Initial Appearance Research Articles

Dewey's Art as Experience in Global Perspective: An Introduction

Abstract This essay introduces a special issue devoted to studying the global impact and rich, ongoing legacy of John Dewey's aesthetic masterpiece Art as Experience, ninety years after its initial publication in 1934. After noting the role that the Journal of Aesthetic Education played in assessing the book's influence, this introductory essay surveys the international reception of the book by exploring its history of translation and explaining the difficulties of its reception in certain countries. This survey demonstrates that the international reception of Art as Experience was largely retrospective, coming long after the book's initial appearance and apparently benefiting from the rise of neopragmatism and the international attention given to this new pragmatist expression. The translation and reception history of Dewey's book also reveals the economic and political factors that shape the international circulation of ideas. After five essays that focus on the reception of Art as Experience in cultures where it was translated, the special issue concludes with three more essays that discuss how the book's ideas can be applied to contemporary issues in aesthetics and philosophy more generally, while suggesting ways where the book's goals could also be furthered by treating its limitations.

Incidence of Diabetes and Ischemic Heart Disease in COVID-19 Post Pandemic

Background: The long-term effects of COVID-19 Pandemic are currently getting more attention. The majority of individuals with COVID-19 report having symptoms for duration greater than four weeks following their initial appearance. After COVID-19 infection, there is worry that cardiovascular conditions and metabolic conditions may be harmed. The severity of the sickness and COVID-19 vulnerability, meanwhile, are known to be linked to cardiometabolic risk. Aim: To study the incidence of ischemic heart disease and diabetes mellitus post COVID 19 pandemic Methods and Materials: Information for all individuals diagnosed as suffering of COVID-19 were taken at the beginning of the investigation from the health department's release of electronic medical records in February 2021. The main outcomes analyzed were first ever documented CVD as well as DM diagnoses. The data were then collected at different time periods. They were as follows: Before date of indexing. Acute: Follow up till four weeks from index. Post-acute: Five to twelve weeks from date of indexing. Long: Thirteen weeks to fifty-two weeks from date of indexing. Poisson confidence intervals (CIs) were computed. Results: CVD events was 1362 in COVID -19 study group while it was 131 in control study group at phase corresponding to four weeks after the indexed date. CVD events was 781 in COVID -19 study group while it was 298 in control study group at phase corresponding to five to twelve weeks since the date of indexing. CVD events was 781 in COVID -19 study group while it was 298 in control study group at phase corresponding to five to twelve weeks since the date of indexing. CVD events was 2,134 in COVID -19 study group while it was 298 in control study group at phase corresponding to 13 to 52 weeks since the date of indexing. Conclusion: Early on after COVID-19 infection, the risk of CVD is elevated, and this risk is elevated for up to three months. However, it was not observed that there was a long-term rise in the prevalence of CVD or DM in COVID-19 patients who do not already have these illnesses.

Exploring Fatigue Crack Initiation in Helical Gears: Impact of Carburization and Frictional Influences

A computational model is presented to analyze the fatigue crack initiation period in helical gears, incorporating considerations for heat treatment via carburization and friction effects. The aim is to determine the number of stress cycles necessary for the initiation and growth of initial cracks, while investigating the impact of dynamic behavior. This study employs a dynamic gear model with two degrees of freedom in torsion, developed using MATLAB, and incorporates the Papadopoulos criterion for fatigue analysis. The computational results are benchmarked against the strain-life method. The findings underscore the significant influence of the friction coefficient between surfaces, heat treatment, and dynamic loads on the growth of initial fatigue cracks. For instance, with a friction coefficient (μ) of 0.5, the initial crack forms on the tooth surface (y=0) in both methods, with the (ε-N) method suggesting 28-65 cycles and the Papadopoulos criterion indicating 101-156 cycles. The latter accounts for the greater influence of residual stresses. Additionally, untreated gears exhibit a minimum number of loading cycles for initial crack appearance at 1.07 × 104 cycles. In contrast, carburized gears demonstrate an extended lifespan, requiring 1.45 × 105 loading cycles for crack initiation in our example. This emphasizes the efficacy of carburization in enhancing gear durability.

Abstract C064: Racial and Ethnic Variation in Referral Times for Thoracic Oncologic Surgery in a Major Metropolitan Area

Abstract Objective The study objective was to understand the impact of race/ethnicity on access to thoracic surgical care for patients undergoing lung resection for cancer. Methods We performed a retrospective analysis on 206 consecutive patients who underwent lung resection for cancer (120 female, 86 male; median age 66 years), with respect to how race and ethnicity impact time to referral for thoracic surgery to a major healthcare center. Time between initial radiographic appearance of a lung nodule/mass 1 cm or greater to surgical referral and time from surgical referral to operation were evaluated for 121 White, 30 Asian, 26 Hispanic, 12 African American, and 17 mixed or other race patients. The impact of age, sex, median income of patient's household, national and state Area Deprivation Indices, insurance type, and distance between the patient's domicile and our hospital was evaluated. The influence of the referring physician's practice (hospital-based, hospital-affiliated, or private), internal or external referral, race/ethnicity, and level of specialization was also studied. Results African American, Asian, Hispanic, and mixed/other race patients had significantly longer wait times between initial radiographic finding of a lung nodule/mass 1 cm or greater and surgical referral compared with White individuals (median days: African American, 78; Asian, 95; Hispanic, 92; mixed or other, 65; White, 35). Multiple linear regression analysis demonstrated that race/ethnicity was the only significant predictor of prolonged time to surgical referral when adjusted for age, sex, median household income level, national and state Area Deprivation Indices, insurance type, and distance between patient's home and our hospital. The referring physician's type of practice and internal versus external referral were not significant. However, the physician's race/ethnicity and level of specialization had an impact on referral times, with non-specialists referring patients sooner to thoracic surgery compared with specialists who ordered more workup tests. For all patient races/ethnicities, there was no difference in time between surgical referral and day of operation. Conclusions Race and ethnicity have a major impact on the time from initial radiographic appearance of a lung nodule/mass 1 cm or greater to referral for surgical resection for cancer. This study suggests the need to develop strategies to reduce minority wait times and improve timely access to surgery for patients with thoracic malignancies. Citation Format: Moises Hernandez, Cristian Puerta, Nolan Winicki, Patricia Thistlethwaite. Racial and Ethnic Variation in Referral Times for Thoracic Oncologic Surgery in a Major Metropolitan Area [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 17th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2024 Sep 21-24; Los Angeles, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2024;33(9 Suppl):Abstract nr C064

Mechanism of pore water phase change, freezing expansion, and pore enlargement of coal samples under low-temperature liquid nitrogen action

Liquid nitrogen fracturing, a technology for enhancing coal seam permeability without water, garnering considerable attention due to the intricate network of fractures induced by the low-temperature impact of LN2 on coal reservoirs. The phase transition freezing expansion of water-ice plays a pivotal role in determining the efficacy of coal damage. As direct measurement of water signal change during freezing is impractical, studying the variation in unfrozen water content during coal sample re-warming subsequent to cold shock is beneficial. This approach aids in elucidating the phase transition expansion and pore expansion mechanisms at different pore scales. The findings reveal the sequence of pore ice melting in coal samples frozen by LN2: micropores exhibit initial water appearance, followed by medium-sized pores, with micropores reaching peak levels first. Subsequently, water migrates from micropores to medium-sized pores, leading to their peak levels, before macropores show water presence. The temperature gradient from the coal sample center to the coal wall, owing to thermal resistance, results in the part melting first also freezing first. Analysis indicates that the porosity signal of lignite and bituminous coal increased by 203 % and 467 % during medium-sized pore melting, emphasizing the prominence of the medium-sized pore melting stage. It is further inferred that the phase transition freezing expansion and pore expansion of coal sample water induced by LN2 primarily occur in medium-sized pores.

Examining hydro-morphological modulations in proximity to a drain's estuarine outlet, case study: Kitchener Drain, Northern Coast of Egypt

In recent years, the Kitchener Drain has been affected by littoral erosion and sedimentation at the estuary where its discharge enters the Mediterranean Sea. Several measures have been taken to mitigate the impact of these problems. From 1993 to 2007, four stages of hard protection work were finished, including the construction of groins and detached breakwaters along the drain's eastern and western shores. Work on these projects began in 1992. At the drain outlet, dredging works are still proceeding. Nevertheless, shoreline instability continues even after these efforts. The Coastal Modelling System (CMS) was used to figure out what effect the ongoing hard work had on the erosion and accretion hot spot near the drain's output. The CMS-flow and CMS-wave steering modules are part of the CMS, a two-dimensional model of hydrodynamic circulation. To begin mitigating this effect, we ran the simulation beginning in 2012 and experimented with different calibration settings. After the calibration phase, the research area was subsequently simulated for five years. This study aims to assess the current state of affairs concerning the stabilization of the outflow sedimentation process and the erosion that is taking place on the eastern and western sides. In addition to that, we offered alternate structural modulation scenarios that incorporate both hard and soft structures. We looked at plenty of different possibilities. The scenario with the 600-meter-long jetty and sand nourishment was the most similar to the original coastal characteristics. Regarding a sediment reduction to ‐5706.99 m3 from ‐15321.70 m3 (at benchmark) computed at the outlet zone, this scenario was the most similar to the shoreline's initial appearance. Reducing sediment from ‐133433 m3 (at benchmark) to ‐114512 m3 was also achieved on the western side. Despite this, it was determined that the stability of the coastline would be influenced subtly by this circumstance.

Comparison of the Application Value of Transthoracic Echocardiography in Diagnosing Patent Foramen Ovale Under Different States of Stimulation: A Retrospective Study.

This study aims to evaluate the application value of contrast-enhanced transthoracic echocardiography (cTEE) in the diagnosis of patent foramen ovale (PFO) under different states of stimulation, with the goal of enhancing the accuracy and efficiency of PFO diagnosis. This research consecutively enrolled patients suspected of having PFO from October 2022 to February 2024, presenting primary clinical symptoms such as unexplained syncope, headache, dizziness, and stroke. Patients underwent standard transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) and cTEE under three different states of stimulation (resting state, coughing, and Valsalva maneuver). Based on the presence of microbubbles in the left heart and their initial appearance time, patients were classified into PFO and control groups, with further diagnostic confirmation via transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) or foramen ovale closure procedures. The study results revealed significant differences between the PFO and control groups regarding age (p = 0.034) and headache symptoms (p = 0.001). In the PFO group, TTE showed a higher positivity rate both at rest and during coughing, highlighting the association between PFO and specific clinical symptoms. The number of microbubbles observed during TTE increased significantly under various stimulation states, particularly during the Valsalva maneuver (p < 0.05). This increase became more pronounced as the duration of the maneuver was extended, underscoring the differential response of PFO patients under varied physiological testing conditions, especially during prolonged Valsalva maneuvers. The study confirms the significant value of cTEE in diagnosing PFO under different stimulation states, particularly emphasizing the application of the Valsalva maneuver to significantly improve the sensitivity and specificity of PFO detection. Thus, incorporating cTEE examinations under various stimulation states holds significant clinical importance for enhancing the accuracy and efficiency of PFO diagnosis.

Pitiriasis Versikolor

Pityriasis versicolor is an infectious disease that arises due to decreased immunity and is chronic. This disease is caused by the fungus Malassezia sp. which is characterized by hypopigmented or hyperpigmented macules, which can even be accompanied by erythematous and smooth scales. Infection occurs more often in areas with relatively higher temperatures and humidity. Pityriasis versicolor has a worldwide prevalence of up to 50% in tropical countries and 1.1% in cold climates. The incidence of pityriasis versicolor is the same in all races, but is more frequently seen in dark-skinned individuals due to changes in skin pigmentation. This case report describes a 10 year old girl who came with complaints of white spots appearing on her face for 8 months. The initial appearance of the spots is accompanied by itching when sweating. Dermatological examination revealed multiple hypopigmented macules of lenticular to nummular size with well-defined borders with fine scales. On examination with 20% KOH, grouped spores and short hyphae appear like spaghetti and meatballs. Clustered spores are a sign of colonization, while hyphae indicate infection. Pityriasis versicolor therapy consists of administering antifungals which can be done topically and systemically. Furthermore, patients are educated to always keep their skin dry, reduce activities that cause excessive sweating, and wear clothing that is not tight and absorbs sweat.

Prediction Model of Spontaneous Combustion of Lignite in Zhalainuoer Mining Area.

A programmed temperature-increase experiment was conducted on coal samples from four coal mines in the Zhalainuoer mining area to improve the accuracy of predicting and forecasting lignite spontaneous combustion. The gases produced during the coal tests were analyzed, and logistic, exponential, Boltzmann, and fourth-degree polynomial functions were selected to develop predictive models for the gas data. Additionally, the Boltzmann function was used to predict the occurrence of fire. The results revealed that the initial appearance temperature of CO was approximately 50 °C, and it exhibited an exponential growth trend with increasing temperature. The initial appearance temperature of C2H4 was approximately 140 °C, which could serve as an indicator of coal entering the accelerated oxidation stage. Applying the selection principle to gas indicators, CO and C2H4 were identified as single gas indicators for lignite spontaneous combustion in the Zhalainuoer mining area, whereas CO/CO2 and C2H4/C2H6 were identified as composite gas indicators. Among the four functions, the Boltzmann function model exhibited the best fitting effect for CO and CO/CO2 within the temperature range of 0-200 °C. The values of the four parameters (A 1, A 2, dx, and x 0) were determined based on their statistical characteristics, and a functional equation describing the relationship between gas concentration and coal temperature was derived. This indicates that the Boltzmann function model can be effectively used to predict the spontaneous combustion of lignite in the Zhalainuoer mining area.

The allusive comedy of Kingsley Amis’ L.S. Caton

One of the most fascinating comic characters in British fiction is L.S. Caton, the scheming academic who first appeared in Kingsley Amis’ satire Lucky Jim. Based on Amis’ first publisher, R. A. Caton, the evasive and deceitful L.S. Caton became a running joke in Amis’ early novels; other writers then joined the joke by similarly alluding to him. Since Caton’s appearances subsequent to Lucky Jim allude both to his initial appearance and to his subsequent (allusive) appearances, they are metaallusive—allusions to prior allusions. Until now the existence of the metaallusion as a literary device has passed unnoticed. The allusive use of Caton also highlights two further aspects of allusion that are often overlooked: That they can have more than one object, and that their objects can lie in the future as well as in its past. In addition to addressing these theoretical issues this paper argues that Caton’s appearances enhance readers’ pleasure in the text and thereby facilitate the development of social bonds between them—one of the primary aims of humour. But despite his widespread comic appeal and theoretical interest L.S. Caton has received no sustained academic attention. This paper will correct this oversight by addressing this strangely neglected topic.

Semi-Automatic Design of Dual-Band End-Fed Antennas for Digital Antenna Arrays

Introduction. The topic of implementing a dual-band mode of operation for director dipole antennas is represented by a wide range of works, almost all of which are dedicated to studying the properties of a classic dipole. However, the issue of end excitation of radiators for dual-band director antennas remains open. The development of such radiators requires a deep analysis both from the point of view of developing mathematical and electrodynamics models, which corresponds to the tactical and technical requirements of modern digital antenna arrays.Aim. To substantiate a procedure for determining the initial appearance of a dual-band antenna exciter from the standpoint of the systems approach to the design of antenna elements and nodes. This procedure is suitable for a semi-automated design of more complex antenna systems.Materials and methods. As part of the research, the input impedance of a dual-band system consisting of two active radiators and two passive directors was determined using the method of induced electromotive forces (EMF). Models of dual-band director radiators were developed using the CST Studio Suite 2021 full-wave electromagnetic simulation.Results. The results of developing procedures for a semi-automatic design of antennas with a dual-band function of input impedance are presented. Following a comparative analysis, approaches to implementing the printed layout of an antenna comprising standard radio engineering components, which imply serial production, are proposed.Conclusion. The proposed models can be used when designing director, turnstile, and cardioid antennas, as well as antenna arrays. These designs are analogous to antennas based on a classic central excited dipole.

Integrated Struvite Precipitation and Fenton Oxidation for Nutrient Recovery and Refractory Organic Removal in Palm Oil Mill Effluent

Anaerobically treated palm oil mill effluent (AnT-POME), containing a high concentration of ammoniacal-nitrogen (NH4+-N) and soluble chemical oxygen demand (sCOD) was subjected to sequential processes of struvite precipitation to recover NH4+-N and Fenton oxidation for sCOD removal. The optimization of treatment was conducted through response surface methodology (RSM). Under optimized struvite precipitation conditions (Mg2+/NH4+, PO43−/NH4+ molar ratios: 1; pH 8.2 ± 0.1), NH4+-N concentration decreased to 41 ± 7.1 mg L−1 from an initial 298 ± 41 mg L−1 (78.8 ± 1.6 % removal). Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) confirmed NH4+-N was recovered as struvite. Subsequent Fenton oxidation under the optimized conditions (H2O2 dosage: 2680 mg L−1; molar ratio of Fe2+/H2O2: 0.8; reaction time: 56 min) reduced sCOD concentration to 308 ± 46 mg L−1 from an initial 1350 ± 336 mg L−1 (76.0 ± 1.0 % removal). The transparent appearance of treated AnT-POME validated the removal of sCOD responsible for the initial brownish appearance. Models derived from RSM demonstrated significance, with high coefficients of determination (R2 = 0.99). Overall, integrated struvite precipitation and Fenton oxidation effectively removed NH4+-N and sCOD from AnT-POME, contributing to nutrient recovery and environmental sustainability.

Interpretation of the Seidel test for open eye injury: Experimental study

AIM: The study aimed to examine the phenomenon of fluorescence during the Seidel test on an experimental model of open eye injury (OEI). MATERIAL AND METHODS: The experimental study used cadaver pig eyes and was conducted in the Wetlab educational laboratory of the St. Petersburg branch of the S.N. Fedorov National Medical Research Center Interbranch Scientific and Technical Complex “Eye Microsurgery”. After creating a perforated hole, the cornea was stained with fluorescein and observed under a cobalt-blue slit-lamp light. After the test strips were removed, the experiment was timed. RESULTS: The fluorescence phenomenon was noted immediately after applying the stain to the ocular surface of cadaver eyes with OEI. Fluorescein was dissolved in the flowing intraocular fluid (IOF) and was restrained at the wound edges. Then, the color of the flowing IOF changed. In the experiment, two phases of the flowing IOF color were registered, that is, up to 2.95 s, a bright-green fluid flow was noted. After 2.95 s, the stain washed out, and the main stream of liquid was divided into several streams with varying degrees of staining intensity. At 4.12 s, a transparent stream of escaping liquid was noted in the center and green streams along the edges. CONCLUSION: The Seidel test consists of two successive phases, namely, the initial appearance of a “bright-green stream” of IOF flowing through the corneal wound, lasting no more than 3 s after the administration of fluorescein; and during phase 2, in the flow center, the fluid became transparent, and bright-green staining remained at the edges. The Seidel test should be performed in compliance with all conditions that ensure the manifestations of fluorescence, always using a cobalt slit-lamp filter, and the result should be evaluated considering the sequence of its phases.

Hydrogel Nanoparticles Enable Nucleation Barrier Regulation and Ion Anchoring as an Alternative Pathway for Monosodium Urate Monohydrate Crystallization Control.

Gout flare-up, commonly resulting from monosodium urate monohydrate (MSUM) crystallization, has led to painful inflammatory arthritis among hundreds of millions of people. Herein, a kind of hydrogel nanoparticles (HNPs) with specific properties was developed, aimed at providing a promising pathway for MSUM crystallization control. The experimental and molecular dynamics simulation results synchronously indicate that the fabricated HNPs achieve efficient inhibition of MSUM crystallization governed by the mechanism of "host-guest interaction" even under very low-dose administration. HNPs as the host dispersed in the hyperuricemic model effectively lift the relative heterogeneous nucleation barrier of the MSUM crystal and hinder solute aggregation with strong electronegativity and hydrophobicity. The initial appearance of MSUM crystals was then delayed from 94 to 334 h. HNPs as the guest on the surface of the formed crystal can decelerate the growth rate by anchoring ions and occupying the active sites on the surface, and the terminal yield of the MSUM crystal declined to less than 1% of the control group. The good biocompatibility of HNPs (cell viability > 94%) renders it possible for future clinical applications. This study can guide the rational design of inhibitory nanomaterials and the development of their application in the control of relevant pathological crystallization.

Abstract 1132: Cellular Senescence Impairs The Maturity Of Cell-cell Junction In Vascular Endothelial Cells

Background and hypothesis: Vascular endothelial cells functionally differentiate upon formation of secure cell-cell junction. Disruption of cell-cell junction causes endothelial dysfunction and contributes to the early phase of pathogenesis of vascular diseases. Cellular senescence loosens cell-cell junction and causes endothelial dysfunction. We reported that the “maturity” of cell-cell junction determines how endothelial cells respond to the proinflammatory and proapoptotic insults. We hypothesize that cellular senescence affects the maturity of cell-cell junction. Methods and Results: Thrombin (1 U/mL) decreased a trans-endothelial electrical resistance (TEER) and transiently increased di-phosphorylation of myosin light chain (ppMLC) at 3 min in culture porcine aortic endothelial cells (PAEC) of lower passages (9-15 passages) at confluence. Fluorescence staining revealed that thrombin induced actin bundle formation, which was associated with ppMLC, but not pMLC (mono-phosphorylation), at cell periphery as initial events, followed by reorganization into actin stress fibers associated with both pMLC and ppMLC as later events. In contrast, PAEC of lower passages either at early culture day (3 days) or at confluence but in the absence of extracellular Ca 2+ exhibited instantaneous appearance of actin stress fibers associated with pMLC and ppMLC upon thrombin stimulation. Initial appearance of peripheral actin bundles in response to thrombin is one of the hallmarks of the mature cell-cell junction. When replicative senescence was induced by repeated passages (23-30 passages), senescent PAEC exhibited scattered actin stress fibers without any stimulation, and substantially increased actin stress fibers, with no peripheral actin bundles, after thrombin stimulation. Cellular senescence was confirmed by an increase in senescence-associated β-galactosidase activity. As a functional consequence, senescent PAEC exhibited augmented store-operated Ca 2+ entry induced by an inhibitor of endoplasmic Ca 2+ ATPase. Conclusions: Replicative cellular senescence impairs the maturity of cell-cell junction, thereby damaging the junctional integrity and physiological function of endothelial cells.

The Counter-Stereotypical Representation of Latinas in the American Police Procedural Comedy Series Brooklyn Nine-Nine (Fox &amp; NBC, 2013-2021)

The representation of Latinas in America has always been stapled with stereotypical traits since their initial appearance in the mainstream media because the representation is depicted from the point of view of Anglo-Americans. It is then intriguing to analyze the representation of Latinas in the American police procedural comedy series Brooklyn Nine-Nine which its Anglo-American producers claimed to be counter-stereotypical to the existing Latina representation in the American mainstream media. Using Roland Barthes' Semiotics, the analysis shows that these characters defy traditional roles by being depicted as competent, assertive professionals with legal citizenship. The findings show that these characters defy traditional roles by being depicted as competent, assertive professionals with legal citizenship. They also diverge from sexualized stereotypes through their portrayal as authoritative figures, avoiding overly sexualized tropes in speech and attire. This portrayal offers a counter-narrative to existing media stereotypes of Latina women.

T-Cell Responses to COVID-19 Vaccines and Breakthrough Infection in People Living with HIV Receiving Antiretroviral Therapy.

People living with HIV (PLWH) can exhibit impaired immune responses to vaccines. Accumulating evidence indicates that PLWH, particularly those receiving antiretroviral therapy, mount strong antibody responses to COVID-19 vaccines, but fewer studies have examined cellular immune responses to the vaccinations. Here, we used an activation-induced marker (AIM) assay to quantify SARS-CoV-2 spike-specific CD4+ and CD8+ T cells generated by two and three doses of COVID-19 vaccines in 50 PLWH receiving antiretroviral therapy, compared to 87 control participants without HIV. In a subset of PLWH, T-cell responses were also assessed after post-vaccine breakthrough infections and/or receipt of a fourth vaccine dose. All participants remained SARS-CoV-2 infection-naive until at least one month after their third vaccine dose. SARS-CoV-2 infection was determined by seroconversion to a Nucleocapsid (N) antigen, which occurred in 21 PLWH and 38 control participants after the third vaccine dose. Multivariable regression analyses were used to investigate the relationships between sociodemographic, health- and vaccine-related variables, vaccine-induced T-cell responses, and breakthrough infection risk. We observed that a third vaccine dose boosted spike-specific CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell frequencies significantly above those measured after the second dose (all p < 0.0001). Median T-cell frequencies did not differ between PLWH and controls after the second dose (p > 0.1), but CD8+ T-cell responses were modestly lower in PLWH after the third dose (p = 0.02), an observation that remained significant after adjusting for sociodemographic, health- and vaccine-related variables (p = 0.045). In PLWH who experienced a breakthrough infection, median T-cell frequencies increased even higher than those observed after three vaccine doses (p < 0.03), and CD8+ T-cell responses in this group remained higher even after a fourth vaccine dose (p = 0.03). In multivariable analyses, the only factor associated with an increased breakthrough infection risk was younger age, which is consistent with the rapid increase in SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity that was seen among younger adults in Canada after the initial appearance of the Omicron variant. These results indicate that PLWH receiving antiretroviral therapy mount strong T-cell responses to COVID-19 vaccines that can be enhanced by booster doses or breakthrough infection.

The mechanical influence of densification on epithelial architecture.

Epithelial tissues are the most abundant tissue type in animals, lining body cavities and generating compartment barriers. The function of a monolayered epithelial tissue-whether protective, secretory, absorptive, or filtrative-relies on the side-by-side arrangement of its component cells. The mechanical parameters that determine the shape of epithelial cells in the apical-basal plane are not well-understood. Epithelial tissue architecture in culture is intimately connected to cell density, and cultured layers transition between architectures as they proliferate. This prompted us to ask to what extent epithelial architecture emerges from two mechanical considerations: A) the constraints of densification and B) cell-cell adhesion, a hallmark feature of epithelial cells. To address these questions, we developed a novel polyline cell-based computational model and used it to make theoretical predictions about epithelial architecture upon changes to density and cell-cell adhesion. We tested these predictions using cultured cell experiments. Our results show that the appearance of extended lateral cell-cell borders in culture arises as a consequence of crowding-independent of cell-cell adhesion. However, cadherin-mediated cell-cell adhesion is associated with a novel architectural transition. Our results suggest that this transition represents the initial appearance of a distinctive epithelial architecture. Together our work reveals the distinct mechanical roles of densification and adhesion to epithelial layer formation and provides a novel theoretical framework to understand the less well-studied apical-basal plane of epithelial tissues.

De novo posttransplant membranous nephropathy after COVID-19 vaccination 9years after renal transplantation in a patient with polycystic kidney disease.

A 63-year-old man with polycystic kidney disease underwent kidney transplantation from his wife. Nine years later, after the first and second doses of the COVID-19 vaccination, he developed proteinuria, hematuria, and elevated C-reactive protein. Kidney biopsy 7months after the initial appearance of proteinuria showed immunoglobulin (Ig)-G granular stain, predominantly IgG1, and spike formation in the glomerular basement membrane. Electron microscopy revealed mainly subepithelial deposits, which corresponds to membranous nephropathy (MN) stage 3 of the Ehrenreich-Churg classification indicating chronic disease, but it also showed electron-dense deposits and endothelial damage. Because a kidney biopsy was performed 1h after renal transplantation and a biopsy of the patient's native kidney showed intact glomeruli, atypical de novo posttransplant membranous nephropathy (MN) was diagnosed, and a close relationship with COVID-19 vaccination was assumed. Clinicians should consider the involvement of COVID-19 vaccination in de novo posttransplant MN with unclear pathogenesis.

Freud’s Aphasia Book and Spielrein’s Destruction Paper: A Shared Fate, To Be Ignored and Restored

Abstract: This article discusses the early fate and subsequent revival of interest in Freud’s 1891 book, On Aphasia , and Sabina Spielrein’s 1912 Destruction paper. Early on, these authors shared a similar fate: a failure of recognition of the aforementioned works at the time of their initial publication. In Freud’s case, the number of books sold was minimal and the rest were shredded; it remained mostly unread and overlooked in discussions of neurological problems, although regarded as a classical contribution to the field of neurology. As for Spielrein, her paper, following its initial appearance in German, was not published until 80 years later in English! Although Spielrein had a profound impact throughout her mature career as a psychiatrist, psychoanalyst, and developmental child psychologist, she remained unacknowledged during her lifetime and was virtually forgotten after her death. This article demonstrates that, although the importance of their seminal works was overlooked, recent developments in neuroscience have revived interest in On Aphasia and, in Spielrein’s case, her contributions to psychoanalysis and developmental psychology have become classics in these fields.