bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effect of oropharyngeal mother’s milk on nutritional outcomes in preterm infants: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Kelich Fatemeh , Qalehsari Mojtaba Qanbari , Zabihi Ali , Jafarian Amiri Seyedeh Roghayeh , Danaee Navid
Published: March 2024

Background and objective

Oropharyngeal interventions are an accepted method to improve the nutritional performance of premature infants. Considering the countless benefits of breast milk and the few studies on the use of breast milk as an oral-pharyngeal intervention, this study was conducted with the aim of determining the effect of oral-pharyngeal administration of breast milk on nutritional outcomes in premature infants.

Materials and methods

In this clinical trial, 80 premature infants hospitalized in the neonatal intensive care unit of Amir al-Mu’minin Hospital in Semnan (a city in Iran) were randomly assigned to intervention (n = 40) and control groups (n = 40). Infants in the intervention group were given breast milk, and infants in the control group were given sterile water as a placebo. The data collection tool included demographic and clinical questions checklist, including sex, gestational age, weight, milk administration time, lavage and its amount, vomiting, abdominal distension, and so on. Data analysis was performed using SPSS23.

Results

The mean volume of total milk received by infants (p = 0.047) and the mean volume of milk received by mouth (p < 0.000) at the time of discharge were higher in the intervention group. Moreover, the time to start enteral nutrition in the intervention group was lower than in the control group (P = 0.012). Administering mother’s milk through the oropharyngeal method led to a reduction in infants’ length of stay in the hospital (P = 0.022).

Conclusion

Based on the results of the present study, the oropharyngeal administration of breast milk in the first days after the birth of premature infants admitted to the hospital improves the outcomes related to their nutritional status. Therefore, it is suggested that this convenient, safe, and feasible method be used in hospitalized premature infants as soon as possible so that premature infants can benefit from the important advantages of breast milk.
The effect of educational intervention based on social support theory on the perceived stress caused by the covid-19 pandemic in patients with diabetes in hormozgan (2020–2021)
Authors: Taheri kondar Reihaneh , Hassani Laleh , Ghanbarnejad Amin
Published: March 2024

Background

People with diabetes are more at risk of covid-19. Perceived social support plays an important role in maintaining people’s health and reducing the negative effects of stress caused by the environment and society. The present study was designed and implemented with the purpose of determining the effect of educational intervention based on social support theory in reducing stress caused by the covid-19 pandemic in people with diabetes.

Methods

The current investigation was an interventional and semi-experimental study conducted on 212 patients diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Eligible participants were diabetic individuals capable of utilizing virtual platforms and not afflicted with COVID-19. Exclusion criteria encompassed unwillingness to continue study participation, absence from multiple training sessions, and development of a specific illness during the study period. Random allocation placed patients into either the control or intervention group. The intervention group received educational materials via WhatsApp, while the control group did not receive any intervention. The researcher administered a questionnaire to collect demographic information and assess perceived social support among the patients. Data analysis involved the use of chi-square tests, independent and paired t-tests, as well as ANCOVA.

Results

This study revealed that the mean age of patients in the control and intervention groups was 46.35 ± 14.15 and 51.72 ± 11.57, respectively. Most of the diabetic patients in both groups were female, married, had a diploma, were housekeepers, and had an income between 2 and 5 million Tomans. According to the results obtained in all subscales of social support theory as well as the perceived stress score due to the corona pandemic after the educational intervention, a statistically significant difference was observed between the two groups (P < 0.05), so that the score of all subscales of social support theory in the intervention group was higher than the control group. But the perceived stress score caused by Corona in the intervention group was significantly lower than the control group.

Conclusion

The results of this study illustrate the noteworthy influence of social support training in lessening perceived stress among patients with diabetes during the COVID-19 pandemic. Consequently, healthcare providers are encouraged to integrate social support education programs into comprehensive care initiatives for diabetic patients, particularly during periods of heightened stress like the current coronavirus pandemic.
Total hip arthroplasty after failed transtrochanteric rotational osteotomy for osteonecrosis of the femoral head: analysis of three-dimensional morphological features
Authors: Onaga Masamichi , Nakasone Satoshi , Ishihara Masato , Igei Takahiro , Washizaki Fumiyuki , Kuniyoshi Sakura , Nishida Kotaro
Published: March 2024

Background

In total hip arthroplasty (THA) after failed transtrochanteric rotational osteotomy (TRO) for osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH), deformity of the proximal femur has been reported to affect stem placement. The aims of this study were to evaluate the morphological changes in the proximal femur, muscle atrophy, and soft tissue thickening in THA after TRO and the clinical outcomes.

Methods

The TRO group included 17 patients (18 hips) who underwent THA after failed TRO. The control group included 21 patients (28 hips) who underwent primary THA for ONFH. To evaluate the deformity of the proximal femur before THA, we measured the anteroposterior and mediolateral diameters of the femur on computed tomographic slices 5 mm proximal to the lesser trochanter. To evaluate muscle atrophy and soft tissue thickening, we measured the thicknesses of the psoas major, iliac, and gluteus medius muscles and the anterior capsule of the hip joint.

Results

The ratio of the anteroposterior to mediolateral diameters of the proximal femur was significantly greater in the TRO group (p < 0.01). The thicknesses of the muscles did not differ between the two groups, whereas the anterior capsule was significantly thicker in the TRO group (p < 0.05). Varus or valgus stem alignment (> 3°) was frequent in the TRO group (p < 0.01).

Conclusions

The round shape of the proximal femur was deformed after TRO compared with primary THA for ONFH, which may have caused malposition of the stem. In addition, we should pay attention to anterior protrusion of the proximal femur and thickening of the anterior capsule.
Staphopain mediated virulence and antibiotic resistance alteration in co-infection of Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa: an animal model
Authors: Dehbashi Sanaz , Tahmasebi Hamed , Alikhani Mohammad Yousef , Shahbazi Mohammad-Ali , Arabestani Mohammad Reza
Published: March 2024

Polymicrobial communities lead to worsen the wound infections, due to mixed biofilms, increased antibiotic resistance, and altered virulence production. Promising approaches, including enzymes, may overcome the complicated condition of polymicrobial infections. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate Staphopain A-mediated virulence and resistance alteration in an animal model of Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa co-infection. S. aureus and P. aeruginosa were co-cultured on the L-929 cell line and wound infection in an animal model. Then, recombinant staphopain A was purified and used to treat mono- and co-infections. Following the treatment, changes in virulence factors and resistance were investigated through phenotypic methods and RT-PCR. Staphopain A resulted in a notable reduction in the viability of S. aureus and P. aeruginosa. The biofilm formed in the wound infection in both animal model and cell culture was disrupted remarkably. Moreover, the biofilm-encoding genes, quorum sensing regulating genes, and virulence factors (hemolysin and pyocyanin) controlled by QS were down-regulated in both microorganisms. Furthermore, the resistance to vancomycin and doripenem decreased following treatment with staphopain A. According to this study, staphopain A might promote wound healing and cure co-infection. It seems to be a promising agent to combine with antibiotics to overcome hard-to-cure infections.
Assessment of the feasibility of a community-based mental health training programme for persons with disabilities by non-specialists from different stakeholders’ perspectives in Bangladesh
Authors: Koly Kamrun Nahar , Saba Jobaida , Christopher Enryka , Hossain Anan Nisat Nabela , Akter Taslima , Rahman Zakia , Ahmed Helal Uddin , Eaton Julian
Published: March 2024

Introduction

Bangladesh is a developing country where 11% of the population has at least one disability, but no community-level mental health service is available. There is limited evidence of the burden of mental health issues and health-seeking behaviour among this population. This study assessed the feasibility of a training intervention for persons with disabilities, where peer support providers provided community-based disability-inclusive mental health services.

Methods

Four stakeholder groups participated in this qualitative study: peer responders (trained persons with disabilities), trainers, representatives of organisations of persons with disabilities and disability-specific organisations, and officials of international and national non-governmental organisations. Two types of qualitative interviews were used to collect data, and thematic analysis techniques were utilised.

Result

Stakeholders perceived the peer responder training programme as acceptable for persons with disabilities to develop themselves as peer support providers, with potential benefits including increased mental health literacy, ensuring accessible mental health services, and improving the well-being of persons with disabilities. Potential challenges included receiving training and delivering services. Increased training duration, more fieldwork, supervision opportunities, and refresher training were recommended to mitigate training challenges. Financial support and formal community recognition were deemed necessary for training delivery.

Conclusion

The peer responder training programme was feasible to ensure accessible mental health services for persons with disabilities, build a workforce to screen for mental health conditions, and provide appropriate referrals. A multi-sectoral collaboration of government and non-governmental institutions is recommended to policy advocates to expand the peer responder training programme in the mainstream mental healthcare system.
Insecticide-treated bed nets and residual indoor spraying reduce malaria in areas with low transmission: a reanalysis of the Maltrials study
Authors: Gari Taye , Lindtjørn Bernt
Published: March 2024

Background

The malaria incidence data from a malaria prevention study from the Rift Valley, Central Ethiopia, were reanalysed. The objective was to investigate whether including an administrative structure within the society, which may have required consideration in the protocol or previous analysis, would provide divergent outcomes on the effect measures of the interventions.

Methods

A cluster-randomized controlled trial lasting 121 weeks with 176 clusters in four groups with 6071 households with 34,548 persons was done: interventions combining indoor residual spraying (IRS) and insecticide-treated nets (ITNs), IRS alone, ITNs alone and routine use. The primary outcome was malaria incidence. A multilevel negative binomial regression model was employed to examine the impact of the kebele (smallest administrative unit) and the proximity of homes to the primary mosquito breeding sites as potential residual confounders (levels). The study also assessed whether these factors influenced the effect measures of the interventions.

Results

The study's initial findings revealed 1183 malaria episodes among 1059 persons, with comparable effects observed across the four intervention groups. In the reanalysis, the results showed that both ITN + IRS (incidence rate ratio [IRR] 0.63, P < 0.001) and ITN alone (IRR 0.78, P = 0.011) were associated with a greater reduction in malaria cases compared to IRS (IRR 0.90; P = 0.28) or the control (reference) group. The combined usage of IRS with ITN yields better outcomes compared to the standalone use of ITN and surpasses the effectiveness of IRS in isolation.

Conclusion

The findings indicate that implementing a combination of IRS and ITN and also ITN alone decrease malaria incidence. Furthermore, there was an observed synergistic impact when ITN and IRS were used in combination. Considering relevant social structures as potential residual confounders is of paramount importance.

Trial registration: PACTR201411000882128 (08 September 2014).
Mood disorders in adults with epilepsy: a review of unrecognized facts and common misconceptions
Authors: Kanner Andres M. , Shankar Rohit , Margraf Nils G. , Schmitz Bettina , Ben-Menachem Elinor , Sander Josemir W.
Published: March 2024

Epilepsy is one of the most common neurologic conditions. Its clinical manifestations are not restricted to seizures but often include cognitive disturbances and psychiatric disorders. Prospective population-based studies have shown that people with epilepsy have an increased risk of developing mood disorders, and people with a primary mood disorder have an increased risk of developing epilepsy. The existence of common pathogenic mechanisms in epilepsy and mood disorders may explain the bidirectional relation between these two conditions. Recognition of a personal and family psychiatric history at the time of evaluation of people for a seizure disorder is critical in the selection of antiseizure medications: those with mood-stabilizing properties (e.g., lamotrigine, oxcarbazepine) should be favoured as a first option in those with a positive history while those with negative psychotropic properties (e.g., levetiracetam, topiramate) avoided. While mood disorders may be clinically identical in people with epilepsy, they often present with atypical manifestations that do not meet ICD or DSM diagnostic criteria. Failure to treat mood disorders in epilepsy may have a negative impact, increasing suicide risk and iatrogenic effects of antiseizure medications and worsening quality of life. Treating mood disorders in epilepsy is identical to those with primary mood disorders. Yet, there is a common misconception that antidepressants have proconvulsant properties. Most antidepressants are safe when prescribed at therapeutic doses. The incidence of seizures is lower in people randomized to antidepressants than placebo in multicenter randomized placebo-controlled trials of people treated for a primary mood disorder. Thus, there is no excuse not to prescribe antidepressant medications to people with epilepsy.
High-volume prostate biopsy core involvement is not associated with an increased risk of cancer recurrence following 5-fraction stereotactic body radiation therapy monotherapy
Authors: Lischalk Jonathan W. , Sanchez Astrid , Santos Vianca F. , Mendez Christopher , Akerman Meredith , Carpenter Todd , Tam Moses , Byun David , Wise David R. , Mahadevan Anand , Evans Andrew , Huang William , Katz Aaron , Lepor Herbert , Haas Jonathan A.
Published: March 2024

Purpose

Percentage of positive cores involved on a systemic prostate biopsy has been established as a risk factor for adverse oncologic outcomes and is a National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) independent parameter for unfavorable intermediate-risk disease. Most data from a radiation standpoint was published in an era of conventional fractionation. We explore whether the higher biological dose delivered with SBRT can mitigate this risk factor.

Methods

A large single institutional database was interrogated to identify all patients diagnosed with localized prostate cancer (PCa) treated with 5-fraction SBRT without ADT. Pathology results were reviewed to determine detailed core involvement as well as Gleason score (GS). High-volume biopsy core involvement was defined as ≥ 50%. Weighted Gleason core involvement was reviewed, giving higher weight to higher-grade cancer. The PSA kinetics and oncologic outcomes were analyzed for association with core involvement.

Results

From 2009 to 2018, 1590 patients were identified who underwent SBRT for localized PCa. High-volume core involvement was a relatively rare event observed in 19% of our cohort, which was observed more in patients with small prostates (p < 0.0001) and/or intermediate-risk disease (p = 0.005). Higher PSA nadir was observed in those patients with low-volume core involvement within the intermediate-risk cohort (p = 0.004), which was confirmed when core involvement was analyzed as a continuous variable weighted by Gleason score (p = 0.049). High-volume core involvement was not associated with biochemical progression (p = 0.234).

Conclusions

With a median follow-up of over 4 years, biochemical progression was not associated with pretreatment high-volume core involvement for patients treated with 5-fraction SBRT alone. In the era of prostate SBRT and MRI-directed prostate biopsies, the use of high-volume core involvement as an independent predictor of unfavorable intermediate risk disease should be revisited.
When to settle for SETTLE! A lesson learned from our cases
Authors: Nagarjun Bangalore Rammohan , Mehta Shailee , Gandhi Jahnavi , Trivedi Priti , rathod Priyank
Published: March 2024

Spindle epithelial tumor with thymic like elements (SETTLE) is a biphasic tumor composed of epithelial and spindle cell components. It is an uncommon indolent tumor arising in the thyroid gland and most commonly affects the children and young adults. This entity is mostly overlooked because of its rarity and diagnostic difficulty on morphology. We discuss two cases of SETTLE with varied presentation, diagnostic challenges and lessons learnt from them.

SETTLE should be considered as a differential especially when dealing with a thyroid lesion in young and adolescent. The article discusses the histologic details and common mimickers to be borne in mind aiding in arrival at the final diagnosis on biopsy specimens.
Effect of Postoperative Prolonged sedation with Dexmedetomidine after successful reperfusion with Endovascular Thrombectomy on long-term prognosis in patients with acute ischemic stroke (PPDET): study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Yang Li-na , Sun Yi , Wang Yu-zhu , Wang Jing , Qi Yi-sha , Mu Shan-shan , Liu Yun-peng , Zhang Zi-qing , Chen Zi-mo , Wang Xiao-jie , Xie Wu-xiang , Wei Chang-wei , Wang Yang , Wu An-shi
Published: March 2024

Background

Endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) is a standard treatment for acute ischemic stroke (AIS) with large vessel occlusion. Hypertension and increased blood pressure variability within the first 24 h after successful reperfusion are related to a higher risk of symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage and higher mortality. AIS patients might suffer from ischemia-reperfusion injury following reperfusion, especially within 24 h. Dexmedetomidine (DEX), a sedative commonly used in EVT, can stabilize hemodynamics by inhibiting the sympathetic nervous system and alleviate ischemia-reperfusion injury through anti-inflammatory and antioxidative properties. Postoperative prolonged sedation for 24 h with DEX might be a potential pharmacological approach to improve long-term prognosis after EVT.

Methods

This single-center, open-label, prospective, randomized controlled trial will include 368 patients. The ethics committee has approved the protocol. After successful reperfusion (modified thrombolysis in cerebral infarction scores 2b–3, indicating reperfusion of at least 50% of the affected vascular territory), participants are randomly assigned to the intervention or control group. In the intervention group, participants will receive 0.1~1.0 μg/kg/h DEX for 24 h. In the control group, participants will receive an equal dose of saline for 24 h. The primary outcome is the functional outcome at 90 days, measured with the categorical scale of the modified Rankin Scale, ranging from 0 (no symptoms) to 6 (death). The secondary outcome includes (1) the changes in stroke severity between admission and 24 h and 7 days after EVT, measured by the National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (ranging from 0 to 42, with higher scores indicating greater severity); (2) the changes in ischemic penumbra volume/infarct volume between admission and 7 days after EVT, measured by neuroimaging scan; (3) the length of ICU/hospital stay; and (4) adverse events and the all-cause mortality rate at 90 days.

Discussion

This randomized clinical trial is expected to verify the hypothesis that postoperative prolonged sedation with DEX after successful reperfusion may promote the long-term prognosis of patients with AIS and may reduce the related socio-economic burden.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04916197. Prospectively registered on 7 June 2021.
AI-empowered mobile edge computing: inducing balanced federated learning strategy over edge for balanced data and optimized computation cost
Authors: Shaheen Momina , Farooq Muhammad S. , Umer Tariq
Published: March 2024

In Mobile Edge Computing, the framework of federated learning can enable collaborative learning models across edge nodes, without necessitating the direct exchange of data from edge nodes. It addresses significant challenges encompassing access rights, privacy, security, and the utilization of heterogeneous data sources over mobile edge computing. Edge devices generate and gather data, across the network, in non-IID (independent and identically distributed) manner leading to potential variations in the number of data samples among these edge networks. A method is proposed to work in federated learning under edge computing setting, which involves AI techniques such as data augmentation and class estimation and balancing during training process with minimized computational overhead. This is accomplished through the implementation of data augmentation techniques to refine data distribution. Additionally, we leveraged class estimation and employed linear regression for client-side model training. This strategic approach yields a reduction in computational costs. To validate the effectiveness of the proposed approach, it is applied to two distinct datasets. One dataset pertains to image data (FashionMNIST), while the other comprises numerical and textual data concerning stocks for predictive analysis of stock values. This approach demonstrates commendable performance across both dataset types and approaching more than 92% of accuracy in the paradigm of federated learning.
Advances in secondary prevention mechanisms of macrovascular complications in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients: a comprehensive review
Authors: Guan Huifang , Tian Jiaxing , Wang Ying , Niu Ping , Zhang Yuxin , Zhang Yanjiao , Fang Xinyi , Miao Runyu , Yin Ruiyang , Tong Xiaolin
Published: March 2024

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) poses a significant global health burden. This is particularly due to its macrovascular complications, such as coronary artery disease, peripheral vascular disease, and cerebrovascular disease, which have emerged as leading contributors to morbidity and mortality. This review comprehensively explores the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying these complications, protective strategies, and both existing and emerging secondary preventive measures. Furthermore, we delve into the applications of experimental models and methodologies in foundational research while also highlighting current research limitations and future directions. Specifically, we focus on the literature published post-2020 concerning the secondary prevention of macrovascular complications in patients with T2DM by conducting a targeted review of studies supported by robust evidence to offer a holistic perspective.
Dietary xylo-oligosaccharides and arabinoxylans improved growth efficiency by reducing gut epithelial cell turnover in broiler chickens
Authors: Castro Carla , Niknafs Shahram , Gonzalez-Ortiz Gemma , Tan Xinle , Bedford Michael R. , Roura Eugeni
Published: March 2024

Background

One of the main roles of the intestinal mucosa is to protect against environmental hazards. Supplementation of xylo-oligosaccharides (XOS) is known to selectively stimulate the growth of beneficial intestinal bacteria and improve gut health and function in chickens. XOS may have an impact on the integrity of the intestinal epithelia where cell turnover is critical to maintain the compatibility between the digestive and barrier functions. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of XOS and an arabinoxylan-rich fraction (AXRF) supplementation on gut function and epithelial integrity in broiler chickens.

Methods

A total of 128 broiler chickens (Ross 308) were assigned into one of two different dietary treatments for a period of 42 d: 1) control diet consisting of a corn/soybean meal-based diet; or 2) a control diet supplemented with 0.5% XOS and 1% AXRF. Each treatment was randomly distributed across 8 pens (n = 8) with 8 chickens each. Feed intake and body weight were recorded weekly. On d 42, one male chicken per pen was selected based on average weight and euthanized, jejunum samples were collected for proteomics analysis.

Results

Dietary XOS/AXRF supplementation improved feed efficiency (P < 0.05) from d 1 to 42 compared to the control group. Proteomic analysis was used to understand the mechanism of improved efficiency uncovering 346 differentially abundant proteins (DAP) (Padj < 0.00001) in supplemented chickens compared to the non-supplemented group. In the jejunum, the DAP translated into decreased ATP production indicating lower energy expenditure by the tissue (e.g., inhibition of glycolysis and tricarboxylic acid cycle pathways). In addition, DAP were associated with decreased epithelial cell differentiation, and migration by reducing the actin polymerization pathway. Putting the two main pathways together, XOS/AXRF supplementation may decrease around 19% the energy required for the maintenance of the gastrointestinal tract.

Conclusions

Dietary XOS/AXRF supplementation improved growth efficiency by reducing epithelial cell migration and differentiation (hence, turnover), actin polymerization, and consequently energy requirement for maintenance of the jejunum of broiler chickens.
The multi-CDK inhibitor dinaciclib reverses bromo- and extra-terminal domain (BET) inhibitor resistance in acute myeloid leukemia via inhibition of Wnt/β-catenin signaling
Authors: Marr Alexander R. , Halpin Madeline , Corbin Dominique L. , Asemelash Yerdanos , Sher Steven , Gordon Britten K. , Whipp Ethan C. , Mitchell Shaneice , Harrington Bonnie K. , Orwick Shelley , Benrashid Samon , Goettl Virginia M. , Yildiz Vedat , Mitchell Andrew D. , Cahn Olivia , Mims Alice S. , Larkin Karilyn T. M. , Long Meixao , Blachly James , Woyach Jennifer A. , Lapalombella Rosa , Grieselhuber Nicole R.
Published: March 2024

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a highly aggressive hematologic cancer with poor survival across a broad range of molecular subtypes. Development of efficacious and well-tolerable therapies encompassing the range of mutations that can arise in AML remains an unmet need. The bromo- and extra-terminal domain (BET) family of proteins represents an attractive therapeutic target in AML due to their crucial roles in many cellular functions, regardless of any specific mutation. Many BET inhibitors (BETi) are currently in pre-clinical and early clinical development, but acquisition of resistance continues to remain an obstacle for the drug class. Novel methods to circumvent this development of resistance could be instrumental for the future use of BET inhibitors in AML, both as monotherapy and in combination. To date, many investigations into possible drug combinations of BETi with CDK inhibitors have focused on CDK9, which has a known physical and functional interaction with the BET protein BRD4. Therefore, we wished to investigate possible synergy and additive effects between inhibitors of these targets in AML. Here, we describe combination therapy with the multi-CDK inhibitor dinaciclib and the BETi PLX51107 in pre-clinical models of AML. Dinaciclib and PLX51107 demonstrate additive effects in AML cell lines, primary AML samples, and in vivo. Further, we demonstrate novel activity of dinaciclib through inhibition of the canonical/β-catenin dependent Wnt signaling pathway, a known resistance mechanism to BETi in AML. We show dinaciclib inhibits Wnt signaling at multiple levels, including downregulation of β-catenin, the Wnt co-receptor LRP6, as well as many Wnt pathway components and targets. Moreover, dinaciclib sensitivity remains unaffected in a setting of BET resistance, demonstrating similar inhibitory effects on Wnt signaling when compared to BET-sensitive cells. Ultimately, our results demonstrate rationale for combination CDKi and BETi in AML. In addition, our novel finding of Wnt signaling inhibition could have potential implications in other cancers where Wnt signaling is dysregulated and demonstrates one possible approach to circumvent development of BET resistance in AML.
Possibility of large-area carbon nanotube films formation through spray coating
Authors: Kim Jinkyeong , Lee TaeGu , Han Ji-Hoon , Kim Joon Hyub
Published: March 2024

This study deals with the process of developing and optimizing the spray coating method for large-area deposition of carbon nanotubes. Carbon nanotubes have excellent electrical and thermal properties and strength, so they are used in various fields of application. However, existing deposition methods have limitations. In this study, the possibility of the spray coating method for large-area deposition of carbon nanotubes is presented, and additional conditions for this are introduced. A spray coating solution was prepared using dichlorobenzene as a solvent for 3 mg carbon nanotubes. By controlling the spray coating speed, the spray coating conditions were optimized by analyzing the surface shape, structure, and resistance of the deposited carbon nanotubes. As a result, we confirmed the possibility of depositing carbon nanotubes on a large area through the spray coating method, and it is expected to contribute to increasing the application possibilities in industrial and scientific fields.
Analysis of a multi-energy coupling model for rural energy under the rural digital economy
Authors: Li Hongyan , Li Xin
Published: March 2024

With the growth of the digital economy, the sustainable growth of rural energy has become crucial. However, traditional rural energy models have the drawback of not considering digital technology and renewable energy. Therefore, there is an urgent need for rational planning and development of rural energy. According to this, a multi-energy coupling model for rural energy systems was established by considering equipment capacity planning and operation scheduling optimization based on a multi-energy coupling structure. At the same time, considering the biomass resources in rural energy systems, an optimized configuration model for biomass coal-fired coupled power generation units was established. The results showed that the energy consumption cost in County A accounted for only 3.3%. County C focused mainly on tourism and emphasized economic efficiency, with investment costs 8.6% and 10.3% lower than other rural areas. The system utilized time of use electricity prices to optimize operation. The low storage stage was from 1:00 to 8:00, while the high incidence stage was from 12:00 to 14:00 and from 7:00 to 21:00. In the actual scenario, the multi-energy coupling model can be combined with intelligent technology to realize the real-time monitoring, prediction and optimal control of the energy system. Through the introduction of advanced digital technology, the model can be more flexible to deal with the diversified energy sources and complex operational scheduling situations involved in rural energy systems. This can improve the response speed and adaptability of the system, making the energy system more resilient and efficient.
Initial Assessment and Management of Select Musculoskeletal Injuries: A Team Physician Consensus Statement
Authors: Herring Stanley A. , Kibler W. Ben , Putukian Margot , Boyajian-O'Neill Lori A. , Chang Cindy J. , Franks R. Rob , Hutchinson Mark , Indelicato Peter A. , O’Connor Francis G. , Powell Amy , Roach Ryan , Safran Marc , Statuta Siobhan M. , Sutton Karen
Published: March 2024

Musculoskeletal injuries occur frequently in sport during practice, training, and competition. Injury assessment and management are common responsibilities for the team physician.Initial Assessment and Management of Musculoskeletal Injury—A Team Physician Consensus Statementis title 23 in a series of annual consensus documents written for the practicing team physician. This statement was developed by the Team Physician Consensus Conference, an annual project-based alliance of six major professional associations. The goal of this document is to help the team physician improve the care and treatment of the athlete by understanding the initial assessment and management of selected musculoskeletal injuries.
Ioánnis Despotópoulos
Authors: Ζαρούλας Σωτήριος
Published: March 2024

Τι θα ήταν η Μίλητος χωρίς την Αγορά της; Πώς επιτυγχάνεται ο διάλογος ανάμεσα στους χώρους και στα κτίρια της Αγοράς και την αρχιτεκτονική της σύγχρονης πόλης; Το αντικείμενο της παρούσας μελέτης αφορά το έργο του Έλληνα αρχιτέκτονα Ιωάννη Δεσποτόπουλου – ο οποίος ξεκίνησε την καριέρα του στην Ελλάδα τη δεκαετία του ’30, με τον σχεδιασμό δημόσιων κτιρίων, και τη συμμετοχή του στο IV CIAM της Αθήνας – έτσι όπως αυτό προκύπτει μέσα από την ανάλυση των σημαντικότερων θεμάτων που ο ίδιος άγγιξε με την αρχιτεκτονική του. Ο Δεσποτόπουλος ήταν παρών σε πολλές κρίσιμες στιγμές της ιστορίας της σύγχρονης ευρωπαϊκής αρχιτεκτονικής. Σπούδασε στο Bauhaus και στο Πολυτεχνείο του Αννόβερου. Συμμετείχε στα προγράμματα κατασκευής σχολείων και σανατόριων στην Ελλάδα κατά τη δεκαετία του '30. Μετά τον Β' Παγκόσμιο Πόλεμο και κατά την παραμονή του στη Σουηδία εκπόνησε έργα πολιτιστικών κέντρων για πολλές σουηδικές πόλεις. Η μελέτη του για το πολιτιστικό κέντρο της Αθήνας, το 1959, αποτελεί το αποκορύφωμα της έρευνάς του με θέμα τη συγκεκριμένη τυπολογία δημόσιου κτιρίου και την πιο αντιπροσωπευτική έκφραση των ιδεών του. Η παρούσα έρευνα θέλει να απαντήσει σε μια σειρά ερωτημάτων που προκύπτουν από την ανάλυση των έργων του, προσπαθώντας να διαψεύσει αφενός την πεποίθηση ότι το Μοντέρνο Κίνημα περιοριζόταν μεταξύ Παρισιού και Βερολίνου και αφετέρου να υπογραμμίσει την αξία αυτών των κτιρίων για τον αρχιτεκτονικό σχεδιασμό σήμερα. Στα πρώτα του έργα στη Χίο ο Δεσποτόπουλος επιδιώκει όχι μόνο να διαδώσει τις αρχές του μοντέρνου κινήματος, αλλά ταυτόχρονα να ασχοληθεί με την τοπική και ιστορική αρχιτεκτονική του νησιού. Τα έργα για σχολικά κτίρια σε Αθήνα και Πειραιά συνδέονται στενά με τις υλοποιήσεις του Ernst May στη Φρανκφούρτη. Η κατασκευή σανατόριων τον καθιστά έναν από τους πρωταγωνιστές στη διάδοση της νέας αρχιτεκτονικής στην Ελλάδα, ενώ τα έργα του για τα πολιτιστικά κέντρα δείχνουν τη στροφή του ενδιαφέροντος της έρευνάς του στο θέμα της σημασίας της συλλογικής ζωής. Ειδικότερα, με τα κτίριά του στη Σουηδία και στη συνέχεια στην Αθήνα υποδηλώνει αυτό που στην ουσία είναι η ιδέα της ελληνικής αγοράς και της αρχαίας πόλης: η δημιουργία χώρων ικανών να φιλοξενήσουν και να ενθαρρύνουν τη δημόσια ζωή των πολιτών της.
Ο ρόλος των οστικών μορφογενετικών πρωτεϊνών BMPs (bone morphogenetic proteins) στην εμφάνιση και εξέλιξη συγγενών καρδιοπαθειών
Authors: Μπόμπος Δημήτριος
Published: March 2024

Σκοπός: Ο σκοπός της μελέτης είναι να μελετηθούν τα γονίδια που κωδικοποιούν για τις οστικές μορφογενετικές πρωτεΐνες 2 και 4 (Bone morphogenetic proteins -2, -4) BMP-2, 4 και τα επίπεδα των πρωτεϊνών αυτών με σκοπό τον εντοπισμό βλαβών σε μοριακό επίπεδο που πιθανά να ευθύνονται για την εμφάνιση συγγενών καρδιακών ανωμαλιών. Μέθοδος: Στην παρούσα μελέτη συμμετείχαν: α) Συνολικά πενήντα δύο ασθενείς (52) ηλικίας 0-18 ετών πάσχοντες συγγενή καρδιολογική ανωμαλία, όπως με VSD=12 ασθενείς, ASD=7 ασθενείς, Τετραλογία Fallot=10 ασθενείς και σύνθετη καρδιακή ανωμαλία=23 ασθενείς, β) συνολικός αριθμός δειγμάτων αίματος χωρίς συγγενή καρδιακή ανωμαλία (control group) για σύγκριση sequencing με τα παθολογικά: 100 δείγματα και γ) 10 βιοψίες/ιστοί προερχόμενα από άτομα με φυσιολογική καρδιακή ανατομία (κατά τη διαδικασία διενέργειας νεκροψίας). Το υλικό της μελέτης αποτέλεσαν δείγματα ολικού αίματος (με EDTA ή κιτρικό νάτριο ως αντιπηκτικό) και βιοψιών/δείγματα ιστών (κόλπος, κοιλία, μυς, αρτηρία) από τους ασθενείς με συγγενείς καρδιακές ανωμαλίες και από τους φυσιολογικούς μάρτυρες. Αποτελέσματα: Κατά την σύγκριση των μέσων τιμών των μεταγραφικών επιπέδων των BMP-2 και -4 mRNA μεταξύ των τριών υπό-ομάδων (ASD, VSD, complex/other), δεν διαπιστώθηκαν στατιστικά σημαντικές διαφορές (p>0,05). Επιπλέον, κατά την σύγκριση κάθε υπό-ομάδας ξεχωριστά (π.χ. ASD) με την ομάδα βιοψιών από φυσιολογικές καρδιές βρέθηκαν παρόμοια επίπεδα έκφρασης mRNA. H σύγκριση ολόκληρης της ομάδας με συγγενή καρδιακή ανωμαλία με αυτή των φυσιολογικών ιστών διαπιστώθηκε απορρύθμιση του προφίλ συνέκφρασης BMP-2 και BMP-4 στις περιπτώσεις με συγγενείς καρδιοπάθειες σε σύγκριση με την ομάδα control (p<0.05). Τα επίπεδα πρωτεΐνης BMP-2, και -4 δεν διαφέρουν σημαντικά μεταξύ των βιοψιών από φυσιολογική καρδιά σε σύγκριση με τις καρδιές με συγγενή καρδιακή ανωμαλία (p>0.05). Η σύγκριση των επιπέδων πρωτεΐνης BMP-2 και -4 στις τρεις υποκατηγορίες (ASD, VSD, complex/other), δεν ανέδειξε στατιστικά σημαντικές διαφορές (p>0.05). Συμπεράσματα: Tα αποτελέσματα της μελέτης δεν αναδεικνύουν μοριακά ελλείμματα στα γονίδια BMP2 and-4 και δεν συνηγορούν για όποια αιτιολογική συσχέτιση με τα ελλείμματα των συγγενών καρδιοπαθειών στους συγκεκριμένους ασθενείς. Αξίζει να σημειωθεί ότι εμμένουσα έκφραση των mRNA και πρωτείνών των BMP2 και -4 ατους ασθενείς με συγγενή καρδιακά ελλέιμματα συγκρινόμενη με τους μάρτυρες δείχνει πιθανή προσωρινή επιγενετική ρύθμιση σε μηχανισμούς μετά τη μετάφραση και στη ρύθμιση του microRNA επηρεάζοντας τις αρχικές φάσεις των καρδιακών ανωμαλιών.
Strong transitions driven by stohastic fields and open quantum systems dynamics
Authors: Μουλουδάκης Γεώργιος-Ευθύμιος
Published: March 2024

Η εν λόγω διατριβή συνεισφέρει στην μελέτη δύο μεγάλων πτυχών του τομέα της δυναμικής κβαντικών συστημάτων: στην ισχυρή αλληλεπίδραση μεταξύ ύλης και στοχαστικής ακτινοβολίας και στη δυναμική ανοιχτών κβαντικών συστημάτων. Παρά την σημαντική πρόοδο του τομέα της κβαντικής οπτικής ισχυρών πεδίων, πολλά θεμελιώδη ερωτήματα σχετικά με την ισχυρή αλληλεπίδραση μεταξύ ύλης και στοχαστικής ακτινοβολίας είχαν παραμείνει αναπάντητα, λόγω της απουσίας των απαιτούμενων εντάσεων στις πειραματικές διατάξεις, καθώς και της δυσκολίας ελέγχου των στατιστικών ιδιοτήτων της ακτινοβολίας που χρησιμοποιείται στις εν λόγω μελέτες. Παρ ’όλα αυτά το τοπίο έχει αλλάξει δραματικά τα τελευταία χρόνια χάρις την εξέλιξη πηγών ακτινοβολίας υψηλής έντασης και μικρού μήκους κύματος, όπως την ακτινοβολία από “free electron lasers” (FEL), καθώς και την ανάπτυξη μεθόδων που δίνουν την δυνατότητα ελέγχου των στατιστικών ιδιοτήτων της ακτινοβολίας και οδηγούν στην ικανότητα παραγωγής μη-κλασικών κβαντικών καταστάσεων φωτός. Εν όψει των παραπάνω, στο πρώτο μέρος της διατριβής μελετήσαμε ατομικές μεταβάσεις ισχυρά αγόμενες από “squeezed” ακτινοβολία και ανακαλύψαμε τις επιπτώσεις της στο φαινόμενο της “double optical resonance” σε διατάξεις “pump and probe”. Επιπλέον, μελετήσαμε το φαινόμενο δίδυμης γένεσης ηλεκτρονίου-ποζιτρονίου στο κενό παρουσία στοχαστικής ακτινοβολίας FEL, και επιβεβαιώσαμε την πιθανότητα παρατήρησης ενός μη-γραμμικού παράγοντα ενίσχυσης της διαδικασίας λόγω των ιδιοτήτων συσχέτισης φωτονίων της ακτινοβολίας.Στο δεύτερο μέρος της διατριβής ερευνήσαμε πολλαπλές πτυχές δυναμικής ανοιχτών κβαντικών συστημάτων, όπως συσχετίσεις “qubit” σε μη-Μαρκοβιανές δεξαμενές, την πιστότητα κβαντικής μεταφοράς καταστάσεων παρουσία τέτοιων δεξαμενών, νέες μεθόδους υπολογισμού του βαθμού μη-Μαρκοβιανότητας σε ανοιχτά κβαντικά συστήματα, την σχέση μεταξύ του κβαντικού φαινομένου Ζήνωνα και την παρουσία “exceptional points” σε μη-Μαρκοβιανά ανοιχτά κβαντικά συστήματα, καθώς και το φαινόμενο του αυτοϊονισμού ιδωμένο από την σκοπιά μη-Ερμιτιανής φυσικής.
Association of ARRDC3 and NFIA variants with bovine congestive heart failure in feedlot cattle
Authors: Heaton Michael P. , Harhay Gregory P. , Bassett Adam S. , Clark Halden J. , Carlson Jaden M. , Jobman Erin E. , Sadd Helen R. , Pelster Madeline C. , Workman Aspen M. , Kuehn Larry A. , Kalbfleisch Theodore S. , Piscatelli Heather , Carrie Michael , Krafsur Greta M. , Grotelueschen Dale M. , Vander Ley Brian L.
Published: March 2024

Background Bovine congestive heart failure (BCHF) has become increasingly prevalent among feedlot cattle in the Western Great Plains of North America with up to 7% mortality in affected herds. BCHF is an untreatable complex condition involving pulmonary hypertension that culminates in right ventricular failure and death. Genes associated with BCHF in feedlot cattle have not been previously identified. Our aim was to search for genomic regions associated with this disease. Methods A retrospective, matched case-control design with 102 clinical BCHF cases and their unaffected pen mates was used in a genome-wide association study. Paired nominal data from approximately 560,000 filtered single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were analyzed with McNemar’s test. Results Two independent genomic regions were identified as having the most significant association with BCHF: the arrestin domain-containing protein 3 gene (ARRDC3), and the nuclear factor IA gene (NFIA, mid-p-values, 1x10−8 and 2x10 −7, respectively). Animals with two copies of risk alleles at either gene were approximately eight-fold more likely to have BCHF than their matched pen mates with either one or zero risk alleles at both genes (CI 95 = 3-17). Further, animals with two copies of risk alleles at both genes were 28-fold more likely to have BCHF than all others (p-value = 1×10−7, CI95 = 4-206). A missense variant in ARRDC3 (C182Y) represents a potential functional variant since the C182 codon is conserved among all other jawed vertebrate species observed. A two-SNP test with markers in both genes showed 29% of 273 BCHF cases had homozygous risk genotypes in both genes, compared to 2.5% in 198 similar unaffected feedlot cattle. This and other DNA tests may be useful for identifying feedlot animals with the highest risk for BCHF in the environments described here. Conclusions Although pathogenic roles for variants in the ARRDC3 and NFIA genes are unknown, their discovery facilitates classifying animals by genetic risk and allows cattle producers to make informed decisions for selective breeding and animal health management.
Impact of recyclability on the mechanical properties of coated plastic materials for the automotive and electronic sectors
Authors: Ventosinos Louzao Vanessa , García Murias Denise , De Dios Álvarez Miguel Ángel , Acuña Domínguez Pablo Alberto , Paredes Barros Esteban , Ledo Bañobre Raquel
Published: March 2024

This research focuses on the study of the mechanical properties (tensile and impact strength) of Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene (ABS) and its blends with Polycarbonate (ABS/PC) including recycled and painted material. A comprehensive assessment was done to determine the impact of reprocessing cycles, remaining coating and their combined effect in the final properties of the recycled polymer. Post-consumer materials are in an already-aged state, lowering their initial properties. Mechanical recycling methods showed that the reprocessing cycles have a higher impact on the mechanical performance than the amount of recycling material content. Also, the material is often coated when they are about to be recycled. The remaining coating impurities play a major role in the recycling process, losing up to 42% of the impact strength for ABS and 28% for ABS/PC. It was demonstrated that below a 10% of remaining paint, both materials retained is performance as a neat product. Impurities was declared to be the most pernicious element on the recycling process and their elimination must be a priority regarding this objective. These results provide a better knowledge of the recycling effect and can be used to decide the potential recyclability of plastic. The ascribed project of this study (DECOAT) aims to develop efficient systems to remove coatings at the end-of-life of the part, to reduce the damage and promote the use of recycled material in high-tech applications.
O dźwiękach muzycznych, które żyją – ujęcie gramatyki kognitywnej
Authors: Taraszka-Drożdż Barbara
Published: March 2024

Artykuł wpisuje się w cykl publikacji poświęconych językowym strategiom stosowanym do opisu muzycznych wrażeń słuchowych. Przedmiotem analizy przedstawionej w artykule jest jeden z typów figuratywnych wyrażeń językowych używanych w języku polskim do opisu brzmień muzycznych – wyrażeń, które typowo odnoszą się do człowieka, zwierzęcia czy też, bardziej ogólnie, do istoty żywej. Celem badania jest opis pojęciowych struktur motywujących te wyrażenia. Analiza wskazuje, iż u podstaw tych wyrażeń leżą schematyczne relacje kategoryzujące, które na wysokim poziomie abstrakcji są reprezentowane przez dwa wzorce: metaforyczny oraz metaforyczno-metonimiczny. Ich konkretyzacjami są relacje kategoryzujące, które reprezentują odpowiedniości między elementami wiedzy pochodzącymi z domeny muzyki oraz istot żywych.
Tadeusza Kowalskiego niepublikowany reportaż z podróży po Deli Orman (1929 r.)
Authors: Stachowski Kamil
Published: March 2024

Niniejszy artykuł jest edycją reportażu Tadeusza Kowalskiego z jego podróży do północno-wschodniej Bułgarii w 1929 r. Większa część tekstu została przygotowana na czysto przez samego Kowalskiego, jak gdyby z zamiarem publikacji, jednak praca pozostała niedokończona i, o ile mi wiadomo, niewydana. Reportaż zawiera wielką ilość szczegółów etnograficznych i językoznawczych, jednak ogólnie ma charakter bardziej literacki niż naukowy.
A fixed point theorem for nonself nonlinear contractions in length spaces
Authors: Reich Simeon , Zaslavski Alexander J.
Published: March 2024

In 1988 N.A. Assad showed that a nonself nonlinear contraction taking a closed
subset of a complete metrically convex space into the space so that the boundary
of this subset is mapped back into the subset itself has a unique fixed point.
In the present paper we extend this result by replacing the complete metrically
convex space with a complete metric space which is a length space.
Mild solutions to a class of nonlinear second order evolution equations
Authors: Garcia-Falset Jésus
Published: March 2024

The purpose of this paper is to study the existence of mild
solutions to a class of second order nonlinear evolution equations of the form
\begin{equation*}
\begin{cases}
u''(t)+A(u'(t))+B(u(t))\ni f(t), &t\in(0,T),\\
u(0)=u_0, \quad u'(0)=g(u')
\end{cases}
\end{equation*}
where
$A\colon D(A)\subseteq X\rightarrow 2^{X}$ is an $m$-accretive operator
on a Banach space $X,$ $B: X\rightarrow X$ is a lipschitz mapping,
$g\colon C([0,T];X)\to X$ is a function and $f\in L^1(0,T,X)$.
We obtain sufficient conditions for this problem to have at least a mild solution.
Sectional category of maps related to finite spaces
Authors: Tanaka Kohei
Published: March 2024

In this study, we compute some examples of sectional category secat$(f)$
and sectional number sec$(f) for continuous maps $f$ related to finite spaces.
Moreover, we introduce an invariant secat$_k(f)$ for a map $f$ between finite
spaces using the $k$-th barycentric subdivision and show the equality
secat$_k(f)=$ secat$(\mathcal{B}(f))$ for sufficiently large $k$, where $\mathcal{B}(f)$
is the induced map on the associated polyhedra.