bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Potential Long-Term Benefit of Home Systolic Blood Pressure Below 125 mm Hg for Cardiovascular Risk Reduction: The J-HOP Study Extended
Authors: Kario Kazuomi , Okawara Yukie , Kanegae Hiroshi , Hoshide Satoshi
Published: December 2023

BACKGROUND:

The long-term benefit of achieving the Japanese Society of Hypertension home systolic blood pressure (SBP) target of <125 mm Hg has not been fully evaluated. This study investigated the long-term risk of cardiovascular disease events in individuals with home SBP <125 versus 125 to <135 or ≥135 mm Hg who participated in the J-HOP study (Japan Morning Surge-Home Blood Pressure).

METHODS:

The J-HOP study enrolled outpatients with ≥1 cardiovascular risk factor between 2005 and 2012, with follow-up until March 2015 and extended follow-up from December 2017 to May 2018. Cardiovascular disease events (stroke, coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, and aortic dissection) were compared between home SBP subgroups.

RESULTS:

During mean 5.9 years of follow-up in 4231 participants (mean age, 65 years), cardiovascular events included stroke (n=89), coronary artery disease (n=116), congestive heart failure (n=37), and aortic dissection (n=8). The adjusted 10-year risk of total cardiovascular disease was slightly higher, and stroke risk was significantly higher when baseline home SBP was ≥135 versus <125 mm Hg (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.39 [95% CI, 0.97–2.00] for overall cardiovascular disease and 2.68 [95% CI, 1.34–5.38] for stroke; this was largely due to between-group differences in the first 5 years of follow-up, which were maintained over the subsequent 5 years). Findings were similar in the subgroup of high-risk patients (those with diabetes or stroke history).

CONCLUSIONS:

These data highlight the potential long-term benefit of strict home SBP control and validate this as an appropriate Japanese Society of Hypertension guideline target although confirmation in larger populations is needed.

REGISTRATION:

URL: XXX; University Hospital Medical Information Network Clinical Trials Registry; Unique identifier: UMIN000000894 (Japan Morning Surge-Home Blood Pressure study).
Lectotypification of Panicum assamicum, the basionym of Hymenachne assamica (Poaceae)
Authors: DAS KANGKAN KUMAR , GANTAIT SOUMEN , BHATTACHARYYA DEBJYOTI
Published: December 2023

N/A
Taxonomic studies on the genus Delphinium (Ranunculaceae) from China (XXVI): Notes on D. altissimum and D. scabriflorum, with description of a new species, D. pseudoscabriflorum
Authors: YUAN QIONG , YANG QIN-ER
Published: December 2023

Based on literature consultation and specimen survey, we demonstrate that the Himalayan species Delphinium scabriflorum (Ranunculaceae) has been largely misunderstood. We agree with the previous treatment of placing D. altissimum in synonymy with D. scabriflorum. We determine that those specimens from Bhutan previously referred to D. scabriflorum and those from Cona in China’s southern Xizang (Tibet) previously referred to D. conaense or D. umbrosum var. drepanocentrum represent a new species, which we describe as D. pseudoscabriflorum herein. This species, currently known only from Bhutan and the closely adjacent Cona county in southern Xizang, China, is similar to D. ludlowii, a species endemic to Bhutan, and D. scabriflorum, a widely distributed Himalayan species, but differs by an array of characters with respect to leaf division, pedicel indumentum, shape of bracteoles and their position on the pedicel, shape of sepaline spurs, and follicle pubescence.
Eucalyptus leaf spot disease caused by Coniella eucalyptorum in Sri Lanka
Authors: BRAHMANAGE RASHIKA S. , WIJAYAWARDENE NALIN N. , NANAYAKKARA CHANDRIKA M. , MUTHUMALA CHAMINDA K. , WIJESUNDARA SIRIL , DAI DONG Q. , ARIYAWANSA KAHANDAWA G.S.U.
Published: December 2023

Coniella has a wide distribution as a plant pathogen in Eucalyptus species. Here we report a leaf spot disease caused by Coniella eucalyptorum on Eucalyptus camaldulensis in Sri Lanka. The pathogen was isolated from symptomatic leaf samples of E. camaldulensis plants from Polonnaruwa District in Sri Lanka. The isolated fungus was identified as C. eucalyptorum based on morphological characteristics and multi-gene phylogenetic analysis of combined sequences of the internal transcribed spacer region (ITS), the partial translation elongation factor 1-α gene (tef1-α), and large subunit of nuclear ribosomal RNA (LSU). The pathogenicity test was performed to confirm its pathogenicity to the host, which produced symptoms similar to those observed in the field. This is the first report of C. eucalyptorum associated with Eucalyptus plantations in Sri Lanka. This finding is important to expand the knowledge of plant pathogen diversity in Eucalyptus species and other economically important crops in Sri Lanka.
Aspidistra longzhouensis (Asparagaceae), a new species from limestone areas in Guangxi, China
Authors: MENG TAO , LU MAO-XIN , HUANG XUE-YU , LIN CHUN-RUI , LIU YAN
Published: December 2023

Aspidistra longzhouensis, a new species of Asparagaceae from Guangxi, southern China, is described and illustrated here. It is morphologically similar to A. patentiloba Y. Wan & X. H. Lu, but the new species is differentiated by its smaller leaf, flower completely pure white, stigma upper surface glabrous and with 4 radial lines, bifurcate lines at center. The new species is currently known only from the Karst areas in southwest Guangxi. Colour plates of the similar species are provided for comparison.
Tulipa sarvestanica (Liliaceae), a new species from south-western Iran
Authors: MOEIN FATEMEH , MAJIDI RAMIAR , KHAZAEI ZAHRA , ALIPOUR SAJAD
Published: December 2023

In this study, Tulipa sarvestanica (Liliaceae) is described and illustrated as a new species from south-western Iran. Tulipa sarvestanica differs from similar T. systola by having a smaller bulb with arachnoid bristles, smaller fruit (capsule) size, lower black blotch area at the base of the perianth, yellow anther versus purple anther in T.systola. The detailed description, diagnostic features, geographical distribution, habitat, original photographs, phenology, etymology, genome size, conservation status, and related species are presented in this study. Based on the IUCN criteria, the conservation status of Tulipa sarvestanica is classified as endangered (EN) species.
Genome-wide identification of CCO gene family in cucumber (Cucumis sativus) and its comparative analysis with A. thaliana
Authors: Akram Jannat , Siddique Riffat , Shafiq Muhammad , Tabassum Bushra , Manzoor Muhammad Tariq , Javed Muhammad Arshad , Anwar Samia , Nisa Bader Un , Saleem Muhammad Hamzah , Javed Bilal , Malik Tabarak , Mustafa Abd El-Zaher M. A. , Ali Baber
Published: December 2023

Carotenoid cleavage oxygenase (CCO) is an enzyme capable of converting carotenoids into volatile, aromatic compounds and it plays an important role in the production of two significant plant hormones, i.e., abscisic acid (ABA) and strigolactone (SL). The cucumber plant genome has not been mined for genomewide identification of the CCO gene family. In the present study, we conducted a comprehensive genome-wide analysis to identify and thoroughly examine the CCO gene family within the genomic sequence of Cucumis sativus L. A Total of 10 CCO genes were identified and mostly localized in the cytoplasm and chloroplast. The CCO gene is divided into seven subfamilies i.e. 3 NCED, 3 CCD, and 1 CCD-like (CCDL) subfamily according to phylogenetic analysis. Cis-regulatory elements (CREs) analysis revealed the elements associated with growth and development as well as reactions to phytohormonal, biotic, and abiotic stress conditions. CCOs were involved in a variety of physiological and metabolic processes, according to Gene Ontology annotation. Additionally, 10 CCO genes were regulated by 84 miRNA. The CsCCO genes had substantial purifying selection acting upon them, according to the synteny block. In addition, RNAseq analysis indicated that CsCCO genes were expressed in response to phloem transportation and treatment of chitosan oligosaccharides. CsCCD7 and CsNCED2 showed the highest gene expression in response to the exogenous application of chitosan oligosaccharides to improve cold stress in cucumbers. We also found that these genes CsCCD4a and CsCCDL-a showed the highest expression in different plant organs with respect to phloem content. The cucumber CCO gene family was the subject of the first genome-wide report in this study, which may help us better understand cucumber CCO proteins and lay the groundwork for the gene family's future cloning and functional investigations.
The effect of cognitive-behavioral therapy and haptonomy on fear of childbirth in primigravida women: a randomized clinical trial
Authors: Alivand Zahra , Nourizadeh Roghaiyeh , Hakimi Sevil , Esmaeilpour Khalil , Mehrabi Esmat
Published: December 2023

Background

Considering the role of fear of childbirth (FOC) in the enhancement of unnecessary cesarean sections (CS), the present study aimed at evaluating the effect of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and haptonomy on the FOC (as primary outcome) and intended birth method and final birth method (as secondary outcomes) among primigravida women.

Methods

This randomized clinical trial was conducted on 99 primigravida women in Tabriz, Iran 2022. Participants were assigned to three groups with a ratio of 1:1:1 using stratified block randomization based on the fear intensity. One of the intervention groups (n = 33) received eight group sessions of CBT from 24 to 28 weeks of gestation and the other intervention group (n = 33) received haptonomy during seven sessions once a week. The control group (n = 33) received routine prenatal care. The Wijma questionnaire was completed by the participants before the intervention, after the intervention at 35–37 weeks of gestation, and after birth. The intended birth method was investigated before and after the intervention at 35–37 weeks of gestation. The final birth method and the reasons for CS were recorded based on the mother’s medical profile. The one-way ANOVA was used before the intervention and RMANOVA after the intervention to compare the mean scores of FOC among the three groups. Further, chi-square test was applied to compare the intended and final birth method.

Results

The mean (standard deviation: SD) of FOC in the CBT group changed from 74.09 (11.35) at 24–28 weeks of gestation to 46.50 (18.28) at 35–37 weeks and 48.78 (20.64) after birth (P < 0.001). The means (SDs) of FOC in the haptonomy group were 76.81 (13.09), 46.59 (15.81), and 45.09 (20.11), respectively (P < 0.001). The mean (SD) of FOC in the control group decreased from 70.31 (6.71) to 66.56 (18.92) and then, increased to 71.00 (21.14) after birth (P = 0.878). After the intervention, there was no statistically significant difference among the three groups in terms of the intended birth method (P = 0.278), and final birth method (P = 0.107).

Conclusion

The findings of the present study revealed that both CBT and haptonomy interventions reduce FOC. Although the desire for vaginal birth and final vaginal birth in the haptonomy group was more than that in the other two groups, there was no statistically significant difference among the three groups.

Trial registration

Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials: IRCT20170506033834N9. Date of registration: 02.01.2022. URL: http://en.irct.ir.
Comparative analysis of external locking plate and combined frame external fixator for open distal tibial fractures: a comprehensive assessment of clinical outcomes and financial implications
Authors: Bangura Mohamed Lamin , Luo Huasong , Zeng Teng , Wang Minglu , Lin Shangce , Chunli Liang
Published: December 2023

Background

Open distal tibial fractures pose significant challenges regarding treatment options and patient outcomes. This retrospective single-centre study aimed to compare the stability, clinical outcomes, complications, and financial implications of two surgical interventions, namely the external locking plate and the combined frame external fixator, to manage open distal tibial fractures.

Methods

Forty-four patients with distal open tibial (metaphyseal extraarticular) fractures treated between 2020 and 2022 were selected and formed into two main groups, Group A and Group B. Group A (19 patients) are patients that underwent treatment using the external locking plate technique, while Group B (25 patients) received the combined frame external fixator approach. Age, gender, inpatient stay, re-operation rates, complications, functional recovery (measured by the Johner-Wrush score), pain ratings (measured by the Visual Analogue Scale [VAS]), and cost analyses were evaluated for each group. Statistical analyses using SPSS were conducted to compare the outcomes between the two groups.

Results

The research found significant variations in clinical outcomes, complications, and cost consequences between Group A and Group B. Group A had fewer hospitalisation periods (23.687.74) than Group B (33.5619.47). Re-operation rates were also considerably lower in Group A (26.3%) than in Group B (48%), owing to a greater prevalence of pin-tract infections and subsequent pin loosening in the combination frame external fixator group. The estimated cost of both techniques was recorded and analysed with the locking average of 26,619.69 ± 9,602.352 and the combined frame average of 39,095.64 ± 20,070.077.

Conclusion

This study suggests that although the two approaches effectively manage open distal tibia fractures, the locking compression plate approach (Group A) has an advantage in treating open distal tibia fractures. Shorter hospitalisation times, reduced re-operation rates, and fewer complications will benefit patients, healthcare systems, and budget allocation. Group A's functional recovery results demonstrate the locking plate technique's ability to improve recovery and patient quality of life. According to the cost analysis, the locking plate technique's economic viability and cost-effectiveness may optimise healthcare resources for open distal tibia fractures. These findings might improve patient outcomes and inform evidence-based orthopaedic surgery.
Sweet-type star fruit supplementation controls oxidative stress status and enhances the community walking capacity among elderly Thai
Authors: Kaju Jynwara , Leelarungrayub Jirakrit , Natakankitkul Surapol , Laskin James J
Published: December 2023

Background

Sweet-type Star fruit (SF) (Averrhoa carambola L.) is seasonal and more available for purchase in many markets in Thailand, when compared to the sour-type. But, its antioxidant activity results and potentially more modified supplement for elderly health during regular exercise in the community are unclear.

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate the antioxidant activity and physical capacity from supplementation of sweet-type SF among elderly people performing home walking exercise.

Methods

Mixing SF juice with honey industrially prepared the SF product. Its effects on oxidative stress status and physical capacity were studied in four groups; a supplement with walking exercise (n = 11, 67.00 ± 4.17 years), control (n = 12, aged 67.50 ± 5.58 years), supplementation (n = 11, aged 69.63 ± 7.14 years), and walking exercise (n = 12, aged 67.91 ± 4.33 years). Twenty grams or two teaspoons of supplement in warm water (150 mL) was the guideline for consumption twice daily for 4 weeks. In contrast, the walking exercise was prescribed with moderate intensity for 30 min, 3 days per week. Before and after the 4-week period, the oxidative stress status; glutathione (GSH), ascorbic acid (Vit C), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and malondialdehyde (MDA), and 6-minute walking distance (6MWD) were evaluated.

Results

Results after the 4-week period, showed that Vit C and TAC increased and the MDA decreased significantly in the supplementation group, except the GSH and 6MWD results. The GSH and Vit C slightly decreased in the walking exercise group, whereas, its TAC, MDA and 6MWD increased significantly. Finally, The GSH and Vit C did not decrease and MDA slightly decreased in the combined group, but, their TAC and 6MWD increased significantly.

Conclusion

Supplementation of the SF product during walking exercise possibly controls oxidative stress status and may enhance walking capacity.
Hypoxia-mimetic by CoCl2 increases SLC7A5 expression in breast cancer cells in vitro
Authors: Canhasi Leonora , Tina Elisabet , Eremo Anna Göthlin
Published: December 2023

Objective

Increased expression of the amino acid transporter solute Carrier Family 7 Member 5 (SLC7A5) has been observed in neoplastic cells during hypoxic conditions in vitro, indicating an adaptation for cell survival. To further explore this, we evaluated hypoxia-mimetic by CoCl2 as a model for hypoxia in breast cancer cell lines and the effect on SLC257A5 expression. Four different breast cancer cell lines (MCF7, T-47D, BT-474 and ZR-75-1) were exposed to 100 µM CoCl2 for 48 h. Subsequently, cell viability, gene- and protein expression analyses were performed.

Results

The gene expression of VEGF, a marker of hypoxia, was significantly elevated in all four cell lines compared to the control (p < 0.0001), indicating that CoCl2 exposure generates a hypoxic response. Moreover, CoCl2 exposure significantly upregulated SLC7A5 gene expression in T-47D (p < 0.001), BT-474 (p < 0.0001) and ZR-75-1 (p < 0.0001) cells, as compared to vehicle control. Immunofluorescence staining showed increased SLC7A5 protein expression in MCF7, T-47D and BT-474 cells compared to vehicle control. This report suggests that hypoxia-mimetic by CoCl2 can be used as a simple model for inducing hypoxia in breast cancer cell lines and in fact influence SLC7A5 gene and protein expression in vitro.
Intrapulmonary schwannoma presenting as an asymptomatic lung mass: a case report
Authors: Abbas Manzar , Fatimi Asad Saulat , Hassan Syed Imad , Aamir Faiqa Binte , Arshad Sidra , Fatimi Saulat Hasnain
Published: December 2023

Background

Schwannomas are solitary well-circumscribed encapsulated benign tumors that exhibit Schwann cell differentiation, and arise directly from myelinated peripheral or central nerves. Although they are usually asymptomatic and found incidentally, schwannomas can cause symptoms due to compression of nearby structures which, depending on the location, can make clinical presentations widely variable. Despite their rarity, schwannomas have been documented in a number of locations including the limbs, cerebellopontine angle, posterior mediastinum, and, far more infrequently, the lungs.

Case presentation

In this article, we report an incidental finding of an intrapulmonary schwannoma in a 59-year-old Pakistani woman who was grossly asymptomatic upon presentation to the cardiothoracic surgery clinic. An [18F]fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography scan revealed a lobulated soft-tissue lesion measuring 23 mm × 23 mm in the lower lobe of the right lung. A computed tomography-guided core biopsy of the mass was performed, which revealed a benign spindle cell lesion based on histopathological examination and immunohistochemical staining. The mass was surgically resected via a right lower lobectomy, and subsequently confirmed to be an encapsulated neoplastic lesion composed of well-differentiated Schwann cells. There were no short- or long-term complications, morbidities, or recurrences based on 1-year follow-up.

Conclusion

This report underscores the predominantly asymptomatic nature of schwannomas and reemphasizes the efficacy of surgical resection as a safe and curative procedure for a tumor of this nature. Albeit very rare, intrapulmonary schwannomas can be considered a differential diagnosis when encountering solitary asymptomatic pulmonary nodules or masses.
Application of culturomics in fungal isolation from mangrove sediments
Authors: Li Meng , Raza Mubashar , Song Shuang , Hou Lingwei , Zhang Zhi-Feng , Gao Min , Huang Jun-En , Liu Fang , Cai Lei
Published: December 2023

Background

Fungi play a crucial role in ecosystems, and they have been widely considered a promising source for natural compounds that are crucial for drug discovery. Fungi have a high diversity, but about 95% of them remain unknown to science. The description rate of fungi is very low, mainly due to the inability of most fungi to grow in artificial media, which could not provide a sufficiently similar environment to their natural habitats. Moreover, many species in nature are in a state of low metabolic activity which cannot readily proliferate without proper resuscitation. Previously developed culturomics techniques are mostly designed and applicable for bacteria, with few attempts for fungal isolation because of their significantly larger cell size and hyphal growth properties.

Results

This study attempted to isolate previously uncultured and rare fungi from mangrove sediments using newly developed fungal enrichment culture method (FECM) and fungal isolation chips (FiChips). Comparison of fungal community composition at different enrichment stages showed that FECM had great influence on fungal community composition, with rare taxa increased significantly, thus improving the isolation efficiency of previously uncultured fungi. Similarly, in situ cultivation using FiChips has a significant advantage in detecting and culturing rare fungi, as compared to the conventional dilution plate method (DPM). In addition, based on morphological comparisons and phylogenetic analyses, we described and proposed 38 new ascomycetous taxa, including three new families, eight new genera, 25 new species, and two new combinations (presented in additional file 1).

Conclusions

Our study demonstrated that mangrove sediments harbor a high diversity of fungi, and our new isolation approaches (FECM and FiChips) presented a high efficiency in isolating hitherto uncultured fungi, which is potentially usable for fungal isolation in other similar environments﻿.
Redox Homeostasis Dysregulation in Noise-Induced Hearing Loss: Oxidative Stress and Antioxidant Treatment
Authors: Zhou Yuhang , Fang Chaoyou , Yuan Ling , Guo Mengchen , Xu Xinyi , Shao Anwen , Zhang Anke , Zhou Danyang
Published: December 2023

Noise exposure is an important cause of acquired hearing loss. Studies have found that noise exposure causes dysregulated redox homeostasis in cochlear tissue, which has been recognized as a signature feature of hearing loss. Oxidative stress plays a pivotal role in many diseases via very complex and diverse mechanisms and targets. Reactive oxygen species are products of oxidative stress that exert toxic effects on a variety of physiological activities and are considered significant in noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). Endogenous cellular antioxidants can directly or indirectly counteract oxidative stress and regulate intracellular redox homeostasis, and exogenous antioxidants can complement and enhance this effect. Therefore, antioxidant therapy is considered a promising direction for NIHL treatment. However, drug experiments have been limited to animal models of NIHL, and these experiments and related observations are difficult to translate in humans; therefore, the mechanisms and true effects of these drugs need to be further analyzed. This review outlines the effects of oxidative stress in NIHL and discusses the main mechanisms and strategies of antioxidant treatment for NIHL.
Microbial corrosion on underwater pottery relics with typical biological condensation disease
Authors: Zhao Meng , Zhai Yang , Zhao Jing , Zhou Wenhui , Zhao Luo , Ge Yan , Zhang Kexin , Luo Hongjie
Published: December 2023

Underwater pottery relics salvaged from shipwrecks are vulnerable to physical, chemical and biological corrosion. In this study, the microscopic morphology and structural composition of glazed pottery fragments excavated from the South China Sea as well as purple clay teapot samples from the Yangtze River Estuary II shipwreck were analyzed by means of optical microscopy, scanning electron microscope equipped with energy dispersive spectrometer, X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Fourier infrared transform spectroscopy and photoluminescence spectroscopy. According to the research results, the corrosion products deposited on the surface of the glazed pottery fragment from the South China Sea mainly included FeOOH and MnO2, whereas those on the surface of the purple clay teapot fragment from the Yangtze River Estuary II shipwreck primarily incorporated FeS2 and FeS. According to the corrosion phenomenon, it was speculated that the underwater pottery relics were mainly corroded by different microorganisms in the underwater environment, including manganese-oxidizing bacteria, dissimilatory metal-reducing bacteria and sulfate-reducing bacteria. As the corrosion process of these cultural artifacts was described and related models were established, this study provides valuable reference for the disease removal and protection of pottery relics.
Personality-based tailored explainable recommendation for trustworthy smart learning system in the age of artificial intelligence
Authors: Takami Kyosuke , Flanagan Brendan , Dai Yiling , Ogata Hiroaki
Published: December 2023

In the age of artificial intelligence (AI), trust in AI systems is becoming more important. Explainable recommenders, which explain why an item is recommended, have recently been proposed in the field of learning technology to improve transparency, persuasiveness, and trustworthiness. However, the methods for generating explanations are limited and do not consider the learner’s cognitive perceptions or personality. This study draws inspiration from tailored intervention research in public health and investigates the effectiveness of personality-based tailored explanations by implementing them for the recommended quizzes in an explainable recommender system. High school students (n = 217) were clustered into three distinct profiles labeled Diligent (n = 77), Fearful (n = 72), and Agreeable (n = 68), based on the Big Five personality traits. The students were divided into a tailored intervention group (n = 106) and a control group (n = 111). In the tailored intervention group, personalized explanations for recommended quizzes were provided based on student profiles, with explanations based on quiz characteristics. In the control group, only non-personalized explanations based on quiz characteristics were provided. An 18-day A/B experiment showed that the tailored intervention group had significantly higher recommendation usage than the control group. These results suggest that personality-based tailored explanations with a recommender approach are effective for e-learning engagement and imply improved trustworthiness of AI learning systems.
Magnitude determination using cumulative absolute absement for earthquake early warning
Authors: Wu Yih-Min , Mittal Himanshu , Lin Yueh-Ho , Chang Yu-Hsuan
Published: December 2023

The cumulative absolute absement (CAA) of the 3 s window after P-wave arrival can be used to estimate the magnitude ($${M}_{CAA}$$MCAA) of an earthquake. This method can achieve good results even when only the six stations nearest to the epicenter are used. The standard deviation between the estimated CAA magnitude ($${M}_{CAA}$$MCAA) and the moment magnitude ($${M}_{w}$$Mw) is found to be 0.3 when using either 6 or 20 stations. This means that$${M}_{CAA}$$MCAAcan be reliably predicted using the closest 6 stations. On the other hand, the magnitude ($${M}_{Pd}$$MPd) derived from$${P}_{d}$$Pdusing the closest 20 stations has a standard deviation of 0.4 between the estimated$${M}_{Pd}$$MPdand$${M}_{w}$$Mw. This suggests that CAA is a better magnitude determination parameter for the EEW system than$${P}_{d}$$Pd.
Adipsin inhibits Irak2 mitochondrial translocation and improves fatty acid β-oxidation to alleviate diabetic cardiomyopathy
Authors: Jiang Meng-Yuan , Man Wan-Rong , Zhang Xue-Bin , Zhang Xiao-Hua , Duan Yu , Lin Jie , Zhang Yan , Cao Yang , Wu De-Xi , Shu Xiao-Fei , Xin Lei , Wang Hao , Zhang Xiao , Li Cong-Ye , Gu Xiao-Ming , Zhang Xuan , Sun Dong-Dong
Published: December 2023

Background

Diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) causes the myocardium to rely on fatty acid β-oxidation for energy. The accumulation of intracellular lipids and fatty acids in the myocardium usually results in lipotoxicity, which impairs myocardial function. Adipsin may play an important protective role in the pathogenesis of DCM. The aim of this study is to investigate the regulatory effect of Adipsin on DCM lipotoxicity and its molecular mechanism.

Methods

A high-fat diet (HFD)-induced type 2 diabetes mellitus model was constructed in mice with adipose tissue-specific overexpression of Adipsin (Adipsin-Tg). Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS), glutathione-S-transferase (GST) pull-down technique, Co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP) and immunofluorescence colocalization analyses were used to investigate the molecules which can directly interact with Adipsin. The immunocolloidal gold method was also used to detect the interaction between Adipsin and its downstream modulator.

Results

The expression of Adipsin was significantly downregulated in the HFD-induced DCM model (P < 0.05). Adipose tissue-specific overexpression of Adipsin significantly improved cardiac function and alleviated cardiac remodeling in DCM (P < 0.05). Adipsin overexpression also alleviated mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation function in diabetic stress (P < 0.05). LC–MS/MS analysis, GST pull-down technique and Co-IP studies revealed that interleukin-1 receptor-associated kinase-like 2 (Irak2) was a downstream regulator of Adipsin. Immunofluorescence analysis also revealed that Adipsin was co-localized with Irak2 in cardiomyocytes. Immunocolloidal gold electron microscopy and Western blotting analysis indicated that Adipsin inhibited the mitochondrial translocation of Irak2 in DCM, thus dampening the interaction between Irak2 and prohibitin (Phb)-optic atrophy protein 1 (Opa1) on mitochondria and improving the structural integrity and function of mitochondria (P < 0.05). Interestingly, in the presence of Irak2 knockdown, Adipsin overexpression did not further alleviate myocardial mitochondrial destruction and cardiac dysfunction, suggesting a downstream role of Irak2 in Adipsin-induced responses (P < 0.05). Consistent with these findings, overexpression of Adipsin after Irak2 knockdown did not further reduce the accumulation of lipids and their metabolites in the cardiac myocardium, nor did it enhance the oxidation capacity of cardiomyocytes expose to palmitate (PA) (P < 0.05). These results indicated that Irak2 may be a downstream regulator of Adipsin.

Conclusions

Adipsin improves fatty acid β-oxidation and alleviates mitochondrial injury in DCM. The mechanism is related to Irak2 interaction and inhibition of Irak2 mitochondrial translocation.
Analysis of patients’ thoughts and background factors influencing attitudes toward Deprescribing: interviews to obtain hints for highly satisfying and valid prescriptions
Authors: Arai Sayaka , Ishikawa Takahiro , Arai Kenichi , Suzuki Takaaki , Ishii Itsuko
Published: December 2023

Background

Prescribing with high levels of medical appropriateness and patient satisfaction improves adherence. However, its appropriateness does not always match patient preference. Deprescription is important for ensuring the safety of medication therapy, but is not straightforward. Although successful deprescribing requires knowledge of patients’ thoughts on their prescriptions and factors that influence their acceptance of deprescribing, few comprehensive studies have been conducted on this topic. The aim of this study was to identify factors that influence patients’ attitudes toward deprescribing and obtain hints on how to achieve higher patient satisfaction and prescribing adequacy.

Methods

A questionnaire was administered to hospitalized patients and a logistic regression analysis was conducted to examine factors that influence their attitude toward deprescribing. Individual factors affecting patients’ thoughts and wishes regarding prescribing were extracted and analysed in detail.

Results

The analysis included 106 patients, of whom 40 (37.7%) wished deprescribing. Logistic regression analysis showed that “Age”, “Wish to reduce the number and types of medications”, “Satisfaction”, “Concerns about side effects”, and “Wish not to have certain medications changed” were factors influencing attitudes toward deprescribing. The results suggested that the factors were influenced by patients’ perceptions and individual patient backgrounds. There was a gap between willingness to reduce medication and to change their medications. Seventy-eight percent of all respondents indicated that they would like to reduce the number and type of pills they take if possible. However, only 44.6% of these patients indicated that they would actually like to change their medication.

Conclusions

This study is the only one to comprehensively investigate prescription content, patient background, and patients’ thoughts on factors influencing attitudes toward deprescribing. This study revealed five factors that can influence inclination toward deprescribing. In addition, the results suggest that patients want to be able to feel well with fewer medications if possible. This information may be useful in determining prescriptions that have high validity and patient satisfaction. Further research is needed on the gap between willingness to reduce medications and to change medications.
Pharmacokinetics of nanoparticles: current knowledge, future directions and its implications in drug delivery
Authors: Haripriyaa Muthukrishnan , Suthindhiran Krishnamurthy
Published: December 2023

Background

Nanoparticles have emerged as a viable biological candidate with the possibility to be employed as drug carriers. They acquire high surface-to-volume ratios and unique physicochemical features such as biochemical, magnetic, optical, and electrical changes at the cellular, atomic, and molecular levels. This phenomenon has proven extensive utility for biomedical applications, as their biological activity has fewer adverse effects than traditional medications.

Main body of the abstract

The new spectrum of nanomaterials—nanomedicines—has accomplished disease management by detecting, restoring, and regeneration of damaged tissues. Therefore, designing appropriate nanomaterial-based drug delivery systems for final clinical evaluations requires accurate knowledge of pharmacokinetic factors relevant to the LADME in order to meet the required criteria (liberation, adsorption, distribution, metabolism, and elimination). To identify and predict the in vivo reaction of nanoparticles, a deeper understanding of the link between the physicochemical properties of nanomaterials and their contact with the body is necessary. This will allow a distinguished comparison of traditional medicines and nanoparticles.

Short conclusion

This review paper attempts to analyze the basic pharmacokinetic potential of nanoparticles in depth. Therefore, profiling the pharmacokinetic analysis will enable us to review the treatment outcome to overcome their adverse properties, provide a broad overview, and deliver remarkable ways to advance the use of nanoparticles in the biomedical industry.

Graphical abstract
Lisocabtagene Maraleucel in Relapsed/Refractory Mantle Cell Lymphoma: Primary Analysis of the Mantle Cell Lymphoma Cohort From TRANSCEND NHL 001, a Phase I Multicenter Seamless Design Study
Authors: Wang Michael , Siddiqi Tanya , Gordon Leo I. , Kamdar Manali , Lunning Matthew , Hirayama Alexandre V. , Abramson Jeremy S. , Arnason Jon , Ghosh Nilanjan , Mehta Amitkumar , Andreadis Charalambos , Solomon Scott R. , Kostic Ana , Dehner Christine , Espinola Ricardo , Peng Lily , Ogasawara Ken , Chattin Amy , Eliason Laurie , Palomba M. Lia
Published: December 2023

PURPOSE

To report the primary analysis results from the mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) cohort of the phase I seamless design TRANSCEND NHL 001 (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02631044 ) study.

METHODS

Patients with relapsed/refractory (R/R) MCL after ≥two lines of previous therapy, including a Bruton tyrosine kinase inhibitor (BTKi), an alkylating agent, and a CD20-targeted agent, received lisocabtagene maraleucel (liso-cel) at a target dose level (DL) of 50 × 106 (DL1) or 100 × 106 (DL2) chimeric antigen receptor-positive T cells. Primary end points were adverse events (AEs), dose-limiting toxicities, and objective response rate (ORR) by independent review committee per Lugano criteria.

RESULTS

Of 104 leukapheresed patients, liso-cel was infused into 88. Median (range) number of previous lines of therapy was three (1-11) with 30% receiving ≥five previous lines of therapy, 73% of patients were age 65 years and older, 69% had refractory disease, 53% had BTKi refractory disease, 23% had TP53 mutation, and 8% had secondary CNS lymphoma. Median (range) on-study follow-up was 16.1 months (0.4-60.5). In the efficacy set (n = 83; DL1 + DL2), ORR was 83.1% (95% CI, 73.3 to 90.5) and complete response (CR) rate was 72.3% (95% CI, 61.4 to 81.6). Median duration of response was 15.7 months (95% CI, 6.2 to 24.0) and progression-free survival was 15.3 months (95% CI, 6.6 to 24.9). Most common grade ≥3 treatment-emergent AEs were neutropenia (56%), anemia (37.5%), and thrombocytopenia (25%). Cytokine release syndrome (CRS) was reported in 61% of patients (grade 3/4, 1%; grade 5, 0), neurologic events (NEs) in 31% (grade 3/4, 9%; grade 5, 0), grade ≥3 infections in 15%, and prolonged cytopenia in 40%.

CONCLUSION

Liso-cel demonstrated high CR rate and deep, durable responses with low incidence of grade ≥3 CRS, NE, and infections in patients with heavily pretreated R/R MCL, including those with high-risk, aggressive disease.
Το ψηφιακό δράμα και η αξιοποίησή του στην εκπαιδευτική διαδικασία
Authors: Καραντζούλη Ευθυμία-Κρυσταλία
Published: December 2023

Η διδακτορική διατριβή με τίτλο «Το Ψηφιακό Δράμα και η Αξιοποίησή του στην Εκπαιδευτική Διαδικασία» αποτελεί μελέτη που αναπτύσσεται με βάση τη μεθοδολογία της Βιβλιογραφικής Έρευνας. Η έρευνα διαρθρώνεται σε πέντε κεφάλαια και επιδιώκει να αποτελέσει θεωρητικό υπόβαθρο που σχετίζεται με το πεδίο του συγκερασμού Θεάτρου, Νέων Τεχνολογιών και Παιδαγωγικής Επιστήμης. Στο πρώτο κεφάλαιο επιχειρείται η οριοθέτηση μιας πλούσιας και εν πολλοίς ασαφούς ορολογίας γύρω από το Ψηφιακό Δράμα, όπως είναι η ψηφιακή αφήγηση (digital storytelling), το θέατρο ζωντανής ροής (live streaming theatre), το θέατρο σε διαδικτυακή σύνδεση (Online Theatre), καθώς και οι όροι Cyber-Theatre, Cyber Drama, Cyberformance και η ιδιαίτερη μορφή του Cyborg Theatre. Στο δεύτερο κεφάλαιο, επιχειρείται μια ειδική αναφορά στις τεχνολογίες και τα ψηφιακά μέσα των οποίων γίνεται χρήση στην παραγωγή και κοινοποίηση των προϊόντων του ανωτέρω συγκερασμού μεταξύ δραματικής τέχνης και ΤΠΕ. Ακολούθως, στο τρίτο κεφάλαιο επιχειρείται η διερεύνηση και ανάλυση της έννοιας και της λειτουργίας του "ρόλου", ο οποίος εδράζεται στον πυρήνα του θεατρικού φαινομένου με ή χωρίς την αξιοποίηση των νέων τεχνολογιών. Εκκινώντας από την έννοια του "ρόλου" στο θέατρο, γίνεται αναφορά στον κοινωνικό ρόλο, στην λειτουργία του στα Διαδικτυακά (Online) Κοινωνικά Δίκτυα, καθώς και στη σχέση που αναπτύσσεται με την έννοια της ψευδαίσθησης. Ο προβληματισμός μας οδηγείται στα Ψηφιακά Παιχνίδια Ρόλων και τη χρήση των avatars, τα οποία μελετώνται και αναδεικνύονται ως πεδία με μεγάλο εύρος και δυνατότητες ανάλυσης κάτω από τη συγκεκριμένη οπτική. Στο τέταρτο κεφάλαιο, καταλήγουμε στην ουσιαστική μας πρόταση, την οποία αποτελεί η ανάπτυξη του Ψηφιακού Πολυθεάματος, μιας δημιουργικής “σύνθεσης” αναλογικής θεατρικής πραγματικότητας και νέων τεχνολογιών που είναι δυνατόν να πραγματωθεί στο σχολικό περιβάλλον. Η τεκμηρίωση της συγκεκριμένης πρότασης γίνεται στη βάση σύγχρονων και θεμελιωδών παιδαγωγικών θεωριών και θεωριών μάθησης και προϋποθέτει την τήρηση σαφώς ορισμένων εκπαιδευτικών σεναρίων. Οι επιμέρους δραστηριότητες που προτείνονται δεν περιορίζονται στα στενά όρια μίας παρουσίασης, αλλά σχετίζονται επιπλέον με δημιουργικές δραστηριότητες που προηγούνται και έπονται αυτής. Στο πέμπτο -και τελευταίο- κεφάλαιο η μελέτη ολοκληρώνεται με αναλυτική αναφορά τόσο στη λειτουργία του μαθητικού δυναμικού όσο και του/της εκπαιδευτικού μέσα στο συγκεκριμένο πλαίσιο.
Technological processes of machine-building production
Authors: Kuznecov Vladimir , Cherepahin Aleksandr , Koltunov Igor'
Published: December 2023

The textbook examines in detail the structure of the modern machine-building complex of Russia, outlines aspects of technological preparation of production and resource-saving technologies, classification, labeling and properties of basic structural materials, provides a methodology for system analysis of technological processes, processing methods and methods, describes traditional and modern technological processes for manufacturing machine parts.
When considering each method and method of processing, the main emphasis was placed on the description of the main processing schemes, technological features and capabilities of the method. The technological requirements imposed by the method on the blanks are described. Practical recommendations on the choice of the processing method and mode are given.
Meets the requirements of the Federal State Educational Standard of Higher Education of the latest generation of teaching the general professional discipline "Technological processes of machine-building production" for the training areas 15.00.00 "Mechanical Engineering" and 22.00.00 "Technology of metals".
It is intended for students of engineering universities of technological specialties.
System analysis in management
Authors: Kukushkin Aleksandr
Published: December 2023

The textbook outlines the basic concepts, principles and structure of system analysis that are invariant to the fields of application. Models and fundamentals of evaluation of complex systems are considered. The general provisions on the basics of management, models of basic functions of organizational and technical management, approaches to assessing the quality of management are described. The manual includes a chapter that displays modern concepts of organizational management: strategic, project, situational, process, network-centric. An idea of the content and basic cycle of information and analytical activities is given.
Meets the requirements of the federal state educational standards of higher education of the latest generation.
For students of higher educational institutions studying in the field of Computer Science and Computer Engineering.
The administrative and legal status of a doctor: the main directions of improvement
Authors: Zaykova Anastasiya
Published: December 2023

The monograph is devoted to the current state of the administrative and legal status of a doctor in the Russian Federation. The concept, signs and structure of administrative and legal status, basic rights and guarantees of the realization of the rights of a doctor in the field of public administration, problems of administrative and disciplinary responsibility of doctors are considered.
Based on the results of the scientific research, the classification of administrative and legal relations with the participation of doctors was carried out; proposals were developed to eliminate terminological uncertainty between the concepts of "doctor", "medical worker", "specialist doctor" and "attending physician"; the need to establish administrative responsibility for improper provision of medical services, which entailed the infliction of mild and moderate the severity of the harm to the patient's health; proposals have been made to improve legislation in the field of public health protection in the Russian Federation.
It is addressed to researchers in the field of administrative and medical law, practitioners in the field of public health, students and undergraduates studying at medical and law schools, as well as a wide range of readers.
PROMOTING NOVEL STRATEGIES FOR THE RELIABILITY ASSESSMENT OF GUIDED WAVE BASED SHM SYSTEMS
Authors: MEMMOLO VITTORIO , MOLL JOCHEN , SCHACKMANN OLIVER , FREITAG STEFFEN , VOLOVIKOVA ANASTASIIA , TSCHOKE KILIAN , SAVLI ENES , LUGOVTSOVA YEVGENIYA , MOIX-BONET MARIA , BAYOUMI AHMED , MUELLER INKA
Published: December 2023

Detection of defects is of outmost importance for composite airframe due to barely visible damage which may appear at any time during lifetime. Several Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) technologies have been developed so far to continuously monitor the condition of the structure. Guided Ultrasonic Waves (GUW) are well suited for this application, but there is still a significant gap in reliability assessment and quantification of system performances. Although the theory of Probability of Detection (POD) can be used to this end, but the reliability assessment procedure needs to be properly addressed for each type of system. In this work different concepts are proposed, including two artificial intelligence approaches, tested and compared to enable a reliability assessment comparable to the conventional POD framework. On top, a novel approach on how to combine experimental data of the undamaged structure with simulations of the damaged structure is proposed. The proposed ideas are tested on a single carbon fiber composite specimen, and data is analyzed using all the different concepts. The results show that classic POD and AI-based reliability assessment can be compared as well as experimental and synthetic data can be used when the experimental variability is matched properly providing a paradigm shift in the reliability assessment field.
DAMAGE IDENTIFICATION FOR GUIDED WAVE TESTING OF COMPOSITE STRUCTURES USING STATISTICAL FEATURES
Authors: SAWANT SHRUTI , BANERJEE SAUVIK , SETHI AMIT
Published: December 2023

Guided wave structural health monitoring (GW-SHM) is essential for detecting damage in composite materials. Conventional damage identification approaches require knowledge of material properties to calculated deviation of monitoring signal from baseline and are limited to specific damage types or materials. Deep learning has emerged as a more automated method, but it requires high computational power. To address this, we propose using two features: correlation coefficient deviation (CCD) and root mean squared deviation (RMSD). CCD captures the changes in phase of monitoring signal due to presence of the damage. RMSD on the other hand is sensitive to changes in the amplitude. When combined with a binary random forest classifier, these features achieve performance comparable to deep learning. We tested our algorithm on two datasets with different damage types, recording accuracy of 94.4% for Open Guided Waves (OGW) dataset and 99.2% for NASA Prognostic Center of Excellence-Guided Waves (PCoE) dataset. These lightweight models are suitable for in-situ monitoring, offering practical application for damage identification.