bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Oncogenic KRASG12D Reprograms Lipid Metabolism by Upregulating SLC25A1 to Drive Pancreatic Tumorigenesis
Authors: Zhang Ruowen , Peng Xiaogang , Du James Xianxing , Boohaker Rebecca , Estevao Igor L. , Grajeda Brian I. , Cox Marc B. , Almeida Igor C. , Lu Weiqin
Published: September 2023

Pancreatic cancer is a highly lethal disease with obesity as one of the risk factors. Oncogenic KRAS mutations are prevalent in pancreatic cancer and can rewire lipid metabolism by altering fatty acid (FA) uptake, FA oxidation (FAO), and lipogenesis. Identification of the underlying mechanisms could lead to improved therapeutic strategies for treating KRAS-mutant pancreatic cancer. Here, we observed that KRASG12D upregulated the expression of SLC25A1, a citrate transporter that is a key metabolic switch to mediate FAO, fatty acid synthesis, glycolysis, and gluconeogenesis. In genetically engineered mouse models and human pancreatic cancer cells, KRASG12D induced SLC25A1 upregulation via GLI1, which directly stimulated SLC25A1 transcription by binding its promoter. The enhanced expression of SLC25A1 increased levels of cytosolic citrate, FAs, and key enzymes in lipid metabolism. In addition, a high-fat diet (HFD) further stimulated the KRASG12D-GLI1-SLC25A1 axis and the associated increase in citrate and FAs. Pharmacologic inhibition of SLC25A1 and upstream GLI1 significantly suppressed pancreatic tumorigenesis in KrasG12D/+ mice on a HFD. These results reveal a KRASG12D-GLI1-SLC25A1 regulatory axis, with SLC25A1 as an important node that regulates lipid metabolism during pancreatic tumorigenesis, thus indicating an intervention strategy for oncogenic KRAS-driven pancreatic cancer.

Significance:

Upregulation of SLC25A1 induced by KRASG12D-GLI1 signaling rewires lipid metabolism and is exacerbated by HFD to drive the development of pancreatic cancer, representing a targetable metabolic axis to suppress pancreatic tumorigenesis.
slan+ Monocytes Kill Cancer Cells Coated in Therapeutic Antibody by Trogoptosis
Authors: Finotti Giulia , Pietronigro Enrica , Balanzin Camillo , Lonardi Silvia , Constantin Gabriela , Chao Mark P. , Tecchio Cristina , Vermi William , Cassatella Marco A.
Published: September 2023

Monocytes positive for 6-Sulfo LacNAc (slan) are a major subset of nonclassical CD14dimCD16+ monocytes in humans. We have shown that slan+ cells infiltrate lymphomas and elicit an antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) of neoplastic B cells mediated by the anti-CD20 therapeutic rituximab. Herein, by performing blocking experiments and flow cytometry analyses, as well as confocal microscopy and live-cell imaging assays, we extended the findings to other humanized antibodies and deciphered the underlying effector mechanism(s). Specifically, we show that, after coculture with target cells coated with anti-CD20 or anti-CD38, slan+ monocytes mediate trogocytosis, a cell–cell contact dependent, antibody-mediated process that triggers an active, mechanic disruption of target cell membranes. Trogocytosis by slan+ monocytes leads to a necrotic type of target cell death known as trogoptosis, which, once initiated, was partially sustained by endogenous TNFα. We also found that slan+ monocytes, unlike natural killer (NK) cells, mediate a direct ADCC with all types of anti-CD47 analyzed, and this was independent of their IgG isotype. The latter findings unveil a potentially relevant contribution by slan+ monocytes in mediating the therapeutic efficacy of anti-CD47 in clinical practice, which could be particularly important when NK cells are exhausted or deficient in number. Overall, our observations shed new light on the cytotoxic mechanisms exerted by slan+ monocytes in antibody-dependent tumor cell targeting and advance our knowledge on how to expand our therapeutic arsenal for cancer therapy.
TABLE 4 from Effect of Test History at Ages 50–64 on Later Cervical Cancer Risk: A Population-based Case–control Study
Authors: Kultalahti Henric , Heinävaara Sirpa , Sarkeala Tytti , Pankakoski Maiju
Published: September 2023

Test results for cases and controls at ages 50–64. aOR for developing invasive cervical cancer at ages 65–79 compared with those not tested and to those with normal results
Supplementary Figure 5 from Surgical Inflammation Alters Immune Response to Intraoperative Photodynamic Therapy
Authors: Davis Richard W. , Klampatsa Astero , Cramer Gwendolyn M. , Kim Michele M. , Miller Joann M. , Yuan Min , Houser Cassandra , Snyder Emma , Putt Mary , Vinogradov Sergei A. , Albelda Steven M. , Cengel Keith A. , Busch Theresa M.
Published: September 2023

Supplemental Figure 5. Gating Scheme for Splenocyte Immunophenotyping
FIGURE 2 from Surgical Inflammation Alters Immune Response to Intraoperative Photodynamic Therapy
Authors: Davis Richard W. , Klampatsa Astero , Cramer Gwendolyn M. , Kim Michele M. , Miller Joann M. , Yuan Min , Houser Cassandra , Snyder Emma , Putt Mary , Vinogradov Sergei A. , Albelda Steven M. , Cengel Keith A. , Busch Theresa M.
Published: September 2023

Optical properties, Photofrin content, and oxygenation are similar at the time of illumination in PDT- and TI/PDT-treated tumors. A, Tumor optical properties were measured prior to and immediately after TI exposure. After TI, tumors showed no difference in the mean of the average absorption (μa, P = 0.690), effective coefficient (μeff, P = 0.826), or reduced scattering coefficient (μs’, P = 0.283). n = 6–7 mice per group. B, Spectrofluorometric analysis of tumors showed equivalent Photofrin uptake in TI-exposed and untreated tumors. n = 4–5 mice per group. C, Tumor oxygenation was measured using phosphorescence lifetime imaging via intratumoral injection of PdG4. Oxygenation levels are plotted relative to the pre-TI level in each mouse. The resulting curve demonstrated a transient decrease in tumor oxygenation 30 minutes after administration of TI which returned to a mean of 100% or 89.4% of the pre-TI level external to the incision and along the incision, respectively. n = 4 mice.
FIGURE 1 from Surgical Inflammation Alters Immune Response to Intraoperative Photodynamic Therapy
Authors: Davis Richard W. , Klampatsa Astero , Cramer Gwendolyn M. , Kim Michele M. , Miller Joann M. , Yuan Min , Houser Cassandra , Snyder Emma , Putt Mary , Vinogradov Sergei A. , Albelda Steven M. , Cengel Keith A. , Busch Theresa M.
Published: September 2023

Surgical resection, although necessary, limits the achievable PDT response of residual disease. Murine mesothelioma AB12 cells were implanted in the flanks of female syngeneic mice. A, Mice with 200 mm3 tumors that were surgically debulked by 60% (to ∼80 mm3) prior to PDT (n = 10) achieved CRs (no regrowth after 90 days) and showed longer times to regrowth than mice whose tumors were treated with PDT alone (n = 5; P = 0.115) or tumors debulked by 60% alone (n = 5; P = 0.008). B, Mice bearing 200 mm3 tumors were surgically debulked by either 30% (n = 10) or 90% (n = 8) prior to treatment with PDT or in the absence of PDT (n = 4 each). For surgically debulked tumors treated with PDT, a larger extent of cytoreduction significantly increased the response rate (P = 0.014). C, CR rates to PDT were numerically higher in tumors that received PDT at 80 mm3 (n = 10) versus those that were grown to 200 mm3 and surgically debulked to 80 mm3 prior to PDT (n = 10, shown again from A). D, Tumors were exposed to TI by creating a skin flap and incision across the longest diameter. Mice administered TI prior to PDT (TI/PDT, n = 8) showed worse response rates than those treated with PDT alone (n = 20; P = 0.022).
Data from Surgical Inflammation Alters Immune Response to Intraoperative Photodynamic Therapy
Authors: Davis Richard W. , Klampatsa Astero , Cramer Gwendolyn M. , Kim Michele M. , Miller Joann M. , Yuan Min , Houser Cassandra , Snyder Emma , Putt Mary , Vinogradov Sergei A. , Albelda Steven M. , Cengel Keith A. , Busch Theresa M.
Published: September 2023

Surgical cytoreduction for patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is used for selected patients as a part of multi-modality management strategy. Our group has previously described the clinical use of photodynamic therapy (PDT), a form of non-ionizing radiation, as an intraoperative therapy option for MPM. Although necessary for the removal of bulk disease, the effects of surgery on residual MPM burden are not understood. In this bedside-to-bench study, Photofrin-based PDT introduced the possibility of achieving a long-term response in murine models of MPM tumors that were surgically debulked by 60% to 90%. Thus, the addition of PDT provided curative potential after an incomplete resection. Despite this success, we postulated that surgical induction of inflammation may mitigate the comprehensive response of residual disease to further therapy. Utilizing a previously validated tumor incision (TI) model, we demonstrated that the introduction of surgical incisions had no effect on acute cytotoxicity by PDT. However, we found that surgically induced inflammation limited the generation of antitumor immunity by PDT. Compared with PDT alone, when TI preceded PDT of mouse tumors, splenocytes and/or CD8+ T cells from the treated mice transferred less antitumor immunity to recipient animals. These results demonstrate that addition of PDT to surgical cytoreduction significantly improves long-term response compared with cytoreduction alone, but at the same time, the inflammation induced by surgery may limit the antitumor immunity generated by PDT. These data inform future potential approaches aimed at blocking surgically induced immunosuppression that might improve the outcomes of intraoperative combined modality treatment.
Significance:
Although mesothelioma is difficult to treat, we have shown that combining surgery with a form of radiation, photodynamic therapy, may help people with mesothelioma live longer. In this study, we demonstrate in mice that this regimen could be further improved by addressing the inflammation induced as a by-product of surgery.
Prognosis of Systolic Pressure 130 to 139 According to Risk. A Prospective Cohort Study Between 1992 and 2019
Authors: Divison-Garrote Juan A. , Carbayo-Herencia Julio A. , Simarro-Rueda Marta , Molina-Escribano Francisca , Escobar-Cervantes Carlos , Artigao-Rodenas Luis M. , Gil-Guillén Vicente , Banegas José R.
Published: September 2023

BACKGROUND:

Guidelines recommend pharmacological treatment for systolic blood pressure (SBP) of 130 to 139 mm Hg in secondary prevention. However, uncertainty persists in primary prevention in low cardiovascular risk patients (CVR).

METHODS:

Cohort study representative of the general population of Albacete/Southeast Spain. We examined 1029 participants with untreated blood pressure and free of cardiovascular disease, followed-up during 1992 to 2019. Cox regression modeled the association of SBP with cardiovascular morbidity and mortality (outcome-1) and cardiovascular morbidity and all-cause mortality (outcome-2).

RESULTS:

Participants’ mean age was 44.8 years (53.8%, women; 77.1% at low-CVR); 20.3% had SBP 120 to 129; 13.0% 130 to 139 at low-CVR and 3.4% at high-CVR; and 27.4% ≥140 mm Hg. After a 25.7-year median follow-up, 218 outcome-1 and 302 outcome-2 cases occurred. Unadjusted hazard ratios of outcome-1 for these increasing SBP categories (versus <120) were 2.72, 2.27, 11.54, and 7.52, respectively; and 2.69, 2.32, 10.55, and 7.34 for outcome-2 (all
P
<0.01). After adjustment for other risk factors, hazard ratio (95% CI) of outcome-1 were 1.49 (0.91–2.44), 1.65 (0.94–2.91,
P
=0.08), 1.36 (0.72–2.57), and 1.82 (1.15–2.88), respectively, and 1.39 (0.91–2.11), 1.69 (1.05–2.73), 1.09 (0.63–1.88), and 1.64 (1.11–2.41) for outcome-2. Compared with 130 to 139 at low-CVR, hazard ratio for 130 to 139 at high-CVR was 4.85 for outcome-1 (
P
<0.001) and 4.43 for outcome-2 (
P
<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS:

In this primary prevention population of relatively young average age, untreated SBP of 130 to 139 mm Hg at low-CVR had long-term prognostic value and might benefit from stricter SBP targets. High-CVR patients had nonsignificant higher risk (limited sample size) but 4-fold greater risk when compared with low-CVR. Overall, results indicate the importance of risk stratification, supporting risk-based decision-making.
Tracing data: A survey investigating disciplinary differences in data
citation
Authors: Gregory Kathleen , Ninkov Anton , Ripp Chantal , Roblin Emma , Peters Isabella , Haustein Stefanie
Published: September 2023

Data citations, or citations in reference lists to data, are increasingly seen as an important means to trace data reuse and incentivize data sharing. Although disciplinary differences in data citation practices have been well documented via scientometric approaches, we do not yet know how representative these practices are within disciplines. Nor do we yet have insight into researchers’ motivations for citing—or not citing—data in their academic work. Here, we present the results of the largest known survey (n = 2,492) to explicitly investigate data citation practices, preferences, and motivations, using a representative sample of academic authors by discipline, as represented in the Web of Science (WoS). We present findings about researchers’ current practices and motivations for reusing and citing data and also examine their preferences for how they would like their own data to be cited. We conclude by discussing disciplinary patterns in two broad clusters, focusing on patterns in the social sciences and humanities, and consider the implications of our results for tracing and rewarding data sharing and reuse.
Improved Seasonal Forecast Skill of Pan-Arctic and Regional Sea Ice Extent in CanSIPS Version 2
Authors: Martin Joseph , Monahan Adam , Sigmond Michael
Published: September 2023

This study assesses the forecast skill of the Canadian Seasonal to Interannual Prediction System (CanSIPS), version 2, in predicting Arctic sea ice extent on both the pan-Arctic and regional scales. In addition, the forecast skill is compared to that of CanSIPS, version 1. Overall, there is a net increase of forecast skill when considering detrended data due to the changes made in the development of CanSIPSv2. The most notable improvements are for forecasts of late summer and autumn target months that have been initialized in the months of April and May that, in previous studies, have been associated with the spring predictability barrier. By comparison of the skills of CanSIPSv1 and CanSIPSv2 to that of an intermediate version of CanSIPS, CanSIPSv1b, we can attribute skill differences between CanSIPSv1 and CanSIPSv2 to two main sources. First, an improved initialization procedure for sea ice initial conditions markedly improves forecast skill on the pan-Arctic scale as well as regionally in the central Arctic, Laptev Sea, Sea of Okhotsk, and Barents Sea. This conclusion is further supported by analysis of the predictive skill of the sea ice volume initialization field. Second, the change in model combination from CanSIPSv1 to CanSIPSv2 (exchanging the constituent CanCM3 model for GEM-NEMO) improves forecast skill in the Bering, Kara, Chukchi, Beaufort, East Siberian, Barents, and the Greenland–Iceland–Norwegian (GIN) Seas. In Hudson and Baffin Bay, as well as the Labrador Sea, there is limited and unsystematic improvement in forecasts of CanSIPSv2 as compared to CanSIPSv1.
Clinical Outcomes of Comparison Between Type III Coronary Artery Perforation (CAP) and non-CAP Acute Coronary Syndrome Patients During 3-Year Follow-up
Authors: Yildiz Bekir S. , Gunduz Ramazan , Ozgur Su , Cizgici Ahmet Y. , Ozdemir Ibrahim H.
Published: September 2023

Coronary artery perforation (CAP) is a potentially fatal complication of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in acute coronary syndrome (ACS). This study aimed to investigate in-hospital, 1-year, and 3-year clinical outcomes of type III CAP during PCI in patients with ACS. The study retrospectively evaluated 118 patients with CAP and 43,226 case-control patients. Clinical, angiographic, and procedural characteristics, management, and outcomes were analyzed retrospectively at 1-year and 3-year follow-ups. The mean age of the patients was 66.5 ± 11.9 years (61.8% males). There was no significant difference in hospital mortality between the type III CAP and non-CAP groups. The all-cause mortality was 33.3% in the CAP group vs 1.8% in the non-CAP group at 1 year, and 28.3% in CAP group vs 6.9% in non-CAP group at 3 years ( p = .001 for both comparisons). The procedural, clinical, and 1 and 3-year outcomes of type III CAP showed a relatively high risk of myocardial infarction, coronary artery bypass graft, cerebrovascular event, stent thrombosis, and major bleeding at the 1 and 3-year follow-ups. In addition, non-CAP ACS patients had better survival (log-rank: p < .001, 34.29 months 95% Confidence Interval [33.58–35.00]) than type III CAP ACS patients (29.53 months 95% Confidence Interval [27.28–31.78]) at the 3-year follow-up visit.
Dynamic crushing of composite coupons: An experimental and numerical study
Authors: Pohl Christian , Liu Huifang , Thomson Daniel , Avila Gray Luciano , Sommer Drew E , Petrinic Nik
Published: September 2023

Dynamic crushing of composites is studied proposing an optimised experimental design: flat, millimetre-scale specimens reduce geometrical influences and facilitate detailed numerical studies. Crushing behaviour is investigated on a universal testing machine and a drop-tower at varying loading rates using two different force measurement techniques. The results show a decrease in the maximum stress and absorbed energy at elevated rates due to a higher extent of delamination, caused by strain-rate-induced increase of intralaminar damage property values. The experiments are simulated in an explicit finite element solver with different through-thickness discretisation, showing that a stacked-laminate model is incapable of reproducing the crushing response at high velocities. However, a discrete-ply model is capable of describing the main failure mechanisms and energy absorption for all loading rates. Further improvement of the model’s predictive capability could be achieved by adding a plasticity formulation in the ply material model.
Dependency as a Virtue: The Interplay Between the Dignity of the Human Person and the Value of the Common Good
Authors: Toates Sarah E.
Published: September 2023

The postmodern world upholds autonomy as its greatest value, and thus prioritizes the healthy and independent. This view is flawed insofar as dependency is not equivocal to helplessness, but instead is the virtue of properly ordering one's individual life within broader society and, ultimately, in relation to God himself. Understood properly as a virtue cultivated through particular actions, genuine dependency avoids the vicious extremes of radical individualism and radical helplessness. Instead, it enables man to experience fulfillment through the development of an authentic personality in the context of a “relational subjectivity” that aims towards the common good, yet always respects the dignity of each individual human person.
Best Practice in Telephone Bereavement Support: A Thematic Analysis of Bereavement Support Providers’ Perspectives
Authors: Staniland Lexy , Too Charmaine , Butshiire Laura , Skinner Shelly , Breen Lauren J.
Published: September 2023

Telephone bereavement support is recommended in bereavement care policy and practice; however, little is known about what constitutes best practice. To explore how best practice in telephone bereavement support is conceptualized by those who provide the service, 26 healthcare professionals working in Australian hospitals, hospices, and other palliative care settings were interviewed. Thematic analysis was used to construct seven themes: A Valuable Service with Limited Resources, The First Call, The Dance of Rapport, A Space to Share, Identifying and Responding to Risk, Maintaining Contact, and Training and Development Needs. Participants viewed telephone bereavement support as an effective and accessible tool in supporting individuals’ processing of and adaptation to loss; however, concerns remain regarding the quality and consistency of care provided. Greater resourcing of bereavement care is required, and telephone bereavement care providers’ perspectives offer a foundation to ensure the service is evidence-based, pragmatic, and supported by quality training.
Effect of Moving Tactile Stimuli to Mimic Altered Weight Distribution During Gait on Quiet Stance Body Sway
Authors: Sawaguchi Yasushi , Kawasaki Taku , Hiraoka Koichi
Published: September 2023

Our purpose in the present study was to examine whether moving tactile stimuli to the sole to mimic moving weight distribution over the feet during gait would influence body sway in quiet stance. Fifteen healthy males maintained the quiet stance, and we delivered moving tactile stimuli to mimic the change in their weight distribution during gait. Moving tactile stimuli did not change the length of the center of pressure (COP) displacement and COP position. Vision decreased the length of the COP, but it did not interact with moving tactile stimuli for the COP length and position. The COP position rhythmically moved in the medial-lateral axis along with the cycle of moving tactile stimuli. The COP was at the lateral peak position at the period at which moving tactile stimuli mimicked the weight distribution in the transition between the swing and stance phases of the gait cycle. This finding may indicate that the body is positioned at the lateral peak position in quiet stance when people perceive the sensation of weight distribution over the feet at the most unstable phase of the gait cycle. We suggest that moving tactile stimuli to the sole may induce medial-lateral body sway before gait initiation for patients with Parkinson’s disease to improve their freezing of gait initiation.
Can inflammatory indexes predict the spontaneous passage of common bile duct stones?
Authors: Küçük İrfan , Yazgan Yusuf , Tural Ersin , Yıldırım İdris , Akbaş Şimşek Tuğba , Çakır Güney Başak , Kaplan Mustafa
Published: September 2023

Objectives

We aimed to determine whether inflammatory indexes (II), including the neutrophil–lymphocyte ratio (NLR), the C-reactive protein (CRP) to albumin ratio (CAR), the CRP–lymphocyte ratio (CLR), and the systemic immune-inflammation index (SIII) can be diagnostic for common bile duct stones (CBDSs) excretion before endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP).

Backgrounds

Because of the spontaneous clearance, it is mandatory to ascertain the presence of CBDSs before ERCP.

Methods

Retrospectively, we evaluated two groups. Group A included 96 records in which CBDSs existed in magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) and ERCP. Group B included 36 records in which CBDSs existed in MRCP but not ERCP. IIs were calculated on presentation and before ERCP.

Results

Stone detection in ERCP had a 3.992-fold (95% 1.769–9.007) higher probability with a stone larger than 3.25 mm in MRCP. Before ERCP, CAR, and CLR values were higher in group A than in group B (3.88 [1.25–14.14] and 1.24 [0.50–9.66], p  = 0.027 versus 8.79 [2.19–35] and 2.67 [1.02–20.05], p  = 0.029 , respectively). Higher CRP, CAR, and CLR values were considered significant for detecting a stone in ERCP (AUC: 0.627 [0.519–0.739], 0.625 [0.513–0.737], and 0.624 [0.514–0.734], respectively).

Conclusion

Low CRP, CAR, and CLR values might associate with the spontaneous migration of CBDS.
Information architecture on the websites of major American political parties: Qualitative-heuristic assessment and comparative analysis
Authors: Sajna-Kosobucka Paulina , Sajna-Kunowsky Radoslaw
Published: September 2023

The Internet has become a very important tool of modern political communication. Political parties use it for a variety of purposes, including relationships with its supporters and potential voters. Therefore, the website of any political party is an important channel of communication. Such a website should be user-friendly to various audiences. The purpose of the article is to assess the quality of information architecture (IA) on the websites of the two major American political parties: the Republican Party and the Democratic Party. Triangulation of methods was used in the research: a qualitative-heuristic assessment of the IA on the mentioned websites, expert assessment and a comparative analysis. Within the examined websites, there is a noticeable lack of some important components of the IA. The website of the Republican Party is slightly better in terms of quality than the website of Democratic Party by 14.09%. The results of the conducted research may have an impact not only on the assessment of the technological advancement of parties but also on the image and public perception, and therefore also the effectiveness in reaching voters of a given party. This approach should contribute to the development of websites research in order to improve the quality of user experience and information processes.
Impact of sarcopenia on long-term survival after cardiac surgery for end-stage renal disease patients
Authors: Ikushima Eigo , Yasutsune Toru , Kishigami Takehiro , Takigawa Tomoya , Jinzai Yuki , Kado Yuichiro , Nishimura Yosuke
Published: September 2023

Background

The long-term mortality of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients is still unsatisfactory. Therefore, long-term risk assessments in ESRD patients undergoing cardiac surgery are needed. Recently, sarcopenia is major concern in cardiac surgery because of its association with poor long-term survival. However, the impact of sarcopenia on the long-term survival of ESRD patients undergoing cardiac surgery is not well understood.

Methods

Eighty-two ESRD patients who underwent elective cardiac surgery were enrolled. Sarcopenia was identified based on noncontrast abdominal computed tomography. The impact of preoperative and intraoperative factors on long-term survival was investigated.

Results

Forty-three patients (52%) were diagnosed with sarcopenia. The in-hospital mortality rate was 4.9%. The 5-year overall survival rate was 48%. The multivariate analyses revealed that STS score ≥ 4 (odds ratio, 6.0; confidence interval, 2.5–14.7; p < 0.01) and presence of sarcopenia (odds ratio, 2.4; confidence interval, 1.3–4.5; p  =  0.03) were independent risk factors for overall survival. The 5-year survival rates of low-risk (Society of Thoracic Surgeons score of < 4) patients without sarcopenia, low-risk with sarcopenia, more than intermediate-risk (Society of Thoracic Surgeons score of ≥ 4) without sarcopenia, and more than intermediate-risk with sarcopenia groups were 80%, 51%, 50%, and 26%, respectively.

Conclusions

Among the ESRD patients, the low risk without sarcopenia group showed an excellent long-term survival, in contrast to more than intermediate-risk patients with sarcopenia, who can expect poor long-term survival. Preoperative assessment of sarcopenia in addition to the surgical risk score can be useful in developing a therapeutic strategy.
Linguistic Markers of Inherently False AI Communication and Intentionally False Human Communication: Evidence From Hotel Reviews
Authors: Markowitz David M. , Hancock Jeffrey T. , Bailenson Jeremy N.
Published: September 2023

To the human eye, AI-generated outputs of large language models have increasingly become indistinguishable from human-generated outputs. Therefore, to determine the linguistic properties that separate AI-generated text from human-generated text, we used a state-of-the-art chatbot, ChatGPT, and compared how it wrote hotel reviews to human-generated counterparts across content (emotion), style (analytic writing, adjectives), and structural features (readability). Results suggested AI-generated text had a more analytic style and was more affective, more descriptive, and less readable than human-generated text. Classification accuracies of AI-generated versus human-generated texts were over 80%, far exceeding chance (∼50%). Here, we argue AI-generated text is inherently false when communicating about personal experiences that are typical of humans and differs from intentionally false human-generated text at the language level. Implications for AI-mediated communication and deception research are discussed.
Cytokine status and significant increase of IL-6 and sIL-6R in the aqueous humor of diabetic cataract patients revealed by quantitative multiplexed assays
Authors: Chen Yan , Hao Wenpei , Wang Mei , Wu Feizhen , Long Da , Li Tingting , Zhang Ye , Wang Xiangning , Lu Bin , Du Changsheng , Wu Qiang
Published: September 2023

Objective

This study aimed to investigate inflammatory cytokine expression profiles in the aqueous humor (AH) of diabetic cataract (DC) patients.

Methods

A quantitative multiplexed antibody assay was performed to measure the expression levels of 40 inflammatory cytokines in AH samples from DC and age-related cataract (ARC) patients. Bioinformatics analysis was used to examine the functions of the cytokines. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) and western blots were performed to verify the data.

Results

The multiplexed antibody assay revealed that the expression levels of IL-6, sIL-6R, IL-17A, IL-8, MCP-1, TNF-β, RANTES, TIMP-1, and TIMP-2 were higher in the AH of DC patients compared with ARC patients. However, IL-1ra and IL-1a expression levels were lower in the DC patient AH samples. Pathway analysis indicated that IL-6 and sIL-6R belong to the class I helical cytokine family, which is associated with many biological functions. ELISA and western blot results confirmed that IL-6R and IL-6 expression levels were significantly higher in DC patients compared with ARC patients.

Conclusions

Our results revealed the status of 40 inflammatory cytokines in the AH by quantitative multiplexed assays. Additionally, IL-6 and sIL-6R were expressed markedly higher in DC compared with ARC, which may play critical roles in DC pathophysiology.
Severe hypoxemia after extubation secondary to myxedema coma: a case report
Authors: Sun Jintao , Peng Qiaoyi , Huaguo Yuefeng , Hu Li , Zhou Hongmei
Published: September 2023

Myxedema coma is a rare and life-threatening endocrine emergency characterized by abnormalities in multiple organ systems. A 32-year-old woman with prolonged undiagnosed severe hypothyroidism was referred to our hospital owing to lower abdominal pain and menopause for more than 3 months. She underwent exploratory laparotomy and induced abortion under general anesthesia, and developed severe hypoxemia after extubation. She was diagnosed with myxedema coma, and was subsequently discharged with a good prognosis following treatment. This case suggests that myxedema coma should be considered a potential etiology of peri-operative hypoxemia. The findings in this case emphasize the importance of anesthesiologists’ comprehensive understanding of myxedema coma. Prompt diagnosis followed by treatment is essential to reduce the mortality rate associated with this condition.
Sovereignty, Discipline, Governmentality, and Pastorate: The Ménage à Quatre of Contemporary Authoritarian and Right-Wing Populist Power
Authors: Vasilache Andreas
Published: September 2023

This article deals with the role that different rationalities of power play in current authoritarian and right-wing populist governance. Referring to Foucauldian power theory, I will argue that power rationalities and practices in current authoritarian and right-wing populist rule are diverse and variable. I intend to show that various aspects of the sovereign, disciplinary, governmental, and pastoral types of power as outlined by Foucault play an important role in contemporary authoritarianism and right-wing populism. Thereby, this article pursues a twofold aim. On the one hand, the Foucauldian discussion of power in authoritarian and populist rationalities and practices should contribute to better understand current phenomena of new authoritarianism and right-wing populism. On the other hand, the following considerations should also provide a more detailed theoretical insight into the relation between, and compatibilities as well as incompatibilities of, the different types of power described by Foucault.
Comparative experimental investigation of design allowable of composite materials based on k-sample Anderson–Darling test
Authors: Sui Lijun , Sun Youchao
Published: September 2023

The design allowable values of composite materials were experimentally studied by specimen from two different suppliers, and the test data of grouped samples for bending strength, tensile strength, and interlaminar shear strength were obtained. The k-sample Anderson–Darling test method was adopted to analyze the test results, and the correlation conclusions of bending strength, tensile strength, and interlaminar shear strength were achieved. The test and analysis results show that the fluctuation range of bending strength, tensile strength, and interlaminar shear strength of composite specimen manufactured by the two suppliers is small, and the error range is less than 10.5%. The A-D test critical value ADC corresponding to bending strength, tensile strength, and interlayer shear strength is greater than the corresponding test statistical value ADK. The test data of the samples processed by the two suppliers have strong correlation, which can be considered to be from the same population. The above conclusions provide guidance of ideas and methods for the strength performance consideration of composite structure selection and substitution.
Does the professional learning community intermediate the effects of principal's leadership on teaching innovation?
Authors: Paletta Angelo , Alimehmeti Genc
Published: September 2023

This study explores the intricate dynamics of leadership, professional learning communities (PLCs), and their collective impact on driving teaching innovation. We analyze an original dataset from 352 schools from five Italian regions by combining two original datasets from a principals’ questionnaire and innovative didactic project information for each school. We use structural equation modeling to analyze factors influencing innovation. Our results reveal a significant and positive influence of both supportive and instructional leadership styles on the organizational capabilities of the PLC, indirectly affecting teaching innovation. Interestingly, while organizational capabilities exhibited a strong positive relationship with teaching innovation, personal and interpersonal capabilities do not show a significant relationship. This suggests that these aspects of PLC alone may not suffice in driving pedagogical innovation. Overall, this paper underlines the importance of effective leadership and robust PLCs in fostering an environment conducive to innovative teaching practices. It offers valuable insights for policymakers, educators, and school leaders aiming to cultivate a culture of pedagogical innovation in their institutions.
Investigation on mechanical properties of polyamide 6 and carbon fiber reinforced composite manufactured by fused deposition modeling technique
Authors: Shashikumar S , Sreekanth M S
Published: September 2023

Fused deposition modeling (FDM) is one of the additive manufacturing (AM) techniques in which intricate shapes are produced effectively with time and cost. Thermoplastics and filler-incorporated thermoplastics composite materials were used in the form of filament. The mechanical properties of the printed sample varies with the parameters involved in FDM printing. In the present investigation, polyamide 6 (PA) with 20 wt.% of short carbon fiber (CF) was used as filament. The filaments were printed with different raster orientations namely 0°, 45°, 90°, and ±45° by keeping other printing parameters constant such as 100% infill density, 0.2 mm layer thickness, 30 mm/min printing speed, 240°C printing temperature, 80°C bed temperature, and XY or 0° body orientation with a clear justification studied. The printed samples were investigated for structure, morphology and mechanical properties using tensile test and impact test respectively. The results shows that bidirectional ±45° raster orientation specimens show the highest tensile strength of 35.2 MPa in comparison with 0°,45°, and 90° raster orientation, and PACF composite material showed improved mechanical properties as compared to pure PA. The highest impact energy was observed for a PACF composite with a raster orientation of 90°. Morphological analysis of composites showed a uniform dispersion of CF in PA matrix and improved interfacial adhesion between matrix and reinforcement.
Sunflower oil-based polyurethane/graphene composite: Synthesis and properties
Authors: Suthar Vishwa , Asare Magdalene A , Sahu Pranabesh , Gupta Ram K
Published: September 2023

Polyurethane/graphene composites have attracted significant attention featuring their wide applications in automotive interiors, coatings, and leather parts to bioengineering. This research focuses on the facile synthesis of biobased polyurethane (PU) by employing sunflower oil as a renewable resource. The synthesized biobased PU was reinforced with graphene nanoplatelets (GNP) and graphene nanoribbons (GNR) to fabricate composite films by solution-casting technique. By changing the filler content (0.01-0.05 wt%), a series of composite films were prepared. The addition of graphene derivatives to the PU matrix improved the mechanical, thermal, and surface properties of the composites compared to the pristine PU film. The incorporation of GNR and GNP fillers enhanced the storage modulus of polymeric film, as for neat PU, was noted maximum at 892 MPa which increased and noticed a maximum of 1121 MPa and 1487 MPa for 0.02 wt % GNP/PU and GNR/PU composite films, respectively. The tensile strength was obtained at 35 MPa and 14 MPa for 0.02 wt % GNP/PU and 0.01 wt % GNR/PU, as compared to 9.45 MPa for the pure PU film. The morphological studies by atomic force microscopy showed a good distribution of GNR and GNP fillers within the polyurethane matrix. The GNP/PU and GNR/PU composite films displayed excellent chemical resistance to different solvents. This work put forward a great utilization of renewable sunflower oil and graphene derivatives to fabricate PU composites with improved properties for potential applications.
A high-sensitivity wearable flexible strain sensor based on three-dimensional twist-like network structure
Authors: Liu Lu , Jia Xiaoli , Zhang Jinglong , Li Shoubao , Huang Shutong , Ke Liaoliang , Yang Jie , Kitipornchai Sritawat
Published: September 2023

With the rapid development of the flexible electronics field, flexible pressure sensors are widely used inwearable devices, medical monitoring and other fields. However, it is still a huge challenge to design a sensor with highsensitivity, low cost and a simple manufacturing process. In this work, we report a flexible strain sensor based on discarded mask straps (MS) with a unique three-dimensional (3D) twist-like network structure. Multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs)/carbon nanoparticles (CN)/MS composites were prepared by a simple dip-drying method and encapsulated using a medical Polyurethane (PU) film. It is founded that the fabricated MWCNTs/CN/MS/PU flexible strain sensor (MCMP-FSS) exhibits a high gauge factor (GF) of 13,928 and advanced performance with a large sensing range of 0%–72%. Moreover, good water-repellent harmony and various types of stimuli over 1000 cycles were obtained for the MCMP-FSS. Benefiting from the unique 3D twist-like network structure and the MWCNTs/CN synergistic conductive network, MCMP-FSS also has broad application prospects in the fields of human motion detection, encrypted communication, and natural human-robot interaction.
Breaking Through the Legal Binary: Media Labelling of Dominic Ongwen as a Victim–Perpetrator
Authors: Steflja Izabela , Trisko Darden Jessica , Wintersieck Amanda
Published: September 2023

Individuals formerly involved in armed groups are positioned in the victim–perpetrator binary by legal systems and societies. Media participates in this process and influences the relationship between law and society by reproducing or challenging legal and social designations. We assess the relationship between the International Criminal Court's (ICC) prosecution of Dominic Ongwen, a former child soldier in Uganda's Lord's Resistance Army (LRA), and media representations of Ongwen. We conduct a content analysis of 779 Ugandan, African, and international newspapers’ English-language articles published between January 2005 and October 2022. We find that media coverage focuses on Ongwen's adult roles in the group, including as an LRA leader, largely reproducing the ICC's portrayal of the accused. A minority of articles acknowledge a more complex status and increase in frequency once Ongwen's ICC trial is underway. An important faction challenges the ICC's narrative, with non-Africa-based media presenting a more complex depiction of Ongwen.
In-Game Uncertainties and Climate Change Challenges as Identified by Pre-Service Teachers
Authors: van Schaik Fiona
Published: September 2023

Background

This study explores what pre-service teachers identify as uncertainties within two climate board games and to what aspects of reality they relate these uncertainties, if at all. Should games be suitable resources for teaching topics related to climate change uncertainty, I expect pre-service teachers to (a) identify uncertainties within climate board games, and (b) relate these uncertainties to reality.

Intervention

To explore whether and how pre-service teachers identify and relate in-game uncertainties to reality, pre-service teachers played and discussed two climate board games ( Another Future and CATAN: Oil Springs Scenario).

Methods

A content analysis of pre-service teachers’ audio-recorded discussions about the games was conducted. First, a conventional content analysis indicated the uncertainties that they identified. Second, further analysis showed how the pre-service teachers related these uncertainties to reality.

Results

This study indicates that pre-service teachers identify various uncertainties from two different board games, including the occurrence/impact of catastrophes and the behaviour of players, who can ruin the game. In most cases, the pre-service teachers link these uncertainties to reality. Pre-service teachers discuss, for example, political dilemmas and interests, climate justice issues, challenges of and adaptation to possible catastrophes, and the significance of environmental activism.

Discussion

The research findings are discussed in relation to existing literature on uncertainty in climate change games. Teacher educators and teachers using games for education about climate change uncertainties are recommended to encourage dialogues about these uncertainties, use or take into account context, and consider games as tools for learning to live with climate change uncertainty.
Identifying Factors that Support the Delivery of Exceptional Care in General Practice and Development of the IDEAL Framework: A Qualitative Study
Authors: O’Malley Roisin , Lydon Sinéad , Faherty Aileen , O’Connor Paul
Published: September 2023

The positive deviance approach seeks to identify and learn from those that perform exceptionally well. Positive deviance as an approach to quality improvement is gaining traction in general practice. This study aimed to explore and compare stakeholders’ perceptions of the factors that support the delivery of exceptional care in general practice and to refine a previously developed theoretical framework of factors associated with positively deviant care in general practice: the Identifying and Disseminating the Exceptional to Achieve Learning (IDEAL) framework. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 33 purposively sampled patients, general practitioners, practice nurses, and practice managers in Irish general practice. Subsequently, a directed content analysis approach was employed to deductively analyse interview data using the IDEAL framework, and newly emerging factors were inductively analysed and abstracted into the framework. Several distinct strategies (e.g. patient activation and team collaboration), structures (e.g. facilities and staffing), and contextual factors (e.g. communication and rapport, and culture) were found to support the delivery of exceptional care, and differences in perceptions, values, and expectations emerged between patients and practice staff. Interview data largely supported the pre-determined factors posited by the IDEAL framework, and new factors were abstracted into the framework (e.g. facilities and infrastructure). Stakeholder engagement regarding the factors supporting exceptional care in general practice supported and extended the IDEAL framework, contributing to a more comprehensive understanding of how exceptional care is delivered in general practice. The refined framework will support researchers, policymakers, and teams looking to support, measure, and achieve exceptionally good patient care in general practice.
A Cross-Cultural Comparison of Negative Alcohol-Related Consequences in the United States and Sweden: Measurement Invariance of the Rutgers Alcohol Problem Index
Authors: Schwebel Frank J. , Richards Dylan K. , Andersson Claes , Larimer Mary E.
Published: September 2023

Commensurate measures of alcohol-related consequences across countries and cultures are critical for addressing the global burden of hazardous alcohol use. The Rutgers Alcohol Problem Index (RAPI), developed and validated in the United States, is a popular measure of alcohol problems. This study examined measurement invariance of the RAPI across samples of U.S. and Swedish high school seniors. Latent mean differences in alcohol problems across countries and differences in associations between alcohol problems with alcohol use and protective behavioral strategies (PBS) were also examined. The RAPI was scalar invariant. Swedish students reported fewer problems than U.S. students (latent mean difference = −0.19, p = .047). In both samples, the RAPI was positively correlated with alcohol use frequency and quantity ( ps < .001), and negatively correlated with PBS use ( ps < .05). Overall, the RAPI demonstrated measurement invariance, and we found evidence for its validity across samples of U.S. and Swedish high school seniors.
COVID-19 and Long COVID: Disruption of the Neurovascular Unit, Blood-Brain Barrier, and Tight Junctions
Authors: Kempuraj Duraisamy , Aenlle Kristina K. , Cohen Jessica , Mathew Annette , Isler Dylan , Pangeni Rajendra P. , Nathanson Lubov , Theoharides Theoharis C. , Klimas Nancy G.
Published: September 2023

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the causative agent of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), could affect brain structure and function. SARS-CoV-2 can enter the brain through different routes, including the olfactory, trigeminal, and vagus nerves, and through blood and immunocytes. SARS-CoV-2 may also enter the brain from the peripheral blood through a disrupted blood-brain barrier (BBB). The neurovascular unit in the brain, composed of neurons, astrocytes, endothelial cells, and pericytes, protects brain parenchyma by regulating the entry of substances from the blood. The endothelial cells, pericytes, and astrocytes highly express angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), indicating that the BBB can be disturbed by SARS-CoV-2 and lead to derangements of tight junction and adherens junction proteins. This leads to increased BBB permeability, leakage of blood components, and movement of immune cells into the brain parenchyma. SARS-CoV-2 may also cross microvascular endothelial cells through an ACE2 receptor–associated pathway. The exact mechanism of BBB dysregulation in COVID-19/neuro-COVID is not clearly known, nor is the development of long COVID. Various blood biomarkers could indicate disease severity and neurologic complications in COVID-19 and help objectively diagnose those developing long COVID. This review highlights the importance of neurovascular and BBB disruption, as well as some potentially useful biomarkers in COVID-19, and long COVID/neuro-COVID.