bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Experiences of caregivers of patients with noncancer diseases readmitted to an emergency department at the end of life
Authors: Amado-Tineo Jose , Oscanoa-Espinoza Teodoro , Loli-Ponce Rudi , Delgado-Guay Marvin Omar
Published: November 2024

Background

When there is limited access to primary care or end-of-life services for patients with chronic diseases, caregivers often need to bring their loved ones to emergency departments (EDs) to solve or control distressing physical and psychosocial-spiritual problems. There is limited literature about the experiences of primary caregivers of patients with nononcologic chronic diseases who are at the end of life and are evaluated in EDs in Latin America.

Methods

We conducted in-depth interviews with primary caregivers of adult patients with advanced and terminal chronic nononcologic diseases who were evaluated in the ED of a hospital in Lima, Peru. This qualitative study employed a phenomenological approach. Themes, categories, codes, and quotes were analyzed using ATLAS.ti 9.1.4.

Results

Twelve primary caregivers, aged 38 to 76 years old, mostly female immediate family members (daughter or wife), participated. They described their experiences in the ED, including feelings of despair and anguish due to prolonged waiting times, insufficient resources, incomplete information regarding the patient’s problems, and “insensitive” treatment by the staff. Some also expressed gratitude for “saving patient’s lives.” They also experienced deficiencies in home care follow-up and patient transfers, which worsened during the COVID-19 pandemic; many times they felt that “they were ignored.” When caring for patients at home, caregivers felt sad, helpless, and frustrated as they observed patients’ progressive deterioration. As patients approached death, caregivers expressed that they tried to “give them all the love” and to have them present for as long as possible, although at the same time caregivers did not want patients to continue to suffer and hoped for “a better place” after this life. Caregivers found their faith to be a source of strength as they continued to care for and be with their loved one until the end.

Conclusion

Caregivers reported “traumatic” and “shocking” experiences during ED care, as well as conflict between wanting the patient’s suffering to end and wanting to prolong their lives. They also expressed feelings of gratitude, resignation, love, faith, and hope.
SGLT2 inhibition improves coronary flow velocity reserve and contractility: role of glucagon signaling
Authors: Göpel Sven O. , Adingupu Damilola , Wang Jue , Semenova Elizaveta , Behrendt Margareta , Jansson-Löfmark Rasmus , Ahlström Christine , Jönsson-Rylander Ann-Cathrine , Gopaul V. Sashi , Esterline Russell , Gan Li-Ming , Xiao Rui-Ping
Published: November 2024

Background

SGLT2 inhibitors, a T2DM medication to lower blood glucose, markedly improve cardiovascular outcomes but the underlying mechanism(s) are not fully understood. SGLT2i’s produce a unique metabolic pattern by lowering blood glucose without increasing insulin while increasing ketone body and glucagon levels and reducing body weight. We tested if glucagon signaling contributes to SGLT2i induced improvement in CV function.

Methods

Cardiac contractility and coronary flow velocity reserve (CFVR) were monitored in ob/ob mice and rhesus monkeys with metabolic syndrome using echocardiography. Metabolic status was characterized by measuring blood ketone levels, glucose tolerance during glucose challenge and Arg and ADMA levels were measured. Baysian models were developed to analyse the data.

Results

Dapagliflozin improved CFVR and contractility, co-application of a glucagon receptor inhibitor (GcgRi) blunted the effect on CFVR but not contractility. Dapagliflozin increased the Arg/ADMA ratio and ketone levels and co-treatment with GcgRi blunted only the Dapagliflozin induced increase in Arg/ADMA ratio but not ketone levels.

Conclusions

Since GcgRi co-treatment only reduced the Arg/ADMA increase we hypothesize that dapagliflozin via a glucagon-signaling dependent pathway improves vascular function through the NO-signaling pathway leading to improved vascular function. Increase in ketone levels might be a contributing factor in SGLT2i induced contractility increase and does not require glucagon signaling.

Graphical Abstract
Role of inflammasomes in Toxoplasma and Plasmodium infections
Authors: Wang Zhi-xin , Jiao Wan-jun , Yang Yong , Liu Hong-li , Wang Hai-long
Published: November 2024

Background

The detection of pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) or damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) by multimeric protein complexes, known as inflammasomes, triggers an inflammatory response, which is a critical component of the innate immune system. This inflammatory response plays a pivotal role in host resistance against parasitic infections, presenting a significant global health challenge.

Methods

We systematically searched for relevant articles from the Pubmed and the Web of Science database to summarize current insights into how inflammasomes function in preventing infections caused by the apicomplexan parasites Toxoplasma and Plasmodium.

Results

In vivo and in vitro studies have extensively explored inflammasomes such as the absent in melanoma 2 (AIM2), NLR family pyrin-containing protein 1 (NLRP1), NLRP3, and NLRP12 inflammasomes, alongside noncanonical inflammasomes, with particular emphasis on the NLRP1 and the NLRP3 inflammasome during Toxoplasma gondii infection or the AIM2 and the NLRP3 inflammasome at various stages of Plasmodium infection. Toxoplasma gondii interacts with inflammasomes to activate or inhibit immune responses.

Conclusions

Inflammasomes control parasite burden and parasite-induced cell death, contribute to immune recognition and inflammatory responses and thus influence apicomplexan parasite-associated pathogenesis and the severity of clinical outcomes. Hence, inflammasomes play crucial roles in the progression and outcomes of toxoplasmosis and malaria. A comprehensive understanding of how parasitic infections modulate inflammasome activity enhances insight into host immune responses against parasites.

Graphical Abstract
Therapeutic effect of recombinant Echinococcus granulosus antigen B subunit 2 protein on sepsis in a mouse model
Authors: Qian Ya-Yun , Huang Fei-Fei , Chen Si-Yu , Zhang Wei-Xiao , Wang Yin , Du Peng-Fei , Li Gen , Ding Wen-Bo , Qian Lei , Zhan Bin , Chu Liang , Jiang Dong-Hui , Yang Xiao-Di , Zhou Rui
Published: November 2024

Background

Sepsis is a potentially fatal systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) that threatens millions of lives worldwide. Echinococcus granulosus antigen B (EgAgB) is a protein released by the larvae of the tapeworm. This protein has been shown to play an important role in modulating host immune response. In this study we expressed EgAgB as soluble recombinant protein in E. coli (rEgAgB) and explored its protective effect on sepsis.

Methods

The sepsis model was established by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) procedure in BALB/c mice. The therapeutic effect of rEgAgB on sepsis was performed by interperitoneally injecting 5 µg rEgAgB in mice with CLP-induced sepsis and observing the 72 h survival rate after onset of sepsis. The proinflammatory cytokines [tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-6] and regulatory cytokines [IL-10, transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β)] were measured in sera, and the histopathological change was observed in livers, kidneys, and lungs of septic mice treated with rEgAgB compared with untreated mice. The effect of rEgAgB on the macrophage polarization was performed in vitro by incubating rEgAgB with peritoneal macrophages. The levels of TLR2 and MyD88 were measured in these tissues to determine the involvement of TLR-2/MyD88 in the sepsis-induced inflammatory signaling pathway.

Results

In vivo, we observed that treatment with rEgAgB significantly increased the survival rate of mice with CLP-induced sepsis up to 72 h while all mice without treatment died within the same period. The increased survival was associated with reduced pathological damage in key organs such as liver, lung, and kidneys. It was supported by the reduced proinflammatory cytokine levels and increased regulatory cytokine expression in peripheral blood and key organ tissues. Further study identified that treatment with rEgAgB promoted macrophage polarization from classically activated macrophage (M1) to regulatory M2-like macrophage via inhibiting TLR2/MyD88 signal pathway.

Conclusions

The therapeutic effects of rEgAgB on mice with sepsis was observed in a mice model that was associated with reduced inflammatory responses and increased regulatory responses, possibly through inducing polarization of macrophages from proinflammatory M1 to regulatory M2 phenotype through inhibiting TLR2/MyD88 inflammatory pathway.

Graphical Abstract
Effects of oral hyaluronic acid on monosodium iodoacetate-induced osteoarthritis in rats: mechanistic insights and therapeutic implications
Authors: Shin Mi-Rae , Kim Minju , An Hui Yeon , Choi Hwang-Yong , Ham Youngseok , Choi Hakjoo , Roh Seong-Soo
Published: November 2024

This study aimed to meticulously assess the effectiveness of hyaluronic acid (HA) in mitigating symptoms associated with monosodium iodoacetate (MIA)-induced osteoarthritis (OA) symptoms in rodent models and to investigate the underlying mechanistic pathways. Eight-week-old rats were randomly allocated to a normal control group and three experimental groups (n = 10 per group). The normal group did not undergo any treatment. The experimental groups were administered MIA for 1 week to induce osteoarthritis, and orally administered distilled water (control group), 2 mg/kg indomethacin (INDO group), or 20 mg/kg HA (HA20 group) daily for 4 weeks. The HA20 group showed a significant improvement in hind-paw weight-bearing distribution after 4 weeks compared to the control group. HA suppressed inflammatory responses by reducing the overproduction of prostaglandin E2 and leukotriene B4 and protected the vital components of the articular ECM, including glycosaminoglycans and aggrecan. HA treatment effectively reduced inflammation, protected cartilage by inhibiting MMP expression, and suppressed inflammatory mediator production. This study demonstrates that HA has potential to alleviate OA symptoms in a rodent model stimulated with MIA, rendering it a promising therapeutic agent for OA.
How do Confucian schools and Anglo schools differ? A latent profile analysis based on PISA 2015
Authors: Hu Yu
Published: November 2024

Students in Confucian culture are typically high-achieving on international assessments such as PISA and TIMSS. To explore factors that may explain the high performance of Confucian students, the present study compared the latent subpopulations of school resources and disciplinary climate in two Confucian countries and two Anglo countries. Using Latent Profile Analysis, the results identified the same number of school profiles in the two countries in the two cultures, and these profiles were similar in their levels of disciplinary climate and school resources. The percentage of high-discipline school profiles is about 11.72% higher in Confucian countries than in Anglo countries. In addition, in both cultures, students who attended high-discipline schools were from higher socioeconomic status (SES) families and performed better in science. These results revealed the importance of the disciplinary climate for a school to be effective and provided evidence indicating that Confucian culture has more schools with a positive disciplinary climate.
Mac-2 binding protein glycosylation isomer as a potential biomarker of hepatocellular carcinoma in HCV-cured patients
Authors: Hanafy Amr Shaaban , Abdelaziz Khalid Ali Muftah , Mohammad Fedaa Nabil , Ibrahim Amr Samir
Published: November 2024

Objective

Mac-2 binding protein glycosylation isomer (M2BPGi) is produced in the extracellular matrix and serves as an indicator of hepatic stellate cell activation. Assessing M2BPGi levels could aid in predicting hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in individuals with hepatitis C virus (HCV). The objective of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of M2BPGi as a biomarker for HCC in HCV patients and its association with disease severity and progression.

Methods

This study included patients who were cured of chronic hepatitis C virus. The patients were divided into three subgroups: HCV without cirrhosis, HCV with cirrhosis, and HCV with HCC. These subgroups were then compared to a subgroup of healthy volunteers. In addition to routine laboratory investigations, M2BPGi levels were measured in all the enrolled subjects.

Results

The level of serum M2BPGi was significantly greater in the HCV with cirrhosis and HCC groups than in the control group (P < 0.001). Additionally, it was significantly greater in multifocal HCC than in those with unifocal HCC (P < 0.001), and it was directly proportional to the size of the focal lesion of HCC (P = 0.001). The cutoff for serum M2BPGi in diagnosing HCC was ≥ 0.869 (C.O.I), with an AUC of 0.762, a sensitivity of 78.6%, and a specificity of 61.9% (P = 0.004). Furthermore, the cutoff for predicting multifocality was > 0.93 (C.O.I), with an AUC of 0.73, sensitivity of 66.7%, and specificity of 63.8% (P = 0.03). Although the AFP level was still superior in predicting cirrhosis and HCC, the M2BPGi level was better at predicting the size and diagnostic value of HCC when the AFP level was normal. The cutoff for M2BPGi in this case was 0.903(C.O.I), with a sensitivity of 80%, specificity of 75%, and an accuracy of 76.25%. M2BPGi was independently associated with the CRP level (β = 0.484, P = 0.001) and the size of the HCC focal lesion (β = 1.422, P = 0.001).

Conclusion

M2BPGi can be used as an effective marker to assess the biological behavior and aggressiveness of HCC. Further studies are warranted on a large scale of patients to confirm our findings.
Complete auricular avulsion and reconstruction techniques: a literature review
Authors: Awad Manar A. , Deshisha Mahmoud A. , Salam Yasmin Z. , Mostafa Hadir M. Abou , Ibrahim Mohamed G. , Nada Ihab M.
Published: November 2024

Background

Auricular avulsion can cause severe psychological effects. There are no established protocols for surgical treatment for such injuries. Acute care involves various procedures like graft reattachment, skin flap reconstruction, Baudet approach, and microvascular repair.

Objectives

Reviewing the literature regarding various reattachment techniques for managing complete auricular avulsion was the goal of this review. It also aimed to help the surgeon choose the best total reconstruction method considering the available materials and to assess the advantages and disadvantages of each technique.

Methods

We thoroughly reviewed relevant research on publications describing total auricular avulsion repaired with reattachment which were indexed in PubMed, MEDLINE, and Scopus. The study accepted and reviewed English-language papers without determining their publication date, using a database search based on key words.

Conclusions

According to the literature, microvascular restoration is more successful for avulsed ears, although composite grafts are better aesthetically. Early hyperbaric oxygen and surgical treatment can improve patient outcomes. Recently, 3D printing is a big step forward in auricular reconstruction, providing a patient-specific, customizable, and efficient alternative for people with auricular loss.
Response analysis of a long-span cable-stayed bridge with ultra-high piles subjected to near-fault ground motions considering deep-water, sedimentation, local site, and wave-passage effect
Authors: Gao Libao , Liu Zhao , Dai Fu , Chen Jilai
Published: November 2024

The objective of this study is to examine the dynamic response behavior of a long-span cable-stayed bridge with ultra-high piles subjected to near-fault ground motions, comprehensively considering deep-water, sedimentation, local site, and wave-passage effects. Firstly, a 3D finite element (FE) model of the long-span cable-stayed bridge with ultra-high piles (Approximately 105 m) and a tower height of 216.4 m was established using Midas software. The deep-water, sedimentation, local site, and wave-passage effects were synthetically considered in this FE model. The FE model incorporates the sag effect of the stayed cable and the pile-soil interaction, enabling a detailed seismic analysis. Secondly, the examined near-fault ground motions with long-period velocity pulses were selected from the PEER database according to the design acceleration response spectrum with a fortification intensity of VIII degrees. Finally, nonlinear time history analyses of the selected long-span cable-stayed bridge, subjected to spatial near-fault ground motions including local site effect and wave-passage effect, were conducted, and the responses of critical design sections and points in structures were examined and evaluated. The results demonstrate that long-period velocity pulses can significantly affect the structural responses, while deep-water and sedimentation effects do not have a significant impact on the dynamic responses of long-span cable-stayed bridges. For the local site effect, the softer the soil at the support site and the greater the difference in soil conditions at the support, the larger the structural response. Regarding the wave effect, the structural response will increase or decrease depending on the magnitude of the wave speed and the span length between towers.
Intelligent prestack multitrace seismic inversion constrained by probabilistic geologic information
Authors: Li Mingxuan , Cao Hong , Yang Zhifang , Yu Yue , Ge Qiang , Yuan Sanyi
Published: November 2024

Seismic inversion uses observed data, such as well-logging and seismic data, to infer rock parameters. However, it still suffers from nonunique solutions. The nonuniqueness increases when extrapolating away from the well location. To mitigate this effect, we incorporate geologic information into a deep-learning (DL) framework in the form of generated probabilistic labels. We transform geologic information into reservoir heterogeneity (RH) weights and geologic pattern constraint (GPC) weights to generate probabilistic labels. The RH weights are used to capture the variability in accuracy during the spatial extrapolation of well data. The RH weights are used to balance the constraint weights between well and seismic data in the DL model. The GPC weights are used to characterize the changes in geologic patterns from well locations to nonwell locations. Based on variations in local prestack seismic waveforms, the DL model learns extrapolation patterns of well data with similar geologic patterns. By combining the rock parameters derived from well logs with these two types of weights, we can generate a series of probability labels. Two types of geologic information and well-logging data are deeply integrated into a supervised 2D residual block UNet framework. In this way, we develop a novel DL-based prestack multitrace seismic inversion method. We validate our method on a 3D synthetic model and a 3D field data set. The results indicate that our method exhibits great potential for characterizing the spatial variation in subsurface rocks and outperforms traditional DL methods.
A convolutional neural network-accelerated workflow for stochastic seismic property estimation
Authors: Di Haibin , Abubakar Aria
Published: November 2024

As one of the major tools in resolving the nonuniqueness challenge in subsurface interpretation and reservoir characterization, stochastic inversion from post- and prestack seismic data remains challenging, which not only requires heavy computational resources but also relies on intensive manual supervision. Inspired by the recent advances in deep learning, particularly convolutional neural networks (CNNs) for interdisciplinary data integration, we develop a deep-learning workflow that enables stochastic property estimation by efficiently integrating seismic images with sparse wells. It starts with sampling a set of property prior models (PPMs) from densely measured properties at well locations and corrupting local seismic patterns with Gaussian noise. The core idea is to train a structure-guided CNN by mapping the contaminated seismic data with the sampled PPMs while enforcing structural consistency to avoid overfitting in the presence of sparse wells. Finally, the baseline and uncertainty of target properties are estimated by running multiple realizations of the trained CNN. As demonstrated by three examples, with minimum efforts of CNN architecture customization according to data availability, our workflow can accommodate various use cases, such as rock acoustic/elastic property estimation from 3D post-/angle-stack seismic data and soil geotechnical properties from 2D ultrahigh-resolution seismic data. In all examples, the machine predictions match seismic patterns well and are of high lateral consistency.
Medicaid Waivers to Address Homelessness: Political Development and Policy Trajectories
Authors: Willison Charley E. , Dewald Alisa
Published: November 2024

This article reviews the role of Medicaid Waivers in homeless policy, and their emerging role as a mechanism to address homelessness. We evaluate the political development of Waivers in housing and homeless policy over the past thirty years, and investigate the status of current and approved Waivers targeting homelessness. We then consider how Waivers may shape homeless policy governance going forward, including the success of existing systems, and ethical questions related to the role of healthcare payers in solutions to homelessness. We find that the scope of Medicaid Waivers to address homelessness has always been present, but significantly expanded post Affordable Care Act (ACA) and more notably following the COVID-19 pandemic. These expansions brought new opportunities for states to fund responses to homelessness through Medicaid social determinants of health (SDoH) provisions providing wrap-around medical services for populations at-risk of or experiencing homelessness, and now through time-limited direct housing costs paired with essential medical services. Over one third of states have an 1115 Waiver specifically targeting homelessness, with nearly one in five states including provisions that cover direct housing costs (e.g., rent). Going forward, Medicaid's involvement in homeless policy has the potential to reshape state and local responses to homelessness.
Cellular actions of putative sleep hormones and depressant drugs in the mammalian brain
Authors: Δουγαλής Αντώνιος
Published: November 2024

Ο κύριος στόχος της διατριβής μου ήταν να διερευνήσει τη ρύθμιση των εγγενών κυκλωμάτων του φλοιού από το εγκεφαλικό λιπίδιο cis-oleamide (cOA) που προκαλεί ύπνο. Για να το πετύχω αυτό, έχω χρησιμοποιήσει σύγχρονες ηλεκτροφυσιολογικές και φαρμακολογικές τεχνικές, σε συνδυασμό με εγκεφαλικές φέτες του ιππόκαμπου και του νεοφλοιού.Έχω δείξει ότι το cOA δεν ρυθμίζει τις σεροτονινεργικές αποκρίσεις του ιππόκαμπου μέσω των υποδοχέων 5-HT1A (ευαίσθητοι σε WAY-100135) και 5-HT2A/C (ευαίσθητοι στην κετανσερίνη), όπως προτείνονται από άλλους σε προηγούμενες μελέτες χρησιμοποιώντας ανασυνδυασμένους υποδοχείς και γραμμές έκφρασης. Το cOA, σε αντίθεση με τα κανναβινοειδή, το ανανδαμίδιο και το WIN-55212-2, δεν εμπόδισε την επαγόμενη από τον τέτανο LTP στον ιππόκαμπο. Ωστόσο, το cOA, αλλά όχι η ανανδαμίδη, εμπόδισε την επαγόμενη από θ-έκρηξη LTP με τρόπο που εξαρτάται από τη λειτουργική μετάδοση του υποδοχέα GABAA, αλλά ανεξάρτητα από την ενεργοποίηση του υποδοχέα κανναβινοειδών (CB1). Επιπλέον, το cOA κατέστειλε την μεσόστελη δραστηριότητα του ιππόκαμπου (CNQX-, WIN-55212-2- και ευαίσθητη στην καρβενοξολόνη) στο μοντέλο της επιληπτογένεσης 4-αμινοπυριδίνης (4-AP) μέσω ενός μηχανισμού ανεξάρτητου από τον υποδοχέα CB1, αλλά οι νεοφλοιώδεις εκκενώσεις του νεφρού ( η καρβαμαζεπίνη, η πεντοβαρβιτάλη, η καρβενοξολόνη και η D-AP5) ήταν σταθερά ανθεκτικές στο cOA (επίσης στα κανναβινοειδή), πιθανώς λόγω του υψηλού βαθμού ενδογενούς απελευθέρωσης αυτών των προσδεμάτων κατά τη διάρκεια συνθηκών που μοιάζουν με επιληπτικές κρίσεις. Η φαρμακολογική επιβεβαίωση μιας τέτοιας πρότασης λήφθηκε για τα κανναβινοειδή, αλλά όχι για την ολεαμίδη, λόγω έλλειψης συγκεκριμένων ανταγωνιστών. Είναι σαφές ότι το cOA δεν είναι κανναβινομιμητικό, αλλά ο ακριβής κυτταρικός στόχος του είναι ακόμα άγνωστος. Οι δυσμενείς φυσικοχημικές ιδιότητες του λιπιδίου σε συνδυασμό με την έλλειψη φαρμακολογικών ανταγωνιστών περιπλέκει αυτό το ζήτημα.Τέλος, συγκλονισμένος από τη σημασία των υποδοχέων NMDA στη γνωστική λειτουργία και τη διαθεσιμότητα ειδικών ανταγωνιστών υπομονάδας στο εργαστήριό μου (PPDA και CP-101, 606), ερεύνησα την τοπική υπόθεση της εξαρτώμενης από την υπομονάδα του υποδοχέα NMDA ρύθμισης της συναπτικής πλαστικότητας του ιππόκαμπου. Έχω δείξει ότι οι υπομονάδες NR2C/D και NR2A/B που περιέχουν υποδοχείς NMDA εμπλέκονται κατά προτίμηση σε αντίθετες μορφές πλαστικότητας (LTD και LTP αντίστοιχα). Συμπερασματικά, η εργασία που παρουσιάζεται εδώ έχει συμβάλει σημαντικά στην κατανόηση της ετερογένειας και της ποικιλομορφίας των δράσεων (α) υποτιθέμενων (cOA) και εγκατεστημένων (ανανταμίδη) ενδοκανναβινοειδών και (β) ισομορφών υποδοχέα NMDA και φυσιολογικών ρόλων που εξαρτώνται από υπομονάδες.
3D bioprinting of vascularized bone grafts using human adult stem cells and cell-instructive biomaterials under mechanical stimulation
Authors: Πλατανιά Βαρβάρα
Published: November 2024

Η σύγχρονη ιατρική πρακτική εξακολουθεί να αντιμετωπίζει σημαντικές προκλήσεις στην αντιμετώπιση μεγάλων οστικών ελλειμμάτων που προκαλούνται από τραύματα ή ασθένειες. Οι κύριες αιτίες αποτυχίας μεγάλων μοσχευμάτων είναι η νέκρωση του μοσχεύματος και η έλλειψη ενσωμάτωσης με τον ιστό του ξενιστή λόγω κακής αγγείωσης. Η ανάπτυξη οστικών μοσχευμάτων που μπορούν να αποκαταστήσουν τη λειτουργία των αιμοφόρων αγγείων στον αναγεννώμενο οστικό ιστό αποτελεί τη μεγαλύτερη πρόκληση. Αυτή η διατριβή διερευνά τον κρίσιμο ρόλο της αγγείωσης στη βελτίωση των αποτελεσμάτων της μηχανικής οστικού ιστού. Αναγνωρίζοντας τη δυναμική της τρισδιάστατης βιοεκτύπωσης στη βιομηχανική σύνθετων ιστών, η παρούσα μελέτη παρουσιάζει ένα διστρωματικό τρισδιάστατο βιοεκτυπωμένο αγγειωμένο μοντέλο οστού, το οποίο στοχεύει στην προαγωγή της αναγέννησης του οστού υπό φυσιολογικές μηχανικές φορτίσεις. Το εσωτερικό στρώμα αποτελείται από μία αγγειακή μήτρα, φτιαγμένη από νανοσύνθετο μελάνι αποτελούμενο από κόμμι γκελλάνης, λασπολίτη και πλάσμα πλούσιο σε αιμοπετάλια (PRP), με τον λασπολίτη να λειτουργεί ως φορέας των αυξητικών παραγόντων που περιέχονται στο PRP, μαζί με μεσεγχυματικά βλαστοκύτταρα του ζελέ του Wharton. Το εξωτερικό στρώμα διαθέτει μία μήτρα ομοιάζουσα με οστό, που περιέχει μεσεγχυματικά βλαστοκύτταρα μυελού των οστών, εγκλωβισμένα σε φωτοδιασταυρούμενο μείγμα πολυ(αιθυλενογλυκόλης) διακρυλικού (PEGDA), ζελατίνης και πολυ(αλκοόλης βινυλίου). Το ηλεκτρικά αγώγιμο πολυ(3,4-αιθυλενοδιοξυθειοφαίνιο) (PEDOT) προστίθεται στο εξωτερικό στρώμα για την ενίσχυση της δραστηριότητας των διαύλων που ελέγχονται από την τάση, διευκολύνοντας τη ροή των ιόντων ασβεστίου μέσω της κυτταρικής μεμβράνης και ενισχύοντας το σήμα που προκαλείται από τη μηχανική διέγερση. Οι δυναμικές κυτταροκαλλιέργειες, οι οποίες πραγματοποιήθηκαν παρουσία μηχανικής διέγερσης μέσα σε ένα βιοαντιδραστήρα, χρησιμοποιήθηκαν για να μιμηθούν το φυσιολογικό περιβάλλον του φυσικού οστικού ιστού. Οι συνεργιστικές κυτταρικές και μοριακές αλληλεπιδράσεις των διστρωματικών κατασκευών ενισχύουν σημαντικά τη διαφοροποίηση σε οστεογενή και αγγειογενή κύτταρα λόγω παρακρινικής σηματοδότησης. Σημαντικοί δείκτες της οστεογένεσης και της αγγειογένεσης έδειξαν σημαντική αυξημένη έκφραση σε απόκριση στη μηχανική διέγερση, ιδιαίτερα στις δυναμικές καλλιέργειες. Οι σύνθετες βιοεκτυπωμένες κατασκευές επέδειξαν εξαιρετική βιοσυμβατότητα in vitro, χωρίς να παρατηρηθεί καμία ανεπιθύμητη αντίδραση ξένου σώματος μετά από υποδόρια εμφύτευση σε ποντίκια. Η μηχανοευαίσθητη βιοκατασκευασμένη πλατφόρμα έχει μεγάλο δυναμικό για την προώθηση της αγγειωμένης αναγέννησης οστού.
Short-term incidence of dyslipidemia traits by urbanization and altitude: The CRONICAS Cohort Study
Authors: Mendoza-Quispe Daniel , Lazo-Porras Maria , Miranda Juan Jaime , Smeeth Liam , Gilman Robert H. , Checkley William , Bernabe-Ortiz Antonio
Published: November 2024

Purpose This prospective study evaluated the association between living at different degrees of urbanization and altitude with five different incident dyslipidemia traits. Methods Using baseline (2010) and follow-up data (~2.4 years later) of Peruvian adults (aged ≥35 years) from the CRONICAS Cohort Study, the incidence of each trait was separately analyzed. Outcomes were hypercholesterolemia (≥200 mg/dL), high low-density lipoprotein cholesterol [LDL-c] (≥130 mg/dL), low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol [HDL-c] (males <40 mg/dL, females <50 mg/dL), high non-HDL-c (≥160 mg/dL), and hypertriglyceridemia (≥150 mg/dL). Urbanization (highly-urban, urban, semi-urban, rural) and altitude (low- and high-altitude) were the exposures. Results The incidence of hypertriglyceridemia, hypercholesterolemia, high LDL-c, high non-HDL-c, and low HDL-c was 22.0 (95% CI 19.6-24.5), 20.1 (95% CI 17.7-22.5), 15.3 (95% CI 13.2-17.3), 13.0 (95% CI 11.9-15.9) and 11.1 (95% CI 9.6-14.2) cases per 100 person-years, respectively. Compared to lowlanders, the incidence of low HDL-c among highlanders was over three folds higher (incidence rate ratio [IRR] 3.22; 95% CI 2.00-5.20) and that of high LDL-c was lower (IRR 0.65; 95% CI 0.45 – 0.94). Urbanization was not significantly associated with dyslipidemia. Conclusion Individuals living at high-altitude showed better LDL-c, but worse HDL-c profile expressed as lower incidence of high LDL-c and higher incidence of low HDL-c, respectively.
Prognozowanie szeregów czasowych w ekonomii i finansach z wykorzystaniem metod uczenia maszynowego. Wybrane modele i zastosowania
Authors: Orzeszko Witold , Dudek Grzegorz , Stasiak Michał Dominik , Stawarz Marcin
Published: November 2024

Effective forecasting of economic and financial processes is of fundamental significance for participants and analysts of economic life. At the same time, however, many areas can be identified where forecasting tools that provide results with satisfactory accuracy are still missing. For this reason, continuous work has been underway concerning new methodological concepts and the improvement of existing forecasting tools. In recent years, the potential of machine learning algorithms has been noticed, as evidenced by their growing popularity both in the scientific community and among business practitioners. The monograph is devoted to the use of innovative machine learning methods for forecasting financial and economic time series. It presents selected prediction algorithms, emphasising the possibilities of their application. The results of the research presented in this monograph confirm the advantages of machine learning, in particular the fact that the described algorithms can be an effective tool for forecasting economic and financial time series.
Tu jest Galeria S
Authors: Chilińska Dorota
Published: November 2024

I like to think of Galeria S referring to its genius loci, and that is how I want to describe it, although the gallery has wandered around many buildings, relocating along with the Faculty of Fine Arts in Toruń, so it is difficult to assign it to a specific place. […] I also think of Galeria S as a good brand that belongs to the Faculty of Fine Arts at NCU, and whose history goes back over 40 years. You could easily add “since 1980”, or maybe even earlier. It is extremely difficult to put its history in order, as there has never been continuity of activities or specific curatorial or artistic strategies. […] Many of the artistic “phenomena” that have occurred at Galeria S had their own original character and were the prelude to more serious careers.
Wyobraźnia, sztuka, sprawiedliwość. Marthy Nussbaum koncepcja zdolności jako podstawa egalitarnego liberalizmu
Authors: Lisowska Urszula
Published: November 2024

Książka proponuje interpretację filozofii politycznej jednej z bardziej wpływowych współczesnych amerykańskich autorek – Marthy Craven Nussbaum. Praca skupia się na rozwijanej przez filozofkę wersji koncepcji zdolności (capability approach), która jest rozpatrywana w kontekście po- Rawlsowskiego egalitarnego liberalizmu. Biorąc pod uwagę takie zaplecze, książka ma na celu zbadanie warunków możliwości zrealizowania jego podstawowych założeń normatywnych, a więc wartości: wolności, równości i szacunku dla pluralizmu. Zgodnie z proponowaną interpretacją koncepcja Nussbaum ukazuje podstawy egalitarnego liberalizmu w nowym świetle, w tej mierze, w jakiej zwraca uwagę na konieczność uzupełnienia instytucji o odpowiedni model rozumowania praktycznego. Książka wykazuje estetyczność takiej koncepcji, która przejawia się zarówno na poziomie pojęć (podobieństwa między doświadczeniem estetycznym a rozumowaniem praktycznym), jak i na poziomie przykładów (zastosowania sztuki dla kształcenia postaw obywatelskich). W ten sposób zaprezentowane ujęcie wpisuje się w ramy szeroko pojętej estetyki politycznej. Zagadnienia podejmowane w pracy obejmują między innymi następujące kwestie: dyskusja na temat tzw. waluty sprawiedliwości, liberalizm polityczny, psychologia moralna, emocje polityczne, władza sądzenia, związki między etyką a literaturą oraz kształcenie obywatelskie. Oprócz Marthy Nussbaum szczególne znaczenie dla argumentacji mają tacy autorzy, jak Amartya Sen, John Rawls, Charles Larmore, Immanuel Kant, Hannah Arendt, Crispin Sartwell.
Breakthrough in Pediatric Atopic Dermatitis Therapy: The Role of Monoclonal Antibodies as a New Hope for Targeted Treatment in Children
Authors: Sosin Julia , Pilarz Anna , Stachowiak Julia , Zwierzchowska Maria , Sojka Aleksandra , Salamon Dariusz , Domagała Wojciech
Published: November 2024

Aims:
Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a prevalent skin condition affecting children of all ages and ethnicities. The aim of this review paper is to explore emerging treatments for atopic dermatitis, with a focus on the latest advancements in monoclonal antibody therapy. By evaluating their benefits and potential risks, the review seeks to provide a comprehensive understanding of their efficacy and safety in managing moderate to severe AD. Highlighting recent progress in targeted therapies, this paper aims to encourage continued research into innovative, effective, and safer options that can significantly improve patients’ quality of life.
 
Methods:
A systematic review of scientific and medical literature was conducted using PubMed and Google Scholar databases. Researchers included only studies that mentioned monoclonal antibodies approved by EMA (European Medicines Agency) or that are being currently researched for use in pediatric population with AD.
 
Results:
AD is a debilitating health issue both for children and their caregivers. Advances in understanding its pathophysiology have introduced new treatment approaches. Monoclonal antibody therapies provide notable benefits for moderate to severe AD, though more pediatric-specific studies are necessary.
 
Conclusions:
Monoclonal antibody therapy appears to be a promising treatment for pediatric patients with moderate to severe AD, effectively reducing symptoms and enhancing quality of life. Despite the potential distress of injections for young children, their infrequency aids in management. Further research is required to confirm the safety and efficacy of these therapies in children. Ongoing development of new antibodies targeting various aspects of AD is crucial for improving management and outcomes.
Canine separation-related problems. Part 5: what if enhancing a sense of safety does not work?
Authors: Hargrave Claire
Published: November 2024

Separation-related problems are a source of serious welfare concerns for dogs, and their effect upon owners may result in a dog being relinquished or euthanised. Previous articles in this series have considered the dog's innate requirement for social companionship; the many different factors that may initiate canine separation-related problems; the role of emotions and learning in the development and maintenance of separation-related problemss; the dog's strong requirement for a sense of safety and how ensuring that a dog experiencing separation-related problems can be supported through enhancing its sense of coping and safety can assist recovery from separation-related problems. Yet, despite owner efforts to prioritise a concept of safety, many dogs will continue to experience separation-related problems during owner absence. This article discusses some of the extra provisions that may be beneficial to such dogs.
Small animal review
Authors: Gough Alex
Published: November 2024

While much research in veterinary medicine is aimed at optimising diagnosis and treatment in domestic animals, it must be remembered that it is the owners of the animals that ultimately decide on which treatments they consent to be given, and it is the owners who must attempt to accurately administer medications at home. It is thus important to understand what barriers there are to client compliance with veterinary recommendations, such as education, price and competing (usually online) misinformation. The following four studies examine client attitudes to various veterinary advice and procedures. Note that not all medications mentioned in this article are licensed for the species and/or indication discussed.
Factors Influencing the Protective Effect of Salivary Pellicle Against Dental Erosion: A Concise Review
Authors:   Division of Restorative Dental Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China, Chawhuaveang Darren Dhananthat , Klaisiri Awiruth ,   Division of Restorative Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, Thammasat University, Pathum Thani, Thailand, Krajangta Nantawan ,   Division of Restorative Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, Thammasat University, Pathum Thani, Thailand, Yu Ollie Yiru ,   Division of Restorative Dental Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
Published: November 2024

Dental erosion is the irreversible loss of dental hard tissue caused by chemical processes without bacteria involvement. Dental erosion prevalence has increased due to extensive consumption of acidic foods and drinks or suffering from gastrointestinal diseases. Salivary pellicle acts as a physical barrier that impedes direct contact between the tooth surface and erosive acids. Furthermore, it is a selectively permeable membrane that controls the diffusion of erosive acids to the tooth surface. Therefore, salivary pellicle can protect the tooth surface from erosive demineralization. The protective effect of salivary pellicle depends on the intraoral location, tooth substrate, thickness, formation time, composition, the pH level of erosive acids, and exposure time. This concise review aimed to provide an overview on factors influencing the protective effect of salivary pellicle against dental erosion.
Provides Efficient Shear Bond Strength and Durability Between Lithium Disilicate Glass-ceramic and Resin Cement: A Potential Alternative to the Conventional Hydrofluoric Acid Protocal
Authors:   Division of Prosthodontics, Faculty of Dentistry, Thammasat University, Thailand, Chitkraisorn Top , Chuinsiri Nontawat ,   Institute of Dentistry, Suranaree University of Technology, Thailand, Aungkatawiwat Chawin ,   Division of Prosthodontics, Faculty of Dentistry, Thammasat University, Thailand, Singhatanadgit Weerachai ,   Division of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Faculty of Dentistry, Thammasat University, Thailand, Tosiriwatanapong Terawat ,   Division of Prosthodontics, Faculty of Dentistry, Thammasat University, Thailand
Published: November 2024

Objectives: This study investigated the effects of two surface treatment protocols on the shear bond strength, bond durability, and failure mode at the interface between lithium disilicate glass-ceramic and resin cement. The protocols compared were a self-etching ceramic primer and the conventional hydrofluoric acid (HF) etching followed by silane. Methods: Fifty lithium disilicate specimens were randomly divided into five surface treatment groups (n=10 each). A control group received no treatment. The remaining 4groups included: 5% HF etch with Monobond Plus thermocycled and non-thermocycled, Monobond Etch & Prime (MEP), thermocycled and non-thermocycled. Microshear bond strength (microSBS) was assessed before and after thermocycling to evaluate bond durability. Failure modes (adhesive, mixed, cohesive in resin/ceramic) were recorded under a stereomicroscope. Results: Both surface treatment protocols exhibited comparable microSBS for both pre- and post-thermocycling results. Moreover, bone durability obtained from the two treatment protocols seemed to be comparable. Most groups displayed adhesive/mixed failures. Notably, the self-etching ceramic primer group showed cohesive failure in half of the specimens initially, persisting in 20% after thermal aging. Conclusions: Compared with the conventional HF protocol, the self-etching ceramic primer protocol provided similar microSBS and bond durability between lithium disilicate glass-ceramic and resin cement. The data suggest a self-etching ceramic primer is a viable option for the conventional HF protocol in bonding to glass-ceramic, minimizing the HF hazard and simplifying the clinical procedure.
The Connection Between Dietary Awareness and Eating Behavior in Thai-Peranakan Seniors: A Study of Members of the Thai Peranakan Association
Authors:   Department of Pediatric and Preventive Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, Srinakharinwirot University, Thailand, Sakoolnamarka Serena S. , Cheng Ansgar C. ,   National University of Singapore, Singapore, Rungsiyanont Sorasun ,   Department of Oral Surgery and Oral Medicine, Faculty of Dentistry, Srinakharinwirot University, Thailand
Published: November 2024

Objective: This study explored the relationship between dietary awareness and eating behavior among Thai-Peranakan senior citizens. Methods: Using a cross-sectional design, we sampled 94 individuals aged 60 and above (mean age=66.56), all of whom were members of the Thai Peranakan Association. This group included both males and females who met the inclusion criteria of having normal communication and memory abilities. Data were gathered through structured interviews and analyzed with Spearman’s Correlation. Results: Personal factors such as living status and family income significantly influenced the eating behavior of Thai-Peranakan senior citizens at the 0.01 level. The Spearman’s correlation showed significant relationships among accurate self-assessment and eating behavior, with correlation coefficients (r) of 0.29 at the 0.05 level. Conclusions: Personal factors and dietary awareness, specifically accurate selfassessment, are pivotal in shaping the eating behavior of Thai-Peranakan senior citizens. Enhancing these aspects can lead to better eating behavior and overall well-being among this demographic.
Medicine, illness and disease in the lordship of Ireland, 1177 to 1541 A.D.
Authors: Grace Pierce
Published: November 2024

The lordship of Ireland existed for 364 years from 1177 to 1541. Inhabited mostly by the English-of-Ireland, its medical infrastructure resembled contemporary England rather than Gaelic Ireland. The medical marketplace comprised physicians, surgeons, barber-surgeons, apothecaries and midwives, some organised into societies and guilds. Monastic infirmaries and hospitals, including leper hospitals, provided institutional care. Medical practice was rooted in classical medicine and the few Hiberno-English medical texts that survive attest to the use of bleeding, herbs and charms as treatments. Among many ailments leprosy was common, but the arrival of the Black Death bubonic plague pandemic of 1348 decimated the population of the lordship and contributed to its eventual decline. Using historical, archaeological and literary sources this paper analyses the experience of medicine, illness and disease among the people of the lordship of Ireland from the twelfth to the sixteenth centuries.
The Threat Is Now: Choreography, Temporality, and the Active Shooter Drill
Authors: Woods Shannon
Published: November 2024

Abstract: This article explores how the police state choreographs active shooter drills as "performances of protection," or embodied actions framed around an anticipatory threat. During these scenarios, choreographic imperatives—or movement directives in response to specific cues—become tools for directing bodies through public space to preempt crisis. While these measures protect students, teachers, and administrators, they also reinforce the school-to-prison pipeline, targeting communities deemed dangerous by the police state. The article examines how such measures embody control, surveillance, and time as methods of discipline. It also analyzes what performances of protection reveal about the school-prison pipeline in the United States.
A Grammar of Abolition: Black Theatrical Geographies
Authors: Ridley Leticia L.
Published: November 2024

Abstract: Black theatremakers have utilized performance to imagine and stage an alternative place where policing is abolished. They usurp the normative theatrical apparatuses to enact countergeographies that become meaningful ways to resist social control. In so doing, they inhabit (and push other artists and audiences to inhabit) theatre differently through transforming the geography of the theatre itself. Dominique Morisseau, Erika Dickerson-Despenza, Aleshea Harris, and Jordan Cooper urge us to see how their spatial construction is central to nourishing and emphasizing Black ways of knowing and being in the theatre. Through their dramaturgical structures within and beyond the plays themselves, I argue that these artists also consider how theatrical space can be manipulated to create alternative rules of engagement whereby blackness can be negotiated, produced, and known on different terms that the carceral system may dictate. In the broadest sense, I advocate for critical attention to the intersections of abolition, space, and Black theatre. This essay is about how space functions as a theatrical apparatus of anti-Black exclusion while also serving as the canvas for Black artists to revolt within, against, and in the face of anti-Black terror.
Nonblocking conditions for Clos fabrics with non-uniform switch radixes
Authors: Inoue Takeru , Mano Toru , Anazawa Kazuya , Uno Takeaki
Published: November 2024

Datacenter networks (DCNs) evolve over years and so comprise switches from different generations. Thus, each stage/layer of the Clos fabric may consist of switches with varying radixes (i.e., different port counts), leading to non-uniform stages. While optical circuit switches are increasingly deployed in DCNs to enhance transmission capacity and energy efficiency, the nonblocking condition, crucial for determining the performance of circuit-switched networks, has been established only for Clos fabrics with uniform stages. This study extends the nonblocking condition to Clos fabrics with non-uniform stages. To facilitate practicality, we formulate the condition using integer linear programming (ILP). Using our novel, to our knowledge, condition, we quantitatively demonstrate how much the nonblocking property is compromised under two practical scenarios, random link failures and network expansion, which would break network uniformity. In particular, we reveal that network expansion, common in DCN evolution, could significantly undermine the nonblocking property. Additionally, we assess the computational efficiency of our ILP formulation, which can successfully evaluate the nonblocking property of a large Clos fabric accommodating 32K terminals/uplinks in just 19 min.