bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association between the nurse work environment and patient experience in Chilean hospitals: A multi‐hospital cross‐sectional study
Authors: Simonetti Marta , Aiken Linda H. , Lake Eileen T.
Published: March 2023

Introduction

International evidence shows that nurses' work environments affect patient outcomes, including their care experiences. In Chile, several factors negatively affect the work environment, but they have not been addressed in prior research. The aim of this study was to measure the quality of the nurse work environment in Chilean hospitals and its association with patient experience.

Design

A cross‐sectional study of 40 adult general high‐complexity hospitals across Chile.

Methods

Participants included bedside nurses (n = 1632) and patients (n = 2017) in medical or surgical wards, who responded to a survey. The work environment was measured through the Practice Environment Scale of the Nursing Work Index. Hospitals were categorized as having a good or poor work environment. A set of patient experience outcomes were measured through the Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS) survey. Adjusted logistic regression models were used to test associations between the environment and patient experiences.

Results

For all outcomes, the percentage of patients satisfied was higher in hospitals with good as compared to poor work environments. In good environment hospitals patients had significantly higher odds of being satisfied with communication with nurses (OR 1.46, 95% CI: 1.10–1.94, p = 0.010), with pain control (OR 1.52, 95% CI: 1.14–2.02, p = 0.004), and with nurses' timely responses in helping them to go to the bathroom (OR 2.17, 95% CI: 1.49–3.16, p < 0.0001).

Conclusions

Hospitals with good environments outperform hospitals with poor environments in most patient care experience indicators. Efforts to improve nurses' work environment hold promise for improving patient experiences in Chilean hospitals.

Clinical Relevance

Hospital administrators and nurse managers should value, especially in the context of financial constraints and understaffing, the implementation of strategies to improve the quality of nurses´ work environments so that they can provide patients with a better care experience.
Cheek wrinkles revisited: Etiological classifications and nonsurgical treatment options
Authors: Peng Jui‐Hui , Peng Hsien‐Li Peter
Published: March 2023

Background

Wrinkles are one of the key signs of an aging face. Cheek wrinkles have a prominent negative impact on facial aesthetic. Recognizing the pathology and types of different cheek wrinkles, and the possible minimal invasive interventions to treat them, are crucial for optimal aesthetic outcome.

Objective

The classification of cheek wrinkles based on etiology, past literature, and wrinkle pattern, and the outlining of possible treatment options.

Result

Five different types of cheek wrinkles are described: Type 1‐Atrophic cheek wrinkles, Type 2‐dynamic expressional cheek wrinkles, Type 3‐static expressional cheek wrinkles, Type 4‐laxity cheek wrinkles, and Type 5‐sleep cheek wrinkles. Treatment options and techniques for different types of cheek wrinkles are recommended accordingly.
Imaging of the peripheral nervous system in nociplastic pain: An ultrasound study in patients with fibromyalgia
Authors: Di Carlo Marco , Bianchi Benedetta , Cipolletta Edoardo , Farah Sonia , Filippucci Emilio , Salaffi Fausto
Published: March 2023

Background and Purpose

Although fibromyalgia (FM) is considered a central sensitization syndrome, studies investigating peripheral nerves in this condition are not available. The primary objective of this study is to investigate the sonographic changes (ie, increased cross‐sectional area [CSA]), of peripheral nerves in patients with FM compared to healthy controls. The secondary objective is to identify potential clinical correlations associated with increased CSA in patients with FM.

Methods

In this cross‐sectional observational study, consecutive female patients with FM underwent sonographic assessment using a standardized scanning protocol. The CSA of seven nerves was measured bilaterally at 11 anatomic sites by an experienced sonographer. Differences in CSA of nerves were compared with those of healthy subjects by one‐way analysis of variance. Patients underwent clinimetric evaluation aimed at investigating disease severity, neuropathic pain features, depression, anxiety, fatigue, and autonomic symptoms to explore the possible correlation between CSA and clinical features.

Results

Forty‐seven patients and 20 healthy controls were enrolled. Differences in terms of increased CSA between patients and healthy controls were identified at multiple levels, mainly at the level of the sural nerve, vagus nerve, and sixth cervical nerve root (for all, p < .001). Sonographic findings, however, did not correlate with the clinical features explored.

Conclusions

Patients with FM show higher CSA of nerves than healthy subjects. The increased CSA is most evident at the sural nerve, vagus nerve, and sixth cervical nerve root. Ultrasound, a relatively easy‐to‐use technique, could identify morphological changes, in peripheral nervous structures in patients with FM.
Prognostic value of pulmonary vascular resistance estimated by echocardiography in dogs with myxomatous mitral valve disease and pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Yuchi Yunosuke , Suzuki Ryohei , Yasumura Yuyo , Saito Takahiro , Teshima Takahiro , Matsumoto Hirotaka , Koyama Hidekazu
Published: March 2023

Background

Progression to combined post‐ and pre‐capillary pulmonary hypertension (PH) provides prognostic information in human patients with post‐capillary PH. Pulmonary vascular resistance estimated by echocardiography (PVRecho) is useful for the stratification of dogs with myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD) and detectable tricuspid regurgitation.

Objectives

To evaluate the prognostic value of PVRecho in dogs with MMVD.

Animals

Fifty‐four dogs with MMVD and detectable tricuspid regurgitation.

Methods

Prospective cohort study. All dogs underwent echocardiography. The PVRecho was calculated based on tricuspid regurgitation and the velocity‐time integral of the pulmonary artery flow. To evaluate the influence of echocardiographic variables on cardiac‐related deaths, Cox proportional hazard analysis was performed. Additionally, Kaplan‐Meier curves classified by PVRecho tertiles were made and compared using log‐rank tests to evaluate the influence of PVRecho on all‐cause mortality and cardiac‐related death.

Results

The median follow‐up time was 579 days. Forty‐one dogs with MMVD (PH severity [number]: no or mild, 21/33; moderate, 11/11; severe, 9/10) died during the study. In the multivariable Cox proportional hazard analysis adjusted for age, sildenafil administration, and American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine stage of MMVD, left atrial to aortic diameter ratio and PVRecho remained significant (adjusted hazard ratio [95% confidence interval]: 1.2 [1.1‐1.3] and 2.1 [1.6‐3.0], respectively). Higher PVRecho showed a significant association with lower survival rates.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Left atrial enlargement and high PVRecho were independent prognostic factors in dogs with MMVD and detectable tricuspid regurgitation.
Parent Involvement with Their Children's Schools: Perceptions of Saudi Parents of Elementary School Students with Learning Disabilities
Authors: Abed Mohaned G. , Shackelford Todd K.
Published: March 2023

This exploratory, qualitative study investigated the perceptions of Saudi Arabian parents of elementary school‐aged children with learning disabilities with regard to their involvement in their children's education. Guided by results of previous research conducted primarily with Western samples, and using a semistructured interview methodology followed by thematic phenomenological analyses, specific interview topics included parental perceptions of (a) the importance of parent–school partnerships, (b) the means of encouraging a parent–school relationship, and (c) how school practices may affect parental participation. The study involved 13 parents of children in elementary education (ages 7–12 years) diagnosed with learning disabilities. The results suggest several ways to overcome the involvement barriers reported by parents.
Anatomic outcomes of sacrohysteropexy without posterior mesh placement in patients with asymptomatic grade 1 and 2 rectoceles: Is a rectouterine mesh really necessary?
Authors: Sancı Adem , Obaid Khaled , Topcuoglu Murat , Gokce Mehmet İlker , Süer Evren , Gülpinar Ömer
Published: March 2023

Objectives

To present the anatomic outcomes of sacrohysteropexy surgery without posterior mesh placement in patients with asymptomatic grade 1 and 2 rectoceles.

Methods

The patients who underwent abdominal sacrohysteropexy without posterior mesh placement for the treatment of symptomatic grade 3 and 4 anterior/apical prolapse + asymptomatic grade 1 and 2 rectocele between May 2015 and January 2021 were evaluated retrospectively. The success rate, the anatomic outcomes (for anterior, apical, and posterior pelvic organ prolapse [POP]), and perioperative data of the surgical procedure were assessed. The objective failure criteria after surgery included the presence of grade 1 or higher in any compartment (anatomical criteria), recurrent POP requiring an operation, and/or usage of pessaries. Perioperative adverse events were categorized according to the Clavien–Dindo classification.

Results

Fifty‐one patients underwent sacrohysteropexy without posterior mesh. The mean age of the patients was 56.8 ± 10 years. The success rates (anatomical outcomes) for the anterior/apical and posterior POP in the study group were 60.7%, 54.9%, and 58.8%, respectively, at a median follow‐up time of 40.24 (24–71) months. The median hospital stay was 3.1 (2–6) days. The mean estimated blood loss was 127.6 (80–150) mL. The mean operation time was 114 (90–156) min. The mean urethral and catheter removal times were 1.3 (1, 2) and 2.1 (2–4) days, respectively. The mean recovery time of gastrointestinal motility was 14.4 h (11–35).

Conclusions

Sacrohysteropexy without posterior mesh placement might be associated with less pain, shorter operative time, and shorter recovery time of gastrointestinal motility, without compromising the anatomic success.
Not All Citations Are Equal: Reflections from Medical Anthropology in the Philippines
Authors: Lasco Gideon
Published: March 2023

Long before recent calls to decolonize anthropology, practitioners of “national anthropologies”—such as local anthropologists from/in/of the Philippines—have sought to implement a more inclusive kind of scholarship, and this has been reflected in their citational practices. Indeed, a look at the scholarly output of Philippine anthropologists would show a diverse set of citations that feature local scholarship, including those written in Filipino. As I will show in this article, however, not all citations are equal. Theoretical and methodological citations are typically drawn from Euro‐American scholars while scholarship from the Global South is typically invoked as illustrative examples, as parallels, and to set context. Such citational practices, I argue, are a consequence of particular disciplinary histories and divergent priorities. They reinforce the inequalities of power and academic capital within medical anthropology, raising the need for more reflexivity not just about whom medical anthropologists cite but for what reasons.
“Acquired” Equals Addition? Associating Verbs with Arithmetic Operations Impacts Word Problem Performance
Authors: Jaffe Joshua Benjamin , Gharibani Troy , Bolger Donald Joseph
Published: March 2023

Successful word problem performance often requires understanding the linguistic relations between characters and objects. However, the keyword method promotes associating specific words with mathematical operations while neglecting the situational context. Research has thoroughly investigated the detrimental effects of individuals associating relational terminology (e.g., “more”) with mathematical operations (e.g., “addition”). The current study expands upon this line of research by examining whether undergraduate students associate verbs with mathematical operations and if verbal associations affect word problem performance. Similar to relational terminology, the participants associated verbs with operations, which significantly impacted performance. The educational implications are discussed.
Pleading Nolo Contendere? Aquinas vs. Bonaventure on Poetry
Authors: Belleza Jose Isidro
Published: March 2023

While the story of Thomas Aquinas and Bonaventure of Bagnoregio engaging in a friendly contest, at the behest of Pope Urban IV, to compose the Mass and Office of Corpus Christi is likely a pious fiction, one can still ponder the fascinating hypothetical scenario: had such a contest taken place, who might have won? To consider that question, this paper embarks on a close reading of Bonaventure's hymns in his Office of the Passion, comparing his poetic approaches to those of Aquinas in the hymns for Corpus Christi. After an introductory historical examination into the supposed involvement of both friars in the composition of the Corpus Christi liturgy, this article proceeds in three sections. First, a look into select excerpts from Bonaventure's Office of the Passion will establish his general poetic technique. In the transitional second section, a direct comparison between Bonaventure and Aquinas on the composition of the final doxological verses of their respective hymns will place their different poetic styles into greater relief. Third, a broader reading of Aquinas's Eucharistic hymns will highlight the unique qualities of his versified praises. Finally, in light of the foregoing analyses, a prospective winner of the hypothetical contest will be suggested.
Global patterns and climatic determinants of phylogenetic structure of regional fern floras
Authors: Qian Hong , Kessler Michael , Zhang Jian , Jin Yi , Jiang Meichen
Published: March 2023

Knowledge of relationships between phylogenetic structure of a biological assemblage and ecological factors that drive the variation of phylogenetic structure among regions is crucial for understanding the causes of variation in taxonomic composition and richness among regions, but this knowledge is lacking for the global flora of ferns. Here, we fill this critical knowledge gap.

We divided the globe into 392 geographic units on land, collated species lists of ferns for each geographic unit, and used different phylogenetic metrics (tip‐ vs basal‐weighted) reflecting different evolutionary depths to quantify phylogenetic structure. We then related taxonomic and phylogenetic structure metrics to six climatic variables for ferns as a whole and for two groups of ferns (old clades vs polypods) reflecting different evolutionary histories across the globe and within each continental region.

We found that when old clades and polypods were considered separately, temperature‐related variables explained more variation in these metrics than did precipitation‐related variables in both groups. When analyses were conducted for continental regions separately, this pattern holds in most cases.

Climate extremes have a stronger relationship with phylogenetic structure of ferns than does climate seasonality. Climatic variables explained more variation in phylogenetic structure at deeper evolutionary depths.
Depression and lifestyle: Focusing on nutrition, exercise, and their possible relevance to molecular mechanisms
Authors: Kunugi Hiroshi
Published: March 2023

Accumulating evidence has suggested the important role of lifestyle factors in depressive disorder. This paper aimed to introduce and outline recent research on epidemiological and intervention studies on lifestyle‐related factors in depressive disorder with a special focus on diet. Evidence on exercise, sleep. and related behaviors is also described. Here, findings from meta‐analytic studies are emphasized and related studies by the author's research group are introduced. Dietary factors that increase the risk of the illness include energy overload, skipping breakfast, unhealthy diet styles such as Western diet, inflammation‐prone diet, and high consumption of ultraprocessed food (UPF). Nutritional imbalances such as inadequate intake of protein, fish (Ω3 polyunsaturated fatty acids), vitamins (folate and vitamin D), and minerals (iron and zinc) increases the risk of depression. Poor oral hygiene, food allergy, addiction to alcohol, and smoking constitute risk factors. Sedentary lifestyle and increased screen time (e.g. video games and the internet) confer the risk of depression. Insomnia and disturbed sleep–wake rhythm are also involved in the pathogenesis of depression. There is accumulating evidence at the meta‐analysis level for interventions to modify these lifestyle habits in the protection and treatment of depressive disorder. Main biological mechanisms of the link between lifestyle factors and depression include monoamine imbalance, inflammation, altered stress response, oxidative stress, and dysfunction of brain‐derived neurotrophic factor, although other players such as insulin, leptin, and orexin also play a role. To increase resilience to modern stress and ameliorate depression through modification of lifestyle habits, a list of 30 recommendable interventions is presented.
The role of religious contexts on hate crimes, 2003–2017
Authors: Ratcliff Shawn , Schwadel Philip
Published: March 2023

Objective

Combining insights from socio‐criminological theories of (hate) crimes and the moral communities perspective, this article examines how the religious makeup of a county—evangelical Protestant, mainline Protestant, and Catholic adherence rates—affects county‐level hate crime patterns.

Methods

Zero‐inflated negative binomial regressions were conducted on a unique county‐level data set that included reported hate crimes, religious adherence rates, and related correlates of hate crimes for three distinct temporal periods: 2003–2007, 2008–2012, and 2013–2017.

Results

Results demonstrate that a county's total adherence rate, mainline Protestant rate and, to a lesser degree, Catholic adherence rate are associated with fewer hate crimes. We find no evidence that the evangelical Protestant adherence rate is associated with the number of hate crimes.

Conclusion

These results support the moral communities hypothesis, extend research on the religion–crime nexus, and highlight the distinction between religious and secular organizations in community‐level crime patterns, particularly hate crimes.
UGT76F1 glycosylates an isomer of the C7‐necic acid component of pyrrolizidine alkaloids in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Chen Han‐Yi , Li Xin , Chapple Clint , Dilkes Brian , Li Xu
Published: March 2023

Identification of unknown metabolites and their biosynthetic genes is an active research area in plant specialized metabolism. By following a gene–metabolite association from a genome‐wide association study of Arabidopsis stem metabolites, we report a previously unknown metabolite, 2‐hydroxy‐2‐(1‐hydroxyethyl)pentanoic acid glucoside, and demonstrated that UGT76F1 is responsible for its production in Arabidopsis. The chemical structure of the glucoside was determined by a series of analyses, including tandem MS, acid and base hydrolysis, and NMR spectrometry. T‐DNA knockout mutants of UGT76F1 are devoid of the glucoside but accumulate increased levels of the aglycone. 2‐hydroxy‐2‐(1‐hydroxyethyl)pentanoic acid is structurally related to the C7‐necic acid component of lycopsamine‐type pyrrolizidine alkaloids such as trachelantic acid and viridifloric acid. Feeding norvaline greatly enhances the accumulation of 2‐hydroxy‐2‐(1‐hydroxyethyl)pentanoic acid glucoside in wild‐type but not the UGT76F1 knockout mutant plants, providing evidence for an orthologous C7‐necic acid biosynthetic pathway in Arabidopsis despite the apparent lack of pyrrolizidine alkaloids.
A leaf‐emanated signal orchestrates grain size and number in response to maternal resources
Authors: Ta Kim Nhung , Shimizu‐Sato Sae , Agata Ayumi , Yoshida Yuri , Taoka Ken‐ichiro , Tsuji Hiroyuki , Akagi Takashi , Tanizawa Yasuhiro , Sano Ryosuke , Nosaka‐Takahashi Misuzu , Suzuki Toshiya , Demura Taku , Toyoda Atsushi , Nakamura Yasukazu , Sato Yutaka
Published: March 2023

In plants, variations in seed size and number are outcomes of different reproductive strategies. Both traits are often environmentally influenced, suggesting that a mechanism exists to coordinate these phenotypes in response to available maternal resources. Yet, how maternal resources are sensed and influence seed size and number is largely unknown. Here, we report a mechanism that senses maternal resources and coordinates grain size and number in the wild rice Oryza rufipogon, a wild progenitor of Asian cultivated rice. We showed that FT‐like 9 (FTL9) regulates both grain size and number and that maternal photosynthetic assimilates induce FTL9 expression in leaves to act as a long‐range signal that increases grain number and reduces size. Our findings highlight a strategy that benefits wild plants to survive in a fluctuating environment. In this strategy, when maternal resources are sufficient, wild plants increase their offspring number while preventing an increase in offspring size by the action of FTL9, which helps expand their habitats. In addition, we found that a loss‐of‐function allele (ftl9) is prevalent among wild and cultivated populations, offering a new scenario in the history of rice domestication.
On a theorem by Browder and its application to nonlinear boundary value problems
Authors: Amster Pablo
Published: March 2023

In a paper from 1960, Felix Browder established a theorem concerning the continuation of the fixed points of a family of continuous functions depending continuously on a parameter , where is a convex and compact subset of . Here, the result is presented for a compact mapping where is a convex, closed, and bounded subset of an arbitrary normed space and is an arcwise connected topological space. Applications to nonlinear boundary value problems are given; specifically, we shall present new viewpoints of known results, introduce some novel results, and exhibit some open problems.
EUS-guided drainage for pancreatic duct stone combined with main pancreatic duct stenosis after pancreaticoduodenectomy: a case report
Authors: He Hongfei , Yu Tingting , Hou Senlin , Li Yaoting , Zhang Lichao
Published: March 2023

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A Reduction of Transcriptional Regulation in Aquatic Oligotrophic Microorganisms Enhances Fitness in Nutrient-Poor Environments
Authors: Noell Stephen E. , Hellweger Ferdi L. , Temperton Ben , Giovannoni Stephen J.
Published: March 2023

In this review, we consider the regulatory strategies of aquatic oligotrophs, microbial cells that are adapted to thrive under low-nutrient concentrations in oceans, lakes, and other aquatic ecosystems. Many reports have concluded that oligotrophs use less transcriptional regulation than copiotrophic cells, which are adapted to high nutrient concentrations and are far more common subjects for laboratory investigations of regulation.
Supplemental Material: Early Cretaceous (late Barremian–Early Albian) expanding aeolian activity in East Asia: Evidence from the stratigraphic evolution of aeolian deposition in the Baiyin-Jingyuan Basin, northern China
Authors: Wang Fei , et al.
Published: March 2023

Field photos of three sections, a–a′, b–b′, c–c′, of Hekou Group in the 8 Baiyin-Jingyuan Basin.
Menstrual health and hygiene among young Palestinian female university students in the West Bank: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Hassan Sahar , Ghandour Rula , Bakri Lamia , Shwiki Siham , Safi Sara , Abuzaid Reem , Zeidan Hiba
Published: March 2023

Objective

We investigated some aspects of menstrual health and hygiene among young female students at Birzeit University in the West Bank of the occupied Palestinian territory.

Design

Cross-sectional study in a large central university.

Participants

Out of a total of 8473 eligible female students, a calculated sample size of 400 students aged between 16 and 27 years was obtained.

Setting

Large central university, West Bank, occupied Palestinian territory (oPt).

Measures

An anonymous structured international research instrument consisting of 39 questions based on the Menstrual Health Questionnaire, in addition to few questions relevant to the context, was administered.

Results

30.5% of participants were not informed about menstruation before menarche, and 65.3% reported that they were not ready when they got their first period. The highest reported source of information regarding menstruation was family (74.1%), followed by school (69.3%). About 66% of respondents reported that they need more information on various topics of menstruation. The most common type of menstrual hygiene products used were single-use pads (86%), followed by toilet paper (13%), nappies (10%) and reusable cloths (6%). Of the total 400 students, 14.5% reported that menstrual hygiene products are expensive, and 15.3% reported that they always/sometimes had to use menstrual products that they do not like because they are cheaper. Most (71.9%) of the respondents reported that they used menstrual products for longer time than recommended due to inadequate washing facilities at the university campus.

Conclusions

The findings provide useful evidence on the lack and the need for menstrual-related information for female university students, inadequate infrastructure to help them manage their menstruation with dignity and pointed to some menstrual poverty in accessing menstrual products. A national intervention programme is needed to increase awareness regarding menstrual health and hygiene among women in local communities and female teachers in schools and universities to enable them to disseminate information to and meet the practical needs of girls at home, at school and at the university.
Geodesic motion on the symplectic leaf of $$SO(3)$$ with distorted e(3) algebra and Liouville integrability of a free rigid body
Authors: Deriglazov Alexei A.
Published: March 2023

The solutions to the Euler–Poisson equations are geodesic lines of SO(3) manifold with the metric determined by inertia tensor. However, the Poisson structure on the corresponding symplectic leaf does not depend on the inertia tensor. We calculate its explicit form and confirm that it differs from the algebra e(3). The obtained Poisson brackets are used to demonstrate the Liouville integrability of a free rigid body. The general solution to the Euler–Poisson equations is written in terms of exponential of the Hamiltonian vector field.
The Longest Path Problem in Odd-Sized O-Shaped Grid Graphs
Authors: Keshavarz-Kohjerdi Fatemeh , Bagheri Alireza
Published: March 2023

One of the well-known NP-hard optimization problems in graph theory is finding the longest path in a graph. This problem remains NP-hard for general grid graphs, and its complexity is open for grid graphs that have a limited number of holes. In this paper, we study this problem for odd-sized [Formula: see text]-shaped grid graphs, i.e. a rectangular grid graph with a rectangular hole. We show that this problem can be solved in linear time.
The canonical BV Laplacian on half-densities
Authors: Cattaneo Alberto S.
Published: March 2023

This is a didactical review on the canonical BV Laplacian on half-densities.
The quantal flux behaviors of the refractive process in the elastic scattering of16O at 1503 MeV
Authors: Hu Liyuan , Song Yushou
Published: March 2023

The quantal flux behaviors of the refractive process in the elastic scattering of [Formula: see text] on different targets at 1503 MeV are analyzed based on the eikonal approximation. For their angular distributions, the optical model and the eikonal approximation calculations are performed and compared with each other. The shadow-surface decomposition is carried out to qualitatively assess the strength of the surface scattering relative to the shadow one. The transversal fluxes are calculated and negative values representing the refractive process are observed near the nuclear surface region. The peak value of the negative region is found capable of being a characteristic quantity to measure the strength of the refractive scattering. The transversal-flux-peak orbital angular momentum increases as the target mass number increases and can be a quantity characterizing the refraction. The corresponding impact parameter is found closer to the outer part of the potential surface region.
SOME NEW TYPES OF GRONWALL-BELLMAN INEQUALITY ON FRACTAL SET
Authors: WANG GUOTAO , LIU RONG
Published: March 2023

Gronwall–Bellman-type inequalities provide a very effective way to investigate the qualitative and quantitative properties of solutions of nonlinear integral and differential equations. In recent years, local fractional calculus has attracted the attention of many researchers. In this paper, based on the basic knowledge of local fractional calculus and the method of proving inequality on the set of real numbers, some new Gronwall–Bellman inequalities are discussed and established on the fractal space. Our results are a powerful supplement to the existing literature.
A NEW PROGRAM FOR THE ENTIRE FUNCTIONS IN NUMBER THEORY
Authors: YANG XIAO-JUN
Published: March 2023

In this paper, we propose a new program for introducing the sign of the functional equation to present the entire functions of order one in number theory. We suggest some open problems for the zeros of these entire functions related to the completed Dedekind zeta function, completed quadratic Dirichlet L-functions, completed Ramanujan zeta function and completed automorphic L-function. These lead to the contribution to giving the deep understanding for diffusion equations associated with the entire functions of order one in number theory.
OPTIMIZATION OF MACHINING CHARACTERISTICS OF TITANIUM-BASED BIOMATERIALS: APPROACH TO OPTIMIZE SURFACE INTEGRITY FOR IMPLANTS APPLICATIONS
Authors: SINGH BHARAT , SAXENA KULDEEP K. , DAGWA ISHAYA M. , SINGHAL PIYUSH , MALIK VINAYAK
Published: March 2023

Nowadays, there has been continuous development of metallic biomaterials to meet special needs in the manufacturing of biomedical implants, units and systems so as to function well in the required environment. Developed biomaterials which possess exceptional properties in terms of biocompatibility and biomechanical compatibility require precision processing and machining to obtain the desired dimensional tolerances. Electrical discharge machining (EDM) is the noncontact or nontraditional process of machining that suits the precision machining of biomaterials. In this work, an effort was made to optimize the EDM parameters during machining of titanium-based biomaterials Ti-6AL-4V, so that the multi-objective responses could be obtained. The response surface method was used in designing the experiment, while the grey relational method was used to analyze the effect of multiple objectives into a single unit. The electrical parameters that were considered in this study include peak current, gap voltage, pulse turn-on and duty cycle. These parameters were set within the acceptable limits of the equipment. Three responses were studied, which are tool wear rates (TWRs), material removal rate (MRR) and surface roughness (SR). Using the signal-to-noise ratio and ANOVA optimum tool/electrode wear rate (TWR) is obtained at [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]g/min with process parameters [Formula: see text] A, [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]V, [Formula: see text][Formula: see text][Formula: see text]s, [Formula: see text]%. Optimum values of material removal rate (MRR) are obtained as 0.01035[Formula: see text]g/min with process parameters [Formula: see text] A, [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]V, [Formula: see text][Formula: see text][Formula: see text]s, [Formula: see text]%. Optimum SR is observed as 2.258[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]m with EDM process parameters [Formula: see text] A, [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]V, [Formula: see text][Formula: see text][Formula: see text]s, [Formula: see text]%. Surface characteristics are verified with SEM micrographs. Whereas, grey relation analysis predicted the multi-objective optimum response characteristics. Based on the grey relation grade, experiment number 7 ([Formula: see text][Formula: see text]A, [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]V, [Formula: see text][Formula: see text][Formula: see text]s, [Formula: see text]%) secured the first rank among the experiments/trails.
Cyr61 Mediates Angiotensin II-Induced Podocyte Apoptosis via the Upregulation of TXNIP
Authors: Ma Jingxue , Ma Ruiying , Zhao Xiaoyue , Wang Yingxiu , Liao Shengxue , Nong Cong , Lu Fengling , Liang Zhao , Huang Junhui , Huang Yan , Zhu Zhengxi , Wang Junjie
Published: March 2023

Purpose. It is well documented that angiotensin II (Ang II) elevation promotes apoptosis of podocytes in vivo and vitro, but the potential mechanism is still oscular. The current study is aimed at probing into the assignment of cysteine-rich protein 61 (Cyr61) in Ang II-induced podocyte apoptosis. Methods. Podocytes were treated with Ang II (10-6 mol/L) for 48 hours to establish an injury model in vitro. Western blot assays were detected the expression of Cyr61, Cyt-c, Bax, and Bcl-2. Gene microarray was used to analyze the expression of mRNAs after treatment with Ang II. CRISPR/Cas9 technology was used to knock down Cyr61 and overexpress TXNIP gene, respectively. Results. The expression of Cyr61, TXNIP, Cyt-c, and Bax in podocytes treated with Ang II were upregulated, but the expression and apoptotic rates of Bcl-2 in podocytes were inhibited. The level of the above factors was not significantly different after the knockdown of Cyr61 with Ang II in podocytes. In Ang II group, when knocked down Cyr61, the expressed level of TXNIP, Cyt-c, and Bax was diminished after Ang II treatment; interestingly Bcl-2 expression and podocyte apoptotic rate were reduced. Under the stimulation of Ang II, the expression of Cyt-c and Bax were growing, whereas Bcl-2 was reduced, and the apoptotic rates were higher in the TXNIP overexpression group. Cyt-c and Bax were put on, whereas that of Bcl-2 was to be cut down when the Cyr61 was knockdown, and the apoptotic rates were gained in the TXNIP overexpression+Cyr61 knockdown group. Conclusions. The results of the study extrapolate that Cyr61 plays a dominant role in Ang II-induced podocyte apoptosis. Additionally, Cyr61 may mediate the Ang II-induced podocyte apoptosis by promoting the expression of TNXIP.
Data from The Ratio of Toxic-to-Nontoxic miRNAs Predicts Platinum Sensitivity in Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Patel Monal , Wang Yinu , Bartom Elizabeth T. , Dhir Rohin , Nephew Kenneth P. , Matei Daniela , Murmann Andrea E. , Lengyel Ernst , Peter Marcus E.
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Ovarian cancer remains one of the deadliest gynecologic malignancies affecting women, and development of resistance to platinum remains a major barrier to achieving a cure. Multiple mechanisms have been identified to confer platinum resistance. Numerous miRNAs have been linked to platinum sensitivity and resistance in ovarian cancer. miRNA activity occurs mainly when the guide strand of the miRNA, with its seed sequence at position 2–7/8, is loaded into the RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC) and targets complementary short seed matches in the 3′ untranslated region of mRNAs. Toxic 6mer seeds, which target genes critical for cancer cell survival, have been found in tumor-suppressive miRNAs. Many siRNAs and short hairpin RNAs (shRNA) can also kill cancer cells via toxic seeds, the most toxic of which carry G-rich 6mer seed sequences. We showed here that treatment of ovarian cancer cells with platinum led to increased RISC-bound miRNAs carrying toxic 6mer seeds and decreased miRNAs with nontoxic seeds. Platinum-tolerant cells did not exhibit this toxicity shift but retained sensitivity to cell death mediated by siRNAs carrying toxic 6mer seeds. Analysis of RISC-bound miRNAs in tumors from patients with ovarian cancer revealed that the ratio between miRNAs with toxic versus nontoxic seeds was predictive of treatment outcome. Application of the 6mer seed toxicity concept to cancer relevant miRNAs provides a new framework for understanding and predicting cancer therapy responses.
Significance:
These findings demonstrate that the balance of miRNAs that carry toxic and nontoxic 6mer seeds contributes to platinum resistance in ovarian cancer.
Data from SWI/SNF Blockade Disrupts PU.1-Directed Enhancer Programs in Normal Hematopoietic Cells and Acute Myeloid Leukemia
Authors: Chambers Courtney , Cermakova Katerina , Chan Yuen San , Kurtz Kristen , Wohlan Katharina , Lewis Andrew Henry , Wang Christiana , Pham Anh , Dejmek Milan , Sala Michal , Loeza Cabrera Mario , Aguilar Rogelio , Nencka Radim , Lacorazza H. Daniel , Rau Rachel E. , Hodges H. Courtney
Published: March 2023

Abstract
In acute myeloid leukemia (AML), SWI/SNF chromatin remodeling complexes sustain leukemic identity by driving high levels of MYC. Previous studies have implicated the hematopoietic transcription factor PU.1 (SPI1) as an important target of SWI/SNF inhibition, but PU.1 is widely regarded to have pioneer-like activity. As a result, many questions have remained regarding the interplay between PU.1 and SWI/SNF in AML as well as normal hematopoiesis. Here we found that PU.1 binds to most of its targets in a SWI/SNF-independent manner and recruits SWI/SNF to promote accessibility for other AML core regulatory factors, including RUNX1, LMO2, and MEIS1. SWI/SNF inhibition in AML cells reduced DNA accessibility and binding of these factors at PU.1 sites and redistributed PU.1 to promoters. Analysis of nontumor hematopoietic cells revealed that similar effects also impair PU.1-dependent B-cell and monocyte populations. Nevertheless, SWI/SNF inhibition induced profound therapeutic response in an immunocompetent AML mouse model as well as in primary human AML samples. In vivo, SWI/SNF inhibition promoted leukemic differentiation and reduced the leukemic stem cell burden in bone marrow but also induced leukopenia. These results reveal a variable therapeutic window for SWI/SNF blockade in AML and highlight important off-tumor effects of such therapies in immunocompetent settings.
Significance:
Disruption of PU.1-directed enhancer programs upon SWI/SNF inhibition causes differentiation of AML cells and induces leukopenia of PU.1-dependent B cells and monocytes, revealing the on- and off-tumor effects of SWI/SNF blockade.
Data from A Cell Proliferation Signature Is a Marker of Extremely Poor Outcome in a Subpopulation of Breast Cancer Patients
Authors: Dai Hongyue , van't Veer Laura , Lamb John , He Yudong D. , Mao Mao , Fine Bernard M. , Bernards Rene , van de Vijver Marc , Deutsch Paul , Sachs Alan , Stoughton Roland , Friend Stephen
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Breast cancer comprises a group of distinct subtypes that despite having similar histologic appearances, have very different metastatic potentials. Being able to identify the biological driving force, even for a subset of patients, is crucially important given the large population of women diagnosed with breast cancer. Here, we show that within a subset of patients characterized by relatively high estrogen receptor expression for their age, the occurrence of metastases is strongly predicted by a homogeneous gene expression pattern almost entirely consisting of cell cycle genes (5-year odds ratio of metastasis, 24.0; 95% confidence interval, 6.0-95.5). Overexpression of this set of genes is clearly associated with an extremely poor outcome, with the 10-year metastasis-free probability being only 24% for the poor group, compared with 85% for the good group. In contrast, this gene expression pattern is much less correlated with the outcome in other patient subpopulations. The methods described here also illustrate the value of combining clinical variables, biological insight, and machine-learning to dissect biological complexity. Our work presented here may contribute a crucial step towards rational design of personalized treatment.
Data from A Paracrine Loop between Tumor Cells and Macrophages Is Required for Tumor Cell Migration in Mammary Tumors
Authors: Wyckoff Jeffrey , Wang Weigang , Lin Elaine Y. , Wang Yarong , Pixley Fiona , Stanley E. Richard , Graf Thomas , Pollard Jeffrey W. , Segall Jeffrey , Condeelis John
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Invasion of tumor cells into the surrounding connective tissue and blood vessels is a key step in the metastatic spread of breast tumors. Although the presence of macrophages in primary tumors is associated with increased metastatic potential, the mechanistic basis for this observation is unknown. Using a chemotaxis-based in vivo invasion assay and multiphoton-based intravital imaging, we show that the interaction between macrophages and tumor cells facilitates the migration of carcinoma cells in the primary tumor. Gradients of either epidermal growth factor (EGF) or colony-stimulating factor 1 (CSF-1) stimulate collection into microneedles of tumor cells and macrophages even though tumor cells express only EGF receptor and macrophages express only CSF-1 receptor. Intravital imaging shows that macrophages and tumor cells migrate toward microneedles containing either EGF or CSF-1. Inhibition of either CSF-1– or EGF-stimulated signaling reduces the migration of both cell types. This work provides the first direct evidence for a synergistic interaction between macrophages and tumor cells during cell migration in vivo and indicates a mechanism for how macrophages may contribute to metastasis.
Data from Milk Thistle and Prostate Cancer: Differential Effects of Pure Flavonolignans from Silybum marianum on Antiproliferative End Points in Human Prostate Carcinoma Cells
Authors: Davis-Searles Paula R. , Nakanishi Yuka , Kim Nam-Cheol , Graf Tyler N. , Oberlies Nicholas H. , Wani Mansukh C. , Wall Monroe E. , Agarwal Rajesh , Kroll David J.
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Extracts from the seeds of milk thistle, Silybum marianum, are known commonly as silibinin and silymarin and possess anticancer actions on human prostate carcinoma in vitro and in vivo. Seven distinct flavonolignan compounds and a flavonoid have been isolated from commercial silymarin extracts. Most notably, two pairs of diastereomers, silybin A and silybin B and isosilybin A and isosilybin B, are among these compounds. In contrast, silibinin is composed only of a 1:1 mixture of silybin A and silybin B. With these isomers now isolated in quantities sufficient for biological studies, each pure compound was assessed for antiproliferative activities against LNCaP, DU145, and PC3 human prostate carcinoma cell lines. Isosilybin B was the most consistently potent suppressor of cell growth relative to either the other pure constituents or the commercial extracts. Isosilybin A and isosilybin B were also the most effective suppressors of prostate-specific antigen secretion by androgen-dependent LNCaP cells. Silymarin and silibinin were shown for the first time to suppress the activity of the DNA topoisomerase IIα gene promoter in DU145 cells and, among the pure compounds, isosilybin B was again the most effective. These findings are significant in that isosilybin B composes no more than 5% of silymarin and is absent from silibinin. Whereas several other more abundant flavonolignans do ultimately influence the same end points at higher exposure concentrations, these findings are suggestive that extracts enriched for isosilybin B, or isosilybin B alone, might possess improved potency in prostate cancer prevention and treatment.
Data from Molecular Basis for G2 Arrest Induced by 2′-C-Cyano-2′-Deoxy-1-β-d-Arabino-Pentofuranosylcytosine and Consequences of Checkpoint Abrogation
Authors: Liu Xiaojun , Guo Ying , Li Yexiong , Jiang Yingjun , Chubb Sherri , Azuma Atsushi , Huang Peng , Matsuda Akira , Hittelman Walter , Plunkett William
Published: March 2023

Abstract
2′-C-cyano-2′-deoxy-1-β-d-arabino-pentofuranosylcytosine (CNDAC) is a nucleoside analogue with a novel mechanism of action that is currently being evaluated in clinical trials. Incorporation of CNDAC triphosphate into DNA and extension during replication leads to single-strand breaks directly caused by β-elimination. These breaks, or the lesions that arise from further processing, cause cells to arrest in G2. The purpose of this investigation was to define the molecular basis for G2 checkpoint activation and to delineate the sequelae of its abrogation. Cell lines derived from diverse human tissues underwent G2 arrest after CNDAC treatment, suggesting a common mechanism of response to the damage created. CNDAC-induced G2 arrest was instituted by activation of the Chk1-Cdc25C-Cdk1/cyclin B checkpoint pathway. Neither Chk2, p38, nor p53 was required for checkpoint activation. Inhibition of Chk1 kinase with 7-hydroxystaurosporine (UCN-01) abrogated the checkpoint pathway as indicated by dephosphorylation of checkpoint proteins and progression of cells through mitosis and into G1. Cell death was first evident in hematologic cell lines after G1 entry. As indicated by histone H2AX phosphorylation, DNA damage initiated by CNDAC incorporation was transformed into double-strand breaks when ML-1 cells arrested in G2. Some breaks were manifested as chromosomal aberrations when the G2 checkpoint of CNDAC-arrested cells was abrogated by UCN-01 but also in a minor population of cells that escaped to mitosis during treatment with CNDAC alone. These findings provide a mechanistic rationale for the design of new strategies, combining CNDAC with inhibitors of cell cycle checkpoint regulation in the therapy of hematologic malignancies.
Data from An Expression-Based Site of Origin Diagnostic Method Designed for Clinical Application to Cancer of Unknown Origin
Authors: Tothill Richard W. , Kowalczyk Adam , Rischin Danny , Bousioutas Alex , Haviv Izhak , van Laar Ryan K. , Waring Paul M. , Zalcberg John , Ward Robyn , Biankin Andrew V. , Sutherland Robert L. , Henshall Susan M. , Fong Kwun , Pollack Jonathan R. , Bowtell David D.L. , Holloway Andrew J.
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Gene expression profiling offers a promising new technique for the diagnosis and prognosis of cancer. We have applied this technology to build a clinically robust site of origin classifier with the ultimate aim of applying it to determine the origin of cancer of unknown primary (CUP). A single cDNA microarray platform was used to profile 229 primary and metastatic tumors representing 14 tumor types and multiple histologic subtypes. This data set was subsequently used for training and validation of a support vector machine (SVM) classifier, demonstrating 89% accuracy using a 13-class model. Further, we show the translation of a five-class classifier to a quantitative PCR–based platform. Selecting 79 optimal gene markers, we generated a quantitative-PCR low-density array, allowing the assay of both fresh-frozen and formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue. Data generated using both quantitative PCR and microarray were subsequently used to train and validate a cross-platform SVM model with high prediction accuracy. Finally, we applied our SVM classifiers to 13 cases of CUP. We show that the microarray SVM classifier was capable of making high confidence predictions in 11 of 13 cases. These predictions were supported by comprehensive review of the patients' clinical histories.