTHR. Instead, the amount of change in WTHR was predicted by intervention group and by baseline WTHR of the pupil, where children with higher baseline WTHR showed greater reductions (F(2, 365) = 77.21, p < 0.001, R2 = 0.30). Socio-economic status (SES), age, or gender did not mediate any of the changes in the PAQ-C or WTHR. Conclusion: Reducing sedentary behaviours during school time can be an effective obesity reduction strategy for primary school children who are overweight. The lack of demographic effects suggests that this method can be effective regardless of the school’s SES, pupil age, or gender.
Irish Roots in Graciela Gabal's Story "Gualicho"
Authors: Keegan Viviana P
Published: February 2024

Graciela Cabal (1939-2004) was an Argentine children’s writer and an important and active figure in the consolidation of a youth literature in Argentina in the 1980s. She descended from two large Irish families who settled in Suipacha (Province of Buenos Aires, Argentina). Cabal lends her marvelous literary voice to those sheep raisers in the short story “Gualicho”, about a failed wedding and a bewitched groom in the Irish community around 1850, in which even Father Fahey is present to bless the ceremony. What at first sight appears as a beautiful children's story turns into a narrative of migration with intertexts from Jorge Luis Borges and from Argentina's national poem Martín Fierro. Cabal’s “Irishness” (also present in Secretos de Familia, her autobiographical novel) has never been studied and her texts are probably the only ones in Argentine children's fiction which make reference to the early Irish community
A agonia da crítica literária e o rap de Baco Exu do Blues: Política identitária do racismo e o cânone branco
Authors: Fernandes Alexandre de Oliveira
Published: February 2024

Arquiteto considerações em torno da pergunta seguinte: Como a poesia de um cara negro e gordo e nordestino, e que tem Exu no nome, participa da criação e da significação da realidade? Inicialmente, desafio postulados projetados como “cânone” e “fim da crítica”, marcando-os como política de produção de subalternidades para determinados sujeitos, enquanto hiperestimula e sobrevaloriza o chamado cânone global. Efeito de política identitária racista, um cânone brancocentrado não passa ao largo de processos de outremização, cuja vigilância contra ecletismos e expansão de territórios de análise, ignora ser o cânone, uma metanarrativa, fruto de ilusão isomórfica comprometida com projetos de natureza totalitária. Ao rasurar a enunciação excludente dessa tradição, compreendo a operação poética de Baco Exu do Blues como dissidente, um arsenal crítico para desaquendar o entulho ciscolonial judaico-cristão do Brasil recente.
A luz e a visibilidade: uma reflexão sobre o processo da percepção visual, da luz ao olho e do olho ao cérebro
Authors: Simões Cibele Forjaz
Published: February 2024

Este artigo pretende descrever os fundamentos da percepção visual, da luz ao olho e do olho ao cérebro, ou seja, desde a fonte de luz até a sensação visual, procurando analisar, através de uma comunicação simples e direta, a natureza da luz, a morfologia dos olhos e as características e propriedades da visão, até chegar ao processo da percepção visual como ato criador, instituindo a noção de visualidade. Por fim, descreve a iluminação cênica como elemento de orquestração das visualidades nas artes cênicas.
An Outcome of Many Wars: Irish Democracy in the Follow-Up to the Period of Independence and Further Possibilities
Authors: Portela Irene
Published: February 2024

An explanation for the success of Irish democracy is the presence of competing views about Ireland, where “wars” did not correspond to a “neat” victorious side. It can be linked to the Easter Rising of 1916, the Anglo-Irish Treaty dispute, and the ensuing Civil War. “High politics” also presents similar divisions and a sort of acceptance of the limits of a single narrative. The Irish political system, to a large extent a remnant of what existed before independence, plays a significant role in the process. It is worth highlighting PR-STV, canvassing, and political representatives’ clinics. As a whole, I emphasise the relevance of value orientated readings of democracy. The concept of “little voices” is useful to sum up the overall context, translating what is present in the explicit scenario into the more “daily” operation of Irish politics. It reflects the interplay between “people”, their “little voices”, shifting, and their relation to the broader political scenarios. Several dimensions of violence remained, explicit in the treatment of travellers, women and children, asylum seekers, homeless. The expansion of room for little voices may constitute a foregoing contribution of Ireland to the creation of (un)worlds, and therefore to world democracy.
Michael McCartan’s Books Luminary or Lunatic?
Authors: Walsh Edward , Izarra Laura P.Z.
Published: February 2024

This is a first attempt to put Fr. Michael John McCartan in the cartography of the Irish chaplains in Argentina under the shadow of Fr. Anthony Fahy, a renowned priest leader of the Irish community in that country. The aim of this article is to motivate historians to look for more information and contextualize McCartan’s actions and impact in the diasporic Irish communities of nineteenth-century Latin America. This is a work-in-progress, and we are indebted to Roberto di Stefano for his generous assistance with this topic and for providing Edward Walsh with a copy of McCartan’s opus in the Mitre Museum, Buenos Aires.
Deirdre Madden. New Critical Perspectives edited by Anne Fogarty and Marisol Morales-Ladrón
Authors: Eliggi María Graciela
Published: February 2024

Fogarty, Anne & Morales-Ladrón, Marisol (editors). Deirdre Madden. New Critical Perspectives. Manchester University Press, June 2022, pp.280. £80.00.- Hardcover ISBN: 978-1-5261-1892-9
“A Woman Who is Dead”: The Tragedy, Transgression, and Religiousness of Oscar Wilde’s Salome
Authors: Caetano Ana Carolina Vilalta
Published: February 2024

This article aims at analysing Oscar Wilde’s play Salome (1891) under the lens of Georges Bataille’s theory of transgression and eroticism, and the notion of eros present in archaic Greek lyric poetry. Salome takes place in Herod Antipas’ palace during the night of a banquet and follows the court and the royal family as the event unfolds into tragedy. The Tetrarch has Jokanaan, a prophet announcing the return of the Messiah, imprisoned in a cistern. His step-daughter, Salome, fascinated by the prophet’s voice and by his loud sermons, convinces the guards to allow her to see him. She immediately falls in love, but Jokanaan is unresponsive to her advances, which ultimately causes her to manipulate the Tetrarch and commit a heinous crime in order to be united with her beloved. In order to fully explain Wilde’s use of religion as a background to make a case for the physical, then, the fin de siècle Romantic femme fatale is briefly introduced alongside the Symbolist transcendental ideal. Thus, Salome is analysed as a character that surpasses her tragic role and becomes associated with concepts such as abject femininity, coined by psychoanalyst Julia Kristeva.
Introduction
Authors: Jordan Eamonn , Rigonato Alessandra , Souza Michelle Andressa Alvarenga de
Published: February 2024

Introduction to the ABEI Journal 25.2 – Special Issue Theatre. Written by Eamonn Jordan, Alessandra Rigonato and Michelle Alvarenga.
Pharmacological Management of Cardiac Arrhythmias in the Fetal and Neonatal Periods: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association
Authors: Batra Anjan S. , Silka Michael J. , Borquez Alejandro , Cuneo Bettina , Dechert Brynn , Jaeggi Edgar , Kannankeril Prince J. , Tabulov Christine , Tisdale James E. , Wolfe Diana ,   on behalf of the American Heart Association Clinical Pharmacology Committee of the Council on Clinical Cardiology, Council on Basic Cardiovascular Sciences, Council on Cardiovascular and Stroke Nursing, Council on Genomic and Precision Medicine, and Council on Lifelong Congenital Heart Disease and Heart Health in the Young
Published: February 2024

Disorders of the cardiac rhythm may occur in both the fetus and neonate. Because of the immature myocardium, the hemodynamic consequences of either bradyarrhythmias or tachyarrhythmias may be far more significant than in mature physiological states. Treatment options are limited in the fetus and neonate because of limited vascular access, patient size, and the significant risk/benefit ratio of any intervention. In addition, exposure of the fetus or neonate to either persistent arrhythmias or antiarrhythmic medications may have yet-to-be-determined long-term developmental consequences. This scientific statement discusses the mechanism of arrhythmias, pharmacological treatment options, and distinct aspects of pharmacokinetics for the fetus and neonate. From the available current data, subjects of apparent consistency/consensus are presented, as well as future directions for research in terms of aspects of care for which evidence has not been established.
A Galectin-9–Driven CD11c
high
Decidual Macrophage Subset Suppresses Uterine Vascular Remodeling in Preeclampsia
Authors: Li Yanhong , Sang Yifei , Chang Yunjian , Xu Chunfang , Lin Yikong , Zhang Yao , Chiu Philip C.N. , Yeung William S.B. , Zhou Haisheng , Dong Ningzheng , Xu Ling , Chen Jiajia , Zhao Weijie , Liu Lu , Yu Di , Zang Xingxing , Ye Jiangfeng , Yang Jinying , Wu Qingyu , Li Dajin , Wu Ligang , Du Meirong
Published: February 2024

BACKGROUND:

Preeclampsia is a serious disease of pregnancy that lacks early diagnosis methods or effective treatment, except delivery. Dysregulated uterine immune cells and spiral arteries are implicated in preeclampsia, but the mechanistic link remains unclear.

METHODS:

Single-cell RNA sequencing and spatial transcriptomics were used to identify immune cell subsets associated with preeclampsia. Cell-based studies and animal models including conditional knockout mice and a new preeclampsia mouse model induced by recombinant mouse galectin-9 were applied to validate the pathogenic role of a CD11c
high
subpopulation of decidual macrophages (dMφ) and to determine its underlying regulatory mechanisms in preeclampsia. A retrospective preeclampsia cohort study was performed to determine the value of circulating galectin-9 in predicting preeclampsia.

RESULTS:

We discovered a distinct CD11c
high
dMφ subset that inhibits spiral artery remodeling in preeclampsia. The proinflammatory CD11c
high
dMφ exhibits perivascular enrichment in the decidua from patients with preeclampsia. We also showed that trophoblast-derived galectin-9 activates CD11c
high
dMφ by means of CD44 binding to suppress spiral artery remodeling. In 3 independent preeclampsia mouse models, placental and plasma galectin-9 levels were elevated. Galectin-9 administration in mice induces preeclampsia-like phenotypes with increased CD11c
high
dMφ and defective spiral arteries, whereas galectin-9 blockade or macrophage-specific CD44 deletion prevents such phenotypes. In pregnant women, increased circulating galectin-9 levels in the first trimester and at 16 to 20 gestational weeks can predict subsequent preeclampsia onset.

CONCLUSIONS:

These findings highlight a key role of a distinct perivascular inflammatory CD11c
high
dMφ subpopulation in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia. CD11c
high
dMφ activated by increased galectin-9 from trophoblasts suppresses uterine spiral artery remodeling, contributing to preeclampsia. Increased circulating galectin-9 may be a biomarker for preeclampsia prediction and intervention.
“He Who Stands on the Ṭutunjayn” and the Return of Ḥusayn: The Bāb and Jināb-i Bahāʾ in the Prose Writings of Tahirih
Authors: Ghaemmaghami Omid
Published: February 2024

While many of Tahirih’s poems have been studied and translated by scholars, her surviving prose works in Arabic and Persian – whose size far outweighs the number of her extant poems – have not received much attention. This article is a further attempt to partially fill this noticeable lacuna by exploring Tahirih’s prodigious prose oeuvre. Special attention will be given to a neologism Tahirih invokes to describe the Bāb and to the many references in her later writings to the return of Imam Ḥusayn.
Layers of Veils Obscuring the Image of Tahirih Qurrat al-ʿAyn
Authors: Yazdani Mina
Published: February 2024

This paper deconstructs the ways the image of Fāṭima Zarrīn-Tāj Baraghānī, known as Tahirih Qurrat al-ʿAyn (d. 1852), has been distorted in academic works and in anti-Bahā’ī polemics. The misrepresentations of Tahirih in these works range from disconnecting her from the source of her inspiration, to accusations of immorality, to denying her knowledge, to denying her poetry, to depicting her as a militant figure. It is suggested that misogyny, religious prejudice, selective as well as uncritical use of primary sources, and agenda driven scholarship explain the misrepresentations.
Tahirih Qurrat al-ʿAyn and the Women’s Avant-garde in Europe
Authors: Dehghani Sasha
Published: February 2024

Tahirih Qurrat al-ʿAyn has come to be seen as the first Iranian woman to openly advocate for the rights of women and the first feminist of her country. But it was among the women’s avant-garde in Europe that she first gained the stature of a feminist heroine. Discussing five cases in five nations, this article will show how Tahirih became, across cultural borders, a source of inspiration to Europe’s women avant-garde, especially throughout the second half of the long 19th century, and will suggest some reasons for the decline of public interest in the figure of Tahirih, especially in the period after the second world war.
A proposed method for quality evaluation of COVID-19 reusable face mask
Authors: Nilashi Mehrbakhsh , Ali Abumalloh Rabab , Ahmadi Hossein , Alrizq Mesfer , Alghamdi Abdullah , Alghamdi Omar A. , Alyami Sultan
Published: February 2024

During the time of COVID-19, the use of face masks has become an essential control and prevention measure. The wide usage of disposable face masks has presented a great challenge to governments to face the impact of plastic waste on humans health and the environment. The quality of reusable face masks was assessed in previous research based on general measures such as the fabric, size fit, arrival time, price, and convenience, and based on more-specific measures related to the number of layers and the included filters. However, as the quality of reusable face masks includes several other dimensions, the general measures cannot be enough to ensure a comprehensive evaluation of these products during the COVID-19 outbreak. Nowadays, however, digital social media has provided venues and convenient tools for users to share their opinions, preferences, and experiences on the quality of reusable face masks. Considering reusable face masks, several types have been launched on online platforms to meet the increasing demand during COVID-19. The main goal of this study is to investigate how reusable face masks can be evaluated through online customers’ reviews. This study proposes a combination of qualitative (text mining) and quantitative (survey-based analysis) approaches to provide the researchers with a method of data analysis to inspect the most influential quality factors for the evaluation of reusable face masks. We performed a literature review on the previous works and also collected online customers’ reviews from Amazon.com to find the quality factors of reusable face masks. The review of previous literature on reusable face masks and the result of online reviews analysis indicated that several factors impact customers’ experiences, including filteration efficiency, fabric quality, breathability, design, functionality, environmental impact, comfort, easy to use, easy to clean, economic impact, donning/doffing, quality of seal, vision, communication and safety protection. The presented framework can be complementary to the existing evaluation research methods, which use the strengths of one method to overcome the shortcomings of the other.
Determinants of intentions to seek formal mental health help among Palestinian adolescents in Israel
Authors: Abo-Rass Fareeda , Nakash Ora , Gelaye Bizu , Khatib Anwar , AboJabel Hanan
Published: February 2024

Background:

Mental health challenges are widespread among adolescents undergoing significant physical, emotional, social, and academic changes. However, rates of formal help-seeking remain low, particularly among those from ethnic minorities.

Aims:

This study investigated the determinants of intentions to seek formal mental health help among Palestinian adolescents in Israel, focusing on mental health literacy (MHL) and trust in formal sources of information.

Methods:

A total of 178 adolescents (Mage = 16.24 ± 1.24 years, 61.8% female) completed measures assessing intention for formal help-seeking, psychological distress, MHL, trust in formal sources of information, sociodemographic, and clinical characteristics.

Results:

Findings revealed low levels of intention to seek formal help and psychological distress, alongside average or above-average levels on all MHL dimensions and trust in formal sources for information. Our analysis identified socioeconomic status (β = .17, p < .05), psychological distress (β = .18, p < .05), trust in formal sources of information (β = .28, p < .001), and two MHL dimensions: knowledge of where to seek information (β = .25, p < .01) and attitudes that promote recognition or appropriate help-seeking behavior (β = .16, p < .05) – as the main determinants of intention for formal help-seeking.

Conclusions:

This study underscores the critical role of trust in formal sources of information and MHL in seeking formal help among adolescents from ethnic minorities. Interventions aiming to improve access to mental health-related information, address and enhance attitudes, and foster trust in formal professionals and institutions may contribute to an increased tendency for formal mental health help-seeking among this population and others.
Investigation of quality related process variables in pultrusion by correlation of numerical and experimental data with application of an inline data acquisition system
Authors: Heimbucher Christoph , Seeßelberg Lorenz , Giese Erhard , Boysen Simon , Herrmann Axel S
Published: February 2024

The pultrusion process is an efficient technology for the continuous production of fiber reinforced polymers. While the process is industrially established for decades, the interactions between process parameters and material quality of pultruded profiles are – despite various studies – not fully understood yet. Due to the complexity of the process and the variety of materials, it is difficult to identify generic and quality related process relationships. Based on a novel multidisciplinary approach, this paper investigates the correlation between simulation data and experimental based process- and quality data. Therefore, a pultrusion-specific epoxy resin is characterized and modelled and thermo-chemical process simulations are performed. A for pultrusion unique inline quality assurance and data acquisition system was developed, built-up and applied during the production of a rectangular, glass-fiber reinforced profile. The analyzed data involves cure variables, die pressure, temperature, pull-speed and -force, ultrasonic data, surface waviness and roughness and void content. As main result, the position of gelation at the profile’s centerline in respect to the die length was determined as important criteria to maintain a sufficient material quality. Furthermore, a correlation between the die pressure and an insufficient degree of cure was identified. No significant influences of the process parameters on the material quality could be observed as long as the process stayed in a stable process window. This indicates that no severe quality losses have to be expected at higher production rates. The methods and results developed in this work are applicable for the implementation in an automated process control in pultrusion.
A Coherent Reflective Framework for Second-Language Writing Teacher Preparation
Authors: Lee Icy
Published: February 2024

The second-language writing literature has focused a lot more on how students write and learn to write than how teachers teach and learn to teach writing. Even less literature has been devoted to how teacher educators prepare pre-service and in-service teachers to teach writing. This Viewpoint article serves to fill the void by proposing a three-pronged reflective framework for second-language writing teacher preparation. It addresses the ‘why’, ‘how’ and ‘what’ questions of the teaching of writing, serving as a valuable heuristic and reflective tool to guide writing teachers’ practice. The paper ends with a discussion of the implications of the reflective framework for teacher education, teaching and research in second-language writing contexts.
To an Academic Writer Who’s Been Stuck or Questioned Their Ability, But Refused to Give Up: A Love Letter
Authors: Burt Brian
Published: February 2024

I have had some success with academic writing. Yet, even after publishing in journals like the Teachers College Record, I still find myself running into moments of doubt about my voice, the purpose of my writing, and how to make my work have the impact it deserves. I offer this commentary to you – the academic writer (at any career stage) – and myself to reveal some of my vulnerable, innermost reflections about writing. In doing so I hope to demystify academic writing, or at least normalize the journey required for some (like me) to gain confidence in its praxis.
Common Mental Disorders and Their Correlates: A Community-based Survey Among Women in Southern Karnataka, India
Authors: Shenoy Rakshitha R , Prabhu Divya Arvind , Pandey Akhilesh Kumar , Praharaj Samir Kumar , Shetty Ranjitha S.
Published: February 2024

Background:

About 10% of Indians have common mental disorders (CMDs) which include depression and anxiety. These disorders are common in women, which not only impacts on their quality of life but also their family members. The objective of the study was to estimate the prevalence of CMDs, and factors associated with them among women residing in coastal Karnataka.

Methods:

A cross-sectional study was carried out among 980 women aged between 18 and 60 years from 2019 to 2021. Women were administered a baseline questionnaire along with Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), Generalised Anxiety Disorder questionnaire-7 (GAD-7) and Cohen’s Perceived Stress Scale-4 (PSS-4). Data were collected using Epi-info and were analysed using SPSS version 15.0. Association between CMDs and socio-demographic, reproductive health and behavioural factors were expressed as crude and adjusted odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI).

Results:

The prevalence of CMDs among women was 5.7%, with 4.6% having depression and 3.37% with anxiety disorders. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that residing in urban areas (OR = 2.15; 95% CI:1.10–4.17), having a chronic illness (OR = 2.38; 95% CI:1.14–4.97), history of recent bereavement in the family (OR = 2.20; 95% CI:1.02–4.75), early marriage (OR = 2.63; 95% CI:1.09–6.33), history of abortion (OR = 2.89; 95% CI:1.42–5.92), and exposure to domestic violence (OR = 3.08; 95% CI:1.14–8.33) were significantly correlated with CMDs in this sample.

Conclusions:

The study revealed that CMDs were prevalent among the surveyed women, which calls for routine screening of women for CMDs in primary care settings for early identification and appropriate interventions.
Clinical Assessment of the Correlation Between Tongue Pressure, Modified Mallampati Score, BMI, and Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Authors: Kolhe Shweta A. , Daokar Suchita S.
Published: February 2024

Objective

This study aimed to assess the connection between tongue pressure, Modified Mallampati Score (MMS), BMI, and their role in evaluating obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

Materials and Methods

A total of 180 participants were categorized into four groups ( n = 45) based on the MMS. After securing informed consent, demographic data, including age, gender, body height, and weight (used to calculate BMI) were collected. A tongue pressure measurement system, patented as Innovative Australian Patent no. 2021106623 on 24 November 2021, was utilized.

Results

The one-way analysis of variance test was employed to compare variations in average BMI and tongue pressure across the groups. The post hoc Tukey test revealed significant differences at p ≤ .05. Tongue pressure significantly varied among the distinct MMS categories ( p = .001), notably with group 4 displaying significantly lower tongue pressure compared to the other three groups.

Conclusion

The findings suggest that both tongue pressure and MMS are interconnected factors contributing to OSA, while BMI and tongue pressure operate independently in determining OSA.
Rotator Cuff Repair With or Without Acromioplasty: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials With Outcomes Based on Acromial Type
Authors: Maguire James A. , Dhillon Jaydeep , Scillia Anthony J. , Kraeutler Matthew J.
Published: February 2024

Background:

It is unclear whether the use of concomitant acromioplasty during rotator cuff repair (RCR) improves clinical outcomes and whether the outcomes are affected by acromial type.

Purpose:

To perform a systematic review of randomized controlled trials comparing clinical outcomes of RCR with and without acromioplasty, with a subanalysis of outcomes based on acromial type.

Study Design:

Systematic review; Level of evidence, 2.

Methods:

A systematic review was conducted according to the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines by searching PubMed, the Cochrane Library, and Embase to identify randomized controlled trials that directly compared outcomes between RCR with versus without acromioplasty. A subanalysis was performed on the studies that provided outcomes based on acromial type. The search phrase used was rotator cuff repair (acromioplasty OR subacromial decompression) randomized. Patients were evaluated based on retear rate, reoperation rate, and patient-reported outcomes (PROs).

Results:

Application of inclusion criteria yielded 5 studies (2 studies were level 1, and 3 studies were level 2) including a total of 409 patients, with 211 patients undergoing RCR alone (group A) and 198 patients undergoing RCR with acromioplasty (group B). The mean patient age was 58.5 and 58.3 years in groups A and B, respectively. The mean follow-up time was 52.9 months, and the overall percentage of male patients was 54.1%. The rotator cuff tear size was 20.7 mm and 19.8 mm for groups A and B, respectively. No significant differences were found between groups for any of the PROs at final follow-up. Overall retear rates did not significantly differ between groups based on acromial type. Between 2 studies that measured reoperation rate, a significantly higher reoperation rate was found for the nonacromioplasty group (15%) versus the acromioplasty group (4.1%) ( P = .031). One of these studies found that 5 of 9 patients (56%) with a type III acromion in the nonacromioplasty group underwent reoperation compared with 0 of 4 patients with a type III acromion in the acromioplasty group.

Conclusion:

There is some evidence that acromioplasty during RCR reduces the risk for later reoperation. This may be particularly true for patients with type III acromions, although further studies with larger sample sizes are needed to corroborate these data.
3-N-butylphthalide attenuates neuroinflammation in rotenone-induced Parkinson’s disease models via the cGAS-STING pathway
Authors: Liu Yuqian , Duan Ruonan , Li Peizheng , Zhang Bohan , Liu Yiming
Published: February 2024

Neuroinflammation is crucial in the onset and progression of dopaminergic neuron loss in Parkinson’s disease (PD). We aimed to determine whether 3-N-Butylphthalide (NBP) can protect against PD by inhibiting the cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS)-stimulator of interferon genes (STING) pathway and the inflammatory response of microglia. MitoSOX/MitoTracker/Hoechst staining was used to detect the levels of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) in BV2 cells. Quantitative Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction was used to measure the levels of free cytoplasmic mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) in BV2 cells and mouse brain tissues. Behavioral impairments were assessed using rotarod, T-maze, and balance beam tests. Dopaminergic neurons and microglia were observed using immunohistochemical staining. Expression levels of cGAS, STING, nuclear factor kappa-B (NfκB), phospho- NfκB (p-NfκB), inhibitor of NfκBα (IκBα), and phospho-IκBα (p-IκBα) proteins in the substantia nigra and striatum were detected using Western Blot. NBP decreased mitochondrial ROS levels in rotenone-treated BV2 cells. NBP alleviated behavioral impairments and protected against rotenone-induced microgliosis and damage to dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra and striatum of rotenone-induced PD mice. NBP decreased rotenone-induced mtDNA leakage and mitigated neuroinflammation by inhibiting cGAS-STING pathway activation. NBP exhibited a protective effect in rotenone-induced PD models by significantly inhibiting the cGAS-STING pathway. Moreover, NBP can alleviate neuroinflammation, and is a potential therapeutic drug for alleviating clinical symptoms and delaying the progression of PD. This study provided insights for the potential role of NBP in PD therapy, potentially mitigating neurodegeneration, and consequently improving the quality of life and lifespan of patients with PD. The limitations are that we have not confirmed the exact mechanism by which NBP decreases mtDNA leakage, and this study was unable to observe the actual clinical therapeutic effect, so further cohort studies are required for validation.