bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Deep Learning for Postprocessing Global Probabilistic Forecasts on Subseasonal Time Scales
Authors: Horat Nina , Lerch Sebastian
Published: January 2024

Subseasonal weather forecasts are becoming increasingly important for a range of socioeconomic activities. However, the predictive ability of physical weather models is very limited on these time scales. We propose four postprocessing methods based on convolutional neural networks to improve subseasonal forecasts by correcting systematic errors of numerical weather prediction models. Our postprocessing models operate directly on spatial input fields and are therefore able to retain spatial relationships and to generate spatially homogeneous predictions. They produce global probabilistic tercile forecasts for biweekly aggregates of temperature and precipitation for weeks 3–4 and 5–6. In a case study based on a public forecasting challenge organized by the World Meteorological Organization, our postprocessing models outperform the bias-corrected forecasts from the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF), and achieve improvements over climatological forecasts for all considered variables and lead times. We compare several model architectures and training modes and demonstrate that all approaches lead to skillful and well-calibrated probabilistic forecasts. The good calibration of the postprocessed forecasts emphasizes that our postprocessing models reliably quantify the forecast uncertainty based on deterministic input information in the form of ECMWF ensemble mean forecast fields only.
De-Epithelialized Viable Tracheal Allotransplantation Without Immunosuppressants: 5-Year Follow-Up
Authors: Cui Pengcheng , Zhao Daqing , Liang Leping , Liu Pengfei , Li Shuqin
Published: January 2024

Objective:

Tracheal transplantation could be a better option for patients with long segmental laryngotracheal stenosis or defects, but the need for immunosuppressants limits its widespread use due to the antigenicity of the tracheal epithelium. Chemically treated or cryopreserved nonviable tracheal allografts have no immunogenicity but lead to necrosis and stenosis in long-term outcomes. The present report describes the 5-year outcomes of de-epithelialized viable tracheal allotransplantation without immunosuppressants in a patient with severe laryngotracheal stenosis.

Methods:

The recipient was a 47-year-old female with relapsing polychondritis affecting the larynx and cervical trachea and producing a 5 cm long stenosis that could not be repaired using resection and anastomosis. A tracheal allograft was obtained from a 45-year-old male donor and treated with a combination of 3% sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and organ preservation solution for 138 hours. The allograft was revascularized by heterotopical implantation in the infrahyoid muscles of the recipient for 3 months and then transplantation to the laryngotracheal defect with a split-thickness skin graft sutured to the lumen and a silicon T-tube. No immunosuppressants were used postoperatively.

Results:

The allograft was de-epithelialized, and most of the cartilage rings remained viable after the treatment. The allograft was revascularized, viable, and mechanically stable after 3 months of heterotopic implantation. No apparent signs of rejection or destruction were observed. The T-tube was removed, and the internal lining of the allograft was repopulated 4 months after orthotopic transplantation, despite the skin graft necrotizing at 2 weeks. Endoscopy and computed tomography showed a patent airway 5 years after orthotopic transplantation. The patient was able to resume her usual quality of life.

Conclusion:

The present study demonstrates that transplantation of the de-epithelialized viable tracheal allograft without immunosuppressants is safe and promising for patients with long laryngotracheal stenosis or defects, especially for those with malignant tumor resections.
Trends in diversity-related learning among secondary schools in 35 US states, 2014–2018
Authors: Young Emily , Demissie Zewditu , Szucs Leigh E , Brener Nancy D , Waheed Fareeha , Jasani Salimah
Published: January 2024

Objective:

School Health Profiles (Profiles) is a national surveillance system operated by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. A school-based system of surveys, Profiles monitors school health policies and practices in US states and other jurisdictions through questionnaires completed by school principals and lead health education teachers. This study used the Profiles principal survey to identify trends in US schools’ implementation of diversity-related learning opportunities (i.e. opportunities to learn about people who are different from themselves) in secondary school classrooms and extracurricular settings.

Methods:

Logistic regression models using data from three cycles of School Health Profiles from 35 US states examined trends in the percentages of secondary schools offering students diversity-related learning opportunities in the following settings, each measured by using dichotomous yes/no response options: (a) clubs; (b) lessons in class and (c) special events (e.g. multicultural week, family night) sponsored by the school or community organisations.

Results:

Between 2014–2018, no states experienced decreases in opportunities for students to learn about people who are different from themselves; most states demonstrated no significant change.

Conclusion:

Findings suggest efforts are needed to strengthen capacity for and prioritisation of policies, programmes and practices promoting diversity and culturally relevant education in schools, and in turn, promote positive health and educational outcomes for youth.
On the Impacts of Government Size on Economic Growth in India: Some Evidence from Smooth Transition Autoregression Model
Authors: Tariq Asif , Ahmad Masroor , Amin Aadil
Published: January 2024

This article examines the threshold effects of government size (measured as a percentage share of government final consumption expenditure in GDP) on economic growth from a non-linear perspective. We apply a smooth transition autoregression (STAR) model to estimate the threshold level of government size and its impact on economic growth in India for the period spanning from 1971 to 2019. The empirical results reveal that the relationship between government size and economic growth is non-linear. The study finds a statistically significant positive relationship between the size of the government and economic growth below the estimated threshold level of government size of 10.45 per cent. Above the 10.45 per cent threshold level, government size has a deleterious impact on economic growth. The results also reveal that the transition from one extreme economic phase to another is gradual. The findings of our study recommend that policymakers can enhance India’s economic growth by restricting government size to the estimated threshold level or by reducing the size of the government when it lies well above the threshold level.

JEL Codes: JEL H00, JEL E6, JEL E62
Temperament Affected Visuospatial Orienting on Discrimination Tasks
Authors: Bielas Jacek , Przybycień Damian , Michalczyk Łukasz
Published: January 2024

In the Posner cueing paradigm, the early attentional capture and subsequent inhibition of return (IOR) of attention to the same location, although they are microscale phenomena measured in milliseconds, seem to encapsulate the interaction between two fundamental dimensions of behavior - engaging in and sustaining activity versus withdrawing from and inhibiting activity. In the field of differential psychology, the dynamics of reciprocal relations between these behavioral dimensions have been thought to be determined by central nervous system properties that constitute an individual’s temperament. Yet the research on any differential effects of temperament on visuospatial orienting is rather sparse and has produced ambiguous results. Here, we used saccadic responses to measure whether individual differences in reactivity as a temperamental trait might affect orienting of visuospatial attention on discrimination cueing tasks. Our results suggested that, in individuals with lower reactivity, attentional capture took place at a short stimulus onset asynchrony (SOA), producing a facilitatory cueing effect, which was not the case in those who were higher in reactivity. We explain and discuss these results with the Regulative Theory of Temperament.
Viewer In-Consumption Engagement in Pro-Environmental Tourism Videos: A Video Analytics Approach
Authors: Zhu Jingjie , Cheng Mingming , Wang Ying (Wendy)
Published: January 2024

Underpinned by Media Richness Theory and the Elaboration Likelihood Model, this study examines the impacts of the content features (i.e., informativeness and visual variation) of pro-environmental tourism videos on viewers’ in-consumption engagement. Pro-environmental tourism videos were analyzed at the scene level using advanced video analytics. The findings of this study show that there are inverted U-shape effects of pro-environmental tourism video informativeness and visual variation on viewers’ in-consumption engagement. This study advances the sustainable tourism literature by providing theoretical explanations on how and why pro-environmental tourism video content features influence communication effectiveness through the lens of in-consumption engagement. This study provides practical implications for content creators on how to design effective pro-environmental videos in tourism by highlighting the balance of informativeness and visual variations.
Perspectives on elder mistreatment screening and responding in emergency departments: A qualitative study with survivors
Authors: Burnett Jason , Campetti Randi , Froberg Ruthann , Beauchamp Jennifer ES , Lees-Haggerty Kristin
Published: January 2024

Objective

Elder Mistreatment (EM) occurs in approximately 10% of older adults and is associated with trauma-related outcomes including depression, anxiety, posttraumatic stress disorder, and early mortality. Low screening and older adult self-reporting, especially within emergency departments, represent missed opportunities for identify and mitigate future EM occurrences and consequences. To date, no studies have obtained EM survivors' perspectives on EM screening and response practices in emergency departments.

Methods

Semi-structured interviews with 19 EM survivors of those with Adult Protective Services validated EM were completed in older adults' homes. The Elder Mistreatment Emergency Department Screening and Response Tool (EM-SART) was used to guide the interview questions. All interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using qualitative thematic analyses.

Results

The participants were mostly female (63%) and white (58%) with an average age of 74 years. Physical abuse accounted for 67% of the EM incidents. Three themes emerged indicating the survivor preference for (1) building rapport and approaching the older adult with compassion and care, (2) setting the context before asking the EM questions, and (3) allowing mutuality, collaborative work, and shared decision-making during the response.

Conclusions

Older adults are agreeable and willing to self-report and actively engage in the EM screening and response practices in the emergency department if trauma-informed care principles are utilized.
The N-shaped environmental Kuznets curve for biodiversity loss: A count data analysis
Authors: Yiew Thian-Hee , Lau Lin-Sea , Tan Ai-Lian , Tan Yan-Ling
Published: January 2024

While South and Southeast Asian countries have experienced resilient economic growth over the years, the region has also been a global hotspot for biodiversity loss. Thus, this study examines the income-biodiversity loss nexus within the framework of the N-shaped environmental Kuznets curve (EKC) for South and Southeast Asian countries by employing annual sample data over the period of 2013–2019. The N-shaped nexus between income and biodiversity loss is analyzed using the negative binomial regressions to deal with count outcomes and to overcome the over-dispersion issues. The estimation results consistently depict that the N-shaped EKC hypothesis holds true for South and Southeast Asia in both the aggregated model and disaggregated models (eight taxonomic groups). It is discovered that the threatened species rises when income reaches between $11,607 and $16,329 and declines when income goes to $38,880 and $52,303 over the sample period. Agricultural land and threatened species are positively related. Further, the control of corruption can lessen the decline in biodiversity. Our study reveals some important policies to achieve sustainable development without affecting the health of ecosystems in South and Southeast Asia.
Opinion of Stakeholder on the Feasibility of a Nurse-Led Clinic for Self-management of Bronchial Asthma in a Tertiary Care Center: North Zone Study (India)
Authors: Ankita  , Kaur Sukhpal , Singh Neena Vir , Aggarwal Ashutosh
Published: January 2024

Background:

Bronchial asthma is a non-communicable disease demanding long-term adherence to medical treatment and self-management. The effectiveness of a Nurse-Led Clinic for the management of long-term illness is well established. In our setup, we intend to establish a Nurse-Led Clinic. Before establishing one, it is essential to explore stakeholders’ perspectives on the feasibility of a Nurse-Led Clinic for the self-management of bronchial asthma.

Objective:

The study was done to explore stakeholders’ opinions on the Nurse-Led Clinic’s feasibility for the self-management of bronchial asthma.

Methods:

Five doctors, six nurses, and 11 patients were taken as stakeholders using the purposive sampling technique. A pre-validated semi-structured opinionnaire having a Content Validity Index (CVI) of 0.82 was used. Face-to-face individual interviews were conducted. The data triangulation and dependability were ensured.

Results:

After the thematic analysis, themes were categorized into two sections based on the common and different questions for all the stakeholders. The major themes of both sections were as follows: Nurse-Led Clinic-A perceived helpful initiative, strengthening the Nurse-Led Clinic, current obstacles/restorative measures in the management of bronchial asthma, a glance at the current scenario, patient satisfaction with doctors’ consultation, and challenges Nurse-Led Clinic may face and related remedial measures.

Conclusion:

All stakeholders favored the idea of a Nurse-Led Clinic for the self-management of bronchial asthma.
Screening for End-of-Life in Acute Hospitals: A Cross-Sectional Survey
Authors: To Timothy , Hakendorf Paul , Currow David C
Published: January 2024

Background

Patients are frequently admitted to hospital in the last year of life. Actively recognising patients at this stage gives the opportunity to plan future care.

Methods

We performed a cross-sectional survey of all acute medical and surgical inpatients at one tertiary hospital. Two simple screening tools, the indicators for a palliative approach and the surprise question identified a group of patients at greatly increased risk of dying over the next year.

Results

The one-year mortality of the study group was 27%, however was 52% and 65% for those identified at risk by the indicators for a palliative approach and surprise question tools. The surprise question had an area under the receiver operator curve value of .84.

Conclusion

These screening tools could be used to help clinicians identify hospital inpatients that would benefit from advance care planning and a tailored approach to their care.
Impact of Neighborhood Deprivation and Social Vulnerability on Outcomes and Interventions in Patients with Cleft Palate
Authors: Varagur Kaamya , Murphy John , Skolnick Gary B. , Naidoo Sybill D. , Grames Lynn M. , Dunsky Katherine A. , Menezes Maithilee , Snyder-Warwick Alison K. , Patel Kamlesh B.
Published: January 2024

Objective

To examine whether neighborhood disadvantage impacts length of follow-up, interventions, and outcomes for patients with cleft palate.

Design

Retrospective cohort.

Setting

Cleft Palate Craniofacial Institute Database at St. Louis Children's Hospital.

Patients/Participants

Patients with cleft palate following in St. Louis Children's Hospital Cleft Palate Multidisciplinary Team Clinic.

Interventions

Primary palatoplasty between 2012–2017. Patients were divided into quartiles across area deprivation index (ADI) and social vulnerability index (SVI), two validated, composite metrics of neighborhood disadvantage, to examine whether living in neighborhoods from different deprivation quartiles impacts outcomes of interest.

Main Outcome Measure

Follow-up through age 5, surgeries and surgical complications, speech, developmental, and behavioral outcomes

Results

205 patients were included. 39% of patients belonged to the most deprived ADI quartile, while 15% belonged to the most vulnerable SVI quartile. There were no differences between ADI or SVI quartiles in number of operations received (p ≥ 0.40). Patients in the most deprived ADI quartile were significantly more likely to have speech/language concerns (OR 2.32, 95% CI [1.20–4.89], p = 0.01). Being in a more vulnerable SVI quartile was associated with developmental delay (OR 2.29, 95% CI [1.04–5.15], p = 0.04). ADI and SVI quartile did not impact risk of loss to follow-up in the isolated and combined cleft lip and palate subgroups (p ≥ 0.21).

Conclusions

Neighborhood disadvantage impacts speech and developmental outcomes in patients with cleft palate despite comparable length of follow-up in multidisciplinary team clinic.
Demoralizing Food, Bodies, and Movement: A Phenomenological Exploration of Caregivers’ Experience in a Body-Neutral Parenting Support Group
Authors: Horton Emily , Powers Madeline
Published: January 2024

Body neutrality is a concept wherein individuals accept their bodies as a vessel that carries them through life, and as such, do not attach positive or negative feelings to their physicality. Integrating body neutrality into the parenting approach appears to be impactful for the body image and self-efficacy of children and their caregivers alike. To gain an understanding of how to promote healthy body image for children and adolescents, this phenomenological investigation explored parents’ ( N = 7) experience with a body-neutral parenting support group. We identified three main themes: (a) increased awareness of the impact of food and body talk, (b) the value of unlearning and learning body-neutral parenting skills, and (c) a safe space for community and connection. Implications for humanistic counselors are provided.
Cardiac Arrest-Associated Coagulopathy Could Predict 30-day Mortality: A Retrospective Study from Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care IV Database
Authors: Duan Jingwei , Ge Hongxia , Fan Wenyang , Du Lanfang , Zhang Hua , Jiamaliding Ayijiang , Duan Baomin , Ma Qingbian
Published: January 2024

Background

Cardiac arrest (CA) can activate the coagulation system. Some coagulation-related indicators are associated with clinical outcomes. Early evaluation of patients with cardiac arrest-associated coagulopathy (CAAC) not only predicts clinical outcomes, but also allows for timely clinical intervention to prevent disseminated intravascular coagulation.

Objective

To assess whether CAAC predicts 30-day cumulative mortality.

Methods

From the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care IV (MIMIC-IV) database, we conducted a retrospective cohort study from 2008 to 2019. Based on international normalized ratio (INR) value and platelet count, we diagnosed CAAC cases and made the following stratification of severity: mild CAAC was defined as 1.4 > INR≧1.2 and 100,000/µL < platelet count≦150,000/µL; moderate CAAC was defined with either 1.6 > INR≧1.4 or 80,000/µL < platelet count≦100,000/µL; severe CAAC was defined as an INR≧1.6 and platelet count≦80,000/µL.

Results

A total of 1485 patients were included. Crude survival analysis showed that patients with CAAC had higher mortality risk than those without CAAC (33.0% vs 52.0%, P < 0.001). Unadjusted survival analysis showed an incremental increase in the risk of mortality as the severity of CAAC increased. After adjusting confounders (prehospital characteristics and hospitalization characteristics), CAAC was independently associated with 30-day mortality (hazard rate [HR] 1.77, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.41–2.25; P < 0.001); moderate CAAC (HR 1.48, 95% CI 1.09–2.10; P = 0.027) and severe CAAC (HR 2.22, 95% CI 1.64–2.97; P < 0.001) were independently associated with 30-day mortality.

Conclusion

The presence of CAAC identifies a group of CA at higher risk for mortality, and there is an incremental increase in risk of mortality as the severity of CAAC increases. However, the results of this study should be further verified by multicenter study.
The commercial and regional imagery of big things: Establishing a foundation for the study of oversized roadside landmarks
Authors: Clarke Amy
Published: January 2024

The highly visible yet poorly studied phenomenon of roadside colossi—oversized commercial buildings and statues in the shape of everyday objects, referred to in this article as Big Things—has often been dismissed as a kitschy by-product of American post-war consumerism and car culture. There are no universal definitions or typologies for this form of material culture, nor is there a sufficiently global history that explains the origin, spread and contemporary popularity of these landmarks. In this article, I address these gaps in the discourse, drawing attention to the rich yet largely untapped theoretical underpinnings of Big Things. In doing so, I highlight the potential for further study of these landmarks as material evidence of broader socio-cultural impulses, particularly in communities across North America and Australia, where Big Things can be found in their greatest numbers.
A meta-ethnography of autistic people’s experiences of social camouflaging and its relationship with mental health
Authors: Field Sarah L , Williams Marc O , Jones Catherine R G , Fox John R E
Published: January 2024

Some autistic people use strategies to hide autistic behaviour and appear more neurotypical. Previous research has linked this ‘social camouflaging’ with mental health difficulties. This review synthesised qualitative research to explore the relationship between camouflaging and mental health. Thirteen studies were systematically identified, appraised and synthesised using meta-ethnography. Four third-order concepts were developed, describing camouflaging as an attempt to cope with stressful social contexts which impact mental health. Many autistic people experienced unintended negative consequences of their camouflaging that increased stress. Potential mechanisms for the relationship between camouflaging and mental health related to the qualities of the strategies that were used. Camouflaging strategies that were superficially ‘successful’ involved high levels of self-monitoring, were highly cognitively demanding or highly habitual and appeared more linked to poor mental health. This should be investigated in future research and has potential implications for how clinicians support autistic people with mental health difficulties.

Lay Abstract

Some autistic people describe trying to hide autistic behaviour and seem more neurotypical. Researchers called this ‘social camouflaging’ and have linked it with mental health difficulties. We used a step-by-step approach to identify research where autistic people talk about social camouflaging to explore the relationship between camouflaging and poor mental health. Thirteen studies were combined. The results describe how society negatively impacts autistic people’s mental health, and camouflaging is a way to try and cope with this. Many autistic people find their camouflaging strategies have accidental negative consequences which also affect their mental health. Strategies which seemed ‘successful’ involved a lot of self-monitoring, were very mentally demanding or were very habitual and seemed to have more of an effect on mental health. This might be important for clinicians who support autistic people with mental health difficulties.
Numerical and experimental investigation of aerodynamic noise from a cooling fan in a turbulent flow
Authors: Lakzayi Hassan , Pouransari Zeinab , KargarAbjahan MohammadReza
Published: January 2024

The investigation into aerodynamic noise arising from rotating surfaces bears significant practical implications. Among these, engine cooling fans have persistently been identified as primary contributors to vehicle noise. This study aims to provide a deeper comprehension of the complex unsteady flow dynamics surrounding an automotive cooling fan and its consequential impact on the generation of aerodynamic noise. Prediction of sound generated from fluid flow, despite its difficulty, can be simulated using modern numerical techniques and computational fluid dynamics (CFD). This research undertakes both numerical and experimental investigations. The experiment involves evaluating fan pressure against mass flow rate at 1500 rpm, while aerodynamic noise assessment transpires at two rotational speeds of 1500 rpm and 2500 rpm. Empirical sound pressure level data of the fan is meticulously captured using the requisite measurement apparatus. In addition, numerical investigations of the aerodynamic noise of an automotive cooling fan based on computational fluid dynamics and computational aeroacoustic (CAA) method have been performed. Initially, a steady-state aerodynamic simulation is carried out, followed by the simulation of the flow field through the application of the improved delayed detached eddy simulation (IDDES) formulation. The pressure rise of the fan versus the mass flow rate is obtained. The satisfactory concurrence observed between the simulation outcomes derived from the numerical method and the experimental dataset stands as notable validation. For the aeroacoustic computation, the Ffowcs Williams-Hawkings model is invoked to deduce sound pressure levels at specific flow points. The broadband noise sources model is also used to obtain the sound power level on the blade surface. Conclusively, it emerges that maximal noise manifestation occurs at a 90° degree angle, corresponding to the hub’s frontal orientation, with discernible dominance of tonal noise within lower frequency ranges (sub-1000 Hz).
A Qualitative Exploration of the Facilitators and Barriers of Cognitive Engagement Among Ninth-Grade Students in Accelerated Curricula
Authors: Shum Kai Zhuang , Suldo Shannon M. , Shaunessy-Dedrick Elizabeth , O’Brennan Lindsey M.
Published: January 2024

In this study, we used an extreme case approach to examine the facilitators and barriers of cognitive engagement among freshmen in Advanced Placement (AP) or Pre-International Baccalaureate (IB) courses. Twelve ninth-grade AP/IB students participated in semistructured interviews focused on cognitive engagement. After analyzing the data using a generic approach with an emphasis on constant-comparative methods, we identified five themes related to facilitators (i.e., students’ role, teachers’ role, parents’ role, school connectedness, and technology's role) and three themes related to barriers (i.e., student perceptions, negative academic experiences, and distractions). Most themes aligned with a priori themes derived from the literature. The findings can help educators understand what accelerated students perceive as helpful or harmful in promoting their level of cognitive engagement, which, in turn, may influence their academic achievement.
A randomized waitlist control trial of the Make the Connection® online program for caregivers of infants and young children: Study protocol
Authors: Barriault Sophie , Deneault Audrey-Ann , Kempe Samantha , Madigan Sheri , Lovegrove Anne , Dimitropoulos Gina , Riddell Rebecca Pillai , Racine Nicole
Published: January 2024

Background

A positive child-caregiver relationship is one of the strongest determinants of child health and development, yet many caregivers report challenges in establishing a positive relationship with their child. For over 20 years, Make the Connection® (MTC), an evidence-based parenting program, has been delivered in-person by child-caring professionals to over 120,000 parents to improve positive parenting behaviours and attitudes. Recently, MTC has been adapted into a ‘direct to caregiver’ online platform to increase scalability and accessibility. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of the online modality of MTC in increasing parenting knowledge, attitudes, and the perceived relationship with their child, and to understand barriers and facilitators to its access.

Methods

Two hundred caregivers with children aged 0-3 years old will be recruited through Public Health agencies in Ontario, Canada. Participants will be randomly placed in the intervention or waitlist control group. Both groups will complete a battery of questionnaires at study enrolment and 8 weeks later. The intervention group will receive the MTC online program during the 8-week period, while the waitlist group will receive the program after an 8-week wait. The study questionnaires will address demographic information, caregivers’ relational attitudes towards their infant, self-competence in their caregiver role, depression, and caregiver stress, as well as caregivers’ and infants’ emotion regulation.

Discussion

Results from this study will add critical knowledge to the development, scaling, and roll out of the MTC online program, thus increasing its capacity to reach a greater number of families.

Trial registration

The study was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov on 15 March 2023 (NCT05770414).
Cardioprotective Effect of Nano Gold Kalimag Injection via Inhibiting Oxidative Stress and Improving Myocardial Energy Metabolism in Ischemic Heart Injury Model
Authors: Cha Jin-A , Sim Un-Rim , Mun Song-Chol , Kim Ji-Myong , Kang Kwon-Gi , Choe Sol-Hyang
Published: January 2024

Background:

Many people worldwide die from cardiovascular diseases. Myocardial ischemia can be induced by atherosclerosis, and the main factor responsible for atherosclerosis is the deposition of lipid peroxide in vessels. Therefore, atherogenesis may be prevented and treated at the cellular level by preventing oxidative stress using the properties of nanogold, magnesium and potassium. In this study, we have elucidated the cardioprotective effect of Nano Gold Kalimag injection (NGKM) in the ischemic heart injury model in rats.

Methods:

The ischemic heart injury models were made with adrenaline and pituitrin, and a few myocardial damage-related parameters of the models were observed after NGKM injection. After NGKM injection, the levels of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), aspartate transamiase (AST), and creatine kinase (CK) in an ischemic heart injury model in rats were detected, and TTC staining and H&E staining were performed. In addition, in the myocardial tissues of rats, superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), catalase, and Na+-K+-ATPase activity were measured, and lactate content and ATP content were measured.

Results:

NGKM can reduce the infarct area in the ischemic heart injury model and significantly lower LDH, AST, and CK levels. SOD, GSH-Px, and arterial tissue CAT levels significantly increased compared to the model, and MDA contents significantly decreased in myocardial tissue compared to the model group. In addition, myocardial tissue ATP content and Na+-K+-ATPase level in myocardial tissues significantly increased compared to the model group, and lactate content in myocardial tissue significantly decreased compared to the model group.

Conclusions:

Our findings suggest that NGKM injection has cardioprotective effects by inhibiting oxidative stress in an ischemic heart injury model in rats.
Roles of Pharmacists in the Management of Sickle Cell Disease in Adults: A Narrative Review
Authors: Weaver Salome Bwayo , Nonyel Nkem P. , Rungkitwattanakul Dhakrit
Published: January 2024

Background: Sickle cell disease (SCD) is an autosomal, recessive, genetic condition of the sickle cell genes. It affects about 100 000 people in the United States where an estimated 1 out of every 365 black children and 1 out of every 13 black children will be born with SCD and sickle cell trait, respectively. Severe and unpredictable pain crisis are the leading cause of emergency department visit for adult patients with SCD and account for 90% of inpatient hospitalizations and 85% of all acute medical care, as well as high usage of medical resources. The care of patients with SCD is complex and requires a multidisciplinary approach. With a few pharmacotherapeutic options to reduce SCD complications and pain episodes, the role of pharmacists in the medication management is unclear. This article aims to outline the potential role of pharmacists in SCD management. Data sources: The authors searched Medline, PubMed, EMBASE, and Scopus from January 1, 1990 to August 31, 2022, for primary literature that assessed the role of pharmacists in managing patients with SCD. Results: The authors identified relevant studies and summarized the role of pharmacists in SCD management. Conclusions: Access to comprehensive health care is essential to ensure that patients with SCD have decreased hospitalizations and good health-related quality of life. Pharmacists are an integral part of the multidisciplinary health-care team and can help patients with SCD navigate the complexities of health care. Pharmacists are medication experts who are positioned to ensure comprehensive care in the acute and chronic SCD management.
Risk factors for clonal hematopoiesis of indeterminate potential in people with HIV: a report from the REPRIEVE trial
Authors: Bhattacharya Romit , Uddin Md Mesbah , Patel Aniruddh P. , Niroula Abhishek , Finneran Phoebe , Bernardo Rachel , Fitch Kathleen V. , Lu Michael T. , Bloomfield Gerald S. , Malvestutto Carlos , Aberg Judy A. , Fichtenbaum Carl J. , Hornsby Whitney , Ribaudo Heather J. , Libby Peter , Ebert Benjamin L. , Zanni Markella V. , Douglas Pamela S. , Grinspoon Steven K. , Natarajan Pradeep
Published: January 2024

Clonal hematopoiesis of indeterminate potential (CHIP), the clonal expansion of myeloid cells with leukemogenic mutations, results in increased coronary artery disease (CAD) risk. CHIP is more prevalent among people with HIV (PWH), but the risk factors are unknown. CHIP was identified among PWH in REPRIEVE (Randomized Trial to Prevent Vascular Events in HIV) using whole-exome sequencing. Logistic regression was used to associate sociodemographic factors and HIV-specific factors with CHIP adjusting for age, sex, and smoking status. In the studied global cohort of 4486 PWH, mean age was 49.9 (standard deviation [SD], 6.4) years; 1650 (36.8%) were female; and 3418 (76.2%) were non-White. CHIP was identified in 223 of 4486 (4.97%) and in 38 of 373 (10.2%) among those aged ≥60 years. Age (odds ratio [OR], 1.07; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.05-1.09; P < .0001) and smoking (OR, 1.37; 95% CI, 1.14-1.66; P < .001) associated with increased odds of CHIP. Globally, participants outside of North America had lower odds of CHIP including sub-Saharan Africa (OR, 0.57; 95% CI, 0.4-0.81; P = .0019), South Asia (OR, 0.45; 95% CI, 0.23-0.80; P = .01), and Latin America/Caribbean (OR, 0.56; 95% CI, 0.34-0.87; P = .014). Hispanic/Latino ethnicity (OR, 0.38; 95% CI, 0.23-0.54; P = .002) associated with significantly lower odds of CHIP. Among HIV-specific factors, CD4 nadir <50 cells/mm3 associated with a 1.9-fold (95%CI, 1.21-3.05; P = .006) increased odds of CHIP, with the effect being significantly stronger among individuals with short duration of antiretroviral therapy (ART; OR, 4.15; 95% CI, 1.51-11.1; P = .005) (Pinteraction= .0492). Among PWH at low-to-moderate CAD risk on stable ART, smoking, CD4 nadir, North American origin, and non-Hispanic ethnicity associated with increased odds of CHIP. This trial was registered at www.ClinicalTrials.gov as NCT02344290.
Comparison of antibody-based immunotherapeutics for malignant hematological disease in an experimental murine model
Authors: Frebel Karin , Albring Jörn C. , Wohlgemuth Anika , Schwöppe Christian , Hailfinger Stephan , Lenz Georg , Stelljes Matthias
Published: January 2024

Antibody-based immunotherapies have revolutionized leukemia and lymphoma treatment, with animal studies being crucial in evaluating effectiveness and side effects. By targeting the evolutionary conserved Slamf7 immune receptor, which is naturally expressed by the murine multiple myeloma cell line MPC-11, we have developed a syngeneic mouse model for direct comparison of 3 immunotherapies: monoclonal antibodies (mAb), bispecific T-cell engagers (BiTE), and chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells (CART), all targeting Slamf7. Slamf7-BiTE is a bispecific single-chain antibody consisting of α-Slamf7 and α-CD3 Fv fragments joined through a Gly-Ser linker, and Slamf7-CART comprises the α-Slamf7 Fv fragment fused to the msCD8α transmembrane and msCD28, 4-1BB, and CD3ζ intracellular signaling domains. Slamf7-BiTE and Slamf7-CART effectively killed MPC-11 cells in vitro, independently of Slamf7-mediated inhibitory signaling by self-ligation. After chimerizing the constant region of the rat–anti-mouse Slamf7 antibody to mouse Fc-immunoglobulin G2a for enhanced effector functions, Slamf7-mAb triggered antigen-specific antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity by binding to Fcγ receptor IV. In vivo, all 3 immunotherapies showed antitumor effects against Slamf7-expressing targets. Unlike Slamf7-mAb, Slamf7-BiTE led to considerable side effects in test animals, including weight loss and general malaise, which were also observed to a lesser extent after Slamf7-CART infusion. In allogeneic transplant, Slamf7-BiTE and Slamf7-CART maintained activity compared with the nontransplant setting, whereas Slamf7-mAb displayed enhanced antimyeloma activity. In summary, our model faithfully replicates treatment efficacy and side effects detected after human immunotherapy. It aids in developing and improving immunotherapies and may help devise novel approaches to mitigate undesired effects in steady state and allogeneic stem cell transplantation.
Prophylactic maintenance with venetoclax/azacitidine after reduced-intensity conditioning allogeneic transplant for high-risk MDS and AML
Authors: Garcia Jacqueline S. , Kim Haesook T. , Murdock H. Moses , Ansuinelli Michela , Brock Jennifer , Cutler Corey S. , Gooptu Mahasweta , Ho Vincent T. , Koreth John , Nikiforow Sarah , Romee Rizwan , Shapiro Roman , DeAngelo Daniel J. , Stone Richard M. , Bat-Erdene Denbaa , Ryan Jeremy , Contreras Manuel E. , Fell Geoffrey , Letai Anthony , Ritz Jerome , Lindsley R. Coleman , Soiffer Robert J. , Antin Joseph H.
Published: January 2024

We conducted a phase 1 trial assessing safety and efficacy of prophylactic maintenance therapy with venetoclax and azacitidine (Ven/Aza) for patients with high-risk myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS)/acute myeloid leukemia (AML) undergoing reduced intensity allogeneic stem cell transplantation (allo-SCT) after Ven and fludarabine/busulfan conditioning (Ven/FluBu2 allo-SCT) with tacrolimus and methotrexate as graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) prophylaxis. Among 27 patients who underwent Ven/FluBu2 allo-SCT (55.6% with prior Ven exposure, and 96% with positive molecular measurable residual disease), 22 received maintenance therapy with Aza 36 mg/m2 intravenously on days 1 to 5, and Ven 400 mg by mouth on days 1 to 14 per assigned dose schedule/level (42-day cycles × 8, or 28-day cycles × 12). During maintenance, the most common grade 3-4 adverse events were leukopenia, neutropenia, and thrombocytopenia, which were transient and manageable. Infections were uncommon (n = 4, all grade 1-2). The 1-year and 2-year moderate/severe chronic GVHD rates were 4% (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.3%-18%) and 22% (95% CI, 9%-40%), respectively. After a median follow-up of 25 months among survivors, the median overall survival (OS) was not reached. Among the 22 patients who received Ven/Aza maintenance, the 2-year OS, progression-free survival, nonrelapse mortality, and cumulative incidence of relapse rates were 67% (95% CI, 43%-83%), 59% (95% CI, 36%-76%), 0%, and 41% (95% CI, 20%-61%), respectively. Immune monitoring demonstrated no significant impact on T-cell expansion but identified reduced B-cell expansion compared with controls. This study demonstrates prophylactic Ven/Aza maintenance can be safely administered for patients with high-risk MDS/AML, but a randomized study is required to properly assess any potential benefit. This trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as #NCT03613532.
Motion Planning for Autonomous Driving with Real Traffic Data Validation
Authors: Chu Wenbo , Yang Kai , Li Shen , Tang Xiaolin
Published: January 2024

Accurate trajectory prediction of surrounding road users is the fundamental input for motion planning, which enables safe autonomous driving on public roads. In this paper, a safe motion planning approach is proposed based on the deep learning-based trajectory prediction method. To begin with, a trajectory prediction model is established based on the graph neural network (GNN) that is trained utilizing the INTERACTION dataset. Then, the validated trajectory prediction model is used to predict the future trajectories of surrounding road users, including pedestrians and vehicles. In addition, a GNN prediction model-enabled motion planner is developed based on the model predictive control technique. Furthermore, two driving scenarios are extracted from the INTERACTION dataset to validate and evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed motion planning approach, i.e., merging and roundabout scenarios. The results demonstrate that the proposed method can lower the risk and improve driving safety compared with the baseline method.
Impact of airborne particulate matter exposure on hospital admission for Alzheimer's disease and the attributable economic burden: evidence from a time-series study in Sichuan, China
Authors: Yang Xi , Jiang Wanyanhan , Gao Xi , He Yi , Lin Chenwei , Zhou Jiushun , Yang Lian
Published: January 2024

Background

Alzheimer's disease (AD) and other forms of dementia are the seventh leading cause of death. Studies discern the inclusion of air pollution among modifiable risk factors for dementia, while limited studies are for China. This study aims to examine the short-term association between airborne particulate matter (PM) and the hospitalizations of AD, including the economic costs in China.

Methods

A total of 4975 cases of AD patients hospitalized from 2017 to 2019, were collected from nine city and 411 medical institutions in Sichuan Province, China. Data on air pollutants such as PM2.5, PM10, and NO2 were obtained from 183 air quality monitoring stations in Sichuan Province. A time series-generalized additive model was used to estimate the association between short-term exposure to PM (lag1–lag7 and moving average lag01–lag07) and AD hospital admissions (HAs), stratified by gender, age, and season.

Results

Positive short-term exposure to airborne PM was found for the HAs of AD. The greatest effect on the number of AD inpatients was on single-day lag1 (PM2.5:1.034 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.011, 1.058)). The association was also significant in the two-pollutant model. In the study period, 16.48% of AD HAs were attributed to the effect of PM. The total economic costs of AD attributable to PM exposure were US$ 2.56 million, including US$ 2.25 million of direct medical costs and US$ 0.31 million of indirect economic costs.

Conclusions

This study suggests that short-term exposure to airborne PM may increase the risk of AD HAs in Sichuan Province and result in associated economic costs.
Polarized Th2 cells attenuate high-fat-diet induced obesity through the suppression of lipogenesis
Authors: Dong Lijun , Gao Jingtao , Yu Lu , Liu Shibo , Zhao Yuxin , Zhang Wen , Liang Yinming , Wang Hui
Published: January 2024

Immune cells, such as macrophages, B cells, neutrophils and T cell subsets, have been implicated in the context of obesity. However, the specific role of Th2 cells in adipose tissue function has remained elusive. Eight-week-old male CD3ε─/─ mice were randomly divided into two groups (≥ 5 mice per group): one received intravenous injection of Th2 cells isolated from LATY136F mice, while the other receiving PBS as a control. Both of groups were subjected to a high-fat diet (HFD). The adoptive transfer of polarized Th2 cells led to a significant reduction in obesity following a HFD. This reduction was accompanied by improvements in hepatic steatosis, glucose intolerance, and insulin resistance. Mechanistically, Th2 cell treatment promoted oxidative phosphorylation of adipocytes, thereby contributing to a reduction of lipid droplet accumulation. These findings suggest that Th2 cell therapy represents a novel approach for treating diet-induced obesity and other diseases involving lipid droplet accumulation disorders.
Core microbiota drive multi-functionality of the soil microbiome in the Cinnamomum camphora coppice planting
Authors: Sun Luyuan , Li Guilong , Zhao Jiao , Zhang Ting , Liu Jia , Zhang Jie
Published: January 2024

Background

Cinnamomum camphora (L.) Presl (C. camphora) is an evergreen broad-leaved tree cultivated in subtropical China. The use of C. camphora as clonal cuttings for coppice management has become popular recently. However, little is known about the relationship between soil core microbiota and ecosystem multi-functionality under tree planting. Particularly, the effects of soil core microbiota on maintaining ecosystem multi-functionality under C. camphora coppice planting remained unclear.

Materials and methods

In this study, we collected soil samples from three points (i.e., the abandoned land, the root zone, and the transition zone) in the C. camphora coppice planting to investigate whether core microbiota influences ecosystem multi-functions.

Results

The result showed a significant difference in soil core microbiota community between the abandoned land (AL), root zone (RZ), and transition zone (TZ), and soil ecosystem multi-functionality of core microbiota in RZ had increased significantly (by 230.8%) compared to the AL. Soil core microbiota played a more significant influence on ecosystem multi-functionality than the non-core microbiota. Moreover, the co-occurrence network demonstrated that the soil ecosystem network consisted of five major ecological clusters. Soil core microbiota within cluster 1 were significantly higher than in cluster 4, and there is also a higher Copiotrophs/Oligotrophs ratio in cluster 1. Our results corroborated that soil core microbiota is crucial for maintaining ecosystem multi-functionality. Especially, the core taxa within the clusters of networks under tree planting, with the same ecological preferences, had a significant contribution to ecosystem multi-functionality.

Conclusion

Overall, our results provide further insight into the linkage between core taxa and ecosystem multi-functionality. This enables us to predict how ecosystem functions respond to the environmental changes in areas under the C. camphora coppice planting. Thus, conserving the soil microbiota, especially the core taxa, is essential to maintaining the multiple ecosystem functions under the C. camphora coppice planting.