bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Data from Improved Antitumor Activity and Tumor Targeting of NH2-Terminal–Specific PEGylated Tumor Necrosis Factor–Related Apoptosis-Inducing Ligand
Authors: Chae Su Young , Kim Tae Hyung , Park Kyeongsoon , Jin Cheng-Hao , Son Sohee , Lee Seulki , Youn Yu Seok , Kim Kwangmeyung , Jo Dong-Gyu , Kwon Ick Chan , Chen Xiaoyuan , Lee Kang Choon
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Tumor necrosis factor–related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) is considered an attractive anticancer agent due to its tumor cell–specific cytotoxicity. However, its low stability, solubility, unexpected side effects, and weak pharmacokinetic profiles restrict its successful clinical application. To develop efficient TRAIL-based anticancer biotherapeutics, a new version of trimeric TRAIL was constructed by incorporating trimer-forming zipper sequences (HZ-TRAIL), and then NH2-terminal–specific PEGylation was done to produce PEGylated TRAIL (PEG-HZ-TRAIL). The biological, physicochemical, and pharmaceutical characteristics of PEG-HZ-TRAIL were then investigated using various in vitro and in vivo experiments, including a cell-based cytotoxicity test, a solubility test, pharmacokinetic analysis, and antitumor efficacy evaluations. Although slight activity loss occurred after PEGylation, PEG-HZ-TRAIL showed excellent tumor cell–specific cytotoxic effects via apoptotic pathways with negligible normal cell toxicity. The stability and pharmacokinetic problems of HZ-TRAIL were successfully overcome by PEGylation. Furthermore, in vivo antitumor tests revealed that PEG-HZ-TRAIL treatment enhanced therapeutic potentials compared with HZ-TRAIL in tumor xenograft animal models, and these enhancements were attributed to its better pharmacokinetic properties and tumor-targeting performance. These findings show that PEG-HZ-TRAIL administration provides an effective antitumor treatment, which exhibits superior tumor targeting and better inhibits tumor growth, and suggest that PEG-HZ-TRAIL should be considered a potential candidate for antitumor biotherapy. Mol Cancer Ther; 9(6); 1719–29. ©2010 AACR.
Data from Ranpirnase (Frog RNase) Targeted with a Humanized, Internalizing, Anti–Trop-2 Antibody Has Potent Cytotoxicity against Diverse Epithelial Cancer Cells
Authors: Chang Chien-Hsing , Gupta Pankaj , Michel Rosana , Loo Meiyu , Wang Yang , Cardillo Thomas M. , Goldenberg David M.
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Ranpirnase (Rap), an amphibian RNase, has been extensively studied both preclinically and clinically as an antitumor agent. Rap can be administered repeatedly to patients without any untoward immune response, with reversible renal toxicity reported to be dose limiting. To enhance its potency and targeted tumor therapy, we describe the generation of a novel IgG-based immunotoxin, designated 2L-Rap(Q)-hRS7, comprising Rap(Q), a mutant Rap with the putative N-glycosylation site removed, and hRS7, an internalizing, humanized antibody against Trop-2, a cell surface glycoprotein overexpressed in variety of epithelial cancers. The immunotoxin was generated recombinantly by fusing Rap(Q) to each of the two hRS7 light (L) chains at the NH2 terminus, produced in stably transfected myeloma cells, purified by Protein A, and evaluated by a panel of in vitro studies. The results, including size-exclusion high-performance liquid chromatography, SDS-PAGE, flow cytometry, RNase activity, internalization, cell viability, and colony formation, showed its purity, molecular integrity, comparable affinity to hRS7 for binding to several Trop-2–expressing cell lines of different cancer types, and potency to inhibit growth of these cell lines at nanomolar concentrations. In addition, 2L-Rap(Q)-hRS7 suppressed tumor growth in a prophylactic model of nude mice bearing Calu-3 human non–small cell lung cancer xenografts, with an increase in the median survival time from 55 to 96 days (P < 0.01). These results warrant further development of 2L-Rap(Q)-hRS7 as a potential therapeutic for various Trop-2–expressing cancers, such as cervical, breast, colon, pancreatic, ovarian, and prostate cancers. Mol Cancer Ther; 9(8); 2276–86. ©2010 AACR.
Data from Context-Dependent Role of Angiopoietin-1 Inhibition in the Suppression of Angiogenesis and Tumor Growth: Implications for AMG 386, an Angiopoietin-1/2–Neutralizing Peptibody
Authors: Coxon Angela , Bready James , Min Hosung , Kaufman Stephen , Leal Juan , Yu Dongyin , Lee Tani Ann , Sun Ji-Rong , Estrada Juan , Bolon Brad , McCabe James , Wang Ling , Rex Karen , Caenepeel Sean , Hughes Paul , Cordover David , Kim Haejin , Han Seog Joon , Michaels Mark L. , Hsu Eric , Shimamoto Grant , Cattley Russell , Hurh Eunju , Nguyen Linh , Wang Shao Xiong , Ndifor Anthony , Hayward Isaac J. , Falcón Beverly L. , McDonald Donald M. , Li Luke , Boone Tom , Kendall Richard , Radinsky Robert , Oliner Jonathan D.
Published: April 2023

Abstract
AMG 386 is an investigational first-in-class peptide-Fc fusion protein (peptibody) that inhibits angiogenesis by preventing the interaction of angiopoietin-1 (Ang1) and Ang2 with their receptor, Tie2. Although the therapeutic value of blocking Ang2 has been shown in several models of tumorigenesis and angiogenesis, the potential benefit of Ang1 antagonism is less clear. To investigate the consequences of Ang1 neutralization, we have developed potent and selective peptibodies that inhibit the interaction between Ang1 and its receptor, Tie2. Although selective Ang1 antagonism has no independent effect in models of angiogenesis-associated diseases (cancer and diabetic retinopathy), it induces ovarian atrophy in normal juvenile rats and inhibits ovarian follicular angiogenesis in a hormone-induced ovulation model. Surprisingly, the activity of Ang1 inhibitors seems to be unmasked in some disease models when combined with Ang2 inhibitors, even in the context of concurrent vascular endothelial growth factor inhibition. Dual inhibition of Ang1 and Ang2 using AMG 386 or a combination of Ang1- and Ang2-selective peptibodies cooperatively suppresses tumor xenograft growth and ovarian follicular angiogenesis; however, Ang1 inhibition fails to augment the suppressive effect of Ang2 inhibition on tumor endothelial cell proliferation, corneal angiogenesis, and oxygen-induced retinal angiogenesis. In no case was Ang1 inhibition shown to (a) confer superior activity to Ang2 inhibition or dual Ang1/2 inhibition or (b) antagonize the efficacy of Ang2 inhibition. These results imply that Ang1 plays a context-dependent role in promoting postnatal angiogenesis and that dual Ang1/2 inhibition is superior to selective Ang2 inhibition for suppression of angiogenesis in some postnatal settings. Mol Cancer Ther; 9(10); 2641–51. ©2010 AACR.
Data from Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids inhibit hepatocellular carcinoma cell growth through blocking β-catenin and cyclooxygenase-2
Authors: Lim Kyu , Han Chang , Dai Yifan , Shen Miaoda , Wu Tong
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common human cancer with high mortality, and currently, there is no effective chemoprevention or systematic treatment. Recent evidence suggests that cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2)–derived PGE2 and Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathways are implicated in hepatocarcinogenesis. Here, we report that ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) inhibit HCC growth through simultaneously inhibition of COX-2 and β-catenin. DHA and EPA treatment resulted in a dose-dependent reduction of cell viability with cleavage of poly ADP ribose polymerase, caspase-3, and caspase-9 in three human HCC cell lines (Hep3B, Huh-7, HepG2). In contrast, AA, a ω-6 PUFA, exhibited no significant effect. DHA and EPA treatment caused dephosphorylation and thus activation of GSK-3β, leading to β-catenin degradation in Hep3B cells. The GSK-3β inhibitor, LiCl, partially prevented DHA-induced β-catenin protein degradation and apoptosis. Additionally, DHA induced the formation of β-catenin/Axin/GSK-3β binding complex, which serves as a parallel mechanism for β-catenin degradation. Furthermore, DHA inhibited PGE2 signaling through downregulation of COX-2 and upregulation of the COX-2 antagonist, 15-hydroxyprostaglandin dehydrogenase. Finally, the growth of HCC in vivo was significantly reduced when mouse HCCs (Hepa1-6) were inoculated into the Fat-1 transgenic mice, which express a Caenorhabditis elegans desaturase converting ω-6 to ω-3 PUFAs endogenously. These findings provide important preclinical evidence and molecular insight for utilization of ω-3 PUFAs for the chemoprevention and treatment of human HCC. [Mol Cancer Ther 2009;8(11):3046–55]
Data from Pharmacokinetics-pharmacodynamics and antitumor activity of mercaptoacetamide-based histone deacetylase inhibitors
Authors: Konsoula Zacharoula , Cao Hong , Velena Alfredo , Jung Mira
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Structurally diverse histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACI) have emerged as chemotherapeutic agents. Here, we report the first mercaptoacetamide HDACIs (coded 6MAQH and 5MABMA) for use in treatment against prostate cancer cells in vitro and in vivo and correlate their plasma pharmacokinetics and tissue-pharmacodynamics with tumor sensitivity. HDACIs were assessed for in vitro microsomal stability and growth inhibition against prostate cancer and nonmalignant cells. Antitumor activity was determined following i.p. administration of 6MAQH and 5MABMA (0.5 and 5 mg/Kg) using mice bearing PC3 tumor xenografts (n = 10). The plasma pharmacokinetics of 6MAQH and 5MABMA and their effects on the acetylation of histone H4 in tissues were determined in athymic mice. Both HDACIs significantly inhibited the growth of cancer cells while exerting limited effect on nonmalignant cells. They exhibited stability in human, dog, and rat microsomes [t1/2 (min) = 83, 72, and 66 for 6MAQH and 68, 43, and 70 for 5MABMA, respectively]. Both HDACIs (0.5 mg/Kg) led to tumor regression (P < 0.01), which was sustained for at least 60 days. In vivo data show favorable plasma pharmacokinetics with the area under the curve of 4.97 ± 0.6 μmol/L × h for 6MAQH and 4.23 ± 0.43 μmol/L × h for 5MABMA. The clearance rates for 6MAQH and 5MABMA were 4.05 ± 0.15 and 4.87 ± 0.2 L/h, whereas the half-lives were 2.2 ± 0.33 and 1.98 ± 0.21 h, respectively. Both HDACIs markedly enhanced the acetylation of histone H4 within 30 minutes in tissues, including the brain, liver, and spleen. Taken together, the results provide a rationale for further investigation of these mercaptoacetamide HDACIs as potent anticancer agents. [Mol Cancer Ther 2009;8(10):2844–51]
Data from S1P differentially regulates migration of human ovarian cancer and human ovarian surface epithelial cells
Authors: Wang Dongmei , Zhao Zhenwen , Caperell-Grant Andrea , Yang Gong , Mok Samuel C. , Liu Jinsong , Bigsby Robert M. , Xu Yan
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) arises from the epithelial layer covering the surface of ovaries and i.p. metastasis is commonly observed at diagnosis. Sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P), a bioactive lipid signaling molecule, is potentially involved in EOC tumorigenesis. We have found that S1P is elevated in human EOC ascites. We show that physiologically relevant concentrations of S1P stimulate migration and invasion of EOC cells but inhibit migration of human ovarian surface epithelial (HOSE) cells. In addition, S1P inhibits lysophosphatidic acid (LPA)–induced cell migration in HOSE but not in EOC cells. We have provided the first line of evidence that the expression levels of S1P receptor subtypes are not the only determinants for how cells respond to S1P. Although S1P1 is expressed and functional in HOSE cells, the inhibitory effect mediated by S1P2 is dominant in those cells. The cellular preexisting stress fibers are also important determinants for the migratory response to S1P. Differential S1P-induced morphology changes are noted in EOC and HOSE cells. Preexisting stress fibers in HOSE cells are further enhanced by S1P treatment, resulting in the negative migratory response to S1P. By contrast, EOC cells lost stress fibers and S1P treatment induces filopodium-like structures at cell edges, which correlates with increased cell motility. In addition, inhibition of the protein kinase C pathway is likely to be involved in the inhibitory effect of S1P on LPA-induced cell migration in HOSE cells. These findings are important for the development of new therapeutics targeting S1P and LPA in EOC. [Mol Cancer Ther 2008;7(7):1993–2002]
Data from Pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic correlation from mouse to human with pazopanib, a multikinase angiogenesis inhibitor with potent antitumor and antiangiogenic activity
Authors: Kumar Rakesh , Knick Victoria B. , Rudolph Sharon K. , Johnson Jennifer H. , Crosby Renae M. , Crouthamel Ming-Chih , Hopper Teresa M. , Miller Charles G. , Harrington Laura E. , Onori James A. , Mullin Robert J. , Gilmer Tona M. , Truesdale Anne T. , Epperly Andrea H. , Boloor Amogh , Stafford Jeffrey A. , Luttrell Deirdre K. , Cheung Mui
Published: April 2023

Abstract
With the development of targeted therapeutics, especially for small-molecule inhibitors, it is important to understand whether the observed in vivo efficacy correlates with the modulation of desired/intended target in vivo. We have developed a small-molecule inhibitor of all three vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) receptors (VEGFR), platelet-derived growth factor receptor, and c-Kit tyrosine kinases, pazopanib (GW786034), which selectively inhibits VEGF-induced endothelial cell proliferation. It has good oral exposure and inhibits angiogenesis and tumor growth in mice. Because bolus administration of the compound results in large differences in Cmax and Ctrough, we investigated the effect of continuous infusion of a VEGFR inhibitor on tumor growth and angiogenesis. GW771806, which has similar enzyme and cellular profiles to GW786034, was used for these studies due to higher solubility requirements for infusion studies. Comparing the pharmacokinetics by two different routes of administration (bolus p.o. dosing and continuous infusion), we showed that the antitumor and antiangiogenic activity of VEGFR inhibitors is dependent on steady-state concentration of the compound above a threshold. The steady-state concentration required for these effects is consistent with the concentration required for the inhibition of VEGF-induced VEGFR2 phosphorylation in mouse lungs. Furthermore, the steady-state concentration of pazopanib determined from preclinical activity showed a strong correlation with the pharmacodynamic effects and antitumor activity in the phase I clinical trial. [Mol Cancer Ther 2007;6(7):2012–21]
“Sharing Is Caring”: Participatory Storytelling and Community Building on Social Media Amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Hou Jenny Zhengye
Published: April 2023

While most health communication studies tend to adopt an information-based approach to unpacking the communication issues around COVID-19, scant attention has been paid to the emerging narratives from local communities as a way of sensemaking, self-representation, and creative responses to the pandemic. Especially locally driven narratives that convey positive emotions and exhibit remarkable resilience of the great majority are underexamined. To narrow this gap, this study analyzed a Facebook-based, participatory storytelling program to reveal how local communities (co-)construct humanized narrative accounts of lived experiences and context-specific knowledge about pandemic responses. Data collection involved qualitative content analysis of 245 user-generated stories, associated with comments and engagement from the group members, for a 6-month period. Results show that open and participatory storytelling on social media affords a pathway of performing togetherness even though individuals narrate their lived pandemic experiences differently. Such performing togetherness somewhat facilitated virtual community building. This study contributes to the health communication literature with a refreshing perspective of understanding the grounded, participatory storytelling as a vehicle of collective sensemaking and community spirit-lifting.
When High Subjective Social Status Becomes a Burden: A Japan–U.S. Comparison of Biological Health Markers
Authors: Park Jiyoung , Kitayama Shinobu , Miyamoto Yuri
Published: April 2023

High subjective social status (SSS) is believed to protect health in the current literature. However, high SSS entails social responsibilities that can be stressful in collectivistic cultural contexts. Here, we tested the hypothesis that those socialized in collectivistic societies (e.g., Japan) recognize their high social status as entailing social duties difficult to ignore even when they are excessive. Using cross-cultural survey data ( N = 1,289) and a measure of biological health risk (BHR) by biomarkers of inflammation and cardiovascular malfunction, we found that higher SSS predicted lower BHR for American males. In contrast, higher SSS predicted higher BHR for Japanese males, mediated by the perceived difficulty of disengaging from their current goals. In both cultural groups, females showed no association between SSS and BHR. These findings suggest that social status has differing health implications, depending on the relative salience of privileges and burden-producing responsibilities in different cultural contexts.
Average model of wind energy system dedicated to optimal design of the global system
Authors: Tounsi Souhir
Published: April 2023

This paper presents an average model based on justified simplifications dedicated to the design and optimization of wind energy systems. Indeed, the classic models of wind energy systems are complex and their use is not efficient for the optimal design of the components of the power chain given the complexity, the significant time of resolution and the strong correlation of the physical parameters of these models. For these reasons, a model based on the theory of average values with reduced simulation time of a wind turbine structure is developed. This model is validated against the classic model of the wind chain using the SimPowerSystem library of power component models integrated under the Matlab-Simulink simulation environment.
Numerical investigation on combustion flow characteristics of a micro gas turbine swirl combustor with different protruded bluff body structures
Authors: Liu Hong , Zeng Zhuoxiong , Guo Kaifang
Published: April 2023

A micro gas turbine swirl combustor with protruded bluff body is proposed. Compared with no bluff body, the protruded bluff body can significantly improve the combustion performance. When the bluff body height is 40 mm and the length is 30 mm, the average outlet NO emission is reduced by 14.43%, the pressure loss is decreased by 5.96%, and the outlet temperature distribution factor (OTDF) is dropped by 31.93%. The influence of different bluff body lengths (15–30 mm) and heights (10–50 mm) on the combustion flow are numerically analyzed further. The results show that the change of bluff body structure will affect the performance of combustor. In the range of 15–25 mm, with the increase of the bluff body length, the scope of central recirculation zone becomes narrower, velocity near the inlet and pressure loss decrease, the OTDF and field synergy angle β both become larger. When the bluff body length grows from 15 mm to 30 mm, the average outlet NO emission increases by 36.74%. The range of the central recirculation zone is gradually widen, and the average reaction rate grows up with the increase of bluff body height. The synergistic effect becomes better, and the heat transfer capacity is enhanced. When the bluff body height grows from 30 mm to 50 mm, the average outlet NO emission reduces from 35.84 ppm to 25.65 ppm.
Palliative Care Communication Among Home Health Interprofessional Staff: A Randomized Controlled Trial of Feasibility, Acceptability, and Preliminary Effectiveness
Authors: Bigger Sharon E. , Zanville Noah , Wittenberg Elaine , Towsley Gail , Glenn Lee
Published: April 2023

Skilled home health care (HH) is the largest and fastest growing long-term care setting in the United States. Patients in HH are served by an interprofessional team, and may have little direct contact with physicians, when discussing their progress, prognosis, and goals of care. Such conversations are part of primary palliative care communication. Evidence on primary palliative care communication training in the non-physician HH interprofessional team is lacking. The objectives of this study were to assess the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effectiveness of using a palliative care communication model known as COMFORT© to provide palliative care communication training to HH staff. A randomized controlled trial was conducted at a regional health system in the southeastern U.S. to test online training modules (n = 10) (Group 1) and online training modules plus face-to-face training (n = 8) (Group 2). Measures included training completion rates, staff acceptability ratings, comfort with palliative and end-of-life communication (C-COPE) and moral distress (MMD-HP). Results showed that COMFORT© training was feasible (92%), highly acceptable (>4 on a 6-point scale), and positively correlated with improved C-COPE scores ( P = .037). There was no significant difference in moral distress scores pre- and post-intervention or in effectiveness between the groups. However, acceptability of COMFORT© was positively correlated with history of leaving or considering leaving a job due to moral distress ([Formula: see text] = 7.6, P = .02). Preliminary findings from this pilot study suggest that administration of COMFORT© training was feasible, and it was correlated with increased HH staff comfort with palliative care communication.
Efficacy and Safety of Fluvoxamine as Outpatient Treatment for Patients With Covid-19: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Clinical Trials
Authors: Vatvani Akhil Deepak , Kurniawan Andree , Hariyanto Timotius Ivan
Published: April 2023

Background:

Fluvoxamine may be beneficial for the management of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) because of its effect on the sigma-1 receptor. Available evidence from randomized clinical trials (RCTs) has shown conflicting results.

Objective:

This study sought to analyze the efficacy and safety of fluvoxamine as an outpatient treatment for Covid-19.

Methods:

Using specific keywords, we comprehensively go through the potential articles on PubMed, Scopus, Europe PMC, and ClinicalTrials.gov sources until February 1, 2023. We collected all published clinical trials on fluvoxamine and Covid-19. We were using Review Manager 5.4 to conduct statistical analysis.

Results:

We include a total of 6 trials. Our pooled analysis revealed that fluvoxamine did not offer any significant benefit when compared with placebo in reducing the risk of clinical deterioration (risk ratio [RR] = 0.83; 95% CI: 0.65-1.06, P = 0.14, I2 = 29%), and hospitalization (RR = 0.80; 95% CI: 0.62-1.04, P = 0.09, I2 = 0%) of Covid-19 outpatients. The serious adverse events did not differ significantly between the 2 groups.

Conclusions and Relevance:

This study indicates that although safe, fluvoxamine was not effective for outpatient treatment of Covid-19. Until more evidence can be obtained from larger RCTs, our study did not encourage the use of fluvoxamine as routine management for patients with Covid-19.
Association between nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and atrial fibrillation and other clinical outcomes: a meta-analysis
Authors: Jaiswal Vikash , Ang Song Peng , Huang Helen , Momi Navroop Kaur , Hameed Maha , Naz Sidra , Batra Nitya , Ishak Angela , Doshi Neel , Gera Asmita , Sharath Medha , Waleed Madeeha Subhan , Raj Nishchita , Aguilera Alvarez Victor Hugo
Published: April 2023

The association between nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) with cardiovascular and cerebrovascular outcomes, as well as their clinical impact, has yet to be established in the literature. This meta-analysis aims to evaluate the association between the NAFLD patients and the risk of atrial fibrillation (AF), heart failure (HF), stroke, cardiovascular mortality (CVM), and revascularization incidence. We performed a systematic literature search using PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Cochrane libraries for relevant articles from inception until August 2022. A total of 12 cohort studies with 18,055,072 patients (2,938,753 NAFLD vs 15,116,319 non-NAFLD) were included in our analysis. The mean age of the NAFLD patients group and the non-NAFLD group was comparable (55.68 vs 55.87). The most common comorbidities among the NAFLD patients group included hypertension (38% vs 24%) and diabetes mellitus (14% vs 8%). The mean follow-up duration was 6.26 years. The likelihood of AF (risk ratio (RR), 1.42 (95% CI 1.19, 1.68), p < 0.001), HF (RR, 1.43(95% CI 1.03, 2.00), p < 0.001), stroke (RR, 1.26(95% CI 1.16, 1.36), p < 0.001), revascularization (RR, 4.06(95% CI 1.44, 11.46), p = 0.01), and CVM (RR, 3.10(95% CI 1.43, 6.73), p < 0.001) was significantly higher in the NAFLD patients group compared to that of the non-NAFLD group. However, all-cause mortality was comparable between both the groups of patients (RR, 1.30 (95% CI 0.63, 2.67), p = 0.48). In conclusion, the patients with NAFLD are at increased risk of AF, HF, and CVM.
Ethnic political socialization and university elections
Authors: Parreira Christiana , Tavana Daniel L. , Harb Charles
Published: April 2023

Foundational studies of political behavior find that university education facilitates the development of political attitudes and shapes socialization outcomes. But in unconsolidated democracies where identity is politically salient and ethnic political parties dominate, education may play a different role in shaping mass politics. In this paper, we develop a framework for understanding the consequences of political party intervention in annual university elections, a common feature of university life in the Middle East and the Global South. We draw on pre- and post-election surveys at the American University of Beirut in Lebanon to argue that ethnic political parties rely on partisan students to act as “party agents” who mobilize unaffiliated students through intensive peer-to-peer contact. Using a conjoint experiment embedded in both survey waves, we show that the university elections increase support in hypothetical national elections for in-group political elites and, to a lesser extent, ethnic political parties. By locating the university as an understudied site of competitive and contentious politics, our findings contribute new insights regarding the role of education in shaping political attitudes. We show that the persistence of ethnic political power can be attributed in part to party activity in less obviously political arenas that have not been systematically studied.
Unsupervised data normalization for continuous dynamic monitoring by an innovative hybrid feature weighting-selection algorithm and natural nearest neighbor searching
Authors: Sarmadi Hassan , Entezami Alireza , Magalhães Filipe
Published: April 2023

Continuous dynamic monitoring brings an important opportunity to evaluate the health and integrity of civil structures in a long-term manner. However, high dimensionality and sparsity of data caused by long-term monitoring and negative influences of environmental and/or operational variability are major challenges in this process. To address these important issues, this article proposes an innovative unsupervised data normalization method based on a novel hybrid feature weighting-selection algorithm and the idea of natural nearest neighbor (NN) searching emanated from the theory of mutual friendships in human societies. The proposed hybrid algorithm is a combination of global feature weighting with a new weighting measure and local feature selection. For this algorithm, this article leverages the natural NN searching that seeks to find adequate NNs automatically. The main objective of the proposed method is to remove the environmental and/or operational effects and provide normalized weighted features for reliable continuous dynamic monitoring. Using such features, an anomaly detector based on the Mahalanobis-squared distance is developed to assess and detect structural damage. The key innovations of this paper contain proposing a fully nonparametric unsupervised learning technique in two parts of data normalization and anomaly detection and developing a novel hybrid algorithm for removing the environmental and/or operational variations. Long-term dynamic features (modal frequencies) of a three-span box-girder concrete bridge (Z24 Bridge) and a long-span concrete arch bridge (Infante Dom Henrique Bridge) are considered to verify the proposed technique with several comparisons. Results indicate that this technique is successful and reliable in mitigating the environmental and/or operational effects and notifying accurate structural states.
CA mortar void identification for slab track utilizing time-domain Markov chain Monte Carlo-based Bayesian approach
Authors: Hu Qin , Shen Yi-Jun
Published: April 2023

This paper investigates the feasibility and practicability study on the use of Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC)-based Bayesian approach for identifying the cement-emulsified asphalt (CA) void of the slab track system utilizing the measured vibration data. A newly developed model class identification algorithm was extended and integrated with the MCMC-based Bayesian approach for the first time to identify the CA mortar void that may partly extend to a neighborhood region. Not only the most probable values of the scaling factors to the mortar stiffness can be calculated, but also the damage probability of model parameters using the posterior probability density function (PDF) can be estimated, and the void can be clearly identified by the MCMC-based Bayesian approach. The proposed methodology was experimentally verified and positive outcomes were obtained. The detection results illustrate that the proposed method not only can successfully assess the void location of the CA mortar but also provide the information of the damage severity, and the posterior PDFs of model parameters can be also calculated by using kernel density estimation to quantitatively describe the uncertainty of the model.
Melatonin attenuated chronic visceral pain by reducing Nav1.8 expression and nociceptive neuronal sensitization
Authors: Lv Meng-Dan , Wei Ying-Xue , Chen Jian-Peng , Cao Ming-Yao , Wang Qian-Liang , Hu Shufen
Published: April 2023

Background

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common functional gastrointestinal disorder, and its specific pathogenesis is still unclear. We have previously reported that TTX-resistant (TTX-R) sodium channels in colon-specific dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons were sensitized in a rat model of visceral hypersensitivity induced by neonatal colonic inflammation (NCI). However, the detailed molecular mechanism for activation of sodium channels remains unknown. This study was designed to examine roles for melatonin (MT) in sensitization of sodium channels in NCI rats.

Methods

Colorectal distention (CRD) in adult male rats as a measure of visceral hypersensitivity. Colon-specific dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons were labeled with DiI and acutely dissociated for measuring excitability and sodium channel current under whole-cell patch clamp configurations. Western blot and Immunofluorescence were employed to detect changes in expression of Nav1.8 and MT2.

Results

The results showed that rats exhibited visceral hypersensitivity after NCI treatment. Intrathecal application of melatonin significantly increased the threshold of CRD in NCI rats with a dose-dependent manner, but has no role in the control group. Whole-cell patch clamp recording showed that melatonin remarkably decreased the excitability and the density of TTX-R sodium channel in DRG neurons from NCI rats. The expression of MT2 receptor at the protein level was markedly lower in NCI rats. 8MP, an agonist of MT2 receptor, enhanced the distention threshold in NCI rats. Application of 8MP reversed the enhanced hypersensitivity of DRG neurons from NCI rats. 8MP also reduced TTX-R sodium current density and modulated dynamics of TTX-R sodium current activation.

Conclusions

These data suggest that sensitization of sodium channels of colon DRG neurons in NCI rats is most likely mediated by MT2 receptor, thus identifying a potential target for treatment for chronic visceral pain in patients with IBS.
Encouraging planting in urban front gardens: a focus group study
Authors: Frost RH , Murtagh N
Published: April 2023

Aims:

Encouraging planting in front gardens offers mental and physical health benefits, as well as positive local environmental impacts such as reducing flood risk and improving air quality. However, urban front garden greenery has reduced in recent years. We aimed to explore adults’ views regarding planting greenery in front gardens, barriers and facilitators, and their understanding of health and environmental impacts, to identify appropriate intervention mechanisms for behaviour change.

Methods:

We carried out five online focus groups with 20 participants aged 20–64 in England, purposively sampled for variation according to age, gender, home ownership, income, ethnicity and residing in an urban or suburban area. We audio recorded each focus group, transcribed it verbatim and analysed transcripts using thematic analysis.

Results:

Front gardening was a relaxing activity that provided benefits including increased wellbeing, fresh air and vitamin D. Planting in front gardens depended heavily on available time and space, garden orientation, local security and the weather. Front gardens could be a place for social interaction. Participants tended to prioritise neatness and tidiness over greenery. Lack of knowledge and low self-efficacy were key barriers. There was little awareness of the environmental benefits of front garden greenery; however, reducing flood risk and encouraging biodiversity were viewed positively.

Conclusion:

Initiatives to encourage front garden planting should focus on plants that require little knowledge to acquire and care for, are suitable to the local environmental conditions and with a visual impact of neatness and bright colour. Campaigns should draw attention to local flood risk reduction and increasing biodiversity, in addition to personal health benefits.
Clinical utility of pretreatment serum squamous cell carcinoma antigen for prognostication and decision-making in patients with early-stage cervical cancer
Authors: Huang Xiao-Dan , Huo Lan-Qing , Luo Ying-Shan , Chen Kai , Li Jun-Yun , Shi Liu , Huang Lin , Cao Xin-Ping , Ou-Yang Yi , Chen Fo-Ping
Published: April 2023

Background:

To investigate the prognostic role of pretreatment squamous cell carcinoma antigen (SCCA) in early-stage cervical cancer (CC).

Methods:

We enrolled 487 cases of pathology-proven early-stage [International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) I/II] squamous or adenosquamous CC that were treated from 2012 to 2015. Restricted cubic splines (RCS) with a full Cox regression model were used to evaluate the association between SCCA levels and survival outcomes. Recursive partitioning analysis (RPA) was used to construct a risk stratification model for overall survival (OS). The performance of the RPA-based model was assessed using a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve.

Results:

RCS analysis revealed an association between SCCA and OS and disease-free survival (DFS); SCCA ⩾2.5 ng/mL was robust for risk discrimination in our cohort. SCCA had an interaction effect with FIGO classification: Patients with FIGO I and SCCA ⩾2.5 ng/mL overlapped with those with FIGO II and SCCA < 2.5 ng/mL for OS [hazard ratio, 1.04 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.49–2.24), p = 0.903] and DFS [1.05 (0.56–1.98), p = 0.876]. RPA modeling incorporating SCCA (<2.5 ng/mL and ⩾2.5 ng/mL) and FIGO classification divided CC into three prognostic groups: RPA I, FIGO stage I, and SCCA < 2.5 ng/mL; RPA II, FIGO stage I, and SCCA ⩾ 2.5 ng/mL, or FIGO stage II and SCCA < 2.5 ng/mL; and RPA III, FIGO stage II, and SCCA ⩾ 2.5 ng/mL; with 5-year OS of 94.0%, 85.1%, and 73.5%, respectively ( p < 0.001). ROC analysis confirmed that the RPA model outperformed the FIGO 2018 stage with significantly improved accuracy for survival prediction [area under the curve: RPA versus FIGO, 0.663 (95% CI: 0.619–0.705] versus 0.621 (0.576–0.664), p = 0.045]. Importantly, the RPA groupings were associated with the efficacy of treatment regimens. Surgery followed by adjuvant treatment had a higher OS ( p < 0.01) and DFS ( p = 0.024) than other treatments for RPA III, whereas outcomes were comparable among treatment regimens for RPA I–II.

Conclusion:

Herein, the role of SCCA for prognostication was confirmed, and a robust clinicomolecular risk stratification system that outperforms conventional FIGO classification in early-stage squamous and adenosquamous CC was presented. The model correlated with the efficacy of different treatment regimes.
GeoInfographic design of the multi-spatiality of borders: A case study of epidemic prevention and control in Ruili, China
Authors: Jiang Ziwei , Tang Xi , Zhang Hong
Published: April 2023

We live in a world of borders, which influence our perception and movement. Traditional mapping techniques show limitations as borders have become shifting and complex, and borders’ multi-scale and multi-spatial properties have been strengthened significantly. To fill the knowledge gap, we explored the multi-spatiality of borders and provided approaches for border symbol design and visualization by taking the coronavirus-hit border city, Ruili, China, as an example. This work could shed light on multi-spatial geographic visualization and policy-making.
Spontaneous lumbar intraspinal subdural abscess: a case report
Authors: MacCormac Oscar James , Berjaoui Nabih , Mizzi Sean , Wang Difei , Patel Sabina , Al Banna Qusai , Bleil Cristina
Published: April 2023

Background

Subdural spinous abscess is a rare pathology that carries significant morbidity if not diagnosed and treated early; of the cases reported in the literature, very few are genuinely spontaneous in nature.

Case presentation

Here we demonstrate the case of an otherwise entirely fit and well 56-year-old White, British female presenting with low back pain, bilateral sciatica and sensate urinary retention; lumbar subdural spinous abscess was diagnosed on urgent magnetic resonance imaging and the patient was successfully managed with surgical evacuation and prolonged antibiotic therapy. The patient made a full neurological recovery and was followed-up in the outpatient setting 12 weeks following her initial surgery; she was pain free with normal inflammatory markers and a normal neurological examination. There have been no further consultations and a telephone call at 20 weeks confirmed that she remains well.

Conclusions

This is the second case reported in the literature of a genuinely spontaneous subdural spinous abscess, which was successfully managed with surgical evacuation following prompt diagnosis. This highlights the need to ensure infective pathologies are kept at the back of one’s mind even in the most unlikely circumstances, and that excellent outcomes can be achieved with early surgical intervention.
Czy Białoszewsk i miał rację? O matkach czasu wojny
Authors: Pawlina Sebastian
Published: April 2023

Tekst skupia się na kobiecym doświadczeniu drugiej wojny światowej, z naciskiem na role, jakie odgrywały matki. Wychodząc od zdania Mirona Białoszewskiego, który twierdził, że wojna była czasem nawrotu do matriarchatu, autor pokazuje wybrane epizody z historii Warszawy w latach 1939–1945, w których zauważalny jest wpływ matek na funkcjonowanie społeczeństwa. Podkreśla ich rolę w organizowaniu życia codziennego zarówno we wrześniu 1939 r., jak i w Powstaniu Warszawskim. Zaznacza także rolę matek w tworzeniu Polskiego Państwa Podziemnego.
Witold Świętochowski – sylwetka agenta gdańskiego gestapo
Authors: Gąsiorowski Andrzej
Published: April 2023

Artykuł uzupełnia wiedzę o najbardziej znanym agencie gdańskiego gestapo Witoldzie Świętochowskim. Ten przedwojenny współpracownik polskiego wywiadu wojskowego, pochodzący z patriotycznej rodziny zamieszkałej w  Sopocie, jest postacią wielokrotnie już opisywaną, lecz do tej pory nikt nie dotarł do jego fotografii. Autor podczas penetrowania zasobów cyfrowych archiwum Międzynarodowego Centrum Badań Prześladowań Nazistowskich w Arolsen  dotarł do ankiety personalnej z fotografią. Wpisy uczynione przez Świętochowskiego pozwalają spojrzeć na jego agenturalną działalność od jego strony, przynoszą też szereg ciekawych informacji i pozwalają zadać nowe pytania badawcze dotyczące jego powojennych losów.
Janina Rokicka
Authors: Skerska Elżbieta
Published: April 2023

Sylwetka Janiny Rokickej - sanitariuszki 6. kompanii dowodzonej przez Leonarda Kancelarczyka ps. Jeremi podczas powstania warszawskiego.
Mjr Maria Kowalewska z d. Biedermann ps. Myszka
Authors: Rojewska Anna
Published: April 2023

Artykuł o zmarłej 20 października 2021 roku mjr Marii Kowalewskiej z d. Biedermann ps. Myszka, sanitariuszcę Narodowych Sił Zbrojnych w powstaniu warszawskim.
Por. Jadwiga Kuśmierek ps. Hańcza, Czarna Hańcza
Authors: Basińska Jadwiga
Published: April 2023

Artykuł o zmarłej 16 grudnia 2021 roku por. Jadwidze Kuśmierek ps. Hańcza, Czarna Hańcza, żołnierzu Armii Krajowej
Jan Władysław Kisielnicki ps. Topór
Authors: Basińska Jadwiga
Published: April 2023

Artykuł o zmarłym 11 sierpnia 2021 roku Janie Władysławie Kisielnickim ps. Topór, harcerzu Szarych Szeregów, uczestniku powstania warszawskiego, żołnierza oddziału partyzanckiego Armii Krajowej
Międzyszkolny Konkurs Historyczno-Plastyczny „Generał Elżbieta Zawacka – dzień z życia Bohaterki”
Authors: Łuczywek-Warszewska Agnieszka
Published: April 2023

Relacja z Międzyszkolnego Konkursu Historyczno-Plastycznego „Generał Elżbieta Zawacka – dzień z życia Bohaterki”.
A full permutation polygon synthetic indicator (FPPSI) approach for measuring and evaluating city prosperity: case study in Da Nang City, Vietnam
Authors: Truong Van Canh , Le Ngoc Hanh , Tran Thi An
Published: April 2023

Economic growth has dominated development strategies and goals for many years, but prosperity encompasses more than that. In 2013, UN-Habitat proposed the City Prosperity Initiative (CPI) as a tool to quantify cities' prosperity and sustainable development. The CPI is accompanied by six essential components with 62 indicators associated with the urban settlement, incorporating productivity, infrastructure development, quality of life, social inclusion, environmental sustainability, and urban governance and legislation. The research aims to use the indicators of CPI and adopted the Full Permutation Polygon Synthetic Indicator method to measure and evaluate the level of prosperity of Da Nang City of Vietnam with data from 2004 to 2019. According to the findings of our study, the value of a synthetic indicator for the prosperity of Da Nang City increased, from 0.34 in 2004 to 0.36 in 2009, 0.43 in 2014, and 0.45 in 2019, which indicates a moderate level of wealth. On the one hand, Da Nang City has high levels of quality of life, equity and social inclusion, and urban governance and legislation. However, the city still has modest determinants of prosperity in terms of the environment, productivity and infrastructure. The Full Permutation Polygon Synthetic Indicator technique provides a comprehensive solution that illustrates the system integration idea. As a result, the proposed methodology offers a potential foundation for decision-making to promote sustainable urban development strategies and assess the effectiveness of these actions
Pierwsza lekcja hebrajskiego. Transgresja tożsamościowa Żydów polskich od końca XIX do połowy XX wieku
Authors: Sroka Łukasz Tomasz
Published: April 2023

Pod koniec XIX w. narodził się ruch syjonistyczny, który postulował odbudowę siedziby narodowej Żydów. W synergii z rozwojem idei syjonistycznej i odbudową państwowości żydowskiej znajdował się proces przywrócenia języka hebrajskiego do codziennego użytku. Hebrajski stał się bramą do Izraela. Pierwsza lekcja hebrajskiego uruchamiała proces inicjacji do nowej kultury. Przysposobieniu języka hebrajskiego towarzyszyła transgresja tożsamościowa, która skutkowała przekroczeniem wielu granic wyznaczanych wcześniej przez powiązane z językami diaspory normy kulturowe. Proces ten nie zawsze był szybki i jednoznaczny. Nierzadko towarzyszył mu stan zawieszenia pomiędzy dawnym i nowym stylem życia, przyzwyczajeniami i wymogami towarzyszącymi aklimatyzacji do nowych warunków życia w Izraelu.
„Dziennik z wydarzeń II wojny światowej 1939–1941” Aleksandra Prusiewicza
Authors: Biedrzycka Agnieszka
Published: April 2023

Prezentowany tekst autorstwa etnografa i krajoznawcy Aleksandra Prusiewicza pochodzi ze zbiorów Lwowskiej Narodowej Naukowej Biblioteki Ukrainy im. W. Stefanyka (fond 88, sprawa 19). Autor przedstawił w nim (z różną dokładnością) swoje losy w okresie od 1 IX 1939 do 13 VIII 1941 r. Szczególną uwagę poświęcił oblężeniu Lwowa we wrześniu 1939 r. oraz pierwszym tygodniom okupacji radzieckiej, w tym zwłaszcza sprowokowanemu przez siebie aresztowaniu byłego premiera Rzeczypospolitej Leona Kozłowskiego.
Władza niekolonialna: studium przypadku. Historia Tajlandii po polsku
Authors: Flasiński Tomasz
Published: April 2023

Artykuł omawia polskie wydanie klasycznej syntezy historii Tajlandii pióra Chrisa Bakera i Pasuk Phongpaichit. Jakkolwiek książka jest wysokiej jakości i warta lektury, a przekład oddaje jej sprawiedliwość, zwrócić należy uwagę na kwestie pominięte w pracy i wyrażane w niej wątpliwe opinie oraz na pewne błędy w tłumaczeniu.
Effect of paddy residue management techniques on yield of wheat crop and its attributes
Authors: Sangwan Vikramaditya , Deswal Surinder
Published: April 2023

The research study deals with the results of the yield and yield attributing characters of the wheat crop corresponding to the nine different treatments (T-1 to T-9) of paddy residue management. The wheat yield accounts for the grain yield and straw yield while the wheat yield attributing characters include the spike length, grains per spike, grain test weight, etc. The results of these pertains to the data collected and analysed from the two consecutive years of field experimentation employing various treatments and replications of paddy stubble management. The resultant data of different parameters (yield and its attributing characters) from various treatments carried out through the two years of field experiments is tabulated in the Table 1 and Table 2 for effective discussion of results. The results suggested that the combined use of SMS (straw management system) mounted combine harvester, happy seeder and decomposer provides the best way to manage paddy residue, thereby yielding good yields of succeeding wheat crop to the farmers.