bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The ‘dead baby card’ and the early modern accusation of infanticide: situating obstetric violence in the bio- and necropolitics of reproduction
Authors: van der Waal Rodante
Published: April 2024

This article concerns a form of contemporary obstetric violence that is known as ‘playing the dead baby card’. Playing the dead baby card entails shroud waving where the threat to the foetus’ life is exaggerated to get the pregnant person to comply with obstetric policy. I argue that the playing of the dead baby card echoes the accusation of infanticide, which was prominent in the early modern witch hunts as the most common verdict for which women and midwives were executed, and which, since then, has run through the whole of Western modernity. The playing of the dead baby card can similarly be understood to have the negation of the pregnant person as its effect, such that the maternal subject cannot be conceptualised to be part of the biopolitical production of subjects. The de-subjectification of the mother is instead more reminiscent of Achille Mbembe's concept of ‘necropolitics’, in which certain life is actively negated for the flourishing of other life. Yet, this concept too fails to fully capture the negation of the maternal in the playing of the dead baby card; it is more apt to reserve the notion of necropolitics in reproduction for processes of racialisation that result in markedly higher rates of maternal and neonatal mortality and morbidity for people of colour. This article therefore differentiates the negation of the maternal subject that comes to the fore in the playing of the dead baby card from both bio- and necropolitics as a matricide understood to be the condition of the biopolitical project of the accumulation and fostering of life.
Hidden in plain sight- Audience engagement in China’s data journalism
Authors: Yin Qi , Zheng Shiyu (Sharon) , Wu Shubing
Published: April 2024

This article delves into the strategies of different Chinese news organizations’ (e.g., state-owned media, we-media, private news organizations) engagement with audiences in data journalism, aiming to attain dual legitimacy (identity legitimacy and institutional legitimacy) within the unique landscape of the digital media era in China. Utilizing the lens of organizational legitimacy, qualitative interviews were conducted with 26 Chinese data news practitioners. The findings reveal that news entities have adopted “restrictive involvement” and “substitutive involvement” strategies to limit audience engagement to superficial interactions within the consumption process of data journalism. Identity legitimacy has traditionally served as the primary incentive for news organizations to engage audiences, while institutional legitimacy has constrained the forms and degrees of audience engagement. The study posits that audience deployment by news organizations is more of a rhetorical maneuver than a practical engagement, symbolically involving audiences in China’s data news production. This research contributes an institutional perspective to the understanding of data journalism and audience engagement dynamics, shedding light on the intricate interactions between news entities, audiences, technology and the state within China’s context.
Jiedu Xiaozheng Yin Inhibits the Progression of Colitis Associated Colorectal Cancer by Stimulating Macrophage Polarization Towards an M1 Phenotype via the TLR4 Pathway
Authors: Liu Haiqin , Yan Shuo , Yang Ruiming , Huang Caidi , Guo Kangyue , Wang Shi , Huang Yunmei , Shen Dongyi , Lin Ying , Cao Zhiyun , Zhong Hangyan , Lin Jiumao , Chen Xuzheng
Published: April 2024

To investigate the effect of Jiedu Xiaozheng Yin (JXY) on the polarization of macrophages in colitis-associated colon cancer (CAC). An orthotopic model of CAC was established to monitor changes in the pathological state of mice. Colon length, number of colon tumors were recorded, and indices for liver, spleen, and thymus were calculated. Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining was employed to observe intestinal mucosal injury and tumor formation. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining was utilized to investigate the effect of JXY on M1 and M2 polarization of macrophages in the colonic mucosa of CAC mice. For in vitro experiments, RT-qPCR (Reverse Transcription-quantitative PCR) and flow cytometry were used to observe the effect of JXY on various M1-related molecules such as IL-1β, TNF-α, iNOS, CD80, CD86, and its phagocytic function as well as M2-related molecules including Arg-1, CD206, and IL-10. Subsequently, after antagonizing the TLR4 pathway with antagonists (TAK242, PDTC, KG501, SR11302, LY294002), the expression of IL-6, TNF-α, iNOS, and IL-1β mRNA were detected by RT-qPCR. In vivo experiments, the results showed that JXY improved the pathological condition of mice in general. And JXY treatment decreased the shortening of colon length and number of tumors as compared to non-treated CAC mice. Additionally, JXY treatment improved the lesions in the colonic tissue and induced a polarization of intestinal mucosal macrophages towards the M1 phenotype, while inhibiting polarization towards the M2 phenotype. In vitro experiments further confirmed that JXY treatment promoted the activation of macrophages towards the M1 phenotype, leading to increased expression of IL-1β, TNF-α, iNOS, CD80, CD86, as well as enhanced phagocytic function. JXY treatment concomitantly inhibited the expression of M2-phenotype related molecules Arginase-1 (Arg-1), CD206, and IL-10. Furthermore, JXY inhibited M1-related molecules such as IL-6, TNF-α, iNOS, and IL-1β after antagonizing the TLR4 pathway. Obviously, JXY could exhibit inhibitory effects on the development of colon tumors in mice with CAC by promoting M1 polarization through TLR4-mediated signaling and impeding M2 polarization of macrophages.
When Tragedy Strikes: Lessons in School Leadership
Authors: Abney Heather , Cannon Ashley , Cornelius Megan , Hundley Sharon , Lowery Charles
Published: April 2024

At a large suburban high school in the United States, the first home football game was taking place after missing a full season due to the pandemic. The stands were packed as the school community gathered to celebrate the return to some normalcy. Shortly after the third quarter began, a beloved coach/teacher collapsed on the sideline. Paramedics arrived within 10 minutes, CPR was administered, and 20 minutes later, he was transported to a local hospital, and within a few days, he passed away. This case captures the lived experiences of a school principal and how she was able to lead her school community through a devastating event witnessed by so many. It also highlights the challenges that school leaders face when dealing with an unexpected tragedy to include the quick decisions that must be made, the importance of timely and accurate communication, privacy considerations, and ensuring social emotional support is in place for all who have been impacted. This experience is based on a real event, however, all identifying information (names, etc.) has been changed along with some of the circumstances surrounding the event. This case provides school leaders an opportunity to apply cognitive resource theory to unexpected tragedies that many will undoubtedly face at some point in their career.
Study on time-varying meshing stiffness of helical gears with root crack faults based on improved potential energy method
Authors: Zhang Hongyuan , Li Shuo , Sun Hongyun
Published: April 2024

Time-varying meshing stiffness is one of the important excitations of gear transmission system, and its accurate calculation is an important basis for gear dynamics research. This paper proposes an improved potential energy method to calculate the theoretical time-varying meshing stiffness of healthy gears and helical gears with root crack faults, taking into account the non coincidence between the tooth root circle and the base circle of the helical gear, as well as the angle of the tooth root transition circle, the simulation results of KISSsoft were used to verify the rationality and effectiveness of the improved method; analyzed the influence of basic parameters and fault severity of helical gears on time-varying meshing stiffness. The results show that the accuracy of meshing stiffness obtained by the improved method has increased by about 5%; changes in the basic gear parameters cause changes in the contact ratio, which in turn leads to changes in the fluctuation and average value of the gear meshing stiffness; the fluctuation of meshing stiffness is in the minimum value when overlap contact ratio is close to an integer, the fluctuation of meshing stiffness is in the maximum value when total overlap is near an integer; the variation of crack depth and angle leads to local attenuation of time-varying meshing stiffness of helical gears. As the degree of failure increases, the local attenuation of meshing stiffness becomes more pronounce and compared to crack angle, meshing stiffness is more sensitive to changes in crack depth. Compared with the traditional potential energy method, the improved method improves the calculation accuracy of the time-varying meshing stiffness of helical gears, which is highly practical in the accurate calculation of helical gear meshing stiffness excitation and provide the theoretical basis for the calculation of the meshing stiffness of helical gears.
Design and performance evaluation of a novel fractional order PID control strategy for vehicle semi-active suspension
Authors: Li Gang , Xu Han , Ruan Zhiyong , Liu Qianjie , Gan Yu , Yu Lifan , Zhu Wencai , Hu Guoliang
Published: April 2024

The performance of a semi-active suspension depends on the quality of the control algorithm. Considering the limitations of conventional PID controllers within intricate nonlinear systems, such as imprecise parameter tuning and performance deterioration, we introduced a fractional-order PID (FOPID) control strategy for vehicle semi-active suspension, this approach amalgamates fractional-order theory with conventional PID control to enhance both the controllable scope and precision of the suspension system. Research on semi-active suspension control was conducted using a nonlinear dynamic model of a quarter vehicle. Simulations and analyses were performed utilizing random road excitation and impact road excitation as input signals for both FOPID control, Fuzzy-PID control, and conventional PID control strategies. The analysis findings demonstrated that in the presence of random road excitation, the semi-active suspension system controlled by FOPID reduced vehicle body acceleration by 18.9%, in contrast to a 14.7% reduction by the Fuzzy-PID-controlled suspension, and a 12% reduction achieved by the PID-controlled suspension when compared to the passive suspension. In response to impact road excitation, the suspension system under FOPID control effectively mitigated the peak value of vehicle body acceleration by 29.4%, surpassing the 25.2% reduction achieved by Fuzzy-PID-controlled suspension, and the 24.6% reduction achieved by the PID-controlled suspension. The simulation outcomes substantiated that ride comfort and handling stability of the semi-active suspension system were effectively improved by the implementation of FOPID control.
An intelligent detection approach for end-of-life power battery shell bolts
Authors: Li Jie , Chen Dantong , Si Jiahui
Published: April 2024

With the rapid growth of the new energy vehicle industry, the number of end-of-life power batteries, which serve as the technological core, is also increasing significantly. Unfortunately, this rise in retired power batteries has led to severe environmental pollution and resource wastage. The detection of shell bolts in power batteries has thus become a crucial step in the recycling and disassembly process. To address this issue, this research proposes a detection method for end-of-life power battery shell bolts. Based on market analysis, the target bolt for the retired power battery shell was identified. The bolt images were collected and preprocessed to create a custom dataset on the experimental platform. Four popular object detection algorithms were compared, and the YOLOv8 model is selected to improve with EMA module. The improved YOLOv8 model achieves 98.9% for mAP_0.5, which increases more than 2 percentage points. Based on the repeatability of bolt recognition, this detection method can be used for the identification of bolts in other battery shells, providing a theoretical foundation for promoting the robotic disassembly of battery shells.
A comparative experimental study on the rough machining methods of centrifugal three-dimensional impellers
Authors: Dong Lei , Chen Minyang
Published: April 2024

In this study, the processing efficiency and cost of centrifugal 3-D impeller rough machining using five-axis flank milling, linear shaft linkage high-speed milling and fixed-axis plunge milling were assessed. Furthermore, the nylon material cutting test was carried out to verify the geometrical precision of the fixed-axis plunge milling toolpath planning method used for the centrifugal 3-D impeller. Meanwhile, an empirical model for estimating the cutting force in plunge milling was established via the orthogonal cutting test. This ensured the smooth operation of the subsequent fixed-axis plunge milling cutting test. Cutting parameter optimisation and tool strength verification were performed for the impeller inlet, which was narrow and deep. On this basis, cutting tests for three FV520B impeller passages were conducted using the above-mentioned three methods. The results revealed that fixed-axis plunge milling exhibited a relatively large advantage regarding processing efficiency and cost. Additionally, the advantages were more obvious when the fixed-axis plunge milling was performed with a large-sized cutter.
Cross-domain decision method based on instance transfer and model transfer for fault diagnosis
Authors: Zhang Jiaqing , Huang Yubiao , Liu Rui , Wu Zijian
Published: April 2024

As the digitalization of industrial assets advances, data-driven fault diagnosis has increasingly garnered attention. However, models often underperform due to the lack of sufficient training data and the complexity of operational environments. In scenarios where a similar task with abundant data exists in the source domain, leveraging the knowledge embedded in this source data could be key to constructing an effective diagnostic model for the target domain. Following this idea, this study introduces a novel cross-domain decision method, weighted structure expansion and reduction (WSER), for fault diagnosis. This method initially extracts features from the time, frequency, and time-frequency domains. It then estimates data weights following the idea of instance transfer to mitigate the dissimilarity between the source and target data distributions. Based on these estimated weights, feature selection is further performed. The extracted source knowledge is subsequently transferred to the target domain using the proposed WSER method. The proposed method is applied on two public engineering fault datasets, and the results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method in increasing the accuracy of fault diagnosis.
The investigation of the effect of operating conditions in gearboxes on efficiency
Authors: Kaya İsmail , Baykara Cemal
Published: April 2024

Efficiency is a concept that evaluates the optimal utilization of resources, including time, energy, finances, or materials, in order to accomplish a particular goal or objective. As widely acknowledged, energy losses occur in systems involving relative motion between interacting machine elements due to friction. In the case of a gearbox, these losses can arise from tooth friction in the gear mechanism, friction in sealing elements, friction in roller bearings, and the influence of the lubricant used in the system, all of which are subject to environmental conditions. This study aims to experimentally determine the efficiency of the gearbox under various operating conditions by considering the gearbox as a comprehensive system encompassing all its components. A measurement system was designed in order to obtain the efficiency of a gearbox. Experiments and measurements were carried out via software support. The measurement system contains two torque transducers, electrical resistive load device, an electrical motor with temperature measurement thermocouple, and two stage helical gearbox. In experiments conducted through computer commands, input revolutions were incrementally increased with 400 rpm intervals within the range of 700–2700 rpm. Moreover, experiments were carried out at different lubricant levels in the gearbox. At the same time lubricant temperature was measured and effects to the gearbox efficiency were investigated. Subsequently, different lubricant with distinct viscosity indices were employed. As a result of this experimental design, regime efficiency values were obtained for each case. Thus, power loss of the gearbox system has been determined. These results were examined using a general full factorial design. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) tables were created and the effects of the parameters on the system and the efficiency results were determined by checking whether the parameters were interacting or not. Finally, regression analysis was performed and the regression function was obtained in order to develop a predictive model to estimate the efficiency of a gearbox.
No recognised ethical standards, no broad consent: navigating the quandary in computational social science research
Authors: El-Sayed Seliem , Paspalj Filip
Published: April 2024

Recital 33 GDPR has often been interpreted as referring to ‘broad consent’. This version of informed consent was intended to allow data subjects to provide their consent for certain areas of research, or parts of research projects, conditional to the research being in line with ‘recognised ethical standards’. In this article, we argue that broad consent is applicable in the emerging field of Computational Social Science (CSS), which lies at the intersection of data science and social science. However, the lack of recognised ethical standards specific to CSS poses a practical barrier to the use of broad consent in this field and other fields that lack recognised ethical standards. Upon examining existing research ethics standards in social science and data science, we argue that they are insufficient for CSS. We further contend that the fragmentation of European Union (EU) law and research ethics sources makes it challenging to establish universally recognised ethical standards for scientific research. As a result, CSS researchers and other researchers in emerging fields that lack recognised ethical standards are left without sufficient guidance on the use of broad consent as provided for in the GDPR. We conclude that responsible EU bodies should provide additional guidance to facilitate the use of broad consent in CSS research.
Emotions in a Time of Radical Change: Untangling Narratives of Pride and Achievements in Post-1989/1991 Lithuania and East Germany
Authors: Ulinskaitė Jogilė , Hilmar Till , Verbalyte Monika
Published: April 2024

In times of major change, people reassess what is a valuable and, therefore, prideful achievement in the context of a new societal structure and culture. Our article challenges the traditional view of achievements and pride as purely individual experiences, arguing that pride has social and cultural sources and modes of articulation, which may shift dramatically during radical change. We find that people express pride in their achievements when they align with social structures of worth and when societal feeling rules confirm that pride is appropriate and justified. We demonstrate this by analysing four biographical interviews from two research projects with a similar methodology on the post-socialist transformation in Lithuania and in East Germany. By examining how people construe accounts of pride, we find that they express this emotion in recurrent narratives of hard work, notions of resourcefulness and agility, images of restructuring corporate structures, and constructions of ethnic belonging. Our findings reveal that while achievements often lead to pride, not all achievements are narrated with a sense of pride. Our contribution offers a novel, context-sensitive approach to this emotion by bringing together frameworks from cultural sociology and the sociology of emotions.
Doing citizen sociosemiotics in the Covid-19 pandemic
Authors: Adami Elisabetta , Djonov Emilia , Liu Zhe
Published: April 2024

In May 2020, in the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic, we set up the transmedia space PanMeMic, and involved our social networks, in a snowball fashion, to exchange observations and reflections on the changes in communication and social interactions ensuing from the restrictions imposed. We adopted a citizen approach towards co-constructing knowledge about semiotic practices, by integrating tenets of social semiotics, ethnography and citizen sociolinguistics. The article reports on the activities and discusses the potentials and limitations of the approach through analysis of the posts and discussions that took place in the PanMeMic Facebook group. It shows results quantitatively and then zooms in to offer a qualitative analysis of one discussion thread, with the aim of illustrating the potential and limitations of PanMeMic as a platform for citizen semiotic research and providing indications for future socially engaged and engaging research.
Timing of surgery in peripheral nerve injury of the upper extremity
Authors: Felici Nicola , Alban Alice
Published: April 2024

Peripheral nerve injuries present a complex clinical challenge, requiring a nuanced approach in surgical management. The consequences of injury vary, with sometimes severe disability, and a risk of lifelong pain for the individual. For late management, the choice of surgical techniques available range from neurolysis and nerve grafting to tendon and nerve transfers. The choice of technique utilized demands an in-depth understanding of the anatomy, patient demographics and the time elapsed since injury for optimized outcomes. This paper focuses on injuries to the radial, median and ulnar nerves, outlining the authors’ approach to these injuries.

Level of evidence: IV
Does lidocaine reduce pain intensity during corticosteroid injection? A double-blind randomized controlled equivalence trial
Authors: Teunis Teun , Sayegh George E. , Fatehi Amir , Ring David , Vagner Gregg , Reichel Lee
Published: April 2024

Of the strategies considered to limit the discomfort of corticosteroid injection, one is to inject without lidocaine to reduce the total volume and avoid acidity. In a Bayesian trial, adults receiving corticosteroid injections were randomized to receive 0.5 mL of triamcinolone with or without 0.5 mL of lidocaine. Serial analysis was performed until a 95% probability of presence or absence of a 1.0-point difference in pain intensity on the 0–10 Numerical Rating Scale was reached. Injections with lidocaine were associated with a median of 2.4-point lower pain intensity during injection with a 95% probability of at least a 1-point reduction. The 95% probability was confirmed in 90% of the repeated analysis (36/40). Lidocaine is associated with lower immediate pain intensity during corticosteroid injection for hand and wrist conditions.

Level of evidence: I
Long-term outcomes after terminalization for acute fingertip injuries
Authors: Smith Mathew B. , Stirling Paul H. C. , McEachan Jane E.
Published: April 2024

The primary aim of this study was to report outcomes after fingertip terminalization in 90 patients over a 19-year period. We report excellent functional outcomes and satisfaction, but a 33% incidence of neuropathic pain.
Importance of sustainable local government funding in tackling health inequalities in the UK
Authors: Fell G
Published: April 2024

This article looks at how there is evidence that policies that alter our environment are more effective than those that work to change individual behaviour. In order to create change, a more nuanced methodology to allocate local government funding is needed.
Strengthening the labour force participation of low-qualified individuals in Europe
Authors: Heisig Jan Paul , Hornberg Carla , Solga Heike
Published: April 2024

This article addresses the labour market challenges faced by adults with low formal qualifications. While low-level formal qualifications are usually associated with a lower skill level, it is crucial to recognise the large heterogeneity of skills within the group of low-qualified individuals in all countries. Although better skills enhance the job opportunities of low-qualified workers, their lack of formal qualifications limits their job prospects, even if they are as skilled as more highly qualified workers. Their placement in low-skilled jobs has implications for their participation in further training. Limited access to adult training is primarily caused by employment in these low-skilled jobs rather than by differences in cognitive skills or motivation to learn. Policies should, therefore, focus on strategies that improve training opportunities in the workplace, and employers should consider modifying hiring methods to place greater weight on actual skills in addition to formal qualifications. Both approaches would, economically speaking, enable the utilisation of the existing skill potential of low-qualified adults and, socially, enhance the employment prospects of this group.
“Your Sons and Daughters Will Prophesy”: Healing the Body of Christ by Restoring a Biblical Vision of Spirit-Empowerment
Authors: Imes Carmen Joy
Published: April 2024

This essay was presented at a conference on the Holy Spirit and the healing of the body sponsored by the Center for the Study of the Work and Ministry of the Holy Spirit Today at Biola University. It approaches the topic metaphorically and theologically. The body of Christ, made up of men and women who are God’s image, is fractured by distrust, abuses of power, and a failure to partner well together. Many conservative evangelical churches in the United States are preoccupied with the task of circumscribing the participation of women in ministry roles. One reason is a neglect of the Bible’s clear teaching about the Spirit’s empowerment of women. A brief survey of the interaction of the Holy Spirit with women in the entire Bible uncovers key examples of the Spirit’s empowerment of women for kingdom work. This essay examines three key areas: (1) the Spirit’s interaction with women, both as vessels of the Spirit’s empowerment and as recipients of bodily healing (2) the distribution of the gifts of the Spirit without regard to gender, and (3) prophecy as an illustration of an essential speaking role for women in the eschaton. The prophetic ministry of women alongside men is a key diagnostic marker of the restored kingdom of God, an observation with profound implications for church ministry today.
A Workshop in Styles of Qualitative Writing and Reporting
Authors: Saldaña Johnny
Published: April 2024

This article outlines the author’s workshop in Styles of Qualitative Writing and Reporting, an in-person and online course commissioned by the qualitative research consulting and professional development organization, ResearchTalk. The six clock hour offering provides in-service professionals and graduate student participants writing experiences with up to nine different styles of qualitative reportage: Descriptive and Realistic, Analytic and Formal, Interpretive, Confessional, Reflexive, Critical and Advocacy, Literary Narrative, Autoethnographic, and Poetic. Participants receive an overview of each style, accompanied with brief examples from the scholarly literature. Ten to 15-min blocks of writing time are provided throughout for writers to document and experiment with a current research project’s manuscript, an unpublished thesis or dissertation, or a data base awaiting analytic review. Reading aloud and receiving peer feedback provide writers rapid assessment of their work in progress with ideas for further development. The article describes the primary content of each writing module and its accompanying writing prompts and feedback frame. The workshop also discusses recommended titles for writing resources, strategies for maintaining effective writing habits, and reflections on the legacy of a writer’s work. This article is structured as a curriculum design for other facilitators and educators to adapt and utilize with their students.
The Interplay Between Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress and Oxidative Stress in Chondrocyte Catabolism
Authors: Kim Yu Jung , Han Jin , Han Seungwoo
Published: April 2024

Objective

Oxidative stress and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress play pivotal roles in disrupting the homeostasis of chondrocytes by producing catalytic proteases and enhancing chondrocyte senescence, consequently contributing to the progression of osteoarthritis (OA). Despite their close interaction, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain poorly understood. Here, we show that ER stress and oxidative stress reciprocally modulate each other to promote cartilage degradation.

Methods

Primary chondrocytes were obtained from the articular cartilage of 5-day-old C57BL/6J mice by excising distal femur and proximal tibia. Tunicamycin was applied to induce ER stress in primary chondrocytes. Surgical OA was induced in 12-week-old male C57BL/6J mice by destabilizing the medial meniscus (DMM).

Results

Tunicamycin-induced ER stress led to an increase in the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and catalytic proteases, including MMP13 and Adamts5, in primary chondrocytes, and it was primarily dependent on the NADPH oxidase (NOX) system. ER stress directly increased the expression of NOX2, NOX3, NOX4, and p22phox. Specifically, the protein kinase RNA-like ER kinase (PERK) pathway is involved in the expression of NOX4 and p22phox, the inositol-requiring enzyme 1 alpha (IRE1α) pathway in NOX2 and NOX3 expression, and the activating transcription factor 6 (ATF6) pathway influences NOX3 expression in chondrocytes. Conversely, inhibiting NOX function significantly reduced both ER stress sensor–related signaling and chondrocyte catabolism, thereby decelerating the progression of surgically induced OA in vivo.

Conclusions

Our findings highlight the positive feedback loop between ER stress and oxidative stress in OA pathogenesis, suggesting that targeting NOX isoforms is a promising therapeutic strategy for OA.
BMSC-Derived Exosomes Attenuate Rat Osteoarthritis by Regulating Macrophage Polarization through PINK1/Parkin Signaling Pathway
Authors: Li Beibei , Shen Enpu , Wu Zhiwen , Qi Hui , Wu Cheng’ai , Liu Danping , Jiang Xu
Published: April 2024

Objective

Exosomes derived from bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSC-Exos) may modulate the M1/M2 polarization of macrophages during osteoarthritis (OA). However, the underlying mechanisms of BMSC-Exos in this process still need to be elucidated. In this study, we explored the role of BMSC-Exos in the polarization of macrophages in vitro and the OA rats in vivo.

Methods

The effects of BMSC-Exos on RAW264.7 cells were determined, including the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the protein expression of Akt, PINK1, and Parkin. We prepared an OA model by resecting the anterior cruciate ligament and medial meniscus of Sprague–Dawley (SD) rats. Hematoxylin-eosin (H&E) and safranin O-fast green staining, immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence analyses, and the examination of interleukin 6 (IL-6), interleukin 1β (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), and interleukin 10 (IL-10) were performed to assess changes in cartilage and synovium.

Results

BMSC-Exos inhibited mitochondrial membrane damage, ROS production, and the protein expression of PINK1 and Parkin. Akt phosphorylation was downregulated under lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induction but significantly recovered after treatment with BMSC-Exos. BMSC-Exos alleviated cartilage damage, inhibited M1 polarization, and promoted M2 polarization in the synovium in OA rats. The expression of PINK1 and Parkin in the synovium and the levels of IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α in the serum decreased, but the level of IL-10 increased when BMSC-Exos were used in OA rats.

Conclusion

BMSC-Exos ameliorate OA development by regulating synovial macrophage polarization, and one of the underlying mechanisms may be through inhibiting PINK1/Parkin signaling.
Effect of long-acting antipsychotic treatment on psychiatric hospitalization rate in early psychosis patients: a naturalistic study
Authors: Sancho-Echeverria Raúl , Aymerich Claudia , Rodríguez-Sánchez José Manuel , Gil Patxi , Pedruzo Borja , González-Torres Miguel Ángel , Fusar-Poli Paolo , Arango Celso , Catalan Ana
Published: April 2024

Background:

The effectiveness of long-acting injectable (LAI) antipsychotics in preventing relapses of first-episode psychosis is currently debated.

Objectives:

The study aimed to investigate the number of psychiatric hospitalizations comparing the LAI cohort versus the oral cohort during different phases of the illness, pre-LAI treatment, during LAI treatment, and after LAI treatment.

Design:

A naturalistic study was conducted on two independent cohorts of early psychosis patients receiving treatment from a specific early intervention service. The first cohort comprised 228 patients who received LAIs, while the second cohort comprised 667 patients who had never received LAIs.

Methods:

This study was designed as a longitudinal observational study conducted within a naturalistic clinical setting in two cohorts of early psychosis patients. Repeated series ANCOVA (ANCOVA-r) was used to study the number of hospitalizations in the different study periods (T1 = from the date of the first psychiatric record to the beginning of the mirror period; T2 = the mirror period; T3 = from the LAI implementation to the LAI discontinuation; and T4 = from the LAI discontinuation to the end). In all cases, discontinuation of LAI involved the return to oral treatment. In all, 35 patients had not T4 as they were still on LAI treatment at the time of database closing (September 2020), and their data were not included in the analysis of the effect of the LAI discontinuation.

Results:

The patients in the LAI cohort were younger, more frequently males, presented more schizophrenia diagnoses, and had a higher number of hospitalizations (2.50 ± 2.61 versus 1.19 ± 1.69; p < 0.001) than the oral cohort. The number of hospitalizations at the end of the follow-up was higher in the LAI cohort [0.20 (standard deviation (SD)) = 0.79] versus 0.45 [SD = 0.45 (SD = 1.13); F(23.90), p < 0.001]. However, after the introduction of LAIs, the differences in hospitalization rates between the two cohorts became less pronounced. Once LAI treatment was ceased, the hospitalization rate increased again.

Conclusion:

In our study, early psychosis patients receiving LAIs experienced a greater decrease in hospitalizations after introducing the LAI treatment than those treated solely with oral medication. These findings support using LAIs as a viable strategy for preventing rehospitalization and improving the overall course of treatment for individuals with early psychosis.
Network analysis of the comorbidity between post-traumatic stress, depression and anxiety symptoms among frontline healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Ouyang Hui , Wu Lili , Yan Wenjie , Si Keyi , Lv Hongli , Zhan Jingye , Wang Jing , Jia Yanpu , Shang Zhilei , Chen Wenfang , Liu Weizhi
Published: April 2024

Background:

Coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic pointed out significant mental symptoms of frontline healthcare workers (HCWs).

Objective:

We aimed to estimate the prevalence and comorbidity of post-traumatic stress symptoms (PTSS), depression and anxiety symptoms in HCWs from Fangcang shelter hospitals during the pandemic.

Design:

Demographic information, post-traumatic stress disorder checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5), Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder Questionnaire (GAD-7) were obtained online based on stratified random sampling design during April 2022, with 284 eligible responses.

Method:

Hierarchical regression analyses were applied to investigate independent variables associated with psychological status outcomes (PHQ-9, GAD-7 and PCL-5), and the network analyses were applied to explore the comorbidity using all items of PCL-5, PHQ-9 and GAD-7.

Results:

(1) 10.56%, 13.03% and 8.10% of HCWs reported PTSS, depression and anxiety symptoms. Fifty-three (18.66%) HCWs experienced at least one mental health disorder, among which 26.42–37.74% HCWs had comorbidity of two or three mental disorders; (2) several influence factors of mental health were identified, including medical professions, working hours, contacted patients ( p < 0.05); (3) prominent bridge symptoms between PTSS and depression were sleep problems, suicide ideation, concentration difficulties and recklessness. Comorbidity between PTSS and anxiety was thought to mainly stem from negative affect, such as afraid, anxious, annoyed and worrying. Depressed mood and worry might be good targets during treatment of comorbidity of depression and anxiety.

Conclusion:

Our data suggest mild level of PTSS, depression and anxiety symptoms among HCWs during the pandemic and might give novel insights into assessment and intervention of comorbidity.
Dalbavancin as an alternative to traditional outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy for deep gram-positive infections – an observational, retrospective review
Authors: Bao Hongkai , Igwilo-Alaneme Rita , Sonia Fnu , Cowman Kelsie , Kahn Mani , Nori Priya
Published: April 2024

Background:

Treatment of invasive gram-positive infections in complex patient populations is challenging. Dalbavancin, approved for skin and soft tissue infections, offers advantages in this setting due to its long half-life and infrequent dosing. However, less is known about the outcomes of off-label dalbavancin for deeper infections.

Objectives:

The objective of this study is to examine the feasibility and outcomes of patients with complex gram-positive infections treated with dalbavancin as an alternative to standard outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy (OPAT).

Methods:

We conducted a multicenter, retrospective review of adult patients managed within an OPAT program with intravenous dalbavancin for off-label indications. Adult patients were included if they had treatment details and follow-up documented between January 2020 and June 2023. Details of dalbavancin use including indications for prescription were captured. Outcomes of interest included 90-day infection recurrence, prosthesis retention rates, 90-day mortality, and adverse medication events.

Results:

In all, 61 patients received dalbavancin, mostly as sequential therapy. Twenty-three percent received dalbavancin strictly in the outpatient setting. Dalbavancin was used primarily for hardware (fracture, spine, or joint), native bone or joint, and complicated soft tissue infections. The predominant pathogen was Staphylococcus aureus (61%). Dalbavancin was frequently prescribed as a two-dose 1500 mg regimen (49%) due to persistent infection (23%), difficult line access (30%), difficulty achieving therapeutic vancomycin levels (18%), or substance abuse history (18%). Overall, six patients (10%) had infection recurrence and no patients died during the follow-up period. Three of eight patients with hardware retention had infection recurrence. Adverse effects were minimal and mostly self-limiting.

Conclusion:

Dalbavancin is an efficacious and safe alternative to standard OPAT, especially in those with barriers to traditional long-term intravenous antibiotics. Improved outcomes may be achieved with hardware removal. Dalbavancin may facilitate early discharge or prevent hospitalizations. Comparative studies of standard OPAT regimens versus dalbavancin are needed.
Telecasting Tokyo to a Locked Down Nation: Australian Broadcast Coverage of the 2020 Olympic Summer Games
Authors: Scott Olan Kees Martin , Van Bussel Michael , Li Bo (Norman) , Pappas Adam T. , Golosky Gillian , Dewar Victoria
Published: April 2024

This study explored how nationalism was perpetuated by the Seven Network’s broadcasting of the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games during a time, in which much of Australia was in various forms of Covid-19 lockdowns. Self-categorization theory was used to analyze all the primetime coverage of the Seven Network’s main channel for name mentions, description of success or failure, and personality and physicality of the Olympians. Results of this study underscore large differences in the way in which the Seven Network portrayed Australian and non-Australian athletes. Whilst the majority of the top-20 most-mentioned athletes list were Australian, non-Australian athletes received the bulk of the name mentions. There were also differences in the ways in which Australian and non-Australian athletes’ success and failure were portrayed. This study contributes to the literature by uncovering how a major sporting event was covered by a national broadcaster during the Covid-19 pandemic and shows that Australian media catered its coverage to its home audience, who were in lockdowns. Thus, interest and viewership of the Tokyo Olympics was high, which might have been the impetus for the Seven Network to create a largely partisan program.
Racialized control policies in the south American border regime: The intensification of “transit migration” in times of COVID-19
Authors: Trabalón Carina
Published: April 2024

This article analyzes the intensification of Haitians’ “transit migration” from South America to the United States during 2021 in the framework of disputes between the migration movements and control policies that reconfigured the South American border regime during the COVID-19 pandemic. I argue that racialized control policies are a constitutive dimension of the border negotiations that Haitian migrant engage with diverses actors in contexts of illegalization exacerbated by COVID-19 and reinforced by the expansion of North-South “transit migration” as a matrix of political intervention. Through a qualitative methodological approach based on document analysis and online interviews with Haitian migrants, this article synchronously and asynchronously reconstructs the collective travel strategies of four groups of Haitians that left the Southern Cone heading toward the United States and the political scenarios being restructured around the activation, facilitation, diversion, or obstruction of their mobility. The analysis reveals the racialized character of the control policies inscribed in institutional frameworks of “transit migration” based on the new velocity and magnitude of South-North migration and their institutional construction in terms of a “migration crisis” on the Colombia-Panama border between July and September 2021. Similarly, it proposes that the COVID-19 pandemic has contributed to strengthening the Southern Cone-Andean Region interface as a by-product of the amplification and diversification of South-North routes and a constitutive dimension of the infrastructures of violence and resistance that spatially and temporally connect the migratory and border dynamics of South, Central, and North America.
Appendiceal Diverticulitis Mimics Cecal Diverticulitis Diagnosed Preoperatively
Authors: Pham Phu Cuong , Van Hoang Anh Thi , Hoang Van Trung , Hoang The Huan , Nguyen Duc Duy , Hoang Duc Thanh
Published: April 2024

Appendiceal diverticulitis is an uncommon condition that clinically resembles acute appendicitis. However, it is an incidental finding in histopathological studies and is rarely diagnosed preoperatively by imaging studies. In this article, we present the clinical and imaging findings of a male patient presenting with right upper quadrant pain with a preoperative imaging diagnosis of appendiceal diverticulitis. He underwent laparoscopic appendectomy and confirmed the diagnosis of appendiceal diverticulitis. This is a rare preoperative diagnosis. The management is often like typical appendicitis which is appendectomy. It is important to differentiate it from diverticulitis of the small intestine or colon because these diseases usually require only conservative treatment.
Reciprocal negative feedback between Prrx1 and miR-140-3p regulates rapid chondrogenesis in the regenerating antler
Authors: Hu Pengfei , Zhang Guokun , Ba Hengxing , Ren Jing , Li Jiping , Wang Zhen , Li Chunyi
Published: April 2024

During growth phase, antlers exhibit a very rapid rate of chondrogenesis. The antler is formed from its growth center reserve mesenchyme (RM) cells, which have been found to be the derivatives of paired related homeobox 1 (Prrx1)-positive periosteal cells. However, the underlying mechanism that drives rapid chondrogenesis is not known. Herein, the miRNA expression profiles and chromatin states of three tissue layers (RM, precartilage, and cartilage) at different stages of differentiation within the antler growth center were analyzed by RNA-sequencing and ATAC-sequencing. We found that miR-140-3p was the miRNA that exhibited the greatest degree of upregulation in the rapidly growing antler, increasing from the RM to the cartilage layer. We also showed that Prrx1 was a key upstream regulator of miR-140-3p, which firmly confirmed by Prrx1 CUT&Tag sequencing of RM cells. Through multiple approaches (three-dimensional chondrogenic culture and xenogeneic antler model), we demonstrated that Prrx1 and miR-140-3p functioned as reciprocal negative feedback in the antler growth center, and downregulating PRRX1/upregulating miR-140-3p promoted rapid chondrogenesis of RM cells and xenogeneic antler. Thus, we conclude that the reciprocal negative feedback between Prrx1 and miR-140-3p is essential for balancing mesenchymal proliferation and chondrogenic differentiation in the regenerating antler. We further propose that the mechanism underlying chondrogenesis in the regenerating antler would provide a reference for helping understand the regulation of human cartilage regeneration and repair.