bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Risk of Congenital Anomalies Associated with Psychotropic Medications: A Review of Neonatal Reports in the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS)
Authors: Zheng Jingping , Ma Lin , Liang Yankun , Zhang Zhenpo , Wu Qimin , Din Chufeng , Wang Yuting , Lyu Jun , Su Ling
Published: May 2024

Purpose
The objective of this article is to explore commonly prescribed psychotropic medications, such as atypical antipsychotics (AAs), selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), regarding their potential association with congenital anomalies in newborns. This analysis will be based on data obtained from the Food and Drug Administration Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS).
Methods
Spontaneously reported cases involving congenital anomalies in newborns (under 28 days old) were extracted and reviewed from the FAERS database covering the period from January 2004 to June 2023. We employed four methods (ROR, PRR, BCPMM, MGPS) to identify signals associated with neonatal deformities caused by specific drugs in newborns.
Results
The FAERS database encompassed 21,605 reported cases involving newborns, of which 6,208 reported congenital abnormalities. Among these cases, 6,164 (99.29%) explicitly attributed the adverse event to the drug. Following calculations utilizing four signal detection methods, the top ten psychiatric drugs associated with congenital abnormalities in newborns were Venlafaxine, Quetiapine, Olanzapine, Sertraline, Citalopram, Mirtazapine, Duloxetine, Paroxetine, Aripiprazole, and Fluoxetine. These drugs demonstrated heightened signal frequencies concerning heart disease, neurological disorders, respiratory-chest-mediastinal conditions, and musculoskeletal-connective tissue disorders.
Conclusions
The use of psychotropic medications during pregnancy has been observed to correlate with the potential risk of specific congenital abnormalities. Pregnant women with psychiatric disorders are advised to use psychotropic drugs with caution. Healthcare professionals should actively understand the potential risks of specific psychotropic medications in causing particular congenital abnormalities, enabling them to provide informed counseling and explore more suitable treatment options for patients.
Rhino-cerebral mucormycosis misdiagnosed as neuropsychiatric lupus in a 17-year-old diabetic ketoacidosis patient: a case report.
Authors: Hamdan Hasan , Muhammad Tareq , Hamdan Zulfiqar , Almasri Imad , Alsabbagh Areej , Mohamad Maher
Published: May 2024

Introduction: Two life-threatening fungal infections, zygomycosis and Aspergillosis, frequently occur in immunocompromised individuals. Because of the arterial vessel invasion, early and rapid diagnosis is crucial.
Case presentation: A 17-year-old female with a history of photosensitivity presented to the emergency department with loss of consciousness due to diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). Initial management included intravenous fluids, insulin, and electrolyte correction; further workup revealed juvenile systemic lupus erythematosus (JSLE) based on physical examination and laboratory tests. The patient initially improved with treatment for DKA and restored consciousness, but later developed right eye ptosis, vision problems, and facial numbness; with suspicion of cavernous sinus thrombosis. Due to limited diagnostic resources, a CT scan of the brain was performed which showed only mucosal thickening of the maxillary and ethmoid sinuses. Biopsy from a newly developed lesion on the palate confirmed a rare fungal infection (Aspergillus and Mucormycosis). Despite reduced-dose antifungal therapy due to kidney complications, the patient’s condition deteriorated and she passed away before surgical intervention.
Conclusion: Early clinical recognition, prompt diagnosis of mucormycosis, and appropriate intervention are essential to avert the tragic outcome of this fatal disease
Dual Healthcare System Users and Risk of Opioid Use Disorder: A Deep Learning analysis
Authors: Yin Ying , Workman Elizabeth , Ma Phillip , Cheng Yan , Shao Yijun , Goulet Joseph L. , Sandbrink Friedhelm , Brandt Cynthia , Spevak Christopher , Kean Jacob T. , Becker William , Libin Alexander , Shara Nawar , Sheriff Helen M , Butler Jorie , Agrawal Rajeev M , Kupersmith Joel , Zeng-Trietler Qing
Published: May 2024

The opioid crisis has disproportionately affected U.S. veterans, leading the Veterans Health Administration to implement opioid prescribing guidelines. Veterans who receive care from both VA and non-VA providers—known as dual-system users — have an increased risk of Opioid Use Disorder (OUD). The interaction between dual-system use and demographic and clinical factors, however, has not been previously explored. We conducted a retrospective study of 856,299 patient instances from the Washington DC and Baltimore VA Medical Centers (2012–2019), using a deep neural network (DNN) and explainable Artificial Intelligence to examine the impact of dual-system use on OUD and how demographic and clinical factors interact with it. Of the cohort, 146,688(17%) had OUD, determined through Natural Language Processing of clinical notes and ICD-9/10 diagnoses. The DNN model, with a 78% area under the curve, confirmed that dual-system use is a risk factor for OUD, along with prior opioid use or other substance use. Interestingly, a history of other drug use interacted negatively with dual-system use regarding OUD risk. In contrast, older age was associated with a lower risk of OUD but interacted positively with dual-system use. These findings suggest that within the dual-system users, patients with certain risk profiles warrant special attention.
MRI and HR-MAS NMR spectroscopies to correlate structural characteristics and the metabolome of Fiano and Pallagrello grapes with the action of field spray preparation 500 and the soil spatial microvariability
Authors: Mazzei Pierluigi , Sica Andrea , Migliaro Claudio , Altieri Gessica , Funicello Nicola , Pasquale Salvatore , Piccolo Alessandro , Celano Giuseppe
Published: May 2024

BACKGROUND
A number of Italian grape berry varieties, such as Fiano (F) and Pallagrello nero (P), represent National strategic products. Therefore, it is important to identify soil conditions emphasizing their peculiar characteristics as well as find innovative and sustainable treatments improving their compositional and nutraceutical quality. The field spray preparation 500 is a biodynamic product that is presumed to serve as biostimulant on the vine. However, so far, the scientific results probing its effectiveness are still lacking. Moreover, it is necessary to establish a reliable relationship between the grape quality and the spatial microvariability of the vineyard’s soil. On this basis, the main objective of this work consisted in correlating structural and morphological characteristics (via MRI), the primary metabolome (via semi-solid state HRMAS NMR) and important nutraceutical parameters (total phenols and antioxidants via DPPH assay) of F and P grapes with both the action of preparation 500 biostimulant and the vineyard soil microvariability, based on soil apparent electrical conductivity.
RESULTS
HRMAS enabled the identification of the primary metabolome of F and P. The elaboration of 1H NMR spectra through chemometrics revealed significant changes in F and P grapes, accounting for both soil microvariability and the application of field spray (the latter also confirmed by PLS-DA and Heat-map clustering). Interestingly, for both F and P it was observed a significantly lower content of carbohydrates after biostimulant treatment while MRI revealed structural characteristics and internal details of intact grapes. The combined use of proton parametric indices, such as relaxation times and diffusion coefficients, indicated alterations induced in grapes by both the spatial microvariability of the soil and the effects of investigated biostimulant. Interestingly, a tight correlation was found between MRI transverse relaxation time and the contents in total phenols and antioxidants.
CONCLUSIONS
Our results have proven that both soil spatial microvariability and the application of field spray preparation 500 significantly affect the structural, metabolomic and nutraceutical characteristics of grapes. Moreover, the Preparation 500 treatment has increased the nutraceutical value of grapes. Importantly, these data may be potentially used to promote and protect biodynamic grape and predict the quality of the resulting wines.
Which recumbency does avoid insertional complications during small-bore wire-guided thoracostomy tube placement in cats - a cadaver study
Authors: Siegelmayer Desiree , Schnabl-Feichter Eva , Tichy Alexander , Gradner Gabriele , Degasperi Brigitte , Liehmann Lea
Published: May 2024

Background: Small-bore wire-guided thoracostomy tubes (SBWGTT) are commonly used in cats to manage pleural disease and generally have a low complication rate. Our study aimed to explore the correlation between recumbency of cats, placement method, and the occurrence of insertional complications to identify risk factors during SBWGTT placement.
In this experimental cadaveric study, SBWGTT placement using a modified Seldinger technique was conducted in 24 feline cadavers. Cats, euthanized for reasons unrelated to the study, were randomly assigned to pleural effusion (EFF; n=12) and pneumothorax (PNEU; n=12) groups. Each cadaver was intubated and ventilated with a positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) of 10 mmHg, and sterile saline or air was instilled into the thorax over a 5 mm thoracoscopic trocar in the fourth intercostal space (ICS). Instillation was stopped when the lateral thoracic wall to lung distance (TWLD) reached 10 to 12 mm, measured with ultrasound in the favorable position. Sternal recumbency was the favorable position for the EFF group, and lateral recumbency for the PNEU group. Following the placement of the first SBWGTT in each group, the cadavers were positioned unfavorably (lateral recumbency for EFF group, sternal recumbency for PNEU group), and a second drain was introduced contralaterally. A bilateral 8th ICS thoracotomy was then performed to visually assess intrathoracic structures and drain integrity.
A binary logistic regression mixed model was conducted to determine interaction between the induced condition and body position.
Results: A total of 48 SBWGTTs were placed, with complications observed in 33.3 % (8/24) of cases. Five of these were major complications consisting of lung lacerations. Complications were more common in the unfavorable position, accounting for 75 % of cases, although this result was not statistically significant. The odds of complication rates were > 70 % in the unfavorable position and decreased with an increase in TWLD (< 30 %).
Conclusion: Complications associated with SBWGTT placement are influenced by recumbency, although the data did not reach statistical significance. Placing cats in lateral recumbency for pneumothorax treatment and sternal recumbency for pleural effusion treatment may reduce insertional complications.
(Is there a place for) antenatal corticosteroid treatment after 34 weeks of gestation in twin pregnancies when late preterm delivery is inevitable
Authors: Dereli Murat Levent , Yücel Kadriye Yakut , Topkara Serap , Özkan Sadullah , Sucu Sadun , Kurt Dilara , Fıratlıgil Fahri Burçin , Kurt Ahmet , Kavurt Ayşen Sumru , Çelen Şevki , Üstün Yaprak Engin
Published: May 2024

Background
Twins are associated with an increased risk of premature birth, a major cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality. Antenatal corticosteroid treatment (ACT) is the main intervention to improve neonatal outcomes in unavoidable preterm births. Our aim was to investigate the association between neonatal outcome and ACT in twin pregnancies with late preterm birth, where the effects of corticosteroids have not been adequately studied.
Methods
Women with dichorionic-diamniotic twins who had a late preterm birth between 2017 and 2021 at a large referral hospital providing tertiary care and medical training were retrospectively analyzed. Women who met the inclusion criteria were divided into three groups: No ACT (n = 209), ACT < 34 weeks' gestation (n = 76) and ACT ≥ 34 weeks' gestation (n = 67). The groups were compared with regard to adverse neonatal complications. Primary outcome measures were composite respiratory and composite neonatal outcomes. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine additional potential predictors of neonatal outcome.
Results
Composite respiratory and composite neonatal outcomes which did not differ significantly between groups. Gestational age at birth, birthweight and ACT before 34 weeks' gestation were independent protective factors for composite respiratory outcome, composite neonatal outcome and admission to the neonatal intensive care unit. Female gender was an independent protective factor for both composite respiratory outcome and neonatal intensive care unit admission, while gestational age at birth and birthweight were independent protective factors for hypoglycemia.
Conclusion
ACT at or after 34 weeks' gestation did not improve neonatal outcomes in dichorionic-diamniotic twins born late preterm and was associated with a higher rate of neonatal hypoglycemia than those not treated with corticosteroids.
Hypofractionated Radiotherapy for Merkel Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Gonzalez Lorein , Rubens Muni , Yarlagadda Sreenija , Rabinowits Guilherme , Kalman Noah S.
Published: May 2024

Purpose/Objective(s): Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) radiation treatment has historically involved standard 1.8-2 Gy fractions treated daily over 4-6 weeks. Hypofractionated treatment regimens have demonstrated tumor control and toxicity equivalence to standard fractionation regimens for common cutaneous malignancies such as basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas. Herein we report the outcomes of hypofractionated versus standard fractionation radiotherapy for MCC at our institution.
Materials/Methods: The study involved a retrospective review of 29 treatment courses for MCC. Treatment characteristics and patient outcomes were analyzed. Subsequent patient outcomes, including acute toxicities, as well as recurrence and survival results, were collected. The cumulative incidence of local and distant failures was estimated, with death as a competing risk.
Results: A total of 24 patients were included, of which 13 received standard fractionation with curative intent, 10 received hypofractionated radiotherapy with curative intent, and 6 received single fraction (8 Gy) palliative radiation. Half the patients were treated to a head/neck site. A subset of patients treated adjuvantly with curative intent included 8 standard fractionation and 8 hypofractionated radiotherapy patients. No statistically significant differences in local and/or distant failure or overall survival was observed between the patient groups.
Conclusion: Hypofractionated radiotherapy for MCC was associated with similar treatment outcomes relative to standard fractionation. In our limited patient sample, hypofractionated radiation treatment achieved similar results with similar toxicity and fewer treatments. Further analysis of a larger patient population with longer follow up is needed to confirm treatment tolerability and efficacy.
Fine-mapping and validation of Gpc-5B as the locus responsible for increases in the grain protein content, grain size, and spike density in common wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)
Authors: Li Qingcheng , Li Yang , Zhu Jing , Guo Zhenru , Chen Shenglong , Tan Min , Fan Yazhen , Li Rui , Gao Ting , Kong Li , Chen Zhongxu , Jiang Yunfeng , Chen Guoyue , Jiang Qiantao , Zhang Yazhou , Xu Qiang , Wei Yuming , Ma Jian , Zheng Youliang , Chen Qing , (Qi) 鹏飞 (Peng-Fei) 祁
Published: May 2024

Grain protein content (GPC), grain size, and spike morphology are important traits for common wheat (Triticum aestivum) breeding. However, few genes positively regulating these three traits have been reported. In this study, the gene responsible for increases in GPC, grain size, and spike density in the mutant S-Cp2 were mapped and cloned. This mutant was obtained by treating the common wheat cultivar ‘Shumai482’ with ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS). According to a genetic analysis, the increases in GPC and grain size and the formation of compact spikes in S-Cp2 were controlled by a single dominant locus (Gpc-5B) on chromosome 5BL. This locus was mapped to an 87.24 kb interval between markers KASP-58070 and KASP-58158, wherein 5Bq (homologous to Q on chromosome 5AL) was detected. One missense mutation (G-to-A) was detected within the microRNA172-binding site of 5Bq in S-Cp2 (i.e., 5BQ4 allele), suggesting that 5Bq is responsible for the mutant phenotype. This was confirmed by cloning 5Bq in revertants obtained by treating S-Cp2 with EMS. As expected, 5BQ4 in S-Cp2 was significantly more highly transcribed than 5Bq in ‘Shumai482’. Notably, 5Bq was positively selected during breeding. The study findings reflect the value of 5Bq for breeding novel wheat varieties.
Trends and Outcomes of Heart Failure Hospitalizations during COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Rubens Muni , Ramamoorthy Venkataraghavan , Saxena Anshul , Khosla Atulya Aman , Doke Mayur , McGranaghan Peter , Appunni Sandeep , Zhang Yanjia , Körfer Daniel , Chaparro Sandra , Jimenez Javier
Published: May 2024

Background
COVID-19 has affected many hospitalizations. In this study, we intended to understand the effects of COVID-19 pandemic on heart failure hospitalizations in the state of California.
Method
This study was a retrospective analysis of California State Inpatient Database during March to December of 2019 and 2020. Adult hospitalizations with heart failure were included for the analysis. Main outcome variables were in-hospital mortality, mechanical ventilation, mechanical circulatory support, vasopressor use, and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).
Results
There were 450,771 (53.7%) heart failure hospitalizations during March to December of 2019, compared to 388,795 (46.3%) during March to December of 2020 (relative decrease, 13.7%). Heart failure hospitalization rates were lower during 2020, compared to 2019. Comparison of adverse hospital outcomes across the two-time frames showed that in-hospital mortality (2.9% versus 2.7%, P = 0.003), mechanical circulatory support (0.7% versus 0.5%. P < 0.001), vasopressor use (1.3% versus 1.0%, P < 0.001), and ARDS (0.1% versus 0.06%, P = 0.007) were significantly higher among hospitalizations in 2020. Regression analysis showed that the odds of in-hospital mortality (OR, 1.09; 95% CI, 1.06–1.11), mechanical ventilation (OR, 1.07; 95% CI, 1.05–1.09), vasopressor use (OR, 1.07; 95% CI, 1.04–1.10), and ARDS (OR, 1.74; 95% CI, 1.58–1.91) were significantly higher among heart failure hospitalizations in 2020.
Conclusions
Our study found that patients with heart failure hospitalized during the COVID-19 pandemic had greater in-hospital adverse events such as greater in-hospital mortality, mechanical ventilation use, vasopressor use, and ARDS. These findings warrant that heart failure required prompt hospitalization and treatment irrespective of restrictive mandates during COVID-19 pandemic.
Endoscopic indicators in patients with familial adenomatous polyposis undergoing duodenal resections – a nationwide Danish cohort study with long-term follow-up
Authors: Karstensen John Gásdal , Wewer Mads , Bülow Steffen , Hansen Thmas Van Overreem , Højen Helle , Jelsig Anne Marie , Kuhlmann Tine Plato , Burisch Johan , Pommergaard Hans Christian
Published: May 2024

Background
Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) predisposes individuals to duodenal adenomas. This study describes the histopathological features of endoscopic and surgical specimens from the duodenum, as well as genotype-phenotype associations.
Methods
All known FAP patients were included from the Danish Polyposis Register. FAP patients were defined as having more than 100 cumulative colorectal adenomas and/or having a known germline pathogenic variant in the APC gene. Endoscopic procedures, histopathology, and genetics were evaluated.
Results
Of 500 FAP patients, 70.6% underwent esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) at least once. Of these, 59.2% presented with detectable duodenal adenomas. The most severe morphology was tubular in 62.7% patients, tubulovillous in 25.4%, and villous in 12.0%, while the most severe dysplasia was low-grade in 67.5% patients, high-grade in 25.4%, and 6.7% had adenocarcinoma. Seventeen of 500 patients (3.4%) developed duodenal adenocarcinoma, of which 47% were advanced at diagnosis. In 6.2% of FAP patients, duodenal resection was recommended, including 29% with duodenal adenocarcinoma. The risk of duodenal surgery was 1.31 per 1,000 person-years (median age: 53 years). The predominant reason for surgery was extensive polyposis (67.7%). Of the patients who underwent duodenal resection, a median of six (IQR: 4–8) EGDs were performed within five years prior to surgery, but 67.6% and 83.9% never underwent a duodenal polypectomy or endoscopic mucosa resection, respectively. Genetic evaluations revealed various pathogenic variants in the APC gene, with no strong genotype-phenotype association.
Conclusions
The prevalence of duodenal adenomas and cancer in FAP warrants vigilant endoscopic surveillance. Nevertheless, the need for duodenal surgery persists. Future studies should evaluate whether invasive endoscopy can reduce the need for duodenal resections.
“I was scared of the operation:” Qualitative study exploring the perceptions and experiences of women referred following obstetric complications in a Regional Referral Hospital in Eastern Uganda
Authors: Keem Richard , Nabirye Rose Chalo , Mukunya David , Wandabwa Julius N , Powers Madeline , Epuitai Joshua
Published: May 2024

Introduction
Women who are referred following emergency obstetric complications tend to experience several challenges while accessing obstetric care. This study was conducted to explore the perceptions and experiences of women who were referred following emergency obstetric complications in Eastern Uganda.
Methods and materials
We conducted 17 in-depth interviews with postpartum mothers who were referred to Mbale Regional Referral Hospital (MRRH). We explored the experiences and perceptions of women regarding the referral system, including their response to being referred, what they liked and disliked about being referred, and the challenges that they faced during referral. The study received ethical clearance and used thematic data analysis.
Results
We derived five themes from the data: 1) the facilitators of referral, 2) the challenges of reaching the referral site, 3) the quality of care in the referring facilities, 4) good quality of care in the referral facility, and 5) response to referral and appraisal of the referral system. An early decision to refer, informing the receiving facilities of the incoming referrals, and accompanying the woman to the referral site facilitated the referral of women. Women faced difficulty reaching the referral site because of financial constraints, poor roads, long distances, multiple referrals, and the use of inappropriate means of transport. Women experienced poor quality of care in the form of abuse and disrespectful maternity care, shortage of medicines and supplies, and unavailability of essential services in the referring facilities. Care in the receiving facility was perceived to be of good quality related to warm reception, immediate care on arrival, availability of services, and respectful and responsive healthcare providers. Response to being referred varied from being fearful, and anxious to reluctance and willingness to comply with referral advice. Overall, women positively appraised the referral system.
Conclusions
Women experienced challenges with referral systems related to inadequate staffing, poor quality of care, shortage of medicines and services, and difficulty reaching the referral site. Experiences and perceptions shaped how women responded to and appraised the referral system. Strengthening the quality of care in the referring facilities is critical in reducing unnecessary referrals and promoting positive birth outcomes.
Evaluation of the hinotori TM Surgical Robot System for accurate suturing in small cavities
Authors: Kameoka Yasuyuki , Okata Yuichi , Yoshimura Shohei , Inuzuka Shino , Iwabuchi Serena , Miyauchi Harunori , Nakatani Taichi , Tomioka Yuichiro , Takanarita Yuki , Bitoh Yuko
Published: May 2024

The hinotori™ Surgical Robot System (hinotori™, Medicaroid, Kobe, Japan) is increasingly being utilized primarily in urology and adult surgery; however, data on its application in pediatric surgery are lacking. This preclinical study aimed to evaluate the limitations of this system for accurate suturing in small cavities, designed for pediatric and neonatal applications. Two trained operators performed simple ligature sutures (easy task [ET]) and hepaticojejunostomy sutures (difficult task [DT]) within five differently sized boxes, ranging from 5123 mL to 125 mL. The suture time, number of internal and external instrument/instrument collisions, instrument/box collisions, and suture accuracy were evaluated. The suture accuracy was assessed using the A-Lap Mini endoscopic surgery skill assessment system. As a result, an increase in the number of collisions and extended suturing times were observed in boxes with volumes smaller than 215 mL. Despite these variations, there were no significant differences between the boxes, and all tasks were precisely performed in all boxes (p = 0.10 for the ET and 1.00 for the DT). These findings demonstrate the capability of the hinotori™ system to perform precise suturing techniques within tightly confined simulated neonatal cavities as small as 125 mL. To advance the integration of pediatric robotic surgery utilizing the hinotori™ system, additional trials comparing it with conventional laparoscopic and thoracoscopic techniques using pediatric and animal models are necessary, to assess its clinical safety and applicability.
Influence of salt precipitation on reservoir quality Case of Upper Triassic formation - Toual field (SE Algeria)
Authors: Mazouz El Hadi , Brahim El Hadj Youcef , Kouider Kamel , Belhouchet Houssem Eddine , Benzagouta Mohammed Said
Published: May 2024

Toual field is located in the Triassic Province belonging to the Southeastern Saharan platform of Algeria. TAGS reservoir is the French abbreviation of the Upper Triassic Shaley Sandstone Formation. In Toual field, the lower part of TAGS reservoir is deposited in a fluvial environment, while, its upper part is typical of a shallow marine sabkha environment. TAGS is surmounted by a thin clayey Liassic Formation (about 30 m) and a very thick salty Liassic formation (above than 300 m). To predict the effect of halite on TAGS sandstones porosity and permeability we combined some conventional well log measurements (GR, DT, RHOB) in multi-dimensional cross-plots. We also took advantage of recorded unconventional well logs (Pulsed neutron decay time logs and Pressure test logs) and core lab measurements (PHIcore, Kcore and RHOcore). The analysis of the above logs and core data indicates that petrophysical properties of the upper part of TAGS reservoir are considerably affected by halite presence in sandstone as cement filling pores. The presence of similar deposits has been found harmful regarding the reservoir quality. Thus, one of our main targets in that investigation is to find out about the main source of the halite type responsible in the control of reservoir petrophysical characteristics in the TAGS reservoir. Finally we proposed possible sources of halite that exist in the investigated sandstones.
Increased matrix stiffness in pituitary neuroendocrine tumors invading the cavernous sinus is activated by CAFs through the mTOR pathway
Authors: Xie Tao , Gao Yang , Hu Jiamin , Luo Rongkui , Guo Yinglong , Xie Qiang , Yan Chaolong , Tang Yifan , Chen Pin , Yang Zijiang , Yu Qinqin , Hu Fan , Zhang Xiaobiao
Published: May 2024

Purpose
Pituitary neuroendocrine tumors (PitNETs) with invasion of the cavernous sinus (CS) are particularly challenging to treat. Cancer associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are recognized for their pivotal role in reprogramming extracellular matrix (ECM). Herein, we aimed to explore the potential involvement of CAFs in ECM reprogramming and elucidate the underlying mechanism involved.
Methods
We applied dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) to measure tumor vessel permeability and applied atomic force microscopy (AFM) to measure the matrix stiffness of PitNETs located in both CS and saddle area (SDL). Western blotting, immunofluorescence, immunohistochemistry, and quantitative RT-PCR were utilized to analyze the ECM components. Proteomic biochemical analysis was utilized to uncover potential mechanisms governing ECM dynamics.
Results
We found that PitNETs in the CS were stiffer than those in the SDL. Increased ECM stiffness within the CS facilitated the acquisition of stem-like properties, enhanced proliferation, and induced epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Furthermore, the expression levels of lysyl oxidase (LOX), matrix metallopeptidase 2 (MMP2) and MMP9 in pituitary adenoma cells increased in the stiffer matrix. Proteomic analysis suggested a potential role for CAFs in ECM reprogramming, which was validated in tumor tissues and primary CAFs from pituitary adenomas in both the CS and SDL. Importantly, the stiffer ECM environment promoted the progression of PitNETs via the mTOR pathway.
Conclusion
These findings demonstrated the significant contribution of activated CAFs to the stiffening of matrix. Therefore, targeting the mTOR pathway to alter mechanical properties emerges as a promising approach to enhance treatment efficacy.
Osteoarthritis and autoimmune thyroid disease: A Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Zhao Zhihui , Zhao Yingjian , Wang Yongqing , Xue Hongbo , Du Junji , Cui Hongbin
Published: May 2024

Objective:
Previous epidemiological observational researches have suggested a potential connection between autoimmune thyroid disease (AITD) and osteoarthritis (OA); however, the results are inconclusive. It remains unclear whether the association between AITD and OA is causal. This Mendelian randomization (MR) study was conducted to specifically explore whether there is a genetic causal link between OA and AITD disease.
Methods:
Derived from a comprehensive genome-wide association study involving individuals of European descent, our study carefully chose specific single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) as instrumental variables for two distinct forms of KOA and HOA. We evaluated two types of AITD: autoimmune hypothyroidism and autoimmune hyperthyroidism. MR Egger, Weighted median, Simple mode, Weighted mode and Inverse Variance Weighting (IVW) were used in our study to estimate whether there was a genetic level of causality between AITD and OA, and the IVW method prevailed in the assessment. Additionally, we conducted tests for heterogeneity and sensitivity to ensure the robustness of our findings.
Results:
IVW analysis revealed a significant impact of autoimmune hyperthyroidism on the incidence of KOA. (OR: 1.0512; 95% CI: 1.0197–1.0836, P = 0.001285396). Other results had a P-value > 0.05, showing all negative.
Conclusions
Our findings indicated a genetic causal association between autoimmune hyperthyroidism and the risk of KOA, despite observational studies reporting an association between autoimmune hypothyroidism and OA and provided new insight into the treatment strategies for OA and AITD.
Promoting On-Farm Tree and Shrub Management: Strategies for Biodiversity and Sustainable Agriculture
Authors: Tiruneh Zeleke Asaye , Jilo Bonsa Fentale , Komicha Desta Negeyo , Fida Gemeda Terfassa
Published: May 2024

The study was conducted in four districts of East Shewa Zone of Ethiopia to assess woody species diversity in different land use types. A total of 54 croplands, 72 homegardens, 36 grasslands, 36 shrubland and 12 wetlands were inventoried in 18 Kebeles. The results showed that the highest species richness was found in homegarden (26), followed by cropland (18), forest cover (14), shrub cover (13), grazing land (13), and wetland (5) species. The Shannon diversity index (H') ranged from 1.02 to 2.25, with the highest value in cropland (2.25) and the lowest value in wetland (1.02). The evenness index (J') ranged from 0.63 to 0.82, with the highest value in cropland (0.82) and the lowest value in wetland (0.63). The study concluded that different land use types have different woody species diversity and carbon storage potential. Forest cover has the highest woody species diversity and carbon storage potential, followed by homegarden, shrub cover, wetland, grazing land, and cropland. The study findings suggest that there is a significant opportunity to enhance carbon sequestration in the East Shoa Zones of Ethiopia by planting and managing woody species. This could be done through a variety of programs and initiatives, such as agroforestry, community forestry, and watershed management.
Investigating the rheological behavior of Poloxamer-chitosan thermogel for in situ drug delivery of doxorubicin in breast cancer treatment: designed by response surface method (RSM)
Authors: Mehrazin Mehdi , Asefnejad Azadeh , Naeimi Farid , Khonakdar Hossein Ali
Published: May 2024

This research investigates rheological behavior of Poloxamer-chitosan thermogel system for the release of doxorubicin, which is a chemotherapy agent. In order to design the experiment, the response surface method (RSM) was used to optimize the formula and investigate the mutual effects of the variables on the rheological properties of the system. In this xperimental design, Poloxamer as a thermogel matrix (15-20%) and chitosan biopolymer as an additive (0.1-0.3%) were used and the pH of the test environment was determined in the range of 2.5-7.5. The results showed that the rheological behavior of Poloxamer-chitosan combination has the best fit according to the Hershal-bulkey model with a correlation coefficient of 100%. Also, adding chitosan to Poloxamer decreased the gelation temperature and gelation time. The results showed that the concentration of Poloxamer and chitosan as well as system temperature have a significant effect on the rheological behavior of thermogel. The optimized formula showed favorable rheological properties including high viscosity and appropriate degradation rate. The study showed the sustained release of the drug in the in-vitro environment of the thermogel system during 144h. Therefore, the design of Poloxamer-chitosan thermogel system has the potential to be used as an in-situ drug delivery system for doxorubicin.
Tomato Leaf Disease Classification Based on Feature Enhancement and SDE-ResNet50
Authors: Wu Jinyi , Dong Jiaxin , Chen Shengwei , Wang Jie , He Xin
Published: May 2024

Plant leaf diseases constitute substantial issues in agriculture. The tomato, being one of the world's most vital crops, incur enormous economic losses for farmers and impair the healthy development of the tomato sector when impacted by illnesses. Therefore, accurate detection and classification of tomato leaf diseases have become crucial. In recent years, more and more academics have begun to use deep learning approaches in the field of plant disease identification and have produced good results. However, these approaches still have limited accuracy in situations with complicated backdrops or multiple interferences and are not lightweight enough, with significant requirements on computational resources. The present study proposes an improved network model for the purpose of recognizing tomato leaf diseases. Based on the original ResNet50 model, a novel network model, SDE-ResNet50, was constructed by adding an Efficient Channel Attention（ECA）module, depth-wise separable convolutions and modifications to the stem structure. The experimental findings indicate that the SDE-ResNet50 attained a classification accuracy of 98% in the identification of tomato leaf diseases, hence outperforming ResNet50 by a margin of 5.6%. Furthermore, the SDE-ResNet50 demonstrates a decrease in size of about 47.73% and a reduction in computational complexity of roughly 70.28% when compared to the ResNet50 model. The SDE-ResNet50 was evaluated against current widely-used classification networks using an identical dataset of tomato leaf diseases, and it exhibited greater performance. The present discovery provides evidence of the efficacy and viability of the proposed enhancement to the model as outlined in this research article.
Psychedelics Use and the Risk of Reduced Formal Mental Health Care
Authors: Viña Sean
Published: May 2024

Background:
Due to increasing cultural and legal acceptance of psychedelics, there is a need to understand their potential influence on formal mental health care. This paper examines the connection between psychedelics, distress, and treatment utilization. Are psychedelic users less likely to use formal mental health care?
Methods
This study tests the relationship between psychedelics use (MDMA, Psilocybin, DMT, Ayahuasca, Peyote/Mescaline, and LSD) on stigma, psychological distress (K6), and formal mental health care use (medication, outpatient, and any use). This project also tests the impact of one measure of classic psychedelics (LCPU) use on distress and care. This project uses pooled data from the National Survey of Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) (2010 to 2018) (N=458,372).
Results
The analysis involved conducting a series of nested logistic regression models in Stata 18. The results provided evidence of an independent association between psychedelics use and a decreased likelihood of using mental health medication, outpatient treatment, and any formal mental health care. Additionally, the interaction terms revealed that as distress levels increase, psychedelics users are even less inclined to seek formal mental health care compared to non-psychedelic users.
Conclusion
Overall, the results suggest psychedelic users are less likely to use formal mental health care, even when they are particularly distress, indicating a heightened societal risk of self-medication as these drugs become more widely available.
Leader Bagging Improves Lateral Branching and Cropping Potential of ‘Gala’ and ‘WA 38’ Apple during Orchard Establishment
Authors: Vogel Annie R. , Phillips Byron , Clavet Christopher D. , Kon Thomas M.
Published: May 2024

Inadequate lateral branch development can lead to decreased apple (Malus ×domestica Borkh.) orchard productivity and profitability in modern high-density orchard systems. Although plant growth regulator applications are used to increase lateral branching on leaders of young apple trees, inconsistent responses have been observed in the southeastern United States. In North Carolina and Washington, three experiments were conducted to identify effective leader management strategies to increase lateral branching. Effects and interactions of leader bagging, 6-benzyladenine (6-BA), and 6-BA + gibberellic acid (GA4+7) on lateral branch development of 1-year-old leaders were evaluated. Across all experiments, leader bagging was an influential factor. When compared with unbagged trees, leader bagging increased lateral branch number (20% to 48%), number of feathers (74% to 125%), average branch length (28% to 34%), and total linear bearing surface (428%) of the treated section of the leader. Blossom cluster density and final fruit set were increased in bagged trees, 65% and 36%, respectively. At the rates and timings tested, 6-BA and 6-BA + GA4+7 were generally ineffective in stimulating lateral branching and interactions among the factors evaluated were not influential. Leader bagging was an effective lateral branch induction strategy, although the mechanism of action is poorly understood. Future research to characterize the bagged environment and/or physiological responses to bagging may aid in the development of future environmentally sustainable technologies to stimulate lateral branching of apple trees.
Perkembangan Istana Budaya Sebagai Sebuah Panggung Negara di Malaysia (1999–2019)
Authors:   Event Management Division, Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Putrajaya, Malaysia, Abdul Rahim Suhaimi , Abdullah Nur Afifah Vanitha ,   Center of Malay Language, Literature and Culture Studies, Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Selangor, Malaysia
Published: May 2024

Since the establishment of Istana Budaya (IB) in 1999 as the national theatre house of Malaysia, its function has changed from a production house to a receiving house. Up to 2019, IB had been administered by six different ministries and led by five different directors. Both these changes have influenced the type of performance and production mode at IB as a world class performing arts centre. In the field of theatre management, this article studies IB under the sub-field of management of a performing arts institution. This article focuses on the reason for a performing arts institution to change its function and how this change has influenced its’ operation as a national theatre. Thus, this article aims to answer the question “How does the changes of ministry and the leadership of IB influence its production mode as the national theatre?”. Data for this study were obtained by employing the historical approach and oral history method. The data were obtained from books, journals, theses, annual reports, meetings’ minutes and policy papers. Furthermore, interviews were conducted with some of the former directors and senior officers of the national theatre. Two major findings that were obtained from this study are the function of the national theatre transformed in accordance with the ministry that led the organisation. Visionary and adept leaders ensured its operation and productivity achieved the national theatre’s vision and mission. For the past two decades, the ministry responsible for the national theatre and its leadership had influenced its operation mode and productivity as the national performing arts institution of Malaysia.
Positioning the Creative City Agenda Within Urban Policy Discourse: The Malaysian Scenario
Authors:   Development Planning and Management Section, School of Social Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia, Khoo Suet Leng
Published: May 2024

As the hype of the creative city model transcends Western borders to Eastern settings, Malaysian cities are fast embracing it as sine qua non urban development strategy. The global creative city model, however, is fraught with conceptual and operational ambiguities when dissecting the notions of “cultural industries” and “creative industries”. The “knowledge economy-based concept of creative industries” is widely critiqued as being void of cultural content. Malaysia is also caught in this conundrum due to national aspirations to be a knowledge and creative economy. The aim of this article is to examine how the Malaysian creative city agenda is positioned within urban policy discourse as the nation’s structural base shifts from industrial to services and the creative economy. Based on qualitative research techniques (i.e. interviews, focus group discussions, fieldwork observations), primary data was collected in selected Malaysian cities from 2019 to 2021. The study indicated that the creative city strategy is still nascent in Malaysia and not systematically integrated and intersected across urban policy domains. This article recommends the need to integrate the elements of culture and creativity more distinctively across all urban policy domains in the quest to develop culturally sensitive and sustainable Malaysian creative cities.
The Marginalised Tamil Indians and Their Lived Experience in Multicultural Malaysia
Authors:   School of Multimedia, Technology and Communication, Universiti Utara Malaysia, Kedah, Malaysia, Maartandan S. , Ahmad Normahfuzah ,   School of Multimedia, Technology and Communication, Universiti Utara Malaysia, Kedah, Malaysia, Pakirnathan Paul GnanaSelvam ,   Academy of Language Studies, Universiti Teknologi MARA (Perak), Seri Iskandar Campus, Perak, Malaysia
Published: May 2024

The study aims to explore the Tamil Indians’ lived experience during the country’s economic progress under Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad’s premiership as the fourth Prime Minister of Malaysia. The period was chosen to reflect on the nation’s economic success since independence. The study adopts the Acculturation Model to analyse the living conditions of minority groups, particularly in the multiracial context of Malaysia. Using in-depth interviews with 23 informants, ranging from political leaders, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), academics, media organisations and youths, qualitative data was collected. Data for the study were analysed using the NVIVO 12 software and a thematic analysis approach was adopted for analysis. Two broad themes derived from the findings of this study are the responses to marginalisation issues and aspirations of Malaysian Tamil Indians. Findings from this study highlight the existence of the acculturation model, which Malaysian Tamil Indians encounter as one of the minority groups in Malaysia. The study suggests a need for improvement to the system to avoid institutional failure within multicultural Malaysia in the long term.
Immobilized p-Sulfonic Acid Calix[4]Arene on Silica for Glycerol Acetalization: Influence of Preparation Method on Catalyst Microstructure and Catalytic Properties
Authors: Zacchi Carlos Henrique , Vieira Sara , Ardisson José , de Fátima Ângelo , Araujo Maria Helena
Published: May 2024

In this investigation, we synthesized magnetic nanoparticles coated with silica and functionalized with p-sulfonic acid calix[4]arene (CX4), to be used as heterogeneous acid catalysts for acetal synthesis. We evaluated the catalytic efficiency of these nanoparticles for acetal synthesis using various aldehydes and glycerol under microwave irradiation at atmospheric pressure, with and without solvents. Two distinct synthesis methods, Pechini (Fe/pch/Si/CX4) and precipitation (Fe/ppt/Si/CX4), resulted in variations in the physical and chemical properties of the solids produced. Structural characterization involved thermogravimetry analysis (TG), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Mössbauer spectroscopy, vibrating sample magnetometry, scanning and transmission electron microscopy (SEM and TEM), infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and titration for acidic site quantification. Fe/ppt/Si/CX4 exhibited goethite phases, while Fe/pch/Si/CX4 showed a substantial proportion of maghemite. Both catalysts demonstrated significant activity in acetal synthesis, achieving approximately 80% conversion without solvents. Notably, Fe/ppt/Si/CX4 exhibited higher activity likely due to its structural properties and crystalline phases of the synthesized iron oxide, suggesting a composition difference from the Pechini method.
Periodic perturbations of oscillators on the plane
Authors:   St. Petersburg State University, Bibikov Yuri N. , Vasil’eva Ekaterina V. ,   St. Petersburg State University
Published: May 2024

A review of the results of research carried out in the current century at the Department of Differential Equations of St. Petersburg State University is presented. We study the problem of stability of the zero solution of a second-order equation describing periodic perturbations of an oscillator with a nonlinear restoring force under reversible and conservative perturbations. Such perturbations are related to transcendental perturbations, in which, in order to solve the problem of stability, it is necessary to take into account all the terms of the expansion of the right side of the equation into a series. The problem of stability under transcendental perturbations was posed in 1893 by A. M. Lyapunov. The results presented in this article on the stability of the oscillator were carried out using the KAM-theory methods: perturbations of the oscillator with infinitely small and infinitely large oscillation frequencies are considered; conditions for the presence of quasi-periodic solutions in any neighborhood of the time axis are given, from which follows the stability (not asymptotic) of the zero solution of the perturbed equation; stability conditions are given for the zero solution of a Hamiltonian system with two degrees of freedom, the unperturbed part of which is described by a pair of oscillators (in this case, conservative perturbations are considered).