bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interlukin-22 improves ovarian function in polycystic ovary syndrome independent of metabolic regulation: a mouse-based experimental study
Authors: Chen Weixuan , Liao Baoying , Yun Chuyu , Zhao Min , Pang Yanli
Published: May 2024

Background

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a reproductive endocrine disorder with multiple metabolic abnormalities. Most PCOS patients have concomitant metabolic syndromes such as insulin resistance and obesity, which often lead to the development of type II diabetes and cardiovascular disease with serious consequences. Current treatment of PCOS with symptomatic treatments such as hormone replacement, which has many side effects. Research on its origin and pathogenesis is urgently needed. Although improving the metabolic status of the body can alleviate reproductive function in some patients, there is still a subset of patients with metabolically normal PCOS that lacks therapeutic tools to address ovarian etiology.

Methods

The effect of IL-22 on PCOS ovarian function was verified in a non-metabolic PCOS mouse model induced by dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and rosiglitazone, as well as granulosa cell -specific STAT3 knockout (Fshrcre+Stat3f/f) mice (10 groups totally and n = 5 per group). Mice were maintained under controlled temperature and lighting conditions with free access to food and water in a specific pathogen-free (SPF) facility. Secondary follicles separated from Fshrcre+Stat3f/f mice were cultured in vitro with DHEA to mimic the hyperandrogenic environment in PCOS ovaries (4 groups and n = 7 per group) and then were treated with IL-22 to investigate the specific role of IL-22 on ovarian function.

Results

We developed a non-metabolic mice model with rosiglitazone superimposed on DHEA. This model has normal metabolic function as evidenced by normal glucose tolerance without insulin resistance and PCOS-like ovarian function as evidenced by irregular estrous cycle, polycystic ovarian morphology (PCOM), abnormalities in sex hormone level. Supplementation with IL-22 improved these ovarian functions in non-metabolic PCOS mice. Application of DHEA in an in vitro follicular culture system to simulate PCOS follicular developmental block and ovulation impairment. Follicles from Fshrcre+Stat3f/f did not show improvement in POCS follicle development with the addition of IL-22. In DHEA-induced PCOS mice, selective ablation of STAT3 in granulosa cells significantly reversed the ameliorative effect of IL-22 on ovarian function.

Conclusion

IL-22 can improve non-metabolic PCOS mice ovarian function. Granulosa cells deficient in STAT3 reverses the role of IL-22 in alleviating ovary dysfunction in non-metabolic PCOS mice.
Adipose and skin distribution of African trypanosomes in natural animal infections
Authors: Amisigo Cynthia Mmalebna , Amegatcher Gloria , Sunter Jack D. , Gwira Theresa Manful
Published: May 2024

Background

Animal African trypanosomiasis, which is caused by different species of African trypanosomes, is a deadly disease in livestock. Although African trypanosomes are often described as blood-borne parasites, there have been recent reappraisals of the ability of these parasites to reside in a wide range of tissues. However, the majority of those studies were conducted on non-natural hosts infected with only one species of trypanosome, and it is unclear whether a similar phenomenon occurs during natural animal infections, where multiple species of these parasites may be present.

Methods

The infective trypanosome species in the blood and other tissues (adipose and skin) of a natural host (cows, goats and sheep) were determined using a polymerase chain reaction-based diagnostic.

Results

The animals were found to harbour multiple species of trypanosomes. Different patterns of distribution were observed within the host tissues; for instance, in some animals, the blood was positive for the DNA of one species of trypanosome and the skin and adipose were positive for the DNA of another species. Moreover, the rate of detection of trypanosome DNA was highest for skin adipose and lowest for the blood.

Conclusions

The findings reported here emphasise the complexity of trypanosome infections in a natural setting, and may indicate different tissue tropisms between the different parasite species. The results also highlight the need to include adipose and skin tissues in future diagnostic and treatment strategies.

Graphical Abstract
Sublingual immunotherapy for allergy to shrimp: the nine-year clinical experience of a Midwest Allergy-Immunology practice
Authors: Theodoropoulou Lydia M. , Cullen Niamh A.
Published: May 2024

Background

Diet restrictions and fear of adverse reactions put a significant burden on the nutrition, growth and life style of children and adults with food allergies. While various disease-modifying options are pursued, there are so far no published clinical data on immunotherapy for crustaceans. The efficacy and safety of desensitization to crustaceans by means of sublingual immunotherapy is assessed for the first time in this study with a view of validating it as a clinical-practice modality.

Methods

Charts of a Midwest Allergy-Immunology practice from the period January 2014–June 2023 were reviewed to identify patients with allergy to shrimp treated with sublingual immunotherapy and to retrospectively evaluate their responses to oral challenge.

Results

Sixty-six patients were identified who had been treated by sublingual immunotherapy for either systemic or localized reactions to shrimp. Demographics and relevant comorbidities were consistent with those of the atopic population. Sublingual immunotherapy with serially diluted mixtures was initiated at 64–320 ng/dose and was gradually escalated to 0.5 mg/dose three times a day. The sublingual immunotherapy course ranged from 5 to 72 months (average: 51 months), following which, 18 patients underwent shrimp oral challenge. No systemic reactions occurred upon challenge; no patient required epinephrine. Tolerance of target dose equal to or exceeding 42 g shrimp was achieved in 11 patients (61%), seven of whom had originally presented with systemic reactions to crustaceans. Seven patients (38%) developed one or more of the following localized reactions: oral itching, nasal symptoms, localized perioral hives, localized hives at pressure points, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain upon exposure to a cumulative dose of 39.2–148.2 g of shrimp during the 4 h of the challenge. Five of these patients had originally presented with systemic reactions to crustaceans. Five of the 7 patients who developed localized symptoms during the challenge were subsequently placed on routine exposure to 12–20 g shrimp every other day. Two patients continued sublingual immunotherapy but declined routine exposure to shrimp every other day because they had no intention to incorporate crustaceans to their routine diet. On repeat challenge 6–9 months after original challenge, all five patients who had routine exposure to 12–20 g shrimp every other day tolerated the procedure to target dose without any symptoms.

Conclusions

Desensitization to shrimp by sublingual immunotherapy appears to be safe and effective as shown in this study. Whether the immune modification induced by sublingual immunotherapy is permanent resulting in sustained tolerance, or the achieved degree of desensitization depends on regular exposure is not known; therefore, following challenge, regular consumption three-four times per week was recommended.
Assessing the treatment response of lateral elbow tendinopathy using time-dependent ultrasonography, Doppler imaging, and elastography
Authors: Tobaly David , Tétreault Patrice , Cloutier Guy , Choinière Manon , Grondin Philippe , Freire Véronique , Julien Anne-Sophie , Bureau Nathalie J.
Published: May 2024

Objective

To investigate the structural alterations, neovascularity, and elasticity of tendons and the relationship between elasticity and the Patient Rated Tennis Elbow Evaluation score after undergoing US-guided fenestration or surgery in patients with chronic lateral elbow tendinopathy.

Methods

Participants from the per-protocol population of a randomized trial conducted between October 2016 and June 2020 were included. The surgery and fenestration groups included 24 (mean age, 50 ± 7 years [standard deviation], 10 men) and 29 (47 ± 8 years, 18 men) participants, respectively. Ultrasound exams were performed at baseline, 6 months, and 12 months. Statistical analyses included linear mixed effects and generalized equation estimation models.

Results

Fenestration had no significant impact on tendon thickness (p = 0.46). Conversely, surgery significantly increased tendon thickness at 6 months (p < 0.0001) and remained elevated at 12 months (p = 0.04). Tendon echostructure exhibited a group effect (p = 0.03), indicating a higher proportion of pathological scores in the surgery group post-intervention compared to the fenestration group. Both groups showed a similar reduction in neovascularity from 6 to 12 months postintervention (p = 0.006). Shear-wave velocity increased in the fenestration group at 6 months (p = 0.04), while the surgery group experienced a nonsignificant decrease at 6 months, with some improvement at 12 months (p = 0.08). Changes in shear-wave velocity did not correlate with clinical outcome.

Conclusions

Fenestration and surgery reduced tendon neovascularity over time. Unlike surgery, fenestration did not impact tendon size while improving tendon echostructure and elasticity.

Critical relevance statement

Fenestration and surgery equally alleviated symptoms and decreased tendon neovascularity in lateral elbow tendinopathy; however, fenestration did not alter tendon thickness and improved echostructure and shear-wave velocity, suggesting shear-wave velocity’s potential for quantitatively monitoring tendon elasticity during healing.

Key Points

Reliable markers for monitoring healing response and informing treatment protocols in elbow tendinopathy are lacking.

Fenestration and surgery reduced tendon neovascularity, while fenestration improved tendon echostructure and shear-wave velocity.

Shear-wave velocity may provide quantitative measures to monitor tendon elasticity in response to treatment.

Graphical Abstract
TAZ deficiency exacerbates psoriatic pathogenesis by increasing the histamine-releasing factor
Authors: Song Jiseo , Kim Hyo Kyeong , Cho Hyunsoo , Yoon Suh Jin , Lim Jihae , Lee Kyunglim , Hwang Eun Sook
Published: May 2024

Background

Transcriptional coactivator with PDZ-biding motif (TAZ) is widely expressed in most tissues and interacts with several transcription factors to regulate cell proliferation, differentiation, and death, thereby influencing organ development and size control. However, very little is known about the function of TAZ in the immune system and its association with inflammatory skin diseases, so we investigated the role of TAZ in the pathogenesis of psoriasis.

Results

Interestingly, TAZ was expressed in mast cells associated, particularly in lysosomes, and co-localized with histamine-releasing factor (HRF). TAZ deficiency promoted mast cell maturation and increased HRF expression and secretion by mast cells. The upregulation of HRF in TAZ deficiency was not due to increased transcription but to protein stabilization, and TAZ restoration into TAZ-deficient cells reduced HRF protein. Interestingly, imiquimod (IMQ)-induced psoriasis, in which HRF serves as a major pro-inflammatory factor, was more severe in TAZ KO mice than in WT control. HRF expression and secretion were increased by IMQ treatment and were more pronounced in TAZ KO mice treated with IMQ.

Conclusions

Thus, as HRF expression was stabilized in TAZ KO mice, psoriatic pathogenesis progressed more rapidly, indicating that TAZ plays an important role in preventing psoriasis by regulating HRF protein stability.

Graphical Abstract
Performance evaluation of varies climate models using observed and regional climate models for the Katar Watershed, Ethiopia
Authors: Yersaw Babur Tesfaye , Chane Mulusew Bezabih , Yitayew Natnael Andualem
Published: May 2024

Climate models are fundamental tools to estimates the reliable future climate change and its effects on the water resources and agriculture in basins. However, all climate models are not equally performed for all areas. Therefore, determining the most appropriate climate models for a specific study area is essential. The focus of this study was to evaluate the performance of the regional climate models with regard to simulating precipitation, and temperatures at Katar watershed. This study examines the performance of fourteen CORDEX-AFRICA-220 Regional Climate Models (RCMs) for the period of 1984–2005 using statistical metrics such as Pearson correlation coefficient (R), mean absolute error (MAE), root mean squared error (RMSE), and bias. The findings indicated that GERICS-MPI was better performed in representing Areta, and Bokoji station, GERICS-IPSL was better representing in Assela, Ketergenet, and Sagure station, CCCma-CanESM2-AFR22, and RCA4-ICHEC performed relatively better in representing the mean annual observed rainfall at the Kulumsa, and Ogolcho station respectively. However, RCA4-CSIRO performed weakly in estimation of annual rainfall at all stations. RCM model such as GERICS-MPI was relatively better than the others in replicating the annual pattern of the maximum temperature at Areta, Bokoji, and Ketergenet stations. Similarly, GERICS-IPSL were relatively better in replicating the annual maximum temperature at Assela, and Sagure stations, CCCma-CanESM2-AFR22 at Kulumsa station, and RCA4-ICHEC at Ogolcho station performed well in capturing the observed and simulated annual maximum temperature. Better performance was observed on minimum temperature at CCCma-CanESM2-AFR22 at Areta, Assela, and Ketergenet stations, GERICS-MOHE-AFR-22 at Bokoji station, GERICS-MPI at Kulumsa, and Ogolcho stations, RAC4-NOAA-2G at Sagure stations. However, weak performance was observed RCA4-CSIRO at all stations. RCM models of GERICS-MPI, and CCLM4-NCC-AFR-22 performed better than the other RCM models for correction of annual rainfall in Katar watershed. However, poor performance was observed at RCA4-ICHEC model on Katar watershed. The GERICS-MPI model performed well. However, poor performance was observed at RCA4-ICHEC on maximum temperature, and GERICS-NOAA-2M on minimum temperature in Katar watershed.
Media exposure to climate change information and pro-environmental behavior: the role of climate change risk judgment
Authors: Vrselja Ivana , Pandžić Mario , Rihtarić Martina Lotar , Ojala Maria
Published: May 2024

Background

The aim of this study was to examine the relationships between exposure to climate change information in traditional and modern media, cognitive and emotional aspects of climate change risk judgment, and pro-environmental behavior (PEB).

Method

A cross-sectional online study was conducted on a quota sample of 1,075 participants (51.9% women) aged 18–79 years. Participants self-reported their exposure to climate change-related information in traditional (e.g. television) and modern media (e.g. social networks), cognitive assessment of climate change risk, level of worry about climate change, and the frequency of PEB.

Results

Structural equation modeling showed a good fit for the parallel mediation model, involving cognitive risk judgment and worry as mediators between exposure to climate change information in traditional and modern media and PEB. Exposure to climate change information in traditional media had indirect effect on PEB through heightened worry, but not cognitive risk judgment. In contrast, exposure to climate change information in modern media had no indirect effect on PEB.

Conclusion

Since the link between exposure to climate change information in traditional media and PEB has been shown to be mediated by climate change worry, it is important to enhance the coverage of climate change in traditional media in Croatia, taking care to offer solutions to reduce possible negative impact on people’s well-being.
For the greater good: modern China’s struggle on housing shortage
Authors: Ling Yuying , Zhang Feihao
Published: May 2024

The examination of housing shortages in China presents a fascinating subject that is rarely directly addressed. This topic not only captures our interest due to the irony in a communist country but also in light of the profound transformation of Chinese society, evolving from an agrarian civilization to a modern industrialized state. The objective of this essay is to establish a comprehensive framework that encompasses economic, social, and architectural narratives as an integrated whole. This essay delves into the historical trajectory of housing shortages in modern China, tracing the evolution of this issue within Chinese society since the founding of the communist regime in 1949. Given China’s unique industrial and residential policy framework, housing provision is intrinsically linked to state-owned factories and residential certification, commonly referred to as hukou. As the political and economic foundations have shifted over time, so too has the root cause of housing shortages. In addition to general historical and theoretical research, we have undertaken an in-depth examination of Lanxi City, one of the industrial clusters established in China. The case study of Lanxi City involves a series of visits and interviews conducted within local factories and communities. Our analysis identifies two distinct phases in this evolution: the “fundamentalist communist era” and the transitional period toward a market economy. Each of these eras can be further subdivided into four distinct phases, providing a more nuanced perspective. Our findings reveal that various housing distribution mechanisms have contributed to the issue of housing shortages. During the first era, housing shortages were primarily a result of hukou restrictions, industrial disparities, sluggish construction processes, and corporate profit considerations. In the latter phase, spanning the 1980s and 1990s, housing shortages were exacerbated by escalating costs and a slow rate of housing unit replenishment. As the new millennium unfolded, real estate bubbles compounded the housing crisis, with older neighborhoods ill-suited for modern living. Our interviews and visits complemented our literature research, offering valuable insights into the systemic exploitation of specific groups in pursuit of broader goals, hence the title. This paper underscores the housing shortage in China as a consequence of economic disparities between urban and rural regions, as well as between the prosperous East coast and the underdeveloped West hinterland.
Predicting air quality index using attention hybrid deep learning and quantum-inspired particle swarm optimization
Authors: Nguyen Anh Tuan , Pham Duy Hoang , Oo Bee Lan , Ahn Yonghan , Lim Benson T. H.
Published: May 2024

Air pollution poses a significant threat to the health of the environment and human well-being. The air quality index (AQI) is an important measure of air pollution that describes the degree of air pollution and its impact on health. Therefore, accurate and reliable prediction of the AQI is critical but challenging due to the non-linearity and stochastic nature of air particles. This research aims to propose an AQI prediction hybrid deep learning model based on the Attention Convolutional Neural Networks (ACNN), Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA), Quantum Particle Swarm Optimization (QPSO)-enhanced-Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) and XGBoost modelling techniques. Daily air quality data were collected from the official Seoul Air registry for the period 2021 to 2022. The data were first preprocessed through the ARIMA model to capture and fit the linear part of the data and followed by a hybrid deep learning architecture developed in the pretraining–finetuning framework for the non-linear part of the data. This hybrid model first used convolution to extract the deep features of the original air quality data, and then used the QPSO to optimize the hyperparameter for LSTM network for mining the long-terms time series features, and the XGBoost model was adopted to fine-tune the final AQI prediction model. The robustness and reliability of the resulting model were assessed and compared with other widely used models and across meteorological stations. Our proposed model achieves up to 31.13% reduction in MSE, 19.03% reduction in MAE and 2% improvement in R-squared compared to the best appropriate conventional model, indicating a much stronger magnitude of relationships between predicted and actual values. The overall results show that the attentive hybrid deep Quantum inspired Particle Swarm Optimization model is more feasible and efficient in predicting air quality index at both city-wide and station-specific levels.
Phospholipid biomarkers of coronary heart disease
Authors: Morita Shin-ya
Published: May 2024

Coronary heart disease, also known as ischemic heart disease, is induced by atherosclerosis, which is initiated by subendothelial retention of lipoproteins. Plasma lipoproteins, including high density lipoprotein, low density lipoprotein (LDL), very low density lipoprotein, and chylomicron, are composed of a surface monolayer containing phospholipids and cholesterol and a hydrophobic core containing triglycerides and cholesteryl esters. Phospholipids play a crucial role in the binding of apolipoproteins and enzymes to lipoprotein surfaces, thereby regulating lipoprotein metabolism. High LDL-cholesterol is a well-known risk factor for coronary heart disease, and statins reduce the risk of coronary heart disease by lowering LDL-cholesterol levels. In contrast, the relationships of phospholipids in plasma lipoproteins with coronary heart disease have not yet been established. To further clarify the physiological and pathological roles of phospholipids, we have developed the simple high-throughput assays for quantifying all major phospholipid classes, namely phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylserine, phosphatidic acid, phosphatidylinositol, phosphatidylglycerol + cardiolipin, and sphingomyelin, using combinations of specific enzymes and a fluorogenic probe. These enzymatic fluorometric assays will be helpful in elucidating the associations between phospholipid classes in plasma lipoproteins and coronary heart disease and in identifying phospholipid biomarkers. This review describes recent progress in the identification of phospholipid biomarkers of coronary heart disease.
Conversion of boreal forests to agricultural systems: soil microbial responses along a land-conversion chronosequence
Authors: Benalcazar Paul , Seuradge Brent , Diochon Amanda C. , Kolka Randall K. , Phillips Lori A.
Published: May 2024

Background

Boreal regions are warming at more than double the global average, creating opportunities for the northward expansion of agriculture. Expanding agricultural production in these regions will involve the conversion of boreal forests to agricultural fields, with cumulative impacts on soil microbial communities and associated biogeochemical cycling processes. Understanding the magnitude or rate of change that will occur with these biological processes will provide information that will enable these regions to be developed in a more sustainable manner, including managing carbon and nitrogen losses. This study, based in the southern boreal region of Canada where agricultural expansion has been occurring for decades, used a paired forest-adjacent agricultural field approach to quantify how soil microbial communities and functions were altered at three different stages post-conversion (< 10, > 10 and < 50, and > 50 years). Soil microbial functional capacity was assessed by quantitative PCR of genes associated with carbon (C), nitrogen, and phosphorous (P) cycling; microbial taxonomic diversity and community structure was assessed by amplicon sequencing.

Results

Fungal alpha diversity did not change, but communities shifted from Basidiomycota to Ascomycota dominant within the first decade. Bacterial alpha diversity increased, with Gemmatimonadota groups generally increasing and Actinomycetota groups generally decreasing in agricultural soils. These altered communities led to altered functional capacity. Functional genes associated with nitrification and low molecular weight C cycling potential increased after conversion, while those associated with organic P mineralization potential decreased. Stable increases in most N cycling functions occurred within the first decade, but C cycling functions were still changing 50 years post conversion.

Conclusions

Microbial communities underwent a rapid shift in the first decade, followed by several decades of slower transition until stabilizing 50 years post conversion. Understanding how the microbial communities respond at different stages post-conversion improves our ability to predict C and N losses from emerging boreal agricultural systems, and provides insight into how best to manage these soils in a way that is sustainable at the local level and within a global context.
Nutrition policy or price stabilisation policy: which policy is more effective for nutrition outcomes?
Authors: Razakamanana Marilys Victoire , Rakotonirainy Miora , Ramiandrisoa Tiarinisaina Olivier
Published: May 2024

Background

Malnutrition remains a global problem and is increasing with the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic. In Madagascar, half of the children under five years of age suffer from stunting. However, since 2006, vitamin A supplementation campaigns, deworming and free vaccinations have been implemented within the framework of the Mother and Child Health Week (MCHW) to strengthen the fight against micronutrient deficiencies and reduce mortality. On the other hand, rice, the staple food of the Malagasy population, can provide some of the micronutrients necessary for good nutrition. However, the country’s rice production is still insufficient, and the price has been rising steadily in recent years. This has led the government to resort to the policy of stabilizing rice prices through imported rice in 2017 and 2018. The aim of this paper is therefore to analyse the effects of these policies on the prevalence of malnutrition among children under five years of age in Madagascar. Which policy would be more effective: the nutrition policy or the price stabilisation policy?

Methods

Data from the Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey conducted by the National Institute of Statistics in 2018 are used, and logistic regressions for the analysis of the effects of nutrition policies on nutrition outcomes are performed. For the effect of price stabilisation policy, panel data on 22 regions of Madagascar from 2016 to 2019 are considered, and a fixed effect model is used.

Results

We found that the effects of the nutrition policy are not immediately visible. Only participation in the 2016 MCHW contributes to a lower probability of malnutrition occurrence. The odds ratios of the effects of this participation on stunting are 0.69 (p-value: 0.05); on underweight: 0.70 (p-value < 0.01); and on wasting: 0.57 (p-value < 0.01). However, the participation rate remains very low. Then, there is no effect of the rice price stabilization policy on nutrition outcomes (0.00; p-value = 0.11).

Conclusions

Price stabilisation policy is not sufficient to fight against malnutrition, due to a lack of food diversification. These results suggest the need for a policy to ensure nutritional intake and to sensitize the population to participate in the MCHW.

Trial registration

Not applicable.
Good practices for 89Zr radiopharmaceutical production and quality control
Authors: Wuensche Thomas Erik , Lyashchenko Serge , van Dongen Guus A. M. S. , Vugts Danielle
Published: May 2024

Background

During the previous two decades, PET imaging of biopharmaceuticals radiolabeled with zirconium-89 has become a consistent tool in preclinical and clinical drug development and patient selection, primarily due to its advantageous physical properties that allow straightforward radiolabeling of antibodies (89Zr-immuno-PET). The extended half-life of 78.4 h permits flexibility with respect to the logistics of tracer production, transportation, and imaging and allows imaging at later points in time. Additionally, its relatively low positron energy contributes to high-sensitivity, high-resolution PET imaging. Considering the growing interest in radiolabeling antibodies, antibody derivatives, and other compound classes with 89Zr in both clinical and pre-clinical settings, there is an urgent need to acquire valuable recommendations and guidelines towards standardization of labeling procedures.

Main body

This review provides an overview of the key aspects of 89Zr-radiochemistry and radiopharmaceuticals. Production of 89Zr, conjugation with the mostly used chelators and radiolabeling strategies, and quality control of the radiolabeled products are described in detail, together with discussions about alternative options and critical steps, as well as recommendations for troubleshooting. Moreover, some historical background on 89Zr-immuno-PET, coordination chemistry of 89Zr, and future perspectives are provided. This review aims to serve as a quick-start guide for scientists new to the field of 89Zr-immuno-PET and to suggest approaches for harmonization and standardization of current procedures.

Conclusion

The favorable PET imaging characteristics of 89Zr, its excellent availability due to relatively simple production and purification processes, and the development of suitable bifunctional chelators have led to the widespread use of 89Zr. The combination of antibodies and 89Zr, known as 89Zr-immuno-PET, has become a cornerstone in drug development and patient selection in recent years. Despite the advanced state of 89Zr-immuno-PET, new developments in chelator conjugation and radiolabeling procedures, application in novel compound classes, and improved PET scanner technology and quantification methods continue to reshape its landscape towards improving clinical outcomes.
Effect of intra-ovarian injection of platelet-rich plasma on the patients with a poor ovarian response (POR) or premature ovarian insufficiency (POI): a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Adiga Prashanth K. , Marconi Nicola , N Ravishankar , Vitthala Srisailesh
Published: May 2024

Background

POR or POI poses a significant challenge to fertility treatment with different ovarian stimulation strategies. Intra-ovarian injection of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has been hypothesised to improve ovarian reserve and pregnancies in POI or POR. However, its effectiveness on pregnancy, embryology and ovarian reserve outcomes need to be established. Therefore, we systematically searched databases based on PRISMA guidelines that reported on the effects of intra-ovarian autologous PRP injections in sub-fertile women with POI and POR. The following outcome effects were analysed by random model and included in the meta-analysis in pre- and post-PRP injection groups of POI & POR: (a) pregnancy rates, rate of oocyte & embryo formation (b) ovarian reserve markers (Antral follicular count, Anti-Mullerian Hormone, Follicle Stimulating Hormone). A separate analysis of pregnancies, AFC and AMH was done in POI and POR groups and in age groups < 35 years and > 35 years. A total of 12 studies were included. The estimated overall effects size of the log odds ratio (log OR = 2.03; 95% CI = 0.13 to 3.92; P = 0.04; I2 = 0.42) favoured post-PRP with a moderate level of evidence. There are no significant differences in POI/POR and those with < 35 years or > 35 years.

The pooled standard difference of means favoured the post-PRP injection group significantly with regards to rates of embryo formation (1.39; 95% CI = 0.56 to 2.21; P = 0.02; I2 = 46%.), Oocyte (0.84; 95% CI = -1.3 to 3.0; P = 0.24; I 2 93%), Antral follicle count (1.78; 95% CI = 0.73 to 2.84; P = 0.01. I2 = 97%) with a low level of evidence and Anti-Mullerian Hormone (1.11; 95% CI = 0.16 to 2.05; P = 0.03; I2 = 96%) with low level of evidence.

Conclusion

Our study shows that intraovarian PRP injection was associated with no significant increase in the rates of pregnancy, in the rates of pregnancy, oocyte, embryo formation, Anti-Mullerian Hormone and antral follicle count. Live birth rates were not calculated. There was no statistical difference between POR/POI and those with < 35 years or > 35 years. Further randomized studies are warranted to confirm our findings.
Role of transforming growth factor beta in assessment of severity of hypersensitivity pneumonitis: a single center study
Authors: EL Hinnawy Yasmine H. , Salem Aymen S. , Ahmed Hebatallah H. , Halim Radwa M. Abdel , Ahmed Naglaa B.
Published: May 2024

Background

Hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) is a more frequently diagnosed picture of diffuse parenchymal lung disease. It is an inflammation of the lung tissue, provoked by immune mechanisms, which happens to prone individuals as a reaction to a wide range of antigens. There are different degrees of fibrosis and inflammation. A group of extracellular mediators both proinflammatory and profibrotic claimed to be involved in the pathogenesis of HP. Among these mediators, a significant role is played by transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β).

Aim

Correlation between the severity of hypersensitivity pneumonitis and the serum level of TGF beta.

Patients and methods

Sixty subjects were included in the study who were classified into 30 patients newly diagnosed with hypersensitivity pneumonitis and 30 healthy subjects served as controls. All the participants were subjected to complete history taking, physical examination, spirometry, 6-min walk distance test, HRCT, and serum levels of TGF-β.

Results

The serum level of TGF beta is elevated in newly diagnosed HP cases (fibrotic and non-fibrotic) in relation to control participants showing statistical significance p value <  0.001, and the serum level of TGF beta in the fibrotic group of HP patients is more than that in non-fibrotic group with statistical significance p value 0.012.

Conclusion

The serum level of transforming growth factor can be used in the assessment of the severity of hypersensitivity pneumonitis as regards the intensity of lung parenchymal changes.
Seventeenth-century Seville houses: a survey by the Alarife Juan De Legarra (1637)
Authors: Moya-Olmedo Pilar , Núñez-González María , Vilaplana-Villajos Fernando
Published: May 2024

Despite the wealth of preserved information, research on the domestic architecture of Seville has been limited. Much of this historical data is available in survey books that were formally compiled in Seville from the Modern Age onwards. These books had detailed descriptions and sometimes illustrations provided by surveyors who were commissioned by owners or tenants.

The intention of this study is to illustrate that the information contained in building surveys goes beyond simple descriptions or measurements often accompanied by drawings. They are a comprehensive account that, even centuries later, help reconstruct the architecture, material culture and everyday life that no longer exist. Our research contributes to the understanding of the domestic architectural history of Seville by focusing on one specific survey (a collection of drawings and a written description) extracted from the Hospital de las Cinco Llagas Collection, which is found in the Seville Provincial Council Archive. At least one of the drawings and the written survey can be attributed to the Alarife (architect or master builder) Juan de Legarra, who signed them in 1637.

This research explores the architectural development of the city, offering fresh insights into its architecture, heritage, and history. It supplements existing historical, visual, and written records derived from prior studies with a meticulously curated bibliography. Additionally, it uses visualisation techniques to reconstruct buildings, augmenting the research.

This endeavour has yielded anticipated benefits, particularly in facilitating visual analysis. The surveys have proven to be invaluable for historical inquiry, yielding unexpected insights through the thorough analysis of both written and graphic sources which serve as a basis for hypothetical construction plans due to their detailed descriptions. Furthermore, this study has contributed to enriching both historical and architectural terminology.

The incorporation of digital technologies into this architectural context allows us to expand our knowledge through the exhaustive compilation of building records. It also facilitates in-depth analysis of architecture, which could result in an up-to-date architectural catalogue that would stimulate interest in preserving a legacy that, until recently, was at risk of being lost.
Investigation on mechanical and thermal behaviour of graphene bonded carbon/Kevlar hybrid fabric polymer composites
Authors: Peddakondigalla Venkateswara Babu , Boggarapu Vasavi , Doppalapudi Rajani , N. Phani Pooja , Y. Aruna
Published: May 2024

The present research is aimed to understand the influence of graphene-reinforced carbon/Kevlar hybrid fabric epoxy composites. Samples HG0, HG2, HG4, and HG6 are fabricated using four layers of fabric mat and with varying graphene weight percentage as 0, 2, 4, and 6 wt.%, respectively. Mechanical characterizations such as hardness, tensile, and flexural strength were individually assessed. Thermal stability is evaluated through thermos-gravimetric analysis. Composite HG6 with high filler loading showed 71% and 114.4% greater tensile and flexural strength compared to unfilled HG0 specimen. Similarly, HG6 exhibited greater thermal stability. Inclusion of graphene particles in higher concentration improved the interfacial bonding between fibre/matrix/filler system. Fracture surfaces are analysed using scanning electron microscopy to understand the failure mechanisms.
Private Equity-Backed Steward Healthcare Files for Bankruptcy
Authors:   Phoenix Pulmonary and Critical Care Research and Education Foundation, Gilbert, AZ USA, Robbins Richard
Published: May 2024

No abstract available. Article truncated after 150 words. Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes (1) has launched an investigation into what led to Dallas-based Steward Health Care filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on May 6. The health system also recently shared that it is $9 billion in debt and has plans to sell all 31 of its hospitals, four of which are in Arizona and have a proposed auction date of June 28, according to a May 10 news release from Ms. Mayes (1). Steward relied on backing from private equity investors to quickly acquire dozens of community hospitals, including facilities in Massachusetts, Texas, Florida, and Arizona. Steward has been the focus of a year-and-a-half-long CBS News investigation revealing how private equity investors have siphoned hundreds of millions of dollars from community hospitals with devastating public health consequences (2). Records reviewed by CBS News showed Steward hospitals around the country left a trail of unpaid bills, at times …
Active sex life for older people in Chile: biological, psychological and social variables influencing engagement
Authors: Hinojosa Valentina
Published: May 2024

Introduction:

Sexual activity in later life is increasingly being researched, but there is a gap in knowledge about the Global South, mainly Latin America.

Objective:

The objective of this article is to evaluate how biological, psychological and social factors influence active sex life in older Chilean people, using a gender-stratified analysis.

Methodology:

The study is based on secondary data analysis of the fifth National Survey of Quality of Life in Old Age, carried out in Chile in 2019 with a sample of 2,132 people aged 60 and over. Bivariate analysis was conducted to test the influence of biological, psychological and social variables on having an active sex life. Additionally, multiple hierarchal logistic regressions were carried out using a gender-stratified analysis to explore whether the independent variables predict active sex life.

Results:

Self-perceived health and chronic illness did not have predictive value regarding active sex life in older Chilean adults. However, partner health was a significant factor in predicting active sex life, particularly for women. People who reported being dissatisfied with life had 55 percent lower chance of having an active sex life than those who reported being very satisfied with life. Attitude towards sexuality, relationship status and education level were other variables that predicted an active sex life for older adults in Chile. Still, there were significant gender differences in the results.

Conclusion:

Interpersonal, psychological and social factors are more relevant than biological factors (except for age) when predicting sexual activity for older Chileans, and gender differences are central when analysing sexual activity.
U.S.-Japan-Australia Trilateralism: The Inner Core of Regional Order Building and Deterrence in the Indo-Pacific
Authors: Wilkins Thomas
Published: May 2024

executive summary: This article examines the state of security cooperation between the U.S., Japan, and Australia through the Trilateral Strategic Dialogue (TSD), and finds that even though the TSD maintains a relatively low profile, this minilateral alignment effectively forms the inner core of regional order building and deterrence within the U.S. hub-and-spoke alliance network. main argument
Since its formal establishment in 2002, the TSD has come to function as the inner core of coordination among allies in the face of strategic competition in the Indo-Pacific. It possesses significant capability to shape the regional security environment, as seen in terms of normative efforts at order building under the "free and open Indo-Pacific" banner, and is underwritten by a combined commitment to regional deterrence. Compared with the Quad and coordination between Australia, the UK, and the U.S. (AUKUS), the TSD is overlooked and underanalyzed as an exemplar of strategically orientated minilateral cooperation. To remedy this oversight, this article details how the TSD is being employed as a tool of strategic competition by capturing its primary functions while evaluating its capabilities, potential, and weaknesses. Because the TSD would likely form the nucleus of any U.S.-led collective response to a regional contingency, it is the most consequential example of "strategic minilateralism" within the Indo-Pacific security architecture. policy implications
• Policymakers are increasingly recognizing the potential of minilateral security configurations as purposeful tools through which to prosecute strategic competition. • Mature minilaterals like the TSD can provide capable and multifaceted forums to achieve combined strategic objectives, such as regional order building and enhanced deterrence. • These tasks are inextricably interlinked, and while TSD partners strive to maintain the regional order, they must increase their efforts to credibly deter conflict and be adequately prepared to respond accordingly should deterrence fail.
The New Realism of Literary Generalization in Richardson's Clarissa
Authors: Swartz Kelly
Published: May 2024

Abstract: Since the eighteenth century, writers have positioned maxims—pithy statements of general truth—as antithetical to realist fiction. According to these accounts, a work is "realist" if it produces in a reader an internal sense of it being true to reality. General and common maxims are, by contrast, unreal because they "leave no impression on the mind." Working alongside and against these accounts of the maxim-realism antithesis, this essay uncovers an alternative realism advanced through literary generalization in Samuel Richardson's Clarissa . "Literary generalization" is an umbrella term I use for a number of related forms that run through Richardson's work: newly formulated maxims; the literary fragments comprising the tenth "mad paper"; and literary quotations from "real" works that fictional characters use to predict effects within the fictional world. I argue that this realism of literary generalization involves the reader in the composition of a common world composed of unpredictable associations. This world is composed of human and nonhuman entities, defined by shifting inequities, and is unredeemable through an individual's cultivation of meaning within. This is a very different realism than the still influential formal realism of the early novel that Ian Watt introduced many decades ago. Although the alternative realism I find in Clarissa is not "new," I mark it as such to signal the essay's engagement with several versions of what has been called the "new materialism."
Leslie Stephen, Defoe, and Ian Watt's The Rise of the Novel
Authors: Novak Maximillian E.
Published: May 2024

Abstract: Although Ian Watt's treatment of "the rise of the novel" has been ascribed to aspects of World War II and the Cold War, many of his critical attitudes are borrowed from the Victorian critic Leslie Stephen. This is especially true of his handling of Daniel Defoe's Moll Flanders and the notion of Defoe as an inadequate, at best "unconscious," artist. Stephen's contempt for Defoe's background as a tradesman went into his arguments that the realism of his fiction was of an inferior kind. Without accepting Stephen's contempt for trade, Watt seemed to accept many of Stephen's conclusions. Watt's admiration for Samuel Richardson's psychological depth over Henry Fielding's reality of "assessment" may seem contrary to Stephen's admiration for Fielding's "manliness," but Watt borrowed much from Stephen's approach to fiction.
The Master's House
Authors: Sinanan Kerry
Published: May 2024

Abstract: This essay focuses on the specific location and history of The Great House in Port-of Spain, Trinidad, to open out a Black Atlantic exposé of networks of imperial global domination, Indigenous genocide, and plantation slavery. The essay works through Audre Lorde's essay "The Master's Tools Will Never Dismantle the Master's House" and Aimé Césaire's Discourse on Colonialism to model how Black and Caribbean thinkers enable an antiracist critique of eighteenth-century studies that persists in disavowing its violent colonial histories and legacies.