bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
GIS-Based Assessments of Neighborhood Food Environments and Chronic Conditions: An Overview of Methodologies
Authors: Ganasegeran Kurubaran , Abdul Manaf Mohd Rizal , Safian Nazarudin , Waller Lance A. , Abdul Maulud Khairul Nizam , Mustapha Feisul Idzwan
Published: December 2023

The industrial revolution and urbanization fundamentally restructured populations’ living circumstances, often with poor impacts on health. As an example, unhealthy food establishments may concentrate in some neighborhoods and, mediated by social and commercial drivers, increase local health risks. To understand the connections between neighborhood food environments and public health, researchers often use geographic information systems (GIS) and spatial statistics to analyze place-based evidence, but such tools require careful application and interpretation. In this article, we summarize the factors shaping neighborhood health in relation to local food environments and outline the use of GIS methodologies to assess associations between the two. We provide an overview of available data sources, analytical approaches, and their strengths and weaknesses. We postulate next steps in GIS integration with forecasting, prediction, and simulation measures to frame implications for local health policies.
La-Al Intermetallic Alloy Anode for Realizing High-Energy Fluoride-Ion Battery
Authors: Sasano Shun , Ishikawa Ryo , Kawahara Kazuaki , Shibata Naoya , Ikuhara Yuichi
Published: December 2023

An all-solid-state fluoride-ion battery is one of the promising candidates for the next-generation high-energy batteries owing to the high theoretical energy density. However, the practical capacities of anodes are significantly low compared with cathodes, and therefore it is an urgent task to develop new anode materials for fluoride-ion batteries. Here, we show that the LaAl3 alloy anode delivers a reversible high capacity of 298 mAh g−1 with only 0.66% capacity fading per cycle. By using atomic-resolution scanning transmission electron microscopy combined with electron energy-loss spectroscopy, we investigate the structural and chemical evolution of LaAl3. We find that LaAl3 is firstly decomposed into LaF3 and AlF3 nanocrystals, forming the nanoscale network of the F– ion conduction path owing to the high ionic conductivity of LaF3. In the subsequent cycles, the redox reaction of Al/AlF3 nanocrystals solely proceeds, contributing to the reversible high capacity. Our findings should open new avenues for realizing high-energy fluoride-ion batteries.
The Effect of TiO2 and GeO2 Composite Mixing on the Behavior of Macroporous Li-Ion Battery Anode Materials
Authors: Carroll Aoife , Grant Alex , Zhang Yan , Gulzar Umair , Douglas-Henry Danielle , Nicolosi Valeria , O’Dwyer Colm
Published: December 2023

Highly ordered, macroporous inverse opal structures can be made as TiO2/GeO2 nanocomposites with various GeO2 content and provide Coulombic and voltage stable response where the Ge content and its distribution influence the overall capacity at both slow and fast rates. These interconnected binder-free anodes were characterized using X-ray diffraction, high resolution transmission electron microscopy, selected area electron diffraction, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and electron energy loss spectroscopy. The electrochemical response in half cells over 2000 cycles and various rates showed how the mixture affected key metrics for the material in battery cells. The data shows that a composite of intercalation and alloying compounds can provide good capacity (between theoretical maxima for either material alone) and excellent coulombic efficiency (>99%), even with low quantities of the higher capacity alloying compound. Compositional gradients or spatial heterogeneities in the distribution of one material in the composite are shown to affect capacity during cycling life, where a coulombically efficient increasing capacity is found as the higher capacity material becomes electrochemically active within the composite matrix as the material is modified during cycling.
Tangible impact of patient communication modules on medical students and interns
Authors: Nayak Veena , Nayak Kirtana Raghurama , Goyal Samarth , Jain Shubhika , Prabhath Sushma , Palimar Vikram , Komattil Ramnarayan
Published: December 2023

In the current study, we have assessed the attitude of medical students toward learning communication skills in all stages of their training. The novelty of our study is that communication modules were formally introduced for the first time into the medical curriculum and feedback was obtained from a cohort of interns who completed training in all modules in communication from AETCOM. The feedback from faculty and students provided us with concepts to improvise these modules.
Angiotensin II-stimulated proximal nephron superoxide production and fructose-induced salt-sensitive hypertension
Authors: Forester Beau R. , Brostek Autumn , Schuhler Brett , Gonzalez-Vicente Agustin , Garvin Jeffrey L.
Published: December 2023

A diet containing amounts of fructose consumed by 17 million Americans causes salt-sensitive hypertension. Oxidative stress is an initiating cause of this model of fructose-induced salt-sensitive hypertension increasing blood pressure. This salt-sensitive hypertension is prevented by losartan and thus is angiotensin II (ANG II) dependent. Fructose-induced salt-sensitive hypertension depends on ANG II stimulating oxidative stress in the proximal tubule. A fructose/high-salt diet augments the ability of ANG II to stimulate proximal tubule O2− via protein kinase C.
Contraction intensity affects NIRS-derived skeletal muscle oxidative capacity but not its relationships to mitochondrial protein content or aerobic fitness
Authors: Tripp Thomas R. , McDougall Rachel M. , Frankish Barnaby P. , Wiley J. Preston , Lun Victor , MacInnis Martin J.
Published: December 2023

Skeletal muscle oxidative capacity measured using near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) was lower following high-intensity compared with low-intensity isometric knee extension contractions. At both intensities, skeletal muscle oxidative capacity was correlated with protein markers of mitochondrial content (in whole muscle and pooled type I and type II muscle fibers) and critical torque. These findings highlight the importance of standardizing contraction intensity while using the NIRS method with isometric contractions and further demonstrate its validity.
High-molecular-weight linear polymers improve microvascular perfusion after extracorporeal circulation
Authors: Govender Krianthan , Walser Cynthia , Cabrales Pedro
Published: December 2023

High-molecular-weight linear polymers have gained traction in bioengineering applications. The addition of PEG3500k to lactated Ringer solution (LR) improved microvascular blood flow in arterioles and venules acutely after extracorporeal circulation (ECC) in a hamster model and improved functional capillary density up to 24 h after ECC. PEG3500k improved venular hemoglobin O2 saturation and oxygen delivery acutely after ECC and reduced inflammation in various organs compared to LR alone.
Exercise-induced neuroplasticity in autonomic nuclei restores the cardiac vagal tone and baroreflex dysfunction in aged hypertensive rats
Authors: Dellacqua Lais Oliveira , Gomes Paula Magalhães , Batista Julia Santos , Michelini Lisete Compagno , Antunes Vagner Roberto
Published: December 2023

Exercise training reduces high blood pressure and cardiovascular autonomic modulation in aged hypertensive rats. The dysfunction in the baroreflex sensitivity and impaired parasympathetic tone to the heart of aged hypertensive rats are restored by exercise training. Exercise induces beneficial neuroplasticity in the brain nuclei involved with autonomic control of cardiovascular function of aged hypertensive rats.
The microbiome: an integral player in immune homeostasis and inflammation in the respiratory tract
Authors: Perdijk Olaf , Azzoni Rossana , Marsland Benjamin J.
Published: December 2023

The last decade of microbiome research has highlighted its fundamental role in systemic immune and metabolic homeostasis. The microbiome plays a prominent role during gestation and into early life, when maternal lifestyle factors shape immune development of the newborn. Breast milk further shapes gut colonization, supporting the development of tolerance to commensal bacteria and harmless antigens while preventing outgrowth of pathogens. Environmental microbial and lifestyle factors that disrupt this process can dysregulate immune homeostasis, predisposing infants to atopic disease and childhood asthma. In health, the low-biomass lung microbiome, together with inhaled environmental microbial constituents, establishes the immunological set point that is necessary to maintain pulmonary immune defense. However, in disease perturbations to immunological and physiological processes allow the upper respiratory tract to act as a reservoir of pathogenic bacteria, which can colonize the diseased lung and cause severe inflammation. Studying these host-microbe interactions in respiratory diseases holds great promise to stratify patients for suitable treatment regimens and biomarker discovery to predict disease progression. Preclinical studies show that commensal gut microbes are in a constant flux of cell division and death, releasing microbial constituents, metabolic by-products, and vesicles that shape the immune system and can protect against respiratory diseases. The next major advances may come from testing and utilizing these microbial factors for clinical benefit and exploiting the predictive power of the microbiome by employing multiomics analysis approaches.
Efficiency Comparison of Prediction Methods and Analysis of Factors Affecting Savings of People in the Central Region of Thailand
Authors: Phaeobang Achara , Sinsomboonthong Saichon
Published: December 2023

Inarguably, saving is very important for the life of a senior citizen. Artificial neural network (ANN) and multiple linear regression (MLR) analyses have been successfully used to predict and analyze factors affecting the savings of people in several regions of the world. Many studies concluded that ANN is more efficient than MLR. However, some studies concluded that MLR is more efficient. To investigate this issue further, this study directly compared the efficiencies of unoptimized ANN and MLR in predicting and analyzing factors affecting the savings of people in the central region of Thailand in 2019, based on secondary data from a household socioeconomic survey, i.e., the National Statistical Staff Household Income Survey. The data were collected from January 2019 to December 2019 from questionnaires distributed to samples of households. The savings of people in the 25 provinces of Thailand were investigated with MLR and unoptimized ANN. Their prediction efficiencies were compared in terms of root mean square error (RMSE), mean absolute error (MAE), coefficient of determination (R2), and processing time. The results showed that for all categories of savings—savings of low-, middle-, and high-income households—MLR was faster in processing time. It also provided a lower RMSE and a higher R2 than the unoptimized ANN. Nevertheless, unoptimized ANN provided a lower MAE than MLR for the savings of low- and high-income household data. The most important factor affecting the savings of low-, middle-, and high-income households was the factor of deposit interest, bond, share dividends, and other types of investment.
Research Progress in HIV and Mycobacterium tuberculosis Inhibitors Containing Sulfonamide Moiety
Authors: Salubi Christiana Abimbola
Published: December 2023

Numerous studies have reported significant results regarding the efficacy of sulfonamides against Mycobacterium tuberculosis and various HIV strains. This scientific paper provides an overview of the progress made over a decade of sulfonamides against HIV-1 and mycobacteria and its development against extremely drug-resistant (XDR) and multidrug-resistant strains. The reviewed study offers novel insights into the structural design and structure-activity relationship (SAR) of sulfonamides that are effective and less toxic in combating HIV, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, and multidrug resistance.
Structural Dynamics of P‐Rex1 Complexed with Natural Leads Establishes the Protein as an Attractive Target for Therapeutics to Suppress Cancer Metastasis
Authors: Hameed Alaa R. , Ali Sama Fakhri , Alsallameh Sarah M. S. , Muhseen Ziyad Tariq , Almansour Nahlah Makki , ALSuhaymi Naif , Alsugoor Mahdi H. , Allemailem Khaled S.
Published: December 2023

Phosphatidylinositol 3,4,5‐trisphosphate‐ (PIP3‐) dependent Rac exchanger 1 (P‐Rex1) functions as Rho guanine nucleotide exchange factor and is activated by synergistic activity of Gβγ and PIP3 of the heterotrimeric G protein. P‐Rex1 activates Rac GTPases for regulating cell invasion and migration and promotes metastasis in several human cancers including breast, prostate, and skin cancer. The protein is a promising therapeutic target because of its multifunction roles in human cancers. Herein, the present study attempts to identify selective P‐Rex1 natural inhibitors by targeting PIP3‐binding pocket using large‐size multiple natural molecule libraries. Each library was filtered subsequently in FAF‐Drugs4 based on Lipinski’s rule of five (RO5), toxicity, and filter pan assay interference compounds (PAINS). The output hits were virtually screened at the PIP3‐binding pocket through PyRx AutoDock Vina and cross‐checked by GOLD. The best binders at the PIP3‐binding pocket were prioritized using a comparative analysis of the docking scores. Top‐ranked two compounds with high GOLD fitness score (>80) and lowest AutoDock binding energy (< ‐12.7 kcal/mol) were complexed and deciphered for molecular dynamics along with control‐P‐Rex1 complex to validate compound binding conformation and disclosed binding interaction pattern. Both the systems were seen in good equilibrium, and along the simulation time, the compounds are in strong contact with the P‐Rex1 PIP3‐binding site. Hydrogen bonding analysis towards simulation end identified the formation of 16 and 22 short‐ and long‐distance hydrogen bonds with different percent of occupancy to the PIP3 residues for compound I and compound 2, respectively. Radial distribution function (RDF) analysis of the key hydrogen bonds between the compound and the PIP3 residues demonstrated a strong affinity of the compounds to the mentioned PIP3 pocket. Additionally, MMGB/PBSA energies were performed that confirmed the dominance of Van der Waals energy in complex formation along with favorable contribution from hydrogen bonding. These findings were also cross‐validated by a more robust WaterSwap binding energy predictor, and the results are in good agreement with a strong binding affinity of the compounds for the protein. Lastly, the key contribution of residues in interaction with the compounds was understood by binding free energy decomposition and alanine scanning methods. In short, the results of this study suggest that P‐Rex1 is a good druggable target to suppress cancer metastasis; therefore, the screened druglike molecules of this study need in vitro and in vivo anti‐P‐Rex1 validation and may serve as potent leads to fight cancer.
Unique Retinol Therapy with Antioxidant and Anti‐Inflammaging Complex for Naturally Reborn Skin: The Clinical Case Series Study
Authors: Sołdacka D. , Podgórska M. , Barańska-Rybak W.
Published: December 2023

One of the methods used to prevent symptoms of skin aging are chemical peels. Among retinoids, retinol is much less described in the literature than tretinoin as a substance used in the peel procedure. The aim of our study was to determine the efficacy of using a 4% retinol solution product containing novel TGF‐β activators and antioxidants in improving the condition of the skin in patients with facial skin issues caused by aging and skin disorders. Each of 15 patients went through three peel treatment series, with a 30‐day gap between each session and was examined using Multi Skin Test MC 1000 Courage + Khazaka, evaluating hydration, elasticity, and skin pigmentation and Observ 520x. All patients reported overall improvement after the peeling procedure, and most of them reported subjective improvement in the reduction of the facial skin: tone, skin pigmentation, dehydration, dryness, structure, and sebaceous gland activity. An objective evaluation revealed significant clinical improvement in pigmentation in study groups. Elasticity parameters were shown to increase during treatment, with a greater effect occurring in patients with mature skin with first signs of aging and patients with postinflammatory hyperpigmentation, atrophic acne scars, and enlarged pores. Concluding, combined peel therapy of 4% retinol serum product containing novel TGF‐β activators and antioxidants showed good efficacy in reducing facial pigmentation of the skin high patients’ satisfaction with the procedure. The study revealed that the described method is simple to use, has low cost, is with rare adverse events, and has well tolerability.
Synthesis, Antimicrobial Studies, and Molecular Docking Simulation of Novel Pyran, Pyrazole, and Pyranopyrazole Derivatives
Authors: Abdelatty Mahmoud M. , Farag Zeinab R. , El Hassane Anouar , Moustapha Moustapha E. , Makhlouf Abdelmoneim A. , Yossef Ayman M.
Published: December 2023

A group of compounds containing pyran, pyrazole, and pyranopyrazole were synthesized (2–4) using a facile and convenient protocol. The structure of the synthesized compounds was elucidated by spectroscopic and elemental analysis. In vitro antimicrobial evaluation was also performed for all synthesized derivatives against human pathogenic bacterial strains such as Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Bacillus subtilis using chloramphenicol as a reference. It was depicted that compounds 3d, 4b displayed a high degree of inhibition against Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus. Compounds 2d, 4f and 2d, 4e, 4f, and 4e had high inhibition effects against Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, respectively. The molecular docking study was performed against S. aureus bacteria to rationalize the binding affinities and the feasible modes of interaction with the active site of tyrosyl-tRNA synthetase. It was found that the synthesized compounds were well fit into the binding site of tyrosyl-tRNA synthetase. The obtained results were in good accordance with the experimental data. The data obtained were promising candidates for further development of novel heterocyclic scaffolds as therapeutics with high efficacy biomedical precursors.
A Chaotic Multi‐Objective Runge–Kutta Optimization Algorithm for Optimized Circuit Design
Authors: Nyandieka Owen M. , Segera Davies R.
Published: December 2023

Circuit design plays a pivotal role in engineering, ensuring the creation of efficient, reliable, and cost‐effective electronic devices. The complexity of modern circuit design problems has led to the exploration of multi‐objective optimization techniques for circuit design optimization, as traditional optimization tools fall short in handling such problems. While metaheuristic algorithms, especially genetic algorithms, have demonstrated promise, their susceptibility to premature convergence poses challenges. This paper proposes a pioneering approach, the chaotic multi‐objective Runge–Kutta algorithm (CMRUN), for circuit design optimization, building upon the Runge–Kutta optimization algorithm. By infusing chaos into the core RUN structure, a refined balance between exploration and exploitation is obtained, critical for addressing complex optimization landscapes, enabling the algorithm to navigate nonlinear and nonconvex optimization challenges effectively. This approach is extended to accommodate multiple objectives, ultimately generating Pareto Fronts for the multiple circuit design goals. The performance of CMRUN is rigorously evaluated against 11 multiobjective algorithms, encompassing 15 benchmark test functions and practical circuit design scenarios. The findings of this study underscore the efficiency and real‐world applicability of CMRUN, offering valuable insights for tailoring optimization algorithms to the real‐world circuit design challenges.
An Energy Efficient Evolutionary Approach for Smart City‐Based IoT Applications
Authors: Das Rashmi Prava , Samal Tushar Kanta , Luhach Ashish Kr.
Published: December 2023

Internet of Things (IoT) has been used in smart cities, agriculture, weather forecasting, smart grids, and waste management. The IoT has huge potential but needs refinement. The paper focuses on lowering IoT sensor power consumption to improve network life. This work selects the best IoT cluster header (CH) to maximize energy consumption. The suggested technique uses particle swarm optimization (PSO) with artificial neural networks (ANNs). The optimal CH in an IoT network cluster was identified by taking into account the number of active nodes, the load, the residual energy, and the cost function. This work compares the suggested method with artificial bee colony, genetic, and adaptive gravity search algorithms. The hybrid solution beats conventional methods.
Innate Lymphoid Cells in Bladder Cancer: From Mechanisms of Action to Immune Therapies
Authors: Noel Onika D.V. , Hassouneh Zaineb , Svatek Robert S. , Mukherjee Neelam
Published: December 2023

Bladder tumors have a high mutational burden and tend to be responsive to immune therapies; however, response rates remain modest. To date, immunotherapy in bladder cancer has largely focused on enhancing T-cell immune responses in the bladder tumor microenvironment. It is anticipated that other immune cells, including innate lymphoid cells (ILC), which play an important role in bladder oncogenesis and tumor suppression, could be targeted to improve response to existing therapies. ILCs are classified into five groups: natural killer cells, ILC1s, ILC2s, ILC3s, and lymphoid tissue inducer cells. ILCs are pleiotropic and play dual and sometimes paradoxical roles in cancer development and progression. Here, a comprehensive discussion of the current knowledge and recent advancements in understanding the role of ILCs in bladder cancer is provided. We discuss the multifaceted roles that ILCs play in bladder immune surveillance, tumor protection, and immunopathology of bladder cancer. This review provides a rationale for targeting ILCs in bladder cancer, which is relevant for other solid tumors.
Figure S8 from Integrin-αvβ3 is a Therapeutically Targetable Fundamental Factor in Medulloblastoma Tumorigenicity and Radioresistance
Authors: Echavidre William , Durivault Jérôme , Gotorbe Célia , Blanchard Thays , Pagnuzzi Marina , Vial Valérie , Raes Florian , Broisat Alexis , Villeneuve Rémy , Amblard Régis , Garnier Nicolas , Ortholan Cécile , Faraggi Marc , Serrano Benjamin , Picco Vincent , Montemagno Christopher
Published: December 2023

Colony formation assay performed with naïves and radioresistant cells. Naives and radioresistant DAOY (A) and HD-MB03 (B) cells were seeded after radiation treatment (0 to 8 Gy) into 60mm plates (2,000 and 4,000 cells respectively for DAOY and HD-MB03-derived populations). Once colonies visible (approximately 10 days post-seeding), cells were washed in PBS and colored with Giemsa for 30min. Plates were then washed and allowed to air dry before colonies were counted. Analysis was performed by calculating survival fractions.
Exploring the Autoimmune Pathogenesis in Severe Asthma
Authors: Liu Liping , Tian Fengying , Sun Yuemei , Li Guangrun
Published: December 2023

Introduction: Severe asthma has a poor response to hormone therapy and a poor level of control, so the discovery of new pathogenetic mechanisms is important for diagnosing and treating severe asthma. IL-35 may play a protective role in autoimmune diseases by directly or indirectly inhibiting the secretion of IL-17, which is an important proinflammatory factor involved in the occurrence and development of autoimmune diseases. The autologous serum skin test (ASST) is a good sensitivity and specificity screening test for autoimmune functional autoantibodies. We compared the levels of IL-35 and IL-17 in serum samples, the positive rate of ASST, the level of exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO), and the atopic constitution in patients with severe asthma to those with mild-to-moderate asthma so as to explore the possible autoimmune pathogenesis of severe asthma. Methods: Patients with mild-to-moderate and severe asthma were enrolled. Their age, gender, smoking history, family history of asthma, history of allergic rhinitis, positive allergen results, serum total IgE (TlgE), allergen-specific IgE (slgE), routine blood, ASST results, and FeNO test results were compared and analyzed. The IL-35 and IL-17 levels in serum samples from both groups were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for comparison and analysis. The SPSS 22.0 software package was used for statistical analysis. Results: A total of 50 patients with mild-to-moderate asthma and 31 patients with severe asthma were included in this study. The proportion of patients with a history of smoking and a family history of asthma was significantly higher in the severe asthma group compared to the mild-to-moderate asthma group (all p < 0.05); the number of positive allergen tests was significantly lower in patients with severe asthma compared to those with mild-to-moderate asthma (p < 0.001). The rate of positive ASST was significantly higher in patients with severe asthma than in patients with mild-to-moderate asthma (p < 0.05). Serum IL-17 levels were significantly higher in patients with severe asthma than in patients with mild-to-moderate asthma (p < 0.05), but serum IL-35 level between the two group was not significantly different (p = 0.113). ASST-positive patients had a statistically significant increase in the risk of developing severe asthma, while patients with allergen positive were less likely to develop severe asthma (positive ASST: OR = 5.277, p = 0.024; allergen positivity: OR = 0.123, p = 0.001). Conclusions: IL-35 has a weaker inhibitory effect on high IL-17 expression in patients with severe asthma, and the rate of positive ASST was significantly higher in patients with severe asthma, which all suggested the possibility of autoimmune pathogenesis in patients with severe asthma.
Circulating Regulatory T Cells: A Novel Marker Associated with Liver Metastasis and the Treatment Response of Transarterial Embolization in Gastroenteropancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors
Authors: Liu Man , Yu Hang , Chen Luohai , Yang Dequan , Liu Haikuan , Ouyang Juan , Zhang Jiang , Yan Xu , Luo Yanji , Lin Yuan , He Qiao , Chen Minhu , Zhang Ning , Wang Yu
Published: December 2023

Introduction: The aim of this study was to investigate the role of circulating regulatory T cells (Tregs) as a novel marker associated with liver metastases and treatment response to transarterial embolization (TAE) in patients with gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (GEP-NETs). Methods: Circulating Tregs, defined as the CD4+CD25+CD127low/− population, were examined by flow cytometry in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from patients with GEP-NETs. Clinicopathological parameters, radiologic response, and hepatic progression-free survival (hPFS) data were collected. Results: The association between circulating Tregs and clinicopathological parameters was analyzed in 139 GEP-NET patients. Higher Treg levels were significantly associated with more progressive clinical features, including a higher WHO grade, more advanced TNM stage, and the presence of liver metastases. A Treg level ≥8.015% distinguished between patients with and without liver metastases. Among a cohort of 51 GEP-NET patients who were subjected to TAE for reducing liver metastasis burden, patients with higher Treg levels depicted unfavorable responses and significantly reduced hPFS after TAE treatment. We also revealed that patients with Treghigh (≥8.975%) displayed significantly shorter median hPFS than patients with Treglow (<8.975%). Additionally, after adjusting for other confounding clinical parameters, the association between Tregs and treatment response as well as hPFS remained significant, suggesting that Tregs may have a strong and independent prognostic impact in GEP-NETs. Conclusion: Our data suggest that circulating Tregs are a novel immunological marker associated with liver metastases and treatment response to TAE in patients with GEP-NETs.
Sex-Based Differences in the Outcomes of Intracerebral Haemorrhage: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Yang Liting , Han Jian , Qin Chenghui , Shou Weiqing
Published: December 2023

Introduction: The aim of the study was to provide updated evidence on the sex-based differences in the risk of mortality and functional outcomes in subjects with intracerebral haemorrhage. Methods: A systematic search of eligible studies was conducted using three large databases such as PubMed, EMBASE, and Scopus for observational studies that documented the comparative risk of mortality and functional outcomes based on the subjects’ sex. Only studies published in the year 2000 and onwards were included. Random-effects model was used to pool relevant data, and effect sizes were reported as odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Results: The review included 32 studies. In most of the studies, female subjects had a higher mean age compared to males and had a higher rate of neurological deficits at admission. A higher proportion of males had cardiovascular risk factors. The risk of mortality at hospital discharge (OR 0.98, 95% CI: 0.90, 1.06), 1-month (OR 0.98, 95% CI: 0.81, 1.18), 3-month (OR 1.13, 95% CI: 0.95, 1.33), and 12-month (OR 1.04, 95% CI: 0.90, 1.19) follow-up was similar in both sexes. Compared to females, males had a lower risk of poor functional outcomes at 3-month (OR 0.83, 95% CI: 0.77, 0.89) and 12-month (OR 0.87, 95% CI: 0.77, 0.98) follow-up. Conclusion: There is a similar risk of mortality but better functional outcomes in males with intracerebral haemorrhage compared to females. However, the findings should be interpreted cautiously as there were significant sex-based differences in risk profiles at admission. Further studies that focus on careful and meticulous examination of sex-specific association with survival and functional outcomes are needed.
Effect on Kidney Function Recovery Guiding Decongestion with VExUS in Patients with Cardiorenal Syndrome 1: A Randomized Control Trial
Authors: Islas-Rodríguez J.P. , Miranda-Aquino Tomas , Romero-González Gregorio , Hernández-Del Rio Jorge , Camacho-Guerrero Jahir R. , Covarrubias-Villa Scarlett , Ivey-Miranda Juan B. , Chávez-Íñiguez Jonathan S.
Published: December 2023

Introduction: In cardiorenal syndrome type 1 (CRS1), vascular congestion is central to the pathophysiology of heart failure and thus a key target for management. The venous evaluation by ultrasound (VExUS) system could guide decongestion effectively and thereby improve outcomes. Methods: In this randomized clinical trial, patients with CRS1 (i.e., increase in creatinine ≥0.3 mg/dL) were randomized to guide decongestion with VExUS compared to usual clinical evaluation. The primary endpoint was to assess kidney function recovery (KFR), and the key secondary endpoint was decongestion evaluated by physical examination and changes in brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) and CA-125. Exploratory endpoints included days of hospitalization and mortality. Results: From March 2022 to February 2023, a total of 140 patients were randomized 1:1 (70 in the VExUS and 70 in the control group). KFR was not statistically different between groups. However, VExUS improved more than twice the odds to achieve decongestion (odds ratio [OR]: 2.6, 95% CI: 1.9–3.0, p = 0.01) and the odds to reach a decrease of BNP >30% (OR: 2.4, 95% CI: 1.3–4.1, p = 0.01). The survival at 90 days, recongestion, and CA-125 were similar between groups. Conclusion: In patients with CRS1, we observed that VExUS-guided decongestion did not improve the probability of KFR but improved the odds to achieve decongestion.
Repertório Homeopático dos Fármacos Modernos. 2.ed.
Authors:   Universidade de São Paulo. Faculdade de Medicina, Teixeira Marcus Zulian
Published: December 2023

Seguindo a mesma dinâmica da homeopatia clássica, essa obra sistematiza uma proposta para empregar os fármacos modernos segundo o princípio da similitude terapêutica, estimulando o efeito rebote (reação vital) curativo do organismo através da administração de substâncias (em doses dinamizadas) que despertaram sintomas semelhantes no estado de saúde humano. Vale ressaltar que os efeitos patogenéticos (ações primárias) dos medicamentos homeopáticos clássicos correspondem aos efeitos terapêuticos, adversos e colaterais dos fármacos modernos, os quais devem apresentar uma totalidade sintomática semelhante ao do paciente para estimular a reação vital curativa (efeito rebote curativo), de acordo ao princípio da similitude terapêutica. Para viabilizar essa proposta, foi necessário elaborar uma Matéria Médica Homeopática dos Fármacos Modernos, agrupando os efeitos terapêuticos, adversos e colaterais das drogas conforme a disposição anátomo-funcional dos capítulos das matérias médicas homeopáticas tradicionais, valorizando a frequência de manifestação dos sintomas observadas nas fases de estudo da droga. Como segundo passo, para facilitar a seleção do medicamento individualizado (semelhança com a totalidade de sintomas do paciente) e a aplicação clínica da proposta, foi elaborado um Repertório Homeopático dos Fármacos Modernos, dispondo os sintomas e seus respectivos medicamentos de forma análoga aos repertórios homeopáticos tradicionais, descrito nessa obra. Esta obra é o terceiro volume da coleção Novos Medicamentos Homeopáticos: uso dos fármacos modernos segundo o princípio da similitude.
Scientific basis of the principle of similitude in modern pharmacology. 2.ed.
Authors:   Universidade de São Paulo. Faculdade de Medicina, Teixeira Marcus Zulian
Published: December 2023

Building a bridge between homeopathic pharmacology (principle of similitude) and modern pharmacology, one can find countless reports in pharmacological compendia and clinical and experimental trials published in the scientific media describing the secondary reaction of the organism opposed to the primary action of the drug, which confirm Hahnemann's theory. Such secondary action of the organism to preserve organic homeostasis is known in modern science as rebound effect or paradoxical reaction, being used by homeopathy as a therapeutic response. This book is the first volume of the New homeopathic medicines: use of modern drugs according to the principle of similitude collection.
Platelet RNA Biomarker of Ticagrelor-Responsive Genes Is Associated With Platelet Function and Cardiovascular Events
Authors: Myers Rachel A. , Ortel Thomas L. , Waldrop Alexander , Cornwell MacIntosh , Newman Jonathan D. , Levy Natalie K. , Barrett Tessa J. , Ruggles Kelly , Sowa Marcin A. , Dave Sandeep , Ginsburg Geoffrey S. , Berger Jeffrey S. , Voora Deepak
Published: December 2023

BACKGROUND:

Identifying patients with the optimal risk:benefit for ticagrelor is challenging. The aim was to identify ticagrelor-responsive platelet transcripts as biomarkers of platelet function and cardiovascular risk.

METHODS:

Healthy volunteers (n=58, discovery; n=49, validation) were exposed to 4 weeks of ticagrelor with platelet RNA data, platelet function, and self-reported bleeding measured pre-/post-ticagrelor. RNA sequencing was used to discover platelet genes affected by ticagrelor, and a subset of the most informative was summarized into a composite score and tested for validation. This score was further analyzed (1) in CD34+ megakaryocytes exposed to an P2Y12 inhibitor in vitro, (2) with baseline platelet function in healthy controls, (3) in peripheral artery disease patients (n=139) versus patient controls (n=30) without atherosclerosis, and (4) in patients with peripheral artery disease for correlation with atherosclerosis severity and risk of incident major adverse cardiovascular and limb events.

RESULTS:

Ticagrelor exposure differentially expressed 3409 platelet transcripts. Of these, 111 were prioritized to calculate a Ticagrelor Exposure Signature score, which ticagrelor reproducibly increased in discovery and validation cohorts. Ticagrelor’s effects on platelets transcripts positively correlated with effects of P2Y12 inhibition in primary megakaryocytes. In healthy controls, higher baseline scores correlated with lower baseline platelet function and with minor bleeding while receiving ticagrelor. In patients, lower scores independently associated with both the presence and extent of atherosclerosis and incident ischemic events.

CONCLUSIONS:

Ticagrelor-responsive platelet transcripts are a biomarker for platelet function and cardiovascular risk and may have clinical utility for selecting patients with optimal risk:benefit for ticagrelor use.
Thrombomodulin Regulates PTEN/AKT Signaling Axis in Endothelial Cells
Authors: Giri Hemant , Biswas Indranil , Rezaie Alireza R.
Published: December 2023

BACKGROUND:

We recently demonstrated that deletion of thrombomodulin gene from endothelial cells results in upregulation of proinflammatory phenotype. In this study, we investigated the molecular basis for the altered phenotype in thrombomodulin-deficient (TM
−/−
) cells.

METHODS:

Different constructs containing deletions or mutations in the cytoplasmic domain of thrombomodulin were prepared and introduced to TM
−/−
cells. The phenotype of cells expressing different derivatives of thrombomodulin and tissue samples of thrombomodulin-knockout mice were analyzed for expression of distinct regulatory genes in established signaling assays.

RESULTS:

The phosphatase and tensin homolog were phosphorylated and its recruitment to the plasma membrane was impaired in TM
−/−
cells, leading to hyperactivation of AKT (protein kinase B) and phosphorylation-dependent nuclear exclusion of the transcription factor, forkhead box O1. The proliferative/migratory properties of TM
−/−
cells were enhanced, and cells exhibited hypersensitivity to stimulation by angiopoietin 1 and vascular endothelial growth factor. Reexpression of wild-type thrombomodulin in TM
−/−
cells normalized the cellular phenotype; however, thrombomodulin lacking its cytoplasmic domain failed to restore the normal phenotype in TM
−/−
cells. Increased basal permeability and loss of VE-cadherin were restored to normal levels by reexpression of wild-type thrombomodulin but not by a thrombomodulin construct lacking its cytoplasmic domain. A thrombomodulin cytoplasmic domain deletion mutant containing 3-membrane-proximal Arg-Lys-Lys residues restored the barrier-permeability function of TM
−/−
cells. Enhanced phosphatase and tensin homolog phosphorylation and activation of AKT and mTORC1 (mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1) were also observed in the liver of thrombomodulin-KO mice.

CONCLUSIONS:

These results suggest that the cytoplasmic domain of thrombomodulin interacts with the actin cytoskeleton and plays a crucial role in regulation of phosphatase and tensin homolog/AKT signaling in endothelial cells.
Endothelin System in Hypertension and Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Schiffrin Ernesto L. , Pollock David M.
Published: December 2023

ET (endothelin) is a powerful vasoconstrictor 21-amino acid peptide present in many tissues, which exerts many physiological functions across the body and participates as a mediator in many pathological conditions. ETs exert their effects through ET
A
and ET
B
receptors, which can be blocked by selective receptor antagonists. ETs were shown to play important roles among others, in systemic hypertension, particularly when resistant or difficult to control, and in pulmonary hypertension, atherosclerosis, cardiac hypertrophy, subarachnoid hemorrhage, chronic kidney disease, diabetic cardiovascular disease, scleroderma, some cancers, etc. To date, ET antagonists are only approved for the treatment of primary pulmonary hypertension and recently for IgA nephropathy and used in the treatment of digital ulcers in scleroderma. However, they may soon be approved for the treatment of patients with resistant hypertension and different types of nephropathy. Here, the role of ETs is reviewed with a special emphasis on participation in and treatment of hypertension and chronic kidney disease.
FED Faiz Kararlarının Hisse Senetlerine Etkisi: S&P 500 Financials Analizi
Authors: Temel Faruk , Güneş Hidayet
Published: December 2023

Bu çalışmanın amacı S&P 500 Financials Endeksindeki hisse senetlerinin, FED’in faiz kararlarına karşı verdiği tepkilerin olay çalışması yöntemi ile incelenmesidir. 2015-2023 yılları arası faiz değişikliklerinden, yeterli tahmin periyoduna sahip 4 olayın 12 olay penceresi için incelendiği çalışmada anormal getirilerin çoğunlukla istatistiksel olarak anlamlı olmadığı tespit edilmiştir. İstatistiksel olarak anlamlı pozitif ya da negatif anormal getirinin sınırlı olması nedeniyle S&P 500 için etkinlikten söz edilebilmektedir. Piyasanın etkinliği nedeniyle yatırımcılar piyasayı sürekli yenemeyeceği için endeks fonlarına ya da borsa yatırım fonlarına yönelerek pasif yatırım stratejisi izleyebilirler. Ayrıca yatırımcılar portföy çeşitlendirmesi ile yatırımlarının riskini azaltabilirler. Kapsamlı analizin yapıldığı çalışma, literatürdeki önemli bir boşluğu doldurmaktadır.
My Big, Fat 50-Year Journey
Authors: Palmer Martha
Published: December 2023

My most heartfelt thanks to ACL for this tremendous honor. I’m completely thrilled. I cannot tell you how surprised I was when I got Iryna’s email. It is amazing that my first ACL conference since 2019 in Florence includes this award. What a wonderful way to be back with all of my friends and family here at ACL. I’m going to tell you about my big fat 50-year journey. What have I been doing for the last 50 years? Well, finding meaning, quite literally in words. Or in other words, exploring how computational lexical semantics can support natural language understanding. This is going to be quick. Hold onto your hats, here we go.
Review of the genus Echinax Deeleman-Reinhold, 2001 from China (Araneae: Corinnidae)
Authors: ZHANG LU , ZHANG FENG
Published: December 2023

The spider genus Echinax Deeleman-Reinhold, 2001 is reviewed in China. Two new species, E. breviducta sp. nov. (♂♀) and E. wuzhishan sp. nov. (♀), are described and illustrated. The female of E. baisha Lu & Li, 2023 is reported for the first time, and three known species, E. anlongensis Yang, Song & Zhu, 2004, E. oxyopoides (Deeleman-Reinhold, 1995) and E. panache Deeleman-Reinhold, 2001, are illustrated.
Updates in Bariatric Surgery
Authors: Hsu Justin L. , Farrell Timothy M.
Published: December 2023

Bariatric surgery is currently the most effective long-term treatment for morbid obesity as well as type-2 diabetes mellitus. The field of metabolic and bariatric surgery has seen tremendous growth over the past decade with dramatically reduced risks. This article aims to provide an update on bariatric surgery, highlighting the latest outcomes, improvements, and challenges in the field. Recently, the American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) and the International Federation for the Surgery of Obesity and Metabolic Disorders (IFSO) released a major update to the indications for bariatric surgery at BMI ≥35 kg/m2 regardless of co-morbidities and 30-34.9 kg/m2 with obesity-related comorbidities. Sleeve gastrectomy has emerged as the most popular bariatric procedure in the last 10 years with its remarkable efficacy and safety profile. The implementation of the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP) and Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocols have significantly improved the quality of care for all bariatric patients. The recent introduction and FDA approval of Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonists for chronic obesity has garnered significant media coverage and popularity, but no guidelines exist regarding its use in relation to bariatric surgery. This update underscores the need for tailored approaches, ongoing research, and the integration of evidence-based medicine and innovations to enhance patient care.
Clinical Surveillance vs Anticoagulation Therapy for Isolated Subsegmental Pulmonary Embolism: A Systematic Review of Clinical Outcomes
Authors: Chin Brian , Tweedie Caitlin , Nasef Hazem , Hernandez Nickolas , Wright D-Dre , Awan Muhammad Usman , Elkbuli Adel
Published: December 2023

Background

This systematic review aims to evaluate and compare differences in clinical outcomes for adult patients diagnosed with ISSPE who were managed with anticoagulation vs clinical surveillance.

Methods

PubMed, Embase, ProQuest, Cochrane, and Google Scholar were searched to identify studies evaluating the use of anticoagulation and/or clinical surveillance in patients diagnosed with ISSPE. The search included studies published up to August 3, 2023. Outcomes of interest included 90-day recurrent venous thromboembolism (VTE), major bleeding, and all-cause mortality rates.

Results

Ten studies were included with a total of 1224 patients. Of these patients, 791 were treated with anticoagulation and 433 underwent surveillance. Studies found no difference in recurrent VTE rates, with the majority of studies reporting no recurrence. Of the studies that reported VTE recurrence, rates were .5% to 1.4% for the anticoagulation groups and 3.1% to 3.2% for the surveillance groups. Major bleeding rates were also similar. In anticoagulated patients, major bleeding rates ranged from 1% to 10%. In clinical surveillance patients, the majority found no rate of major bleeding, with 2 studies reporting rates of .8% to 3.2%. Mortality rates ranged widely with no significant differences reported.

Conclusion

Clinical surveillance appears to be a safe and effective alternative to anticoagulation in patients with ISSPE. Ninety-day rates of recurrent VTE, major bleeding, and mortality were comparable between groups. These findings highlight the need for updated practice management guidelines to improve patient outcomes.
‘It’s out of my hands’: Migrant parents’ challenging experiences of home-schooling during the COVID-19 lockdowns
Authors: Molla Tebeje , Zaini Amin , Shokouhi Hossein , Arber Ruth
Published: December 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic caused significant educational disruption globally. When the pandemic forced schools to switch to emergency home-schooling, parental engagement in education became more critical. Some parents found home-schooling as an opportunity to form stronger relationships with their children. Others acquired an enhanced insight into their children’s schoolwork. However, the emerging literature shows that, as not all parents were equally positioned to support their children’s learning at home, emergency home-schooling has resulted in a significant learning loss. Guided by the concept of capital interaction, this article reports on a qualitative case study that investigated the experiences of 20 migrant parents in Victoria, Australia. A thematic analysis of the data reveals challenges associated with parental self-efficacy, financial hardship, language and technological barriers, time constraints, and disengagement and exhaustion. Remote learning may return in the future, and we must prepare for such disruption by improving equitable access to education delivered online and at home. To this end, the paper outlines some policy ideas.