bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Butyrate alleviates renal inflammation and fibrosis in a rat model of polycystic ovarian syndrome by suppression of SDF-1
Authors: Bashir Al-Amin M. , Olaniyi Kehinde S.
Published: October 2023

Background

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a multifactorial condition with metabolic-related complications, such as diabetic nephropathy and chronic renal disorder, which are the leading cause of renal transplant globally. Protective effects of histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors (HDACi) have been documented in metabolic-linked pathologies. Nonetheless, the current study investigated the restorative role of HDACi, butyrate in experimental PCOS-induced renal disorder.

Materials and methods

Female Wistar rats (8-week-old) were divided into groups; control, butyrate-treated, letrozole and letrozole + butyrate-treated groups. To induce PCOS, 1 mg/kg of letrozole was given (oral gavage) for 21 days. After confirmation of PCOS, 200 mg/kg of butyrate (oral gavage) was administered for 6 weeks.

Results

Rats with PCOS revealed disruption in glucose homeostasis (hyperinsulinemia and impaired glucose tolerance and insulin resistance) and presented with the phenotypes of PCOS (hyperandrogenism, multiple ovarian cysts and elevated LH/FSH ratio). Increased plasma and renal triglycerides and inflammatory (TNF-α/SDF-1/NF-κB) markers were observed with elevated levels of TGFβ-1, renal lipid peroxidation and redox imbalance (GGT, GSH, HIF-1α). Interestingly, animals with PCOS reported increased body weight as well as renal mass. Whereas, heightened levels of plasma urea, creatinine and creatine kinase indicating renal dysfunction, characterized by renal apoptosis (Caspase-6) and increased HDAC2 levels. Notwithstanding, administration of butyrate averted the alterations.

Conclusion

The present investigation demonstrates that PCOS declines renal function, which is accompanied by renal inflammation, apoptosis and fibrosis. The study further suggests that butyrate, an HDAC2i restores renal function by suppressing renal SDF-1 with subsequent attenuation of renal inflammation, apoptosis and fibrosis.
Proposal for a new method for sustainable and advanced utilization of oil palm trunk waste
Authors: Horiyama Hiroaki , Fujimoto Waka , Kojiro Keisuke , Itoh Takafumi , Kajita Hiromu , Furuta Yuzo
Published: October 2023

A method to more easily separate vascular bundles and parenchyma was investigated for the purpose of proposing a sustainable and advanced utilization of oil palm trunk (OPT). In addition, particleboard made from vascular bundles was produced as one of the effective ways to utilize the obtained vascular bundles. The following results were obtained. A Zephyr rolling equipment was used for separation, and it was found that the vascular bundles could be easily separated with the veneer in a dry state. SEM observations showed that the vascular bundles could be separated while maintaining the tissue structure. However, some parenchyma remained on the surface of the vascular bundles. The presence of starch was also confirmed within the parenchyma. Particleboard was produced using the separated vascular bundles. The MOR and MOE of the three-layered particleboards with long vascular bundles obtained by Zephyr treatment were about 74.2 MPa and 7.3 GPa, respectively, which are much higher than those of previous wood materials made from OPTs. These results may be the result of extracting the potential of vascular bundles.

Graphical Abstract
Interannual variation of the Warm Arctic–Cold Eurasia pattern modulated by Ural blocking and the North Atlantic Oscillation under changing sea ice conditions
Authors: Zhou Xiling , Sato Tomonori , Li Shixue
Published: October 2023

Together with rapid Arctic warming and sea ice decline, especially over the Barents–Kara seas (BKS), extreme cold winters have occurred frequently in mid-latitudes, particularly in Central Eurasia. A pattern with two distinct winter temperature anomalies centered over the BKS and Central Eurasia is known as the Warm Arctic–Cold Eurasia (WACE) pattern. The impacts of sea ice loss over the BKS and internal atmospheric variability on past WACE formation remain under discussion mainly due to the large internal atmospheric variability in the mid-latitudes. This study analyzed a large-ensemble historical experiment prescribing observed sea ice condition to investigate the role of internal atmospheric variability in the observed interannual variation of the WACE pattern. Comparison of ensemble members suggests that internal atmospheric variability is important for regulating the magnitude of the WACE pattern. Besides the strong effect of local sea ice loss, winter temperature over the BKS increases due to warm advection driven by the Ural blocking and positive phase of the North Atlantic Oscillation. A decrease in winter temperature over Central Eurasia is mainly attributable to the cold advection enhanced by Ural blocking rather than the remote effect of sea ice decline over the BKS. Our study reveals the importance of internal atmospheric variability in elucidating the observed interannual variation of the WACE pattern.
Right hepatectomy under cardiopulmonary bypass for hepatocellular carcinoma with inferior vena cava tumor thrombus: a case report
Authors: Kushiya Hiroki , Ambo Yoshiyasu , Takada Minoru , Masuda Takahiko , Naraoka Shuichi , Hirano Satoshi
Published: October 2023

Background

The prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with vascular invasion is extremely poor, especially in patients with tumor thrombus (TT) of the inferior vena cava (IVC), which is an oncological emergency with a high risk of sudden death due to TT extension or migration. Herein, we describe a case of HCC with TT of the IVC that rapidly extended into the right atrium (RA), in which right hepatectomy was performed under cardiopulmonary bypass.

Case presentation

A 64-year-old man was diagnosed with HCC with IVC TT, and right hepatic lobectomy was scheduled. While awaiting surgery, he complained of respiratory distress and rushed to the emergency room. The TT had reached the RA, and the patient was in a state of oncologic emergency. We requested the cooperation of the cardiovascular surgery department, and under artificial cardiopulmonary support, the right atrium was incised, and a part of the TT was removed. The IVC was clamped to prevent tumor dispersal, and right hepatic lobectomy was performed. The remaining thrombus was excised along with the right lobe of the liver by incising the IVC. There were no serious postoperative complications, and the patient is alive 1 year and 5 months postoperatively.

Conclusion

Hepatic resection with cardiopulmonary bypass could be an option for HCC with TT reaching the RA.
Uniportal thoracoscopic extended right apical segmentectomy with virtual-assisted lung mapping: a case report
Authors: Yanagiya Masahiro , Wada Ami , Awano Nobuyasu , Izumo Takehiro , Furuhata Yoshiaki
Published: October 2023

Background

Pulmonary extended segmentectomy is an optional surgical treatment for early-stage non-small cell lung cancer that helps to achieve optimal surgical margins. Here, we describe a challenging instance of extended segmentectomy via uniportal video-assisted thoracic surgery with virtual-assisted lung mapping, a preoperative bronchoscopic dye marking procedure.

Case presentation

A 72-year-old woman presented with two tumors that were clinically diagnosed as early-stage lung cancer; extended right apical segmentectomy was indicated. Because the tumors had appeared unidentifiable intraoperatively, we performed virtual-assisted lung mapping for tumor localization and delineation of the optimal resection area. Surgery was conducted through a single port. All virtual-assisted lung mapping markings were visible. After dissection of the apical vessels and bronchi, a putative intersegmental line was determined using collateral ventilation. Based on the putative intersegmental plane identified by collateral ventilation and the virtual-assisted lung mapping markings, the resection line was delineated. Extended apical segmentectomy along the resection line was successfully performed via uniportal video-assisted thoracic surgery. The postoperative course was uneventful. The pathological diagnosis was minimally invasive adenocarcinoma and adenocarcinoma in situ.

Conclusions

Virtual-assisted lung mapping can help to achieve optimal extended segmentectomy via uniportal video-assisted thoracic surgery.
Fungal community inside lichen: a curious case of sparse diversity and high modularity
Authors: Yang Jiho , Woo Jung-Jae , Oh Seung-Yoon , Kim Wonyong , Hur Jae-Seoun
Published: October 2023

Background

Lichens represent not only the mutualism of fungal and photosynthetic partners but also are composed of microbial consortium harboring diverse fungi known as endolichenic fungi. While endolichenic fungi are known to exert a remarkable influence on lichen ecology through their crucial roles in nutrient cycling, bioprospecting and biodiversity, the enigmatic community structures of these fungal inhabitants remain shrouded in mystery, awaiting further exploration and discovery. To address knowledge gap, we conducted metabarcoding on two lichens using 18S gene amplification,Dirinara applantaandParmotrema tinctorum, and compared their microbial communities to those found in the pine bark to which the lichens were attached. Our hypothesis was that the endolichenic communities would exhibit distinct diversity patterns, community structures, network structures, and specialist composition compared to the surrounding epiphytic community.

Results

Our investigation has shed light on the clear demarcation between the endolichenic and epiphytic fungal communities, as they exhibit markedly different characteristics that set them apart from each other. This research demonstrated that the endolichenic communities are less diverse as compared to the epiphytic communities. Through community similarity analysis, we observed that two endolichenic communities are more similar to each other in terms of community composition than with the adjacent epiphytic communities. Moreover, we unveiled a striking contrast in the network structures between the endolichenic and epiphytic communities, as the former displayed a more modular and less nested features that is evocative of a potent host-filtration mechanism.

Conclusions

Through our investigation, we have discovered that lichens harbor less intricate and interconnected fungal communities compared to the neighboring epiphytic environment. These observations provide valuable insights into the metagenomic architecture of lichens and offer a tantalizing glimpse into the unique mycobiome.
A continuum of individual-level factors that influence modern contraceptive uptake and use: perspectives from community members and healthcare providers in Durban, South Africa
Authors: Kriel Yolandie , Milford Cecilia , Cordero Joanna Paula , Suleman Fatima , Steyn Petrus S. , Smit Jennifer Ann
Published: October 2023

Background

South Africa faces numerous sexual and reproductive health challenges that can be mitigated with contraceptive use. Contraceptive use is defined and measured as use, non-use, or discontinued use. Research has shown that there are expanded definitions of use beyond these categories. Identifying such categories may assist in a better understanding of factors that influence contraceptive use.

Setting and methodology

This qualitative study was conducted in the eThekwini Municipality in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. The aim was to explore the factors influencing the uptake and use of modern contraception. One hundred and twenty-seven participants were enrolled in this study. One hundred and three of those were community members, and twenty-five were healthcare providers. Focus group discussions and in-depth interviews were conducted to gather the data. Data analysis was facilitated using NVivo 10 software.

Results

The data show that numerous factors influence contraceptive uptake and use. From these factors, a continuum of use that captures a variety of states of use emerged. Five different states of use were uncovered: no-use, vulnerable use, compelled use, conditional use, and autonomous use. The development of the model illustrates the complexity of contraceptive needs and that it extends beyond definitions found in policies and large-scale surveys. Expanding conceptions of use can aid in developing counselling and information support tools that can improve the uptake and continued use of modern contraception.
Electron microscopic analysis of necrotic bone and failed implant surface in a patient with medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw
Authors: Ha Ji Young , Eo Mi Young , Sodnom-Ish Buyanbileg , Mustakim Kezia Rachellea , Myoung Hoon , Kim Soung Min
Published: October 2023

Background

Bisphosphonates (BP), a commonly used medication for various bone diseases, have been known to have severe complications such as bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (BRONJ). Failure of dental implants has also been found in patients with medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ). In this study, we analyzed the necrotic bone tissues and the surface of the failed implants removed from the jaw in patients treated with BPs and antiresorptive agents.

Results

Chronic inflammatory cells with collagen and fibrous tissues and bone sequestrum were shown at 5.0 × , 10.0 × , 20.0 × , and 40.0 × magnified histologic sections in the bone and fibrotic scar tissues removed from patients with MRONJ due to osteonecrosis. Hardened bone tissues with microcracked bony resorbed lacunae were observed in SEM. Unlike the previously published comparative data where immune cells, such as dendritic cells, were found in the failed implant surface, these immune cells were not identified in the BRONJ-related peri-implantitis tissues through the TEM investigations. Furthermore, EDS revealed that in addition to the main titanium element, gold, carbon, oxygen, calcium, phosphorus, silicon, and sulfur elements were found.

Conclusion

Hardened bone tissues with microcracked bony resorbed lacunae were observed in the SEM findings, which were considered as the main characteristic of the osteonecrosis of the jaw. Immune cells, such as dendritic cells were not identified in the TEM. EDS showed that in addition to the main titanium element, gold, carbon, oxygen, calcium, phosphorus, and silicon elements were found. Furthermore, it was revealed that sulfur was found, which was considered to be one of the complicated causes of implant failure in patients with BRONJ.
Stakeholder perceptions of preventive approaches to rheumatoid arthritis: qualitative study of healthcare professionals’ perspectives on predictive and preventive strategies
Authors: Wells Imogen , Simons Gwenda , Kanacherril Jasin Philip , Mallen Christian D. , Raza Karim , Falahee Marie
Published: October 2023

Background

There is increasing research interest in the development of preventive treatment for individuals at risk of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Previous studies have explored the perceptions of at-risk groups and patients about predictive and preventive strategies for RA, but little is known about health care professionals’ (HCPs) perspectives.

Methods

One-to-one semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted (face-to-face or by telephone) with HCPs. Audio recordings of the interviews were transcribed, and the data were analysed by thematic analysis.

Results

Nineteen HCPs (11 female) were interviewed, including ten GPs, six rheumatologists and three rheumatology nurse specialists. The thematic analysis identified four organising themes: 1) Attributes of predictive and preventive approaches; 2) Ethical and psychological concerns; 3) Implementation issues and 4) Learning from management of other conditions. Theme 1 described necessary attributes of predictive and preventive approaches, including the type and performance of predictive tools, the need for a sound evidence base and consideration of risks and benefits associated with preventive treatment. Theme 2 described the ethical and psycho-social concerns that interviewees raised, including the potential negative economic, financial and psychological effects of risk disclosure for ‘at-risk’ individuals, uncertainty around the development of RA and the potential for benefit associated with the treatments being considered. Theme 3 describes the implementation issues considered, including knowledge and training needs, costs and resource implications of implementing predictive and preventive approaches, the role of different types of HCPs, guidelines and tools needed, and patient characteristics relating to the appropriateness of preventive treatments. Theme 4 describes lessons that could be learned from interviewees’ experiences of prediction and prevention in other disease areas, including how preventive treatment is prescribed, existing guidelines and tools for other diseases and issues relating to risk communication.

Conclusions

For successful implementation of predictive and preventative approaches in RA, HCPs need appropriate training about use and interpretation of predictive tools, communication of results to at-risk individuals, and options for intervention. Evidence of cost-efficiency, appropriate resource allocation, adaptation of official guidelines and careful consideration of the at-risk individuals’ psycho-social needs are also needed.
Exploring gut microbiota in adult Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.): Associations with gut health and dietary prebiotics
Authors: Wang Jie , Li Yanxian , Jaramillo-Torres Alexander , Einen Olai , Jakobsen Jan Vidar , Krogdahl Åshild , Kortner Trond M.
Published: October 2023

Background

The importance of the gut microbiota for physiological processes in mammals is well established, but the knowledge of their functional roles in fish is still limited. The aims of this study were to investigate associations between variation in taxonomical composition of the gut microbiota and gut health status in Atlantic salmon and to explore possible modulatory effects of dietary prebiotics in one net-pen farm in open water. The fish with initial mean body weight of around 240 g were fed diets based on the same basal composition, either without (Ref diet) or with (Test diet) yeast cell wall based-prebiotics, during the marine production phase from December to September the following year. Sampling was conducted at three sampling time points: January, April, and September, with average water temperature of 3.9 ℃, 3.4 ℃ and 9.6 ℃, respectively.

Results

As the fish progressed towards September, growth, brush border membrane enzyme activities, and the expression in the gut of most of the observed genes involved in immune (e.g., il8, cd4a, myd88, il1b, gilt, tgfb, cd8b and cd3), barrier (e.g., zo1, occludin, ecad, claudin25b and claudin15), and metabolism increased significantly. Lipid accumulation in pyloric enterocytes decreased remarkably, suggesting improvement of gut health condition. The growth of the fish did not differ between dietary treatments. Further, dietary prebiotics affected the gut health only marginally regardless of duration of administration. Regarding gut microbiota composition, a decrease in alpha diversity (Observed species, Pielou and Shannon) over time was observed, which was significantly associated with an increase in the relative abundance of genus Mycoplasma and decrease in 32 different taxa in genus level including lactic acid bacteria (LAB), such as Lactobacillus, Leuconostoc, and Lactococcus. This indicates that developmental stage of Atlantic salmon is a determinant for microbial composition. Multivariate association analysis revealed that the relative abundance of Mycoplasma was positively correlated with gut barrier gene expression, negatively correlated with plasma glucose levels, and that its relative abundance slightly increased by exposure to prebiotics. Furthermore, certain LAB (e.g., Leuconostoc), belonging to the core microbiota, showed a negative development with time, and significant associations with plasma nutrients levels (e.g., triglyceride and cholesterol) and gene expression related to gut immune and barrier function.

Conclusions

As Atlantic salmon grew older under large-scale, commercial farm settings, the Mycoplasma became more prominent with a concomitant decline in LAB. Mycoplasma abundance correlated positively with time and gut barrier genes, while LAB abundance negatively correlated to time. Dietary prebiotics affected gut health status only marginally.
Successful treatment of multiple intracerebral aspergillosis with voriconazole alone in an Egyptian diabetic patient with autoimmune hemolytic anemia
Authors: Ibrahim Hamdy , Maksod Safwat Abdel , Khorshed Magdy , Rady Hanan , Alsisi Ahmed , Mohamed Adel , Fouad Nasser , Hamed Ayman , Hosny Mohamed , Al Amir Alaaa
Published: October 2023

Aspergillosis is a common fungus that lives in soil and decaying vegetation. Inhalation of the spores causes infection mostly in immunocompromised patients. Invasive aspergillosis has an extremely high mortality, and a definitive diagnosis requires histopathological evidence of deep tissue invasion or positive culture; however, this evidence is often difficult to obtain due to the critical nature of the patients in these situations. The sensitivity of culture in this setting is also low. The galactomannan test is a recent antigen–antibody serologic test that depends on detecting an antigen which is a molecule found in the cell wall of aspergillus species. A positive result supports the diagnosis of invasive aspergillosis. We present a case of multiple intracerebral brain abscesses in an immunosuppressed patient due to an aspergillus species diagnosed by the galactomannan test with an excellent response to the treatment with the novel voriconazole alone, without any surgical intervention, and the purpose is to alert the physicians, neurologists, and infectious disease specialists to consider the intracranial aspergillosis among the differential diagnosis of the acute onset encephalitis especially in immunocompromised patients as early diagnosis and treatment may be life-saving.
Glial plasticity at nervous system transition zones
Authors: Fontenas Laura
Published: October 2023

The central and peripheral nervous systems (CNS and PNS, respectively) are two separate yet connected domains characterized by molecularly distinct cellular components that communicate via specialized structures called transition zones to allow information to travel from the CNS to the periphery, and vice versa. Until recently, nervous system transition zones were thought to be selectively permeable only to axons, and the establishment of the territories occupied by glial cells at these complex regions remained poorly described and not well understood. Recent work now demonstrates that transition zones are occupied by dynamic glial cells and are precisely regulated over the course of nervous system development. This review highlights recent work on glial cell migration in and out of the spinal cord, at motor exit point (MEP) and dorsal root entry zone (DREZ) transition zones, in the physiological and diseased nervous systems. These cells include myelinating glia (oligodendrocyte lineage cells, Schwann cells and motor exit point glia), exit glia, perineurial cells that form the perineurium along spinal nerves, as well as professional and non-professional phagocytes (microglia and neural crest cells).
The advancement of MRI in differentiating Modic type I degenerative changes from early spinal infections
Authors: Zhang Chengran , Liu Shaohua
Published: October 2023

MRI is the most sensitive and specific imaging method for the detection of advanced spinal infections. However, the differential diagnosis of early spinal infection and Modic Type I degenerative changes based on conventional MRI is difficult clinically, as they both may mimic each other by showing hypointensity on T1 weighted images and hyperintensity on T2 weighted spine MRI images. This review summarizes recent advancements in MRI, which may be useful in discriminating degenerative Modic Type I endplate changes from early spinal infection, and evaluates the diagnostic accuracy and limitations of MRI. We aim to provide indications for early differential diagnosis to help initiate appropriate treatment in a timely manner so that associated complications can be avoided.
A cross sectional study of high-resolution ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging findings in shoulder joint pain in a tertiary care hospital in central India
Authors: Bhagyasri Nunna , Parihar P.h.
Published: October 2023

Introduction: Shoulder joint injuries are frequent. The shoulder joint is particularly prone to joint dislocation because of its distinctive anatomy. There are several causes of the sore shoulder, however shoulder impingement is the most common one due to its widespread causes. High-resolution ultrasonography (USG) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are the primary imaging modalities for assessing suspected rotator cuff injuries. Ultrasonography is a method of first choice for evaluating rotator cuff injuries due to its widespread availability, lower price, and improved tolerance. Patients with questionable USG results may be given an MRI.

Aim and objective: To evaluate high-resolution ultrasound and MRI findings in shoulder joint pain.

Methods: A prospective cross-sectional study will be conducted on 93 patients, who come to Acharya Vinoba Bhave Rural hospital associated with Jawaharlal Nehru medical college, a tertiary care center situated in the state of Maharashtra in India between the time frame of July 2022 to July 2024. Patients with shoulder joint pain will be submitted to a primary investigation ultrasound, followed by an MRI if there is any concern, according to the inclusion criteria. Using statistical methods, the strength of agreement between ultrasound and MRI will be found out.

Outcome measures: The outcome will correlate ultrasound and MRI findings in shoulder joint pain and describe the relationship between the two.
Impact of physical therapy on the mobility, activity and independence of patients with stroke and total aphasia
Authors: Sybiriakin Yaroslav , Balazh Mariia
Published: October 2023

The purpose of the study. To assess the effectiveness of physical therapy measures on the mobility, activity and independence indexes of patients with acute cerebrovascular accident and total aphasia at the inpatient stage of treatment.

Materials and methods. The study involved 62 patients after acute cerebrovascular accident with sensorimotor aphasia, who were divided into 2 groups: an intervention group, n=32, and a comparison group, n=30. Patients in both groups received standardized drug therapy and rehabilitation measures that included physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech and language therapy.

Results. During the initial examination, the Rivermead Mobility Index and the Barthel Index indicated the complete inability of patients to independently perform any voluntary movements and their complete dependence in Activities of Daily Living. At the final examination, there was a statistically significant improvement (p<0.05) in the Barthel Index and the Rivermead Mobility Index in both groups, but the intervention group had a higher proportion of patients able to perform targeted activities independently. According to the Barthel Index, the proportion of patients who improved the degree of independence in Activities of Daily Living in the intervention group was 53.1%, while in the comparison group it was 13.3% (p=0.001).  

Conclusions. Application of the developed algorithm of physical therapy measures at the inpatient stage of treatment contributed to a more significant improvement in mobility and independence of patients with stroke and sensorimotor aphasia, compared to the standard approach. The obtained data confirm the necessity of application a special approach to the management of the physical therapy process in patients with sensorimotor aphasia caused by acute cerebrovascular accident.
SGLT2 inhibitors - a breakthrough in treatment of heart failure and their multipotential beneficial role in cardiology, diabetology, nephrology and neurology
Authors: Bogowska Marta , Berner Aleksandra , Marczyk Klaudia , Matyja Karolina , Olszewska Anna , Pękała Maciej , Polak Paulina , Polaszek Monika , Stelmaszak Karina , Stencel Katarzyna
Published: October 2023

Inhibitors of the sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2 inhibitors) are relatively new andinnovative antihyperglycemic drugs which by inhibiting sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 minimalisereabsorption of glucose in nephrones. Due to this process, SGLT2 inhibitors became a first-choicedrugs in diabetology. Flozins were a turning point in many clinical trials and currently consequentlyconquer pharmacoterapy in cardiology. In the past years, clinical studies proved vast role of SGLT2inhibitors in other fields of medicine. Flosins protect heart muscle and kidneys among patients with orwithout type diabetes mellitus type 2. They have positive effect on hypertension, arteries and braintissue.Cardiological condition with the lowest long-term outcome in patients is heart failure with reducedejection fraction. Until flozins, treatment in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction was based onfour groups of drugs: β-blocker, inhibitors of the renin-angiotensin aldosterone system (RAA),including angiotensin converting enzyme ACE/ARB inhibitors, angiotensin and neprilysin receptorblockers (ARNI) and mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRA). It was an appropriate HFrEFtreatment over the last years. However thanks to large-scale researches a role of flozins in cardiologyhave been established and they became hope for a change in the course of heart failure.The following article presents aspects of using flozins in treatment of patients with HFrEF,multipotential usage, vast benefits for patients, not solely cardiologic, and side effects of thesemiraculous group of drugs.
Secretary Problems with Biased Evaluations Using Partial Ordinal Information
Authors: Salem Jad , Gupta Swati
Published: October 2023

The k-secretary problem deals with online selection of at most k numerically scored applicants, where selection decisions are immediate upon their arrival and irrevocable, with the goal of maximizing total score. There is, however, wide prevalence of bias in evaluations of applicants from different demographic groups (e.g., gender, age, race), and the assumption of an algorithm observing their true score is unreasonable in practice. In this work, we propose the poset secretary problem, where selection decisions must be made by observing a partial order over the applicants. This partial order is constructed to account for uncertainty and biases in applicant scores. We assume that each applicant has a fixed score, which is not visible to the algorithm and is consistent with the partial order. Using a random partitioning technique from the matroid secretary literature, we provide order-optimal competitive algorithms for the poset secretary problem and provide matching lower bounds. Further, we develop the theory of thresholding in posets to provide a tight, adaptive-thresholding algorithm under regimes where k grows quickly enough, thus matching the adaptiveness to k shown for the classical k-secretary problem. We then study a special case, in which applicants belong to g disjoint demographic groups and the bias is group specific. We provide competitive algorithms for adversarial and stochastic variants of this special case, including a framework, Gap, for parallelizing any vanilla k-secretary algorithm to the group setting. Finally, we perform a case study on real-world data to demonstrate the responsiveness of our algorithms to data and their impact on selection rates.

This paper was accepted by Hamid Nazerzadeh, data science.

Funding: This work was supported by the National Science Foundation [Grant 2112533]. S. Gupta’s research was supported in part by NSF CAREER Award 2239824.

Supplemental Material: The data files are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2023.4926 .
attentiveness, qualities of listening and the listener in the community of philosophical inquiry
Authors: Elvis Lucy
Published: October 2023

This paper seeks to redress a predominant focus on speaking over listening in theorising the Community of Philosophical Inquiry (CPI). Frequently, where listening is discussed, the focus is on encouraging children to be active listeners. This means of describing the listening that occurs in the CPI has lost some efficacy as the language of active listening has been co-opted as a management technique focussed on making the speaker feel heard with little emphasis on the intentions or outcomes for the listener. Thus, on a cynical reading, ‘active listening’ can become reduced to performative physical indicators of listening (such as eye contact and body language), overlooking the ethical-epistemic commitments of the genuinely engaged listener. Here, rather than formulating new terms to describe listening, I propose Iris Murdoch’s account of attentiveness as an apt descriptor of the effects of truly involved listening on the self that seeks to attend to the unfolding content of the CPI and as a way of characterising the qualities of a CPI where such listening is achieved. Here, attentiveness is presented as a concept that captures the unique facets of listening as a challenge to individual participants concerned with contributing effectively to the dialogue as it unfolds within the CPI and those facilitating the dialogue. The paper briefly explores some implications for practice contexts, proposing three interventions to cultivate attentiveness in CPI participants and in facilitators (especially if they are undergraduate or postgraduate in Philosophy because philosophical identities might become a barrier to attentiveness). At its conclusion, this paper repositions listening in the CPI as a productive risk with a particular form of ‘aliveness’ aptly captured by the term attention.
En defensa de la libertad del indígena: un análisis sobre la esclavitud y el poder político en Bartolomé de las Casas
Authors: Bom Gabriel Cardoso , Méndez Alonzo Manuel
Published: October 2023

Una de las más prolíficas figuras en el proceso de evangelización en América fue el dominico Bartolomé de las Casas. Su obra es conocida por su férrea defensa de los indígenas en contra de los colonos españoles. Entre ella, es en los Tratados de 1552 donde se expone de manera más concisa sus argumentos en favor de los derechos naturales de los pueblos nativos de América. En este artículo se mostrará cómo el dominico, teniendo como base al derecho canónico y la teología tomista, redefine los conceptos de esclavitud natural, dominium y libertad para condenar la servidumbre forzada a la que considera fueron forzados a vivir los indios americanos. Curiosamente, estas tesis servirán para justificar la centralización de poder de la Corona española frente a las aspiraciones políticas de colonos y encomenderos ibéricos.
NORMATIZAÇÕES DE PESQUISA E DESENVOLVIMENTO NA LEI DE INFORMÁTICA BRASILEIRA E SUA CORRELAÇÃO COM ENSINO
Authors: Barbosa Adalberto Afonso , Granville Lisandro Zambenedetti
Published: October 2023

Resumo: A meta central desta Resenha é dar clareza à normatização e suas conexões aos temas Ensino com Pesquisa e Desenvolvimento (P&D) no âmbito da Lei nº 8.248/1991, denominada Lei de Informática (LI), conforme sua gestão e operação. Estes dois tópicos são basilares na compreensão desta Legislação, geradora de uma Política Pública em Tecnologia da Informação (Política de Informática-PI). Juntos, como tema desta Resenha, estabelecem condições pétreas e impõem ações para os propósitos previstos. Este é o núcleo da LI, sua essência para consecução dos objetivos estabelecidos de capacitação tecnológica e competitividade. O Ensino possui caráter subjacente, não como coadjuvante nem menos importante, na formação de graduação e pós-graduação, base para consecução dos objetivos. Ainda, a legislação estimula cursos nas empresas ou abertos de capacitação para o desenvolvimento e aperfeiçoamento em Tecnologia da Informação (TI). Assim, fundamenta-se a formação e capacitação de recursos humanos (RH), como um dos principais instrumentos, para consecução dos objetivos da PI. Não é proposta desta Resenha analisar resultados ou entrar no mérito das normas. A abordagem é qualitativa, pesquisa descritiva, procedimento documental, com método na técnica de Análise Textual Discursiva (ATD) da legislação pertinente.Palavras-chave: lei de informática, tecnologia da informação, ensino, pesquisa e desenvolvimento, capacitação tecnológica.
Fourier ptychography multi-parameter neural network with composite physical priori optimization: publisher’s note
Authors: Yang Delong , Zhang Shaohui , Zheng Chuanjian , Zhou Guocheng , Cao Lei , Hu Yao , Hao Qun
Published: October 2023

This publisher’s note contains a correction to Biomed. Opt. Express 13(5), 2739 (2022).10.1364/BOE.456380
Simulation-driven machine learning approach for high-speed correction of slope-dependent error in coherence scanning interferometry
Authors: Zhu Yupeng , Yang Dongyu , Qiu Jisi , Ke Changjun , Su Rong , Shi Yishi
Published: October 2023

Slope-dependent error often occurs in the coherence scanning interferometry (CSI) measurement of functional engineering surfaces with complex geometries. Previous studies have shown that these errors can be corrected through the characterization and phase inversion of the instrument’s three-dimensional (3D) surface transfer function. However, since CSI instrument is usually not completely shift-invariant, the 3D surface transfer function characterization and correction must be repeated for different regions of the full field of view, resulting in a long computational process and a reduction of measurement efficiency. In this work, we introduce a machine learning approach based on a deep neural network that is trainable for slope-dependent error correction in CSI. Our method leverages a deep neural network to directly learn errors characteristics from simulated surface measurements provided by a previously validated physics-based virtual CSI method. The experimental results demonstrate that the trained network is capable of correcting the surface height map with 1024 × 1024 sampling points within 0.1 seconds, covering a 178 µm field of view. The accuracy is comparable to the previous phase inversion approach while the new method is two orders of magnitude faster under the same computational condition.
Propagation of surface plasma waves in metal films perforated with n × n lattices of holes (n = 2 to 72)
Authors: Lee S. C. , Brueck S. R. J.
Published: October 2023

The propagation of surface plasma waves (SPWs) in 90 nm-thick Au films perforated with n × n square lattices of circular holes, referred to as n-metal photonic crystals (n-MPCs), is investigated. The hole period was set to 3 µm with n = 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, 18, 24, 36, and 72. For each n-MPC, the total number of holes was conserved to 5184 (= 72 × 72), which were grouped to form an Mn × Mn (Mn = 72/n) array of lattices, evenly spaced on 384 × 384 µm2. The n-MPCs were individually integrated on semi-insulating GaAs substrates. In the transmission through them, the primary peak by the SPW excited at the n-MPC/GaAs interface exhibits clear variation with n in its wavelength and intensity. It begins to appear for n ∼ 4 and its intensity is increased with n but saturated for n ∼
x
> 36 with Fano lineshape. These imply the SPW excitation is significantly affected by the boundary and number of holes in each lattice. Such lattice size-dependent transmission is compared with the absorption of the quantum dot infrared photodetectors identically coupled to the n-MPCs. In the absorption, the saturation of the peak intensity is observed for n ∼
x
> 24, lower than the ∼36 in the transmission. Their difference is characterized with the SPW propagation and decay that critically depend on the dielectric properties of devices as well as the number of holes and boundaries of each lattice in plasmonic excitation.
Ultra-efficient second harmonic generation via mode phase matching in integrated lithium niobate racetrack resonators
Authors: Cheng Jian , Gao Dingshan , Dong Jianji , Zhang Xinliang
Published: October 2023

High-efficiency second harmonic generation (SHG) relying solely on intermodal dispersion engineering remains a challenge. Here, we realize highly efficient SHG using a double-waveguide coupled racetrack microring resonator on X-cut lithium niobate on insulator (LNOI), where both pump and second harmonic (SH) approach critical coupling. Through precise temperature tuning, simultaneous pump and SH resonance is attained in the resonator, dramatically enhancing SHG efficiency. With low pump power, a normalized conversion efficiency of 9972%/W is achieved. Moreover, the resonator provides a 25.73 dB enhancement in SHG efficiency compared to a 4 mm straight waveguide with identical phase matching in our experiment. This work enables efficient wavelength conversion and quantum state generation on integrated X-cut LNOI platforms.
Lens array-based holographic 3D display with an expanded field of view and eyebox
Authors: Wang Zi , Lv Guoqiang , Pang Yujian , Feng Qibin , Wang Anting , Ming Hai
Published: October 2023

Conventional spatial light modulator (SLM)-based holographic 3D display faces limited field of view (FOV) and eyebox, due to its limited pixel number. In this paper, a lens array is used to expand the FOV and eyebox of an SLM-based holographic display. The hologram is calculated to reconstruct a 3D sub-image array, each sub-image corresponding to a specific perspective of the 3D object. Then, the 3D sub-image array is imaged and magnified by the lens array to integrate to the original 3D image. The FOV is expanded due to the large numerical aperture of the lens, and the eyebox is expanded because the lens array generates multiple viewpoints with a large pitch. The optical experiment realizes a 17.6° FOV and 50 mm eyebox, which contains 4 × 4 viewpoints. Apparent motion parallax is observed through the viewpoint array, which is usually hard to observe in a conventional SLM-based holographic display. The proposed method provides a novel, to the best of our knowledge, way to expand the FOV and eyebox of holographic 3D display without increasing the total pixel number of the SLM.
Rural-urban disparities in health outcomes, clinical care, health behaviors, and social determinants of health and an action-oriented, dynamic tool for visualizing them
Authors: Weeks William B. , Chang Ji E. , Pagán José A. , Lumpkin Jeffrey , Michael Divya , Salcido Santiago , Kim Allen , Speyer Peter , Aerts Ann , Weinstein James N. , Lavista Juan M.
Published: October 2023

While rural-urban disparities in health and health outcomes have been demonstrated, because of their impact on (and intervenability to improve) health and health outcomes, we sought to examine cross-sectional and longitudinal inequities in health, clinical care, health behaviors, and social determinants of health (SDOH) between rural and non-rural counties in the pre-pandemic era (2015 to 2019), and to present a Health Equity Dashboard that can be used by policymakers and researchers to facilitate examining such disparities. Therefore, using data obtained from 2015–2022 County Health Rankings datasets, we used analysis of variance to examine differences in 33 county level attributes between rural and non-rural counties, calculated the change in values for each measure between 2015 and 2019, determined whether rural-urban disparities had widened, and used those data to create a Health Equity Dashboard that displays county-level individual measures or compilations of them. We followed STROBE guidelines in writing the manuscript. We found that rural counties overwhelmingly had worse measures of SDOH at the county level. With few exceptions, the measures we examined were getting worse between 2015 and 2019 in all counties, relatively more so in rural counties, resulting in the widening of rural-urban disparities in these measures. When rural-urban gaps narrowed, it tended to be in measures wherein rural counties were outperforming urban ones in the earlier period. In conclusion, our findings highlight the need for policymakers to prioritize rural settings for interventions designed to improve health outcomes, likely through improving health behaviors, clinical care, social and environmental factors, and physical environment attributes. Visualization tools can help guide policymakers and researchers with grounded information, communicate necessary data to engage relevant stakeholders, and track SDOH changes and health outcomes over time.
Influence of an oral health promotion program on the evolution of dental status in New Caledonia: A focus on health inequities
Authors: Skandrani Amal , Pichot Helene , Pegon-Machat Estelle , Pereira Bruno , Tubert-Jeannin Stephanie
Published: October 2023

New Caledonia is a sui generis collectivity of overseas France situated in the south Pacific Ocean. Geographical and social inequalities are superimposed on ethnic disparities with high prevalence of chronic diseases such as oral diseases. In 2012, the health agency has evaluated the children’s health status. Then, an oral health promotion program was developed in 2014. Another study was conducted in 2019 in New Caledonia to appreciate the evolution of children’s oral health. A sample of 488 9-years-old children was randomly selected. Dental status was clinically recorded, families and children answered questionnaires about oral health determinants. The methodology (sampling, study variables…) was similar to the one used in the 2012 study. Multivariate mixed-models were conducted to compare 2012 and 2019 dental status and to explore the determinants of caries experience in 2019. Results indicated that caries prevalence and experience decreased between 2012 and 2019, with nonetheless various trends depending on the province or type of indexes. The number of carious lesions (d3t + D3T) in 2019 was used as an outcome variable in four models. Model 1 integrated social variables; ethnicity was found to be the only significant determinant. Model 2 was related to oral health care; participation in the program & and access to oral health care was found to be significant. For oral health behaviours (model 3), tooth brushing frequency and consumption of sugary snacks were significant risk factors. In a final model with significant variables from the previous models, ethnicity, accessibility of oral health care, number of sealed molars, consumption of sugary snacks remained explanatory factors. Five years after the implementation of the oral health promotion program, positive changes in oral health have been observed. However, health equity is still an issue with varying health status depending on ethnicity, behavioural factors and accessibility to oral health care.