bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Elucidating the Role of Plant Extracts Mediated Gold Nanoparticles as Smart Antimicrobials: Two-Way Attack
Authors: Balkrishna Acharya , Rohela Akansha , Kumar Ashwani , Mishra Shalini , Arya Vedpriya , Kala Vandana , Thakur Naveen , Thakur Nikesh , Kumari Amita , Khan Nazam
Published: August 2023

Pathogenic bacteria remain the primary health concern even after developing a broad spectrum of antibiotics. The emergence of drug-resistant strains increased mortality, perhaps resulting in a never-ending future pandemic. The researchers are currently concentrating their efforts on nanotechnology-based therapies to counteract resistance. The present review focuses on the antimicrobial characteristics of plant-mediated gold nanoparticles (Au NPs). First, the methodology and importance of green synthesis are highlighted. Variability in NPs characterization methods was identified, with dynamic light scattering, zeta potential, and thermogravimetric analysis limited to a few investigations. Second, the Au NPs synthesized using different plant extracts were found to be broad-spectrum antimicrobial agents against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Cryptococcus neoformans, Candida glabrata, Aspergillus niger, etc. The lowest minimum inhibitory concentrations range (1.95–15.62 µg/mL) was observed with Au NPs synthesized using Thymus vulgaris extract against Staphylococcus aureus, P. aeruginosa, Bacillus subtilis, and E. coli. The effect was more pronounced with smaller NPs (<10 nm). The activity of Au NPs might be mediated through a two-way attack which includes nanoparticles’ diverse mechanisms like reactive oxygen species generation, etc., and surface-attached phytocompounds such as flavonoids, alkaloids, phenolics, terpenoids, tannins, etc. The futuristic role of nanotechnology-based interventions in managing microbial infections is imperative. Synergistic interactions of Au NPs with antibiotics, toxicity profiling, stability, and bioavailability could be major areas of NPs research.
Preliminary Findings of an Active Multicomponent Lifestyle Intervention for People with Dementia and Their Carers: Mixed Methods Study
Authors: D’Cunha Nathan M. , Bennett Michelle , Mitterfellner Rachael , Brennan Rosalie , Wiseman Lara , Isbel Stephen , Bail Kasia , Barrett Louise , Rutherford Kathleen , Huang Ian , Gibson Diane
Published: August 2023

There is a need for integrated and effective postdiagnostic rehabilitation programs for community-dwelling people with dementia and their carers to promote their quality of life and management of dementia. Here, we report on preliminary findings of the Sustainable Personalised Interventions for Cognition, Care, and Engagement (SPICE) Program conducted in Canberra, Australia. Over twelve weeks, six people with dementia and their carers completed five hours of weekly small group activities and separate individual appointments. SPICE is an active therapeutic intervention with five components delivered by allied health professionals: (1) cognitive stimulation therapy; (2) carer education, support, and capacity building; (3) physical activity; (4) Care Of People with dementia in their Environments (COPE) program; and (5) dietary assessment and advice. Participants completed questionnaires pre- and post-intervention and a program evaluation interview which was analysed by qualitative thematic analysis. The program demonstrated high program satisfaction ratings and program adherence (94% people with dementia and 92% carers) which supports intervention feasibility. The results of quantitative outcome measures suggest positive effects, but inferences cannot be drawn due to small sample size. Qualitative themes from participant experiences highlighted the following: (1) social connection, engagement, and interaction were key drivers of the success of the program; (2) clinicians fostered a positive and respectful culture; (3) carers were supported with strategies and skills to reframe dementia; and (4) reablement can be fun. The new combination of evidence-based interventions was feasible and considered valuable. Further results are required to confirm these findings and support a longer-term trial.
A Power Factor Profile-Improved EV Charging System Using Bridgeless Buckboost-Cuk Converter
Authors: Shukla Tanmay , Prasad Patidar Narayan , Adhikari Apsara
Published: August 2023

This article presents a power factor profile-improved bridgeless buckboost-Cuk converter-fed battery charging system for electric vehicle applications. The conventional charging system does not use any power factor improvement stage, due to which the supply current harmonics are very high and violate IEC-61000-3-2 standard guidelines. To meet the international standard guidelines, a compact and efficient power factor-improved converter stage is necessary. The power factor-improved converter in the present work uses a fourth-order Cuk converter during negative semi-cycle and a second-order buckboost converter during positive semi-cycles of the supply voltage. The amalgamation of a second- and fourth-order converter in a bridgeless configuration reduces the system’s order concerning a bridgeless Cuk converter-based system and also eradicates the need for a diode-based bridge rectifier (DbBR). Due to the presence of an input side inductor, there is no requirement for an external filter like a bridgeless buckboost converter-based scheme. The input inductor in the present scheme performs twin action; it reduces harmonic disturbances in the mains current during the negative semi-cycle and also works with capacitor CP to filter harmonics and improve the mains current profile during the positive semi-cycle of the mains voltage. The power factor-improved converter in the present work is operated in discontinuous conduction mode (DCM). This eliminates the requirement for extra sensors compared to continuous conduction mode (CCM). The scheme also eliminates the need for two extra back-feed diodes which are generally required in bridgeless configuration loop completion during different semi-cycles of mains voltage. In the present scheme, the work of back-feed diodes is done by the anti-parallel inherent diodes of the switches. In the second stage, a high-frequency-operated flyback converter is used which not only boosts the battery current profile but also provides the electrical isolation between the supply side and load. This article also presents the detailed stability analysis and math modeling of the presented bridgeless buckboost-Cuk converter. The presented system is built on MATLAB/Simulink, and results are presented and discussed to validate the system performance.
Figure S4 from T Cell–intrinsic Immunomodulatory Effects of TAK-981 (Subasumstat), a SUMO-activating Enzyme Inhibitor, in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia
Authors: Lam Vi , Roleder Carly , Liu Tingting , Bruss Nur , Best Scott , Wang Xiaoguang , Phillips Tycel , Shouse Geoffrey , Berger Allison J. , Alinari Lapo , Wang Lili , Siddiqi Tanya , Pennock Nathan D. , Danilov Alexey V.
Published: August 2023

Figure S4 shows 1x104 A20 lymphoma cells were treated with the indicated doses of TAK-981 for 48 hours.
Supplementary Data Figure S3 from Pan-Cancer Pharmacogenomic Analysis of Patient-Derived Tumor Cells Using Clinically Relevant Drug Exposures
Authors: Chang Stephen H. , Ice Ryan J. , Chen Michelle , Sidorov Maxim , Woo Rinette W.L. , Rodriguez-Brotons Aida , Jian Damon , Kim Han Kyul , Kim Angela , Stone David E. , Nazarian Ari , Oh Alyssia , Tranah Gregory J. , Nosrati Mehdi , de Semir David , Dar Altaf A. , Desprez Pierre-Yves , Kashani-Sabet Mohammed , Soroceanu Liliana , McAllister Sean D.
Published: August 2023

Figure S3
Figure S1, Figure S2, Figure S3, Figure S4, Figure S5, Figure S6, Table S1 from Upregulation of Somatostatin Receptor Type 2 Improves 177Lu-DOTATATE Therapy in Receptor-Deficient Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumor Model
Authors: Sharma Rupali , Earla Bhargav , Baidoo Kwamena E. , Zeiger Martha A. , Madigan James P. , Escorcia Freddy E. , Sadowski Samira M.
Published: August 2023

Supplementary Figures and Tables with Legend
Supplementary File 1 from Safety and Tolerability of a Novel Anti-HER2 Antibody–Drug Conjugate (PF-06804103) in Patients with HER2-Expressing Solid Tumors: A Phase 1 Dose-Escalation Study
Authors: Meric-Bernstam Funda , Calvo Emiliano , Lee Keun Seok , Moreno Victor , Park Yeon Hee , Rha Sun Young , Chalasani Pavani , Zhong Wei , Zhou Li , Pirie-Shepherd Steven , Leung Abraham C.F. , Curigliano Giuseppe
Published: August 2023

Supplementary File 1 shows the Methods and Results for Part 1B
Supplementary Figure S3 from Safety and Tolerability of a Novel Anti-HER2 Antibody–Drug Conjugate (PF-06804103) in Patients with HER2-Expressing Solid Tumors: A Phase 1 Dose-Escalation Study
Authors: Meric-Bernstam Funda , Calvo Emiliano , Lee Keun Seok , Moreno Victor , Park Yeon Hee , Rha Sun Young , Chalasani Pavani , Zhong Wei , Zhou Li , Pirie-Shepherd Steven , Leung Abraham C.F. , Curigliano Giuseppe
Published: August 2023

Supplementary Figure S3 shows the time to and duration of response in patients with confirmed CR or PR (the mITT population)
Buchbesprechung
Authors: Reinecker Hans
Published: August 2023

none
Adverse Event Profile of Azacitidine: Analysis by Route of Administration Using Japanese Pharmacovigilance Database
Authors: Yamaoka Kenta , Fujiwara Masaki , Uchida Mayako , Uesawa Yoshihiro , Muroi Nobuyuki , Shimizu Tadashi
Published: August 2023

Introduction: Azacitidine is a useful drug for myelodysplastic syndromes and acute myeloid leukemia. In clinical trials, hematologic toxicity and infection have been observed as adverse events (AEs) of this drug. However, information on the time to onset of high risk AEs and subsequent outcomes, as well as differences in the frequency of AEs due to the route of administration is lacking. In this study, we investigated azacitidine-induced AEs comprehensively using the Japanese Adverse Event Reporting Database (JADER) published by the Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency, with disproportionate analysis of AE incidence trends, time to onset, and subsequent outcomes. In addition, we analyzed the differences in AEs by route of administration and the number of days until the occurrence of AEs and generated hypotheses. Methods: The study used JADER data reported from April 2004 to June 2022. Risk estimation was conducted using reported odds ratio. A signal was detected when the lower limit of the 95% confidence interval of the calculated ROR was ≥1. Results: A total of 34 signals were detected as AEs due to azacitidine. Among them, 15 were hematologic toxicities and 10 were infections, which demonstrated a particularly high rate of death. Signals of AEs such as tumor lysis syndrome (TLS) and cardiac failure, which have been described in case reports, were also detected, and the rate of death after onset was high. In addition, more AEs generally occurred within the first month of treatment. Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that more attention should be paid to cardiac failure, hematologic toxicity, infection, and TLS. Because many patients in clinical trials have discontinued treatment due to serious AEs before the therapeutic effect became apparent, appropriate supportive care, dose reduction, and drug withdrawal are important for the continuation of treatment.
Legal Approaches to New Psychoactive Substances: First Empirical Findings
Authors: van Amsterdam Jan , Burgess Nicholas , van den Brink Wim
Published: August 2023

Background: Generic drug legislation, i.e., simultaneously banning groups of drugs, has been introduced worldwide to counteract the trade and use of emerging “new psychoactive substances” (NPSs) more effectively. Summary: The potential and de facto positive and negative effects of generic drug legislation have been described using an analysis based on documented evaluations of the experiences in the UK and Germany, supplemented with data from other publicly available sources. In particular, the effects of generic drug legislation on availability, use, sales, and overall health harms of NPS, and switches from NPS to traditional (classical) drugs are addressed. The results show that the introduction of generic drug legislation in the UK and Germany has enabled stricter regulation of NPS but has also led to some major harms within the domain of public health. Depending on the population considered, the rate of NPS use remained stable, slightly declined, or increased following the banning of NPS. Once banned, NPSs were more often purchased on the black market, often together with other (more harmful) drugs. Moreover, NPS-related harms did not reduce following the ban, and in some cases even increased. Finally, when harmful NPS, like potent synthetic opioids and cannabinoids, become substantially used and endanger public health, legislators already have the legal means to ban the problem drug, thus overruling the need for a generic ban. Key Messages: Generic drug legislation may facilitate drug law enforcement, but it is not (very) effective in counteracting NPS use and it may increase NPS-related public health problems. It is concluded that, overall, the advantages of generic drug legislation are overshadowed by its serious disadvantages.
Cryptosporidiosis, an Uncommon Complication after Allogeneic Stem-Cell Transplantation
Authors: Boulet Edwige , Graux Carlos , Sonet Anne , Depaus Julien , Vellemans Hélène , André Marc , Fervaille Caroline , Collinge Elodie
Published: August 2023

Parasitic infections by Cryptosporidium species are rare but can be life-threatening disease after allogeneic stem-cell transplantation (allo-SCT). Here, we reported a case of cryptosporidiosis occurring after a reduced-intensity conditioning and allo-SCT in a 64-year-old farmer with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. Around day 70 after allo-SCT, he presented with diarrhea attributed to graft-versus-host disease (GvHD) and was treated with immunosuppressive therapy. Due to the patient’s worsening clinical condition, a biopsy review was performed, revealing evidence of cryptosporidiosis. Therefore, immunosuppressive therapy was progressively decreased, and antimicrobial therapy including paromomycin and azithromycin was initiated. Following an increase in diarrhea, a second-line treatment with nitazoxanide was administered, resulting in gradual improvement of symptoms. However, recurrence of cryptosporidiosis occurred despite treatment with paromomycin 6 months after transplant and after an episode of GvHD recurrence and colic cytomegalovirus reactivation. Antiparasitic treatment was stopped and azithromycin and rifaximine were started. Immunosuppressive therapy was also reduced. The good clinical evolution allowed for the cessation of all medications. In conclusion, Cryptosporidium infection can complicate allo-SCT and be mistaken for GvHD at the clinical and histologic levels. Early and accurate diagnosis is all the more important as the therapeutic approach for the two conditions is opposite: reduction versus intensification of immunosuppressive therapy. Nitazoxanide, paromomycin, and azithromycin are the first therapeutic options.
Food Advertised to Children: A Content Analysis Study of Saudi Food and Drug Authority Food Advertisement System
Authors: Almutairi Lulu A. , Alqahtani Amani S.
Published: August 2023

Introduction: Evidence showed that some food advertisements may encourage unhealthy dietary practices among children; therefore, regulatory developments were implemented to overcome this issue. Different countries control or ban unhealthy food advertisements marketed to children, whereas in Saudi Arabia, no regulations exist until now. Thus, identifying and analyzing food advertisements aimed at children is crucial for further implementation. Methods: A content analysis of food advertisements was obtained from the Saudi Food and Drug Authority advertisements electronic registration system (Ealan). The data extracted for this study consist of all Ealan system food advertisements’ requests targeted at children (<12 years) and collected over 16 months (from January 2020 to April 2021). We created a codebook to analyze the advertisements’ persuasive techniques. Results: Forty-one advertisements were analyzed; 58.5% were marketed as posters, whereas the rest (41.5%) were visual advertisements. About 95% of the advertisements were aimed to be marketed through social media, and 35% were aimed to be featured on television. The persuasive techniques used in the analyzed advertisements were children (73.2%), health claims (68.3%), and taste appeals (34.1%). In addition, milk powder products were among the most marketed food type (60.9%). Conclusion: This study found that the primary persuasive techniques used in children’s advertisements were children’s appearance, health claims, and taste appeals. Furthermore, most food companies chose social media to promote their products. We recommend designing preventive policies and restrictions to control children’s exposure to unhealthy food and making modifications to the system before implementing any further restriction.
Fluctuations in Cognitive Test Scores and Loss to Follow-Up in Community-Dwelling Older Adults: The IRIDE Cohort Study
Authors: Abe Takumi , Yamashita Mari , Fujiwara Yoshinori , Sasai Hiroyuki , Obuchi Shuichi P. , Ishizaki Tatsuro , Awata Shuichi , Toba Kenji ,   IRIDE Cohort Study investigators
Published: August 2023

Introduction: We examined the relationship between previous fluctuations in Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) scores, future changes in MMSE scores, and attrition from follow-up surveys, which helps in a more comprehensive interpretation of repeatedly collected MMSE scores. Methods: This 4-year longitudinal study included 2,073 community-dwelling older adults aged ≥65 years in Japan. The MMSE was administered at baseline (T0), 2 years (T1), and 4 years (T2) follow-up. We performed multinomial logistic regression analysis with the dependent variable, indicating the change in MMSE score from T1 to T2 (categorized as increase, no change [reference category], and decrease) and attrition at T2. The independent variables included the change in MMSE scores from T0 to T1 and MMSE scores at T0 and T1. Results: The mean MMSE score was 29 across the three time points. A one-point decrease in MMSE score from T0 to T1 was associated with 79% (95% confidence interval: 1.62, 1.97) higher odds of an increase in MMSE score from T1 to T2 and 28% (1.17, 1.40) higher odds of attrition at T2. A one-point decrement in the MMSE score at T0 and T1 was also associated with an increase in the MMSE score from T1 to T2 and attrition at T2. Conclusion: Focusing on cognitive fluctuation for 2 years, rather than cognitive function at a point in time, would have no remarkable advantage when focusing on future cognitive function and attrition. Our results emphasize the need for further studies to identify factors that distinguish between those who continue to attend follow-up surveys and show improvements in cognitive test scores and those who drop out.
Trockenpulverinhalation über die Lunge bei Mukoviszidose
Authors: Han Xiaoxuan , Li Danni , Reyes-Ortega Felisa , Schneider-Futschik Elena K.
Published: August 2023

Die Gabe von Medikamenten über die Lunge wird seit langem zur lokalen und systemischen Anwendung verschiedener Medikamente bei akuten und chronischen Atemwegserkrankungen eingesetzt. Bestimmte Lungenkrankheiten, wie z.B. Mukoviszidose, sind in hohem Maße von chronischen Behandlungen abhängig, einschließlich der gezielten Verabreichung von Medikamenten in die Lunge. Die Medikamentengabe über die Lunge hat im Vergleich zu anderen Verabreichungsformen verschiedene physiologische Vorteile und ist für den Patienten bequemer. Die Formulierung von Trockenpulver für die pulmonale Verabreichung erweist sich jedoch aufgrund der aerodynamischen Einschränkungen und der geringeren Toleranz der Lungen als schwierig. Ziel dieser Übersichtsarbeit ist es, einen Überblick über die Struktur des Atmungstrakts bei Patienten mit Mukoviszidose zu geben, auch während akuter und chronischer Lungeninfektionen und Exazerbationen. Darüber hinaus werden die Vorteile einer gezielten Verabreichung über die Lunge diskutiert, einschließlich der physikalisch-chemischen Eigenschaften von Trockenpulver und der Faktoren, die die klinische Wirksamkeit beeinflussen. Aktuelle und in der Entwicklung befindliche inhalierbare Medikamente werden ebenfalls diskutiert.
Y Chromosome Genomic Variations and Biological Significance in Human Diseases and Health
Authors: Kuroki Yoko , Fukami Maki
Published: August 2023

The Y chromosome is a haploid genome unique to males with no genes essential for life. It is easily transmitted to the next generation without being repaired by recombination, even if a major genomic structural alteration occurs. On the other hand, the Y chromosome genome is basically a region transmitted only from father to son, reflecting a male-specific inheritance between generations. The Y chromosome exhibits genomic structural differences among different ethnic groups and individuals. The Y chromosome was previously thought to affect only male-specific phenotypes, but recent studies have revealed associations between the Y chromosomes and phenotypes common to both males and females, such as certain types of cancer and neuropsychiatric disorders. This evidence was discovered with the finding of the mosaic loss of the Y chromosome in somatic cells. This phenomenon is also affected by environmental factors, such as smoking and aging. In the past, functional analysis of the Y chromosome has been elucidated by assessing the function of Y chromosome-specific genes and the association between Y chromosome haplogroups and human phenotypes. These studies are currently being conducted intensively. Additionally, the recent advance of large-scale genome cohort studies has increased the amount of Y chromosome genomic information available for analysis, making it possible to conduct more precise studies of the relationship between genome structures and phenotypes. In this review, we will introduce recent analyses using large-scale genome cohort data and previously reported association studies between Y chromosome haplogroups and human phenotypes, such as male infertility, cancer, cardiovascular system traits, and neuropsychiatric disorders. The function and biological role of the Y chromosome in human phenotypes will also be discussed.
Clinical Observation of Macular Superficial Capillary Plexus and Ganglion Cell Complex in Patients with Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Zhang Ling , Zhuang Chuchu , Wang Yining , Wang He , Cui Guiyun , Guo Jianxin
Published: August 2023

Introduction: We investigated macular superficial capillary plexus (SCP) density and the thicknesses of the ganglion cell complex (GCC) in patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD) and correlated them. We also observed the correlations between SCP density and clinical parameters of PD patients. The retina might be a novel biomarker of PD and will be useful in the future for the early diagnosis of PD and detecting disease progression. Methods: Seventy-four participants (38 patients with PD and 36 healthy controls) were recruited at the Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University between January 2022 and June 2022 in this study. The macular SCP densities was measured by optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA), and the GCC thickness was measured by optical coherence tomography (OCT). The parameters were compared between PD patients and healthy controls. The correlation between SCP and clinical parameters was tested. Results: Compared with the control group, PD patients showed reduced SCP densities in all areas of the macular region (parafovea-temporal: t = 3.053, p = 0.003; parafovea-superior: t = 3.680, p = 0.001; parafovea-nasal: t = 4.643, p < 0.001; parafovea-inferior: t = 2.254, p = 0.027; perifovea-temporal: t = 3.798, p < 0.001; perifovea-superior: t = 3.014, p = 0.004; perifovea-nasal: t = 2.948, p = 0.004; perifovea-inferior: t = 3.337, p = 0.021). The average GCC thickness in the PD patients was significantly reduced (t = 2.365, p = 0.021). There were positive correlations between the average GCC thickness and the SCP densities in most of the areas of the macular regions in PD patients (parafovea-temporal: r = 0.325, p = 0.005; parafovea-superior: r = 0.295, p = 0.011; parafovea-nasal: r = 0.335, p = 0.003; perifovea-superior: r = 0.362, p = 0.002; perifovea-nasal: r = 0.290, p = 0.012; perifovea-inferior: r = 0.333, p = 0.004). We found significant correlations between SCP densities and Hoehn and Yahr (H and Y) scales, UPDRS III scores, and MMSE scores. No significant correlation was observed between SCP density and PD disease duration (all p > 0.05). Conclusions: We demonstrated that the macular SCP density was decreased, and the average GCC thickness was reduced in PD patients. The correlation between SCP density damage and GCC thinning also suggested that the retinal microvascular damage may be associated with retinal structural degeneration in PD patients. OCTA and OCT may be considered objective biomarkers for detecting microvascular impairment and neuronal damage in the early stages of PD in the future.
False-Positive Atypical Endocervical Cells in Conventional Pap Smears: Cyto-Histological Correlation and Analysis
Authors: Pulkkinen Johanna , Huhtala Heini , Kholová Ivana
Published: August 2023

Introduction: Endocervical glandular atypia is relatively rarely diagnosed by Pap smears. A significant proportion of follow-up histological samples show no premalignant or malignant lesions. The observed cytomorphological findings in premalignant glandular lesions overlap with histologically proven reactive lesions. Methods: A total of 45 conventional Pap smears diagnosed as atypical endocervical cells, not otherwise specified (AEC, NOS) with human papillomavirus (HPV) status available were blindly evaluated in a search for 38 cytomorphological features representing background, architectural, cellular, and nuclear features. Of the cases, 30 represented histologically proven benign changes, and 15 represented histologically proven adenocarcinoma in situ (AIS) or endocervical adenocarcinoma (EAC) cases. The benign biopsies were re-evaluated, and the associations of the cytomorphological features or combinations of them with specific histological features and entities were statistically examined. Results: The most frequent histological findings in the benign group were squamous metaplasia, inflammation, tubal metaplasia, and microglandular hyperplasia. The statistical analysis revealed cytological features associated with squamous metaplastic changes, inflammation, and microglandular hyperplasia. Unfortunately, no cytomorphological feature was sufficiently specific to confidently leave the lesion without follow-up and histological correlation. Degeneration and nuclear crowding were the most salient features that distinguished the instances of glandular atypia with benign follow-up histology from those with histologically proven AIS or EAC (26.7 vs. 60.0%, p = 0.030, and 50.0 vs. 86.7%, p = 0.017). Conclusion: Additional methods besides cytomorphology are required to reliably distinguish smears with AEC, NOS harbouring only benign histological changes from those exhibiting endocervical glandular malignancy.
Metabolism of Polyamines and Kidney Disease: A Promising Therapeutic Target
Authors: Luo Dan , Lu Xiaohui , Li Yi , Xu Yiping , Zhou Yi , Mao Haiping
Published: August 2023

Background: More than 850 million people worldwide suffer from acute and chronic kidney diseases (CKD) which are tremendous socioeconomic burdens for society. Currently, the treatment choices for CKD are limited. There is a great need to understand the underlying mechanisms of the development of CKD in order to develop potential therapeutic strategies. Summary: The alteration in cellular metabolism has emerged as an important common pathological mechanism in different kidney diseases. Metabolic intervening and reprogramming will yield new insights to prevent and slow the progression of kidney disease. As one essential component of cellular metabolisms in fuel-source preferences (glucose, fatty acids, or ketones), the polyamine compound metabolism comprising the metabolites (spermine, spermidine, and putrescine) and their biosynthetic and catabolic enzymes are an endogenous pathophysiological regulator that is arising as a potential therapeutic object for many diseases. Key Messages: This article aimed to review current knowledge on polyamine metabolism and physiological processes, and its potential regulatory and beneficial roles in immunoregulation, mitochondrial homeostasis, autophagy, DNA damage, and kidney diseases, and thus provide a novel therapeutic opportunity for kidney diseases.
Avaliando a carcaça e a carne bovina
Authors:   Universidade de São Paulo. Escola Superior de Agricultura “Luiz de Queiroz”, Luchiari Filho Albino , Cesar Aline Silva Mello ,   Universidade de São Paulo. Escola Superior de Agricultura “Luiz de Queiroz”
Published: August 2023

Todo alimento ao ser produzido passa por diferentes etapas de produção e processos resultando em produtos finais que podem apresentar características diferentes. Essas diferenças são importantes uma vez que afetam a qualidade e o rendimento desses produtos. A carne bovina não é diferente, pois a produção de um bovino envolve diferenças como no sexo do animal, na raça, no tipo de alimentação fornecida, no grau de acabamento de gordura, dentre inúmeras outras características que afetam a qualidade do produto final. Este trabalho tem como objetivo demonstrar os mais variados meios de avaliação da carcaça e da carne bovina, permitindo que desde a produção até a mesa do consumidor, meios padronizados de avaliação permitam uma visão clara e objetiva daquilo que buscam. Ou seja, em última análise como avaliar as carcaças e a carne bovina de forma padronizada e reproduzível.
Upuahu iwi i pe ─ sonhar o chão com os pés no chão
Authors: Ribeiro Ruth Silva Torralba
Published: August 2023

Esta escrita narra uma experiência em um ritual ancestral do povo Guajajara, o Wira’o haw, na aldeia urbana Maraka’nà, localizada no Rio de Janeiro, que resiste ao genocídio, epistemicídio, ecocídio e racismo estruturados desde a invasão colonial. O Wira’o haw celebra a primeira menstruação da menina, kuzà tein, e o rito de passagem para a vida adulta. Momento em que as zari, as mulheres mais velhas, transmitemlhes ensinamentos e cuidados ancestrais com o corpo-território. Partilhar essa experiência numa revista acadêmica, sobretudo, no momento histórico em que vivemos, de criação do Ministério dos Povos Indígenas, coordenado por uma mulher Guajajara, é partilhar um ritual de reparação, reflorestamento e retomada de nossas histórias soterradas.
Entrevista com João Vicente sobre a peça "A Ilha do farol"
Authors: Estrada João Vicente Duque , Mordente Mariana Volfzon
Published: August 2023

João Vicente realiza a pesquisa cênica A Ilha do Farol, cuja temática guia é a perda gradual dos movimentos causados pela Esclerose Lateral Amiotrófica (ELA), os impactos no cotidiano e os questionamentos proporcionados tanto na condição de ser humano, quanto no pensamento como artista/performer. João foi diagnosticado com essa doença rara neurodegenerativa em 2020 e agora vive em uma ilha e é desse território que se comunica. Ali, de frente para o movimento do mar, há um farol, e é desse lugar que sinaliza ao mundo que ainda está vivo e que precisa de ajuda.
Cardiac Reversibility and Survival After Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation in Patients With Low‐Gradient Aortic Stenosis
Authors: Sato Kimi , Seo Yoshihiro , Ishizu Tomoko , Albakaa Noor K. , Izumo Masaki , Okada Atsushi , Izumi Chisato , Inami Shu , Takeda Yasuharu , Onishi Toshinari , Izumi Yuki , Kumagai Akiko , Fukuda Tomoko , Takahashi Naohiko , Kitai Takeshi , Iwano Hiroyuki , Sugawara Shigeo , Akasaka Kazumi , Harada Kenji , Masaoka Yoshiko , Kusunose Kenya , Tanabe Kazuaki , Sakamoto Takahiro , Takamura Takeshi , Ieda Masaki
Published: August 2023

Background

Prognostic implications of transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) in low‐gradient (LG) aortic stenosis (AS) remain controversial. The authors hypothesized that differences in cardiac functional recovery may solve this ongoing controversy. The aim was to evaluate clinical outcomes and the response of left ventricular (LV) function following TAVI in patients with LG AS.

Methods and Results

This multicenter retrospective study included 1742 patients with severe AS undergoing TAVI between January 2015 and March 2019. Patients were subdivided into low‐flow (LF) LG, normal‐flow (NF) LG, LF high‐gradient, and NF high‐gradient AS groups according to the mean gradient of the aortic valve (LG <40 mm Hg) and LV stroke volume index (LF <35 mL/m
2
). Outcomes and changes in echocardiographic parameters after TAVI were compared between the groups. A total of 227 patients (13%) had reduced ejection fraction, and 486 patients (28%) had LG AS (LF‐LG 143 [8%]; NF‐LG 343 [20%]). During a median follow‐up period of 747 days, 301 patients experienced a composite end point of cardiovascular death and rehospitalization for cardiovascular events, which was higher in the LF‐LG and NF‐LG groups than in the high‐gradient groups. LG AS was independently associated with the primary outcome (hazard ratio, 1.69;
P
<0.001). Among 1239 patients with follow‐up echocardiography, LG AS showed less improvement in the LV mass index and LV end‐diastolic volume compared with high‐gradient AS after 1 year, while LV recovery was similar between the LF AS and NF AS groups.

Conclusions

LG AS was associated with poorer outcomes and LV recovery, regardless of flow status after TAVI. Careful evaluation of AS severity may be required in LG AS to provide TAVI within the appropriate time and advanced care afterward.
Twenty‐Four‐Month Blood Pressure Results After Renal Denervation Using Endovascular Ultrasound
Authors: Rosch Sebastian , Rommel Karl‐Philipp , Blazek Stephan , Kresoja Karl‐Patrik , Schöber Anne , von Roeder Maximilian , Desch Steffen , Thiele Holger , Lurz Philipp , Fengler Karl
Published: August 2023

BACKGROUND

Renal denervation has proven its efficacy to lower blood pressure in comparison to sham treatment in recent randomized clinical trials. Although there is a large body of evidence for the durability and safety of radiofrequency‐based renal denervation, there are a paucity of data for endovascular ultrasound–based renal denervation (uRDN). We aimed to assess the long‐term efficacy and safety of uRDN in a single‐center cohort of patients.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Data from 2 previous studies on uRDN were pooled. Ambulatory 24‐hour blood pressure measurements were taken before as well as 3, 6, 12, and 24 months after treatment with uRDN. A total of 130 patients (mean age 63±9 years, 24% women) underwent uRDN. After 3, 6, 12, and 24 months, systolic mean 24‐hour ambulatory blood pressure values were reduced by 10±12, 10±14, 8±15, and 10±15 mm Hg, respectively, when compared with baseline (
P
<0.001). Corresponding diastolic values were reduced by 6±8, 6±8, 5±9, and 6±9 mm Hg, respectively (
P
<0.001). Periprocedural adverse events occurred in 16 patients, and all recovered without sequelae.

CONCLUSIONS

In this single‐center study, uRDN effectively lowered blood pressure up to 24 months after treatment.
M2 Microglia Extracellular Vesicle miR-124 Regulates Neural Stem Cell Differentiation in Ischemic Stroke via AAK1/NOTCH
Authors: Song Yaying , Shi Rubing , Liu Yingjun , Cui Fengzhen , Han Lu , Wang Chuandong , Chen Tingting , Li Zongwei , Zhang Zhijun , Tang Yaohui , Yang Guo-Yuan , Guan Yangtai
Published: August 2023

BACKGROUND:

Small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) derived from M2 microglia (M2-microglia–derived small extracellular vesicles [M2-sEVs]) contribute to central nervous system repair, although the underlying mechanism remains unknown. In this study, we aimed to identify the mechanism through which microRNA-124 (miR-124) carried in sEVs promotes neural stem cell (NSC) proliferation and neuronal differentiation in the ischemic mouse brain.

METHODS:

M2-sEVs with or without miR-124 knockdown were injected intravenously for 7 consecutive days after transient middle cerebral artery occlusion surgery. The atrophy volume, neurological score, and degree of neurogenesis were examined at different time points after ischemic attack. NSCs treated with different sEVs were subjected to proteomic analysis. Target protein concentrations were quantified, and subsequent bioinformatic analysis was conducted to explore the key signaling pathways.

RESULTS:

M2-sEV transplantation promoted functional neurological recovery following transient middle cerebral artery occlusion injury. M2-sEV treatment decreased the brain atrophy volume, neurological score, and mortality rate. The effect was reserved by knockdown of miR-124 in M2-sEVs. M2-sEVs promoted proliferation and differentiation of mature neuronal NSCs in vivo. Proteomic analysis of NSC samples treated with M2-sEVs with and without miR-124 knockdown revealed that AAK1 (adaptor-associated protein kinase 1) was the key responding protein in NSCs. The binding of AAK1 to Notch promoted the differentiation of NSCs into neurons rather than astrocytes.

CONCLUSIONS:

Our data suggest that AAK1/Notch is the key pathway in NSCs that responds to the miR-124 carried within M2-sEVs in the ischemic brain. M2-sEVs carrying ample quantities of miR-124 promote functional recovery after ischemic stroke by enhancing NSC proliferation and differentiation. Targeting of M2-sEVs could represent a potential therapeutic strategy for brain recovery.
Providing the Context for the Debate on the “Human” Imagined in the Drafting of the ANC’S Constitutional Guidelines in Lusaka, 1985–89
Authors: Odendaal Andre
Published: August 2023

This article attempts to provide an historical context for current debates on South Africa’s 1996 constitution. It argues that the template for the new Constitution was forged by the anc in Lusaka, Zambia between 1985 and 1989, well before the ‘unbannings’ of February 1990 which are generally assumed to have been the starting point of the constitution-making process. The author outlines how the organisation and its allies wove constitutionalism in as one of the distinct threads of an enormously complex, multifaceted and sometimes contradictory process of struggle and constitutional planning that finally pushed the regime into a corner and led to the unbannings of 1990. Besides re-periodising the constitution-making narrative, the article stresses the African ‘essence’ of this struggle and the importance of African agency and ideas in forging the constitutional foundations for the future. Multiple levels of intergenerational experience, thinking and nuance are not catered for in often sloganised debates about the Constitution’s origins. This will require scholars interested in the decolonial project to self-interrogate sometimes mechanistic assumptions about the “inherited” Western underpinnings of the Constitution, it concludes.
The Incompatibility of Humanism in the South African Constitution with Neoliberal Governmentality
Authors: Naidoo Kiasha
Published: August 2023

The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa is a momentous text in the history of South Africa’s liberation from the apartheid regime. It marks a break with the old regime, which sought to protect the prosperity of the country’s white minority while oppressing the black majority. The shift posited in the Constitution was clearly legal, but it was also conceptual. It was written with the intention to change the normative structure and principles of justification. As I will argue, it puts forward a normative discourse based on humanism. Since humanism has a rocky history, rife with exclusion and subjugation, it is important to clarify the sort of humanism contained in the Constitution of South Africa as one which understands the human as a site of potential. Although the Constitution may place value on such a humanism, it is not clear that our other social discourses cohere with this apprehension of the human. Specifically, I claim that the tendency in South African discourse (in various realms) to deploy neoliberal reason is at odds with the humanism outlined in the South African Constitution and therefore also does not allow for its actualisation.
Taxonomic study of the genus Thecobathra Meyrick (Lepidoptera: Yponomeutidae) in China, with descriptions of eight new species
Authors: LIU HAOYU , WANG SHUXIA
Published: August 2023

Eighteen species of the genus Thecobathra Meyrick, 1922 from China are reviewed. Among them, eight species are described as new to science: T. cuneata Wang, sp. nov., T. magnidentalis Wang, sp. nov., T. meniscata Wang, sp. nov., T. minutiprocessa Wang, sp. nov., T. odontoidea Wang, sp. nov., T. paritetragona Wang, sp. nov., T. pectinacea Wang, sp. nov. and T. setulosa Wang, sp. nov. Also, three species are newly recorded for China: T. acropercna Meyrick, 1922, T. casta (Meyrick, 1907) and T. nakaoi (Moriuti, 1965). The females of T. acrivalvata Fan, Jin et Li, 2008, T. latibasis Fan, Jin et Li, 2008, T. longisaccata Fan, Jin et Li, 2008, T. nakaoi (Moriuti, 1965) and T. paranas Fan, Jin et Li, 2008, and the male of T. microsignata Liu, 1980 are described for the first time in this study. Two synonyms are proposed: T. minuta Sohn, 2018 syn. nov. (= T. albana Liu, 1980), and T. taiwanensis Sohn, 2018 syn. nov. (= T. lambda (Moriuti, 1963). Images of both adults and genitalia of the new species as well as images of genitalia of the newly described male and females are given. A key to the Chinese species is provided, along with a list of all the Thecobathra known species in the world.
On some commensal anomuran and brachyuran crabs (Crustacea: Decapoda) off Visakhapatnam, Northwestern Bay of Bengal
Authors: SILAMBARASAN KRISHNAN , KAR ANNADA BHUSAN , PRASAD GUMMADI VENKATA ANKINEEDU , PATTNAYAK SUJIT KUMAR , DAS PRATYUSH , REDDY DWARAMPUDI BHAMI , RAMALINGAM LAKSHMANA PERUMAL
Published: August 2023

Commensal anomuran and brachyuran crabs were collected from extensive exploratory surveys on rocky areas where soft corals, sea anemones and sponges are found off the Visakhapatnam coast. The present study includes nine species of commensal decapod crustaceans, comprising four porcellanid crabs (Petrolisthes lamarckii (Leach, 1820), Porcellanella triloba White, 1852, Polyonyx hendersoni Southwell, 1909 and Pisidia gordoni (Johnson, 1970)), one squat lobster (Allogalathea elegans (Adams, 1847) and four brachyuran crabs (Dorippoides facchino (Herbst, 1785), Quadrella coronata Dana, 1852, Quadrella maculosa Alcock, 1898 and Sphenomerides trapezioides (Wood-Mason & Alcock, 1891). Allogalathea elegans, Polyonyx hendersoni, Pisidia gordoni, Quadrella coronata and Quadrella maculosa are new records from off Visakhapatnam. The porcellanid crabs are associated with the sea pen Pteroeides esperi, desmosponges and black soft corals Antipathes sp. whereas the squat lobster was associated with the soft coral Dendronephthya sp. The brachyuran crabs were observed in association with Antipathes sp. Here, we provide details on the morphology, distribution, habitat and commensalism of decapod crustaceans studied.
Identification and Functional Analysis of Caspase-3 as a Key Hub Gene in Autophagy-Related Pathways in Proliferative Vitreoretinopathy Through Integrated Bioinformatics Analysis
Authors: Zheng Dengyi , He Kunlin
Published: August 2023

Proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) is a condition where abnormal cell growth in the retina can cause vision loss. Autophagy, a process that removes damaged cellular components, may play a role in PVR. Our research used bioinformatics analysis of gene expression data from PVR patients to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and investigate their potential involvement in autophagy. We found a total of 3947 DEGs in the PVR, with 1296 upregulated and 2651 downregulated. Intersection with autophagy-related genes yielded 37 differential autophagy genes, which were used to construct a protein–protein interaction (PPI) network. Network analysis identified two hub genes, CASP3 and SQSTM1, with CASP3 showing strong correlation with multiple differential autophagy genes. Further analysis using the WGCNA co-expression algorithm revealed a pivotal module of 722 genes with strong correlation to PVR, which were enriched in 516 GO biological processes, 79 GO molecular functions, and 40 GO cellular components. Additionally, GSEA functional enrichment analysis showed that 56 pathways were enriched in CASP3 upregulated and downregulated groups, with the top 4 pathways significantly enriched in both groups. Our results indicated that autophagy and CASP3 may participate in the PVR pathogenesis and could be potential therapeutic targets for the treatment of this disease.
Short-Term (7 Day) Beaufort Sea Ice Extent Forecasting with Deep Learning
Authors: Keller Mary Ruth , Piatko Christine , Clemens-Sewall Mary Versa , Eager Rebecca , Foster Kevin , Gifford Christopher , Rollend Derek , Sleeman Jennifer
Published: August 2023

Ships inside the Arctic basin require high-resolution (1–5 km), near-term (days to semimonthly) forecasts for guidance on scales of interest to their operations where forecast model predictions are insufficient due to their coarse spatial and temporal resolutions. Deep learning techniques offer the capability of rapid assimilation and analysis of multiple sources of information for improved forecasting. Data from the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration’s Global Forecast System, Multi-scale Ultra-high Resolution Sea Surface Temperature (MEaSUREs), and the National Snow and Ice Data Center’s Multisensor Analyzed Sea ice Extent (MASIE) were used to develop the sea ice extent deep learning forecast model, over the freeze-up periods of 2016, 2018, 2019, and 2020 in the Beaufort Sea. Sea ice extent forecasts were produced for 1–7 days in the future. The approach was novel for sea ice extent forecasting in using forecast data as model input to aid in the prediction of sea ice extent. Model accuracy was assessed against a persistence model. While the average accuracy of the persistence model dropped from 97% to 90% for forecast days 1–7, the deep learning model accuracy dropped only to 93%. A k-fold (fourfold) cross-validation study found that on all except the first day, the deep learning model, which includes a U-Net architecture with an 18-layer residual neural network (Resnet-18) backbone, does better than the persistence model. Skill scores improve the farther out in time to 0.27. The model demonstrated success in predicting changes in ice extent of significance for navigation in the Amundsen Gulf. Extensions to other Arctic seas, seasons, and sea ice parameters are under development.

Significance Statement

Ships traversing the Arctic require timely, accurate sea ice location information to successfully complete their transits. After testing several potential candidates, we have developed a short-term (7 day) forecast process using existing observations of ice extent and sea surface temperature, with operational forecasts of weather and oceanographic variables, and appropriate machine learning models. The process included using forecasts of atmospheric and oceanographic conditions, as a human forecaster/analyst would. The models were trained for the Beaufort Sea north of Alaska using data and forecasts from 2016 combined with 2018–20. The results showed improvement in short-term forecasts of ice locations over current methods and also demonstrated correctly predicted changes in the sea ice that are important for navigation.