bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
From legacy to integration in the Global Polio Eradication Initiative: looking back to look forward
Authors: Closser Svea , Neel Abigail H , Gerber Sue , Alonge Olakunle
Published: May 2024

Introduction

The Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) is a global single-disease programme with an extensive infrastructure in some of the world’s most underserved areas. It provides a key example of the opportunities and challenges of transition efforts—the process of shifting from donor-funded, single-disease programmes to programmes with more integrated and sustainable programmatic and funding streams. Our goal is to closely analyse the social and political dynamics of the polio transition in the 2010s to provide insights into today, as well as lessons for other programmes.

Methods

We conducted semistructured interviews with GPEI officials involved in transition planning across GPEI partner agencies (n=11). We also drew on document review and interviews with national and subnational actors in Nigeria, India, Ethiopia and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. We inductively analysed this material to capture emergent themes in the evolution of transition activities in the GPEI.

Results

Since the mid-2010s, GPEI actors expressed concern that polio’s assets should not be lost when polio was eradicated. Planning for polio’s legacy, however, proved complicated. The GPEI’s commitment to and focus on eradication had taken precedence over strong collaborations outside the polio programme, making building alliances for transition challenging. There were also complex questions around who should be responsible for the transition process, and which agencies would ultimately pay for and deliver polio-funded functions. Current efforts to achieve ‘integration’ both have great promise and must grapple with these same issues.

Discussion

Within the GPEI, relinquishing control to other programmes and planning for significant, long-term funding for transition will be central to achieving successful integration and eventual transition. Beyond polio, other vertical programmes can benefit from going beyond transition ‘planning’ to integrate transition into the initial design of vertical programmes.
CCR5 and CCL5 in metastatic colorectal cancer
Authors: Schlechter Benjamin L , Stebbing Justin
Published: May 2024

The CCR/L5 axis is known for its role in immune regulation in a variety of settings and has been shown to have dichotomous functions in cancer, influencing both tumor progression and immune responses. Battaglin et al investigated its role using genomic and transcriptomic data from several datasets of patients with advanced colorectal cancer (CRC), including patients treated on CALGB/SWOG 80405, a trial of chemotherapy plus cetuximab versus bevacizumab, as well as a larger population of patients whose CRCs underwent commercially available Caris NGS and CODEai assays. These authors showed that CCR/L5 expression was both prognostic and predictive. They reported that low expression of the CCR/L5 axis was correlated with improved survival broadly, with particular benefit in patients treated with chemotherapy plus cetuximab. They demonstrated that high expression of CCR/L5 was associated with infiltration by negatively prognostic Tregs, M1 and M2 macrophages, myeloid-derived suppressor cells, and cancer-associated fibroblasts. They also showed that increased expression was correlated a wide variety of immune suppressive proteins, including PD-1, PD-L1, PD-L2, CTLA4, CD80, CD86, TIM3, IDO1, LAG3, and IFN-γ. This suggests mechanisms by which CRC resists anti-cancer immune responses. This study enhances our understanding of the role of the CCR/L5 axis in advanced CRC.
Furfuryl-pyridinium-functionalization of flaxseed gum for effective methylene blue removal from aqueous solution
Authors: Venegas-García Deysi J. , Mir Mariam , Steiger Bernd G.K. , Wilson Lee D.
Published: May 2024

This study describes the modification of flaxseed gum (FSG) via furfural to obtain a furfuryl-pyridinium modified adsorbent (Flax-Py) with improved adsorption characteristics towards methylene blue (MB) versus results obtained for unmodified FSG. Materials characterization was achieved via complementary spectral methods (NMR, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, FT-IR, Raman, and XRD) as well as thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and ζ-potential measurements. Synthetic modification of FSG to yield Flax-Py that led to enriched N-content (2.75 atom-% vs. 0.76 atom-% for FSG), and the conversion of furfuryl to pyridinium was incomplete (∼50%), where both moieties were identified. The adsorption isotherms at pH 7 showed that FSG possessed favorably high MB adsorption capacity (∼540 mg/g), while the adsorption capacity of Flax-Py was notably lower (167 mg/g). Flax-Py facilitated 100% MB removal at low dye concentrations (1–10 mg/L) versus 50% MB removal for the FSG bioadsorbent. Further, Flax-Py showed moderate loss of adsorption with MB (∼12%–16% dye removal) after five regeneration cycles. Flax-Py revealed improved settling characteristics (time, density, gelation, and solubility) that facilitate enhanced phase separation of FSG fractions by circumventing the need for centrifugation. The adsorption mechanism was attributed primarily to H-bonding effects with secondary contributions due to electrostatic interactions (negative ζ-potential above pH 4.2). This study successfully modified FSG to obtain an improved adsorbent (Flax-Py) attaining nearly quantitative MB dye removal at environmentally relevant concentrations (<15 mg/L).
Measuring Unruh radiation from accelerated electrons
Authors: Gregori G. , Marocco G. , Sarkar S. , Bingham R. , Wang C.
Published: May 2024

Detecting thermal Unruh radiation from accelerated electrons has presented a formidable challenge due not only to technical difficulties but also for lack of conceptual clarity about what is actually seen by a laboratory observer. We give a summary of the current interpretations along with a simpler heuristic description that draws on the analogy between the Unruh effect and radiation from a two-level atomic system. We propose an experiment to test whether there is emission of thermal photons from an accelerated electron.
Schisandrol A, the Major Active Constitute in Schisandra chinensis: A Review of Its Preparation, Biological Activities, and Pharmacokinetics Analysis
Authors: Wu Ying , Ding Chao , Liu Chenwang , Dan Linwei , Xu Haonan , Li Xinzhuo , Li Yuze , Song Xiaomei , Zhang Dongdong
Published: May 2024

Schisandra chinensis (S. chinensis) has a long history as a traditional Chinese medicine that is astringent, beneficial to vital energy, tonifies the kidney, tranquilizes the heart, etc. Significantly, Schisandrol A (SA) is extracted from S. chinensis and shows surprising and satisfactory biological activity, including anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, cardiovascular protection, and antitumor properties, among others. SA has a more pronounced protective effect on central damaged nerves among its numerous pharmacological effects, improving neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s through the protection of damaged nerve cells and the enhancement of anti-oxidant capacity. Pharmacokinetic studies have shown that SA has a pharmacokinetic profile with a rapid absorption, wide distribution, maximal concentration in the liver, and primarily renal excretion. However, hepatic and intestinal first-pass metabolism can affect SA’s bioavailability. In addition, the content of SA, as an index component of S. chinensis Pharmacopoeia, should not be less than 0.40%, and the content of SA in S. chinensis compound formula was determined with the help of high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), which is a stable and reliable method, and it can lay a foundation for the subsequent quality control. Therefore, this paper systematically reviews the preparation, pharmacological effects, pharmacokinetic properties, and content determination of SA with the goal of updating and deepening the understanding of SA, as well as providing a theoretical basis for the study of SA at a later stage.
The Application of Berberine in Fibrosis and the Related Diseases
Authors: Gao Rongmao , Lu Yuanyu , Zhang Wei , Zhang Zhao
Published: May 2024

The formation of fibrotic tissue, characterized by the excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) components such as collagen and fibronectin, is a normal and crucial stage of tissue repair in all organs. The over-synthesis, deposition, and remodeling of ECM components lead to organ dysfunction, posing a significant medical burden. Berberine, an isoquinoline alkaloid, is commonly used in the treatment of gastrointestinal diseases. With the deepening of scientific research, it has been gradually discovered that berberine also plays an important role in fibrotic diseases. In this review, we systematically introduce the effective role of berberine in fibrosis-related diseases. Specifically, this paper aims to provide a comprehensive review of the therapeutic role of berberine in treating fibrosis in organs such as the heart, liver, lungs, and kidneys. By summarizing its various pathways and mechanisms of action, including the inhibition of the transforming growth factor-[Formula: see text]/Smad signaling pathway, PI3K/Akt signaling pathway, MAPK signaling pathway, RhoA/ROCK signaling, and mTOR/p70S6K signaling pathway, as well as its activation of the Nrf2-ARE signaling pathway, AMPK signaling pathway, phosphorylated Smad 2/3 and Smad 7, and other signaling pathways, this review offers additional evidence to support the treatment of fibrotic diseases.
Dynamic Analysis of the Hangers in High-Speed Railway Arch Bridge Based on Train–Bridge Interaction Simulation and Field Measurement
Authors: Li Huile , Yan Huan , Wu Gang
Published: May 2024

The hangers represent the crucial load-bearing component of arch bridges and are susceptible to dynamic vehicle load. However, little effort has been made to carry out dynamic analysis of arch bridge hangers under high-speed train loads. This paper presents an investigation of the dynamic behavior of the arch bridge subjected to high-speed train with emphasis on the flexible hangers, using train–bridge interaction simulation and field measurement data. Coupled train–bridge system model composed of three-dimensional train model, bridge model, and wheel–rail interaction model is established to account for hanger transverse vibration, spatial train loading, and track irregularity excitation, among others. Vibration data of bridge components including the hanger are measured through field test on a typical high-speed railway tied-arch bridge. A total stress-based dynamic amplification factor is subsequently proposed to describe the effect of hanger transverse vibration. The influence of significant parameters such as train speed and track irregularity on the dynamic effects of hangers is examined by the experimentally validated train–bridge interaction model. It is found that the dynamic responses of the hangers are considerably different from bridge global responses. In-plane and out-of-plane transverse vibrations of the hanger result in a large increase in the hanger dynamic effects which prove to be sensitive to train speed, track irregularity, train loading position, etc. Moreover, the dynamic amplification factor formula in the current high-speed railway code may not be sufficient to characterize the dynamic amplification of hangers under operating conditions.
Stability Improvement in Different Types of Smart Sandwich Shells with Piezoelectric Sensor–Actuator Face Sheets Using Feedback Gain
Authors: Chang Le
Published: May 2024

This paper is concerned with the electro-mechanical buckling analysis of different kinds of smart sandwich shells with functionally graded porous core and piezoelectric sensor–actuator face sheets. Different types of shallow shells with double curvature including convex shells, cylindrical shells and concave shells are analyzed. It is assumed that effective properties of the porous core are functionally graded to vary as a special function of the thickness parameter. The equilibrium equations are established for the doubly-curved smart sandwich shells using the energy method. The stability equations governing the equilibrium position of the smart sandwich shells are obtained as a set of coupled partial differential equations. Closed-form expressions are generated to obtain the critical buckling loads of the smart sandwich shells using the airy stress function. Sandwich shells under different types of electro-mechanical loadings including axial, lateral and hydrostatic pressures are analyzed. These numerical results show the effects of feedback gain, porosity coefficient and piezoelectric layer thickness on the buckling resistance of these smart sandwich structures.
Dynamic Analysis Strategy of Generalized Deployable Units via NCF-IGA with Force Constraint
Authors: Ma Yuancheng , Li Tuanjie , Dong Hangjia
Published: May 2024

Space deployable mechanisms typically employ modular designs, where each unit that can be independently deployed is defined as a generalized deployable unit (GDU), typically consisting of rigid components, flexible components and generalized kinematic pairs. Given the high-performance demands of spatial transmission mechanisms, generalized kinematic pairs frequently integrate flexible factors like torsion springs and flexible hinges, which control the motion according to the attitude and position of the component. In this investigation, a new modeling and solution strategy for rigid-flexible coupled dynamics is established by combining NCF and IGA. It can not only accurately describe the large deformation and large rotation of flexible components, but also consider the influence of flexible factors in the kinematic pairs. The rigid components are modeled by the Natural Coordinate Formula (NCF), and the flexible components are discretized in the inertial coordinate system using spline curves in Isogeometric Analysis (IGA). The intermediate reference coordinates were integrated into the NCF-IGA framework, overcoming the boundary constraints between B-spline and NCF elements, and the geometric constraint equation of the kinematic pair was established. Subsequently, this paper proposes the concept of force constraint in controllable deployable mechanisms. Based on the force constraint equation, the mechanical model of flexible joints is established. The dynamic equations of GDUs are derived considering both geometric and force constraints, and generalized-[Formula: see text] method is introduced to solve the equations. Finally, three numerical examples are provided to illustrate the applicability and superiority of the proposed method.
Exploring wormholes in f(R,T) gravity
Authors: Pradhan Anirudh , Dixit Archana , Ali Akram , Banerjee Ayan
Published: May 2024

The concept of wormholes is still hypothetical in physics but attractive among researchers. In this work, motivated by the important effect of [Formula: see text] gravity theory, we seek the existence of wormhole solutions. We consider the field equations that can be derived from two different choices of matter Lagrangian density and utilize them to find the possibility of having some wormhole geometry. This procedure is based on the specific choice of an equation-of-state that obeys a certain physical requirement on the matter stress-energy [S. Kar and D. Sahdev, Restricted class of traversable wormholes with traceless matter, Phys. Rev. D 52 (1995) 2030]. For this purpose, the functional form of the redshift function is taken into consideration, and the possible existence of wormhole solutions is proven. Finally, the work examines the energy conditions and shows that violations of null energy conditions hold throughout spacetime.
The meaning of torsion in teleparallel theories
Authors: Formiga J. B.
Published: May 2024

The ambiguity of the Weitzenböck connection is investigated from the perspective of frames. In doing so, the pure-tetrad formalism and the formalism with an affine connection are compared with each other; it is shown that the ambiguity in the affine connection is equivalent to that of the frame. The role played by the regularization procedure is discussed, and it is argued that the frame approach gives better results than any regularization procedure, including those that make use of a suitable choice of the affine connection. It is also argued that, for consistency, the Weitzenböck torsion must be either manifesting only gravitational effects or gravitational effects plus accelerations. Two possible interpretations for the torsion tensor are present, and an application to a frame that accelerates along the same direction as that of a [Formula: see text]-wave is used to show the consistence of these interpretations. Finally, some possible solutions to the well-known problems of the [Formula: see text] theories are proposed.
Effects of external field and potential on non-relativistic quantum particles in disclinations background
Authors: Ahmed Faizuddin , Moreira Allan R. P.
Published: May 2024

In this work, we investigate the behavior of non-relativistic quantum particles immersed in a cosmic string space-time background. Our study involves the examination of these particles as they interact with a range of influences, including potential, magnetic, and quantum flux fields. We employ analytical methods to solve the associated wave equation, leading to the derivation of eigenvalue solutions for this quantum system. Subsequently, we leverage these eigenvalue solutions to scrutinize several potential models. For each model, we present and engage in a thorough discussion of the corresponding eigenvalue solutions. In an extension of our investigation, we explore the thermodynamic and magnetic properties of the quantum system when it is exposed to non-zero temperature conditions, denoted by [Formula: see text]. Our analysis encompasses the calculation of essential parameters such as the partition function for the system and other pertinent functions. Following these calculations, we meticulously examine and interpret the outcomes, shedding light on the system’s behavior and characteristics in the presence of temperature variations. Furthermore, we calculate entropic information to investigate the location of particles in the system.
Duality in spontaneous broken time translation symmetry: Sisyphus dynamics and the Liénard equation
Authors: Nandi Partha , Ghose-Choudhury A. , Guha Partha
Published: May 2024

In this paper, we establish a connection between Sisyphus dynamics and the Liénard-II equation through branched Hamiltonians. Sisyphus dynamics stem from a higher-order Lagrangian. Surprisingly, when expressed in terms of velocity, the Sisyphus dynamical equations align closely with the Liénard-II equation. Sisyphus dynamics introduces velocity-dependent “mass functions”, a departure from conventional position-dependent mass, potentially linked to cosmological time crystals. Additionally, we demonstrate that spontaneously broken time translational symmetry results in a deformed symplectic structure, resembling the classical counterpart of the Generalized Uncertainty Principle (GUP).
A DRL-based Partial Charging Algorithm for Wireless Rechargeable Sensor Networks
Authors: Chen Jiangyuan , Hawbani Ammar , Xu Xiaohua , Wang Xingfu , Zhao Liang , Liu Zhi , Alsamhi Saeed
Published: May 2024

Breakthroughs in Wireless Energy Transfer technologies have revitalized Wireless Rechargeable Sensor Networks. However, how to schedule mobile chargers rationally has been quite a tricky problem. Most of the current work does not consider the variability of scenarios and how many mobile chargers should be scheduled as the most appropriate for each dispatch. At the same time, the focus of most work on the mobile charger scheduling problem has always been on reducing the number of dead nodes, and the most critical metric of network performance, packet arrival rate, is relatively neglected. In this article, we develop a DRL-based Partial Charging algorithm. Based on the number and urgency of charging requests, we classify charging requests into four scenarios. And for each scenario, we design a corresponding request allocation algorithm. Then, a Deep Reinforcement Learning algorithm is employed to train a decision model using environmental information to select which request allocation algorithm is optimal for the current scenario. After the allocation of charging requests is confirmed, to improve the Quality of Service, i.e., the packet arrival rate of the entire network, a partial charging scheduling algorithm is designed to maximize the total charging duration of nodes in the ideal state while ensuring that all charging requests are completed. In addition, we analyze the traffic information of the nodes and use the Analytic Hierarchy Process to determine the importance of the nodes to compensate for the inaccurate estimation of the node’s remaining lifetime in realistic scenarios. Simulation results show that our proposed algorithm outperforms the existing algorithms regarding the number of alive nodes and packet arrival rate.
WiVelo: Fine-grained Wi-Fi Walking Velocity Estimation
Authors: Cao Zhichao , Li Chenning , Liu Li , Zhang Mi
Published: May 2024

Passive human tracking using Wi-Fi has been researched broadly in the past decade. Besides straightforward anchor point localization, velocity is another vital sign adopted by the existing approaches to infer user trajectory. However, state-of-the-art Wi-Fi velocity estimation relies on Doppler-Frequency-Shift (DFS), which suffers from the inevitable signal noise incurring unbounded velocity errors, further degrading the tracking accuracy. In this article, we present WiVelo, which explores new spatial-temporal signal correlation features observed from different antennas to achieve accurate velocity estimation. First, we use subcarrier shift distribution (SSD) extracted from channel state information (CSI) to define two correlation features for direction and speed estimation, separately. Then, we design a mesh model calculated by the antennas’ locations to enable a fine-grained velocity estimation with bounded direction error. Finally, with the continuously estimated velocity, we develop an end-to-end trajectory recovery algorithm to mitigate velocity outliers with the property of walking velocity continuity. We implement WiVelo on commodity Wi-Fi hardware and extensively evaluate its tracking accuracy in various environments. The experimental results show our median and 90-percentile tracking errors are 0.47 m and 1.06 m, which are half and a quarter of state-of-the-art. The datasets and source codes are published through Github (
https://github.com/research-source/code
).
Surface Evolution of Ni Electrode Under Cathodic Polarization in Acidic Solution
Authors: Wei Qinyi , Shi Hao , Tang Mengyi , Liu Xianglin , Zhu Hua , Yin Huayi , Du Kaifa , Wang Dihua
Published: May 2024

The surface morphology and structure of nickel cathode is closely related to its service performance and stability for water electrolysis applications. However, the surface evolution of nickel under cathodic polarization has not been systematically studied. In this work, we investigated the morphology evolution of the Ni electrode under cathodic polarization by altering the current density, temperature and composition of electrolyte. A corrosion rate of less than 0.0054 mm a−1 is observed under cathodic polarization at 0.2 mA cm−2. Uniform corrosion appears at low current density (0.2–2 mA cm−2) while serious pitting at high current density (20–200 mA cm−2). The corrosion preferentially takes place at the surface flaws, scratches and cavities. The cathodic corrosion is due to the uneven distribution of the surface potential between the plane and the depression part of the electrode. The mechanism is further confirmed by finite element simulation. The obtained result may provide reference for the design and application of various Ni-based cathodes.
Epigenetic reprogramming of H3K4me3 in adipose-derived stem cells by HFS diet consumption leads to a disturbed transcriptomic profile in adipocytes
Authors: Pérez Berenice , Torre-Villalvazo Iván , Wilson-Verdugo Martí , Lau-Corona Dana , Muciño-Olmos Erick , Coutiño-Hernández Diana , Noriega-López Lilia , Resendis-Antonio Osbaldo , Valdés Víctor Julián , Torres Nimbe , Tovar Armando R.
Published: May 2024

Obesity is associated with the development of chronic diseases like metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes, and adipose tissue plays a crucial role. In a rat model, our study reveals how an obesogenic environment primes adipocyte precursor cells, leading to epigenetic changes that affect inflammation, adipogenesis, and mitochondrial activity after differentiation. We highlight the importance of histone modifications, especially the trimethylation of histone H3 to lysine 4 (H3K4me3), showing its influence on adipocyte expression profiles.
Inverting a model of neuromuscular control to estimate descending activation patterns that generate fast-reaching movements
Authors: Hummert Cora , Zhang Lei , Schöner Gregor
Published: May 2024

By estimating descending activation patterns directly from observed movement kinematics based on a model of the dynamics of the stretch reflex, of muscle force generation, and of the biomechanics of the limb, we observed how brain signals must be temporally structured to enable fast movement.
Older adults use fewer muscles to overcome perturbations during a seated locomotor task
Authors: Shirazi Seyed Yahya , Huang Helen J.
Published: May 2024

Older adults often demonstrate greater cocontraction and motor errors than young adults in response to motor perturbations. We demonstrated that older adults reduced their motor errors more than young adults with brief perturbations during recumbent stepping while maintaining greater muscle cocontraction. In doing so, older adults largely used one muscle pair to drive the stepper, tibialis anterior and soleus, whereas young adults used all muscles. These two muscles are crucial for maintaining upright balance.
Phantom perception as a Bayesian inference problem: a pilot study
Authors: Yasoda-Mohan Anusha , Chen Feifan , Ó Sé Colum , Allard Remy , Ost Jan , Vanneste Sven
Published: May 2024

Tinnitus is the continuous phantom perception of a ringing in the ears. Recently, it has been suggested that tinnitus may be a maladaptive inference of the brain to auditory anomalies, whether they are detected or undetected by an audiogram. The present study presents empirical evidence for this hypothesis by inducing an illusion in a sensory domain that is damaged (auditory) and one that is intact (visual). It also presents novel information about how people with tinnitus process multisensory stimuli in the audio-visual domain.
Modern Approach in Pattern Recognition Using Circular Fermatean Fuzzy Similarity Measure for Decision Making with Practical Applications
Authors: Aruchsamy Revathy , Velusamy Inthumathi , Dhandapani Prasantha Bharathi , Nasiru Suleman , Chesneau Christophe
Published: May 2024

The circular Fermatean fuzzy (CFF) set is an advancement of the Fermatean fuzzy (FF) set and the interval-valued Fermatean fuzzy (IVFF) set which deals with uncertainty. The CFF set is represented as a circle of radius ranging from 0 to 2 with the center at the degree of association (DA) and degree of nonassociation (DNA). If multiple people are involved in making decisions, the CFF set, as an alternative to the FF and IVFF sets, can deal with ambiguity more effectively by encircling the decision values within a circle rather than taking an average. Using algorithms, a pattern can be observed computationally or visually. Machine learning algorithm utilizes pattern recognition as an instrument for identifying patterns and also similarity measure (SM) is a beneficial pattern recognition tool used to classify items, discover variations, and make future predictions for decision making. In this work, we introduce the CFF cosine and Dice similarity measures (CFFDMs and CFFSMs), and their properties are studied. Unlike traditional approaches of decision making, which emphasize a single number, the proposed CFFSMs observe the pattern over the circular region to help in dealing with uncertainty more effectively. We introduce an innovative decision-making method in the FF setting. Available bank loans and applicants’ eligibility levels are represented as CFF set using their FF criteria and are taken as loan patterns and customer eligibility patterns. The loan is allocated to the applicant by measuring the CFFCSM and CFFDSM between the two patterns. Also, laptops are suggested to the customers by measuring the similarity between specification pattern and requirement pattern. The correctness and consistency of the proposed models are ensured by comparison analysis and graphical simulations of the input and similarity CFFNs.
An Interwell Connectivity Assessment Model for Polymer Flooding Short‐Term Development Data Based on A‐LSTM and EFAST Methods
Authors: Li Ming , Zhang Jihong , Tan Xinjian , Zhang Ruixue
Published: May 2024

Interwell connectivity assessment in polymer‐driven reservoirs is critical for setting appropriate injection rates and improving oil recovery. Traditional deep learning techniques often lack accuracy and reliability when applied to short‐term oilfield production data. In response, the A‐LSTM algorithm is proposed, which integrates the attention mechanism with a long‐ and short‐term memory network (LSTM). The predictive accuracy of A‐LSTM is assessed and juxtaposed with LSTM and support vector regression (SVR) algorithms for short‐term single‐well daily oil production analysis. The Huber loss function was utilized to quantify the difference between predicted and actual results, resulting in a dynamic production prediction model. An interwell connectivity (IWC) assessment model is then obtained by fusing the dynamic production prediction model with the EFAST method, thus demonstrating the superior prediction accuracy of A‐LSTM in oil production prediction and connectivity assessment. Moreover, the credibility of the assessment is further corroborated through numerical simulations and interwell tracer tests. The study results showed that the interwell connectivity evaluation model based on the A‐LSTM algorithm and EFAST method is not only capable of accurately predicting the single‐well daily oil production using a small sample dataset but also a highly reliable method for interwell connectivity evaluation, and the application of the interwell connectivity assessment model can further guide polymer flooding work in oilfields.
Supplementary Data from Synergy of EGFR and AURKA Inhibitors in KRAS-mutated Non–small Cell Lung Cancers
Authors: Bagnyukova Tetyana , Egleston Brian L. , Pavlov Valerii A. , Serebriiskii Ilya G. , Golemis Erica A. , Borghaei Hossein
Published: May 2024

List of antibodies
Quality of life analysis in patients with retinitis pigmentosa
Authors: Humphries Audrey , Bowman Lee , Nguyen Timothy , So Joshua , Duff Madison , Grover Sandeep , Chen Jinghua
Published: May 2024

Introduction: Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is a chronic progressive disease causing loss of visual acuity and ultimately blindness. This visual impairment can contribute to psychiatric comorbidity and worse overall quality of life (QOL). Our goal was to assess the relationship between the severity of disease for people with RP and QOL as it pertains to mental health, social support, disability resources, and financial factors.
Methods: This was a survey study conducted from June 2021 to February 2022 including 38 people with RP. Quality of life was assessed through a survey questionnaire focusing specifically on demographics, visual function, family, employment, social support, and mental health/well-being. Statistical analysis was conducted using a Chi-squared test for significance.
Results: A best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) of less than 20/200 (p= 0.0285) and living alone (p=0.0358) were both statistically significant independent risk factors for experiencing depressive symptoms. Highest education level attained and unemployment rate were not found to be related to the development of depressive symptoms. Subjects had a higher unemployment rate (64% vs. US rate of 3.6%) and a high likelihood of reporting depressive symptoms (47.4%).
Conclusions: People with RP are more likely to be unemployed and to develop depressive symptoms when compared to the general population. Similar to previous studies’ findings, those with a BCVA of less than 20/200 were statistically more likely to experience depressive symptoms; living alone is a novel risk factor that is also associated with the presence of depressive symptoms. Contrary to prior findings, highest education level and unemployment status were found not to be related to the development of depressive symptoms. These patients may benefit from regular depression screenings and optional establishment of care with a psychiatrist or psychologist if they live alone or their BCVA is 20/200 or worse.
Availability, Usage, and Preferences of Estradiol and Progestogen Preparations for Puberty Induction from a Multicentral Perspective
Authors: Gawlik-Starzyk Aneta M. , Więcek Małgorzata , Matthews Debbie , Kriström Berit Öhman , van der Velden Janielle A.E.M. , Sas Theo C.J. , Wasniewska Malgorzata , Verlinde Siska , Brain Caroline , Smyth Arlene , Donaldson Malcolm David Cairns ,   on behalf of the European Society for Paediatric Endocrinology Turner Syndrome Working Group
Published: May 2024

Introduction: Natural oestrogen administration as oral or transdermal 17β-estradiol is recommended for pubertal induction in girls with hypogonadism. However, suitable low-dose formulations are not consistently available globally. This questionnaire study aimed to identify the current availability of oestrogen and progesterone preparations worldwide. Methods: Endorsed by the ESPE Turner Syndrome Working Group, the questionnaire targeted paediatric endocrinologists. Questions focused on accessibility of oral/transdermal 17β-estradiol and progestogen preparations. Responses were collected through a SurveyMonkey survey disseminated via ESPE channels, direct outreach, and conferences from June 2020 to December 2022. Results: Participation included 229 healthcare professionals from 45 countries. Oral and transdermal 17β-estradiol in adult dosage was highly accessible (86.5% and 84.3%), with transdermal administration the preferred form (62.8%). Most commonly available estradiol preparations included 50 μg patches (32 countries) and 1 or 2 mg tablets (65.8% and 71.1% countries). However, 0.5 mg 17β-estradiol tablets were available in only 20% of respondents from 8 countries. Patches delivering 14 or 25 μg/day of 17β-estradiol were available in 3 and 20 countries, respectively. Oral progestogen had widespread availability (96.0%) and preference (87.0%), while transdermal usage was limited to 15.2% of respondents. Conclusion: This study highlights global challenges in accessing suitable hormone preparations for female pubertal induction. In most countries, the lowest dose of the estradiol is 50 µg for patches and 2 mg for tablets. Appropriate low-dose 17β-estradiol tablets are much less available than low-dose patches. Our survey underscores the importance of adapting guidelines to local availability, and the need for improved accessibility to address these global disparities.
ANTIBACTERIAL AND DIASTASE ENZYME ACTIVITIES OF HONEY Apis mellifera FROM INDONESIA
Authors: Rosyidah Rara Annisaur , Hasan Akhmad Endang Zainal , Andrianto Dimas
Published: May 2024

The quality of monofloral honey from Apis mellifera as an antibacterial can be influenced by the activity of the diastase enzyme and the secondary metabolites from the nectar source. Therefore, this study aimed to compare the activity of the diastase enzyme and the effectiveness of monofloral honey derived from Apis mellifera bees as a natural antibacterial agent against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Sampling for monofloral honey was carried out from nine different nectar sources, namely Acacia carpa, Calliandra calothyrsus, Nephelium lappaceum, Melaleuca laucadendron, Ceiba pentandra, Mangifera indica, Coffea robusta 1, Coffea robusta 2, and Hevea brasiliensisensi. Furthermore, diastase content was determined using UV-Vis spectrophotometry and the bacterial inhibition zone using the disc diffusion method. The principal component analysis (PCA) was used to analyze the clustering of diastase enzyme and antibacterial activity. The results showed that the highest diastase activity in monofloral honey was Mangifera indica, Nephelium lappaceum, and Coffea robusta 2 at 20.00 DN. This was followed by Nephelium lappaceum, Ceiba pentandra, and Hevea brasiliensisensisensi at 10.00 DN, Acacia carpa at 6.67 DN, Coffea robusta 1 at 5.00 DN, and Calliandra calothyrsus 4.00 DN. The clear zones for Staphylococcus aureus on Coffea robusta 2, Acacia carpa, Nephelium lappaceum, Coffea robusta 1, Ceiba pentandra, Hevea brasiliensisensisensi, Nephelium lappaceum, Calliandra calothyrsus, and Mangifera indica were 19.47, 18.53, 17.73, 17.03, 16.12, 16.10, 16.03, 15.73, and 14.73 mm, respectively. Additionally, the clear zones for Escherichia coli on Ceiba pentandra, Coffea robusta 2, Acacia carpa, Coffea robusta 1, Melaleuca laucadendron, Mangifera indica, Hevea brasiliensisensisensi, Calliandra calothyrsus, and Nephelium lappaceum were 27.93, 26.13, 24.60, 24.53; 24.53, 24.07, 21.90, 21.60, and 21.53 mm, respectively. In conclusion, clustering analysis was conducted based on nectar sources to evaluate antibacterial and diastase activity. The clusters identified are cluster 1 consisting of Hevea brasiliensisensi, cluster 2 including Mangifera indica, and Nephelium lappaceum. Others are cluster 3 consisting of Acacia carpa and Calliandra calothyrsus, and clustergroup 4 including Nephelium lappaceum, Ceiba pentandra, Coffea robusta 1, and Coffea robusta 2. Therefore, it was necessary to carry out antibacterial testing of other bacteria, specifically Salmonella typhi, and determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of honey with the best antibacterial activity in various concentration variations.
O tango do último desejo
Authors: Araújo Manoel Matias Medeiros de
Published: May 2024

Criação literária de Manoel Matias Medeiros de Araújo.
Cardiovascular Outcomes in Hypertension-Treated Patients With Peripheral Artery Disease: The VALUE Trial
Authors: Vrsalovic Mislav , Heimark Sondre , Søraas Camilla L. , Mehlum Maria H. , Kjeldsen Sverre E. , Mancia Giuseppe , Julius Stevo , Weber Michael A.
Published: May 2024

BACKGROUND:

Systolic blood pressure (BP) is a key predictor of cardiovascular events, but patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD) are rarely included in hypertension trials. The VALUE trial (Valsartan Antihypertensive Long-Term Use Evaluation) investigated the long-term effects of valsartan- or amlodipine-based treatments on cardiovascular outcomes in patients with hypertension with a high cardiovascular risk. The aim of this subanalysis was to clarify the relationship between achieved BP on treatment and cardiovascular outcomes in patients with hypertension with PAD.

METHODS:

Patients were followed for 4 to 6 years, and BP was measured regularly. The primary end point was time to the first major adverse cardiovascular event, including myocardial infarction, stroke, cardiovascular death, and heart failure requiring hospitalization. Statistical analyses were performed using Cox regression, adjusting for various baseline covariates.

RESULTS:

Of the 13 803 participants, 1898 (13.8%) had PAD. During a median follow-up of 4.5 years, patients with PAD had a 23% increased risk of major adverse cardiovascular events compared with patients without PAD. Patients with an achieved systolic BP <130 mm Hg and 130 to 139 mm Hg, compared with those with systolic BP ≥140 mm Hg, were associated with a decreased risk of a major adverse cardiovascular event (hazard ratio, 0.65 [95% CI, 0.43–0.97];
P
=0.037; 0.85 [95% CI, 0.74–0.97];
P
=0.016, respectively). Additionally, systolic BP <130 mm Hg was associated with a decreased risk of cardiovascular death (hazard ratio, 0.33 [95% CI, 0.12–0.92];
P
=0.034). The incidence of the primary outcome did not differ between antihypertensive treatment regimens (
P
=0.365).

CONCLUSIONS:

Our results indicate that more intensive BP control is associated with a reduction in cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in patients with hypertensive PAD.
Angiotensin-(1-12): Does It Exist? A Critical Evaluation in Humans, Rats, and Mice
Authors: Rodrigues André F. , Domenig Oliver , Poglitsch Marko , Bader Michael , Danser A.H. Jan
Published: May 2024

BACKGROUND:

Angiotensin-(1-12), measured by a self-developed, polyclonal antibody-based radioimmunoassay, has been suggested to act as an alternative precursor of angiotensin II. A more reliable detection method would be liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.

METHODS:

We set up the quantification of human and murine angiotensin-(1-12) by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry and then used this method to measure angiotensin-(1-12) in human, rat, and mouse blood samples, as well as in mouse brain, mouse kidney, and rat heart. We also verified ex vivo angiotensin-(1-12) generation and metabolism in human blood samples incubated at 37 °C.

RESULTS:

Stabilization of blood in guanidine hydrochloride was chosen for sample collection since this allowed full recovery of spiked angiotensin-(1-12). Angiotensin-(1-12) was undetectable in human blood samples when incubating nonstabilized plasma at 37 °C, while angiotensin-(1-12) added to nonstabilized human plasma disappeared within 10 minutes. Stabilized human blood samples contained angiotensin II, while angiotensin-(1-12) was undetectable. Blood, hearts, and kidneys, but not brains, of wild-type mice and rats contained detectable levels of angiotensin II, while angiotensin-(1-12) was undetectable. In renin knockout mice, all angiotensins, including angiotensin-(1-12), were undetectable at all sites, despite a 50% rise in angiotensinogen. Angiotensin-(1-12) metabolism in human blood plasma was not affected by renin inhibition. Yet, blockade of angiotensin-converting enzyme and aminopeptidase A, but not of chymase, neutral endopeptidase, or prolyl oligopeptidase, prolonged the half-life of angiotensin-(1-12), and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibition prevented the formation of angiotensin II.

CONCLUSIONS:

We were unable to detect intact angiotensin-(1-12) in humans, rats, and mice, either in blood or tissue, suggesting that this metabolite is an unlikely source of endogenous angiotensins.
Possible Role of Gut Microbiota Alterations in Myocardial Fibrosis and Burden of Heart Failure in Hypertensive Heart Disease
Authors: Pitt Bertram , Diez Javier
Published: May 2024

Epidemiological studies have revealed that hypertensive heart disease is a major risk factor for heart failure, and its heart failure burden is growing rapidly. The need to act in the face of this threat requires first an understanding of the multifactorial origin of hypertensive heart disease and second an exploration of new mechanistic pathways involved in myocardial alterations critically involved in cardiac dysfunction and failure (eg, myocardial interstitial fibrosis). Increasing evidence shows that alterations of gut microbiota composition and function (ie, dysbiosis) leading to changes in microbiota-derived metabolites and impairment of the gut barrier and immune functions may be involved in blood pressure elevation and hypertensive organ damage. In this review, we highlight recent advances in the potential contribution of gut microbiota alterations to myocardial interstitial fibrosis in hypertensive heart disease through blood pressure–dependent and blood pressure–independent mechanisms. Achievements in this field should open a new path for more comprehensive treatment of myocardial interstitial fibrosis in hypertensive heart disease and, thus, for the prevention of heart failure.
Racial and Ethnic Differences in Mortality and Functional Outcomes Following Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage
Authors: Becerril-Gaitan Andrea , Mokua Collins , Liu Collin , Nguyen Tien , Shaker Faris , Nguyen Justin , Gusdon Aaron M. , Brown Robert J. , Cochran Joseph , Blackburn Spiros , Chen Peng Roc , Dannenbaum Mark , Choi Huimahn A. , Chen Ching-Jen
Published: May 2024

BACKGROUND:

Ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke incidence tends to be higher among minority racial and ethnic groups. The effect of race and ethnicity following an aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) remains poorly understood. Thus, we aimed to explore the association between race and ethnicity and aSAH outcomes.

METHODS:

Single-center retrospective review of patients with aSAH from January 2009 to March 2023. Primary outcome was in-hospital mortality. Secondary outcomes included delayed cerebral ischemia, cerebral infarction, radiographic and symptomatic vasospasm, pulmonary complications, epileptic seizures, external ventricular drain placement, and modified Rankin Scale score at discharge and 3-month follow-up. Associations between race and ethnicity and outcomes were assessed using binary and ordinal regression models, with multivariable models adjusted for significant covariates.

RESULTS:

A total of 1325 patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage presented to our center. Among them, 443 cases were excluded, and data from 882 patients with radiographically confirmed aSAH were analyzed. Distribution by race and ethnicity was 40.8% (n=360) White, 31.4% (n=277) Hispanic, 22.1% (n=195) Black, and 5.7% (n=50) Asian. Based on Hunt-Hess and modified Fisher grade, aSAH severity was similar among groups (
P
=0.269 and
P
=0.469, respectively). In-hospital mortality rates were highest for Asian (14.0%) and Hispanic (11.2%) patients; however, after adjusting for patient sex, age, health insurance, smoking history, alcohol and substance abuse, and aneurysm treatment, the overall likelihood was comparable to White patients. Hispanic patients had higher risks of developing cerebral infarction (adjusted odds ratio, 2.17 [1.20–3.91]) and symptomatic vasospasm (adjusted odds ratio, 1.64 [1.05–2.56]) than White patients and significantly worse discharge modified Rankin Scale scores (adjusted odds ratio, 1.44 [1.05–1.99]). Non-White patients also demonstrated a lower likelihood of 0 to 2 discharge modified Rankin Scale scores (adjusted odds ratio, 0.71 [0.50–0.98]). No significant interactions between race and ethnicity and age or sex were found for in-hospital mortality and functional outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS:

Our study identified significant differences in cerebral infarction and symptomatic vasospasm risk between Hispanic and White patients following aSAH. A higher likelihood of worse functional outcomes at discharge was found among non-White patients. These findings emphasize the need to better understand predisposing risk factors that may influence aSAH outcomes. Efforts toward risk stratification and patient-centered management should be pursued.