bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The foundation for investigating factor XI as a target for inhibition in human cardiovascular disease
Authors: Ali Ahmed E. , Becker Richard C.
Published: April 2024

Anticoagulant therapy is a mainstay in the management of patients with cardiovascular disease and related conditions characterized by a heightened risk for thrombosis. Acute coronary syndrome, chronic coronary syndrome, ischemic stroke, and atrial fibrillation are the most common. In addition to their proclivity for thrombosis, each of these four conditions is also characterized by local and systemic inflammation, endothelial/endocardial injury and dysfunction, oxidative stress, impaired tissue-level reparative capabilities, and immune dysregulation that plays a critical role in linking molecular events, environmental triggers, and phenotypic expressions. Knowing that cardiovascular disease and thrombosis are complex and dynamic, can the scientific community identify a common pathway or specific point of interface susceptible to pharmacological inhibition or alteration that is likely to be safe and effective? The contact factors of coagulation may represent the proverbial “sweet spot” and are worthy of investigation. The following review provides a summary of the fundamental biochemistry of factor XI, its biological activity in thrombosis, inflammation, and angiogenesis, new targeting drugs, and a pragmatic approach to managing hemostatic requirements in clinical trials and possibly day-to-day patient care in the future.
Single nucleotide polymorphisms of growth hormone gene in cattle and their association with growth traits: a systematic review
Authors: Bila Lubabalo , Malatji Dikeledi Petunia , Tyasi Thobela Louis
Published: April 2024

Growth traits in livestock animals are quantitative parameters, which are often controlled by many genes including growth hormone (GH) gene. However, the evidence of effect of GH gene on growth traits of cattle is poorly understood. Hence, the objective of the study was to systematically investigate the literature on single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of GH gene and their association with growth traits in cattle from four databases Google Scholar, PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Web of Science. The results indicated that fifteen (n = 15) articles with 27% of them from Indonesia qualified to be used in this study after screening. The results revealed five SNPs (1047T > C, 1180 C > T, 86,273,136 A/G, 3338 A > G and 4251 C > T) occurred across multiple investigated breeds with no common identified SNPs. Six articles observed a significant difference (p < 0.05) between growth traits and genotypes of identified SNPs. The findings showed that 7 articles (47%) investigated body weight (BW) with 6 (40%) of them found non-significant and 1 (7%) found a significant association with genotypes of the identified SNPs (3338 A > G). While 7 articles (47%) investigated weaning weight (WW) with 5 (33%) of them revealed a non-significant and 2 (13%) found a significant association with genotypes of identified SNPs (3338 A > G and 4251 C > T). This study shows that there is a lack of evidence on effect of growth hormone gene on growth traits in cattle. However, more studies are recommended for further validation of the identified SNPs and effect of growth hormone gene on growth traits in cattle.
Changes in biomarkers of the redox status in whole blood and red blood cell lysates in canine hypothyroidism
Authors: González-Arostegui L. G. , Muñoz-Prieto A. , García-López G. , Cerón J. J. , Tvarijonaviciute A. , Rubio C. P.
Published: April 2024

Hypothyroidism is the most commonly diagnosed endocrine disease in dogs. The objective of this study was to evaluate the changes in the redox status in canine hypothyroidism using whole blood (WB) and red blood cell (RBCs) lysates. For this purpose, a panel of five antioxidants and five oxidants biomarkers was measured in WB and RBCs lysates of 30 dogs with hypothyroidism, 26 dogs with non-thyroidal illnesses and 15 healthy dogs. The antioxidants measured were cupric reducing antioxidant capacity (CUPRAC), ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP), Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC), thiol and paraoxonase type-1 (PON-1). Oxidants measured include the total oxidant status (TOS), peroxide-activity (POX-Act), reactive oxygen-derived metabolites (d-ROMs), advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS). WB showed a significant decrease of the antioxidants CUPRAC, TEAC and thiol, and also an increase in TBARS and a decrease in AOPP in dogs with hypothyroidism compared to healthy dogs. Meanwhile, RBCs lysates showed a significant increase in FRAP and PON-1 in dogs with hypothyroidism. The changes in the redox biomarkers in this study show that WB in canine hypothyroidism had a higher number of changes in biomarkers of the redox status than RBCs lysates, making it a promising sample type for the evaluation of the redox status in this disease. In addition, WB is easier and simpler to process than RBCs lysates and unlike serum, it does not have any hemolysis interference.
On the Occurrence of Extreme Rainfall Events Across Italy: Should We Update the Probability of Failure of Existing Hydraulic Works?
Authors: Moccia Benedetta , Ridolfi Elena , Mineo Claudio , Russo Fabio , Napolitano Francesco
Published: April 2024

Every year, extreme rainfall events cause human deaths and economic losses around the world. Risk reduction strategies may involve the implementation of structural measures that are widely extended and financial relevant. Despite the high reliance on these mitigation measures, there might occur instances of overload, i.e. events with intensities exceeding the design value of these structures, that may have catastrophic consequences. In this framework, it is crucial to improve hydraulic works management, thus, we introduce a procedure at rain gauge scale for revising design variables throughout their operational lifespan. This enables us to enhance the assessment of the probability of failure of these works. Finally, we investigate instances where design variables experience overload during the recording period, thus assessing the occurrence of rare yet possible events. To this aim we find the most-suitable probability distribution to describe daily rainfall maxima in Italy. Specifically, we test the performance of four widely used bi-parametrical distributions with different tail behaviour, by analysing an impressive dataset consisting of 2282 rain gauges observations from 1860 to 2022. Our results show that: (1) 78% of the empirical samples exhibits heavy-tail behaviour; (2) when the update procedure is applied, 64% of the samples shows a higher-than-expected probability of failure; (3) at least one case of overload associated to a 100-years return period is recorded in almost all regions. Based on our results, existing hydraulic works designed to safeguard populations and their activities from catastrophic events may face a higher risk of failure than initially expected.
Validation of self-applied unattended polysomnography using Somte V2 PSG (Somte) for diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) in pregnant women in early to mid-gestation
Authors: Clements Frances , Makris Angela , Chung Yewon , Poh Jonathon , Marshall Nathaniel S. , Melehan Kerri , Shanmugalingam Renuka , Hennessy Annemarie , Vedam Hima
Published: April 2024

Purpose

Polysomnography (PSG) may be completed in the home environment (unattended), and when self-applied, allow the collection of data with minimal healthcare worker intervention. Self-applied, unattended PSG in the home environment using Somte PSG V2 (Somte) has not been validated in pregnant women in early to mid-gestation. We undertook a study to evaluate the accuracy of Somte compared to attended PSG. The agreement between apnoea hypopnea index (AHI) and respiratory disturbance index (RDI) scores in Somte and PSG in early to mid-gestation were assessed.

Methods

Pregnant women (≤ 24 weeks gestation) were scheduled for PSG and Somte within a 7-day window, in any order. Somte were self-applied and completed in the home. Somte were scored blinded to PSG result. AHI was the primary outcome of interest, though an AHI ≥ 5 or RDI ≥ 5 on PSG was considered diagnostic of Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA). AHI, RDI, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV) was calculated and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were produced. Bland–Altman plots were used to determine agreement. Technical issues occurring during tests were explored.

Results

Twenty-four participants successfully completed both tests between March 2021 and January 2023. PSG were completed at around 14.1 weeks’ gestation (IQR 13.4, 15.7). The time interval between Somte and PSG was a median of 4 days (IQR 2, 7 (range 1–12)). Five (20.8%) women had OSA on PSG at AHI ≥ 5 and 10 (41.6%) women had OSA on PSG at RDI ≥ 5. Somte and PSG did not differ in the measurement of AHI ((1.8, 1.6, p = 0.09) or RDI (3.3, 3.5), p = 0.73).

At AHI ≥ 5, diagnostic test accuracy (area under the ROC curve) of Somte was 0.94, sensitivity 80.0%, specificity 94.7%, PPV and NPV were 80.0% and 94.7% respectively. At RDI ≥ 5, diagnostic test accuracy (area under the ROC curve) was 0.95, sensitivity 60.0%, specificity 93.0% and PPV and NPV were 85.7% and 76.4% respectively. The confidence limits of Bland–Altman plots were 6.37 to − 8.89 at cut off AHI ≥ 5 and 8.89 to − 10.43 at cut off RDI ≥ 5. Somte failed to start in four tests. Technical issues were reported in both Somte (n = 13, 54.2%) and PSG (n = 6, 25.0%).

Conclusion

Self-applied, unattended Somte may provide an acceptable substitute to attended PSG in the identification of OSA in pregnant women in early to mid-gestation in this small sample but may fail to detect cases of OSA, particularly when using RDI as the diagnostic marker.
Sequestration of Pb(II) using channel-like porous spheres of carboxylated graphene oxide-incorporated cellulose acetate@iminodiacetic acid: optimization and mechanism study
Authors: El-Monaem Eman M. Abd , Gomaa Hassanien , Omer Ahmed M. , El-Subruiti Gehan M. , Eltaweil Abdelazeem S.
Published: April 2024

The adsorption property of the costless green cellulose acetate (CA) was boosted by the dual modifications: inner modification by incorporating carboxylated graphene oxide (COOH-GO) into the CA spheres and outer modification by the surface modification of the COOH-GO@CA spheres by iminodiacetic acid (IDA) for removing Pb(II). The adsorption experiments of the Pb(II) proceeded in a batch mode to evaluate the adsorption property of the COOH-GO@CA@IDA spheres. The maximal Pb(II) adsorption capacity attained 613.30 mg/g within 90 min at pH = 5. The removal of Pb(II) reached its equilibrium within 20 min, and the removal % was almost 100% after 30 min at the low Pb(II) concentration. The Pb(II) adsorption mechanism was proposed according to the kinetics and isotherms studies; in addition, the zeta potential (ZP) measurements and X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) analysis defined the adsorption pathways. By comparing the XPS spectra of the authentic and used COOH-GO@CA@IDA, it was deduced that the contributed chemical adsorption pathways are Lewis acid–base, precipitation, and complexation. The zeta potential (ZP) measurements demonstrated the electrostatic interaction participation in adsorbing the cationic Pb(II) species onto the negatively charged spheres (ZP = 14.2 mV at pH = 5). The unique channel-like pores of the COOH-GO@CA@IDA spheres suggested the pore-filling mechanism of Pb(II). The promising adsorption results and the superb recyclability character of COOH-GO@CA@IDA enable it to extend of the bench scale to the industrial scale.
Modeling and experimental analysis of CO2 methanation reaction using Ni/CeO2 monolithic catalyst
Authors: Parra-Marfil Adriana , Ocampo-Pérez Raúl , Aguilar-Madera Carlos Gilberto , Carrasco-Marín Francisco , Pérez-Cadenas Agustín Francisco , Bueno-López Agustín , Bailón-García Esther
Published: April 2024

In this study, the effect of the cell density of monolithic catalysts was investigated and further mathematically modeled on cordierite supports used in CO2 methanation. Commercial cordierite monoliths with 200, 400, and 500 cpsi cell densities were coated by immersion into an ethanolic suspension of Ni/CeO2 active phase. SEM–EDS analysis confirmed that, owing to the low porosity of cordierite (surface area < 1 m2 g−1), the Ni/CeO2 diffusion into the walls was limited, especially in the case of low and intermediate cell density monoliths; thus, active phase was predominantly loaded onto the channels’ external surface. Nevertheless, despite the larger exposed surface area in the monolith with high cell density, which would allow for better distribution and accessibility of Ni/CeO2, its higher macro-pore volume resulted in some introduction of the active phase into the walls. As a result, the catalytic evaluation showed that it was more influenced by increments in volumetric flow rates. The low cell density monolith displayed diffusional control at flow rates below 500 mL min−1. In contrast, intermediate and high cell density monoliths presented this behavior up to 300 mL min−1. These findings suggest that the interaction reactants-catalyst is considerably more affected by a forced non-uniform flow when increasing the injection rate. This condition reduced the transport of reactants and products within the catalyst channels and, in turn, increased the minimum temperature required for the reaction. Moreover, a slight diminution of selectivity to CH4 was observed and ascribed to the possible formation of hot spots that activate the reverse water–gas shift reaction. Finally, a mathematical model based on fundamental momentum and mass transfer equations coupled with the kinetics of CO2 methanation was successfully derived and solved to analyze the fluid dynamics of the monolithic support. The results showed a radial profile with maximum fluid velocity located at the center of the channel. A reactive zone close to the inlet was obtained, and maximum methane production (4.5 mol m−3) throughout the monolith was attained at 350 °C. Then, linear streamlines of the chemical species were developed along the channel.
Non-dual Reality and Empirical Existence in Advaita Vedānta and Ghazālī’s Metaphysics of Unity
Authors: Laude Patrick
Published: April 2024

This essay explores the ways in which two distinct spiritual traditions, Ghazālī’s Ṣūfīsm and Śaṅkarian Advaita Vedānta, articulate an exclusive metaphysical affirmation of the Ultimate Reality with an empirical recognition of relative existence. Both perspectives are shown to be radically absolutist in their discernment of the Real and in their denying metaphysical reality to other-than-the-Absolute. This raises the question of the ontological status of relativity and empirical existence. Although Islam would seem to assign a greater reality to the world of relativity and human experience, Ghazālī’s most metaphysical treatise, Mishkāt al-anwār (The Niche of Lights), utterly denies the intrinsic reality of creatures in themselves. Similarly, Śaṅkara affirms the non-existence of māyā, the principle of ignorance and duality, as a superimposition upon ātman, the Divine Self immanent to all. Ghazālī concedes, however, that relative existence is “metaphorically” existent (majāz) while Śaṅkara acknowledges the “transactional” reality (vyāvahārika) of empirical existence. Such recognitions involve a multi-stratified view of reality that must account for both metaphysical consistency and empirical access to Reality. This essay shows that although fundamental parallels between the two worlds of meaning can be highlighted, their respective metaphysical perspectives and views of relativity are also quite distinct inasmuch as they are informed by profoundly different religious and traditional contexts.
Connecting sustainability and computer science curricula through website learning projects embedding different types of student-generated content
Authors: Blanco José Miguel , Domínguez César , Jaime Arturo , Usandizaga Imanol
Published: April 2024

Teaching and learning methods that are related to student-generated content (SGC) seem a promising strategy for including sustainable development goals (SDGs) in education (established as a fundamental cornerstone in the achievement of these goals by the United Nations). This paper describes the inclusion of SDGs through the implementation of website learning projects, whose products are SGC where materials developed by students can be made available to other students (from the same or different courses) in Project Management subjects of the Degree in Computer Science. The method has trialled at two different universities working in a coordinated way. A total of 301 students developed these projects with which they completed the content of the subject, in addition to achieving learning with respect to the SDGs, increasing their understanding of the impact of information and communication technologies on the SDGs, and their awareness of the related problems. We also found that more learning is perceived with information search and content generation activities than with those that focus on the use of materials produced by peers. Finally, it is observed that the method has similar results in different contexts and with different groups of students.
A Genuinely Hybrid, Multiscale 3D Cancer Invasion and Metastasis Modelling Framework
Authors: Katsaounis Dimitrios , Harbour Nicholas , Williams Thomas , Chaplain Mark AJ , Sfakianakis Nikolaos
Published: April 2024

We introduce in this paper substantial enhancements to a previously proposed hybrid multiscale cancer invasion modelling framework to better reflect the biological reality and dynamics of cancer. These model updates contribute to a more accurate representation of cancer dynamics, they provide deeper insights and enhance our predictive capabilities. Key updates include the integration of porous medium-like diffusion for the evolution of Epithelial-like Cancer Cells and other essential cellular constituents of the system, more realistic modelling of Epithelial–Mesenchymal Transition and Mesenchymal–Epithelial Transition models with the inclusion of Transforming Growth Factor beta within the tumour microenvironment, and the introduction of Compound Poisson Process in the Stochastic Differential Equations that describe the migration behaviour of the Mesenchymal-like Cancer Cells. Another innovative feature of the model is its extension into a multi-organ metastatic framework. This framework connects various organs through a circulatory network, enabling the study of how cancer cells spread to secondary sites.
Coevolution of Age-Structured Tolerance and Virulence
Authors: Buckingham Lydia J. , Ashby Ben
Published: April 2024

Hosts can evolve a variety of defences against parasitism, including resistance (which prevents or reduces the spread of infection) and tolerance (which protects against virulence). Some organisms have evolved different levels of tolerance at different life-stages, which is likely to be the result of coevolution with pathogens, and yet it is currently unclear how coevolution drives patterns of age-specific tolerance. Here, we use a model of tolerance-virulence coevolution to investigate how age structure influences coevolutionary dynamics. Specifically, we explore how coevolution unfolds when tolerance and virulence (disease-induced mortality) are age-specific compared to when these traits are uniform across the host lifespan. We find that coevolutionary cycling is relatively common when host tolerance is age-specific, but cycling does not occur when tolerance is the same across all ages. We also find that age-structured tolerance can lead to selection for higher virulence in shorter-lived than in longer-lived hosts, whereas non-age-structured tolerance always leads virulence to increase with host lifespan. Our findings therefore suggest that age structure can have substantial qualitative impacts on host–pathogen coevolution.
Institutionelles Erinnern und Alltagserinnern
Authors: Grauert Hanna
Published: April 2024

Dieser Beitrag untersucht Temporalitäts- und Normativitätsschichten interaktionalen Vergangenheitsrekonstruierens am Beispiel von Kontrollpraktiken eines Ordnungsamtes: Bisher in der sozialwissenschaftlichen Gedächtnisforschung noch wenig beleuchtet, konzentriert sich dieser Beitrag auf Prozesse des Erinnerns erst kürzlich zurückliegender Ereignisse und wie diese interaktiv rekonstruiert werden. Im Organisationsalltag der Ordnungsamtsmitarbeiter:innen spielen vor allem solche Konfliktsituationen eine Rolle, bei denen das erst kürzlich zurückliegende Ereignis (z. B. Parken des Autos) konfliktiv in unterschiedlichen Zeittiefen von Amts- und Zivilpersonen erinnert wird. Dabei treffen systematische, professionell-institutionelle Verfahren des Rekonstruierens auf Alltagspraktiken sozialen Erinnerns. Anhand ethnographischer Daten wird zunächst gezeigt, wie systematische, professionell-institutionelle Verfahren des Rekonstruierens aufgebaut sind. Anschließend werden die konfliktiven Interaktionen zwischen Amts- und Zivilpersonen und die daraus entstehenden Normativitätsebenen und Legitimationsformen analysiert. Die empirischen Daten aus dem Ordnungsamt einer Großstadt in Deutschland zeigen, wie die Vergangenheit mit verschiedenen Praktiken rekonstruiert wird und auf welche Weisen Fragmente alltäglichen Geschehens zu Episoden geteilter, kollektiver Erinnerung in nuce transformiert werden.
Combining the multi-level perspective framework with participatory scenario development to explore the many facets of food system transitions in Germany
Authors: Fiala Valentin , Jacob Klaus
Published: April 2024

Transitions to more sustainable food systems are urgently needed, but they are also very complex and hard to achieve. The integration of transdisciplinary approaches into transition research can help to understand and promote sustainable food system transitions, but remains an agenda item in this research field. To fill this gap, this article describes how the multi-level perspective (MLP) can be used as a framework for explorative, participatory scenario development. On the one hand, MLP provides scholars with a framework for understanding the dynamics of transitions. On the other hand, participatory scenario development brings together academic and non-academic actors and perspectives to explore and promote possible development pathways. Based on this framework, researchers and practitioners jointly co-created four scenarios of how the landscape of five relevant European food innovations located in established food systems or niches (alternative sources of proteins, prosumer initiatives, regional value chains, school meal programs, and dietary interventions) might change by 2040 and further explored how these food innovations might evolve under the scenarios. The results provide initial insights into the role that food innovations could play in different transition pathways and also indicate the value of a diverse portfolio of food innovations to respond to changing circumstances. Furthermore, the process allowed participants to develop a shared understanding of food system dynamics and explore potential future risks and opportunities for food innovations, showing that participatory scenarios based on the MLP framework are a useful lens for exploring sustainable food system transitions.
PRRX1 upregulates PD-L1 in human mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Osawa Taro , Yamada Daisuke , Takao Tomoko , Ming Lu , Takarada Takeshi
Published: April 2024

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been demonstrated to be efficacious in clinical applications for the amelioration of immune disorders, including graft-versus-host disease (GvHD) and Crohn's disease. The immunosuppressive role of Programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) in MSCs is pivotal, yet the regulatory mechanisms governing its expression remain to be fully elucidated. In this study, we explored the influence of paired-related homeobox (PRRX1), a determinant of multipotency and self-renewal in MSCs, on the expression of various surface antigens, notably PD-L1. Multiple isoforms of PRRX1 were found to augment the mRNA levels of MSC markers, such as CD26 and CD317, with all isoforms elevating PD-L1 expression at both mRNA and protein levels. This study reveals that PRRX1 may act as a potential immunomodulatory factor in MSCs by regulating the PD-L1 pathway.
Preparation of Binary and Ternary Laves and µ-Phases in the Ta–Fe(–Al) System for Property Analysis at the Microscale
Authors: Gasper C. , Gao I. Y. , Busch F. A. , Ziemons A. , Beckers D. , Springer H. , Korte-Kerzel S.
Published: April 2024

Topologically close-packed (TCP) intermetallic phases are attractive candidates for adapting the property profile of both structural and functional materials, but their mechanical behavior, in particular below their brittle-to-ductile transition, is generally still poorly understood. The systematic analysis of the underlying deformation mechanisms requires the fabrication of homogeneous samples with sufficiently high purity and large enough grain size. Here, we describe identified pathways on the example of Laves and µ-phases from the binary Ta–Fe and ternary Ta–Fe–Al systems with regard to input materials, liquid metallurgy synthesis, heat treatment, and metallographic preparation methods. Preparation routes for structural analysis by electron backscatter diffraction and mechanical analysis by nanomechanical testing, as well as the transferability of our approach to other alloy systems containing TCP phases, are outlined and discussed.
Comparison of Microwave Versus Conventional Furnace Heat Treatments of Carbide Composite Thermal Spray Coatings
Authors: Matthews Steven , Yang Fei
Published: April 2024

Thermal spraying has become an industrial standard in the production of wear-resistant WC-Co and Cr3C2-NiCr composite coatings. However, generating optimum wear-resistant nano-reinforced carbide microstructures within the coatings remains challenging. The alternative two-step approach in this work involves coating formation under high energy conditions to generate maximum carbide dissolution, followed by heat treatment to precipitate nanocarbides. Microwave heating of particulate materials has been reported to offer several benefits over conventional furnace heating, including faster heating rates, internal rather than external heating, and acceleration of reactions/phase transformations at lower temperatures. This novel work explored the use of microwaves for heat treatment (as distinct from melting) of WC-Co and Cr3C2-NiCr thermal spray coatings and contrasted the rate of phase development with that from conventional furnace treatment. Coatings were successfully microwave heat-treated to generate the same phase composition as furnace treatment. Both treatments generated comparable results in the Cr3C2-NiCr system. The WC-Co system achieved a much more crystalline structure in a dramatically shorter time relative to the conventional furnace-treated sample. The results are contrasted as a function of material and microstructure interaction with microwaves and the critical phase transition temperatures to account for the observed responses.
Echinococcus granulosus Sensu Stricto and Echinococcus multilocularis in a Gray Wolf (Canis lupus) in Turkey: Further Evidence for Increased Risk of Alveolar Echinococcosis in Urban Areas
Authors: Akyuz Muzaffer , Kirman Ridvan , Guven Esin , Balkaya Ibrahim , Avcioglu Hamza
Published: April 2024

Objective

The aim of this study was to identify Echinococcus species by morphological and molecular means.

Methods

A dead gray wolf (Canis lupus) was found near Erzurum province and brought to the parasitology laboratory. Sedimentation and counting technique (SCT) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis were conducted.

Results

The SCT implications indicated that the wolf had a substantial worm burden (62,720 and 49,280 parasites) due to a co-infection of E. granulosus s.l. and E. multilocularis. Genus/species-specific PCR was used to analyze DNA extracted from adult worms and confirmed as E. granulosus s.s. and E. multilocularis, utilizing COI and 12S rRNA gene sequence analysis, respectively.

Conclusion

This report presents the first co-detection of E. granulosus s.s. and E. multilocularis in a gray wolf found in an urban area in a highly endemic area for human echinococcosis in northeastern Turkey. The results emphasize that AE is not only a problem of rural areas, but also occurs in urban areas, which may pose a threat to public health. Therefore, surveillance in urban areas is crucial. The need to develop new control strategies for domestic and wildlife in the study area is also highlighted.
Safety and complications of continuation of aspirin therapy in patients undergoing robot-assisted laparoscopic simple prostatectomy
Authors: Saini Sumit , Thakker Parth U. , Ritts Rory , O’Rourke Timothy K. , Hemal Ashok K.
Published: April 2024

To evaluate the safety and feasibility of continued perioperative aspirin at the time of robotic assisted simple prostatectomy (RASP). We performed a retrospective review of our IRB approved institutional database of patients who underwent RASP between 2013 and 2022. Comparative groups included patients taking aspirin in the perioperative period and those not taking aspirin pre-operatively. The primary outcome was any post-operative bleeding related complication using the modified Clavien–Dindo classification. Secondary outcomes included the identification of risk factors for increased blood loss in the entire study population, operative time, and blood transfusion requirement. 143 patients underwent RASP of which 55 (38.5%) patients continued perioperative aspirin therapy and 88 (61.5%) patients did not. Baseline demographics were similar between groups. Patients taking perioperative aspirin had a higher rate of hypertension (74.5% vs 58.0%, p = 0.04) and other cardiovascular disease (30.9% vs 11.4%, p = 0.007). Postoperative complications were similar between the groups (Clavien-Dindo ≥ 3; p = 0.43). Median blood loss (150 cc vs 150 cc, p = 0.38), percentage drop in hemoglobin (13.4 vs 13.2, p = 0.94) and blood transfusion rate (3.6 vs 1.1, p = 0.56) were also similar between groups. The median blood loss was 150 ml for the whole study population. On regression analysis, neither aspirin nor any other variable was associated with increased blood loss (> 150 ml). Aspirin can be safely continued perioperatively in patients undergoing RASP without any risk of bleeding related complications, blood loss, or increased transfusion rate.
Multidimensional versus unidimensional pain scales for the assessment of analgesic requirement in the emergency department: a systematic review
Authors: Crisman Elena , Appenzeller-Herzog Christian , Tabakovic Senad , Nickel Christian Hans , Minotti Bruno
Published: April 2024

Pain is a multidimensional experience, potentially rendering unidimensional pain scales inappropriate for assessment. Prior research highlighted their inadequacy as reliable indicators of analgesic requirement. This systematic review aimed to compare multidimensional with unidimensional pain scales in assessing analgesic requirements in the emergency department (ED). Embase, Medline, CINAHL, and PubMed Central were searched to identify ED studies utilizing both unidimensional and multidimensional pain scales. Primary outcome was desire for analgesia. Secondary outcomes were amount of administered analgesia and patient satisfaction. Two independent reviewers screened, assessed quality, and extracted data of eligible studies. We assessed risk of bias with the ROBINS-I tool and provide a descriptive summary. Out of 845 publications, none met primary outcome criteria. Three studies analyzed secondary outcomes. One study compared the multidimensional Defense and Veterans Pain Rating Scale (DVPRS) to the unidimensional Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) for opioid administration. DVPRS identified more patients with moderate instead of severe pain compared to the NRS. Therefore, the DVPRS might lead to a potential reduction in opioid administration for individuals who do not require it. Two studies assessing patient satisfaction favored the short forms (SF) of the Brief Pain Inventory (BPI) and McGill Pain Questionnaire (MPQ) over the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and the NRS. Limited heterogenous literature suggests that in the ED, a multidimensional pain scale (DVPRS), may better discriminate moderate and severe pain compared to a unidimensional pain scale (NRS). This potentially impacts analgesia, particularly when analgesic interventions rely on pain scores. Patients might prefer multidimensional pain scales (BPI-SF, MPQ-SF) over NRS or VAS for assessing their pain experience.
The impact of corporate social irresponsibility on prosocial consumer behavior
Authors: Kim Sumin , He Hongwei , Gustafsson Anders
Published: April 2024

Corporate social irresponsibility (CSI) refers to violations of the social contract between corporations and society. Existing literature documents its tendency to evoke negative consumer responses toward the firm involved, including unethical consumer behaviors. However, limited research attention deals with its potential impacts on prosocial consumer behavior. With six studies, the current research reveals that when consumers perceive harm due to CSI, they engage in more prosocial behavior due to the arousal of their anger. This effect is weaker among consumers who find the focal CSI issue more personally relevant but stronger among consumers with strong self-efficacy for promoting justice. Perceptions of CSI harm increase with the degree of control that the focal firm has over the CSI. This research thus establishes an effect of CSI harm on prosocial consumer behaviors, through the emotional mechanism of anger; it further shows that consumers seek to restore justice by engaging in prosocial behaviors.
Breaking the Barrier: The Role of Gut Epithelial Permeability in the Pathogenesis of Hypertension
Authors: Snelson Matthew , Vanuytsel Tim , Marques Francine Z.
Published: April 2024

Purpose of the Review

To review what intestinal permeability is and how it is measured, and to summarise the current evidence linking altered intestinal permeability with the development of hypertension.

Recent Findings

Increased gastrointestinal permeability, directly measured in vivo, has been demonstrated in experimental and genetic animal models of hypertension. This is consistent with the passage of microbial substances to the systemic circulation and the activation of inflammatory pathways. Evidence for increased gut permeability in human hypertension has been reliant of a handful of blood biomarkers, with no studies directly measuring gut permeability in hypertensive cohorts. There is emerging literature that some of these putative biomarkers may not accurately reflect permeability of the gastrointestinal tract.

Data from animal models of hypertension support they have increased gut permeability; however, there is a dearth of conclusive evidence in humans. Future studies are needed that directly measure intestinal permeability in people with hypertension.
Development of Anti-idiotypic Monoclonal Antibody Mimicking SARS-CoV-2 Receptor Binding Domain
Authors: Kılıç Gamze , Demirkan Elif , Yücel Fatıma
Published: April 2024

Using the hybridoma technique, we developed a panel of anti-idiotypic monoclonal antibodies (aId-mAb) that mimic The Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) Receptor-Binding Domain (RBD) molecule against Fragment antigen-binding (Fab) of anti-SARS-CoV-2 (S1, RBD) antibodies. Investigated the in vivo and in vitro effects of these aId-mAbs we developed and examined their antigenic mimicry abilities. Among these 12 antibodies, 6 aId-mAbs (designated FY1B4, FY2A6, H9F3, E6G7, FY7E11, and FY8H3) were selected for further characterization in a series of experiments. First, competitive receptor binding assay results confirmed that six aId-mAbs could specifically bind to the ACE2 receptor in target cells and block the interaction between the RBD molecule and the ACE receptor. Moreover, we examined the immunological activities of these aId-mAbs in female BALB/c and showed that E6G7, H7E11, and H8H3 aId-mAbs induce an antibody response by mimicking RBD and stimulating the immune system. It is considered that these three aId-mAbs will be evaluated as SARS-CoV-2 vaccine candidate molecules in future studies.
The contribution of genetics and epigenetics to MAFLD susceptibility
Authors: Moretti Vittoria , Romeo Stefano , Valenti Luca
Published: April 2024

Metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is the most common liver disease worldwide. The risk of developing MAFLD varies among individuals, due to a combination of environmental inherited and acquired genetic factors. Genome-wide association and next-generation sequencing studies are leading to the discovery of the common and rare genetic determinants of MAFLD. Thanks to the great advances in genomic technologies and bioinformatics analysis, genetic and epigenetic factors involved in the disease can be used to develop genetic risk scores specific for liver-related complications, which can improve risk stratification. Genetic and epigenetic factors lead to the identification of specific sub-phenotypes of MAFLD, and predict the individual response to a pharmacological therapy. Moreover, the variant transcripts and protein themselves represent new therapeutic targets. This review will discuss the current status of research into genetic as well as epigenetic modifiers of MAFLD development and progression.
Adaptation through organism-induced environmental transformations—a systems representation
Authors: Gregorius Hans-Rolf
Published: April 2024

Environments affect phenotypes through two elementary functions: modifying (by affecting the development of individuals’ phenotypes) and adaptive (by determining the phenotypes’ adaptive significance). Adaptation may be perceived to coordinate the two functions, which may even be performed by the same environmental factor. Organismic transformation of the environment can again affect both functions, where the adaptive functions are commonly addressed via notions of “niche/habitat construction” or “extended phenotype” and modifying function are largely ignored. The multi-causal role of these transformations in evolution and adaptation is hard to model and formalize using standard tools. To arrive at a more comprehensive representation, a systems approach is taken that allows classification and generalization of earlier results and the outlining of new insights. These include the following: $$*$$

∗

 Temporary transformation (restricted to one adaptational episode) is structurally equivalent to adaptation without transformation and therefore provide no new insights. $$*$$

∗

 Prolonged transformation (extending over several episodes) in either adaptive or modifying environments promotes adaptational coordination between the two functions but ultimately prevents persistent adaptedness. $$*$$

∗

 The success of transformations of the adaptive environment that do not affect the modifying environment depends on the diversity in the system states rather than on phenogenetic plasticity. $$*$$

∗

 A substantial difference between transformation of the adaptive and of the modifying environment is that adaptation can be reached within a single episode via transformation of the modifying environment, even if the adaptive environment has no modifying effect. The evolutionary consequences await explicit model analysis. $$*$$

∗

 Migration can be interpreted in terms of environmental transformation of either function, modifying or adaptive, by replacing transformation between environments by migration between them. Established results from migration models can help to reassess existing models of adaptation by environmental transformation and to design new models.
Food-web complexity, consumer behavior, and diet specialism: impacts on ecosystem stability
Authors: Perälä Tommi , Kuisma Mikael , Uusi-Heikkilä Silva , Kuparinen Anna
Published: April 2024

Ecological stability is a fundamental aspect of food web dynamics. In this study, we explore the factors influencing stability in complex ecological networks, characterizing it through biomass oscillations and species persistence. Using an Extended Niche model, we generate diverse food web structures and investigate the effects of intraspecific consumer interference, network size, connectance, and diet specialism on stability. Our findings reveal that intraspecific consumer interference plays a pivotal role in shaping stability. Higher interference results in stable dynamics, reducing oscillations and extinctions. Additionally, differences emerge between food webs comprised of invertebrate consumers and those of ectotherm vertebrates, with the latter showing higher oscillations. Network size and connectance also influence stability, where larger and more connected webs tend to exhibit reduced oscillations. Overall, our study sheds light on the complex interplay of factors affecting ecological stability in food webs. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for biodiversity conservation and ecosystem management.
SEOM-GEINO clinical guidelines for grade 2 gliomas (2023)
Authors: Vaz-Salgado María Ángeles , García Belén Cigarral , Pérez Isaura Fernández , Munárriz Beatriz Jiménez , Domarco Paula Sampedro , González Ainhoa Hernández , Villar María Vieito , Caro Raquel Luque , Delgado María Luisa Villamayor , Sánchez Juan Manuel Sepúlveda
Published: April 2024

The 2021 World Health Organization (WHO) classification has updated the definition of grade 2 gliomas and the presence of isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) mutation has been deemed the cornerstone of diagnosis. Though slow-growing and having a low proliferative index, grade 2 gliomas are incurable by surgery and complementary treatments are vital to improving prognosis. This guideline provides recommendations on the multidisciplinary treatment of grade 2 astrocytomas and oligodendrogliomas based on the best evidence available.
Dating Apps and Shifting Sexual Subjectivities of Men Seeking Men Online
Authors: Adam Barry D , Brennan David J , Davies Adam WJ , Collict David
Published: April 2024

Leading theories of the recent history of sexuality have pointed to trends toward detraditionalization and precarity in intimate relations, but also to democratization and innovation. This study grounded in 79 qualitative interviews with men seeking men online considers their experiences in light of these theories. The rise of dating apps has generated sexual fields that have shaped the sexual subjectivities of the current era in multiple ways. The narratives of study participants show much more than the hook-up culture that dating apps are best known for. They speak to experiences of superficiality, unmet expectations, and sometimes bruising intersections with hierarchies defined by age, race, body type, gender expression, and serostatus. Yet at the same time, they show a strong aspiration to sociability, social network building, and reach for a language of affiliation beyond the kin and friendship terms of the larger society. Generational comparisons indicate the shifting sexual subjectivities that dating apps have shaped by constituting virtual sexual fields.
Clusia salicifolia (Clusiaceae), a new hemiepiphyte species from Costa Rica and Panama
Authors: Wodcke Emma A. , Luján Manuel , Hammel Barry
Published: April 2024

We describe and illustrate Clusia salicifolia (Clusiaceae) a new species from Central America. This new species is different to all related species for its hemiepiphytic habit, narrow leaves with acute to acuminate apex, reticulate resin canals, staminate flowers with quadrangular androecium with 30 – 47 free stamens, and pistillate flowers with 4 stigmas and 4 pairs of stamen-like staminodia. The species is known from a limited number of localities in lowland wet forests in Costa Rica and Panama and is here assessed as endangered under the IUCN criteria.
Breaking the chains of traditional finance: A taxonomy of decentralized finance business models
Authors: Beinke Max , Beinke Jan Heinrich , Anton Eduard , Teuteberg Frank
Published: April 2024

Recently, the looming bankruptcy of Credit Suisse, which ultimately led to its merger with UBS, has intensified the discussion surrounding the need for more transparent and democratic financial markets. Decentralized finance (DeFi) represents a departure from traditional financial intermediation by leveraging blockchain technology and smart contracts. Despite its growing importance, limited research has been conducted on the business models of DeFi services. This study aims to address this gap by examining the business models of various DeFi services, identifying key drivers of innovation, differentiation, and value creation. Using a rigorous taxonomy development framework, we identify 12 dimensions and 47 characteristics that operationalize business models in DeFi. Our findings contribute to a better understanding of the transformation of financial services through blockchain technology and provide valuable insights for DeFi entrepreneurs, investors, and policymakers.
Performance improvements in complementary metal oxide semiconductor devices and circuits based on fin field-effect transistors using 3-nm ferroelectric Hf0.5Zr0.5O2
Authors: Zhang Zhao-Hao , Luo Yan-Na , Xu Gao-Bo , Yao Jia-Xin , Wu Zhen-Hua , Zhao Hong-Bin , Zhang Qing-Zhu , Yin Hua-Xiang , Luo Jun , Wang Wen-Wu , Tu Hai-Ling
Published: April 2024

In this work, a conventional HfO2 gate dielectric layer is replaced with a 3-nm ferroelectric (Fe) HZO layer in the gate stacks of advanced fin field-effect transistors (FinFETs). Fe-induced characteristics, e.g., negative drain induced barrier lowering (N-DIBL) and negative differential resistance (NDR), are clearly observed for both p- and n-type HZO-based FinFETs. These characteristics are attributed to the enhanced ferroelectricity of the 3-nm hafnium zirconium oxide (HZO) film, caused by Al doping from the TiAlC capping layer. This mechanism is verified for capacitors with structures similar to the FinFETs. Owing to the enhanced ferroelectricity and N-DIBL phenomenon, the drain current (IDS) of the HZO-FinFETs is greater than that of HfO2-FinFETs and obtained at a lower operating voltage. Accordingly, circuits based on HZO-FinFET achieve higher performance than those based on HfO2-FinFET at a low voltage drain (VDD), which indicates the application feasibility of the HZO-FinFETs in the ultra-low power integrated circuits.

Graphical abstract
Short-term salicylic acid application induces the expression of GPPS and NEPS1 in catnip
Authors: Allen Kirsten A. , Gomes Erik Nunes , Lockhart Anthony , Wu Qingli , Di Rong , Simon James E.
Published: April 2024

The catnip plant,Nepeta catariaL., produces bioactive iridoid monoterpenes known as nepetalactones. These monoterpenes follow a noncanonical biosynthetic route starting as isoprene monomers in the methylerythritol (MEP) pathway after condensation via geranyl pyrophosphate synthase (GPPS) and later cyclization through the iridoid pathway via nepetalactol-related short-chain dehydrogenase enzymes (NEPS). Nepetalactones exhibit insect repellant properties against disease-carrying vectors such as mosquitoes, bed bugs and ticks. Chemical elicitors such as salicylic acid have been used to induce biochemical changes in medicinal and aromatic plant species including catnip that can temporarily increase the yield and quality of secondary metabolites. This is the first study to correlate the effects of short-term salicylic acid application on the genes in the nepetalactone biosynthetic pathway. Both 0.5 mM SA and 1.0 mM SA resulted in upregulation ofGPPSandNEPS1. However, within the 24-h time course of the study significant changes in nepetalactone yield were not observed. Correlation analysis revealed a significant relationship between the mRNA transcript abundance forGPPSandNEPS1demonstrating a low positive co-expression strength for the two genes.