bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Management of open abdomen complication after laparotomy in an ovarian cancer patient with intraperitoneal metastasis
Authors: Jeong Jae Hoon , Lee Jae Hyun , Park Chongsoo
Published: August 2024

This case report highlights the management of complications from an open abdomen following surgery for ovarian mucinous adenocarcinoma, a rare subtype of ovarian cancer. A 63-year-old female underwent extensive surgery, including single-port laparoscopic total bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, right hemicolectomy, small bowel resection, cholecystectomy, and jejunostomy. Postoperatively, she experienced bile leakage, leading to significant skin and fascial damage and an abdominal skin defect. Early detection and multidisciplinary management were crucial. Treatment involved vacuum-assisted closure dressing, repeated debridement, and closure of the open abdomen with a local flap. This case emphasizes the complexities of managing ovarian mucinous adenocarcinoma and the critical role of a multidisciplinary approach in treating postoperative complications, underscoring the importance of vigilant postoperative care and timely intervention.
A rare case of sigmoid diverticulitis presenting as colocutaneous left lumbar fistula
Authors: Potkonjak Vesna , Milic Petar , Vuckovic Ljiljana , Perunovic Jelena , Potkonjak Dario
Published: August 2024

Colonic diverticula are very common as asymptomatic findings on endoscopic examination. Diverticulitis as a complication occurs in ~4% of these patients with well-known further complications. Colocutaneous fistulas are very rare and are usually caused by percutaneous drainage procedures of abscess formations or as a complication of the natural disease. We present here a case report of a 70-year-old man who initially presented with signs of sepsis and later developed a colocutaneous fistula in the lumbar region.
Intuitionistic S4 as a logic of topological spaces
Authors: de Groot Jim , Shillito Ian
Published: August 2024

We design and study various topological semantics for the diamond-free intuitionistic modal logic $\textsf{iS4}$, an intuitionistic analogue of $\textsf{S4}$. Ultimately we prove that ordinary topological spaces can be used as semantics, using the specialization order to interpret intuitionistic implication and the interior for the modality. Some of our soundness and completeness results are mechanised in Coq.
Application of the EBSD Technique in the Study of Porosity and Permeability in Deformation Bands in Sandstone
Authors: Afonso Flávia Priscila Souza , Lagoeiro Leonardo , Fossen Haakon , Barbosa Paola Ferreira , Pinto Celeste Bertassoni , de Souza Camila Gomes Peçanha
Published: August 2024

Deformation bands are common constituents of porous clastic fluid reservoirs. Various techniques have been used to study deformation band structure and the associated changes in porosity and permeability. However, the use of electron backscatter diffraction technique is limited. Thus, more information is needed regarding the crystallographic relationships between detrital crystals, which can significantly impact reservoir rock quality. We employ microscopic and microstructural investigation techniques to analyze the influence of cataclastic deformation bands on pore space. Porosity measurements of the Cretaceous Ilhas Group sandstone in NE Brazil, obtained through computerized microtomography, indicate that the undeformed domains exhibit a total porosity of up to 13%. In contrast, this porosity is slightly over 1% in the deformation bands. Scanning electron microscopy analyses revealed the presence of grain fragmentation and dissolution microstructures, along with cement-filling pre-existing pores. The electron backscatter diffraction analyses indicated extensive grain fragmentation and minimal contribution from intracrystalline plasticity as a deformation mechanism. However, the c axes of quartz crystals roughly align parallel to the orientation of the deformation band. In summary, we have confirmed and quantified the internal changes in a deformation band cluster, with grain size reduction and associated compaction as the main mechanism supported by quartz cementation.
Patient and Provider Opinions Regarding Chaperones for Sensitive Exams
Authors: Coffin Elisabeth M.O , Suydam Camille R , O’Hara Thomas A , Bandera Bradley , Burgess Pamela L
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Recommendations for chaperone use during sensitive exams have been left mostly to individual institutions, despite a paucity of data providing guidance. The purpose of this study was to survey patients and medical providers on their attitudes toward chaperone use and explore factors that may influence these attitudes.

Materials and Methods

A survey was administered at a single tertiary military medical center to providers and patients across multiple specialties, and further sub-analysis of the data were completed. For patients, sub-analysis was done for gender, age, history of sexual abuse, and clinic seen. For providers, sub-analysis was done for provider gender and training status. Before data collection, this study was deemed exempt from institutional review board approval by the Eisenhower Army Medical Center Human Research and Protections Office.

Results

A total of 319 patient surveys and 61 provider surveys were collected. Fifty seven percent of patients have no preference regarding chaperone use, 19% prefer having a chaperone, and 24% prefer to not have a chaperone. Female patients and patients with a history of sexual abuse are more likely to prefer a chaperone. Forty two percent of providers always use a chaperone, 79% are more likely to use a chaperone if a patient is of the opposite gender, and 43% select a chaperone based on the gender of the patient. Male providers and providers still in training are more likely to use a chaperone.

Conclusions

The majority of patients do not have a preference regarding chaperone presence during sensitive exams; however, female gender and history of sexual abuse increase the likelihood of a patient preferring to have a chaperone present. These factors should be considered when creating an institutional policy regarding chaperone use. Future research should focus on homosexual and transgender patient preferences as this has yet to be explored.
Irregular fixation: I. Fixed points and librating orbits of the Brown Hamiltonian
Authors: Grishin Evgeni
Published: August 2024

In hierarchical triple systems, the inner binary is slowly perturbed by a distant companion, giving rise to large-scale oscillations in eccentricity and inclination, known as von-Zeipel–Lidov–Kozai oscillations. Stable systems with a mild hierarchy, where the period ratio is not too small, require an additional corrective term, known as the Brown Hamiltonian, to adequately account for their long-term evolution. Although the Brown Hamiltonian has been used to accurately describe the highly eccentric systems on circulating orbits where the periapse completes a complete revolution, the analysis near its elliptical fixed points had been overlooked. We derive analytically the modified fixed points including the Brown Hamiltonian and analyse its librating orbits (where the periapse motion is limited in range). We compare our result to the direct three-body integrations of millions of orbits and discuss the regimes of validity. We numerically discover the regions of orbital instability, allowed and forbidden librating zones with a complex, fractal, structure. The retrograde orbits, where the mutual inclination is $\iota \ \gt\ 90\ \rm deg$, are more stable and allowed to librate for larger areas of the parameter space. We find numerical fits for the librating-circulating boundary. Finally, we discuss the astrophysical implications for systems of satellites, stars, and compact objects. In a companion paper (Paper II), we apply our formalism to the orbits of irregular satellites around giant planets.
Optical intraday variability analysis for the BL Lacertae object 1ES 1426+42.8
Authors: Chang X , Xiong D R , Yi T F , Liu C X , Bhatta G , Xu J R , Gong Y L
Published: August 2024

The observation data of blazar 1ES 1426+42.8 were obtained using the 1.02 m optical telescope of Yunnan Observatories during 2021 to 2023. Intraday variability (IDV) is detected on seven nights. We use the turbulent model to investigate the mechanism of IDV in 1ES 1426+42.8. The fitting light curves match the actual IDV curves well. Using this model, we obtain the parameters such as the size of turbulent cells and the width of pulses in the jet. A possible short-lived quasi-periodic oscillation (QPO) of $58.55 \pm 8.09$ min was detected on 2022 April 26 whose light curve exhibits eight cycles at $\gt 3\sigma$ global significance and confirmed by several different techniques. Through a more detailed analysis of the light curve of this night, we find that the period is shortened from 54.23 min ($4\sigma$) to 29.71 min ($3\sigma$). The possible QPO and period shortening phenomenon are best explained by the processes of magnetic reconnections.
SCOTCH – search for clandestine optically thick compact H ii regions: II
Authors: Patel A L , Urquhart J S , Yang A Y , Moore T , Thompson M A , Menten K M , Csengeri T
Published: August 2024

In this study we present 18$-$24 GHz and high-angular-resolution (0.5 arcsec) radio wavelength Australia Telescope Compact Array follow-up observations towards a sample of 39 HC H ii region candidates. These objects, taken from a sample hosting 6.7 GHz methanol masers, were chosen due to the compact and optically thick nature of their continuum emission. We have detected 27 compact radio sources and constructed their spectral energy distributions over the 5–24 GHz range to determine the young H ii region’s physical properties, i.e. diameter, electron density ${\it n}_{\mbox{e}}$, emission measure, Lyman continuum flux ${\it N}_{\mbox{Ly}}$, and turnover frequency ${\nu }_{\mbox{t}}$. The flux measurements are fitted for 20 objects assuming an ionization-bounded H ii region with uniform density model. For the remaining seven objects that lack constraints spanning both their optically thick and thin regimes, we utilize relations from the literature to determine their physical properties. Comparing these determined parameters with those of known hypercompact (HC) and ultracompact (UC) H ii regions, we have identified 13 HC H ii regions, six intermediate objects that fall between HC H ii and UC H ii regions, six UC H ii regions and one radio jet candidate which increases the known population of HC H ii regions by $\sim$50 per cent. All the young and compact H ii regions are embedded in dusty and dense clumps and $\sim$80 per cent of the HC H ii regions identified in this work are associated with various maser species (CH$_3$OH, H$_2$O, and OH). Four of our radio sources remain optically thick at 24 GHz; we consider these to be among the youngest HC H ii regions.
Central role of SUMOylation in the regulation of chromatin interactions and transcriptional outputs of the androgen receptor in prostate cancer cells
Authors: Launonen Kaisa-Mari , Varis Vera , Aaltonen Niina , Niskanen Einari A , Varjosalo Markku , Paakinaho Ville , Palvimo Jorma J
Published: August 2024

The androgen receptor (AR) is pivotal in prostate cancer (PCa) progression and represents a critical therapeutic target. AR-mediated gene regulation involves intricate interactions with nuclear proteins, with many mediating and undergoing post-translational modifications that present alternative therapeutic avenues. Through chromatin proteomics in PCa cells, we identified SUMO ligases together with nuclear receptor coregulators and pioneer transcription factors within the AR’s protein network. Intriguingly, this network displayed a significant association with SUMO2/3. To elucidate the influence of SUMOylation on AR chromatin interactions and subsequent gene regulation, we inhibited SUMOylation using ML-792 (SUMOi). While androgens generally facilitated the co-occupancy of SUMO2/3 and AR on chromatin, SUMOi induced divergent effects dependent on the type of AR-binding site (ARB). SUMOi augmented AR’s pioneer-like binding on inaccessible chromatin regions abundant in androgen response elements (AREs) and diminished its interaction with accessible chromatin regions sparse in AREs yet rich in pioneer transcription factor motifs. The SUMOi-impacted ARBs divergently influenced AR-regulated genes; those associated with AR-mediated activation played roles in negative regulation of cell proliferation, while those with AR-mediated repression were involved in pattern formation. In conclusion, our findings underscore the pervasive influence of SUMOylation in shaping AR’s role in PCa cells, potentially unveiling new therapeutic strategies.
Stress granule formation helps to mitigate neurodegeneration
Authors: Glineburg M Rebecca , Yildirim Evrim , Gomez Nicolas , Rodriguez Genesis , Pak Jaclyn , Li Xingli , Altheim Christopher , Waksmacki Jacob , McInerney Gerald M , Barmada Sami J , Todd Peter K
Published: August 2024

Cellular stress pathways that inhibit translation initiation lead to transient formation of cytoplasmic RNA/protein complexes known as stress granules. Many of the proteins found within stress granules and the dynamics of stress granule formation and dissolution are implicated in neurodegenerative disease. Whether stress granule formation is protective or harmful in neurodegenerative conditions is not known. To address this, we took advantage of the alphavirus protein nsP3, which selectively binds dimers of the central stress granule nucleator protein G3BP and markedly reduces stress granule formation without directly impacting the protein translational inhibitory pathways that trigger stress granule formation. In Drosophila and rodent neurons, reducing stress granule formation with nsP3 had modest impacts on lifespan even in the setting of serial stress pathway induction. In contrast, reducing stress granule formation in models of ataxia, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and frontotemporal dementia largely exacerbated disease phenotypes. These data support a model whereby stress granules mitigate, rather than promote, neurodegenerative cascades.
Redundant but essential functions of PARP1 and PARP2 in DNA ligase I-independent DNA replication
Authors: Bhandari Seema Khattri , Wiest Nathaniel , Sallmyr Annahita , Du Ruofei , Tomkinson Alan E
Published: August 2024

While DNA ligase I (LigI) joins most Okazaki fragments, a backup pathway involving poly(ADP-ribose) synthesis, XRCC1 and DNA ligase IIIα (LigIIIα) functions along with the LigI-dependent pathway and is also capable of supporting DNA replication in the absence of LigI. Here we have addressed for the first time the roles of PARP1 and PARP2 in this pathway using isogenic null derivatives of mouse CH12F3 cells. While single and double null mutants of the parental cell line and single mutants of LIG1 null cells were viable, loss of both PARP1 and PARP2 was synthetically lethal with LigI deficiency. Thus, PARP1 and PARP2 have a redundant essential role in LigI-deficient cells. Interestingly, higher levels of PARP2 but not PARP1 associated with newly synthesized DNA in the LIG1 null cells and there was a much higher increase in PARP2 chromatin retention in LIG1 null cells incubated with the PARP inhibitor olaparib with this effect occurring independently of PARP1. Together our results suggest that PARP2 plays a major role in specific cell types that are more dependent upon the backup pathway to complete DNA replication and that PARP2 retention at unligated Okazaki fragments likely contributes to the side effects of current clinical PARP inhibitors.
PANDA-3D: protein function prediction based on AlphaFold models
Authors: Zhao Chenguang , Liu Tong , Wang Zheng
Published: August 2024

Previous protein function predictors primarily make predictions from amino acid sequences instead of tertiary structures because of the limited number of experimentally determined structures and the unsatisfying qualities of predicted structures. AlphaFold recently achieved promising performances when predicting protein tertiary structures, and the AlphaFold protein structure database (AlphaFold DB) is fast-expanding. Therefore, we aimed to develop a deep-learning tool that is specifically trained with AlphaFold models and predict GO terms from AlphaFold models. We developed an advanced learning architecture by combining geometric vector perceptron graph neural networks and variant transformer decoder layers for multi-label classification. PANDA-3D predicts gene ontology (GO) terms from the predicted structures of AlphaFold and the embeddings of amino acid sequences based on a large language model. Our method significantly outperformed a state-of-the-art deep-learning method that was trained with experimentally determined tertiary structures, and either outperformed or was comparable with several other language-model-based state-of-the-art methods with amino acid sequences as input. PANDA-3D is tailored to AlphaFold models, and the AlphaFold DB currently contains over 200 million predicted protein structures (as of May 1st, 2023), making PANDA-3D a useful tool that can accurately annotate the functions of a large number of proteins. PANDA-3D can be freely accessed as a web server from http://dna.cs.miami.edu/PANDA-3D/ and as a repository from https://github.com/zwang-bioinformatics/PANDA-3D.
Young Adults’ Attention to Reduced Exposure Claims in IQOS Advertising and Associations With Product Perceptions and Use Intentions.
Authors: Mercincavage Melissa , Wackowski Olivia A , Chen-Sankey Julia , Thrasher James F , Audrain-McGovern Janet , Strasser Andrew A
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Noncombusted tobacco products, particularly those authorized as modified-risk tobacco products, may appeal to young adults. This cross-sectional study explored young adults’ attention to reduced exposure claims in IQOS advertising and its associations with product perceptions and use intentions.

Aims and Methods

Fifty-one young adults aged 21–29 (mean age = 24.5 years old, 54.9% who smoked cigarettes, 47.1% male, 66.7% White) viewed an IQOS advertisement containing two reduced exposure claims (one large, one detailed) for 20 seconds during eye-tracking, then completed postexposure questionnaires (risk beliefs, harm perceptions, attitudes, and use intentions). We compared attention and questionnaire measures by smoking status and examined associations between attention to reduced exposure claims and questionnaire measures.

Results

Overall, the large (vs. detailed) reduced exposure claim attracted young adults’ attention more quickly, but the detailed claim held attention longer than all other advertisement features (p’s < .001). There were no differences by smoking status in how quickly either claim attracted or held initial attention, but young adults who smoked (vs. did not smoke) spent more cumulative time looking at the large claim and less time looking at the detailed claim (p’s < .05). Among those who smoked, greater dwell time on the detailed reduced exposure claim was associated with more beliefs about reduced harm, lower perceived risk of addiction, and greater intentions to try IQOS (p’s < .05).

Conclusions

Detailed information on reduced exposure in IQOS advertising may convey reduced risk and potentially promote uptake of IQOS among young adults who smoke and attend to this content.

Implications

Findings from this exploratory, single-exposure study demonstrate differences in young adults’ attention to reduced exposure claims in an IQOS advertisement based on their smoking status. Among those who smoke, greater attention to detailed reduced exposure information was associated with reduced perceptions of harm compared to cigarettes, and greater intentions to try IQOS. Findings suggest that among young adults who smoke cigarettes and visually engage with this content, detailed text containing IQOS’ authorized reduced exposure claims is interpreted as reduced risk information and may promote uptake of this product.
The challenge of devolved English governance and the rise of political spatial inequality
Authors: Warner Sam , Newman Jack , Diamond Patrick , Richards Dave
Published: August 2024

The UK is characterised by spatial inequality between and within regions, alongside an over-centralised asymmetric model of governance. In England especially, these features are stark, and throughout the last decade, politicians have responded by forging a distinctive programme of English devolution focused on city-regions. In this article, we analyse the core drivers of the English devolution agenda to understand its impact on the future trajectory of British politics. We identify the predominance of a narrow economic vision of devolution that systematically negates other agendas. The result is a failure to address the trade-offs inherent in the devolution process, alongside an inadequate engagement with the growing demand for democratic revitalisation. In the long-term, we argue that the empowerment of the largest cities in England and the relative neglect of non-urban areas will exacerbate power asymmetries within the UK political system in both centre-periphery and centre-local relations, a phenomenon we term ‘political spatial inequality’. There is a risk of resurgent ‘territorially based populism’ stemming from this uneven political geography which has the potential to exacerbate political instability and significantly reshape UK politics in the wake of Brexit. English devolution is a prescient example of how policy ‘solutions’ can in turn create new problems that pose major challenges for policymakers.
Chloroplastic ascorbate modifies plant metabolism and may act as a metabolite signal regardless of oxidative stress
Authors: Tóth Dávid , Tengölics Roland , Aarabi Fayezeh , Karlsson Anna , Vidal-Meireles André , Kovács László , Kuntam Soujanya , Körmöczi Tímea , Fernie Alisdair R , Hudson Elton P , Papp Balázs , Tóth Szilvia Z
Published: August 2024

Ascorbate (Asc) is a major plant metabolite that plays crucial roles in various processes, from reactive oxygen scavenging to epigenetic regulation. However, to what extent and how Asc modulates metabolism is largely unknown. We investigated the consequences of chloroplastic and total cellular Asc deficiencies by studying chloroplastic Asc transporter mutant lines lacking PHOSPHATE TRANSPORTER 4; 4 and the Asc-deficient vtc2-4 mutant of Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana). Under regular growth conditions, both Asc deficiencies caused minor alterations in photosynthesis, with no apparent signs of oxidative damage. In contrast, metabolomics analysis revealed global and largely overlapping alterations in the metabolome profiles of both Asc-deficient mutants, suggesting that chloroplastic Asc modulates plant metabolism. We observed significant alterations in amino acid metabolism, particularly in arginine metabolism, activation of nucleotide salvage pathways, and changes in secondary metabolism. In addition, proteome-wide analysis of thermostability revealed that Asc may interact with enzymes involved in arginine metabolism, the Calvin–Benson cycle, and several photosynthetic electron transport components. Overall, our results suggest that, independent of oxidative stress, chloroplastic Asc modulates the activity of diverse metabolic pathways in vascular plants and may act as an internal metabolite signal.
Predictors of persistent opioid use in Australian primary care: a retrospective cohort study, 2018–2022
Authors: Jung Monica , Xia Ting , Ilomäki Jenni , Pearce Christopher , Aitken Angela , Nielsen Suzanne
Published: August 2024

Objective

To examine the predictors of persistent opioid use (“persistence”) in people initiating opioids for non-cancer pain in Australian primary care.

Design

A retrospective cohort study.

Setting

Australian primary care.

Subjects

People prescribed opioid analgesics between 2018 and 2022, identified through the Population Level Analysis and Reporting (POLAR) database.

Methods

Persistence was defined as receiving opioid prescriptions for at least 90 days with a gap of less than 60 days between subsequent prescriptions. Multivariable logistic regression was used to examine the predictors of persistent opioid use.

Results

The sample consisted of 343 023 people initiating opioids for non-cancer pain; of these, 16 527 (4.8%) developed persistent opioid use. Predictors of persistence included older age (≥75 vs 15–44 years: adjusted odds ratio: 1.67, 95% CI: 1.58–1.78); concessional beneficiary status (1.78, 1.71–1.86); diagnosis of substance use disorder (1.44, 1.22–1.71) or chronic pain (2.05, 1.85–2.27); initiation of opioid therapy with buprenorphine (1.95, 1.73–2.20) or long-acting opioids (2.07, 1.90–2.25); provision of higher quantity of opioids prescribed at initiation (total oral morphine equivalents of ≥750 mg vs <100 mg: 7.75, 6.89–8.72); provision of repeat/refill opioid prescriptions at initiation (2.94, 2.77–3.12); and prescription of gabapentinoids (1.59, 1.50–1.68), benzodiazepines (1.43, 1.38–1.50), and z-drugs (eg, zopiclone, zolpidem; 1.61, 1.46–1.78).

Conclusions

These findings add to the limited evidence of individual-level factors associated with persistent opioid use. Further research is needed to understand the clinical outcomes of persistent opioid use in people with these risk factors to support the safe and effective prescribing of opioids.
Immunoprofiles of COVID-19 uniquely differentiated from other viruses: A machine learning investigation of multiplex immunoassay data
Authors: Kaur Ashneet , Krishnan Viswanathan V
Published: August 2024

Cytokines and chemokines are vital in maintaining a healthy state by efficiently controlling invading microbes. In addition, the dysregulation of these immune mediators can contribute to viral infection pathology. We comprehensively analyzed the profiles of host immunomodulators in response to infections with members of several virus families, particularly if the SARS-CoV-2 infection produces a unique immune profile compared with other viral infections. Multiplex microbead immunoassay results from 219 datasets with a range of viruses were curated systematically. The curated immunoassay data, obtained using Luminex technology, include 35 different viruses in 18 different viral families; this analysis also incorporated data from studies performed in 7 different cell model systems with 28 different sample types. A multivariate statistical analysis was performed with a specific focus involving many investigations (>10), which include the viral families of Coronaviridae, Orthomyxoviridae, Retroviridae, Flaviviridae, and Hantaviridae. A random forest-based classification of the profiles indicates that IL1-RA, C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 9, C-C motif chemokine ligand 4, interferon (IFN)-λ1, IFN-γ-inducing protein 10, and interleukin (IL)-27 are the top immunomodulators among human samples. Similar approaches only between Coronaviridae (COVID-19) and Orthomyxoviridae (influenza A/B) indicated that transforming growth factor-β, IFN-λ1, IL-9, and eotaxin-1 are important features. In particular, the IFN-λ1 protein was implicated as one of the significant immunomodulators differentiating viral family infection. It is evident that Coronaviridae infection, including SARS-CoV-2, induces a unique cytokine–chemokine profile and can lead to specific immunoassays for diagnosing and prognosis of viral diseases based on host immune responses. Alternatively, we can use diagnosing and prognosing. It is also essential to note that meta-analysis-based predictions must be appropriately validated before clinical implementation.
Unveiling the environmental significance of acetylperoxyl radical: Reactivity quantification and kinetic modeling
Authors: Wang Junyue , Schaefer Thomas , Lisouskaya Aliaksandra , Firak Daniele S , Xin Xiaoyue , Meng Lingjun , Herrmann Hartmut , Sharma Virender K , Huang Ching-Hua
Published: August 2024

Acetylperoxyl radical (CH3C(O)OO•) is among highly reactive organic radicals which are known to play crucial roles in atmospheric chemistry, aqueous chemistry and, most recently, peracetic acid (PAA)-based advanced oxidation processes. However, fundamental knowledge for its reactivity is scarce and severely hampers the understanding of relevant environmental processes. Herein, three independent experimental approaches were exploited for revelation and quantification of the reaction rates of acetylperoxyl radical. First, we developed and verified laser flash photolysis of biacetyl, ultraviolet (UV) photolysis of biacetyl, and pulse radiolysis of acetaldehyde, each as a clean source of CH3C(O)OO•. Then, using competition kinetics and selection of suitable probe and competitor compounds, the rate constants between CH3C(O)OO• and compounds of diverse structures were determined. The three experimental approaches complemented in reaction time scale and ease of operation, and provided cross-validation of the rate constants. Moreover, the formation of CH3C(O)OO• was verified by spin-trapped electron paramagnetic resonance, and potential influence of other reactive species in the systems was assessed. Overall, CH3C(O)OO• displays distinctively high reactivity and selectivity, reacting especially favorably with naphthyl and diene compounds (k ∼ 107–108 M−1 s−1) but sluggishly with N- and S-containing groups. Significantly, we demonstrated that incorporating acetylperoxyl radical-oxidation reactions significantly improved the accuracy in modeling the degradation of environmental micropollutants by UV/PAA treatment. This study is among the most comprehensive investigation for peroxyl radical reactivity to date, and establishes a robust methodology for investigating organic radical chemistry. The determined rate constants strengthen kinetic databases and improve modeling accuracy for natural and engineered systems.
Therapeutic Biomaterials with Liver X Receptor Agonists Based on the Horizon of Material Biology to Regulate Atherosclerotic Plaque Regression in Situ for Devices Surface Engineering
Authors: Liu Sainan , Huang Jinquan , Luo Jiayan , Bian Qihao , Weng Yajun , Li Li , Chen Junying
Published: August 2024

Percutaneous coronary interventional is the main treatment for coronary atherosclerosis. At present, most studies focus on blood components and smooth muscle cells to achieve anti-coagulation or anti-proliferation effects, while the mediated effects of materials on macrophages are also the focus of attention. Macrophage foam cells loaded elevated cholesterol is a prominent feature of atherosclerotic plaque. Activation Liver X receptor (LXR) to regulate cholesterol efflux and efferocytosis and reduce the number of macrophage foam cells in plaque are feasible for the regression of atherosclerosis. However, cholesterol efflux promotion remains confined to targeted therapies. Herein, LXR agonists (GW3965) were introduced on the surface of the material and delivered in situ to atherogenic macrophages to improve drug utilization for anti-atherogenic therapy and plaque regression. LXR agonists act as plaque inhibition mediated by multichannel regulation macrophages, including lipid metabolism (ABCA1, ABCG1 and LDLR), macrophage migration (CCR7) and efferocytosis (MerTK). Material loaded with LXR agonists significantly reduced plaque burden in atherosclerotic model rats, most importantly, it did not cause hepatotoxicity and adverse reactions such as restenosis and thrombosis after material implantation. Both in vivo and in vitro evaluations confirmed its anti-atherosclerotic capability and safety. Overall, multi-functional LXR agonist-loaded materials with pathological microenvironment regulation effect are expected to be a promising candidate for anti-atherosclerosis and have potential applications in cardiovascular devices surface engineering.
The Lifetime Costs of Bad Health
Authors: De Nardi Mariacristina , Pashchenko Svetlana , Porapakkarm Ponpoje
Published: August 2024

What generates the observed differences in economic outcomes by health? How costly it is to be unhealthy? We show that health dynamics are largely driven by ex-ante fixed heterogeneity, or health types, even when controlling for one’s past health history. In fact, health types are the key driver of long spells of bad health. We incorporate these rich health dynamics in an estimated structural model and show that health types and their correlation with other fixed characteristics are important to account for the observed gap in economic outcomes by health. Monetary and welfare losses due to bad health over the life-cycle are large, concentrated, and to a large extent due to factors pre-determined earlier in life. A large portion of the related monetary costs is due to income losses, especially for people of working age, while a substantial portion of the welfare losses arises because health affects life expectancy.
Economic Integration and the Transmission of Democracy
Authors: Tabellini Marco , Magistretti Giacomo
Published: August 2024

In this paper, we study the effects of economic integration with democratic partners on democracy. We assemble a large country-level panel dataset from 1960 to 2015, and exploit improvements in air, relative to sea, transportation to derive a time-varying instrument for economic integration. We find that economic integration with democracies increases countries’ democracy scores, whereas the impact of economic integration with non-democracies is muted. Results are stronger when democratic partners have a longer history of democracy, grow faster, spend more on public goods, are culturally closer, and export higher quality goods. The effects we document are driven by imports, rather than exports, and by integration with democratic partners that account for a larger share of a country’s trade in institutionally intensive, cultural, and consumer goods, as well as in goods that involve more face-to-face interactions and entail higher levels of bilateral trust. These patterns are consistent with economic integration favouring the transmission of democracy by signalling the (actual or perceived) desirability of democratic institutions. Alternative mechanisms—including human capital accumulation and economic growth—cannot, alone, explain our findings.
Tendon involvement and its association with pain and hand function in patients with osteoarthritis of the hand
Authors: Gessl Irina , Vinatzer Anna , Supp Gabriela , Zauner Michael , Durechova Martina , Lechner Lisa , Ritschl Valentin , Smolen Josef , Stamm Tanja , Aletaha Daniel , Mandl Peter
Published: August 2024

Objective

To characterize the frequency and influence of tenosynovitis and tendon damage on pain and hand function using clinical examination and US in hand OA.

Methods

We included 86 patients with hand OA and 23 age- and sex-matched control subjects. Extensor and flexor tendons of both hands were assessed by clinical examination and US for tenosynovitis and tendon damage. Conventional radiographs were acquired. Hand function was evaluated by the function subtest of the M-SACRAH (modified Score for the Assessment and Quantification of Chronic Rheumatoid Affections of the Hands) questionnaire and the Moberg pick-up test. K-means cluster analyses was calculated to assess clusters based on radiographic features and sonographic tendon scores.

Results

US identified the involvement of one or more tendon in 60/86 (69.8%) hand OA patients compared with 2/23 (8.7%) subjects (P < 0.01) in the control group. In the hand OA group, US detected tendon damage more often in flexor tendons compared with extensor tendons (2.1% vs 0.9%, P = 0.03), while tenosynovitis was observed more often in extensor tendons compared with flexor tendons (8% vs 0.6%, P < 0001). The sensitivity and specificity of clinical examination to detect tendon involvement was 81.4% and 34.6%, respectively, on the patient level and 14.5% and 83.8% on the tendon level. The cluster analyses revealed one cluster with more radiographic features of hand OA and more tendon damage while more tenosynovitis was found in cluster 2. M-SACRAH function did not correlate with tendon involvement on US.

Conclusion

This study revealed a high frequency of tendon involvement in hand OA. Tendon involvement on US did not impact hand function or self-reported pain.
Epidemiology of ANCA vasculitis in northern Spain
Authors: Benavides-Villanueva Fabricio , Herrero-Morant Alba , Prieto-Peña Diana , Al Fazazi Salma , Calvo-Río Vanesa , Renuncio-García Mónica , Martín-Gutierrez Adrián , Sánchez-Lopez María del Amparo , Poo-Fernandez Claudia , Escagedo-Cagigas Clara , Rodríguez-Vidriales María , Blanco Ricardo
Published: August 2024

Objectives

The incidence of anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA)-associated vasculitis (AAV) shows disparate results due to variable classification criteria and heterogeneous population series. We aimed to estimate the incidence of AAV in a well-defined population with standardized classification criteria.

Methods

This was a population-based study of AAV patients diagnosed from January 2000 to December 2023 in Cantabria, northern Spain. Patients were classified according to ACR/EULAR 2022 into granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA), microscopic polyangiitis (MPA), or unclassified vasculitis if the criteria were not met. Eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis patients were not included. The annual incidence rates were estimated by cases over 1 000 000 (106) (95% CI) including overall AVV, type of AAV, sex and year of diagnosis. A literature review was also performed.

Results

We included 152 patients [80M/72F; mean age 70.6 (13.18) years]. They were classified as MPA (67; 44%), GPA (64; 42.2%), and unclassified vasculitis (21; 13.8%). Annual incidence was 13.4 (95% CI: 10, 16.8)/106 [male 14.5 (95% CI: 10.5, 18.5); female 12.1 (95% CI: 8.7, 15.6)]. The Annual incidence of MPA was 5.9 (95% CI: 4, 7.8)/106 and GPA 5.6 (95% CI: 3.9, 7.3)/106. The mean annual incidence increased from 6.1 (95% CI: 4.5, 7.7)/106 to 16.5 (595% CI: .6, 27.4)/106 in the last 3 years, particularly in GPA from 2.3 (95% CI: 0.3, 4.9)/106 to 8.2 (95% CI: 2, 14.5)/106. The prevalence of AAV was 184.7 (95% CI: 181, 188)/106.

Conclusion

During a 20-year period we found that the incidence of AAV (GPA and MPA) in northern Spain was higher than in southern Spain, but lower than northern European countries. An increase in the incidence was observed in the last years.
Comparison of radiological, clinical, and functional results of Jakob type 2 lateral condyle fractures treated with closed reduction and percutaneous pinning versus open reduction and K-wire fixation
Authors: Çelik Orhun , Ertürk Cemil , Elmas Yunus
Published: August 2024

Pediatric humerus lateral condyle fractures (PHLCF) are one of the most common fractures among children. PHLCF is approximately 20% of all pediatric elbow fractures. Among the treatment modalities are: nonoperative treatment with splinting, closed reduction with percutaneous K-wire fixation (CRPP), and open reduction with K-wire fixation (ORIF). We aimed to evaluate radiological, functional, and clinical outcomes of Jakob type 2 PHLCF treated either with CRPP or ORIF. We hypothesized that CRPP may be as safe and effective as ORIF for Jakob type 2 PHLCF. In this retrospective study, we included patients with Jakob type 2 PHLCF operatively treated in a single center. Patients with multiple fractures or open fractures were excluded from the study. 69 patients between ages 2 and 12 were included and they were divided into two groups. Group 1 included the patients treated with CRPP, whereas Group 2 included the patients treated with ORIF. Demographical, radiological, clinical, and functional parameters were evaluated. Average duration of surgery (P < 0.001), initial displacement (P = 0.014), and duration of admission (P < 0.001) were significantly less in group 1. Group 2 had significantly higher percentage of left-sided injury than group 1 (P = 0.038). Average varus deformity score was significantly higher in group 1 (P = 0.014). CRPP was associated with shorter duration of surgery and hospital stay. Functional, clinical, and radiological outcomes were identified similar between CRPP and ORIF for Jakob type 2 PHLCF. CRPP may be as safe and effective as ORIF for Jakob type 2 PHLCF.
Heart Preparation for Short-Term Missions
Authors: Meilner Shauna L.
Published: August 2024

Involvement in short-term missions experiences can be most beneficial when intentional personal and group preparation takes place. Learning about the people and history of the destination, identifying one's purpose in making the trip, asking God for direction and affirmation, meditation on Scripture, and prayer for oneself and for those who will be on the receiving end of care or ministry are wise. Willingness to take a servant's mindset and to give time and goods from a biblical perspective shows respect for those to be served.
Promotion in Nursing Higher Education
Authors: Richards Brandie , Taylor Elizabeth Johnston
Published: August 2024

Nurses in education, especially at smaller universities, may not be socialized or mentored in ways that would support seeking promotion in academia. Barriers and questions about the promotion process and recommendations about frequently asked questions are given in this article, along with biblical encouragement. Seeking promotion to a higher academic rank can bring enhanced credibility with which to serve God and can be an opportunity to improve one's character and ability to glorify God.
The Population-level Effect of Adjuvant Therapies on Breast Cancer Recurrence: Application of the Trend-in-Trend Design
Authors: Collin Lindsay J. , Waller Lance A. , Cronin-Fenton Deirdre P. , Ahern Thomas P. , Goodman Michael , McCullough Lauren E. , Kjærsgaard Anders , Woolpert Kirsten M. , Silliman Rebecca A. , Christiansen Peer M. , Ejlertsen Bent , Toft Sørensen Henrik , Lash Timothy L.
Published: August 2024

Purpose:

Breast cancer has an average 10-year relative survival reaching 84%. This favorable survival is due, in part, to the introduction of biomarker-guided therapies. We estimated the population-level effect of the introduction of two adjuvant therapies—tamoxifen and trastuzumab—on recurrence using the trend-in-trend pharmacoepidemiologic study design.

Methods:

We ascertained data on women diagnosed with nonmetastatic breast cancer who were registered in the Danish Breast Cancer Group clinical database. We used the trend-in-trend design to estimate the population-level effect of the introduction of (1) tamoxifen for postmenopausal women with estrogen receptor (ER)-positive breast cancer in 1982, (2) tamoxifen for premenopausal women diagnosed with ER-positive breast cancer in 1999, and (3) trastuzumab for women <60 years diagnosed with human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-positive breast cancer in 2007.

Results:

For the population-level effect of the introduction of tamoxifen among premenopausal women diagnosed with ER-positive breast cancer in 1999, the risk of recurrence decreased by nearly one-half (OR = 0.52), consistent with evidence from clinical trials; however, the estimate was imprecise (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.25, 1.85). We observed an imprecise association between tamoxifen use and recurrence from the time it was introduced in 1982 (OR = 1.24 95% CI = 0.46, 5.11), inconsistent with prior knowledge from clinical trials. For the introduction of trastuzumab in 2007, the estimate was also consistent with trial evidence, though imprecise (OR = 0.51; 95% CI = 0.21, 22.4).

Conclusions:

We demonstrated how novel pharmacoepidemiologic analytic designs can be used to evaluate the routine clinical care and effectiveness of therapeutic advancements in a population-based setting while considering some limitations of the approach.
Agreement with “The ethical guidelines on the provision and practice of advanced reproductive technology and intrauterine insemination 2023” by the Philippine Society of Reproductive Medicine using online Delphi technique
Authors: Aguilar Angela S. , Novero Virgilio J. , Ong-Jao Ednalyn T. , Utulo Marijay , Cortes-Gaspar Tawny A.P. , Enriquez-Gamboa Michelle , Carreon Genalyn , Cheong Amanda , Castillo-Carandang Nina T.
Published: August 2024

The ethical guidelines of the National Society of Certified Fertility Specialists, the Philippine Society for Reproductive Medicine, were reviewed 5 years after its publication to determine if there was a change in the views of the current members. The 2016 guideline document was converted into 75 Delphi statements, and the level of agreement with each statement was determined after 3 rounds. One hundred twenty-six members of the national society were invited to participate. Voting was conducted using an online Google form or using a self-administered printed questionnaire. The level of agreement with each statement was measured using a 5-point Likert scale. A panel discussion of speakers in theology, law, and medical ethics, as well as stakeholders represented by an infertility patient and from the LGBTQ community, was held before the last Delphi round. The response rate for the first Delphi round was 94%, and the second and third rounds were at 98%. A consensus was achieved in 66 of the 75 Delphi statements. Statements on preimplantation genetic testing, posthumous reproduction, cryopreservation, and third-party reproduction failed to achieve consensus.
Accuracy and Completeness of Large Language Models About Antibody–Drug Conjugates and Associated Ocular Adverse Effects
Authors: Marshall Rayna , Xu Hannah , Dalvin Lauren A. , Mishra Kapil , Edalat Camellia , Kirupaharan Nila , Francis Jasmine H. , Berkenstock Meghan
Published: August 2024

Purpose:

The purpose of this study was to assess the accuracy and completeness of 3 large language models (LLMs) to generate information about antibody–drug conjugate (ADC)-associated ocular toxicities.

Methods:

There were 22 questions about ADCs, tisotumab vedotin, and mirvetuximab soravtansine that were developed and input into ChatGPT 4.0, Bard, and LLaMa. Answers were rated by 4 ocular toxicity experts using standardized 6-point Likert scales on accuracy and completeness. ANOVA tests were conducted for comparison between the 3 subgroups, followed by pairwiset-tests. Interrater variability was assessed with Fleiss kappa tests.

Results:

The mean accuracy score was 4.62 (SD 0.89) for ChatGPT, 4.77 (SD 0.90) for Bard, and 4.41 (SD 1.09) for LLaMA. Both ChatGPT (P= 0.03) and Bard (P= 0.003) scored significantly better for accuracy when compared with LLaMA. The mean completeness score was 4.43 (SD 0.91) for ChatGPT, 4.57 (SD 0.93) for Bard, and 4.42 (SD 0.99) for LLaMA. There were no significant differences in completeness scores between groups. Fleiss kappa assessment for interrater variability was good (0.74) for accuracy and fair (0.31) for completeness.

Conclusions:

All 3 LLMs had relatively high accuracy and completeness ratings, showing LLMs are able to provide sufficient answers for niche topics of ophthalmology. Our results indicate that ChatGPT and Bard may be slightly better at providing more accurate answers than LLaMA. As further research and treatment plans are developed for ADC-associated ocular toxicities, these LLMs should be reassessed to see if they provide complete and accurate answers that remain in line with current medical knowledge.