bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mfge8 is expressed by pericytes in gastric antrum submucosa from patients with obesity
Authors: Perrino Brian A. , Malogan Justin , Cobine Caroline A. , Sasse Kent C.
Published: March 2023

The main function of the stomach is to digest ingested food. Gastric antrum muscular contractions mix ingested food with digestive enzymes and stomach acid and propel the chyme through the pyloric sphincter at a rate in which the small intestine can process the chyme for optimal nutrient absorption. Mfge8 binding to α8β1 integrins helps regulate gastric emptying by reducing the force of antral smooth muscle contractions. The source of Mfge8 within gastric muscles is unclear. Since Mfge8 is a secreted protein, Mfge8 could be delivered via the circulation, or be locally secreted by cells within the muscle layers. In this study, we identify a source of Mfge8 within human gastric antrum muscles using spatial transcriptomic analysis. We show that Mfge8 is expressed in subpopulations of Mef2c+perivascular cells within the submucosa layer of the gastric antrum. Mef2c is expressed in subpopulations of NG2+and PDGFRB+pericytes. Mfge8 is expressed in NG2+/Mef2c+pericytes, but not in NG2+/Mef2c−, PDGFRB+/Mef2c−, or PDGFRB+/Mef2c+pericytes. Mfge8 is absent from CD34+endothelial cells but is expressed in a small population of perivascular ACTA2+cells. We also show that α8 integrin is not expressed by interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC), supporting the findings that Mfge8 attenuates gastric antrum smooth muscle contractions by binding to α8β1 integrins on enteric smooth muscle cells. These findings suggest a novel, supplementary mechanism of regulation of gastric antrum motility by cellular regulators of capillary blood flow, in addition to the regulation of gastric antrum motility by the enteric nervous system and the SMC, ICC, and PDGFRα+cell (SIP) syncytium.
Classification of Signature‐Based Phenotypes of Aging‐Related Genes to Identify Prognostic and Immune Characteristics in HCC
Authors: Zhao Junjie , Li Chong , Li Qinggang , Shen Shen , Hu Xiaobo , Dong Zihui , Zhang Yize , Xing Jiyuan
Published: March 2023

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), which has become one of the most significant malignancies causing cancer‐related mortality, presents genetic and phenotypic heterogeneity that makes predicting prognosis challenging. Aging‐related genes have been increasingly reported as significant risk factors for many kinds of malignancies, including HCC. In this study, we comprehensively dissected the features of transcriptional aging‐relevant genes in HCC from multiple perspectives. We applied public databases and self‐consistent clustering analysis to classify patients into C1, C2, and C3 clusters. The C1 cluster had the shortest overall survival time and advanced pathological features. Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression analysis was adopted to build the prognostic prediction model based on six aging‐related genes (HMMR, S100A9, SPP1, CYP2C9, CFHR3, and RAMP3). These genes were differently expressed in HepG2 cell lines compared with LO2 cell lines measured by the mRNA expression level. The high‐risk score group had significantly more immune checkpoint genes, higher tumor immune dysfunction and exclusion score, and stronger chemotherapy response. The results indicated that the age‐related genes have a close correlation with HCC prognosis and immune characteristics. Overall, the model based on six aging‐associated genes demonstrated great prognostic prediction ability.
Evaluation of Antibacterial and Anticancer Characteristics of Silver Nanoparticles Synthesized from Plant Extracts of Wrightia tinctoria and Acacia chundra
Authors: Jegadeeshwari Anitha , Seelam Narasimha Reddy , Myneni Venkata Ratnam
Published: March 2023

The study showed the ability to synthesize environmentally friendly silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using extracts from Wrightia tinctoria seeds and Acacia chundra stems. Surface plasmon resonance peaks in the UV-Vis absorption spectra of both plant extracts verified AgNP synthesis. The structural and morphological properties of the AgNPs were investigated using analytical techniques such as XRD, FTIR, TEM, and EDAX. The AgNPs have an FCC crystalline structure, according to XRD study, and their sizes range from 20 to 40 nm, according to TEM images. Based on the results, these plant extracts have been identified as suitable bioresources for AgNP production. The study also showed that both AgNPs had significant levels of antibacterial activity when tested on four different microbial strains using the agar-well diffusion method. The bacteria tested included two Gram-positive strains (Staphylococcus aureus and Micrococcus luteus) and two Gram-negative strains (Proteus vulgaris and Escherichia coli). Furthermore, the AgNPs were found to have a significant anticancer effect on MCF-7 cell lines, suggesting that they may be useful in therapeutic applications. Overall, this research highlights the potential of the plant extracts considered as a source for synthesizing eco-friendly AgNPs with potential applications in medicine and other fields.
Modeling and Numerical Simulation of Semitensioned Mooring Line under Taut-Slack State
Authors: Shi Ruizhi , Zhang Suxia , Liu Xijun , Tian Chong
Published: March 2023

In this paper, considering the mooring system can be taut-slack in the motion, the dynamic equations of the mooring system are derived by using the theory of large deformation. The nonlinear dynamic response of semitensioned mooring line is numerically simulated. Assuming the platform motion is known, the effect of platform on mooring line is simplified as an end-point excitation. Directly using the finite difference method for numerically solving partial differential equations of mooring line, the dynamic responses can be obtained. Then, the causes about the nonlinear state are analyzed, and the location where the taut-slack phenomenon occurs can be located by calculating the tension of mooring. The results show that the mooring line is more likely to be taut-slack under tangential excitation with the tension change, while the mooring remains taut under normal excitation. The taut-slack state of the mooring line is concentrated near the anchor point. Through the amplitude-frequency curve and bifurcation point set, it is found that the taut-slack region is accompanied by multiperiod motion. And the taut-slack phenomenon will lead to the unstable motion.
hUMSCs Restore Uterine Function by Inhibiting Endometrial Fibrosis via Regulation of the MMP-9/TIMP-1 Ratio in CDDP-Induced Injury Rats
Authors: Tang Yu , Si Yaru , Liu Chengen , Li Cui , Qu Li , Liu Ying , Fu Qiang , Luo Qianqian
Published: March 2023

The fertility of females of childbearing age who are cured of cancer by chemotherapy is gradually declining globally. As a broad-spectrum chemotherapy drug in clinic, the damage of cisplatin (CDDP) to female reproductive function cannot be ignored. At present, the study of CDDP damage to the uterus is not sufficient, and the exact mechanism needs to be further explored. Therefore, we conducted this research to determine whether uterine injury in CDDP-induced injury rats might be improved by human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hUMSCs) and to further explore the precise mechanism. The rat model of CDDP-induced injury was established by intraperitoneal injection of CDDP, and hUMSCs were injected into the tail vein 7 days later. In vivo, uterine function in CDDP-induced injury rats was affected after hUMSC transplantation. In vitro, the specific mechanism was further explored from the cell and protein levels. Overall, the specific reason of CDDP-induced uterine dysfunction in rats was endometrial fibrosis, which was significantly improved after hUMSC transplantation. Further investigation of the mechanism found that hUMSCs could regulate the ratio of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9)/tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) in endometrial stromal cells (EnSCs) after CDDP injury.
DAB2IP Is a Bifunctional Tumor Suppressor That Regulates Wild-Type RAS and Inflammatory Cascades in KRAS Mutant Colon Cancer
Authors: Miller Abigail L. , Perurena Naiara , Gardner Alycia , Hinoue Toshinori , Loi Patrick , Laird Peter W. , Cichowski Karen
Published: March 2023

The DAB2IP tumor suppressor encodes a RAS GTPase-activating protein. Accordingly, DAB2IP has been shown to be mutated or suppressed in tumor types that typically lack RAS mutations. However, here we report that DAB2IP is mutated or selectively silenced in the vast majority of KRAS and BRAF mutant colorectal cancers. In this setting, DAB2IP loss promoted tumor development by activating wild-type H- and N-RAS proteins, which was surprisingly required to achieve robust activation of RAS effector pathways in KRAS-mutant tumors. DAB2IP loss also triggered production of inflammatory mediators and the recruitment of protumorigenic macrophages in vivo. Importantly, tumor growth was suppressed by depleting macrophages or inhibiting cytokine/inflammatory mediator expression with a JAK/TBK1 inhibitor. In human tumors, DAB2IP was lost at early stages of tumor development, and its depletion was associated with an enrichment of macrophage and inflammatory signatures. Together, these findings demonstrate that DAB2IP restrains the activation of the RAS pathway and inflammatory cascades in the colon and that its loss represents a common and unappreciated mechanism for amplifying these two critical oncogenic signals in colorectal cancer.

Significance:

DAB2IP is lost in early-stage tumors, which amplifies RAS signaling, triggers inflammatory mediators, and recruits macrophages in KRAS-mutant colon cancers.
Cancer-Associated Fibroblast–Derived miR-146a-5p Generates a Niche That Promotes Bladder Cancer Stemness and Chemoresistance
Authors: Zhuang Junlong , Shen Lan , Li Meiqian , Sun Jingya , Hao Jiange , Li Jiaxuan , Zhu Zhen , Ge Shuning , Zhang Dianzheng , Guo Hongqian , Huang Ruimin , Yan Jun
Published: March 2023

Cancer stem-like cells (CSC) play pivotal roles in both chemoresistance and recurrence of many cancer types, including urothelial bladder cancer (UBC). In addition to intrinsic signaling pathways, extracellular cues from the tumor microenvironment (TME) are indispensable for the maintenance of CSCs. To better understand the mechanisms involved in TME-mediated generation and support of UBC CSCs, we focused on the role of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAF) in this study. Overexpression of miR-146a-5p in CAFs promoted CAF-to-UBC cell interactions, cancer stemness, and chemoresistance to treatment with gemcitabine and cisplatin. Mechanistically, miR-146–5p upregulated SVEP1 in CAFs by enhancing the recruitment of transcriptional factor YY1. Meanwhile, by targeting the 3′UTR of mRNAs of ARID1A and PRKAA2 (also known as AMPKα2) in UBC cells, CAF-secreted miR-146a-5p promoted cancer stemness and chemoresistance. Downregulation of ARID1A resulted in the inhibition of SOCS1 and subsequent STAT3 activation, and downregulated PRKAA2 led to the activation of mTOR signaling. Elevated levels of exosomal miR-146a-5p in the serum of patients with UBC were correlated with both tumor stage and relapse risk. These findings altogether indicate that CAF-derived miR-146a-5p can promote stemness and enhance chemoresistance in UBC. Exosomal miR-146a-5p may be a biomarker of UBC recurrence and a potential therapeutic target.

Significance:

The tumor–stromal cross-talk mediated by cancer-associated fibroblast–derived miR-146a-5p fosters cancer stem cell niche formation and cancer stemness to drive chemoresistance in urothelial bladder cancer.
Measurement of Ovarian Tumor Immune Profiles by Multiplex Immunohistochemistry: Implications for Epidemiologic Studies
Authors: Hathaway Cassandra A. , Conejo-Garcia Jose R. , Fridley Brooke L. , Rosner Bernard , Saeed-Vafa Daryoush , Moran Segura Carlos , Nguyen Jonathan V. , Hecht Jonathan L. , Sasamoto Naoko , Terry Kathryn L. , Tworoger Shelley S. , Townsend Mary K.
Published: March 2023

Background:

Despite the immunogenic nature of many ovarian tumors, treatment with immune checkpoint therapies has not led to substantial improvements in ovarian cancer survival. To advance population-level research on the ovarian tumor immune microenvironment, it is critical to understand methodologic issues related to measurement of immune cells on tissue microarrays (TMA) using multiplex immunofluorescence (mIF) assays.

Methods:

In two prospective cohorts, we collected formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded ovarian tumors from 486 cases and created seven TMAs. We measured T cells, including several sub-populations, and immune checkpoint markers on the TMAs using two mIF panels. We used Spearman correlations, Fisher exact tests, and multivariable-adjusted beta-binomial models to evaluate factors related to immune cell measurements in TMA tumor cores.

Results:

Between-core correlations of intratumoral immune markers ranged from 0.52 to 0.72, with more common markers (e.g., CD3+, CD3+CD8+) having higher correlations. Correlations of immune cell markers between the whole core, tumor area, and stromal area were high (range 0.69–0.97). In multivariable-adjusted models, odds of T-cell positivity were lower in clear cell and mucinous versus type II tumors (ORs, 0.13–0.48) and, for several sub-populations, were lower in older tissue (sample age > 30 versus ≤ 10 years; OR, 0.11–0.32).

Conclusions:

Overall, high correlations between cores for immune markers measured via mIF support the use of TMAs in studying ovarian tumor immune infiltration, although very old samples may have reduced antigenicity.

Impact:

Future epidemiologic studies should evaluate differences in the tumor immune response by histotype and identify modifiable factors that may alter the tumor immune microenvironment.
Expression and Therapeutic Targeting of TROP-2 in Treatment-Resistant Prostate Cancer
Authors: Sperger Jamie M. , Helzer Kyle T. , Stahlfeld Charlotte N. , Jiang Dawei , Singh Anupama , Kaufmann Katherine R. , Niles David J. , Heninger Erika , Rydzewski Nicholas R. , Wang Liguo , Wang Liewei , Yang Rendong , Ren Yanan , Engle Jonathan W. , Huang Peng , Kyriakopoulos Christos E. , Slovin Susan F. , Soule Howard R. , Zhao Shuang G. , Kohli Manish , Tagawa Scott T. , Cai Weibo , Dehm Scott M. , Lang Joshua M.
Published: March 2023

Purpose:

Men with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) frequently develop resistance to androgen receptor signaling inhibitor (ARSI) treatment; therefore, new therapies are needed. Trophoblastic cell-surface antigen (TROP-2) is a transmembrane protein identified in prostate cancer and overexpressed in multiple malignancies. TROP-2 is a therapeutic target for antibody–drug conjugates (ADC).

Experimental Design:

TROP-2 gene (TACSTD2) expression and markers of treatment resistance from prostate biopsies were analyzed using data from four previously curated cohorts of mCRPC (n = 634) and the PROMOTE study (dbGaP accession phs001141.v1.p1, n = 88). EPCAM or TROP-2–positive circulating tumor cells (CTC) were captured from peripheral blood for comparison of protein (n = 15) and gene expression signatures of treatment resistance (n = 40). We assessed the efficacy of TROP-2–targeting agents in a mouse xenograft model generated from prostate cancer cell lines.

Results:

We demonstrated that TACSTD2 is expressed in mCRPC from luminal and basal tumors but at lower levels in patients with neuroendocrine prostate cancer. Patients previously treated with ARSI showed no significant difference in TACSTD2 expression, whereas patients with detectable AR-V7 expression showed increased expression. We observed that TROP-2 can serve as a cell surface target for isolating CTCs, which may serve as a predictive biomarker for ADCs. We also demonstrated that prostate cancer cell line xenografts can be targeted specifically by labeled anti–TROP-2 agents in vivo.

Conclusions:

These results support further studies on TROP-2 as a therapeutic and diagnostic target for mCRPC.
Schwere generalisierte pustulöse Psoriasis erfolgreich mit Ixekizumab behandelt: Ein Fallbericht
Authors: Burlando Martina , Salvi Ilaria , Paravisi Andrea , Cozzani Emanuele , Parodi Aurora
Published: March 2023

Die generalisierte pustuläre Psoriasis (GPP) ist eine schwere und potenziell lebensbedrohliche Art der Psoriasis. Wir stellen den Fall eines Patienten mit schwerer GPP vor, die zunächst erfolglos mit Cyclosporin behandelt wurde. Wir haben uns für die Behandlung des Patienten mit Ixekizumab entschieden, einem Anti-IL-17-Antikörper, der für seine schnelle Wirkung bei Psoriasis vulgaris bekannt ist und auch bei GPP als wirksam beschrieben wurde. Der Zustand des Patienten verbesserte sich schnell, mit Auflösung der aktiven Läsionen nach der ersten Verabreichung. Die Behandlung wird seit 2 Jahren ohne unerwünschte Ereignisse und mit anhaltender Krankheitsüberwachung fortgesetzt. Ixekizumab könnte als sichere und effektive Option bei Patienten mit GPP angesehen werden.
Psoriasis: Wie therapeutische Ergebnisse mit ökonomischen und sozialen Auswirkungen in Verbindung stehen
Authors: Wollina Uwe
Published: March 2023

Introduction: Psoriasis is a chronic disease involving the skin, which significantly impacts the quality of life. Disease severity and treatment efficacy (i.e., response) are assessed through the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI). A PASI 75 response, i.e., an improvement of at least 75% with respect to the baseline PASI score, has traditionally been used as a therapeutic benchmark in clinical trials. Therapeutic advances have made PASI 90 or PASI 100 responses possible in most patients treated with some biologics. A greater response may generate social value beyond clinical outcomes that would benefit both patients and society. Methods: A 1-year economic model was applied to estimate the impact of having a PASI 75, PASI 90, or PASI 100 response in four areas of analysis (quality of life, activities of daily living, work productivity, and out-of-pocket expenditures) and the social value of having a PASI 90 or PASI 100 response in comparison with a PASI 75 response. A mixed-methods approach based on the scientific literature, a focus group with patient, and an advisory committee with psoriasis stakeholders was used. The model included three different scenarios: having a PASI 90 vs a PASI 75 response; a PASI 100 vs a PASI 90 response; and a PASI 100 vs a PASI 75 response. A sensitivity analysis was included. Results: The annual economic impact per patient with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis having a PASI 75 response was estimated at Ł 6,139, mainly related to labour productivity losses and quality of life reductions. Having a PASI 90 or a PASI 100 response would reduce this impact to €3,956 or €1,353, respectively. Accordingly, the social value of having a PASI 90 instead of a PASI 75 response was estimated at €2,183, and €4,786 with a PASI 100 response. Discussion: A PASI 90 or PASI 100 response would have a lower economic impact and a greater social value than a PASI 75 response for patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis.
Effects of Preoperative Oral Carbohydrate Loading on Neutrophil/Lymphocyte Ratio and Postoperative Complications following Colorectal Cancer Surgery: A Randomized Controlled Study
Authors: Rizvanović Nermina , Nesek Adam Višnja , Kalajdžija Merlina , Čaušević Senada , Dervišević Senad , Smajić Jasmina
Published: March 2023

Introduction: Preoperative carbohydrate oral (CHO) drinks attenuate the surgical stress response; however, the effects of CHO supplementation on the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) as an inflammatory and immunology-based predictor remain unclear. This study evaluated the effects of preoperative CHO loading on NLR values and complications following open colorectal surgery compared with a conventional fasting protocol. Methods: Sixty eligible participants having planned for routine and open colorectal cancer surgery from May 2020 to January 2022 were prospectively and randomly allocated to either the control (fasting) group, whose members discontinued oral intake beginning the midnight before surgery, or the intervention (CHO) group, whose members consumed a CHO solution the night before surgery and 2 h prior to anaesthesia. NLR was assessed at 06:00 h before surgery (baseline) and at 06:00 h on postoperative days 1, 3, and 5. The incidence and severity of postoperative complications were assessed by Clavien-Dindo Classification up to postoperative day 30. All data were analysed using descriptive statistics. Results: Postoperative NLR and delta NLR values were significantly higher in controls (p < 0.001; p < 0.001). Control group participants also demonstrated grade IV (n = 5; 16.7%, p < 0.01) and grade V (n = 1; 3.3%, p < 0.313) postoperative complications. There were no major postoperative complications in the CHO group. Conclusion: Preoperative CHO consumption reduced postoperative NLR values and the incidence and severity of postoperative complications following open colorectal surgery, compared with a preoperative fasting protocol. Preoperative carbohydrate loading may improve recovery following colorectal cancer surgery.
Sex-Specific Differences in the Risk of Heart Failure following Anti-HER2 Monoclonal Antibody Therapy
Authors: Suzuki Yuta , Kaneko Hidehiro , Tamura Yuicui , Okada Akira , Michihata Nobuaki , Jo Taisuke , Takeda Norifumi , Morita Hiroyuki , Fujiu Katsuhito , Node Koichi , Yasunaga Hideo , Komuro Issei
Published: March 2023

Background: Anti-HER2 monoclonal antibody is associated with a greater risk of heart failure (HF) in female breast cancer patients. In recent years, the indication of anti-HER2 monoclonal antibodies was further expanded to stomach, colorectal, and salivary gland cancers regardless of sex in Japan. However, there have been no data on sex difference in the risk of HF after the anti-HER2 monoclonal antibody treatment. Objectives: We compared the risk of HF between male and female cancer patients treated with anti-HER2 monoclonal antibody using a nationwide population-based database. Method: We analyzed 4,608 cancer patients (230 men, median age; 52 years, breast cancer; 4,333) treated with HER2 monoclonal antibody enrolled in the JMDC Claims Database. The primary outcome was the incidence of HF. Results: Over a mean follow-up of 917 ± 835 days, 559 HF events were documented. Kaplan-Meier curves showed no significant difference in the incidence of HF between men and women. Multivariable Cox regression analysis showed that male sex was not associated with a risk of HF compared with women (HR, 0.76; 95% CI: 0.39–1.49). Conclusions: Our analysis of a nationwide population-based database firstly revealed that no significant sex difference existed in the risk of HF among cancer patients treated with anti-HER2 monoclonal antibody. Our findings suggest that the use of anti-HER2 monoclonal antibodies in male patients may be associated with similar risks observed in female patients.
“The Long Journey of Unexplained Erythrocytosis”: Erythrocytosis due to High-Oxygen Affinity Hemoglobinopathy – Hemoglobin Variant Little Rock (HBB: c.432C>A) – A Report of a Swiss Family and Review of the Literature
Authors: Perroud Camille , Porret Naomi , Rovó Alicia
Published: March 2023

The differential diagnosis of erythrocytosis is complex, involving a tailored algorithm. Congenital causes are rare and such patients commonly face a long journey looking for diagnosis. This diagnosis requires expertise and accessibility to modern diagnostic tools. We present the case of a young Swiss man with long-standing erythrocytosis of unknown origin and his family. The patient had an episode of malaise as he went skiing above 2,000 m altitude. In the blood gas analysis, p50 was low (16 mm Hg) and erythropoietin was normal. Using next-generation sequencing, a mutation in the hemoglobin subunit beta gene was found, a pathogenic variant known as hemoglobin Little Rock causing high oxygen affinity. Some family members also had unexplained erythrocytosis, therefore the mutational status of the family was analyzed, the grandmother and mother showed the presence of the same mutation. The use of modern technology finally offered a diagnosis to this family.
Large Vessel Occlusion Stroke due to Intracranial Atherosclerotic Disease: Identification, Medical and Interventional Treatment, and Outcomes
Authors: de Havenon Adam , Zaidat Osama O. , Amin-Hanjani Sepideh , Nguyen Thanh N. , Bangad Aaron , Abbasi Mehdi , Anadani Mohammad , Almallouhi Eyad , Chatterjee Rano , Mazighi Mikael , Mistry Eva A. , Yaghi Shadi , Derdeyn Colin P. , Hong Keun-Sik , Kvernland Alexandra , Leslie-Mazwi Thabele M. , Al Kasab Sami
Published: March 2023

Large vessel occlusion stroke due to underlying intracranial atherosclerotic disease (ICAD-LVO) is prevalent in 10 to 30% of LVOs depending on patient factors such as vascular risk factors, race and ethnicity, and age. Patients with ICAD-LVO derive similar functional outcome benefit from endovascular thrombectomy as other mechanisms of LVO, but up to half of ICAD-LVO patients reocclude after revascularization. Therefore, early identification and treatment planning for ICAD-LVO are important given the unique considerations before, during, and after endovascular thrombectomy. In this review of ICAD-LVO, we propose a multistep approach to ICAD-LVO identification, pretreatment and endovascular thrombectomy considerations, adjunctive medications, and medical management. There have been no large-scale randomized controlled trials dedicated to studying ICAD-LVO, therefore this review focuses on observational studies.
Transferring Patients From a Primary Stroke Center to Higher Levels of Care: A Qualitative Study of Stroke Coordinators’ Experiences
Authors: Patterson Jennifer L. , Dusenbury Wendy , Stanfill Ansley , Brewer Barbara B. , Alexandrov Andrei V. , Alexandrov Anne W.
Published: March 2023

Background

Transfer times from primary stroke centers and acute stroke–ready hospitals to higher levels of care are often excessive, prompting some to suggest ambulance bypass regulations. Since barriers to rapid transfer have never been fully explored, we sought to understand stroke coordinators’ experiences with transfer of patients with hyperacute stroke from lower to higher levels of stroke centers.

Methods

We conducted a national focus group study with primary stroke center stroke coordinators who had recent experience overseeing transfer of a patient with hyperacute stroke to a higher‐level stroke center. Interviews were conducted using prescripted open‐ended questions; information was recorded and data were transcribed for theme identification.

Results

A total of 23 stroke coordinators participated representing the Northeast, Mid‐Atlantic, Southeast, Midwest, and Western United States. Findings were grouped into 3 main categories: Internal Primary Stroke Center Factors, Transport Factors, and External Comprehensive Stroke Center Factors. Within the primary stroke center group, themes slowing transfer were exclusively physician based, whereas themes emerging from the transport category were associated with poor transport company processes. Within the comprehensive stroke center category, themes were all associated with complex hospital processes and communication.

Conclusion

Important contributors to efficient transfer of patients with hyperacute stroke are beyond the control of stroke coordinators, requiring cross‐system collaboration and improved administrative management to resolve. Quantification of these factors is warranted to support transfer system redesign for rapid access to care for patients with stroke.
Active Iterative Social Inference in Multi-Trial Signaling Games
Authors: Achimova Asya , Scontras Gregory , Eisemann Ella , Butz Martin V.
Published: March 2023

Human behavioral choices can reveal intrinsic and extrinsic decision-influencing factors. We investigate the inference of choice priors in situations of referential ambiguity. In particular, we use the scenario of signaling games and investigate to which extent study participants profit from actively engaging in the task. Previous work has revealed that speakers are able to infer listeners’ choice priors upon observing ambiguity resolution. However, it was also shown that only a small group of participants was able to strategically construct ambiguous situations to create learning opportunities. This paper sets to address how prior inference unfolds in more complex learning scenarios. In Experiment 1, we examine whether participants accumulate evidence about inferred choice priors across a series of four consecutive trials. Despite the intuitive simplicity of the task, information integration turns out to be only partially successful. Integration errors result from a variety of sources, including transitivity failure and recency bias. In Experiment 2, we investigate how the ability to actively construct learning scenarios affects the success of prior inference and whether the iterative settings improve the ability to choose utterances strategically. The results suggest that full task engagement and explicit access to the reasoning pipeline facilitates the invocation of optimal utterance choices as well as the accurate inference of listeners’ choice priors.
Taqyīd al-Mubāḥ and Tobacco: Between Administrative and Legislative Authority
Authors: Shareef Umar
Published: March 2023

This article identifies the seventeenth-century Ottoman legal debate over the permissibility of tobacco as an early instance in which jurists such as Najm al-Dīn al-Ghazzī and Ibrāhīm al-Laqānī, and ʿAlāʾ al-Dīn al-Haṣkafī refer to the ‘ruler’s right to restrict the permissible’ (taqyīd al-mubāḥ) to justify sultan Murād iv’s restriction of smoking. In response, jurists such as ʿAbd al-Ghanī al-Nābulsī and ʿAlī b. Muḥammad al-Ajhūrī contested the application of taqyīd al-mubāḥ to tobacco on the grounds that it did not satisfy the required condition of securing public well-being (maṣlaḥa). My findings show that the jurists agreed on the administrative privilege of the ruler to restrict the permissible but disagreed over whether the ban against tobacco was based on maṣlaḥa or if an accidental property could temporarily prohibit the performance of a permissible act. This paper sheds light on the diversity of juristic positions with regard to the valid exercise of political power, the scope of the ruler’s legal jurisdiction, and the relationship between political and religious authorities.
Interannual variations in diet and nutritional value of plants consumed by the Souss Valley tortoises, Testudo graeca graeca, in west-central Morocco: are they really selective foragers?
Authors: Hichami Nawal , Znari Mohammed
Published: March 2023

A previous study on the feeding habits of Moorish tortoises in west-central Morocco suggests that these animals are selective herbivores, but the nutritional consequences have not been examined. Because of the potassium excretion load, which requires water and/or nitrogen loss, we predicted that tortoises do not have salt glands. Moorish tortoises prefer plants rich in water and protein but low in potassium (PEP index). To this end, we studied the spring diet of adult tortoises in an arid steppe in west-central Morocco during two seasons of relatively dry years (2011-2012) using feces analyses. We also estimated the relative abundance of potential food plants by stratified sampling under the canopy of jujube bushes Ziziphus lotus. We statistically compared diet to plant abundance. Finally, we assessed plant species’ nutritional composition (water, crude protein, and potassium) available to tortoises. Results showed that species assemblages differed significantly between the two plant communities in both years. Nevertheless, tortoises consumed only about 5-6 and nearly the same species at the study site in 2011 and 2012, respectively. The plants consumed by the tortoises had the highest positive PEP index values indicating that there was more water and nitrogen in the food than is needed to excrete potassium.
Social Exclusion as Spiritual Inclusion
Authors: Huotari Rosa
Published: March 2023

Through ethnographic fieldwork conducted in 2020–2021, this paper investigates how people experiencing poverty and social exclusion process their collective in-group/ out-group identity as the urban ‘others’ in faith-based food assistance in Finland. By building on the concept of collective identity and employing narrative construction, the analysis shows that not only does perceived social exclusion function as a stigmatizing self-category and symbolic boundary maker but also as a resource for resistance, especially in the theological accounts of the informants. When looking through the lenses of urban theology, the informants do not just tell a story about themselves, but they do theology as well. All in all, the others may be excluded from society and yet included in Spirit.
The Power of the Employer to Terminate Employment Contracts: A Comparative Study between the UAE and Egypt
Authors: Eldakak Ahmed
Published: March 2023

Labour law grants an employer the power to terminate an employment contract without the worker’s consent when he is guilty of serious misconduct. This power can also be exercised when the employer has legitimate cause even if the worker has not committed any misconduct. This article compares how legislators in the UAE and Egypt regulate this power. The Emirati legislator has recently passed Law No. 33 of 2021, which updated the dismissal causes list and enabled the employer to terminate definite term contracts for a legitimate cause. The Egyptian legislator is currently debating the employer’s power to terminate employment contracts in a discussion of the bill on employment law, which will soon replace the current Labour Law No. 12 of 2003. The article concludes that the various legal rules in the UAE and Egypt can be transplanted to balance the rights of employers and workers.
Recent Developments to the Jordanian Execution Law
Authors: Ababneh Hisham
Published: March 2023

This article examines the recent amendments made to the Jordanian Execution Law in respect of imprisonment for failure to pay debts of civil and commercial nature. While the amendments made on the Law are long-awaited and are an improvement to the administration of justice in the Country; it remains that these amendments came below expectations. First, the recent amendments to the Law are short from the international obligations of the Country under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) which Jordan is a signatory of. Second, the recent amendments still use the “one size fits all” approach whereby it does not provide a distinction between a procrastinating debtor and a debtor that is indeed not able to pay; to determine imprisonment in civil and commercial debts. Hence, while the recent amendments had made some positive changes to the imprisonment for debtors in civil and commercial debts; this article finds that Jordan must adhere to its international obligations by providing alternatives to imprisonment for civil and commercial debts; or at least provide a distinction between a procrastinating debtor and a not able to pay debtor to determine whether imprisonment of the debtor is due.
More-than-Human Space Diplomacy: Assembling Internationalism in Orbit
Authors: Stewart William , Dittmer Jason
Published: March 2023

This article explores the role of materiality in space diplomacy through the example of orbital docking technology by tracing its evolution from the early days of the space age to the International Space Station — and beyond. Drawing on the use of assemblage theory in political geography, this article argues for a ‘more-than-human’ approach to space diplomacy to supplement and provide an alternative to conventional approaches to diplomacy studies. By conceptualising the International Space Station as a diplomatic assemblage with which the multinational partners become enmeshed, we investigate how materials, specifically androgynous orbital docking technology, fostered co-operation and peace in the wake of the Cold War and which continues today.
How Awe-Inspiring It Is: A Galician Maskil Responds to the Revolutions of 1848–1849
Authors: Wolpe Rebecca
Published: March 2023

While the practical results of the revolutions that engulfed Europe in 1848–1849 were largely ephemeral, they elicited great excitement and anticipation. In particular, some enlightened Jews saw the revolutions and ensuing political developments as a great opportunity, hoping that they would lead to emancipation, equality, and brotherhood with their non-Jewish neighbors. Spurred on by the events, Abraham Mendel Mohr, a Galician maskil and author, established a Yiddish newspaper, Tsaytung (the first Yiddish weekly), through which he disseminated news and information about the revolutions. He not only sought to inform, however, but also to motivate his readers to seize this unique opportunity, and to change and adapt themselves accordingly (expounding a typically maskilic program). An examination of Mohr’s Tsaytung, which was published between May 1848 and September 1849, provides a rare glimpse into how a Galician maskil responded to the tumultuous events of the Spring of Nations.
Effects of sea-salt stress on morphological and biochemical indices of Grand Nain (Musa spp.) banana variety
Authors: Baysal Filiz
Published: March 2023

Banana is cultivated abundantly in seaside regions, which are highly prone to rises in sea level or where seawater mixes with groundwater. This study aimed to investigate the effect of sea-salt stress on banana seedlings. Three different saline solutions, irrigation water, and distilled water were prepared for treatments; 15.3 dS m−1, 20.4 dS m−1, 25.7 dS m−1, 3.22 dS m−1 (irrigation water), 0.0 dS m−1 (control), respectively. Although there was no statistical difference in plant length after the treatment, plant diameter difference was observed in seedlings subjected to salt stress for 30 days. The most damaged leaves (4.8) were determined at the highest sea-salt solution (25.7 dS m−1). Compared with the root length (RL) results of control, irrigation water, and 15.3 dS m−1 treatments, the mean of RL was significantly higher in the 25.7 dS m−1 treatment (40.0 cm). Except for the 20.40 dS m−1 treatment, the other treatments had values close to each other. Contrary to the total chlorophyll (TC) and chlorophyll fluorescence (CF) values determined in control plants, the highest TC content and CF were found in irrigation water treatment with 34.8 mg g−1 Fw and 46.0, respectively. The levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and proline were significantly higher in the 25.7 dS m−1 treatment than in the other treatments. Results demonstrated that the root length of the Grand Nain cultivar increased although the sea-salt stress had negative effects on plant morphology and biochemical content, indicating that it could adapt to short-term salt stress.
Seasonal variation of boeravinone B content in plant parts of Boerhaavia diffusa L.
Authors: Sharma Savita , Sharma Jyotsna , Singh Deepika , Mallubhotla Sharada
Published: March 2023

Boerhaavia diffusa (family: Nyctaginaceae) is a well-known medicinal plant of rasayana category as per ayurvedic claims, commonly known as ‘Punarnava’ in Indian system of medicine. It is used as a green leafy vegetable in many Asian and African countries besides possessing anticancer, antiestrogenic, immunomodulatory and antiamoebic activities. Its phytochemicals like flavanoids, alkaloids, phenols, polyphenols etc. have been extensively explored to gain insight into its wide range of bioactivities and medicinal attributes, and boeravinone B has been reported as most potent and interesting flavonoid for its therapeutic properties. In present investigation high performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC) analysis was done on monthly basis for two consecutive years to check the influence of temperature, humidity and rainfall on production and quantification of boeravinone B in various plant parts of field grown B. diffusa. Throughout the year, variation in the concentration of boeravinone B was observed and highest yield was observed in July, which is also the best time for Boerhaavia multiplication and growth. Amongst the plant parts, maximum concentration of boeravinone B was obtained in root parts (6.63%) followed by leaves (4.28%) and minimal content was obtained in shoot parts (3.08%). These results indicate the ideal time for harvesting of the whole herb for its better utilization as a herbal therapeutic for commercial purposes.
An Image of Northwest Yorùbáland during World War II
Authors: Ogundiwin Babatunde A.
Published: March 2023

West Africa became more strategically important during the Second World War owing to the air reinforcement route to Northeast Africa. The West African Air Reinforcement Route (WARR) went across the colony of Nigeria into the African interior. Geographical knowledge production was important for the smooth running of these air logistics operations. The United States, which came on the air supply route in support of the British war effort, was involved in map production for this purpose. Hence, this paper explores the United States military cartography of WARR, used during the Second World War. In particular, it examines the 1942 image of Northwest Yorùbáland. This paper contends that the reproduced African landscapes of the Geographical Section of the General Staff (GSGS) 2465 Series convey ideological meanings. As a social practice, cartography during this global conflict resulted in further territorial ordering and control over the ground and air space of this part of West Africa. These Allied military maps depicted specific geographies along the trans-African air route, with precise strategic purpose, but they also had ideological implications for wider cultural geographies.
The Rhythmists
Authors: Cottington David
Published: March 2023

This essay discusses a group of anglophone artists of the pre-First World War period who not only assimilated Parisian avant-garde practices but took the plunge of attempting to make their careers in Paris itself in the decade before 1915. The constellation of questions, both historical and theoretical, that this initiative raises provides the framework for an analysis that offers both a detailed materialist history of the emergence, consolidation and diversification of the formation of the avant-garde in these respective fields and a theoretical understanding of their dynamics—and, through this, of the character of the then emergent European artistic avant-garde.
Evaluation of the therapeutic effect of mitomycin-loaded hydrogel in inhibiting tumor-cell proliferation and invasion in pancreatic cancer
Authors: Wang Wen-Wen , Yang Li-Jie , Guo Jun-Feng
Published: March 2023

Pancreatic cancer is a common tumor of the digestive system with a high degree of malignancy and poor prognosis. Its incidence has significantly increased worldwide in recent years. Currently, approximately 90% of patients cannot be treated surgically. Thus, drug therapy plays an important
role in pancreatic cancer treatment. In this study, hydrogels loaded with mitomycin were prepared from hyaluronic acid and carboxymethyl chitosan, which have excellent biocompatibility. SEM results showed that the hydrogels had a three-dimensional interoperable porous structure, and CCK-8
results showed that hydrogels loaded with mitomycin significantly reduced cancer-cell proliferation. The hydrogels also reduced the migration of cancer cells in a dose-dependent manner, indicating their potential use as a drug-carrier material for pancreatic cancer treatment.
Effects of chitosan-zinc oxide nano coating supplemented with bergamot essential oil on postharvest shelf life of table grapes (Vitisvinifera L., Red Globe)
Authors: Sami Rokayya
Published: March 2023

In current study, the effect of various coating formulations such as control (glycerol+acetic acid+distilled water); chitosan (CH) (glycerol+acetic acid+CH 1%); CH-Nano-ZnO (chitosan+Nano-ZnO (1%)); CH-Nano ZnO-EOs (Essential oils) (CH-Nano-ZnO+EOs (1%)) were investigated on postharvest
physiological characteristics such as weight loss, browning index, enzymatic activity, microbiological, phenolic acid and total phenols of table grape fruits during the storage at 25 °C with an RH of 40–60% for 16 days. The effects of coating treatments were performed at 0, 4, 7,
14 and 16 days of storage. The application of CH-Nano ZnO-EOs coating was most significant to retarded the weight loss (6.12%), least browning (1.37). O2 concentrations in the control samples decreased slightly (8.45 kPa), Chitosan reached (11.01 kPa), CH-Nano ZnO was (11.07 kPa),
and CH-Nano ZnO-EOs was (12.35 kPa). CH-Nano ZnO-EOs samples reached (14.88 mg CO2 · kg−1h−1) then CH-Nano ZnO-EOs showed the lowest values (11.35 mg CO2 · kg−1h−1) on 16 days of storage.
Chitosan treatment did not effectively enhance the antimicrobial activities compared with nano-coatings. The lowest count for mold and yeast was detected in the CH-Nano ZnO-EOs coating treatment (49.45 CFU/ml). CH-Nano ZnO-EOs treatment recorded the highest phenolic acid contents; 9.98 μg−1FW
for P-Coumaric Acid, 3.96 μg−1FW for Ferulic Acid, 5.70 μg−1FW for Gallic Acid, 1.35 μg−1FW for Coffeic Acid, and 11.73 μg−1FW for Reseratrol. The highest total phenol value was for
CH-Nano ZnO-EOs 2.15 mg g−1FW followed by CH-Nano ZnO 2.05 mg g−1FW. The results showed that the nano-coating film with the addition of essential oil can extend the shelf life.
Protection of gemcitabine-loaded polylactic-co-glycolic acid microspheres combined with CAR-T treatment against pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma
Authors: Guo Xiongbo , Zou Xiangcai , Fan Xiaoping , Tang Yongshi , Li Yan
Published: March 2023

Pancreas ductal adenocarcinoma has a highly aggressive phenotype and is one of the most lethal malignancies in the world. Although the use of FOLFIRINOX and abraxane plus gemcitabine chemotherapy regimens have improved patient care, their recurrence rates and long-term survival are
still not promising. In this study, PLGA/gemcitabine microspheres were prepared by emulsification–solvent volatilization using gemcitabine as the drug model, and scanning electron microsopy showed that the microspheres had a smooth surface, small size, and large specific surface area.
The PLGA microspheres have a high loading capacity and are capable of long-term release. The combination of PLGA/gemcitabine microspheres with chimeric antigen receptor T-cell treatment can regulate MUC1 expression in epithelial cells and reduce the aggressiveness of tumors; thus, it is expected
to be applied in the treatment of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.
Fiscal Impacts of the Opioid Crisis on State and Local Governments
Authors: Bifulco Robert , Shybalkina Iuliia
Published: March 2023

Adverse effects of the opioid crisis on individuals influence the need for state and local government expenditures and erode their tax bases. Systematic estimates of the magnitude of such fiscal impacts are lacking. We estimate the magnitude of the effect of the opioid crisis on state and local expenditures and discuss approaches that might be taken to evaluate the impact of the crisis on revenues. We find that the fiscal impacts of the opioid crisis on state and local governments are modest for the U.S. as a whole but are likely to be greater in states with particularly high rates of opioid-use disorders. Our analysis aims to encourage and guide more in-depth studies in the future. Such studies can inform intergovernmental aid policies designed to offset the fiscal impacts of opioid misuse and can also contribute to assessing damages in opioid lawsuits.