bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
FIGURE 7 from Clinically Defined Mutations in MEN1 Alter Its Tumor-suppressive Function Through Increased Menin Turnover
Authors: Duan Suzann , Sheriff Sulaiman , Elvis-Offiah Uloma B. , Witten Brandon L. , Sawyer Travis W. , Sundaresan Sinju , Cierpicki Tomasz , Grembecka Jolanta , Merchant Juanita L.
Published: July 2023

Treatment with the menin-MLL inhibitor MI-503 rescues nuclear menin expression and function. A, Western blot analysis of nuclear and cytoplasmic extracts of transfected AGS cells treated with vehicle or MI-503 (48 hours, 1 μmol/L). Histone H3 and β-tubulin were used as loading control markers for nuclear and cytoplasmic fractions, respectively. B, Quantitation of FLAG protein band intensity in nuclear and cytoplasmic compartments normalized to respective loading controls. n = 4 experimental replicates; *, P < 0.05 by two-way ANOVA with Tukey post hoc test; mean ± SEM. BrdU incorporation in transfected AGS (C), MKN-45G (D), BON-1 (E), and GLUTag (F) cells treated with vehicle (DMSO) or MI-503 (48 hours, 1 μmol/L). *, P < 0.05 by two-way ANOVA with Tukey post hoc test; mean ± SEM. G, Representative macroscopic images of OMS mice stomachs following treatment with vehicle or 30 and 55 mg/kg of MI-503. Arrows indicate to gastric NETs. H, Enzyme immunoassay measurement of plasma gastrin concentration from OMS mice before (Pre) and after (Post) treatment with vehicle, 10, 30, or 55 mg/kg of MI-503 for 4 weeks. n = 10–12 mice; **, P < 0.01 by paired t test; mean ± SEM. I, Immunofluorescence-stained images of gastrin (green) and menin (red) expression in the proximal duodenum of C57 wild-type mice versus OMS mice treated with vehicle or MI-503 at the indicated doses for 4 weeks. Boxes indicate restoration of nuclear menin expression and reduced gastrin expression restricted to the lamina propria. J, Enzyme Immunoassay (EIA) measurement of intracellular gastrin content of glial cultures isolated from omeprazole treated Men1ΔIEC;Sst−/− mice after treatment with vehicle, 30, or 55 mg/kg MI-503 for 4 weeks (n = 6–8 mice), expressed after normalization to total cellular protein content. K, Immunofluorescent staining of gastrin (red) and menin (green) in glial cultures isolated from duodenal lamina propria of OMS mice and then treated ex vivo with vehicle, 0.1, or 5 nmol/L MI-503 for 2 days. L, Representative western blot showing Menin expression in total cell lysates from duodenal glial cultures (from OMS mice) treated with MI-503 for 2 days. n = 4–5 mice. M, Quantitation of menin protein levels on blots as a function of MI-503 dose. n = 8 mice. WT, wild-type.
FIGURE 2 from Clinically Defined Mutations in MEN1 Alter Its Tumor-suppressive Function Through Increased Menin Turnover
Authors: Duan Suzann , Sheriff Sulaiman , Elvis-Offiah Uloma B. , Witten Brandon L. , Sawyer Travis W. , Sundaresan Sinju , Cierpicki Tomasz , Grembecka Jolanta , Merchant Juanita L.
Published: July 2023

Tumor-acquired mutations in MEN1 result in aberrant subcellular localization of menin at the protein level. Empty vector (pcDNA), wild-type menin, and menin mutant proteins bearing FLAG-epitope tags were transiently overexpressed in Men1-null mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFΔMen1). A, Western blot analysis of nuclear and cytoplasmic protein extracts probed for FLAG expression. Nuclear fractions are shown in lanes 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9 while cytoplasmic fractions are shown in lanes 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10. Histone H3 and β-tubulin were used as loading control markers for nuclear and cytoplasmic fractions, respectively. B, Quantitation of FLAG protein band expression in nuclear and cytoplasmic compartments normalized to respective loading controls. n = 3 experimental replicates; **, P < 0.01; ***, P < 0.001 by two-way ANOVA with Tukey post hoc test; mean ± SEM. C, Immunofluorescent images of FLAG-stained MEFΔMen1cells (red) costained with DAPI to visualize the nucleus (blue). Bottom panel shows FLAG staining in white. Scale bar = 10 μm. D, Quantitation of FLAG expression in nuclear and cytoplasmic compartments expressed as a percentage of positively transfected cells. Ten images taken at 200X magnification were counted across n = 3 experiments for a total of 30 images per group; *, P < 0.05 by two-way ANOVA with Tukey post hoc test; mean ± SEM. E, Relative Men1 mRNA expression in menin-null MEFs following overexpression of empty vector, wild-type menin, and the three mutants. F, Relative Men1 mRNA expression in wild-type MEFs expressing endogenous menin as a control. n = 3–4 experimental replicates; n.s. by one-way ANOVA. WT, wild-type.
FIGURE 1 from Clinically Defined Mutations in MEN1 Alter Its Tumor-suppressive Function Through Increased Menin Turnover
Authors: Duan Suzann , Sheriff Sulaiman , Elvis-Offiah Uloma B. , Witten Brandon L. , Sawyer Travis W. , Sundaresan Sinju , Cierpicki Tomasz , Grembecka Jolanta , Merchant Juanita L.
Published: July 2023

WES of patient-derived GEP-NETs identifies germline and somatic mutations in the human MEN1 gene. Germline and somatic MEN1 mutations and variants were previously identified by WES of matched buffy coat and tumor specimens from 9 patients with clinically confirmed GEP-NETs (20). A 10th patient was included in the study analysis following clinical testing for MEN1. We focused our investigation on three single-nucleotide mutations: a c.1546dupC germline mutation identified in a duodenal NET (DNET) that results in a frameshift mutation and introduction of an arginine at amino acid (aa) 516 (R516fs); a c.703G>A somatic mutation identified in a PNET resulting in a glutamic acid to lysine substitution at aa 235 (E235K); and a c.1621G>A germline polymorphism identified in all nine patient samples that underwent WES. In this patient cohort, the c.1621G>A polymorphism results in an alanine to threonine substitution at aa 541 (A541T) immediately upstream to an NLSa. Menin has three NLS sequences in exon 10 and two nuclear export signal (NES) sequences. G = germline, S = somatic, aa = amino acid, NES = nuclear export signal, NLS = nuclear localization signal, NTD = N-terminal domain. Exon1 (hatched) is transcribed but not translated.
Alpha/Beta Gliadin MM1 Is a Novel Antigen for Wheat-Dependent Exercise-Induced Anaphylaxis
Authors: Aoki Yuji , Yagami Akiko , Sakai Tomomi , Ohno Satoshi , Sato Nayu , Nakamura Masashi , Futamura Kyoko , Suzuki Kayoko , Horiguchi Takahiko , Nakata Seiichi , Matsunaga Kayoko
Published: July 2023

Introduction: Screening for ω-5 gliadin specific IgE antibody (sIgE) has high diagnostic utility in cases of suspected wheat-dependent exercise-induced anaphylaxis (WDEIA); however, negative cases may require confirmatory tests, such as the oral challenge test. Thus, newly identified allergens that can be used for the serological diagnosis of WDEIA are needed. This study aimed to identify additional sIgE biomarkers of WDEIA. Methods: Forty-two patients with WDEIA (5 negative/37 positive for ω-5 gliadin sIgE) were enrolled. For comparison, 8 patients with immediate-type wheat allergy without WDEIA and 20 healthy controls without wheat allergy were also enrolled. Extracted wheat proteins were separated by 2D-PAGE. Proteins that reacted with serum IgE antibody in 2D Western blotting (2D-WB) were identified using mass spectrometry. Recombinant proteins were synthesized in Escherichia coli, and the antigenicity was tested using ELISA and the basophil activation test. Results: In 2D-WB, nine proteins reacted with the serum IgE antibody from at least 60% of patients with WDEIA (n ≥ 25/42). ELISA revealed that alpha/beta gliadin MM1 exhibited the highest positive immunoreactivity in 23 of 26 patients who were positive for ω-5 gliadin sIgE (88%) and in 5 of 5 patients who were negative for ω-5 gliadin sIgE (100%). Alpha/beta gliadin MM1 exhibited significantly higher basophil activation in 14 patients with WDEIA when compared to 5 individuals without a wheat allergy. Conclusions: Alpha/beta gliadin MM1 sIgE exhibited the highest seropositivity, even among patients who were negative for ω-5 gliadin sIgE. The inclusion of alpha/beta gliadin MM1 in allergen-sIgE tests may improve the sensitivity for diagnosing WDEIA.
Health Economic Aspects of Platelet Concentrates: Comparing Cost and Reimbursement of Pathogen Inactivated and Conventional Platelet Concentrates in a German Comprehensive Cancer Center
Authors: Bonn Jennifer , Baltin Christoph T. , Osterkamp Viola , Scheid Christof , Holtick Udo , Irsch Johannes , Kron Florian
Published: July 2023

Introduction: Pathogen inactivation (PI) utilizing amotosalen and UVA light (INTERCEPT® Blood System) is a well-established method for the production of safer platelet concentrates (PCs). While many studies describe clinical and logistical benefits of PI, the implications and potential challenges from a hospital management perspective have not yet been analyzed – health economic analyses considering reimbursement of PI are lacking. The objective of this analysis was to examine the real-life inpatient treatment costs from a hospital perspective and to assess the economic impact of PI-PC versus conventional PC (CONV-PC) administration in Germany. Methods: Real-life cost data for inpatient cancer cases from 2020 of the University Hospital Cologne were identified by operating and procedure codes. The German diagnosis-related groups, extra fees, case mix index (CMI), length of stay (LOS), and average resource consumption of PC were evaluated from a micro-management perspective. The potential economic impact of implementing PI-treated PCs was modeled retrospectively. Results: In total, 951 inpatient cases were analyzed (CMI [median 4.7–9.9], LOS [median 26 days], number of cases in intensive care units [38%]). The median DRG fee was between EUR 13,800 and EUR 26,400. According to our model, the use of PI-PC compared to CONV-PC would result in savings between EUR 184 and EUR 306 per case. Conclusion: From a hospital management perspective, oncological cases requiring PC transfusion are associated with a high CMI (reimbursement per DRG flat fee) and moderate costs with sufficient add-on payment for PI on a case level. Investment and process costs for PI implementation can be analyzed for site-specific scenarios.
Anti-Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 IgG Is Present in the Amniotic Fluid of both Infected and Vaccinated Women at Second Trimester of Pregnancy: A Cohort Study
Authors: La Fauci Laura , Cavaliere Riccardo , Romeo Paola , Alibrandi Angela , Ferlazzo Guido , D'Anna Rosario , Corrado Francesco
Published: July 2023

Introduction: Pregnant women are protected from the complications of COVID-19 infection, thanks to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) vaccination. The benefit of this vaccination to prevent morbidity and mortality in the fetus has not yet been completely elucidated. Our aim was to test the presence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in the amniotic fluid during the second trimester of pregnancy and then to compare them to the antibody levels in maternal serum to evaluate their correlation and to improve amniotic fluid immunological characteristics knowledge. Methods: This cohort study took place at the Policlinico G. Martino of Messina from September 2021 to February 2022; 22 pregnant women had amniocentesis: we analyzed serum and amniotic fluid samples of women who contracted the SARS-CoV-2 infection or vaccinated against the same virus within 1 year, and women never infected or vaccinated against it. Amniotic fluids and peripheral blood were collected to evaluate IgG anti-SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid and spike S1 protein antibodies. Results: Patients vaccinated had higher S1 receptor-binding domain antibody levels both in amniotic fluid (p < 0.006; mean 68.70; standard deviation [SD] 85.46) and maternal blood (p < 0.005; mean 1,989.86; SD 3,777.15) than unvaccinated women. Anti-nucleocapsid antibodies were present in women who developed COVID infection both in amniotic fluid and maternal blood but not in unvaccinated women. There was a high correlation between the concentrations of anti-spike antibody levels in serum and amniotic fluid of vaccinated women (p < 0.001; R = 1.0) and of anti-nucleocapsid antibody levels in serum and amniotic fluid of women who developed COVID infection (p < 0.001; R = 0.93). Conclusion: Recent studies have shown that SARS-CoV-2 vaccination during pregnancy is safe. Moreover, we can assume that there is an early transplacental antibody transfer after anti-SARS-CoV-2 immunization to protect the fetus, and there is also a high correlation between levels of anti-nucleocapsid antibodies in blood and amniotic fluid of pregnant women previously infected.
Chimeric Singleton Placenta Comprising Placental Mesenchymal Dysplasia and Complete Hydatidiform Mole with Live Birth and Postpartum Diagnosis of Gestational Trophoblastic Neoplasia
Authors: Song Seungyeon , Kim Misung , Koh Ji hye , Kang Ok Ju , Oh DaSol , Lee Sang-Hun , Lee Soo-Jeong , Ahn Jun-Woo , Roh Hyun-Jin , Kim Kyu-Rae , Kim Jeong Sook
Published: July 2023

Introduction: Placental mesenchymal dysplasia (PMD) is a benign lesion that is often misdiagnosed as complete (CHM) or partial hydatidiform mole. PMD usually results in live birth but can be associated with several fetal defects. Herein, we report PMD with CHM in a singleton placenta with live birth. Case Presentation: A 34-year-old gravida 2, para 1, living 1 (G2P1L1) woman was referred on suspicion of a molar pregnancy in the first trimester. Maternal serum human chorionic gonadotrophin levels were increased during early pregnancy, with multicystic lesions and placentomegaly observed on ultrasonography. Levels decreased to normal with no fetal structural abnormalities observed. A healthy male infant was delivered at 34 gestational weeks. Placental p57KIP2 immunostaining and short tandem repeat analysis revealed three distinct histologies and genetic features: normal infant and placenta, PMD, and CHM. Gestational trophoblastic neoplasia was diagnosed and up to fourth-line chemotherapy administered. Conclusion: Distinguishing PMD from hydatidiform moles is critical for avoiding unnecessary termination of pregnancy. CHM coexisting with a live fetus rarely occurs. This case is unique in that a healthy male infant was born from a singleton placenta with PMD and CHM.
Xp22.33p22.13 Duplication in a Male Patient Carrying a Recombinant X Chromosome Derived from an Inherited Intrachromosomal Insertion
Authors: Joaquim Tatiana Mozer , Roy Scott David , de Albuquerque Clarissa Gondim Picanço , Grangeiro Carlos Henrique Paiva , Squire Jeremy A. , Yoshimoto Maisa , Martelli Lucia
Published: July 2023

Intrachromosomal insertions are complex structural rearrangements that are challenging to interpret using classical cytogenetic methods. We report a male patient carrying a recombinant X chromosome derived from a maternally inherited intrachromosomal insertion. The patient exhibited developmental delay, intellectual disability, behavioral disorder, and dysmorphic facial features. To accurately identify the rearrangements in the abnormal X chromosome, additional cytogenetic studies were conducted, including fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), multicolor-banding FISH, and array comparative genomic hybridization. The results showed a recombinant X chromosome, resulting in a 13.05 Mb interstitial duplication of segment Xp22.33–Xp22.13, which was inserted at cytoband Xq26.1. The duplicated region encompasses 99 genes, some of which are associated with the patient’s clinical manifestations. We propose that the combined effects of the Xp-duplicated genes may contribute to the patient’s phenotype.
Efficacy and Safety of Leadless Pacemaker Implantation in Octogenarians
Authors: Hofer Daniel , Regoli François , Saguner Ardan M. , Conte Giulio , Jelisejevas Julius , Luce Caputo Maria , Graup Vera , Grazioli Gauthier Lorenzo , Gasperetti Alessio , Steffel Jan , Auricchio Angelo , Breitenstein Alexander
Published: July 2023

Introduction: Long-term complication rates in standard transvenous pacemakers are reported around 4–12% with a higher incidence in the elderly population. We report our experience in octogenarians undergoing leadless pacemaker implantation in two large-volume centers in Switzerland. Methods: Consecutive patients undergoing leadless pacemaker implantation at two Swiss large volume centers (University Hospital Zurich, Zurich and Cardiocentro Ticino Institute, Lugano) between October 2015 and March 2020 were included in this retrospective analysis. Demographic information, clinical data, and procedural characteristics were recorded at the day of implantation and during follow-up. Results: Two hundred and twenty patients (mean age 80.6 ± 7.7 years, male 66%) were included. The main indication for pacemaker implantation was slow ventricular rate atrial fibrillation (111 of 220 patients, 50.4%). Out of the 220 patients, 124 (56.3%) were ≥80 years. Overall successful implantation rate was 98.6%. In the octogenarian population, the median procedure time (45 ± 20.2 min vs. 40 ± 19.6 min, p = 0.03) and radiation duration (6.1 ± 8.2 min vs. 5.0 ± 7.2 min, p = 0.03) were longer compared to patients <80 years. Major complications (2.7%, n = 6) and device measurements during follow-up were similar between patients ≥80 and <80 years. Conclusion: Implantation of a leadless pacemaker device in octogenarians is safe and effective with a similarly low complication rate compared to non-octogenarians.
Extreme Temperature Events, Fine Particulate Matter, and Myocardial Infarction Mortality
Authors: Xu Ruijun , Huang Suli , Shi Chunxiang , Wang Rui , Liu Tingting , Li Yingxin , Zheng Yi , Lv Ziquan , Wei Jing , Sun Hong , Liu Yuewei
Published: July 2023

BACKGROUND:

Extreme temperature events (ETEs), including heat wave and cold spell, have been linked to myocardial infarction (MI) morbidity; however, their effects on MI mortality are less clear. Although ambient fine particulate matter (PM
2.5
) is suggested to act synergistically with extreme temperatures on cardiovascular mortality, it remains unknown if and how ETEs and PM
2.5
interact to trigger MI deaths.

METHODS:

A time-stratified case-crossover study of 202 678 MI deaths in Jiangsu province, China, from 2015 to 2020, was conducted to investigate the association of exposure to ETEs and PM
2.5
with MI mortality and evaluate their interactive effects. On the basis of ambient apparent temperature, multiple temperature thresholds and durations were used to build 12 ETE definitions. Daily ETEs and PM
2.5
exposures were assessed by extracting values from validated grid datasets at each subject’s geocoded residential address. Conditional logistic regression models were applied to perform exposure-response analyses and estimate relative excess odds due to interaction, proportion attributable to interaction, and synergy index.

RESULTS:

Under different ETE definitions, the odds ratio of MI mortality associated with heat wave and cold spell ranged from 1.18 (95% CI, 1.14–1.21) to 1.74 (1.66–1.83), and 1.04 (1.02–1.06) to 1.12 (1.07–1.18), respectively. Lag 01-day exposure to PM
2.5
was significantly associated with an increased odds of MI mortality, which attenuated at higher exposures. We observed a significant synergistic interaction of heat wave and PM
2.5
on MI mortality (relative excess odds due to interaction >0, proportion attributable to interaction >0, and synergy index >1), which was higher, in general, for heat wave with greater intensities and longer durations. We estimated that up to 2.8% of the MI deaths were attributable to exposure to ETEs and PM
2.5
at levels exceeding the interim target 3 value (37.5 μg/m
3
) of World Health Organization air quality guidelines. Women and older adults were more vulnerable to ETEs and PM
2.5
. The interactive effects of ETEs or PM
2.5
on MI mortality did not vary across sex, age, or socioeconomic status.

CONCLUSIONS:

This study provides consistent evidence that exposure to both ETEs and PM
2.5
is significantly associated with an increased odds of MI mortality, especially for women and older adults, and that heat wave interacts synergistically with PM
2.5
to trigger MI deaths but cold spell does not. Our findings suggest that mitigating both ETE and PM
2.5
exposures may bring health cobenefits in preventing premature deaths from MI.
Two Schools of Thought on the Holocaust: Snyder v Bauman
Authors: Chmielewska Katarzyna
Published: July 2023

The article describes two approaches to the Holocaust, identified with the names of Zygmunt Bauman and Timothy Snyder. In this dyad, Bauman stands for the culturalist, sociological approach focused on identifying the social conditions in which otherness is produced and tracing the significance of modernity and bureaucracy for the Shoah. In contrast, Snyder dismisses the notion that anti-Semitism and modern statehood played a crucial part in the Holocaust. The study also identifies contemporary adherents of the two interpretations in Poland.
Split Personality of the Sovereign: The Interplay of Power within Bordering Practices of Exclusion at the Polish-Belarusian Border
Authors: Krępa Mateusz
Published: July 2023

This article compares two theoretical tools popular among migration researchers: the concept of “bare life” offered by Giorgio Agamben, and the conceptualization of border practices and security in critical border and security studies. The paper presents how Agambenian theory seems to lack proper analysis of power, which can be provided by critical theory. Also, Agamben’s insufficient substantiation of resistance to exclusion should be supported by the normative critique offered by critical theorists of security. This enables proper examination of the humanitarian crisis provoked by both the Belarusian and Polish states’ bordering practices in 2021 and 2022. In result, an analysis of Polish and Belarusian bordering practices through this theoretical lens suggests how the critical approach to borders and security may be useful in depicting precisely the interplay of power within a sovereign state and in researching possibilities of resistance against practices of exclusion.
The borderline of science: Western exploration and study of Chinese insect white wax from the seventeenth to the nineteenth century
Authors: Jiang Xue , Shi Tao
Published: July 2023

Insect white wax is a type of biological wax, mainly produced in Jiading Fu (now Leshan, Sichuan province) in southern Sichuan province, also known as Sichuan wax. It is a special export product in China and an important source of income for local wax farmers. From the seventeenth century onward, Westerners who traveled deep into southwestern China studied the wax, including its geographical distribution, biological experiments, and production techniques. They assessed its commercial prospects and strove to introduce it to Europe and the areas it controlled. Based on the reports of the European scholars’ expeditions, travelogues, conference proceedings, and correspondence, this paper examines the history of Western research on the insect white wax and aims to investigate the underlying motivations for the exploration activities, proposes the concept of “object colonialism,” and discusses the impact of adopting objects from their countries of origin on the world’s political and economic landscape.
Have we made progress in taking care of adolescents and young adults with cancer? Results of a European multi-professional survey
Authors: Bozovic Spasojevic Ivana , Ferrari Andrea , De Munter Johan , Gamble Ashley , Konsoulova-Kirova Assia , Rizvi Katie , Schneider Carina , Balsat Marie , Castleton Anna , Gofti-Laroche Leila , Kienesberger Anita , Timmermann Beate , Vormoor Josef , Saloustros Emmanouil , Stark Daniel P
Published: July 2023

Background:

It is well documented that traditional health care models do not meet the specific needs of Adolescents and Young Adults (AYA) cancer patients.

Methods:

We explore a map of the development of age-specific AYA cancer care across Europe, from the perspective of healthcare professionals with an interest in AYA care, in order to understand the specific challenges and map progress over time. An on-line survey was developed by international professional cancer organisations.

Results:

We had 377 respondents from 60 countries. The majority of respondents were physicians 298 (79%), a minority of survey respondents (39, 10.4%) work exclusively with AYA patients, most respondents declared substantial and routine clinical service collaborations to provide care and treatment to AYA with cancer. Policy for the multidisciplinary management of AYA cancer patients commonly appears in Europe now, and was reported by 234 (78.52%) respondents. Specific professional training for AYA cancer care is not uniformly available.

Conclusion:

There is considerable opportunity for many organisations to work together in raising the profile of AYA cancer related issues, in providing education and in encouraging research and collaboration.
3D-printed tortuous vessels with Photodissociable and morphology-controllable ink
Authors: Wang Biling , Zhao Pengcheng , Zhang Peng , Hu Jun , Liu Yande , Xie Mingjun , He Yong
Published: July 2023

Acute ischemic stroke (AIS) is a high mortality cerebrovascular disease associated with vessel curvature. However, the relevant mechanism remains unclear due to a lack of appropriate tortuous vascular models to investigate and validate. This study explores the combination of projection-based 3D bioprinting (PBP) with photo-stimulus-responsive techniques to fabricate a sodium alginate (SA)/acrylamide (AAM) hydrogel vascular scaffold capable of bending deformation. The coordination of Fe3+ ions with carboxylate groups in the alginate chains of the vascular scaffold acts as a molecular switch, which can be dissociated through photoreduction to enable the deformation response. Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) and X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) results verified the deformation principle. By subjecting the scaffold to UV light exposure, Fe3+ is reduced to Fe2+ in spatially selected regions, resulting in the release of strain and subsequent deformation. Furthermore, it also controlled the degree and direction of curvature of the vessels. The cell seeding experiment verified that the vascular scaffold showed excellent biocompatibility. Overall, our approach could be used to generate an in vitro model of curved vascular pathology to investigate the pathogenesis and provide new directions for the diagnosis and treatment of vascular diseases in the future.
Existence theorems for nonlinear shell models of Koiter’s type
Authors: Giang Trung Hieu , Mardare Cristinel
Published: July 2023

We first show that the minimization problem associated with the nonlinear shell model of W.T. Koiter becomes coercive over its natural space of admissible deformations when the third fundamental form is added to its functional. Then, under the assumption that the middle surface of the shell is a minimal surface, we approach this minimization problem by a new minimization problem that is well-posed over the same space of admissible deformations.
Belonging here and there: How social media affect the transnational lives of Spaniards in Iceland
Authors: Valsdóttir Sigrún K , Lubbers Miranda J
Published: July 2023

Following the economic crisis of 2008–2014, the number of Spaniards in Iceland has quintupled. This study explores how young, highly qualified Spanish migrants in Iceland adopt social media to become embedded in Iceland and to maintain relationships in Spain, and how it affects their sense of belonging. For this aim, semi-structured interviews were held in 2017–2018 with 29 Spaniards residing in Iceland, and their personal networks were analyzed. We found that migrants who felt they belonged to both Spain and Iceland had more social relationships in Iceland and used more social media platforms to sustain their local and transnational networks compared with migrants who felt they belonged nowhere or only in Spain. Not only did they extend their repertoires with new social media, they also adapted how they used platforms to the media environment in Iceland. In this way, social media facilitated a sense of local and transnational belonging.
Spectroscopic and DFT study of tris(β-diketonato)cobalt(III) complexes
Authors: Twigge Linette , Conradie Jeanet , Erasmus Elizabeth
Published: July 2023

Nuclear magnetic resonance measurements confirm that, as expected, the mer isomer of tris(β-diketonato) cobalt(III) complexes is more stable ( mer isomers are more stable because they are less affected by steric hindrance and they have lower dipoles). An excess of the mer isomer or only the mer isomer is experimentally observed. The existence of both fac and mer isomers is predicted by density functional theory calculations. At room temperature, the nuclear magnetic resonance peaks of phenyl-containing mer complexes are broad due to the intermediate rotation of bulky phenyl groups resulting in only the average orientation of the non-equivalent protons in the mer complexes. However, upon heating to 55 °C (thus speeding up the rotation) or cooling to −50 °C (slowing down the rotation), this broad peak is resolved into three sets of carbon peaks appearing in the 13C NMR spectrum, as well as splitting of the 1H NMR peaks for the non-equivalent protons in the mer isomer. In solid-state 13C NMR the aromatic rings do not rotate, resulting in the splitting of all the 13C NMR peaks. Two sets of well-defined peaks are observed for the fluorine-containing compound [Co(CF3COCHCOCPh)3] in both the 13C and 19F NMR spectra, indicating that both the fac and mer isomers are present with a ratio of fac:mer = 0.1:1. The X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy measured binding energy of the Co 2p3/2 photoelectron lines are influenced by the subtle electronic (electron-donating or electron-withdrawing) properties of the R groups on the β-diketonato ligands. Various relationships are established between the binding energy of Co 2p3/2 and several physical and density functional theory–calculated properties, confirming good electronic communication (the measurable electronic effect that a molecular fragment has on the physical properties of another molecular fragment in the molecule) of the substituent groups through the pseudo aromatic system of the β-diketonato backbones to the metal.
Virtuous Contempt and the Ritual Community in Confucius and Xúnzǐ
Authors: Virág Curie
Published: July 2023

Both Confucius and Xúnzǐ take for granted that contempt, in certain situations, is an appropriate and justified response for a person of virtuous character. But Xúnzǐ departs from his predecessor in his insistence on drawing clear boundaries around contempt so as to diminish its destructive and destabilizing potential. This article argues that Xúnzǐ's efforts to circumscribe contempt reflect a shift in the vision of the ritual community from one based on affective ties to one based on an impersonal, universalist state. It also traces the implications of this connection for how we might confront the problem of toxic contempt that has pervaded our political landscape today.
What Does Aristotle's Moral Exemplar Feel Contempt For?
Authors: Mantzouranis Kleanthis
Published: July 2023

One of the most striking and controversial features of Aristotle's moral exemplar, the megalopsychos, is his tendency to be contemptuous. Not surprisingly, modern scholarship has found this attribute of the megalopsychos particularly unappealing. This article probes the question about the targets of the contempt of the Aristotelian megalopsychos and explores the forms that this contempt might take. I argue that the primary targets of the megalopsychos are people who claim superiority on the wrong grounds (their external prosperity and social status). The megalopsychos, who prioritizes virtue over external goods as a criterion of individual worth ( axia), rejects the self-image these people claim for themselves and refuses to grant them the appraisal respect they are accustomed to receiving, and think they deserve.
Republication of “Most Readmissions Following Ankle Fracture Surgery Are Unrelated to Surgical Site Issues: An Analysis of 5056 Cases”
Authors: Fu Michael C. , Young Kelsey , Cody Elizabeth , Schairer William W. , Demetracopoulos Constantine A. , Ellis Scott J.
Published: July 2023

Background:

Ankle fracture surgeries are generally safe and effective procedures; however, as quality-based reimbursement models are increasingly affected by postoperative readmission, we aimed to determine the causes and risk factors for readmission following ankle fracture surgery.

Methods:

Ankle fracture cases were identified from the prospectively collected American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program from 2013 to 2014. Demographics, comorbidities, and fracture characteristics were collected. Rates of 30-day adverse events and readmissions were determined as well as the causes for readmission. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to identify risk factors associated with having any adverse events and being readmitted within 30 days of surgery.

Results:

There were 5056 patients included; 167 (3.3%) were open fractures. The rate of any postoperative adverse event was 5.2%. There were 116 unplanned readmissions, with a readmission rate of 2.3%. Of the 116 unplanned readmissions, 49 (42.2%) were for reasons related to the surgery or surgical site, with the most common causes being deep surgical site/hardware infections (12.9%), superficial site infections (11.2%), and wound disruption (6.9%). Most readmissions were for reasons unrelated to the surgical site (51.7%), including cardiac disorders (8.6%), pulmonary disorders (7.8%), and neurological/psychiatric disorders (6.9%). The cause of readmission was unknown for 6% of readmissions. With multivariable logistic regression, the strongest risk factors for readmission were a history of pulmonary disease (odds ratio [OR], 2.29), American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) class ≥3 (OR, 2.28), and open fractures (OR, 2.04) (all P < .05).

Conclusion:

In this cohort of 5056 ankle fracture cases, 2.3% of patients were readmitted within 30 days, with at least 51.7% of all unplanned readmissions due to causes unrelated to the surgery or surgical site. Predictors of readmission included a history of pulmonary disease, higher ASA class, and open fractures. Based on these findings, we advocate close medical follow-up with nonorthopaedic providers after discharge for high-risk patients.

Level of Evidence:

Level III.
The longitudinal outcomes of mental health for Flemish care leavers
Authors: Gypen Laura , Stas Lara , West Delphine , Van Holen Frank , Vanderfaeillie Johan
Published: July 2023

Young people leaving foster- and residential care more often indicate having mental health problems than their peers from the general population. International research has extensively studied these mental health outcomes of care leavers. However, in Flanders (the Dutch speaking part of Belgium), no previous quantitative studies are known. This longitudinal study explores outcomes of depression, anxiety, sleep and general mental health of care leavers in Flanders and investigates if these outcomes improve in the years after leaving care. Associations with placement factors are explored to support recommendations to the clinical field. The current study involves 175 care-leavers. The participants of the study are between 18 and 27 years old at the start of the study and have all left care. Data was collected using a self-reporting questionnaire touching multiple domains. On all domains, no significant differences between foster- and residential care leavers are found. Residential care leavers more often indicate depressive symptoms than their peers from the general population. Foster care leavers more often indicate sleeping problems. Regarding anxiety, no differences are found. In all conducted analyses, the number of years in care, the age of starting and leaving care, the different types of support during care and whether aftercare was offered were included. However, none of these factors provide a sufficient explanation for the outcomes found. On all scales, the effect of gender, the number of placements and the reason of placement do recur. This indicates the importance of these factors. Policy makers should focus on improving placement stability and extra support for children who were placed due to own emotional or behavioral problems or maltreatment.
Rewitzerite, K(H2O)Mn2(Al2Ti)(PO4)4[O(OH)](H2O)10⋅4H2O, a new monoclinic paulkerrite-group mineral, from the Hagendorf-Süd pegmatite, Oberpfalz, Bavaria, Germany
Authors: Grey Ian E. , Hochleitner Rupert , Kampf Anthony R. , Boer Stephanie , MacRae Colin M. , Mumme William G. , Keck Erich
Published: July 2023

Rewitzerite, K(H2O)Mn2(Al2Ti)(PO4)4[O(OH)](H2O)10⋅4H2O, is a new monoclinic member of the paulkerrite group, from the Hagendorf-Süd pegmatite, Oberpfalz, Bavaria, Germany. It was found in specimens of altered zwieselite, in association with rockbridgeite. Rewitzerite forms clusters of colourless elongated hexagonal-shaped prisms, up to 0.1 mm long. The crystals are flattened on {010} and elongated along [100], with forms {010}, {001}, {111} and {$\bar{1}$11}. The calculated density is 2.33 g⋅cm–3. Optically, rewitzerite crystals are biaxial (+), with α = 1.585(2), β = 1.586(2), γ = 1.615(2) (measured in white light) and 2V(meas) = 25(2)°. The empirical formula from electron microprobe analyses and structure refinement is A1[K0.77(H2O)0.23]A2[H2O] M1(Mn2+0.82Mg0.64Fe3+0.43□0.11)Σ2.00M2+M3(Al1.51Ti4+1.06Fe3+0.43)Σ3.00(PO4)4X[(OH)0.54F0.42O1.04]Σ2.00(H2O)10⋅4H2O, where □ = vacancy.

Rewitzerite has monoclinic symmetry with space group P21/c and unit-cell parameters a = 10.444(2) Å, b = 20.445(2) Å, c = 12.2690(10)Å, β = 90.17(3)°, V = 2619.8(6) Å3 and Z = 4. The crystal structure was refined using synchrotron single-crystal data to wRobs = 0.068 for 5894 reflections with I > 3σ(I). The crystal structure has the same topology as that for orthorhombic paulkerrite-group minerals but differs primarily in having an ordering of K+ and H2O molecules in different A sites, whereas they are disordered at a single A site in the orthorhombic members of the group.
Feasibility of screening for cognitive impairment among older persons and referral by community health workers in Wakiso district, Uganda
Authors: Alinaitwe Racheal , Musisi Seggane , Mukunya David , Wibabara Yvette , Mutamba Byamah B , Nakasujja Noeline
Published: July 2023

Background

In Uganda, cognitive impairment in older persons aged ≥ 60 years is often undiagnosed due to inadequate appreciation of the condition compounded with limitations of trained human resource able to conduct appropriate cognitive evaluations. Use of Community Health Workers (CHWs) especially in hard-to-reach communities can be an important link for older persons to the health facilities where they can receive adequate evaluations and interventions for cognitive challenges. The aim of the study was to assess the feasibility of screening for cognitive impairment among older persons and referral by CHWs in Wakiso district, Uganda.

Methods

This was a sequential explanatory mixed methods study. The CHWs received a one-day training on causes, signs and symptoms, and management of cognitive impairment and screened older persons ≥ 60 years for cognitive impairment using the Alzheimer’s Disease scale 8 (AD8). Psychiatric clinical officers (PCOs) administered the AD8 to the older persons after assessment by the CHWs who then referred them for appropriate clinical care. We conducted Kappa statistic for agreement between the CHWs and PCOs and compared raw scores of the CHWs to Experts scores using Bland Altman and pair plots and corresponding analyses. We also conducted focus group discussions for the older persons, caregivers and CHWs.

Results

We collected data from 385 older persons. We involved 12 CHWs and 75% were females, majority were married (58.3%) with at least a secondary education (66.7%). There was 96.4% (CI 94.5–98.2%) agreement between PCOs and CHWs in identifying cognitive impairment with the PCOs identifying 54/385 (14.0: 95%CI 10.7–17.9%) older persons compared to 58/385 (15.1: 95%CI 11.6–19.0%) identified by CHWs. Of the 58 identified to have cognitive impairment by the CHWs, 93.1% were referred for care. The average difference between the score of the expert and that of the CHW was − 0.042 with a 95% CI of -1.335 to 1.252. Corresponding Bland Altman and pair plots showed high agreement between the measurements although CHWs scored higher values with increasing scores.

Conclusion

CHWs can be trained to identify and refer older persons with cognitive impairment in the communities.
Factors contributing to the high prevalence of intimate partner violence among south Sudanese refugee women in Ethiopia
Authors: Hadush Filmawit , Tsegaye Dereje , Legass Sherif Abdulwehab , Abebe Endegena , Zenu Sabit
Published: July 2023

Background

Intimate partner violence is a universally occurring form of violence against women which is perpetrated by a husband or other intimate partner. It is a common public health problem during humanitarian crisis. Despite this, little is known about the problem among South Sudanese refugee women in Ethiopia.

Objective

This study aimed to determine the prevalence of intimate partner violence and identify its contributing factors among married refugee women in Pinyudo refugee camp, Gambella, Ethiopia in 2021.

Methods

A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from March to June 2021. A random sample of 406 refugee women was included in the study. A structured, pretested, and interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect the data. Data were entered into epi-data version 3.1 and exported to SPSS version 22 for analysis. Multivariable logistic regression was run to identify factors associated with intimate partner violence. Statistical significance was affirmed using Adjusted Odds Ratio with its 95% Confidence Interval at a p-value ≤ 0.05.

Results

A total of 406 married refugee women participated in the study making a response rate of 96.2%. The overall prevalence of intimate partner violence in the past 12 months was 48.3% 95% CI= (43.6–53.2). Low-income contribution [AOR = 2.4, 95% CI: 1.2–5.5], and attitudinal acceptance [AOR = 2.1, 95%CI: 1.2–3.8] were significantly associated with the problem.

Conclusion

The prevalence of intimate partner violence is alarmingly high as half of participating women reported facing the problem in the year preceding the study. Low-income contribution and attitudinal acceptance were associated with a higher probability of experiencing violence. The government, humanitarian organizations, and other stakeholders should enable refugee women to generate income. There should be continuous women empowerment and behavioral interventions to improve refugee women’s attitudes towards intimate partner violence.
The effect of ding’s screw and tension band wiring for treatment of olecranon fractures: a finite element study
Authors: Yin Nuo , Pan Mingmang , Li Chenglei , Du Li , Ding Liang
Published: July 2023

Background

Tension band wiring (TBW) is a common surgical intervention for olecranon fractures. However, high rate of complications such as loss of reduction, skin irritation, and migration of the K-wires were reported up to 80%. Ding’s screw tension band wiring (DSTBW) is a new TBW technique that has shown positive results in the treatment of other fracture types. The objective of this study was to evaluate the stability of DSTBW in the treatment of olecranon fractures by finite element analysis.

Method

We used Ding’s screw tension band fixation (DSTBW) and K-wire tension band fixation (TBW) to establish a finite element model to simulate and fix olecranon fractures. The stress distribution, opening angle, twisting angle, and pullout strength of K-wires or screws were analyzed and compared.

Results

The maximum von Mises stress was observed on the internal fixation for 90° elbow motion in both groups. The von Mises value of the screw in DSTBW was 241.2 MPa, and the von Mises value of k-wire in TBW was 405.0 MPa. Opening angle: TBW was 0.730° and DSTBW was 0.741° at 45° flexion; TBW was 0.679° and DSTBW was 0.693° at 90° flexion. Twisting angle: TBW was 0.146° and DSTBW was 0.180° at 45° flexion; TBW was 0.111° and DSTBW was 0.134° at 90° flexion. The pullout strength of DSTBW was significantly higher than that of TBW. Maximum pullout strength of Ding’s screw was 2179.1 N, maximum pullout strength of K-wire was 263.6 N.

Conclusion

DSTBW technology provides stable fixation for olecranon fractures, reducing the risk of internal fixation migration and failure.
Comparing the performance of machine learning and conventional models for predicting atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease in a general Chinese population
Authors: Fan Zihao , Du Zhi , Fu Jinrong , Zhou Ying , Zhang Pengyu , Shi Chuning , Sun Yingxian
Published: July 2023

Background

Accurately predicting the risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) is crucial for implementing individualized prevention strategies and improving patient outcomes. Our objective is to develop machine learning (ML)-based models for predicting ASCVD risk in a prospective Chinese population and compare their performance with conventional regression models.

Methods

A hybrid dataset consisting of 551 features was used, including 98 demographic, behavioral, and psychological features, 444 Electrocardiograph (ECG) features, and 9 Echocardiography (Echo) features. Seven machine learning (ML)-based models were trained, validated, and tested after selecting the 30 most informative features. We compared the discrimination, calibration, net benefit, and net reclassification improvement (NRI) of the ML models with those of conventional ASCVD risk calculators, such as the Pooled Cohort Equations (PCE) and Prediction for ASCVD Risk in China (China-PAR).

Results

The study included 9,609 participants (mean age 53.4 ± 10.4 years, 53.7% female), and during a median follow-up of 4.7 years, 431 (4.5%) participants developed ASCVD. In the testing set, the final ML-based ANN model outperformed PCE, China-PAR, recalibrated PCE, and recalibrated China-PAR in predicting ASCVD. This was demonstrated by the model's higher area under the curve (AUC) of 0.800, compared to 0.777, 0.780, 0.779, and 0.779 for the other models, respectively. Additionally, the model had a lower Hosmer–Lemeshow χ2 of 9.1, compared to 37.3, 67.6, 126.6, and 18.6 for the other models. The net benefit at a threshold of 5% was also higher for the ML-based ANN model at 0.017, compared to 0.016, 0.013, 0.017, and 0.016 for the other models, respectively. Furthermore, the NRI was 0.089 for the ML-based ANN model, while it was 0.355, 0.098, and 0.088 for PCE, China-PAR, and recalibrated PCE, respectively.

Conclusions

Compared to conventional regression ASCVD risk calculators, such as PCE and China-PAR, the ANN prediction model may help optimize identification of individuals at heightened cardiovascular risk by flexibly incorporating a wider range of potential predictors. The findings may help guide clinical decision-making and ultimately contribute to ASCVD prevention and management.