bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of platelet-rich plasma versus steroid injection in plantar fasciitis: a randomized clinical trial
Authors: Sharma Rachit , Chaudhary Narendra Kumar , Karki Mandeep , Sunuwar Dev Ram , Singh Devendra Raj , Pradhan Pranil Man Singh , Gyawali Prakash , Duwal Shrestha Sailendra Kumar , Bhandari Kailash Kumar
Published: March 2023

Background

Plantar fasciitis (PF) is a common orthopaedic problem, with heel pain worsening the quality of life. Although steroid injection is often used if the conservative treatment fails, Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) injection is gaining popularity due to its safety and long-lasting effect. However, the effect of PRP versus steroid injection in PF has not been studied yet in Nepal. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the effect of PRP compared with steroid injection in the treatment of PF.

Methods

This study was a single-center, hospital-based, open-label, parallel-group randomized clinical trial to compare the effect of PRP injection with steroid injection in plantar fasciitis between August 2020 and March 2022. A total of 90 randomly selected participants aged 18 to 60 years suffering from plantar fasciitis with failed conservative treatment were intervened. The American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) and the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) scoring system were used to evaluate functional mobility and pain before and after the intervention for three and six months, respectively. Statistical analyses were performed using a Student’s two-sample t-test. P-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

The PRP injection showed a better outcome than the steroid injection in six months follow-up. The mean (± SD) VAS score was significantly decreased in the PRP group (1.97 + 1.13) than in the steroid group (2.71 ± 0.94) with the group difference of -0.73 (95% CI: -1.18 to -0.28) at six months. Similarly, there was a significant increase in the AOFAS scores in the PRP group (86.04 ± 7.45) compared to the steroid group (81.23 ± 9.60) at six months of follow-up with a group difference of 4.80 (95% CI: 1.15 to 8.45). There was also a significant reduction of plantar fascia thickness in the PRP group compared to that of the steroid group (3.53 ± 0.81 versus 4.58 ± 1.02) at six months of follow-up with the group difference of -1.04 (95% CI: -1.44 to -0.65).

Conclusion

The PRP injection showed better outcomes than steroid injection in plantar fasciitis treatment over the course of six months. Further research with a larger population and longer follow-up than six months is needed to generalize the findings and their long-term efficacy.

Trial registration

NCT04985396. First registered on 02 August 2021. (https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04985396)
How do urban public health services affect rural migrant women's fertility intentions? A study based on the Mobile Population Dynamics Monitoring Survey in China
Authors: Jiang He , Huang Yanshuo
Published: March 2023

Public health service is an important guarantee by the government to safeguard the health rights of rural migrant women. This not only concerns the health status of rural migrant women and their willingness to stay in the urban area but can also affect their fertility intention. This study systematically examined the impact of public health services on the fertility intentions of rural migrant women as well as the mechanisms, underlying these intentions based on the data from the 2018 China Migration Dynamics Monitoring Survey. Urban public health services, including health records management and health education, could effectively enhance the fertility intentions of rural migrant women. Furthermore, their health status and willingness to stay in urban areas were important mechanisms, by which, the public health services could influence the fertility intentions of rural migrant women. Additionally, urban public health services have a better effect on improving the fertility desire of rural migrant women who have no pregnancy experience, a low income level, and a short residence time in the inflow area. This study contributed to the examination and clarification of the policy effects of public health services on the fertility intentions of rural migrant women. Additionally, it also provided important evidence to support the government policies related to the optimization of the public health service system, improvement of the health status, citizenship, and fertility intentions of the rural migrant women, as well as the development of the uniform public health services.
Can cartilage intermediate layer protein 1 (CILP1) use as a novel biomarker for canine myxomatous mitral valve degeneration levels or not?
Authors: Kim Hyeon-Jin , Kim Jihyun , Kim Soomin , Kim Ha-Jung
Published: March 2023

Background

Myxomatous mitral valve degeneration (MMVD) is the most common degenerative heart disease in dogs and is associated with irreversible changes in the valve tissue. Although traditional cardiac biomarkers are efficient for diagnosing MMVD, there are limitations, therefore, it is important to find novel biomarkers. Cartilage intermediate layer protein 1 (CILP1), an extracellular matrix-derived protein, acts as a transforming growth factor-β antagonist and is involved in myocardial fibrosis. This study aimed to evaluate serum CILP1 levels in canines with MMVD. Dogs with MMVD were staged according to the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine consensus guidelines. Data analysis was performed using the Mann–Whitney U test, Spearman’s correlation, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves.

Results

CILP1 levels were elevated in dogs with MMVD (n = 27) compared to healthy controls (n = 8). Furthermore, results showed that CILP1 levels were significantly higher in stage C group dogs compared to healthy controls. The ROC curve of CILP1 and NT-proBNP were good predictors of MMVD, although no similarity was observed between the two. Left ventricular end-diastolic diameter normalized to the body weight (LVIDdn) and left atrial to aorta dimension (LA/Ao) showed a strong association with CILP1 levels; however, no correlation was observed between CILP1 levels and vertebral heart size (VHS) and vertebral left atrial score (VLAS). The optimal cut-off value was selected from the ROC curve and dogs were classified according to the cut-off value (1.068 ng/mL, sensitivity 51.9%, specificity 100%). Results showed a significant association of CILP1 with cardiac remodeling indicators, such as VHS, VLAS, LA/Ao, and LVIDdn.

Conclusions

CILP1 can be an indicator of cardiac remodeling in canines with MMVD and therefore, can be used as an MMVD biomarker.
Cuproptosis: mechanisms and links with cancers
Authors: Xie Jiaming , Yang Yannan , Gao Yibo , He Jie
Published: March 2023

Cuproptosis was a copper-dependent and unique kind of cell death that was separate from existing other forms of cell death. The last decade has witnessed a considerable increase in investigations of programmed cell death, and whether copper induced cell death was an independent form of cell death has long been argued until mechanism of cuproptosis has been revealed. After that, increasing number of researchers attempted to identify the relationship between cuproptosis and the process of cancer. Thus, in this review, we systematically detailed the systemic and cellular metabolic processes of copper and the copper-related tumor signaling pathways. Moreover, we not only focus on the discovery process of cuproptosis and its mechanism, but also outline the association between cuproptosis and cancers. Finally, we further highlight the possible therapeutic direction of employing copper ion ionophores with cuproptosis-inducing functions in combination with small molecule drugs for targeted therapy to treat specific cancers.
Opposite and dynamic regulation of the interferon response in metastatic and non-metastatic breast cancer
Authors: Lamsal Apsana , Andersen Sonja Benedikte , Johansson Ida , Vietri Marina , Bokil Ansooya Avinash , Kurganovs Natalie Jayne , Rylander Felicia , Bjørkøy Geir , Pettersen Kristine , Giambelluca Miriam S.
Published: March 2023

Background

To our current understanding, solid tumors depend on suppressed local immune reactions, often elicited by the interaction between tumor cells and tumor microenvironment (TME) components. Despite an improved understanding of anti-cancer immune responses in the TME, it is still unclear how immuno-suppressive TME are formed and how some cancer cells survive and metastasize.

Methods

To identify the major adaptations that cancer cells undergo during tumor development and progression, we compared the transcriptome and proteome from metastatic 66cl4 and non-metastatic 67NR cell lines in culture versus their corresponding mouse mammary primary tumors. Using confocal microscopy, RT-qPCR, flow cytometry and western blotting, we studied the signaling pathway and the mechanisms involved. In addition, we used public gene expression data from human breast cancer biopsies to evaluate the correlation between gene expression and clinical outcomes in patients.

Results

We found that type I interferon (IFN-I) response was a key differentially regulated pathway between metastatic and non-metastatic cell lines and tumors. The IFN-I response was active in metastatic cancer cells in culture and markedly dampened when these cells formed primary tumors. Interestingly, the opposite was observed in non-metastatic cancer cells and tumors. Consistent with an active IFN-I response in culture, the metastatic cancer cells displayed elevated levels of cytosolic DNA from both mitochondria and ruptured micronuclei with concomitant activation of cGAS-STING signaling. Interestingly, decreased IFN-I-related gene expression in breast cancer biopsies correlated with an unfavourable prognosis in patients.

Conclusion

Our findings show that IFN-I response is dampened in the tumors with the metastatic ability and lower IFN-I expression predicts poor prognosis in triple-negative and HER2 enriched breast cancer patients. This study highlights the possibility of reactivating the IFN-I response as a potential therapeutic strategy in breast cancer.

Graphical abstract
A Smart Service System for Spatial Intelligence and Onboard Navigation for Individuals with Visual Impairment (VIS4ION Thailand): study protocol of a randomized controlled trial of visually impaired students at the Ratchasuda College, Thailand
Authors: Beheshti Mahya , Naeimi Tahereh , Hudson Todd E. , Feng Chen , Mongkolwat Pattanasak , Riewpaiboon Wachara , Seiple William , Vedanthan Rajesh , Rizzo John-Ross
Published: March 2023

Background

Blind/low vision (BLV) severely limits information about our three-dimensional world, leading to poor spatial cognition and impaired navigation. BLV engenders mobility losses, debility, illness, and premature mortality. These mobility losses have been associated with unemployment and severe compromises in quality of life. VI not only eviscerates mobility and safety but also, creates barriers to inclusive higher education. Although true in almost every high-income country, these startling facts are even more severe in low- and middle-income countries, such as Thailand. We aim to use VIS4ION (Visually Impaired Smart Service System for Spatial Intelligence and Onboard Navigation), an advanced wearable technology, to enable real-time access to microservices, providing a potential solution to close this gap and deliver consistent and reliable access to critical spatial information needed for mobility and orientation during navigation.

Methods

We are leveraging 3D reconstruction and semantic segmentation techniques to create a digital twin of the campus that houses Mahidol University’s disability college. We will do cross-over randomization, and two groups of randomized VI students will deploy this augmented platform in two phases: a passive phase, during which the wearable will only record location, and an active phase, in which end users receive orientation cueing during location recording. A group will perform the active phase first, then the passive, and the other group will experiment reciprocally. We will assess for acceptability, appropriateness, and feasibility, focusing on experiences with VIS4ION. In addition, we will test another cohort of students for navigational, health, and well-being improvements, comparing weeks 1 to 4. We will also conduct a process evaluation according to the Saunders Framework. Finally, we will extend our computer vision and digital twinning technique to a 12-block spatial grid in Bangkok, providing aid in a more complex environment.

Discussion

Although electronic navigation aids seem like an attractive solution, there are several barriers to their use; chief among them is their dependence on either environmental (sensor-based) infrastructure or WiFi/cell “connectivity” infrastructure or both. These barriers limit their widespread adoption, particularly in low-and-middle-income countries. Here we propose a navigation solution that operates independently of both environmental and Wi-Fi/cell infrastructure. We predict the proposed platform supports spatial cognition in BLV populations, augmenting personal freedom and agency, and promoting health and well-being.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov under the identifier: NCT03174314, Registered 2017.06.02.
Short-chain dehydrogenases in Haemonchus contortus: changes during life cycle and in relation to drug-resistance
Authors: Štěrbová Karolína , Rychlá Nikola , Matoušková Petra , Skálová Lenka , Raisová Stuchlíková Lucie
Published: March 2023

Short-chain dehydrogenases/reductases (SDRs) regulate the activities of many hormones and other signaling molecules and participate in the deactivation of various carbonyl-bearing xenobiotics. Nevertheless, knowledge about these important enzymes in helminths remains limited. The aim of our study was to characterize the SDR superfamily in the parasitic nematodeHaemonchus contortus. Genome localization of SDRs was explored, and phylogenetic analysis in comparison with SDRs from free-living nematodeCaenorhabditis elegansand the domestic sheep (Ovis aries, a typical host ofH. contortus) was constructed. The expression profile of selected SDRs during the life cycle along with differences between the drug-susceptible and drug-resistant strains, were also studied. Genome sequencing enabled the identification of 46 members of the SDR family inH. contortus. A number of genes have no orthologue in the sheep genome. In all developmental stages ofH. contortus, SDR1, SDR3, SDR5, SDR6, SDR14, and SDR18 genes were the most expressed, although in individual stages, huge differences in expression levels were observed. A comparison of SDRs expression between the drug-susceptible and drug-resistant strains ofH. contortusrevealed several SDRs with changed expression in the resistant strain. Specifically, SDR1, SDR12, SDR13, SDR16 are SDR candidates related to drug-resistance, as the expression of these SDRs is consistently increased in most stages of the drug-resistantH. contortus. These findings revealing several SDR enzymes ofH. contortuswarrant further investigation.
Attitudes and experiences of registered diabetes specialists in using health apps for managing type 2 diabetes: results from a mixed-methods study in Germany 2021/2022
Authors: Wangler Julian , Jansky Michael
Published: March 2023

Background

Hardly any area of application for health apps is seen to be as promising as health and lifestyle support in type 2 diabetes mellitus. Research has emphasised the benefits of such mHealth apps for disease prevention, monitoring, and management, but there is still a lack of empirical data on the role that health apps play in actual type 2 diabetes care. The aim of the present study was to gain an overview of the attitudes and experiences of physicians specialising in diabetes with regard to the benefits of health apps for type 2 diabetes prevention and management.

Methods

An online survey was conducted amongst all 1746 physicians at practices specialised in diabetes in Germany between September 2021 and April 2022. A total of 538 (31%) of the physicians contacted participated in the survey. In addition, qualitative interviews were conducted with 16 randomly selected resident diabetes specialists. None of the interviewees took part in the quantitative survey.

Results

Resident diabetes specialists saw a clear benefit in type 2 diabetes-related health apps, primarily citing improvements in empowerment (73%), motivation (75%), and compliance (71%). Respondents rated self-monitoring for risk factors (88%), lifestyle-supporting (86%), and everyday routine features (82%) as especially beneficial. Physicians mainly in urban practice environments were open to apps and their use in patient care despite their potential benefit. Respondents expressed reservations and doubts on app user-friendliness in some patient groups (66%), privacy in existing apps (57%), and the legal conditions of using apps in patient care (80%). Of those surveyed, 39% felt capable of advising patients on diabetes-related apps. Most of the physicians that had already used apps in patient care saw positive effects in increased compliance (74%), earlier detection of or reduction in complications (60%), weight reduction (48%), and decreased HbA1c levels (37%).

Conclusions

Resident diabetes specialists saw a real-life benefit with added value from health apps for managing type 2 diabetes. Despite the favourable role that health apps may play in disease prevention and management, many physicians expressed reservations regarding usability, transparency, security, and privacy in such apps. These concerns should be addressed more intensively towards bringing about ideal conditions for integrating health apps successfully in diabetes care. This includes uniform standards governing quality, privacy, and legal conditions as binding as possible with regard to apps and their use in a clinical setting.
Right gyrus cinguli low-grade astrocytoma recurrence removed through a contralateral transfalcine approach with a 4K-3D exoscope
Authors: Peron Stefano , Sicuri Giovanni Marco , Cividini Andrea , Stefini Roberto
Published: March 2023

Background

Brain tumor surgery has been using operative microscope for years. Recently, thanks to developments in surgical technology with procedures performed on head-up displays, exoscopes have been introduced as an alternative to microscopic vision.

Case presentation

We present a case of a 46-year-old patient with a low-grade glioma recurrence of the right gyrus cinguli removed with a contralateral transfalcine approach using an exoscope (ORBEYE 4K-three-dimensional (3D) exoscope, Sony Olympus Medical Solutions Inc., Tokyo, Japan).

The operating room setup for this approach is illustrated.

During the procedure, the surgeon was seated with head and back in an upright position, while the camera was aligned with the surgical corridor.

The exoscope provided detailed, high-quality 4K-3D images of the anatomical structures and optimal depth perception, making surgery accurate and precise.

At the end of the resection, an intraoperative MRI scan showed complete removal of the lesion. The patient was discharged on postoperative day 4 with an excellent performance on neuropsychological examination.

Conclusions

In this clinical case the contralateral approach was favorable because the glioma was located close to the midline and because it offered a straight path to the tumor, minimizing retraction on the brain. The exoscope provided the surgeon with important advantages in terms of anatomical visualization and ergonomics during the entire procedure.
Clinical characteristics, angiographic findings and treatment outcomes of carotid cavernous fistula in Makassar, Indonesia: a single-centre experience
Authors: Bahar Ashari , Pranata Jambri , Gunawan Anthony , Soraya Gita Vita
Published: March 2023

Background

Carotid cavernous fistula (CCF) is an abnormal arteriovenous shunt between the carotid artery or its branches, with the cavernous sinus. It is still common in developing countries, and is mostly due to traumatic origin. Endovascular treatment has emerged as the primary mode of treatment of CCF. This is the first study describing the clinical manifestation, angiographic characteristic, and the challenges we face in endovascular treatment of CCF cases in Makassar, Indonesia.

Results

This descriptive study was conducted between January 2019 to March 2022. We reviewed medical records and angiograms of all patients diagnosed with CCF at the Wahidin General Hospital, Makassar. Clinical manifestations, angiogram results, treatment, and outcome data were analyzed. A total of 23 patients were included in this study, with 17 (73.9%) direct CCF (Barrow type A) and 6 (26.1%) indirect CCF (Barrow type B, C, D). The mean age of patients were 32 years old. The three most common clinical manifestations were proptosis (n = 21, 91.3%), headache (n = 14, 60.8%), and chemosis (n = 14, 60.8%). The three most common drainage routes were via the superior ophthalmic vein (n = 23, 100%), inferior petrosal sinus (n = 12, 52.1%), and superficial middle cerebral vein (n = 6, 26.0%). All patients with direct CCF (n = 17) had endovascular treatment, resulting in 13 cases with complete occlusion (76.5%), 3 cases with incomplete occlusion (17.6%), and 1 (5.9%) procedure cancelled due to difficult navigation. Occlusion of fistula was best achieved with detachable coil, with a technical success rate of 90%. In indirect CCF (n = 6), 4 patients were treated conservatively and 2 with endovascular treatment, with complete occlusion in 2 patients.

Conclusions

Carotid cavernous fistula patients commonly presented with orbital symptoms, headache, or neuro-ophthalmologic signs. The most common drainage pattern is via anterior route. Posterior, superior and lateral drainage were not found in indirect CCF. Endovascular treatment is an effective method for fistula closure, especially in the case of direct fistula. Challenges in endovascular treatment are related to the anatomy of the fistula and cavernous sinus.
A contribution to Porogramme (Polyporaceae, Agaricomycetes) and related genera
Authors: Mao Wei-Lin , Wu Ying-Da , Liu Hong-Gao , Yuan Yuan , Dai Yu-Cheng
Published: March 2023

The polypores with shallow pores from tropical Asia and America are studied. Our molecular phylogeny based on the internal transcribed spacer (ITS), the large subunit nuclear ribosomal RNA gene (nLSU), the translation elongation factor 1-α gene (TEF1), and the largest subunit of RNA polymerase II (RPB1) demonstrates six clades are formed among Porogramme and related genera. Two new genera, Cyanoporus and Pseudogrammothele, are established, and the six clades represent Porogramme, Cyanoporus, Grammothele, Epithele, Theleporus, and Pseudogrammothele, respectively. The molecular clock analyses estimate the divergence times of the six clades based on a dataset (ITS + LSU + TEF1 + RPB1 + RPB2), and we recognize the mean stem ages of the six genera are earlier than 50 Mya. Three new species in Porogramme were morphologically and phylogenetically confirmed, and they are described as P. austroasiana, P. cylindrica, and P. yunnanensis. Phylogenetic analysis shows that type species of Tinctoporellus and Porogramme are nested in the same clade, and Tinctoporellus is treated as a synonym of Porogramme. Based on our phylogeny, twelve new combinations are proposed, and the differences between the new species and similar or related species are discussed.
Evaluating the Time Toxicity of Cancer Treatment in the CCTG CO.17 Trial
Authors: Gupta Arjun , O'Callaghan Christopher J. , Zhu Liting , Jonker Derek J. , Wong Ralph P.W. , Colwell Bruce , Moore Malcolm J. , Karapetis Christos S. , Tebbutt Niall C. , Shapiro Jeremy D. , Tu Dongsheng , Booth Christopher M.
Published: March 2023

PURPOSE:

The time spent in pursuing treatments for advanced cancer can be substantial. We have previously proposed a pragmatic and patient-centered metric of these time costs—which we term time toxicity—as any day with physical health care system contact. This includes outpatient visits (eg, bloodwork, scans, etc), emergency department visits, and overnight stays in a health care facility. Herein, we sought to assess time toxicity in a completed randomized controlled trial (RCT).

METHODS:

We conducted a secondary analysis of the Canadian Cancer Trials Group CO.17 RCT that evaluated weekly cetuximab infusions versus supportive care alone in 572 patients with advanced colorectal cancer. Initial results reported a 6-week improvement in median overall survival (OS) with cetuximab (6.1 v 4.6 months). Subsequent analyses reported that benefit was restricted to patients with K-ras wild-type tumors. We calculated patient-level time toxicity by analyzing trial forms. We considered days without health care contact as home days. We compared medians of time measures across arms and stratified results by K-ras status.

RESULTS:

In the overall population, median time toxic days were higher in the cetuximab arm (28 v 10, P < .001) although median home days were not statistically different between arms (140 v 121, P = .09). In patients with K-ras–mutated tumors, cetuximab was associated with almost numerically equal home days (114 days v 112 days, P = .571) and higher time toxicity (23 days v 11 days, P < .001). In patients with K-ras wild-type tumors, cetuximab was associated with more home days (186 v 132, P < .001).

CONCLUSION:

This proof-of-concept feasibility study demonstrates that measures of time toxicity can be extracted through secondary analyses of RCTs. In CO.17, despite an overall OS benefit with cetuximab, home days were statistically similar across arms. Such data can supplement traditional survival end points in RCTs. Further work should refine and validate the measure prospectively. [Media: see text]
Current Pubertal Development in Chinese Children and the Impact of Overnutrition, Lifestyle, and Perinatal Factors
Authors: Liang Xinyi , Huang Ke , Dong Guangping , Chen Ruimin , Chen Shaoke , Zheng Rongxiu , Wang Chunlin , Wei Haiyan , Cao Bingyan , Liang Yan , Yao Hui , Su Zhe , Maimaiti Mireguli , Luo Feihong , Li Pin , Zhu Min , Du Hongwei , Yang Yu , Cui Lanwei , Si Shuting , Bai Guannan , Yu Yunxian , Wang Er-Gang , Hofman Paul L , Fu Junfen
Published: March 2023

Context

Age of pubertal onset has been decreasing in many countries but there have been no data on pubertal development in Chinese children over the last decade.

Objective

The primary objective of the study was to evaluate the current status of sexual maturation in Chinese children and adolescents. Secondary objectives were to examine socioeconomic, lifestyle, and auxological associations with pubertal onset.

Methods

In this national, cross-sectional, community-based health survey, a multistage, stratified cluster random sampling method was used to select a nationally representative sample, consisting of 231 575 children and adolescents (123 232 boys and 108 343 girls) between 2017 and 2019. Growth parameters and pubertal staging were assessed by physical examination.

Results

Compared to 10 years previously, the median age of Tanner 2 breast development and menarche were similar at 9.65 years and 12.39 years respectively. However, male puberty occurred earlier with a median age of testicular volume ≥4 mL of 10.65 years. Pubertal onset did occur earlier at the extremes, with 3.3% of the girls with breast development at 6.5-6.99 years old, increasing to 5.8% by 7.5-7.99 years old. Early pubertal onset was also noted in boys, with a testicular volume ≥ 4 mL noted in 1.5% at 7.5-7.99 years, increasing to 3.5% at 8.5-8.99 years old. Obesity and overweight increased risk of developing earlier puberty relative to normal weight in both boys and girls.

Conclusion

Over the past decade, pubertal development is occurring earlier in Chinese children. While the cause is multifactorial, overweight and obesity are associated with earlier puberty onset. The currently used normative pubertal data of precocious puberty may not be applicable to diagnose precocious puberty.
Sex Differences in Cardiovascular Disease and Cardiovascular Risk Estimation in Patients With Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Dei Cas Alessandra , Aldigeri Raffaella , Mantovani Alessandro , Masulli Maria , Palmisano Luisa , Cavalot Franco , Bonomo Katia , Baroni Marco Giorgio , Cossu Efisio , Cavallo Gisella , Cimini Flavia Agata , Buzzetti Raffaella , Mignogna Carmen , Leonetti Frida , Bacci Simonetta , Trevisan Roberto , Morieri Mario Luca , Pollis Riccardo Maria , Targher Giovanni , Vigili de Kreutzenberg Saula
Published: March 2023

Context

Patients with type 1 diabetes (T1D) have higher cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk than the general population.

Objective

This observational study aims to evaluate sex-related differences in CVD prevalence and CVD risk estimates in a large cohort of T1D adults.

Methods

We conducted a multicenter, cross-sectional study involving 2041 patients with T1D (mean age 46 years; 44.9% women). In patients without pre-existing CVD (primary prevention), we used the Steno type 1 risk engine to estimate the 10-year risk of developing CVD events.

Results

CVD prevalence (n = 116) was higher in men than in women aged ≥55 years (19.2 vs 12.8%, P = .036), but comparable between the 2 sexes in those aged <55 years (P = .91). In patients without pre-existing CVD (n = 1925), mean 10-year estimated CVD risk was 15.4 ± 0.4% without any significant sex difference. However, stratifying this patient group by age, the 10-year estimated CVD risk was significantly higher in men than in women until age 55 years (P < .001), but this risk equalized after this age. Carotid artery plaque burden was significantly associated with age ≥55 years and with a medium and high 10-year estimated CVD risk, without any significant sex difference. Diabetic retinopathy and sensory–motor neuropathy were also associated with higher 10-year CVD risk and female sex.

Conclusion

Both men and women with T1D are at high CVD risk. The 10-year estimated CVD risk was higher in men aged <55 years than in women of similar age, but these sex differences disappeared at age ≥55 years, suggesting that female sex was no longer protective.
Advances in the Treatment of Gastroenteropancreatic Neuroendocrine Carcinomas: Are we Moving Forward?
Authors: Garcia-Carbonero Rocio , Anton-Pascual Beatriz , Modrego Andrea , del Carmen Riesco-Martinez Maria , Lens-Pardo Alberto , Carretero-Puche Carlos , Rubio-Cuesta Beatriz , Soldevilla Beatriz
Published: March 2023

Poorly differentiated gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine carcinomas are aggressive neoplasms of challenging clinical management. A small proportion of patients with early-stage disease may achieve long-term survival, but the majority of patients present with rapidly lethal metastatic disease. Current standard of care still follows the treatment paradigm of small cell lung cancer, a far more common G3 neuroendocrine neoplasm, although emerging molecular and clinical data increasingly question this approach. In this article, we will briefly summarize epidemiology and prognosis of gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine carcinomas to emphasize the very low incidence, aggressive nature, and orphan status of this tumor entity. We will also discuss the current pathological classification and its limitations, as well as recent data on their differential biological background compared with small cell lung cancer, and its potential implications for patients care. Then, we will review the standard of care of systemic therapy, basically focused on platinum-based cytotoxic chemotherapy, including some recent randomized trials providing evidence regarding efficacy of irinotecan vs etoposide platinum doublets. Finally, we will present a comprehensive overview of novel therapeutic strategies in current clinical development, including recently reported data on immunotherapy, tumor-agnostic therapies (microsatellite instability, high tumor mutational burden, NTRK and RET gene fusions, BRAF or KRAS inhibitors), and additional treatment strategies targeting other tumor vulnerabilities (ie, Notch pathway, novel targets for radioligand therapy), and provide some insights regarding unmet needs and future perspectives to improve patient's care and prognosis.
The Role of Long Noncoding Ribonucleic Acids in Glioblastoma: What the Neurosurgeon Should Know
Authors: Villa Genaro Rodriguez , Chiocca Ennio Antonio
Published: March 2023

A significant proportion of the human transcriptome, long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) play pivotal roles in several aspects of glioblastoma (GBM) pathophysiology including proliferation, invasion, radiation and temozolomide resistance, and immune modulation. The majority of lncRNAs exhibit tissue- and tumor-specific expression, lending them to be attractive targets for therapeutic translation. In recent years, unprecedented progress has been made toward our understanding of lncRNA in GBM. In this review, we discuss the function of lncRNAs, including specific lncRNAs that have critical roles in key aspects of GBM pathophysiology, and potential clinical relevance of lncRNAs for patients with GBM.
Menopause Transition: A Cross-Sectional Evaluation on Muscle Size and Quality
Authors: SMITH-RYAN ABBIE E. , HIRSCH KATIE R. , CABRE HANNAH E. , GOULD LACEY M. , GORDON AMANDA N. , FERRANDO ARNY A.
Published: March 2023

Introduction

The menopause transition yields significant physiological alterations. The purpose was to characterize lean soft tissue (LST), muscle size (muscle cross-sectional area (mCSA)), muscle quality (echo intensity (EI)), and strength across the menopause transition. A secondary aim was to evaluate whole-body protein turnover in a subsample of women.

Methods

Seventy-two healthy women were enrolled in this cross-sectional study based on menopause stage (PRE: n = 24; PERI: n = 24; POST: n = 24). Whole-body LST was measured via dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry, and muscle characteristics (mCSA and EI) were measured via B-mode ultrasound of the vastus lateralis. Maximal voluntary contractions (N·m) of the knee extensors were evaluated. Physical activity (in minutes per day) was accounted for using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. A subsample of women (n = 27) ingested 2.0 g of 15N-alanine to determine whole-body net protein balance (NB; in grams per kilogram of body mass per day).

Results

Significant differences were evident in LST (P = 0.022), leg LST (P = 0.05), and EI (P = 0.018) between menopause stages. Bonferroni post-hoc comparisons revealed greater LST in PRE versus PERI (mean difference (MD) ± SE, 3.8 ± 1.5 kg; P = 0.048) and POST (3.9 ± 1.5 lb; P = 0.049). Similarly, EI was significantly higher in PERI PRE (MD, 18.3 ± 7.1 a.u.; P = 0.036). There was no significant difference in mCSA (P = 0.082) or in maximal voluntary contraction (P = 0.167). NB was significantly different across groups (P = 0.026); NB was greater in PRE compared with PERI (MD, 0.39 ± 0.17 g·kg−1; P = 0.090), and from PRE to POST (MD, 0.46 ± 0.17 g·kg−1; P = 0.042). Physical activity was not significantly different across groups but demonstrated a linear increase from PRE to POST.

Conclusions

The current findings suggest that LST, muscle quality, and protein balance may be negatively influenced by the menopause transition.
Filozoficzne koncepcje własnosci: Od Platona do Marksa
Authors: Juruś Dariusz
Published: March 2023

All theories of property arose in a specific place and time and were an expression of political, social, economic and religious views of the time. They were also based on a specific vision of the world and man. Plato and Aristotle considered man first and foremost as a citizen who could become virtuous only in polis. St. Thomas, Hugo Grotius and John Locke claimed, that man was a divine creature. Immanuel Kant, in turn, considered man as an entity whose greatness and dignity lie in the rationality and autonomy of the will. Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel and Karl Marx held that man is an individual that realizes himself through labor. Property was considered as an element that unites community (Aquinas) or as a source of inequalities (Rousseau). Sometimes property was associated with justice (Hume) or law (Rousseau, Bentham) and sometimes with liberty (Kant). For some philosophers private property was a source of prosperity and self-realization (Locke, Hegel, Bastiat) and for others a source of oppression and alienation (Proudhon, Marx). Some philosophers considered property as a natural right (Locke, Spooner) and others as a state institution (Hobbes). Property was considered as an instrument through which man can meet God’s will or as a tool which state applies to fighting inequalities (Mill).
First Price Sealed-Bid Auctions with Bidders’ Heterogeneous Risk Behavior: An Adversarial Risk Analysis Approach
Authors: Ejaz Muhammad , Rani Nisho , Sheikh Muhammad Ramzan
Published: March 2023

Bidders’ bidding behavior is analyzed in first price sealed-bid (FPSB) auctions using an adversarial risk analysis (ARA) framework. However, using nonstrategic play and level-k thinking solution concepts, modeling is performed by assuming only two bidders. Also, the aleatory and concept uncertainties have not been yet taken into account by using an ARA framework for these auctions. In this paper, we apply an ARA approach to model bidders’ bidding behavior in a more realistic way for FPSB auctions. We assume n bidders that may have different wealth and heterogeneous risk behaviors. We use nonstrategic play and level-k thinking solution concepts, and we take into account aleatory uncertainty in addition to epistemic uncertainty. Finally, concept uncertainty is taken into account to find ARA solutions for these auctions. We also provide numerical examples to illustrate our methodology.
Quasi semiprime multiplication modules over a pullback of a pair of Dedekind domains
Authors:   Payame Noor University, Ghiasvand Peyman , Farzalipour Farkhondeh ,   Payame Noor University
Published: March 2023

The main purpose of this article is to classify all indecomposable quasi semiprime multiplication modules over pullback rings of two Dedekind domains and establish a connection between the quasi semiprime multiplication modules and the pure-injective modules over such rings. First, we introduce and study the notion of quasi semiprime multiplication modules and classify quasi semiprime multiplication modules over local Dedekind domains. Second, we get all indecomposable separated quasi semiprime multiplication modules and then, using this list of separated quasi-semiprime multiplication modules, we show that non-separated indecomposable quasi semiprime multiplication R-modules with finite-dimensional top are factor modules of finite direct sums of separated indecomposable quasi semiprime multiplication modules.
Nakajima quiver varieties, affine crystals and combinatorics of Auslander-Reiten quivers
Authors:   Faculty of Mathematics Ruhr-University Bochum, Kus Deniz , Schumann Bea ,   University of Cologne
Published: March 2023

We obtain an explicit crystal isomorphism between two realizations of crystal bases of finite dimensional irreducible representations of simple Lie algebras of type A and D. The first realization we consider is a geometric construction in terms of irreducible components of certain Nakajima quiver varieties established by Saito and the second is a realization in terms of isomorphism classes of quiver representations obtained by Reineke. We give a homological description of the irreducible components of Lusztig's quiver varieties which correspond to the crystal of a finite dimensional representation and describe the promotion operator in type A to obtain a geometric realization of Kirillov-Reshetikhin crystals.
Constructions of BiHom-X algebras and bimodules of some BiHom-dialgebras
Authors:   Sfax University, Shaqra University, Laraiedh Ismail , Silvestrov Sergei ,   Mälardalen University
Published: March 2023

The aim of this paper is to introduce and to develop several methods for constructions of BiHom-X algebras by extending composition methods, and by using Rota-Baxter operators and some elements of centroids. The bimodules of BiHom-left symmetric dialgebras, BiHom-associative dialgebras and BiHom-tridendriform algebra are defined, and it is shown that a sequence of this kind of bimodules can be constructed. Their matched pairs of BiHom-left symmetric, BiHom-associative dialgebras BiHom-tridendriform algebra are introduced and methods for their constructions and properties are investigated.
OSMANLI DÖNEMİ 16. YÜZYIL TEZHİP SANATINDAN ÖRNEKLER BAĞLAMINDA TASARIM ÇEŞİTLİLİĞİ ÜZERİNE BİR DEĞERLENDİRME
Authors: ARACI Nihal
Published: March 2023

Kitap sanatlarının tüm dallarında çok kıymetli eserler hazırlanmıştır. Bir anlamda birbirinin tamamlayıcısı olan bu sanatlar, bir bütünün parçası mahiyetinde taşıyıcı unsur olmuşlardır. Tezhip sanatında da başlangıcından günümüze kadar, üstlendiği bu vazife gereğince, nicelik ve nitelik yönünden oldukça zengin çalışmalar yapılmıştır. Osmanlı Dönemi 16. yy tezhip sanatından seçilen örnekler bağlamında tasarım çeşitliliğinin ele alındığı çalışmanın giriş kısmında çeşitliliğin sosyo-kültürel ve siyasî vesileleri bağlamında kitap sanatlarının gelişim süreci ile bunun tasarım çeşitliliğine olan etkileri değerlendirilmiş ve tezhip sanatının tarihi ile kullanım alanları hakkında kısaca bilgi verilmiştir. Takip eden bölümde, mezkûr tasarım çeşitliliğinin Kur’ân-ı Kerîm’in yazılışı ve tezyinatı arasındaki ilişki bakımından hangi veçhesiyle ortaya çıktığına ve bu çeşitliliğin izdüşümünün sanatkârın zihin dünyasında neye karşılık gelebileceğine değinilmiştir. Çalışmanın temelini oluşturan bölümde, Osmanlı Dönemi 16. yy tezhip sanatında tasarım çeşitliliğinin hangi yollarla elde edildiği sorusuna cevap aranmıştır. Bu çeşitliliğin elde edilmesinin uygulama yönü dört genel başlık altında sınıflandırılmıştır. Her bir başlık kendi içinde özlü bir şekilde ifade edilmeye çalışılmış ve bu anlatım, Osmanlı Dönemi 16. yy tezhip sanatını yansıtan eserlerden seçilmiş örnek görseller ile desteklenmiştir. Bu çalışmada tezhip sanatındaki tasarım çeşitliliğinin oluşumunda temel olarak uygulanan fakat gözden kaçırılmış hususlara dikkat çekilmesi ve yapılan bu sınıflandırma ile hem bu sanatın icracıları hem de ilgilileri için tezhip sanatının zirve döneminde tasarım çeşitliliğinin hangi yollarla elde edildiğine dair muhtasar bir çalışma yapılması hedeflenmiştir.
Computational Study of the Keto-Enol Tautomerism of 3-Phenyl-2,4-Pentanedione in the Gaseous Phase and Solvents Using DFT Methods
Authors: Babiker Musa E. Mohamed , Alzharani Ahmed A. , Bakry Ayyob M.
Published: March 2023

The study of tautomerics equilibria is of vital importance as tautomeric compounds reactivity highly depends on the proportion of each tautomer. Herein, the tautomeric equilibrium of the 3-phenyl-2,4-pentanedione was studied theoretically by the b3lyp/6-31+g(d)methods. The effect of four solvents was considered (water, methanol, carbon tetrachloride and Cyclohexane).The tautomeric equilibrium takes place through four-membered ring transition state. The barrier heights energies of the tautomerics equilibria reaction of the transition state with reference to Keto were found to be 31.26, 31.23, 30.84, 30.82 and 30.61 kcal mol-1 in water, methanol, carbon tetrachloride, Cyclohexane and the gas-phase, respectively. Furthermore, the electronics energies differences between the Keto-form and Enol-form were found to be -16.50,-16.55, -17.27, -17.34 and -17.89 kcal mol-1 in the same previous solvents respectively. The DFT calculations revealed that the Keto-form is more stable one in all investigations.
Green Synthesis of Electrochemically Active Silver Nanoparticles
Authors: Malathi G Malathi G , C Thillaiyadi Valliammai , S Rizwana Begum , K. S Vinayaka , Udappusamy Vino , Nirmala P Nirmala P , Ahamed I Niyas
Published: March 2023

The manufacturing of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) is now safer, more economical, nontoxic, and environmentally benign thanks to the extraction of Cirsium japonicum. The extracts from C. japonicum worked as a stabiliser and reducer. AgNP synthesis was verified by UV/vis spectroscopy. There have been studies done on the production of AgNP at various temperatures and concentrations. Their dispersion was validated by high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), which also revealed their tiny (2–8 nm) spherical form, lack of aggregation, and spherical shape. AgNPs were found to be crystalline using X-ray diffraction (XRD). Using EDX, it was possible to determine the substance's elemental makeup. FTIR spectroscopy was used to identify the chemical molecules that coat AgNPs. The photodegradation of bromo phenyl blue has been investigated in a variety of settings, including experimental setups and catalyst size and structure. In about 12 minutes, 98 percent of the bromo phenyl blue was destroyed using AgNPs as photo catalysts. Water purification and the transformation of organic hazardous substances into non-hazardous products are obvious uses for AgNPs due to their powerful reductive capabilities. Amazing electro-catalytic abilities for hydroquinone were shown by the electrode (Ag/GC) that was transformed to AgNPs. In an acetate buffer solution, the cyclic voltametric analysis of AgNPs was examined. The experiment findings for GC and modified AgNPs were contrasted. The conductivity of AgNPs was investigated in an acetate buffer solution with a 0.15 M concentration. The generated AgNPs are uniform in size and stability. The produced AgNPs' electrochemical potential was shown.
The Effect of Chitosan and Glycerol Mixture on Improving Biodegradable Plastic Properties of Young Coconut Husk (Cocos nucifera L.)
Authors: Z. Muchtar Z. Muchtar , Sari S. A. , Rahmah S. , M. Zubir M. Zubir , Sarumaha G. E.
Published: March 2023

Biodegradable plastics were synthesized from young coconut husk which taken from Medan Area district, Medan city, North Sumatera, Indonesia, and modified by increasing the mixtures of chitosan (C) and glycerol (G) with ratios of C:G and G:C as 1:1, 1:3, and 1:5. The increase of glycerol produces a thin plastic of 1.04 mm with a water resistance of 24.48%. It also produces a flexible plastic with an elongation of 96.89% and a lower tensile strength of 0.48 Pa. Meanwhile, the increase of chitosan results in a thicker plastic of 8.2 mm with a water resistance of 74.26% and tensile strength of 3.85 Pa, albeit with a lower elongation of 12.21%. The process of plastic degradation was observed for 15 days; the plastic with high glycerol content characterised an increased degradation percentage of 96.07%, while those with high chitosan content had a degradation percentage of 52.45%. The increasing amount of glycerol in the mixture results in a thinner and more flexible biodegradable plastic that decomposes easily in the soil.
Rational Design, Synthesis, Characterization, and Anti-bacterial activity of Urea Derivatives Bearing 1,2,4-triazoles as Molecular Hybrid Scaffolds
Authors: Choudhary Sunil Kumar , Gothwal Priya , Sogani Nidhi , Saini Ajay , Swami Suman
Published: March 2023

A new set of molecular hybrids, urea derivatives carrying 1,2,4-triazole as molecular hybrid scaffolds, were developed, synthesised, characterised, and assessed for potential anti-bacterial action. Triazole scaffolds are key moieties in many pharmacological compounds, and their inclusion with urea moiety makes them more valuable for biological purposes. As a result, urea derivatives containing 1H-1,2,4-triazole and 3-(methylthio)-1H-1,2,4-triazole moieties were produced by reacting carbamates of 4-amino-1,2,4-triazoles and 3-(methylthio)-4-amino-1,2,4-triazole with amines in DMF using trimethyl amine for 15 hours at ca. 60°C. 1H NMR, 13C NMR, FTIR, and HRMS techniques were used to characterise all of the produced compounds. The anti-bacterial activity of all produced derivatives was examined against Enterococcus faecalis, Pseudomonas, E. Coli, Klebsiella pneumonia, Candida albicans, Bacillus anthracis, Proteus mirabilis, and Staphylococcus aureus.
Novel Process for Preparation of Oxazolonone, Benzoxazolonone
Authors: K. Patil Umesh , R. Vaidya Sayujjata , R. Madje Balaji
Published: March 2023

Synthesis of oxazolonone, benzoxazolononeby using amino hydroxy compound, alkyl haloformate, trialkylamine and DMF as solvents. Herein used simple carbonylation agent such as alkylhaloformate instead of phosgene and Triphosgene. Developed novel and simple synthesis method.