bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bilateral Avulsion Fractures of Extensor Carpi Ulnaris: A Case Report
Authors:   Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Athani Hospitals, Palakkad, Kerala, Ind, Vemparala Rajesh Kumar , Narayanan Sathyanarayanan ,   Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Athani Hospitals, Palakkad, Kerala, Ind
Published: January 2024

Introduction: Avulsion fractures of the extensor carpi ulnaris (ECU) from its insertion are rare injuries that are rarely reported in the literature. Most of the case reports detailed closed ruptures. We present avulsion fractures of the bilateral ECU from the base of the 5th metacarpal. Not much of the literature has been published in this regard. Case Report: A 33 year old male presented with pain around both wrists and hands following a fall from a bike. Following evaluation and radiological investigation, he was found to have a volar Barton fracture with an undisplaced avulsed 5th metacarpal base fracture on the right side and a displaced avulsed fracture of the left 5th metacarpal base. Internal fixation of the volar Barton fracture and mini open fixation of the left 5th metacarpal were done with a wire. The wires were removed at 6 weeks and rehabilitation started. At 3 months, the patient returned to activity with full wrist and hand function. Conclusion: Bilateral avulsion fractures of the ECU from its insertion are a rare injury. Displaced fractures might benefit from surgical intervention. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential for a good functional outcome. Key words: Avulsion fracture, extensor carpi ulnaris, 5th metacarpal base.
Philosophies and Surgical Techniques for High-Grade Spondylolisthesis Treatment with Literature Review
Authors:   Department of Spine Surgery, Yonsei Okay Hospital, Seoul, South Korea., Sakhrekar Rajendra , Ha Ji Soo ,   Department of Spine Surgery, Yonsei Okay Hospital, Seoul, South Korea., Kim Do-Hyoung ,   Department of Spine Surgery, Yonsei Okay Hospital, Seoul, South Korea., Kim Chang Wook ,   Department of Spine Surgery, Yonsei Okay Hospital, Seoul, South Korea., Kulkarni Shreenidhi ,   Department of Spine Surgery, Yonsei Okay Hospital, Seoul, South Korea., Han Hee-Don ,   Department of Spine Surgery, Yonsei Okay Hospital, Seoul, South Korea.
Published: January 2024

IntroductionHigh-grade spondylolisthesis is defined as cases with more than 50% displacement and spondylolisthesis with Meyerding grade III and higher. The surgical management of high-grade spondylolisthesis is highly controversial. Many surgical methods have been reported such as posterior in situ fusion, instrumented posterior fusion with or without reduction, combined anterior and posterior procedures, spondylectomy with reduction of L4 to the sacrum (for spondyloptosis), and posterior interbody fusion with trans-sacral fixation. The literature has recently mentioned minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion for high-grade spondylolisthesis. This study aimed to review the recent literature that describes the surgical outcomes associated with various surgical techniques used for high-grade spondylolisthesis. Materials and MethodsRecent articles were searched on search engines such as PubMed and Google Scholar using keywords such as “high-grade spondylolisthesis,” “surgical techniques,” and “complications.” DiscussionThe surgical management of high-grade spondylolisthesis is an area of significant controversy. The literature is replete with regards to the need for reduction, decompression, levels of fusion, the nature of instrumentation, surgical approaches including open, minimally invasive, and “mini-open” procedures, and various techniques for reducing the slip and fusion strategy. The three basic options of high-grade spondylolisthesis include in-situ fusion, partial reduction and fusion, and complete reduction. ConclusionVarious techniques have been described for high-grade spondylolisthesis. Spine deformity study group classification gives guidelines about balanced and unbalanced pelvis and advises reduction and fusion in case of unbalanced pelvis for correction of biomechanical and global sagittal alignment. Each of the surgical techniques has its advantages and disadvantages. However, individual authors’ experience, skill levels, and anatomic reduction with fusion techniques have yielded encouraging results. KeywordsHigh-grade spondylolisthesis, surgical techniques, in situ fusion, reduction and fusion, complications.
Use of Navigable Ablation Decompression Treatment (L-DISQ) for Contained Cervical Disc Herniation – Technical Note and Literature Review
Authors:   Department of Spine Surgery, Yonsei Okay Hospital, Seoul, South Korea., Ha Ji Soo , Sakhrekar Rajendra ,   Department of Spine Surgery, Yonsei Okay Hospital, Seoul, South Korea., Kim Do-Hyoung ,   Department of Spine Surgery, Yonsei Okay Hospital, Seoul, South Korea., Kim Chang Wook ,   Department of Spine Surgery, Yonsei Okay Hospital, Seoul, South Korea., Kulkarni Shreenidhi ,   Department of Spine Surgery, Yonsei Okay Hospital, Seoul, South Korea., Han Hee-Don ,   Department of Spine Surgery, Yonsei Okay Hospital, Seoul, South Korea.
Published: January 2024

Introduction: A new navigable percutaneous disc decompressor (L’DISQ-C, U&I Co., Uijeongbu, Korea), introduced in 2012, is designed to allow direct access to herniated disc material. The L’DISQ device can be curved by rotating a control wheel, directed into disc herniation treats, and decompresses contained herniated discs with minimal collateral thermal damage. This study reports the case of contained central disc herniation in a 34-year-old male with a 2-year follow-up successfully treated with navigable ablation decompression treatment (L-DISQ). Case Report: A 34-year-old man presented to the outpatient department with a 6-month history of neck pain and bilateral upper limb radiation. His neck pain had increased progressively. At the time of presentation, his neck pain visual analog scale score was 7/10, and his neck disability index score was 30. The magnetic resonance images showed a single fluid-containing lesion with a hyperintense zone at the C4–5 levels with central disc herniation. The patient was successfully treated with the navigable ablation decompression treatment (L-DISQ) procedure. Conclusion: The navigable ablation decompression treatment (L-DISQ) is a valuable technique in treating contained cervical disc herniation with rapid pain relief and improvements in functional outcomes without any significant injury to surrounding structures. It is safe, precise, and effective in the treatment of symptomatic cervical disc herniations. Large, randomized, and multicenter trials are needed to explore the potential of the same technique further. Keywords: L-DISQ-C, visual analog scale score, neck disability index score, minimally invasive spine surgery.
Compartment Syndrome of the Gluteal Region: A Rare Condition Requiring a High Index of Suspicion
Authors:   Department of Medicine???, Northeast Ohio Medical University, Rootstown, Ohio, USA,, Hinton Jared B , Heck Vanessa C ,   College Health and Human Services, The University of Toledo, Ohio, USA,, Ebraheim Nabil A ,   Department of Orthopedic Surgery, University of Toledo Medical Center, Toledo, Ohio, USA,, Heck Bruce E ,   [3] Department of Orthopedic Surgery, University of Toledo Medical Center, Toledo, Ohio, USA, [4] Northwest Ohio Orthopedics and Sports Medicine., Findlay, Ohio.USA.
Published: January 2024

Introduction: Compartment syndrome, an exceptionally rare condition, is a surgical emergency that can quickly escalate to limb ischemia and necrosis without treatment. Most cases occur post-trauma, typically affecting the anterior compartment of the leg. Patients present with pain out of proportion to their physical examination findings and often have an early hallmark discovery of pain with passive extension. Compartment syndrome of the buttock requires an even higher index of suspicion, as the condition is even more uncommon, and the diagnosis is complicated by it being difficult to palpate the affected area and passively extend the leg when the patient is supine. Case Report: This case report presents an 83-year-old female with compartment syndrome of the left gluteal region, status post-fall 1 day earlier. She was admitted to the medical team for observation and failed to respond to narcotic pain medication. The physical examination revealed firm, tense, left gluteal compartments with buttock hematoma and surrounding muscle induration, significant pain, and extremity weakness in the sciatic nerve distribution. An emergent fasciotomy was performed to decompress the affected compartments. Conclusion: All physicians must be mindful of gluteal compartment syndrome in patients complaining of buttock pain, especially after pelvic trauma, who present with buttock swelling, tense gluteal compartments, and severe gluteal pain. A delay in diagnosis or treatment can lead to severe consequences, including disability, irreversible gluteal muscle damage, sciatic nerve dysfunction, kidney failure, or death. Keywords: Compartment syndrome, gluteal region, acute pelvic trauma.
Nighttime color constancy using robust gray pixels
Authors: Cheng Cheng , Yang Kai-Fu , Wan Xue-Mei , Chan Leanne Lai Hang , Li Yong-Jie
Published: January 2024

Color constancy is a basic step for achieving stable color perception in both biological visual systems and the image signal processing (ISP) pipeline of cameras. So far, there have been numerous computational models of color constancy that focus on scenes under normal light conditions but are less concerned with nighttime scenes. Compared with daytime scenes, nighttime scenes usually suffer from relatively higher-level noise and insufficient lighting, which usually degrade the performance of color constancy methods designed for scenes under normal light. In addition, there is a lack of nighttime color constancy datasets, limiting the development of relevant methods. In this paper, based on the gray-pixel-based color constancy methods, we propose a robust gray pixel (RGP) detection method by carefully designing the computation of illuminant-invariant measures (IIMs) from a given color-biased nighttime image. In addition, to evaluate the proposed method, a new dataset that contains 513 nighttime images and corresponding ground-truth illuminants was collected. We believe this dataset is a useful supplement to the field of color constancy. Finally, experimental results show that the proposed method achieves superior performance to statistics-based methods. In addition, the proposed method was also compared with recent deep-learning methods for nighttime color constancy, and the results show the method’s advantages in cross-validation among different datasets.
Quantitative diffraction imaging using attosecond pulses
Authors: Tran G. N. , Midorikawa Katsumi , Takahashi Eiji J.
Published: January 2024

We have proposed and developed a method to utilize attosecond pulses in diffraction
imaging techniques applied to complex samples. In this study, the
effects of the broadband properties of the wavefield owing to
attosecond pulses are considered in the reconstruction of images
through the decomposition of the broad spectrum into multi-spectral
components. This method successfully reconstructs the multi-spectral
information of complex samples, probes, and spectral bandwidths using
broadband diffraction intensities generated from computational
scanning experiments. The results obtained in this research open the
opportunities to perform quantitative ultrafast imaging using the
attosecond pulses.
Controllable photonic hooks generated by typical shapes composed of uniaxial crystals
Authors: Li Sheng , Xu Ji , Yao Han , Cheng Huichao , Pang Ting , Wang Jun , Chi Tiantian , Zhang Baifu , Lu Yunqing , Liu Ning
Published: January 2024

This work reports on the theoretical study and results on the generation and control of photonic hooks (PHs) through uniaxial crystals (calcite as an example). Completely different mechanisms and effects are obtained in typical rectangular and cylindrical structures, respectively. PHs generated by the rectangular structure no longer have a single inflection point but have a specific dual-inflection-point feature. The calcite cylindrical structure can generate a PH with a size comparable to that of the structure, and dynamic adjustment can be achieved through the angle between the incident and optical axes. By changing the polarization state of the incident field, active switching between photonic nanojet and PH can be achieved in both types of structures. The proposed generation and modulation scheme can be extended to other anisotropic materials.
Orthoscopic elemental image synthesis for 3D light field display using lens design software and real-world captured neural radiance field
Authors: Rabia Sédick , Allain Guillaume , Tremblay Rosalie , Thibault Simon
Published: January 2024

The elemental images (EIs) generation of complex real-world scenes can be challenging for conventional integral imaging (InIm) capture techniques since the pseudoscopic effect, characterized by a depth inversion of the reconstructed 3D scene, occurs in this process. To address this problem, we present in this paper a new approach using a custom neural radiance field (NeRF) model to form real and/or virtual 3D image reconstruction from a complex real-world scene while avoiding distortion and depth inversion. One of the advantages of using a NeRF is that the 3D information of a complex scene (including transparency and reflection) is not stored by meshes or voxel grid but by a neural network that can be queried to extract desired data. The Nerfstudio API was used to generate a custom NeRF-related model while avoiding the need for a bulky acquisition system. A general workflow that includes the use of ray-tracing-based lens design software is proposed to facilitate the different processing steps involved in managing NeRF data. Through this workflow, we introduced a new mapping method for extracting desired data from the custom-trained NeRF-related model, enabling the generation of undistorted orthoscopic EIs. An experimental 3D reconstruction was conducted using an InIm-based 3D light field display (LFD) prototype to validate the effectiveness of the proposed method. A qualitative comparison with the actual real-world scene showed that the 3D reconstructed scene is accurately rendered. The proposed work can be used to manage and render undistorted orthoscopic 3D images from custom-trained NeRF-related models for various InIm applications.
Artificial neural network assisted the design of subwavelength-grating waveguides for nanoparticles optical trapping
Authors: Dong Tianpei , Han Zhe , Sheng Donghe , Yu Ludan , Zhai Jieru , Liu Yuanyuan , Tian Huiping
Published: January 2024

In this work, we propose artificial neural networks (ANNs) to predict the optical forces on particles with a radius of 50 nm and inverse-design the subwavelength-grating (SWG) waveguides structure for trapping. The SWG waveguides are applied to particle trapping due to their superior bulk sensitivity and surface sensitivity, as well as longer working distance than conventional nanophotonic waveguides. To reduce the time consumption of the design, we train ANNs to predict the trapping forces and to inverse-design the geometric structure of SWG waveguides, and the low mean square errors (MSE) of the networks achieve 2.8 × 10−4. Based on the well-trained forward prediction and inverse-design network, an SWG waveguide with significant trapping performance is designed. The trapping forces in the y-direction achieve−40.39 pN when the center of the particle is placed 100 nm away from the side wall of the silicon segment, and the negative sign of the optical forces indicates the direction of the forces. The maximum trapping potential achieved to 838.16 kBT in the y-direction. The trapping performance in the x and z directions is also quite superior, and the neural network model has been further applied to design SWGs with a high trapping performance. The present work is of significance for further research on the application of artificial neural networks in other optical devices designed for particle trapping.
Thermal tuning nanoprinting based on liquid crystal tunable dual-layered metasurfaces for optical information encryption
Authors: Zhang Shijie , Wang Qi , Zeng Ruimei , Chang Chenliang , Zhang Dawei , Zhuang Songlin
Published: January 2024

Dynamic tuning metasurfaces represent a significant advancement in optical encryption techniques, enabling highly secure multichannel responses. This paper proposes a liquid crystal (LC) tunable dual-layered metasurface to establish a thermal-encrypted optical platform for information storage. Through the screening of unit cells and coupling of characteristics, a dynamic polarization-dependent beam-steering metasurface is vertically cascaded with an angular multiplexing nanoprinting metasurface, separated by a dielectric layer. By integrating high-birefringence LCs into dual-layered metasurfaces, the cascaded meta-system can achieve dynamic thermal-switching for pre-encoded nanoprinting images. This work provides a promising solution for developing compact dynamic meta-systems for customized optical storage and information encryption.
Investigation into fabrication and optical characteristics of tunable optofluidic microlenses using two-photon polymerization
Authors: Wang Zhenghao , Wu Yongling , Yu Wenhui , Qi Dongfeng , Bakhtiyari Ali Naderi , Zheng Hongyu
Published: January 2024

Optofluidic systems, integrating microfluidic and micro-optical technologies, have emerged as transformative tools for various applications, from molecular detection to flow cytometry. However, existing optofluidic microlenses often rely on external forces for tunability, hindering seamless integration into systems. This work presents an approach using two-photon polymerization (TPP) to fabricate inherently tunable microlens arrays, eliminating the need for supplementary equipment. The optofluidic design incorporates a three-layered structure enabling dynamic manipulation of refractive indices within microchannels, leading to tunable focusing characteristics. It is shown that the TPP fabricated optofluidic microlenses exhibit inherent tunable focal lengths, numerical apertures, and spot sizes without reliance on external forces. This work signifies some advancements in optofluidic technology, offering precise and tunable microlenses with potential applications in adaptive imaging and variable focal length microscopy.
Short-term Hebbian learning can implement transformer-like attention
Authors: Ellwood Ian T.
Published: January 2024

Transformers have revolutionized machine learning models of language and vision, but their connection with neuroscience remains tenuous. Built from attention layers, they require a mass comparison of queries and keys that is difficult to perform using traditional neural circuits. Here, we show that neurons can implement attention-like computations using short-term, Hebbian synaptic potentiation. We call our mechanism the match-and-control principle and it proposes that when activity in an axon is synchronous, or matched, with the somatic activity of a neuron that it synapses onto, the synapse can be briefly strongly potentiated, allowing the axon to take over, or control, the activity of the downstream neuron for a short time. In our scheme, the keys and queries are represented as spike trains and comparisons between the two are performed in individual spines allowing for hundreds of key comparisons per query and roughly as many keys and queries as there are neurons in the network.
The knowledge of movement experts about stretching effects: Does the science reach practice?
Authors: Warneke Konstantin , Konrad Andreas , Wilke Jan
Published: January 2024

Objective

Stretching is performed with numerous purposes in multiple settings such as prevention, rehabilitation, fitness training and sports. Its patterns of use substantially depend on the education and beliefs of health care and exercise professionals as they represent the multiplicators recommending and prescribing interventions to clients, patients and athletes. This study investigated movement experts’ knowledge about the scientific evidence on stretching effects.

Design

Survey study.

Participants

A total of 117 exercise and health professionals (physiotherapists, sports scientists, coaches) attending a training convention in Austria (male: n = 44, female: n = 73, 36±11 years) completed a digital survey. With its 22 items, the questionnaire addressed the movement experts’ awareness of the evidence on stretching effects regarding a variety of related topics selected based on the findings of topical systematic reviews.

Results

The majority of the individuals (57–88%) assumed positive effects of stretching on recovery, prevention of muscle injury, range of motion, muscular imbalance and artery elasticity. No or adverse effects were mostly claimed on bone injury prevention, maximal/explosive strength, and delayed-onset muscle soreness. In only 10 of 22 items, participants’ classifications were in accord with the scientific evidence.

Conclusions

The awareness of research findings on stretching effects among exercise and health professionals is alarmingly low. Future studies may hence be geared to improve implementation and science communication.
Substandard and falsified antimicrobials in selected east African countries: A systematic review
Authors: Tegegne Addisu Afrassa , Feissa Anbessa Bekele , Godena Gemmechu Hasen , Tefera Yesuneh , Hassen Hassen Kebede , Ozalp Yildiz , Suleman Sultan
Published: January 2024

Background

Globally, millions of people have been affected by fraudulent pharmaceutical products, particularly those in developing countries. Although the problem of falsified and substandard drugs is acknowledged, the extent of the issue is ever-changing, has a dynamic nature, and should be quantified and captured in a recent snapshot.

Objective

This systematic review seeks to examine the data that can quantify and provide a current snapshot of the prevalence of SF antimicrobials in selected east Africa countries.

Methods

Scientific studies on antimicrobial quality were searched in PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Google Scholar from 2017 to February 2023. The search strategy focused on scientific articles published in peer-reviewed scientific journals written in English and the studies exclusively done in any of the selected countries of east Africa. The articles were carefully reviewed by two individuals for inclusion independently, first by title followed by abstract and the full-text retrieval. To minimize bias associated with the methodology used for data collection, the quality of the studies was assessed for quality according to the Medicine Quality Assessment Reporting Guidelines (MEDQUARG). The reporting of this systematic review was done following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA).

Results

Fifteen studies that estimated the prevalence of poor-quality antimicrobial medicines in selected four east African countries were included. The overall percentage of samples of antimicrobials that failed at least one quality test was 22.6% (151/669) with each class’s prevalence of 17% in antibiotics (73/432), 24% in antimalarial (41/171), and 56% in anthelmintics (37/66). Quality control parameters of API content were the most commonly examined in the included studies, accounting for 14/15 (93%) studies. Fifty (33.1%) of the failing samples failed assay API- content determination, while 26.5% (n = 40) failed the visual inspection and packaging analysis; 19.2% (29) failed dissolution; 14% (n = 21) flawed hardness or friability; 4%(n = 6) failed uniformity, as well as 3.2% (n = 5) failed disintegration test of the quality control parameter.

Conclusion

It was found that this review was general in these selected east African countries and was a catalyst for combating the menace of poor-quality medications that affect millions of lives.
Energy saving, load bearing and attachment mechanism on ice and frozen ground of biomimetic mechanical foot
Authors: Li Guoyu , Zhang Rui , Pang Hao , Luo Yexuan , Hong Yong , Li Zhisong , Zhang Hua , Wen Lige
Published: January 2024

The frozen ground robot can be widely and prospectively applied in plentiful fields, such as military rescue and planet exploration. Based on the energy-saving, load-bearing, and attachment functions of reindeer hooves, we studied the kinematics of reindeer feet and designed a biomimetic energy-saving attachment mechanical foot (mechanical foot I) and two contrast mechanical feet (mechanical feet II and III). The energy-saving and load-bearing performances of the biomimetic mechanical foot were tested on a motion mechanics platform, which revealed this mechanical foot was adaptive to three types of ground (frozen ground, ice, and water ice lunar soil). Mechanical foot I possesses the functions of elastic energy storage and power consumption reduction, and its power range is from -2.77 to -27.85 W. Compared with mechanical foot III, the load-bearing ability of mechanical foot I was improved by the dewclaws, and the peak forces in the X, Y, and Z directions increased by about 2.54, 1.25 and 1.31 times, respectively. When mechanical foot I acted with more- smooth surface, the joint range of motion (ROM) increased, changes of the three-directional force at the foot junction decreased. The forces were the lowest on ice among the three types of ground, the X-, Y- and Z-directional changes were about 62.96, 83.7, and 319.85 N respectively, and the ROMs for the ankle joint and metatarsophalangeal joint of mechanical foot I were about 17.93° and 16.10°, respectively. This study revealed the active adaptation mechanism between the biomimetic mechanical foot and ice or frozen ground, and thus theoretically underlies research on the biomimetic mechanical foot.
Enhancing the activity of β-lactamase inhibitory protein-II with cell-penetrating peptide against KPC-2-carrying Klebsiella pneumoniae
Authors: Chatupheeraphat Chawalit , Peamchai Jiratchaya , Kaewsai Noramon , Anuwongcharoen Nuttapat , Eiamphungporn Warawan
Published: January 2024

Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (CRE) is considered a paramount threat due to its rapid spread and high mortality rate. Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemases (KPCs), specifically KPC-2, are prevalent enzymes responsible for carbapenem resistance in many countries. While combinations of antibiotics are commonly used, they must be tailored to match the remaining susceptibility of the infecting strains. Therefore, there is a need to develop the β-lactamase inhibitor to effectively address this issue. β-lactamase inhibitor protein (BLIP) and its variants, BLIP-I and BLIP-II, have demonstrated the ability to inhibit class A β-lactamases. In particular, BLIP-II shows strong binding to the KPC-2 carbapenemase, making it a potential candidate for inhibition. To improve the intracellular penetration of BLIP-II, a cell-penetrating peptide (CPP) was employed. In this study, a KRK-rich peptide was introduced at either the N-terminal or C-terminal region of tBLIP-II, excluding the signal sequence of the BLIP-II protein. tBLIP-II, tBLIP-II-CPP, and CPP-BLIP-II were successfully expressed, and the chimeric proteins retained inhibitory activity compared to tBLIP-II alone. It is apparent that homology modeling demonstrated neither the poly-histidine tag nor the CPP interfered with the essential interaction residues of tBLIP-II. Interestingly, BLIP-II-CPP exhibited the highest inhibitory activity, reducing the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of meropenem by 8 folds. Moreover, the combination of tBLIP-CPP with meropenem significantly decreased the viable bacterial cell count compared to the combination of tBLIP-II with meropenem or meropenem alone. These findings suggest that tBLIP-CPP is a promising candidate for restoring carbapenem susceptibility against CRE and provides a valuable therapeutic option for infections caused by CRE.
Establishment of a Latin American dataset to enable the construction of gestational weight gain charts for adolescents
Authors: Benjumea Rincón María Victoria , Restrepo-Mesa Sandra Lucía , Bousquet Carrilho Thais Rangel , Kac Gilberto , Atalah Samur Eduardo , Cano Pulgarín Josué Santiago , Estrada Restrepo Alejandro , Santa Escobar Cristian David
Published: January 2024

Gestational weight gain is an important indicator for monitoring nutritional status during pregnancy. However, there are no gestational weight gain references created for adolescents or national datasets to enable the construction of such graphs up to date. This manuscript aims to describe the creation of a Latin American dataset to construct gestational weight gain references for adolescents aged 10–19 years old. Gestational weight gain data from studies conducted in nine countries (Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, and Uruguay) collected between 2003 and 2021 were harmonized. Data on height, weight, and gestational age in at least two gestational trimesters were included. Pregnant adolescents should be free of diseases that could affect weight, and newborns should weigh between 2,500–4,000 g and be free of congenital malformations. The final dataset included 6,414 individuals after data cleaning. Heterogeneity between the countries was assessed by calculating standardized site differences for GWG and z scores of height-for-age. Several imputation procedures were tested, and approximately 10% of the first-trimester weights were imputed. The prevalence of individuals with underweight (1.5%) and obesity (5.3%) was low, which may lead to problems when modeling the curves for such BMI categories. Maternal height and gestational weight gain did not show significant differences by country, according to the standardized site differences. A harmonized dataset of nine countries with imputed data in the first trimester of pregnancy was prepared to construct Latin American gestational weight gain curves for adolescents.
A study on the spectral properties of covariance type matrices with isotropic log-concave column vectors
Authors: Jin Shaojia , Shi Zhanwen
Published: January 2024

The limiting spectral distribution of matrix B n = 1 N X n X n * T n is considered in this paper. Existing results always focus on the condition of modifying Tn, but for Xn, it is usually assumed to be a matrix composed of n × N independent identically distributed elements. Here we specify the joint distribution of column vectors of Xn. In particular, entries on the same column of Xn are correlated, in contrast with more common independence assumptions. Assuming that the columns of Xn are random vectors following the isotropic log-concave distribution, and under some additional regularity conditions, we prove that the empirical spectral distribution F B n of matrix Bn converges to a deterministic probability distribution F almost surely. Moreover, the Stieltjes transformation m = m(z) of F satisfies a deterministic form of equation, and for any z ∈ C +, it is the unique solution of the equation.
Rat hair-follicle-associated pluripotent (HAP) stem cells can differentiate into atrial or ventricular cardiomyocytes in culture controlled by specific supplementation
Authors: Takaoka Nanako , Yamane Michiko , Hasegawa Ayami , Obara Koya , Shirai Kyoumi , Aki Ryoichi , Hatakeyama Hiroyasu , Hamada Yuko , Arakawa Nobuko , Tanaka Manabu , Hoffman Robert M. , Amoh Yasuyuki
Published: January 2024

There has been only limited success to differentiate adult stem cells into cardiomyocyte subtypes. In the present study, we have successfully induced beating atrial and ventricular cardiomyocytes from rat hair-follicle-associated pluripotent (HAP) stem cells, which are adult stem cells located in the bulge area. HAP stem cells differentiated into atrial cardiomyocytes in culture with the combination of isoproterenol, activin A, bone morphogenetic protein 4 (BMP4), basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), and cyclosporine A (CSA). HAP stem cells differentiated into ventricular cardiomyocytes in culture with the combination of activin A, BMP4, bFGF, inhibitor of Wnt production-4 (IWP4), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Differentiated atrial cardiomyocytes were specifically stained for anti-myosin light chain 2a (MLC2a) antibody. Ventricular cardiomyocytes were specially stained for anti-myosin light chain 2v (MLC2v) antibody. Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (qPCR) showed significant expression of MLC2a in atrial cardiomyocytes and MLC2v in ventricular cardiomyocytes. Both differentiated atrial and ventricular cardiomyocytes showed characteristic waveforms in Ca2+ imaging. Differentiated atrial and ventricular cardiomyocytes formed long myocardial fibers and beat as a functional syncytium, having a structure similar to adult cardiomyocytes. The present results demonstrated that it is possible to induce cardiomyocyte subtypes, atrial and ventricular cardiomyocytes, from HAP stem cells.
Phylogenomic curation of Ovate Family Proteins (OFPs) in the U’s Triangle of Brassica L. indicates stress-induced growth modulation
Authors: Shahzaib Muhammad , Khan Uzair Muhammad , Azhar Muhammad Tehseen , Atif Rana Muhammad , Khan Sultan Habibullah , Zaman Qamar U. , Rana Iqrar Ahmad
Published: January 2024

The Ovate Family Proteins (OFPs) gene family houses a class of proteins that are involved in regulating plant growth and development. To date, there is no report of the simultaneous functional characterization of this gene family in all members of U’s Triangle of Brassica. Here, we retrieved a combined total of 256 OFP protein sequences and analyzed their chromosomal localization, gene structure, conserved protein motif domains, and the pattern of cis-acting regulatory elements. The abundance of light-responsive elements like G-box, MRE, and GT1 motif suggests that OFPs are sensitive to the stimuli of light. The protein-protein interaction network analysis revealed that OFP05 and its orthologous genes were involved in regulating the process of transcriptional repression through their interaction with homeodomain transcription factors like KNAT and BLH. The presence of domains like DNA binding 2 and its superfamily speculated the involvement of OFPs in regulating gene expression. The biotic and abiotic stress, and the tissue-specific expression analysis of the RNA-seq datasets revealed that some of the genes such as BjuOFP30, and BnaOFP27, BolOFP11, and BolOFP10 were highly upregulated in seed coat at the mature stage and roots under various chemical stress conditions respectively which suggests their crucial role in plant growth and development processes. Experimental validation of prominent BnaOFPs such as BnaOFP27 confirmed their involvement in regulating gene expression under salinity, heavy metal, drought, heat, and cold stress. The GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis also sheds light on the involvement of OFPs in regulating plant growth and development. These findings have the potential to serve as a forerunner for future studies in terms of functionally diverse analysis of the OFP gene family in Brassica and other plant species.
Interactions of plumbagin with five common antibiotics against Staphylococcus aureus in vitro
Authors: Bie Songtao , Mo Qiuyue , Shi Chen , Yuan Hui , Li Chunshuang , Wu Tong , Li Wenlong , Yu Heshui
Published: January 2024

Staphylococcus aureus is the main culprit, causing a variety of severe clinical infections. At the same time, clinics are also facing the severe situation of antibiotic resistance. Therefore, effective strategies to address this problem may include expanding the antimicrobial spectrum by exploring alternative sources of drugs or delaying the development of antibiotic resistance through combination therapy so that existing antibiotics can continue to be used. Plumbagin (PLU) is a phytochemical that exhibits antibacterial activity. In the present study, we investigated the in vitro antibacterial activity of PLU. We selected five antibiotics with different mechanisms and inhibitory activities against S. aureus to explore their interaction with the combination of PLU. The interaction of combinations was evaluated by the Bliss independent model and visualized through response surface analysis. PLU exhibited potent antibacterial activity, with half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values against S. aureus of 1.73 μg/mL and 4 μg/mL, respectively. Synergism was observed when PLU was combined with nitrofurantoin (NIT), ciprofloxacin (CPR), mecillinam (MEC), and chloramphenicol (CHL). The indifference of the trimethoprim (TMP)-PLU pairing was demonstrated across the entire dose-response matrix, but significant synergy was observed within a specific dose region. In addition, no antagonistic interactions were indicated. Overall, PLU is not only a promising antimicrobial agent but also has the potential to enhance the growth-inhibitory activity of some antibiotics against S. aureus, and the use of the interaction landscape, along with the dose-response matrix, for analyzing and quantifying combination results represents an improved approach to comprehending antibacterial combinations.
Jagged 2 inhibition attenuates hypoxia-induced mitochondrial damage and pulmonary hypertension through Sirtuin 1 signaling
Authors: Liu Hanhan , Pan Zhou , Wu Xiaofeng , Gong Cheng , Hu Junbo
Published: January 2024

Notch pathway has played a significant role in the pathophysiology of pulmonary hypertension (PH). However, the role of Jagged 2 (Jag2), one ligand of Notch, remains to be elucidated.Therefore, determining the contribution of Jag2 to PH and its impact on pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMCs) was the aim of this investigation. Adeno-associated virus-mediated Jag2 inhibition was used to explore the role of Jag2 in peripheral pulmonary vascular remodeling assessed in a rat model of chronic hypoxia (10% O2, 4 weeks) induced pulmonary hypertension. In vitro, the effect of Jag2 silencing on hypoxia (1% O2, 24h) induced rat PASMCs was determined. Group differences were assessed using a 2-sided unpaired Student’s t-test for two groups and one-way ANOVA for multiple groups. Jag2 upregulation was first confirmed in rats with sustained hypoxia-induced PH using publicly available gene expression data, experimental PH rat models and hypoxia induced rat PASMCs. Jag2 deficiency decreased oxidative stress injury, peripheral pulmonary vascular remodeling (0.276±0.020 vs. 0.451±0.033 μm, P<0.001, <50μm), and right ventricular systolic pressure (36.8±3.033 vs. 51.8±4.245 mmHg, P<0.001) in the chronic hypoxia-induced rat model of PH. Moreover, Jag2 knockdown decreased proliferation (1.227±0.051 vs. 1.45±0.07, P = 0.012), increased apoptosis (16.733%±0.724% vs. 6.56%±0.668%, P<0.001), and suppressed mitochondrial injury in hypoxia–treated rat PASMCs. Jag2 inhibition restored the activity of the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway, which was abolished by Sirtuin 1 deficiency. These findings show that Jag2 is essential for modulating pulmonary vascular dysfunction and accelerating PH, and that inhibition of Jag2 expression suppresses the progression and development of PH.
De-westernizing public relations: A comparative and global perspective on the influence of personal and patronage relationships across the world
Authors: García César
Published: January 2024

This article highlights diversity and pluralism in the field of public relations. It challenges the normative ideals that books have traditionally taught us about how communication between organizations and their public should be. A review of the importance of personal and patronage relationships in non-western countries from every continent (Latin America and Southern Europe, China, India and Sub-Saharan Africa) shows a rich and complex reality about how communication happens. It reveals that we do not live in a perfect, predictable world – not necessarily a negative factor, but rather a source of richness. This should not be surprising news since the United States, Canada, Australia and western EU countries represent approximately just 8 per cent of the world population. A main diversity factor in strategic communication is the importance of patronage relationships, often ignored or minimized in books on the subject. Offering multiple perspectives aims to show how the importance of considering the construction of personal relationships as part of the strategic menu of organizations should not be stigmatized or considered an undesired outcome to eradicate. In most societies, patronage relationships and personal relations play a large role when organizations build relationships with their public.
Endoscopic Surveillance of Intestinal Metaplasia of the Esophagogastric Junction: A Decision Modeling Analysis
Authors: Yoon Ji Yoon , Lim Francesca , Shah Shailja C. , Rubenstein Joel H. , Abrams Julian A. , Katzka David , Inadomi John , Kim Michelle Kang , Hur Chin
Published: January 2024

INTRODUCTION:

The incidence of esophagogastric junction adenocarcinoma (EGJAC) has been rising. Intestinal metaplasia of the esophagogastric junction (EGJIM) is a common finding in gastroesophageal reflux (irregular Z-line) and may represent an early step in the development of EGJAC in the West. Worldwide, EGJIM may represent progression along the Correa cascade triggered by Helicobacter pylori. We sought to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of endoscopic surveillance of EGJIM.

METHODS:

We developed a decision analytic model to compare endoscopic surveillance strategies for 50-year-old patients after diagnosis of non-dysplastic EGJIM: (i) no surveillance (standard of care), (ii) endoscopy every 3 years, (iii) endoscopy every 5 years, or (iv) 1-time endoscopy at 3 years. We modeled 4 progression scenarios to reflect uncertainty: A (0.01% annual cancer incidence), B (0.05%), C (0.12%), and D (0.22%).

RESULTS:

Cost-effectiveness of endoscopic surveillance depended on the progression rate of EGJIM to cancer. At the lowest progression rate (scenario A, 0.01%), no surveillance strategies were cost-effective. In moderate progression scenarios, 1-time surveillance at 3 years was cost-effective, at $30,989 and $16,526 per quality-adjusted life year for scenarios B (0.05%) and C (0.12%), respectively. For scenario D (0.22%), surveillance every 5 years was cost-effective at $77,695 per quality-adjusted life year.

DISCUSSION:

Endoscopic surveillance is costly and can cause harm; however, low-intensity longitudinal surveillance (every 5 years) is cost-effective in populations with higher EGJAC incidence. No surveillance or 1-time endoscopic surveillance of patients with EGJIM was cost-effective in low-incidence populations. Future studies to better understand the natural history of EGJIM, identify risk factors of progression, and inform appropriate surveillance strategies are required.
Effectiveness of Upadacitinib for Patients With Acute Severe Ulcerative Colitis: A Multicenter Experience
Authors: Berinstein Jeffrey A. , Karl Taylor , Patel Anish , Dolinger Michael , Barrett Terrence A. , Ahmed Waseem , Click Ben , Steiner Calen A. , Dulaney David , Levine Jake , Hassan Syed Adeel , Perry Courtney , Flomenhoft Deborah , Ungaro Ryan C. , Berinstein Elliot M. , Sheehan Jessica , Cohen-Mekelburg Shirley , Regal Randolph E. , Stidham Ryan W. , Bishu Shrinivas , Colombel Jean-Frederic , Higgins Peter D.R.
Published: January 2024

INTRODUCTION:

A significant proportion of patients with acute severe ulcerative colitis (ASUC) require colectomy.

METHODS:

Patients with ASUC treated with upadacitinib and intravenous corticosteroids at 5 hospitals are presented. The primary outcome was 90-day colectomy rate. Secondary outcomes included frequency of steroid-free clinical remission, adverse events, and all-cause readmissions.

RESULTS:

Of the 25 patients with ASUC treated with upadacitinib, 6 (24%) patients underwent colectomy, 15 (83%) of the 18 patients with available data and who did not undergo colectomy experienced steroid-free clinical remission (1 patient did not have complete data), 1 (4%) patient experienced a venous thromboembolic event, while 5 (20%) patients were readmitted.

DISCUSSION:

Upadacitinib along with intravenous corticosteroids may be an effective treatment for ASUC.
Vitamin D metabolism in diabetic nephropathy
Authors: Abilov Z. V. , Salimkhanov R. Kh. , Povaliaeva A. A. , Zhukov A. Yu. , Pigarova E. A. , Dzeranova L. K. , Rozhinskaya L. Ya.
Published: January 2024

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a specific kidney involvement in diabetes mellitus (DM), caused by hemodynamic and metabolic factors. In the kidneys takes place an important step in the metabolism of vitamin D — 1α-hydroxylation, which results in the formation of its biologically active form. Reduced number of functioning nephrons in DN leads to impaired vitamin D metabolism, contributing to the development of a number of complications. In this review, we have focused in detail on both normal vitamin D metabolism and the features of vitamin D metabolism in chronic kidney disease (CKD). DN is the most common cause of CKD and, as a consequence, of kidney transplantation and one of the leading causes of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in patients with DM. Bone mineral disorders resulting from abnormal vitamin D metabolism are also independent factors of high mortality among patients with DM. The final part of our review briefly highlights current approaches to vitamin D therapy in CKD and, in particular, in DN. It is worth noting that, despite the increasing number of patients with DN, there is currently no unified view on the use of vitamin D as a therapeutic agent in this pathology.
1166A>C polymorphism of the AGTR1 gene as a marker metabolic disorders in the North residents
Authors: Bezmenova I. N. , Averyanova I. V.
Published: January 2024

BACKGROUND:dyslipidemia is currently considered to be one of cardiovascular risk factors. Angiotensin II receptor type I (AGTR1) genetic polymorphisms are known as candidate genes for hypertension, diabetes, as well as for diabetes and obesity complications. Until now, there are not much data on how 1166A>C (rs5186) polymorphism of the AGTR1 gene correlates with Northerners’ carbohydrate and lipid metabolism disorders. In addition, the data are contradictory. Following on from this, we see it is relevant to study the subject.

AIM:this research assessed variants of 1166A>C (rs5186) polymorphism of the AGTR1 gene as a predictor of dyslipidemia, carbohydrate metabolism disorders, overweight, and hypertension.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: the North residents from Magadan Region, Caucasian by ethnicity, aged from 24 to 56 (average age 43.7± 1.4 yrs) participated in the survey. By real-time polymerase chain reaction we determined the single nucleotide polymorphism of the AGTR1 (rs5186) gene. We also analyzed physical development and cardiovascular variables as well as the concentrations of glucose, insulin, glycosylated hemoglobin, C-reactive protein, total cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. The insulin resistance index and the atherogenicity coefficient were calculated using standard methods.

RESULTS:the examined subjects were one hundred and one volunteers. According to the results of genetic analysis, 55 people were assigned to the group of homozygotes for the wild type (AA) and 46 people were assigned to the group of the AGTR1*C allele variant carriers (heterozygotes and homozygotes AC+CC). Our findings contributed to the evidence on more unfavorable lipid pictures showed by the AGTR1*C allele variant carriers: significantly high values of total cholesterol (5,77±0,11, р=0.045), low-density lipoproteins (3,87±0,09, р=0.009), triglycerides (1,43±0,06, р=0.035), and atherogenicity coefficient (3,61±0,10, р=0.001), along with significantly low values of high-density lipoproteins (1,30±0,03, р=0,008). The above indicators were observed as opposed to significantly high fasting glycemia (5,74±0,14, р=0.006) and glycosylated hemoglobin (5,74±0,09, р=0.001) exhibited by the AA homozygotes subjects whose indices could be defined as the state of prediabetes. No intergroup differences were found in anthropometric or cardiovascular variables.

CONCLUSION:thus, we could see impairments in the lipid pictures of the AGTR1*С polymorphic variant carriers along with the optimization of carbohydrate metabolism and no effect on the blood pressure or anthropometric characteristics.